Royce
Returning from lunch a few days later, I was intercepted by Pervis waiting outside the station. He looked thinner and like he hadn’t been sleeping. After speaking to Quinn, I’d called Pervis to let him know I had no reason to suspect Quinn had harmed Kyle. He hadn’t argued with me, but he’d sounded unconvinced on the phone. Even so, I’d assumed that would be the end of it.
Apparently not.
“Hello, Pervis.” I smiled, studying his thin face. “How are you holding up?”
“Not well.” He swallowed hard.
“I’m sorry.” I sighed. “I’m sure it’s been awful.”
His shoulders bowed, and he nodded. “Worst week of my life, if I’m honest.”
“Have you talked to a grief counselor?”
“Yes. It didn’t help. She just told me to move on with my life. That I was young and I had a lot to live for.”
I grimaced. “Maybe you should try someone else. Therapy only works if you connect with the therapist.”
“Talking isn’t what I need.” A muscle worked in his sallow cheek. “What I need is action.”
“Meaning what?” I frowned.
“I know you aren’t interested in investigating Kyle’s death—”
“Pervis,” I interrupted, “It’s not that I’m not interested. I just have no reason to dig deeper. Quinn didn’t go near Kyle before he collapsed. Even you admitted he hadn’t been anywhere near you and your brother.”
He winced. “I… I didn’t mean to insult you. I’m just trying to say I know you didn’t see the need to proceed with an investigation. I meant no disrespect.”
“Okay, good. I don’t want you thinking I don’t care about what happened to Kyle.”
His pale eyes flickered. “I know you care. That’s why I’m here.”
“Is there something I can help you with?” He looked so forlorn I wanted to do something. I was worried about Pervis. He definitely wasn’t taking care of himself.
“Well, might I have a moment of your time, Sheriff?” He glanced around nervously. “I… I won’t take too long.”
“Sure.”
“In private, if possible?”
“Uh, okay.” I opened the glass door and held it for him.
“Thanks,” he said, slipping past me into the building.
I led the way into the back of the station, and he followed, looking uneasy. Once we were seated inside one of the interview rooms, I addressed him. “How is it I can help?”
“I have a confession to make.”
“Do you?” I frowned.
He licked his lips. “I… I’m the reason Kyle is dead.”
Shock rolled through me. “Excuse me?”
He lowered his head. “It was me. If Quinn is the killer, it was me who got Kyle murdered.”
“I don’t understand.” I narrowed my eyes.
