He walked into the living room and saw the rock on the floor.
“Did you touch it?” Ford asked.
“No. I was going to pick it up, but once I saw what was painted on it, I jumped back.”
“Good,” he said. “Best not to do it. They can check for prints.”
“You can get prints off of it? What if whoever did this just picked it up off the street?”
“The chances of getting a good clean print are slim to none. Or getting so many it means nothing,” Ford said.
“But you’ll still do it,” he said.
Clay wasn’t asking, but telling his brother. He ignored the eye roll he got in return.
“Have you checked to see if anything is missing, touched, or damaged in the house?” Ford asked.
“No. I left as soon as I saw this.”
“Because she only half listened to directions,” he said.
She pinched his arm. “I was going to sit in my car, but Karl asked me inside. What’s the big deal?”
“I don’t like the way he looks at you and watches the house,” he said. “What’s his deal?”
“Are you seriously jealous of my neighbor?” she asked, laughing. “Clay. He’s like fifteen or twenty years older than me. He treats me like a daughter. I’ve known him for years and he’s always been super sweet and helpful. He’s just looking out for me like he does everyone else.”
“Is he single? Have you ever seen him with anyone?”
She lowered her voice. “I think he might be gay. I’m not sure. I’ve never seen a woman, but men have been around before. Maybe twice in the past few years. It doesn’t matter. I don’t watch or pay attention like he does. He’s just lonely and wants a friend. He’s like that with everyone around here. Most ignore him, but I feel bad. It’s not like me to do it.”
“I’m not jealous. Everyone should be looked at,” he said.
“I’m positive this is Lana.”
“Lana?” Ford asked.
“Tell my brother everything you told me about your ex. Leave nothing out.”
“It’s embarrassing,” she whined.
“But it’s the truth and you have to stick to the truth.”
The front door opened and another sheriff came in.
“We are going to take some pictures. I’ll fill Deputy Biles in,” Ford said. “Just sit over there for a minute.”
She moved to the stairs and sat on them, Clay going closer to his brother.
He wanted to take control of the situation but knew better than to step on toes again.
The rock was lifted and bagged, more pictures taken, then Deputy Biles left after Meredith’s face turned bright red as she confessed her part in her breakup and everything that followed.
You couldn’t change the facts no matter how much you wanted to, and Meredith had to get over any part she thought she played in this.
“Can I go change?” she asked. “You went through the house. There isn’t anyone here. The last person who was here other than myself was Clay on Sunday.”
“Sure, go ahead,” Ford said. “I’ll help Clay get the window secured.”
