Free A Season for Killing Blondes by Joanne Guidoccio Page A

over.
    “I’ve had lots of practice. Years and years of it. Now, let’s go back in and break the good news to them.”

Chapter 9
    Henry Keenan had a constipated and ineffectual look about him. It was hard to believe he was the best criminal attorney in Sudbury and a force to be reckoned with in the courtroom. With his untidy mop of white hair, wire-rimmed glasses and rumpled clothes, he could pass for an aging university professor. I wondered if he owned a dark, pinstripe suit. If he didn’t, I would buy one for him. Whoa, I thought. One step at a time. I haven’t been formally accused, and I’m already planning the courtroom scene. I closed my eyes and willed myself back into the present moment.
    Henry spoke in a low monotone, and I had to strain to hear him. “I’ll be checking in with the police. I want to get a full transcript of your initial statement. Try to avoid talking about the murders with the press, friends, and relatives. I’m familiar with the case, but I will need some time to get a firm grasp on your involvement.” He paused and then continued. “Questions?”
    “Will you hire someone to investigate other suspects?”
    Henry peered at me and frowned. “What other suspects?”
    “Anna May Godfrey.”
    “You have proof Anna May Godfrey killed her sister and cousin?” His eyes darkened with annoyance as he raised his voice. “Please share this information with me.”
    “Well, not exactly. I’ve heard a few things about her and her business dealings, and I’ve had a couple of unpleasant encounters with her—”
    “Let me get this straight.” Henry stood up to his full height of over six feet. His eyes fixed on mine. “You want me to conduct a full-fledged investigation of Anna May Godfrey based on hearsay information and your own feelings toward her.”
    He didn’t need a dark pinstripe suit to intimidate anyone. He had a presence and demeanor that could quell all opposition within a radius of one hundred feet. My knees shook as I got up. “Well, I guess when you put it that way—”
    “And what other way is there?” His lips curled into a snarl. “Murder is serious business, and in case you haven’t noticed, this is a law office, not a principal’s office. I don’t deal with idle gossip and cat fights. You may wish to reconsider. No, I’m reconsidering. In all honesty, I don’t think we’re a good match.”
    “Thank you for your time, Henry.” I didn’t bother shaking his hand. I left and headed for my car in the parking lot behind the building. I sat for several minutes and considered my options for the rest of the day. I could take out the Yellow Pages and try to find another lawyer or call Sofia for advice, or I could conduct my own investigation. That last option excited me.
    I needed to take charge and get actively involved. Throughout my teaching years, I had been told my research and organizational skills were exceptional. It was time to put them to work outside the classroom. I leaned over and grabbed the telephone book from the back seat. I flipped to the Investigators section and skimmed through the list. Four of the six listings had 800 numbers. I focused on the remaining two with local numbers. Nickel City Security caught my eye. When I checked the address, I recognized the street. One block behind the ReCareering office. I left the downtown area and headed toward the south end of the city. I decided to drive a bit farther and park in the plaza rather than using the back alley which separated my office from Nickel City Security. Under normal circumstances, it would have made more sense to use the alleyway, but I wasn’t taking any chances. I didn’t want to run into any of the other tenants or anyone else poking around back there. It would be a while before I could walk confidently in that back alley.
    I took my time walking to the office, located at the far end of the plaza. I opened the door to a very untidy and crowded outer office. Boxes were piled on the