Free Ming Tea Murder by Laura Childs Page B

nutshell.”
    â€œI have some news for you,” said Theodosia. She quickly filled him in on her visit with Charlotte Webster and Roger Greaves, and what she perceived as a seemingly cozy and questionable relationship.
    Max listened carefully.
    â€œOh, and there’s something else,” said Theodosia. “Webster was opposed to Greaves taking Datrex public with an IPO. But now, with Webster dead, there’s nothing to stand in the way.”
    â€œWow,” said Max, when she’d finally finished. “All this information leaves me a little breathless.”
    â€œI haven’t even gotten to Cecily Conrad,” said Theodosia.
    â€œThe woman you mentioned this morning,” said Max. “The one who was having the torrid affair with Webster.”
    â€œWe’ve got to throw that little temptress into the mix as a possible suspect, too.”
    â€œSo now we have three suspects. Each with a possible motive.”
    â€œA lot to think about,” said Theodosia.
    â€œHow much do you know about Cecily Conrad?” asked Max.
    â€œNot that much. Just that she’s the proud owner of Pine Nut Décor and Custom Furniture.”
    â€œOkay.”
    â€œAnd, of course, Edgar Webster gave Cecily the money to open her store. I’d guess we’re talking six months’ rent, as well as money for interior renovation and decorating, fixtures, a complete inventory, custom woodworking shop . . . well, you name it. And the crazy thing is, I found out there was never any agreement in writing.”
    Max was listening carefully. “So now that Webster is dead, Cecily doesn’t have to pay the money back.”
    Theodosia aimed an index finger at him. “Bingo.”
    â€œTheo,” said Max, “you’re getting that funny look in your eyes. You’re leaning toward Cecily, aren’t you? You think Cecily Conrad murdered Edgar Webster.”
    â€œThinking is a long way from knowing.”
    â€œAnd you got most of this information from Delaine?”
    â€œAnd I picked up a smattering from Roger Greaves,” said Theodosia. “Who also had a serious motive to get rid of Webster.”
    â€œIt seems like Delaine has the 411 on everybody.”
    â€œTelegraph, telephone, tell Delaine. Although, she’s probably got her own podcast by now. And has raked in even more information since we talked this morning.”
    â€œYou think it’s worth calling her again? See if she’s picked up anything new?”
    â€œI suppose I could give her a ring.”
    â€œI’d appreciate it,” said Max. “Especially since my neck is on the line here.”
    Theodosia pulled her cell phone from her bag and hastily punched in Delaine’s number.
    â€œHello?” came a squawky, tremulous voice. Theodosia figured it had to be Aunt Astra.
    â€œIs Delaine there?”
    â€œWho wants to know?” Harsher now. Definitely Aunt Astra.
    â€œIt’s her friend Theodosia.”
    â€œHold.”
    When Delaine came on the line, Theodosia said, “Is Aunt Acid always that testy?”
    â€œI warned you. Battery acid runs in that woman’s veins.”
    â€œIn that case, I hope you
can
pawn her off on one of your other relatives.”
    â€œI’m working on it, Theo, believe me. And while I have you on the phone, I want to remind you about the Hunt and Gather Market this Tuesday.”
    â€œThe what?”
    â€œHunt and Gather Market,” said Delaine. “Theo, don’t tell me you forgot!”
    â€œI . . .”
    â€œYou
guaranteed
me that the Indigo Tea Shop would have a table. In fact, I reserved one for you. I’m the chairwoman, don’t you remember?”
    â€œI guess it kind of slipped my mind.”
    Delaine released an unhappy-sounding sigh. “I thought that’s why you might be calling.”
    â€œI was actually wondering if you’d picked up any more