Carnal Innocence

trying to tell me you think Vernon hears voices?”
    “I don’t know what’s inside his head, but I knowwhat I saw in his eyes last night. The same thing I saw in Austin’s when he was choking me and calling me by my father’s name. That prophet look. If he could have broken Cy in two, he would’ve done it. And I’d stake Sweetwater against the fact that he’d have considered it holy work.”
    “I don’t know that he had more than a passing acquaintance with any of the victims other than Edda Lou.”
    “This is Innocence. Nobody gets through their life without knowing what there is to know about everybody else. What’s that saying about the apple not falling far from the tree? If Austin had it in him to kill, his son might have the same.”
    “I’ll talk to him.”
    Satisfied, Tucker nodded. When the phone rang, they both ignored it. From upstairs, Susie answered it on the second ring. “You’re going to be at Sweetwater tonight, for the fireworks?”
    “Unless I want my wife and kids to leave me.”
    “Carl, too?”
    “No reason for him to stay in town when everybody’ll be out at your place. Why?”
    Tucker moved his shoulders restlessly. “A lot of people, a lot of noise and confusion. I’m worried, especially about Josie and Caroline. I’d feel better knowing you and Carl are close.”
    “Burke.” Susie came in. She was still in her robe, smelling of her shower with carnation-scented soap. Studying her, Burke thought she looked no more than twenty.
    “Was that the office?” he asked her.
    “No, it was Della.” She laid her hand over Tucker’s. “Matthew Burns had Dwayne brought in for questioning.”
    If he hadn’t been so infuriated, Tucker would have been amused. The idea of Dwayne, soft-hearted, bleary-eyed Dwayne, as a murder suspect was certainly laughable. The fact that his brother had been yanked out ofbed and driven into town to be questioned by some smug-faced FBI agent was not.
    Struggling with his temper, Tucker walked into the sheriff’s office with Burke. He wouldn’t lose it, he promised himself. It would suit Burns too well to kick him out. Instead, he flipped his brother a cigarette, then lighted one for himself.
    “You getting an early start today, Burns,” Tucker said mildly. “Guess you forgot today’s a national holiday.”
    “I’m aware of the date.” Burns stretched his legs behind Burke’s desk and kept his hands folded on top. “I’m also aware that you have a parade scheduled for noon. My business won’t interfere with your town’s celebrations. Sheriff, I’m told you’ll be blocking off the main drag by ten.”
    “That’s right.”
    “I’d like my car moved where I’ll be able to get in and out of town as necessary.” Taking out his keys, he set them on the edge of the desk.
    Carl saw the flare in Burke’s eyes and stepped forward. “I’ll move it on down to Magnolia.” Jingling the keys in his hand, he stopped by Tucker. “I’m sorry, Tuck. I had orders to bring him in.”
    “It’s all right, Carl. It shouldn’t take long to straighten this out. Heard your girl’s going to be twirling today.”
    “She’s been practicing day and night. Her grand-pappy bought one of those video recorders so he can shoot her whole routine as she marches.”
    “I’m sure that’s fascinating, Deputy,” Burns put in, “but we have business to conduct here,” His gaze shifted to Tucker. “Official business.”
    “I’ll be sure to watch for her myself, Carl,” Tucker said. He waited until the deputy went out before taking another drag. “Dwayne, did they read you your rights?”
    “Mr. Longstreet isn’t under arrest. Yet,” Burns interrupted. “He’s merely being questioned.”
    “He’s got a right to a lawyer, doesn’t he?”
    “Naturally.” Burns spread his hands. “If you’re concerned that your rights might be abused, Mr. Longstreet,or that you may incriminate yourself, please feel free to call your attorney. We’ll be happy to wait.”
    “I’d just as soon get it done.” Dwayne looked miserably at Tucker. “Sure could use some coffee, though, and a bottle of aspirin.”
    “We’ll fix you up.” Burke patted his shoulder as he walked into the bathroom.
    “This is official business, Longstreet.” Burns inclined his head in dismissal. “You have no place here.”
    “Burke deputized me.” Tucker’s lips spread in a slow smile. Though Burke paused, lifting his brows as he came back in with the aspirin, he said