Chapter 33.1

“I’m learning that,” she said. “Ernie the mailman says Jack over at the hardware store drank too much and wrecked his daddy’s car last week.”

“Yup. And he had Ernie’s cousin’s daughter with him. Which explains why Ernie’s telling everyone in town. Jack’s lucky that Ernie doesn’t have a shotgun.”

“Considering what Marva thought of me this time last week, I’m pretty glad she doesn’t, either.”

“So,” he asked a moment later. “This isn’t what Marva helped you pick out, is it?”

“Yes, it is. I know nothing about style or fashion. She and Darnelle basically had their way with me,” she added with a slight shudder.

Riley laughed at her. “Maybe Marva’s getting smarter with the years. I would have thought she’d go for ruffles and bows and lace.”

“She might have, but I reminded her I’m a crack shot with an M-16, and I know where she lives.”

Riley laughed, then shook his head. “I wish Cindy had something like that she could hold over Marva’s head, and that she’d use it.”

“Cindy? Why?”

“I’m afraid s