35. Roland Talks
Roland returned to the microphone. Grady could see the triumph in his eyes as he said “Alright, Alright.”
Let’s calm down. Don’t worry, sheriff, I will be brief.
Grady was smiling tightly. Roland continued: “I would like to thank everyone at Merriview for their warm welcome. When my car broke down I was so scared I didn’t even know what to do. “But, here I am.”
36. Roland Winks at Grady
“Thanks for the help of Dr. Roberts and Heidi, Hank and you all, I have never felt so at home. After a long journey, I feel at home. You’ve become my friends. Yes, even you, Sheriff.”
Roland hit him in the face with a roguish wink. Grady did not respond.
As I said, we are all now friends. “I want to tell you something important, my friends.”