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Charlie gestured across the table. "This is my friend, Peggy Bowles." |
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They exchanged nods without words. "The desk clerk said you had already checked out but that I might still find you in the dining room." |
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"Is there something wrong, Sergeant?" Peggy asked. |
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Seacraft was still settling in his chair. "There isn't any easy way to break the news on something like this. So I usually follow the manual and say something like there's been an accident." |
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Charlie set his cup down and stared at the man. "What kind of an accident?" |
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"It's Mrs. Frazier, your brother's wife. She was killed last night in an automobile accident." |
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Charlie was momentarily stunned. Mrs. Frazier? The man had distinctly said Mrs. Frazier. It wasn't what he had expected him to say. But even though he was caught off guard, he was too well-prepared, too well-rehearsed. "How? When?" he asked. |
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It was obvious the gaunt man was exhausted. He leaned forward with his forearms on the table and stared at the remains of their breakfast for a moment. "I know this is all going to sound strange," he explained, "but from what little we've been able to piece together so far, your brother and his wife, for |
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