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asked.
    â€œWhat’s your maiden name? I assume it’s not McNamara.”
    â€œMiles.”
    He nodded knowingly. “Your family didn’t live too far away, between Rosedale and Bridgeton, didn’t they?”
    Francine didn’t know whether to be flattered that he recognized the name or alarmed because this could lead to more questions and further delays.
    â€œIt’s been a long time since my father sold the farm and moved us to Evansville. I’m surprised you remember.”
    Stockton eased the front two legs of his chair back on the floor. “Our memories are long in Parke County. Being from here, you should know that.”
    Joy drummed her fingers on her forearm. She gave Francine a glance that Francine interpreted as Hurry this along.
    Stockton noticed the gesture. “Mrs. McQueen, I enjoy your reports on senior citizens, but that gives me reason to be concerned. I saw you filming a bit when I got here. Do you plan to report on what happened?”
    â€œI expect the station will ask me, but I haven’t heard that. There’s no cell reception around here.”
    â€œSo you haven’t called it in? How much footage did you get of the incident?”
    Joy’s back straightened. “I got most of Jonathan’s rescue. I don’t know how good it is. Why?”
    She knows why , Francine thought.
    He leaned forward. “We’re going to want it.”
    â€œI’m confident I don’t have to give that up right away. But I’d be happy to make a copy of it for you.”
    â€œI could confiscate the camera right now.”
    â€œPlease don’t.” She took a conciliatory stance. “Look, we really need to get back to Rockville. You have our statements. Can’t we leave?”
    â€œNot until your friend finishes.”
    They all looked at Charlotte, who was now on her third page. She shrugged. “I’m good at remembering details. Plus, I’m giving them suggestions on how they should investigate it.”
    Joy exhaled noisily. “I’m confident Detective Stockton has had a lot of experience and knows how to run an investigation.”
    â€œThank you,” he said.
    Francine knew Alice didn’t do well under pressure, and Toby was not always the help he should be. They really did need to get to Rockville. “I’m sure Charlotte’s finishing up right now.” She said the last two words through gritted teeth.
    â€œNo more than five more minutes,” Charlotte replied.
    Francine had an idea. “Perhaps Charlotte can ride in the carriage with Jonathan back to the horse barn and then come to Rockville with him in his car. That would enable the rest of us to leave right away.” She knew Jonathan and Charlotte chafed at each other when they spent too much time together. Both would hate it if she weren’t there to keep the peace.
    Stockton checked Joy’s form. “Is this your cell phone number so I can get hold of you?”
    â€œYes. If you can find a place with cell coverage.”
    â€œYou may come to appreciate our area,” he said. “But in the meantime, you can go.”
    â€œWell, look at that,” Charlotte said. “I just finished.”
    Jonathan smiled. “Good. Then I’ll just head back to the barn by myself.” He gathered up his costume clothes, gave Francine a quick kiss, and left.
    The rest of the group rushed to gather up their belongings. Charlotte snatched a cinnamon roll to take with her. “Those things are pretty sticky,” Joy said. “I don’t want sticky fingerprints all over my seats. Put it back.”
    Charlotte frowned. “But I haven’t had one yet.”
    â€œThat’s what you get for giving the detective so much advice.” Joy winked at Stockton.
    Charlotte defiantly took a bite and chewed slowly. “Then we’ll just have to stand here until I finish it, won’t we,” she said with her mouth