Classified As Murder

Anita ran to him with her arms open. “Oh, Nigel, it’s so awful. Charlie stole that thing, whatever it is, and now he’s going to try to tell people he found it in my bag. You can’t let him get away with that.”

I was so shocked I almost dropped the folder. “Don’t be ridiculous, Anita. When the FBI investigates, I’m sure they’ll find your fingerprints all over this.”

“FBI?” Truesdale put up his hands to ward Anita off. She stepped back, appearing confused. “What has the FBI got to do with anything?”

I watched Anita’s face as I replied. “They’re going to be investigating the thefts from Mr. Delacorte’s collection.” Anita paled and began to tremble.

Truesdale glanced at her. “What have you done, Anita?” The distaste in his voice was obvious.

“Nigel, honey, don’t look at me like that.” Anita smiled in what she probably thought was a coquettish fashion, but to me it simply looked like she had gas in her stomach. “I’m sure we can get this sorted out. After all, that belongs to you now.” She pointed to the folder. “Why don’t you just take it and put it back in the library, and we can forget all about this.”

“That’s utterly ridiculous,” I said. “Tamerlane isn’t the only thing you’ve stolen from the collection, and you know it.” I remembered the bracelet. “Where did your gentleman friend get the money to buy you that expensive piece of jewelry? Tell us that.”

Anita clutched at her wrist as if trying to hide the bracelet. Truesdale’s eyes narrowed as he regarded her. “So Mr. James was correct in thinking that items were missing from the collection.” He turned to me. “What has been stolen?”

“I think you’d better wait and speak to Deputy Berry about that.” I suddenly realized that if I started giving details about the missing books, Kanesha would probably be angry with me. She was the one running the investigation, and I had to be careful. “As a matter of fact, I think we need to call her right now.”

“That sounds like a very good idea.” Truesdale’s tone was grim. He strode over to a table near one of the bay windows and opened a box. He pulled out a telephone and punched in a number.

While he spoke with the sheriff’s department, I kept an eye on Anita. Diesel rubbed against my legs to remind me he was there, and I stroked his head a few times. Anita’s gaze swung back and forth between me and the door, and I feared she might try to run away. I moved a few feet closer to the door, and she glared at me.

“Deputy Berry is on her way here.” Truesdale came to stand by me, and we both watched Anita.

“Nigel, I can’t believe you’re acting this way. After all the nice things I’ve done for you, too.” Anita pouted. “If it wasn’t for me, you wouldn’t have known what was in Mr.—”

“Quiet!”

Truesdale was so loud and fierce as he roared out that one word. Anita, Diesel, and I all jumped.

In a quieter but still firm tone, he continued, “I think you had better not say anything more until you have an attorney to represent you. You wouldn’t want to say anything that could get you into deeper trouble, would you?”

Anita stared at him and then nodded. She didn’t say a word.

Truesdale turned to me. “Why don’t you take that to the library and wait for the deputy there? I’ll keep watch over Miss Milhaus and ensure that she doesn’t run away.”

And give you a chance to talk privately, I added silently. How stupid did he think I was?

“No, I think I’ll wait here with you.” I smiled.

A voice spoke from behind us. “I’ll take over now. Ms. Berry’ll be here in five minutes.”

I was happy to see Deputy Bates. The situation might have turned ugly, because Truesdale might have challenged me over staying in the room.

I handed the deputy the archival folder, along with my handkerchief. “This was in Ms. Milhaus’s bag. It’s extremely valuable. Deputy Berry will be happy to know it’s been found.”

Bates held the handkerchief and folder gingerly, and he examined the contents. His expression revealed his skepticism about the value of the contents, but he simply nodded.

“Why don’t you folks sit down while we’re waiting? It won’t be long.” Bates gestured toward the sofas, and Anita moved to one and sat. Truesdale ignored the deputy’s suggestion and went to stand by the mantel instead.

I glanced past Bates to see Sean standing in the doorway. I motioned for him to come in as I moved farther back from where Bates stood guard. There was a seat in the bay window, and I headed for it.

Sean joined me there, and Diesel leaned against my legs.

“What’s going on?” Sean spoke in an undertone. “Bates got a call, and the next thing I knew, he was hustling me out and locking the door.”

I explained what had happened, and Sean said, “Whoa. You have got to be kidding me. Right there in her bag.”

I nodded, and Sean grinned. He leaned forward and scratched Diesel’s head. “Good for you, cat.”

Diesel chirped a couple of times, and I’d almost swear he smiled at Sean.

“What’s going on? What are all you people doing in here?”