A few times. But just passing stuff. I know his wife died. He never said as much but I figured if she was like him, it was probably drugs. Said he had a daughter that he hadnt seen in several years.

Just one daughter?

Yeah, I think so.

You ever get any trouble out of him? Kate asked.

Nothing bad. He come in late a lot of the time but Id just take it from his pay. When he put his mind to it, he was a hard worker. Sometimes when I have to work Saturdays Id call him in and he was always happy to make the extra money, you know? Hed come in drunk or high sometimes and Id chew his ass about it but that was about it.

Any cross words between you other than that?

None that I can think of. I knew he was all messed up. I knew it when he came into Duck Branch four or five years ago. But Im all about helping folks that want to help themselves, you know? I had an open spot, he was fully capable of the work, so I hired him. Some of the other guys I had working for me at the time didnt like him, though.

Why was that? Kate asked.

Nick was a smart ass. You could never correct him on anything. Always wanted to argue. Hell, just two months ago he and my other worker got into a fight. Like an actual fist fight. I sent them both home and would have fired them on the spot if I didnt need the help.

Do you know what the fight was about?

No, Bill said. But I figured it was a woman. I kept hearing them mention she and her.

Is this other worker coming in today?

No. He quit last month. Got a job at that custom body paint place in Wells.

Wells? Kate asked.

Yeah, one of the only towns in Carroll County that are managing to hang on. He left me so that left just Nick. And now I guess hes gone, too. I got to get that friggin help wanted sign back out, I suppose.

Could we have a name and address for this man? DeMarco asked.

His name is Jack Kramer. I dont have an exact address for you, but he lives on Old Acre Road. Turn off of Highway 51 and his is the fifth house youll come to…the last one on that road before the dirt road takes over.

Thank you, Kate said. She and DeMarco turned away, headed back for their car. Before they made it, though, Bills voice stopped them.