we were messing around and I think we got our drinks mixed up. Remember she was so tipsy. I think she drank mine and I think Alan slipped something into it. Do you think he went back to the house to get something to put into your drink? He has a lot of prescription stuff at home. Hes a podiatrist M.D. and he has . . . well, never mind, lets just say he has access to whatever he wants. Margaret, have you spoken to the police? Her eyes widened. Kate, please dont tell anyone about the drug thing or, really, any of this! Why doesnt she want me to say anything? That doesnt make sense. If you think youre in danger, you have to tell the police. I called the MEs office after I spoke with you yesterday. Well, after Alan left. He came home for lunch. Can you believe that? He never comes home for lunch. I think hes trying to keep tabs on me or somethingfind out what I know. Anyway, after he left, I called the MEs office and asked the things you asked me, you know, about broken bones or head trauma and stuff. I pried as much information as I could out of the assistant but she didnt disclose much, just said they were waiting for the toxicology report and that she couldnt release any more information. I asked her if it looked like murder and she said the office wasnt calling it a homicide yet. Then why were homicide cops at the funeral? Margaret looked surprised. There were? I nodded. Margaret stroked Lauries head and looked down at her baby in the stroller. I motioned for her to hand me Laurie. She did, then absently picked up Marcuss hand and stroked it while he slept. So why would the assistant medical examiner tell me it wasnt a homicide yet? Do you think she didnt believe me? she asked. I shrugged. They probably have a protocol to follow. Did you tell her about the drinks and your suspicion on the mix-up? Margaret begun to cry. I dont want him to find out, Kate. I feel like Im still in danger. Im a nervous wreck. Im not eating at home thinking he might poison me somehow. And forget about sleeping next to him. You have to tell the police. You cant live like this. I reached across the table for her hand. I need to know what happened. Is there somewhere you can go for a while? Margaret shrugged. Maybe. My mom lives on the peninsula. I was thinking about taking the kids there for a while. Thats a good idea, but you need to talk to the police first. Margaret dropped her babys hand and looked a little like someone had given her an electrical shock. She nodded then closed her eyes tight, but a tear still escaped. I never thought I would find myself in this situation. Theres something I need to tell you. I dont have a PI license. Her baby started fussing. She leaned down and grabbed his hand. What do you mean? A license? You need several years experience before you can apply for your own license and I dont have that yet. Kate, I dont have time to shop this around. Im scared out of my mind. Please help me.
I marched home excitedly. I have a case! My career as a PI is taking off. She didnt care that I didnt have a license; shed signed my contract without even blinking! I was going to do this with or without Galiganis support. I did a happy dance with Laurie in the carrier then stopped suddenly when I spotted someone on my front steps. Uh-oh! It was Inspector McNearny. I froze. He semifrowned and semiglared at me. Mrs. Connolly. I unstuck myself and moved past him on the stairs. I jabbed my key in the front door. What can I do for you? Does trouble follow you or are you the cause? I stopped fussing with the door. Are you accusing me of something? No. He tapped his foot impatiently. Id like to ask you a few questions about the cruise the other night. Come on inside. I opened the door and called out to Jim. There was a note on the dining room table.