Poisoned (The Alex Harris Mystery Series) by Elaine Macko Page A

the land sold, a nice chunk of cash would probably go into trust for me…” He smiled and I had to agree that this young man came from another piece of fabric altogether. “At the same time, I guess I don’t care one way or the other. If it takes my having to come to these little soirées then I’d rather have it not sell.”
    “You don’t enjoy your extended family?”
    “I don’t enjoy the pettiness and the bickering. My great aunts and grandmother have been at odds all their lives. I really don’t need to hear everything hashed over again.”
    “Do you work, Stuart? I know your brother worked for, what? A shipping firm?”
    “What a funny question. Doesn’t everyone work?” he asked. “Okay, maybe not everyone, at least in my family, but yes, surprise, surprise, I do actually have a job. I’ve gone to law school. Does that surprise you?”
    “It’s just that no one mentioned it,” I offered, feeling somewhat ashamed by my bad assumption.
    “Probably because I never passed the bar. I took it a few times, but now I just work as a researcher for a law firm. The pay’s okay, and it’s just four days per week. Gives me time for other pleasures.” At my quizzical expression, Stuart explained, “I like the ponies. I’m sure someone must have mentioned that to you. Probably in a sentence with other words like no good , and lazy .”
    “Stuart, look…I’ve got to go. Tell my aunt I’ll talk to her soon.”
    Steven Estenfelder stood at my end of the sofa. I got a good whiff of his heavenly cologne. He smiled at me before turning to leave.
    Stuart excused himself and left with Steven.
    I took my teacup and headed to the other side of the room where Trish sat alone. She looked delighted to have company.
    “You own a temp agency,” Trish began. “Maybe I’ll come down and see you.”
    I felt like telling her to first buy a longer skirt and a bra, but despite the young woman’s appearance she seemed warm and friendly, and a bit lost and at odds.
    “Do you have experience working in an office?”
    “Well no, not exactly. You see, I just got divorced and I’m kind of at loose ends. You know? So I thought maybe I could get a job.”
    “Have you ever had one?” Again, not a very tactful question but Trish didn’t seem to notice.
    “No. Actually, I’ve never done much of anything.” Trish looked dejected. “I finished high school and then I went to a junior college for two years, but that’s about it.”
    “Nothing wrong with that,” I said brightly, hoping to boost the young woman’s spirits. “Do you have computer experience?”
    “Some. I use the Internet a lot. I can type but I’m not very good with the different software programs.”
    “Maybe you can start off by taking some computer classes at the community college. They have a very good selection of administrative courses.”
    “Yeah, you think so? Sure, why not.” Trish brightened. “I’m getting a bit tired of playing hostess at Daddy’s dinner parties and just sitting around the house all day.”
    A knock sounded at the front door, and before I could jump up to answer it, Mrs. Platz came down the hall. “Good morning, Detectives. Come in.”
    John and Jim walked into the living room and looked all around.
    “Alex, do you know where Mrs. Brissart is?” John asked.
    “Yes, she’s in the study with her son.” I excused myself from Trish and stepped away from the group to join John. “Is something wrong? You look kind of odd.”
    “Detective Van der Burg, Detective Maroni. Good morning.”
    No one had heard Mrs. Brissart come down the hall.
    “Mrs. Brissart, is there somewhere we can talk in private?”
    “Yes, certainly. Come into the study. If it’s about Bradley, then I think Kenneth and Lillian should hear. Alex, you come as well.”
    We walked toward the study and a sense of dread washed over me. I tried to read John’s face and felt certain he had figured out who killed Bradley Brissart.

 
     
     

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