CROSSMYHEARTACOMPLETELYGRIPPINGANDUNPUTDOWNABLESERIALKILLERTHRILLERD.K.HOODBOOKSBYD.K.HOODDetectivesKaneandAltonSeries
Don’tTellASoul
BringMeFlowers
FollowMeHome
TheCryingSeason
WhereAngelsFear
WhisperintheNight
BreaktheSilence
HerBrokenWings
HerShallowGrave
PromisesintheDark
BeMineForever
CrossMyHeart
AVAILABLEINAUDIO
Don’tTellASoul(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
BringMeFlowers(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
FollowMeHome(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
TheCryingSeason(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
WhereAngelsFear(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
WhisperintheNight(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
BreaktheSilence(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
HerBrokenWings(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
HerShallowGrave(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
PromisesintheDark(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
BeMineForever(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
Tomyreaders,whohavebecomeanextendedfamilyandwonderfulfriends.
“Theweatherisanunpredictablebeast.Onedaythesuncaressesyourskin,andthenextastormtearsyourworldapart.Ifigureintimewe’llbenamingstormcellsafterpsychopaths.”
—DavidKane
PROLOGUELATETHURSDAYNIGHT
Windbatteredthesmalltentandhowledthroughthetrees,pepperingtheslopingsideswithpineneedles.Thetentbuckedsoharditcould’veblownawayinasplitsecond—butitwasn’ttheweatherthathaddraggedJuneHarrisfromsleep,itwasthethudanddesperatecry.Hadshebeendreaming?Sheopenedhereyeswideandstaredatthetentflap,itszipperglisteninginthemoonlightasthewindslappeditagainsttheopening.Theintermittentviewofthecampfire,itsashestwirlingintothenight,cameandwentwitheachgust.Shereachedouttowakeherhusband,onlytofindhissleepingbagempty.“Payton,areyououtthere?”
Nothing.
Thehairsonthebackofherneckprickledinalarm.Somethingwasterriblywrong.Ifhe’dneededtogooutside,he’dhavezippedupthetent.Heartthundering,shescrambledoutofhersleepingbag,draggedonherbootsandcoat,andthencrawledtotheentrance.Thewindwhippedherhairacrosshereyesandbuffetedherhood,butshehadn’tmistakenthecrunch,crunch,crunchofbootsoverdeadleaves.Sheshrankbackasatallshapemovedoutofthedarknesswearingalong,flappingdarkslicker.Astreamofmoonlightglistenedonsomethinginhishand.Inblindpanic,shebackedinsideandsearchedaroundfortheflashlight.Gaspingwithreliefwhenherhandclosedaroundthefamiliarshape,sheflickeditonand,hearthammeringagainstherribs,movedthebeamoverthetrees.Thefigurehadvanishedbutasshescannedtheperimeterofthecampsite,shemadeoutsomeonesittingagainstatreewearingafamiliarredjacket.“Payton,isthatyou?”
Nothing.
“Payton?”
Straightening,sheranacrosstheclearingandgaspedindisbeliefastheflashlightmovedoverherhusband’sface,frozeninaglassystareofhorror,andthentothearrowpiercinghisforehead.Shocked,shestumbledtoahalt,notbelievinghereyes.ThewindliftedPayton’shairandflippedopenhisjacket.Pineneedlesshoweredherhoodlikeraindropsandprickledherexposedflesh.Atwigcrackedbehindher,andshespunaround,movingherflashlightinalldirections,butonlydarkshadowsfilledtheclearing.Heartthundering,shetookafewstepsclosertoPayton,hopingtoseeasignoflife,aflickerofaneyelid,something.Thesmellofgasolinebitintohernostrilsandasshemovedcloser,shecouldseethefluiddrippingfromPayton’sinertbody.Withtremblingfingers,shetouchedhisice-coldcheekandpeeredintounseeingeyes.Herstomachcrampedasrealizationslammedintoher.Paytonwasdead,andhiskillerwascomingbackforher.
Indecisionfrozehertothespotand,terrified,sheletoutasob.Aloneandlost,shehadnoideawhattodo.Junestaredintothedarkness;theforestvastandforebodingofferednoescape.Sheranbacktothetenttocallforhelp.Onhandsandknees,sheranherpalmsovereveryinchofthefloorsearchingthegroundforherphone,flingingbeddinginalldirections,butitwasnowheretobefound.Panichadherbythethroat.Shehadtogetaway,andscannedthecampsite,spillingtheflashlightbeamovertheentireareabeforeventuringacrosstheclearing.Theembersinthefireglowedasshepassedandacurlofsmokeroseupandblewtowardher.She’dclosedhereyesagainsttheashesbrushingherfacewhenthecrunch,crunch,crunchofleavescameagain.Heartthundering,shespunaroundandgapedinhorroratthedarkfigureemergingfromtheshadows.Shetookastepbackasherflashlightpickedoutamaninblack.Hislongcoatflappedinthewindandacrossbowdangledfromoneglovedhand.Terrified,shestaredathim,tryingtomakeouthisfeatures,butsomethingwascoveringhisface.
“Youlookingforsomeone?”Hisdeepvoiceseemedtopenetratethewind.
Juneraisedhervoice.“Ineedhelp.Someone’sshotmyhusband.”
“Youplanningonstartingaforestfire?”Heignoredherpleasandkickeddirtovertheglowingembers.
June,wavedahandbehindher.“No—myhusband.Didn’tyouhearme?He’sbeenshot.”
“Iheardyoujustfine.”Thestranger’seyesglistenedinthemoonlightlikeliquidpoolswithnoexpression,darkanddeepasifthebalaclavacoveredthefaceofaghoul.“He’sdead,soofnointeresttome.What’syourname?”
Takingastepbackward,Juneglancedbetweenthemanandthebodyofherhusband.“JuneHarris.”
“You’llmakeafineadditiontomycollection,JuneHarris.”Hisvoiceseemedtoechoacrossthespacebetweenthemlikeawhisperfromagrave.
ThestrangerchilledJunetothebone.Thewayhetippedhisheadtolookatherthroughthegapingeyesocketsinthebalaclavawasliketalkingtoaskull.“Collection?”Shedartedhergazeinalldirections,lookingforawaytoescape.“Whatdoyoumeanbythat?Whatcollection?You’renotmakinganysense.”
“You’llfindoutsoonenough.”Hiscold,bottomlessstareneverleftherface.
Theimpendingdangerradiatingfromhimgraspedherbythethroatandshegapedathim,unabletomove.Asifinslowmotion,thestrangerraisedacrossbowandaimeditather.Sheflinched,butherattentionhadfixedontheboltpointingrightather.Sheheldupherhands,defenseless.“Don’tshootme.”
“Nowthatwouldn’tbefun.”Achucklecamefromdeepinhischestashetookastepcloser.“Run.”
ONEFRIDAY
Lungsburstingfromlackofoxygen,Juneranthroughtheforestagain,screaminguntilhervoicebecamearaspycroak.He’dkepthertiedupalldayandheldmeaninglessconversationwithherasiftheywerefriends.He’dwaiteduntilnightfalltoplayhissickgameswithheragain.Hewasthehunterandshehisprey.Ashisfootstepspoundedbehindher,shescrambledunderabush;thesmellofdampsoilandscatcrawleduphernose.Heartpounding,she’dtriedtocontrolhergaspingbreathbuttheslowcrunch,crunchofhisdeliberatefootstepsstoppedcloseby.He’dhuntedherdownwithease.Shepeeredthroughthebranchestoseehisoutline,adarkshadowaboveher.
“Thatwastooeasy,JuneHarris.”Hisamusedchucklesentshiversdownherspine.“It’sdark,surelyyoucanoffermemoresportthanthat?Getupandtryagain.Runupthetrail,you’llbeabletoseeyourwayinthemoonlight.I’llcounttotwenty.”
Exhaustedandwithherheartthreateningtoburstthroughherchest,shecrawledoutfromunderthebushesandran,trippingandfallingintothepineneedles.Whenhelaughedather,hiscompletelackofempathyterrifiedher.Shestoodontremblinglegsandfacedhim.“Pleaseletmego.Iwon’ttellanyone.Youhavemyword.Justletmego.Ican’trunanotherstep.”
“Nope.Youdon’tgettodecideyourfate.”Shadowshidhiseyes,buthemotionedheronwiththecrossbow.“Lastchance.Headtowardthemountain.Ifyoureachtheforkinthetrail,I’llletyougo,nowrun.”Helaughedather.“Screamallyoulike,there’snooneheretohelpyouandyou’llattractthebears.Won’tthatbefun?”
Terrified,Juneran,draggingherachinglegsupthesteepslope.Brancheslashedhercheeksanddeadbushescaughtinherclothes.Witheachgaspingbreath,thecoldairseemedtobetearingholesinherlungs.Ahead,themountainloomedoutofthemoonlight,notfarnow.Shecouldjustmakeouttheforkinthetrailaheadwherethetreesseparated.Somethinghitherhardandsearinghotpainslicedthroughhercalfmuscle.Cryingoutinagony,shefellfacedowninthedirtandthenhewasonher.Asshedesperatelytriedtocrawlaway,hewatchedherasifenjoyingherpainbeforegrabbingherbythefeetanddraggingherawayfromthemaintrailandalongananimalpath.Theroughgroundtoreintoherback.Rocksanddeadtwigspiledupbeneathher,cuttingdeep.“Pleasestop.You’rehurtingme.”
Hesaidnothing.
Draggingherintoastinkingcave,hepushedheroverontoherfacewithonelargeboot.Tremblingwithfear,shefrozeinthepitch-blackdarknessuntilheturnedonalantern.Heremainedsilentandjustsatattheentrancestaringatherasifdecidingherfate.Inagony,shelookeddownattheboltpiercingherleganddryretchedasherabductorrestedhisbackagainsttheentrance,openedabackpack,andfeastedonhotcoffeeandsandwichesasifthey’dbeenonapicnic.Horrified,shelayinshock,toofrightenedtoclosehereyes,untiltheearlymorningraysofsunlightpiercedthegloom.
Thecavehadmetalboxesstackedinonecorner,andacrudeattempthadbeenmadetosweeptheanimalscatandsmallbonesintoacorner.Coolmountainairrustledthebushescoveringtheentrance,raisingchillbumpsonherexposedflesh.Junestretchedalittle,testinghermuscles.Anexplosionofagonyshotthroughhercalf.Shebitdownhardonhercheek,refusingtogivehercaptorthesatisfactionofseeingherinpain,andpeeredatthemanrolledupinasleepingbagblockingtheentrance.Thecavereekedofhissweatasifhehadn’twashedforaweek.Shehadnochanceofescape,nowhe’dshother.Thesearingtormentwouldmakeitimpossibletowalk,letalonerun.
Panicgrippedherand,dizzyfromlackoffoodandwater,shestaredatherinjury.Exhaustionsoakedthroughher,butifshehadanychanceatallshe’dhavetoremovetheboltwedgedthroughherfleshlikeagiantsilversplinter.Withtremblingfingers,shepulledgentlyonthefeatheredendoftheboltandthengrittedherteethandsliditbackthroughthemuscle.Hercryhadcaughtthestranger’simmediateattention,andhewatchedherwithanamusedexpressionasifshe’dbecomeanexhibitinazoo.Arushofnauseaandlightheadednessmadeherswaybutsherefusedtoallowhimtowin.Suckinginbreathsbetweenclenchedteeth,shesearchedherjacketpocketsandfoundhercottonscarf.Aftertyingitaroundthewound,sheleanedbackagainstthewall.Sweatrandownherfaceandstunghereyes,butsheforcedherselftomeethishard,coldgaze.“Whatdoyouwantwithme?Whyareyoukeepingmehere?”
“Getsomerest.”Heclosedhiseyesandrestedhisheadagainstthewallofthecave.“It’sjustmorefuntryingtocatchyouwhenyou’refresh.Itgetsboringrealfastifyou’retooexhaustedtorun.”Hewethislips.“You’llgetachancetoescapeagainsoonenough.”
Junenodded.Sheunderstoodwhathewanted.Hecravedthechaseofthehunt.“Thenshootingmeandnotgivingmeanythingtoeatordrinkischeating.HowcanIrun?Icanhardlystanduprightnow.Orisityoucan’thandlethechallenge?”
“Youhaveasmartmouth,youknowthat?”Hereachedforabackpack,removedabottleofGatorade,andtossedittoher.“Thereyougo.”
Junegrabbedatthebottleandsippedthedrink,thenstowedhalfofitinthepocketofherjacket.Ifshemanagedtoescapehim,she’dneeditlater.Sheplannedthewaythroughtheforestinhermind.Duringherlastescapeshe’drunblindly,butashedraggedhertothecave,she’dbecomewiserandscannedtheareaforanescaperoute.Ifshecouldreachthetrail,she’dhaveachanceofsomeonehearinghercallforhelp.
Asmuchasshewantedto,shecouldn’tclosehereyesandrest.TheimageofPaytonwiththearrowprotrudingfromhisheadwasburnedintoherretinas,andherlegthrobbedalongwiththerapidbeatingofherheart.Tryingtocontrolherbreathing,sheeyedthemanfrombeneathherlashes.Hewastoyingwithherandtryingtoprovehecouldcatchhernomatterhowmanytimessheescaped.Hewasascunningasafox.Therewasnoreasoningwithhim.Shemightaswellbetalkingtoarobotwithscriptedreplies.Itwasasifshe’dbecomeaplayerinavideogamerunningonaloopinsideacrazyman’shead.
Junestaredathim,waitingforhimtopounce.Whenhewentthroughhisbackpackandtossedheranenergybar,shefrowned,unabletounderstandhislogic.Hadshefinallygottenthroughtohim?“Thankyou.”
“Don’tthankme.”Hepointedather.“Idon’thuntdownwoundedprey.It’snochallengetome.I’llmakeadealwithyou.Playthegameandifyoumakeittotheriver,I’llletyougo.Ifnot,you’llbespendingalongtimeinthiscave.”Hisdarkeyes,likebottomlesspits,movedoverher.“I’llevengiveyouaminutestarttomakeitinteresting.Restup,LittlePiggy—theBigBadWolfislockedandloaded.”
TWOTHEEARLYHOURSOFMONDAYMORNINGBlackRockFalls,Montana
SheriffJennaAltonignoredthesinisterhowlingofthewind,shovedherfeetintoherboots,andwrappinghercoataroundher,headedforthefrontdoor.ShestaredatDuke,thebloodhoundownedbyherdeputy,anoff-the-gridspecialforcessniper,DaveKane,andsighed.“Twointhemorning?Sincewhenhaveyouneededtogopottyatthistimeofnight?”Shepausedtodisablethealarm.“Comeonthen.”
Freezingairrushedtomeether.ItwaslateOctober,andwithHalloweenjustaroundthecorner,thefirstsnowwouldn’tbetoofaraway.FloodlightsspilledacrossthedrivewayofherisolatedranchtothedarkcottagewhereKanelived.Astrangelonelinesscreptoverherwheneverhewentaway.She’dgottenusedtohimbeingaround.He’dbeenseriouslyinjuredrecentlyandunabletocopealone,hadspenttimerecoveringinherspareroom.Kanewasanold-fashionedkindofguyandoncehewasbackonhisfeethadreturnedtohiscottage.Nowthehousewassodreadfullyquietshecouldhearherselfbreathing.
Astheyhadnocasestosolve,KanehadtakentheopportunityofattendingacriminalprofilingseminaroutofHelena,withSpecialAgentJoWells,abehavioralanalyst,andherpartner,SpecialAgentTyCarter.Theseminarhadspeakersfromallovertheworld,andshe’dencouragedKanetogo.Hisskillinthefieldwassubstantial,buthecravedmoreinformationandshewouldmanageforoneweekend.Infact,she’dspenttheentiredayhangingnewdrapesoverthepicturewindowinthefamilyroom.Apparently,changingthedrapestoamoremodernlookhadprovedtobealittlemorechallengingthanshe’dexpected.Previouslyshe’dunhookedonepairandreplacedthem,butthenewonesrequiredarodofhugeproportions.Determinedtocompletethisnotsosimplejobherself,she’dfoundawayaroundtheobstaclesthathadplaguedherand,aftermanytripsbackandforthtotowntocollectthetoolssheneeded,hadthenewrodattachedtothewallandthedrapesinposition.
Leaningagainsttheporchrailing,shewaitedforDuketorunaround.Sheinhaledthefreshnightair.Coldandinvigorating,itcarriedthescentofpinetreesandahintofsnowfromthemountains.Lightningzigzaggedacrossthehorizon,followedbyalowrollofthunder,andDukeletoutayowlandscamperedbackinsidethehouse.Abravedogmosttimes,hehadhisAchillesheels:storms,thevet,andbaths.Shewatchedhimheadintoherbedroomandcrawlunderthebedandthenturnedtostareatthesky.Theweatherhadbeenstrangeoflate:highwindsanddrythunderstormsthatyieldednorain.Afteradrysummerandwithnorainfallsofarinfall,thefrequentlightningstrikeshadbecomeathreattoStantonForest.Afirecouldburnoutofcontrolinnotimeandalthoughtheforestwardenshadmaintainedthefirebreaks,everyonewasholdingtheirbreathandwaitingforthefirstsnow.Shiveringasablastofice-coldwindflappedopenhercoat,Jennaturnedinside,resetthealarm,andfellintobed.Atleastshe’dhaveafewhours’sleepbeforerisingatfive-thirtytotendthehorsesbeforeheadingintowork.DeputyRowleyandDeputyRiowerequitecapableofrunningthingsinherabsence,butshelikedtokeepbusyandhernewofficestillneededarranging.
Sleepcameeasyuntilherblackcat,Pumpkin,letoutasnarlandjoltedherawake.Sherolledovertostareatthecat.Outlinedinthewindow,shewasdoingagreatimpersonationofaHalloweendecoration.Backarched,furfluffedout,andherearsflattenedtoherhead.Witheveryyowl,hertailswishedbackandforth.Thenextsecond,alowgrowlcamefrombeneathherbed.“Oh,forgoodness’sake,what’swrongwiththepairofyounow?It’sjustastorm.Liedown,Duke,andgotosleep.”
Shecoveredherheadwiththeblanketsandignoredherpets.Thistimeoftheyear,whenpeople’smindsturnedtoHalloweenandallthespookylegendsaroundit,everyoneincludinganimalswereonedgeasifwaitingforsomethingtohappen.HercathadarrivedlastHalloweensplashedinblood,andtheentireweekhadbeenconsumedwithdeathanddestruction.Thisyeartheweatherhadgonebananasandwaslightinguptheskywithdrystorms.Shedozedontheedgeofsleep,thatlovelyplacewherethebodyrelaxesintothewarmhugoftranquility,whenanoisecamefromthedirectionoftheporch.Dukeshotoutfromunderthebed.Pumpkinspatandhissed,walkingsidewaysalongthewindowsill,herheadturnedandeyesslitsinthemoonlight.
“It’sjustthewind.”Jennapattedthesideofthebed.“Comehere,boy.It’sprobablyjustabranchhittingthestepsisall.”
Duke’sgrowlwasdeepandmenacing.Jennapushedbacktheblanketsandyawned.“Okay,youwin.Comeonthen,I’llshowyoueverythingisokay.Noonecangetinhere,Duke,we’resafe.”
Thump.
Whatwasthat?Suddenlywideawake,Jennasatupandshookherhead.“NowI’mgettingspooked.”
It’sjustthewind.WhenDukegrowledagainandscratchedatherdoor,shereachedforthebedsidelamp.“Okay,I’mcoming.”Sheflickedontheswitch.Nopaleglowfloodedtheroom.Shegroundherteeth.Justherluck.Thebulbneededreplacing.Reluctantlyclimbingfromherwarmbed,shewenttothedoorandhittheswitchonthewall.
Nothing.
Aflashoflightningfollowedbyarollofthundershookthehouse,sendingDukerunningforcover.Jennabitbackalaugh.“It’sokay,thelightswillbebackonsoonandwe’llcheckthehouse.”
Asthehousehadabackupgenerator,ifthestormhadknockedoutthepoweritwouldcomerightbackon.Shewentbacktoherbedandsatwaiting,countingforthefewminutesittooktokickin.Timeseemedtodragbyandshereachedforhercellphone.Itlitup,fullycharged,andshewatchedtheclock;fiveminuteswentbyandthehouseremainedindarkness.Thelasttimethegeneratorfailed,someonehadenteredherhomeandtriedtokillher.Thecatyowledagain.ItsorangeeyesfixatedonsomethingoutsideandthehairsprickledthebackofJenna’sneck,echoingPumpkin’swarning.She’dneverseenabearonherpropertybutitwasn’tbeyondreason,orperhapsabobcathadventuredinsideherboundary.WhenDukecameoutfromunderherbed,bravingthestormtobarehisteethatherbedroomdoor,shehadnodoubtthatsomeonewasinheryard.Heartthundering,JennaslidoutofbedandtookherGlockfromthebedsidedrawer,checkedtheclip,andslidoneintothechamber.Shehadthebestsecuritymoneycouldbuy,butwithoutpoweritwasuseless.Butwhoeverwasouttherehadunderestimatedher.Shemightbealone,butshe’dfightbacklikeawildcat.
THREE
Themoonpeekedthroughthedarkcloudsrushingthroughastormynight.Gladtheshadowshadhiddenhimfromview,hesmiledtohimselfasheobservedher,backlitinthewindows.Outherewithnoonearoundshethoughtshewassafefrompryingeyes,andyet,hestoodmereyardsawayfromthefamousSheriffJennaAlton.Hertough-guybodyguardwasconvenientlyawayfortheweekend.Nowhereshewas,allalonewithonlyadogtoprotecther.Ohyeah,shehadweapons,buthewassmart.Inthedark,she’dgoforachestshotandheworeamilitary-stylevesttokeephimsafe.
Thewindbuffetedhimashemovedclosertothehouseandthreadedhisgiftontoaboltandslotteditintohiscrossbow.Hewasanexcellentshotandautomaticallymadeanadjustmentforthewind.Heaimedandhitthefrontpostonthesheriff’sporchdeadcenter.Thesoundofthemetalpiercingthewoodseemedtovibratethestillnessforasplitsecondbeforeanothercrackoflightninglitupthesky.Heheardadogbarkingandcouldimaginethesheriffrunningaroundinthedark.Oncehe’dgainedaccesstoherranch,he’dcutthephonelinesandsetuphiswirelessdisrupter.Disablingthepowerhadbeenabreeze,anditdidn’ttakeageniustofindthebackupgenerator.Justabouteveryrancharoundthesepartshadone,andwithonesingleflipofaswitchthesheriffwouldremaininthedark.
Hewantedtoscareher,makeherawareshehadaworthyopponent.Theideaofherwatchingoverhershoulderallthetimeforanunknownassassinexcitedhim,butthenshe’dneverhadtodealwithwhatwouldhappennext.He’dofferherglimpsesofhim.Hewantedtofrightenherandbemenacingfromtheget-go.Othershadtriedtodisguisetheirmurderouswaysbuthereveledindeath.She’dbeawareofhim,sensehimcloseby,andalmostbeabletotouchhim,buthe’dalwaysbeonestepaheadofher,waitingforthetimetostrike.
He’dplaywithherforawhile,makeherbelieveshecouldwin,andthenhe’ddrawhistrumpcard.Hecouldn’twaittobethereattheend,watchingherasshetookherlastbreathandknowingthatevilalwaystriumphs.He’dleftamessage,asmallclueonherporch,andagiftforherintheforestunlessthewildlifehadspreadtheremainsbuthedidn’tthinkso.He’dtakenstepstokeepthescavengersatbay.Hisattentionremainedfixedonthehouse,andexcitementgrippedhimwhenthedrapesmovedafraction.Hechuckledandsteppedoutoftheshadowsinfullviewbutjustfarenoughawaytomakeherquestionifitwasreallyamanstandinginheryardoranapparition.Atthistimeofyear,whenpeople’smindsfilledwithstoriesofghostsandghouls,she’dneverreallybecertain.Thedrapesshiveredagain,openingjustenoughforhimtomakeoutapalefaceatthewindow.Hegrinned.Shecouldn’thearhimbuthe’dsuregainedherattention.“Yourmove,Sheriff—orshouldIcallyouJenna?”
FOUR
Thehousecreakedandmoanedthroughanotherblastofwind.Unsureifsomeonehadbrokenthroughhersecurity,Jennaduckeddownandcrawledacrossthefloortograbherphone.ThecoolnightseepedthroughherPJs.Ifsheplannedtofaceanintruder,she’dneedafewthingsforprotection,andshuckingherlight-colorednightclotheswasoneofthem.Dressingfastinjeansandablacksweater,shepulledonsocksandboots.Anotherthwackhitthefrontporchandconvincedherthatsomeonewasoutside.Iftheyusedasuppressorontheirweapon,itwouldsoundsimilar,butwhywouldsomeidiotbeshootingupherhouse?Sheaddedasparecliptothepocketofherjeansandedgedtowardthewindow.Apartfromtheintermittentraysofmoonlightthreadingthroughthecloudsrushingacrossthesky,darknessengulfedheryard.OnlythegroansoftheoldwoodenhouseandDuke’slowgrowldisturbedthepeace,andyetsomethinghadmadethenoise.
JennatouchedDuke’shead.“Hushnow,liedownandstay.Ineedtolisten.”
Abearorabobcatwouldhavesentthehorsescrazy,andyetnotasoundcamefromthedirectionofthebarn.TheponyinherbarnbelongingtoAnna,thedaughterofDr.ShaneWolfe,thelocalME,andaclosefriend,waswellknownforsquealing,evenifaratentereditsstall,soshediscountedthechancethatwildlifehadrunontoherproperty.Thatleftonlyoneconclusion.Someonewasoutside.AnyoneenteringaMontanan’spropertyinthemiddleofthenightwaseitherafoolorhadanagenda.Lightningflashedandthunderrolledacrossthesky,andJenna’sheartmissedabeat.Themillisecondoflighthadpickedoutaman.Heresembledanold-stylewesterngunslingerfromthemovies.Hislongblackslickerflappedinthewindlikebat’swingsandhiscowboyhatsatlowoverhiseyes.
Unnerved,sheswallowedhard,gladofthewarmhandleoftheGlockagainstherpalm.Shehadn’tseenaweapon,butthenshe’dhadtheblinkofaneyetoexaminethestranger.Lightningflashedagainandthemanhadvanished.Disconcerted,Jennaclosedhereyes.Thesuddenflashoflighthadsentredspotsdancingacrosshervision.Hadsheimaginedtheman?Washermindplayingtricksonher?Shesnatchedupherphone,andpushingitinsideherbackpocket,headedacrossherbedroomandintothehallway.Fromhereshehadadirectlineofvisiontothefrontdoor,andthewindowsoneithersidegaveaclearviewofthedriveway.Nobodylurkedonherporchandtheglintofthemetalonhercruiserwastheonlythingvisibleinthedark.
LightningboltedacrosstheskyandthehairsonJenna’sbodystoodatattentionasthefigureofthegunslingerturnedtofaceherbeforedarknessdescendedagain.Thistimeshehadn’tmissedthecrossbowaimedatherorthestrangegreenglowofhiseyes.Pushingdownasurgeofpanic,sheduckedundercoverandheadeddownthehallway.Thwack.
Withherbacktothewall,sheedgedtoheroffice.Theroomheldscreensforvideosurveillance.Italsoheldhergunsafe.Thisroomalwayshadtheshuttersclosed.Afterthelastpsychopathhadgottenthroughhersecurity,Kanehadreplacedthedoorwithonereinforcedwithsteelontheoff-chanceJennacouldn’tmakeittothesaferoomhiddenbeneaththebarn.Shechewedonherbottomlipandswirledthecombinationonthesafe.Insideshehadanarsenalofweaponsbutchoseahuntingrifle,loadedit,andslungitoveroneshoulder.Itwasoneman,takingpotshotsatthehousetoscareher,butshehadateamnottwentyminutesaway.SheplacedherGlockinthebackwaistbandofherjeans,pulledoutherphonetocallRowley,andthenstaredatthescreenindisbeliefattheNOSERVICEmessage.“Whatisgoingonhere?”
Withoutpowerthelandlinewouldbeoutaswell,butsheliftedthecordlessreceiverandchecked.Awaveofuncertaintywashedoverheratthesilence.Ifshewantedbackup,she’dneedhersatellitephone.Theyhadthreesatellitephonesatworkandsheissuedthemwhentheneedarose.Davehadoneinhistruckandshehadoneinhercruiser,butthatwasparkedoutfrontandtherewasnowayshe’driskgoingoutside.Shestaredathertrackerring.Samewithherring.Nowirelessnetworkmeantitwasuseless.Shepushedherphonebackinsideherpocketandmovedbackintothehallway.Lightningflashedandthewindowbesidethefrontdoorexplodedinward,sendingshardsofglassspinningacrossthewoodenfloor.Azingwentpastherearandacrossbowbolthitthewallinchesfromherhead.Rollingintocover,shepulledtheGlockfromherback,rosetoherknees,aimed,andemptiedtheclipouttheshatteredwindow.Anotherboltzippedpastandstuckinthedoorbehindher.Ashudderwentthroughher,andmemoriesshe’dhavepreferredtoremainburiederuptedtothesurface.Controllingawaveofpanic,sheshutthemdownandslippedthenewclipintoherweapon.Shereadiedherselfforafight,butshewouldn’tgivehimtheadvantageofremaininginthehallwaywithwindowsallaround.Ifhewantedafight,itwouldbeonherterms.
Jennapeeredbackupthehallwayand,keepinglow,crawledtoherbedroomdoor.Pumpkinhadvanished,likelyscamperedtoasafeplace,butDukewasedgingoutthedooronhisbelly.Shegrabbedhiscollar.“Comeon,we’llbesaferintheotherroom.”
Onceinsidetheoffice,sheboltedthedoorandwenttothegunsafe.Afterswappingherrifleforoneoftheautomaticweapons,shecheckedsupplies.Shehadeverythingsheneededtowaitthisguyout,includingabathroom.ItwouldbelightinafewhoursandKanewouldbeonhiswayhome,butifhewasdelayed,shealreadyhadacontingencyplansetinplace.Ifshedidn’tshowatworkoranswerherphone,Rowleywouldbehightailingitouttotheranchtocheckonherbeforenine.TheclosetheldthelatestinliquidKevlarvestsandpants,setsmadeforherandKanecourtesyofthegovernmentandviaShaneWolfe.WithShane’sfingeronthepulseofnewinnovationsfortheelitemilitaryandKane’svaluetoPOTUS,noonewastakinganychances.
Reluctantly,shelaiddownherweaponsandsuitedup.LiquidKevlarsolidifiedifhitwithabulletorknife.Theuniquematerialwasn’tbulkyliketheold-stylebulletproofvestsanddesignedforcombatsotheydidn’trestrictmovement.Aslightningbombardedtheskyandthehouseshookwithrollsofthunder,Jennapaced,constantlycheckingherphone.Perhapslightninghadstruckthetowerclosetoherranch.Ifso,acrewwouldbeoutsoontoputthingsright.AwhinefromDukecaughtherattention.He’dbeenbraverthanusualduringthestorm,butthelastrollsofthunderhadsenthimunderthetable.Shebenttolookathisbigbrowneyesasatremblewentthroughhim.Shemadehervoiceascoaxingaspossible.“Itwillbeokay,boy,you’resafeinhereandDavewillbebacksoon.”
Boltshittheshutterswithaconstantbarrageofthwacks,andacoldbreezefollowedthetinkleofbreakingglass.Jennaduckeddownandplacedherbackagainstametalfilingcabinetandfacedthedoor.Howdidheknowexactlywhereshewashiding?Wasthissomeonewho’dbeentotheranch?OnlyherclosestfriendswouldknowKanewasawayfortheweekend,andshecouldcountononehandthenamesofthepeoplewhoknewaboutthespecialroom.Therealizationthatsomeoneoutsidehercircleofsafetyknewaboutherpersonallifemadeherheartrace.Shestaredintothedarkness.Thiswasonesituationshemustfacealone.
Draggingindeepbreaths,shetriedtoswallowtherisingpanicandrationalizethesituation.Losingcontrolnowwouldbethedeathofher.She’dtrainedforsituationslikethisandneededtofindthatcalm,logicalplaceinsidehermindandjustdealwithit.Thinkitthrough,Jenna.
Takingafirmgriponhernerves,shepicturedthemanoutside,standingstaringather.Hisintimidatingattitudedesignedtomakeherbelieveshewasnothreattohim.Itwasatypicaldominationtechniqueusedbypsychopathickillers,wifebeaters,andbulliesinanattempttoscare.Therewasmoretothisattackthanathrillkill.Someoneouttherewantedherdead,oranotchintheirbeltforkillingher.She’dbedamnedifshe’dallowthemtotakeherdownwithadarncrossbow.HermindwenttoJamesStone,akillershe’dtakendownsomeyearsago.AmanhellbentonkillingKaneandthenherfornootherreasonthanjealousy.Hisweaponofchoicehadbeenacrossbowbeforehemutilatedthebodiesofhisvictims.He’dblamedherforthereasonhekilled,buthewaslockedupforlife.Thememoryofhimsentshiversdownherspine—hewouldhavestoppedatnothingtoseeherdead.Shakingherheadtodispeltheterrifyingimagesofhisvictimsfromcloudingherjudgment,shegroundherteeth.ThemanoutsidecouldnotbeStoneandwhoeverhewas,sherefusedtoplayhisgameandwouldstandherground.Noonecouldgetthroughthereinforcedmeshonthewindowsandiftheydid,she’dbewaitingforthem.
Determinedandloadedforbear,JennagaveDukeapatonthehead.“It’sgoingtobefine,boy.Nooneiscomingthroughthatdooralive.”Sheswallowedheruncertainty,notabletovoiceherconcern.Shegroundherteethasglassexploded,pingingacrossthewoodenfloor.
He’scoming.
FIVE
Ithadbeenaninterestingweekend,butDaveKanewokeasusualatfiveandstaredattheceilinginhishotelroom.Atthistimeofthemorning,he’dusuallybeouttendingthehorses.HesuremissedJennaandbeingontheranch,buthe’dgainedalotofinformationovertheweekend.Theseminarhadbeenengrossingandhewishedhe’dhadDeputyRio’sincrediblerecalltorememberallthetechniquesusedbythespecialistsintheirfieldofpsychopathy.He’dorderedtheDVDandwouldbeusingittorefreshhismemory.HismindwenttoJenna.Ifhehadhisway,he’dhavebeenonthefirstflighthomeaftertheseminar,butJowantedtodinewitholdfriendsand,althoughreluctantly,he’djoinedherwithCarter.Hehadlittlechoiceinthematter.They’dgivenhimarideintheFBIchopperandwouldbedroppinghimatthemedicalexaminer’sofficebeforeheadinghometoSnakeskinGully.Withahelipadontopofthebuilding,itmadelifesomucheasier.He’dlefthistruck,affectionatelyknownastheBeastbecauseofitshigh-performanceengineandbulletproofcapabilities,intheME’sparkinglot.
Herolledoutofbedand,afterstretchinghistightmuscles,hecompleteddeepbreathingexercisestoexpandhisdamagedlung.Thepainstillcaughthimunawares,andthespecialisthadforbiddenhimtoresumehisvigorousdailytrainingschedule.Hepaddedtotheshower,takingtenminutestoshave,shower,anddress.Hismilitarytrainingwaspartofwhohewas,andbeingreadyinanysituationwaspartofhislife.Heusuallykepthimselfmentallyandphysicallyinshapeforanycontingencies.Theinjuryhadslowedhimdownsomebuthe’drecover.Onethingforsure,ithadn’tstoppedhimshootingthewingsoffafly.
He’dsurmisedthatJennahadsomemilitaryqualificationsfromtheget-go.Thewayshe’dtrainedDeputyRowleycameasclosetoadrillsergeantasshecouldget.Theyoungmanworkedoutthreenightsaweekatthelocaldojoandnevermissedhistimeonthegunrange.He’dmarriedSandy,alocalgirl,lastChristmas,andtheyhadtwinsduelateDecember.Itwouldseemhiscircleofclosefriendswasgettinglargerbytheyear.
He’dmissedJenna’scompanyovertheweekend.They’dbeenworkingsidebysideforafewyearsnowandhadbecomemorethanfriends,butJennawasanindependentwoman,nottomentionhisboss,andthey’dneededtoremainprofessionalonthejobatalltimes.They’dagreedtokeeptheirinvolvementsecretfromtherestoftheteamtomaintainnormality.
Whenaknockcameonhisdoor,hefrowned.He’dorderedroomservicebutwasn’texpectingituntilfive-thirty.ItseemedbeingwithanFBIdelegationhaditsrewards.Thekitchenhadbeenopentothematallhoursovertheweekend.Heopenedthedoor,surprisedtoseeTyCarterpushingabreakfastcart,andgrinned.“Morning.Aretheyhavingstaffshortages?”
“Veryfunny.”Carterwheeledinthecart.“IknowyoueatearlyandIcalleddownandtoldthemtoaddmyordertoyourcart.Iofferedthegirlatwentyandshehandeditrightover.It’sjustaswellIwasn’tplanningonslippingsomethingintoyourfood.”Hepushedthecarttoatablebeforethewindow.“IeataloneeverydayandhavingsomeonetotalktoisanindulgenceIdon’tplanonmissingouton.”HeturnedandlookedattheDobermanwho’dshadowedhiminsidetheroom.“Liedown,Zorro.Wewon’tbelong.”
KanetookintheFBIspecialagentandex-NavySeal.Theyworkedwelltogether.CarterhadhisghoststodealwithandhadspenttwoyearsoffthegridlivinginacabininthewoodsfightinghisPTSDdemons.Dressedinacleanshirt,bluejeans,andcowboyboots,hisshaggysun-bleachedblondhairstillhungtohiscollarevenaftertheirtriptothebarber.Onethingforsure.Carterdidn’tresembleanyFBIagenthe’dworkedwith,buthispersonasuitedhimjustfinenowhewasinvestigatingcrimesinthewildwest.
Kanefollowedhimtothetableandliftedhismealfromthecart.“Whattimeareweleaving?I’dhaveliketohavegottenbacktotheranchlastnighttohelpJennawiththechoresthismorning.ThestormshavebeenbadoverBlackRockFalls.Ihopetheroofisstillonmycottage.”
“She’dhavecalled.”Carterpouredcoffeefromatwo-cuppotandtookasip.“Wouldn’tshe?”
Kaneswallowedamouthfulofeggsandshookhishead.“Nope.Shewouldn’tdisturbmeunlesstherewasahomicideandthenIguessshe’dhaveenoughbackupwithRowleyandRio.She’sanindependentwoman,sheknowswhotocallforhelpifdisasterstrikes.”
“We’llbeleavingatsix-thirty.Joiskeentobehomebeforeherdaughterleavesforschool.”Cartersmiled.“Whenyou’redonehere,wecanheaddowntothelobbytowaitforher.Ifwe’renotdelayed,youshouldbehomebeforeJennaleavesfortheoffice.”
AsKanefinishedhismeal,hisphonepealedoutRowley’sringtone.Hefrownedandtookthecall.“Yeah,Jake,what’sup?”
“HaveyouspokentoJennathismorning?”Rowleysoundedanxious.
KaneglancedacrossthetableatCarter.“No,Ihaven’tspokentohersinceyesterday.Shetoldmeshe’dbebusyhangingnewdrapesinthefamilyroomovertheweekend.Maybesheturnedoffherphoneandforgottoturnitbackon.Youwereonthe911callout,right?”
“Uh-huh.”Rowleyclearedhisthroat.“Well,Icalledjustbefore.Ifiguredshemightneedsomehelpwiththehorsesbutshedidn’tpickup.Themessagesaidherphonewasunavailable.Ihadthesameresponsewiththelandlineandshedidn’tpickuphersatphone.Wehadadrystormherelastnight,butitdidn’taffectthepowerherebutitcouldhaveoutattheranch.She’sonadifferentgridtous.”
“Thebackupgeneratorwouldhavekickedin,sosomething’snotright.”Kanestaredathiswatch.“Itwillbelightsoon.GrabRioandheadouttotheranch.We’llbeleavinghereassoonaspossible.”
“I’llcallRionow.”Rowleydisconnected.
“Trouble?”Carterloadedupthecartandstood.
AknottightenedinKane’sgut.AftertryingJenna’snumberandgettingthesamemessage,hepushedhisunfinishedmealaway.“I’mnotsure.Jenna’snotpickingupherphone.Rowley’sbeentryingtoreachherforsometime.”Hestood,reachedforhisjacket,andshruggediton.“Weneedtogo.CanyouhurryJoalong?”
“Sure.ButIhaveaSatSleeveformyphone.”CarterglancedatZorro.“Stay.”Heheadedforthedoor.
AsCarter’sroomwasrightnextdoor,hereturnedinafewminuteswiththephonepressedtohischeek.
“Shehasthesatellitephoneinhercruiser,right?”Carter’seyebrowsmetinafrown.Hewaitedforwhatseemedlikeagesandthenleftamessage.“Jenna,it’sTy.Callmeonthesatellitephone.It’surgent.”
UncertaintycrawledoverKanelikearashfrompoisonivy.“She’dhaveparkedrightoutsidethefrontporch.Something’swrong.”
“Meetusinthelobby.”CartermotionedZorrotofollowhimandheadedforthedoor.
Kanenodded.“I’llberightbehindyou.”
WorryforJennaclampedKane’sgut.They’dmadealotofarrestsinBlackRockFallsandputmanymurderersinjail.Intheinvestigationsmanypeoplehadtheirnosesoutofjointwhentheycameunderscrutiny,especiallyifthey’dfacedlesserchargesfromcrimesthey’duncoveredduringtheinvestigation.SomepeopleandtheirfamiliesheldgrudgesforyearsandmightfigureJennawasaneasytarget.Shewasfarfromit,butoutattheranchallalone,she’dbeabletohandleoneortwoassailants—butforhowlong?HeknewJenna,andshe’dneverkillanyoneunlesstheythreatenedherlife.Kanetookhisweaponfromthebedsidetableandsliditintohisshoulderholster.Afterdoingaquicksweepoftheroomtomakesurehehadeverything,hepickeduphisbagandheadedoutthedoorfortheelevator.HecheckedoutandturnedasCarterandJocameintothelobby.
“HassomethinghappenedtoJenna?”Johadtoastwrappedinapapernapkinandcarriedabottleofwaterunderonearm.Shebalancedhersuitcaseonwheelsagainstoneleg,andhereyebrowsraisedinquestion.
KanewaitedforCartertocheckoutandtheyallheadedforthedoor.“I’mnotsure.Wecan’treachher.”
“We’llgostraighttotheranch.”Carterheadedfortheirrentalcar.“Withthepowerout,shemightbestuckinside.Thegateswouldbelocked,right?”Hegotbehindthewheelandstartedtheengine.
Kanedumpedthebagsinsidethetrunk.“Yeah,butIcheckedthegeneratorbeforeIleft.Itwasworkingfine.”WorryforJennaseepedthroughhiminanice-coldchill.“Ifthey’dgotteninsidewhenshewasasleep,theycould’vehadthejumponher.Withthestormlastnight,Dukewouldhavebeenhidingandmaybenotgivenherawarning.”
“Thisislikedéjàvu.”Joslippedintothebackseat.“Itwasanightmarewhenthatpsychopathbrokeintothehouse.Butthistimeshe’sallalone.”
“Jenna’stougherthanyouthink.”Carterstartedtheengine.“Andifsomeonebrokein,theywouldn’tbeexpectingafight.”
SIX
Exhaustedandfrozentothebone,Jennahadremainedwithherbackpressedupagainstthefilingcabinet,weaponaimedatthedoor.Theriflehadgottenheavierbytheminuteandshewonderedifherice-coldfingerscouldpullthetrigger.Onlyadrenalinkeptheralert,andburstsofithadfloodedherbloodstreamthemomentthefrontdoorofherhomecrashedopen.Shetriedtocontrolthefearwellingupinsideherasbootsthunderedoverthewoodenfloorandapersonsearchedtherooms,invadingherprivacy.Angerroseastheintruderwentthroughherhomelikeawreckingball.Thingshitthefloorandshemadeoutthetinkleofglassbreaking.
Thedoorhandlerattledandashoulderfirstandthenabootslammedintoit,shakingthelock.Anormaldoorwouldhaveflownopenwithakickaimedbesidethelock,butthesteeldoorandframeheld.Takingasteadyingbreath,JennaaimedtheAR-15.Ifanyonecamethroughthatdoor,theirintentwasclear.AmuffledsoundofcursinghadDuke’shacklesrisingalldownhisback.Hisskinhaddrawnbackfromhisteeth,exposinghiscanines,andhebarkedawarning
RecallingKane’sorderstohisdog,Jennakepthervoicelowandcalm.“Takecover,Duke.”Shesighedwithreliefashecrawledunderthedeskbutkeptupasteadylowgrowl.“Goodboy.”
Theassaultonthedoorcontinuedbutnoweaponwasfired.Whoeverwasouttherewasonlycarryingacrossbow.Thefootstepscameagainandscratchingcameatthedoor.Jennaheldherbreathasblowsshatteredthewallbesidethedoor.Godhelpher,theintruderhadfoundthetoolsinherutilityroomandwasattackingthewallwithahammer.Sherestedtherifleonherkneesandstretchedherfingers.Herweaponwouldshredthewallbutleaveherexposed.Shehadtofindcoverandscannedtheroom.Asthenoisebecamelouderandwoodcrackedasloudasgunshots,shestoodonlegsnumbfromsitting,placedtherifleonthefilingcabinet,andmovedeverythingfromthedesk.Shetippeditoverandthendraggeditintoplace.Thecrackingofwoodshookthewallsassheheavedthemetalfilingcabinetsaroundthetable.WithDukesafelyinside,shegrabbedherweapons,clips,andabottleofwaterandhunkereddown.
Musclesachingfromoverexertion,Jennatookslow,evenbreaths.ShedoubtedhewouldgetthroughthesteelmeshliningthewallsthatKaneandRowleyhaddiscreetlycoveredwithdrywall.Theknowledgetheroomwasprotecteddidn’tslowherracingheart,oreasethedreadenvelopingher.Thebarrageofblowsstoppedandfootstepsclatteredthroughthehouse.Shelistenedintently,andthensighedwithreliefatwhathaddisturbedtheintruder.Sirenscutthroughtheearly-morningsilenceliketheanswertoaprayer.Sheglancedatherphone.Itwasalmostsix-thirty.Whowascomingtoherrescue?Shedidn’tcare,butshehopedthey’dbepreparedforalunaticwithacrossbow.Shepushedtoherfeetandshookoutherstifflimbs.Herheadachedandherhandstrembled,butshe’dmadeitthroughalive.ShepattedDuke,gladhe’dbeenwithher.Scanningtheroom,sheshookherhead,recallingtheargumentshe’dhadwithKaneaboutconstructingthesecureroom.Kane,Rowley,andWolfehadspentweeksworkingonittokeepitasecret,butthey’dforgottentoaddonething:atrapdoor.Iftheintruderhadsetfiretothehouse,she’dhavebeentrappedinside.Shegrimacedatthethoughtofbeingburnedtodeath.“Anescaperouteisthenextthingonmylist.”
Thesirenshadgottenlouder,twovehiclesbythesoundofit.Thewailstoppedandshecouldimagineherdeputiescheckingtheperimeter,lookingforathreat.FootstepsclattereddownthehallwayandsheheardRowley’svoice.
“Jenna.”Herappedonthedoor.“It’sokay,we’veclearedthehouse,youcanopenthedoor.”
AfterlayingtheAR-15onthefilingcabinet,shepickedupherGlock.Experiencetoldhertoactwithcaution.Sheunlockedthedoorandstoodback,aimingherweapon.Thedooropenedslowly,andJakeRowleyandZacRiopeeredather
“Areyouokay?”Rioexaminedherface.“Thehousehasbeentrashed.”
Sheslidherweaponintothebackwaistbandofherjeans,pulledoffherKevlarvest,andheavedasigh.“Yeah,I’mgood.Howbadisit?”
Peeringintothehallway,shedrewabreathatthedamage.Thefrontdoorwashangingoffitshingesandbrokenglasssparkledintheearlymorningsun.Shepeeredintothefamilyroomtofindchairshadbeentippedover,andbooksthathadbeenrippedfromtheshelveshadspilledintothehallway.
“Ifiguretheywerelookingforsomething.”Riogrimaced.“ItmightbebetterifyouleaveDukeintheoffice—there’sglasseverywhere.”
Jennashookherhead.“He’sbeenshutinheremostofthenight,heneedstorunaround.”Sheturnedbackinsidetheroom.
“I’lltakehimoutside.”Rowleymovedpastherandheavedthedogintohisarms.“Heweighsaton.Kane’sontheway.”Helookedoverhisshoulder.“Whatthehellhappenedhere?”
“I’llexplainwhenyougetback.”JennalookedatRio.“We’lldoawalk-through.Thisisacrimescene.Usegloves.”
AsRowleycamebackintothehouse,sheheardherphonebuzzamessage.Shepulleditoutandreplied.“ThankGod,myphoneisworking.It’sbeenoutallnight.It’samessagefromKanesayinghe’sonhisway.I’vesevenmissedcalls.Thestormmusthaveknockedoutawirelesstowerandthepower.”
“No,itdidn’t.”Rowleylookedconcerned.“Nooneelselostpower.Isthelandlineworking?”
Jennaheadedforthekitchenandliftedthereceiver.“Nope,it’sout.”Shestaredatthekitchen,anditappearedtobeintactapartfrommuddybootprintsalloverthefloor.“Rio,getshotsoftheprintsanddocumentthescene.Rowley,comewithme.Ineedtoseeifthehorsesareokayandcheckthegenerator.”Sheheadedoutside,pickingherwaythroughtheglass,andwhistledtoDuke.
Astheyheadedtothebarn,Jenna’sphonechimedWolfe’sringtone.“Hi,Shane.”
“I’mjustcheckingtoseeifyou’reokay.”Wolfeclearedhisthroat.“Wehaveaproblem.Someonesmashedthesidewindowofmyvanlastnightandtooktheremotecontrolforyourgate.”
AcoldchillcrawledupJenna’sspine.“Yeah,theydidmorethanthat,theycamehere,disabledthepower,thegenerator,andmyphones,brokein,andtriedtokillmeusingacrossbow.Ilockedmyselfinthesaferoomandwaitedhimout,buthe’strashedmyhouse.”Shestaredattheopendoortothebarn.“I’matthebarnandit’swideopen.Rowleyiswithmeandwe’regoinginsidetocheckthehorses.”
“I’monmyway.”Wolfedisconnected.
Pullingherweapon,Jennaturkey-peekedaroundthebarndoor,gladtoseethehorses’headspeeringovertheirstalls.WhenDukeraninsideandPumpkinjumpeddownfromabaleofhayandrubbedaroundherlegs,sheheavedasighofrelief.“It’sokay,thesetwoareagreatwarningsystem.There’snooneinside.”
“I’llclearthearea,justincase.”Rowleyslidthroughthedoor,keepinghisbacktothewall,andedgedintothebarn,movingfromplacetoplace.“Allclear.”Heholsteredhisweapon.
Jennacastaquickeyeoverthehorses.“I’llcheckthegeneratorandthenturnoutthehorsesintothecorral,there’splentyoffreshgrassintheretoeat.I’lltendtothemoncewe’vesecuredthehouse.”
“Copythat.”Rowleywalkedtothegeneratorandshookhishead.“It’sbeenturnedoffisall.”Heflickedtheswitchanditrumbledintolife.“It’sworkingfine.Whereisthepowerpole?Youhaveaswitchinsidethepowerbox,here,right?”
Jennanodded.“Yeah,it’stheoneoutfrontofthehouse,ontheleftofthedriveway.DoyoufigurehewaiteduntilIwasasleep,usedtheremotetogetinsidewithouttriggeringthealarm,andthendisabledthepower?”
“Yeah,thatseemsfeasible.”Rowleyheadedtothehorses,andspeakingquietly,hadtheirhaltersoninafewminutes.HehandedtheleadreinonAnna’sponytoJenna.“I’lltakethehorses.”
Astheyheadedforthecorral,thesoundofachopperbrokethestillmorning.“ThatwillbeCarter.”Shequickenedhersteptogetthehorsesintotheenclosurebeforethechopperarrived.“Thehorsesaregettingusedtothesoundofthechoppernow.They’llbefine.”Sheshutthecorralgate.“Let’scheckthepower.”
Thepowertothehousehadbeencutbytrippingtheswitch.JennashookherheadslowlyandturnedtoRowley.“Thisguyknowstoomuchaboutme.Hehadinformationaboutthepower,wheretofindthebackupgenerator,andthatIwasaloneallweekend.He’ssomeoneclose.Whothehellishe?”Shewavedatthehouse.“I’mgoingtolookovertheexteriorandseeifheleftusanyclues.”
Jennaheadedbacktothehouse,movingslowlysearchingforfootprintsandlookingforanythingtopointtotheidentityoftheintruder.Asshemovedclosertotheporch,herattentionfixedonthenumberofboltspepperingherhouse.Theyseemedalmostmethodicalinpattern,apartfromone,fixedinthepostontheporch.Shestaredatitlongandhard.Itappearedtobedifferentfromtheothers.Somethingwaspinnedtothewood.Hadheattachedanote?Asshesteppedcloser,ashiverofhorrorstoppedherinhertracks.Theintruderhadpinnedabloodyeartoherhouse,completewithgoldearring.Shetookastepbackashergazefixedonthemessagebelowit,writteninmudontheporch:You’renext,Jenna.
“Oh,thatcan’tbegood.”Rowleyremovedhishatandbenttoexaminethemuddyscrawl.
Numbwithdisbelief,Jennalookedathim.“That’sadirectthreatfromJamesStone.Thosewerehislastwordstome.”
SEVEN
ReliefwasquicklyreplacedbyconcernwhenKanestaredatthemessagefromJenna.HepressedhismictospeaktoJoandCarteroverthenoiseofthechopper.“Jenna’sokaybutsomeonetriedtokillherattheranch.Itwaswellplanned.SomeonebrokeintoWolfe’svanandtooktheremotecontrolforthesecuritysystem.”
“Itsoundsliketheyknowherprettywell.”Joshookherhead.“Haveyouemployedanystrangerstoworkontheranchlatelyorhadanyonedropby?”
Kanethoughtforabeat.“Onlytheguywhobrokeingunningforyou,andhe’slockedawaywithanevertobereleasedorder.Itcan’tpossiblybehim.”HelookedatCarter.“Howlong?”
“We’llbethereinfive.”Carterglancedathim.“Jennaknowshowtohandleherself.Youworrytoomuchabouther.”
“ThisisBlackRockFalls,remember?”Kanenarrowedhisgazeathisfriend.“Justwhenyouthinkeverythingisbacktonormal,somethingweirdhappensandthenightmarestartsalloveragain.”
“So,itseems.”Cartergrimaced.“Cutelittletownyouhavehere.”
ThechopperheadedoverMainandfarbelowKanecouldseetheHalloweendecorationsbeginningtoappearonfrontlawns.Theearlymorningmistswirledfromtheriverandspilledoverthelowlands.Ahead,theusuallyblueendlessskylookedtroubledandacollectionofgraycloudshoveredoverthehorizon.ThechopperdroppedlowerasJenna’sranchcameintoview.Kanescannedtheareaandmadeoutthehorsesinthecorralandthreesheriff’svehiclesinthedriveway.HenoticedWolfe’svanheadingthroughtown,butnoothervehicletraveledtheroadtotheranchorlurkedalongthesideofthehighway.Whentheylanded,hisattentionwentstraighttoJenna.Herpalefacepeekedoutfromunderherhoodieandshestoodarmsfoldedacrossherchest,waitingforhimwithDukeleaningprotectivelyagainstherlegs.Rowleywasdustingwhatwasleftofthefrontdoorforprints.Hegapedindisbeliefatthedamage.“Holycow,itlookslikesomeonetookanaxtotheplace.”
“Howdidtheygetinsidewithoutpower?”Jounbuckledherharness.
Kaneshrugged.“Oncesomeonebreachestheperimeter,glassbreaksanddoorscanbekickedin.That’swhyweconvertedtheofficeintoasecurearea.”Hepulledoffhisheadsetandheadedfortheranchhouse,duckingtomissthestillrotatingblades.
Surprisedwhenhisdogdidn’tdashtogreethim,heheadedstraightforJenna.Hecouldseethedamagetotherenovatedinteriorthey’dworkedonallsummer.“Hadabadnight,huh?”Heputonearmaroundherandpeeredintohereyes.“Didyouseewhodidthis?”
“Nope,notexactly.”Jennaleanedintohim,obviouslyexhausted.“Ididgetaglimpseofhiminaflashoflightning.Maybefive-tentosixfeet,longcoat,cowboyhat,andglowinggreeneyes.”Shegavehimadeterminedlook.“Iknowit’sclosetoHalloween,buthedidhaveglowinggreeneyes.”
Kanegaveherasqueeze.“I’dsayheusednightvisiongoggles.So,hecameprepared.Anythingelseyouremember?”
“Heleftamessage.”Jennapulledadisgustedface,walkedtotheendoftheporch,andindicatedtoapieceoffleshhangingfromacrossbowboltembeddedinapost.“Ionlyjustfoundthis.It’sanear,andthat’sthesamethreatJamesStonemadetomewhentheyhauledhimofftojail.”Shepointedtothemuddywriting.
“Yeah,Iremember.”Kaneexaminedthemessageandthenmovedtothebloodyearandsniffed.“It’sfresh.”HeremovedhisStetsonandscratchedhishead.“Hasanyonegonemissingovertheweekend?”
“Nope.”JennaindicatedtowardRowley.“Everyonehadpowerandphonesexceptme,andnoonehascalledinamissingperson’sreport.”ShelookedatKanewithaconcernedexpression.“JamesStoneusedacrossbowinhismurders,andthemessageissomethingonlyhewouldknow.It’snotsomethingwemadepublic,buthowcanhebeinvolved?He’slockedup,right?”
Kanenoddedandpusheduptherimofhishat.“Wewouldhavebeennotifiedthemomentheescaped;theprisonwardenknowshe’sgunningforyou.”HelookedatDuke.“Helooksalittleshell-shocked.Ishehurt?”
“No,he’sfine,buthehasn’tstoppedshaking.Itwasprettyharrowingforhim.Firstaviolentstormandthensomeguytrashedmyhouseandtriedtobreakintotheoffice.I’mnotsurprisedhe’sdistressed.I’mtremblingallover.Heletmeknowsomeonewasoutsideanditgavemetimetogettosafety.ThankGodyoureinforcedthatroom.Ijustholedupandwaitedhimout.Ifhe’dmadeitthroughthedoor,Iwasn’ttooworried.HehadacrossbowandIhadtheAR-15.”
Kanesmiledather.“Nocontest.”Hemovedtoherside.“Whatdoyouwantmetodo?”
“Takeovertheinvestigation.”Jennalookedupathim.“Ican’tbeinvolvedwiththebreak-in.Whenwefindthisguy,Idon’twanthimgettingoffbecauseofaconflictofinterest.RowleywillwalkyouthroughandRioisinsidecapturingthescene.”Sheindicatedtoherduffel.“I’vepackedafewessentials,andIreallyneedtositdownforaspell.”
“Whydon’tyouheadovertomycottageandgetsomerest?Youcangrabtherestofyourthingslater.CarterandJoarestayingforawhile,andIsawWolfeheadingthisway.I’llwaitforhimandoncewe’vefinishprocessingthescene,I’llwriteupareport.ThedamagewillbecoveredbyinsuranceandI’llgetsomeoneoutheretosecurethehousetoday.”
“Howarewegoingtostopthishappeningagain?”Jennashuddered.“Thiscrazyhasaccesstomyranch.He’llcomebackthesecondheknowsI’malone.”
“That’snotgoingtohappen,Jenna.”Kaneshookhishead.“We’llneedadifferentaccesssystem.Wolfewillknowwhattodo.We’lljustcancelalltheremotesandreplacethem.I’llgowithCarterandgetwhatweneedfromtownanddrivetheBeasthome.”Hewavedahandtowardthehouse.“Don’tworryaboutthedamage.Everythingcanbefixed.”
“Thereisonething.”Jennapulledherjackettightaroundher.“Ithinkweneedatrapdoorintheoffice.Iftheintruderhadsetfiretothehouse,Iwould’vebeentrapped.”
Kanerubbedherback.“I’llseetoitbeforeyoumovebackintothehouse.Nowgoandgetsomerest.”
“Okay,thanks.I’mdeadonmyfeet.Where’sJo?”Jennalookedaroundhim.“Ah,theresheis.IhaveatheoryIwanttorunpasther.Wecandiscussitlater.Ireallyneedashowerandtengallonsofcoffee.”Sheheadeddownthefrontsteps.“Comeon,Duke.”
WhenDukejustsattherestaringathim,Kanesquattedtorubthedog’searsandreceivedalickonthechin.“Goodboy.YoulookedafterJennaallnight.Gohome—you’llfeelbetterwithafullbellyandasleepinyourbasket.”HegavethedogashoveinJenna’sdirectionandwatchedhimfollowhertothecottage.
“Youtalktothatdoglikeheunderstandsyou.”Rowleychuckled.
Kanefrowned.“Dukeunderstandsmejustfine.”HewenttoJenna’scruiserandpulledoutaforensicskit,takingoutgloves,evidencemarkers,andbags.
“Whathavewegot?”TyCartercametohissideandmovedatoothpickacrosshislips.“Man,someonesurewantedtogettoJenna.”Hegavehimasidewaysglance.“Haveanyofherpastconvictionsbeenreleasedfromjaillately?”
Kaneshookhisheadandhandedhimgloves.“Nope,mostofthedangerousonesareinforlife.”Heindicatedtothecrossbowbolt.“We’vehadourshareofunusualcases,butthisisthefirsttoleaveanearasacallingcard.”Heindicatedtotheporch.“It’shardtomakeoutnow,butthat’sathreatwritteninmud.Here,lookattheimages.”Heheldouthisphone.“ThatjusthappenstobethelastthingJamesStonesaidtoJenna.”
