Page 80 of Death on Gallows Path

Clara volunteered to feed the dogs while I gathered napkins, plates, and silverware, in case we went formal.

I finished first, leaving me time to message Teague that the sheriff’s department had picked up Bryon Georger.

If he happened to want to share details—

He didn’t. He replied: I know. Why am I not surprised you do. . . . Sorry, won’t be able to call tonight.

No conversation tonight meant I didn’t have to purposefully not tell him about tomorrow’s lunch.

Did it make me a bad significant other that my reaction was equal parts disappointment and relief not to talk to him tonight?

To avoid thinking about that too much, I focused on my earlier reaction to the North Bend County Sheriff’s Department scooping up Bryon Georger.

I’d been surprised.

Surprised at exactly what, though?

Did my surprise mean I didn’t think he was the murderer?

Not so sure of that.

Yet it seemed . . . early.

Was I also reacting to the sheriff’s department making this move while Teague was away, as if they didn’t need his input?

Or was I resisting this being the solution because Clara and I hadn’t come to a conclusion?

DAY EIGHT

MONDAY

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

Morning came early.

It always does for me, but today’s was compounded by a restless night.

Not because of the pizza, which went down fine.

Also not because of deep thoughts about the murder investigation.

Clara and I tossed around a few things, but kept hitting two obstacles.

The idea that the investigation might be over, with the potential of forensics or a witness or one of the other advantages the sheriff’s department possessed pointing directly at Bryon Georger.

The fact that, if it wasn’t over, we had more questions than answers.

Neither of those kept me awake, either.

It was this upcoming lunch.

To meet Quincy in Indiana, I’d skip yin yoga class with Clara.

I messaged Clara, reminding her I wouldn’t be at class.

She immediately responded that she’d let the teacher know and she’d take the dogs to the park after class.

I texted back that I thanked her and the dogs really thanked her.