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Chapter Fourteen

As we walked to the car in the River Mill parking lot, Alan joked about our “superb acting skills” that could yield additional income if the need should arise. “I have to be careful, though,” he stated, “because my story wasn’t consistent.”

“It only varied slightly because Stan recognized you. Funny that Courtney didn’t remember my request for information about their wedding reception venue last year.”

“Maybe another year with me has aged you,” he quipped.

“I look old? Really?”

“No, I was kidding.” Alan quickly changed the topic as he unlocked the car doors. “Did you notice we have two people with the initials J.W.?”

“Yes, but I doubt that the doctor who initiated CPR on Ed or the bartender/owner of the golf club posed a threat to Liz. We should talk to Dr. Joseph Wiley anyway since he could know Liz’s whereabouts. ”

“Do you have time to make another stop?” Alan asked. “I’d like to pay a visit to Ed’s brother, Damien Sterling.”

“Sure, but how’d you learn about him?”

“Mark did a little digging after we processed the incident at the Sterling residence. Damien lives in his parents’ home not too far from here.”

“Do you want to give him advance notice?”

“No, I don’t think it’s necessary. We’re just neighbors who want to express our condolences to the family.”

“Got it, Shakespeare.”

He gave a hearty laugh as he pressed the ignition. “Buckle up, buttercup.”

I rolled my eyes.

He headed to the main road that traversed the county as if we were going to Ridgeton Manor, the B guilty, no. I wonder if he even has a car.”

“I’ll check motor vehicle registration,” Alan replied. “I’ll also dig a little further into his background to see if he’s had any prior convictions. He looks like a loose cannon.”

I agreed with Alan’s assessment of Damien Sterling before suggesting that we revisit the credibility of Clare Dolan. “The lady at River Mill seemed pretty sure Liz had no family,” I reminded him. “I know I sound like a broken record, but every time I finally accept that she’s telling the truth, something comes along to make me question it.”

Alan paused as if thinking. Eventually, he asked, “Do you often speak about your sister to acquaintances? I mean, maybe you’ve mentioned Laura to Evelyn since she’s your best friend in town, but how about to Carol or Gladys?”

“I doubt it,” I replied haltingly. “It’s not that I wouldn’t. I just don’t think to call my sister since we no longer have anything in common.”

“I could say the same for me and my sister,” Alan nodded. “Maybe we should both take the initiative tonight—just to say hello.”

“I get your point,” I said simply.

Alan slowed to pull into our driveway. “For what it’s worth, I do believe Clare, so I’d like to find her sister. On another note, it looks like a busy time in the garden shop.”

I glanced at the dashboard clock to see that it was just after four o’clock. “Do you mind if I go help Lydia?”

“Not at all, honey. Have fun.”

I leaned over to give him a kiss, then opened the car door. “I enjoyed working with you this afternoon.”

He grinned. “Same here, and I’ll see you later.”