A Song for the Dead (D.K. Hood)

ASONGFORTHEDEADATOTALLYADDICTIVEEDGE-OF-YOUR-SEATCRIMETHRILLERDETECTIVESKANEANDALTONBOOK21D.K.HOODBOOKSBYD.K.HOODDETECTIVEBETHKATZSERIES
WildflowerGirls
ShadowAngels
DarkHearts
DETECTIVESKANEANDALTONPREQUELS
LoseYourBreath
Don’tLookBack
DETECTIVESKANEANDALTONSERIES
Don’tTellaSoul
BringMeFlowers
FollowMeHome
TheCryingSeason
WhereAngelsFear
WhisperintheNight
BreaktheSilence
HerBrokenWings
HerShallowGrave
PromisesintheDark
BeMineForever
CrossMyHeart
FallenAngel
PrayforMercy
KissHerGoodnight
HerBleedingHeart
ChaseHerShadow
NowYouSeeMe
TheirWickedGames
WhereHiddenSoulsLie
ASongfortheDead
AVAILABLEINAUDIO
DETECTIVEBETHKATZSERIES
WildflowerGirls(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
ShadowAngels(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
DETECTIVESKANEANDALTONPREQUELS
LoseYourBreath(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
Don’tLookBack(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
DETECTIVESKANEANDALTONSERIES
Don’tTellaSoul(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
BringMeFlowers(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
FollowMeHome(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
TheCryingSeason(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
WhereAngelsFear(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
WhisperintheNight(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
BreaktheSilence(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
HerBrokenWings(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
HerShallowGrave(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
PromisesintheDark(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
BeMineForever(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
CrossMyHeart(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
FallenAngel(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
PrayforMercy(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
KissHerGoodnight(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
HerBleedingHeart(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
ChaseHerShadow(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
NowYouSeeMe(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
TheirWickedGames(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
WhereHiddenSoulsLie(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
CONTENTSPrologueChapter1Chapter2Chapter3Chapter4Chapter5Chapter6Chapter7Chapter8Chapter9Chapter10Chapter11Chapter12Chapter13Chapter14Chapter15Chapter16Chapter17Chapter18Chapter19Chapter20Chapter21Chapter22Chapter23Chapter24Chapter25Chapter26Chapter27Chapter28Chapter29Chapter30Chapter31Chapter32Chapter33Chapter34Chapter35Chapter36Chapter37Chapter38Chapter39Chapter40Chapter41Chapter42Chapter43Chapter44Chapter45Chapter46Chapter47Chapter48Chapter49Chapter50EpilogueHearMorefromD.K.HoodBooksbyD.K.HoodALetterfromD.K.HoodWildflowerGirlsShadowAngelsDarkHeartsLoseYourBreathDon’tLookBackDon’tTellaSoulBringMeFlowersFollowMeHomeTheCryingSeasonWhereAngelsFearWhisperintheNightBreaktheSilenceHerBrokenWingsHerShallowGravePromisesintheDarkBeMineForeverCrossMyHeartFallenAngelPrayforMercyKissHerGoodnightHerBleedingHeartChaseHerShadowNowYouSeeMeTheirWickedGamesWhereHiddenSoulsLieAcknowledgmentsPublishingTeam*ToWendy,abeautifulladywithaheartofgold.Thisoneisforyou.
PROLOGUESATURDAY
DarkshadowssurroundedFreyaRichardsonassheleftthebeautyparlorandheadeddownMain.Thecoldnightairpenetratedhercoat,sendingashivercrawlingdownherspine.Cleaningthebeautyparlorafterclosinghadseemedlikeagoodideaatthetime,well,beforehertruckhaddied.Walkinghomealoneatnightwasfastbecominganightmare.Onherwaytowork,Mainwasusuallybusywithpeopledroppingbyformealsortakeoutfromthelocaldiners,butnowitwasaftereleven.Silencesurroundedherandherfootstepsechoedasshepassedbyeachalleyway.Nervesonedge,sheslowedtocheckeachonebeforemovingforward.Thesensationofbeingwatchedhadstartedlastweekandcontinued—first,apricklingofneckhairsandthesensethatsomeonewasrightbehindher,followedbyturningtofindnobodythere—buttheweekbeforeHalloweenalwaysputheronedge.ThetownofBlackRockFallswentalloutoverthefestival.Itwastotalimmersion,withdisplaysineverystorefrontandspillingontothesidewalk.Movingcautiously,
Anoisefrombehindhadherspinningaroundandherheartpounding.Shesearchedthepuddlesofyellowfromthestreetlightsforanysignsofmovement.Nothingstirredintheshadows,butabove,anowlflewsoundlesslyfromtreetotreewithamousedanglinglifelessinitsbeak.AsthebirddivedacrossMain,thestreetlightilluminateditsoutstretchedwingsagainstthedarkskyforasecond.Freyawrappedhercoattighteracrossherchestandkeptgoing.Shepassedthetownhallandthenthesheriff’sofficeandturnedleft.Shewalkedfaster.Herethestreetlightsspreadout,leavingdarkspacesinbetween,butshereachedMaple,andahead,lightstreamedfromthemedicalexaminer’sbuilding.Itnowtookuptheentireblock,incorporatingtwolargeoldred-brickbuildings.Shehurriedon,gladofthelightsplashingacrossthesidewalkandturnedontoElm.Ahead,twomoreemptybuildings,withFORSALEsignsinthewindows,andthenshe’darriveatherbuilding.Itwasanoldfirestationconvertedintosixapartments.Beyond,alineofoldred-brickbuildingswerecurrentlybeingsoldforrenovation.Thisblockofoldindustrialbuildingshadbecomeagoldmine.Asthepopulationincreased,theneedformorelocalhousinghadexplodedintosmallapartments.
Freyaslowedherpaceasshenearedherbuildingandswallowedhard.Thelightoverthefrontentrancewasout.Thefoyerwasindarknessandyetshe’dturnedonthelightswhenshe’dleftearlier.Feargrippedherasshelookedaround,fumblinginherpurseforherkeys.Sighingwithreliefasherfingersclosedaroundthecoldmetal,sheranupthestepsandpressedinthecodeforthemaindoor.Herfootstepssoundeddeafeningasshedashedthroughthefoyeranddownthepassagewaytoherapartment.Gladshe’dchosenoneonthegroundfloor,shefumbledgettingthekeyintothelock.Atlast,thedoorflewopenandshefellinsidepanting.Onehandwenttoturnonthelights,theothertolockthedoorbehindher.Sheleanedagainstthedoor,lookingaroundtheroom.Seeingitwasjustasshe’dleftit,shetookadeepbreathandkickedoffhershoes.Shedroppedherpurseandphoneonthecounterandheadedforthebedroom.Shebenttolookunderthebedand,feelingstupid,straightened,shakingherhead.“You’regettingtheHalloweenspooksagain.”
Sheremovedhercoat,undressed,andwentintothebathroom.Alonghotshowerandaglassofmilkandshe’dsleeplikeababy.Tomorrowshehadafewjobinterviews.Anythingwouldbebetterthanwalkinghomeinthedarkeachnight.Shedidn’townaweaponforprotectionandhadplannedtobuyonebeforehertruckdied.Rightnow,therepairshad
I’mgoingtokillyou.
Asthelettersdrippeddowntheglass,andherreflectioncleared,ascreamcaughtinFreya’sthroat.Behindher,amaninagrotesqueHalloweenmaskwasholdingaknifeandtwistingitasifshowingher.Terrified,shegapedathim,frozenwithfear.Herheadjerkedback,andthecoldbladeslicedacrossherthroat.Brilliantredbloodsplashedacrossthemirrorandthebrightbathroomlightfaded.
“HappyHalloween,Freya.”
ONEMONDAY
ColdseepedthrougheveryseamofSheriffJennaAlton’sclothesasshescannedthepartiallyexposedgravesites.ItwasatypicallateOctobermorninginBlackRockFalls,Montana.Deepintheforest,theconstantspillofwatervaporrisingfromtherivercreptthroughthetrees,makingallaroundherdampandcold.Thewaterysunandthestiffbreezefromthemountainswouldeventuallyblowawaythemist,butrightnow,itjustaddedtothelevelofcreepyshe’dcometoexpectfortheweekorsobeforeHalloween.Anyplansshe’dmadeforthefestivalmightaswellbetossedintothewind,becauseassureasthesunwouldriseinthemorning,somethingwouldhappentospoilthem.ItwasherfirstHalloweenwithheradoptedson,Tauri,aninquisitivefour-year-oldwiththeeyecolorofaneagle.Herex-specialforceshusbandanddeputy,DaveKane,hadwantedtomakeitaspecialfamilyoccasion.
Inthefiveyearsorsosinceshefoughtherwaytosheriff,lifehadbeenalittlecrazy.Thesleepytownthatwitnessprotectionhadsettledherinwasfarfromit.Infact,herpastlifeasDEAAgentAvrilParkerhadbeentameincomparison,buttherewasnogoingback.Withanewnameandface,likeheroff-the-gridhusband,thisrealityhadbecometheirnewlivesandshelikeditjustfine.She’dgatheredafirst-rateteamaroundher.Dr.ShaneWolfe,themedicalexaminerandKane’shandler,hadbecomelikeabrother.SamewithDeputyJakeRowley,who’dcometoherasarookie,andformergoldshielddetectiveZacRio,whowasanassetwithhisretentivememory,especiallyatcrimescenes.Sheglancedaroundthesmallclearingatthefacessheknewsowell.Thenewestaddition,Dr.NorrellLarson,hadjoinedWolfe’steam.Aforensicanthropologist,sheandherteamwerecurrentlyexamininggravesfoundthroughoutStantonForestbygoodfriendandNativeAmericantrackerAtohiBlackhawk.
Thiswasthesecondgravesitethey’dvisited,butonlythisoneatthetopofBearPeakhadbeenexcavated.Itwasaslowprocess,Norrellandherteamontheirkneesalldaybrushingawaysoilandsievingit,lookingforevidence.BlackhawkhadinsistedthesegraveswerenotknownasancientNativeAmericanburialsites.SomeonehaddisposedofbodiesandNorellneededtoknowwhenthisoccurred.Whotheywerewouldcomelater.TheideaofdiggingupdeadbodiesthisclosetoHalloweensentchillsdownJenna’sspine.SheturnedtoKane.“Bothburialsitesareinthrees.”Shepulledupthehoodofherjacketandshivered.“That’sstrange,don’tyouthink?Allwithinfiftyyardsofeachotherandburiedinsetsofthree,andthenthere’sthatpartiallyduggraveinanotherdirection,butthesamefiftyyardsawayasifhe’dplannedanotherthreeandsomethinghappenedtostophim.”Shepushedahandthroughherhair.“Atleastthismeanshestoppedkilling.Iwonderwhathappenedtohim?”
“Withluckagrizzlygothim.”Riogrinned.
“Ihaveanidea.”Kanepulledouthissatellitephoneandlookedatthemaps.“Ahwell,thiswillprobablyfreakyououtasit’sHalloween.”Hismouthtwitchedatthecorners.“Allthegraves’coordinatesformaperfecttriangle.”
FrowningJennastaredathim.“Whatdoesthathavetodowithanything?”
“Folklore.”Riowasstandingontheothersideofher.“Youknow,theyhavesomanyweirdbeliefsaboutthenumberthreeandtriangles.Forinstance,somesaybadthingshappeninthrees.Otherssayit’saperfectnumber.Greekmythologysaysonething,Chinesefolkloresaysanother.ChristianshavetheHolyTrinity.”Heshrugged.“I’mguessingDaveisthinkingoutsidethebox,asinthesegravesmightbeconnectedtoacultorapersonwithcertainbeliefs.”
JennaturnedtoKane.“Isthatwhatyouthink?”
“I’mlookingatallangles.”Kane’sattentionwasfixedonthegravesite.“Wedon’tknowiftherearehumanremainsinthegraves.”Hefrowned.“Ah,Norrellhasuncoveredsomething.”
ThepinkblanketwasinremarkablygoodshapeandJennaheldherbreathasNorrellgentlyuncoveredit.Atuftofblondehairpokedoutfromaroundedskull.AsNorrellandherteamlifteditintoabodybag,shetookastepcloser.“Whatdowehave,Norrell?”
“Givemeaminute.”Withalmostreverence,Norrellunwrappedtheblanket.“It’sfemale,fromtheteethandsize,I’dsayaroundfourteentoeighteen.Therearenoremnantsofclothing.”Shepeeredcloserandshookherhead.“There’ssomethinghere,wrappedinplastic.”Shetookasmallpackagefromtheblanketanddroppeditintoanevidencebag.ShehelditouttoWolfe.“Shane,thisismoreinyourlineofexpertise.I’llcheckoutthegraveagainforanyevidence,butinmyopinion,thisyoungwomanwasjustwrappedinablanketandburied.Therewasnosignofanyritualormarkeronthegrave.Thisisjustameansofdisposal.”
“Iknowy’allareanxioustogettouncoveringthegraves.”Wolfeturnedtolookatthem.“WeneedtoallowNorrelltimetogiveeachonehercompleteattention.It’salongprocessandshecanonlyexamineonebodyatatime.”
“It’sbettertoleavetheothersundisturbeduntilIcangivethemmyfullattention.”Norrellsmiled.“Onesmallpieceoflostevidencecouldbethemissingpartofthepuzzleyou’llneedtosolvethecase.”
Jennanodded.“Yeah,thatmakesalotofsense.”Shestaredatthegrave.“Anyideahowlongthey’vebeenhere?”
“Asthegravesareinrelativelycloseproximityandwedon’tknowhowoldtheyarerightnow,youmightneedtoconsidertheydiedduringanepidemic.”Norrellfrowned.“Longago,itwouldbeconsiderednormalforpeoplelivinginthemountainstoburytheirlovedonesclosetohome.”Shesighed.“Murder,ofcourse,isalwaysaconsideration,buttherewillbesigns.”
Jennaunderstoodthelongprocessofexhumation,especiallywhenitmightbeamurder.“Okay,ifyouareabletogivemesomeideaofwhenthispersonwasburied,we’llstarthuntingdownwhatinformationisavailable.”
“AssoonasI’vemadethatdetermination,I’llcallyou.”Norrellsmiled.“Iamawarethatwinterisfastapproachingandthegroundwillbefrozenanytimesoon.IcanassureyouIwanttohavethesepeopleinmylabassoonaspossible.”SheglancedatWolfe.“Thecauseofdeathmighttaketimeifit’sbyillnessorpoison,soifit’snotobvious,I’llleavethatpartoftheinvestigationtoalaterdateandkeeponexhumingthebodies.”
Nodding,Jennasmiledather.“Thanks.Pleasecallmyofficewhenyouintendtocomebackagain.It’sreallynotsafetobeherewithoutbackup.I’dlikeatleasttwoofmydeputieswithyouatanytime.”Asacoolbreezewhisperedthroughthepines,shescannedtheforest.“It’snotjustthebears.Wedon’tknowifthisgirlwasmurdered,andifshewas,thekillercoulddropbytovisitthegraves.TheyoftendoandIwouldn’twantyouandyourteamatrisk.”
“I’llbesuretocall.”Norrellindicatedtoherteamtomoveoutwiththebodybagandevidencebagsfilledwithsoilsamplesfromthegrave.
Relievedtobeheadingbacktotheofficeandthewarm,Jennaspunaroundtoherdeputies.“Takeabreakandthenheadbacktotheoffice.We’redoneherefornow.”SheduckedunderthecrimescenetapeandfollowedKaneandtheirbloodhound,Duke,backthroughtheforest.“Isurehopewegetallthosebodiestothesurfacebeforethefirstsnoworit’sgoingtobeAprilbeforeweknowwhat’shappenedhere.”
TWO
Althoughnosmellofdeathlingeredatthegravesite,Jennahadwornamask.Shepeeleditoffandinhaledthefreshpine-scentedairwithahintofsnow.Themountaintopsalreadyhadagenerouscoatingofwhitepowderandhintedatahardwinter—oragoodwinterfortheskiresort.Shecouldhearherdeputiescomingupbehindheronthetrail.
“Whatdoyoufigureisgoingon?”Rowleycaughtuptoher.“IscoutedaroundinawideareawithBlackhawkwhenhereportedthegravesandweonlyfoundtracesofoneburned-outcabin.Allthatremainedwereafewblackenedstumps.Theresthadbeenreclaimedbytheforest.”
Inasombermood,Jennalookedathim.“That’sinteresting.Notthatwe’dfindanyevidenceaftersolong,butmaybeweshouldtakealooknexttimewe’rehere.Iactuallyhopetheydiddieofillness.Therearetoomanymurdersinmycountyandknowingthey’vebeenhappeningforyearsbeforeIarrivedintownischilling.”
“Itdoesn’thelpthatthefilingsystemwasnonexistentbeforeyoutookoffice.”KanewhistledtoDuke,whohadwanderedoffintheoppositedirection.“Itwaslikepullingteethsearchingthroughdeathnoticesinoldnewspapersandtheliketryingtodiscoverwhatwentonherebeforewearrived.”
“Tellhereverythingyouknowaboutthisarea.”Riowoundhiswaybetweenthetrees,makinghisownpathbacktothefireroadwherethey’dlefttheirvehicles.“Everythingissignificantincoldcases.”
“YouknowtheoldcabinsupatthetopofBearPeak?”Rowley’sshoulderssaggedandthetipsofhisearspinked.“Theywereahangoutformeandsomeofthekidsfromschool.There’saroadthatgoesfromthehighwaytothecabins.”
Wonderingwherethiswasleading,Jennastoppedwalkingtolookathim.“Yeah,I’vebeenthere.It’ssomewaysfromhere.Toofartocarryabody.”
“AtHalloween,thekidswoulddareeachothertogodownthepathandintotheforest.”Rowleyclearedhisthroat.“There’sacabinaboutfivehundredyardsfromthefootofthemountain.LocallegendsaysacrazyoldmanhauntsitandhecomesouteachHalloweentohackpeopletodeathwithanax.”
“Seemstomethere’satruckloadofhauntedplacesinBlackRockFalls.”Kanerubbedthebackofhisneck.“Thoseofyouwhobelieveinghostsandputyourselfindangeraskidsduetopeerpressureareluckytobealive.Thosestoriesoftenhaveagrainoftruth.Theremaywellhavebeenanaxmurdererthereinthepast,orabeartoresomeonetopieces.Eitherway,kidsarejustofferingthemselvesuptopotentialpsychopathsbyengaginginamyth.Whoknowswhenarealcrazypersonmightbewaitingforthenextbatchofinnocentstoslaughter?”Hegrinnedandwiggledhisfingersatthem.“Woowoo.”
“Idon’tbelieveinghosts.”RiogrinnedatRowley.“Youdo,right?”Hechuckled.“There’snothingwrongwiththat.It’sacommonthingandwhatwouldtheworldbewithouthorrormovies?”
“IwasakidthenbutnowI’mafather,soIdon’tgetscaredeasy.”Rowleystraightened.“Seemstome,beingraisedherehasbenefits.Iknowalltheinsideinformation.”
TheimageoftheblondehairontheskeletonhadstuckinJenna’smind.“Thatpoorgirlinthatgraveisn’taghostandweneedtoknowwhathappenedtoherandtheothers.TheonethingInoticedisthegraveisdeep.It’stakenNorrellforevertouncoverthebody.It’sasifthegravewasdugbeforethemurderorwhatever.”
“Yeah,butwheredidshedie?Carryingabodyfromthefireroadwouldn’tbeeasyformostpeople.”Kanestraightened.“They’dbeonanadrenalinehighforthemurder,butthatusuallywearsoff,leavingapersonexhausted.Unlesstheykilledthemonscene,butthengettingsomeonetowalkintoaforesttobekilledwouldn’tbeeasyeither.Thisisahuntingarea,people,andforestwardenscouldbearoundfromdawnuntildusk,andnowomanwouldwalkinhereafterdark.Notwillingly.”
Runningpossiblescenariosthroughhermind,Jennashrugged.“Oh,Idon’tknow.We’vehadkillerswhohunttheirprey.Hemighthavedrivenherhereonadate,letheroutofthevehicle,andchasedherdown.Thereareendlesspossibilities,butIstillbelieveafterseeingtheunfinishedgrave,hedugthegravesfirst.Usually,killerswouldn’tbesocareful.Diggingagravethatdeepwouldn’tbeeasyalone.Shallowgravesarewhatweusuallysee,althoughmostjustdumpthebodiesandrun.”
“InLAthemurdercasesIhandledweremostlyinsitu.”RiowalkedalongawiderpathbesideJenna.“Peoplemurderedintheirhomesoronthestreets,inparkinglots,shotinstores.Wehadafewwhodumpedthebodies,butthenIwasn’tdealingwithaserialkiller.Itseemsmanyofthemhidetheirkills.”
Tryingtokeepallthehorrificcrimescenesoutofhermind,Jennaglancedathim.“It’simpossibletorationalizeapsychopathickiller.Theyallhavetheirownlittleeccentricities,allhavesomanydifferentpsychoses,it’simpossibletoreallyknowwhat’sgoingoninsidetheirheads.Tryingtofigureouttheirnextmoveispracticallyimpossible.AlthoughwiththehelpofJoWells,we’vegottenclose.”
SpecialAgentJoWells,abehavioralanalystworkingoutoftheSnakeskinGullyfieldofficewithherpartner,AgentTyCarter,anex-SEAL,hadbecomeclosefriendsandhavingthemcloseby,alongwithcomputerwhizkidBobbyKalo,ateenagehackerwhoworkedfortheFBI,hadbeenpriceless.
AstheysteppedoutontothefireroadandheadedforKane’stricked-outbombprooftruckaffectionatelyknownastheBeast,JennasmiledatRowleyasKaneslidbehindthewheel.Kanelikedspeed,andfromthewayhisstomachwasrumbling,hewouldn’tbewaitingaroundbeforeheadingtothediner.“We’llmeetyouinAuntBetty’sCafé.I’llsaveyouaseat.”
THREE
AsheduckedthroughthelegsofagiantspiderandsteppedinsideAuntBetty’sCafé,Kaneinhaledthearomaoffreshlybrewedcoffeeandpumpkinpie.Hisdog,Duke,wiggledhisbacksideatthesightofSusieHartwig,thediner’smanager,andwasgreetedbyasmile.Duke,beingapatroldogandcarryinghisowndeputy’sshieldattachedtohiscollar,wasallowedanywherewhenaccompaniedbyalawenforcementofficer.KanewaitedforJennatoorderandwantedtoaddhisown,whenWendy,theassistantmanager,pulledhimtooneside.HeglancedatJenna.“Ordermethepie.Wendyneedsaword.”
“Okay.”Jennaglancedatherwatch.“It’slunchtime.Doyouwantaburgerandfriesaswell?”
Nodding,Kanegrinnedather.IthadtakenhimsometimetogetJennatocometotermswithhisvoraciousappetite.“Sure,thanks.”
Hewalkedashortdistanceaway,wonderingwhyWendywouldwanttospeaktohimalone.Helookedintohertroubledeyesandfrowned.“Isthereaproblem?”
“Theremightbe,butIfeelstupidifthereisn’t.”Wendy’seyesslidtothelineofcustomersandbacktohim,butherheaddidn’tmove.
Sensingtheagitation,Kanenodded.“Whateverisworryingyou,youknowyoucancometomeanytime.Iwon’tthinkyou’restupid.What’swrong?”
“Youknowthosephoneextensionsticksorwhateverthey’recalled?”Wendymovedhereyestothelineofcustomersandbacktohimandthenloweredhervoicetojustaboveawhisper.“Thatguyintheline,theoneinthegreenjacket,hasbeenusinghisphoneto…Ibelieve…takepicturesupwomen’sskirts,particularlytheschoolgirls.”Shelookedstricken.“Iwasbuyinggroceriesandhewasinthestoredoingthesamethingyesterday.Ithinkhe’sacreep.”Shetookasharpintakeofbreath.“He’sdoingitnow,rightinfrontofthesheriff.”
Kaneturnedaroundandscannedthelineofpeoplewaitingtoorder.LunchtimewasalwaysbusyinAuntBetty’s,butSusiealwaysmovedanyonefromthesheriff’sdepartmenttothefrontoftheline.Timeusuallybeingoftheessence,deputiesdroppedbyforaquicksnackbeforeheadingbacktowork.TheyalsohadacoupleofreservedtablesatthebackofthedinerandJennawasheadinginthatdirection.Hewatchedtheguywiththephone,holdingitdownbesideonelegonanextensionandthenmovingittowardayoungwomanandaimingitunderherlongcoat.Astheymovedforwardintheline,hesliditunderateenager’sskirt.KaneturnedtoWendy.“GoandtellJennaI’llbedelayed.MindifIuseyouroffice?”
“Gorightahead.”Wendynodded.“I’lltellSusieaswellandshe’llholdyourburger.”
Kanethoughtforabeat.“SendRowleybackwhenhearrives.He’srightbehindme.”
“Yougotit.”Wendyhurriedaway.
Inthreestrides,Kanehadgrippedtheman’sarmandgavehimatightsmile.“DeputyKane,wouldyoumindcomingwithme?Ithinkweneedalittlechat.”
“What?”Themaningreenglaredathim.“I’llmissmyplaceintheline.”
Kanetightenedhisgrip.“That’stheleastofyourproblems.”HepulledhimfromthelineandescortedhimbehindthecounterandthenpushedhimintoSusie’soffice.“Handmethephone.”
“Why?”ThemansliduptheextensionandwasabouttoturnoffthephonewhenKanegrabbedit.
ThephonewasrecordingandKaneturnedittofacethem.“Ihavejusttakenthisphonefrom…Yourname,sir?”
“JacobSeemly.”Themanglaredintothecamera.“Ihaven’tdoneanythingwrong.Thisispolicebrutality.”
Shakinghishead,Kaneturnedtohim.“Ah,well,we’llletthecourtsdecide,asyouhaveitallonfile.”Hestoppedtherecordingandwentintothevideofilesandthenplayedbackthelastrecording.HeheldituptoSeemly.“Youknow,Ifigureittakesanewformoflowtorecordupakid’sskirt.Apartfromthat,it’sagainstthelawtorecordavisualimageoftheintimatepartsofapersoninapublicplacewithouttheirknowledge.Thisgirlandtheotherwomanyourecordedhaveareasonableexpectationofprivacy.”Heranthroughthesettingsonthephoneandremovedthepassword.“You’llbeheldincustodyuntilweperusethefootageonyourphone.”Heturnedhimaroundandcuffedhimwithzipties.
“Youcan’tarrestme.”Seemlyglaredathim.“Ihaven’thadlunch.”
Bitingbacktheneedtoteachhimalessonaboutrespectingwomen,old-school,Kanestaredathim.“Well,seemstomeyou’lljusthavetowaituntilI’vehadmine.IfIremember,I’llbringyoubacksomethingwhenI’mdone.”
Thenextmoment,Rowleystuckhisheadaroundthedoor.Kanenoddedtohim.“Sorrytoaddanotherburdentoyourday.CanyougrabRioandtakeJacobSeemlybacktotheoffice?Lockhiminacellandbagthephoneasevidence.That’sallandthencomebackhereforamealandI’llexplaineverything.”
“Sure.”RowleygrabbedSeemlyandhauledhimoutthedoor.
Shakinghisheadindisbelief,hemadehiswaybacktothesheriff’stable.Heremovedhisjacketandglovesandsatdown.“Youknow,Jenna,wegetsomestrangepeopleinthistown,butthisonebeatsall.”
Hegaveherarundownofthesituation.“We’lldealwithhimbackattheoffice.”
“Thishasbeenhappeningalloverforyears,menwithmirrorsontheirshoes,plantingcamerasinchangingrooms.It’sjustanewversionofaPeepingTom,Iguess.”Jennasippedcoffeeandstaredathim.“Therearesomeveryweirdpeopleonthisearth.Idon’tthinkthere’safetishthathasn’tbeencoveredbysomeone.Seemstomethelawsaren’tkeepingupwithallthegadgets.Themoreinnovativeandamazingdevicesthatcomeontothemarkettheharderourjobbecomes—AI,forexample—howlongwillittakepeopletotwistthatsoftwareintocriminalbehavior?I’mwaitingforoneofthoserobotvacuumcleanerstobecomepestexterminatorsaswell.”Shegiggled.“Next,peoplewillbedraggedfromtheirbedsandsuckedintooblivion.”
Rubbingahanddownhisface,Kanesighed.“Atleastwe’llhavethekiller.Notrial,juststraightdowntotheautocrusher.Lifewillbeabreeze.”Hesmiledather.“Wemightevengetavacation.”
“Iliveinhope.”Jennasqueezedhishand.“Fromnowon,wemusttakevacations.Wehaveasontoconsider.He’sneverseenthebeach,andwehavesomuchtoshowhim.Iwanthimtohaveeverythinghewantsinlife.”
Kaneshookhishead.“Ifyoudothat,he’llendupaspoiledbrat.”Hetookherhand.“Yesofcourse,weraisehimwithvacationsandallthetrimmings,butIwanthimtoappreciatethevalueofthingstoo.Helpingoutwithchoresispartofbeingafamily.”Hesighed.“Helikeshelpingwiththehorsesandit’ssomethingIwanttoencourage.Ifhewantstohelpoutinthekitchenorhelparoundthehouse,weshouldencouragethattoo.It’sallpartofhiseducation,soheknowshowtodothingstosurvivewhenhegrows.”
“I’mguessingyou’llwanttoteachhimhowtofight.”Jennabitherbottomlip.“Howtoshootandkill?”
IncredulousthatJennashouldbeconcernedaboutthissubjectwhenTauriwasonlyfouryearsold,hesmiledather.“That’salongwaysaway,Jenna,andwecandecideatthetime.Fornow,ridingandswimmingarepriorities.It’sobvioushe’sgoingtobebiglikeme.Haveyouseenthesizeofhishandsandfeet?They’rethesameasminewhenIwasakidathisageandhe’ssomuchbiggerthananyofhisownagealready.Sometimesbeingbigcanbeaproblem.Peoplepickfightsjusttoproveapoint,liketheyneedtoprovethey’restrongerthanyouare.Ithappenedtomemanyatimeandstilldoes,soyeah,whenthetimecomes,I’llteachhimhowtodefendhimself.Howfarhegoesdependsonhim.Ittakesdedicationtobecomeanexpertinhand-to-handcombat.Italsotakesself-controltoknowwhentouseit…AllthisispartofanytrainingI’dwanttogivehim.”Hesighed.“He’lldiscoverIwasinthemilitaryandmaywanttojoin.Idon’twanthimtobecomeasniperbecauseit’snotalifeI’drecommendtoanyone,butagain,thatwouldbehischoice.”
“You’renotansweringmyquestion,Dave.”Jennalookedathim.“Hewantstobejustlikeyou,andIneverwanttoseehimincombatmode,notever.”
Leaningbackinhischair,Kanestaredatherforlongseconds.“That’snotsomethingmyfathertaughtme,Jenna,andnotsomethingI’llteachhim.Iwillteachhimhowtoshootwhenthetimecomes,andfromnowon,he’llunderstandthedangeroffirearms.YouknowdarnwellhavingknowledgeandrespectoffirearmsinMontanaiscommonsense.”HepausedasSusiedeliveredtheirmealandgaveaplateofleftoverstoDuke.“Thanks,Susie.”HelookedbackatJenna.“Ifhefollowsusintolawenforcement,yeah,we’llteachhimeverythingheneedstoknow.We’llwanthimtobeabletodealwithanysituation,andyoucanbesureBlackhawkwillbeteachinghimhowtosurviveintheforestaswell.”Hesqueezedherhand.“You’llteachhimcompassion,Jenna.Onethingisforsure:he’llneverbeshortonlove.”Hebitintohisburger,chewed,andswallowed.“Iknowbeingaparentisabigresponsibility,butcan’twejustenjoyraisinghimbeforewegetintoworryingaboutthefuture?”
“Onedayatatime,right?”Jennasmiledathim.“Well,itseemstohaveworkedoutjustfinesofar.”Shesighed.“Withusandwithhim.It’slikewakinguptosunshineevenonarainyday.Istillcan’tbelievehe’sours.”
Kanechuckled.“You’reworryingaboutyearsaheadandI’mconcernedabouthowwe’regoingtoexplainHalloween.ThestoriesarealittledifferentbehindthefestivalforusandBlackhawk’speople.”
“Iwouldn’tworrytoomuchjustyet.”Jennalaughed.“Oncewetakehimtrick-or-treating,allhe’llbethinkingaboutisthecandy.”
FOUR
Jennahadjusteatenthelastforkfulofpumpkinpiewhenherphonebuzzed.Itwastheirreceptionist,Maggie.“I’matAuntBetty’s,witheveryone.What’stheproblem?”
“Ijusthadacallfromayoungwoman,ClaraFinch,shelivesinanapartmentonElm.Herfriend,FreyaRichardson,hasbeenmissingallweekendandshe’sworriedabouther.Sheaskedthelandlordtoopenthedoortoseeifherfriendwasokayandsaysthebathroomiscoveredinblood.Nosignofherfriend.”
StaringatKane,shesuckedinadeepbreath.Hereitwas,theHalloweenshe’dhopedwouldn’toccurthisyear.OnlyinBlackRockFalls.“Okay,sendmethedetailsandwe’llheadouttherenow.”Shedisconnectedandexplainedthecalltoherdeputies.
Shenowhadthreecasestoworryabout.ThecoldcasewasinNorrell’shandsfornow.SheturnedherattentiontoRioandRowley.“Okay,whenyou’redonehere,headbacktotheofficeandgothroughthefilesonJacobSeemly’sphone.Makeacopyofthefilesandthenseewhathehasbeenrecordingandhowlonghe’sbeendoingit.Findoutifhe’sbeensendingfilestoanyoneelseandthenwriteitup.”SheglancedatKane.“Davewitnessedhimintheactandthat’sontape.So,you’llbehandlingJacobSeemly.”
“I’llwriteupastatementassoonasIgetbacktotheoffice.”Kanestoodandpulledonhiscoatandgloves.“Seemlywillneedameal,ifyoucangrabsomethingbeforeyouleave?MaybegivetheDAacall,tellhimwhatyou’vegot,andseeifhewantstoissueanarrestwarrant.Iguessitdependsonwhatyoufindinthevideofiles.Ifso,youknowthedrill:readhimhisrightsandaskhimifhewantsalawyerbeforeyouquestionhim.”
Standing,Jennapulledonherjacketandgloves.“Ihopethiswon’ttakelong.I’llcallthehospitalonthewaytoElmandmakesurethemissinggirlisn’tthere.I’llkeepyouintheloop.”ShefollowedKaneandDukeoutofthedinerwithawavetoSusie.
“WhatisitwithElmStreetandHalloween?”KanedepositedDukeonthebackseatandclippedinhisharnessbeforeswingingbehindthewheel.“Lastyear,orwasittheyearbefore,somethinghappenedonElm?”HeglancedatthemapontheGPSandshrugged.“Anapartmentbuilding.That’sariskforakiller.Iguesswe’llseemoreproblemswiththemsoonenough.Theyseemtobegoingupalloveroflate.”HeheadeddownMain.
Astheymovedthroughthetraffic,Jennamadethecalltothehospitalandreceivednoinformation.Chillssliddownherspineatthepossibilityoffindingahomicidevictimattheapartmentbuildingor,worsestill,anemptybloodycrimescene.Notknowingwheresomeonehadtakenthevictimwasalwaysaproblem.Mosttimes,she’dreceiveacallwithdetailsofabodysomeoneelsehadfoundandhadthechancetoprepareherselfforahorrificsight,butgoinginalone,withoutanyideaofwhatmightbewaitingforherwasnerve-rackingandnotatalllikethecopshowsonTV.Herlegsalwaystrembled,evenwithherdeputiesclosebehindher,andassheriff,shemustalwaysappearstrongandconfident,evenifshe’drathercutandrun.
Witheffort,shepushedthethoughtsofmayhemandmurderfromhermindforafewminutes.RealitywouldbehittingherinthefacesoonenoughandJennamovedherattentiontotheactivityhappeningaroundtown.Thebannershadbeenhungacrosstheroadwithgrinningjack-o’-lanternsandHALLOWEENFESTIVALinbrightorangeandyellowletters.Thetownsfolkhadalreadystartedtodecoratethestreet,andoutsideAuntBetty’sCaféthegiantblackhairyspidercoveringthefrontdoorhadgrownagossamerwebcompletewithamultitudeofred-eyedbabiesblowinginthebreeze.Everyyear,peopletriedtooutdoeachotherwiththemacabreandshelovedit.
ShewantedtogototheballdressedasavampireandhadalreadyarrangedwithNannyRaya,Tauri’snanny,tocareforhimforthefewhoursthey’dbeaway.Thosewerespecialtimes.AlthoughshespentalldaywithKane,theworkenvironmentwasn’tromantic,butataball,Kaneseemedtochangeintoherveryownhandsomehero.Sheglancedathim.“IknowyouliketokeepyourHalloweencostumeasurprise,butcanyougivemeahint?”
“Ihaven’tgivenitmuchthought.”KaneturnedontoElm.“Somethingthat’snotannoying.Costumesseemtoobulky,orIfreezewearingthem.Whataboutasecretagent?ThenIgettowearmyshoulderholsterandsunglasses.”Hegrinnedather.“You’veneverseenmelikethathaveyou?”Hechuckled.
Turninginherseattolookathim,shegrinned.“No,Ibetyoulookedamazinginthesecretservice.Okay,butthenI’llgoasavampirewithabaseballbat.I’llneedittokeepthewomenawayfromyou.”
“Oh,I’llneverstray,Jenna,andIalsohavemyringofprotection.”Hewavedhislefthand.“Aweddingbandworkswondersand,anyway,Iwon’tbeleavingyourside.I’veseenthatslinkydressyouintendtowear.I’mtheonewhoneedstobeworriedaboutyouradmirers.”Heglancedoutofthewindow.“Thislooksliketheplace.”
Droppingbackintoprofessionalmode,Jennasteppedfromthetruckandshiveredasabitterlycoldwindwrappedaroundher,bringingwithitaspiralofdancingfallleaves.“Itmusthavebeenconvertedintoapartments.Idon’trecallseeingitlastyear.Mostoftheseoldplacesareforsale.”
“Theywouldmakeagoodinvestment.”Kanescannedthestreet.“Apartmentbuildingsonthissideoftownwouldbeperfectforcollegestudents.”HeopenedthebackdooroftheBeast.“Stay,Duke.Wewon’tbelong.”Hegrabbedaforensickitandheadedtothefrontdoor.
JennacheckedherphoneandpressedthenumberofClaraFinch’sapartment,whenascratchyvoicecameovertheintercom,sheleanedcloser.“It’sSheriffAlton.”
“I’llcomedown.”
ThedoorclickedopenandJennawaitedforKanetoexaminethelock.“Anything?”
“Noforcedentry.”Kanebentcloser.“Noscratchestoindicatesomeonepickedthelock.”Hefollowedherinside.
TheelevatorchimedandayoungwomanwalkedoutwearingasweatshirtandpantswithbrightbluesneakersJennanoddedtoher.“ClaraFinch?”
“Yeah,I’mworriedaboutmyfriend.”Clarapushedherhandsinsideherpantspocketsandappearedtobeanxious.“Ididn’tsearchtheapartment.Iwentinsidewiththecomplexmanagerandcouldseethebloodinthebathroom.Wecameoutwithouttouchinganythingandcalled911.”
“Wasthemanagerwearinggloves?”Kanewastakingnotes.
“No,butheonlytouchedthedoorhandle,andIonlywentalongthehallway.Icalledoutbutshedidn’tanswer.”Claramovedfromonefoottotheother.“ThebathroomdoorwasopenandwhenIsawthebloodIranout.”
“Whendidyoulastseeher?”Kaneliftedhisgazetolookatherwithhispenpoisedoverhisnotepad.
“Fridayafternoon.”Clarachewedonherbottomlipandhereyesbrushedthefloor.“Wecrosspathseverydayatthesametime.ImentionedcatchingamovieonSaturdaynight,butshesaidshe’dbetootiredafterwork.Sheworksallover,takingcleaningjobsuntilshecanfindasalesposition.IwentbyonSundayandknockedbutshewasn’tthere.Iwasworriedthismorningwhenshestillwasn’tansweringthedoor.ItookapersonaldayandwantedtogotoAuntBetty’sCaféwithher.WhenthebuildingmanageropenedthedoorandIsawblood,Icalledyouguys.”Shefrowned.“Beforeyouask,Ididn’tseeanyonehangingaroundthebuildingwhenIcamehomeonFridayafterwork.Sincethen,I’vebeeninmyapartment.”
JennaglancedatKane.“Gofindthemanager.Weneedtogetinside.”
“Oh,heleftitunlocked.”Clarawrappedherarmsaroundhermiddle.“Ican’tgobackinthere.”
“Unlocked?”Kanefrownedather.
“Theunitshavedeadbolts,soinsideyouneedtoturnthekeytwicetolockit.”Claralookedathimwithlargeunblinkingbrowneyes.“IfIdon’tlockit,itstaysunlocked,soanyonecanwalkinside.It’snotverysafe.It’seasytoforgettoturnthekeyeverytime.Mostdoorsshutandlockatthesametime.”
Perturbedbythepossibilityakillerknewthisfactabouttheapartmentbuilding,Jennanodded.“Okay,waithere.We’llgoandtakealook.”Sheledthewaytotheapartment.
“Theydidn’tseeanyoneinsideandifshe’dbeenmissingsinceFriday,we’dbesmellingherbynow.”KanewalkedbesideJenna,removinghisglovesandpushingthemintohispocketbeforereplacingthemwithexaminationgloves.“Idosmellsomethingbad.”HewrinkledhisnoseandslowlyturnedthehandletoFreya’sapartment,swingingthedoorwide.“Sheriff’sdepartment.Anyonehome?”
Nothing.
Thedooropenedwithacreakandthesmellofbloodandexcrementoozedfromtheapartment.Itwasopenplan,withakitchenatoneendandasmalllivingroomwithasinglelightblazing.Jennapulledamaskfromherpocket.ShestaredatKane.“We’llwearbooties.Someonediedhere.”
FIVE
Kanepushedthedoorwideopenusingtheflatofhishandandscannedtheroom.Itwasareasonablyneatapartment.Apursehadbeendroppedontothekitchencounter,andshoeskickedoffjustinsidethedoor.Thelivingroomwascomfortable,withcushionsandacolorfulthrowonthesofa.Figurinesofballerinaslinedthemantelaboveanelectricfireresemblingburninglogs.ATVsatinonecorner.Hepulledhisweaponand,asusual,hewentintotheroomhighandJennawentlow,clearingeachspaceastheymovedalongthehallway.Thebedroomdoorwasshut,andafterJennagavehimanod,hebackedagainstthewallandturnedtheknob.Inside,thebedlinenwasmissingandastreakofbloodranfromthebathroomdoor,acrossthecarpet,andtothebed.ItwassilentallaroundandKaneturnedtoJenna.“We’llgobackalongthehallwayandclearthebathroomfromtheotherside.It’sgottwoentrances.”
“Okay.Closethisdoor.”Jenna’sfacewasgrim.“Idon’twantanyonesneakingoutbehindus.”
Kaneledthewayalongthehallway.“Itfeelsemptytome.Ifigurethey’relonggone.”Hestoppedatthebathroomdoorandgapedatthewallofbloodspatteracrossthemirror.“Nooneiswalkingoutaliveafterthat.”
“Arterialspatter.”Jennamovedbesidehim.“Murderedhereandthendraggedthroughtheadjoiningdoortothebedroom.”Sheturnedandbacktrackeddownthehallwayand,holsteringherweapon,openedthebedroomdoorandpeeredatthebed.“Thekillerwrappedherinblankets.Thepillowcasesaregonetoo.”
Surveyingthescene,Kanebenttothepoolofbloodonthebathroomfloor.“Thisisn’tfresh,andbythesmell,it’satleastafewdaysold.”Hefollowedthelongsmearacrossthetileandontothebedroomcarpet.“Draggedbyherfeetinhere,andthenrolledintotheblankets.Hehadtheblanketsonthefloorbeforehemovedher.”Heflickedopentheclosetandpeeredinside.“Hmm.Howdidhegetheroutofthebuildingwithoutanyoneseeinghim?”
“There’safireexitattheendofthehallway.We’llsearchforbloodspatter.Hemighthaveleftatrail.”Jennastaredaroundtheroom.“Hemusthaveparkedoutback.So,heplannedtokillherandtakeherbodywithhim.Howdidhegetin?”
Walkingbacktothepatiodoors,Kaneslidopenthescreendoorandthentheglassslider.“Thesedoorsaren’tlocked.”
“Oh,that’stooeasy.”Jenna’seyeswidened.“Whataboutabloodtrail?”
Kanetookouthisflashlightandranitoverthecarpet.“Nothingevident.Whatgetsmeistherearenofootprintsandit’sabloodbathinthere.”HeglancedatJenna.“I’massumingthiskillerisaman,tallerthanthevictim.Whenathroatiscut,itisn’teasy.Ittakesstrengthandskill.Thevictimisfighting,throwingtheirheadaround,andtheirheartispumpingquick-time.Thismakesthearterialsprayviolent,andalthoughitusuallyspraysinonedirection,itwouldbedifficulttoavoidsomedegreeofsplashbackandsteppinginthepoolofblood.Possible,butdifficult.”Hewavedtheflashlightbackandforth.“Wolfewillspraytheareawithluminolandpickupanyspatter.Ican’tseeanythingonabrowncarpet.”Helookedather.“Thethingis,peopledon’tbleedoncethey’redead,soifhewrappedheronceshe’dstoppedbleeding,itwouldhaveavoidedseepagefromherclothes.”Hehelduponefingerandwentbackintothebathroom.“Comeandlookatthis,Jenna.”
“Whathaveyoufound?”JennametKaneinthehallwayashesteppedfromthebathroom,andshefollowedhimbackintothelivingroom.
Heindicatedbehindhim.“Clothesinthelaundrybasket.Shetookashowerbutthat’snotall.”
“Whatareyouseeing?”Jennastaredathim.
Placinghimselfintheroleasthevictim,Kanewenttothefrontdoor.“Thetimeline.Icanmapoutwhathappenedbytheevidence.Freyacomeshomefromwork,kicksoffhershoes,dumpsherpurseonthecounter,andheadsforthebedroom.”Heledthewayalongthepassageway.“There’sawintercoatinthecloset,sosheremovedhercoatanddecidedtotakeashower.”Hesteppedaroundthepoolofbloodandwentintothebathroom.“We’llbagtheseclothesandaskClaraifshecanrecallwhatFreyawaswearingthelasttimeshesawher.”Heindicatedthetowels.“Thetowelsarebunchedupontherail,likesheplannedtopickthemuplaterorstraightenthemtodry.”
“Soshecameoutoftheshower,wenttothemirror,andsomeoneattackedherfrombehind?”Jennafrowned.“She’dhaveseenhimcoming.”
Kaneshookhishead.“Notifthemirrorwassteamedover.”Hewalkedintothelivingroom.“Lookhere.”Hewenttotheslidingpatiodoor.“It’sunlocked,right?Thisishispointofentry.It’sgroundlevel,withconcreteallaroundsonofootprints.Ifhe’dparkedhisvehicleoutsideinthealleyway,hecouldhaveenteredandexitedfromthisdoor.I’llexaminethelock,buttheseareabreezetoopen.Hecouldeasilyhavesneakeduphere,unlockedthedoor,andwaitedinthealleywayforhertocomehome.Fromoutthere,he’dhaveseenthebathroomlightgoon,evenheardtheshower.Thenallhehadtodowaswaitforhertogetintotheshowerbeforegoinginside.Hemurderedherwhenshesteppedfromtheshower.I’vewatchedyou.Youshower,dry,andthengotothemirror.I’mguessingmostwomendo.Oncesheturnedherbackonhim,hewasonher.”
“Justaminute.”JennawenttothekitchencounterandpeeredinsideFreya’spurse.“Nophone.”Shewentbackintothebedroomandopeneddrawersandpeeredunderthebed.“Shewaslookingforworkandwouldhaveaphone.”ShestaredatKane.“Oh,mygoodness.We’llbeabletotraceherandherkillerifhe’stakenherphone.”
Kanerubbedhischin.“Evenafterseeingallthisblood,wecan’tassumeshe’sdead.Wecan’ttrackherphoneunlesswecanproveit.We’llneedawarrant.I’llgetthepaperworkovertothejudgewhenwegetbacktotheoffice.”
“Okay,getWolfeandhisteamoutheretodoaforensicsweep.”Sheindicatedtowardthedoor.“I’llaskClaraaboutwhatFreyawaswearing.Ifit’sthesameastheclotheswefound,itwillgiveusaclosertimeofdeath.”Sheheadedforthedoor.“I’llaskherforFreya’sphonenumberaswell.I’llcallandseeifthekillerpicksup.”
Shakinghishead,KanepulledouthisphoneandcalledWolfe.“Morning.”
“Don’ttellme.I’vealreadyfiguredoutwhyyou’vecalled.”Wolfeclearedhisthroat.“It’sHalloweenandy’allhavediscoveredahomicide.”
SIX
StandinginthemiddleofFreya’sapartment,Wolfeturnedafullcircle.He’dexaminedthecrimesceneandpreparedforaluminolexaminationforbloodspatter.Luminolbeingaknowncarcinogenic,hepreferredtomaskupinhazardgearandgeteveryonetostepoutsidebeforecoatingthecarpet.He’ddarkenedtheroomandsetuphiscamera,readytodocumenttheimages.AsJennashutthedoorbehindher,hegottoworkandsprayedthechemical.Thekillerhadtakeneveryprecaution,butafewdropsofbloodhadformedatrailfromthebedroomtotheslidingglassdoor,justasKanehadsuggestedtohimonarrival.Thebloodspatterfluorescednicely,andheaimedhiscameraandrecordedthescene.Hemovedaroundtheapartmentcheckingotherplacesandfoundasmudgeonthedoorframe,notafingerprintbutlikelyaverysmalltraceofbloodfromaglove.Contenthehadcoveredeveryangle,heopenedthedoorandsteppedoutside.HedraggedoffhisfacemaskandhandedthecameratoColtWebber,hisassistantandbadge-holdingdeputy.“Thatcameraneedstobecleanedbeforehandlingitwithoutgloves.”HeturnedtoKane.“Youwerecorrect.Heleftbytheslidingglassdoor.Ifoundabloodspattertrailfromthebedroomandasmallimprintof,Ithink,agloveonthedoorframe.”
“That’sgood.”Jennanoddedslowly.“Wesearchedaroundoutsideandfoundafewtinydarkdropsontheedgeofthealleywaybutnothingsignificant.”
Wolfelookedather.“I’llneedswabs.Itlikelyprovesthetheorythatthebodywascarriedtoavehicleinthealleyway.”Heremovedhisgloves.“Webber,goandgrabsamplesofthebloodspatterinthealleyway.”
AsWebberhurriedaway,camerainoneglovedhand,WolfeturnedtoJennaandKane.“YourecallthepackageNorrelldiscoveredinthegraveoutatBearPeak?”
“Yeah,wasitanythinginteresting?”Jennaremovedherglovesandrolledthemintoaball.
Holdingoutabagforher,heshrugged.“Maybe.”HewaitedforKanetoaddmaskandglovestothegarbagebag.“It’saphone.I’vecheckeditoutanditlooksundamaged.Ihaveitsittingonacharger.Itseemsverystrangetomethatsomeonewouldbeburiedwithaphonewrappedinplastic.Asifthekillermadesureitwouldsurvive.Itisonlysevenyearsold,sowenowhaveadateofburialatleast.”HenoticedJenna’scolordrainfromherfaceandfrownedather.“Youfeelingokaythere,Jenna?”
“Yeah,it’sjustthatFreya’sphoneismissingtoo.”Sherubbedhertemplesandlookedathim.“Icalledandgotvoicemail.IsthisastrangecoincidenceoramImissingsomethinghere?”
“Weneedtotrackherphone.I’llheadtothecourthousethemomentwegetbacktotheofficetoseeifIcantwistthejudge’sarmtoobtainawarrant.”KanetookthebagfromWolfeandtosseditdownthegarbageshoot.“Theproblemis,withoutabody,wecanonlyassumeshe’sdead.Thatbeingthecase,itwillbedifficulttogetthewarrant.Bloodinabathroomisn’tprobablecause.There’snoproofsheleftthehouse,deadoralive.”
Wolfebenttohisforensickitandpulledoutanotebook.Itwasapadofdeathcertificates.Heissuedthemonthespotwhennecessaryforrelativesofthedeceased.“Ican’tissueadeathcertificatewithoutabody,butI’llwriteanotetothejudgesayingthat,inmyopinion,noonecouldhavepossiblysurvivedthebloodlossI’vewitnessedinthebathroom.Takethis,itmightbeenoughtoswayhimuntilwefindthebodyasproofofdeath.Thejudgeistough,buthemightissueawarrant.Ifhedoes,askBobbyKalototracethephone.What’stheuseofhavinganFBIcomputerwhizkidatourdisposalifwedon’tusehim?”
“IhaveFreya’sphonenumber.Wecangofromthere.”Jennasmiled.“I’llcallKalonow.”Sheheadedoutintothefoyer.
“Aphoneinthegraveandonemissinghere.”Kanerubbedhischin.“Murderssevenyearsapart.I’mstartingtogetthatgutfeelingthattheymightbeconnected,butwhythebreakinkills?”
Shakinghishead,Wolfelookedathimindisbelief.“Onecoincidencedoesn’tmakealink,Dave.”Hesighed.“Ontheotherhand,therecouldbeplentyofreasonsforthegap.Hemighthavebeenkillinginothercountiesorevenstates.Hemighthavebeeninjailorhavemovedawayduetohiswork.Oritcouldbejustacoincidence.”HeslappedKaneontheback.“BringmeabodyandI’llfindanswers.”
“HasNorrellmadeanyprogressofthecauseofdeathofthebodyinthegrave?”Kaneleanedagainstthewall.
Wolfeshrugged.“I’mnotawareofanyprogress.Assheworksinadifferentbuilding,wedon’tstopforlunchasmuchanddiscussthingslikebefore.I’msurewhenshehasinformation,she’llcallyou.I’mguessingwe’llfindmoreinformationonthephone.I’llheadonbacktomyofficeandseeifthephonebatteryhastakenthecharge.Ifnot,thereareotherwaysofmakingitwork.”HesmiledatKane.“I’llknowwithinthehour.HasanyonehunteddownFreya’snextofkin?Ifshe’smissing,orpresumeddead,theyshouldbeinformed.”
“I’llgiveitpriority.”KaneturnedasJennawalkeddownthecorridortowardthem.“Howdiditgo?”
“Kalohasthedetails,butwithoutawarrant,hishandsaretied,although,hedoesn’talwayssticktotherules.”Jennasmiled.“Ifhecantrackthephone,maybeforoncewe’llcrackthecaseinoneday.”Sheglancedatherwatch.“It’sgettinglateandweneedtogocollectTauri.I’llfollowupathome.”
Wolfelookedfromonetotheotherandbenttopickuptheforensickit.“TheonethingIadmireaboutyouisthaty’allareoptimistic.”Hechuckled.“Unfortunately,itwilltakemeatleastforty-eighthourstoprocessthematerialwecollectedfromthescene…andI’llneedabody.Thereisnoobvioustraceevidenceheretoarrestanyone.”
“Trustme.”Jennaturnedandheadedforthedoor,shakingherhead.“I’llfindher.It’sHalloween.Withmyluck,I’lljustneedtogiveitafewdaysandhercorpsewillcomeknockingonmydoor.”
SEVEN
Wendy,theassistantmanagerofAuntBetty’sCaféarrivedhomelate.ShelivedinabeautifulcabindownneartheriverthatranbehindMaple.Theneighborsweregoodpeopleandhadbeenthereforherwhensomeonetriedtopoisonherlittledog,Lola.Seeingthedoglyinginherbackyard,they’drushedhertothevetintimetosaveherlife.WendyhadbeenbythevetstwicetodaytocheckonLola,andshewasdoingjustfinebutwouldbethereforacoupleofdays.Lolawastheperfectcompanionforsomeonewhoworkedoddhours.Shewasself-sufficientandcouldgoinandoutofthedoggydoor,hadherfeederinsideandawarmbasket.WendymissedhearinghercheerfulbarkassheclimbedfromherJeepandheadedforthefrontdoor.Anowlhootedandashadowpassedoverher.Suddenlyafraid,sheglancedaround,peeringintothedarknessbetweenthepoolsoforangestreetlights.Herneighbors,anoldcouple,hadlefttodaytovisittheirgrandchildrenforthefestival,andchillssliddownherspineatseeingtheirhousecoldandempty.Shestaredatthedesertedroadandshiveredaswispsofcurlingmistdriftedalongtheblacktoplikeghostsoutfortheirnightlypromenade.
Owningtheendhousebeforetheriverwasamixedblessing:beautifulindaytime,butatnightaroundHalloween,notso.Thefast-flowingriverresembledatarpit,crawlingitswaypastmaplesandcottonwoodtrees,theirbrancheshangingdownandcastingblackwitches-cloak-likeshadowsacrosstheriverbank.ColdairbrushedWendy’scheeksasthewinddisturbedthetrees,andallaroundthembecameanimated.Asilentmovieflickeredintoactionandsticklikecreaturesheldtheiroutstretchedarmsasifreachingforher.Shebackedaway,headingforthedoor,whensomethingmovedintheshadows.Swallowinghard,shesprintedforthefrontdoor,slidherkeyintothelock,andfellinside,slammingthedoorbehindher.Shereachedfortheswitchandleanedagainstthedoor,breathingheavilyastheroomfloodedwithlight.
