Imitation in Death

“No, ma’am.”

“Civilian consultants are often utilized by the police department,”Eve put in. “If you have any questions about this procedure, you can call my commanding officer inNew York. We can wait outside until you verify.”

“That won’t be necessary.” She stepped back until they entered the living area. It was ruthlessly clean, and Spartan. None of the frilly businessEve generally expected from older women living alone was in evidence.

No pillows or dust-catchers, no framed photos or flowers. There was a single sofa, a single chair, two tables, two lamps. It was as soulless, and just as welcoming, as a cage in a high-security prison.

One would not, she was sure, hear the dulcet sounds of a Carmichael Smith CD within these walls. That, at least, was one small mercy.

“You may sit, on the sofa. I will not offer refreshments this close to mealtime.”

She took the chair, sat with her back straight as a poker, her feet flat on the floor with her knees pressed so tightly together they might have been glued. She folded her hands in her lap.

“You indicated you wished to speak to me regarding one of my former charges, but refused to give me a name. I find that quite rude,MissDallas.”

“I find murder quite rude, and that’s what I’m investigating.”

“There is no need for sass. If you can’t conduct yourself with respect, this interview is over.”

“Respect’s a two-way street. My name isLieutenantDallas.”

Gable’s mouth folded in, but she inclined her head in acknowledgment. “Very well.LieutenantDallas. I assume since you’ve attained that rank you have some aptitude for your profession, and some sense. If you’ll explain, succinctly, why you’ve come to speak to me, we can conclude this matter and get back to our business.”

“My questions will be of a highly confidential nature. I’m asking for your discretion.”

“I lived and worked in private homes, among important families, most of my life. I am nothing if not discreet.”

“One of those families included a son.Niles Renquist.”

Gable’s eyebrows shot up, the first genuine animation she’d shown. “If you’ve come all the way fromNew York to ask me about the Renquists, you’re wasting my time and your own. Mine is valuable to me.”

“Valuable enough, I’d imagine, to want to avoid being transported toNew York and brought into formal interview.” The threat was hot air. No judge would give her the power to drag a civilian across state lines on what little she’d gathered. But the idea of the inconvenience was often enough to elicit cooperation.

“I don’t believe you can have me taken toNew York like a common criminal.” There was more animation now as temper put an almost rosy flush in Gable’s cheeks. “I have no doubt my attorney could prevent such a high-handed tactic.”

“Maybe. Go ahead and contact him, if you want to go to the trouble, the time, and the expense. We’ll see who wins in the end.”

“I don’t care for your attitude, or your demeanor.”

Gable’s fingers had curled on her thighs, with the knuckles going white. A pincher.Eve was sure of it.

“I get that a lot. Something about murder just gets me all irritable. You can talk to me here and now,Ms.Gable, in the comfort of your own home. Or we can start the bureaucratic ball rolling. Up to you.”

Gablehad a good stare, icy and unblinking. But it was no match for a cop with eleven years under her belt. “Very well. You can ask your questions. I’ll answer what I deem appropriate.”

“Did Niles Renquist ever demonstrate violent or disturbing behavior under your watch?”

“Certainly not.” She sniffed even the thought of it away. “He was a well-bred young man from a good family. I believe his current position and circumstance bears that out.”

“Does he keep in touch with you?”

“I receive flowers on my birthday and a card at Christmas, as is proper.”

“So, the two of you maintain an affectionate relationship.”

“Affectionate?” Gable’s face drew together as if she’d scented something vaguely unpleasant. “I neither want nor expect affection from any of my charges,LieutenantDallas, as I doubt you expect any from your subordinates.”

“What do-or did-you expect?”

“Obedience, respect, and organized, well-disciplined behavior.”

Sounded more like the army than the nursery toEve, but she nodded. “And you received same from Renquist.”

“Of course.”

“Did you employ corporal punishment?”

“When appropriate. My methods, which served me and my charges well, were to suit the disciplinary action to the child and the offense.”

“To your memory, what disciplinary actions most usually suited Niles Renquist?”

“He responded best to denial. Denial of recreation, society, entertainment, etcetera. He could and would become argumentative or sullen during the deprivation, but would, eventually, submit. He learned, as did all my charges, that there are consequences for unacceptable behavior.”

“Did he have friends?”

“He had a suitably selected number of playmates and acquaintances.”

“Selected by?”

“Myself, or his parents.”

“And his relationship with his parents?”

“Was all that it should be. I fail to see the pertinence of these questions.”

“Nearly done. Did he have any pets?”

“There was, I recall, a family dog. A miniature terrier of some sort. Sarah, the young girl, was particularly fond of it, and nearly inconsolable when it ran away.”

“How old was Renquist when it ran away?”

“Ten or twelve, I believe.”

“How about the young girl, Renquist’s sister? What can you tell me about her?”

“She was a model charge. Amenable, quiet, and well-ma

“Clumsy how?”

“She went through a stage where she tripped over her own feet quite often, or bumped into objects and had more than her share of bumps and scrapes. At my recommendation the Renquists had her vision checked, but her sight was quite perfect. It was simply a matter of a lack of coordination, and a slightly skittish nature. She grew out of it.”

“When would you say she grew out of it?”

“At about twelve, I suppose. She developed grace at a stage when many young girls lose theirs. Puberty is a difficult period, but Sarah bloomed during hers.”

“And about this time, when she developed grace and stopped turning up with cuts and bruises, her brother was sent to Eton. Would that be about right?”

“I suppose it would. Doubtless having my undivided time and attention helped her gain more poise and confidence. Now, if that’s all-”

“Just one more thing. Do you recall if there were any other family pets that went missing during your time with the Renquists? Other animals in the neighborhood that ran away?”

“Other people’s pets weren’t my concern. I have no recollection.”

– -«»--«»--«»--

“Were you following me in there?” Eve asked Roarke when they stood on the sidewalk.

“Clear enough. You’re looking to establish whether or not this Renquist had an abusive female authority figure in his childhood. Whether or not he, in turn, abused his younger, female, sibling. Whether or not he may, as is often the case with serial or torture killers, killed or tortured pets.”

“Textbook stuff,” Eve agreed. “And what’s fu

“What’s your money on?”

“The last one. She’s a pincher, all right, and worse. You get a lot of her type in the foster system. Somebody like her wouldn’t consider she had a mentally or emotionally twisted charge as long as the kid presented the illusion of submission.”

“Did you?”

“Not so much, but I could when it was worth my while. And I know a lot of kids, most kids, come through something like that and lead normal lives. Renquist could be one of them. His sister might very well have been clumsy. But I don’t like coincidence. I’ve got to mull this over and I’ve got to go meet the Boston cop.”