Page 113 of Crosshairs

“Could we talk in private? It’s about Hannah Dyson.” She said it loud enough for the group to hear, and a hush settled over them. A couple of the boys exchanged looks while one bounced his knees, and another boy rubbed his pants leg as he eyed the exit to her left.

Andrews handed the remote to his assistant. “Carry on. I’ll be right back.”

Talking resumed, albeit quieter as he led her to his office just off the gym floor. He pulled out the chair behind his desk and motioned for her to take one across from him. “I’m not sure how I can help.”

“I’m the investigating officer for the NPS in this matter, and I understand Hannah was friends with several of the football players. Do you know if this is true?”

He rocked back in his chair. “She was a sweet girl, and from what I gather, quite a whiz in math. She liked to help some of the boys who were behind in those studies. Drew Kingston was one of them, but I understand you’ve already talked to him.”

“Yes. You do know he was shot Saturday morning?”

“I do. I’ve visited him, or at least his dad, at the hospital. I’m really praying he pulls through.”

She wasn’t sure how to broach the subject of marijuana and decided on a frontal attack. “How many of your boys use marijuana?”

“Hopefully none of them,” he said, rocking forward in his chair and clasping his hands together on the desk. “At least starting this week. I’ve told them there would be mandatory drug testing, and anyone who failed the test was off the team.”

“Do you know who’s selling marijuana to the kids around here? It’s my understanding Hannah had gone to Rocky Springs to buy marijuana.”

He stared at his hands, pressing his thumbs together, then he lifted his gaze. “Pretty sure. It’s a couple of the boys in the senior class. It’s not like I have any proof, but I hear stuff.”

“Do you know who they buy from?”

“Probably, but I don’t have proof of that either, so I’d hate to say.”

“Could it be Sonny McClain?”

His eyes widened, then he chuckled. “For someone who hasn’t been in Natchez long, you’ve learned a lot about our town.”

She smiled. “I grew up here. And I don’t think he’ll be sellingany drugs for a while. Could I speak to the boys who were friends with Hannah? Or those she tutored?”

He considered her request, then nodded. “As long as I can sit in.”

“Of course. I just want to have a conversation with them.”

“Wait right here. I’ll be right back.”

Five minutes later he returned with a lanky, wide-shouldered boy who walked in like he owned the room. He’d been the one who kept looking at the door.

“This is Peyton Cordell,” the coach said. He pointed to a chair for Peyton to sit in.

“I’d rather stand,” the boy said.

Peyton ... that was the name Connie Hanover had mentioned. After she introduced herself, she said, “I understand you were friends with Hannah. That she tutored you.”

“She was friends with a lot of guys.” He flipped his dark brown bangs out of his eyes with his hand and they fell right back.

She didn’t know how in the world the kid saw to catch a football with his hair in his eyes. “Did she buy her weed from you?”

“No! Where did you hear that?” The boy jammed his hands into his pockets. The question had knocked some of Peyton’s composure off.

“She bought it from someone. If not you, who?”

He shrugged. “I dunno.”

She paused for a long moment. “Where were you Tuesday night?”

He jerked his head up, his eyes wide. “H-home. My parents will vouch for me.”

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