A handbook to the case arranged as an introduction to the study of birds' eggs

Mai also called Daddy. She said that he sounded upset on the telephone, and was returning immediately. The efficiency she displayed in taking care of all the details only increased our admiration for her. We had agreed beforehand that the impression we wanted to give the authorities was that Lonnie and I were in deep shock over the tragic accident. This way, Mai would be justified in giving us a couple of tranquilizers, making it impossible for the police to question us so soon after the incident. We would have at least twenty-four hours to have our stories down pat. The possibility that Lonnie and I would make a mistake was greatly reduced. By the time Daddy arrived home, Lonnie and I had slept off our supposed sedatives, and the case had been closed by the police-labeled as an accident. We never did answer any questions. Mai took care of that end. Daddy did not suspect a thing. He constantly praised Mai for the tremendous help she had been to the family during the time of crisis. As a matter of fact, she continued to help, making the funeral arrangements and answering the telephone calls of well-wishers ...»