A Lethal Arrogance-An Arabella Stewart Historical Mystery Book 3
After returning home from her service as a United States Army Signal Corps operator in the Great War, Arabella Stewart’s goal, to save her family’s resort, seems within reach as the summer season progresses. She and her business partner, Mac MacLendon, look forward to re-establishing a successful championship golf tournament, once the signature event of the resort’s year. Problems arise when one of the contestants, an overbearing snob who has created problems at other competitions, clashes with more than one person. When he is found dead, the victim of a suspicious automobile crash, Bella once again helps Jax Hastings, the town constable and her childhood friend, investigate. As they pursue answers, Bella and Jax find several suspects who might have wanted to make the victim suffer for his lethal arrogance.
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Author Bio –
D.S. Lang, a native Ohioan, has been making up stories since she was a little girl, and she still is! Along the way, she studied English and social studies as an undergrad. After graduate school, she went on to teach government and American history in high school. She also taught English at the junior high, high school, and college levels. In addition, she has worked as a program coordinator, golf shop manager, and online tutor.
Now, she spends much of her time reading, researching, and writing. Most recently, she has delved into the Great War era and the years immediately after it. Her Arabella Stewart Historical Mystery Series was inspired by her Great Uncle Brice who served in the American Expeditionary Force during World War One, and by her love of historical mysteries. In her spare time, she loves to spend time with family and friends, including her dog Izzy.
Social Media Links – https://www.facebook.com/Author-DS-Lang-106722091331345
Extract
In A Lethal Arrogance, the third book in my Arabella Stewart Historical Mystery series, Bella again partners with Jax Hastings, the local constable and her childhood friend, to solve a crime. The pair has had an uneasy relationship since the Great War, when Bella served as a United States Army Signal Office and Jax was an officer with the American Expeditionary Force. Even so, joining forces to investigate a suspicious vehicle accident, where one driver died and another left the scene, becomes necessary. As part of their investigation, Bella and Jax visit a man who may be a suspect or a witness.
Trepidation filled Bella as she watched Jax approach the porch where Stan Harroll and William Smith sat.
“Good evening,” Jax called out to the men.
“Evening,” they replied in unison.
The blonde man went on, “How can we help you?”
“I’m looking for William Smith, and I was told he was staying here with his cousin Stan.”
The dark-haired man got to his feet. His belligerent expression made Bella’s stomach knot. Even before he spoke, she knew he must be Chaz’s and Chipper’s father. Although she hadn’t seen Chipper, Chaz had the same mahogany hair, straight nose, and thick lashes.
“I’m Smith. Who are you?”
His blonde cousin also stood, and both men went to the edge of the porch. Bella’s fear mounted when she noticed a shotgun leaning against one of the porch posts. So much for Jax’s contention that two farmers wouldn’t be sitting out with their weapons. At least, Jax had his service revolver, but could he get to it before one of the cousins put a bullet in him? Despite the sweltering heat, a chill rippled through her. Maybe she was letting her imagination run wild. She’d done that more often since her kidnapping in April, something she didn’t discuss. No one needed to know about her occasional nightmares since they were less and less frequent. Surely, eventually, they’d disappear.
Jax stopped. “My name is Jax Hastings. I’m the constable at Moreley, and I’d like to have a few words with you, Mr. Smith.”
Belligerence turned to anger in Smitty’s dark eyes. “I don’t like talking to coppers.”
Bella frowned in consternation. The man’s wife had said the same thing earlier.
“Understandable.”
Jax’s voice was relaxed and respectful. Bella wondered if that made any difference to Smith, who had every reason to dislike lawmen. For several moments, Smitty was still as stone. His cousin spoke to him, but Bella couldn’t hear the words.
Finally, Smith said, “You know about my boy Chipper?”
“Yes, sir,” Jax replied, “and it was a terrible thing. Cecil Lahey should have gone to prison.”
“Yeah, but they sent me there,” Smith said.
“I know. I don’t countenance people taking the law into their own hands, but I can understand why you did what you did.” Jax hesitated before continuing. “If I had a boy and someone had beaten him to within an inch of his life, I can’t say I wouldn’t have done the exact same thing.”
Smitty stared at Jax for what seemed like an eternity to Bella. His expression had gone blank, so she had no idea what the man was thinking. She knew Jax was sincere, but did this man believe him or was he so sour on the police that he’d take it out on any of them?
“Come and sit down, constable,” the cousin said. “Your lady can come, too. Neither of you has anything to fear from us. Isn’t that right, Smitty?”
Smith gave one nod of his head and went back to his chair.
Bella quickly slipped out of the car and caught up with Jax. When she reached his side, he turned to her with a scowl.
“Didn’t I say to stay in the car?”
Her chin lifted a fraction. “I was invited to join you.”
His frown didn’t disappear, but he lightly grasped her elbow and guided her along the bumpy path to the porch. After they climbed the steps, he introduced her. “Miss Stewart sometimes takes notes for me when I interview folks. That isn’t necessary right now. In fact, she could have remained in the car.”
“Sorry, miss, I thought you were a couple. I’m Stan Harroll, Smitty’s cousin,” the blonde said.
“Nice to meet you, both of you,” Bella replied, ignoring the reference to her and Jax.
“Please sit down,” Stan said, gesturing to two empty chairs.
The cousins returned to their seats. As Bella took the one next to Jax, she stole a covert look at William Smith. He had a tan almost as dark as his older son’s, giving him a healthy appearance despite his thin frame and shadowed eyes. Working on the farm seemed to agree with him, and she felt glad for that. Maybe he would get his life turned around—if he wasn’t involved in Cecil’s death.
D.S. Lang, author of the Arabella Stewart Historical Mystery series
A Precarious Homecoming-Book One
A Lingering Shadow-Book Two
A Lethal Arrogance-Book Three
