Colt guessed the man was probably in his early sixties. His tan, open collar knit shirt with Clever Elementary School stitched on the upper left side was tucked into a pair of navy-blue pants cinched with a brown belt. Colt knew from school records that the bus driver was retired Army. But even if he hadn't known, the man's high-and-tight haircut, straight stance, and sturdy black military boots would've made his service obvious.
"I'm Deputy Colt Ashford." Colt held out his hand. "I want to talk to you about Lila Mills."
Earl picked up a rag and cleaned his hands before giving Colt a quick, firm shake. "I figured. Don't know how much I can help you."
"Did you see her this morning?"
He squinted at Colt. "Nope. I wish I had."
"You see anyone hanging around who seemed suspicious or who didn't belong?"
"In that neighborhood? Hard to tell." He shrugged. "I probably would've noticed a creeper,
though."
"What about the kids at the bus stop? You ever see them interact with Lila?"
