“Walters and Daniels aren’t back yet and when Rowley gets back from lunch, he is searching social media for leads.” Kane cleared his throat. “If you’re not here by the time she arrives, I guess I’ll struggle through on my own.”
“It must be a bitch, being so darn handsome.” Alton snorted with mirth in his ear. “Catch you later.”
Kane stared at the “call ended” message on his cellphone and pushed to his feet. She believes I’m frightened of women. I’ll have to put that assumption to rest. Miffed by the nudge at his manhood, he decided to tackle Susie Hartwig head on.
He poked his head into Rowley’s booth. “I’m going to lunch now. You’ll have to wait until I get back. While I’m at Aunt Betty’s, I’ll ask Miss Hartwig to come in for questioning at one thirty. If Daniels and Walters return from their purse-seeking mission, keep them here until I return. You’re in charge.” He snatched his coat from the peg near the door and stepped out into the arctic wind. A smile curled his lips as he thought about Alton’s comment.
Shrugging into his coat, he decided to walk to Aunt Betty’s Café. Black Rock Falls hummed with people going about their daily lives. He made off toward Aunt Betty’s at a brisk walk.
After ordering a bowl of chili, apple pie, and coffee, he leaned back in his seat to observe the locals. From the waves and smiles, it seemed everyone had accepted him as part of the community. When Susie Hartwig sashayed back to his table with his food, he offered her a smile. “Thank you. I must say, Black Rock Falls is a friendly town. Everyone knows me already.”
“Oh, that’s because I added you to the newcomers’ wall.” Susie jerked a thumb over one shoulder. “It’s part of our service to the community. We place the photographs of all new council members and cops on the wall.”
“I see.” Kane narrowed his gaze, wondering where she had obtained his image. “On a different matter, would you be able to drop into the station at one thirty? I’d like to speak to you about Josh Rockford.”
“I can tell you everything you need to know.” Susie pushed a lock of hair from her face. “I’m not going out with him. It was just dinner.”
Kane shrugged in an effort to appear nonchalant. “Due to a current case, we’re making routine enquiries to eliminate people from our investigation. Speaking to Deputy Rowley or me off the record is hearsay. I’ll need you to come in and make a statement. Half an hour of your time is all I’ll need.” He offered her a smile. “Will I see you at one thirty?”
“Sure. I’ll get someone to cover for me.” She returned his smile. “Do you want me to bring coffee, cakes?”
“Yeah, that would be great; make that five flat whites and a box of mixed pastries.” He lifted his fork, willing her to leave. “Just add it to my tab.”
“See you later.” Susie batted her eyelashes at him then strolled away with an exaggerated swing of her hips.
The exchange had caught the attention of the diners at the other tables. Kane snapped his gaze to his plate and rubbed his temple, hoping they had not assumed he had tried to hit on a girl half his age. Perhaps he should ask Jenna to interview Susie. Jenna’s grinning face flashed though his mind. No, if he backed out of doing the interview, he would not live it down. Avoiding eye contact with the other diners, he finished his meal and dr
opped notes on the table. As he stood, he caught sight of Deputy Daniels strolling along the street in his direction with a plastic evidence bag swinging from one hand.
He headed for the door and waited for Daniels to reach him. “What have you found?”
“Sarah Woodward’s purse. Her ID is inside but no cellphone.” Daniels held up the bag and frowned. “The keys for the SUV she was driving are inside but the motel key is missing.”
Kane reached for the evidence bag and peered at the contents through the bag. “Where exactly did you find it? Did you take photographs?”
“Oh yeah, I took pictures.” Daniels gave him an unreadable look. “Maybe I should discuss this with the sheriff back at the office?”
“Sure.” Kane glanced around; no one was in earshot yet Daniels was acting uncharacteristically cautious. “Get Rowley to go with you and drop it through the evidence chute.” He handed him the bag. “The sheriff should be back soon and we’ll log it together. Did you inform Walters?”
“Yeah, just before.” Daniels gave him a sideways glance. “He is on his way.” He strode along the sidewalk, eyes front and his mouth in a grim line. “I found out where Stan Clough is living too.”
Kane fell in step beside him. Yet you didn’t call me. Why?
Forty-Five
Jenna smiled at two elderly women wrapped up so well against the cold only rosy cheeks and eyes peeked out from beneath their hoods. “Afternoon, ladies.”
She made her way around a pile of gray, refrozen slush with leaves and sticks standing out in all directions and headed toward the real estate office. She could see John Davis sitting behind the desk out front, staring at a computer screen. She pushed open the door and almost gagged at the stink of stale sweat laced with cigar smoke. How anyone conducted business with him without a gas mask, she could not imagine. She stood in the entrance, holding the door open with her foot. “Mr. Davis. Do you have a minute? I have a few questions for you.”
“Yes, but close the door. You’re letting the heat out.” John Davis took a drag of his cigar and, tipping back his head, puffed out a stream of smoke rings.
Kane’s warning flashed across her mind and she paused. “Would you mind coming outside? I have a problem with cigar smoke.”
“Oh, very well.” Obviously annoyed, he pushed slowly to his feet. “I’ll grab my coat.”
She stepped away from the door and waited for him under the shop awning. He walked toward her and the smell clung to him, tainting the crisp winter air. “Sorry to drag you outside in the cold.”
“What can I do for you?” Davis stamped his feet on the icy ground. “I already gave the Woodward girl all the information I had on her grandmother and dropped in the list of properties that interested her to the front desk of your office. I don’t know anything else.”