Page 83 of Eclipse Bay

“Someone who thinks that I really did murder Kaitlin might care. A lot.”

She froze. “Dell Sadler. But why would he try to harm my dog?”

“As far as Dell is concerned, you covered for me that night. You’re involved.”

“You think he would have tried to harm Winston as a way of taking some revenge?”

“I think,” Rafe said deliberately, “that we’d better talk to him.”

chapter 17

The faded sign over the gate readSADLER’S AUTO RE-BUILD. Beneath it, in slightly smaller letters, were the words 24-HOUR TOWING. And below that was the phraseSPECIALIZING IN INSURANCE WORK. But the chain-link fence that enclosed the metal carcasses of ruined automobiles and the big dog with the massive head sprawled in front of the trailer sent a slightly different message. This was a junkyard.

Hannah took one look at the huge dog and decided to leave Winston in the car. “Whatever you do, don’t let him out,” she said as Rafe opened the door on his side.

Rafe eyed the animal lying in the shade of the tattered awning that shielded the trailer door. “Have a little faith. We’re talking brains versus brawn here. My money’s on Winston.”

“We are not going to put that to the test.” Hannah looked at Winston through the two-inch crack she had left between the window and the top of the car door frame. “Don’t do anything to provoke that beast, understand?”

Winston whined softly. His rear legs were planted on the seat she had just vacated, his front paws braced against the door. Ears alert, nose quivering, he stared through the window, his whole attention concentrated on the other dog.

Hannah shuddered at the thought of what might happen if Winston got out of the car. She checked the passenger door to make certain that it was firmly shut and then sent Rafe a warning glance over the low roof of the Porsche.

“Be sure you close that door firmly.”

“You worry too much,” Rafe said. He gave the Porsche door a rather casual push. “Winston’s smart. He can handle that guy.”

She watched the big dog heave his bulk to his feet. “I’m sure I’m a lot smarter than that monster, too. But I wouldn’t want to get into a fight with him.”

“Okay, okay. Winston stays in the car.” Rafe walked to the gate and leaned on a grimy button.

A few seconds later the door of the trailer opened. Dell Sadler appeared, silhouetted in the gloom. He gazed at Rafe and Hannah, his face shadowed by the brim of a greasy billed cap. After a while he apparently came to a decision. He started toward the gate. The dog paced stiffly after him, moving with the painfully awkward stride of an animal who was either very old or had been badly injured.

Dell crossed the yard, weaving his way between piles of tires, crumpled fenders, and assorted mutilated auto parts. When he reached the gate he made no move to open it. He stared balefully at Rafe through the chain links. The dog came to a halt beside him and stared too. Dell did not look down, but he put his hand on the creature’s head in a gesture that was at once calming and absently affectionate. The bond between man and beast was evident.

“It’s okay, Happy,” Dell said.

Quite suddenly Hannah found it difficult to believe that this man had tried to murder Winston last night.

“What d’ya want?” Dell asked gruffly.

“We need to talk to you, Dell.”

“What about?”

“Kaitlin.”

Dell’s shoulders stiffened visibly. He hesitated for a long time. Then he reached for the latch. “You better come inside.”

The gate swung open. Dell led the way through the piles of dead automobiles.

The tidy interior of the trailer was a surprise. Hannah glanced surreptitiously around as she sat down on the worn vinyl-covered couch. There was a good reading lamp on the built-in end table. A pile of magazines bearing recent dates was stacked beside it. A new mystery novel by a familiar author lay on the miniature coffee table.

Dell hovered in the little kitchen. He appeared nervous, uneasy, as if he was not sure how to handle guests. “You want something to drink? I got some soda and beer.”

“Soda’s fine,” Rafe said. “Whatever’s handy.”

“Soda sounds great,” Hannah said gently.

---