Brotherhood in Death Read Free Page A

had to get my papers together, and it may have been five or so before I left. Then getting here.” He added that sweet, vague smile, but his eyes, that dreamy green, held worry. “I couldn’t really say exactly.”
    â€œGood enough,” Eve told him, as clearly trying to determine the timing distressed him. “There’s security on the house. Was it active?”
    â€œIt was. I have the passcode, and a swipe. My palm print is authorized.”
    â€œThere’s a cam.”
    â€œYes!” The idea obviously delighted him. “Of course there is! It would show my arrival—and Edward. I never thought of it.”
    â€œWhy don’t we take a look at that first? Do you know where the security station is?”
    â€œYes, of course. I’ll show you. Never thought of it,” he said again, shaking his head as he rose. “If I’d just looked for myself, I’d have seen Edward coming and going. You relieve my mind, Eve.”
    â€œMr. Mira, you were attacked.”
    He stopped, blinked. “I suppose I was. That’s very upsetting. Who would have done that?”
    â€œLet’s see if we can find out.”
    He led her back, made a turn, then showed her a large, modern kitchen with some old-fashioned touches that suited the house.
    It all looked . . . comfortable, and reminded her in some ways of the Miras’ house uptown.
    â€œThere are viewing stations in several rooms,” Dennis explained as he opened a door off the kitchen. “So my grandparents or the staff could see who was at the door. But this is the main hub.”
    He looked at it, gave everything a vague glance. “I’m afraid I’m not very good with complex electronics.”
    â€œMe, either.” But she walked over to where she was damn sure a component should be. “But I can tell you somebody took the whole damn deal—the drive or whatever the hell it is, the discs.”
    â€œOh dear.”
    â€œYeah. Who else has access to the house?”
    â€œBesides Edward and myself? The housekeeper—her mother worked for my grandparents for decades, and she’s helped us out for several years. She would never—”
    â€œUnderstood, but I’m going to want her name so I can talk to her.”
    â€œIs it all right if I make tea?” Dr. Mira asked.
    â€œSure, go ahead. Mr. Mira, I want you to walk me through exactly what happened. The cab dropped you off?”
    â€œYes. Right out front. I left my briefcase—so careless—but the drivercalled me back for it. I was angry and upset. I let myself in. It’s a push-pull coming here. The memories are strong and good, but it’s hard to know it’s not the same, and can’t be. I set my briefcase down, and I heard voices.”
    â€œMore than one?” Eve prompted.
    â€œWell . . . I think so. I expected to find Edward and the Realtor he’d engaged. I assumed they were talking. I called out to him. I didn’t want to startle them. I started back, and when I got to the study, I saw him sitting in Granddad’s desk chair. Black eye, the blood. He was frightened. I saw the fear, and I started forward to help him. I must have been struck from behind. It’s never happened to me before, but I believe that’s what happened.”
    â€œIt knocked you out.”
    â€œThe injuries are consistent with a strike from a heavy object, back of the skull.” Mira brought Dennis a mug, wrapped his hands around it. “And with his right temple hitting the floor when he fell.”
    â€œI’m not questioning that, Dr. Mira.”
    â€œI know you’re not.” She sighed, then leaned into Dennis to gently kiss his bruised temple. “I know you’re not.”
    â€œWhat did you do, Mr. Mira, when you came to?”
    â€œI was disoriented, very confused initially. Edward wasn’t there, and though we haven’t been on the best of