“Hmm,andyethe’slockedupinjailwithnocommunicationwiththeoutsideworld.Thatwouldtakesomedoing.MorelikelywhoeverdidthisistryingtodeflecttheblameawayfromhimandontoStone.”CarterindicatedtohisDoberman,Zorro,tostaywithaflickofhishandandclimbedthestepsandexaminedtheear.“I’dsayit’sfromafemale.Youdon’tseemanyguysaroundthesepartswearingdaisyearrings.”Heturnedinaslowcircle.“Dammit,weneedascopetofollowthetrajectory.Lookingatthepattern,Ifiguremostoftheseshotsweremadefromthesamelocation.”
Kanescannedtheareausinghisyearsofsniperexperienceandindicatedwithhischintowardthetreeline.“I’dsayhepositionedhimselfthereandwalkedtowardthehouse.Therearewhat—sixboltsinaquiver?”
“DarnedifIknow.”CarterpattedhisGlock.“I’veneverhadtheneedtouseone.”
“Yeah.”Rowleywalkedtowardthem.“Sixboltsbuthehadmorewithhim,I’vecountedeight.They’reallthesame,aluminumandabrandforapopularcrossbow.Idustedafewforprintsandthere’szip.Hewascareful.Noforeignprintsinthehouseeither.”
“Butheleftfootprints.”ZacRiosteppedaroundthebrokenfrontdoor.“Sizetwelveworkboots.Ilookedupthebrandandthey’remadeinthemillions.”
Kanenodded.“So,hewasn’ttooworriedaboutleavingevidence,becauseeverythingheusedwasgeneric.”HeglancedtowardthedrivewayasWolfe’svanpulledupoutsidethehouseandthenturnedback.“IhopeWolfefindstraceevidenceinside.”Hewalkeddownthesteps.“I’llbringhimuptospeed.”HelookedatRowleyandRio.“Theintrudercamethroughthegateusingtheremote,sohemusthaveparkedhisridesomewherecloseby.Walkdownthedrivewayandseeifyounoticeanytiretracks.Ifyoufindanything,we’llneedimagesandplastercasts.Wolfewillhavethekitsinhisvan.”
“Whenwe’redone,doyouwantmetotendthehorses?”RowleytippedbackhisStetson.“It’snotrouble.”
Kanesmiledathim.“I’dappreciateit.”HeheadedtomeetWolfeandgavehisdaughterEmilyasmileandWolfe’sassistantandbadge-carryingdeputyColtWebberaslapontheback.“Thanksforcomingoutsofast.”
“Whatthehellhappenedhere?”WolfetippedbackhisStetson,andhisblondeyebrowsroseinastonishment.“I’mrealsorrythisjerkfoundtheremoteinmytruck.Ihaddrugsinsidebuthedidn’ttouchmymedicalkit.Hewentstraightfortheglovebox,brokeitopen,andtooktheremote.”HegaveKaneasteadylook.“HowdidheknowIcarriedaremotetoJenna’sranch?”
Kaneshrugged.“We’veallbeenthinkingthesamething.It’ssomeoneclosetous,butwho?”
“We’veallbeenworkingcloseforyearsnow.”Wolfescratchedhischin.“RioistheonlynewcomerandIthinkhe’ssolid.”
Kanestareddownthedrivewayatthetwodeputiesandshookhishead.“It’snotRio.Ifiguresomeoneisstalkingusandwejusthaven’tnoticed.”Hesighed.“JennaiswithJoatmycottage.She’sprettyshookupbutokay.Riohascapturedthescene,soI’llleaveyoutoitandgoseeiftheintruderleftanythingbehindfromhisstartingpoint.”
“Acrossbowislikeasignature.”Carterambledalongbesidehim.“Thinkaboutit.AnyfoolwouldknowJennawouldbepackingforbearinsidethehouse.Shecouldhavewalkedoutanddroppedhimwithoneshot.”
Kaneshookhisheadslowly.“Youdon’tknowJennatoowell,doyou?Thelastthingshewantstodoiskillsomeone.She’drathertakethemaliveandthenfindoutwhatcausedtheattack.Ifiguresheusedcommonsenseandretreatedtoasafeposition.Shehadnobackupandnocommunication.There’snothinginthehousethatcan’tbereplaced.Shedoesn’thaveanattachmenttothings,I’mguessingyou’remuchthesame.”
“True.”Carterbenttoexamineafootprint.“Although,youareattachedtotheBeast.”Hegrinnedaroundhistoothpick.“Don’tdenyit.Thattruckisyourbaby.”
Kaneshrugged.“It’sinsuredandI’djustbuildabetterone,butI’lladmitIdohavesomeattachmenttoit.Although,IfigureifIlostmysniperrifleitwouldbelikelosinganarm.”Hepushedamarkerinbesidethefootprintandusedhisphonetotakeaphotograph.
“Overthere.”Carterpointedtoaspotbetweenthetrees.“Thegrassistrampled.”Heedgedaroundthesmallpatch,peeringattheground.“There’snothinghere.So,sayhewalkedinfromthegate,hewouldn’tcomestraightheretohisshootingposition.”HeremovedhisStetson,smoothedhisuntidyhair,andreplacedhishat.“Hmm,howcomeDukedidn’talerther?”
“Hedidwakeherbuthehatesstorms.Hetendstohideunderthebed.”Kanepointedtothebarn.“FromwhatJennasaid,theprowlerwaswearingnightvisiongoggles.He’dhavenoproblemmovingaroundandwouldhavedisabledthegeneratorfirst,thenflippedtheswitchonthepowerbox.”Heturnedtolookatthehouse.“Hewantedtowakeherandoncehe’dplacedtheearwhereshe’dfindit,heaimedafewboltsthroughthewindows.”Herubbedhischin.“Hedidn’tattempttohidehimself.Ithinkhewastryingtoscareher.”
“There’snoaccountingforstupidity.”Cartermarkedtheareawithcrimescenetapeandthenlookedathim,handsonhips.“Ifheknowsherenoughtogetinhere,heshould’veknownshehadweapons.Whowalksintoagunfightwithacrossbow?”
Kaneledthewaybacktothehouse.“That’sexactlywhat’sworryingme.”
EIGHTBearPeak,StantonForest
Henudgedthewomanawake.Shehadn’tmovedsincehe’dleftherandshe’dfallenasleep,exhaustedorfrombloodloss,hedidn’treallycare.Heenjoyedtheterrorinhereyesandthefunnylittlegruntsshemadebehindthegag.He’dnevergottenthatresponsewithanimals.Thedefiance,thecursing,wassublimelyhumanandsomethingthatkindledadeep-downexcitementinhim.Afterreadingaboutpeoplewhoenjoyedkilling,he’drealizedhewasjustadifferentkindofnormal.Menhunted,womenhunted,andsomecommittedunspeakablecrimesoneachother.Hesmiledtohimself.Somewenttojailandotherskilledunderordersandwalkedfree.Somehadtherighttokillandsomedidn’t.Howcouldanynormalpersonfathomthereasonsbehindthelaw?Hehadtherighttohuntandcarryaweapon,andtherewasnothingonhislicensethatmentionedhecouldn’thuntpeople.Everygameanimalhadaseasonandpagesofrulesandregulations.So,anylogicalreasoningwouldsuggestitwasopenseasononanythingelse.
Heheldupthelanternandusedthetipofhisboottogetherattention.Shelookedcomicalwithoneearmissing.Thebleedinghadbeenimpressivebutthenherlittlehearthadbeenpumpinglikecrazywhenhe’dsliceditfromherandheldituplikeaprize.Nowthewoundhadcrustedoverandjustseepedalittle,addingtotheblackstainonherjacketandshirt.Watchingherrunfromhimhadignitedaprimalurgetohunt.He’dstalkedher,broughtherdownwithonebolttothecalfbutleftherstrongenoughtowalkathiscommand.Heglancedaroundthecaveandsmiled.Itwassetupjustright.Overtheweekendhe’dallowedhertoescapetwice,huntedherdown,anddraggedherback.He’dlefthertiedandgaggedallnight,butplaytimewasover.Heyawned.Ithadbeenalong,eventfulnightbutallgoodthingsmustend,andhehadotherthingstooccupyhistime.Henudgedheragainandsheturnedbrown,angryeyesonhim.Shehadn’tbecomesubmissive.Manydid,butthisonewaswild,andhelikedthatabouther.Fightingbackmadeherinterestingtohim.
“Getup.”Hepulledhertoherfeetandtouchedhertear-stainedcheek.“It’stimeforyoutogonow.”
Shetippedbackherheadandmadethosegruntingsoundsagain.LikeaNeanderthalmantryingtocreatealanguage.Heshookhisheadandpulledouthisknife,laughingatthewaysheshrankbackandscreamedagainsthergag.“Ijustwantalockofyourhair,torememberourtimetogether.”Hegrabbedahandfulandsliceditthroughwiththeblade.
Methodically,hewoundthetapearoundherchestanddowntoherboundhands.Hemovedtoherlegs,wrappingthemfromankletoknee.Soonsheresembledashinyblackmummy.AllsheneededwasanancientEgyptianmaskandasarcophagus.Hepushedherandshefellheavilyontothegroundwithasatisfyingthud.Hehadeverythingready;he’dplannedthisdayformonths.Intheroofofthecave,he’dinstalledapullysystemsimilartothosehuntersusedtodresstheirgameintheforest.Hewrappedthechainaroundheranklesandhoistedhertotheroofofthecave.Hewatchedherwriggleandsquirm.Hershockedeyesmadehisheartrace,andhelikedthatsheunderstoodwhatwouldhappennext.Soonshebecamestillandhecrouchedtolookintoherfunnyupside-downface.“It’sbeenfun,June,butIhavetogo.”
Heranthebladedownhercheekandthepanicinhereyessentarushofeuphoriathroughhim.Itwasalwaysthesame,andheembracedthepowersurgefromknowinghecontrolledtheglowoflifeandthesparkinsideeverylivingthingwashisforthetaking.Thecutwastinybuteffective,anditdidn’ttakelonguntilthelightlefthereyes.She’dgrownweakandwasnolongerachallenge,andtheurgetoplaywithherhadvanished.Hegrabbedhisbackpack,extinguishedthelantern,andheadedoutintothesunshine.Ashestrolledalongthetrail,hecouldhearvoicesinthedistance.Thesoundtriggeredaneedtoforgethisdayjobandhuntagain.NothingcameclosetotheanticipationofWhatwashername?Ithadbeenexcitingbut,likethealluringwrapperofananticipatedtreat,shenolongerservedapurpose.Whothoughttwiceaboutthefoodwrappersthey’dtossedintothetrash?Hechuckledandshookhishead.“Nowthatwouldbesomekindofcrazy.”
NINE
Exhausted,JennadroppedintothechairatKane’skitchentableandcaughtthecoffeeJoslidacrosstoher.Sheaddedthefixingswithextracreamtocoolthebrew.Shesippedandallowedthenight’sexperiencetosettleinhermind.AshiverwentdownherspineandsheliftedhergazetoJo.“Thanks.”
“Iknowyou’veexplainedthedetailsofwhathappenedlastnightbutthere’smoretothisthanyou’resaying.”Joturnedaconcernedexpressiononher.“Iknowsomethingisonyourmindoryouhaveahunchwho’sbehindthisattack.I’magreatsoundingboard.Talktome,Jenna,andthentryandeatsomething.Youlooklikehell.”
Jenna’sgutfeelinginsistedthatthemantryingtokillherwasfamiliar,butnoonesheconsideredmadesense.Shewantedtoexplainbutshewonderedifherreasoningwassoundaftersuchadisturbingnight.Aneeriesensationrefusedtoleaveherandshefoughttheconstanturgetokeeplookingoveroneshoulder.“BeingalonewithsomeonehuntingmedownwasanexperienceI’vetriednottorepeat,butlastnightwastoodarnfamiliar,likedéjàvu.”
“Howso?”Joleanedforwardonthetable.
JennapeeredatJoovertherimofhercup.Thesmellofcoffeewassomehowcomfortingtohershatterednerves.“AcoupleofyearsagoIdatedalawyerbythenameofJamesStone.Hedidn’ttakerejectiontoowellandbecameanuisance.IntheendDavewarnedhimoff,suggestingwewereinarelationship,andStonebackedoff.”
“What’sthatgottodowithlastnight?”Jostoodanddroppedbreadintothetoasterandthenretrievedbutterandjellyfromtherefrigerator.“Hecan’tstillbestalkingyou,canhe?”
Jennashookherhead.“Nope,he’sinjailforlifewithoutparole.Hewaslivingadoublelife.Top-shotlawyerbydayandontheweekends,heranahumanhuntingracketviathedarkweb.”Sheshuddered.“Notonlydidhehuntdowncouplesforhisclientstomurder,hekilledtheclientsaswellandkepttheirbodiesinacaveoutofBearPeak.”
“Andyoucaughthim?”JobutteredtoastandsliditacrosstoJenna.“Eat.”
Jennaaddedstrawberryjellyandnodded.“Yeah,butStonecameclosetokillingDave.WewerehuntinghimdowninthemountainsandStoneshotDaveintheheadandhefelldownaravine,bustinghisknee.Worsestill,hehadamnesiaanddidn’tremembercomingtoBlackRockFalls.WhenIwenttohelphim,hedidn’trecognizeme.Trustme,whenDaveaimsagunatyou,hemeansbusiness.”Shestaredatthetoastandshookherhead.“Itwasanightmare.”Shebitintothetoastandchewedslowly,recallingtheterribleweekend.“IntheenditcamedowntoStoneorme.Itookhimdownbutwantedhimalive.Heblamedmeforhiskillingspreeandit’snotsomethingIcanforgetinahurry.”SheliftedhergazetoJo.“WhenIsawDave’sheadshotandhimfallingovertheravine,Ikindoflostit.Ithoughthewasdead.”
“ButyouwerecalmanddetachedwhenyoufacedStone?”Josatdownandlookedatherclosely.“That’swhatourbrainsdounderstress.Theycanreacteitherway.It’sthefight-or-fleeresponse.Peoplelikeustraintocopeinthesetypesofsituationsandpullupwhat’snecessarytosurvive.Yourprofessionalismonthejobkickedinandyoufoughtback.”Shetookadrinkofhercoffee.“It’sachillingstory,butwhatsignificancedoesthiscasehavetolastnight’sincident?”
TheimagesofStone’svictimsimpaledwithcrossbowboltsranthroughJenna’smindinaflashofhorror.“Tworeasons.One:Stoneusedthecrossbowlikeasignature,buthewasn’texclusive;hedidcarryarifleandknife.Thesecond:althoughwe’vebroughtmanykillerstojustice,Stonemadeitpersonal.Hewantedmedeadandblamedmeforturninghimintoakiller.Youshouldhaveseenhimathistrial,hecouldhavegivenTedBundytipsoncharisma.Myguttellsmehe’sinvolved.Thecrossbowattackishimsaying,‘Don’tforgetI’mcomingforyou,Jenna.Wehaveunfinishedbusiness.’”
“Thenwe’llneedtofindoutifhe’sescapedASAP.”Joreachedforherphone.“Althoughifhe’sstillincustody,youmighthavetoconsideracopycatkiller.”
Unsettledbythethoughtofacopycatkillerwithherinhissights,Jennapushedbothhandsthroughherhair.“That’sallIneed.”ShelookedatJo.“Makethecall.IfitisStone,atleastwe’llknowwhowe’reupagainst.”
AsJomadethecall,KaneandCartercamethroughthefrontdoor.Sheturnedtolookatthemandheldafingertoherlipstostoptheirchatter,butJostoodandwalkedintothehallway.“Jo’scallingthecountyjailtomakesureJamesStoneisunderlockandkey.”
“So,youfigurehe’sbehindthisattack?”CarterdroppedintoachairbesideherandpushedbacktherimofhisStetson.“Kanementionedthecrossbowbuthonestly,Jenna.Stoneisn’tthefirstkillertouseacrossbow.It’sprobablyacoincidence.Forinstance,didStoneleaveearsashiscallingcard?Ortakethemfortrophies?”
Jennashookherhead.“No,butthecrossbowandtheintentremindedmeofStone.I’mwonderingifhehasafolloweroutthere.”
“It’spossible.”KanefilledtwocupswithcoffeeandhandedonetoCarterandthenrefilledJenna’scup.“Although,becauseofthemacabrenatureofthecase,detailsofthemurderswerewithheldfromthemedia.Onlyweknowheblamedyou,sothishastobesomeoneelse.”Hesatdownandaddedliberalamountsofsugarandcreamtohiscup.“Onethingforsure,awomanismissinganear.Thatmessagewasloudandclear,butisheadvertisingthefacthe’smurderedsomeoneorisheholdingthemforransom?”
JennamovedherattentionoverKaneandCarterastheyremovedtheirStetsonsandalmostself-consciouslyrantheirhandsthroughtheirhair.Theyhadtheirsleevesrolledup,butapartfromthat,shewouldhavewalkedrightpasttheminthestreet.Sheleanedbackinherchairandstaredatthem.Theusualjeansandcasualshirtshadbeenreplacedbysuitpantsanddressshirts.Itwasobviousbothhadvisitedthebarber,althoughCarter’ssun-bleachedblondlockslookedasifhe’dvisitedastylist.Hishairstillhungoverhiscollarbutwasfashionablyuntidy.Kane,ontheotherhand,lookedslick,hisdarkhairtrimmedtoperfection.Shemusthavebeeninshocknottonoticethechange
“I’msurehewill.”Kanesmiledather.“He’llbebylatertogiveyouanupdate.Heisarrangingforsomeofhisfriendstocomebyandsecuretheproperty.”
JennaunderstoodbyWolfe’s“friends”hemeantagovernmentteamwouldbeby,nodoubtbychopper,tosecuretheranch.HavingPOTUSwatchingovertheirsecuritymeantthingshappenedfastwhennecessary.Shenodded.“Thanks.”ShewasgoingtoaskabouttheconferencewhenJo’svoicecamefrombehindher
“Stoneisunderlockandkey.”Jowalkedintothekitchen.“Hehasvisitsfromhislawyer,that’sall.Hismailisopenedandreadbeforehegetsit,he’snotpermittedtosendanythingfromthejail.There’snowayhecancommunicateinstructionsordiscusshiscasewithanyonewhomaybeafan.”Shesighed.“IspoketothewardenandbecauseofStone’snotoriety,theykeepaveryclosewatchonhim.Apparently,heisamodelprisonerandspendsmostofhistimeinthelibraryreadinglawbooksandmakingnotes.Maybehe’swritinganovel?”
“So,itwillbeawaitandseesituation.”Carterfinishedhiscoffeeandstood.“We’llheadoffhomenow.Jowantstoseeherdaughter.Ourresourcesareatyourdisposalifnecessaryandasit’squietinSnakeskinGullyrightnow,ifyouneedus,justpickupthephone.”
“Thanks.”Jennasmiledathim.“Iappreciateyoucomingby.”
“Anytime.”CarterpushedonhisStetsonandlookedatKane.“I’lldropyouattheME’sofficesoyoucanpickupyourride.”
“Okay.”KaneturnedtoJenna.“Unlessyouneedmehere?IcouldgetaridebacktotownwithRowley?”
Jennashookherhead.“Go,I’llbefine.I’llleaveRowleyandRioinchargeoftheofficetodayandwe’llseeifwecanchasedownanyonewithamissingear.Iwantyouheretowatchovertherepaircrewwhentheyarrive.”
“Rogerthat.”Kanebenttoexamineherfaceandfrowned.“Youshouldgoandrest.There’snothingyoucandoatthemoment.Wolfewillbeatleastanhour,andRowleyandRioareoutlookingforclues.Noonewilldisturbyou.”
“Sure.”JennastoodandgaveJoahug.She’denjoyedherlastvisitwithherdaughter,Jaime.“Itwasgoodtoseeyouagain.SayhitoJaimeforme.”
“Iwill.”Josmiledather.“I’veafeelingwe’llbebacksoon.Thiscaseisintriguing.”
AcoldshivertrickleddownJenna’sback,asifsomeonehadfilledthebackofhershirtwithsnow.Sheswallowedtherisingapprehension.“I’mnotsureifthat’sthewordIwoulduseifthisisacopycatkilleroftheStonemurders.I’llsendyouthecasefiles.”
“I’llreadthemonthechopperandgetrightbacktoyou.”Josqueezedherarm.“YoudowantmyevaluationonStone,soyoucanmakeacomparison?”
Jennanodded.“Yeah,I’dappreciateyourinput.”Shegrimaced.“Ifthisisthesametypeofpsychopath,we’reinforabloodbath.”
TEN
ThenewWildOutdoorsstoreinBlackRockFallsimpressedhimwithitsrangeofgoods,andhelikedthefactitopenedatsixeverymorningtocatertothehunters’andnodoubtthehikers’needs,sellingeverythingmostpeoplewouldrequire.Itwasalwaysbusy,aspeopleinBlackRockFallslikedtomakeanearlystarttotheday.Heinhaledthemixtureofsmellsfromleathertogungreaseandscannedthefloorfromoneendtotheother.Themassivestoreheldeverythingfromcampinggeartobullets,anditwasagreatplacetoobservepotentialbait.Oflate,thetownhadbecomeamagnetfortourists,andeventhislateintheseasonwhenthefirstfrostswerealreadyglisteningonthehighcountryeachmorning,somefolksstillwantedtohikeintothemountains.ReturningtoStantonForestafteratimeawayhadbeenlikeawakeningthebeast.Manythingshadchangedinhishometown,buttheforestremainedconstant.Sohadthemountainranges,lakes,andwaterfalls,butthetownhadgrownfromaquietplaceinthemiddleofnowheretoabustling,busyvacationdestination.Thehordesofbrightandhappyfacessurprisedhimconsideringthetown’sreputationforbeingmurdercentral.Itseemedtohim,beingapossibletargetonlyaddedtotheexcitementoftheirvisit.
Heexaminedatopoftherangebackpackfromadisplayhewouldneverhaveconsideredlongago,butnowhehadmoneytoburn.Theequipmenthechosesaidsomethingabouthim,asdidhisappearance.Peopletendedtotrusttheclean-cuttypeandavoidedthosewholookedasiftheyplannedtomugthematthefirstchance.He’dbeenfollowingacouplefromAuntBetty’sCafé,thelocaleatery,afteroverhearingtheirconversationabouthikingintotheforest.Tourguideswerebookedtocapacityaspeoplerushedtothearea.Thehikingseasonwascomingtoanend.Thefirstsnowwouldarrivesoonandmanyhikerswerediscussinghowlongtheyhadbeforetheweatherturnedbad,whattrailstotake,andthedesignatedhuntingareastoavoid.Mostofthemhe’ddismissedasunsuitable,buttheyoungcouplewouldbeperfect.They’dbeencomplainingabouttheavailabilityofasuitableguide,thelackofmaps,andwerecurrentlyarguingaboutpurchasingaGPStotakeintotheforest.Thecostwouldmeanthey’dhavetocuttheirvacationshort.
Hesmiledtohimselfandzippeduphisjacket,makingsuretheBLACKROCKFALLSPRIVATETOURGUIDEpatchwasvisible.Howsimplethathadbeentoreplicate.Thesedaysanythingcouldbecopied.Thetechnologywasamazing.Fromgrowingearstoreplicatingahumanheartonaprinter,asimplepatchwasawalkinthepark.Hemovedclosertothecoupleandexaminedanexpensivesatellitephonesleeve.Hebitdownhardonhislipwhentheyoungdark-hairedwomannudgedhercompanionsohard,heyelpedinpain.Heturnedandsmiledatthembutsaidnothing.
“Excuseme.”Themanlookedathimwithapainedexpression.“Inoticedyou’reatourguide.”
“Iam.It’sabeautifuldayandIcan’twaittogetmyhikingbootson.”Hesigheddramatically.“Unfortunately,thepartywhobookedmeforthenextcoupleofdaysdecidedtoholeupinBlackwaterwithrelativesuntilafterHalloween.”Heshrugged.“Atleastitgavemetimetocollectsupplies.”
“Areyouavailableforhire—forTuesday?”Theman’sfacelitupwitheagerenthusiasmandhestuckouthishand.“EmmettandPattiHowardoutofSleepyCreek.”
Hecouldn’trespondwithhisrealnameandglancedaroundthestoreforinspiration.Hisattentionsettledonthecrossbowboltshe’dstackedonthecounterbesideaboxofJerry’sBeefJerkyandthefinenewhuntingknifehe’dchosen.“Ah,nicetomeetyou.”Heshooktheman’shand.“JerryBolt.”
“Well,areyoufreeornot?”PattiHowardpushedastrandofravenhairbehindoneear.“Weneedaguidetoshowusthetrailsintothemountainandasafeplacetocampovernight.Wehaveagoodsenseofdirectionandonceyoushowushowtogetthere,we’llbeabletofindourwayback.Wedon’twanttostayuptherefordays,there’ssomuchtoseeinthisarea.”
Jerryshookhishead.“That’snotagoodideaunlessyou’refamiliarwithStantonForest,butifyouwantsomealonetime,IcouldleaveyouthereandI’llmakecampsomewaysawayandcomebackandgetyoulaterorthenextday?OrIcouldtakeyoutoseesomeoftheattractionsbeforeyouhikebacktotown?”Heshrugged.“I’measyeitherway.I’mplanningonheadingintothemountainsanyway,there’safewlessbusytrailsIwanttoexplore.”HelookedatPattiHoward.Fromtheargumenthe’dheard,shehandledthepursestrings.“Ifyouwanttotagalong,I’llshowyoutoasafeplacetocamp.Ifyoudecideyouwantatourofthesightsthenextday,I’llonlychargeyouthegoingrateforoneday.”
“Thatsoundsgreat!”Emmettbeamed.“Whattimedoweleave?”
Amused,Jerrylookedfromonetotheother.Theylookedsoeagerandtrusting.Itwasashamehehadtoseedtheforestforhiskills,butwithsomanypeoplepackingforbear,heneededtobecareful.“Sure.Getyoursuppliestogether.CanyoufindyourwaytotheparkinglotatBearPeak?YoutakeStantonuntilyouseearoadsignpointingtoBearPeakLookout.HeadtotheparkinglotandI’llmeetyouthereateleven-thirty.”
“Thatseemsawfullatetostarthiking.”Emmettfrowned.“We’llwastetheentireday.”
Feigningdisinterest,Jerrylookedaway.Hedidn’tplanonspendingtoomuchtimewithhisprey.Hehadthingstodo,placestobe,andwaitedabeatbeforereturninghisgazetothecoupleandthenshrugged.“That’stheearliestIcangetthere.It’snotalonghiketothecampsite,andyou’llhavetimetosetupyourtentandeatbeforeitgetsdark.Onceyou’resettled,I’llleaveandcomebackthenextdaytomakesureyougetbacktoyourvehicle.Orwecanspendsometimeexploringtheforest.It’suptoyou.Eitherway,I’llhaveyoubackherebeforeitgetsdark.”
“Okay.”Emmettnoddedslowly.“Aretherebearsupthere?Ihavearifleinmytruck.”
Jerryraisedbotheyebrows.“Ofcourse,therearebearsbutthey’llleaveusbeandI’llbringbearspray.Youcan’tjustgoaroundshootingbearsinStantonForestwhenyoufeellikeit,theMFWP,that’stheMontanaFish,WildlifeandParksofficers,willhaulinyourass.You’dneedalicenseandasgrizzliesareprotected,they’dneedtobeattackingyoubeforeyoucouldfireonthemandIwon’tallowthattohappen.”Helookedfromonetotheother.“Therearerulesyouneedtofollowwhenhikingandcampingsoyoudon’tattractbears.I’llshowyouhowtoprotectyourcampsite.”
“Thankyou.I’mgladweranintoyou,Jerry.”Emmetttookouthiswallet.“Doyouwantmetofixyouupnow?”
“Nah.”Jerrylaughed.“Afterisfine.I’llseeyoulater.”Heturnedawaytoselectabackpackandthenheadedthroughthecrowdedstoretothecountertopayforhispurchases.
Outside,hemadehiswaytothealleywaywherehe’dparkedhistruckandcheckedhissupplies.He’dheadoutnow,toseewhatchaoshadbeencreatedatthesheriff’sranch,andthenheadintotheforesttochooseasuitablekillingground.Helikedtomakesurehehadeverythingreadyforahunt.Theanticipationofthekillmadehishandstremblewithexcitementasheturnedthekeyintheignition.Heturnedinthedirectionofthesheriff’sranch,takingthebackroadthatledtotheoldpastoraltrails.Thesheriffcouldn’thavethesecurityupandrunningyet.Hesmiledtohimself.He’dholeuptheretowatchtheexcitementandthenheadintothemountains.Hehadplanstomake.
PeoplerarelyusedtheparkinglotatBearPeakanymoreastoomanybodieshadbeenfoundinthearea,butitwasperfectforhisneeds.HewonderedifEmmettwouldbringhisrifleandtrytodefendhimself.Theideaaddedanotherlevelofthrilltohistask,andtheriskofhispreykillinghimwasachancehe’dbepreparedtotake.Nothinginlifewascertain,thatwasforsure.Ashedrovedeeperintothepinetrees,theviewseemedtobrighten,colorsbecamevivid.Likeabutterflyexplodingfromacocoon,he’dstartedtoenjoylifeagain,andifitwasforonlyonemoregloriousday,sobeit.
ELEVEN
Oncethechopperliftedoff,JennastaredatthesuitjacketoverthebackofthechairandKane’sbagbythefrontdoor.Arestlessnesscreptoverher.Sleepingwasoutofthequestion.Howcouldsherestwhensomeonehadinvadedhersanctuary?Shedidn’tfeelsafeanymoreinherownhome.Shewalkedtothedoorandflungitopenandtookintheview.ThebigblueskyhadpushedawaythestormcloudsandshecouldseethesnowcappedpeakshighaboveStantonForest.Sheturnedagaintotakeintherollinglowlandswearingtheirfallcoatofmanycolors.Beautyhadsurroundedherlikeawarmhugandsomeonehadspoiledit.SheturnedandlookedatDuke,curledupinhisbasketbesidethefireplace.Hegaveashiverasifhejoinedherinherconcern.Kane’sloyalcompanionwouldhavegivenhislifetoprotecther,sameashismaster,andthethoughthumbledher.ShewenttothethermostatandturneduptheheatandthenwenttoDukeandpulledhisblanketoverhim.OnesleepyeyeopenedandDukelickedherhand.Shestrokedhissilkenhead.“Gobacktosleep,everythingisgoingtobefine.”
Jennamadeherwayovertoherhouseandsurveyedthedamagewithaclearerheadthanbefore.Thesturdyfrontdoorhadbeenrippedoffthehinges,andthattooksomestrength,butinsidehadbeentrashed.Hernewlampsandcoffeetablewereinpieces,windowssmashed,andtheonlypictureofher,takenatacookoutwithherfriends,hadbeencrushedundertheheelofaboot.Thenewruginfrontofthefirewascoveredinglass.She’dbeenproudoftherenovations,andeverythingshe’dworkedonwithKaneandherfriendshadbeendestroyed,apartfromthedarndrapesinthefamilyroom.Sheswallowedhard.Allthosememorytriggersgoneforever.Shakingherheadtocrushtheremorse,sherememberedthereasonshedidn’tcollectpersonalitems.Nothingfromherpastlifeexistedandalwaysbeingreadytorunmeantshecouldn’tleaveanycluesbehind.
“Jenna.”ShaneWolfewalkedupbesideher.“I’mjustaboutdonehere.”Heglancedaround.“Hedidn’ttouchyourbedroom,andthekitchenlooksfine.Thedrawerswereopenandacoupleofyourknivesaremissingfromtheblock.I’vecollectedsamplesfromallover,butIdoubtheleftanythingwecanuseapartfromtheear.Nofingerprintsonthebolts,nohair,fibers,oranytraceevidence.Theboltsaresoldeverywhere,samewithhisboots.”
“Hemustbestrongtohaverippedthedooroffthehinges,Shane.”Shestaredintohisconcernedface.“Thissecurityissupposedtobethebestavailableandyethegotinwitheaseandcouldhavemurderedmeinmybed.Ididn’thearathing.IfDukeandPumpkinhadn’talertedme,I’dprobablybedead.”
“Itwasmyfault.”Wolfelookedatherwithhissteadygraygaze.“Ishouldn’thavelefttheremotetotheranchinmyglovebox.IhadnoideaanyoneevenknewIhadone.Hewouldn’thavegotinwithoutit,butI’marranginganotherfail-safe.We’reputtingasecondbackupgeneratorinthecellar.Kanesaidthereisanemptypartofthecellaryouconverted,whichwillworkjustfine.We’realsoremovingthepowerboxfromthepoleoutside.Mostpeoplehaveaswitchinsidenowwithasurgeprotectorbuiltinforstorms.Itcangointhemudroom.”
Jennanodded.“Idon’tblameyou,Shane,butwhoeverdidthisstillhasthecontrolforthegate.”
“Everythingisbeingupgradedandwillworkthroughyourphonenow.”Wolfesmiled.“Don’tworry,BobbyKalotheFBIwhizzkidwillmakesureeverythingishackerproof.”
Jennashuddered.“Unlesssomeonecutsoffmythumb.”
“Thenwe’llincorporatearetinalscanner.”Wolfeshrugged.
“So,they’llcutoutaneye?”Jennarubbedbothherarms,suddenlycold.“Thatmakesmefeelawholelotbetter.”
“We’llkeepyousafe,Ipromise.”Wolfegaveheralonglook.“Doyouwanttocomestaywithmeandthegirlsuntilthisissorted?”
Jennashookherhead.“MuchasI’dloveto,I’veworktodoandKane’sspareroomwillbejustfine.Idon’tthinkanyonewillgetpasthimorDuke.”
“Meeither.”Wolfegaveheralonglook.Davewillguardyouwithhislife,andImeaneveryword.”
Jennarolledhereyes.“Yes,Iknow,andI’djustgottenhimoutofbeingoverprotective.”Shesighed.“It’snotthatIdon’tappreciatehim,Ido,butwhenhe’sworriedaboutmysafety,Ilosemyfriendandhebecomesadifferentperson.”
“You’reluckywe’veseentherealperson.Ionlyevercommunicatedwithaprofessional,machine-like,emotionlesssoldierforaverylongtime.”Wolfeloweredhisvoice.“Whenhedecidedtoretire,hisclearancewassohigh,aswashisintegrity,POTUSdidn’twanttolosehim.Hewentthroughsomanypsychteststoseeifhewassane,I’msurprisedhecameouttheotherside.Ittookhimalongtimetocomedownandevenrelax.IwasretainedashishandlerevenwhenheworkedattheWhiteHouse.HeneverlosthiscoolevenwhenAnniedied.Heremainedremote.I’veonlyseenhimcracktwice,andthefirsttimewaswhenhethoughtyou’ddied,thesecondwhenwediscoveredwho’dkilledAnnie,andyetyouheldhimtogether.Iwouldn’thavebeenabletocontrolhimifthatlunatichadkilledyou;he’dhavebeenoffthegridandoutforbloodandyetyoukepthimontrackandcalm.”Hesqueezedherarm.“It’stakingtimebutyou’rethawingtheice-man,however,he’llalwaysbetherelurkinginthebackground.Yearsoflivingwithoutemotionandkillingoncommandtakesatollonaperson.”
Jennapushedbothhandsthroughherhair.“Iunderstandhimbetterthanyourealize.That’swhyItrytokeepthingsnormalaroundhim.IjokeabouthiscombatfaceandmakesureheknowsIlikehim,ice-manorDave.”Shelookedathim.“Youhavetoadmit,he’smorerelaxednowthaneverbefore.”
“Heis.”Wolfeturnedasvoicescamedownthehallway.“That’sgood.EmilyandWebberhavefinishedcollectingsamples.”Heturnedback.“Acrewwillbeheresoontosecuretheranch.First,they’llarrivebychopper.They’lldoawalk-throughandseewhatneedstobedone,andthenexpecttrucksandamessofpeoplerunningaround.I’vestuckan‘offlimits’noticeonyourbedroomdoorandlockedit.”Hehandedherakey.“Nothingwastouchedinthere,butIsecureditforyourownpeaceofmind.Youdon’tneedtoworryaboutpeoplegoingthroughyourbelongings.Ifyouhaveanythingyouneedtokeepprivate,youhavetimetoremoveit.Icanhelp.”
Jennashookherhead.“Theywon’tbegettingintomyroom,andthesafeisinthere.Itwillbefine.”Sherubbedhertemples.“WillIhavetosupervise?”
“Nope.”Wolfeledhertowardthefrontdoor.“Leavethemtodotheirjob.They’llhavetheperimetersecuredtodayandthey’llbecampingontheranch,butitshouldbefinishedinafewdays.”
Astonished,Jennastaredathim.“HowamIgoingtofeedallofthem?”
“They’llhaveamesstentsetup.Don’tworry.”Wolfechuckled.“StayinKane’scottageuntiltheyleave.I’llhaveyournewphoneswaitingforyoubythemorning.”
“Newphones?”Jennafrowned.“ButIcanaccessallmyofficefilesfrommyphone.It’sindispensable.”
“Trustme.”Wolfesmiled.“Everythingwillbefine.”Heturnedtohisdaughter.“Jennaisdeadonherfeet.WalkherbacktoKane’scottageandmakesuresherests.”
Jennashookherhead.“Later.IneedtospeaktoRowleyandRioaboutrunningtheofficeforacoupleofdays.”
“They’renotgoinganywhereforafewhours.”Wolfeguidedhertothedoor.“They’reoutmakingcastsoftiretracksandfootprintsatthemoment.”
“Okay.”JennaturnedtoEmily.“Youdon’tneedtoescortme,I’llgoandrest,Ipromise.”
“Sure,youwill.”Emilytookherarmandledhertowardthecottage.“DidyouseeTytodayalldressedup?Hescrubsupwell,don’tyouthink?”
Jennagapedather.“Youdon’thaveacrushonhim,doyou?”
“Well…heisnice,andIamtwenty-onenextmonth.”Emilylookedsuddenlyserious.“I’veworkedhardandavoidedrelationships,butwhenIpassmyfinals,I’llbespendingtheentireyearinresidencyworkingwithDad.IttakesyearsmorestudybeforeIcanapplyforboardcertification,butIthinkI’llhavetimetolivealittle.”
“ButTyCarter?”Jennachewedonherbottomlip.“He’ssexistandaplayer.You’rejustattractedtohisbadboyimage.Itwillwearoffintime.”Shewantedtochangethesubjectfast.“So,didyoufindanyevidencetopointtowhoistryingtokillme?”
“Notashred.”Emilyshrugged.“Don’tworry,Dadwillfindsomething.Healwaysdoes.”ShefollowedJennaintoKane’scottageandsniffed.“I’mgoingtohelpmyselftoacupofDave’sfamouscoffee.Shepointedtothehallway.“Goandrest.Turnoffyourphone.I’llstayrighthereuntilDavegetsback.”
“Okay,okay.”Suddenlyexhausted,JennayawnedandgaveherawaveandthenheadedforKane’sspareroom.Shekickedoffherboots,floppedonthebed,andsnuggledundertheblankets.Thetroublesofthenightdriftedintoinsignificanceassleepclaimedher.
TWELVE
KanedroppedbytheofficetoexplainthebreakinatJenna’sranchtothereceptionist,MagnoliaBrewster,knownasMaggietoeveryonearound.Nothinghadcomeinaboutmissingpersons,andhegaveMaggiethetaskofcontactingthehospitalandlocaldoctorstofindoutifanyonehadsoughtmedicalattentionforamissingear.HopingJennawouldberesting,hetooktheopportunitytoshowerandchangeintohisuniform.Well,ifyoucouldcallblackjeans,andT-shirtplushissheriff’sdepartmentjacket,auniform.Hekeptseveralsetsofclothesandbootsinthelockerroom,oftennothavingtimetodrivebacktotheranchtochange.HecollectedhisbeltandholsterfromthegunlockerandstrappeditonashewalkedintoJenna’snewoffice.Heworehisweaponlowonhisthigh,toallowhimfreedomofmovementandthefastdrawofagunslinger.Overtheweekendoftheconference,he’doptedforashoulderholster.Heneverwentanywhereunarmed,andhadn’tformanyyears.
ThefragranceofthehoneysuckleshampooJennausedstilllingeredintheroom.He’dcaughtthesamescentinthehallwayoutsidehisroomthepreviousnightandhadwalkedfromoneendofthehoteltotheotherlookingforher.He’dwantedtocallherbutitwaslateandforamanwhocouldfallasleepstandingupifnecessary,he’dlainawakealongtime.Ifhe’dbeenasuperstitiousman,he’dhavebelievedshe’dbeentryingtosendhimamessage.Helaughed.AfewyearsinBlackRockFallsandthespookinessofHalloweenwascreepingintohislife.Pushingawayfancifulnotions,hesatatJenna’sdeskandopenedhercomputertosearchforreportedmissingpersonsacrossthelocalcounties.Hescannedthepageasthereportscameinandsentthemtotheprinter.Asanafterthought,hescannedthelistoftheconvictedkillersthey’dsenttocounty.Allwerelockedupandaccountedfor.HerubbedhischinasconcernforJenna’ssafetycrawledoverhimlikeaswarmofants.WhoeverbrokeintoJenna’sranchknewtoomuchabouther.Hemustbesomeoneveryclosetoknowsuchintimatedetailsofherprivatelife.Shehadn’tadvertisedthefactshe’dbealoneovertheweekend.Nobodyknewunless…
HepulledouthisphoneandcalledBobbyKaloattheFBIfieldofficeatSnakeskinGully.Theyoungmanhadbeenrecruitedafteranarrestasablackhathacker.ThekidwasageniuswithanythingtodowithIT.Kalodidn’thaveadishonestboneinhisbodybutplayingwithfireandhackingtop-secretgovernmentdatabasesforfunhadalmostlandedhiminfederalprisonforlife.“Hey,Bobby,DaveKanehere.”
“I’llhavethenewphonestoyoufirstthinginthemorning,Wolfecanupdatethesecurityprotocoloncethenewsystemattheranchisinstalled.”KalotappedawayathiscomputerandKanecouldhearmusicinthebackground.
He’splayinggames.“Ididn’tcallaboutthephonesbutI’llpassonthemessage.”Kaneclearedhisthroat.“So,youknowabouttheattackonJenna?”
“Yeah,anythingelseIcando?”Kalosoundedgenuinelyconcerned.
Kaneleanedbackintheofficechair.“Yeah,checkouttheconferenceweattendedovertheweekend.Inoticedreportersthere.Jowasofinteresttothemanddidanumberofinterviews.I’mwonderingifanythingshowedinthemediaaboutmebeingthere?”
“Lookingforfiveminutesoffame,huh?”Kalobarkedalaugh.“I’lllook.Anythingelse?”
Shakinghishead,Kanerolledhiseyestotheceiling.“Nope.Trustme,that’sthelastthingIwant,butifIwasmentionedthensomeonewouldknowJennawasaloneovertheweekend.AnyonewhoknowsJennawouldn’triskattackingtheranchwithbothofusthere.Infact,I’msurprisedanyonetriedtakingonJennawithacrossbow.Sheisquitecapableofdefendingherhome,buthavingmeoutofthewayaswellmadehisoddsbetter.”
“Okay,letmesee.”Kalohummedatuneashesearched.“Ah-huh,yeah,you’rehereinaphotographwithJo.Nicesuit.Italian?You’redoingokayforadeputy.”
Kanerubbedbetweenhiseyebrowsandsighed.“Didtheynameme?”
“Suredid….SpecialAgentJoWellsandhercompanionDeputySheriffDavidKanefromBlackRockFalls.”Kalotappedonhiskeyboard.“Thestorywentoutonthewire.Itwouldhavemadethelocalnewspapersjustabouteverywhere.Theconventionwasabigdealforthisstate.”
“Okay,thanks.”Kanethoughtforabeat.“We’rehuntingdownawomanwithamissingear.Well,we’reassumingit’sawoman.Canyoukeepawatchonanymissingpersonsorpeopleseekingmedicalattentionathospitalswithanearinjury?”
“Youmeanhackintohospitalfilesoverwhattimeframe?”Kalodidn’tseematallfazedbytherequest.
Kanewrinkledhisnoserecallingthefreshmeatsmelloftheear.“FromThursday.WefoundtheearthismorningbuttheperpcouldhavekeptitrefrigeratedforallIknow.Wolfewillbeabletotellusmorelater.”
“Okay.”Kalosoundedseriousandthebackgroundmusichadstopped.“Leaveitwithme.IfIcomeacrossanything,I’llcontactyou.”
“Thanks.”Kanedisconnectedandstood.Hecollectedtheprintoutsandslidthemintoafolderandthenheadedforthedoor.
HepausedatthecounterandwaitedforMaggietofinishspeakingtooneofthetownsfolk.Hegavethemananodandturnedtoher.“RowleyandRiowillbebacksoon.Jennawillbeworkingfromhometodayatleast.I’mheadingbacktotheranchnow.”
BeforeKanereachedthefrontdoorAtohiBlackhawkarrivedlookingagitated.HenoddedtoMaggieandgrabbedKane’sarm.“Wehavetotalk.”
KanestaredatthehandonhisarmandthenbacktoBlackhawk’sexpressionofdeepconcern.Hewasaclosefriendandalthoughnotofficiallyontheteam,theNativeAmericantrackerhadgivenhistimefreelytoassistthemandwasagoodfriend.“Sure,comeintoJenna’soffice.”
“No,outside.”Blackhawkpracticallydraggedhimtothedoor.
“Nowjustwaitupasecond.”Kaneduginhisheels.“What’ssodarnimportant?You’reactingcrazy.”
“You’llseesoonenough.”Blackhawkdroppedhishand.“Inmytruck.IwenttoseeShanebuttheME’sofficeisclosed.IcalledJennaandgottheansweringmachine,soIcamehere.”Hewalkeduptohispickupandpulledbackthecanvascover.“Takealook.Ifigureit’shuman.Oneofthedogsbroughtitintotheres.Ibaggeditandputitonice.”Hepulledacoolertowardhimandliftedthelid.
Kaneleanedintothetrayofthepickupandexaminedthefleshybonewithnumerousteethmarks.Theendhadbeencrushed,butwhatresembledapartofatattooremainedontheflesh.“Yeah,itsurelookslikepartofthelowerleg.”HeturnedtoBlackhawk.“Bearattack?”
“There’snotbeenagrizzlyattackinyearsintheseparts.Thislooksmorelikeablackbearcameacrossabodyandcheweditupsome.”Blackhawklookedathim.“Hasanyonegonemissing?”
Kaneshookhishead.“Notthatweknowofyet,no,butperhapsthispersonhasn’tbeenmissedyet.”Heleanedinclosertothebodypartandsniffed.“Canyousmellgas?”
“Yeah.”Blackhawkdraggedthecoverbackoverthetray.“Itwasalloverthelimb.Thedog’smouthwasblisteredfromitandwehadtowashitout.Ihaven’ttrackedthisbacktothesource.Ifiguredyou’dwanttobeinvolved.Thebearsarefeastingbeforehibernation,buttheywon’teatanythingtaintedwithoilorgasoline.”Hefrowned.“Thisisman’sdoing.Bearsdon’tcarrygasaroundwiththem.Whoeverkilledthispersondidn’twantthewildlifespreadingitaround.I’veseenthisbefore.Doyourecallthelasttimesomethinglikethishappened?”
VividmemoriesoffindingbodiessoakedingaspinnedtotreeswithacrossbowboltrammedintoKane’smindlikeacannonball.Thenightmarethatfollowedagunshottotheheadhadbeenharrowing.Themanresponsiblewaslockedup,buttheattackonJenna,theearattachedtothehousewithacrossbowbolt,andnowadismemberedbodypartsoakedingas.Thescenariowasgettingwaytoofamiliar.Concerngrippedhim.HecomposedhisfeaturesandturnedtoBlackhawk.“WolfeisoutatJenna’sranch.SomeonetrashedthehouselastnightwhenIwasaway.Shewasalonetoo.”
“IsJennaokay?”Blackhawk’sfacefilledwithconcern.“Whydidn’tshecallsomeone?”
“She’sfine.”Kanestraightened.“Shecouldn’tcallanyone.Herphonewasout,andsowasthepower.Ididn’tfindoutuntilthismorningwhenRowleydroppedbytocheckonher.”HeindicatedwithhischintowardMain.“Whydon’tyouheadouttotheranchandhandtheremainsovertoWolfe.He’lldecidewhattodoonceheconfirmsit’shuman.Ifhedoes,IfigureI’llstartattheresandfollowDukeonhorseback.”
“It’shuman.NoanimalIknowhasatattooontheirleg.YoutaketheremainstoWolfe,andI’llarrangeforhorsesfromtherestosavetime.”Blackhawkstaredintospaceforabeat.“Fourandapackhorseshouldbeenoughforyourteam.I’llcomealongtoo.Iwouldn’twantyougettinglostupthere.Theforestisverydense,andtherearemanyglacialravinesaroundBearPeak.”
Kaneslappedhimontheback.“Great,thanks.I’llgrabthesupplies.”
“Thisisbadbusiness.”Blackhawk’sfaceheldanexpressionofsorrow.“Toomanyuseourforestformurderandthespiritswillnotresteasyuntilyoufindthismenace.”HehandedtheremainstoKane,climbedintohistruck,and,shakinghishead,droveaway.
Unsettled,Kanestaredafterhim.HehadgreatrespectforthebeliefsofBlackhawk’speople,andasheturnedandstaredatthepinesmarchingupthesideofthemountaintodisappearintothemorningmist,agreatsadnessfelloverhim.Heconsideredtheforest,mountains,andfallsanincrediblegiftthattoomanypeopleabused.Justabsorbingthebeautyofthemhadkepthimgoing,especiallyinthebeginning.Afterlosinghiswife,he’dleftbehindhistimeintheWhiteHouseprotectingPOTUSandhisyearsasasnipertoarriveinBlackRockFallstostartalifecreatedinfiction,withanewfaceandname.Hecarriedatonofhurtandanger,butthistownhadsoothedhissoul.Theforestandmountainsseemedtoknowheneededsolitude,andthenhe’dmetJenna.Asheriffnewtothejob,alittleunorganizedatfirstandfiercelyindependent.He’dpickedherasaspecialagentfromtheget-goandbelievedhertobeaplant.Jenna,ontheotherhand,wasconvincedhe’dbeensentbythecarteltotakeherout.Ithadbeenaninterestingfewmonthsbuthewouldn’tchangeanythingabouthisjobasdeputysherifforworkingwiththepeoplewho’dbecomehissurrogatefamily.
HemadehiswaybackinsidetheofficeandgaveMaggieanupdate.ShebustledaroundmakingcoffeeandfillingThermosflasks.Itwascoldinthemountainsandanythingcouldhappen.KanemadeaquickcalltoAuntBetty’sCaféforsuppliesandthenpulledoutthesaddlebags.Hepackedeverythingthey’dneedandhauledthemouttohistruck.Tenminuteslater,he’dmadehiswaythroughthebouncingplasticpumpkinsstrungupalongMainandsidesteppedthegrinningskeletonsandghostsadorningthestorefrontstogetbacktohistruck.Thetownsfolkweregoingalloutthisyearandwereoutindrovesrepairinganddecoratingthetownafterthestorm.
Hedroveslowlythroughtownandturnedontothehighwayheadingfortheranch.Lightsflashing,heaccelerated,enjoyingtheroaroftheengineandthewindblowinginhisface.Thesmellsandsightsoflatefallsurroundedhimonhisjourneyinpeacefulnormality,butasheturnedintotheranchthehairsonthebackofhisneckbristledwithaprimalinstinctthatwarnedhimsomeonewaswatching.Heslowedandreversedbacktothegateandthenmovedforwardslowly,scanningthetrees.Manycriminalsreturnedtoacrimescene,butthisonewouldhavetobeprettydumbtohangaroundwiththeentireteamonthepremises…butthentherewasnoreasontoapsychopath’smindsetandifsomeonewaskillingpeopleintheforestandnailingearstoJenna’shouse,anythingwaspossible.
THIRTEEN
He’ddecidedhelikedthename:JerryBolt,andhecouldalmostseehimselfsigninghisnameinbloodonthefaceofPattiHoward.Heliftedhisfingerstohislipsandlickedacrossthem,almosttastingthemetallictangofblood.Theanticipationwasrebelliousnow,screamingathimtoforgetthesheriffandconcentrateonPatti.Hechuckled.Patti’snamewouldbecomeredundantthemomentheissuedtheordertorun.Hehadsuchplansforher,butsoonshewouldjustbeanotherpartofhiscollection.Whatwouldhekeepofhers?Helikedasmallremembrance,atokenoftheirtimetogether.Hecouldn’texplainwhythenamesfadedasthelightwentfromtheireyes,butthemomenthetouchedtheirbelongingsitbroughtbacktheintenserushofthemomentthey’ddied.Itwasnotlikeanyothermemory.Hecouldseehimselfasifhewatchedfromoutsidehisbody.Itwaslikeanexcitingmovie.Itmadehisheartrace,andknowingitwashimtakingtheirlivesmadeitsurreal,likeanincredibledream.Thescentandfeelgavehimarushofsensationsointenseittookhisbreathaway,butthenthecravingstartedagain.Itbecamesopowerfulhecouldn’tfunction.Theplanninghelpedsome,itoccupiedhismind,butdoingwassomuchbetterthanthinking,andrightnowheneededtomovetothenexthunt.
Hetookonemorelookattheranchandthendroppedthebinoculars.He’dseenenoughofthesheriff’steamtorecognizethemallonsight.Thelastonetoarriveintheblacktruckhadalmostblownhiscover.Thatonewasastute,andhe’dneedtobemorecarefuldealingwithhim.Heshimmiedbackwarddownthehilloverlookingtheranch,andonceoutofviewheadedbacktohistruck.Theoldroadwasstillcarvedoutofthelandasheremembered.Thebarbedwirethatoncedividedtheprimecattlegrazinghadbeenlefttorust.Onethingforsure,thesheriffwouldn’tfallforthesametricktwice.He’dlearnedeverythingaboutherandshewasassmartasawhip.Thenight’seffortwouldkeepherbusyforadayorsoandgivehimtimetoenjoyhimselfintheforest.Heambledtohispickupandpulledoffthecoverandstoweditintheback,andthenclimbedbehindthewheel.He’dhiddenhiswhitetruckunderacamouflagetarpaulinjustincasethechopperhe’dseenleavingdecidedtoreturn.He’dusedthecovermanyatimetoavoiddetection,anditwasworthitsweightingold.
FOURTEEN
Forsomereason,wheneverJennafellasleeptotallyexhausted,shedreamedofthebeach.Asunnyday,nothotbutjustnice,andwalkingonwetsandontheedgeofablueoceanthatwentonforever.Oflate,shehadn’tbeenalone.Davehadbeenthere,walkingjustbehindher.Shecouldn’tseehimbutkindofsensedhewasthere.Hegaveherawonderfulfeelingofsecurity,andwhensheliftedherfacetothesunapeacecameoverher,leavingallherworriesbehind.
“Jenna.”
ItwasKane’svoicedraggingherawayfromheridyllicShangri-La.Shesqueezedhereyestightshut,notreadytoleaveyet.“Dowehavetoleavesosoon?”
“Well,youcanstay,butIfigureyou’llwanttobeinvolvedinthesearch.”Kane’sfingersclosedaroundherarmandgaveheralittleshake.“Atohi’sdogfoundhumanremainsintheforest.We’reheadingouttotherestotrackdowntherestofthebody.Areyoucoming?”
Realitycamecrashingdownlikeanavalanche,andJennaopenedhereyesandlookedathim.Dressedtotravel,withhisKevlarvestunderathickwinterjacketandawoolencappulleddownoverhisears.“Whattimeisit?”
“Almostten.”Kaneglancedathiswatch.“We’remeetingBlackhawkateleven.Weneedtomovealong.”
Sheswallowedhard.“Whatdidthedogfind?”
“Apartofthelowerleg,justabovetheankleandsomewaysup.Itwaschewedupsome.ThebearsorthedogshadgottentoitbeforeBlackhawknoticedit.”
“Oh,sowe’reassumingthisistheowneroftheear?”Jennayawnedandpushedherhairfromherface.
“Maybe.”Kanenarrowedhisgaze.“Itwasprettyhairyandhadapartofatattoo.Itcouldbemale.Wolfehasalreadyconfirmedtheearisfromafemale,sowemaybelookingfortwodifferentpeople.”Heheldoutacupofcoffee.“Getthisintoyou.Ifyou’rehungrytherearesandwichesandcoffeeinthetruckandI’vepackedthesaddlebagswithsupplies.”
“Thanks.”TheimplicationsoftwopeopledyingoverHalloweenweekagainthisyearseemedtoobizarre.“IhopeHalloweenisn’tgoingtobespoiledeveryyearbymurders.”
“Itmighttriggersomepeople.”Kaneshrugged.“Anythingispossible.”
Jennasatup,swungherlegsoffthebed,andsearchedforherboots.“IsWolfecomingwithus?”
“Yeah,he’sleavingWebbertoruntheofficeandEmiscomingwithus.They’veheadedbacktotowntogettheirgear.Atohisaiditwasbelowfreezingatthebaseofthemountain,sorugupandafterwhathappenedlastnight,avestwouldbesensible.”
Pullingonherhikingboots,Jennanodded.“Sure.Iassumewe’retakingthehorses?”
“Nope.”Kaneleanedagainstthedoorframe.“I’vesettledtheminthebarn,Atohiissupplyinghorsesandapackhorsejustincaseweneedtobringdownabody.”
“Okay.”Jennasippedhercoffeeandsighedasthericharomafilledhernostrils.“We’llneedvestsforBlackhawkandEm.Idon’twanttoputthemindanger.”
“WolfeandEmarealreadysuitedupandI’veaspareforAtohi.Hewasalittleupsetwedidn’tinformhimyou’dbeallaloneovertheweekend.Hesaidyoushouldhavecalledhim.”Kane’slipsquiveredintoasmile.“ItseemsI’mnottheonlyoverprotectivemaleintown.”
“HeknowsIcanlookoutformyselfjustfine.”Jennasearchedherbagforanothersweaterandthengrabbedherjacket.“MyvestisintheBeast.”
“It’sinthekitchennow,I’llgetit.Finishyourcoffee.”Kaneheadeddownthehallway.“I’mreadytoleaveandwe’remeetingWolfeonStanton.”
Jennaswallowedhercoffeeandthenscannedtheroomforwhatelseshewouldneed.She’dgrabbedafewdays’clothingfromthehouse,butsomeessentialswerestilllockedinsideherroom.Shesmiled.Kanehadrescuedherdutybeltfromthehouse,herglovesandwoolencap.Shedivedintothebathroom,washedherface,andtiedbackherhair.Thecoupleofhours’sleephadworkedwonders,andwhenshereturnedtothebedroomKanehandedherthevest.Shedroppeditoverherheadandpulledonherjacket,hat,andgloves.“What’shappeningaboutsecuringmyhouse?”
“Iemptiedyoursafe,andgunlocker.Allyourvaluablesanddocumentsarenowinmysafe.Youcangogetanythingelseyouneedlater.”Kanenarrowedhisgaze.“Nooneisgettinginhere.Mybackupgeneratorisworkingjustfine.”Hemethergaze.“Theteamarehereandhavetheirorders.POTUSwasn’ttoohappywiththebreachinsecurity.Theranchwillbesecurebythetimewegethome.Thecosmeticsidemaytakelonger,butyou’llhavemorecontroloverthatsideofthings.Allthebrokenfurniturehasalreadybeenremovedandyoucanorderthereplacements.Theinsurancewillcoveranycostinvolved.Theinteriordamagewillberepairedbytheteamoverthenextdayorso.”
“Goodtoknow.”Thefeelingofsomeoneviolatingherhomehadn’tleftJennabutshesmotheredit.Shedraggedupherlastounceofprofessionalismandnodded.“Okay,let’sdothis.”
TheymetWolfeandEmilyasplanned,andtheysetoutinaconvoy.AstheBeastpowereditswayupthemountainranges,JennadraggedhergazeawayfromthepanoramicviewsofBlackRockFallsandturnedtoKane.“Everythingyou’vetoldmeandmyfirstimpressionsstillpointtoJamesStone,andyetweknowhe’slockedaway.Isthereachancehecouldbemanipulatingpeople,followersorwhatever,fromjail?”
“Thatwouldbemyfirstconclusion,butIdon’tseehowhecan.”Kane’sattentionwasfixedontheroad.“Jofolloweduponherphonecallthismorning.Shewantedtoputyourmindatrest.Stoneismonitored,theonlynewshegetsfromtheoutsideisanewspaper.Allhiscorrespondenceiscopied,andaswespeakBobbyKaloisgoingoverit,makingsureacodehasn’tslippedpasttheofficials.We’llhearmorelater.There’satonofmail,hehasadmirers,followers,butnothingishappeningbetweenthemandStone.He’snotpermittedtoreplytoanyone.Thereisnodirectcommunicationtoandfromtheoutside.Itcan’tbehim.Jofeelsthesame.Hecan’tpossiblybecontrollinganyonefrominsidethejail.”
PushingbackhermemorytothediscussionshehadwithWolfeaboutthedarkweb,sherecalledacomparisonhe’dmadeatthetimetoexplainhowitworked.“Wolfeoncetoldmethedarkwebwassimilartoacartel.Therearegroupsoflikemindedpeoplewhowouldprefertoremainanonymousbutattimestheygather…likepedophiles,soonerorlatertheytrusteachotherenoughtotrade.MaybeStone’sclientsinthehumanhuntingracketwerewidespreadandsomearestillouttherewaitingforhimtoreactivatehiswebpresence.Theyaresupersmartandrich.IfthenewspaperistheonlythingStonegetsfromtheoutside,weshouldbelookingcloser.I’mconvincedhe’sinvolved.Ifigure,ifthisisacouplesomeonehasmurdered,withthegasonthebodyandthecrossbowbolts,it’sgettingtoocloseforcomfort.”Sheturnedinherseatandstaredathim.TheimageofKanefallingovertheravineinacloudofbloodmadeherstomachcramp.“Hetriedtokillyou,Dave.Itwasn’tjustme,hewantedusbothdead.”
