Chapter 78

“It’s ketchup.” Archie would be worse at poker than I would. He held on to that apron as if it was me. I could see what I needed to, though. The red streak across the front was blood, no doubt about it.

“Come here.” I led Archie farther out into the alley. “Tell me.”

“He was already dead. I wanted to ask him if…if he loved Aunt Faye. I wanted someone to love her.”

“Jesus, Archie.”

“Are you mad?”

“I’m fucking scared.”

“Because you don’t believe me.”

“I do believe you. Someone else might not. What time did you get there?”

“It’s not that far. Not that long ago. I was only there a second or two. I should have called you. I forgot my phone. I always forget my phone. I never call anyone.”