Another Word for Murder by Nero Blanc

been seeing someone else? And two: Was he depressed?”
    Karen shook her head. “He loves me, Rosco! We have a wonderful life together. Everything he always wanted and dreamed about—that’s what he keeps telling me—the best of everything! Why would he want to give that up? Either for some other woman or—” Karen broke down and sobbed, and Belle stood, walked around the table and put her arm around the convulsing shoulders.
    â€œDo you want to stay here tonight?” Belle said. “You and Lily can have the guest room.”
    Karen shook her head. “No. I need to be home. Besides, there’s poor Bear. He’s been acting unusually groggy all day…. No, I should get back. It will be easier on Lily if she’s in her own bed…. But thank you. Thank you both for being such good pals.”
    Rosco glanced at his watch. “It’s only nine thirty. I know he’s been missing quite a while, but it’s still early. I’m certain he’ll be home before long … and with a logical explanation.”
    Karen wiped the last tear from her eye and said, “I wish I could share your optimism.”

CHAPTER 9
    When morning came, one of the first things Belle did was telephone Karen Tacete. It wasn’t a task she relished or felt especially well-equipped for, but her friend’s obvious needs overcame Belle’s hesitation.
    Rosco stood beside his wife in the kitchen as she asked the all-important question and received the leaden response of, “No, Dan hasn’t returned yet.” In the background, Belle could hear Lily begin shouting with mirth. Karen had told her daughter that her father was away on business and that he’d bring her a “big present” when he came back. Lily was celebrating what she anticipated would be a very happy reunion.
    Belle felt her heart fly up into her throat. She was afraid if she tried to speak she’d start crying. She motioned to Rosco, who walked into her office and picked up the phone on her desk.
    â€œWhat would you like me to do, Karen?” he said. “I’m happy to help.”
    â€œDo?” Either distracted by Lily’s noise or too befuddled to think clearly, Karen sounded strangely spaced-out and incommunicative. “I don’t know…. What does someone usually ‘do’ in situations like these?”
    â€œWell, I can begin by checking on any auto accidents with the out-of-state police, in Rhode Island and Connecticut. Vermont and New Hampshire, for that matter. If Dan decided to—”
    â€œBut why would he go to any of those places without telling me? It doesn’t makes any sense.”
    On her extension in the kitchen, Belle heard her husband drawing in a slow breath.
    â€œWell, for the time being, let’s just suppose that he had a compelling reason, whatever it might be, and forgot to—”
    â€œOh …” The word was a sigh only. It sounded to Belle as though Karen were falling asleep.
    â€œAnd I should check on credit cards, gas company cards … see if there’s any movement there—”
    â€œYeah … sure … I see …”
    â€œI’ll want to talk to Dan’s partner, as well. Sometimes a business colleague has a different understanding of a situation, sees things that—”
    â€œThey didn’t like each other; there were increasing problems where work was concerned.”
    â€œWell, that’s helpful to know, Karen.”
    â€œNo, no … Lily honey … come here to Mommy and stop bothering Bear…. He’s not feeling too well. He’s still Mr. Snoozy, like he was yesterday…. ” Then Karen returned to Rosco and Belle. “Yeah … I guess … whatever you think best, Rosco. You’re the pro—”
    â€œKaren,” Belle broke in. Rosco could hear the forced cheer in her tone. “I just got an idea. Why don’t I come over and spend