The Seventh Commandment Read Online Free PDF

unexpectedly pudgy, and her diamond rings, Dora estimated, would have kept Mario supplied with prosciutto for two lifetimes.
    "Mrs. Starrett," Dora began, "let me explain why I am here. If your husband had been ill and had, uh, passed away in a hospital, or even at home with a doctor in attendance, there probably would have been no need for our investigating the claim, despite its size. But because his, uh, passing was violent and unexpected, an investigation is necessary to establish the facts of the case."
    Father Callaway seated himself in an armchair facing the two women. "Surely," he said, "an investigation of that horrible crime is a job for the police."
    "Of course it is," Dora agreed. "But right now all they have is a theory as to how and why the homicide was committed. It may or may not be correct. But until the perpetrator is caught, there are unanswered questions we'd like to see cleared up. Mrs. Starrett, I hope I am not upsetting you by talking of your husband's, uh, death."
    "Oh, not at all," she said, almost blithely. "I have made my peace."
    "Olivia is a strong woman," Callaway said.
    "As you said at the service, Father: Faith conquers all."
    "Just a few questions," Dora said. "First of all, can you tell me the whereabouts of family members at the time your husband, uh, passed away?"
    "Now let me see," Mrs. Starrett said, staring at the ceiling. "Earlier that evening the entire family was here, and we were having cocktails and little nibbles. Helene and Turner Pierce stopped by."
    "I was also present, Olivia," Callaway interrupted.
    "Of course you were! Well, we had a few drinks, and then Clayton and Eleanor left to attend a charity affair at the Waldorf. And Felicia had a dinner date, so she left. And then the Pierces."
    "And I left at the same time they did," the Father reminded her. He looked directly at Dora. "I have a small tabernacle on East Twentieth Street-and I like to be present at the evening meal to offer what spiritual solace I can."
    "Tabernacle?" Dora said. "Then you are not Roman Catholic?"
    "No," he said shortly. "I am the founder and pastor of the Church of the Holy Oneness."
    "I see," Dora said, and turned to the widow. "So only you and your husband were in the apartment at dinnertime?"
    "And Charles, our houseman, and Clara, our cook."
    "Charles' wife."
    Olivia's eyes widened even more. "Now how did you know that?"
    "It was in the newspapers," Dora lied smoothly. "You had dinner, and then Mr. Starrett left to take his usual walk-is that correct?"
    "Yes," Olivia said, nodding, "that's what happened. I remember it was threatening rain, and I wanted Lewis to take an umbrella and wear his rubbers, but he wouldn't." She sighed. "He was a very obstinate man."
    Callaway corrected her gently. "Strong-minded, Olivia," he murmured.
    "Yes," she said, "he was a very strong-minded man."
    "Mrs. Starrett," Dora said, "do you know anyone who might wish to harm your husband? Did he have any enemies?"
    The widow lifted her chin. "My husband could be difficult at times. At home and, I'm sure, at the office. I was aware that many people thought him offensive. He did have a temper, you know, and I'm sure he sometimes said things in anger that he later regretted. But no, I know of no one who wished to harm him."
    "Was he ever threatened? In person or by letter?"
    "Not to my knowledge."
    "The police," Callaway observed, "believe he was killed by a stranger."
    "Uh-huh," Dora said. "That's their theory. Mrs. Starrett, I don't want to take any more of your time. If I think of more questions, may I come back?"
    Olivia put a warm hand on her arm. "Of course you may, my dear. As often as you like. Are you married?"
    "Yes. We live in Hartford. My husband is a dispatcher for a trucking company."
    "How nice! Does he love you?"
    Dora was startled. "I believe he does. He says he does."
    "And do you love him?"
    "Yes."
    Olivia nodded approvingly. "Love is the most important thing. Isn't it, Father?"
    "The only thing," said