"Gordon is getting ready to run for mayor, you know," Marjorie continued in a blithe, chatty fashion, evidently unaware of the ledge she was walking. "And what with all the campaign work and Katy's summer activities schedule, I haven't had a chance to read anything other than a newspaper for months."
"I know what you mean," Nick said. "I've been a little busy myself lately. I'm working on finding out who started those rumors that are circulating about Octavia."
"Oh, yes." Marjorie sounded nonplussed, as if she hadn't intended the conversation to go in this direction. "Yes, I did hear that you were asking around about the painting. Uh, any luck yet?"
"Yes, as a matter of fact. I'm getting close."
"That's wonderful," Marjorie said vaguely.
"I'm working on this theory, you see. I figure that when I find out who started the rumors, I'll have the thief."
Marjorie cleared her throat. "Is that so? I don't see why there would be any connection…?" She let the remainder of the question dangle in thin air.
"There's a connection, all right," Nick assured her with the grave authority of an expert in his field. "It's obvious that someone is promoting the gossip in order to divert attention from himself." He gave it half a beat before adding very deliberately, "Or herself, as the case may be. It's an old tactic."
"It is?" Marjorie asked warily.
"Sure. Thieves and bad guys use it all the time. That's why the first thing law enforcement types do is check out the rumors surrounding a crime. They call it following leads."
"I see." Marjorie cleared her throat again. "I didn't know that."
"Probably because you've never read one of my books," Nick said very politely.
Octavia gritted her teeth. Things were getting nasty out there. She tried to sort more swiftly through the pictures. She was pretty sure Katy had done a drawing of a house. And she thought she recalled a big yellow flower, too.
"I'm making a list of everyone who repeats the gossip," Nick explained. "Checking out the sources. See who's trying to spread the rumors."
"That doesn't sound very helpful." Marjorie sounded a little desperate now.
"When I'm done, I'll give the list to Sean Valentine so that he can take a closer look at some of the people on it. I figure it's safe to say that someone on the list will prove to be the guilty party."
"I don't think you can make that assumption." Alarm registered in Marjorie's voice. "I mean, that's ridiculous. Everyone in town is spreading that gossip."
"Not quite everyone," Nick said. "For instance, I'll bet Gail, here, hasn't repeated the rumors."
"Nope, not me," Gail assured them with ferocious glee. "I wouldn't spread that kind of outrageous nonsense. I've got my position in the community to consider. After all, my family is third-generation here in Eclipse Bay. Same as yours, Marjorie."
"Well, I heard the story from Betty Stiles down at Fulton's," Marjorie said. Defensive now. "I have no idea where she got it."
"Thanks, I'll talk to Betty," Nick said smoothly.
"Why waste your time?" Marjorie asked. "It's Sean Valentine's job to find that painting."
"I'm doing this as a favor," Nick said. "Octavia is what you might call a close friend of the family."
There was another short pause.
"I see," Marjorie said cautiously.
Octavia spotted Katy's picture and snatched it out of the stack of framed drawings. She hurried toward the door.
"Here's your daughter's picture." She thrust it across the counter toward Marjorie. "It's a lovely drawing. Nice feel for color. Tell her she can keep the frame. Compliments of the gallery."
"Thank you. I truly do regret this. But I have to consider Gordon's position." Marjorie took the picture somewhat uncertainly and turned back to Nick. "Good luck with your little investigation."
"I'm sure we'll find out who took the painting," he said with astounding confidence. "My list is almost finished."
"Yes, well, I certainly hope you get the situation resolved soon." Marjorie summoned up a polished smile. "By the way, since you're in town for the summer, I'll be sure to send an invitation to Katy's birthday party to Carson. Katy's turning six in August, you know."
"I appreciate the thought," Nick said, "but it would probably be better not to bother with the invitation. I'm sure you can understand my situation here. I can't allow Carson to attend a birthday party given for a child whose mother's name is on my list. Got to consider Carson's position in the community, you see."
Marjorie's jaw dropped visibly. Shock and horror blended in her expression.
Octavia had a sudden urge to cover her face with both hands. Beside her, Gail did not make any attempt to conceal a satisfied grin.
Marjorie pulled herself together with commendable speed. "How dare you imply that I… that I'm on your list."
"Don't worry about it, Marjorie," Nick said. "When this is all over, I'm sure everyone will eventually forget who was on the list and who wasn't."
"Of all the—" Marjorie was overcome with outrage. Unable to speak, she simply stood there, glaring helplessly.
"You know," Nick went on as if nothing awkward had been said, "if you'd like to assist in the investigation, I'd be very grateful. In fact, everyone in my family would really appreciate the favor. Given your position in the community, you could be very helpful."
Marjorie's mouth worked once or twice before she managed to speak. "Well, of course, I'd love to help you but I honestly don't see how I could be of any more assistance. I told you, it was Betty Stiles who is spreading the story."
"I'll be talking to Betty next," Nick assured her. "But, since you've offered to help, there is one thing you could do that would go a long way toward narrowing my list."
"What's that?"
Nick glanced at the picture Marjorie clutched in her beringed hands. "Leave Katy's drawing here with the others. It will send a strong signal to the community that you don't think the rumors are true."
Marjorie was trapped and they all knew it. She shot a fulminating look at Octavia, and then she put the picture down on the counter and turned back to Nick with an earnest smile. "Well, if you really think it would help—"
"Oh, yeah," Nick said. "No question about it. Like I said, I really appreciate it."