Or, it suddenly occurred to her, someone had found
Dade’s missing key. But who?
A firefighter, moving clumsily in his bulky safety
suit, entered the living room. “We think everything’s
under control,” he announced, then turned to Joe. “The
fire itself was just about extinguished by the sprinkler
system. But there’s quite a bit of water damage. We’ll
stick around to check things out, but if there’s danger
to the wiring, you’d better think about staying some-
where else for a while. Also, it may take some time for
the investigators to do their job and for the insurance
adjusters to estimate the amount of damage.”
“That’s impossible!” Judith exclaimed. “This is a
bed-and-breakfast establishment! We can’t shut down.
And we certainly aren’t going to move out.”
With regret, the firefighter shook his head. “Sorry,
ma’am. I’m afraid you’ll have to do both. Safety first.”
Before Judith could argue further, the medics appeared on the staircase with Winifred on a gurney with
her eyes closed and an oxygen mask over her face. Vito
was right behind them.
“They’re taking her to the hospital to treat her for
smoke inhalation,” the lawyer announced from the
entry hall, a frown on his usually imperturbable face.
“I don’t get it,” Judith put in, moving with care.
“The fire had just started. There was plenty of smoke,
but not enough to render Ms. Best unconscious. She
wasn’t asleep; she was in her bathrobe lying atop the
bedcovers.”
The medics didn’t respond as they wheeled
Winifred out of the house and disappeared.
Vito started to follow, but Eugenia waylaid him with
a firm hand. “Mrs. Flynn’s right. What’s going on with
Win?”
With a pained expression, Vito leaned down to
whisper in Eugenia’s ear. She gave a start, then
scowled. “The medics told you that? I don’t believe
it!” she snapped, then turned on Judith as Vito exited
the house. “Your cleaning woman knocked Winifred
unconscious!”
“What?” Judith shrieked.
Eugenia shrugged her broad shoulders. “As you say.
Vito is accompanying Win to the hospital. I understand
this wretched house has to be evacuated. Don’t worry,
we’re all but on our way.”
Returning to the living room, Judith began to pace
the floor.
