Page 102 of State of Suspense

“We apologized for what happened to his dog and offered to contribute to the vet bill, but he wasn’t satisfied with that. He wanted us to pay ten grand, which was ridiculous.”

“We were told Snowflake required significant surgery.”

“So he said, but he refused to provide invoices from the vet. He said it was none of our business and told us to pay ten grand, or he’d sue us. We refused and he sued. We countersued for emotional distress and harm to our reputation.”

Sam wondered why Tom wouldn’t have provided the invoices and made a note to ask Leslie that.

“If you’re thinking I killed him, I didn’t,” Ralph said.

“Where were you early Sunday morning?”

“Asleep in my bed.”

“If we subpoena your phone records, is that what we’ll find?”

“That’s exactly what you’ll find. I was looking forward to beating that smug bastard in court. I had nothing to do with what happened to him, and neither did Laurel. We feel for his wife and daughters, but we’re not sad to see the last of him.”

Heartless, Sam thought.

“Is there anything else? I need to get back to work.”

“That’s it for now, but please stay available in case we have follow-up questions.”

“You know where to find us.”

He turned and walked away.

“Will you please write down your cell phone numbers?” Sam asked Laurel.

She took the pad and pen from Sam and wrote down the numbers. “Ralph didn’t like Tom, but I thought he was nice enough. They butted heads from the minute the Forresters moved in next door. I told Ralph he needed to let it go, but he wouldn’t listen. I also wanted to pay the ten thousand dollars, because I believe that’s what Snowflake’s care probably cost. Vets are crazy expensive. But Ralph wouldn’t hear of it.”

“Thank you for that insight. We appreciate it.”

“A few days before Tom died, there was a lot of activity at their house. More than usual. Cars I didn’t recognize in and out. That kind of thing.”

Sam assumed that had to do with the kidnapping of Leslie and her daughters, as well as their return home, accompanied by federal agents. The news of their kidnapping had not been made public, so Mrs. Sellers wouldn’t have known about that.

“That’s good to know.” Sam handed her a business card. “If you think of anything else, please call me.”

“I will.” She walked them to the door. “How are Leslie and the girls? I feel so badly for them.”

“They’re holding up as best they can.”

“It’s such a terrible shock.”

“Yes, it is. Thank you for your time.”

“It was nice to meet you, despite the circumstances.”

Sam nodded and followed Freddie out the door as Vernon brought up the rear.

“Where to?”

“I want to see Leslie Forrester again before we head for Main Justice for our meeting with Young.”

At this rate, they’d just barely get back to town in time for that.

Chapter Seventeen

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