The Tamarack Murders by Patrick F. McManus Page A

don’t like.”
    â€œYou think he’s a con man?”
    â€œThe best I’ve ever run into.”

Chapter 6
    T ully and Angie grabbed an early dinner at Crabbs. Lester Cline, the manager, seated them at their usual table. Tully dined with so many women he was amazed Lester could keep track of them all, matching each couple to a certain table. Maybe he had them all on computer: Bo and Susan: Table 8. Bo and Daisy: Table 12, Bo and Etta: Table 4, Bo and Angie: Table . . .
    Angie said, “Why, Lester, this is the same table we ate at the last two times!”
    â€œYes, it is,” Lester said. “I just thought it would be nice if you and Bo had a regular table, now you’re back in town for a while. I keep certain tables open most nights depending on . . .”
    Tully interrupted him. “That’s very nice of you, Lester. Now how about some menus?”
    â€œComing up, Bo. I was just saying to the agent . . .”
    â€œAnd a couple glasses of wine. What would you like, Angie?”
    â€œI’ll have Pinot Grigio.”
    â€œMake that two,” Tully said.
    â€œGood choice. And what kind of dressing with your salads?”
    They both took blue cheese on the side. Lester went to get the wine, then stopped and returned to the table. “Oh, I forgot to ask. What kind of bread? The rolls are particularly nice.”
    Tully shook his head. “No matter how carefully you give your order, the waiter always has one more question. We’ll both take the rolls, Lester.”
    â€œGood choice, Bo.”
    Angie said, “It must be nice to be known everywhere you go, Bo.”
    â€œNot that nice, actually. You may find this hard to believe, Angie, but there are people around the county who are not fond of me. I know that seems crazy, but it’s true.”
    Lester brought their wine, left, and returned with the rolls and salads. Angie took a sip of her wine. She pursed her lips and blinked. “Where do you get your Pinot Grigio, Lester?”
    â€œWould you believe we make it ourselves?”
    â€œYes, I would,” Tully said.
    â€œWell, actually we don’t. We get it from a local winery that just started up. It’s owned by a lady who gave up the cow business for the grape business.”
    Tully took a sip. “I have to say, it’s interesting. You sure she gave up the cow business?”
    â€œPretty sure. Let me know if you get a sharp pain behind the eyes. There will still be a chance we can save you.”
    â€œThanks a lot.”
    Lester went back to the kitchen.
    Tully said, “You asked about my suspects. Right now Gridley Shanks is one of them.”
    â€œSuspected of what?”
    â€œI don’t know. Just a suspect. Maybe he’s involved in the bank robbery. Maybe he’s the shooter. We’re not all that picky in Blight County law enforcement when it comes to suspects. I’m sure the murder is connected to the robbery. Maybe the flagging tape is too. Maybe it was the signal where our victim was to dump the getaway car and head up the mountain to make his escape. And to be shot.”
    â€œBut if Shanks was involved, why would he offer to introduce you to the two hunters who might be involved too?”
    â€œBecause it would have been awkward not to. He had to have some reason for hanging up the flagging tape, and he couldn’t think of a lie. So he went with the truth, kind of the truth anyway.”
    Lester returned to take their orders. Tully went with the garlic steak and Angie the wood-grilled shrimp.
    â€œI’m surprised they have a wood grill at Crabbs,” Angie said.
    â€œThey don’t,” Tully said. “They fake it. The grilled shrimp are still pretty good, though.”
    â€œSo they cook the Blight way?”
    â€œYou’re starting to catch on, Angie.”
    Tully dropped Angie off at her hotel. She said, “Please come in for a drink, Bo. They have a very nice