PRAYFORMERCYATOTALLYGRIPPINGANDUNPUTDOWNABLECRIMETHRILLERD.K.HOODCONTENTSPrologueChapter1Chapter2Chapter3Chapter4Chapter5Chapter6Chapter7Chapter8Chapter9Chapter10Chapter11Chapter12Chapter13Chapter14Chapter15Chapter16Chapter17Chapter18Chapter19Chapter20Chapter21Chapter22Chapter23Chapter24Chapter25Chapter26Chapter27Chapter28Chapter29Chapter30Chapter31Chapter32Chapter33Chapter34Chapter35Chapter36Chapter37Chapter38Chapter39Chapter40Chapter41Chapter42Chapter43Chapter44Chapter45Chapter46Chapter47Chapter48Chapter49Chapter50EpilogueHearMorefromD.K.HoodBooksbyD.K.HoodALetterfromD.K.HoodAcknowledgments*ToHelenJenner,forherprofessionalism,skill,andcompassion.Youarealegend.
PROLOGUE
“I’mfrightened!Please…I’llbegood…Letmeout!”
“Makeonemoresoundandyou’renevercomingout.”Asthekeyturned,thetumblersfellinthelock,trappingthemindarkness.
Terrorgrippedthemandtearsstungtheireyesasfootstepsdisappeareddownthestairs.Therewouldbenoescapefromthetorment.Teethchatteringascoldseepedfromthetilesthroughwornclothesandintoyoungbones,theypulledtheirarmsinsidethethinT-shirttokeepwarm.Huggingabonychestwithfreezingfingers,asshiverswrackedtheirbodyandgoosebumpsspreadallovertheirflesh.Itwassodarkintheclosetandthestrangesmellthreatenedtosuffocatethem,buttheyclungtothetinyshaftoflightpeekingthroughthecrackalongsidethedoorandwall.
Thetinybeamoflightshonedirectlyontocobwebs.Inthelacywovensilk,afatspidermovedupanddown,backandforth,itsfrontlegsworkingtorepairthedamagethey’dinflicted.Thespiderwasalwaysthere,staring,watching,threatening.They’dtriedtosquashitundertheirshoebuthadtrippedandfallenintotheweb.Battingattheirhair,surethehairymonsterwouldcrawlintotheirearandeattheirbrain,they’dbittentheirliptokeepsilent.Convincedthespiderwasbentonrevenge,whenitsblackeyesfixedthemwithaglassystareanditdroppedaninchawayfromtheirface,theyhammeredonthedoor.“Letmeout.Please.Letmeout.”
Footstepscame,throughthehouseandupthestairs,slowanddeliberate.Panicgrippedthem.Therewouldbenosupperagaintonight.Screamingwasn’tallowed.Childrendidn’tscream.Childrendidn’tcry.Childrenmustnotbeseenorheard.
Shockedawake,theysatstraightupinbed,withthelingeringsmellofmoldandroseperfumestillclingingtothemfromthenightmare.Itwasalwaysthesame.Aloneinthedarkclosetwiththespider.Theoldladywouldcome,afacelessblurtodragthemaway.Theyrememberedthesmelloftheleatherbeltandherinsanesingingasthebeltcamedowncountlesstimesacrossthebruisedfleshoftheirbackandthighs.Shewouldchooseonlytuneswithnumerousverses,andeachtimethebeatingscontinueduntiltheendofthesong.Batteredandbruised,theoldwomanreturnedthemtotheclosetwithawarningtobehaveorthere’dbenobreakfasteither.
Wipingatthesweatcoatingtheirface,theystaredintothedarknesstryinginvaintocontroltherage.Thememorywouldn’tleave.Thenightmaresneverstopped.Withtremblinghands,theypushedwethairfromtheirface,turnedonthebedsidelight,andstaredatthephotographthey’dcutfromthenewspaperofthequiltingclub’slastouting.Themembersalllookedthesame—old,white-haired,andsmall.Theyhadnotruerecollectionofthefaceoftheladywho’dcaredforthem—traumahaderasedthatunpleasantmemory,sotheirshrinkhadtoldthem,butthesmellofroseperfumeandamuskydampodorhadremainedinacloudofterror.Notonefeaturedistinguishedonewomanfromtheotherinthepictureortriggeredamemoryofthepersonwho’dmadetheirlifehell—butthey’drememberedthequiltingcircle.They’dhadtobeextraquietwhentheycamefortheirweeklymeeting.Allthewomenhadonethingincommon:TheyalllivedinBlackRockFalls—andtheywereallgoingtodie.
ONESUNDAYNIGHT
Thesensationofsomeonebeingthereprickledherskin.AgnesWagnerhadlainawakeforhoursunabletosleep.Aloneinthedarkness,shewatchedthelightfromthefullmoonshinethroughthebuddingtreeoutsideherbedroomwindow,andwitheachbreathofwind,leopardspotswouldboundacrossherwall.Attimes,she’dimaginebeinginthejungleandwatchingthewildcatsplaywiththeircubs,butthelastfewnightsitwasn’tthecreakofthebranchesbrushingthesideofherhousethathadstolenhersleep.Feargrippedherattheunusualshufflingandrattlingofdoorsshecouldn’texplain.Thelongwinterwascomingtoanend,anditwasn’tthedripofmeltingsnoworthewhooshingslideaschunksoficefellfromtheroofandlandedinaploponthegroundthatworriedher.Frightenedofsomeonemurderingherinherbed,shethrewbacktheblanketsandpushedherfeetintoslippers.Movingwasn’tsoeasythesedaysandshetookhertimepullingonherrobe.ThesoundscameagainandAgnesstoodforamomentlistening.Theloudthumpingofherheartfilledherears,drowningoutthestrangenoises.Itwasn’tratsorothercrittersinhabitingherroof.She’dhadthepestcontrolmanstopbyandhe’dgiventhehouseacleanbillofhealth.
Theideaofsneakingdownstairsinthedarktogocheckthedoorsandwindowsagainwentagainstherusualsoundjudgmentbutremaininginherroom,terrifiedsomeonemightcomeinandkillher,wasn’tanoptioneither.Badthingshappenedatnightandnooneintheirrightmindwouldgodownstairsinthemiddleofthenight,letaloneunderafullmoon.She’dseenthemoviesandreadthebooks.Herimaginationtookflight,creatingterrifyingscenarios,andshepausedatthebedroomdoor.Inthemovies,itwasalwaysteenagegirlsorcollegeboyswhobecamethevictimsofaserialkiller,andshewasinherseventies.I’dbenofunatalltomurder—nofunatall.
Overridingcommonsense,sheturnedthesturdylockonherbedroomdoor,pulleditopenacrack,and,heartpounding,peeredintothedarkhallway.Thenightlyroundsofthehousetocheckdoorsandwindowshadbecomearitual.Waitingandlistening,sheflungthedoorwide.Underfootthefloorboardscreakedasshegraspedthebanisterandmadeherwaydownthestairs.Halfwaydownshecouldseethroughthehallwaytothewindowsoneachsideofthefrontdoorandstoppedmid-strideatthesupernatural-soundinglaughter.Asghostlyshadowsglidedby,sheswallowedhard,wishingshehadn’tsatuplatewatchinghorrormovies.Takingafirmgripofheroveractiveimagination,sheheadeddownthestairs.
Witheachstepthehousegrewcolderuntiltheairwasfreezingandgoosebumpsroseonherflesh.Thefurnacewasnewandshe’dneverhadanyproblemwiththeheatingbefore.Asshetookthelaststep,andturnedtocheckthebackdoor,shefrozewithonehandpressedagainstthewallasthedoortothecellarmoved.Itsqueaked,openedalittle,andthenalmostclosedbeforeopeningagaintoallowanicycoldwindtorushupthecellarstepsandcutapathtoher.Earlier,themaintenancemanhadcomebytocheckafaultylockonthebasementtrapdoor.Perhapshe’dneglectedtoshutthedoorproperlyorleftawindowopen?Theoldhousewasoncepartofaranch,andthetrapdoorusedtodropproducedirectlyintothecellar.DoubtcrawledupAgnes’spine.Hadn’tshecheckedthecellardoorbeforegoingtobed?
Breathlesswithfearshestaredatthedoor.Horrificstoriesofpeopleventuringintodarkcellarsandvanishingforevercametothefrontofhermind.Nobodyintheirrightmindwentintoadarkcellarinthemiddleofthenightbut,allalone,shehadlittlechoice.Thestrangenoisescameagainwithghostlywhinesoneachflowofair.Tryingtoignoretheice-coldtremorsslidingdownherback,Agnespulledopenthedoorandstaredintotheabyss.Shesearchedforthelightswitchandaninstantlaterthecellarfloodedwithmutedlight.Sheheavedasighofrelief.Noonehauntedhercellar,thetrapdoorappearedtobesecure,butthewindowatgroundlevelwaswideopen.Shefoundthehooksheusedtopullitshut,noddingtoherselfasitclosedwithasatisfyingclick.Behindherthefurnacegroanedandwhined.Stillshaken,butproudofresolvingtheproblem,sheheadedbackupthecellarsteps,securedthedoor,andjusttobesure,walkedthroughthekitchenandintothemudroomtomakesureshe’dlockedthebackdoorbeforeheadingupstairs.
Spookedbytheexperience,shepaused,staringatthemovingshadowscreatingmythicalcreaturesofthenightonthewallbesidethestairs.Hairsrisingonthebackofherneck,shehurriedupthestaircase,andgladtobeinsideherroom,slippedthelockandswitchedoffthelight.Assheturnedtowardherbed,amovementacrosstheroomcaughtherattention.Shelaughedatherstupidityasshestaredintothelongmirrortakingupherentireclosetdoor.Inthemoonlight,herreflectionpeeredbackather,butthensomethingmovedoveroneshoulder.Terrorgrippedherasanapparitionofawhitefacewithsightlessblackeyeswearingathinblacksmilefloatedtowardher.Shegasped,clutchingherchestasadisembodiedwhitefistclaspingaknife,raisedhighanditsdeadlysharpedgesparkledinthemoonlightasitstruckdeepintoherneck.
TWOMONDAY
SheriffJennaAltonstretchedandlookedatthetime.Shegaspedandfelloutofbed,trippingoverherslippersasshehurriedtotheshower.AsworkwasquietinBlackRockFallsoflate,she’dtakenadayforherself.She’dbeheadingouttoHelenawithDaveKane,secondincommandandtheloveofherlife,andgoodfriendDr.ShaneWolfe,themedicalexaminer.Intendingtohavebeenupatfivetotendthehorses,shesuspectedKanehadtamperedwithheralarmclockagain.Kanehadtheuniqueabilitytowakeupatpreciselythetimeheplannedandhatedthesoundofanalarm.He’dleavehersleepingandheadouttodothechoreshimself,returningmostdaystoworkoutwithherbeforeleavingfortheoffice,buttodaythey’dbemeetingWolfeandtakingthechoppertoHelena.
LifehadchangeddramaticallysincearrivinginBlackRockFalls,Montana.She’doncelivedasDEAagentAvrilParkerandbeendarngoodatherjob.Afterspendingahorrificfouryearsundercover,she’dbroughtdowndrugcartelkingpinViktorCarlos.Althoughhe’dendedupinjailandmanyofhiscohortshaddiedinagunbattle,itwasJennawho’dreceivedthelifesentence.Nolongerabletoworkduetothethreatsonherlife,she’dtakentheofferofplasticsurgeryandanewname.Inwitnessprotection,withacooltenmillioninanoffshorebankaccount,she’djoinedthebackwoodstownofBlackRockFallsasadeputy,andafterbecomingactingsheriff,haddecidedtoruninthelocalelections.Toherdelight,thetownsfolkhadelectedherassheriffinalandslideandshewasnowonhersecondterm.
Sheshoweredanddressedinlightningspeedandheadedforthekitchen.Inhalingthesmellofhotcakes,bacon,andcoffee,shewenttoKaneashestoodatthestoveandwrappedherarmsaroundhim.“Morning.Whydidn’tyouwakeme?”
“Oh,Ifiguredadayoffshouldstartwithoutchores.”Heturnedtokisshercheek.“Andourworkoutcanwait.You’llneedallyourenergyforshopping.”Hechuckled.“Shouldwehireatruckfortheday,tocarryeverything?”
JennametDeputyDaveKaneacoupleofyearslaterwhentheoff-the-gridex-militarysniperhadappliedforthepositionofdeputysheriff.IthadnotbeenuntilthearrivalofDr.ShaneWolfethatshe’ddiscoveredthemencameasapackagedeal.WolfewasKane’shandlerwithcontactsuptotheOvalOffice,andafteracoupleofyears,she’ddiscoveredPOTUShadconcealedKane’strueidentitywithplasticsurgery.SheunderstoodKanewouldneverrevealhisbirthnameandnotevenWolfehadtheclearancetofindout.Onethingwasforsure,whateverKanekeptlockedinhismemorywasvaluableinformationtotheenemiesofthefreeworldandthey’dplacedabountyonhishead.Iftheyeverdiscoveredhewasalive,allthenastieswouldcomeoutofthewoodworktotakehimdownor,worse,capturehimforinterrogation.Forthisreason—she’dneverunderstandwhy—thepowersthatbehadsentKaneandWolfetoBlackRockFalls,butshewasoverthemoontohavetheirexperienceinherteam,andinthelastfewyearsthey’dbecomelikefamily
Laughing,Jennatookoutplatesandsilverware.“Maybe.Webothneednewboots,jeans…well,everything.”Sheheldouttheplatesasheloadedthemwithfood.“WillDukebeokayathometoday?”
“Yeah.”Kanetossedhisbloodhoundastripofbaconandfilledtwocupswithcoffee.“Idon’tthinkhe’denjoybeingdraggedaroundthestoresallday.”Heheadedforthetableandsatdown,pullinghisplatetowardhim.“Hehasthedoggydoor,food,andheating.I’mguessinghe’llsleepalldayasusual.InoticethatPumpkin”—heofferedtheblackcatapieceofhisbacon—“hasbeensleepinginhisbasketwithhim.IthinkDukeenjoysthecompany.”
“Metoo.”Jennalookedathimappraisingly.Hisdarkbluepantsandcable-knitwoolensweatermatchedhiseyes,and,asalways,he’dpolishedhisbootstoamirrorfinish.He’dwearalongblackcoatandhisGlockinaholsterathisback.“Ilikeitwhenyoudressupforthecity.NotthatIdon’tliketheall-blackgunslingerlookyouhavearoundtown,butthebad-boypersonalookisgoodtoo.Youlooksoslickandhandsome.”
“Youlookprettygoodtoo.”Kanegaveheralopsidedgrin.“Butthenyoualwayslookgoodtome.”
Afterbreakfasttheyheadedtothemedicalexaminer’soffice.ThechoppersatonthehelipadontheroofandWolfewasbusymakinghisfinalpreflightchecks.ItwasstillbitterlycoldandthewindchillfactorsuckedtheheatfromJenna,makinghercheeksstiff.Allaroundlaytheevidenceoftheendingofahardwinter.Iciclesdrippedfromguttersontotheoncepristinesnowtoleavepockmarks.Gardensresembledgreatpansofhotcakemixturebubblingonastove.Theblacktopwoundthroughgreatpilesofoncewhitesnow,toppedwithgrayicecrystalsandlitteredwithtwigs,leaves,andbitsofgarbage.
Pullinghercoattighteraroundher,shewaitedasKanetalkedtoWolfeandnoticedhimhandingWolfesomethingandthembothlaughing.WhenKanewalkedbacktoherside,stillchuckling,shelookedathim.“What’ssofunny?”
“AsWolfeisheadingintheoppositedirectiontous,Iaskedhimtodropbyastoreforme.”Kanesmiled.“Hesaidhehadalistamilelongfromhisgirlsandfiguredonemorestopwouldn’tmakemuchdifference.”
Jennanodded.“Wecouldsplitthegirls’list.”Shefrowned.“He’llbeinmeetingsmostoftheday.”
“Yeah,buthehasatwo-hourbreakbetweenoneofthemthismorning,sohe’llbefine.”Kaneheadedforthechopper.“Let’sgo.”
WhentheyarrivedatHelenaairport,JennadiscoveredKanehadalreadyorganizedarental.TheyallclimbedinsideandKaneheadedfortheME’sofficesandtheydroppedWolfeoff.Everythingheneededtodowasinwalkingdistance,sotheyheadedintotowntoenjoyamorningofshopping.Bythetimetheystaggeredintoalocaldinerforlunch,Jenna’sfeetached.Shesatdownatatableandpeeredatthemenu.“Haveyoueatenherebefore?”
“Yeah.”Kanesatdownoppositeandwavedovertheserver.“IcameherewithJoandTyovertheweekendoftheconvention.It’snotAuntBetty’sbutit’sokay.Thechiliisgoodandthepumpkinsoup.”
Jennasmiled.“I’llhavewhatyou’rehavingandcoffee…lotsofcoffee.”
“Sure.”Kaneorderedandleanedbackinhischairstaringoutthewindow.
“Dave,isthatyou?”Astatuesqueblondewomaninherearlytwentiesstoppedatthetableandflashedaperfectwhitesmile.“Whatbringsyouintotown?”
“Ah…”Kanestoodandsmiledather.“Poppy,nicetoseeyouagain.”
Poppy?Jennalookedfromonetotheother.KanehadnevermentionedanyonecalledPoppy.Itwasn’tanameshe’dforget.
“Well,aren’tyougoingtoaskmetojoinyou?”Poppy’ssmilehadn’tfaltered.“Orintroducemetoyourfriend?”
“Ah…”KanelookedatJenna.“Iguess.Poppythisismyboss,SheriffJennaAlton.”
Hiswhat?JennagapedashepulledoutthechairbesidehimforPoppytojointhem.ShewaitedfortheservertopourcoffeeandstaredatKaneandraisedaneyebrowinquestionasPoppyorderedameal.
“IfeellikeIknowyou,Sheriff.”PoppysqueezedKane’sarm.“Dave’stoldmesomuchaboutBlackRockFalls.Itsoundslikeaninterestingplacetowork.”
Takinghertimetosiphercoffee,Jennashrugged.“Iguessthatdependsonyourdefinitionofinteresting.Personally,Ifinddiscoveringdismemberedcorpsesandchasingdownserialkillersfrightening.I’mneversurewhenIstepoutofmydoorifI’llgettoreturnhomeagain.”
“You’veneverleftacaseunsolved,haveyou?”Poppyleanedforward.“IguesshavingDavetoprofileforyouhashelped.I’msointerestedinserialkillersandhowyoumanagedstopthem.It’sacompulsion—noanaddictiontokill.Isthatwhyyousendthemtojailratherthangunthemdown…tomakethemsuffer?”
“Idon’tthinkthat’sanappropriatequestion.”Kane’sbrowfurrowed.“Everycaseisdifferent.It’snotsomethingwecangeneralize.”
Hacklesrising,Jennawonderedifthiswomanworkedforthemedia.“Idon’tshootpeopleunlessthey’retryingtokillme,butdoIsendserialkillerstojailtomakethemsuffer?YoubetyourassIdo.”ShecaughttheflashofamusementinKane’seyesbutkeptherattentionfixedonPoppy.“Whytheinterest?Whatlineofworkareyouin?”
“Me?Oh,I’madeputyoutofCedarCanyon.”PoppysmiledatDave.“IfirstmetDaveatthebehavioralanalystconventionafewyearsback.Iwent,likehedid,tolearnmoreabouttheworkingsofthecriminalmind.ThenIranintohimagainatthelastonebeforeHalloween.It’sasmallworld,isn’tit?”Shedidthesqueezingthingagainandlaughed.“Wehadagreattime.”
Jennaleanedbackastheserverslidplatesoffoodontothetable.SheliftedhergazetoKaneandthenmovedittoPoppy.“Thatmusthavebeenanenjoyableweekend.IwasalittlepreoccupiedwhenDavecamehometodiscusshistrip,soIguessmeetingyouagainslippedhismind.”
“Thatwastheweekaserialkillerescapedfromjail.”Kane’sheadbentoverhischili.“Iwaskindabusy.”
“Wellthen,nevermind.”Poppychuckledandpickedathersalad.“Ihadplannedtomakecontactwithyou,Sheriff,laterintheyear.”SheturnedherattentiontoJenna.“Davementionedyouplannedtotakeonmoredeputiesthisyear.I’dvaluetheopportunityofworkingwithyouandDave.”
Meetinghergaze,Jennakeptherexpressionbland.“Wealwayslookforwardtoexperiencedcandidatesforanyposition.”Sheliftedherfork.“Whenwedo,we’lladvertiseasusual.ItdependsonwhatI’mlookingforatthetime.”Sheliftedoneshoulderinahalfshrug.“Ialreadyhavethreequalifieddeputiesonmymainteam.Iwasconsideringasecondteamtohandletheday-to-dayrunningoftheofficewhenwe’rebusy.So,itmightonlybeafewdaysaweektostart.”
“Hmm.”Poppyshrugged.“Maybewecanworksomethingout?Atemporarypositionperhaps?IcouldtakeleaveandcometoBlackRockFallsforon-the-jobtrainingincriminalbehavior.I’dsurelearnmoreaboutittherethaninmylittletown.”
NoticingKane’sblankstare,Jennapulledanotepadandpenfromherpurse.“What’syourlastname?”
“Anderson,PoppyAndersonoutofCedarCanyon.SheriffTomGriffinwillgiveyouareferenceifneedsbe.He’safriendofMayorPetersham.”
Foldingthenotebookandpushingitbackintoherpurse,Jennasmiledather.“Thereyougo.NowI’llbesuretolookoutforyourapplication.”
“Thanks.WhatbringsyoutoHelena?”Poppybecamemoreanimated.ShepokedKaneinthearm.“Whydidn’tyougivemeacalltoletmeknowyouwerecoming?”
“Ididn’tknowmyselfuntilyesterday.”Kaneshrugged.“Mosttimes,wedon’tgetenoughdowntimetoleavetown.”
Feelinglikeathirdwheel,Jennaateslowly,uninclinedtochat,butPoppy’sattentionhadmovedtoher.“We’reheretodosomeshopping.Whenwegetabreak,weliketogetawayfromtownforaspellandspendtimeinthecity.”
“Areyoustayingatthesamehotelasbefore,Dave?”Poppypushedawayherplate.“Maybewecangettogetherlaterfordinner?”
“Ah…no,we’reheadingbackthisafternoon.”Kanewentbacktoeating.“Wecameinthemedicalexaminer’schopper.Maybesomeothertime?”
“I’llholdyoutoit.”Poppystoodandopenedherpursesearchingforbills
“Mytreat.”Kanegaveherasmile.“Itwasniceseeingyouagain.”
“Untilnexttimethen?”Poppybentandkissedhimonthecheekandgivinghimaflashofwhiteteethhurriedoutthedoorinacloudofperfume.
Staringafterher,Jennawavedtotheserverandorderedmorecoffee.SheturnedtoseeKaneeyeingherovertherimofhiscup.Shelookedbackattheserver.“Applepie,hotwithicecream.”
“I’llhavethesame.”Kanegrinnedather.“What?Youlookfittodrawdownonme.”
“Whydidyouintroducemetoherasyourboss?”Jennaleanedbackinherchairandwaited.
“Respect.”Kaneshrugged.“Sheusespeopletogetahead.Allthatsqueezingmyarmwasjusttestingyourreaction,Jenna.WhenIignoredheratthelastconvention,shecamerightoutandaskedCarterandJoifIhadagirlfriendandbothgaveheranegativeanswer.SheknowsI’myourdeputyandprobablymadetheconnection.ShewasusingusandIdon’tthinkit’sanyofherbusinesstoknowthereasonwe’reintown,orthestatusofourrelationship,soIkeptitprofessional.”
Shakingherhead,Jennadugintoherpie.“Sheseemslikeaclosefriend.Howcomeyouhaven’tmentionedherbefore?”
“ImetherwhenIwasstayinghereinHelena,beforeIwenttoBlackRockFalls,andIhavenoideawhyIkeptherphonenumber.”Kanemethergaze.“WhenIarrivedinHelena,Wolfesentmetotheconvention,mainly,Ifigure,tokeepmefocused.ShejusthappenedtositnexttomeandpesteredmeuntilItalkedtoher.Wehadlunchtogether.”Heopenedhishandswide.“Afterbeingholedupinahotelaloneforsolong,itwasnicejusttalkingtosomeoneaboutnormalthingsforachange.BeforeIcamehere,theconditioningwasintense.Poppywaslikebeingnormalagain,Iguess.”Hegrinned.“Imightbeold-schoolwhenitcomestorelationshipsbutIdoenjoyfemalecompany.I’mnotamonk.”
Jennaswallowedamouthfulofpie.“Isee.”
“Ididn’tmentionmeetingupwithheragainattheconventionbecauseitwasn’trelevant.”Kaneshrugged.“Thelasttimewemet,shehadhersightssetonCarterandeverytimeshepulledmeintoaconversation,Italkedaboutyou.”
Placingherforkontheplate,shesmiled.“Soshesaid.Iguessatthattimewewerekeepingourrelationshipprivate,soyoucouldn’ttellheryouwereinvolvedwithme?”
“Trustme,keepingitsecretmakeslifedifficult.”Kaneshookhishead.“Youknow,anytimeI’moutwithCarter,we’resurroundedbywomen.It’slikethey’resuckingmeintoawhirlpool…andI’mrunningoutofexcuses.I’mnottoosurewhatitisabouthim,animalmagnetismorwhatever,buttheyfollowhimaroundlikeafanclub.Thereweresomany,Ican’trecallalloftheirnames.”
Jennalaughed.“YourememberedPoppy’snamejustfine.”
“ThatoneIrememberedbecausewehadhistory.”Hegrinnedather.
JennatookatissuefromherpocketandwipedthelipstickfromKane’scheekanddroppeditintoPoppy’suntouchedcoffee.
“I’msorryshespoiledourlunchbutshekindainvitedherself,didn’tshe?LikeIsaid,she’spushy.”Kanesighed.“Ididn’tmentionherforthedeputypositionbecauseIdidn’tconsiderhersuitable.”
“IfIreceiveanapplicationfromher,we’lldiscussherwiththeteamasusual.”Jennasippedhercoffeeandwaitedabeat.“Shewon’tbeaproblemifshe’schasingafterCarter,willshe?”
“Nope.”Kanesnortedwithlaughter.“Althoughthatmaybeovernowtoo.Yousee,CarterofferedherawaytogetclosetoJo.WhenPoppymentionedseeingtheposters—TODAY’SSPEAKER:WORLD-RENOWNEDBEHAVIORALANALYSTSPECIALAGENTJOWELLS—ItoldherthatCarterwasherpartner,andPoppysuddenlybecamehisbestfriend.”Hegrinned.“Itdidn’tgetherfar.Cartercouldreadherlikeabook.”
“Hmm.”Jennaleanedbackinherchairandsmiled.“Wehavesofewnewpeoplewantingtoworkwithus.We’lllookatherfileandmaybewecanofferheratemporaryposition.Wedoneedhelp,especiallywhentherodeocircuithitstown,which,addedtothefestivalsallyear…IfanotherserialkillerdecidesBlackRockFallsisanidealhuntingground,we’regoingtobecallingontheothercountiesforhelpagainthisyear.”
ThephonevibratedinJenna’spocketandshestaredatthescreen.“It’sRowley.”Sheacceptedthecall.“Anythingwrong?”
“YouneedtogetbackhereASAP.WewalkedintoabloodbathoutofSnowberryWay.”
THREE
JennalookedatKaneandmouthedthewordmurder.Shepulledhernotepadfromherpurse,andKanehandedherapen.“Okay,whathaveyougotforme?”
“Anelderlystabbingvictim,webelievetobeAgnesWagneroutofSnowberryWay.Multiplestabwounds,faceanduppertorso.There’snosignofamurderweapon.Rioiscapturingthescene.WebberandEmilyareontheirway.”
Mindspinning,Jennatookacalmingbreath.“Okay,followprocedure.Emilyknowswhattodowiththevictim.Makesureshebagsthevictim’shands.Whofoundthebody?”
“Rioandme.”Rowleyclearedhisthroat.“Itwasreallyweird.WhenIarrivedthismorningtoopenup,therewasanaddressscrawledontheglassdoor.ItookapictureofitwithmyphoneandwhenRioshowedwewenttocheckitout.Whenwefoundthehouse,thefrontdoorwaswideopen.It’ssecludedouthere,sononeighborscloseby.Weclearedthegroundfloorandheadedupstairs.Shewasinthebedroom—lockedinacloset.Wefigureshewaskilledandthendraggedinthere.”
Chewingonherbottomlip,Jennafrowned.“DidyouchecktheCCTVfootagetoseewhowrotethemessage?”
“Yeah,andwemadeoutafiguredressedinblack.Itlookedlikeakid,butwhoeveritwascoveredupandstucktotheshadows.Noprints,zip.It’simpossibletomakeanID.”
Checkingherwatch,Jennanodded.“Ifsomeonepaidakidtowriteanaddressitwouldn’tseemlikebreakingthelaw.I’lllookatthefeedwhenIgetbacktotheoffice,butitwillbehardtotrackthemdown.”Shethoughtforabeat.“Okay.Itsoundslikeyouhaveitundercontrol.Searcharoundforthekeystothehouse.You’llneedtosecureitbeforeyouleave.We’llbebackthisafternoonandgooutandtakealook.”
“Copythat.”Rowleydisconnected.
JennaexplainedthesituationtoKane.“WebettergoandfindWolfe.Assoonashe’soutofhismeeting,we’llneedtogetbacktotown.”
“AnelderlywomanoutatSnowberryWay?”Kanerefilledhiscupfromthepottheserverhadleftonthetable.“Hmm,nowthat’sfoodforthought.DidRowleymentioniftherewasarobberyoranysignsofastruggle?”
Shakingherhead,Jennadrummedherfingersonthetable.“Nope,heonlygavemethebasicrundown.It’sjustaswellRowleyhadRiowithhim.Rowleyisn’ttoogoodwithmessycrimescenes.”Shepulledoutherphone.“Whilewe’rewaiting,I’llgetthelowdownfromRio.Heprobablytookinmoreaboutthescenewithoutevenrealizingit.Hismemoryisincredible.”ShehandedKaneoneofherwirelessearbudssohecouldlistenintotheconversationandmadethecall.“We’restuckinHelenaforatime.Whatelsecanyougivemeonthescene?”
“Noforcedentryoneitherofthedoorsbutthegroundisdisturbedoutsidethecellarwindow.Icheckedinsideandthere’reindistinctmarksonthecellarfloor.Thecobwebsaroundthewindowaretornandtherearesomeleavesonthefloor,butthewindowisshut.It’sapossibleentrypointbecausetheheightofthewindowwouldmakeitdifficulttoleavewithoutastepladderorsimilar,andweknowthekillerwalkedoutthefrontdoor.Thereisatrailofbloodfromthebedroom,asindrips.It’sasiftheykilledtheoldlady,removedtheirshoes,andwalkedoutthehousedrippingblood.Ifoundpartialprintsonthefrontdoorhandle,buttheyappearsmudged,soI’massumingthekillerwaswearinggloves.”
“Whataboutthehouse?”Kaneleanedtowardthephone.“Anysignofarobbery?Couldthekillerhavebeensearchingforsomethingspecific?”
“Notthat’sevident.Ifiguretheentirehouseneedsaforensicsweep.Therewerehairsonthebedroomcarpet.Thevictim’s,Ifigure.Icollectedthemandbaggedthem.Ididn’tseeanythinginthevictim’shands.Shedidn’tfightback.Maybesheknewherattacker?”
JennaexchangedaglancewithKane.“Haveyouinterviewedherneighbors?”
“Therearenoneighbors.Well,notforamileorso.It’sisolatedouthere.Thedrivewayisjustrocks.Anyonecould’vedrivenhereandwewouldn’tknow.”
Rubbinghertemples,Jennasighed.“Okay,I’llneedyoubothoutthereuntilwecangethome.Ifyouneedtodashbacktotownandgrabsomethingtoeat,oneofyougowhileWebberandEmilyarethere.Idon’twantanyoneouttherealone.”
“Copythat.”Riodisconnected.
Thinkingitthrough,shelookedatKane.“Whatdoyouthink?”
“Anattacktothefaceisusuallyacrimeofpassion,whichseemsunusualinanelderlywoman…unlessthekilleristryingtothrowusacurveballbymakingusbelievejustthat.”Kanetwirledhiscupinhisfingers.“Wecanassumeit’snotanelderlypersonbecause,fromwhatIrecallofthewindowsinthecellarsofthoseoldhousesoutthatway,therootcellarshadatrapdoorandasmallwindowmostlyforventilation.It’ssethighonthewallandmostpeopleuseametalrodtoopenandshutit.Ithasadropofatleastsix,maybeeight,feet,soaslimpersonorayoungpersonwouldmostlikelyfitthrough.Thedropwouldbetoogreatfortheaverageolderperson.”Hefrowned.“I’llneedmoredetails.Forinstance,didtheyattacktheeyes?”
Amazedbyhisinsight,Jennashrugged.“Ididn’tliketoaskRowleyaboutspecifics.He’sabitsqueamish,asyouknow.”Shestirredcreamintohercoffee.“Whydragthebodyintothecloset?Mostpeoplekillandrun.Isthatsignificant?”
“Maybe.”Kanesippedhisbeverage.“Itwouldtieintothedamagetotheeyes,ifany.Itwouldtellmethevictimknewherattacker,andevenindeath,thekillerwasstillconcernedthey’dberecognized.”
“Soifshelivesalone,arewelookingforsomeonewhoiswellknowninthecommunityandhasatonoffriendswhodropby?”Jennaranherfingerthroughthesugarshe’dspilledontohersaucerandlickedherfinger.“ButSnowberryWayisn’taneasyplacetogetto.You’dhavethoughtshe’dhavebeensnowedinallwinter.”Shelookedathim.“MostoftheolderwomenI’vemetoftenspendtimewiththeirfamiliesintownovertheholidays,andsomestayrightthroughuntilthemelt.”
“Allthesethingswe’lltakeintoconsideration.”Kaneopenedhishands.“It’snotmuchusespeculatinguntilwehavemoreinformation.”Heglancedathiswatch.“We’llheadbacktotheME’soffice.Wolfe’smeetingwillbeoverbythetimewearrive.I’llgrabhimato-gocoffee.He’sprobablystarvingbynowandwehaven’tgottimetostop.”
Jennastood.“Okay,I’llorderhimsomesandwichesaswell.I’llfixthemupforourmealsatthecounter.”
“Mytreat.”Kanefrownedather.“There’snowayyou’repayingforPoppy’smeal.Thistripwasmyidea.Don’tgetallstubbornonmenow.”
Jennagrinnedathim.“Oh,butteringupthebosswon’tgetyouanyfavors.”Shegiggled.“Well…onsecondthought…maybeitwill.”
FOUR
TheyarrivedinBlackRockfallsbeforefour,andafterstoppingtocollectafewsuppliesfromWolfe’soffice,climbedintotheBeastandheadedtoSnowberryWay.Theroads,nowclearofsnow,hadsustaineddamageandlargepotholesdugoutbytheforceoftheice,whichmadethegoingslow.Kanemaneuveredhistruckovertheholesandroaddebris,finallyturningintothedrivewayofthevictim.HelookedatJenna.“Well,nobodywalkedhere,that’sfordarnsure.”
TwocruisersandEmily’ssilverJeepCherokeesatinthedriveway,andtuckedinsideagaragewasaFordtruck.KaneclimbedoutintothecoolmountainchillandturnedtoWolfe.“Whydidn’tWebberbringthevan?”
“He’sbeenandgone.”WolfepulledonbootiesandglovesandhandedthesametoJennaandKane.“IspoketoEmbeforeweleftandtoldhertogetthebodyonice.Shetookthetemperatureofthevictimatthescene.I’msuremyjobhereisjustaboutdone.She’sverycapableofhandlingacrimescene.”
Kanesmiled.“Oh,Ihaveeveryconfidenceinherability.I’llbegladwhenshegraduatesfrommedicalschoolandcanbearoundfull-time.Itwilltaketheweightoffyouabit.”Hechuckled.“Wemightgettogofishingoneweekend.”
“Thatwillbeyearsyet.”Wolfeshrugged.“I’mjustgladshespendshertimeintheofficewhenshe’snotinclass.She’slikeaspongeandlearnssofast.Anyexposuretocases,Icangiveher,isanadvantage.”
ThedoortothehouseopenedandRiowalkedouttogreetthem.HisseriousexpressionandpalefacespokevolumesasheapproachedJenna.
“Whathavewegot?”Jennasnappedonhergloves.“Haveyoumadeanyprogresssincewespoke?”
“Idon’thaveanyotherinformationforyouregardingthevictim.”Riowethislips.“We’reassumingit’stheownerofthehouse.ThevehicleandlandtitlearebothinthenameofAgnesWagner.She’slivedhereforoverfiftyyears.Herhusbanddiedtenyearsago.Shetakescareofherself,fromwhatIcanmakeout.There’safullpantryandfreezer.Shedoesn’thaveanykids.Itmusthavebeenlonelyforheroutherebyherself.”
“Didyouvisittheneighbors?”Jennafollowedhiminsidethehouse.
“Yeah,there’sonlyone.Thehousefurtherupisboardedup.”Rioturnedtolookather.“Theydidn’tseeorhearanythingandI’dbelievethem.Thecabinissetwayofftheroad.”Riostoodtoonesideandpointedtothedoor.“Smudgedprintshere,dripsofbloodallover,butthescannerdidn’tpickupanythingsolid.Asyoucansee,it’sevenhardtotellthesizeofthehand.”Hepointedtothestairs.“EmilyandRowleyareupstairs.I’vesearchedthehouse.Nothingseemsdisturbed.ThecellaristheonlypointofentryIcanfind.Althoughthere’snoevidencewecanuseandnofootprints.Themeltingsnowhassaturatedtheground.Ontheinside,Ifoundafewdampmarksunderthewindow,butiftherewerewetfootprints,theydried.Thewindowisshuttightaswell.Theyleftbythefrontdoor.Itwasopenwhenwearrived.”
“Okay.”Jennaheadedforthestairs.
AsKanesteppedinside,amustysmellsurroundedhim.Heavoidedthebloodtrailinsidethefrontdoorandscannedthearea.Thehousewasablazewithlightandhesmiledtohimself.EmilyhadleftnothingtochanceandhaderectedWolfe’sportablelightingalloverthehouse.Hemovedthroughasmallfoyerandthemetallicscentofbloodhithimlikeawall.HeturnedtoWolfe.“Fromthebloodtrail,doyoufigurethekillerwasinjured?”
“Let’stakealookatthescenefirst.”Wolfeheadedforthestairs.“Whatever,theywalkeddownthemiddleofthestairsunhurried.Lookhoweventheblooddropletsarespaced.Ifthey’dbeenrunning,thespatterwouldhavebeenunevenandsplashedoverthehandrail.Thislookslikeacoldcalculatedkill.Theywereinnohurrytoleave.”
ThesmellofbloodincreasedasheclimbedtothetopofthestairsandfollowedWolfeintoalargebedroom.Murmurscamefrominside,andRowleyandEmilyturnedastheyentered.Keepingtotheperimeteroftheroom,helistenedtoEmilybriefingWolfe.
“Riofilmedtheentirescenewiththebodyinsituandtookamillionshotsbeforewemovedanything.”Emilypointedtoablood-soakedpatchonthecarpet.“Thevictimissmall,maybefive-oneor-two.Fromthebloodspatterandlackofdefensewounds,Ithinkshewasattackedfrombehind.”
“Okay.”Wolfecroucheddown.“Thislookslikeanarterialspraypattern.Wasthenecklacerated?”
“Yeah.”Emilypointedtothelongmarksacrossthecarpet.“Stabbedintheneck,thensheturnedorcollapsed,fellontoherback.Fromtheinjuriestothefaceandchest,itwasafrenziedattack.”Shepointedtothebloodspatterpatternwherethebodyhadlain.“There’sthisandaclassicspraypatternontheclosetmirror,consistentwithafrenziedattack.”
Engrossedbytheconversation,KaneglancedatJenna’sintentexpressionandthenturnedtoEmily.“Andyetaftersuchanadrenalinebuzz,thekillerremovedtheirshoesandjustwalkedslowlydownthestairsandoutthefrontdoor.Didyougetsamplesofthebloodtrail?”
“Yeah.”Emilylookedexhausted.“I’vetakensamplesfromallthecontactpointsmadebythekiller,fibersandanythingelseIcouldfind.”
“That’sgood.”WolfeturnedtoKane.“Whatdoyoumakeofthekiller’sbehavioralswitch?”
“Iwasgoingtoaskyouthesamequestion.”Jennamovedtohisside.“Thisisbizarre.”
Takinginthesceneasawhole,Kaneturnedslowly.“Somethingelsewentonhere.”HelookedatRio.“Dowhatyoudobest.Correlatealltheinformationwehavehere.What’smissing?”
“Myfirstinstincttellsmenoonecandothismuchdamagewithoutbeingsoakedinblood.”Hestaredslowlyaroundtheroom.“Nobloodyfootprints.”
“Lookatthis.”Jennahadbentovertostareatthecarpet.“Thehouseisimmaculateandyetthere’sfluffonthecarpetoverhere.Notmuchbutit’sevident.”
“Whichwouldsuggestsomethingwaslaidontopofthecarpettowalkon.”Wolfeturnedtoexaminethebed.“Thebed’sbeensleptin,butalltheblanketsappeartobethere.”
“Howmanykillerssetupascenebeforehand?Fromthisbloodbath,there’snopossiblewayofdraggingthevictimintotheclosetwithoutleavingbloodyfootprints.”Jennapeeredatthecarpet.“Showmetheimageofthebodyinsitu.”
“Hereyougo.”Riohandedherhiscamera.“Thezoomishere.”Heindicatedtoabuttononthedevice.
“Werethedoorsopenorshut?”Jennafrowned.“Whatabouttheclotheshanginginside?Didyoucheckthemforbloodspatter?”
“Yeah,wedidandthedoorswereshut.Whenwearrived,wefollowedthebloodtrail.”Rowleysteppedaroundthesmearedredlineleadingfromthecrimsonpoolonthecarpettothecloset.“Istoodhereandslidopenthedoor.Someonehaspushedtheclothesbackalongtherailtotheotherend.There’snotanybloodwecouldseeandnoothercontactpointsonthewallsorcarpetapartfromwherethevictimwaslying.”
“Doesn’tthisstrikeyouasunusual,Wolfe?”Jennastaredathim.“Thekillermusthavebeensoakedinblood.Sohowdidtheydragthebodyintotheclosetwithoutleavinganytraceevidence?”
“FromwhatIcansee,thevictimfellontoherbackwithherfeettowardthecloset.”Wolfepointedtothedragmarks.“Seehere?Thosemarkswouldbeconsistentwithherbeingdraggedfeet-first.Fromtheimageandherpositioninthecloset,shewasdraggedtotheopeningandthenrolledinside.”
“Ididn’tfindanyfibersinoraroundthecloset.”Emilyfrowned.“I’vemissedsomevitalevidence.Noneofthisaddsup,doesit?”
“Youdidagreatjob.”Wolfesmiledather.“I’lllookoveryourfindingsandthenwe’llheadbacktotheoffice.Oncewe’veputeverythingtogether,we’llhaveaclearerpictureofwhathappened.I’llknowmorewhenI’veseenthebody.”
“So,youfigureshewasdisturbedinhersleep,gotoutofbed,andwasattacked?”Jennafrowned.“Iwouldhavethoughtwe’dseedefensemarksifthatwerethecase.”
“Mythoughtsexactly.”Wolfefrowned.“Morelikesurprisedfrombehind.”
AthoughtstruckKaneandheheadedacrosstheroomandintothebathroom.“Thetowelsaremissing.”Herubbedhischin.“Hmm,didtheyusethetowelstoavoidleavingfootprints?”
“Ifso,theymusthavebeeninsidetheroompriortothemurder.Perhapstheybrokeinandcreptupstairs,placedthetowelsonthatchairclosetothebloodspotonthecarpet.Whentheoldladyheadedforthebathroom,theykilledher.”Jennaopenedalinencloset.“Whitetowels.I’llbagoneandseeiftheymatchthefibersonthecarpet.”
Kaneshrugged.“FromwhatIcanseehere,thismurderwaswellplanned,butwhyhavethetowelsheadingtowardthebathroomandnotthestairs?Unless…”Heheadedtotheshowerandpeeredatthestilldampsurface.“Bingo.”
“Ah,sotheytookashowerandcarriedtheirbloodyclothesinatowel.Theydrippedbloodonthestairsonthewaydown.”WolfewasatKane’sshoulder.“I’llswabtheshowerfortraceevidence,butIsmellbleach.IdoubtI’llfindanythingwecanuse.”Hewenttowork.
“Rio.”Jennaglancedathim.“Gochecktheincineratorandseeiftheyburneduptheclothes.Ididsmellsmokewhenwearrived,butthat’snothingunusualforthistimeofyear.”
“Okay.”Riograbbedafewevidencebags,snatcheduphiscamera,andheadedoutthedoor.
“So,wehaveanakedkillerinBlackRockFalls?”Emilylookedskeptical.
Takingintheroom,Kaneshrugged.“There’replentyofclothesinthisroom,maleandfemale.Shehasaclosetfullofthem,andobviouslydidn’tgiveherhusband’sthingstoGoodwill.Orifthismurderwasaswellplannedasitseems,thekillercould’vehadasparesetintheirvehicle.It’snotasifanyonewouldseethemouthere.”
“Notthatwefoundanysignofavehicleandwe’vesearchedallover.”RowleypusheduphisStetson.
KanewalkedtoRowley’sside.“Howareyouholdingup?”
“I’mgood.”Rowleyraisedbotheyebrows.“Seemswatchingmytwinsbeingbornandchangingdiapershashardenedme.Ididn’tevenspewthistime.”
Slappinghimontheback,Kanesmiled.“That’sgoodtoknow.”
“Hey.”Rio’svoicecamefromdownstairs.“There’sbeenafireoutback.Youmightwanttotakealook,Sheriff.”
“Onmyway.”JennalookedatKane.“Finishuphere,I’llwaitforyoudownstairs.Idon’twanttoriskcontaminatingthescenewithashfromthefire.”
Kanetooktheevidencebagsfromherandnodded.“Sure.”HelookedatRowley.“Didyoufindthehousekeys?”
“Nopebutherphonewasbesidethebed.”Rowleyscratchedhisheadandpeeredaround.“Doyouwantmetosearchdownstairs?”
Scanningtheroom,Kaneshookhishead.“Nah,she’dlikelykeepherpursecloseby,solookuphere.”HeturnedtoWolfe.“I’mguessingyou’llbewantingtopreservethescenependingtheautopsyresults?”
“Yeah,andI’llleavethelightsherefornow,butweshouldcheckthecellarbeforewego.”Wolfewalkedaroundthebedandpulledopendrawers.“Ah,here’sherpurse.”Heopenedthesubstantialbag.“ID,housekeys,andfivehundredinbills.Sorobberyisn’tamotive.”HetossedthepursetoKane.“We’llneedtomakesuretheplaceissecured.I’dliketoseethepointofentry.Ifsomeonegotthroughthecellarwindow,theycouldagainandreturnafterweleave.”
“Sure.”KanehandedRowleyJenna’sevidencebagsandledthewayoutofthebedroom.
“Okay,Em,that’sallweneedfornow.”Wolfelookedatheroveroneshoulder.“Takealltheevidencebacktoyourtruck.Rowleywillhelpyou.I’llmeety’alldownstairs.”
TheyfoundthecellarandKanepeeredintotheblackness,gladtofindaworkinglight.Howmanytimeshadhewalkedintoadarkcellarandfoundacorpse?Withallhe’dfacedinhislifetime,adarkcellarstillgavehimthejitters.WithWolfeclosebesidehim,theysearchedeveryinch.Onewallhadbeenusedtodisplaytoolsandhadawell-usedworkbenchbelow.Toolsandhalf-finishedprojectslitteredthebench.Awaveofsorrowhithiminthepitofhisstomach.Agnesprobablyhadn’tdisturbeditsinceherhusbanddied.Shemusthavewantedtheremembrancesofhimaroundher.Hecheckedthewindow.“Thiscouldbeopenedfromtheoutside.Aknifewouldliftthecatchwithease,andweknowtheyhadaknife.”Hesearchedtheworkbenchandreturnedtothewindowwithahammerandnails.Standingonanupturnedmilkcrate,hesecuredthewindow.“Nooneisgettinginsidenow.”
“Good.”Wolfeheadedforthestairs.“Let’sgetoutofhere.It’sbeenalongday.Theautopsywillbeattenasusual.”HeturnedtosmileatKane.“Ah,bytheway.Themissionyousentmeonwentrealwell.They’llbecontactingyouinaboutaweek.”
“Great.”Kanefollowedhimupthestairs.“Atleastsomethinginthiscrazyworldisworkingoutrightforachange.”
FIVETUESDAY
Exhaustedfromadisturbednight’ssleepandtooscaredofbearstogotothewoodpileforfreshlogsforthefire,JoleneDarvishpulledonthethickcoatthatoncebelongedtoherhusbandandrubbedthefrostonthewindowtomakeapatchtoseethrough.Itmightbespringbutitwasstillfreezinghighinthemountains.IthadseemedagoodideaallthoseyearsagotobuildacabinatBearPeakandliveoffthegrid.Injuredduringhistourofduty,herhusbandhadreturnedhomeadifferentman.Heneededsolitudeanddidn’twanttomixwiththetownsfolk.Beingyoungandstrong,they’dcampedoutuntilthey’dbuiltthecabin.She’dworkedintownasadentalhygienisttoearnenoughtopayfortheessentials,butJohnnyneverleftthemountainuntilthedayhedied.Nowallalone,withnokids,herfamilylonggone,shehadnochoicebuttoremainthroughlongcoldwintersandsummerswiththeriskoflosingeverythinginawildfire.
Shepeeredoutsideandgaspedatthedoortoherfoodlockerhangingopen.Withnocellarinthehouse,they’dbuiltthesturdybuildingwithgraniterocksandathickwoodendoor.Bearshadneverransackeditinthefiftyyearsshe’dlivedonthemountain.Hadsheforgottentolockit?Shemovedslowlytothefrontdoorandfoundthekey,hangingonthebentnailrightwhereshe’dleftit.Ifshehadn’tlockedthedoor,thekeywouldbeinthelock.Takingadeepbreathtosteadyhernerves,shepulledopenthefrontdoorandpeeredallaround.Thecabinbackeduptothemountain,givingaclearviewallaroundthedenseforest.Movingwithcaution,shesteppedoutsideandsniffedtheair.Bearshadafoulsmellandtheairwasfreshandclean.
Makingherwaytothefoodlocker,herbootscrunchingontheicepatchesonthegrass,shepeeredindismayatthebrokenlock.Lightfilteredinsideandlituptheemptyshelves.Everythingwasgone.“Ohno,mychickens.”
Heartpounding,sheshuffledtotheothersideofthehouse,expectingtoseebloodandfeathers.Shepressedahandtoherchestinrelief.Thechickencoopwasuntouched.Herfatbrownhenswerestillsafeandwarminsidetheshed.Sheopenedthecoopandpouredfoodfromametalbinontothefloor,checkedtheirwater,andthenwentbacktothehouse.Thefirewoodcouldwait.Rightnow,sheneededtoheadintotowntospeaktoFatherDerryattheshelterandexplainwhathadhappened.Withluck,he’dputhernamedownforanotherportionofthedonatedmeatfromthelocalhunters.She’dhelpoutbyservingfoodforacoupleofhours,andmaybebeabletograbamealbeforeheadingoffto
Grimacing,sheheadedforhertruck.Yearsago,shecouldhavefixedthedarnthingherself,butnowinhereighties,everythingseemedmoredifficult.Shesighed.Evenclimbingintohertruckwasbecomingaproblem,butitwasn’ttheendoftheworld.Livingroughhadmadeherresilient.Sherarelygotsickandoftenbelievedherhusbandwaswatchingoverher.Throughallthebadtimessincehe’ddied,somethinghadalwayshappenedtoeventuallymakethingsright.Sheglancedattheringsonherfingers.Maybeshecouldtradeoneforanewlock?There,problemsolved,anditwasn’teveneightyet.
Theoldtruckshookandrattled,butsheignoreditandturnedupthetunesontheradioandsangalong.Onething,shestillhadhersingingvoice,andsomehownomatterhowlonelyshebecame,shecouldturnontheradioanditwaslikethesuncomingout.Somanymemoriescamefloodingbackwiththoseoldtunes.Itwaslikerelivingabeautifultimeinherlife.
Assheleftherdrivewayandturnedontothedirtroad,thetruckbouncedandscrapedoverfallenrocks.Livingonthesideofamountainhaditsdownfallsandfallenrocksorsometimesboulderswerealwaysapossibilityafterthemelt.TheoldroadwentfromStantonrightuptothetopofBearPeak,thepartoftheBlackRockMountainrangethatresembledtheheadofagrizzly.Manypeoplehadoncelivedscatteredthroughthispartoftheforestbutnotsomanynow,althoughthecabinsremained.Noonewantedtoliveheresinceithadbecomenotoriousasamurderer’splayground.Hikershadfoundmanygravesovertheyearsandpeopleintentonmurderhadcontinuedtostainthisbeautifulpartoftheforestwithblood.
Drivingslowlyaroundfallenboulders,Jolenekeptonefoothoveringoverthebrake.Thedescentwasasteepincline,madedangerousbythescatteringofsoilandpebbles.InpartsthenarrowwindingroadfellawaytoasheerdropintoagulleythattooktherunofffromthegreatBlackRockFalls.Astheroadsnakedaround,shecouldmakeouttheglimmerofwateratthebottomoftheravine,likeapaleblueribbonagainsttheblackgraniterock.
