Free Shadow Waltz by Amy Patricia Meade Page B

Jameson grumbled.
    â€œOh, you’ll like this one,” Creighton prodded. “It may be our best piece of evidence yet.”
    â€œCan we hurry this up?” Jameson snarled.
    â€œOf course,” Heller replied as he lifted the sheet that concealed the piece of evidence in question.
    â€œVeronica Carter’s suitcase,” Jameson stated in astonishment. “Where did you find this?”
    â€œAt the New England Allied Insurance Company,” Marjorie answered. “Under Michael Barnwell’s desk.”
    â€œWhat’s more, the interior of the case is stained with blood,” Creighton added.
    â€œAnd I’ve found that the blood in the case is the same type as that of the victim,” Heller announced.
    â€œLooks like we may win that bet,” Creighton asserted cockily.
    â€œNo one’s winning any bet,” Jameson corrected. “We may have evidence, but we still don’t have a motive. Not for killing Veronica Carter, or for cutting off her hands and feet like he did.”
    â€œI might be able to shed some light there,” Heller intervened. “The blood in the suitcase is consistent with the theory I had discussed with Detective Jameson and Officer Noonan. A theory my lab work has now substantiated.”
    â€œAnd that is?” Marjorie inquired.
    â€œThe hands and feet of the victim were severed and removed at different times—markedly different times. As if the killer removed a hand one day, a foot the next, and so forth. Apart from mental insanity, the only reason I could conceive of for a murderer to do such a thing is as a means of disposing the body.”
    The color drained from Marjorie’s face. “Mrs. Sullivan said Veronica’s latest boyfriend was always carrying a case. She had no idea what was in it …”
    â€œJeezus,” Noonan whispered as he mopped the perspiration from his green-tinged brow. “You mean he was carrying her out in pieces? In her own suitcase?”
    â€œI’m not a detective, but it does fit with the evidence,” Heller explained.
    Jameson removed his hat and ran a hand through his thick, dark brown hair. “We still don’t have a motive.”
    â€œI can probably help with that one too,” Heller offered. “During the autopsy, I made a startling discovery. Veronica Carter was two and a half months pregnant.”
    â€œThat’s a motive all right,” Creighton commented. “Especially if Veronica threatened to tell Elizabeth.”
    â€œOr expected Michael to divorce Elizabeth and marry her,” Marjorie continued.
    â€œNoonan,” Jameson shouted, even though the officer was standing nearby. “Put an APB out on Michael Barnwell. I’m going to tal k to his wife.”
    â€œYou’re not going to tell her about the body and the suitcase are you?” Marjorie asked.
    â€œOf course I am. I have to. Her husband is the prime suspect in a murder investigation. We need to find him and bring him in.”
    â€œBut she doesn’t know where Michael is. That’s why she came to me.”
    â€œThen she has nothing to worry about, does she?”
    â€œWait a minute,” she exclaimed as she grabbed her gloves, hat, and handbag. “Creighton and I are going with you. Elizabeth Barnwell is my client—”
    â€œOur client, darling,” Creighton reminded.
    â€œOur client,” Marjorie amended. “We should be the ones to break the news. Besides, you’re um … well, let’s just say it would go over better coming from someone with a gentle touch.”
    â€œThat’s a heck of a thing coming from Miss Hit-and-Run! ‘Oh Robert, I don’t think we should get married,’” Jameson mimicked. “I’ll have you know I’m quite capable of breaking news gently. A lot better than someone else I know.”
    â€œCare to put your money where your mouth is?” Marjorie dared.
    â€œDo