Murder Is Elementary Read Online Free PDF Page A

cop, he should have lost the bag of chips. The finger licking simply wasn’t enhancing the tough guy image.
    “I dunno. I guess I got there around 7:30. I watched the James Bond movie. I was home by 10:00 cause I remember turning on the early news.”
    “Did anyone see you there?” asked Jackson.
    “Like I said, I was alone. Ryan stays at his mom’s during the week. I don’t like him seeing violence so I decided not to go see it on the weekend.”
    “Did you happen to see Vicky Rogers that night, Mr. Conrad?” asked Jackson. “Did you threaten to kill her or in any way have anything to do with her death?” Jackson rose slightly from his seat, pounded his fist on the desk, and put his face closer to Blaze like the cops on TV did when they were trying to be intimidating. Lynette thought he was about as intimidating as a Muppet.
    “It’s no secret I hated her. She knew exactly what was going on between that sick bastard of a teacher and my son but did absolutely nothing. We had a conference with her, my wife and me. Ryan was not right. He used to love school but suddenly cried when we dropped him off. He also started wetting the bed. Mrs. Rogers told us she’d look into it. Acted all sympathetic and everything. If that other teacher hadn’t walked in on them it may have still been going on.” Blaze was practically shouting.
    “If that were my child,” said Lynette, I would have ripped her apart like a mother tiger.” She twisted her hands for emphasis. “I wouldn’t blame you for going after her. It would make me angry enough to kill. Did you kill her, Mr. Conrad?”
    “Of course not. I won’t lie and say I wasn’t happy that she got what she deserved, but I had nothing to do with it.” He readjusted his jacket and sat forward in his seat.
    “Okay, Mr. Conrad. We’ll check out your alibi. You are free to go. Thanks for your cooperation,” said Lynette.

Chapter 9

    Susan awoke at precisely 7:06 am. She never had to set an alarm clock. It was uncanny how she woke up between seven and seven fifteen virtually every morning. She had imagined she’d sleep later once she retired but her internal clock was too firmly set. Mike was snoring loudly beside her in the four poster bed. It was a wonder she could sleep at all. On a good day he sounded like the suction machine the dentist used. On a bad one he sounded more like a lawnmower. Mike was a night owl. Just about the time Susan was falling asleep on the couch watching Law and Order , Mike was jumping on the stationary bike or catching up on Words with Friends . Susan took a quick shower and pulled on her favorite jeans and a cable knit sweater. Then she headed downstairs for breakfast.
    Let’s see, thought Susan, oatmeal or oatmeal? She chose oatmeal. Ludwig nuzzled against her leg as she ate and read the paper. She tore out the crossword puzzle to do later. After her second cup of coffee, Susan carried the mug and bowl into the kitchen and rinsed them in the sink. She would load the dishwasher later. She put on her Reeboks, grabbed her keys, and drove to Carolina’s.
    When she arrived in Carolina’s driveway, Susan honked the horn. She knew that texting, “I’m here” was the cooler thing to do but it would take her longer to do that than to get out of the car and ring the bell. Carolina came out of the house wearing a down jacket and a red scarf with matching mittens.
    “I’m so glad to see you. I’m so anxious to find some information today. Thanks for doing this.” Carolina slid into the seat beside her. Susan softened the radio. In the rear view mirror, Susan saw a car that had been parked down the street start up. It was driving slowly, keeping its distance from Susan’s Prius.
    “You’ll have to give me directions,” said Susan. That car is still following me , thought Susan. She didn’t want to alarm Carolina so she didn’t say anything.
    “Go to the light and turn right. Then keep going. Make another right at the four way