"When was this?"

"Middle of January. Something like that." She paused, watching the ash on her cigarette. Her eyes came up to mine again, her expression remote.

"And you've been staying here ever since?"

"Sure, why not? I'd just lost the lease on my place and she said I could move in."

"Why'd she take off?"

"You'd have to ask her that."

"When did you last hear from her?"

"Two weeks ago, something like that."

"And she was in Sarasota then?"

"That's right. Staying with some people she met."

"Can you tell me who?"

"Look, she wanted me to keep her company, not baby-sit. It's none of my business who she hangs out with, so I don't ask."

I felt as if we were playing a parlor game that I couldn't possibly win. Pat Usher was having a better time than I was too, and I resented that. I went at it again. Was it Mrs. Peacock in the library with the rope?

"Can you tell me anything else you think might help?"

"I wasn't aware I'd helped so far," she said with a smirk.

"I was trying an optimistic approach," I snapped.

She shrugged. "Sorry to dim your little ray of hope. I've told you everything I know."

"I guess we'll have to let it go at that. I'll leave you my card. If she calls again, would you have her contact me?"

"Hey, sure. No sweat."

I took a card out of my wallet and put it on the table as I got up. "I understand you're getting some hassles from people here."

"Can you believe that? I mean, what's it to them? I've paid my rent. No parties, no loud music. I hang my laundry out and the manager comes unglued. Threw a fit. I don't get it." She got to her feet and led me to the door. The caftan billowing out behind her made her seem like a larger woman than she was. As I went past the kitchen, I caught sight of some cardboard boxes stacked up near the sink. She turned and followed my gaze.

"I'll probably find a motel close by if it comes to that. The last thing in the world I need is the sheriff on my case. That's who I thought you were, as a matter of fact. They got women sheriffs these days, did you know that? Sheriffettes."