Sequestered with the Murderers by Dr. Tanner (books for 8th graders TXT) 📕

Nancy acts like she loves him. I know he loved her very much. He gave her everything she wanted. And all he asked her for is a baby. He had put all his money and insurance policies in her name. He had done everything I know to do to show your wife you love her.”

“What about Duffy’s other friends? What do they think about Nancy and Duffy’s married life?”

“Duffy doesn’t have many other friends, ah, just some of the other drivers. But I know he didn’t talk much to them about his home life. You see, I knew Duffy when I lived in Envyton County. We’ve known each other since we were teenagers. My wife and I moved to Attribute when I got the job with Brightness, about eight years ago. We could have stayed in Envyton with me commuting to Attribute for my job, but I am so glad we moved. It makes it so much nicer and easier job-wise. I talked Duffy into applying for a job with Brightness.”

“Since you’ve known him so long, did he commit the Lacecap Hydrangea Murders?”

Armie hesitated, methodically put his fork down on the napkin beside his plate, then looked at me peculiarly and said, “Vett, I honestly don’t know. I like to believe he didn’t. He told me he didn’t. But to keep me honest, there are still some aspects of those murders that don’t sit right with me.”

“Like what?”

“Like, why hasn’t Diantha’s murderer been found? It’s been almost ten years. Why was Duffy with those two men the night before the murder of Ms. Lacecap? He says they were just guys out having a few beers. I knew the guys. They were thugs, but I didn’t hang around them. Duffy and I both were a little wild on up into our forties, but Duffy could sometimes be an insensitive horse’s ass. I thought his marriage to Sybil was going to quiet him down. The marriage only lasted five years before Sybil gave him the boot. Getting the job with Brightness has changed him. He is a much better person. Let me tell you, Jackson doesn’t play around. He’ll fire you in a minute if you don’t follow the rules.”

“So back then, Duffy making sexual advances to Sybil’s sister, Diantha, is something you see him doing?”

“Yes, the insensitive horse’s ass.”

“What else bothers you about the murders?”

“Diantha was such a pretty girl. To be raped and murdered is a crying shame. That bunch of blue lacecap hydrangeas she had with her meant she was meeting someone. She had them with her to give to someone. But no one has come forward admitting to meeting her. Why is that? Somebody knows something.”

“I’ve heard that Ms. Lacecap’s yard was full of hydrangeas.”

“That’s true. Giving people hydrangeas was their signature thing to do. All three of them gave them to everybody, grocery store clerks, gas station attendants, and mechanics, everybody. Ask anybody in Envyton; they’ll tell you.”

“I wonder why is it that nobody has come forward with information on who Diantha was meeting in the park.”

Armie shrugged his shoulders, then gave me a slightly annoyed glance as he said, “Someone knows.”

“Yes, someone does know, and I am going to look into the murders at the same time I’m looking into Duffy’s murder.”

“You think the two are related, don’t you?” Armie asked.

“Don’t you?”

“I don’t know.”

There was something about how Armie answered me that caused me to pause. He sneered at me. He had contorted his face in a manner that clearly showed contempt. Yet, I don’t think he knew he had done that.

“Again, I ask, do you know who murdered Duffy or any reason why he was murdered?”

“Duffy was my friend. I have many friends crazier than Duffy, but none better. If I knew anything, I would have taken it to the police as soon as I found out about the murder. I miss my friend, and nothing would give more pleasure than to have the scum who did this put away.”

Armie was getting emotional. A marked change in his face and voice was taking place since the sneer a few seconds ago. So I changed the subject back to the Lacecap Hydrangea Murders.

We continued talking about Duffy and the Lacecap Hydrangea Murders for the next forty minutes. I didn’t learn anything that I didn’t already know. Kit brought the check to the table, and I explained to Armie that I would pay for the meal and expense it to Brightness. He was okay with that.

After that, I said, “Tell me something about Duffy. What was he truly like?”

“He was a big-time animal lover. That little dachshund of his, Footlong, went everywhere with him when he wasn’t working. He treated that dog like his child. So he was gentle and kind. He loved driving the tour bus because he loved making people laugh. He certainly had a sense of humor; he had the gift to make a joke out of anything. During his downtime, he went to some of the local bars, but he loved being home with Nancy and Footlong, too.”

“Thanks, Armie. I appreciate you taking the time to meet with me.”

“You’re welcome. If you have more questions, call me any time. I want to know who did this to my friend, too.”

We walked out of the restaurant front door side by side, chatting casually as we walked to my Jeep. The parking lot was now full of vehicles. Nearing my Jeep, I pointed my Jeep remote key to it to unlock the door.

“One more thing,” Armie said as he stood by my Jeep door, “Lemmonee said you met Lanta. Well, Lanta had an attraction for Black men. I don’t know if she still does. It may be worthwhile for you to look into her background regarding the Lacecap Hydrangea Murders. When she was younger, the word is she was sleeping with several Black men, including Ms. Lacecap’s brother, and to this day, she still maintains a close relationship with him. That’s all I am going