Judith, who had gotten out a big oval tray and placed it
on the counter next to Russell, began opening boxes of
crackers. “Can you think of another motive?” she asked in a
quiet, composed voice.
Russell sighed. “I try to avoid getting involved in office
politics. I always have. I’ve spent my whole career in research
and development, starting with Bell Labs right after I
graduated from college in the East. Since I came to OTIOSE
eight years ago, I’ve concentrated solely on new products
and applications. I pay no attention to what goes on in other
departments. That’s why Max got so mad at me last night.
Maybe he has a point. But I abhor distractions.” Russell
uttered a small, embarrassed laugh. “I guess that’s why my
wife told me I could come out here by myself. Emmy felt as
if
Judith was slicing cheese. “Your wife remained in the East?”
Russell nodded. “She still lives in New Jersey. Our children
are grown, and on their own. More or less.”
“Less is not more when it comes to children,” Renie murmured. “You live alone, Russell?”
“I do. It’s fine.” He gave both cousins a diffident smile.
“No distractions.”
The tea kettle whistled. Judith hadn’t been able to find a
tea pot, so she poured the hot water directly into a mug and
added a tea bag. “Then you can’t think of any reason why
someone might be killing your co-workers?”
Sadly, Russell shook his head. “As I mentioned, power is
very attractive to certain people. Persons, I mean. But it
doesn’t seem to be the case here. Especially under the revised
circumstances.”
Renie jumped on the phrase. “What revised circumstances?”
Russell drew back on the stool. “Well…” His fair skin
flushed. “I can’t actually say. It’s just that…er…ah…the future
isn’t as clear as it once was.”
Renie leaned closer to Russell. “For OTIOSE in general?”
He fidgeted on the stool. “Not…um…well…It’s too complicated, and I shouldn’t have mentioned it.”
Remembering that Russell liked cream, Judith poured some
into his mug. “You should if it would save lives,” she said in
her sternest voice.
For one fleeting moment, the stark expression on Russell
Craven’s face indicated that he was about to unburden himself. But he shook his head, and spoke with unusual firmness.
“No. I can’t betray a trust. Besides, I honestly don’t believe
that there’s any connection between these awful murders
and…my point of reference.”
Judith’s shoulders slumped in discouragement; Renie
turned her back on Russell. A strained silence fell over the
kitchen.
At last, Russell cleared his throat. “Excuse me…Could I
have some sugar, please?”
