Parrots Prove Deadly Read Online Free Page A

want you to take offense.”
    I returned with a six-pack. That was better than a verbal response.
    “It’s about your old friends.” He opened two beers and handed one to me. I took it, and waited. “Really old friends.”
    Wallis had jumped up on the sofa by then, and I sat beside her. With both of us focusing on him, Creighton would have had to be made of something harder than stone if he didn’t crack.
    “I’m not saying anyone you know is involved. I’m just—” He waved one hand in the air, nearly knocking over his drink. “I’m kind of at my wit’s end with this one, Pru.”
    “So, tell.” I had some pity and took a swig of beer.
    It broke the tension. “We’re seeing a flood of drugs in town. Drugs we haven’t seen before. Prescription drugs, for the most part. Oxycodone, Oxycontin, and a new synthetic opiate that’s even more powerful.” He waited, and I nodded. I read the news occasionally. “The usual route is from Canada. There have been some big busts in Albany.”
    Another nod. I’d heard.
    “This is something different. It’s more powerful, and the money involved seems to be much bigger, as a result. I wasn’t sure if you were still talking to Mack—”
    “Whoa!” This was too much. My sort of ex might not be the straightest arrow, but I didn’t see him as a dealer. Even if he was, I didn’t know if I’d rat him out to my current beau. And if Creighton thought I was still seeing them both…“Off limits.”
    “I’m not saying he’s involved.” I glowered. Beside me, I could feel Wallis’ fur begin to rise. “Honest! I was just wondering if he’d heard anything.”
    “Heard?” He wasn’t getting off that easily. “So this wasn’t just a booty call.”
    “Look, it’s going out to schools, okay, Pru? It’s serious.” He looked at his beer. I noticed he didn’t drink. “This new drug, it’s brutal. Two kids ended up in Berkshire General over the weekend. One didn’t make it.”
    “I’m sorry.” I was. Some things might just be more important than my loyalty to an old flame. Besides, I’d been the one to set the terms on our relationship; Creighton’s only innovation was the pizza. “Look, I’ll ask around, but that’s not—that was never Mack’s thing.”
    “I know.” The pressure off, Creighton looked years younger. “I’m just clutching at straws here. And what happens between us…” He paused. He knew if he continued, I’d shut him down.
    “Understood,” I let him off, as Wallis flopped on her side. “Now, are you going to eat that, or let it get cold?”
    A half hour later, we’d finished most of the pie, and I’d filled my guest in on my unusual new client. Since he was here, I shared some of my suspicions, too. “Something’s wrong with that family,” I’d concluded. “Something besides grief.”
    That was when Wallis had broken in: “A bird. What’s next? A dung beetle? ”
    It was her tone as much as the words, and I’d had to catch myself before responding out loud. To Creighton—to anyone really—she probably appeared to be just another dumb animal, grooming her neat tiger-striped fur after a special treat of cheese. I knew better.
    I also knew that Creighton had some suspicions about me, about my gift. He’d picked up enough—and given me some funny looks. I didn’t want to go there. Instead, I pressed my point. “I think something happened with the old lady. Something besides an accident.”
    “Haven’t you had enough of murder?” His voice was soft. The look I gave him wasn’t. I’d been involved with some bad types recently. It wasn’t an experience I’d choose to repeat.
    “I know you’re busy, Jim.” I held his gaze. “I’m not asking you to do anything. I just wanted to—” I paused. What did I want? “I wanted to talk this over with someone beside Wallis.” Let him think that was a joke. “And I’m not imagining this. You know me.”
    “I do, Pru, I do. It’s just that I really don’t know if