Unnerved,sheturnedthedeadbolt,dumpedherkeysinabowlbythefrontdoor,andheadedforthebedroom.Hadsheimaginedsomeonewasoutthere,watchingher?Sheshookherhead,tryingtodislodgetheillogicalideasfillinghermindjustbecauseitwasHalloween.Ashowerandahotdrinkbeforefallingintobedwouldcalmhernerves.Sheremovedhercoatandbootsandslidonherslippersbeforeheadingtothekitchen.Ascrapingsoundcamefromthefrontdoorandshestoodparalyzedinthepassagewayfollowingthesoundasitmovedaroundthehouse.Withoutasecondthought,Wendyrantothebackdoortocheckitwassecure.Breathingasighofrelief,shewalkedbackintothekitchentoputonthekettle.Herimaginationwasgettingthebestofher.Thescratchingcameagain,asifsomeonewasdraggingastickalongtheoutsidewallsofthehouse.Eyesfixedtothewindow,shegaspedinhorrorasaHalloweenmaskloomedoutofthedarkandthenvanished.
Someonewasoutthereandshe’dleftherGlockintheJeep.
EIGHTTUESDAY
AfterplayingwithTauribeforehewenttobed,JennaandKaneworkedintheofficeattheranch,spendingtheentireeveninghuntingdownrelativesofFreyaRichardson.Jennahadcomeupemptyandmovedherinvestigationtotheyoungwoman’sfriends.Thefewshehadspokentohadn’tgivenheranyusefulinformation.Freyawasaworkaholic,taking
WhenRiosteppedintoheroffice,sheexpectedanupdateonJacobSeemly,themanusinghisphonetorecordupwomen’sskirts.“HowistheSeemlycasegoing?”
“Oh,theDAchargedhimontheevidenceonhisphone.HisofficehadSeemlyinfrontofajudgebythree,andnowhe’soutonbailawaitingacourthearing.”Riofrowned.“ItallmovedalongreallyfastandwehadhimoutofourhandsbeforeIlefttheofficelastnight.”Heshrugged.“That’snotwhyI’mhere.LastnightWendyfromAuntBetty’scalledaboutapossibleprowlerorprankster.Latelastnight,aftereleven,someonewasoutsideherhousewearingaHalloweenmask.Wendysaiditsoundedlikenailsbeingdraggedalongtheoutsideofherhouseandthensomeonelookedthroughherwindow.”
Raisingbotheyebrows,Jennalookedathim.“Wendyisn’tthehystericaltypeandsheownsaweapon.Whatwastheoutcome?”
“Iwenttoseeher.”Rioshrugged.“Ididadrive-byfirstandIdidn’tseeanyonelurkingabout,butiftheywerewearingacostume,they’dblendintoanyone’sdisplay.ShehasawalkwayaroundherhouseandIdidn’tseeanyfootprints.Iwalkedthroughherhousetomakesureeverythingwassecure.ShecamewithmetogetherGlockfromherJeepandIwaiteduntilshewasinsidesafeandsound.Icalledagainthismorningandshehadn’tbeendisturbed.”
Jennanodded.“Okay,makeanoteaboutitfortherecords,justincasewehavesomeidiotfrighteningpeople.”Shesighed.“It’sHalloweenandpeoplebehavestrangely.”Shestood.We’reheadingdowntothelibrarytolookatoldnewspapers.Holdthefortuntilwe’reback.”
“Okay.”Rioheadedforthedoor.
Gruntworkwasalwaysboring,andJennawishedBobbyKaloworkedinheroffice.Havingsomeonewhohadtheresourcestohuntdownpeopleinsecondswouldsavesomuchtimeandenergy.Shesatinthelocallibrarygoingthroughcopiesofoldnewspapers,eachonescannedtofileasfarbackasfifteenyearsago.Ifpeoplehadgonemissing,itshouldhavebeenreportedinthenewspapers.Whatshefounddisturbedher.Seventotenyearspreviously,MontanahadbeenterrorizedbytheHalloweenSlasher.Fortwoconsecutiveyears,youngwomenhadbeenpresumedmurderedintheirhomes.Nobodieshadeverbeendiscovered,buteachscenewasabloodbath.SheturnedtoKane,seatedatthenextdesk.“IfigureI’vefoundsomething.”
“Yeah,metoo.Threeyoungwomenvanishedfromheresevenyearsago,beforethosethreewentmissingfromLouan.”Kaneblewoutasigh.“Apartfromabloodycrimescene,theyneverfoundatraceofthem.”
Jennaleanedbackinherseat,wettingdrylips.“Yeah,andthecrimescenesoundsmuchthesameaswhatwefoundinFreya’sapartment.”Sheblewoutalongsigh.“I’vemadeanoteoftheirnames.We’llneedcasefilesfromLouan’ssheriff’sdepartment,andcrimescenephotostouseasacomparison.”
“IfthisistheHalloweenSlasher,hekilledinthrees.”Kane’smouthformedaflatlineandanerveinhischeektwitched.“Ifhe’sdecidedtostartupagainhere,it’sonedown,twotogo.”
Jenna’sphonechimed.ItwasWolfe.“I’minthelibrary.We’rejustleaving.”
“Okay,I’llhangonuntilyou’reinabetterlocation.Kanewillwanttohearthistoo.”
TheyhurriedoutsideandclimbedintotheBeasttotheaccompanimentofDuke’sthumpingtail.AsKaneturnedtorubDuke’searsandgavehimadoggytreat,Jennaputthephoneonspeaker.“Okay,we’reinthetruck.”SheexplainedabouttheHalloweenSlasher.“That’sallwehavefornow.Whatdoyouhaveforme?”
“Thekillinginthreesispertinentinformationasweseemtohavetwosetsofthreevictims.TheotherinterestingdiscoveryisthephoneNorrelldiscoveredwiththebody.ItbelongstoJosephineWade.Ifoundinformationonher.Shewentmissingfromheresomeyearsback.Ihaveherdentalrecordsandthegirlinthegraveisn’ther.Thethingis,there’savoicerecordingonthephoneandit’sconfronting.Thekillerhasrecordedtheactualmurder,buthereferstoherasLydia.Thevoiceisdistorted,soI’monlyassumingit’smale.”
Disturbed,JennastaredatKaneandswallowedthebilecreepingupthebackofherthroat.“AmItounderstandherecordedhimselfkilling?”
“Yeah,inbrutaldetail.”Wolfetookadeepbreath.“LikeIsaid,it’sconfronting,butfromwhatIcanhear,theechofromthescreams,itcouldeasilyhavebeeninabathroom.Ihaven’tlistenedtoallofit,butIbelievehetookashowerafterthemurder.Hewasn’tinahurry.I’llneedtogobacktothecurrentcrimesceneandexaminetheshower.Ineedtoknowifthere’sanybloodresidueorhairswecanuse.Ifthereissomething,andthiskillermakesahabitofshoweringafterthemurder,heiswellorganizedandknowsthevictims’movements.”
“WehaveaLydiaEllismissingfromLouan.”Kanefrowned.“Canyouhuntdownherdentalrecords?I’llsendyouherdetails.”
“Notaproblem.There’sonlyonedentistinLouan.YoumentionedinthecurrentcasethatFreyaRichardsonhasaphonemissing?Ibelieve,evenconsideringthecasesarewideapartintime,theymightbeconnected.Ifwefindanotherphoneinanyofthegraves,Ifigurethisguyisplayingasickformofpayingitforward.Imean,maybehetookthephonefromthefirstgirlhekilled,andhe’susingittorecordthenextmurderandsoon.”Wolfeletoutalongsigh.“We’llneedtoopentheothergravesASAP.Iwanttoknowifthisisthecasebecauseitwouldlinkallthemurders.”
TryingtogetherheadaroundtheincredulityofwhatWolfehadjusttoldher,Jennasuckedinadeepbreath.“Okay,askifNorrellcanidentifythevictimshehasinherexaminationroomfromthedentalrecords.I’mchasingupcrimesceneimagesfromLouan.Wehavenothinginouroldfiles,butI’llrecheck.”
“Okay.”JennacouldhearWolfe’sofficechairsqueakashestood,followedbyfootstepsontile.“I’llsendWebbertopulltheshowerapartatthecrimesceneandI’llheadovertospeaktoNorrell.I’llseeifwecanmoveaheadwiththeexhumations.I’llhavethedentalrecordsforconfirmationbeforetheendoftheday.”Hedisconnected.
NINE
Mullingoverthecasesimilarities,KaneheadedforAuntBetty’sCafé.Thesoothingcomfortofthedinertooktheedgeoffwhenitcametodisturbingcrimes.Justgoingtherewaslikewalkingintoadifferentworld,aplaceprotectedfromthehorrorsallaroundit,likethememorieshehadofhisgrandma’skitchen.Hecouldalmostfeelherhugging
“Okay,I’mdonehere.Let’sgoeat.I’mstarving.”Jennapulledhercapoverherears,pulledupherhood,andslidfromthetruck.
AcoldwindbuffetedKaneashestoodonthesidewalk.Itcameingusts,determinedtoslamthedooronDukebeforehehadhisharnessunhitchedfromthebackseat.Therushofmountainairmadetheskeletonsandotherdecorationsrattleandhowl.Sometimesastrangeeeriewhistlingsoundwouldreachhisears.ItwasasifthewindwasgettinginvolvedintheHalloweenspiritbyaddingitsowntwistonthespookiness.HefollowedJennainsideandwenttoonesideofthecounter,SusiehaderectedasmallsignthatsaidSHERIFF’SDEPARTMENT.Itsavedargumentsfromthepeoplelininguptoorderorpickup.Asusual,thedinerwasbusy,moresothisweekbecause,beinganotorioustown,touristsflockedhereoverHalloweentojointhemurdersceneorhauntedhousebustoursthathadbecomepopularandattractedpeoplefromallovertheUSjusttobefrightened.Kaneshookhishead.Justwatchingthenewswasfrighteningenoughthesedays,andwhatheandJennaexperienceddealingwithpsychopathicmurdererswasnothingheplannedtosharewithanyone,butterrifyinglycameclose.
AfterwaitingforJennatoorder,KanesmiledatSusie.“Whatdoyourecommend?I’mcoldandhungry.”
“Well,wehadaspecialorderforbarbecueribsthatwentoutjustbefore.Wemadeextrabecausethey’realwayspopular.Ihavesomegreatsidestogowiththeribs:smokedcornonthecob,bakedpotatoes,coleslaw,bakedbeanswithgroundbeefandbacon.Oh,andthepietodayischerry.”
Kane’sstomachgaveanundignifiedrumblethatsoundedlikethethunderrollingthroughthemountains,andherubbeditandgaveSusieanapologeticstare.“Yeah,thatsoundswonderful.”
“Allofit?”Susiestaredbackathim,hereyeswide.
Nodding,KaneindicatedDuke.“Yeah,andtheusualforDuke.Addittoourtab.We’reuptodatewithpayingyou,Ihope?”
“Sure,MaggiefixesusupeveryFriday.”Susiescratchedawayonherorderbookandrippedoffthetoppageandhandedittothechefbehindthepartition.ShesmiledatKane.“Takeaseat.I’llsendsomeoneoverwithapotofcoffee.Itwon’tbelong.”
Asheshuckedhiscoatandremovedhisgloves,hecouldseeJennasmilingathim.“I’mguessingyouwentwiththeribs?Nowyoucanhavethemtwicethisweek.I’mhavingthemtoo.”
Hesatdown.“Igethungryjustwalkinginsidethedoor.Idon’tgettimetocookribsontheweekend.MaybeIcould,butittakestimeandweneverknowwhenwe’regoingtobecalledoutforsomething.Goodribstakededication.”
“Changingthesubject.”Jenna’sexpressionturnedserious.“We’llneedtodropbyWolfe’sofficeandlistentotherecording.”
Kanenodded.Itwasn’tsomethinghe’denjoy.“Yeah,Wolfe’sgreatatanythingtechnicalbutIfigureweshouldspeaktoCarteraboutit.”Hesighed.“TheFBIhassomanyresourceswecanuse.Theremaybethingsourearsmightmiss.Theycanenhancethetrackandbringoutbackgroundsounds.Weshouldmakeacopyandsendtheoriginaltowhoeverdealswitholdrecordings.”
“DoyoufigureBobbyKaloiscapableorisitaspecialistthing?”Jennasmiledwhenthecoffeearrived.
Kaneleanedbackinhischair.“I’llaskhim.”
“Hi,Wendy.”Jennasmiledatthewomandeliveringtheircoffee.“Ihearyouhadaprowler.”
“Oh,maybejustakidplayingtricksonme.”Wendyshrugged.“ItwassodarkandmistywhenIarrivedhome.Withtheneighborsawayandmydogatthevet,itwasspookybeingallalone.IfeltmuchbetterafterDeputyRioarrived.Hemadesureeverythingwassafe.”
“That’sgoodtoknow.”Jennamethergaze.“Youdidtherightthing,callingitin.Keepingeveryonesafeisourpriority.”
“Thanks.I’llgoandgetyourmeals.”Wendyheadedbacktothekitchen.
Kanepouredcreamintohiscupandaddedsugar.“Sheseemsfine.I’msureifshewereconcerned,she’dhavetoldus.”HepulledouthisphoneandcalledKalotoexplainthesituation.
“So,it’sanoldphone,right?Youshouldstillbeabletoplugitintoyourlaptop,accessthesoundfile,andsendittome.Idon’tneedthephone.Thefileswillbeidentical.”Bobbysoundedconfident.“Ihaveaccesstoalltypesofequipment.Themagicoflivinginanageoftechnologyiswedon’thavetorelyonbeinganywhereinparticular.Wejustsendafiletoaprogramandgetaresult.Tooeasy.”
Relieved,KanenoddedtoJenna.“Okay,we’reheadingovertolistentoitafterlunch.I’llsendyouacopyassoonasI’vedownloadeditfromthephone.Thanksfordoingthisforus.”
“That’swhatwe’reherefor.”Kaloclearedhisthroat.“Myearsonly,ordoyouwantJo’sandCarter’sslantonthemurder?”
HavingthetopFBIbehavioralanalystintheirlocalfieldofficewasabonus.HeglancedatJenna,whonoddedenthusiastically.“Sure,we’dvaluetheirinput.Justmentionthisisacoldcase—wethinksixtotenyearsold—butitmighthavealinktoacasewe’reworkingnow.”
“Gotcha.Chatsoon.”Bobbydisconnected.
ThemealarrivedandKanesurveyedtheplatesallaroundhimandsighedindelight.“Nowthat’swhatIcallameal.”
TEN
ApprehensionslowedJenna’sstepsintotheME’soffice.TheinquisitivecopsideofherwantedtoknowexactlywhathadhappenedtothevictimtossedintoagraveinStantonForest;theothersidewouldrathernotlistentosomeonebeingbrutallymurdered.Asherstomachwentintofreefall,shecametotherealizationthelatterwaswinning.Thefactthatfear,alongwithnightmaresfromtherecentcases,stilllingeredafterwitnessingamurdertroubledher.Theterrifyingordealofcomingsoclosetodeathhadn’tleftherandshe’ddiscussedherproblemswithKane.NotwantinganythingtoimpacthernewroleasamomtoTauriorherjobassheriff,she’dtakentherapysessionstoworkthroughherproblems.She’dseensomanygruesomecrimesandmangledbodiesoverthelastfewyearsthatshebelievedshe’dbecometitanium,butintruth,beinghumanandhavingdeepsorrowforthevictimsandfearoftheperpetratorwasperfectlynormal.
“Areyousureyouwanttogothroughwiththis,Jenna?”Kanetookherhandandranhisthumbovertheback.“Icanlistenandgiveyouanoutline.Youdon’tneedtoputyourselfthroughthis,it’snotessential.”
TensionthrummedthroughJennawitheverystepclosertoWolfe’soffice,butsheliftedherheadandsmiledathim.“Ineedto,Dave.Thevictimsneedmetolistenandit’smydutytobehereforthem,butI’lltryandnotattachmyselfemotionallytothem.I’lllistentothefacts,ratherthangetafraid.”
“No,Jenna.Wecannevercutourselvesofffromthefactthisisapersonbeingmurdered.WhatIwantyoutodoislistenaroundtheactualcrime.Youknow,thiswomanwasterrifiedandmurdered,butit’sovernowanditshouldbejustlikewatchingamovie.It’snotyouthisishappeningto.”Kanesqueezedherhand.“Weknowwhathappenedtothewoman,right?Whatweneedtobelisteningforiswhathappenedbefore,andcluestowhatthekillerwasdoing.Washealreadyinthehouse?Whathappenedjustbeforehemurderedher?Whatdidhedoafterward?Didhesayanything?Weneedatimelineofthecrime.Tryanddisassociatefromtheactualmurder.Wolfeistheonewhowillbeconcentratingonthatpartofthings.Weneedtodotheinvestigating.”
Jennalookedathim.“You’vedonethisbefore,haven’tyou?”
“Yeah,I’velistenedtocommunicationsoftroopsKIAtodeterminewhatactuallyhappened.”Kaneshookhishead.“Iknewmanyofthemanditwasdifficult,butknowingexactlywhatwentwrongwascrucial.That’swhatIconcentratedon,ratherthanthecriesofthedying.”
Nodding,Jennastraightenedherspine,suddenlyrealizingshehadbeensowoundupshehadn’tnoticedtheawfulsmellofthemorgue.“Okay,let’sdothis.”
TheysataroundWolfe’sdeskasheplayedadownloadedfilefromthephone.Jennalistenedclosely.Thefirstthingsheheardwasashowerrunning,followedbyaslightrustlingsoundandafewsharpintakesofbreath.“Stopitthere.”ShelookedatWolfe.“He’sinsidethehouse,butfromtherustlingsoundsandheavybreathing,Ifigurehe’sundressing.”
“Couldbe.That’sinteresting.”Wolferewoundtherecordingandtheylistenedagain.“Hmm,hearthatslighttappingsound,thetipsofshoelaceshittingtile.I’veheardthatexactnoisewhenI’vebeentothegymandchangedoutofmysneakers.So,wecanassumehe’sinatiledarea,maybethekitchen?”
Therecordingprogressed:asoftbrushoffeetoncarpetasheenteredwhatJennaassumedwasthebedroom,followedbyagruntasblanketsandsheetswerepulledfromthebedandpresumablylaidoutonthefloor.Thesoundofwaterrunningcameinthebackgroundasiffromanotherroomandthenthesoundincreasedasifthebathroomdoorhadbeenopened.Heavybreathingandthenaslighttappingsound.Jennaleanedclosertothelaptop.“Iknowthatsound.IheariteachtimeIplacemyphoneonthevanity.He’sinthebathroom.”
Nothinghappenedforaminuteorsoandthentheunmistakablesoundofsomeoneopeningtheshowerdoor.Asoftslidingnoiseasatowelwaspulledfromarackandthenawoman’svoice.
“What?”Hervoicecameoutinabubblymoanasastruggleensued.Gruntsandthesqueakoffeetontiles,softthudsandgroans.“Stop,pleasestop.”Thewomanwasfightingforherlife.
“MaybeIdon’twantto.”Aman’smuffledvoice.“MaybeIlikecuttingyou.”
Theslicingsound,asaknifetorethroughfleshfollowedbythebubblinglastbreathsfromthevictimsickenedher.Heartpounding,Jennacouldalmostseeagushofbloodhittingatiledwallinspurts.Itcouldonlymeanonething:he’dcutherthroatandthengoneintoafrenzy.Thethudsasasharpbladehitdeepintosofttissuewereunmistakable.Nauseous,Jennadugherfingernailsintothepalmsofherhandsasthepoorwomangurgledherlastbreath.Asthesoundofabodyslippingtothefloorinasplashofbloodcamethroughthespeakers,sheheardasighofcontentmentandthenamalevoice.
“HappyHalloween,Lydia.”
He’dkilledherinseconds.
“Keeplistening.”WolfepausedtherecordingandstaredatJenna.“Theworstpartisover,butthenextpartiscrucial.IwantyoutothinkontheFreyaRichardsoncrimescenewe’vejustprocessedasyoulisten.Considerwhatwe’veseenandlistenasitplaysout.Itcouldbethesamescene.It’sthesameMO.I’dbetonit.”
Thenextsoundtheyheardwastheshowerrunningagainandamansinging.Whenheturnedoffthewater,hiswetfootstepscouldbeheardacrossthetile.Heslidatowelfromtherailandthenopenedacloset,mutteringtohimself.Theclosetdoorclosedandhisfootstepsvanishedbeforethesnapofexaminationglovesareclearlyheard.
“Idon’tfigurehe’sdressedatthisstage.”WolfelookedatJennaagain.“Helikelyhastakentowelsfromthecloset,andmaybehasonewrappedaroundhim.”
Themangruntsandthenaslitheringsoundasifabodyisbeingdraggedacrossthefloor.Jennacanseeitinhermind’seyeassherecallsthegruesomecrimesceneonElm.
“Itsoundslikehehasherfeetandisdraggingherintothebedroom.”Wolfelookedatheracrossthedesk.“It’sasifwe’relisteningtoFreya’smurder.Thecrimesceney’allwitnessed,Icouldwalkthroughitusingthisrecording.It’showIseehermurderwentdowninmyhead.”
ThevoiceontherecordingstartledJenna.Itwassoft,almostawhisper.
“Situp,Lydia,oryou’lldripbloodalloverthesheets.There’sagoodgirl.”Anothergruntasthemanhaulsthebodyontotheblankets.“CurlupniceandtightandI’llwrapyouup.Ineedtofityouintothebag.”
Holdinguponehandtostoptheplayback,JennastaredatKane.“Thisisnew.Sincewhendokillerscareaboutwomenafterthey’vekilledthem?”Shepushedahandthroughherhair.“Whyisheremovingthebodyfromthescene?Heknowswhathe’sdoing.Cleaningupmeanslogicalthought.”
“Thefrenziedattackmakesitpersonal.”Kanerubbedthebackofhisneck.“Wehaven’tfoundthiswoman,butfromwhatweheard,hehurtherbeforecuttingherthroatandthenwentintooverkill.Heknewherandhermovements.”
Unconvinced,Jennaranthescenariobackthroughhermind.“Maybeinhismind,butIdon’tfiguresheknowshim,otherwisewhenhesnuckuponherinthebathroom,she’dhavesaidsomethinglike,‘Whatareyoudoinghere,Bob?’andshe’dhaveusedhisnamewhenheattackedher.‘Stopit,Bob.’Or‘WhathaveIeverdonetoyou?’”Shethoughtforabeat.“Shewasterrified,speechlesswithfear,andIdon’tthinksheknewhim.”
“Yeah,butit’sHalloweenandthisislikelytheHalloweenSlasher.Thetimelinefitsand,ifitis,thinkingonwhatWendysaidaboutseeingsomeonewearingamaskandpeeringthroughherwindowmademethinktheHalloweenSlashercouldbewearingamaskwhenhekills.”Kanesighed.“IfitwasaroundHalloween,justlikehere,thereareidiotsrunningaroundtryingtofrightenpeopleatnight.Ifsomeonesawhimhangingaroundinamask,theywouldn’ttakemuchnotice,wouldthey?”
ThemaskideamadesenseandJennanodded.“Andshe’dbeterrifiedifanakedmaskedmancreptupbehindherwithaknife.”SheindicatedtoWolfetoproceed.“Let’sheartherest.”
Moregruntsandthesoundofsomethingbeingdraggedacrossthecarpetandthenachucklebeforetherecordingstopped.Lookingfromonetotheother,Jennasuckedinadeepbreathandleanedbackinthechair.“Hewentbacktothebathroomtogetthephone.”
“Ifigurehemadesurehehadnobloodonhim,dressed,andtookthesoiledtowelswithhim.”Wolferubbedafistunderhisnose.“IdidnoticethelackoftowelsinFreyaRichardson’sbathroom.Mostpeoplehavemorethantwo.Herclosetwasempty.It’sthesameMOasthecoldcase.SeemstometheHalloweenSlasherisrighthereinBlackRockFalls.”
ELEVEN
Myyearisdividedintosectionsofgood,bad,andbetter.Winterisaproblem.Thesnowleavestracks,thegroundishard,andastheyearsgoby,I’mfindingitmoredifficulttodragbodiesaround.Lastwinter,Istartedworkingoutatthegym,rebuildingmybodybacktotheshapeitwaswhenIwasinmyearlytwenties.I’mlookinggood,andalthoughwomencomeandgo,mostofthemfindmeattractive,butthedivorcedandspinstertypesdon’treallyinterestme.IyearnforyoungerwomenandbefriendanyIcanfind.Itakeanentireyeartomakemyselection.IfirstmovedtoMontanaovertenyearsagoandbecameknownastheHalloweenSlasher.Ihavetoadmitthatboostedmyego.Watchingthecopsrunaroundhuntingdownbodieslongburiedandforgottenhadamusedme.IhadagrandplanthatlastyearinBlackRockFalls.Allmyofferingshadbeenlinedupinarowandonegravepartiallydug.Itwasgoingsowellandthendisasterhadstruck.Floodsandmudslideshadpreventedmefinishing.Indesperation,I’dpackedupandheadedforanothersuitablelocation,butduringallthoseyearsaway,I’dbeenlimitedtoofferingsandinbetweenHalloweens.Iturnedtokillingsexworkers,butI’dbeenstupidand,insteadofburyingthem,haddumpedthemanywhere.Thecopshadalmostcaughtmenumeroustimes,andI’dmovedonjustintimebeforethenetclosed.Now,Iunderstoodthewayofthings.I’dlistenedtothevoices.TheforestwascallingtometoreturnandnowI’mabletocontinuewhereI’dleftoff.
Iusemycharmtomakefriends.Yousee,Iliveonahigherplanethanothermen,butactinglikearegularguyoutwithhisfriendsmakesiteasytogetclosertowomen.Amanaloneisalwayssuspicious.EspeciallyasIdeliberateoneachchoiceformyHalloweenofferings.Ipreferaslightlybuiltwoman,onlybecauseshe’seasiertocarry.Abodybeingadeadweightandall.Shemustlivealone,preferablywithoutadog,butIcandealwithdogsifnecessary.Aremoteareaisaplus,butIhavetheskilltosneakintomostplaceswithoutbeingnoticed,especiallyinBlackRockFalls.Here,shadowsbathethesidewalks.Thetownisfilledwithtallpines,cottonwoodtrees,andtheoccasionalmaplethatspillleopard-spotorzebra-stripeshadowsoverthesidewalksandalleyways.Thenthereisthemistandwiththepracticallynonexistentandwidelyspacedstreetlightsofferingonlyasmallorangeoryellowglow,it’sperfect.Notthatlightsbotherme,orCCTVcameras.Carryingalaserpointerandothersmallgadgetsalleasilypurchasedonlinemakesmeinvisibleandbreakingintoahouseorapartmenteasy.Watchingwomenisaseasyasinstallingacameraonawindowledgeoracrosstheway.Theclarityandsoundbeingsogoodthesedays,Isetandforgetandgothroughthevideofilesatmyleisureorwatchonmyphone.Yeah,technologyismyfriend.
ImadetheacquaintanceofDaisyLyonsomemonthsago.She’dgivenmeacoysmileatfirstandthen,justlikealltheothers,ignoredme.I’veseenhertalkingtoherfriends,flirtingwithyoungermen,andplayingnice.Theyallstartedoutbeinglikethat,orwasitallapretense?Wasitagamewomenofthatageplayed?Didtheyteaseandthen
MyleisurelywalkthroughtheforesthasbroughtmeoutoppositePine.AsIcrossStanton,Ikeeptothethickshadowsspillingfromtherowsofpinetreesalongsidethesidewalkandmakemywaytothelog-builthouseDaisyLyonshareswithherfriend,Tara.TheoneremarkablethingaboutTaraisthatsheworksfromthreeeachafternoonuntillateatnight.Shehastwojobs,movingfromonetotheotherandarrivinghomearoundmidnighteachnight.I’vewatchedherdrivingherbatteredoldtruckdownStantonbeforeheadingthroughthetreestothehouse.Daisyarriveshomearoundseven,shedoeschores,eats,andwatchesTVuntiltenandthentakesashowerandgoestobed.I’vebeenwatchingthepairofthemfortwolongmonths
Itakealookaroundbeforegoingtothebackdoor.Mostbackdoorshaveastoopandoffercoverfrompryingeyes,butsomeoneoverlookedthisyardandI’llbeabletodrivemytruckrightuptoitthemomentDaisystepsintotheshower.ItamazesmehowIcanmovearoundaperson’shomewhenthey’reintheshower.It’sasifshowersweredesignedforpeoplelikemetobreakinwithoutanyoneeverhearing.TodayItookapeekinsidetogetthelayout.IneedtoknowwhereDaisysleepsanddiscovertheeasiestwaytogetherbodyintothetruck.Thekillingpartiseasy.Mostofthemarewaytooscaredtofightback.Ipullonexaminationglovesandthenusealockpicktoopenthedoor.Thisismymake-or-breaktimeandIholdmybreathandwaitafewminutesforanyalarmstochime,butnothingishappening.Seemstheydon’townadog.
Islipinsideandfamiliarizemyselfwiththelayoutofeachroom.Thehomeisn’toverlyclean,butIguessbusypeopleworkingtwojobsdon’thavethetimetoclean.Mynosewrinklesatthegarbagespillingfromthetrashcan.Pizzaboxeslitterthekitchentable.Notimetocookeither.I’dbeensurprisedwhenDaisyrefusedmyinvitationtodinner.Nowmoreso.Shebelievedshewassomethingspecial,butI’veseenhermeanside.HerlipcurledwhensherefusedmyinvitationasifIhadnovalueorfeelings.Isighed.Maybeshesensedsomethinghidingdeepinsideme?Notthatknowinganythingwouldsavehernow.Myheartisracingwiththeanticipationofreturningtofindheralone.Ican’twaittosurpriseherandseetheexpressiononherface.Thestartledlookinhereyesasshetakesherlastbreath.Believingshewasallthatwon’thelpwhenIslicedeepintohertenderflesh.
I’vefoundDaisy’sbedroom.Ithasthesmellofher,andIcan’tresistlyingonherbedandinhalingthefragranceofherpillows.Fromthemomentshe’dembarrassedmebylaughingatmyinvitation,I’vefantasizedaboutkillinghersomanytimes.Beingherenowmakesitallthemoreurgent.Icravedthethrillofwatchingherdie.Reluctantly,Irollfromthesweet-smellingsheets,stand,andgotothebathroom.Perfect.Shehasherownandit’sscatteredwithherbelongingsasI’dimagined.Liketherestofthehouse,herprivatespacewasuntidy.Shedidn’tpaytoomuchattentiontocleaning.Perhaps,workingattheTripleZRoadhouse,shehadenoughcleaningtodoallday.Icheckedtheclosetsforthelocationoftowelsandwentbacktothebedroom.Noneedtosmooththebed,itwasjustasshe’dleftitthismorning.Istoodforatimeimaginingherblood-soakedbodywrappedinthesoftpinkwoolenthrowandgrinned.“I’mgoingtomakethisHalloweenspecial,justforyou,Daisy.Realspecial.”
TWELVE
Onherwaybacktotheoffice,Jenna’sphonechimed.ItwasWolfe.“Hi,Shane,Ididn’texpecttohearfromyouuntillater.”
“Thespeedoftechnologysurprisesmesometimestoo.”Wolfe’sofficechaircreakedinafamiliarway.“ThebodyinthegraveisLydiaEllisoutofLouan.NorrellhasbeenworkingonthebodyandIhaveaverbalreport.She’sheadingbacktoBearPeakfirstthingtoexcavatetheothergraves.Ifthey’rebothmurdersandwiththesameMO,shedoesn’tneedtobesiftingthroughdirthuntingdownartifacts.She’dappreciatebackupasthereseemstobeanothercrazyrunningaroundtown.I’mgoingwithher,we’llhaveBlackhawkaswellasherteam,butI’llbetheonlyarmedguard.”
AnxioustohearNorrell’sfindings,Jennachewedonherbottomlip.“Yes,ofcourse.I’llprobablygotherewithDave.WhatdidNorrellsay?”
“Thebodyhasbeenburiedforaboutsixtosevenyears.It’sfemale,eighteentotwenty-twoyearsold,slightbuild,fivefeet,twoinches.Therearedistinctmarks,likelyfromtheserratededgeofahuntingknifeinthecervicalspinevertebrae,toindicateshewasalmostdecapitated.Thesternumandribsindicatesharpforcetrauma.Shealsofoundsimilarmarkingstothevictim’sforearms,whichwouldindicatedefensewounds.Oneofherfingerswasalmostcutthrough.”Wolfeblewoutalongsigh.“Norrellhasconfirmedthewrappingsaroundthebodyconsistofbedlinenandblankets.Shehasacopyoftherecordingofthemurderandplayeditduringtheexamination,andshefigures,theinjuriessustainedmatchwhatshe’shearing.Iagree.”
“Didshementionaweapon?”KaneglancedatJenna.“Ifwe’retyingthesecasestogether,thatevidencemightbecrucial.”
“Yeah,examiningthesternumunderthemicroscope,webothconcludedthedamageisfromahuntingknife.Atypicaldesignandlengthwithaserratededge.”Wolfepausedforabeat.“Weknowfromtherecording,thelastthinghedidwascutherthroat.Hewantedtomakehersuffer,butfromthearterialsprayintheFreyaRichardsoncase,thatamountofbloodwouldindicatetheopposite.Ifavictimhasbeenlosingbloodthroughoutaviciousknifeattack,thegushofbloodfromseveringthecarotidarterywouldbeslightlyless.Whatwesawattheapartmentwasamassivegushofblood.So,ifyou’remakingacomparisonbetweenmurders,wecan’tproveatthistimethatFreyawasstabbedaswell.”Hesighed.“Ididfindapartialthumbprintonthephonethatdoesn’tbelongtothevictim.It’snotonanydatabaseeither.Ifyougetasuspect,wecanrunitagainsthim.”
Jennanoddedmostlytoherselfassheconsideredwhatstepstotakenext.Thecasewassevenyearsold.Coldcasemeantjustthat—bythistime,alltheleadshadgonecold.People’smemoriesfadedorbecameconvolutedovertime.“I’llgetRioandRowleytohuntdownhernextofkinandanyfriendsshehadbeforeshedied.IneedtofindFreya’sbody.Ifthisisthesamekiller,wehavetoassumehe’sgoingtoburyherintheforest.Ifit’snot,we’llhavetowaituntilsomeonestumblesoverthebody.Itcouldbeanywhere.”
“Whenwe’rethereinthemorning,maybesomeoneshouldtakealookatthepartiallyduggravewefound?”KanepulledtheBeastintohisparkingslotoutsidetheoffice.“Maybehe’salreadyburiedherthere.It’sapossibilitywecan’toverlook.”
“Okay.I’llleavey’alltogetbacktowork.”Wolfeclearedhisthroat.“WebberisbackwiththeswabsfromFreya’sshower.I’llseeyouinthemorning.Areyougoodtomeetusatthefireroadturnoffatnine?”
Jennastaredoutatthemistalreadycrawlingfromtheriverandshivered.ItwouldbethesameinthemorningandcouldhideanyoneoranythingatBearPeak.“Yeah,sure,thatworksforme.ThankNorrellforme.”
“Iwill.”Wolfedisconnected.
AsJennafollowedKaneandDukeinsidetheoffice,acoldchillslithereddownherspine.SheturnedtolookoveroneshoulderalongthesidewalktoaHalloweendisplay.Atthistimeoftheyear,itwasdifficulttotellwhatwasrealandwhatwasadisplay.Somethingmovedinthedisplayoutsidethegeneralstore.Shestared,fixated.Theautomatonswereparticularlyinventivethisyear,butasshewatched,shecouldhaveswornoneofthefiguresturnedtolookather.“Dave.Waitforme.”
“What’swrong?Youlookasifyou’veseenaghost.”KaneputonearmaroundhershoulderandscannedMain.
Jennaleanedintohim.“Weknowabouttwomissingwomenandthey’remuchthesamebuildasme.WhatifI’monhislist?”
“Ifheattacksatnight,he’dnevergetthroughoursecurity.”Kaneturnedhertofacehim.“Sayhedoes?Doyouhonestlybelievehecouldimmobilizemeandkillyou?”Heshookhisheadslowly.“I’mstayingbyyoursidetwenty-four/sevenuntilwecatchthisguy.Oncewedobackgroundchecksonhisvictims,we’llknowmoreabouthistargets.Idoubthe’dbestupidenoughtoattemptanattackonamarriedsheriffwithadog.Everyoneintownknowsweareneverapart,andtrustme,I’mnotplanningongoinganywherewithoutyourightbesideme.”
Awaveofcomfortsweptoverherandshenodded.“It’sjustIthoughtI’dseensomeonestaringatmejustbefore.”
“You’rethesheriff.Theyprobablycaughtyoulookingatthemandfiguredthey’ddonesomethingwrong.”Kanesmiledatherandturnedhertowardthedoor.“Youknow,you’relikethiseveryHalloween.”
Jennalookedathim.“That’sbecauseeverydarnyearsomethingbadhappens.That’snotanoveractiveimagination.It’safact.It’slikesomecrazyisputtingupachallengetoseeifwecancatchthem.IfthisreallyistheHalloweenSlasher,where’shebeenforthepastsevenyears?”
“Iguesswe’llfindoutsoonenough.”Kanepushedopenthedoorandusheredherinside.“Inthemeantime,trustmetohaveyourback.”
SheturnedandheldopenthedoorforDuke.“Ialwaysdo.”
Headingtowardthecounter,shesmiledatMaggie.“Anycallsonthehotline?’
“I’vehadafew,notmany.”Maggietookabookfromthedeskbehindthecounter.“Twowerefromreporterswantingmoreonthemissingpersonscase.Iinformedthemwe’dsendoutamediareleasewhenwehadmoreinformation.WehadaninterestingcallfromHankMaxwell.HelivesoutatTwistedLimbsTrailinacabin.HewasonhiswayhomeandspottedawhitevanmovingfastaroundmidnightonFriday.He’dbeenonhiswayhomefromAntlersafterhavingdinnerwithafriend.”SheliftedherheadandlookedatJenna.“I’veaddedhisdetailstoyourfiles.”
Gladtohaveanysnippetofinformation,Jennathankedherandtookthestairstoheroffice,pleasedtoseeRioandRowleywaitingforher.
Kanewasathisdeskscrollingthroughfilesandglancedupasshearrived.“ThejudgerefusedthewarranttotrackFreyaRichardson’sphone.Hequotedprivacylawsandwarnedus,ifsheisn’tdead,we’renottoproceed.”
Jennapushedherhandsthroughherhair.“Didyoumakeitclearwebelieveshe’sdead,butthisisachancetotrackherkiller,whoweassumehasherphone?”
“Yeah,Imadealistofprobablecauses,includingtheslimchancesofherbeingaliveandthatitwasourdutyofcaretofindher.”Kaneshookhishead.“It’stheproofofdeaththat’stheproblemandWolfe’snoteabouttheamountofbloodonscenedidn’tcutit.Deadpeopledon’thaveprivacyrightsandwewouldn’tneedawarrant.Thefactwecan’tlocateheristheproblem.Hestatedthatshecouldbesomewherealive,withoutthephone.Thisbeingthecase,issuingawarrantwouldbeaninvasionofherprivacy.”
Rubbinghertemplesindismay,Jennastaredathim.“Well,IhopeKalobendstherulesthistime.Weneedtocatchthisguy.”SheturnedtoRioandRowleyandgavethemthedetailsofthecallfromHankMaxwell.SheturnedtoRio.“HuntdownwhatyoucanfindoutaboutMaxwell.Whereheworkswouldbeastart,andifhehasanypriors.”
“Whydoweneedtodoabackgroundcheckonhim?”Rowleyfrowned.“Hecalledininformation.Seemstomelikehe’sjusttryingtohelpout.”
Jennasatdownandnodded.“Yeah,butthere’salwaysamaybewithpeoplevolunteeringinformation.Agreed,mostarehonestandjusttryingtoassist,butthenwehavethecriminalswhoinsertthemselvesintotheinvestigationtodiscoverwhatweknow.Yousee,it’sbeenatimesinceFreyawentmissingandwehaven’tfoundabody.Itcouldbethekiller.Someofthemliketoseetheircrimesonthenews.Ifwegetmorehintsfromthisguy,we’llneedtolookcloser.”
“Soweaddhimtothepotentialsuspect’slist?”Rowleynoddedslowly.
Standing,JennawenttothewhiteboardandaddedHankMaxwell’sname.She’dheadedthefirstthirdoftheboardwithFreyaRichardson’sname.“Okay,that’sonepossible.Whatelsehaveyougotforme?”
THIRTEEN
Jennasatdownandlookedexpectantlyatherdeputies.“Rio?”
“Yeah.IlookedalittledeeperintoFreya’stimeline.”Riostaredatheracrossthedesk.Heneverlookedatanote,everythingwasinhishead.“Sheleftworkatthebeautyparloraroundeleven,atthesametimetheownerofthepizzerianoticedoneofhiscustomershangingback,maybeurinatinginthealleywayopposite.HegavehisnameasFrankStark.Hewatchedhimforatime.He’dbeensittinginthewindoweatinghispieandstaringatFreyaasshecleanedthebeautyparlor.ThebeautyparlorhadallthelightsblazingandFreyawasondisplaythroughthestorefrontforatleasttwohours.”
Notingtheman’snameonherlegalpad,Jennaliftedherheadtolookathimagain.“Didhementionwhattypeofvehiclehedrove?”
“Yeah,well,Iaskedhimthesamequestion.”Riostretchedhislonglegs.“Seemshedrivesawhitevan,butitwasn’tinsightthatnight.HenoticedthatFreyausuallyparkedhertruckoutfront,butshe’ddroppedbybeforeworkforasliceandmentioneditwasintheshop.Shewasonfoot,andasshelivedonElm,itwouldhavetakenherhalfanhour,maybealittlemore,towalkhome.”Hescratchedhischin.“Theownersaidthathedidn’tseeStark’svehicle,notuntillater,buthedidseehimheadingoffinherdirection.Hesaidhisvehiclecamebyfastalittleaftertwelvewhenhewaslockingup.ThiswouldmatchthehotlinecallwereceivedfromMaxwell.Hereportedseeingawhitevehicledrivingfastaroundthesametime.”Hemethergaze.“ThepizzeriastaysopenlateonFridayandSaturdaynightsandstopsbakingatelevenunlessthere’sacrowd,likeoverthefestivals.Theyopenatteneachmorning.It’salwaysbusy.”
“It’sstrangeheknowsthisparticularguy.”Kanetwirledapeninhisfingers.“Didyouaskhim?”
“Yeah,hesaidhewasaregular,inmostnightsandsitsforhours.TheownerfiguredStarkhasnoonetogohometo.”
ConsideringtheimplicationsofStarkfollowingFreyahome,Jennanodded.“ItwouldtieinwiththereportaboutaspeedingwhitetruckonSaturdaynight,butisthespeedingvehiclerelevanttoStark?Ifhefollowedherhomeandthenmurderedher,he’dhavealongwalkbacktohistruckifheparkeditsomewherealongMain,especiallyifheplannedontakingherbody.Wouldheriskgoingbackforhistruckandthenbreakingbackintotheapartmenttotakeherwithhim?”
“That’snotlogical.”Kaneshookhishead.“Thisguyappearstoplaneverything.MaybeheparkedhistrucknearFreya’sapartmentandthenwalkedtothepizzeria.Hefollowedherhome,murderedher,andthendroveawaywiththebody.”Heshrugged.“Perhapsthefollowingandterrifyingisallpartofhisthrill?”
Jennastoodagainandwenttothewhiteboard.“I’lladdhimtoourlistofsuspects.”ShedroppedthepenbackinitsholderandsatdownbeforemovingherattentiontoRowley.“HaveyoucontactedtheLouansheriff’sofficeandinformedthemabouttheremainsofLydiaEllis?”
“Yes,ma’am.Theyarehuntingdownhernextofkinandwillnotifythem.”Rowleyglancedathisnotes.“IdidfindFreya’sgrandmother.She’sinacarefacilityinHelena.I’vespokentothepersoninchargeandexplainedthatshe’smissing.TheyinsistedthatunlesswecanverifyFreyaisdeceased,they’renotgoingtoconcernhergrandmotherduetoherfailinghealth.”Hesighed.“Nootherfamilymembersatall.”
“That’ssad.”Kanepushedahandthroughhishairandthenglancedathiswatch.“Isuggestwehuntdownthetwomenwehave,asinfindoutwheretheyworkandwhenthey’relikelytobeathome.”
Jennanodded.“Yeah,workonthatfornow.I’mgoingwithDavetoBearPeakfirstthing.Ifyoufindanymoredetailsonthesemen,callitinandthengoandinterviewthem.Ifnot,keeplookingandI’lldropbyinthemorningbeforeweheadtotheburialsitetoseewhatyou’vediscovered.IfigureMaxwellwon’tbeexpectingavisitbutStarkwill.Wheneveryoudecidetointerviewthem,watchtheirbodylanguageandattitude.Youknowtheattributesofaserialkiller.I’msureIdon’tneedtoremindyoutoremainoutsidetheirhousesorplacesofemploymentatalltimesandneverturnyourbacksonthem.”
“Yes,ma’am.”RowleystoodandledthewayoutoftheofficewithRioclosebehind.
“Youknow,wehaveacoupleofhoursfree.”Kaneleanedbackinhischairmakingitgroan.“I’dliketofindoutmoreaboutFreyaRichardson.I’mguessinghertruckisinMiller’sGarage.Maybeweshouldstartthere.Whereelsedoesshework?We’llneedtospeaktothepeopleshecameincontactwithonFridayandSaturday.”
Jennastoodandwenttothecoffeemakerandpouredtwocups.Assheaddedthefixings,shelookedoverhershoulderatKane.“I’dliketoknowwhyLydiaElliswasinBlackRockFallsatthetimeofherdeath.Wherewasshelivingandhowcomewedidn’tfindanythinginthenewspapersaboutabloodycrimescenehereintown,oramissingyoungwoman?”
“Iguessit’spossiblethekillermurderedherinLouan,dumpedherbodyinhistruck,anddrovehertoStantonForest.”KanetookthecupfromJennawithasmile.“I’llcallKaloandaskhimifhe’stracedFreya’sphoneandifhecandoabackgroundcheckonLydia.I’llputitonspeaker.”
SippinghercoffeeasKanemadethecall,Jennatriedtodiscoveranysimilaritiesbetweenthecrimes,ormarkers,todetermineifthevictimsweremurderedbythesamekiller.Didhepreferthesametypeofwomenorwasitrandom?
ShelistenedasKaneexplainedwhatheneeded.
“It’sallgood.Icanlookintothatthemomentyougetawarrant,butIcan’tlegallytraceFreyaRichardson’sphoneduetotheprivacylaws.”Kaloclearedhisthroat.“Givemeamoment.”Thesoundoffingersflyingoverakeyboardcamethroughthespeaker.“Okay,IcantellyouitlastpingedinBlackRockFalls,butIdon’thaveanexactlocation.It’sbeenturnedofffromwhatIcansee.”
“Okay,Iunderstand.”KaneglancedatJennaandrolledhiseyes.“Assoonaswefindabody,I’llcallyou.”Hedisconnected.
Jennachuckled.“IwonderiftheFBIdirectorisintheoffice?Sincewhenhasby-the-bookbeenKalo’screed?”
“Youcouldberight,buthegaveusaclueatleast.Thephoneishereintown.”Kaneturnedbacktohisscreen.“Okay,doyouwanttomakecallsorfinishyourcoffeeandwe’llgoandspeaktothesepeopleinperson?”
Emptyinghercup,Jennastood.“We’llgoandseethem.Downloadtheirdetailstomyphone.”
“Okay.”Kaneemptiedhiscupandcollectedthedetails.“Okay,Duke,walkies.”HestoodandwavedJennathroughthedoor.“Firstup,Miller’sGarage.”
FOURTEEN
IdroppedbyAuntBetty’sCaféjusttocatchWendyworkinghershift.Shemovesfromtabletotablelikeabutterflyasshecarriesacoffeepot,alwayshappy,withasmileonherface.Ineedtofinalizemymasterplan.Iwantthreeofferingsinthegraves.I’vemadeexcellentchoicesandalldeservetodie.I’vetakencareoftheonesmallproblematWendy’shouseandherdogwillbeatthevetforalongtime.Theslow-actingpoisonIuseshouldhavekilleditoutright,butfortheinterventionoftheneighbors,wholeftadaylateontheirvacation.Althoughthepoisonwouldtakealongtimetoleavethedog’ssystemandwouldgivemethetimeIneed.Intruth,I’mdoingthedogafavor.IfIleaveittostarvewhenItakeWendy,itwillbeaworsedeath.Yeah,Idohaveaheart,gofigure.Although,cometothinkaboutit,Ihavenothoughtseitherwayaboutanimals.Ihuntformeatandfindnothrillinthekilling.Nope,theonlyexcitementIfeelcomesfromfrighteningwomenandmakingthemjumpattheirownshadow.Byinstillingthefacttheyhaveavividimagination,theybelievetheirfrightisoverreaction,andthenwhathappens?Theytrytoconvincethemselvesthey’reoverthinkingsmallthingsandpushconcernoutoftheirminds.Whenthey’vearrivedatthatstage,Icanwalkstraightintothehouseandkillthem.Theyignoreanysmallsoundsbecausethey’vealreadymadeanexcuseintheirmindsforthecreakoffloorboardsortheslideofawindow.
Igivehermybestsmileasshecomestowardmecarryingathickwedgeofcherrypieinonehandandapotofcoffeeintheother.Asshelaysitdown,thesmellofherhairsendsajoltstraightthroughme.MyhandtremblesasItaketheplatefromher.Maybeshedeservesonelastchance?“You’resogoodtome,Wendy.Yousureyoudon’twanttocomewithmetotheHalloweenBall?Ihearthelivebandissomethingspecial.”
“Maybenextyear.”Shegivesmeacoysmile.“I’mgoingwithChance.HeaskedmeonthefirstdayofOctober.IfIseeyouthere,I’llsaveyouadance.”
Youwon’tmakeittothedance.Iwaitforhertofillmycupandmygazedriftstothepoolofcherryjuiceleakingfromthepieandspillingovermyplateinafamiliarcrimsonrush.Myheartpounds.IwanttokillhernowandseeherhotstickybloodspilloverwhitetilebutIactnonchalant,andleanbackinmychair.Icanbeanyone’sbestfriend,theniceguy.Icanjustturnitonanytime.“I’dsayyou’reworthwaitingforandthereareplentyofdancesbetweennowandnextHalloween.Youremindmeofthisfinepie.Yousmellgoodandinsideyou’reasweetdelight.”
“Yousaythenicestthings.”Wendyturnsandhurriesbacktothekitchen.
WhileWendyfinisheshershift,I’lldropbyherhouseandfindawayinside.Ineedaplacetoparkmytruckwherenoonecanseemeorsuspectmeiftheydo.Islowlydevourthedeliciouspie,savoringeachmouthful.Digginggravesmakesmehungry.
FIFTEEN
KanewalkedintotheofficeatMiller’sGarageandsmiledatGeorgeMiller.“Hey,George,wehaveayoungwomanmissing.HernameisFreyaRichardsonandIbelieveshedroppedhertruckbyforrepairs.Canyourecallthedayshecameby?”
“Ido.Yousee,Iusuallyofferoneofourcustomervehiclesforpeoplewithrepairs,butshewasupfronttellingmeshecouldn’tpayforthework.Thecustomervehiclesareusedforshort-term,notweeksormonths.”Georgerubbedahandoverhismouth.“Itoldhershecouldpaymealittleeachweekbutreplacingtheengineinheroldtruckwithanewonewasfalseeconomy.Itwouldbebettertobuysomethingelse.Shewouldn’thearofit,soI’vebeentryingtosourceadecentreplacementengine.”
Kanefrowned.“Youcouldn’tpatchitup?”
“Comeseeforyourself.”Georgeledthewaytothegarageandindicatedanoldtruckwiththehoodup.“Idon’tfigureanythingissalvageable.There’sbeennooilputinitforalongtime.WhenIaskedherwhyshehadn’tputoilinitwhenthelightwasflashing,shetoldmeshedidn’tknowtrucksneededoil.It’sneverbeenserviced.Whenitblew,it’sasifawreckingballwentthroughit.”
“Oh,thatlooksbad.”Jennapeeredunderthehood.
Nodding,KaneturnedtoGeorge.“Poorkid.Shewaspracticallyallaloneintheworld.FromwhatIhear,sheworkedeveryjobpossiblejusttosurvive.Iwishwe’dknown.TheBrokenWingsFoundationhasfundsforpeopleinneed.”
“Shemightnothavetakenahandout.”Georgemethisgazewithalookoftroubledconcern.“Shehadaprideabouther.Toldmeshe’dworkrealhardtogetthemoneyandcouldwalkortakethebus.ShecamebylastSaturdayandgavemeonehundreddollarstowardthenewengine.Iwroteitupinmybook.ShewantedtohavethefullamountbeforeIstartedwork.Shewasthatkindofwoman.Shedidn’twanttooweanyoneanything.”Hesighed.“Betweenyouandme,I’dhaveonlychargedherthecostanddonethelabormyself.Icouldseeshewastryingtogetby.”
Kaneslappedhimontheback.“I’msureyoudideverythingyoucouldtohelpher.Didshementionanythingaboutwhereshewasheadingwhenyoulastsawher?”
“Yeah,shementionedworkingatthebeautyparlor.Shecleansitfromtoptobottom.”Hethoughtforabeat.“I’veseenherpackingshelvesatthegeneralstore.I’mnotsurewhereelsesheworked.”
Lookingalongthelineofmechanicsworkingonvehicles,henodded.“Didshetalktoanyoftheotherguysaroundhere?”
“Notinmypresence.”Georgeshookhishead.“Wedon’tallowcustomersbackhere.”
“Okay,thanks.”Jennasmiledathim.“Mindifwetakealookinsidehertruck?We’retryingtofindcluestolocateher.”
“Goahead.It’sopen.”Georgegrimaced.“Ihopeyoufindher.Thistimeoftheyearisn’tsafearoundtheseparts.”
Kanepulledopenthetruckdoorinagrindofmetalonmetal.“Youcansaythatagain.”
Insidesmelledmustyandtheseatshadseenbetterdays.Hefoundherinsuranceandregistrationinthegloveboxbutlittleelse.Noscrapsofpaperorsignsshe’dbeenanywhereinparticular.Hebenttopeerundertheseats,lookedthroughthebackandfoundnothing.HeturnedtoJenna.“Nothingofinteresthere.”HelookedatGeorge.“Doyourecallifshewascarryingapurseandaphone?”
“Yeah,shecalledustohaulthetruckbackhereandhadaphoneinherhandwhenIlastsawher.Shewascarryingapursebecauseshestuffedafewthingsinsideitfrominsidethetruckbeforeleaving.”
“Youhaven’theardfromhersincesheleft,haveyou?”Jennamovedtohisside.
“Nope.”George’sgazenarrowed.“IsaidI’dcallifIcouldfindadecentreplacementengine.Ihaveherdetails,butI’vehadnoreasontocallher.”
“Okay,thanks,George.”Jennasmiledathim.“We’veheldyouuplongenough.”SheheadedfortheBeast.
Kaneslidbehindthewheel.“Beautyparlornext?”
“I’vealreadyspokentotheproprietor.Freyahadakeyandwentintocleanwhentheyshutdownforthenight.”Jennaclickedinherseatbelt.“Itwasclosedbeforeshearrived,soshedidn’tcomeintocontactwithanyone.Thetimeshearrivedisdebatabletoo,becauseasFreyaworksallover,there’snotellingwhattimeshearrivedorleftthebeautyparlor.Theownersaidaslongastheplacewascleaned,thehourssheworkeddidn’tmatter.”SheglancedatKane.“Georgementionedthegeneralstore.We’lltrytherenext.”Sheglancedatherwatch.“Timeisgettingawayfromus.IwanttodropbyNannyRaya’sandgetTauribeforeitgetstoocold.IpromisedhecouldseethespideroutsideAuntBetty’s.Ifiguredwe’dwalkhimdownMainsohecouldseesomeoftheotherHalloweendisplays.”
Raisinghiseyebrows,Kaneglancedather.“Doyouthinkseeingthemmightfrightenhim?”
“Idon’tthinksobecauseheknowsthey’renotrealandthey’vebeenmakingHalloweenmasksallweekinkindergarten.Theyhaveghostsandpumpkinsallovertheroom.”
Kanenodded.“Yeah,Iguessweshouldcarveajack-o’-lanternfromapumpkinforhimaswell.Iremembermakingthemwithmydad.Wecoulddoittogether.Whatdoyouthink?”
“Itwasthebesttimeformetoo.”Jennalaughed“I’mreallyenjoyinghavingTauri,hebringsbacksomanyhappymemories.Nowallweneedisapumpkin.”
Kanestaredalongthesidewalk.“Ididseeapileforsalealongheresomewhere.”
“We’lllookforoneafterwe’vecollectedhim.”Jennasmiled.“Itwillallbepartofthefun.”
