True to his word, Mike Wilson rang the doorbell at precisely 6:45. Aline had told her parents that he wanted to stop in. Her mother’s reaction was instant. “He’s going to tell us that they’ve arrested Alan Crowley.”
“No, it’s not about that at all. It’s just a question he has for you.”
Steve asked, “About Kerry?”
“Yes, it’s about a flat tire Kerry had.”
“Kerry never had a flat tire,” Steve said firmly.
“Well, tell Detective Wilson that.”
When Mike arrived, Aline wanted to avoid having the meeting in the family room. That was where the three of them had been sitting when Mike told them that Kerry’s death was not an accident. Instead she suggested that they go into the living room.
When they were seated, Mike explained the reason for the meeting, reporting what he had told Aline. Steve said firmly, “Kerry said nothing about getting a flat. But I had told her that the rear tire on her car was looking threadbare. And I wanted her to go to the dealer and have it changed right away. If she had a flat before she took care of it, she would not have wanted to tell us about it.”
“Did she ever get a new tire?” Mike asked.
“She showed me she got the new one about ten days ago.”
“Doesn’t that narrow the time when she met whoever changed the flat and sold her the beer for the party?” Aline asked.
“And then tried to force himself on her,” Steve said bitterly.
“Yes, assuming she got the replacement tire right after getting the flat.” Mike got up. “This could be very helpful in following up on whoever that guy is.”
“The only one you should be concentrating on is Alan Crowley,” Fran said firmly as her eyes filled with tears.
Aline walked Mike to the door. “I wonder if Mom is right about Alan Crowley?” she asked.
“We try to avoid fixating on one obvious suspect. We’re determined to pursue any relevant leads.” He repeated the question Pat Tarleton had asked. “How did your first day go?”
“A little overwhelming, of course. But I have a question. Does anyone else know I gave you the information about the birth dates and where they’re going to college?”
“No one knows where I got that information.”
“Good. If it’s okay, I’d like to keep it that way.”
“Absolutely. Good night.”
Aline watched his retreating figure and waited until he stepped into the car and drove away.
• • •
Valerie endured the first day of school as though she was walking in her sleep. Every step of the way it felt like Kerry was there. Kerry on the lacrosse field. Kerry walking with her arm around her as they headed to the locker room.
Inside, Valerie so much wanted to be able to cry. But somehow the tears were all stuck in her throat.
As she was changing classes, she saw Kerry’s sister, the new guidance counselor, in the corridor. She was wearing a dark blue jacket and slacks. As she passed her, Valerie thought she was so pretty. She was taller than Kerry and her hair was dark brown, but they still looked a lot alike.
I’m sorry, Kerry, Valerie thought. I’m so sorry.