Arsenic and Old Lies Dr. Thornton Murder Mysteries 3

By S.C. Wynne

Doctor Maxwell Thornton, brilliant ex-surgeon and man most likely to insult you without even trying, seems to have an unwanted penchant for landing in the middle of murder cases.

Since moving from the bustling metropolis of LA to a small town in Texas, Maxwell has struggled to fit in with the eccentric citizens of Rainy Dale. He’s made tiny steps forward, but the only person who truly seems to understand him is Sheriff Royce Callum.

When one of Maxwell’s new patients ends up poisoned to death, the cold-blooded killer suspects Maxwell knows a lot more than he actually does. Avoiding homicidal maniacs is always prudent, but once they catch your scent, it’s fight or die.

• Language: English
• Publisher: S.C. Wynne
• Release date: Jun 8, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005589943

S.C. Wynne

S.C. Wynne has been writing MM romance and mystery since 2013. She’s a Lambda winner, and lives in California with her wonderful husband, two quirky kids, and a loony rescue pup named Ditto. www.scwynne.com

Book preview

Chapter One

Maxwell

Who’d have imagined Herman Harrison would die in my wonton soup?

But when Herman crashed face-first onto my table at Madam Woo’s Chinese Restaurant, he was indeed very dead. As I knelt over him, attempting to find a pulse, his sweaty face was the color of putty. There was a tinge of blue around his lips, and he wasn’t breathing.

Royce immediately called 911, but it was too late for Herman. On the off chance he could be revived, I performed chest compressions for a backbreaking twenty-three minutes before the paramedics arrived from Dallas. Unfortunately, even with a few jolts from an AED, Herman was pronounced dead at the scene.

Covered in perspiration with my fatigued muscles trembling, I watched as the EMTs packed up their equipment. The staff stood in a huddle, whispering furiously as the corpse was carried from the restaurant. It all felt very surreal. Broken china and silver cutlery littered the floor, yet the serene music of a guzheng instrument played classical tunes overhead.

Royce joined me, looking shell-shocked. What the hell happened to him? He raked a hand through his hair, glancing around at the now empty restaurant.

I don’t know, I admitted. It was impossible not to feel a little nudge of guilt. Herman had come to see me yesterday, feeling ill. I’d taken blood and ordered tests, but I’d never have guessed he was on the verge of death. Why had he deteriorated so rapidly in the space of a day?

I can’t believe he just dropped dead.

Me neither.

What was he, thirty at most?

Yes. I cleared my throat and said softly, He was too young.

Royce sighed. Agreed. It’s a tragedy.

He didn’t seem to grasp my inference, so I added, No… I mean, he was too young to die of a heart attack.

His gaze sharpened. Meaning what?

I grimaced. When I examined him yesterday, he was definitely ill. But he had no history of heart disease in his family. I really didn’t think anything was wrong with his heart. I’m still not sure there was.

What are you saying, Max?

I shook my head. I’m not even sure what I’m saying. All I know is, he was barely thirty, and now he’s dead. He didn’t smoke or drink. He wasn’t overweight. I frowned. And yet, if you asked me right now what I thought killed him, I’d definitely guess heart failure.

Royce narrowed his eyes, obviously confused by my rambling. So, now you do think it was a heart attack?

I’m saying I’m puzzled. When I saw him yesterday, he had a low-grade fever, and while his blood pressure was a bit high, it wasn’t anything that alarmed me, I mused. I really just thought he had some sort of bug.

I’ll admit I’m a little curious about the threatening texts he mentioned. Now he just suddenly dies? Seems awfully… coincidental.

I rubbed my exhausted shoulder muscles. "I suppose it could just be coincidence."

True.

I ordered a chest X-ray for him. I have no idea if he went. I can check on that tomorrow. I should get his blood test results back by the end of the week. I swallowed hard. Not that it will help poor Herman now.

You really don’t think this is just a heart attack?

