Chapter 27
I parked right by Herman’s door and climbed out of my car, then paused a moment to collect my thoughts. What had transpired between those two? Couldn’t storm into that room like a panicked lover. Had to remember I was a fishing buddy and nothing more. I tucked my shirt neatly into my jeans and walked up to the door on the first floor of the two-story motel. In the small window, the curtains were draw shut. I knocked.
It was a while before Herman came scuffling to the door. “He ain’t here,” he said, his scruffy face appearing in the wedge. “I told you.”
“What happened, Herman?” My voice was gentle. I could see how frazzled Herman was, though he was trying to hide it. He seemed so vulnerable. “Can I come in for a second?”
A shadow of a doubt passed over his face, but he opened
