Never Laugh as a Hearse Goes By: A Penny Brannigan Mystery by Elizabeth J. Duncan

see, another page has been torn out here. In fact, this was the second last entry in the book, just before the notes she took of your talk on the church thefts, so it’s very recent. It might be of some significance. I don’t know.” Florence gave Davies an encouraging look. “So if I were you, Inspector, I’d look a little harder and see if these missing pages turn up. And if you find them, they might also be in shorthand and if they are, I’d be happy to translate them for you.”
    “Thank you, Florence. I appreciate your work today.” Davies placed the steno notebook in an evidence bag and gathered up the rest of the materials. “I’m going to ask you to stand by. Her office is being searched now and if anything turns up, I’ll let you know.” They stood up. “Now, I’m sure you’re ready for another cup of tea.”
    “Something a little stronger, I think, Inspector, if you wouldn’t mind,” replied Florence, tipping her head in the direction of the honesty bar which resembled a tempting, well-stocked drinks table in the drawing room of a country house. Miniatures of liquor were set out, along with small cans of mixers, a variety of glasses, bottles of wine and sherry, a filled ice bucket, and a small plate of sliced lemon, covered in cling film.
    “Good idea,” said Davies, “I wish I could join you but I’ve still got a lot of work to do today. What can I get you? Sherry, is it?”
    “Do you know, Inspector, I’d like something a little different. Let’s push the boat out. Mine’s a gin and tonic with ice, please.”
    “Mrs. Lloyd has been asking when you’re likely to be finished. Shall I send her in or would you like to enjoy your drink on your own?” Davis asked as he snapped open a can of tonic water.
    “Has Penny been looking after her?”
    “She has.”
    “Poor Penny. Better send Evelyn in, then.”
    Davies laughed as he added a slice of lemon to her drink.
    “That’s very understanding of you, Florence. Would Mrs. Lloyd like a drink, too, do you think?”
    “Yes, Inspector, I’m sure she would. Would you mind making it two?”
    “Not at all. Does she take ice with hers, too?” Davies signed for both drinks and then reached for the tongs.

 
    Eighteen
    Davies found Penny and Mrs. Lloyd seated in the dining room, looking out over the back garden. A moment after hearing that Florence had a drink waiting for her in the Gladstone Room, Mrs. Lloyd scuttled away, leaving Penny and Davies with the room to themselves. The metal shutter of the servery window was closed as the kitchen staff finished preparations for the evening meal. The dining room was empty and silent, except for the occasional sound of Alan, the chef, calling out an order to the kitchen staff over the rattle of large pots and pans.
    “Any new developments?” Penny asked. “Was Florence able to help at all?”
    “Possibly. She didn’t see anything of interest in the steno book, but she did make an interesting observation. It’s not what’s there that could be important, but what isn’t there.”
    “Meaning?”
    “Meaning that at least two pages that could contain personal information seem to be missing. I’ve asked for Minty’s office to be searched. If the pages turn up, in her desk, say, they may be important or, as Florence said, they may contain nothing more than a shopping list. Anyway, if and when we find them, Florence will translate for us if need be.”
    “What do you make of all this?” Penny asked. “This whole business with Minty.”
    “It seems likely that someone deliberately put shellfish on her plate, knowing that she had a severe allergy to it. Whether that person wanted to frighten her or kill her, I don’t know. But the PM is scheduled for first thing in the morning so hopefully we’ll get some useful information from that, although the toxicology results will take longer.”
    Penny nodded. “It would be helpful to know who was within earshot at the reception when she mentioned her