Hearts Divided (Cedar Cove #5.5)(50)

“We’re looking for Alan Granstrom. Is he home?”

“Yes—he’s got a day off. Can I tell him who’s visiting?”

“A friend—I served in Afghanistan with Alan. We’re passing through town and just wanted to say hello.”

She smiled, obviously reassured by Jake’s words, and pushed open the screen. “Come on in.” She raised her voice and half turned to call over her shoulder. “Alan! You have company.”

The door eased shut behind Jake and Chloe just as the toddler began to cry. The woman patted the baby’s back and waved them toward the living room. “Go on in. Excuse me—I have to change her diaper.” She hurried off, disappearing up the stairs.

Chloe lifted an eyebrow at Jake, who merely shrugged and gestured toward the room. As they stepped through the archway, he moved ahead of her, placing his body between her and the man walking toward them.

The lanky, blond-haired man in his early thirties, wearing jeans and a T-shirt, halted abruptly when he saw Jake. “Morrissey? What are you doing here?”

“Granstrom.” Jake nodded hello, his tone neutral. “This is Chloe Abbott.”

Chloe and Alan exchanged polite nods before he looked at Jake once again, clearly puzzled.

“We have a few questions to ask you about Kenny Dodd,” Jake continued.

“Kenny?” Alan shook his head in confusion. “What about Kenny?”

“Someone threatened Chloe in a document that included Kenny’s name.”

Alan’s eyebrows shot up and he stared at Chloe. “I don’t get it. What does that have to do with me?”

“It’s pretty simple. Chloe’s been threatened and stalked by someone in Seattle. So have I. And both our names have been tied to Kenny by the person who’s following us.” Jake’s expression was lethal. “You went ballistic when Kenny died, and you made it clear that you blamed me for his death. You were the first person I thought of when Kenny’s name came up.”

Understanding dawned and Alan immediately shook his head. “Oh, no. You’ve got the wrong guy. In the first place, I haven’t left town. Ask anybody—ask my wife, ask my boss. And even if I had the time, I don’t have the need. I put what happened in Afghanistan behind me when I got out of the marines. I’ve got a life here, a wife, a baby, a decent job…. Nope.” He shook his head again, underlining his words. “The only person I know who’s still obsessed with Kenny’s death is his dad.”

“His father? Have you talked to him recently?” Jake asked.

“Sure. He lives two streets over from me. I’ve known him since I was a kid. Kenny and I grew up together. We were pretty much inseparable, and if he wasn’t at my house, I was at his. We even enlisted together.”

“When did you last see Kenny’s father?”

“About two months ago, I guess, maybe a little longer. He was stirred up over a copy of the incident report he finally got from the military about Kenny’s death. Come to think of it…” He paused, eyeing Jake. “He told me he’d figured the Marines would make you pay for killing Kenny. He ranted about the military failing to make sure justice was done.”

“What can you tell me about him?”

“Why are you asking all these questions about Kenny’s dad?” Granstrom’s eyes narrowed with suspicion. “Why should I tell you anything?”

Jake shrugged. “You can tell me or you can tell the police. It’s up to you. But if there’s a squad car parked outside your door, the neighbors are going to get curious. Your call.”

Granstrom’s eyes flickered to the stairway. “All right, ask your questions,” he said in a low voice. “What do you want to know?”

“For starters, what’s his full name?”

“George Dodd.”

“How old is he?”

“I’m guessing late fifties, maybe a bit older.”

“What does he do? Is he retired or still working?”

“He’s a widower. Retired—has been for a few years. He left the union just before my dad did.”

“The union?”

“Yeah. My dad and Kenny’s dad were electricians. They worked out of the Union Hall over in Greensburg.”

Although a foot of space separated them, Chloe felt Jake tense.

“You said Dodd lives near here—do you have his address?”

Alan gave them the information and after a few more questions and answers, Jake and Chloe left. They were in the car, pulling away from the curb, before Chloe spoke.

“This man’s an electrician and he’s retired, which means he has an independent income and can travel. Plus, he has reason to hate you.”

“Yeah, add it all up and George Dodd is looking more and more like our prime suspect.”

Seven

They easily located the address Alan had given them. The walkway leading from the street to the front door of the 1940s bungalow was lined with neglected flower beds.

“It doesn’t seem like anyone’s home,” Chloe said, surveying the ragged grass and yellowing newspapers lying on the doorstep.

“Not for some time,” Jake agreed. He knocked on the door, then knocked again, harder. There was only silence. “Let’s try around the back.”