Vengeance Is Mine by Joanne Fluke

voice-over prompting the interview. Meet me at the studio at eight for the taping.”
    Steve nodded. “Here’s the autopsy report. It’s definitely the same murder weapon. Dr. Corliss showed me where it pierced Dale’s forehead in three places, an inch apart. The sharp points tore the skin.”
    Les reached out for the file gingerly. “You watched while Dr. Corliss did the . . . uh . . . examination?”
    Steve nodded. “I’m always in on murder autopsies. I have to take color Polaroids for the file.”
    Les opened the file and glanced down at the pictures. That was a mistake. He felt physically ill as he closed it and passed it to Margaret.
    â€œDo you think we should try to reach the chief again? Carol’s got a number for Hannah’s cousin in Heidelberg.”
    â€œDon’t be ridiculous, Steve.” Margaret gave a short laugh. “I doubt that Barney could handle one murder, much less two. Are you trying to tell us you’re ready to throw in the towel?”
    â€œNo. I just thought that . . . well . . . I’m relatively new on the force, and people might feel more comfortable if Chief Schultz were here. I’d handle the investigation anyway. It’s my job.”
    â€œI see.” Margaret nodded. “Then you must be looking for a vote of confidence. Well, you won’t get that until you’ve earned it. Do you have any suspects?”
    Steve looked grim. There was no need to discuss what Michele had told him last night. Vera Kline had an airtight alibi.
    â€œI have a couple of possibilities. The Defenders of Decency lead the list.”
    Les took a big swig of coffee. The hell with watching his caffeine intake. The Defenders of Decency weren’t going to be happy when they heard him promote WinterGame on his interview this afternoon, but there’d be all hell to pay when they found out they were being investigated by the local police.
    â€œI think you’re on the wrong track, Steve,” Margaret said. “I know every man in that group. They’re certainly capable of murder, but bashing someone over the head is much too tame for the DOD. If they wanted to kill someone, they’d slice off his balls and stuff them in his mouth. Then they’d hang him.”
    â€œI’d better get back to the house.” Les jumped up and hurried toward the door. “I’m expecting a call. Let me know if there’s any more I can do, Steve.”
    â€œGood-bye, Les.” Margaret smiled at him sweetly. “Don’t forget to watch your interview this afternoon. And tell Trish I’m expecting her tonight at eight.”
    Margaret sat back, satisfied, as the door closed behind Les. She gave Steve a wicked grin.
    â€œYou do know the DOD backed Les from the start, don’t you?”
    Steve nodded. “I’ve got to investigate them anyway, Mrs. Whitworth.”
    Margaret stared straight into Steve’s blue eyes. He wasn’t the least bit swayed by political pressure.
    â€œThat’s the right attitude.” Margaret got to her feet. “Don’t let any of the old guard talk you out of it. And while you’re at it, don’t forget about me. It’s common knowledge that I couldn’t stomach Ray, and Dale Kline and I had a nasty little run-in last year.”
    â€œOver the demolition of the Tenth Street Bridge.” Steve flipped through the file. “Three witnesses claimed you threatened to put him out of his misery if he succeeded in tearing down your favorite landmark. You also threatened to run Ray Perini out of town after the roof leaked on Garfield Elementary’s new auditorium.”
    â€œI see you’ve done your homework.”
    â€œYou were home alone at the time of Ray’s death. No alibi. And last night you left the studio at seven. You stopped to chat with Delbert Olson in front of Metzroth’s and a Waldo’s delivery boy saw you walk through the