Page 107 of Death on Gallows Path

We sat in the waning sun while the dogs played at half-speed in the back yard.

“Nothing that helps us. I was thinking of something Willow said about the Swindells not having a run for Lucifer because it would ruin the view of their house from the golf course. Most homeowners are concerned about the view they have, not the view other people have of them.”

“That’s Damon, don’t you think? Image.”

“Mmm-hmm.”

“Zoley seems the same way, too. Worried about what people think of her. She wouldn’t like people knowing Damon dumped her — and for an older woman.”

“Mmm-hmm.”

She gave a short, impatient huff before saying, “I’m saying that makes her a strong suspect. And don’t mmm-hmm to that.”

“Why not? It signifies agreement and I do agree she’s a strong suspect. Assuming we’re right about their relationship and Damon cooling off, with Blanche the new favorite, Zoley certainly has a motive.”

“Also if he hit her.”

“That would add to her being a strong suspect. There are others, though. Bryon, for starters.”

She pursed her lips. “Maybe.”

“Why only maybe?”

“Zoley hit those words possessive and volatile so hard. She must have told the sheriff’s department, too, because Teague had heard them. That felt like she was pointing the finger at Bryon.”

“She might be right,” I said.

She grimaced. “Who else?”

“Pammy.”

“Okay, the wronged wife motive.”

“Alsup.”

“Uh-huh. Multiple choice motives.”

“Oscar.”

“I don’t—”

“And Willow.”

“She’s a kid. Zoley and Bryon are— Sheila?” She gave me that intrigued head tip. “You have an idea?”

“Too strong. There was something else . . . Something about Pammy . . .”

I don’t know how long my mind meandered or what path it took to get there, but I came back to the present and my back yard to find the dogs meandering and Clara staring at me expectantly.

“Well? That’s not your figured-it-out face, but you’ve got something. What?”

“Questions. At least, one question for Linda. Can we get her on the phone?”

“Video call, so you can read her reactions.” She tapped away. “Linda? Hi. It’s Clara. Turn on your video. Sheila has a question for you.”

“Hello, you two.” Linda smiled from the screen. “What’s your question, Sheila?”

“You said you saw Pammy Swindell—” I had to focus to not pronounce it swindle. “—in a drug store last week. Do you remember exactly when?”