Withtheradioblaringshedidn’thearthemotorofanothervehiclecomingupbehindheruntilittappedthebackofhertruck.Thesuddenimpactandincreaseinspeedstartledherashervehiclecareereddownthemountainatanimpossiblerate.Panicgrippedherasshewrestledwiththewheel,tryingtomakethenextbend.Therawedgeoftheroadwascomingupfastandglimpsesofthetreesinthegullyrushedby.Themenacingtrucktookupallherrearviewmirrorand,inagrindofmetal,shuntedherforwardagain.Terrified,shepresseddownonthebrakeand,usingallherstrength,pulledhardonthewheel.Suddenly,thebigtruckdroppedback,andtremblingwithshock,shewrestledhervehicletightontothesideoftheroadtoallowittopass.Fingersshaking,sheturnedofftheradioandwaited.Whatkindoffooldoesthattoanoldladyintheseparts?Shepeeredintoherrearviewmirror,butinsteadofpassing,thetruckjustsatthereasifdaringhertomove.Sheopenedherwindowandwaveditpast,tryingtomakeoutwhowasdriving,butallshecouldseewasthesilvergrillglisteninginthesunlight.
Theenginerevvedandthebigtruckedgedcloserandthenstopped.Whatdiditwanthertodo?AllJolenecouldseewasthickbullbarsmovingcloser.Theroarofapowerfulenginefilledthecabandshewoundupthewindowandlockedthedoors.Thejoltcameagainlurchinghervehicleforward.Terrified,sherolledhervehicledownthemountain,movingalittlefasterthancomfortabletogetawayfromthemenacebehindher.Insecondsthetruckwasonher.Theimpactasitstruckthebackofhervehicle,flungherforward,lockingtheseatbeltpainfullyacrossherchest.Thetruckbehindherroaredandpropelledherforwardtowardtheedgeofthemountain.Shescreamedand,pressingbothfeetonthebrakepedal,usedallherstrengthtoslowdown.Thesmellofburningrubberfilledthecabasthebrakeslockedandthetiresskiddedalongthedirtroad.Desperatelyturningthewheeltomakethecorner,heroldpickupslidsideways.Behindher,theroaringtruck’swheelsspun,sendingcloudsofdustandgravelintotheair,andpushinghertowardanopenexpanseofsky.“Stopit!”
Outofcontrol,Jolenescreamedinterrorasherfrontwheelsreachedtheedgeoftheroad,butallatoncethetruckeasedoffandshebouncedaroundtheturn.Heartinhermouth,shecouldn’tsuckinabreath,butsomehowspunthewheeltogaincontrol.Aheadontheleft,aneighbor’sdrivewayloomedlikeabeaconofhope.Accelerating,thetruck’sbackwheelsslidoverthegravelassheaimedfortheopengate.BehindherthetruckroaredpastinablastofairhornsandJolenesatforalongtimetakingdeepbreaths.She’dmetmanyfoolsinherlifetimebutnotoneofthemhadtriedtokillher—untilnow.
SIX
Pullingonhergloves,Jennastoppedonthefrontporchtoinhalethecrisppine-scentedbreeze,andaftertakingonelastlookatthesnow-cappedmountains,sheclimbedintotheBeast.WithDukesafelyinhisharnessonthebackseat,sheturnedtoKaneastheyheadedfortheoffice.“Thatpoormurderedwoman.Shehasnooneleftintheworldtoclaimherbody.Icalledbothlawyersintownandoneofthemhasacopyofherwill.Iaskedhimifanyonewouldbenefitfromherdeath,butheinformedmethatthereweremultiplebeneficiaries.AgnesWagnerwasadevotedchurchgoerandleftherentireestatetocharity.ShementionedmeinherwillasthefounderoftheBrokenWingsFoundation,hewasabletospeaktomewithoutacourtorder.Thefoundationforbatteredwomanwillgetthebulkofherestate.”
“So,youcouldbeaprimesuspect?”Kaneflickedanamusedlookinherdirection.“Thatbeingyourpetcharityandall.”Hechuckled.“Don’tworryI’llgiveyouanalibi.IoweyouthatmuchafterallowingyoutobewaylaidbyPoppy.”
Jennalaughedbutshehadbeenalittlejealous.“You’remakingtoomuchoutofit,Dave.I’mnotthreatenedbyher.Itrustyou.It’stakenmeyearstogetyoutocommittoarelationship.Iknowyou’renotthekindofguytojumpinbootsandallaftermeetingawoman.”
“So,ifshesendsinanapplicationtoworkwithus,you’llacceptit?”Kanelookedatherskeptically.“Isaidshewasarookie,butnowIcometothinkofit,she’dbeinherthirdyearofservicebynow.Shemightbeanasset.”
Staringatthemeltingpatchesofsnow,formingbluereflectivepatchesacrossthelowlands,sheshrugged.“She’sinexperiencedbyherownadmission.Thelastrookiewehadworkingwithuswasmurdered.Youdorememberthatdon’tyou?”
“Yeah,itwasnasty.”KaneturnedintoMainandslowedtoallowawomantocrosstheroadwithtwokidsintow.“I’mthinking,ifshewantsexperiencewithhowwehandleserialkillers,shecangothroughourfilesandI’llexplaintheprofileIcameupwithineachcase.”
Turningherheadslowlytolookathim,Jennacouldn’tcontainthechuckle.“Really?Shecoulddothatbyreadingourcasefiles.Fromwhatshewassaying,Iassumeshewantshands-onexperience.”Sheallowedthegrinshe’dbeentryingtocontainburstforth.“Oh,Icangiveherthat—butshe’dnotbeworkingwithyou.You’remypartner.Firstup,she’dbepullingdutyattheTripleZRoadhousetoseejusthowrowdythoserodeoboyscanget.ThenIfigureafewdayspatrollingtheshowgroundswithRioorRowleyandseeinghowthingsaredoneinabackwoodstownwouldaddtoherexperience.”
“Poppyhasn’thadthetrainingyou’vehad,Jenna.”Kanegaveherasidewaysglance.“Idoubtshe’shadmuchexperienceatallinthattinytown.Ican’tseethesheriffthereworkingoutwithhereverymorninglikewedo.”
“Exactly.”JennascrolledthroughherfilesonAgnesWagner’smurder.“She’dbealiabilityinacrisis,andifshe’sassoftasyousay,Iwouldn’tallowhertoworkwithusonahomicideanyway.Iknownothingaboutherand,ifyouhaven’tbeenincontactwithherbetweenthefirstconferenceandthelast,neitherdoyou.I’msureashellnotriskingmylifetakingdownaserialkillerwithsomeoneIdon’ttrustwatchingmyback.That’sifwehappentohaveacaseatthetime.”Sheglancedathim.“Youcan’thelpeverydamselindistress,Dave.Ifshewantstoworkhereforashorttimetogetexperience,itwillbeonmyterms…asyoutoldher.I’mtheboss.”
“Ididn’tintendontrainingherforcombat,Jenna.”Davepulledintohisspaceoutsidethesheriff’sdepartmentandturnedtolookather.“SheaskedformyhelpattheconferenceandIblewheroff.Ifiguredshewascomingontomebutnowsheseemsgenuinelyinterestedinprofiling.”Heslidheralookandhelditforalongtime.“Asyouhadn’tplannedtoadvertisethejobforfewmonthsyet,youhavetimetothinkaboutitandshemightnotapply.I’llkeepoutofit,ifthat’swhatyouwant,butwe’llsureneedsomehelparoundheresoon.”
Theyspentthetimebeforetheautopsycorrelatingandupdatingthefilesonthehomicide.TheymovedontocheckingouttheCCTVfootage,butthefuzzyimagegavethemnothingtoworkwithatall.BobbyKalohadnoluckafterusingalltheFBI’ssoftwaretocomeupwithaviableimage.Jennasuggestedfloodlightsforthefrontoftheoffice,butnodoubtshe’dgetcomplaintsfromthepeoplelivingoppositeonMain.WhenKane’sstomachstartedgrowling,shetookabriskwalktoAuntBetty’stogiveDukearunandcollecttakeoutbeforesettlingbacktowork.Nothingmuchhadhappenedintownsincethemelt.Itwasasifthetownsfolkwereallemergingfromhibernationandtoobusytogetintotrouble.ThetimefortheautopsycamearoundfastandshelookedatKaneacrossherdesk.“Readytoleave?It’scominguptoten.”
“Yeah.I’llleaveDukewithMaggie.”Kaneledthewaydownthestairsdowntothemainfloor.
“Anyonewanttoobservetheautopsy?”JennaturnedtoRioandRowley.
“Iwould.”Riostoodandgrabbedhiscoat.“Thiscaseisarealmystery.FromwhatI’vediscoveredaboutthevictim,shedidn’thaveanyenemies.Shewasalikedmemberofthecommunity,althoughshe’sstayedinherhousemostofthetimesinceherhusbanddied.”
“I’llpass.”Rowleylookedupfromhiscomputerscreen.“I’mcheckingoutpeoplewhothevictimusedtoseeregular.IhaveapileofinvoicesfromlocalcontractorswefoundatherhouseandIhaveherphonetohuntdownwhoshecontactedbeforeshedied.Imightgetaclueastowhysomeonekilledher.”
“Okay.”JennaledthewayouttoKane’struckandstaredintothesunshine.“Nothingbetterthananautopsytoruinaperfectlygoodday.”
TheyallpiledintotheBeastfortheshortdrivetotheME’soffice.Jennarantheevidencethroughhermind.Theashesshe’dbaggedfromafirepitoutbackofAgnesWagner’shousewerejustthat—ashes.Notonefragmentofmaterialremained,ifindeedthekillerhadburnedthebloodyclothesatall.ShehadnoideaifAgnesusuallyincineratedhergarbage.Jennapushedherthoughtstoonesideassheswipedhercardontheentrancescanner.TherewassomethingquitedisturbingabouttheME’sbuilding.AlthoughWolfehadgonetogreatpainstomakethefoyerandthevisitors’areawarmandcomfortable,withairfreshenersstrongenoughtopreventtheusualodorsfromthemortuaryescapingandcausingconcern,themovethroughthetwosetsofelectricglassdoors,fromawarmvanilla-scentedareaandintoacoldchemicalenvironment,alwaysbroughttheseriousnessoftheexaminationroomsintosharpfocus.Outtherewascomfortandconsolation,butoncethroughthedoors,thestarkrealityofthebrutalityonepersoncouldinflictonanotherwasfrighteninglyreal.
Themorguewasarealitychecktoo.Assheriff,itwasherresponsibilitytoapprehendtheoftentwistedandmaniacaloffenderswhopreyedonhertownsfolk.Jennahadcometorealize,especiallysinceworkingwithKane,thatalthoughthebrainchemistrythatcreatedapsychopathicserialkillermightbeinthegenesofapersonfrombirth,agreatmajorityoftheafflictednevermurdered.Itseemedthattraumaticexperiencesasachild—sometimesbybullyingorhumiliation—triggeredviolentepisodes.Soitseemedthataviciouscircleofcircumstancescreatedmostofthesekillers,andoncetheyreleasedthebeast,likeagenieinabottle,theycouldsometimescontrolitforatimebutneverputitback.Manyhadtriedtohelpthesepeopleandmanyhaddiedbelievingtheycouldreasonwithamindoftenconflictedbymultiplementaldisorders,butinherexperience,therewasnocure.
Sheshuckedhercoatandpulledscrubsoverherclothes,addingamaskandglovesbeforefollowingKaneandRiointotheexaminationroomwitharedlightburningoutside.EmilywasmissingbutWolfewasstaringatX-raysandColtWebberwasbusyarranginginstrumentsonthesilvertrayonacart.Sheglancedaroundatthestainless-steelbenches,sinks,andwallofdrawerstostorecorpses.Theroomwasmuchlikeanyotheroperatingroom,withthelightsabovethegurney,butwherethebodyofAgnesWagnerlay,thecoldmetallicbenchhadadrainatoneend.Sheswallowedhardatthesightofthetwobluishwhitefeetpokingoutfromunderthesheet,onewithadanglingtoetag.Whowouldattackandkillakindelderlywoman?Whatwastheirmotive?Nothingwasmissingfromthehouse,asfarasshecouldfigure.Thekillerhadn’tbrokenintostealanything.They’dfoundcashinthevictim’spurse.Hadthekillertargetedherforareason?Ifso,whatwouldpossiblyinducesomeonetohurtherinsuchaviolentway?Somanyreasonsspunaroundinhermindinacarouselofquestionmarks.AsWolfewenttothegurneyandpulledbackthesheet.Jennasummonedherprofessionalside.She’dneedit.Thissenselessmurderhadshakenhertothecore.
SEVEN
ShaneWolfemovedhisattentiontohissilentaudience.HewonderedhowKaneandJennamanagedtoportrayavisualofcompletecalm,asiftheyweredevoidofemotion,especiallywhenbothofhisfriendsjusthappenedtobethemostcaringpeopleheknew.Thesolemnityoftheoccasionshimmeredthroughtheroom,givinghisworkplacethefeelofafuneralhome,wheretheneedtokeeptheirvoicestoawhisperasamarkofrespectwasparamount.Theproblemwiththatattitudewasitwouldgetthemnowhere.Silenceinafuneralhomewasonething,butnotinhisexaminationrooms.Activediscussionwasessentialtosolvethepuzzleofacase,andifheneededacattleprodtogetthemspringingintoaction,hemightwellconsiderit.Heleanedagainstthecounterandmovedhisgazefromonetoanother.“I’maware,seeingakindlyoldladybrutallymurderedhasbeenashock.AgnesWagnerisastereotypeofthegrandmaswelovedandweallfeelaconnection,whichmakeswatchingtheautopsymoredifficult.I’dlikey’alltoconsideraveryimportantaspectofwhyweperformautopsies.”Hewavedahandtowardthebodyonthegurney.“Agnesherecan’ttelluswhathappenedorwhodidthistoher.Byusingforensicsandinvestigationtechniques,we’llbeabletohuntdownwhokilledherandwhy.We’reallhighlyskilledandtogetherwe’llcatchthepersonwhodidthis,butwemuststartwiththeautopsy.AllowmetospeakforAgnesbytellingy’allwhathappened.”Hepulledbackthesheet.
“Whatmadethesharpforcetraumainjuries?”Kanemovedforwardasifbreakingthespellontheroom.“Ascrewdriver?”HepeereddownatthemangledbodyandthenuptotheX-raysdisplayedonthescreen.“No,notascrewdriver,notfromthebonedamage.”
Movingtothescreenarray,Wolfenoddedinagreement.“I’llneedtoexaminethedamagetothebonebutI’mnotseeingatypicalsawinjury,sayfromahuntingknife.Thewidthofeachincisionwouldprecludeakitchenknifeorsimilaraswell.We’reseeingpuncturewoundshere.Iwouldsuggestathinbladeofaboutsixincheslongcausedtheinjuries.I’lltakemeasurementsaswego.”
“Doyoumeansomethinglikeameatskewer?”Jenna’seyespeeredathimoverthetopofhermask.“Butwhatabouttheneckinjury?”
“Thatwouldbeeasytoinflict.”Kaneshrugged.“Thevictimwouldn’tbestandingstillaftertheinitialattack,andwiththebladeburiedinherneck,atwistorturntogetawaywould’vecausedthetear.”
Wolfesmiledbehindthemask.Thediscussionhadbegunandtheteamwaslookingatthevictimobjectively.“You’vegottenitinone.”HenoddedtoKane.“I’llopenherupandwe’llmeasurethedepthandangleofthewounds.Thiswillgiveusaninsighttothekiller.”
Hewentthroughthecarefuldissection.Stoppingeachtimetoansweraquestionortwofromtheteam.“Okay,wehaveahematomaonthebackoftheskullconsistentwithsomeonegraspingherhair.Forthebleedingtobeevidentundertheskin,ithappenedbeforesheexpired.So,wecansay,thekillergrabbedherbythehairwiththeirlefthandandstabbedherthroatwiththeright.Thethroatpunctureisconsistentwithadownwardthrustfromarighthand.Thisinjurywouldhavecausedthearterialsprayonthecarpet.Thehematomaatthebackoftheskullalsoindicatesthekillerwaiteduntilshecollapsedbeforestabbingherfaceandchest,orthecollectionofbloodundertheskinwouldhavebeenminimalifany.”
“Yousayin’thekillerattackedfrombehind,struck,andthensteppedaway?”Rioleanedagainstthecounterinarelaxedpose.“Ifso,itwouldn’thavebeendifficulttohaveavoidedthebloodspatteriftheyusedthevictimasashield.That’spossible,isn’tit?”
“Yeah,butthearterialsprayisimmediate,soitwouldbenearimpossiblenottobesplashed,especiallyifthevictimistryingtogetaway.”KanelookedatWolfe.“So,wecanassumethekillerstruckfrombehindandthevictimstaggeredforwardbeforefalling.Howcomeshefellonherback?”
“Ifsomeonestabbedmeintheneckinaconfinedspace,I’dgrabmythroatandturntodefendmyself.”Jennafrowned.“Iassumethelossofbloodwassogreatshecollapsedandfell.”
“Somepeoplefreezeinanattacksituation,butIfiguretheyfrightenedherandshetriedtogetaway.”Kaneshrugged.“It’stheclassicflee-or-fightresponse.Yourreactionistofight,Jenna,becauseit’spartofyourtraining,ormorelikelyyourmindisgene-programedtofightback.Lookattheevidence—Agnesfled.”
“Geneprogrammed?”Jenna’sgazesharpened.“Whatdoyoumeanbythat?”
“Themoreresearchtheydointogenesequencing,themoreweknowaboutwhyweactthewaywedo.”Kanemethergaze.“Theyhaveknownaboutthefeargeneforawhile.Peoplewithoutit,likeme,gointodangeroussituationswithoutfearingtheymightdie.Thenthere’sthewarriorgene.Thoseofuswhorunintodangertoprotecteveryone,andnowthestargene.”
“Aliensfromouterspace?”Jennasnorted.“I’veheardaboutthatone.”
“Haven’tyounoticedhowtechnologicallyadvancedkidsarewhocan’twalkyet?”Riotappedhishead.“It’sallintherejustwaitingtobeactivated.”
“Yeah,Iagreebutgettingbacktotheautopsy.”KanelookedatWolfe.“Ifshepassedout,wouldshefallstraightback?”
Wolfelookedfromonetotheother.“Yeah,that’spossible.Y’allhavesomegoodtheories.I’veanothertothrowintothemix.Whatifshe’dhadacoronary?HerheartisinshredsbutI’lldobloodteststoconfirm.”Heliftedhiseyebrows.“IhaveallthelatestresearchintoDNA,ifyouwanttoreadit.”
“Isuredo.”Kanenodded.
“Wow!”Riochuckled.“IfyouandJennagettogetherandhavekids,doyouhaveanyideawhataguyyoursizewithadoubledoseoffeargenesorawomanlikeJennawouldbecapableof?”Henarrowedhisgaze.“Forgetaboutcombatrobots,themilitarycouldenlistyourkids.”
“Ha,ha,ha.Veryfunny.”JennashothimaglancetofreezeBlackRockFallsLake.
“Theattackonthefaceandeyesissignificant.”Kaneignoredthemandbentclosertothebody.“Thekillerdidn’twanthertoseethemandthenthere’sthereasontheydraggedherintothecloset.”Heshrugged.“Thatreasoniscomplicatedandcouldbeacontradictionofsomekind.Ifigurethekillermightknowherandwantedtohidewhatthey’ddonetoherfromanyonecominghere.”
“Yettheyleftthefrontdoorwideopen.”Rioletoutalongsigh.“Thatmovesusawayfromthehiding-the-crimetheory.Morelike,the‘comeseewhatIdid’theory.”
Wolfetookmeasurementsoftheincisionsandfrowned.“Ithoughtatfirstmaybeascrewdriver,butfromthedamagetothebones,thescoringisindicativeofasharppointedinstrument.”Hepointedtoindentsonthefleshofthechest.“ThisiswhatIseeusuallyinfights,they’reverysimilartoinjuriesinflictedbyknuckles.Ifiguresomeonehadtheirfistwrappedaroundthehandleofanicepickanduseditinadownwardthrust,asifpunchingitintotheflesh.”HelookedatJenna.“Themeasurementsfitthewidthandlengthofadomesticicepickwithawoodenhandle.”
“Theredoesn’tappeartobeanyheadinjuriesapartfromthehair-pullinghematomaandthesharpforcetrauma.”JennapeeredattheX-rays.SheturnedandlookedbackatWolfe.“We’llneedtotakeateambacktothevictim’shouseanddoasweepoftheyardtoseeifthekillertossedthemurderweaponinthegrass.”ShelookedatRio.“Getonthephoneandfindmesomemetaldetectors.”
Wolfenodded.“Leavethiswithmeandheadoutnow.I’llfinishupandsendyouareport.I’mstillwaitingonthetraceevidencesamplesfromtheshower.Ididfindtracesofbloodbutnothingelse.Thesampleisn’tgoodbutI’mrunningitagainstAgnes’DNA.Ifit’sherblood,weknowthekillerwashedbeforeleavingthehouse.”HemetJenna’seyes.“Unlessshediedfromacoronary,I’dsaycauseofdeathisbloodlossfromsharpforcetrauma.Fromtheevidencewehaveathand,Icangiveyouanapproximatetimeofdeath.Thefactshewasinbedandobviouslydisturbed,andconsideringthetemperatureofthebody,Icanputthetimeframebetweensixattheearliestlastnighttowhenthebodywasdiscoveredthismorning,butfactoringintheroomtemperature,I’dsaysheprobablydiedbetweenmidnightandtwothismorning.”
“Okay.”Jennaturnedtolookatherdeputies.“Let’sgo,wehaveamurdertosolve.”
EIGHT
Inthetruckonthewaybacktotown,Jennastaredatthemeltinglandscape,gladtoseethegreenawakeningofspringatlast.Winterhadseemedtolastforeverandsheyearnedtostandinthesunshineandnotbeconstantlychilledtothebone.AsRiochattedinthebackseatonhisphone,tryingtolocatemetaldetectors,sheallowedthecasetopercolatethroughhermind,mentallylistingthecorrectprocedureforapprehendingakiller.ShehadRowleyworkingthroughthecontactsonAgnes’phonetogetinformationfromherfriends.Whenshegotbacktotheoffice,she’dworkthroughtheinformationandsendRowleyandRioouttosearchforthemurderweapon.Kaneshe’dsettoworkfindingapossiblemotiveforkillingthepoorwomanandprofilingthesuspect.
“Therearesomanyaspectstothiscasethatdon’tmakeawholelotofsense.”KaneturnedontoStantonandheadeddownashadow-stripedhighway.“ThefrenziedattackismorewhatI’veseenfromajealouslover.Oftenkillingisn’tontheirmindsatall.Inajealousykill,theyusuallywanttoinflictpainandsufferingbyattackingwhat’smostimportanttothevictim.Thewomanisnolongerthepersontheyloved.Theyseeatwisteduglyperson,someonewhohasbetrayedthem.Theywantpeopletorememberthemastheyseethemandnotastheywerebeforetheattack.Disfigurementisusuallybecausetheyhavethe‘ifIcan’thaveher,nobodyelsewill’mentality,buttheydon’tattacktheeyes.”
Interested,Jennaturnedtohim.“Thelastcasewehadwherethefacewasattackedpost-mortem,thevictimwasaschoolkidmurderedbyajealousteenager.Thisisanoldwoman.Howdoesitcompare?”
“FromwhatIrecall,inthatcasethekillerbelievedthegirlwaswatchingherevenindeath.”Kaneshrugged.“There’sadealofhateinthismurderaswell,butseemstomeitwaswellplanned.Idon’tbelievethekillerstruckfrombehindbecausetheywantedtopreventbloodspatter.I’mthinkingitwasbecausetheywerefrightenedofAgnesseeingthem.”
“So,youfigurethissuspectisyoung?”Rio’seyebrowsrosealmosttohishairline.“Ican’tseeakidhavingaknowledgeofforensicstocovertheirtracks.Theywenttogreatpainsnottoleaveevidencebehind.Trustme,livingwithmyimpulsivetwinsiblings,iftheydecidedtomurdersomeone,they’dmakeonehellofamessofit.”Heshrugged.“Thiswasn’tathrillkill.Itwasmessy,yeah,butlookatthescene.Itwasalmostclinical,wasn’tit?Theycoveredtheirtrackstoowell.Lookingatthealmostpreciseplacingofthestabwounds,Ifiguretheytooktheirtime.”
Glancingfromonetotheother,Jennaconsideredbotharguments.“Idon’tthinkKaneissuggestingathrillkill.I’mthinkingit’smorelikeaviolenthomeinvasion,asiftheyhunteddownAgnesandmurderedherforareason.”SherestedhergazeonRio.“Whatyousaymakessensetoo.Theyplannedthekillandtooktheirtime.”Ashiverwentdownherspine.“Iftheyusedtheshower,collectedtheevidence,andburneditbeforetheyleft,theyhavenofearofbeingcaught—thismakesthemverydangerous.”SheglancedatKane.“It’snotonlythegoodguyswholackthefeargene.”
AsKaneparkedtheBeastoutsidethesheriff’sdepartment,Jennacouldseepeoplecrowdedaroundthefrontcounter.Blastedbyacoldgustofwindthatseepedthroughherclothes,shegatheredherthingsandheadedforthewideglassdoors.Theremnantsoftheaddresssomeonehadscrawledoveritwerenolongervisible.ShepushedopenthedoortofindacrowdofelderlywomentalkingnonstoptoabewilderedRowleyandaflusteredMaggie.ShewaitedforKaneandRiotofollowherintothefoyerandclearedherthroat.“Ladies.Ifthere’saproblem,we’llspeaktoeachofyou,butoneatatime,please.”
Faces,redfromshoutingallturnedtowardherandspokeatonce.Sheheldupbothhands,andratherthanraisinghervoice,loweredit.Usingthismethodoftenmadepeoplestopshoutingandstraintolistentowhatshehadtosay.Thankfullyithadthedesiredeffect.Thewomenfellsilentandstaredather.“Settledown,takeaseat,andI’llgettoeveryone.PleasegiveyournamestoMaggie.”Sheglancedupthestairstoherofficeandbackattheelderlywomen.“SendthemalongtoDeputyKane’sdesk.We’llspeaktothemdownhere.”ShelookedatRowley.“You’dbettercomeandexplainwhat’shappened.”
ShewalkedtoKane’sdesk,pulledoutachairsittingbesidehim,andlookedatRowley.“Whoareallthesewomen?”
“Thatwasmyfault.”Rowleyglancedbackatthecrowd.“IwentdownAgnesWagner’scontactslistandmadeafewcalls.”Hepushedhishandsintothefrontpocketsofhisjeansandshrugged.“ImentionedMrs.Wagnerhaddiedandweneededtoknowwho’dseenherlast.Allbutoneofthemhadseenherrecentlyandnoneofthemwouldgiveoutanymoreinformationoverthephone.Theyallwantedtospeaktoyoubecausetheydon’ttruststrangerscallingoutoftheblue.Well,allbutMrs.Mills,Wolfe’shousekeeper.ShewashavinglunchwithMrs.Jacobs—ah,that’sRio’shousekeeper—andtheybothsaidthey’ddropby.Well,seemstheyallshowedatonce.”
Notsurprisedbythewomen’sreaction,Jennanodded.“Okay,Maggiewillsortthemout.”Sheleanedbackinherchair.“IneedyoutogowithRioanddropbyMrs.Wagner’spropertytohuntdownthemurderweapon.It’sprobablyanicepickorsimilar.Riohasthedetailsandhasmetaldetectorsforyoutouse.”Besideher,Kane’sstomachrumbled,remindingherithadbeensixhourssincebreakfastandRowleyhadbeenstuckintheofficeallmorning.“Grabaquickbitetoeatandthenheadoutwithhimtothevictim’sproperty.”Shewavedhimaway.“Getatit.”
“Yes,ma’am.”
AsRowleywalkedaway,sheturnedtoKane.“Thoughts?Apartfromwhat’sontoday’sspecialsatAuntBetty’s?”
“Oh,Ialreadyknowthem.Susiesendsmeatexteverymorning.”Kanerubbedhisbelly.“I’msure,I’llsurviveanotherhourorso.”Heindicatedwithhischintothewomenseatedinthefoyer.“Thewomenhavesettleddownnowandbeforewetakeindividualstatements,maybeweshouldspeaktothemasagroup.”Hecollectedpensfromthetopofhisdeskanddroppedthemintothebottomofacandyjar.“Ifigurethey’reinvolvedinagroupactivityormaybetheyhelpoutattheshelter.Theymustallhavesomethingincommon.”
Jennapushedtoherfeet.“Thatworksforme.Grabanotebookandtakedownanythingweneedtofollowupon.”Shemadeherwaythroughtheofficeandstoodinfrontofthewomen.ShecaughtsightofWolfe’shousekeeperandsmiledather.“Mrs.Mills,Ineedaspokesperson.Iassumeyouallknoweachother?”
“Wedo.”Mrs.Millsstoodandherlipsquivered.Sheseemedalmostontheedgeoftears.“WhathappenedtoAgnes?”SheshookafingeratJenna.“Don’ttellusshediedinhersleeporsomeotherfancifulnonsense.I’vebeenworkingfortheMElongenoughtoknowthedeputiesdon’tgoaroundcallingeveryoneunlesssomething’swrong.”
Scanningtheconcernedfaces,Jennastraightened.“You’dknowthatI’mnotabletogiveyoudetailsofthecase,butherdeathissuspicious.Soweneedyou,herfriends,togiveusasmuchinformationaboutheraspossible.Forinstance,whenyoulastspoketoher,didshementionhavinganyonedropby?Wasshegettingquotesforworkaroundthehouse?Hasshementionedifshewasconcernedaboutanything?”
“Ilastspoketoheronthephonenotthreedaysago.”Mrs.Mills’browsknittedintoafrown.“Shementionedhavinganewfurnacefittedandhavingtoleavethewindowopeninthecellar.Acritterhadcrawledinsidethecellaranddied.Shecomplainedaboutthesmell,butshewouldhavecloseditbynow.Weallmetthismorning,forthefirsttimesincethemelt,forourquiltingcirclebutshedidn’tshowandshe’snevermissedameeting.Weusedtoholdourmeetingsatoneofourmembers’homes,butnowwehaveanicecozyroomatthetownhallwecanusefromtenuntiltwo.”
Jennafrowned.“Noonethoughttocallher?”
“Ofcourse,wecalledher.”Mrs.Mills’eyesfilledwithunshedtears.“Nowweknowwhyshedidn’tpickup.Ihadplannedtodrivebyherplaceassoonasthemeetingended.”
Jennadidn’thavetoglanceatKanetoknowhe’dbetakingnotes.Hissolidpresencebesideherhadcalmedeveryonedown.Shewasn’tsurehowhedidit,butshe’dseentheKaneeffectmanytimes.Thetownsfolkfeltsafewhenhewasaround.TurningherattentionbacktoMrs.Mills,shesighed.“Iknowthisisdifficult,butwedesperatelyneedinformation.Anythingyoucanrememberwillhelp.DoyourecallifAgnesmentionedthenameofthecontractor?”
“ThatwouldbeTreyDuffy.”Asmallwoman,witharoundfacepeekingoutfromunderaknittedhatembellishedwithroses,steppedforward.“Irecommendedhim.Hereplacedthefurnaceinmycellaraswell.Hedidafinejob,tookawaymyoldfurnace,andcleanedupallthemessafterward.”Sheclearedherthroat.“Manyofususethesamecontractors.Peoplewethinkwecantrust—thisbeingBlackRockFallsandall.”
“MayIhaveyourname?”Kanemovedclosertothewoman.“Whatothercontractorsdoyoushare?Doyouhavetheircontactdetails?”
“Mrs.HarrietteJeffersonoutofStantonRoadand,yes,Ido,righthereonmyphone.”Mrs.Jefferson’scheeksblushedbrightred.“I’mawidowandneedhelpwithafewthingsfromtimetotime—wealldo.”
“Canyougivethemtome,please.”Kanemovedcloserandtookthedetails.“Anyoneelse?”
“ManyofuscallColbyHahnifweneedahandyman,orArchieBuellerifweneedagardener.”Mrs.Jeffersongrippedherpurseinfrontofherlikeashield.“IdorecallAgnesmentioningColbydidsomefixingupatherplacebeforethesnow.”
Jennaheldupahandtogeteveryone’sattention.“Okay,didanyonehereseeAgnesatanytimebeforeSunday?”
“Idid.I’mMrs.Jacobs,DeputyZacRio’shousekeeper.”ShenoddedtoJenna.“Nicetoseeyouagain,Sheriff.”
“Andyoutoo.”
Notwantingtochat,JennaslidameaningfulglanceatKane,toblocktheunnecessarychatter.
“Canyouelaborate?”Kanestaredather,penraised.“When,where,andapproximatetime.”
“AuntBetty’sCafélastFriday.Wemetatoneandstayeduntilabouttwo.”Mrs.Jacobssmiled.“IhavetobehomeforwhenCadeandPipercomehome.”Sherolledhereyes.“Well,let’ssayIhavetobetheretomakesuretheygethomeandaren’tsneakingofftothecomputershoporhangingoutintown.Zaclikestomakesurethey’reathomeincasehe’shelduphere.”
“Okay.”Kanemadecopiousnotesonhisscreen.
Thinkingforabeat,Jennaclearedherthroat.“Wasthereanythinginherconversationwithyouaboutanyproblemsshewashaving,oranyworries,prowlersorthelike?”
“Well,she’dchangedthefurnacebecauseitwasmakinganoiseandkeepingherawakeatnight.”Mrs.Jacobsstaredintospaceforlongsecondslikeanautomatonthatneededwindingoraserverdropoutfreezinganimageonascreen,andthenallatonce,shecamebackonlineandblinked.“NotthatIrecall,butyoureallyneedtoknowaboutJoleneDarvish’snear-deathexperiencethismorning.ShelivesoutonRockyRoad.Thepoorwomanisallaloneoutthereandthemelthascausedrockslides.Themountainroadtoherhomeiscoveredwithdebris.”Sheheavedalongbreath.“NowJoleneisn’ttheskittishtype,butshetoldmeatruckwastailgatingherthismorningandcameclosetorunningherofftheroad.YouknowthatroaduptoBearPeakistwistyandcanbedarnrightdangerous.Whatfooldriveslikeamaniacinthatneckofthewoods?”
Concerned,forthewoman’ssafety,Jennaglancedatthegroupofpeople.“Issheheretoday?”
“No,sheisnot.”Mrs.Jacobsliftedherchin.“ShelefttodropbythegeneralstorebeforeDeputyRowleycalledus.Wecouldn’tletherknowaboutthecalls.Joleneturnsoffherphonewhenshe’snotusingittosavethebattery.”
“Jolenetoldmeshefiguredsomeonewasfollowingheronthewaytotownthismorning.”Mrs.MillspushedherglassesupfromtheendofhernoseandleanedclosertoJenna.“Shesaidthetrucktappedthebackofhervehiclecomingdownthemountain.Itgaveherashockwhentheyfollowedherrighttothetownhall,butwhensheturnedintotheparkinglottheydroveonby.”
“We’llneedtospeaktoher.”KanelookedatJenna.“I’llheaddowntothegeneralstoreandseeifshe’sstillthere.”HestareddownatMrs.Mills.“Canyougivemeadescription?”
“She’swearingapinkknittedhat,agreencoat,andsturdybrownboots.”Shewavedhimtothedoor.“Shewalkedfromthetownhall,soshemightbewalkingbacktopickuphervehicle,orshe’llstopbyAuntBetty’sCafé.Someofusgothereafterourmeeting.”
JennalookedatKane.“Go,I’lltakecareofthingshere.”
NINE
Zippinguphisjacketagainstafreezinggaleblowingfrommountainsstilltippedwithsnow,KaneheadedfortheBeast,andalmosttrippedoverAtohiBlackhawk,aNativeAmericantrackerandclosefriend.“Hey,sorry,Ididn’tseeyou.”Hepulleddownhiswoolenhatoverhisears.
“Hassomethingcloudedyoureagleeye?”Blackhawksteppedbackandlookedathimwithcuriosity.“Ordoyouhavesomethingofgreatimportanceonyourmind?”
KaneopenedthedoortotheBeastandturnedtohisfriend.“I’mhuntingdownanelderlywoman.Doyouneedtospeakwithme?”
“Yeah.I’llcomewithyou.Wecantalkontheway.”Blackhawkwalkedaroundthehoodandslidinbesidehim.“NoDuketoday?”
Kaneshookhishead.“Nope,he’swithMaggieattheoffice.WehadtoattendanautopsytodayandDukewouldratherbewhereit’swarmandMaggiesupplieshimwithaconstantsupplyoffood.”Heflickedhimaglanceandstartedtheengine.“What’stheproblem?”
“Theharshwinterhascausedafewrockfallshighupintheforest.”Blackhawkwavedahandtowardthedistantendlessexpanseofspringfreshgreenpinetrees.“Theicehasuprootedmanyofthepinesandit’swidespread.There’sbeensubsidenceandlandslidesareplenty.Amudslidecausedbytheremovaloftreesfortheskiresortispossible.Rubbleisrollingdownthemountainandit’sonlyamatteroftime.Onedayofrainandpeoplearegoingtobekilled.”Heshrugged.“MayorPetershamneedstogetcrewsouttostabilizetheareasnorthofBearPeakbeforethere’sanotherslideandtheroadisblockedcompletely.TheserviceroadtoGlacialHeightsSkiResorthassubsidedandfallendownthemountaininafewareastoo.”Heblewoutalongbreath,fillingthecabwithsteam.“Icalledtheroadalerthotlinetwicelastweekandnotonecrewhasshowed.”Heshrugged.“Itriedcallingthetowncouncilofficesandtheyinformedmethecrewswereoutonthehighways.Ifthere’samudslide,thehousesalongthenorthendofStantonandanythinginbetweenwillbeburied.Unfortunately,MayorPetershamdoesn’ttakecallsfromme.ItwillhavetocomefromJenna.”
Kanepulledinfrontofthegeneralstore.“Okay,I’llspeaktoher.”
“Thanks.”Blackhawksmiled.“Now,howcanIhelpyou?”
“I’mlookingforanelderlywoman,pinkhat,greencoat.Someonetriedtorunherofftheroad.”HeturnedtoBlackhawk.“YougorightandI’llgoleft.”HeslidoutoftheBeastandheadedintothestore.
Generalstoresalwayshavetheirowndistinctsmellsthatchangewitheachstepthroughdifferentaislesofproducts.Goingrightmighthavebeeninhisbestinterestasgoinglefttookhimthroughthebakerysection.Withhisstomachgrowlinglikeagrizzly,loudenoughtoturnheads,hescannedthestoreandthenspottedapinkhat.Edginghiswayaroundcustomers,hesidesteppedascreamingchilddemandingacandybar,hischeekswetwithtears.Whenthechild’smotherlookedathim,shesnatchedupherson.
“See,youmadesomuchnoise,someonecalledthedeputy.”Thewomandabbedatthechild’sfacewithatissue.
Kane’sattentionfixedonthepinkhatmovingawaydownanotheraislebutstoppedtolookatthelittleboy.“What’sup?”
Thelittleboy’seyeswidenedandheturnedhisfaceintohismother’sshoulder.Kanemetthewoman’sgaze.“Iseverythingokayhere?”
“Yeah,it’sabattletobuyanything.DannyinsistsIbuycandyateverystore.”Shehoistedthelittleboyontoherhip.“He’salreadyhadcandyoncetoday.”
Glancingoverthewoman’sheadtothebobbingpinkhat,Kanedroppedhisattentiontothelittleboy,whowasnowpeeringathimfrombetweenhisfingers.“Youbegoodforyourmommy.Okay?”
Whenthelittleboynoddedandpushedathumbintohismouth,Kanehurriedaway.HecaughtupwiththepinkhatjustasBlackhawkturnedintotheaislefromtheotherend.Theygrinnedateachotherandthewomanspunaroundandlookedfromonetotheother.Holdinguponehand,Kanesmiled.“JoleneDarvish?”
“Thatwouldbeme,yes,officer.I’mgladtoseeyou.”JoleneDarvishglancednervouslyatBlackhawk.“Yousee,I’mconvincedsomeoneisfollowingme.”
Thelavenderperfumeshewaswearingshothimbacktohisowngrandmotherwithsuchclarityitstoppedallotherthoughtsintheirtracks.Bitingbackashudderofmemory,hegavehimselfamentalshake.“Yeah,Iknow.Mrs.Millstoldme,butit’snotAtohi.He’sagoodfriendofmine.”Hewalkedbesidehernoticingthelistofpricesshe’dbeencalculatingassheselectedgroceries.“Whenyou’refinishedhere.I’llgiveyouaridetothesheriff’soffice,allthequiltingcircleisthere.I’dliketoknowmoreaboutthepersonwhotriedtorunyouoffthemountainroad.”
“That’sverykindofyou.”Sheglancedatthelistinherhand.“Ionlyneedacanofpumpkinsoup,butifIforgomycoffeeatAuntBetty’s,Icanbuytwo.”
Concernedaboutthefrailoldwoman,Kanelookedatthemeagercontentsofhercart.“Areyoualloutoffood?”
“Unfortunately,Iam.”Shegrippedtheshoppingcart.“I’dputuppreservesandsausagesforwinterandhadenoughtoseemethroughMay,butlastnightabeargotintomyfoodlockerandtookeverything.I’mluckytheydidn’tkillasinglechicken.I’dgottenashareofthemeatdonatedtotheshelterbyhuntersasmanyofusolderfolkdo,anditwasinthefreezerbutittookthataswell.Iputuppreservesforpeoplewhohaveaglutoffruitorvegetablesforaportioninsteadofpayment.Thebearhasruinedeverything.”Shecuthimaglance.“I’mnotgoingtotheshelter.Icanmanagewellenoughonmyown.Ihaveasmallpensionbutnothingputawayforarainyday.”
Theideaofabearnotraidingachickencoopdidn’tmakesense.Somethingelsewasgoingonandheintendedtogettothebottomofit.Kanesmiledather.“Youremindmesomuchofmygrandma.Imissherverymuch.”Hesighedandshookhishead.“Inhermemory,willyouallowmetoreplenishyourfoodlocker.I’llcomebyandcheckouttheplaceanddoanyrepairsyoumightneedtokeepitsafe.”
“Youareaverykindsoul,DeputyKane.”Shesmiledathim.“Yes,Iknowyou.Mrs.Millsneverstopstalkingaboutwhatyou,andthesheriff,dotohelppeopleinourtown.IcanseeinyoureyesthatIwouldhurtyourfeelingsifIrefused.”
Kanesmiledather.“I’llfixupeverythingandhaveitdelivered.KeepitinthehouseandI’llmakeatimetocomebyandfixupthefoodlockerassoonasI’mable.”Hegrabbedthecart.“GowithAtohitomytruck,I’llbealongshortly.”HetossedAtohihiskeys.
Hemovedthroughthecheckoutandgotthecashiertotakehisorder,usingthecartloadofgroceriesforthekindoffoodsheliked.HeestimatedwhatJoleneDarvishwouldneedforacoupleofmonths,addedafewluxuryitems,gavethemtheaddress,andarrangedthedelivery.HehurriedbacktohistruckandfoundJoleneDarvishstandingonthesidewalkeyeingtheBeastwithskepticism.Hesmiledather.“Thedeliverywillarrivebeforenoontomorrow.”
“Thankyou.Thisyourtruck?”JoleneDarvishpeeredupathimfromherdiminutivefivefeet.“Youdon’thaveacruiser?”
Kanesmiledandopenedthedoor.“Noma’am.”Hehelpedherintothebackseat.
“Nowdon’tyougodrivinglikeamaniac.”Shetouchedhimontheshoulderasheslidbehindthewheel.“Iknowhowyouyoungwhippersnapperslikespeedandmynervesareonedgefromthismorning.”
TurningtoAtohiwithagrin,hescratchedhischeek.“I’lldriverealslow,ma’am.”Hetookoffveryslowly.“Tellmeaboutthevehiclethattriedtorunyouofftheroad.Didyouseethedriver?”
“No,itwasrightonmytail.”Shemethisgazeintherearviewmirror.“AllIcouldseewasthegrilleandthebullbar.”Shepausedabeatasifrecallingamemory.“IthadGMConthefront.”
Kanenodded.“That’sgood.Nowthepersonfollowingyou.Canyoudescribethem?”
“No,I’mafraidIcan’t.”Shegrippedthebackoftheseat.“Haveyoueverhadthatfeeling,deepinthepitofyourstomachthatsomeoneiswatchingyou?”
Beingveryfamiliarwithhisowngutinstinct,Kaneglancedatherintherearviewmirror.“Yeah,Iknowwhatyoumean.It’ssavedmylifemanyatime.”
“That’sthefeeling.”Sheleanedbackintheseat.“Althoughitmightbeabear,waitingintheforesttoraidmyfoodlockeragain.”Shechuckled.“Itcan’tbeafterme.Themeatonmybonesislonggone.”
Pullingintohisparkingspaceoutsidethesheriff’sdepartment,KaneglancedatAtohi’sconcernedexpression.Itwasobvious,hisfriendwasthinkingthesamething.Toahungrybearjustoutofhibernation,avulnerableoldladyaloneinacabininBearPeakwouldmakeaverynicesnack.
TEN
Afterspeakingtothequiltingcirclemembersandgettingmuchthesameinformation,Jennasentthemontheirway.Kanehadtakenoffagain,sayinghewasdroppingAtohibacktohistruck.Sheupdatedherfilesandleanedbackinherchair.Famisheddidn’tcomeclosetothegnawinginherbelly.WhenshelookeduptoseeKanewalkingthroughthedoor,shesmiledwithrelief,nowtheycouldgoandeat—andthenherphonerang.ItwasRio.“Didyoufindthemurderweapon?”
“Nope.”Rioletoutalongbreath.“We’vesearchedallover,butthekillercouldhavethrownitanywhere,includingalongsidetheroadsandthere’smilesofhighway.That’snotwhyIcalled.IhadacallfromtheprincipalofthehighschooltoaskwhyCadeandPiperdidn’tshowforschoolagaintoday.”
JennatidiedKane’sdeskandturnedoffhiscomputer.“Mrs.Jacobswasinthismorningaskingafterourvictimandmentionedhavingtobehomeforthemthisafternoon,soshemusthavesentthemtoschoolthismorning.”
“They’renotansweringtheirphonesandthey’renotathome,unlesstheydecidednottopickupthelandlineeither.”Rioclearedhisthroat.“Maybeitwasamistakebuyingthemthattruck.ItwasamistaketoallowDavetoworkontheengine,andyouknowDavewithengines.Itgoeswaytoofastnow.”
WavingKaneover,sheputthephoneonspeaker.“Areyouconcernedtheymighthavewreckedthetruck?”SheraisedhereyebrowsatKane.“DavementionedCadewasaveryresponsibledriverandI’msurePiperisaswell.”
“Cadeisaseventeen-year-oldkid,anddrivingapowerfultruckislikepointingaloadedgun—Iknowit’sthenormouthereintheWest,butbackhomeitwasdifferent.I’mheadinghometoseeifthey’rethere.I’llneedsomepersonaltimetohuntthemdown.”Rio’sbootscrunchedonthedirtandJennacouldhearhiscruiserdooropening.
“Daveisrighthere.”Jennafrowned.“Doyouwantustohelpyou?”
“Notyetanyway.”
“What’shappeningwiththetwins?”Kanemovedbesideher.“Areyousayin’thatthetruckistoomuchforCadetohandle?”
“Well,itwasn’tuntilyourebuilttheengine,nowitcantowaneighteen-wheeler.”Riosnorted.“LikeIsaid,it’saloadedgun.”
“Imadeitsafe.”Kanelookedunimpressedandhisshouldersdrooped.“It’sdangerousouthere,andifthey’dbrokendown,anythingcouldhavehappened.Don’tyouthinkIconsideredtheimplicationsoftheupgradesbeforeImadethem?ItookCadeandPiperoutafewtimesintheBeastbeforeIdidanything,andCadeespeciallyhandledthepowerjustfineandmytruckiswaymorepowerfulthanthatoldGMC.”
“Oh,don’tgetmewrong.”Riostartedhisengineandthesoundoftiresongravelcamethroughthespeaker.“Iappreciatetheworkyouputintothattruck.It’sthetwins.Theyseemedtobesettlingdownandnowtheyvanishatallhoursofthenight.”Hesuckedinabreath.“Well,Piperwashomethismorning,butCadedidn’trollinuntiljustbeforeIleftforwork.It’snotdrugs.Ihavethemtestedregularaftertheyranawayfromtheirgrandma’sandcamebackashighaskites.”
“Itsoundslikehehasagirlfriend.”Kanerubbedthebackofhisneck.“Thatwouldbewhyhe’snotpickinguphiscalls.Maybegroundthemforatime?”
“I’mtheirbrothernottheirdad.Itmakesitdifficult,especiallynowthey’regettingolder.”Riosoundeddefeated.“MaybeIshouldtalktoWolfe.Hemighthavesomefatherlyadvice.”
JennalookedatKaneandshrugged.“IsRowleyonhiswaybacktotheoffice?”
“Yeah.I’llgoandhuntdownthetwins.Ishouldbebackthisafternoon.”Riodisconnected.
“Hmm.”Jennatappedherbottomlipthinking.“DoyoufigureWolfewillbeabletohelphim?”
“Maybe.”KaneshruggedandgrabbedJenna’scoatfromthelineofpegsalongthewall.“Ineedtoeat.”HewhistledDukeandthedogboundedoutfrombehindthecounter,hisbacksidewaggingandhiseyesbrightwithexcitement.“Areyouokaytowalk?I’llbringyouuptospeedwithwhatJoleneDarvishtoldmeontheway.”
TheyheadedoutintothecoolspringafternoonandJennalistenedinaweatthepoorwoman’sencounterwiththetruck.“Howonearthdidshemanagetogetaway?Whatdoyoufigure,roadrageorsomethingmoresinister?”
“Itcouldbeaproblem.”Kanenoddedatawomanpushingastrollerwho’dgivenhimawave.“Moresotheraidonherfoodlocker.I’veseenbearraidsandtheyrarelywalkawayfromachickencoop.Fromwhatshesaid,thebearbrokethelockonherdoor.Nowthatwouldbeafirst.Abearwouldsmashthroughadoor,buttheydon’thavetheskilltobreakalock,andherpreservesweremissingaswellandshedidn’tmentionanybrokenjars.Ifabearhadtornuptheplace,itwouldbeamess.It’salltooneat.”
Jennapulledherhatdownoverherears,thewindwaspickingupagainandblowingtendrilsofhairintohereyes.“Likethemurdertheothernight?”
“Itsuremakesmesuspicious,butIdoubttherobbery,ifitisone,andtheroadrageareconnected.Astheytookeverything,thechancesofthemreturningwouldbeminimal.Nooneisthatstupid.”Kaneraisedoneshoulder.“Oldfolkssometimesdriveslowlyandifthetruckdriverwastheimpatientkind,hemighthavelosthistemper.I’mnotsayin’that’sanexcuse,butifthey’dwantedtokillher,they’dhavepushedherintotheravine.”HeglancedatJenna.“I’lldropbyMrs.Darvish’splaceinthemorningandfixthefoodlockerdoorunlessyouhavesuspectstohuntdown?”
Jennashrugged.“IhavenamesofpeoplewhoworkedforAgnes.We’llneedtospeaktothem,butbyallaccounts,mostofthequiltingclubhasusedthemforsometimeandnoonehasbeenmurderedbeforenow.”ShepushedopenthedoortoAuntBetty’sCaféandthedeliciousaromasofamyriadofdisheswaftedoverher.Herattentionwenttothespecialsboardandshemovedtothecounterandwaitedforthemanagertofinishservingacustomer.“Hi,Susie,I’llhavetheBBQporkbellyburgerwithonionrings,sweetpotatofries,andcoffee.”Sherubbedherbellyandsniffed.“Oh,isthatpeachpieIsmell?”
“Itsureisandjustouttheoven.”Susiegrinned.“àlamode?”
“Isthereanyotherway?”Kanechuckled.“I’llhavethesamebutaddaloadedbakedpotatotomyorder.I’mkindahungry.”BesidehimDukewhined.“Oh,andifyouhaveanyleftoversforDuke,I’dappreciateitorhe’lltakeahotdogholdthebun.”
“IalwayshavesomethingforDukeoutback.”Susiebeamedathim.“Takeaseat.I’llberightalongwiththecoffee.”
Thedinerhummedwithlowconversation,evenatclosetothreetheplacewasstillbusywithalineatthecounterandpeoplehangingaroundwaitingfortakeout.Jennahadneverfoundthedinerempty.AuntBetty’sCaféwasagoldmine.Sheledthewaytothetablereservedforthesheriff’sdepartment,nexttothewindowatthebackofthediner.AsKanelikedtokeephisbacktothewall,hetooktheseatoppositeher.Susiearrived,placedaplateofleftoversonthefloorforDukeandthenstraightenedtopourthecoffeeleavingthepotonthetableasusualbeforeleaving.JennaleanedtowardKane.“Onethingofinterest.Thewomenmentionedanewplumber,ayoungman,theysaid,inhisthirties.”Shesmiled.“Theymentionedthatheaskedalotofquestions,likedidtheylivealoneandthingslikethat.Heseemedverynice.”
“Well,that’sadouble-edgedsword.”Kaneleanedbackinhischairandpulledoffhisgloves.“Hemightwellbeakindheartedguyorhemightbeamurderingpsychopath.It’shardtotellthedifferenceuntiltheykillsomeone.”Heshrugged.“Ifigureweaddhimtoourlistofmaybesuspects.IftheyallhavealibisforthetimeofAgnes’death,perhapsoneofthematleastmighthaveseensomeonehangingaround.”
