Free Deadly Echoes by Nancy Mehl Page B

mean you saw him? That you could describe him?”
    I shook my head. “He shined a flashlight in our eyes. We couldn’t see a thing.”
    Sykes stood up. “That’s too bad. A description would have been nice.”
    â€œI do have another question.”
    He nodded at me.
    â€œAs I said, I want to go to Hannah’s house. I need to pack up some things for Cicely and for me. Is that all right?”
    â€œYes, we’re through there. You can remove whatever you want to.”
    â€œIf I find the file Hannah talked about, should I contact you?”
    â€œYes. As I said, I doubt a reporter would have access to anything I don’t, but I’m willing to look at whatever information she obtained.”
    â€œThank you, Detective.” I stood up and faced him. “Am I free to go?”
    â€œYes. Can I walk you out?”
    â€œNo. I remember the way. But thanks.” I held out my hand and he took it in his.
    â€œThank you for your time, Miss Miller. I’ll keep in touch.”
    â€œI really appreciate that. I hope I haven’t offended you. It’s just that I don’t want Hannah’s murder to be swept under the rug—if there’s more to it. If it was just the unfortunate result of a break-in, I can live with that. And if the man you picked up is guilty, I’ll be happy to know he’s been caught. But until then, I think we need to do whatever we can to pursue the truth. I believe my sister deserves it.”
    â€œThat’s my job, Miss Miller. I’ll do my very best for you and your sister.” He took a deep breath. “I’m sorry I upset you when I asked you not to insert yourself into our investigation, but I was very serious. It could cause us real problems. Give me some time to see what I can come up with before you do anything on your own, okay?”
    I nodded. “I have no plans to get further involved. I’m not a detective.”
    â€œI’m glad to hear that.” He pulled the door open. “Good-bye, Miss Miller.”
    I said good-bye, walked out the door and down the hall. When I stepped outside, I found a nearby bench and sat down. The entire time I’d been inside the building, I’d felt smothered, as if I couldn’t catch my breath. I had to pray the police wouldn’t rush to judgment and blame the thief they’d picked up in Hannah’s neighborhood. Although it sounded like a nice way to wrap everything up, it wouldn’t explain the flowers. Or my sister’s conviction that the murders were somehow linked. After a few minutes, I got up and made my way to my car. Had my visit with Detective Sykes helped or hurt? I had no way of knowing, but at least he’d listened to me. I hoped we were one step closer to catching a murderer.

Chapter
Seven

    After leaving the police station, I drove to Hannah’s small rental house. Her landlord had promised to meet me and let me in. Sure enough, as I pulled up, an older man got out of his car and waited for me on the sidewalk.
    â€œYou’re Hannah’s sister?” he asked as I walked toward him.
    â€œYes. Mr. Hanson?”
    He nodded. “I sure am sorry about Hannah. She was a real nice person and a reliable renter. Wish all my renters were like her.”
    â€œThank you.”
    He walked up the steps of the bungalow and unlocked the door. Then he handed me the keys. “You keep ’em. When you’re done, you can leave ’em in the house. The back-door lock is busted. Seems the guy who broke in came through there. I put a temporary latch on it. If you’d pull that latch before you leave out the front, I’d appreciate it.” He shook his shaggy gray head and sighed. “You and Cicely take all the time you need to get Hannah’s stuff moved out. I’m not in any hurry.”
    â€œThat’s very kind of you. We’ll pack up what we can tomorrow.I’m concerned about the furniture