Free Branded for Murder by Dick C. Waters

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    Jackie told me things would change when I met the right person. All I could think about was being with Lisa again. I really have to become comfortable with myself. She will let me know if I’m not doing something right. During the times we weren’t kissing, we shared more about ourselves. I told her more about attending Harvard, but didn’t share being on the task force with her. Why didn’t I share that, maybe it was because we were pressed against each other?
    She will be graduating the same year as me. Judy, who was with her when we met, is her roommate and best friend. They have been together at Chase since they were freshmen. Lisa grew up in Derry, a small town in New Hampshire near the Massachusetts border. She told me she really hasn’t had any boyfriends, since she was so focused on her school work. Her mother wanted her to go to University of New Hampshire , her Mom’s Alma Mater, but Lisa said she didn’t want to live at home while going to college.
    I thought about how we fit together. We were almost the same height; maybe I was just a bit taller. Yes, that’s right, remembering I had to bend over to kiss her. I remembered our kisses. I learned quickly. Lisa’s lips were so soft. It was no wonder my body reacted to her. I’m glad she didn’t make a big deal about my erection, as I would have been so embarrassed. She even smiled, moving closer when I mentioned how my body reacted to her.
    I was no longer dwelling on Jackie’s murder, my school work, or my participation on the task force. All I could think about was our next time together.
     
    *.*.*
     
    About half way to my parents’ farm I managed to get my mind on other things. I had made a promise to help catch Jackie’s killer.
    I listened at the task force meeting about possible means of entry to Jackie’s apartment. I thought about utility workers, appliance or other service personnel, firemen, police officers, delivery men, salesmen, fellow residents, friends, clergy, charity collections. Who else am I forgetting? Think. Who would these older and younger women actually let inside their apartments?
    Okay then, how about; Indian chiefs, bankers, postmen, special delivery, bakers, talent agents, where did I ever come up with that one? I continued; photographers, travel agents, census takers, beggars, hair dressers, FBI, IRS, accountants. And as far as the utility workers are concerned; gas, electricity, water, and telephone…and I might as well include; plumbers, carpenters, window cleaners, house cleaning, charities, and locksmiths.
    Locksmiths could gain entry without any sign of a break in. However, they would have to carry tools. Someone would have noticed them or their vehicles. What if they worked out of their own vehicle, rather than a company truck, or something like that. No these people had chains on their doors; and they wouldn’t have opened the chains to a stranger.
    What about a female, not a male? Could someone, dressed like a woman, be allowed into their apartments? So which one of these could have been a woman? Thinking about each of them, all could have had a woman working in those fields. What about someone who would not be in a uniform, and stick out like a fireman, policeman, etc? The task force also mentioned the person brought things with him, like the ropes. Okay, so which ones would be carrying a bag or tote and still not attract attention?
    Let me think, which ones would carry a bag or briefcase and still not attract attention; special delivery people, yes that could work, talent agent – no, photographer – yes, travel agent – maybe, census taker – yes, hair dresser – maybe, house cleaners or maids – possibly, charities – yes, solicitors – maybe. All of these could be a woman not in uniform, but which would make the women open their doors?
    The Census taker, maids, charities and solicitors might be someone they would let in. I think elderly women would not want to have a maid, having cleaned their