Read Online Fine Spirits [Spirits 02] by Alice Duncan - Free Book Online

female.”
           “Well, that lets you out,” said Sam. “I've never met a less defenseless female in my life than you, Mrs. Majesty.”
           “Amen,” muttered Billy
           “That's my girl,” said Pa.
           “You're probably right,” said Vi.
           Ma only looked confused.
           I said nothing, but hoped my killing look would teach Sam a lesson in manners. I should have known better.
           “So, I take it you don't like Dr. Wagner,” he said.
           “Perceptive of you, Detective Rotondo. I think the man's an ass.”
           “ Daisy
!
”
           “Sorry, Ma, but he's conceited and nasty, and I wouldn't trust him to doctor my dog. If I had a dog. I'll bet he kicks dogs for fun.” I thought about Dr. Wagner for another second or two and had a sudden inspiration. “In fact, it wouldn't surprise me if you found out that poor Marianne riled him one day, and he beat her to death in a fit of pique.”
           Pa's eyebrows arched so high, they almost got lost in his hairline. “I can't imagine a father doing such a thing to a daughter. I know I had to whip Walter a couple of times when he was growing up, but I'd never actually beat a child, male or female”
           Looking grim, Sam said, “I wish all fathers were like you, Joe. Unfortunately, they aren't.” He swiveled his head in my direction again. “But I can't feature a prominent doctor killing his own daughter, Mrs. Majesty.”
           “So maybe Gaylord or Vincent did her in,” I offered, trying to be helpful.
           Sam shook his head and smiled faintly. “I think your imagination is running wild again.”
           “What do you mean again ?”
           “Er . . . nothing.”
           Like heck. “Huh.” Turning to my aunt, I said, “May I please have a piece of pie now?”
           “Of course, dear.” Aunt Vi handed me a plate with a thick slice of Ma's pie on it.
           “Thanks.” Eyeing my pie doubtfully, I said, “I think I've made up for my missed lunch.”
           “I think so, too.” Pa laughed, which made Billy grin, which pleased me, because I hadn't really meant to horrify my family by voicing my suspicions about Dr. Wagner.
           That did not, however, negate the fact that I thought Sam and his police cronies should start searching the doctor's gardens for freshly turned earth. It wouldn't have surprised me if they'd found poor Marianne's mutilated corpse planted behind the dahlias.
     
           
    Chapter Four  
           Sam left our house shortly after dinner. I was in the kitchen helping Ma and Aunt Vi clean up, so I didn't see him go.
           I'd have liked to have spoken with him alone. Even though the thought made my stomach ache (unless that was my huge dinner), I'd have told him a few more little things I'd heard about Dr. Wagner. Then I'd have made him promise to search the bad doctor's gardens and trash receptacles. Not to mention the foothills. Dr. Wagner wouldn't have been the first crazed murderer to throw a body away in the foothills, as if it were no more than trash. Terrible, but true.
           The wretched detective probably wouldn't have listened to me. He hadn't listened to me during the Kincaid affair, either, even though my suggestions had eventually been followed, resulting in the capture and arrest of Mr. Kincaid.
           As I dried plates, I must have scowled, because Aunt Vi noticed my expression. “Good heavens, Daisy, what are you frowning about?”
           “What?” I glanced from the plate to Aunt Vi. “Oh. Sorry, Vi. I was thinking about Marianne Wagner. I hope she turns up. But . . . after two weeks?” I shook my head. “I don't know. It seems to me that if she was still alive, they'd have found her by this time.”
           Ma sighed. “I'm afraid you might be right, Daisy. What a tragedy it would be to lose