I was never convicted, he said. Theres nothing that happened that labeled me as a sex offender or any nonsense like that. And Lydia, my ex-wife, was generous enough to keep the secret. No sense in ruining my reputation and all that. Its the one nice thing she did during that last year of marriage.

So the Fullers had no idea? We understand that you and your wife were once friends with the Fullers.

We were. But when the marriage fell apart, a lot of people in town chose to take sides. And the Fullers chose my wife. Its one of the reasons they asked Mercy to stop babysitting for me.

They stopped near the backyard. Apparently, Edgar Lee had no intention of inviting them into his home.

What was that working relationship like? Kate asked.

There wasnt much of one at all. Shed come watch the kids while I was out dealing with lawyers or just taking some time to blow off steam. Id see her for about five minutes when she arrived and then her parents would come get her when I got home.

Did she call her parents when you arrived back home, asking them to come pick her up?

Yes.

So how long would you say she was typically in your house between the time she called her parents to the time they actually showed up?

I dont know, he said, clearly irritated. And quite frankly, I dont like what youre implying.

I dont expect you to, Kate said. But based on what we know of youthe charges of potentially underage pornography and an affair, for instancewe have to work with what we have. So, if you could tell us as much about the time you spent with Mercy Fuller, it would be greatly appreciated.

I just did. When I came in, I usually went right to the fridge and grabbed a beer. She only babysat for me three times. Each time, she sat in the living room and watched TV while I drank a beer in the kitchen. Im not stupid…I knew my history would piss people off if they knew about it. I kept my distance and spoke to her as little as possible.

Who else knew about this babysitting job?

My wife, her parents, apparently whoever told you. We tried to keep it quiet because of my history but this fucking town…no one can keep a secret.

Mr. Lee, would you mind if we had a look around the premises? DeMarco asked.

For what, exactly?

To rule you out as a suspect.

You see me as a suspect? he barked.

A man on the edge of a divorce, having an affair, with a history of interest in teen pornography…yes. Id say youre a suspect at this point.