The Icing on the Corpse by Mary Jane Maffini Read Free Book Online Page A

grudgingly.
    â€œBenning could. Even this security won't keep out a hail of bullets or a two-thousand pound vehicle ramming the front door.”
    â€œYou'll get rapid response with that centrally-monitored system.”
    â€œOn a normal day, sure. But with every unit after Benning and the roads clogged, the response time will be pathetic.”
    Merv opened his mouth to speak. I shook my head to silence him as a slight movement in the doorway caught my eye. Lindsay Grace entered the kitchen with the soft, smooth movements of an expensive cat. Elegant and understated in a cream-coloured slim tunic and leggings that looked like cashmere. Her dark chestnut hair was dry and brushed back into a ponytail. That golden olive complexion didn't need makeup, not even the dab of lip-gloss she'd applied. Her only decoration was a tiny pair of gold hoop earrings. As usual, she smelled good. Organza, if I remembered correctly.
    Lindsay had the kind of face you'd see on the cover of Chatelaine . Except a photo might not capture the soft backlit skin and the fragility. If it wasn't for the lack of focus in her eyes, you would have thought she hadn't a worry in the world.
    She didn't match the stereotype of a battered woman. Of course, in my line of work, you learn fast not to rely on those preconceptions. None of Ralph Benning's victims had looked the part.
    â€œMmmm,” she said, “I smell coffee.”
    â€œReady for one?” I asked.
    â€œI'm sorry about the call to the office.” She reached for her coffee, her hands steadier than mine.
    That took me by surprise. “You're sorry? What do you have to be sorry about?”
    â€œAlarming you. I panicked when I turned on the radio and heard a prisoner had escaped. I don't know why I assumed that the prisoner who had escaped was Ralph. That was stupid of me. I guess I'm strung out because it's the sentencing hearing. That's all I can think about. You didn't have to come all the way over and on such a terrible day too. I wasn't using my head. I had to take an Ativan, well two, and a long bath with some Vivaldi to calm down. I called back to tell you not to bother, but I got the answering machine.”
    â€œI wanted to be here.”
    â€œWell, I appreciate it, but I'm all right.”
    I took a deep breath. “Lindsay, have a seat.”
    She slid onto the attractive light metal chair. “Sorry for screaming, but I didn't recognize you for a minute. I've never seen you dressed quite like that. And I didn't know your friend.”
    It must have taken at least three Ativans to let Lindsay feel untroubled by the sight of Merv with his jaw around his ankles. I decided not to explain my outfit. I had no choice but to introduce Merv.
    â€œLindsay, meet Merv Morrison. He's with the RCMP.” Out of regard for our longstanding relationship, I didn't mention Merv's sick leave, nor did the words gall or bladder leave my lips.
    Merv was already standing. Although maybe not breathing. Lindsay held out her slender hand and allowed it to be swallowed by Merv's. “Thank you for coming,” she said. “You must think I'm out of my mind.”
    I was impressed. Not every woman can handle an introduction to a man after he has had an eyeful of her birthday suit. Of course, it could have been the drugs.
    Merv said “holy shit” under his breath.
    Someone had to show signs of intelligent life. I tried. “We should work out a plan for what to do until Benning's back behind bars where he belongs.”
    She blinked. “What do you mean?”
    I didn't think I'd been the least bit unclear.
    â€œI mean, we want to make sure you are safe. You should stay somewhere else.” I did not mention Merv's theory about Benning being able to find out her address. I did not refer to the inside police connection. I did not describe what I thought Benning might do.
    â€œWhat do you mean, back behind bars?”
    I leaned over and put my hand on her