In Death 17 - Imitation in Death

still outnumber women on the job," she heard herself saying, and felt the quick, flirtatious smile curve- her lips. "That can be a pretty strong incentive, Td just like to say how much I admire your work. I'm such a fan of musical theater, and you've been involved in wonderful projects. It seems so glamorous and exciting to someone like me." ;
     
     
"It has its moments. Maybe you'd like me-to give you a tour of the theater, backstage, where the action really is."
     
     
"That would be..." She trailed off breathlessly. "I'd just love it." She glanced back at the door again. "I'm not supposed to do something like that. You won't say anything?"
     
     
He mimed zipping his lip and made her giggle.
     
     
"If I can just clear up some of these discrepancies before she gets back. Otherwise, she'll skin me."
     
     
"Sweetheart, you can't really believe I'd kill anyone."
     
     
"Oh no, Mr. Fortney, but the lieutenant."
     
     
He got up from the desk, came ;around, and sat, on the corner of it. "I'm not interested in the lieutenant. The fact is, Pepper and I... well, our relationship has devolved, you could say. We're really just business partners at this point, keeping up appearances for the public. I don't want anything to damage her while she's working so hard in this play. I have a great deal of affection and respect for, her even though...even though things aren't what they were between us."
     
     
He gave Peabody a puppy dog look, and she did her best to respond with one of sympathy. Even as she thought: Putz. Do I look that green? "It must be awfully hard for you."
     
     
"Show business is a demanding mistress, on both sides of he curtain. I did tell nearly-the truth about that night. I didn't mention that Pepper and I didn't really speak or have contact with each other when she came back from the theater. I spent that night as I've spent far too many of them. Alone."
     
     
"So you have no one to corroborate your whereabouts?"
     
     
"So afraid I don't, not directly, though Pepper and I were in the same house together all night. It was just another lonely night, and to be frank, they blur together now. I wonder, maybe you and I could have dinner?"
     
     
"Ummm..."
     
     
"Privately;" he added. "I can't be seen having dinner with a beautiful woman while Pepper and I still have to keep up ,,this pretense Gossip would hurt her, and she's so temperamental.-She needs to focus on the play. I have to honor that."
     
     
"That's so... " The words that ran through her head were anything but flattering, but she choked out an alternative."... so brave. I'd love to, if I can get the time off. These murders have the lieutenant working practically 24/7. And when she works, I work."
     
     
"Murders." For a moment he looked genuinely puzzled. "Is, that what all this business about this Gregg person is? Another prostitute's been killed?"
     
     
"There was another attack," Peabody evaded. "It would help me out a lot if you could tell me where you were Sunday morning, between eight and noon. That would cover you, and I could probably smooth things out with Lieutenant Dallas so she won't bother you again."
     
     
She tried a simper, but didn't think it was her best look.
     

 
"Sunday morning? Sleeping the sleep of the just until tenish. I indulge myself on Sundays. Pepper would have been up and out early. Dance class, she never misses. I would have had a light brunch, lingered over the Sunday paper. I doubt I was even dressed until noon."
     
     
"And alone again?"
     
     
He gave a sad, crooked smile. "Afraid so. Pepper would have gone directly to-the theater after class. Sunday matinee. I did go to the club; but not until atleast one. For a swim, a steam, a massage." He lifted his hands, let them fall. "I'm afraid I did nothing of any interest all day. Now, if I'd had a companion. Someone...:simpatico... we'd have taken a leisurely drive in the country, stopped at some charming little inn for a champagne lunch, and whiled away our Sunday in a much more entertaining fashion. As it is, I have nothing but work, illusion, and solitude."
     
     
"Could you tell me the name of your club? Then I can give Lieutenant Dallas something solid."
     
     
"I use the Gold Key, on Madison."
     
     
"Thanks." She rose. "I'll see if I can head her off."
     
     
He took Peabody's hand, looking' into her eyes as he brought it to his lips. "Dinner?"
     
     
"It sounds mag. I'll contact you as soon as I know- when I'm clear." She hoped