Kinsey and Me Read Free

“And when
     did you notice”—I checked my notes—“Gerald?”
    “This morning at about six. Well, closer to ten of, actually.”
    “What kind of dead is he?”
    “What?”
    “I’m wondering if you noticed the cause of death.”
    “Oh. Yes, I did. He was shot.”
    I waited for her to go on, but she didn’t. “Where?”
    She pointed to her heart.
    I made another brief note. This was like pulling teeth. “And you’re sure he was dead?”
    “I’m not positive,” she replied uneasily. “But he was cold. And stiff. And he didn’t
     breathe at all.”
    “That should cover it,” I said. “What about the weapon?”
    “A gun.”
    “You saw it?”
    “It was right on the bed beside him.”
    “Do you happen to know the make?” I thought the technicalities would throw her, but
     she perked right up.
    “Well, it’s a little High Standard two-shot derringer, a .22, with dual barrels and
     double action, so it’s safety-engineered. I mean, it can’t fire accidentally, even
     if it’s dropped. And let’s see. It’s polished nickel with black grips and it’s just
     about that wide,” she said, holding her thumb and index finger about an inch apart.
    I was staring at her. “The gun is yours?”
    “Of course. I just bought it last week. That’s why I was so upset when I realized
     he’d been shot with it. And right in Althea’s bed. She’s only four, but she’s big
     for her age. She takes after my ex-husband’s side of the family.”
    I really didn’t think we’d exhausted the matter of Gerald quite yet. “Why did you
     buy a gun?”
    “It was on sale. Half off.”
    “Is that what you told the police?” She paled and I didn’t like this new expression
     on her face. “You did call the police, didn’t you? I mean, when you discovered that
     Gerald was dead?”
    “Actually, I didn’t. I know I should have, but I didn’t think anyone would believe
     me because we quarreled last night and I walked out. I never lose my temper, but I
     just blew my stack. I stood there and screamed at him. It was awful. I told him I’d
     kill him. I actually said that. Then I burst into tears and ran out the door and drove
     around all night.”
    “Did anyone hear you make this threat?”
    “Just the neighbors on both sides.”
    I had a strong desire to groan, but I repressed the impulse. “I see. And what did
     you do besides drive around all night? Did you talk to anyone? Can anyone verify your
     whereabouts for the time you were gone?”
    “I don’t think so. I just drove. I was trying to work up the nerve to kick him out.
     We’ve been living together for about six months, and it’s been heaven. Just wonderful.
     I can’t think when I’ve been happier.”
    “Usually people don’t get killed when things are that good,” I pointed out.
    “I know, then I found out he’d been cheating on me with a woman right in the same
     apartment building, which is what made me see red. I was a basket case. I really was.
     Can you believe it? The man has borrowed thousands of dollars from me and then to
     find out he was f— Well, doing you-know-what with Caroline.”
    “And you knew nothing about it until last night?”
    “No, no. I found out about Caroline weeks ago. I won’t even tell you about the scene
     I had with her. It was horrible. She was so hysterical, she moved out. I don’t know
     where she went, but good riddance.”
    “Had Gerald ever done this before?”
    “Cheat? I’m not sure. I suppose so. Actually, he has. I know he’s been involved with
     dozens of women. Gerald was a bit of a Don Juan. He cheated incessantly from what
     he said, but I never thought he’d do it to me.”
    “What was the attraction?” I asked. I’m always curious about women who fall in love
     with bounders and cads.
    “Gerald is—”
    “Was,” I reminded her.
    “Yes. Well, he was very good-looking and so . . . I don’t know . . . tenderhearted.
     It’s hard to explain, but he was very loving and