Free Hanging Hannah by Evan Marshall

“Because, believe it or not, Jane, you’re the most sensible friend I have.”
    Jane bit her tongue at this backhanded compliment.
    Doris went on, “I need advice about what to do now— if I should do anything. And I have to admit you did a pretty good job of putting two and two together when your Marlene disappeared.”
    Jane had to smile. “Despite my being lousy at detective work, eh? But that involved a murder case, Doris, and you’ve just insisted that Arthur is incapable of hurting anyone.”
    Again Doris looked down. She mumbled something.
    â€œExcuse me? I didn’t hear you.”
    Doris met Jane’s gaze. “Maybe . . . maybe I’m not so sure.”
    Jane gaped at Doris. “Then you think Arthur could have done it?”
    â€œI don’t really think that, Jane, not really. I think he’s an innocent man who may be blamed for this. But if there’s any chance that he might have done it, then he would have to be . . . dealt with, wouldn’t he? He would have to be stopped from hurting other people.”
    â€œYes, he would,” Jane said. Doris had tears in her eyes now, and Jane’s heart went out to her. “Doris, whatever really happened, you have to go to the police. They’ll want to question Arthur. Especially if someone driving on Cranmore did see him with that girl, wouldn’t it be better for Arthur to come forward than for them to find out and go after him? I’m sure that, as you say, he’s not capable of hurting anyone, but he can no doubt provide some clues to her identity.”
    â€œYou’re right, Jane. I’m going to tell Arthur we have to go to the police. I suppose I knew all along that that was what we had to do. I just needed to hear it from someone whose judgment I respect. Jane,” Doris said, her eyes beseeching, “will you go to the police with us? You know that Detective Greenberg. I saw him speaking to you at the inn.”
    â€œOf course I’ll go with you. But you must be aware that the police will want to question Arthur alone.”
    â€œI know, but until that moment, he—and I—could use your . . . moral support.”
    â€œMaybe I can give you more than that,” Jane said. “If you like, I’ll speak to Detective Greenberg first about Arthur and his story.”
    â€œOh, yes, I’d like you to do that,” Doris said eagerly.
    Jane rose and Doris followed suit, Jane leading the older woman toward the office door. Before opening it, Jane said, “I’ll call him this afternoon. And I’ll meet you at the police station whenever you and Arthur go.”
    â€œThank you, Jane. If Detective Greenberg gives you a time, you just let me know and we’ll be there.”
    â€œAll right. I’ll call you right after I speak to him.” She opened the door and Doris preceded her into the reception room. Daniel looked up, his face composed, but Jane saw the consternation in his dark eyes.
    â€œGood-bye, Daniel,” Doris murmured to him, then looked back at Jane. “Good-bye, Jane. Thank you.” And looking older and more frail than Jane had ever seen her look, she walked slowly to the door and let herself out.

Seven
    Jane watched two of the lights on her phone flash, heard Daniel answer one, put the call on hold, and take the other. Her intercom beeped.
    â€œBill Haddad on one,” came Daniel’s mellow voice, “and Bertha Stumpf on two.”
    Though Jane had liked Bill’s proposal quite a bit, she just couldn’t deal with Bill right now. Extremely insecure despite his considerable talent, he needed a lot of stroking—something Jane was in no mood to do. “I’ll call Bill back,” she told Daniel. “What does Bertha want?”
    â€œShe says it’s about the RAT convention.”
    Jane rolled her eyes. “Ask her what about it, and tell her we’re sending the photos and bios, if