Free A Pocket Full of Murder by R. J. Anderson Page A

stared at him, disbelieving. Why would her father refuse an advocate? He wasn’t stupid, by any means, but he knew no more about the law than most workingfolk, and he wasn’t eloquent enough to speak for himself in court. There was something strange going on here.
    â€œThen I’ll have to talk to Urias Breck directly,” she said, drawing herself up. “I’m his daughter. Please take me to him right away.”
    She’d hoped boldness might succeed where Annagail’s gentler pleas had failed. But the officer only frowned. “No visitors to the cells today,” he said. “Try again Mendday morning, at the Dern Valley Jail. They should have transferred him there by then.”
    That was three days from now, but the flat line of the Lawkeeper’s mouth warned Isaveth that protesting would make no difference. Defeated, she turned away.
    *  *  *
    â€œWhat was wrong with you back there?” asked Isaveth once she and Quiz were outside. “You said you wanted to help!”
    Quiz caught her arm, urging her down the steps to the sidewalk. “I did help,” he said. “I told you to ask about an advocate.” He glanced uneasily over his shoulder, as though fearing the Keeper Station would pick up its stone skirts and chase after them. “Could we talk about this somewhere else?”
    Isaveth’s lips parted in a soft O. “So that’s why. You were frightened.”
    â€œI wasn’t—”
    â€œHad you met that officer before? Were you afraid he’d recognize you?” She shook free of his grip. “You told Mimmi you’d never been to jail!”
    â€œI haven’t!” He hunched his shoulders. “I’ve just . . . you know . . . come close a couple of times.”
    â€œOnly a couple?”
    Quiz sighed. “All right, I know I wasn’t very helpful, but you were doing fine. Anyway,” he added more cheerfully, “at least now we know when we can talk to your father.”
    â€œYes, but . . .” Isaveth twisted the basket in her hands. “I can’t bear to do nothing while Papa’s awaiting trial. Especially if he doesn’t even have an advocate. Who knows what sort of evidence they’re going to bring against him?”
    â€œWe sure don’t. And probably neither does he.”
    â€œExactly.” Isaveth quickened her stride. “I’m guessing Papa was the last one to see Governor Orien alive, but that can’t be the only reason the Lawkeepers arrested him. There must be something else about the murder that makes them think he did it . . . and that’s what I need to find out.”
    â€œSo we’re going to forget the Lawkeepers and investigate on our own?” Quiz said, catching up to her. “I like that. Where do you want to start?”
    It was a good question. What would Auradia do in a case like this? Well, she was the Lady Justice, so she would have got all the information she needed simply by asking for it. But even so, she always made sure to visit the scene of the crime. . . .
    â€œQuiz,” Isaveth said abruptly, “you’ve read the news-rags. Did they say where Master Orien’s body was found?”
    â€œAt the college. They didn’t say exactly where, but I expect it was in his office.”
    â€œAnd do you know where they took him afterward?”
    â€œWell, if it was murder, they would probably have sent him to the Healer-General for examination,” said Quiz, frowning. Then he whirled on her, his good eye wide. “That’s it! If I could get into the hospital crypt and take a look . . .”
    Isaveth was surprised. “Do you think you can?”
    Quiz bared his teeth in a bleak smile. “Oh, I’m sure I can. One way or another.”
    His usual whimsy had vanished, and it made Isaveth uneasy. She wanted to ask him what he was planning, and what