"I dunno," Dave says, stifling a sigh. "I was around back, ran in when I heard a yell an' somebody hit the floor."

Mrs. Freeda hunches her shoulders and purses her lips.

"I'm real sorry I hit Sheriff Pardy, but I thought somebody was breakin' in."

Chris shines a penlight in Bill's eyes while Jay looks toward Mrs. Freeda.

"Ma'am, do you know if he was unconscious for any amount of time, even for just a few seconds?"

A pause, and she shakes her head.

"I don't know, son."

While Chris checks Bill's pupils, he clears his throat.

"Sheriff, what month is it?"