“It’s okay. If you can help us find the person who hurt Sydney, you’ll be helping and honoring your friend’s memory.”

Jolene swallowed. “It’s just that I think she did have a boyfriend.”

Charlie nodded for her to continue.

“Brady Matthews. You should talk to Brady Matthews.”

A new name. A new lead? After confirming Jolene wasn’t holding anything else back, Charlie thanked them for their time. He escorted them to the exit and reiterated that if Jolene thought of anything else, she should call him. Ms. Carson took his business card and stuck it in her purse before winking at him.

Sheriff Huggins met Charlie at his desk. “What’d you get from Ms. Carson?”

“A wink.” Charlie smirked at Sheriff Huggins’s confused expression. “But the younger Ms. Carson told me Sydney might’ve had a boyfriend.”

“A boyfriend?”

“Brady Matthews.”

“That’s interesting.” Sheriff Huggins tilted his head. “He’s on the football team. Pretty good too. Was he interviewed?”

“No.” Charlie ran a hand through his hair. “His name wasn’t even brought up by teachers.”

“You seem bothered by that.”

“Kids post everything about their lives on social media. If Sydney had a boyfriend, she did a good job hiding it from her friends and teachers.”

“She hid a Facebook account.”

“That’s true.” Charlie exhaled. “There was just something about Jolene. She was jittery. Nervous.”

“Jolene seems like a good girl, even if her mother’s a bit flirty. But don’t let that wink tease you. Ms. Carson prefers men with established bank accounts.”

“Not sure if I should be offended by that, sir.”

“Take it as a warning.” Sheriff Huggins sighed. “Let’s talk in my office.”

“Yes, sir.” Why did it feel like he was being summoned to the principal’s office? Once inside, Charlie remained standing after he closed the door behind him.

“Have a seat.” Charlie sat and so did Sheriff Huggins. “You’re doing a good job, Charlie.”

“Thank you, sir.” Hearing his first name set the tone for this conversation. It was personal.

“I heard you’re having dinner with Lane tomorrow night?”

Charlie’s cheeks grew warm. Definitely personal. “Yes, sir.”

“What are your intentions with her?”

“Intentions?”

“When I learned about your move to Walton, I was under the impression that you intended to stay temporarily. Your military record is clean. Recommended promotion within the ranks. Even a medal or two. Could’ve had a long and successful career in the military—like your father”—Sheriff Huggins’s skin tightened around his eyes—“but you left.”

Charlie flexed his jaw but kept silent. The rundown of his achievements meant they weren’t up for question. There was a point and he would wait until it was made.

“Makes me wonder if maybe you aren’t running from something.”