Vendetta in Death (In Death #49)(97)

“I don’t understand.” Now Darla pressed a hand to her temple. “I simply don’t understand.”

“It’s possible one or more of the women in the group is behind the murders.”

“Oh no, no. That’s not at all possible. These women are victims.”

“This must be hard for you.” Peabody spoke gently, kindly. “A group like this, all of you become close. I’ve spoken with several of the women myself, and understand what they’ve been through.”

“But … how? We only use first names. How could you find them to speak to?”

“It’s our job to find them.” Speaking briskly, Eve looked directly in Darla’s eyes. “To interview them, check alibis, opportunities, frame of mind. You knew some of these women, by full names.”

“Yes.” Darla let out a trembling breath, worked up swimming tears. “But we kept that confidential. It’s a matter of trust.”

“Not in a murder investigation.”

“Believe me,” Peabody put in, “we’re treating the women we speak with as compassionately as possible. We don’t want to add to their trauma.”

“But it does, you see. Unless you’ve been through the betrayals, humiliation, the violence, you can’t understand. You can’t know.”

“Darla, they have to do their job.” Eloise took Darla’s hand again, rubbed it between both of hers. “Someone is killing these men. One of the men was Thaddeus.”

“I know. I know, but …”

Donnalou came back, wheeling a cart. “Coffee party,” she said cheerfully, then stopped. “What is it? Miss Eloise—”

“I’m fine. I’m fine. But would you get Darla a soother? I don’t think coffee’s what she needs.”

“Of course, right away.”

“You don’t understand,” Darla murmured when Donnalou hurried out again. “We share intimate details of our lives in our group. We bare our souls to each other. None of them are capable of doing this.”

“They’re your friends.” Peabody leaned forward, all understanding. “Your sisters. It’s sometimes really hard to see inside a friend, a sister, who can hold a very dark secret.”

“I won’t believe it. Unless … someone infiltrated the group somehow. With this terrible purpose.”

“Any suggestions?” Eve asked. “A name?”

“No, no, I swear!”

“Peabody, read off the list of full names we have, the women we’ve already interviewed. If you can add to that, Darla, it would be very helpful.”

Eve watched her as Peabody read, saw the flicks of anger quickly masked by downcast eyes. The tightening of the jaw. And if she wasn’t mistaken, the tiniest of smirks.

Satisfaction.

“I—I don’t know all of those names. Not the full names. I knew a few, yes. Like poor Una, and Rachel. And I haven’t been back since Grand took ill. Not since the end of last year. It must be someone new, someone I don’t know. Or, I’m sorry, you’re just wrong.”

“Here’s a nice soother.” Donnalou came back in full caregiver mode. “You drink that up, Miss Darla. You look a little pale. You drink that up, and I’m going to take you upstairs so you can lie down for a bit.”

“Yes, yes, I think I want to lie down for a while. I’m sorry. I’m sorry, I need to lie down. I feel sick. I don’t feel well.”

“You come on with me then.” Donnalou helped her up. “You can drink this upstairs. I’m going to tuck you in for a nice nap. Haven’t I said you need more sleep? Sleep’s a healer,” she continued as she led Darla out.

“My poor girl,” Eloise murmured. “So many shocks, and after wearing herself out looking after me. Well, I’ll be looking after her now. I’m very sorry we couldn’t be more help.”

“We appreciate the time,” Eve said as she rose.

“I hope you find who’s doing this quickly. Darla won’t get over this until you do.”

“Yes, I’m sure you’re right. We’ll see ourselves out.”

Eve waited until they were back in the car.

“You were right,” Peabody said before she could speak. “All along. It shocked her we had all those names, that we’re looking directly at the group. More, it pissed her off at first. Not the kind of pissed off when you think a friend is getting a raw deal.”

“No, not that kind of pissed. And she’s working out how she can change the focus. Either to someone she doesn’t care about, or away from the group. She needs a little time to work it out. She’s a planner.”

“She wouldn’t mind going after one of us, to pay us back for trying to spoil those plans.”

“Saw that, too? Good.” Eve drove out of the gates. “Watch your back. And take a cab home.” Eve pulled over, dug out the fare.

“No, I’ve got enough.”

“Take it, and take a cab. Go home, bake a pie or something to clear your head.”

“I might.”

“Then get ready. She’s going to want to move tonight. We boxed her in some, and she won’t waste time.”

“I’ll be ready,” Peabody said as she got out. “You watch your back, too.”