“And you’ve caught us out.” She laughed lightly, crossed her legs with a whisper of silk. “My son and I decided we wanted a little time, incognito, if you understand.”
“I know the term,” Eve said dryly, and Madeline’s smile didn’t falter a fraction.
“We did tell Robert—Robert Kraus—and several others that we were leaving New York. I’m sure you understand that being entertained can be just exhausting. Of course, you’re both young. You must enjoy the constant round of dinners and parties and fêtes.”
“I live for fêtes. Can’t get enough.” This time, that smile flickered toward a frown for just an instant. “You couldn’t just refuse an invitation? Or explain that you and your son wanted a few quiet evenings?”
“So much is expected of people in our position.” On a heavy sigh, Madeline lifted her hands, let them fall gracefully to her lap. “Sometimes those expectations are a burden. Accept this invitation, and refuse that one, feelings are hurt. It was just a little ploy to avoid all that and have those quiet evenings. We do love your city. Ah, here’s some refreshment.”
The droid wheeled in a cart holding decanters, a teapot, plates of fruit and cheese, and little frosted cookies.
“May I offer you brandy or tea? Perhaps a bit of both.”
As he anticipated her refusal, Roarke laid a hand on Eve’s knee, squeezed lightly. “Tea would be lovely.”
“Wonderful. I’ll pour. You’re excused,” she said to the droid, who slipped silently away. “Cream, lemon?”
“Neither, for either of us. No sugar, thanks.” Roarke took the lead. “You have an impressive home. Marvelous view.”
“The view was the pull. I could sit and watch the river for hours. All of our homes are near water of some kind. I feel very drawn to it.”
“You have this lovely home,” Eve put in, “but
you stayed in Robert Kraus’s this trip.”
“We did. His wife—have you met her? Lovely woman. She extended the invitation, and it seemed like fun. We do have a nice time together. We enjoy cards.” After passing out the tea, she poured her own. “I’m afraid I don’t understand why that would be of interest to you.”
“Every detail of a murder investigation is of interest to me.”
“Then it’s still being investigated? I’d hoped it was all settled by now. Terrible thing. They were both so young. But surely you’re not looking at Robert?”
“Just getting the full picture. You knew Randall Sloan.”
“Of course. Now there’s a social butterfly. Such energy! Nothing stay-at-home about him.”
“I don’t know. He died there.”
“I’m sorry? What did you say?”
“Randall Sloan was found early this afternoon, hanging from the chandelier in the bedroom of his brownstone.”
“My God.” Madeline pressed a hand to her breasts. “Dear God. Randall? Dead?”
“When did you see or speak to him last?”
“I don’t…I can’t take this in. It’s such a shock. I…Please.” She reached over, tapped open a silver box. Inside was an intercom system. “Brown, please tell Mr. Chase to come down right away.”
Madeline sat back, pressed her fingers to her brow. “I’m sorry, this is such a shock. I knew the man nearly a decade. We were friends.”
“How close friends were you?”
Hot color streaked Madeline’s cheeks as she dropped her hands into her lap. “I realize you must ask questions at such a time, but I find the implication in that question in very poor taste.”
“Cops have very poor taste. Were you and he involved on a personal level?”
“Certainly not in the way you mean. We enjoyed each other’s company.”
“I’m told he persuaded you to bring your business to his father’s firm.”