Read Online Grace Cries Uncle by Julie Hyzy - Free Book Online

than fifteen seconds, but felt much longer, he made eye contact with us both. “Mr. Tooney’s talents are grossly underrated. I’m glad we have him on retainer as Marshfield’s ally.”
    Frances snorted.
    â€œWhat is it you’re looking for?” I asked, eager to join in on the journey. “Is there anything we can do to help?”
    For reasons I didn’t understand, my words seemed to cause Bennett pain. “I’m sorry, Grace. Not this time. I’ve already told you more than I should have. There is an item I hope to acquire, and I have it on good authority that its owner plans to attend the FAAC event. I prefer to conduct business here in my home, where I have the advantage. At this juncture I prefer not to divulge further information about the item and I will thank you both to put an end to this particular line of questioning.”
    He stood. “If I’m lucky, I will receive news of this item as early as today, and perhaps all will be settled before the FAAC event begins. If that happens, I will be free to attend the convention after all.” Pointing to each of us in turn, he added, “That’s enough for today. Grace, please keep me updated with regard to the murder investigation. And, more important, stay safe.”
    When he left, Frances stared after him, tapping her fingers on her blotter as she chewed the inside of her cheek. “That’s not like him at all.”
    â€œI know,” I said. “It has me worried.”
    She shifted to chew the other side. “Maybe you should let the matter drop.”
    â€œThis? Coming from you?”
    She blinked a couple of times. “Know what I think?”
    â€œTell me.”
    â€œHe’s buying you a present. For when the DNA results come back. You both already know what they’re going to say, but once it’s official he will want to commemorate the moment by giving you a gift.”
    â€œI hadn’t thought of that.”
    â€œYou think I’m wrong?” she asked.
    â€œI don’t know,” I said slowly. “That makes perfect sense.” And though it did, something still didn’t feel right.

Chapter 8

    In my own office later that afternoon, I decided to call Rodriguez and Flynn to find out if they’d had any luck discovering who’d killed Alvin Clark. Neither detective was at the station. I considered trying their cell phones, ultimately deciding not to disturb them. I left a voicemail instead.
    Seconds after I dropped the receiver back into its cradle, my phone rang. From the display I knew that the call originated from our main welcome desk on the first floor.
    â€œWant me to answer that?” Frances shouted from her office.
    â€œI got it,” I said, and picked up. “Grace Wheaton.”
    â€œMiss Wheaton, this is Evelyn down at the front desk,” she said.
    I would have recognized her warbling voice without clarification. “What can I do for you?”
    â€œThere’s a Mr. Krol here to see Mr. Marshfield.”
    Bennett hadn’t mentioned anyone by the name of Krol to me. But then again, Bennett had been keeping secrets lately. “Does he have an appointment?”
    â€œHe says he was supposed to be here earlier but his flight was delayed. I tried upstairs but Mr. Marshfield isn’t picking up his phone. His butler, Theo, doesn’t know where he is, either. I thought you might.”
    â€œUnfortunately, I don’t know have any idea where he is at the moment. Did Mr. Krol tell you what this is in regard to?”
    Evelyn placed her hand over the mouthpiece, though I couldn’t imagine why she wanted to shield her conversation. When she returned, she said, “Mr. Krol says that he has a business arrangement with Mr. Marshfield.” She lowered her voice to a whisper. “He won’t give me any details.”
    â€œThat’s fine, Evelyn. I’ll come down to meet him while Frances locates