Consideringhiswords,Jennanodded.“Wehavetostartsomewhere.I’llhuntdowntheirdetailsoncewegetbacktotheoffice,andI’llsendRioandRowleytointerviewtheminthemorning.”Shesmiledathim.“I’llhaveanotherchatwithJolenewhileyou’rebusymendingherdoor.Imightbeabletogetsomemoreinformationfromheraftershe’shadtimetosleeponit.”
“Goodidea.”Kane’sattentionmovedfromhertoSusieasshewalkedtowardthemwithaladentray.“Ah…”HehelpedunloadthetrayandgrinnedatJenna.“Goodchoice.Icouldeatahorse.”Hebitintotheburger,lickedsaucefromthecornerofhismouth,andsighed.“MaybeIshouldhaveorderedtwoofthese.”
Jennagiggledatthelookofraptureonhisface.“I’mwonderingwhenyou’regoingtoaskSusieifyoucanlivehere.”
“Uh-huh.”ThecornerofKane’smouthtwitchedintoasmileashelookedather.“Theydosayawaytoaman’sheartisthroughhisstomach,butyouknowdarnwellmyheartisalreadytaken.”
ELEVEN
Afteraverypleasanttimecatchingupwithherfriends,JoleneDarvishwalkedbacktoherbatteredoldpickupwithMrs.Mills.“IlikeDeputyKane.HetoldmeIremindedhimofhisgrandmaandorderedmeatonofsupplies.Hereallydidn’tgivemethechoicetorefuse.”Shesmiled.“Heinsistedondroppingbyinthemorningtofixmydoorandgavemehiscard.HesaidIcouldcallhimdayornightifIheardanyonearoundmycabinandhe’dhavesomeonedropbyandcheckonme.”
“He’saniceman.Hewasinjured—shotinthehead,youknow.”Mrs.Millsleanedcloserandloweredhervoiceconspiratorially.“Hehasametalplateinhishead,butitdoesn’tslowhimdown.Dr.Wolfethinkstheworldofhimandsodothegirls.BoththesheriffandDeputyKanearelikefamily.”
Jolenenodded.“Ihadthefeelinghewasallaloneintheworld.Isawsadnessinhiseyeswhenhespokeofhisgrandma,that’swhyIagreedtoallowhimtopayformygroceries.IthinkifI’drefused,Iwouldhavehurthisfeelings.”
“He’dbeahardpersontorefuse.”Mrs.Millschuckled.“Hehasthatlookinhiseyesthatstopsanyargument.”ShesqueezedJolene’sarmaffectionately.“I’llseeyounextweek.Callmeforachat.”
Withawave,Joleneclimbedslowlyintoherpickup,placedherbasketontheseatbesideher,andstartedtheengine.Ithadbeenareallyniceafternoonandseeingallherfriendshadmadeupforthefrightearlier.SheheadedthroughtownandoutontoStanton,enjoyingtheviews.Theforestinallitsspringgloryhadchangeddramaticallyeachday,andalthoughsmallpatchesofgraysnowstillsatinpilesalongsidethehighway,beyond,thenewbudsonbushesandtreeshadexplodedintoeveryshadeofgreenandwildflowershadpoppeduptheirheads,dottingthewoodlandswithcolor.
SheturnedontoRockyRoad,theoldpickupcrunchingoverthegravelsmearedacrosstheblacktopfromtheconstantflowofmeltingsnow.Theroadwentfromblacktoptopackeddirtmixedwithrocks,andthenumerouspotholesmadeforabumpyride.Movingslowlyupthetwistymountainroad,shecaughtaflashoflightfrombehindher,thereflectedsunlightblindingherforasecondandthenitwasgone.Sheturnedoffherradioandwounddownherwindow.Herheartpickedupabeatatthesoundofapowerfulengineandshepressedthegas,willingheroldvehicletomovefaster.Roundingthenextbend,shehitthestraightawayandpushedtheacceleratortothefloor.
Inaninstantherrearviewmirrorsuddenlyfilledwiththemassivegrilleandgrinningbullbar.Thetruckwasgainingfast,eatingawaythedistancebetweenthemrapidly.Panichadherbythethroatandshelookedwildlyaheadforanopengatebutmostfolkshadabandonedtheircabinsorsecuredthem.Shehadnoescapefromtheroaringmonstergainingonher.Theroadwastoonarrowtopulloverandhopeitwouldpassby.Fumblingforherphone,shepressedthesidetoturniton,butbeforethescreenlitup,thetruckwasonher.Thejoltfrombehindknockedthephonefromherhandanditfellunderherfeet.
Cryingoutinterror,shegrippedthewheelasthetruckpropelledherfasterandfasterupthemountain.Thefrontwheelsofherpickupdroppedintopotholesthrowingheraboutinalldirections.Behindhertheroaringenginedroppeddownagearandshuntedherforwardatagreaterspeed.Thelonggrassatthesideoftheroadflashedby.Shewrestledwiththewheeltryingtokeepontheroad,butaheadatightbendwascomingupfast—toofast.Hittingthebrakes,sheswungthewheelhardtotheright,butinsteadofmakingthecorner,herpickupslidsidewaysandshudderedtoahaltinacloudofdustandburningrubber.Tremblingallover,shegapedthroughthepassengerwindowatthebigGMCtruckjustsittingthereasifcontemplatingitsnextmove.Thetintedwindowsstaredbackatherlikeagiantinsect,reflectingheroldtruck.Handshaking,sheturnedthekey,willingtheenginetoturnover.Thestarterwhinedbutthemotorrefusedtoengageandthennothing.Herpickuprolledbackwardtowardthegapingmawabovetheravine.Standingonthebrakesshetriedtoturnthewheel,butwithouttheenginerunning,thesteeringhadlocked.
Shehadtogetoutandunfastenedherseatbeltandwasreachingforthedoorhandlewhenahugeroarcamefromthetruck.Frozeninterror,shestaredasitcameforher,movingslowlyasifdaringhertojumpclear.Tormentingherbyslowingandthendashingsocloseshecouldsmelltheheatofitsengine.Sobbingwithterror,sheheldupbothhands.“Whatdoyouwant?Whyareyoudoingthistome?”
Thebigtruckedgedcloser,thebullbarstouchingherdoorinakissofmetal.Aloudgrindingfilledthecabasthepassengerdoorcrumpled.Thewindowshatteredintoathousandpieces,scatteringdiamondsofglassalloverher.Asifherpickupweighednothing,thetruckpushedhersideways.Thetiresscreamedashervehicleinchedcloserandclosertotheravine.Scramblingtogetout,Jolenepushedatthedoor,itopenedacrack,butthewindrushingdownthemountainslammeditshutagain.Thenextsecondthepickuprolledovertheedgeandthenoisestopped.Thepickupspunslowlyintheairandthenmadeanosediveforthesparklingblueriver.Thrownontotheroof,Jolene’sthoughtswenttoherhusbandandthenthesunblinkedout.
TWELVEWEDNESDAY
DeputyJakeRowleypacedthekitchenwithhisbabygirl,Vannah,overoneshoulder.Hepattedherbackandtalkedtoher.Hiswife,Sandy,wasfeedingCooper,theothertwin,andhisdaughterrefusedtosettle.Heglancedathiswatch.Heneededtoleaveforworksoonandwalkedintothefamilyroomandsmiledathiswife.“IwishIdidn’thaveto
“I’llbefine.Cooperisjustaboutdoneandhe’llgostraighttosleep.”Sandylookedupathim.“Ifigureshejustlikesbeingwithherdaddy.”
Grinning,Rowleydroppedthelittlegirlintohisarmsandtracedafingeroverherpinkcheek.Thesmileshegavehimmeltedhisheart.He’dfoundthetwinsoverwhelmingwhenthey’darrived.HavingSandy’sparentslivingwiththem,hehadthefeelinghewasn’tneeded,butsincethey’dreturnedhome,he’dformedaspecialbondwiththetwins.Theyrecognizedhim,becameexcitedwhenhearrivedhome,andlovedcuddles.Bestofall,thetwinshaddroppedintoaroutine,andapartfromafewsleeplessnights,thingshadgonereallywell.“Ithinkyou’reright.Vannahisadaddy’sgirl.”Helookedintothebigbrowneyesandsmiled.“DaddyhastogotoworkandyouneedtogotosleepsoMommycangetsomerest.”
“I’llputCooperdownandgrabher,oryou’llbelateforwork.”Sandystoodslowly,placedCooperonhershoulder,pattedhisbackuntilheburped,andthenheadedforthenursery.“AreyouworkingwithJennatoday?”
Followingher,Rowleyshookhishead.“Nope,withZac.It’sroutine,nothingtoworryabout.I’llmeethimattheofficeandwe’llheadout.”HehandedVannahtoherandthenkissedherrosycheek.“YoubegoodforMommynow.”Hestoppedtolookdownathissleepingsonandslippedonearmaroundhiswife.“Canlifeevergetbetterthanthis?”
“Itdoeseveryday.”Sandykissedhim.“Nowgo.I’llseeyoutonight.Loveyou.”Shewavedhimtowardthedoor.
Sighingwithcontentment,Rowleyclimbedintohistruckandheadedintotown.Hemadeittotheofficewithfiveminutestospare,greetedMaggieonthefrontdesk,andlookedaroundforRio.Hestrolledbacktothecounter.“Rionotinyet?”
“Notunlessheslippedinandhidsomewherewhenmybackwasturned.”Maggieraisedbotheyebrows.“Comehere.”Shepulledoutatissueanddabbedathisshoulder.“Youbeencuddlingthosegorgeoustwinsofyoursbeforeworkagain?”
Rowleylaughed.“Allthetime.”HestaredoutoftheglassdoorsforanysightofRio’svehicleandsighed.“IguessI’llwaitforhimatmydesk.AnythingneeddoingbeforeIheadouttoday?”
“Nope.”Maggierolledhereyestowardtheceiling.“Ain’tonemurderenoughtroubleforyou?”
“Onetoomany.”Rowleyheadedbacktohisdeskandcheckedthroughthefiles,readingthroughJenna’supdates,andcalledColbyHahnaskingwherehecouldfindhim.Themanhadbeencooperativeandgivenhimalocaladdress.He’ddonethesameforArchieBueller.
Heglancedattheclock.ItwasunusualforRiotobelateforwork.He’dbeenveryquietoflateandhewonderedhowhisromancewithWolfe’sdaughterEmilywasprogressing.They’dhadafewdatessincetheballattheskilodge,butRiohadn’tdiscussedtheoutcome.Rioplayedhiscardsclosetothevestanditwasalwaysdifficulttoknowwhathewasthinking.Hepulledouthisphoneandcalledhim.Whenthephonewenttovoicemail,heleftamessage.Maybehe’ddecidedtotakeCadeandPipertoschoolandgroundedhimfromusingthetruck.Ratherthanspeculate,hecollectedhisthingsandastatementpad,andwentbacktothecounter.“I’mheadingouttospeakwithColbyHahn.He’sworkingoutof3MapleCrescenttoday.IfRiodecidestoshowforworkthismorning,askhimtocallme.”
“I’llbesuretotellhim.”Maggiemadeanoteandthengavehimawave.
RowleycheckedtheinformationonhisiPadandheadedforhistruck.ThedrivetoMaplewasonlyafewminutesandhenoticedthehandyman’sGMCpickupinthedriveway.Heparkedsomedistanceawayfromnumberthreeratherthancallattentiontohisvisitandwalkedtothehouse.Aman,heassumedwasColbyHahn,wasaroundtheageofthirty,wearingjeans,apaleblueT-shirtandaballcap,wasreplacingthestepstothefrontporch.Hewaitedforthemantofinishusinganelectricsawtocutalengthofwoodandwalkedcloser.“ColbyHahn?”
“Yeah.”Hahn’seyebrowsroseinquestionasheturnedfromthesawtolookathim.“Youdidn’tmentionwhyyouwantedtospeaktome.Isthereaproblem,Deputy?”
Themanappearedrelaxedbutwiththenumberoftoolswithinreach,Rowleypushedhisstatementbookunderonearmandrestedhispalmonhisweapon.“I’mDeputyJakeRowley.I’minvestigatingthedeathofAgnesWagneroutofSnowberryWay.Ibelieveyoudidsomeworkforherrecently?”
“Yeah,I’veworkedforMrs.Wagnerafewtimes.Thistime,shehadproblemswithafewofherdoorsstickingsincethemelt.”Hahnshrugged.“Itwasn’tabigjobbutshe’sgettingoldernowanddoesn’thavethestrengthtopullopenthedoorswhentheyjamshut.”
Hahn’smentionofMrs.Wagnerinthepresenttensesurprisedhim.He’dalreadytoldhimthewomanhaddied,sowasheconsciouslyspeakingaboutherinthatwaytothrowhimofforhadhemisunderstoodhim?Mostpeoplewouldmakeacommentaboutthedeathofsomebodytheyknew,buthewentonasifitdidn’tmatter.He’dmakesureHahnhadn’tmisheardhim.“Isee.WefoundherdeadonMondaymorning.Whendidyoulastworkforher?”
“WednesdayandFriday.”Hahnbrushedsawdustfromhisshirt.“IhadtogobackonFridayandgivethedoorsasecondcoatofpaint.Ihadtorunaplanedownthesidesandthedoorswerekindascruffy,soMrs.Wagnerwantedthemallpainted.Theywerethedoorsalongthepassageway…includingthecellardoor.”
Rowleymadenotes,addingtheman’smannerandcooperationandotherthingshe’dobservedashewentalong.“Wouldthatbethelasttimeyousawher?”
“Yeah,Friday.Shepaidmeincashandpreserves.”Hahnsmiled.“Ihavethesamedealwithmostoftheolderladiesintown.I’mhappytotradeinsupplies.Idon’tgettimetoputuppreservesmyselfandIdon’thaveawifetohelpout,soitmakesgoodsense.”
Hahn’scompletelackofempathyforthedeathofawomanhe’dworkedformorethanonetimesetoffalarmbells.Rowley’sneckprickledinawarningtobecareful.Hehadnobackupbuthadtheadvantageofbeingoutintheopenwiththeman,andifanythinghappened,thecuriouswomanpeekingoutfrombehindthecurtainathimwouldcallitinforsure.HeglancedathisinformationonHahnandchewedonhischeek,thinking.Therewasn’tanactualaddresslisted,otherthanBearPeak,andthatpartofthemountainwasvast.“WhereexactlydoyouliveonBearPeak?Doyouhaveapropertynameoraroad?”
“Notreally.”Hahnsmiled.“I’mlivinginoneoftheoldcabins.It’sviathefireroadaccessedbyRockyRoadbuthasnopreciseaddress,no.Idon’tgetmaildelivered.IhaveaboxatthepostofficeandIusemycellphoneandsatellitesleeveifnecessary.TherearemanyabandonedcabinsupthereandwhenIarrived,Ineededacheapplacetostay.Ihuntedonedownandmovedin.”Hechuckled.“Ifoundnewspapersfromthe1960stiedinbundles.Theplacewassturdilybuiltanditdidn’ttaketoomuchtimetofixup.”Hiseyeswrinkledashestaredintothesun.“I’vebeenlivingupthereaboutayearnow.Hastheownersuddenlyreturned?Itriedtohuntthemdownandfoundnotraceofthem.”
“No,Ihaven’tcomeaboutthecabinandpeopleatBearPeakhavebeengoingmissingsincebeforeIwasborn.It’snotthemostpopularplacetolive—darnrightdangerousifyouaskme.TherearecountlessnumbersofoldcabinsalloverStantonForest.Mostbuiltillegallybutthey’renothurtinganyoneandpeopleoftenusetheminthehuntingseason.Thosethatdokeepthemcleanandsomeevenfixthemup.”Rowleylookedhimstraightintheeye.“CanyouaccountforyourwhereaboutsonSundaynightthroughMondaymorning?”
“I’dhavebeenhome.”Hahnshrugged.“Istartearlyandworkthroughuntildarkmostdays,butontheweekendsIcatchupwithmychoresandsleep.”Hegavehimalazysmile.“It’sjustme,afewchickens,andmyguns,soIdon’thaveanyonetovouchformeunlessyouspeakchicken.”
“Idon’t,no.”Rowley’smindwenttoJenna’snotesaboutJoleneDarvish’sruninwithaGMCtruckearlierintheday.“Whattimedidyoucomedownthemountainyesterdaymorning?”
“Goingoneight.”Hahnindicatedwithhischintowardthehouse.“Theydidn’twantmeherebeforethekidsleftforschool,soitwasalaterstartthanusual.”
Rowleyscratchedhisheadwithhispenandactednonchalantly.“DidyouseeanyoneonRockyRoad?”
“Can’tsaythatIdid.”Hahnfrowned
“HaveyoueverworkedforJoleneDarvish?ShelivesonRockytoo.”
“Yeah,afewtimes.”Hahnlookedannoyed.“Isthatall?Ineedtogetbacktoit.I’malmostdoneandwanttoheadhome.”
Closinghisnotepad,Rowleyfrowned.Hewouldn’tgetanymoreinformationfromHahnandthankedhimandheadedforhiscruiser.HepulledouthisphoneandcalledRio.Thephonewenttovoicemailagain.“Wheretheheckareyou?”
THIRTEEN
AstheBeastroaredalongStantonandthefreshmountainairrushedthroughthecab,Jennashiveredbutdidn’thavethehearttopullDukebackinside.Thebloodhound’sheadstuckoutthewindow,hislongsilkyearsblowinginthewindashislipsfilledwithair,movingthemawayfromhisteethinwavestogivetheimpressionhewassingingalong
“Hehasgreattasteinmusic.”Kanegrinnedandcontinuedtosinginhisdeepbaritone.Heshotheraseriousglance.“It’sonlyfairhejoinsin.Idohowlatthemoonwithhimwhenthefancytakeshim.”
Jennarolledhereyes.“Yeah,Iknow.Ifiguredapackofwolveshadinvadedus.Isitafull-moonthingandshouldIbeworried?Imean,you’renotgoingtochangeintoawerewolfareyou?”
“Notanytimesoon.”Kanegrinnedatherandwiggledhiseyebrows.“AreyoufrightenedImightbiteyou?”
“Ha-ha.”Jennalaughed.“No,butifyoudoplantogoferalandrunwiththepack,I’llberunningrightalongsideyou.”
“That’sgoodtoknow.”Kanechuckled.“Maybenextfullmoonyoushouldcomeoutandhowlatthemoonwithus?”
“That’sadate.”Jennasighed,lookingattheforestflashingby.“Iwishwecouldhaveriddenuphere.Itwouldhavebeenanicerideinthesunshine.Ireallyneedtogetoutintothefreshair.Itwasalongwinter.I’dkillforarunonabeachsomewhereandfeelthesandbetweenmytoes.”
“ShanewastellingmetheotherdayhismomhasaplaceinFlorida.Acondorightoppositethebeach.”Heclearedhisthroat.“Hesaidifweeverwantedaholiday,wecoulduseit.HeplanstotakeaweekdowntherewithJulieandAnnanextsummerandtakethemtotheparks.Mosttimesitsitsempty.”
Jennafrowned.“WhynotbookaplacelikenormalpeopleandheadouttoHawaiiorsomewhere?”Shechewedonherbottomlip.“Ah,Isee.Nobookings,nooneknowswe’rethere,apartfromtheairline.”
“We’renot‘normalpeople’anymore,Jenna.”Kane’sexpressionbecameserious.“Therearekillersouttherewhohaveitintheirheadstochallengeustocatchthem.Youdounderstandsomepsychopathswantsomeonetostopthemkilling?Thisisafewofthetypeweattract,thenthere’stheoneswhobelievetheycanbeatusandgetawaywithmurderingpeopleinourtown.Itwouldbenicetogosomewhere,wherenobodygivesadarnwhoweareorwhatwe’redoingintheirtown.”
Leaningbackinherseatandclosinghereyes,thinkingofFloridabeaches,shesmiled.“Wouldn’tthatbenice?Canweevergetawayforafewdays…likeever?”
“Whenyouemploytwomoredeputies,wecanleavethecrimesolvingtoRioandRowley.Withtwootherstoassistthem,they’lldojustfineandlet’sfacefactshere,Jenna,we’reonlyaflightawayiftheyneedus.”
JennaopenedhereyesastheyturnedoffStantonandstartedtomaketheclimbupRockyRoad,headingforJoleneDarvish’shouse.“Yousurehaveapoint.Okay,thefirstchanceweget,we’reoutofhere.”
“That’sRio’struck.Whattheheckishedoinghere?”Kanepulledintothenarrowdrivewaybehindhimandclimbedout.
Jennascrambledoutandsteppedcarefullyaroundthepotholesintheroad.Shestaredintothecab.Riowasjustsittingtherestaringattheroad,hisfacepale,andeyesfixed.“Isheokay?”
“Yeah.”Kanepulledopenthedoor.“Areyousick?”
“Nope.”Riodraggedhisattentionawayfromtheroad.“I’mwaitingforCade.Seemsyou’reright,Dave.He’sbeencomingupheretovisitagirlandhedidn’tplanoncominghomeagainlastnight.”Heturnedawearygazetowardthemandshrugged.“IfiguredI’dwaithereforhimtodriveby.Itriedtofindhimlastnight,butunlessyouknowwherethecabinsareupthisway,it’slikelookingforaneedleinahaystackandyouriskthechanceofsomeonetakingpotshotsatyou.Mountainfolkcanbedarnrightunsociable.”
“Justhowlonghaveyoubeensittinghere?”Kaneleanedagainsttheopendoor.
“SincePiperbrokedownandtoldmewherehe’dheaded.”Rioshrugged.“Aroundfouryesterdayafternoon.”
Jennapeeredinthroughthepassengerwindow.“Whyaren’tyouansweringyourphone?”
“Battery’sdeadandIdidn’tthinktobringacarchargerwithme.”Rioshrugged.“I’dbeencallingCadenonstopalllastnight.He’snotansweringeither.”
“Justaminute.”Kaneslappedthedoorshutandheadedbacktohistruck,returningwithaThermosofcoffeeandabagofcookies.“Here,thesewillkeepyougoing.Weneedtogocheckonsomeone.”Hethrustthemathimthroughthewindow.
“Thanks.”Riogavethemableaklook.“Whatdoyouwantmetodo?”
JennaexchangedameaningfulglancewithKaneandnodded.“BestyoustayhereincaseCadeslipsby.We’llbeatMrs.Darvish’scabin.It’sfourdrivewaysup.Oncewe’vebeenthere,we’llhelpyoulocateCade.”SheturnedbacktotheBeast.
“Idon’tfigurethat’sthewaytohandleCade.”Kaneclimbedbehindthewheel.“Ifhewantstokeephimhome,maybetakehiscarkeysawayfromhim.Walkingortakingthebusafterhavingyourownridebringsakiddowntoearthrealfast…Trustme,Iknow.”
Itwasn’tCade’sbehavioralproblemsthatwasbotheringJenna.ShefrownedatKane.“Rioisatrainedofficer,verywelltrained,andhiskidbrothergoesmissing.Whydidn’thecallitinoratleastcalloneofustohelphim?”
“Notonlythat.”Kaneflickedheraglanceandbackedoutofthedriveway,turnedontotheroad,andheadedupthemountain.“Whyishedrivingaroundwithoutaphonechargerinhisvehicle?They’resuppliedandit’snotasifheforgottobringitwithhim.Heneverforgetsanything.It’sasifhe’sadifferentpersonthismorning.”
Thinkingthesame,Jennanodded.“Iagree.Thisgoeswaypastbeingangryathisbrother.Ihavethatpricklingsensationasifsomethingisn’tquiteright.”
TheydrovehigherupthemountainandwhenKanepulledtoahaltandjumpedfromthetruck,shefollowedhim.“What’sup?”
“Seethat?”Kanepointedtoaflattenedbushandstrangemarksdugintothedirtroad.“Somethinghappenedhere.”Hemovedclosertotheedgeoftheravine,andgrabbingholdofsaplings,droppedontoanarrowrockyoutcrop.
Heartinhermouth,Jennafollowed.“Becareful,it’snotsafehere.Thesidesaregivingway.”
“There’sapickupdownthere.”Kaneturnedhisheadtowardher,hiseyesfilledwithregret.“ItlooksliketheoldvehicleMrs.Darvishwasdrivingyesterday.”Hepulledouthisbinocularsandcalledoutthelicenseplate.“Gotit?”
Sicktoherstomach,Jennanoddedandusedherphonetorunit.“It’sher.”
“There’snowaywecanrecoverthatvehicle.”Kanerubbedthebackofhisneck.
JennasliddownthecrumblingsideoftheravinebutKane’sbackwasblockingtheviewtotheswollenriverbelow.“Wehavetogetdowntoher.Shemightbealive.”Shetriedtogopasthimandheturnedandgrabbedherarm.Shakingherhead,sheglaredathim.“Wehavetotry,Dave.She’sallalonedownthere.”
“Jenna.Lookatme.”Hegaveheralittleshake.“There’snowaydownbyfoot.It’sasheerdropoverthisledge.Don’tyoufigureI’dbeheadingdownifIcould?”
“Shemighthavebeenthrownclear.”Jennatookastepclosertotheedgesendingacascadeofgraveltumblingdownintotheravine.
“Stoprightnow.Thisissuicide.Don’tmoveandI’lltakealook.”Heturnedandscannedthearealookingupanddownsidetosideandthenbacktoher.“Shewasn’tthrownclear.Thesideoftheravineisasheerdrop.She’sstillinsidethepickup.Thecabissubmergedandshewouldn’thavestoodachanceevenifshe’dsurvivedthefall,whichisdoubtful.”Hegaveheralittlepushuptheslope.“There’snothingyoucandotohelpher,Jenna.Climbbackup.Takeyourtimeandgripholdofthebushes.I’llberightbehindyou.”
AlarmgrippedJennabythethroat.Hadshemadeafatalerrorbynotescortingtheoldwomanhomelastnight?Shehadtofindoutwhathadhappenedtoher.Bitingbackasob,shenoddedandslowlyclimbedbacktotheroad.Followingher,Kanestoodforlongmomentsstaringbackandforthalongtheroad.Asacoldwindbuffetedher,shewatchedhimwithinterest.Sheunderstoodwhathewasdoing.Kanehadtheabilitytotrackabullet’strajectory,somakingsenseofwhathappenedwouldbeawalkinthepark.Hergazefollowedhimashepacedupanddown,backandforth,bendingtoexaminethedirt.Shewenttohisside.“Whatdoyousee?”
“Here,there’schipsofpaintandglass.Someonerammedthepassengerdoorandpushedherpickupsidewaysovertheedge.”Kaneturnedandstareddowntheroad,handsonhips.“There’sonesetoftracksbackandforthoverthedisturbedsoil.I’dsaythat’sRiolookingforhisbrother,soweknowMrs.Darvishwentovertheedgebeforefourorfiveyesterdayafternoon.Ifigurethishappenedonherwayhome.ShementionedaGMCtruckcausinghertroubleyesterday,right?”
Draggingonherprofessionalcloak,JennausedherphonetotakeimagesoftheevidenceKanehadpointedout.“Yeah,withasilvergrilleandabullbar,likeatonofvehiclesintown.Shedidn’tevenmakeoutthecolor.”Shepushedhairunderherwoolencapandfrowned.“HowcomeRiodidn’tseetheevidenceofanaccidentandstoptotakealook?Youspotteditthemomentweturnedthebend.”
“Unlesshe’scoveringforhisbrother—it’snotunusualforsiblingstodothat.Itcouldhavebeeneitherofthem.CadeandRiohavesimilarvehicles.Likelythesametiresaswell.”Kanegaveheralongconsideringstare.“BothwereonthemountainwhenMrs.Darvishwentintotheravine.”Hesighed.“We’dbetterheaduptohercabin.Shemighthavelivestockthatneedtending,andI’llcallthegeneralstoretocancelthesuppliesIordered.Wedon’tneedanyoneelsecominguphereanddisturbingevidence.”
FOURTEEN
AsKanedroveupthemountain,Jennaconsideredthesituation.Thethoughtofthatpooroldladydyinglikethatmadehersicktoherstomach.She’dseenthesidesoftheravine.There’dbeonlyonewayofretrievingthebodyandthatwouldbebydroppingateamdownbychopper.“Wolfewillneedasearchandrescueteamtogethimdowntotheretrievalsite.There’snowayuptheriveratthistimeoftheyear.Thewateristoodeepandmovingtoofast.”
“Doyoufigurethelocalsearchandrescuepilothasenoughexperiencedtonegotiateadeepravine?”KaneclimbedbackinsidetheBeast.“Ittakesskill,withthewindandall,todroparescueteamdownandretrievetheminalimitedspace.”
Concerned,Jennastaredathim.“Idon’tknow.YouknowaswellasIdothatWolfeiscapable,butthey’llneedhimontheground.I’llcallitinandseewhattheysay.”Shemadethecallandexplainedthesituation.“Well,ifDougissick,I’llfindsomeoneelse,butwe’llstillneedaretrievalcrew.There’snowaydowntothebottomoftheravinebyfootorboat.Okay,I’llcallyoubackwhenwe’vearrangedanotherpilot.”SheglancedatKane’sfrownanddisconnected.“Thepilottheyhaveissick,butthey’llhavetheircrewonstandby.”
“CallTyCarter.Hehascombatexperience,andhe’dbetheonlypersonapartfromWolfeI’dtrustinthatravine.”KaneheadedupthemountainandtheyturnedintothedrivewaywiththesignDARVISHpostedontheopengate.
JennacalledtheFBIfieldofficeinSnakeskinGullytospeaktoex-navySealSpecialAgentTyCarter.CarterandbehavioralanalystAgentJoWellshadbecomefriendsandoftenassistedtheteamindifficultcases.Sheexplainedthesituation.
“Sure,Icanhandlethatwithmyeyesclosed.Gladyoucalled.We’restaringatthewallsgoingcrazywithboredomhere.I’llhavewheelsupintwenty.”HemumbledsomethingJennamissedandthencamebackontheline.“I’llhandyouovertoJo.She’dliketoknowmoreaboutthecase,I’msure.”
AsKanepulledtoahaltoutsidetheoldcabin,Jennalookedaround.Allwasquietapartfromthechickens.Shefrowned.“CanIcallyouback,Jo?We’reattheassumedvictim’shomeandIneedtotakealookaround.”
“Sure,butfromwhatTysaidbefore,thiscaseiscomplicatedifyouhavesomeonekillingoldwomenandindifferentways.I’dlikeatleasttocomewithTysowecandiscussit.Doyoumind?Iwon’tinterferewithyourcase,Jenna,butI’llbetheretoconsultwithifyouneedme.”
Jennasmiled.HavinganFBIbehavioralanalystasafriendwasarealbonus.“I’dlovetoseeyoubothagain.Ifyouwanttostay,Kane’scottageisfree.”
“Wellthen,we’llseeyousoon.”Shedisconnected.
ShefollowedKanetothefrontdoor.Thehousewaslockeduptight.“Bestwecheckonthechickens.”
TheywentroundthehousewithDukesniffingallaroundbuthegavenohintofsmellingabearintheareaoranyoneelse.Thechickenslookedjustfine.Jennafrowned.“IfMrs.Darvishdiedinthewreck,whathappenstoherchickens?Shedoesn’thaveanyrelatives.”Shewrinkleduphernose.“Don’tsuggestwetakethemhome.Ireallydon’twantchickens,Dave.It’sjustanotherthingwehavetohavecaredforifwegoaway.”
“Thegoodthingaboutchickensistheycancareforthemselves.”Kanerefilledthewaterandsprinkledpelletsontheground.“Wecouldletthemouttofendforthemselves.There’swaterandthey’dscratcharoundforfood.Atnightthey’dreturntothecoopbuttheeggswouldgotowaste.”
Horrified,Jennastaredathim.“Whataboutthewildlifearoundhere?They’dendupbeingeatenbysomething.”
“CallFatherDerry.He’llhavesomeonepickthemup.”Kanestoodhandsonhipssurveyingthearea.“Theyhaveachickencoopoutbackoftheshelter.Theeggswillcomeinhandy.”Hewalkedawaytowardashedmadeofgraniteandexaminedthelockandthegroundallaround.“Thislookslikearobbery.Thislockwasforcedusingacrowbarorsimilar.AsfarasIknow,bearsdon’tcarrycrowbars.”Hepulledouthisphone.“I’llcallWolfeandgivehimthedetails.DidCartergiveyouanETA?”
Jennashookherhead.“Hesaidwheelsupintwentyisall.”Shecheckedherwatch.“I’dsayhe’llbelandinginanhourandahalf.”
ShefollowedKanebacktotheBeast,listeningashegaveWolfeaconcisedescriptionofwhathadhappened.Whensheclimbedintothepassengerseat,sheturnedtohim.“We’llhavetimetodriveupthemountainandhuntdownCade.”
“Hecouldbeanywhere.”Kaneheadedoutthedriveway.“YouknowaswellasIdotherearetrailsandfireroadsalloverthispartofBearPeak.Cade’sgirlfriendcouldlivedownanyoneofthem.”Heshrugged.“We’llneedtomeetCarterandgetthingsrolling.”
Arumblecameinthedistanceand,alarmed,Jennastaredoutthewindow.“Whatwasthat?”
“I’dsayanotherrockslidehigherup.”Kanepointedtoacurlofdustrisingintotheair.“Atohiwasconcernedaboutthechancesofroadblockages,remember?”
Jennafrowned.“Yeah,Icalledthemayorandtoldhim.Hehastheopinionthatarockslideisnaturerunningitscourseandhisjobistomakesuretheroadsarepassable,buthedidsayhe’dpassmyconcernsalongtothedepartmentinvolved.”Sheshruggedinfrustration.“Imightaswellhavesavedmybreath.”
“There’satruckcoming.”KaneslowedatthedrivewayastwowhiteGMCsdrovepastandheadeddownthemountain,goingwaytoofast.“That’sCadeandtherearetwowomeninthetruckbehindhim.”Hepulledoutslowlyontotheroadandwaitedasthetrucksdisappearedaroundthenextbend.“I’llkeepbacktoavoidtherocksspinningawayfromtheirwheels.Idon’tknowaboutRio’sabilitytogetthroughtohisbrotherforactinglikeajerkbutasacop,Icancomedownhardonhimforrecklessdriving.”Heglancedather.“Unlessyouhaveotherplans?”
Jennashookherhead,butafterseeingCadedriveby,thenaggingfeelinghewasinvolvedsomehowinJoleneDarvish’sroadrageincident,ifnotherdeath,wouldnotgoaway.“Iwanttospeaktohim,that’sforsure,butthelecturewouldcomebetterfromyou.Helooksuptoyou,especiallywhenyouagreedtorebuildhismotor.”
“Well,it’snomoreMr.NiceGuy,afterseeingthatdisplayofdriving.”ThenerveinKane’scheektwitchedinobviousanger.“Wehadanunderstanding,orsoIthought,thathe’ddrivethetrucklikearesponsibleadult,notlikeaspoiledchild.”
Astheyarrivedatthebottomofthemountain,JennamadeoutRio’struckblockingtheroad.CadeandRiowereoutoftheirtrucksandstandingnosetonose.Atseventeen,Cadewas,withoutdoubt,astrongandpowerfulman.ItlookedasifhehadnointentionoflisteningtoRioandwasshapingupforafight.AsKanebackedintoadriveway,theysatandwatchedforafewseconds.Jennablewoutalongsigh.“MaybeweshouldwaitandseeifRiocansortthingsout.”
WhenCadeletflywithablowtoRio’sfaceandhisbrotherjusttookit,Kanenoddedtowardtheothertruck.“Ifiguretheproblemisrightoverthere.”
FIFTEEN
Jennamovedherattentionawayfromthefight.Twowomen,onemaybesixteenandtheotherinhertwenties,stoodleaningagainstthefrontoftheirtruck,watchingwithinterest.Theyweredressedthesame,sweatersunderdenimjackets,bluejeans,anddustycowboyboots.Thegirlworeherdarkhairinastraightbobwithlongthickbangscutinaseverestraightlineandblacklipsticktomatchherfingernails.Thewomanhadamessoflongdarkcurlsswirlingunrestraineddownherback.Thicklinesofkohlsurroundedherdarkeyes,givingherthesurreallookofacartoon.Longdanglybrightlycoloredbeadedearringsseemedtobetheflavoroftheday.Raisinganeyebrow,JennaturnedtoKane.“TrytodiffusethesituationandI’llgotalktothewomen.”
“I’lldomybest.”Kanegavethewomenaquickonceover.“Theolderoneiscarrying.She’swearingashoulderholster.Don’ttrustthem…notyetanyway.”Hemovedpastthetrucks,onehandonhisweapon.
Keepingherdistancebutgettingcloseenoughtospeaktothewomen,Jennakeptherexpressionneutral.“Hithere.AreyouCade’sfriends?We’vebeensearchingforhim.Zacwasconvincedhe’dwreckedthetruck.”
“Cade’sbeenstayin’withus.”Theolderwomanpushedlongblackcurlsbehindoneearandsmiled.“Hisbrotherissuffocatin’him.”
Nodding,Jennamovedafewstepscloser.“I’mJennaAltonandyouare?”
“AmberandKaraJudd—I’mKara.”Theolderwomanliftedherchin.“Cadeisseventeen,amanbythelookofhim,andyethisbrotherfigureshecanrulehislife.”ShemovedherdarkgazeontoJenna.“Nowhe’sridiculinghimbycallingoutthesherifftohunthimdownlikealostkid.Zacneedstostepbackandleavehimalone.He’snotdoin’anythingwrong.”
Movingherattentionbacktothemeninthemiddleoftheroad,shefrownedasRio’svehicledroveaway.KanehadtakenanonchalantposeandwastalkinginhushedtonestoCade,butshehadn’tmissedtheyoungman’sclenchedfists.Sheheldherbreath,hopingthatKanewouldmakehimseereason,because,ifhemadeahugemistakeandpunchedKane,allbetswouldbeoff.Besideher,afewrocksslippedpastherfeetandsheturnedtolookbackatthetwogirls.Hergazeslidpastthemandtotheshotguninarackatthebackoftheircab.Sheclearedherthroat.“Doyouhavetobesomewhere?”
“Amberneedstogotoschool.Cadewasgoingtodriveher,butheneededtodropbyhomeforaspell.”Karagaveheraslowsmile.“He’llbepackinghisthingsandmovinginwithusthisafternoon.”
“Oh,Isee.”Jennachewedonherbottomlip.“AllthistroublewouldhavebeenavertedifRiohadknownwherehewasstaying.Whereexactlyisyourcabin?”
“Upyonder—weliketokeepourwhereaboutsprivate.”Kara’sbrowwrinkled.“We’renotdoinganythingillegal.”
Takingintheoldtruck,Jennapushedalittlemore.“Youliveuphereallalone?”
“What’swrongwiththat?”Amber’seyesnarrowed.“Welikeituphere.”
Jennasmiled.“Ilikesolitudetoo.Iliveinanisolatedareamyself.Whatdoyoudotogetby?Ihaven’tseenyouaroundtown.”
“Wetrademosttimes.”Karashrugged.“AndIgetworkwhentherodeocomestotown.Thatmoneyisallweneedtogetby.”
ThecrunchingofbootsonthegravelcaughtJenna’sattentionandsheturnedtoseeCadewalkingtowardthem.Hegaveheranodandshesmiledathim.“I’mgladyou’reokay.”
“HowcouldInotbeokay,Jenna?”Cadefoldedhisarmsacrosshischest.“Ihavetwobeautifulwomentocareforme.”HesnortedderisivelyandglaredatKane’sarrival.“I’mnotadarnkid.Zacistryingtocomebetweenmeandmywoman.He’sjealousisall,becausehecan’tkeepawomaninterestedinhim.”HeturnedandtookKaraintohisarmsinapassionateembrace.“TakeAmbertoschool.I’llcallyoulater.”
Jennablinked.She’dassumedtheteenagerwasCade’sgirlfriendbutsaidnothingasCadeclimbedintohistruckandpulleditovertoallowKaratodrivepast.SheturnedtoKane.“Ididn’tseethatcoming.”
“Hormones.”Kaneshrugged.“Addthattoawomanwhocantieayoungguyaroundherlittlefingerandthat’swhathappens.”Hesighed.“I’veseenkidsofCade’sagethrowtheirlivesawayforraginghormones.Hecan’tseestraightrightnowandhefigureshe’sinlove,butI’mnotsurehowhe’llhandlesharingherwiththerodeocowboyswhentheyhittown.Sheiswhattheyfondlyrefertoasabucklebunny,andnodoubtshe’llhavehersisterfollowingrightalongbehindhersoonenough.”Heraisedaneyebrow.“She’sahooker,Jenna.”
ShockedJennagapedathim.“Her,really?Ithoughttheyallleftwiththerodeo.Doyourecognizeher?”
“Oh,yeah.KaraJuddhasbeenworkingtherodeocircuitforatime.”Kanewatchedthewomendriveaway.“Rowleypointedherouttomeovertwoyearsago.Heaskedmeplainifwecouldbookherforprostitution,butasshe’sassmartasawhip,there’snotachanceofherapproachingadeputy.I’veseenguyspushbillsdownthefrontofhershirt,butthere’snolawagainstthatorwhattheydointheprivacyoftheirowntrailers.”
“Yeah,Irecallyoumentioningitatthetime.Sothat’swhatshemeantaboutworkingattherodeos.”Jennanarrowedhergazeathim.“Youneverthoughttomentionthistomebeforenow?”
“Jenna,thesethingsgoonatallfestivalsandrodeos.”Heshrugged.“Thisgoeswaybackhundredsofyearstothecampfollowerswhofollowedthetroopsduringthecivilwars,andeventherailwayworkers.Trustme,bucklebunniesgobacktothefirstrodeo.Manyfollowthecircuit.Notallaskformoney.Forsome,justbeddingthelocalchampionisallthepaymenttheyneed.”Helaidahandonhershoulder.“Don’tbeatyourselfupaboutit,Jenna.Mosttimesyou’rehuntingdownthebadguys.”Hewavedahandafterthedustcloudvanishingalongthestraightaway.“Youshouldn’tworryyourselfaboutsomethingthere’snothingwecandoabout.”Hescratchedhischin.“UnlessyoucanconvinceCartertorideafewbroncosanddowellenoughtogetherattention.He’stheonlycopIknowwho’dbeabletopassasarodeocowboy.”
Jennagrimaced.“Thatwouldn’tbeworththerisk…althoughhehasbeenboredlately.”Shecheckedherwatch.“Weneedtomovethingsalongifwe’regoingtomeetwithhimandWolfebeforetheyheadouttoviewthewreck.”
“I’lldotheretrieval.I’mfitterthanWolfe.Areyoucomingwithme?”Kaneraisedbotheyebrowsandstaredather.
Jennashookherhead.“IknowmylimitationsandI’mnottrainedinbodyretrieval.I’lllikelygetwashedawayintherapidsandyou’llbesearchingformybodynext.I’donlygetintheway.I’llheaduptotheothersideoftheravine.I’llbeabletoseefromthereandtheroadissafer.”Shewetherlips.“You’lltrustmewiththeBeastandDuke,won’tyou?”
“Iguess.”Kanescratchedhischeekconsidering.HeindicatedtowardCade,sulkinginhistruck.“We’llneedtofollowhimhome.IsentRiotogetsomesleepandIdon’twantanytrouble.”Heglancedathiswatch.“We’llhavetime.”
“I’dliketotalktohim.”Jennapushedherhandsintothebackpocketsofherjeans.“MaybeIcangetthroughtohim.”
“Idoubtit.”KaneflickedCadeaglanceandthenlookedbackather.“He’sangry,maybeseehowherespondsifyoutellhimtohandoverhiskeys.Itwouldbesaferifyoudrovedownthemountain,andI’llbeinfrontofyoualltheway.”
Straighteningherspine,asifreadyingforafight,shenodded.“Okay.Driveslowly.”
SIXTEEN
Takinghertimetogatherherthoughts,JennastrolledtoCade’struckandheldoutherhand.“Moveover,I’mdriving.”
“Thinkyoucanhandleher?”Cadegaveheranamusedlook,butclimbedintothepassengerseat.
Meetinghisgaze,Jennanodded.“Mycruisercouldeatthisforlunch.”Sheclimbedinsidethetruckandstartedtheengine.
Ahead,KanemovedoffslowlyandDukelookedbackatherthroughtheopenwindowwithawidegrin.Shemoveddownthebumpymountainroadandcuthimaquickglance.“I’mnottellingyouhowtoliveyourlife,Cade,butDavetoldmeabout—”
“Yeah,yeah,Iknow.”Cadeblewoutabreath.“First,it’sMrs.Jacobs.Imean,she’semployedbyus…shestartedonmeaboutdatingahooker.Thatoldbiddydoesn’thavetherighttointerfereinmylife.She’sworsethanmygrandmaandthat’ssayingsomething.”Heslammedhisfistdownontheedgeoftheseat.“Karasworetomethatshe’snotseenanothermansincewemet.Mrs.JacobsiswrongaboutherandsoisDave.”Hebarkedalaugh.“ThepiousDaveKaneislivingalie,Jenna.Ifheknowsallthehookersaroundtown,heisn’tasoldschoolashe’sledyoutobelieve.”Hepushedahandthroughhishair.“Karatoldmeshediditafewtimestomakemoney,butthat’sinthepastnow.IgetmyinheritancewhenIturneighteenintwoweeks.KaraandIwillbemarried.It’sallplanned.I’llbeabletolookafterthem.Theywon’tneedtoselltheirbodiestosurvive.”
Riohadmentionedhowsmarthisbrotherwas,butrightnowhewasactinglikeajerk.“Howdoyouplanongettingbyonceyourinheritancerunsout?Youshouldfinishschoolandgetadecentjob.”
“Myshareisaround$30,000.”Cadegrinnedlikeawolf.“It’safortune.Iwon’tneedajob.”
Jennadrovethetruckwithcarearoundpotholes,goingwaytooclosetotheravineedge,andgrittedherteeth.Onceonanotherstraightaway,sherelaxedalittleandsnorted.She’dtellhimlikeitisintherealworld.“Thatwon’tlastayear.Yourgirlfriendswillneedclothesandthey’reexpensive.Theyneedtovisitthebeautyparlorabouteverysixweeksandthenthere’sfood,gas,bills,taxes.Amberstillattendsschoolandyou’llhavetopayforthattoo.Nope,you’llbeworkingsevendaysaweekhaulingmanureorsweepingupafterpeopletokeepthemunlessyoufindadecentoccupation.”Sheshrugged.“Thenwhatifkidscomealong?Howareyougoingtomanage,Cade?Ordoyouwantthemlivingwithyourgrandma?Youknowdarnwellwelfarewilltakethemfromyouifyoucan’tfeedthemandsendthemtoschool.”
“Hey,you’regettingwayaheadofyourself,Jenna.”Hepushedahandthroughhishairinanagitatedmanner.“I’mnotplanningonkids.”
Goingforthejugular,Jennashrugged.“Well,ifyoucan’tkeepitinyourpants,andit’sobviousthat’stheonlyreasonyou’replanningonmovinginwiththem,thenyouneedtofacefacts.ThesethingshappenandwithDNApaternityteststhesedays,youcan’tjustwalkawayfromyourresponsibilities.That’seighteenyearsofsupport,Cade.Areyousureyou’rereadyforthat?”Sheclearedherthroat.“Karamightlookgoodnow,buthowwillyoufeelwhenyou’retwenty-oneandshe’sstartingtoshowherage?Thesmokinganddrugstakeatollonawoman’slooks.Theyagethembytenyearsormore.Willyouwalkoutonyourkidswhenyou’retiredofherandfindsomeoneyounger?”
“You’remessingwithmyhead.”Cadescrubbedhishandsdownhisface.“Talkaboutsomethingelse.Whyareyouonthemountain?”
JennawatchedtheBeastdisappeararoundthenextbendand,keepinginthetracksfollowedhim,itwastakingallherconcentrationtonegotiatetheroad.Rockshadtumbleddownsincethey’ddrivenupearlierandthesoundofdustandgravelhittingtheroofsoundedlikerain.Shechewedonherbottomlip.“WewerecomingtocheckonMrs.Darvish.
“Theoldladyinthebeat-upoldtruck?”Cadechuckled.“I’mnotsurprisedsheupsetsomeone,shedrivesat,like,fivemilesperhour,andifyou’rebehindher,ittakesalongtimetogetanywhere.”
ThehairsonJenna’sneckbristled.“Youknowher?”
“Nottospeakto,no.”Cadeturnedinhisseattolookather.“Hasshesaiditwasme?”
“Nope.”Jennachancedaglanceathimandthenlookedbackattheroad.“Didyouseeheryesterdayafternoononthemountain?”
“Idon’trecall.”Cadeshrugged.“Why?”
Jennastiffened,decidingwhattotellhim,buthisreactiontoMrs.Darvish’sdeathmightbeworthnoting.“She’satthebottomoftheravine.”
“Well,Iguessshithappens.”Cadeshrugged.“There’safewpeopleI’dliketoseejoinherrightnow.”
Ignoringhislastremark,Jennaconcentratedongettingoffthemountain,shehadotherthingstothinkabout.Herstomachchurnedatthethoughtofseeingthemostimportantmaninherlifeloweredfromachopperintothedeepboilingrapids,freezingcoldfromthemeltandbuffetedbystrongwinds.Theravinechangeddramaticallyduringtheyear.Theriverflowingfromthemountainwasusuallycalm,butthemeltwassendinggallonsofwaterperseconddownthemountain,andtheextendedwinterandfreezingconditionshadmadepartsofthemountainunstable.Inthechopper,Carterwouldbebattlinghighwindsandfallingrocks.Ontheground,Kanewouldriskafreezingtorrentsweepinghimawaytocertaindeath.ShehadnoideahowtheycouldpossiblyretrievethebodyofMrs.Darvishwithoutsomethingbadhappening.
AstheyhitStanton,Jennasuckedinadeepbreathandwiggledhernumbfingers.She’dbeenwhite-knucklingthesteeringwheelallthewaydownthemountain.Astheydrovethroughtheforest,sheheardCademutterunderhisbreath.Sheglancedathim.“Didyousaysomething?”
“Nope,justthinkingoutloudisall.”Hegaveheralonglook.“I’mguessingDavewillbetakingbackmytruck?”
Jennashrugged.“I’venoidea.Heworkedontheengineofthattruckbecausehethoughtyouwerearesponsibledriver,butspeedingdownamountainroadhasprobablychangedhismind—andthattruckwasforbothofyou.SeemstomeitmightbePiper’sturntodriveit.”
“Hah.”Cadegrinnedather.“DoyoufigurePiperwillstopmefromdrivingit?Youdon’tknowhertoowell,doyou?”Hecrossedhisfingers.“We’retwins.Twosidesofthesamecoin,Jenna.Weeventhinkalike.”
JennapulledupbehindtheBeastandwaitedforKanetotakeDukefromthebackseat.ShetouchedCade’sarm.“MaybewaitupandseewhatDavesays.Ifigurehe’llwantawordwithyou.”
“Alecture,youmean?”Cadepushedhishandsinsidehispocketsandhunchedhisshoulders.“SeemstomenowIhavethreefathers.Zacthinkshecantellmewhattodo,andnowhe’senlistedShaneandDaveashisbackupcrew.Mydadisdead.Iftheyfiguretheycantakehisplace,they’rewrong.”
“Iftheydidn’tcareaboutyou,theywouldn’tbother.”JennawaitedforKanetowalkoverandthensteppedaway,butshecouldhearthemjustfine.
“Youcan’tstopmeseeingKara.”Cadestuckouthischin.“You’renotmydad.”
“I’mnotpreventingyoufromseeinganyone.”Kanemovedinclosereyeballinghim.“Ihaveexperiencewithwomenandyou’lllearningoodtime,butIneedtoaskyouonesimplequestion:DidyoumentionyourinheritancetoherorAmberatanytime?”
“Sure.ImentionedittoAmber.”Cadeshrugged.“She’soneofPiper’sfriendsandwementioneditatimeago.What’sthisgottodowithKara?”
“Karahasahankeringfortoughhardenedcowboys—menwhocanshowheragoodtimeandgivehermoney.”Kaneraisedaneyebrow.“Whywouldshehookupwithaseventeen-year-oldinexperiencedkid?Maybeyoushouldthinkonthatforatime.Zactellsmeyou’rerealsmart,soyou’llworkitout.Isurehopeyoudo.I’mholdingontothekeystoyourtruckuntilyougrowapairandstopactinglikeaspoiledbrat.”HeturnedandlookedatJenna.“Wehavetogo.Areyouready?”
“Yeah.”Jennawalkedtohisside.“Thinkthatwillwork?”
“Hopeso.”Kaneshookhisheadslowly.“BlindFreddycouldseeshe’sonlyinterestedinhismoney.Poorkid.Atthatagethey’reeasilymanipulatedbyanolderwoman.Karawouldbeanexperttoo,sohewouldn’tstandachance.”
“Yousoundlikeyou’retalkingfromexperience.”JennaclimbedintotheBeast.“Comeon,don’tleavemehanging.”
“Nah,notthistime.”Kaneflashedherabroadgrin.“Somethingsmuststayinthevault.”
SEVENTEEN
Astheydroveintotown,Jenna’sphonechimed.ItwasWolfe,andsheputthecallonspeaker.“We’reonourway,Shane.”
“Dropbyyouroffice.SearchandRescuehaveleftasetofgearthereforDave.Ifhechangesnow,itwillsavetime.”Hepausedabeat.“Carterdidaflybyonthewayhere.He’sonlypreparedtotaketwomen,soitlookslikemeandDave.”
“Whatexactlydidhesay?”Kanepulledupoutsidethesheriff’sdepartmentandlookedatJenna.
