Hothouse Orchid (Holly Barker 6)

“What?”

“Bruno’s suicide note; he claimed credit for the women, and that excludes Jimmy and everybody else in town.”

Josh nodded. “Got it.”

“You’re thinking like a cop, too,” Holly said.

“Maybe cops and doctors aren’t all that different,” Josh said. “I was thinking that Jimmy had been at the hospital, and he could have stolen the vaccination gun.”

“Good point.”

“But you’re right; Bruno’s suicide note clears Jimmy.”

“It’s good enough for me,” Holly said.

“You’re sure he couldn’t have murdered Bruno and written the note in ten minutes?”

“Listen, I know Jimmy well. He’s a nice young man and a good cop, but I don’t think he has the low cunning or the skills to commit murder and forgery on the fly.”

“How about if he finds Bruno already dead, then forges the note and plants the evidence?”

“Just barely possible, but the investigation will include authenticating the suicide note.”

“So you’re happy, Holly?”

“I’m happy.”

“In that case, so am I.”

44

Holly was having breakfast the following morning when the phone rang. “Hello?”

“Holly, it’s Jimmy.”

“Good morning, Jimmy. I heard about the clearing of the Bruno murders; I want to congratulate you.”

“Thanks, Holly. It’s a big relief. I want to ask a favor of you.”

“What do you need?”

“I need a letter of recommendation to the city council.”

“Recommending who for what?”

“Me for chief of police.”

“I see.”

“Bruno never appointed a deputy chief, and I’m the senior officer, so I’m acting chief. I’d like to have the council make it permanent, and a letter from you would be a big help.”

“All right, Jimmy, I’ll be glad to do that.”

“Can you fax it, then mail it?” He gave her the number.

“Sure, I’ll have it out within the hour. Have you asked Hurd?”

“Yes, and he’s agreed. You and Hurd are the best recommendations I could have.”