In Death 17 - Imitation in Death

hair was a. soft blonde, carefully coiffed into-a short bob that caught the light. Her face was pale and creamy, with a hint of rose on cheeks and lips. This one, Eve thought, never left the house without sunscreen, top to toe.
     
     
She wore widelegged pants, killer heels, and a blousy shirt, with a faint sheen, all in cream.
     
     
"Lieutenant Dallas." There was a high-toned drift of England in her voice, and the hand she offered was cool. "Pamela Renquist. I'm sorry, but I'm expecting company shortly. If you'd contacted my secretary, I'm sure we could have arranged an appointment at a more convenient time."
     
     
"Then I'll try to keep the inconvenience short." -
     
     
"If this is about the stationery,- your time would be of more use speaking with my secretary. She handles the bulk of my correspondence." -
     
     
"Did you buy the stationery, Mrs. RenquistT'
     
     
"Quite possibly." Her face never changed, held-its mildly pleasant expression as she spoke with the kind of undiluted politeness Eve always found insulting. "I enjoy shopping when in London, but I rarely keep track of every little purchase. We certainly have the paper, so it hardly matters if I bought it myself; or Niles, or one of our assistants made the purchase for us. I was under the impression my husband had discussed this with you."
     
     
"He did. There is considerable repetition and overlap in a homicide-investigation. Could you tell me where you and your husband were on the night-"
     
     
"We were precisely where Niles has already told you we were on the night of that unfortunate person's murder." Her tone became frigid and dismissive. "My husband is a very busy than, Lieutenant, and I know he's already taken the time to speak with you regarding this matter. I have nothing to add to what he's already told you, and I'm expecting guests."
     
     
Not so fast, sweetheart. "I haven't yet spoken to your husband regarding a second murder. I'd like you to tell me where you both were on Sunday, between eight and noon."
     
     
For the first time since the woman had walked down the hall, she looked flustered. It was momentary, just a slight heightening of color on that creamy skin, a slight frown around the rosy mouth. Then it was smooth and pale again.
     
     
"I find this very tedious, Lieutenant."
     
     
"Yeah, me, too. But there you go. Sunday, Mrs. Renquist
     
     
Pamela; drew air sharply through her chiseled nostrils. "We have brunch on Sundays at ten-thirty. Prior to that, my husband would have enjoyed a well-deserved hour in our relaxation tank, as he does every Sunday, when schedule permits,..between nine and ten. While he was doing so, I would have joined him in our home health center for my own Sunday morning hour of exercise. At eleven-thirty, after brunch, my daughter would have gone with her au pair to a museum, -while my husband and I prepared to go to the club for a doubles match with friends. Is that detailed enough, Lieutenant?"
     
     
She said lieutenant as ;another woman might have said nosy,, insolent, bitch. Eve had to give her credit for it. "You and your husband were home on Sunday from eight until noon."
     
     
"As I've just said."
     
     
"Mummy..."
     
     
. They both turned and looked at the young girl-gold and pink and white, as pretty as a frosted cake-on the stairs. A woman of about twenty-five, with a spill of black hair clipped back neatly at her nape, held the girl's hand.
     
     
"Not now, Rose. It's impolite to interrupt. Sophia, take Rose back upstairs. I'll let you know when the guests have arrived." She spoke to her daughter and the woman in the same polite and distant tones.
     
     
"Yes, ma'am."
     
     
She gave the girl's hand a little tug--Eve saw it, and the, slight resistance of the child before the girl went obediently back up the stairs.
     
     
"If there's nothing more, Lieutenant, you'll have to make an appointment with either myself or' my husband through our offices." She walked to the door, opened it. "I hope you find who you're looking for soon, so this can be put to rest."
     
     
"I'm sure Jacie Wooton and Lois Gregg feel-exactly - the same way. Thanks for your time."
     
     
Chapter 10
     
     
With the help of Lois Gregg's daughter-in-law, Eve mapped out. the daily routine of the victim's life.
     
     
Leah Gregg served ~iced tea in the compact nook off her compact kitchen.. She wanted to keep her hands busy, Eve could see. And her mind occupied. More, Eve saw a woman who wanted to