Well… um… Perhaps I was making something out of nothing, simply because I felt ashamed about not recognizing how ill he’d been. He’d come to me for help, and I’d taken blood and then sent him on his way. Should I have had him admitted to the hospital instead? He hadn’t seemed open to that. As I recalled, he’d been reticent to even take the afternoon off. I find it difficult to believe he had a heart attack but find it equally unbelievable that Herman was the sort to be murdered. He just seemed so ordinary.

But something feels off to you?

I met his searching gaze. I don’t know. Maybe?

He let out a ragged breath and glanced toward the sidewalk where the EMTs were loading Herman’s body into their vehicle. My gut tells me I need to look deeper. I’m going to request an autopsy from the ME and grab Herman’s cell for evidence.

Are you? I shifted uneasily. Not because of what I said, I hope?

I respect your instincts. He shrugged. But Herman said some strange things right before he mysteriously collapsed. I think his death deserves a closer examination. It’s entirely possible there’s nothing suspicious going on, but I’ll sleep better if I make sure of that. As he finished speaking, he left me and headed outside.

I watched Royce go, feeling conflicted. If I hadn’t run into Herman tonight and he’d quietly died in his hotel room, would I still have questioned his death? Would I even have known he’d died?

I saw something I wasn’t supposed to.

What had Herman been getting at when he’d said that? He’d definitely perked up when he’d realized Royce was the sheriff of Rainy Dale. He’d mentioned wanting to talk to Royce about something before he’d keeled over. Perhaps Herman had gotten himself into some sort of trouble.

I jumped when a vacuum cleaner roared to life a few feet away. I’d been so distracted, I hadn’t noticed one of the employees was now sweeping up the broken glass, and another was clearing off the tables that had been hastily abandoned by horrified patrons. Royce wanted an autopsy performed on Herman, but he hadn’t declared the restaurant a crime scene. The victim hadn’t eaten or drank anything from Madam Woo’s. Nobody had attacked him in the restaurant. Royce wouldn’t want to shut them down if he didn’t have to.

Since I was in the way, I left the restaurant. Outside, Deputy Sam was taking witness statements, and Royce was talking to Deputy Juan over near his patrol car. As I approached, Deputy Juan met my gaze and nodded politely. Royce glanced over, and I hesitated, uncertain if perhaps I was interrupting official police business. I relaxed when Royce waved me over.

Deputy Juan knows Herman Harrison’s ex-wife, Royce said. He’s volunteered to handle the notification.

That’s good of you, Deputy.

Sighing, Deputy Juan said, Can’t say I’m looking forward to telling Lola the bad news. Herman and her, they were still good friends. Divorced or not, they were close.

I nodded. Yes. He mentioned he was here to grab her food.

Deputy Juan rubbed the back of his neck. I can’t believe Herman would have a heart attack. Just doesn’t seem possible. He always took care of himself. He flicked his gaze to Royce. But I also find it hard to believe anyone would hurt Herman.

The ME will help us understand exactly how he died. Royce pushed his hands deeper into his jacket. Once that’s settled, we’ll know how to proceed.

Deputy Sam approached, flipping through his notepad. He stopped next to Royce and said, Nobody had much to say. Most of them didn’t even notice Herman.

I figured as much, Royce murmured.

What would they have seen? I grimaced. He walked in and died five minutes later.

Yeah. Royce met my gaze. Such a strange night.

You should go, boss. It’s your night off. I can handle it here. Deputy Sam laughed gruffly. There isn’t much to handle, frankly.

Thanks, Sam. Royce gave him a grateful look.

You bet.

Should I head over to Lola’s place now? I wouldn’t want her to find out about Herman’s death from some town gossip. Deputy Juan sighed.

Absolutely. Royce nodded. Just keep the details vague when you talk to her. No need to alarm her.

Yeah. You’re right. Deputy Juan straightened and hopped off the curb. She’s going to be devastated. Poor Lola. He got in his car, started the engine, and slowly drove off.

