Vision of Shadows by Vincent Morrone

would Jared, or any other kid, want to be there?”
    “Boys are different than girls,” Payne answered . “Especially at that age. What grosses you out make us go cool!”
    I raised my eyebrows. “Really?”
    “Strange but true,” Uncle Mark said. “But we’re getting off track here.”
    “So we are .” Payne smiled. “Bristol has a way of distracting me.”
    I felt myself blush at his comment and thanke d God he didn’t elaborate. I had no idea what Uncle Mark was thinking right about then, but I was sure I would get an earful soon enough.
    “So, here’s what I’m guessing,” Payne continued . “I think that one of Boomer’s customers left after tying one too many on, and went there to do whatever, and accidentally hit Jared while driving drunk.”
    M y uncle glanced behind him, where the still officially unidentified body lay. “You’re thinking he was killed by a drunk driver?”
    “Yeah,” Payne confirmed. “Then they buried him here to cover it up.”
    As Uncle Mark considered Payne’s theory, I could sense a cold fury welling inside of Payne. He was hiding it well, but there was a lethal anger boiling within him.
    “It’s possible,” Uncle Mark allowed . “But there are other possibilities as well. I don’t want you to go off and start accusing anybody until we have more facts. Understand, Payne?”
    Payne looked up as some of the deputies started to approach. 
    “I understand exactly what you’re saying, Sheriff Blackburn,” Payne answered.
    There was a moment of silence , and I waited to see if Uncle Mark would point out to Payne that there was a difference between understanding and obeying. 
    Payne and I moved off a bit and watched as everyone did their jobs.  Every few minutes or so, I would catch someone glancing in our direction. I couldn’t tell if they were glancing at me, at Payne , or at the two of us together. The exception was a young, blond female deputy, who was very clearly looking at Payne. I found myself getting a little pissy over it, but was satisfied that Payne never glanced in her direction. He remained fixated on the area where the remains were being worked on.
    Then it happened. My uncle’s face changed. It was subtle, but if you were watching carefully you could see it. He reached down, took something , and brought it to Payne.
    “Payne, this isn’t proof positive but…” My uncle held out a dirty blue cap with “NY Giants” written on the front. 
    “It’s his,” Payne said. 
    Uncle Mark didn’t argue. “I’m sorry. I had always hoped…”
    Payne nodded. “I know you did. I know you never stopped looking. You’ve followed up on any lead, no matter how small. You’ve even looked in on my aunt to let her know that you’ve never forgotten.”
    “I haven’t , and I won’t,” Uncle Mark affirmed. “I’ll find who did this. We aren’t supposed to make promises, but I give you my word I will find whoever did this.”
    “I know what your word is worth, sir,” Payne replied.
    Uncle Mark sighed. “Come on. I’ll take you home after I drop Bristol off. I’ve got to go see your aunt.”
    Payne nodded. “I should go , too, sir. She’ll need me.”
    “Payne,” Uncle Mark said, “you’re only seventeen. You shouldn’t take the weight of this on your shoulders. I can call another family member to meet me there. Your grandfather…”
    “No , sir,” Payne said. “This is my responsibility. I need to do this. Please.”
    Uncle Mark nodded. “Ok ay, let’s drop Bristol at home first and then…”
    “I can walk, Uncle Mark,” I said. “I’d kinda like to. I could use the walk to clear my head. We’re not far from home.”
    Uncle Mark didn’t look pleased, but after a moment’s thought, he agreed. He told Payne to give him a few minutes to talk to his deputies, which gave me a moment alone with Payne.
    “Thank you , Bristol,” Payne said. “For everything.”
    I smiled back. “I’m just glad I could help. Let your aunt know