“A state agency out of Dallas,” Clara said, leaning over her toast.

“They told everybody she was a local girl who’d gotten into trouble, nothing more than that.”

She picked up her fork and flipped a piece of sausage over on her plate.

“Some sixteen-year-old high school girl from right here in Smith County,” Clara said.

“The mother’s family didn’t want any scandal, so the agency took care of the paperwork.”

“Did you ever hear anybody mention the name Bradley?” I asked.

Clara shook her head and waved the waitress over for a hot refill on her tea.