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Mrs. Nelson looked at Mr. Starling. Mr. Starling looked at Nora. Nora chewed her lip.

Ellery asked, “Okay. So, who killed Tackle Shandy?”

Back on solid ground, the Silver Sleuths relaxed and began to talk at once.

“June,” Mrs. Clarence said. “There’s no question.”

“The question is why they haven’t arrested her yet,” Mrs. Nelson said.

Mr. Starling retorted, “Arresther? They ought to give the poor benighted creature a medal. What that woman had to put up with.”

Nora, observing Ellery, asked, “What does Chief Carson say?”

“He says they’re still looking at all the possibilities.”

It gave them less than a moment’s pause.

“He probably wouldn’t tell you anyway,” Mrs. Clarence said. “Sanctity of the confessional and all that.”

“Chief Carson is not a priest, dear.”

“He’s definitely not a priest.” Ellery examined the box of tacos on the sales desk. “Where did these come from?”

“Hermione and Edna were kind enough to bring me lunch.”

“Sorry.” Ellery meant it. “I totally lost track of time. But I meant, where did you find tacos on this island?”

“Oh! There’s that new littlehaciendawhere Gimcracks Antiques used to be.”

“Authentic New England Mexican food.” Ellery grinned.

“It’s very delicious. Help yourself.”

“That’s okay. So listen, gang, we’re not interfering or getting involved in any more ongoing police investigations. I gave Jack my word.”

“I didn’t give Jackmyword,” Mrs. Nelson replied.

“Nor I,” Mrs. Clarence put in.

Nora admonished, “Now, dear, if Ellery gave his word, we must abide by that. Chief Carson could make life very unpleasant for all of us if he so chose.”

Stanley Starling rubbed his jaw, as though recalling an instance of police brutality that had, in fact, never happened. “That’s fine with me. I’m not forgetting what went down at the Black House even if you zanies are. I say we stick to cold cases from here on out.”

Far from being chastened, the others began to recount their adventures.

“Absolutely. We’ll wait for the police to finish their investigation, andthenwe’ll solve the case,” Nora concluded.

“I’ve created a monster.” Ellery picked up the box and journal and retreated to his office.

As he sat down at his desk, his cell phone rang. He smiled at Jack’s contact photo and pressed the green button. “What’s up?”

“Did I hear you say you were having drinks with someone named James tonight?”

“It’s just work, honey.”

Jack spluttered, “Uh, right. And James is?”

“Joey Franklin’s highly incensed son. Remember?”