Murder of a Needled Knitter by Denise Swanson Read Free Book Online

threw it at Guinevere.” Skye raised two more fingers on her mother’s other hand. “So you are officially drunk.”
    â€œI am not,” May protested, then hiccupped. “Maybe a teeny, tiny bit tipsy, but not hammered.”
    â€œMore like feeling no pain,” Skye retorted, then repeated her previous inquiry. “What on God’s green earth ever possessed you to attack Guinevere Stallings?”
    â€œYes.” A trim woman dressed in an officer’s uniform marched through the office door. “I’d like to know the answer to that question as well.” She took a seat behind the desk and said half under her breath, “Not that a lot of people haven’t wanted to do exactly that.”
    May opened her mouth, but Skye clapped her palm over her mom’s lips, and said, “We’re waiting for myhusband to arrive before we respond.” Even in this situation, Skye felt a little thrill when she said the word husband.
    â€œIs he an attorney?” the woman asked, leaning forward and offering her hand. “By the way, I’m Security Officer Lucille Trencher.”
    â€œI’m Skye Denison Boyd and this is my mother, May Denison.” Skye shook the security officer’s hand. “My husband is the chief of police in Scumble River, Illinois.”
Oh! There was that lovely word again.
She fought the smile that was trying to break free. Officer Trencher would think the whole family was crazy if Skye sat there grinning like an idiot.
    â€œAh.” Officer Trencher tented her fingers and rested her chin on them as she gazed at Skye. “So you’re afraid that your mother is in hot water.”
    â€œMaybe,” Skye answered cautiously, unsure what Officer Trencher was up to. “I’m not up on maritime law, but nevertheless, I doubt it’s ever a good idea to self-incriminate.”
    â€œTrue.” Officer Trencher flicked a glance at May, who appeared to be dozing off, then said, “What if I were to assure you that the last thing the cruise line wants to do is make this into a major issue?”
    â€œIf you can guarantee that this is off the record, I might allow my mother to enlighten us about the incident,” Skye said. “But how can you be sure that Guinevere won’t press charges?”
    â€œFirst, Countess Cruise Lines is Ms. Stallings’s boss and when she signed her contract, she relinquished to the company the right to press charges. The corporation mandates that all employees surrender that privilege in order to avoid any possibility of lawsuits.” Officer Trencher grimaced, making it clear that her own opinion on that matter didn’t match the party line. “Then there’s the fact that Ms. Stallings herself would be in trouble.” Officer Trencher flipped open a manila folder and consulted the page of notes inside. “According to a video of the altercation supplied to us by a helpful witness, whichI’ve just finished viewing, it appears Ms. Stallings instigated the unfortunate situation.”
    â€œWow!” Skye squeaked. She wished Wally was here to advise them. She wasn’t sure if the video was a positive or a negative in her mother’s situation. Should she demand a copy of it? “At what point did the person start recording the scene?”
    â€œAs the Bloody Mary hit the fan, so to speak.” Officer Trencher chuckled.
    â€œOkay.” Skye made a decision. Her gut told her that the security officer was a straight shooter, and the woman’s assurances sounded reasonable. “Mom.” Skye shook her mother awake. “Tell us what happened between you and Guinevere. What did she do to make you so mad?”
    â€œIt started yesterday right after we got on board, when the U-knitted Nations group had our meet and greet.” May blinked and yawned. “She asked if I bought my yarn at the dollar store.”
    â€œAnd that’s bad?” Skye