Free The Maestro (Cold Hollow Mysteries Book 3) by Emilie J. Howard Page B

knew it wouldn’t be long. When he returned, she didn’t hesitate. She sipped her tea and blurted out. “I want to flatten the tires of Reginald Denning’s car. Then I want him to cut himself on a water glass at my restaurant so I can grab his fingerprints and get a blood sample.”
    Maurice’s hands were laced before him atop the table. “And what would you do with said blood sample and fingerprints?”
    She shrugged. “I didn’t think that far ahead, but I know the FBI has a database with DNA and prints in it. I assumed they’d help.”
    Maurice chuckled and elbowed Adam. “Isn’t she adorable?”
    Adam wore a million-dollar smile. “She sure is, boss.”
    Maurice held the amused expression on his face and asked, “Why is this poor Reginald fellow so important to you?”
    “One of our town residents, Tilly Hughes, was found dead along the hiking trails when you arrived. She was only a young girl, perhaps sixteen. Reginald is the only new arrival in town, and although the chief did a preliminary background check, I believe he’s guilty and hiding a great deal from us.”
    Tom grabbed her arm and squeezed it in surprise. He hadn’t heard the news about Tilly yet.
    Maurice readjusted himself in his seat. “Why do you believe he’s guilty?”
    “I don’t like his charming smile.”
    Maurice sat back, snickering, and Adam hadn’t stopped chuckling. Adam choked out, “I told ya, boss, there’s something about redheads.”
    Maurice patted Adam’s hand and leaned forward, serious again. “We do not involve the FBI in anything, darling. You don’t want the attention, trust me. As far as the tires and blood sample, leave that to us. I will leave you to handle a method to get his fingerprints.”
    “How are you going to get a blood sample?”
    “Does Reginald eat breakfast at the bakery each morning?”
    “Yes, he has since he arrived in town.”
    Maurice sighed, as though he was tiring of explaining himself. “While at the farm today, I noticed the bees are still buzzing about. Now, when dear unfortunate Reginald shows up at the bakery in the morning, he will receive a nasty bee sting. We will be there to take care of it. Delilah will be there as a distraction. You obtain his fingerprints, and we will take care of the rest. I have associates who will run the blood sample and prints. I simply need to notify them and have them fax us the information we require. Do you have a fax machine?”
    Myrna nodded and reached for her pocketbook. She found a small pad and pen and scratched out the number for him. As she was about to slide it to him, she asked, “How will we get the prints and blood sample to your connections? What about flattening his tires? I don’t want him leaving town.”
    Maurice smiled. “I will have the samples delivered overnight express. Adam will see to the tires before dawn. What is his address?” Myrna wrote down the address and slid the paper to him.
    As Maurice examined the paper, he asked, “One more thing, Myrna. I realize you are aware of my son’s dark side. I also realize he recently killed two women who lived in this town. I’d like to know how you feel about that.”
    Myrna swallowed hard and said, “We all have a dark side. Tom was able to keep his at bay for over ten years. Who was I to judge him? I am not leaving his side. Tom and I have made an agreement and we’re sticking with it.”
    “And this agreement is?”
    Myrna smiled at Tom as she answered, “He promised to inform me immediately if and when he feels his dark side rising again. If it ever does, we will handle it together as a team.”
    Tom smiled back at Myrna and added, “I don’t think it will rise again, Father. I never thought myself capable of love, but I’ve learned differently.”
    Maurice stood and declared, “Well, today has been quite productive, and I’m happy to have met my extended family. It is my understanding we are going to be busy right up until the wedding.” He rubbed his hands