"I like most people well enough. I didn't like Donnie's stepfather." Her reference seemed to be an invitation for Dean to discuss Shipton.
"Why?"
"He seemed sneaky. Besides, Donnie didn't like him."
"Has Janet ever mentioned Mr. Shipton?"
"A couple of times. He called her, at least once. And maybe met her at a bar. He wanted her to do something but then he went out and got killed, I guess."
Dean didn't mention that Shipton was still among the living. "You don't know what Mr. Shipton wanted Janet to do, do you?"
"No. But I don't think Janet did it, whatever it was. It had something to do with Bird Song and I think she was afraid you'd fire her."
Dean guessed Shipton wanted Janet to somehow intercede in getting him into Bird Song, before he was able to obtain a room on his own. Or, perhaps he wanted access to Edith's room. It didn't appear Shipton had a relationship of any kind with Janet nor did she seem to have any logical reason to try and kill him. Over a hot fudge sundae Dean changed the subject to Donnie Ryland.
"Has Donnie 'spoken' anymore?"
"Naw. But it don't matter. He's cool anyway."
"How did he act when his stepfather had his accident up in the ice park?"
"I don't know. Kind of strange, I guess." The young girl looked up at Dean. "Do you think Donnie cut the rope?"
"Do you think he did?"
She took her time before answering, as if rolling the question around in her mind. He reached over and brushed some chocolate from the side of her mouth. Finally, she answered. "Naw, I don't think so. But he did have the knife. I saw it last week-the day we buried the mouse. He showed it to me but he wrote on his pad it was yours and he just borrowed it 'cause you left it around. He was gonna give it back."
"I'm sure he was. Do you think he'd tell you he cut the rope if you asked him?"
"I don't know. Maybe. He likes me. He didn't tell the police he had the knife 'cause he thought he'd get in trouble over it." She thought some more. "If he was still scared of his stepfather, he might have done it. I know he wasn't real sad when Mr. Shipton fell but now that his real father is around, he isn't as scared as he was. That's why maybe he didn't cut the rope."
"Who do you think did?"
"Donnie's ma," she answered without hesitation. "She hated him. She wants to get back with Donnie's pa but he doesn't like her no more." Then she added, "Besides, Mr. Ryland's got Fran now."