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Jocasta for sure.

If Neilson wasn’t in Lara’s will and wasn’t collecting Lara’s insurance money, it was hard to see what he had to gain by her death. Not as her husband, but what about as her business manager?

If Lara was dead, was it possible the value of her back catalog would rise?

Probably. But again, wouldn’t Jo be the one reaping the benefits?

Ellery was missing something. He could feel it. There was another angle. What? Neilson was a pragmatist. If he was going to kill his sole client, he’d have a strong,practicalreason.

But was there any good, as inpractical,reason to send threatening letters to someone you intended to kill?

Yes.

To create the illusion that a crazed stalker was after Lara. So that if something happened to her, the conclusion would be her stalker got her rather than the obvious suspects?

Did that make sense?

On the one hand, it established the idea that an outsider wished to harm Lara.

But on the other hand, it gave Lara a head’s up. It gave Lara’s road crew and security people a head’s up. It had prompted the festival organizers to hire someone to find out who was behind the threats. It had alerted the local police. And while Lara had refused to involve the local police, if somethingdidhappen to her, the police would certainly investigate.

So how useful a ploy was it?

Yes, Lara had had two close calls over the course of the weekend, but in each case those close calls had been put down to accidents. If it hadn’t been for the anonymous threats, it was doubtful anyone would be thinking much beyond Lara was very lucky/unlucky (depending on how you looked at it) and the Loon Landing Boathouse needed to be retired as a performance venue until it could be overhauled top to bottom.

If you planned to kill someone and make it look like an accident, was there any rational reason to send death threats ahead of time?

Ellery couldn’t think of one.

Which meant?

The death threats were not connected to Lara’s accidents.

Maybe Lara’s accidents reallywerejust accidents.

But if they werenotaccidents…

Ellery mulled that over for a minute or two, then bundled Watson back into his harness, picked up the envelope in its baggie, and exited his office.

He held up the plastic baggie, mimed to Nora that he was going out, and Nora gave him a thumbs up.

…and there to her amazement

was a CROSS on every lawn!

The door to the Crow’s Nest firmly closed, swallowing the rest of it.

* * * * *

“Did someone deck you?” Lara asked, when Ellery joined her at her breakfast table a few minutes later.

“Sort of. It was an accident.” Ellery declined Jocasta’s offer to order him food, but accepted a cup of tea.

Jocasta poured the tea as Ellery, wearing gloves, carefully drew out the envelope, opened it, and showed Lara the card.

I’M GOING TO KILL YOU!!!!! read the childish-looking writing.

“Does this look familiar?” Ellery asked.