Go home, Sheriff. I got this. Sam smiled and walked away.

I’m relieved Juan volunteered to tell Lola the bad news, Royce said quietly. Death notifications are the bane of my job.

Yes. I’d lost one patient on the operating table. Lucinda Pratt’s death was the reason I now lived in Rainy Dale. I’d tried and failed to save her, and having to tell her family she’d died had been one of the worst experiences of my life. I’d been exonerated of any wrongdoing, but whether her death had been legally my fault or not, the failure of that moment would never go away. Had I failed Herman too? If I’d been more diligent, perhaps he’d be alive right now. Words of comfort are meaningless really. Once someone dies, it’s too late.

Royce narrowed his eyes. Max, you’re not blaming yourself for Herman’s death, are you?

My face warmed because he’d read me so accurately. It’s possible I missed something.

He studied me. I’m sure if he’d been in the shape he was tonight, you’d never have let him leave your office.

I like to think that’s the case. Had he deteriorated horribly, or had I simply failed him because I’d been distracted? Uncaring?

You’re a great doctor, Max.

I sighed. If that were true, would poor Herman be on his way to the morgue right now?

Exhaling roughly, he moved closer. I’m not going to let you go down this depressing rabbit hole. He slipped his arm around my shoulders. You’re coming home with me. I’ll make us something to eat. We never had dinner, remember?

My stomach clenched. I’m not terribly hungry.

Oh, well. You’re eating whether you like it or not. He moved in the direction of his car, and because of his arm on my shoulders, I had little choice other than to go along.

You’re rather bossy tonight, I grumbled.

Yeah. He didn’t seem concerned.

We got to his vehicle, he unlocked the doors, and I climbed in. The night had certainly taken a weird turn. I’d been looking forward to delicious Chinese food and spending time with Royce. Now I was depressed and second-guessing myself professionally.

I stared glumly out the window as we drove the short distance to his house. The little town looked deceptively quaint. The storefronts were adorably rustic, and if someone was insane enough to come here for a vacation, they’d probably think Rainy Dale was delightful. On the surface, it did look charming. When you lived here though, you had to endure rampant gossip and a painful lack of sophisticated entertainment and cuisine.

Royce parked in his driveway, and we got out and headed into his one-story home. Grumpy greeted us with frustrated yelps from the kitchen, and once he was released from behind the little gate, he went nuts running around the living room, barking.

Be quiet, you crazy pup. Royce shook his head, but he was smiling affectionately at the dog.

I stumbled slightly when Grumpy nipped at my pant leg, tugging and giving little growls. Is he mad at me?

Nah. Those are love bites. He just started doing that the last few days.

Hmmm. Since Grumpy obviously wanted attention, I knelt down and patted the puppy’s soft head. I’m flattered you like me, but please don’t destroy my pants.

The puppy lunged, taking me by surprise. I was off-balance enough that he knocked me onto my rear end, and I let out a startled screech. Royce started laughing, although admittedly, it was a nervous laugh. The puppy scampered onto my lap and, with his paws on my chest, began licking my face furiously. Sputtering, I shielded my face, wondering what had gotten into the little creature.

No. Grumpy, no! Royce scooped the puppy into his arms, and the dog wiggled, trying to escape his grasp. Maxwell won’t want to come over anymore if you can’t behave.

I scrambled clumsily to my feet, running a shaky hand down my shirtfront. Goodness. I can’t say that’s ever happened to me before.

Grinning sheepishly, Royce said, I’m awful sorry about that.

I gave a jagged laugh. Uh… it’s okay. I’m just not used to dogs.

No. That’s right. You never had a dog growing up. Royce strode to the back door, and he let the excited puppy out. He closed the door and returned to me. He grimaced as he studied me. I’ll bet your goldfish never greeted you so passionately.

No. Bubbles wasn’t terribly affectionate. I pulled a handkerchief from my pocket, wiping my damp face. Do you mind if I wash up in the bathroom? I definitely feel defiled.

