Deception at Dark Hall (The Briony Martin Mystery Series) by Stacey Coverstone

gurney. The body stretched upon the gurney was covered with a white blanket. The paramedics halted in front of them.
    “Mr. Yannatos, we’ll be taking Mr. Griggs to the city morgue now,” one of them said.
    “Fine, thank you.”
    Daniel placed his hand on the cart to stop it from rolling. “No, it isn’t fine. The Chicago police department is on their way. This man isn’t going anywhere until they get here. They need to conduct an investigation, even if it’s a suicide.”
    “I’m sure you know that’s proper procedure,” Briony added, glancing between the two paramedics. Sheepishly, they both looked at Yannatos for direction.
    His lips were taut. “Of course.” His head snapped toward the library. “You men can move the body into that room.”
    “Yes, sir,” the medics said in unison.
    Once they’d disappeared into the library, Daniel repeated, “Please take us to Sharlyn and Shelby.”
    Yannatos hesitated.
    “What are you waiting for?”
    “I think it would be better if you come back later when there’s less chaos.”
    Daniel gritted his teeth in frustration. “We’re not coming back later. I insist you take us to Sharlyn now! I love her. She needs me. I’m here to help her through this crisis.”
    “You love her?” Yannatos said, clearly surprised.
    “Yes.” Daniel’s patience had run out. “If you won’t show me to her, I’ll find her myself.” He began walking in circles around the foyer loudly shouting out her name. “Sharlyn! Sharlyn!”
    “Stop,” Yannatos said, clutching at his arm. “It’s obvious you care for her.”
    “Damn right I do.”
    A long moment passed before the man spoke again. “I can also see you don’t understand the situation.”
    Briony spoke up. “I think we do understand, Mr. Yannatos. Sharlyn’s been hiding Shelby here since Andrew Whealdon was killed in her apartment. The police will want to question her when they arrive. Is that why you didn’t call them about the butler’s death? You don’t want them to know it was Shelby and not Griggs who committed the crime. Am I correct?”
    He said nothing, but she shuddered under his blue chill.
    “As her lawyer, you must convince her to speak to them,” she continued, willing her voice not to shake. “Shelby won’t be in trouble if she had nothing to do with the murder. But if she, or the twins together planned the crime, they must be held accountable.”
    Daniel moaned, “Briony, I told you Sharlyn isn’t capable of killing anyone. She helps people, she doesn’t hurt them.”
    “I’m sorry, Daniel, but a man was murdered in cold blood. Maybe even two men. And you were attacked. Whomever is responsible must face charges.”
    “You’ve got it all wrong,” Yannatos said darkly. “Griggs left a note. He confessed to killing this Whealdon fellow, as well as a man named Todd Brandt five years ago, and my old friend, Oliver, ten years prior. Griggs wrote that Oliver didn’t fall down the stairs. He pushed him. Griggs committed all the crimes.”
    “Why?” Briony asked. “What was his motive?”
    “The note explained that he felt possessed by a demonic spirit. Many years ago, he’d spurned a woman. She was a witch and put a curse on him. From that moment on, he was consumed by satanic desires. Like a starving man craving a meal, his only gratification came when he killed. He fought hard to control his urges, but with this last kill, the guilt apparently became too much to live with any longer. He wanted to go to the police and confess what he’d done, but he was old and knew he wouldn’t survive prison. His note said he decided suicide was his best option.”
    “A witch!” Daniel exclaimed. “Of all the ridiculous things…” He shook his head, unbelieving. “The police will want to see that suicide note.”
     “What a tall tale,” Briony muttered, “even for a bizarre place like Dark Hall. It’s my opinion something less theatrical, but far more sinister is at play here. Would you