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

“Do you know who he is?”

“No, I have a picture of them sharing the kiss. So I’ll keep that to myself until I need it.”

“I’m not surprised at this information. Duffy’s job kept him away from home half of every month. Nancy was welcome to go on the trips with him, but she never showed much interest. I guess she found other ways to occupy her time.”

“She has a job. She couldn’t accompany Duffy on all his trips. Are you saying she didn’t love Duffy?”

“I’m saying she was probably lonely. Vett, I’ve seen a lot of different relationships in my years. I don’t judge. Perhaps, they had an arrangement.”

“From what I’ve learned, Duffy loved Nancy, but I see your point. Who knows what all goes on between a husband and wife? On to another subject. I need to talk to you about something that may be sensitive to you.”

“What’s that?”

“I’ve uncovered information about Lanta and Ms. Lacecap’s brother. If you prefer, I’ll discuss this information with Lanta.”

Jackson did not hesitate, nor did I sense any discomfort in his manner. He answered straightforward.

“You can talk to me. What is it you want to know? You can also talk to Lanta. There is nothing to hide about her relationship with Whirley.”

“Uh, Whirley?”

“Ms. Lacecap’s brother, Whirtle Lloyd. Everybody called him Whirley. According to Lanta, he and Ms. Lacecap were very close. They were the two oldest children. I believe Ms. Lacecap was the older of the two. There were some younger sisters somewhere in Envyton County. When Whirley wasn’t working, he helped Ms. Lacecap in her business as a bouncer, you know, someone to keep the peace.”

“What kind of work did he do?”

“Whirley used to work for a locksmith company and in construction. Not sure what he does now. He could be retired. Lanta will know.”

That name Whirley struck a chord with me. I don’t ever remember hearing it, but it meant something to me. My inner voice was telling me I knew that name, but I didn’t. My inner voice wasn’t shouting: it rarely does. It was talking peacefully from somewhere deep within me. I learned a long time ago that I had to act on what my inner voice communicated to me, even when what was shared seem to make no common sense. Like now with the name Whirley.

One of the reasons I enjoy walking on my treadmill is because it is a quiet time for me. I’m in the present listening, and my inner voice speaks so frequently doing this time. I didn’t always do what my inner voice commanded, and the outcome was pure misery or loss of something I wanted. The problem I had back then was many voices were talking in my head. Determining which was my inner voice took time. My mind, my fears, my wants, and my inner voice were some of the voices wrangling for my attention. I had to learn to blot out the commotion and understand what my inner voice did to distinguish itself. Learning to distinguish my inner voice was worth it. Now, it is easy to recognize it. I listen to it contently and follow through on the command.

“Do you know how I can get in contact with Whirley? I’d like to talk to him?”

“I don’t, but Lanta will probably know.”

“That’s fine. I’ll call her?”

“What’s next?”

“Do you think Lanta knows who murdered Diantha?”

“Absolutely not. It is true what you are not asking. Lanta and Whirley were in love when they were younger. Had it been a different time, I believe they would have gotten married. Whirley is very tall, very handsome, and walks with a limp he sustained from some sort of tractor accident. All Lanta’s friends were interested in him back then, but he only had eyes for Lanta. Our parents were racist and forbade Lanta to see him, but she continued to see him anyway. Lanta and Whirley lost touch for a while when my parents moved us from Envyton County to Attribute. They are still friends today, but she doesn’t know who murdered Diantha. How could she know? Whirley and Sybil don’t know. The police don’t know.”

“The rumor is Lanta dated other Black men, too.”

“She did before Whirley and after Whirley. She had an attraction for Black men. What can I say? My wife is Black. I didn’t go searching for a Black wife. I met her, then fell in love with her. Vett, you can’t tell your heart who to love.”

“So true, so true. I’ll telephone Lanta and speak to her about the murders.”

“She’ll be open with you. As you heard from her in the meeting on Monday, she doesn’t think Duffy and Diantha’s murders are connected.”

“I know, but she may be able to shed some light on other things for me.”

“Okay. What’s next?”

“Sheriff Hobbs. Do you think he could be involved in the murders? He most assuredly did not want to give me copies of the police reports. I don’t think he would have if you hadn’t told him to do it.”

“Ugh, no! He’s just a small town red-neck sheriff. He was throwing his weight around at you. A beautiful, intelligent, well-spoken, and knowledgeable of the law Black woman comes into his small dinky office asking for the information she has a right to have, made him feel small and unintelligent. He was just trying to show you he has power.”

“I know he has power. He’s the sheriff.”

“You can cross him off your list. He wasn’t the sheriff ten years ago.”

“I thought you had some dirt on him since he reacted so quickly to your command.”

“It’s nothing like that. We are old hunting buddies. I come across many people from several counties through Boaz Fields. I met Hugo through his son, Roland, who needed my help many years ago.”

“Well, well, it looks like you have clout across several counties. How do you find time to do all that you do?”

“Same as you. Love of what you do.”

“So true. I