Be my guest. He smiled weakly. I’ll whip us up that omelet.

Okay. I still wasn’t hungry, but Royce would be happy if I ate something, so I’d try.

I headed to the guest bathroom where I splashed soapy water on my face. Contrary to popular belief, dogs’ mouths weren’t any less bacteria-ridden than humans’. It was simply different bacteria. We didn’t swap many germs with dogs, like we would our human counterparts, so maybe that was why people had it in their heads dogs’ mouths were cleaner. But seeing as dogs enjoyed licking their own genitalia, I had no desire to have dog slobber on my face.

Once my face felt sufficiently scrubbed, I left the bathroom and joined Royce in the kitchen. Can I help? I asked, watching as he sprinkled garlic powder over the golden eggs.

Nope. He smiled over his shoulder. It’s almost ready.

Okay. I eyed Grumpy warily as he ate his dinner in the corner of the kitchen.

I was going to have water with my food, but you can have anything you want. He scooped the large omelet onto one plate and split it in half with the spatula, placing the other part on a second plate.

Water sounds good. I went to the fridge where Royce kept bottled water and grabbed two of them. I sat at the table, sighing tiredly. What a night.

Yes. Royce brought the plates over and sat across from me. I know this can’t hold a candle to what we’d have eaten at Madam Woo’s, but it’s nourishment.

It looks delicious. I forced a smile. After all, Royce didn’t have to be so nice to me. He’d had a stressful night too, and tomorrow would probably be even worse for him. Instead of thinking about myself, I should have been making more of an effort. Thank you for doing this, Royce.

He glanced up. My pleasure.

We ate in silence, only speaking now and then. It was cozy. Intimate. Royce was the one human I could honestly say I enjoyed being with. I never tired of him. I kept waiting for the boredom to set in, but it never seemed to. He still made my pulse race anytime I set eyes on him. I doubted the euphoria I felt when I was with him could last, but for now it was what I lived for.

Once we’d polished off our food, I put the dishes in the dishwasher while he wiped down the table. I’d spent a lot of time at Royce’s house since moving to Rainy Dale, so I felt at home here. Before Royce, I couldn’t even remember the last time I’d slept over at a guy’s house or had them stay at mine. I’d abhorred the very idea of having to be around my lovers for any extended amount of time. Sex had been purely about release.

You’re staying over, right?

I jumped when Royce’s voice was right behind me. I’d certainly hoped I was spending the night, but I liked it when he made things clear. He’d already told me anytime we had a date, he wanted me to stay over. But I still felt reassured when he verbalized what he hoped would happen. After all, emotions could be so fickle. He could easily tire of me but be too nice to tell me. Royce was very nice.

If you want me to, I said tentatively.

He slipped his arms around my waist and kissed the back of my neck. His breath wafted warm and soft, raising goose bumps on my flesh. You know I do.

Then I’ll stay. Happiness sparked inside me, and I leaned back into him. How could it feel so satisfying just to be held in the circle of his embrace? Cuddling had certainly never been my thing, but I really enjoyed being held by Royce.

We don’t have to have sex either. He pressed his lips against my skin again. I know tonight was upsetting for you.

For both of us.

Yeah, but your little feelings are more delicate than mine. There was a smile in his voice.

That’s not even remotely true.

Come on. Let’s go to my bedroom. He let go of me.

My stomach churned with excitement as I followed him down the hallway to his room. We both undressed quickly and slipped under the covers. We moved together, warm flesh pressing warm flesh. He’d said we could pass on sex if I wanted, but we were both hard and obviously turned on.

He kissed me, his mouth gentle, his hunger held in check. He wanted me, but he was being respectful because that was just how Royce was. He’d never take what I didn’t want to give. That comforted me, even as it made me ache to hand over everything.

