I didn’t know who it was until that forty-five-thousand-dollar ledger adjustment turned up years later.”

“Who approved that payment?”

Martha looked down into her lap and didn’t answer.

I moved closer to the wooden counter.

“Martha, please.”

“I have to live in this town,” Martha said softly, gathering up her keys.

“I’ve got thirty-two years of county service pension to protect.

Go talk to your lawyer.”