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Back in the Proctor sisters’ overstuffed apartainst Miss Adelaide’s leg In the other room, her sister prattled on about the day’s activities Miss Addie peered into the dregs of Evie’s tea, exa the pattern the leaves had left in the bottom of the cup, and frowned

THE TOMBS

Detective Malloy swept into theanyone who tried to ask hi scowl "Miss O’Neill," he said with a tip of his hat

"Unc isn’t here just now, Detective Do you have so new?"

He nodded toward the library Evie had Sa the doors behind thele

"Followed up on that tip your uncle gave us about the Brethren Turns out there’s been a resurgence of that religious cult the past few years The townspeople’ve been couess who’s the leader?"

"I’ers"

"Brother Jacob Call," Malloy said

Malloy took a handful of nuts from the crystal bowl on Will’s desk "They say he’s been preaching about Solo with it" He let this settle "Turns out, he raises livestock and comes down to the city every feeeks to sell to the butchers"

"He’s a butcher!"

"Yep And he was here for every one of thehiht I’d have your uncle take a crack at him"

Evie bit her lip "Detective, could I have a go-ski?"

Malloy’s eyebroent up "At questioning a possible killer? I’irl After all, I’m not a threat like the police"

"I admire your spunk, Miss O’Neill, but this is not your job" He tipped his hat and wished her a good day

Evie raced out into the hall as soon as he left The museum was packed with people, and for once, she wished it weren’t She hopped up and down, trying to be seen over the heads of the paying customers "Sam!" she called "Sarinning "I knew you’d come around"

Evie rolled her eyes "Take a shower, pal I need you to help et into the Tombs"

"Haven’t you already learned your lesson?"

"Oh, Jericho!" Evie called "Could you take over? I need Sam for a mission of utmost importance"

"I could help you with that," Jericho said

"You already are!" Evie trilled She linked her ar him toward the door "I’ll fill you in on the way"