This time, when they entered the Deton Police Station, the large desk at the front of the bullpen was occupied by a woman who looked like she had been planted there and had never left. She was easily sixty years of age and when she looked up at Kate, DeMarco, and Jeremy Branch, she gave a well-rehearsed smile. When she realized what was going on, though, the smile faded and she was all business.

You the agents? she asked.

Yes maam, DeMarco said. Where can we park Mr. Branch here?

The interrogation room for right now. Ill get the sheriff on the phone and let him know youre here. Follow me.

The older woman led them alongside the bullpen, down the same hallway Barnes had led them down earlier. She opened the door to the second room on the right. It looked pretty much the same as the one they had met Officer Foster in earlier in the day. There was an old scarred desk with one chair parked on either side.

Sit down, DeMarco said, giving Jeremy a light push in the direction of the table.

Jeremy did as he was asked, not resisting at all. When his butt was in the seat, he folded his handcuffed hands in front of him and stared at them.

What was the relationship between you and Mercy Fuller like? Kate asked.

I barely knew her.

I saw a picture in your bedroom that says otherwise.

What would you say if I told you she was that…well, that friendly to most guys?

Id say thats a pretty daring accusation to point at someone. Especially in a town like this one, about a girl who just lost both of her parents.

Jeremy sighed and gave a shrug. His nonchalance was aggravating Kate but she did her best to remain professional.

I told you…I dont know anything about that family.

Youre lying, Kate said. And heres the thing. You can keep lying, but this is a small town, kid. I can unwrap your lie pretty easily. And if I do find out youre lying to me, then well start digging into the drugs. Maybe find some of the people your not-so-bright brother has listed in that black notebook under his bed. Maybe tell them that you told us where to find the book.

Jeremys eyes widened at this thought and he started to shift in his seat. Kate also wondered if there might be a card to play in terms of his older brother. She wondered which of the two might crack under pressure first.

But apparently, she was not going to have to go that route. She could practically see the moment when Jeremy Branch decided that his own self-preservation was the most important thing.

Fine, I know her. But we werent like dating or anything. We just hooked up every now and then.

So it was a sexual relationship?

Yes. And thats about all it was.