Free A Devious Lot (Antiques & Collectibles Mysteries Book 5) by Ellery Adams, Parker Riggs

enough reasons to hate Tiffany, especially if that stalking story is true. Maybe she broke into Tiffany’s cottage and poisoned her tea.”
    “I would love to ask her,” he said, “but it seems Penelope is missing.”
    Molly was stunned. “Missing? Since when?”
    “Shortly after the party, she drove off,” he said. “Giles told me she was upset with him for giving into Tiffany about buying the brooch. She’s not answering her phone, and he has no idea where she’s gone. Her cell phone carrier can’t ping her location, so she’s either destroyed the phone or turned it off. I’ve alerted law enforcement to be on the lookout for her and her vehicle, and we’re monitoring her credit cards and bank accounts, but so far, nothing. It’s like she dropped off the face of the earth.”
    “Does Giles realize how bad this looks for her?”
    “I suppose he does. It could explain why he’s pushing a suicide angle. If Tiffany killed herself, Penelope couldn’t have done it.”
    “Suicide makes no sense,” Molly said. “Why would she bother buying the sandwich at the pub, and eating it, if all she had to do was drink poisoned tea?”
    “I agree, it makes little sense,” Boyle said. He leaned back in his chair. “I did a little checking up on you. I went to your magazine’s website and read your articles about the homicide investigations you were involved in. It’s apparent you have a talent for talking to people. Not everyone does, you know. In my line of business, it’s an essential tool. People are often uncomfortable around the police. Sometimes it’s easier for them to open up to an outsider.” He paused. “I wonder if you’d consider assisting me, by keeping your eyes and ears open, and perhaps talking to a few people.”
    “Like who?”
    “Giles, for one,” he said. “He became evasive when I tried to talk to him about his relationship with Tiffany. You might have better luck getting him to open up.” He glanced at his watch. “Oh, my, look at the time. I’ll be late getting home, and I do want to stop by the Lion’s Head Pub and talk to Troy Stanton.” He got up and buttoned his jacket. “I’ll text you later and let you know how it goes with Troy. He could be another person I’d like you to follow up with.”
    Molly was slightly amused. She hadn’t agreed to do anything, and Inspector Boyle was already acting like she was on board. “I’m not sure I can help you,” she said. “Matt and I are flying home in a few days.”
    “It shouldn’t take much time, probably only a day or two.”
    He was persuasive, but Molly hesitated. If she said yes, she’d be getting involved in another murder investigation. She thought about asking Matt his opinion, but knew what he would say. He wouldn’t be thrilled, but he’d leave the decision up to her.
    “Okay, I’ll do it,” she said. “But don’t expect too much.”

Chapter 6
     
    Later that evening, Molly snuggled with Matt on the sofa as they watched a British comedy show. Tessa had gone to bed, and the volume on the TV was low. Her phone binged, and she looked at the screen.
    “It’s a text from Boyle,” she said. She read the message. “He says he talked to Troy and he’d like me to talk to him again tomorrow.”
    “I think I should go with you,” he said. “I don’t like the idea of you going alone.”
    “I’ll only talk to them in a public place,” she said. “Giles at Bits & Pieces, and Troy at the Lion’s Head Pub. You don’t have to worry.”
    “You know what I’m really worried about? Leaving Tessa in a few days. I hate leaving her here with a killer on the loose.”
    “What can we do? Get her an alarm system?”
    “Actually, now that you ask, I’ve got an idea. Or I should say, it’s more like a proposal.”
    Molly grinned. “You proposed already, remember?” She fluttered her wedding ring at him. “Or did you forget we got married?”
    “I haven’t forgotten.” He pulled her closer and she rested her