He Kills Me, He Kills Me Not

She pulled into a parking spot to turn around.
    Amanda glanced over at her. Her eyes widened in horror when she saw a man running toward the car with a short metal pipe in his hand. “Karen, look out!”

 
     
    Chapter Nineteen
     
    L ogan shook his head as he stared at the ragtag collection of rotting hovels that called themselves Summerville. There wasn’t even a courthouse, and from what he’d seen driving in, the only stores were a Piggly Wiggly grocery store and a gas station.
    Even Walmart hadn’t discovered this part of the world yet.
    As Logan pulled the car to a stop in front of the address he was looking for, Pierce whistled long and low next to him. “I see why the Northwood family left. What on earth would make anyone want to stay in a place like this?”
    “Low crime?”
    Pierce grimaced. “Good point.”
    They got out of Logan’s Mustang and strode up the tired path of cracked concrete and patches of weeds to the front porch. Before they braved the sagging boards, an elderly woman opened the screen door and stepped outside.
    Her white hair was neatly pulled back into a tight bun. A clean, white apron covered the faded blue dress she wore. From the delicious aroma wafting through the screen, Logan guessed she was baking an apple pie. He couldn’t help but smile. She reminded him of his own grandmother.
    “What brings two handsome young men like yourselves out my way today. You lost?”
    “No, ma’am,” Logan said. “If you’re Mrs. Whitman, then we’re at the right place. I’m Police Chief Logan Richards from Shadow Falls, and this is FBI Special Agent Pierce Buchanan.”
    She shook Pierce’s hand first. “What’s so special about you, Agent Buchanan?” His eyes opened wide and he looked like he was trying to think of something to say. “I’m teasing, Mr. Buchanan. I know what a special agent is. I watch TV.” She winked before turning to Logan.
    When she shook his hand she didn’t let go. Instead, she held on as she descended the two steps to the yard. “I can’t imagine why you’d want to talk to me, but it’s time for my daily walk so you’ll have to come along.”
    “Yes, ma’am.” Logan started to pull back his hand but she steadfastly held on. Pierce hid his grin with a cough. Logan elbowed him in the ribs. If Mrs. Whitman wanted to hold onto him, he’d let her—anything to find out the information he needed.
    He tucked her hand into the crook of his arm and she beamed her approval.
    “Now, what do you young men want to know?”
    “Well, ma’am—”
    “Call me Sadie.”
    “Sadie, we’re here to find some information on a family that lived in this town a long time ago. We were told you were the best person to ask.”
    “Who told you that?”
    “The manager of the Piggly Wiggly.”
    She rolled her eyes. “Mr. Simmons. It’s a wonder he can even dress himself in the morning without help. But he was right this time. I’ve been here longer than anybody, and I imagine I can tell you whatever you need to know.”
    “I appreciate it. We don’t have a lot of time—”
    “Then why aren’t you asking me your questions?”
    Pierce coughed again and Logan shot him a glare. “The family’s name was Northwood. We’re specifically interested in Anna Northwood.”
    “You mean Kate.”
    A frisson of excitement shot through him. “Yes, Kate.”
    “How’s she doing? I haven’t heard a whisper of gossip about that family for the longest time.”
    “I’m sorry, Sadie. Kate died several years ago.”
    She stopped and looked up at him. “And how did that happen?”
    “She was murdered.”
    “Well, can’t say that I’m surprised. It’s a shame, though. She was a good girl. A little willful—”
    “Why aren’t you surprised, Sadie?”
    “My, my, you are in a hurry. I suppose I’ve shown you off long enough.” She turned back toward her house, pulling him with her, Pierce following behind.
    As a suddenly spry Sadie Whitman hustled him back to her front porch, he looked around and only then realized they were the center of attention. Residents of various ages sat on nearly every porch, trying to pretend they weren’t staring at him. He guessed Sadie didn’t get many visitors.
    “You’ve got your own fan club,” Pierce teased. He backed away before Logan could elbow him again.
    “Well? Are you going to ask me some questions or not, young man? I’d offer you some apple pie, but I can see you’re in an all-fired hurry.”
    He looked up and