Song of Suzies by Dave Balcom

Author:Dave Balcom
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: mystery, investigation, upstate new york, newspapers, missing children, finger lakes, waterfowl hunting, duck calling
Publisher: Dave Balcom

34

Morrison and Hennessey were stricken as they watched waves of understanding play across my face. Morrison got up and left the office, ran into Louie as she was coming out of her lair and asked her if there was any water available. She came back with a carafe and some glasses, looked at me and concern colored her face, “Jim? Are you all right?”

That brought me out of my reverie. “Sure, Louie, thanks for the water,” I said taking the tray from her. “You gentlemen need a drink?”

They nodded and I passed around full glasses, took the third one for myself and sipped. “Sorry about that, guys. That kinda hit me a bit.”

Hennessey still looked concerned. Morrison took another drink from his glass, and said, “But now you can see why Sherman went after you so hard; it really looked like you might be involved, and there were those rumors we’ve all heard...”

“You maybe; I haven’t heard the whisper campaign, but then, what coward would let me listen in as he stabs my reputation...”

“You’re unaware of the rumors?”

“No, we’re aware, but my folks for the most part have only overheard them, not had them spoken directly to them. We were curious where they originated, and a few minutes ago I figured it was people in your outfit familiar with your investigation...”

Hennessey reacted to that, “Not possible, Jim. It would mean someone’s job or badge if they went that route, and they know it. I don’t doubt the integrity of anybody at headquarters in that regard.”

My mind had abandoned that line of thinking already. “So, is this the way you folks are announcing to the public that Suzanne’s body has been found? That the case is now formally a murder investigation? Have you notified her family?”

Morrison was shaking his head. “We’re not ready to release that information. Not even to her family.”

“I wouldn’t want to sleep with that burden,” I said softly.

He accepted that with a nod and a shrug. “The fact won’t change, but I believe the family will forgive the delay if we use that time to find the killer.”

“Am I the only person who has visited that site repeatedly since the discovery? And, how did you make that discovery?”

That set Morrison to studying the grain on the imitation oak table top and Hennessy started studying his manicure.

“A tip? You got a tip? Did the tipster pose it as ‘Why is the new editor so fond of the Inlet Conservation Area? Think he’s returning to the scene of the crime?’ or something along those lines?”

The pair in front of me couldn’t meet my gaze.

“No shit; I nailed it, didn’t I?”

Hennessey finally nodded, “Pretty much.”

“Phone call or letter?” I asked as I got up and went to my desk for a notebook.

“Phone call on the State’s ‘Stop Crime Tip Line’” Hennessey said barely moving his lips.

“Have any of you All-stars figured out yet why this tipster and my letter writer are so keen on keeping this story alive and me in the middle?”

Morrison looked up finally, “Not for a lack of trying.

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