Free Indiana Belle (American Journey Book 3) by John A. Heldt Page B

the fortyish man between Thad and Richard and changed the subject.
    "How about you? Are you from New England too?"
    "Oh, no. I'm a Hoosier, born and bred," the man said. "I'm Leonard Heller."
    Cameron and Leonard shook hands.
    "I take it that's your store across the street," Cameron said.
    "It most certainly is," Leonard said. "You ought to pay a visit. I'd love to show you around."
    "I'd like that. I'll be here at least a few weeks."
    Cameron wondered how he could possibly steer the conversation back on track when he saw yet another distraction. A large black man, who appeared to be no more than thirty, pushed a broom in the back of the newsroom. Cameron did not need to know more to know that the man was Tom Parker, the paper's janitor and Candice Bell's future killer.
    "Have you found a place to stay?" Leonard asked.
    "I have," Cameron said. "I'm renting a room now at the Vanderburgh Hotel."
    "Then you have everything you need. That's the nicest place in town," Leonard said. He gave Richard a knowing smile before returning to Cameron. "I should go. I have a store to run. It was nice meeting, young man. I hope you enjoy your stay in Evansville."
    "Thank you."
    Cameron shook Leonard's hand a second time and watched him go out the door. He turned to face the others just as Richard slipped on his suit jacket.
    "I should probably go as well. I have some contracts to draw up," Richard said. He looked at Thad. "Can I count on you for dinner tomorrow night?"
    "You can," Thad said. "I'm looking forward to it."
    "Then I'll see you at six," Richard said. He turned to Cameron. "It was nice meeting you, Mr. Coelho. I hope we meet again."
    "I hope so too."
    Cameron shook Richard's hand and then watched him exit the building and walk across the street to the firm that bore his name. He wasn't quite sure what to make of the man, but he was glad he had met him. He had little doubt they would meet again.
    "It looks like we got sidetracked," Thad said with a chuckle. "If you still have questions about Miss Bell, I would be happy to answer as many as I can."
    "I just want to know when she'll be back," Cameron said. "I would like to speak with her as soon as I can."
    "Then you may have to wait a while."
    "Why is that?"
    "She's on an extended leave," Thad said. "She's currently spending time with her mother at the family farm in Griffin. I don't expect her back before the thirtieth."
    "How far is Griffin from here?" Cameron asked.
    "It's about thirty miles."
    Cameron took a breath and weighed his options.
    "That's quite a ways. Can she be reached by telephone?"
    "She can," Thad said.
    "Do you know where I can find a phone around here?"
    Thad smiled.
    "I do. There's one in my office. Would you like to use it?"
    "I would," Cameron said. "Thank you."
    "Then follow me."
    Thad spoke to Mrs. Franklin, who seemed transfixed by the whole exchange, and then led Cameron to an office near the front of the newsroom. Once inside, he walked to the back of the chamber, sat at his desk, and reached for a black telephone. He lifted the handset of the phone, dialed a number, and waited until someone, presumably an operator, came on the line.
    "This is Thad Grant at the Post ," he said in a confident voice. "I'd like to reach the Bell residence in Griffin. Can you put me through?"
    Cameron smiled and shook his head as he saw technology – 1925 technology – in action. He did not bother asking Thad which cellular provider he preferred.
    Thad returned the visitor's smile as he waited for a reply. A moment later, he pushed the handset closer to his head and spoke into the mouthpiece.
    "Hello? Candice? Is that you?"
    A voice streamed through the receiver.
    "Yes, it's me," Thad said. "No, there's nothing wrong. I'm calling because a man from Rhode Island came to the paper this morning to see you. He's a doctoral student. He wants to speak to you about local native rituals."
    Cameron chuckled.
    "I know you're on leave. I'll make it up to you when you get back," Thad