Ethel grabbed another robe from her closet. She saw a couple of canes hanging on wall hooks. She didn’t need them for balance but for those occasions when she did a little pedestrian surveillance. No one was more invisible than an elderly woman shuffling along a grocery aisle or a city sidewalk.

But a cane might be a bit much, and, depending upon what Jesse had told the police, suspicious if he said she’d come running after him. Ethel hoped he’d give her some sort of cue.

She found Jesse and a police officer standing in the living room.

Jesse stepped closer. “Ethel, are you all right? Officer Tepper wants to make sure.”

“Thank you, Officer Tepper. It’s been quite a shock. Is poor Jonathan actually dead?”

“Yes, ma’am. Despite Mr. Cooper’s efforts, I’m afraid his wound was too severe.”

“Oh, my.” Ethel retreated a few paces and grabbed the arm of an overstuffed chair. “Do you mind if I sit?”

“Not at all.” Tepper studied the woman a few seconds. She was petite, not more than five-two, a full foot shorter than himself. As for her age, if she was seventy-five, it was a youthful seventy-five. Her brown eyes were alert and inquisitive. Still, she did appear a little shaken. Better to be careful. “Would you like me to summon one of the EMTs?”

Ethel sat and then waved her hand dismissively. “That won’t be necessary. But please sit down. I’d like to help however I can.”

Jesse sat on the sofa, leaving room for Tepper to join him. “We both would,” Jesse said, “but I don’t know how much more we can tell you. We found Mr. Finch’s body. I urged Ethel to return to the house and phone for help. She lent me her robe.” Jesse crossed his arms as if trying to warm himself. “I’m afraid it’s ruined. I tried to use it as a bandage.”

“That’s all right, Jesse. I only wish it could have been helpful.” Ethel nodded, signaling she was up to speed on Jesse’s version of events.

Officer Tepper’s voice softened. “We’ll take it into evidence, Miss Crestwood. If there was a scuffle, maybe some of the attacker’s fibers were transferred to Mr. Finch and then onto the robe. Do you know anyone who might have meant him harm?”

Before she could answer, a loud rap sounded from the front door. Ethel jumped like another pistol had fired. “Who can that be?”

Tepper scowled. “Probably a colleague. Don’t worry, I’ll handle it.” He got to his feet and moved to the foyer. The door swung open as he reached for the knob.