“That I don’t know nothing about what happened, and that’s what you’re going to tell them, too.”
“You think I should?”
“I sure do.” Evans made smoke-rings. He was surprised at how easily he was able to take all this. He felt certain that Bervick had been responsible for the Chief’s death. He should report what he knew but he would not. He would rather protect Bervick. Duval was dead now and he saw no reason why anyone else should be hurt.
“You know I didn’t push him,” said Bervick. He looked strained, Evans thought.
“O.K., then you didn’t. I don’t care.”
“I just want you to get that clear. I didn’t push him or do anything else. He just lost his balance.”
“I believe you,” said Evans, and he almost did.
“I don’t want to talk about this any more. Is that all right with you?”
“Sure it is. You know what my report’s going to be. Let’s forget about it.”
“Fine.” Bervick looked better already, and Evans wondered if perhaps Bervick was telling the truth. Evans puffed on his cigarette. He was not curious to know what had happened and he would probably never know. It was Bervick’s business, not his.