Page 110 of This is Why We Lied

“Fish and I had a nightcap, then I retired to my cottage for some reading.”

“Did you hear anything between ten and midnight?”

“I fell asleep with my book. That explains the kink in my back. I feel like I’ve been punched in the kidneys.”

“You didn’t hear a scream or a howl or anything like that?”

Chuck shook his head.

“When’s the last time you saw Mercy alive?”

“Dinner.” Irritation sparked his voice. “You witnessed what happened between us at cocktails. That’s a prime example of how Mercy treated me. I was only trying to make sure she was okay, and she screamed at me like I had raped her.”

Will watched his face change, like he regretted choosing the word rape. Before Will could follow up, Chuck reached for his hat on the ground. He hissed air between his teeth.

“Jesus, my back.” He left the hat on the ground and slowly straightened up. “The body tells you when you need to take a break, right?”

“Right.” Will was thinking about the fact that Mercy didn’t have any defensive wounds. Maybe she had gotten in some punches before the knife had subdued her. “You want me to take a look at that?”

“My back?” Chuck sounded alarmed. “What would you see?”

Bruises. Bite marks. Scratches.

Will lied, “I worked as a physical therapist in college. I could—”

“I’m fine,” Chuck said. “I’m sorry I can’t be more helpful. That’s all I can tell you.”

Will could tell Chuck wanted him gone, which made Will not want to leave. “If you think of anything—”

“You’ll be the first to know.” Chuck pointed up the hill. “The trail will take you back to the main house. Just go past the dining hall on your left.”

“Thanks.” Will didn’t leave. He wasn’t finished making Chuck uncomfortable. “My partner will follow up with you later.”

“Why?”

“You’re a witness. We need to get your written statement.” Will paused. “Any reason we shouldn’t?”

“No,” he said. “No reason at all. I’m happy to help. Even though I didn’t see or hear anything.”

“Thanks.” Will nodded up the trail. “You heading to the house?”

“I think I’ll stay out here for a while.” Chuck started to rub his back again, then thought better of it. “I need some time for reflection. Despite the persiflage, I’ve suddenly realized how affected I am by her death, too.”

Will wondered if Chuck’s brain had told his face that news, because he didn’t look like he wanted time for reflection. He was sweating profusely. His skin was pale.

Will asked, “Are you sure you don’t want company? I’m a good listener.”

Chuck’s throat visibly worked. Sweat dripped into his eyes, but he didn’t wipe it away. “No, thank you.”

“Okay. I appreciate your talking to me.”

Chuck’s jaw was clenched.

Will lingered. “I’ll be at the main house if you need me.”

Chuck said nothing, but every part of his body said that he was desperate for Will to leave.

There was nothing to do but oblige him. Will started back up the trail. The first few steps were tricky, not because Will couldn’t find his footing, but because he was calculating how far the gaff could reach. Then he was listening closely for the sound of Chuck running. Then he was wondering if he was being paranoid, which was statistically probable, but not all statistics corrected for reckless behavior.

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