The Serpent and the Crow

Book 2: Chapter Four

It was a closed casket. The entire Harding family was there. Mayor Beybridge sat next to William as a gesture that this community would not leave one of their own to suffer. Many had turned up from Solemn Pines to give their condolences as they lowered the little casket into the grave.

Chief Kelly, and a few officers, stood around. No doubt to offer a sense of security that had tested both the Hardings and the community of Solemn Pines. He thought of his son's burial. The war might not have killed him, but it still took his son's life, regardless.

Douglas recognized a couple of people give their condolences to William, a man in a tailored suit. It looked like his grip was more substantial than William expected.

He had a cloudy left eye with a scar running down one of his cheeks. The man whispered something into William's ear and let go of his handshake. He then gave Heather an awkward kiss on the cheeks that she endured out of politeness.

The Harding House was cold. It felt abandoned in a way. Douglas saw it looked the same last time he was here. Not that it was unkept. But as if frozen in time. The same set of washing on the lounge chair.

"I don't know what else Heather and I can help you with, Detectives."

Douglas saw a picture of Heather playing tennis. It was apparent from the photo she played with some of the influential families in Solemn Pines.

Wade said, "We just need to hear it one more time, just in case we missed anything."

"We came home from the Hansel and Gretel play our Katie was in."

"Did you spot anyone strange that night?"

The parents shook their heads.

"Perhaps, any strange details before, or after, the performance?"

William said, "The play was full of a lot of parents."

"We're you followed home?"

The parents shook their heads.

Douglas picked up a picture of Katie. She stood with her class inside the community hall. It looked like another play. It had fantastic sets and not the usual groups you would expect for a kid's production.

"We came home. We had a late dinner that I made before the play." Heather said.

"I put her to sleep," William said.

"What time was this?"

"9 pm. I know because I remember saying that it was late. Katie wanted to see the footage of the play that I had recorded."

Heather said, "Katie liked to observe herself on the television, saying that she was a movie star."

"Do you mind if we examine the footage? I promise to bring it back."

She said, "Not at all. We have thousands, just like it. I'll go have a look for it upstairs."

She stood to leave, and Wade stood as if some kind of forgotten southern custom that was beyond any of us in Pines. William stood a little later, unsure if he should do the same.

Douglas held a picture of William breaking ground at Solemn Orphanage."

"No doubt you've done a lot for Solemn," Douglas said, "And it looks like you're in the right circles."

"Yes, I know many people," William said.

"Do you rub shoulders with people in the wrong circles?"

"What do you mean?"

"If you're here in Solemn, it is pretty hard to not do business with the wrong elements, be it by choice or ignorance." Wade quipped.

"I'm a legitimate civil servant and a philanthropist, Detective."

Douglas shared a look at Wade. They both knew he was hiding something. It was a standard question. Most people answer yes, or no. But when you get that few that answer the question by talking about their business' legitimacy, they often involved risky business ventures.

Wade said, "I think you misunderstand the questions, Mr Harding. We're trying to find your daughter's killer, and more likely, it could've been a by a person you know or did business with."

"Did you pay for the set?" Said Douglas.

"What?" William said.

"The play," Douglas held up the picture of Katie in a play, "These set pieces are phenomenal."

"Yes, I did. I didn't make it, though. It was a community project made by the Desert Creek Hunters Club. "

"Who was he? The guy with the cloudy eye?"

William said, "I shook hands with many people today, Detective."

"I found the tape detectives."

Douglas grabbed the tapes and shook her hand.

"Thank you, Heather. Well, I guess we better be on our way."

"Please stay, Detective. You and your friend."

"Well, he ain't my friend."

"Oh, Detective, don't be silly."

Wade joked, "It's true, madam."

"I am sorry for your loss."

"When are we going to see Justice for our girl?" William said.

Heather said, "William."

"Well, Honey. Detective Nez promised us justice. It's been a couple of days."

Wade said, "I assure you the department is doing all they can to get this guy."

"We told you. We came home. Katie went to sleep. We woke up and found her gone. There was no sign of forced entry. Now, do your job before someone else loses their kids."

Wade felt Douglas' rage reach a new pinnacle, and he stood in the way of his partner.

"Well, we better do just that. Why don't you keep an eye out on any suspicious individuals, will you? Thank you both for your time."

Wade slammed the door to the police car. He saw William staring through the large bay windows, staring as they pulled away from the house.

"Well, dollar to doughnuts that guy's lying about something," Douglas said.

"It doesn't mean he did it. But yeah. He's hiding something. But we can't lean on him. He's in with the fucking governor, the mayor, and anyone else that would close our investigation."

"Perhaps we can question Mr Cloudy eye."

"How? We don't have a name?"

"No, but a guy like that. He'd have a mug shot."

"It wouldn't be hard either. The guy's got a fucked eye. Just look in that section. Do they have a section for that?"

"What?" Douglas responded, "A section for thugs with fucked eyes, sure."

Wade had turned off the interstate.

"Before you ask," Wade said, "Desert Creek Hunter's Club is this way."

"Time to pay your good friend a visit, aye?"

"He ain't my friend. And that's how we're going to question him."

"You sure?"

"One thing is for sure. Dale doesn't rub shoulders with people in the right circles."