FIFTEEN
Ifthetriptotheforestonhorsebackhadn’tbeentosearchfortheremainsofsomepoorsoul,thedaywouldhavebeenidyllic.ThewindthathadtormentedJennathenightbeforehadcalmedtoagentlebreeze,andalthoughmorestormshadbeenpredictedthedaywascrispbutnottoenumbinglyso.SherodebesideKaneastheyfollowedthedogsalongnarrowtrailsthatzigzaggedacrossthedenseforestatthebaseofthemountain.Dukeranahead,nosetothefloorwithnohintofexhaustionfromthelongeveningawake,besidehimanotherbloodhoundbelongingtoBlackhawkbythenameofSeeker.Thedogssharedthesamemother,althoughsomeyearsseparatedthem.Theyhitawidertrailandtheclawmarksonthetreeswarnedofbearscloseby.SheturnedinhersaddletoBlackhawk.“Bearshavebeenhere.”
“Themarksareoldandthere’snoscat.”Hewavedheronward.“They’refarawayandhuntatnightanddawn.Idon’tthinkthey’dcomeclosetoagroupofus.They’resmarterthanyouthink.”
ThetrailaheadwidenedandshenoticedKanescanningthearea,hisheadmovingfromsidetosideandallaround.Sherodecloser.“What’sup?”
“Nothingyet,butmyguttellsmewe’renotalone.”Kane’sgazeshiftedtoher.“Ihadthesamefeelingattheranch.It’sasecondsensethatsomethingisn’tright.”Hesighed.“Ican’tseeanyonebutI’vebeenwatchingforsignsoftrailcams.IfyourememberStoneusedthemtocaptureandstreamhismurders.I’veseennothingandatthespeedDukeismoving,thecrimesceneisn’ttoofaraway.”
WolfemovedupbehindthemandpointedatDuke.ThedogwassittinginthemiddleofthetrailandSeekerbarkedtwiceandthendroppeddown.“Whatdoesthatmean?”
“They’vefoundsomething.Andtheairhereistaintedwiththesmellofdeath.”Blackhawkmovedpastthem.“Thiscouldbetheplace.”Hewaitedforafewseconds,observingthesurroundingforest,andthenturnedtoJenna.“Someonetrampledthebushesoverthere,therearebrokenbranchesleadingofftowardtheravine.”Hesniffedtheair.“Someonehadacampfirecloseby.Icanseeashesonthewind.”
“Thehorsesaregettingnervous.”ThestallionKanerodetossedhisheadandsnorted.“Areyouokay,Em?”
“Havenofear,themareisplacid.”Blackhawkglancedathimandhislipsquirkedintoasmile.“Notsoyourride.HecarriesthenameBlackDevil,butI’msureyoucanhandlehim.Beawarehemighttrytotakeapieceoutofoneoftheothers.Hebites.”
“SodoI.”KanemovedawayfromEmilyandrodebesideJenna.
Jennaturnedtolookathim.Itwashardtobelievehe’dbeensoclosetodeathamonthorsoago.Hecoveredhisdiscomfortwellorhadapaintoleranceabovemostpeople’s,butshe’dgottentoknowhimwellandhisusuallyfluidmovementshadsuffered.Thetwostabwoundshadgonedeeperthanshe’drealized,andonehadnickedanartery.He’dbeenforcedtorestupandshe’dseenhowmuchitbotheredhim,butthisweekhe’dturnedthecornerandwasalmostbacktohisoldself.Asherodeclosetoher,thestallion’steethsnapped.Thebaymareshewasridingwassure-footedbutshiedaway,almostunseatingher.Shegrimaced,seeingKane’shorserollhiseyes.“Justkeephisteethawayfromme.”
“Don’tworry,we’regettingalongjustfineandIwon’tgivehimthechancetobiteanyone.”Kanereinedinhismountandthenwrinkledhisnoseasagustofwindblewupthetrail.“Ismellrottingfleshandgasoline.Thebodyiscloseby.That’sasmellIwon’tforgetinahurry.”
ThescentofthepineforesthadturnedintoasmellJennawouldneverforget.Deathhadastenchlikenoother.Itcrawleduphernoseandstucktohairandclothes.Liketheacridlingeringsmellofsmoke,apersoncarrieditwiththemandmosttimeseverythingshe’dworntoacrimescenehadtobethrowninthetrash.Sheturnedatataponherarm.Kanewasleaningtowardher,hishorsesidesteppingandeyesrollingasKanethrustafacemaskinherdirection.“Thanks.”Pullingitoverhernose,shescannedtheforest.“Thetrailopensoutsomeahead,we’lltakealook.”SheturnedinhersaddletospeaktoEmily.“Wedon’tknowwhatmaybeahead,sostayalert.”
“I’llbeinbetweenKaneandDad.They’llcovermefrontandback.”Emilysmiledather.“Don’tworry,I’llbefine.”
Thetrailturnedtotherightandopenedupintoasmallclearing.Atentsatopentotheelements,theflapwavingandashesfromadeadcampfiredancinginthebreeze.Jenna’sgazemovedpastthetentandshemadeoutafigureatthebottomofatree.“Wait,Atohi,we’llgoinonfoot.”
Theydismounted,JennawaitedforKanetocometohersideandlookedattheothers.“We’llgoinfirst.Watchourbacks.”
Jenna’sheartpoundedandbilerushedupherthroatasshemovedintotheclearing.Shepeeredintothetent.“Clear.”
“Thefire’scold.”Kanemovedbesideher,scanningtheclearingfromtoptobottom.“Ican’tseeanytripwiresbutbealert.”
Jennanodded.“Copythat.”
Stepbystep,shemovedacrossthecampsite,herattentionfixedonthebodyofamansittingupright.Hestaredstraightaheadpinnedbyacrossbowboltthroughhisforeheadtothetree.Theheadandtorsowereintactbutwildlifehadgnawedonhislimbs.Thelowerpartofonelegwasmissing.Asshemovedclosertheunderlyingsmellofgasolinewaftedfromhim.Hisclothesandhairhadbeensoakedbutitdidn’thidethestenchofrottingflesh.FlashbacksofStone’skillswashedoverherinahorrificrerun.Itwasasifsomeonehadre-createdthescenefromoneofhismanymurders.Shestaredaround.Theonlythingmissingwasthemutilatedwoman.Stonepickedcouplesforhisclientstohunt.Hedisabledthemaleandmadehimwatchasheorhisclienttorturedthewoman.Theboltintheheadwasthecoupdegrace.He’dfilmedeverythingandstreameditoverthedarkweb,takinginstructionsonhowtoproceedfromthehighestbidder.Stone’sclientsnevermadeithomeandbecamepartofamacabrecollectionofcorpsesheldinacaveatBearPeak.SheturnedtoKane.“Therearetwosleepingbagsandbackpacksinthetent,alsoapinksweater.There’sawomanmissing.”
“Maybetheyhadafightandshekilledhim.”Kanewascheckingthegroundaroundthecampsite.“Thismightbeunrelatedtowhathappenedattheranch.”
“It’smakingmyskincrawl.”JennabeckonedWolfe.“Clear.”ShelookedatKane.“IcanalmostfeelJamesStonewatchingusandyetIknowdarnwellhe’slockedupinjail.Whodidthis,Kane?”
“IwishIknew.”Kanepulledonsurgicalgloves.“I’llsearchthebackpacksforID.”
Tryingtofocusontheprocedureandnottherealitybeforeher,Jennadraggedhergazeawayfromthestaringeyesofthevictim.“I’llexaminethetent.GowithAtohiandrecontheforest,thewomanmightbecloseby.”
“Okay,butI’llgrabthesweater.Thedogswillbeabletotrackherfromthescent.”Kanetouchedherarm.“Stoneisinjail.Don’tallowthememoryofhisobsessionwithyoutoovershadowwhatwehaveherenow.It’screepythatthismurderissoclosetohiscase,buttherehastobeanexplanation.”
Jennastaredbackatthebody.“It’stoodarnclose,andI’mnotimaginingthemanwhowreckedmyhome.IknowyoufigureI’mnotthinkinglogicallybutmygutistellingmeStoneisinvolved.Wehavetofindouthowheiscommunicatingwiththeoutsidebeforeoneofhisdiscipleskillsagain.”
“Iknowyouwentthroughhelllastnightandwhoeverdoingthisisathreat,Jenna,butIcanreadyoulikeabookandthethoughtofStonemanipulatingacopycatkillerandsendingsomeoneafteryouiscloudingyourjudgment.”Kane’sexpressionfilledwithconcern.“Youalwaysthinkoutsideofthebox.You’relogical.This”—hewavedahandtowardthecorpse—“doesn’tcomputeinyourmind.Itcan’tbehappeningbecauseweknowStonehasnocommunicationwiththeoutsideworldandthenwecomeacrossacrimescenelikethisoneandit’sunsettling.”
Unconvinced,Jennanoddedtoappeasehimbutshehadnodoubt,someway,somehow,JamesStonewasinthethickofit.“Okay,okay.Thinkoutsidethebox,gotcha.”
“Ifwefindanything,I’llusethecom.”Kaneheadedforthetent,benttosnagtheclothing,andthendroppeditintoanevidencebag.HegaveherawaveasheheadedtowhereBlackhawkwaswaitingwiththehorses.
AsJennaturnedawayfromthecorpse,WolfeandEmilymovedintosecurethesite.Havingamedicalexamineronherteamwasabonus.Wolfe’steamdocumentedthesceneandshecouldconcentrateontheinvestigation.SheheadedtothetentasBlackhawkandKanefollowedthedogsthroughthesurroundingforest.Insidethetent,shefoundtwobackpacksandbedding.Shetookphotographswithherphone.Thetenthadn’tbeendisturbed.Afterpullingonsurgicalgloves,sheleanedinsideandgrabbedthebackpacks.Shewentthroughthemmethodicallyandfoundawoman’swallet,herdriver’slicensebutnophone,justlikeintheStonecase.Awaveofpanicshotthroughherandshestraightenedtostareallaroundher.Thiswaslikearecurringnightmareandshewantedtowakeup.Pushingdowntherisingpanic,shescannedtheforest,seeingathreatineveryshadow.Inhermind’seyeJamesStonesteppedoutofthedarkness,intentonmurderingherwithslowdeliberation.Itwouldn’tbefast.Stoneliketoenjoyhiskillsandhe’dmakesureitwouldbeanespeciallyslowandpainfuldeath.
Forcinghermindbacktoreality,sheshookherhead,butpanicsurfacedinahurryastheshadowsturnedintoadarkfigureheadingstraightforher.ShegaspedwithreliefwhenKanewalkedintotheclearingandstoppedtospeaktoWolfe.Ashecametoherside,shelookedintohistroubledexpression.“Didyoufindthewoman?Ifoundherpurse.JuneHarrisoutofBuffaloRidge.”
“Nope,thesurroundingforestisdisturbed,soshecouldhaverunaway.Thedogslostherscentdownbythecreek.It’swideandfastflowing,shemighthavewadedacrossitorfalleninandbeenwashedaway.Orsomeonecarriedher.It’shardtotell.There’snothingbutrockalongsideit.”HeindicatedtowardWolfe.“Themanhasawalletinhisbackpocket,nophone.That’swhat’sleftofPaytonHarris.”
AshiverwentdownJenna’sspine.“Nophones,themandisabled.ThisistooclosetoStone’smurders.Wehavetokeeplooking.JuneHarrismustbeheresomewhereorwhat’sleftofher.”Sheshookherheadslowlyandthenwavedahandtowardthecorpse.“I’mnotparanoid.ThishasStone’ssignaturealloverit.”
SIXTEENBearPeak
Returningtoacrimescenewaslistedasoneofthedumbestthingsakillercoulddo,buthisfascinationwithdeathcompelledhimtoadmirehisworkinthecavebeforeresealingthehigh-voltagebarrier.Theblackcocoonhangingfrominsideofthecave,withitspurplish,swollen,blood-filledfaceandbulgingeyes,captivatedhim.Theimageshe’dsharedwithlikemindedfriendsdidn’tcomeclosetotherealdeal.He’dwatchedvideosbutintruththetantalizingsmellsofahuntcameinstages.Fearhadascent,andmixedwiththesweatofayoungwoman,madehimhungrytokillher.Thefirstdropofblood,warmandintoxicating,wasanexperiencehe’dnevergottenfromavideo,andnowtheluringodorofdeathcalledtohim.Hetookonelastlookandsteppedoutside.Thesmellwouldclingtohim,andalthoughmanyhunterswalkingfromtheforesthadthestenchofananimalkillontheirperson,hechosetouseapine-scentedbodysprayalloverhisclothes.Itwasanideahe’dcomeacrossontheinternettocovertheodorofdeath.Hechuckled—thatoramentholatedsprayseemedtoworkjustfine.Heclimbedtothetopoftheboulderthatconcealedhiscave,thesnowberrybushesactedasafinecoverandhetookcarenottodamagethem.
Ahorsesnickeringcaughthisattention.Soundcarriedintheforest,especiallyalongsidethemountain.Theechoesofpeople’svoicesastheytraveledsoundedlikeghostlywhisperscomingfromalldirections.Hetookouthisbinocularsandstaredindisbeliefatthegroupgatheredintheclearing.Thesheriffwashardtomisswithherrankemblazonedacrossherjacketfrontandback.Hegruntedindisgust;thewarninghe’dgivenherhadn’tslowedherdownandnowshehadfoundhiskill.Hewatchedforsomemomentsuntilthedeputyandanothermanhadmovedintotheforestbehindtwobloodhounds.Hesnorted.They’dfindnothing.He’dhunteddownhispreyandherdedhertotheriver.Itwaskneedeepatthistimeoftheyear,fastflowingandwide,butithadn’ttakentoomuchconvincingtomakethewomancrosstotheotherside.Infact,she’drunsomewaysdowntheriverbeforestaggeringuptherocksandheadingstraightforhiscave.He’denjoyedhistimewithherandremovedthesilkenhairfromhispocketandstrokedit.“I’dliketostayherealldaybutIhavetogo.”
Hecheckedthesoilaroundthecaveforfootprintsbutfoundnothing.Thethickcoatingofpineneedleshadcoveredanytraceofhim.Heglancedathiswatchand,withreluctance,pushedthehairbackintohispocket.Aftertakingonelingeringlookatthecave,heheadedalongtheanimaltrailborderingthefootofthemountain.Intenminutes’he’dbeclimbingthetracktotheBearPeakparkinglot.Hestaredintothetallpines.Itwassogoodtobebackhuntingintheforestagain.
SEVENTEEN
KanepulledWolfetoonesideasEmilycollectedsamplesfromaroundthebody.TheanimalshadmadeamessofthevictimandEmtookitallinherstride.Nothingseemedtofazeher.Althoughhe’dtriedunsuccessfullytocalmJenna’sworries,thesamethoughtsfilteredthroughhismind.HemetWolfe’sgrayeyesoverhisfacemaskandcaughthisliftedeyebrow.“YouthinkStoneisinvolvedtoo,don’tyou?”
“YouknowdarnwellIdon’tmakeconclusionsonthefly.Youshouldn’teither,becausewehavenoproofhe’sinvolved.”Wolfewavedahandtowardthecorpse.“TherearesimilaritieswiththeStonemurdersbutalsosignificantdifferences.”Heinclinedhishead.“I’mguessingyou’llneedabsoluteprooftocalmJenna’snervesafterwhat’shappened,butevenifImakethatdecision,she’llmakeupherownmindandyouknowaswellasIdosheisdifficulttoconvinceotherwise.”
“Onsomethings,maybe,butshe’snofool.”Kanesuckedinabreath,suddenlygladofthementholatedbalmunderhisnose.“ThishasStonewrittenalloveritandI’msureyouhavethesamesuspicions.HowheorchestratedthekillandattackonJennaisthemystery.JocontactedthejailandhasabsoluteproofthatStonehasnocontactwiththeoutsideworld.Howcouldhepossiblybeconvincinglikemindedkillerstocopycathiskills?”
“Hereliestheproblemwiththatconclusion.”Wolfeopenedhishandsandspreadthemwide.“Thereareatonofdifferencesifyoulookcloselybutasweonlyhaveonevictim,Ican’tmakeavalidcomparison.Oneonone,Stone’smurderswerealittledifferenttoeachother,andwhy?Becausehehaddifferentaccomplicesateachscene.”
Kanerubbedhischinandstaredatthevictim,nowlyingonanunzippedbodybag.“TheobviouscomparisonsIseearethecrossbowboltandthegasoline.TheyareasignatureofStone’sMOandthoseparticulardetailswereneverreleasedtothemedia.So,whatmakesyoubelievethismightbeacoincidence?WhatamImissing?”
“Manythings.”Wolfebentandrolledthebodyontoitsside.“Theonlyobviousinjurythekillerinflictedonthismanistheheadwound.Everythingelseyousee,atfirstinspection,Ibelievearefromanimalorigin.InallStone’scasesheusedahuntingknifeorothermethodstoseverthespinalcord.Hisintentnottokillbuttoparalyzethevictim.Hewasthenproppedupagainstatree,securedwitharopearoundthechest,andforcedtowatchStonetorturethefemalevictim.Theboltintheheadwasthedeathblow.Heusedthegasolinetopreventwildlifeconsumingthebodybutitdidn’tstopsomethingtearingoffpartofoneleg.”
Kanenodded.“WouldthatbethebodypartAtohirecovered?”
“Yeah.”Wolfe’smouthturneddown.“ItlooksasiftheremaininghalfofatattooonhislegisamatchtothebodypartIhaveonice.”
“Hewantedustofindthevictimandwhatwasleftofthefemaleafterheandhisclienthadhadtheirfuntorturingher.”Jennahadwalkedupbehindthem.“Hedidn’tusegasonthefemalebecausehewantedherdevouredbyanimals.Shewasanembodimentofthehatehehadforme.”SheturnedherattentiontoKane.“JojustemailedherworkuponStone.Shefiguresbymakingthemalevictimwatch,Stonewasdisplayinghispoweroverthefemale.Shebelievesinhismind,eachmalewasyou,Dave,andhewasshowingyouhecoulddowhateverhewantedandyou’dbepowerlesstostophim.Healmostsucceeded,didn’the?”
Kanetookherbytheshouldersandstaredintohertroubledeyes.“Buthedidn’t.Youtookhimdownandnowhe’sinjail.”Heshookhishead.“IfbysomeremotechanceStoneismessingwithyourmind,you’reallowinghimtowin.I’mnotgoingtoletanyonehurtyou,Jenna.”
“Heknowsyou’vebeeninjured.”AshiverwentthroughJenna.“Thatwasinthenewspaper,soheknowsyou’renotatfullstrength.”Shechewedonherbottomlip.“Buthowdidheknowyou’dbeawayattheweekend?Onlyourteamknew.”
Droppinghishands,Kanestaredintothedistance.TheideaofStonenoticinghiminthenewspaperwassoremotehehadn’ttoldher.Helookedatherandshrugged.“TherewasapictureofmewithJoattheconferenceinthenewspaperonFriday.”Hesighed.“YouhavetorememberJoisabignameinherfield.Ihonestlydidn’tknowthey’dtakenaphotographofmeuntilBobbyKalocheckedthenewspapers.”
“Youknew?”Jenna’seyesnarrowed.“Youbrokesecurityprotocolanddidn’tthinkitwasrelevanttoinformme?I’dhavetakenprecautionsifI’dknown.”
Kanerolledhiseyes.“Really,Jenna?Don’tyoufigureI’dhavecalledyouthemomentIfoundoutifI’dknown?Kaloonlyjusttoldme.Ispoketohimjustbeforewelefttheranch.I’dneverriskputtingyouindanger,Jenna.”Hecuppedhercheek.“WhenIlefthome,everythingwassweet.Wehadnocases,therewasnoperceivablethreat.Youhadtheteambehindyouandthesecurityontheranchshouldhavebeenenough.I’mnotclairvoyant.Ihadnoideaanyofthiswouldhappen.”
“Whydidn’tyoutellmeinthetruckonthewayhere?”Jennastaredupathim,theangerinhereyespalpable.“It’srelevantinformationandIneededtoknow.”
Kaneblewoutalongsigh.“It’sonlyrelevantnowwe’veseenthebodyandhaveapossiblelinktoStone.Theintruder’sonlyconnectiontoStonewasthefactheusedacrossbow.Yousaidhedressedlikeanold-timegunslinger,longcoat,hat,andStoneworeamaskandcamouflagegear.”HecouldfeelJennatenseunderhispalm.“SayI’dknownaboutthenewspaperarticleandcalledyoubeforeallthishappened?Youwouldhavetoldmetostopbeingoverprotectiveandthatyoucouldtakecareofyourself.”Hedroppedhishandwithsomereluctance.“Ican’twineitherway,canI?”
“Iguess.”Jennarubbedhertemples.“Okay,let’sgetatit.There’sawomanouttherewithanearmissing.”Shepulledoutherphone.“NowwehaveherID,I’llcallRowley.HecanhuntherdownattheERandlocaldoctors.I’llaskRiotoputoutamediareleaseandaBOLOonher.Wemighthavesomeinformationbythetimewegetbacktotheoffice.”
RelievedthatJennahaddroppedbackintoherprofessionalmode,Kanenodded.“Theymusthavearrivedhereinavehicle.I’llcallKalo.Oncewehavetheplatenumber,make,andmodelwecanaddthattotheBOLO.”
“Yeah,we’llneedhelptochaseherdown.Shecouldbelyinginjuredandneedhelp.Iwanteverymanandhisdogoutlookingforherwithinthehour.”Jennawalkedtowardthehorses.“I’llgrabmysatellitephone.Thereceptionisn’tsogoodthisclosetothemountain.”
Kanetookthesatellitesleevefromhispocketandsliditontohisphone.Hemadethecalls,andafterhisphonehadchimedthereceiptofatextwiththeinformation,hechattedtoKaloabouthislatestonlinegamescores.
“Wheny’allhavefinishedplayingwithyourphones.I’veacorpsetogetonice.”WolfewalkedupbehindKane.“Myteamhasbaggedandtaggedalltheevidence.Ifyoucouldassistinpackingeverythingontothehorse,I’dappreciateit.I’vealongdayaheadofmeandIwanttogetoffthemountain.”
Kaneturnedtolookathim.“Sure,I’llgetoutaBOLOforJuneHarrisandthevehicleandgetrightatit.”Hemadethecall.
Afterthey’dpackedthehorses,theyheadeddownthemountain,butevenwiththebodysealedinabodybagthescentofdeathlingered.Itwouldclingtohisclothesandhecouldn’twaittogetintheshower.KanemovedhismountclosertoJenna.“Areyoustillriledwithme?”
“No,notafteryouexplained.”Sheturnedinhersaddletolookathim.Herravenhairhaddroppedoveroneeyeandshedraggeditbackbehindoneear.“Idon’tcarewhatproofeveryonethinkstheyhaveaboutStone’slackofcommunication.Iknowit’shim.Something,anearlywarningsysteminsideme,whatever,isscreaminghisnameatme.He’sinvolved,I’msureofit.”
Kaneshrugged.“Ioftengowithmygutfeeling.”Hescannedthearea,peeringintothedeepshadows,evermovinglikealivingentityasthewindrustledthroughthetrees.“Believeitornot,Ifigurewe’rebeingwatched.Itcan’tbeStoneunlesshediedandhisghostishauntingtheforest,andalthoughthatmightbeanoptionforyou,evenafterlisteningtoAtohi’sstories,Idon’tbelieveinghosts.Trustme:ifpeoplecouldcomeback,they’dsureashellbehauntingme.”
“Thenit’ssomeoneweknow.”JennamovedhermareawayasKane’sstallion’steethsnappedaninchfromhertoes.“WhatdowereallyknowaboutRio?Let’sfacefactshere,Dave.Ifwearelivingalie,hecouldbetoo.Theyputkillersinwitnessprotectiontooiftheyrolloverontheircrimeboss.”
Kaneshookhishead.“Noway.Wolfecheckedhimoutwithhispeople.Rioisclean.”Herubbedthebackofhisneck.“Ihopethewomanshowsandshe’snotouttheresomewherebeingtortured.Thismurderwaswellplanned.Whobringsgaswiththemhunting?IfigurewhathappenedtoPaytonHarrisisn’tthiskiller’sfirstdanceanditwon’tbehislast.”
EIGHTEEN
ThetemperaturehaddroppedconsiderablybythetimeJennareturnedtotheBeast.Exhaustedfromlackofsleepandanadrenalinhighthathadlastedsixhoursorso,thecoldwindwastheonlythingkeepingherawake.Sherubbedherarmswithfrozenfingers.LatexglovesdidnothingtopreventthebittercoldofthenorthernregionsofStantonForest.GettingthebodyandthemoundofevidenceWolfehadcollectedintohisvanhadbeenalongtask.ShehadbeengratefulwhenBlackhawkhadgatheredupthereinsofthehorsesandledthembacktotheres.Sufferingaheadachestraightfromhellandabackachethatwentfromherbacksidedownbothlegs,shetriedunsuccessfullytoclimbintotheBeastandjustleanedagainstthedoorgatheringherstrength.
“Areyouill?”Kaneclosedthedistancebetweenthemintwostrides.“Headache?”
Jennapeeredathimfromunderherlashes.Darn,evenblinkinghurt.“Yeah,andmybackhasseizedup.Theheadacheisamystery,butthebackmusthavebeenfromsittingonacoldfloorallnight.”
“Juststaythereforasecond,don’tmove.”KanehurriedawayandmomentslatercamebackwithWolfe.
“I’mfine,Shane.”JennablinkedatWolfe.“I’mtiredisall.”
“Wheredoesithurt?”Wolfeproddedatherback.“Hmm,musclespasms.Icangiveyousomethingforthat.”Hebenttogothroughhisfieldmedicalkit.
ThefactthatasamedicaldoctorWolfepreferredtoexaminethedeaddidn’tbotherJenna.He’dflownamedevacchopperduringhistourofduty,treatedmanywoundedtroops,andsavedKane’slifeonmorethanoneoccasion.Shetrustedhimimplicitly.“Thanks.Ineedtohavemywitsaboutme,nomorphine.”
“Sure,showmeyourhip.”Wolfepreparedaneedle,swabbedherskin,andjabbeditin.“Thereyougo.You’llbefineafteragoodnight’ssleep.”Helookedather.“Gohome.Youneedtorest.Youcanworkfromthecottageifneedsbe.I’llbeperformingtheautopsyonthevictiminthemorningateleven.”
“Thanks.”SheturnedtoKane.“Canyouhelpmeclimbin?Mybackisfrozen.”Thensheremembered.“Oh,no,I’llaskWolfe.Iforgotaboutyourinjury.”
ThenextmomentJennalandedsoftlyinthepassengerseat,theharnesswasstrappedaroundher,andKanehadtuckedablanketaroundher.
“I’mfine.”Kanenarrowedhisgaze.“It’sbeenamonthandIcanstartbackonmyregularexercisesnextweek.Icandowarm-upsnow.Thescancamebackfine.There’snopermanentdamage,thedoctorwasjustbeingcautious.”
“That’sgoodtoknow.”Jennasmiledathimandleanedbackintheseatwithasigh.Theheatwasrunningandthedrugwasworkingalready.“NowifIhadcoffee,itwouldbeperfect.”
“Yourwishismycommand.”Kanesmiledather.“Ihavecoffeeandsandwichesfortheridehome.”Heclosedherdoorgently.“I’llgetDukesettledandwe’llbeonourway.”
Stiflingayawn,Jennanodded.“You’realifesaver.I’dhavedroppedbytheofficebutIdon’tthinkI’dmakeitupthestepsrightnow.”
“Ihopeyou’llrestwhenyougethome.”Kanelookedather.“Weneedyouatfullstrength,andyou’retuckeredout.You’vegivenRowleyandRiotheirorders.Theautopsyisn’tuntiltomorrow,wehaveaBOLOoutonthemissingwoman.Icanhandleanythingthatcomesup.”Hesighed.“IfIpromisetowakeyouifwehaveabreakthrough,willyoupleasegoandgetsomesleep?”
Forcingtokeephereyesopen,shetookthecupheofferedher.“Okay.”
NINETEENTUESDAY
ItwasdarkwhenJennawoke,andshepeeredatthebedsideclock.Thedigitalreadouttoldheritwasalittleafterfive.Shedidn’trecallgettinghome,letaloneclimbingintobed.Stretchingtentatively,shesighedwithrelief.Thepaininherbackhadgone.She’dsleptthrough.Staggeringtothebathroom,sheshoweredandreturnedtothebedroomtohuntdownherbagofcleanclothes.Withasmile,shestaredatthechairbythedoorattheclothesshe’dworntothemountainwiththesmellofdeathclingingtothemwashedandinaneatpile.ThiswastypicalKane.Themilitaryinhimcouldn’tstandseeinganunmadebed,orastackofdirtywashing.Hiscottagewasasneatasapinand,likehim,immaculate.
Shedressedquicklyandheadedtothekitchen.Thesmellofcoffeedrifteddownthehallwayandalaptopsatopenonthetable,withpicturesofDukeonascreensaverthatraninaloop.Shepeeredintothefamilyroom,butKaneandDukeweremissing.Dukesleptinabasketbythefireplaceanditwasunusualforhimnottogreether.Shewalkeddownthehallway.Kane’sbedroomdoorwaswideopen,hisbedmade.Hadhegonetotendthehorsesalready?Shepouredacupofcoffeeandaddedthefixings.Takingthecuptothewindow,shestaredoutside.Menmovedaround,goinginandoutofwhatlookedlikeamesstenterectedinherpaddock.Thehousehadanewfrontdoor.Itlookeddifferentfrombefore.Thewindowsoneithersideofthedoorhadgone,replacedbyornatewoodthatsuitedtheoldranch-stylehomeverywell.Thewindowsnowhadsecurityblinds.Theylookedstrange,butafterwhatshe’dbeenthroughtheideaofhavingawaytosecurethewindowswasarelief.
Afterfinishinghercoffee,shepulledonacoatandwoolenhatandheadedforthebarn.Asshemovedintothewarminterior,shecouldhearKanehummingatune.Thesmellofhorsesandthesharpodorofurineseemedwelcomingaftersuchaterribleweekend.“Morning.You’reupearly.”AtthesoundofhervoiceDukeboundedoutofanemptystallandnuzzledherhand.“Whatdoyouwantmetodo?”Sherubbedthedog’ssilkenhead.
“I’mdonehereassoonasI’veemptiedthewheelbarrow.”Kaneclosedthegatetoastall.“I’mleavingthehorsesinsidethebarntodayasanotherstormisforecast.”Hetookbothhandlesofafullwheelbarrowandheadedoutthebackdoorofthebarn.
Jennafollowedbehindhim.“AnythinghappenovernightinthecaseIshouldknowabout?”
“Nope.Nosightingofthemissingwoman,nothingtoreport.”Kaneemptiedthebarrowandturnedbacktoher.“Jocalledlastnighttoaskafteryou,andthenewphonesarrivedthismorningviaasecurityteam.Itookthelibertyoforderinganewrugforthefamilyroom.It’sthesameastheoneyouhadanditwillbeheresometimetoday.Everythingwillbebacktonormalsoon,althoughthepaintsmellmaylingerforafewdays.ThemenWolfehadsentherehavebeenworkingaroundtheclock.”
Jennasmiledathimandpulledastrandofhayfromhishair.Helookedhealthyandmovedeasily.Obviously,thelongrideyesterdayhadn’tcausedhimanyproblems.“Goodtoknow.”Sherubbedthenosesofthehorses.“YougoandgetcleanedupandI’llstartonbreakfast.”
“There’sapileofhotcakesintherefrigerator,theyjustneedreheatinginthemicrowave.”Kanesmiled.“Andbacon.Ihaveahankeringforbacon,asmanystripsasyoucanfitinapan,andcrispy.”
Jennagrinnedathim.“I’llwarmthemaplesyrupaswell.I’mstarving.”
Astheyheadedbacktothebarn,Jennaturnedtohim.“I’llcallJolater,aftertheautopsy,andgetheropiniononmytheoryaboutJamesStone.”
“I’vebeengivingwhatyousaidalotofthought.”Kanepressedinthecodeonthekeypadtohiscottage.“IfigureunlesswefindJuneHarrisdeadandshefitsStone’sMOwemightbewastingvaluabletime.Isaywetreatthislikeanyothercaseandhuntdownsuspects.Rightnow,we’resurmisingJuneHarrisismissing.Wedon’tknowiftheearattachedtoyourporchbelongstoher.Thetwocasesmaybeunrelated.JuneHarriscouldhavekilledherhusbandanddroppedoffthegrid.”
Jennaheadedforthekitchenandwashedherhandsoverthesink.“Andifhestrikesagain?”
“Ifit’sthesameMOasStone,thentwomurdersthesametakestheideaofacoincidenceofftheboard.”Kaneheadedforthebathroom.“Let’shopethatneverhappens.”
Afterstoppingbytheofficetogetareportfromherdeputies,Jennadiscoveredthey’dbeenveryactivesincethediscoveryofPaytonHarris’body.RowleyhadnotifiedtheforestwardensandmadesureeveryonewhowentthroughtheirstationwasawaretheyhadapotentialmissingpersonandshowedthemJuneHarris’picture.AtohiBlackhawkhadcalledandofferedtotakeagrouponhorsebackwiththeirdogstosearchtheareaacrosstheriverfromthecampsitewhereHarriswasmurdered.WiththenewsmediabroadcastingJuneHarris’imageonthehour,ifshewasanywhereintheareaJennahopedsomeonewouldseeherorthecouple’svehicleandcallthehotline.AftersendingRowleyandRioouttochecktheremoteplacespeoplemightparktheirvehiclesoutofBearPeak,shewentwithKanetotheME’sofficefortheautopsy.
Thesterileenvironmentandantisepticsmelldidlittletohidethestenchofdeathhoveringintheair.AftersettlingDukeinsideWolfe’soffice,theysuitedupinthealcoveoutsidetheexaminationroomwiththeredlight.“Therearepeopleouthuntingallovertheforestandyetnoonehasreportedanythingtotheforestwardens.It’sasifJuneHarrishasvanished.Iftherewasabodysomewhereoutinthatarea,surelysomeonewouldhavesmelleditbynow?”
“Maybe,buttheforestisvast.Peoplearefield-dressingtheirkillsaswell,andthatstinks.Mostpeoplewouldassumethesmellisfromananimal.”Kaneremovedhisjacketandpulledonscrubs.“Ifshe’supthereandalive,she’dheadforoneofthetrails,orahunter.Ifshe’sdead,thebearscouldhaveeatenherbynowandwe’llbeluckytofindanyremainsatall.”Hesnappedongloves.“Ready?”
Jennasmearedmentholatedsalveunderhernoseandpulledonafacemask.“Yeah.”Shefollowedhiminsideandthedoorswhooshedclosedbehindher.
SheimmediatelynoticedthatEmilywasmissingbutColtWebberstoodbesideWolf,readytoassist.“Morning.Where’sEm?”
“Exams.”Wolfelookedatheroverhismask.“Sheseemedalittlemoreconfidentthismorning.Shehasitinthebag,Ihavenodoubt.Sheworriesifshefailspostgrad,shewon’tbeabletostudyforhermedicaldegree.”Hesighed.“She’sastraight-Astudentandthere’snoreasonshewon’tpasswithhonors.I’mnotsurewhyshe’ssoworried.”Hiseyebrowsrose.“Onthebrightside,Juliestrolledthroughherexamswithoutaproblem,andAnnaisdoingjustfine.Theybothhavetheirheadssetoncarvingapumpkinwithmenextweekend.”
Jennanodded.“Goodtoknow.”SheignoredthecoveredlumpunderthesheetonagurneyandwalkedtotheX-raysdisplayedonascreen.“Whatdowehave?”
“Apartfromaboltthroughthebrain?”Wolfemovedtoherside.“Thedamageyouseeisagoodrepresentationofthefoodchainintheforest.”Hepointedtotheimage.“Heretherearepuncturemarksinthebone,madefromlargecanines,likelyabear.Themastication,fromapowerfuljaw,causespittingandscoringlikeweseehere.Seehowthelinesoverlap?”
“Canyoutellifhewasdeadwhenthishappened?”Kane’sbrowwrinkledintoafrown.
“Wetooksamplesofsoilaroundthebodyandthebloodlosswasminimal,sono,notalive.Thereisevidenceoflividityinthelowerregionsofthebody,whichwouldbenormalinacorpseinasittingposition,butifhe’dbeenalivewhenhisfemoralarterywassevered,he’dbesittinginapoolofblood.”WolfeturnedanduncoveredtheremainsofPaytonHarris.“Animalsusuallygoforthesoftparts,sotheinternalorgans,genitals,wouldbeatarget,butinthiscasethegasolinewouldhavekeptthemaway.Whatclothesremainaresoaked.Itwasn’tjustpouredoverhim,itwasdrippedovertoensurefullpenetrationofhisclothing,hair.Hishandswereplacedinsidehispocketsandhisgloveswerestilldampwhenweexaminedhim.Therearenodefensewoundsonhisarms,nosignofastruggle.”
“So,hejustsatagainstthetreeandallowedsomeonetoshoothim?”Kanescratchedhishead.“Hiswifewasasleepinthetentandhedoesn’ttrytofight?Thatdoesn’tmakesense.”
Jennascannedthecrimescenephotographs.“Hewaslookingupwhenshot.Isthatyourconclusion,Shane?”
“Yeah,fromtheangle,hewasstaringatthemanwhoshothim.”Wolfeflickedupanimageshowingasimulatedtrajectoryofthecrossbowbolt.“FromthisIdeterminedtheshootermustbeapproximatelysixfeettall.”HelookedatJenna.“Fromtheinformationwehaveonhiswife,shewasfive-seven.Idon’tthinksheistheshooter.”
JennaturnedtostareatthemangledremainsofPaytonHarris.“Abeardidallthis?”
“Nah.”Kanebenttoexaminetheremains.“Partshavebeencarriedaway.I’dsayavarietyofwildlifewereinvolved.Catswouldn’tbeabletodragthebodysowouldtakeapieceafterthebearshadleft,anddogsoftenrunoffwithparts.Thesmallerbitemarksarefromothercritters.”
“Thefoodchain,asImentioned.”Wolfeturnedtoher.“Thebiggerpredatorsgetinfirstandthendowntheline.ThelimbAtohifoundwascarriedawaybyadogandbelongstoHarris.”Hesighed.“Itwasn’trobbery.Hehadfivehundredinhiswalletandallhiscreditcards.”HelookedatKane.“Possiblescenario?”
“AreyouaskingmehowIcouldtrickaguyintosittingstillwhileIshotaboltintohisheadatcloserange?”Kane’seyesflashedwithsomethingJennahadneverseenbeforeashetippedhisheadtowardColtWebber.“Webberisahunter,somaybeyoushouldbeaskinghim?”
Jennaglancedfromonetotheotherandclearedherthroat.“I’dtryanddistracthim.”Shethoughtforabeat.“Thetimeofdeathwouldaddavariant.Haveyoufiguredoutwhenhedied?”ShelookedatWolfe.
“LateThursdaytoearlyFridaymorning,goingonrigor,decomposition,insectinfestation,andtakingthelocalconditionsintoaccount.”Wolfeliftedhischinandgaveheraquizzicalstare.“Howdoyoudistractsomeoneinthemiddleofthenight?”
“Fromthedisturbedsleepingbags,thecouplewereasleepinthetent.”KanewasstaringathisbootsandthenraisedhisheadslowlyandlookedatJenna.“Ifigurethekillerknewthevictimbecausethere’snosignofastruggleinthetentoranywhereelse.MaybehemadeupastoryaboutseeingabearclosebyorsomethingandwokeHarris.”
InsideJenna’sheadthesceneplayedout.“Ifhe’dmentionedseeingabear,Harriswouldhavewokenhiswife.”Shelookedatthethreemen.“It’smorelikelytheysataroundthefirehavingadrink.”
“Okay,sothekillergetshimoutside.”Webber’sgazenarrowedinthought.“ThefirstthingI’dwanttodoafterbeingasleepisurinate—that’snormal,right?”HecutagazetoJenna.
Sheshrugged.“Asthere’sbearsaroundhere,wouldaguybewanderingoffintotheforesttopee?”
“Nah,it’slikelyhe’dhaveheadedfortheclosesttree.”Kaneleanedagainstthecounterandfoldedhisarms.“Forgetthebearwarning.IagreewithJennahe’dhavewokenhiswifeifanattackwasimminent,buthowdidhegetHarristositbehindthetree?”
“Itwasafullmoon,sohehadanexcusetobeouthunting.”Webbershrugged.“Maybehesaidsomethinglike,‘There’sthatelkI’vebeenstalking.It’sheadingthisway.Duckdownbehindthattreeoritwillseeyou.I’lltakeitdownfromhere.’Orwhatever.”
“Yeah.”Kanestraightened.“Harriswouldhavebeenstaringatthekillerwaitingforhimtomaketheshotandwhamhegotonestraightbetweentheeyes.”
“Silentanddeadly.”Wolfenoddedsagely.“Thesoundwouldn’thavewokenhiswife.ItgavethekillertimetoretrievehiscanofgasandsoakHarris’hairandclothes.MaybethenhecrawledinsidethetenttoretrievetheirphonesandwokeJuneHarris.Therearebrokenbranchesaroundthecampsitebutwecan’tdiscountbearsdisturbingtheareaafterthemurder.Ican’tsayforcertaintherearesignsofastruggle.Thepineneedlesaresothicktherearenofootprints,butweknowfromthescratchesandscatintheareabearsfrequenttheclearing.”Helookedfromonetotheother.“Shallwegeton?”Hemovedtothebodyandrolleditoverontooneside.“Therearenomarkstoindicateanyinjury.Nobruisesorcontusionstomakemebelievehefoughtforhislife.Ifoundnothingunusualinhisbloodtoindicateanydrugs.I’vetestedfortheusualsubstancesandI’mrunningafulltoxscreen,butIdon’tbelievewe’llfindanything.”
Singingatuneinherheadtodisassociateherselffromthehorrificsightbeforeher,JennaconcentratedonapaintfleckonthebenchasWolfedissectedwhatwasleftofthetorso.Hemadecommentsashewentandeverythingnotchewedonwasperfectlynormal.“So,hedidn’tdieofaheartattackorsimilar?”
“No.Hewasfitandhealthy,anonsmokerfromhislungs,hisheartisgood.I’msuretheboltisresponsibleforhisdeath.I’llbeconductingabrainexaminationanddissectiontorecordthedamage.Doyouwanttostickaround?Itmighttakesometime.”
Sorrowforthepooryoungmanwelledup,andJennaswallowedhard.“No,that’sfine,justsendmethereportasusual.I’veseenenoughfortoday.”SheturnedtoKane.“Doyouhaveanyquestionsbeforeweleave?”
“Yeah,Ido.”HelookedatWolfe.“Howfardidtheboltpenetrateintothetree?”
“Approximatelythreeinches.”Wolfeturnedtohim.“Beforeyouask,itwasastandardaluminumbolt,twentyincheslong.”Hesighed.“Theyareapopulargenericbrand.NofingerprintsorforeigntraceDNAfragments.Ionlyfoundthevictim’sbloodandtreesap.”
“I’dassumeacrossbowcouldtakedowngameatfortyyards,sotopiercetheskullandthetreeitmusthavebeenfiredatcloserangetogainthemaximumkineticenergy.”Kaneunfoldedhisarmsandstraightened.“Considerthathe’sshootingatatargetaboutsixincheswide,wehaveanexpertonourhands.Isearchedtheareaforbolts,orsignsofthemhittingaroundthebody.Thiskillerpulledoffasmalltargetinthedarkwithpinpointaccuracy.”Hefrowned.“He’sgood,damngood.”
Excited,Jennaturnedtohim.“Soifheliveslocally,he’dbeknownforhisability.Someonethatskilledwouldbeusingthepracticerange.We’llgotalktotheownersandseeifwecangetalist.We’llhaveastartingpoint.”ShesmiledbehindhermaskatKane.“Iknewtogetherwe’dworkoutthiscase.”
“Beforeyouheadout”—Wolfeliftedacraniumsawfromthetrolley—“Kalocalled.He’suploadedthesecurityfortheranchontoyournewphones.So,thevideofeedisavailableondemand.Thecardsyouusetoaccesssecuredareashereandattheofficenowincludethegateattheranch,butifyoumisplaceyourcard,onecalltoKaloandhe’llchangetheaccesscodes.Thereisascannerbesidethefrontdoortothehouse.Togainentry,you’llneedaretinalscan.Kalohasincorporatedyourscan,Dave’s,andmineintothesystem.Ifiguredasyoutrustbothofus,intimesoftroubleyou’dlikeustobeabletoassistyou.Youdon’tneedtosetthesecurityeachtimeyoucomeandgo.Itresetswhenyouenterandleave.ThetrackeronDukehasbeenprogrammedsohewon’tsetoffthealarmifhe’soutdoinghisbusiness.You’regoodtogo.”Hetappedhispocket.“I’llkeepmyphoneonmeatalltimes.”
Jennalaughed.“Ifeelsaferalready.”Shegavehimawaveandheadedforthedoor.
TWENTY
Itwasaperfectdayforhuntinghumans.Thewindhadcalmedsomethismorning,andtheforestatthefootofBearPeakwasdenseandshroudedinshadows.Atangofthewildhungintheairandoverheadamurderofcrowswaitedforthenextchanceofameal.Itwasasiftheyanticipatedhisarrivalintheforest.Thebirdseithersatonthebranchesstillandcalmasifimitatingblackflowers,ortheyarguedamongstthemselves.Somewhistledasifsendingsecretmessagesacrosstheforesttotheirlookouts.Atthistimeofyear,withhuntersfield-dressingtheirkills,thecrowscouldpickandchoosetheirmeals.Manydislikedcrows,butnothim.They’dhelpedhimandotherslikehimmany
Hegrinnedasalittlebeforeeleven-thirtyEmmettandPattiHowarddroveintothedesertedparkinglotatBearPeakandpulledupalongsidehim.Hejumpeddownfromhistruckandpulledhisbackpack,crossbow,andquiverfromtheback.“Rightontime.”
“Morning,Mr.Bolt.”PattiHowardwriggledintoabackpack.
He’dalmostforgottenhisaliasandturnedtoher.“CallmeJerry.”
“Andwe’rePattiandEmmett.”Sheranherfingersthroughherlongblackhairandthenpulledoutabright-orangeknittedcapandscarffromthetruckandputthemon.“Iwanttostickoutintheforest.Emmetthasahuntingjacketwithanorangestripeallaround.Wedon’tplanonanyaccidentshappening.”
Jerrynodded,buthisheadwasmakingapleasantbuzzingsoundandtheneedtogetgoingbecameoverwhelming.Hetookadeepbreath;hewantedtosavorthekill,enjoyeverytantalizingsecond,buttimewasagainsthim.Hisgazemovedoverherface—herdarkbrowneyes,soalivenow,wouldrestonhimbeforeshedied.Thethoughtmadehimtremble.Eachtimehekilleditwasasifhecollectedtheirenergydeepinsidehim.“That’sgreat.Iwouldn’twantyoutogetshotbyastraybullet.”
Hewavedthemaheaddownasteeptrailthatledfromtheparkinglotandsnakedaroundthemountain.Itwentpastthefamouscavewheremanybodieshadbeenfoundwrappedinplasticsomeyearsago,andweavedaroundbeforeitcametoafork.Onewayledrightpastthecocooncave,theplacechosenandriggedtoenjoythelastmomentsofakill.Partofhimwantedtogothereandlookinside,buthepusheddowntheurgeandkeptgoing.They’dwalkedfortenminutes,withPattiintheleadandEmmetthangingbacktakinginthescenery.ItwassoclosetoperfectJerrycouldn’tbelievehisluck.“Taketheleftfork,Patti.That’sgreat,keepgoing.”
AsPattidisappearedintotheforest,hepulledouthishuntingknifeandwalkedupbehindEmmett.Heknewjustwheretostrike.Closer,closer,andthesecondEmmettstoppedandturnedtosaysomething,hegrabbedhimbytheshoulderandslidtheknifeintohisspine.Apartfromagasp,Emmettdidn’tmakeasound.WhenEmmett’slegsgaveway,Jerrywhisperedinhisear.“Therethatdidn’thurtforlong,didit?”
Tinglingwithanticipation,hesheathedtheknife,draggedhiskilltoatree,andsathimupright.Thewoundhadparalyzedhimfromthewaistdownandtheshockhadrenderedhimspeechless.Ithappenedmanyatime:somescreamedfortheirlives,butmosthadasurprisedexpression.Theirbrainswouldn’tallowthemtobelievewhathadhappened.HepulledoutarollofducttapeandwrappeditaroundEmmett’smouthandheadandthenwrappeditaroundthepinetree.Heneededhimtowatchhiswife’sfinalperformance,andwhataperformanceitwouldbe.He’dchoreographeditinhishead,everymove,eachmouth-wateringcut.Sweatrandownhisbackinanurgentneedtogetstarted,stickinghisshirttohisskin.WhenEmmett’seyesliftedtohisface,Jerrysmiledathim.“I’mgoingtofindPattiandthenI’mgoingtomakeyoubothfamous.”
TWENTY-ONE
Aftergrabbingtwoto-gocupsofcoffeefromWolfe’soffice,KanefollowedJennatotheBeast.She’dappearedtobeoff-kiltersincethehomeinvasion,andaspaleasaghost.HeplacedthecoffeeontheconsoleandwaitedforDuketocomeoutofthebushesadjacenttotheME’soffice.HisdogwashappytowaitinWolfe’sofficeforaslongasnecessary,especiallysinceWolfehadaddedadoggybedandfoodandwaterreceptacles,butbeforeanothertripheneededtostretchhislegs.KanelookedatJennaassheaddednotestothefilesandclearedhisthroat.“Iseverythingokay?”
“Apartfromanothermurdervictiminourtown,justpeachy.”JennawentbacktoheriPad.
Kaneshruggedoffhersnappyreplyandslippedbehindthewheel.“Iknowthat,Jenna.Doyourbackandheadstillache?Areyouokay?You’repaleandtheautopsywasbrutal.”Hehandedheracupofcoffee.“Here,Iguessyouwon’tfeellikeeatingforawhile?”
“Thanks.No,Icouldn’tlookatfoodrightnow.”Jennasippedthecoffeeandlookedathim.“I’dbefineifIcouldjustshakethefeelingthatStoneisgoingtocreepuponme.”Shesighed.“Eveniftheyfinishupearlyontherepairs,doyoumindifIstayinthecottageuntilwecatchthiskiller?Idon’twanttobeinthehousealonerightnow.IfeellikemyprivacyhasbeeninvadedandIdon’tfeellikeshoppingtoreplacewhattheintruderdestroyed.”
KanepushedastrandofhairbehindJenna’searandcuppedhercheek.“Youcanstayaslongasyoulike,orI’llmoveintotheranchhouse—whatevermakesyoufeelsafe.Whenthisisoverandthiskillerisbehindbars,we’llgoonashoppingtriptoHelenaorwhereveryoulikeandpickoutsomethingstogether.Ithinkweneedtomakenicememoriestocoverthedisturbingones.”
“So,youthinkmyhouseneedsaman’stouch,huh?”Jennagrinnedathim.“You’llbewantingamancaveinthebasementbesidethegymnext.”
KanechuckledandgotoutthetrucktoliftDukeintothebackseat.“Thatsoundslikeaplan.”Hegotbehindthewheel.“Practicerangefirst?”
“Yeah.”Jennasippedhercoffee.“Thenwehuntdownafewsuspects.”Shegavehimalonglookandthenraisedoneeyebrow.“WeshouldmakeAuntBetty’sbyone.Canyousurvivethatlong?”
Kanestartedtheengine,backedoutoftheparkingspace,andheadedforthepracticerange.“Sure.”
“Good.I’llcalltheofficeandgetanupdate.”Jennamadethecall.
Thedrivethroughtownwasinteresting.Afterthestorm,thehighwindhadscatteredmanyoftheHalloweendecorationsintomoundsofweirdness.Heslowedtonegotiateapileofplasticpumpkinsentangledwithskeletonsandaghostpiledupagainstthecurb.Asmallgroupoftownsfolkweretryingunsuccessfullytodragthepileontothesidewalk.Hepulledover,jumpedout,andwithsomeeffortpulledthedecorationsfromtheblacktopbeforereturningtothetruck.“Thatmusthavebeensomestorm.”
“Itwasnoisyandwindybutnotadropofrain.”Jennaturnedinherseat.“Evenwiththewindhowlingandlightningflashing,theintruderstillmanagedtohithistargetonmyfrontporch.Hebarelymissedmyheadacoupleoftimes.We’relookingforsomeonehighlyskilled.”
Kanelookedupatthesky.“Fromthespeedthosecloudsaremoving,Ifigurewe’reinformorebadweather.Heturnedtoher.“We’llfindhim.Likeyousay,amanwiththatskilldoesn’tgounnoticed.”
Theyheadedouttotherange.Thegrasslandsresembledanangryseamovingrestlessundertheswirlingwind.Dustdevilsroseuphighintheair,mimickingminitornadoes,andcrossedthehighway,leavingacoatingofseedsandotherparticlesclingingtothewindshieldanddullingtheglossyblackpaintjobontheBeast.Inthedistancetheskyhaddarkenedtoathreateninglineofdarkgrayclouds.Kanetookthesideroadwiththesignpostdirectingthemtothepracticerange.Thegatessatwideopenandoneachsidenoticeshadbeenpostedtodirectpeopletotheofficeandwarnagainstroamingontotheranges.Ifanenthusiastshotboltsorarrows,thisrangecateredtothem.
Kanepulledupoutsidetheoffice,whichappearedtocontainastorethatsoldeverythingapersoncouldneedtojointhesport.HeturnedtoJenna,who’dfinishedhercall.“Anyupdates?”
“Theyhaven’tfoundJuneHarris,buttheyhadaphonecallfromthenewassistantmanageratAuntBetty’s.HernameisWendy.SherecallsseeingJuneandPaytonHarristalkingtoamanbutcan’trecalltheexactday.It’sluckySusieHartwigisthemanagerthere.She’sofferedtolookattheCCTVtapeswithhertopinpointthetimeandtoidentifytheotherperson.”Herlipstwitchedintoareluctantsmile.“So,darnit,Dave,wehavetodropbyAuntBetty’stocheckitout.”
Kanefrowned.“SoAtohifoundnotraceofhereither?”
“Nope,andtherehavebeenhuntersintheareaofBearPeakallweekend.”Jennapushedtwohandsthroughherhairandsecureditwithabandfromaroundherwrist.“Awomanrunningforherlifewouldscreamtheplacedown.Howcomenobodyheardherorcameacrossher?”
“TheforestisvastandthevegetationaroundBearPeakisdense.Soundechoesandcatscansoundlikescreams.”Kaneshrugged.“Mostofthehuntersoutfortheweekendmightnothaveseenthenewsyet.Thenagain,somepeopledon’tliketogetinvolvediftheybelieveit’sadomestic.”Hepushedopenhisdoor.“Maybesomeoneherecangiveusalead.”
“Ihopeso.”Jennafollowedhimintotheoffice.
Behindthecounteramanswirledaroundonaleatherpaddedchairinfrontofacomputertofacethem.Hiseyesopenedwideandhestood.
“WhatcanIdoforyou,Sheriffand—ah,DeputyKane,isn’tit?”
Kanelookedatthenamebarontheman’schest.“Morning,Eric.We’rewonderingifyoukeeparecordofthehighest-scoringcrossbowshootersontherange?”
“Doyouhavecompetitionsatall?”Jennaturnedtoexamineabow.“I’msurethere’sahierarchyinthissport?”
“Umm.”Ericlookedfromonetotheotherasiftryingtodecidewhatquestiontoanswerfirst.HelookedatJenna.Senioritywasobviouslyofimportancetohim,andhesmiled.“Indeed,wedo.It’saverycompetitivesportbutnoteveryonegetsinvolved.Thehunters,well,someofthemcanbringdownabuckwithoneboltatfiftyyardsandthat’snomeanfeat.”
KaneremovedhisStetsonandsmoothedhishair.Therecenthaircuthadlefthisneckpricklyandhedidn’tlikethedistraction.Heslidthehatbackonandstaredattheman.Theshootingrangewasclassedasprivateproperty.Hehadjoinedtheshooters’clubandusedtheriflerangeandtheinsidegunrangeaswell.ButEricwasn’ttheowner—BillStrausworkedattheriflerange.KanewonderedifEricwouldbeforthcomingwithnamesofmembers.“Doyoukeepalistorcanyougiveusthenamesofanyonewhousedtherangerecentlyandisacrackshot?We’relookingforassistanceinacasewe’reinvestigating.”
“Well,letmesee.”Ericstrokedhisthickbeardandstaredintospace.“There’sbeenafewnewmembersoverthelastfewweeks.Irecalltheycameinwiththeirtargetsshredded—theyhadallshotstothehead.Ittakessomeskilltoputfiveboltsintothesametarget.IrecallthembecausetheyremindedmeofadartplayerI’dseenonTVinoneofthoseBritishcompetitions.Heplacedthreedartsinthesameplace.Incredible.”
“Didtheycomeintogether?”JennamovedtothecounterandgaveKaneameaningfulstare.
“Nope,allthreecameinalone.”Ericshookhishead.“Itoldthemaboutourcompetitionbutnonewereinterested.Theyallgavethesamereplythattheyusedtheirskillsforhunting.”
“Andtheynevercrossedpaths?”Jennaleanedforwardontothecounter.“Areyousure?”
“They’vebeenhereatthesametimebuttheydidn’tsocialize.”Ericshrugged.“I’mnothereallthetime.Buzzworkshereaswell,soIguesstheycouldhavebecomefriends.Twoofthemcamebylastweek,onWednesday,andIdon’trecallthemspeakingtoeachother.Infact,I’mprettydarnsuretheydidn’tcrosspaths.IwaswatchingthemontheCCTV.Theygavequiteashowbuttheydidtheirpracticerunandleft.”Heturnedtoabookonhisdeskandflickedthroughit.“Ikeeparecordoftheirscoresbesidetheirnames.Memberslikeprogressscoresanditgivesmeanideaofwhichrangetosendthemto.Youknow,Iliketokeepthenoviceswellawayfromeveryoneelse.”
Threemenwhopracticedheadshotsseemedtoogoodtobetrue.Kaneclearedhisthroat.“Thosememberssoundliketheexpertswe’vebeenlookingfor.Canwehavetheirnames?”HeindicatedwithhischintowardJenna.“We’rebothmembersoftheBlackRockFallsShootersAssociationbutweusetheriflerange.”
“Sure,sure.”Ericporedoverthebook.“Ah,hereweare.ThemostrecentbestofthebestwouldbeRileyAdamsoutofSnowberryFalls,TysonLongoutofSummitHeights,andJohnFoster,helivesoutonPine.AdamsandLongwerehereonthesamedaylastweek,asImentioned,andIdostillhavetheCCTVfootageofalltherangesfromlastweek.”
“Well,ifyoucouldmakeusacopyI’dappreciateit.”Jennapulledaflashdrivefromherpocket.“Wecoulddropbytomorrowandcollectit?”
“Notaproblem,Sheriff.”EricsmiledatJenna,showingaflashofagoldfronttooth.
KaneofferedErichisnotebook.“Couldyouwritedownthedetailsofthosemenforme?”
“Surething.”EricdutifullycopiedthedetailsfromhiscomputerandhandedthenotebookbacktoKane.
KaneglancedatJennaandshegavehimanalmostimperceptiblenod.HeslappedthecounterandsmiledatEric.“Thanks,we’llseeyoutomorrow.”HefollowedJennabacktotheBeast.“Ifigurethat’sthefirsttimewe’vefoundadecentleadintoacasefromtheget-go.Threepossiblesuspectsinoneday.Maybeweshouldbuyalotteryticket.”
TWENTY-TWO
Allowingtheinformationtopercolateintohermind,JennaenteredthenamesintothecomputerintheBeast.TheMDT,ormobiledigitalterminal,gaveherfastaccesstodrivers’licensesandanyoutstandingwarrants.Shecouldaccesscriminalrecordsaswell,butwhatsheneededwasphotographstoshowWendyatAuntBetty’sCafé.SheallowedthemachinetodoitsthingandthensenttheresultstoheriPad.ShelookedatKane.“Nooutstandingwarrants,butallthreehavebeeninthesystematonetimeoranotherbutIcan’tfindanythingonthemforthelastsixmonths.”
“Itmightjustmeantheyhaven’tbeencaughtyetorthey’vealldecidedtogostraight.”KaneturnedontoMainanddroveslowlytowardAuntBetty’sCafé.
JennaadmiredtheHalloweendisplayspoppingupallovertown.Someofthestorefrontshadgonealloutthisyear.ShechuckledatatablewithskeletonsdressedasoldWildWestcowboyssmokingcigarsandplayingcards.“Someofthedecorationsthisyearareamazing.”Shepointedtoacircleofghostlyfiguresthatresembledlong-gonefamousfilm
“Maybe.”Kaneflashedherawhitesmile.“IwasthinkingFrankenstein,butI’mnotintomasks.WiththeGrimReapercostume,Ijusthavetoscowlatpeople.Whataboutyou?”
Jennathoughtforaminute.“Notadevilthistime,maybeawitch.Emilyhasatonofcostumesintheirattic.I’llfindsomethingwhenwenextgoandseeShane.”Shesighed.“Ifwegettogowiththekidsthisyear.Ihopeso.ItmeansalottothegirlsandShanewhenwejoinin.”
“IenjoyallthefamilystuffwithWolfeandhiskids,too.I’mhopingRioandhisbrotherandsisterwillcometoo.”KanepulledupoutsideAuntBetty’sandhisstomachgrowledsoloudDukebarked.Heturnedtolookathim.“Okay,Iknow,you’restarvingtoo.I’llseewhatleftoversSusiehasputbyforyou.”
Jennaclimbedfromthetruck.SusieHartwig,themanagerofAuntBetty’sCafé,hadasoftspotforDukeandusuallykepthimsomeoftheleftovermeatfromthepreviousday.Sheledthewayintothedinerandwenttothecounter.“Hi,Susie,isWendyaround?”
“Yes,she’sintheback.I’llgogetherforyou.”SusiegaveherabrightsmileandlookedoverthecounteratDuke.“Hello,Duke.I’vebeenwaitingforyoutocomeby.”SheglancedupatKane.“Wehaveapotofchilionthestoveandcherrypieisthespecialtoday.”
“Youreadmymind,butwe’llneedtospeaktoWendybeforeweeat.”Kanehadremovedhishatandwasmovinghisfingersaroundtherim.
