“He was with Ivanna and some other people. Anyway, he and Ivanna came to the house. We ran into Trina, too.”
Since Eve had already noted Peabody’s hair sported more red streaks, she’d deduced that.
“So she and the guy she was with—Ben, it’s not serious.”
“I was worried about that.”
“Ha. They came over, too. We made a ginormous pot of chili.” She let out a sigh. “We had so much fun.”
Before Eve could say something snarky, Peabody finished with, “I really appreciate you giving me the time. I went in yesterday.”
“You went into Central?”
“Yeah. McNab went in to give Feeney a break, so I went with him. I didn’t hit anything but a wall, but I read your reports, the interviews. All those ex-wives. And maybe a blonde.”
“We’re going to push on the blonde.”
Eve turned to the gates of Barrister House. She pulled out her badge, held it up for the scan.
“NYPSD, Lieutenant Dallas, Detective Peabody.”
“It’d be a handy break if she’s connected, and we can identify her. McNab said there’s some chatter, but right now it’s gossip, speculation, anticipation. Willowby says if they’re going for an auction, they’re letting it brew, getting buyers revved up.”
“And waiting to see where the wind’s blowing,” Eve added as the gates opened. “If it’s blowing too warm, they might sit on the emeralds awhile. It’s not like they’ll be worth less in a month. In six fricking months.”
“So we’ll hope the blonde’s a link, and we connect her.”
“There are a couple possibles we pulled out from the investigators’ reports. The kind who might get hired for a high-profile job like this. I tossed them to Interpol.”
“Oh.”
“That doesn’t mean we don’t look, too.”
She pulled up, parked. “Abernathy can have the shine of the emeralds, as long as we get the killer.”
Peabody’s voice turned wistful. “Be nice to get both.”
“We won’t toss it aside.”
The butler opened the door as they walked toward the portico. His eyes, deeply shadowed, looked exhausted.
“Lieutenant, Detective. Do you have— Pardon me. Do you wish to see Ms. Carville?”
“I’m sorry, Mr. Tyler, we don’t have anything new to report. We do have a few more questions. I’m sorry to disturb the family again. Are they available?”
“Of course. The family is in the dining room. Should I have them come to the parlor?”
“We can go to them. We’d also like to speak with you, Ms. Acker, and Ms. Fortigue.”
“Ms. Acker is upstairs with Trisha, the day maid.”
“Day maid.”
“Trisha assists Ms. Acker on Mondays and Thursdays.”
“If we could also speak with her? Peabody, why don’t you take Trisha in the parlor?
“Could I bring you coffee, Detective?”
