Page 44 of Festive in Death

“No memory loss with this,” DeWinter added. “No wild up and downs or desperation. But compliance and escalated sexual desire. His victims, as that’s just what they were, would likely have thought themselves agreeable, even pleased. Afterward, again depending on the circumstances, there may have been some regret or embarrassment.”

“He used these, too.” Eve gestured for Peabody to put the incense case on the counter. “In combination.”

“I’ll check them out. You want the other teas analyzed?”

“Yeah, do the whole lot, but I think we hit the mother lode. Appreciate the quick work,” she added, and turned to go.

DeWinter fell into step beside her. Eve spared her a look.

“Richard?”

“It makes him feel special, and by making him feel special I often get my samples and specimens moved to the head of his list. Is he a bit of a dick?” DeWinter said with a hint of a smile. “Absolutely. But he’s also excellent at his work.”

“I just bribe him.”

“Also a viable option. I wanted to say I’m looking forward to your party. Li’s bringing me.”

“Morris? You and Morris?”

“Yes—and no, so don’t look so appalled. We have the dead, an appreciation of music, and absolutely no interest in a relationship in common. So it’s nice for both of us to have a date for your party. So, I’ll see both of you then.”

“It is nice,” Peabody said as they headed out. “It’s nice that Morris has someone to hang out with. He’s a sociable guy.”

“Maybe.” Eve had yet to make up her mind about DeWinter.

Eve pushed through the door. “I want you to start on Trina’s list, start talking to these women. Any one of them admits to drinking Ziegler’s tea, give her the details, and get a full statement. Press the money angle, too. Let’s find out who gave him cash and why. Get a feel for them, Peabody.”

“Because one of them might’ve killed him.”

“Get started. I’ve got to get to Central, meet with Mira. I’ll tag you as soon as I’m done, catch up with you.”

“I’ve got this, Dallas. I’ll be the sympathetic cop—because I do sympathize. I can usually get more that way than going in tough.”

“Is that the fly, sugar, vinegar deal?”

“Yeah, I guess it is.”

“I still don’t get it,” Eve said and strode to her car.

Mira’s admin offered silence and a frosty stare when Eve walked into Mira’s outer office. Eve wondered if she should’ve grabbed another one of those handy gift bags, but the woman with the icy eyes tapped her interoffice ’link.

“Lieutenant Dallas is here. Of course.” She tapped it again. “You can go in.”

“Thanks.” Eve opened the door, walked in. “Your admin’s pissed I went around her.”

Mira glanced up from the work on her desk, smiled a little. “She’s protective. But I do have some free time this morning, and I do enjoy consulting on your cases.” She rose. “Tea?”

“Definitely not, but that’s something I want to discuss with you.”

“Tea?” Mira said again as she turned to her AutoChef.

“Yeah. Turns out Ziegler mixed a low-grade date-rape drug with loose tea, brewed it up when he got the urge.”

Eve flipped out her notebook. “A Rohypnol-bremelanotide combo mixed with chamomile, lavender, and valerian. Dickhead called it Erotica with a twist.”

“I see.” Mira programmed one cup of the flower-smelling tea she liked. “I’m not surprised to learn that.”

“Because?”

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