The Final Tap by Amanda Flower

gone.”
    Chase frowned. “I thought they didn’t even know for sure if he was murdered.”
    â€œThey don’t. At least, not officially, but it looks that way. That’s what the chief said.”
    â€œWait a second.” Chase removed his cell phone from his pocket and placed a call. “Hey, Uncle Duff,” he said. “How’s it going?” He listened for a moment and laughed at something his uncle said. “I’m calling because I was wondering if you had any news about Conrad Beeson. I was one of the EMTs on the scene, and I heard he died. Do you know how?” There was another pause. “Oh.” Chase sounded disappointed, and he met my gaze across the table.
    My heart sank. I knew what Chief Duffy was telling his nephew. He was telling him that Conrad Beeson had been murdered.
    â€œAnd it’s certain?” Chase asked. He was quiet for a few minutes as he listened to his uncle. “All right then. I’ll see you Saturday.” He hung up and slipped his phone back into his pocket.
    â€œHe was murdered?” I asked.
    Chase nodded. “My uncle said that the medical examiner believes that he had a heart attack.”
    â€œThat’s not murder,” I said.
    Chase held up his hand. “True. But someone stabbed him in the chest with the drill while he was still alive, and that’s what killed him.”
    I covered my mouth with my hand. “Who could do such a thing? Is the medical examiner sure?”
    Chase nodded. “The angle of the wound indicates that it came from above when Beeson was lying on his back. There’s no way he would have gotten that injury from accidentally landing on the drill.”
    â€œIt’s a miracle he stayed alive as long as he did.”
    Chase met my gaze. “Your friend Gavin is in some serious trouble.”
    â€œDid your uncle mention Gavin?” I asked anxiously.
    He shook his head and sipped from his water glass. “Not specifically, but he did say Candy was certain it would be a quick case.”
    I rubbed my forehead. “Then it’s even more important that I go tonight. Tomorrow, I plan to go to the college. My dad and Dr. Beeson both work there. I thought I’d drop by in the morning to find out what Dad knows. I tried to call him, but he didn’t answer. I’m not sure how much interaction he and Beeson had, since they were in different departments. I don’t even know if they knew each other.”
    â€œIt’s kind of hard for me to believe anyone in the vicinity of your father doesn’t know who he is. His presence”—Chase paused as if searching for the right word—“is commanding.”
    â€œAnyways, if you can’t stay tonight to watch Hayden, I can call Eddie,” I said. “I’ve been thinking about asking Eddie to take Hayden after school tomorrow. It’s his weekend with Hayden as it is. It would only be an extra day.” I frowned, hating the idea of losing any time with my son, but I had to do what was right for Hayden.
    â€œWhy would you do that?” Chase’s face had gone blank when I’d mentioned my ex-husband . He didn’t care for Eddie, and I was afraid the feeling was mutual. Then again, I wasn’t a huge fan of Eddie’s fiancée, Krissie, either. I supposed that it came with the territory. Eddie and I were high school sweethearts and got married right after college. I knew now we’d married more because that’s what was expected rather than what either of us had really wanted. Even so, I’d never regret my relationship with Eddie. It gave me Hayden, who was my greatest joy. An annoying ex-husband and his ditzy fiancée were a small price to pay for such a stellar kid.
    â€œNow that we know it’s”—I lowered my voice and shot a quick look at the stairs—“ murder , the police will be coming and going on the Farm. I don’t want Hayden exposed to