“It’sawindtunnelandhe’llbedroppingusfromhigherthanusual.Fromtheweatherreport,wehaveawindowofaboutonehourtogetinandout.”Wolfeclearedhisthroat.“There’sasearchandrescueguyheremorethanwillingtogo,soyoudon’thavetoriskyourlifeoutthere.It’snotyourjobtoretrievebodies.”
JennacaughtthenervetwitchinginKane’scheekandshemethisblankgaze.“Whatareyougoingtodo?”
“Istheguymarriedwithafamily?”Kanestaredintospaceforabeatandthenrubbedthebackofhisneck.
“Nope.”Wolfesoundedannoyed.“Ohno,don’tpullthekidcardonmeagain,Dave.I’mtheME.Ihavetogo.”
“No,youdon’t.”Kaneblewoutalongbreath.“It’sgonnabeme,Carter,andthesingleguy.Youcanwaitatthetopoftheravineformetoretrievethebodyifyoumust.Youhavethegirlstoworryabout,andifCarterhasconcerns,it’sgoingtobearoughride.I’mgoingandthat’sfinal.”Heturnedawayandclimbedoutofthetruck,unclippedDuke,andwalkedinside.
SwallowingtherisingfearofknowingKanewasheadingintoalife-threateningsituation,Jennastaredafterhim.“He’smadeuphismindandyouknowdarnwellthere’snostoppinghim.We’llbetheresoon.”ShedisconnectedandfollowedKaneintotheoffice.
AsKanegrabbedthegearleftatthefrontcounter,Jennafollowedbehindhimandwaiteduntilhecameoutofthechangingroom.“Dave,isitreallyworthriskingthreelivestorecoverabody?Theremustbeanotherway.”
“I’mopentosuggestions.”Hehandedherabackpackwithhisclothesandboots.
Wrackingherbrainforanswers,JennatookthebagasKaneshruggedintoabrightlycoloredlifejacketandstrappedonahelmet.“Can’tyoublowoutthewindowsandletthewaterwashherout?Wecanpickherupdownstream.”Shegrabbedhisarm.“IfCarterisworried,it’stoodangerous.”
“I’mnotworried.I’vedoneworserescueshundredsoftimesandwithguysshootingatme.I’dbeinthewateranyway.I’llneedtobedowntheretoblowoutthewindows.Really,shootingoutthewindowisn’tanoption.Abulletcouldbounceallaroundintheredestroyingevidenceandthebodycouldgetcaughtuportornapartbythefalls.”
Stomachchurning,Jennashookherhead.“Ratheradeadbodythanyou.”
“Nah,I’llbeattachedtoaharness.ItrustTytopullmeoutifIgetintotrouble.We’llworkasateam.”Kanepulledherclose,kissedher,andthengaveanonchalantshrug.“I’vegottheeasyjob.I’llbeontheground.It’sTyandtheotherguyyoushouldbeworriedaboutinthewindtunnel.Let’sgo.Wehaveasmallwindowofopportunitytodothisandit’sclosingfast.I’llleavetheBeastatShane’soffice.Youcanridewithhiminthevan.FromtheBearPeaklookout,you’llhaveafirsthandlookattheretrieval.”HebentdowntorubDuke’sears.“DukewillbefineherewithMaggie.”Heglancedaround.“ItlookslikeRowleyisstillouthuntingdownoursuspects.”
JennaheadedbacktothecounterandraisedhereyebrowsatMaggie.“HasRowleybeencheckingin?”
“Yeah,he’sfine.”MaggietookholdofDuke’scollar.“He’sonhiswaytospeaktoArchieBueller.WefoundhimworkingoutofPine.He’llcheckinwhenhearrives.”
Jennanodded.“Keepmeintheloop.”ShefollowedKaneoutthefrontdoor.
ConcernedbyKane’ssilenceonthewaytotheME’soffice,Jennafiguredhemustbepreparinghimselfforthedangeroustaskahead.Itwassolikehimtomakelightofthings,whensheknewdarnwellhe’dberiskinghislife.Whentheyarrived,theygreetedCarterandayoungmanintroducedasStevens.ShenoticedJooutsideWolfe’sofficeandwenttoherside.“Areyoucomingtowatchtheretrieval?”
“Notthistime.”Josmiledather.“I’veaskedShaneifIcanlookoverhisfiles.IwanttomakesureIhaven’tmissedanything.”
“Okay.”Jennaheadedbacktothemenandleanedagainstthecounterinthevanilla-scentedfoyerofthemorgue,listeningintentlytotheirplantorecoverMrs.Darvish’sbody.
“We’lltaketheFBIchopper.”Cartercrossedhisarmsoverhischest.“ThewindgustsuptherearebrutalandIknowmybird.I’mnotriskingeveryone’slivesbytakingthesearchandrescuechopper.Mineisfittedoutwitheverythingweneedandit’smorepowerful.”
“IfIfallintothewater,don’ttryandhaulmeout.”KanelookedatStevens.“WaituntilIsurfaceormyweightcombinedwiththecurrentandwindgustswilldestabilizethechopper.”Hesmiled.“I’vedonethisathousandtimes.”
“Ifyoudon’tsurfaceinthreeminutes,I’mhaulingyourassoutofthere.Thewindandcurrentbedamned.”Cartergavehimalongstare.“You’renotdyingonmywatch.”
“Let’sgetatitthen.”Kanepulledonglovesandheadedforthestairstotheroof.
Astheyranupthesteps,shebitbacktheoverpoweringneedtocallout.Shesowantedtosay,“Becareful,”butDavehadslippedintocombatmodeandhadshutoffcompletely.Asthechoppertookoff,Jenna’sstomachdroppedtoherboots.Thewindgustdetailsandthechillfactoralonefrightenedher.
AsshedrovewithWolfeupthemountainroad,takingStantonandthenthecutthroughtoBearPeakLookout,theypassedtheentrancetotheparkinglotandendeduponahighplateauwithagoodviewoftheravine.Fromhere,shecouldmakeouttheedgeofBlackRockFalls.Thethunderingwaterhadfilledtheairwithafreezingmistthatclungtoeverything.Jennaturnedherheadforty-fivedegreestothelefttosearchforasmallerwaterfall.Swelledbythemelt,ittumbleddownthemountain,fillingapoolbeforecrashingdownintotheravine.Behindtheravinethemountainclimbedindripping-wetstepsofruggedblackgranitetoformtheheadofagrizzly.
Thechopperwasalreadyinpositionhighabovetheravine,thesoundoftheenginemuffledbythenoisefromthefalls.Jennagrippedtheedgeofherseatinthevanasthechopperdroppedslowlyandthenswayeddangerouslyclosetotheedgeoftheravine.Toodarnclose.Thenextmoment,CartertookithigherandhelditspositionasKanedroppedoutontotheskids.Thechopperturnedslowly,andabovethenoiseJennapickeduptheincreasedroaroftheengine.ItwasobviousevenfromwhereshewasthatCarterwasfightingtheupdraft.ShegrippedWolfe’sarm.“Oh,thatcan’tbegood.”
“Carterhasflownunderfireandsavedatonofmenfromthepitsofhell.”Wolfelookedather.“He’sthebestthereis,Jenna.”
Hiswordsdidn’tstopherheartthundering.Jennaclimbedfromthevanand,draggingherhoodoverherheadagainstthefreezingdampswirlingair,shemovedclosertotheedgeandslippedonearmtightlyaroundasturdypine.TerrifiedforKane’ssafety,shepushedherlipstogethertostopthemtrembling.Highabove,Kanejumpedawayfromthechopper,dropped,andthenclungtoaropeasStevensloweredhimintotheravine.Hemightaswellhavebeenhangingfromthetailofakite.Thewindspunhiminalldirections,takinghimfromonesideoftheravinetotheother.Jennaletoutasmallcryashehurledtowardthesheerrockfaceand,justatthelastsecond,usedhisfeettorepelhimselfawayfromcertaindeath.
Rigidwithfear,JennaclungtothetreeasKanedroppedlowerandlowertowardtheragingtorrent.Thechopperabovehimswayingbackandforthtogethimintoposition.Heseemedsosmallagainstthethunderingwaterfallathisback,andeverysooften,acloudofwatervaporhidhimfromview.Belowhimtheriverhadchangedinthelasthour.Jennastaredindismayattheswirlingfrothywaterflowingoverthehoodandfrontofthecabofthewreck.Thetrucksatwedgedbetweentwobouldersandsatnosedownwithitsbackwheelshighintheair.Fromwhatshecouldsee,mostofthewindowshadamazinglysurvivedthefall.ItwasasifCarterhadloweredKaneintoabubblingcauldronwiththeskeletalremainsofthewreckjustvisibleabovethewater.
Howcouldhepossiblygettothebodywiththewaterdashingbysofast?Ifheslipped,thefast-flowingwaterwouldpummelhimtodeathagainsttheboulders.Bitingherbottomlip,sheheldherbreathasKanelandedlegsspayedapartonthebackwindow.Heindicatedabovetoslackentherope,andslidontheslipperymetal,hishandsjustcatchingtheedgeofthepickupbeforethecurrentswepthimaway.Holdingwithonehand,hepulledsomethingfromhispocketandstrucktheglass.ItshatteredandJennagapedinhorrorasarushofwatertookKane’sfeetfromunderhimandhetumbledintotheragingtorrent.“Dave!”
EIGHTEEN
AboltofsearingpainhitKane,tumblinghimintoaworldofmisery.Sharpfreezingknivesofagonyslicedintohisbrain,ashefelldeeperanddeeperintotheswollenriver.Hiswaterloggedbootsdraggedhimdownlikeananchortosecurehiscertaindeath.Theragingcurrentshadhimintheirunforgivinggrip,hurtlinghimintobouldersandthrustingtheairfromhislungs.Heopenedhiseyes,onlytoshutthemagainasthechillthreatenedtofreezehiseyeballs.Theshockofsubmersionmadehisheartrace.Theneedtoescapeandfightagainsttheragingtorrentgrippedhimforasecondortwo.Topanicnowwouldmeanhe’ddieherealongsideMrs.Darvish.Ashisbackslammedagainstahugeboulder,heforcedhisbodytorelaxandslowedhisheartrate.Thefast-flowingriverpinnedhimtotheflatsurfacewithtremendousforceanddebrisslammedintohischestlikeshotgunpellets.Hecouldholdhisbreathforatleastthreeminutesunderwater,butthepaininhisskullwasscreamingathim,clawingathiseyeballs,andshootingthroughhisheadasiflightninghadstruckhim.
Waterrushedpasthimandaquickglanceshowedhimdaylightabove.Heslammedhiseyelidsshutand,lungsbursting,usedallhisstrengthtoturnandgrasptheslimyboulder.Heranhishandsalloverthesmoothexteriorsearchingforfingerholesand,dragginghimselftowardthelight,headedforthesurface.Gaspingfreezingairintohisburninglungs,heheldonaswatersplashedoverhim.Blinkingrapidlytoclearhisvision,hestaredaroundtogethisbearings.Theriverhadn’ttakenhimasfarashe’dimagined.Thebackofthepickupwasonlyafewfeetawaybutfastbecomingsubmergedbywater.Hewouldn’thavemuchtimetoretrievethebodybeforetheriverclaimedit.Themetalplateinhisheadwasaffectinghimmorethanhe’dexpected.Thepainhadbecomeanunwelcomeburdenandthecombatsafetyzonehe’dwrappedaroundhimwasfrayingdangerouslyaroundtheedges.Howlongwouldittaketheshootingtortureinhisbraintohammerthroughhismentaldefensesanddestroyhim?Heslammedthethoughtaway.He’dcarriedawoundedmemberofhisteamonhisshoulderthroughenemyfire,swamps,andriversforoverfivemilesandneveroncethoughtaboutgivingup.
HeglancedtothetopofBearPeakandcouldalmostfeelJenna’seyesonhim.She’dbeworriedforhissafety,notknowinghe’dbeeninworsesituationsmanytimes.Although,thathadbeenbeforethemetalplateinhisheadhadbecomeanunknowncomplication.He’dusewhattoolshehadonhandtodefeatthisunexpectedenemyandembracedthepain.Herefusedtofail.
Highabove,Carterbattledtokeepthechopperrotorbladesfromhittingthesidesoftheravine.Therockfacewasn’tsmoothhere,thisravinehadformedduringanearthquake,thesidescraggyandjuttingoutinalldirections,butothersonthemountaincameaboutfromglacierscarvingasmoothpathdownthemountainovermillionsofyears.Ashowerofrockstumbleddownhittinghishelmetandshoulders,themeltingsnowhadreleasedanothersmalllandslideanditrolleddownthesideoftheravinetodisappearintothebubblingwater.Hegavehimselfamentalshake.Movenowordie
Grittinghisteethagainstthesearingpain,heliftedonearmandwavedatthechopper.Thelineattachedtohisharnesstightened,supportinghimtothesurface.Hecoughedwaterfromhislungsandclimbedontopoftheboulder.Musclesfrozen,heshookouthishandsandlegs,butacruelwindplasteredhiswetclothestohisflesh.Facestiffashisexposedfleshfroze,heslappedhischeeksandfeltnothing.Thecoldhadseepedintohim,slowinghimdown,butnowhisbrainwasworkingjustfine.Judgingthedistancebetweentheboulderandthetruck,hebenthiskneesandleaptintotheair.Hemissedbyafoot,butasthewaterwashedhimpastthetruck,hegraspedthetailgateandclungforafewsecondsbeforehaulinghisachingbodyintothetray.Visionblurry,andusingthesideofthepickuptoguidehim,hedraggedhisbodytothebrokenwindowandpeeredinside.Thepickupgroanedandshiftedunderhisfeet,theragingwater’ssheerweightwouldsoonliftthevehicleandsenditdowntherivertotumbleoverthefalls.Histimewasrunningoutfast.
NINETEEN
JennacriedoutasthepickupslippedandahugerushofwatersubmergedKaneagain.Hewasindeeptrouble.Howmanytimeswouldhebeabletosurvivethewavesofincrediblepainasthefreezingcoldwaterhitthemetalplateinhishead?She’dseentheeffectawinter’sdayhadonhim,andthewayhisfacepaledashebattledwiththeagony.Herstomachtightenedandsheliftedherheadtothechopper.“Thisiscrazy.You’llkillhim.Haulhimout.Whatareyouwaitingfor?”Herwordssoundlessonthewind.
Digginghernailsintothebarkofthetree,shestaredinterror.Wherewashe?Whywasn’tCarterdoinganything?Itseemedlikehours,butitwasonlyaminuteorsobeforeKanesurfacedfromthefreezingwateragain,shookhishead,andhauledhimselfintothebackofthepickup.Hestoodforlongminutes,examiningtheinteriorthroughthebrokenwindow,andthenlookedup.Waterstreamedfromhishelmet,ashesignaledtothechopper.Thenextsecondanorangestretcherdroppedfromtheopendoorofthechopperandlowered,twistingprecariouslyinthewind.Whenitarrived,Kanemadethreeattemptstograspitbeforetyingittothebackofthetruck.WaterwasuptohischestandhehadtodiveintotheragingtorrenttohauloutthefrailbodyofMrs.Darvishthroughthebrokenwindow.JennabitdownonhercheekasKanebalancedprecariouslytostrapMrs.Darvishintothestretcher.
Asthebodyliftedintothechopper,Kanewentwithit,spinningandswayinghighintotheairandoverthetrees.Thesightofhimsohighupmadeherstomachclench.Shehadnoideawherehe’dgottenthestrengthtoholdon.Howhadhesurvivedsuchanordeal?Eyesgluedtothechopper,shewaitedforthestretchertovanishinsidethedoorandbreathedasighofreliefwhenahandcameouttohaulKanetosafety.Withoutwaiting,Cartertookthechopperhighintotheairanditdisappearedoverthemountainpeaks.Jennastaredafteritandthenturnedandspewedinthebushes.Shecouldn’trememberatimeshe’dbeensoterrified.Tremblingandkneesweak,sheslumpedagainstatree,tryingtogainhercomposure.SensingWolfebehindher,sheturnedtolookathim,draggedatissuefromherpocket,andself-consciouslywipedhermouth.
“They’lltakethebodystraighttothemorgue.”Wolfegaveheracompassionatelookandpattedherontheback.“Ihavecoffeeinthevan.Youlooklikeyouneedone.”
Sheshookherheadasherstomachheavedagain.“I’llbefinebutDave’sgoingtobeinagony.Thatfreezingwaterwillbringononeofhisheadaches.”
“Youshouldn’tworrysomuchabouthim.He’stougherthanyouthinkandonlyfiveminutesawayfromahotshowerandhismeds.”Wolfetouchedherarm,hisgrayeyessympathetic.“He’sacombatmachine,Jenna.Thatwasawalkintheparkforhimandheprobablygotakickoutofit.He’sanadrenalinejunkieandworkswellunderextremeconditions.It’swhatmadehimthebestinhisfield.Hismentalabilitiesunderpressurearesecondtonone.Theonlydownsidewouldberetrievingthebody.I’veseenhimlosehiscooltwice:oncewaswhenhelostAnnieandthesecondwhenhethoughtyou’ddied.I’veseenhimwalkthroughhellandnotflinch.”Wolfenarrowedhisgaze.“Don’tlethimseeyouupset,Jenna.You’rehisAchillesheel.Ifhestartsworryingaboutyouwhenhe’sriskinghislife,he’lllosehisedgeandthatcouldbefatal.”
Understandingcompletely,Jennanodded.“Okay,butI’monlyhuman.”
TheideathatWolfeconsideredKaneaspartofhisarsenal,ratherthanhisfriend,concernedher.Shewalkedbesidehimbacktothevan.“Iknowhemightbeamachinetoyou,butI’veseenagentskilledandI’msureyou’veseenmanyfinemenkilledinthelineofduty.Idon’twanthimtobecomecollateraldamage.IwanthimherebesidemeinBlackRockFalls.”Shewavedahandtowardtheravine.“Thatwasasenselessrisk.Thepickupwillwashdownthefallsbeforelongandwecouldhaveretrievedthebodywithoutriskingeveryone’slives.DidyouseehowCarterhadtofightthewindupthere?Threelivescouldhavebeenlosttocollectadeadbody.”
“Theriskwasacceptablebecauseit’sahomicideandwehaveapossiblepsychopathkillingoldladies.Timeisoftheessence.Weneedanyevidencewecanfindtostopthiskiller.”Wolfeshookhishead.“Allthreemenwantedtoseeanendtothecarnage.Ineededthebodybeforethewaterdestroysanyevidenceandtrustmeifthattruckwentoverthefalls,therewouldn’tbemuchformetolookat.”Heturnedheraroundtofacehim.“Loveisapowerfulinfluence,Jenna.You’reonehellofagoodsheriffandyouknowaswellasIdothatsolvingthecrime,preventingmurder,andprotectingthetownsfolkcomesfirst.It’syourswornduty.Don’tallowanythingtocloudyourjudgment.”
Jennaclimbedintothevanandpickedthesplintersoutofherfingers.“I’lldomybest.”
Thetremblinghadn’tsubsided.IfKaneoranyoftheothershaddiedretrievingacorpse,shewouldhavebeenresponsible.NomatterwhatWolfesaid,she’dkeepherhumanityandlookoutfortheonessheloved.Protectingpeopleindangerwasonething,butshe’dneverallowherteamtorisktheirlivesagaintogatherevidence.Itwasafool’serrandandacompletedisregardforlife.Keepingherrisingangerfromshowinginherface,sheturnedtohimasheslippedbehindthewheel.“IthinkI’llhavethatcoffeeafterall.”
TWENTY
Kanepressedbothhandsflatagainsttheshowertileandallowedthehotwatertopouroverhisachinghead.Whenhe’dhittheriver,thebrain-numbingpainhadstunnedhim.Hethoughthe’dgottenoverthenervedamagecausedbyacarbombingandtherecentbulletwoundtothehead,butthefreezingriverhadsentasearing-hotrodofmiserythroughhistemplesandblurredhisvision.Hestaredatthewhitetile,allowingtheheattosoothethepain.Thesightdisturbancehadn’tlastedlongbutwassomethingheneededtospeaktoWolfeaboutbeforeitbecameaproblem.Theretrievalhadbeenwhatheexpected,athrillride,untilhehittheriver.ThebodyofMrs.Darvishhadbeenfloatingfacedowninthewaterandshehadn’tbeenwearingaseatbelt.Notthatitwouldhavehelpedher,butitmadehimwonderifshe’dtriedtoescapethepickupbeforeitwentintotheravine.
Asthemedskickedinandthehotwaterthawedouthisfrozenlimbs,Kanesteppedout,toweledoff,anddressed.HecouldhearvoicesasheleftthebathroomandwalkedintothehallwayandfoundJennachattingtoEmily.Theybothturnedandlookedathimatthesametime.Hesmiled.“Emily,it’sgoodtoseeyouagain.Howisthenewsemestershapingup?”
“It’sgreat!”EmilyledthewaytoWolfe’soffice.“Dadisunpackingthebody.SitdownandI’llmakecoffee.Youbothlookfrozen.Wasitterribleonthemountain?Theretrievalmusthavebeenhair-raising.”
Shrugging,Kanedroppedintoachair.“Notformebutitwasdarncoldupthere.Thewaterwasfreezing.Ifithadtakenanylonger,I’dhaveendedupaPopsicle.”HelookedatCarter’sDoberman,Zorro,sittinglikeastatueonamatinthecorneroftheroom,andthenmovedhisattentiontothehallway.“Where’sCarterandJo?”
“He’srefuelingthechopperanddoingwhateverhedoesafteraflight.”Jennasatbesidehim.“JowenttogetsometakeoutfromAuntBetty’s.Shanefiguredyou’dbestarvingbynow.”
“Heknowsmesowell.”Kanechuckled.HelookedatJenna.“Mrs.Darvishwasn’twearingaseatbelt,whichIfindstrange.Iwonderifshetriedtogetoutofthepickupbeforeitwentovertheedge.”
“Ifsomeonewaspushinghertowardtheravine,itmakessense,butwhydidn’tshegetout?Isurewouldhavetriedandthereisasmallledgejustbelowtheedge.Shewouldhaveknownthatsurely.”JennatookthecupfromEmilywithasmile.“Unlessthetruckrammedherfasterthanwefigured?”
Kaneshookhishead.“Onaninclinelikethatandwiththepickupsideways,itwouldhavebeenslownotfast.AshuntingforwardbythedamageIsawonthedoor.Itwascavedrightin.”
Hewrappedhishandsaroundthecupandallowedthescenetofillhismind.Foramomenthestoodonthemountainroad,lookingbackandforth.Whathadheseen?Whathadhefelt?Thesensationofbeingthere,thecoldwindblowingupfromthegully,filledhismind.Heblinked.“Thewindgustscomingupfromtheravinewouldhavepressedagainstthedoor,makingitdifficulttoopen.Shewasafrailoldladyanddidn’tstandachance.”
ThedooropenedandJowalkedinladenwithpackages.Shedroppedthemonthetablewithasigh.
“Wolfedidn’tsaywhattobuy,soIaskedSusie,shesentburgers,fries,andpeachpies.”JopulledupachairandlookedatJenna.“Whathavewegothere?Notanaccident,fromwhatWolfewassaying.”
“No,Mrs.DarvishhadaruninwithaGMCtruckbeforeshewentovertheravine.Someonewantedherdeadbutdecidedtoplayalittlewithherfirst.”Jennapulledaface.“Whatsortofapersonbulliesasweetoldlady?”
Bitingintoaburgerstraightfromheaven,Kanechewedandswallowed.“Someonewhofindsoldpeopleathreatmaybe.”
“FromwhatIheardfromCadeRiothismorninghehadaproblemwithhisgrandma.”Jennanibbledonfries.“Hewasattherightplaceattherighttime.Ishecapableofmurder,doyouthink?”
UnabletoconsiderCade,whohe’dcometoknowwell,asacold-bloodedkiller,KanelookedstraightatJo.“Heandhissisteraretwins,andtheywereplacedwiththeirstep-grandmaaftertheirparentsdied.Theydidn’tcopewithheratallandranaway.ZacRiohascustodyofthemnow.Ifiguretheyweren’tyoungenoughortherelongenoughtocausethattypeofdeep-seatedemotionaldamage.”
“Hmm.”Jopeeredintoabag.“Itdependsonmanyfactors.Remember,they’djustlosttheirparents.Theywereemotionallytraumatizedbeforetheywentthereandthensomethingsignificantmadethemleave.You’llneedtoinvestigatetheircircumstancesalittlecloser.Somepeopleonlyrequireasmalltriggertosetthemoffonapathofdestruction.”SheglancedatJenna.“I’vecometotheconclusionthatcoincidencesdon’thappeninBlackRockFalls.WhatlinkshasMrs.Darvishtotheothervictim?”
Kaneopenedhismouthtoreply,butJennatouchedhisarm.Heexchangedalookwithher,notinghowherfacehaddrainedofcolorsincethismorning.“Jennahasthatinfoinfrontofher.”
“Thanks,wellthey’rebothelderly,livealone,andbelongtothequiltingcircle.Thewomeninthetownareveryinvolvedineverything,sotherecouldbemorecrossovers.”Jennapushedbothhandsthroughherhair.“What’sthedealwithsomeonescrawlinganoteonourdoor?DidthekillerofAgnesWagnerwantustofindher?”
“She’stheonetheymutilated,right?”Jonibbledataburger.“Faceandeyesandthendraggedintoacloset?”
“Yeah,what’sthatallabout?”Jennareachedforhercoffeeandsipped.“HowcouldthatpossiblybethesamepersonwhopushedMrs.Darvishintoaravine?TheMOsarecompletelydifferent.”
Wantingtojumpin,Kanelookedfromonetotheother.“That’sbecauseourmindswanttoputthingsinneatpackages.Youonlyneedtolookatsomeofthemostnotoriousserialkillerstoknowthatnotallofthemkillinthesameway.Agreed,somefollowapattern,butitseemstomethemorewedealwiththesepeople,themorediversityweencounter.”
“IhavetoagreewithKane.”Josmiled.“YoumentionedMrs.Wagnerwasattackedfrombehind,asifshewastryingtogetawayfromherassailant?”
“Yeah,sameasMrs.Darvish.”Jennasnappedherfingers.“Fear.Thekillerwantstoinflictfearbutagain…whythenote?”
“Yeah,fearseemstobethecommondenominator.”Joputdownherburgerandpausedabeat.“Ifigurethereasontheyleftthenoteontheglassdoorwastodirectyoutothecrime.Mrs.Wagner’shomewasisolated,soitwouldbedoubtfulsomeonewouldmissherforatime.”Shestaredintospaceforlongmoments,andthennoddedasifmakinguphermind.“Hmm,tworeasonsbothjuxtaposedtoeachother.Eithertheywantedtoshowyouwhatthey’ddoneortheywantyoutostopthemfromkillingagain.”
“Wehaveacoupleofsuspects,menwhohavebeenincontactwithbothwomen.”Jennaleanedbackinherchairandshrugged.“I’mwaitingonRowleytogetthroughinterviewingthem.Well,twoofthematleast.We’veincludedaplumberinthemixasapersonofinterestaswell,mainlybecauseheinstallednewfurnacesinbothhousesrecently.Ihaven’tbeenabletohunthimdownyet.Hisphonegoestovoicemail,soI’lltryandcallhimafterhours.Theothertwoarecontractorsthequiltingcircleuseandbothrecentlyemployedbythevictims.”
“Youhavesomethingelseonyourmindthough,don’tyou?”Joleanedforwardtakingaconfidentialpose.“There’ssomeoneelse,apartfromCade,youbelieveisinvolved,isn’tthere?”
KaneshotalookatJenna.“NotthatIknow.Doyouhavesomeone,Jenna?”
“Notreally,buthaveyounoticedhowdistantRioisoflate?”Jennamethisgaze.“Missingfromwork,notfinishinghisshifts,notansweringhisphone,andthenwefindhimparkedupthemountainalmosthiddeninthebushes,waitingforhisbrothertopassby.”Sherolledhereyes.“Oh,don’tgivemethatlook,Dave.RiowasunaccountedforthenightMrs.Wagnerdiedandthenhe’supthemountain,byhisownadmission,whenMrs.Darvishdies.”Shesnortedinderision.“We’vehauledpeopleinforquestioningonlessinformationthanthatandyouknowit.Wecan’tlooktheotherwaybecausehe’sadeputy.”
TryingtogethismindaroundRioandhisbrotherhavingtheabilitytokilloldladies,heshookhishead.“ZacRio?Noway.Ididapsychiatricworkuponhim,andBobbyKalo,theFBIwhizkidwhocanfindoutdirtonanyonealive,wentthroughhimfromthegroundup.There’snoway,hecouldhavehiddenpsychopathictendenciesfromme.”Hesighed.“I’vebeenone-on-onewithCadeworkingonhistruckforweeks.Wetalkedabouthistimewithhisgrandma.Yeah,hehadsomeresentment,mainlybecauseshemadethemworksohardaroundtheplace,theycouldn’tkeepupwithschoolwork.Ididn’tgetthevibefromhimthathe’dliketomurderheroranyoneelse.”
“Whatifyou’rewrong,Dave?”Jennablewoutalongbreath.“Onethingisforsure.Somethingisn’trightwitheitherofthemandweneedtomakesurethey’renotinvolved.”
Kanehelduphishandsinsurrender.He’drarelyseenJennasoriled.“You’retheboss.”Heshookhishead.“I’llseewhatIcando.”
TWENTY-ONE
DeputyJakeRowleypulledupoutsideahouseonPineandsatawhile,regardingthemancuttingbackthedeadbranchesfromabushanddroppingthemintoawheelbarrow.HeglancedatthephotoIDofArchieBueller:agardener,forty-fiveyearsofage,andofrobustbuild.Themanworeawoolencaptocoverhishairandaplaidshirt,whichhe’drolleduptotheelbowstodisplaymuscularforearms.Frominsidehistruck,Rowleycouldn’tmisslongscratchesonbotharmsrunningfromabovehisworkglovestoatleasthiselbows.HepickeduphismicandcalledMaggie.Sheactedasthesheriff’sofficedispatchandhecheckedinwithheronaregularbasis,especiallyifhewasoutonhisown.“Hey,Maggie,I’moutsidewhereArchieBuellerisworking.Heappearstohavescratchesonbothforearms,butI’mparkedsomewaysawayfromhim.I’llgoandspeaktohimnow.I’llcheckinwhenI’mbackinthetruck.Out.”
“Copythat.”Maggiesoundedcheerful.“KaneretrievedthebodyandeveryoneisatWolfe’soffice.I’msuregladthat’sover.WhentheycalledinAgentCarter,Istartedworrying.I’msorryforMrs.Darvishbutsohappyeveryonehasgottendownsafelyfromthemountain.Out.”
Rowleysmiled.“That’sgoodtoknow.Out.”Hehungupthemicandslidfrombehindthewheel,grabbingastatementbookfromtheconsole.
HemadeapointofwhistlingasheapproachedArchieBueller.Hefiguredanytunewoulddoratherthanwalkupbehindamanusingalethalpairofpruningshears.WhenBuellerturnedandglancedathimoveroneshoulder,Rowleyobservedhimforanyhintofguilt.Somesuspectswouldtensetheirshoulders,orevenblushwhenalawenforcementofficerapproached,butBuellerjustwentabouthisworkandignoredhim.Hestoodsomedistanceaway.“ArchieBueller?”
“That’sme.”Buellerdroppedthesheerstoonesideandraisedhiseyebrowsinquestion.“Youdidn’tmentionwhyyouwantedtotalktome.What’sup?”
RowleypushedbackhisStetsonandtookanonchalantpose.“I’mjustfollowinguponanyonewhoworkedforAgnesWagneroutofSnowberryWay.”
“Yeah,I’veworkedforher.”Buellerwipedtheendofhisnosewiththebackofhisglovedhand.“Lastweek.Shekepthearingnoisesaroundthehouse.”Hesmiled.“Manyoftheoldfolkhearbumpsinthenight.Iguesstheyfeelvulnerablewhenthey’realone.”
Rowleytuckedthestatementbookunderonearmandopenedhisnotebook.“Sowhatdidyoudoforher?”
“Prunedafewtreesbackawayfromthehouseisall.”Buellershrugged.“There’sstillsnowinpatchesupthere,sothere’snotmuchformetodorightnow.”
TakingacloserlookatthescratchesonBueller’sarms,Rowleyclearedhisthroat.“Whenwasthisandwasitthelasttimeyousawher?”
“LateonSundayafternoon.”Buellerrolledhiseyes.“Shewasinfullpanicmode,hearingthings.Shesaidshe’dthoughtitwastheoldfurnaceandhadTreyDuffyreplaceitandthenoiseskeptonhappening.So,IgotuptherearoundfouranddidwhatIcouldtoclearthebranchesawayfromthehouse.Iexplainedtoherthatwhenit’swindythetreeswillbrushagainstthewalls.”Hepushedthepruningshearsintohisleatherbeltandliftedhischin.“Sheaskedmetodoawalk-throughwithherandIdidtomakeherfeelbetter.”
Rowley’searsprickedatthisinformation.“Thecellaraswell?”
“Yeah,ItoldherI’dclosethewindowforherbutshewantedtoairtheplace.Duffyfoundadeadcritterinthere.”Buellerleanedcasuallyagainstatree.“Iwasthereuntilaboutfive-thirty,maybesix,Iguess.”
“Okay.”Rowleymadenotesandthenlookedupathim.“You’vealsoworkedforJoleneDarvishoutofRockyRoad,BearPeak,Ibelieve?”
“Notoften.”Buellerstaredintothedistanceandthenmovedhisgazeslowlybacktohim.“Why?”
RowleystrolledovertoBueller’struckandcasthiseyeoverthebullbarnoticingmanyscratches.Hesmiledathim.“Iwasthinkingaboutgettinganewoneoftheseformytruck.TherockfallsonRockyRoadarebecomingaproblem.”
“Notonlythere,themelthaspulledtreescleanoutbytheroots.”Buellerscratchedhisheadandfrowned.“Youneverknowwhatyoumightneedtopushoutoftheway.”
Nodding,Rowleyturnedbacktofacehim.“WhenwasthelasttimeyousawMrs.Darvish?”
“Idon’trightlyrecall.”Buellerpausedabeatasifthinking.“ShedidcallmeaskingifIcouldcutbacktherosebusharoundherporch.Saiditwasgettingoutofcontrol.Itoldhertowaituntilafterthemelt.”
“WereyouanywherenearRockyRoadyesterdayafternoon?”Rowleyliftedhispenandwaited.
“Iwasalloveryesterday.Maybe.”Buellerlookedathisfeetandwavedahandtowardthehouse.“Igottago.Thesefolkspaymebythehourandwon’tappreciatemejawingwithyouontheirtime.”
Thinkingbetterthantopushhimanymoreashe’dbeencooperative,Rowleyclosedhisnotebookandslippedhispenbackinsidehispocket.“Okay,thanks.”Heturnedandheadedbacktohistruck
Aftercallingin,MaggietransferredhimtoJenna.Shewasstillinthemorgue.Hegavehisreport.“Theybothcouldbeinvolved.”
“Yeah,itwouldn’tbethefirsttimeakillerhasadmittedtobeingclosetothemurderscene.Headbacktotheofficeandupdatethefiles.WolfewantstogiveusapreliminaryreportonMrs.Darvish.It’sbeenalongday.We’llfollowuponTreyDuffyinthemorning,unlessIcatchhimathomelater.”
“Okay.”Rowleydrummedhisfingersonthesteeringwheel.“AnynewsonRio?”
“Yeah,wefoundhimonRockyRoad,waitingforhisbrothertoshow.He’sbeenthereallnight.Isenthimhometogetsomerest.”Jennamumbledsomethingtosomeoneandclearedherthroat.“Wolfe’sreadyforus.I’llspeaktoyoubackattheoffice.”Shedisconnected.
Rowleystartedhisengine,shakinghishead.So,Riowasclosetothecrimesceneallnightanddidn’tseeanything—yeahright.
TWENTY-TWO
WolfewaitedforJennaandtherestoftheteamtojoinhimintheexaminationroom.Helookedattheconcernedorblankexpressionsonallofthem.Jennaalwaysstartedwithaconcernedexpressionandseemedtogatherherselfandturntostoneoncehe’dcompletedthepreliminaryexamination.Joshowedinterestbuthereyesshowedgreatsorrow.KaneandCarternevergaveaflickerofanything—nocompassion,remorse,oranythingelse.Bothhadthetrainingtoturnoffemotionsanddidsotheminutetheyenteredtheroom.Heunderstoodthereason.Allowingtheirinnermostfeelingstocloudtheirjudgmentcouldhavemeantcertaindeathifcapturedbehindenemylinesduringatourofduty.Themarinetraininghe’dreceivedhadbeentoughbuthe’dnotcomeclosetotheirstandard.Ittookaspecialpersonwithexceptionalcapabilitiestopushpastorignorethetriggersthatturnordinarymenintoheroes.Onlyoneortwopercentofsoldiershadthementalandphysicalcapabilitiestobegoodenoughtojointheeliteforces.Wolfewelcomed
HeturnedonthescreentodisplaytheX-raysofJoleneDarvishandcaughtJo’ssharpintakeofbreath.Alleyeshadmovedtothescreensanditdidn’ttakeadoctor’seyetoseethedamagethefallhadinflictedonthefrailoldwoman.“Okay,asyoucansee,wehavemultiplefractures.Iwillcategorizethedamagesustainedandaddittomyreportbutfrommypreliminaryexaminationofthebody.JoleneDarvishdiedbeforeshehitthewater.I’veyettoestablishcauseofdeathbutduetothelackofhematomasaroundtheskullfracture,it’slikelyshehadacoronarybeforethepickuphitthewater.”
“Shediedfromhertruckbeingpushedoveraravine.Weknowthatwasn’tanaccident,butthatdoesn’testablishacauseofdeath,doesit?”Jennapeeredathimoverherfacemask.
Wolfeshookhishead.“Ihavetobemorespecific.Wesaysomeonediedduetobluntforceinjuryoragunshotwound,butwemustestablishwhatactuallycausedthedeathofthevictim.Didthebulletexplodetheheart?Enterthebrainorseveramajorartery,forinstance.”
“Iunderstand,butwithalltheinjuries,willyoubeabletogiveacauseofdeath?”Jennaclearedherthroat.“Thereissomuchdamage.”
Wolfenodded.“Yeah,butitwilltakealongtimetolisteveryinjury.I’llcheckherheartandI’vetakenbloodtocheckforaproteincalledtroponin.Thisindicatesifapersonhassufferedacoronary.IfIfindevidenceofheartdamage,thetestwillconfirmmydiagnosis.”
Beforeanyonecouldaskanotherquestion,Kane’sphonechimed.Heglancedatthescreenandheadedforthedoorwithoutsayingaword.Wolferaisedoneeyebrow.“Questions?”
“Anythingunderhernails?RowleynoticedArchieBuellerhadscratchesonhisarms.”Jennapeeredathimoverhermask.
Wolfeturnedtoher.“No,nothingunderhernailsandnoevidenceshewasinaphysicalaltercationwithanyone.”
“Couldshehavedrowned?”Carter’sgreeneyesmatchedhisscrubsbutgavenoindicationofhisinnerthoughts.“Wouldn’twaterinthelungsindicateshewasalivewhenshehittheriver?”
MovinghisattentiontoCarter,Wolfeshookhishead.“Icouldn’timaginewithheadtraumatothisdegree—”Hepulledbackthesheettodisplaythebatteredremains.“—thatshecouldhavepossiblybeenconsciouswhensheenteredthewater.Takingintoaccountthefactthewindshieldhadn’tsmashed,therewouldhavebeenafewsecondsbeforewaterengulfedthevehicle.Itwouldbeimpossibletoprovedeathbydrowninginthisinstanceasthelaryngospasm—thegagreflexasyou’dcallit—relaxesduringunconsciousness,allowingwatertoenterthelungs.Ifweconsiderthisapossibilityinstillwater,thenasaragingtorrenthadsubmergedthebody,mouthopen,thepossibilitiesincreasedtenfold.”Hesighed.“Infact,drowningisreallyagenerictermbecauseIcouldgiveyoualistofpossibilitiesforcauseofdeathduetolackofoxygen.However,allowmetousemyjudgementinthiscaseuntilIcanproveotherwise.IsuggestthatJoleneDarvishdiedfromacoronaryinducedbyatraumaticeventand,fromtheevidencefoundatthescene,wascausedbypersonorpersonsunknownpushingherpickupintoaravine.”
“We’llstayuntilyouexaminetheheartandlungs.”Jennaleanedagainstthecounterandfoldedherarmsacrossherchest.“Iwanttoknow.”
SurprisedbyJenna’sinsistencetoremainduringaharrowingautopsy,WolfepickeduphisscalpelandwentaboutmakingtheYincisionandcrackingopenthechest.Afterdissectingtheheartandcollectingfluidfromthelungs,heturnedtoJenna.“I’mgoingtowaitfortheresultsofthebloodandfluidsamplesbeforeImakeafinding,butfromwhatIseehere,shediedfromatrauma-inducedcoronary.”
“Okay.”Jennastraightened.“We’llworkonthatfornow.”ShelookedatKaneashecamebackinsidetheroom.“Isthereaproblem?”
“Nope.”KaneliftedhischintoWolfe.“Didyoufindanything?”
Wolfeexplained.“Thatmakestwohomicidesthisweek.”
“I’llsendoutapressreleasetoalerttheelderlywomentolocktheirdoors.”Jennafrowned.“Iknowonemurdermightbepersonal,buttwousuallytellsmethatnumberthreeisjustaroundthecorner.”
TWENTY-THREE
Outsidetheexaminationroom,JennaturnedtoJo.“Areyoustaying?”Shedraggedoffherscrubsandtossedthemintothebasketandthenusedawipetoremovethementholatedsalvefromunderhernose.“Youcanstayinthecabinforaslongasyoulike.”Shetookinabreath,gladtobeoutofthestinkofrottingflesh.
“We’dloveto.”Josmiledather.“Thiscaseisveryinteresting.Unlessyou’dpreferwedidn’tgetinvolved?”
Morethanhappyfortheassistance,Jennashookherhead.“Notatall.IhavesomanyconflictingfactorsspinningaroundinsidemyheadthatI’dappreciateyourinput.Thecottageisyoursandyoucandrivemycruiserifyouneedaridewhilewe’reoutdoingthegruntwork.”
“Perfect.”Joleanedherbackagainstthewall.“It’sbeenalongday.”
Jennapushedahandthroughherhair.“It’snotoveryet.Rowleyhasbeeninterviewingsuspects.I’llsendoutamediareleaseandthengetareportfromhim.Unlessanythingelsehappens,wecangohome.”
“OurbagsareinthefoyerandI’lljustgrabZorro.”CarterheadedtowardWolfe’soffice,openedthedoorandwhistledforhisconstantcompanion.HeglancedbackatKane.“Where’sDuke?”Hesetoutforthefoyer,thedog’snailsclick-clackingonthetilesbehindhim.
“He’sattheoffice.”KanebenttopickupJo’sbagandheadedoutthedoor.
Jennastaredafterhim,knowinginstinctivelysomethingwasonhismind.Asubjecthedidn’twanttospeakaboutinfrontofJoandCarter.AssheclimbedintotheBeast,herphonechimed.ShestaredatthecallerID,surprisedtoseeitwasMayorPetersham.“SheriffAlton.”
“IreceivedarequestoutofCedarCanyonforadeputytransfer,andasSheriffTomGriffinisagoodfriendofmine,IagreedthatDeputyAndersoncouldworkalongsideyourteamtogainexperienceinhomicideinvestigation.Ifyouconsiderherafit,shecantakeoneofthetwoextradeputypositionsyourequested.”MayorPetershamchuckled.“Yousee,Idolisten,Sheriff.Thisdeputywillbeanassettoyourteam.Look,I’veevenarrangedaplaceforthemtostay.Surely,you’renotgoingtocomplainaboutgettinganotherpairofhands?”
Annoyedthemayorhadoversteppedhismark,JennasuckedinabreathandstaredoutthewindowasKanedrovebacktotheoffice.Assheriff,itwasherjobtohireandfirethedeputies.Themayorhadnoideawhatqualificationssherequiredforherteam.Shewonderedwhyhisgoodfriendwastryingtounloadadeputyonheroffice.Whatwaswrongwiththem?Obviouslynotenoughtofirethem.“Okay,butIcan’tbabysitarookie.We’reinthemiddleoftwohomicidecases.Itwillbeadeskjobatbestrightnow.”Sheclearedherthroat.“I’lldecideifthey’regoodenoughtojoinmyteam.Oneinexperienceddeputycanputeveryoneatriskrightnow.”
“Iunderstandcompletely.Justhumormeforonce,okay?”Themayordisconnected.
Keepingherexpressionblank,sheclimbedfromtheBeastandheadedforheroffice.ShegaveMaggieawave,pattedDukeashedidhishappydanceatseeingDave,andwenttospeaktoRowley.“Canyoucomeuptomyofficeandbringusuptodatewiththeinterviews?AnyluckatlocatingTreyDuffy?”
“Yeah,hewasworkingoutoftheindustrialareaandhisphonehitablackspot.”Rowleygatheredhisthingsandstood.“He’lldropbytomorrowaroundnoonandyoucanspeaktohim.Imentioneditwasaboutthefurnaces.Igottheimpressionhefiguredsomethingwaswrongwiththeinstallation,soIdidn’tsayanythingaboutthemurders.”
Stillthinkingaboutthenewdeputy,Jennashrugged.ThenameCedarCanyonwasfamiliar.Shefocusedonthejobathand.“Atleastwedon’thavetohunthimdown.”
“Somethingelse.”RowleyglanceddownthehallwaytotheroomthathousedtheCCTVscreensforaroundtown.“There’sbeenabuzzingfromtheconferenceroom.IwentinsidebutIcan’tfindanythingwrong.”
Jennanodded.“I’llaskKanetotakealookafterthebriefing.”Shewavedhimupstairs.
Shefollowedhimintoheroffice.Theroomhummedwithconversation,andKanewasatthewhiteboardaddinginformation.Sittingbehindherdesk,shelookedatRowley.“Okay,whatdidyougetfromArchieBueller—he’sthegardener,andColbyHahnisthelocalhandyman.”SheglancedatJoandCarter.“Bothofthesemenhadcontactwithourvictims.”
ShelistenedwithinterestasRowleybroughtthemuptodate.“Whatwereyourimpressions?”
“Theyhadtheopportunitytobeinvolved,andasthetwowomenlivedinremotelocations,witnesseswouldbefew,ifany.Itseemedunusualthatthesemenworkedforbothvictims.HahnlivesoutofBearPeakandusesRockytogetintotown,andthenwehavethefurnaceguy,TreyDuffy.Thewomenhadcontactwithatleasttwoofthesemeninthelastweekorso.”Rowleyglancedathisnotes.“Thesuspectscooperated,samewithDuffy.ThetwoIinterviewedcouldbeinnocentorgreatliars.”
Wonderingwhichwaytotaketheinvestigation,Jennastaredatthewhiteboard,andrubbedhertemples.“AllofthepotentialsuspectsdriveGMCtrucks.I’matastandstill.”Shelookedaroundtheroom.“Anysuggestions?”
“Maybewecandiscussthecaseoverdinnertonight?”CarterpushedbackhisStetsonandleanedforwardinhischair.“It’sbeenonehellofaday.We’llallthinkbetterafteranhourorsorest.IfweheadhomeinDave’struck,I’llhelphimwiththechoresandgiveyoubothtimetofreshenup.I’llleavethebirdattheME’soffice.”
Jennaopenedherdeskdrawerandpulledoutthekeystohervehicle.ShetossedthemtoCarter.“Youhavethecodetomygateonyourphone.Yourfingerprintwillopenthecottagedoor.Gomakeyourselfathome.Comebytoeatatourplacetonight.WehaveatonofsteakandDavewillcook.”ShenoddedtoKane.
“Sure,whynot?”Cartergrinned.“AslongasIcanhelp.”
“Youcanhandlethehorses.Thekitchenismydomain.”Kane’sphonechimedandheglancedatitandpushedtohisfeet.“Ineedtotakethis.”
Moreprivatecalls?Jennafrownedathim.ThiswassounlikeKane.“Gocheckoutwhat’sbuzzingintheconferenceroomwhileyou’reatit.”AsKanedisappearedthroughthedoor,shelookedatRowley.“Youshouldheadoffhomeandkissthosebeautifultwinsforme.HopefullyRiowillbebacktomorrowtohelp,andwehaveanewdeputyarrivingsometime.”She’dbeensoannoyedatthemayorshe’dforgottentoaskhimwhentoexpectthenewdeputy.
“Okay,Iwill,thanks.”Rowleysmiled.“They’regrowingsofast.They’llbeheadingofftoschoolbeforeIknowit.”Hecollectedhisthingsandheadedforthedoorbeforeturningback.“DoyouwantmetotellMaggietogohome?”
“Yeah,sure.I’lllockup.”Jennaleanedbackinherchairandtwirledherpeninherfingers.SheneededtheassistanceoftheFBI’sITwhizkid,BobbyKalo,oneoftheteamoutofSnakeskinGully.ShemovedherattentiontoJo.“Weneedsuper-fastbackgroundchecksonoursuspects.WillKalomindifwecallhimthislateintheafternoon?”
“Idoubtit.Herarelygoeshomeandhasacotintheinterviewroom.”Jochuckled.“Helivesinadifferentworldtous.Heworksverywellbuttherestofthetimehe’sinagamewithatonofpeople.It’sstrangeworkingwithsomeonesoyoung,butIadmirewhathedoes.”Shepulledoutherphone.“I’llcallhim.”
“I’llsendhimthefiles.”Carterpulledouthisphone.“Helivesforfindingdirtonpeople.”
“Great,thanks.”Jennamadeafewnotesandemailedapressreleasetothelocalmedia.Bythetimeshe’dfinished,Kanewasstillmissing.Shestood.“I’llgoandseeifKaneneedsanyhelpintheconferenceroom.”Sheheadedoutthedoor.
Asshereachedthebottomofthestairs,shecouldn’thelpoverhearingKane’sconversation.Shekeptonwalking.Whathewastalkingaboutwasnoneofherbusiness,butshedidn’tintendtoconcealthefactshe’doverheardhim.
“I’llfiguresomethingout.”Kane’sbackwastoher.“It’sdifficulttogetawayrightnow.”Hespunaroundtolookather.“I’vegottago.”Hedisconnectedandpointedtoablankscreen.“TheCCTVcameraoutsidetheofficeisout.Thebuzzingwasawarning.I’llcallsomeonetolookatitinthemorning.”
Jennastaredathimforalongmomentbuthesaidnothingaboutthecall.Shemethisgaze.“Themayorcalledmebefore.He’ssendingusanewdeputy.TransferredoutofCedarCanyon.Itseemswehavenochoice.They’recomingandstayingunlessIfirethem.”
“Yeah,Igatheredasmuchfromwhatyousaidinthetruck.”Hewalkedbacktohisdeskandpickeduphislaptop.“Areyoureadytogo?I’llwaitforyoudownhere.”
Jennaturnedaroundandheadedbacktothestairs.“Sure,I’llgrabmythings.”
Behindher,Kanehummedatune.SheturnedtowatchhimbendandrubDuke’sears,wonderingwhattheheckhewasupto.
TWENTY-FOUR
OvertheyearswithJenna,Kanehadfiguredsayingnothingwasoftenthebestthingforhimtodotoavoidamisunderstanding.Hersilenceonthedrivehomemeantonlyonething:she’doverheardpartofhisconversationand,knowinghowhermindworked,she’dbeconjuringupalltypesofscenarios.Hegrittedhisteethandwenttoworkpreparinga
“Howcomesomeonehasn’tsnappedyouupyet?”Jowalkedintothekitchensniffingappreciatively.“Needanyhelp?”
Kanedroppedsteaksintoapan.“Yeah,ifyoucansetthetable,itwouldbegood.”Hesmiledatheroveroneshoulder.“Youlikeyoursteakwelldone,right?SameasJenna?”
“Yeah,thanks.Burnedtoacrispforme.I’veneverbeenabletoeatbloodysteak.”Shepulledplatesfromtheshelf.“You’reobviouslylivingwithJenna,soistherearelationshipgoingonhereorisitplatonic?Youbothhideyouremotionssowell,butIpickupthings.It’spartofmyjob.”
“Uh-huh.”Kanecheckedthepotatoesintheovenwithaforkandgrinnedather.“Let’ssayit’saworkinprogress.”
“Well,Iguessthat’sbetterthansaying‘it’scomplicated.’That’ssuchacop-out.”Jochuckled.“Ah,here’sJennanow.”Shestaredintothehallway.“Well,shewashere.Iguessshewenttotakeashower.”Shelaidoutthesilverwareandlookedathim.“Anythingelse?”
“There’ssourcreamandcoleslawintherefrigerator.”Heflippedthesteaks.“We’llsortoutthedrinkswheneveryonearrives,butIhaveanicebottleofpinotnoirbreathingovertherewithglassesifyou’dlikeaglass?”
“Oh,thatsmellslikeheaven.”JennacameintothekitchenwearingherPJsandglancedatthetable.“Itlookslikeyouhaveeverythinginhand.”Thefrontdooropenedandclosed,andfootstepsechoeddownthehallwaywiththeunmistakablenoiseofZorro’sclaws.“Ahthere’sCarter.”
Kanedroppedtwomoresteaksintoasecondpan.“I’llhaveeverythingreadyinafewminutes.”HelookedoverhisshoulderatJenna.“Canyougetthedrinks?”
“Sure.”Jennastoodandwentabouthertask.Whenshesatdown,shelookedatKane.“Howdidyoudoallthissofast?Ittakesmeagesjusttomaketoast.”
“Practice.”Kane,pulledthebiscuitsoutoftheoven,droppedthemontoaplate,andplacedthemonthetable.Hewentaboutfillingplateswithfoodandhandingthemaround.HesatdownandlookedatJenna.“HeardanythingbackfromKalo?”
