Killer Chameleon by Chassie West Read Free Book Online Page A

much as with me.
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    There was procedure to be followed, so it was a good half hour before they were satisfied that I was who I said I was, my identity confirmed by the powers-that-be, my driver’s license, union card, along with the other cop who recognized me, and Neva, more interested in how the uniforms had gotten into the building than by what was happening to me.
    â€œDammit, that button outside the door is for calling the management in an emergency,” she fumed. “Might as well disconnect it for all the good it’s doing.”
    â€œI want to hear it again,” I said to Willard once we were upstairs in 503. In plainclothes, he was evidently the spokesperson for the cadre of uniforms that had filled the basement corridor. “You got an anonymous call saying Preston was hiding out downstairs, armed and dangerous?”
    â€œSomeone on a cell phone. We’re still trying to trace it but it’s probably one of those throwaways. We apologize again, but you’ve been there. You know we couldn’t afford to take any chances.”
    I grudgingly allowed as how, no, they couldn’t.
    Willard scowled. “Even a blind man could see there’s no resemblance between you and Preston. This was a waste of time and manpower.”
    â€œDidn’t do my blood pressure any favors either,” I grumbled. “What gets me is that the only people who knew I was downstairs were the ones in the lobby decorating the tree. They saw me on the elevator and must have heard me talking to Mr. Stanley. I don’t understand why anyone would do this. They’re all neighbors,” I protested.
    â€œNot all of ’em,” Neva reminded me. “Miz Donovan’s son was there, him and his daughters, and Mr. Bean’s family. And Gracie Poole invited all them women from her arts and crafts group. They made most of the ornaments.”
    â€œHow many outsiders are we talking about here?” Willard asked.
    Neva’s frown deepened, her lips pursed. “Not sure. A couple of dozen or more. Gracie’s bunch is probably in her apartment, three-seventeen, for hot chocolate and cookies if you’d like to talk to them.”
    â€œOh, I do. I definitely do.” Willard pushed himself to his feet with effort. Sit in Janeece’s living room chair and your butt is scant inches off the floor.
    He cast a jaundiced eye in my direction. “You don’t have a beef with one of your neighbors, do you?”
    â€œGood Lord, no!”
    â€œOur residents are quality people,” Neva came to their defense. “Teachers, social workers, and the like. And retirees. We all get along like one big family.”
    That was a bit of overstatement, if not an outright lie, but now was no time to quibble, so I kept my mouth closed.
    â€œWell, someone in that lobby had to make that call to us,” Willard said, “someone who saw you on the elevator because she described what you’re wearing right down to the slippers.”
    â€œDefinitely a she?” I asked.
    â€œOh, yeah. The question is whether or not this was an honest mistake, and my gut says it wasn’t. Looks to me as if someone thought they’d have a little fun at your expense. Only it was at the city’s expense too. I’ll follow up on this, talk to the ladies in—” He squinted at his notebook.
    â€œThree-seventeen,” Neva supplied.
    â€œThanks. And, Mrs. Burns, if you’ll make a list of the residents you remember seeing down there. One of my men will stop by for it. I doubt anyone will admit to anything, but whoever it is needs to know how seriously the department takes false reports. Well, enjoy the rest of your evening.”
    â€œOh, thanks loads,” I said, and opened the door for him. “Will you let me know what you find out?”
    He hesitated. “Maybe. Guess it wouldn’t do any harm if you took a look at the list Mrs. Burns makes, see if it rings