stared at Ruth Ann, who stared back. At Leonard, who looked away.

Finally at Robert Earl, who said, "What you looking at me for? I didn't do it. Momma said she did it, I can take her word for it."

"You bastard!" Leonard said. "You know Mother didn't do it."

"Who did, little brother?" Robert Earl shot back. "Who you think killed Daddy, little brother? Huh? Who? Let me tell you what I know. I know a certain gay, college-educated family member told Daddy to take the scenic route to hell. Daddy started choking and puking, chunking his guts on everybody. Next thing I know, Daddy deader than a doorknob."

Leonard lunged at Robert Earl and seized him by the throat, sending them both crashing to the floor. "I'll kill you!" Leonardboth know you're not telling Shirley a damn thing. You do and she'll stomp your ass a hole in the ground."

This wasn't going as he'd expected. Yes, she was right, no way in this lifetime would he tell Shirley a word of him and another woman. He tried to think of a snotty rejoinder. "Uh..."

"Listen, Eric. You leave me alone, I'll leave you alone. This is not necessary."

"Are you going to call Sheriff Bledsoe and clear my name?"

"I'll call him. But don't ever call here again! Is that understood?"

"No problem. Just one more thing...meet me at the motel one last time. Please! Meet me one last time."

"Are you crazy? Seriously, are you crazy? I said it was over and you can't comprehend the fact. It's over, Eric. Get