The Name on the Broadcast novel · Chapter 10 of 24

Chapter 10: The Pear Tree

The key turned at seven.

"Laney Jean! Come down and say good morning to the sheriff."

I'd slept in my jeans. I didn't change.

The sheriff was at the kitchen table in my father's chair with a cup of coffee and a slice of yesterday's pie.

He stood up when I came in.

He always did that, because he thought it made him a gentleman.

"Morning, Miss College."

"Morning."

"Sit down, honey," Grandma said. "Eat something."

I sat. She put a plate of eggs in front of me.

I didn't touch it.

"Your grandma tells me you had a rough night," the sheriff said. "Your daddy got into the bottle and got to talking."

"He did."

"He does that." The sheriff shook his head sadly. "Twenty years he's been telling that story. It changes every time. One year she drowned. One year she ran off with a trucker."

"That's not true."

"Isn't it?" He smiled. "Well. You were four. You'd know."

Grandma poured him more coffee.

"I'm going to take your daddy for a little drive today," he said. "There's a place two counties over where they help men like him. Dry him out. Get him right with the Lord."

My spoon was in my hand. I didn't remember picking it up.

"He doesn't want to go."

"He already agreed. He's packing a bag."

Down the hall, I could hear a drawer opening and closing. Opening and closing.

They were taking away the only person who'd said it out loud.

"And I'll need your car keys, honey," the sheriff said.

"Why?"

"Roads up here are slick this time of year, and you're upset. I'd never forgive myself if you went in a ditch." He held out his big pink palm. "I'll leave them with your grandma Monday morning, when you're feeling more yourself."

"Laney," Grandma said softly. "Do what the man asks."

She was looking out the window at the house next door.

I got my keys out of my jacket.

I put them in his hand.

"Good girl," he said.

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