Free Puzzled to Death by Parnell Hall Page A

puzzle?”
    Harvey Beerbaum frowned, but Iris Cooper said, “That’s not a bad idea. We introduce it as a fun puzzle from the pros to do as a warm-up.”
    “Are you sure this tournament is even happening?” a committee member put in dubiously. “I heard a rumor the police were going to close us down. On account of the killing, I mean.”
    “Well, they’re not going to,” Iris Cooper declared. “We’ve already taken in our entrance fees. We’ve got a nice chunk of money to give to charity.” She cleared her throat. “And as far as the charity’s concerned, I looked into the Children’s Placement Fund. They’re a dedicated group of concerned citizens, and they do good work. And we’re damn proud to be giving money to them, and that is our official position. I note this morning the pickets are gone. I assume that is a side effect of yesterday’s unfortunate tragedy. Not that I want to profit from that poor woman’s death, but I would hope the pickets are still gone tomorrow when everyone arrives. Now, let’s see how our committees have worked out.”
    As Iris Cooper began to deal with the committee members, Cora Felton stole out into the audience and slipped into the chair next to Sherry.
    “He’s on to me!” Cora hissed it out of the side of her mouth like a gangster.
    “What in the world are you talking about?” Sherry said.
    “Beerbaum. Weren’t you listening? His little demonstration? I told you so. He’s trying to show me up.”
    “No, he’s not. Didn’t you see how fast he dropped the idea?”
    “Only because I suggested the celebrities donate puzzles. Well, that’s fine for now. What if I can’t come up with a bright idea next time?”
    “Cool it. We got company,” Sherry warned.
    Chief Harper slid into the seat next to Cora.
    “What are you doing here?” Cora asked. “Don’t tell me you’ve solved the crime?”
    “No, I haven’t. And just where were you last night?”
    “Oh.”
    “Yeah. Oh,” Chief Harper mimicked. “You can wipe that innocent smirk off your face. Did you think I wouldn’t find out? Tell me, did you have a nice time at the Rainbow Room last night?”
    “Their drinks are a little skimpy.”
    “Is that so? By any chance do you recall a conversation we had a little earlier in the day?”
    “What conversation might that be?”
    “The one where I told you to butt out of my case.”
    “Oh, I doubt if you phrased it like that, Chief. I’ve always found you to be a perfect gentleman.”
    “That assessment may change,” Chief Harper said sourly. “Didn’t I tell you in no uncertain terms to keep your nose out of the Judy Vale murder?”
    “Not that I recall.”
    “Well, perhaps your niece will bear me out here. She happened to be party to the conversation. Miss Carter, would you care to refresh your aunt’s recollection?”
    Sherry smiled. “I would if I thought it would do any good. But I’m afraid you’re about to take one on the chin, Chief.”
    Chief Harper frowned. “What’s she talking about?” he demanded of Cora.
    Cora shrugged. “You bawled me out for going to Joey Vale’s house, so I promised to stay away from the crime scene. But that’s
all
I promised.”
    “You knew very well what I meant.”
    “Intent is tough to prove. Even in a court of law. When it’s your
own
intent—or what’s worse, when it’s someone’s
perception
of your intent—”
    “Spare me,” Chief Harper snapped. “Anyway, I trust you got nowhere. Other than confirming Joey Vale’s alibi.”
    “On the contrary,” Cora said cheerfully. “I came up with several ways Joey Vale could have committed the crime.”
    “Aunt Cora …” Sherry warned, but Cora waved her away and proceeded to tell Chief Harper the theories she’d outlined for her niece the night before.
    As he listened, Chief Harper’s scowl became a glower. “Fantastic. Absolutely fantastic. Did you read that in some mystery book? That’s the only place that kind of thing happens, in