Alex Harris 00 - Poisoned

chin in her hand. “If I remember correctly, Lucien is the first of Mrs. Brissart’s ancestors to come to America.”
    “We need a copy of the family history.” I jumped off the bed and headed for the door.
    “We still have another letter to read and this other thing.” Chantal held up the deed.
    “Bring them downstairs. With any luck, we might just be able to solve this whole thing.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

    Back in the study, it took a few minutes for Chantal to open up the system. While we waited I asked, “There’s something I don’t understand. If Lucien wrote this to this Paul person, then why was it with Lucien’s things? Or do we have Paul’s things or maybe even the papers of Joseph?”
    “I think this stuff probably belonged to Lucien. If Bradley found these letters in the house in Farmington, then they would have to have been Lucien’s. He’s the relation. Maybe he never mailed the letter to Paul,” Chantal said.
    “It has a stamp, though,” I said.
    “Okay, here we go.”
    I got another chair and pulled it up next to Chantal. We read the history as Chantal slowly scrolled down the screen. When we finished, I set back in my chair. “Wow. This guy Lucien is Mrs. Brissart’s great great grandfather, or maybe great great great grandfather. She said she knew most of the family history. I wonder if she knows this?” I asked.
    “I have no idea. But I’m still confused as to why someone would want to kill over this. I mean don’t we all have someone like this in our history? If you go back far enough, I’m sure just about everybody would find a Lucien or two.”
    “Yes, but to some people, family ties are everything. And if this got out, there might be hell to pay. The Brissart family and the Estenfelders and Dolivecks are all prominent names in this town. I’ll bet June and May would not want this sort of thing to get out.”
    Chantal looked at me, the full impact dawning on her face. “You mean you think May or June would kill over this?”
    “Well, May certainly tried, didn’t she?”
    “Yes. She did. She said June didn’t have a hand in it. But maybe June didn’t have a hand in the jequirity bean but she very well may have put the cyanide in the cookies.” Chantal squinted her eyes into tiny slits. “You know, I never liked her. I don’t particularly care for either of them, but June has always been more ruthless in my opinion.”
    “Well, don’t get an arrest warrant yet. We could be wrong.”
    “Hey, we’re forgetting the other letter.” Chantal said, returning to the subject at hand. She took the third letter off the table and unfolded the yellowed sheets. “This is in French again. It’s addressed to a Madame Thiry, and it’s dated January 12, 1837. It’s from Lucien.
    “ My dearest Emilie, What can I possibly say to ease your sorrow over the death of Raymond? I know what he meant to you as I, also, felt very deeply about him. He was my friend and partner for many years and I will cherish my memories forever .”
    “I don’t believe this guy!” I slapped the small table with my hand. “He has the man killed, at least it seems that way, and now he’s writing to the widow.”
    Chantal had been silently reading while I ranted. “There’s more and it doesn’t get any better.”
    “ As you know, all our assets were purchased under the Tontine agreement and thus, everything automatically reverts to me. My dear friend Raymond, though an excellent partner and friend, did not fare well when it came to personal investments, and other than your house, did not own anything himself. I would not sleep well at night if I did not honor him by providing for you and your children. I have therefore set up an account that will take care of your monthly needs and the education of your children. Please do not consider this charity. It is not! It is my duty as Raymond’s trusted friend, and I would consider it an honor to see that your needs are taken care of.
    There are a few business matters that unfortunately must be tended to. I wish to burden you no more than what is absolutely necessary and I have, therefore, drawn up the proper papers for your signature. I have taken the liberty of contacting the bankers on your behalf, and, given your lack of English, have assured them that I will be at their disposal for whatever they need.
    Emilie, please be assured that I will take care of everything for you and your needs will not go unattended. I learned of something today