“Yeah.”Jennacutintohersteak,tookabite,andhummedincontentment.“Hisfirstlook-seegavenohistoryofcriminalbehavior,sohe’sdiggingdeeper.Checkingforsealedjuvifiles,andotherstates.He’llsendareportinthemorning.”
“Let’slaythecardsonthetable,Jenna.”Cartersippedfromabottleofbeer.“Iknowthesethreeguysaresuspectsand,lookingatallofthem,Iagreeanyoneofthemcouldbeourman.SowhywouldyouevenconsiderRioandhisbrother?Trustme,whenRio’snamecamethroughouroffice,Kalofoundouteverythingabouthim.Heissolid.Ireadhisfiletoday.There’snothinginhisbackgroundtosuggesthecouldturnrogue.”
Kaneclearedhisthroat.“Ifigurehe’ssolidtoo,butweknowhewentthroughtwotraumaticeventsbeforecominghere.Hisparentsdiedandthenhissiblingsvanishedformonths.Hediscoveredthatthestep-grandmahadn’tbeentreatingthemverywell.HeprobablyblamedhimselfandI’veseenpeopleturntocrimeforalotlessthanthat.”
“That’strue.”JotooktheglassofredwinethatKanehandedher.“Withamindlikehisthatneverforgetsanything,allthememorieswouldbeswimmingaroundinendlesstorment.Hecan’tturnthemoff.Ican’timaginehowdifficultitwouldbenottohavethedefensemechanismthatcanblockorcompartmentalizedisturbingmemories.”ShelethergazerestonKaneandthenshifttoCarter.“Somecanshutdownemotioncompletelyandnothaveanypsychopathyatall.WithRio,unlessIcanspeaktohimandseewhat’shappeninginsidehishead,wewon’tknow.”
“Man,youguysseepsychopathscrawlingoutfromunderthebeds.”Cartershookhishead.“SowhatifRiotooksomepersonaltimetosortoutthetwins?Sowhatifhelethisphonerundry?Hedidwhathehadtodoandputhisfamilyfirst.”HelookedsquarelyatJo.“You’dwalkoutinthemiddleofacaseifJamiewasintroubleanddon’tsayyouwouldn’tfreakoutsome.Yourdaughterisyourlifeandyouknowit.Ifigureweconcentrateonthesuspects,theguyswhowereinthevicinityofthemurdersatthetime.AllthisspeculationoverRioisjustwastingenergy.”
“Okay,okay.”Jennaletoutalongsigh.“It’snotRio.”
SeeingJenna’seyesflash,KaneswallowedhardandlookedatCarter.“Jennaisjustbeingcareful.”
“Istillthinkitwouldn’thurttocheckuponhim.”JennalookedatKane.“Canyoumakeanexcusetocallhimwhenwe’redonehere?”
Kaneshrugged.“Sure.”
Aftereatinghemadethecall.“Hey,howarethings?HasCadesettleddownsomenow?”
“Nope.Nowhe’sgivingmethesilenttreatment.”Riosoundedannoyed.“Thanksfortakinghiskeys.Heneedstobebroughtbacktoearth.Takingthebustoschoolforawhilewillhopefullymakehimseereason.”Heletoutalongsigh.“Thatwomaniswaytoooldforhim.Hefiguresthesunrevolvesaroundher.She’sjustusinghim.Theidiottoldherabouthisinheritance.Ican’twatchhimtwenty-four/sevenandI’mconcernedhe’lltakeofffromschoolwithher.Ispenthourstryingtofindhercabin.BearPeakislikeamazeanddrivingaroundthereisdangerous.”
Kanescratchedhishead.“Thebearsareonethingbuttheguyslivingoffthegridarealittlenervousoflawenforcementsnoopingaround.Theyshootfirstandaskquestionslater,soyou’llneedtobecareful.”Hethoughtforabeat.“Nexttimehegoesmissing,callitinandwe’llworktogether.Wolfehasadroneheisplanningonusingforaerialshotsofcrimescenes.MaybewecanuseittotrackKara’struckbacktohercabin.”
“Thanks,I’dappreciateyourhelp.”
“So,Iguessyou’restayinghometowatchCadetonight?”Kanerubbedthebackofhisneckthinkingwhattosaynext.“Doyoufigurehe’llrunoffagain?”
“Ihopenot.I’mhisbrotherandthere’snottoomuchIcando.Iwantedtotakehisphonebutitwouldhaveendedupinafight.He’sseventeen.Ican’tforcehimtostayhomeeither,butifheheadsout,I’llfollowhim.”Rioclearedhisthroat.“Thanksforcalling,I’llseeyouinthemorning.”
Kanestaredintospace.“Yeah,sure.”Hedisconnectedandheadedbacktothefamilyroom.“Rio’shomewatchingCade.Idon’tfigurehe’sgoinganywhere.”
“See?”Carterrelaxedinoneoftheleatherchairsbesidethefireplace.“Everythingisfine.”
“That’sarelief.”Jennashookherhead,allowingherbangstospilloverherforehead.
TWENTY-FIVETHURSDAY
DeputyZacRiostirredatthesharptoneofJenna’svoiceandinhaledthestenchofdeath.Nauseagrippedhimandheforcedopenhisheavyeyelids,blinkingintotheshaftofsunlightpouringfromanopendoor.Heliftedonehandtoshieldhiseyesandstaredinhorroratthedriedbloodcoveringhisfingers.Disoriented,hestruggledtositup,andgapedatthestickymessofcrimsonsmotheringhisjeans.Hisshirtstucktohischestunderthedarkeningredstainrunningfromnecktonavel.Footstepscamecloserandheturnedhishead.Painshotthroughhistemples,ashisgazerestedinhorroratthebloodcoveredfloor.
“Staywhereyouare,Zac.”JennamovedcloserwithherGlocksteadyinherhand.“Givemeyourweapon.Takeitoutusingfingerandthumb.”Sheheldoutherhand.“Nosuddenmoves.”
Confused,Zacremovedhispistolandhandedittoher.“Where’sallthisbloodcomingfrom?”
“Handsonyourhead.”JennapushedhisGlockintothebackofherbelt.
Hecomplied.Theroomwasunfamiliarandhehadnomemoriesofhowhe’dgottenthereandforhimthatwasimpossible.HeshookhisheadindisbeliefandstaredupatJenna’ssternexpression.“What’sgoingonhere,Jenna?”
“Icouldaskyouthesamequestion.”Kanecrouchedbesidehim.“What’sthelastthingyouremember?”
Riosearchedhismind.He’dbeenbornwitharetentivememoryandcouldrecalleverythinghe’dseenatwillandhadtheabilitytoprocessinformationathighspeed,butrightnowhecameupwithadistortedarrayofmemories.“I’mnotsure.Iansweredthedooraroundninelastnight.ItwasakidwhosaidFloraCarsonoutofBuffaloTrailhadsentthemtotellmeaboutaprowler.Herphonewasoutandthekidcamebyonhisbike.”
“Thenwhat?”Jennawasmovingaroundhimsnappingimageswithherphone.
Tryingnottospew,RiolookedatKane.“NothinguntilIwokeuphere.Nothingatall.Mymindisacompleteblank.”HeturnedtoJenna.“CanIputmyhandsdownnow?I’mgonnaspew.”
“Takeafewdeepbreaths.”JennapulledonsurgicalglovesandpickedupabloodyKa-Barknife,danglingitbetweenfingerandthumb.“Doesthisbelongtoyou?”
Focusingonthecombatknife,Rioshookhishead.“No,I’veseentwopeoplewiththem,oneisKaneandtheotherFBISpecialAgentTyCarter.”
“It’snotmine.”Kaneslidhisknifefromaleathersheathonhisbeltandranhisthumbacrossthesharpbladebeforeslippingitback.“AndTywaswithuslastnight.”
Rioshookhishead.“I’veneverseenitbefore.”
“Canyoustand?”KanepulledonsurgicalglovesandgraspedRiobythearm,pullinghimtohisfeet.
Headfuzzy,Riostaggeredbeforespreadinghisfeettogainhisbalance.“Yeah.IfeellikeI’vebeenoutdrinkingallnightandthenhadabullstompalloverme.”Heturnedhisheadandcaughthisbreathatthesightofapairoffeetstickingoutfromadoorway,onewearingatatteredbedroomslipper,theothercladinapinksock.Atrailofbloodranfromoneroomtotheother.Heswallowedtherisingbile.“OhJesus,isthatFloraCarson?”
“There’severypossibility.”Kane’sfacecarriedagrimexpression.“It’sabithardtotellrightnow,seeingthatsomeonetooktheKa-Bartoherface.”Henarrowedhisgazeonhim.“Theknifewefoundnexttoyourrighthand.Yourblood-soakedrighthand.”
Thesoundofavehiclecamefromoutside,andtheslammingofdoors.Thenextmoment,ShaneWolfestuckhisheadinsidethedoor,followedbyEmilyandhisassistantandbadgecarryingdeputy,ColtWebber.
“Morning.”Jennaliftedherchin.“It’sabloodbath.Kaneclearedthearea.There’snosignofforcedentry.Thesceneisconcentratedtothisarea.Wehaven’tbeennearthevictim.It’sobviousshe’sdeceased.Ididn’twanttoleaveRioandgogetourforensicskit,butI’vebaggedtheknifeandrecordedthescene.”Sheclearedherthroat.“TheknifewaslocatedbesideRio’srighthand.Hewasunconsciousonourarrival.WhenMaggiearrivedattheofficetherewasanothermessageonthedoor.Itsaid,‘ZacRioisakiller.’ShenotifiedmeathomeandIgaveRioacallandgothismachineagain.ItriedhishouseandCadesaidhedidn’tcomehomelastnight,buthedidn’tknowhewasmissinguntilthismorning.IcheckedRio’sfiles.He’dloggedtheprowlercomplaintwiththeaddressbeforehewentoutattenafternine.Wecamebyimmediatelyandfoundthefrontdoorwideopen.Themomentwesteppedinsideandviewedthescene,Icalledyou.”
“Okay.”Wolfewenttoworkprocessingthescene.
“Zac,whathappened?”Emily’sfacehaddrainedofcolor.“Areyouokay?”
“Don’tquestionthesuspect.”Kaneraisedaneyebrow.“Hehasn’tbeenMirandized.”
“He’smyfriend.”Emily’seyesflashedwithannoyance.“Youcan’tpossiblybelievehe’ddosomethinglikethis?”ShelookedatRio.“Tellthem,Zac.Thisiscrazy.”
Rioliftedhisgazetoher.“Ididn’thurtanyone,Em.”
“Doyourjob,Em,andletusdealwiththissideofthings,okay?”JennatouchedEmily’sarm.
Horrified,RiostaredatKane.“I’mnotasuspect.Haveyoulostyourmind,Dave?Ididn’tkillanyone.”
“It’snotlookingverygoodforyourightnow.”Kanestillhadholdofhisarm.HelookedatWolfe.“Whatdoyouneed?”
“Hisclothesbutjustcoverthemandhisbootsfornow,baghishands.”WolfeturnedtoWebber.“Gogethimasuit.”HelookedbackatKane.“We’llgethimcoveredupforthetripbacktomyoffice.Don’tallowhimtowash.”HetookbootiesandglovesfromhiskitandpulledthemonandthenwalkedovertoRioandexaminedhishead.“Justoneminute.”
Stilldizzy,RiowaitedasWolfepeeredathim.Heblinkedattheflashlightaimedathiseyes.“MyheadhurtsandIfeelnauseous.”
“Youdon’thaveanyheadtrauma.”Wolfe’sfacewasunreadable.“Doyouoftenhaveblackouts,memoryloss?”
Riosnorted.“YouknowdarnwellmymemoryisuniqueandnoIdon’tsufferblackouts,neveruntilnow.”Heglancedatthepronefigureoftheoldwoman.“WhatmotivewouldIhaveforkillingher?Icameheretohelpher.Thisiscrazy.I’dneverhurtanyone.”
“Rollupyoursleeve.”WolfeturnedtoJenna.“I’llneedtotakeblood,butifhe’sbeendrugged,itcouldalreadybeoutofhissystem.”Hebenttocollectthenecessaryequipment.
Annoyed,thatnoonebelievedhimbutwillingtocooperate,RiostoodmotionlessasWolfeextractedblood.“Nowwhat?”HelookedatJenna.
“Youknowthedrill,Zac.Nowyou’llbelockedinacelluntilwecansortoutthismess.”Shereadhimhisrights.“I’mholdingyouforquestioning,forthemurderofFloraCarson.You’llbeheldincustodypendingfurtherinvestigations.Doyouwantmetocallyoualawyer?SamCross?”
Rioshookhishead.“Notyet,butI’mgoingtoinsistonbeingexaminedbyanindependentdoctor.AforensicpathologistfromtheCaliforniaStateMedicalExaminer’sOffice,Dr.SusieCooper.”
“Okay,IcanarrangethatifIfindanythingincriminatingbutdon’tyoutrustmetogiveanunbiasedopinion?”Wolfefrowned.
Rioshookhishead.“Itseemstomeyou’veallmadeupyourmindImurderedthatpoorwoman.Ifigureifthisgoestocourt,I’llneedallthehelpIcanget.”
TWENTY-SIX
NotingRio’sobviousdisorientationwasadouble-edgedsword.Kanehadseentheconfusionfollowingdaterapedrugsandhe’dwitnessedthedisbeliefwhensomeonerealizedthey’dtakenalifeinafitofanger.Bothscenariosdisplayedthesimilarshocked,bewilderedexpressions,buthe’dneverseenanysimilarbehaviorfromapsychopath.Most,ifcaughtintheactofmurder,wouldtryandexcusetheiractionsbyconcoctingaveryreasonableexcuse.Onethingwasfordarnsure,theywouldn’tbesheetwhite,trembling,andneedingtovomit.WantingtoremoveRiofromthecarnageandalleviatetheshockalittle,Kanetookhimintoahallwayandpattedhimdown,removingeverythinginhispocketsanddroppingthemintoevidencebags.Hestaredatthesurgicalglovestheyallcarriedintheirpockets,andbackatRio’sbloodyhands.Riowasadarngoodcopandunderstoodeverythingtherewastoknowaboutforensicevidenceatacrimescene.Ifhe’dintendedtokillsomeone,whynotwearapairofgloves?Ifhe’dhappenedacrossthecrimescene,followingprocedurebeforesteppinginsidethehouseandwearinggloveswasasnaturalasbreathing.
He’dseenRioatthepracticerangeandnoticedthat,likehim,hecouldshootwithaccuracyusingeitherhand,butcastinghismindback,herecalledRiofavoredhislefthand.Heballedupapairofbootiesandtossedthemtohim.WhenRio’slefthandshotouttomakethecatch,Kanechewedontheinsideofhischeek.They’dfoundtheknifebesidehisrighthandandnodoubtRio’sprintswouldbealloverit.HehadahunchandneededtospeaktoWolfe.HehandedRiothecoveralls.“Canyoumanagetogetintotheseokay?”
“Yeah.”Riotookthemwithashakeofhishead.“Trustme,ifI’dwantedtokillsomeone,thelastthingI’duseisaknife.Someoneofhersizewouldgodownwithonepunch,nonoiseandnomess.”Hewavedahandtowardthevictim’sbody.“I’mnotakiller,Dave.YouknowdarnwellIdidn’tkillthatwoman.”Hehoppedononeleggettinghisfeetintothecoveralls.“Ifsomeoneisscrawlingliesaboutmeondoors,itscreamsofasetup.”
Unabletocommentonhispersonalthoughtsaboutthecase,Kaneplayeditbythebookandshrugged.“YouknowIcan’tcomment.It’sinyourbestinteresttoallowmetoinvestigate.Youofallpeopleshouldunderstandhowcrucialvisualobservationsareatthispointofaninvestigation.SuitupandI’llbagyourhands.It’sonlyuntilWolfetakesafewswabs.Cooperationwillgetyouhomesooner.YouknowthataswellasIdo.”HewalkedovertoWolfeandledhimawayfromtheothers.“Canyoutellifasetoffingerprintsonaknifearearesultofaknifebeingusedasaweaponorpressedonbyathirdparty?”
“Therearemanycluestodecidingifaknifewasplacedinasuspect’shandafterthefact.”WolfekepthisvoicelowandhisgazekeptflickingtoRio.“Onesetofprintsonabloodyknifeisn’tanindicationofguilt.Youhaveyourfingerprintscanneronyou.Handittome.”
KanetookitoutofhispocketanddroppeditintoWolfe’spalm.“Whatdoesthisprove?”
“TakeoutyourKa-Barknife.Cleanit.”Wolfehandedhimawadofcotton.“Placeitbackinsidethesheath.Removeyourgloves,takeouttheknife,andthenpositionitinyourhandtokillsomeone.Thereisatonofbloodsothatknifeisgettingslippery.Howmanytimesduringanattackwouldyourepositionyourhand?”
Kanecomplied.Hepulledouttheknife,moveditasiftoattackWolfeandthenshrugged.“Okaysowhat’syourpoint?”
“GiveittomeandI’llshowyou.”Wolfeheldoutoneglovedhandfortheknife.HeranthefingerprintscanneroveritandshowedKanetheresults.“See,everyactioncanbeaccountedfor.Theknifedoesn’tremainlimpinahandduringamurder.”
Theknifehadasetoffingerprintsfromwhenheremoveditfromthesheath,moreinadifferentdirectionashesettleditintothepalmofhishandandafewsmudgedonesonthehandlefromwherehisfingersslippedslightlyandrepositioned.“Allthisandwithoutthepossiblebloodslip.NotthatthedesignofaKa-Barallowsahandtoslipinblood,butIseeyourpoint.”
“Thenthere’slatentprints.Thosewecan’tseethatcarryoilandevenDNAfromaperson.”Wolfemethisgaze.“IfsomeoneplacedthatknifeinZac’shand,I’llbeabletotell.Inoticedthereflextestyoudidonhim.Heisleft-handedbutcanbecalledambidextrous.Ifigureinarushofpassionasinakilllikethisone,he’dunconsciouslyusehislefthand—unlesshe’ssmarterthanwefigured.”
Pullingonafreshpairofgloves,Kanescannedtheroom.Bloodspatterwaseverywhere,thevictimdidn’tgodowneasy.“HaveyoufoundRio’sprintsinthehouse?”
“Yeah,onthedoorframeofthefrontdoorsofar,butwehavealongwaytogo.Allthebloodyfingerprintsyoucanseearesmudgedandthat’simpossibleunlessthekillerwaswearinggloves.ThebloodyfootprintsalllooklikeafitforRioandthevictim.”Hesighed.“Goingontherigor,IfigurethevictimdiedclosetothetimeRiolefthomearoundninelastnight.WhenItakethebodytemperature,I’llhaveabetteridea.”
Kanenodded.“WhatcanIdotospeedthingsalong?”
“Itwilltakehourstoprocessthescene.”Wolfecastalonglookabouttheroom.“ItwouldsavetimeifyoucouldgetRiobacktomyoffice.Striphimdown,baghisclothes,andgivehimscrubstowear.PuthiminoneofthesterileroomstowaituntilIgetthere.Hecan’tgetinoroutwithoutakeycard,sohewon’tbegoinganywhere.”Hepausedforabeat.“I’lltakeswabsofhishandsandthenyoucango.”Hefrowned.“I’llneedtogetthevictim’sbodyoniceassoonaspossible.I’llbesendingWebberbacktothemorguewiththebody.It’snotusualtohaveasuspectinsituandrightnowIneedtobeinbothplacesatthesametime.”
“Okay.”Kaneclearedhisthroat.“I’mnottryingtotellyouyourjob,butwe’vedocumentedthescene.Onceyou’veremovedthebody,youcancompletethein-depthforensicssweeplater.IneedyoutocheckoverRioandrunwhattestsyouneedtodobecause,ifsomeonedruggedhimtosethimup,weneedtoknowwhattheyusedandhowtheyadministeredit.”
“Yeah,wellI’vetakenabloodsample,butsomeofthemoreeasilyaccessibledrugsaregonefromthebodyineighthoursandwemayhavealreadymissedthewindow.”Wolfe’sexpressionwasgrim.“Butyoudohaveapoint.IcancomebacklaterwithWebber.Emilyhasclassesthisafternoon.”Hewavedahandtowardthebody.“I’dbettergetatit.”
Kanesteppedaroundtheblood-soakedrug,tryingtoavoidthefootprints,andwenttoJennatoexplain.“Doyouwanttostayhereorcomewithme?”
“I’llcomewithyou.”JennaturnedtothesoundofCarter’svoiceandthenlookedbackatKane.“Onsecondthought,takeCarterwithyouandseewhatinformationyoucanpryfromRio.HavinganFBIagenttakeonthecaseisanadvantageand,asthey’reoutsiders,there’llbenoconflictofinterestshoulditgotocourt.Nowwehavethreemurders,wehaveanotherserialkilleronourhands.IfRiohasn’tmurderedthisvictim,wehaveakillerintentonmanipulatingourteam,andIwantJo’sinsightintotheirmind.I’llletJodoherthingandI’llgetaridebacktotheofficewithherwhenwe’redone.”
GivingJoandCarterawave,KaneturnedbacktoJenna.“I’llbeatime.IwanttobethererightthroughRio’sexamination.Wolfe’snotconvincedhe’sinvolved.”
“I’mfollowingprocedureandhewasfoundatthescenewiththemurderweapon.”Jenna’seyesflashedinannoyance.“Idon’tgoeasyonafellowofficer,notever.Forme,rightnowwithallthisevidence,it’shardtobelieveRioisn’tresponsible.”
Kaneshookhishead.“That’sexactlywhatthekillerwantsustobelieve,butI’llgiveyoutwopiecesofsolidevidencetoprovehisinnocence.He’sleft-handedforoneand,second,theprintsontheKa-Bararetooclean.”HeindicatedwithhischintowardWolfe.“Heputmethroughaseriesoftestsjustbeforetoprovethenumberofprintsthatshouldbeonaknifeifitwasusedinamurder.Onethingisfordarnsure,Wolfeisthebestthereiswhenitcomestoforensics.Heseesthetruthandnotwhatsomeonewantsustosee.IknowWolfewillfindtheunderlyingcauseofit.”
“Foralloursakes,Ihopeyou’reright.”Jennashookherhead.“Although,itwillmeanthekillerisstilloutthere,andnoneofthemstopuntilwehuntthemdown.”Shesighed.“Beforeyouleave,stopbyRio’scruiserandcheckitforfingerprintsandseeifheusedhisGPStogethere.Thefacthelefthisvehiclebythegateandwalkedtothehousesuggestsstealth.Iwanttoknowwhyhedidthatand,ifhe’dseensomeonesuspicious,whyhedidn’tcallforbackup.”
Kanepulledoffhisfacemaskandgrimacedatthestench.“Copythat.”
“DoyoumindifIlookatthevictim?”Johoveredanxiouslyontheporch.“Isthatokay,Shane?”
“Sure.Keeptotheoutsideoftheroom.”Wolfebentoverthebody.
“Waitthere,Jo.I’llgetyousomecoverallsandbooties.”JennalookedatCarter.“I’llneedthekeystomycruiser.ShanewantsRiotakentohisoffice.DoyoumindridingshotgunwithDave?”
“Nope.Ifigurethere’senoughpeopleherecontaminatingthescenealready.”Carterfishedthekeysfromhispocketandhandedthemtoher.
“Thanks.”SheturnedbacktoKane.“GetRioreadytoleave.IneedtodiscusstheMOwithJoandwecan’tdiscussthecasewithhimintheroom.”
Kanerubbedthebackofhisneck.“Ithinkheprettywellknowswhat’sgoingon,Jenna.He’snofool.”
“Well,ifwhatWolfesaidabouttheknifeprovestoberight,thensettingRioupisadiversiontokeepusoffthetrailoftherealkiller.”Jennamethisgaze.“Getmetheproof,Dave,beforesomeoneelsedies.”
TWENTY-SEVEN
Asthetemperatureintheroomincreasedfromtheheatofeveryone’sbodies,thesmellofdeathbecameintolerable.Jennapinchedherfacemaskalittletighteroverhernose.Booksandmoviesrarelydepictedarealmurderscene.Sure,theygavethepositionsofthebodiesandaliberalspreadingofblood,buttheydidn’tcomeclosetotherealthing.Onlybeingonscenegaveatrueindicationofthehorroravictimhadendured.She’doncearrivedonsceneduringwinterwhensteamstillrosefromthevictim’sblood.Itswirledabovethecorpseandthendissipatedintotheair,givingtheimpressionofaspiritleavingthebody.Thesighthaddisturbedhersleepforweeks.Noonetookintoaccounttheinternalturmoilalawenforcementofficerenduredwhenfindingaslaughteredvictimorunderstoodthehardphysicalchallengetheyfacedtoactuallyplaceonefootinfrontoftheother,andwalkintoalife-or-deathsituation.Thentherewasthepartofallmurdersthatnoonedarementioninfearofdisturbingsomeone’ssensibilities—thereekofurineandfecesmixedwiththestenchreminiscentofthesmellintheforestwhenahunterdresseshiskill.
Jennagroundherteethandsteppedaroundpoolsofcongealedbloodtoexaminethebody.Thesightmadeherstomachroll,andamixtureofremorseandangertookholdofherinequalmeasure.Witheffort,shepushedheremotionsintothattinyspaceinsideherheadthatallowedhertolookobjectivelyatthevictim.ShecouldfeelJomovingclosebesideherandasidewaysglanceatherexpressiontoldherJowasbattlingherdemonsaswell.Shestareddownatthemangledcorpseandshookherheadindismayatthedamage.Itmadehersadandangryknowingthatsomeonehadoncelovedthevictimandnoamountoftheundertaker’smagiccouldeverrepairherforaviewing.Therewouldbenogoodbyesforthisgrandma.SheturnedtoJo.“FacialdamagesimilartoAgnesWagner,butthisonefoughtback.”
“It’sasimilarMOtotheWagnermurder,rightdowntotheopenfrontdoor.”Jomethergazeoverthemask.“Iwonderifsomeonedisturbedthekiller?”ShesteppedaroundthebodyofMrs.Carson.“Fromthebloodspatterinthefamilyroom,shediedthere,andlookingatthewayherarmsareoutinfrontofherandthetrailofblood,someonedraggedherhere.Maybetheywerelookingforaclosettopushherinside,thesameasMrs.Wagner.”
Jennatriedtoavoidlookingattheunrecognizableface.“MaybebutwecanruleoutthekidwhodroppedbyRio’shouse…There’snowayakidcoulddragabodythatfar.”Sheletoutalongsigh.“IfMrs.Carsonwasamemberofthequiltingcircle,weknowwherethekillerwillhitnext.Wecan’twatchallthewomentwenty-four/sevenbutwecanwarnthem.Isentoutageneralpressreleaselastnight.Thetownsfolksknowtokeeptheirdoorslockeduntilwecatchthiskiller.”
ShestoodtoonesideasEmilykneeledonaplasticsheetandtenderlyliftedeachhandandplaceditinsideabag.Thewayshepattedtheoldwoman’sarmasshestoodtoleavebroughttearstoJenna’seyes.ThecompassionEmilyshowedforthevictimswhocamethroughtheME’sofficeastoundedher.SheturnedtoWolfe.“Whenyouleave,we’llsealupthehouse.I’llgoandsearchforthehousekeys.Theymustbeheresomewhere.I’llaskoldDeputyWaltersifhecanwatchtheplaceuntilyoureturn.You’llbebackonceyou’veprocessedRio,won’tyou?”
“Yeah.”Wolfedroppedabodybagontothefloor.“I’llleavetheautopsyuntiltomorrow.I’llmakesurewehaveeverythingweneedfromhere,soyouwon’thavetoleaveanyoneoutside.I’llneedyoutochasedownthenextofkinandnotifythem.I’mgoingtobetoobusy.It’sonlyWebberandmethisafternoon.I’llcallyouabouttheautopsy,butIfigurewitheverythingIhavetodo,itwon’tbeuntiltomorrowafternoon.”Herolledthevictiminsideandpulledupthezipper.
Jennanodded.“Okay,I’llgofindthekeys.Don’tworry,we’lllocktheplaceuptightandWalterslivescloseby.Iwon’tleaveuntilhearrives.”
“Thanks.”WolfenoddedtoWebberandtheyliftedthebodyontoagurneyandheadedforthefrontdoor.“I’llbebackassoonaspossible.”
“I’llhelpyoufindthekeys.”JofollowedJennaintothekitchen.“Thisisonetangledmess.IhopeRioisn’tinvolved.Ilikehim.”Shemovedthroughthekitchen.“Thiswomanhasaplaceforeverything.I’mbettingthere’sahookforthekeyssomewhere.”
Jennasearchedthewallsandfoundabunchofkeysonahookbesidethekitchendoor.“Gotthem.”ShepulledoutherphoneandcalledWalters.“Ineedyououtsideacrimescene:3BuffaloTrail.I’llwaithereuntilyouarrive.Wolfeisprocessingasuspectfoundatthesceneandwillbebacktodoafullforensicsweepinanhourorso.”
“I’llberightalong.”DeputyWaltersdisconnected.
Jennawentaboutbarringthedoorwithcrimescenetapeandaddedsometothefrontgatebeforeheadingforhercruiser.Sheclimbedinsideandleanedback,lettingoutalongbreath.Itwasgoodtobeoutofthestink.Itwasasmellthatgotintoherhairandstucktoherclothes.Sherubbedbothhandsoverherface.“IsurehopeRioisintheclearbutIstillhaveafeelingsomethingisgoingonaroundhim.Maybeit’sjustthetroublewithCade?”SheglancedatJointhepassengerseat.“What’syourtakeonit?”
“Ifyoulookatitlogically,Zacbeingtheredoesn’tmakesense.”Joturnedinherseattofaceher.“Icanseebytheclottingofthebloodhowlonghe’sbeenthere,nottomentionthesmell.Thebloodonhishandsandclotheswasdry.Ifigurehe’sbeentheresincelastnight.”ShenarrowedhergazeonJenna.“You’reright,thatfeelingcouldbeareactiontohismoodandhissuddenchangefrombeingareliabledeputy.Hemustbeathiswit’sendwithCade.”
Jennaplacedbothhandsonthesteeringwheelandstaredatthepeacefultree-linedroad.“Maybe.I’llleavemyjudgmentuntilWolfehasexaminedhim.”Sheglancedupanddowntheroad.“Iliveinisolation.ItwasachoicebutIhavesecurity.EveryoneofthevictimsliveslikeIdo,inhousesfarenoughawayfromneighbors.Iftheyscreamednoonewouldhearthem,andyetnotoneofthemhasasmuchasadeadboltontheirdoors.”
“There’snosignofforcedentry.”Joflickedthroughcrimesceneimagesonherphone.“It’sthesamewithallthemurders.Thatwouldmakemebelievethevictimsknewtheirattackers.”
ScrollingforRowley’snumberonherphone,Jennanodded.“Yeah.Davealwaysinsistswelookoutsidethebox,andformethatwouldbeRio,butrightnowwehavethreesuspectsallknowntothewomen,insidethebox.”ShewaitedforRowleytopickup.“Jake,wehaveanothermurderoutofBuffaloTrail.I’llneedyoutogohuntdownbothsuspectsyouinterviewedyesterday.Ineedproofoftheirwhereaboutsfrom,say,eightlastnightuntilseventhismorning.”
“IwaswaitingforTreyDuffytoshow.”Rowleytappedawayonhiscomputerkeyboard.“I’mtheonlyoneintheofficerightnow.Rioisano-showagainandwhat’swiththemessagescrawledalloverthefrontdoor?Doyouwantmetowashitoff?”
AfterbringingRowleyuptospeed,Jennaglancedatherwatch.“I’llbebackbeforeDuffyarrives,andifheshowsearly,askMaggietotakehimdowntoaninterviewroomtowaitforme.MakesureyoucheckinwithMaggiewhenyouarriveandleavetheinterviews.Wehaveanotherpsychopathoutthere.Ifanythingdoesn’tsitrightwithyou,getthehelloutofDodgeandcallforbackup.IhaveJowithme,andKaneandCarterwillbebacksoon.”
“Copythat.”Rowleydisconnected.
Apickupcamehurtlingdowntheroad,throwingupdust,andskiddedtoahaltoutsidethehouse.Amanjumpedfromthevehicleandrantowardthedoor.Jennagavethesirenablastandthemanstopped,turningtostareather.Pullingherweapon,sheslidfromthecruiser.“Sheriff’sdepartment.Stopwhereyouare.”
“Whathappenedhere?”Themaninhisthirtiesrantowardher,hiseyesroundwithalarm.“Thisismygrandma’shouse.Issheokay?Afrienddrovebytoseeherjustbeforeandcalledmeafterseeingthemedicalexaminer’struckandyourvehiclehere.”
Jennaholsteredherweaponandpulledouthernotebook.“CanIhaveyournameandcontactdetails?”
“BretCarson.”Herattledoffhisinformationandthenhisheadturnedtowardthehouse.Hetookafewhesitantstepsandthenstoppedandstaredather.“Ismygrandmaokay?”
Restingahandontheman’sarm,Jennashookherhead.Tellingsomeonetheirlovedonehaddiedhadtobetheworstpartofherjob.“I’msorry.Shepassedaway.”
“Whathappened?Didshetakeafall?”BretCarsonscannedherfaceandhiseyesflittedtothecrimescenetape.“Doesthatmeansomeonemurderedher?”Oneshakingfingerpointedtowardthetape.
Feelingtheman’sgriefwashoverher,Jennaswallowedhard.Thedetailsofwhathadhappenedcoulddestroythismanandhaveadominoeffectallthroughhisfamily.Shenoddedandkeptafirmgriponhisarm.“Itwouldseemsomeoneelsewasinvolved.We’llknowmorelater.”
“CanIseeher?”BretCarsonattemptedtopullawayfromher.“Youcan’tjustleavehertherealone.Sheneedsmetotakecareofher.”
Underherpalm,atremblewentthroughhisarmandshegrippedalittletighter.“She’snothereandIcanassureyousheisnotalone.Dr.ShaneWolfeandhisdaughterEmilyarewithher.Theywilltakethegreatestcareofherandtreatherwithdignity.”
“Oh,sweetJesus.”BretCarsoncollapsedtothegroundandburiedhisfaceinhishands.Herockedbackandforth,wailinglikeawolfatthefullmoon.
“Doyouhavesomeonewecancall?”JocamearoundthehoodofthecruiserandgaveJennaaconcernedlook.“Yourparents?Awifeorminister?”
“Mywife.MyparentspassedwhenIturnedeighteen.”HesearchedhispocketsforhisphoneandthrustitatJoandthendroppedhishand.“No,maybenot.Idon’twantherdrivingafterhearingthenewsandshe’llinsistoncominghere.”Hescrubbedathistear-streakedfaceandstaggeredtohisfeet.“Whereismygrandma?Wherehaveyoutakenher?”
Jennatookholdofhisarmagain.“She’satthemedicalexaminer’soffice.He’llhelpmefindoutwhokilledher.It’sbestifyougohomeandwaitforhimtocontactyou.I’lldriveyourtruckandyoucanshowmewhereyoulive.”
“MyplaceisonStanton,justpastPine.”BretCarsonmadeanobviousattempttopullhimselftogether.
“Justsitforawhile.”Joopenedthebackdoorofthecruiserandurgedhimtositinside.“Isyourwifeathome?”
“Yeah.”BretCarsondashedahandthroughhishair.“IcomebyasregularasclockworkeveryFriday.IwasheadingouttothegrocerystorewhenHarrietteJeffersondroppedbyandtoldmeaboutseeingyouhere.Afterhearingthenewsaboutlockingourdoors,Icamestraightaway.”Heclaspedhishandstogetherstaringatthem.“HarriettecomesbyonThursdaystovisither.Shelivestwodoorsdownfromme.ItoldherI’ddriveoutandseewhatwashappening.”
SeeingDeputyWalterspullupbehindher,Jennasighedwithrelief.ShelookedatBretCarson.“I’llberightback.”
AfterbringingDeputyWaltersuptospeed,shetookBretCarsontohistruckandslidbehindthewheel.Theydroveinsilence,withJodrivingthecruiserclosebehind.WhenJennapulledupoutsideCarson’shouse,shelookedathim.“Willyoubeokay?Doyouwantmetocomeinandspeaktoyourwifeorcallanotherfamilymembertositwithyou?”
“No,I’llwaitbythephoneforDr.Wolfetocall.”Carsongaveherared-eyedlook.“Wewillbeabletoseemygrandma,won’twe?We’llhavetoidentifythebody.”
“No,thatwon’tbepossible.”Jennablewoutasigh.“Ifyoucangivemethenameofherdentist,Dr.Wolfewilluseherdentalrecordsforcomparison.”Shetouchedhisarm.“It’sreallybetterifyourlastmemoryofherisn’tatthemorgue.”
“Yes,Icanunderstandthat,andIthankyouforconsideringourfeelings.”Heclimbedunsteadilyfromthetruck.
Jennafollowedhimtothefrontdoorandstoodinthehallwayashegavehiswifethedreadfulnews.Sheleftthemandwalkedwithleadenfeettothecruiser,moredeterminedthanevertofindoutwhowaskillinggrandmasinhertown.
TWENTY-EIGHT
BringinginateammemberasasuspectconcernedKane.He’dinterviewedRioandfoundhimtobesolid.He’dgivenRiothesamebackgroundandpsychtestshe’dorderedforhisteamduringhistourofduty.Livinginserialkillercentralmeanttheyneededtotrusteveryone—bootsonthegroundandmenintheair.He’dnotriskedgivingJennathewrongadvice.He’dcalledtheLAPDandspokentoRio’ssuperior,andhadWolfeandBobbyKalocheckhimouttoensurethey’dchosentherightguyforthejob.NothinginhisbackgroundledhimtobelieveRiohadanyevidenceofinstability.Hissuddenchangeofbehaviornotwithstanding,itwasobviouswhenCadewentmissingthatRioplacedhisbrother’swelfareoverhisjob.
Hethoughtbacktohisownsituationduringthetimeafteracarbomberhadmurderedhiswife.He’dbeenamess,butangerhadn’tbeenapartofhisdespair.Couldhe,ifhe’dnotbeeninahospitalwithametalplateinhishead,beenabletofunctioninthefield?Hedroppedintothezoneandnoddedtohimself.He’dneverlostthementaldisciplinetoblockemotionandcontrolhisbody.Herecalledthetrainingtobringhimtothisstateofmind.Submergedrepeatedlyinfreezingwater,theonlywaytosurvivewastorelaxandnotfightthepanic.Ittookabodyninetysecondstoadjusttotheshock—getthroughthefirstninetysecondswithoutpanickingandapersonshouldadapttothecold.Duringhisordeal,histrainingofficerwouldbarkquestionsathimtotestjusthowresilienthismindhadbecome.Mostnormalpeoplecouldn’tthinkstraightbutheneverhadthatproblem.They’ddunkhimrepeatedlyandthenonthepointofhypothermiathey’dallowhimtoclimboutandrunamileorsotowarmupbeforeenduringtheprocessagain.Thisandwaterboarding,beingleftindarkconfinedspaces,andothertrainingexercisesmadehismindstrong.Ithadgivenhimtheabilitytodropintothezoneatwillandslowhisheartbeat.Inthisstateeverythingaroundhimdroppedintoslowmotionandhemovedandprocessedthreatsinablinkofaneye.Jennahadaskedhimoncewhyheneededtobeinthezonebeforetakingoutatargetwithasniperrifle.He’dexplainedhowaflinchortheslightestmovementcouldmeanabulletmissedthetargetbyawidemargin.Therewasnoplacefornervesintheworldofasniper.
HecaughtCarterfrowningathimandsnappedbacktothenow.PushingoffthewallhewalkedtothetableanddroppedintoaseatoppositeRiointhesterileroom.HeallowedasmiletocreasehislipsatthesightofCarterdressedinscrubs,hishairtuckedneatlyunderacap.“Wealllookasifwe’regoingtoperformsurgery.”
“Well,ifyou’replanningondissectingme,gorightahead.”Rioleanedonthetablelookingpaleanddrawn.“Iwavemyrightstoanattorney.Let’sgetthisshitoverwith.”
“Iwouldn’tmindaskingyouafewquestions.”CarterlookedatKane.“Ifyoudon’tmind?”Hepulledouthisphone,wrappedinaplasticbag.“Wecanrecordtheinterviewonmyphone.”
Kaneshrugged.“FinebymebutJennawillwanttobeincluded.”
“Jenna’snothere.”Carterraisedaneyebrow.“Let’sgetthisdone.Wolfehaslikelyfinishedwithallthetestsheneedstodoonhim.WehaveadutyofcaretoZacandhehasn’teatensincelastnightandhe’ssittingherecoveredinavictim’sblood.”
Leaningbackintheuncomfortableplasticchair,Kanenodded.“Sure,getatit.”
“Youcan’trememberanythingsinceyouansweredthedoortoakid,right?”Carterdrummedhisfingersonthewhiteplastictable.“So,ifyouweredrugged,howwasitadministered?Youwereathomesinceleavingthemountain.Didanyonecomebyordidyouordertakeout?”
“Nope.”Riolookedathisblood-soakedhandsandshuddered.“Idon’tknowwhathappened.Ikeepgettingflashesofdisjointedmemories.Nothingmakessenserightnow.”
“Okay,thinkbacktowhenthekidcametothedoor.”Cartersatbackandinclinedhishead,lookingatRio.“Didyouknowhim?Didhegivehisname?Wouldyourecognizehimagain?”
“No,no,andno.”Rioshrugged.“Hewassittingastrideabicycleunderthetreeoutfront.“Hecalledout,‘FloraCarsonoutof3BuffaloTrailtoldmetocomegetyou.She’sseenaprowler.’Thenhetookoffinthedark.”
KanecalculatedthedistancebetweenBuffaloTrailandStantontobeaboutfivemiles.“That’salongwayforakidtorideatnight.Canyourememberwhathewaswearing?”
“Aballcapanddarkclothing.Ididn’tgetagoodlookathisface.Itwasinshadow.”Riosighed.“Iwentinsideandmadeanoteinmydaybook.ItoldthetwinsIwasheadingoutandleft.”
“DiditoccurtoyouthatBuffaloTrailisanisolatedarea?OrwhatwasakiddoingwayouttherealoneatnightforMrs.Carsontoaskthemforhelp?”Carteropenedhishands.“Can’tyouseehowsketchythislooks?Theprosecutionwouldtearyoutoshreds.Nooneisgoingtobelievetherewasakid,letaloneonethatrodefivemilestospecificallygetyou.”
“Therewasakid.Icalledoutforhimtostop,butherodeoffintothedark,andatthetimeIdidn’tknowwhereBuffaloTrailwas.”Rioglaredbackathim.“YouknowdarnwellI’venotlivedherelong.Myprioritywasawomanindanger,notgettingthenameofakidonabicycle.”
“Ifshehadbeenlivinginsuburbia,wouldn’tshehaveruntoaneighborbeforesendingakidfivemilestogethelpfromyou?Andwhyyouinparticular?Whydidn’tsheaskthekidtocall911?Mostkidscarryphones.”Cartershookhishead.“You’reasmartguy.Thinkaboutit.Didyouhonestlybelieveanoldladyrandownherdrivewayinthedarkwithaprowlerhangingaround,inthehopesomeonemighthappenby?”Hisbrowsmetinafrown.“No,she’dhavelockedallthedoorsandarmedherself.Andforyourinformation,Mrs.Carson’sphoneandcellwerebothworkingjustfinewhenwearrived.”
“Ididn’tthinkitthrough.”Rioletoutalongsigh.“IwasexhaustedandIguessIassumedthekidcamefromcloseby.Withtwomurdersintown,myfocuswasgettingtothewomanandkeepinghersafe.”
KanestaredatRio’sconfusedexpression.“Whydidn’tyoucallforbackup?”
“Theoldfolksareonedgesincethemediarelease.Itcouldhavebeensomeonehearingthingsorahoaxcalloutforaprowler.”Riosnorted.“Givemeabreak.Iwasplanningondoingadrive-by,ifeverythinglookedokay.Iwouldhavecheckedonthewoman.”HeshotalonglookatKane.“Herplaceisn’tposted.Itwasn’tlikesheplannedonshootingmewhenIdroveinhergate.”
“Howdidyouknowthatherplaceisn’tposted?”CarterflashedKaneaknowinglook.“Haveyoubeentherebefore?”
“No,butIjusthadamemory.Itwastheflashofmyheadlightssweepinganopengate.Therewerenosignsanywhere.”RiostaredatKane.“Mycruiserwasthere,soImusthavedriventhere,right?Maybemymemoryiscomingback.”
“Yeah,youknowdarnwellyouparkedjustinsidethegate.”Kanefrowned.“Youmusthavewalkedupthedriveway.Whydidn’tyoufollowprocedureanddrivebythehouseusingyourvehicleforprotection?”
“Ihavenoidea.”Rioshrugged.“MaybeIsawsomeoneandwantedtogetthejumponthem.”
Kanestaredathim.“So,fromthatglimpseofmemory,wecanbesureyoudrovewithoutanyproblemstothehouse.Youknow,I’vecheckedyourvehicle.AlltheprintsareyoursandtheGPShasthevictim’saddressasthelastplaceyouentered.”Hesighed.“Yourprintsareonthefrontdoorframe,soyourestedyourhandtherebeforeenteringthehouse.Unlessyoublankedoutandmurderedthewoman,wemustassumesomeoneadministeredthedrugasyouenteredthehouse.”
“IfIremembered,don’tyoufigureI’dtellyou?”Rioletoutahuffofexasperation.“HowmuchlongerdoIhavetosithere?Ihavetheheadachefromhell.Ineedcoffeeandsomethingtoeat.”
Kane’sphonebuzzed.Wolfewascallingfromjustdownthehall.“Yeah?”
“Canyoucometothelab.Youneedtoseethis.”
“I’monmyway.”KanedisconnectedthecallandturnedtoCarter.“I’llberightback.”
TWENTY-NINE
Kanewalkedtotheexaminationroomwiththeredlightglowingoutside.HeflashedhisIDandthedoorswhooshedopen.ThedropintemperaturehithimandhewalkedtowhereWolfewaspeeringatareadoutoftestsonacomputerscreen.Hepeeredoverhisshoulder.“Findanythinginteresting?”
“Ihaveatonofconflictingevidence.”Wolfespunhisseataroundtolookathim.“It’sveryunusual.Thevictimhasafewfibersonherclothesbutnotagreatdealthatmatch.Iknowshe’sinthequiltingcircle,soshemighthavehandleddifferentfabricsatanytime.”Hefrowned.“OnRio’sclothesarecarpetfibers,whichmatchthevictim’scarpetasifherolledaroundthefloororwasdragged.NotwhatI’dusuallysee,especiallyasthesamedragpatternisonthevictim.”
Kanescratchedhischeek.“SothatwouldtellusthatboththevictimandRioweredraggedoverthecarpet?”
“Yeah.”Wolfepointedtotheimagesofbloodyfootprints.“ThisevidenceaddedtoeverythingelseisenoughtoconvictRio.TheprintsweremadebyRio’sboots,there’snodoubt.”HetookanevidencebagfromapilecontainingRio’sblood-soakedclothesandheldupapairofsocks.“Riowaswearinghisbootswhenwefoundhim,sohowdidbloodgetontothetoesofhissocks?”
Kaneexaminedtheevidence.“Hisbootswereremovedbuthedidn’twalkintheblood,didhe?There’snobloodonthebottomofhissocksoronhisbarefeet.”HestaredatWolfe.“Areyousaying,someoneremovedhisboots,putthemon,andthendraggedthevictimintothehallway?”
“Fromthelackofotherfootprints,itsuggestsRiowasunconsciousbeforethekilling.ThekillerputonRio’sbootsandmurderedthevictim.DumpedherinthehallwayandthendraggedRiothroughtheblood.Hisfeetwereontheedgeofthebloodspatterwhenwefoundhim.Thekillerreplacedhisbootsandleft.Ifoundflufffromtowelsonthecarpet,sameasattheAgnesWagnercrimescene.Thekillerusedthemtoleavethehousewithoutleavingabloodtrail.Theylikelyburnedtheirclothes.I’llchecktheincineratorwhenIgobackthisafternoonandlookforanybloodspatterfromthekilleroutsidethehouse.”Wolfehadadeterminedlookonhisface.“TalktoJo.We’veassumedthatthekillergetshiskicksfromfrighteningtheoldladiesbeforehekillsthem.Ifthisiswhathappened,thenthekillerhadMrs.CarsonrestrainedorheldatgunpointwhenRioarrived.”
Processingalltheinformation,Kanerubbedhischin.“ThiswouldmeanRiowassetup.Whatelsehaveyougot?”
“Orheisakillertryingtohidehistracks.Hecouldjustaseasilyhavekilledthewoman,draggedherintothehallway,andthenremovedhisbootstofabricatetheevidencetomatchthefirstmurderer’sMO.”Wolfebroughtupabloodanalysisonhisscreen.“Rioissymptomatictoadaterapedrug.Whatisavailableonthestreetsrightnowisgamma-hydroxybutyricacid,commonlyknownasliquidecstasy.It’seasytotransportandinject.Itestedspecificallyforthatandgotahit.I’veruntestsforeverythingIcanthinkof,buttheresultswilltaketimeandareprobablyunnecessary.”Heshrugged.“Icheckedthevictimfortraceevidenceandfoundnothingunderhernailsbuttheincisionstoherforearmsandhandsindicatesshefacedafrontalattackandtriedtoprotectherself.I’llbeabletogiveyouspecificsaftertheautopsytomorrow.”
Kaneblewoutalongsigh.“So,westilldon’tknowifhe’sintheclear?”
“We’redealingwithasuperiormindhere,Dave.”Wolfemethisgaze.“Let’sjustcheckoutafewmorethingsbeforewemakeadecision.Takehimtotheshowersandwhenhe’sdone,wraphiminatowelandI’llexaminehimfromheadtotoe.Ifsomeoneinjectedhim,we’llfindaneedlemark.Itwouldhavehadtohavebeenafast-punchtypeofjab,sotheyusuallytear.Also,itwillbelikelyonhisback.Ihavetobesurehehasn’tdonethistohimselftocoverhisinvolvement.”
Thinkingforabeat,Kaneranthepossiblescenariothroughhishead.“Liquidecstasywoulddrophimimmediately,wouldn’tit?”
“Goingonthesizeofthedose,andthetimehewasunconscious,yeah,itwouldhappenveryfast.He’dlikelystaggeraroundandthencollapse.”Wolfepointedtotheresultsonthescreen.“Fromtheresiduestillpresentinhisblood,itwasenoughtodropahorse.He’sluckytobealive.”
“Okay.”Kanestaredatthescreen.“Sowhereisthesyringe?Hewouldn’thavehadtimetodumpitsomewhere.”Heimaginedhimselfinthesamesituation.“Unlessheinjecteditandthrewthesyringeintotheyard,thenstaggeredbackinsidethehouse,orthrewitoutawindow.”
“Hecouldhavejustaseasilyinjectedhimselfinthebathroom,flushedit,andthenstaggeredintothefamilyroom.Itwasafewfeet.”Wolfeshrugged.“It’spossibleandwhatI’ddo.Butusingthisdrugasanalibiiswaytoorisky.”
Kanestaredathim.“Howso?”
“It’slifethreateninginhighdosesanditsuseasanalibiistoodependentonthetimeframe.Wemightnothavefoundhimforhours.”Wolferestedhisheadinthepalmofonehand.“Ifthiswasasetupandweassumethekillerisfamiliarwiththedrug,thentheywouldn’texpectmetodetectit.Liquidecstasyhasaverynarrowtemporalwindowandtheydidn’tbankonmetakingabloodsamplewithineighthoursofthedrug’sadministration.Oncethattimehaspassed,there’dbenoevidencetoproveanyonedruggedRio,makinghimappearguilty.Sameasifheuseditforanalibi,he’dhavetobetonusfindinghimwithineighthoursforittoworkinhisfavor.Ifwefindaneedlestickinjuryinhisback,itwillprovesomeoneelseadministeredthedrug.”
“So,hecangoforashowerandthenwebringhiminhere?”Kanecouldfeelthecoldseepingthroughhisclothes.“Thatwouldbebarbaric.Idon’tknowhowyouworkintheselowtemperatures.”
“I’musedtoit.”Wolfesmiled.“Notgettingsoft,areyou?Maybeit’stimetorunyouthroughanothertrainingsession.”
“Thedunkingintheravinewasenoughforme.”Kanechuckled.“Trustme,everythingisworkingfine.”
“Takehimbacktothesterileroom.Atleastit’swarmerinthere.I’llrollintheequipmentIneedandbereadywhenhe’sfinished.”Wolfestood.“IfIfindaneedlemark,I’llknowifhejabbedhimselfornot.Anotherthing,fromtheangleoftheincisionsonthevictim’sface,whoeverdidthiswasright-handed.It’sjustanobservationcurrently,notconclusive.I’lllookcloserattheautopsy.”
Kanehustledbacktothesterileroom,swipedhiscard,andsteppedinside.HelookedatRio.“Well,somegoodnewsatleast.Wolfehascollectedallthesamplesandrunthetestsheneedstodoonyoufornow,soyoucantakeashower.He’llbebytoexamineyouonceyou’redoneandthenwe’llbetakingyoubacktotheoffice.”
“CanIgetsomefood?”Riowasholdinghishead.“Please?”
“I’llgrabyousomethingtoeatfromAuntBetty’soncewegetbacktotheoffice.”
“CanIgetsomeofmyownclothes?”Riostaredathisbloodencrustedhands.“Thesescrubsdon’tdomuchtokeepoutthecoldandIneedapairofboots.”Heshivered.“Ihaveplentyofspareuniformsathomeandboots.Mrs.Jacobs,myhousekeeper,willbringthemover.She’sfiveminutesaway.”
