Lawrence struggled to his feet with the help of the cane.

“Please, call me Chuck,” he said, over the sound of the seat creaking. His voice was surprisingly strong, in contrast to his frail appearance. “You mind if we talk outside? It’s a beautiful day, and I’m gasping for a smoke.”

“Sure, no problem.”

Jessica followed slowly at his back as Chuck shuffled toward the door, leaning heavily on the cane. Once outside, he lowered himself carefully onto a bench next to a soda machine with a satisfied sigh and stretched out his legs.

Jessica fished some change from her wallet and keyed in the code for a Diet Coke.

“You want a soda?” she asked.

Chuck shook his head. “Thanks, but no. I’ve had about five cups of Hopper’s coffee. Between my bladder and the caffeine, I’ll be up all night buzzing and pissing as it is.”

He found some cigarettes and a lighter in the breast pocket of his shirt. As he lit up, Jessica realized she was all out.

“Mind if I bum a smoke?” she asked.

Chuck grinned. “My kinda girl. Bet you like a drink too.”

Jessica laughed. “Only if it’s a decent Scotch.” She popped the tab on the soda can. “I guess this’ll have to do for now.” She took a sip before leaning in close to Lawrence so he could light her cigarette. “So you’re here to tell me about the day you found Eleanor?”

Chuck nodded. “Ace Freeman told me a young lady PI was in town asking about the murder. Or maybe it was the kid with the crazy ears who told me. No, wait a minute—it was Hank Stevenson. He said you were real pretty but feisty.”

He saw the concerned look on her face and tapped his temple with the hand holding the cigarette.

“Don’t you worry about old Chuck,” he said. “I’ve still got all my faculties. Sharp as a thumbtack. Okay, maybe I don’t remember what I had for supper last night, and I sometimes forget to buy milk when I’m at Ralph’s, but I remember everything from way back. Believe me—what I saw that day ain’t gonna leave me until the day they dump me in the ground.”

“I can imagine.”

“You know I was the mailman, right? More than forty years I spent pounding these streets. Up and down porch steps, climbing apartment stairwells.” He waved the cane in front of her. “It’s the reason why my knees are busted now, but it was worth it. I loved the job. I’m a sociable guy, always been up for a chat and cup of coffee. As the local mailman, I knew everyone, and everyone knew me. After Eleanor, it was never the same.”

Jessica waited for Chuck to continue.