Pullingupinaspaceoutsideofthegeneralstore,heclimbedout.“Waitthere,Duke.We’llbewalkingalongMainanytimesoon.”HeshotaglanceatJenna.“DoyouwanttoeatatAuntBetty’stonight?Ifigurehe’dlikeitanditwouldgiveusmoretimewithhimbeforehegoestobed.Itwon’ttakelongtomovethehorsesintocleanstallswhenwegethome.I’llmuckthemoutinthemorningandturnthemoutintothecorral.”
“Okay,butwe’llgrabapietogo.”Jennarolledhereyes.“Ifyoueatatsix,you’llbestarvingbyeight.”
Grinning,Kanefollowedherintothegeneralstore.“Sure.Youtwistedmyarm.”
Afterspeakingtothemanager,Kanelistenedwithinterest.“So,Freyaworkedalongsideafewpeople.Anyofthemhappentobemale?”
“Yeah,ElliotCummings.”Themanagerraisedbotheyebrows.“Theyseemedtogetalongjustfine.”
Nodding,Kanelookedathim.“WouldyoudescribeElliotCummingsasjustaworkmateorwasthereanythingbetweenhimandFreya?”
“I’mnottoosure.”Themanager’seyebrowsjoinedinthecenterinafrownasifhewastryingtorecalltheirinteractions.“Ididhearhimaskheroutatonetime.”
“Whatdidshesay?”Jennawasmakingnotes.
“Oh,thatsheworkstwenty-four/sevenanddoesn’thavethetimefordating.”Themanagershrugged.“Itwasquietbetweenthemafterthat.”
Kanestraightened.“Andbeforethat,hadtheybecomeclose?”
“Hmm,don’tquoteme,butIhaveseentheminthebreakroomdrinkingcoffeeandchatting,butthenElliotseemedtoignoreherorshedidhim.”ThemanagerlookedatJenna.“Ineverheardanyharshwordsbetweenthem.”
“Whenwasthelastdaysheworked?”Jenna’spenraisedfromhernotebookasshelookedathim.
“Saturday,shetookherbreakaroundfive,finishedhershiftateight,shegoesfromheretothebeautyparlor.”Themanagershookhishead.“Shewasagoodworker.Iheardonthenewsthatshe’smissing.Ihopeshe’sokay.”
Ashenodded,Kane’smindflashedtothecrimescene.Therewouldbenowayanyonesurvivedthatmuchbloodloss.Heclearedhisthroat.“Wedotoo.We’llneedthedetailsofElliotCummings.We’reinterviewingeveryonewhoknewFreya.DoIneedawarrant?”
“Idon’tbelievethat’snecessary.”ThemanagerpluckedacardfromasmalldisplayatthecheckoutandhandedittoKane.“Elliotisaphotographer.Thisishiscard.Itdoesn’tpaythebills,soheworkshere.”Heopenedhishands.“He’dnormallybeherearoundthistime,buthechangedhisshift,saidheneedstobearoundtownatnightoverHalloweentocatchallthedisplays.Peopleapparentlylikeprofessionalphotographsduringfestivals.”
“Thanks.”Jennafoldedhernotebook.“We’llgivehimacall.”SheheadedoutthedoorandturnedtoKane.“Whatdoyouthink?”
Kanepushedhishatdownonhisheadfirmlyasacoldbreezebrushedhischeeks.“Anotherpossible.Thisonehasamotive.Sheshunnedhisattentionandithadanimmediateeffect.Yeah,he’sonthelist.”
SIXTEEN
Acoldmistswirledacrossthesidewalkandturnedtheblacktopintoawalkwayforghostlyfigures,allofthemmarchingintotheunknown.JennapushedawaytheshudderofuncertaintyandlookedintoTauri’sface.Heshoneasiflitfrominside,hishappinesscomingoutingigglesandlittleskipsofjoyassheledhimpastthesometimeshorrificdisplays.Ithadtakenalongdiscussiontopersuadehertoexposeafour-year-oldtoallthatBlackRockFallsofferedovertheHalloweenweek.She’dspokentoBlackhawk,who’dshruggedandsaiditwasafactoflifeandTaurishouldunderstanditwasallinfun.Kanehadsaidmuchthesame,pointingoutthedecorationsinthekindergartenandjusthowmanyofTauri’sfriendswereinvolvedindecoratingtheirownfrontyards.She’dgiggledwhenKanementionedhe’dneverhadaproblemwithHalloween,butSantaClaushadfrightenedhimasachild.Theideaofahugemanwithclawscomingdownthechimneyinthenighthadbeenaterrifyingnotion,carryinggiftsornot.He’dexplainedthatafterbeingwell-schooledinstrangerdangerandnottakingcandyfromanyonehedidn’tknow,SantaClaussoundedverydangeroustohim.
Darkshadowsloomedaheadand,wishingKanewaswithher,shestaredthroughtheswirlingmisthopingtoseehim.ButKanehaddriventoAuntBetty’sandparkedoutside,and,leavingthemtoenjoythedisplays,hehadgonetopurchaseapumpkin.AfterleavingitintheBeast,he’dwalkalongMaintomeetthem.Thesidewalkwasn’tbusy,mostpeoplehadheadedhomefortheirdinner,butafewpeoplelingered.Ahead,theHalloweenspiritwasinfullforce,witheverystoretryingtooutdothenext,butbetweenthem,thebanksandofficessatindarknessandallaroundthemshadowshadfilledwithmist,addingtothecreepiness.Thefogwassothickinplacesthatpeopleseemedtoemergeatfirstlikeghostlyfiguresbeforetheirfeaturessetinplace.Withakillerroamingthestreets,oncetheyenteredthethickcloudoffog,noonewouldseeifsomeoneattackedthem.
NervesonedgebutwantingtokeeptheatmospherearoundTauriasrelaxedaspossible,shelaughedandpointedattheskeletonsdressedlikegunslingersplayingcards,theirredeyesflashingandheadsturningwheneveranyonewalkedby.“They’resofunny.”ShesqueezedTauri’shand,keepinghimclosetoherside.
“It’sfunnybecausewemadejack-o’-lanternstodaytokeepthebadghostsaway,andNannyRayasaysonlygoodspiritsoftheelderscomethroughonthatnightandshewelcomesthemtobringinanewbeginning.Shetoldmenevertobeafraidofthegoodspirits.Mostaretheretoguideus.”Hegaveheraquizzicalstareandwrinkledhisnose.“Whoisright?”
EnchantedbyTauri’sknowledgeofbothcultures’interpretationofHalloween,shesmiledathim.“Youshouldbelievewhat’sinyourheart.Thesedisplaysareforfunandshouldn’tbetakenseriously,butyearsagopeoplehadmanydifferentinterpretationsofwhatsomecalledAllHallows’Eve.IhappentoagreewithNannyRayaandbelievetherearespiritswhoguideus.Ithinktheyguideuseveryday,notjustoverHalloween.”
“UncleAtohisaidthesamething.”Taurilaughed.“HecomestoseemeatNannyRaya’sandtellsmestories.Ilikelisteningtohim.Heteachesmenewwords,sameasDaddy.Iwanttospeaktotheelders,sameastheotherkids.”Helookedupather.“Icanteachyou.It’seasy.”
Heartblossomingwithloveeverytimeshelookedatherlittleboy,shenodded.“I’dlikethat.”
AstheystrolledalongMain,afewpeoplewanderedpast,noddingtoher,headsbentagainstthecruelbreezethatseemedtocreepupbehindherandsendchillsdownherneck.Icecoveredthemountainpeaks,turningthesnowcapsblue.Snowwouldcomeearly.Thewintershadbecomeworseeachyearandseemedtolastforeverbeforethemelt.Asshestoppedinfrontofagroupofwild-hairedwitchesstirringabubblingcauldron,shecaughtamovementinoneofthedisplays.Withinagroupofghostlyfigureswithhideousmasks,aheadturnedtowardher,theblackeyesdeeppitsofnothingness.Thehairsstooderectonthebackofherneck,asthey’dwalkedbyjustbeforeandnothinghadhappened.Mostoftheautomatonshadmovementsensors,andrightnowtheyweretheonlypeoplecloseby.ShepulledTauricloserashepokedafatspiderwithtwirlingblack-and-whiteeyesthatremindedherofoldmoviesaboutbeinghypnotized.
Astheymovedtothenextdisplay,ashiversliddownherspineandeverymusclewentonalertasshecaughtthereflectioninthestorefrontwindowofaghostlyfiguredetachingitselffromthegroup.Itappearedtofloatonthemisttojointhenextdisplay.Shehadn’timaginedit,nottwiceinarow.Hadshe?Casually,sheunclippedtheleatherstrapsecuringherweaponandmovedTauriontothenextdisplay,keepingoneeyeonthereflectionbehindherinthestorefrontwindows.Ahead,thestreetwasempty.Shadowsbathedthesidewalkoutsidetheclosedofficebuildingsthatstoodoneachsideofthedarkalleyway.Concerngrippedher.WassomeonefollowinghertocauseherharmortryandsnatchTaurifromher?Hewassuchabeautifullittleboyandattractedattentionfromeveryone.Notwantingtoalarmhim,shebent,gatheredhiminherarms,andhurriedacrosstheentrancetothemistyalleyway.Heartpounding,sheburstoutofthedarknessandslowedasshereachedthenextdisplay.Toherhorror,inherperipheralvisionshecaughtsightoftheghostlyfigureslidingintothealleyway.Therewasnomistake.Somebodywasfollowingher.
Actingnonchalant,sheplacedTaurionthegroundandclaspedhishandastheymovedtowardadancingskeletonandamanwithanaxthroughhisheadoutsideGunsandAmmo.ShesearchedaheadforKanebutcouldn’tseehim.Throughtheswirlingmist,shemadeoutamassofpeoplearoundtheentrancetothepizzeriawaitingfortakeout.Theghostlyfigurehadn’temergedfromthealleyway,sotheywalkedon.Heartracingwitheverystep,JennatriednottoallowherHalloweenover-imaginationtakeholdofcommonsense,butastheymovedalongthesidewalk,shestaredintothestorefrontwindowstraightintothefacetheofthefigureheadingtheirway,andinonehandheswungamachete.
Sheneededtogetsomedistancebetweenherandthemanfollowingher,andsqueezedTauri’shand.“Howfastcanyouruntothenextone?”
“Likethewind.”Taurigiggledanddraggedherforward.
Laughing,theyrantowardthenextexhibitionofgruesomeHalloweenfun.NotwantingtofrightenTauri,shestopped,tookoutherphone,andtookaphotographofhim,makingsuretocapturethereflectionofthefigurenowblendingintothepreviousdisplay.SheallowedthelittleboytoexploretheattractionsandcalledKaneinawhisper.“SomeonedressedasaghostandcarryingamachetehasbeenfollowingussincewestartedtowalkalongMain.Hewaits,andthenaswemoveon,hefollowsandblendsinwiththedisplays.Idon’twanttocreateabadexperienceforTauri,butifhecomesanycloser,I’lltakehimdown.”
“I’mheadingyourway.”ShecouldhearKane’sfootstepsrunningonthesidewalk.“I’macrosstheroad.ItookDuketothepark.Leavehimtome.I’llcomearoundbehindhim.MakesureyoukeepTauribusy.What’syourexactposition?”
Jennakepthervoicelow.“JustwentpastGunsandAmmo.Notfarfromthepizzeria.”
“Okay.Ifanythinggoesdown,pickTauriupandruntothepizzeriaorAuntBetty’s.”Kanedisconnected.
Holdingoutherhand,JennasmiledatTauri.“Comeon,thegiantspiderisn’tfar.”
“Canweseethemanwiththefunnyteeth?”Taurimakeaface.“Hesays,‘Hahaha,Iwanttobiteyourneck.’Myfriendstoldme.”
Keepingacloseeyetoanymovements,JennaallowedTauritodraghertotheDraculaattraction.Thecoffinopenedastheywalkedby,andthedummy’sarmsstretchedtowardthem.Thevoicewasalmostmelodicandshecouldn’thelplaughing,andthenfrozeasshecaughtsightoftheghostlyfiguredetachingitselffromthepreviousdisplayandheadingstraightforthem.ShepickedupTauri,readytorunforherlifeandthensighedwithrelief.
Asiflikemagic,Kaneappearedfrombetweenparkedtrucksandintwostrideshadslammedtheghostagainstared-brickwallwithhisforearmacrosshisthroat.Shedidn’tturnbutkeptTauri’sattentiononthedisplay,watchingeverythingunfoldinthereflectionofthestorefrontwindow.Theghost’smaskwasdraggedofftheculprittoshowayoungman,hisfacewhiteandeyesbulgingatKane.WordswereexchangedandKanetookaphotographoftheman’sID.Heshovedthemaskathimandgavehimapushintheoppositedirection.ThenextmomentDukecameboundingtowardthem,tailwagginglikeawindmillandhisbacksideinahappydancetoseeTauri.Thatdogsurelovedthelittleboy.AstheyheadedtowardAuntBetty’s,Kanecametoherside.Jennalookedathim.“Youlethimgo?”
“Heclaimedtobeanactorhiredbythetowncounciltoscarepeople.”Kaneshrugged.“Ihavehisdetailsandwillchecktomorrow.I’llalsobecallingthemayoraboutthestupidityofdoingsuchathinginSerialKillerCentral.Ilettheguygowithawarning.”
Interested,Jennalookedathim.“Whatkindofwarning?”
“Oh,Isaidmessingwiththesheriffisabigmistake,especiallywhenshe’soutwithourson.Ifhe’dcomeclosewiththatmachete,whichwasplasticbytheway,you’dhaveshothimdead.”Heclearedhisthroat.“Ialsoremindedhimthatanyonewhobelievestheirlifeisindangerhastherighttodothesamethingandsuggestedhefindanotheroccupation.”
“Daddy,comelookatthespider.”Tauriwasjumpingonthespotwithexcitement.“Ithasbabies.”
“Oh,I’mscared,maybeyoushouldholdmyhand.”Kanegrinnedathim.
“SillyDaddy.”Taurilaughedandtookhishand.“You’rebigandscaredofnothing.UncleAtohitoldmeyouareEagleEyethegreatwarrior.”
JennawatchedKane’sexpressionchangetoasoftnessshe’drarelyseen.ShetookTauri’sotherhand.“Comeon,myeagle-eyedwarriors.Let’swalkthroughthespider’slegsandeat.I’mstarving.”
SEVENTEENWEDNESDAY
AfterdroppingbyAuntBetty’sCafétocollectatonoftakeoutandcoffeeforlunchfortheteams,JennawenttotheofficetoupdateRioandRowley.ShesentthemtointerviewtwoofthesuspectsintheFreyaRichardsoncaseandthenheadedoutthedoor.SheclimbedbackintotheBeast.“Okay,we’regoodtogo.”
They’dplannedtomeetWolfe,Norrell,andherteamforthetrektoBearPeak.They’dhandledmanycasesinvolvingtheareainthepastandithadbecomefamiliar,butitrepresentedaverysmallpartofwhatwasvastwilderness.WithBlackhawk’sassistance,they’ddiscoveredthequickestwaystogettodifferentlocations.Thefireroadsofferedthebestchoiceanditwasonlyashortwalktothecurrentlocationofthegraves.She’dconsideredthedifficultyofcarryingabodyfromthefireroadtotheburialsiteanddecidedthekillermustbeastrongman,unlesshedrovehistruckandhorsetrailertothefireroadandtransportedthebodyonhorseback.
Although,thisiswhereoldcasesbecamecoldcases.Aftersixorsevenyears,thesurroundingtrailsaroundthegravesofferednocluesnoranysignsofwhatmethodhe’dused.Thethoughtstilllingeredinhermindastheconvoyofvehiclespulledtoahalt.SheturnedinherseattoKane.“Aswehaveabodymissing,weshouldscoutaroundandseeifwecanseeanyfreshtracks.Ifthekillerisstillusingthislocationashisburialgrounds,hecouldhavedrivenherelikeusandmaybebroughtahorsewithhim.”
“Ifhehad,he’dhavedugthegravebeforethemurder.”Kanepulledablackwoolencapoverhisheadtocoverhisears.“Fromtheemptygravesitewefound,that’swhathedoes.So,weshouldlookthereandseeifhe’sleftabodyinthatgrave.Ifhehasburiedher,Atohiishere.He’llbeabletotrackhim.”Heshrugged.“Idoubtthekillerishangingaround,butWolfeisarmedandsoisWebber.Norrellwillbesafewhilewegoandpokearound.”
Aftergreetingtheteams,JennawenttoAtohi’ssideastheybegantheirhikethroughtheforest.“Wouldyoumindcomingwithustothepartiallyduggravesite?Iftherecentmurdervictimhasbeenburied,thatplacewouldbelogical.Ifhehasburiedher,couldyoutrackhimforus?”
“I’llasktheboss.”BlackhawkwinkedatherandturnedtoWolfe.“Doyouneedme?Jennawantstocheckouttheothergravesite.”
“Nope.IfNorrellfindsanythingunusualthatweneedyoutoexamine,I’llcallyou.”WolfeglancedatJennaandsmiled.“Atohiisofficiallyamemberofmyteamnow,butasmyteamandyourteamareinseparable,ifyouneedhishelp,there’snoneedtoask.”
RecallinghowBlackhawkhadrefusedtobecomeanemployeeofthesheriff’sdepartment,sheturnedtolookathim.“Oh,that’sgood.Whatchangedyourmind?”
“Ah,thenatureofthework,Jenna.”Blackhawkraisedbotheyebrows.“Norrellexplainedtheimportanceofhavingmearoundwhennecessaryforexcavatingburialsites.Iwon’tbehereunlessI’mneeded.Mostofherworkwillbeintheforest,andalthoughthemajorityofforestisoutsidetheres,longagoitallbelongedtous.TherearesacredsitesthroughoutStantonForest,andyouneedagoodtrackerfromtimetotime.SoasI’memployedbythemedicalexaminer’sofficeandnotthesheriff’sdepartment,it’sfine.Onthereswehaveourownlawenforcement.Iwouldn’twanttobeaccusedofjumpingthefence.”Hechuckled.“Althoughbeingpartofyourfamilynow,Jenna,IbelieveIhaveonelegoneitherside.”
Frowning,Jennasqueezedhisarm.“IhopeusadoptingTaurihasn’tcausedanyproblemswithyourelders.Itwasn’tourintention.WehavethegreatestrespectforNativeAmericantraditions.”
“Ifithad,theywouldn’thaveallowedit,Jenna.”Blackhawk’sexpressionwasserious.“Wecanseewhatisinsideyourhearts.Tauribelongswithyou.Ihadadreamabouthimsoonafterhearrivedontheres—hewasridingwithDaveintheforest—andthenanotherthefollowingnight.IsawhimgrowninaphotographwithDaveandyoustandingbesidehimwhenhegraduated.Theywerepowerfuldreamsandwetakenoticeofdreams.HehasabrightfuturewithyouandDave.Weareveryhappyhehasfoundhiswayhome.”
Stunned,Jennahuggedhim.“Thankyou.”
“IstheresomethingIneedtoknow?”Kanewalkedupbehindher,oneeyebrowraised.
“No.”Blackhawkgrinnedathim.“Don’tallowthoseeagleeyestoturngreen.Wewerediscussingyourson.”
“DidshementionthefoolfollowingherandTaurilastnight?”Kaneshookhishead.“JennaisthelastpersonIknowtotakeoutaserialkiller.Shealwaysgivestheordertobringtheminalive,soshecanquestionthem,butlastnight,Iswearshe’dhaveshotthatguydeadifhe’dsteppedayardclosertoTauri.”
“Mothersarelikebearswiththeircubs.”Blackhawkledthewayinthedirectionoftheothergravesite.“They’ddietoprotectthem.”
Shivering,recallingthepreviousnight,Jennanodded.“IwasfocusedonkeepingTaurisafeatallcosts.It’sstrange,Iwasn’tworriedaboutme,asifI’dbecomeashieldtoprotecthim.”
“Really?”Kanebarkedalaugh.“NowyouknowhowIfeelandhavefeltsincethedayImetyou.It’snotsomethingIcanturnonandoff.It’sjustthere.”
Jennalookedathim.“Don’tyouknowI’dgivemylifeforyou,Dave?It’snotsinceTauricameintoourliveseither.I’vealwaysfeltthatway.”
“That’sgoodtoknow.”Kanesmiledather.
Ahead,asmallclearingemergedfromthetangleoftreesandtheyallslowedandsearchedtheimmediateareabeforemovingtowardthepartiallyduggrave.AsJennawalked,mistcurledaroundherfeet.Itwascoldandeerilyquiet.Theonlysoundcamefromtheriver.Birdsongwasmissingandsheglancedoverhershoulderbeforeshebentandscannedtheovergrownmoundofdirt.“Noonehasbeenhere.Dammit,Iwashopinghe’dhavecompletedhistriangleorwhatever.”
“Ifit’stheHalloweenSlasher.”Kanerubbedthebackofhisneck.“SomeonemurderedFreyaRichardson,butherbodycouldbeanywhere.Let’sfaceit.Evenifitwasdumpedanywhereintheforestawayfromtheusualhikingtrails,thewildlifewouldhaveeatenit.ShewentmissingFriday.It’sWednesdayandshecouldbespreadallovertheforestbynow.”
“Manyhuntatthistimeandit’sthelawtofielddressatthekillsiteandleavetheentrails.”Blackhawkpointedtoafewcrowssittingsilently,highaboveinthetrees.“Crowswouldusuallytelluswherethedeadliebutnotduringhuntingseason.”Heturnedandindicatedtowardthemountain.“Thecavesarethesamedistanceaway,ifthekillerwantstoriskdisturbingthebears.”HelookedatJenna.“Youknowhowthesekillersthink.Whatwouldhedo?Wherewouldhego?”
Handsonhips,Jennalookedaroundandshrugged.“I’llthinkonitsomemore,butwe’vehadbodiesdumpeddownwells,mineshafts,underfloorboards,inrootcellars—younameit.Hemighthaveherinanacidbathforallweknow.”Sheshookherhead.“I’mjustgladwedon’thavegators.Thatwouldbemyfirstchoice.”Shesighed.“IguesswegoandseeifNorrellhasfoundanything.”
“IfigureweneedtoknowmoreabouttheHalloweenSlasher.”Kaneshrugged.“I’llcallJowhenwegetbacktotheoffice.”
Jennanodded.“Yeah,she’llhavesomethingonhim.He’soneofthecoldcasesandtheyneverfoundatraceofhim,didthey?”
“Nope.”KanewavedJennaaheadtofollowBlackhawkthroughthetrees.“Themurdersstopped.I’mguessinghelikelydied.Itmighthavebeenanillnessoracarwreck.Noevidencewasfoundtopointtoanyone,muchlikeourcurrentcase.Ourcasecouldbeacopycat.”
GladtohaveKaneatherback,Jennanegotiatedtheundergrowthandtangledrootsalongthetrail.“Itwouldhavebeengoodifthey’dcaughthimandhewasinjailsomewhere.”SheduckedunderalowbranchandhelditbackforKane.“Ifinditunnervingbutinterestingtointerviewserialkillers.Ibelieveitslamshomethefacthowdangeroustheyareandhoweasilytheycandeceivepeople.Watchingthemchangefromseeminglynormaltoapersonintentonmurderingyouinaninstantreallyshockedme.AllIcouldthinkofatthetimewasthat’sthesameexpressiontheirvictimssawjustbeforehetooktheirlives.”
“Asoberingthought,butwhattheyrevealcanbehelpful.”Kanemovedsilentlybehindher.“Themainthingformewasthattheydon’tneedareasontomurder.It’slikesayingtoayoungkid,‘Whydidyoueatthatcandy?’Thekidwouldsay,‘Becauseitwasthere’or‘BecauseIwantedto.’It’sasifthepartofthemthatdecideswhatisrightandwhatiswrongwasnevertaughttothem.Adultsteachbehavior,andforatime,Iwonderedifthiswasthefoundationforaserialkiller,butweknownowitcanbegeneticorcausedbyextremeemotionaldistressasachild.”
Thinkingthroughwhathesaid,Jennakeptmoving,followingBlackhawkthroughthezebra-stripeshadowsacrossthetrail.“Maybeit’sabitofboth.Theydohaveagenetictendency,butweknownotallpsychopathsendupmurderingpeople,butabadchildhoodisadefiningfactor.”Sheclearedherthroat.“Withluck,Freyamayhavebeenthevictimofajealousloverfromherpast.Sheremainsamysteryaswell.Weknowsheworkedplentyofjobs.Shecouldhaveeasilysnubbedthewrongperson.”
“Whoeverheis,heknowshowtocoverhistracks.”Kanecametohersideastheyreachedtheotherburialsite.“Hetookthebodywithhim.That’sariskymove.Thequestionrunningthroughmyheadiswhyhedidthat.Hebrokeinandmurderedher.Mostkillerswouldwalkoutandhopenoonesawthem,butnothim.He’ssoconfident.Imean,whotakesashoweratacrimescene?Itmakesmebelievehe’sdonethisbefore.It’swellplanned.Therehastobemoremurders.IhopeKalowillbeabletofindsimilarMOsfromdifferentstates.WemighthaveanothervisitorhellbentonjoiningSerialKillerCentral’shalloffame.”
EIGHTEEN
Onhiskneesbetweentwoopengraves,Wolfeheldupahandtostoptheexcavationoftheonehe’dbeensupervising.“Holdup,Iseesomething.Goslownow.”
“It’sablanket.”MattyfromNorrell’steambrushedsoilawayandmovedalongthebundledmassoffilthybedlinenwithColtWebberbesidehim,gentlyextractingloosedirt,untiltheshapeofabodywasuncovered.
Takinggreatcare,Wolfeliftedtheedgeoftheblankettofindabloodstainedpillowcase,thebloodlongturnedtoarustyorangebuteasilyrecognizable.HemovedhisfingersoverthepillowcaseandturnedtoNorrell.“Wehaveabodyhere,sameasbefore.Isuggestgettingthisoneoutinsitu.Youcanunwrapitinanexaminationroom.Itlooksfragile,we’llneedtogetitontoaboardforsupport.”
“Yeah,same,butthisoneisout.”Norrellwaskneelingbesideabodybag.“Ialsofoundapillowcaseoverthehead.Thebodyisnakedandwrappedinblankets.Itlookslikeitwasburiedthesametimeasbefore,aroundsixorsevenyearsago.IfigurethesearethethreemissinggirlsfromtheHalloweenSlasherfromsevenyearsago.”Shewavedahandatthebodybag.“I’llleaveuncoveringtheheaduntilI’mbackinthelab,butIcanplainlyseethesameknifemarksonthesternumandribsasbefore.”Shelookedathim.Hereyesshowedherdespair.“Anotherhomicideaswesuspected.”Sheheldupanevidencebag.“There’saphonetuckedinwiththebody.Thisbodywaswrappedreallytightandhadbindingstringholdingittogether.Thebodyisn’tstretchedout,butit’sliketheotherone,inafetalposition.”
WolfestoodasNorrell’sexpertteamslidthecorpseontoabackboardandremovedthevictimfromthegraveanddepositeditintoabodybag.“Whenyou’redone,searchthegraveincasethere’ssomethingelseinthere.”
HewalkedtoNorrell’sside.“I’dnormallyseeabodyinthefetalpositionwhensomeoneislefttodieandtheycurlupinpain,orfromafire,butfromwhatwe’veseensofar,thesewomendiedinseconds.It’simpossibletolivewiththeinjuriestheysustained.”
“So,heposedthemforsomereason,wrappedandboundthemwithstring.”Norrelllookedathim.“Why?Wouldn’tthatmakethemhardertomove?”
Nodding,WolfeglancedupasJenna,Kane,andBlackhawkcamebackonscene.Hebroughtthemuptodate.“Wewerewonderingwhyheboundtheminafetalposition.Itwouldmakethemdifficulttotransport.Anysuggestions?”
“I’veseentheguyswhomowlawnsandtendgardenshaulingtheclippingsawayinabigbag.”Blackhawkshrugged.“Maybethiskillerrunsagardeningservice.Noonewouldnoticehimdraggingbagsaround,wouldthey?”
“Goodthinking,butwouldn’thedumpthematthelandfill?”Jennarubbedhertemples.“Whygotoallthetroubleofburyingtheminthreesouthere?It’samassivelandfill.Itwouldbeeasytoloseabodythere,wrappedandmixedwithlawnclippings.Noonesortsthroughthegarbage.It’sjustpushedfromoneplacetoanotherandthencoveredwithdirt.”
“Ifigureit’sgoingtobeinterestingtodiscoveriftheyallhaveaphonebelongingtothegirlwhodiedbeforethem.”KanestaredintothegraveWolfehadexcavated.“Ifshehasone,we’llknowwhoisintheothersetofthreegraves.”
Wolfeshookhishead.“Andifallthreehavethem,itwillbelikethechickenandtheegg.Howmanypeoplehasthisguymurderedandwherearethebodies?”
“Maybeweshouldstartwiththeotherthreegraves.”Jennastoodhandsonhipsstaringintotheshadowedforest.“Ifthey’rethesame,we’vesolvedsixcoldcasesbylocatingthebodies.IftheHalloweenSlashermadeonemistakewhenherecordedthemurders,ourtechnologytodaywillpickupmorethanheanticipated.”
“Or,ifwediscoverFreyaRichardson’sbodywithaphonebelongingtoLydiaEllis,thefirstvictimweuncoveredfromthisgravesite,atleastwe’llknowforsureit’sthesamekiller.”Kanestaredatthebodybagsshakinghishead.“Ifitis,thensomethingstoppedhimfromcompletinghisthreesetsofthree.Ifigurethisisanelementofthiscrimeweneedtoexplore.”HemovedhisattentionbacktoJenna.“Ifhe’sbacktocompletehisfantasyormissioninlife,whatever,wherehashebeenforthelastsevenyears?”
“That’ssomethingweneedtolookinto.”Jennablewoutalongsigh.“Whowasjailedforsevenyears,wouldbeastart.Whodiedaroundthesametime,isanotherconsiderationuntilwefindFreyaRichardson’sremains.”
“IknowyouneedinformationASAPfromtheothergraves.”Norrellpushedastrandofblondehairfromherfacewithherforearm.“IfyouassistwithcarryingthebodiesbacktoWolfe’svan,we’llgrabatwenty-minutebreaktorestourbacksandthenheadtotheotherburialsite.Iwanttheinformationasmuchasyoudo.Thiscaseisintriguing,butIcan’texpectmyteamtodiggravesallday.”
Wolfesurveyedtheteamofyounghealthymalesandbarkedalaugh.“Maybeyouneedtosuggestfitnesstraining?They’regoingtobespendingagooddealoftheirtimehikingupmountaintrailsanddigginginallweather,ridinghorsesandworkinglonghours.”Hecastaneyeovertheyoungmen.“Y’allneedtobefit.Youneverknowwheny’allhavetorunforyourlives,fromagrizzlyoraserialkiller.”
“Maybesomefirearmstrainingaswell.”Kaneshrugged.“It’sMontana.Notknowingatleastthebasicsaboutweaponsisabigmistake.ThreeguysshouldbeadequateprotectionforNorrell,ifyouwerearmed.Goingunarmedouthereinthewildernessisaskingfortrouble.”
“Theyrarelyleftthelabbeforecomingherewithme.”Norrellfrownedathim.“Itwasn’tnecessary,butIcanseeyourpoint.”Shelookedatherteam.“IworkoutwithDr.Wolfeeverymorningtokeepfit.Ifyoulike,I’llarrangeforsomefitnessclassesforyou.”SheturnedtoKane.“IfIrecall,Rowleyattendsadojointowntokeepinpeakcondition.Maybehecantalktomyteamandgetthemmotivatedtojoin.”
“Yeah.”Kanenodded.“Goodchoice.Theystartoffslowandbuilduptheirskillsinvariousmartialarts.Ittakestime.Itwouldn’thurttohitthegymintownafewtimesaweekaswell.”
“Okay,enoughtalkaboutfitness.”Jennalookedfromonetotheother.“Let’sgetthesebodiesbacktothevan.WehaveThermosesofcoffeeandenoughfoodtofeedanarmyinthetruck.”
WolfelookedatKaneandAtohiandraisedhiseyebrows.“Canyoulendahandcarryingthebodiestothevan?Ifiguretheseguysneedabreak.”
“No.”LeostraightenedandlookedattheothermembersofNorrell’steam.“MattyandTarawillhelpme.Weonlyneedoneothertoassist.”Hisear’spinkedashelookedatKane.“I’lltakeyouuponthefirearmstrainingifyouhavethetime,andwhodowetalktoaboutjoiningthedojo?”
“Sure,andI’llhelpyoucarrythebodies.”Kanesmiledathim.“I’llsendRowleyovertohaveachatwithyou.He’saroundyourage.Notlongagohewasonaropebridgethatbroke.Ifhehadn’tbeenfit,he’dhavefallenintotheravine.”Heshrugged.“Exerciseistoughtostartbutitgetseasysoonenoughandthenitbecomessecondnaturetowanttokeepfit.We’reonlymentioningthisforyourowngood.It’snotinthejobdescription,andifyoudon’twanttodoanything,wewon’tholditagainstyou,okay?”
“Thanks.”Leonodded.“I’min.”
NINETEEN
ThethrillofknowingWendyisinsidethehousesendsshiversthroughme.Iprefertowaituntilthehouseisemptyandthenslipinsidetofamiliarizemyselfwiththelayout.BycoincidenceIwasclosebyandnoticedhercollectinghermailasIdrovepast.Itwasalmostoneandshe’dbegettingreadyforwork.I’doverheardheraskingSusie,the
Movingcasuallyalongsidetheneighbor’shouse,Iwatchandlisten.WendyneverclosesherblindsandIcanclearlyseehermovingfromroomtoroom.I’veoftensatoutsideinthedarkandwatchedherforhours.Iknowwhatshedoesbeforework,beforebed,whatsnackssheenjoys,andhowmanycupsofcoffeesheneedsbeforeleavingforwork.MymouthcurlsintoasmileasIseeherheadingforherbedroom.Thesunlightburnishesherhairasshewalkspastthewindowandpullshersweateroverherhead.She’lltakeashowerbeforedressingandleavingforwork.Shespendstimeinthebathroom,makingherselflookgood.I’vetimedherandsheisacreatureofhabit.Thesepeoplearethebesttargets.Thosewhosticktoaroutinelikewalkingthedogbeforethenewseachnight,buyingapizzaorgoingtothegymthesametimeeveryweek.Someonelikemecantakeadvantageofapersonwhohasaschedule.Iloveschedules
Asshedisappearsfromsight,Islipfrommyrideandleapoverthefence.InafewstridesI’matthebackdoorslippingonexaminationgloves.Ihavethedooropeninsecondsandpushedwide.I’mnotwearingadisguiseandjustpulledmyhatdownlowovermyface.I’mcarefulandchosetowearagenericdenimjacketandLevi’s.Icouldbeoneofahundredguysaroundtown.Inhaling,Istepinside,catchingherperfumeasIwalkthroughthekitchenandrunmyfingersalongthecountertops.Ipickuphercoffeecup.It’sstillwarmandIrunmytonguearoundtherimwantingtoinhaleherbreath.Iwillsoonanditwillbeherlast.Ineedtofrightenhersomemoreandcollectthedirtydishesandslidethemintothedishwasher.Smiling,Iclosethedoorandswitchiton.AlittlejoltofpleasuregoesthroughmeasIimagineherfacewhenshefindsitrunning.She’llknowI’vebeenhere.
Iwalkwithcaretothebedroomand,findingthedoorslightlyajar,peekinside.MyheartpoundsasIopenthedoorandseeherworkuniformlaidoutonthebed.Ispendalittletimetorearrangeitandthenlookaround.Sheisjustbeyondthebathroomdoor,socloseIcanalmosttasteher.Idragmyeyesawayandliftonepillowtomyfacetoinhaleherscent.Iknowthatfragrancesowell.Iwanttobeherewhenshediscoverssomeonehasbeeninherhousebutthattreatmustwait.Fornow,shecanhavethetrick.Ilookatmyreflectioninhermirrorandsmile,knowingshe’dneversuspectme.Niceguysneverkillpeople,ordothey?Thesoundofrunningwaterfillstheroomandsteamleaksfromthepartiallyopenbathroomdoor.Wendyisn’toneforclosingdoorsandIlikethatabouther.Itwillmakemytimewithhersomucheasier.Ipeerinsidethesteamybathroomandmakeouthershapeintheshower.She’shummingatuneandIwatchherforatimebeforegoingtothemirrorandwritinginthecondensation:Soon.
Imovethroughthehouse,slowlyrearrangingitems,butconstantlycheckingmywatch.Idon’twanthertofindmehere.Ifshedid,I’dkillherandthatwouldbenofun.ThesoundoftheshowerstopsandIhurryforthebackdoor.I’veenjoyedspookingher,butmyrewardwouldcomesoon.Thekillwouldbetheicingonthecake.It’salongbuildupofexcitingtension,growingintounbearablepleasure.Thelookofhorror,theplungeoftheknife,andtheblood.Oh,thesmellofthebloodislikethenectarfromripefruit.
TWENTY
Exhausted,JennaleanedbackintheseatasKanedrovebacktotown.They’dexhumedthreemorebodiesattheothersite,andalthoughNorrellcouldn’tguaranteehertimingwascorrectwithoutfurtheranalysis,shebelievedthebodieswereallburiedwithinayearofeachother.ThiswouldmakeperfectsenseiftheHalloweenSlasherkilledthreeeachHalloween.Thethingworryingherwas,whathadhebeendoingbeforekillinginBlackRockFallsandLouanandwheredidhegointheinterimbetweenthelastmurderandFreyaRichardson’sobviousmurder?ShelookedatKane.“DoyouagreeweneedtoassumeFreyaisdeadandtheHalloweenSlasherhasburiedhersomewhere?”
“Yeah,Ido.IcalledJowhenwestoppedforlunchandherofficeishuntingdownalltheinformationtheycanfindonhiscases.”Kanedrummedhisfingersonthesteeringwheel.“BlackhawkwalkedDukealongthefireroadaftergivinghimFreya’sscentfromtheclothesintheevidencebagIbroughtwithus.Hedidn’treact,soifthekillerusedthefireroadtogettoBearPeak,hecarriedherwrappedupaswefoundtheothersorDukewouldhavesmelledher.”
Jennafrowned.“IhopeJodoesbetterthanRioandRowley.”Shechewedonherbottomlip.“Theyhadnoluckfindingeitherofoursuspects.Bothwereconvenientlymissingwhentheywenttointerviewthem.TheyhungaroundforanhourorsoateachlocationandthenchangedtackandhunteddownElliotCummingsbuthewasano-showforwork.ThemanagertoldthemCummingscalledintodoalatershiftbecausehewasn’tfeelingwell,buthewasn’tathomeeither.Next,theydrovealloverTwistedLimbsTraillookingforHankMaxwell’scabinwithoutluck.WhenIspoketothem,theywerehuntingdownwhereheworks.That’sifhehasajob.Hemightbeoffthegrid.”
“Whydon’tyoucallJoandseeifshehasprofiledourkiller?”KaneheadedalongStanton.“ShehasallthecrimesceneimagesandIsentheracopyoftherecordingwehadofthecoldcasemurder.”
JennamadethecallandgaveJoasmuchnewinformationasshehad.“Allthecoldcasevictimshadphonesburiedwiththem.WolfewilldownloadanyfileshecanfindandsendthemtoKalo.AllthevictimshavethesamebasicinjuriesasfarasNorrellcantell.TheMOanddisposalofeachvictimarethesame.Threesetsofthree,andthenthere’stheothergravehalfdugandabandoned.There’snosignofFreyaRichardson’sbody.She’souttheresomewherebutwhereisthequestion.”
“Andtheyformatriangle?Couldthetrianglebeinsideacircle?”Jo’sfingersflewoverthekeyboard,makingaslighttappingsound.“Trianglesareeverywhereandmeanmanythingstomanypeople,butifheisenclosingtheminacircle,itcouldbeacleansingritualforhim.Inotherwords,takingHalloweentothepointofobsession.Inhismind,thevictimsmadehimkillthemortheydeservedtodie,andit’shiswayofsettingthingsstraight.Youknowtheyliketoblamethe”ShestoodandJennacouldhearfootstepsontileandtheclinkofacup.“I’vebeenworkingonthefilesalldayandhaveacoupleofconclusions.Therecordingisharrowingbutexceptionallyuseful.Attheendhesays,‘HappyHalloween.’Thisissignificant.Insidehismind,sendingthreesoulsacrosstheopeningbetweenlifeanddeathatAllHallows’mightholdasignificantmeaningtohim.MaybehisinitialtriggerhappenedatHalloween.Maybeoneofhispsychosesisobsessive-compulsivedisorder,andbecausehekilledthreethatnighthemustmurderthreeeveryyear.”ShepouredcoffeeandJennacouldhearheraddingthefixings.“Thetimebetweenmeansnothing.Theycanstopkillingforatimebecausesomethingelsemoreimportanttooktheirattention,thesceneforthefantasywasn’tright,sickness,jail,marriage,lackofopportunity…orhewaskillingelsewhere.It’snothingwecannaildownrightnow.Itwilltaketime.Theevidencefromthelocallawenforcementispracticallynonexistent.Findingthisguybeforehestrikesagainisgoingtobedifficult.Thereisonething.Didyouheartheheavybreathingandthepausebeforethevictimreacted?Ifigurehelikestoscarethem.Hecouldwellbewearingamask.Thevoiceattheendisverymuffledandyetthevictimisclearenough.We’llkeepworkingonitandkeepyouposted.”
GlancingatKaneastheystoppedoutsidetheoffice,sheraisedaneyebrowathim.“Okay,Jo,thanksforyourhelp.We’llcallifwehaveanymoreinfo.”ShedisconnectedandturnedtoKane.“Thatgivesusanideaofwhowe’redealingwith,someoneobsessedwithHalloweenwhohasOCD.”Shesighed.“Oh,thisisgoingtobeanightmare.”
“We’llcatchhim.”Kanesmiledather.“Theyalwaysmakeamistake.ThefirstonewascomingbacktoBlackRockFalls.”
JennaclimbedfromtheBeastandcollectedherthings.KanehadunclippedDukeandwascarryingtheboxofThermosflaskstotheoffice.WhenDukebarked,JennaturnedtolookdownMain,scanningthesidewalk.Nothingseemedoutofplace,butwhenDukebarkedagain,Kanecamebackthroughtheglassdoorstotheofficeandstoodonthesidewalkuntilshejoinedhim.“What’supwithDuke?”
“Dunno.”Kanerubbedthedog’sears.“Maybehesmellssomething.Duke,seek.”
ThedogheadeddownMainandstoppedatthefirstalleyway,sittingandbarking.JennahurriedalongsideKane.“He’sfoundsomething.”
Searchingherpocketsforasparepairofexaminationgloves,shepulledthemonasKanemovedinfrontofher,weapondrawn.
Heclearedthealleywayandturnedtolookather.“Clear.”HeholsteredhisweaponandwalkedtoDuke.“Whatisit,boy?Whatdoyousmell?Seek.”
Dukemovedtothefirstdumpsterjustinsidethealleywayandsatdown,hissoftbrowneyesalertandhistailwagging.
“Idon’tsmellacorpseandaftersolongFreyawouldbewellintodecomposition.”Kanepulledonglovesandpushedopenthelidtothedumpster.“Iseesomething.”Heturnedaroundandpickedupacrateleftbesidethedumpsterandthendroppedit.Hesteppedontothecrateandreachedinsidecomingoutwithablood-stainedpillowcase.
WhenDukebarkedanddidhishappydance,Jennapattedhim.“Goodboy.”ShelookedatKane.“WouldDukestillbeabletorecognizeFreyaRichardson’sscent?”
“Ihavenoidea,buthecouldtrackyouormebyusingournames,soIguesstheanswerisintheaffirmative.”Heheldthepillowcasebetweenthumbandfingerkeepingitwellawayfromhisbody.“There’sanevidencebaginsidemyjacketpocket.”Kanesteppeddownfromthecrate.“Grabitforme,willyou?”
SlidingherhandinsideKane’sjacket,Jennafoundtheevidencebagandopenedit,holdingitwideforKanetopushthepillowcaseinside.“Anythingelseinthere?”
“Nopeanditwasonthetop.There’sonlythesmellofgarbagenotadeadbodyandmostofitiscardboard.It’sarecyclingbin.”Kaneliftedtheevidencebagandexaminedthecontents.“Thebinisemptiedinthemorning.Doesthekillerknowthis?Andwhydumpithere,whydidn’theburyitwiththebodyliketheothers?Thebloodstainsaredryandhavebeendryforatime.Ifhe’dscrewedthepillowcaseupandthrownitinsidethedumpsterwhilewet,thebloodpatternwouldbedifferent,likeatie-dyedpieceofmaterial.Thebloodmarksarealldownoneend,whichwouldindicateacutthroat.”
Acoldwindwhistledthroughthealleyway,raisinggoosebumpsonJenna’sfleshandmakingtheskeletonshangingfromthestreetlightsdance.Therecouldbeonlyoneotherconclusion.Swallowinghard,sheshuddered.“Unlesshehasn’tburiedheryet.”
TWENTY-ONE
Wendysteppedfromtheshowerandwenttowipethemirrorandfroze,gapinginhorroratthewordswritteninthecondensation:I’mcomingforyou.Eachletterdrippedtears,runningdowntheglassasitmeltedaway.Withnoweapon,nothingaroundherforprotection,shesnatchedupthedeodorantandhelditoutbeforeher.Tremblingwithfear,shepeekedaroundthebathroomdoorandintoherbedroom.Theclosetdoorhungopenandshecouldplainlyseetherewasnobodyinside.Thebedwastoolowforanyonetocrawlunder.Thedoortoherroomwasslightlyajarandthesmelloffreshlybrewedcoffeecreptupthehallway.HerlegswenttoJell-Oandshecouldn’tbreathe.Someonehadturnedonthecoffeemachine.
Nakedandvulnerable,sheneededtoactnow.Staringthroughtheopencrackinthedoor,shewaited.Nothingmovedinthehallway.Tooscaredtomove,shewaitedafewmoresecondsandwatchedintently.Shehadoneoptiontosaveherselfandactedoninstinct.Takingadeepbreath,shedashedacrosstheroom,shutandlockedthedoorassilentlyaspossible.Breathingheavily,sheleanedagainstitlistening.Allshecouldhearwasthepulsepoundinginherearsandthewindwhistlingthroughthetreesoutsideherwindow.
Panting,shestaredindisbeliefattheclotheslaidoutonthebed.Theordershe’dplacedthemhadbeenreversed.Shaking,shelookedallaround,makingsurenoonewasintheroomwithher.Goosebumpsroseonherfleshastheterriblefeelingofbeingwatchedconsumedher.Someonehadbeeninsideherroomwhileshe’dtakenashower.Heartpounding,shescannedthebedroom,noticinghowherthingshadbeenrearranged.Hershoeshadbeenneatlyplacedinthebottomofthecloset.HerbottlesofperfumeinalineonhernightstandandthephotographofherandSusieHartwigattherodeohadbeenplacedfacedown.Thethoughtofsomeonetouchingherthingsmadeherskincrawl.Shechokeddownasob.Hadtheybeenwatchingherintheshower?WhatdidtheymeanbyI’mcomingtogetyou?Whatkindofsickfreakdidsomethinglikethat?WasitsometypeofcreepyHalloweenjoke?
Thefloorboardscreakedandpanicgrippedherbythethroat.Someonewasstillinsidethehouse.Thistime,herweaponwasinherpurseonthekitchentablereadytotakewithherwhensheleftforwork.Thatwouldn’thelphernowandtherewasnowayshe’dsetfootoutsideherroom.ShegrabbedherphonefromthenightstandandcalledRio.He’dinsistedshecallhimdirectifanythingstrangehappenedagain.Stumblingoverherwordsandgrippingthephonelikealifejacket,sheexplainedwhathadhappened.“I’velockedmyselfinmybedroom.IheardthefloorboardscreakandI’mtooscaredtogoandlookwho’soutthere.”
“Okay,we’recloseby.”Rio’svoicewascalm.“Staywhereyouare.I’llbetherewithDeputyRowleyinafewminutes.Stayontheline.”
Heartpounding,Wendyputthephoneonspeakeranddraggedonherclothes.Shesatonthebed,phoneinonehandandspraycanofdeodorantintheother.Herdamphairleakedwaterinrivuletsdownhercheeksbutsheignoredit,keepingherattentionfixedonthedoor.
“We’reoutsideyourhousenow.We’lltakealookaround.”Shehearddoorsslammingandfootsteps.“There’snosignofforcedentry,ah,butyourbackdoorisopen.We’recominginside.”
Terrified,Wendylistenedclosely,hearingshoutsof“Clear”comingthroughthespeaker.Footstepscamecloserandtherewasaknockonthedoor.
“It’sDeputyRio.Youcanunlockthedoornow.”Hedisconnected.
Wendyswungopenthedoorand,seeingRioandRowleyinthehallway,tossedthedeodorantontothebedandjumpedintoRio’sarms.“AmIgladtoseeyou.”Sheclungtohimandthenlookedfromonepuzzledfacetotheother.“Didyouseeanyone?”
“Nope,andyoushouldreallylockyourdoorswhenyoutakeashower.”Rioraisedonedarkeyebrow,straightened,andstoodherawayfromhim.“Afterseeingaprowlertheothernight,youcan’tbetoocareful.”
Blinking,Wendystaredathim.“IlockedallthedoorsbeforeIcameupstairs.Withmyneighborsaway,I’mbeingextracareful.”Fromtheirexpressions,shewonderediftheybelievedher.“Comeandseeforyourselves.SomeonewrotethewordsI’mcomingtogetyouonmymirror.”
Leadingthewayintothebathroomshegapedatthemirrorasnothingremained.Thereflectionwasclear.Shakingherhead,Wendyturnedtothedeputies.“Itwasthereandthereareotherthings.Myclotheshadbeenrearranged,shoesplacedinthecloset,myperfumebottlesalllinedup.”
“Okay.”Rowleymadenotesandnodded.“Bestyoucometakealookaroundthehouseandseeifanythingelseisoutofplace.”
Wendyfollowedthemthroughthehouse.Asthesmellofcoffeereachedher,shestoppedmidstride.“Thecoffeemachinehasbeenfilledandswitchedon.I’mheadingforwork.Iwouldn’tmakecoffee.Someoneelsedidthat.”Sheglancedaroundmovingfromoneroomtoanother.“Andallthedishesareinthedishwasher.Ididn’tdothat.”
“So,you’resaying,thatsomeonecameintoyourhouse,tidiedtheplace,putonapotofcoffee,wrote‘I’mcomingtogetyou’onyourbathroommirror,andthenleft?”Riogaveheralongskepticalstare.“Don’tyoufigurethatsoundsalittlesketchy,Wendy?”Hesighed.“Yousureyou’renotallowingallthisHalloweenhoo-hatogetunderyourskin?”
Astounded,Wendyglaredathim.“No,Iamnot.Idon’thaveanoveractiveimagination.SomeonewashereandIdidseewritingonmymirror.Explainthat.”
“There’snoevidence.”RowleyglancedatRio.“Bestyoucallinourposition,thesheriffisexpectingusbackattheoffice.”HewaitedforRiotoleaveandturnedtoher.“We’llalwayscomebyifyou’reintrouble,butifthisisawayofspendingmoretimewithRio,he’salreadytaken.”
Outraged,Wendy’scheeksburnedwithembarrassment.Shehadn’tmeanttojumpintoRio’sarms,butshe’dbeensogladtoseethem.“Iknowthat,butsomeonewashere.Youhavetobelieveme.Trustme,Idon’thaveanydesignsonRio.Ihavemyowncircleofadmirers.You’veknownmeforyears,Jake.I’dneverdosuchathing.”
“Okay.”Rowleyremovedhishatandranahandthroughhisthickhair,makingitstickupinalldirections.Hepushedthehatbackonhisheadandnodded.“Ifyouhaveanymoreproblemscall911.Ifiguresomeoneistryingtospookyouforajoke,isall.Usuallywhensomeoneisouttodoyouharm,theydon’tdropbyfirsttowarnyouand,trustme,theyneverdropbytocleanthehousefirst.”Hegaveheralonglook.“Doesanyonehaveasetofkeys?AclosefriendmaybejusthavingsomeHalloweenfun?”
Wendyfoldedherarmsacrossherchest.“No.EverythingI’vetoldyouistrue.Someonewasinmyhouse.”
“Ibelieveyou.”Rowleynoddedandhisexpressionbecameserious.“Doyouwantmetoreportthistothesheriff?Icantakeastatementdownattheofficeifyouwanttoreportitasabreak-in.”
Shakingherhead,Wendystaredathim.Hedidn’tbelievehereither.“No,whatcanyoureport?Wendyisimaginingthings?Wefoundnoevidenceofabreak-in?Thestupidwomanhadleftherbackdooropen?”Shesighed.“I’msorrytohavetroubledyou.I’llgoandlockthebackdoor,andthenIneedtogetreadyforwork.I’mrunninglate.”
“Ilockedthedoorwhenwecameinside.”Rowleysmiledather.“Nooneishere,andI’lldrivearoundtheblocktomakesurenooneishangingaroundbeforeweheadbacktotheoffice.We’lldrivebyafewtimestomakesureyou’resafeaswell.You’llbefine.”Heheadedforthedoor.
Dismayed,Wendystaredafterhim.Whydidn’ttheybelieveher?Shewentintothekitchenandswitchedoffthecoffeepot,collectedherpurse,andheadedbacktoherroomtofixherhair.Fromnowon,herweaponwouldbeinreach,andifsomeonebrokeintoherhomeagain,she’dtakethemdown.Theideathedeputiesactuallybelievedshe’dmadeafalsereporttogetattentionfromRioriledher.Asifsheneededhim,whenChancehadaskedhertotheHalloweenBall.Whenshearrivedwiththebuff,handsomerodeocowboy,she’dshowthem.Ashiverofconcernslidoverher.Theproblemwassomeonehadbeeninsideherhouse.Everythingshe’dsaidhadbeenthetruth.Suddenlyveryafraid,sheswallowedhard.Nowifsomeonebrokeintoherhouseagainandshecalledforhelp,wouldanyonecomerunning?
TWENTY-TWO
Jennawaitedforherdeputiestofileintoherofficeandsitdown.“Okay,whatdoyouhaveforme.Anyupdates?”
“Notonthesuspects,althoughaswewereinthearea,wedidadrivebyofWendy’shouse.”Riostraightenedinhischair.“Nothingtoreport.Wedrovearoundtheblockandmadesurethehousewassecure.It’sallgood.”
“Goodfollow-up.”Kanesmiledathim.“Didyouhuntdownanythingonanyofthesuspects?Priors?”
“Yeah,wedidtheusualchecksbutnothingofinterestcameup.”Riofrowned.“Starkhasasealedjuviefile,sosomethinghappened.Hesoundsalittlecreepytome.We’vebeenhuntinghimdownalldayandkeepmissinghim.”
Leaningonherdesk,Jennastaredathim.“Didyoudiscoveranythingelseabouthim?Wherehelives,hisplaceofemployment?”
“Yeah,he’sapostalworker.”Rowleylookedathisnotes.“Hebringsmailintoourpostofficeandtakesmailoutoftown.Thisiswhyhe’shardtopindown.Somedayshehandlesthemailbags,takesthemtothetraininBlackwater,otherdayshedoespickupsofparcels.Heworksafewdifferentjobs.”
“HelivesoutneartheTripleZBarinacabinintheforest.”Riosighed.“Wesearchedalloverbutcouldn’tfindacabin.SamewithHankMaxwell,theonewhocalledinonthehotline.HesaidhelivesonTwistedLimbsTrailinacabin.”Hethrewuphishands.“Rowleyknowstheforestandwefoundnothing.ThereisaTwistedLimbsTrailandwewalkedtwomilesandneverfoundacabin.Icalledthenumberfromthehotlineloganditwenttovoicemail.I’vebeencallingallday.”
Jennaleanedbackandsighed.“WhataboutElliotCummings?Didyoumakeanyheadwayatfindinghim?
“Nope,wewentbyhishouseonPinethreetimesduringthedayandhe’snotthere.”Riofrowned.“Hetoldhisbosshewassickbutmaybeitwasanexcusetogofishingorsomething?”
“Maybe,butnotbeingabletofindanyofthemisunusual.”Kanestoodandfilledthecoffeemachine.“They’llholduntilthemorning.Wedon’thaveabodyandweonlyhavecircumstantialevidenceatbest.Cummingsisonlyavaguewitnesstoafast-movingtruck,sohardlyasuspect,althoughI’dliketospeaktohim.Sometimespeopleseemorethantheythink,andIhavewaysofextractinginformation.Inthemeantime,wehadtheunpleasanttaskofexhumingfivebodiestoday.JobelievesFreyaRichardsoncouldbeavictimoftheHalloweenSlasher.She’slistenedtothetapeandstudiedallthecrimescenesattributedtohimfromsevenyearsago.Ifshe’scorrectaboutitbeingthesameman,andIfiguresheis,he’sgoingtomurdertwomorepeopleoverthenextweekorsobeforeHalloween.”
Nodding,Jennalookedfromonetotheother.“GetoutthemapofBearPeakandgrid-searchitusingthedrone.You’llbehuntingdownanythingthatcouldbeagravesite.Itwillbewalkingdistancefromafireroad,sothatwillnarrowitdown.Ifyoufindanythingatall,getthecoordinatesandwe’llgolook.”Shethoughtforabeat.“IfwefindFreyaRichardson,we’llneedtoleaveherundisturbed,horribleasitsounds,becauseifhehasanothermurderplanned,he’llbebacktodigthegrave.Whenhereturns,we’llhavehimandhopefullypreventanothermurder.”
