Free Between the Living and the Dead by Bill Crider Page B

bulls, what’s it about? Whatever it is, I’m innocent.”
    Strother laughed again. He was easy to please.
    â€œI need to talk to one of your employees,” Rhodes said.
    Ace’s eyes narrowed. “Which one?”
    â€œMs. Patton.”
    â€œVicki?” Ace was immediately defensive. “What’s she supposed to have done?”
    â€œNot a thing. I just need to ask her about someone she used to know.”
    Ace’s eyes narrowed. “Who would that be?”
    Ace seemed a bit overprotective for an employer, and Rhodes wondered if he had any rules against the boss fraternizing with the help.
    â€œShe can tell you that later if she wants to,” Rhodes said. “I won’t keep her long.”
    For just a second Rhodes thought that Ace might throw the battery at him, but then the big man relaxed and said, “Okay. She’s at the counter. It’s about time for her break anyway. Come on, Bob. Let’s me and you see about this battery.”
    Strother and Ace went into the store, and Rhodes followed. Vicki was indeed behind the high counter, which held two big electronic cash registers and a couple of computer monitors. The auto parts were arrayed on racks that lined the big room in back of the counter, whereas the room Rhodes was in held racks of items that customers could pick up for themselves, things like car wax, bulbs for various lights, fuses, polishing cloths, motor oil, bucket seat covers, floor mats, and just about anything else a person might need for a car or truck. And plenty of things that nobody would ever need, which probably sold just as well as or better than the rest of the merchandise.
    Ace and Strother walked along the counter to the back of the store where the battery tester was, Ace giving Vicki a grin as he passed by, and Rhodes went up to the counter.
    â€œHey, Sheriff,” Vicki said. “You need some auto parts today?”
    Vicki had red hair, freckles, brown eyes, and a nice smile. Rhodes could see why Ace might be interested in her.
    â€œI wish that was it,” Rhodes said. “Ace told me it was about time for your break. Can we go outside and talk?”
    Vicki looked uncertain. “I shouldn’t leave the counter.”
    â€œIt’s okay, Vicki,” Ace called from the back of the store. “I’ll watch the counter.”
    Rhodes wasn’t surprised that Ace had been listening, but he was a little surprised that his hearing was so good.
    â€œI’ll be right back,” Vicki said.
    â€œTake your time,” Ace said. “It’s not like we’re covered up with customers right now.”
    Vicki walked to the front of the counter, pushed up a hinged section, and stood by the door. Rhodes joined her, and they went outside. No one was on the walk, so it was as good a place to talk as any.
    â€œWhat’s this about?” Vicki asked.
    â€œNeil Foshee,” Rhodes told her. “It’s not good news.”
    â€œCouldn’t be good news if it was about him,” Vicki said. “He get arrested again?”
    â€œNo,” Rhodes said. “Somebody killed him.”

 
    Chapter 7
    Vicki’s eyes widened at Rhodes’s words. “Neil’s dead?”
    Rhodes nodded. Vicki didn’t seem to be unhappy about it.
    â€œWho did it?” she asked after a second or two.
    â€œI was hoping you might be able to help me with that,” Rhodes said. “Maybe you know someone who might want to kill him.”
    â€œI didn’t go out with him that much,” Vicki said. “Just a few times. You know what he did to me. If I could’ve killed him then, I might’ve done it myself, but I’m over that now.”
    â€œI didn’t think you did it. Did he ever mention any enemies to you, people he didn’t like or who didn’t like him?”
    â€œEverybody liked him,” Vicki said. “He was Mr. Personality, and he had the stuff that made