Free Dead Hunt by Beverly Connor

Kendel?’’
‘‘I don’t understand either,’’ said Harvey Phelps, a slight laugh barely escaping his throat. ‘‘My wife and I saw Richard the Third in Atlanta last year at the Fox. I can’t really see how that’s going to give her any moral support whatsoever—if that’s the aim.’’
Diane hesitated a moment. She stood and gathered the magazines and the newspaper from the table, grateful for the nice opening that Laura gave her for another attempt to make them understand. self-deprecating grin. ‘‘You computer salesman. You’re
‘‘You have to keep in mind that Shakespeare’s play was fiction based on an unclear history. There’s historical evidence to support Richard’s innocence. Many believe it was Henry Tudor, Richard’s conqueror, who had the princes killed. Richard wasn’t blamed for it until about a hundred years after his death.’’
‘‘I can see where that’s the ultimate cold case . . . but for supporting Dr. Williams?’’ began Kenneth. ‘‘I mean, why a long-dead king? I don’t get it.’’
‘‘Richard was loved by his subjects,’’ said Diane. ‘‘His reign wasn’t long, but in his short time he instituted judicial and legal reforms that we still hold sacred today. He established bail for everyone, not just the wealthy. He outlawed seizure of property before an accused was convicted. He reformed the jury system so that a verdict could not be bought. And he told his judges to dispense justice equally to all classes. Underlying all of his judicial reforms was the revolutionary concept of the presumption of innocence —a gift he was denied by history, but one the staff intends to give to Kendel.’’
Diane paused a moment, gratified to see many of them frowning again. ‘‘There are books in the library on his reign if you are interested. Now, I need to get back. Madge, you need to come with me. David will want to interview you.’’
‘‘Me? Why?’’ Madge scooted back in her chair as if afraid Diane was going to hit her.
‘‘We need to find out who is behind this,’’ said Diane.
‘‘But . . . I don’t know. The reporter didn’t tell me,’’ insisted Madge.
‘‘There may be something in the way she asked the questions that could give us a clue. It won’t take long and you need to help solve this.’’
‘‘But I really don’t want to take the chance of running into Miss Williams,’’ said Madge.
‘‘Really?’’ said Diane. ‘‘I would have thought you would welcome the opportunity to apologize to Dr. Williams.’’
Barclay cleared his throat. ‘‘If there’s any chance that Dr. Williams might take action,’’ he said to Madge, ‘‘it might not be a good idea to apologize to her. It would be an admission.’’
‘‘Indeed,’’ said Diane, eying them both. ‘‘Well, I’ll leave that to you and your conscience. However, I do need you to speak with David, Madge.’’
‘‘I’ll go with you,’’ said Vanessa. ‘‘I certainly need to say something to Kendel.’’ She turned to Diane. Her lips curved up almost to a smile. ‘‘I would say that I know how difficult this meeting was for you, but I don’t think it was.’’
Diane smiled back at her. ‘‘All in a day’s work.’’
The board members began to drift out of the room. Diane made for the door, escaping with them. Vanessa walked ahead with Madge. Diane had the feeling that Madge would like to break loose at the first opportunity.
‘‘You know,’’ said Laura when Madge and Vanessa were out of hearing, ‘‘it’s our fault. We don’t take Madge seriously at all. It’s no wonder she would confide in someone who said they valued her opinion.’’
‘‘She’s an adult,’’ said Diane. ‘‘And she is not stupid. I think none of her friends or relatives have ever held her accountable for anything.’’
Laura looked at Diane. ‘‘That’s rather harsh. She may have lived a sheltered life, but—’’
‘‘You don’t have a sympathetic listener