In Like Flynn (Molly Murphy Mysteries, #4)

I nodded silently.

“Well, dear me,” she went on, putting her hand to her ample bosom, “this changes everything. I was planning to have dancing tonight, but it wouldn't berightnow, would it?” She looked across in the direction of Adare. “And what about the croquet? Do you think I should stop them from playing?”

“I am sure Senator Flynn wouldn't expect your house to go into mourning, as long as no loud music comes in our direction,” I said. “You do have guests, after all, and they will expect to be entertained.”

“How thoughtful you are, my dear.” She smiled at me. “And how kindtocome all this way to tell us the news.”

I flushed with guilt as my motive had not been at all unselfish. “I wondered—” I stammered, “if I could possibly use your telephone? Senator Flynn is busy in his office and I didn't like to disturb him, but I do have a very important call to make.”

“But of course,” she said. “Come this way. And afterward you must at least come and meet my guests and have a glass of lemonade with us.”

“You're most kind.“ I followed her into the house and was led to the telephone in the master’s study. I fervently hoped that she wouldn't stand behind me listening, but she was tact itself and dosed the door behind her. I picked up the receiver and asked the operator to connect me to police headquarters in New York City. No, I didn't know the number, but it must be one that she could find out easily. She did and soon came on to say that I was connected and could go ahead.

“I'd like to speak with Captain Daniel Sullivan,” I said. “It’s very urgent.”

“Captain Sullivan? Hold the line please.” 1 heard a muffled conversation, then the voice came back on the line again. “Captain Sullivan is off duty today. Would you like to speak to one of the other officers, or the sergeant on duty?”

“No, thank you,” I mumbled. “You don't happen to know if Captain Sullivan is at home, do you?”

“I'm just an ordinary constable, miss. He don't keep me informed of his social engagements.” He ended with a chuckle. “But there are plenty of other officers here who could help you if it’s urgent.”

“No. No, thank you.” I hung up and dialed his home number. It rang and rang. I put back the receiver and stared at it for a long moment. Tears of frustration welled up in my eyes. I had counted so much on being able to talk to Daniel and now I'd have to wait until he came to rescue me. I would have to go back to a house where there was at least one murderer present. I supposed it was possible that the person who pushed Margie McAlister to her death was not the one who administered an overdose of sleeping powders to Theresa Flynn, but that really did seem like a surfeit of murderers in one location. Besides, in my limited experience one murder inevitably led to another.

I had just put down the telephone into its cradle when the study door opened. Justin Hartley came in and shut the door be-hind him.

“Finally we're alone, Molly Murphy,” he said.

“Really, Mr. Hartley, we've just experienced a great tragedy at Adare and I'm in no mood for your extraordinary games,” I said. “Now please stand aside and open this door before I start yelling.”

“I wouldn't do that, if I were you,” he said. “I don't want to upset my hosts by summoning the police to their residence, but I will if I have to.” He moved toward me. “I must say, Molly Murphy, that I'm most impressed with your transformation. Quite the elegant lady, aren't we? I knew my mother made a mistake when she educated you with my sisters. I told her it would lead to nothing but trouble and it has.”

“I can take your nonsense no longer,” I said and went to push past him. He grabbed my arm and spun me around.

“I can prove that you are not the Senator’s cousin,” he said, “but a peasant girl from Connemara. A peasant girl who tried to kill me.”

He has written to Ireland, I thought, and he saw thefearflash across my face. I was furious with myself immediately, but it was too late. “And how can you prove it?” I asked.

“Molly Murphy had a little scar on the side of her neck. She got it from falling out of a tree on our estate. I noticed it the other day when you were fanning yourself with your hat. So I no longer have even a shadow of doubt.” He was gloating. “I must say you've playeda good game, Molly. Quite impressive. I like a woman with spunk. In fact, if circumstances were different, I mightfindmyself quite attracted to you.”

“I, on the other hand, would not be attracted to you if you were the last man on earth,” I said. “Now let go of me this instant. My relatives are waiting for me at Adare.”