Read Online Murder by Chance (Betty Chance Mystery) by Pat Dennis - Free Book Online Page B

time she heard of one of the good guys being killed by one of the bad. It reminded her that every single law enforcement officer’s life was on the line daily, including her son’s. Yet, the fact that Severson’s father was killed easily explained his contempt for Tillie’s convenience store escapade.
    Tom continued, “I guess most people felt sorry for the kid, so they voted for him. None of us thought he would actually get elected. He was only twenty-three years old at the time.”
    “What kind of Sheriff has he been?” Betty asked, suspecting once the kid was sworn in it would have been next to impossible to get rid of him, even if he was inept.
    Tom’s answer surprised her. “Not that bad, but don’t forget where we’re located. Usually the biggest thing that happens is someone steals an outboard motor.”
    The door to the conference room opened and a casino worker entered, pushing a cart filled with trays of pastries.
    Betty gave him a quizzical look.
    Tom explained. “The sheriff requested we provide treats for the passengers he’s interviewing. Severson said people would open up to him more easily if they’re on a sugar high. But between you and me? I think he just wants free donuts.”
    The two laughed like old friends. They both needed to.
    Betty pulled away from the table and stood up. She walked to the window that looked out over the casino’s parking lot. As far as she could see, every parking space was taken. Business was always good at a casino and as the economy worsened, business only improved. After all, losing a retirement fund at a casino was way more fun than losing it on Wall Street.
    Betty turned around. “Do you think Severson has the skill to discover who killed Farsi?”
    “Honestly? I don’t know. This is the first murder investigation he’s led.”
    “His first?” Betty whined just as the door burst open.
    “Whose first?” the sheriff asked, entering the room. His deputy followed closely behind.
    Tom immediately came to her rescue. “I was telling Betty about my nephew’s first date,” he lied.
    “Hmmmph,” Severson muttered and then carefully positioned the files he was carrying at the end of the table. Reaching into his briefcase, he pulled out a large legal pad and three pens. He laid them neatly in front of him. Next, he removed a small tape recorder from his case and set it on the table. He looked like a schoolboy who had just taken Let’s Investigate! out of the local library.
    With his thumb, Tom gestured towards the voice recorder. “Sheriff, you don’t need to use that.”
    Severson puffed up his chest, obviously upset at being challenged. “Of course I have to use a tape recorder. Every law enforcement manual insists that I …”
    “That’s not what I mean, Sheriff. This is a casino. Look up at the ceiling.”
    Severson glanced up. Positioned overhead were several eyes-in-the-skies.
    Tom continued, “Our cameras provide digital audio recordings, as well as visual. There’s not one square inch of this facility that isn’t being captured by our security department.”
    The sheriff hesitated before responding. “Turn off your surveillance system for this room. I’m not sure of the legalities of having the casino record the interviews. Everything has to be by the book. I can’t take a chance of having this case thrown out on a technicality.”
    Tom nodded. He hadn’t thought of that. “The system can certainly pinpoint any camera,” Tom said as he turned for the door. “I’ll have them shut this one off—just let me know when we can turn it back on.” He gave Betty a wave and disappeared through the door.
    Betty slid a piece of paper in front of the sheriff. “This is the list of clients I’ve scheduled so far. You asked me to schedule them in ten-minute increments.”
    The sheriff scanned the information. “There are only eight listed.”
    “I’ll locate more while you’re interviewing the first eight.”
    “You didn’t think I was going