Fanagrams

As I started driving back through town, I remembered that Henry had let it slip that he knew my father professionally.  All of Dad’s old records were stored with Ralph and Fanny, so I once again headed to the Clean Plate Club to see if I could dig up any old files.  They were technically my files now, since I had inherited Dad’s business, and I quickly brushed aside any misgivings about conflicting cases.  It just past 2 PM, and for once the Clean Plate Club was closed; it made my smile to think of Ralph and Fanny walking hand and hand along the beach on this lovely afternoon.  Fortunately, Ralph had never changed the hiding place for his key, and I thought about all the people – tradesmen and regular customers alike – who know how to let themselves in.  I went down into the basement, and turned on the bare light bulb that swung like a slow pendulum above my head.  Continue reading →

Chapter 37

I moved away from the bridge tables quickly, but had lost sight of Simba.  As I looked frantically around I heard my name.

“Liza, fancy meeting you here.  This cannot be a coincidence.”

“Grimes, are you here for a little bridge?”

“No, I don’t play bridge, but that was quite a show with your clients.  I can’t imagine that you were really here to play bridge.”

I was caught again, not knowing how much he knew and how much I could successfully dissemble, and I jealously remembered how effectively Sam Todd had manipulated Grimes a couple of days ago.  Yes, the fine art of dissembling, of telling just the right amount of truth.  “Yes I was actually here to make contact with Henry Murphy – who is very elusive.  But I had no idea that his sister was going to show up.  My role in the case has changed, you know.  I am trying to be the family mediator between these two siblings, and as you can see, I might be a little bit out of my depth.  So what are you doing here?” Continue reading →