Two Bits Four Bits (27 page)

In the summer it was so
dry in Elmore that the skies were often completely clear at
sundown, eliminating any chance to watch the constantly-shifting
panorama of golds, oranges, reds, and shades of violet as the skies
flared to life and then faded slowly to deep blue. But fall and
winter were a different story and tonight everything was in
place.

“How did the meeting with
the detectives go?” Angie asked.

“About like I expected,” I
said.

Earlier in the day, I had
met with Elmore City Police detectives Bob Clemmer and Reese
Puckett, along with Kandy Chilton and John Donnelly. The purpose of
the meeting was to update Kandy on the investigation into Russell
Chilton’s murder.

“They’ve taken it about as
far as they can,” I said. “They interviewed Eva and her story
matched up with Kandy’s so they’ve focused on the theory that
Darrell Swain was acting alone and the women weren’t involved. They
suspect Swain might have been working for Sandy Doyle, although
they didn’t mention him by name or try to tie him to the murder.
Clemmer referred to Sandy and his contacts as the Odessa Syndicate,
which sounds a lot more impressive than Sandy’s outfit really is.
They don’t have a theory as to why Darrell Swain would shoot
Russell Chilton or not one they wanted to share with Kandy anyway.
I suspect they may think Russell was doing some dirty dealings with
Swain, and might even think Sandy Doyle was in the middle of it,
but without any evidence to prove it their investigation is
beginning to lose steam.”

“And meanwhile Sandy Doyle
and G. Travis Kirkland continue their strange relationship, bound
together by the original videotape, which Sandy still has,” she
said.

“They do. In fact, Sandy
probably feels like the copy of the tape that Norris has will keep
Kirkland’s people from coming after the original. Better to let
sleeping dogs lie.”

“What do you think will
happen to the original tape?” she asked.

“Oh, I imagine it will sit
wherever it is until Kirkland has had his run in public office, and
is of no use to Sandy anymore.”

“Even if he makes a run
for the presidency?”

“Sure. The tape isn’t
really worth much once its existence becomes public. There might be
a few months of scandal and Sandy might be able to sell a copy of
the tape to a tabloid, but once Kirkland’s career is ruined, what’s
Sandy left with?”

“True,” she said. “The
threat of exposure keeps Kirkland right where Sandy wants
him.”

“Blackmail is one of the
oldest cons around, and Kirkland’s been targeted by a
master.”

“Ooh, look at that,” she
said, turning to face west, where the first traces of orange were
beginning to paint the tips of the clouds. The dance of light that
had just begun would only last a matter of minutes, but would
create a scene that would linger in our minds for much
longer.

“I think this will be the
best one yet,” she said.

“I do too,” I said, taking
her hand. “I do too.”