Desperate Measures by Kate Wilhelm Read Free Book Online Page B

life, but maybe not, if you’re careful. It’s unpredictable that way. Like wine, a little with meals is okay, but that’s all. Not really a hardship. You just learn to live with it, the way people with pacemakers learn to avoid microwave ovens. I watch my diet, try to avoid getting stressed out, get plenty of rest; I’m careful about medication, and I’m fine. But that’s why I want an early retirement, while I am still fine.”
    She drew in a breath, then said, “The police don’t know yet about the PTA meeting, what all Gus said, but they will, and they’ll be back. What should I do?”
    No need for her to add that she was terrified, it was written large and clear on her face and in her restless hands. “First thing,” Frank said, “is to stay calm. Tell them about Rachel and Leona, the sex education book, and why you gave it to Leona. After that, nothing. You don’t know what Gus was talking about at the PTA meeting. You don’t, Hilde. You really don’t. He made so many accusations and threats over the years that you stopped paying attention. When he mentioned segregated classes that night, you stopped listening. Can you do that?”
    She nodded. “I really didn’t listen to his actual words. He sounded crazy, a madman raving.”
    â€œTell them that and no more.”
    â€œOthers will tell them what he said.”
    â€œYou can’t stop them, and it doesn’t matter. You dismissed him as a raving lunatic. Just listen carefully to their questions and answer those that apply to Gus, Rachel, Leona, all that business. If they get personal, clam up. Tell them you want to consult your attorney and give me a call and don’t say another word. Okay?”
    He waited for her nod, then said, “Hilde, I think you’re worried unnecessarily. You had a divorce in your past, but it was amicable on both sides, and if Gus wanted to make a big deal of it, that was his problem.” He saw the tension behind her eyes soften a bit as she grasped at the straw he offered. Then he said, “What I said before, about phone calls, visits, trips, it still goes, double in spades until the police arrest someone.”
    â€œI called him,” she said in a low voice. “He said I should talk to you, follow your advice. We both understand.”
    â€œGood. Now, no matter what happens from here on out, we’ll take care of you. Try to relax, get some rest.”
    She left then, and he thought about the murder, cursing under his breath. He had not yet asked for the name of her friend, but if the police came after her seriously, he would have to know and talk to the man before the police found him. They would want to know where he had been on Friday evening. If only she hadn’t chosen that particular evening to play Good Samaritan and deliver books to Graham Minick’s house.
    He considered giving Barbara a call, but decided not yet. Hilde wasn’t in any immediate danger; there would be time to bring in the troops. But he did want to talk to Bailey Novell, the only private detective he trusted. He wanted to know specific details about the murder and about Leona Marchand’s accident. And Bailey could find out for him. He dialed.
    5
    After seeing Dr. Minick off, Barbara told Maria to go home.
    â€œAre you going to work late?” Maria asked. “Remember to stop and eat.”
    â€œOh, for heaven’s sake! I don’t need a keeper! Is Shelley still around?”
    â€œYes, in her office.” Maria covered her computer, glanced around the neat little reception room, and left.
    Barbara tapped on Shelley’s door, then opened it a crack when Shelley said, “Come in.”
    Shelley was on the phone. She grimaced, and it was more like a quirky grin than anything else. Frank called her the pink and gold fairy princess, and that was exactly right; she had enough golden hair for two people, the complexion of a