Imitation in Death (In Death #17)(73)

"We'd love one. Got time for a drink, Dallas?"

"I can make time, since Ms. Gates found an opening in her busy calendar." Resting. an arm on the back of Mavis's chair, Eve cocked her hip,"My questions shouldn't take long."

"I'm afraid I don't understand,"

"Lieutenant Dallas, NYPSD." Eve took out her badge. "My aide, Officer Peabody. Now that we all know each other, and we're all cozy, maybe you could answer some questions."

"I repeat"--Julietta walked around her desk to assume a position of command-"I don't understand. I agreed to see Ms. Freestone. We'd very much like to do a major article on you, Mavis, with a photo layout."

"Sure, we can talk about that. After Dallas is done. Dallas and I go way back," she added -with a wonderfully guileless smile.

"When she mentioned she was having trouble getting an, interview, I said I was sure it was just a communication glitz, and you'd make time. Supporting our local police is a really important issue with me and Leonardo."

"Cleverly done," Julietta replied.

"I thought so." Eve stayed on her feet as Julietta sat down. "If you're-not-comfortable, I'm sure Mavis wouldn't mind waiting outside the office until we're finished."

"No need for that." Julietta leaned back, swiveled in her chair. "You've already spoken to Tom. I don't know what I can possibly add. I don't get involved in his work, and he doesn't get involved in mine."

"How about each other's lives?"

Her tone remained perfectly pleasant. "Which area of our lives do you have in mind?"

"When was the last time you were in London?" "London?" Her brow creased. "I don't see what that has to do with anything."

"Humor me."

"I was there a few weeks ago on business." With the annoyance still creased between her eyebrows, she picked up a small pocket' calendar, keyed in for the date. "July eight and nine and ten."

"Alone?"

There. was a quick flicker in her eyes before she set the calendar down "Yes, why?"

"Your husband ever go over with you?"

"We went in April. Tom thought the experience would be fun for Jed. I had business, and he wanted to do some research. We took an extra two days for a family holiday."

"Buy any souvenirs?"

"What are you getting at?"

"I guess you travel to Europe pretty regularly," Eve said, changing tack. "For your business."

"I do. For fashion shows, for.events, to meet with my counterparts in our European offices. Just what does this have to do with Tom helping you in an investigation?"

"It's part of my investigation."

"I don't-" She broke off when her pocket 'link, rang. "Excuse me, that's my private line. I need to get this."

She shifted it to privacy mode, slid on a miniheadset, and angled away so Eve couldn't see the 'link's view screen.

"Julietta Gates. Yes."

Her voice warmed, several degrees, and that just-a-littletoo-thin mouth tipped up in a smile.

"Absolutely. I have it on my calendar. One o'clock. Mmm-hmm. Yes, I'm in a meeting." There was a.long silence as she listened, and Eve noted the faint flush that rose to her cheeks. "I'll look forward to that. Yes, I will. Goodbye."

She disconnected, slipped off the headset. "Sorry, afternoon meeting., Now-"

"Can you tell me where you were Sunday morning?'

"Oh, for heaven's sake." She let out a huff of breath. "Sundays, I let Tom sleep in and take Jed to the park,' or to some other activity. I'm trying to be cooperative, Lieutenant, since Mavis has asked me to, but I'm finding this very an-noying."

"Almost done. How about. the night of September second, between midnight and three?"

Julietta snatched up her calendar again, keyed in. Again; Eve saw the slight change cross her face, "I had a meeting with an associate. I can't tell you precisely when I got home as I didn't make note of it, but.I think it was after nine, maybe close to ten. I was tired, and went straight up to bed since Tom was working."

"So he was home the entire night.'"

"Why wouldn't he be? He was working..-I took a pill and went to bed. I told him I was going to, so he'd hardly have left the house because of Jed. Tom's completely devote, and somewhat overprotective of led. What is this?" , "That's it for now. Thanks for the time."

"I think I'm entitled to some sort of--2'

"If you still want, we can talk about that article." Mavis popped to her feet. "I just need a minute first."

She scooted out of the office with Eve, then dropped her voice to a whisper. "So? Did she kill somebody or what?"

"Doubtful. The worst I figure she's done is cheat on her husband with whoever called her on her private 'link."

"She did? She is? How doo you know?"

"Plenty. of tells. Look, if you don't want to deal with her, you can leave with me and Peabody. We'll get you home."

"No, it's chilly. A spread in Outre's like my fantasy. And it'll give a boost to my disc sales. Won't hurt Leonardo's biz either.. It cooks for all of us. We did good, right?"