A Slice of Murder Read Online Free

didn’t know what kind of hold Maddy had over him to get him out of his office on such short notice, but for once, I was glad she had some pull with the best local attorney we had.
    “But I didn’t do it,” I protested.
    Bob shook his head. “Eleanor, guilt or innocence rarely comes into play in the legal profession.” In his early fifties, Bob’s hair was still dark and thick, though gray was touching each temple. He kept fit by walking, making paths in and around Timber Ridge until he knew every square inch of the place. I often saw him walking past the pizzeria, but he rarely saw me. He had eyes only for my sister, no matter how much she protested the fact. The only evidence I needed to back up my point was that he was sitting in her kitchen eating waffles, allowing himself to be summoned with no more information than my sister asked him to be there.
    “That’s a pretty cynical point of view,” Maddy said to him.
    “You don’t approve?”
    “Honestly?” she said. “I do. I just never realized you felt that way.”
    Bob pushed his plate away. “If you’d agree to go out with me, you might discover there are more facets to me than you realize.”
    “I hate to interrupt,” I said, “but can we get back to me for a second?”
    “Of course,” Bob said, pulling his gaze away from Maddy. “Let’s go to the station so we can satisfy the chief. Then you and I are going to have a long talk.”
    “I need a shower and fresh clothing first,” I said. “I’m not about to face him in the same clothes I was wearing last night.”
    I could see that Bob was ready to protest, and then he caught Maddy’s frown. “That’s fine. I’ll follow you home and stay outside in the car while you get ready. It will give me a chance to make a few telephone calls while I’m waiting,” he said.
    Maddy unplugged the waffle iron, then said, “Good, it’s settled then. Let’s go.”
    “You shouldn’t go,” I said.
    “Just try to keep me away,” Maddy replied.
    To the surprise of both of us, Bob said, “I’m afraid Eleanor is right. You can’t come, Maddy.”
    “That’s not the way to get on my good side,” my sister said, playing her trump card.
    “I’m afraid I’m just going to have to take that chance,” Bob said. “If you’re with us, the attorney-client privilege doesn’t exist.”
    Maddy didn’t like it; that much was clear.
    I put a hand on hers. “I appreciate all you’ve done, but you called Bob for advice. Let’s do what he asks.”
    She nodded, though I could see how grudging it was. “Call me the second you finish with Kevin.”
    “I promise,” I said.
    As Bob followed me outside to my Subaru, I said, “I can’t believe you just risked the wrath of Madeline for me.”
    He laughed. “You’re my client, I have to do what’s best for you.” He held my car door open for me, then said, “Before we go any further, I need a dollar.”
    I dug into my wallet and got him a crumpled single. “Okay, but I don’t think we should be borrowing money from each other, given our new professional relationship.”
    He pulled out a pad and started scribbling in it as he said, “It’s a retainer.” After he finished writing, he tore off the top sheet and handed it to me. “Here’s your receipt.”
    “I’m not going to let you give me any special breaks just because you like my sister,” I said, refusing it.
    “Don’t worry, I won’t. This is just a formality until we can work up a real agreement. We’ll talk to the chief, and then we can discuss my fees.”
    I started to realize that although I had a bit of a cushion in my savings account, it could quickly vanish with his billable hours. “Maybe we’d better discuss it now.”
    He shook his head. “Don’t worry, I’m very reasonable. Hey, I might even take it out in trade. How about a free pizza a week until your bill’s settled?”
    “I don’t know,” I said.
    “Sorry, but I’m pretty firm on getting at least that.”
    “I