Read Online Only Make Believe by Elliott Mackle - Free Book Online

this morning. So he’d want to get a good night’s rest. Why are you lying to me?”
    I wasn’t going to bring up Diva’s wardrobe or musical performance until absolutely necessary. But the new widow’s dismissive, if understandable, attitude was getting on my nerves. “Believe me, ma’am, he put down at least a couple of cocktails. There were witnesses.”
    “On Sunday? What kind of a dive do you run? Do hoodlums walk the halls? Was Nick robbed? Don’t you have any security in your fleabag hotel?”
    Well, yes we do and no we didn’t , I thought, stung. The house dick was spooned up against my backside snoring like a freight train when somebody went after your husband.
    “Nobody saw anyone go upstairs with Mr. DiGennaro. Not that we know of so far.”
    Chuck remained silent, leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed on his chest, taking deep breaths. “Leave it alone, Mother,” he finally said. “You’re making it worse.”
    Amelia ignored the boy and turned on Dr. Graves. “You say he was assaulted? What do you mean? I want to see him now. See my husband.”
    Graves was an old hand at this kind of exchange. “Madam, I know you’ve had a great shock. We did all we could. And of course you can see your dear husband, yes, of course. In due time. But in a case like this, and given the nature of the situation, Florida statutes and hospital rules require that certain initial procedures be followed.”
    “I don’t care about rules. I want to see Nick!”
    “Yes, as soon as possible. But we are required to call in the medical examiner before giving out any details or allowing the remains to be disturbed. I’m afraid my hands are tied. Don’t you worry about a thing.”
    “Worry?”
    “Leave it alone, Mother,” Chuck said again.
    Amelia finally sat down. “Shut up, Charles. That’s enough out of you.”
    As if on cue, Bud knocked and entered the room. Chuck paused before moving aside, rolled his shoulders inside his jacket and stuffed his hands in his pockets.
    “Detective Wright of the Lee County sheriff’s department,” I said by way of introduction. “He’s been involved since the minute they found Mr. DiGennaro.”
    Bud explained that he’d just been formally assigned the case, expressed his condolences to the DiGennaros and informed Dr. Graves that Doc Shepherd and his team were on the way. The nurse in charge, Bud added, would probably want to witness the collection and labeling of evidence.
    Amelia DiGennaro covered her mouth with the back of her hand. “Evidence? What evidence?”
    Bud’s voice dropped a couple of notches. “Garter belt, ma’am. Nylon stockings, corset, high-heel shoe.”
    Chuck turned toward Bud, suddenly alert. “He was with a woman? Is that what you’re saying?” Then he turned to me. “That place you run. You have women, right? Women that men can make dates with?”
    Amelia was on her feet. “Charles, I’m surprised at you. I think we’d better go home now. Did I give you the car keys or—?”
    Bud pushed the door closed with the toe of his brogan. “I’ll be needing to ask you a few questions first, ma’am. You and your boy, too. If you don’t object.”
    “We have nothing to say. We’re in shock—distraught. Do you understand? I’ll have the undertaker arrange to collect—”
    Bud shook his head. “Sorry, ma’am. Be a day or two before we can allow anything like that. Coroner Shepherd’s gonna have to do his examination and lab work first.”
    Dr. Graves backed him up. “Legally, Madam, we have no choice but to allow the authorities to take charge of the body and everything associated with it. You just let us take care of your husband. I have several forms for you to sign and—”
    “I won’t listen to this. It’s impossible, lies. Do you understand?”
    “It’s a bad situation,” Bud answered. “Yes, ma’am, it is.”
    “And I certainly won’t give my permission for an autopsy. The church doesn’t allow it.”
    Bud glanced at