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“Yeah, that’s part of their business.”
“Cindi Riley told me that she’d lost a number of friends to overdoses here.”
“Not surprised. And there are thousands of places just like this one. Where peopleused to get up every day and go to work with a purpose. And now they don’t have a purpose. Or a job. Or any self-worth. That takes its toll, Decker. In a lot of ways. That’s why they’re calling the opioid epidemic the drugs of despair.”
“Riley also said that some of her friends had life insurance policies. And that some of the renovations in town are due to people having received largepayouts from life insurance companies.” He pointed at the new luxury cars parked along the road. “And maybe those proceeds are also helping to pay for those.”
Kemper mulled this over for a few moments before shaking her head. “No insurance company will knowingly write a large life insurance policy on someone in such bad health they’re likely to die, or someone addicted to drugs, Decker,if that’s what you’re thinking.”
“Maybe they weren’t an addict when the policy was written,” he said.
“What are you driving at?”
“It would be interesting to know how many people in Baronville who’ve died from drug overdoses had large life insurance policies. Can you find that out?”
Kemper stared out at the line of cars parked on the road. “I can try.”
“Good.” Before she could respond, he said, “I’ve got to get back. I promised Jamison I’d help this afternoon. They’re having a reception at the Mitchells’.”
As he climbed out of the truck Kemper said, “I didn’t picture you as much of a domestic.”
“Well, these days, I’m even surprising myself.”
