Chapter 19

 

 

 

“One thing before the ladies’ man visit,” I said. “I think we should drive back by Mr. Bole’s office,” I said.

“Do you think that’s a good idea?” Dorothy asked.

“Well, I guess we won’t know until we do it.”

“That’s the problem with you, Maggie. You make some questionable decisions before thinking them through.” Dorothy pulled yarn from her pocketbook.

“As if you don’t do that?”

“Touché,” Dorothy said.

Without further discussion, we headed back over to the office. Instead of pulling into the parking lot this time, I stayed out on the road, pulling up to the curb. However, I had a good view of the parking lot. Only one other car was in the lot now and it looked as if Abby had gone. However, someone else was moving around the front of the building. The woman was actually looking in the window as if she was contemplating going inside.

“What do you think she’s up to?” Dorothy asked.

“Whatever it is it can’t be good.”

We watched for a few more seconds. The woman ultimately didn’t go inside the building, but she got into a black car and backed out of a parking space.

“I guess you know what this means,” I said, taking the car out of park.

“Oh no. Don’t say we have to do that,” Dorothy said.

“Yes, it must be done.”

Dorothy sighed. “Do we have to follow someone again?”

“It’s the only way,” I said. “She was looking in that window for a reason. What if she was the receptionist who worked there?”

“She would have a key, right?”

“The tape is still on the front of the door. She probably doesn’t know if she’s supposed to enter.”

“I’m pretty sure she would know her boss is dead and that she doesn’t have to report to work today.”

“Does she?” I asked with a quirked eyebrow.

“I guess we’re about to find out since you’re hot on the trail right now.”

The car wasn’t far ahead of us. I knew it would be awkward to confront the woman once she stopped, but it was part of the job. We followed the car around every turn and stopped at every light behind her. At least she was just driving normally and not trying to speed to lose us, which made me think she had no idea we were following her.

Soon we pulled up to a small white house. The woman pulled into her garage, the door closing behind her. I hung back on the street by the curb.

“Should we go up to the door right away or give her a second to unwind?” I asked.

“I think we should go right away,” Dorothy said.

“Good answer. I agree.” I shoved the car into park. 

“Well, that’s why I said it because I knew that was what you were thinking,” she said.

Dorothy and I got out of the car. Once in front of the door, I pushed the doorbell.

Dorothy leaned over and knocked. “I don’t think the bell is working.”

Within seconds, the dark-haired petite woman swung the door open as if she was either expecting someone else or she was angry that we had dared to knock. I stepped back a bit and brought Dorothy with me.

The woman looked us up and down. “What’s this about?”

“Do you know Mr. Bowles?” I asked, trying to sound confident.

She grimaced. “Yes, I know him. Or rather I knew him. You already knew that though or you wouldn’t be standing here.”

“So you also know that he’s no longer with us,” I said.

“Who are you?” she asked. “Are you with the police? I’ve already talked to you all and I don’t have anything else to add. I wasn’t there when it happened and I had nothing to do with the murder.”

Well, she just answered all my questions. I guess I should turn around and leave now. No, I wasn’t done quite yet.

“You were off that day?” I asked.

I’d continue with the questioning. I figured there was no need to tell her that I wasn’t with the police department. She had just assumed and that was fine with me.

The deep line formed between her eyes as she frowned. She turned her attention toward Dorothy.

“I had taken off early. He gave me the day off. I didn’t know anything was going to happen. This is not my fault.”

“No, no, calm down.” I waved my hand. “We’re not blaming you. We’re just trying to find out who did this.”

“Yes, no need to get all worked up,” Dorothy added.

“This has all been overwhelming.” The woman rubbed her head. “I’m sure you can understand. Having the police question me and think that I’m guilty of something is stressful.”

She didn’t have to tell me. I’d been in that exact position. At least Jake hadn’t handcuffed her.

“Do you have any other questions because I need to go,” she said.

“Did you notice anything strange around the office?” I asked.

“I only work there part-time, so I’m in and out. I didn’t notice anything. I mind my own business,” she said. “So, no, I noticed nothing unusual.”

I saw that this conversation was going nowhere. Plus, she was now closing the door in my face. This conversation was officially finished.