Murder on the Ol' Bunions (A LaTisha Barnhart Mystery) by Moore S. Dionne

Author:Moore, S. Dionne [Moore, S. Dionne]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 2012-03-22T04:00:00+00:00

Officer Mac Simpson visibly cringed upon seeing me enter the police station. I felt the beginnings of a smile, then remembered Hardy’s unhappiness with my shenanigans. The wind left my sails and I vowed to be good.

“How do you do this fine, bright morning, Officer Simpson?”

Hands flat on the top of his desk, he dipped his head. “Doing well, thank you. That was a mighty fine pie you brought over, Mrs. Barnhart. I appreciate it.” He sat up straight in his chair. “Now what can I do for you this morning?”

“I was wondering about that box in Marion’s shop. You said you’d leave a note for the chief about it, remember?”

“Uh, yes, I did—I mean, I do. He’s been very busy and he probably forgot.”

“Oh, that’s okay, sweetie, but I still need to ask him about it. Could you. . .?” I gestured toward the phone.

Within minutes I was sitting across from the chief, Officer Simpson stood in the doorway, having escorted me back.

“Thank you, Mac. Would you get Mrs. Barnhart a cup of. . .” he raised his brows in question. “Tea? Coffee? Water”

“Nothing for me, Chief.”

With a silent nod, Conrad dismissed Simpson and the door closed with a soft click. The chief’s face, I noticed, held signs of fatigue. Lines that hadn’t been there before Marion’s death.

“This whole incident must be hard on you,” I offered my sympathy.

“The state police are really pressuring me to let them question people. I tried to tell them they could play tough guy if they wanted, but everyone would clam up pretty tight.” He blinked slow. “Guess I hale back to the days when cops played the good guys and didn’t make threats and throw their weight around to get results. It’s probably why I’m a small-town cop. I like the peace too much.”

“I’m with you on that. Are they done tearing apart Marion’s shop yet?”

“They stopped in yesterday and did a few more things. Since I’m so short-staffed, they offered to post a guard, but I told them I’d just hang a lock on the door until I heard back from them. Mark called this morning and explained his situation—you could have knocked me over with a feather when he told me he was Valorie’s father. But what he really wants is to take a look at the inside of the store and get an idea of what he has to deal with when the time comes.”

“I know. I talked to him last night.”

That was part of the reason why I came today. You know about the donation the parents started for the school library? I bought some books from Marion that day. Only got one box out. So, if you’ll let me, I’d like to get the other and take it to the school.”

“I don’t know.” Chief stretched backward and put his hands behind his head. “Guess it wouldn’t hurt anything. I’ll have you sign for the books.” He stretched out his arm and yanked a key ring off the board behind his head and sat up.

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