Chapter 18
Beverly glanced at the papers the Mexican police captain showed her. They had been carefully typed in English, and awaited her signature. When she had read them all, she took up a pen and signed.
"That is all, Senora Conner," he said, politely. "Unless you care to see the remains of your late husband and your sister."
Beverly's eyes remained impassive behind the dark glasses. "No, I don't think that will be necessary, Captain. But I would like to see the boy."
The captain's eyebrows went up slightly. "But, Senora, we are holding him for murder."
"I know that."
"And you surely must understand that he is responsible for a most horrible act of indecency against your own dead sister. You yourself were a witness to these things."
"Yes, it was terrible. But he seemed such a nice boy-and since the dead are beyond being hurt, Captain, I may as well confess that my sister was, well, not a moral woman. I'm sure she tempted that young man into performing sexual intercourse, and various other perversions . . ."
The dignified official seemed suddenly shy in front of the American woman's bold talk. "You may be right about that, Senora. But it is no excuse for strangling a woman-and certainly no excuse for the murder of your husband."
"Yes-yes, you're right, of course. My poor Claude. We were only married last month in California-in secret. Not even my sister knew about it."
The captain looked puzzled for a moment. "Your sister would have thought it strange," he mused.
"Thought what strange?"
"That you would keep such a happy event a secret."
Beverly did not allow herself the smile she felt coming to her lips.
"My husband was a strange man, Captain. A bit eccentric, but rich enough to get away with it."
The captain nodded. "We are no strangers to wealthy tourists in Acapulco, Senora. Now, about the boy-I think it would be unwise for you to see him. He is quite mad, according to my report. He is being kept in his cell like an animal. He would probably only insult you if you tried to see him, to comfort him."
"In that case, I'll never see him. I'm leaving this afternoon for the States."
The captain gave a slow shrug of his shoulders. "I wish you a pleasant trip back on your yacht-as pleasant as is possible under the circumstances. And if there is any service I may offer in regard to your husband's affairs-or perhaps with the crew of the yacht-"
"That will not be necessary, Captain. My husband had a very good crew. I have kept them all in my employ."
"Then I will say good-bye, Senora-hasta la vista."
"Good-bye, Captain."
Downstairs, the rented limousine was waiting for her at the curb. When she stepped inside, Eduardo smiled at her.
"The driver speaks no English, my darling Beverly. We are free to talk."
"Good."
As the car pulled away to take them to the red launch, Beverly allowed herself the luxury of a small grin.
"Nobody questioned anything, Eduardo. The boy on the sailboat-Jose-is being held for the double murder."