Jennashookherhead.“No,Dave.Yougoandeatbeforethefolksinherethinkthere’sanotherstormcoming.”Shelookedpointedlyathisgrowlingstomach.
“Surething.I’llberightbackwiththeorder.”Susiehurriedintotheback.
Scratchingherhead,JennaturnedtoKane.“Shedidn’taskmeifIwantedsomethingtoeat.Iguessshemustbepreoccupied.”Sheshrugged.“I’llgotalktoWendyandwhenSusiecomesback,canyouorderaturkeyonryeformeandI’lltakethecherrypieaswell?”
“Sure.”Kanesmiledather.“Coffeeorsoda?”
Jennablinkedandturnedupherfacetoexaminehim.“Soda?SincewhendoIdrinksodaatlunchtime?AreyouDaveKaneorhaveyoubeentakenoverbyanalienbodysnatcher?”
“Iguessyou’llhavetowaitandsee.”Kaneruffledherhairandlaughed.
Jennasmootheddownherhairandfrownedathim.“NowI’msureit’snotyou.”
“Woo-woo.”Kanewiggledhiseyebrows.“It’sHalloween,gowiththeflow.”
ItseemedtoJennathatKanealwaystriedtobreakthetraumaofvisitingamurdersceneoranautopsywithhisbrandofoftenblackhumor.Itwashiswayofde-stressing,andshe’dgrowntoappreciateit.Afterahorrificday,Kanehadturneditaroundtosometypeofnormal.WhatevernormalwasinBlackRockFalls.
JennawaitedforWendytocometothecounterandintroducedherselftothebubblyblonde-hairedwoman.“I’mfollowinguponthecallyoumadetothehotline.DidyoufindanyCCTVfootageoftheman?”
“Isuredid,andit’ssetupandreadyforyouintheoffice.”Wendysmiled.“Thisway.”Sheheadedintotheback.
“Great!”Jennafollowedherintoaneatofficeandpeeredatthescreenshowingpeopleenjoyingtheirmealsinsidethediningarea.
“I’llgetitupforyou.”Wendyquicklyaccessedafile.“IcopieditontoaseparatefilesoIcouldfinditquickly.Hereyougo.”
Seatedatthedesk,JennaviewedthefootageofthecouplespeakingtoamanthepreviousThursday.Shestaredatthemaninthefootageandafreezingcoldtricklesliddownherspine.Theheight,blackStetson,andlongblackslickermadeherhandshake.Hewasamatchforthemanshe’dseeninheryard.DrawingonherprofessionalmasktohideheranxietyfromWendy,shezoomedinontheman’sface,butasifheknewsomeonewasfilminghim,hekepthisbacktothecameraorpulledhishatdownoverhiseyes.Onesideshotwasallshehadtogoon.Shepulledoutherphone,accessedtheimagefiles,displayedafewrandomheadshotsofothermen,andmixedinthethreesuspects.ShehandedthephonetoWendy.“Doyourecognizethemanfromanyoftheseimages?”
“Yeah,Ispoketohim.He’saMontananbyhisaccentandIdon’trecallseeinghiminherebefore,butthat’shimforsure.”WendypointedtoRileyAdamsoutofSnowberryFalls.
Jennaheldherbreath.Thishadtobetoogoodtobetrue.Shehadamatchforoneofthemensingledoutatthepracticerange.ShefumbledinsideherjacketforoneoftheemptyflashdrivesshecarriedinherpocketandhandedittoWendy.“Couldyoumakemeacopy,please?I’llclearitwithSusie.”Shestood.“I’llgoandgrabastatementbookfromDeputyKane.I’llbebackinaminute.”
Breathlesswithexuberanceatherdiscovery,shehurriedthroughthebusylunchtimedinerstothetableatthebackbesidethewindow.SusiealwayskeptaRESERVEDsignonthetablefortheuseofthesheriff’sdepartment.WhenKanelookedupfromhisbowlofchili,shegrinnedathimandloweredhervoicetojustaboveawhisper.“Wehaveasuspect.”Shereachedforthefolderonthetable.“I’llgetastatement.”
“Findwhatyouneeded?”Susiecameupbehindhercarryingapotofcoffee.
Jennastraightened.“Yeah,I’vefoundsomeusefulinformation.I’lljustneedastatementfromWendyandifyoucouldgiveuspermissiontocopysomeofyourCCTVfootage,I’dappreciateit.”
“AnythingIcandotohelp,youonlyhavetoask.”SusieplacedthecoffeepotonthetableandlookedatKane.“I’llfilloutthepaperworknowifyouhaveitwithyou.”
“Yes,ma’am.”Kanepulledanotepadoutofthefolderandhandedittoher.HeglancedupatJenna.“I’llhuntdownthesuspect’swhereaboutswhileyoueat.”
Itdidn’ttakeJennatoolongtogetthestatement.ShethankedWendyandheadedbacktoKane.Shehandedhimthestatementanddroppedintoachair.“WehaveapositiveIDforRileyAdamsoutofSnowberryFalls.WendypickedhimoutofthethreeguysfromthepracticerangeandanotherthreerandomimagesIshowedher.”Shefilledacupfromthepotonthetableandaddedthefixings.“FromtheCCTVfootage,hewassittingcloseby,thenstoodandspoketothem.ItlookslikePaytonHarrisaskedhimtojointhem.Theytalkedforsometimeandthecoupleappearedanimatedafterheleft,asifhe’dgiventhemsomegoodnews.”
“They’reoutofBuffaloRidge,soabouttwohours’drivefromtown.”Kanepushedawayhisemptybowlandsippedhiscoffee.“Closeenoughnottostayinamotel,iftheyplannedoncampingintheforest.”HesmiledasSusiecameback,bringingJenna’ssandwichandtwowedgesofcherrypie.“Ohmy,thatpielooksincredible.”Heliftedtheplatetohisnoseandsniffed.AlookofblisscameoverhisfaceandhelookedatSusie.“I’dlikeonepietogoaswell,please.”
“Ihaveindividualpiesaswell,freshouttheoven.”Susiegrinneddownathim.“Cherryandpeach.”
“Sixofeach.I’llstoretheminmyfreezer.”HelookedatJenna.“Youcanneverhavetoomanypies.”
Jennarolledhereyesandlaughed.“Obviously.”ShewaitedforSusietowalkaway.“WeneedtofindRileyAdamstoday.ImightcallBobbyKaloandseeifhecandigupanydirtonhim.Hecangetintofileswedon’thaveaccessto.Itmightsavetime.”
“Ashe’salreadyinvolved,wemightaswellsavethegruntwork.”KanebenttopatDukeonthehead;asapolicedog,hewasallowedinthecafé.
Jennamadethecall.“Yeah,wehaveanaddressfromhisdriver’slicensebutatthistimeoftheday,he’slikelyworkingsomewhere.Canyouhunthimdownforme,please?”
“Sure,it’sasquietasagraveinheretoday.”Kalotappedawayathiskeyboard.
“Thanks.”Jennaputthephoneonspeakerandatehersandwich.Aboutfiveminuteslater,Kalocamebackontheline.Shetookthephoneoffspeakerandlistenedwithinterest.
“Ifoundhim.Oh,you’regonnalovethis.HewasarrestedinBlackwaterfiveyearsago.Apparently,heshotandkilledaguynamedJonathanLamb.HewasreleasedfourmonthsagofromtheBlackRockFallsCountyJailafteranappealreducedhismanslaughterconvictiontoamisdemeanor.Heisanurseatanoldfolks’homeinBlackRockFallsbythenameofSunsetValley.Hmm,interesting.Hewasn’tondutyThursdaythroughMonday.”
“That’sjustwhatweneed.”JennatookdownthedetailsKalosuppliedanddisconnected.ShelookedupatKaneandbroughthimuptospeed.“Ihavetheaddressofwherehe’sworking.Kaloevenaccessedtheoldfolks’homecomputerandfoundthestaffschedule.Guesswhat?RileyAdamswasn’tondutyThursdaythroughMonday.”ShepushedthenotebooktowardKane.“Thisallseemstoogoodtobetrue.”
“Itsuredoes.”Kanefinishedhiscoffeeandleanedbackinthechair,observingherwithafrown.“It’salmostasifhe’sbeingframedforthemurder.Whenthingslooktoogoodtobetrue,theyusuallyare.”
TWENTY-THREE
Kanewrinkledhisnoseattheless-than-freshsmelloozingfromtheSunsetValleynursinghome,leanedonthecounter,andstaredatthereceptionist.He’daskedtospeaktoRileyAdamsandreceivedahostilereply,forwhatreasonhehadnoidea.He’dbeenpleasantenoughandJennahadsmiledatthepinched-faced,thin-lippedwomanwiththeseverehaircut.Itseemedshehadoptedoutofvisitingthebeautyparlorandslappedabowlonherheadandcutaroundit.“Ma’am,youareobligedtoinformMr.Adamswe’rehere.Thisisamatterforthesheriff’sdepartment.Nowpleasegetonthephoneandaskhimtocomeoutandspeaktous,orwe’llgoandlookforhimourselves.”
“I’mnotrequiredtochasedownemployees.”Thewoman,withthenametagYVONNE,glaredathimwithbeadyeyes.
“Well,unlessyoufindsomeonewhocanfindMr.Adamsforuswithoutdelay”—Jennaremovedthecuffsfromherbeltanddroppedthemonthecounter—“I’llarrestyouforinterferingwithaninvestigation.”ShegaveheralooktofreezeBlackRockFallsLakeandtappedthecuffsonthecounter.
“Oh,verywell.”Yvonne’smouthpuckeredintoatightpout,showingdeeplineswherethelipstickhadbledintothewrinkles.Shegaveagruntofdispleasureandpickedupthephone.Afterafewmoments,sheturnedherattentiontoJenna.“He’llberightout.”Shewavedtowardadoor.“Youcanwaitinthere.”
“Whendidhestartworktoday?”Jennastoodherground.
“Hisshiftstartedateleven.”Yvonnewrinkledhernoseasifshe’dsmelledsomethingbad.“Isthatall?”
“Fornow.”Jennawalkedawayinthedirectionofthewaitingroom.
KanefollowedJennaintotheclinical,white,tile-linedroomwithafewplasticchairsagainstonewall.“Don’tputmeinherewhenI’mold.Justpackmeforbear,takemeouttotheforest,anddumpme.I’lltakemychances.”
“Meeither.”Jenna’sgazenarrowed.“Howcomethisplacehasn’tcomeunderMayorPetersham’slatestroundofinspections?He’sbeenclampingdownonanynursinghomesnotuptostandardwiththeircare.”Shepeeredthroughtheglassdooratoneendoftheroom.“Lookatthatpoorsoul.”
Kanemovedtoherside.Anorderlyhadonehandonthebackoftheshirtofanelderlyman,pullingittightunderhisarms.Theoldman’sjointsmovedasifhehadtheuncoordinatedlimbsofawoodenpuppet,andthemanleadinghimwasusinghisshirtlikestringstoguidehim.TheoldmanhadatuftofredhairinthemiddleofabaldheadandKanehadaflashbackofanimageoftheHowdyDoodymarionettehisfatherkeptinadisplaycaseinhisoffice.Hesnortedindisgust.“Theelderlydeservedignity.That’sinhumantreatment.”Hepushedthroughtheglassdoorandinthreestrideshadreachedtheorderly.“Whereareyoutakinghim?”
“Backtohisroom.”Theorderlysmirkedathim.“Heneedshisexercise.”
Kanenoddedandlookedattheoldman.“Doyouknowthewaytoyourroom,sir?”
“Yeah,downthehall,firstontheleft.”HelookedupatKane.“Youplanningonarrestingsomeone,Deputy?”
Kanebrushedtheorderly’shandawayandslidhisarmaroundthemantosupporthisweight.“Maybe.Canyouwalkokay?”
“Surecan,unlessthatjerkispullingmeoffmyfeet.”Heheadeddownthehallway.
Kanelookedattheorderly.“Comewithus.”
Afterhe’dsettledthemaninhischair,hegavehimhiscard.“I’mDaveKane.YoucallmeiftheyroughyouupagainandI’llcomebyandhavealittletalktothem.”
“SeymoreHuggins.”Theoldmanofferedapale,thinhandandsmiledathim.“Thankyou,DeputyKane.”
Kanetooktheoldman’shandandshookitgently.“Tellyourfriendsinhereaswell.”Hefishedafewmorecardsfromhispocketandhandedthemtohim.“Anytime,dayornight.”
“Iwon’tforget.”Mr.Hugginsranhisfingersoverthecards.“Takecareofyourself,son.”
Angersimmeringjustbelowthesurface,Kanewalkedintothehallway.Theorderlywaswaitingobedientlyandstillhadthestupidgrinonhisface.Hewalkeduptohim,grabbedthebackofhisT-shirt,liftedhimontothetipsofhistoes,andmarchedhimalongthehallway
“Hey,man.You’rehurtingme.”Theorderlyflappedhisarms,tryingtofreehimself.“Putmedown.”
Kanedroppedhimattheendofthehallway.“What’syourname?”
“WayneDimple.”Dimplerubbedunderhisarms.Thesmilehadvanished.
Kanestraightenedtohisfullsix-fiveandlookeddownhisnoseatthejerk.“Well,Dimple,nowyouknowhowitfeels,I’llexpectyoutotreattheresidentswithrespect.I’llbemakingspotchecksfromnowonandifyoumistreatanyoneagain,I’llthrowyouinjailandtossawaythekey.Wehavelawsinthiscountytodealwithclownslikeyou.”Hepokedafingerintotheman’sshoulder.“HaveImademyselfclearordoyourequirefurtherinstruction?”
“Iunderstand.”Dimple’sfacehadturnedbeetred.
“Good.”KaneturnedonhisheelandwalkedbacktowhereJennawasspeakingtoatallmanherecognizedasRileyAdams.Themanwasstandingfartooclosetoherand,bythelookonJenna’sface,somethingaboutthisguyhadspookedherbigtime.
InJenna’shandhecouldmakeouttheimagesofPaytonHarrisandhiswifedisplayedontheiPad.Hemovedincloserandlistenedtotheconversation.
“DidyouknowJuneandPaytonHarrisfrombefore,ordidyoufirstmeetthematAuntBetty’sCafé?”Jenna’seyesdartedtohimandreturnedtoAdams’face.“FromtheCCTVfeedyouseemprettyfriendly.”
“No,notfrombefore.”Adamsleanedoneshoulderagainstthewallandtookanonchalantpose.“TheyweresittingatthetablenexttomeandIoverheardtheirconversation.JunehadherheartsetonhikinguptothetopofBearPeakandvisitingthefalls,butshewasconcernedaboutthemgoingaloneintothemountains.Theydidn’thaveasatellitephoneandasIwasplanningonheadingthatwaytodosomehunting,Iofferedtogoalong,seeingasIknowthattrail,andIofferedtoshowthemtheway.”
“Canyougivemeatimeline?”Jennapushedhertabletunderonearmandtookouthernotepad.
“Look.”Adamsstraightened.“IheardthenewsaboutJunegoingmissing.I’dhavecalledthehotlineifI’dhadanyinformation.Shewasaniceperson.”
“‘Was’aniceperson?”Jennanarrowedhergazeonhim.“Istheresomethingyou’renottellingme,Mr.Adams?”
“Hey,loweryourhackles.”AdamsflickedaglanceoverKaneandrolledhisshoulders.“ImettheminAuntBetty’sonThursdaymorning.Igrabbedmygearandtheyfollowedmetotheforest.Weleftourvehiclesthereandhikeduptoaspotclosetothefalls.WerestedthereforaspellandthenIshowedthemthetrailtoacampsiteaboutahalfmileaway.Ifyouknowthearea,there’saclearingwithafirepitabouttwentyyardsfromtheriver,theonefedbytherunofffromthemountain?It’slowatthistimeofyear.Ileftthemthereandhikedtoahuntingareaaboutamilewest.Icamebackdownthatnightandwenthome.”
Unconvinced,KanetookinAdams’confidentposeandthewayhestoodinsideJenna’spersonalspace.Itwasunusualbehaviortoactthatwayduringaninterviewwithalawenforcementofficer.Mostpeoplewouldbealittlenervous,eventheinnocentones.HetookastepclosertoJenna,andtheactionmadeAdamstakeastepback.Good,I’mintimidatinghim.“WhattimedidyoulastseeJuneandPaytonHarris?”
“Maybearoundtwo.”Adamsshrugged.“I’mnotsure.Theyinsistedtheycouldfindtheirwaybacktotheirpickup.Theywantedaromanticnightinthemountains,soIletthembe.”HelookeddirectlyatJenna.“Womenlikethat,don’tthey?Theisolationandfearofbeingeatenbybearsmustbeanaphrodisiacorsomething.”Hechuckled.
“Well,Ifigureyoushouldn’tincludeallwomeninthatstatement.”Jennagavehimastonystare.“Ormen.Sleepingonhardgroundinthefreezingcoldisn’teveryone’sideaoffun.”
“Youreallyneedtoloosenup,Sheriff.”Adamspushedahandthroughhishair.“Beingsouptightisn’thealthy.”
WhenJennasnortedindisgust,KanespottedthetriumphantglintinAdams’eyes.Hehadenjoyedmakingherangryandnodoubtwastryingtopushherbuttons.Hewassosmooth,soconfident,andalmosttoogoodtobetrue.Firingabarrageofquestionsathimmightcauseachinkinhisarmor.“Whereexactlydidyoupark?”
“Ashortwaypasttheforestwarden’scheckstationonStantonRoad.”Adamspushedhishandsintohispockets;slightirritationshowedbuthehaditundercontrolandsoonslidbackintoaconfidentpose.
ItwasattimeslikethesethatKaneappreciatedhisheightandbodybulk.Adamswasastrongguy,athleticinbuild,andhadthepleasantfeaturesandconfidenceofaserialkiller.Hekepteyecontactandleanedalittlecloser.Hewantedtoseejusthowfarhecouldpushhim.Mostpeoplewouldbeeitherannoyedorshakingintheirbootsbynow.“Whatisyourfavoriteweaponofchoice?”
“Ican’tdecidebetweenarifleandcrossbow.Theybothhavetheirappeal.”Adamsheldhisgazeandhislipstwitchedintoasmirk.“Iwashuntingelktofillmyfreezer.Ionlyhuntgameforfood,Deputy.”
“AndwhatweaponwereyoucarryingonThursday?”Jennawasmakingcopiousnotesandlookedupathim.
“Weapons,Sheriff.”Adamsgaveheraslow,confidentsmile.“Inevergointotheforestwithoutmysidearm,butIwascarryingacrossbowthatday.”
“InoticedyouwerewearingaslickerinAuntBetty’s.Doyouusuallywearaslickerinthemountainswhenhunting?Idon’trecallseeinganyhunterorangeonit.”
“Iwasn’tbig-gamehunting,ma’am.”Adamsrolledhiseyes.“Itgetswetandcoldupthere,andyes,Iwearmyslickermosttimeswhenrainorstormsareforecast.”
“So,didyoubaganelk?”Jenna’seyesnarrowed.
“Nope,can’tsaythatIdid.”Adamscrossedhisarmsoverhischest.“Ididn’trunintoanyone,nordidIvisitthecheckstation.Ishouldhave,butIwantedtogettheHarrisesonthetrail.”
“Okay,ah…doyouworkherefulltime?”Jennaheldhisgaze.
“Iworkmyshifts.”Adamssighed.“IfIdoadouble,Iusuallyhavethenextdayfree.Ididn’tworkonThursday.”
Kaneclearedhisthroat.“DidyouworkonSundaynight?”
“Nope.”Adamslookedathim.“Iwasathomeduringthestorm.It’stoodangeroustobeoutinadrystormwiththelightningandall.”
“CananyoneverifyyourwhereaboutsonSundaynightthroughMondaymorning?”Jennaliftedherchinwithadeterminedexpression.
“IdroppedbyAuntBetty’sforbreakfastandcollectedsomesuppliesfromthegeneralstoreonMonday.”Heshrugged.“I’msurethey’llremembermeandyou’llhavetheCCTVfootagetoverifyIwasinthediner.Won’tyou,Sheriff?”
“Yeah.I’llbecheckingoutyourstory.”Jennalookeddownathisshoes.“Whatsizeshoesdoyouwear?”
“Youwantmyshoesize?”Adamsgrinned.“Nowyou’regettingpersonalbuthey,I’measytogetalongwith,Sheriff.Sizetwelve.”
“Sizetwelve,huh?”JennaexchangedaknowinglookwithKaneandthenturnedbacktoAdams.“Well,seeingasyouarethelastpersontoseethecouple,I’mtakingyouinforquestioningoverthedeathofPaytonHarris.”Jennastraightenedandreadhimhisrights.
“Really?”Adamslaughedather.“I’manurse.Ihelppeople,nooneintheirrightmindwillbelieveI’minvolvedinamurder.”
Theyalwaysmakeamistake.Noonehadmentionedmurderandmostpeoplewho’dbefriendedthecouplewouldbeshockedtohearofPaytonHarris’death.Unlesstheyalreadyknew.KanetookAdams’armandledhimfromthebuilding,butsomethinggnawedathisgut.Theconfidentswaggerhadn’treceded.Hegroundhisbackteeth.TherehadtobeanothersidetoRileyAdams,andhefigureditwasasdarkastheentrancetohell.
TWENTY-FOUR
ItwasalittleafterthreebythetimeJennahadsecuredRileyAdamsintoaninterviewroom.Shewantedtogooverhisstoryagainbuthe’dlawyeredupand,ofcourse,he’dinsistedonherarchnemesis,SamuelJCross,torepresenthim.ThemanmadeCarterlooksophisticated.Withhisstraightofftheranchstyledressandlonghairtiedinaponytail,batteredhat,andscuffedcowboyboots,SamCrosswastheoppositeofanylawyershe’devermetbutohboy,washesmart.AfterJennahadwaitedtheobligatorytimehissecretaryseemedtohavemademandatory,shewincedasCrosspickedupthecallandaddressedherwithanoverlyfamiliartone.Shecertainlydidnotregardhimasafriend.
“Hi,Jenna.IwaswonderingwhenI’dhavethepleasureofsparringwithyouagain.Whodowehavethistime?”Crosstappedawayathiskeyboardasifhewasn’treallyinterestedinwhatshehadtosay.
Drawingonhermaskofprofessionalism,Jennareferredtohernotes.“We’vebroughtinRileyAdamsoutofSnowberryWayforquestioningoverthemurderofPaytonHarris.WefoundHarris’bodyclosetoBearPeak.TODisestimatedonThursdaynightorFridaymorning.Adamswasthelastpersontoseehimandhiswife,June,alive.Juneisstillmissing.IalsosawamaninmyyardonSundaynightmatchingAdams’description.MyhousewasshotupwithacrossbowandIsufferedahomeinvasionoveraperiodofsomehours.DeputyKaneishandlingthatcasetoavoidaconflictofinterest.Mr.Adamshasstatedthatheisaclientofyours.”
“Heisindeed,Jenna.”Thetappingatthekeyboardstoppedabruptly.“Haveyouquestionedhim?”
Jennasmiledtoherself.“Yes,wedidaskhimafewquestionsathisworkplaceabouttheHarriscase,notthehomeinvasion,andhedidn’tobjectoraskforalawyer.FromhisrepliesandfootageofhimwiththecoupleinAuntBetty’sCafé,Idecidedtobringhiminforquestioning.”
“Didyoureadhimhisrightsbeforetransportinghim?”Crosssoundedserious.
ThehairsonthebackofJenna’sneckrose.“Idothingsbythebook,Mr.Cross.Ofcourse,Idid,andwhenwearrivedhere,heaskedforyou.There’sbeennodelayincontactingyou.Whencanyouspeaktoyourclient?”
“I’llbetherealittleafterfive.”Crossdisconnected.
Jennastaredatherphone.“Whyiscallingyoulikehavingarootcanal?”
“Problem?”Kanedroppedintothechairinfrontofherdesk.
“SamCross.”Jennapulledaface.“Hecovershisrudenessinsuchapolitewayitreallygetsundermyskin.”Sherubbedhertemples.“ThecircumstantialevidencewehaveonAdamsisenoughtoconvicthimandyetCrosswillfindawaytogethimoffthecharge.”
“He’saverygooddefenseattorney.”Kaneheldupbothhands.“Don’tlookatmelikethat,Jenna.Togetthebestofyou,hemustbegoodatwhathedoes.”
Jennapeeredathimfrombeneathherbangs.“Givemesomegoodnews.”
“RioandRowleyfoundPaytonHarris’truckjustwhereAdamssaiditwouldbe.We’rewaitingforatowtrucktotakeittoWolfeforforensicexaminationbutunlesssomethinghappenedtotheminsidethepickup,therewon’tbeanythingwecanuse.”Kanestoodandwenttothecoffeemachine,pouredtwocups,addedthefixings,andgaveherone.“I’vebeenwritingupanapplicationforsearchwarrantsforAdams’truckandresidence.Asyousay,thecircumstantialevidenceisgood.Ialsopresentedoneforthehomeinvasionandusedtheevidencewe’vecollected.Thatmightbesuccessful,aswehaveamanwhofitsthedescriptionandamatchonthebootsize.”
Jennathoughtforabeat.“HowarewegoingatlocatingJuneandPaytonHarris’nextofkin?Ifwefindthem,they’llbeabletogiveusacloserelativeforJune.Weneedtoknowiftheearleftonmyporchpostbelongstoourmissingwoman.”
“RowleyandRioareworkingonitnow.”KanesatbackinthechairandstaredathisiPad.“I’llprintupthesearchwarrantapplicationsandheadovertothecourthouse.”Helookedacrossthedeskather.“IfwediscovertheearbelongstoJuneHarrisandyou’reconvincedAdamsisthepossiblekillerandtheguywhotrashedyourhouse,you’llneedtotakeastepbackfromtheinvestigation.YouknowCross,andhe’llplayanyadvantagehecanfind,andthisscreamsconflictofinterest.”
Astheprinterhummedintoaction,Jennaleanedbackinherseat,mindspinning.Sheneededtobeinvolvedandnotsittingonthesideline,butshe’dalreadydecidedhercourseofaction.Shenoddedslowly.“Yeah,Iamawareofthesituationbutallthis”—shewavedahandtowardthefewnotesRiohadaddedtothewhiteboardinhernewoffice—“isn’tsittingrightwithme.TherearetoomanycoincidenceswiththeJamesStonemurders.Adamsissodarnsureofhimselfhemusthaveatrickuphissleeve.It’sasifthemurderwasplannedtokeepmeoutoftheinvestigation.JamesStonewasmycasebutAdamsknowsbyinvadingmyhome,Ican’tbeinvolvedinthemurderinvestigation.Problemis,Adamsdoesn’tseemsmartenoughtohaveorchestratedthisalone,I’mconvincedStoneisbehindit.Somehow,someway,he’sinfluencedAdamstokillforhim.”SheblewoutalongbreathandstaredatKane.“Ibethe’sjustwaitingforthereportstohitthenewssohecandrooloverthem,asifhe’dmurderedthevictimhimself.Wemustkeepthehomeinvasionfromthepress,becauseassureashell,Idon’twantStonegloatingoverthenotionthathe’sgottenawaywithscaringme.”
“I’mconcernedyou’veconnectedthismurderwithStone.”Kanesippedhiscoffeeandeyedherintentlyovertherim.“Wolfehasalreadyexplainedthatthecasesaredifferent.Yes,maybeacopycat,butifAdamsiscopyingStone,hemissedseveralpertinentclues.Theparalyzingofthemalevictim,themutilationofthewoman,areallveryimportantpartsofthescenethataremissing.”Heblewoverthecup,makingsteamcurlaroundhim.“IfStonehadcommunicatedwithAdams,whywouldheleaveoutwhathe’dconsiderthebestpartsofthekill?Thestabbingorshottothespinewashissignature,notjustthebolttotheheadofthemanorsoakinghimwithgas.Thosetwothingscouldhavebeenleakedbythepeoplewhofoundthevictims.Thespinalinjuryonlycametolightduringtheautopsy.Itwasacrucialpartoftheevidence.”
Jennachewedonherbottomlipandthoughtitthrough.“True,andnodoubtparalyzinghisvictimandmakinghimwatchtheloveofhislifetorturedwouldbeahighlightofthekill.”SheleanedbackandstaredattheceilingandthenloweredherattentionbacktoKane.“Youknow,Dave,Iknowyougoongutinstinctsomanytimesandyou’reusuallyright.Myintuition,orwhateveryoucallit,isscreamingatmethatJamesStonehasahandinthismurderandthehomeinvasion.Iknowhomeinvasionisn’thisstylebutbyscaringme,Ifigurehebelievesheisregainingcontrol.Nomatterhowyoutryandconvincemeotherwise,mylifeisontheline,andit’sonlyamatteroftimebeforeheshowshishand.”
TWENTY-FIVE
DeputyJakeRowleysmiledashedisconnectedfromhiswifeSandy’scall.She’dbeenforherregularprenatalcheckupatthedoctor’s,andbothsheandthetwinsweredoingjustfine.They’dhopedforaChristmasdeliverybutthebabieswereduetoarrivelateinJanuary,rightinthedeadofwinter.Hewentbacktocheckthesearchresultsfromthemanydatabaseshe’dbeencheckingsincecomingbackfromhuntingdownPaytonHarris’vehicle.Atlasthe’dfoundamatch,withcurrentdetails.HepickedupthephoneandcalledtheBuffaloRidgeSheriff’sDepartmentandexplainedthesituation.Asluckwouldhaveit,thesheriffknewPaytonHarrisandhisfamily.“I’dappreciateifyou’dinformthemaboutPayton’sdeath,andI’llneedalistofJune’sfamilymembersaswell.We’llneedaclosebloodrelativetosupplyaDNAsampleASAP.Hermotherwouldbethebestpersontoask.I’msureyouhaveadoctorintownthatcouldhandleaswabforus?”
“Noneed.IhaveDNAcollectionkitshere.I’llgetyouonefromhermotherthisafternoon.”Thesheriffsighed.“Wheredoyouwantmetosendit?”
Rowleyopenedabookonhisdeskandflippedthroughthepages.“I’llmessageyoutheaddressoftheME’soffice.You’llneedtosenditbyanexpresspathologycollectioncourier.SendthebilltotheME’sofficehereinBlackRockFalls.”
“Sure.Thisisbadbusiness.They’realovelycouple.”Thesherifftookalongbreathasifdrawingonacigarette.“IhopetheyfindJunealive.”
Rowleynoddedeventhoughthesheriffcouldn’tseehim.“Same.Wehavepeopleoutsearchingtheforestsandlakesincasesheisstilloutthere,butit’sbeenfourdayssinceanyonelaideyesonher,soit’snotlookinggood.”Heclearedhisthroat.“I’llsendyoutheME’sphonenumberaswell.Thenextofkinwillwanttocontacthimaboutthecollectionoftheremains.”Heranahandthroughhishair.“Thanksforyourhelp.”
“It’sallinaday’swork.”Thesheriffdisconnected.
AfterRowleysentthemessages,hisphonebuzzed.ItwasDeputyZacRio.“Yeah.”
“Ihavesomething.”Zacsoundedexcited.“Cometakealook.”
RowleyheadedoutofSheriffAlton’soldofficeandwenttoRio’sdesk.Hispartnerwasscrollingthroughimageshe’dtakenontheirtriptoandfromthecrimescene.AfterfindingHarris’vehicle,they’darrangedforittobetowedtotheME’sofficeandthendecidedtoviewthecrimescene.They’dtakenthetrackmostlikelytraveledbyJuneandPaytonHarristothecampsite.They’dsplitupandsearchedallaround.He’dfoundnothingofgreatinterestalongtheway.Theoddenergybarwrappertossedontotheforestfloorwithoutthoughtoftheenvironmenthadcaughthiseye,butRiohadadifferenttiltonthingsandhadgonedeepintotheforest,comingbackwithsoilsamples.HestaredoverRio’sshoulderattheimages.“Didyoufindanythinginteresting?”
“Maybe.”Rioscrolledthroughtheimagesandstopped.“Whenwewereapproachingthecampsite,Inoticedafewholesinthetreetrunks.Notalotbuttheoddfew,plusinsomeplacestheforestfloorhadbeendisturbed.”
Rowleyshrugged.“Ifthey’dbeenofconsequence,Wolfewouldhavenotedtheminthecrimescenereport.”
“Yeah,buttheseareinanareauptofiftyyardsfromthecampsite.Ontheoppositesideoftheriver.Itwasahunch.Ilookedintheareajustoverwheretheriverflowsundertherockformation.Itlookeddisturbed,soItooksomeimagesandwalkedaroundsome.”Rioturnedtolookupathim.“IhavetheabilitytoprocessalltheinformationIseeatonce.It’slikeseeingajigsawpuzzlecometogether.”Hepointedatthescreen.“Thesemarksonthetreesandgroundareprogressive.Theymoveawayfromthecrimesceneandarespacedalmostuniformly.Thehunterwascollectinghisarrowsorboltsashewent.”
“Okay.”Rowleylookedcloser.“Icanseethat,sowhyisthatunusual?Boltsareexpensiveandmosthuntersretrievethem.”
“AtfirstIthoughtthepersondoingthiswasabadshot,nowI’mthinkinghewasherdingsomethingtoabetterplacetokillit.”Heshrugged.“Dohuntersdothat?”
Rowleyshookhishead.“No,they’dmaketheshotbeforetheanimalmovedaway.Whatelsedidyoufind?”
“Ifoundwhatcouldhavebeenblood.”Rioleanedbackinhischairandsmiled.“That’sthesamplewedroppedintoWolfe.Hecalledbeforeandverifiedit’shumanblood.Rightnow,he’srunningitagainsttheearfoundatthesheriff’sranch.Ifit’samatch,we’llhavetowaitforapositiveIDonJuneHarris,butwe’llknowsomeonewashuntingahumanupthereandinjuredthem.”HelookedupatRowley.“IthinkweneedtotalktoJenna.”
Rowleynodded.“Let’sgo.”
TheyheadedupthestaircaseleadingtoJenna’snewoffice.Thesecondfloornowhousedtheevidenceroomandlockerroomswithshowers,andtoilets.Itaddedanewlevelofsecurityfortheteam.RowleyknockedonJenna’sdoor.“Riohasinformation.”
“Ifit’saboutthebreak-inatmyranch,you’llneedtospeaktoKane.”JennadroppedapenintotheoldchippedmugwithWELCOMETOHAWAIIonthesideandlookedupathim.“Ifit’sabouttheHarrismurder,youcanspeaktomebutifwediscoverthatRileyAdamsisinvolvedinbothcases,I’llhavetostanddownandletKanetakethelead.”Sheleanedbackinherchair.“Heshouldbebacksoon.He’schasingdownsearchwarrantsforthesuspectwehaveincustody.”
“It’smoreaboutJuneHarris.”Rioexplainedhistheory.“IfigureweneedtoconcentratethesearchfromthecampsitebackuptoBearPeak.FromwhatIcouldsurmise,thebloodseemedtobeheadinginthatdirection.WereallyneedanexperiencedtrackertotakealookattheevidenceIfoundandgofromthere.”
“Hmm,interesting.”Jennastaredathim.“KaneandAtohiBlackhawktookthedogsandlostJuneHarris’trailattheedgeoftheriver.Bothareexcellenttrackers.Whereexactlydidyoufindtheblood?”Sheraisedadarkeyebrow.“Ihopeyoumarkedeverythingclearly?”
“Yes,ma’am.”Riowenttothewhiteboardanddrewamapoftheforesttrailswithamazingaccuracy.“Ifoundithere.Ifigureifatrackerheadsfromhereinthegeneraldirection,hemightpickupatrail.IwentasfarasIcouldseeanybloodspotsandthenitjuststopped.Ididn’tpushonincaseIdestroyedevidence.”
“Couldyousmellanything?”Jennadrummedherfingersonthedesktop.“Iftherewasacorpsecloseby,you’dsmellit.”
“Nope.Icalledoutbutheardnothing.”RiopassedherhisiPad.“ThesearetheimagesItookofthescene.It’snotmuchtogoon,butasit’shumanblood,itmightbesignificant.”
“Goodwork.”Jennastoodand,usingherphone,tookaphotographofthemap.“ThelastreportIhadfromsearchandrescueandtheotherteamsistheyfoundnotraceofher.They’vebeenconcentratingalongthetrailsandhavebeensearchingtheriversandlakesaswell,incaseshefellintothewatersomewhere.I’llcontactAtohiandifhe’savailable,I’llneedyoubothtoheaduptherewithhimfirstthinginthemorning.”
Rowleyshuffledhisfeet.Theyhadasuspectincustodyandsomeonewouldbeneededtostaywithhim.“WhataboutAdams?”
“SamCrosswillbehereatfive,andknowinghim,he’llhavehimoutbysix,butI’veaskedDeputyWaltersifhe’swillingtocomeinfromsixtomidnighttowatchoursuspectshouldweneedtokeephimovernight,andIhaveareliefdeputyonstandbyfromLouanforthesecondshift.I’llbeheretotakeoverbyseveniftheneedarises.”Shelookedfromonetotheother.“There’snothingtokeepyouback.HeadoffhomeatfiveandI’llseeyouinthemorning.”ShereachedforherphoneandthenlookedatRowley.“HowisSandy?”
Rowleysmiledather.“Everythingisgoingalongjustfine.ThedoctorsaystoexpectthebabiestheendofJanuary.”Helaughed.“Ihopeshedoesn’tdecidetohavetheminthemiddleofablizzard.”
“Metoo.”Jennachuckled.“Unfortunately,whenitcomestobabiesarriving,whenthey’vemadeuptheirmindsit’stime,theirmomsdon’thavemuchchoice.”
TWENTY-SIX
ThecaseJenna’steamhadcompiledagainstRileyAdamsgainedmomentumthemomentKanewalkedintoherofficewiththesearchwarrants.Shestoodandtookthemfromhim,scanningthepages.“Oh,youhavegotteneverythingyouaskedfor.Thisisamazing.”Shesmiledupathim.“IfigureWolfewillwanttobeonscene.I’llgivehimacall.AsIneedtokeepalowprofileinthiscase,I’llgiveyouthepleasureofservingthemonAdams.”
“Maybethey’llwipethesmileoffhisface.”Kanecollectedthedocumentsfromherandtappedthemintoaneatpile.“I’llgivethemtohimwhenhislawyergetshere.”
“Ihopethisisourguy.Iguessatsomepointinourmurderinvestigationswe’redueforabreak.”Jennaleanedagainstherdesk.“RowleyandRiodiscoveredevidenceofapossiblestrugglesomewaysfromthemurderscene.”Shefilledhiminwiththedetails.“WolfeisrunningtheDNAfromtheearattachedtomyhouseagainstthebloodRiofound.I’vecontactedAtohiandhe’llgetagroupoftrackerstogethertohuntdownJuneHarris.He’smeetingRowleyandRioatfirstlightoutatBearPeak.”
ThephoneonJenna’sdeskbuzzedandsheliftedthereceiver.“SheriffAlton.”
“It’sMaggiefromthefrontcounter.SamCrosshasarrived.Wheredoyouwantmetosendhim?”
JennaglancedatKane.“Justasecond.He’searly.”Shecoveredthemouthpiece.“DoyouwanttotakeSamCrosstotheinterviewroom?You’llneedtobeonhandtointerviewAdams.I’llsendRiotomeetWolfeanddothesearch.I’drathernotholdupRowleythisafternoon,heshouldgethometoSandy.”
“Notaproblem.”Kanelookedather.“IhopeCrosswon’tcauseaproblem.”
“It’sonlymehehastroublewith.”JennauncoveredthephonetospeaktoMaggie.“Kaneisonhisway.ThanksMaggie.”Sheputdownthephoneandchewedonherbottomlip.“I’moutofthingstodo.I’veupdatedthefiles.Ifyoudon’tneedme,ImightdropbyMarvelousCookies.I’vebeenitchingtoseeinside.Maggiehasbeentellingeveryonehowgreattheyare.Theshopisdownthealleywaybesidethegeneralstore.It’sbeenmadetolooklikeastorefromtheeighteenthcentury.Ifigureyou’llwantaboxoftheirfinest?”
“Isurewill,butnotmanycanmakechocolatechipcookieslikeyou,Jenna.”Kanesmiledather,finishedhiscoffee,andstood.“Asit’sgettinglate,Iwonderifyoucoulddosomethingforme,asyou’reheadingdowntown?”
Jennanodded.“Ofcourse,whatisit?”
“Iorderedaboxofguncleaningpatchesandtheycalledtotellmethey’darrived.”Hesighed.“Thegunsuppliesstorewillbeclosedbeforeweleaveheretonight.Couldyougobyandgetthemforme?Ipaidforthemalready.”
“Notaproblem.”Jennapushedtoherfeet.“I’llgonow.I’llbebackintwentyminutesmax.”Shegrabbedherjacket,followedhimoutthedooranddownthestairs.ShenoddedatSamCrosswaitingatthecounter.“Sorrytokeepyouwaiting.DeputyKanewilltakeyoutoyourclient.”
WhenKaneheadedtotheinterviewroomwithSamCross,JennahunteddownZacRio.“Ihavetogooutforafewminutes.KanehasasearchwarrantforRileyAdams’homeandvehicle.ContactWolfeandseeifhewillgowithyoutoconductthesearch.GetacopyofthepaperworkfromKaneandheadoutthereassoonaspossible.AdamslivesoutSnowberryWaybuthistruckisparkedoutfrontoftheSunsetValleynursinghome.Adams’keysareinthepropertyroom.”Shesighed.“IfWolfecan’tgowithyou,askColtWebber.Youknowthedrill:gloveup,takephotographs,bagallevidence.”
“Yes,ma’am.”Riopickeduphisphone.
Jennahadheadedoutthedoorpullingonherjacketwhenabarkcamefrombehindher.SheturnedtoseeDukelookingatherexpectantly.“Okay,comeon.”Shehurriedoutthedoor.
SheheadeddownMainwithDukeonherheels.Thetownwasunusuallyquiet.Anotherstormhadbeenforecastforlaterandperhapspeoplehadmadetheirwayhomeearlierthanusual.Afewpeoplemovedalongthesidewalk,likeherbundledupagainsttheoncomingchillofnight.Hurryingalong,sheadmiredtheHalloweendecorationsfillingthestorefronts.Garlandsofplasticpumpkinshadbeenstrungbetweenthelamppostsandgavethetownafestivelook.Theafternoonwasgrowinglate,andmistpouredfromtherivertooverflowthroughtownlikeaswirlingsnake.Itseemedalmostalive,astrangewhitebeastofthenight,changingintoshapesandbendingtheimagination.ItbillowedtowardJennaasavehicledrovethroughit,sendingittowardheringreatwavesofwhitediaphanouscreepiness.
ThemisthadaddedasurrealsensationtoHalloweeneveryyearsinceshe’darrivedintown.ItwasneverjustonenightofcelebrationinBlackRockFalls.DecorationsstartedtoappeartwoweeksormorebeforeOctober31,andthisyeartheyhadtakenonanewlevelofbizarre.Ashiverwentdownherspineattheoverlyrealisticcorpsessittinginchairsinpeople’sfrontyardsandthegrinningskeletonsinvariousstagesofdismemberment.Itwouldseemthatmacabrehadbecomethenewnormal.
Aftereverythingshe’dseensincemovingtoBlackRockFalls,shewouldhavethoughtherskinwouldhavethickenedconsiderablyandshe’dbecomeimmunetothehorrorsofmurderandmayhem,butintruth,she’dnevergetusedtoitandshestillbelievedinghosts.SheglanceddownatDuke,gladtohavehiscompanyasshemadeherwaytothegunsuppliesstore.Shemovedinside,surprisedtoseethestorealmostempty,andhurriedtothecounter.“Hi,youhaveanorderforDaveKane?”
“Surething,hesaidhe’dbebythisafternoon,Sheriff.”Themanbehindthecounterwaselderly,withweather-beaten,leatheryskinandashockofwhitehair.Hisdarkbrowneyestwinkledather.“It’squietthisafternoon.Strangeforthistimeoftheyear.Mostareoutlookingatthedecorations.Ifigureit’sthestormwarning.Thosedrystormsaredangerous.”Hetookapacketfrombehindthecounter,sliditintoashoppingbag,andhandedittoher.“Thereyougo.”
Jennatookthebagandsmiledathim.“Thankyou.”Sheheadedoutofthestore.“Comeon,Duke,stayclosenow.Idon’twanttoloseyouinthemist.”
ShewalkedtwoblocksdownMain,crossingtwicebeforeshecametothealleywaybesidethegeneralstore.Everythingpossiblehadbeendonetocreateanold-worldatmosphere,rightdowntocobblestonesandareplicaofagaslitstreetlamp.Thestore’sroundwindowsdisplayedthetreatswithin,notjustcookiesofeveryshape,flavor,andsize,butalsoenoughcakesandmuffinstokeepasmileonKane’sfaceforlife.Shechuckledand,aftertellingDuketositoutside,pushedopenthedoor.Abelltinkledaboveherheadanditwasasifshe’dwalkedbackintime.Eventhewomanservingbehindthecounterhaddressedthepart.Adustcapcoveredamassofbrowncurls,andherdress,straightoutoftheeighteenthcentury,brushedthefloorwhenshewalked.
Jennanoddedatherandperusedthedisplay.Thecabinetsstillhadafewcakesontheglassshelves,buttheremainingcookiescamewrappedorindecorativetins.Sheselectedanassortmentofcakesandtookthreepacksofcookies.WiththemsafelyinthebagwithKane’sparcel,shepushedopenthedoor.Asshesteppedoutside,Dukemadeawhiningsound.“Youcanhaveacookiewhenwegetbacktotheoffice.”
Athickwhiteblanketoffoghadrisentoherknees,almostobscuringthedog.Intheshorttimeshe’dbeeninsidethestore,everythinghadchanged.Allaroundherbuildingscastdeepshadows,blockingthelateafternoonsun,andconcealingthefarendofthealleywayjoiningMaintoMaple.Frombetweenthebuildings,theremainingbeamsofwaterylightskippedovertheever-movingbandofwatervapor,creatingstrangeetherealshapes.WhenDukewhinedagain,shepattedherleg.“Let’sgo.Comeon,boy.”
Beforeshecouldtakeastep,amovementdeepinthealleywayswirledthemistaroundher,sendingasurgeofghostlydancersinherdirection.Everyhaironherbodystoodtoattentionasthefigureofaman,wearingacowboyhatandaslicker,emergedfromthegloom.Theairseemedtodistortasthemistcurledaroundhim.Jenna’shandwenttoherwaisttograbherMaglitebutcameupempty.She’dleftherheavy,dutybeltbackattheoffice,optingforashoulderholsterfortheshorttriptothestore.Withouthesitation,sheslidherhandinsideherjacketandclosedherpalmaroundthehandleofherGlock.Heartthunderinginherchest,shepeeredintothedistortedalleyway,tryingtomakesenseofwhatwasinfrontofher.Ahintofabreezebrushedhercheekliketheice-coldtouchofacorpseasshestaredatthetallfigure.Hestoodsilent,feetapartandbackstraightlikeagunslingerfromtheoldwestasifhewasplanningondrawingdownonher.Jennaswallowedhard.Washereallythereorwashermindplayingtricksonher?Asthemistpouredoverhim,almostburyinghimfromsight,heseemedtodissolveandthenbecomewholeagain.Couldhebeanillusion,orafigmentofheroveractiveimagination?
Dukepressedagainstherlegandshereacheddowntopathim,gladofthesolid,warmstrengthofhim.Hetrembledunderherfingers,thenarumblewentthroughhischest,hishacklesraised,andeverymusclebecametautandreadytofight.Awaveofuncertaintygrippedherandshedraggedhereyesawayfromthemantoglancedownathim.“Youseehimtoo,don’tyou?Isthatthesamemanthatwasinmyyard,orishelockedupinaninterviewroombackattheoffice?”
Heartpounding,Jennarestedonehandonherweaponandpeeredbackintothedarkness,butthemanhadvanished,dissipatingintothebreezelikeapuffofsmoke.PuttingherfaithinherGlock,sheplacedthebagonthegroundandmoveddeeperintothealleywaybutstoppedwhendumpstersatthefarendobscuredherview.Shestoodlistening,butnotabreathofsoundcamefromthedarkness.Sheheldherweaponsteadyinbothhands.“ThisisSheriffAlton.Comeoutandshowyourself.”
Nothing.
Themistmoved,appearingtomimictheswishofaslicker,buttheshadowshadswallowedtheman,imaginaryornot.Backingtowardthecookiestore,shenoticedthattheownerhadturnedthesignonthedoortoCLOSED.Sheswallowedthesuddenrushoffeartighteninghergut.Shecollectedthebagandcontinuedtobackdownthealleyway.AsshesteppedbackontoMain,laughter,deepandsinister,carriedonthenightair.
TWENTY-SEVEN
KanewaitedpatientlyintheinterviewroomforSamCrosstoreadthroughthesearchwarrants.Thelawyersaidnothing,onlyraisedhiseyebrowsonceortwice,gaveKaneanod,andthenpassedthedocumentstohisclient,RileyAdams.KanetookhiscopiesandsteppedoutsidetohandthemtoDeputyRio.“Wolfeandhisteamwilldoaforensicsweepofthehouseandvehicle.You’llneedtorecordthesearchandupdatethefilesbeforeyouheadhometonight.”
“Sure,Ihavemyequipmentinmytruck.”Riotookthedocumentsanddangledasetofkeysfromhisfingertips.“IhaveAdams’keys.Itwillbetoodarkbythetimewesearchthehousetoworkonthevehicle.Wolfesaidhe’dbetakingthetrucktohisofficeandhe’llgettoitlaterthisevening.Doyouwantmetoremainwithhimduringthevehiclesearch?”
Kaneshookhishead.“It’snotnecessary.ColtWebberisabadge-holdingdeputyandhe’llbeabletocapturethescene.Wolfewasatonetimetoo,buthewasalittleoverqualifiedforthisoffice.”
“Icanimagine.”Rio’seyebrowsmetinthemiddleinafrown.“Whydidn’thegetanME’sjobatthetime?”
Ifonlyheknew.Kanetookacasualposeandleanedashoulderagainstthewall.“He’sBlackRockFalls’firstmedicalexaminer;wehadtheundertakerexaminingthebodiesbeforeWolfearrived,butthenthemurderswerefewandveryfarbetween.Wolfewaswaitingforhislicensetobeapproved.Hecamefromadifferentstateandthenofcoursehehadtosetupshop.Inthemeantime,heworkedhere.That’swhywe’reallsuchatightknitteam—we’veallknowneachotherfromtheget-go.”
“Isee.”Riolookedatthepapersinhishands.“I’dbettergetgoing,I’mmeetingWolfeonStanton,intenminutes.”HelookedatKane.“WillJennabewaitingformyreport?”
“Yeah.”Kanestraightened.“We’llbehere.IhaveafeelingAdamsmightbestayingovernight,atleastforquestioning.Itseemsanopen-and-shutcaserightnow.”
“Okay,thenI’llseeyoulater.”Riohurrieddownthehallway.
Kanewaitedoutsidetheinterviewroom.Hecouldwatchthroughthetwo-waymirrorbuthadnoideahowtheinterviewwasgoing.Thedeskwassettoallowlawyersandtheirclientstohavetheirbackstothemirror.Theideaofobservingwasasafetyissue.Withthenumberofserialkillershe’ddealtwithsincearrivingintown,standingoutsidetheinterviewroomwasapriority.Surprisingly,SamCrossdidn’ttakelongatallandpressedthebuttononthetabletonotifyKanehewasreadytoeitherleaveorallowhimtointerviewhisclient.
Afterscanninghiscard,KaneopenedthedoorandlookedatCross.“Isyourclientreadytotalk?”
“Yeah.”CrossleanedbackinhischairandtippedbackhisStetson.“Mr.Adamsdoesn’thaveanythingtohide.Askaway.”
KanepickeduphisiPadfromahalltableandwentinsidetheroom.Hesatdown,pulledabookoutofthedeskdrawer,andthenstartedtherecorder.Afterannouncingthedate,time,andwhowaspresent,hetookouthispenandlookedatAdams.“FromourpreviouschatattheSunsetValleynursinghome,whereyouworkasanurse,youmentionedyou’dmetJuneandPaytonHarris.CouldyouexplainhowyoumetthemandhowyoucametobewiththeminStantonForestthedayPaytonHarriswasmurdered.”
“Onemoment.”Crossleanedforwardandrestedhishandsonthetable.“ThetimeofdeathofthevictimhasbeenestablishedasThursdaynighttotheearlyhoursofFridaymorning.Isthatcorrect?”
KanescrolledthroughWolfe’sfindingsfromPaytonHarris’autopsyandnodded.“Yeah,theTODisalwaysanestimate.I’msureyouknowthat?”
“Idoindeed,butfromtheinformationyougavemeabouttheprevious…ah…asyouputit‘chat’withmyclient,youwouldbeawareheleftStantonForestbeforedarkonThursdaynight,sohecouldn’thavebeenintheforestatthetimePaytonHarriswasmurdered.”
Wantingtorollhiseyes,Kaneleanedbackinhischairandcalledonhispatience.“Thequestionwas,‘HowdidyourclientcometobewithJuneandPaytonHarrisinStantonForestthedayPaytonHarriswasmurdered?’Ididn’tspecifythetime.”
“Okay,goon.”CrossturnedtoAdams.“Justtellhimwhatyoutoldme.”
“LikeItoldthesheriff.IoverheardthemsayingtheywereheadingforthefallsoutofBearPeakandneededaguide.ItoldthemIwasn’taguideandofficialguidesaroundthesepartsarelicensed,butItoldthemIplannedtoheadupthatwayandwouldbehappyforthemtotagalong.”Herestedhiselbowsonthearmsofthechairandlinkedhisfingers.“Itookthemthemoststraightforwardwayandevengavethemamapsotheydidn’tgetlostonthewayback.”
ThecrimescenetumbledthroughKane’smind.They’dsearchedalloverandtheyneverfoundamapofanydescription.“Whatkindofmapdidyougivethem?Wasitahandwrittenone?”
“Yeah,andtheyfolloweditjustfineonthewaytotheclearing.”Adamsshrugged.“Idon’tknowwhathappenedtothemafterIleftthemintheforest.”
“Doyouownacrossbow?”Kanestaredathisnotes.Heexpectedapauseorsomething,butAdamsownedupimmediately
“Yeah,IownacoupleofthemandI’madarngoodshottoo.”Adamsgavehimasmugsmile.“Ilikethestealthofitintheforest.It’sgreatforhunting.Why?”
Kanelookedupathimbutignoredhisquestion.Hewantedtoseeareaction.“DoyouknoworhaveyouheardofJamesStone?”
HecaughtaflickerinAdams’eyes,butthenhesteepledhisfingersandstaredatKaneinadisplayofoverconfidence.HenoticedthefrownonCross’face.Hehadn’tmissedhisclient’saction.Likeinvestigators,lawyersusedbodylanguagetoselectjurors,andsteeplingfingerssignaledapersonwasnotonlyoverconfidentbutbelievedtheyhadtheupperhand.
KaneheldAdams’gaze.“Well?”
“AnyonefromBlackRockFallswouldknowthenameJamesStone.Hewasthelawyerintownforsomeyearsbeforehewentbad.”Adams’lipstwitchedintoasmirk.“I’msureifyouaskedanyonelivinghereatthetime,they’dhaveheardofhim,too.”
“Stoneisinthecountyjailandyouspenttimeinthesameprison.”Kaneeyeballedhim.“Ihearhehasquiteareputationinthere.”
“Doeshenow?”Adamsbarkedalaugh.“Haveyouevervisitedcounty?Theykeepthemaximum-securityinmatesinadifferentbuildingtothegeneralpopulation.Samewiththekidkillersandthefreaks.Theyhavetheirownspacewheretheycandiscussallthenastydetailsandrelivethekills.Theyloveitinthere,don’tyouknow?”
“Really?I’llhavetotellthewarden.”Afterglancingathisnotes,KanetookthequestioninginadifferentdirectioninanefforttounsettleAdams.“TellmeaboutJonathanLamb.Howdidthatincidentgodown?”
“Myclientisn’theretodiscussacasethathasalreadybeendealtwithbythecourts.”Crossmovedpapersaroundinhisfile.“Findanotherquestion.”
Unabletoresist,Kaneleanedforward.“It’sarelevantquestion.”HeturnedhisattentiontoAdams.“YoushotandkilledMr.Lambwithacrossbow.DidyouaccidentlyshootPaytonHarrisaswell?”
“Paytonwasshotwithacrossbow?”Adamsopenedhishandswideagain,demonstratinghehadnothingtohide.“Ididn’tshoothimaccidentally,likeIdidJohnny.Iwasn’tintheforestatthetimePaytonwaskilled.Icamedownbeforesunset.”
“Yetnobodysawyouandyoumetnooneintown,whenit’sclosetoHalloweenandthestreetsarebusy.Youdidn’tdropbytheforestwarden’sstationeither.”Kanestaredathim.“Foraseasonedhunter,youdon’tseemtobefollowingtherules.Isyourhuntingpermituptodate?”
“Enough.”Crosspushedtohisfeet.“Myclientwonanappeal,whichreducedhismanslaughterconvictiontoamisdemeanor.Healreadyspenttimeinjailforacrimehedidn’tcommit.Areyoutryingtorailroadhim,DeputyKane?”
“TheevidenceagainsthimissubstantialandI’llbeholdinghimhereuntilthecompletionofthesearchwarrants.”Kanestood.“JuneHarrisisstillmissingandMr.Adamsisthelastpersontohaveseenthecouplealive.ThenwehavetheinvasionofSheriffAlton’sranch.Amanfittinghisdescriptionwasseenatthepremises,amanwithsize-twelveshoes,sameasyourclient.Mr.AdamshasadmittedmeetingJuneandPaytonHarrisatAuntBetty’sCafé,andwehavehimonCCTVwearingthesameoutfit.Yourclientcannotsufficientlyaccountforhiswhereaboutsatthetimeofbothcrimes;hehasnoalibis.”HekepthisgazeonCross.“I’llbepresentingallourevidencetotheDAandwillbeseekinganarrestwarrant.”HeturnedtoAdams.“IsthereanythingyouhavetosayonrecordbeforeIconcludethisinterview?”
“Nope.”Adamsshrugged.“Youwon’tfindanythinginmytruckorhome.JuneandPaytonneverwentnearthem.You’rewastingyourtime.I’minnocent.”
Kanenodded.“Verywell.Theinterviewisconcluded.”Hegavethetimeanddate,switchedofftherecordingdevice,andturnedtoCross.“Doyouwantmoretimewithyourclient?”
“No.”CrosslookedatAdams.“DeputyKaneiswithinhisrightstoholdyouforquestioning.I’lldowhateverIcantohaveyoureleased.Hanginthere.”
AfterswipinghiscardtoletSamCrossfromtheinterviewroom.KanedroppedhisiPadandnotebookonthetableinthehallwayandheldthedooropenforAdams.“I’lltakeyoudowntothecells.I’llarrangeamealforyou.Doyouhaveanyfoodallergies?”
“Nope.Howlongisthisgoingtotake?”Adamswasn’tbackingdown.“Ihaveajob.I’llneedtocallinandhavethemfindareplacementformyshift.”
“I’llcallthenursinghomeandtellthemyou’vebeendetained.”Kanewavedhimdownasetofstairsleadingtothecells.“Doyouhaveanylivestockthatneedstending?”
“Nope.”AdamsmovedintothecellandturnedandlookedatKane.“Iadmireyourtenacity,Deputy,andIknowyouandthesheriffhavethisbigreputationforhuntingdownthebadguys,butifyoutryandpinthisonme,youwon’twin.Yousee,Ineverlose.”
Kanesnorted.“Really,that’sfunnycomingfromaguywhospenttimeincounty.”
“Yeah,butI’moutnow.”Adamssneeredathim.“Thingsusuallyturnaroundinmyfavor.”
Asthegateslidshut,Kanestaredathim.“Notthistime.”
TWENTY-EIGHT
Nervesonedgeandholdingherweaponhigh,Jennabackedoutofthealleyway,relievedtobeunderthestreetlights.Assheturned,anelderlycouplestoppedandraisedtheirhands.Shestaredattheiralarmedexpressionsandquicklyholsteredherweapon.“I’msosorrytoalarmyou.IthoughtIheardsomething,buteverythingisfine.”Shewavedthempastherandtheyhurriedontheirway.
SheglanceddownatDuke,whowasstillstaringdownthealleyway.“So,itwasn’tmyimagination,yousawhimtoo.”
Herphonechimed,startlingheralreadyshatterednerves,butitwasKane’sringtoneandshejuggledthebagsandacceptedhiscall.“Yeah,Dave,what’sup?”
“Nothingtoworryabout.We’rekeepingAdamsovernight.I’veorderedamealforhimfromAuntBetty’s.Ifyou’recloseby,canyougrabitonyourwayhome?”Hepausedabeat.“Yousoundalittleuptight,iseverythingokay?”
“Notreally.”Jennasuckedinadeepbreathtosteadyhernerves.“Therewasamaninthealleywaydressedthesameastheintruderonmyranch.IknowyouthinkIgetthiswayaroundHalloween,butDukewaswhiningandhehadhishacklesup.Hemusthaveseenhimtoo.”
“Maybe.”Kanedidn’tsoundconvinced.“Dukewouldbeonalertifyou’respookedtoo.Ifigurehe’dbarkifhecouldseeathreat.Didyoudoasearch?”
AcoldchillspilledoverJennathesecondsheglancedbackdownthedarkalleyway.Itwouldseemthedecorativegaslightwaslittlemorethanaprop.“Ididn’thaveaflashlight.Ileftmydutybeltintheoffice.”Sheneededtoexplainwhathadspookedher.“IhadnoideawhatIwasfacing,Dave,andwithonlyDukeforbackup,Icalledoutandwalkedsomewaydownthealleywaypointingmyweapon.Ididn’tseeanyone.Itwasasifthemanhadvanishedlikesmoke.”
“CouldyouIDhimifyousawhimagain?”
Jennachewedonherbottomlip.“ThemisthasrolledinofftheriverandIcouldn’tseehimclearly,buthesurelookedlikeAdams,thesamehatandslicker.”ShetookadeepbreathandstartedtowardAuntBetty’scheerfulfluorescentlights.“ThenasIgottotheendofthealley,IswearIheardsomeonelaughing.”
