“I touched him.”Her face crumpled.“I thought maybe he was still alive.There was blood.So much blood.I put my hand on his shoulder and then I saw his face.”
Connor looked down at the table.
“What then?”
“I ran.”
“Why not call 911?”
"Because he was dead.And I wasn't supposed to be there because I'd lied to everyone.Because I thought if people knew I'd come back to catch him with another woman, they'd think exactly what you're all thinking now."
“That you killed him.”
“Yes.”
“So you drove back to your mother’s?”
“I drove back.I got there before dawn.Mom was asleep on the couch.The kids were asleep.I went to the bathroom and threw up.”
“Did your mother see you come back?”
“No.”
“Did Amanda Lee know?”
Marlene’s eyes flicked away.
“She knew I was going.I didn’t tell her what I found.”
Morimer finally spoke.“This is entertaining!Fear makes poor counsel.”
Connor turned on him.“You stay out of this.”
One of the goons stepped forward, but Morimer waved him back with a smile.“I was commenting on human nature, Sheriff.”
“You traffic in people’s vulnerabilities,” said Connor.
“Yes, just like yours.”
Connor held Morimer’s gaze.A reminder sat behind the old man’s smile.Six thousand dollars.A sheriff crossing a line.A favor that had already begun growing roots.
Marlene looked between them.“What does that mean?”
“Nothing,” Connor said.
Morimer chuckled softly.
“Don’t push it, Morimer.I have a connection between you and Warren Holt.That might be enough to turn this place over.”
He grinned.“We both know you’ll never do that.You have too much to lose, now.”
Connor stood.“Marlene, you’re coming with me.”
“Am I under arrest?”
“Yes, I’ll read you your rights once we’re at the car.”
“Will Selena be there?”
