In Search of Murder--An Inspector Alvarez Mallorcan Mystery Read Online Free Page A

again.
    â€˜You have a cold?’
    â€˜I have to return to the station.’
    â€˜Since you are already very late, no doubt you will wish to do so quickly.’
    â€˜I thought perhaps you could make me some chocolate?’
    â€˜Will you still be awake by the time it is made?’
    He would quickly acknowledge she was generous with affection and kindness, to others as well as the family, but her tongue could be sharp.
    She closed the book, stood. ‘It was ready when you were due to come downstairs. Since it seemed you were not working any more today, I drank it. Do you expect me to prepare some more for you?’
    â€˜It would be very kind.’
    â€˜As my mother used to say, expectation costs only words.’
    He sat, looked across the table at the cover of her paperback. It was at an angle and he could only read the words:
Love is …
Did it finish off
Eternal Happiness
or perhaps
The Devil’s Sword
?
    â€˜What are you thinking?’ she asked as she lit a gas ring, turned it down to low.
    â€˜How deceitful life can be for a young woman.’
    â€˜You have discovered a conscience?’
    â€˜She’s nothing to do with me. Marta works in a rich, married man’s house. He chases women and recently filled her head with thoughts of his divorcing to her benefit.’
    â€˜She has not yet gained a true understanding of men and does not realise what he desires and how little he will pay for it. How do you know about her misfortune?’
    â€˜One of the other staff told me he is always on the prowl, especially after other men’s wives, yet now he is taking an interest in her.’
    â€˜He is English.’
    â€˜Why d’you think that?’
    â€˜I have read that their behaviour will surprise even a Dutchman.’
    â€˜You read it where?’
    â€˜In a magazine.’
    â€˜A saucy one from the sound of it.’
    â€˜You think I would pick up such a monstrosity, let alone read it?’
    â€˜Then I have to wonder how …’
    â€˜You have told her how stupid her hopes are?’
    â€˜She would neither believe nor take any notice of what I said.’
    â€˜You see no reason to overcome her disbelief? How typical of a man. Find reason not to do something until it is too late to attempt it.’
    â€˜The danger is over for her. The señor has drowned.’
    â€˜Occasionally, there are times when there is reason to believe justice is not only for the few.’
    â€˜There’s the possibility his death was not accidental.’
    She went over to the cooker and began to prepare the hot chocolate he wanted.
    â€˜The superior chief has ordered me to start an investigation even though there is no certainty there is any reason to conduct one.’
    â€˜A Madrileño sees a rainbow when there is neither sun nor rain.’

FOUR
    A lvarez rang the bell, waited, rang it again.
    Rosalía opened the door. ‘I can’t fly downstairs.’ She pulled the door more fully open for him to enter. ‘What d’you want this time?’
    â€˜To have a word with the señora, if that is possible?’
    â€˜It isn’t.’
    â€˜She is too distressed?’
    â€˜Naturally.’
    â€˜Is Marta here?’
    â€˜I decided she needed time at home.’
    â€˜Did she really believe the señor would divorce the señora and, after a decent interval, marry her?’
    â€˜At her age, wishes may still come true.’
    â€˜I remember, when I was a nipper, thinking I’d be a millionaire, own a great farm, breed the finest animals and grow the sweetest fruit.’
    â€˜And you’ve ended up pushing your nose into other peoples’ lives.’
    â€˜And their deaths. I want a word with you.’
    â€˜You are not doing so now?’
    He smiled.
    â€˜Would you like some coffee?’
    â€˜That would be great.’
    She showed him into the large sitting room, not the staff one. He wondered why,