Swamped

You have a lot of experience playing dumb. Avoid lying outright. Keeper probably has a feel for when people are trying to pull one over on him. Dodge the question with something more interesting. Ask if they know anything about Rider's disappearance, you only just found out and that's such a huge story they're probably eager to gossip about it to fresh ears.

Then ask if there's anyone who thinks they could have done a better job than Rider. That might be your competition.