19. Something Going On

Summary

• Starting on the eighth day after finding Chase Andrews's body, Deputy Purdue walks into the office, bringing coffee and donuts for himself and the sheriff, Ed.
• They both claim they have news to share, and Purdue shares first. From his sources, he's heard Andrews had been secretive and frequenting the marsh alone for the past four years.
• Purdue hypothesizes that Andrews might have been involved with drugs due to his solo trips to the marsh. Alternatively, he could have secretly been meeting a woman, even if he publicly associated only with the upscale Barkley elite.
• Ed is skeptical but agrees that this discovery adds a new layer to Andrews's life and that they should investigate further.
• Ed shares his news next, mentioning that Chase's mother called. She believes that the shell necklace her son constantly wore may be a clue in the case. She plans to discuss it with them later in the day.
• The lawmen wonder if the crime was murder due to the lack of evidence, which they think may have been destroyed by the marsh's environment. Before Chase's mother Patti Love arrives, they decide to have lunch.