― Yevgeny Yevtushenko
It was a thorny problem. Harold Franklin, leader of the local branch of the Loyalists had lied to me about Ned Harkness' ties to the Loyalist Lodge, or at the very least, he withheld a crucial piece of information that hampered our investigation.
The local detachment of the RCMP headed by Neil Wiltshire, Ella's father, maintained a cordial relationship with the community and that could be threatened if we dealt with the situation heavy- handedly.
"So how do you want to proceed?" Neil asked as we sat in his office just outside Willow Creek.
"I could approach him casually, off record, since we already have a friendly relationship―I mean, he did invite me to a social at the Loyalist Lodge."
Neil frowned and stared off into space considering my suggestion."Yes, you have been cordial with him and his wife, but he did omit an important fact that has seriously hampered our investigation. So far, the friendly route hasn't been too fruitful."
I shrugged. "That's true too. Apart from superficial politeness, I haven't really been able to get either Harold or Flora to open up further."
But even as I said that, I pictured Flora in my mind's eye and her obvious attempts to flirt with me. Normally, a good investigator would exploit a vulnerability like that in an attempt to get in close behind Flora's defences. Unfortunately, I found that too tempting and didn't want to jeopardize my relationship with Ella just to try to pry loose a few disclosures from Flora―besides, I doubt she'd be that naive and unsuspecting.
"It might be best to bring Harold in for questioning," I mused, " he's so concerned about the Lodge's reputation he might want to cooperate to head off any embarrassing rumours."
Neil nodded sagely. "Yes, people do talk in small towns and public opinion is sometimes a powerful persuader."
"What do you suggest, Neil, a polite telephone call inviting him to come in? He may want to bring a lawyer."
"I think that would be best and by all means, let him retain counsel. Last thing we want to do is give him an excuse to claim we pressured him."
"Okay, I'll get right on it," I said.
As I got up to leave, Neil walked me out and clapped me affectionately on the shoulder. "You're doing good work, Scott―I'm glad I convinced you to come on board."
It was probably just a polite remark, mostly intended to encourage me, but his words touched me deeper than I expected and made me realize I really wanted to impress him.
Yes, he was Ella's dad, and that alone gave me a personal reason to show I was competent, but more than that he was supportive of me and I didn't want to disappoint him.
As for Harold Franklin, I wasn't concerned about offending his feelings, but wanted to make it clear I wouldn't tolerate any cover up simply to protect his or the Lodge's reputation.
From now on it would be clear―I expected full disclosure and complete cooperation.