“Howdoyouplantodothat?”Rowley’sbrowwrinkledintoafrown.“Wecan’tcampouttheretwenty-four/seven.He’llseeusforsure.”
“We’llsetuptrailcamswithmotionsensors.Aroundthegrave.”Kaneleanedagainstthecounterwiththecoffeemachinegurglingbehindhim.“I’llsetthemtoalertmeonmyphone.Wecanpositiontheminalldirectionsandonthefireroadaswell.Ifwecangettheplateonhisvehicle,we’llhavehisname.”
KnowingKanewouldhaveaplan,Jennasmiled.“Thebeautyofitisthatwedon’thavetochargeinmakinganoise.Ittakes,what,fourorfivehourstodigagrave?Wecansneakinandsurroundhim.”Shepushedpapersintoafolderonherdeskanddroppeditintoadrawer.“We’llbeheadingovershortlytoseewhatWolfehasfound,soifyoufindanythinginteresting,callme.You’vebeenoutallday,likeus,sodon’tforgettotakeyourregularbreak.Ineedyoubothfreshincasewehaveabreakthrough.”
RioandRowleynodded,stood,andlefttheroom,closingthedoorbehindthem.
“Thephonetheyfoundlooksperfect.Ithasn’tbeendamagedbythedamp.Thekillerobviouslywantedittoremainintact,butwhy?”Kanepouredcoffeeandthenbenttotakefoodoutoftherefrigerator.“Wehavecherrypie.Wantmetowarmitinthemicrowave?”
AchillingthoughtwentthroughJenna’smindandshestaredathim.“Yeahsure,thanks.”HermindwentstraightbacktowhatKanehadjustmentioned.“Hewantedtokeepthephonesintact.”Sheswallowedhard.“Youdon’tbelievehewantedtocallthegraves,doyou?”
“Nothingwouldsurprisemeanymore.”KaneslidtwowedgesofpieintothemicrowaveandthenplacedtwocupsofcoffeeonJenna’sdesk.“Whenwegetmorephonesanalyzedwe’llbeabletocheck,butsurelyhe’dknowthebatterieswoulddiewithinafewdays.”
Sippinghercoffeetoquellherclenchingstomach,shegrimaced.“Unlesshe’scallingtherecentlyburiedbodytotellherthatshehasafriendcoming?It’spossible.Youknowhowsickpsychopathscanbe.I’llneverunderstandwhytheydowhattheydo.It’sallpartofwhateverdelusionisplayingthroughtheirheads.Iguessitmustbelikebeingstuckinsideagame.Theyhavetokeepreplayingthesamestageuntiltheycanfinish…buttheyneverfinish.”
“Untilwefinishthem.”Kaneplacedthepieandsilverwareontothedeskandsatdown.“Iftheirheadsarelikethat,I’mnotsurprisedhowmanychoosedeathbycop.Dyingwouldbearelief.”Heshrugged.“Therearesomanydifferentspeciesofthebeast.Somelikeyoudescribed,Icouldpity.Theoneswhobragabouttheirkillsareinanastyclassoftheirown.”
Jennashookherhead.“Idon’tfeelsorryforanyofthem.Callmehard,butwhenIlookattheirvictimsallIwanttodoisremovetheirkillersfromsociety.They’rethesilentpestilencedestroyinglivesandfamilies.That’swhyIbecamesheriff,tostopthem.”ShelookedintoKane’seyes.“Underneath,wearemuchthesame,Dave.Wehaveacommongoalandthat’stoprotectpeople,nomatterwhatthecosttoourownpeaceofmind.”
“Amentothat.”Kanedugintohispie
TWENTY-THREE
Islipintotheforest,takingawell-usedtrackandhavenoworriesaboutbeingseen.Anyonepassingwouldjustseearegularguyhikingandenjoyinghisday.Noonewilltakeanynotice.Icouldcarryagunoranaxwithoutattractingasecondglance.Manygoinsearchofdeadtreestocollectfirewood,andbeingarmedisagivenwhenbearsareouthuntingforfood.Icandragthingsbackandforthwithoutanyonecallingthesheriffbecausepeoplecarrytheirkillstotheirtrucksandusuallyheadforthemeat-processingplant.It’snicetoberegardedasnormal,evenifthecarcassIcarryishuman.Whowouldknow?Notinallmyyearsofmovingbodieshasanyonequestionedmeorcommentedonthestinkofblood.Whyshouldthey?Thestinkofdeatharoundtheforestinhuntingseasonisfamiliar,asisseeinghunterssplashedwithbloodafterfielddressingakill.
NeveroncehaveIbeenstoppedbyagamewardentoasktoseemylicenseormysheetoftags.Theyarealltoobusyinspectingkillstobotheraboutme.I’mfollowingatrailthathasbecomefamiliarnow.Ihunteddowntheperfectplacetoleavemyoffering,mybloodsacrificeguaranteedtokeepmesafe.Ithasworkedforalongtime.I’veneverfallensick,brokenabone,orhadanargumentwithanyone.Infact,whathadhappenedinBlackRockFallssevenyearsagosavedmylife,andnowI’llpaymydebt.IfI’dbeenintheforestoverHalloweenthatyear,someonewouldhavenoticedme,asatthetimetheplacewascrawlingwithpeople.Disastersbringpeopletogether,andIdon’tappreciateonlookers.WhatIdoisprivate,sacred,andsoI’dpackedupandhightaileditoutoftown.Pushingbackoldmemories,Imoveintotheshadyclearingandsmileatthemoundofdirtsocarefullyconcealedwithfallleavesandpineneedles.“Hey,Freya,I’llhaveanewfriendforyoutonight.Doyouknowhowluckyyouaretobeselectedformyoffering?MaybeI’llcallyoulaterandtellyouallaboutit,butrightnowIhaveagravetofinish.”
Imoveintotheshadowstoretrievemyshovel,hiddenbeneathaclumpofbushes,andsettowork.Myminddancesaheadandadrenalineracesmyheart.LatertonightI’llwatch,wait,andthenslideintothehouseofmynextoffering.She’llbecleanandfragrantjustasalltheothers.Thatpartoftheritualiscrucialandit’ssoincrediblethatallthewomencomply.It’sasiftheyknowit’stheirturnandofferthemselveswillingly.Maybetheydo?Thefearisessential,thepassingoverinterrorisacrucialpartofthesacrificethatensuresmylifewillremainuncomplicated.Myshouldersache,butIkeepdiggingasthehourspassbyandI’mdriventoworkhard,heedlessoftheblistersonmyhands.HowmanygraveshaveIdug?Theturningofthesoil,thehardshipisallpartofit.Imusttoilandsweattoprovemyselfworthy,andeachthreeIofferwillgivemeninemoreyears.Ichuckle.“I’mgoingtoliveforever.”
TWENTY-FOUR
AfterdroppingDukebyWolfe’soffice,JennafollowedKanetoWolfe’slaboratory.Whensheflashedhercardtogainentrance,shefoundhimatadesk.Onthedeskhehadalineofphonesallattachedtochargers.Whenheglancedupastheywalkedinside,shesmiledathim.“Hey,Shane,foundanythinginteresting?”
“Disturbingwouldbeabetterdescription.Ihaven’tworkedonallofthefilesyet,butI’vebeenabletochargethephones—well,oneofthem.IntheoldestgraveisanMP3player.Noneofthephoneshadpasswords.Maybetheywereremovedbythekiller.”Wolferaisedbotheyebrows.“SpecialcarewastakentopreservethemandI’venotonlybeenabletoextractallthecontentonthefirstthree,butIhavethenamesoftheowners,andalthoughNorrellhasn’tconfirmedtheidentityofthebodiesyet,wehavethefirstfournames.Itseemsthephonewefoundwitheachbodybelongstothepreviousvictim,sotheMP3playerintheoldestgravemustcomefromoneofagroupofvictimswehaven’tdiscoveredyet.”
Tryingtogetherheadaroundtheimplications,Jennafrowned.“There’smorethansix?Howfardoesthisgoback?Theforestovergrowseverything.It’sonlysincethefloodswe’vebeendiscoveringatonofthingsburiedinthepast.ThisiswhyBlackhawkhasbeengrid-searchingtheforest,butheisonlyoneman.Itwilltakehimtenlifetimestosearcheverywhere.”ShestaredatWolfe,notreallyseeinghim.Theinformationwasjusttooweird.“Letmegetthisright.Thekillermaderecordingsofeachmurderusingthepreviousvictim’sphone?Whydoyoufigurehedidthat?”
“Icanonlyimaginewhenhebeganhismurderspree,hehadtheideatorecordthemurders,butwouldn’triskusingaphoneordevicehe’dpurchased.”Wolfeclearedhisthroat.“Thereisanotherverydisturbingaspecttothiscaseaswell.WhenwecheckedthephonelogsfromLydia’smissingphone,wediscoveredshe’dmadeacalltothephoneinhergrave,whichisownedbyJosephineWade.Itobviouslywasn’tpickedupandtherewasnomessage.Lydia’sphonehasn’tbeenusedsince.IfthisistheHalloweenSlasher,there’sagoodchancewe’llfindLydia’sphoneinFreya’sgrave.”
“You’resaying,thekillercalledthegravefromthevictim’smissingphone?HecalledJosephineWade’sphone?”Kanefrowned.“Howcouldyouknowitwasthekiller?Peoplewouldbecallingamissinggirl,right?”
“OnceweidentifiedthevictimasLydiaEllis,IcalledthesheriffinLouantonotifythenextofkin.ThesecondbodyisJosephineWade,aswesurmisedasshe’stheownerofthephoneinLydia’sgrave.Icalledthesheriff’sofficeagainandaskedthemifthevictim’sparentsknewagirlbythenameofJosephineWadeoutofBlackRockFalls.LuckilywhenLydiawentmissing,theycompiledalistoffriendsandacquaintances,anyonewhomighthaveseenher.TheystillhadthelistandJosephinewasn’tonit.Theylivedindifferentcounties.”
“Theywerekilledaroundthesametime.HowdoyouknowLydiadidn’tcallJosephinebeforeshedied?”Kanerubbedthebackofhisneck.“Maybetheymetandshehadn’ttoldanyone?”
“Well,thisiswhereitgetscreepy.”Wolfeleanedforwardinhischair.“Thelogputsthecallhoursafterthetimeoftherecordingofthemurder.JosephineWadewasalreadydead,andfromthecurrentevidence,sowasLydia.”
Sickened,Jennaranahanddownherface.“So,murderisn’tenoughforthisguy.Hehastocalltomakesurethey’redead?Oh,whattypeofsickfreakhavewegotintownthistime?”
“Icanonlyofferyouthefacts.IfigureyouneedtouseJo’sexpertiseonprofilingthisguy.”Wolfeshrugged.“Thethirdgirl’sphonewasinJosephine’sgrave.ItbelongedtoSadieBonneroutofBlackwater.I’mstillwaitingfordentalrecordstoconfirm,butwefigureshe’sthethirdvictimfromthefirstgravesite.”
Shakingherheadindismay,Jennaswallowedhard.“Haveyoulistenedtotherecordings?”
“Yeah,butonlytwoofthemsofarandthey’rethesameMO.Henamesthewomensameasbefore.Hisvoiceismuffled.”Wolfe’seyebrowsmetinadeepfrown.“It’safrenziedattacktocausepainandfear,andthenwhentheyturntorunfromhim,hecutstheirthroats.It’slikethesametapeplayedover,apartfromthevictims.Theyaretheonlyvariation.It’slikebeingtherewatchingtheattack.LikeIsaid,it’sverydisturbing.”Hesighed.“I’mheadingovertospeaktoNorrelltoseeifwhatIheardmatchestheinjuriessustainedbythevictims,likethefirstone.”
Jennaswallowedthebilecreepingupherthroat.“Wewanttobetheretoo.Ineedtoknowmoreaboutthekiller.”
“Doanyofthevictimsactliketheyknowthisguy?”Kaneleanedbackagainstacounter.“I’mtryingtofigureouthismotiveanditsoundsritualistictome.Weneedtofindoutmoreaboutthistypeofthing.It’sallthroughhistory.Maybesomethingthisguyreadorwitnessedtriggeredsomethinginhisbrain.”HelookedatJenna.“It’sunusualforaserialkillertoonlykillsetsofthreewomenatHalloween.Therehastobemoretothisguy.”
Asusual,KanewascoveringeveryangleandJennanodded.“Yeah,ifwecandiscoverthatpartofthepuzzle,wemightbeabletopreventhimkillinggirlnumbertwo.”Shelookedfromonetotheother.“Don’tstonewallme,eitherofyou.IknowthisistheHalloweenSlasher,thedetailsofthecrimesceneshaveneverbeenleaked.WhenIlistenedtotherecordingofLydia’sdeath,IcouldhavebeentherewhenFreyadied.ThismaniacisfollowingapatternandIdon’tbelieveforonesecond,hestoppedkillingforsevenyears.Ifwedigdeeper,we’llprobablydiscoverhe’sbeenmurderingwomenallover.”
“Maybebuthehasn’tbeenburyingtheminthreeswhereanyonecanfindthem,althoughIdorecallcaseswherethreesexworkerswentmissing,buttheywerefounddumpedinthesameareaalongsideariver.”Kanerubbedhischin.“KalocouldhuntdownsetsofthreehomicidesaroundHalloweenallovertheUSinthepastsevenyears.Ifigureweshouldaskhim.”
Jennanodded.“Iagree.We’llcallinthetroopsonthisone.Sixcoldcasefilesandonemissingpersonistoomuchforustohandle.We’llorganizeaconferencecallwhenwegetbacktotheoffice.”ShelookedatWolfe.“I’dappreciateyourinput,ifyouhavetime.Say,five-thirty?”
“Sure.”Wolfestood.“Y’allcomingtoseewhatNorrellhasfound?”
“Beforewego,canyouuploadtherecordingsontheserversoIcanlistentothem?”Kanefoldedhisarmsacrosshischest.“I’dliketousethemasareferencewhenwe’relookingatthevictims’remains.”
“Alreadydone.”Wolfesmiledathim.“I’lluploadeverythingIdiscoverasIfindit.”Heledthemfromthelab.
“Thanks.”KaneglancedatJenna.“Iknowyou’llwanttolisten,butIcangiveyouareport.”
KnowinghewasconcernedtherecordingswouldtriggerherPTSD,sheshookherhead.“I’mfine,Dave.Listeningonlymakesmemoredeterminedtocatchthisguy.”
TWENTY-FIVE
NorrellglancedupfromtheremainsonthegurneyasWolfeenteredherexaminationroom.She’ddecidedtokeepallthebodiestogetherintheoneplace.Comparingtheinjuriessustainedbyeachvictimwascrucial.ShenoddedtoJennaandKane.“WhenIcametoBlackRockFalls,Shanementionedwe’dhavemonthsofnothingandweeksoflonghours.Hewasn’tjoking.IbelievethisisthefirsttimeI’vehadsixsetsofremainsfromthesamecase.”
“Iknowit’searlytobebotheringyou.”Wolfegaveheranapologeticlook.“Afterlisteningtotherecordingsofthelasttwovictimsfromthefirstburialsite,IwantedtoseeifwhatIheardonthephoneinJosephineWade’sgravecorrelatestoherinjuries.”
Havingonlyopenedthewrappingsofthesecondthreebodiestoextractthedevices,NorrellgaveWolfeadirectstare.“Forensicanthropologytakestime.Idounderstandtheneedforexpedience,butagainstmybetterjudgment,I’verushedtherecoveryoftheremains.”ShelookedatJennaandKane.“YoudounderstandIneedtocleanthebonessoIcanexaminethemtomysatisfaction.Oncethatisdone,I’llanalyzetheremainsandestablishabiologicalprofileofeachindividualbeforeIcanbegintointerpretwhattraumaoccurred.Whenthisiscompleted,I’llbeabletoestablishthetypeandextentoftheinjuries.”Shesighed.“Sofar,I’veskippedalloftheabovetomatchdentalrecordsanditseemswe’reusingthephonesinthegravestoestablishatimeofdeath.It’slikeworkingbackward.”
“Iunderstandcompletely.”Jennapulledonsurgicalgloveswithasnap.“Innormalcircumstances,we’dleaveyoutocompletetheexaminationwithoutinterruption,butasthesecasesdirectlyreflectonacurrentcase,weneedinformationyesterday.”SheglancedatWolfe.“AsShanewillexplain,webelievethemanwhokilledthesesixwomeniskillingagain.Wefoundabloodycrimescene,nobody,andthewoman’sphoneismissing.We’vetriedtotrackthephone,butwithoutproofofdeathorprobablecause,wecan’tgetawarrant.”Shesighed.“Ifit’sthesamekiller,heplanstomurderthreewomenbeforeHalloween.”
AcoldchillsliddownNorrell’sspineandshenodded.“Isee.”SheindicatedtoMatty,oneofherassistants,topullouttheremains.“It’snormalafterthistimeforthedecompositionprocesstoremovethefleshfromtheskeletonbutasthebodieswerewrappedandnaked,thebonesarerelativelyclean.Ifoundremainsofhairandjewelry,butapartfromthephone,therewasnootherpersonalitems.”Shewenttothesecondgurney.“ThesearetheremainsofJosephineWade.ThephonewefoundwithherisownedbySadieBonnerbuthasarecordingofJosephine’smurder.Weknowthisasthekillermentionshername.Ifwefollowthepattern,wecanpresumeSadieBonnerisbodynumberthree.ThephonewefoundwithherbelongstoCoraGriffin.Wolfehasyettolistentothatrecordingbutit’slikelytobethemurderofSadieBonner.”
“ThefirstrecordingyouheardbeforewasLydiaEllis’smurder.”WolfestaredatJenna.“Iknowit’scomplicated,butaswegoforward,thephoneswe’vefoundappeartobeownedbythepreviousvictim.”
“Oh,Iunderstand.”JennaturnedherattentiontoNorrell.“WhatI’dliketoknowis,whenyouexaminetheremains,dotheyfitwithwhatyouhearontherecordings?”
Wishingshecouldremovetherecordingsfromhermemory,Norrellnodded.“Yeah,it’smorbidlyintriguing,butifyoukeepaprofessional,detachedattitudewhilelisteningandviewingtheremains,it’seasytomapouttheinjuriestothebones.”ShelookedatWolfe.“DoyouwanttoplaytherecordingforJosephineandI’llwalkyouthroughthedamagetothebones?”
“That’swhatI’mheretodo.”WolferanhisgazeoverJennaandKane.“Ready?”
“Yeah.”Jennanoddedandsteppedcloser.
TherecordingstartedandNorrellmovedclosertothegurney.Sheliftedoneofthescapularsfromtheskeletonlaidoutonthegurneyandturneditoverinherhand.“Youcanhearhergaspoffearandthenthiswouldhavebeenthefirststrike.Shehadherbacktohimandwecanclearlyseesharpforcetraumaconsistentwiththetipofahuntingblade.”Shereplacedtheboneandpickeduparibtodisplaythenickinthebone.“Samehere.Hedidn’tintendonkillingheroutrightorthecutsthroughthebonewouldbedeeperandexecutedwithmoreforce.”
“Whyisn’tshescreaming?”JennaglancedatKane.“Someoneisstabbingher.”
“Ifshe’djuststeppedoutoftheshowerandsawhimbehindherinthereflectioninthemirror,theshockofbeingstabbedcouldhavestoppedher.”Kaneshrugged.“Hecouldalsohavehishandoverhermouth.BothinjuriesNorrelldescribedwouldbeextremelypainful.Fromthethumpsontherecording,he’dgainedcontrolinseconds.”
Nodding,Norrellsmiledathim.Hewasintelligentandfromhiscommentshadknowledgeaboveandbeyondthatofadeputy.“Yes,soI’dsayapowerfulmanwhoknowshowtoimmobilizeandcausepain.Atthispoint,Josephineturnedtowardhim,eitherhespinshertofacehimorsheturnstofightback.Wecanhearherprotests,noscreams,butshewantshimtostop.Thedefensemarksonboththeradiusandulna…ah,bothofherforearmsareconsiderable.LacerationsthatcutdeepintotheboneIwouldsayprovesshe’sprotectingherchest.Thisiswhenhegetsangry.Hedoesn’tlikethemfightingback.Ifyoulistenclosely…”SheglancedatWolfe.“Rewinditoneminute.Hemakesagrowlingsound,animpatientsound,likehe’sfinishedplayingwithher.Thencomesafrenziedattackandfinallyhetellshertolookintothemirror.She’sstillaliveatthispoint.Heattacksbutknowshowtokeepthemalive.Heisawareofthelethalstrikepointsonabody.Hearhisvoicenow—satisfied,almostdreamlike.Thismustbetheultimateforhim.Hewantshertoseehimcuttingherthroat.”
“Sadistic.”Jennahadturnedsheet-white.“I’veheardenough.”Shesteppedawayandleanedagainstthecounter.“Ifit’snotbadenoughfindingbodiesanddiscoveringthroughautopsiestheextentofthevictim’ssuffering,thistakesmurdertoawholenewlevel.”
“Theserecordingsweremadetobefound.”Kanemovedtoherside.“Hewantstoshock.Hewantstosharehisexperience.He’ssaying,LookwhatIdidrightunderyournoses,andyoucouldn’tstopme.”
ListeningtothereasoningbetweenJennaandKaneintriguedNorrell.Herpartwasusuallylongreports,anditwasn’toftenshebecameinvolvedinthewhyapersonwasmurdered.Shelookedfromonetotheother.“Iwouldimaginetheotherrecordingsaremuchthesame.”
“Ifigurehefollowsthesamepattern.”WolfelookedfromJennatoKane.“WhatI’mseeinghereisaslightvariation.I’dsay,iftheyfoughtback,hekilledthemfast.Iftheyscreamed,hecoveredtheirmouths.”Hestraightened.“MovingtotheFreyacase,Ianalyzedtheswabstakenfromtheshowerrecessandfoundslighttracesofherblood,nohairoranythingelse.So,wearecorrecttoassumehetookashower.Therewerenoimprintsofbloodyfootprints,orindicationhemighthavedroppedbloodyclothestoundress.Ifigurehemurderedhernakedandusedthetowelstosteponduringtheattack.Helikelybundledthebloodytowelsinwiththebodyandtookthewettowelshe’dusedwithhim.Thenhewrappedthevictiminthebedlinen,dressedandleftwiththebody.”
“Yeah,weknowhedraggedthebodyfromthebathroomintothebedroom.”Jennafoldedherarmsoverherchest.“Thesamedragmarksareinallthecoldcasecrimesceneimagesaswell.Heknowshiswayaroundthehouse,whichmakesmebelieveheknowshisvictimsorhasbeeninsidebefore.Theentirethingissoslick.Hebreaksin,startsarecording,andissoconfidenthestripsnaked,setsupthebedlinenforthebody,andthenmurdershisvictim.”
“He’scoldandcalculated.”Kanestaredintospace.“Hebelieveshecan’tbecaught.Ifthisisritualistic,hecouldbelievesomeoneorsomethingiswatchingoverhim.ThisisJo’sfieldofexpertise,I’monlyguessing.I’veneverreadaboutanyonelikethisbefore.”
NorrellexchangedaglancewithWolfe.Theyhadsomuchworkaheadofthem,detailingeachspecificdamagetothebonesofsixvictims.ThedetectivepartofwhoandwhywasJennaandKane’sjob.Shesmiledatthem.“Isthereanythingelseyouneed?I’llkeepworkingontheremains.ShanehasthejewelryIdiscovered,andassoonaswecancheckouttheotherdentalrecords,he’llbeintouch.”
“Okay,thanks.”JennastraightenedandwalkedoutofthedoorwithKaneclosebehind.
NorrellsmiledatWolfe.“Theyareintense.Sodifferentondutytooffduty.”
“Professional,yeah.”Wolfemovedtoherside.“Greatpeople.I’dtrustthemwithmylife.Kanewouldtakeabulletforallofus.He’sthatkindofguy.Rightnow,it’sarushagainsttime.Weknowwhat’scomingand,trustme,they’lldoeverythingtheycantostopithappening.”
TWENTY-SIX
Findingitdifficulttojugglesomanycases,Jennapushedbothhandsthroughherhairandsighed.“I’vefoundSadieBonner.ShewentmissingfromBlackwatersevenyearsago.I’vesentarequesttothelocalsherifftogiveuseverythinghehasonthecase.I’veputhimincontactwithNorrell,sothemomentsheconfirmsIDhecaninformthenextofkin.Ididgetsomeusefulinformation.Sheworkedinapharmacyatthecounter,sowasincontactwithplentyofpeoplefromallwalksoflife.So,herjobdidn’thelpnarrowdownherrecentcontactspriortoherdisappearance.Shewentmissingfromablood-spatteredhouseonherparent’sregularSaturdaydatenight.Ifit’sthesameguy,hemustspendallhisfreetimestalkinghisvictims.”
“Peoplewhoarecreaturesofhabitmaketheeasiesttargetsforcrime.”Kanesighed.“ThosewhowalktheirdogatsixeachnightoralwaysbuygroceriesonaWednesdayorwhatever.”Heranahandthroughhissleekblackhairandshrugged.“Itdoesn’ttaketoomuchtime,tosetupacamera.Withthetechnologywehavenow,acriminaldoesn’tevenneedtoleavehome.”
Jenna’sphonechimed.ItwasWolfe.“We’veonlybeenbackattheofficeafewminutes.Doyouhaveabreakthrough?”
“Yeah,ofsorts.”Wolfepausedabeat.“ThepillowcaseyoufoundhasFreya’sbloodonit.Itjustcamethroughasamatch.Ifoundnothingelseofinterest,apartfromsomesalivaandafewhairs.Thesalivaisthevictim’s.Thehairmatchesthecolorprofile,buttherearenorootstouseasamatch.”
“Thisguyisintownandcloseby.”Kaneshookhisheadslowly.“IfDukehadn’tcaughtFreya’sscent,we’dhaveneverfoundthepillowcasebeforethegarbagewascollected.”HeglancedatJenna.“IcalledtheownerofthelandfillandaskedhimtocheckthecontentsofallthedumpstersfromalongMainastheycomein.Hesaidhe’llgiveitpriorityandgethiscrewonitwhentheyarriveinthemorning.Sowe’llseeiftheHalloweenSlasherhaschangedhismethodofdisposal.”
Jennaheldupahand.“Jumponyourlaptop,Shane.ThecallfromJoandCarteriscomingthrough.”
Astheconferencecallopeneduponherscreen,shesmiledatthefaces.Jo,Carter,andBobbyKalopoppedup,asdidWolfeandKane.“Thanksforcomingatsuchshortnotice.”JennagavethemarundownontheevidencetodateandhandeditovertoWolfetogivehisandNorrell’sfindings.
WhenWolfehadfinished,shelookedatBobbyKalo.“Bobby,didyoudiscoveranyothersetsofthreemurdersduringthesevenyearsbetweenthelastbody,LydiaEllisfromLouan,andthecurrentbloodbathwefoundatFreyaRichardson’sapartment?”
“Toomany,andthey’respreadalloverthecountry.”Kalofrowned.“Chicagohadfoursetsofthree;sixwentmissingnevertobefoundinWashington;therewasnineoverthreeyearsinColorado.Samethinginmostofthem,abloodycrimesceneandnobody.Hecouldberesponsibleforallofthemornoneofthem.”Heshrugged.“Withoutabody,wehavenoproof.Therehavebeensetsofthreebodiesdumpedallover,someonremotebeachesinsanddunes.BodieshavebeenfoundinbarrelsinlandfillsbutnothingspecificallyhasbeenlinkedtotheHalloweenSlasher.”
Amazed,JennaturnedtoJo.“Afterlisteningtothetapes,Daveisconvincedthesekillingsareritualistic.ThekillerhasafixationonHalloween.Haveyouhadanymorethoughtsonthecase?”
“Ihaven’tstoppedrunningdifferentpossibilitiesthroughmymind.”Jotuckedalockofhairbehindoneear.“Icanseefromthecrimescenesandlisteningtothetworecordingsunearthedtodatethathefollowsthesamepattern.”Sheglancedathernotes.“Shane,doyouseefamiliaritiesbetweentheinjuries?”
“Yeah,Ido.”Wolfeclearedhisthroat.“Althoughwe’veonlylistenedtotwooftherecordings,it’sasifthekillerisfollowingawell-rehearsedpatternofstrikes.I’veexaminedthefirstthreecoldcasevictimsand,apartfromdefensivewounds,theyarethesame.Yeah,heisrelivingthesamemurderoverandover.”
“Theshoweringpriortomurderisapartofhisritual.”Jostareddownthecamera.“Heneedsthemnakedandclean.Thisistypicalinritualisticmurders.Cleanlinesshassomanyreasons,mainlytowashawaysins.Oftensacrificedpeoplewerebathedinmilktomakethemmorepleasingtothegods.”
“Breakingintoahousewhilethevictimisintheshowerisgenius.Noonewouldhearhim.He’dhavethejumponthem.”Carterlookedcasualleaningbackinhischair,twistingapeninhisfingers.“Ididresearchonthethreelotsofthree.Somanyritualsfrompastandpresent,notjustreligiousbutbadjujuaswell.Theyrangefrommakingitraintoextendinglifewithallstopsinbetween.Wecan’tpinthisdowntooneexactritual.Wefigurehe’stakenpartsfrommany,andusedallthebitsheconsidersmeethiscriteria.”Hescratchedhischeek.“OvertoJo.Shehasanideaonhisangle.”
“Yeah,Ido.Letmesee.”Jo’shairspilledoverherfaceasshestudiedhernotesandthensheliftedherchin.“He’sincontrol.Ifthisisritualistic,heonlykillsthreetimeseachyear.I’dsayhespendstherestoftheyearfindingsuitablewomentomurder.Idobelievehecontinuedduringtheseven-yearbreak.”
“Sevenyearsago,youhadaweatherevent.”Kalowavedaredlollipopinonehandandsmiled.“Mudslidesallover,itrainedformonths.HiskillingspreewouldhavebeeninterruptedthatHalloween.Maybehemovedawayandgotajobinanothercountyorstate?”
Impressed,Jennanodded.“Thanks,Bobby.Jo,whatelsehaveyoudiscovered?”
“Notdiscovered,Ihavereasontobelievethesemurdersatthistimeofyearareself-serving.”Shetwirledacoffeecupinherfingers.“Asinheneedsanexcusetokill,soinhismindhe’susedoldritualstovalidatehiskills.Maybehehasadisease,butIdoubtit.Thesacrifice,ifyoulike,ofawomanjustoutoftheshowertellsmehe’scleansinghimself,makinghimselfnewagain.TheHalloweentimingwouldvalidatethataswellbecausewemightlookatHalloweenaswhenthebarrierbetweenlifeanddeathopensandghoulscomethrough.Wemakejack-o’-lanternstoscarethemaway,whileothersbelieveitisatimefornewbeginningsandwelcomethespiritsasguidesforthefuture.”
“Thethingis”—Carterleanedforwardinhischair—“Halloweendoesn’tmeansacrifice,sothisguyhashisritualsscrewedup,andalthoughKaloandIhavebeentryingtomatchupwhathe’sdoing,wecan’tgiveyouapositiveanswer.”
Gladoftheinformation,Jennanodded.“That’sokay.”
“Ifigurethreesaresymbolicofacircleoflife.”Kanestaredintothecamerawithintensity.“Ritualsandcleansing.Iseeitthisway:heneedstokill.LikeJosaid,heneedsanexcuse,somaybehe’sworriedabouthowlonghecangobeforekillingagain.Maybehewasoutofcontrolatonetimeandcameclosetobeingapprehended.WeknowbyhisMOheissmartandunderstandsallaboutleavingbehindevidence.”Heopenedhishandswide.“Ifigurehethoughtthingsthrough,maybehesearchedforsomethingtohelphim.Theydon’tthinklogicallylikewedo.Theyvalidatethingsoreventsintheirminds.Wecouldn’tcomeclosetounderstandingthewayofit.”
“Iagree.”Joleanedforwardherexpressioninterested.“Howdoyouseethisbehavior,Dave?”
“HemighthaveonlystartedtheHalloweenritualsevenyearsago.”Kaneshrugged.“Previouslyhecouldhavebeenkillingrandomly,becausefromwhatI’mseeing,theearliestvictimwehavewasn’thisfirstkill.It’spracticed,almostprecision-like.Noonecandothatatfirst.Murderersusuallypanic,overkill,leaveevidencebehind,strike,andrun.Thisguyissavoringhiskills.Imean,howmanyarecoolenoughtotakeadarnshoweraftercreatingabloodbath?”Hetookasipofcoffeeandraisedoneshoulderinahalfshrug.“Maybehefigures,byonlykillingthreeatHalloween,hebecomesinvincible.Sincethen,he’sbeenkillingandnotbeencaught,whichforhimwouldvalidatehisbeliefintheritual.”
“Thatworksforme.”Jonodded.
“Maybe,butitdoesn’thelpcatchhim,doesit?”Cartershruggedandthenheldupfourfingers.“ThisiswhatI’vededuced.Thispersonblendsintosociety.”Hebentdownonefinger.“He’saregularguyandnotaloner.”Hebentdownthesecondfinger.“Hisoccupationmeanshe’sseenallovertown,whichmakeshiminvisible.Peopleonlynoticestrangers.”Hebentdownthethirdfinger.“Hedrivesavehiclehecanparkwhereit’snotnoticed,alocaldeliveryguyforinstance.”Hepoppedatoothpickinhismouthandgrinnedaroundit.“He’salocal,andprobablymovedawayforatime,butnotfar.AsJowilltellyou,hehasacomfortzone,encompassingBlackRockFalls,Louan,andBlackwater,sothosearehiscurrenthuntinggrounds.Iftherearebodies,they’llbeintheothercounties.I’dbetmybottomdollarheabandonedtheritualsinBlackRockFallstheyearyoubecamesheriffandstartedagaincloseby.Hemightnothavetakenhiswomenfromthosetowns,butIfigurehebroughtthemintohiszonetoburythem.”
AmazedbytheinformationCarterhadcollected,Jennanodded.“We’vebeenresearchingalldeathsandmissingpeopleandwecameupwithnootherlocalcrimescenes.Wedidfindwomenwhowentmissinginwaterwaysacrossthestate.Theywentswimmingorfishingandwereneverseenagain.It’spossibleashowerwasn’thisonlywaytocleansehisvictims.”
“Icandigdeeperintothosedisappearances.”KalosmiledatJenna.“ThosearoundHalloweenwouldbeunusual,asitswaytoocoldtoswimintheseparts.”
“Maybeconcentrateonboatsorfishing.Peoplefallintotherapidsandareneverseenagain.”Kaneclearedhisthroat.“Weneedtoconsidereverything.IfthisistheHalloweenSlasher,he’llstrikeagainsoon.”HelookeddirectlyatKalo.“NoticeanyactivityonFreya’sphone?”
“Nope,Ihavebeenwatchingit.”Kalofrowned.“Ican’tactuallytrackit,butithadn’tmovedthedayyoucalled.Sincethen,it’sbeendead.Someonehasblockedthesignal.”Heshrugged.“That’seasilydone.Heonlyneedstoturnitoff.”
“Wolfedescribedtheattackasfrenzied,butitseemsthekillerdidn’twanttokilloutright.”Carter’sbrowfurrowed.“Heknowswherenottostabtokeepsomeonealive.You’veseenthat,right,Dave?”
“Yeah.”Kanestaredathim.“Theproblemis,thatknowledgeisn’tjustmilitary.Anybranchofmartialartswouldteachthesametechniques.OnthetapesIhearafrenziedattack,butwedon’thearthecursingthatusuallycomeswithit.Theout-of-controlmaniacalbreakdown.Thisguyismethodicalandbrutal.”
“Ican’twaittomeethim.”Cartergrinnedatthecamera.“Youcallingusinonthiscaseornot?”
Happytospreadthework,Jennanodded.“Comeondown.Thecottageisstockedandready.Justrememberwehaveasonnow,sonotalkingshopinfrontofhim.”
“Crossmyheartandhopetodie.I’mlookingforwardtoseeinghimagain.Ipromisedhimarideinthechopper.”Carternodded.“We’llcomeinthemorning.I’llleavethechopperatWolfe’sbuildingifthat’sokay.We’lljustneedaridefortheduration.”
“Finebyme.”Wolfesmiled.
Jennanodded.“I’llparkmycruiseratthemorgueandleavethekeyswithWolfe.”Sheblewoutalongbreath.“Thankseveryone.We’llpickthisuptomorrow.”SheclickedoffandturnedtoKane.“Thatwentwell.”
“Yeah,nowifRioandRowleydiscoveredanyburialsiteswiththedrone,we’llbemakingheadway.Iassumetheyfoundnothingsofarastheyhaven’tcalledin.Thesuspectsseemtobeeludingus.”Kanesmiledather.“IfigureifwecanpryBlackhawkawayfromWolfeforatime,hemightknowTwistedLimbsTrailandifthereareanycabinshiddenaway.”
Collectingherthingsintoapile,Jennastood.“Yeah,weneedtohuntdownthesuspectswehaveintheFreyaRichardsoncaseandhopetheygiveussomeinformation.Rightnow,withoutabodyandnoevidence,we’rejustchasingourtails.I’mreadytoheadhome.Wecanworkonthecaselatertonight.”Shesighedandpulledonherjacket.“AfterTaurigoestobed.Thefewhourswehavewithhimeachnightaresospecial.Timewillgosofastandhe’llbeofftocollegebeforeweblink.”
“Yeah,Iknowwhatyoumean.”KanesmiledatherandpushedonhisStetson,runninghisfingersaroundthebrim.“Thetimewithhimisveryspecial,especiallyduringourdowntime.Thosearediamonddaysthatwillstaywithusforever.”
TWENTY-SEVEN
DaisyLyonhadlefttheTripleZRoadhouseafterfinishingworkandinsteadofdrivinghomehadheadedforMaintolookattheHalloweendisplays.ShepurchasedHalloweencandy,knowingthatthelocalkidswouldbeby.TheyseemedtoflocktoPine,althoughwithmostofthehousessetbackfromtheroadandsurroundedbytrees,shecouldonlyimagineitwasforthespookyfactormorethanthecandy.Shetookafewselfiesagainstabackdropofsomeofthedisplaysandthenclimbedbackintohervehicleandheadedforhome.Onehandreachingintothebagofcandy,shepoppedsomeintohermouthbeforeturningaroundandheadingbackalongMain,takingStanton,andheadingforPine.
PinecertainlyhadadifferentfeelaroundHalloween.Mostoftheresidences,includingonehouseusedforthelocalcollege,hadavarietyofterrifying,heartstoppingHalloweendummiesontheirdriveways.Someofthetree-shroudedentrancesresembledtheinsideofaghosttrain.Theyhadlongcobwebshangingfromthesurroundingtreeswithspidersasbigasdogsdanglingdownallover.Shegrinnedbuttheideaofwalkingintoherdarkhousesentachilldownherspine.Shehadinstalledasensorlightnotthreeweekspreviouslybutithadstoppedworking.WithbothherandTaraworkinglonghours,neitherhadtimeorsparecashtocallanelectriciantofixit.
Shepulledintoherdrivewayanddrovethroughthedarktunneloftrees,gladwhenherheadlightspickedoutthehouse.Assheturned,shedroveslowlysothebeamssweptthehouseandsurrounds.Noonelurkedintheshadows,butherheartracedandapricklingsensationranoverthebackofherneck.Gettingfromhervehicletothefrontdoorinthedarkfrightenedher.Shegrabbedherpurseandthecandy.Takingadeepbreath,shedashedtothefrontdoor,keysinhand.Fumblingwiththelock,shefellinsidebreathingheavilyandthenturnedtousethefobtolockherride.
Thehousewassilent,cold,andsheslappedonehandontheswitch,gladwhenlightfloodedtheroom.Breathingheavily,sheturnedthedeadboltandletoutalongbreathassheheadedforthekitchen.Sheswitchedonthelightandstaredattheroom.Theplacehadbeenamesswhenshe’dleftthismorning.Shegrinned.Taramusthavehadoneofhercleaningfrenzies.Itwasn’toften,mosttimestheyweretootiredtomanageahouse-cleanmorethanonceaweek.Thepizzaboxeshadvanished,thegarbagecanemptied,andthetableandcounterswipeddown.Sheopenedtherefrigeratortofindtheextrapizzashe’dpurchasedthepreviousnightsittinginitsboxuntouched.Grabbingafewslices,sheslippedthemontoaplateandpoppedthemintothemicrowave.Sheblinkedatthecoffeemachine,cleanandfilled.Shakingherhead,sheflickedtheswitchandpulledthephoneoutofherpockettosendatexttoTara:
Thanksforcleaningthehouse.I’llhelpnexttime,Ipromise.I’veleftyoupizza.
Shedidn’texpectareply,Tarawouldbeworkinguntilmidnight.TheyrarelysaweachotherduringtheweekandmosttimesonlyonSundays.Sheheadeduptoherbedroom,kickedoffhershoes,undressed,andpulledonsweats.Turningaround,shefrowned.Taraneverenteredherroomwhenshewasn’tthere.Itwasakindofunwrittenlaw.Theyalwaysrespectedeachother’sprivacy,butherbedhadbeentidied,towelsshe’dleftinthedryerneatlypiledonashelfinthebathroom.Shepulledopenherclosetdoorandblinkedinastonishment.Hershoeswereinneatrows,herclothesspreadapartonhangers.Shesentanothertext:
Wow!Youwentallout.Youdon’tneedtochangethetowelsinmybathroomormakemybed,butthanksanyway.MyturnnextSunday.Noarguments.
Shrugging,sheheadedbacktothekitchen.She’deatfirst,watchashowonTV,andthenshowerandgotobed.Thenightswerecoldandshelikedhersleep.Workhadbecomeonelongdraggingsecondtothenext.Ifshehadtosay,“Doyouwantfrieswiththat?”orcleanatablewherekidshadpainteditwithketchuponemoretime,she’dgoinsane.She’dwantedtoworkatAuntBetty’sCafé,butithadawaitinglist.ThehoursatAntlersweretoolongandtheCattleman’sHotelhadvacanciesonlyforbartendersandshedidn’thavethequalifications.Sheneededtodosomethingwithherlife.Marryingformoneywasn’tpossibleinhercircleoffriends.Maybeshe’ddrivetotheskiresortandseeiftheywerehiringforwinter.Nowthatwasagoodplacetomeetmen.
ShefinishedhermealandwatchedTV.Feelingdrowsy,shereluctantlydraggedherwearybodyfromthesofa,tookherplateandcuptothekitchen,andplacedtheminthedishwasher.Feelingguiltyforleavingamessthepreviousday.Sherefilledthecoffeemachineandsmiled.Maybetakingafewminutestocleanupwouldmaketheirliveseasier.Afterswitchingoffthelightsanddragginglegsheavyfromstandingalldayalongthepassageway,sheheadedforthebedroom.Asoundcamefromoutside.Itsoundedlikeachuckle.Ashiveroffearwentthroughherandsheturnedtolookdownthepassageway.Onlythesliveroflightfromthecrescentmoonilluminatedtheglasspanelsoneachsideofthefrontdoor,andasthebreezemovedthetreessurroundingthehouse,strangepatternslikegoblinsdancingmovedacrossthefloorandwalls.Sheshookherhead.ViewingthehorrificHalloweendisplayshadgottenintohermindanditwasplayingtrickswithher.
Undressing,shewentintoherbathroomandslippedintotheshower.Thewaterwashotandsoothedherachingmuscles.Longhotshowersweretheonlyextravagancesheallowedherselfandwiththesolarpanelsontheroof,thecostwasn’tmorethanshecouldafford.Shewashedherhairdaily.Thesmellofcookingfromthegrillattheroadhouseseemedtoclingtoher.Shewrungoutherhairandsteppedfromtheshowerinacloudofsteam.Therewassomethingwrittenonthemirrorandshemovedclosertoreadit.
Lookbehindyou.
Heartinhermouth,shelookedoveroneshoulderandgapedatahideousHalloweenmask.Beforeshecouldscream,somethingsharpslammedintoherback,onesideandthentheother.Pushedhardagainstthevanity,ahandclampeddownoverhermouthandshecouldn’tmoveherarms.Asthecoldbasinpressedintoherstomach,painshotthroughher.Herkneesweak,shesaggedwhenahuskyvoicecameclosetoherear.
“Oh,don’tpassoutonmeyet,Daisy.Ihaven’tstartedtohavefunyet.Trickortreat?”
TWENTY-EIGHTTHURSDAY
JennaandKanespentafewextraminutesdroppingTauriatthekindergarten.He’dtoldthemabouttheHalloweenmaskhe’dbeenmakingandwantedtoshowthem.ItwasanewexperienceforJennaandseeingthelittleboy’sexcitementathavingthemtheremadehergomisty.Thewaytheytaughtthekidsimpressedher.Itwasalightandairycomplex,whereparentsorgrandparentscoulddropbytohelpout.Thefamilyunitwasincludedandthechildrenseemedtobeenjoyingthemselvesandeagertolearn.Inmostcases,Tauriatfourwouldhavebeentooyoungtoattendkindergarten,butwhentheyapproachedtheoneinBlackRockFalls,seeinghowbighewasforhisageandhisabilitytocommunicatesowell,theyhadmadeanexception.Althoughhe’dturnfiveonDecemberfirst,hestilltoweredovermostofthekidsinhisclass.
Impressed,JennaexaminedthemaskandsmiledatTauri.“Wow!Thisisbeautiful.”
Notaghoulishfacewithfangsasshe’dexpected,themaskhe’dmadewasadornedwithfeathers,whiteringsaroundeacheye,andzigzaglinesoneachcheek.ShehandedthemasktoKane.“Isn’tthiswonderful?”
“Indeed.”Kaneturneditoverinhishand.“You’llneedwingsonyourcostume.We’llgoandlookforsomethingthisafternoon.Youareplanningontrick-or-treatingwithAnnaWolfe?Wedidpromise.”
“Yes,IlikeAnna,andNannyRayaismakingmycostume.”Tauribeamedatthem.“WillIlooklikeaneagle,Mommy?”
Jennalaughed.“Youwillindeed.”Shewonderedifthey’dmaketheHalloweenBallthisyear,withaserialkillerintown,butmentioningitnowwouldn’thurt.“IfwegototheHalloweenBall,wouldyoumindstayingwithNannyRaya?”
“SillyMommy.”Taurigiggled.“NannyRayaalreadytoldme,assheriff,youandDaddyneedtobeattheballandwe’dbebusysortingoutcandy.”Helookedaroundattheotherkids.“Seehowtheylookatyou,Daddy?Onedayyoushouldcomebyandtellusastoryaboutkeepingussafe.Itoldthemyouwereagreatwarrior.”
“Iwill,soonasIcan.”Kanebenttogivehimahug.“Weneedtogotoworknow.We’llseeyousoon.”
Lookingfromonetotheother,Jennacouldn’tbeprouderofbothofthem.ShekissedTaurionthecheekandwavedtohimastheylefttheclassroom.SheturnedtoKane.“Comeon,GreatWarrior,getoutyourthinkingcap.Weneedabreakthroughinthesecases.Theremustbesomethingwe’veoverlooked.”
“RioandRowleywillbeoutwiththedronesagainthismorning.”Kaneglancedathiswatch.“CarterandJoshouldbearrivingaroundten.We’llrehasheverythingandtakeitfromthere.”HepulledopenthedooroftheBeastandslidbehindthewheel.
Jenna’sphonechimedanditwasMaggie.“HeyMaggie,what’sup?”
“I’llpatchacallthroughtoyou.It’sawomanbythenameofTaraFarrell.She’sconcernedsomethinghashappenedtoherfriend.”
Jennawaitedforthecalltocomethrough.“SheriffAlton.AmIspeakingwithTaraFarrell?”
“Yes,Iliveat106Pine.Youneedtocome.Somethinghashappenedtomyfriend.I’mparkedontheroad,onthecornerofPineandStanton.Canyoucome?”
NoddingtoKaneashespuntheBeastaroundandheadedforPine,Jennatookadeepbreathandhitrecordonherphone.“Whatisyourfriend’snameandcanyouexplainwhathappened?”
“DaisyLyon.”Taragavealittlesobandthenappearedtogatherherself.“Iworklate,soIusuallycreepin,grabashower,andgostraighttobed.WhenIwake,Daisyhasalreadyleftforwork.Wehardlyeverseeeachother.ThismorningwhenIwentintothekitchen,herpurseandkeyswereonthecounter.Iwenttoherbedroomdoorandknocked.Ifiguredshemighthaveoverslept.ThebedwasstrippedandIcouldseebloodonthecarpet.Icalledoutbutshedidn’treply.Theroomsmelledlikeblood.Iwasscared.Iranoutofthehouse,gotinmycar,anddroveheretocallyou.”
ExchangingameaningfulglancewithKane,Jennaclearedherthroat.“Okay,we’recominguponyounow.We’reintheblacktruck.”ShedisconnectedandlookedatKane.“Ihopethisisn’tvictimnumbertwo.”
“SodoI.”KaneturnedtorubDuke’sears.“Stay,boy.Wewon’tbelong.”
Leaninginthewindowofthepassengersideofthewoman’svehicle,Jennatookinthedisheveledwoman,wearingpj’sandasweater.“Canyoudrivebacktoyourhouse?We’llbeclosebehind,orIcanridewithyouifyou’rescared.”
“Iguess.”Tara’shandstrembledasshegrippedthesteeringwheel.
JennapulledopenthedoorandlookedatKaneoverthehood.“I’llridewithher.Stayclose.”
“Thanks.”TaraturnedtheSUVandtheyheadedalongPine.
Asthevehicleslowedtodrivethroughadarktunnelmadebyacanopyoftreebranchesandovergrownshrubbery,Jennaturnedtoher.“Pullupoutsidethehousebutstayinsidethevehicle.Lockthedoorsandwe’llgoinsideandlookaround.Daisywasn’tsuicidalorhadthreatenedtotakeherownlifeatanytime?”
“No,absolutelynot.”Taralookedhorrified.“Shewasalwaysplanningforthefuture.Ahusbandandatribeofkids.Shesentmemessageslastnightandsoundedjustfine.”
Nodding,Jennapushedopenthepassenger-sidedoorandwaitedforTaratolockit.ShenoddedtoKane,andtheypulledtheirweaponsandsteppedinsidetheopenfrontdoor.Thesmellofbloodhadinfusedthehouse,andastheyclearedtheroomsonebyone,itseemedtocrawltowardthemalongthepassageway.Whentheyreachedtheopenbedroomdoor,asusualKanewenthighandshewentlow,scanningtheroominsilence,listening,andwatchingformovement.Nothingbutthestenchofbloodandtheusualreleaseofbodilyfluidsthathappenedatdeath.Theentirescenescreameddeath.Besideher,Kanehelduponefinger,holsteredhisweapon,anddraggedbootiesandglovesfromhispockets.Oncecovered,hedrewhisweaponandnoddedtoher.Teamworkpracticedafteryearstogetherneedednowords.JennakeptherweaponraisedandKaneclearedtheroom,checkingtheclosetsandallaroundbeforemovingcautiouslytothebathroom.
“It’sthesameasbefore.”Kaneturnedtolookatherdarkeyebrowsraised.“Mirrorimage.It’sthesameguy.DoyouwantmetocallWolfewhileyouquestionthewitness?”
Swallowinghard,Jennanodded.Shehadnoneedtoriskcontaminatingthecrimescene,toseeapoolofbloodonabathroomfloor.“Yeah,shementionedgettingmessagesfromDaisylastnight.So,weshouldhaveatimeline.”Sheglancedbackalongthepassagewaytotheotherbedroom.“Closethedooronthecrimescene.Ms.Farrellwon’tbeabletostayheretonight.OnceWolfehasdoneaforensicsweep,I’llaskhertopackherbagsandfindoutifshehasaplacetostay.”
“Okay.”Kanefrowned.“Ididn’tseeaphone.I’llcheckaroundinthebedroomandthentakealookinherpurse.Inoticeditonthekitchencounter.Iassumeit’stheoneMs.Farrellmentioned.”Heturnedbackinsidethebedroomandpausedtolookather.“Watchyourback.Thisguyisananimalandthere’sastackofplaceshecouldbehidingoutthere.”
TWENTY-NINE
Awareofthedanger,Jennahurriedoutside,gladtobeinthefreshair.Afterscanningthewoodedareaallaroundthehouse,shewenttotheBeasttocollectalegalpadbeforemakingherwaytotheSUVparkedinthedriveway.TaraFarrellwassheet-whiteandtrembling.“Daisyisn’tthere.So,we’retreatingherdisappearanceasamissingperson.We’llneedtocalloutthemedicalexaminertoprocessthescene.He’llbeabletodeterminewhathappenedhere.Doyouhavesomeoneyoucanstaywithforaboutaweek?”
“I’mneverlivingthereagain,that’sforsure.”Tarawipedhereyesonatissue,rolleditintoaball,andpushedituphersleeve.“MymomlivesinLouan.I’vealreadycalledherandshetoldmetogohome.Theproblemisallmystuffisinthere.Ineedclothestogotowork.”
Noddingsympathetically,Jennasatbesideher.“Youcancollectthethingsfromyourroom,soon.I’mhappytohelpyou,butwehavetowaituntiltheforensicteamhasbeenthroughit.”
“Okay.”Tara’sbottomliptrembled.
Needingtogetasmuchinformationaspossible,Jennawentdownhermissingpersonschecklistinhermind.“Okay,I’llneedalltheinformationaboutDaisyyoucangiveme:herfullname,dateofbirth,wheresheworks,anyrelativesyouknowabout.”
ShewroteasTaragavehertheinformation.“Okay,doyouhaveaphotographofher?”
“Yes,wetookafewlastweekend.”Tarapickedupherphoneandscrolledthroughtheimages.“ThisisDaisy.”
Nodding,Jennaglancedattheimage.“Canyouforwardthemtomyphoneandthosemessagesshesentyoulastnight.Whatdidtheysay?”
“Thethingis,theydidn’tmakeanysense.”Tarashrugged.“Ididn’tcleanthehouseormakeherbed.Ifigureitwassomekindofajoke.”
WhenTarashowedherthemessages,thehairsonJenna’sneckstoodtoattention.ThekillerhadvisitedthehousetoplanthemurderandfrightenDaisybycleaningandmovingthingsaround.Itwaspartofhisgame.Shekeptherexpressionemotionless,butinside,herheartpounded.“Fromwhatshesaid,shesoundedsurprisedthatyou’dbeeninsideherroom.”
“Well,unlesswe’reinvitedinside,wegiveeachotherprivacy.”Tarashookherhead.“We’veknowneachothersincegradeschool.It’sanunspokenlaw.Wedidn’tneedtolockourdoors.Wetrustedeachother.”
Thinkingthroughherconclusions,Jennafrowned.“Didyounoticeanythingoutofplaceinyourroom?Wasitjustasyou’dleftit?”
“Yeah.Myroomisn’tinamessandIdon’thaveclutter.I’dseeifsomeonehadbeenintheremovingstuff.IdidnoticehowcleanthekitchenwasthismorninganditwasinamesswhenIleft.Garbagepiledup,pizzaboxeseverywhere.That’sourstaplediet.Ididn’tgetthechancetoturnonthecoffeemachine,butitwasfilled.WhenIsawherpurseandkeys,Ifiguredshe’doverslept.”Tarasighed.
TheinformationtoldJennathekillerwasalreadyinsidethehousewhenDaisyarrivedhome.HidinginTara’sroom.Hewouldhavebeenwaytoosmarttoriskleavinganyevidencebehind,butshe’dtakeTara’sprintstoexcludethemandmakesureWolfecheckedtheroom.NotwantingtoalarmTara,shemovedthroughhermentallist.“So,what’syournormalroutinewhenyouarrivehome?Let’sstartwiththetime.”
“AroundmidnightandI’msoexhaustedIjustshowerandgostraighttobed.ItrytobeasquietaspossiblesoIdon’twakeDaisy,butasourbedroomsareatoppositeendsofthehouse,shedoesn’tdisturbmeinthemorningwhensheleavesforworkeither.”Sheblinkedawaytears.“Shewouldn’tgoanywherewithouttellingme.Somethinghashappenedtoher.Isawbloodonthecarpet,likeshewasdraggedbleedingacrossittothebed.She’snotjustmissing;somebodyhurtherbadandkidnappedher.”
Keepinghervoicecalmandsoothing,Jennakeptanyconclusionsfromherexpression.“We’llbeabletofindoutwhathappened,butIneedinformation.Doyouknowwhattimesheusuallygetshome?”
“Aroundsix,unlessshestopsforpizza.”Taramadeanefforttopullherselftogether.“There’soneintherefrigerator,butthatwasfromthedaybefore.”
Clearingherthroat,Jennapushedon.“Canyougivemeafamilycontactforher?”ShemadenotesasTaraspoke.“Also,herphonenumber.Thanks.”Sheglancedup.“Anyboyfriends,anyonenewshe’dmetrecently?”ShehandedTarahernotebookandpen.“Canyougivemealistofherfriends?”
“Wehavefriendsbutnoonespecial.”Tarabentoverthenotebookandmadeashortlist.“LikeIsaid,wereallyonlyhavethreefriends,andwehaven’tseenthemformonths.”Shefrowned.“It’sthesameeveryday:work,sleep,work,sleep.Sundayssometimes,wehaveadaywherewegoout,sometimesSaturdaynights.Themostexcitementwehaveiswaitingforpizzatocookintown.It’sbetterthanhavingitdelivered.Therearealwayspeopleinthelinereadytohangout.WeoftenspendSaturdaynighttherejustchatting.”Shehandedbackthenotebook.
