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

“The murderer had help!” Gam and I said at the same time.

“Yes, she or he did. Why didn’t I see that? Gam, this was a two-person operation.”

“Sure seems like it.”

“That’s why no one saw the murderer when she or he entered or left the maintenance room. Help was provided.”

“Providing help would be easy to do with people coming and going to the restrooms. All she or he had to do is mingle in with the crowd.”

“You’re right. Now, I have a motive and some evidence. Now I need suspects to finish my profile.”

“What are you thinking?” Gam asked.

“I’m thinking both suspects had a prior relationship with Duffy.”

“Because of the revenge motive?”

“Yes. It is easier to proceed with the theory that both suspects wanted revenge against Duffy than proceeding with a theory that one suspect was merely a friend helping out a friend.”

“Hmm, I see where you are going with that.”

“That means both suspects knew Duffy. And I believe they were men. I don’t believe two women could restrain Duffy. There was no attempt to hurt Duffy except for the heart,” I said

“Matters of the heart are strong motives. I see it all the time.”

“Exactly. These are older men, over forty-five, who until recently never used a handgun.”

“Thus, no prior homicide experience.”

“My thought exactly. There was no evidence of rage or remorse at the scene. This leaves me to believe that these older men were composed and knew how to control themselves.”

“Older men can do this much better compared to hotshot younger men,” Gam said.

“I’m sure you have seen your share of hotshot young men in your job.”

“I have.”

“Perhaps, my suspects were pushed to the brink to perform this murder because they did not receive satisfaction elsewhere.”

“Baby, that does make sense. There was no robbery. These men did not need Duffy’s money or watch. They wanted revenge.”

“Again, this points to older men.”

“I agree.”

“The murderer definitely brought the gun with him. The maintenance room is not a place where weapons are lying around.”

“Exactly. Where are you headed?”

“One last point. The murderer knew the exact time Duffy would be at the rest area. Gam, my likely suspects, were on the bus.”

“You’ve profiled the passengers?”

“The men passengers.”

“They fit, except you don’t know whether or not the men knew Duffy before the trip.”

“Joe McClain and Holt Pruitt, Jr. said they only knew of Duffy, even though they lived in Envyton County at the same time Duffy lived there. Plus, they are gun enthusiasts. They are very capable of using guns. So I can rule them out. I don’t know whether or not the other men knew Duffy.”

“How many more men were on the tour?”

“Not that many. Maybe five more. I have the list in my bag.”

“Let’s say you have narrowed down the suspects to five men. Do you know anything about them? How do they fit into the Lacecap Hydrangea Murders?”

“Gam, that’s the missing link. The Lacecap Hydrangea Murders are connected. I know it.”

“I can tell you this from experience, if the suspect or suspects had a grudge against Duffy like you have profiled and wanted to get revenge, this type of suspect would have had a hard time keeping his mouth shut. This means other people would know of his grudge and desire to get revenge on Duffy.”

“I can see that. He would want to get it off his chest.”

“Yes, he would. So there’s a good chance others knew of his plan to murder. Good job, Ms. Profiler.”

“Thank you, thank you. Now I need to think on the other five men.”

“Did you talk to them during the trip?” Gam asked.

“Not much. I did have a conversation with Justine Jones and her husband, Delve. Dimma and I sat at their table for dinner one night. They are a lovely couple. I can’t see Delve committing murder.”

“How many people have you recognized as murderers upon meeting them?”

“Good point.”

“What did you talk about?”

“Let me see. Uh, they were both born and raised in Blairs. Both are retired. They both worked at a cigarette manufacturing company in Richmond. They came back to Blairs to live after retiring five years ago. Ah, we didn’t know any of the same people.”

“How old would you say they are?”

“Both are probably in their late sixties.”

“He fits your profile.”

“I just can’t see it. I received good vibes from Delve and Justine.”

“Okay, what about the other men?”

“The only other man I talk to at length was Bill Forrester. I was standing behind him and his wife in the breakfast line one morning. He fits the profile too, but like Delve, I received good vibes from him and his wife.”

“And the others?”

“I didn’t get a chance to have a long conversation with them, just the usual pleasantries, hello, good morning, and how are you doing.”

“You do have a way to contact them.”

“Oh, yeah. It’s just that I am not being led to them. I don’t feel they have a connection to this whole mess. The answer is in Envyton County; I can feel it.”

“Trust your instinct. I am a believer in your ability. Because I have seen the paranormal things you do, I am in awe.”

“Oh, Gam, it’s not paranormal; it’s God.”

“I know, I know. Keep reminding me. You are a special lady, and I love you very much.”

“I love you, too. Thank you for listening to me. I’ve talked about nothing but my case on the drive to Serenity and the drive home. Thank you for letting me work out my case my way. I know there are specific ways the Sheriff’s Office handle cases, but you didn’t bring them up. You listened and took an interest in my methods. Thank you, Gam.”

“Baby, this is your case. You are good at what you do. I’m glad you asked for my help. I may not be Dimma, but I know a little somethin’, somethin’,” Gam teased as he reached over, picked up my hand, and kissed it.

“I know you know a little somethin’. So tell me, Mr. Bigshot Detective, where are