Where the Crawdads Sing
by Delia Owens
Contents
28. The Shrimper
Overview
In a crowded bar, shrimper Hal Miller quietly tells Sheriff Ed he saw Kya motoring without lights toward the fire tower around 1:45 a.m. the night Chase died. Ed deems the tip critical, plans formal statements, and considers a search warrant to look for red fibers linking Kya to Chase.
Summary
At the Dog-Gone beer hall, Sheriff Ed and Deputy Joe mingle with fishermen, fielding questions and rumors about Chase Andrews’s death. Amid the chatter, Ed notices Hal Miller asking to speak privately.
Hal, uneasy and “haunted,” reports that on the night Chase died, he and fellow crewman Allen Hunt saw the Marsh Girl, Kya, motoring out of the bay at roughly 1:45 a.m., running without lights and on a course toward the fire tower’s nearby landing. He explains they only later connected the timing to Chase’s death.
Sheriff Ed recognizes the importance of the sighting, assures Hal he did right, and says he will bring in both Hal and Allen for formal statements. Hal declines another beer and leaves.
Outside, Ed briefs Joe. Joe believes the tip nearly clinches the case. Ed, more cautious, says it might justify a warrant to search Kya’s place for red fibers matching those found on Chase’s clothes and emphasizes they must confirm Kya’s account of that night.
Who Appears
- Sheriff EdLeads the investigation; treats Hal’s tip as crucial; considers a search warrant and fiber comparison.
- Deputy JoeAssists Ed at the bar; reacts that the tip nearly seals the case; urges action.
- Hal MillerShrimper who reports seeing Kya boating without lights toward the fire tower around 1:45 a.m.
- Kya (the Marsh Girl)Not present; implicated by a reported sighting near the fire tower the night Chase died.
- Allen HuntShrimper named by Hal as a corroborating witness; expected to give a statement.