KanecouldseethegoosebumpsonRio’sarms,andhisfacehadbeensheet-whitesincethey’dfoundhim.“Sure,I’llcallher.”HelookedatCarter.“I’llgoandpickuphisclothesifyoucanhandletheshower?”HelookedatRio.“You’llneedtousethenailbrushtogetthebloodfromunderyourfingernails.Takeyourtime.I’llbebackassoonaspossible.”
Kanestrippedoffthescrubsandtossedthemintothebinandheadedoutthedoor.Hestoppedoutsideinthesunshineandstaredintoacloudlessblueskyspreadingoutabovethemountains.Hetookinafewdeepbreathsofpine-scentedairandallowedthescenerytopushawaythehorrorofthemorning.HeclimbedintotheBeastandcalledRio’shousekeeper,onlysayingRioneededachangeofclothesandnotmentioningthemurder.Heheadedoffandarrivedatthehouseafewminuteslatertofindherwaitingforhimwithagrocerybagfilledwithclothesandapairofbootsbalancedonthetop.Hesmiledather.“Thanks,he’llbegladtobedryagain.”
“Didyoubringhiswetclothesformetowash?”Sheeyedhimdubiously.
Kaneshookhishead.“Ahno,Ithinkwe’llburnthem.”Hetookinherpuzzledexpression.“I’msurehe’llexplainlater.”
HeheadedbacktotheME’sofficeand,onceinside,deliveredtheclothesandheadedtoWolfe’sofficetograbato-gocupofcoffeeforRio.Hewanderedbackandhisphonechimed.“Yeah?”
“Whereareyou?”Jennasoundedirritated.“Iexpectedyoubackbynow.IhaveDuffytointerviewatnoon.Willyoubebackbythen?Rowleyisoutonhisowntalkingtooursuspects.Ineedmorebootsonthegroundhere.”
Kanerubbedthebackofhisneck.“WolfeisexaminingRioagainaswespeak.Oncewehavehimsorted,I’lldropbywithhimandCarter.I’llgobyAuntBetty’sfortakeoutandberightback.Riohasn’teatensincelastnight.”
“Doyoufigurehe’sinvolved?”
“Ican’tsayjustnow,butIdoubtit.”Kanejuggledthecoffeeandphonetoscanthedoortothesterilearea.“Gottago.I’llseeyousoon.”
HewalkedinsideasWolfefinishedhisexamination.“Whatdidyoufind?”
“There’saneedlemarkhere,rightbetweentheshoulderblades.”Wolfepointedtotheredmark.“It’simpossibleforapersontoadministeraninjectionthere.”HehandedRiotwopills.“Fortheheadache.You’llfeelbetteronceyou’veeatenandthememoryshouldcomebackinsections.Writedowneverythingyouseeintheflashes.Itwillassistwithprovingyourinnocence.”
“I’mgladatleastoneofyoubelievesme.”Riotuckedthetowelaroundhiswaistandshivered.
KanehandedRiothecoffee.“We’rejustfollowingprocedure.Ifweletitslidebecauseyou’readeputy,itlooksasifwe’recoveringupapossiblesuspectinahomicide.You’ddothesameinmypositionandlet’sfacefactshere,findingyouwithabodyandthemurderweaponnexttoyourhandisdamningevidence.Wehadtobesureyouhadn’tkilledthewoman.Allwedidhereprotectsyoufrombeingsetupformurderone.”Heshrugged.“GetdressedandI’lldropyouattheoffice.”HelookedatCarter.“I’lldrivedowntoAuntBetty’s.We’llbetoobusytostopandmighthavetimetogrababitebeforeDuffyarrivesforhisinterview.YoucanbringJennauptospeed.”
“That’sfinebyme.”Carterremovedhisfacemaskandtossedatoothpickintohismouth.“Pulled-porkrollsforme,two,andpie—I’mnotparticularonwhatkind.I’mfamished.”Hewentforhiswallet.
Kaneheldupahand.“Lunchisonthedepartment.WehaveatabatAuntBetty’s.”Hepulledouthisphoneandheadedforthedoor.“I’llcallaheadandgivethemourorder.”Hemadethecall.
Carterfollowedhimoutthedoorandpeeledoffhisscrubs.Hewasshakinghishead.Kanestaredathim.“What’sonyourmind?”
“There’sonethingworryingme.”Cartermovedthetoothpickacrosshislips.“IfRioisn’tresponsibleforkillingtheoldlady,thenRowleyisouttherealonewithtwopossiblesuspects.FromwhatI’veseen,thiskillerisn’tgoingtoworryabouttakingdownadeputy.WeneedtohaveRowley’sbackbeforehebecomesthenextvictim.”
THIRTY
ShockedbyRio’sdrawnappearancewhenhestaggeredintoherofficewithCarter,Jennasathimdownandpushedacupofcoffeeinfrontofhim.ShetrustedWolfe’sopinionandwouldactonit.Shelookedathim,needingtosaysomethingpositive.“I’msorryIwassohardonyou,Zac.I’mgladWolfewasabletoclearyouofanyinvolvementsoquickly.Youshouldgohomeandrest.We’llfindthepersonwhodidthistoyou.”
“Youfollowedprocedure.”Rioliftedhisred-rimmedeyestoher.“I’dliketostayifyoudon’tmind.Whenyoudiscussthecase,itmighttriggerflashbacksofwhathappened.I’llstanddownifitbecomesaconflictofinterest.”
Consideringtheoptions,Jennanoddedsomewhatreluctantly.“Okay.”SheturnedtoCarter.“Whathavewegot?”
ShelistenedasCarterupdatedherandshookherheadwhenhevoicedhisworryoverRowley’ssafety.“I’vetrainedJaketobecautious.Hewouldn’tputhimselfindanger.Thesesuspectsarebothworkingoutside,infullviewoftheneighborsandhomeowners,orIwouldn’thavesenthimoutalone.He’sfine.Hecalledjustbeforeandhe’sonhiswaybacktotheoffice.He’sspokentoBuellerandHahn,andneitherofthemhadanalibiforanyofthetimesofthemurders,sotheyarewellandtrulystillonourlistofpossiblesuspects.”ShedroppedapenintotheoldchippedcupwithWELCOMETOHAWAIIprintedononesideandlookedathim.“Hahnwaswithinfiveminutes’driveofthelastmurderscene,andBuelleradmitstobeingintransitbetweenStantonandMainaroundnineaswell.Bothmenwereinthevicinityofthemurderscene.Neitherhasanyonetoprovetheirwhereabouts.AlthoughHahndroppedbyAuntBetty’sataroundeight-thirty.Wecancheckthatout.”
“Anycluestowholeftthemessageonthefrontdooragain?”Carterplacedonebootonhisotherkneeandleanedbackinhischair.“NoprintsandnoCCTV?”
WhenCarteraimedhispiercinggreeneyesather,itsometimesmadeherfeellikearookie.Itwasn’thim.Shelikedhimjustfine,andawayfromthejobhewasareallyniceguy.LikeKane,heshotstraightfromthehipanddidn’tsugarcoatanything.Hisinvestigativeexperiencewasmind-blowingandsometimesalittledaunting.Jennapushedthehairfromhereyeswithasigh.“Nope.Iassumetheyusedastickdippedinthemudpuddlebesidethedoortowriteit.NoprintsandtheCCTVcameraisstillout.IwalkedthestreetswithJowhenwearrivedtoaskeveryoneclosebyiftheynoticedanyoneandgotzip.”ShemetRio’stroubledgaze.“Someonesurehasitinforyou,Zac.Isthereanythingweshouldknow?”
“Notaboutlastnight,no.Wolfetoldmethememorymightcomebackinflashesandassoonasanythingcomesback,I’lltellyou.It’saboutDuffy.Ihadhimcomebytocheckthefurnaceacoupleofweeksago.Itmakesanoiseandkeepsmeawakeatnight.”Rioscratchedthedarkstubbleonhischin,makingaraspingsound.“HerecommendedIputinanewone.Hewasrealchattyandthenwentascoldasice,asifhe’dflippedaswitch,whenMrs.JacobssaidIshouldgetafewquotesbeforeIaskedyouaboutreplacingit.”Heshrugged.“ColbyHahnhasworkedforusaswell.IhadafewjobsforhimtodoaroundthehousebuthehadaproblemwithCuddles…Ah,that’sMrs.Jacobs’cat.Thetwinssaidtheyhadanargumentbecausehelockedthecatinacupboardtokeepitfromrubbingaroundhislegs.”
Jennastaredathimindisbelief.“Whydidn’tyouinformusaboutyourcontactwiththesuspects?”
“BecauseIhaven’tbeenhereandatthetimetheyweren’tlistedassuspects.”Riosippedhiscoffee.
“Jenna.”Carterraisedbotheyebrows.“He’slikelyinshock.Ifigurewegethimsomethingtoeatanddrivehimhome.Heneedstogethisheadstraight.”
“I’msittinghere.”Rio’sdarkeyesflashed.“Mybrainisworkingjustfine.I’mjustexhaustedisallandhaveadrughangover.Youneedme,inthisinvestigation.WeknowDuffyandHahnbothhadaccesstotheinsideofthevictims’houses.They’dhavehadthelayout,could’veleftawindowunlatched,orcould’vemadeanexcusetodropby.Thewomenwouldhaveopenedthedoortothematnight.I’mwonderingnowifI’daskedDuffytoreplacethefurnace,wouldIhavemademyhousekeeper,Mrs.Jacobs,atarget.”HeswunghisgazetoCarter.“HerpartofthehouseisseparatefromwhereIlive.Shehasherownfrontdoorbutaccesstoourpartviaaninternaldoor.Although,weusethesamefurnace.Ifhe’ddroppedbywhenwewereout,Mrs.Jacobswouldhavetakenhimthroughtheconnectingdoor.Idon’tlockit.She’dhavebeenasittingduck.”
ConsideringRio’sthoughts,Jennanodded.“Hmm,somethingtoconsider,butwouldakillerbesoconfidenttomurderawomaninadeputy’shome?Mostpeopleknowit’sownedbythedepartment.We’vehaddeputieslivingthereforyears.”
“Itwouldn’tbeafirstinthathouse,wouldit?”Carterraisedoneeyebrow
ThephonerangandJennaliftedthereceiver.ItwasMaggiefromthefrontcounter.“Yes,Maggie.”
“Mr.Duffycalledtosayhe’llbeherebyone.He’sfinishingupajob.Ah…youmightwanttocomedownhere.Kane’sbackanditlookslikewehaveanewdeputy.”Maggiedisconnected.
Standing,JennaglancedatCarterandRio.“DoyouwanttojoinJo?She’sintheconferenceroomgoingoversomeoldcasesforcomparison.I’llmeetyouthere.Kane’sbackwithtakeoutanditseemswehaveanewdeputy.”Shehurrieddownthestairsandthroughtothereceptionareaandstoppeddead.CedarCanyon,yeah,nowIremember.
PoppywasclimbingoutofKane’struck,longblondehairflowingoverhershoulders,laughingandsmilinglikeshe’djustwonabeautypageant.JennapushedthroughtheglassdoorsandwalkedtotheBeast.“Needahandwiththefood?We’vemovedtotheconferenceroom.”
“Thanks.”Kane’sgazemovedoverherface.“Youdidn’tmentionPoppywasjoiningus?”
Jennashookherhead.“Ihadnoidea.I’veneverreceivedherapplication.”
“Hi,Jenna,nicetoseeyouagain.MayorPetershamhiredme.”PoppyindicatedtowardKane.“IjustgotintotownandmetDaveatthediner.Hegavemearide.I’mstayingattheCattleman’sHotel.MayorPetershamsaidmaybeIcanstaywithyouforafewdaysuntilmyrentalisready.I’llneedacruiseraswell.”
JennashotalookatKanebutgotablankstareinreturnandthenmovedherattentionbacktoPoppy.“I’msorry,IhavetwoFBIAgentsstayingwithmeandwedon’thaveanysparecruisers,ah,Deputy…Sorry,Idon’trecallyourlastname.”
“Anderson.”ShesmiledatKane.“I’msureDavewillgivemearidebacktothehotellater.I’dliketostartnow,soIcangettoknoweveryone.Ihaven’tevenbotheredtounpack.”Shesmiledathim.“Youpromisedtotakemetodinner.Howabouttonight?Youcantellmeallaboutthecurrentcaseload.”
“I…ah…sorry,I’mtoobusy.”Kane’sAdam’sapplebobbedupanddownasheswallowed.“I’minthemiddleofacaserightnow.”
“Oh,comeon.”Poppypouted.“You’renotgoingtodumpmeherealone,areyou?Haveyouanyideahowdifficultitwastopersuadethemayortoallowmetocomeworkwithyou?”
WantingtothrottleMayorPetersham,Jennatookadeepbreath.Shedidn’thavethetimetodealwithanewdeputy.“I’msorry.I’llneedKanewithme.Perhaps,ourreceptionist,Maggie,mightbeabletoassistyouwitharide.”ShetookthecartonKanehandedher.“Maggiewillarrangeauniformforyouandabadge,butyou’llneedtoputupyourhair.Longhairobscuringyourviewisaliabilityonthejob.Maggiewillgiveyouacopyofourdresscode.Alldeputiesarerequiredtoadheretothedresscode,exceptforthedeputysheriff.”
“Oh,Jenna,don’ttellmeyou’regoingtobeasticklerforeverylittlerule?”Poppy’sover-whitesmilealmostblindedher.
JennaheardKane’slowwhistleandwatchedhimshoulderhiswaythroughtheglassdoors,carryingacartonfilledwithtakeout.Hewasheadingforthehills.SheturnedherattentionbacktoPoppy.“Iplayitstraightdowntheline,Deputy,andmydeputiesrefertomeasSheriffAlton.”Shehoistedtheboxononehipandclimbedthestepstotheoffice.
ShedroppedthecartononthefrontcounterandmetMaggie’ssurprisedexpression.“ThisisDeputyAnderson.Canyoufindherauniformshirtandarubberbandforherhair?Oh,andacopyofthedresscode?She’llbeworkingdeskduty.I’msureyou’llfindhersomethingtodo.I’llbeintheconferenceroom.CallmewhenMr.Duffyarrives.”Sheglancedbackatthedoor.“AndsendRowleyrightalongwhenhegetsback.”
“Surething,Sheriff.”ShesmiledknowinglyatJennaandthenturnedherattentiontoPoppy.“I’mMagnoliaBrewsterbutyoucancallmeMaggie.”SheopenedtheflaptoallowPoppybehindthecounter.
Pushingthenewdeputyfromhermind,Jennawentintotheconferenceroomandplacedthecartononthetable.ShenoticedCartergrinninglikeababoon.Sheroundedonhim.“What?”
“Oh,don’tlethimrileyou.”Jostoodandlaidahandonherarm.“WehadourfillofPoppyAndersonattheconference.Daveknowswhatshe’slike.Whatonearthpossessedyoutoallowhertojointheteam?”
JennashotaglanceatKane,whowasmunchingintoaroll.“Ihadnosayinthematter.ShegotintoMayorPetersham’sear.”
“Ishouldneverhavetakenhertolunchallthoseyearsago.”Kaneshookhishead.“Nowshefigureswe’rebestbuddies.”
“Oh,thisisgoingtobeclassic.”Carter’sgrinspreadfromeartoearasheturnedtoKane.“Haven’tyoutoldJennawhatapaininthebuttthatwomanis?Wespenttheentireconferenceinthemen’sbathroomtryingtoavoidher.”
“Itriedto.”KanegaveJennaanapologeticshrug.“WeranintoherinHelenaandshementionedwantingtocomehere.”Hesippedasoda.“Andno,Ididn’tencourageher.”Hetiltedhisheadandhisgazeflickedoverher.“Youdon’thavetokeepher.Youcouldgiveheraweek’strial,andifyou’renothappy,sendherback.”
“Thatsoundslikeanoption.”Josmiled.“Frommyimpressionofherattheconference,shedoesn’thavethestabilityyouneedinyourteam.”
“Shedoesn’thaveafilter.”Cartershrugged.“IknowIhadthesameproblematonetimebutIknewwhentokeepmymouthshut.Sheneverstopstalkingandcouldwellleakinformation.”
Consideringeveryone’sopinion,JennapausedabeatthinkingbeforeliftinghergazebacktoKane.“Aweekisalongtime,Dave.Idon’tneedthedistractionrightnow,notwithakillermurderingnightly—andneitherdoyou.MaybeIshouldjustfireher?”
“We’llbeworkingintheconferenceroomfromnowonandshe’snotonourteam.”Kaneshrugged.“Givehertheweek—that’safairassessment.”
Nodding,Jennaglancedaroundtheroom.“Okay,butkeepitprofessionalandquitcallingherPoppy.”Shesighed.“I’moverdiscussingDeputyAnderson.WehaveaninterviewatoneandIhaven’teatenyet.”
SheglancedupasRowleycameintotheroomandnoddedtohim.AftersittingnexttoJo,shehuntedthroughthetakeoutforabagelandcreamcheese.ItwasafavoriteandKaneusuallyincludedoneortwoinanorder.TheconversationintheroomhummedaroundherandshelistenedasCartergaveJothedetailsshe’dmissed.
“Didyoufindanysimilarmurders?”Kane,leanedforwardinhischairlookingatJo.
“Similarbutnotthesame,no.We’reassumingthekillerhasmurderedthreevictims.”Jotwirledhercoffeecupinherfingersstaringatthewhiteboard.“You’dhavereasontolinkthemastheyallhadafearfactor.Thisispartofthekiller’sprofilebutsoistheenclosedspaces.Thepickupwasanenclosedspaceandsowasthecloset.Inthethirdcase,itlookedasifthekillerattemptedtodragthevictimintotheclosetaswell,butsomeonedisturbedthem.”
“YouthinkRioarrivedandtheyattackedhim?”Kaneraisedbotheyebrows.“Thenhowdidtheygetthekidtoridebyhishouse?Theywouldn’triskgettingthekidtorelaythemessageandthengoandkillMrs.Carson,andweknowtheyinjectedRiointheback.They’dhavetoplanthatmove.”
Jennaswallowedherlastpieceofbagelandsippedhercoffee.“We’veestablishedthekillerworeRio’sboots.Sohewasdownbeforethemurder,orwe’dhavefoundbloodyfootprints.”Sheplacedhercuponthetable.“Rioisn’tasmallmanandMrs.Carsonmusthaveweighedclosetoonehundredandfiftypounds.HaveyouconsideredthatafterdraggingthevictimintothedoorwayandthenRiointotheblood,theymighthavebeentooexhaustedtocompletethefantasy?”
“Ifthisscenarioiscorrect,thenwe’llaskWolfeifhefoundanyligaturemarksonMrs.Carson.There’snowayshewouldhavejuststoodthereandwatchedwhatwashappening.She’dhaverunforthebackdoororgrabbedaweaponfromthekitchen.Inoticedaknifeblockinthere.”
“Therewasanemptyriflerackinthehallway.”Cartertossedatoothpickintohismouth.“TheycouldhavethreatenedherwiththerifleandturneditonRioforallweknow.Ifit’snotheretheyprobablytossedit.”
“Ifthey’dhadarifleaimedather,whenIarrived,they’dhavehadtotakeitoffhertoaimitatme.”Riorubbedhistemples.“Ifthathappened,Ifigureshe’dhavecalledouttowarnme.I’dhavepulledmyweaponandsomeonewouldbedeadapartfromthevictim.”
Runningtheconversationthroughhermind,Jennanodded.“Whatiftheydruggedheraswell?”
“Nope.”Kanepulledasliceofpeachpiefromabag.“Shehaddefensivewoundsonherarms.Thatwouldn’thappenifshe’dbeenunconscious.”
Jenna’sphonebuzzed.ItwasMaggie.“Okay,thankyou.I’llberightalong.”SheturnedtoJo.“Duffyishere.Doyoumindsittinginontheinterview?Overthephone,hesoundsjusttoonice,andfromwhatRiosaidabouthim,hecanchangeintheblinkofaneye.”
“Sure.”Jostood,gatheredheremptywrappersandtossedtheminthegarbage
Aftermakingsurethefeedfromtheinterviewroomwasplayingonascreen,Jennaturnedtotheothers.“Youcanwatchfromhere.Iwantthistolooklikeacasualinterview.He’llclamupifheseeslawenforcementofficerswaitinginthehallway.”SheheadedoutthedoorandstoppedtospeaktoRowley.“Goodjobouttherethismorning.Eat,andthenwriteupyourfiles.”
THIRTY-ONE
AfterwavingTreyDuffyintotheinterviewroom,JennawaitedforhimandJotositdownbeforepullingastatementbookoutofthedrawer.Shedroppedintoachairandturnedontherecordingdevices,statedthedateandtime,andturnedtoDuffy.“Thankyouforcomingintoanswerourquestions,Mr.Duffy.Canyoupleasestateyournameanddetailsfortherecord?”
“TreyDuffyoutof202Stanton.”
Jennanodded.“I’mSheriffJennaAltonandI’mwithSpecialAgentJoWells,whoisheretoobserve.”SheglancedatJo.“Ifyoucouldstateyourname?”
“SpecialAgentJoWellsoutoftheSnakeskinGullyfieldoffice.”JosmiledatDuffy.“Doyouhaveanyobjectiontomesittingin?”
“Notatall.”ThecornerofDuffy’smouthtwitchedintoasmile.“I’minterestedtofindoutwhathappenedtomyclients.”
Keepingherfaceimpassive,Jennatookthepenfromherpocket.“ThisinterviewistoestablishatimelinebeforethedeathsofAgnesWagneroutofSnowberryWay;JoleneDarvishoutofRockyRoad,BearPeak;andFloraCarsonoutofBuffaloTrail.Youhavetherighttohaveanattorneypresent.Doyouwishtocontinuewiththeinterview?”
“Sure.”Duffyopenedhishandswide.“Idon’thaveanythingtohidefromyoufineladies.”
Jennareadhimhisrights.“Okay.Let’sstartwithAgnesWagner.Whendidyoudorepairsonherfurnace?”
“Letmesee.”Duffypulledanotebookoutofhispocketandflippedthroughthepages.“Iworkedthereforatime.IfinishedonThursdayanddroppedbyonFridaybecauseshecomplainedofabadsmellinthecellar.Itwasadeadmouse.Itookitoutandopenedthewindowtoairouttheplace.”
“Didyouclosethewindowbeforeyouleft?”Joleanedbackinherchair.
“Nope,itneededadayorso.”Heraisedbotheyebrows.“Iwasn’ttheonlypersonupthere.Ihadfourguysfromthewarehousetodeliverthefurnace.”Hechuckled.“Youdidn’texpectmetocarrytheoldoneupthestairsandbringthenewonedownbymyself,didyou?”Heshookhishead.“Ijustrepairthemorfitthemandmakesurethey’rerunningrightisall.”
Jennamadeafewuselessnotesinherbookandliftedhergazebacktohim.“HowdidyougetalongwithMrs.Wagner?Didyouchatwithher?”
“Shewasacleanfreak.”Henarrowedhisgaze.“Shewantedmetoremovemyboots.ItoldherImustwearbootswhenI’mworking.It’scode.IfIdroppedawrenchonmytoe,she’dbeliable.”Hegrimaced.“Shefollowedusaroundwithacloth,wipingthefloor,sweepingthestairs,butwhatcanyousay?Mostoftheoldfolkaresetintheirways,andshealwaysoffersmelunchoracupofcoffeewhenIworkthere.”
“Okay.”Jennawatchedhisbodylanguageandcameupempty.“Soyou’rerelationshipwithAgnesWagnerwascordial?”
“Yeah,Iguessso.”Herubbedhischinandtappedhisbottomlipasifcontemplatingwhattosay.“Youneverknowwiththeoldfolk.Someofthemsmellbadandactstrange.I’malwaysworriedthey’lllockmeinthecellar.ItakemytoolswithmejustincaseIneedtobreakout.”
“Really?”Astonished,Jennastaredathim.“DidyoudoanyworkforMrs.DarvishoutofRockyRoad,orFloraCarsonoutofBuffaloTrail?”
“YouknowIdid.”Duffyleanedbackinhischairandsmiledruefully.“IspoketoColbyHahnthismorning.Hetoldmeyourdeputyhasbeenhoundinghim.Askingallsortsofquestions,askingwherehe’dbeen.Icantellyounow.Iworkedforboththosewomen.”HetossedhisnotebookatJenna.“Checkthedates.I’vegotnothingtohideandifyouwanttoknowwhereIwasonthenightsyouaskedColbyabout,goseemywife.”
Jennamadeanoteofthedateshe’dworkedforbothwomen.“Okay,I’llneedhernameandwhereIcanspeaktoherinprivate.”
“Sally’sathome.”Duffystretchedhislegs,lookingsupremelyconfident,andgavehisdetails.
Jennastaredatthecamera.“I’llgetmydeputytogoandspeakwithherwithoutdelay.”
Secondslaterherphonechimed.ItwasamessagefromKanetellingherhewasonhiswaywithCartertospeaktoSallyDuffy.Allshehadtodowasdelayherhusbandalittlelonger.SheglancedatJo.“DoyouhaveanyquestionsforMr.Duffy?”
“Yeah.”Jo’sgazefixedonDuffy’sface.“Thequiltingcircleusesmanyofthesamecontractorsforwork.WeknowaboutMr.HahnandMr.ArchieBueller.Areyouawareofanyoneelsewhomightworkforthem?Doyouoftenrunintoothercontractors?”
“Allthetime.”Duffyfrowned.“Theproblemiswiththisquestion,AgentWells.Givingoutinformationlikethisgoesagainstmyethics.It’slikegoingbehindsomeone’sback.Mostofmyworkintowncomesfromrecommendations,fromothercontractorsorfromclients,andIdon’twantmybusinesstosufferifthetownsfolkbelieveI’manFBIinformant.”
“IfI’dwantedyouasaCI,Iwouldn’tbespeakingtoyouwithSheriffAltonpresent.”Josmiledathim.“Let’schangethesubject.Haveyouworkedformanyoftheolderfolkintown?”
“Yeah,allthetime.”Hefoldedhisarmsoverhischest.“It’srareforonetocallforjustanestimate.Theyusuallywantthejobdoneyesterday.Mostofthemwantthingsreplacedratherthanfixed.Itseemstobeanewthingaroundtownoflate.Theyallwantnewfurnaces,ornewstoves,andtheycallmetogetthemforthem.They’reimpatientanddemandingbutthey’reold.”
“Haveyoualwaysgottenalongwithyourgrandparents?”Jo’sattentionhadn’twanderedfromhisface.
“Mine?”Duffystaredathishandsavoidinghergaze.“Mygrandpadiedlongagoandmygrandmawasalittlecrazy.She’dspendhertimetalkingtohimandsethisplateatthetableeverynightlikeclockwork.Myparentscouldn’tseeanythingwrongwithher,butwhentheydiedandleftmewithher,itwascreepy.”
“Andhowdoyougetalongwithhernowyou’reolder?”JoflickedaglanceatJennaandthenmovedherattentionbacktoDuffy.“Isshestillalittlecreepy?”
“Itrynottothinkabouther.Shedied.”DuffyraisedhiseyesandlookedatJo.“Iwasoutthereonedayplayingintheyardandshefellintothewell.”Heshruggedandaslowsmilecreasedhislips.“SheprobablyheardGrandpacallingheranddivedrightin.”
Jennaleanedforward.“Didyouseeherfallin?”
“Nope.”Duffyshrugged.“Thecopsfiguredshe’dwanderedoffsomewhere,theyfoundherdownthewellsometimelater.”
“Didthatupsetyou…knowingyouweretherewhenshedied?”Jomadeafewnotesinherbookandthenlookedathim
“Notreally.”Duffyshrugged.“LikeIsaid,Ifiguredshewascrazy.Ididn’tlikelivingthere.”
“Doyouthinkyourexperiencewithyourgrandmamakesitdifficulttoworkfortheolderwomenintown?”Jotwirledthepenthroughherfingers.“Dotheybringbackmemories,forinstance?”
“Thesmelldoes,sometimes.Thebeeswaxpolishorthestaleairinthehousebecausetheyneveropenawindow.”Duffypickedathisfingers.“ButIdon’tletitbotherme.It’sjustajob.Idon’thavetostaythere,doI?”
Jenna’sphonevibratedinherpocket.SheglancedatthecallerID.ItwasKane.“Ihavetotakethiscall.Theinterviewissuspended.”Shegavethetimeandthenpressedthepausebuttonontherecorder.“I’llbetwominutes.”Sheflashedhercardandsteppedoutsidethedoor.“Thatwasfast.Whatdoyouhaveforme?”
“IhaveastatementfromSallyDuffythatstatesherhusbandhasbeenathomeallnightforthelastmonthorso.Iaskedherifshe’salightorheavysleeperandsheinformedmeshetakessleepingmeds.Shesaid,shegoestosleeparoundnineandsleepsthroughuntilsevenlikeclockwork.Oftenshewakestofindherhusbandhasalreadyleftforwork.”Kaneletoutalongbreath.“Hisalibiwouldn’tholdupincourt.Didyougetanythingelse?”
Jennastaredthroughtheone-waymirroratDuffy.“Hehadaproblemwithhisgrandmaandsheconvenientlyfelldownawellwhenhewasstayingthereasaten-year-old.”
“That’snotenoughtochargehim,butenoughtomakehimoneforustowatch.”Kanesighed.“Tryandgetanotherlookatthatbookhewasreferringto.Ifweknowwhoheisworkingfornext,we’llkeepaneyeonthem.”
Tryingtothinkupanexcusetomakelegalcopiesoftheman’sworkbook,Jennanoddedabsently.“Okay.I’llseewhatIcando.”Shedisconnectedandwentbackinsidetheroom.
Afterpressingtherecordbuttononthevideodevice,sheliftedDuffy’sworkbookfromthetable.ShegavethetimeandpeoplepresentagainandsmiledatDuffy.“OnceIhaveacopyofyourworkbook,fromthetimeyoustartedworkforMrs.Wagner,you’llbefreetogo.DoIhaveyourpermissiontomakeacopyofthelastfewentries?”
“Yeah,sure.”Duffyliftedhischinandhismouthcurledintoasmile.“SallytoldyouI’dbeenhome,right?”
Tryingnottodisplayherthoughts,Jennapushedthestatementbookacrossthedesktohim.“I’llgoandmakecopies.Ifyou’llwritedownwhenyoulastsawthevictimsandaddyourpermissionformetomakeacopyofyourworkbookandsignit,you’llbeabletogetbacktowork.”SheglancedatJo.“AgentWellswillbeabletoassistyou.”
“Anythingtooblige.”DuffypulledthestatementbooktowardhimandtookthepenJennahandedhim.
Jennaflashedhercardacrossthescannerandwentoutsidethedoor.Shedroppedthebookonthesmalltableunderthetwo-waymirrorandthumbedthroughthepages.Usingherphone,shecopiedeverypageofthebookfromtheweekbeforeAgnesWagner’sdeathrightthroughtohisfutureappointments.Itdidn’ttakeherlong.Shesmiledtoherself.“Ifyouareourkiller,Mr.Duffy,you’vejustmadeyourfirstmistake.”
THIRTY-TWO
Ithadbeenaninterestingdayandtheysatinthetruckgatheringtheirthoughts,notinghowtheglassdoorsofthesheriff’sofficesparkled,withnotaspeckofdirtanywhere.Theyguessedthathavingaderogatorymessagescrawledacrossthefrontforalltoseewasmorethanthesheriffcouldstand.ItwasamusingtoknowtheFBIhadbecomeinvolvedandthegreatSheriffAltonwasn’tcopingwiththecase.CallingintheFBIwouldbealastresort.Thisscrapofinformationconfirmedthattheyalreadyheldthewinninghand.Theirstringofperfectcrimeswasdrivingthesheriffinsane.They’dleftnocluesandhadanadvantagethattheFBIandsheriffhadn’tconsidered,andyetitwasrightundertheirnoses.
Achievingsuccessatmurdercamedowntointelligencebecauseitdidn’ttakeageniustoplanamurderortoavoidleavingevidencebehind.Everythingtheyneededtoavoiddetectiontheycouldpurchaseatthegeneralstore,andthosegenericitemswereuntraceable.SelectingthenextpersontodiewasalittlemorecomplicatedandhingedonifthesheriffarrestedZacRioformurder.Ifshedid,itwouldbetimetocutandrun.They’dbefreetofindanothersmalltown,setintheforestwithanoldladies’quiltingcircle.Itwouldbegameonandthey’dhavesomanyoldbiddiestochoosefrom.Somanyallaloneandlivinginisolatedareasjustmadeforthemtoexacttheirownspecialjustice.
Ideaspooledinsidetheirhead,theconceptssosweettheyrolledaroundlikeapieceofcandy,eachidealandingonatastebudandspiralingintoamacabredelight.Nothingcameclosetoseeingthesuddenrealizationontheoldwomen’sfacesthatsomethingwasterriblywrong.Theuncertaintyintheireyesandthequestionsalldeliveredwithaharshtoneasiftheywerekidsforthemtodiscipline.So,they’dturnthetablesonthemandlaughandcallthemuseless,orweak,andstupid.Infact,theywereallthesethings.Ithadbeenalloverthenewstokeeptheirdoorslocked,andyetthey’dopenedthemwithoutquestion.Afterwavingtheminside,they’dofferedthemrefreshment.Thehousesalwayshadthesamesmell.Themustyodorthatunlockedthememoriesandtriggeredtheanger,butonceinside,they’dhadtobepatient.Theoldwomenwouldleavethemtoshufflearoundthekitchenandthattimewasalltheyneededtoprepare.Whenthewomenreturned,thefunbeganandtheplanwouldunfoldjustasithadintheirminds.
After,blood-soakedlikeawildcatafteritsfirstkill,satisfactionhadfilledthem,butlikethefineststeakdinner,whocouldstopatone?Theywantedmorefromthequiltingcircletobeafraid—andneededmoretosuffer—foreverydarnterrifyingsecondthey’dspentlockedinsidethedarkclosetwiththespiders—andforeverymealthey’dmissed.Couldtheystopwhenthey’dtaughtthelastoldladyonthelistalesson?No,they’djustgottenstartedandnextthey’dremoveeveryonewho’dstoodbyduringtheirpunishmentandsaidnothing—andthatlistwasendless.
ItwasfunwatchingSheriffAltonrunningincircles,andshe’dridethatcarouselforeverbeforefindingthem.Peoplefromeverywalkoflifeinteractedwiththequiltingcircleanduptonow,thesheriffhadonlyskimmedthesurface.ManyBlackRockFallsresidentslivedalone,andinisolatedareas.Theyfiguredonlyoneinthreecouldpossiblyhaveasuitablealibiforthenightsofthemurders.Awordhere,andapushintherightdirectionthere,andthesheriffwouldfindherselfwithalistofpossiblesuspectsamilelong.
Theysmiledtothemselves.They’dachievedtheperfectcrimeandwantedtositandgloatbut,ofcourse,someonehadtospoilthemoment.Oneofthequiltingcircleladieswaddledpast,basketfilledwithgroceriesandsmiledatthem.Theywavedback,grittingtheirteethtofighttherisingneedtospringfromthetruckandsinkaknifedeepintoherneck.Theysuckedindeepmountain-freshbreathsandcalmedtherage.Theymuststicktotheplan,evenastheneedtokillbecameintolerable.Beingincontrolandselectingthewomenwho’dhadmanyvisitorstotheirhomeswasthecharm.Inthiswaytheyspreadtheriskofdiscovery.SheriffAltondidn’tstandachance.Theirsuperiorintelligencecouldoutwithertimeandtimeagain.
THIRTY-THREE
Kanehigh-fivedCarterastheyheadedbacktotheBeastandgrinned.“Oh,youdidthebest,concernedexpressionI’veeverseen.Youhadthatwomaneatingoutofyourhand.”
“Well,Mrs.Duffy’spupilswerealittledilated.”Cartertossedatoothpickintohismouth.“Ifiguredshewasonsometypeoftranquilizers,andmostwhotakethemrelyonsleepingmedsaswell.”Heswungintothetruckandstaredathim.“It’sjustlookingforthesigns.”
Snortingwithlaughter,Kaneslidbehindthewheelandglancedatthedogsinthebackseat.“Man,youcouldcharmtheskinoffabear.”HepattedDuke.“I’lldropthestatementintotheofficebutDukeneedstostretchhislegs.He’sbeencoopedupforhours.”
“Sure,ItookZorroforarunearlier.”Cartershrugged.“I’llcheckwithKaloandseeifhe’shunteddownanymoreinfoonthesuspects.Iaskedhimtorunthemthrougheverydatabasehecouldthinkof,soifthey’redirty,he’dfindoutallthedetails.”
“Askhimaboutservicerecordsaswell.”Kanescratchedhischin,thinking.“TheKa-Barknifefoundatthescenelookedlikegovernmentissuetome.Ifnotfromthekiller,ithadtocomefromaclosefamilymember.It’snotthetypeofknifeIusuallyseecarriedintheseparts;regularhuntingknifesaremorepopular.Although,peoplecanbuyanythingonlinethesedays.”
Hewalkedintothesheriff’sofficeandwenttothefrontdesktowaittospeaktoMaggie.AsCartermovedpasthim,withZorrostickingtohimlikeglue,hesmiledathim.“TellJennaI’llbebacksoon.”
“Sure.”Carterstoppedwalking.“I’mheadingdowntoAntlersforasteaktonightwithJo.Youcoming?”
ThethoughtofanAntlershousespecialfilledKane’smindandhegroaned.“AsteaksoundstemptingbutI’llneedtoheadonhomeandtendthehorses.”Heglancedbackaround,butMaggiewasstillspeakingwithsomeone.
“Doyouwantsomething,Dave?”Poppyleanedonthedeskandsmiledathim.
Kanesmiledbackather.“Ah,no,IneedMaggietofilethisstatementassoonaspossibleandgetacopyintothemurderbook.”
Tohisrelief,themanspeakingtoMaggieturnedtoleave.Hepushedthestatementacrossthecountertoher.“Thisiscrucialevidence.Canyougetthisintoeveryone’sfilesASAP?”
“Isurecan.”Maggietookthepaperworkandsatatherdesk.
“Thanks.”Kaneturnedaway.“IgottagowalkDuke.”Heheadedforthedoor
“I’llcomewithyou.Waitasecond,IneedtotellMaggieI’mleaving.”Poppyturnedawaybutsooncaughtupwithhimoutsideonthesteps.“Iwashopingwe’dbeabletotalkbutyou’vebeensobusyallday.”
ThelastthingheneededwasPoppyforcompany.Herconstantchattergroundathisnerves,especiallywhenhewantedtotakethetimewalkingDuketothinkthroughthecurrentcaseload.HeglancedatPoppy.Hehadtoadmitshecouldn’thavearrivedataworsetime.“Talkaboutwhat?”
“Iwanttolookoversomeoldcasefileswithyou.”Poppybouncedalongbesidehim,herfaceanimated.“Wecouldworkinmyhotelroom.Themayorarrangedasuite.It’sverycomfortableandthere’sroomservice…orwecouldwaituntilImoveintomyapartment.Thatwouldbecozy,wouldn’tit?”Sheslippedherhandthroughhisarmandpulledhimtoastopandleanedintohim.“Icouldlearnsomuchfromyou,Dave.”
Annoyedbyherflirting,Kaneshookherhandfromhisarm.“I’msureyoucouldlearnfrombeinghereifyoutookthetimetostudythefiles.Rightnow,we’reondutyandI’myoursuperior.Sothefirstlessonistostartactinglikeadeputy.”HepattedhislegtogetDuke’sattention,walkedtothecurb,lookedbothways,crossedMain,andwalkedintothepark.“Thereyougo,Duke.Runaroundandhavefun.”
HegrinnedwhenDukelookedathim,sniffedthegrass,sneezed,andthenwaddledoffatasnail’space.HeheardPoppybehindhimandfollowedDuke,plasticpoopbaginhand.
“WasitsomethingIsaid?”Poppyfellintostepbesidehim.“Ithoughtwehadaconnection.IwassoexcitedaboutstartingworkIdidn’tevenunpack.Iflewherereadytojointheteam.”Shetuggedathisarmagain.“Aren’tyoupleasedtoseeme?Imeanyouseemedfriendlyenoughattheconvention.Youdidtakemyphonenumber.”
“Becauseyouinsisted.”Kanesnortedthroughhisnose.“Iwasbeingpoliteisall.Itwasn’tmyintentiontoencourageyou.”Heturnedtolookather.“IfIgavethatimpression,I’msorry.”
“ButinHelena,youofferedtobuymeameal.”Poppylookedabashed.“WhatwasItothink?”
“Ihavenoidea.”Kanerubbedthebackofhisneck.“Idon’thaveacluewhat’sgoingoninsideyourmind.Thelunchwehadtogetheryearsagowasn’tadate.Itwastwopeoplesharingatableisall.”HetippedbackhisblackStetson.“WhenIfirstmetyou,I’djustlostsomeonespecialtome.Maybeyounoticedavulnerabilityinmeyouwantedtoexploit.”
“Exploit!”Poppyroundedonhim.“Really?”
Dumbfounded,KaneshookhisheadandfollowedDuke.“Uh-huh.”
“Don’tyoudarewalkawayfromme.”Sheranafterhimtearingtheelasticbandfromherhair.“WhydidyouthinkIcamehere?”
Thisisgettingwayoutofhand.KanewhistledDukeandturnedhiscombatfaceonher.“Ifiguredtolearnaboutprofiling.That’stheonlyofferonthetablerightnow.”Hewalkedaway,leavingherstaringafterhim.
Hehatedarguingwithpeople,itwassomethingheavoidedliketheplague.TheideaofhurtingPoppy’sfeelingsstunghisconscience,butitwouldonlymeanavoidingherforaweek.Hehadlittledoubt,she’dremaininBlackRockFallsorsecuretheposition.He’dkeeptheirmisunderstandingtohimselfandallowJennatomakethecallbutafterJoandCarter’sassessmentofher,Jennawouldnevertrustherandateamwithoutabsolutetrustwasworthless.
THIRTY-FOUR
Dumbfounded,PoppystaredafterKane.Howcouldshepossiblygobacktotheofficenow?Sheturnedandwalkedintheotherdirection,needingtogetherheadaroundwhathadhappened.Assheenteredtheplayground,shenoticedsomeonesittingonthecarousel.Sheturnedtogoandheardhimcallhername.Shelookedoveroneshoulderandfrowned.ThemanhadbeenintheseatbesideherontheflighttoBlackRockFallsandhadofferedherarideintotown.They’dchattedandhe’dbeennice.Shesmiledathim.“Hey.Fancymeetingyouagain.”
“IwasoppositeAuntBetty’sCaféandnoticedtheargumentwiththedeputy.Ishetheguyyoumentionedcomingheretobewith?”Themanstoodandpulleduphishoodieagainstthedampmistyair.“Hedidn’tseemtoohappytoseeyou.”
Poppyshookherhead.“Ihaditallwrongabouthim.TothinkIdashedintoworkwithoutbotheringtounpackmythings.Iwassoexcitedtobehere.”
“Heroworship,ifyouaskme.”Themanshrugged.“Himandthesheriffthinkthey’reallthat,butthetruthistheycouldn’tcatcharealserialkillerontheirowniftheytried.TheyalwayscallintheFBI.Icouldmurdertenpeopleandthey’dnevercatchme—notthatIwould.Justsayin’.”
Poppysmiled.“Youcouldberight.Therearewomenbeingmurderedandtheydon’thaveacluewhoisresponsible.”Shelookedaroundtheparkasthemistswirledaroundherfeet.“Whatareyoudoinghere?”
“IcametostretchmylegsandthoughtIheardsomeonecrying.”Hescratchedthestubbleonhischin.“Itcouldhavebeenabirdormaybeacatbutitplayedonmymindsome.Iwasonmywaytospeaktoyouandthebigguywhenyoustartedinoneachother.”Hestaredintothetrees.“Ihearditagainjustbefore.Hastherebeenanykidsgoingmissingtoday?”
Staringintothedarkeningwoods,Poppyshookherhead.“NotthatIknowabout.Wheredidyoufirsthearit?Maybeweshouldtakealook?”
“Upthereaways.Icamedownherebecauseofthegate.Thekidsuseittoaccesstheparkfromaroadontheothersideofthewoods.Theyridetheirbicycleshereafterschoolsomedays.”Heshrugged.“Iwasplanningoncallingthesheriff’sofficeifIhearditagain.Beingaguy,Ididn’twanttogointothewoodsalone,lookingforakid.”
Poppyfrowned.“What’sbeingaguygottodowithitifsomeoneisintrouble?”
“Oh,comeon.ThisisBlackRockFalls.”Hesnorted.“IfIcameacrossakidinthewoodsandtheystartedscreaming,thatdeputyyouwerewithwouldshootmewithoutasecondthought.”
“I’msurehewouldn’t.”Poppyheardasound.Itcouldhavebeenabirdbutshewasn’ttakingthechanceandturnedtowardthegate.“I’mgoingtoseeifanyoneisthere.IfIfindanyone,I’llcallitin.”Shelookedathim.“Areyoucoming?”
“Sure.”Hesmiledather.“Leadtheway.”
Poppywentthroughthegateandtheforestenclosedherindusk,underherfeetapillowofwhitemist,coveredthenarrowtraillikeawhitelinentablecloth.Asshemoveddeeperintotheforest,shecouldonlymakeoutthenightcallsofanimals.Low-hangingbranchescaughtinherhairasshepeeredintothedarkness.Itwassocreepygoosebumpsroseonherarms.Assheedgedbetweentrees,cobwebstouchedherhair.“Areyousurepeopleusethispath?It’scoveredincobwebs.”
Thenextmomentpainsearedthroughherheadandherhairwaspulledsohardittiltedherheadbackexposingherneck.Thecoldsteelofaknifebladetouchedherexposedfleshandshefrozeinterror.“Whatareyoudoing?”
“Moveandyoudie.”Themanpressedhardagainstherandhisrancidsmellclimbeduphernostrils.“Useyourthumbandfingerandundoyourbelt.Letitdroptothefloor.”
Tremblingwithfearasthesharpbladepressedintoherskinandthewarmtrickleofbloodrandownherneck,Poppycomplied.“Okay.Whyareyoudoingthis?I’llbemissedandthey’llbeoutlookingformesoon.”
“I’mnotworriedaboutthesherifforherdeputies.I’vebeenwatchingthemforalongtime.Iknoweverythingaboutthem.Idon’twanttohurtyoubutIwillifnecessary.Cooperateandyou’llbefine.”Hetuggedatherhairagaintearingitfromtheroots.“Itmakesnodifferencetome.YouarethemeanstoanendandIwasn’texpectingyoutofallrightintomylap.ThewordisthesheriffwillbehuntingfornewdeputiesinJune.Themayormentioneditinhisspeechandthesheriffisaskingforwomentoapplyaswellasmen.Iwasplanningonwaitingforafemalerookiebutyou’lldojustfine.Havingyoucomealongnow,wasabonus.”
Inhistypeofsituation,theonlyplanwastosurvive.Tryingtocontrolherquiveringlips,Poppystoodperfectlystill.“Okay.Whatdoyouwantmetodo?”
“Youdidn’thavetimetounpack,right?Givemeyourroomkey.”Heheldherfirmly,theknifepressedagainstherthroatasshedraggedoutthekeycardandhandedittohim.“Seethatwaseasy,wasn’tit?NowIwantyoutocalltheCattleman’sHotel.Tellthemyou’recheckingoutandtobringyourbagsdowntothefoyer,you’resendingacabforthem.”Hetightenedhisgriponherhair.“Sayjustthatandputyourphoneonspeaker.OnewrongwordandI’llkillyou.Understand?”
Keepinghervoiceassteadyaspossible,Poppymadethecall.“Okay,nowwhat?”
“Useyourphonetosendanemailtothesheriff’sdepartment.Don’tsendittoanyoneinparticular,justsendittothegeneraladdress.Sayitwasallabigmistakeandyou’releaving.You’vegottenaridewithatruckdrivertoColorado.Saythatyoudon’twanttobeacopanymore.Tellthemyou’retossingyourphone,sodon’tbothercontactingyou.Yourmindismadeupandyoudon’twanttospeaktoanyoneaboutit.”Hechuckled.“Thatsoundslikeawomanscorned.Afterthepublicdisplayinthepark.You’vesealedyourboyfriend’sfate.Showmebeforeyousendit.”
Shefrownednotunderstandinghisgame.“Whatdoyoumeanbythat?”
“Allthis…meetingyouontheflight.Watchingyouintheparkandwhenyoucameovertotalktome.Wow!Itwasliketheplanetsalignedorsomething.”Hechuckled.“Man,Icouldn’thaveplannedanythingsoperfect.It’slikeI’mdreaming.”Hetuggedatherhairagain.“WhenI’mdone,I’llbefamous.”Helaughed.“Iwonderwhatnamethey’llgiveme?Ihopeit’sspectacular.Writetheemailoryou’llspoileverything.”
Ifcomplyingmeantshestayedalive,she’ddoanything.Poppygrippedthephonebutherhandsshooksohard,shekeptmakingmistakesbutfinallyhewassatisfiedandshepressedsend.Notsurewhyallthismeantsomethingtohimandhowshe’dbecomeentangledinhisdelusions,shebreathedinthroughhermouthtoavoidhisstink.“I’vedoneeverythingyouwanted.NowcanIgo?”
“Nope.”Hemovedherforwardstillholdingherhair.“Lockyourphoneanddropit.Pickupyourbeltandthenwalkniceandslowthatway.”Hepointedwiththeknife.
Shewalkedslowlymovingthroughthedamp-smellingwoods.Asthepathwidened,agravel-coatedclearingemergedwitharoadleadingoffbetweenthetrees.Inthemiddlesatanoldsedan.Theywalkedtowarditandthemanstopped.“Openthetrunk.”
Poppypoppedthetrunkandthesmellofoilyragsandgasolinewaftedoverher.“Whatnow?”
“LikeIsaid,we’regoingforaridetoColorado.”Hegrinnedather.“You’llloveitthereandI’llbringyoubackrealsoon.You’llfindoutmyendgamesoonenough.”
Unabletobelievethemanfiguredhe’djustprankedSheriffAlton,sheroundedonhim.“Ifyouthinkforonesecond,I’mclimbinginthere,justforajoke,you’remistaken.I’llscream.”
Hedidn’treply,butthenextinstant,herheadsnapedbackasapunchsmashedintohertemple.Painshotthroughhereyes,andtheworldclosedinaroundherinaseaofblack.
THIRTY-FIVE
JennawaitedforKanetoreturntotheofficeandthenlookedoveratCarter,whosprawledinachairopposite.“WhatdidKalofindonoursuspects?”
“Duffyisthemostinteresting,apartfromhavingnosolidalibi,headmittedtolivingwithacrazygrandma.”CarterpushedbackhisStetsonandstretchedhislonglegs.“Hisattitudeintheinterviewaboutherdeathmademecurious,andKalodiscoveredhe’dbeenbouncedfromfosterparenttofosterparentuntilhewasoldenoughtoleave.Fromwhatinformationhecouldfind,mostofthepeoplewereintheirsixtiesandhadmorethanonefosterchild.Hewasn’tagoodstudentbuthadintelligenceandonceoutofthesystemputhimselfthroughtradeschool.Heisaplumberbytrade,butcontinuedhisstudiesovermanyyears.”
“IthinkJowillagreewithmethatheisshowingpsychopathictendencies.”Kanehadremovedhishatandsatcurlingtherimwithhisfingers.“It’sareasonableassumptionhepushedhisgrandmotherdownthewell.”
“Maybe.”Jostaredatthescreenofhertablet.“Ididfindtheoverconfidenceandattitudealittleunusualforsomeonebeingquestionedaboutthedeathofthreewomen.Mostpeopleexhibitsomeformoftensionforjustbeinginaroomwithlawenforcementbuthevolunteeredtocomein,gaveusastatement,refusedalegalrepresentative,andadmittedtofindingsomeoftheoldfolksintimidating.”Sheshrugged.“Weknowconfinementisanissuewiththekillerandhementionedbeingconcernedoneofthemmighttrytolockhiminacellar.”
Jennanodded.“Yeah,Ifigureit’sunusualforafithealthymancarryingabagoftoolstobeworriedaboutafrailoldlady.”
“Andweknowhowmanykidssuffertraumabeingmovedfromonefosterhometoanother.”KanedroppedhishatontoJenna’sdeskwithasigh.“Mostenduptherebecauseofatraumaticincident.It’snotsurprisingtheyhaveanattitudeagainstthesystemorfallintolivesofcrimewhentheygetoutorrunaway.Howmanyofthemenduponthestreets?Kidsneedattentionandtheysureashelldon’tgetanyintheplacesI’veseenoflate.Ifigurethesystemneedsanoverhaul.”
KanebristledwithanundercurrentofangerandJennaraisedhereyebrowsathiminquestion.“Well,IadmitwehavehadourshareofserialkillerswhosufferedabuseaskidsbutI’msuremanygetthroughthesystemjustfine.”ShelookedbackatCarter.“Okay,sotheoddsarestackingupagainstDuffy.Dowehaveanythingbutcircumstantialevidenceagainsthim?Wecan’tarresthimonahunch.Weneedphysicalevidence.AnyoneelseshowupinKalo’ssearches?”
“Yeah.”Cartermovedhistoothpicktothecornerofhismouth.“Hahn’sbrotherwaskilledinthelineofduty,thatwouldbeaconnectiontotheKa-Barknife.HelivesatBearPeak,hasbeenworkingwithallthemurderedwomen.I’dkeephimonthelistaswell.”
