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poisonGert had suffered no pain or nauseaand whatever it was, the amount must have been small. Gert had eaten four pieces, and the effect had worn off pretty quickly. But Gert was young and healthy. What effect would even that small amount have had on Mrs. Bates, who had a weak heart? Or did Mrs. Bates have a weak heart? Peter said so, but Mrs. Bates didn't look or act as if her heart was weak. |
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Why were Gertrude and Mrs. Bates so dead set against finding out about that candy? Family loyalty was a great thing, but it could be carried too far. Or, if Mrs. Bates had been suspicious of the "gift," why did she give it to me? Linda wondered. And why destroy it in such a surreptitious manner? |
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But none of the questions was quite as important to Linda as the one regarding her own behavior. She could understand why she had not called a doctor when Gert first reacted. She knew she had been so shocked that she was not thinking clearly. But now, considering the matter in relative calm, it was necessary to decide what action to take. |
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Linda's first instinct had been to go to the police. Even though she had no evidence because she was sure Gertrude had given Gert the torn-up candy box to dispose of elsewhere, even though Gertrude and Mrs. Bates would both probably deny what she said and Mrs. Bates would almost certainly dismiss her, the police would have a record of the complaint. Then, if Mrs. Bates should die |
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