“HowfarareyoufromAuntBetty’s?”Thesoundoffootstepsontilecamethroughthespeaker.Kanewasonthemove.
Jennacrossedtheroadattheendoftheblock.MainStreetlookedstrangelyemptyandthemistonlyaddedtotheeerinessofthemacabredecorations.Itwassoquiet,notavehicleinsight,andapartfromtheoldcouple,thesidewalkwasempty.Ithadbecomefulldarksincesheleftthealleyway.“I’mpassingthegunstorenow.”
“WaitoutsideAuntBetty’s.I’llbethereinfive.”Kanedisconnectedbeforeshecouldreply.
PeoplespilledoutofAuntBetty’schatting,anditseemedasifthesoundhadbeenturnedbackon.TheyhurriedtoparkedvehiclesandtheirheadlightscutthroughthemistastheyheadeddownMain.Asshereachedtheentrance,shecouldheartheroaroftheBeast’sengineandshecouldn’tpushdownthesurgeofreliefatseeingKane’struckappearoutofthegloomandpullintothecurboutsideAuntBetty’sCafé.Shequickenedherpaceandpulledopenthedoortodumpherbagsinside.“Youdidn’thavetorushout.I’mfine.”
“Iknowyouare.”Kanesmiledather.“Ifiguredsomeoneelsewalkingdownthatalleywaymightnotbesofineifsomeoneishangingoutdownthere.ItmightjustbeaHalloweenprankbutIthinkweshouldgolook.”
JennabundledDukeintothebackofthetruck,attachedhisharness,andthenclimbedinthefront.“Sure.Ididn’tthinkitcouldbeaprank.Afterthebreak-in,mynervesareonedge.”
“Well,allthebetterifweputyourmindatrest.”KaneturnedtheBeastawayfromthecurbanddrovetotheentranceofthealleyway.“Thisone?”
Jennanodded.“Yeah.”Sheclimbedoutanddrewherweapon.
“Okay,let’sseeifanyoneisdownhere.”Kaneaimedhisflashlightdownthealleyway.“Thatstreetlightisout.”Hepointedthelightattheglass.“It’sbroken.So,it’sbeenvandalizedonpurpose.”Heheadedintothedarkness,hislightilluminatingthelineofthreedumpstersahead.
“Isawhimdowntherenearthedumpsters.”Jennafollowedclosebehind.“Themistandtheshaftsofsunlightmadeitdifficulttoseehim.”
“There’snooneherenow.”Kaneloweredtheflashlighttotheground.“Thereareatonoffootprints.Nodoubtpeoplefromthestoresareinandoutalldaydumpingtheirgarbage.There’snothingherewecanusetoidentifyanyone.”Heturnedtolookather.“Thisdoesn’tmeansomeonewasn’theretryingtofrightenyou,butifitwasthesamepersonwhobrokeintoyourhouse,howwouldtheyknowyouwerehere?”
Suddenlycold,Jennalookedathim.“They’rewatchingme,orfollowedmefromtheofficeandslippedbywhenIwasinthestore.”Sheshookherhead.“Isawhim,Dave.I’mnotgoingcrazy.”
“Ibelieveyou.”Hetookherhand.“You’refreezing.We’regoingtobestuckintownforawhile.I’vecalledinthenightshiftyouarrangedtostaywithAdamsbutwe’llbelategettinghome.Maggieisstayingback,sowemightaswellgrababitetoeataswehavetostopbyAuntBetty’stocollectAdams’meal.”HeledherbacktoMainandtheyclimbedintothetruck.“IwanttodiscusstheinterviewwithAdams.I’mconvincedhekilledPaytonHarris.Hehastheoverconfidentattitudeofsomanyserialkillerswe’veinterviewed.TheonlyproblemIhaveisheisadmittingtoeverything.”
Astonished,Jennaturnedtohim.“HeadmittedtokillingHarris?”
“Nope,buteverythingelse.IncludingmeetingthecoupleinAuntBetty’sandtakingthemintotheforest.Hetookthemtoanisolatedareaandsupposedlyleftthemtheretofindtheirwayhomeinthemorning.”Kaneraisedaneyebrow.“Whatsensiblepersondoesthattoanout-of-towner?Heusesacrossbowandadmitstobeingagoodshot.HeknowsaboutJamesStoneandwasinthesamejailforatime.Hedidn’tadmittomeetinghim,though;hesaidhewasinadifferentpartofthejail.Wedon’tknowifStone’sstoryinfluencedhimorifhefoundouthowStonekilledhisvictimsthroughprisonscuttlebutt.”HepulledtothecurboutsideAuntBetty’s.“It’sasifheadmittedbeingwiththecoupleallthetimebutjustleftoutkillingPaytonHarris.Thenwehavehisconvictionofthesupposedlyaccidentalshootingofanotherman.I’llcheckthatoutwhenwegettoAuntBetty’s.IfAdamsshothimintheheadwithacrossbow,IthinkwehaveenoughcircumstantialevidencefortheDAtochargehimwithmurder.”
Aftereatingaquickmeal,Jennacollectedthesandwichesandato-gocupofcoffeeforRileyAdamsandtheyheadedbacktotheoffice.WhileKanedeliveredtheprisonerhismeal,JennacorrelatedtheevidencetopresenttotheDAforanarrestwarrantforAdams.Sheglancedupataknockonthedoor.“Ah,Zac,whatdoyouhaveforme?”
“Nothingmuch,I’mafraid.”DeputyRiostoodhatinhandsjustinsidethedoor.“WehavehisquiverandWolfehasidentifiedsmallfragmentsofwoodonthemthatcouldbefromtheholesinthetreesInoticedintheforest.”
Jennastraightenedinherchair.“Orfrommyhouse.Hedidmaketheeffortofremovingmostoftheboltsbeforeheleft.IfWolfefindsamatchtomyhouse,itwillbeallweneed.I’dsaythepinetreesinStantonForestwillallcomebackasthesamespeciesbutnottheinteriorofmyhome.”Shepushedbothhandsthroughherhair.“Nothingelse?”
“Notinthehouse.”Riosmiled.“Wewentoverthatplacewithafine-toothcomb,vacuumedthecarpets,checkedforanytrophies,tookhisdirtylaundryandapairofhisboots.Wolfewillcheckeverythingbackatthelabbutthetestshedidonscenedidn’tshowanythingofinterest.Itlooksclean.Thevehicleisimmaculate,Ifigurehehaditcleanedthismorning,butWolfewilldoaforensicsweepassoonaspossible.”
“Okay,thanks.”Jennastood,collectedthedocumentsfromtheprinter,andtappedthemintoaneatpile.SheturnedbacktoRio.“What’syourtakeonAdams?”
“Theevidencepointstohim.”Rioshrugged.“Itwouldbeaslamdunkifwehadsomephysicalevidence.”Anexpressionofremorsecrossedhisface.“I’vebeencheckinginalldaywithsearchandrescueasyouasked.It’sasifJuneHarrishasdisappearedwithoutatrace.”Herubbedhischin.“IhopeBlackhawkisasgoodasyousayandhecantrackherfromthemarksIfoundinthetrees.I’mconvincedthebloodintheforestbelongstoher.”
Jennanodded.“He’sthebesttrackerIknow,andweshouldhaveanansweronthebloodyoufoundthisevening.IknowWolfesetuptheDNAsequencingmachinebeforeheleftwithyoubutthat’stoseeifit’samatchfortheearwefoundatmyranch.He’sstillwaitingforaDNAcomparisonfromacloserelativeofJuneHarris.”Shesmiledathim.“Gohomeandgetsomerest.You’veanearlystartinthemorning.”
“Iwill,thankyou.”Rioturnedandheadeddownthesteps.
Afewmomentslater,Kanewalkedintotheofficewithhisphonepressedtooneear.HeglancedatJenna.“Onemoment,I’llaskJenna.”Hemutedhisphone.“IhavecaughttheDAathisoffice,he’llwaitforthepaperworkonHarrisandgooveritathometonightifit’sready?”
Jennaslidthedocumentsfromtheprinterintoafolder.“Yes,everythingishere.We’llupdatehimifanyforensicevidencecomestolightovernight.”
ShelistenedasKanerelayedthedetails.Whenhedisconnected,shehandedhimthedocument.“You’llhavetorunthroughthiswithhim.”
“Ialreadyhaveoverthephone.”Kanegrabbedhiscoatfromapegbehindthedoorandshruggedintoit.“I’lltakethistohimnow.”Hepickedupthefolder.“Oh,bytheway,IsentMaggiehomewhenthenightshiftarrived.”
Exhausted,Jennastoodandwalkedaroundthedesk.“Thankgoodness.I’llgrabmycoat.WecandriveovertotheDA’sofficeandthenheadstraighthome.It’sbeenalongday.”ShelookeddownatDukecurledupinhisbasket,eyestightshut.“EvenDukeistuckeredout.”
“Hedoesn’tneedanexcuse.”Kanechuckledandcollectedthebagfromthegunstore.Hepeeredinside.“Mmm,cookies.”HelookedatJenna.“Didyoubuytheseforme?”
Jennafollowedhimdownthestairs.“Yeah,andIhavecakestoo,butafterseeingthemaninthealleyway,theyslippedmymind.”Shetappedhimontheshoulder.“Ihopeyouhavehotchocolatetogowiththecookies?”
“Sure.”Kaneheadedforthefrontdoor.“I’llmakeyousomeassoonaswegethome.”Heglancedathisphone.“Ihopethisnewphoneopensthegate,orwe’llbesleepinginthetruck.”
TWENTY-NINEWEDNESDAY
Windbuffetedthecottageandrattledthewindows,butitwasKanewhistlingatunethatwokeJennaonWednesdaymorning.ShepeeredfromundertheblanketstothelightstreamingfromthehallwayacrossherbedroomfloorandlistenedtoKaneclatteringaroundinthekitchen.Sheturnedtolookattheclockonthebedsidetable.Itwasalmostsix,andbythistimeKanehadprobablyalreadytendedthehorses.ShemovedandPumpkin,herblackcat,stretchedandrolledontoherbackwithfourfeetraisedandfrontpawskneadingtheair.Catsseemedtostretchfromthetipoftheirtailstotheendsoftheirclaws,andwatchingherfascinatedJenna.Pumpkinhadarrivedatthecottagewhentheyreturnedhome,tailheldhighandcomplainingbitterlyaboutbeingleftalonewithstrangers.
They’dbeenstoppedatthegate,theircredsscrutinized,andescortedtothecottage.Theranchresembledabuildingsitecrossedwithascouts’jamboree.TentsandthesmellofcookinggreetedthemthemomenttheyclimbedoutoftheBeast.Thenoiseofmenworkingwentlongintothenight.ToJenna’ssurprise,thehorseshadbeentended,too,andthestableswerespotless.She’dwantedtoenterherhouseandseewhatprogresshadbeenmadeduringherabsencebuthadbeenpreventedbytheguardatherfrontdoorsayingitwastoodangeroustogoinside.Thesmellofpaintspilledfromthehouse,andthroughtheopendoorshecouldseemenworkinginorganizedchaos.
Shesatupandshivered.Therewasachillintheair,whichwasunusual,asKaneusuallykepttheheatturnedup.Shedroppedherlegsovertheedgeofthebedandpushedherfeetintoherslippers.Pullingonhercoatasshewalkedbecauseshe’dleftmostofherclothesatthehouseinherrushtoescape,sheheadedforthekitchen.“Morning.”
“Hey.”Kaneflashedawhitesmileather.“I’vejustputonthecoffee.Youcould’vetakenyourtimethismorning,everythingisdone.“Ihadhelpwiththehorsesthismorning;infact,Ihardlydidathing.TheteamWolfeorganizedtorepairthehouseisdoingjustabouteverything.”Hefrowned.“Youlookkindalost,Jenna.Isyourbackstillsore?Comehere.”Hewalkedtowardherandpulledheragainsthim,enclosingherinabearhug.
Jennasighed.“BackisalittlestiffbutI’llbefine.”Shelookedupathim.“IhopewefindJuneHarristoday.I’vethrowneveryresourceouttheretohuntherdown.It’slikelookingforaneedleinahaystack.”Sheglancedoutthewindowatherranch.“Lookatthestateofmyhouse.Ihatethethoughtthatsomeonetrashedmyhome.”
“Itwillbeasgoodasnewsoon.”Kanerubbedherback.“Nooneisgoingtogetontheranchagain.You’llbesafeoncetheupgradesarefinished.”
“Maybe,butthatdoesn’taccountforseeingasimilarmaninthealleywaylastnight.”Jennachewedonherbottomlip.“Itmighthavebeenaharmlessprank,butitgavemethejitters.Imeanhowwouldanyoneknowabouttheintruderattheranch?HowcomethemanIsawwasidentical?”
“Idon’tknow,butmostofthemenwearcowboyhatsintownanditwasdarkandmisty.”Kaneshrugged.“You’vebeenthroughatraumaticeventandseeingaguyinthealleywaywouldnaturallyspookanyoneinthesamesituation.YouknowwehaveAdamsincustody,soitcouldn’thavebeenhim.Trynottoworry,it’sallgoingtobeadistantmemorysoon.”Herubbedherback.
Itwouldbehardtoforgetsomeoneinvadingherhomeandtryingtokillher.She’dbeenonedgethemomentshesteppedbackontheranch.JennarestedherfaceonKane’schestandnestledagainsthim.She’dmissedhumancontactinthetimebeforeKanearrivedinBlackRockFalls.Ithadbeenaverylonelytimeforher,withnofriendsandtryingtoactnormallywheneverythingshe’deverknownhadbeensnatchedawayfromher.Atthetime,shehungeredforjusticeandneverfullyrealizedthatbeingawitnessagainstadrugcartelbossmeantherjobasaDEAagentandlifeassheonceknewitwouldbeover.BothsheandKanehadghostsintheirpasts,andthehugshadbeenthesmallcomfortthathadkeptthembothsanewheneverythingaroundthemhadsuddenlygonecrazy.“ItwillbeiftheDAchargesAdamswiththemurderofPaytonHarrisandthehomeinvasion,butwestillhavetofindJune.”
“True.”Kanesighedandrestedhischinonthetopofherhead.“Afterallthistime,ifshe’sinjured,shewouldn’thavemadeitthroughthenightintheforest.Ifshedidn’tdiefromexposurethewildlifewouldhavekilledher.”
Jennanodded.“Yeah,butifshegotaway,there’sstillachanceAtohimightbeabletotrackher.Onethingisforsure,fromwhatWolfereportedlastnight,shedidn’tgoanywherenearAdams’houseortruck.”Shesteppedawayandlookedupathim.“IhopetheBuffaloRidgesheriffhuntsdownacloserelativeofJuneHarristoday.Nowweknowthebloodintheforestandtheearattachedtomyporchmatch,Ineedtoknowifit’sherornot.”Shepushedherhandsintothepocketsofhercoat.“Wolfeworkedlatelastnighttogettheresultsforus,weshouldgetaconfirmationsoon.”
“Searchandrescueandvolunteershavebeenallovertheforest,everyhunterthatpassesthroughtheforestwarden’sstationhasbeennotifiedshe’smissing.”Kanehookedhisthumbsintothefrontpocketsofhisjeansandshrugged.“UnlesswecangetAdamstotalk,Idoubtwe’llfindher.Ifhekilledher,hecouldhavestashedherbodyanywhere.Notthatitmakessense,leavingherhusbandintheforestinplainsightandhidingher,butIhavethefeelinghe’splayingwithus.I’veseenoverconfidentpsychopathsbefore,butifI’mreadinghimallwrongandheisasinnocentasheclaims,I’llneedtoberetrained.”
Jennanodded.“ThenIwilltoo.Heticksalltheboxesforme.IhopetheDAdecidesifhe’sgoingtochargehimsoon.OncewehaveAdamsincounty,wecanconcentrateonfindingJuneHarris.”Shewavedahandbehindher.“I’llgotakeashower.I’dliketoheadintotheofficeasearlyaspossible.Iwanttospeaktosearchandrescueandthengetoutanothermediarelease.Weneedtokeepthetownspeopleawaresheisstillmissing.”
THIRTY
ColdseepedthroughDeputyZacRio’sclothesashesteppedfromthetruck.Eachfreezingbreathsentcloudsofsteamintothepristinealpineair.Theforestsmelledliketheinsideofafreezerwithanoverfragranceofpineanddampleaves.HisfirstwinterinMontanawouldbeachallenge.HeglancedatRowleybesidehim,ruggedupandwearingaliquidKevlarvestunderhisjacket.Hefrowned.“I’mcoldalready.Mybloodisthinnerthanyours.I’mgoingtosufferoverwinter.”
“Yeah,wecouldfindsnowthishigh,andwinterseemstobecomingearliereachyearandlastinglonger.Thesheriffhadanideayoumightneedsomeextraclothing.”Rowleyindicatedwithhisthumbtothebackofhistruck.“Yourwintergearwasdeliveredyesterday.It’sinthebackofmytruck,IgrabbeditwhenIarrivedforyou.”
Surprised,Rioliftedhiseyebrows.“Thesheriffdidn’tmentionanythingtome.”
“She’skindabusyrightnow.”Rowleysmiledathim.“Icompletedtheorderwhenyouarrived.Wegetnewjackets,gloves,andextrabootseveryyear.Wearthevest—itwillhelpkeepyouwarm.”
“Sure.”RioopenedthehatchtoRowley’struckandnoticedthebrownpaperwrappedpackages,somewithhisnameonthemandtheotherswithRowley’s.Hewentthroughthem,foundhisvestandafinethickjacketwithahood,numerouspairsofgloves,andwoolenhats,alongwithboots,pants,andshirts.“Wow!Shewentallout.”
“Wedoatonofworkinthesnowandthewintersherearelong.”Rowleycollectedhisrifleandcheckedtheload.“OurdepartmentgetsagenerousallowancefromthetowncouncilandsinceBlackRockFallshasbecomeatouristdestination,thereismoremoneyinthebudget.”Hepulledonhisgloves.“ThetechcomesthroughtheME’soffice,soIassumeWolfegetsasubstantialamounttorunhisofficeaswell.”
Riotouchedthetinyin-earwirelesscomhe’dbeengiven.“I’veonlyseentheFBIwiththesecoms.”
“Yeah,wegetthenewdevicesbecausewehavesomanyserialkillersinthecounty.”Rowleyfrowned.“Well,thatwasWolfe’sexplanation.”HelookedoverRio’sshoulder.“Ah,here’sAtohi.”
Aftergoingthroughhisfindingsfromhislastvisittothemountain,theblood,andthefactitbelongedtothepersonwho’dlostanear,ZacwaitedforBlackhawktoscantheimageshe’dtakenofthescene.“Whatdoyouthink?”
“Ithinkthat’snotenoughbloodforaseveredear.”Blackhawkliftedhisgazetohim.“You’veworkedinthebigcity,surelyyou’veseenwhathappensifanearisslicedletaloneremovedfromthehead.”Hestaredattheimagesagain.“Thisisnomorethanasmallcutorperhapsaninjuryfromacrossbowbolt.Iftheboltpassedthroughtheskinofthearmorlegormorelikelybecamelodgedinaperson,I’dexpectasmallamountofblood.It’sapuncturewoundand,fromthis,itdidn’thitanartery.”
“Yeah,butpeoplerarelyuseacrossbowinthecity.”Zacshruggedintothenewjacket,notinghowitslippedovertheliquidKevlarvestwithoutaproblem.Helikedthenewlightweightbodyarmorandthoughtitwasonlyavailabletoblackopsandthelike.“I’veseenthroughandthroughwoundsfromatwenty-twohardlybleed,soitcouldbethesame.”
“Itis.”Blackhawkrolledhiseyesandshookhishead.“We’rewastingtimeleavingfromhere.”Hemotionedtotheimages.“Iknowthispartoftheforest.IcanseeBearPeakinthebackground.Ifwedrivethere,wecancomedowntherockfaceandfollowthelikelytrailsbacktothatarea.”Hepointedtoanothershotofthescene.“Wherethebushesareflattenedandthegrounddisturbed,ifthewomanhadrunaway,there’dbemoresigns.Ifigurethepersonwhohurthercarriedheroveroneshoulder.”
“So,weshouldassumeheknockedheroutfirst?”Rowley’smouthtightenedintoagrimace.“Ifhe’scarryingacrossbow,movingthroughtheforestwouldbedifficultenoughwithoutasquirmingwoman.”
“Yeah,thatmakessense.”Atohiwavedthemintothetruck.“Italsomeansshemaystillbealive.Let’sgo.”
Thebumpydrivealongasmallovergrownroaddidn’ttakelong.Theparkinglothadalineofoldcabinssettooneside.Theplacelookeddesertedandunkempt,apartfromalate-modelSUVparkedononeend.RioturnedtoRowley.“Whathappenedtothisplace?”
“Murder.”Rowleyshrugged.“BearPeakseemstobeagreatplacetodumpbodiesorkeeplittlegirlsprisoner.”HeindicatedtotheSUV.“Itobviouslydidn’tbotherthosepeople.They’reoutoftownplates,probablytouristshuntingdownathrill.”
“It’snotagoodplaceforsightseers.”Blackhawkgrimaced.“Therearemanyspiritstrappedinthispartoftheforest.Manyhearvoices,childrencrying,orthescreamsofthedying.”Heclimbedfromthetruckandwavedahandatthetrees.“Thespiritsthatwalkthispartoftheforestarerevengefulandseekjustice.Manywillneverfindthepeacetheyseek.”
AshivercreptupRio’sbacklikethestrokeofafrozenfinger.Hewiggledhisshouldersandpeeredintothedenseforest,pushingawaythesuddenfeelingofforeboding.Darkshadowsandfiltered,waterysunlightgreetedhimashefollowedBlackhawkandRowleydownamountainpathandintothetrees.Hehadtheawfulurgetokeeplookingoveroneshoulder;theforesthadclosedinaroundhim,andnotbeingclaustrophobichadsuddenlybecomeahugebonus.AheadofhimBlackhawkandRowleymovedsilently,thedeeplayerofpineneedlesmufflingtheirfootsteps.Above,apale-blueskypeekedthroughthepinebranchesinsmallpatchesofnormality,butallaroundhimthedarkshadowscouldnotbetrusted.Anythingcouldbeinthedarkness,waitingtopounce.Hesniffedtheair.Bearswerestillfillingtheirbelliesfortheirwinterhibernationbutasthewindwasblowingtowardthemen,thesmellofoneclosewouldberecognizable.
Theytrudgedon,movingdowntheslopeofthemountainside,andsoontheroarofthefallsbroketheeeriesilence,onlytobereplacedbyathickfogofwatervapor.Asshaftsoflighthitthebranches,thedropsofwaterlookedlikeamantleofdiamonds,eachwithitsownrainbow.ThesightamazedRio,butthedripsoffreezingwatersplashinghisfacewitheverystepdidnot.
“Waitup.”Blackhawkstoppedwherethetrailsplitintothree.Hebentandliftedawrapperfromanenergybarfromthegroundandwaveditatthem.“Thisisfresh.Someonehasbeenhererecently.”Hepeereddownthethreechoices,checkingthegroundandvegetation.“Thisway.”
Riofollowedforanotherhundredyardsorso,weavinginandoutoftheshadowsalonganarrowpath.Astinkcameontheairandhepulleduphisscarftocoverhisnose.“What’sthatsmell?”
“We’llfindoutsoon.Lookabove.Thecrowswaitandaneaglecircleswaitingforustoleave.Somethinghasdisturbedthem.We’llneedtostepsoftlyandstayalert.”Blackhawkglancedbehindhim.“Havethatrifleready,Jake.”
“I’monit.”Rowleyshoulderedhisweaponandmovedforwardataslowpace.
Astheyroundedthenextbendaheadofhim,chokedbytheunmistakablestinkofdeath,Riobracedhimself.Humanoranimal,thesmellwasthesame.Hefollowed,glancingthiswayandthat,peeringintothedark,mistyshadows.Whenbothmenstoppedabruptly,everyhaironRio’sbodystoodtoattention.Heedgedtowardthemdownthenarrowtrail,buthisfriendshadblockedhisview.“What’sup?”
“Oh,Jesus.”Rowley’shandwenttohismouthandhisfacedrainedofcolor.
Pushingpasthim,Riopeeredintoasmallclearingandstoppedmid-stride.Hismindhadtroublecomprehendingthegraphicsightbeforehim.Hehadtoforcehimselftostandandscanthearea.Thecarnageandtotaldisregardforhumandignitysickenedhim,andhishandtrembledashereachedforhissatellitephone.Themenbesidehimstoodgrimfacedandsilent.Neithermoved;theystaredtransfixedontheunimaginablehorrorbeforethem.Someonehadtodosomething.WhenRowleyturnedandspewedintothebushes,hestaredatBlackhawk’sblankexpression.“I’llcallitin.”Hecheckedthetimeforhisreport.Itwasalittleafternine.
“I’llheadback.TellJennaI’llmeetherintheparkinglotandguideherhere.”Blackhawkgavehimalonglook.“Keepatreetoyourback,thiscrazymanmightstillbearound.”
“Sure,thanks.”Rioturnedaway,walkingafewpacesbackdownthetrailtogetsomedistancefromthescene.Heneededtobreathebuthisthroatwastightandhisheartpoundedinhischestsofasthisheadspun.Hecalledthesheriff.“It’sRio,ma’am.Wehavetwomutilatedbodies,nearBearPeak.WefoundalatemodelSUVintheBearPeakparkinglot.Itmightbelongtothiscouple.We’llsecurethearea.BlackhawkwillmeetyouattheBearPeakparkinglotandguideyouhere,butI’llsendthecoordinates.
“Remainonsceneuntilwegetthere.I’mwaitingforSamCrosstoarrive,andassoonasI’vespokentohim,we’llbeonourway.Dave’shere,I’llaskhimtoinformWolfe.”Jenna’sprofessionaldemeanorimpressedhim.“Isitabearattack?”
Rioshookhishead.“Notunlessthey’vestartedusingcrossbowsinthispartoftheforest.”
THIRTY-ONE
ItwasdifficultforJennanottobeintimidatedbySamCross,especiallywhenthelawyerpressedhisknucklesintoherdeskandglaredather.Refusingtobebullied,shedrewinabreaththroughhernoseandeyeballedhim.HerpositionassheriffmadeherthechieflawenforcementofficerofBlackRockFallsCounty,anditwasobvioussheneededtoremindhim.Thetimehadcometostandhergroundandtostopallowingadefenselawyertowalkalloverher.Sheoftenwonderedifheactedthiswaybecausehelikedtothrowhisweightaroundandlookimportant,butoflatehisdemeaningattitudetowardherhadbecomepersonal.Sheneededtoputastoptoit—andnow.“Incaseitslippedyourmind,wearebothofficersofthecourt.MyjobistoapprehendsuspectsandpresentevidenceinacrimetotheDA.Hedecidesiftheevidenceisenoughtoproceed.It’snotwithinmypowertoissueanarrestwarrantoncircumstantialevidenceandyoudarnwellknowit.”Sheliftedherchin,refusingtogivehimtheupperhand.“TheDAbelieveswehaveacase,andyourclientwillbetakentocounty.”Shedidn’tbreakherstareathisangryface.“I’msureyouknowthedrill,Mr.Cross.There’llbeabailhearinginthemorning,whichwe’reopposing.”
“LikeIsaidbefore.”CrosstippedbackhisStetsonandshookhisheadindisbelief.“Holdoffwithservingthearrestwarrantuntilyouhavemoreinformationonthebodiesintheforest.IftheTODisovertheperiodmyclientwasinyourcustody,itproveshisinnocence.”Hestraightened.
Jennahadn’tknownhe’dbeenoutsideherofficedoorwhenshe’dinformedKaneaboutRio’scall,andofcourseSamCrosshadoverheardtheconversationandherplanstoleavetoexaminethecrimescene.Sheshookherhead.“That’snotgoingtohappen.Atthistime,wehavenoideawhatmydeputieshavefoundintheforest.UntiltheMEhasexaminedtheremainsandthescene,there’snoreasontodelaytheservingofthearrestwarrant.I’dbenegligentinmydutynottodoso.Ican’tjustholdyourclientindefinitely,andifIdidn’tcarryoutmydutiestotheletter,assureashellyou’dfindaloopholesomewheretohavehimreleased.”Shesuckedinadeepbreath.“Ofcourse,shouldevidencecometolightthatexoneratesyourclient,you’llbethefirsttoknowandcantaketheappropriatestepsatthattime.Rightnow,theDAhasdecidedhewantsRileyAdamswherewecankeepaneyeonhim.”
“I’mgoingtopetitiontheDAforastayonthewarrantuntiltheMEhasexaminedtheremains.”Crosspushedhishandsintothebackpocketsofhisjeansandstaredattheceilingasifwishingfordivineintervention.Heletoutalongsigh.“Thisisareasonablerequest.Youcouldbeholdingthewrongmanandhaveakilleroutthere.”
JennastoodatthesightofKaneatthedoorway.“Dowhatyoumust,butIhaveacrimescenetosecure.Ifyou’llexcuseme?”
WhenCrossturnedonhisheelandbrushedpastKanewithoutanotherword,Jennastaredafterhim.ShelookedatKane.“Fromnowon,whenwe’rediscussingacase,weclosethedoor.HeoverheardmycallfromRioandnowwantstoputaholdonthearrestwarrantforAdams.”
“Well,he’llhavetotakeitupwiththeDA.”Kaneshrugged.“IalreadyservedthewarrantandAdamsisonhiswaytocounty.It’soutofourhandsandwehavemoreimportantthingstodealwithtoday.”HegrabbedJenna’sjacketfromoneofthepegsbehindherdoorandtossedittoher.“Putthison.Rowleyjustcalled;it’sfreezinginthemountains.”Heshruggedintohiscoat.“WolfewillmeetusattheparkinglotatBearPeakalongwithAtohi.I’vealreadypackedourbackpacksandwe’rereadytoleave.”
“I’mready.”JennaslippedherGlockintotheholsteronherdutybelt,insertedtheearpieceofhercom,andpulledawoolencapoverherhead.Sheslippedonherthickwinterjacketandpulledupthehood.“Let’sgo.”SheglanceddownatDuke.“IsDukecoming?”
“Sure.”Kanewhistledhisdog.“HiscoatisintheBeast.”Heledthewaydownthestairs.
Thecoolbreezesmelledofthefirstsnowandbroughtwithitareminderthatwinterwasn’ttoofaraway.Thesunusuallysatinablueskythatwentonforever,butthismorninglowcloudcoverhaddiluteditswarmth.SheglanceddownMain,takinginthemassofdecorations.Aspeoplewalkedbythedisplays,theytriggeredthesoundsofwailingandhowls.Motion-sensingautomatonscametolife,somesorealtheymadeherheartrace.Attimes,becauseofthehorrificmemoriesofthepast,hermindsuperimposedcrimescenesoverthedisplaysandshehadtovisitthemacabrescenestoconvinceherselftheywerefake.WhydidHalloweenbringoutthecrazypeople?Ithadbeenahappytimewhenshewasachildwiththetrick-or-treating,outrageouscostumes,andlaughter.Oflate,thepoisonedcandyeveryonewaswaryofhadbeenreplacedbypsychopathsroamingBlackRockFalls.Wouldthisbethenewnormalforhertownfromnowon?
SheclimbedintothetruckandlookedatKane.“Ihopeyoubroughtthementholatedsalve.FromwhatRiosaid,Ifigurewe’regoingtoneedit.”
“Ihave,butWolfewillhavesomeanyway.”KaneturnedontoStantonandaccelerated.“Youknow,SamCrosshadnorighttobeonyourofficefloorwithoutpermission.Ifhe’dspokentoMaggie,she’dhavegivenustheheads-uphewasonhisway.”Hisattentionremainedfixedontheroadaheadastheyshotpastaneighteen-wheeler.“Heonlyactsthatwaywithyou.DuringmyinterviewwithAdams,hewaslikeanormalannoyinglawyer.I’mnotsureofhisendgame—defenselawyersusuallywantustocooperatewiththemandhe’ssuremakinganenemyoutofyou.”
Jennastaredattheforestflyingbyandcaughtsightofaherdofdeermovingthroughthetreestolowerground,theircoatsglisteningintheshaftsofdappledlight.Again,thebeautyoftheforesthadbeensulliedbymurder.Shesighed.“He’sgoodathisjobbutIjustneedtobebetteratmine.Sinceheallowedakillertowalkfrommycustody,Imakedoublysurewedon’tleaveanyloopholesforhimtoexploit.”Sheturnedinherseattolookathim.“Theproblemis,IdohaveconcernsabouttheAdamscase.Itallseemedtoogoodtobetrue.TheevidencepointedtoAdamswithoutadoubt,butnowwehaveanothermurderinthesameareaofStantonForestusingacrossbow.IfithappenedwhileAdamswasinourcustody,we’llhaveaccusedaninnocentman.”
“Hehadplentyoftimetokill,cleanup,andgettothenursinghome.Youhavetoadmittwomurdersceneswithevidenceofacrossbowastheweaponistoomuchofacoincidence.”KaneflickedheraglanceastheytooktheturnoffthehighwaytoBearPeak.“Thetimeofdeathisgoingtobecrucial.”Hefrowned.“Withthetemperaturedroppingsofast,Idon’tenvyWolfe’stask.TheentirecasewillhingeonthetimelinewehaveforAdams.”
AstheypulledupbesideRowley’struck,Jennarantheplatesofthelate-modelSUV.ShewaitedfortheresponseandlookedatKane.“ThetruckbelongstoEmmettHowardoutofSleepyCreek.HeismarriedtoPatriciaandtheyareintheirlatetwenties.”Shedownloadedthedetailsandlicenseimagestoherphone.Shepulledthesatellitesleeveoutofherpocketandsecuredittoherphone.“Willourcomsworksoclosetothemountain?”
“Sure.”Kanegaveheraslowsmile.“Thesearewaypastourpaygradewhenitcomestotechnology.I’mnotsurehowWolfeobtainedthem.Thesatellitenetworkforthesecoverstheentireworld.Theselittleearpiecesaretopsecret,anduptothisyearthetechnologywasintendedforaircraft.Theyreceiveandtransmittoeveryoneinourteamatthesametime.Onlybadelectricalstormsordensecloudcoverwillaffectthem.”Hepushedonhisearpiece.“Wolfe,what’syourETA?”
“Twominutes.”Wolfe’svoicecameinloudandclear.
JennasmiledatKane.“Wow!”SheturnedasBlackhawkemergedfromthetrail.“Atohihasarrived.”Sheturnedtohim.“Howfarisitfromhere?”
“Twentyminutes.”Atohiwenttohistruckandtookoutabottleofwater.HedrankandthenturnedtoJenna.“I’veseenbearsbekindertoapersonthanwhatI’veseentoday.”Heshookhishead.“Thereseemstobenoendtoman’scruelty.”
AwhitevanrumbledintotheparkinglotandWolfeandColtWebberclimbedout.Jennafrowned.“Isn’tEmcoming?”
“Nope.”Wolfeopenedthebackofthevanandpulledoutstretchersandhisbag.“Shehasanotherexamtoday.Thisisthelastone.She’salittleapprehensiveandIthinkherplaceinmedicalcollegeissecure,butwaitingtoseeifshequalifiesisalwaysaworry.BlackRockFallsMedicalCollegehaspushedthebarprettyhigh,butwiththeinternshipshedidwithmeandagoodundergraduatedegree,sheshouldbeokay.”
Jennanodded.“I’msureshe’llsailthrough.”Shepulledonherbackpack.“Whatdoyouhaveformetocarry?”
Oncetheywereallset,theyfollowedBlackhawkdownthemountainandontothetrail.Shemovedupbesidehim.“What’syourtakeonthescene?”
“Someoneusedacrossbowtoshoottwopeopleandthenwentcrazywithanaxormaybeknives.”Blackhawkkepthisgazestraightahead,butshecouldseehisAdam’sapplemoveasheswallowed.“I’veneverseenanythinglikeitbefore,it’s…indescribable.”
THIRTY-TWO
WalkingbesideKane,Wolfenotedthewayhisfriendkeptupaconstantscanoftheforestasifexpectinganattack.Hekepthisvoicelow.“Doyousensesomeoneiswatchingus?”
“Theforestistooquiet.”Kanepeeredintothecanopy.“Theanimalsseemtoknowifthere’sanotherbadstormcoming,orifthere’sabearhangingaround.Thebirdsusuallywarnofaproblemandstayquietwhenastormiscoming.Thisfeelsdifferent,unlessit’sthesmell.”Hepointedupward.“Crowsarescavengersandyetthey’restickingtothetrees.Thestinkfromthecrimescenehasattractedthembutsomethingiskeepingthemupthere.They’renotstupidandwon’tfeedifthere’sdanger.”
WolfelookedaheadatBlackhawk.“Idon’tthinkAtohiwouldwalkintodangereither.Heknowstheforestinallitsmoods.”Heraisedhisvoice.“Howmuchfurther?”
“It’sabouttwentyyardsaroundthenextbend.”Blackhawklookedtroubled.“Youshouldallprepareyourmindsforashock.”Henoddedandturnedbackdownthetrail.
Thesmellwasgettingbad.Wolfeheldupahand.“Hey,holdup,everyone.Weshouldstophereandsuitup.Idon’twantanyonesteppinginsidetheperimetersofthecrimescenebeforeI’vetakenalook.”Hedroppedhisendofthestretcherandplacedhisbagonthefloor.Afterpullingoutmasks,gloves,andcoverallsforKane,Jenna,andWebber,hepulledonhisgear.“Fromallaccountsthismurderisnasty.Ifanyonefeelstheneedtopuke,keepitwellawayfromthescene.Ifyoufeelsick,walkaway.Wedon’tneedpeoplepassingout.”
“Thatbad,huh?”Jennaraisedbotheyebrows.“ItwouldseemRiogaveyoualittlemoreinformationthanhedidme.”
Wolfenodded.“Icalledhimfordetails,Jenna.Ineededtoknowwhattobringwithme.Ican’tjustbringaforensicskitandhopeforthebest.”
“It’sjustaheadaroundthenextbend.”Blackhawkturnedtolookathim.
“Okay.”Jennaclimbedintocoverallsandrolledupthelegs.“I’mgoodtogo.”Shesnappedafacemaskinplaceandspokethroughhercom.“Rowley,we’recominguptoyourpositionnow.”
Inhisearpiece,WolfecouldhearRowley’sresponse.Hemovedtothefrontofthegroupandledthemaroundthenextbendandintoasmallclearing.RowleyandRiostoodtooneside,toallowhimtopass.Hescannedthearea.Twobodies,orwhatwasleftofthem.One,male,proppedupagainstatree,hadbeensecuredandusedastargetpracticeandtheother,awomanposedtogainashockreaction,wasbrutallydisfigured.Campinggearandpotsandpanslayscatteredontheground,butallpersonaleffectsappearedtobemissing.Setinthemiddleoftheclearing,afirecircleofstoneshadbeendisturbed,ashspilledoutontothegrass.Hetouchedhisearpiece.“Jenna,areyouonehundredpercentsuretheyhaveJamesStoneincustody?”
“Yeah.”Jennamovedtotheperimeteroftheclearingandhecaughthersharpintakeofbreath.“Butthissurelookslikehiswork.They’dcontactmeifheescaped,butI’llcallcountyandmakesuretheyhaveeyesonhim.”Shewalkedaway,pullingoutherearpiece.
WolfeturnedtoKane.“Canyousmellgas?ThisisanotherreplicaofoneofStone’scrimescenes,butwhenhecommittedmurder,hehadanaccomplice.Thiswasafrenziedattack.He’dhavebeendrenchedinblood,andIdidn’tnoticeanybloodspatteronthetrailwecamethroughandIwaslooking.”HeturnedtoWebber.“Documentthesceneasbestyoucanfromtheperimeterbutdon’ttouchorwalkinanything.”
“Yes,sir.”Webbertookoutacameraandbeganfilming.
“Ihavemycamera.”RiowaveditatWolfe.“I’vetakenafewpreliminaryshots,butIcancoverthesceneifyouwant?Itmightsavetime.”
Wolfenodded.“Knockyourselfout.”HeturnedtoKane.“Idon’tlikethisatall.It’sasifacrimescenephotographwasleaked.Thisentiresceneisstaged.Ifiguresomeoneisplayinggameswithus.”
“Yeah,it’stooclose.”Kanescrolledthroughthefilesonhisphone.“Lookatthis—notexactbuttoocloseforacoincidence.Thebackpacksaremissing,I’llbetthephonesareaswell.”
Therewassomuchbloodsomeonemusthaveleftatrail,howeverminute,whentheyleft.Wolfescannedtheareaandcouldmakeoutthreetrailsleadingfromtheclearing.HeturnedtoBlackhawk.“Canyoudeterminewhichwaythekillerleftthescene?”
“Icantry.”Blackhawkshruggedandmovedthroughthetrees,disappearingintotheshadows.
Wolfetookinthesceneasawholeandsetaprobabletimelineinhishead.He’duseKane’sexpertiseinweaponstrajectorytodeterminetheheightoftheshooter.“Doyouthinkthereismorethanonekiller?”Hepointedtothenumerousanglestheboltsmadeinthevictims.
“Maybe,butthisalllooksupcloseandpersonaltome.”Kaneshrugged.“Isitpossibletonarrowdownthetimeofdeath?”Hisgazehadn’tstoppedsearchingthetrees.“We’vechargedAdamswiththemurderofPaytonHarris.There’sawindowofopportunitywherehecouldhavekilledthesepeopleandthengottenhimselfintoworkonthedayweinterviewedhim.”
Wolfeshrugged.“IalwaysuseeveryresourcepossibletogettheexactTOD,buttherearemanythingsagainstushere.Wedon’thaveawitness,sowehavetorelyonscience.ThebestIcandoisanapproximateTOD.”
“Approximatewillbefine.”KaneturnedasJennamovedintotheclearing.
“Stoneisstilllockedup.”JennawalkedtoWolfe’sside.“Iaskedthewardentosendaguardtomakesure.Hedidn’thaveto;hehashimonCCTV.Atthismomentintime,wouldyoubelieveStoneisintheprisonlibrary?Helikestoread.”
“Themodelprisoner,huh?”Kaneshookhishead.“Weneedtolookintohistimeinjailmorecloselybecausesomethingisn’tright.”
“Yeah.”Jennastoodhandsonhips.“Ihavethesamefeeling.”
AssoonasWebberandRiohadfinisheddocumentingthescene,WolfeturnedtoJenna.“Youknowthedrill.We’llprocessthescenetogether.Markanybodyparts,footprints,andbloodspatteryoufind.I’lldoapreliminaryexaminationofthevictims.Iwanttotaketheircorebodytemperatureasap,thenwe’llpackthemupandgetthemtothelab.”
“Okay.”JennabeckonedRioandRowley.“Doagridsearchofthearea,thesepeoplemusthavehadbackpacksorpersonalitems.Huntarounduntilyoufindthem.”SheturnedtoWolfe.“Iwanttobewithyouwhenyouexaminethebodies.”
“Yeah,sodoI.”KanelookedatWolfe.“Doyoumind?”
“Nope.”Wolfepickeduphisbagandsteppedwithcaretowardthebodyofthemaleandcrouchedbesidehim.“He’sstillinrigorandfromtheextent,I’destimatedeathoccurredlongerthantwelvehoursago,lessthantwenty-four.”Heliftedtheman’sshirtandusedaprobedirectlyintotheliver.“Thebodytemperaturewilltellmemore.It’simportantItakethetemperaturefirst.Thebodycoolstothesurroundingtemperaturebetweentwelveandtwentyhours.I’llneedtoconsidertheovernightconditionsandI’llbeabletogiveyouananswerwhenIgetbacktothelab.WehaveformulastodetermineamoreaccurateTODthantheestimateIcouldmakenow.”HelookedatKane.“We’llneedtopryhimfromthetreetotransporthim,butifyoucoulddoacrossbowbolttrajectoryanalysisonhim,I’llgoandtakethebodytemperatureofhiscompanion.”
“Sure.”Kanedroppedhisbackpacktothegroundandbenttoretrievehisequipment.
NoticingJennastaringatthecongealedpuddlesofbloodandbodypartssurroundingthewoman,Wolfemovedcloser.“ItseemsthiskillerhadsomeinsighttoStone’storturingtechniques.”Heindicatedtotheblood.“Theamountofbloodtellsusthatherkillerkeptheraliveuntilshebledtodeath.”
“Yeah.”Jennalookedatthewoman’sface.“ThathastobePattiHoward.Irecognizeherfromherdriver’slicense.Herfaceisuntouched,sowedohaveananomaly.Stonechoseeveryvictim.Tohimtheywereme.Hehatedmeandtookitoutoninnocentwomen,butthisisn’trevengeoracrimeofpassion.Thismanenjoyedhiswork.”
THIRTY-THREE
OvercomingthefightorflightresponsewhenconfrontedwithabrutalmurderscenewassomethingJennahadfoughttocontrol.Now,aftersomanybrutalkillings,shewouldhavethoughthermindwouldhavegottenusedtoseeingcarnage,butno.RightnowshewantedtohightailitbacktotheBeastandhideunderDuke’sblanket.Sheturnedtolookatthedog,sittingpatientlyattheedgeofthecrimescene,hisheadonhispawsandhiseyesfollowingKane’severymove.Herattentionwenttoherdeputies.RowleyandRiowerewalkingshouldertoshoulderbackandforthacrosstheclearing,collectinganythingofinterestandplacingmarkers.Blackhawkarrivedcarryingthebackpacksandshewenttohim.“Didyoudocumentwherethesewerefound?”
“Yeah,I’llforwardtheimagestoyouandWolfe.”Hehandedherthebackpacks.“Thismanknowstheforestandmoveslikeaspirit,heleftonlyawhisperofatouchashepassed.Therewasnobloodtrailleadingfromthescene,andthekillerleftthroughthetrees,droppingthebackpacksbeforetakinganobscurepathfromthecrimescene.I’verecordedandmarkedthepathhetookbutitmeltsintotheforest.”Heglancedattheblood-soakedgroundandbackather.“Hekilledandthentookthetimetocleanup.”Hepointedtoadisturbedpatchofgrass.“Hestoodhere,removedhisclothes,andwashed.Thegroundisstilldamp.”Heturnedslowlyandstaredintotheforest.“He’dhaveplannedthiswellandstowedhischangeofclothescloseby.ThegroundwhereIfoundthebackpacksisdisturbed.Hedressedthere,tookhissoiledclothes,andleft.”
Jennanodded.“Thanks.”
TheIDsinsideverifiedthatthevictimswereindeedEmmettandPattiHowardoutofSleepyCreek.ShewavedtogetKane’sattention.“Thephonesaremissingbutwhoeverdidthisdidn’tstealanythingfromthemapartfromtheirlives.Whatisthemotiveforkillingthem?”
“Itlookslikeathrillkill.”Kanewavedahandtowardthetwovictims.“Wolfefoundabackinjury,astabwound.Hedisabledtheman,justlikeStone’sMO.Fromthemalevictim’sposition,thekillerlikelymadehimwatchwhilehetorturedthefemaleandthenheusedhimfortargetpractice.Thistimehelefttheboltsinsituandonlyusedacrossbow.”HegaveJennaalonglook.“Stoneusedarifleandcrossbow.It’sveryclosetoStone’smurderspree,buttherearedifferences.ThisisdifferentfromtheAdamscrimescene.Whataretheoddsontwopeopledecidingtomurderacouplewithacrossbowinthesameweek?”
“Astronomical.”Jenna’sattentionslidtothestaringeyesofthevictims.“ThishastobeAdams,there’snootherexplanation.”
“Aw,comeon,Jenna.”Kane’seyebrowsrose.“Inthiscounty,trustme,anythingispossible.We’vehadmorethanonekillerintownbefore.Howdoweknowtherearen’ttwokillers?It’spossible.Anythingispossible.”
Unconvinced,Jennashookherhead.“ThishasStone’sMOalloverit;he’sgettinghismessageoutsomehow.I’mcallingJo.Iwantherinputonthiskiller.I’mfindingithardtobelievethisistheworkofmorethanoneman.”
Jennapulledoutherphoneandpickedherwaybacktothetrailandheadeddownwind.Gladoftherespitethecoolmountainairoffered,sheleanedagainstatallpinenestledinaclumpofsnowberrybushesandmadethecall.ShehadtowaitafewmomentsforJotopickup.“Hi,Jo,doyouhavetimeforachat?”
“Isuredo.It’sbeenquietherefordays.Haveyoucaughtthepersonwhoinvadedyourhome?”
“Yeah…wellmaybe.”Jennaexplainedandgavedetailsofbothcrimescenes.“So,wehavethreevictimsandonemissingperson.”
“DoyoumindifCarterlistensin?”
JennacouldhearachairscrapingandCarter’svoiceinthebackground.“Sure.Howareyou,Ty?”
“Bored,sowhat’shappeninginBlackRockFalls?”
Shebroughthimuptospeed.“I’monsceneandtheDAhaschargedasuspect.TherearesubtledifferencestotheJamesStonemurders.Ifiguresomeoneleakedcrimesceneinformationandthisisacopycat.Ifnot,he’ssomehowcommunicatingwithanaccompliceontheoutside.”
“Fromwhatyou’retellingme,we’redealingwithanorganizedkiller.”Joclearedherthroat.“Ofcourse,Ican’tmakeaconclusionuntilI’veanalyzedthecrimescenesforcomparison.Yousaythissceneismessyandthefemaleisposed.Thiswouldindicateanorganizedkiller.FromtheimagesI’veseenoftheStonemurdersandtheplanningbehindeachkill,Stonewasanorganizedkilleraswell.”
Intrigued,Jennastraightenedandheadedbacktothecrimescene.Thesuffocatingsmellofthebodiesgreetedherandseepedthroughthementholatedsalvespreadunderhernose.“Sowhatcharacteristicsarewelookingforinamanwhokillsthisway?”
“Well,ifwetakeStoneasanexample,youcanseeifAdamsfitsthesameprofile.”Josoundedenthusiastic.“StonelivedandworkedinBlackRockFallsforalongtime.Hehuntedanddisposedofhisvictimswithinthelocalarea.Heusedthecavesasaspecialplacetohidesomeofhisvictimsandrevisitedthecrimescenesandcorpses.”
ThefileJennahadonAdamsfilledhermind,andtheprofilefit.“Yeah,Adamsisthesame,butremember,Stonedidn’tactaloneandatsomepointwasreceivinginstructionsonhowtokillhisvictims.”
“Whichtakesanorganized,highlyintelligentmind.”Jotappedawayonherkeyboard.“I’mopeningStone’sfilesnow.Uh-huh,yes,veryorganizedandyethiskillswerespacedoutalittlemoreandhewastriggeredbyadisagreementwithyou.Thequestionis,Jenna:IsStonecapableofmanipulatingpeopletoactforhim?Wehavenoproofthatanyonehasbeencommunicatingwithhim,butthingshappeninjail.Noteveryprisonguardishonest.Ifigurewegoandspeaktohimandseewhatpearlsofwisdomhecanofferus.Somepsychopathscan’twaittotelltheirtales,especiallyifit’sforresearchintothecriminalmind.TheentirebeginningsofprofilingcameaboutbecauseoftheFBI’sinterviewswithpsychopaths.”
Jennaswallowedhard.AcidformedinherstomachatthethoughtofspeakingtoJamesStoneagain.Theconfrontationonthemountain,theweeksandmonthsafterwardhopingKanewasalive,hadbeenanightmare.CouldshefaceStoneagain?“I’mnotsure.Goingintoseehimmightgivethewrongimpression.”
“ThewrongimpressiontoStone?”Jochuckled.“Seeingyouwillmorethanlikelyunlockhisdefenses,it’sthelastthinghe’dexpect.Facingavictimhefailedtokillandonewhoputhimbehindbarsmightmakehimdrophisguard.”
TheconfrontationwithStoneplayedinherheadlikethererunofasoapopera.She’dbeenoutsidetheinterviewroomwatchingwhenhe’dblamedherforhiskillingspree.Herrefusingtodatehimhadtriggeredapsychoticepisoderesultinginpeopledying.Couldshedareriskit?“Whatifseeingmeunlockstherageinhimagain?Whatifhedecidestokilltheinmates?”
“UnlessBlackRockCountyjaildecidestoplacehiminthegeneralpopulation,Idon’tthinkso.”Josuckedinabreath.“IcouldgowithCarterandtalktohimbutIthinktheshockvalueofseeingyouwillloosenhistongue.Italldependsonifyou’reabletocopewithseeinghimagain,afterwhat’shappened.”
TornbetweenherprivatehellandJo’sintentions,sheneededtoknowmore.“WhatdoyouexpecttogainfromseeingStone?He’snotgoingtotellyouanything.He’ssmartandifhe’splayingagamewithus,we’redoingjustwhathewants.”
“Exactly,butwe’llbeprepared,andhewon’tbe.”Josoundedconfident.“I’llmakearrangementstospeaktohim.I’veinterviewedsomeofthevilesthumanbeingsontheplanet;hewon’tbeabletomanipulateme.”
Jennaturnedandlookedatthehorrorofthecrimescene.“Maybenotyou,becauseyouhaven’tbeenthreatenedbyhimandyou’renotstandingankledeepinblood,likeIamatthemoment.Imightletyoudown.He’llplaytomyweaknesses.”
“Willhe?”Josighed“Thelastexperiencehehadwithyouisyoutakinghimdown.Yououtwittedhimandheknowsit.You’llhavetheupperhand.Don’tworry,we’lldiscusseverythingbeforehandandifitmakesyoumorecomfortable,we’llhaveDaveandCarterintheroomwithus.”
Jennaconsideredtheoptions.“No,ifwe’redoingthis,Idon’twanthimbelievingIneedbackup.He’llseeyouasadoctorandnothreat.Havingtheguysintherewithuswilldemonstratemyapprehensionatseeinghimagain.I’dnevergivehimthesatisfaction.”
“Thenit’sago?”
Determined,Jennastraightenedandliftedherchin.“Yeah,it’sago.”
KeepingtheconversationwithJotoherself,Jennaworkedthescenewiththeteam.Shehadtowalkawaynumeroustimestogatherherself.Shemighthaveinvestigatedmoremurdersthanmostsheriffs,butsheneveratanytimeforgotthevictimswerepeople.Herimaginationranriotwiththeordealthevictimshadendured,andittoreatherheart.AllshecouldthinkofwhenshelookedattheperfectfeaturesofPattiHowardandtheoncehandsomeEmmettwasthatkillingthemhadbeensuchawaste.Twointelligentyoungpeopleintheprimeoftheirlives,struckdownonthewhimofamadman.Shehadtofindoutwhowasresponsible.IfnotAdams,thenshe’dkeepinvestigatinguntilshefoundthekiller.
Theexhaustingtrekbackupthemountain,loadedupwithbodiesandevidence,gavehertimetothinkoverherconversationwithJo.Herbodyachedassheclimbedintothetruck.Astheydrovedownthemountainroad,sheturnedtoKane.“Asyouknow,IcalledJoandshehadafewideasonthecase.”
“WealreadyhavesomeoneincustodyandI’msurewecanfigureoutthiscaseonourown.”Kanecutheraglance.“Wemanagedtosolvecasesbeforetheyarrivedonthescene.”
“Yeah,butthisoneisdifferent.IknowwehaveAdamsincustodybutnothingwillconvincemethatStoneisn’tinvolvedinsomeway.Notafterseeingthatcrimescene.”JennapouredthemcoffeefromtheThermos.“JowantstointerviewStoneandfindoutifhe’sinvolved.ShehassomanytechniquesshecanusetopryinformationoutofhimandIneedtofindoutifheknowsanythingabouttheattackonme.”
“Doyouhonestlythinkhe’dtellyouifhedid?”Kanesnortedinobviousdisgust.“Themanislessthanananimal.Depraved,brutal,andcrazydoesn’tcomeclose.Ican’tbelieveyouwanttobeinthesameroomashim,letalonespeaktohim.”
“Well,Idon’thaveto.Wehaveoneofthetopbehavioralanalystsinthecountryatourdisposal.”Jennarecalledthelongtalksthey’dhadabouttheFBIbehavioralanalysts’convention,andwhyKanehadwantedtoattend.“IrememberyoutellingmehowtheFBIstartedanalyzingpsychopaths.Howmostoftheirinformationcamefrominterviews?Theagentslearnedawaytoapproachthemtomakethemtalkandgetinsightsintotheirbehavior.”Sheyawnedexplosively.“Oh,sorry.Anyway,aswehavecopycatmurdersandanongoingthreattome,interviewingStonemightgiveustheedgeweneed.Stoneissoarroganthemightslipupandadmittoinfluencingthekiller.It’sworththechance.Don’tyouthinkJowouldbeabletohandleStone?”
“I’msureshehashadexperiencewithinterviewingpsychopathsworsethanhim.”KaneturnedontoStantonRoadandaccelerated,makingtheforestflashbyinaswirlofgreen.“WhywouldyougiveStonethesatisfactionofknowingyouwenttohimforhelp?Youknowhebelievesyou’reinlovewithhimandthatyou’llgobacktohimoneday.”Anervetickedinhischeek.“You’dbeplayingintohisfantasy.”
ThevividmemoryofStoneshootingKaneandthengunningforherflashedacrosshermind.Howcouldsheeverforget?IthadtakeneveryounceofwillpowernottoputabulletintoStone’shead.She’dknownKanewoulddisapprove,andonthewaybackfromthemurderscenehadthoughtlongandhardabouthowtoconvincehim.“I’mnotplanningongoinginandstraight-outaskinghimaboutthismurderormyintruder.”Jennafinishedhercoffee.“Jowillinterviewhimonthepretenseofwritingapaperorwhateverandaskhimifhe’dliketobeinvolvedintheresearch.”
“He’llknowfromthenewspapersaboutthefirstbodyintheforest.”Kaneslowedastheyhittown.“Bytomorrow,Riowouldhavethemediareleaseout.Stonewillknowthedetails.”
“No,I’vedecidedtorestrictthemediareleasetothesearchforJuneHarris.”Jennaplacedtheemptycupintheconsole.“Itwillbegenericandnothingwillbementionedaboutherhusbandortheothermurders.Rioisanexpertatsayingnothinginmediareleases.”Shelookedathim.“Wecan’tstopStonereceivingnewspapers;itwouldmakehimevenmoresuspicious.”
“AninterviewwithStonewouldn’tbetooeasytosetup.”Kaneshrugged.“ButJocancutthroughredtape.Ihopeyou’renotplanningongoingintoaninterviewroomwithhimalone,areyou?You’llneedCarterandmewithyou.EveninchainsIdon’ttrustStone.”
Jennashookherhead.“Idon’teither,butitwillbejustmeandJo.You’llberightoutsidewatchingthroughthetwo-waymirror.”Sheshrugged.“Nothingcanpossiblyhappen,Dave.YouandCarterandtheguardswillbeasecondaway.We’llbesafe.”
“Jenna.”Kaneranahanddownhisfaceandsighedwithahintofdesperation.“AmanlikeStonecankillinasecond.”HeletoutalongsighthatmadeDukewhineandlookedather.“There’snochangingyourmindaboutthis,isthere?”
JennaturnedinherseatandgaveKaneadeterminedstare.“Absolutelynot.”
THIRTY-FOUR
Itwaslikethelullbeforethestorm.TheonlysoundinJenna’sofficecamefromDukesnoringinhisbasketunderherdesk.Themediareleasehadgoneout,askingifanyonehadseeneitherofthemurdervictimsbutnotindicatingthatthey’dbeenslaughteredintheforest.ShehadtoadmirethewayRioinjectedurgencyintothenoticebyaskingpeopletocontactthesheriff’sdepartmentwithoutdelayifthey’devenseenaglimpseofthecoupleintown.Themiddaynewsbulletinhadcomeandgone,andalthoughtheinformationwouldberepeatedonthehour,she’dexpectedatleastsomeonetohavenoticedthem.Sheglancedupasashadowfelloverherdoorway.“Doyouhaveanythingforme,Dave?”
“Atimelineofthemurder.”KanesatdowninthechairbeforeherdeskandslidoverhisiPad.“Goingonthewaythecampinggearwastossedaround,Ifigurethecouplehadjustenteredtheclearingwhentheyweresetupon.”Heleanedforwardinthechairandscrolledthroughtheimages.“EmmettHowardwasdisabledfirstanddraggedtowherewefoundhim.Thereisdirtonthebackoftheheelsofhisboots.Wolfewillconfirmbutfromhisinitialfindings,apuncturewoundinthespineparalyzedhim.Theredidn’tappeartobeanydefensivewoundsbutwe’llknowmorefromtheautopsy.”Hepointedtoanimageofthefirecircle.“Seehere,thereisahalf-moonprintofasmallboot.ItmatchesPattiHoward’shikingboots,whichtellsmethekillersurprisedher,shespunaroundandtrippedoverthefirecircle.Shedidn’thavetimetoreactandwasattacked.Itlookslikethekillercarriedhertothetreeandsecuredherarms.”Hepulledhistabletbacktowardhimandfrowned.“Inafewseconds,thispersonhadoverpoweredbothofthem.Theywereathismercy.”
ThesightlesseyesofthevictimsfilledJenna’smemoryandsheshuddered.“Thegaswaspouredonbothofthembutthewoman’sclotheswerestillsoaked.Isthatpossible?Therateofevaporationmightgiveusabetterideaofthetimethishappened.”
“FromwhatIcouldsee,Emmettwasdousedingasfirst.Hisclotheshavethesmellbutappeareddryapartfromthedew.”AnerveinKane’sjawtickedandhismouthflattenedintoathinline.“Pattiwassoakedinblood.Thatalonemighthavesomerelationtothetimethegastooktoevaporate.There’dbemanyfactors:theweather,temperature,andthenthere’sthehumidity…which,thatclosetothefalls,isneverlessthanninetypercent.”
Jennachewedontheendofapenandthoughtforabeat.“Ithinkshehadtaperesidueonherface.Thekillerwantedherquiet,butwhycoverherhusbandingasbeforeher?”
“Maybeitwasathreat.”Kaneshrugged.“Hecould’vepulledoutaZippoandwaveditaround,threateningtolightEmmettupifPattididn’tcooperate.Loveisapowerfulthingandshemighthavetriedtoprotecthim.”
