Read Online How to Murder a Millionaire by Nancy Martin - Free Book Online Page B

grinned. "Well, then, he died happy."
    I thought of the Viagra pills, but shook my head to dispel the mental picture of Rory dying during an ardent interlude. Except for his torn shirt collar, his clothing had been only slightly disturbed.
    "Whoever it was, it was certainly somebody who attended tonight's party." I touched the stem of my glass and remembered the wine I'd been carrying to him. If I'd gone sooner, I might have prevented his death. I felt the rush of emotion again. "It's so shocking. I can't grasp it. Maybe for you it's business as usual, but for— Oh, good heavens, I'm sorry. I didn't mean—"
    He laughed at me across the candlelight, his eyes as blue as struck matches. At that moment I realized why he was called "The Mick." His eyes were an Irishman's blue, startling in his otherwise very Roman face. He said, "Welcome to my world, Miss Blackbird?"
    Abashed, I said, "I'm so sorry. I must be more tired than I thought. I didn't mean to be rude."
    "Starting to feel different about teaming up with the police? About poking into the segment of society that doesn't wear tuxedos?"
    "I'm not teaming up with anyone. I'm just thinking." Tired as I was, my brain hummed. I crunched meditatively on a stick of celery. "It's a matter of finding the right avenue into Rory's life."
    "For example?"
    "His social circle. Or his art collector friends. The newspaper people were stirred up, that's for sure."
    "Over what?"
    "Oh, the usual. The features editor wants a promotion. Kitty—my boss, I guess you could say—is upset because of me."
    "Because of you?" He looked amused. "What'd you do? Break all her pencils?"
    "She thinks I'm out to get her job."
    "Are you?"
    "Heavens, no. I'm just getting started." I thought about what Peach had said about Rory's sisters wanting to sell the Intelligencer. "But there must be people worried about the future of the newspaper. About their jobs. I'll have to ask around."
    "Now wait a minute," said Abruzzo. "Who put you in charge of this investigation?"
    Our food arrived at that moment. Del balanced two plates on one arm, with a basket of crusty bread in his free hand and a bottle of olive oil pinched between two fingers. "Wait'll you try it," he said to me.
    Thin slices of veal with aromatic mushrooms, fresh asparagus, a small serving of pasta in basil and oil. I inhaled the fragrances and was immediately famished. Del fussed over silverware and napkins.
    I realized he was waiting for my reaction, so I picked up my fork and cut a small bite of the veal. It was tender, sweet, hearty and spicy all at the same time. The flavors were subtle, yet I could distinguish them all. "You're right," I said with a genuine smile. "It's fabulous. I've never tasted anything like it."
    Del grinned down at me. "You'll be back," he predicted before heading to the bar.
    I began to eat.
    "Look." Abruzzo ignored his meal. "Rory died, and you're upset, I know. But you aren't going off the deep end, are you?"
    I swallowed a bite of asparagus. "The deep end?"
    "Finding the killer is a job for the police."
    I twirled pasta into a bite-size roll. "Detective Bloom thought I could be helpful."
    "Detective Bloom is an idiot."
    "Your friend was right. The food is delicious." I popped the pasta into my mouth.
    "Are you going to let the police take care of this?"
    I took my time, avoiding his gaze. I swallowed and sipped the wine. "I think I can help," I said finally.
    I knew I could. And what I didn't know yet, I felt sure I could find the right people to ask. I could delve into Rory's life better than anyone. I understood things about Rory's rarefied universe that the police could never grasp. And I wasn't going to start with Peach Treese, for Pete's sake.
    Abruzzo leaned forward. "I don't think you get it. This isn't a lightweight newspaper story you can just investigate by dressing up and going to parties. Rory isn't just dead. He was murdered. Killed by somebody who has found it in his heart to shoot a harmless old