02 - Mrs. Jeffries Dusts for Clues Read Online Free Page A

of phrase was no doubt unintentional. Perhaps he was even being sympathetic. But dear, he did make it sound so odd. Witherspoon knew he was being given another wretched murder to solve, not a nice present for Christmas.
    Inspector Nivens looked toward the open trench. “Is it in there?”
    “Yes, I’m afraid so. It’s a woman.”
    “Definitely murdered?”
    “Yes. She’s been stabbed.” Witherspoon sighed. “It’s jolly kind of you to offer your assistance, but I’m afraid I can’t allow you to help. You know how the Chief Inspector feels, one senior officer to a case. Gracious, if two inspectors are tied up on one case, he’d be most annoyed.”
    “Humph, I suppose you’re right.” Nivens looked longingly toward the trench. “But it doesn’t really seem fair. After all, this is your second murder in a row. I should think, Witherspoon, that it would be only sporting to give someone else a chance.” He mumbled something under his breath. Inspector Witherspoon couldn’t quite make out what he said, but he did hear the word “competent.”
    “It really isn’t my decision, now, is it?” Witherspoon said soothingly. “Perhaps if you had a word with the Chief Inspector…”
    “Wouldn’t do any good. For some reason, he thinks you’re a genius when it comes to murder.” Nivens smiled coolly. “It’ll be interesting to see how you do with this one. Perhaps it won’t be as simple as the Slocum murder.”
    Witherspoon was slightly offended. Finding the murderer of Dr. Bartholomew Slocum had been anything but simple. And he didn’t really understand what Inspector Nivens was complaining about. The fellow always got good, clean burglaries. Lucky man.

CHAPTER 2

    Mrs. Jeffries was waiting in the hallway when Inspector Witherspoon arrived home. “Good evening, sir,” she said cheerfully as she took his bowler hat and coat. “Have you had a good day?”
    She knew he hadn’t had a particularly good day. One look at his long face had told her that much. But she wasn’t deterred, certain a cozy chat and a nice glass of sherry would no doubt fix him right up.
    “Good evening, Mrs. Jeffries,” Witherspoon replied. “As a matter of fact, it’s been a very dreadful sort of day.”
    “Oh dear, I’m so sorry to hear that.” She turned toward the drawing room. “But not to worry, you’ll feel much better after you’ve had a chance to relax.”
    The inspector dutifully followed her into the drawing room and sat down in his favorite wing chair. A fire blazed in the hearth, a glass of amber liquid was sitting on the table next to his chair, and Mrs. Jeffries was gazing at him sympathetically. He felt much better already.
    “What delight is Mrs. Goodge cooking up for our dinner tonight?” he asked as he reached for his glass.
    Mrs. Jeffries desperately wanted to know whether the inspector knew of any unidentifed female bodies turning up in the last two months. But she didn’t want to arouse her employer’s curiosity. Not just yet. There would be time enough for thatafter she and the others had done more investigating into Mary’s disappearance. She curbed her impatience and decided to wait until he had some sherry in him before she brought up the subject. Besides, the inspector was always far more willing to talk on a full stomach.
    “Roast pork and poached apples,” she replied with a smile. “Now, Inspector, tell me all about it.”
    “About what?”
    “Why your dreadful day, of course.” She gazed at him earnestly. “I know you never like to complain, but really, sir, sometimes it helps to get things off one’s chest. As soon as you walked into the house this evening, I knew something utterly appalling must have happened.”
    “You’re so very perceptive, Mrs. Jeffries,” he murmured with a relieved sigh. “And you’re absolutely right, as usual. There’s been a murder. A very difficult one, I’m afraid.”
    “How terrible.” Mrs. Jeffries tried to sound appropriately subdued, but