Free Ed Lynskey - Isabel and Alma Trumbo 02 - The Cashmere Shroud by Ed Lynskey

on Blaine’s broaching the very topic she wanted to discuss with him. “Where are your firearms for sale?”
    “I keep them locked up over in the new annex.” Blaine hiked his thumb up over his shoulder.
    “ A 12-gauge packs a lot of firepower,” said Sammi Jo. “Did he tell you why he needed to buy so much?”
    Blaine had a noncommittal smile. “We talked, but I don’t remember that coming up. Guys hunt big game like turkeys, deer, and bears.”
    “Did he also buy a hunting license?” Sammi Jo paid Blaine the amount the cash register had rung up.
    “Well, let me see about that now…” Pursing his lips, Blaine froze while he was counting out Sammi Jo’s correct change. “…uh, I guess I’m drawing a blank on that.”
    “ No doubt you are,” said Sammi Jo. “Daddy had no use for killing living things, even for the so-called sport of it.”
    “Hey, don’t go knocking legal hunting,” said Blaine. “Hunters—gals and guys, alike—are among my finest customers.”
    “ So they are,” said Sammi Jo. “My point is Daddy wasn’t picking up the shotgun for bagging an eight-point buck, black bear, or trophy gobbler.”
    “I see what you mean. What reason did he have for buying the Mossberg?”
    Sammi Jo leveled her penetrating eyes on Blaine. “That’s what I was hoping you’d be able to give me a hint about.”
    Blaine finished counting the change into her palm and bagged up each lantern. “I can’t help you beyond what I’ve told you. Your dad was a laconic sort. More than fifty words for him was a speech.”
    “He didn’t go on at length to get across his message,” said Sammi Jo. “But you knew where you stood with him after you heard what he had to say.”
    Blaine bobbed his head. “True enough, that.”
    Isabel asked her question. “Did Ray Burl bring up his job?”
    His eyes gleaming, the animated Blaine nodded. “Now I get it. You ladies are getting back to running your private eye club.”
    “ Business firm, not a club,” said Sammi Jo. “Since we’ve been written up in the newspaper, that’s general knowledge.”
    Blaine leaned his forearms on top of the cash register. “You’re angling to beat Sheriff Fox to the punch to get Ray Burl’s murderer. That would be a feather in your cap, lots of publicity followed by loads of new cha-ching , something I also love hearing.”
    “ Blaine, we’re not trying to drum up business at my late Daddy’s expense,” said Sammi Jo.
    “No, of course, you’re not .” Blaine backpedaled. “But to answer Isabel’s question, he never said how it was going over at Old Man Barclay’s place. Ray Burl gave me a list of what supplies he wanted, and I filled his order.”
    “How did he pass the time while you did that?” asked Alma.
    “He leaned against the counter where you’re standing and watched me. I tried to chat him up like in a game I’d play with him, but he just grunted and shrugged me off.”
    “Did he add any bullets to his order?” asked Isabel.
    “Bullets?” Blaine scratched his stubbly jaw. “For his shotgun?”
    “Isabel asks did he buy any ammo,” said Sammi Jo. “Shells for loading the Mossberg.”
    “ I get you. He bought #00-buckshot. Ten rounds come in each box. Expensive loads, too. The-top-of-the-line I sell my customers. The copper-plated hard alloy pellets give the shooters a smoother discharge.”
    Blaine ’s shotgun smarts failed to wow Sammi Jo since she wasn’t interested in buying one. “But the cheapies blow a hole in the victim’s chest just as big as the expensive shells will do. Am I right about that, Blaine?”
    Isabel and Alma exchanged eye twinkles. Their Sammi Jo demonstrated again how she was a tough and smart cookie.
    “ That would be irrefutable fact,” said Blaine.
    “Then we’re all set by just ascertaining that much,” said Sammi Jo. “But thanks for your in-depth expertise.”
    “I’m happy to give it any time you need it.” Blaine tilted his head at her. His expression