Time stood still for a long moment while Detective Hanson looked on. The man before him seemed everything but friendly and Annabel whom he had hoped to take solace in looked scared. Something told him that her father was not very nice to her.
He sat up at once, struggling to keep whatever was left of his composure. Mr. Ford's eyes had not left him and the whole time, his men stood as if on guard, ready to pounce on him should he attempt anything stupid.
"My name is Ronnie Wheeler," He said, gulping hard.
Mr. Ford's eyes narrowed. "And you are?"
Another gulp.
"A newcomer in the county," He said, rather too suddenly. "I heard enough about Chestnut County before setting out to come here and I must say that I wasn't disappointed. It's everything I have ever wanted in a small town to retire to."
Mr. Ford's face hardened.
"I see," He said. "And where did you come from?"
