Tradition of Deceit by Kathleen Ernst Page A

Everett Whyte’s death finally released the dejected little band of historians, Owen announced his intention to drive the women back to Ariel’s apartment. Since Owen had arrived in Jay’s car, and since Chloe wasn’t keen on urban driving at the best of times, she decided to let him. Ariel curled up on the back seat. Chloe and Owen made the short drive in silence.
    The phone started ringing as they walked into the house. Maybe it’s Roelke, Chloe thought, before remembering that she hadn’t given him the number. Ariel stared at the phone like she’d never seen such a contraption before.
    Chloe picked it up. “Ariel Grzegorczyk’s home.”
    â€œChloe?” The voice was male.
    Maybe it is Roelke, Chloe thought, before realizing that the voice belonged to Jay. I really need to knock off that waiting-by-the-phone thing, she thought irritably. “We just got here,” she said. “Any news?”
    â€œThe police issued a preliminary statement. A wound on Everett’s head matches a gear wheel up by the distributor.”
    â€œMaybe he tripped,” Chloe suggested. “Or had a heart attack and fell.”
    â€œThey don’t know if that injury caused his death.”
    â€œI think it takes more time to get an official ruling.”
    â€œYeah. And actually, that’s not why I called. Word is spreading like wildfire. Everett’s exhibition will still open tonight, but his friends are going to gather early for a potluck/wake kind of thing.”
    Chloe shared that news with her companions. “You guys want to go?”
    â€œAbsolutely,” Owen said.
    â€œYes,” Ariel echoed. “We definitely should do that.”
    â€œWe’ll be there,” Chloe told Jay. “Thanks for calling.”
    Ariel shrugged out of her coat and tossed it on the sofa. “I should make a hotdish.”
    Chloe almost smiled. Hotdish—a good Minnesota woman’s instinctive offering. “I’ll give you a hand, but do you mind if I use your phone first?”
    Ariel waved a hand: Help yourself . Owen followed her to the cubbyhole-kitchen, giving Chloe a semblance of privacy.
    She dialed the operator and explained that she wanted to charge a long-distance call to her home number. The call went through quickly. “Eagle Police Department, Officer Deardorff speaking.”
    â€œSkeet? It’s Chloe Ellefson. I thought Roelke was on duty this afternoon.”
    â€œHe called in sick.”
    â€œHe did?” Chloe’s eyebrows rose. “Okay. Thanks.”
    She disconnected, dialed zero, and placed another call. After the eighth ring the operator said, “Your party isn’t answering.”
    â€œYeah,” Chloe said. “Thanks.”
    When she wandered back to the kitchen, Ariel was staring into her cupboards. She turned, blinking as if surprised to see Chloe in her home. “Um … no luck?”
    â€œI was trying to check in with a friend of mine, but he didn’t answer. What are you looking for?”
    Ariel looked dazed. “Well, my mom made hotdish with ground beef, frozen corn, tater tots, and canned mushroom soup.”
    â€œYou’re missing an ingredient?”
    â€œAll of them. I could make red jello with sliced bananas and green grapes instead, but I don’t have any jello.” Ariel looked stricken. “I don’t have any jello! I should always have jello and tater tots for when somebody dies!”
    Chloe hugged her friend. “Sweetie, jello and tater tots don’t matter.”
    Owen watched with concern. “Ariel, do you go to church? Maybe we could call your pastor.”
    â€œI haven’t been to church since moving to the city.” Ariel pulled away from Chloe’s embrace and swiped at her eyes.
    â€œWhy don’t you call Toby?” Chloe suggested.
    Ariel nodded slowly. “Well … yes. I should do that. He’ll be home by now.” Clutching her