The Pinch of Death – a mystery by Alysse Aallyn

Chapter 14. Suspects

A kimonoed Honey was drying her nails when Jacquetta arrived home. To her querying expression, Jacquetta said,

“Everyone has motive and nobody has alibis.”

“Everyone!”

Jacquetta poured herself a cup of coffee, “That’s poison for you.”

“Poison!”

“Overdose of sleeping meds. Her maid was in the hospital. Anyone who knew her could have let themselves in and doctored up some substance they know she used.”

“God that’s sloppy!” objected Honey. “She could have shared –whatever it was – with a visitor – say, you.”

“That’s the beauty of using a substance she took every night. She’d get double.”

“I think it’s stupid.”

“Well I think it’s clever. If it didn’t work, no harm, no foul. They could never figure out who did it, and they might blame Miss Rainbeaux herself.”

“But if it didn’t work they’d have to try something else.”

“Well, they didn’t have to, did they?”

“So why do you say everyone had motive? Someone must have loved her.”

“The only one I’ve met who qualifies is her maid and even SHE had a motive. She clearly needed to retire and I don’t think Miss Rainbeaux would have liked hearing about that. I know she punished servants who disappointed her by disinheriting them.”

“God! She sounds awful!” said Honey, studying her manicure. “I don’t know why you’re letting this case rule your life. I mean, I like you not entering the convent – you should never go in my opinion – but honestly, is she worth it?”

“Everybody’s worth it,” Jacquetta insisted. “I want you to do something for me.”

“Me? You want me to play Nancy Drew?”

“You know you’re dying to.”

“You probably just want me to vamp someone,” pouted Honey. “That’s no fun.”

“No, this is pure detective work and it’s something I can’t do.”

“Ooooo…now you’re talking.” Honey’s eyes brightened.

“I want you to call Avalon and say you’re interested in renting Miss Rainbeaux’s house.”

“Really? What would that get us?”

“It would get you a tour. I’ll phone her while you’re there so she can’t watch you. Check the refrigerator and take samples of the liquids, also one from any liquid on her bedside table.”

“I guess that’s possible,” said Honey. “I’ve got a ton of my mother’s old homeopathic medicine bottles. They’re so cute.”

“I’m also interested in an engagement book that says 1910 on the cover.”

“You’re kidding me!”

“She seemed to be using it currently. Last time I saw it, the thing was in a velvet carpetbag with tarnished silver handles.”

“Like a purse?”

“Like a holdall.”

“And you want me to steal it?”

Jacquetta grinned. “I’ll absolve you. One Hail Mary and you’re home free.”

“I’m not Catholic so I don’t have to do that stuff. I steal purely for the thrill of it. What makes you think she wants to rent the place out? Before probate even? And why would the lawyer let her?”

“The lawyer’s scared of her. And Avalon needs money – her aunt actually teased her about it in the will.”

“Uh oh. Bullies should know the worm always turns. Sounds like even the lawyer had a motive.”

“I’m telling you they all felt the old lady had outstayed her welcome.”

“How sad. What a terrible way to end one’s life. You’d think money could buy you something better.”

“It can’t. And if you see the signature torn out of my stained glass book, grab that.”

“They’ll have destroyed that, Jackie. This person’s not an idiot. Who should I tell Avalon I am?”

“You can make up any name, any back story you want.”

Honey began to get excited. “I’ll wear my new turquoise suede suit and drive Barney’s car. She’ll think I’m loaded.”

Jacquetta opened her own purse. “I’ve got her number here somewhere.”

“I’ll call her from Barney’s car phone,” said Honey. “She’ll never know it was us.”

“I guess the world missed a great criminal when you decided to be a law-abiding barmaid,” Jacquetta drawled.

“There’s no lengths I won’t go to in the interests of honor and justice,” Honey agreed so smugly her roommate became alarmed.

“Don’t go overboard,” she warned. “One of those people kills for the sheer fun of it. That’s what Miss Rainbeaux thought.”

“Oh, we’re always so careful,” scoffed Honey, pretending to blow fumes off her smoking six-guns. “Don’t you get tired of playing it safe?”