"What about him?" "You knew him." "Yes." She could tell that Chief, like her, was somewhat taken aback by his candor. They hadn't expected him to be this forthcoming. In fact, Chief had expressed a desire to beat the truth out of Jem Hennings if he gave them evasive answers to their questions. Jem's straightforwardness made her increasingly wary. He wouldn't admit to knowing his fiancee's murderer unless he felt confident that he was under someone's protection and that this truth would never come to the attention of the authorities." --