IT WAS A LITTLE AFTER FOUR IN THE MORNING WHEN FIELDING got to Batey’s house. He had to knock a few times and then ring the doorbell before the front light came on over the porch. Batey answered. He was standing in his robe. Eyes not quite open. What are you doing? Batey said. You have any idea what time it is?
Early, Fielding said.
Hell, Batey said, it’s still late. What are you doing over here? You drunk?
A little.
Well, go home and sleep it off.
Batey was turning back into the house when Fielding said, I think I saw him.
Batey stopped. Said, Saw who?
Him.
I ain’t in the mood for games.
Him. Whoever it was that burned up that girl.
Where were you?
The beach. Went down there.
Why did you do that?
Don’t know. Somethin didn’t feel right.
No shit it didn’t feel right.
I saw him, Fielding said. I know I did.
Batey looked down at his watch.
You know what time it is?
Early, Fielding said again.
Alright, Batey said. Come on. I’ll get some coffee going.
They sat in Batey’s kitchen and Fielding told him the story. The full story. Every detail down to the wet dune grass he had to push through. When he was done he just clasped his hands around the coffee mug, looking into it. Looking like a man awaiting a trial.
Now why did I need to know about the grass being so wet?
I don’t know, Fielding said.
Batey nodded.
How do you know it was him?
Jest know.
Batey nodded again.
You tell anyone else about it? You go to the police?
No. Jest you for now.
You get a plate or anything?
Little hard to get a plate when the damn car is tryin to run yeh over.
Batey nodded. Yeah, he said. I suppose.
They heard the sound of feet on the stairs.
Uh-oh, Batey said.
Coraline came into the doorway and leaned against the jamb and crossed her arms. Fielding and Batey looked at her like two caught teenagers. Coraline was squinting in the harsh light. Her feet were bare. She stood there in her robe looking a little annoyed.
Batey pointed a finger at Fielding. Said, His fault.
So you’re the one who stole my man from my bed, she said.
Sorry, mam, Fielding said. I’ll be gettin on.
He went to stand but she stopped him.
Anything that would keep Dee from snuggling into this is probably worthwhile.
She moved into the kitchen.
Let me get some breakfast going for you boys, she said.
That’s mighty kind of yeh, Fielding said, but I’ll be headed out.
The hell you will, she said. Now sit.
She opened the refrigerator and took out eggs and a package of bacon and butter. She opened the freezer and took out hash-browns. She took two skillets down from the cupboard. Fielding looked at Batey. Batey just raised his shoulders. She scooped in the butter and cracked the eggs into the skillet and laid the bacon into the other. Coraline yawned, but only because it seemed rude not to.
Honey, I’ll finish that up, Batey said.
I’m up, she said. I’ll just toss and turn wondering about what you boys are talking about. What are you talking about anyway?
Fielding almost got himself run over tonight, Batey said.
Don’t joke, Coraline said.
Tell her, Batey said.
Fielding told her and by the end of it Coraline had forgotten about the eggs and they were burning in the skillet.
You tell the police yet? she asked.
Not yet, Fielding said.
Sounds like something they might want to know about.
We’ll head over when they open up, Batey said.
You poor man, Coraline said. You don’t look banged up.
Grass was soft, Fielding said.
Still, she said. She looked back at the burning eggs. Shoot, she said.