Page 123 of Fatal Witness

“Her mind has blocked all memories pertaining to the murders,” Nathan said.

Crystal nodded. “The murderer is afraid she’ll remember.”

The front door opened, and a young woman entered. “Mom? What’s going on? Why is there a police car out front?”

“Shelly, what are you doing home?” Crystal had turned even paler, if that was possible.

“The water main broke at school and everyone, including teachers, were sent home. Who are these people?” she asked again.

Nathan stood and introduced himself and Alex. “We were just asking about Kyle Peterson.”

“I hope you told them what a sorry—”

“Shelly!” Crystal jumped to her feet. “That’s enough.”

“Mom, you know how controlling he was. Just tell them the truth. I’m grown now. He can’t force you to do any—”

“Please, just be quiet.” She turned to them. “I told you she didn’t like him. And I have to leave for work.”

Nathan was already standing, and Alex joined him. “One last question.” When Crystal didn’t say no, Alex continued. “Was he here the afternoon after the break-in?”

“It’s like I told the cops then, he was here.” Crystal’s watch beeped, and she checked it. “I’m sorry, I have to leave or I’ll be late for work.”

“Thank you for talking to us and verifying Kyle’s alibi.” Alex took out a business card and handed it to Crystal. “If you think of anything that might help us with this case, give me a call. My cell phone number is on the back.”

Crystal tucked the card into the pocket of her scrubs. “I don’t think I’ll remember anything.”

“You never know. You could have buried information that may save Dani Bennett’s life.”

Worry showed in the furrow between Crystal’s eyes. “I don’t see how ... and now I really need to get to work.”

After Alex and Nathan exited the house, they watched as Crystal shot out of the drive, her tires screeching as she gunned hercar toward town. Evidently she hadn’t wanted to hang around and talk to her daughter either. “That went about as well as a three-second bull ride.”

“She certainly wasn’t happy to see us.”

Alex stopped at the traffic light. “I got the feeling a couple of times that she wanted to say more than she did.”

“So did I. Maybe she’ll call you when she has time to think it over.”

“Don’t hold your breath waiting.”

59

Mark parked outside Peterson’s Grocery. He’d spent the earlier part of the day with Dani and Mae. He couldn’t believe that a little over a week ago Mae had a stroke. He did see small changes in her. She wasn’t as steady on her feet and she tired easily. But she was determined to return to her home on Eagle Ridge and her pottery studio.

Of course, that would depend on whether they caught the man trying to kill her granddaughter. Mark couldn’t understand why they couldn’t catch a break. Well, actually he could. The case hadn’t been solved twenty-five years ago, and the trail was as cold as an Alaskan mountain.

Their only hope was that Dani would regain her memory. He’d suggested trying hypnosis again—it’d been ten years since she tried it the first time. She was researching it while he interviewed the Petersons again. Since he had a good relationship with Mr. Peterson, Alex had assigned him the task of talking to the grocer again, and to Kyle.

“Come on, girl.” He released Gem from her harness in the backseat of the SUV. Mark ruffled her neck. He would certainly be glad to have his Expedition back with Gem’s crate and the alarms that let him know if the cab got too hot. Since it was sowarm, she’d be going with him inside the store. And Peterson liked Gem, so that might make getting information easier.

He said a quick prayer for Dani’s safety as he climbed out of the SUV. Even though Alex had assigned a deputy to guard the Stones’ house, Mark was uneasy about leaving Dani. It didn’t help that Alex was an hour away in Chattanooga.

He tried to shake off the worry. Sheriff Stone was there, and even though he still had health problems, he was a dead shot with his Glock. Mark had almost left Gem at the house, but Lizi appeared to be as good a guard dog as his German shepherd. The Puli had been formidable at Mae’s house the first time he met Dani.

The bell over the door jingled as he entered the store and approached the cash register. Mr. Peterson sat at his customary place behind the counter.

“Hey, Mark. I’m so glad you brought Gem.”

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