Read Online Scandal on Rincon Hill by Shirley Tallman - Free Book Online

haven't formally met the family, although I've seen them at church. Celia tells me the twins get along well withtheir stepmother, who has borne two children of her own since marrying Mr. Tremaine.”
    “What do you suppose gave the police the idea that Mr. Logan's death was connected to their dinner party?”
    “To be perfectly frank, I think they're grasping at straws. According to Samuel, City Hall is exerting pressure on the police to solve the case as speedily as possible. Robbery probably would have simplified matters, but since Mr. Logan still had some cash in his pockets, as well as his gold watch and other jewelry, they've decided to focus their investigation on the Tremaines' dinner.”
    I went on to describe what I had learned about Nigel Logan's argument with the Reverend Erasmus Mayfield that evening, concerning Charles Darwin's controversial books on natural selection.
    “Personally, I have a difficult time believing that such a relatively small—and hardly unusual—disagreement could have led to a man's murder.”
    Eddie looked up after finishing his third doughnut, once again showing an interest in our conversation. “Who's this Darwin feller the coppers think done in the bloke under the bridge?”
    As was too often the case, I had a difficult time repressing a smile at the boy's ever-active imagination.
    “The police don't suspect Mr. Darwin of being a murderer, Eddie. Charles Darwin is a scientist, a naturalist, actually.” At Eddie's confused expression, I explained, “That means he studies plants and animals. He's written several books and articles that have upset a lot of people.”
    Eddie shook his head. “Can't see why a feller would get offed because of some book.”
    “No, Eddie, neither can I. However, not everyone is blessed with your common sense.”
    Fanny and I spent the next quarter hour chatting about our city's new mayor, Maurice Blake, whose inauguration was that very day. After the turbulent reign of his predecessor, Isaac Kalloch—who built the Metropolitan Temple at the corner of Fifth and Jessie streets, only to be shot in front of this same edifice several years later by San Francisco Chronicle owner Charles de Young—the majority of the city's citizens hoped for a more peaceful administration this time around. In my humble opinion, a calm and honest municipal government was asking for a good deal more than our fair city was capable of delivering!
    I was about to pry Eddie out of Fanny's kitchen to start his reading lesson, when the bell that hung above the front door rang. A moment later, a familiar voice rang out, “Mrs. Goodman? Are you here?”
    Fanny broke into a broad smile. “We're in the kitchen, Mr. Campbell.” She rose and went to the stove to pour another cup of coffee from the pot. “Have a seat at the table. you're just in time for coffee and doughnuts.”
    Robert inclined his head politely at our hostess. “That sounds very agreeable, Mrs. Goodman. It's uncommonly cold outside.”
    Settling himself in the chair Fanny had just vacated, he turned to me. “When I found your door locked upstairs, I thought I might find you here.” He looked at Eddie's food-smeared face, and shook his head. “I see you have availed yourself of Mrs. Goodman's pastries, Eddie.”
    “I been eatin' 'em, Mr. Campbell,” replied the boy, looking confused and a little guilty. “I don't know nothin' about this availin' business. It weren't like I nicked 'em or nothin'. Mrs. Goodman gave 'em to me on a plate.”
    This was too much, even for Robert, and I saw him fighting not to laugh. “I'm sure she did, lad. And I can see that you're enjoying your treat.”
    Reassured, Eddie grinned. “They're the goldurn best doughnuts I ever et, Mr. Campbell. You otta try one.”
    “Yes, Mr. Campbell,” urged Fanny, placing a plate and a cup of coffee in front of him. “Do help yourself while they're still warm.”
    “Thank you, Mrs. Goodman.” Robert reached for one of the pastries,