Chapter 8

The Ashburg Public Library was silent, and smelled like furniture polish. Sam walked softly over its carpet.

Behind the circulation desk slouched Elmer Cantwell. More like a bullfrog than a toad. His bulging eyes blinked at Sam.

‘May I be of assistance? ’ Elmer asked in a low voice.

‘Is there somewhere private? ’

The big head didn’t move, but the eyes slid from side to side. ‘We seem to be alone. As you may notice, I am presently manning the desk. I can hardly leave my post, can I? ’

‘Fine. ’

‘Never fear, I am wearing pants and they are zipped. Would you care to see? ’

‘No thanks. ’

‘I take it there have been no complaints? ’

‘Not recently, ’ Sam told him.

‘I shouldn’t think so. I have conducted myself with extreme decorum during the past eight months. ’

‘I’m not here about that. ’

‘Ah, ’ Elmer grinned with mild surprise. ‘Then what brings you into my presence? Certainly you’re not here for a book? ’

‘That’s right. I’m here looking for Thelma. ’

‘Who? ’

Sam held up the photo. ‘Thelma Rawls, formerly Boyanski, formerly Connors. ’

‘Oh, that Thelma. I believe she moved to Milwaukee. ’

‘I believe she’s back. Where’s she staying, Elmer? ’

‘I wouldn’t have the vaguest notion. ’

‘Think again. Obstructing a criminal investigation is a lot more serious than jogging around town with your jollies hanging out. ’

His slick lips drew back. ‘No call to be crude, Officer. ’

‘You were seen with her. Where’s she staying? ’

‘You might try the Sunset Lounge. That’s where I found her. ’

‘When? ’

‘Shall we say Tuesday night? ’

‘Did you leave with her? ’

‘Yes, I believe so. ’

‘Where did you go? ’

‘For a drive. ’

‘Where? ’

‘To a quiet, secluded place. ’ His eyes rolled upward and he smiled. ‘Oh, she was just luscious. Would you care for me to recount our exploits? ’

‘That won’t be necessary. Just tell me where you left her. ’

‘Back at the Sunset Lounge. Her car was there, I believe. ’

‘Okay. Wednesday. You went to Food King with her. You paid for her groceries. Where did you meet her, where did you take her? ’

‘We met for lunch at the Oakwood Inn. After shopping, I let her off at the inn’s parking lot. ’

‘Why did you pay for her groceries? ’

‘Because, Officer, I am a gentleman. ’

‘Okay. Last night. ’

‘Yes? ’

‘Where did you take her? ’

‘No place at all. I spent the evening at home with Mother. I’m certain she’ll be pleased to verify that. ’

‘I’ll check. ’

‘I know you will. Persistence is such an admirable trait. ’

‘When did you see Thelma last? ’

‘Yesterday afternoon, when I dropped her off at the Oakwood Inn. ’

‘You’re sure? ’

‘Would I lie to you? ’

‘If I find out you have lied, Elmer, I’ll put you in jail. ’

‘Meany. ’

In his patrol car, Sam called the station. Ethel’s voice came over the radio. Betty, he realized, had already gone home; the day shift was over.

‘Would you look up Elmer Cantwell’s home address for me? ’ he asked.

‘Hold on, ’ said Ethel. Moments later, she gave him the address.

As he drove there, he thought about what he’d learned from Elmer. Thelma had been in town as of Tuesday night, at least. She’d spent some time with Elmer, and made it with him – hard to believe. According to Elmer, they’d been together yesterday afternoon, but not last night. So she didn’t have him as an alibi for the time Dexter was murdered.

She still looked good as a suspect.

Looking better all the time.

Sam stopped at Elmer’s house. He rang the doorbell a dozen times. Though he felt sure that the mother was home, she didn’t answer the door.

Elmer probably phoned, gave her advance warning.

Could Thelma be inside, too? Possible, but not likely. If the rumors were true, Elmer wouldn’t want his mother knowing he was involved with another woman.

He rang a few more times, then left and returned to the station.

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