“Isn’t it obvious why Blake would kill this woman?” Amanda asked. “Isn’t it clear the motive the cop was laying out?”

“I can see it. Maybe she made things awkward with Sam. Or she didn’t want to break up when he ended it. Something like that.”

“Pretty good motivation, isn’t it?” Amanda said. “If he loses Sam once and for all, he loses everything. I always knew they’d get married. I knew he’d go through with it . . . for the money, if nothing else.”

“I know. You always said that.”

“And I’m right. Where does he want to work? He’s always talked about it.”

“Her dad’s company. I know. And Sam’s mentioned her dad might hire him. That’s always been in play.”

“He can’t blow all that,” Amanda said. “Hell, Sam’s parents have plenty of money. And she only has one sister. Think of what they’ll inherit.”

“That’s a little cynical, isn’t it?” But as I said it, I remembered what Sam had told me about Blake’s dad losing his job and maybe losing a lot of money and how that had led to Blake finding work in Rossingville. Blake had always been the rich kid. Had that been put in jeopardy?

“Does it sound like a fair assessment to you?” she asked. “You know Blake. Would that motivate him to get married?”

“I understand what you’re saying, but I think there’s more to it than that. Sam is a good balance for him. She brings out the best in him. You know that.”

“Yeah. Maybe.”

“Not maybe. You’ve said yourself it was true. They work well together . . . when they’re actually together.”

Henry was moving his head around as Amanda tried to feed him.

“Do you want me to do that?” I asked, pointing to Henry. “I’m just standing here. Not helping.”

“It’s fine. He and I have our routine. When I go back to work, we can share the duties more. We’ll have to.”

“I’m glad you’re ready to go back,” I said.

“I am too. I don’t want to feel like I’m sitting on the sidelines while everyone else advances their careers. I’m sure Jennifer had a nice career. I’m sure Jennifer was making good money.”

“She’s dead, Amanda. Whoever killed her . . . she’s dead.”

She let out a deep breath. “I know. I shouldn’t talk about her that way.”

“If you’re ready to go back to work, we can figure things out with Henry and everything. You know your parents would help too. They’d love to spend more time with Henry.”

“You’re right. I know.”