Murder and Salutations Read Online Free

microphone.
    My brother said, “I’m going to ask you all a few questions, then I need you to file out one at a time and give my deputies your names, addresses and telephone numbers. Please cooperate with us and do as I ask.”
    “ So who was stabbed?” the same voice from before called out, and there were several mutters from the crowd.
    I could see Bradford considering the possibilities, but he knew Rebel Forge better than anybody else in town, and I had to believe he realized it would be impossible to keep the lid on the name of the murder victim past midnight.
    Bradford stared at the crowd, then finally said, “The victim was Eliza Glade, but I’d appreciate it if you’d wait to spread the word until we can get in touch with her mother over in Louisa.”
    That started another wave of discussion, but Bradford managed to kill it pretty fast. “The only reason I told you this right now is that I need to see everyone who talked with her or saw her this evening to come forward to the stage so I can interview you.”
    Everybody started to get up when Bradford added, “Okay, let’s try this a different way. Keep standing until I eliminate you. Was there anybody who saw Eliza after the meal?”
    Nobody admitted as much, and Bradford went on. “Okay, did anyone actually talk to her this evening?”
    In a loud, clear voice, Lillian said, “I did.”
    Bradford bit his lip, no doubt expecting something just like that from our aunt. The two of them hadn’t gotten along for twenty years, and I could tell my brother wasn’t surprised by her admission. “Come on up and I’ll talk to you in a minute. Is there anyone else?”
    A few people raised their hands, and Bradford motioned for them to join him. I was waiting for him to dismiss us when Beth Anderson, a waitress at Hurley’s who sported multi-tinted hair, pointed at Sara Lynn and said, “You talked to her. I saw it.”
    “ She did not,” I said. “I was standing right beside her, and Lillian cut Eliza off before she could get to us.”
    Beth shook her head. “I’m not talking about that. I saw her arguing with that woman in the kitchen.”
    There were shocked murmurs throughout the crowd, and Sara Lynn said, “We had a few words, but it was nothing.”
    It was pretty obvious Bradford didn’t want to call Sara Lynn to the front, but he had no choice. I started forward, when he added, “Don’t tell me you talked to her, too, Jennifer.”
    “ I didn’t, but I’m coming anyway.”
    Bradford shook his head. “If I need you, you’ll be the first to know. Does anyone else have anything to say?”
    Nobody volunteered anything, so Bradford said, “Then I’ll ask you all to leave. Be patient with us, folks, we’re doing the best we can. And thanks for cooperating.”
    As everyone else started to get in line at the rear door, I followed Sara Lynn up to the front. Hank stepped in and said, “You heard the sheriff. You need to go.”
    I gave him my hardest look, then said, “If you think you can stop me, you’d better get your gun, because you’ll have to shoot me to get me to leave my sister’s side.”
    Sara Lynn said numbly, “It’s all right, Jennifer. I’ll be fine.”
    “ I know you will. I’m going to be right by your side,” I said.
    We were at a stalemate when Bradford approached. “What’s the problem here?”
    Hank turned to him and said, “She won’t leave.”
    “ Why am I not surprised? Hank, have you met my family?”
    He nodded, but didn’t say a word.
    Bradford shook his head as he looked at me, then finally said, “Come on, I don’t have the energy to fight with you tonight.” He turned to his deputy. “Help Jody at the door, will you?”
    Hank nodded, then said, “Listen, I’m sorry if I stepped over the line, but you said—”
    Bradford patted his shoulder. “You did exactly the right thing.”
    After he was gone, Bradford looked at Sara Lynn and me and said, “You might as well come up front. Let’s get this over