Plantation Shudders by Ellen Byron Read Free Book Online Page B

activities.’” Maggie took in a calming breath; she’d been taking a lot of those lately. “Would it be okay if you interviewed us Crozats first, plus anyone who’s at the house, so that thesefolks could see a plantation or two before they’re interrogated?” Maggie asked in her most conciliatory voice as she gestured to the Cuties and Kyle who, sensing something was wrong, had joined the group.
    “Well, my goodness, I wouldn’t want to let a gruesome death interfere with a day of sightseeing,” Rufus said, his mock concern showing the glimmer of acting ability that had won him a lead or two in Pelican Players Community Theatre productions.
    “If the ladies and I consent to have our rooms searched while we’re gone, maybe you could send one of your men in the van with us to take our statements,” Kyle offered.
    “And while he’s there, maybe he can take some group shots of y’all in front of Oak Alley that you can post online.” Rufus shook his head. “The answer is nope. And if you got any complaints about the change in today’s—or this week’s—schedule, I suggest you take it up with management.” Rufus gestured to Maggie. The universe had unexpectedly gifted him with an opportunity to make life miserable for the Crozats, and he seemed determined to take advantage of it.
    “Look, Rufus, it’s really not fair to drag our guests into whatever issues you have with my family. None of them even knew the Clabbers.”
    “Well, someone at Crozat knew ’em well enough to murder one of ’em.”
    “That’s just an assumption. Anyone who knew the Clabbers were staying with us could’ve snuck in and planted the poison.”
    “Doesn’t say much for your security, does it?” Rufus turned to the Cuties. “I’d lock up my valuables while I was stayingat Crozat if I was you.” Rufus turned back to Maggie. “And I should point out that you were the one who handed Mrs. Clabber the pills that probably killed her. You’re lucky I know you well enough to know that you don’t have the clankers to murder someone.”
    “I’m both insulted and relieved.”
    “Sorry, Maggie, but until my men prove someone isn’t a suspect, everyone is a suspect.”
    Maggie couldn’t bring herself to admit that Rufus had a point, so she didn’t say anything. Rufus doffed his hat. “See you at Crozat.” Then Rufus got into his police car and gunned it, spraying the minivan with dirt and pebbles as he peeled out of the parking lot.
    “Your police chief may be a giant pain, but he’s right about all of us being suspects,” Jan said through pursed lips as her Cutie cohorts exchanged nervous looks.
    “I know,” Maggie said. “I just hate letting him know that.”
    “Well, there’s one bright spot,” Kyle said. “At least he won’t be taking our statements. It’s not his job. That’s up to the department detectives.”
    Maggie brightened. “You’re right. And in Pelican, it’s department detective, singular—Henry ‘Buster’ Belloise. As skeevy as Rufus is, that’s how decent Buster is. We’ll be okay.”
    The Cuties hoisted themselves into the minivan. Kyle gave a longing look to Lia, who was busy replenishing dishes that had been emptied of her treats, and then he got behind the wheel. Maggie followed the minivan out of the parking lot. She was relieved to know the case was in the steady hands of Buster Belloise, so relieved that she could afford to feel magnanimoustoward Ru. He was right—this was hardly the time to negotiate a sightseeing tour.
    *
    Maggie arrived at Crozat to find it a buzz of police activity. The department’s mobile evidence van sat at the end of the driveway close to the house. Maggie couldn’t remember when she’d seen it used for anything besides hauling a float in the town’s yearly Mardi Gras parade.
    She bounded up the steps into the house, where the front parlor and the Clabbers’ bedroom were closed off with police tape. It would take a while to comb through the