48
“We’ve hardly seen you since Independence Day,” said Lisa, “and now it’s almost Labor Day.”
“She’s been dying to talk to you,” said Marc. “All she knows about the Wudbine case is what’s she read in the paper. Lisa always wants the whole story. I’ve told her this is a social occasion, that you won’t want to talk shop.”
“We took this pledge at the beginning of the summer,” said Sue, coming to the table. “We were going to totally separate our professional and private lives. That included working normal business hours, and taking weekends off. I even scheduled a week of vacation time to show Harry the area.”
“And how did that work out for you?” teased Lisa.
“I got to spend a week away from the office providing doggie daycare,” said Harry Hawkins.
“So how did you break the case?” Lisa continued her questioning.
“Do you want me to lock her in the car?” asked Marc.
“Just the end, Ray,” pressed Lisa.
“We have this pattern,” said Sue, taking the question. “We just pursue every promising lead, and slowly the pieces start to fall together. Ray keeps covering his whiteboard with maps and charts, organizers of sorts, searching for connections. And several times, Hanna,” Sue looked in her direction, “provided invaluable assistance.
“We’re being very careful what we say about the investigation. Jill Wudbine has retained one of the best criminal attorneys in the country. We don’t want jeopardize the case.”
“Well, why did Jill shoot her husband? What’s his name?”
“Elliott. I think we’re both clueless on that one,” said Ray looking over at Sue. “Fortunately, it was a non-fatal wound.”
“And her father-in-law? Why?”
Ray looked at Lisa, “Heaven has no rage like love to hatred turned, Nor hell a fury like a woman scorned.”
“With her father-in-law? Oh my God.”
“There are elements of Greek tragedy here,” said Ray.
“How about the other woman?” Lisa continued her questioning.
“I’ve been up to see Elliott at the hospital. The woman in question appears to be constantly at his side. She seems quite smitten.”
“So what really happened, what’s the backstory?”
“I’ll let the journalists and writers dig that out. I’m sure there’s a book here, or at least a made-for-TV movie. End of story, Lisa. I’ll take the whitefish off the grill in a minute or two. Marc, pour some sparkling wine, please. Let’s drink to summer.”
Author’s Note:
I am greatly indebted to Heather Shaw for her story editing skills, cover design, and interior layout. I am in awe of her artistic skills and literary sensibilities. Her friendship, sage advice, and diplomatic prodding keep me on task.
Special thanks to Jim and Tammy Royle, Deb Kline, and other early readers of this manuscript, and to Amié Merzion for her careful final proofing.
None of this would be possible without the support and friendship of the independent local booksellers in northern Michigan who have been stocking my novels and inviting me for signings and book talks for more than a decade.
Also, I am grateful to so many people in law enforcement and medicine who have patiently shared their expertise and time.
And, finally, Mary K, who provides support, friendship, and wise counsel as the book moves from a few random notes to a final draft.
Books in the Ray Elkins Series:
Summer People
Color Tour
Deer Season
Shelf Ice
Medieval Murders
Cruelest Month
© 2013 by Aaron Stander
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in
any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying,
recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without
permission in writing from the publisher.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the
products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance
to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
Print edition ISBN: 978-0-9785732-9-4
Printed and bound in the United States of America
Death in a Summer Colony Page 24