Page 83 of Don't Say a Word

I thought about mentioning the pictures Elijah took of people going in and out of the Cactus Stop, but didn’t really know what to make of it yet. And if I did figure it out, I’d want to talk directly to Benny.

“Benny wasn’t working there at the time,” Chris said. “He felt like shit when he realized that he probably got the job because Elijah died. He even thought about quitting, but I talked him out of it. Like I said, our dad is an asshole, and even though he has plenty of money to help out, he won’t give us a dime for college or trade school. Benny needs the job.”

I saw Angie exit the school and walk slowly toward my car. I had maybe a minute.

“I don’t want to jam up your brother, I’m just asking questions. Do you remember Coach Bradford?”

“Sure.”

“Did you know any of the students who worked for him?”

“Probably, but I don’t remember anyone specifically.”

“Could you name someone on campus who deals drugs?”

“Now? No. I never bought drugs. I mean—we all kind of knew Scott Jimenez was the go-to guy if you wanted something, but that was three years ago and he went to jail. No one knew Coach Bradford was involved until he was arrested.”

“If you think of anyone, call me, okay?”

“But you’re just trying to find out where Elijah got the drugs, right?”

“That, among other things.”

“I don’t really talk to anyone from high school anymore.”

“Maybe you should touch bases with Angie sometime.”

“I’ve tried,” he said, sounding irritated.

I wanted to follow up, but Angie was approaching my Jeep.

“Thanks for your help,” I said and ended the call just as Angie opened the passenger door.

She put her backpack on the floor and pulled out two yearbooks. “I checked them out of the library,” she said.

“Thanks,” I said.

“Why do you want them?”

“I’m looking into the arrest of a coach your freshman year.”

“Coach Bradford,” she said.

“Yep.” I flipped through pages. “Know him?”

“Not really. I remember when he was arrested though, because Gina knew him. Because of volleyball.”

“He coached volleyball too?”

“No, but he would go to the games sometimes.”

There were a lot of photos of the football team, and some of the faces were small. “I need to borrow this,” I said. “I promise I’ll get them back in good condition.”

She shrugged. “It’s fine.”

“Do you need a ride anywhere?”

“I’m going to the volleyball game. It starts in a few minutes. Have you found out what happened to Elijah?”