Ill-Gotten Gains (10 page)

The mayor held up a hand. ‘Thank you, thank you. The detective sergeant has also assured me that he will keep the council updated with any developments. Now I’ll ask our arts and entertainment officer, Debra Taylor, to give you an update on our one-hundred-and-fifty-year commemoration. Exciting times, people!’

I flinched, because the sudden change in tone seemed a little inappropriate. Then my attention was distracted by the police officers, who were moving steadily towards the back of the room. There was definitely something compelling about a man in uniform. Even the dour one looked reasonable from the rear.

‘Good evening, everybody,’ said Deb, as she adjusted the microphone noisily. ‘I am very sorry to follow such tragic and disturbing circumstances, but I am also pleased to share with you some of the events that will be taking place next weekend. The festivities will commence on Friday afternoon in Bendigo as a rider sets off to replicate the famous sunset ride. His arrival in Majic has been timed to coincide with sunset and an opening-ceremony picnic, which will take place outside Sheridan House. This will also herald the unveiling of our new statue. And from then on, there will be something for everyone!’ She beamed proudly as she held up a flyer. I recognised the sepia tones of Petar and Mate on the front cover. Deb lowered the flyer and read directly from it, announcing events like she was auditioning for the circus big-top. ‘Rides and sideshow activities on the oval! Arts and crafts here at the centre! Raffles and competitions all weekend! Majic Idol
and
Majic Masterchef! Stalls with local produce, demonstrations from local farmers, and nonstop entertainment all day Saturday
and
Sunday! Ladies and gentlemen, we are going to have a
wonderful
time.’ Deb smiled again and stepped back, then leant forward briefly. ‘Oh, nearly forgot. This flyer is available at the back of the room so please help yourselves. They contain a schedule of events as well as some discounts and coupons. Well worth grabbing one or two.’

The mayor stepped forward once more, leading the applause as Deb retreated to her position by the bereavement-card table. ‘And what a fine job you’re doing, Deb. Can I also throw in a quick thanks to Will Akermann, who has been
amazing
.’ He clapped again, turning to acknowledge Will, who flushed. ‘Now, finally, I’d like to take this opportunity to announce that we will be unveiling an annual award next weekend that will be named in memory of Sam Emerson.’ He paused for everybody to appreciate this munificence. ‘The details are yet to be worked out and any ideas are welcome. We’re thinking something to do with the history of our town, because that’s what Sam was passionate about. Perhaps the award will be for service rendered, or maybe even new discoveries. Something about Majic that we never knew! I believe the local high school is running a competition to that effect.’ He nodded towards someone in the front row and then continued. ‘We plan to announce the details, along with the inaugural winner, next weekend.’

Yen started to say something but I held up my hand, trying to think this through. To my mind it was further proof that the crime had been a murder/suicide, because otherwise the most likely suspect was James Sheridan the Mayor, who just ruled himself out by announcing a competition to draw out the very thing I had assumed he was trying to keep hidden. Or perhaps that was what he
wanted
us to think. Muddying up the waters with a dash of befuddlement. Brilliant.

Petra had twisted around and was raising an eyebrow again. I nodded, and then glanced over to the side towards Deb, who was in conversation with Will Akermann. She caught my eye and grinned. I knew that it had occurred to both my fellow investigators, just as it had to me, that if we did manage to reveal the Discovery, and it was as huge as Sam promised, then we stood an excellent chance of being the inaugural winners. Which was both incredibly apt and amazingly ironic. I liked to think Sam would have approved.

Why not join your friends at Farmville!
Kat
has just bought her second cow!

And
17
friends want you to play Bubble Safari!