“With the weather as nice as it is, what do you say we go into town and have lunch at the diner?” David suggested. He thought some fresh air would be good for both of them.
“I was about to suggest the same thing,” Angela said. “But let’s get take-out. I want to stop by the police station and find out how they intend to proceed with the Hodges investigation.”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” David said.
“Why not?” Angela questioned.
“I’m not entirely sure,” David admitted. “Intuition, I guess. And it’s not like the town police have inspired much confidence. To tell you the truth, I didn’t get the impression they were all that interested in investigating the case.”
“That’s why I want to go,” Angela said. “I want to be sure they know that we’re interested. Come on, humor me.”
“If you insist,” David said with reluctance.
They got tuna sandwiches to go and ate them on the steps of the gazebo. Although it had been well below freezing that morning, the bright sun had warmed the air to a balmy seventy degrees.
After finishing their meal they walked over to the police station. It was a plain, two-story brick structure standing on the town green directly across from the library.
The officer at the front desk was gracious. After a quick call he directed David and Angela down a creaky wooden corridor to Wayne Robertson’s office. Robertson invited them in and hastily took newspapers and Dunkin’ Donuts bags off two metal chairs. When David and Angela were seated, he leaned his expansive backside against his matching metal desk. He crossed his arms and smiled. Despite the lack of direct sunlight in the room, he was wearing his reflective aviator-style sunglasses.
“I’m glad you folks stopped in,” he said once David and Angela were seated. He had a slight accent that had a vague similarity to a southern drawl. “I’m sorry we had to intrude the other night. I’d like to apologize for upsetting your evening.”
“We appreciated your coming,” David said.
“What can I do for you folks?” Robertson asked.
“We’re here to offer our cooperation,” Angela said.
“Well now, we appreciate that,” Robertson said. He smiled widely, revealing square teeth. “We depend on the community. Without its support, we couldn’t do our job.”
“We want to see the Hodges murder case solved,” Angela said. “We want to see the killer behind bars.”
“Well, you’re certainly not alone,” Robertson said with his smile plastered on his face. “We want to see it solved as well.”
“Living in a house where there’s been a murder is very distressing,” Angela said. “Particularly if the murderer is still on the streets. I’m sure you understand.”
“Absolutely,” Robertson said.
“So we’d like to know what we can do to help,” Angela said.
“Well, let’s see,” Robertson said, showing signs of unease. He stammered, “Actually, there’s not a whole bunch anybody can do.”
“What exactly are the police doing?” Angela asked.
The smile faded from Robertson’s face. “We’re working on it,” Robertson said vaguely.
“Which means what?” Angela persisted.
David started to stand up, concerned about the direction and tone of the conversation, but Angela wouldn’t budge.
“Well, the usual,” Robertson said.
“What’s the usual?” Angela asked.
Robertson was clearly uncomfortable. “Well, to be truthful we’re not doing much right now. But back when Hodges disappeared, we were working day and night.”
“I’m a little surprised that there hasn’t been a resurgence of interest now that there is a corpse,” Angela said testily. “And the medical examiner has unquestionably ruled the case a homicide. We’ve got a killer walking around this town, and I want something done.”
“Well, we certainly don’t want to disappoint you folks,” Robertson said with a touch of sarcasm. “What exactly would you like done so that we’ll know in advance you’ll be pleased?”
David started to say something, but Angela shushed him. “We want you to do what you normally do with a homicide,” she said. “You have the murder weapon so test it for fingerprints, find out where it was purchased, that sort of thing. We shouldn’t have to tell you how to carry out an investigation.”