I.L. Wolf - Her Cousin, Much Removed
Page 27
“But she could have known I was in danger and did nothing?”
“We don’t know either way.”
“Detective?” Venetia said. “What’s going to happen to Marlene?”
He shrugged. “We’re going to have to see. She’s got several warrants, but they’re old ones, and they’re property crimes. It will be up to the courts.”
Sissy returned carrying two cups of coffee. She moved to give one to Venetia, saw her tea, and then shoved it into the nearest hands, which happened to belong to Brooks. “I’ll tell you one thing,” she said, “we’re going to make sure all those animals are cared for. I cannot believe I considered marrying that ghastly man.” Cadby paid no attention to her has he typed quickly into his computer. He flipped the screen around.
“Here’s her live feed,” he said. It took a moment for the sound to start. There was Tipsy, as unruffled as ever, grinning into the camera.
“Thanks to the help of citizen detective and former lawyer, Venetia Shipman,” she said, her eyes staring directly into the camera, “what might be the largest ring of animal smuggling in history is being dismantled tonight.”
“Did that woman give me credit?” said Venetia. “I thought I heard her give me credit.”
“I heard it,” said Cadby James, his smile slow and wide. “And it looks like your plant watering days are over.”
“I wouldn’t quit your day job just yet,” said Sissy. Everyone turned to look at her. “What?” she said. “I’m only being practical.”
Venetia figured nice Sissy had to have a short shelf life, it only made sense regular Sissy was back. Oh well. It was nice for the five minutes it lasted.
But as she sat there, a glint something she hadn’t felt in a long time rose within her, that same thing that drove her to the law in the first place. It was her sense of justice, and for the first time in years, it was satisfied.
Well, maybe not completely. From the computer feed, behind Tipsy, on the steps of the tall office building, she caught a glimpse of Alden Sway. As if he knew she was watching, he turned to the camera and smiled.
***
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About the Author
Like the utterly fictional Venetia Shipman, I.L. Wolf is a former attorney. She does not, however, water plants for a living. If she did, she would be fired emphatically, as she has committed more herbicide than she cares to admit.
If you like books, and you like blogs, and you like bits to read, visit her blog, A Bit to Read. Or if you want to find out when Venetia will return (will she? Well, yes, she likely will), sign up for e-mail updates.
Other Books
Writing as Isa-Lee Wolf:
Aunty Ida’s Full-Service Mental Institution (by Invitation Only)
The Great Paradox and the Innies and Outies of Time Management
Better Living Through GRAVY and Other Oddities
Acknowledgements
Thanks, as always, to my friends and family, who listen to my imaginary problems, meaning problems of the imagination, not problems I make up. Mostly. In any case, thanks to all of you for being there.
And thank you to all the readers of the world. Without you, worlds would lie empty and dormant. You bring them, completely, to life.
Copyright and Credits
Copyright I.L. Wolf, 2014. All rights reserved.
This book is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to anyone, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
Cover image: Family Tree,© Skypixel | Dreamstime.com.
Cover design: C.V.F. and I.L. Wolf