Florence Proxelheder.

School secretary, mother, grandmother, widow, gossip, know-it-all and general town busy body. If there was a need for an old-school style Hollywood gossip in the town, she would be that person in spades. She caused a commotion and headaches wherever she went and people were wary of being around her. Why she was allowed to be there, no one knew, figuring that she must have the dirt on someone.

Steve remembered her well. She was an assistant school secretary at his elementary school. She remembered she had a grandson in another grade - definitely not his, but perhaps slightly before or after. He was clumsy and awkward and the kids teased him behind her back. In hindsight, it didn't have anything to do with the boy. It was more about them pushing the buttons of his old battle ax of a grandmother.

What was the kids name? Peter? Peter Proxelheder? No, that's not right. It was something else like Marvin or Martin. Marvin, yes, that was it. Marvin with the fat cheeks that rose up into his face with he smiled. He was actually an okay kid, but was saddled with such a disgrace for a grandmother. Steve shuttered at the the thought.

Pulling up to the high school, Steve realized that he never had a reason to go inside the building. He had played on the outdoor basketball court, but for the most part, his time had been spent at the lower schools. He let Peter and Mike take the lead into the building in the nearly vacant building.

That was the other thing. It was August. Staff would be preparing the buildings for the upcoming school year, but there should not be not many reasons for anyone to be at any of the school properties.

"To the right," Pete said as he directed the out of town detectives to the office where the Assistant Superintendent and a couple others appeared to be seated.

It was a solemn situation and the police and school teams dispensed quickly with introductions. All flowed well until Pete inadvertently said to Steve, "And you remember Mrs. Proxelheder..."

With that the old war horse tilted her head. "Why should this detective know me?"

Steve decided to remain calm and began to answer when Mike jumped in. "The Sergeant here has been kind enough to give us an update about some of the outstanding citizens of Tyler. And yes, I remember hearing about Mrs. Proxelheder as well and it's a pleasure ma'am."

"Oh, all right then. The pleasure is mine, Lieutenant."

"Let's get right to it," Mike began flashing his partner a quick side look. The conversation began with Mike asking about any suspicious calls or activity.

No one remembered anything. There was no reason to call Mr. Goldman and that sentiment rang across the Assistant Superintendent, the Principal and Secretary Proxelheder.

"It's summer time, sir. There's some maintenance activity here and that's about all."

"Was there anyone on site in the evening?" Steve asked.

"We have one maintenance worker who is on call. That's really it."

"Who would be that worker?" Mike countered.

"I thought you might ask that," said the Assistant Superintendent. "According to our records it was Marvin Proxelheder."

The trio were surprised to hear that it was Mrs. Proxelheder's grandson working maintenance. No doubt this game little bragging rights to the old frump before them. In a flurry, the old woman quickly noted that while it was her grandson was on call, she did not recall her grandson saying that he went to the school.

"Are there any cameras or security that could confirm that Mr. Goldman was even here?" Steve asked as he quickly glanced at the secretary.

"We have a coded alarm. That is all," came the answer. "And before you ask, yes, we were able to get a report stating that the alarm system had been engaged and disengaged three times. It's an odd number and either that means 2 people came separately and exited together or reverse."

All eyes swung back to Mrs. Proxelheder. "Well perhaps it was Mr. Goldman meeting someone else here. Or perhaps it was another teacher. I just don't recall Marvin saying anything about calling Mr. Goldman, so it could not have been related the the facility."