Chapters (77)
- Cover
- Endorsements
- Books by Elizabeth Goddard
- Title Page
- Copyright Page
- Dedication
- ONE
- TWO
- THREE
- FOUR
- FIVE
- SIX
- SEVEN
- EIGHT
- NINE
- TEN
- ELEVEN
- TWELVE
- THIRTEEN
- FOURTEEN
- FIFTEEN
- SIXTEEN
- SEVENTEEN
- EIGHTEEN
- NINETEEN
- TWENTY
- TWENTY-ONE
- TWENTY-TWO
- TWENTY-THREE
- TWENTY-FOUR
- TWENTY-FIVE
- TWENTY-SIX
- TWENTY-SEVEN
- TWENTY-EIGHT
- TWENTY-NINE
- THIRTY
- THIRTY-ONE
- THIRTY-TWO
- THIRTY-THREE
- THIRTY-FOUR
- THIRTY-FIVE
- THIRTY-SIX
- THIRTY-SEVEN
- THIRTY-EIGHT
- THIRTY-NINE
- FORTY
- FORTY-ONE
- FORTY-TWO
- FORTY-THREE
- FORTY-FOUR
- FORTY-FIVE
- FORTY-SIX
- FORTY-SEVEN
- FORTY-EIGHT
- FORTY-NINE
- FIFTY
- FIFTY-ONE
- FIFTY-TWO
- FIFTY-THREE
- FIFTY-FOUR
- FIFTY-FIVE
- FIFTY-SIX
- FIFTY-SEVEN
- FIFTY-EIGHT
- FIFTY-NINE
- SIXTY
- SIXTY-ONE
- SIXTY-TWO
- SIXTY-THREE
- SIXTY-FOUR
- SIXTY-FIVE
- A Preview of Book 2 in the ROCKY MOUNTAIN COURAGE Series
- Author’s Note
- Acknowledgments
- About the Author
- Back Ads
- Back Cover
No one answered when he knocked, so he tried again. “Detective Jack Tanner here.”
The door creaked open and a man with spectacles and wispy silver hair frowned at him. Jack grinned. “Howdy. I’m Detective Jack Tanner.”
“We’re closed.”
Jack flipped his credentials open. “As I said, I’m a detective. I have a few questions for you.”
The man opened the door wider. “I’m Dr. Bellinger. Curator and manager. Come in and tell me what this is all about, Detective.”
Jack entered and waited while Dr. Bellinger locked the door again. He gave Jack a shrug. “We’re closed, and I don’t want anyone wandering in.”
“Understood. Thanks for opening up for me. After hours is probably the best time for me to be here though.”
The man adjusted his spectacles as if waiting for Jack to go first.
Jack remained by the door and glanced around the museum featuring the history of the town and the state of Montana. Photos of settlers and farmers and Native American images covered the walls, and glass curio cases displayed artifacts.
Maybe Jack should have talked to Terra about meeting with Dr. Bellinger—this archaeological business was more her expertise.
Still, Jack had his own questions. “You’re working late tonight.”
“Yes. I’m working late. We’re busiest this time of year when the tourists who are late to the party have their last big hooray before the school year begins.”
Jack thought the school year had already started. “Mind if I have a look around?”
The man sighed heavily. “Detective, is there some reason you need to look around at this hour? I was just getting ready to head home. During the day, we have volunteers and college interns who could help.”
“Good thing I caught you then. Why don’t you give me the quick tour?”
“It would help if you could tell me what this is about.”
“Let’s make a deal. Give me the quick tour, and I’ll tell you what it’s about.”
“Very well.”
“Lead on.”
Dr. Bellinger walked slowly through each room and gave a short review of the contents. Jack soaked in all this history, which he’d never much cared about before today. When they were done with the tour, Dr. Bellinger tried to usher Jack to the exit.
“What about in the back? Do you have artifacts stored there or in a secure location that you then move to the main displays when they’re exhibited?”
Dr. Bellinger pursed his lips as if deciding if he would tell Jack he’d have to come back tomorrow, and maybe even with a warrant. Jack wasn’t accusing Dr. Bellinger or the museum of anything. “Look, if you have any weaponry, let’s say, knives, for example. I’d like to see those.”
The curator cleared his throat. “Very well. Follow me.”