Mindreeling,JennarecalledanotherwitnesswhomentionedseeingFrankStarkwatchingFreyaRichardsonandfollowingherwhensheleftthebeautyparlorthenightshedied.Thepizzeriamightbethekiller’shuntingground.“Okay,arethereanyothernamesyoucanrecall?Casualpeopleyoumightseeatthepizzeria.Itwouldbeveryhelpful.”ShemadethelistandlookedupasKanewalkedfromthehouse.“Waithere.Themedicalexaminerwillbeheresoonandwe’llgoinsideandcollectyourthings.”
SheheadedtowardKaneandbroughthimuptodate.“Didyoufindaphone?”
“Nope.”Kanestoodhandsonhipsandfeetapart.“It’sthesameMO.Ifyou’regoingintoTara’sroom,Isuggestyousuitup.Ifthekillerwashidinginthere,Wolfemightfindtraceevidence.He’llbehereinfive.”
Nodding,JennaglancedbackatTaraandthenbacktohim.“CallRioandRowley.Iwantthemtoescortthewitnessbacktohermom’shouse.Justtoletanyoneknowwhomightbewatchingthatwehaveherunderourprotection.TellthemtodropbytheLouansheriff’sofficeandmakethemawareofthesituation.”Shepushedahandthroughherhair.“I’llwaitforWolfetodohisforensicsweepandthentakeherthroughtograbherstuff.She’samess.I’llgiveherwaterandenergybars.Idoubtshe’seatensincelastnight.”SheheadedfortheBeastandthenturnedtolookathim.“I’llletDukeout.Hemightbeabletofollowherscent.Didsheleavedirtyclothesinthebedroom?”
“Yeah.”Kaneturnedonhisheelandheadedbackintothehouse.Hepausedatthedoorandturnedtolookather.“I’llgrabsomething.Keephimwithyoufornow.WhenI’vefoundsomethingforhimtoscent,I’lltakehimaroundtheoutsideofthehouseandcheckthebackdoorandwindowsforforcedentry.”
AfterlettingDukejumpdownfromthebackseatoftheBeast,JennacollectedabottleofwaterandenergybarsfromtheirstashandwentbacktoTara’sSUV.SheinstructedDuketoguardherandclimbedintothevehicle.“Here,youshouldtrytoeatsomething.It’sbeenaterribleshockforyou.Youcanrestassuredthatwe’lldoeverythinginourpowertofindDaisy.”
“She’sthesecondwomantogomissingthisweek,isn’tshe?”Taraturnedsadeyestowardher.“WehavearadioonatworkandIheardthenews.Haveyoufoundher?”
Jennashookherhead.“Notyet.DidyouorDaisyknowFreya,thegirlwho’smissing?”
“No,wedon’tknowher.Thethingis,Ididn’tcleanthehouse,Sheriff.”Taraslumpedintheseat,staringattheenergybarasifjustrealizingitwasinherhand.“WhoeverhurtDaisyisacleanfreak.”Sheshuddered.“Oh,nooooo.”Sheburstintotears.“HecouldhavebeeninthehousewhenIcamehome.IfI’dknown,Daisywouldbeokay.Ihaveaguninmynightstand.Iknowshe’sdead.Icouldseeitinyourfacewhenyoucameoutofthehouse.”Shedroppedthewaterandenergybarandpressedherhandstoherface.“Ican’tgobackinthere.Pleasedon’tmakeme.”
SqueezingTara’sarm,Jennapulledapacketoftissuesfromherpocketandhandedthemtoher.“Youdon’tneedtogoback.I’llcollectyourthings.”Shewatchedthepoorwomanfalltopiecesinfrontofher.Shewasinnostatetobedrivinganywhere.“IsthereanyoneIcancall?”
“No,I’llgotomyparent’shouse.”Tarawipedhereyes.“I’llbefineonceIgetthere.”
AsWolfe’swhitevanappearedonthedriveway,followedcloselybyRio’struck,Jennasuckedinabreathofrelief.“Justwaitalittlelonger.”ShepulledthenotebookoutofherpocketandhandeditwithapentoTara.“Makealistofanythingimportantyouneedmetopackforyou.I’llleaveDeputyRowleywithyouwhileIgrabyourthings.He’lldriveyoutoyourparents.Okay?”
“Yeah,thanks.”Tarablewhernose.“WhoisgoingtotellDaisy’smom?”
AdarkcloudofsorrowdroppedoverJenna’sshoulders.Informingnextofkinwasherworstnightmare.ShepattedTaraonthearm.“Iwill.”
THIRTY
KanewhistledDuketohissideandwalkedslowlyaroundthehouse.Thedrivewayextendedalongoneside,curlingaroundbacktostopinfrontofanoldshed.Hepulledouthisphoneandtookimagesofthedisturbedgrassinthebackyard.Thedirtwasdryandhard-packedbutsomeoftheovergrownweedshadbeenbentover,suggestingavehiclehadusedtheareatoturnaround.Hesearchedaroundbutfoundnotiretracks,oilspills,oranythingelseandwenttoexaminethebackdoor.Heusedhisphonelighttoilluminatethelock.Peeringinside,hemadeoutevidencetoindicatethelockhadbeenprofessionallypicked.“Thisishowhegotinside.Nodeadboltonthebackdoor,justaregularlock,maybethirtyyearsold.”HepattedDukeonthehead.“Ifigurehecarriedthebodyoutthisway.”HepulledanevidencebagfromhispocketandopeneditforDuketosmellthepairofsockshe’dfoundinDaisy’sroom.“Seek.”
Dukemovedbackandforth,fromthedoortothedriveway,andstoppedtwice.Once,hereturnedtothebackdoorandstoodonhishindlegs,barked,andsatdown.Kanewalkedtothedoorandturnedthehandle.ThedoorswungopenandhecouldhearWolfegivingordersfrominside.“Whatdoyousmell,boy?”Hescannedthefloorandtheninsidethedoorfoundasmallpatchofdiscolorationonthepaintworkofthedoorframe.“Goodboy.”HetookimagesandwavedDukeaway.“Seek.”
Dukeretracedhisstepswithhisheadmovingbackandforth,tailstickingoutbehindhimlikearudder.Whenhereachedthedriveway,hebarkedandsatdownagain.Kanehurriedoveranddroppedtohiskneestoexaminetheground.Smallbrownishwaterymarks,asifsomethinghadbeenrestedontheconcretedriveway,stoodoutclearly.Hetookmorephotosandtookapieceofchalkfromhispocketandcircledthemark.HeglancedupasJennacamearoundthesideofthehouseandstood.“Hecarriedheroutthebackdoorandhadhisvehicleparkedhere,outofsight.Dukefoundwhatcouldbebloodonthedoorframeandagainhereonthedriveway.”
“Thatsoundslikehecarriedheroutwrappedintheblankets,mayberestedheronthegroundtoopenthebackofatruckoravan?”Jennachewedonherbottomlip.“Thatblowsourtheorythathecarriesthebodiesaroundinbags.”
Kaneshookhisheadandwavedahandaround.“Lookatthisplace.There’snoonecloseenoughtoseewhathe’sdoing.Itcouldhavefloodlights,andnoonewouldsee.Hecouldhavedroppedherintoabaghere,andthat’swhereherestedhertoputherinside.”Hewalkedbackandforth.“Ifheplacedherinafetalpositionbeforehewrappedher,likehe’sdonebefore,thatwouldaccountforthesmearonthedoorframe.It’dbedifficulttocarryherandopenthedooratthesametime.”
“Maybeheleftthedooropen?”Jennatappedherbottomlipwithherfinger.“We’vealreadyestablishedwhensomeone’sintheshowertheydon’thearanything,andhe’dbesneakingaround.Ifheknewthemovementsofbothwomen,he’dknowhowmuchtimehehadtokillandleave.Hewouldn’tknowifTarausuallyspoketoDaisywhenshegothome.MaybethetimeforTaratoarrivehomewasgettingclose,sohebundledupDaisyandgotoutofthehouse.Hedumpedherintohistruckanddroveawaybeforeanyonenoticedhim.Maybehetookherstraighttotheburialsite?”
Kaneshookhishead.“Nooneisthatcrazy.Diggingagraveatnightmaybe,butcarryingablood-soakedbodythroughtheforestatnight?He’dhaveeverypredatoronhiminseconds.They’dscentafreshkillandhewouldn’tsurvive,letalonehavetimetoburythebody.”Heblewoutabreathandthenrubbedthebackofhisneck.“Ifigurehedrivesabigcoveredtruckoravan.Hewouldgohomeasusualandbagupthebody.Heprobablysoaksthevaninsomethingtohidethesmell.Ormaybehecarriesbagsoffertilizer,theystink.Ithastobesomeonelikethat,whocanmovebodiesaroundwithoutpeoplenoticing.”
“Yeah,thatmakessense.”JennalookedtowardthebackdoorasWolfe’svoicecalledhername.“Ah,Shane’sfinishedprocessingTara’sbedroom.I’llgoandpackupherthings.”Shesmiledathim.“JoandCarterareoutfront.Canyoubringthemuptodate?Riowillhelpme.I’lltellWolfeaboutthebloodyoufound.”
Nodding,Kanewatchedhergo.Asprofessionalasalways,theyworkedtogetherlikeawell-oiledmachine,andhe’dbeenworriedmarriageandthenadoptingTaurimighthaveputastrainontheirworkingrelationship.Manyhadexpectedhertoretire,andthere’dbeenspeculationaroundtownhisnamewouldbeontheballotforthenextsheriff’selection.He’dnevertakeJenna’splaceassheriff,buttheideahadenteredthemayor’smind.IfJennadecidedtostepdown,they’dbothleaveandtakeTauriandheadforasaferplace.Asheheadedbacktothefrontofthehouse,hesmiledtohimself,andshookhishead.Jennastepdownassheriff?Nah,she’dstillbeoutthereprotectingpeoplewhenshewaspushingawalker.
“Hey,thereyouare.”TyCarterstoodhandsonhips,grinningaroundatoothpick,hisDoberman,Zorro,byhisside.“So,theHalloweenSlasher,huh?Whathaveyoudiscovered?”
AfternoddingtoJoandbringingthemuptodate,Kaneremovedhisexaminationglovesandrolledthemintoaball.“Sowhatdoyouthink,Jo?”
“Ifwhatyousayistrueanditsoundslogical,thenthisguyissingleandlivesalone.He’dneedtomovearoundwithoutanyonenoticinghimcomingandgoing.Sosomewherelikethisplace,notfarfromtownbutsecluded.”Jopausedabeatthinking.“Hehasadayjob,likelyshiftwork,orheworksmorethanonejob,oddhoursandmovesaroundinplainsight.Likeyoumentioned,adeliverydriver,agardener,anoccupationthatwouldnormallycarrythingsaround,sopeopledon’tthinkit’sunusual.Lookatgardeners,theycarryshovels,rakes,andbagsofrubbish.Noonewouldlooktwiceatthemandtheyworkallhours.”
“Thattakesinalistofcontractorsaslongasmyarm.”Carterrubbedhischin.“Youfigurehecarriesthebodiesoutinbagsduringtheday,butnotthistime.Isthatbecauseitwasdarkwhenheleftandoutherenobodyisgoingtoseehim?”
LeaningagainsttheBeast,Kanepushedhishandsintohisjacketpockets.“Yeah,wethoughtofthattoo.Agardenercarriesbagsofleavesandgrass,sothat’sapossible.Mailcarrier,theonesthatmovelettersbetweenpostoffices,orapostalworkerwhodeliversandpicksupmail.Theycarrybagsandtheywouldn’tbenoticed.”
“Someonewhopicksupkillsfromthehuntersandtakesthemtotheprocessingplant.”CarterstaredintospaceandthenlookedatKane.“He’dhaveareefer,evenatthistimeofyeartokeepthegamechilled.He’dbewaitingforgametocometohimandbebackandforthfromsunupuntilsunset.Ifanyonenoticedhistruckparkedonafireroad,theywouldn’tthinktwiceaboutit.”
KaneglancedovertoseeJennacomingoutofthehousecarryingbagswithRioloadedupbesideher.Hehurriedovertohelp.“Sheneedsallthisstuff?”
“Yeah.”JennaheadedtoTara’sSUV.“She’snotplanningoncomingbackanytimesoon.Thisispersonalbelongings.Iguesslatershe’llgetamovingcompanytohaulouttherestoftheirbelongingsandtakeitsomewhere.”
Astheyapproached,RowleyclimbedoutandopenedthehatchoftheSUV.Kanelookedathim.“YoushoulddriveandRiowillfollowyou.Taraisinshock,maybeadviseherparentstocalladoctor.MakesureyougetallthedetailstotheLouansheriff.They’llkeepaneyeonthehouse,butIdon’tbelieveshewasthetarget.Seemstome,thekillerlikesthemsmall,probablysohecancarrythemadistance.”HeglancedoverasTaraclimbedfromthedriver’sseat.“Taraistall,maybefive-nineandheavy.FromtheimagesinthehouseofDaisy,she’stiny,five-three,andslimbuild.That’sthesameasFreya.”
“Okay.”Rowleyglancedoverhisshouldertothehouse.“SameMO?”
Kanenodded.“Yeah,I’mafraidso.Didyoufindanythinginyourdronesearch?”
“Nothingthatlookedlikegraves,afewpilesofentrailsareallsofar.”Rowleyremovedhishatandranahandthroughhishair.“IhopeWolfefindssomethingonthisguy.He’llkillhisthirdvictimsoon,won’the?”
Nodding,Kaneclearedhisthroat.“Ifigurewehaveacoupleofdaystocatchhim.Whenyou’redonehere,headbackoutandcontinuethedronesearch.Ifwecandiscoveragravesite,we’llcatchhim.”HestaredtowardJenna.“Iknowwehaven’tfoundevidencetopointtoanysuspects,butwehaveagreatteam,andjustneedtotrustourinstincts.”
THIRTY-ONE
It’sfortunatemorningfrostcoatedthegrasswhenIleftforworkthismorning.ThefreezingtemperatureswillkeepDaisyfresh,andonceI’dpackedotherbagsaroundher,Iwasabletocarryonasusual.Myjobtakesmeoverthreecountiesandmovingaroundmadelifeeasy,especiallyaroundHalloween.I’veestablishedapresenceinBlackRockFalls,Louan,andBlackwatersincereturning.Peoplehavegottenusedtoseeingmearound.Infact,I’vebecomeoneoftheinvisiblepeopleworkingaroundthetownsandtherearesomany.Myoccupationgivesmetheopportunitytositinmyvehicleandobservepeople.Noneofmyofferingswerechosenwithoutdeliberationandmanymakeupmylistbytheendofeachyear.TheonlyproblemI’veencounteredistheneedtokill.Atfirst,whenIreadaboutallthepeoplewhowentmissingeveryyear,Ihonestlybelievedthateveryonewasjustlikeme.Thereis,afterall,somanyreasonstokillsomeone.I’veseenterroristsmowingdownpeopleintheirtrucks,bombingbuildings,butIdon’tunderstandwhytheydoit.Mostofthemtaketheirownlives,sowhere’sthethrillinthat?I’vewatchedshowsaboutcrimesofpassion,hatecrimes,butIdon’thavepassionorhateforanyone,soIfigureIkillbecauseIenjoyit.Afterreadingthestoriesaboutserialkillersbeingarrestedfortheirmurders,especiallybySheriffAlton,I’dlaughed.She’llnevercatchme.
WitheverythingpossibletoreadabouttraceevidenceandDNAontheinternetandmentionedoneverycopshow,onlyafoolwouldgetcaught.Ipullalongsidethecurb,climbfrommytruck,andgointoAuntBetty’sCafé.I’vefinishedforthedayandwouldgrababitetoeatandmakesureWendywasfollowinghernewschedule.Ismile,afewlittlescaresandshe’dchangedhershift.Now,withherhomebeforedark,shefollowedanormalpattern.Sofar,she’dbeenacreatureofhabit,headingforashowerbeforebedataroundten.Thedogisstillatthevet.Ihadintendedtokillitwiththeslow-actingpoisonbecauseIcouldn’tallowanythingtocomebetweenmeandWendy.
AsIeat,myminddriftstoDaisy,waitingpatientlyinmyvehicle,butshe’lljusthavetobidehertime.IneedtomakesureIfollowaroutinetoo.Iwantpeopletoseemeatcertaintimesandinvariousplaces,ontheoffchanceImakeamistakeandsetthecopsonmytail.AlibiswithwitnessesmeanIcankeepdoingwhatIenjoyforaslongaspossible.AlthoughIhavefaithinmysystem,inBlackRockFalls,thesheriffwillalwaysbeaproblem,sowhenitallbecomestoomuchforme,I’llheadtoanycity,findasexworkerormaybeahomelessperson,andtakeoutmyfrustration.Thefacttheybreathemyairisenoughofanexcusetokillthemandleavethemwithoutadecentburial.I’veleftthemonbeaches,tossedthemintoriversandinditchesduringsnowfall.Snowwastheuniversalcleanser,coveringallmysinswithwhiteandhidingthemformonthsatatime.ThechancesofanyoneblamingmeforthemurderswouldberemoteasI’malwayslonggonebeforethemelt.
EarlierIdrovepasttwoofthedeputiesflyingdronesovertheforest.I’dlaughed.Theycouldwellbelookingforgraves.BynoweveryoneknewthatFreyawasmissingandI’dseenthemedicalexaminer’svanandsheriff’svehiclesparkedalongafireroad.They’dfoundthefirstthreefromsolongagoI’dforgottentheirnames.Ashiverofexcitementcurledinmybellyatthethoughtofthesherifflisteningtotheirlastbreaths.Imustfindtherecordingsandlistentothemagain.Ithadbeenyears,buthearingthemagainwouldbejustlikebeingthere.Icouldreliveeverything,smelltheblood,andfeeltheknifeinmyhands.Hearingthefunnylittlegaspsaseachonediedwouldbewonderful.
Sighing,Iturnontoahard-packedentrancetoanotherfireroad.Thisonetakesmeawayfromtheoriginalgravesitetomynewplace.Watchingthedeputieswiththedrones,asoneofmanyinterestedonlookers,itseemedfromtheircurrentsearchareathey’veworkedoutIburiedmyofferingsinatriangle.IsupposeIshouldgivethemkudosforthat,butaftersevenyearsiftheyreallyfigureI’dgobacktotheoldburialsiteandplantFreyaintheunfinishedgrave,theydidn’thaveaclue.I’mnotthatstupid.Firstofall,itdidn’tmatterifthey’dnoticedthegravesformedatriangle.I’dmarkedoutasacredcircleonthemapandinsideIcanfitmanytriangles.Infact,Icantakeanypointfromoneofmyoriginalgravesitesandcreateanewtriangle.Somanyvariants,suchamassiveforest.Thepossibilitiesareendless.Ipullintoasmalloffshootbetweenaclumpoftrees.Thecanopyaboveissocoveredwithvinesmyvehicleisinvisiblefrompryingeyes.Ilistentothenoiseoftheforestandsmile.I’vegottenstrongerdigginggravesandcarryingbodies.MaybeI’llstartworkingoutafterHalloween.Onemoreandtheofferingwouldbecomplete,andI’dhaveninemoreyearsofprotection.AsIdragthebagcontainingDaisy’sbodyfrommyvehicle,Iglanceupatthesky.Springwouldhaveadeity,someoldforgottengodwho’dbegratefulforanofferingaftersolong.They’dwelcomemewithopenarms.IcanalmosthearthemmakingabargainwithmealreadyandIdidn’tevenknowtheirname.Ihoistthebagintomyarmsandmovesilentlyalonganarrowanimaltrail.Perhaps,I’llresearchmoreoftheoldones.WhywaituntilHalloweenwhentherewerethreeotherseasons?
THIRTY-TWO
OnceWolfe’steamhadprocessedthescene,JennafollowedKaneinsidewithJoandCarterclosebehind.BothdogssatbesidetheBeastwatchingthegoings-onwithalertinterest.JennasurveyedDaisy’sbedroomandbathroom.“It’slikedéjàvuorarecurringnightmare.Thisandallthecrimescenephotographsarethesame,rightdowntothedragmarksonthecarpetortile.Thishastobethesameguy.Ifigurehe’sabigguytocarryabodyintotheforestandburyit.”
“Thevictimsareallsmallwomen,light,sothisdoesn’tnecessarilymeanthisisabigstrongman.Iftheperpetratordidheavymanualwork,hemightbesmallbutasstrongasabear.Howmanyguysdoyouseehaulingtheirkillsthroughtheforestacrosstheirshoulders?It’snotthatunusual.”CartertippedbackhisStetsonandshrugged.“ThethingI’mwonderingishowoldheis.Usually,theseabductortypekillersstartintheirlateteens,earlytwenties,andJofiguredthisguyhasbeendoingthisforawhile.Wecouldbelookingatamananywherebetweenthirtyandfifty.”
“Yeah,butifhe’ssmall,he’dneedtobeingoodshape.”Kanerubbedhischin.“Haulingonehundredtoone-twentypoundsofdeadweightamileorsowouldn’tbeeasyifthebodywasinafetalpositioninsideabag.”HelookedatCarter.“Ifhe’sdraggingitorcarryingitinbotharms,itwouldbedifficulttonegotiatethroughtheforest.”
“Noway.You’reoverthinkingwhatit’sliketobeasmallguy.Hecouldcarrymorethanyouimagine.”Cartersmiledathim.“Howfarcouldyoucarrymeoveroneshoulderthroughthesameterrain?Iweighapproximatelytwohundredandtwentypounds.”
“That’sbesidethepoint.”Kaneshrugged.“I’msix-fiveandtwohundredandseventy.Youcouldn’tmakeavalidcomparisonwithoutknowingtheguy’sphysique.”
InterestedbyCarter’samusedexpression,Jennalookedfromonetotheother.“I’dliketoknowtheanswer.”
“TheanswerisDavewouldbeabletocarrymeoverhisshoulderwearinghisbackpack,carryingweaponsandammo,whichalonewouldweighaboutone-twenty,foroverfivemileswithoutbreakingasweat.”Cartersmiled.“KnowingDaveasIdo,he’dcarrymetosafetyifitmeantwalkingtwentymiles.”
Understandingthiswasasharedmilitarymomentbetweenthepairofthem,JennalookedatJo.“Addtheadrenalinespikeandasmallerguyingoodshapewouldhavenotrouble.Right?”
“I’veseenkillersdoremarkablethingsandIwouldn’tcountanyoneout.”Josighed.“Havewefoundanysuspects?”
Nodding,Jennafrowned.“Afewpossibles.Dave,whatdoyouthink?”
“Ifigureit’saguyaroundfive-ten.”Kanemethergaze.“Goingonthebloodsmearonthebackdoorframeandifhewascarryingherinhisarms.”
Takinginalltheback-and-forthlikeasponge,JennaturnedtoCarter.“Whatdoyoumakeofitnow?”
“Inmyhumbleopinion,yeah,Davecouldberight,butdon’tdiscountasmallerguy.”Cartershrugged.“Youdonehere?Thesmellisseepingintomyclothes.”
Consideringeverythingthatwassaid,Jennaledthewaybacktothevehicles.Everyonehadleft,leavingtheBeastandJenna’scruiserparkedalongsideDaisy’svehicle.Withtheteamallexpectinghertopullarabbitoutofthehat,sheexplainedthelackofpossiblewitnesses.“WereceivedacallonthehotlineandwewantedtospeaktoHankMaxwell,mainlybecauseIhadahunchhemightbetryingtoinserthimselfintotheinvestigation.Hemightjustbetryingtohelpbutnoonecanfindhiscabin.We’llgoandsearchforhimwithBlackhawklater,buthe’snotapriority.”
“I’mwonderingifthere’salinkbetweenthewomen?”KanerubbedDuke’searsasthedogleanedagainsthisleg.“FromwhatJennagotfromDaisy’shousemate,shedidn’tknowFreya,butwhatdotheyhaveincommonthatcouldlinkthemtogether?DaisyworkedattheTripleZRoadhouse,andFreyacleanedalloverbutregularlyatthebeautyparlor.”
“Menvisitbothlocations,andI’dsayifbothwomenbuypizza,there’sapossibilitytheycouldrunintopeopletheyseethereeverySaturdayevening.Notfriendsbutmaybepeopletheyallspeakto.”Joshrugged.“Thiskillermakeschoices,veryskilledchoices.Hemustcomeintocontactwiththevictims.”
Thinkingovertheinformation,Jennanodded.“Yeah,we’regoingaboutthisallwrong.Theworkplacehastobethelink.Weneedtodiscoverwhowouldvisitandhowoften.I’mthinkingdeliverydriversmorethancustomers.Weneedalistofallregulardeliveriesoverthepasttwomonthsandifthedriverscomeintocontactwiththevictims.”
“Thatleavestheguyfromthepizzeria,FrankStark.”Kane’slipsflattened.“HeusedtherestauranttowatchFreya.Weneedtotrackhimdown.Ifigurehe’sapriority.TheonlylooseendisElliotCummings,whoknowsFreyafromherjobstackingshelvesatthegeneralstore.Wehaven’tfoundhimyeteither.It’skindaconvenienthe’sgonemissingtoo.”
JennalookedatCarter.“He’saphotographeraswell,socouldbeanywhere.We’vespokentothemanagerofthegeneralstoreandheneversawCummingsharassingFreya.”Sheblewoutherbreathinasigh.“Heisapersonofinterest,isall.”
“Okay,giveustheinfoandwe’llfindCummingsandthenheadtotheTripleZRoadhouseandspeaktothemaboutwhoDaisycameintocontactwithregularly.”Cartersmiled.“Ifwestrikeout,we’llcallandhelpyouwiththeotherleads.”
“Okay,well,findFrankStarkanddropbythebeautyparlor.”KanestraightenedandopenedthebackdoorofhistruckforDuke.“MaybeFreyawasaloneduringadelivery.Someofthemdodeliverafterhours.”
Checkingherwatch,Jennanodded.“We’llmeetatAuntBetty’satoneandtakeitfromthere.”SheclimbedintotheBeastandlookedatKane.“I’mguessingyou’llneedtoberefueledaboutthen?”
“Yeah,thanks.”Kanesmiledather.“There’scoffeeintheThermos.Ineverleavehomewithoutit.”
Shakingherhead,Jennastaredathim.“Areyoureadingmymindnow?”
“Nope.”Kaneheadedthroughthedarkdriveway,burstingoutintowaterysunshine.“Ijustknowyou.”Hesighed.“Thebeautyparlorandthepizzeriaareopposite.Doyouwanttosplitupandsavetime?”
“Yeah.”Jennapouredhalfcupsofcoffeeforeachofthem.“SeewhatelseyoucandiscoveraboutStark.Weneedmoreinfoonhim,that’sfordarnsure.Hemustbehangingaroundtownsomewhereifhe’snotathome.”Shesippedthestrongaromaticbrew,Kane’sspecialblend,andsighed.
“Okay.”KaneturnedthetruckontoStantonandheadedforMain.“IfStarkisn’taroundtoday,itmakeshimaprobablesuspectandtheonlypersonwe’vegotcausetochasedownrightnow.”
Jennastaredoutofthewindow,andastheydrovepastStantonForest,thecolorsoffallspedby.Everyshadeofgreeninterspersedwithbrownsandgolds,likeafinetapestryembroideredwiththefinestsilks.Deepinitsdepthsshemadeoutthebrightorangeflashofahunter’sjacketandamurderofcrows,sittingwaitingfortheirnextfreemeal.ShefinishedhercoffeeasKanepulledintoaspaceonMain.“I’llcomebacktothepizzeriawhenI’mdone.IdoubtI’llbelong.”
“Okay.”Kanedrankhiscoffee.“I’llleaveDukehere.”HelookedoveratDukeandrubbedhishead.“Stay.”Heslidfrombehindthewheelandstrodetowardtherestaurant.
THIRTY-THREE
Inhalingthedeliciousaromaofpie,Kanescannedtherestaurant,hisattentionlingeringovertwomensittingaloneinwindowseats.Thepizzeriawasalmostareplicaofonehe’dvisitedinItalyatonetime.Woodentableswithredtablecloths,postersofItalyonthewall,winebottlescradledinwickerbaskets,andwhenhewalkedtothecounterhecouldseestringsofonionshangingupinthekitchen,bundlesoffreshherbsinbasketsonthecounters,mendressedinwhiteapronstossingdoughandmakingpizzasandpastadishes.Itwasasifhe’djuststeppedbackintime.Vacationshadbeenfewandfarbetween,buthe’dmadethemostofthemandhadhisfairshareofromances,butneverfound“theone”untilAnnie.AfterlosingAnnie,he’dgivenup,notknowingifhe’deverfindorwantloveagain.Inhisprofession,nothingwascertain.Threatscameathimfromalldirectionsandinvolvingawifehadbeenamistake.He’dblamedhimselfforAnnie’sdeathforsolongandthenfatehadthrownhimandJennatogether.Nowherealized,Jennawashisdestiny.
Hedraggedhismindbacktothepresentwhenhenoticedamanwithapencilmustachebehindthetakeoutordercounterstaringathimwithoneraisedeyebrow.Pushingmemoriesaside,henoddedtohim.“I’mDeputyKane.Areyouthemanager?”
“Iam.BrianRhoadsismyname.WhatcanIdoforyou,Deputy?”Themanagersighedasifhistimewasprecious.“IspoketoDeputyRioandtoldhimeverythingIknow.”
KanepulledouthisphoneandscrolledthroughimagestooneofDaisy.“Doyourecalleverseeingthiswomaninhere.IfigureshecamebyonSaturdaynights.”
“Well,yeah,shedoeslookfamiliar.Shecomesbywithanotherwomanandtheychatwiththelocalcrowd.Manyoftheyoungpeoplebuytakeoutandeatinthewaitingarea.”Rhoadssighed.“Idon’tmind.It’sniceseeingthemenjoyingourfood.”
Themanwasobservantandthatwouldhelp.Kanepulledouthisnotebookandmadeafewnotes.“HaveyouseenherchattingtoFreya,thegirlwhowentmissing.Theonewhocleansthebeautyparlor?”
“Can’tsaythatIhave.”Rhoadsfrowned.“Theothergirl,Freya,sometimesdropsbyandbuysasliceofwhatwehavereadyandthenheadsoff.Ifiguresheworksafewjobs.Shealwayslooksexhaustedandisinahurry.”
LookingatthenotesRiohadenteredintothefileabouthisconversationwiththisman,Kaneglancedup.“Don’tlookathim,butisFrankStarkherenow?”
“Yeah,secondwindowseatfromthedoor.”Themanagerhadn’tshiftedhiseyesfromKane.“Heknowsthewomaninthephoto.”HehandedKaneamenu.“He’slookingover.Ah…whenshedroppedbytheothernighthesmiledandspoketoher.”
Kaneperusedthemenuandglancedupathim.“Whatdidshedo?”
“Notmuch,asIrecall.”Rhoadsshookhishead.“Ihadherpieready.Shesaidsomethingtohimandthengrabbedherpieandleft.”
Interested,Kanefoldedthemenuandhandeditback.“Didhefollowher?”
“Ican’tsay.”Themanagershrugged.“Itwasbusy.WhenIlookedupagain,he’dleft,butIdidseehergetintohervehicle.Shewasparkedrightoutside.”
Kanepushedhisnotebookinsidehisjacketpocketandturnedaround.FrankStark’seyesboreintohim,andhisexpressionwasanythingbutpleasant.Themanwasmid-thirties,broadshouldered,withlargecallousedhands.Kanewalkedtohistable.“MindifIsitdown?I’dliketoaskyouafewquestions.”
“Ican’tstopyoureally,canI?”Starkleanedbackinhischair.“Ihearthesheriff’sdepartmenthasbeenmakinginquiriesaboutme.DeputiesdroppedbywhereIworkandIwashauledintotheofficebytheboss.What’sthedeal?Whyareyouchasingme?I’venotdoneanythingwrong.”
Theyallsaythesamething.Kanenoddedanddroppedintoachairoppositehim.“We’vebeentryingtolocateyoubecauseyouknowtwoofthewomenwhowentmissingrecently.We’retryingtoestablishatimelineandwe’respeakingtoeveryonewhocameintocontactwiththem.It’snotjustyou.”
KaneranthemanbeforehimthroughtheprofileJohadcreated.Theagewasright,hedroveavanthatcarriedbagsofmail.Hetraveledallover.“So,whendidyoulastseeFreyaRichardsonandDaisyLyon?”
“Idon’tknowthemasinlikefriends.”Starkopenedhishandswide.“Acquaintances,Iguessyou’dsay.IspoketoFreyainpassingwhenwewerewaitingfortakeout.Ididn’tknowhernameuntilthepizzaguycalleditoutforherorder.ThelasttimeIsawher,shewascleaningthebeautyparlor.”
Nodding,KanerealizedStarkwasgivinghimwhatcouldhavebeennoticedbyothers.“Youleftjustaftershedid.Shewasonfootthatnightandwalkedhome.Didyoufollowher?”
“Nope.”Stark’seyesflashedinanger.“WhywouldIfollowher?Myvanwasparkedatthepostoffice.IwaswaitingfortheLouanmailtobeloaded,isall.Ideliverafterhoursaswell.”
“Okay.”Kanegavehimalonglook.“SohowdoyouknowDaisy?”
“SheworksoutattheTripleZRoadhouse.”Starkshrugged.“Iworkoddtimesanddropbytherebecauseitsopenallhours.Shewasthereatthecounterandtookmyorderandthenclearedthetablenexttomine.Wechatted,isall.She’sanicegirl.Idroppedbythereafewtimestoseeifshewasinterestedinme,butshewasn’t.Thatwasacoupleofweeksago.”
Thisguywasafontofinformation.“Youliveinacabinintheforest,right?”
“Yeah,heapsofpeopledo.Sowhat?”Starksippedonasoda,staringathim.
Leaningbackinhischair,Kaneactednonchalantly.Hedidn’tparticularlylikethisguy.“Doyoutakethepostaltruckhomewithyou?”
“Yeah,IdosomedaysbecauseIworkafifteen-hourshift.”Starkshrugged.“Ioftenwaithereformytrucktobeloaded,grabaslice,andthenleave.Wehaveaschedule.Ionlygettimetogohomeandsleep.”
Kanesmiled.“That’sgoodyouhaveaschedule.You’llknowwhereyouwerelastnightbetweenthehoursofsixandtwelve.”
“Lastnight,IarrivedhomeabouteightfromaBlackwaterdelivery.”Starkshrugged.“Ihadafewlocaldeliveriesthismorning,isall.NowI’meatingandwaitingformytrucktobeloaded,andthenI’mheadingforLouan.”
Writingnotes,Kanenodded.“AndwhataboutlastSaturdaynight?”
“Iwashere.”Starkshrugged.“IliketheSaturdaynightcrowd.There’speopletochatto.”
Lookingupfromhisnotes,Kaneglancedacrossthestreetandindicatedthebeautyparlorwithhischin.“YourecallseeingFreyaRichardsonworkinginthebeautyparlor?”
“Yeah,Ido.Sheworksherbuttoff.”Starkshrugged.“So?”
Seeingthemansquirminhisseat,Kanewantedtoslapthecuffsonhimanddraghimawayformorequestioning.Hisgutwasscreamingathimtodosomething.Whatcouldhedo?Starkhadcooperated,validatedwhatthemanageroftherestauranthadtoldhim.Hetwirledthepeninhisfingers.“Oh,it’sjustthatIhaveawitnesswhosawyouleavejustafterFreyaleftthebeautyparlorandwalkedhome.Anotherwitnessmentionedawhitevehiclewentspeedingbymaybeanhourorsolater.Headinginthedirectionoftheforest.Whydidyoufollowher?”
“Ididn’tfollowher.”Starkshrugged.“Iwalkedtothedepottoseeifthey’dfinishedunpackingmytruck.Theyhadn’t,soIhungarounduntilitwasreadyandthenIwenthome.Mynextshiftwasn’tuntilMonday.Itwasn’tmespeedingalongMain.”
NoticingJennaleavingthebeautyparlor,Kanefoldedhisnotebook.“Justonemorething,whattruckdoyoudrive?Aregularpostalcouriervanwiththewritingonthesideorsomethingelse?”
“Somethingelse.”Starksmiled.“Ihaveavarietyofjobsinthepostalservicebecauseoftheshortageofworkers.IhaveamagnetizedsignIplaceonthesidewhenneedsbe,butit’saplainwhitevan.SomedaysIcarrymailbags,sometimesparcelsthatarehomedelivered,andIneedasign.Ontheroad,betweendepots,it’snotnecessary.”
Standing,KanepushedbackhisStetsonandfrowned.“Ah,beforeIgo.DidyouknowDaisydropsbyherewithTaraonSaturdaynights?Theyliketohangouthere.DidyouseethemlastSaturdaynight?”
“I’veseenthemaround,maybe.”Starkshrugged.“There’sasteadystreamofpeoplethroughhereonSaturdaynights.”
Pushinghisnotebookandpenbackintohispocket,hepulledoutacardandhandedittoStark.“Ifyouthinkofanythingelse,likethenamesofanyoneyouknowwhospoketothesewomen,callme.”Heturnedandheadedforthedoor.
MeetingJennaasshecrossedtheroad,hegaveherarundownoftheinterview.“Myguttellsmeheismorethancapableofmurder.Hewasaroundtownatthetimebothwomenwentmissing.Hecooperatedbuthealsohasatruckandcarriesmailbagsaround.Noonewouldquestionamailworkerorthinktwiceaboutseeingonearoundtown.”
“Thebeautyparlornevergetsdeliveriesoutsideofhours.”JennapulledopenthedoortotheBeastandclimbedinside.“TheonlythingthatgetscollectednearthebeginningofFreya’sshiftisthetowels.Alaundryservicedropsbytwiceaweektodropoffcleantowelsandpickupsoiledones,butthemanagersaidsheisalwaystherewhentheyarrive.”
Kaneslidbehindthewheel.“So,Starkknewbothwomenasacquaintances.”
“Idoubt,asyouaskedaboutbothwomen,he’ddenyspeakingtothem.He’dknowsomeonewouldhaveseenhim.Hesoundsconfidentbecausehe’sgivingyoutheinformationheprobablyknowsyoualreadyhaveonhim.Hehasatruckthatcarriesbulkybagsaround.He’sshapingupastheprimesuspect,butwehaven’tgottenanythingtodetainhimforquestioning.He’llbeawatchandsee.”Jennaclickedinherseatbelt.“It’stooearlyforlunch.I’llcallJoandseewherethey’reatwithfindingCummings.”Shemadethecallandlistened.“We’redonehere.Ifyou’restillhuntingdownCummings,we’lltaketheTripleZRoadhouse.”Shepausedabeat.“Okay,seeyousoon.”
WishingforahotmealatAuntBetty’sCafé,KanedrovepastthebigspiderovertheentrancewithhiswindowdownandinhaledthearomaofeverythingthatwasAuntBetty’s.Thedinerhadbeentrickinghimlatelybymovingthespecialsaround,buthecouldmakeoutthedelicioussmellofapplepiebakingandchilijustashelikedit,redhot.His
“Well,Iguessifwedon’tcastthenet,wewon’tcatchanyfish.”Jennasmiledathim.“Icanhearyourstomachdemandingfoodagain.I’llbuyyouadonutwhenwegettheretohelpyoumakeitthroughtolunch.”Sherolledhereyes.“Ontheprovisoyoueatitinsidethetruck.Youknowwhattheysayaboutcopsanddonuts.”
Kanegrinnedather.“Yeah,buttheydon’thaveanAuntBetty’sintheirlives.”HeturnedtheBeastaroundandheadedfortheTripleZRoadhouse.
THIRTY-FOUR
JennagrinnedatthehideoussmilingpumpkinshangingingarlandsoutsidetheTripleZRoadhouse.Inthewindow,aposterlistedtheupcomingattractionsintown,andattheentrance,awitchonabroomsticksailedbackandforth,cacklingeachtimesomeoneopenedthedoor.Insidehummedwithnoise,andthesmellofcookingandroadhousecoffeewaftedtowardher.Truckersandpeoplepassingbymadeupthemajorityofthecustomerssittingaroundthetables.Althoughdilapidated,theroadhousewasalwaysbusy,andmaybetheydidn’thavetimetoreplacethewornseatsandcigarette-burnedtabletops.There’dbeennosmokinginsideestablishmentsalloverforyearsnow.Theolddécorhadremainedthesameforthelastsixtyyears,fromthepicturesofstaffhangingonthewalls.Heavensabove,theystillhadajukeboxinonecornerbangingoutcountrymusic.
ShewenttothecounterandselectedadonutwithpowderedsugarandsmiledattheyoungwomanbehindthecounterwithLINDAHOCUTTonanamebadgepinnedtohershirt.“Twolargecoffeestogo,thanks.”
Asthewomanfilledtheto-gocupsandplacedthedonutintoabag,Jennaplacedbillsonthecounter.“DoyouknowDaisyLyon?I’mtoldsheworkshere.”
“Yeah,shedidn’tshowforworktodayandisn’tansweringherphone.”Lindafrowned.“She’snevermissedadaysincestarting.I’mworkingaloneuntilthebossgetssomeonetocomeinandhelpout.”
Jennanodded.“Yeah,we’reawareshe’smissing.Whattimedoessheusuallyfinishforthenight?”
“Seven.”LindaservedanothercustomerandthenwentbacktoJenna.“Shelefthererightasrainlastnight.ShementionedstoppingbytolookattheHalloweendisplaysintownandbuycandy.Thekidsalwaysdropbytheirhousebecauseit’ssospookyalongPine.”
Good,atimelinewasforming.JennahandedthedonutandonecoffeetoKane.ShesmiledasheheadedouttotheBeast,grinning.SheturnedbacktoLinda.“Ah…doyourecallanyonechattingwithher,ordidsheevermentionaguyaskingheroutorbecomingaproblem?”
“Sheriff,mendothatallthetime.”Lindashookherhead.“Theyfigurebecauseweworkinthisdump,we’reeasy.Yeah,shecomplainedaboutoneguy.I’veseenhimafewtimesinhere.Hesitsforatime,likehe’swaitingforhertocleanclosebysohecantalktoher.He’sapostalworker—youknow,acourierordriver.Isawhimgettingoutofhisvehicleafterhefilledupwithgas.”
Jenna’smindimmediatelywenttoStark.“DidDaisymentionhimatall?”
“Yeah,heaskedheroutlikethreetimes.”Lindarolledhereyes.“Shewaswithherfriendatthepizzeriainlineandhejuststartedchattingwithher.Thenwhenhesawsheworkedhere,hehungaround.”Sheshrugged.“IsaidI’dhandlethetableswhenhecameby,andshetookoverthecounterafterheordered.Ifigurehe’dgottenthemessage.Ihaven’tseenhimforaweekorso.”
Jennanodded.“Okay,thanks.”Shehandedthewomanoneofhercards.“Ifyouthinkofanythingelse,letmeknow,andpleaseaskanyoneelsewhoworkshere.WeneedtofindDaisy.”Shesmiled.“Doyoumindgivingthemanageracard?What’stheirnamesoIknowwhoitisiftheycall?”
“Sure,themanagerisKarenClifton.I’llgospeaktoherandthekitchenstaffnow.”Thewomanwalkedaway.
Outside,KaneandDukehadgonemissing.Jennascannedtheareaandthenwalkedtothebackoftheroadhouse.ShefoundKanespeakingtoadriverofawhitevan.Shemovedtohissideandlistenedtotheconversation.
“Areyouthesamecompanythatlaundersthetowelsfromthebeautyparlor?”Kanewasstandingwithonehandrestedonthebuttofhisweapon,slunglowononehip.
“That’sus.”Thedriversmiled.
Jennasteppedcloser.“Whatareasdoyoucoverandhowmanydriversarethere?”
“WecoverBlackRockFalls,Louan,andBlackwater.”Thedriverturnedtoher.“Therearefourdrivers.Wecollectthelaundryfromallover.TheCattleman’sHotelownsthecompany.Theyopenedupwhentimesweretoughasasecondenterpriseafewyearsback.Itmadesenseastheyhavetheirownlaundry.Theylaunderlinenfrommotels,restaurants,hotels,beautyparlors,andnowsomelocalsusetheserviceaswell.Sincethetownbecameatouristdestination,theCattleman’sLaundryServicehasexpandedtheirbuildingandstaff.”
Interested,Jennanodded.“Sohowdoesitwork?Doyoucollectthesoiledlaundryanddeliveritbackinacoupleofdays?”
“Ideliver.”Themanrestedhisbackagainstthesideofthevan.“Duanepicksuponourroute.Wedon’tmixcleananddirtylaundryinthesametruck.Eventhoughit’sallinbags,someofthesoiledlinenstinks.Wecheckthelabelsallthetimetomakesurenothingismixedupwhenitgetstothedepot.”
“What’syourroute?Wheredoyougotoregularly?”Kaneinclinedhishead.
“Hereattheroadhouse,theBlackRockFallsMotel,theskiresort,andtheBlackwaterMotel,beautyparlorhereandinLouanandBlackwater.Wehandlethelargeorders.Theotherguysdopickupsanddeliveriesforsmallervenuesorprivatehomes.”
Jennapulledouthernotebook.“I’llneedyourdetailsandthenameofyourcoworker.Doyouknowwherehelives?”
“I’mChristopherWillsandtheguywhodoesthedeliveriesisDuaneWarner.HementionedhelivesonStanton,ontheothersideoftown,downneartheriver.Hesaidhewalksacrosstheroadtogofishing.”HegaveJennahisdetails.
“Canyoudescribehim?”Kane’sgazenarrowed.“Height,weight,age?”
“Notyoursize,buttallerthanme.He’saroundmyage,latethirties.I’mnotgoodatjudgingaperson’sweightbuthe’snotfat.Thedirtylaundryisheavierthanthecleanandhehaulsthosebagsaroundwithoutanytrouble.”
“Ishemarried?”KaneexchangedaglancewithJenna.“Ordoeshelivealone?”
“He’snevermentionedawifeandItalkaboutmywifeandkidsallthetime.”Willsscratchedhisbeard.“NotthatIseemuchofhim.Wesometimesseeeachotherinpassing,isall.SometimesinthedinerorAuntBetty’sbetweendeliveries.”
Runningeverythingthroughhermind,Jennachewedonherbottomlip.“Sodoyouworkregularhours?”
“Mosttimes.Wehavetheusualroute,butsometimeswegetcalledouttocollectordeliverarushjoborpickupfromanewclient.Theworkisregularandwegetovertime.Wecouldbeanywherewithinthethreecountiesinthesameday.”Willslookedfromonetotheother.“Ifthat’sall,Ineedtokeepgoing.”
“Notaproblem.”Kanehandedhimacard.“Ifanythingelsecomestomind,givemeacall.”
AsJennaledthewaybacktotheBeast,Dukeranaroundherlegs,sniffingherhands.“What’supwithDuke?”
“Well,youwentintoaplacethatsellsfood,gavemesomething,andIguesshefigureshedeservedasnacktoo.”Kanedroppedonearmoverhershoulderandpulledhertohisside.“Don’tworry,Ihaveyoucovered.”Hepulledadoggytreatfromhispocketandslippeditintohers.“Bestyougiveittohimbeforehegetsintomytruck.”
Laughing,Jennapulledoutthetreatandunwrappedit.ShelookedatDuke.“Whatdoyousay?”
Dukesatdownandbarked,hismouthformingadoggysmile,hiseyesfixedonthetreat.Jennatossedittohim.“Thereyougo.Goodboy.”ShelookedatKane.“We’llheadtoAuntBetty’snowandwaitforJoandCarter.We’lldiscussthecasethen,it’spointlessgoingovereverythingtwice.”
“MaybecheckinwithRioandRowleytoseeifthey’vefoundanygravesites?”KaneliftedDukeintothebackseatandclippedinhisharness.“Wehaven’theardanythingfromWolfeeither.That’snotagoodsign.”
Jennaswungintothepassengerseat.“IwashopingforanupdatefromNorrellaboutthecoldcases,butshesaidittakestime.Allwecandorightnowwiththemishopetheycanidentifythevictims.Thecrimesceneswe’veseenonfileallpointtothesamekiller.”
“Yeah,theydo.”KaneheadedalongMain.“ItwillbeinterestingtoknowifKalocantrackdownanysimilarcrimescenes.I’dliketoknowwherethisguyhasbeenkillingoverthelastsevenyears.”
ColdcrawledoverJennaandsheshiveredwiththeimplications.“Yeah,ifhemurdersthreewomenayearatHalloween,we’retalkingofapotentialbodycountoftwenty-oneundiscoveredbodies.Ifweaddthecurrentcoldcasestothefiguresandthetwonewones,he’llmakeittothirtythisHalloween,unlesswestophim.”
THIRTY-FIVE
JennafoundJoandCarterlaughingataHalloweendisplaynotfarfromAuntBetty’sCafé.Shewalkeduptothemandsmiled.“Therearesomeawesomedisplaysthisyear.Thetownsfolk’simaginationsareboundless.Ilovethewitchescookingfrogsinthebubblingcauldron.”
“Ifiguredtheskeletongunslingersmokingacigarismyfavorite.”CarterfollowedJennaintoAuntBetty’sCafé.“Althoughthisspidertakessomebeating.Itreallyfeelslikethebabiesaregoingtocrawlovermyback.”
Theyorderedatthetableandsatdown.OnceSusiehaddeliveredtwopotsofcoffee.Jennaleanedforwardinherchair.“IcalledRioandRowley.They’restilloutwiththedrones.They’vefoundnothingofinterestbutit’sahugeforest.Ifigurethechancesoffindinganythingwouldbeslimbutwemusttry.”
“There’snottoomuchforthemtodorightnow.”Kaneaddedcreamandsugartohiscupandstirredslowly.“Wehaveatleastsomeinterestinginformation.”Hebroughtthemuptodatewiththevariousdeliverieslinkingbothvictimsandtheotherinformationthey’dcollected.
“That’snotconclusiveproofthough,isit?”Carterremovedhishat,ranahandthroughhisshaggyblondhairanddroppedthehatontoachair.“Seemstome,deliveriesarehappeningallovertown.”
“Yeah,maybe.”Josippedhercoffeeandsighed.“Knowingwhoisaroundtownwhohaulslargebagsandhasbeenseeninthevicinityofthevictimsissomethingwecan’tignore.FrankStarkticksmostoftheboxes.Thefactheansweredyourquestionsdoesn’tsurprisemeatall.Mostserialkillerscomeacrossasniceguys.HeknowsyouhavewitnessesthatsawhimspeakingtoFreyaandDaisy,sohecan’tdenyitwithoutcausingsuspicion.It’sverytypicalofhowakiller’smindwouldwork.”
“Itwon’tstophimkilling.”Kaneleanedbackinhischair,withonehandwrappedaroundacup.“I’masconvincedasyou,Jo,thatthisisaritual.Hebelieveshecan’tgetcaught.”
Lookingfromonetotheother,Jennanodded.“Yeah,anyonewhohasthegutstowalkintoaperson’shomeandcleanitbeforemurderingtheownerisn’tourusualtypeofkiller.”
“Ifigurehebreaksinwellbeforeheplansthemurder.”Carter’sgreeneyesbecameintent.“It’sallpartofhisgame,likeastalkerbuthegetshiskicksbywalkingaroundthehousewhennooneishome.Helikestobeincontrolofthesituationsohefamiliarizeshimselfwiththeinterior.Heneedstoknowwheretoparkhisvehiclesohecanremovethebody.”Heleanedcloser.“Hechecksoutthelocationofwherethevictimkeepsthecleantowelssohecansoakupthebloodandtakeashower.Thisguyissocoolhescaresme.”
Needingtokeepeveryonemovingforward,JennaglancedatJo.“DidyouhaveanyluckfindingElliotCummings?”
“Notatfirstashe’snotansweringhisphone.”Cartermovedatoothpickacrosshislips.“IdiddiscoverhedrivesaRam,sothere’smorethanenoughroominsidethecoveredcargobedtohideabody.”
“Wechasedallovertownhuntinghimdown.”Joplacedhercuponthetable,stillgrippingitwithbothhands.“Ihadalightbulbmoment.Ifhe’saphotographer,maybethelocalnewspaperknowshim.WewentthereanddiscoveredheiscoveringtheHalloweenfestivalandsupplyingthenewspaperwithshotsofthelocaldisplaysaroundtown.Westoppedeverymanwesawtakingphotographsandfoundhim.”
“Ispoketohimatlength.”Cartersmiled.“Iflashedthebadgetogethisfullattentionanditworked.Hedidn’tactlikeaserialkiller,morelikeaquiveringbowlofJell-O.Stutteringandhiseyeswerelookingthiswayandthat,asifhedidn’twanttobeseenwithus.”
“Notthatanyonewouldknow.Welooklikeregularpeopletoday.”Josmiled.“HetalkedaboutFreya,saidhowlovelysheis,andhe’dwantedtopursuearelationshipevenasfriends,butshecuthimdead.Hetookthehintandaskedforadifferentshiftatwork.Hedidn’tmentionittohisbossthough…aboutFreya.Hefiguredbackingoffwastherightthingtodo.”
JennawaitedfortheservertobringtheirmealsandthenlookedatJo.“Didyougetanyvibesfromhimatall?”
“Well,Ifigurethekillerlikestodominatewomen.Heisacontrolfreakandplanseverymurdertothesecond.”Jonibbledonherfrenchfriesandthenaddedsalt.“Thisguywasscaredofme,andCarterintimidatedhimfromthemomentheaskedhisname,andImightadd,Carterwasbeingreallynice.”Shesmiled.“Ileanedonhim,askedhimhiswhereaboutsonthenightsofthecrimes.HeknewaboutFreyagoingmissingSaturdaynight.He’dseenthemediareportonthenews.Headmittedtothat,saidhelivedalonebutwasathomedownloadinghiscameraandsortingthroughshotsbothnights.Hesayshedoesthatwhenhe’snotworking.Hegetsshotsofanythinginterestingaroundtownandthensendsthegoodonestothenewspapers.Theypickwhattheywantandpayhimforwhattheyuse.”
“Hedoesweddingphotographyaswell.”Carterbitintohisburgerandsighed.
“IfigureweneedtofindDuaneWarnerandthewitnesswhosawthewhitetruck.”Kanedabbedathislipswithanapkin.“HankMaxwell.He’slikesmokebutifwecanfindhiscabin,we’lljustwaitforhimtoshow.”
Jennanodded.“Yeah,IguessnextstepistocalltheCattleman’sLaundryServiceandfindoutwhereDuaneWarnerisheadingthisafternoon.Maybewecanmeethimwhenhegetstohisnextstop.”
“ItwouldbeeasierifwetookWarner.”Cartertookalongdrinkofcoffeefromhiscupandsetitdown.“DavementionedneedingBlackhawktoguideyou,andifItakethecruiserintotheforest,Maxwellwillseeit,andifhe’sinvolved,he’llheadforthehills.”
Whathesaidwaslogical.Jennanoddedinagreement.“Okay,wehavesatellitephones.Therearetwointhegloveboxofthecruiseraswell.IfyoutravelbetweenhereandBlackwater,therearesomeplacesalongthewaywherethephonesignaldropsout.Callmewhenyoutalktohim.”
“AnymoreinfofromWolfeorNorrell?”Joheldaburgerbetweenbothhandsandeyeditclosely.“I’mnotsureIcangetmymoutharoundthis.It’ssobig.”
“Here.”Carterhandedheraknife.“Cutitinhalf.”
“Thanks.”Josmiledathim.“AlthoughI’llprobablywearmoreofthisthanIeat.Itsoundedsogoodwhenyouorderedit,butit’saweek’scaloriesforme.”
Lookingfromonetotheother,JennaraisedoneeyebrowatKaneinasilentcommunication.IthadbeenastruggleforCarteratfirstworkingwithJo.He’dbeenoffthegridforacoupleofyearsandhadlosthissocialskillsbutnowtheyactedlikeclosefriends.“No,wehaven’theardfromWolfeorNorrell.They’llcallwhentheyhavesomething.Theyknowwe’reuptoourneckswiththecurrentcaseload.”
“I’llmessageBlackhawkandseeifhecanmeetusintheforest.”Kanepulledouthisphoneandtappedaway.Areplycameinafewseconds.“We’regoodtogo.We’llmeethiminhalfanhouronStantonoppositePine.”Hereplacedhisphoneandpulledalargewedgeofapplepietowardhimwithasigh.“We’llneedcoffeeandsandwichestotakewithus.”HeglancedatJenna.“Wemightbeoutthereforatime.”
Frowning,Jennanodded.“Ifitlookslikewe’regoingpastsix,I’llcallNannyRayaandtalktoTauri.”Shepushedhairfromherface.“Heunderstandsweneedtoworklatesometimes,butit’sbetterifIcantellhimmyself,especiallyaswebothdisappearedforafewdaysnotlongago.”
“Heunderstandsbetterthanyouthink.”Josmiledather.“Wecanalwayscollecthimandtakehimbacktothecabin.”
“Thanksfortheoffer,Jo.That’sverykindofyou,butwehavearuletokeephimsafe.”Kaneraisedbotheyebrows.“AsJennaisthesheriffandwedealwithatonofcrazypeople,Taurimustonlygowithus,NannyRaya,orBlackhawk.”
“Iunderstandcompletely.”Josmiled.“IhavethesamearrangementwithJaime.It’sthesafestthingtodo.Justkeepittoafewpeoplewhoareclosetohim.”
Jenna’sphonechimed.ItwasRowley.
