Free Murder Is Elementary by Diane Weiner

after her father’s death years ago. Lately, she’d gotten into missionary work. Jody remembered how every time there was a problem in their household when she was growing up, her mom would actually ask her, “What do you think Jesus would do?” Jody rolled her eyes just thinking about it.
    Jody unpacked and tossed her dirty clothes directly into the washing machine. Tomorrow it was back to school. You know that Sunday night feeling when you realize the weekend is over and you have to go to work the next day? Coming back after a vacation was that feeling on steroids. It was like jumping into a cold pool. You dread it, you plunge in, and after a while you just adjust. Maybe she’d give Theresa a call and see if they could grab a quick dinner. Jody’s mom was a talented cook and had sent her home with a goody bag but Jody needed company. Maybe Becky, her new friend from the gym, would join them too.

Chapter 19

    Monday morning came too soon.
    “Good morning, Mr. Petrocelli,” said Sandra. “How was your break?”
    “It was wonderful. I got to spend lots of quality time with Hayley and the boys. And yours?”
    “My son came down with his family. The grandkids have grown so much in just a few months. Ate too much and spent too much though,” said Sandra.
    “They don’t call it vacation for nothing,” said Antonio.
    Mr. Ford, the assistant principal, was already hard at work. Antonio went to his office to prioritize his ‘to-do’ list. After a short time, Sandra came in.
    “Mr. Petrocelli, there’s someone from the district here to see you.”
    “Thanks Sandra.” Sandra ushered in a middle-aged man wearing a gray pin-striped suit. His silver hair was neat and smelled like he’d just come from Super Cuts.
    “Hello, Mr. Petrocelli. I’m Mr. Magnus from Human Resources.” He shook Antonio’s hand and took a seat. “As you know, we have an opening to fill due to Mrs. Roger’s death. What a tragedy. She was a lovely woman.”
    “Yes, we all miss her.” Antonio felt his pulse quicken.
    “Mr. Ford already has a critical role as the assistant principal here and is doing an excellent job. He has no desire to assume the extra duties involved in taking over the principal job. He shared with me that he plans to retire next year. We don’t want to fix what isn’t broken, so the board has decided that we should respect his wishes and leave him in his current position. We’d like to offer you the Principal position. We know that you already know the ropes here at Westbrook and we feel it would be an easy transition.”
    “Thank you, I’m flattered.” Antonio knew that his dimples were showing.
    “So, is that a yes?” asked Mr. Magnus?
    “Of course, it’s a yes. I’m fully committed to Westbrook and I won’t let you down.” Antonio took a deep breath in hopes that he could slow down his racing heartbeat.
    “Great. I’ll have a contract prepared and will send it over shortly.”
    “Thank you, Mr. Magnus. And please express my appreciation to the board.” Antonio felt like he wanted to cartwheel across the office. Finally his dream had come true. He couldn’t wait to tell Hayley.

Chapter 20

    Jackson and Lynette drove to the apartment complex where Blaze had supposedly been the night of the murder. The exterior of the three-story buildings had been newly painted pale yellow. They drove by a basketball court and a swimming pool which was covered tightly for the winter. Lynette noticed a small building next to the pool.
    “Let’s park here.” The lot was flanked with pine trees. “This looks like the rental office. Hopefully someone will be there,” said Lynette. She pulled the picture of Blaze out from her briefcase. They entered the small building which housed both a clubhouse and a rental area. A portly older gentleman sat behind the desk eating an Italian hero sandwich.
    “Good evening, sir. We’re from the Westbrook Police Department. I’m Jackson Simpson and this is my