Page 54 of Rocky Ride

Van Cedar lived on a quiet street of two-story homes in Conrad, and we pulled in right behind the truck we were looking for.

“Truck’s here,” I said. “Good sign. We won’t have to go chasing after him.”

“Funny how all of these guys seemed to be married,” said Billy.

“Yeah, I guess. Does that make them more attracted to a married woman like Sandra Ellington?”

“Can’t say, Harlan. I’ve never figured women out. It’s not possible.”

Billy made me laugh.

Mrs. Van Cedar let us in and showed us into her fancy living room. All neat and tidy with a lot of cushions and cozy blankets and stuff that we didn’t have at our house.

“I’ll get Graham for you.” She smiled and left us sitting in the room alone. Wasn’t gone long and she was back with her husband. “Here he is. He wasn’t feeling well this morning and didn’t go to work.”

Graham Van Cedar towered over his short pudgy wife. Longish blond hair and bright blue eyes, he was dressed in plaid pajama pants and a T-shirt.

“Sorry, I was sleeping and I’m kind of out of it today. Woke up with a migraine and it’s pounding.” His eyes were half-closed, and the light in the room seemed to bother him.

“Only a couple of questions for you, sir.”

“Sure. What’s this about?”

“We’re investigating Sandra Ellington’s murder, sir,” said Billy, “and we were wondering if you knew her.”

He glanced at his wife and searched for words and there was no way around it. He would have to spit out something that would cause trouble between them.

“I have met her,” said Graham. “I’m an attorney here in Conrad and a couple of months ago I met Sandra and her husband at a function in Shelby. So yes, I do know who she is, and sadly, I heard about her death.”

“Did I ever meet her, Graham?” asked his wife.

“I don’t think so. They lived in Coyote Creek. Nice couple, but you never met them.”

“And she was murdered?” The wife had renewed interest in the conversation.

“Tragic,” said Billy, and he laid it on thick to work the wife up. “Bob Ellington went to his office, forgot his briefcase and by the time he came back for it, someone had come into the house and slit Sandra’s throat.”

The wife put her hands over her face. “Oh my God. That is the worst thing I’ve ever heard.” She turned to her husband, “And you knew her, Graham?”

“I said I met her once, Irene. I didn’t know her well.”

“Why didn’t you mention this to me? It must have been on the news.”

“I didn’t want to upset you, Irene. Lawyer’s wife murdered. You would have been upset just like you are now. That’s why I chose not to tell you.”

“I need a tissue. Excuse me.”

When the wife left the room, Billy zeroed in. “A pickup similar to yours, Mister Van Cedar, was photographed in the Ellingtons’ driveway on numerous occasions. Do you have an alibi we can verify for last Tuesday, October fifteenth?”

“What time? Can we please do this quietly?”

“Of course. Jot down what you want verified and I’ll take care of it.”

“Thank you, Sheriff. I appreciate your discretion more than you can imagine.” He leaned closer and whispered. “I didn’t kill Sandra. I loved her.”

“Can you give me any help with the investigation?” Billy asked the question as the wife walked back into the room with a couple of tissues in her hand.

“Leave me your card,” said Graham, “and thank you for coming in person, Sheriff. It’s been a pleasure to meet you and your young Deputy.”

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