The Case of the Killer Divorce

The Case of the Killer Divorce by Barbara Venkataraman Read Free Book Online

Book: The Case of the Killer Divorce by Barbara Venkataraman Read Free Book Online
Authors: Barbara Venkataraman
Tags: Fiction, thriller, Suspense, Mystery, Retail
After that, plead the fifth on the grounds that she might incriminate herself. We'll make the state attorney do the work. If charges are filed, then I’ll meet with Becca and she can formally retain me."
    "What else can I do to help?"
    "Do you still have the number for that strange PI? I think we need his services. What was his name?"
    "Duke Broussard. Yeah, he’s strange alright."
                 
     
     

 
     
     
    Chapter 17
    Before we wrapped up our conversation, Susan explained what she needed from Duke. Since the burden of proof in a criminal case is 'beyond a reasonable doubt', Duke's role would be to create that doubt, to dig up evidence that pointed away from Becca, in the event she was charged with a crime. Susan recommended that Becca hire Duke right away because the sooner he could clear her name, the better.
    I was dreading making that call to Becca. Don't get me wrong, as a family law attorney, I've delivered plenty of bad news to clients before, but it's never easy. And how exactly do you tell someone they're a murder suspect? Is there a class on that? A website? The only consolation was that Becca would be hearing it from me, and not Nick.
    I wandered into the small kitchen of our office in search of food . My hunger was starting to crowd out all other thoughts; also, I was getting a headache. To my surprise, the Einstein's box I'd brought that morning still had three bagels in it. And there was half a tub of cream cheese, too. Oh happy day! I didn't bother to look for a knife; I just ripped a pumpernickel bagel in half and used it to scoop up the cream cheese and shovel it into my mouth. I'm sure I looked like a wild beast tearing into an antelope, but I didn't care. I was that hungry. Besides, as a vegetarian, I would never eat antelope.
    W ith my stomach stuffed full of bagels, my reasoning power returned and it told me to call Duke first; that way I could present Becca with a solution at the same time I told her the problem. Also, I needed to know if Duke was available (as if he could resist a damsel in distress and a whodunit all rolled into one); also, what he would charge for his services; and what his plan of attack would be. I was glad I could finally offer Duke a paying job and I was equally glad that I could put off calling Becca.
    When he picked up the phone, I could hear the bar crowd in the background. He had to be hanging out at "The Big Easy;" Duke practically lived there.
    " Well, if it isn't Ms. Esquire, herself." Duke said. "I knew you couldn't stay away. It's that Broussard charm--it gets under your skin."
    " You know, I have been feeling itchy lately. I thought it was a rash, but it must've been that old Broussard charm."
    Duke laughed. "How's it going, Darlin'? Ready to start looking for your daddy again? I have some ideas."
    Fo r a second, I forgot that Duke wasn't up to speed on my dad project. There wasn't much to tell, anyway, but today was not the day.
    "You've been great for helping me with that, Duke, and I really appreciate it, but I put the project on hold for now. I have a divorce case that's turned into a murder investigation and I need the services of a good PI. You in?"
    "Nah. Not unless you need the services of a great PI. I can't be lowering my standards like that, you know. It would ruin my reputation."
    I laughed. "Well, I wouldn't want that on my conscience. This would be a paid gig, just so you know."
    "We ll, why didn't you say so? I'll lower my standards if the price is right. Does $75 an hour sound fair? I'll need a retainer up front, maybe $500. Does that work?"
    It sounded like Duke could use the money.
    "I'm sure that will be fine, " I said, and then I told him what was going on with Becca.
    "Wow!" he said when I'd finished. "That's a juicy one. When do we get started?"    
    "Right after I tell Becca she's a suspect in her husband's murder."
     
                 
                 

 
     
    Chapter 1 8
    I couldn't put it off

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