“He’s always in control of what’s happening in the world,” she said.

“So I hear.”

“You were there today.”

“It fit the occasion.”

She tilted her head and sadness cast a shadow on the moment. “Denton, my guess is you’ve scoured the Internet and read every post and viewed every video about what I did years ago. You heard the older man in church voice his disapproval. Since arriving in Valleysburg, I’ve been threatened, and I’ve promised to keep my distance from Edie. You’re aware of these things, and it hasn’t deterred you. By being seen with me publicly, you risk your reputation and your safety.” She hesitated. “Let’s be honest here. What’s the real reason for your keeping company with me?”

“Do I need one?”

She folded her hands on the table. “Over fifteen years ago, FBI Special Agent Allen Denton McClure was assigned to track down the disappearance of $500K, part of the case involving the murder of Travis Stover. The state of Texas filed the murder charges and tasked the FBI to help locate the money. Agent McClure and his partner, Special Agent Mike Kruse, failed to recover it. No one did. The missing money remains an open case. Back then your hair was dark brown. No mustache or beard. You got rid of your large-framed glasses, possibly in exchange for contacts. I say that because when we took the walk through the woods, your eyes reddened. I assumed because of allergies. You’ve gone to a lot of trouble to portray a widower finding his way back from grief.” Pain from my betrayal flashed across her eyes. “Your turn, and I deserve the truth.”

I’d underestimated her. Now I looked like a fool. I peered at her. Cover my rear or admit the truth? “How long have you known?”

“Since Friday evening. No one gives a puppy without a reason.”

“Shelby, I thought the puppy could be a companion. Nothing else.”

“And you expect me to swallow another lie?”

“Is that why you agreed to lunch?”

She shrugged. “I’m curious.” She studied me as though I were a despicable specimen under a microscope. “Is this about adding credibility to your résumé? A promotion? Are you and Officer Hughes working together?”

“It’s about seeking justice.”

She glanced away, then back to me. How did she keep her face so calm? “Have you attempted to locate the money all these years?”

I nodded. “Off and on.”

She laughed, but it held no humor. “You’ve wasted years of your life on a travesty. How sad.”

“Prove me wrong.”

She leaned in closer. “I’ve spent years trying to understand what happened to Travis’s money. But it doesn’t control me.”

“So your accomplice made off with it?” Contempt scorched like I’d swallowed acid.

“Good one, Denton. If I’d enlisted someone to help me, the money would be long gone. No fool would wait on a killer who might never be released.”

“What about the threats since you’ve arrived?”

“My vote is for Officer Hughes or you.”