Window of Guilt Read Online Free PDF Page B

dead.”
    “Question is, how did our dead vagrant skedaddle three houses over to Mrs. Beckermann’s driveway?” said Laurie.
    “Simple,” said Ryan. “The vagrant expired on Beckermann’s property, not ours.”
    Laurie meandered into the living room and peeked out the bay window. “This sideshow’s been going on since 6:00 a.m.”
    Ryan shared her gaze. Photographers, reporters, and police were milled in their neighbor’s driveway like so many red ants. “It’s a regular media circus out there.”
    “Luckily, the air-conditioner’s been running and the windows in Rory’s bedroom are closed.”
    “Deep sleeper, that one.”
    “How should we handle this when he wakes up?” asked Laurie.
    Ryan turned away from the window. “Nothing to handle. The vagrant’s dead.”
    Laurie’s throat tightened. She didn’t want to engage in another verbal battle but her husband was a pro in the field of denial. “Norman says you’re afraid of confrontation.”
    Ryan started back to the kitchen. “If you had a father like him, you’d steer clear of confrontation, too.”
    “When your dad’s around me and Rory, he’s lots of fun, like you used to be when I first met you,” mused Laurie.
    “He’s a fraud, Laurie.”
    “Can you elaborate?”
    “Can you elaborate?” Ryan mimicked, slamming his hand on the tabletop. “Why bother? You always take his side anyway.”
    Laurie covered his hand with her own. “I’m sorry to be such a bitch. I’ve been so bent out of shape about passing my real estate exam.”
    “Stop making me your private punching bag.”
    “I’m still hurt you don’t believe I found a body on our front lawn.”
    “You make me crazy,” he yelled, grabbing her arm.
    Little prickles of fright ran up and down Laurie’s arm.
    “Angry electricity around here.” Her son plopped into a seat at the kitchen table.
    Laurie yanked free from her husband. “We were just having a discussion,” she said, rubbing her arm.
    “If I was yelling that loud, you guys would be really mad at me.”
    “You’re a smart guy, know that?” asked Ryan, kissing the top of his son’s head.
    “Guess what, kiddo? The police found that guy who was hanging out at your camp. He won’t be bothering you anymore,” said Laurie.
    “Did they put him in jail?” Rory asked, pouring milk in his Golden Grahams cereal.
    Laurie and her husband exchanged looks. “He’s not in Wisconsin anymore.”
    “Will he be in Chicago when we get home?” the boy asked, his cereal-packed spoon raised in midair.
    “The police took him far, far away, son,” Ryan said reassuringly.
    Rory turned to his mom. “After I’m done eating, can I go swimming with Dad?”
    Laurie started. She’d totally forgotten it was Saturday. No way was she allowing her son to personally experience the chaos taking place outside their window. “Later. Your dad rented Coach Carter last night.”
    “My favorite!” cried Rory. Jumping up from the table, he guzzled his glass of milk, then ran into the family room.
    “You guys go on,” said Laurie. “I’ll finish up in here.”

5
    Laurie punched in Mitzy’s number on her cell phone. Thinking better of it, she clicked “end.” Too late. The Latin Tango on her cell phone announced the return call.
    “Hey, Laurie.” Mitzy’s voice came through the speakerphone. “You must have hung up on me by mistake.”
    “No mistake,” said Laurie as she piled newly dried breakfast dishes into the cabinet above the sink.
    “Just read an article in the Chicago Tribune about that guy in Oconomowoc found dead on your neighbor’s driveway. Your name’s not mentioned.”
    “Because someone hauled the dead kid to Helga’s house,” said Laurie.
    “Unless he up and walked away. You sure he was dead when you found him?”
    “No response to CPR? Yep, I’m sure.”
    “I want to believe you, Laurie, I do. But you do tend to exaggerate.”
    “Tell that to Rocky. He’s been peeing all over the house since