“We’vefoundnothing.Maggiecalled.She’ssnowedunderattheoffice.Doyoumindifwecallitadayandheadbacktherenow?”Heclearedhisthroat.“Afterwegrababitetoeat.”
Jennabroughthimuptodate.“Yeah,headbacktotheoffice.Clearthebacklogandthentakeacloserlookatthefootagefromthedronesjustincaseyoumissedsomething.”Shesighed.“He’sburyingthebodiessomewhereatBearPeak.Thatplacemeanssomethingtohim.Maybeit’sbecauseit’saserialkiller’sdumpingground.Whoknows.Makeanoteofanyoneyousawintheforestandanyvehicles.”
“Yes,ma’am.”Rowleydisconnected.
THIRTY-SIX
TheyreachedthemeetingpointearlyandKanetookouttheirweapons,strippedthemdown,andcheckedthem.HeslidhisM18pistolintotheholsteronhiship.HelikedtodrawOldWestern-style,althoughhecoulddrawfastfromjustaboutanyposition.Itwascomfortabletohavehisgunathisfingertips.Rowleyhadtakentowearinghisweaponthesame,buthisfavoriteweaponwasasix-shooterand,ofcourse,hiscrossbow.Kanestrippedoneoftheriflesandreassembledit,checkedtheload,andhandedittoJenna.Hewouldn’tcarryhissniperrifleintotheforestunlesshehadaspecifictargetinmind.Hecheckedthebackpacks.Althoughtheyallcontainedthesamekit,helikedtomakesure.Bearspray,extraammo,water,andheaddedthesandwichesandcoffeefromAuntBetty’s.HeglancedaroundatDuke,rollinglegsupinthedampleaves,tonguelollinginbliss.Hesmiledtohimself.Dukelovedarompthroughtheforestandspentmostofhistimenosedownandsniffingeverythingalongtheway.
“There’sAtohinow.He’sdrivingthehorsetrailer.”Jennalookedathimsurprised.“Ifiguredwe’dbehiking.”
Kanestraightened.“Itwouldbefasteronhorseback,especiallyifheknowsafewshortcuts.WecanonlygosodeepalongthetrailsintheBeast.”Heshutthebackdoorandlockedit.NotthatanyonecouldstealtheBeast.Iftheytried,they’dbetrappedinside,andwithbulletproofwindows,therewasnowayoutunlessheopenedthetruckforthem.HedroppedthebackpacksatJenna’sfeet.“I’llgoandhelphimunloadthehorses.”
“Afternoon.”Blackhawkjumpeddownfromthetruck,rifleinhand,andbenttorubDuke’searsasthedogdidhishappydanceatseeinghim.“Ihopeyoudon’tmindridingouttoTwistedLimbsTrail.Myhorsesneededtheexercise.WorkingwithWolfegivesmenotimetorideandtheyspendalldayinthecorral.”Hestraightenedandrestedhisrifleagainstthewheelandthenpulledoutabackpack.“Thismanweseek,isheasuspect?”
KanetookthebackpackandhisrifleandhandedthemtoJenna.“Notyet,wejusthaveagutfeelingsomethingisn’trightabouthim,sowe’recheckinghimout.Hemightbeastraightshooter,butweneedtoeliminatehimifheis.”
“That’sgoodtoknow.”Blackhawkfrowned.“Withallofushere,ifsomethingbadhappened,there’snoonetocareforTauri.”
“Ah,butthereis.”Jennasmiledathim.“Yourmomaskedtobeacontactintheeventanythinghappened,andweaddedhertothelist.She’sfamilytoo,andyou’recousins.Don’tforget,Wolfewouldstepininasecondaswell,aswouldRowley.Don’tworry,we’vethoughtofeverything.Tauriisn’taloneinthisworld.Hehasafamily.”
“Okay.”Blackhawknoddedslowlyasifmullingoverherwords.“I’llunloadthehorses.They’realittlefriskybutnotdangerous.”
Amused,Kanefollowedhimtothebackofthetrailer.Blackhawkgentledhishorsesandthey’dneverknownmistreatment.Itwouldbeunusualtofindoneofhishorsesmean-spirited.HehadplanswithhimforaponyforTauri.Astheyunloadedthehorses,heturnedtoBlackhawk.“HaveyouchosenaponyforTauri?”
“Heislittlenowbutwillgrowfast.EachtimeIseehimhegetstaller.”BlackhawkledamaretoJennaandofferedhiscuppedhandsforhertomount.HeturnedbacktoKane.“Iwasthinkingahorsemightbeabetteroption.IhaveagentleAppaloosamarecomingalong.Hasheriddenwithyouyet?”
KaneledMoonDancerdowntherampandnodded.“Yeah,infrontofmysaddle.IgavehimafewridesonAnna’spony,butwhenWolfecomesbyforavisit,hisdaughterisgoingtowanttoridehim.IhaveexplainedtoTaurithattheponydoesn’tbelongtous.”
“YoushouldkeepridingwithhimonWarriorsoheisusedtotheheightandthewayahorsemoves.Comespring,afterthemelt,he’llbereadyandsowillthemare.”Blackhawkledhisownhorsefromthetrailer,slidtherifleintothesaddleholster,andpulledonhisbackpack.
AfterhandingJennatherifle,KaneshruggedintohisbackpackandmountedMoonDancer.Thehorsesidesteppedandthrewupitshead.“Easy,boy,easy.”Heturnedthehorsearoundincirclesuntilhesettled.“Aniceamblethroughtheforestwillmakeyoufeelmuchbetter.”
“DoyouknowwhereTwistedLimbsTrailislocated?Rowleyfoundwhathebelievedwasthecorrectpathandfoundnothing.”JennaturnedinhersaddleasBlackhawkrodetoherside.
“Yeah,it’sbrokenbyadryriverbed,andatthistimeoftheyearit’sfine,butheavyrainorthemeltwouldmakethetrailunpassable.”Blackhawktookthelead.“Iknowashortcutthroughthetrees.Followme.”
AcoolbreezefromthemountainforestbrushedKane’scheeks.Hescannedahead,peeringintotheshaftsofsunlightanddeepshadows.Fallhadchangedthevegetationfromgreentoeveryshadeofbrownandyellow.Thepineshadlosttheirsprigsofbrightgreennewneedlesandpineconeshungheavyfromthebranchesandtumbledallthroughtheforest.Inhalingthepine-scentedair,KanemovedclosebehindJennaandalongsidehimDuketrottedalonghavingthetimeofhislife.Theeasygoingwouldbegoodforhimandthehorses.Theytraveledwest,movingthroughthedenseforestwithnorecognizablepath.ItwasasifBlackhawkwasusingspecialskillstokeepthemintherightdirection.Whentheyemergedonadirttrack,Kanerodeupbesidehim.“I’mprettygoodnavigatingtheforestbutthatwasamazing.”
“Ha.”Blackhawkwiggledhissatellitephoneandgrinned.“AgoodtrackerneverleaveshomewithoutGPS.Iplottedtheshortcutearlier.IdidknowthelocationofTwistedLimbsTrail,butthere’salwaysashortcutthroughtheforest.”
“Andthere’sacabin.”Jennapointedfartheralongthetrail.“There’ssmokecomingfromthechimney.Someonemustbehome.”
Scanningthetrail,Kanesearchedforsignboards.Bylaw,theycouldn’twalkontoanypropertypostedwithKEEPOUTorTRESPASSERSWILLBESHOTwithouttheriskofbeingshotlegally.Inthesecases,they’dcalloutorsoundtheirhorniftheywereinhistruck.HerodeashortwayinbothdirectionsandthenreturnedtoJennaandBlackhawk,andshrugged.“It’snotposted.Maybeit’sanoldhunter’scabinandhe’sjustmadehimselfathome?”
“Ifigurewecalloutanyhow.”Jennamethisgaze.“Itwouldbethesensiblethingtodo.NowayI’mjustmarchinguptothefrontdoorandhopingforthebest.”
Noddinginagreement,helookedatBlackhawk.“IfweblendintotheforestandJennacallsout,ifhebelievesshe’salone,hemightcomeoutontotheporch.”Helookedather.“GivemetherifleandI’llhaveittrainedonthedoor,justincase.”Hesmiledather.“Trustme.”
“Always.”Jennawaitedforthemtohideandapproachedthehouse.
Kanedismountedandmovedthroughthetrees.HehadagoodviewofthefrontdoorofthecabinandJennahadplacedherhorsebetweentwotrees,makingadirectshotfromtheoccupantdifficult.Heheldhisbreathasshecalledout.Momentslaterthedooropenedandamansteppedoutontotheporch.Seeinghewasunarmed,Kanerelaxedandwaitedbehindatree.
“Afternoon.”Jennaurgedherhorsecloser.“I’mlookingforHankMaxwell.Wouldthatbeyoubyanychance?”
“Yeah,andwhoareyou?”Maxwell’sbrowcreasedintoafrown.“It’sawaysawayfromthehighwayforawomantobeoutalone.”
“I’mSheriffAltonandI’mnotalone.”Jennadismounted.“We’refollowinguponthereportyoucalledinonthehotline.Ineedafewmoredetailsifpossible?”
“Okay.”Maxwellfoldedhisarmsacrosshischest.“Althoughthere’snotmuchmoreIcantellyou.”
KanehandedtherifletoBlackhawkandstrolledoutofthetreestostandbesideJenna.Maxwellstoodsixfeet,withastrongbuildandagedaroundthirty-fivetoforty,withaweatheredcomplexion.Livedaloneinacabinandfittheprofile.Hegavehimaquickdisinterestedonce-over.“DeputyKane.We’vebeentryingtocontactyou.Doyouliveouthereonyourlonesome?”
“Yeah,Ilikethequiet.”Maxwellshrugged.“Iwonasmalllotterysomeyearsbackanddecidedtoliveoffthegrid.I’mself-sufficientwithenoughsavedandyearlypaymentstolivecomfortably.IturnonmyphoneonlyonFridays.Myfriendsknowthatandrespectmyprivacy.WhatdidIsayinthecalltodragyouallthewayouthere?”Helookedfromonetotheother.“IwasreportingwhatI’dseen,isall.Doingmycivicduty.”
“Weappreciatethecall,butweneedmoreinformation.”Jennatookouthernotebookandpen.“You’dbesurprisedhowmanythingswemiss.Canwecomeinside?”
“Iguess.”Maxwellfrowned.“I’llneedtogooutbackforaspell.Ileftafireburningandthewindhasjustchanged.Idon’twantflyingemberstocauseawildfire.Mybarnisoutthereandmyhorse.”Hesteppedofftheporchandwalkedaroundthehouse.
KaneleanedintoJenna.“Thesmokeisn’tcomingfromthechimney.”Hepointedupward.“It’scomingfromthebackyard.Hecouldbeburningevidence.”HeturnedtopeertowardBlackhawkandgavehimasignaltofollowthem.Hedidn’ttrustMaxwellorwhathemighthavestashedbehindhishouse.
“Yougofirst.Ifhe’sgoingtotrysomething,you’reafasterdrawthanIam.”Shechewedonherbottomlip.“I’msogladyouinsistedwewearourliquidKevlarvestswhenwehuntdownsuspects.”Shefollowedbehindhim.
Kanekepthiseyesahead.“Unlessheaimsforourheads,we’llbefine.”
Asheroundedthecorner,Maxwellwaspokingatafirepitpushingashesoverwhatwasburningandthenkickingsoilovertheembers.Fromthesmell,he’dbeenburningfabric,andKanemadeoutwhatcouldhavebeenthesoleofasneakerjustbeforeitmeltedintotheashes.Withthefireout,Maxwellwavedthemthroughthebackdoor.Kaneshookhishead.“Afteryou.”
Hestoodbacktoallowhimtopassandthenfollowed.Thedoorledintoasmallmudroomandthenthroughtothekitchen.ItwasdarkinsideandasMaxwellopenedanotherdoor,thesmellofdeathhithim.KaneblockedthedoorpreventingJennafromfollowinganddrewhisweapon.It’satrap.
THIRTY-SEVEN
DoinggruntworkhadneverbeensomethingCarterenjoyed.Itwascalled“gruntwork”becauseboringjobswereusuallygiventoprivatesinthemilitary,inwhichhe’devolved.He’ddonehisfairshare,butdrivingmilesandjustchasinghistaillookingforDuaneWarnerwasfrustrating.HeclimbedbackintothecruiserandlookedatJo.Shealwaystookeverythinginherstride.Nothingseemedtogetunderherskin.“Theyhaven’tseenhim.Thelaundryiscollectedfromaloadingbayoutback.Theyonlyseetheotherguywhenhedeliversthecleanbags.”
“ThenextoneonthelisttakesusbacktoBlackRockFalls.”JostaredatthelistonherphoneofWarner’spickuproute.“Afterhedropsthebagsbacktothelaundryhe’sdonefortheday.He’sneverathomeitseems,soweneedtocatchhimatthehotellaundry.”Sheglancedatherwatch.“Weshouldheadoutnow.We’llpasshimonthehighwayifyouuselightsandsirens.Gettingthereaheadoftime,wecan’tmisshim.”
Grinning,Carterlookedather.“Speedingalongthehighwaysoundslikemykindoffun.”Hestartedtheengineandspunthecruiseraround.“Ifhe’srunningtotime,andfromwhatIcanmakeouthestartsearly.Notoneoftheplaceswevisitedsaytheyseehimpickupthebags.Whatdoeshedoafterwork?”
“Maybehehasmorethanoneoccupation.”Joshrugged.“Manypeopleworktwojobs.”
CartermovedswiftlythroughthetownofBlackwaterandtooktheon-ramptothehighway,andoncetheyhittheopenroad,hehitthelightsandsirensandpushedhisfootdownhardonthegas.TheSUVliftedandtheytookoffathighspeed.HeglancedatJo.“SeemslikeKanehasbeentinkeringwiththeengine.Itwasn’tthisgoodwhenwedroveitlasttime.”
“Ifigurethat’shispassionalongwithbuildingHarleys.”Jolaughed.“You’llhaveyourownbikergangbythetimehe’sfinished.”
TheypassedafewwhitedeliveryvansonthewaytoBlackRockFallsandanyoneofthemcouldhavebeenWarner.Carterenjoyedtherushofhighspeed,thecountrysideflashingbyinabluroffalltones.Itwaslikeflying,butintruth,hepreferredtobehighabovethehighwaysinhischopper.HeflickedofflightsandsirensastheytooktheexitforStantonandheadedstraightfortheCattleman’sHotel.Thelaundrywasaroundback,sotheyparkedintheregularparkinglotandwalkedaroundtotherearofthehotel.TheystrolledinsidetheofficeandCarterleanedonthefrontcounter.Whenthesamemanthey’dspokentoearliercameandgavethemawearylook,Carterstraightened.“We’vebeenhightailingitalloverthreecountiessearchingforWarner.Pleasetellmehehasn’tfinishedfortheday.”
“Nope,heusuallymakeshislastdrop-offaroundthistime.”Themanindicatedwithhisthumboveroneshoulder.“Soiledlaundryisdroppedoutback.There’sreceivinganddispatchsections.Oncehe’sdone,hetakesthetruckhome.Itworksfineforusashestartsearlyandneedstobuygasbeforeheleavesinthemorning.”
Carternoddedandturnedtowardthedoor.HelookedatJo.“Thistimewe’llcatchhim.”
Astheyhurriedaroundtothebackofthebuilding,awhitevandrovepastthemandturnedaroundtobackintothereceivingbay.Amanjumpedoutandmovedaroundthebackofthetruck.He’dstartedtohauloutlargecanvasbagsandtossthemtoanothermaninthedock.Carterwalkeduptohim.“DuaneWarner?”
“Who’sasking?”Warnerwipedsweatfromhisbrowwithhissleeveandstoodhandsonhipsstaringathim.HisgazeflickedoverJoandthenbacktoCarter
Holdinguphisbadge,Cartertookintheman’ssize,weight,andage.Maybethirty-five,sixfeet,andhethrewtheheavybagsaroundasiftheyweighednothing.“AgentCarterandAgentWells.We’dlikeawordwithyouifyouhavetime.”
“Whatabout?”Warner’slipstwitchedupatthecornersandhestraightened.“Ipaymytaxes,don’tcook,grow,orselldrugs,sowhatwouldtheFBIwantwithme?”
“We’renotwiththeIRSortheDEA.”Jogavehimaconfidentstare.“We’rehereasconsultantstotheBlackRockFallssheriff’sdepartment.Atthistime,we’refollowingleadsconcerningtwomissingpersons.”
Cartertookastepcloser.“Bothmissingwomen,workinplaceswherethislaundryservicepicksupanddelivers.Youareonepersonofmanywe’llbespeakingto.We’vealreadyspokentoChristopherWills,andhementionedyoupickupandhedeliverstotheTripleZRoadhouseandtheBlackRockFallsbeautyparlor.”Hewatchedcloselyforareactionandsawnothing.“FreyaRichardsonworkedatthebeautyparlorandDaisyLyonattheroadhouse.”
“Idon’trecallspeakingtoanyoneateithervenue.”Warnershrugged.“Irarelyseeanyone.Thebagsaredumpedoutthebackmosttimes,andIjustgrabthemandtossthemintomytruck.Mostofthemdon’tsmelltoogood,sotheydon’thoardtheminsideandthere’sneverbeenanygonemissing.Thecleanonesaredifferent.Chrishastohaultheminside.Ifanyonegetstospeaktotheworkers,it’shim,notme.”
“SothenamesFreyaRichardsonandDaisyLyondon’tringabell?”Joeyedhimspeculatively.“YoueverhangoutatthepizzeriaonSaturdaynights?”
“IpreferAuntBetty’sCafé,butyeah,Ihavebeenthere,andyeah,Idorecallthenames.Hardnottoasthey’vebeenalloverthenewsthisweek.Asithappens,IdidspeaktoDaisyonenightinthelinefortakeoutatthepizzeria.”Warnerleanedcasuallyagainstthebackofthetruckandfoldedhisarmsacrosshischest.“Ididn’trealizeitwasheruntilIwatchedthenews.”
Nodding,Cartermadeafewnotes.Hehadnoneedto.ItwasjustaploytomakeWarnerbelieveitwasaroutinequestioning,buthefittheprofile,movedaround,andcarriedheavybags.“Whenwasthisanddoyourecalltheconversation?”
“Letmesee.”Warnerstaredintospace.“IdidbuypizzalastSaturdaynight.Maybeitwasthatweek,maybeitwasduringtheweek.I’mnotsure.Wespokeabouttheweather,Ithink,andthecrazyHalloweendisplays.”
“Wasshealoneorwithafriend?”Joliftedherchin.
“Alone,Ibelieve.”Warnerclearedhisthroat.“Iwasjustbeingneighborly,isall.Makingsmalltalkinalineuptopassthetime.Everyonedoesit.It’safriendlytown.IrecalledseeingheronlywhenherphotographcameontheTV.Idon’tknowherortheotherwoman.”
Liftinghispen,Carternodded.“YoustillliveonStanton?”
“Yeah.”Warnerrolledhiseyes.“Wenearlydonehere.Ihaveatrucktounload.”
“Justafewmorequestions.”Josmiled.“Wewon’tkeepyoulong.”
Carterstraightened.“WherewereyoubetweenthehoursofsixandmidnightSaturdaynight?”
“Athome,relaxing.”Warnerrubbedhischin.“Igetupatfourmostmornings,soIgotobedearly.”
“Nowifeorgirlfriendtocorroboratethat?”Jostaredathim.
“Notyet.”Warnerlaughed.“IdatebutthehoursIworkmakeithardforromance.”HisgazemovedupanddownJoandhesmiled.“Idon’tseeaweddingbandonyoueither.Maybeweshouldgettogetherforadrinksometime?Twolonelypeoplelookingforcompanionship.”
“That’sverykindofyou.”Joloweredherlashes.“ButIpreferbeingsingle.”
“Truthfully,sodoI.”Warnersmiledather.“Somewomencanbeapainintheass.”
Incredulous,Carterstaredfromonetotheother,Jowasmoreofthe“Doyouknowtheconsequencesofhittingonafederalagent?”kindofgal.Heclearedhisthroat.“Samequestion,wherewereyouonSaturdaynightbetweenthehoursofsixandmidnight?”
“LikeIsaid,Idroppedbythepizzeriaandtookapiehome.”Warnernarrowedhisgaze.“TheyhaveaCCTVcamerathere.You’llseemewaiting.Ididn’tspeaktoanyoneasfarasIrecall.Theplacewascrowded.”
“WhataboutSaturdayafternoon?”Jowasexpressionless.“Youdon’tworkSaturdayafternoon,doyou?”
“SomedaysIdo,butnotlastSaturday.Itdependsonwhattheclientsneed.Sometimestheywantanextrapickup.”Warnersighed.“LastSaturdayafternoon,Iwentintotheforestandcollectedfirewoodandpinecones.Ifyourecall,therewasaserviceannouncementforeveryonetohelpclearthedeadbranchesoverfallandwintertopreventwildfiresnextsummer.”Helookedfromonetotheother.“Astheforestisjustacrosstheroad,IcollectasmuchasIcanandsawitintologsforwinter.Itsurebeatsbuyingfuel.”
“Yeah,itwould.”Johandedhimhercard.“Ifyourememberanythingelse,likeifyousawanyoneelsespeakingtoeitherofthewomen,pleasecallme.”
“Iwill.”Warnergaveheralonglookandpushedthecardintohistoppocketandpattedit.
Amancameoutfromthebackofthebayandstoodstaringatthemhandsonhips.
“Howmuchlonger,Duane?We’rewaitingtoprocessyourload.”
“Gottogo.”WarnernoddedtoJoandclimbedbackinsidethebackofhisvan
Carterfoldedhisnotebookandstaredafterhim.HeturnedtoJoastheywalkedbacktothecruiser.“Hefitstheprofile.”
“Sodoeshe.”Joindicatedagardeneroutfrontofthehotel,pushingtwigsandbranchesintoalargebag.“Histruckisfullofbags.He’ssixfeettall,strong,anddrivesavehiclethatisinvisibletomostpeople.We’repullingatstrawstryingtofitthesecrimestothesuspects.IlookedatWarner’shands.Ifhe’dbeenoutdigginggraves,he’dlikelyhavesoilunderhisnailsorrougherhandsfromusingashovel.Ididn’tseethat.Strong,slightlycallousedhands,butthey’reclean.Neatnails.Yeah,hehitonme,butsometimesthatcanbeawaytodeflectattentionfromthemselves.Unlesswefindmoreevidence,Ican’tseeWarnerasasolidsuspect.Theevidencewehaveiscircumstantialatbest.JusthowmanypeoplewereinthepizzerialastSaturdaynight?Howmanypeoplevisitthebeautyparlororthegeneralstore?MymainconcernstilllieswithFrankStark.HewasseenspeakingtoFreyaandwaswatchingher.HefollowedherandthenawhitevehiclewasseendrivingfastalongStantonawayfromthesceneofthecrime.”
Carterpulledopenthedoorofthecruiserandslidinside.“Yeah,he’llbeonthetopofJenna’slist.We’redonefornow.IneedtogiveZorroaruninthepark.Doyouwantmetodropyoubytheoffice?”
“No,thanks.I’llcomewithyou.”Josmiled.“Ineedtheexercise,followedbyacoffeeandasliceofpieatAuntBetty’sCafé.”
Cartergrinned.“Kane’sbadhabitsarerubbingoffonyou.”Hesnorted.“Whathappenedbackthere?Youusuallybiteofftheheadsofguyswhoaskyouout.”
“Notalltheguys.”Jogiggled.“Justthosewhomightbeserialkillers.”Sheraisedbotheyebrows.“WithWarner,Iwasjusttestinghisreaction.Oftenserialkillersliketomakefriendswithinvestigators,mainlytodiscoverwhattheyknowaboutthecase.ThewayIhandledhim,Ileftcrumbsbehind.Hewasexpectingarebuffandhewasgivenagentlerefusal.Hethinkshehasmeonhisside.”
Snorting,Carterpulledupoppositethepark.“Ifigurehealreadyhas.Youdon’tbelievehe’sourman.”
“Ididn’tsaythat.”Joturnedinherseattolookathim.“Isaid,heisoneofmanywhofittheprofile,butwehavenosolidevidenceagainsthim.Thethingis,ifhetriestogetcloser,we’llknowforsure.”
THIRTY-EIGHT
Coveringherfacefromthestenchofdeath,JennaalmostbumpedintoKane.Themomenthedrewhisweapon,shedidthesameandtookcoverbesidetherefrigerator.AheadofherKaneflattenedagainstthewall,holdinghisM18pistoloutatarm’slength.
“What’stheholdup?”Maxwellwalkedtowardthedoorwayandfroze.“Don’tshoot.I’munarmed.What’sthisallabout?”Hehelduphishands.
“Whatstinks?”Kaneheldhisweaponsteady.
“Oh,sorryaboutthesmell.Ishouldhavesaidsomething.”Maxwellsmiledbenevolently.“Idotaxidermy,roadkillmostly.I’musedtothesmell.”
Gagging,Jennaholsteredherweaponandpulledoutafacemask.Kanewouldn’tallowMaxwelltomoveamuscle.Shepressedittoherface.“Isthereanyoneelseinthehouse?”Sheslidherpistolfromtheholster.“Handsonyourheadandstepawayfromthedoor.Walkbackward.Kane,takealookaround.”
“Hey,whatdoyouthinkI’vedone,murderedsomeoneandbroughtthemhome?”Maxwell’seyespoppedwideopeninshock.“Stopwavingthatweaponatme.IsthiswhatIgetforcallinginonthehotline?I’mneverdoingthatagain.That’sfordarnsure.”
ShemovedclosertothedoorwayasKaneslidinsidetheroom,hisgunaimedatMaxwell.HerheartpoundedasKaneclearedeachroom.
“I’mheadingintotherootcellar.”Kane’svoicecamefromdeepinsidethecabin.
“There’snothingdownthere.”Maxwell’sshoulderslifted.“Theplacegivesmethecreeps.Atnight,Ioftenhearvoicescomingfromdownthereasifit’shaunted.”Heshuddered.“Maybeit’sthewindbutIkeeptheboltacrossthedoor.OverHalloweenitgetsworse,asifevilspiritsaretryingtoescape.”
Swallowinghardbutkeepingherweaponpointedathim,Jennaglaredathim.“Ifyou’resoscaredaboutlivingintheforest,whylivehereallalone?”
“Ipreferthesolitude.”Maxwell’sgazeslidoverher.“AndIhaven’tbeenabletoconvinceanyonetocomeandliveherewithme.”
Wrinklinghernose,JennasighedwithreliefwhenKane’sfootstepscamealongthepassageway.Shehadn’ttakenhereyesfromMaxwell’sface.“Maybethesmellistheproblem.Idon’tknowmanypeoplewhocouldlivehereinthisputridstench.”
“Clear.”Kanewalkedintotheroomwearingafacemask.“We’lltalkoutside.Takeitniceandslow.”Kanewavedhispistolattheman.“Sheriff,we’llfollowyou.”
Desperatetogetawayfromthesmell,Jennahurriedoutsideandwalkedsomedistancefromthehouse,inhalingcleanair.WhenMaxwellcameout,Kanefollowedandholsteredhisweapon.ShewaitedforthemtocometoherandturnedtoMaxwell.“Doyouhavealicensefortaxidermy?”
“Yeah,itjustsohappensIdo.”Maxwellnodded.“I’mguessingyouwon’twantmegoinginsidetofetchit,seeingasyousomehowfigureI’mathreat.”
“Usuallywhenwesmelldeathitmeanssomeonehasadeadbodyinsidetheircabin.”Kanestaredhimdown.“Trustme,we’veseenmorethanourfairshare.”
Stillsmellingdeathinhernose,JennalookedatMaxwell.“ThewhitevehicleyousawdrivingalongMain,whatelsecanyoutellusaboutit?Make?Model?Didyouseethedriver?”
“Itwasawhitevan,likeadeliveryvan.”MaxwellstaredintospaceandthenbackatJenna.“Ijustcaughtaglimpseofit.Itwasmovingfast,wayoversixtymilesanhour,andIonlysawthetaillights.Iwasjustsayinggoodbyetomyfriendsintheparkinglotwhenitflewpast.”
“Youownavehicle?”Kanescannedthearea.“Whereisit?”
“Iownatruckandahorsetrailer.Ileaveitparkedonthefireroad,theonethatrunsfromStantonbeforeitjoinstheonethatgoestoBearPeak.Youknowthatpartthat’scoveredingravel?Everyonewhogoeshuntingleavestheirvehiclesthere.It’ssafeandmytruckisold.Noonewouldwanttostealit.”Hewavedahandtowardthetrail.“Iridemyhorsehere.ThiswayI’moffthegrid,andifIneedtogototown,Itakemyhorsewithme.It’scomfortableinthetrailer.”
Jennanodded.“So,youwentstraighthomeafterdinneratAntlers?”
“Yeah,Ihaveabigoldflashlighttofindmywayhomeinthedark.”Maxwellgrinned.“Icarryarifleandbearsprayaswell.”
“WhataboutWednesdayeveningbetweensixandmidnight?”Kanestraightened.
“WednesdayIwenttothegeneralstore,pickedupafewthingsaroundthree,andcamehome.”Maxwellshrugged.“I’vebeenheresince.”
Jennasighed.Itwasawasteoftime.TherewouldbeCCTVcamerasatbothoftheplaceshe’dvisited,andshe’dcheckthemout,butprovinghewasathomewhenhesaidhewaswouldbeimpossible.Withoutsolidevidence,theyhadzip.“Okay,thanksforyourtime,Mr.Maxwell.”
Backatthehorses,shewenttoherbackpackandunzippedit.Insideshecarriedacanofhandcleaner.ShesprayedherhandsandtossedittoKane.“Spraymeallover.I’mnottakingthatstinkhomewithme.”
“Sure,sodomeaswell.”Heaimedthecanatherandshookhishead.“Youshouldhaveseeninside.Theplacewasfilledwithanimalremains,skins,dryingskulls,itwaslikeaHalloweennightmare.Thecellarwasemptyandtheonlyplaceintherethatdidn’tstink.”Hesprayedhishandsandthenhandedherthecan.
Jennaliberallycoatedhimandshookherhead.“Hewascreepy.Hesaidhehearsvoicesatnightandbelievespeopleareburiedinthefloorofthecellar.Henevergoesdownthere.”
“It’sprobablywolvesfollowingthestink.”KaneremovedhisfacemaskandlookedatBlackhawk.“Itwasanotheroff-the-gridweirdperson.”
“Howso?”BlackhawkhandedhimthereinstoMoonDancer.
“Hehasahousefilledwithanimalbodypartsandtaxidermyallover.”Kanerubbedtheendofhisnose.“Itsmellslikedeathinthere.”
“Ithoughtasmuch,ortherewassicknessinside.”Blackhawksmiled.“Thesprayinghasn’thelpedtoomuch.Hopefullythefreshairwillblowawaythesmell.”
JennasteppedintoKane’shand,andheboostedherintothesaddle.“Canwegetawayfromhereandtaketen?Afterthatexperience,I’dlikeastronghotcupofcoffee.”
“There’sthatclearingwecamethrough,wecanstopthere,it’sfiveminutesridefromhere.”Blackhawkmountedandsmiledather.“Wecanatleastenjoytherideback.TheforestisbeautifulatthistimeoftheyearandDukeisenjoyingthewalk.”
Jenna’ssatellitephonebuzzedandsheshotKaneaglance.“Oh,Iwonderwhat’sup?MaybeCarterhasfoundasuspect?”SheacceptedthecallanditwasWolfe.“Whathaveyougotforme,Shane?”SheplacedthecallonspeakerandKanemovedclosertolisten.
“Ihaveafewthingsyouneedtoknow.”Wolfeclearedhisthroat.“Withsomanycasesrunningalongsideeachotherhere,it’scomplicated.First,we’lltalkaboutthemissingwoman,presumeddeadatthispoint,DaisyLyon.ThebloodsmearsandspatterKanefoundbelongtowhatweassumeisthevictim.Itisamatchtothebloodinthebathroom.TheMOisthesameastheFreyaRichardsoncase.Wediscoveredblood-traceevidenceintheshowerbutnothingelse.Inbothcases,thedraininbothshowerswasclean,asinthekillermadesuretheywereclean.Theresiduewesuckedfromthepipeshadnotracesofblood,sotheshowerwascleanedandleftrunningforatime.Thebloodtraceswediscoveredcamefromthewallsoftheshower.Toouradvantage,thekillerconcentratedonthebaseoftheshoweranddrain.Hewouldn’thaveseenthebloodtracesonthetile.Itwasonlybecauseweswabbedtheentireareatheywerediscovered.”
Jennachewedonherbottomlip.“It’sthesameMOasallthecrimescenesgoingwayback,buttheshowerpartisnew.I’dsayhedidthatallalonganditwasmissed.”
“There’snothinginanyoftheforensicreportsthatmentiontheshower.I’massumingtheybelievedthevictimssteppedfromtheshowerandwereattacked,endofstory.Weknowtherewasmorehappeningbecausenowwehavethetapesofthemurders.”Hesighed.“Thelastone,coldcasenumbersix,hadanoldMP3playerinthegrave.Thisisuntraceable,sowehavenoideawhoownedit.Thismeanswehavenocluetoanyothervictims.Ifwe’dbeenabletoidentifytheowner,itwouldhavegivenacluetowheretheHalloweenSlasherwasoperatingbeforehecametoBlackRockFalls.”
“Haveyouidentifiedanyoftheothervictims?”Kaneleanedcloserandraisedhisvoice.
“Yeah,theyallcamefromwhatJowouldcallhiscomfortzone,soallwehadtodowastoputthenamesontherecordingstothelistofmissingpersonsfromsevenandeightyearsago.Wethenobtaineddentalrecordsandmedicalrecords.Wehavealistofnames.I’llsendthemtoyouwiththeirlastknownlocations.I’vesentallthenamestoKaloandhe’shuntingdownthenextofkin.I’llnotifythem,asafterthislong,Idon’tfigurethey’dappreciateavisitfromthelocalsheriff.I’llbeabletoanswertheirquestions.”
ImpressedbyhowfastWolfeandNorrellhadworkedtoidentifythevictims,Jennanodded.“That’samazing,thankyou.”Shetookadeepbreath.“Howlongbeforewehavethecausesofdeath?”
“Norrellisworkingaroundtheclock.Shehasdoneapreliminaryexaminationoneachvictimlookingforsimilarities,butit’searlydays.Shedidsaytheyallhavebonedamagetoindicatesharpforcedtraumatotheneck,asincutfromfronttobackwithenoughforcetocutthevertebrae.Thiswouldindicateastrongpowerfulman.Intheneck,it’snoteasyornecessarytocutthroughtothespine.Astabinthecarotidarteryalonewouldkill.Thisisoverkill.”
“Itmakesmewonderifheattackedsomeoneatonetimeandtheysurvived.”Kanerubbedhischin.
“Maybe.That’swhyyou’retheinvestigatorsandI’mthemedicalexaminer.”Wolfechuckled.“I’llbeinterestedtohearwhatyoufind.I’llcallyouwhenIgetanymoreinformation.”Hedisconnected.
“So,nowhemakessurethey’redeadeachtime.”KanelookedatJenna.“Killingaswe’veseenisn’teasy.Mosttimes,thefirstkillismessyandrushed.Instrangulationvictims,thekillerrendersthemunconscious,butittakesfourminutesofsustainedpressureonthecarotidarterytokillsomeone,andthattakesalotofstrengthwithbarehands.It’seasierwithacord,frombehindandusingakneeinthebacktosustainthepressure.You’llnoticeasthestranglersgoalong,theyusuallyadoptdifferentmethodstoensuredeath.”
“Ibelievethatistoomuchinformation,Dave.”Blackhawkhadpaledandherubbedonehanddownhisface.“MyagreementwithWolfeiswenotdiscussthedetailsunlessit’stribal.Canwedothesame?”
“Sure.”Kanelookedabashed.“I’msorry,Ishouldn’thavebeendiscussingmethodsofkillingsomeone,whenwe’reenjoyingarideintheforest.”
“Thanks.”Blackhawkgavehimanod.“Ifigure,afterlisteningtowaystostranglesomeone,Ineedastrongcupofcoffeetoo.”
THIRTY-NINE
Howinteresting.I’veneverenjoyedbeinginterviewedbylawenforcement,notknowingiftheyplantodragmeawayinhandcuffsandtakemetothesheriff’sofficeforinterrogation.AllIcouldthinkofwas,Whathadgonewrong?Whathadpossiblyledthemtome?Circumstance,maybebutIwasoneofmanypeoplenearFreyaandDaisybeforetheybecamemine.Anyway,howcouldtheypossiblyknowmyplans?Theycouldn’treadmymindorseethroughmypupilsandintothelensesatareflectionofwhatI’ddone.Didaflashofredlingerthereinabeautifulmemoryofgushingblood?Astheyaskedtheirquestions,mymindkeptmovingfromFreyatoDaisy,relivingeachstep,hearingtheirlastbreaths,thefeeloftheirbloodonmybareskin.IwantedtobatheintheredwarmthbutthenI’dhavegiventheforensicdepartmentapartofmeandthatcouldneverhappen.
Icanreadthemlikebooks.Theyhavenothing.Ileftnothingbehind,Ineverdoandmycasualattitudewouldspeakvolumestothem.Icouldseetheircalculatedglances,tryingtoreadwhatI’dneverreveal.Iwantedtolaughattheirfeebleattemptstogetinsidemymind.Iftheyknewwhatwasinthere,they’dberunningawaysofastallI’dseeisdustintheirwake.Mymouthgrowsdryandmyfingersitchtoslidemyknifesilentlyintosoftscentedflesh.Thenightiscoming,andIhaveonemoretooffer.Thegraveisdug,thepreparationfaultless.AllIneedtodoisrampupthefearfactor.Thefinalofferingmustbethebest.ThemorefearandsufferingIcaninflict,themorebountifulwillbemyreward.
Iwonderwhatwillhappeniftheydiscoverthegraves?WillIneedtoabandonmyHalloweenofferings—again?Havetheynoideahowimportantitisformetocompletetheritualbeforethemoonrisesonthelastnightofthemonth?Ishakemyheadindenial.Itcan’thappen.I’mwaytoosmarttoleaveevidenceofgravesbehind.They’llfindnothing—notnow—notever.
Igrinatmyreflection.Yousee,I’mjustanormalguy.Everyoneissafefornowbecausemynextofferinghasbeenchosen,butHalloweencomeseveryyearandI’llbemakingmylist.Thethingsthatgomissingfromyourhouseandthefeelingthatsomeonehasbeeninsideyourpersonalspaceisn’tyourimagination.It’susuallyme.I’vealreadydugagraveespeciallyforyou.Yousee,nooneeverknowswhenI’mcoming,butthemomentyoustepfromtheshowerandseeme,it’stoolate.
FORTY
Afterridingforatime,theystoppedforabreak.Blackhawkhadtakenthemadifferentwaythroughtheforestandthetrailhadopeneduptoasmallclearingoppositetheriver.Thewaterflowedfastandwideandastheafternoonclungtothelastraysofthesun,themistalreadyhadstarteditsjourneythroughtheforestandonitswaytotown.WatchingthetwirlingghostlyshapesemergefromwaterandjointheprocessionsentchillsdownJenna’sspine.ThisclosetoHalloweenshewonderediftheywerewitnessingtheopeningofthedoorsbetweenlifeanddeath.Couldthestorieshandedthroughtimebetrue?Howmanymythshadbeenprovedtobetrueasarchaeologicaldigsuncoveredartifactsfromplacesoncedeemedtohavebeenformedinsomeone’sfancifulimagination?
“Therisingmistresemblesspiritsleavinganotherworldtovisit.”Blackhawksmiledatherasifhe’dreadhermind.“Thistimeofyear,weseethismoreoften.Therisingmistandstrangefigurestravelingthroughtheforestandalongthesidewalksintown.”
“Yeah,itsureaddstothecreepinesseveryoneseemstorevelinoverHalloween.”Kaneemptiedhiscupofcoffeeandsighed.“Whatitsaystomeisit’sgettinglateandclosetothetimewecollectTauri,andweneedtogo.Wetrytokeeptothesametimescheduleunlesssomethingcomesuporhewonderswhereweare.”
Staringatthemistyswirlsdisappearingthroughthetrees,Jenna’simaginationcouldeasilytakeholdofreality.Likelookingatcloudsasachild,shecouldseedragons,theirwingsspreadwide,flyingacrossthesky.Theylookedrealaswell.ShedraggedherattentionbacktoBlackhawk.“YoubelievethespiritscometovisitoverHalloween,don’tyou?”ShepassedheremptycuptoKanetopackaway.“Overtheyearsmanymythsappeartobefact.I’mleaningtowardyourwayofthinking.”
“Ifinditstrangethatyourversionisaboutdeathandfear.”Blackhawkmountedhishorseandgatheredhisreins.“YoushouldlookbackintotheoriginsandseewhatthetruthisbehindHalloween.Mythoughtisthatit’sbeencommercializedandlostitstruemeaning.Notthatthere’sanythingwrongwiththatbecauseyouallseemtoenjoythefestivalandthechildrengainspecialpleasurefromtrickortreating.”
“IthinkJennalikesthethrillofbeingscaredatHalloween.”Kaneboostedherintothesaddleandpattedheronthethigh.“Although,we’vehadcausetobeconcernedoverthelastfewyears.Forsomereason,HalloweenhasbecometheWorldSeriesforserialkillers.Justlookatthereportscominginallover.Itgetsworsebytheyear.”HehandedJennaherbackpack.
Jennadraggedonherbackpackandnodded.“Yeah,they’relikewerewolvesonafullmoon.Allfightingtobecomethealpha.”
“Well,Ihopethere’sonlyoneyouneedtocatchthisyear.”Blackhawkturnedhishorseintothetrees.“Fornow,wefollowtheghosts.Theyleadthewaytotownandgorightpastwhereweleftourvehicles.”
Withintenminutesinsidethedarkforest,themisthadreachedherstirrupsandallaroundhadbecomeaseaofrollingwhitewaves,andyetahead,Blackhawkmovedforwardasnormal.Hishorsecuttingapaththroughthewhitecloudsandsendingthemrollingintoanotherdirection.Mesmerizedbythestrangeandfascinatingshapesmovingalongbesidethem,Jennahadtheweirdsensationshe’djoinedtheprocession.Toeachsideofherthebreezewhistlingfromthetopofthemountainandthroughthetrees,createddifferentghostlyfigures,fromwomeninlonggownstomenonhorseback.Sheurgedherhorseforward.Hermindalsomadehideousshapesinthemist:faceswithsoullesseyes,beastsfromnightmaresthatcamesocloseshesqueezedhereyesshuttopushthemaway.Sheshookherhead.Asamomandaresponsiblesheriff,shecouldn’tallowherimaginationtotakehold,butsherecognizedthattheHalloweenterrorscamefromherchildhood.Shehadawaysenjoyedreadingspookystoriesandwatchingscarymovies,whichremainedfixedinhermemory.Sherecalledacomicbookshe’doncereadwhereamonsterwithlongsharpclawshadonehandclutchingabedroomdoorasifwaitingtogoinside.Thejoltoffearshe’dexperiencedfromseeingthatonestoryhadimprintedonhertosuchadegreethatshecouldneversleepwiththedoorajar,alwaysexpectingthatclawedhandtocreep
Afterunsaddlingandtendingthehorses,theyassistedBlackhawkwithloadingthembackintothetrailer.JennawavedhimgoodbyeandtheyclimbedintotheBeast.Inthebackseat,DukesnuggledintohisblanketandwasasleepbeforeKanehadstartedtheengine.Sheblewoutalongbreathandtheydrovealongthefireroad,seeingthedustcloudfromBlackhawk’strailermixwiththemist.Inthelastshaftsofsunlight,itlookedasifithadbeensprinkledwithgold.SheturnedtoKane.“WeshouldhavetimetodropbytheofficebeforewecollectTauri.”Shecheckedherphone.“Itseemsstrangewehaven’theardfromJoandCarter.Ihopethey’reokay.”
“CallMaggie.”KaneturnedontoStantonandaccelerated.“They’dhavecalledin.It’sgettinglate.Theyprobablywentbacktothecottage.I’mguessingthey’llneedtoreportinandkeepKalouptodatewiththeirmovements.Theymightberunningthefieldoffice,buttheystillneedtosendreportstothedirector.Whenthey’reaway,Kalorunstheoffice.”Hesmiled.“I’mnotexactlysurewhatwouldhappenifsomethingsinisterwentdowninSnakeskinGullywhiletheywereaway.Ican’tseeKalochargingouttoassistthelocalsheriff.”
Smiling,Jennashrugged.“They’djumpinthechopperandheadhome,Iguess.”Shemadethecall.“Hi,Maggie.HaveJoandCartercheckedin?”
“Yeah,andthey’reontheirwaybacktothecottage.”Maggiechuckled.“ItmusthavebeenalongdayforCarter.Hesaidtotellyouhe’dbebuyingsomeprimeribfordinner.Josaidshe’dgetallthefixings.Ifigurethey’replanningoncookingforyoutonight.”
Jennasmiled.“Soundsgood.WhataboutRioandRowley?”
“They’reherelookingoverthedronefootage.”Maggiesighed.“Idon’tfigurethey’vefoundanythingyet.Nothingelsehashappened.It’sbeenaveryquietday,well,apartfromthemdarnwitchesintheHalloweendisplaynextdoor.Theircacklingisdrivingmecrazy.”
Aftercheckingherwatch,JennatookintheheavymistonStanton.ItwassothickastheyenteredMainshecouldonlyseetheHalloweendisplaysbytheflashesoflightfromtheautomatons.“It’sveryfoggytonight.Sendthedeputieshomeandshutupshop.We’renotneeded,sowe’llgoandcollectTauriandheadhomebeforeitgetsanyworse.”
“Okay,I’lltellthemnow.”Maggieclearedherthroat.“Themistispressingagainsttheglassdoors.Mostsensiblefolkswouldbeheadinghome.I’llseeyouinthemorning.”
AsJennadisconnected,KanestoppedoutsidethehouseclosetoherofficetocollectTaurifromNannyRaya’shome.Themistswirledaroundthetruck,andasJennaopenedherdoor,acrosstheroadawhiteshapeslidintothealleyway.Itturnedandahideousfaceappearedforasecondthroughthemistbeforeitvanishedintoacloud.Swallowingtherushoffear,JennahurriedtoKane’ssideandgrippedhisarm.
“What?”Kanelookedbothwaysandthendownather.
Ignoringthepricklingofherskin,Jennashookherhead.Shehadavividimaginationisallandwouldjusthavetodealwithit.“Nothing,let’sgo.”
ThegatetothehousewhinedasshefollowedKanethroughitbutastheyreachedtheporch,sheturnedandsearchedthemistysidewalk.Herheartpoundedinherchest.Someonewaswatchingher,someoneinthemist.
FORTY-ONE
Aftervisitingherdogatthevet,Wendydrovehome.Shespenttimewiththelittledogbeforeandafterwork.Thelong-actingpoisonwasslowlyworkingitswayoutofthedog’ssystemandhopefullyafewmoredaysinthecareoftheveterinarysurgeonwouldseehercominghome.Shepulledupoutsideherhouse,openedtheglovebox,andpulledouttheGlock.Sincethescare,sheneverwalkedinsideherhousewithoutthepistolinherhand.
Evenaftertakinganearliershift,shestillarrivedhomeinthedark,andwiththeriversoclose,thefrontdoorwasobscuredbyheavymist.Swallowingherfear,sheswungherpurseoveroneshoulder,andwithherkeysinherrighthandandguninherleft,tookadeepbreathanddashedforthefrontdoor.Insidewiththedoorbolted,shereachedforthelight.Itwaswarminsideandthesmellofsmoketaintedtheair.ShepushedherkeysintoherpocketandholdingherGlockoutinfrontofher,movedslowlyintothefamilyroom.Inthehearth,theembers,whichshe’dswearshe’dleftcold,glowedred.Agreed,she’dusedlargelogsthepreviouseveningtosaveontheheatingbills,butshe’dbeensurethere’donlybeengrayashestherethismorning.Fearrosethehairsonherarmsandgoosebumpsprickledoverher.Momentarilyfrozen,shekeptherbacktothewalland,switchingonlightsasshewent,movedalongthepassagewayandintothekitchen.Hergazesweptoverthekitchentableandtotheneatstackofmail.Sheblinkedandkeepingthekitchendoorinsight,easedherwaytothebackdoorandturnedtheknob.Itwasjustasshe’dleftit,withthekeyinthelock.
Breathingasighofrelief,shewentbacktothekitchen.Hadshecollectedthemailbeforeleavingforwork?ShehadbeeninarushtoseeLola,somaybeithadslippedhermind.Shesortedthroughthemail,findingtheusualbillsandflyers.ShenarrowedhergazeataflyerfortheHalloweenBallandsmiled.Thisyearwouldbefun.Itwouldbegoodtomeetupwithallthepeopleshe’dgottenclosetointown.Thehousecreakedandthesoundofnailsrunningdownachalkboardspunheraround.Shemovedswiftlyfromthewindow.Ifanyoneplannedtofrightenhertonight,they’dpickedthewronggirl.Gatheringhercourage,sheretracedherstepsandheadedforthebedrooms.Shewentintoeachone,checkingallaroundtomakesurenoonewashiding.Whenshereachedherownbedroom,sheopenedtheclosetdoorsandpeeredinside.Feelingalittlestupid,shewentintothebathroom.Itlookedjustasshe’dleftit.She’dwipeddownthevanityandplacedhermakeupbagintothecabinetabovethesink.Somethingtouchedhertoe,andsheglanceddowntoseealipstickonthetile.Itwasn’tonesheusuallyusedandfrowned,wonderinghowithadgottenthere.Shebenttopickitupandopeningthecabinetplaceditbackintothemakeupbag.Achillwentthroughher—thefire,themail,andnowthelipstick.Hadsomeonebeeninsideherhome?Itwasn’tpossible,wasit?She’dtakeneveryprecautionbylockingallthedoorsandwindows.ThescaryguyintheHalloweenmaskhadreallyupsetherandafterhearingSheriffAltontellSusieaboutanactorscaringpeople,she’drealizedshe’dbecomethebruntofajoke.Sheclosedthecabinetandlookedatherreflectioninthemirror.“Wendy.Youneedtogetagrip.”
FORTY-TWOFRIDAY
ThemorningwaseerilystillasJennawalkedfromthekindergartenwithKaneatherside.Themiststillswirledalongthesidewalkaspeoplewalkedby.ThesinisterlaughsandchucklesoftheHalloweendisplaysdriftedtowardherandsheturnedandscannedMain.Itappearedsodifferentinthedaylight.Itwasfestivewithallthebrightlycoloredbuntinghangingovereveryavailablespace.Sheturnedtolookbackatthekindergarten.ItgaveherapangofregretpartingwithTaurieachmorningandshewonderedhowshe’dcopeiftheyeverhadababyandwithherworkingfull-time.SheclimbedintotheBeastandwaitedforKanetoslidebehindthewheel.“It’shardwalkingawayandleavingTauri,butifIhaveababy,howcanIleaveandrushoffonacase?”
“Don’tworry,we’llworkitouttogether.WehaveNannyRayaandroomtobuildanurserysuiteintheoffice.It’snotlikeyou’dbeawayforhoursatatime.Ifigurewe’dworkitoutfine,mostparentsdo.”Kanelookedatherandraisedoneeyebrow.“IstheresomethingIshouldknow?”
Jennashookherhead.“Iwish,butno.”
“Taurilovesplayingwiththeotherkidsandhelooksforwardtogoingtokindergarten.”KaneturnedtheBeasttowardtheoffice.“It’stoughforhimattheweekendsifweneedtowork,butBlackhawkhasbeenusingthosetimestospendwithhimatNannyRaya’s.Tauriissmartenoughtounderstandwehaveweekslikethiswhenwe’rebusyandweekswhenwehavetimeasafamily.It’sthemotheringinstinct,Jenna.Nooneisgoodenoughtocareforyourchild.Ifigureit’snormalbecauseIfeelthesameway.”Hepulledintohisparkingspaceattheoffice.“Itlookslikethegang’sallhere.”
NotwantingtodiscussthecasewithJoandCarteroverdinnerthepreviousevening,whenTauriwasawakethey’deaten,andJoandCarterhadgonebacktothecottage.Ithadbeenarelaxedeveningafterdaysofstress.Restedandalert,Jennaboundedupthestepsandpushedintotheoffice.ThesmelloffreshcoffeefilledtheroomandshesmiledatMaggiebehindthecounter.“Whereiseveryone?”
“They’vesetuptheconferenceroom,seeingthatthere’ssomanyofyouonthiscase.”Maggiepointedtowardthestairs.“Haveyoumadeanyheadway?”
Shakingherhead,Jennashrugged.“Nothingsubstantial.We’retryingallangles,butsofarwehaven’tfoundapotentialsuspectwholooksrightforthecrime.”
“There’sbeennothingofinterestonthehotline.”Maggierolledhereyesskyward.“SometimesIfigurepeoplecallinforanexcusetochat.Halloweenhasthetownsfolk’simaginationsrunningriot.Onewomancalledwhosworeshe’dseenaunicornrunningalongthemiddleofMainlatelastnight,butshewasn’tsureifitwasazebrawithahorn.WhenIexplainedthatunicornswereusuallywhite,sheadmittedshe’dmadeamistake.LikeIsaid,people’simaginationsgetthebetterofthemoverHalloween.”
“Peopleseemanystrangethingsinthemistatnight.”Kanesmiled.“Addagoodsprinklingofweirdwhinesandcacklesfromthelocaldisplaysandanythingispossible.”
“Theydoindeed.”Maggieturnedasthephoneonthedeskrang.“Ah…anotherreportofaheadlesshorsemannodoubt.”
Laughing,Jennaheadedforthestairsandwalkedtotheconferenceroom.Thesoundofvoicesdriftedtowardherasshepushedopenthedoor.Jo,Carter,Rio,andRowleyallsatatthelongtable.ThewhiteboardhadbeenbroughtuptodateandsherecognizedRio’sneathandwriting,listingvictimsofthecoldcasesononesideandthemissingwomenontheother.Suspectsandinformationoneachsetupinabulletedlist.Theymusthavearrivedearlyorworkedlatetohavecorrelatedalltheinformationonbothcases.Onthebenchbothcoffeemachinesgurgled,fillingtheglassjugswitharicharomaticbrew.Thepodmachinewasaluxurysheenjoyed,butshe’dnoticedmostofherteampreferredthefilteredvariety.Sheplacedherthingsonthetableandglancedaroundtheroom.“Morning.You’vebeenbusy,Rio.Thanksforalltheinformation.It’sgoodtoseeeverythingataglance.”
“Itwasajointeffort.”Rioleanedbackinhischair.“Aftersearchingthroughhoursofdronefootagewithoutaresult,wespenttherestofourtimepiecingtogetheralltheinformationeveryonehadgatheredtodate.”
JennanoddedandsatdowntobringeveryoneuptospeedwithhertriptoTwistedLimbsTrailandthestrangeHankMaxwell.Shegrimacedrecallingthesmellandtheoverconfidentman.“Couldhebeaserialkiller?Yeah,inmyopinionheismorethancapable.Helivesintheforest,alreadyhasahousethatstinksofdeath,andwasover-cooperative.”
“Hmm,burningpotentialevidencemakeshimsuspicious.”Carterfrowned.“Ifhemovesaroundonhorseback,heknowstheforestwell.Iwouldn’tdiscounthim.Hecouldbemovingbodiesinhishorsetrailerandtransportingthemonhishorsetoaburialsite.”
“Hisbehaviorwouldsuggesthe’sapersonofinterest.”JomadenotesonheriPadandglancedupatJenna.“Wedon’tknowifhecollectsroadkillorhe’sbutcheringanimalsforfun.Manypsychopathsbegintheirkillingspreesbymutilatinganimals.We’vealreadyagreedtheMOofthiskilleriswellrehearsed.He’seitherbeenkillingforlongerthanwerealizeorhe’spracticedonanimals.”
“I’mconfidenthe’sthesamemanwhomurderedthewomensevenyearsago.”Kanerestedbothhandsonthetable,hisfingerslooselyinterlaced.“Thecrimescenesmatch.Thisguyisre-creatingascene,replayingsomethingthathappenedtohimalongtimeago.Weallagreehe’sfollowingaritualandwealsoknowthatsomepsychopathscangothroughperiodsofnotkillingastheyplanamultiplemurder.Itseemsthisparticulartypeofpsychopathiscontentwithaseriesofkillingsonceayear.Iwouldimaginehespendstherestoftheyearselectinghisvictims.”
Jennaglancedatthewhiteboardandnoddedinagreement.“Theyallhavethetransportandtypesofoccupationswheretheycanmovebodiesaround,plustheymovearoundwithoutpeoplenoticingthembecausethey’reseenregularly.”HerattentionmovingtoJoandCarter.“I’mgladyoufoundDuaneWarner.Whatisyouropinionofhim?”
“Sameastheothers.”Jostoodandpouredacupofcoffeeandthenturnedbacktolookather.“Smoothassilk,withjusttherightamountofindignationatbeingquestioned.”
“I’dkeephimonthelist.”Cartertossedhistoothpickintothetrashandstood.“I’llpourthecoffee.Ifiguretheinterviewwithhimwasroutine.”
AfterlisteningtotheirencounterwithDuaneWarner,Jennarubbedhertemples.“So,wehaveanotherpossiblebutonlycircumstantialevidence.Doyoufigureweneedtobringhiminforquestioningandhopeheincriminateshimself?”
