Sandy hated the situation. She had to know if Linda was with her or against her. Having the Linda situation in doubt was impossible. She needed Linda on her side. Twenty-four hours were left before Raymond would go from bad to worse.
She needed a shrewd angle fast. Perhaps she could persuade Linda to get some sort of controversial editorial printed that would stir up things and delay the transfer. Maybe Linda wouldn't cooperate. Maybe Linda had something else in mind.
When Sandy entered the newsroom of the Park Beach newspaper Linda gave her a happy wave. "Hi Sugar, look at this." She pointed to her monitor. "My interview with old Mrs. Crawford."
"Anything good?"
"She saw a woman leaving the building a little after five that day but not up close. Crawford was walking her dog down the block."
"She recognize the woman?"
"She assumed it was 'that Spanish lady' because she recognized the scarf. She had met her weeks before in the elevator. She remembered the scarf because it had red and blue triangles, just like the pattern on a tablecloth she received as a wedding present sixty years ago."
Sandy smiled. "Let me guess. And she knew it was five because she always walks the dog after her favorite TV show is over. Also, she didn't hear any shots because she's deaf."
"Corny but correct. If the world was inhabited with little old ladies we'd all have an easier time of it."
"Was the woman wearing the scarf on her head?"
"You mean like hiding her face, I just assumed that. Also, she doesn't remember what else the woman was wearing. You look different. What's wrong, this whole business getting to you?"
"Linda, you acted surprised when I mentioned Mrs. Crawford to you the other day, yet you must have been aware of her. There are only two apartments on that floor. You've been to Towson's apartment several times."
"You're right, I didn't think about Mrs. Crawford. A cop at the scene just said there was a witness who described the scarf. But yes, I knew Towson from over the years. Sandy, you're using an accusatory tone, and I think I know why. I must confess I did something very dumb."
"I don't want to hear this."
"No, not that bad. Goddard hauled me in because they found my prints on a wine glass found on Towson's nightstand."
"Geez, how does one explain one's prints at a murder scene?"
"In the middle of the afternoon that day, I went up there and interviewed Towson. I had a glass of wine with him in the study. After we talked, I picked up the glasses and put them in the kitchen by the sink. I left and forgot all about it."