The Borrowed and Blue Murders (The Zoe Hayes Mysteries) Read Online Free

Sam’s stinking cigars and Tony’s tendency to float, I was enjoying their visit more than I’d expected. I’d been raised as an only child and was intrigued at having brothers, even if they were only in-laws. Beyond that, through Nick’s siblings I was meeting a new part of him, the big brother part. It was fascinating how he slipped into his old role, how easily he ordered the younger ones around, how mercilessly he razzed them. In fact, Nick glowed in his brothers’ company. And Nick was not alone; Molly worshipped both her uncles, climbing onto one lap or another with neither shyness nor hesitation, as if either were her domain.
    But now, our celebration had been disrupted. I stood locked in Tony’s arms, absorbing their affection. When he released me, I began to explain what had happened. But as he stared at me in disbelief, Sam came red faced, huffing, out of the fog, and I had to begin the horrific story all over again.

F IVE
    D ETECTIVE D ONALLY LET ME go upstairs to change Luke’s diaper. The baby stirred and yawned, but having a full tummy, he didn’t completely wake up. I tucked him into his crib, covering him with his dinosaur comforter, my arms suddenly cold and empty without his warmth. I stood by the crib, watching him, stalling, avoiding going back downstairs. But voices rose. Men, agitated.
    “Oh yeah? Well, I guess you’re going to have to shoot me. Cuz I’m going in.”
    “Step back, sir.”
    “Move aside, Detective. I have a right to know what’s—”
    “I warned you.”
    “—out there.”
    “Stop right there, sir!”
    There was a scuffle. Footsteps pounded. Furniture scraped the hardwood floors. Something slammed to the floor. Sam yelled, “Tony?” And Tony called, “Sam!”
    I ran down the stairs and, following the commotion, found everyone in my living room, suddenly silent and motionless. Donally and another detective stood beside my overturned wing- back, hands at their hips, ready to draw their guns. Two uniformed officers stood near the fireplace, weapons already drawn. And Sam and Tony, like bug-eyed twins, stood side by side, oblivious to the police, staring out the patio door.
    “Okay? Happy now? You two seen what you wanted?”
    On the patio, forensic workers froze, gaping at the scene in my living room.
    “Oh, this is bad.” Sam’s growl was lower than usual. “Zoe said there was a body, but this—I didn’t expect this; did you?” He waited for a response, but Tony didn’t say anything. Tony didn’t move, didn’t blink.
    “This is bad.” Sam rubbed his face. “This is— This is bad.”
    “Okay? Now, if you will, gentlemen, back away from the door.” Detective Donally stepped forward, arms out, apparently protecting his crime scene.
    Ignoring him, I stepped over my wingback and joined the brothers.
    “Ma’am.” Donally glowered my way. “That includes you. Step back. Unless you want me to arrest the whole lot of you for interfering with a homicide investigation.”
    But we didn’t step back. Sam reached for my hand, shaking his head. “This is bad.” It seemed to be all he could say.
    Tony remained dazed, his eyes riveted on the body, his skin the color of a kosher dill. The detectives watched us warily, the officers’ guns still aimed at us as if they thought we might storm the patio.
    Gently, I touched Tony’s arm. “Tony?”
    Tony blinked, as if suddenly awakened. Without a word, he pivoted and ran from the room. Nobody stopped him as he dashed past police with drawn weapons, heading for the powder room. Slowly, Sam and I moved away from the sliding door and slumped onto my sofa. When the guns were holstered, I made proper introductions and, then, the questioning resumed.

S IX
    I TOLD D ETECTIVE D ONALLY what I knew and what I’d seen, which didn’t amount to much. No, I did not know the woman. I’d never seen her before. I’d heard nothing unusual. I had no idea why she’d come onto our patio. I’d been out all morning with the baby. I