My Short Short for the Day

“No signs of forced entry.  No broken windows, doors, or locks.  Nothing.  The windows were locked from the inside.  The bedroom wasn’t locked, though.  Mrs. Harris didn’t hear or see anything.  We haven’t talked with Mr. Harris yet.  Still trying to locate him.”  The officer paused.

“Any neighbors hear or see anything unusual?”  Chief asked.

“No.  We talked to all the neighbors, but they all lock up and go to bed by 8pm.  No one saw or heard anything.”  The officer scratched his chin.  “We spoke to the Harris’ oldest daughter.  She seemed…nervous about something.  Claims she was asleep by 8:30 and didn’t wake until she heard her mother scream the next morning.”

“Ok, maybe she knows something.”  Chief sipped his coffee.  “Other children?”

“Yes, two little ones.  A 3-year-old and a 5-year-old.  They were put to sleep at 7 and Mrs. Harris checked on them before going to bed and they were sound asleep.  Plus, they both sleep in cribs, no way they could climb over the railing.”  The officer closed his notebook.  “That’s it for now.”

“Alright.  Go back and question the older daughter.  Take Simmons.  Ask around the neighbors again and see if they saw anything unusual at all that day.  Maybe there was someone hanging around before dark.  Also, see if they had any maids or cooks that work for them.”  Chief turned away and took a few steps.  “Check the older daughter’s classmates.  See what they thought of her.”

“Yes, Chief.”  The officer tucked his notepad into his front pocket, grabbed his hat and motioned to Simmons on the way out.

 

           ***To be continued…***