Denton paused. “I was engaged prior to entering the FBI, and she broke it off during my training at Quantico. The same day you were sentenced, she agreed to marry my middle brother, Andy. Sounds weak, but it’s the truth. You went to prison, and I continued working other FBI cases, but I always searched for the money and the evidence to pin it on you.”

I listened. Did he expect me to feel sorry for him? “So your self-worth is based on your performance?” The moment the words left my mouth, I regretted them. “That was uncalled for. Please continue.”

“What I never expected was to like you, and today I realized the girl back then is not the woman today. Something changed you, and if it’s the Jesus-thing, I’m happy for you. For whatever it’s worth, I don’t think you stole the money anymore.”

I digested his words and held tightly to concealing my emotions. I’d learned from my online searches that his fiancée married his brother. That must have stung. “You’ve known me a week. Why would I believe you when this sounds like a tactic to earn my trust and save your ego?” I breathed in deeply for patience. “I’m a convicted murderer, but you want to be friends. How very noble.”

“You’re right. No reason to believe me. But it’s all I have.”

“What do you want from me?”

“To tell me if you’re hiding any information or protecting the person who’s threatened you. Let me find that person behind the crimes.”

“I’d be an idiot to trust you.”

“True. Guess I’ll need to prove my sincerity.” His attention bore into me, and his tone softened. “One more thing.”

Now what? “Go ahead, Denton. You have five minutes left.”

“I broke into your cabin.”

I rose to my feet, fury boiling through my body. “So it was you. You found nothing, so you believe I’m innocent? Time to leave.”

“I have four minutes left. Please, Shelby, sit.”

“I’ll stand, thank you. Make your miserable excuse fast.” I gathered up Joy from her box. I needed something to hold on to.

“While I was here, someone shoved an envelope under the door. I attempted to follow him or her but lost the trail.”

“Where’s—?”

“I opened it. Read it, a greeting card personalized to the Pearce family expressing sympathy regarding your suicide.”

I was seldom taken aback by the depravity of human beings, but my mouth went dry. “I want to see the handwriting on the card.”

“Sheriff Wendall has it.”

“You gave my property to him?”

Denton paused, and I assumed he was grappling for words. “Not intentionally. Your past shows an issue with acute depression, and I didn’t see any reason to trigger the problem again. I showed the card to him, told him of my FBI position, and he kept it.”

I paced the room, too upset to pray. “You’re my keeper? Do you think by coming here tonight with this crazy story that I’d believe your nonsense? Or are you concerned if I gave in to suicide, you’d never be able to find the money?”