Marty leaned in close and said, “Just like we practiced. We went to the racetrack, then drove almost straight home to the Palm Beach Grill. I dropped you off at the Brazilian Court about nine. I hadn’t heard from or talked to Teal in a couple of months. I even left my betting slips in the front pocket of my jeans so I had them when the cops asked if I had any proof I’d been at the track. It worked out exactly like you said it would.”

I said, “They came by to see me about noon. Maybe they were checking some other details about your story first.”

“What’d you tell them?”

“Same thing. Just like we practiced. Not too much detail. The difference is I really was asleep when they knocked on the door.”

We sat for a few minutes, nibbling corned beef and turkey off the platter. Then Marty said, “I’m still in shock over what happened. It was like I wasn’t even there. I have no idea what came over me. I hope you can see that wasn’t the real me yesterday. I want you to know I’m a good man.”

I took the opening to a question I needed to ask. “Teal said you drove her to move. What did she mean?”

Marty shrugged. “Nothing. She said I couldn’t let it go, but I could. She overreacted and got a restraining order during our divorce proceedings. The judge seemed like he was only listening to her and didn’t care about my side of the story at all. But the restraining order was just to make her look like a victim. It was a horrible experience that got me really down on myself. But once I met you, it was a lot easier.”

I said, “You saved all those betting slips and asked me to use my Volvo. I have to ask: Was shooting Teal part of a spur-of-the-moment game or did you plan it?”

He gave me a puppy-dog look and said, “I’d never put you in that position. It just happened. I was just as shocked as you were that it happened, but now I think it might all work out. I think if they had enough, the cops would’ve arrested me. We’re in the clear, and I feel like this is all going to be okay.”

I said, “I hope so, because…”

“What? Come on, you can tell me.”

“Marty, I love you. Sometimes it takes stress or danger to reveal exactly how you feel about someone. I love you, and I would do anything for you.”

He looked relieved. Finally he said, “I’ve been wanting to tell you how I feel for a long time, but I was afraid I might scare you off. I mean with your divorce and all, I didn’t want to add anything to your plate. I love you, too.” He reached across the table and lifted my hand so he could kiss it.

I couldn’t keep from glancing around the nearly empty restaurant and wondering if any of the patrons could be cops.