Jaclyn stood on the porch mat, every trace of sweetness gone from her voice.

“I’ll make sure Clay cuts you off for good,” Jaclyn said.

I shut the heavy oak door and turned the deadbolt.

At twenty to ten, a white patrol car pulled into the driveway and stopped beside the garage.

Officer Ray Vance climbed out into the chilly morning air and hitched up his duty belt.

“Morning, Agnes,” Officer Vance said.

“I’m here to collect the physical evidence.”

We went around the side of the garage, our boots sinking into the wet red mud.