Alex Harris 00 - Poisoned

them in good shape, at least May’s did. I’m not too sure June fared so well. But they both live extravagantly. And June spent a lot of money after her husband died. They’re forever complaining about money, so to be honest, I can’t say I know for certain exactly what their financial situations are. To be totally truthful, I don’t really care. If they had all the money in the world, they wouldn’t do anything good with it. Guess that’s why I do so much charity work. I’ve had it good, wonderful, all my life. It’s not worth much if you don’t do good with it. They never have.” Mrs. Brissart paused to pour more tea into her cup.
    “My husband probably left me with more than their husbands, and, like I said we all started out well, thanks to my father. More than any human being could ever need. I read somewhere that someone said we are stripped bare by the curse of plenty . That sums up my family.”
    “Winston Churchill,” I interjected.
    “Pardon?”
    “It was Churchill. He said we are stripped bare by the curse of plenty. Sorry,” I looked sheepishly at John.
    John gave me a tight-lipped stare then turned back to Mrs. Brissart. “You were saying, Mrs. Brissart.”
    “I think something more than just the sale of the land got their interest. I think both May and June would be walking off with a bit of the action after the land was developed. I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if May’s sons were in on it, too. Speaking of those two, Larry—he’s an inventor, or so he thinks—never made anything that works more than an hour. I wouldn’t be surprised if he could use some cash. Other than his inventions, and I use the word lightly, I don’t know how he makes a living. His brother, Steven, now he has a decent job but he likes to live the good life.”
    “So there was a lot more at stake than realized?” I asked.
    “Yes, I think so.”
    John got back into the conversation. “We’re analyzing all the food put out that evening, but it seems whatever killed your grandson came from the macaroons. When did you put them out?”
    “Oh, dear. I made them especially for Bradley. I haven’t baked them for ages. I put them out early so he and Chantal and Alex could have something to nibble on while they worked. I made several more batches, and well, they followed us all evening. Bradley dragged the plate around to whatever room we were in. The cookies sat in plain sight for all to see. Oh, dear.” A small tear slowly ran down Mrs. Brissart’s creamy skin.
    “Did anyone other than Bradley eat any?”
    “Of course! They were free, weren’t they? The whole family ate them. There were hardly any left.”
    “They looked odd, Mrs. Brissart. Was there any particular reason why you made them like that?”
    I looked at John and wondered what he was getting at. Mrs. Brissart echoed my sentiments.
    “It is Halloween, Detective. I thought we could all use a bit of frivolity what with my sisters’ actions of late. Some of the faces really bothered May. I must admit I got a kick out of taunting her like that.”
    “What about the other food?”
    “Well, Virginia brought out some bread and cheese and fruit. I hoped everyone would leave, but when it came up on eight o’clock and they didn’t take the hint, well, I didn’t want to feed them a proper dinner, but I was a bit hungry and I know Bradley and Kendra were, too.”
    “Kendra?” I asked. “Oh, Bradley’s girlfriend, is that correct?”
    “Yes, that’s right. They had plans to marry.” Mrs. Brissart wiped at another tear slowly making its way down her beautiful skin. “A lovely girl. She’s taking this all very hard. As are we all.” Mrs. Brissart whispered this last sentiment. “Finally about nine-thirty everyone left except Bradley. He usually stays a few nights a week here. He always has. He has a standard meeting with a colleague every Tuesday morning. Since they meet at one of the coffee shops nearby, he usually stays here on Monday night. Kendra stayed for a while and I went up to bed.”
    “Mrs. Brissart, why don’t you want to sell the land?” John leaned forward on his chair to pour himself more tea.
    “Well, in the first place, I don’t need the money. I, for one, do not think we need another mall or another business center or whatever all they planned on putting there. And then there’s the house. You’re more than welcome to go up and see the house, stay there if you’d like.” She nodded at both me and John.