A Flicker of Doubt - Tim Myers [40]
Runion reluctantly admitted, “We might have had dinner a time or two, but we weren’t dating. In fact, she turned me down the last time I asked her out. Turns out she was seeing somebody new.”
“Why should I believe you?” I asked.
“Harrison, frankly I don’t give a rat’s tail if you do or not.” He studied me a moment, then said, “You have no intention of selling out, do you? You know what? I don’t need your land anymore. I’ve got another piece of property all but sewn up.”
“Did you have anything to do with the guards at Cyrus’s place? I can’t get in to see him.”
Runion didn’t look surprised by the news, but I wasn’t sure that meant anything. “The old man’s got guards now? Maybe he just wants his privacy.”
“And maybe he’s a prisoner in his own house.”
Runion laughed at the accusation. “Sure, that’s it I’ve got the old man sewn up tighter than a bug in his own place. Harrison, you’ve got a good imagination there, boy. Now kindly clear out of my office, I’ve got serious work to do. Go make a candle or something.” I got up, leaving his door open as I left.
He called to Jeanie, “After you see Mr. Black out, come in here and take a letter.”
I told Jeanie, “You don’t have to walk me out, I’m leaving.”
She got up anyway. “I need to stretch my legs.” Jeanie surprised me by walking out to the sidewalk with me. When we were outside, she said, “He’s doing something with Cyrus, and it’s shady, if you ask me. Be careful.”
“I will. Thanks for the warning.”
“You don’t understand. Harrison, I know Greg acts like a jerk, but he’s worse than you think. He’s gotten tied up with some folks who are nothing but trouble, and I’d hate to see you get hurt.”
I’m not backing down, Jeanie. Cyrus Walters is a friend of mine, and I don’t let my friends down.”
She touched \my arm. “I know how you are, I’ve heard about your streak of nobility. I’m just saying you should watch your back.”
“I plan to.”
I started to walk off when Jeanie called out, “So, is it fun making candles?”
“You should come by At Wick’s End. I’ll give you a candlemaking lesson, on the house.”
She smiled. “I appreciate the offer, but I pay my own way, Harrison. I might really come by, though.”
“You’re always welcome there, you know that.”
The office door opened and Runion stuck his head out “I didn’t ask you to walk him to his car. Come on, we’ve got work to do.”
“I’ll be there in a minute,” she said.
Runion obviously considered arguing the point, then he saw the severe crease on her brow. After her boss was gone, Jeanie said, “I’ll keep my ears open. If I hear anything about Becka or Cyrus, I’ll let you know.”
“Thanks, I do appreciate that. Jeanie, is it safe for you to cross Runion like this? I don’t want you to take any chances on my account.”
“It’s sweet of you to ask, but I’ll be fine. I had better get back in there, though. I’ve pushed him enough today. Bye, Harrison.”
“Good-bye.”
As I drove back to River’s Edge, I felt happier than I had since I’d found Becka’s body. With Jeanie spying for me on the inside, I didn’t have to confront Runion anymore.
Still, there had to be something I could do about Cyrus.
I was halfway back to River’s Edge when it hit me. I Suddenly I knew exactly what I had to do.
Chapter 11
As soon as I got back to River’s Edge, I raced upstairs to check the telephone book. There was one person I knew who would give me the information I was after. I just hoped she was working today.
Frannie Wilson answered on the third ring. “Registrar of Deeds,” she said efficiently.
“Frannie, this is Harrison Black. I need a favor.” Frannie laughed. “That’s the only reason you ever call, isn’t it? The last time you needed a favor, you at least dragged your hind-end down to my office.”
“I would have visited you, but this is kind of urgent. Do you know how I can get hold of Ruth Nash?”
Frannie thought a moment then said, “Harrison, why are you looking for Cyrus’s sister? I heard he was giving you the brush-off, and I’m not all that eager to make that family mad at me. Is Cyrus really trying to keep you from visiting him?”
“Me and everyone