Read Online In the Shadow of Death by Gwendolyn Southin - Free Book Online Page B

spluttering stopped. “What do you mean, shot at?”
    She filled him in on her frightening escapade.
    â€œWhat did the police have to say about this?”
    â€œI haven’t told them yet.”
    â€œBloody hell, Maggie! Call them right away and then pack your bags and get back here.”
    â€œCan’t do that. I’ve promised to help Kate.”
    â€œYou won’t be able to help anyone if you’re dead!”
    â€œThe reason I was shot at has absolutely nothing to do with Guthrie’s disappearance.”
    â€œHow do you work that out? Women’s intuition?”
    Maggie decided to let that one pass. “No. It’s because of the money.”
    â€œWhat money? You didn’t mention any money.” His voice seemed to be reaching fever pitch again.
    â€œI found some. Quite a lot, in fact. Large bills, too. I’m not sure what it all means yet. Can’t tell you any more over the phone.” Then, before he could butt in again, she continued. “I told Kate I had to talk to you first before we took the case. After all, you’re the boss.”
    â€œSure sounds like it!” He paused. “You’re not licensed, Maggie.”
    â€œThat’s why I’m calling,” she answered in her most patient voice. “To put the investigation on a business basis and then you can contact a couple of leads.”
    â€œThen what?”
    â€œYou can join me up here. A break will do you good.”
    â€œAnd who’s going to look after the office? And don’t say Henny!”
    â€œCouldn’t you put things on hold for a few days so that she only has to answer the phone and take messages? I really need you here.” She paused for a moment to give him time to think.
    â€œI don’t know, Maggie. Who do you want me to call down here?”
    â€You could call on Ray Teasdale—that’s where Kate met Guthrie. Then on to Nordstrom. According to Kate, he’s known her husband since way back. Also,” she continued before he could interrupt, “he’s Douglas Guthrie’s son’s boss.”
    â€œWhoa. One thing at a time.” He listened while she went over the list again. “Now,” he said. “What about this Kate? Is it possible for me to talk to her?”
    â€œShe’s just outside the booth. I’ll get her.”
    When Kate came on the line, Nat told her, “I’ve just listened to Maggie, but I think our agency is too far away from the Cariboo area to be much help. Are you sure there’s no one closer to where you live?”
    â€œWilliams Lake’s a very small town, Mr. Southby,” Kate answered. “I’ve had no help from the police, and our ranch manager, Hendrix, insists that I’m paranoid and worrying about nothing. And if you can’t help me,” she ended tearfully, “I don’t know what I’m going to do. ”
    Nat wasn’t very good with tears. “You understand that it would have to be on a business basis?”
    â€œYes, anything. After Maggie was shot at . . . I’m so scared . . . ”
    â€œProbably nothing to do with your husband being missing. Put Maggie back on,” he mumbled gruffly. Kate handed over the phone. “Okay,” he said, “I’ll start on it, but I’m not agreeing to anything final until I’ve investigated Teasdale and Nordstrom and you’ve spoken to the police. And Maggie, please, please don’t find any more dead bodies.”
    â€¢ • •
    MONDAY MORNING BROUGHT RAIN and Corporal Brossard to the ranch.
    â€œYou haven’t heard anything new?” Kate asked as she showed him into the kitchen.
    The two dogs jumped out of their baskets and greeted the corporal with drool and enthusiasm. He pushed one dog down and then the other. “I’m sorry. Your husband seems to have disappeared without a trace.” He stood just inside the room, water dripping from his