Free Murder at Redwood Cove by Janet Finsilver Page A

think did it?”
    â€œThey don’t have any suspects. They feel Bob wouldn’t have an accident like that.”
    â€œAccidents do happen, even to experienced people.” She took a bite of pizza, then set the piece on her plate. “Like I said, a nice group of people looking for something to do.”
    I took a bite of my lunch. I relished the blend of flavors and textures produced by the salad, the grilled mushrooms, and the accompaniments. “When Helen and I checked Bob’s office, there were a lot of papers scattered over his desk. Helen felt it was unusual.”
    â€œHis office a mess? Never.”
    I nodded. “That was Helen’s feeling. I talked to Deputy Sheriff Stanton about the office being searched. He thinks an employee was likely trying to find something.”
    â€œMaybe.” Suzie finished her first slice. “I don’t know who it would be, though. I was handling most of the business issues. Our suppliers were pretty much the same. I did the inn’s orders when I did mine. Daniel knows a bit, but Helen is pretty clueless. I can’t think of anything they or anyone else would be looking for.”
    I didn’t realize how isolated I’d been feeling. Hearing Suzie mirror my doubts reassured me. An ally.
    â€œWhat do you think?” Suzie asked.
    â€œI think someone was searching for something. Did you see anyone go in Bob’s office yesterday afternoon?”
    Suzie thought for a moment. “Charlie Chan.”

Chapter 10
    N oah put the bill on the table. “How was it?”
    â€œWonderful!” I said. “A creative menu that delivers. What more could someone ask for?”
    â€œI’m glad you enjoyed it.” He cocked an eyebrow at Suzie. “Music here tonight. It’ll be the Road Travelers playing. Good stuff.”
    Suzie laughed. “We’ll see how things go at work.”
    We paid the bill, thanked Noah, and left.
    â€œThere’s Charlie.” Suzie pointed down the narrow alley at the back of the restaurant.
    As we walked toward the young man unloading his truck, my cell phone rang.
    â€œHello.”
    â€œThe deputy sheriff returned Bob’s cell phone. Should I put it in the office desk?” Helen asked.
    â€œThat works for me. The center drawer of the desk will be fine. Thanks.” I closed the phone. “The sheriff dropped off Bob’s BlackBerry. That should help me track his movements.”
    Charlie glanced in our direction. “Hey, how’re you doing?” The future dentist displayed his perfect teeth.
    â€œHi.” I slipped the phone into my backpack. “Charlie, I have a question for you.”
    â€œSure, shoot.” He heaved one of the large bottles off the truck and placed it near the back door of Noah’s Place.
    â€œWhen you went in Bob’s office yesterday, did you notice what his desk looked like?”
    Charlie didn’t look at me. “No.” He grabbed another jug and turned to me. “Why?” The smile was gone.
    I faltered. Why, indeed? If I was going to question people to try to figure out if they’d searched the desk, I needed to have a reason. I snatched the first thought that entered my mind. “We’re trying to track down some paperwork.” I paused. “You’ve been in the office before. I thought you might have noticed something.”
    â€œI haven’t been with the company that long.” He took off his gloves. “Sorry.”
    â€œThanks anyway.”
    Suzie and I said good-bye and walked down a rutted gravel road toward the inn.
    â€œI appreciate the information you’ve given me and the assistance you’ve given Helen and Daniel.”
    â€œHappy to do it.”
    The sound of a rattling car engine approaching us interrupted the conversation.
    â€œWould you two like a lift?” Daniel pulled alongside us in a faded blue Volkswagen van.
    â€œWe’re fine walking,” I