Chapters (89)
“Yes, what can I do for you? You said it was urgent.”
So far, Will hadn’t dug up any evidence that Roscoe was involved with Patty as more than a teacher, and he also hadn’t been able to confirm that the girl Anderson supposedly groped was Patty. If I were able to prove that Anderson had gotten in trouble for groping her, it would help me counter the stalking allegation against Steven.
“So, Doc, I’m in a bit of a bind and need some clarification. I know my investigator and associate already spoke with you, but I was wondering if there’s anything else you can tell me about Anderson Ficco’s eye injury that could help me. Did they find the pipe, or did his father speak with Coach Mallory or—”
“Speak with him?”
“Yeah. Do you know if his father spoke with Coach Mallory about the injury? I know you don’t live in River Falls, but Coach Mallory is pretty recognizable.”
“I know who he is. He was here with him.”
I could take a lap around this place. “You’re sure?”
“Yes, I’ve been to several of the football games.”
“Did he say anything to you?”
“Say? No. We just discussed Anderson’s history and the injury itself. When we were finished, they thanked me and left. Oh, I did ask if Coach Mallory was injured because of the blood. There was blood all over his clothing, which I assumed was from Mr. Ficco.”
An electric shock went through my guts. “Doctor, did Coach Mallory have any hand injuries or was he wearing gloves when he came to the hospital?”
“You know . . . I don’t completely recall. This was a long time ago, Mr. Graham.”
“Well, thanks anyway. You’ve been a big help.”
I hung up and checked my watch before deciding to drive over to the high school.
64
64
I got to the high school around two in the afternoon, and it looked like school was getting ready to get out. As I was walking up, a bell rang and kids started filing out of the place.
The front office told me Roscoe was finishing up teaching social studies upstairs, so I went to his classroom. He was speaking with a student who had stayed after class, and I waited until they were done and the student had left.
“Tatum, back again? You must not be as traumatized by this place as you let on.”
“Varies day by day.” I glanced around the classroom. On the back wall was a time line of various events throughout history, starting with the founding of America.
Roscoe began collecting his papers. “So what did you need?”
I folded my arms and approached him but didn’t get too close. “I had an interesting talk with a doctor today. Dr. Thomas. You remember him?”
“Can’t say I do.”