Page 116 of Fury In Death

She had a voice like wispy fog over a quiet lake.

“I assume this is about Larry, about Ezra. It’s so shocking.”

She sat, crossed her legs.

“Did you know them well, Ms. Dossier?”

“I’m afraid I didn’t. The occasional dinner or work-oriented event I was able to attend. My work through Helping Hand keeps me quite busy. I will, of course, attend their memorials.”

“Dr. Chu’s memorial was earlier today.”

“Today? But—” She broke off, seemingly confused. “I thought it was tomorrow. It’s on my calendar for tomorrow.” She looked up as the droid came in with her tea.

“Martin, the Chu memorial.”

“Tomorrow at eleven, ma’am. I have the address for you, and the flowers are to be delivered to the memorial center this evening.”

“Excuse me,” Eve said. “Who gave you that information?”

“Mr. O’Brian, before he left.”

“This is a terrible mix-up. I feel . . . Jack had to go out of town, and I was just making arrangements to change my schedule so I could go in his stead.”

Clearly upset, Ellyn rubbed fingers on her forehead. “He was so rushed, he got the days mixed. Or I suppose his office did. Martin, see if you can have the flowers delivered to Director Chu’s wife, directly.”

“Yes, ma’am, right away.”

“She won’t be at their residence,” Peabody told the droid. “She’s staying with her daughter.”

“Thank you. Martin, double the order, have the card sent to Director Chu’s wife, and his family. I’m sick about this. Jack was Director Chu’s direct supervisor, and I should have been there representing him.

“I’m sorry, but do you know when Dr. Dent’s memorial is scheduled?”

“They plan to have a private family memorial.”

“I see. Understandable. We’ll arrange for flowers.” She picked up the teapot, poured it into a white cup. “Can we offer you tea, coffee?”

“No, thanks. Ms. Dossier, Director O’Brian left town suddenly?”

“Very. I wasn’t here when he left. He told Martin there’d been a major issue regarding work, and he needed to leave immediately.”

“Where did he go?”

“I’m not entirely sure. Central America, but I don’t have the exact location. He was to contact me, but he hasn’t. I haven’t been able to reach him.”

“Are you concerned?”

“No. Well, a little, but some of these areas he travels to are often spotty with communication. I did contact his office, but his she-wolf . . . Sorry, she’s very efficient, just a personal annoyance. His executive assistant said she wasn’t authorized to give me that information.”

She lifted her hands. “I realize a lot of Jack’s work is confidential, but really? She wouldn’t budge on it, and I haven’t been able to reach Jacob. Jacob Wyst.”

“Peabody, why don’t you go give Martin the addresses for the flowers.”

“Thank you for that. He’ll be to your left, then your right. I’ll send each a personal note in the next few days.”

When Peabody left, Ellyn turned back to Eve. “So. I don’t know what I can tell you to help in your investigation. It’s horrible, and my heart aches for the families.”

“I take it you wouldn’t know a great deal about your husband’s work.”