Murder at the Library of Congress - Margaret Truman [41]
“I’m sure it’s in the library police’s files and they’ll turn it over to the investigating officers. You have to realize, Mrs. Reed-Smith, that Michele could be insufferable at times, arrogant and insensitive. The fracas between us actually didn’t amount to much. What I mean is, it certainly shouldn’t be considered important enough to make me a suspect.”
Annabel didn’t know what Vogler expected from her in return. Was he trying to reassure himself by telling her? That might be good for your psyche, she thought, but it won’t change the facts for the MPD detectives once they learn of it.
“They’ll probably dismiss it once they know the circumstances,” he said to the room.
Annabel didn’t confirm his wishful thinking. Instead, she asked, “Were you the—had anyone else in LC ever had a physical confrontation with him?”
“I really wouldn’t know. He accused me of doctoring some of my research, actually accused me of that. I couldn’t let it pass.”
“Of course not.”
“He’s always known my disdain for him, with his flamboyant ways and flippant approach to scholarship. He should have realized I would take only so much from him, especially after the mess with my wife.”
Annabel was now sorry she’d accompanied him to the office. If this intelligent but off-center man wanted to unburden himself, he’d picked the wrong ear to fill. Her résumé might be rich in experience, but a role as priest or shrink wasn’t included in the credentials.
Vogler evidently didn’t pick up on her discomfort. He continued: “My wife—she’s no longer Mrs. Vogler—we’ve been divorced for seven years. Michele and Candy—her name is Candy—they had an affair. Oh, the marriage was on the rocks when it happened, but still it was extremely hurtful. I didn’t mind losing her, but to have a colleague betray you like that was hard to take.”
Annabel asked, “Dr. Vogler, why are you telling me this?”
He looked at her strangely, narrowed his eyes, and sat back. “I just wanted you to know that despite things that happened in the past between Michele and me, I didn’t kill him.”
“The detectives investigating the case are the ones who’ll want to hear that.”
The smile he exhibited said to Annabel that smiling wasn’t a natural act.
“I know that, of course,” he said, “and I know that they won’t consider me a suspect once they hear what I have to say. My attacking Michele was perfectly justified, as you can see. And I’m certain plenty of people saw me here working in Manuscripts last night and will testify I never went near Hispanic. I had no reason to go there—did I?”
Annabel stood and straightened her skirt. “I’m sure you have nothing to worry about, Dr. Vogler.”
“Please call me John.”
“And I’m Annabel. I’d better get back. I can see that having two months to write my article isn’t going to be nearly enough.”
He escorted her to the reading desk, and the two books were again placed before her. Vogler lingered for a moment with his hand on her shoulder, then disappeared in the direction of his office.
You physically attacked Michele Paul because he had an affair with your wife and he accused you of doctoring research? Better block out plenty of time for the police, John Vogler.
At noon, a reference librarian informed Annabel that the Book of Privileges wouldn’t be available until two, and she decided to head out for a fast lunch, dropping by the public affairs office on her way. An irate Lucianne Huston could be heard out in the hallway. Annabel paused for a moment, long enough for Lucianne to come steaming from the office, almost bumping into her. The outfit she wore was familiar to TV viewers—tan safari jacket over blue button-down blouse, brightly colored scarf around her neck, tight tan slacks, and highly polished brown boots.
“Hi,” Annabel said.
“How friendly are you with the gatekeepers in there?”
“Friendly, I think.”
“I need a favor.”
“Yes?”
“Could you tell them to cut me some slack? They’ve got the press on a short leash, which I’m not used to. All the major players at the library have been put off limits for interviews. I’ve got a news director back in Miami