Monday, October 28, 1985

MONDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1985

“You know none of this is enough, David.” Chief Hayes sat sunken into the chair behind his desk looking more tired than normal. “Not for an arrest. Not even for a warrant.” He sighed. “Circumstantial. All of it.”

“I know,” I said. “But there’s too many connections to ignore.”

“Sheriffs’ not going to like it,” he said.

“It’s all we’ve got.”

He stared at me and then back at my notes.

“So, what are you going to do?”

I leaned in and pulled my chair closer to his desk. “I’ve established his work schedule so I thought I’d go over to his house when he’s out but his mother is home.”

“Donna West?”

“That’s right. I thought I’d go over and talk with her. Say I was there to follow up with James about his statement. See if I can wait for him.”

“And while you’re there?”

“While I’m there I see what there is to see. Hear what Mrs. West may have to say. Get her on my side. When James comes home, maybe she’ll help convince him to come back to the station with me.