ThephoneonthedeskbuzzedandJennaliftedthereceiver.ItwasMaggieonthefrontcounter.“Sendhimup.”ShedisconnectedandlookedatKane.“Someonemetourcoupleintown.”Sheheardfootstepsonthestairsandpushedtoherfeet.“Mr.Long.Comeinandtakeaseat.ThisisDeputyKane.”
“Ma’am.”LongremovedhiscowboyhatandsatinthechairKanehadjustvacated.
Jennatookoutanotepadandtookintheman.Hewasmidtolatethirties,strongbuild,andhadapleasantface.“Firstup,canIhaveyourdetailsfortherecord?”
“Sure.TysonLong,raisedandnowlivingoutofSummitHeights.”HeglancedupatKaneasifassessinghim.
Jennaclearedherthroattogethisattention.“Okay,tellmehowyoucametomeetPattiandEmmettHoward.”
“ImetthemonMonday.”Long’sexpressionwasearnest.“IwasintheWildOutdoorsstoreandtheyspoketome.Theywerearguingaboutsatellitephones.PattiwantedtoseethefallsandEmmettwantedtohavesometimealonewithhiswifeinthemountains.”Heopenedhishandswide.“TheyjustupandaskedmeifIcouldtakethemintotheforest.TheyofferedtopaymebutIrefused.”
Thestorysoundedtoodarnfamiliar,andthesuddenfeelingofbeingtrappedinarecurringdreamspilledoverJenna.Itwastoomuchofacoincidencenottobetakenseriously.ItwasasifthemanbeforeherwereAdams.She’dplayalongandseewhatelseheknew.“So,I’mguessingyoutookthemintotheforest,leftthemallalone,andcamebacktotown?”
“Yeah.Areyoureadingmymind,Sheriff?”Longmethergaze,steadyandunwavering.“Ididn’thavemuchtodo,soIagreedtotakethemuponTuesday.WemetattheBearPeakparkinglotateleven-thirtyandItookthemdownthemountaintoacampsiteIrecalled.Ileftthemthereaboutanhourorsolaterandplannedtogobackupandbringthemdownthisafternoonatfour.”HegaveJennaasweetsmile.“WhenIheardthenews,IfigurednooneknowswheretheyareandI’dcomebyandtellyou.”
JennaexchangedapuzzledlookwithKaneandhereturneditwiththesubtleliftofoneeyebrow.Shegroundherteeth.Itwasasifhe’dheardAdams’storyanddecidedtorepeatit.Somepeoplewoulddoanythingforattention,butLonghadputheronherguard.CouldthismanbeAdams’accomplice,orwasheheretothrowreasonabledoubtonAdams’arrest?“Didanyoneseeyouwiththeminthestore?”
“I’mnotsure,thestoreisalwaysbusy—maybe.”Longshrugged.“IguessthestorehasaCCTVcamera.YoucouldcheckthefootagebutIdon’tseethepoint.”Aflashofannoyancecaughtinhiseyesforasplitsecond.“Don’tyoubelieveme?Itookthemintotheforestandshowedthemasecludedcampsite.”
“So,you’dbewillingtotakeustothiscampsite?”Kanepushedoffthewallanddroppedhiscombatexpressionontheman.
“Sure.”Longleanedbackinhischairandshrugged.“I’venothingbettertodothisafternoon.”
NeedinganexcusetospeaktoKanealone,Jennapulledherphoneoutofherpocket,lookedattheblankscreenandthenatMr.Long.“Canyougivemeaminute?Something’scomeup.”
Notwaitingforareply,shestoodandlookedatKane.“Weneedtotalk.”
“Sure.”Kaneopenedthedoorandtheywalkedintothehallway.
Jennapulledhimintothelockerroom.“Whatthehellisgoingonhere?Isthisguyplayingusforfools?Wehavethreehomicidesandonemissingwomanandtheyalljusthappenedtomeetstrangersandaskthemtotakethemintotheforest?AmImissingsomethinghereorhavepeoplesuddenlystartedtolosetheirminds?Imean,canpeoplebegullibleenoughtogouptoastrangerhereinserialkillercapitalandaskthemtoleadthemintodanger,orwhat?”Shepacedthesmallarea.“Once,Imightbelieve,buttwice?”Wantingtotearherhairoutinfrustration,shestaredathim.“Thisguygivesmethecreeps.HeissoniceandyetI’mgettingareallybadvibeoffhim.”
“Onethingfordamnsure,thisisn’tacoincidence.Ican’tfigureouthisangle,buttobesingingthesamesongasAdamsmakesmewonderifthey’veplannedthislittlecharade.”Kaneleanedagainstthewall.“Thismightbetwodifferentcasesbuthavingtheexactsamescenarios,sameMOandbothmenadmittingtoeverythingapartfromtheactualkillingisbizarre.”
Jennapushedtwohandsthroughherhair.“Whatifthisisaploytogetthembothoffamurdercharge?Thinkaboutit,Dave.Long’stestimonythrowsreasonabledoubtonanycasewemighthaveagainstAdams,especiallyifWolfedecidestheTODisn’tinAdams’timeline.ThesecondmurderwiththesameMO,isreasonenoughforAdamstowalk.”
“Theproblemiswithoutevidencebothmencouldbetellingthetruth,andmostpeoplewouldignorethesubtledifferencesintheactualkillingsandbelievethemurdererisstillintheforest,waitingforhisnextvictims.”Kaneshrugged.“Theautopsieswillconfirm,butfromWolfe’spreliminaryexaminationofthelastvictims,bothMOswereslightlydifferent.Thereisapossibilitywe’relookingattwokillers.”
Incredulous,Jennastaredathim.“Youthink?”
“I’llgowiththeconspiracytheorybutwe’llneedproofthey’rebothinvolved.”Kanerubbedthebackofhisneck.“You’llneedtopushLongalittleharderandseeifhecracks.AlthoughIdoubtit.LikeAdams,heissosureofhimselfhemusthaveanaceuphissleeveoragetoutofjailfreecard.”
“Itsurelooksthatway.”Jennapinchedthebridgeofhernose.“It’sasiftheyknowwehaven’tgottenashredofevidenceagainstthem.”Shemovedtothedoor.“I’llfigureoutawaytokeepLongheretogiveustimetodigintohisbackground.I’llcallKalo.”
“SendLongtoaninterviewroomwithRowleytotakehisstatement?”Kanefollowedherintothehallway.
“Yeah.”Jennanodded.“Thatwillgiveustimetocheckoutthisguy.”ShepushedopenthedoortoherofficeandsmiledatMr.Long.“Sorryaboutthat—ah,wherewerewe?Kane,doyouhaveanyquestions?”
“Yeah.”Kanenarrowedhisgaze.“Doyouworkhereintown?Areyouashiftworker?”
“Nope.I’vebeenfixingupmyranch.”Longrubbedhischinasifdecidingtotellthemandthensighed.“I’vebeenawayforatime.MypapassedandIinheritedtheranch.Idon’thaveanylivestocksothere’snottoomuchtodo,butIhaveplanstorunsomecattle.I’mwaitinguntilspringtobuymesomecalvestoraise.”
Jennafrowned.“WhytaketheHowardstoBearPeak?It’snotveryromantic,withitshistoryofmurder.”Shepulledaface.“Darnrightcreepyifyouaskme.”
“Whatmurders?”Longmethergazewithawide-eyed,astonishedexpression.“I’vebeenawayforfiveyearsandIdon’tknowaboutanymurders.”
“Really?”Kanepressedbothpalmsonthedeskandeyeballedhim.“Theymadethenews.Haveyoubeenoffthegrid?Livingonthemoon?”
“Yeah,somethinglikethat.”Longshrugged.“That’sbesidethepoint.IcameheretogiveyouinformationonPattiandEmmett,nottobeinterrogatedlikeacriminal.Iwanttoleavenow.”HewenttopushtohisfeetbutKanelaidahandonhisshoulder.Longlaughedathim.“Areyoutryingtointimidateme,Deputy?I’mjusttryingtohelpthesheriff.”HelookedatJenna.“Ishealwayssointense?”HeturnedbacktoKane,obviouslyamused.“Chillout,man.TheHowardswillberightwhereIleftthem.”
“We’reaskingquestionsisall.”Kane’sjawtightened.“Whenpeoplegomissinginourtown,wetakeitseriously.Rightnow,you’rethelastpersontohaveseenthem.”
“That’snotunusual,isit?”Longstifledayawn.“I’msurethathappensallthetime.”HestaredatJennaasifchallengingher.“Youknowthey’reintheforest,don’tyou?It’sgottabeoveramillionsquareacresandonlyIknowwhereIleftthem.ComewithmeandI’llbegladtoshowyou.”
Andmurderusaswell?Keepingherexpressionneutral,Jennastood.“Okay,we’llgowithyoutowhereyouleftthem.I’msurethey’rewaitingthereforyouasplanned.”
Sheunderstoodhowmanypsychopathsenjoyedrevisitingacrimesceneandseeingthereactionstotheirwork.Manywouldtrytoinsertthemselvesintoaninvestigationtorelivethemomentoftheirvictim’sdeathoverandovereachtimethecrimewasdiscussed.Longfittedintothiscategoryandhadfastgonefromwitnesstopossiblesuspectinawinkofaneye.TheneedtofindoutmoreaboutLongtuggedather,andshesatbackdowninherseat.“Doyouliketohunt,Mr.Long?”
“Yeah.”Longscratchedhischeek.“It’sallaboutthehuntforme.Stalkingandthenbringingdownthekill.”
Jennaleanedbackinherchair.“Whatisyourweaponofchoice?”Sheaskedthequestionbutitwasasifshealreadyknewtheanswer.
“Ilikeacrossbow.”Longmimickedthemotionofloadingaboltinacrossbowandaimingitdirectlyather.“Silentbutdeadly.Theyneverseeitcoming.IcanseethesurpriseintheireyeswhenItakethemdown.”Hisgazefixedonherunblinking.
She’dseenthatstarebefore,manytimes.Manypsychopathsshe’dinterviewedhadthesamecold,deadeyes.Empathydidn’texistintheirworld,forpeopleoranimals.Lifemeantnothingtothembutafastthrillastheyextinguishedit.Hairsraisedonthebackofherneckinatingleofawarning.Shenodded.“Youhuntalone?Howdoyoumanagetofield-dressyourkills?”
“Sameaseveryoneelse,Iguess.”Longstaredatthewallandhisbreathingincreasedasifhewasrelivingamemory.“Ithasasmellwhenyougutakill.”Helookeddirectlyather.“Thebloodgetseverywhere,evenunderyourfingernails.”Heexaminedhishandsandsmiledather.“It’salmostasgoodasthehunt.”
“I’msureitis.”JennalookedatKane.“WouldyoucallRowleyforme,please?”
AsKanelefttheroom,Jennaforcedasmile.Somethinginsideherhadtoldhernottotrustthismanfromtheminutehe’dwalkedintoheroffice.Hisrelaxedattitudewasdifferentfromthebehavioroftheusualwitnesseswhocameforward.Mostdisplayednervousnessorevenexcitement,butthisguywassolaidbackandhadkeptuptheactuntilKanehadleanedonhim.Itwasasifhe’drehearsedhisstoryandexpectedhertobegullibleenoughtobelievehim.
AfewthingshadmadehersuspiciousofLong.HeclaimednottoknowabouttheBearPeakmurders,whenstoriesaboutthemhadbeenonTVandinbooks.Someofthemurderswentbacktwentyyearsanditdidn’tringtrueforaguywho’dbeenraisedinBlackRockFallsnottoknowaboutthem.Evenifhe’dbeenawayforfiveyears,surelyhisfamilywouldhavementionedthemurderstohimatonetime.Shemovedfilesaroundonthedeskandthenlookedathim.“DoyouknowPaytonandJuneHarris?”
“I’veheardofthem.”Longinclinedhishead.“Thenamehasbeenoneverynewsstory.IsJuneHarrisstillmissing?”
Jennacaughttheflashinhiseyes,thesuddenchangeofexpression.Shecouldn’tdescribeit,butitmadeherskincrawl.Shestiffened.“Yeah,sheis.”Shecouldn’tlookaway.Hadhenoticedherchangeofattitude?“So,youmusthavebeenintownThursdaythroughMonday?”
“Iwasallovertown.”Longopenedhishands.“Ican’trecalleverysecond,butIwentintothemountainsandIwasoutbyyourranchlatelastSundayduringthatstorm.”
Jennaswallowedthebilecreepingupherthroat.“HowdoyouknowwhereIlive?”Shenoticedthewayhelookedatherandhowasmileplayedinthecornerofhislips.
“Iwentbyyourneighbor.Thesnowplowguy.”Longplacedonebootedfootonhisoppositeknee.“Iheardtellhehadahorseforsale.Hementionedyoulivedinthenextranch.”
“Isee.”Jennasippedfromacoldcupofcoffeeandpushedittooneside.“WherewereyouThursdaynightthroughto,say,Fridaymorning?”
“Thursdaynight,IwenttoAuntBetty’sforsupper.Itwaslate,Istayedforsometime.Iwenthomeandwasbackthereforbreakfast.”Longsmiled.“IdorecallseeingTommyJonasatthecrossroadsaroundeleven.Istoppedandchattedtohimaboutbuyingcattlebutitwaslateandhehadtogetonhome.”Helookedather.“Icangiveyouhisnumbertocallhimifyoulike?”
Jennanodded.“Yes,we’dliketocheckthatout.”Shetookdownthedetailshe’dfoundonhisphoneandthenlookedathim.“Wheredidyougoafterreturningtotownyesterday?”
“Ihungaroundtown.”Longbrokeeyecontactandstaredintospaceasifthinking.“Idecidedtotakealookatallthechangesaroundthesepartsanddrovearoundsome.ItwasdarkbythetimeIgothome.Idon’trecallspeakingtoanyoneinparticular.Theweatherhasbeenunpredictable.Ididn’twalkanywhere.”
“Yes,thedrystormonSundaynightwasunexpected.”Jennapickedupherpensanddroppedthembackintothechippedmugonherdesk.“Doyouownaslicker?”
“Whatkindofquestionisthat,Sheriff?”Longsnorted.“Doyouknowanyonearoundthesepartsthatdoesn’thaveonetokeeptherainoffthem?OrhaveIbecomeasuspectinacrime?IfIhavethenyouneedtotellme.Ihaveafinelawyer.SamCrossishisname.”
Samelawyertoo,huh?Jennalookedaway.“Iwasjustmakingconversation.”Toavoidhiseyes,shecollectedthefilesonherdeskandpushedthemintoadrawer.Shecouldplaymindgamestoo.“Rowleywon’tbelong.I’llgethimtotakeyourstatementabouttheHowardsandthenwe’llheaduptothecampsite.”
AsshestaredatLong,theimageofthemanshe’dseeninthealleywayslidintoJenna’smind.Longwasthesameheightandbuild,heworehisblackStetsonpulledlowoverhiseyes,andAdamswasincustody,soitcouldn’thavebeenhim.Longalsomatchedthemanshe’dseenatherranchandhe’dadmittedtobeingclosebyonSundaynight.Shecouldn’tallowLongtojustwalkoutthedoor,notafterlisteningtohisstory.Hehadtoomanystrikesagainsthimalready.HewasthelastpersontoseeEmmettandPattiHowardaliveandhehuntedwithacrossbow.Hecouldn’taccountforhiswhereaboutsbetweenThursdayandMonday,whenPaytonHarriswasmurderedandherhomewasinvaded.TheimplicationshadaredflagasbigasTexaswavingmadlyather.Whatifthey’dmadeamistakeandthecircumstantialevidenceonAdamswasjustthat,andLongwasthekillerofPaytonHarrisandtheHowards?
RelievedwhenRowleyarrivedatherdoorwithKaneclosebehind,shestood.“TakeMr.Longdowntointerviewroomone.Gethimsomerefreshmentsandtakehisstatement.ItwillbemorecomfortableforhimtowaittherewhileImakearrangementstogoout.”
“Okay.”Rowley’sdarkeyebrowsknittedintoafrown.“Doyouwantmetowaitwithhim?”
Jennashookherhead.“Thatwon’tbenecessary.”ShewaitedforthemtoleaveandcalledthenumberLonghadprovided.TommyJonasverifiedseeingLongonThursdaynightaroundthetimePaytonHarriswasmurdered.Unconvinced,shecalledBobbyKalo,theFBIsuper-hacker.“Hi,Bobby,it’sJenna.Ineedyourhelp.IwanteverythingyoucanfindonTylerLongoutofSummitHeights,BlackRockFalls.”
THIRTY-FIVE
NotcomprehendingwhatBobbyKalohadsaid,KanestaredatJenna’sphoneindisbelief.“Hewhat?Youhavetobejoking.”
“Howcomewedidn’thearabouteitherofthesecases?”Jennadrummedherfingersonthedesk.“We’reusuallyinformedwhenanyonefromourcountyisreleasedfromjail.Mosthavetoreporthereaspartoftheirprobation.Thiscan’thavehappenedtwicein—what?Thelastmonth?—andwe’rekeptinthedark.Youhavetobemistaken.”
“Nope,it’sallhere.TylerLonghadhisconvictionoverturned,sameasthelastguy.Hewasdoingtenyearsformurderinthesecond.Hewonanappealandtheysethimfree,noprobationofficervisits,nothing.”Kalotappedawayonhiskeyboard.“I’vejustsentyouthedetails.”
Dumbfounded,Kanestoodandwenttopourfreshcupsofcoffee.Ithadbeenalongdayandtheyneededtobesharp.“Didtheyhavethesamelawyers?”
“Yeah.Theydidn’thavemuchchoice.Thereareonlyafewattorneysconductingcriminallawinyourcounty,andtheybothselectedthetopguy,oneSamuelJCross.Doyouknowhim?”
“Yeah,I’mafraidIdo.”Jennasighedandrubbedhereyes.“He’sgood.”
“Ah,isDavewithyou?Jowantstospeaktobothofyou.”
KanehandedJennaacupandsatatthedeskoppositeher.“Hi,Jo.Ifit’snoturgent,doyoumindifIbendyourearaswe’rediscussingthecurrenthomicidecases?We’vehadastrangetwistintheinvestigation.”
“Bendaway.MynewscanwaitandCarterisheretoo.”
KanesmiledatJenna.“Great!Thiscasehasgotusbaffled.”Hebroughtthemuptospeed.“So,nowwehavethisdilemma.WhatdowedowithLong?Fromtheevidence,heisjustasguiltyasAdams.Itseemsastretchoftheimaginationtobelievethey’rebothnotinvolved.”
“I’dwriteupwhatyouhaveanddiscussitwiththeDA.”Carter’svoicecamethroughthespeaker.“Youhavetoinformhim,asitreflectsontheAdamscase.WiththismuchreasonabledoubtbothwaysIcan’tseehimproceedingunlessyoucomeupwithsolidevidencetoproveeithercase.Rightnow,youhavezip.”
KanenoddedandlookedatJennaandshrugged.“Jo,doyoufigureboththesemenaremanipulatingusbycoveringeachother’sassestoforcereasonabledoubt?”
“Ifyoucanprovetheyknoweachother,it’sverypossible.Aretheyshowinganypsychopathicorsociopathictendencies?”
“Yeah,theybothtickalotofboxes,especiallyLong;heisclassic.”Kaneleanedhiselbowsonthedesk.“Icouldwriteabookabouthim.Adamsismuchthesame.Whenwechargedhim,hewaslaidbackandsureofhimself.It’sasifheknewLongwouldcomeforwardwiththesamestory.”
“Isthisthemainreasonyou’resuspiciousofbothofthem?Didyoueverconsiderthepossibilityoneorbothofthemaretellingthetruth?Peopledohelpothers,noteveryonehasmurderontheirminds.”Josighed.
“Notatanytime.”Jenna’smouthturneddown.“I’veinterviewedmanyserialkillersandboththesemensliderightintothesamecategory.WhyLongjustwalkedintomyofficeasifhewantedtobecaughtpuzzlesme.”
“Fromwhatyou’vetoldme,itsoundslikeacollaborationorthey’refollowinginstructions.”Josoundedanimated.“Itwouldbeaninterestingcasetopursue.TwomenwithalmostidenticalstoriesandmurderswiththesameMOismorethanacoincidence.Iknowyou’vewonderedifStonewassomehowinvolvedinPaytonHarris’murder.Icanseewhyyou’dconsiderthisbecauseasaone-timedefenselawyer,Stonewouldbeawareagoodattorneywouldusethecircumstantialevidenceyouhaveagainstbothmentoformareasonabledoubtincourt.Noonewillbeconvincedtwopracticallyidenticalmurdersareacoincidence.Mostpeoplewouldbelievebothmenaretellingthetruthandthere’salunaticrunningloseintheforest.”Joclearedherthroat.“Tobehonest,ifIwasajurorineithercase,givenonlycircumstantialevidenceandtwopossiblesuspects,Iwouldbeveryreluctanttoconvict.”
Kanepushedahandthroughhishair.“Yeah,we’vecomeupwiththesameconclusion.We’rebetweenarockandahardplace.”
“You’llhavetohopeWolfefindssomethingintheautopsyyoucanuse.”Carterpausedabeat.“YoucouldholdLonguntiltheautopsyresults.Althoughunlessyoufindsomethingotherthanahunch,SamCrossisgoingtoeatyoualive.”
“Maybe.”Kanesippedhiscoffee.“TherehastobeaconnectionbetweenJamesStoneandthesemurders.WhatiftheyconsiderStonearolemodelorcultfigureandthey’reimitatinghim?ThemurdersarestagedliketheactualcrimesceneimageswetookofStone’svictims,andasnooneoutsideourteamandnowyouguyshaveseenthem,it’sfreaky.Moresowhentwomenjustupandstarttalkinglikethere’snotomorrow.”
“ThisisthereasonIwantedtospeaktobothofyou.”Josoundedherusualcalmself.“IdiscussedthispossibilitywithJennaearlier.IfeeltheonlywaypossibletodiscoveralinkbetweenthesehomicidesandJamesStoneistogotothesource.Inmyexperience,serialkillersliketorelivetheircrimes,andheadmittedtoeverything,didn’the,sohehasnothingtohide.Ifigurebytalkingtohimwemightdiscoverifhe’sfoundawaytokillthroughhisfollowers.”
“Iagree.Haveyoubeenabletosetitup?”Jennastraightenedinherchair.
“Yeah,wehaveaninterviewwithJamesStonetomorrowatten.”Joclearedherthroat.“He’llonlyspeaktoJennaandme.Hemadeitveryclearhedoesn’twantKaneanywherenearhim.”
Kanesnorted.“Really?”
AfterreceivingagunshotwoundtotheheadfromStoneresultinginanear-fatalfallintoaravine,abustedknee,andmemoryloss,he’dwantedtoconfrontthemanwho’dtriedtokillhim.Infact,somethingdeepinsidehimhadhopedStonemightattackhimsohe’dhavethechancetoeventhescore,buttherewasalsosomethingsatisfyingknowingthemurderingSOBwouldbelockedupfortherestofhislife.Hechuckled.“ItamusesmetothinkthatIintimidatehim,butwhenyou’reinterviewinghimmakesureyoulethimknowI’mrightoutside.”
“We’llbelandingatyourrancharound0800hours.”Carterwasallbusiness.“We’llhavetimeforachatbeforeweheadouttothecountyprison.Theyhaveahelipad,sowe’lltakethebird.”
Kanenodded.“Sure.I’llhaveapotofcoffeewaiting.”
“Thanksforyourhelp,guys,we’llseeyouinthemorning.”Jennadisconnected.
Tryingtokeepalltheinformationstraightinhismind,Kanestretched.Theyhadothercommitmentsforthemorning.“We’llmissoneoftheautopsies.Wolfementionedtenandtwo.”
“I’llsendRio.”Jennaleanedbackinherchair.“Rowleycanhandletheoffice.”Shechewedonherbottomlip,staringintospace.“NowwehavetocomeupwithaplantokeepLonghereforaspell.”Sheturnedherattentionbacktohim.“WriteupwhatwehaveonLongandrunitpasttheDA.”Shestoodandpressedthebuttonthatmadethewhiteboardslidefromitsrecessintheceiling.“I’mgoingtoenteralltheinformationwehaveonthewhiteboard.Itwillhelpuspiecethistogether.”
Kanestood.“Sure,I’monit.”
AftergettingthestatementfromRowley,KanepickedupthephoneandcalledtheDA’soffice.Surprisingly,thesecretaryputhimstraightthrough.“SomeinformationhascomeupyouneedtobeawareofintheAdamscase.”
AftergoingthroughthestatementLongprovided,KanewaitedfortheDAtoprocesstheinformation.“ThesheriffwouldliketodetainLongpendingtheautopsies.We’veconsideredacollaborationbetweenAdamsandLongormaybethey’repartofacultimitatingJamesStone’smurderspree.Theybothdisplaypsychopathictendenciesandwe’rewaryaboutallowingLongbackoutonthestreets.”
“Stonewillhavehimoutinasecond.Lethimoutbeforehefiguresoutyoususpecthim.”TheDAsworeunderhisbreath.“ItalsomeansthecircumstantialevidencewehaveonAdamsisshottohell.I’llhavetodropthechargesuntilyouhavemoreevidence.Ifwetakehimtotrialnowandhewalksonreasonabledoubt,whichhewillonceLong’sstatementispresented,we’llbefacedwithdoublejeopardyifyouestablish,hedidindeedkillPaytonHarris.”
Kanegrimaced.Itwasn’tthenewshewanted.“I’msureAdamskilledHarrisandprobablyhiswifetoo.”
“Thenbringmetheevidence.Untilthen,Isuggestyoukeepbothmenundersurveillance.I’llspeaktothejudgeandexplainwhywe’redroppingthecharges.I’llseeifhe’llagreestoallowyourdepartmenttotrackbothmenviavehiclesorphones.Asthey’rebothex-cons,wemaybelucky.I’llletyouknow.”Hedisconnected.
Shakinghishead,KaneclimbedthestairsuptoJenna’soffice.Hestaredatthenotesonthewhiteboardandthenheadedbackdownthestepsandhustledtotheinterviewroom.Heflashedhiscardandwalkedinside.Longhadhischairtippedbackagainstthewall,bootsonthetable,andcowboyhatpulleddownoverhiseyes.Heclearedhisthroat.“Goodnews,wedon’thavetotrekupthemountain.TheHowardshavebeenfound.”
HewaitedforareactionandwhenLongjerkedup,spillinghishattothefloor,itwasallKaneneeded.Thesurpriseontheman’sfacewasevident.
“Yousureit’sthem?”Longbenttoretrievehishat.
Kanerestedonehiponthetableandlookedathim.“Yeah,they’reontheirwaybackaswespeak.Thanksforcomingin.”Hepausedabeat.“SomethingIforgottoaskyou:Youdidtimeincountyjail,didn’tyou?What’sthescuttlebuttonJamesStone?”
“Mentalk,youknow.”Longshruggedbuthiseyesshiftedfromsidetoside.“Iseenhimonetimebuthedidn’tlooklikeaserialkiller.Noonehassleshim,that’sforsure.Theguardstreathimlikeroyalty.”
Kanenarrowedhisgaze.“Really?I’dhavethoughttheopposite,ashewasadefenseattorney.”
“Nah.”Longgavehimaslowsmile.“Ifigureit’sbecausehecouldkillthemallandtheyknowit.”
THIRTY-SIX
Somberdidn’tadequatelydescribeJenna’smood;morose,depressedcameclose.AfterreceivingthenewsfromWolfethattheearfoundpinnedtoherporchwasindeedfromJuneHarris,shehadtoconcedethechancesoffindingheralivewerenowremote.Therehadbeennosign,notasmuchasastrandofhairfromJuneHarris,toassistthemsincethe
AfterKanehadspokentotheDA,thetwosuspectsshe’dconsideredforthecurrentmurdershadwalkedfree.TheonlygoodnewswasthatthejudgehadgrantedthempermissiontotrackAdamsandLong.She’dcontactedBobbyKaloandhe’dpromisedtosetupanalarmsystemtonotifyherifeitherofthemlefttown.Whenhe’dcalledKanewiththedetails,she’dbeenonacalllisteningtoSamCrosscrowinherearaboutAdams’release.
JennahadneverbeenapersontogiveupandbelievedtheWildOutdoorsstoreandAuntBetty’sCafécouldbepossiblehuntinggroundsforcouplesthemenplannedtokill.Onthewayhomeshe’dstoppedbybothstoresandshowedthephotographsofAdamsandLongandhadaskedtobenotifiedifthemenhappenedtodropby.BoththecaféandthehuntinggoodsstorehadCCTVcameras,andtheproprietorsweremorethanhappytocallherandkeepanyfootageifthemenvisited.Thelatterhadplacatedhersome,butamurdererstillwalkedthestreets.Untilshehadasuspectincustody,nothingwouldremovetheterriblefeelingofresponsibilitycrampinghergut.Everyminutethatpassed,anothercouplecouldbebutcheredinhertown.
Withoutanyotherpossiblesuspectstoinvestigate,JennasatonKane’ssofaandwatchedthenews.Themediareleaseshe’dworkedonwithRiogavefewdetailsaboutthebodiesthey’dfoundintheforestandrequestedinformationaboutanyoneintheareaactingsuspiciousinthevicinityofBearPeakatthetimesofthemurders.SheleanedintoKaneandsighed.“Ihopesomeonecomesforward.IfeellikeI’mstuckinquicksand.I’mconvincedwehadourkillersandnowallwecandoiswaituntiloneofthemtriestokillagainandhopewegetthereintime.”
“We’llgetthere.”Kanepulledherunderonearm.“You’vetrainedafast-responseteam.Everyoneknowstheirjobsandwecanrelyonthemonehundredpercent.Thesuspectsaren’tgoinganywherewithoutusknowing.”
“Howso?”
“Kalohasmanytricksuphissleeve,andfacerecognitionsoftwareisoneofthem.”Kanesmiled.“HeisutilizingthefeedofeveryCCTVcameraintown.Trustme,ifthoseguysasmuchasjaywalk,we’llknowaboutitandinrealtime.”Hegaveherasqueeze.“YouandJowillbeabletomakeStonegiveupinformation.Ifthosetwomenareinvolved,he’llbecrowingaboutit.Forhimitwillbeatriumph.Hewon’tbeabletohelphimself.Knowingsomeoneiskillingforhimwillmakehimcareless.”
Jennasighed.“Oh,Ihopeso.Theideaoffacinghimagainmakesmyskincrawl,butit’snecessary,andIdon’tlikebeingbeatenbyakillerorkillers.”Sheturnedtolookathim.“No,dammit,Irefusetobe.Thoseguysareheadingbacktojail.We’llfindtheevidenceandJuneHarris.I’mnevergivingup.”
“That’smygirl.”Kanegrinned.
THIRTY-SEVEN
Optingtowearcivviesratherthanstiruphatredattheprison,JennastoodonthestoopofKane’scottageandglancedatthemencrawlingoverherranchhouselikeants.Shehopedthey’dbethroughsoon,althoughtheawfulfeelingofnotbeingsafeinherownhomehadn’tgoneaway.Acoldwindwiththebiteoffrostblewfromthemountains,andshewrappedhercoataroundherandturnedtowatchCartergothroughhispreflightcheck.Itneverceasedtoamazeherhowheturnedfromalaid-back,easy-goingguytoaprofessionalintheblinkofaneye.HehadhisFBIhatonthismorningandhadbeenveryvocalovercoffeeaboutvisitingJamesStone.
Afterinhalingthecleanpineair,JennaturnedasJomovedbesideher.“Tyseemsdifferentthismorning.Ishealwayslikethat?”
“Notusually,no.”Jopushedherhairinsideherhoodandshivered.“He’sreadeverythingthereisaboutStoneanddoesn’tbelieveweshouldbeinterviewinghim.Hewatchedtheinterviewyoutapedafterhisarrestandhasthecourttranscripts.TyhasitinhisheadStonecanmanipulatepeopletohiswill,andmaybehecan,buthewon’tbeabletomanipulateme,that’sforsure.”
“Whoistryingtomanipulateyou?”Kanewalkedoutbehindthemandpulledthedoorclosed.
“TythinksthatStonewillwalkalloverus.”Josnorted.“Asif.”
“Really?”KanesmoothedhishairandpushedonhisblackStetson.“Whatdoyouthink?”
“Ha.”Jogrinnedathim.“Youaretoonice,Dave.That’saclassicreplyfromsomeonewhohatestobeinvolvedindisagreements.”
“Youdon’tknowmeatall,Jo.”Kanechuckled.“Allthisgenialityisafront.I’mhidingadarkanddangerouspast.”HewinkedatJenna.
“Sure,youare.”Jotuckedherbagunderonearmandpulledongloves.“Ah,itlookslikeCarterisreadytoleave.”Sheheadedforthechopper.
Jennastaredathim.“You’repushingyourluck.Oneofthesedaysshe’llseerightthroughyou.”
“Carterhashintedatknowingmypast.”Kaneshruggednonchalantlyandbuttonedhisovercoat.“Hedoesn’thavedetails,buthe’snotstupid.Herecognizesabrotherinarms,justlikeIpickedyouasanagentthemomentwemet.Hejustknowsnottodiscussit.Tobehonest,ifCarterdiddiscoverourpastlives,Idon’tthinkitwouldgoanyfurther.He’ssolidandItrusthim.Wolfebelievesheisaloosecannon,butI’veneverseenthatsideofhim.”
Jennaheadedforthechopper.“Meneither;nowhehashisfilterbackinplace,Ifindhimprofessionalandanasset.Ilikehisdogtoo.”
“It’sjustaswellZorrogetsonsowellwithDuke;they’llkeepeachothercompanywhilewe’reaway.”Kanestrolledbesideher.“Although,IfigureTywantedtotakehisdogintotheprisonwithhim.Hesurelovesthatdog.”
Theflighttocountywouldbeswift,andJennatookthetimetotakeinthesceneryandabsorbthepeacetheBigSkyCountrygaveher.FlyingoverStantonForestandthemountainsgaveheraspecialsenseofwonder.Themountainhadbeentheresincethebeginningoftimeandheldthesecretsoftheages.ThepeaksstoodlikesentriesprotectingBlackRockFallswithanimpenetrableboundary,strongandresilient,likethepeoplewholivedinitsshadows.Shesighedasshesearchedtheforestlookingfortheherdsofelkanddeer.Itwasasifshecouldreachoutandtouchthesnowcappedgraniteandbrushherfingersthroughthetipsofthepines.Shelovedwatchingtheeaglessoarand,beingsohigh,shehadtheirperspectiveonlife.Highabovetheearth,thebeautyofhercounty…hercounty,herpeople,herresponsibility,thunderedhome.Thetownsfolkexpectedhertokeepthemsafe.Shehadtosolvethecrimeforthemandbringthepersonorpersonsresponsibleforthemurderstojustice.
Howdifferentthescenerybecameastheyapproachedthecountyjail.Setinthelowlands,surroundedbynothingbutwilderness,themassiveredbrickbuildingdidjusticetotheworddepressing.Highwalls,triplelinesoffencing,andrazorwirewasthetheme.Nogreenery,nogardens.Guardtowersoverlookedthebuildingandarmedmenlookedoutastheyflewover.Jennapeeredintotheexerciseyards.Separatedintosections,theywerelittlemorethanpenswithreinforcedwirefencessurroundingadustydirtrectangle.Thechopperdropped,andthroughherheadphonesshecouldhearCarteradvisingoftheirarrival.
Guardsandamanincivilianclothingwaitednearthehelipadontopofthecountyjail,allkeepingclosetothewallastheylanded.ThewindbuffetedthechopperanditswayedbackandforthunnervinglybeforeCarterfinallysetitdown.Astheenginewhinedtoahalt,JennaremovedherheadsetandturnedtoKane.“Youhaven’tofferedmeanyadviceabouttalkingtoStone.DoyouhaveanypearlsofwisdomformebeforeIgoandspeaktohim?”
“Nah,you’lldojustfine,butifIwasinwithJo,I’dallowhertotakethelead.I’veseenherworkandshe’sverygood.Shehasawayofmanipulatingpsychopathswithoutthemknowing,andthatinitselfisagift.”Kanesmiledather.“Shewasamazingattheconference;herinsightshavereallyhelpedmeupmygame.”
Jennalaughed.“Yousoundstarstruck.It’sjustJo,ourfriend,oristheresomethingyou’renottellingme?”
“I’vealwaysbeenagreatadmirerofherwork,butI’veyettobestarstruckbyanyone.Idohaverespectforpeople’stalent,buttomeeveryoneisequalnomattertheirrankorpositioninlife.I’veneverbeenintimidatedorinaweofanyone,notevenPOTUS—he’sjustaman.”Kaneshrugged.“Ifigurewe’reluckytobeabletocallJoourfriend.”
Jennanodded.“Absolutely.”ShegatheredherthingsandfollowedKaneoutofthechopper.
Thewardengreetedthemandtheywentthroughtheusualprocedureofremovingtheirweaponsbeforebeingallowedinsidetheprison.Inside,themoodwasgloomyandtheplacehadthesmellofunwashedmenandboiledcabbage.Jennafollowedthewardenthroughmanyelectronicdoorsandalongwalkwaysthattookthemthroughareasfilledwithinmates.Themenglaredatthemandsomewhistled,sniffed,ormadekissingnoises.Aknotofuncertaintycrawledintoherbelly.Itwaslikewalkingintohell.Sherecalledmoviesaboutpeopletryingtoescapeanever-endingpassagewaywithlockeddoorsoneachside,andthisplacewasthesame.Itwasanightmare.Nowindowsandalingeringpresenceofdespair.Theurgetoturnaroundandrunbackoutsidewasoverwhelming;eachstepintothecontinuousgrayinteriorsuffocatedher.
Fluorescentstriplightsflickered,threateningtoplungethemintodarkness.Ahead,aninmatecleanedwhatlookedlikebloodfromthefloorwithasmellymopandlickedhislipsasshewalkedpast.ShecouldfeelKanebesideherandvaluedhissolidpresence.Behindher,JowalkedwithCarter,butastheypassedmoreinmates,theyhadtododgespittleevenwiththeguardsissuingwarningstostaybackastheypassedthroughdifferentareas.ShewantedtospeaktoKanebutkeptherthoughtstoherselfandhereyesonthemen’sbacksbeforeher.Shesighedwithreliefastheyenteredasmallroomwithawindowononeside.Fromhereshecouldseeintoaninterviewroom.Itwasbareapartfromatablewithtwochairsoneitherside.Allthefurniturehadbeensecuredtothefloorandthetablehadaloopforsecuringtheprisoner.Theroomwasbrightlylitandtwocamerassathighonthewall.
“We’llhavethecamerasswitchedoff.Thisisaconfidentialsession.”Joturnedtothewarden.We’llmakeourownrecording.Ifindthesubjectsaremorecooperativeiftheyknowthey’renotbeingwatchedbyanyone.”ShenoddedtoCarter,whowavedacameraathim.
“Yoursafetyisourpriority,Ms.Wells.”Thewardenlookedtakenaback.“Thismanisamassmurdererandpsychopathickiller.Youcan’tpossiblywanttobealonewithhim.”
“Butwedo.”Josmiledathim.“AgentCarterandDeputyKanearehighlyskilled.Theyaretheonlyprotectionwerequire.Thankyou,Warden.We’llgiveyouacallwhenwe’rereadytoleave.”
“I’llbepostingguardsoutsidetheroom.”Thewardenrubbedhischin,obviouslyconcerned.“I’mafraidthatisaconditionofallowingyoutointerviewStone.”
“Verywell.”JopulledopenthedoortotheinterviewroomandwavedJennaforward.“Bringintheprisoner.”
THIRTY-EIGHT
Heartthunderinginherchestandwithasickfeelinginherstomach,Jennastoodatthetablestaringatthedoorasitopenedslowly.Ithadbeensometimesinceshe’dlaideyesonJamesStone.Thecoupleofdatesthey’dbeenonhadbeenadisaster.Asanattractivemanandawealthylawyer,he’dbeenquiteacatch,buttheconnectionhadn’tbeenthere.Hehadn’tbeengoodcompany.Infact,he’dbecomeaproblem,almoststalkingherandnottakingherrefusalformoredatesasfinal.IthadtakenKane’sman-to-manchatwithhimtomakehimbackoff.Fromallaccountsherrefusaltoseehimagaintriggeredakillingspree.Wellorganized,Stoneranaservicethroughthedarkwebforhuntinghumans.Jennahadn’tdiscoveredwhowasbehindthemurdersuntilshe’dcomeclosetobeinghisnextvictim,butshe’dbroughthimtojusticewiththehelpofherteam.Thelasttimethey’dmet,Stone’shatredforherhadbeenpalpableandhe’dthreatenedtogeteven.ThemanenteringtheroomhadcommittedunspeakablecrimesandhewasdangerouswithacapitalD
Suckinginonelastdeepbreathtocalmhernerves,sheliftedherchinandmetStone’scoldgazeasheshuffledintotheroom,hisfeetshackled,handscuffedandsecuredbychainstohiswaist.Hehadn’tchangedmuch,andtheprisonT-shirtshowedoffwell-developedmuscles.StartledoutofherfearparalysisbythesoundofJo’svoicebesideher,Jennagrippedthebackofthechair
“Removetheshackles.”Joplacedherbooksonthetablebesideavoicerecorder.
“Ma’am?”Theguardcouldn’thidehisshockedexpression.“That’snotwhatwedohere.”
“Well,youdonow.”Josmiledathim.“Mr.StoneisallowedtousethelibraryunshackledandI’mtoldheisamodelprisoner.Whywouldhewanttohavehisprivilegesrevoked?DoasIsay.”ShelookedatStone.“Youunderstandthetermsofmyvisit,Mr.Stone?Therewillbearewardforyourcooperation.”
“Yeah,Iunderstand.”Stonesmirkedattheguard.“See,Harry?ItoldyousoonerorlaterJennawouldcomebyandseeme.”Heturnedhisattentiononher.“Iknewyoucouldn’tkeepawayforlong.”
Fightingtheneedtoescapetheroomandrunasfastasherfeetwouldcarryherbacktothechopper,Jennastoodrigidasthechainswereremoved.ShecouldseeaflashofamusementinStone’seyes,thetwitchofhismouthinthecorner.She’dseenthesamewhenhetriedtokillher;hisoverconfidenceastoundedher.Gatheringhersenses,shenoddedtoJoinasilentcommunicationtoinformhershewantedtocontinue,althoughhergutinstinctwastellinghertheopposite.
“Youcanwaitoutside.”Jowavedtheguardaway.“Wecanhandleitfromhere.”Shesatdown,pressedthebuttonontherecorder,andaredlightflashed
“It’syourfuneral.”Theguardflashedhiscardtoexittheroombutthroughtheglasspanelshecouldseehimtakeupapositionoutside.
Althoughtheroomwascomfortablycool,sweattrickleddownJenna’sback.SquashingtherisingpanicthatseeingStonehadincited,sheturnedherattentiontohim.Hispleasantexpressionhidthecrazedmassmurdererwithin.“Hello,James.”
“Howdidyougetmixedupwithher?”StoneindicatedtoJowithajutofhischin.
Pressingasmileonherlips,Jennastoodhergroundandkepthertoneconversational,asJohadadvised.Shedidn’tintendtoantagonizehimorcower.Yeah,hefrightenedher,buthe’dneverknowit.“ThisisSpecialAgentJoWells.Asyou’reprobablyawarebynow,sheisresearchingcriminalmindsfortheFBI.SheaskedmeaboutsomeofmymorenotoriouscasesandIthoughtofyou.”Shewavedtothechair.“Whydon’tyousitdown.”
“Whydon’tIjustreachacrossthetableandstranglehersowecanbealone?Wehaveunfinishedbusiness.”Stonedraggedhisthumbacrosshisthroatandgrinned.
Refusingtobeintimidatedbyhim,Jennamethisamusedgazewithaneyeroll.Theideaofbeingniceandactinglikehisfriendtogetinformationhadleftonthelasttrain.Damnyoutohell.“Youjustcan’tgetoverbeingbeatenbyawoman,canyou?”Shewavedahandtoencompasstheroom.“You’renevertobereleased,James.Lockedupinhererealtight,allonyourlonesome.Allyouhaveareemptythreats.”
“I’mnotrestrained,Jenna,andyoudon’thaveaweapon.Icouldkillyouinasecondandyouknowit,butI’mmoreinterestedinJohere.”Stone’slipscurledintoasmile.“MaybeI’llbreakherneckjusttoproveIcan?Whatdoyousay,Jenna?Youchoose.Won’tthatbefun?”
“That’snotyourusualMO.Sitdown,orwe’releavingalongwiththebenefitsweofferedfortheinterview.”Joremainedrelaxed,justleaningback,crossingherlegs,andlookingathimasheslumpedintoachair.“I’msureyouwouldn’tgetmuchofabuzzfromjuststranglingme.I’vereadyourfiles.TheonlyreasonI’mofferingyouanotherchancetocooperateisbecauseyouinterestme.”
“DoInow,AgentWells?”Stonepolishedhisfingernailsonhisorangecoveralls.“Howso?”
“You’reIQisborderingongeniusandyetyouturnedtocrime.”Joraisedoneeyebrow.“I’minterestedtoknowwhy.”
“What?Youdon’twanttoknowhowIfeltwhenIwatchedthelifeslippingfrommyvictims’eyes?”Hebarkedalaugh.“‘Victims’isaverystrangewordtouseforthepeopleinvolvedinmybusiness,AgentWells.Competitors,orperhapscontestants,reallydescribethembetter.”
“Aninterestinganalogy.”Joopenedhernotebookandliftedapen.“YoucancallmeJo.”
“Areyoumarried,Jo?”Stoneglancedatherfingers.“Idon’tseearing.”
“No,I’mnotmarried,butIdidn’tcomeheretotalkaboutme.”Joleanedforwardalittle.“Youfascinateme.Iwanttoknoweverythingaboutyou.You’llbeimmortalizedinmybook.”
“That’snice.”HeturnedtoJenna,movinghisgazealloverher.“Youstillhaven’tfoundanyoneyet,haveyou,Jenna?”
ThequestionmadeJenna’sskincrawlbutthefewtipsontheFBIinterviewingtechniquethatshehadgottenalongthewayfellintoplace.She’dalreadybrokenthefirstruleandantagonizedthesubject.Shehadtopullbackandgoalongwithhisdelusionstoloosenhistongue.Sheshookherhead.“Ihaven’tfoundanyonelikeyou,James.”
“Ha.”Stoneslappedthetable,sendingshardsofpanicupJenna’sspine.“Iknewit.”HeturnedtoJo.“You’rewaytooprettytobesingle.”Hesighed.“Okay,onequestion:Isthisaone-offdealorareyouplanningonvisitingmeregular?”
“Thatdependsonyourcooperation.”Josmiledathim.
Thewayhechangedfromserialkillerbacktothemanshe’ddatedastoundedJenna.He’drelaxedandhadtakenonafriendlyattitude.ShegaveJoameaningfulstare.She’dremainquietandallowJotoworkhermagic.
“Iwanttoknoweverything,James.”Joleanedforwardwithherhandsclaspedonthetable.“Startatthebeginning.”
“Thatwouldtakeyears.”Stoneyawned.“Givemespecifics.”
“Sure.”Jomadeanoteinherbookandsmiledathim.“YoumentionedthebreakupwithJennatriggeredakillingspree,soalthoughyou’vetoldpsychiatristsyouhadnoempathytowardthepeopleyoumurdered,thiswouldindicateyou’renotapersonlackingoffeelings,orareyou?”
“Jennawouldhaveslidintomylifeperfectlyandshe’dhavebeenthewifeofawealthylawyer.”HeslidhisgazeoverJennaandsnorted.“Shewasanornamentisall.”HeturnedhisgazeslowlybacktoJo.“Ihaveempathy,soIcan’tbeclassedasapsychopath—isthatright?Don’tanswer,becauseIknowabouttheHarePsychopathyChecklist.Trustme,mostofthehigh-profilepeopleinthiscountrywouldn’tpassthattest.”Hechuckled.
“Doyouwantthetruthorareweplayinggames?”Joshrugged.“YouknowaswellasIdopsychopathyisn’tanexactscience.ManyI’veinterviewedcanturnempathyonandofflikeatap.Tellme,didyouhaveempathyforthepeopleyoukilledatBearPeak?”
“See,you’relookingatwhatIdidallwrong,Jo.”Heletoutalongsigh.“It’ssimpletounderstand.IfIwentouthuntingtoputmeatonmytable,doyouthinkwhenIsinktheboltintoanelkorwhatever,Icareaboutitsfeelingsorifitsfriendswillmissit?”Hewipedhismouthwiththebackofhishand.“Whenyoueatyourburgerorcutintoaprimeribeye,doyoufeelsorryforthesteerwhogaveitslifesoyoucouldeat?Doyouworryoverhowitfeltbeingshuffledontothekillingfloorandgettingaboltinthebrain?”
“No,thatneverentersmymind.”Jodidn’tshowanyemotion.“I’mnotavegan.Idon’thaveaproblemwitheatingmeat.”
“Andwhatdoyouthinkaboutthepeoplewhoslaughteranimalsforfood,Jo?”Stoneleanedforward,watchingJo’sreactionclosely.
“It’sbusiness.”Jomadeafewnotes.Sheappearedrelaxedandincontrol.
“Exactly.”StonegaveJennaatriumphantsmile.“Business.WhatIdidwasbusiness.Iranahuntingbusinesstomakemoney.Oncethetransactionwascompleted,Iwalkedawayanddidn’thaveareasontothinkaboutthecontestantsinthegame.”
“Whatabouttheonesyouleftinthecaveandvisited?”Jolookedup,aninterestedexpressiononherfaceasifshewerehangingonhiseveryword.
“Haveyouseenelkheadshangingonwalls,Jo?”Stoneopenedhishandswide.“I’mnodifferenttoanyoneelsewholikestokeeptrophiesofhiskills.Tellme,areallthefolkswithtaxidermyintheirhomespsychopaths?”
“No,Iguessnot.”Jowetherlips.
“Whatelsedoyouwanttoknow?”StonesmiledatJenna.“Ilikeher,sheunderstandsme.”
“Themethodofkeepingyourtargetsalivewhileincreasingtheirpainlevelswasingenious.Howdidyoulearnhowtodothat?”JostaredatStone.
AshiverofdisgustsliddownJenna’sspineandshemovedhereyestothemirror.KnowingKaneandCarterwerejustoutsidehelpedsome.Shefoundherselfleaningforwardalittle,waitingforhisreplytoJo’squestion.
“Practice.”Stoneleanedbackinhischair,relaxed,andthenmovedforwardandleanedonthetable.“Ididn’tstartinBlackRockFalls.Iwasinfostercareandtherewasalotofkidscomingandgoing.Somewouldtellmeabouthowthey’dbeentreatedandsowegottogetherandkilledtheirfosterparents.”Helaughed.“Theyneverexpectit.Theythinktheycandowhatevertheypleaseandmanydo,butyoushouldhaveseentheirfaceswhenfourorfivekidsarrivedwithknives.Ishowedthemwhattodo,mosttimes.”
“Howwonderfullyinteresting.”Josmiledathim.“Howoldwereyouwhenthishappened?”
“Eight,maybeten.”Stoneshrugged.“Manymorefollowed,andthenIreceivedascholarshiptoattendlawschool.Iliketostudyandtheurgeforblooddieddownsome.Iwasquietforacoupleofyearsandthenabunchofgirlsstartedtomesswithmyhead.Onegirl,IkeptaliveforfivedaysbeforeIpushedherintoawoodchipper.”
“Youdidthatalone?”Jotooknotes.
“Yeah,thatoneIdid,butherfriendsknewshe’ddroppedbytheranchwhereIwaslivingandIhadtogetmybuddiestodealwiththem.Weenjoyedthehuntsomuch,andeveryonewantedmore,soIdevisedtheplantousethedarkweb.Therearesomanylikemindedpeopleoutthere.Peoplewhowanttohuntdownandkillhumans,soIdecidedtomakeitintoabusiness.”
“Doyouoftenencouragepeopletokillforyou?”Jolookedupfromhernotes
“Ah,ifIsayyesthiscouldbeconstruedasentrapment.I’minjailformurder.Iknowthis,butthelawyersideofmeisveryastute.”Stone’seyeschangedfromsofttohardinaflash.“Tryingsomethinglikethatwouldbeaverystupidmove.”
“I’monlyheretolistentoyourstoryandifI’dwantedtouseanythingyousay,I’dhavereadyouyourrights.”Joshrugged.“Ihavenoreasontolietoyou.YoumusthaveheardabouttheFBI’sbehavioralanalysisprogram?Wewanttolearnfromyouisall.Thereisnoulteriormotive.”Shesmiled.“Youmusthavequiteafewadmirersinhereandoutside.Doyoucommunicatewiththem?”
“Outsidetheprison?”Stoneshookhishead.“Ihavenowaytocommunicatewithanyoneontheoutside.Idon’tmixwithotherinmates.I’mnotallowedvisitors.Yousee,I’mconsideredtoodangerousandIspendmostofmytimeinmycell.Myonlyrespiteisthelibrary.”
Jennastaredathim.Itcouldn’tbetrue,hehadtobelying.Stonemusthaveapartnerincrimetheydidn’tknowabout.“Ifyoudidn’tcommunicatewithanyoneontheoutside,howcomewehaveakillerusingthesamemethodsyouusedoutofBearPeak?Unlessyou’rethecopycat?”
“Theywereallmine.Idon’tneedtocopyanyoneelse.”Stone’seyesflashedwithanger.“Noonebeforeoraftermehaseverdevisedsuchaplan.Beforeme,nooneknewhowtodisableapersonandkeepthemalive.Paralyzingamanisincrediblefun.Icantieatorniquetaroundanypartofhislimbsandremovethemwhilehewatches.There’snopainandtheytakeforevertodie,butthelookontheirfacesmakesupforit.Theyfightforlife,butnotthewomen.Thoseusuallybegmetofinishthem.”
Jennalaughed.“That’snottrue,James,andyouknowit.”SheslidaphotographoutofJo’sfolderandpusheditacrossthetabletohim.“Lookatthis:hehasthesameMOasyou,rightdowntotheseveredspinalcord.”
“Thisisn’tmywork,butclose.”Hesniffedtheimageandranafingertiplovinglyoverit.“Theysayimitationisthesincerestformofflattery.CanIkeepit?”
“Idon’tthinkthat’sagoodidea.”Joloweredhervoice.“WhatifItoldyouthishappenedjusttheotherday.Howdoyoufeelaboutsomeoneimitatingyou?”
“Iloveit…mmm,Icansmellher:perfumeandthemetallicscentofblood.Nothinglikeit.”StonelookedatJoandaslowrumbleoflaughterspilledfromhislips.“Canyouhearherscreams?HowmanygottolookatherbeforeWolfetookheraway?Hashecutherupyet?CanIseetheautopsyphotographs?”
“Ican’tanswerthat,sorry.”Joclosedhernotebook.“Ithinkthat’senoughfortoday.Thankyouforthechat.I’dlovetotalkwithyouanothertime.”
“Nexttime,comealone.Ilikethewayyousmell.ChanelNumberFive,Ibelieve.”StoneturnedhisgazeslowlytowardJenna.“AmImakingyoujealous,Jenna?”
Jennaignoredhim.
“I’llseewhatIcando.”Jopressedabuzzeronthetableandstood.
TheguardcameinandshackledStone,andJoheadedforthedoor.Jennawantedtoleave,butherlegshadturnedtoJell-O.WhenStoneshuffledcloserandbentoverthetablenotafootawayfromher,hisexpressionhadchangedandthepsychopathhadrisentothesurface.Theguardwasjustwatchingwithanamusedlookonhisfaceandhadn’tattemptedtostophim.AwaveofdreadhitJennafullforceand,vulnerable,trappedbetweenchairandtable,sheleanedback,gettingherfeetunderher,andstaredintoStone’sdeadeyes.Shecouldsmellhim;rancidsweatandhisonionbreathwashedoverher.
“I’dhavekilledyouslowly,andmadeyousuffer.”Heranhistongueslowlyoverhisbottomlip.“It’snotover,Jenna.You’llneverbesafefromme.Youshouldhaveputabulletinmeonthemountain.”
Jennasnorted.“Trustme,Iwantedto,butseeingyoulockedupinherelikearabiddogismuchbetter.”
“Nexttimewemeet,I’llwinandyou’llbedead.Idon’tlosetwice.”Hechuckleddeepinhischest.“Mmm,Icanalmosttasteyourbloodonmyhands.I’mcomingforyou,Jenna.Don’tcloseyoureyes,becausewhenyoudo,I’llberightbehindyou.”
THIRTY-NINE
Rigid,JennastaredattheretreatingbackofJamesStone.Hiswordsseemedtoechoinhermindonaloopofinsanity.Shesuckedinadeepbreath,tastingthesmellofhimonhertongue,andmovedawayfromthechair.Theblinkinglightontherecordercaughthereye,andshepressedthebuttontoturnitoffandthenjuststoodtherestaringatit.Seeinghimagainandhearinghisthreatshadshakenhertothebone.
ThedoorbehindheropenedandKane’svoiceseemedloudinthesmallroom.
“Jenna.Areyouokay?”Hetouchedherarm.“Whatdidhesaytoyou?”
Jennapickeduptherecorderandhandedittohim.“I’mfine.Iwasexpectinghimtothreatenme.It’sonhere.”Sheignoredtherisingpanicandforcedherselftoactnonchalantly.ShehadnoneedtobeafraidofStone.Hehadnowaytoescapeandhurther.Itwasallsmokeandshadows,nothingmore.“He’scrazyisall.”SheledthewayoutsideandlookedatJo.“Ithinkweshouldspeaktothewarden.I’dliketoseeformyselfhowtheycontainStone.HeneedstobeinformedwehaveacopycatkillerandwesuspectStoneissomehowinvolved.”
“Sure,butIplayedtohisego.Mostpsychopathscan’tresistboastingtheyhavethepoweroverpeopletomakethemkillforthem.”Joshrugged.“I’llgooverthetapeandlistenagaintohisreplies,buthegavemenoindicationofbeinginvolved.He’dliketobe,buthe’snot.”
“Sorry,butIdisagree.”Kanepulledanearpiecefromthevoicerecorderandplacedthedeviceonthedesk.“Listentothis.”
JennastaredatthewallasStone’slastwordstoherfilledtheroom.Sheswallowedhard.“Openthreats,nothingmore.Theravingsofalunatic.”
“Maybenot.”JofrownedandlookedatKane.“Youmayhavesomethingthere.”
“Itsureashellsoundslikehe’splanningsomething,tome.”Carterrestedonehiponthecornerofthedesk.“Buthow?Withoutcontactwiththeoutsideworld,itwouldbeimpossible.”
“DidyouseethewaytheguardsmiledwhenhewentclosetoJenna?”Kanestraightened.“Hedidnothing.Guardscanbebought—hell,manypeoplehavetheirprice.Stonehasmillions,cashnoonebutheknowsaboutishiddeninbankaccountsworldwide.He’dstillhavepeopleinhisemployjustwaitingforthechancetobreakhimoutofjail.”
Jennanodded.“Yeah,whatWolfefoundonthedarkwebwouldindicatehehadanetworkofpeoplemovingmoneyforhim.”
“Howcomeyoudidn’tcallintheFBItotrackitdown?”Carterlookedamused.“Wolfeisamedicalexaminer.YouneededsomeonelikeBobbyKalo.”
Annoyed,Jennaturnedtohim.“WolfeisanITspecialistaswell,butbythetimeweuncoveredwhatStonewasdoing,afail-safewasusedtoeradicateeverythingonthedarkweb.Trustme,Wolfedideverythingtouncoverdetailsbutheonlyfoundfragments.Stoneusedthebestinthebusinesstobuildhispageandtohidehismoney.”Shesighed.“We’regettingwayofftrackhere.WehavemurderstosolveandJuneHarrisisstillmissing.Rightnow,allIwanttodoismakesuretheyhaveStoneundersurveillancedayandnight.”ShelookedatKane.“Let’sgo.Theguardoutsidethedoorwilltakeustoseethewarden.Let’shopewe’renotparadedinfrontoftheinmatesagain.”
“Don’tlistentothem.”Jomovedtoherside.“Here.”Shepulledsetsofearplugsfromherpocketinneatplasticbags.“Shovetheseinyourearsandhum.Itblocksouttheobscenitiesandtheydon’tgetthereactionthey’reexpecting.”
“Idon’tneedthem.”KanegrinnedatCarter.“Doyou?”
“Hellno.”Carterlaughed.“Idon’tthinkthekissysoundswereaimedatme.”
Jennapushedtheplugsinherears.“Okay,stopmessingaround.Iwanttogetoutofthishellholeassoonaspossibleandtakeashower.Ifigurewe’llcarrythisstinkonusforweeks.”Shepulledopenthedoorandbeckonedtheguard.“We’dliketoseethewardenbeforeweleave.Canyoutakeustohim,please?”
“Thisway.”Theguardwalkedbesideher.“Youmighthavetowaitforatime.Hedon’tstayinhisofficeallday.”
“Justlethimknowwewanttospeaktohim.”KanemovedbehindJenna.“Wewon’tholdhimupforlong.”
Theguardtookthemthroughanoutsideareaandtheymovedthroughmoreexerciseyards,buttheabusehadbecomebackgroundnoisebehindthehumming.Astheymovedintoadifferent,moremodernareathelayoutoftheprisonchangedastheyclimbedastaircasetoanotherfloor.Thesameconcreteandtiles,butofficesreplacedtheinterviewroomsandthenoiseoftheinmatescamefrombelowthem.Luckily,thewardenwasinhisofficeandwavedthemallinside.Afterremovingtheearplugs,Jennaexplainedherconcernsandthewardendismissedthemwithawaveofhishand.
“Comewithme.”ThewardenledthemdownthehallwayandintoacontrolroomlinedwithscreensshowingCCTVfootageofvastareasoftheprison.“Seehere.”Hepointedtoanarray.“Thisismaximumsecurity.Theguardsherewatchtheinmatestwenty-four/seven.Thecelldoorsarecontrolledfromacentralarea.Twoormoreguardsareincontroloftheopeningandclosingofdoorsandgatesateachcheckpoint.”
