Page 21 of Little Merry Murder

We sat on the sofa, and she said, “I’m Marianne. One of the neighbors told me about you taking on Owen Cooperson’s case, though I can’t imagine why you did.”

“The police haven’t proven he’s guilty … not yet.”

“Doesn’t mean he’s innocent.”

Indeed.

“I was told you overheard an argument or two while they lived next to you,” I said.

“One argument is all.”

“Oneargument in the entire time they lived here?”

“Yessiree.”

“One argument seems … odd,” I said.

She raised a brow. “How so?”

“Your house is close to theirs. I would think if you’d heard one, you would have heard others.”

“My hearing is darn good for my age, though not as good as it used to be.”

“How do you know they were arguing?”

She rolled her eyes. “Their voices, they were raised. Duh.”

“Could you hear what they were saying?”

“Well, no, I don’t suppose I could.”

I ignored the sarcasm.

“Did you witness the argument, through a window or something?” I asked.

“No, I tried. Their curtains were drawn.”

“If you didn’t see them, and you didn’t hear what they were saying, how do you know the argument was between Claire and Owen? I mean, can you be 100 percent sure it was them?”

“I … well, I … hold on a minute now.”

The question seemed to throw her off, perhaps making her reconsider her statement.

“You’re right,” she said. “I didn’t see them, and I’m not sure what all the fuss was about or why they were so upset with each other. I just know it was them arguing. Gut instinct tells me I’m right.”

Gut instinct?

Not good enough.

“You don’t like Owen much, do you?” I asked.

“Nope, can’t say I do.”

“Is it possible you told the police Owen and Claire were arguing because you want him to be convicted of her murder?”

She stabbed a finger in my direction. “I heard what I heard, missy. I’ve never lied a day in my life. Not about to start now, no matter what my personal feelings are for the man.”

“Why don’t you care for him?”

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