The uniformed police officer walked up behind
Michael. “Is this your houseguest?”
Michael introduced her to Officer Tom Scott.
The cop was in his mid to late thirties, with graying sandy hair
and a ruddy complexion. “Miss McConnell? Could I have a word or two
with you in private?”
Ilene looked up and nodded. She couldn’t help
glancing over toward the body. “Jim… Do you know…what happened to
him?”
Michael gave a half-nod. “It looks like he
fell out the window.”
“Did you know the deceased, ma’am?” Officer
Scott asked.
“I met him. He was doing some repairs. I
didn’t really know him, just said a few words.”
“A word with you, please,” the man asked
again. “Why don’t we go inside where it’s cooler. You could
probably do with a cold drink, too.”
They found a clearly upset Mrs. W
