Free (1995) The Oath by Frank Peretti Page A

stuff. You know, hunting, fishing, that kind of thing. But he shot a lot of pictures in the old mining towns. He’s always liked getting into the history and the people.”
    “So, he was away from home a lot?”
    Evelyn hesitated just slightly before answering. “Sure. He had to go where the pictures were.”
    “That must have been tough.”
    Evelyn shrugged a little and sighed. “I took it in stride.”
    “But that’s why you wanted to get away together? Just to spend time together for a change?”
    Evelyn sounded just a little perturbed. “I believe I just said that.”
    “So, how would you say your marriage was going? Were you doing okay?”
    Steve didn’t say anything, but that question seemed a little odd. Maybe Tracy was just making bedside conversation.
    “It wasn’t a fiery romance; it wasn’t a soap opera,” Evelyn answered. “It was just kind of in between.”
    Tracy smiled. “In between.”
    “We got along when we were together. When we weren’t together it was kind of hard to tell.”
    Evelyn’s tone was composed, but Steve had seen that look on Evelyn’s face before. Tracy had better be careful.
    “So things were going okay, but not . . .” Tracy prodded.
    “Not real okay.” Evelyn went no further.
    Tracy scribbled some notes then asked, “Evelyn, do you own a hunting knife?”
    “Yes. Both of us did.”
    Steve interjected, “She and Cliff used to go hunting a lot.”
    “Okay,” Tracy replied, jotting it down. “Evelyn, when you were found Saturday night, you still had your knife in your hand, and the blade was broken. Do you remember that at all?”
    Evelyn took a moment to search her memory. “Maybe. Kind of like a dream . . . I’m not sure.”
    “Do you have any recollection of attacking anything, having any kind of struggle and using your knife?”
    Evelyn was becoming visibly upset. “I don’t know! There’s just this—this—it’s like a dream in my head, and I can’t remember it.”
    Steve spoke softly, afraid he might press too far. “Evie, we’re looking for a bear, okay? We figure it was a grizzly that got Cliff. Do you remember anything like that?” He was obviously leading the witness, but he didn’t care.
    Evelyn closed her eyes. “Steve, I can close my eyes, and all I see is a big shadow.”
    “Did you attack it?” Tracy asked.
    “Well, I guess I did.” Now Evelyn’s voice had an edge to it. “Wouldn’t you?”
    “There was blood on your clothing and on the knife. Do you recall that at all?”
    Evelyn stiffened with the memory. “I remember some blood.”
    “Do you remember where it came from?”
    Evelyn looked straight at Tracy Ellis, tears filling her eyes. “I understand it came from my husband.”
    Steve could read Evelyn’s face clearly: A line had been crossed, a limit exceeded. He cut in. “Evie, that’s okay. You don’t have to talk about it anymore.”
    Tracy looked his way. She obviously didn’t appreciate his intruding on her investigation.
    And Steve didn’t appreciate her questions. He addressed Evelyn, the one whose feelings he cared about. “This whole thing’s been real tough, I know. Let’s let it go for now, and you just rest up.”
    Tracy, to her credit, picked up Steve’s cue, and relaxed. “Yeah, just rest up. I’m very sorry to have to ask you such tough questions.”
    Evelyn’s gaze told Tracy she was not forgiven. “Just doing your job, I guess.”
    Steve rose to his feet. “I’ve got some other things I want to look into. You just get better.” He bent down and kissed Evelyn on the forehead.
    “Thanks for your time,” said Tracy.
    Evelyn turned her back to the deputy sheriff.
    STEVE AND TRACY made their way to the waiting area near the nurses’ station. Each had an agenda for a serious talk and couldn’t wait to get started.
    “I’d like to know what that was all about,” Steve demanded, trying to keep his voice low.
    Tracy tried the person-in-charge approach. “I knew this would be a problem,