
From Fallen From Grace by J.R. Lindermuth
We have with us Sheriff Sylvester Tilghman from the small town of Arahpot in Pennsylvania.
We Tilghmans have been sheriff here for three generations. My daddy, his daddy before him and now me. You might say it's the family trade. The pay haint anything to brag about but, usually, the work isn't too strenuous. The only alternatives around here are farming and working on the railroad, neither of which particularly appeal to me. Since I'm still single and my house passed down to me mortgage-clear, I don't have need for a whole lot of money. Not that I would turn down a raise, mind you. But a man has to be practical.
Why is this case so special?
It shook me out of my dull routine is what it did. Arahpot is usually a peaceful place except for the occasional rowdy drunk. My biggest problems before these murders were a lack of a deputy and the refusal of Lydia to accept my many proposals.
What made the case so hard to solve?
I could make the excuse of too many suspects. But I guess I have to admit my lack of experience with murders and a clear idea of the identity of Phoebus Potteiger complicated things.
Did anyone outside of the sheriff's office help you solve this case?
I hate to admit it, but yeah. Lydia's cousin Cyrus did prove useful in the end.
Has this case affected your personal life in any way?
Well, Lydia didn't say flat-out "no" to my last proposal.
Thank you, Sheriff Tilghman, for talking with us today. We know the streets of Arahpot are much safer because of you. Stay safe and keep us informed about Lydia. We hope to hear a definite "yes" from her soon. Maybe someone out there that knows Lydia will put in a good word for you.
J. R. Lindermuth is a retired newspaper editor that lives and writes in central Pennsylvania. Since his retirement he has served as librarian of his county historical society where he assists patrons with research and genealogy. He has published eight other novels, including four in his Sticks Hetrick mystery series. His short stories and articles have appeared in a variety of magazines, both print and on-line. He is the father of two children and has four grandsons and can be reached on his website http://jrlindermuth.com or his blog http://jrlindermuth.blogspot.com.