Free Siren Rock by Laurie Keck Page A

still have all next week; it’ll be our week again. Having today was just an extra treat.”
    Case gave Larina a kiss on the cheek. “See you tomorrow.”
    He shook Grant’s hand. “Thanks for coming. It meant a lot to me.”
    Case situated Timmy in his car seat, and he himself climbed into the truck. They waved as they drove off.
    Grant put his arm around Larina’s shoulder.
    “That is a very well-behaved boy.”
    “He really is. He’s adorable.”
    Grant noticed an arcade game ahead. “Try our luck, one last time?”
    “Sure.”
    Grant and Larina positioned themselves to shoot at the Loch Ness monster.
    Larina crinkled her nose. “It somehow doesn’t feel right shooting at this, does it?”
    “With that mindset, I am sure to win.” Grant smiled.
    Larina threw her hands up. “I got him.”
    “Well done, what’s the prize?”
    Larina selected a plush seagull, and when the attendant handed it to her; she kissed her symbol of good omen.
     
    * * * *
     
    As Case approached the gate to his driveway at the ranch, he was taken back by a blue glow. As he got closer, the bright blue light of the police car was all he could see. He felt his heart pound against the wall of his chest. He was sure he heard it thump with each beat, sure it would wake Timmy. He dimmed the lights of his truck as he took a deep breath. He glanced behind his right shoulder, where Timmy sat fast asleep. He lowered his window as the officer approached.
    “Mr. Wade? Case Wade?” the officer asked
    “Yes, I’m Case Wade. What’s wrong, Officer?”
    The officer tilted his head. “Yes. I recognize you. Good evening, sir. I need to talk to you. I wonder if we might go up to the house.”
    “Sure, of course.”
    Case buzzed them in and they drove up to the house. When he got out of the car, Case scratched his head as he walked toward the officer, who now stood under the porch light. Case glanced to his left at the cruiser parked a few feet away, where he noticed another officer sat quietly.
    Case pointed behind his back. “My son is asleep in the truck. I need to get him. Was there another break-in? Did something happen to one of the animals?”
    “No, not that has been reported. Let your son sleep. We can talk here. It won’t take long. I have only a few questions.”
    “Sure, okay.”
    The officer motioned to the porch steps. “Mr. Wade, you may want to sit down.”
    Case sat down and planted his feet firmly on the ground, resting his elbows on his knees.
    The officer spoke. “We found the body of a Miss Annette Sprigs today, an apparent drowning.”
    Case‘s mouth dropped as he lurched to his feet. “What!”
    “It would appear to be a boat accident. Sir, I do need to ask. Where were you today?”
    Case shook his head before speaking. “I just came back from a county fair. It was in Fort Lauderdale. I was there all day with my son, until just now.”
    “I imagine, just for the sake of clarity and crossing ones T’s, someone can vouch for that?”
    Case ran his hand through his hair. “Yeah, sure, lots of people. I had a show. I was in front of an entire audience.”
    “Your son… Miss Sprigs was his mother?”
    “Yes, she is.” Case brushed his hands over his head. “Was. Is. Yes.” He looked intently at the officer as he said, “Are you sure it was her?”
    “Yes, sir. Her parents came and identified her. Do you always have your son? Does he live with you?”
    Case rubbed the back of his neck. “No. I have shared custody with his mother… or I did.” Case squinted. “Do you think I had something to do with this?”
    “I just need to ask some questions.”
    Case rubbed his forehead. “Yeah, sure, I understand.”
    The officer closed a note pad. “Everything you told me matches what we have.”
    The officer handed Case an envelope. “This is our preliminary finding, along with a probable cause of death.”
    Case reached for the envelope. He held it and just stared at it.
    The officer said, “It’s mostly all