By Book or by Crook by Eva Gates Read Free Book Online

myself.”
    “That’s ridiculous.” I pushed my way forward. “Bertie and Mr. Uppiton had an argument—that’s all. People make threats all the time that they never carry out. Sure, Bertie was angry. She . . .”
    I felt a soft hand on my arm. “Lucy,” Aunt Ellen said, “You are not helping.”
    “But . . .”
    “No ‘but.’ Come with me. Have a seat.”
    I glanced over my shoulder at the police. Watson was watching me, his gaze not friendly. Butch was also looking at me. I might have been mistaken, but I thought I saw a touch of pity in his hazel eyes.

Chapter 4
    D etective Watson took a brief statement from everyone at the party and told them they would be interviewed in detail at a later time. And then they left, some dragging their heels and shaking their heads, some seemingly eager to spread the news far and wide, and some reluctantly, hoping, probably, to stay to watch the body being removed. Diane Uppiton, weeping and calling out for Jonny, had been led away by the man she’d been talking to earlier.
    Only Mrs. Peterson seemed unaffected by the dramatic change in events. Once the police took control and Ronald was no longer needed to maintain order, she resumed her favorite (only?) topic of conversation. “Now, Charity, on the other hand, needs a bit more encouragement than the other girls. She’d rather be kicking that soccer ball around than doing her schoolwork. I have no idea why on earth she’s so fond of that useless endeavor. What do you suggest we do, Ronald, to . . .”
    “Mrs. Peterson,” he said, his voice full of strain. “You’ll have to excuse me. I believe DetectiveWatson is trying to attract my attention. Must be my turn to be interrogated.” He gave her a wan grin. Watson was nowhere to be seen. “Tomorrow I’ll look up a line of YA sports–related books. Something designed specifically to attract young people who need extra encouragement.” Then, without waiting for Mrs. Peterson to excuse him, Ronald simply walked away.
    I tried to give him an encouraging smile, but I don’t think he even noticed me. Mrs. Peterson huffed loudly and looked around the room. Seeing as how everyone else was heading for the door, she followed. “Norma, honey, wait up there. I’m sorry we didn’t get a chance to chat earlier, but I’ve been meaning to ask about your idea for that summer camp. My Dallas would . . .” A gust of wind slammed the door shut behind her.
    Josie was being told she could not clean up or even throw out the garbage. She didn’t like that. “I need my coffeemaker, my serving trays. I have a business to open tomorrow.”
    “I’m sorry, Josie,” Butch said. “The forensics people will want to check it all over.”
    She threw her hands up. “There’s no evidence to be found in my coffeepots, I can assure you.”
    “Please, Josie. Go home. Do you want me to call Jake to come and get you?”
    “No.”
    “Let’s go.” Aunt Ellen put her arm around her daughter. “The sooner we get out of the way, the sooner the police can finish up here.”
    I eyed the remains of the buffet. Then I poured coffee into a mug, added a hefty dose of cream andthe three spoonfuls of sugar I knew Bertie liked, tossed the last two cookies onto the saucer, and carried it out of the main room.
    The stern, unsmiling policewoman guarding Bertie’s office barked at me to turn around.
    “I’m sure Bertie would love a cup of coffee,” I said as liquid sloshed over the rim of the mug onto my hand.
    “You can’t go in there.”
    “Can I leave this with you to give to her?”
    “No.”
    I turned. And almost spilled hot coffee on Detective Watson. The man walked on cat’s feet. He took the mug and plate from my hands. “Thanks. Didn’t have time to finish my supper.” He looked into my face for a long time. He said nothing. I felt blood rushing into my cheeks.
    “I hope,” I said, trying to keep my voice confident, as if I belonged here, which I did, “you won’t be handling the