Page 77

“In fairness, I met Ames once. I’m not in a position to psychoanalyze him. I’m more interested in your thoughts.”

“I think anyone who plans on a career in the arts has to be alittlebit of an egotist.”

“I guess that explains why you prefer selling books.”

“For a lot of reasons.”

Watson, having decided the headless Cupid near the frozen ornamental pond had lobbed a snowball at him, began to shout accusations.

“Language,” Ellery admonished. Watson wagged his tail and returned to slandering Cupid for all to hear.

Ellery said, “Any news on when some actual detectives might be out this way?”

“Murder trumps just about everything else, so the snowplows are headed to you now. But we’re talking about clearing a lot of heavy, wet snow and ice on narrow country lanes, so it will be a couple of hours at least.”

“What about a forensics team from the mainland?”

“No ferry. No helicopters. There’s supposed to be another storm moving in.”

“No.”

Jack said quickly, “Someone will get to you today. I promise. If I have to hike out there myself.”

Poor Jack. This was probably even harder on him. Ellery sealed his lips on everything he wanted to say, none of which would be particularly useful.

“It’s okay. I know you’re doing everything you can. I’ll get back in there and finish up with Lenny and Flip. And then...”

And then he had no idea.

“I’m sorry, you’re having to deal with this on your own.” Jack sounded troubled. “I should be there.”

“And you should be right where you are, too. You can’t be everywhere, Jack. I’m notenjoyingthis, but it’s under control.”

So far.

Jack made a sound of exasperation, and said, “I’ll listen to these interviews. Send me the recordings of Flip and Lenny as soon as you’ve got them.”

Ellery said, “I will. Did you happen to hear back from NYPD yet?”

“Not yet. Does that mean you think Chelsea’s murder might be connected to Noah’s death?”

Ellery said wearily, “It must be, right? Chelsea’s death has to somehow tie in with Tosh’s photos, because I can’t think of any other reason for her to sneak downstairs in the middle of the night. Which forces me to believe that Tosh’s photos must reveal something to do with Noah’s death.”

“I agree.”

“But we all went through those photos. Even you looked through those photos. I didn’t see anything incriminating or revealing. Did you? I saw a bunch of pics of dumbass kids having a lot of fun pretending to be adults.”

Jack said sternly. “You were adults. Young adults, but old enough to know right from wrong.”

“But there was nothing in the photos, Jack. What could there have been, anyway? There were only a handful of photos of Noah.”

“I don’t know,” Jack admitted. “You’re right. I didn’t see anything incriminating or revealing. But something has to be there.”

“Well, when I’m done with Flip and Lenny, I’ll take another look.”

“No,” Jack said quickly. “Leave that for the professionals. When the interviews are finished, so are you. As far as any further investigating goes, I mean.”

“Thanks for clarifying.”