Dempster Road

Chapter 11

Jill Penny was enjoying putting Belinda's nose out of joint as she purposely flaunted herself at Stanley while he questioned her. She had a routine that she'd worked on a million truck drivers and travelling salesmen and even the odd policeman.

This Deputy didn't seem to see through the act or else he did and didn't care, or maybe he was leading her on. He just kept thinking up more and more questions. Jill couldn't quite decide.

"So they didn't seem to know one another before he sat at her table?"

"I think that's about the third time you asked that. They were busy, remember?" Belinda huffed.

"I don't think so, Sheriff--"

"Deputy. Deputy Withers, ma'am."

"Well you should be Sheriff," Jill said, pushing him gently on the arm.

"Oh brother." Belinda walked away and sat at the counter. She looked at the woman's short-cropped dark hair and reluctantly admitted she was reasonably attractive . . . for an older woman.

Stan ignored her and smiled broadly at Jill. "And they rented a room right after dinner?" Jill nodded, making knowing eyes. "But not overnight?"

"Strangest thing." Jill leaned closer, allowing the front of her blouse to fold open. Stan's eyes dipped as she answered in whispered confidentiality. "They weren't in there very long before he comes roarin' out, jumps in his car and tears off like he had a bull up his ass-- oh, sorry . . . Deputy . . . backside." She batted her lashes. "He either found more than he could handle, or he was charged up from an unbelievable . . .?"

Stan nodded knowingly, and Belinda, growing madder by the minute, leaned between them, indicating the picture she'd taken with her cell phone. "What about her?"

"She left shortly after. Quick, maybe even quicker than him, and in the same direction." Jill smiled slowly and pushed her fingers through her short hair, every move calculated to stoke Belinda's fire. "Just as well too, we had two other couples wanting rooms, one is still here, and they were a little more the type we prefer."

"I can imagine." Belinda pocketed her phone.

"Okay." Stan stood up from the counter. "Listen, thanks for this, Jill. It's gonna be a big help in our investigation. All I need now is to see your copy of the registration and the credit card number."

"It was cash." She turned her head and flashed her eyes meaningfully. "Usually means deniability is required."

Jill watched Belinda over his shoulder. She was stewing angrily on the swivel stool, visually shredding the Deputy's back with daggers. "I just want to help, Sher- Deputy. A woman alone has to have the confidence of the police in these times." She put a hand to her throat and let her fingers drop into the vee of her blouse. "It's certainly nice to know you have someone to call if you need something. I'll get that registration copy."

"We aim to serve the citizens ma'am. You have any trouble you just call the Dempster Police Station. Ask for Deputy Stan Withers, and good luck with your other guests," he called after her, admiring the saucy jeans.

Jill returned with the copy and Belinda slipped an arm through his and tugged him toward the door, "Okay, okay let's get going, Deputy Stan Withers," seething at the grinning Jill, and her tiny finger wave as they left.

****

Stella listened to Stan's report, jotting down the important parts in her custom shorthand. He reminded her that the woman was staying at the same hotel, and he was going to use the opportunity to question her some more and that they weren't due back until the morning in case she tried to get him to return early.