“WhataboutwhenStonegoestothelibrary?”Carterstaredatthescreens.“Whodoeshemeetandwhyishereallythere?”
“Thelibraryisaprivilegeheearnedbybeingamodelprisoner.”Thewardengavethemanimpatientshrug.“Theyhavetohaveanincentivetobehave.Heputinarequesttohavehislawbooksaddedtothelibrary,healsoofferedhisservicestoanyprisonerwhobelievedthey’dbeenrailroadedbythesystem.”
Jennagapedathim.“So,hedoeshavecontactwithotherprisoners.Yousaidhewasn’tincontactwithanyone.”
“That’sright.He’snot,apartfromtheguards,themedicalstaff,andoneprisoner,whoisatrustee.Hecollectsordersforbooks,deliversthem,andreturnsthemtothelibrary.Trustme,StoneisunderguardtheentiretimeandtherearenoconversationsallowedbetweenthetrusteeandStone.”HegaveJennaalonglook.“Hedoesn’tspeaktotheprisonerswhoseekhishelp.He’sgiventheircasefilesandmakessuggestionsisall.Thefilesdon’tgettohimviatheinmates.Theycomefromthepreviouscounselonthecase.Allhisnotesarereadbeforethey’rehandedtotheinmatesviaaguard.”
Unsettled,Jennametthewarden’sgaze.“CanyouassuremethatthereisabsolutelynowayStoneiscommunicatingwiththeoutsideworld?”
“Yes.”Thewardennoddedemphatically.“Wehavemanymaximum-securityprisonershere.Somearesohighprofilethey’rekeptinsolitaryconfinementfortheirownsafety.Theyallwouldfindsomereasontokilleachother,andtheslightestthingcantriggerthem.Mostarecunningandverysmart.Itwouldn’ttakelongforthemtodeviseaplanofescape.Thisiswhythey’renotpermittedtospeaktoothersoflikemindinthemaxwing.”
Unconvincedbecausehergutwasinsistingsomethingwasn’tright,JennareluctantlynoddedandturnedtoKane.“I’veseenenough.”ShelookedatJoandCarter.“Areyoureadytoleave?”
“Yeah.”Josmiledatthewarden.“Thankyouforyourcooperation.ThevisitwithStonewasveryilluminating.IhopeI’llbeabletospeaktosomeofyourotherprisonersinthefuture?”
“Onlytoohappytoassist,youAgentWells.”Thewardenbeamedather.“Theguardwilltakeyoubacktothehelipad.”Hewavedthemintothehallway.“Gooddaytoyou.”
Notmakingeyecontactwithanyone,Jennamovedswiftlythroughthejail,earplugsfirmlyinplaceandhumminglikeaderangedlunatic.Whenshefinallyclimbedintothechoppersheslumpedbackinherseat,totallydrained,andlookedatKane.“I’msuregladthat’sover.”
“Youcansaythatagain.”
FORTY
Backattheranch,JennastaredattherecordingdeviceplayingbackonthekitchentableinKane’scottage.ThesoundofStone’sconfidentvoicesentchillsthroughher.Theconstrictioninherthroatwaslikeacordtightening,andshetouchedherneckjusttobesuretherewasn’treallyonethere.Asthelastfewthreateningwordsechoedinherearslikeadeathknell,sheclosedherhandsaroundhercoffeecupjusttofeelthecomfortingheat,andfoundthecupempty.Tryingtokeephervoicesteadyalthoughhermindwasracingonehundredmilesanhourinpanicmode,sheliftedhergazetoJo.“Whatisheplanning?”
“Morelike,whathasheplanned.”Cartermovedatoothpickacrosshislipsandraisedbotheyebrowsather.“Hesoundswaytoooverconfidenttobemakingthosethreatswithouthavingsometypeofplantobackthemup.Hemustbecommunicatingwithotherprisonersandnotthoseinmaximumsecurity—Idoubthecouldtrustthem,asmostofthemhavetheirownformofpsychopathy.He’dmorelikelychosethoseinmateswhohaveregularvisitorsorareallowedtocorrespondwiththeoutside.Remember,thisguyisloaded,hecouldbebribinganyoneinsidethejail.Younevercaughthisaccomplicesontheoutsideorthosewhocontrolhisfortune.Ibelievehestillhascontactwithafewverywellpaidanddedicatedfollowers.”
“Hisaffairswereputinthehandsofalawyerhetrusts.Idoubtheiscorruptible.”Jennarubbedhertemples.“Youhearditstraightfromthewarden’smouth.It’simpossibleunlesshehaseveryguardonhispayroll.”
“ThenweaskfortheCCTVsurveillancefromtheprisonandspendthetimetogothroughitforourselves.”Kanerefilledthecoffeecupsfromafreshpotandslidaplateofsandwicheshe’djustmadeontothetable.“Stoneisasmartman.He’dhavefoundaway,somehow.Maybeit’ssomethingtodowiththecaseshe’ssupposedlyhelpingwith.”HelookedatJenna.“Howvigilantaretheguards?Iheardaringtoneduringourvisittothewarden’soffice.Howmanyguardsareplayingwiththeirphonesinthecontrolroom?”
Jennanodded.“True,butwillthewardenreleasethetapes?”
“Icouldasktousethemasafollow-uptomybehavioralstudies.”Joplacedasandwichonherplateandexaminedthecontents.“Itwouldbeanormalthingtodo,asinobservingapersonintheirday-to-dayactivities.I’llcallassoonasI’veeatenthisdelicioussandwichKanehasmade.”Shesmiledathim.“Amanofmanytalents,Isee.”
“Foodisapassion,soIlearnedtocookgoodfood,realfast.”Kanegrinnedback.“Iwasmakingmyownmealsasaboy.”
TryingtokeepKaneawayfromhisfavoritesubject,Jennatappedonthetable.“Movingrightalong.”SheturnedherattentiontoJoandCarter.“Iguessyoudon’thaveplanstohangaround?”
“Nottoday,no.”Carterremovedhistoothpick,flickeditintothetrash,andselectedasandwich.“We’llheadhomebutwe’llberightbackifyouneedus.”Heshrugged.“Rightnow,withoutanyleadsonanypossiblesuspectsorthemissingwoman,there’snotmuchwecandotohelp.”Hemotionedwithhissandwichtotheopenfrontdoor.“Howcomeyouhaveguysinmilitaryfatiguesworkingonyourhouse,Jenna?”HeflickedhisgazetoKane.“There’sanentirecampoutthere.Whatgives?”
Jennasearchedhermindforaplausibleexcuse.“Aftermyhousewastrashed,Ihadthedamagerepaired,butthemayorwantedmysecurityupgraded.This”—shewavedherhandabsentlytowardthedoor—“ispartofamilitarytrainingprogram.Apparentlytoseehowfasttheycansecuretheperimeterofasensitivearea.”Sheshrugged.“Itworksforme,butI’llbegladwhenthey’rethroughcheckingusbackandforththroughmyowngate.It’sapainandI’msureDaveissickofmelivingherebynow.”
“Right.”CartergaveKaneawink.“I’llgodoapreflightcheckandthenwe’llbeonourway.”HesnappedhisfingersandZorrojumpedtoattention.“Wheelsupinfive.”Hestrolledoutthedoor.
“I’llmakethatcall.”Jopulledoutherphoneandcalledthewarden.
Aftersomedelayandbackandforth,shedisconnectedandsmiledatJenna.“HeuploadseverythingintotheCloud,he’stextingmealinksowecanaccessthefilesdirect.”Herphonechimedamessage.“Thatwasfast.I’llforwardittoyou.”
“Gotit.”Kanelookedathisphone.“We’llgetRowleyandRioontoitthisafternoon.”
“MindifItakethetapewerecordedtoday?I’llsendyouacopy.”Jofinishedhercoffeeandstood.“I’dliketostudyitsomemore.”
Jennapushedtoherfeet.“Sure.Thanksforcoming.ThatwasanexperienceIwon’tforgetinahurry.I’dliketodoitagainbutwithpsychopathswhodon’twanttokillmenexttime.”
“Theyareinterestingtostudyaslongasyouknowhowtoplaytotheirego.”Jocollectedherthings.“Orgetdowntotheirlevel.Beingtheirbestfriendusuallyworkswell,butneverfallintoamisguidedstateoffalsesecurity.They’rekillers,withoutfeeling,andmostwouldkillyouwithoutasecondthought.”
Jennafrowned.Thelistofkillersfromhertownhadneverlefthermind;sherecalledthemandtheirvictimsvividly.“Yes,Iknowhowdangeroustheyare,Jo.Learninghowtodealwiththemismygoal.IfIcanthinklikethem,I’llbeabletocatchthemeasier.”
“Well.”Josmiled.“Weallliveinhopeofthat.Seeyousoon.”Shehurriedoutthedoorandlookedoveroneshoulder.“Don’tcomeout,therotorbladeswillkickupapileofdust.I’llcallyousoon.”
Jennafollowedheroutside,gavethemawave,andclosedthedooragainsttherushofwind.ShetookhercoatfromthepegandtossedKane’stohim.“We’lldropbytheofficeonthewaytotheautopsyandgettheguysontothefootagenow.I’llbeinterestedtofindoutifthere’sbeenanycallsonthehotlinefromthemediarelease.Ialsowanttoknowwhatourtwosuspectshavebeendoing.”
“Sure.”KanebentandrubbedDuke’sears.“Youstayhere,Duke.”Hewenttothedog’sfeederandtoppeditup.“Thereyougo,plentyoffoodtokeepyougoing.”
DukelickedKane’shandandwenttohisbasket,turnedaroundthreetimes,andlaydownwithasigh.Jennasmiledathimandchuckled.“He’llbeasleepbeforeweleave.”
“Yeah.”KanepushedonhisblackStetson.“ItmusthavebeenahardmorningforhimentertainingZorro.”
FORTY-ONE
Hestrolledthroughtown,unabletokeepthesmilefromhisface.Everythinghadworkedoutasplanned.He’dgottentoenjoyhimselfandhunteddownacoupleoftourists.Soonhe’dbefamous.Thebodyhe’dstashedinacavewasthetalkofthetown.He’dwalkedpasttheBlackRockFallsnewspaperofficeandreadtheheadlinesaboutthemissingwoman.They’dsearchedforaweeknow,buthe’dhiddenherinasecludedplacehe’dfoundasaboy,farfromanyregulartrails.Theurgetohuntagainhadbecomeanaggingachebuthe’dwaituntilthetimewasright.Beingsmartandtakinghistimetoplaneachexquisitemovehadworkedsofar.Confidencefilledhimwithpower.Hewouldcontroldestiniesandnoonewouldbeabletotouchhimaslongasheremainedpatient.He’dseenthesheriff’steam,likeapackofwolveshuntinghimdown,butthey’dneverfindhim.They’druninendlesscircles.Hecouldbenowhereandeverywhereatthesametime,and,likeaHalloweenillusion,he’dvanishintothemist.
HeslowedtoexaminetheHalloweendisplays.Man,theygotbloodiereveryyear.Asakid,wearingasheetoverhisheadwithholesinitandscreaming“Woowoo”hadbeenhisHalloweenhighlight,buttheexcitementofscaringpeopledidn’tlastlong.He’dreturnhomeexpectingthebeatinghisfatherwouldgivehimforcuttingholesinhisma’slinen.He’dlearnedlongagothatcryingdidn’tsatisfyhispa’sbrutality,itmadeitworse,sohe’dnevermadeasound.Heunderstoodthefeelingjustfine—theragewhenwomenscreamedorpleadedwithhimmadehimwanttoshutoutthenoise.ThisHalloweenwouldbedifferentandnothingwouldcomeclosetothefeelofwarmbloodonhishands.Thesmellfromhislastkillstilllingeredinhisnose,likeabeautifulmemorytosavor,andhefoundhimselfmovingclosetothemacabredisplaysandinhalingjustincase.
Hestrolledon,enjoyingthefreshairmingledwiththefascinatingaromasdriftingfromAuntBetty’sCafé.Duringhistimeaway,he’dhaddreamsaboutthediner.Thequalityofthefoodneverchanged,althoughSusieHartwighadreplacedtheoldladyhe’drememberedasthemanager.Themenuhadgrownfromasmallgreasysheettoafoldableplastic-coveredlistofdelights,andheplannedtospendeverydayeatingtheretomakeupforlosttime.Hehadmoneytoburn.Infact,hedoubtedhecouldeverspendallthecashhiddeninhishome.
Fallleavesspuninwindfunnelsacrossthesidewalkandtheskydarkenedascloudspassedthesun.Thedrystormsstillthreatened,andhenoticedquiteafewfolksglancingskywardnervously.Hechuckled.Nothingfrightenedhim,noteventhethreatofdeath.He’djustmakethebestofthetimehehadleft,onedayorfiftyyearsmadenodifference.Hedidn’tcare.
ThesoundofapowerfulmotormovingdownMaindrewhisattentionandhestaredafterthevehicledrivingSheriffAltontothesheriff’sdepartment.He’dbeenwatchingthemforoveramonthnow,andhecouldjustaboutsethiswatchtoherarrivaleachmorning.Yethereitwaswaypastnoonandshe’donlyjustarrived.Heshookhishead.Trustthewomantobetardywhenhehadplans.Heremovedhishatandscratchedhishead.Maybeshe’dbeontimetomorrow.
FORTY-TWO
TheskydarkenedasKanefollowedJennainsidethemorgueandhismindwentstraighttoDukealoneathome.HisdoghadbeenthroughatraumaticeventwithJennaduringastormandhewonderedifhewouldcopealoneifanotherstormhit.“There’sastormcoming.IhopeDukewillbeokay.”
“He’llhideunderyourbed.”Jennaledthewaytoanalcoveoutsideanexaminationroomwitharedlightglowing,indicatinganautopsywasinprogress.
TakinginJenna’spale,drawncomplexion,Kanetouchedherarm.“ThatwasprettybadmeetingStoneagain,huh?Iwantedtochargeinthemomenthemovedclosetoyoubutfigureditwouldonlymakethingsworse.”
“I’mgladyoudidn’t.”Jennashruggedoutofherjacket.“Whatcouldhedotome?Hehadbothhandschainedtohiswaistandhislegsshackled.Trustme,Iwasgettingreadytopunchhiminthenoseifhemadeamovetohurtme.”Shehandedhimasetofscrubs.“Helikestocontrolandintimidate.Ididn’twanthimtoknowhe’dscaredthelifeoutofme.That’swhyIstoodmyground.”Shelookedathim.“ItbeatsmewhyIimmediatelytiedmyintrudertoStone.Imean,Stoneneverworeaslicker.Well,notwhenIconfrontedhimintheforest.HeworecamouflagegearasfarasIknow.Itwasjustthewayhestood,holdingthecrossbow.”Sheshrugged.“Thentheotherdayinthealleyway,themenacethatflowedfromthatguy,itwasjustthesamehateIfeltfromStoneintheinterviewroom.”
Kanetouchedhercheek.Herfleshwascoldunderhisfingersandmatchedthefrigidairinthemorgue.“Youknowitwasn’thim.Thatdoesn’tmakethiskilleranylessdangerous.Thisguymaybeacopycat,butmosttimesthey’remoreviciousthantherealthing.Theyliketoprovethey’reworthyofthenotoriety.You’rerighttobeworried.It’saperfectlynormalresponse.”
ThedoorwhooshedopenandWolfestoodattheentrance.Kanenoddedtohim.“Arewelate?”
“Nope,rightontime.”Hewavedtheminside.“EmisatschoolsoIonlyhaveWebber,andanotherpairofhandswouldmakelifeeasier.”
AshefollowedWolfeintotheexaminationroom,thesmellofdecayandgasolinecreptthroughhismasklikeeviltwinsofmurder.Kanepulledonhisgloves.“Sure,whodowehavefirst?”
“EmmettHowardoutofSleepyCreek.”WolfeindicatedtowardtheX-raysonthescreen.“Asyoucansee,acrossbowboltpenetratedthefrontallobe,causingasignificantskullfracture.Evenwithoutremovingthecranium,thelackofhematomafromtheinjuryisindicativethatthisisthecauseofdeath.I’dsayitwasinstantaneous.Thepenetrationthroughtheskullandthedepththeboltdugintothetreewouldindicatetheshotwastakenwithinsixfeet.”
Kanemovedcloser.“Icanstillsmellgas.Canyoutellifitwaspouredoverhimbeforehewasshot?”
“Yeah.”Wolfeliftedtheeyelids.“Asyoucansee,thedamagetotheeyesissignificant.Therednessandswellingwouldn’thaveoccurredpostmortemasinPattiHoward.Whenwegettoher,it’sobviousthegaswasusedpostmortem.”
“Stoneonlyeverusedgasonthemalevictims.”Kaneliftedhisgazefromtheblank,staringeyesofEmmettHoward.“Ifigurehewantedthewomenhemurderedeatenbywildlifeasafinaldesecration.”
“Yeah,Ihavetoagree.”Wolfestaredathimoverhisfacemask.“Thiskillerwantedeveryonetoseewhathe’ddonetothesepeople.He’sproudofhisworkandwantstodisplayit.Stonewasmoreinterestedinmurderinghisclientsandkeepingtheminhisprivateviewinggallery.Thecouplesonthetrailwerejustshort-livedentertainment,theymeantnothingtohimoncethey’ddied.”
“Whataboutthespine?”Jennamovedcloser,adjustingherfacemask.“IsitseveredlikeStone’svictims’?”
“Again,fromtheX-rayandinitialexaminationofthebodyatthescene,I’dsayaffirmative,butofcoursethefindingstodaywillproveordisprovethattheory.”Wolfeusedaremotetobringuptheimagesofthespine.“Seehere.”Hepointedtothescreen.“Thenotchesinthebone?ThisiswhatI’dnormallyfindinthistypeofdeliberateinjury.Theknifemustbemovedthroughthebonetothespinalcord.Ittakesskillandpractice.”
Kaneglancedattheblueskinnedmanonthegurneyandshookhishead.Thementaltorturehemusthavesufferedwatchinghiswifebeingmutilatedandunabletohelphermusthavebeenhorrendous.HisgazeneverwaveredasWolfeproceededtoexaminethebody.Theweighingoftheorgans,checkingthestomachcontentsandthespinalcolumn,andfinallyremovingpartofthecraniumtoexaminethedamagefromthecrossbowbolt.Eachactionwasrecorded,andfinallyWolfehandedtheclosingtohisassistant,ColtWebber.
Kanegavehimselfamentalshake.Theentireprocesshadbeenhypnotizing,orhe’dplacedhimselfintoasniperstatewithoutrealizingit.HeglancedatJenna,whohadsaidnothingduringtheexamination,andshegavehimanodindicatingshewasokay.HemovedhisattentionbacktoWolfe.“Didyoufindanythingsignificant?”
“Yeah.”Wolferemovedhisgloveswithasnapandreplacedthemwithafreshpair.“Whoeverinflictedtheinjurytothespinewasright-handed.”Wolfegavehimathoughtfullookoverhismask.“I’dassumedtheinjurywasanattackfrombehind,butfromtheangleofthewounditwasafrontalattack.Idon’tthinkHowardsawitcoming.Therearenoothersignsonhimtoindicateastruggle.”
“So,heknewhisattacker?”Jennafoldedherarmsacrossherchestandleanedherbackagainstthecounter.“Likehisguide,forinstance?”Sheraisedbotheyebrows.“IthastobeAdamsorLane,doesn’tit?”
Kanenodded.“Theyseemtobethemostlikelycandidates,butwithoutnewevidencetheDAwon’tprosecutethem.Becausethemurdersarealikeandyoucan’tproveeithermancommittedbothmurders,youhavetoomuchreasonabledoubttoconvicteitherofthem.”
“Haveyoufoundanythingtolinkthesemen?”WolfelookedatJenna.“Haveyougonerightback?Forinstance,weretheyatschooltogether?”
“Nope.Apartfrommurderscenes,we’vecomeupempty.”Jennaclearedherthroat.“Theybothdidtimeinthecountyjailbutdenyknowingeachother.TheywereindifferentareasoftheprisonandIcan’tprovetheymet.Theybothbelongtothefiringrange,butsodoesjustabouteveryoneintown.”Shelookedathim.“HowclosehaveyougottentotheTOD?”
“Myfindingshaven’tchanged.EmmettHowarddiedfromaprojectiletothehead.Histimeofdeathisbetweenthelasttimehewasseenalive,which,accordingtoTysonLong’sstatement,wasateleven-thirtyonTuesday,andwhenhisbodywasdiscoveredatnineonWednesdaymorning.”
“Which,ifwecanbelieveLong,putsAdamsintheclear.HewasatworkatelevenonTuesdayandincustodyattheTOD.”JennaglancedatKane.“AndLonghasanalibiforPaytonHarris’TOD.Whichmakesitimpossibleforoneofthemtohavecommittedbothcrimes.Although,theycouldbecollaboratingandtimingtheircrimestogivetheotheranalibi?”
Kaneshookhishead.“We’vefoundnoevidencetosuggesttheyknoweachother.Itwon’tplayforaconvictionunlesswecanlinkthem.”
“Okay,let’spushonwithPattiHoward.”Wolfepushedagurneyunderthelightandpulledbackasheet.”
AlthoughKanehadalreadyseenthebrutalityonepersonhadinflictedonthispoorwoman,thesightofherlaidoutwasnolessofashock.Hestraightenedandstoodfeetapartandshouldersbackandforcedhismindtobeobjective.Murderwasneverpretty,andalthoughhe’dservedinawarzoneandasagovernmentassassintakingouttargetstoprotecthiscountry,nothinginhisexperiencepreparedhimforthislevelofcarnage.HenoticedJennashiverandwantedtoreachoutandholdherhandbutwhenherchinroseandshesteppedcloser,asenseofcalmdescendedonhim.Jennahadthateffectonhim.Seeingherupsetconcernedhimdeeply,anditwouldseemtheoppositesoothedhisnerves.
“Fromthelacerations,thekillerusedahuntingknife.”Wolfeexamined,measured,anddocumentedeachdeepincisiononthebody.“Asweobservedatthecrimescene,PattiHowardwassecured,herarmsextendedwithtapeandthenatonepointpinnedtotreeswithcrossbowbolts.I’dsayhedidthisnotforanyotherreasonthantopreventherfromfightingback.Therearenodefensivewoundsonthearms,butthelacerationstothelegsshowshefoughtlongandhardbeforehesubduedherlongenoughtorestrainher.”
Kaneranhisgazeoverthewoman’sbody.Theinjuriesappearedmethodical,notwhatherecognizedasafrenziedattack.HeturnedtoJenna.“Thislookscalculatedtome.Lookatthecutstohertorso:theyareevenlyspaced.”
“Noneofthemlookdeepenoughtohavekilledher.”Jennascannedthebody.“Hewantedtotortureher,makehersuffer,justlikeStone’svictims.”SheglancedupatWolfe.“Whatkilledher?Ican’tseeanysignsofstrangulation,oranythingelsefatal.”
“I’llexamineherheartforanysignsofacoronary,butheartfailurefrombloodlossduetosharpforcetraumaisthemostlikelycauseofdeath.Afterexaminingthelacerations,althoughsomearegaping,theonehere,onherthigh,killedher.”Wolfepointedtothenarrowincision.“Ifyoulookatthecrimesceneimage,bloodhaspooledallaroundher,butinthisareaitwasmostconcentrated,whichmademeexaminethiswoundclosely.Thiswasafatalwound.Itslicedthroughthefemoralarteryanddeathwouldhaveoccurredinfiveminutesorless.”
TheautopsycontinuedandKanewatchedasWolfeexaminedPattiHoward’sorgans,buthisfindingsdidn’tchange.Itwasgettinglatebythetimeheclimbedbehindthewheelofhistruckandheadedbacktotheoffice.HeturnedtoJenna.“Thesemurdershavemebaffled.EverythingpointstoAdamsandLong.”
“Whicheveroneitis,he’llmakeamistakeorhealreadyhas.”Jennachewedonherbottomlip.“Oroneofthewitnessesbackinguptheiralibisislying.Forinstance,weonlyhavethewordofthereceptionistatthenursinghometoconfirmAdamsarrivedthereatthetimeshesaidhedid.Myguttellsmehe’sinvolved.”
Kanenodded.“Wejusthavetoproveit.”Hepulledintohisparkingspaceoutsidethesheriff’sdepartment.
“Well,we’vefoundneedlesinhaystacksbefore.”Jennagatheredherthings.“I’mnotwavingawhiteflagjustyet.”
FORTY-THREE
Exhaustedemotionallyandphysically,Jennadraggedherlegsupthestepstothesheriff’sdepartmentandheadedtowardthefrontcounter.Shenoticedtwoteenagerssittingontherowofseatsbesidethemainentranceandwenttothem.“Areyouwaitingforme?”
“Yeah.”Theboystoodandgaveheranangelicsmile.“I’mCadeRioandthisismysister,Piper.Zacwantstoknowifwecanhangaroundhereuntilhefinisheswork?Wedon’tmindhelpingout.Answeringphones,sweepingup,orwhatever.”
Jennalookedfromonetotheother.Shecouldseetheresemblancethetwinshadtotheirbrother.“Yes,ofcourse.Isthereaproblemathome?”
“No.”Cadeshookhishead.“Ourhousekeeperispolishingthefloorsandshedoesn’twantuswalkingalloverthemuntilthey’refinished.”Hechuckled.“Shelikesthingsnice.”
Tryingnottolaugh,Jennawavedthemtowardthereceptionist.“Maggiewillfindyousomethingtodo,won’tyou,Maggie?”
“Isurecan.”Maggiegavethemabeamingsmile,herbrowneyestwinkling.
Thesilenceintheofficesurprisedher,andJennaflickedaglancearoundtheroomandfounditempty.Leaningonthecounter,shelookedatMaggie.“Wherearemydeputies?”
“Theyhadafewcallsonthehotlineandwenttocheckthemout.”Maggieloweredhervoice.“SomeoneelsewasseenwiththeHowards.WendyatAuntBetty’sCafécalledandtheyheadeddownthere.”
Jennanodded.“Okay.I’llbeinmyofficewithKane.Sendthemupwhentheygetback.”
Hopefulofalead,Jennaclimbedthestairstoherofficeandinhaledthesmellofbrewingcoffee.ShecouldalwaystrustKanetogoaheadandfillthecoffeemachine.Inside,shedroppedwearilyintoherchairandstaredathimacrossthedesk.“Pleasetellmethat’sgoodnews.”
“Maybe.”KanehandedherthescribblednoteinRowley’shandwriting.“ItsaysaftertheHowardslefttheOutdoorsStore,oneoftheCCTVcamerasintownpickedupthemspeakingtosomeoneoutsideAuntBetty’sCafé.They’rehuntingdownthepersonrightnow.”
Jennastoodandtookoutcupsandthefixingsandthenstaredatthedrippingliquidfillingthejug.“So,nomentionoftheStonesurveillancetapes,andwhataboutoursuspects?Havetheylefttown?”
“Nope,bothhavemovedaroundtownbutnotatthesametimeorplaces.”KanescrolledthroughthefilesRowleyhaduploaded.“They’vebothbeenworkingallday.TheentriesinthefiletrackAdams’andLong’smovements.Theyhavewatchedasmallportionofthefootagefromtheprisonbutthat’sgoingtotakeforever.It’salong,tediousjob,weallneedtotaketurnsorsomethingwillbemissed.”Heheldupafingerbeforeshecouldreply.“NothingonJuneHarriseither.”
Afterpouringthecoffeeandaddingthefixings,JennaslidacupacrossthetabletoKaneandthennoticedtheyellowslipofpaperundertheoldchippedmugonherdeskthathousedherpens.ItwasanotefromAtohiBlackhawk.Sheglancedatitandliftedherhead.“Ah,here’sanotefromAtohi.He’sbeensearchingtheareaaroundthePaytonHarrismurdersceneagaininthehopeoffindingwhichwayJuneHarriswent.Heisconcernedhertrailwasn’tpickedupbyhimearlierandisconvincedshemustbecloseby.He’llbesearchingagaintomorrow.Hedoesn’tgiveupeasily.”
“Therewouldn’tbemuchleftofhernowifshediedintheforest.”Kanesippedhiscoffeeandsighed.“PaytonHarris’murder,withhiswifegoingmissingandall,convincesmethisisacopycatofStone’smurders.IfigurePaytonHarris’killerstashedJune’sbodyinacaveuptheresomewhere.”
Jennapushedahandthroughherhair.“‘Somewhere’istheoperativeword.Therearethousandsofcavesupthere.Manyhaveentrancesthataresoovergrownnoonewouldeverfindthem.Soyeah,that’sadistinctpossibility.”
Footstepsonthestairsinterruptedtheirconversation.Jennastaredatthedoor.ItwasRio.
“We’vebroughtinapersonofinterestforthemurders.”Riowastryinghardtocontrolasmugsmile.“Ithinkyoushouldcomedownandspeaktohim.”
Takinginhisexciteddemeanor,Jennahelduponehand.“Slowitdown,Zac.Givemethedetails,soIknowwhattoaskthisguy.”
“Firstup,wereceivedacallonthehotlinethismorningfromMorganWhiteoutofMapleWay.Heandhisgirlfriend,Fern,wereouthikingintheforestonMondayandnoticedamanfollowingthem.Theguykeptoffthetrailbuthewascarryingacrossbowandworeaslickerandacowboyhat.Asluckwouldhaveit,theymetupwithaforestwardenonhorsebackpatrolandheescortedthembacktotheirvehicle.”Riofrowned.“Themanhadvanishedintotheshadowsandwiththemistrisingfromtheriver,thewardendidn’twanttoriskhuntinghimdownwithoutbackup.Whitegavemethewarden’snameandIcalledhim;hedidn’tseeanyoneoranytracksbuthemadenoteofitinhisreport.HefiguredthecouplewerespookedbecauseofthemurdersandthefactpeopleactalittlecrazyaroundHalloween.”
“Itgetsbetter.”Rowleywalkedinthedoor.“Wegetbackhereandthere’samessagefromWendyatAuntBetty’s.HercuriositygotthebetterofherandshecheckedouttheCCTVfootageofthedayLongsaidhemettheHowards.Sherecalledtheydroppedbytopickupsomesuppliesforthehikeandwantedtoseeiftheymetanyoneinthediner.Whentheyleft,shesawthemspeakingtoanotherman,andWendyknewhim.SheidentifiedhimasJohnFoster,helivesoutonPine,twodoorsdownfromWendy.Wedroppedbyandhewasathomeandonlytoohappytocomedownandanswersomequestions.”
JennaexchangedalookwithKaneandheraisedoneeyebrow.Shelookedupatherdeputies.“Goodwork.Writeitupandwe’llgoandspeakwithMr.Foster.Haveyoureadhimhisrights?”
“Nope.”Rioshrugged.“Weaskedhimifhe’dmindcomingintotalktothesheriffandheagreed.”
“Whatisitwiththesesuspectscominginwillinglyandtalking?”Kanescratchedhishead.“HaveIwalkedintoanotherdimension,oristhisonegiantconspiracy?Nothingismakingsenseanymore.”HeturnedhisattentiontoRio.“Tellmeyoudidthisbythebook.YoudidshowWhiteasix-pack?”
“Yeah,don’tworry,Imadesurewehadaphotolineup.IpulledFoster’sdriver’slicenseandshowedtheimage,alongwithfiveothersselectedatrandom,toWhiteandhisgirlfriendandtheymadeapositiveIDonFoster.”RiolookedatJenna.“Thinkaboutit.IfAdamsandLongweretellingthetruthaboutthecouplestheytookintotheforest,thisguymighthavebeenwaitingsomewherealongthetrailforthem.Hecouldbeourkiller.”
Unconvinced,Jennanarrowedhergazeathim.“So,youfigureFosterjusthangsaroundthetrailsupatBearPeak,themostisolatedofareas,ontheoff-chanceacouplemightwanderbysohecankillthem?”
“HejusthappenedtobehangingaroundthesameplacesatthesametimeasboththecoupleswhometwithAdamsandLong.”Rioshrugged.“WehavehimonCCTVfootageandhewasclosebyinbothinstances.It’snotunreasonabletoassumeheoverheardtheplansthevictimsmadewithAdamsandLongandfollowedthem…orheadedouttherebeforetheyarrived.Hewouldhavehadtime.”
“So,webroughthiminforquestioning.”Rowleystraightened.“He’sininterviewroomone.”
Jennawaitedforthemtoleaveandblewoutalongbreath.“I’mwithyouonthisone.Havewestumbleddownarabbitholeorsomething?Fosterthrowsdoubtonbothourpossiblesuspects.Withthethreeofthemadmittingtobeinginvolvedatleastbeforethefact,we’llnevergetacasetostickagainstanyofthem.”Sheglancedoutthewindowatthegatheringdarknessandswirlsofmist.Itwasasifthechillwascreepingtowardthewindowswithitslong,fingerliketendrilsreachingouttoher,andshehurriedlylookedaway.“ThisistheweirdestHalloweenweekever.It’slikewe’relivingthesamedayoverandoveragain.Ifthisguygivesusthesamestoryastheothertwo,pinchmegoodandhard,becauseassureashellImustbedreaming.”
FORTY-FOUR
Intheinterviewroom,Fosterappearedtoberelaxed.Hesatturninghisto-gocupofcoffeeinhisfingers,patientlywaitingasifhehadnothingelsetodowithhistime.Jennalookedhimover:he’dbeinhismid-forties,rugged,withcordedmusclesinhisforearms.Thecallusesonhishandsandaweatheredcomplexionwouldindicatehespentalotofhistimeoutsideandlikelydidmanuallabor.Therewasanodoroffreshlysawnwoodaroundhim,andshenoticedapepperingofsawdustonthefrontofhisT-shirt.HeactuallysmiledasJennawalkedinanddroppedastatementbookbesideheriPadonthetable.Shedidn’treturnthesmile,turnedontherecorder,andgavethedate,time,andwhowaspresent.Thisinterviewwouldbebythebook.“Mr.Foster,we’llbeinterviewingyouinrelationtoaninvestigationintothedeathsofPaytonHarrisandEmmettandPattiHoward.”Shereadhimhisrights.“Ibelievewhenyouspoketomydeputies,ZacRioandJakeRowley,youmentionedspeakingtotheHowardsoutsideAuntBetty’sCaféonTuesdaymorning.Isthatcorrect?”
“Yeah,that’sright.”Fosterclaspedhishandsonthetable.“Nicecouple.”
Jennaopenedthestatementpadandthenraisedhergazebacktohim.“Tellmeinyourownwordshowthiscameabout.”
“IwasheadingintoAuntBetty’sforabitetoeatandPattibumpedrightintome.”Fostereyedherwithanamusedexpression.“Feistywomanthatone,shetoldmetomindwhereIwasgoing.Iapologized,andEmmettsaidtherewasnoharmdoneandPattihadwalkedintome.So,wegottalkingabouttheweatherandhuntingandsuch.TheymentionedtheirplanstoheaduptoBearPeak.Itoldthemstraightit’snotsafeupthereandtheytoldmetheyweregoingwithsomeguywhowasheadingthatway.”
“Howdidyouknowtheirnames?”Kanelookeddubious.“I’msuremostfolksdon’toffertheirdetailstopeopletheybumpintoonthesidewalk.”
“Oh,yeah.”Foster’seyesdancedwithamusement.“Iofferedtobuythemacupofcoffeesowecouldtalksomemoreaboutthetrails,buttheyhadtogetalong.”
Jennamadeunnecessarynotestoappearuninterestedandcasual.Everythingsheneededwouldbeinatranscriptofthetapes.“WhattookyoutoStantonForesttoday?”
“Iwascollectingfirewood.”Fosterraisedhiseyebrows.“Nolawagainstthat,nowisthere?Clearingtheforestfloorofdeadwoodisagoodthing.Youneverknowwhenadrystormwilltriggerawildfire.”
“Doyouusuallytakeacrossbowwithyouwhenyou’recollectingfirewood?”Kaneleanedforwardinhischair.
“Isuredo.”Fosterrubbedhischin.“You’renotfromhereabouts,areyou,Deputy?Nomaninhisrightmindwouldgointotheforestwithoutsometypeofprotection.Acrossbowismyweaponofchoice.”
WantingtopushFosteralittlehardertoseehowhe’dreact,Jennaeyeballedhim.“Sowhystalkthecoupleintheforest?Youmusthaveknownthataftertherecentmurdersthey’dbesuspiciousofstrangers?”
“Isthatwhattheysaid?”Fosterbellowedalaugh.“ThatIstalkedthem?ItriedtogetcloseenoughtowarnthemtogetthehelloutofDodge,thatBearPeakwasn’tasafeplacetoberightnow,buttheyhightaileditlikescaredrabbits.”
Jennashookherhead.“So,ifitwastoodangerousforhikerswhatmadeyoubelieveyouweresafe?Akillerrunningintheforestwouldbejustasdangerousforyou.”
“Me?”Fostershookhishead.“Theywouldn’tseemeunlessIwantedthemto,Sheriff.IntheforestI’maghost.”
Recallingthemaninthealleyway,JennapusheddownaninvoluntaryshiverandscrolledthroughheriPad.“WherewereyoulastThursdaynightthroughFridaymorning,SundaynightandlastTuesdaybetweentenandfour?”
“Ican’tremember.”Fosterscratchedhishead.“Around.IhadafewthingstodoonFridaybutIworkattheproducestoremostdays.Loadingandunloadingtrucks.Theothertimes,Iwentmanyplaces:stores,AuntBetty’s,thenewoutdoorsstoretopurchaseboltsformycrossbow.IgotgasatGeorge’sGarage.”
“Okay.”Jennastood.“I’vewrittendownwhatyoutoldmeaboutmeetingtheHowardsandseeingthecoupleonthetrailatBearPeak.Readitthroughandifit’scorrect,signit.I’llbeoutside.”
ShescannedhercardandleftwithKaneclosebehindher.Sheleanedagainstthewallinthehallway.“Whatdoyouthink?”
“Tomeheisnomorethanawitness.Yeah,wecouldmakeacaseusingcircumstantialevidence,butwithAdamsandLonginthemix,itwillneverfly.”Kaneshruggedandjoinedher,pressinghisbacktothewall.“We’llgetRowleytocheckouthisstory,butIthinkwehavezipagainsthim.”
Jennahuffedoutasigh.“There’smygutfeelingagain.Ifigurethey’reallinvolvedandsomehow,bymagic,telepathy,orwhatevermeansheused,thatJamesStoneiscontrollingthem.”
“Youshouldtrustyourgut.”Kanesmiled.“GivehisphotographtoBobbyKalotoaddtothefacerecognitionprogramhe’scurrentlyrunningtokeeptabsonAdamsandLong.Ifheactssuspiciouslyoranyofthemmeetup,we’llhaulthembackin.”
Tiredfromalongday,Jennapulledopenthedoortotheinterviewroom.Shecollectedthestatement.“Thankyouforyourcooperation,Mr.Foster.”Shewavedhimoutthedoor.
Astheyfollowedhim,sheturnedtoKane.“IcouldreallygoforasteakatAntlerstonight.”Sheglancedatherwatch.“Ifweeatnow,itwon’tbetoolatetotendthehorseswhenwegethome.”
“Theyonlyneedtobeledfromthecorralintothebarn.”Kanefollowedherupthestairstoheroffice.“IfixeduptheirfeedandwaterbeforeIleftthismorning.”
Jennadroppedthestatementonherdesk,collectedhercoatandweaponbeforelockingherofficedoorandheadingdownstairs.RioandhissiblingswerebehindthefrontcounterandRowleywasathisdesk.Theofficewasdesertedandaheavymistpressedagainsttheglassfrontdoors.Maggiehadfinishedfortheday.JennaturnedtoRowley.“Areyoudone?”
“Yeah.”Rowleyclosedhislaptopandsliditunderonearm.“Thefilesarealluptodate.”
Jennasmiled.“IhaveastatementfromMr.FosterbutI’llfilethatinthemorningandsomefollow-upworkforyou.Headoffhomenow.Sandywillbeworriedaboutyou.”
“Icalledherearlier,she’sfine.”Rowleylaughed.“Iwon’tbeabletogetmyarmsaroundhersoon.Thetwinsaregrowingreallyfast.”
“That’sgoodtoknow.”Shewalkedtothefrontcounter.Theusuallydisorganizedarealookedspickandspan.“Wow!I’llhavetogetyouguystodropbymoreoften.Thankyou.”
“Timetogo.”ZacwavedthetwinstowardthedoorandlookedatJenna.“OnethingIdon’thavetoworryaboutiscookingmeals.Myhousekeeperisadreamcometrue.”
“Exceptwhenshe’spolishingfloors.”Cadepulledaface.“Thenshe’slikeshe’spossessedbyademon.”
Jennalaughedandfollowedeveryoneoutside.Theyallmovedaway,headingfortheirrespectivevehicles.Shelockedupandmistroseuparoundher,thedampnesstouchinghercheeksinacoldcaress.Asthetruckspulledaway,darknesssurroundedher.ShehastenedhersteptoKane’struck.MainseemedtobedesertedapartfromtheghoulishHalloweendisplays.Theglowfromthestreetlightspouredoverthepurewhitecloudofmist,turningitopaque,andinthedistancetheonlylightsspillingontothesidewalkcamefromAuntBetty’sCafé.Movementandachurningofmistcaughtherattention.Attheentrancetothealleywayopposite,shemadeoutafigureofaman.Herheartskippedabeatasthecowboyhatandslickerloomedoutoftheshadows.ShepulledherweaponandedgedclosertoKane’struck,nottakinghereyesofftheman.WhenKanebuzzeddownhiswindow,shespoketohimthroughherteeth.“ThemanwiththecrossbowIsawinthealleyway.He’srightoverthere.”
“StayhereandusetheBeastforcover.”Kaneclimbedoutandpeeredintothedarkness.“Whereishe?”
Jennastaredintotheshadows.“Rightthere.”SheindicatedwithherGlock.
BesideherKanescannedthearea,movinghisheadfromrighttoleft.“Idon’tseeanyone.”
Heartpounding,Jennastaredintotheshadows.“Hewasinthemouthofthealleyway.Wherecouldhego?It’sadeadenddownthere.”
“Didyouseeacrossbow?Oranyweapon?”Kane’sstareremainedfixedonthealleyway.
Jennawoundbackthefleetingimageinhermind:theswirlingslicker,thecowboyhat,andhisstance,withhisfeetapart.Hishandsweredownbyhissides,maybeinhispockets.Sheshookherhead.“Idon’tthinkso,butI’mnotsurewiththemistandall.”
“I’llgotakealook.”KanegrabbedaKevlarvestfromthebackseatandpulleditoverhishead.“Stayhere.I’mnothistarget.”HesteppedoutfromcoverandstrodeacrossMain,almostvanishingintherisingcloudsofwatervapor.
Fightingbacktheneedtofollow,JennarestedherforearmsonthehoodoftheBeast,tightenedherhandsaroundthehandleofherweapon,andaimed.AnarcoflightfilledthealleywayasKaneenteredandmomentslateritwasextinguished.Panicgrabbedherbythethroat.Itwassoquietshecouldhearapulsebeatinginherears.“Dave,whereareyou?”
“I’mrighthere.”KaneemergedfromthedarknessandwalkedafewyardsinbothdirectionsbeforecrossingMainandreturningtoherside.“There’snoonethere.”
Incredulous,Jennastaredathimbutholsteredherweapon.“Isawhim.ItwasthesamemanwhowreckedmyhouseandthesamepersonIsawinthealleywaytheothernight.”
“Itmusthavebeenatrickofthelight.”Kaneputhisarmaroundherandsqueezed.“I’vecheckeditout,andthere’snooneinthealleyway,allthedoorsarelockeduptight,nofootprints,zip.Itwasyourimaginationplayingtricksonyouisall.Thesethingshappenwhenwe’vebeentraumatized,it’sanormalreactiontobeovercautious.”Hewavedahandattheheadlessghoulridingafull-sizedhorseandbrandishingaswordoutsidetheliquorstore.“Halloweendoesspiketheimagination.ThatfigurelooksasifcouldcomealiveandridedownMain.”Hechuckledandslidbehindthewheel.
Unconvinced,Jennapeeredoveroneshoulderatthedarkalleywaybeforeclimbingintothepassengerseat.Thespacewherethemanhadstoodwasempty,butshehadn’timaginedseeingtheman.Someonewasouttherewatchingher,andshedarnwellknewit.
FORTY-FIVEFRIDAY,WEEKTWO
DarkcloudshungovertheranchlikeawarningtostayhomeasJennasteppedoutofthebarn.SheturnedtoKane.“Yeah,lookingatthatsky,we’reinforastormsometimetoday.It’sbestweleavethehorsesinthebarn.”
“Headsup.”Kanemotionedtoamanwearingfatigueswithacaptain’sinsigniaheadingintheirdirection.“Ihopethey’vefinishedatlast.”
Jennalookedathimandturnedhermouthdown.“Can’tyouwaittoseethebackofme?”
“Nah.”Kanegaveherahug.“Ijustlikeitbetterwithoutayardfilledwithsoldiers.Thesmellremindedmeofmylasttourofduty.”
Jennachuckled.“Well,ifiteverdecidestorain,itwillfreshenthingsupabit.”Sheheadedtomeettheman.
“We’realldonehere,ma’am.”Thecaptainmotionedtowardthehouse.“I’llwalkyouthroughthechangesandthenwe’rebuggingout.”
“Sure.”Jennafollowedhimtothehouseandupthestepstotheporch.
Thefreshlypaintedfrontdoorhadchangedconsiderably.Goneweretheglasspanelsoneitherside,andthefrontwindowshadsecuritymeshinstalled.Shewalkedinside.Thesmellofpaintlingered,butthehouselookedmuchthesameasbeforetheintruderhadtrashedit,apartfromablackcircularleathersofathatcurledaroundtheruginfrontofthefireplaceandwaslargeenoughtositeight.Twomatchingoverstuffedchairssatoneitherside.
“Doyoulikeit?”Kanewalkedupbehindher.“Surprise.”
Sheturnedandlookedathim.“Youboughtthatforme?”
“Yeah.”Hegrinned.
“Okay,ma’am.”Thecaptainclearedhisthroat.“Aspermyinstructions,entrytothehouseisbyfingerprint.Youcanscanonetofourfingerprintsintothesystem.It’srunonanindependentpowersupplyandbackedupwithbatteries.You’llgetanotificationonyourphoneifthebatteriesarerunninglow.Youalsohaveabackupgeneratorinthehousenow—it’sinthecellarbesidethegym.Asrequested,thereisanescapehatchinsidetheoffice,situatedunderthedesk.Itisone-way.Itcan’tbeopenedfromtheoutside.Thefrontgateisthesame,andtheperimeterboundaryhasbeenextendedtotwelvefeethigh.Ithasbeencalibratedsoyouwon’tbetroubledbybirds,horses,wildlife,oryourdogsettingoffthealarm.”Hesighed.“Ifeverythingistoyoursatisfaction,we’llbeonourway.”
“I’lltakealookatthegenerator.”Kaneheadedoffinthedirectionofthecellar.
Aftermovingaroundthehouseandsettinguptheentryalarm,Jennathankedthecaptainandhisregimentfortheirassistance.ShestoodatthedoorwithKaneandwatchedthetrucksdisappeardownherdrivewayinacloudofdust.“I’mgladwestartedearlythismorning.”Theyheadedbacktothecottage.“We’lljusthavetimetoeatbeforeweheadouttotheoffice.”
Theskyrumbledandafewflashesoflightningzigzaggedtheskyoverthehorizonastheyheadedfortown.ThewhinefromDukemadeJennaturnupthetunesontheradio.“It’sokay,Duke.Ibroughtcookiesandyou’llbesafeintheofficetoday.”
“Hedoesn’tsoundtooconvinced.”KaneslowedthetruckastheyjoinedastreamoftrafficintoMain.“What’sgoingonhere?”
Jennapeeredahead.“Theroadmustbeblocked,there’snooncomingtraffic.Anaccidentmaybe?”Shebuzzeddownherwindowandbeckonedtoamanwalkingonthesidewalk.“What’shappened?”
“Carwreck.”Themanpushedhishandsintohispockets.“Threevehiclesblockingtheroad.”
“Thanks.”JennaturnedtoKane.“Canyougetcloser?”
“Sure.”HehitthelightsandsirensandheadedupthewrongsideofMain.
Ahead,Jennamadeoutsmokeandpulledoutthefireextinguisherfromunderherseat.“Pullintothealleywaybesidethesoupkitchen.”
Theyjumpedoutandranalongthesidewalk,pushingthroughagroupofonlookers.Atrioofvehiclesgreetedthem.Onewaspouringsteamintotheairfromabustedradiator,andtheothersallhaddamage.ShetossedthefireextinguishertoKaneandwenttothehuddleofpeopleexchangingdetails.“Whathappenedhere?Isanyonehurt?”
“Noma’am,andwehavetowtruckscomingfromGeorge’sGarage.DeputyRowleyisonhisway.”Amaninhissixtieswithsilverhairandwearingathickbrowncoatandgloveslookedather.“Someidiotcameflyingoutofthealleyway.IswervedtomisshimandhittheToyota,theGMCranintothebackofhim.”
“Didyougetaplatenumberofthetruck?”Kaneraisedaneyebrow.“Themake,model?”
“No,wewerejustsayingthatitcameoutsofastandtookoffathighspeed.”Themanfrowned.“Itwasawhitepickup,Fordmaybe.Iwaskindofbusytryingtosavemyselfatthatpoint.”Helookedatthecrowd.“Anyoneseeanything?Anycamerafootage?”
Notonepersonputuptheirhand.Jennalookedatthethreecarowners.“I’lltakesomephotographsandfileareportforyourinsurancecompanies.We’llneedtocleartheroadassoonaspossible.”ShesighedwithreliefasRowleyjoggedintoview.
“RioisattheotherendofMaindivertingtraffic.Wehaveaclearpathforthetowtrucks.”Rowleylookedbehindheratthevehiclesatastandstill.“DoyouwantmetowalkdownanddetourthetrafficviaMaple?”
Jennanodded.“Yeah,thanks.”ShetookthefireextinguisherfromKane.“CanyoudropthisintotheBeastonyourwaypast?We’llcapturethescenefortheinsuranceandgeteveryone’sdetails.”
“Sure.”Rowleytookitfromherandheadedthroughthecrowd.
Ittookforevertogetthewrecksontothetowtrucksandclearupthemess.She’dcollectedeveryone’sdetails,hadnowitnessesthathadactuallyseenanythingbuttheaftermath,butitdidn’tbotherhertoomuch.TheCCTVcamerasalongMainwouldhavepickedupthetruckandshe’dbeabletohuntitdowneasilyenough.WhenKanecamebackwithasourexpression,shewenttohisside.“What’sup?”
“IpulleduptheCCTVcamerafootageonmyphoneandwehavenothingfromsixthismorning.I’mnotsure,butitlooksliketheyusedalaserpointertodisableit.There’saflashandthecameragoesoffline.”ThenerveinKane’sjawtwitched.“Ihopeit’snotkidsplanningsomethingspookyandillegalforHalloween.”
Jennasighed.“So,ourchancesofcatchingtheguyinthewhitetruckarezero?”Shelookedupathim.“Alltheseso-calledcoincidencesarestartingtofreakmeout.Thingshappen,butthisisdarnrightweird.Ifyoufindthedoorbacktoourdimension,pullmethroughwithyou.I’msooverthisweek.”
“I’llkeepalookout.”Kanechuckled.“IhavetoadmitthishasbeentheweirdestweekI’veeverworked,andwe’veexperiencedeveryrideatthefairground.”Helookedupasanotherflashoflightninglituptheskyandthunderrolled.“Norainagain.Thesedrystormsaredarnrightdangerouswhenthegroundissodry.”
TheyarrivedattheBeastandJennaslippedintothepassengerseat.SheheardKanemutterunderhisbreathandthenawhistlethatalmostbursthereardrums.Sheleanedacrosstheseattolookouttheopenwindowathim.Whenherepeatedthewhistleandwalkedbackandforthstaringinalldirections,concerned,sheclimbedoutofthetruckandwenttohisside.“Whoareyouwhistling?”
“Duke.”Kane’sexpressionwasdistraught.“He’sgone.”
FORTY-SIX
JennapulledopenthebackdoorandstaredattheblanketDukewassnuggledinwhenthey’dlefthim.ShespunaroundtoKane.“Youdidsecurehimwithhisharness,didn’tyou?”
“OfcourseIdid.”Kanepacedupanddown,rubbingthebackofhisneck.“Hecan’tuncliphimself.Hisleashismissingaswell.”
Jennastoodbesidehimandtouchedhisarm.“Areyousurehecouldn’thaveunclippedhisharness?I’veseenhimbitingattheclasp—heknowswhatitisandhowitworks.He’sverysmart.”
“Thenwe’lltakeacloserlook.”KaneturnedbacktotheBeastandleanedinside.“Therearetoothmarksontheseatbeltclasp.Theycould’vebeentherefrombefore.Hecan’tgetoutofhisharness,butifhemanagedtouncliptheseatbelt,hecouldsliprightoutofthetruck.Hisleashwasattached,he’dbetrailingitbehindhim.”HeremovedhisStetsonandranahandthroughhishairinanagitatedmanner.“Whywouldheleavethesafetyofthetruck?He’sneverjumpedoutthewindowbefore.”
Jennapointedskyward.“Thestormcouldhavefrightenedhim,andhewasalone.Youknowhelikestohideandheneedssomeonetocomforthim.Ifhejumpedoutinfearandcouldn’tfindusinthecrowd,he’dlookforthesafesthideout.We’llhavetofigureoutwherehe’dgo.Heknowshiswayaroundtown.”Shelookedathim.“Whodoeshetrust?”
“Me,you,Atohi,Maggie.”Kanerubbedhischin,thinking.“HelikesCarterandIguessSusieHartwig,becauseshealwaysfeedshimsomethingspecial.”Heshrugged.“Orhe’shightailedittotheofficetohideunderMaggie’sdesk.I’dsayAuntBetty’swouldbetheclosestplace,andithasfood.”HebuzzedupthewindowandlockedtheBeast.“We’llwalkandaskpeopleaswego.”Heshookhishead.“Ifhewascloseby,he’dcomeback.DukealwayscomeswhenIwhistle.I’vegotarealbadfeelingaboutthis.”
“I’llcallRowleyandthenMaggieincasethey’veseenhim.Youkeepwhistling.”Stomachcramping,Jennapulledoutherphone.“Hey,didyouseeDukeinKane’struckwhenyoureturnedthefireextinguisher?”
“Nope.Ifiguredyou’dlefthimhometoday.”Rowleysoundedconcerned.“Ishemissing?”
Jennagrippedthephone.“Yeah.Hewaswearingaharnessandsecuredasusual.Wedon’tknowhowhegotout,butthewindowwasleftopenforhim.Areyoubackattheoffice?”
“Yeah.I’llseeifhe’shere.”Afteraminuteorso,Rowleyclearedhisthroat.“He’snothere.Whatdoyouwantmetodo?Ican’tputoutaBOLOonadog.”
“No.We’llhunthimdown.Hecan’thavegottenfar.”Jennachewedonherbottomlip.“Whilewe’regone,checkFoster’salibisatthetimesofthemurders.CallBobbyKalo,andgetFoster’simagetohim.I’dlikeeyesonthemovementsofalloursuspects.”Jennathoughtforabeat.“AndaskRiotoputoutamediareleaseaskingforanyonewhowitnessedthecarwreckonMaintocomeforward.”
“Yes,ma’am,andI’llcallyouifDukeshowsuphere.”Rowleydisconnected.
Kanewasonhisphoneasshewalkedtohisside.“Dukewouldn’tgowillinglywithanyonehedoesn’tknow,notafterthatassholetriedtostarvehimtodeath.Yeah,Iagree,hemightwellbeheadingtotheres.Hefeelssafethere.”Kanelistenedforatime.“Okay,yeah,I’lldothat,thanks,Atohi.”HedisconnectedandturnedtoJenna.“Atohisaidduetothedrystormscomingthroughthisweek,thefiredepartmenthaswildfirewatchersbackinthetowers.HeknowsmostofthemandwillcallthemtowatchoutforDukejustincasehe’sheadingfortheres,samewiththeforestwardens.”Heshrugged.“IknowitsoundsfarfetchedforDuketoheadintotheforest,buthe’sadog—whoknowswhatgoesoninsidehishead?”
Jennacontinuedtoscanthesidewalk.“WhatdidAtohisuggest?”
“Dukelikesfamiliarplacesbut,inastorm,couldhideanywhere.”Kaneshrugged.“Ifigure,firstupweshouldtalktopeopleintheimmediatearea.Thecarwreckhadpeople’sinterestbuttheymighthaveseenDuke,especiallyashewasdragginghisleash.”
TheywalkedtoAuntBetty’s,stoppingfamiliarfacesandaskingifthey’dseenDuke.Thebloodhoundwassowellknownaroundtownthatthelocals’concernwasevident.JennapushedopenthedoortoAuntBetty’sCaféandwenttothecounter.SusieHartwigcamerightover.“Hi,Susie.HasDukewanderedbythismorning?Wecan’tfindhim.”
“Duke?”Susie’sforeheadcreasedintoafrown.“No.Whendidhegomissing?”
“Notlongago,maybeinthelasthour.”KanehadremovedhisStetsonandwascurlinguptherim.“Hehatesstorms,wethoughthemighthavecomebyashelikesyou.”
“Aww,poorDuke.”Susieshookherhead.“I’llmakesuretokeephimhereifheshowsandI’llcallyou.”Shethoughtforabeat.“Doesheknowhiswayhome?Hemightbeheadingtherewhereheknowsit’ssafe.”
Jennanodded.“Maybe.We’llkeepsearchingaroundtown.Thanks.”
TheywalkedupanddownMainforoveranhour,checkingallthestoresandthepark,withKanewhistlingintermittently.Astheyreturnedtothetruck,sheturnedtoKane.“Ithinkweshouldheadhome.Dukehasbeenyourclosecompanionforyearsnow.Ifigureifhecouldn’tfindyou,he’dheadhome.It’sbeenacoupleofhours,weshouldcheck—it’sthemostlogicalplace.”
“Okay.It’sworthatry.”KanescannedMainonemoretimeandgotreluctantlyintothetruck.“Likeyousaid,Dukehasbeenwithmeforsometimenow.Iknowallhislittleidiosyncrasies,butnotsincethedayIrescuedhimhasheleftmyside.YousaidhowhepinedformewhenIwasinWalterReed.Thisdoesn’tmakeanysense.Hewouldn’tjustrunaway,stormornostorm.He’dbemorelikelytoburyhimselfunderhisblanketandwaitforustocomeback.”
TheydroveslowlybacktoJenna’sranch,bothsearchingallaround,butfoundnosignofDuke.Astheyenteredthegate,JennawavedKanepassedherranchhouse.“Hemightbeinthecottage.”
“Idon’tfigurehecouldhavegottenthisfarintwoorsohours.”Kanepulledupoutsideandheadedforhisfrontdoor.“Didyouleaveyourdoggiedooropen?”
Jennashookherhead.“No,itwaslockedwhenwecheckedoutthehousethismorning.”
ShefollowedhiminsideandtheylookedunderbedsandinDuke’susualhidingplaces.Thehousewasempty.Astheyheadedforthefrontdoor,Kane’sphonechimed.
“Unknownnumber.”Kaneacceptedthecallandputhisphoneonspeaker.“DaveKane.”
“Hithere,thisisJoPrichard.I’moneoftheforestwardensoutatthestationjustdownfromBearPeak.Ihadacallfromahunter,hesaidhecouldhearadoghowlingoutneartheravine.Atohicalledearlier,andsaidyouwerelookingforyourhound?Maybeit’shim.I’dgoandtakealookbutI’malonehereallday.”
“Yeah,I’velostmydog,abloodhoundbythenameofDuke.”KanelookedatJennaandraisedaneyebrow.“I’llheadupthatwaynow.Thanks.”HeturnedtoJenna.“I’llgetmyhorseanddropyoubackattheoffice.Youhaveacasetosolve.Imustgoseeifit’shim.Maybehegothisleashcaughtupandcan’tmove.”
Jennafrowned.“Theravine?Howdidhegetthatfar?”
“It’sbeenoverthreehoursnow,Jenna.”Kanegrabbedabackpackandstuffeditfullofsupplies.“I’lltakeamedkitincasehe’sbeeninjured.”
Jennafrowned.“Thentakeoneofthetrailbikesfromtheoffice.Itwillgetyoutherefaster.”
“No,Dukewouldrunfromthenoise.”Kanefrowned.“He’llbeterrifiedandwon’trecognizeme,especiallyifhe’shurt.”
Gutcrampingfromtheimplications,Jennawentintothebedroomshe’dbeenusingandtookoutherbackpackfromthecloset.Shewentbackintothekitchenandfilleditwithsupplies.“I’mcomingtoo.There’saserialkillerhangingaroundBearPeakandalthoughtheravineiswestofthere,it’ssaferifwebothgo.NoneofthevictimsworeKevlarvestsorsheriff’sdepartmentjacketsandthatalonemayputoffakiller.We’lltakeourriflesandplentyofammojustincase.I’llcallRowleyonthewayandgivehimtheheads-up.”
“Sure,grabthehorsesandI’llhitchupthetrailer.”Kanehurriedoutthedoor.
Innotimetheywereheadingfortheforest.ThunderrolledacrosstheheavensasKanepulledupattheendofafireroadandjumpedout.Jennacollectedtheirgear,theymounted,andheadedinthedirectionoftheravine.Thewindhadpickedupandthelightningcrackedallaroundthemastheymovedalongthetrail.Jenna’swhitemare,Seagull,dancedsideways;herearsflattenedagainstherhead.Shedidn’tlikestormseither,andshiedawayfromthemovingbranchesswirlinginthegustsofwind.Astheyreachedtheforkinthetrailleadingaroundtheravinebeforejoiningupagainamileorsoahead,Kanegaveanear-piercingwhistle.Theystoppedandlistened.AhowlunmistakablyfromDukeechoedthroughtheforestandcontinuedforsomemoments.
“That’shim.I’dknowthatsoundanywhere.”Kaneblewoutabreath.“We’vefoundhim.Hemustbecloseby.”
