Edison Effect, The: A Professor Bradshaw Mystery (The Edison Effect) Read Online Free PDF Page B

who changes out lamps, cleans the globes, and trims the arcs, and a skilled man, who troubleshoots and handles major repairs. Professor, from what I saw, I know you’re looking for whoever threw that special switch in the cabinet and energized that wire when it was exposed in Doyle’s hands. I know you’ll be wanting to know pertinent facts. Doyle worked hard and was respected as an electrician. I was not his friend, nor were the others, but there was no dislike between us. I’d say it was a matter of having no common interests, other than electricity. I was home with my wife all last night. Her parents are visiting for the holidays, they can attest to that.”
    O’Brien jotted down names and addresses in his little notebook.
    “My apprentice works from ten in the morning until eight at night, and he is staying at the YMCA. My skilled man has been in Portland since last Monday. His mother passed away. He’s due back tomorrow.”
    More names and information went into O’Brien’s notebook. He gave Bradshaw a look that said he wished everyone were so easily interviewed.
    Bradshaw said, “Thank you, Mr. Andrews. If you think of anything else, let me know.”
    “I will.” He closed the panel door and said, “If you’re done examining the window downstairs, we’re safe to turn the lights on.”
    “As soon as the scene has been cleared,” said O’Brien, who took charge of removing Doyle’s body to the morgue. A few minutes later, the store and show windows erupted in light. A cheer sounded outside, but the employees within, who were aware of the cause of the delay, simply hurried to their positions.
    Bradshaw and O’Brien fought the tidal surge of incoming shoppers and finally gained the street, turning toward Yesler and police headquarters, hunched into their coats against the cold wet wind.
    “Notebook’s shut up in my pocket, Ben. What didn’t you say back there?”
    Bradshaw didn’t answer immediately. In another half block, he stopped, facing the new brick home of the Seattle Tent Factory.
    O’Brien shook his head and implored with a whine that would have done Justin proud, “Not with Christmas coming. Make it a simple accident, Ben. Or at least keep it inside the Bon. Lorraine will kill me if I miss another holiday.”
    “Vernon Doyle worked here in the spring of 1901 with Oscar Daulton. He was here the day the old factory burned to the ground.”
    “Well, that’s just a coincidence, not a connection.”
    “I spoke with Mr. Doyle after Daulton’s arrest and he told me all he knew about Daulton, which was very little.”
    “See there, you’re worrying for nothing.”
    “After Thomas Edison paid me a visit, Doyle began saying he knew the secret to Daulton’s invention. Not to me. I did not socialize with the man, but to others in the electrical trade. Gossip of that sort spreads.”
    “Son of a—is it true?”
    “Does it matter?”
    “Aah, Ben. The notebook’s gotta come out of my pocket.”
    “I know, but it’s not my fault. Blame the Wizard of Menlo Park.”

Chapter Four
    “We hanged Oscar Daulton two years ago,” Chief Sullivan said after hearing Bradshaw explain the possible connection between the death of the Bon Marché’s electrician and the young man convicted and executed for murder. “And you’re telling me he’s still causing trouble?”
    “It’s the search for his lost invention that may be to blame. As I said, it’s only one theory, but one I feel must be explored.”
    “It’s out in the bay, isn’t it? Didn’t you chase Daulton onto a ferry?”
    “I did.”
    Sullivan scowled, but Bradshaw felt no need to defend himself. He might help the police, but he didn’t play the games of power that at times crippled the department. His single-minded goal was to find the truth of the matter. His methods would not be swayed by police or city politics. Rumors were flying that Mayor Humes might soon give Sullivan’s job to a new man, and an upcoming mayoral election had