Read Online Cold Case by Kate Wilhelm - Free Book Online Page A

hair, thin and gray, was combed precisely, with a razor-sharp part, and he was wearing a long-sleeved, starched shirt. His black trousers had a well-defined crease. Black socks, probably knee-high, she thought, and shoes completed the picture.
    â€œThanks, but no,” she said to the offer of a drink.
    â€œI was admiring the garden,” Frank said. “It’s truly beautiful. The master gardener had an unerring eye for textures, shades of green, perfect blends of blooms.”
    â€œLucy’s work,” Dr. Elders said. “Lucy McCrutchen, Robert and Amy’s mother. She’s been away since her husband passed away.” He pointed. “Over there, on the far side, the weeping cherry, that was Robert’s tree, planted when they moved in soon after he was born. She planted the dogwood at this end after Amy was born. She called them her garden angels at that time. To her the garden is a living, whole organism, each plant with a special meaning—”
    Abruptly Chloe rose. “If you’ll excuse me,” she said. Taking her drink with her, she left.
    Dr. Elders looked crestfallen. “She’s still in shock, and here I am being a fool, going on and on about irrelevant matters.” He took a long drink. “She saw him, you know. Horrifying sight. Horrifying.”
    â€œYou saw him?” Frank asked.
    â€œOh, yes. I heard the gardener screaming and I came right over. I saw him.” He pointed to the sliding door to the family room. The room extended eight or nine feet onto the deck, with the door taking up much of the extension. “He had fallen halfway out. Ants had gotten to him, covered his face and head…”
    Amy had grown more and more tense as Dr. Elders spoke, and now she stood and said stiffly, “Ms. Holloway, if you’re through, I really should be finishing dinner. I’ll lock up the apartment when you leave.”
    An unmistakable invitation to beat it, Barbara knew. “Of course,” she said. “I’m sorry to have intruded at this time. I’m grateful that you permitted us to gather the things today.”
    Frank shook hands with Dr. Elders. “Perhaps we can talk another time?”
    â€œYes. Yes, indeed. I’m in the book. Call anytime.”
    Barbara and Amy walked on ahead and, inside the apartment, Amy said in a low voice, “Since you’re David’s attorney, they probably will tell you how he is, won’t they?”
    â€œThey’d better,” Barbara replied.
    â€œWould it be all right if I call you to find out? They won’t tell anyone else anything, apparently.”
    â€œGive me your number,” Barbara said. “I’ll let you know when I learn anything.”
    Amy looked around, as if searching for something to write on and Barbara got out a notebook and handed it and a pen to her. Without looking at Barbara, Amy said, in the same low voice, “I had a terrible crush on David when I was a kid. Over it now, of course, but I’d like to hear. As a new friend.”
    â€œI’ll be sure to call you,” Barbara said. “And again, thanks for today. Here’s the key back. I’ll be in touch.”
    Frank had stopped at the door, again taking in the garden, and now came into the apartment. “I’m ready,” Barbara said, picking up her purse and the laptop case, and she and Frank left.
    Driving away, Barbara asked, “What did you make of them?”
    â€œSince Chloe McCrutchen didn’t really say a word, it’s a little hard to tell much about her. Elders is itching to talk to someone about the murder. I’ll be a good audience. Monday probably,” Frank said.
    â€œI think Chloe is jealous of Lucy McCrutchen or else just doesn’t like her,” Barbara said slowly, “and that Elders may be in love with Lucy.”
    â€œBack up just a little for an old blind fool. Signs?”
    â€œTheir expressions when he began to