In the Shadow of Death by Gwendolyn Southin

sooner or later,” Maggie answered.
    â€¢ • •
    WHEN MAGGIE WENT downstairs to the kitchen early the next morning, she found Kate starting breakfast preparations. “I’m ready for the terrible twos visit,” Kate said, but her haggard face said she was anything but ready.
    â€œHow did you sleep?” Maggie asked.
    â€œNot well. I kept dreaming that Douglas was being blown up and I was being chased . . . you know the kind of dream . . . ”
    Maggie nodded sympathetically. “You said that Jamie resents his father, but what about Christine?” Maggie filled her coffee cup. “Does she have a close relationship with him?”
    â€œSort of. She would like it to be closer, though. Doug told me that after the split, the kids moved back to Seattle with their mother.”
    â€œThey went to school there?”
    Kate nodded. “They were up here a lot, though. Used to come up for summer vacations, Easter, Christmas, that sort of thing.” She sat thoughtfully for a few moments. “Doug says I imagine it, but Christine really does resent me.”
    â€œI suppose it’s understandable,” Maggie answered.
    â€œApparently, she wanted to quit high school and come and look after her father. But he insisted that she study for a career.” Kate placed a plate of scrambled eggs and sausages in front of Maggie.
    After breakfast, Kate went to feed her chickens and Maggie did the dishes. She was just putting the last plate in the cupboard when she heard a knock on the door and the now familiar heavy footsteps coming down the hall. Brossard and his sidekick had arrived.
    â€œMrs. Guthrie around?” he asked.
    â€œOut back. I’ll get her for you.”
    â€œNo, wait. I’ve something to say to you first. I’ve got a suggestion for you, and I hope you’ll take it in the spirit that it’s given.”
    â€œAnd what is this suggestion, Corporal, that you’re so worried about how I’ll take it?”
    â€œI’m suggesting that you go back to your boss and his . . . ahem . . . investigating services nice and peacefully.” He peered down at her from his six-two height. “I’m sure there are enough errant spouses back there to keep you busy.”
    Maggie felt her face redden. “That’s highly insulting, Corporal Brossard.” She looked witheringly at the officer. “I’ll stay as long as I’m needed. And by the way, where were you when Kate asked for help? You wouldn’t even give her the time of day, then suddenly there’s a dead body and all of a sudden you’re hot on the case and want to chase me off. I’ve every right to be here . . . ” Luckily, Kate’s appearance put a stop to what was assuredly going to be a rather nasty response.
    â€œIt’s about this mine,” he said, waving the file in his hand. “How come you say your husband never mentioned it to you before?”
    â€œHow can she answer a stupid question like that?” Maggie cut in, trying to remain calm.
    â€œLet Mrs. Guthrie speak for herself.”
    â€œI told you,” Kate said wearily, “I never heard of the place until yesterday.”
    â€œAnd you don’t recognize any of the names on this contract?”
    â€œWhy do you keep asking the same questions? It was you who told me about Sarazine, and Maggie told me about the mine being blown up.”
    He turned his steel grey eyes onto Maggie. “And where did you get that bit of information?”
    Hell! If only Kate could keep her mouth shut. She realized she’d been neatly cornered. “From my boss. And,” she added, “where he got the information is privileged.” She wasn’t sure if it was or not, but the line sounded good.
    â€œThat will depend solely on what’s happened to Mr. Guthrie. Surely you know that, Mrs. Spencer, especially as you claim to be . . . uh . . . some kind of a detective.” He