In Death 19 - Visions in Death

had--" "Ms Chancy? We just want the list." "Yes. Well, yes. Lieutenant, is it?" "It sure is." "You see, I've never had a request of this nature, and I'm unsure how to proceed." "Let me help you out with that. You give us the list, and we say thank you for your cooperation." "But our customers. They may object. If they feel I've, somehow, infringed on their privacy, they may object, you see. And shop elsewhere." It wasn't difficult in the confined space, for Peabody to nudge Eve. "We can assure you of our discretion, Ms Chancy," she said. "This is a very serious matter we're investigating, and we need your help. But there's no reason for us to reveal to any of your customers how we obtained their name." "Oh, I see. I see." But she continued to stand, biting her smiling lip.
    "What a beautiful quilt chair." Peabody ran her hand over it. "Is this your work?" "Yes. Yes, it is. I'm particularly proud of it." "I can see why. It's exceptional work." "Thank you! Do you quilt?" "A little. I do a little of this, a little of that. I'm hoping to make more time for my handwork in the future, especially since I'm moving to a new apartment shortly. I'd like to have it reflect my interests." "Well, of course," Ms Chancy said, enthusiastically.
    "I noticed how well supplied and how organized your shop is. I'll certainly be back, in an unofficial capacity, as soon as I've settled into my new place." "Wonderful! Let me give you our store information. We hold classes, you know, and have monthly clubs for any interest." She plucked a disc out of a box covered with fabric daisies.
    "Great." "You know, Lieutenant, handcrafting not only gives you the opportunity to create beautiful things that reflect your own style and personality while honoring centuries of traditions, but is very therapeutic. I imagine anyone in your line of work needs to be able to relax and cleanse the soul." "Right." Peabody swallowed the tickle of laughter at her field promotion by the shopkeeper. "I couldn't agree more.
    I have a number of friends and associates who could use the same." "Really?" "If we could have your customer list, Ms Chancy." Peabody gave her a bright, toothy smile. "We'd very much appreciate your cooperation, and your support of the NYPSD." "Oh. Hmm. When you put it that way." She cleared her throat. "But you'll be discreet?" Peabody kept the smile plastered on her face. "Absolutely." "I'll just make you a copy."
    Back on the street Peabody's smile turned smug, and there was a little bounce to her step as she walked. "Well?" "Well what?" "Come on." She jabbed Eve with her elbow. "Spread a little glory." Eve stopped at a glide-cart. Caffeine was going to be an essential part of the day. "Couple tubes of Pepsi," she ordered.
    "One straight, one Pepsi Fitness. Watching the weight," she said to Eve.
    Eve shrugged, dug out credits. She took the first hit and decided there was hope left in the world. "You did a good job. Maybe a longer dance than the one with me smashing Chancy's face into her desk, but not as messy." "See, now that we're partners, I can be the one with the voice of reason." "Uh-huh. What was up with that chair?" "Quilt chair. They can be a real focal point homey or amusing or striking. And it's a clever way to recycle scraps from other projects. I didn't like her choice of fabrics, but the workmanship was first class." "Gee, the things you learn," Eve said. "That have absolutely no use. Pick up the pace, Peabody, it's a quicker way to ditch the weight than drinking PFs." "But see, I'm drinking the PF and exercising. Which means I can have dessert at the dinner party tonight. So, what are you wearing?" "What am I... oh shit." "I don't think that's appropriate attire for a casual dinner.
    We have to go," she continued before Eve could speak.
    "Unless things heat up, we have to. A couple, three hours after shift socializing and recreating with friends isn't going to hamper the investigation, Dallas." "Jeez." She chugged Pepsi as she strode the half a block north toward the first fitness center. "It's weird enough, this whole cozy gathering, but now I have to do it on no sleep and with bodies piling up. My life used to be simple." "Mmm." "It did. Because it didn't have all these people in it." "If you need to shove somebody out, you know, to simplify? Could you give Roarke the push? See, McNab and I have this understanding. If Roarke's clear, I get to take my shot at him. McNab gets one at you." When Eve choked on the last swallow from