“I guess that means this house was Dick’s only residence, so I can go to the local probate court. Mabel, what’s the name of this county?”

“Waldo.”

“And what’s the county seat?”

“Belfast, up the coast.”

“How long a drive?”

“From Lincolnville, half an hour, forty-five minutes.”

“Thanks. I guess I’ll go up there first thing tomorrow.”

A lunch of shrimp and rice was served, and everyone ate quietly until Mabel left the room.

“What did you learn from Seth this morning?” Lance asked.

“The two women were sleeping in Esme’s room and took two shots in the head, each. Dick was sitting at his desk downstairs and suffered a contact wound to the left temple.”

“Dick was right-handed,” Lance said.

“You’re sure?”

“I worked for him for four years.”

“Seth said that he had a very small pistol with a silencer in his hand when he was found.”

“Sounds like a Keltec .380; it’s one of a number of handguns issued by Agency technical services.”

“Do you have any insight into Dick’s state of mind the past few weeks?”

“I spoke to his deputy, who’s replacing him in London. He said Dick was his usual cheerful self, and he was excited about the new job. He said that he’d had a farewell dinner with Dick and Barbara the night before they left London, and they were in great form.”

Dino spoke up. “Is anybody ready to say this wasn’t a murder-suicide yet?”

“Let’s talk to the trooper first,” Stone said.

AFTER LUNCH THEY went into the study. Lance pointed at a door near Dick’s desk, which sported a dead-bolt lock. “I think I know what that is,” he said. “Let’s find a key.”

Stone fished Dick’s keys out of his pocket and found one that fit the lock. He opened the door to find what appeared to be a small office, containing a computer, a large fax machine and an odd-looking telephone, along with a filing cabinet. “This is strange,” Stone said.

“No, it isn’t. Dick spent a month or so here every year, and this is Agency equipment. The computer is linked to the Agency mainframe, and the phone and fax are scrambled.”

“I take it you know how to use such a computer?”

“I do.”

“Do you think you could get me some background on Caleb Stone?”

Lance sat down at the computer. “Sure.”

“I’d particularly like a credit report and any other financial information you can dig up. Also, any criminal record.”