Page 20 (1/2)

Pearl was sketching in the story forNo details I hadn’t heard before, but I was thankful he’d introduced the subject without any further pro his role as tribal narrator "You staying at the Ocean Street? I ask because this fella’s dad owns that place"

"Really," I said

"Yep They found her down on the beach right in front," he said Residents of Floral Beach had been telling this tale for years Like a stand-up co just when to pause, knowing just what response he’d get

I had to watch what I said because I didn’t want to i through ht People get crabby about that sort of thing "Actually, I know Royce"

"Aw, then you know all about this"

"Well, some You really think Bailey did it? Royce says no"

"Hard to say Naturally, he’d deny anything of the sort None of us want to believe our kids would kill soh"

"You have kids?"

"Unh-unh"

"My boy was the one who spotted the two of ’eot out of the truck with a bottle and a blanket and went down the steps Said Bailey looked drunk as a skunk to him and she wasn’t much better off Probably went down there toit on him she was in a family way"

"Hey, there How’s that little Heinie car acting?"

I glanced back to see Tap behind rin on his face

Pearl didn’t seem thrilled to see him, but he made polite noises with his ht that old lady of yours didn’t like you comin’ in here"

"Aw, she don’t care Who’s this we’re talking to?"

"I’m Kinsey How’re you?"

Pearl raised an eyebrow "You two know each other?"