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Chapter 6: HOME

Bill marked his place in the second half of Alan Potter’s confession and threw his copy into his bag.  Whatever secrets it might reveal could be revealed to someone else.  Bill was tired, overworked, and underfed.  The lead investigator for the state had shown up and no doubt the suit’s fresh eyes would be more useful than Bill’s weary ones.

Bill also knew that he had a difficult conversation with his wife ahead of him.  Mary would be none too thrilled to find out that Bill’s replacement had already resigned and the council asked Bill to stay on at least until Rock Ridge was restored to something resembling order.  What a pussy.  Couldn’t even make it a week.  Of course Bill knew that a spree killer was far beyond what the new Sheriff had ever expected when he took the job.  He didn’t even really blame the guy.  After leaving Chicago because he was tired of seeing dead bodies, Bill would have quit too if his first day on the job included a headline making multiple homicide.  Bill was just exhausted to the bone.  He thought about how he’d make it up to his wife.  Maybe Jamaica instead of a fishing trip once all this is done.  Bill pictured himself on the beach with his wife, maybe his daughter too.  His mind filled with thoughts of family, fruity cocktails, and tropical sand between his toes.  For the first time all day, Bill Harkins smiled.

When he got inside, Mary had dinner laid out.  No doubt it was originally planned as Bill’s retirement dinner.  Filet mignon was far classier than the Harkins’ normal weekday affair.  The meal was excellent and Mary didn’t bring up the case, which she undoubtedly had questions about.  Words tends to travel fast in a small town.  As they did most nights, dishes were a team affair, with Mary washing and Bill drying. 

“Mary, I have to stay,” Bill said.  He thought it would be best to just rip the bandage off rather than drag it out.

“I know Bill,” Mary said.  That was that.  No more discussion was required.  Mary was the most reasonable and understanding person Bill ever met, and it was one of the reasons he loved her as much that day as the day they married so long ago.

Mary left for her night shift at the hospital.  Her retirement was farther off than Bill’s as he was ten years her senior.  Bill was exhausted but his attempt at sleep proved fruitless.  Despite his exhaustion, Bill felt the Alan Potter’s macabre document calling to him.  In Bill’s experience, it was best not to try and force sleep.  He pulled the document out and settled in on the couch to finish reading.

Next Chapter: CHAPTER 7:  PICKING SIDES