Chapter Sixteen
“What?”
“That’s right,” he said in that same gruff voice, “my mother thinks I killed two old ladies and Rufus.”
I said slowly, “What makes you think that?”
He shrugged. “She never trusts me. Mom always thinks I’m up to no good or falling down on the job. The ‘job’ is to be the perfect son who always combs his hair, wears dressy clothes, and makes great grades. She thinks I’m actually a total mess.”
I could see through Lyle’s tough exterior that he was really hurt and confused by his mother’s behavior. Before I could say anything, though, he continued talking.
“I know about my mom’s affair, see.” The glimpse of hurt I’d seen on his face was now much more visible.
“I’m sorry, Lyle. I didn’t realize she was having one.”
He nodded. “She was. With Rufus.” He looked up at
