he has a negative view of Margo. He’s mostly positive about Alison Gregory. He’s grateful for Alison’s kindness to his wife and he admires Alison’s success, but he said she blocked the establishment of a competing gallery by a friend of his. Alison persuaded the financial backers to pull out. Paul shook his head, said she might have been smarter to welcome a new gallery, the-more-the-merrier philosophy of the big chains when they build across the street from each other. Paul said he understood Alison’s dependence upon Evelyn Hume as a primary customer, but her cultivation of Evelyn sometimes seemed excessive.”
I didn’t find Alison’s focus on Evelyn surprising. Possibly not completely admirable, but definitely not surprising. “If we checked the provenance of artworks purchased by Evelyn, I imagine many of them were provided by Alison.”
Kay looked indifferent. “Jack had a list. We can probably check and see, but I don’t think it would tell us anything. Anyway, Alison is smart, aggressive, and plenty tough beneath the charm. Although I don’t find her all that charming.”
I laughed. “Of course you don’t. You’ve never fawned over anyone in your life.”
“Thanks.”
I was glad that she cared what I thought of her. That was definitely a step forward.
“However, speaking of fawning—”
Two minds that worked as one. I nodded. “Laverne and Ronald Phillips.”
“Scum. That’s how Paul sees them.” Her face furrowed. “Diane’s their golden goose.”
“There’s a seance tonight?” I spoke with distaste.
“Every Wednesday at eight in the library. Diane told me all about it. Breathlessly. I’ve heard what James says and how happy he is to be with her.” Kay shook her head. “Poor Diane. She’s easy pickings for the Phillipses.”
“Who attends?”
“Diane and Laverne. As you would imagine, Jimmy thinks it’s all nuts and Evelyn has no patience with the supernatural.” Kay abruptly looked gleeful. “It would be a hoot to introduce you to Evelyn as my ghost-in-chief. She’s so arrogantly in command. I’d like to see her in a situation she couldn’t control. Come on, Bailey Ruth, how about it?”
I was appalled. “Precepts One, Three, Four, Five, Six, and Seven. I would be drummed out of the department.”
“Okay, okay. No need to get hot and bothered.” Her eyes crinkled as she smiled. “Why do you ask? Do you want to attend? No problem. Disappear and go.” Once again, her eyes held a wicked gleam. “Hey, you could add a spot if excitement. You—” She broke off. “Have I said something unacceptable? You don’t look amused.”
“Remember”—I knew I sounded uncommonly serious—“those who are alive must not seek to contact those who are dead. That way lies evil. If Heaven, as in your case, sends a spirit to you, that is for good.”
Kay reached out, patted my arm. “I got it. Not a two-way street. I’m sorry. Your fur is definitely ruffled. I apologize. We’ll ignore any and all seances.”
That was my definite intent. “Diane is too transparent to be discreet. We can easily find out what happens tonight. I’m sure Ronald Phillips has some mischief in mind. He said, ‘The Great Spirit’s going to put on a good show.’ He told Laverne he had a few more things to find out, then he asked if this was Diane’s afternoon with James. What did he mean?”
“James died at four o’clock on a Wednesday. Every week at that time, Diane takes fresh flowers to the cemetery.”
“Ronald told Laverne to meet Diane there.”
Kay’s gaze narrowed. “You make that sound sinister.”
“I think it is.” I glanced at the clock. It was five minutes to four.
I started to disappear, stopped.
Kay’s eyes widened. “Don’t be half here. That’s too spooky for words.”
I swirled back. “I’m off to the cemetery. I may be able to find out what Ronald is planning. While I’m gone, lock your door”—I pointed toward the hall door—“and stay put until I return.”
“You may be ghost-in-chief.” Her voice had its familiar acerbic tone. “You are not nanny-in-chief.”
I looked at her sternly. “It may seem far in the past, but less than twenty-four hours ago you escaped death because I pushed you to safety.”
“So I’m appreciative.” Kay was impatient. “Take my thanks as a given. I’m also not stupid. I’ll be careful. I’ve been thinking about Alison Gregory. It still doesn’t ring true to me that Jack talked to her about Evelyn. So, if that wasn’t the subject, what was? I’ll drop by the gallery, tell her I found some enigmatic notes about her and that guy out at the college.” She looked at me inquiringly.
I shook my head. “Your plan is good. Your timing is not. Tomorrow I’ll go with you.”
“What do I do in the meantime?”
I gave her an encouraging smile. “Cultivate patience. As Charlie Chan advised, ‘Anxious man hurries too fast— often stubs big toe.’”
“He also said”—Kay’s eyes glinted—“‘Hours are happiest when hands are busiest.’”
“Very true.”
Her eyes lighted.
I shook my head. There would be no wanderer’s blessing from me. “You’re extremely smart, Kay.” Praise worked wonders when I taught English and generous comments smoothed my path in the mayor’s office. “You’ve found out everything possible about Jack’s last few days. Going back to the well won’t accomplish anything.