“Itwouldbepointlessunlesswehavesomeshredofevidencetopointtohimbeinginvolved.”Carterhandedoutcupsandslidthefixingsonthetable.“IfigureWarner,Stark,Cummings,andMaxwellareallpossibles.”Hedroppedintoachairandlookedaroundthetable.“WehaveKalocheckingthemoutagain,butwecomeupagainstthesamebackgroundwithallofthem.It’slikethey’refacsimilesofeachother.Theyalldrivevehiclessuitableforcarryingabodyandthatblendintodailylife.Theywereallintownaroundthetimeofthemurders,althoughwecan’tproveit.Theymovearoundandworkoddhours.”Hestirredhiscoffeeandtappedthespoononthesideofthecup.“TheoneI’dhaveatthetopofthelistisStark.Therestareclosebehind,buthe’stheonlyoneofthemwhowehavesayinghe’dbeenactivelyinterestedinFreyaRichardsonandweknowhespoketoDaisyinthepizzeria.”
Makinganoteonher“thingstodo”list,Jennamethisgaze.“Okay,Iguesswehaulhiminforquestioning.He’sapostalworker,soweshouldbeabletolocatehim.”Shethoughtforabeat.“Notthatwe’dbeabletoholdhimasweonlyhaveanassumptionofacrime.Fornow,bothourvictimsaremissingpersons.”SheturnedherattentiontoRioandRowley.“Rowley,callallthelocaldepartmentsoftheMontanaDepartmentofFish,WildlifeandParksforhere,Louan,andBlackwaterandaskthemtonotifyalltheirwardensthatwe’researchingformissingpersonsand,morelikely,bodies.Theyknowthesignstolookforifourvictimshavebeendumpedanywhere.”SheturnedtoRio.“Dothesameforthetourguides,hikersclubs,andallthehuntingclubs.Alsoupdatethemediarelease,remindingpeopletobeonthelookoutforthemissingwomenandtocallinaboutanyoneactingsuspiciously,includinganyvehiclesparkedlateatnight.”
“Okay.”Rowleystood,pickeduphiscoffee,andheadeddownstairs.
“Doyouwantmetoincludeprowlersonthelist?”Riofrowned.“Iknowit’sHalloweenandall,butmaybeifwemakeitclearthat,Halloweenornot,prowlerssetonfrighteningpeopleatnightwon’tbetolerated?”
“Maybeyoushouldtellthemtoshootonsight?”CartergrinnedatJennaovertherimofhiscup.“Itwouldsaveyouthetroubleofhuntingthemdown.”
Shakingherhead,Jennagavehimherbestdisparagingglance.“Iguessit’swithintheirlegalrighttodosoiftheyfeelthreatened,butsofarourtownsfolkhaven’tdescendedintothementalityoftheWildWesterners.”ShelookedatRio.“Mentionbeingawareofprowlers,butleaveouttheshoot-to-killadvice.”
“Okay.”Rio’slipsliftedinthecornersashefoughtbackagrin.“Aw,andjustwhenthemediareleasesweregettinginteresting.”Hecollectedhisthingsand,shakinghishead,strolledoutthedoor.
FORTY-THREE
Gettingnowherefastintheinvestigation,JennaturnedtoJo.“We’veexhaustedallavenuesoftheinvestigation.WehaveaguyslaughteringwomenandIneedtostophimbeforehestrikesagain.”Sheranbothhandsthroughherhairandstaredatthetable.“Whycan’twelocatethebodies?Wheretheheckishehidingthem?”
“Itwouldsurehelpifwecouldlocatethem.”Kanefinishedhiscoffeeandcollectedthecupsandtookthemtothesink.“I’velookedoverthesearchareasthatRioandRowleyhavecoveredwiththedronesandtheproblemis,ifhe’scoveredthegraveswithleaves,they’reundetectable.He’dneedonlyseethedronesflyingaroundtokeepwellawayfromthatareaduringthedaytime.Thisguyknowstheforest.It’sananglewemightexplore.”
“I’mnotsurehowmuchwe’llgetoutofreinterviewingthesuspects.”Joleanedbackinherchairandcrossedherlegs.“Ifoneofthemisthekiller,andI’llsay‘killer’becauseit’sobviousnoonecouldsurvivethebloodlosswewitnessedatthecrimescenes,thenheknowswehaven’tfoundabody.”Shetwirledapeninherfingers.“Themediareleasewilllethimknowwehavenoideawherehe’shiddenthebodies.Thewomenarebeingspokenaboutas‘missing,’sowhydoyoufigurehe’llfalterinaninterview?Inmyopinion,itwillmakehimsuperconfident.Rightnow,hethinkshe’suntouchable.”Sheshrugged.“Whichitseemsiscorrect.”
AsusualJowasrightandJennaliftedherchin.“ThisisthereasonIwanttobringStarkinforquestioning.YouandKanehaveaknackforaskingquestionsthatdigrightintoaperson’spsyche,andmaybehe’llletdownhisguard.”Sheshruggedandsweptagazeovereachofthem.“Rightnow,I’lltakeanysuggestionsgoingforwardbecausewe’regettingnowhere.Sure,wehavesuspects,butIcouldpickouttenpeopleinthelineoutsidethepizzeriaanddragtheminforquestioningandchancesarethey’veallhadcontactwithbothvictimsatonetimeoranother.Weknowit’sahangoutfortheyoungerset.It’sthere,AuntBetty’sCafé,orAntlers.I’mnotseeingmanyoutattheTripleZBarorhavingthecashtosplashattheCattleman’sHotel.”Shesighed.“Unlessthere’ssportingeventsgoingon,theagegroupbetweenleavingcollegeandsettlingdownhaslimitedplacestomeetintown.”
“Youmeansincetheyclosedthedrive-inmovies?”Carterpoppedatoothpickintohismouthandgrinned.Trustme,thereareplentyofmeetingplacesintown.Yousee,notbeingsingle,youdon’thavetheneedtobehuntingamate.TheTurfandSurfisone.Theskiresortisopenevenduringsummeronweekends.Singlepeoplegothere.Theshowgroundshavethingsgoingonallweekend—markets,carshows,animalshows—andthere’stheartshowatthetownhall.ThereareatonofplacestomeetpeopleinBlackRockFalls.”
Raisingbotheyebrows,Jennastaredathim.“Well,I’msureyou’dknow.Haveyouhadanydowntimeoflatetospendinyourfishingcabin?”
“Notforawhile.”Carter’seyessparkledwithamusement.“ButIdropbyfromtimetotimetounwind.”
“We’vebeensittingjawingforanhourorso.”KanestaredatCarter.“Ifigurediscussingyourdowntimeexploitsisawasteofvaluabletime.I’mwithJenna.WegetStarkinandshakehimdown.Iwanttofindoutmoreabouthim.He’sactinglikeacreep,andfromwhatwe’vebeentold,seemedtohaveanobsessionwithFreya.It’sallwehavefornowandIsuggestwerunwithit.”
Gladofthesupport,Jennasmiledathim.“Thatworksforme.”
“I’llcallKaloandhe’lllocateFrankStark.”Carterpulledouthisphone.“He’llbeabletoaccessthepostalservicecomputerandpinpointwhereheisatanygiventime.Asluckwouldhaveit,thepostalworkersruntoatightschedule.”Hemadethecall.
AfewminuteslaterKaloreturnedthecallandCartermadeafewnotesbeforedisconnecting.Jennalookedathim.“Anyluck?”
“Ohyeah,betterthanyouimagine.”Cartersmiledandpushedtohisfeet.“He’sduebackatthereceivingdockintwentyminutes.”
Nodding,JennaheavedaninwardsighofreliefandlookedatKane.“GointhecruiserwithCarterandbringinStarkforquestioning.Makesomeexcusetohisboss.Ifhe’sinnocent,Idon’twanthimlosinghisjobbecausewehauledhimin.”
“I’llthinkofsomething.”Kaneshrugged.“Maybeweneedhimtoidentifysomeoneseenonhisrun?”
Pushingtoherfeet,Jennawenttothesinktorinsethecups.“Okay,I’llbeininterviewroomonewhenyougetback.Nocuffs.Makeitfriendly,okay?”
“Sure.”Cartersmiledather.“Icanbenicetoo.”HefollowedKaneoutofthedoor.
“Helikesithere.HelovesworkingonmotorcycleswithDaveandfishing.”JotookthecupsthatJennawashedanddriedthembeforesettingthembackontheshelf.“He’sheremorethanyouimagine.Ifiguredhe’dfoundsomeonebutnowI’mnotsure.IknowhelikessolitudeandmisseshiscabininSnakeskinGully.Hehasaone-bedroomshackintown.Itmustbesuffocating.IinvitehimaroundforSundaylunchmostweekends,buthe’slikeacatonahottinroof.Ifhe’snotworkingacase,he’sboredoutofhismind.”
Jennadriedherhands.“Thisworriesyou?”
“Well,IhaveJaime,andasyounowknow,achildtakesupallofoursparetime,soIdon’tgetlonely,andIhaveournannyaswell.Imixwellwiththelocalsandenjoymydowntime.Carterisayoungman;heneedssomeoneinhislife.Allthisbravadoaboutlovingthesinglelifeisalie.Hewantsawife,aranch,andabunchofkidsbutjustwon’tadmitit.”Sheshrugged.“He’sbeenworkingtoolongwithme.Heknowsaboutmycheatinghusbandandmessydivorce.Iguessitmakeshimgun-shy.”
FindingithardtobelievetherewasanothersidetoCarter,Jennanodded.“Maybehejusthasn’tfoundtherightwomanyet?She’dneedtolovefishingandbehappytositathomewhilehetravelsalloverthestatesolvingcrimes.Itwouldn’tbeeasytokeeparelationshipgoingwiththestrangehoursweallwork.”
“Iguess.”Jostraightened.“Sohowdoyouwanttohandletheinterview?”
Jennathoughtforabeat.“I’vealreadyspokentoStark.Ithinkweallgointotheroom.YoutaketheleadwithDaveandseehowitgoes.Maybeyoucandigsomethingoutofhim.Carterisgoodatleaningonsuspects,soitmightjustwork.HewasonMainwhenFreyaleftwork.Maybehesawsomething.That’sananglewecanpursue.”
“Okay.”JocollectedheriPadandnotes.“Let’sdothis.”
FORTY-FOUR
Walkingintothepostalbuilding,Kanewenttothedeskandaskedtoseethepostmaster.Heintroducedhimselftoawomaninherthirtiesandgaveherhisbestapologeticexpression.“SheriffAltonwouldlikeFrankStarktocomedowntotheofficetoidentifysomeone.Itmaytakesometime.Ishedueoutagainthismorning?”
“Notuntiltwo,soheneedstobebacktohavehistruckloadednolaterthanone-thirty.”Thewomancheckedhercomputerandlookedupathim.“Onhisbreak,heusuallygrabsamealandrestsupbeforeheheadsoutagain.Wedon’tlikeourdriverstofallasleepatthewheel.”
Kanenodded.“Oh,notaproblem.Thisshouldn’ttakethatlong.”Hehadathought.“Doeshedrivethesamemailvaneveryday?”
“Yes,hestartsearly.Wehaveafewdriverswhostartearlyandfinishlate.Hehastobeherebeforedawn,whichmeansheneedstomakesurehehasgasinthetruck.Itworksoutbetterforallofusiftheytakethetruckshome.Havingtheirowngivesthemprideintheirvan.Theylookafterthembetterthisway.”Shesighed.“Iknowit’snotthewayitisinothertowns,butitworksforme.”
ThestorymatchedwhatStarkhadtoldthem.Hetouchedhishatandheadedoutbacktothedeliveryanddispatchbays.AwhitevanwasbackedinandhemadeoutStarktossingbagstomenintheloadingbay,whoplacedthemontocartsandwheeledtheminside.HenoddedtoCarter,whowasleaningcasuallyagainstthewall,andthenpeeredintothebackofthevan.“Needsomehelp?”
“Sure.”Starkfrowned.“What,don’tyouhaveanycrimestosolvetoday,Deputy?”
Kane’sinvitationtogetinsidethevanwasallheneededtomakeitlegal.Heclimbedinsideandwalkedtotheback,scanningthebags,walls,andflooroftheinteriorforanysignsofblood.Heinhaled,tryingtocatchawhiffofdeath,andliftedabagfromthebackandtossedittoStark.Aftermovingeachbagwithoutfindinganythingofinterest,hejumpeddown.Thevanwasspotless,asifithadrecentlybeenwasheddown,theoutsideaswell.Maybehe’dtakenittothecarwash?HenoddedtoStarkandheclosedthebackdoors.“Thesheriffneedstospeaktoyou.It’safollow-uptotheinterviewwehadrecently.Youmighthaveseensomethingandnotrealizedit.Doyoumindcomingdowntotheofficewithus?We’lldriveyoubackwhenwe’redone.”
“MindifIdrivetheremyself?”Starkmovedhisfeetrestlessly.“Ineedtoeatandgetbackheretoloadmyvan.”
Kanenodded.“Yeah,I’maware.Ispoketoyourboss.Ididn’twantanyonegettingthewrongimpressionaboutwhyweneedtospeaktoyou.I’llridewithyouandexplain.”
“Okay,sure.”Starkclimbedinsidethevan.
AftersignalingtoCartertofollowthem,Kaneclimbedintothepassengerseat.Hecouldbesittingbesideaserialkiller,butifso,Starkhadnoideaofhisskills.Onechoptotheneckandhe’dlikelykillhimoutright.Hesmiledtohimself.Itwasjustaswellhestayedontherightsideoftheline.Withhisskills,ifheturnedrogue,peoplewoulddieandnobodywouldbeabletotakehimdown.
Attheoffice,afterfriskingStark,Kaneshowedhimintoaninterviewroom.Henotedthesurpriseontheman’sfacewhenhewasconfrontedwithtwoFBIagentsandJenna.“Takeaseatandwe’llgetthisoverwithsoyoucangetbacktowork.”
“Thisinterviewisbeingrecorded.”Jennaswitchedontherecordingdevice.“Foryourprotection,I’llreadyouyourrights.”SheMirandizedthestartledman.“Doyouwishtohavealawyerpresent?”
“Ihaven’tbrokenthelaw,sono,Idon’tneedoneforroutinequestioning.”Starklookedfromonefacetoanother.“IdoknowmyrightsandIcanaskforalawyeratanytime,right?”
“Yes.”Jennasatdown.“Whenalawofficerreadsyouyourrights,it’stoprotectyou,Mr.Stark.Thisisn’tawitchhunt.”
“We’vespokentoyouaboutthenightyouwatchedFreyaRichardsonassheworkedinthebeautyparlor.”Jo’spenwaspoisedoveralegalpadbutherfacewasexpressionless.“Weneedyoutoexpandonwhatyousawthatnight.”Herlipsofferedasmallsmile.“Iknowyoubelieveyou’vetolduseverythingaboutthatnight,butit’snormaltomissthings,soIwanttogothroughitstep-by-stepandseeifyoucanrememberanythingwecanusetofindFreya.”
“Itoldyoueverything,Irecall.”Starkshrugged.
“Let’sstartwithinsidethepizzeria.”Joleanedback,twirlingthepeninherfingersinacasualway.“You’resittingthereeatingyourpieandlookingintothestreet.Whatdoyousee?”
“Traffic,peoplemovingthroughtown,nothingunusual.”Starkpressedbothhandsflatonthetable,theindexfingeroftherighthandtapping.
“WasFreyacleaningwhenyouarrived,orwasthatlater?”Kaneleanedforwardinhischair.
“No,Freyawasinfrontofme,collectingaslice.”Starkclosedhiseyes.“Shewassayinghertruckwasintheshopandshewasonfoot.ShetoldtheguybehindthecountershelivedonElmandhatedwalkinghomeinthedark.”Hiseyesopened.“Igotmypieandtookaseatalongsidethewindow.ShewalkedacrossMainandintothebeautyparlor.ShemusthaveeatenherslicebeforeshestartedworkbecauseitwastenminutesorsobeforeIsawherinside.ShearrangedsomeHalloweendecorationsinthefrontwindowandcamebackoutsidetolookatthem.Allthelightswereonandshestrippedoffherjacketandstartedtoclean.Sheworkedhard,sweepingandwipingdown,washingfloorsandthebasins.ShefinishedaboutthesametimeasIdrankmysoda.Icheckedthetimeanddecidedtowalktothedispatchbayandseeifmytruckhadbeenloaded.”
“Didyouseeanyoneelseonthesidewalk?”Jomadeafewnotes.
“Yeah,thistimeoftheyearpeopleareoutandabouttakingintheHalloweendisplays.It’sspookieratnightwiththemistandall.”Starkshrugged.“Idon’trecallanyonespecifically,justregularfolks,areall.”
“Soyoufollowedherforatime?”Kanelookedathimandraisedoneeyebrowinquestion.“Asyouwerebothtravelinginthesamedirection?”
“Yeah,Iwenttopickupmytruck.”Starkblewoutabreath.“Ialreadytoldyouallthis.”
“Youmentioneditwasn’treadytoleave,isthatcorrect?”Kanecheckedhisnotes.“Sowhatisit,youpickedupthetruckorwaitedforthetruckandforhowlong?”
“Notlong,five,maybetenminutesorso.”Stark’seyesflashedinannoyance.“Whatdifferencedoesitmake?”
Jennawatchedthequestioningclosely.JoandKanehadjumpedonaninconsistencyinStark’smemory.Intrigued,sheleanedforwardlisteningintently.
“Youmentionedhavingamidnightdelivery,butwe’vemadeinquiries.Thereweren’tanylateconsignmentsonthatnight.”JohadmentionedafactthatJennawasn’tawareof.HadKalofoundStark’sscheduleonthenetandonlyrecentlysenttheinformation?
“Youmusthavemisheardme.Ioftenloadmytrucklateatnight,soIcanleavefirstthinginthemorning.”Starkstaredather.“That’swhathappened.”
“Youtookmailhome?”Carterbarkedalaugh.“I’msurethat’sagainstthelaw.”
“Theymakeanexceptionforafewofustrustworthyguys.”Starkglaredathim.“Haven’tyouseenmailbags,AgentCarter?Theyhavesealstopreventtampering.Onlythereceivingofficecanremovethemandeachoneisrecorded.Icouldn’ttamperwiththeUSmailevenifIwantedto.”Herubbedbothhandsdownhisface.“Yousayin’Itooksomethingfromthemail?”
“No.”Jostaredathimacrossthetable.“It’sthetimeline,Mr.Stark.YouwereseenleavingafterFreyasetoffforhome.Weknowhowlongittookhertowalkhomeandyoucouldhaveeasilycaughtupinyourtruck.”Shepausedforabeat.“Didyoufollowherhome?It’sobvioustomorethanonewitnessyouhadmorethanapassinginterestinher.Witnessestellusyoudidn’ttakeyoureyesoffherforasecondfromtheminuteshewalkedoutofthepizzeria.Nowshe’smissing.Youdidn’ttakeheranywhereinyourvan,didyou,Mr.Stark?”
“No,Ididn’tseeherafterIwalkedbacktothedepot.”Starkhadpaledsignificantly.“IfyoufigureIhadsomethingtodowithherdisappearance,thenthinkagain.Fingerprintmyvanifyouwant.Goaheadandforensicallytestit,butyouwon’tfindnothing.”Hehuffedoutanangrysighandglaredatthem.“Iain’tansweringanymorequestionswithoutalawyer.I’mnotbeingrailroadedintosomethingIdidn’tdo.”
Noddingtotheothers,Jennanotedthetimeandtheconclusionoftheinterview.ShelookedatStark.“Thatwillbeallfornow.Thankyouforyourcooperation.You’refreetogo.”Shestood,flashedhercard,andopenedthedoor.
“Don’ttryandmakemeyourscapegoat.Ihaverights.”Starkstoodandhiseyesflashedwithmaliceashepushedpastherandmovedquicklyalongthepassageway.
Jennaturned,allowingthedoortoclickshutbehindher.“Whatdoyouthink?”
“Ifigurehe’susingthemailpickupasanalibi.”Cartertossedatoothpickintohismouth.“Hedrovetoherhouse,parkedinthealleyway,andmurderedher.”Heletoutalongsigh.“We’vebeenoverthestatementsofallthepotentialsuspectssomanytimesmyeyesarecrossed.Thishastobeourguy.Provingitisanotherthingentirely.”
“Hedoeshaveapileoffoldedmailsacksinthebackofhisvan,Isawthembefore.”Kaneleanedagainstthewall.“EasyenoughtoputFreyainside,theothermailbagscouldcoverthebodyifanyonestoppedhim.Hetookherhomeandsomehowgotherintotheforestforburial.”HelookedatJenna.“SameforDaisy.Hehadcontactwithher.Weknowthisforsure.Headmittedit.Wholooksatadeliveryvan,especiallyapostalvan?It’sinvisible,forgettable.HecouldparkoutbackofDaisy’shouseandnoonewouldseehim.It’slikeajungleoutthere.”
Nodding,JennalookedatJo.“Ishecapableofmurder?”
“Yeah,hehasanaggressivestreakamilewide.”Jocollectedherthingsfromthedesk.“Thethingis,allwecandoiswatchhim.There’snotenoughevidenceagainsthimforanarrestwarrant.Allwehaveiscircumstantial,atbest.LookingatFreyawon’tholdupincourtforamurderconviction.We’llneedtocatchhimintheact.”
“Thenwe’llwatchhim.”Kanefoldedhisarmsacrosshischest.“Weknowwherehelives.We’llgobyandinstalltrailcamsintheforest.Perfectlylegal.Ifwemakesuretheywatchonlytheroadandforest,theywon’tinvadehisprivacy.Ourshavemotionsensors.Ifhestepsonefootoutofhiscabinovernight,we’llallgetanotificationviaourphones.”Hesmiled.“Thenwefollowhim.He’llneverseeuscoming.”HelookedatCarter.“Willhe?”
“Noway.”CartergrinnedaroundhistoothpickandlookedatJenna.“Useofdeadlyforce,Sheriff?”
Itwasanordershenevereverwantedtogive.“I’dprefertofindtheotherbodiesandthemotivebehindyearsofmurdersatHalloweenthanseehimdead.”ShelookedfromKanetoCarter.“Idon’tneeddeadheroes.Useyourownjudgmentifyouconfronthim.”
“Okay,I’llgowithCartertoscoutouttheforestaroundhiscabinandsetupthecameras.We’lldiscussaplanofaction,ifandwhenStarkmakeshismove.I’llhavethedetailsbythetimewegetback.Itmightmeanhavingtwoteamsontheground,oneintheforestandoneintown.Wecan’tshowourhandatanytimeifyouwanttocatchhimintheact.”
Asusual,Kane’sfieldexperiencewasanasset.Beingsheriff,Jennacouldneverhopetohavetheversatiledepthofknowledgeofindividualteammembers.Usingtheexpertiseofexpertswasthekeytosuccess.“Okay,let’smakethishappen.Weknowheisdueoutattwo,sothatgivesyouacoupleofhourstosetupthecamerasbeforenightfall.We’lltakeabreaknow,andoncewe’vesetthecameras,we’llheadforhometowaitandseewhathappens.WithWolfeandRiointownandRowleytothenorthandustothesouth,we’llhavetheareacovered,whicheverwayhegoes.Oncehemakesamove,we’llbeonhim.Timeisgettingshort.He’sgoingtostriketonight.Ifeelitinmygut.”
FORTY-FIVE
It’slateafternoonandI’matAuntBetty’sCafé.Ineededabreak,andsittingandwatchingWendygoaboutherworkwassoothing.Myhandtremblesaroundmycup,andthedistortedrefectionofmyeyesintherichbrewisaninsightintomymindrightnow.IknowbymythirdofferingI’mreachingmypeak.I’mlivingononelongadrenalinerushandlovingit.Rightnow,keepingcalmandincontrolastimeticksbysoslowlyistorture.Thesunisdroppinglowinthesky,theshadowscreepacrossthesidewalk,andthemistrises.I’llbeappeasedsoonbutIwishitwerenow.Theneedtosmellblood,feeltheracingheartlikeasmallbird’sbeneathmypalmsbeforeitslows,jitters,andstopsislikecravingforanillegaldrug.Ipressmyhandsaroundthehotcup.Itburnsmyfleshbutturnsmymindawayfromthedeliciousimagesfloodingmymind.
Istareatthehideousspiderovertheentrance.Thered-eyedbabiesscatteringwhenanyonewalkspastandthehissingisannoying.Theentiretownhasgonemad,eachstorelitteringthesidewalkwithbleedingcorpses,skeletons,orotherhideousdebris,butwitheveryone’sattentiononthedecorations,IcanmovearoundwithoutonesinglepersonregisteringIwasthere.HereatAuntBetty’s,IknowwheretheCCTVcamerasarelocated.They’reaimedatthefrontcounter.AtAuntBetty’syouhavechoices:orderatthecounterorsitandwaitforaserver.Iavoidthecamerabysittingatatable.It’snotrocketscience.
Thelocalkidsareoutandabouttakinginthesights.Theyseemtorevelinthefreezingtemperaturesandlovetheswirlingmist.HoweasyitwouldbetopluckonefromthesidewalkanddragthemintoanalleywayforsomeHalloweenfun.I’msmilingbutifIstartedkillingkids,therewouldn’tbeafuturegeneration.
Wendy,Wendy,Wendy,hernamehasbeenbuzzingaroundmyheadforatimenow.LastnightIdreamedabouther,hairwetfromtheshower,seeingmyreflectioninthemirror.ItwasjustlikebeingthereandIwokewithmyheartthreateningtoleapfrommychest.Evennow,somehourslater,IcanseeWendyclearinmymind,hereyespleadingformetostopasherlife’sbloodpoolsonthewhitetile.Icanseemyreflectioninhereyesasshetakesherlastbreath.Thevisionistantalizing.It’slikethegiftundertheChristmastree.Youseeitallwrappedinglossypaperwithafinebowontopbutcan’tquitereadthenameonthelabel.Youwantsomuchtoreachoutandtearitaparttoenjoythecontents,butavoicetellsyouit’snotyettime.Whatistimeanyway?Amanmadeinventiontokeepeveryoneattherightplace?Likesheepwemustallriseandbesomewherebecausewefollowtime.Ourlivesaredestinedbyage,whenweallknowageisastateofmind.Ihavenoage.IrefusetoacknowledgeitbecauseI’mgoingtoliveforever.
Theclockonthewallticksbyanotherfiveslowminutes.Thisiswhattimedoestoaperson’smind.Somedaysitdragsalongandothertimesitspeedslikeanout-of-controllocomotive.Whyisthis?Arewereallyfollowingthesametimeoraresomeofusmovingfasterthanothers?Ifinishmycoffeeandplacethecupdown.Asifreadingmymind,herecomesWendytorefillmycupandbringmeasliceofpie.Sherememberedmyfavoriteandgivesmeawidewedge.HersmilelightsuptheroomandIreturnit.Isigh,butshehadherchance.Ididaskhertogototheballwithme.Ifshe’dagreed,Iwouldhaveremovedherfrommylist.It’sashamethatshehassomeoneelseinherlife…butnotforlong.Soonshe’llbemine.
FORTY-SIX
“He’sonthemove.”KanestaredathisphoneandthenliftedhisgazetoJenna.
Jenna’sphonesignaledamessage.“Rio’sonit.”ShelookedatKane.“Ijustknewsomethingwasgoingdowntonight.”
They’deatendinnerand,withTaurisoundasleep,hadretreatedtothefamilyroomtodrinkcoffee.Noonewantedtoretireearly.Everyone’snerveswereonedge.
“Hisscheduledoesn’thavehimleavingtownuntilfiveinthemorning.”Carterscrolledthroughhisphone.“Iwishwecouldhaveplacedatrackeronhisvan.Itwould’vemadelifeeasier.”
Glancingtowardthebedroom,Jenna’sstomachgavearoll.Shedidn’twanttowakeTaurianddraghimovertoNannyRaya’satnight,butifsomethingwentdown,itwouldtakevaluabletimetomovehim.ShelookedatKane.“We’llneedtotakeTauritoNannyRaya’sbeforethisexplodesinourfaces.”
“Okay.”Kanenoddedandsqueezedherarm.“Weknewthiswouldhappenfromtimetotimeandsodoeshe.LookatJo’sdaughter.Sheacceptshermomisawayfordaysatatime.Kidsareadaptable.”
“I’llstayandcareforhim.”Jolookedfromonetotheother.“Myexpertiseisinprofilingcriminals;yoursistakingthemdown.Thefiveofyouwillcopejustfinewithoutme.I’llactasthecommandcenter.”Shesmiled.
Relieved,Jennanodded.“Thatwouldreallyeasemymind.IwantTauritohaveastableupbringing.IfIcouldhaveNannyRayalivingwithus,Iwould,butit’simpossible.”
“Howso?”Carterraisedoneeyebrow.“ThisplaceislikeFortKnox.She’dbesafelivinghere.”
“Firstup,we’dneedtobuildheraseparatedwelling.Wecan’tusethecottagebecauseweneedthatforvisitingFBIagents.Sincethey’veexpandedtheRattlesnakeCreekfieldoffice,weneverknowwhowillbedroppingby.”Kaneshrugged.“Secondly,wedidn’tdiscoveranythingnastywhenwedidbackgroundchecks,butsometimeswetalkaboutcasesathome,andyouknowdarnwellIhavemilitaryinformationthat’sneed-to-know,sameasyou.Shedoesn’thavethatlevelofclearance,sosheremainsintown.Thehouseweboughtforherissecure.It’sjustinconvenientwhenweneedtobeawayonacase.”
“IactuallyknowacoupleofFBIagentswhoretiredwithouthavingkids.Theymissedhavingafamilyandbecamenannies.”JonoddedtoKane.“Maybeyouneedsomeonelikethat,whohasclearance?”
Jenna’sphonechimedamessage,sheswipedherphoneandlookedatit.“RiosaidStarkisheadingtowardStanton.Weneedtogo.”ShelookedatJo.“Hesleepsrightthrough,soyouwon’thaveaproblem.We’llleaveDukehere.”ShelookedatCarter.“IsZorrostayinghere?”
“Yeah,he’llbefinewithDuke.”CarterlookedatKane.“I’llridewithyouandJenna.We’llneedtoleaveavehicleforJo,foremergencies.”
“Well,that’sareliefbutIcouldalwaystrymyhandatridingaHarley.”ShewinkedatKane.“Youwouldn’tmind,right?”
“Well…maybe.”KanepulledonaliquidKevlarvestfromthepilehe’djustdroppedonthesofaandhandedonetoJenna.“Needammo?”HisgazemovedtoCarterashewenttothegunsafeandunlockeditbeforefillinghispockets.“Helpyourself.”HetossedacliptoJenna.
Jennapulledonherjacket.“Weneedtomoveit.Go,go,go.”ShewavedthementowardthedoorandlookedoveroneshoulderatJo.“I’llcallyouifanythinggoesdown.”ShehurriedafterKane.
AstheBeastroaredalongthehighway,JennacallRio.“What’syourposition?”
“I’mnotfarfrommyhouse,tuckedintheshadowsfacingStanton.Hehasn’tpassedmeyetandhewasheadingthisway.”Riosighed.“Thefogisreallybadhere,butIfigurehe’llspotmyvehiclethemomentIpullontotheroad.Whatdoyouwantmetodo?”
AmessagechimedandJennaclearedherthroat.“Waitup,IhaveacallfromRowley.”
Shetookthecallandlistened.“Okay,Rioisheadingyourwayandwe’llbethereinfive.Useyourcommfromnowon,soeveryonehearswhat’sgoingdown.”ShedisconnectedRowleyandswitchedherphonebacktoRio.“RowleyisonMain.He’sdrivingSandy’sgraypickup.He’sparkedbetweenthepizzeriaandAuntBetty’sCafé.StaybackandallowafewvehiclestogopastbeforefollowingStark.MaybetakeMapleandtravelparallelwithhim.We’recominginhot.We’vejustmadethehighwayintotownnow.Useyourcomm.We’llneedhands-freecommunicationifwe’regoingtotakethisguydown.”
“Yougotit.”Riodisconnected.
Excitementshimmeredthroughherasshereachedintothegloveboxandpulledoutthecomms,fittedhers,andthenturnedtolookatCarter.“Ihavespares.”
“Ihavemyown.Ijustneedtochangeittoyourfrequency.”Carteradjustedthecontrolonhisbatterypackandclippedittohisbelt.“I’mgoodtogo.”
“PeopleareusedtoseeingusinAuntBetty’s.”KaneglancedatJenna.“IfigurewewaitthereandletRioandRowleytrackStark’smovements.Ifwe’reseenholedupintheBeast,Starkwillknowhe’sundersurveillance.”
“Well,bestwekeepourjacketszipped.”Carterbarkedalaugh.“TheliquidKevlarvestsareadeadgiveawaysomething’sup.”
Startledbythewavesofwhitemistrollingacrosstheblacktopandalmostobliteratingthetraffic,sheglancedatKane.“I’veneverseenitthisbad.HowarewegoingtogetthroughthatandseeStarkinawhitevan?He’llbeinvisible.”
“Ihavefoglights.”Kaneshrugged.“We’llbefine.It’sprobablypatchy,andwithfiveofussearchingforhim,hewon’tslipby.”
AsKanepulledupsomewaysfromwhereRowleyhadparked,hisgrayvehiclehardlyvisibleinthewhitecloudsurroundingit,Jennatappedhercomm.“We’rebehindyou.We’lltakeawalkandtakeinthedisplaysniceandcasualandthengointoAuntBetty’s.HaveyouhadeyesonStarkyet?”
“Nope.Ican’tseemuchatall,butifhedrivesby,I’llseehim.”Rowleysoundedasifhewerestandingbesideher.
“He’sjustdrivenpastme.”Rio’senginerumbled.“I’mtakingMaple.Ifhestopsintown,I’llparksomewhereandcomeinonfoot.I’mnotinuniform,sohewon’tnoticeme.”
Jennanodded.“Copy.”Sheclimbedoutofthetruckandasthemistswirledaroundherlegs,shewaitedforKaneandCartertojoinheronthesidewalk.Thefoggynightdistortedtheviewandplayedtrickswithhermind.Thingsmovedandpeopleseemedtoemergeoutofnowhere.Sheswallowedhard.Shehadajobtodoandstraightenedherspine.ForafewsecondstheswirlingcloudsswallowedupKaneandCarter.Weirdnoisesfromthedisplaysdriftedtoheraspeoplewalkedby.Heartthumping,Jennaturnedaroundasscreechesandsinisterlaughtersurroundedher.Takingafirmgriponhernerves,shefoughthardtopushbackherHalloweenjitters.AsKaneandCartercametoherside,shetookadeepbreathbutblinkedhard.Notastone’sthrowawayfromher,aspeoplestrolledalongthesidewalkswirlingthemist,theybecamealmosttransparentattimesasrollingcloudsengulfedthem.Evenwithsomanypeoplemillingaround,Jennacouldn’tshakeoffthesurrealcreepyfeelingthatsomethingmalevolentwasoutthere,waitingtostrike.SheignoredtheicychillslitheringdownherspineandsmiledatKane.“Lookinterestedinthedisplays.Laughingisgood.”ShetookKane’shandandsqueezed.“Don’tlooksoserious.”
“I’mfindingitdifficulttoseeanything.”Kanepeeredintothefog.
AstheymovedclosertoAuntBetty’sCafé,Wendysteppedoutpullingherhoodieoverherlonghair.Jennasmiledather.“Headinghome?”
“IfIcanfindmyride.It’snotfarbutIcan’tseeafootinfrontofmyface.”Wendysmiledather.“Theysaidthefogwouldbebadthisweek.Apparentlytheriveriswarmerthanusualandthenightsarecolder,andthatcausesthemisttorisethicklikethis.”Shelookedaroundnervouslyandshivered.“It’sdarnrightspookyoutheretonight.Ihadplannedonbeinghomebynow,watchingTVinfrontofthefire.”
“I’llwalkyoutoyourride.”Cartersmiledather.“Ican’thavealovelyladybeingspookednow,canI?”
“Oh,whocouldsaynotoanFBIagent?”Wendysmiled.“Thankyou,Ty,that’sverykindofyou.”
Jennaturnedtolookatthemwalkaway.“We’llwaithereforyou.”
“Okay.”Carter’svoicecameoutofthefog.
“Comeandlookatthedisplayoverhere.”Kanetuggedatherhand.“Theseveredheadslooksorealapartfromtheeyesmovingbackandforth.”
Swallowinghard,Jennastaredatablood-soakedtablewithfourseveredheads,eachwithahandofcardsbeforethemandastackofchips.Theireyesmovedbackandforthasifcontemplatingabet.“Idon’tknowwherepeoplecomeupwithhisstuff.”
“MyfavoriteistheonewiththeWildWestcowboyskeletonsplayingcardsandsmokingcigars.Oneofthemhaseyebrowsandtheygoupanddown.”Kanechuckled.“Thehonkytonksaloonmusicisgreat.”
“Iseehim.”Rowley’svoicecamethroughJenna’searpiece.“He’sheadingintothepizzeria.”
Jennatappedherearpiece.“Copy,justwatchhim.Rio,doyoucopy?”
“Yeah,I’mparkedinanalleyway.Wantmetogoandbuyasliceandeatitthere?”Heclearedhisthroat.“IdodropbythereoftenonFridaynights,soIwon’tlookoutofplace.”
JennalookedatKaneandhenodded.“Yeah,goodidea.We’llbeinsideAuntBetty’s.Letmeknowthesecondhemakesamovetoleave.”ShenoticedCarteremergingfromthemistandtheyheadedtowardAuntBetty’sCafé.“Rowley,areyouinuniform?”
“Nope.”
“Okay,joinCarterinthepizzeria.Peopleseeyouaroundtogetherallthetime.Buyapieandtakeatable.Nogoodsittingoutinyourtruckwhenit’ssofoggy.”
“Copy.”
Breathingasighofreliefthattheyhadeverythingundercontrol,shelookedatKane.“Nowwewait.”
FORTY-SEVEN
AsWendy’sheadlightspiercedthethickwhitecloudengulfingherhome,herfirstinstinctwastoturntheJeeparoundandheadforafriend’splaceandbegabedforthenight.Afterbeingspookedtwice,thelastthingsheneededwastowalkfromhervehicletotheshadow-shroudedhouse.Darnit,sheshouldcutdownthetreesaroundherhome,but
Withherkeysinonehand,theGlockintheotherdownbyherside,shemovedasfastaspossibletothefrontdoor.Indarkness,shefumbledforthelockbutunderherhandthedoorswungopen.Shefroze,gapinginsidetheblackmawthatwasherfamilyroom.Hadsheleftandnotlockedthefrontdoor?Wasshelosinghermind?Leavingthefireburningwasonething,butgoingoutinSerialKillerCentralwithoutlockingthedoor?Sheswallowedhardandranherfingersalongthewallforthelightswitch.Whentheroomfloodedwithlight,shestoodtransfixed,tooafraidtogoinsideandtooscaredtoriskrunningbacktotheJeep.
Thehouseappearedtobeundisturbed.Ifsomeonehadbrokenin,surelytherewouldbesigns?ShepushedherkeysinsideherpocketandholdingtheGlockoutinfrontofherwithbothhands,movedthroughthehouse.Everythingseemednormal.She’dlockedthebackdoorwhenleavinganditwasstilllocked.Nodrawershungopen,noonehadriffledthroughherthings.Sheturnedbackaroundandwalkedtothefrontdoor,turnedthedeadbolt,andcollapsedagainstit,heavingasighofrelief.Noonehadbeenthereandherhomewassafe.Ithadbeenalongday.She’deatenatAuntBetty’sandneededtotakealonghotshowerandrelaxforafewhours.Maybeshe’dwatchTVinbed.
Headingbacktothekitchen,shedumpedherpurse,Glock,andkeysonthekitchentableandwenttothemudroomtoremovehercoatandshoes.Returningshestaredatthefogpushinghardagainstthekitchenwindows.Awaveoffeargrippedherassomethingmoveddeepinthemistydepths.Wasthebreezefromtheriverswirlingthemistintostrangeshapesorwassomeoneouttherewatchingher?HadthefoolwiththeHalloweenmaskreturnedtoplayacrueljokeonheragain?Thathadbeenthemostembarrassingthingever.AftercallingZacRioforhelpandthenhavingJakeRowleyassumeshewashittingonZachadmadeherblushfordaysjustthinkingaboutit.Asifshe’ddosuchathing?Shehadtoworkincloseproximitywiththesheriff’sdepartmentallthetimeandshedidn’tneedanykindofawkwardness.Nexttimesheneededhelp,she’dcall911.
Shewenttoherbedroomafterpullingherphonefromthetoppocketofhershirt,tosseditontothebed,andundressed.Afterpullingonarobe,shewentbacktothemudroom,todropherclothesintothewasher.Thesmellofcookinglingeredonthemandshecouldalmostscrapethefeelofoilfromherskin.Asshewalkedalongthepassagewaytoherbedroom,afamiliargrindingcreaksoundedbehindher.Heartpounding,shestoppedmidstrideandlookedoveroneshoulder.Theoneplaceshehadn’tcheckedwasthecellar.Shealwayskepttheboltacrossthedoorandneverwentdownthere.Itwasfilledwithstorageboxesandsomeoldfurniture,spiders,andcobwebs.Inherminditwasano-gozonebutsherecognizedthewhineoftheoldhingesandeveryhaironherbodystoodtoattention.Itwasn’therimaginationthistime.Floorboardscreaked.Someonewasinsidethehouse.Tremblingwithfear,shemovedintoherbedroom.She’dleftherGlockonthekitchentableandfranticallylookedallaroundforaweapon.Rushingintothebathroom,shegrabbedacanofdeodorantandwentbackintothebedroomandsnatchedupherphone.Shecalled911andthecallwentstraighttoRio.“It’sWendy.There’ssomeoneinsidemyhouse.”
“Yousureit’snotyourimaginationagain?”Rioletoutalongsigh.“It’sfoggyoutsideandspooky.Maybeit’sjustthetreesscratchingagainstthehouseagain.”
Wendywasn’timaginingthesoundoffootstepsmovingthroughherhouse.Someonewaslookingforher.“Icanhearfootsteps,Zac.I’mstuckinmybedroomandmygunisdownstairs.Ineedhelp.”
“Okay,I’llcallitin.I’monacaserightnow.”Hedisconnected.
Panicgrippedherandshestaredattheblankscreeninherhand.Wouldanyonecomeandhelpher?
FORTY-EIGHT
WhenRio’svoicecamethroughJenna’searpiece,shetensedreadyforaction.“Whathappened?”
“It’sWendyfromAuntBetty’s.Shecalledagainaboutaprowler.Whatdoyouwantmetodo?Ifigureshe’sjustlonelyandseekingattention.”
Annoyed,JennaglancedatKane.Hecouldheartheconversationthroughhiscomm.“Whatprowler?You’venevermentioneditbefore.”
“Twicenow.Once,shesawsomeoneinaHalloweenmaskoutsideherwindow;second,shesaidsomeonehadbeeninside,setthefire,andfilledthecoffeemachine.Ididreportwewentbyherhousetocheckitoutbutnotaboutaprowlerbecausetherewasn’tanyone.It’sherimagination,isall.Wesearchedallaround,didadrive-bylaterthatnightaswell,buttherewasnobodythere.”
ShakingherheadanddialingherphonetospeaktoWendy,Jennasighed.“DoyouhaveeyesonStark?”
“Yeah,he’srighthere.”
“Watchhim.”Kane’schairscrapedalongthefloorashestood.
DraggingonhercoatandheadingforthedoorwithKaneandCarteronherheels,JennawaitedforWendytopickup.“It’sJenna.”
“Someone’sinthehouse.”Wendywasbreathingheavily.“Ijustgothomeandheardthecellardooropen.Ihearfootstepslikesomeoneissearchingaround.”
JumpinginsidetheBeast,Jennakeptthephonepressedtoherear.PanicforWendy’ssafetygrippedher,butsheneededtosoundcalmandincontrol.“We’reonourway.Whereareyourightnow?”Sheswitchedthephonetospeaker.
“I’minthebedroom.Ishutthedoor,butmyGlockisinthekitchenwithmypurse.”
JennaglancedatKaneashehitlightsandsirensandpushedhiswaythroughthedensefogalongMain.“Okay,doyouhaveanythingtopushacrossthedoor?Ifso,doitnow.”Inthebackgroundshecouldheargruntsofeffortandfurnituremoving.
“I’veputthebedacrossthedoorbutIdon’tthinkitwillstopanyonecomingin.Justaminute.”Shegruntedandheaved.“Okay.I’veturnedthenightstandaroundsooneendisbuttedupagainstthebed.Ifigureitwillholdforashorttime”
Heartthumping,JennabenttoswitchofflightsandsirensastheyturnedontoMaple.Ifthiswasthekiller,theycouldsneakrightuponhiminthefog.Shekepthervoicesteady.“We’recloseby,whateveryoudodon’tgointotheshower.Ifthisiswhowethinkitis,helikestostrikeinthebathroom.”
“Ihearsomeoneinthepassageway.”Wendy’svoicewasjustaboveawhisper“He’shererightnow.Oh,myGodthedoorknobisturning.He’stryingtogetinside.”
“Doyouhaveatwo-waylockonthebathroomdoor?”KanetookhisfootoffthegasandrolledontoMaple.
“Yes,ithasaninsidelockandoutsideIcanlockitwithakey.Thekeyisalwaysinthelock.”Breathless,Wendywastryingsohardtokeepcalm.
“Okay,goandlockthedoor,takethekey,andthenhideinthecloset.He’llthinkyou’reinthebathroom.We’retwominutesaway.Stayontheline,butdon’tsayanything.We’resneakinginside.”Kane’svoicewaslow,controlled,andcalm,andhiseyeswereascoldasice.
TheBeastcametorestabouttwentyyardsfromWendy’shouse.Jennamutedherphoneandtuckeditinsidehertoppocket,sheglancedatKane.“Shehasadeadboltonherfrontdoor,howdidhegetinside?”
“Notsure.”KanelookedatCarter.“Canyougetthroughadeadboltwithoutmakingasound?”
“Canyoutieashoelace?”Carterslippedawayintothefog.
Running,JennaledthewayalongthebackofthehouseandstoodtoonesideasKaneturnedthehandletothebackdoor.Itturnedwitheaseandtheydrewtheirweaponsandslidinside.Thumpingsoundscamefromalongthepassageway.Theintruderhadn’tmadeitinsidethebedroomyet.Momentslater,Cartercamethroughthefrontdoorandmettheminthefamilyroom.Thenextmomentwoodsplinteredandterrifiedscreamsshatteredthesilence.Heartinhermouth,JennarantowardWendy’sbedroom,andraisedhervoice.“Sheriff’soffice.Dropyourweapon.”
Thedoortothebedroomhunginjaggedpieces.Jennamovedforward,herbacktothewall,andpeeredinsideasanakedmanwearingaHalloweenmaskdraggedWendybyherhairscreamingandfightingfromtheclosetwithonehand.Intheotherhebrandishedahuntingknife.BehindJenna,KanetookthehighpositionandCarterranpastthedoorandtooktheotherside.Withouthesitation,JennapointedherM18pistolattheintruder.“Isaidputdownyourweapon.Iwillnothesitatetoshoot.Putdownyourweapon.”
“Youdon’tunderstand.”ThemaskedmanpulledWendyinfrontofhim,onearmwrappedaroundherchestandaglisteninghuntingbladeatherthroat.“Shemustdie,soIcanlive.”
“Nooneisdyingtoday.”Kaneeasedinsidetheroomandpushedthebedawaywithonefoot,hisgunnevermovingfromtheintruder.“Let’stalkaboutthis.Wendyisourfriend,sowe’llusedeadlyforcetosaveher.Youknowthat,right?”
Youcan’tnegotiatewithapsychopath.Confused,JennastaredatKane.Itwastheirmantra,sowhywasheemployingauselesstactic?PanicgrippedherandshesuckedinabreathastheknifeprickedWendy’sstretchedneckandatrickleofcrimsonwelledupandspilledoverthecollarofherrobe.Behindher,Carterhadhisweaponaimedandhisbackagainstthewall.Theywereatanimpasse:shootandWendywoulddie;donothingandWendywoulddie.
“Youcan’tkillme.”ThemanpressedtheknifeharderandWendywhimpered.“Ihaveanothernineyears.”
“Thegoddesswouldn’twantthisone.”Kaneshrugged.“Youknowtherules.Theofferingmustbefreshfromtheshower.”
Jenna’strustinKanesurged.Hewasusingtheman’sMOagainsthim.Thisguyonlykilledwomenfreshoutoftheshower.Stomachchurning,shekeptheraimsteadyandwaited.
TheeyesinthemaskblinkedandstaredatKaneasiftryingtolookrightthroughhim.
“Youcan’tknowthat.Howcanyou?”Themanshookhisheadasiftodispelathought.“Thegoddessonlyspeakstome.”
“Well,thenwehaveaproblem.”Kaneshruggednonchalantly.“Yousee,Ihappentoknowunlesstheofferingisbathedbeforethesacrifice,shetakesitasaninsult.”Hesmiled.“She’llremoveallthoseyearsyou’veaccrued.Makeamistakenowandyoumightnotseeanothersunrise.”
“Idon’tcare.”ThemangrippedWendysotight,shewasgaspingforbreath.“Shedeservestodie.”
Wantingthistoendnow,Jennasteppedoverthebrokenwoodandmovedintotheroom.Shecouldplaythisgameandstaredatthehideousface.“Putdowntheknife.Thenight’sstillyoung.We’lltakeyoubacktotheofficeandchargeyouwithabreak-in,isall.You’llwalkonbailandstillhaveplentyoftimetofindsomeoneelse.WeonlycareaboutWendy.”
“Oh,doyounow?”Themanchuckled.“Toobad,huh?”
Theknifeintheman’shandslippedacoupleofinches,andKanemovedsoslowlytoherside,sheonlysensedhimthere.Firenowormoveforwardtodisarmhimwasoutofthequestion.He’dslicesodeep,Wendywoulddieinfrontofthem.WhenthemanliftedtheknifefromherthroatandusedtheflatofthebladetocaressWendy’scheek,herterrifiedeyesswiveledtoJenna,pleadingforhertodosomething,buttherewasnothingshecoulddotosaveher.
FORTY-NINE
DesperatetosaveWendy,sheglancedatKaneandtheyexchangedameaningfulglance.Afteryearsofworkingtogether,shedidn’tneedtospellitoutforhim.Whenhegaveherabarelyperceivablenod,JennasentupaprayertokeepWendysafe.Thenextfewsecondscouldmeanlifeordeath.
“I’llcutheruppiecebypiecejustbecauseshe’safriendofyours.”Themanchuckled.“SeeingthefearinyoureyesasItakeawaylittlesliceswouldmakeupforhernotbeingcleansed.Painandsufferingwillmakeupforalittlesweat.”HiseyesmetJenna,blackintenseemotionlesscoals.“Whatareyougonnado,Sheriff?Shootmeandthegirldies;don’tshootmeandthegirldies.Youcan’tbeatme.Ineverlose.”
Withherarmspinnedtohersides,Wendycouldn’tdoanythingtosaveherself,butthemomenthemovedthebladeawayfromhercheek,sheslumpedforwardasifshe’dfainted.ItwasamoveKanehadtaughtthelocalsduringarecentself-defenseclass.Thenextinstant,agunshotshatteredthesilence,followedbyscreams.OnJenna’sleft,Wendywasonherhandsandknees,scamperingacrossthecarpettowardher.Onthefloor,theintruder’sstreamsofabusecursingKanetohell,thunderedinthesmallspace.He’ddroppedtheknifeandwasrollingonthefloorcradlingasmashedknee.Besideher,CarterscoopedupWendyandcarriedheroutside.Withoutasecondthought,Jennaranforwardandkickedtheknifeaway.
Ignoringtheman’swailsofagony,sheglancedatKaneand,whenhenodded,shegraspedthemaskandpulleditfromtheman’shead.“Well,ifitisn’tDuaneWarner.What’swithbeingnaked?Isitpartoftheritual?”
“Whatwouldyouknow?”Hefellforward,reachingbehindhimanddrawingablade.Ithadbeenstucktohisbackwithtape,andthelongstickystrandstrailedfromthehilt.
AsheliftedthebladewithhiscoldgazefixedonJenna,anothershotalmostbursthereardrums.Shegapedinhorrorastheman’shand,stillholdingtheknife,tumbledoverandoverbeforedroppingintooneofWendy’sslippers.Itallhappenedsofast,asifbetweentwoheartbeats.Screaming,Warnerwasstaringatthegushingwound,disbeliefetchedonhisface.Swallowinghard,JennalookedatKane’ssternexpression.He’dblownofftheman’shandandnearlyseveredhislegattheknee.Shemovedforwardtogivefirstaid,whenKanesteppedinfrontofher.Sheglaredathim.“Dutyofcare.”
“Sure,buthe’sstilldangerous.Ifyoukeepyourweapononhim,I’llstemthebleeding.”KanepulledziptiesfromhispocketandkneeledbesideWarner.“Don’ttryanythingstupid.Thenextonewillbebetweenyoureyes.”Hetappedhiscomm.“Rowley,calltheparamedicstoWendy’shouse.Wehaveourman.GethereASAP.”Withswiftefficiency,heslidtheziptiesaroundtheinjuredlimbstocreateatorniquetandthenglancedatJenna.“Hewasaimingthatknifeatyou.Hetelegraphedhismove.Ihadnochoice.Ican’tmoveasfastasabullet.”
“You’vecrippledme.”Warnerwasrockingbackandforthwailingandsobbing.“You’llpayforthis.”
Stomachchurning,JennaswallowedhardatthesightofWarner’sinjuries.Shehadhimatadisadvantagerightnowandmaybehe’dletslipaboutwherehe’dburiedFreyaandDaisy.“WereyouplanningonburyingWendybesideFreyaandDaisy?Youlikeburyingthewomeninthrees.It’spartoftheritual,isn’tit?”
“Argh.”Warnerglaredather,cradlinghisruinedarm.“Whatwouldyouknowaboutancientrituals?”
Shrugging,Jennastareddownathim,wonderinghowhefeltnow,sufferinglikehisvictims.“Weknowmorethanyourealize.Yousee,themomentyoustartedkillinginthrees,weresearchedalltheritualsrightbacktothepagans.Weneededtodiscoverwhatyouthoughtyouhopedtoachieve.”Shekepthergunpointedathischest.“I’minterestedtoknowhowyoudecidedwhichwomantokill?Youplannedeverything,sowhyFreya,Daisy,andWendy?”
“Ihavealonglist.”Warnerswayedasifclosetolosingconsciousness.“Igotclosetothemandtheyallknewme.I’daskthemoutforacupofcoffeeordinner,andiftheyrefused,theymadeittothetopofthelist.Theychosethemselves.”Hegaveaslurredchuckleandhisheaddroppedtohischest.
“Hey,wakeup.”Kanebentandshookhimbytheshoulder.
“Argh!Ineedpainmeds.Copscarrymorphine,right?”Warnerglaredatthem.“I’msogonnamakeyoupayfordoingthistome.”
Shakingherhead,Jennastaredathim,wishingtheycouldcoverhimup.Heresembledablood-splatteredcorpseandthesightsickenedher.“Idon’tthinkso.Ifiguretheparamedicswillgiveyousomething.Inthemeantime,youcouldmakeyourlifeeasierbyansweringsomequestions.”
“WhenwefoundthegravesatBearPeakandtherecordings,weknewthatthemomentyoumurderedFreyaRichardson,you’dreturnedtoBlackRockFalls.”Kane’sfaceheldnocompassionashelookedatthemanathisfeet.“AnFBIagentishere.Youknowifyoucomecleanaboutwhereyou’veburiedtheirbodies,ImightbeabletopersuadehimtotalktotheDAonyourbehalf.Icouldberealniceandgogetabucketoficetopreserveyourhandsothehospitalcanreattachit.Rightnow,it’sjustsittingtheregoingbad.”
Inthedistancethesoundofsirensblastedthroughthestillnight.JennalookedatWarner.“Youdon’thavetoomuchtime.Oncetheparamedicsarrive,thedealisoffthetable.”
“Copsarestupid.”Warnergrittedhisteethinagrimaceofpain.“Ifyouknewabouttherituals,you’dknowtheyformtriangles.Howmanytrianglesareinacircle?Everythingfitsintothecircleoflife.Workitout.It’snotbrainsurgery.”
Frowning,JennaglancedatKaneandthenbackatWarner.“That’snotmuchhelp,isit?Acirclecontainsaninfinitenumberoftriangles.”
“Unlessyoualreadyknowthesizeandangleofsomethetriangleswithinthecircle,andIpresume,they’reallthesamesize?Inaritualthesizeandplacingarecrucial.”Kanerubbedhischin.“Wealreadyhavethreetriangles.”
Warnerwastryingtocontrolthesituationandhadmanagedtoconfusetheminafewwords.Refusingtobebeguiledbyapsychopath,Jennaliftedherchin.“Lastchance.Wheredidyouburythebodies?”
“Directlyunderthebear.”Warnermoanedandleanedback.“Satisfied?Now,atleastcovermewithasheetbeforeanyoneelsecomesby.”
“Nah,Idon’tthinkso.”Kaneshookhishead.“Theparamedicswillhavesomethingtocoveryou,butit’sgoingtobeacoldridetothehospital.”