Our kisses became deeper, greedier, tongues tangling and seeking. The room was quiet except for our desperate pants and the slide of bare skin on soft cotton sheets. I rolled onto my stomach, and he nudged my thighs apart. There was the familiar click of a lube bottle, the ripping of a condom wrapper, and then he was pushing inside of me.

I groaned my satisfaction as he entered me. My fingers clutched the pillow beneath my head, and our movements sped up. The heat and warmth of his body pressing me into the mattress and the little sounds he made filled all the gaps in my soul. He had no idea how much I needed what he gave me every time we touched. I didn’t have the words to articulate what I felt and probably wouldn’t have even if I had.

Max. His voice trembled with desperation.

I nodded, my throat too tight to speak. I knew what he felt because I felt it too. The glide of him inside me, coaxing pleasure so intense I felt out of control. My heart ached as emotions swamped me, tore me down, and then built me up again. I didn’t want to live in a world where Royce wasn’t mine. The thought of belonging completely to him was exhilarating but equally terrifying.

Love you.

When Royce had been drugged by that nut Patrice O’Malley, he’d said he loved me. He’d never addressed it since though. I certainly wasn’t going to mention it. I had no idea how people loved each other without losing themselves. What I felt for Royce was powerful but as of yet unnamed. It bordered on obsession at times, but then I’d pull back, just so I wasn’t devoured by my emotions.

Royce began to move his hips faster, and all thoughts of love blurred and disappeared. There was only pleasure and the feeling of Royce moving inside me. Trembling in ecstasy beneath him, I bit my lip so I didn’t say something sappy. He knew as much as he needed to know about my feelings. I had to have some sense of control, at least over myself.

I’m… gonna… He shuddered, groaning.

Moaning, I let go, allowing my climax to overtake me. I cried out, cock spilling as tremors rocked through me. He grunted and also came, fingernails sinking into my hips, cock swelling and jerking. Ripples of deliciousness shivered through me as he thrust until satiated.

Eventually he collapsed on me, and I hid my smile of contentment in the pillow.

Chapter Two

Royce

The next morning, I dropped Maxwell off at his clinic and headed to the station. As the gilded sun rose above the surrounding hills, it seemed more radiant than usual. Even the meadowlark’s song sounded more melodious. The warmth of my time with Max still wrapped around me like a cozy blanket.

That happy haze continued, until I ran into Deputy Juan in the breakroom. Then the guilt set in because I’d enjoyed my evening so much, while he’d had the gut-wrenching job of informing Lola Wright her ex-husband had died suddenly.

Hey, boss, Juan said, pouring cream into his coffee. Hope you had a better night than me.

I grimaced because if he hadn’t volunteered last night, breaking the news to Lola would have been my depressing duty. I definitely owed him one. How’d Lola take the news?

He sighed. It was rough.

I should have done it. I took his spot at the coffee maker. No reason you had to be stuck with that task.

Nah. You were off duty.

Still.

I volunteered, remember? Besides, it was best coming from a friend. He shrugged. It’s never okay to get news that shitty, but at least I was a shoulder to cry on.

I guess. Once I had my cup full of hot java, I faced him. Did she have any inkling of how sick he was?

She knew he wasn’t feeling well. She had no idea he was going to die. He winced. She felt horrible for not seeing it coming.

I’ll bet. Maxwell too was struggling with that. I hope you did your best to reassure her.

I did. Not sure it helped, but I tried. He slumped. Some people just have horrible luck, ya know?

Yeah.

I mean, first she and Herman lost a kid, and now this. He shook his head. Seem like a lot of grief for one woman to bear.

I frowned. They had a child die?

Sure did. It was years ago. I don’t think you were sheriff then. He sipped his coffee. Mia was her name. Cute kid too. Only six years old.

I squinted at him. Wait, now I remember. Yeah, that was before I was sheriff. She disappeared, and then they found her body in a shed or something, right?

Yep. Little thing had ingested parts of an oleander plant accidentally. They guessed she might have tried to suck nectar from the blossoms.

"God. Yes. Of course I remember.