Found Missing: Day 2

Word Count: 12,003

Summary of Events:

Puzzled by what he found in the house, Dallas went to enquire of neighbours about Mrs. Hardwick, starting, unexpectedly, with her daughter-in-law. After a cooler-than-expected reception from her daughter-in-law that made him highly suspicious, Dallas went to other neighbours, who corroborated what little Mrs. Hardwick's daughter-in-law had relayed, as well as filling in some of the gaps in the story — even if no one in the area had seen her since the middle of January — including how, even though Mrs. Hardwick's son and late husband had fallen out, her son wouldn't have wanted his mother to hurry up and die . . .

Excerpt of the Day:

“Why?” Dallas asked.

“She’s his mother,” Mr. Alfredsson replied. “And as much as there were some savage arguments between Alvin and Osborn — at least from what I heard — that same degree of acrimony didn’t exist between Zelma and Osborn until Alvin died. I mean, Zelma and Irene didn’t get along, but I think that was more Irene disliking Zelma than vice versa, but even still, Osborn and Zelma’s relationship was always pretty good. It wasn’t perfect, I mean, Zelma was very loyal to Alvin, but, from what I heard, she was trying to fit Alvin and Osborn back together.”

“You’re certain of this?” Dallas asked.

“I am,” Mr. Alfredsson replied.

“You don’t think at all that they might’ve done her in?” Dallas asked.

“If you weren’t wearing that uniform I’d slap you,” Mr. Alfredsson replied.

Dallas startled. “Excuse me?”

“There is no way on earth Osborn would murder his mother,” Mr. Alfredsson replied seriously. “And if Irene would’ve ever tried to talk him into doing that he wouldn’t have done it, but I don’t even think she would’ve done that. Sure she was probably enduring Zelma far more than he was, but they were committed to enduring her right to the end. I think it is very impertinent of you to have suggested that, but, at the same time, not only do you not really know the community, as you’re merely a Saskatchewanian, but not from this area, and are clearly too young to have been in the area long enough to get to know anyone, but you’re also a cop, so suspecting foul play in a situation like this is probably the default setting.”

“Well, considering that I’ve already talked to the daughter-in-law and observed her to be hostile towards me, and rather intent on getting rid of me, which is how people act around cops when they’re trying to hide something,” Dallas began.

“I’m not surprised,” Mr. Alfredsson interjected.

“By what?” Dallas asked.

“That they’re hiding something,” Mr. Alfredsson replied.

“But you don’t think they killed her?” Dallas asked.

“There’s more than just murder than can be hidden Constable,” Mr. Alfredsson said.

“I know,” Dallas replied, feeling a little indignant.

“I can assure you that the Hardwicks would never go to the level of murder, even if they’re fond of shortcuts and things,” Mr. Alfredsson said. “More likely they’re hiding subtle irregularities on their taxes, safety issues, health code violations, poor animal welfare, stuff like that, but they’re not killing people.”

Dallas nodded, although he still felt a little stung.

“Those are the sorts of things that Osborn picked up from Alvin,” Mr. Alfredsson said. “Alvin wasn’t fond of paying the government, so he did his best to hide as much money as he could, keep it for himself, and I think Osborn does the same, but basically it’s about money, and although she has some money to live on, I certainly don’t think she has enough that Osborn would want to see her die or even outright kill her so that he can get his hands on it.”