Page 77 of Bonded in Death

“I’d love my job even if that wasn’t true, but that part of it is mega frostyextreme. Whee! Woo! Wow! Okay, fan-geeking complete.”

“If you don’t want to be limping for the next several days, it better be.”

Eve parked, got out while the two women strolled in her direction.

Ivanna, who carried a delicate beauty beside the striking glamour of the woman next to her, smiled. Her eyes, a soft blue, looked directly into Eve’s as if searching for something.

“Marjorie, our host, Lieutenant Eve Dallas, and her partner, Detective Delia Peabody.”

“Marjorie Wright.” She stuck out a hand to shake Eve’s. “First, thank you for inviting us into your truly magnificent home. Delighted to meet you. And you, Detective.”

She shook Peabody’s hand in turn.

“Dame Wright. I admire your work.”

“Thank you. God knows there’s enough of it. I’ve been around since the discovery of dirt.”

“I’ll remind you, Marj, I’ve got a few years on you.”

Laughing, Marjorie threw back her head so her mane of red waves swayed like flames in a breeze. “We’re a pair of old girls, Vanna.” She draped an arm around Ivanna’s shoulders as she looked at Eve. “But not ready, by any means, to be put out to pasture.”

“We understand you need to speak with all of us. Harry Mitchell and Iris Arden arrived shortly ago,” Ivanna told her. “Summerset is showing them to their rooms. The others are expected very soon.”

“And I had the pleasure of meeting your unquestionably delicious husband,” Marjorie added. “I admire what he’s accomplished. And I’m grateful for what I have every confidence you’ll accomplish to bring Gio’s killer to justice. He was a very good man, a very good friend, and a quiet hero when the world needed them. I’ll help you in any way I can.”

“Summerset told me he and Roarke have set up… I suppose you’d call it an interview room for you. Marjorie and I are at your disposal.”

“If you’d give us a few minutes to set up, I’d like to speak to you first.”

Ivanna nodded. “I’ll be ready when you need me.”

Eve went in just as Roarke walked down the stairs.

“Hello, Peabody. Welcome to… interesting times.”

“I’ll say.”

“You met Marjorie, I take it, and saw both her and Ivanna outside?”

Eve flicked her gaze up the stairs. “Yeah. Two more in here?”

“Just getting settled.”

“You set up an interview room?”

When he crossed to her, he kissed her. Lightly. “You’d need to cloak your board if you used your office. I thought a sitting room on the top floor—quiet, private—might suit better.”

“It doesn’t have to be formal, but it needs to be professional. Nothing swank.”

He smiled and, unable to help himself, kissed her again.

“Come with me.”

He went over to the elevator, gestured them both inside.

“Stairs are fine.”

“Quicker and simpler in this case. Interview A,” he ordered.

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