Pushing Up Daisies by M. C. Beaton Page A

you’re to go to work tomorrow as usual.”
    Roy began to sob with relief. He said when he could, “How did you manage it?”
    â€œI got Cunningham at home and said if he didn’t drop it, I would have him damned as a homophobe. I phoned Pedman and told him Cunningham was dropping the action and he should tell that pop group that as it was all at the moment sub judice, Pedman could not represent them until after the court case. You are to take over Comfy Baby nappies.”
    â€œOh, God! Mary Dobbs was doing that. Why am I landed arranging photo shoots with squalling brats and mothers from hell?”
    â€œBecause she handed in her notice, that’s why. Be grateful.”
    â€œI am. Honest. Thanks, Agatha.”
    â€œWhere’s James?”
    â€œGone home,” said Toni.
    Agatha slumped down onto a chair at the kitchen table. “Simon. Fix me a gin and tonic and get something for yourself and Toni.”
    Toni watched Agatha taking out a packet of cigarettes. “Still smoking,” she commented.
    â€œSo bloody what?” demanded Agatha harshly. “This is my first cigarette today.”
    She lit up, inhaled and immediately felt dizzy. Agatha made a promise to herself that she would never go without fags for a long time because the first one always had a bad effect.
    After all, she had tried to give up so many times, and what a waste of space that had turned out to be.
    The doorbell shrilled, making her jump. “That’ll probably be James,” she said.
    She patted her hair in the hall mirror. Even though one had lost interest in one’s ex, it doesn’t do to give them the pleasure of looking frazzled. But her heart sank as she opened the door to be confronted by not only Bill, but Inspector Wilkes as well.
    â€œThis is a serious business,” said Wilkes ponderously.
    â€œOh, stop glooming at me on the doorstep and come in,” said Agatha.
    â€œMr. Devere will be joining us,” said Wilkes.
    In the kitchen, Agatha said, “Toni, this is going to take some time. Why don’t you and Simon go to the pub?”
    After they had left, Wilkes produced Agatha and Gerald’s statements. At that moment, Gerald walked into the kitchen. “Toni let me in,” he said. “What’s happening?”
    â€œJust about to find out,” said Agatha.
    â€œMrs. Bull has disappeared,” said Wilkes.
    â€œAre you sure?” said Gerald. “She may have gone to a friend’s house.”
    â€œHer door was unlocked. All her things are there including her handbag. We interviewed Lady Bellington. She insists the woman was talking rubbish. The week before Lord Bellington’s murder, she was in a rehab in Oxford. No record of her leaving the building. Plenty of witnesses to swear she was there the whole time.”
    â€œMrs. Bull got a phone call when we were there,” said Agatha. “When she came back, she looked frightened. You will see from our reports that she had already been threatened.”
    â€œWe’re checking her phone line,” said Bill.
    Roy interrupted them. “I’ve got to go. Bye, Aggie.”
    â€œDon’t call me … Oh, what’s the use?” Agatha turned to Wilkes. “I can’t think of anything else other than what I said in my statement.”
    â€œRight,” said Wilkes. “A word with you in private, Mr. Devere.”
    When Gerald had left with Wilkes, Agatha said, “What’s he up to, Bill?”
    â€œHe was grumbling about a detective like Devere working with you. Perhaps he is frightened you will solve the murders.”
    They then sat in silence until Wilkes eventually returned with Gerald and said they were leaving. After they had gone, Agatha asked, “Well, Gerald, what was that all about?”
    â€œHe said he had had a word with the superintendent, and the police would like to employ me on this case in an advisory capacity. So I