She paused. “But I have to admit that some people thought she might have left

him, although I knew she would never walk out on her sons. I’m not surprised

that you wouldn’t have known about that. Adults aren’t going to talk to little

boys about stuff like that.” “Was it that bad between them?” “I don’t know,

John. I’ve been married for twenty-two years and have three kids. My husband and

I have had our ups and downs, even gone into counseling a few times. And I have

to admit, some days I think about chucking it all. But I never really would,

because my kids are everything to me.” She paused and added, “And I do know that

your mother loved you and your brother more than anything.” “She said that to

you?” “She didn’t have to. She showed it in the way she was around you two. As a

mother I know what to look for now. Jackie adored you both.” Puller couldn’t say

anything for a few moments. “I appreciate you telling me that.” “So I can also

tell you that the reason she didn’t come home that night had nothing to do with

either of you.” “What about my father?” Now Carol didn’t say anything for a few

moments. “I’m not sure what you’re suggesting.” “I’ve heard people suggest that

my father might have been the reason my mother didn’t come home that night.”

“But he wasn’t even in town. At least that’s what I was told.” “What if he were?

Was there scuttlebutt about that?” “Not in my house. But then again, my dad

thought your father walked on water.” “My dad had that effect on people he

commanded.” He paused, forming his next question. “Carol, how was my mom dressed

that night?” “Dressed?” “Yeah, casual or…?” “Oh, no, not casual. Nice dress,

heels, panty hose, some jewelry, her hair done up, makeup and everything. She

was really beautiful. I remember thinking as she walked out the door that she

was really put together. Funny, I remember that so vividly. But teenage girls

are very much into clothes and accessories. I can tell you from experiences with