X (Kinsey Millhone 24)

“Unbelievable,” I said.

“But true nonetheless. I wish I could offer you more. It’s bothered me for years, but yours is the first question ever raised about that girl.”

Which was not quite the case. There had been another question raised in the matter, and that was Pete’s.

I thanked him for the information, and he graciously suggested that if I had additional questions, I should feel free to call. He gave me his number in Burning Oaks.

35

After I hung up, I sat for a moment, trying to understand what effect his considered opinion might have. Munce’s views reinforced my suspicion that Ned Lowe hastened Lenore’s death without providing tangible support. I believed I was on the right track, but what good is belief without corroborating evidence?

I still hadn’t met Ned’s current wife, so maybe it was time I talked to Celeste. I couldn’t understand how any woman would be attracted to him, but people tell me I’m way too picky, so perhaps I’m the wrong one to ask. Not that anyone had asked me.

I sorted through my notes until I found April’s home number and put in a call. When she picked up the line on her end, I said, “This is Kinsey Millhone. I was wondering if you could give me a phone number for Celeste?”

“I can’t believe you’re calling me. I was just about to pick up the phone and call you.”

“A happy coincidence. What’s going on?”

“I did something dumb and I thought I better let you know. Promise you won’t get mad.”

“Why don’t you just say what you did before you ask for a guarantee?”

“Dad and Celeste came up for dinner last night.”

“Okay.”

“You remember the framed photograph of my grandmother with my father sitting on her lap?”

“How could I forget? I just gave it to you.”

“I know. I really love that picture and I was so happy to have a link to the past.”

“That you did what?”

“I set it on the bookshelf in our bedroom. You can’t even see it from the door, so I didn’t think there was any way Dad would spot it. He never goes in that part of the house; I can’t imagine what possessed him.”

“He knew I wanted to deliver something, so he was probably on the alert for anything new or different.”

“That’s the only explanation I can think of because I swear I never said a word about our conversation. I just feel so bad about this.”

“Go on.”

“At one point while we were eating dinner, he excused himself and went off to the bathroom. That’s the only time he left the table. Usually he uses the powder room in the hall, but for some reason, he must have chosen the bathroom off the master bedroom. When he came back, I noticed he was withdrawn. I asked what was wrong, but he waved it aside. He and Celeste left earlier than usual, but I didn’t think anything of it. I didn’t realize there was a problem until she called this morning. She said he was livid about the photograph. I guess the two of them got into a terrible fight on the way home. She said I should be able to display a picture of my own grandmother anywhere I wanted and he was making a big fuss over nothing.”

“That doesn’t sound like a bright move. I thought you said she was such a mouse. Surely she’s aware he’s touchy on the subject of his mother.”

“I know, but she’d had a couple of drinks and I guess it just came out. Now she says he’s furious with both of us and in a rage at you because he blames you for everything.”

“She had drinks? I thought you said she was in AA.”

“She didn’t have them here. She belted down a couple before they left home. I didn’t see any sign of inebriation, but he says she’s the master at hiding it.”

“When did you talk to him?”

“He called right before she did. He says she’s blown the whole thing out of proportion. He admitted he was unhappy about the photograph, but now he’s fine with it. He says she’s the one who’s going off the deep end and he’s seriously concerned.”

“He thinks she’s cracking up?”

“Well, yes. I mean, he said he didn’t want me to worry, but of course I do, which is why I’m calling. I know it’s an imposition, but is there any way you could stop by the house and make sure she’s okay? As Dad points out, if she’s drinking again, we could end up with a mess on our hands.”

“I don’t mean to sound cranky, but why don’t you do that? She’s your stepmother.”