He looked up at me. “Sometime before noon,” he said. “Hollis went over there on his lunch hour to talk to her about Teenie’s funeral. He’d spoken to her for the first time in a year or two, when he went over to tell her what you’d told him about Sally. Which, by the way, I don’t believe. I think you’re just trying to mine for gold here, and I’m telling you, Hollis ain’t a rich man.”

I was puzzled. “He gave me money, but I left it in his truck. He didn’t tell you that?” Maybe Hollis just hadn’t wanted to tell his superior I’d asked for it in the first place—though why, I don’t know. Sheriff Branscom didn’t think much of me, and it wouldn’t have surprised him at all that I’d wanted to be paid (for something I do for my living!). It would have confirmed his poor opinion. Yes, I expect even poor people who want my services to pay me. So does everyone else.

“No,” the sheriff said, easing back into his creaking chair. He rubbed a hand over his stubbled jowls. “No, he didn’t mention that. Maybe he was embarrassed at giving money to someone like you in the first place.”

Sometimes you just can’t win. Sheriff Branscom would never join my fan club. It’s lucky I’m used to meeting people like that, or I might slip and get my feelings hurt.

“Where’s Tolliver?” I asked, my tolerance all used up.

“He’ll be in here directly,” the sheriff said. “I guess Hollis ain’t finished up his questions yet.”

I fidgeted. “I really need to go to the motel and lie down,” I said. “I really need Tolliver to take me there.”

“You’ve got some car keys,” the sheriff observed. “Hollis’ll bring him over when they’re done.”

“No,” I said. “I need my brother.”

“Don’t you raise your voice to me, young woman. He’ll be through in a minute.” But there was the faintest look of alarm on the round soft face.

“Now,” I said. “I need him now.” I let my eyes go wide so the white showed all around the irises. My hands wrung together, over and over.

“I’ll check,” said the sheriff, and he could hardly get up from behind his desk fast enough.

Most places, I would’ve gotten thrown in the cage or taken to the hospital, but I had gauged this man correctly. Within four minutes, Tolliver came in, moving quickly. Because Hollis was watching, he knelt at my feet and took both my hands. “I’m here, honey,” he said. “Don’t be scared.”