Read Online A Puzzle in a Pear Tree by Parnell Hall - Free Book Online

there’s a clever girl?”
    “The first one was
Death of an Actress
by
Guess Who?
The second one was
Die, Leading Lady, Die
by
Me Again.
”
    “And this arrived in a cryptogram grid, such as might be printed in the morning daily?”
    Sherry nudged Cora with her elbow.
    “An acrostic,” Cora supplied belatedly.
    “An acrostic which had been generated from a computer program?”
    “It appears so. As I say, my Sherry’s the expert on computer matters.”
    “Yes. Miss Carter, might this perchance be a program of the sort one would be required to purchase?”
    “Yes, it would.”
    “Well, there you are.” Doddsworth nodded sagaciously. “The prankster purchased an acrostic computer program. You need only trace recent sales.”
    “And how would I do that?” Chief Harper asked.
    “Good lord, man. You’re a constable. Contact the retailer and demand the information. I can’t imagine them not obliging. Though surely you could get a court directive if need be.”
    “Yes,” Chief Harper said dryly. “But there’s been no crime.”
    “Quite so, quite so,” Doddsworth agreed amiably. “It would indeed be much more convenient were there a corpse. This actress you fancy—who would she be?”
    “Becky Baldwin.”
    “I’m not certain having Miss Rebecca chaperoned is such a good notion. Sort of puts our fellow off, so to speak. Why not lower your guard, and let nature take its course?”
    Two teenage girls came bouncing up with a young man in tow. Cora recognized one of the girls as the sassy, plainclothes Mary from the live Nativity. Tonight she was bubbly and vibrant in a royal blue sweater, a short black skirt, and her braces.
    “Hi, Daddy,” she said. “Enjoying the party?”
    Jonathon Doddsworth’s face softened into a paternal smile. He put his arms around his daughter, embarrassed her with a hug. “That I am, Max. That I am.” As she wriggled free he added, “Is your mother here?”
    “No, I came with Lance and Dorrie,” she replied, identifying her young friends, the Mary and Joseph from the crèche.
    Doddsworth’s mouth fell open. “Oh, I say! Is that little
Dorrie
?” His voice grew husky. “But of course, Dorrie and Max. Same as ever. My dear girl, do you remember polo pony? I was the pony, and you and Max rode me, often at the same time. My, how you’ve grown.”
    Dorrie, who could not have looked more mortified had Doddsworth whipped out her nude baby pictures, rolled her eyes. “Puh
-leeze
!” she said, mugging in a way she undoubtedly thought was cute, but which merely underscored her youth. Without her Virgin Mary cowl, Dorrie had straight blond hair, which flew out appealingly each time she tossed her head. She had sky-blue eyes, high cheekbones, and sensitive features. Her capped teeth gleamed. Her pink sweater and white skirt were the most fashionable designer labels. Though she was gawky, awkward, and somewhat socially immature, it was clear no expense had been spared to compensate.
    “Are your parents here tonight, Dorrie?” Doddsworth asked.
    “No,” Dorrie replied, clearly glad to have the subject changed. “Mumsy’s got a cold, so Daddy didn’t come.”
    “Oh. Pity.”
    “This is Lance.” Maxine pushed the handsome young man forward.
    Lance, who had curly brown hair and a square jaw, and who looked like a football star, was as awkward as Dorrie when it came to introductions. “Pleasetameetya,” he mumbled, shaking hands.
    “Likewise.” Doddsworth raised his eyebrows at his daughter. “You didn’t mention you had a young gentleman, Max.”
    “Because I don’t.” Maxine smiled archly. “He’s
Dorrie’s
young gentleman. Aren’t you, Lance?”
    Lance blushed splendidly, Dorrie batted at Maxine, and the three of them bounded off again in a torrent of giggles.
    Becky Baldwin swept in with Dan Finley. Becky looked stunning in a strapless emerald evening gown with her hair up. Dan, in a suit and tie, seemed no more comfortable than he had in uniform. He looked