Borrowing Death Read Online Free Page B

standing up for her, but for the renewed closeness they’d achieved since she arrived in Alaska. Terrible things had transpired for each of them, inspiring them to regain the relationship they’d shared as children. In a way, Charlotte was glad for the challenges and heartache they’d both endured. Without them, they may never have reconnected.
    James shook his head, resigned for the moment. “Fine. Was there a stab wound, or was it the blow of the hammer?”
    â€œStab.” Michael recapped his autopsy findings. “Any idea why someone would kill him?”
    â€œRobbery. The till was open and empty.”
    Charlotte could see that scenario play out in her head. The thief broke into Fiske’s store after hours, thinking it empty. Lyle happened to be there, working late while Caroline was out of town. Surprised, the thief killed Lyle, then set the fire to cover up the crime.
    â€œWhoever did this is looking at a life sentence, if not worse,” James said.
    Robbery was bad enough, but compounding it with murder—intentional or not—was almost a surefire way for the culprit to get hanged or sent to the electric chair.
    â€œHave you been able to contact Caroline?” Charlotte wasn’t close to the woman, but couldn’t imagine returning from holiday to such horrific news.
    James rubbed the back of his neck. His eyes seemed sunken in with weariness. “Just talked to the housekeeper. She comes in on tomorrow’s steamer. I’ll get a message to the naval office outside town. They’ll wire the ship to have everyone kept on board when they get in. Better she wonder about the delay than come down the gangplank to a dock full of gawkers.”
    Charlotte nodded, appreciating his sensitivity about the matter. “You may want to have a friend of hers or at least the housekeeper with you.”
    â€œGood idea.” He eyed her warily. “And no, not you.”
    Indignation heated her face and neck. “I’m a journalist, not a ghoul, deputy. The woman deserves her privacy at a time like this.”
    â€œI’m glad we agree on that.” James set his hat on his head and touched the brim in his standard salute. “Get me a copy of the autopsy report as soon as you can, Doc.”
    â€œI’ll do that, but I think a nap is in order first.” Michael covered a yawn, as if the very idea of sleep made him more weary.
    Charlotte buttoned her coat and donned her hat. “I think that’s a fine idea. Walk me home, deputy?”
    James’s eyes widened, but without pause he opened the door. “Of course, Miss Brody. See you later, Doc.”
    As she walked with James, Charlotte pulled on a pair of mittens she kept in her coat pocket. The colorful wool cheered her, and reminded her of her friend Kit, who’d sent them as an early Christmas present. The sun had supposedly risen an hour before, but thick, dark clouds that were low enough to obscure the tops of the surrounding mountains made it feel much later. Few people were out on the snowy street, though there was inviting light from within businesses.
    So far, the cold and wet of Cordova, Alaska, in late November hadn’t been any worse than what she’d experienced back East; it just felt colder and wetter because of the shorter days. Sunrise around nine or ten and near dark by four in the afternoon took some getting used to. Some people never got used to it. Add that to being cooped up when bad weather hit, further darkening the skies, and folks tended to get a little antsy. Maybe the bears had the right idea, to hibernate until warmth and light returned.
    Those who could stick it out loved it in the Great Land. She enjoyed interviewing those people and sharing their stories with Modern Woman readers. It was a matter of keeping busy, she’d been told more than once. That explained the frequent changeover of shows at the Empress Theater and the weekly community dance or two.