Page 32 of The Bride Wore White

Prudence got a thoughtful look. “I’ve heard that old theory about criminals returning to the scenes of their crimes.”

“It’s true.”

“That seems rather risky from the criminal’s point of view. Why would someone do that?”

“Any number of reasons. To make sure he didn’t leave any evidence behind that could lead the police to him. To observe the progress of the investigation so that he’ll have some warning if it looks like he might be in danger of arrest. Or to try to point the investigators and the press in a different direction.”

“I see what you mean,” Prudence said. “Staying close to the investigation would be dangerous, but there is some logic to doing so.”

“Exactly.” He was uncomfortably aware of how he had allowed his own sense of urgency and enthusiasm for his work to seep into his voice. He tried to read her expression through the black netting of her veil. As far as he could tell, she was not bored yet. He did not detect any hint of amusement or outright derision, either. She was paying close attention. He was not sure how to read that. Not knowing what else to do, he kept going.

“There are other reasons why criminals sometimes try to inject themselves into the investigation,” he said.

Prudence studied him with a knowing look. Her eyes glowed with understanding. “Because they can’t resist the compulsion toget intimately involved? They need to observe the reaction of the spectators? Perhaps toy with the police? Taunt them?”

He watched her for a long moment. “That is very... insightful.”

Her lips curved in a humorless smile. “Thank you. One does learn a few things about human nature in the psychic dream reading business.”

“I suppose that is true. Hadn’t thought of it that way.”

Prudence didn’t say a word. She continued to study him from the other side of the veil, her eyes more mysterious than ever. He took a deep breath.

“As it happens, you’re right,” he said, determined to move forward. “For some, the crime is their art, the way they experience a sense of their own power. They need an audience to affirm that power. They want to savor the reaction of the onlookers, so they are driven to stay close to the investigation.”

“You think that is the mind-set of the person who murdered Gilbert Dover, don’t you? The killer wants to stay close in order to observe the reaction of his so-called audience?”

“Everything about the scene in that bridal suite suggests a picture of cold, well-planned revenge. Yes, I think the killer was excited to see the effects of his art on his audience. But you partially vandalized the finished piece.”

Prudence caught her breath. “Do you believe the killer will want revenge on me because I ruined his masterpiece?”

“No. The revenge was aimed at someone else. But the killer will want you dead because you know too much.”

“But I don’t know anything.”

“The killer will be sweating now because you escaped. He has no way of knowing how much you observed. So yes, he would prefer that you be dead. The one who will want revenge on you is Clara Dover.”

“Right. Thanks for that clarification. Let’s hope you are as good at the consulting business as Luther Pell seems to think.”

He picked up his martini. “Yeah, let’s hope.”

Prudence watched him swallow some of his drink.

“Given my uncertain future, I think I’d better make the most of my one night in the hottest nightclub in Burning Cove,” she said. “Let’s dance.”

He half choked on the martini, coughed, sputtered, and hastily lowered the glass. “I don’t dance.”Not anymore.

“Don’t worry, I don’t mind taking the lead. It’s a slow number. We’ll keep it simple.”

“Damn it, Miss Ryland.”

“If you’re going to swear at me, I think you should call me Prudence, don’t you? After all, we are housemates for the foreseeable future.” She slipped out of the booth and extended a gloved hand. “You’ve just explained that at least two people want me dead. The least you can do is let me have one dance. I may never get another chance to spend an evening in a club like this one.”

“Miss Ryland—”

“Prudence.”

“We’re here because we’re in the middle of an investigation.”

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