Grace Sees Red by Julie Hyzy Page A

like idiots.”
    Cutting Frances off before she could make a snarky comment, I jumped in. “Enough. We’re not getting anything accomplished here.”
    At that moment the outer office door opened.
    â€œThat must be the coffee,” Frances said, getting to her feet.
    â€œSit down, Frances,” I said. “I’ll take care of it.”
    From the low voices filtering in, I could tell that two people had arrived. “In here,” I called.
    Theo carried a silver tray laden with a selection of breakfast pastries; a large carafe; and assorted cups, plates, and silverware.
    Bennett came in behind him. “I hope I’m not intruding,” he said. “Detective Rodriguez, you’re looking well. Detective Flynn, good to see you again. I trust you’re both here to helpus prove Frances’s innocence in the difficult matter we encountered this weekend.”
    Both Rodriguez and Flynn got to their feet to shake hands with the mansion’s owner. “We’ll do our best,” Rodriguez said.
    Flynn tilted his head to indicate Frances. “Assuming she cooperates.”
    Bennett fixed his gaze on Frances. “We will all cooperate,” he said as he shifted his focus to Flynn. “Frances’s well-being is paramount here, and we trust that you will do your utmost to help uncover the truth in this situation. If you find that you cannot perform your duties—for whatever reason—let me know now. I would be happy to engage professionals to pick up your slack.”
    The tip of Flynn’s nose went pink. He worked his jaw. “No need for that.”
    â€œGood to hear,” Bennett said as he pulled a chair over from across the office.
    Tension in the room lessened as Theo cleared away the mugs Frances had brought for us and began setting new cups and saucers on the empty edges of my desk. Silently, we all waited for him to complete the task.
    â€œSpeaking of other professionals,” I said the moment Theo left us, “I suggested bringing Ronny Tooney in at first. But Frances said she’d rather not.”
    Flynn gave a mirthless laugh. “That guy.”
    Bennett had positioned his chair between Flynn and Frances. Facing Flynn again, he asked, “What did we just say about cooperation? Mr. Tooney has proved to be an invaluable asset to Marshfield Manor.” Bennett softened his words with a fleeting smile. “As have you, Detective Flynn. Right now one of our trusted employees—a friend—is in trouble. I repeat, if you find that this particular situation is too difficult to manage, please tell us now.”
    Chastised a second time, Flynn flushed again. “I say things to let off steam sometimes.” He shrugged. “I don’t really mean anything by it.”
    Bennett turned to Frances. “I believe it would be a good idea to bring Mr. Tooney in on this matter. He is very discreet.”
    Frances grumbled. “So much for keeping this quiet,” she said. “Fine. Call him. If these two already know what went on at Indwell, probably everybody in Emberstowne does, too.”
    Rodriguez helped himself to coffee then settled back in his chair. “Neither Flynn nor I have any reason to discuss the matter with anyone outside our department,” he said. “And even though we don’t have jurisdiction in Rosette, we may be able to offer suggestions to help you navigate this situation. At least until you’re cleared of suspicion.” He regarded Frances with warm compassion.
    She squirmed.
    The detective kept his gaze trained on her. “Why don’t you tell us what happened? Everything you know, starting from the moment you arrived at Indwell Estates yesterday.”
    â€œI got there Saturday, not yesterday. I always get there Saturday and leave Sunday,” she said.
    â€œAll right, good. You arrived at Indwell on Saturday. Take us through it.”
    She did.
    As she recounted her experiences,