Jennalookedaroundtheroom.“Yeah,boththesemencouldbesuspectsbutitseemsstrangeto,astheysay,‘cutofftheirnosestospitetheirfaces.’Allthesewomenemployedthematonetimeand,itseems,areinconstantneedoftheirassistance.”
“Nowyou’rethinkinglogically.”Josmiledather.“Psychopathsdon’tthinklikewedo.Ifourkillerisacontractor,thenheseesaconstantsupplyofpeoplewhofeedhisneedtokill.He’ssmartandorganizedwithenoughcontrolnottoleavecluesbehind.Heplannedthemurders,fromnotleavingfootprintsandthedisposalofincriminatingclothesrightdowntosettingupRioforthekillings.Ifigure,ifwe’darrestedRio,themurderswouldstop.Maybestartupinanothercountyorstate.Thinkaboutit.Withhimtotakethefall,they’dhaveoutsmartedlawenforcement,andyouknowaswellasIdothat’stheprizetheyseek.”
“SomaybeyoushouldpretendI’munderarrest.”Riorubbedahanddownhisface.“Youbroughtmehereinthebackofacruiser.Ifthey’dbeenwatching,they’dbelieveyou’darrestedme.”
Jennashookherhead.“Youmeanmakethiskillersomeoneelse’sproblem?Allowhimtogoonamurderspreeinanothertown?Noway.Wehavethreepeopleofinterest,twoareverypossiblesuspects.Wearethatclose.”Sheheldherthumbandforefingeraninchapart.“Anotherthing,withthepresshangingaround,anyhintofyoubeinginvolvedwillruinyourcareer.”ShelookedatRio.“YoumaywanttoleaveafterthewayItreatedyou,butIdidfollowprotocol.Inthecircumstances,Ihadnochoice.Youmustadmit,youhaven’tbeenactingnormaltheselastfewdaysandthenwefindyouinapoolofbloodwithamurdervictim.Inmyshoes,wouldyouhavehandledthesituationanydifferently?”
“Nope.Iwouldhavehauledmeinaswell.”Riogaveheratiredsmile.“I’mnotplanningonleaving,believeitornot.Beingtreatedlikeakilleraside,Ilikeithere.”
“That’sgood,welikeyoubeingheretoo.”Jennaclosedthefolderonthedesk.“That’sallwecandotoday.We’llseewhattheautopsyshowstomorrow.Youmightaswellallheadoffhome.Jake,canyoutellMaggieandDeputyAndersonwe’lllockuponthewayout?”
“Sure.”Rowleyheadedforthedoor.
“We’reheadingtoAntlersandthenJowantstovideo-callJaime.”CarterlookedatRio.“That’sJo’sdaughter.I’llkeepintouchwithKalobutI’mhittingthesackearlytonight.”
Jennanodded.“Wecan’tdodinner.WemustgofeedourhorsesandIneedtowashthestinkfromthecrimescenefrommyhair.We’llseeyouinthemorning.Breakfastisatsixthirty.”
“I’llhelpwiththechoresinthemorning.”CarterlookedatKane.“Choresandthenaworkoutbeforebreakfast?Ineedsomeonewho’sathreattotrysomemoveson.I’vebeenencouragingthelocalsheriffatSnakeskinGullytoworkoutwithme,butaSealheain’t.”Hegrinnedaroundhistoothpick.
“Sure.”Kanegrinned.“Icanmakeyousuffer.”
“Youcantry.”Carterchuckled.HeturnedtoJo.“Ready?”
“Yeah,seeyouinthemorning.”Jopickedupherthingsandheadedforthedoor.
Jennastoodandwenttopushthefolderintothefilecabinetandlockedit.ShelookedatKane.“Readytogo?”
“Yeah,almost.”Kaneliftedhishatfromherdesk,smoothedhisalreadyimmaculatehairandsliditon.
Concernedbyhisfrown,Jennaleanedagainstthedeskandlookedathim.“Isityourhead?”Shecuppedhisfaceandranherthumboverhischeek.“Itmusthavebeenhellinthecoldwater.”
“Freezingwaterand,yeah,itdidhurtbutI’mfinenow.”Kaneclearedhisthroat.“It’snotthat.It’sPoppybeinghere.”
Jennaslippedherarmsaroundhiswaist.“Thatbad,huh?”
“Yeah.”Kanegatheredherclose.“Ireadherallwrong.Ifiguredshewantedtofurtherhercareerbutshehadanulteriormotiveforbeinghere.Youwereright,Jenna,andI’msorryfornotunderstanding.Youknow,I’mkindasetinmyways.Ilikehelpingpeoplebutshecamefromleftfieldandslippedundermyguard.WhenI’moutwithCarterandgetcome-onsfromwomeninbarsIcanshutthemdownbeforetheygetoutofhand.Poppy…wellImetherwhenIwasjustoutofrehabanditwasnicechattingtosomeoneoflikemindoverlunch.Maybeshegotthewrongimpression?Youknowdarnwellitmeantnothingtome.Notthen,sosoonafterAnniehaddied.Itwasaonetimething—atwenty-minutebreakbetweenlectures.”
LaughterbubbledoutandJennacouldn’tstopit.Shegrinnedathim.“IthinkPoppyneedstogobacktoCedarCanyon.”
“Ithinkshedoestoo.”Kanesmiled.“Oh,there’ssomethingaboutanunderstandingwomanthatmeltsmyheart.”
Grinning,Jennatriedtofrownathim,butitdidn’tworkandshegiggled.“Youcaughtmeonanoffday.”
THIRTY-SIX
JennaheadeddownthestairssurprisedtoseeMaggiestillatthefrontcounter.“Youneedtobeoffhome.It’sgettinglate.”
“Well,IwouldbutIpromisedtogiveDeputyAndersonaridetoherhotel.”Maggieshrugged.“ShementionedtakingabreakandwenthightailingitoutofherewhenDeputyKanetookDukeforawalkandhasn’treturned.Didyousendhertodosomething?Shehasn’tcalledin.”
“It’sstrangetoneedabreakthislateintheday.It’snotasifshe’sworkinglateonacase.”Kanefrowned.“MaybeshewenttoAuntBetty’s?”
“Thatdeputyhasbeenonabreakallday.”Maggierolleduphereyes.“Hassheeverworkedinasheriff’sofficebefore?”
Jennanodded.“Yeah,outatCedarCanyon.Why?”
“NothingIaskedhertodohasbeendone.”MaggiewavedahandtowardthedeskusuallyoccupiedbysemiretiredDeputyWalters.“Shehasn’ttouchedathingalldaybutshewasupatthedeskquick-smarttochattoanyonewhowouldtalktoher.”
Jennapulledoutherphoneandrecalledshehadn’taddedPoppytohercontacts.“I’llcallher.”ShelookedatKane.“Idon’tsupposeyouhavehernumber?”
“Yeah,Ido.”Kanegaveherthenumber.
Jennamadethecallandletitringuntilitwenttovoicemail.Sheleftamessagetocallher.“She’snotpickingup.”
“Itoldhertoturnoffherphone.”Maggiefrowned.“Shehadherheaddownstaringatitallday.”Shepulledaface.“IknowforsureIriledher.Sheheldupthescreentoshowmeandsaid,‘There,areyousatisfiednow?’Shedidn’tsayanotherwordtomeuntilsheleft.”
Concerned,sheturnedbacktoMaggie.“Canyoustayforalittlelonger?We’llgoandseeifwecanhuntherdown.She’snewintownandthere’snotmanyplacesshe’dknowabout,soshe’sprobablycloseby.”
ShehurriedoutthedoorwithKaneandDukeclosebehindher.“Forsomeonesohighlyrecommended,sheactsveryirresponsibly.”
“She’sveryimmatureandactinglikeateenagerifturningoffherphoneupsethersomuch.”Kanemovedbesideher,hiseyesscanninginalldirections.“Wherecouldshego?Wherewouldyougoifyouwereupset?”
Jennashrugged.“I’dgovisitafriend,butshedoesn’thaveavehicleoranyfriendsintown.Thelibrarywouldbeanoption,thechurch.IguessitwoulddependonhowupsetIwas.Ifbeingaskedtoturnoffherphoneisamajorproblemforher,she’llneverhandlethedisciplineneededtoworkonourteam.”
TheywalkeddownMainandpeeredinsideAuntBetty’s.“Waithereandkeeplookingoutforher.I’llgoandaskifanyonehasseenher.”Jennaduckedinsideandwavedatthemanager,SusieHartwig.“Hasournewdeputybeeninthisafternoon?”
“No,IdidseeherintheparkwithDaveearlier.”Susie’sforeheadwrinkledintoafrown.
“Yeah.”Wendy,oneoftheservers,wiggledhereyebrows.“ShewasactingweirdandfollowingDeputyKanearoundwavingherarmslikeshewastryingtomakeapoint.Hewalkedoffascoolasacucumberandjustleftherstandingthere.”
Clearingherthroat,Jennanodded.“Didyouseewhereshewent?”
“No,Ihadcustomerstoattendto.”Wendywavedahandaroundthecrowdeddiner.“It’sbeenbusylikethisallday.”
“Okaythanks.Givemeacallifsheshows.”JennapushedthroughthedoorandlookedatKane.“She’snotinthere.Whydidn’tyoutellmeshefollowedyoutothepark?IhadtohearitfromWendy.”
“Ihandledit.”Kaneshrugged.“Ididn’tthinkitwasnecessarytotellyou.”
“Well,itisnow.She’llbesomewherecoolingherheels.”Jennapushedahandthroughherhair.“Wheredidyoulastseeher?”
“Acrossthere,intheparknearthetreeline.”Kaneledthewayacrosstheroad.
Jennakepthereyesstraightahead.“Maybeyouneedtoexplainwhathappenedtomakehersoupsetshetookoff?”
“Itwasn’tthatbad.”Kanestaredatherobviouslyuncomfortable.“WhenIwenttowalkDuke,Poppyinsistedoncomingwithme.”
Stomachcramping,Jennadroppedintostepbesidehimandnodded.“Okay.”
“Ireprimandedherforcomingontomeisallandshedidn’ttakeittoowell.IwalkedawayandleftherandsheyelledaftermebutIkeptonwalking.”Kaneslidhisgazeoverherandswallowed.“Ididn’ttellyoubecauseIprefertodealwithsituationsastheyarise.”
Inwardlysighingwithrelief,Jennanodded.“Whatdidshedo?No,don’ttellme.Idon’twanttoknow.Youhandledthesituationandit’sover.”
“ItmightnotbeoverifWendyandotherswitnessedit.”Kaneletoutalongsigh.“Itwasvocalandunprofessional.Poppywaskindaloudandfromtheoutsideitcouldhavebeenmistakenforalovers’tiff.”Heshrugged.“Theremightbeblowbackfromit.”
Shakingherhead,Jennaturnedtohim.“Idon’tbelieveforaminutethatanyofthetownsfolkwouldfigureyouactedunprofessionally.Ifshecomestomewithacomplaint,whichIdoubt,I’lldealwithit.”
“Asshehasahabitforgoingoverpeople’sheadstogetwhatshewants,IfigurePoppywouldgostraighttothemayor.”Kanesnorted.“Shehashimtiedaroundherlittlefinger.She’sprobablyinhisofficerightnowconvincinghimtofireme.”
Jennastoppedwalkingandturnedtohim.“He’sneverinhisofficeafterfour,andinanycase,itwillneverhappen.POTUSplacedyouhere.Doyouhonestlybelievethemayorhasanysayinthematter?”
“Nope.”Kanestoppedtoscanthepark.“ButPOTUSmighttransfermesomewhereelse.Hedoesn’twantmeinanyone’sspotlight.”Hefrowned.“You’dneverfindme,Jenna.”
Huffingoutanagitatedsigh,Jennagrippedhisarm.“Butyoucouldfindme.”
“Unlesstheysentmeoverseas.”Kane’sbrowfurrowed.“I’mfitforduty.Icouldbesentanywhereandmostoftheplaceswouldn’tbesafeforyou.”Hesighed.“Best-casescenario,wefindPoppyandcalmherdown.”
“Goodluckwiththat.”Astheywalkedalongpeeringintothebushes,JennaturnedtoKane.“I’lltrycallingheragain.”
Shemadethecalland,inthedistance,aringtoneplayedoutahappytune.“That’scomingfromtheforest.Whywouldshegointherealoneatdusk?”
“I’llgosee.”Insteadofheadingforthegate,Kanesteppedoverthewirefenceandwalkedtowardthesound.ItstoppedandheturnedtoJenna.“Callheragain.”
Jennawatchedhim,movingthroughthedarkeningshadows,fearingtheworse.“Haveyoufoundher?”
“Nope,justherphone.”Kanepulledoutsurgicalglovesfromhispocket.
JennatoldDuketostayandclamberedoverthefence.ShehustledafterKaneandstaredatthephonelyingdiscardedonadirttrail.“Seeifshetriedtocallsomeone.”Sheraisedhervoice.“Poppy,whereareyou?”
“Thiscan’tbegood.She’dneverleaveherphonebehind.”KaneliftedhisattentionfromthescreenandlookedatJenna.“It’slocked.Fingerprint-protectedIthink.”
Peeringinalldirectionsandseeingnothingbuttrees,Jennapulledanevidencebagfromherjacketpocketandhelditopenforhim.“Ifshedoesn’tshow,we’lltakeittoWolfe.”
“Shehastobeheresomewhere.”Kanewasscanningthearea.“There’snosignofastruggle.”Hepeeredintotheforest.“Themistisrising,ifshe’sfallenorworse,we’llneverseeher.I’llgobackandgetDuke.Herphonewillhaveherscentandheshouldbeabletofollowit.”Heheldhishandoutforthephone.
Momentslater,KanereturnedwithDukesnufflingalongthesoftground.Athicklayerofpineneedlescoveredthetrail,mufflingthesoundoftheirboots.Thegroundwassospringytheirfootprintsvanishedaftereachstep.“There’snovisibletrailtofollow.”Jennasearchedallaround,peeringbetweentreesandintoshadows.“Ican’timaginewhyshecameinhere.”
Mistswirledaroundherfeetwitheachstepclosertotheriver.Oncethesunhaddippedinthesky,themistfromtherivercreptthroughtowninaseaofdampness.AsDukeheadedthroughthetrees,headdownandtailwagging,JennafollowedbehindKaneandthenstaredatatreealongsideanarrowpathway.ShesnaggedafewstrandsofhairandheldthemouttowardKane.“Hey,shecamethisway.Thismustbesomeofherhairs.Whereisshegoing?”
“There’safireroadontheothersideofthesewoodsandDukeisheadingstraightforit.”Kaneturnedtoglanceather.“She’snewintown.Howdidsheknowtogothisway?”
RecallingwhenshefirstcametoBlackRockFalls,Jennawavedahandtowardtheclearingopeningaheadofthem.“IstudiedtheareabeforeIarrivedandI’dbetyoudidaswell.Ifshedid,thenshe’dknowthefireroaddoescutrightthroughtoStanton.ShecouldwalktotheCattleman’sHotelfromthere.
“It’salongwalkanddoyoufigureherphonefelloutherpocket?”Kaneshrugged.“Shecouldhaverunthroughthewoods.It’snotaniceplaceforastrollthislateintheafternoon.”
Jennastaredallaroundbutonlythedeadleavesofwinterrustledinthelightbreeze.Thisdeepinthewoodsspringwasalongtimecoming.“Maybe.Let’skeepfollowingDukeevenifit’sallthewaytotheCattleman’sHotel.”
WhenDukeburstoutintotheclearing,hewanderedupanddownforaspellandthensatdownandbarked.Jennapulledaface.“Hmm,ifI’mreadingthisright.Poppy’strailendedhere.”
“Yeah.”KanerubbedDuke’sears.“Whenatrailgoescoldonaroadorsimilar,itusuallymeansthepersonclimbedintoavehicleorwascarriedfromthearea.Shedoesn’tknowanyoneintownapartfromthemayor.Maybeshecalledacabandtheyarrangedtopickheruphere?Sherantomeetthecabandlostthephone?”Hecrouchedtoexaminethegravelandthenstraighteningstaredintothedistance.“I’llcallthehotel.She’dbebackbynow.”HemadethecallandwaitedforsomeminutesbeforeraisinghiseyestoJenna.“Whenwasthat?Didadriverpickupherthings?DidyouseeDeputyAnderson?Okaythanks.”Hedisconnected.“Poppycheckedoutandhadacabdriverpickupherthingsfromthehotel.Thedriverhandedinherkey.Theroomhadalreadybeenpaidupforaweek.”
Jennapushedbothhandsthroughherhair.“Okay.Well,Iguesswe’dbetterheadbacktotheoffice.”Sheshrugged.“It’stoolatetogoanywhere.Ifshewantedtoleavetown,whynotwaituntilthemorning?”
“Yourguessisasgoodasmine.”Kaneledthewaybacktotheparkandwhentheyreachedthefence,heliftedDukeover.“Ifigureshedidthistohaveusrunningaroundchasingourtails.”Heheldouthishandtoher.
Jennatookhishandandheswungheroverthefenceandfollowedbehindher.ShefollowedDuke’swaggingtailbacktotheofficeandwalkedinside.SheleanedonthecounterandrolledhereyesatMaggie.“ItseemslikePoppyhashightaileditoutoftown.Howandwhy,wedon’tknow.She’scheckedoutoftheCattleman’sHotelandthere’snobusesoutthislate.”Sheshrugged.“Ihavenoreasontobelieveshe’sinanydanger,sowe’llheadonhome.”
ShewaitedwhileMaggieshutdownthecomputerandgatheredthethingsshe’dleftonthecounter.“We’llseeyouinthemorning.I’llbeherebeforetheautopsy.”
“Justoneminute.”Maggiewasfrowningatthescreen.“Youneedtoreadthis.I’llprintyouacopy.”
TheprinterwhirredandMaggiestoodtopassJennaacopyofadocument.ShereadthecontentsoftheemailandhandedittoKane.“It’sfromPoppy.SheresignedandgotaridewithatruckdriverheadingforColorado.”Sheshookherhead.“Howdidsheevermakedeputy?Thatwomangivesirresponsibleawholenewmeaning.”
“Wellatleastthat’sonepersonwedon’thavetoworryaboutanymore.”KaneopenedtheglassdoorandusheredJennaandMaggieoutside.HewaitedforJennatolockthedoorandrubbedhisstomach.“IknewweshouldhavegonetoAntlerswithCarterandJo.I’mstarving.”
JennapulledopenthedoortotheBeast.“I’llgetsteaksoutofthefreezerandhavethemgoingbeforeyou’vefinishedthechores.”
“Ah…no.”Kaneslidbehindthewheel.“I’llgetthesteaksoutandyoucancomehelpmewiththechores.”
Gigglingathisseriousexpression,Jennafastenedherseatbelt.“Iknowyouprefertocookbutwillyouatleastallowmetomakethesalad?”
“Sure.”KanebackedthetruckoutoftheparkingspaceandheadeddownMain.“Butleavethedressingtome.”
THIRTY-SEVEN
ItwasduskandthetimeoftheeveningHarrietteJeffersonenjoyedthemost.Shelikedthepeaceandquiet.Bythistimemostfolkshadgonehome,andinthispartofBlackRockFalls,fewpeopleventuredoutafterdark.Shesniffedtheairandsighed.Therisingmistbroughtwithitthescentofleafmoldanddampsoil.Shewrappedhercoatmorefirmlyaroundher.Thesmelloficeandsnowhadalmostgoneandherdailywalkhadbecomeapleasureoncemore,asspringhadarrivedinarushofwildflowers.Assoonasthesunslippedoverthehorizonanewworldemerged.Thegreensandyellowsofdaybecamethemanyshadesofblue,black,andgray.Itwasasifshe’dsteppedinsideaphotographicnegative,andsheembracedthechangewithwonder.Theonlypointsofcolorcamefromthewildcritters,theireyes,redororange,peeredoutfromtheforest,runninghereandtheretryingtoavoidtheowlsinthetallpineswaitingtofeedonthem.
Duringwinter,she’davoidedwalkingthroughthewoodedareathelocalscalledWishingWellParkbecauseslippingandbreakingahipwasn’tanoption.Thelastthreeweeks,she’dtakenthebusintotown,metwithfriends,orwenttothelibrarybutalwayswalkedbackalongStantonandtooktheshortcutthroughWishingWellParkonthewayhome.Thetreessurroundingtheparkhadunusualtwistedboughsanditbecameafairygrottoorawitch’slairoverHalloween.Oftenpeoplecamefromtownanddecorateditforbirthdayparties.Theoldwellhadbeenthereforaslongasshecouldremember,butafewyearsagosomeonehadencircleditwithabrickwall.Itnowresembledawellfromafairytale,withawoodenpeakedroofandabuckethangingfromacenterrung,completewithahandle.Nobodydrankfromthewellbutmanytossedcoinsintothewaterandmadeawish.
Thesunhaddroppedlowinthesky,andasshereachedtheendofStanton,thehousesbecamescarce.Theopenspacesbetweenthemwerefilledwithbushesandnaturalalleyways.Sheheardabusslowwithascreechofbrakesandasightostopsomewaysbehindher,andthenitdrovepast,lightsinsideblazing.Thedisgustingsmellofexhaustfilledhernostrils.Shemovedslowernow,thelastpartofherwalksoexhaustingshewonderedhowmuchlongershecouldwalkthisfar.Oldagewasslowingherdownandmaybetomorrowshe’dstayhome.Itwouldn’thurttomissherwalkforoneday.Afterall,shehadwalkedaroundtownbutthenshehadeatenalargepieceofpieatAuntBetty’sCafé.Shakingherhead,shepressedon.
Behindher,footstepstappedonthesidewalkandsheturnedtolook.Themisthadrisentoherkneesandlongshadowsspilledfromtheforestandstretchedacrosstheroad,makingithardtosee.Sheblinkedandlistenedbutthefootstepshadvanished.Turningbackaround,sheambledontowardthepark,hermindfixedonmakingdinnerforoneandeatingitinfrontoftheTV.Theclick,click,scrape,clickoffootstepscameagain.TheyseemedinahurryandthetemptationtolookaroundtoseewhowasbehindhermadeHarriettestopagain.Sheturnedslowlyandpeeredintotheswirlingmistbutnobodywasthere.Ashiverrandownherspine.Halloweenwasmonthsago,andinallheryearsofwalkinghome,she’dneverseenaghostoranythingspookyalongthisroad.Maybeitwasherimaginationplayingtricksonherorperhapsitwasthetreesmoaning.Theyhadbeenfrozenforsolongitwouldbereasonabletobelievethey’dcreakandcrackleastheythawed.Shemovedoffagainandhadreachedtheparkwhenthefootstepscameagain,runningthistime.Alarmed,shehurriedtowardthewell.Thefootstepspoundedbehindher,gettinglouderbythesecond.Allthehairsonherskinstoodtoattentionasalowchucklecamefromjustbehindher.Spinningaround,shestaredatamaskedfigure,comingtowardherflexingalongcordbetweenglovedhands.
Harrietteflungherhandbagatthemandstaggeredbackward.Sheopenedhermouthtoscreambutastrangebreathlesswoowoocameout.Horrified,shestaredintoahideousfaceandfrozeinfear.Herfingerstrembledasshesearchedherpocketforherrosarybeadsandheldtheminfrontofher,mumblingaprayer.Themonsterlungedtowardherandsomethingsqueezedandthencutdeepintoherthroat.Unabletobreathesheclawedatherneck,pleadingwithhereyestomakethemstop.
“Areyouprayingformercy?I’veneverforgottenwhatyoudidtome,andonlyGodcanforgiveyouforwhatyou’vedone.”Blackpoolsofemptinessinthemaskstaredather.
Unabletoformwordsaspainshotthroughherhead,shecouldonlystareastheedgesofhervisiondissolved.Spotsdancedbeforehereyesandhersightfadedtoblack.Herkneesgavewayandshehittheground.Aboveherthechucklesincreasedtolaughter.She’dheardoncethatthelastsensetoremainbeforeapersondiedwastheirhearingbutitwastoolatetotellanyonetouchremainedaswell.Hotbreathbrushedherear.
“DidIscareyou?Didithurt?Good.Nowyouknowhowitfeels.”
THIRTY-EIGHTFRIDAY
Kaneslappedhisstallion’srumpandwatchedhimcanteracrossthegreengrass.Thethreehorsesrantogether,manesflyingastheycircledthefence,andthenallrolledoneaftertheother,legsflailingintheair.Helovedtoseethemlikethis,outintheopen,runningandfrolicking.HavingthemandDukehadcreatedapartoflifehehadn’tenjoyedbefore.He’dcaredforhorsesanddogsduringhislifetimebutneverownedthem.He’driddenhorsessincehewasoldenoughtositononeandithadbeenanadvantagemanyatime.Heck,hecouldevenrideacamel.HeheardfootstepsonthegravelandturnedasCarteremergedfromthebarn.He’dbeensurprisedtoseehimshowatfivetohelpwiththechores.Carterwasacowboybornandbred,whichmadehavinghimaroundveryuseful,andJocouldcook,whichmeant,whentheystayedover,CarterhelpedwiththechoresandJocookedbreakfast.Hecheckedthegateandthenturnedtogreethim.“Thanksforthehelp.”
“I’dliketoownahorsebutbeingawayfordaysonendmakeslifedifficult.”CarterpattedZorro’shead.“I’mcontentwithZorro,andiftheneedarises,Icanalwayshireahorsefromthelocalstables.”Hesmiled.“I’mniceandwarmedupandlookingforwardtothatheavyworkoutyoupromisedme.HowdidyoufeelafterthedunkingIgaveyou?”
Kanegrinnedathim.“Fine.Ienjoyedit…wellapartfromthefreezingwater.”Heheadedtowardthehouse.“JennaisagoodworkoutpartnerbutacoupleoftimesaweekIgodowntoRowley’sdojoforatoughworkout.”
“Iknowwhatyoumean.”Carterwalkedbesidehimstrideforstride.“I’veencouragedJotoworkoutdailynow.ShelearnsreallyfastbutI’mworriedabouthurtingher.Notthatshe’sfragilebutyouunderstand.Onemisplacedhitandpeopledie.”
Nodding,Kanefollowedhiminsidethehouseand,leavingthedogsoutsidetorun,theymovedsilentlydownthehallway.Theytookthedoortowhatwasoncethecellarbutnowheldanextensivegym,withaseparateroomcontainingahottub.WorkingwithJenna’sextensionplans,they’dusedthespacebelowthefootprintofthehousetotheiradvantage.Insidethegym,Kanestrippedoffhisboots,sweatpantsandsweater.HeworehisworkoutgearunderneathandsodidCarter.Hemovedontothemat.“Ready?”
Kanestoodrelaxed,handsathissideswatchingCarter.Inafightheneverstruckthefirstblowunlesshewasinacombatsituation.Thiswasn’tthefirsttimehe’dworkedoutwithCarterbutbeforeitwasjusttheusualbagworkandweights.Thistimeitwasdifferent.WasCarterlikehimorwasheabrawler?Onethingwasfordarnsure,therewerenorulesand,asCarterhadaskedfornomercy,hewouldn’tofferhimany.Hetookinthemanbeforehim.Carterstoodoversixfeetwithamuscularbuild.Hewasalsohisjuniorbyaboutfiveyears.AsaSeal,he’dbewelltrainedinunarmedcombat,andithadbeensomeyearssinceKanehadencounteredamanofhisabilityinafight.He’dfiguredCarterwantedtoletoffsomesteamafterbeingholedupinSnakeskinGullyoverwinter.Theystoodstaringateachothermotionless,bothwaitingfortheothertomakeamove.Kanegrinned.“Well,thisisfun.Youplanningonjuststaringatmeallmorning?”
MovinglikelightningCartertriedtosweepKane’slegsawaybuthejumpedjustbeforethekicktothesideofhiskneelanded,andtwirledtolandasolidkicktoCarter’sback.Thehitwouldnormallyflattenaman,butCarterrolledacrossthematandsprungtohisfeetwithease.Thenhedancedaroundlikeanannoyingmosquito,duckingandweavingwithshortjabs.Kaneliftedhisheadjustintimetoavoidaheadbutt.Hedidn’tplanonhurtingCarter,buthisfriendwasn’tholdingback.Afterajabtohisribs,KaneusedonearmtoliftCarterandtosshimacrosstheroom
“Isthatallyou’vegot?”Carterrolledandgrinnedathimandthenstretchedoutonecuppedhandandwiggledhisfingers.“Comeon,oldman,turnonthemachinethatJennaisalwayscrowingabout—oristhattalktoscarethetownsfolk?”
Shakinghisheadbutgrinningback,Kaneshrugged.“You’llbesorry.Firstbloodandwestop.Agreed?”
“Deal.”CartermovedtotherightandstartedtocircleKaneslowly.“Butitwillbeyours.Idon’tbleedsoeasyandyouhavetocatchmefirst.”
KanestoodhisgroundwaitingforCartertoattack.Itwaseasyenoughtobatawayhispunches,butafewthatlandedstungabit.Carterwastoughandhegavehimatasteofhisstrengthwithashortfastjabtotheshoulder.HesmiledasthepainregisteredonCarter’sface.Hepulledback.Itwasjustaworkout,notafight,althoughhecouldseethechangeinhisopponent’seyes.Cartersurewasn’tplayingaroundnowandtriedafewtimes,withsomeimpressivekicks,toknockhimoffhisfeet.Itwasnevergoingtohappen.
“Okay.”Carterdancedawayshakinghishead.“I’veonlymetoneotherasgoodasyouandhediedwhenHTeamwentonamission.”HeeyedKanespeculatively.“Youknowthedrillandheneversaidawordtomeabouthisteam.Noneofusdidaboutwhereorwhatweweredoing,butI’dheardawhisperthatnotoneofthemreturned.Legendsaystheymadeblackopslooklikekindergarten.WhenIleftitwaslike,‘Mentiontheteamandyoudie.’Thoseguysweretakenawayandconditioned.Theyreturnedlikerobots.Iknewtwowhowereselected.Well,Iassumetheywerebecausetheyvanishedfromourteaminthenight.Isawoneofthemduringafurloughbetweentoursandhe,likeIsaid,wasarobot.”HemovedaroundKanewithaninquisitivesmile.“Justlikeyou.”
ThedetectiveinCarterwasworkingovertimeandKanehadtotrusthisintegrityasaSealwouldbegoodenoughtostopthisdangeroustalk.Movingaroundtokeephiminsight,hegaveashakeofhishead.“We’vebothbeenintheserviceandsomethingswedon’tdiscuss.People’slivesmaydependonit.SoifIdidknowwhatthehellyouweretalkingabout,Iwouldn’tbeabletosayanything—wouldI?”
“MaybenotbutIsuremissmyteam.Theywerelikemybrothers.”Carteraimedapunchandmissed.“IfeelthesamewhenI’mworkinghere.TheteamJennahascollectedisprofessional…wellapartfromPoppyAnderson.”Hegrinned.
Kanetookasolidkicktothethighandshookhishead.“She’salreadygone.PackedupandhightailedittoColorado.”Hesighed.“Nowarewegonnatalkalldayorgetdowntobusiness.It’slikefightingapeskyfly.”
“Really?Saystheguystandinglikeastatue.”Cartergrinned.“Hitme,Iwon’tbreak.”
Kaneshrugged.“Youmight.”
Behindhim,Kanecouldhearthedooropenandthesmellofhoneysuckle.Jennahadwalkedintotheroom.Hedidn’tturntolookatherbutkepthisattentionfixedonCarter.HehadtoadmitCarterwasfastandwascominginhot.Duckingandweavingtoavoidtheblows,Kanegavehimatasteofthemachine.OneblowtothegutandapalmtothenosehadCarteronthemat,drippingblood.
“Whatareyoudoing,Dave?”JennaflewacrossthematwithatowelandhandedittoCarter.“Areyouokay,Ty?”ShegaveKaneaglare.“Whatisgoingonhere?”
“It’smyfault.”Cartergaveherabloodysmile.“Itoldhimtoturnonthemachine.Holycow,Ifiguredyouwereexaggerating.”
“Haveyoulostyourmind?”JennastareddownatCarter,herfaceincredulous.“ItoldyouyesterdaythatDavewasaweapon.Iwasn’tmakingitup.I’veseenhimtakedownagroupofguysandnoneofthemgotupagain.”
“Don’tblameDave.It’smystupidfault.Iaskedhimfornomercy.”Cartermovedandletoutalowmoan.“Ithinkmyribsarebroken.”
“Howcouldyou?”Jenna’seyesflashedwithdismay.“Ty’syourfriend.It’sallwellandgoodtotrain,butfighting?Areyoucrazy?”
“It’ssomethingI’vedoneintrainingmanytimes.”Cartersmiledather.“Itshowswecanfightanyone,friendorfoe.”
“That’sgreatandifyougethurt,I’manothermandownontheteam.”Jennashookherhead.“IguessI’dbettercalltheparamedics.”
Kanerolledhiseyes.“Hisribsaren’tbroken.IfI’dhithimhard,I’dhavebrokenhisspine.”HeheldouthishandandpulledCartertohisfeet.“You’llbefine.Iwasn’ttryingtohurtyou,justkeepingoutoftheway.Youfightwell.We’llhavetotraintogethertomorrowifyou’reuptoit.I’dlikeyoutoshowmesomeofyourmovesandI’lldothesame.Idon’tfigurebrawlingforfirstbloodisagoodidea.WhenIfight,Itendtohurtpeople.”Heshrugged.“Sorry.”
“Areyousurethereisn’tmetalunderyourskin?”Carterpinchedhisnose.“OrImustbegettingsoft.”HewinkedatKane.“It’sjustaswellwe’reonthesameteam.”
Kanesnortedandslappedhimontheback.“Nometal.ItseemsIwasbornthisway.ThatandtrainingharddailytokeepmymusclestrengthisallIneed—well,apartfromfood.Ieatatonoffoodaday.”Heturnedtothepunchingbagandlandedafewhardhits,sendingthebagswinging.“I’llkeepgoing.Ineedanhouradayminimumandifwe’replanningongettingintotheofficeontime,I’llneedtocutitshort.”
“I’mdonehere.”CartergatheredhisclothesandnoddedtoJennaasheheadedoutthedoor.“Takeyourtime,I’llbebacksoontohelpJowithbreakfast.”
“Whatisitaboutmycookingthatmakeseveryonewanttojumpinandtakeover?”JennatookafirmgripofthepunchingbagandlookedatKane.
Kanesmiledatherandpunchedthebag.“Oh,Idon’tknow.Iguessnoteveryonehasmyloveofburnedtoast.”
THIRTY-NINE
JennawentthroughherexerciseroutinewithKane,concernedaboutwhathadhappenedbetweenKaneandCarter.“You’reskatingrealclosetotheedgewithTy.Ifigurehealreadysuspectsyou’respecialforces.”
“Ifhehadn’tinformedusabouthisbackground,I’dhavepickedhimattheget-goforaSeal,samewithyou,Jenna.Iknewbythewayyoumovedandactedyouhadspecialtraining.”Kanesmiled.“Observationiswhatkeepsusalive.TyissolidorthebestliarI’veevermet.I’mnotgivinghimanyinformationbuthecanseemeforwhatIam.Adeputyinasmalltownwouldn’thavethesameskillset.”
“Justbecareful.”Jenna’smindkeptmovingtoPoppy.Thewomanhadmadesuchafastexitittroubledher.ShewipedtheperspirationfromherfacewithatowelandturnedtoKane.“I’llfollowuponPoppytoday.Iwanttomakesureshe’sokay.ThefirstthingI’ddoisreplacemyphone.She’slikelygotaplanwithsomeone.Soshe’dgetanewphoneandSIMfromthesamecompany.Wehavethephone.MaybeWolfeorKalowillbeabletohelp.”
“Yeah,andshe’llkeepthesamenumber.”Kaneshrugged.“Mostpeopledo.It’sapainnotifyingeveryoneaboutanewnumber.Oncethephoneisunlocked,weshouldbeabletodiscoverwhatcompanyshe’swith.”Hewipeddowntheweightbenchandstraightened.“Butifshe’sgoneoffthegridtosoakherheadforatime,shemightnotreturnyourcalls.”
Jennacollectedthesoiledtowelsandopenedthedoor.“WellatleastI’llhavetried.I’llpoptheseinthewashandgotakeashower.”
She’djustfinisheddressingwhenherphonechimed.ItwasWolfe.“Morning,Shane.”
“I’vemovedtheautopsybacktothenormaltime.Emilyishere.Shedoesn’thaveclassesuntilthisafternoon,soI’llseeyouatten?”
Assheheadedforthekitchenthesmellofbaconandcoffeegreetedherandherstomachrumbledinappreciation.“Sure.We’llbethere.Wehadanewdeputyforafewhoursyesterday.Shetookoffandleftherphonebehind.Ifigureshedroppedit.It’spasswordprotected.Canyougetintoit?Ineedtofindher…wellnotfindher,sheresignedbyemailandsaidshewasheadingforColoradobutI’dliketocheckshe’sokay.”
“She’llpickupanewphoneandSIM.Giveheradayorsoandcallhernumber.Mygirlshavelostphonesandtheyneverchangetheirnumbers.”Wolfeclearedhisthroat.“Unlessyoufigureshe’sbeeninvolvedinacrimeorisinmortaldanger,Ican’taccessherphone.YouknowaswellasIdoyou’dneedasearchwarranttodothatandyoudon’thavethegroundstorequestone—notforapersonresigningandlosingtheirphone.”
Jennashookherhead.Shedidn’tneedtoberemindedofthelawbutherconcernhadoutweighedherjudgmentinthisinstance.“Ofcourse,you’reright.I’llgiveherafewdaystocooldownandtryhernumber.We’llseeyouatten.”
“I’llseeyouthen.”Wolfedisconnected.
TakingaplatefromJoasshewalkedintothekitchen,shesmiledather.“Thankyousomuchforcookingbreakfast.Ifeelveryspoiled,choresdoneandbreakfastcooked.”
“Youcancleanthetableandstackthedishwasher.”Carterlookedupfromhisplate.
SittingbesideKaneshenodded.“That’sfine.”
“Pleasedon’ttellmethatwasRowleycallingwitha911emergencyforustodealwiththismorning?”Kanecutintohispancakes.“Ifitis,canyouaskhimandRiotohandleit?”
Shakingherhead,Jennapouredsyrupoverherpancakes.“ItwasWolfe.Theautopsyisatten.HemoveditsoEmilycouldbethere.Shedoesn’thaveclassesthismorning.”
“So,nobodyhasdiedovernight?”CartergaveJoameaningfulstare.“That’stornmytheorytoshreds.”Henibbledatastripofcrispybacon.“Ifiguredthekillerhadlostcontrol.TheFloraCarsonmurderwasmessy…almostunfinished,asifsettingupRiowasmoredifficultthantheyimagined.Ithoughtmaybe,asitdidn’tgotoplan,they’dstrikeagainasinathrillkillrandomattack.”
Jennastaredathim.“Really?Theyseemtobewaytooorganizedtoriskathrillkill.”
“Wediscussedthecaseoverdinnerlastnight.”Josatdownandsippedhercoffee.“IfiguredfromtheMO—asI’mconvincedthisisthesamekiller—thattheyhadenteredaheightenedstageoffrenzy.Theneedtokillisstartingtoovercometheirjudgmentandthey’regettingreckless.Atfirst,Ithoughtthiswastheworkofanorganizedpsychopath…thereasonbeing,theplanningofeachkillismeticulous.TheyleavenocluesanduseavarietyofMOsthatshowatonofthought,butunlessthekillerhasalong-timeplan,it’sunusualforpsychopathsofthistypetokillsofrequently.”
“Everythingaboutthiscaseisunusual.”Kaneshookhishead.“Butthesemurdersarelinkedandthedifferencesisadeliberateploytomisleadus.That’samistakeontheirpartaswe’vehadmanyserialkillersmurderinavarietyofways.Thisisn’tunusualatall.Iknowthemindsofpsychopathsarevaried.Somekillthesamewayoverandover,messyatfirstandthenrefiningtheirart,butI’veseenothersconsciouslychangetheirMOtooutwitinvestigators.Thethingis,mostofthemaresupersmart.Thefewwhoarecompletelyoutofcontrolareusuallycaughtbecausetheymakemistakes.Sofarthiskillermightaswellhaveadegreeinforensics.Theyknowhowtoleavethesceneandthevictimwithoutatraceofevidence.”
Jennapushedherplateawayandreachedforhercoffee.“Yeah,andwehavethreepossiblesuspectsandcircumstantialevidenceatbest.Ican’tevendragoneoftheminforquestioning,Idon’thaveanyjustreason.Theyallcouldbecarryingondoingtheirusualjobsoroneofthemisakiller.Therehastobeacluewe’remissing.”
“TheoneIleantowardisTreyDuffy.”JopushedthebaconplattertowardKane.“Hehasasuitablebackgroundthatcouldtriggeranepisodeandopenlyadmitstheoldwomenscarehim.Thiscouldbehisexcuseforkillingthem.Theyallhaveanexcuse.Irememberinterviewingakillerwho’dmurderedhismotherandhersisterbecausetheyconstantlybelittledhim.Theydrovehimcrazywiththeirconstantchatter,sohebeheadedthemandthenperformedunspeakableactsonthem…butheneverkilledagainandhandedhimselfintothecops.”Sheleanedbackinherchair.“Hisexcusewastheydrovehimcrazy.Another,whoworkedforthemob,toldmehekilledbecausehewasacontractkiller,thatitwasjustajob.WhenIaskedhimwhyheshotthreekidsinatruck,hetoldmetheydisrespectedhim…Theyallhaveanexcuse.”
“Itisprobablyhim.”Kanepushedthestripsofbaconontohisplate.“Hecouldhavehadaccesstoamilitary-issueKa-Barknifeaswell.”Hechewedslowly.“Myproblemis,whyleavesomethingwithaconnectiontohimbehind,inanattempttoincriminateRio?Thisgoesagainsttheorganizedpsychopaththeory.”
Jennasighed,stood,andcollectedtheplates.“Maybeweleaveacruiseracrosstheroadfromhishouseforafewdays.”ShelookedatKane.“Wecouldsetupacamerainsideandwatchhimtoseeifheleavesthepremises?”
“Yeah,wecandothatwithoutacourtorder.”Kanesmiled.“We’rejustwatchingtheroadifit’snottrainedonhishouse.”
Asshepackedthedishwasher,Jennalaughed.“That’soneplanofactionbutweneedatonmoreifwe’regoingtocatchthisguybeforesomeoneelsedies.”
FORTY
Attheoffice,Jennacalledeveryoneforameeting.SheglancedaroundtheroomandnoticedRiomissingagain.“Where’sRio?”
“Hecalledin.”Rowleyswipedatthetipofhisnose.“Cadetookofffromschoolyesterday.Riohadtogoinandspeaktotheprincipal.Heshouldbebacksoon.”
Jennashookherhead.“Whatiswrongwiththatkid?”
“Women.”Cartersmiledknowingly.“It’sspringwhenyoungmen’sthoughtsgotogirlsandbaseball.Ifigurewithtwoonhismind,schoolistheleastofhisconcern.Nowthathehasn’tgotatrucktogovisitthem,whentheyshowup,heisblindtoeverythingelse.”
“Oh,wonderful.Youdoknowoneofthemisabucklebunny?”Jennapushedahandthroughherhair.“Andhowlongdoesthisphaseofateenager’slifelast?”
“Idon’tknow.Untilsummer,Iguess,oruntiltherightwomancomesalong.”Cartergrinned.“It’snotjustteenagers.IttakeseverythingI’vegottokeepmymindonworkingacaserightnow.”
“Oh,forgoodness’sake.”Joglaredathim.“You’venevermentionedbaseballonce.”SheturnedtoKane.“Whataboutyou?”
“Ilovebaseballbutmymindisonthecase.”Kaneopenedhislaptop.“AnythingelsecomethroughfromKalo?”
“Nope.”Carterpeeredathisscreen.“Ifhefindsanything,he’llcall.”
Collectingherthoughts,Jennaclearedherthroat.“Okay,Kane,canyoufittheoldcruiserintheparkinglotoutbackwithasurveillancecamera?Rowley,whenRiogetsback,parkthevehicleashortwayfromTreyDuffy’shouse.Ifyouleaveitoppositetheintersection,itwouldbejustaboutright.”
“Ifigureyou’llwanttomakesurethefootagepicksuphiscomingsandgoings.”Rowleyfrowned.“Isn’tthatalittleobvious?Ifyoucatchhimdoinganything,he’llchallengetheillegalsurveillanceincourt.”
Jennanodded.“Doyourecallthetwofenderbenderswehadonthatintersectionjustlastmonth?Ifiguredweneededtoseehowmanyrunthestopsign.Ifthereareafewoverthenextweek,we’llaskthemayortoputintrafficlights.”Sheraisedbotheyebrowsathim.“That’swhatmydaybookwillread.Ifhejusthappenstoshowuponthefootage,wecanuseit,andeitherway,itcouldsavelives.”
“Sometimessavinglivestakesalittlethought.”Cartertossedatoothpickintohismouthandsmiledaroundit.“Thatcrossroadscouldbedeadly.”
Aknockcameonthedoor.Jennalookedup.“Comein.”ThedooropenedslowlyandRiopokedhisheadaround.“Ohgood.Sitdown.Iseverythingokayathome?”
“Notreally,no.”Rioremovedhishatandranahandthroughhishair.“Cade’sgirlfriendswereatthehousewhenIgothomeyesterday.KarahadhelpedherselftomybeerandIfoundhersortingthroughpapersinmyoffice.WhenIaskedherwhatthehellshewasdoing,shetookCadeandleftwithhersister.AtleastCadewasdriving,andafterwhatI’dbeenthrough,Iwasoverchasingafterhim.Hecamebackthismorningandcaughtthebustoschool.Herefusedaride.WhenIspoketotheprincipal,IdiscoveredKaraisalwayshangingaroundbuthastheexcuseshe’swaitingforhersister.”Heshrugged.“I’moutofoptions.IfIpushtoohard,CadewillmoveinwithKaraandI’lllosehimaltogether.”
Frowning,Jennaliftedherchin.“Youcanstopherfromenteringyourhouse,butatseventeen,Cadeisgoingtobeaproblem.Ihavenoexperienceinraisingteenagers,butunlessheisbreakingthelaw,maybesteppingbackmightwork?”
“Untilheturnseighteenandgetshisinheritance?”Rio’sexpressionsoured.“I’vealwaysquestionedtheideaofreleasingthatmuchmoneytoakid.Attwenty-one,hemighthavedevelopedsomebrainswhenitcomestowomen.”
“Areyouhislegalguardianuntilheturnseighteen?”Jonarrowedhergaze.“Ifso,you’reincontrolofhisproperty.”
“Yeah,myparentsmentioneditinthewillbuttheirgrandmainsistedoncaringforthem.”Riosighed.“AtthetimeitwasthebestchoiceasIwasworkingandlivinginatinyapartment.Theestatetookatimetogothroughprobate.Myfatherhadsomeoutstandingbills,andbeingaplanecrash,itwasagesbeforetheinsurancecamethrough.Itwasn’tuntilthetwinstookoffthatIdiscoveredtheyweremiserable.”
“Okay.”Josmiledathim.“Whowasexecutorofthewill?”
“Me.”Rioraisedonedarkeyebrow.“Why?”
“Igatheryousetupatrustfundforthetwins?”Jo’seyessparkled.“Youwouldhaveincludedaprovisiontohavethefundsreleasedaccordingtoyourparents’wishes?”
“Totheletter.”Riorubbedthebackofhisneck.“Whatareyougettingat,Jo?”
“Astheirguardian,youhavecontrolovertheirmoneyuntiltheyturneighteen.Sogoandchangethetrustfundreleasedatetountiltheyturntwenty-one.”Joshrugged.“SeemstomeyouhavemorethanavalidreasonasCadeisactingirresponsibly,butyoudon’tneedareason.Ifhechallengesyourdecisionwhenheturnseighteen,hewon’thavethefinancestotakeittocourt.Inthecircumstances,itwouldbemychoiceofaction.Whenit’sdone,tellhimandseehowlonghisbucklebunnysticksaroundwhenshediscoversit’sathree-yearwaitbeforeshecangetherhandsonhisinheritance.”
“Okay.”Riorelaxedintothechair.“I’llgetatit,whenI’mfree.”
JennalookedatRio.“MaketheappointmentandgodoitASAP.Wecanworkaroundyou.”
“Thanks.”Rioblewoutalongbreath.“Whydidn’tIthinkofthat?”
Rubbinghertemples,Jennadraggedhermindbacktothecase.“Wehaveanautopsyatten.”Hergazemovedoverherdeputies.“Youhaveyourorders,makeithappen.Rowley,gohelpKanesetupthecamera,andRio,makethecall.”Shewavedthemaway.
Sheturnedtoscrutinizethewhiteboard,tryingtowringoutonedropofusefulinformation,whenherdeskphonerang.MaggiehadacallforherfromBretCarson.AssumingFlora’ssonwasaskingaftertheautopsyfindings,Jennasuckedinalongbreath.“Mr.Carson.HowcanIhelpyou?”
“I’mconcernedaboutMrs.Jefferson,HarrietteJefferson.She’sbeenveryupsetasweallhaveovermygrandma’smurder.IthoughtI’ddropbytoseeherthismorningandshe’snothome.Icalledherandshe’snotpickingupherphone.”Hesoundedstressed.“Icalledsomeofherfriends.Iknowthembecausethey’rethesameacquaintancesasmygrandma’s,andshedidn’tshowupatanyoftheirhomes.Theydidseeheryesterday.Itookthelibertyoflookingaroundthehouse,justincaseshe’dtakenafallinthebackyard.Thechickenshadnowaterorfoodandshelovesherchickens.I’mconcernedshemightbeillinsidethehouse.Orthatsomethinghappenedtoheronherwayhomefromtownyesterday.”
GlancingatJoandCarter,Jennastood.“Whatmakesyouthinksomethingmighthavehappenedtoheronherwayhome?”
“Shewalkshomeeverydayfromtownaspartofherexerciseroutine.She’salwaystellingpeopleabouthowherdoctorinsistsshewalkseveryday.SoshedoesitMondaytoFridaylikeclockwork.Youcansetyourclockbyher.Theproblemis,atthisendofStanton,thehousesarespacedwideapart.Somefourorfiveacresbetween.Afterwhathappenedtomygrandma,well,I’mworriedabouther.”BretCarsonletoutalongbreath.“Couldyoudropbyherhouseandcheckonherplease?”
Pickingupapen,Jennapulledhernotepadtowardher.“Okay,givemeherdetails.We’llcomebynow.”
“Thankyou.I’llfixupthechickensandwaitforyou.”Carsondisconnected.
Inafewwords,JennabroughtJoandCarteruptodate.“I’llneedthekeystomycruiser.”
“We’llcome.”Carterjumpedtohisfeet,theactionmakingZorrostandandstretchluxuriouslyandstareathim.CarterglancedatJo.“Right?”
“Yeah,we’llcome.”Jogatheredherthings.“I’moutofideas.I’mhopingFloraCarson’sautopsywillgiveussomethingtogoon.”
Jennanodded.“I’mhopingthattoo,wesureneedabreakthroughinthiscase.Wolfeisthebest,andifthere’sacluetothekiller,he’llfindit.”
FORTY-ONE
Astheymadetheirwaydownthesteps,JennanoticedMaggiespeakingtoaboywearingahoodie.Shewastakingdownhisdetailsandpraisinghimforcomingintotheoffice.Whenshehandedhimanote,theboyscamperedoutthedoor,climbedonhisbicycle,androdeaway.Jennawalkedtothecounter.“I’mheadingouttohuntdownHarrietteJefferson.LetKaneknowwhereI’vegonewhenhecomesin.Thedetailsareinmydaybook.”
“HarrietteJefferson?”Maggie’seyeswidened.“Youdon’tsay?Thatboyjusthandedinherpurse.HefounditinWishingWellParkonStantonnearthewell.”Shelookedfromonetotheother.“Oh,Lord,Ididn’tweargloves.IjustfiguredI’dlookforIDanddropitintothelostandfound.”
Thisistoomuchofacoincidence.Jennastaredaftertheboy,makingamentalnoteofhisdescription,notthatshecouldseehisface.Hecouldbeanyofthelocalkids.Hiddenunderballcapswithhoodiesstretchedoverthetop,theyallblendedintoone.CouldhebethesamekidwhotoldRioaboutFloraCarson?“Don’tworry,wecaneliminatetheboy’sandyourfingerprintsifneedsbe,butifitlooksintact,chancesareshedroppedit.Youdidgethisdetails?”
“Isuredid,buthewaswearinggloves,sonoprints.”Maggieindicatedtothedaybookonthecounter.“Iwrotehimanoteaswelltoexplainwhyhewaslateforschool.”Shefrowned.“I’mnotsureIcouldrecognizehimagain.Iwasn’tpayingtoomuchattention.”
“Ididn’tgetmuchofalookathimeither.”Jennapulledonglovesandtookthebagfromher.“Cash,housekeys,andphone.So,itwasn’tapursesnatching.”Shetookthekeysanddroppedthepurseonthecounter.“Dropthatintoanevidencebag.I’llgostraighttoWishingWellParkandseeifthere’sanysignofher.WhenKanecomesbacksendhimalong.We’llwaitforhim.”
Pullingoffhergloves,shefollowedCarterandJotothecruiser.Sheclimbedinthebackseat,hopingthatnothinghadhappenedtoHarrietteJefferson.ShegaveCarterdirectionstoWishingWellPark.“It’snotintheGPS.It’salocalnameforastrangelittleclearinginthewoods.Peopleuseitmosttimesasashortcut.Itrunsacrossasweepingbendintheroadandtakesabouttenminutesoffthedistanceifyoutakethesidewalk.”
