Page 82 of A Mean Season

“No.”

That was evidence the police had focused on Larry and only Larry. Of course, that was not enough for a new trial. I realized I was frowning when he said, “You look unhappy.”

“Just a few more questions. Do remember if there was evidence of a struggle. Did Pete fight back?”

“I don’t remember anything like that.”

“He was dead when you got there?”

Larry couldn’t answer. He just nodded his head.

“You used a phone signal to say the coast was clear. Who else knew about that?”

“No one.”

“Tell me what you know about Coach Carrier.”

“The health teacher?”

“Yes. He was also Pete and Paulie’s tennis coach.”

“What does he have to do—”

“You told me Pete had had previous sexual relationships. I’ve learned he was involved with Coach Carrier.”

I could see that he was struggling with that.

“He was old,” he said, softly.

“Yes, he was quite a bit older than Pete.”

“There are men in here, that’s what they did. That’s why they’re here. They had sex with kids Pete’s age.”

I nodded agreement.

“I spoke with Coach Carrier’s wife. She says he told her that Pete was attempting to blackmail. Pete wanted money to move to Santa Barbara.”

“He wanted to—he never told me that.” He became very quiet. “He wanted to be with me? And it got him killed?”

“That’s not your fault.”

“If we hadn’t been in love…”

“The only person responsible for Pete’s death is Coach Carrier.”

“Have they arrested him?”

“No. His wife is refusing to testify. And there’s a bigger problem. He continued his behavior with teenage boys. He was beaten by the father of one of them that left him with severe brain damage. It’s unlikely he can be prosecuted.”

“This is a lot to take in.”

“I know.”

We sat quietly for a long time. He cleared his throat before he could speak again. “You’re not going to be able to get me out of here, are you?”

“It would be very difficult and could take a very long time. You’re up for parole in less than five years.”

He nodded.

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