Bouncer by Tyan Wyss Read Free Book Online Page A

but mercifully had probably felt little pain because of a brain numbing dose of barbiturates.
    “And look at this.” The coroner pulled back the linen sheet from the bloated feet of Thad Fisher. 15 or so cuts were evident upon his hairy feet and ankles.
    “What caused those?”
    “The mayor was found without his shoes. I speculate he tried to escape his murderer and ran through some rough terrain. I pulled two of these out.” He thrust what appeared like a rose thorn in a pair of tweezers towards Nick.
    “Anyway to tell what kind of rose bush this came from?”
    “Only that the size indicates they were hybrid teas. I’ll call you when I learn more.”
    Voices sounded in the reception area. “Take the back entrance. I’m sure this is Thad Fisher’s wife and the chief. Might not be a pretty scene to witness.”
    “Got it,” voiced Nick gratefully. He hated hysterical scenes involving women. Tears made him feel helpless, and they were so goddamn useless anyway. The stoic Dr. Koh seemed used to weepy women and plastered a sympathetic smile upon his pleasant face as Nick scooted towards the back alley.
    He settled into the front seat and closed his eyes before reaching for his pencils. Twenty minutes later, he recognized how imperative the Peebles’ records were. It was time to call Lee Fox. Nick just wished he had something to bargain with in case the man proved to be difficult, which made him reflect on a far less important mystery. Why had he been called in when the city had its own private investigator?
     
    Within the hour, he had checked into Louise’s Boarding House. Nick had actually stayed here nine months before during a missing person’s case. He lugged in his suitcase and the large portfolio containing his drawings and pencils and placed them on the business-sized desk provided by the red-cheeked Louise.
    “It’s so nice to have you here again, Mr. Thayne. I’ll make sure I make more of my special rhubarb and cherry pie you enjoyed so much last time,” gushed Louise.
    Louise Martin was a poster ad for Dexatrim. She was, however, the cheeriest and most generous of hostesses. He smiled back, examining her bottle-blonde hair. Marilyn Monroe was alive.
    “I’ll certainly look forward to that, Louise.”
    “You’ll want breakfast and dinner each day?”
    “Most likely. Let’s start tomorrow. Tonight I’ll be busy.”
    She smiled prettily, lipstick staining her upper teeth. “I’ll make some Eggs Benedict.”
    “I can hardly wait.”
    “Ohhh! You draw?” Her chubby fingers reached for his packed portfolio.
    “A little.”
    “Can I see?” She actually clapped her hands in anticipation.
    “No!” he responded more gruffly than he’d meant. “That is, I’m shy about my drawings, being such an amateur, and all. Maybe some other time?”
    Louise didn’t take offense. “Well, I’ll be waiting for that. Hope you enjoy the room. It’s the best in the house.” She toddled off, and he grinned at her outfit, which consisted of a short, flowered dress pulled too tightly over her heavy breasts and exposed masses of cellulite. She wore bright, matching pink sandals with spiky heels. Louise had style, all right, and seemed to have no trouble with body image.
    The room was indeed spacious, offering Internet access as well as a cable TV with a large screen. It possessed a small sitting area as well as a tiny kitchen equipped with two burners, a microwave, internet access, and best yet, a huge coffee pot. The king-sized bed fit comfortably into the beige wallpapered room. This would do just fine. He put some coffee on before settling himself down to call Lee Fox.
    After the second ring, the clear, strong voice of an efficient secretary resounded even though it was well after normal business hours.
    “Fox Investigative Services.”
    “Hello,” said Nick without preamble. “My name is Nick Thayne from Thayne Investigations in Girard, and I’d like to make an appointment with Lee Fox. This evening,