CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE“You’re making your rounds early, Inspector,” Mrs. Coggins said, stepping aside for Bull to enter.
“You know about the early bird, Mrs. Coggins,” Bull replied. He hoped he looked less washed-out than he felt.
“And there’s many a truth spoke in jest.” Mrs. Coggins looked with some meaning at him.
“That’s right, Mrs. Coggins.” Then Bull added without changing his tone, “Peskett was shot to death last night.”
She stared stupidly at him.
“Peskett?” she said slowly. “Shot to death! Mother of God preserve us!”
She crossed herself hurriedly, then went quickly to the window.
“Is that what those men are busy about out there?” she asked hoarsely. “I thought they’d come because he’d killed the master, God forgive me!”
Bull shook his head.
“He didn’t kill your master,” he
