Read Online The Drowning Pool by Jacqueline Seewald - Free Book Online Page B

asshole.
    “Did any of Bradshaw’s former women friends dislike him?”
    “Probably, but that doesn’t mean they’d kill him. I figure it was likely some mugger or drug addict.”
    Gardner ignored the comment. “Do you know Cheryl McNeill?”
    “Sure, Rick brought her over a couple of times and we went out with them once. Stuck-up bitch. She puts on airs. Wants everyone to think she’s a real lady. Never even laughed at any of my jokes, like they were too vulgar for her refined tastes. Shit, even Joan laughs at my jokes sometimes. Just to give you an idea of the kind of deadhead she is, Rick and her had some kind of fight at the pool club. He was supposed to come here that evening—I don’t know which broad he planned to bring. Anyway, he calls up and says he can’t make it. I could hear her yapping in the background: ‘don’t ask them to go out with us. I can’t stand that big blob of protoplasm.’ She didn’t care whether I heard her or not.”
    “Did they patch things up?”
    Walling shrugged. “I don’t know. Joan might. I didn’t get to talk with him after that. Like I said, I’m on the road a lot. I was away for a few days around that time.”
    “Do you know April Nevins?”
    “Who doesn’t?” The leering smile returned to Walling’s lips.
    “What’s your impression of her?”
    “A real nice piece of ass. Rick brought her over once. We had some drinks together. She was real lively, not a dull broad like Cheryl. She and Rick really put away the booze. And she laughed at my jokes. I don’t think I took my eyes off her the entire time. She was wearing this skimpy black dress with nothing underneath. What a bod!” Walling let out an appreciative sigh.
    “Did you ever see her socially? That is, not in Bradshaw’s company?”
    “Only at the pool. Don’t get me wrong. I’m human, but when my first wife and I weren’t hitting it off so good, I started visiting pros. A guy has to get it somewhere, right? Except that only caused me more trouble. I picked up a nasty case. It sobered me fast. I mean, it could have been something more serious, even deadly, if you catch my drift. I got real careful after that. The way I see it, April is an easy lay, just begging for it. I’m keeping away from the kind that sees too much action. Rick even told me he was using rubbers whenever he slept with her.”
    Bert could tell by the expression on Gardner’s face that he’d taken all he could stand of Martin Walling for the present. Personally, she was grateful she hadn’t eaten dinner yet.
    “Thank you, Mr. Walling. I would like to speak with your wife now.”
    “Go right ahead. You sure I can’t get you a drink? Some nice cold beer maybe?”
    “We’re still on duty,” Gardner replied.
    “Well, I’ll just pour myself one. All this talk made me damn thirsty.”
    Bert was already on her feet, quickly following Gardner out to the terrace. The beauty of the view immediately struck her. The terrace faced out on a huge, landscaped courtyard.
    “Very nice here,” she commented to Mrs. Walling, who was resting her well-tanned legs on a stool.
    “I find it relaxing to sit out by myself when I come home from work.” She spoke in a low monotone and avoided looking at either of them.
    “Do you mind answering a few questions for us?” Gardner asked.
    She yawned softly, almost deliberately. “No, but I doubt I know anything that could help your investigation.”
    “Let us make that decision. Your husband mentioned the fact that you know April Nevins.”
    “I know her but we’re not close friends.” Her manner remained distant.
    “And Cheryl McNeill?”
    “She’s also an acquaintance.”
    “You do, however, know some of the more intimate details concerning their relationship to Mr. Bradshaw?”
    “Neither one ever tried to conceal anything.” Joan Walling gave the impression that the conversation bored her, but Bert decided that might be a careful pose. She sensed wariness beneath the