the neighbor/ witness

As they crossed the street Jake said, “Did you get a good look at the body?”

“I picked up the sheet. He was lying in the fetal position. I figured I’d let the c.s.i.’s and coroner take a closer look at him.”

“Well I think I can already guess the cause of death.” “I think we both can.” Sally knocked on the door.

The door opened. A heavy-set lady wearing blue jeans and a black shirt with an outline of a cat’s head in glittering sprinklers on it. Her face was round and deep tan. The wrinkles on her face said it had been over tanned many times. Her hair was a reddish blonde and cut into a bob. The bangs covered most of her forehead, and the back hung just below the shoulders. Her eyebrows raised.

“ I’m sorry. Don’t give out candy to overgrown kids.” She raised her hand and made a shooing motion. “So get lost.”

“We’re not her for candy. “Jake pulled his badge out and showed it to her. “I’m Detective Stone.” He nodded to his right. “And this is Detective Beaumont. We just need to ask you some questions about what you saw earlier.”

“Oh,” She motioned them inside. “Come in.”

The detectives stepped inside. Though outside was fully decorated, the only thing Halloween inside was a paper skeleton on the wall and a fake spider web in the corner.

“Sorry about that.” She said politely. “I just dislike the teenagers doing it.”

“That’s okay.” Jake replied. “Mr’s Zander, is it?”

She nodded.” Yes.” She started walking away. “Why don’t we go in the living room and have a seat?”

The deceives followed her into a room with shaggy brown carpet. There was along table stained deep brown in the center with a blue upholstered couch behind it. with two light brown upholstered chairs on each side.

Thelma sat on the blue couch. Jake sat in the chair to her left, and Sally took the chair on the right.

“I’m really not sure what else I can tell you. “Thelma started out. “Like I told the officer The person was wearing what I assume was a Zorro costume. They had what looked like a sword.”

Well that’s a start.” Sally said in a positive manner to encourage Thelma to continue. “I take you couldn’t tell if it was real or fake?”

Thelma lightly shook her head, “I’m afraid not.” She hung her head.
“That’s okay. “It was dark out,” Sally said. “I’m sure I wouldn’t be able to tell the difference in that situation.”

Thelma bobbed her head and slightly smiled. “Thank you for saying that.”

“So you told the officer that you saw this person walking away from the house.” Jake took out a pad and pen.

“That’s correct.” Thelma’s left leg began to quickly go up and down. She grabbed it. “Sorry, I’m a bit nervous knowing someone was killed right across the street from me.”

“That’s completely understandable,” Jake said. “So now, about what time was this?”

Thelma glanced up as she thought about it. “It had to be just after eight,” she paused a moment.”I know that because Hocus Pocus had just come on.”

Jake jotted the information down. “Now, is there anything else you can tell us about this person. You never know. Even what might not seem relevant turns out to be just that.”

Thelma looked around the room and cleared her throat.

“Take your time,” Sally said politely.”You’re doing great.”

Thelma gulped. “Well, I’m not sure how this might be helpful. But this person was quickly waving the sword side to side. And I swear they were slightly skipping. almost like they were celebrating.”

The detectives looked at one another, then focused back on Thelma. Jake put his pad and pen in his shirt pocket. “I think we got all we need.” He stood up, and so did Sally.

Thelma stood up. There was a look of disappointment on her face. “I’m sorry I couldn’t be of more help.”

Jake looked at her. “You did just fine. You take care of yourself.” He headed towards the door with Sally following him.

Once there, he turned around and looked at Thelma. “Oh, one more thing. Do you live alone?”

“Yes.” Thelma replied in a sad tone. “My husband died four years ago.”

“I’m sorry to her that.” Jake said. “Me too,” Sally interjected.

Both detectives stepped. out. Jake poked his head in. “I would suggest not answering the door anymore today.” He slowly closed the door. When he turned to face Sally, she looked irritated. “What?” Jake exclaimed.

“Do you have to scare her like that?” As they walked towards the car, they didn’t see anyone on the block, but could her kids shouting and giggling in the distance.

Once they got inside the car, Jake said. “Well, I suggest we go back to the station, fill out the report and knock off for the day. And tomorrow, after getting the coroner’s report, we come back here knocking on the door, see if anyone else saw this Zorro character.”

Sally gave him a sideways look eyed look. “You don’t want to talk to the victim’s wife before we go?”

“Oh s**t.” Jake banged his hand on the steering wheel. “Where the hell is my head?”

“Probably thinking of your disappointed son.” Sally looked at him with empathy.

Jake deeply sighed and nodded his head. “Right, my son.”