Max
- The Op runs into MacSwain, a shadowy figure in a dark alley. (There's some classic noir description here.) Upon questioning, MacSwain tells the Op that Max killed Tim.
- Then out of the blue, the Op accuses MacSwain of being the killer. Did we miss something here?
- The Op explains that in his opinion, this is what happened that night: Before Tim died, the name that he whispered into Myrtle's ear wasn't Max. It was MacS ... as in the first syllable of MacSwain. Bet you weren't expecting that plot twist.
- MacSwain spends some time trying to weasel his way out of the Op's accusation, but eventually has to admit that the Op nailed him.
- MacSwain explains that his wife had fallen for Tim, so when MacSwain saw Tim at Mock Lake, the two of them got in a fight and a gun accidentally went off.
- MacSwain hadn't intended to kill Tim, but when Myrtle mistakenly thought that Max was the killer, MacSwain kept his mouth shut.
- The Op is pleased because he can feel that Poisonville is beginning to boil over, and that his plan to keep Noonan and Max split is working.
- At last, we're getting somewhere.