Chapter 6

Beth, the daughter of the victim, allowed Jessica, Seth and Mort inside the house, but they were not alone. The pompous Detective Logan McIntosh was also there, and he did not look pleased to see them. Meanwhile, after taking the Sheriff and Seth's hats, Beth had left for another part of the house.

"There's no need be rude, Logan!" Seth lectured him, "It's fine by me if you don't want my autopsy results!"

"I doubt that's the reason you're here," Logan eyed Seth suspiciously, "You did not even know I was here!"

"So maybe we're also here to take a look around a bit," Mort told him, "so sue us."

"It'll be a waste of time for the three of you," Detective McIntosh told them, "Our experts had already done all the work. Forensic was here earlier searching, vacuuming and sample-taking. And not that any of you deserve to know, but they came up with nothing. You would've thought that if such a high dose of poison had been administered in the house, there should be some small trace-perhaps in the kitchen or medicine cabinet. But like I said, there was nothing."

"I'm sure they were very thorough, Detective," Jessica stated diplomatically, "but you'd be surprise what could be missed. The deadly poison could be as fine as dust, making it difficult to detect."

Logan sighed.

"The Bar Harbor Police Department isn't a small hick-town sheriff's office," he haughtily said, "we have the latest in technology. Believe me, there wasn't a trace of poison anywhere!"

Mort stepped up to the detective, "Who are you implying is running 'a small hick-town sheriff's office', Logan?" he challenged.

Logan shrugged, "I call it as I see it, Sheriff."

"Oh yeah?" Mort taunted him, "Wellllll...all I can say is...the game is SO on, Detective!"

"Detective McIntosh," Jessica cut in, wanting to get back to the investigation, "actually the poison could have been cleverly disguised so that even your high tech people could not spot it. For instance, it could be individually wrapped and placed back to look like a stick of gum or even a cough drop."

Detective McIntosh peered over at Jessica with disdain.

"Mrs. Fletcher, just because you got lucky with those dime store paperbacks mysteries, that doesn't make you an expert on a murder investigation! My people are very thorough, I assure you!"

"Oh,of course," Jessica stated politely, knowing she was being given the brush off.

Beth suddenly reappeared with both Mort and Seth's hats, signaling it was time for them to go.

"I hope the detective answered all your questions," she coolly told them as she handed the hats back to them.

Neither put their hats on their heads.

"Actually, Beth," Mort said, "there are a few questions we'd like to ask you."

#

Their interrogation of Beth didn't lead anywhere, except they learned that father Bert Bradley was a widower and had no other heirs. Not that it mattered; Bert had very little money in the bank.

Later, Mort drove Seth and Jessica back home. They had stopped by Cabot Cove's quaint coffee shop to discuss the investigation over coffee and pie.

"The only thing I got out of this visit today," Seth grumpily told them, "was that I was correct in my assumption that Logan McIntosh is a pill!" He then took a bite of his pie.

"Actually, we also learned that we are going to continue on with this investigation," Mort said with determination before taking a sip of his coffee.

"We?" Jessica questioned, "so you want to continue on this case?"

"Well, I certainly don't plan to let a pill like McIntosh get the best of me!" Mort claimed.

"Good to hear you're on board, Mort," said a pleased Seth.

"By the way," Jessica stated, after she had tasted the pie, "did either of you find it strange that Detective McIntosh was in the house with Beth when we arrived? The forensic people had already done a clean sweep of the place in the morning. Why would he linger? Do you think there's something going on between those two?"

"Hmm..." Seth considered, "Good point, Jess. You know, I've never given any thought to that since those two have known each other forever! But when you think of it, they are both single, and in a way, they'd be perfect for each other bein' that they seem to have an annoying, pessimistic demeanor!" he paused, "not that I would know anything about that!"

"No comment about that, Doc," Mort said, "but as to the idea that the detective and Beth could be an item, I'll have Andy ask around a bit. It may have some bearing on the murder."

"Well, if they were involved in Bert's killin', it wasn't for his money," Seth noted, "the house we visited this mornin' was his only valuable possession!"

"Then we have to think of another motive," Jessica reasoned and then suggested, "maybe it had to do with one of his old cases..."

Mort did look hopeful, "You know how many cases Bert must have headed up as Police Captain? There's no way we would be able to narrow it down without additional information."

"Then we'll approach it from a different angle," Jessica thought out loud, "How about we explore the method he was killed. For instance, the poison and how it was obtained. Is there any chance Bert could have somehow been given the poison by injection?"

"I doubt it," Seth stated, "I did a thorough examination of the body and I could not locate any injection sites. I'm fairly certain the poison had been ingested."

"And unfortunately, so much time has passed," Mort said glumly, "there's a good possibility that we'll NEVER find the source."

Seth and Jessica looked just as defeated, as Mort began to stand.

"And on that disappointing note," he declared, "I think I best get back to the office to work on this case. And I also can relieve Andy, in case there are urgent calls such as butter that needs churning!"

Mort reached into his pocket for some money for the bill.

"Don't worry about it," Seth told him, "my treat."

"Hey, thanks, Doc," Mort said, touching the front of his hat, "but it doesn't get you off from paying those late parking fines!"

"Hmmmph!" grunted Seth as Jessica smiled over this familiar routine. "Sheriff, just wait until you get your next physical examination bill!"

"I'm not too worried," Mort shot back, "I've read somewhere that 8 out of 10 medical bills contain errors or fraudulent charges!"

#

Now that Mort was gone, Seth waited until the waitress filled their coffee cups and left. His pulse raced as he gave Jessica a winning smile.

"I'm glad it's just the two of now, Jess. I feel like we haven't had any time alone together," he stated, his eyes so clear and bright.

Jessica looked shyly down. He had a way of making her blush softly while at the same time, making her heart beat faster. She then looked directly in his eyes.

"We'll have time enough for that, later, Seth" She stated, "I know you are determined to solve your friend's murder."

"But not at the expense of you," he said as he reached over and held her hand, "So that's why I was thinkin' Jess..."

She swallowed, "Yes?"

Jessica watched as he took a deep breath in.

Whatever it was, it was going to be a long explanation.

"As you know, I'm not one to mingle at a country club setting,' he told her, "but being a doctor, it's a way to network with my colleagues. I've been avoidin' the yearly dinner and dance ceremony just 'cuz I never had reason to go... until now...so, Jess," he cleared his throat, "uh, I'd liked to escort you to the event with me," he gently lifted her hand and caress the back of her hand with a light kiss, "would you kindly consider bein' my date for the annual country club dinner and dance night in Bar Harbor tomorrow night? We could wine, dine and dance the night away under a blanket of twinklin' stars!"

The invitation was totally unexpected. Although the event sounded a bit too public for how Jessica wanted to spend a first date with Seth, she knew she would, nevertheless, have a lovely time.

"I would absolutely love to, Seth," she accepted.

#

Jessica definitely had sweet dreams that night. Images of a tuxedo-clad Seth twirling her about, her ball gown sparkling as she danced feather-light on the dance floor.

R-r-ing!

The harsh ring of the phone burst through her wondrous dream and she tried to ignore it as she made her imaginary last whirl, ending in Seth's opened arms. Then he-

R-r-ing!

This time the ring sounded louder and even more annoying.

The dream was instantly gone. With a moan, she reached over and put the receiver next to her ear.

"Hello?" she groggily answered.

"Mrs. F? It's Mort."

His voice sounded shaky.

Jessica instantly became wide awake.

It's NEVER good news when the Sheriff of Cabot Cove calls in the middle of the night.

.

.

Please review