Read Online A Winter Kill by Vicki Delany - Free Book Online Page A

latest municipal wonder. Built four years earlier to a lot of taxpayer squawking, Symphony Hall was beautiful outside but cold and sterile. Inside, though, it was all wood, and the sound quality was lovely. He’d heard Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony there the previous month, and it had been a concert he’d remember for a long time. Spadafini had been very impressive.
    Now Pratt’s head felt as if it was stuffed with sawdust. Great way to begin an investigation.
    Ellis was a good-looking lad. Tall and still lanky, a lot like Pratt when he’d been that age. Thirty years later, he’d lost most of his hair and put on a good fifty pounds. At least he didn’t need glasses—yet.
    Making conversation, he asked, “How long have you been in Homicide?
    â€œTwo weeks, sir,” Ellis answered.
    â€œSeen any action yet?”
    â€œOnly that domestic murder last Friday. Terrible situation. Mostly I’ve been pushing papers.”
    â€œSo I heard.”
    â€œI wanted to say that it’s an honor to be working with you.”
    â€œI don’t need buttering up, Ellis. You’re here to make my life easier. Keep your eyes and ears open and try to stay out of my way.”
    â€œMy pleasure, sir.”
    â€œAnd another thing: stop calling me ‘sir.’ Pratt will do.”
    The coast was still clear as they pulled up at the backstage entrance. Surprisingly, the media hadn’t arrived yet. A beat cop Pratt recognized was standing next to the door, looking bored.
    â€œGlad to have you aboard, sir,” he said. “It’s a madhouse in there, I hear.”
    â€œIt’s going to be a madhouse out here too. Don’t let anyone in, and don’t tell them anything.”
    â€œRight.”
    Later on Pratt was sorry that he had just rushed by. He might have retired on the spot if he’d known about the unholy mess he was walking into.
    At the vacant security desk just inside, a sergeant Pratt knew was waiting. Next to him stood a man wearing a suit and tie, even though it was Saturday morning. He looked to be in his late thirties, medium height, slightly overweight.
    â€œGlad they sent you, Pratt,” the sergeant said as they shook hands. “This is Michael Browne. He’s the symphony’s manager. He’s the one who called the murder in.”
    Pratt knew Browne had to be competent to have this sort of job. At the moment, he looked pretty rattled and on edge.
    More handshaking as Pratt introduced Ellis.
    â€œThe situation is a real mess,” the sergeant added.
    â€œBlood?” the detective asked. He hated the bloody ones.
    â€œNo, no. It’s the suspect list.”
    â€œWhat about it?”
    â€œThe entire orchestra has confessed.”

Titles in the Series

    And Everything Nice
Kim Moritsugu
    Assault on Juno
Mark Zuehlke
    The Barrio Kings
William Kowalski
    Best Girl
Sylvia Warsh
    The Fall Guy
Barbara Fradkin
    Fit to Kill
James Heneghan
    Generation Us
Andrew Weaver
    Love You to Death
Gail Bowen
    The Middle Ground
Zoe Whittall
    The Next Sure Thing
Richard Wagamese
    One Fine Day You’re Gonna Die
Gail Bowen
    Orchestrated Murder
Rick Blechta
    Ortona Street Fight
Mark Zuehlke
    The Second Wife
Brenda Chapman
    The Shadow Killer
Gail Bowen
    Something Noble
William Kowalski
    The Spider Bites
Medora Sale
    That Dog Won’t Hunt
Lou Allin
    The Way It Works
William Kowalski
    When I Kill You
Michelle Wan
    A Winter Kill
Vicki Delany