“I know who you are. I believe we have you to thank for the foul mood my father-in-law’s been in.” Her manner was an odd mixture of composure and agitation, her tone giving vent to something prickly lurking under the surface.

“I’m sorry about that, but it couldn’t be helped.”

She glanced toward the house. “What are you doing here?”

“I was just chatting with your mother about Charisse.”

Her expression was vacant for an instant and then I could see recognition spark. “Charisse?”

“That’s right. I don’t know if Cornell mentioned this, but we’re investigating a murder . . .”

“That’s what he told me, but surely you’re not talking about her.”

“We don’t have a positive ID yet, but it does look that way.”

“I don’t believe it. What happened?”

“She was stabbed and her body was dumped outside of Lompoc. This was August of ’69. The sheriff’s detectives worked the case for months without progress. Now they’ve decided it’s time to try again.”

“But what brought you to Quorum? She was only here a few months.”

“Following our noses. We were lucky to get some breaks.”

“Like what? I’m sorry for all the questions, but none of this makes sense.”

“I know it’s tough to absorb,” I said. “When I was at Edna’s, I spotted the quilt and realized the dark blue daisy print was a match for the victim’s home-sewn pants. Edna told me your mother made the quilt, so I came to see her. You thought she’d run away?”

“Well, yes. It certainly didn’t occur to me the poor girl was dead. I’m sure Cornell and his dad would have helped you if they’d known who it was.”

“Let’s hope that’s true. At this point, we’re trying to pin down events between the time she took off and the time her body was found.”

“When was that again?”

“August third. Your mother said she left in July, but she couldn’t remember the exact date.”

“Charisse came and went as she pleased. I didn’t even realizeshe was gone until Mom started screaming about her suitcase. The pants you mentioned must’ve been the pair my mother made for me.”

“Did you give her the pants or did she take those, too?”

“I wouldn’t have given them to her. She always helped herself to my stuff.”

“What about the other items she stole?”

“I don’t remember anything specific. She had no scruples at all. She didn’t care who she hurt as long as she got what she wanted. The kids at Quorum didn’t want to have anything to do with her.” She adjusted the watchband on her wrist, glancing at the time as she did.

“You have to go?”

“I’m sorry, but we’re due at my in-laws for supper and I still have to pick up the girls. I stopped by to see Mom because she hasn’t been feeling well.”

“What about tomorrow? I’d love to talk to you again.”

“Oh, I don’t think so. I wish I could help, but Ruel’s mad enough as it is. He’d have a fit if he knew I’d even said this much.”

“You said he’d’ve been cooperative himself if he’d known it was her.”

“I meant if he’d known about it up front. He’s hard to predict, especially now that he thinks you’ve made a fool out of him.”

“Well, give it some thought and let me know.”

“I’d have to talk to Cornell. He’s pissed off, too, because his dad blames him about the car.”

“That’s dumb. Ruel’s the one who took title and let it sit all those years.”

“True, but I don’t want to give him reason to come down on me. He complains enough as it is. He thinks I’m controlling. Ha. Like he’s not.”

“He doesn’t have to know. That’s entirely up to you. I don’t want you getting into trouble on my account.”

“Trust me. I won’t. You have to watch your backside around him. He might seem harmless, but he’s a snake.”

“Well. I better let you go. I’m staying at the Ocean View. I’d appreciate your calling once you’ve talked to Cornell. He might have something to contribute even if you don’t.”

“I doubt it. He really only knew Charisse because of me.”

“Speaking of that, your mother told me Charisse hung out with a bunch of hoodlums at Lockaby. You might ask if Cornell remembers anyone in particular. We could use a few names.”