The Last Clinic by Gary Gusick

morning, Mrs. Aldridge, at the time of your husband’s murder?”
    Lenore stiffened and huffed as if she was greatly offended. They all did that when they were asked the question, the innocent ones.
    “I was asleep, like I am every morning at that time. I’m not an early riser. My daughter Beth woke me when the policeman came to the door. I think it was around seven-thirty a.m.”
    “Was Beth fully dressed when she woke you?”
    “She was in a sweat suit. What has this got to do with the murder?”
    “Why a sweat suit?”
    “She’d been running at the reservoir in the mornings.”
    “So it was possible that Beth was not at home at the time of the shooting?”
    “I hope you’re not trying to imply that Beth was in any way connected with this. Because if you are, Sheriff Mitchell is going to hear from me. And it’s not going to be pleasant.”
    “If Beth is available, I’d like to take a statement from her after we finish.”
    “Not today. She’s not well. She just lost somebody very important to her. You of all people ought to be able to understand.”
    “Fine. Another time, but I will need to talk to her. There are a couple of other matters I’d like to clear up with you, but they can wait if you like?”
    “No. Get on with it. Let’s get this over with.”
     “Very well. Would you characterize your marriage as a happy one?”
    She looked at Darla and shook her head.
     “Are you asking me if my husband was faithful to me? Tommy told me to expect that. Well, he was. As far as I know. That’s all any woman can say. We had a very happy marriage and a very loving and happy family.”
    “Despite the problems your husband and daughter were having? The disagreements about the young man she’s seeing?”
    “Who told you that? Lulu Brister? Shooting her mouth off again. Tell her to get her own daughter.”
    Good , thought Darla. The madder they get the more candid they get .
    “Just to fill in the blanks. How many cars, vehicles does your family own?”
    “We own two—Jimmy’s SUV and a Toyota Camry.”
    Things started looking better for Beth. Reverend Aldridge had taken the SUV. Wherever Beth went she would have had to take the Camry, and the forensic team felt sure the shots were fired from an SUV or a truck.
    “Can you think of anyone who might have wished your husband harm?”
    “Other than those atheists who don’t believe in anything?”
    “Anyone specific?”
    “Since you ask, your roommate wasn’t on very good terms with him. Jimmy had to have her excommunicated from the church.”
    And Kendall owned an SUV and also claimed to have been out at the reservoir that morning. The truth was Kendall had both motive and possible opportunity. However, Darla couldn’t let herself believe that her best friend was actually capable of murder. Not just yet.
    “But then,” said Lenore, “I don’t think Kendall was all that religious to begin with, bless her heart.”
    Yeah, bless her heart , thought Darla, remembering about blessing someone’s heart routine.
    “There’s another matter I’m trying to clear up. I thought you might be of some help.”
    Lenore, looking relieved that she wouldn’t have to discuss her daughter any further, folded her hands in front of her and began toying with her wedding ring.
    It feels like he’s still here. Doesn’t it? Darla wanted to say. He’s gone, but it doesn’t feel that way .
    “I don’t know if Detective Reylander mentioned it, but we found three thousand dollars in cash in the glove compartment of Reverend Aldridge’s SUV. It was in an envelope marked for deposit.”
    “Three thousand dollars?” Lenore said looking surprised.
    “Yes. In small bills—fives, tens, and twenties. I was wondering if you knew anything about it?”
    “Jimmy never mentioned it. I suspect it’s connected with the church in some way.”
    “Mr. Higgenstone doesn’t think it is.”
    “Then I don’t know how I could help you.” She turned her head from Darla and