Proof of Murder (Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery #4) - Lauren Elliott Page 0,82
been able to find any evidence of poisoning, trauma, injection. Her blood work is normal except for an elevated adrenaline level. There is no suggestion of foul—”
“You said she had a high adrenaline level?” Addie read over the notes on the board. “The tipped-over teacup.”
“Why would that have anything to do with her adrenaline level? The tea was a regular common blend, probably Earl Grey.”
“No, I don’t mean she was poisoned, but I’ve been trying to figure something out regarding the tipped-over teacup. The contents had obviously dripped down the side of the desk onto the book below it. Charlotte must have been working on that book and the other one I found on the floor when she suffered her heart attack. The chair was facing the fireplace, and the book was under the desk with the tea stain on the cover not under the book.”
“She would have had to drop the books first, knocked the teacup over, spilling the tea on the book, and then turn to face the fireplace. That doesn’t make sense if she were having a heart attack. Why would she—”
“Because whoever was hiding in the fireplace chamber. waiting for her to leave for the night, must have decided to make his or her move when it was going on three a.m. and she was still working.”
“She heard a noise behind her . . .”
“The hidden door opening.” Addie snapped her fingers.
“And jumped, dropping the books and knocking the cup over when she spun around in the chair to see what the noise was, and—”
“Boom!” Addie slapped her hands together. “Her heart gave out. My gut tells me she was murdered, and it’s the perfect murder, isn’t it?”
“But the autopsy—”
“I know what it shows, but think about it. When we look at all the facts there are two different versions, and both are completely plausible.” Simon’s brow furrowed, showing his confusion. “One is that she was actually killed by a ghost. The other is it was made to look like a ghost committed the murder.”
“You’re saying we’re looking for a hundred-year-old murderer?”
“Or someone with the knowledge of what took place in this house seventy-five years ago.” She tapped the chalk stick in her palm. “The problem is to prove which version is true.”
“Come on, Addie, you can’t be serious. There is no such thing as ghosts, so it’s the latter.”
“Are you sure? Strange things can and do happen. Just ask poor Paige and her run-in with a poltergeist.”
“I hope you’re joking. You were the one that thought Serena and Paige and half the town were mad for believing the tall tale. Now look at you.”
“But it does get in your head, doesn’t it? I just can’t forget the look in Charlotte’s eyes when I found her, and then the look on Paige’s face when I found her.” Addie hugged her arms across her chest. “I need to get back into that house tomorrow and have another look. I know logically there is no such thing as ghosts. So that means someone has tried hard to make it look like there is. There has to be another clue we’re missing that will prove it. Otherwise, we’re back to option number one.”
“Well, none of that’s not going to happen tomorrow.”
“Why? The yard sale is on another day. Besides, we didn’t pick up my lamp on our way out. It’s a perfect cover for dropping in on Blake again and getting access to the house.”
He lifted her chin, a grin on his lips. “Addie, did you accidentally on purpose leave the lamp there to give you an excuse to go back tomorrow?”
“I didn’t think it would fit into your car.” She couldn’t keep a poker face around him and surrendered to a rather cheeky grin.
“You’re probably right about that, but you’re forgetting one important thing: We made plans last week with Serena and Zach for tomorrow.”
“I forgot. We’re meeting them for lunch, then going on that tour of the new dock and information center for the cruise line.”
“Exactly, and there is no way you’re going to be able to convince Serena to take a walk through a house she’s terrified of. I’m surprised she even went to the sale with you today.”
“It did take some convincing, and I did have to promise her she wouldn’t have to go in.”
“There, you see? The urgency of investigating is gone now since the charges against you have been dropped. Now you’re only investigating because you’re like—”