Page 247 of Taken Away

“Every penny.”

“Mabel forgave you?”

Walter nodded.

“I think she did.”

“But things changed.”

Walter didn't answer.

He didn't have to.

Burke could see it.

Forgiveness wasn't the same thing as trust.

Burke closed the notebook.

As he turned to leave, his gaze dropped once more to the muddy boots by the door.

Moose followed him to the door.

Burke patted the dog’s head and closed the door behind him.

Once outside, Burke slipped his cell phone from his pocket and dialed.

"Sara."

"Sheriff."

"I need you to do me a favor."

"Sure."

"I want Walter Grady's whereabouts verified."

"The night Mabel was killed?"

"That night...and the night somebody was prowling around Blackwood."

There was a brief pause.

"He already gave us an alibi."

"I know what he told us."

Burke climbed into his truck but didn't start the engine.

"I don't want what Walter says happened."

"I want what actually happened."

"Check traffic cameras. Cell phone records if we can get them. Talk to neighbors. Anybody who might've seen him."

"Build me a timeline."

"For both nights?"