Page 19 of Wild Justice

“I am. I’m actually in a hurry as I want to get there before they hear from someone else. Who told you, by the way?”

“I have contacts in the county coroner’s office,” Ray replied. “They called me.”

“We just wanted to talk to you to let you know you have whatever you need resource-wise to solve this horrible murder,” Ellen said, her voice shaky. “Right, Ray?”

“Absolutely,” Ray confirmed. “Whatever you need. It’s been over twenty-five years since the last murder, and we don’t want anyone to think that Harper isn’t a safe little town to raise a family and run a business. Whatever you need.”

“I appreciate that,” Lulu said. “So far, forensics has gathered any evidence, and the county medical examiner will be performing the autopsy. I’m planning to speak with several people who knew Dana as well, piecing her last day together. Confirming alibis.”

“Were there any witnesses?” Ray asked.

“Not that I know of, although one might come forward when they hear the news. Someone might have seen something that they didn’t think was important.”

Her father had always talked about how the smallest details often were the most important.

“Did you call Seth?” Ray asked. “Is he coming back?”

“No,” Lulu said, trying to keep her tone even. “My mom and dad are boarding a cruise ship this morning. I am not planning on calling him.”

“You can just call one of your dad’s friends if you need any advice,” Ellen replied. “Right, Ray?”

“Sure, any one of them can help you.”

“I think I have the situation in hand so far,” Lulu said. “I’m following the textbook down to the letter. I don’t want any questions with the investigation when I hand over any evidence to the prosecuting attorney.”

“Good plan, good plan,” Ray said, nodding in agreement. “Stick to the process. Smart.”

“You’ll keep us informed?” Ellen asked anxiously. “Let us know what’s happening. I think that would be best. Right, Ray?”

“Yes, we should stay in the loop,” Ray replied. “Just a little status report now and then.”

“That’s fine,” Lulu agreed. “Now I need to get to the Cartwrights before they hear about Dana from someone else.”

Lulu didn’t have any intention of discussing an open investigation with the town council. Ellen Dunphy was a huge gossip, and she’d wag her tongue anywhere and anytime. It would be madness to let her know about any possible suspects until Lulu was sure they were either ruled out or in. She didn’t want to ruin any lives because of this.

Ray and Ellen turned back towards town, and Lulu got back on the road. It wasn’t long, and she was pulling into the long driveway of the Cartwright place. Animal lovers, the family owned several dogs and cats who came out to greet Lulu. Tails wagging and tongues lolling, they all received their pets before ambling back to the front door where Carole was standing.

One look at the woman’s frightened expression, and Lulu knew that Carole had already heard about a dead body in town. Carole was pale, her eyes wide, and her breathing ragged. By the time Lulu reached the top front porch step, the older woman was visibly shaking.

“Mrs. Cartwright, I’m Lulu Reilly. The new sheriff in town. I took over from my father yesterday.”

“Yes, I remember you. You went to school with Billie, my younger daughter. I knew your parents, too. I heard you took over.”

Carole’s voice was barely a whisper and a bit choked. Tears were beginning to glisten in her eyes.

“Can we go inside and talk, Mrs. Cartwright?”

Carole sagged against the doorframe, the air seeming to leak from her body.

“Yes, but can you just tell me? I heard about someone finding a body by the lake. Just tell me. I need to know. Just tell me.”

There was a desperate plea in the woman’s tone that Lulu couldn’t ignore. Her heart went out to the woman who was about to get the news that no parent should ever hear.

“We did find a body,” Lulu said, moving closer and placing a hand on Carole’s shoulder. “It was Dana, ma’am. I’m so sorry for your loss. So very sorry.”

The woman seemed to crumple at Lulu’s words, the tears beginning to flow. She helped Carole into the house, leading her to the sofa and helping her sit down when Gary walked in from another room.

“Carole, who were the dogs barking?—”

---