Page 57 of A Study In Murder

?I considered the implications of what Sheryl had just said. “Then this was all planned—premeditated. The killer planned to use me as a patsy.”

?“Did you examine the barrel of your pistol to see if a silencer had been fitted into it?”

?“Of course not. What would I look for?”

?“Scratches on the inside of the barrel—damn!” Sheryl said.

?“What is it?”

?“I should have thought about that last night and examined your gun. I am afraid I have not been at my best, Mark.”

?“I think you’re fantastic,” I marveled.

?“Really?” She gave me a broad smile.

?“You’ve deduced a lot more than I could have imagined. Honestly, Sheryl, if we have any chance at all, it will be because of you.”

?“Sh!” Sheryl said and ran to the door.

?“Wha—” But I heard the electronic lock click.

?Sheryl hit off the lights and I slid against the wall.

?The door opened a crack, and then someone slithered in under the “CRIME SCENE” tape and shut the door.

?Sheryl flashed on the lights.

?With an “Oh!” of surprise, the figure rose.

?There before us, with her white hair, very proper pantsuit, and indignant face was Winsley Cunningham.

18. Makeready Stage

Sheryl Homes

?“What on earth are you doing here?” Ms. Cunningham said, her face red.

?“I believe we could ask you the same question,” I demanded, trying to sound like I was in charge.

?“Yes,” Mark agreed and stepped away from the wall. “We’re here to find out what happened.”

?“I thought you two were in jail,” Winsley retorted with a look of anger.

?“Well, we’re here now,” I jeered. “You’d better tell us what you’re doing here.”

?“How did you get in?” she inquired.

; ?“Someone switched my key for Candy’s,” Mark told her. “The only other person with a copy of the key would be the murderer.”

?Winsley turned pale. “Oh my! You don’t think I—”

?“Winsley, we have nothing to lose by telling the police we were here,” I explained. “And we would love to let them know you dropped by.”

?“It was because of my investments,” Winsley fumed.

?“The ones you have with Randall?” I put forward.