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Jesse’s brow arches. “Do you think he’s part of that sex club, too?”
“I do. I think he’s also having… relations with your redheaded neighbor.”
“Are youserious?Unbelievable—are you serious? Detective Stroud and my dad are both banging my neighbor?” He shakes his head. “God, my dad is anidiot.”
I agree but keep my mouth shut.
“I also think that person you saw in the house, that you told Sylvia and I about, is somehow involved. Crystal Cheri. You know her?”
“No, the name doesn’t ring a bell.”
“She’s passing through town and I think she got caught up in it all. Probably accepts money for it, if I had to guess.”
“Do you think she’s involved in the letters?”
“To be determined, but honestly, I don’t think so.”
I regard him closely as a moment passes between us.
“What?” he asks.
“Sylvia’s missing.”
“What?”
“Four days now.”
“No shit?”
“Do you know anything about this?”
“No, man. Haven’t heard a thing.”
“You promise me, Jesse?”
“Yes, I promise.”
“Okay, I believe you. If you see her, or hear anything about her—or if any of your caveman buddies know anything—I want you to tell the police, you got it?”
“But—”
“I need you to do this, Jesse.”
“Okay…” he nods to the letter in my hand. “But why aren’t you calling them? Why aren’t you there right now with this letter instead of here?”
“Because they’ve already accused me, Jesse. They think I’m involved. The entire town thinks I kidnapped her, or worse.”
Jesse seems to study me for a minute. “I heard about you and Detective Stroud.”
“What about it?”
“That you guys are some sort of enemies.”
“You could say that.”
“You really didn’t do it? Kill Marjorie Stone all those years ago?”
“No, I didn’t. But everyone thinks I did, and they think I’m responsible for Sylvia’s disappearance now.”
