Winding Path to Murder — C.D. Moulton

Winding Paths of Murder21 Dead Calmclint is having a somewhat trying day. It’s hot, not a hint of breeze, very unusual here anytime, but especially this time of year. It’s been very windy for two days until this morning, now, at eleven o’clock, it’s still and muggy. Clint has never seen this kind of day at this time of year in his six years in Panamá. then he gets a phone call.22 Scared Half to Death!Clint is sitting in the Golden Grill talking with some tourists. One woman told of a frightening experience when she was almost mugged. She was “scared half to death!” Then she’s murdered. That was the other half.23 Dead SlowClint, Judi and Dave are going in from fishing near the Zapatillas. Tour boats ahead are barely moving. A man calls to proceed at dead slow. A couple are in a boat ahead with the police surrounding them. Dead slow is as fast as they will ever go again – but how did they die? It was not a natural death. Was it a paranormal killing – or a more direct form of murder?24 Death Walks Beside MeClint is in the mountains when he comes upon a very sad man. He asks why he is so sad. The man replies, “Because death is walking beside me.” What the hell does that mean? At the moment, Clint is walking beside him!An investigation of the past results in an explanation for several murders.25 If the Shroud Fits - Wear It!Clint is helping Judi Lum, his attractive nextdoor neighbor, put a play she wrote on the stage. They are having a dress rehearsal where a man appears in a shroud. A remark: the shroud fits his personality. Judi says, “If the shroud fits....” Then he is found dead – wearing that shroud26 Curtain DeathA dense fog in the mountains that makes the carretera as much as impossible to drive. Enel Fortuna dam. Two bodies. Looks like hit-and-run. Not those two!27 A Wreath for SamSam Martin answers a call at the front door. A woman from a flower delivery service announces, “A wreath for Sam!” He was the only Sam there – and he wasn’t dead28 A Poisonous PersonalityGertrude Midworth came from England to Panamá to get away from a bad situation. She is acid-tongued, critical and downright malicious. She knows no one here – and no one wants to know her. So why was she being poisoned?29 Grave ResponsibilityA friend on the comarca at Cusapín calls Clint to say he’s being held in jail. He is charged with his brother’s murder! That doesn’t make any sense, but some gringo said he’d heard him confess. In Panamá you’re guilty until proven innocent. he didn’t doubt he could do that, but who would take care of his family while he was in jail?30 A Timely BurialClint is on his deck over Saigon Bay. Judi Lum, his attractive nextdoor neighbor, calls to him that Bill Reynalds’ interment was just announced for Saturday at ten. interesting! He was talking to bill not more than ten minutes ago!