JennaturnedasCarterwalkedintotheroom.“Ah,thereyouare.”Shefollowedhimintothehallway.“KaneisgoingtoreadMr.Warnerhisrights.He’sunderarrestfortheattemptedmurderofWendyandatonofotheroffenseswewitnessed,buthe’sgivenustheplacewhereheburiedtheothertwovictims.I’llcalltheDAandgetthepaperworkunderwayforhisarrest,butIfigurehe’sgoingtobeinsurgeryforatime.”
“Oncehe’sofficiallychargedandoutofsurgery,doyouwantmetoarrangetransporttoCounty?Youcaninterviewhimthere.”Cartermethergaze.“Ortheycansendguardstowatchoverhiminthesecuritywingatthehospital?”
Thinkingforabeat,Jennanodded.“He’snotgoinganywhereanytimesoon.We’llkeephiminthesecureward,andbyallmeans,iftheycanspareprisonguardstowatchhimaroundtheclock,thatwouldbegood.Ifigureweneedtodiscovertheextentofthemurdershe’scommitted.WithJohere,wemightbeabletogethimtotalk.Ifhelawyersupandrefusestogiveusanyinformation,thenCountycanhavehim.Onethingfordarnsure,he’snotspendingtimeinourcells.”
“Isurehopehetalks.Itwouldbegoodtoknowtheextentofhiskillingfields.”Carterglancedoveroneshoulder.“Wendyisinthekitchen.Sheseemsokay.Alittleshaken,andshehasafewnicksonherneck.We’llgettheparamedicstocheckherout.Shewantstogoandstaywithrelativesbutneedssomeclothes.”
Jennanodded.“Okay,thanks.I’llmakesureshepacksabagoncetheprisonerisoutofhere.CanyoustaywithKane?Ineedtogoandgetsomeice.”
FIFTYSATURDAY
JennapacedupanddownoutsidethehospitalroominthesecurewardatBlackRockFallsGeneral.They’dspenteveryminutesincesunupusingDuketofollowWarner’sscentfromthefireroadthatrantotheforestbelowBearPeak,huntingthroughtheforestforthegravesofFreyaRichardsonandDaisyLyon.They’dfinallyfoundthemdirectlyunderthecraggyrockfacedepictingabearthatthepeakhadbeennamedafter.Thebodieswerewellhiddenandcoveredwithdeadbranchesandleaves,andWolfeandhisteamhadsettoworkexhumingthem.Bothwerewrappedinthemissingbeddingfromtheirroomsandburiedalongwithaphonecontainingeverysecondoftheirhorrificdeaths.They’dbeentakenwithdignitybacktothemorgueandautopsieswouldfollow,butasthebodiesweresofreshandpreservedatnearfreezingtemperatures,Wolfehadcompletedaninitialexaminationandconsideredthey’dbothdiedbythesamemeansasalltheothersinthepreviousgraves.
ThesevenyearsbetweenthemurdersconcernedJenna.Therehadtobemanymoregravesouttherecontainingmurderedwomenmissedbytheirfamilies.Sheneededtoknowwheretheywerelocated,sothattheirlovedonescouldfindclosure.Rightnow,nothingwashappeningandtheinvestigationhadgroundtoahalt.DuaneWarnerwasn’ttalking.He’daskedforalawyer,whichwashisright,andSamCrosshadbeencalledtodefendhim.Sambeingoneofthetoughestdefenselawyersaroundhadn’tbeentoopleasedaboutJennaofferingadealtohisclientwithoutrepresentation.Whenhesteppedoutofthehospitalroom,JennafollowedKaneovertospeakwithhim.“Ishegoingtotalk?”
“Myadviceisforhimtosaynothing.”Crossshrugged.“YoudounderstandImustadvisemyclientnottoincriminatehimself.Although,hedoesadmityoudidreadhimhisrightsandhe’sunclearifthiswasbeforeorafteryouquestionedhim.”Hegaveheralonglook.“Whichwasit?”
Jennashrugged.“YouknowI’mnotgoingtoansweraleadingquestionlikethat.Wereadhimhisrights.Hetolduswherehehidthebodies.HecouldhardlydenytryingtomurderWendy,couldhe?”Shesuckedinabreath.“Wereallyneedtoknowabouttheotherwomen.Thesixgraveswefoundintheforestdatingbacksevenyears.Weknowit’shim.TheMOmatchesexactlyandnowwehaveproof.Therearemoreoutthere.Weneedinformation.”
“He’srefusingtotalk.”Crossleanedagainstthewallandfoldedhisarmsacrosshischest.“Endofstory.”
“Onequestion.”Kanelookedathim.“You’llberightthere.”
“Okay,onequestion.”Crosspushedopenthedoorandwalkedinside.
“Whataretheydoinghere?”Warnersatproppeduponpillows,onelegsuspendedandhisarminasling.“YousaidIdidn’tneedtospeakwiththem.”
“Youdon’t.”Crosspulledupachairbesidethebed.
“We’vefoundthegravesofJosephineWade,LydiaEllis,SadieBonner,CoraGriffin,DaphneCotter,andEstherCary.”KanestaredatWarner.“Whatyoudon’tknowisthatwefoundathumbprintononeofthephonesyouburiedwiththebodiesandit’samatch.You’regoingdownforallsixcoldcasemurders.Uptonow,wedidn’thaveamatchingprintandnowwehaveyours.”
“Well,youcan’tputmeawayformorethanlife,canyou?”Warnergrinnedatthem.“It’snotsobadinjail,Ihear.ThreesquaresadayandTV,whatmorecouldIwant?”
Jennakeptherdistance,althoughoneofhislegswasshackledtothebed,shedidn’ttrusthim.“Therewillbemorethanonelifesentence.Thethingis,weknowabouttheritualsnow.WecouldpersuadethenextofkintoburytheremainsbutmanyhaverequestedcremationandIknowthatwouldnegateyouroffering.TheyhavetobeburiedasfarasI’mawarebutbeforeIaskthemifthey’dbewillingtodothis,Ineedtoknowwhathappenedduringthesevenyearsbetweenthelastmurdersandtheserecentones.Howmanydidyoukillandwhere?”
“Youknow,Ican’trecall,andoncethey’reburied,theofferingiscomplete.Lyingtomedoesn’tworkbecauseIcanoutsmartyou,evenlyingherehighonmorphine.”Warnerstaredatherandastrangedarknesscreptoverhisexpression.“Imovedalloverbutonething’sforsure:Ienjoyedeveryminute.”
EPILOGUEHALLOWEEN
ThelastfewdayshadtobethemostfrustratingofJenna’scareer.WithWarnerrefusingtotalkandNorrell’smorguefilledtocapacitywiththetragicremainsofwomenslaughteredbyhim,sheneededtoknowwhathadhappenedinthesevenyearsWarnerhadleftBlackRockFalls.Thebreakthroughcameafterthewarranttosearchhishomeuncoveredawealthofinformation.Likemostserialkillers,Warnerkepttrophiesbuthiscameintheformofrecordingsmadeduringthemurdersofhisvictims.He’drecentlytransferredhiscompletecollectiontoalarge-capacitythumbdrive.Killersalwaysmakeamistakesoonerorlater,andWarner,beingsupremelyconfidentthatnoonewouldevercatchhim,hadcarriedthesmallmetalthumbdriveonhiskeychain.Athishome,he’dleftthreeolderdatastorageunitsonadeskwithhislaptop.Whentheseitemswereseizedandanalyzed,thedatestherecordingswerestoredwereretrieved.AsWarner’soccupationasadrivertookhimalloverthestate,hewastraceablethroughhisemploymentrecord.
Fromhoursoflisteningtohorrificrecordings,thecombinedteamshadbeenabletogiveJennaalistofnamesanddates.ThisinformationKaloranthroughallmissingpersonsfilesandcameupwithhits.Twenty-onewomenwhowentmissingoverthesevenyearsWarnerwasawayfromBlackRockFallscouldbelinkedtohim.He’dbeenworkingintheareaswherethewomenvanished.Alllocallawenforcementagencieshadbeennotified.ThesixyoungwomeninNorrell’smorgue,andFreyaRichardsonandDaisyLyon,wouldbereturnedtotheirfamiliesforburial.Ithadbeenaheart-wrenchingtimenotifyinglovedones.ThediscoveryofsixmorerecordingsprecedingthefirstBlackRockFallsmurdershadgivenhertheextentofthekillingspree.WarnerhadbegunhisHalloweenritualstwoyearspreviouslyinBlackwaterandthevictimstotaledthirty-five.Thehuntforallthegraveswouldcontinueformanyyearstocome.
Onethingwasforsure,withtheevidenceandlongtrialsahead,DuaneWarnerwouldneverleavejail.Assheclosedthefile,Jennaleanedbackinherchairandhuffedoutalongsigh.She’ddroppedbywhereWendywasstayingandfoundhertobeherusualbubblyself,althoughdiscoveringtheremarkRowleyhadsaidtohersuggestingshewascryingwolftogettoseeRiohadoutragedher.ThetownhadgottenbehindWendyandafteranonlinefundraiser,herbelovedcabinbytheriverwouldbegettingamakeoverandfittedwithafullsecuritysystem.Wendywouldreturntoherhome,withhernowfullyrecovereddog,andhercousinwouldbeherhousemate.
JennalookedatKane.“CouldyoucallRio?Iwanttospeaktohimalone.”
“Yeah,sure.”Kanefrowned.“He’sagoodcopandmadeajudgmentcall.Don’tbetoohardonhim.”
Glaringathim,Jennashookherhead.“HismistakealmostkilledWendy.I’mspeakingtohim,notfiringhim,anddoingitoneonone.”
“Okay.”Kanestoodandheadedforthedoor.
AfewminuteslaterRiowalkedintotheoffice.Jennalookedathim.“Foragoldshielddetective,Ifiguredyou’dhavemoresense.Whydidn’tyouimmediatelyinformmethatWendyhadcalledinaprowler?”
“Youwerekneedeepinacase.”Rioshrugged.“Idealtwiththesituation.IwentouttoherhousewithRowley.Wefoundnoevidenceofaprowlerorabreak-in.Notasmuchasafootprint.OverHalloweenpeoplegetspooked.Ifollowedprocedure,checkeditouttwice,wediddrive-bys,whichusuallydissuadeprowlers.Ididmentionthistoyouatthetime.Themomentshecalleditinagain,Inotifiedyou.”
Nodding,Jennaliftedherchin.“Idon’twanttoknowabouteveryticketyouwrite,butprowlersorstrangehappeningsarepertinent.Theyareneed-to-know,especiallyduringamurderinvestigation.Nexttime,keepmeintheloop.”
“Yes,ma’am.”Rionodded,hisexpressionserious,andturnedandheadedforthedoor.
Jennarelaxed.“Nowthatisover,IhopeyouandyourfamilywilljoinusforHalloweenasusual?Itwouldn’tbethesamewithoutyou.”
“Thanks,andyeah,we’llbethere.”Rio’slipstwitchedintoasmile.“Wewouldn’tmissit.”
“That’sgood.”Jennaliftedherchin.Thenextpartwouldbedifficult.“SendinRowley.”
WhenRowleycameintotheofficelookingsheepish,Jennastaredathim.“IfiguredI’dtaughtyoubetter.Never,everpresumeawomanishittingononeofourteamiftheycallforassistance.Youtakethereportandcometome.Nevereverdissuadeanyonewhoneedsassistancefromcalling911.Doyouunderstand?”
“ImisinterpretedthebodylanguageandI’vealreadyapologizedtoWendy.”Rowleyhunghishead.“We’dcheckedoutherplacetwiceanddrivenbythreetimestomakesureshewasokay.Ifiguredshewassafe.”
Seeinghisremorse,Jennanodded.“Okay.”Shesmiledathim.“Ihopewe’llseeyouandSandyandthetwinstonight?Iwouldn’twanttomissourfamilytrick-or-treating.Riowillbetherewithhisfamilyaswell.IknowWolfeiscomingwithNorrellandthegirls.”
“Yeah,we’llbethere.”Rowley’sfacesplitintoawidegrin.“Although,noballforusthisyear.We’restayinghomewiththekids.We’llmeetyouatthetopoftownasusual?”Smiling,Jennalookedathim.“Wouldn’tmissit.”
Whenheleft,Kanewalkedbackintotheoffice.“Howdiditgo?”
Sighing,Jennastood.“Itwentokay.”Shewenttothecoffeemachinetopourtwocupsand,afteraddingthefixings,passedonetoKane.Shesatdownandlookedathim.“Doyourecallgoingtrick-or-treatingwithyourparents?”
“Yeah,thebestpartwasgoinghome,tippingoutthebuckets,andsortingthecandy.”Kanegrinned.“Itwasatimewhenwealllaughedandhadfuntogether.Why?”
Recallingthesamehappymemorieswithherparents,Jennasmiled.“Yeah,metoo.I’dliketomisstheballthisyearandenjoyHalloweenwithTauri.He’sneverhadarealHalloweenwithafamily.”
“He’llhaveagreattimewiththeotherkids.”Kanegrinned.“He’ssofascinatedwiththedisplaysandhemadeabasketinkindergartentocollectcandy.Well,it’saplasticbucketwiththingsstuckontheoutside.Hetoldmeaboutitthismorningwhenyouwereintheshower.”
Jennaglancedatherwatch.“CanweorganizeaHalloweenpartyatourhousebythisafternoon?Isitpossible?”
“Yeah,wehaveeverythingtieduphere.”Kaneshrugged.“I’llgettherefreshmentsorganizedandtheranchisalreadydecorated.”
Laughing,Jennapickedupherphone.“I’llcalleveryone.”
AknockcameonthedoorandJoandCarterwalkedinside.WithJowasherdaughter,Jaime.TheyalwayscameforHalloween.
“Hey.”Josatdownwithherdaughterbesideher.“JaimeissoexcitedtoseeTauriagain.They’llhavefuntonight.”
“Morefunthanyoufigure.”Kanechuckled.“We’redumpingtheballthisyearandholdingaHalloweenpartysothekidscanhaveaspecialtime.”
“Oh,thatsoundslikefun.”JolookedatJenna.“WhatcanIdotohelp?”
“We’llorganizeeverythingbeforeweleavetonighttogotrick-or-treating.”Kanestood.“I’mheadingouttogetsuppliesnow.”Hepattedhisleg.“Comeon,Duke.”
“I’llhelp.”CarterstoodandlookedatJenna.“Thisisagoodthingyou’redoingforTauriforhisfirstHalloweenwithyou.”
JennastaredatthephotographonherdeskofTauriwithhisarmswrappedaroundherandKane.Herheartoverflowedwithloveforhermenandshenodded.“Yeah,aspecialHalloweenforourspeciallittleboyandwewanttomakeitonetorememberforever.”
***
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BOOKSBYD.K.HOODDETECTIVEBETHKATZSERIES
WildflowerGirls
ShadowAngels
DarkHearts
DETECTIVESKANEANDALTONPREQUELS
LoseYourBreath
Don’tLookBack
DETECTIVESKANEANDALTONSERIES
Don’tTellaSoul
BringMeFlowers
FollowMeHome
TheCryingSeason
WhereAngelsFear
WhisperintheNight
BreaktheSilence
HerBrokenWings
HerShallowGrave
PromisesintheDark
BeMineForever
CrossMyHeart
FallenAngel
PrayforMercy
KissHerGoodnight
HerBleedingHeart
ChaseHerShadow
NowYouSeeMe
TheirWickedGames
WhereHiddenSoulsLie
ASongfortheDead
AVAILABLEINAUDIO
DETECTIVEBETHKATZSERIES
WildflowerGirls(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
ShadowAngels(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
DETECTIVESKANEANDALTONPREQUELS
LoseYourBreath(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
Don’tLookBack(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
DETECTIVESKANEANDALTONSERIES
Don’tTellaSoul(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
BringMeFlowers(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
FollowMeHome(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
TheCryingSeason(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
WhereAngelsFear(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
WhisperintheNight(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
BreaktheSilence(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
HerBrokenWings(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
HerShallowGrave(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
PromisesintheDark(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
BeMineForever(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
CrossMyHeart(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
FallenAngel(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
PrayforMercy(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
KissHerGoodnight(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
HerBleedingHeart(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
ChaseHerShadow(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
NowYouSeeMe(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
TheirWickedGames(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
WhereHiddenSoulsLie(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
ALETTERFROMD.K.HOOD
DearReader,
ThankyousomuchforchoosingmynovelandcomingwithmeonanotherofKaneandAlton’schillingcasesinASongfortheDead.
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IlovewritingHalloweenstoriesandthisstorywasextrafunbecausethistimeIbroughtalongsomeofmyreadersasextras.Notinanysinisterway,ofcourse,butasmanagersofstoresandthelike.IpostedonFacebookandaskedfornamesandwasveryhappilysurprisedwiththeresponse,soI’lldoitagainsoon.Ioftenusethefirstnamesoffamilymembersandclosefriendsaswellinmystories,justsotheyknowIthinkaboutthemwhenIwrite.
IfyouenjoyedASongfortheDead,Iwouldbeverygratefulifyoucouldleaveareviewandrecommendmybooktoyourfriendsandfamily.Ireallyenjoyhearingfromreaders,sofeelfreetoaskmequestionsatanytime.YoucangetintouchonmyFacebookpageorX(formerlyTwitter),orthroughmywebpage.
Thankyousomuchforyoursupport.
D.K.Hood
http://www.dkhood.com/
dkhood-author.blogspot.com.au
WILDFLOWERGIRLSDETECTIVEBETHKATZBOOK1
InthedarkpineforestsurroundingthequiettownofRattlesnakeCreek,thebodyofayounggirlliesontheground.Herangelicblondehairspillsoverhershouldersandherunblinkingeyesstareuptowardthesky…
ItwasBethKatz’sserialkillerfatherwhomadeherlikesheis:asuccessfulFBIagentandanunstoppablevigilantededicatedtohuntingdownmurdererswhohaveevadedcapture.Bethwillpushherselftothelimitstodeliverjustice.Evenifitmeanskillingthosewhodeservetodie.
WhenthebodyofmissingschoolgirlBrooklynDanielsisdiscoveredinasecludedpatchofwoodlandontheoutskirtsoftown,BethandherpartnerDaxStylesracetothescene.Brooklynandherbestfriendlefthometopickwildflowersaweekagoandvanishedwithouttrace.
TakinginBrooklyn’sbodycarefullylaidonablanketandthedressneatlyfoldednexttoher,Bethsuddenlyfreezes.She’sseenthisbefore:inthefilesofacoldcase.Theperpetratortakestwogirls—onevanishes,theotheriskilledandleftwithherclothesbesideher.NowBethknowsshehasatwistedserialkilleronherhands,she’llstopatnothingtocatchhim.EvenifitmeansgoingagainstDax’sorders…
Desperatetofindtheothermissinggirl,Beth’sheartpoundsassheputsherselfupasbaitandwalksintothesecludedforest,knowingevilislurkingnearby.WithDaxwatchinghereverymove,Bethpraysthegamblepaysoff.Cansheoutsmartthemurderer,ordidshejustwalkintoatrap?AndwhenBethfinallycomesfacetofacewiththekiller,willshehandhimoverorservejusticeofherveryown?
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SHADOWANGELSDETECTIVEBETHKATZBOOK2
Inadarkcabin,ayoungwomansitstotallystill.Longdarkhairhangsoverhershouldersandheavymakeupadornsherpaleface.Cherryredlipsofferahintofasmile,butshewon’teversmileagain.Herbodyisalreadycoldtothetouch…
WhenblackcrowsarespottedcirclingoveranabandonedcabininthewoodsnearRattlesnakeCreek,FBIagentBethKatzandhermaverickpartnerDaxStylesfearsomethingisverywrong.Bethhasbeenhuntingserialkillersforyears,andassheracestotheforestshevowstoserveherownformofjustice,whateverthecost…
CassieDurham’sfriendsreportedhermissingwhenshedidn’treturnhomefromalocalbarafewdaysago.Now,Cassiesitsindarkness,herlastbreathtakendaysbefore.Bethnoticestherougedcheeksandbrightblueeyeshadowarenothinglikethepicturesshe’sseenofCassiealive.Didsomeoneaddtheheavymakeupandposeherlikethisafterdeath?
Whenanotherwomanvanishesfromanightout,Bethisconvincedatwistedkillerisintown.Aclueonthedarkwebleadshertoalocallate-nighthangout.Goingundercover,shelearnsthatwhenbothgirlsvanishedtheywerebeingwatchedbysomeoneatthebackofthecrowdedroom.
Noticingamanfollowinghereverymove,Bethknowsshehasonechancetocapturehim.Withaknifeinherpocketandhellbentonsavinganotherinnocentlife,Bethisalreadysureshe’sgoingtobethekillertonight.Otherwiseshewillbecomehisnextvictim…
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DARKHEARTSDETECTIVEBETHKATZBOOK3
Underathickcanopyofpinetrees,CassidyWilderfranticallysearchesforahidingplace.Herbreathcatchesinhermouthasshehearsheavyfootsteps.Shesaysasilentprayer,butsheknowshe’sclosinginonher.Sheknowsit’stoolate…
Whenarobberyatalocalstoreendswithmultipledeathsandtheabductionofsixteen-year-oldschoolgirlCassidyWilder,FBIagentBethKatzandherpartnerDaxStylesarecalledin.VisitingCassidy’sfamilyhomejustacoupleofblocksawayfromthequietlittlestorewhereshewentmissing,Beth’sheartbreaksasshetalkstohergrievingparentsandpromisestofindtheirdaughter.
LookingatCCTVfootage,BethishorrifiedtoseehowcalmthekillerisasheshootseveryoneinthestorebeforeforcingtheterrifiedCassidytofollowhimintohistruck.ThenBethuncoversmultiplerobberiesjustlikethisone,whereallwitnessesarekilledandayounggirlistaken.Allofthevictimsaretakenatnightandfounddeadthefollowingmorning,soBethknowstimeisrunningouttosaveCassidy.
WhenCassidy’slifelessbodyisdiscovereddumpedonabusyhighwaynearapatchofforest,Bethisdevastated.Andasmoregirlsgomissing,shefearsthemurdererisescalating.Abreakthroughfinallycomeswhenshefindsanamewritteninbloodnexttooneofthebodies.Bethknowsshe’sclosetocatchingthekillerandisdeterminedtostopanymorelivesfrombeingtaken—evenifitmeansservingherownformofjustice.Willshebeabletoresisttheurgetotakealifeherself?Orwillshebecomethekiller’snextvictim?
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LOSEYOURBREATHDETECTIVESKANEANDALTONPREQUEL
IntroducingDavidKane:fearlessandunstoppable,hewilldowhateverittakestofindjustice.Thecompletelygrippingshort-readtellinghisjourneyfromBlackOpstotheMontanansmalltownofBlackRockFalls.
Shepullsthedoorofherofficeclosedandhurriesovertoherbeaten-upoldToyotaparkedinadesertedalley.Slippingintothedriver’sseat,shecheckstherear-viewmirror,andherheartstops.Staringbackatherarethedarkeyesofastranger.Sheopenshermouthtoscream,butit’salreadytoolate…
WhensecretaryAnnieParkesissnatchedfromthestreetoutsideofherworkplace,DavidKaneistaskedwithfindingher.Strong,highlyskilled,andsecretive,he’salonerandanoutsider;theonlymanthemilitarytrusttofindAnniebeforeherkidnappersmakegoodontheirpromisetokillher.
ButasKanepullsAnniefromaderelictbuilding,gunshotsringingthroughthedesertedstreetsaroundthem,herealizesrescuingherisjustthebeginning.Heneedstokeepherclosetofindoutwhoisbehindhercapture,andtokeephersafe.
Hidingoutinaremotepartoftown,KanefeelsthewallsheputuparoundhimselfmanyyearsagobegintoslipinfrontofAnnie.Couldshebemorethanjustajob?Withanoldenemyhotonhistail,showinganyweaknesscouldbefatal—butwhenAnnieisdraggedbackintodangeronceagain,couldhealreadybetoolate?
FansoftheUSATodaybestsellingDetectivesKaneandAltonserieswillfinallyfindoutthetruthbehindDeputyDavidKane’ssecretpast.IfyouenjoyLisaRegan,MelindaLeighandKendraElliotyouwilllovethisgrippingshortread.
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DON’TLOOKBACKDETECTIVESKANEANDALTONPREQUEL
JennaAltonwasonceanFBIagentwhowouldstopatnothingtoputthosewhohurttheinnocentbehindbars.Anaddictiveshort-readabouthowshebecameBlackRockFalls’mostlovedsheriff.
Hegrabsatherhair,pullinghard.Shedoesn’tscreamlikehewantsherto.Instead,shegritsherteethandwaitsforherchancetoescape.Thensherunsharderthanshehaseverruninherlife.Asshehearshisangryfootstepsgainingonher,shepraysthatshemakesitoutoftherealive…
UndercoverFBIagentJennaAltonhasbeenplayingwifetodangerouscriminalhusbandMichaelCarlosforfouryears.Tonightsheplanstomakeherescape.Butasshegathersherbelongingstogether,shehearssomethingthatstopsherinhertracks–he’stakenayounggirlcalledMandy,andshe’sbeingheldsomewhereclose.Jennaknowswhatshemustdo–findthechildandgethertosafety–evenifitmeansriskingherownlife.
AsMichaelhostsapartyattheirsecludedhome,Jennapretendstoplayhisdotingwife,whilstdesperatelysearchingforMandy.Shetakesadeepbreathasshewalkspastherhusband’sofficedoor.Ifhecatchesher,he’llkillher.
Jenna’salreadysacrificedsomuch,butinnocentliveswillbelostifshedoesn’tleavethehousetonight.Withtheclockticking,canJennasavetheinnocentlittlegirlandgetthembothoutalive?
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DON’TTELLASOULDETECTIVESKANEANDALTONBOOK1
Thefloorwasstonecoldonherbareskin.Herheartpoundedinherchest.“NotasoulknowswhereIam,”shethoughtasshetookinthedarknessaroundher.Andthensheheardhisfootsteps…
Whenabodyisfoundstuffedintoabarrelatthelocaldump,coveredinlongredcuts,DetectiveJennaAltonandhernewdeputy,DavidKane,rushtothescene.
NothingeverhappensinthesmalltownofBlackRockFalls,soJennabelievesthevictimmustbeoneoftworecentmissingpersons,andshefearsforthelifeoftheother.
Bothwerestrangerstothetown,butthere’snothingelsetolinkthem.Jennaknowssomeonemusthaveseensomething,butnoone’stalking;howwelldoesshereallyknowthepeoplearoundher?
ThenadisturbingcluemakesJennasuspectaconnectionwithotherdisappearancesinthetown’shistory.Justwhenshebeginsaskingtherightquestions,sherealisesshe’sbeingfollowed.Isshenextonthekiller’slist?
Inaraceagainsttime,JennaandDavidmustunlockthedarksecretattheheartofthetown,beforeit’stoolate…
Acompletelyaddictivedetectivethrillerthatwillhaveyouguessingrighttotheend.IfyouloveRobertDugoni,KarinSlaughterandRachelAbbott,you’llloveDon’tTellASoul.
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BRINGMEFLOWERSDETECTIVESKANEANDALTONBOOK2
Shedidn’tknowhewaswatching.Untilitwastoolate.
She’dwalkedthiswayhundredsoftimesbefore.Shekneweverytwistandturn.Shedidn’tknowthiswasthelasttimeshe’deverwalkthispath.
Hiddendeepintheforest,schoolgirlFelicityParkerisfoundcarefullylaidoutonarockwithnothingbutafreshlypickedbunchofflowersnexttoher.Thebodyliesjustoffapopularhikingroute,andDetectiveJennaAltonthinksthekillermightbeavisitortothetown,untilanothergirl’sbodyisfoundatthelocalswimmingpool,onceagainposedwithabunchofflowers.
Jennarecognizesthesignsofaserialkiller,andthinksitcouldbealocal.Asthetownisgrippedwithfear,Jennamustexamineeachpersonthegirlsknew,andtrustbetweenneighborsstartstocrumble.
Bothgirlswentoutontheirown,andwerefoundwheretheyshouldn’tbe.Weretheytakenbychance,ordidtheyknowtheirkiller?Howweretheyluredsofarfromsafety?AndcanJennaandherteamfindthekillerbeforeanotherlifeislost?
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FOLLOWMEHOMEDETECTIVESKANEANDALTONBOOK3
Herbarearmsarescratchedandbleedingassherunsthroughtheforest.Thelightfadesbehindherbutshemustkeeprunning.Sheknowswhatwillhappentoherifshestops…
ThebodyofAmosPriceliesinapoolofbloodonthepolishedfloorofanotherwiseemptyhouseinthesmalltownofBlackRockFalls.Withnosignsofabreakin,andnocluesleftatthescene,DetectiveJennaAltonisataloss.
Butastheteambeginstounpickthelifeofthereclusivevictim,theydiscoveradisturbinglinkbetweenAmosandthedisappearanceofseveralyounggirlsinthecountygoingbackyears.
Dayslater,ElyDorsey’sbodyisfoundinaremotemotelontheoutskirtsoftown.Jennafearsnotonlythatthemurdersareconnectedtothemissinggirls,butthatthekillerhasn’tfinishedyet.
AsJennatriestoworkoutwhowillbenext,thekillersuddenlysendsherdeputy,DavidKane,messages.Isshebeingtaunted?Ordoesthemurdererwanttobecaught?AndwillJennadiscoverwho’sbehindthesekillingbeforemorepeopledie?
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THECRYINGSEASONDETECTIVESKANEANDALTONBOOK4
Thelightfadesassherunsforherlife,theforestnowbecomingquieteraroundher.Theonlynoiseshehearsisthesoundoffootstepsfollowingher…
It’shikingseasoninBlackRockFallsandthesmalltowninMontanaisfloodedwithvisitors.Butwhenahikerfindsahumanskullonadesertedtrailinthewoodsthatsurroundthetown,DetectiveJennaAltoniscalledintoinvestigate.
Withnomissingpersonsreported,Jennahasnoleads.Thenherteammakesashockingdiscovery—thebodyofanotherhiker,ayoungman,tiedtoatreeandriddledwithbullets.Couldthetwomurdersbelinked?
Asmorebodiesarefound,JennaandherdeputyDavidKaneknowthattheymustventuredeepintotheforesttofindandfacethekiller.Butnothingcanpreparethemforwhatawaitsthemthere…
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WHEREANGELSFEARDETECTIVESKANEANDALTONBOOK5
Assheopenedhereyesandtookinhersurroundingsafeelingofterrorranthroughherweakenedbody.Sheknewexactlywhereshewas.Andsheknewexactlywhatwasabouttohappentoher…
WhenEllaTatestumblesintoBlackRockFalls,herexhaustedandbloodiedbodyisaterrifyingsight,butnotasfrighteningasthestoryshehastotell.Ambushedontheirwayintotownwhentheystoppedtohelpamanbythesideofthehighway,EllaandherfriendSkyranwhenhepulledanaxonthem.Butonlyoneofthemgotaway.
AsDetectiveJennaAltoninvestigatesthecase,shelooksintothehistoryofmissingpersonsinthetown,anduncoversmorecases—allyoungpeople.Allstoppedonthesamestretchofhighwayintotown.Allvanishedwithoutatrace.
WhenadistinctivepinksweaterbelongingtoSkyturnsupinBlackRockFalls,Jennafollowsthetrailtoaderelictbuildingontheoutskirtsoftown.Butsheisn’tpreparedforwhatliesbehindthosedoors.Canshestopthekillerbeforemorelivesarelost?
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WHISPERINTHENIGHTDETECTIVESKANEANDALTONBOOK6
Sheopenshereyesandstrugglestomakeoutthedarkroomaroundher.Onethingsheknowsinstantly—herwristsareboundandshe’stiedtoachair,unabletomove.Asshescreamsforhelp,shehearsfootstepsoutside.He’scoming…
Fifteen-year-oldLindyRosenhasbeenhavingnightmaresforweeks,wakinginapanic,screamingthatthere’samaninherroomwatchinghersleep.Herparentsassumeditwasheroveractiveimagination,butwhenonemorningtheyfindLindymissingfromherbedroom,they’renotsosure.DetectiveJennaAltoniscalledintoinvestigate.
Withinhoursoftheschoolgirlgoingmissing,thekidnapperreachesouttoJennawithavideoofLindyboundandtiedtoachair,cryingtobesetfree.Andasimplemessage—you’vegot24hourstofindherorIkillher
Jenna’steamworkaroundtheclocktotrytofindLindybeforethedeadline,buttimerunsout,andJennareceivesadevastatingmessage.Thekillerhasmadegoodonhispromise.He’splayingadangerousgame.Andnooneknowswhathisnextmovewillbe.
Butjusttwodayslater,oneofLindy’sschoolfriendsistakeninthemiddleofthenightandthecountdownbeginsagain.
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BREAKTHESILENCEDETECTIVESKANEANDALTONBOOK7
Herheadthrobbedasshestumblesupthestairs.Musicvibratingandthesoundofpartygoersfillherheadasshewalksintooneofthedark,emptyrooms.Asshesitsonthebed,shehearstheunmistakablesoundofthedoorlockingbehindher.Sheisnotalone.
ThebodyofcollegestudentChrissieLoweliescurledintoaball—longredcutsalongherarmssuggestinghowshehadmetherdeath.DetectiveJennaAltoniscalledintoinvestigate.
PurplishbruisingonChrissie’supperarmsmakeJennabelievethereismoretoChrissie’sdeaththanotherssuspected,andshesoonfindsherselffollowingthetrailofthestudent’slastfewmoments,leadinghertothesceneofapartythathadendedjusthoursbeforeChrissie’sbodywasfound.
WhenJennahearsreportsthatChrissiewasseengoingintothebedroomofacollegefootballstar,sheknowsthatfindingoutwhatwentonbehindthatcloseddoorcouldbethekeytofindingouthowChrissieendedupdead.Butthenanotherpartygoerdiesinanapparentaccidentatthecampusgymjusthourslater,andJennaisconvincedthedeathsareconnected.
Facingawallofsilencefromthestudentpopulation,Jennahastoactfasttofindthekiller,butsoonanotherstudentisfounddeadonthecampus.AsJennasendsinoneofherdeputiesundercover,shepraysthatshehasn’tjustsealedhisfate.Canshefindthekillerbeforeanymorelivesaretaken?
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HERBROKENWINGSDETECTIVESKANEANDALTONBOOK8
Thesoundthatwakesherfromsleepisunmistakable—someoneisintheirhouse.Shelistensasheavyfootstepsstartupthestairs,andasthebedroomdoorisflungopen,shedoesn’tevenhavetimetoscream…
Followingafranticemergencycallinthemiddleofthenight,DetectiveJennaAltonarrivesatasecludedfamilyhometofindthebodyofLucasRobinsonlyinginapoolofhisownbloodinhisbed.HiswifeCarol,shiveringinshock,hasjustwatchedanintrudershootherhusbandincoldblood.
AsJennainvestigatesthemurder,shesoondiscoversthatLucaswashavinganaffair.Andwhenhismistressisalsofoundstrangledtodeathinthecenterofthesmalltown,Jennaisconvincedthatthemurdererislivingamongstthem.
WhenthekillerescalateswithamassmurderataremoteranchontheoutskirtsofBlackRockFalls,Jennaknowsforsurethatshe’sdealingwithamurderermoretwistedthananyothershe’sfacedbefore.
AsthetownbeginstofillwithrevelersfortheannualHalloweenfestival,Jennahastoworkfasttostopanymorelivesbeingtaken.Butasthekilleralwaysseemstobeonestepaheadoftheinvestigation,hasshefinallymetamurdererwhocanoutsmarther?
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HERSHALLOWGRAVEDETECTIVESKANEANDALTONBOOK9
Sherunshertremblingfingersoverthedark,dampwallssurroundingher.Aboveherhead,shehearsheavyfootsteps.Sheknowsshehasnowheretohideandasthedoortothecellarisflungopen,shefinallyseeshisface.
It’swinterinBlackRockFallsand,astouristsflocktothesmalltowntotakeinthesnowymountainpeaks,onevisitormakesasickeningdiscovery.Thefrozenbodyofayoungwomanhangsfromatreeontheoutskirtsoftown.DetectiveJennaAltoniscalledintoinvestigate.
Jenna’sstomachturnsasshesurveystheice-coldremains,andshe’ssoonalertedtosimilarburialsitesnearby.Withnomissingpersonsreported,Jennaandherdeputy,DavidKane,fearBlackRockFallsisbeingusedasadumpinggroundforbodies.
Asthebodycountmountsup,Jennaismoredeterminedthanevertofindthepersonresponsible.Butasshetriestocatchthekillerout,heoutsmartsheronceagainandJennabeginstowonderifheknowshernextmove.Couldhebeclosertoherthanshethinks?
WhentheinvestigationtakesJennatoahomelessshelterrightintheheartofthecommunity,shefearsforthelifeofawomanwhohasn’tbeenseenforafewdays.It’sclearthekillerisbeginningtoescalate,soJennarampsuptheinvestigationandputsherselfinunthinkabledanger.Canshecatchthemurdereroffguard,ordoeshealreadyknowshe’sonherway?HasJennafinallymetakillershecan’tcatch?
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PROMISESINTHEDARKDETECTIVESKANEANDALTONBOOK10
Theyounggirlpushesagainstthebackseatofthefamilysedan,fightingtofreeherselffromthecrudetiesrestrictingherhandsandfeet.Asthecarspeedstowardtheedgeoftown,shelooksbackatherfamilyhome,andwatchesinhorrorasitsuddenlyexplodesinamassofflames.Tremblingwithfear,sheturnstowardthedriverandhearsonlylaughter.Sheknowsthattheworstisyettocome…
DetectiveJennaAltonsurveysthecharredremainsofthelargesuburbanhome,stoppingtopauseatthethreelifelessbodiesoftheWoodsfamily.Jennaknowsshe’slookingforaserialkiller,butherpriorityisfindingthemissingteenagedaughterlastseenonthenightoftheinferno.
Dayslater,SophieWoods’sbodyisdiscoveredfloatinginashallowpoolofcrystal-clearwater–knownlocallyasDeadMan’sDrop–butJennastilldoesn’tknowwhowouldtargetthequietfamilyinsuchabrutalattack.
Delvingintothefamily’spast,shemakesashockingdiscovery–alinkbetweenthekillerandsomeoneconnectedtoherdeputyDavidKane.IfJennaisrightandthekillerisbackandseekingrevenge,thenshemustactfasttokeepherdeputysafe.
Whenanothergirlistaken,JennaandDavidfollowthetrailintoanetworkofundergroundcavesontheoutskirtsoftown.Withlittletimebeforethekillerclaimshisnextvictim,theyraceintothepitch-blacktunnels,unsurewhethertheyhavejustwalkedintothekiller’strap.Cantheyfindthegirlintimeandescapethecaveswithoutthekillerchasingthemdown?
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BEMINEFOREVERDETECTIVESKANEANDALTONBOOK11
Graycloudsgatheroverheadassherunsalongthedarkroad.Notasoulisoutinthestorm,orsoshethinks.Asthevehiclepullsupalongsideher,sheseesafamiliarfacebehindthewheelandthinksshe’ssafe.Littledoessheknow,shehasjustputherselfinunthinkabledanger…
Whenlocalcheerleader,LaurieTurner,goesmissingafterpracticeandherbrightredpick-uptruckisfoundabandonedbythesideofaquietroad,DetectiveJennaAltonfearstheworst.
VisitingLaurie’sfamilyhouse,Jennasensesthattheteenager’shomelifeisn’tasperfectasherfatherwouldhavepeoplebelieve.QuicktotemperandfullofhatredtowardLaurie’smother,DrTurnerdoesn’tseemtoknowthefirstthingabouthisowndaughter,letalonehowlongshe’sbeenmissingfor.
Withtheclockticking,thewholetowntakestothestreetstofindthemissinggirland,afterafranticsearch,aterriblediscoveryismadeatthebottomofanoldmineshaftontheoutskirtsoftown.Laurie’spalebodyistotallystillandJennaissuresomebodyinthelocalcommunityisherkiller.
Whenanothercheerleadergoesmissing,Jennathinksthatsomeoneclosetotheschoolispickingtheteenagersoffonebyone.Asshetalkstotheotherstudents,itbecomesclearthatthereareplentyofpeoplewho’dliketosilencethegirlsforever.
ThenherowndeputyDavidKanecomesfacetofacewiththemurderer,andJennahastoracetosavehim.Canshedosobeforeit’stoolate?Orwillanotheryounglifebetaken?
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CROSSMYHEARTDETECTIVESKANEANDALTONBOOK12
Shewakestothesoundoffootstepsoutsidehersecludedhome.Movingtowardthewindow,shescansthedarkwoodsaroundherandfreezes.Atallfigureinalongdarkcoatholdsacrossbowpointedrightather.Sheblinksaslightningcracksoverhead.Butwhensheopenshereyes,thefigurehasvanished…
WhenthebodyofamanisfoundinthedenseforestsurroundingBlackRockFalls,SheriffJennaAltonimmediatelyseesdisturbingsimilaritieswithapastcase—thesamemurderweapon,theremotebeautyspot,andthewaythevictimisperchedagainstatreewithnosignofastruggle.Butthekillerinthatcasewasjailedforlife.
Jennasuspectsacopycatkillerandherfearsareconfirmedwhen,duringthetown’sHalloweenfestival,thebodiesoftwotouristsarefoundfurtherdowntheremotetrail.TheytoohadbeenhunteddownandmurderedinanotherpicturesquespotandallJennacanhopeisthatthemanbehindbarscanhelphercatchthetwistedmonsterbehindthesenewdeaths.
Asshecomesfacetofacewiththeviciousmurdererwhohashauntedherdreamsforyears,sheissureheknowsmorethanhe’stellingher.LookingdeepintoJenna’seyes,asifthey’retwooldfriendscatchingup,hepromisestotakehisfinalrevengeonherforlockinghimup.Butbeforeshecanlearnmore,heisdraggedawaybyprisonguards.
WhenasuddenemergencycalltakesJennaandherdeputyDavidKanedeepintothewoods,Jennasensessomethingisverywrongaboutthesituation.Asastrangecalmnessfallsovertheforest,afamiliarfaceemergesfromtheshadows.WillthiskillerbetheonewhofinallytakesdownSheriffAlton,andcantheymakeitoutoftheforestalive?
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FALLENANGELDETECTIVESKANEANDALTONBOOK13
Hurryingalongthedark,snow-coveredpath,sheknowsshe’snotalonewhenshehearsthelighttreadofsomeonebehindher.Panicrisinginherchest,shepicksupthepace.Butshedoesn’tevenhaveachancetoscreambeforeeverythinggoesblack.
WhenabeautifulyoungwomanisreportedmissingfromherhotelroomontheoutskirtsofBlackRockFalls,SheriffJennaAltonandherdeputyDavidKanearedevastatedtodiscoverherpale,lifelessbodytrappedbeneathafrozenlakenearby.It’sJennawhofindsthesinglepearlearringburiedinthefrostedgrassthatgivesthemtheirfirstlead.
JustasJennahastheremaininghotelguestssafelybackintheirrooms,thekillerstrikesagain,andanothervictimisfoundinoneofthehotel’slakesidecabins.Nexttohisbloodiedbodyisasecondpearlearring.Whatdoesitmean,andwhyisthekillerleavingthemforJennatofind?
Interviewingwitnesses,Jennadiscoversthatbothvictimswereseenarguingwithotherresidentshoursbeforetheirdeaths.Couldthemurdererbeoutforrevenge,andhowmanymorebodieswillfollowbeforetheyaretrulysatisfied?
AsablizzardcutsthehotelofffromBlackRockFalls,Jennaandherteamaretrappedwiththekiller.Thenshereceivesaterrifyingcallfromateenagegirlwhothinksthemurdererwasinherroomassheslept.CanJennasaveherfrombecomingthenextvictim?Andhowmanymoreinnocentliveswillbetakenbeforethesnowthaws?
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PRAYFORMERCYDETECTIVESKANEANDALTONBOOK14
Herheartracesasanoisefromdownstairswakesher.Shetakesthestairsslowly,noticingthecellardooriswideopen.Closingit,shereturnstothesafetyofherbedroom.Seeingamovementinthecorneroftheroom,shescreams.She’snotalone.Butnobodycanhelphernow…
WritingscrawledonthewallofSheriffJennaAlton’sofficeovernightleadsherandherdeputyDavidKanetoasmallhouseontheoutskirtsofBlackRockFalls.Inside,JennaisdevastatedtofinddevotedchurchgoerAgnesWagnerlyinginapoolofblood,stabwoundscoveringherlifelessbody.Whatmonsterwouldattackadefencelesswomanlivingaloneonaquietstreet?
Withnowitnessesandnotraceofthekilleratthescene,thedeadlymessagewrittenonJenna’sdoorisheronlyclue.ButassheracestointerviewacontractorwhorecentlyhadaccesstoAgnes’shome,shediscoversthewreckofacaronamountainroad,Agnes’sbestfrienddeadinside.
Jennaknowsthevictimswereclosefriendsandshethinksatwistedkillerhasbeenwatchingthem,waitingfortheperfecttimetostrike.Butbeforeshecanmakehernextmove,oneofherownteamisfoundunconsciousandcoveredinthebloodofathirdfemalevictim—aknifeinchesawayfromhishand.
Pulseracing,Jennafiresquestionsathershakendeputy,whocan’texplainwhyhewasinthewoman’shouse.Couldhereallybeakiller,orissomeoneplayinganevilgamewithJennaandherteam?Theclockistickingtouncoveradarksecretinthepastthatconnectsallthreevictims,butcansheworkoutwhoisterrorizinghersmalltownbeforeanotherinnocentlifeistaken?
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KISSHERGOODNIGHTDETECTIVESKANEANDALTONBOOK15
Sheglancesaroundasshelocksthecafédoorbehindher.It’sgrowingdarkandthequietstreetisdeserted.Tired,shestartsonhershortwalkhome.Shethinksshe’llbesafeinsidewithinminutes,butthepersonwatchingfromtheshadowshasotherplansforhertonight…
WhenthebodyofayoungwomanisdiscoveredinalocalplaygroundinthecenterofBlackRockFalls,SheriffJennaAltonandherdeputyDavidKanerushtothescene.Jennarecoilswithhorrorwhensheseesthebody,dressedinathinnightgown,herfacecoveredbyaterrifyingHalloweenmask.
Whenthebodyisexamined,redpuncturemarksareuncoveredalongherspine.Jennamakesaconnectionwithacoldcasewherethekillertorturedyoungwomenforyearsandwasnevercaught.Ifthemurdererhasstartedkillingagain,Jennaknowsit’sonlyamatteroftimebeforeanotherbodyisfound.
Dayslater,whenanothervictimlaysslumpedagainstthefenceofalocallandfillsite,withthesamepuncturewoundsandmacabremask,Jenna’sfearsareconfirmed.Aserialkillerisbackintownandthey’repickingoffwomenonebyone.
Then,asathirdbodyisfound,Jennafinallygetsthebreakthroughsheneeds.Dirtfoundunderneaththewomen’sfingernailsleadstoadangerouscavenetworkinthemountainsoutsidetown.AndonceJennaventuresintothedark,windingundergroundtunnels,willshefindthepersonresponsibleforthedeathsandtakethemdown,orhasshejustwalkedintothekiller’strap?
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HERBLEEDINGHEARTDETECTIVESKANEANDALTONBOOK16
Rainsoaksherclothesassherunsfromthelarge,isolatedfamilyhomeandhidesbehindthebeaten-uppickuptruckparkedoutfront.Milesfromsafety,herheartthudsasfootstepsdrawcloser.He’sfoundher…
TherainhadbeenfallingforweekswhenBlackRockFallsSheriff,JennaAlton,receivesapanickedphonecallfromalocalforestranger.Thelifelessbodyofawomanhaswasheduponthebanksofaswollenriver.
Rushingtothescene,Jennaandherdeputy,DavidKane,findtheyounggirllayingfaceupinthedirt,herlongbrownhairspillingoutaroundher,herperfectpaleskinshowingnosignsofstruggle.Leaninginforacloserlook,shefindsajackofheartsplayingcardtuckedintothegirl’sunderwear.Thiswasnoaccident—someonekilledthisinnocentsoul,andleftatwistedcallingcard…
Dayslater,anotheryoungwomanisfoundslumpedinthebackofcaratalocaltruckstopontheoutskirtsoftown,angryredmarksaroundherneck.Jenna’sheadspinswhenshefindsasecondplayingcardinherclothing.Isthiskillerescalating?Anddoeshehaveanextvictimalreadyinhissights?
Asalandslideshutsthetownofffromtheoutsideworld,Jennaandherteambattleragingstormsintheirsearchforanswers.JennaisconvincedtheplayingcardslinkthesevictimstoatwistedserialkillertheFBIhavebeenhuntingforoveradecade.Ifshe’sright,she’schasingAmerica’smostdangerousandelusivekiller.CanshecatchhimbeforeBlackRockFallslosesanotherinnocentyounglife?
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CHASEHERSHADOWDETECTIVESKANEANDALTONBOOK17
Shewakessuddenly.Dawnisstillhoursaway,butthroughthewindowofherlogcabininthewoods,somethingmovesinthedistance.Alonefigureintheforest.Herbloodrunscoldastheshadowbeginstowalkslowlytowardher…
It’sHalloweeninBlackRockFallsandSheriffJennaAltonandherdeputyDavidKanearecalledtoasmalllodgeontheoutskirtsoftown.JennaisdevastatedtofindthelifelessbodyofWillowSmith,amilitarywidowwhosehusbandwentmissinginactionandhasbeenpresumeddeadforyears.Herbreathcatchesinherthroatwhenshenoticestheheart-shapedpurplemedalonWillow’spalechest.WasWillowclingingtoitwhenshedied,orwasitplacedthereaftershetookherlastbreath?
Desperatelychasingdowneverylead,JennahearsthatWillowhadbeenreceivingsilentphonecallsinthedeadofnight.WitnessessayWillowthoughthermissinghusbandwastryingtomakecontact.Wishfulthinkingofalonelywifeconsumedwithgrief,oraheartlesskillerhopingtoterrifyher?
Dayslater,anotherwoman’sbodyisfoundatthebottomofaperilousravine.Jenna’sworstfearisconfirmedthemomentshespotsapurplemedal:adangerousserialkillerispreyingonthewivesofsoldiersfromthesameplatoon,andifshedoesn’tactfast,moreliveswillbeatrisk.
Thekeyliesindiscoveringwhathappenedtothemissingsoldiers,andwhetheranyofthemmadeitbackalive.But,separatedfromherteaminasecludedforest,Jennahearsabranchsnapbehindher.Sheisnotalone.Willshebethenextvictimofatwistedtrainedsoldierontheloose?Andhowmanymoregrievingwidowswillhavetheirlivessnatchedbeforehe’scaught?
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NOWYOUSEEMEDETECTIVESKANEANDALTONBOOK18
Shiveringbyherbroken-downcaratmidnight,she’srelievedwhenapasser-byfinallystopsandoffersheraride.Butherheartpoundsasshehearsthelocksclickshut.They’regoingthewrongway.Rootedtothespotwithfear,shelooksintohisdarkeyes,ashelaughswildly…
WhenacarbelongingtoBlackRockFalls’much-lovedbartenderMaisyJonesisfoundabandonedonanice-coveredroadoutsideoftown,SheriffJennaAltonandherdeputyDavidKanearecalledin.Theexhausthasbeentamperedwith,whichcanonlymeanonething:someonewantedMaisystrandedonthatisolatedroad…
Findingaredbackpackonthesameperilousstretchofhighway,JennahopesitwillcontaincluestoMaisy’swhereabouts.Butthedebitcardsinsidebelongtolocalteachingassistant,BillyStevens.Hedidn’tshowupforworkthatday.Billytoohasvanishedintothinair.
JennaneedstofindMaisyandBillyfast,butherfranticsearchonlythrowsupanothermissingperson.CanvassingthesmalltownfestoonedwithChristmaslights,Jennahastheimpossibletaskoftrackingdownatwistedmurdererpluckingvictimsfromtheireverydaylivesandleavingnotrace.
Almostgivinguphope,shemakesasickeningdiscoveryinthechurchatthecenteroftown,onethatsendsshockwavesthroughthetight-knitcommunity.Everyoneisafraidtolettheirlovedonesoutofsight.ButhowmanymoreinnocentlivesmustbelostbeforeJennacancatchthekilleramongthem?
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THEIRWICKEDGAMESDETECTIVESKANEANDALTONBOOK19
Asshescansthedarkpineforest,theunmistakablesoundofatwigsnappingbreaksthesilentstillness.Sheisn’talone.Shebeginstorunbutshehardlyhastimetoscreambeforeherworldgoesblack…
OnasecludedpathnearBlackRockFalls,threebodiesliebloodiedandstill—thearrowsthatkilledthemremoved,andpolishedpennycoinscarefullyplacedontheirfrozeneyes.WhenSheriffJennaAltonandDeputyDavidKanearecalledin,theyareshockedtorecognisethehallmarksofaninfamousserialkiller.Buthe’sbeeninprisonfortenyears.
Jennaisconvincedthattheattackerknewthetrioandluredthemintotheforest.Butwhowouldwanttoharmthreeinnocentteenagers?Andhowdoesaconvictedmurdererfitin?JennaknowsshemustquestionJamesEarlStafford—oneofAmerica’smostdangerouskillers—ifshe’stosavemoreinnocentyounglives.
WithStaffordrefusingtogiveanswers,Jennaisconvincedthatacopycatkillerisstalkinghersmalltown.Andherworstfearsarerealisedwhenalocalfishermandiscoversanotherteenager’slifelessbodyfloatingintheshallowsofalocalwateringholewiththesamepennycoinscoveringhereyes.
Asparentspanicfortheirchildren’slives,Jennaworksaroundtheclocktotrackdownthemurderer,butlittledoessheknowthatoneofherownteamisnowbeingwatched.CanJennaplaythekiller’swickedgameandpreventanotherlifefrombeingtaken?
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WHEREHIDDENSOULSLIEDETECTIVESKANEANDALTONBOOK20
Assheopenshereyesandtakesinthedark,dampearth,herheartraces.Shetriestomovebuttheropebindingherfeetcutstight—she’strappedunderground.Heavyfootstepspaceabove.Atearfallsdownhercheekasshestiflesascream.He’swalkingaway.He’sleftherfordead…
WhenashallowgraveisdiscoveredinthedarkpineforestsurroundingBlackRockFalls,SheriffJennaAltonrushestoinvestigate.Afterunearthingtheoldbones,Jennascourstheareaforclues:andherheartbeatswildlywhenshebumpsintoateenagegirl,breathlessandcoveredindirt.WandaBeauchamptellsJennashewaskidnappedfromherfosterhomeandburiedalive.Couldthekidnapperbelinkedtotheshallowgrave?
TakinginWanda’sthinframe,Jennaknowsthepoorgirlisclosetodeath.She’lldoeverythingshecantosaveher,butthey’remilesfromanywhereandnightisfallingfast.WhenWandafalls,thekidnappermakeshismoveandJennaispowerlesstostophimtakingtheyounggirl’slife.Escapingthesamefate,sheiswrackedwithguiltandvowstocatchtheruthlesskillerandbringhimtojustice.
Whenanothergirlisreportedmissingfromafosterhome,JennaandherdeputyDavidKaneknowtheymustactfasttosaveher.Jennabelievesthemurdererlivesoff-grid,andaclueatalocalsupplystorefinallyleadshertoaremotecabininthewoods.
StillhauntedbyWanda’slastmoments,canJennalayatraptooutsmartthistwistedkillerprayingonyounggirls?Ordidshejustputherselfinunthinkabledanger?
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Totheamazing#TeamBookoutureandmyverysupportiveeditorHelen,manythanks.
Imustthankmywonderfulreaderswhoarealwaystheretosupportme.Writingisaveryisolatedoccupation,andthefeedbackandencouragementIreceivefrommyreaders,manywhohavebecomefriends,issecondtonone.
ToGary,myrock.Youhelpmeclimbmountains.
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TableofContents
TitlePage
BooksbyD.K.Hood
Contents
Dedication
Prologue
Chapter1
Chapter2
Chapter3
Chapter4
Chapter5
Chapter6
Chapter7
Chapter8
Chapter9
Chapter10
Chapter11
Chapter12
Chapter13
Chapter14
Chapter15
Chapter16
Chapter17
Chapter18
Chapter19
Chapter20
Chapter21
Chapter22
Chapter23
Chapter24
Chapter25
Chapter26
Chapter27
Chapter28
Chapter29
Chapter30
Chapter31
Chapter32
Chapter33
Chapter34
Chapter35
Chapter36
Chapter37
Chapter38
Chapter39
Chapter40
Chapter41
Chapter42
Chapter43
Chapter44
Chapter45
Chapter46
Chapter47
Chapter48
Chapter49
Chapter50
Epilogue
HearMorefromD.K.Hood
BooksbyD.K.Hood
ALetterfromD.K.Hood
WildflowerGirls
ShadowAngels
DarkHearts
LoseYourBreath
Don’tLookBack
Don’tTellaSoul
BringMeFlowers
FollowMeHome
TheCryingSeason
WhereAngelsFear
WhisperintheNight
BreaktheSilence
HerBrokenWings
HerShallowGrave
PromisesintheDark
BeMineForever
CrossMyHeart
FallenAngel
PrayforMercy
KissHerGoodnight
HerBleedingHeart
ChaseHerShadow
NowYouSeeMe
TheirWickedGames
WhereHiddenSoulsLie
Acknowledgments
PublishingTeam
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