Total pages in book: 95
Estimated words: 90472 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 452(@200wpm)___ 362(@250wpm)___ 302(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90472 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 452(@200wpm)___ 362(@250wpm)___ 302(@300wpm)
I smiled. “And you rescued every one of them.”
“I did and I’m giving them to you to see if they will be of any help. I would have brought you the copy of the case file your dad keeps but that’s for him to do, not me. You’re like your dad when it comes to solving things, determined, refusing to give up. That’s why this case has haunted him these many years. And now with the terrible discovery of Travis…” She shook her head. “Help him solve it so the case can finally be laid to rest.”
I took the tote from her and gave her a hug. “Don’t worry, Mom, nothing is going to stop me from solving this.”
“That’s what your dad said thirty-five years ago. You’ve never disappointed me, Pepper, and I know you won’t now.”
I stared at the door after my mom closed it behind her. “Way to burden your only daughter.”
“Ah dinnae think your mum meant it that way, Pep,” Ian said, coming up behind me. “I think your mum is saying how much she believes in you and how you will be diligent in solving this.”
I turned. “You’re right. She’s always believed in me, always encouraged me, always supported me in everything I chose to do. And she is looking for my help because she is worried about my dad.”
“Then we best get busy,” Ian said.
I was sure Ian and I could get the moment back quite easily what my mom had killed for us, but I was glad to see he was as eager as me to dive into this case.
Ian hurried the dishes into the dishwasher while I spread what I had over the island. “It’s going to take time to get through these notes. I think it would be best if I went over with you what I gathered so far, then we can begin to comb through my dad’s notes.”
“Sounds good,” Ian said, settling himself on the stool next to me.
Ian was just finished reading a second article on the murder when we heard a key turn in the lock once again.
“That’s it, I’m taking back all the keys,” I said.
He leaned close and whispered, “Except mine.”
My dad walked in and stopped when he spotted Ian. “I didn’t see your SUV.”
Somewhat of an apology, but I was still going to collect my keys.
“I walked,” Ian said. “All done at the crime scene?”
“They’re still working. The snow has lessened and thankfully the wind has as well. It also has helped that the ground hasn’t frozen yet. They should be done soon. “My dad shook his head. “I shouldn’t be telling you that, which is the reason I’m here.”
“Coffee, Sheriff?” Ian asked.
“Definitely,” my dad said and shed his jacket and hat, but he didn’t sit.
His mind was troubled and just as my mom’s upset had disturbed me, my dad’s unease did as well.
“What’s the matter, Dad?” I asked as Ian handed him a mug of coffee.
I always kept a brewed pot for those coffee lovers who stopped by… mainly my dad.
“This case is going to take top priority, Pep, which means I can’t have you looking into it.”
“Why would a thirty-five-year-old case take top priority?” I asked.
“The mayor,” my dad said.
“Mayor Barrett ordered it?” I asked, shaking my head, wondering why and then it struck me. “Jim Barrett… Sheriff Ted Barrett’s son.”
My dad nodded. “He called me as soon as he heard the news. He says he owes it to his dad to see the case closed, his dad proven right about Travis Rodgers killing Rita in a fit of rage and then taking his own life in remorse.”
“How does one bury oneself?” Ian asked.
“Barrett believes time and weather buried Travis and he wants this solved pronto,” my dad said,
“And his dad praised for it,” I said.
My dad rubbed at the back of his neck, and I could almost feel the pain-in-the-neck Mayor Barrett was going to turn out to be.
“He says since I was on the force during the time, I know all the particulars and that it should take no time at all to prove what his dad believed, that Travis did it, and the case closed successfully.”
“Sheriff Barrett is deceased?” Ian asked.
“About two years ago, just after his son became mayor,” my dad said.
“I can still help,” I offered.
“I would truly love that, Pepper, but Mayor Barrett specifically warned me that this was to be solved by the Willow Lake Sheriff’s Department. He has ordered me to keep him updated on all findings.”
“So, no other agency or person can take credit, the sole credit going to the department who originally investigated the crime and an easy way for him to keep tabs on you,” I said and paused a moment to temper my annoyance. “You know Mayor Barrett cannot stop me from looking into the case.”