“I’m sorry,” she said.
“What about Trey? He been in here recently?”
“Earlier today,” Dooby said. “Picked up a few things to take to his mom’s.”
“And how is Trudy?” Tyson asked.
“Fine, I think.”
Tyson put the hundred back in his wallet and gave her six bucks. “Keep it.”
Then he started for the door.
“There was an investigator in here last week. Left his card. Was asking a whole lot of questions about Trey and Trudy.” She hesitated. “And you.”
“Did you keep the card?”
She reached under the counter, then held it up for him to see.
Tyson walked over and snatched the card out of her hand. “Harry Davenport,” he said. Then he winked at her. “You done good, Dooby girl.” He reached into his wallet and took out the hundred again. He placed it in her hand. “I’ve given you my emergency number, haven’t I?”
“Yes.”
“If this guy”—he flicked the card—“swings by again, I want you to call me on that line. Got it?”
“Yes,” she said.
“Good,” Tyson said. “Bye now.”
Out in the parking lot, he ate one of the Twinkies in one bite and downed half the soft drink. Then let out a long burp. He was on edge, having barely slept in the last few days. Business was booming all over Sand Mountain, and it was hard to keep up with the demand. He’d heard about Jana Waters’s arraignment earlier today as well as Jason Rich’s efforts to make his house safe out at Mill Creek. According to one of his guys who’d recently scoped the place, Rich had hired at least four security guards. One was at the house at all times. One shadowed Nola on her way to and from school, and one watched the back side of the house and the water. Another watched the college girl, Niecy, at Birmingham Southern.
Tyson figured that the best way to ambush the lawyer, if that was needed, would be by boat, but the bridge at Mill Creek was small, and a large craft wouldn’t fit underneath. He could send a crew on Jet Skis, but that would be too loud. A fishing boat was probably the best option, but Tyson knew he wouldn’t go that route either. There was too much security, not to mention the rednecks who resided on either side of the Rich home. Chase Wittschen was ex-military, and the Tonidandel brothers, who lived across the street, weren’t to be messed with either. If Tyson tried to hit the house, it would be World War III, and he wasn’t sure if he could win.
Any way he sliced it, if he was going to remind the billboard attorney of his obligations, he’d have to do it away from his home. Which is better anyway, he thought as the unmarked police car rolled to a stop beside him. He climbed inside.
“Talk,” he said as soon as his butt touched the seat.
Deputy Kelly Flowers pressed the accelerator and cleared his throat, not looking at Tyson. “Rich seems focused on Trey Cowan. He’s got an investigator. I believe his name is—”
“Harry Davenport,” Tyson said, holding up the card Dooby had given him. “What’s his story?”
“Was a bouncer at Sammy’s in Birmingham for a couple years.”
“Nice place,” Tyson said.
“Before that, he was in the army Ranger program.”
“Great,” Tyson said, taking a gulp of Sun Drop and belching. “Any chance Trey could be involved in Dr. Waters’s murder?”
Kelly glanced at him. “Not that the sheriff’s office is aware of.” He seemed to be weighing whether to say anything more, no doubt remembering how their last ride had ended.
Tyson grinned at him. “Relax, Kelly. I’m not in the mood to teach any lessons today. And I don’t have the time. But to respond to what you’re no doubt thinking, I’m not aware of any involvement on Trey’s part.”
“I’ve heard he might have done a job for you a month or so before the murder.”
“Who told you that?”
Kelly again glanced at Tyson. “His mother. Last time I was at Top O’ the River. I’d eaten with some of the other officers. She asked whether I knew anything about Trey working for you.”
“What did you tell her?”
“The truth. That I hadn’t heard any such thing. Then she said Trey took a trip for three days in June and didn’t tell anyone where he was going. He left his car here and must have driven something else. She was worried that he might have made a delivery for you.”
Tyson frowned. “Even if she was worried, why would she tell you? Aren’t you supposed to be an officer of the law?”