Where the Crawdads Sing
by Delia Owens
Contents
32. Alibi
Overview
News emerges that Kya was in Greenville the night Chase died, corroborated by Tate, Jumpin’, and Miss Pansy Price. The sheriff doubts the alibi, proposing it could be staged.
Bus schedules show a same-night round trip was feasible, prompting the sheriff to seek a warrant and intensifying suspicion.
Summary
A gale lashes Barkley Cove as Sheriff Ed Jackson hears Deputy Joe’s update. Joe reports he couldn’t find Kya but learned at Jumpin’s marina that Jumpin’ and Tate both say Kya went to Greenville for publisher meetings and only learned of Chase’s death upon her return.
The sheriff acknowledges the alibi but remains wary, recalling a shrimper’s sighting of a boat heading toward the tower that night. He suggests the witness could be mistaken and decides they must verify the travel details.
After lunch, Miss Pansy Price arrives and testifies she saw Kya board the 2:30 P.M. bus on October 28 and return at 1:16 on October 30. She notes others at Kress’s also witnessed this, reinforcing the alibi.
Ed argues the trip might have been staged to create witnesses. Joe retrieves bus schedules, which confirm an overnight round trip between Greenville and Barkley Cove was possible, leaving time to reach the fire tower. Concluding the alibi does not clear Kya, Ed says, “I say we get a warrant.”
Who Appears
- Sheriff Ed JacksonLeads the investigation; tests Kya’s alibi against bus schedules and decides to seek a warrant.
- Deputy JoeBrings news from Jumpin’ and Tate; gathers bus schedules; weighs feasibility of a covert return.
- Miss Pansy PriceKress’s employee; witnessed Kya’s bus departure and return, providing specific dates and times.
- Kya ClarkSubject of the investigation; allegedly traveled to Greenville for publisher meetings during Chase’s death.
- Tate WalkerBiologist; corroborates Kya’s Greenville trip and explains helping her buy the ticket.
- Jumpin’Marina owner; states Kya was away and that he informed her of Chase’s death.