In Death Collection: Books 30-32 Read Online Free PDF

partner, Detective Peabody.”
    â€œGolly.” Though the smile remained, it edged toward puzzled. “Is somebody in trouble about something?”
    â€œYou could say that.” She gestured to Peabody to close the door. Like the walls, it was glass, but at least it cut some of the noise. “Would you turn off that screen?”
    â€œOkay. Am I in trouble about something? Oh shit, did Mongo get on the ‘link? I didn’t get home last night, but my droid’s supposed to look after him. I—”
    â€œWho’s Mongo?”
    â€œMy parrot. He’s a good boy, but he likes to access the ‘link for cranks.”
    â€œIt’s not about your parrot. It concerns Bart Minnock.”
    â€œBart? Bart’s in trouble? That explains why I can’t reach him. But Bart wouldn’t do anything illegal. Does he need a lawyer? Should I ...” Something crossed his face—a new kind of puzzlement, and the first shadows of fear. “Is he hurt? Was there an accident?”
    â€œI’m sorry to have to tell you Mr. Minnock was murdered yesterday.”
    â€œOh come on!” Quicksilver anger replaced the fear. “He was here yesterday. This isn’t funny. Bart knows I cruise a joke as much as anybody, but this isn’t chuckle.”
    â€œIt’s not a joke, Mr. Leman,” Peabody said gently. “Mr. Minnock was killed late yesterday afternoon in his home.”
    â€œNuh-uh.” The childish denial came out poignantly as tears sheened deep, dark eyes. Benny took one stumbling step back, then simply sat on the floor. “No. Not Bart. No.”
    To keep their faces level, Eve crouched. “I’m very sorry for your loss, and I understand this is a shock, but we need to ask you some questions.”
    â€œIn his apartment? But he has security. He has good security. He’s too trusting. Did he let someone in? I don’t understand.” He looked at her pleadingly as tears streamed down his cheeks. “Are you sure? Are you positive?”
    â€œYes. Do you know someone who’d want to hurt him?”
    â€œNot Bart.” Benny shook his head. “Not Bart. How? How is he dead?”
    She wanted to wait on the details. “When did you last see him or have contact with him?”
    â€œHe left early yesterday. I’m not sure. About four, maybe. He had a date with CeeCee. His girl. And he had some things he wanted to do at home. He was really happy.” He grabbed Eve’s hand. “CeeCee? Is she hurt? Is she okay?”
    â€œYes, she’s fine. She wasn’t there.”
    On a ragged breath, Benny closed his eyes. “No, that’s right. He was going to her place, for dinner.” He scrubbed his hands over his cheeks, then just left his face buried in them. “I don’t know what to do.”
    â€œWas he having any trouble here, with the company, with employees?”
    â€œNo. No. Things are good. Really good. It’s a happy place. Bart runs a happy place.”
    â€œWhat about competitors?”
    â€œNothing, really. Some try to hack in, or try to get a weasel inside. That’s just the way it is. It’s kind of like another game. Bart’s careful. We’re all careful. We have good security. We screen and delouse and realign regularly.”
    The door opened. Eve glanced back to see a stunning Asian woman with black hair tied at her nape to fall straight to her waist. Her eyes glowed cat green in her fine-boned face.
    â€œBens, what the hell? I’m piled up by six, and you’re ... What’s wrong?” She rushed in to drop by his side. “What happened?”
    â€œIt’s Bart, Cilly, it’s Bart. He’s dead.”
    â€œOh, don’t be stupid.” She slapped his arm, started to rise again, but he grabbed her hand.
    â€œCilly, it’s true. These are the police.”
    â€œWhat are you talking about?” Her reaction Eve gauged as insult as