“I don’t want to say more,” said Daney. “Because I’m scared and not ashamed to admit it.”

“Scared of Malley?” said Milo.

“A lot of people depend on me, Detective. That’s why I don’t skydive or ride a motorcycle or go mountain climbing.”

“Miss all that?”

“Not anymore,” said Daney. “Now, I really need to get going— ”

I said, “It’s a whole new way of looking at it, Milo.” To Daney: “Did Malley know Troy and Rand before the murder?”

“I wouldn’t know,” said Daney.

“Lara went to the mall frequently and so did the boys. So there’d be opportunity for Barnett to see them, as well.” I turned back to Milo: “They hung out at that arcade. Maybe Malley was into video games, too. Being an unsophisticated guy.”

Both of us stared at Daney.

He said, “It’s possible.”

Milo said, “Troy and Rand never mentioned knowing Malley? After they got arrested?”

“Troy definitely didn’t,” said Daney. “I wasn’t talking much to Rand, he was pretty nonverbal back then. Right, Doctor?”

“You bet,” I said. “But I always got the feeling he was holding back.”

“Defensive,” he said. “Yes, I sensed the same thing.”

“Frustrating.”

“I tried to open him up,” said Daney, “but not being a psychologist, I didn’t want to step into uncharted territory. In the end, it didn’t matter because the case got settled optimally. Or so I thought.”

“What do you mean?” said Milo.

“Look what happened to Troy. And to Rand.”

“I hear what you’re saying, Rev. About Rand not being perceptive. But if he really knew Malley had some culpability, would he hold on to it for eight years?”

“Maybe,” said Daney, “he was confused.” He stood quickly. “I’m sorry, this is getting way too complicated and there’s nothing more I can tell you. If it ends up helping you, great. But please keep my name out of it.”

He ran his hands over his shirt, as if brushing off dirt.

Milo got up and faced him, used his height to advantage. “Absolutely, sir. I wouldn’t lose too much sleep because, to be honest, I don’t see any way of pursuing any of this.”

Daney stared up at him.

Milo said, “Like you said, too speculative.”

Daney nodded. “Good luck.” He pivoted and began to walk away.

“I mean the only time it would ever be relevant,” said Milo, “is if we got solid, physical evidence on Malley and put him behind bars. Then we’d ask you to give a deposition.”

Daney stopped. Weak smile. “If that happened, Detective, I’d be happy to do my part.”

CHAPTER 37

CHAPTER 37

Milo watched as the white Jeep drove away. “Wish there was a shower nearby.”

He took an evidence bag out of his attaché case, gloved up, sealed Daney’s coffee cup, and slipped it in. Into a second bag went the half-eaten pink doughnut.