Too Far Gone

58

When Veronica Malouf answered her door and saw Alexa, her face crumpled.

“This isn’t a good time,” she said, after looking up and down the street.

Alexa heard the volume of the stereo drop and knew Veronica wasn’t alone. “I hope I’m not interrupting anything.”

“I have a friend here.”

“That’s fine. I don’t have time to come in.”

“What do you want?”

“A favor.”

“What kind?” Veronica pulled the door shut behind her.

“I want you to go to the hospital and get me a set of records.”

“I gave you everything I had.”

“On Sibby. But I need the records on another inmate.”

“Who?”

“Leland Ticholet.”

“Who?”

“Swamp Boy.”

“Now?”

“Yes, now.”

“But I never go there after five. The offices are closed except for a skeleton crew. How about early in the morning? I might not be able to come back home. The way back into town is being blocked by highway patrolmen.”

“If they won’t let you through, call me.”

“You’re going to get me fired,” Veronica said weakly.

“That is the least of your worries,” Alexa told her.