Deadly Accusations by Debra Purdy Kong

it’s been tough.” The smile faded. “I design flyers, brochures and other promo stuff for people.” He nodded toward the notepad on the table. “I’m working on a logo for a company that wants to sell snorkelling and scuba lessons to kids.”
    â€œThat explains the goggles on the happy dolphin.”
    â€œIt’s all wrong. I’m supposed to target older kids. Off my game, I guess.”
    Casey watched him. “Marie hasn’t told me much about you.”
    â€œI’m probably a depressing topic right now.”
    He seemed so resigned. Maybe she could help a bit; talk to people on Birch’s mail route. At least Marie couldn’t accuse her of selfishness or apathy then. What if new information led her back to Noel?
    â€œMaybe I can find out if Birch really does have an alibi,” she said.
    â€œCasey, really; I’d steer clear of him.”
    â€œI plan to.” The question was how?

TEN

    â€œHERE IT IS—PULL OVER.” Casey leaned forward as far as her seatbelt would allow and read “Cedarbrook Estates” on the sign. She stroked Cheyenne who sat between her and Lou. “Lofty name for a trailer park.”
    Lou parked on the shoulder of winding, two-lane Dewdney Trunk Road. This was a quiet, residential area of Coquitlam. Casey scanned the tree-covered slope to her right. At the top of the slope, houses were built back from the road and overlooked the trailer park. A haphazard assortment of evergreens and bushes grew in front of the park. Through the foliage, Casey counted a dozen single-wides backed up against the fence.
    â€œInteresting that Jasmine lived only a short distance away,” Lou said.
    Casey turned to him. “You knew where she lived?”
    â€œMarie’s car broke down a few weeks ago and she needed a ride there.”
    Irritation and jealousy was irrational. After all, Lou wasn’t interested in Marie. Still, he hadn’t told her, probably because he thought she’d overreact . . . Maybe she would have. Casey slung her arm over Cheyenne and got her face licked. The dog seemed to love this excursion. Cheyenne didn’t go for car rides often, but tonight Casey needed her presence.
    â€œWe should have come earlier,” Lou said. “The lights are off in some trailers.”
    â€œSummer was giving me grief.” Casey fiddled with the binocular strap.
    â€œWhich is her own fault for not starting on homework when you asked.”
    Easier said than done. Summer had wanted to come along too, but Casey knew she had too much homework, so she’d called Mrs. Nally, who agreed to babysit. As Summer’s whining escalated into a rant, Casey threatened to ground her for the rest of the week if she didn’t get the work done. She hated resorting to threats, but Summer had been procrastinating all week. Besides, this excursion could be dangerous.
    Casey focused the binoculars on the mobile homes. “I can’t see any numbers on the trailers. They must be on the other end of the units.” She handed Cheyenne’s leash to Lou. “Let’s walk the dog, dear.”
    â€œIf Birch isn’t home, you’re not going to wait for him, are you? I have an early shift tomorrow.”
    â€œI’ll just take a quick peek to make sure Jeremy’s okay, then leave.”
    â€œThat won’t really tell you anything.”
    â€œMaybe I can find out if he has a bed to sleep in and isn’t crying. At least I’ll have tried to do everything Marie asked, which should get her off my back.”
    â€œThen let’s get moving.” He opened the door.
    Casey understood Lou’s irritability. He was tired and had tried to talk her out of this, but when he realized it wasn’t working, he’d volunteered to come along.
    After her talk with Noel yesterday, Casey interviewed three retirees on Birch’s mail route. Each person had spotted him shortly after