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

to eighty hours. Forensic people most often use blood, hair, and urine tests. The testing company I use tests by breath and saliva. Why do you ask?”

“I didn’t see any mention of alcohol consumption in Duffy’s autopsy report . . .”

Jackson interrupted me with, “Because there wasn’t any.”

Before I could reply, I heard his telephone ringing.

“Vett, that’s my other line. I have been waiting for this call all morning. Can you hold for a moment?”

“Sure.” Jackson’s agitation at suggestions that Duffy drank too much had raised a red flag. Why was he so agitated? He said he had never seen Duffy take a drink on duty and never heard rumors that he did. Did he know something and wasn’t telling me?

Jackson clicked back to my line and said, “Vett, this call is going to take longer than I thought. Thank you for the report. Call me at any time with anything you need. If I don’t hear from you in-between time, then I will talk to you on Friday. Have a good rest of the week. Bye, Vett.”

“Bye, Jackson.”

I wasn’t finished with my report. I had several other items I wanted to tell him. I mainly wanted to make him aware that Marjorie didn’t live at the address Brightness had on file and get his opinion on that. And I wanted to ask him about Sheriff Hobbs’ refusal to provide police reports to me until after speaking with him. I decided to add them to the list for Friday’s update.

Jackson being at the hotel during our Pigeon Forge tour surprised me to the point that I was unsure how to take it. The reason he gave for not telling me doesn’t make sense. I am working for him. He should have told me. Now I am thinking he had something to do with Duffy’s murder, especially after hearing his spiel on why he shows up unannounced on tours and his reaction to people saying Duffy drank too much.

In my mind, I now had two suspects, possibly three for the murder of Duffy Radley—Marjorie, Jackson, and possibly Rebbie.

I quickly dressed, then drove to my restaurant. After putting my bag in my office, I walked into the kitchen to let Aunt Clove know I had arrived.

“Good,” she said, “I have lunch all ready for us.” My aunt was five feet three inches tall, with a small body frame, caramel-colored skin, salt and pepper hair, and small facial features; she was a younger version of my mother. She was going to be seventy years old this year. She was spry and had the energy, vigor, and high spirits of someone half her age.

“I’ll meet you in my office. I need to use the restroom first.” As I walked away into the hallway, my inner voice said Carolyn Broadbent and Gwen Sonnack.

“Yes,” I shouted, “Aunt Clove reminds me of them. I am going to contact them.”

CHAPTER 14

Today is Thursday, and I awoke with Duffy’s viewing on my mind. I knew this was my inner voice telling me I needed to attend. I didn’t delight in having to drive to Attribute again, but since my inner voice had spoken, I knew something was waiting for me there.

Yesterday, I had told Aunt Clove I would arrive at the restaurant around noon. Now I was rethinking that. I felt the need to take off the entire day to focus on my vision board of Duffy’s murder and to have enough time to drive to Attribute. And since I was driving through Envyton County, perhaps Carolyn or Gwen would have time to talk to me.

After completing my morning ritual, walking on the treadmill for thirty minutes, and eating breakfast, I called Aunt Clove. She didn’t pick-up, so I left her a message outlining my plans. Next, I called Gam. He picked up on the first ring.

“Hey, Baby. What’s up?”

“I’ve decided to go to Duffy’s viewing tonight. It’s from 6:00- 8:00 pm. I probably won’t stay the whole time, but it will be late when I get home.”

“Why don’t you spend the night instead of getting on the road late at night by yourself?”

“I’d rather come on home. I’m so excited about our trip to Serenity. I’d rather be home when tomorrow arrives, and I have to finish packing tomorrow morning. Anything you need for me to do for you?”

“No, Baby, there is nothing I need. I’ll throw some things in my overnight bag tomorrow. You be careful on the road. Call me before you leave.”

“I will. I love you, Gam.”

“I love you, too.”

It was now 9:10 am. I was hoping Carolyn and Gwen would be awake and would not mind a call from me so early in the morning. I walked into my office and headed straight to my desk. I opened the passenger list folder and scanned it. I called Carolyn’s number first because the list was in alphabetical order, Broadbent before Sonnack.

“Hello.”

“May I speak to Carolyn Broadbent?”

“This is she.”

“Carolyn, this is Vett Brayborn. I was on the Tennessee trip with you.”

“Hi, Vett. Yes, I remember you. How are you today?”

“I am fine and hope you are too.”

“I am fine. How may I help you today?”

“Jackson Stevens of Brightness Tours has hired me to find out who murdered Duffy. I am talking with several people that were on the Tennessee trip. I was calling to see if you would have time to talk to me today around 3:00 pm.”

“Vett, I don’t know anything about the murder. I was on the bus just as you were when we found out Duffy had been murdered. We’ve all already talked with the police.”

“I know we have. However, I would like to talk to you about the whole incident. Perhaps something will come to your mind as we talk.”

“As I said, I don’t know anything, but I’m willing to talk to you if it’ll help.”

“Thank you. Would 3:00 pm be okay?”

“Umm, 3:30 would be better for me. Is this okay with you?”

“Yes, it is. Would you mind