1 A Motive for Murder Read Online Free PDF

Cambridge, I think it was."
    "Oh yes, the Cambridge University Library. They have a wonderful collection of rare and antiquarian books. Such a shame about that book. Beth told me she thought she had given it to them intact, but then they called her and said it was missing a page. She was most upset about that. Beth searched through her husband's notes, everywhere, but couldn't find the page."
    Douglas stood and walked over to the window. "Old Edgar was eccentric," he continued, "and Beth was worried that he may have taken out the page for further study. He used to read up on Arthur Edward Waite according to Beth, and had a collection of notes on arcane symbols. She told me that he would've put the page somewhere safe, but she couldn't think where. I think that contributed to her death, as she was more worried about it day by day. If you find it, please contact the Library immediately."
    I stood up and walked over to the window to see what Douglas had been staring at. The street was full of cars, but I couldn't make out anything interesting. I turned to Douglas. "Oh yes, I will, but if Aunt Beth couldn't find it, I doubt I will be able to."
    Douglas walked back to his seat and sat down. "Your aunt's eyesight was failing, and often she would tell me she couldn't find something when it was on the table right in front of her." His manner was dismissive.
    I felt a little uneasy by his manner. Although he acted relaxed, there was clearly an underlying tension. Something didn't quite add up. "I can have a look around at nights as I'll be out most days working."
    "You're working?" He raised one black eyebrow and focused his entire attention on me.
    "Yes, but not officially - don't tell the British government!" I smiled. "I'm a journalist and have to do lot of stories while I'm here."
    "What kind of stories?"
    I was hoping he wouldn't ask. I always dreaded that question at parties. People generally have a low opinion of the level of journalism in paranormal magazines. "I have to do articles on the Hellfire Caves, and," I hesitated, "other paranormal spots in the area."
    He didn't seem the slightest bit surprised. "How do you expect to get there?"
    "Aunt Beth's car. I got an International License before I left Australia."
    Douglas leaned forward from the comfort of his chair. "Misty, that car doesn't go. Beth hasn't driven it for years. I have some free time over the next fortnight or so; allow me to drive you around and be your tour guide. I know the Hellfire Caves well and lots of other such sites."
    "Oh, I couldn't impose," I blurted unwisely, before realizing that this was my only real option unless I went to the huge expense of hiring a car. Aunt Beth had offered me her car to drive; I had no idea she had been wrong about its working state.
    "I insist," Douglas said, leaning forward and clasping my hand in his, yet again. "It's the least I can do for Beth."
    I smiled. Tingles ran all down my spine. There was certainly a spark between us, at least from my side. I wasn't used to men finding me attractive these days; Steve had done everything he could to knock my self esteem down to a seriously low level, but I was getting my mojo back now. It could be worse - I was to have my own personal chauffeur and tour guide, and, better still, a man who looked like the romance cover model Jimmy Thomas.
    Douglas took my smile as agreement. "Well then, when would you like to start?"
    I shrugged and tried to think. "When would suit you? I'm free to go whenever you are."
    Douglas looked relaxed for the first time since I had met him. "Is tomorrow too soon?"
    I nodded. "Sounds perfect. I need to make a start."
    Douglas stood up and walked over to the window again. He looked out before turning to me. "Where would you like to go first?"
    I tried to make a decision despite the throbbing in my temples, warning of a headache to come. "Well, most of my articles will be on sites in the West Wycombe area, but my editor wants me to do an article on the Green