“Butwhere?”Jennasearchedthedensetrees.“Ihopehe’snotfallenintotheravine.Didyoupickupadirection?”
“I’mnotsure.”Kanewhistledagainandalonghowlcarriedonthewind.“Dammit,theechofromthemountaindistortsthedirectionofthesound.”Hescannedtheareaandfrowned.“We’llneedtocheckbothtrails.Ifyourecall,thetrailontherightcrumblesintotheravineinplaces.Yourmareisn’tsure-footedenoughtorisktakingherthere.”
Theskyhaddarkenedinthelastfewminutes,astormimminent.Jennashrugged.“Thenwesplitupandmeetupattheend.”Sheleanedtowardhimandsqueezedhishand.“Don’tlooksoworried.Idoubtakillerwillbeoutinthisweather.Ihaven’tseenahikeroranyoneelsesinceweenteredtheforest.”
“Areyousure,Jenna?Ifthestormgetsanyworseourearpieceswon’twork.Ifyourunintotrouble,you’llhavetousethesatellitephoneandhopethestormdoesn’tinterferewiththesignal.”Kaneturnedhisheadasanotherlonghowlcamefromtheforest.“Wecandobothtrailstogether.Itwillbesafer.”
JennapattedherGlock.“Dukecouldbedyingforallweknow.It’slessthanamile,fiveorsixminutesonhorseback.I’llbefine.Justtobesure,I’llcheckinwithRowleyandRioandgivethemourposition.They’llusetrailbikestogethereifneedsbe.”
Acrackoflightninglitupthesky,thereplyingthunderasecondbehindit.Agustofwindblewuppineneedlesinadustcloudandapanickedhowlcamefromtheforest.JennawavedKaneaway.“Go,that’stheobvioustrailtotheresandhemorethanlikelywentthatway.I’llridefastalongthistrackandmeetyouatthecut-through.”
“Staysafe,Jenna.”Kanepulledhishorsearoundandtookoffinacloudofdust.
Asthestormragedaroundherandlightningzigzaggedacrossthedarkeningsky,JennapulledouthersatellitephoneandcalledRowleytogiveherposition,butthereceptionwasbreakingup.ShecouldonlygrasptheoddwordfromRowley’surgentreply.“Ican’tunderstandyou.You’rebreakingup.”Shetextedhimamessagewithhercoordinatesandtriedagain.“Rowleyareyouthere?”
“We’vebeentryingtoreachyou…AgentWellscalled.…Hospital…mightbe…”Thelinewentdead.
FORTY-SEVEN
ThewindbuffetedKaneasitwhistledthroughthetreesandliftedhismassiveblackgelding’slongmanelikeawoman’shairinashampoocommercial.Thetrailwaseasygoingatfirst,butsubsidencecausedbythelastmelthadleftitnarrowinparts.Widegasheshadgnawedattheedges.Soilandrockhadcrumbledawayandspilledintotheravine
Hewhistledagainandheardtheresponse,butagainthedirectionwasdistortedbytheecho.Hecuppedhishandsaroundhismouth.“I’mcoming,Duke.”
LightningcrackedaroundthemandthunderroaredloudenoughtorallytheVikingsinValhalla,buthishorsedidn’tsomuchasflinch.HeurgedWarriorforward;thesure-footedgeldingremindedhimofahorsetrainedforaknightindaysgoneby.He’dreadaboutthewaysthewarriorhorsesweretrainedtomovefromsidetosidetoenableaknighttokeephisseatasheswungaheavysword,andduringbattlethey’drearandusetheirflyinghoovestotakeoutafootsoldier.Fearlessandbrave,theyrarelyallowedanyonebuttheirownerstoridethemandwouldreturntoafallenknightratherthanrunaway.Hishorse,Warrior,wasfearless,andhecouldtrusthimtopickhiswaywithoutguidancethroughjustaboutanyterrain.He’dtakentoKaneatonceandthey’dbonded.
Astheymovedupthetrail,Warriorstoppedandsnickeredinagreeting.Kanescannedthetreesandthepathahead.Afallenpineblockedtheway,butitwasnarrowenoughforthehorsetostepover.PerhapsJennahadalreadymadeittothecut-through.Butnowhitehorseoranythingelsecamedownthepath.Thunderrolledandawhinecameonagustofwind.“Duke?Whereareyou,boy?”
Thenextsecond,Duke’sheadappearedfrombehindthefallenlog,butinsteadofhisusualhappydance,hismouthpulledback,exposinghisteeth,andhebarkedinasavagewarning,hisheadturnedtowardtheforest.Warriorshiveredandsteppedsideways.Kanepulledouthisrifleandscopedtheshadows.Somethingwasthere,andDukeconsidereditathreat.Sniffingtheairforthescentofabear,Kanedismountedand,holdinghisrifleshoulderhigh,movedalongthetreeline,usingeachpinetocoverhisback.Hecaughtsightofashadow,manorbearitwashardtotellwiththetreesinconstantmotion.BehindhimWarriorhadremainedwherehe’dlefthim,headheldhighandearspricked.Atwigcrackedbehindhimandthenextinstantacrossbowboltslammedintothetreetwoinchesfromhisnose.Hedivedtothecoverofthetreesandbelly-crawledtooneendofthelog.Crossbowboltshitthelogwithsickeningthumps.So,notabear,then?Whoareyou?AdamsorLong?
Theideathatsomeonehadusedhisloveofhisdogtolurehimtohisdeathannoyedhim.Hereachedforhiscombatmodeandeverythingslowed—itwasasifthedistancebetweenonesecondandthenexthadgrownathousandtimeslonger.HismindwenttoJennaandhetappedhiscom.“Jenna.Jenna,doyoucopy?”
Nothing.
“Jenna,doyoucopy?
Thestormragingabovehimwasinterferingwiththesignal.Keepinghisheaddown,hemovedclosertoDuke.“Goodboy.”HereachedouttorubhisearsandDuketrieddesperatelytocrawlcloser.“Stay.I’llgetyouuntied.Liedown.”HepushedonDuke’sback.
SomeonehadsecuredDuketothefallentreeusinghisleash.Kaneedgedcloserandhadhimuntiedinseconds.Heneededtogettothecoverofthetreesand,withonehandonDuke,urgedhimforward.Thedogmovedonhisbellyjustashe’dtaughthim,andtheyedgedtheirwaybacktosafety.
BeforeKanecouldgettohisfeet,twoboltscameathimfromdifferentdirections.Theywereclose.Toodamnclose.“Sheriff’sDepartment.Ifyoutakeanothershotatme.I’mgoingtotakeyoudown.Idon’tgivesecondchances.”
Zing.Thwack.Anotherboltjustmissedhimandhitthetrunkbehindhim.Asherolledbehindasnowberrybush,hecaughtaglimpseofsomethingshinyintheshadows.Heliftedhisrifleandtooktheshot.Lightningflashedandinthatmillisecondoflight,hesawamaninacowboyhatandslickertumbleintotheravine,hishatfallingfromhisheadashefell,armswide.Kanescannedtheforest.Withanotherunknownintentonkillinghimcloseby,heneededtomoverightnow.MakingsureDukewaswellhiddenunderthebushandsuppliedwithwater,hecuppedthedog’sfaceandlookedhimintheeyes.“Iknowyou’rescaredbutyoumuststay.Understand?Stay.”
Movingswiftly,Kaneusedthedenseforestascoverandheadedbackdownthetrail.Theshooterwastohisleft,andheneededtocomearoundbehindhim.Thewindhowledandthelightningintensified,butKaneusedittohisadvantage.Whenthelightninglitupthesky,hewaitedfortherollofthunderandthenranthroughthedrybushes,usingthenoisetocoverhismovements.Thiswaswhathe’dbeentrainedforanditwasasnaturalasbreathing.Withhisbackandfrontprotectedbytall,fragrantpines,hewaitedforthemantomakehisnextmove.Theonethingbeingasniperhadtaughthimwaspatience.Hecouldstayfrozenintimeforhoursifnecessary.Itdidn’ttakelongatallbeforetheshapeofanothermandressedthesame,incowboyhatandslicker,witharifleoveroneshoulderandcarryingacrossbow,appearedinthedistanceheadingtotheforkinthetrailandinJenna’sdirection.Heshookhisheadindisbelief.Jennahadinsistedsomeonewasstalkingherandnowhe’dseentwomenonthetrailandbothhadshotathim.She’dbeenindanger,andithadn’tbeenherimaginationafterall.
Hisstomachtightened.Withthecomsdownhe’dtrythesatellitephonetocallJennatowarnher.Thecalldidn’tconnect,thescreendisplayingaNOSERVICEmessage,andheswallowedhard.IfthemenhadbeenstalkingJenna,whydidtheytryandtakehimdownunlesstheywantedtopinhisheadtoatreewithacrossbowbolt?Hadtheycapturedherandwantedhimtowatchtheirmacabreshow?Hestaredtowardtheretreatingman.Goodluckwiththat—yourbuddycan’thelpyounow.
IfthemenhadcapturedorhurtJenna,itwashisfault.Heshould’veknownthey’dusehisAchillesheeltogethimintotheforestandnodoubthaddraggedDukefromhistruck.Theplanhadbeeningenious.They’dhaveknownhe’ddropeverythingtofindhisdog,andanylocalwouldknowthatduringthesearchhe’dsendJennaalongthesafesttrail.He’dbeensoconcernedaboutDukehe’dlethisguarddownandallowedJennatofallintotheirtrap,buthe’dturnedthetables.Onewasdead.Hisshothadbeendeadcenterwithzerochanceofsurvival.Ragecouldeasilytakecontrol,andhecouldn’tallowhisfeelingsforJennatoinfluencehisemotions.Hebreathedinandout,pushedeverythingoutofhismind,anddroppedintohiscombatzone.Colddeterminationtotakedownthismanenvelopedhim.Throughthescopeonhisrifle,hecouldseethemanclearlyashemovedalongthetrailacrosstheravine,headinginJenna’sdirection.Thisanimalwhokilledwithoutmercyhadjustmetasuperiorpredator.Intheforesthemovedlikeaghost.Hedroppedbackintothedeepshadowsandtrainedhisrifleontheman.Heslowedhisheartbeatandaimed.Theshooterhadjustbecomeatarget.AndInevermiss.
FORTY-EIGHT
“Rowley?”Jennastaredatthephoneindisbelief.Shepressedhercom.“Kane,canyouhearme?”
Nothing.
Againstherlegs,Seagull’sskinrippledinfrightandsheflungherheadhigh,hernostrilsflaring.Jennareinedherin,turningherinsmallcircles.“It’sokay.It’sjustadrystorm,we’llbefine.”Sheleaneddownandstrokedthemare’sneck,keepinghervoicecalm.“AssoonaswefindDukewe’llgohome.Wejusthavetokeepmovingdownthetrail.”
Assheliftedherhead,ablindingflashoflightningrevealedaglimpseofamanwatchingherfromtheshadows.Dressedinacowboyhatandslickerwithablackbalaclavacoveringhisfaceandcarryingacrossbow,hewastoofamiliar.Blinkingawaytheredspotsinhereyes,Jennashookherhead,notbelievingwhatshewasseeing.Shereachedforherweaponandsearchedtheforest,butbythenextflashthemanhadvanished.Hadsheimaginedhim?She’dseenthemanwho’dinvadedherhomethreetimesinsuccessionnow,andeachtimehadfoundnoonethere.CouldshebesufferingfromPTSD?Thepossibilitywasstaringherintheface,andthelastthingsheneededslap-banginthemiddleofamurderinvestigationwasflashbacks.She’dbenogoodtoanyoneifshecouldn’tfunctionproperly.“AmIlosingmymind?”
Franticallylookingaroundonemoretimeasthelightningflashed,illuminatingtheforest,andfindingnothingbuttreesgroaninginthewind,sheholsteredherweapon.Herhorsedancedaround,therollsofthunderandflashesoflightninglikegunshotscrackedaroundherterrifyingthemare.Heartthunderinginherchest,Jennaurgedtheterrifiedhorseonward,soonreachingtheexactplacewhereStone,someyearspreviously,hadshotKaneintheheadandshe’dbeenunabletopreventhisfallintotheravine.Thewindhowledaroundher,plasteringherexposedfleshwithdustandpineneedles.Shebentlow,keepingherattentiononthenarrowtrailahead.Notmuchfartherandshewouldbeatthecut-through,butthegoingwasslowwithareluctantmare.
Asoundlikeamanlaughingsentshiversdownherspine.Herpulsequickenedandsheturnedinthesaddleandscannedthetreesbehindher.Terrorslammedintoherasherworstnightmaresteppedfromtheforest.JamesStonestoodgrinningathernottwentyyardsaway.Howcouldhehaveescapedprison?Itwasimpossible.Blinkingthroughthemist,shegapedatthesightofhim,notbelievinghereyes.Itwasasiffatehadre-createdaterribleloopandflungherbackintime.
“Hello,Jenna.”Stone’svoicecarriedtowardheroverthenoiseofthestormlikeahideousmemoryasheremovedthebalaclavaanddroppedittotheground.Hecarriedariflebutwasn’tpointingitather.“Haven’tyoudreamedaboutrewindingourtimeheretogether?Isurehave.”Hetookafewstepstowardher.“Thistimewithoutthecavalry,likeitwassupposedtohavebeen.”Heleanedhisrifleagainstthetree,peeledofftheslicker,andtossedthehattorevealarmycamouflage.“Justyou,me,andmaybemyhuntingknife.”Hislaughterwasmuffledbythewind.Heopenedhishandswide.“Oneonone.Afairfight.”Heshookhishead.“No?Yourchoice.”Hereachedforhisrifle.
SurvivalinstincthadJenna’shandgoingforherGlockbutwithlightningflashingallaroundher,agaleforcewind,andaterrifiedhorsemovingbelowher,thechancesofevenwingingStonewouldberemote—andhehadarifle.Shehadoneoption:run.Shespunherhorsearoundand,keepinglow,shebolteddownthetrail.Astheyturnedabendnot
Theairfilledwithsmokeasflamesclaimedthedrypinesinawhooshofcracklingandsparksshowereddown,ignitingeverythingtheytouched.InsecondsJenna’swaybacktoKaneandsafetywasblockedbyawalloffireandthickcloudsofsmoke.Draggedbyherhorse,Jennafinallystaggeredtoherfeet,buttherewasnocalmingthemare.Seagull’seyesrolledinterrorandshereared,flailingherfrontlegs.Fightingtogetherhorseundercontrol,Jennaremounted,butthejitterymarewantedtobolt.Thickeningsmokefilledherlungsand,coughing,Jennapulledafacemaskfromherpocketandwithsomedifficultypresseditoverhernose.Thefirewaslikearoaringfreighttrainastheflamesreachedthetopofthepines.Awhiningnoisesurroundedherasiftheforestwasscreaming.Shesearchedforawaythroughthedenseundergrowth,buttheravineblockedthewayononeside,thefireontheother.SheturnedSeagullaround.Behindhertheflameswouldkilltheminseconds,andaheadwasaserialkiller.Itwascatch-22,andherchancesofsurvivalhadjustdroppedtozero.
FORTY-NINE
Acrackoflightninglikeacannonexplodinghitatallpineandsplititinhalf.Asittumbledtothedryforestfloor,theuppermostbranchesignitedinawhooshofflames,sointensetheyheatedKane’sexposedflesh.ThecowboyhadbeenclosetothestrikeandKanedoubtedhe’dsurvived.Fingersofflamesdancedacrossthegroundtothesurroundingpinesandranuptheirtrunkslikeliquidfire.Brancheshissedandcrackledastreesexplodedintofireballs.Allaroundhim,pineneedlesfelllikeburningmatchsticks,ignitingeverythingtheytouched.
KanerantoWarriorandgrabbedhisreins.Afterpushinghisrifleintothescabbardattachedtohissaddle,hedashedtowherehe’dhiddenDukeandhauledthedogontothehorse.Hemountedandrodeawayfromthefireandheadedtotheforkinthetrail.IfJennawasintrouble,hehadtogettoherbeforethefirereachedher.Awideriverranfromthemountainnotfarfromthetrailandheadingtherewouldbethebestoption.Theycouldtravelonhorsebackuptheriverandreachthefirebreak,theBeast,andawayoutoftheinferno.HeurgedWarriorupthetrackassmokefilledtheair,makingithardtobreathe.Theragingdrystormoverheadhaddarkenedthesky,andthroughthesmokethesunhadturnedintoadark-orangemoon.
Itseemedtotakeforevertoreachthefork,andoncethereKaneturnedWarrioraroundthecornerandheadeddownhill.Thesmokewasthick,andglowingsparksspiraleddown,settingsmallfireswheretheylanded.HepushedWarrioronandthehorserespondedwithouthesitation.HecalledoutforJenna,buthisvoicewasdrownedbytheroarofthefireasitgorgeditselfonthedryforest.Sheshouldhaveturnedbackandbeenonherwaybynow.Coughing,andeyesstreaming,Kanepulledonafacemask.InfrontofhimDukewhinedandhedismountedandliftedhimdown.“Stay.I’llcomebackforyou.”
HelookedatDuke’strustingfaceandclimbedbackintothesaddle.Hisdogwasn’tstupid.Ifthefirecamecloser,he’dheadfortheres,butwiththewindheadingawayfromhim,unlessitchanged,he’dbesafeenough.SweattrickleddownKane’sbackashepushedon.Infrontofhim,anorangewallofflamesreachedfortheheavensandspreadoutaseverygustofwindsprinkledthedryforestwithsparks.Coldwindseepedthroughhisclothesfromtheice-cappedmountainpeaksbehindhim,offeringarespitefromtheheat,butasthestormintensifiedthehowlingwindpushedthefiredownthemountaintowardBlackRockFalls.Thewindcameinhugegustsoverthemountainpeaksandwhistleddownthehillside.Thelightningflashedandacracklikeashotgunexplodedatreefartherdownthemountain.Heroundedacorner.Aheadspotfireshadtakenholdintheravine,andwildlifedashedacrossthetraillookingforawayoutoftheheat.Thickgraysmokeblockedhiswayandhecouldn’tseemorethanafewyardsaheadofhim.Thenextsecondablood-curdlingscreamcamefromdownthetrail.Maleorfemale,hehadnoidea.Theleapingflamesroaredlikeajetengineastreesexplodedintofireballs.Heartracing,hedismountedandknottedhisreins.Warriorwouldwaitforhimorruntosafety.HehadtofindJennaandcouldn’trisktakinghimanyclosertothefire.Hesettledhisbackpackonhisshouldersand,takinghisrifle,ranheadlongintothechokingsmoke.
FIFTY
ScreamspiercedthroughthehowlofthefireandfearbunchedJenna’sstomachashermindwenttoKane.Shetriedagainandagaintoreachhimonthecom,withoutsuccess.Lungsbursting,shescannedtheforest.Thescreamssoundedhuman,andfearcreatedimagesintheswirlingblaze.Shestaredattheuncontrollable,greedybandofredandorangeflames.Thesmellofburninghairsingedhernostrilsasaman,hisclothesonfire,staggeredfromtheforest,wavingaknife.Shegapedinhorrorasflamesengulfedhim,buthekeptoncoming,hisblackenedmouthstretchedinahideousgrinandbrowneyesstaringoutofaruinedface.Hetookafewstepsandthenfellfacedowninasmoking,charredheap.BeforeJennacouldprocessthesightbeforeher,themanstirred,risinguponhiselbowstodraghimselftowardher,knifestillclutchedinhisfire-ravagedhand.Theremnantsofacowboyhatfelltoashesasthemansanktothegroundandremainedstillasflameslappedaroundhim.
BilerushedintoJenna’smouthasshestaredattheman.“Oh,myGod!”
Themanwasn’tKaneorJamesStone.Stonehadbeenwearingarmyfatigues,whichmeanthewasstillouttherewaitingforher.Fastrunningoutofoptions,Jennascannedthetrailforawayoutofdanger.Atherbackthefiendish,hungryblazeconsumedtheforestindeadlydelight.Treesexploded,shootingfireworkshighintotheairasboilingsaprandownthetrunkslikemoltenlava,andahead,ifsherodebackupthetrail,she’dfaceJamesStone,abrutalserialkillerintentondismemberingher.He’dalreadyfiredawarningshot.She’dhearditabovethemurderousscreechesoftheblazebutshe’driddenhardandusedthesmoketoshieldher.Withoutdoubt,therifleshotwouldbringKane.Thinkingitwasacallforhelp,he’dwalkstraightintoJamesStone.Thestormragedaboveher,lightningflashed,andthemountainshudderedasthunderpealedoutlikeastampedeofelephants.Shehadtowarnhim.Shepressedhercomagain—ifoneortwowordsgotthroughitwouldbeenough.“Kane,Stoneontrail.Doyoucopy?JamesStoneishere.”
AcracklecameinherearbutnotasoundfromKane.Sherepeatedthemessagethreetimes.Hadshegottenthroughtohim?Swallowingthefearthreateningtostrangleher,sheexaminedthelineoffire.Theblackedgeandsmolderingstumpshadgrownwiderinthepastfewminutes.Thewindwasatherbackandpushedthefiredownthemountain.She’dmovedeepintotheforest,usingthetreesanddensesmoketoconcealher,inanattempttogoaroundStone,andhopefullymeetKanewherethey’dparted.SheurgedSeagullfromthetrailandthroughthetrees.TheterrifiedmarebuckedandsnortedandJenna’ssoothingwordswerelostinthedeafeningnoise.Seagullduginandrefusedtomove.Jennadismountedandtiedthemare’sreinsaroundatree.Sheshruggedoutofherbackpack,vest,andjacketandthenremovedherT-shirt.Afterdressingquickly,shepulledherT-shirtoverthemare’sheadtocoverhereyes.WhenSeagullsettled,Jennauntiedherandledherthroughtheforest,followinganimaltracksandkeepingasfarawayfromthemaintrailaspossible.Behindhertheforestmoanedinagonyandaboveherthestormraged,lightingupthefast-movingdarkclouds.
“Jenna.”
Thevoicecarriedonthewindlikeawhisperinherear.Whowascallingher?KaneorStone,shecouldn’ttell.Jennastoppedtolistenandthecallcameagain.Sheturnedtolookbehindher,butonlyanorangeglowgreetedher,shroudedbythicksmoke.ShestrokedSeagull’sneckandcarefullyremovedtheshirtfromherheadandstuffeditintothesaddlebags.Themarehadcalmedsomeandsnickered,rubbinghernoseagainstJenna’spocket,searchingforsugarortheapplesshecarriedastreats.“Okay.WehavetofindDave.”
Mountingthemare,sheurgedherinthedirectionofthevoice.IfitwasStone,she’dtakehimdownandendthisnightmareonceandforall.Hermindwasset.There’dbenosecondchancesforhimthistime.Themomentheaimedhisrifleather,hewasadeadman.
FIFTY-ONE
Kanestoppedwalkingandlistenedintentlytohiscom.ThebrokentransmissionfromJennahadmentionedonename:Stone.Thatwasallheneeded,andhemeltedintothetreesalongsidetheravine.IfsomehowJamesStonehadescapedfromjailandengineeredthisentirefiascobystealinghisdogandcallingtheforestwardentolurethemhere,he’dbeensmarterthanhe’dgivenhimcreditfor.Thejigsawfellintoplace.AdamsandLonghadbeenthedecoys.Bothhadlikelycommittedmurderandbycomingforwardhadthrownenoughdoubttoavoidconviction.Heshookhisheadandmovedthroughthetrees,sporadicallycallingJennaonhiscom.He’dseenherafterinterviewingStone,herbackrigidassheattemptedtoshakeofftheterrifyingmemoriesprovokedbymeetinghimagain.
Ablastofcoldairshiftedthesmokeintocurlingwavesandtheforestmoved.Heraisedhishuntingrifletopeerthroughthescopeandscannedthetrees.WalkingthroughtheforestaslargeaslifewasJamesStone.Hestrodeconfidently,keepingbetweenthesafetyofthetrees.StoneobviouslybelievedhishenchmenhadtakenhimoutandJennawasalone.KanescopedtheforestupanddownthetrailandspottedJenna’swhitemaremovingbetweenthetrees.Heswallowedhard.ShewasridingstraighttowardStone.Hepickeduphispace,leapingoverfallentrees.Theinjuryhe’dsufferedamonthpreviouslyhamperedhismovements.Twostabwoundstothechesthadcomeclosetokillinghim,andbreathinginthethicksmokedidn’thelp.Thestormhadmovedon,nowonlyarumbleinthedistance,butthewildfirestillroaredandcrackledtowardtown,devouringeverythinginitspath.HeheardStonecallingJenna’snameandpressedhiscomagain.“Jenna,doyoucopy?I’monmyway.Stoneiscallingyou,notme.Takecover.”
Tohisrelief,thecomcrackledinhisear.Jennahadheardhim.
“Copy.Iknowhe’sthere,butIdon’thaveeyesonhimyet.He’scarryingariflebuthedoesn’tplanonkillingmeoutrightandIdoubtheknowsI’mwearingliquidKevlar.Hewantstohavesomefunfirst,sowon’triskaheadshot.I’llhavetheadvantageandhe’soutofsecondchances.Themomenthedrawsdownonme,I’mtakinghimout.”
Kanesworeunderhisbreathandpressedhiscom.“Stoneistenyardsaheadonyourleft.I’monehundredyardsfromyou.Waitformetogettoyourposition.We’llbeabletoflankhim.”
“Ineedtofacehimalone,Dave.It’stheonlyoption.Iwantthisnightmaretobeover.Jennaout.”
Hervoicerangwithafinalitythatalarmedhimandhebrokecoverandrandownthetrail.Overtheroarofthefire,hecouldjustmakeoutsirens—thefirespottershadactivatedtheplanthatbroughtvolunteerfirefightersfromBlackRockFallsandeverysurroundingcountytofighttheblaze.Everyonehadbeenonstandby,waitingfortheinevitable,andwouldbeoutinforcetoprotectthetown.Movinghisattentionalongthetreeline,KanesearchedforStone.Hiscamouflagegearwasdoingafinejobofconcealinghim,andKanecouldberunningintohisfiringline.Hezigzaggedalongthetreeline,thesmokeofferinghimamodicumofcover,andthenslowedasheapproachedabendinthetrail.He’dbeclosetoStone’spositionandinJenna’slineoffireifsheplannedtoconfronthim.Slippingintothecoverofthetrees,heedgedhiswaythroughtheforest.HemadeoutSeagull,herbacklegsdancingimpatiently,headjerkingatthereinsJennahadattachedtoasapling.Aconversationcarriedtohim.Stonehadraisedhisvoicetobeheardabovetheroarofthefire.Hesoundedexcitedbutincompletecontrol.Kane’sstomachcrampedintoknotsasJennasteppedoutofcover.Shehadherrifletuckedintohershoulderandadeterminedlookonherface.
Kanecreptthroughthetreesandtookupapositiontenyardsaway.Heliftedhisrifleandtookaim.JennawantedtodealwithStoneandburytheghoststhathauntedher.Killinghimthefirsttimethey’dmetwouldhavesavedthree,maybefour,people’slives,andheunderstoodhow,assheriff,she’dfeelresponsible.Helistened.Thevoiceswereclearernow.HeplacedhiseyeonthescopeandaimedforStone’shead.Jennawouldbetakingthecollar,buthe’dcoverherback.Hepressedhiscom.“I’mtenyardsaheadonyourleft.IhaveeyesonStone.”
Kaneheardatap,hersignalshe’dunderstoodhismessage.Hecontrolledhisbreathingandslowedhisheartrate.Whateverhappenednext,he’dbeready.
FIFTY-TWO
DisgustflowedoverJennainanoverwhelminghatredforJamesStone.She’dheardKane’smessageinherearpiece,andhavinghimclosebyofferedhersomemodicumofcomfort,butitdidn’tdiminishthefactthatthemantauntingherwasamanipulativepsychopathintentonkillingher.She’dseenhismutilatedvictims,allthesametypeasher,killedtoappeasesomethinginhistwistedmindbecausehe’dbeenunabletocontrolher.Shewouldbehisultimategoal,hisgrandfinale,untilsomeoneelsebruisedhisincredibleego.Itmadehersicktoherstomachknowingshe’dbeenthetriggerthatledtohimcommittingsuchatrocities,thetruefactssoviletheywereneverreleasedinopencourt.She’dsparedhislifethatdayonthemountainand,somehow,he’dmanipulatedhisfollowerstokillinhisstead,andnowhe’dfoundawaytoescapeamaximum-securitywingtowreakhavocagaininBlackRockFalls.Killingdidn’tcomeeasytoher.She’dbelievedthatgivenachanceeveryonecouldchange—untilshe’dmetJamesStone.Hewasthepsychopath’spsychopath,theonetheyalladmired,andseeminglyunstoppable.Shetookinhissmug,self-satisfiedexpressionandherstomachroiled.
Jennapulledoutherphone,turnedonthevideorecorder,andslippeditintohertoppocket.Itmightnotrecordeverythingbutwouldgettheaudio.Forherownpeaceofmind,she’dplayitbythebook,butshekeptherrifleaimedathishead.Nomoredeathsonmywatch.You’reoutofchances.
“Comeout,comeout,whereveryouare.”Stonesteppedoutontothepath,hisrifleaiminginalldirections.“YoucametoseemeandIknowyou’veneverstoppedthinkingaboutme—haveyou,Jenna?”Hechuckled.“Haveyoubeenchasingyourtailtryingtofindsomeonetoconvictfortherecentmurders?I’lltellyoueverythingyouwanttoknow.”
Kneestrembling,Jennasuckedinabreathofsmoke-taintedairandgatheredhercloakofprofessionalismaroundher.Stoneplayedonweaknesses,tryingtomakehimselfappearsuperior.SheunderstoodsomuchmoreaboutpsychopathicbehaviorsinceworkingalongsideKaneandJo.Confidentshecouldhandlehimandgettheanswerssheneeded,shegatheredhercouragearoundherand,usingathicktreeforcover,raisedhervoice.“Areyousofrightenedofmeyouneedtokeeparifleaimedatmyheadtotalktome?Yourreputationwillbetorntoshredswhentheinmatesatthejaildiscoveryouactedlikeacowardwithawomanwhotookyoudownandhadyoujailedfortenlifesentences.”
“Really?Idon’tthinkso.Theyrespectmebuttheyspatonyou,didn’tthey,Jenna?”Stone’scruelmouthturnedupinawrysmile.“Ichosenottokillyou.Icouldhavepickedyouoffatanytime,butaquickdeathwasn’twhatIwanted.Dyingfastwastoogoodforyou.Iwantedtomakeyousuffer.”Hechuckled.“Istilldo.Soassureashell,I’mnotplanningonshootingyouinthehead.Aknee,maybe,soyoucan’trunaway.”
Jennaaimedherrifleathishead.“I’mnotalone,butyou’resmartenoughtofigurethatoutbyyourself,I’msure.”
“I’mnotaloneeither.”Hisgrinwidened.“ThatshotyouheardwasoneofmydisciplestakingoutDaveKane.You’realone,Jenna.Nooneisgoingtosaveyou.Notthistime.”Heloweredhisriflealittle.“Ifyouwanttoplayfair,we’lltalk.”
AshiverofapprehensionsliddownJenna’sback.Ifshehadn’tknownbetter,hissmoothtalkingwouldhaveconvincedherhewasreallyaniceguy.Shecouldplayhisgameandstoodherground,nevertakinghereyesoffhimforasecond.“Okay,starttalking.Mypatienceiswearingthin.Whatdoyouneedtogetoffyourchest,James?Spititout—thisconversationisgettingboring.”
“Don’tyouwanttoknowhowIescaped?”Helaughed.“I’magenius.Itwassoeasy.”
InJenna’sear,Kane’svoicewhispered.“Askhimabouthisdisciples.Howherecruitedthem.Ifthere’smoreoutthereweneedtoknow.”
Jennatappedhercom.“Idon’tcareaboutthejailbreak,James.Iwanttoknowhowmanymenyou’veinvitedtotheparty.”
“Threefascinatingsexualdeviates.”AwidegrinspreadacrossStone’sface.“Ithinksadomasochistswouldcomeclosetoadescription,theyenjoytorturingandrapingtheirwomenbeforetheykillthem.IthoughttheywouldbeaperfectmatchforyouandyouknowhowIlovetowatch—well,foratime,anyway.”
Three?Threeothermenintheforest.Onehaddiedinthefire,sotwomorewerecloseby.Shecouldbesurrounded.Anuncontrollabletremblewentthroughherandsheclenchedherteeth.Stonewouldneverseeherfearofhim.Shepressedhercomanddroppedhervoicetojustaboveawhisper.“Threeothers,onedeadinfire.”
“Twodead.Ishotone.”Kaneclearedhisthroat.“Keephimoccupied.I’llscopetheforest.”
TheskinonJenna’sarmspebbled,theuncannyfeelingthatsomeonewasrightbehindherwasmakingherskincrawl.Shetriedtokeephervoicecalm.“Idon’tbelieveyou.Iknowyouhadnocontactwithanyoneintheprison.Noonefromoutsideorinsidecouldgetnearyou.Allthisisafigmentofyourimagination,James,justlikeourrelationship.Itneverhappened.”
“I’mgoingtocutyousobadnoonewillrecognizeyouashuman.”Stoneliftedtherifle.“I’mnotlying,Jenna.Itwaseasyforsomeonewithmyintelligencetoinfluencepeopleoflikemind.IselectedcasesofmenIknewwouldbecapableofworkingwithme.Igavethemfreedomasanincentive.Ihavemoneyandenoughpowertochangemagistrates’minds,ifIpresentedasoundcaseandbackeditupwithahotshotlawyer.”
Jennaforcedalaugh.“Raveon,that’sthestoryinyourhead.Iknowyoucouldn’tcommunicatewithanyone.Youdidn’thaveachancetoenlistanyoneasadisciple,asyoucallthem,ordoanything.It’sallinyourmind,James.You’resick.”
“Really?Iusedthecustodianinthelibrary.Iplacedanoteinabookandhetookittooneofmyselections.Iwasallowedvisitsfrommylawyer.Privatevisits,Jenna.”Stonechuckled.“Hehiredaspecificlawyerformychosenonesanditwashe,adedicateddiscipleofmywork,whoexplainedthesituationtothem.ItwasallplannedbeforeIwasconvicted.Iknewthey’dtryandcutmeofffromtheworld,soImadeacontingencyplan.Yousee,Ihavemanypeopleinmyemploy,Jenna.Peoplewhodon’texistinyourrealitybutthriveintheworldofthedarkweb.Peoplewholookaftermyfinances,mybusinesses,myescapefromjail.”Hestaredather.“Doesthatsoundlikeasicknessorgenius?Nowcomeout.I’mtiredofwaiting—ordoIhavetogetsomeonetocoaxyououtofyourhidingplace?”
Jennaswallowedhard.Shecouldn’tbelievewhathewassaying.“IfindithardtobelieveyouhaveSamCrossinyouremploy.”Shestaredathim.“He’sAdams’andLong’slawyer.Hemightbeapainintheass,buthe’snotcorrupt.Heplaysitstraightdownthelineandtotheletterofthelaw.”Shesnorted.“Morelies,James.You’relosingyouredge.”
“That’swhyIchosehim.”Stoneglaredather.“IncorruptibleSamCross.He’sthebest,isn’the?AlawyerwhoiswastinghislifeinBlackRockFallsbutperfectformyneeds.Hewashandedafile,Jenna,fromanotherout-of-statelawyer.HeknewthedealthatI’dworkedonthecaseandoutofhiscivicdutyhetooktheofferedfeetorepresentAdamsandLong.Nomoneycamefromme,Jenna.I’mnotthatstupid.AdamsandLonghavemorethanenoughintheirbankaccountstopayforhimandthensome.”
Jennatookaimbutmovedslightlyoutofcover.“Putdownyourweapon.Ihaveyousurrounded.Doitniceandslowandwe’lltakeyoubacktoyournicecozyjailcell.”
“IhearthehesitationinyourvoiceandIknowyou’renotaverygoodshot.”Stoneraisedhisrifle.“Irememberourfirstdate.Yousaidafterbecomingsheriffyou’dhavetogetdowntothepracticerangemoreoften.IofferedtotakeyoubecauseI’mreallygood.I’lltakeyoudownbeforeyoupullthetriggerandthenI’llshowyouarealgoodtime.”
Heartpoundingsoloudshecouldhearitinherears,Jennagrittedherteeth.“Putdowntheweapon.IfyourfingermovestothetriggerIwillfire.”
“No,youwon’t.You’reweakwithoutbackupbutnowit’sjustyouandme.Ialwayswin,Jenna.I’msogoingtoenjoyhearingyoubegmeformercy…butI’mnotaforgivingguy.I’llmakeyouscreamuntilyoudieinagony.”Helaughedinanexcitedgiggle.“Iknewitwouldendlikethis.”Hisfingerwenttothetrigger.
ThebangdeafenedJennaandwhenStonefellbackinaredmist,tosprawlonthetrail,shewantedtospew.Shedroppedherrifledowntohersideandfloppedagainstthetree.Handtrembling,shepressedhercom.“Stoneisdown.”
Thedutyofcareinstilledinherbellowedinhermind.SheshouldgoandcheckStone’svitalsigns,butherlegsrefusedtomove.Hislegstwitched,andtheideahemightbealiveterrifiedher.Whatwouldshedoifhe’dsurvived?Shetookoutherphonewithtremblinghandsandstoppeditrecording.Momentslater,Kane’svoicecameinherear.
“Thatwasarighteouskill.Youokay?”
Jennacouldn’tdraghereyesawayfromthebody.“Notreally.Ishedead?”
“Very.Greatshooting.”
Jennasighedwithrelief,butitwasn’toveryet.“There’sanotherbogeyintheforestandweneedtogetoutofhere.Ifthewindchanges,wewon’tbeabletooutrunthefire.What’syourposition?”
“I’macrossfromyou,alongsidetheravine.Ican’tseeanyone.Maybehe’shightaileditoutoftheforestbutI’llcoveryoujustincase.GoandgetSeagull.Warrioriswaitingonthetrail.”
Heavingasighofrelief,Jennastraightened.HearingKane’svoicehadcalmedhernerves,butshe’dkilledamanandthatwouldstaywithherforever.“Copy.DidyoufindDuke?”
“Yeah,he’sfine.SOBhadtiedhimtoalog.”
Jennasighedwithrelief.“SoonasIgrabSeagull,I’llcallitin.Thephonesshouldworknowthestormhaspassed.”Shehurriedtohermareandslidherriflebackinthescabbardattachedtohersaddle.
Thewindwasblowingthesmokedownthemountain,fanningtheroaringwildfireclosertotown.Fearclenchedherbelly.SomanypeoplelivedoffthegridinStantonForest.HundredsofhouseslinedStantonRoad,andschoolsandthehospitalwouldbeindangerifthefirewasn’tcontained.Tremblingfromshockandlookingallaround,shecalledRowleyandtriedtokeepthehystericsfromhervoicebut,intruth,herflightresponsewasinoverdrive.Rightnow,shewantedtobeanywherebuthereandnottenyardsfromJamesStone’sdeadbody.“I’montheravinetrailnearBearPeak.JamesStonewasintheforestalongwiththreeofhisdisciples.ItookhimdownandKanetookoutthesecond,theotheroneburnedupinthewildfire.Wehavethreebodiesandonemanstillatlarge.What’sthesituationwiththefire?”
“Weheardshots,andknewsomethingwasgoingdown.We’vebeentryingtocontactyousinceyoulefttown.WeknowaboutStone’sescape.I’mwithRioontheoppositesideoftheriverfromyouatBearPeak,notfarfromthefirebreak.Youwon’tbelievewhoIhaveincustody—JohnFosterandhehasn’tstoppedtalking.StonerecruitedhimtokillyouandDave,whichmakestheothertwodeadguysAdamsandLong.Theywereallinvolvedjustasyoufigured…includingStone.Hesuredidn’tfoolyou,though,didhe?”Rowleyclearedhisthroat.“Latestnewsisthatthefireisbeingcontained,therearecrewsfromalloversurroundingitnow.Ithasn’tcrossedthefirebreakbelowyourposition,andthefirechiefisconvinceditwon’tgetpastthefalls.Crewsareontheirwaytoyourpositionnowincasethewindchanges.”
Jennaturnedtolookatthemassiveorangeglowintheskyandshookherhead.“Itsuredoesn’tlookcontained.We’llneedtoretrievethebodies,butit’stoohighriskatthemoment.CallWolfeandlethimknowthesituationandwe’lldotheretrievaloncewegettheall-clearfromthefiredepartment.Staywhereyouare.We’llcometoyou.”
“Yes,ma’am.”Rowleydisconnected.
Jennapressedhercom.“RowleyhasJohnForestincustodyontheothersideoftheriver.He’sadmittedtobeinginvolvedandissinginglikeacanary.We’regoodtogo.”
“Copy.”
Footstepspoundedonthetrailandsheswungaround,reachingforherweapon.ShedroppedherhandatthesightofKanebendingoverStone,checkinghisvitalsigns.Whenhestraightenedandturnedtowardher,shewaved.OnceKanehadwrappedcrimescenetapearoundthetreessurroundingStone’sbody,sheledthereluctantSeagullontothetrail.Themarebuckedanddancedsideways,snorting.Thefireandsmokehadterrifiedher.JennaheavedasighofreliefasKanehurriedtowardher.Shestaredathim,sogladtohavehiminherlife.He’dtaughthersomuch,protectedherwithhislife,andallthewhilelivingwithasecretmisery.Howhe’dremainedsteadfastlybyhersidewhenshe’dgivenhimsuchahardtimeshe’dneverunderstand,butthatwastheessenceofDaveKane.Shefellagainsthimwhenhewalkedtoherside.“Ican’tbelievetheywereallinvolved.”Sheheldupherhandandclosedherindexfingeraninchawayfromherthumb.“Theycamethisclosetokillingus,Dave.”Sheshivered.“I’veneverbeensoscaredinmylife.”
“Itdidn’tshow.”Kanehuggedher.“ThewayyouhandledStonewasbythebook,Jenna.He’llneverhurtanyoneagain.”
Jennatappedherphone.“Irecordedeverything.I’msuretheFBIwillwanttoknowwhatwentdownhere,butrightnowweneedtogetmoredistancebetweenusandthefire.Wecan’tdoanythingaboutthebodies.Shanewillwanttoseetheminsitu,andrightnowweneedtoconcentrateongettingoutoftheforest.”
“I’msureDukeisgettinganxioustoo.”Kanepickedupthemare’sreinsandtookJenna’shand.“I’llleadSeagullasshe’sinsuchafoulmood.”
TheyranupthetrailandJennakepthereyesstraightaheadastheypassedthebodyofStone.Kanehadkeptthemareontheoutsideandshieldedherfromthegruesomesight.Bythetimethey’droundedthecornerandWarriorcameintoview,shockhitJennainatidalwaveoftremors.“Waitup.”Hervoicewasshakytoherears.
“Justabitfurtherandthenwecanridetherestoftheway.”Kanepushedon.“Seagullwillsettledownonceshe’swithWarrior.”
Breathless,shepulledonKane’shand.“Slowdown,Ineedadrinkofwater.Thewindisblowingthefiredownthemountain.Weshouldreachtheriverbyhorsebackinnotime.”
“Okay.”Kanestoppedandpulledabottleofwaterfromherbackpackandhandedittoher.Hisconcernedexpressionmovedoverherface.“Takeaminuteandcatchyourbreath.You’resheetwhite.”
ThehorrorofthelasthourslammedintoJenna.Tearswelledinhereyesandshebrushedthemaway,angryatherselfforbeingsogirly.She’dlookedaway,buteagle-eyedKanehadnoticed.
“It’sover.”Kanepulledherintohisarmsandstrokedherhair.“Ifyouhadn’ttakentheshot,Iwouldthemomenthisfingerwenttothetrigger.”Heheldherawayandlookedintohereyes.“Theworldisabetterplacewithouthim.”
Jennaburrowedintohischestandheldontight.“TodayIwatchedamanburntodeathandshotanother.Theforestisonfire.Everythingisgoingtohell.SomanykillerscometoBlackRockFalls,allouttoprovetheycantakeusdown.Arewedoingtherightthingstayinghere?Howmanymorepeoplearegoingtodie,Dave?”
“Don’tyoubelievewe’vebeensenthereforareason?”Kanerestedhischinonthetopofherhead.“NotbyPOTUS,Imeanbyfateorwhoeverpullsthestrings.Webothknowthatmurderswerecommittedwaybeforewearrivedhereandthosekillersescapedjustice.Thebonesfoundintheforestwouldbethetipoftheiceberg.Thekillersdon’tcomeheretochallengeus,Jenna,theycomeherebecauseourcountyisvastwithmillionsofplacestohide,commitmurder,anddisposeofbodies.”Hesighed.“OversixhundredthousandpeoplegomissingintheUnitedStateseveryyear,andtherearecurrentlywayovertwohundredthousandunsolvedmurders,sohowmanywerethevictimsofserialkillers?ItmayseemlikewehavewayoverourquotaofcasesinBlackRockFalls,butintruth,wedon’ttouchthesurface—andsofar,we’vecaughteverydarnoneofthem.I’dsaywe’redoingafinejob.”
Stillshaken,Jennaleanedbacktolookupathim.“I’mnotsurewhatI’ddowithoutyou,Dave.Youalwayssayjusttherightthingtomakemefeelbetter.”SheheldherbreathasKanehuggedher,rubbingherback.Whenhereleasedher,shestaredintohiseyes.“Youmakemefeelsafe.”
“Ilikethat.”Kanetuckedastrandofhairbehindherear.
Reluctantly,Jennasteppedawayandlookedbehindhimattheflameswavinghighabovethedistantpines.“Comeon,weneedtokeepmovingawayfromthefire.”
“Sure.”KanepulleddownhisfacemaskandwhistledforDuke.“EvenDukeknowstobecarefulwhenshotshavebeenfired.”Hewavedahandtowardhisdogashemadehiswaythroughthetrees,keepinglow.“See?Dukeiscareful.”
Jennadidn’thavetimetoreply.Dukelaunchedhimselfatthem,backsidewigglingandmakingsnufflingsounds.Laughing,sherubbedhisears.“It’sgoodtoseeyoutoo.MaybeDavewillteachyouhowtobitethenextpersonwhotriestostealyou.”
“Somehow,Ithinkhe’slearnedthatallbyhimself.”KanerubbedDukefromheadtotail.“Haven’tyou,boy?”HestraightenedandlookedatJenna.“Hewarnedmesomeonewascloseby.Hewentballistic.”HeofferedJennahislinkedhandstohoistherintothesaddle.“I’lltellyouallaboutitwhenwegethome.”
EPILOGUESUNDAY,WEEKTWOHalloween
ThefirstrainhadarrivedtohelpextinguishthewildfirebeforeJennaandherteamhadleftthemountainonFriday.ItlashedtheforestrightthroughSaturday,sendingtorrentsofash-filledrivuletsofwaterdownthemountaintomuddythepristinerivers,butthediscolorationwouldn’tlastforlong.BlackRockFallswouldreplenishthelakesandriverswithcleanwaterinnotime.Thefirehadleftablackenedscar,butafterwintertheforestwouldrenewanditwouldbecomeadistantmemory.AlthoughthehorrorofFridaywouldstaywithJennaforalongtime.
Afterthebodieshadbeenretrieved—themanshotbyKaneidentifiedasLong,andtheburnedcorpseasAdams—JennahadspenttherestofFridayinterviewingthesuspectRowleyandRiohadapprehendedintheforest.JohnFoster,dressedincowboyhatandslicker,theuniform,itseemed,forJamesStone’sdisciples,hadtoldaninterestingstory.
TheschemeforStone’sescapehadbeensetintoactionfollowinghisarrest.Hiscontactwiththeoutsideworldhadn’tbeenrestricteduntilafterhisconviction.Asalawyerhimself,he’dknownhe’dbesenttojailforlifeandsetaplanforescapeinmotion.Ithadtakentimetoorganize.He’dselectedsuitablelikemindedcandidatesforhisdisciples,workingonasure-firedefensetohavethemreleasedfromjailandbyhavingguardsreadytolooktheotherwayfortherightprice.LateThursdaynight,Stonehadcomplainedofseverestomachcrampsandconvincedthemedicattheprisonthathewassufferinganacuteappendicitis.Anambulancehadbeencalledandtheguardspaidofftonotresisttheambushbyhisdisciplesonthehighway.
Fosterinsistedhehadn’tkilledanyonebutlaidtheblameforJuneandPaytonHarris’murdersonAdams.He’dtakenJennaandtheteamtothecavewhereAdamshaddisplayedJuneHarris.Thepoorwomanhadbeenretrievedandherbodywouldbelaidtorestbesideherhusband.IthadalsobeenAdamswho’dbrokenintoJenna’sranchbystealingthegatefobfromWolfe’svan.Ithadtakenonlyashorttimeobservingherranchtodiscoverwhocarriedthecontrolstothegate.He’dtriedtobreakintotheBeast,butthebulletproofglasshadprovedtoogreataproblem.AdamsusedawirelessblockertodisableJenna’sphoneand,afterswitchingoffthegenerator,hadcutthepowertothehouse.
Continuingtodenyanyinvolvement,FostergaveadetailedaccountofthebrutalmurdersofEmmettandPattiHoward,sayinghe’dbeenintheforestasalookoutwhenTysonLongarrivedwiththecouple.Lateatnight,he’ddistractedEmmettbycrashingthroughthetreesandgruntinglikeabear.LonghadinstructedEmmetttositbehindthetreeand
Fosterexplainedhow,unrestrictedinthejail,thediscipleshadbeenabletopassmessagesandplanwheretomeetinBlackRockFalls.Ontheirreleasefromjail,they’dplacedamessageinthepersonalcolumnthatread:Iamadisciple.Atthefollowingmeetings,heldinthecaveoutofStantonForest,they’dplannedeverymoveandkeptStoneintheloopbypostingcrypticmessagesinthenewspaper.
Tocausechaos,StonehadchosenAdamsandLongtocommitcopycatkillingsandmadesurethemenhadalibisforeachother’scrimesinordertoshedreasonabledoubtonanyconvictions.KnowingSamCrosswouldseeaninjusticeifoneofthemwasarrested,heusedtheman’sintegrityforhisowntwistedneeds.HewantedJennatobeconfusedandchasinghertail.WhenStone’splansfellintoplace,thedisciplesorganizedhisescape,andasStone’sonlyconcessioninjailandlinktotheoutsideworldwasalocalnewspaper,theypostedamessageintheThursdayeditionoftheBlackRockFallsNews:Meetingofthedisciples,1:00amFriday,StantonRoad.
Withhisdisciplesready,Stonehadonlytofollowtheplan.GettingJennaandKanetothemountainhadbeeneasy.Kane’sloveforhisdogwaswellknown,andcausinganaccidentinthemiddleoftowntocoincidewiththetimetheywenttoworkenabledAdamstostealDuke.Later,Stonemadeananonymouscalltotheforestwarden,andallhehadtodowaswaitintheforestforthemtoarrive.HehadhismeninpositionandonlyhadtoambushherandKaneastheysearchedforDuke.Thewildfirehadbeenanunexpectedbonus,drivingJennaintoStone’sclutches.
FosterhadbeenstationedonthebankoftheriverjustincaseJennaslippedthroughStone’snet,andhadbeenwaitingforStonetoreturnwhenquestionedbyRowley.
JennahadinterviewedFosterinthepresenceofSamCross,whoseoutrageatbeingapawninadeadlyconspiracywaspalpable.ItwasobviousthatCrosswasashonestasthedaywaslong,butwhenheexcusedhimselfandrefusedtorepresentFoster,itwasthefirsttimeJennahadseenhimvulnerable.Afterwaitingforanotherlawyertoarrive,Jenna,withtheDApresent,hadchargedFosterwithfelonymurderandalistofothercharges.Therewasnodealoffered,ashewasarepeatoffender.Itwouldbeveryunlikelyhe’deverwalkfreeagain.
Exhaustedbutwithahugeweightliftedfromhershoulders,JennahadreturnedtoKane’scottageandshowered,scrubbingthestinkoffireanddeathfromherbodybeforesleepinglikethedeadrightthroughuntillunchtimeSaturdaymorning.She’dspenttherestofthedayintheofficewithherteam,tyinguplooseends.SundaywouldbeadaytokickbackandrelaxathomewithKane.
ItwaslatewhenshewokeonSundaymorning,butforonceshedidn’tcare.Shestaggeredoutofbed,stilldrowsy,andheadedtowardthesmellofcoffee.ShelovedlivingwithDave,andhavinghimclosebywaslikelivingadream.Thethoughtofgoingbacktoherranchhouseleftapitoflonelinessinherstomach.Shewentintothekitchen,pouredacupofcoffee,addedthefixings,andtookthecuptothewindowtostareatherbeautifulhome.Wouldshebehappythereafterwhathadhappened?Wouldsheeverfeelsafeagain?
WhenKane’sarmscamearoundher,sheleanedbackintohisembrace.“IfItoldyouhowmuchIlovebeingherewithyouandI’mworriedaboutmovingbackintomyhouse,wouldyouthinkI’mstupid?”
“No.I’dprobablyfigureitwasyourroundaboutwayofaskingmetomoveinwithyou.”Kane’svoicehadgainedaverybadTransylvanianaccent.“OfcourseIwill,mydear.I’llmovemycoffinintoyourcellarassoonasthesungoesdown.Ha,ha,ha.”
“Yourwhat?”Jenna,turnedtolookathimandburstoutlaughingathisplasticfangsandlong,red-linedblackcape.“Oh,I’dforgottentodayisHalloween.”
“Youdid?”Kanegrinned,showinghisfangs.“I’mgoingasDracula…ha,ha,ha.”
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BOOKSBYD.K.HOODDetectivesKaneandAltonSeries
Don’tTellASoul
BringMeFlowers
FollowMeHome
TheCryingSeason
WhereAngelsFear
WhisperintheNight
BreaktheSilence
HerBrokenWings
HerShallowGrave
PromisesintheDark
BeMineForever
CrossMyHeart
AVAILABLEINAUDIO
Don’tTellASoul(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
BringMeFlowers(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
FollowMeHome(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
TheCryingSeason(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
WhereAngelsFear(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
WhisperintheNight(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
BreaktheSilence(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
HerBrokenWings(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
HerShallowGrave(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
PromisesintheDark(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
BeMineForever(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
ALETTERFROMD.K.HOOD
DearReaders,
ThankssomuchforchoosingmynovelandcomingwithmeonanotherthrillingadventurewithKaneandAltoninCrossMyHeart
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ItiswonderfulcontinuingthestoriesofJennaAltonandDaveKaneandhavingyoualong.Ireallyappreciateallthewonderfulcommentsandmessagesyouhaveallsentmeduringthisseries.
Ifyouenjoyedmystory,Iwouldbeverygratefulifyoucouldleaveareviewandrecommendmybooktoyourfriendsandfamily.Ireallyenjoyhearingfromreaders,sofeelfreetoaskmequestionsatanytime.YoucangetintouchonmyFacebookpageorTwitterorthroughmyblog.
Thankyousomuchforyoursupport.
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www.dkhood.com
dkhood-author.blogspot.com.au
DON’TTELLASOULDETECTIVESKANEANDALTONBOOK1
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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
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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?
Anabsolutelynail-bitingthrillerthatwillkeepyouupallnight.IfyouenjoyRobertDugoni,KarinSlaughterandRachelAbbott,you’lllovethis!
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FOLLOWMEHOMEDETECTIVESKANEANDALTONBOOK3
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“Don’tyouagreeDetective?Thatsomepeopledeservetodie?I’vekilledthefirst.I’vekilledthesecond.Nowwillyoucatchtheothers,ordoIhavetokillthemtoo?”
ThebodyofAmosPriceliesinapoolofbloodonthepolishedfloorofanotherwiseemptyhouse.Withnosignsofabreakin,andnocluesleftatthescene,DetectiveJennaAltonisataloss.
Butastheteambeginstounpickthelifeofthereclusivevictim,theydiscoveradisturbinglinkbetweenAmosandthedisappearanceofseveralyounggirlsinthecountygoingbackyears.
Dayslater,anotherbrutallymurderedbodyisfound,inaremotemotelontheoutskirtsoftown.ElyDorseywaskilledinafrenziedattackandJennafearsnotonlythatthemurdersareconnectedtothemissinggirls,butthatthekillerhasn’tfinishedyet.
AsJennatriestoworkoutwhowillbenext,thekillersuddenlystartssendingherdeputy,DavidKane,messages.Isshebeingtaunted?Ordoesthemurdererwanttobecaught?AndwillJennadiscoverwho’sbehindthesekillingsbeforemorepeopledie?
Anabsolutelynail-bitingthrillerwithplentyoftwists,FollowMeHomeisperfectforfansofRobertDugoni,KarinSlaughterandRachelAbbott.
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THECRYINGSEASONDETECTIVESKANEANDALTONBOOK4
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Thelightfadesassherunsforherlife,theforestnowbecomingquieteraroundher.Theonlynoiseshehearsisthesoundoffootstepsfollowingher…
It’shikingseasoninBlackRockFallsandthesmalltowninMontanaisfloodedwithvisitors.Butwhenahikerfindsahumanskullonadesertedtrailinthewoodsthatsurroundthetown,DetectiveJennaAltoniscalledintoinvestigate.
Withnomissingpersonsreported,Jennahasnoleads.Thenherteammakesashockingdiscovery—thebodyofanotherhiker,ayoungman,tiedtoatreeandriddledwithbullets.Couldthetwomurdersbelinked?
Asmorebodiesarefound,JennaandherdeputyDavidKaneknowthattheymustventuredeepintotheforesttofindandfacethekiller.Butnothingcanpreparethemforwhatawaitsthemthere…
IfyouloveRobertDugoni,KarinSlaughterandRachelAbbottyou’lllovethisnail-bitingthrillerfromD.K.Hood.
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WHEREANGELSFEARDETECTIVESKANEANDALTONBOOK5
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Assheopenedhereyesandtookinhersurroundingsafeelingofterrorranthroughherweakenedbody.Sheknewexactlywhereshewas.Andsheknewexactlywhatwasabouttohappentoher…
WhenEllaTatestumblesintoBlackRockFalls,herexhaustedandbloodiedbodyisaterrifyingsight,butnotasfrighteningasthestoryshehastotell.Ambushedontheirwayintotownwhentheystoppedtohelpamanbythesideofthehighway,EllaandherfriendSkyranwhenhepulledanaxonthem.Butonlyoneofthemgotaway.
AsDetectiveJennaAltoninvestigatesthecase,shelooksintothehistoryofmissingpersonsinthetown,anduncoversmorecases—allyoungpeople.Allstoppedonthesamestretchofhighwayintotown.Allvanishedwithoutatrace.
WhenadistinctivepinksweaterbelongingtoSkyturnsupinBlackRockFalls,Jennafollowsthetrailtoaderelictbuildingontheoutskirtsoftown.Butsheisn’tpreparedforwhatliesbehindthosedoors.Canshestopthekillerbeforemorelivesarelost?
IfyoulikeRobertDugoni,KarinSlaughterandRachelAbbottyou’lllovethisnail-bitingthrillerfromD.K.Hood.
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WHISPERINTHENIGHTDETECTIVESKANEANDALTONBOOK6
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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.
Completelyaddictivefromtheverystart,ifyoulikeLisaRegan,KarinSlaughterandRachelAbbottyou’llloveWhisperintheNight
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BREAKTHESILENCEDETECTIVESKANEANDALTONBOOK7
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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?
FansofLisaRegan,KarinSlaughterandRachelAbbottwilllovethistotallygrippingpage-turnerfrombestsellingcrimeauthorD.K.Hood.Youwon’tbeabletoputitdown!
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HERBROKENWINGSDETECTIVESKANEANDALTONBOOK8
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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
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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?
IfyoulikeLisaRegan,MelindaLeighandKendraElliot,youwilllovethisthrillingnewbookfrombestsellingcrimeauthorD.K.Hood.
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PROMISESINTHEDARKDETECTIVESKANEANDALTONBOOK10
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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?
Ifyoulikepulse-racingthrillersfromLisaRegan,MelindaLeighandKendraElliot,youwilllovethisgrippingnewbookfromUSATodaybestsellingauthorD.K.Hood.
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BEMINEFOREVERDETECTIVESKANEANDALTONBOOK11
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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?
IfyouenjoyLisaRegan,MelindaLeighandKendraElliot,youwilllovethisunputdownablecrimethrillerfromUSATodayandTheWallStreetJournalbestsellingauthorD.K.Hood.
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Manythankstoallthewonderfulreaderswhotookthetimetopostgreatreviewsofmybooksandtothoseamazingpeoplewhohostedmeontheirblogs.
Imustgiveashout-outtoGaryforbeinganincrediblesoundingboardformystoryideasandtothefantastic#TeamBookouturewhohavesupportedmeeverystepoftheway.
We–bothauthorandpublisher–hopeyouenjoyedthisbook.Webelievethatyoucanbecomeareaderatanytimeinyourlife,butwe’dloveyourhelptogivethenextgenerationaheadstart.
Didyouknowthat9%ofchildrendon’thaveabookoftheirownintheirhome,risingto13%indisadvantagedfamilies*?We’dliketotrytochangethatbyaskingyoutoconsidertheroleyoucouldplayinhelpingtobuildreadersofthefuture.
We’dloveyoutogetinvolvedbysharing,borrowing,reading,buyingortalkingaboutabookwithachildinyourlifeandspreadingtheloveofreading.Wewanttomakesurethenextgenerationcontinuestohaveaccesstobooks,wherevertheycomefrom.
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*AsreportedbytheNationalLiteracyTrust
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Copyright?D.K.Hood,2021
D.K.Hoodhasassertedherrighttobeidentifiedastheauthorofthiswork.
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eBookISBN:978-1-80019-257-7
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TableofContents
TitlePage
BooksbyD.K.Hood
Dedication
Epigraph
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
Chapter51
Chapter52
Epilogue
HearMorefromD.K.Hood
BooksbyD.K.Hood
ALetterfromD.K.Hood
Don’tTellaSoul
BringMeFlowers
FollowMeHome
TheCryingSeason
WhereAngelsFear
WhisperintheNight
BreaktheSilence
HerBrokenWings
HerShallowGrave
PromisesintheDark
BeMineForever
Acknowledgments
*
Copyright
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