Part 11 (2/2)
”As do you, I think. Are you avoiding me, Mrs. Ferris?”
”No.”
Lavender and blue met head-on. Neither gave way.
”I'd like to ask you again about a man named Kessler.”
”I'm going to tell you again. I don't know him.”
”Might your mother-in-law?”
”No.”
”How do you know that, Mrs. Ferris? Kessler claimed to know your husband. Have you discussed Kessler with your mother-in-law?”
”No, but she has never mentioned that name. My husband's business brought him into contact with many people.”
”One of whom may have pumped two rounds into his head.”
”Are you trying to shock me, Detective?”
”Are you aware that your husband dealt in antiquities?”
Miriam's brows dipped almost imperceptibly. Then, ”Who told you that?”
”Courtney Purviance.”
”I see.”
”Is that statement untrue?”
”Ms. Purviance has a tendency to exaggerate her role in my husband's affairs.” Miriam's voice was edged like a scythe.
”Are you suggesting she'd lie?”
”I'm suggesting the woman has little in her life but her job.”
”Ms. Purviance suggested your husband's demeanor had changed prior to his death.”
”That's ridiculous. If Avram had been troubled, surely I'd have noticed.”
Ryan circled back to his point.
”Is it not true that your husband dealt in antiquities?”
”Antiques formed a very small part of Avram's trade.”
”You know that?”
”I know that.”
”You've told me you know little about the business.”
”That much I know.”
The day was clear with a temperature just above freezing.
”Might those antiquities have included human remains?” Ryan asked.
The violet eyes widened. ”Dear G.o.d, no.”
Most people are uncomfortable with gaps in conversation. When faced with silence, they feel compelled to fill it. Ryan uses this impulse. He did so now. He waited. It worked.
”That would be chet, chet,” Miriam elaborated.
Ryan still waited.
Miriam was opening her mouth to say more, when the voice again warbled behind her. She swiveled and spoke over her shoulder.
When she turned back, sunlight glinted off moisture on her upper lip.
”I must help my mother-in-law prepare for Shabbat.”
Ryan handed Miriam a card.
”If I think of anything I will call.” Again, the widened eyes. ”I really do want Avram's killer brought to justice.”
”Have a nice day,” Ryan said.
”Shabbat shalom,” I said. I said.
As we turned to go, Miriam reached out and laid a hand on Ryan's arm.
”Regardless of what you think, Detective, I did love my husband.” There was a chilling bleakness to her voice.
Ryan and I didn't speak until we were back in his car.
”Well?” Ryan asked.
”I don't know,” I said.
We both thought about that.
”Chet?” Ryan asked. Ryan asked.
”Kind of like sin,” I said.
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