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Dallas came slowly out of his chair It was ione “What happened?”

“Well,” Al said, looking down the table, “that’s what I’ve coht, Dallas?”

Chapter Fourteen

LOCAL WOMAN FOUND SHOT TO DEATH

IN OYSTER SHORES HOME

In the early an was found shot to death in her home on Shore Drive The forty-two-year-old wohbor, who immediately contacted police

Investigators are continuing to gather evidence at the scene Sheriff Albert Bailor has reported only that the death “appears suspicious,” and that they are “following all leads” Sources outside law enforcean was shot in the chest at close range and that there was no sign of forced entry at her residence Reports of sexual assault remain unconfirmed at this time Anyone with information is asked to contact Sheriff Bailor

—William Truman

Oyster Shores Tribune

Vivi Ann got out of bed slowly In the last forty-eight hours she’d learned how to one at the sa her terrycloth robe around her, she walked out into their living room and found Dallas exactly where she’d expected hi the newspaper accounts of the murder

She put a hand on Dallas’s shoulder, felt him flinch He cocked his head and looked up at her There was a wildness in his eyes that e he was and how much he needed her to keep hi for her to ask hi about his connection to Cat Ruht visits, his trips to the store for beer with her at his side They knew this, both of theh they hadn’t spoken of it

“Today’s the funeral,” she said quietly “We need to get Noah to the babysitter at eleven”

“I don’t think I should go”

“You have to go People are talking—”

“You think I give a shit what these small-minded bastards say?”