Itdidn’ttakelongtoreachthegrassystretchbesideStantonandtheypulledupbesideawell-wornpathwayleadingintothewoods.ThisareahadbeenpartofStantonForestbeforethetowncouncilbuiltaroadthroughit,cuttingitoffandleavingawoodedareawithstrangetwistedtrees.Sometownsfolkbelievedthetreesobjectedtobeingtornawayfromtheirfamiliesandhadbecomeuglyandangry.Althoughshe’ddiscoveredthetowncouncilatthetimehadpoisonedthetrees,butarainstormhadsoakedtheareathesameday.Thetreeshadblackenedandtwistedfromthepoison.Theoutcrythatfollowedfromthetownsfolkwhenthey’ddiscoveredwhathadhappened,preventedanyfurtherinterventionbythetowncouncil.Intheeightyyearssince,thetreeshadremainedatwistedremindertoeveryonenottodamagetheforest.
Shesteppedoutofthecruiserandlookedaround.“Iguesswefollowthepath.Theboysaidhefoundthepurseintheclearingnearthewell.”
Thethreeofthemfannedout.JotookthepathandJennaandCarterwalkedthroughthegrassoneithersideofher.ZorrostucktoCarter’ssidelikeglue,liftinghislongfinelegsthroughthespikygrasslikeaprancinghorse.Jennasniffed,searchingforanythingunusual.Theusualpinefragranceheldanunderlyingdampsmellastheforestrecoveredfromthemelt,butsomethingelsetaintedtheair.SheturnedtoCarter.“Doyousmellanything?”
“Yeah.”Carterwavedtowardtheclearing.“Thewindisblowingtowardus,soit’sinthatdirection.”
Scanningbackandforth,Jennasearchedthegroundandfoundzip.Astheymovedclosertothedarkgrottoashiverofapprehensionsliddownherspine.Thesmellwasincreasinganditwasthestinksheneverforgot.Deathlurkedcloseby.
“Itsmellslikesomethingdiedrecently.”Jopeeredintothegloom.“It’ssodarkinhere.”Shepulledoutherphoneandalightlitupthearea.“Ican’tseeabody.”
JennapulledoutherMagliteandshonethebeamaround.Carterwasdoingthesame,walkingbackandforthstaringintothesurroundingtrees.Sheturnedtohim.“Whataboutthewell.Maybeshefelldownthere?”
“Idon’tfigureanoldladycouldclimbupthereandjumpin.”Carterheadedforthewellandstoppedtostareattheground.“Ihavedragmarks.I’llgoinfromtheotherside.”Heheadedthroughthetreesandemergedontheothersideofthewell.Shiningabeamoflightintothedarkhole,heliftedhishead.“She’shere.”
Jennapushedherwaythroughthedenseundergrowthtohissideandpeereddownthewelltoseeafloatingbodyofawhite-hairedoldlady.“Oh,no.”ShereachedforherphoneandcalledWolfe.“I’msorry,theautopsywillhavetowait.Wehaveabodydownawell.Therearedragmarks.It’sapossiblehomicide.”
“GivemethedetailsandI’llberightthere.Isthereroomforatruckinthere?We’llneedtousethewinch.”
Jennaswallowedhard.“Yeah,Ithinkso.Thewellisnarrow.I’mnotsurehowyou’regoingtogetherout.”
“Justleavethattome.”Wolfedisconnected.
Jennainchedaroundthewellandbenttotakephotographsofthescuffmarks.SheturnedtoCarterandJo.“We’llneedtosearchthisplaceallover.Collectandphotographanythingyoufindthatmightgiveusacluewhodidthis.Evenasinglehair.”
“I’monit.”Jomovedtoherside.“Lookaroundyou.Thescenecarriesmanyofthesametraitswe’veseenintheothermurders.It’sanisolatedplace.Idon’tfigurethevictimdroppedherpurse.Itwastheonlyweaponshehadandifitwereme,I’dhavethrownitatthekiller,inanattempttogetaway.Theprolongedfearfactorisevidentinallthecrimes.Herewehavetheconfinedspace.”Shepointedtothewell.“Lookatthedragmarksfromherheels.Tomakethemwithoutthekillerleavingafootprinttookskill.Thekillerkepttheirfeetonthegravelaroundthewell,leavingnotracebehind.Iseriouslydoubtwe’llfindanyevidence.Thismurder,liketheotherswasaverysophisticatedwell-plannedkill.”
JennaheardtheBeastrumbletoahaltonStantonandthenextmomentDukeboundedtowardher,thesheriff’sdepartment’sbadgehangingfromhiscollar,reflectinginthesunlight.Shesmiled.Asatrackerdog,Dukehadbecomeavaluablepartoftheteam.WhenKanecameintoview,sheturnedbacktoJo.“There’ssomethingelse.”SheglancedaroundandthenwavedCartertowardthem.“JustwaituntilDavegetshere.I’venoticedsomethingsignificant.”
SheledthemoutintothesunshineandmetKane.Shegavehimarundownofwhathadhappened.“Okay.Jopointedouttheconnectionsbetweenthecrimescenesandhowtheylinkthecasestogether.”SheexplainedJo’stheory.“Butthere’ssomethingelsethat’swavingredflagsatme.Allthesemurdershappenedinisolatedplacesandchancesarewewouldn’thavefoundthebodiesforweeks,butwedid.Why?First,wefollowedamessagethatsentusouttoSnowberryWayandthemurderofDorisWagner.”
“ThenJoleneDarvishtellsmeaboutthesuspiciousbreak-inofherfoodlockerandsomeonerunningherofftheroad.”Kanenarrowedhisgaze.“Bothinstanceswouldwarrantfurtherinvestigation.Thekillerwouldknowwe’drolluptoJoleneDarvish’scabintofollowup.”
Jennarubbedherarms,suddenlychilled.“ThenwehadthemudmessagesayingthatRiowasinvolved.WediscoverakidonabiketoldhimthatFloraCarsonhadseenaprowler.Akidnoonecanidentify.ShecouldhavealreadybeenmurderedbeforeRioarrived.”
“Itwasasifthey’dleftthemudmessageasabackupincaseRiodidn’tcallintotelluswherehe’dgone—asiftheyknewhe’dleftalonetocheckonMrs.Carson.”Jofrowned.“Ifyouhadn’tarrivedwhenyoudid,Riowouldhaverecoveredfromthedrug.Theywantedyoutofindhim,sprawledoutonthefloorwiththeknifeandbody.”
Chewingonherbottomlip,Jennanodded.“Mostfolkswouldknowthatonlyoneofusmansthe911emergencylineovernight.Acallforaprowlerwouldn’tnormallybeaproblem—adrive-byusually,asmosttimesit’speople’soveractiveimaginationortreebranchesrubbingagainsthousesinthewind.”Sheshrugged.“Ithastobealocal,witheyesonourusualprocedure.”
“Yeah,someoneisplayingus.It’snotacoincidencewhenanotherkidshowsupwiththepurseofavictimstuffedintoawell.”Carterscratchedhischeek.“Rightafteryou’dreceivedacallfromBretCarson,asupposedlyworriedneighborwhojusthappenedtoshowupathisgrandma’smurderscene—andthepersonwhoheclaimssawRio’struckoutsidecan’tbequestionedbecauseshe’sdownawell.Yeah,it’sasifsomeoneisdirectingtraffic.Notmanypeoplecomehereinspringandthesmellwouldn’tlikelyreachthehouses.Shecouldhavebeenhereforalongtimebeforewediscoveredherbody.DidMaggieaskthekidwhathewasdoinghere?ShehashisaddressasMaple.That’stheotherendoftown,andnothisusualroutetoschool,isit?Whatwashedoinghereorwashedeliveringamessagefromthekiller,sowe’dfindHarrietteJeffersondownthewell?”
“Whichmeansthey’rewatchingus.”Kanescannedthearea.“Andrightnow,they’reonestepaheadofus.”HeturnedtoJenna.“WhenRowleyandRiogetbacktotheoffice,maybesendRowleytodropbythekid’saddressandfindhimattheschool.Ifhe’snotthere,we’llknowwe’rebeingplayed.”
Jennapulledoutherphone.“Sweeptheareaforevidence.I’llmakethecallandwhenWolfefinishesuphere,we’llgoandhaveanicelongchatwithBretCarson.”
FORTY-TWO
KaneduckedoutfromunderthetwistedtreebranchesandwenttoJenna’sside.“There’snothing,notasmuchasafootprint.WhatdidCarsonsaywhenyoucalledhim?”
“Notmuch.Ijusttoldhimtowaitandwe’dbealongsoonandthatwehadanothercalltoattendto.”Jennashrugged.“Hesaidhe’dkeeponcallingherfriendsandwouldwaitforus.”Shelookedupathim.“Iknowwherehelivesifhedecidestoleave.”
PushingtheMaglitebackinsidehispocket,Kanesmiled.“Hewon’tmove,especiallyifhe’stryingtooutsmartus.Ifheisinvolved,whichispossibleasheseemstoknoweveryoneinthequiltingcircle,hecertainlyslippedunderourradar.”Hepeeredintotheclearing.“Wolfehaspulledoutthebody.”
“Let’stakealook.”Jennapulledoutafacemaskandpressedittohernose.“Oh,thatstinks.I’llnevergetusedtothesmell.”
Thebodywithwhitewrinkledskinwasinanadvancedstateofdecomposition.Surprised,KaneliftedhisgazetoWolfe.“Ialwaysbelievedcoldwaterpreservedabody.Thislookslikeit’sbeenhereforalotlongerthanovernight.”
“Thewaterisstagnantandthere’stheremainsofdeadcrittersdownthereaswell.It’sahealthhazard.I’llreportittothelocalcouncil.Itneedstobefilledwithcementtopreventthespreadofdisease.”Wolfemethisgaze.“Innormalcircumstances,yes,you’dbecorrect,butinputridwater,filledwithorganismsandbacteria,abody’sdecompositionisincreased.”Hepointedtotheneck.“Ligaturemarkscuttingdeep.Strangulationusingacordofsomekindand,fromthecrossedlines,I’dsayithappenedfacetoface.”
DisgustrolledoverKaneandheturnedtoJenna.“Upcloseandpersonal.Thekillerwantedtoseethevictim’sfearandfeelthelifedrainoutofher.Ittakesstrengthtomakeasustainedmarklikethatandthekillermustkeepupthepressureforatleastfourminutestoensuretheirvictimdies.That’salongtime.Anyshorterandthevictimregainsconsciousness.”
“Ifyouwantedtomakeaquickkillanddisposeofthebodydownthewell,whatwouldyoudo?”Jennapushedastrandofhairbehindoneear.“Andlookingatthescene,theydidn’twanttostabher.Itwouldhavebeentoomessy.They’dhaveriskedleavingevidencebehindwhentheytossedherdownthewell.”
Kaneglancedawayforasecondortwo.Hedislikedbeingaskedhowhe’dkillsomeone.Thatpartofhislifewasover…well,fornowatleast.“Breakingtheneckisthecleanestwaytokill,silentandinstant.”HemetJenna’sgaze.“Ittakesstrengthandtechnique.Itisalsodonefrombehindandthatwouldrobthekillerofwatchingthevictimdie.Iknowyou’rethinkingmilitary-issuedweaponandnowmaybethisguyhadmilitarytraining,butnoneofthesekillstellmemilitary.”
“Nope.”CartermovedtoJenna’sside.“Whatwe’veseenisinefficientwaysofkilling.Militaryistheopposite:afastkillandmoveon.WhatI’mseeingisfocusedandbrutal,forthekiller’spleasure.”
Nodding,KanelookedatJennaandshrugged.“Iagree.Thestrengthcouldcomefromdrugs.Someoneoncrystalmethoftenhasincrediblestrengthandburstsofunreasonabletemper.Youneedtocastyournetoverawidearea.Thiscouldbeanyoneofoursuspects.”
“Okay,I’mdonehere.”Wolfesteppedintothecircleofpeople.“I’lldoapreliminarybackatthelabandputthisvictimonice.We’llconcentrateontheFloraCarsonautopsytoday.”HelookedatJenna.“IfImoveituntilthree,willitfitintoyourday?”
“Yeah,thanks.”Jennasmiledathim.“Ihaveanotherpersonofinteresttospeakto,sothatwillworkoutfine.It’sashameEmilywillmisstheautopsy.”
“She’llbebackbythree,soshe’llbeabletoobserve.”Wolfetouchedhishat.“Seeyoulater.”Heheadedforhistruck.
“AreyoucomingwithustointerviewBretCarson?”JennalookedfromCartertoJoandback.
“Yeah,I’dliketoobservehisbodylanguage.”JoturnedtoCarter.“You?”
“Iwouldn’tmissit.”Carterstrolledoutintothesunshine.“Leadtheway.”
WhenKanepulledupoutsideMrs.Jefferson’sneathouse.Helookedbackdownthelongdrivewayandwonderedwhyawomanofheragewouldwalksofareachday.Itmustbethreemilesfromtowntoherhomeandyetasedansatinagaragenexttothehousepolishedandclean.Anothervehiclesatinfrontofthehouse,awhiteGMCtruckwithamansittinginside.Hewalkeduptotheman.“BretCarson?”
“Yeah.”Carsonopenedthedoorandclimbedout.“Whattookyousolong?Harriettecouldbeintroubleinside.”
“WefoundMrs.Jefferson.”Jennamovedtohisside.“I’mafraidshe’sdead.”
“Whatdoyoumean?”Carsonpaledandranahanddownhisface.“Whathappenedtoher?”
Observinghimclosely,KaneflickedaglanceatJo,whowasdoingthesame.“Whatmakesyouthinksomethinghappenedtoher?Shewasanoldlady.Peopledieofoldage.”
“AftersomeonemurderedAgnesWagnerandthenmygrandma,notforgettingthehorribledeathofMrs.Darvish,whatelseamItothink?”Carsonlookedathimwildeyed.“There’sacrazypersonrunningaroundtown.Youneedtostopthem.”
Thefactthey’dconsideredJoleneDarvish’smurderahomicidehadneverbeenreleasedtothemedia.Findinghertruckatthebottomoftheravinewasdescribedas“underinvestigation”andthere’dbeennofindingsinhisgrandma’smurderpendinganautopsy.Kaneshookhishead.“Thosearewildaccusations.Wheredidyougetthisinformation?ThedeathofAgnesWagnerisstillunderinvestigation,thesameastheothers.”
“Areyousayingmygrandmawasn’tmurdered?”CarsonpushedahandthroughhisthickbrownhairandglaredatKane.“Thenwhycan’tIseeher?WhenIcalledtheME,hetoldmethatIshouldrememberherhowshewas,nothowshelooksnow.Theycutupherface,didn’tthey?Didtheydothattotheotherstoo?”
“Mr.Carson.”Jennahadanotepadandpeninherhand.“Ineedyoutocalmdown.Wereyouhomelastnight?”
“Yes,I’mhomemosttimes.”Carson’scheeksreddened.“I’mondisability.Iwasinawreckandhurtmyspine.Why?”
“YoumentionedMrs.Jeffersonlikestowalkhomefromtownanddoessomostweeknights.”Jennaliftedherpen.“Howdoyouknowthis?”
“Iknowbecausesheisafriendofthefamilyandmentionedherdoctortoldhertowalkeachdaytoimproveherhearthealth.”Carsonstuckouthischin.“IwasoutwalkingmydogoneeveningandsawherwalkingoutofWishingWellPark.Itoldheritwasn’tsafeforhertobewalkingthroughthereatdusk.”
“Doyouwalkyourdogeverynightaroundthesametime?”Jennabentherheadtomakenotes.
“Iwalkhimbeforesupper,yes,everynight.”Carsonfoldedhisarmsacrosshischest.“Why?”
“Soyou’doftenseeMrs.Jeffersonwalkinghome?”Jennaliftedhergazetohim.
“SometimesIdid,noteverynight.”CarsonflickedagazetoKaneandoverJoandCarter.“Whytheinterrogation?”
“Well,asshewentmissingandfromyouraccountthechickenshaven’tbeentended,mostpeoplewouldassumeshewaseitherinsidethehouseorsomethinghadhappenedtoheronthewayhome.”Jennaraisedaneyebrow.“Asit’sobviousthehousehasn’tsufferedabreak-in,oroneofthedoorswouldbedamaged,wouldn’tanyreasonablepersonretraceherstepstoensureshewasn’tlyingsomewhereaftercollapsingorsimilar?Especiallyasyouwereawareshewalkedhomethesamewayeachnight.”
“Ididn’tthinkto.”Carsonshrugged.“Ijustcalled911.”
Tomakesurewefoundherbody?KaneexchangedalookwithJenna.“Okay,Mr.Carson.WhatcanyoutellmeaboutMrs.Jefferson?Isthathervehicleinthegarage?”
“Itwasherhusband’s.Shedoesn’tdrive.”Carsonglancedatthesedan.“Sheallowsmetodriveittothecarwashonceaweek.”
“Doyouknowherfamily?”JennalookedatCarson.“We’llneedtonotifyhernextofkin.”
“Shehasnone.Sheneverhadanykids.”Carsonshrugged.“Shemademetheexecutorofherwill,sameasmygrandmadid.Theytrustedme.I’llhandlethefuneralarrangements.”
“Okay.”Jennaclearedherthroat.“I’dliketoaskyousomemorequestions.Wouldyoumindcomingdowntothesheriff’soffice?”
“Isupposeit’sokay.”Carsonnarrowedhiseyesather.“Istheresomethingyou’renottellingmeaboutmygrandma’sdeath?”
“I’llknowmoreinafewhours.”JennalookedatCarter.“AgentsCarterandWellswilltakeyou.I’llhavesomeonedropyoubackforyourtrucklater.”
KanewaitedforCarsontobeplacedinthebackofthecruiserandturnedtoJenna.“Hecouldbeapossible.”
“Mythoughtsexactly.”JennaturnedtoJo.“Canyoutakehimbacktotheofficeandquestionhim?Cartermightbeabletodigdeeper.We’llcheckoutthehouse.”
PushinghisStetsonbackfromhisforehead,Kanefrowned.“WehavefourhomicidesandallbutMrs.Carsonhavenonextofkin.WhatifCarsonisexecutoroftheirestatesaswell?It’sagroupofpeoplewho’veknowneachotherforyears.Ifsoandhe’sthesolebeneficiary,that’sadarngoodmotiveforkillingthem.”
“Kalowillfindout.”Cartermovedtotheirside.“Carsonisactingsuspicious.”
“That’swhyIwantyoutohandletheinterviewwithJo.”Jennasmiledathim.“Ifyoudon’tmind?”
“Mypleasure.”CartertouchedhishatandheadedforthecruiserwithJoclosebehind.
Kanelookedafterthemandbitbackagrin.“You’vemadehisday.”
“Ifinditdifficultgivingthemorders.”Jennamethisgazewithafrown.“Iknowthisisourcaseandthey’rehereasconsultants,butsometimesit’sstrange.Imean,onthescaleofthings,theyarehigherupthechainofcommand.”
KaneshookhisheadandfollowedhertothedoorofMrs.Jefferson’shouse.HegaveDukethesignaltostayandthedogsankdownontheporchwithasigh.HeturnedtoJenna.“Nah,you’rethehighest-rankedofficerhere.Theonlypersonoveryouisthemedicalexamineratacrimescene.JoandCarterareherenotonafederallevel.They’reheretoshareresourcessowecancatchakiller.Weneededtheirresources:Carter’sflyingskills,Jo’sinsight,andKalo’sITexpertise.Theycan’tarrestanyoneinyourcountyunlesstheycommitafederalcrime.Theyunderstandwhatcapacitythey’reinandwon’toverstep,eventhoughthecaseisnowaserialoffender.Althoughtheycouldstepiniftheyconsideredthekillermightbeoperatingoutofyourjurisdiction.”
“Well,Iknowthat,butit’sstillstrange.”Jennapulledonglovesandthentookthekeysfromherpocket.“Let’stakeaquicklookaroundandmakesurenothinghasbeentouched.”
Thehousesmelledofdampandstaleroseperfumebutinsidewastidy.Kanemovedthroughthedownstairsrooms,clearingeachoneandtakinghistimetomakesurenothinghadbeendisturbed.Hesuckedinadeepbreathand,withJennawatchinghisback,ventureddownintothecellar.“We’dbettertakealook.”
“Isthatanewfurnace?”Jennakickedatapileofdustsweptagainstonewall.“Hmm,ifthisisDuffy’swork,hedidn’ttakethetimetocleanupthemesshe’dmade.”Shepointedtoanopenwindow.“Itlookslikehemakesahabitofleavingthewindowopen.”
Takingthetimetoexaminethenewfurnace,Kanebenttopickupawrench.“Seemshewasinahurrytoleave.IthinkweneedtohaveanotherchatwithMr.Duffy.”
“Ifheadmitstoinstallingthefurnace,itwon’tproveanything.IfigurewewaitandseewhattheCCTVfootageshowsafteradayortwo.”Sheglancedbackupthestairs.“Let’sgetoutofhere.Ihatecellars.”Sheheadedforthesteps.
KanefollowedJennabackintothemainpartoftheresidence.Itwasalargehousewithfivebedroomsupstairs.Heopeneddoors,findingfourclosetsalongonewallofthehallway.“Thisfamilymusthavebeenhuge.Lookatalltheclosets.”
“Carsonsaidshedidn’thavekids.”Jennafrownedandpulledopenaclosetdoor.“Dogs?Doyoufigureshekeptdogsinhere?”
ThehairsonthebackofKane’sneckstoodtoattentionasheranhisMagliteovertheinsideoftheemptycloset.Cobwebsfilledthecornersandspidersranfromhislight,butashemovedthebeamaroundthesmallspace,itpickedoutlongmarksdugdeepintothedoor.Ononewallsomeonehadscratchedastickfigureofagirlwithaballoononastring.Hemovedtothenextdoorandthenthenext.Alltheemptycupboardshadthesametelltalesigns.TurningslowlytotakeinJenna’sashenface,heswallowedthelumpinhisthroat.“Shekeptkidsinhere.”
HepulledouthisphoneandcalledKalo.“Bobby,canyoucheckifMrs.HarrietteJeffersonoutofStanton,BlackRockFalls,hadanyinvolvementwithkids,fostersystem,teacher,anythingatall,andcheckoutherhusbandtoo.Hedied.Gobackasfarasyoucan,twentyyearsifpossible.Also,seeiftherewereanyreportsofkidsgoingmissingaroundthesametime.Checkallsurroundingcounties.Thanks.”HedisconnectedandlookedatJenna.“Iguesswe’dbettergothroughthebedroomswithafine-toothedcomb.Peoplelikethiskeepsouvenirs.”
Theymovedthroughthehouse,checkingouteachroomwithcare.Insidethemasterbedroom,KaneturnedatJenna’sintakeofbreath.“Foundsomething?”
“Yeah.”Sheheldoutacookietin,thelidrustedwithage.“Atrophyhoard.”
Kanepeeredintothecollectionofhair.Eachstrandheldwitharibbon.Eachribbonhadanamewritteninballpointpen.Inthebottomofthebox,acollectionofearrings,necklaces,andbracelets,allcostumejewelryormadeofplastic—kids’things.Hisstomachtightenedashisgreatestfearsforwhathadhappenedinthisneathomerushedoverhim.“It’shardtobelievethatsweetoldladymurderedkids,butitsurelooksthatway.”
“Well,somethingsurehappenedhere.”JennashudderedandpulledanevidencebagfromherjacketpocketandhelditopenforKanetodropinthecookietin.“Ifshewasinvolvedwiththefostersystemornot,we’dbettergetateamdownfromHelenatoexcavatethebackyard.I’mtreatingthisasacrimescenejustincase.”
FORTY-THREE
AssoonasJennaclimbedintotheBeast,shecalledJoandgaveherarundownofwhatthey’dfound.“AskCarsonifMrs.Jeffersonfosteredkids.Waitforhisreaction.He’dhavebeenaroundifshe’dbeenfriendswithhisgrandma.He’dknowifshehadkidsinthehouse.”
“Hmm,interesting.”JosoundedbusinesslikeandJennaassumedtheinterviewhadalreadystartedandshecouldn’ttalk.“I’llpassthaton.”Shedisconnected.
JennashotaglanceatKane.“Okay,nowwhat?”
“CallWolfeandbringhimuptodate.”KanestaredstraightaheadastheyspedalongStantononthewaybacktotheoffice.“He’llbeabletoarrangeaforensicanthropologistteamtosearchthegrounds.”
Jennashuddered.“Whatiswrongwiththistown?Ithoughtcrimefollowedus,butthelongerIlivehere,Idiscoverterriblethingshavebeenhappeningherefordecades.”Shepushedahandthroughherhair.“Whyinthisbeautifulplace?”
“It’sthevastnessandthewilderness.”Kaneshrugged.“That’swhatattractspeoplebothgoodandbad.It’stheperfectplacetoescapetheworldanddetection.That’swhytheysentushere,nottomopupthecrimebuttohide.Seemsthemorewedig,themorewefind,andthesecoldcasesaremorechillingthanthepresentcrimes.Imaginewhatthetownwouldhavebeenliketwentyorthirtyyearsago.”
Jennastaredoutthewindowastheymovedthroughtown.Theplacehadchangeddramaticallysinceshe’darrived.Infact,ithadtripledinsizeandgonefromasleepybackwoodstowntoatouristdestination.ShepulledoutherphoneandcalledWolfe.Afterexplaining,shecaughthissharpintakeofbreath.“Sohowdoyouwantmetohandlethis?”
“Fourmurdersandnowacoldcase?”Wolfelethisbreathoutinalongsigh“Youdoknowthere’sonlyoneofmeworkinghere?Ican’tpossiblystartanexcavationwiththebodieslininguphereforautopsy.Idealwithothercasesaswell.Peopledieinhospital,athome,orhaveaccidentsandthecauseisunknown.Allofthesecomethroughmyoffice.”
Swallowinghard,Jennachewedonherbottomlip.“Iknowyou’reoverworked,Shane.JusttellmewhotocallandI’llgetrightonit.”
“Ican’tcallforateamfromHelenatoexcavatewithoutevidence,Jenna.”Wolfetappedawayonhiskeyboard.“Icouldrequestacadaverdogandhandler.Ifhefindsanything,you’llbeabletogetateamtodotheexcavation.Itwouldbequickertogetyourdeputiesdowntheretounearthanythingthatlookssuspicious.It’sunusualforpeopletoburychildrenindeepgraves.Iftheyusemydronetosearchthearea,theyshouldbeabletomapanygrounddisturbances.Flowerbedsarepopularplacesaswell.”
“Okay,thanksforyourhelp.”Jennafrownedwithconcern.“We’llseeyouatthree.”ShedisconnectedandturnedtoKane.“WolfeisswampedandI’mworriedabouthim.HejustaboutbitmyheadoffwhenIaskedhimaboutexcavatingtheJeffersons’yard.”
“Wolfedoesn’tcrackunderpressure.”Kanepulledupoutsidethesheriff’soffice.“HiswifewasdyingwhenIwasindangerinSyriaandhewasascoolasice.Itmustbesomethingelse.”Hesnappedhisfingers.“Oh,IbetIknow.”Heturnedandgrinnedather.“TheHelenamedicalexaminer’sdepartmenthadanewprofessorjointheteam.ShemadequiteanimpressiononWolfeattheconferenceandIdobelievehemetwithherforlunchwhenwewenttoHelena.”Hechuckled.“Ihappenedtomentionitastheyhadgottenalongsowellandhebrusheditoffbysayingthatanythoughtsofmovingonwereoutofthequestionashisgirlswouldneverallowanotherwomaninthehouse.”
Jennagapedathim.“So,you’resayingifateamarrives,she’dbeinchargeandworkinghandinhandwithhim,andhedoesn’twanttoriskthegirlsfindingoutthere’sanattractionbetweenthem?”Sheshookherhead.“Nowonderhe’scranky.Poorman.”
“KnowingShaneasIdo,he’stheslowandsteadytype.”KaneslidoutandthenopenedthebackdoorandstuckhisheadinasheunclippedDuke.“Hewasprobablytryingalong-distancerelationshiptoseehowthingswentbeforehementionedhertothegirls.”
Jennaclimbedoutandwentaroundthehoodtomeethim.“Whatwouldtheyhaveincommon?Yousaidshewasaprofessorofforensicanthropology.Hedealswiththenowandshedealswiththepast.”
“Yeah,that’sherspecialtybutshe’sanMEaswell.”Kaneheadedupthesteps.“She’saverysmartwoman.Ispentsometimechattingwithherattheconference.”
Intrigued,Jennastaredathim.“What’sstoppinghim,apartfromthegirls?Isshemarriedorsomething?”
“Nope.”Kanerubbedhischin.“NotthatIaskedheranythingpersonal,butshedidmentionnothavingamaninherlifebecauseofherwork.Ithinktheproblemmightbeherage.”
Shrugging,Jennawalkedbesidehimupthesteps.“Youcan’tjustsaythatwithoutvalidatingit.Why,issheahundredorsomething?”
“Nope.Theopposite.”Kaneopenedthedoor.“She’sunderthirty,I’dsay.AttractiveandherfamilyisScandinavian.”Heshrugged.“She’dfitrightintothefamilywithherblondehair,butshehascornflowerblueeyes.”
Jennabitbackagrin.“Shesoundsperfectandwhydidn’tyoumentionherbefore?Youknow,Dave,you’rehopelessatgossiping.Inevergetanythinginterestingfromyou.”
“That’snotwhatIdo.”Hegrinnedather.“ButI’mnotsurewhyJodidn’ttellyou.Maybeshedidn’tthinkitwasinterestingenough—oritslippedhermind.”
Jennafollowedhiminside.“I’llbesuretoaskher.”
Shewalkedintotheloweroffice,gladtoseeRioandRowleyattheirdesks.“DidyougetthecruisersetupinplaceoutsideDuffy’shouse?”
“Yes,ma’am.”Rowleylookedupfromhisscreen.“I’vebeenwatchingthefeed.Nothingtoreport.”
JennanoddedandmovedherattentiontoRio.“Didyougetthetrustaccountssorted?”
“Yeah,Iwasabletoseetheguystraightawayandsignsomepaperworktochangethings.It’sallgood.”
Jennaexplainedwhatthey’ddiscoveredatMrs.Jefferson’shouseandWolfe’ssuggestionofusinghisdrone.“Grabshovelsandgogetthedrone.Ifyouseeanythingsuspicious,doatesthole.Becareful.Ifyoufindanything,bagandtag.CoverthegroundandtakewhatyouhavetoWolfeforidentification.”Sheletoutalongsigh.“Andkeepmeintheloop.We’reheadingouttoanautopsyatthree.”
BothmenstoodatonceandJennaheadeddowntotheinterviewroomandjoinedKaneoutside.Shelookedathim.“Doyouwanttogoinside?”
“No.”Kane’sgazewasfixedonCarson.“IthinkCarterisdoingafinejob.Carsonlooksalittleintimidated,whichforusisagoodthing.Ifhewereactingcalmandincontrol,I’dbemoreconvincedhewasinvolvedinthemurders.”
Jennaleanedagainstthewall.“You’vetaughtmeatonofthingsaboutserialkillers,buthowdotheyreactifthey’reaccusedofsomethingtheydidn’tdo?Maybethesuggestionofbeinginvolvedinachild’smurderismakinghimdefensive.Ifhecan’tbeproudofwhathe’sdone,thenwemightnotseetheusualbravado.”
“Yes,that’strueandyoucouldberight.”Kanesmiledather.“Iassumedtheywerestillaskingaboutthecurrentmurders.We’llfindoutsoonenough.”Heindicatedtothetwo-waymirror.“Carterhasfinishedandstoppedtherecording.”
TheywaiteduntilJoandCarterlefttheroomandshutthedoorbehindthem.Jennastraightened.“Getanythinginteresting?”
“Tons.”Carterpulledatoothpickfromhistoppocketandtosseditintohismouth.“Iranhiswhereaboutsduringthecurrentmurdersandallbuttheone,wherehiswifetoldusshetakessleepingmeds,checkout.Ifhe’sourkiller,itwouldbearemotechanceatbest.”
“ButhedoesrememberthekidsatHarrietteJefferson’shouse.”JogaveJennaatriumphantsmile.“Andhegothostilewhenwesuggestedhewascoveringupsomething.”SheturnedtostareatCarsonthroughthewindow.“Helooksnervous.”
JennaglancedatKane.“I’mgoingtospeaktohim.Coming?”ShelookedbackatCarter.“Didyoureadhimhisrights?”
“Yeah,andhewavedhisrightstoanattorney.”Cartersmiledaroundthetoothpick.“Igrilledhimhardandheonlystartedtogetjumpywhenweaskedaboutthekids.”
“Okay.”Jennanodded.“I’llseewhatwecanpryoutofhim.”
SheflashedhercardoverthescannerandwalkedintotheinterviewroomwithKaneclosebehind.Sheturnedontherecordingdeviceandsatdown.“ThisisSheriffJennaAlton.I’mcontinuingtheinterviewwithBretCarson.”Shegavethetimeanddate.
“DeputyDavidKaneispresent.”Kanetookaseat.“Okay,Mr.Carson.”Heleanedforward,restinghisclaspedhandsonthetable.“We’vejustcomefromHarrietteJefferson’shome.Insidewediscoveredevidencetoproveshekeptkidsinclosetsandwefoundaboxofwhatwe’ddescribeastrophies.You’veadmittedtoAgentsCarterandWellsthatyouwereawareofthechildrenattheJefferson’shome.”Hegavethemananearneststare.“Now,asyouseemtobetheonlypersonalivewhohasknowledgeofwhathappenedinthathouse,doyourselfafavorandtelluswhatyouknow.”
Jennapulledastatementbookfromthedeskdrawer.“Ifyouwillinglywithholdinformationaboutacrime,youwillbechargedandfacejailtime.Cooperatenow,andifwecanproveyouwerenotinvolved,you’llbeabletogohometoyourwife.”
“Iwasn’tinvolvedanditwasalongtimeago.”Carsonrubbedbothhandsdownhisface.“Imeanlikemaybefifteenortwentyyears.ThehouseI’mlivinginbelongedtomyfolks.Iinheriteditwhentheydied.Mrs.Jeffersonhasalwayslivedinthenextproperty.Myfolkshadherandherhusbandoverforcookoutsandwewentoverthereaswell.TheJeffersonsstayedhomebackthen.Itwasn’tuntilMrs.Jeffersonhadgottenolder,thatshewentout.Thatwasalongtimeafterthekidsleft.Iknowshefosteredkidswayback,tenortwentyyearsago.Shemusthavebeeninhersixtiesthen,Iguess.She’salwayshadwhitehairasfarbackasIremember.”
Jennamadenotesandlookedupathim.“Didshebringthekidswithherwhenyouhadcookouts?”
“No,never.”Carsonshookhisheadslowly.“Sheneverallowedthemtojoinuswhenwewentthereeither.She’dalwayssaytheyshouldn’tgettolikebeingwithherbecausethey’dbegoingsoon.”HemovedaroundinhischairuncomfortablyandmetJenna’sgaze.“Iwentthereoneday,snuckoverthefenceandthroughthetrees.Shehadtwolittlegirlsoutsidewashingtheirclothesonthoseold-fashionedwashboards.”HeswallowedandhisAdam’sapplemovedupanddown.“She’dberavingonabouthoweviltheywereandhowtheirparentsdiedbecauseoftheirsins,thingslikethat.”Heclenchedhishandsonthetable.“ItoldmyparentsandtheysaidIwasmakingupstories.”Helookedfromonetotheother.“Iwentbackanotherdayandshehadalittleboystandingoutinthegardenwhileshehosedhimforwettinghispants.”Heshuddered.“Iwashidingforatleastanhourandshenevercaredforhim.Shejustlefthimstandinginthegardenshivering.”
Jennawinced.“Howoldwereyouthen?”
“Oh,Idon’trecall,maybeten.”Carsonthoughtabeat.“Yeah,ten.Sotwentyyearsago.”
“Ifshewassoevil,howcomeyoubecameclosefriendswithher?”Kanewaswearinghiscombatface.“Youseemedawfulcutupabouthergoingmissing,andfromyouraccount,shewasamonster.”Heleanedcloser.“Whatchangedyourmind?”
“Shedid.”Carsonleanedbackinhischair.“Shewasnicetome,aftermyparentsdied.Youdoknowherhusbandandmyfolkswereoutfishinganddrowned?Theywerewashedoverthefalls.”
“Theywentfishingintherapidsabovethefalls?”Kane’sbrowwrinkled.“Really?Whowoulddoacrazythinglikethat?”
“Well,that’swhatshetoldme.”Carsonsippedfromabottleofwaterandclearedhisthroat.“Shewasthereandtriedtosavethembuttheyallwentover.Shemanagedtogettosafety.”
Wonderingjusthowgulliblethismanwas,Jennascribbleddownanabundanceofnotes.Sheraisedhergazetohim.“Youwereeighteenwhentheydied?”
“Yeah,Iwasawayatcollege.Ididn’tcomehomethen.Istayedandfinishedmystudies.Icouldn’tcopewithdealingwiththehouseandallmyparents’things.Mrs.Jeffersonhandledeverything.Shesaidsheowedittomyparents.Ididn’tcomebackhomeuntilafterImarried.Whenwearrivedhere,Mrs.Jeffersonhadkeptthehousegoingforme,lawnsmowedandthehouseclean.She’devensetupthemasterbedroomwithanewbed.”Helookedfromonetotheother.“Iguess,overtheyears,IfiguredImusthavebeenwrongabouther.ShewasadifferentpersonthanIremembered.”Heopenedhishandswide.“Mygrandmathoughttheworldofher.”
“Doyouhavekids?”Kaneleanedbackinhischair,makingitcreak.
“Nope.”Carsonshrugged.“Mywifedoesn’twantany.”
Afterreadingthroughhernotes,JennaslidthebookacrossthetabletoCarson.“Readthestatementthrough.It’severythingyou’vetoldusaboutthechildrenatMrs.Jefferson’shouse.Ifit’scorrect,signanddateit.”
“Okay.”CarsonreadthestatementandmovedthepenoverthepaperbeforehandingitbacktoJenna.
Jennapushedtoherfeetandturnedofftherecorder.“Thankyouforyourcooperation.I’llgiveyouaridebacktoyourvehicle.”
“No,don’tbother.”Carsonstood.“Ineedsomefreshair.I’llwalksomeandthentakeacab.”
Jennaswipedhercardandopenedthedoor.ShestoodtoonesideasCarsonpassed.JoandCartercameinsidetheroom.Shelookedatthem.“Ibelievehim.Heismixedupbutitsoundedlikethetruth.Imean,whocouldmakeupastorylikethatonthefly?”
“Anotherthing.”Kaneleanedoneshoulderagainstthewall.“Seehowhestoodandwalkedoutofhere?I’vehurtmybackandI’vewalkedlikethatwhenI’vebeeninpain.Ican’tseehimdraggingRiooradeadwomanacrossaroom.Isaywewatchhim,butIfigureheisn’tinvolved.”
Carter’sphonebuzzedandhetookthecallandthensmiledatthem.Jennastaredathim.“Well,whatisit?”
“Mrs.JeffersonwasremovedfromthelistofsuitablefosterparentsafteracomplaintaboutmistreatmentfromherneighborstheCarsons.TheinvestigationgroundtoahaltwhentheCarsonsandMr.JeffersondrownedintheBlackRockFallsrapids.”Cartersmiled.“Howconvenientforher.”
Jennaledthewayoutoftheinterviewroomandbacktoheroffice.Sheglancedatherwatch.“I’mstarved.”ShelookedatKane.“CanyouordersomethingfromAuntBetty’sandgetthemtodeliver?”
“Sure.”Kanepulledouthisphoneandwalkedintothehall.
“I’llgetthefilesuptodateandcheckonwhatRowleyandRioaredoing.”Jennathoughtforabeat.“CanyouguyssplitthelistofMrs.Jefferson’sfriendsandseeifwecangetatimeshewaslastseen.Sheobviouslywalkedfromtown,butwhen?”
“I’monit.”CarterwenttohislaptopandlookedatJo.“I’lltakethetopfour.”
“Okay.”Jopulledoutherphoneandpeeredatthelistofnames.
AftertheconversationshadstoppedJennaliftedhergazetoJoandCarter.“Whatdidyoufind?”
“Mrs.MillssaidshewaswithMrs.JeffersononFridayandshelefttownjustbeforefive.So,atthreemilesanhour,she’dhavegottentotheparkbysixmaybe.Mrs.Millssaidshewalkedatagoodpace.”
Jennamadeanote.“Thanks.AreyoucomingtoMrs.Carson’sautopsy?”
“Sure.”CartersnappedhisfingersandZorrodroppedlikeastatueofAnubisbesidehim.“AlthoughIfigurewehaveaprettygoodideaabouthowshedied.”HeturnedtoJo.“Nowonderyouenjoyanalyzingpsychopaths.Whoeverisdoingthisisbreakingnewground.I’vealwaysfoundsomeonewhofitsthecrime,butthistime,Idon’thaveaclue.”
FORTY-FOUR
Dr.ShaneWolfearrangedtheimagefilesforboththecurrentvictims.He’dhadtimetomoveaheadwithHarrietteJefferson’sautopsyand,havingabadge-holdingdeputyathandintheformofColtWebber,hisassistant,tosavetime,he’dcompletedtheautopsy.WhentherestoftheteamarrivedalongwithhisdaughterEmily,hepulledbackthesheettodisplaytheoldwoman’sbody.“Iwentaheadwiththisonebecauseit’sstraightforward.Thereisnotraceevidence.TheputridwaterobliteratedanythingIcoulduse.ItwasasoupofDNAdownthere.Shehadnoskinoranythingelseunderhernails.Thehyoidbonewasfractured,andfromtheligaturemarksonherthroat,thekillerusedagarrotmadefromnyloncordofatypefoundinanyhardwarestore.”HepointedtotheimagesJennahadtakenatthescene.“Apartfromthedragmarks,therewasnosignofastruggle,butawomanofthisagewouldn’thavebeenhardtostrangle.Thebrokenbloodvesselsinhereyeswouldaddtomyconclusionofsuffocationduetostrangulationbypersonsunknown.I’veexaminedherorgansand,apartfromcoronaryheartdisease,shewasinreasonablygoodshape,althoughunderweight.”
“Timeofdeath?”Jenna’spenpoisedaboveanotebook.
Wolfesmiledbehindhismask.“Asshewassubmergedincoldwateritishardtodetermine.Whattimewasshelastseenalive?”
“Mrs.Mills,spoketoherintownjustbeforefiveandsaidthatMrs.Jeffersonhadsetouttowalkhome.Wefiguredshe’dhavegottentotheparkbysix,six-thirty,dependingonhowfastshewent.”Jennasighed.“Doesthathelp?”
Wolfewiggledhiseyebrowsather.“Asthebodytemperaturewasinconclusive,timeofdeathisbetweenfivelastnightandthetimeyoudiscoveredthebodythismorning.”
“Anythingelseweshouldknow?”Jennablinkedathimoverhermask.
Coveringthevictim’sremains,WolfegesturedtoEmilytoreturnthegurneytotheslotintherefrigeratedwall.Nope,that’sall.”HeindicatedtoWebbertomovethesecondgurneycoveredbyawhitesheetunderthelight.“AssoonasI’vechangedmyglovesandapron,wecanstartonFloraCarson.I’veenteredallrelevantdetails:name,age,height,andweight—intothefile.”
Carter’sphonechimedandheheldafingeruptoWolfeandhurriedoutthedoor.Wolfestaredafterhimashechangedgloves,scrubs,andapron.Bythetimehe’dtossedhisdirtyclothesinthebin,Carterhadreturned.“Areyouready?”
“Yeah,butIhavesomegoodnews.”Carter’sgreeneyescreasedatthesides.“Kalojustcalled.HetracedallthekidsputintoMrs.Jefferson’scareandtheywereallplacedinnewfosterhomes.Mostofthemarealivebutnoneofthemdiedinhercustody.”
“Soshejustterrorizedkidsbyhosingthemdownandlockingtheminclosets.”Jennashookherhead.“Nowondersomeonewantedtostrangleher.There’syourmotive.”Shesighed.“I’llcallRowleyandtellhimtoabandonthesearchofherbackyard.Dowehavealistofthekidsshefostered?”
“Yeah,butthere’sfiftyorso.”Cartermovedcloser.“Kaloishuntingdowntheirwhereaboutsnowbut,youdoknow,fosterkidsoftenfallthroughthecrackswhentheyleavethesystem.Manyenduponthestreetsandchangetheirnames.Theydon’twanttobefound.”
“Fifty?”Kanewhistled.“Shehasalottoanswerfor.Iwonderhowmanypsychopathsshecreated?”
“That’saclassicscenariotocreateapsychosisinasusceptiblepersonality.”JofrownedandlookedatJenna.“Thatmightbealistweneedtokeeponhandforfuturereference.”
Relievedthathedidn’thavetocallinateamfromHelena,Wolfeletoutasigh.HehaddevelopedafriendshipwithDr.NorrellLarsonanddidn’treallywanttorushthingsalongbyhavingherinBlackRockFalls.Helikedslowandsteady.Anyshowofinterestinherandhe’dhavesomeexplainingtodotohisveryastutedaughters.Thatcouldcomelaterifneedsbe.Heliftedhisgazetoseeeveryoneintheroomwatchinghim.Heclearedhisthroat.“Thatisgoodnews.Theideaofwallowinginmudisn’tmyideaoffunandyouknowdarnwellIwouldhavebeenexpectedtobethere.”Heshrugged.“Withallthat’sgoingonhere,Ireallydon’thavethetime.”
“Youknow,whenwesolvethiscase,Imightjusttakeacloserlookatthathouse.”Jennafrowned.“I’mnotconvinced.Peoplewhohurtkidsusuallyhaveanevendarkerside.Iwouldn’tmindbettingthis‘kindoldlady’”—Jennaraisedherfingersinquotes—“hadsomethingtodowithherhusbandandherfriends’deaths.Maybetheyhadquestionsshewasn’tpreparedtoanswer?”
Wolfestaredather,watchingherdetective’smindrunriot.“Sure,whenwe’vesolvedthiscase,andifpeoplestopkillingeachotherlongenoughtogiveussomedowntime,we’llgodigsometestsites.”
“I’dlovetodothat.”Emily’seyesflashedwithenthusiasmoverhermask.“IwanttobeanMElikeDad,butforensicanthropologyissointerestingImightkeepstudyingandbranchout.”
“Oh,I’msureifwefindanything,yourdadwillfindsomeonetodropbyandgiveusahand.”Kanechuckled.“TherearegreatteamsjustwaitingtogoinHelena.”
Wolfeglaredathim.“Rightnow,I’mwaitingtostartanautopsy.Whenyou’veallstoppedchatting,we’llhandleonecaseatatime.IftherearebodiesfromtwentyyearsagoburiedinMrs.Jefferson’sbackyard,theycanwaituntilyoucatchthiskiller.”Heindicatedtothestillbodyonthegurney.“Assureashell,shewon’thurtanotherkid.”Hemovedtothegurneyandpulleddownthemicrophoneandgavethedetailsofthevictim.“Wehavethemurderweapon.ThismorningIdidapreliminaryexaminationofthebodytosavetimeandtoestablishacauseofdeath.Thenotesareinthefile.TheincisionsareconsistentwiththeuseoftheKa-Barknifefoundatthescene.Thedirectionoftheincisionsareconsistentwithapersonusingtheirrighthand.IfoundnotraceDNAontheknifeoronthevictim.”Heglancedupwaitingforquestions.
Wheneveryoneremainedsilent,heturnedbacktoMrs.Carson’sbody.“We’vediscussedthepossibilitythatthevictimmayhavebeenheldpriortothemurder.Thereisnoevidencetosupportthisunlessthekillerheldaweapononher,whichwouldseemimpossibleasthevictimhasextensivedefensewoundsonherarmsandhands.”Wolfeheldupeachhandtoshowthem.“Thisisafrenziedattack.”
“DoyouhaveanyproofthatRiowasonscenepriortothemurder?”Jennapeeredatthebodyandthenbacktohim.
Wolfeshookhishead.“ThereisnoevidencetoproveshewasalivewhenDeputyZacRioarrivedonscene.”
“Wefiguredhemusthavebeentherebeforethemurderbecausethekillerwouldhavebeencoveredwithblood.It’sobviousthatthevictim’sbloodlosswasextensive.”Kanestraightened.“Wefoundnobloodevidenceanywhereoutsidethehouse.You’vealreadyestablishedRiowasstabbedwithasyringefrombehindandthereisahandprintonthefrontdoorframe.Weassumedhestoppedonthestoopandwasattackedtherepriortothemurder.He’sacompetentofficer.Ifhe’dwalkedinsideandseentheblood,he’dhavepulledhisweapon.Riohasafastdrawandwouldn’thaveallowedhimselftobetakendownsoeasily.”Hesighed.“Whatdidwemiss?”
Wolfepulledupmoreimagesofthescene.“Moredetailedprocessingofthescenewithluminolrevealedadropletoffreshbloodbesidethebathtub.Oninspectionofthebathroom,wediscoveredthepipesbelowthetubcontainedalargequantityofbleach.Outside,there’sevidenceofafireinthefirepit.Theembersgavemeenoughtodetermineavarietyoffabrics.I’dsayclothesandtowels.Fromtheevidence,thekillerstruckandusedthebathroomtocleanup.Theyshowered,usedbleachtoremoveallDNAtraces,andburnedtheirclothes.”
“Noway.”Cartershookhisheadslowly.“TherewerefootprintsandtheymatchedRio’sboots.You’vealreadyestablishedthekillerdraggedhimthroughthebloodwearinghisboots.Ifhewasn’tthere,howwasthatpossible?”
Wolfewenttothescreenarrayandpulledupimagefilesofthefootprints.Hechangedthemthroughaseriesofinfraredandultravioletfilterstoshowthemwhathe’ddiscovered.“SeehereunderRio’sfootprints.Canyoumakeoutanotherbootmark?Mayberubberboots?Ifoundtracesofburnedrubberintheincineratoroutback.ThekillerputonRio’sbootsafterthefactandwalkedinthebloodthenwentaboutcoveringtheirownfootprints.It’singenious,andwithoutthesciencewehavetodaytoanalyzecrimescenes,itwouldhavecreatedalmosttheperfectcrime.”
“Butnotperfect.”Jennaliftedherchin.“TheideatoblameRiodidn’twork.Theymadecrucialerrorsandthisisgoodforus.Itmeanstheyweren’tcloseenoughtohimtoknowhewasleft-handed,forastart.”
“Maybenot,butlookatthemurdersasawholeseriesofevents,notindividually.Theyareincredulous.”Carterexaminedtheimages.“Someonewenttoadarnlotoftroubletocommitthem.Killing,cleaningup,gettingapatsyonscenetouseasacoverupisremarkable.Thesecrimesareaninvestigator’sworsenightmare.”Heshookhishead.“I’mhavingtroubleabsorbingalltheinformation.”
Wolfenodded.“Allthedetailsofmyfindings:thedepthandextentofthedamagebythesharpforcedtrauma,areinthedetailednotes.Thecauseofdeathisheartfailureduetolossofbloodfromsharpforcedtrauma.Thecarotidarterywasseveredandshebledout.”Heglancedaroundattheinterestedfaces.“Thefacialwoundswereinflictedpost-mortemandI’dsayasanafterthought.Thewoundsaren’tsodeepastheothersandalmostcalculatedintheirspacing.You’veseenthisbeforeinapreviouscase,sousewhatyoudiscoveredfromthatone.”
“Theythoughtshewaswatchingthem—ormorelikelythekillerwasafraidthevictimcouldseewhatthey’ddone?”Jomovedclosertothebody.“Doweknowhowfarbackthesewomenwerefriends?Whatifallofthemwereinvolvedwiththechildabuse?Thesepeopleseemtobeabletofindeachother.We’reseeingmoreandmoreofthesegroupssincetheinternet.Ifthisisso,thisquiltingcircle’smemberscouldbethereasonbehindthesemurders.PerhapstheyknewaboutMrs.Jefferson’scrueltyandstoodbyanddidnothing…ormaybetheyparticipated.ThekillerhatedMrs.Carsonsomuchtheycouldn’tbearherlookingatthem.”
Wolfenodded.“I’llwriteupmyfindingsandgetthemtoyouASAP.I’msorryIdidn’thavesomethingmoretogiveyou.”
“You’vegivenaveryclearpictureofwhathappened.”Jenna’seyesfilledwithconcern.“We’llconcentrateonthelistofkidsMrs.Jeffersonfostered.Thisseemslikethebestmotivewehave.IfanymatchoursuspectsorliveinBlackRockFalls,we’llatleasthavemoretogoonthanwedonow.”Sheturnedtolookatherteam.“Let’sgetatit.”
FORTY-FIVE
DeputyZacRiolistenedwithinterestasJennabroughthimandRowleyuptodate.Theyspenttherestoftheafternoontryingtohuntdownpeoplealloverthestate.BobbyKalowassendingaconstantsupplyofinformationbutitwassketchyatbest.Last-knownlocationsofferednothingandphonenumberswerenonexistent.HesighedwithreliefwhenJennatoldhimtoheadoffhometocheckuponCadeandPiper.HisearsstillrangfromtheconversationwithCade.InanattempttoshowhimKaraJuddwasjustafterhismoney,he’dinformedhimaboutthechangeinhisinheritance.He’dmadetheonlymovepossibletoprotecthisbrotherandperhapsshowhimhowpeoplecanmanipulateothers.IfKaradroppedCade,hemightbemadforatime,buthe’dsoonseethewayofthings.
ItwasclosetosixwhenhearrivedhomeandnoticedthewhiteGMCownedbyKaraJuddparkedopposite.Heletoutalongsigh,knowingitwasgoingtogetugly.KaraandhersisterAmberhadCadetwistedaroundtheirlittlefingers.Thethoughtofbanningthemfromvisitinghadrunthroughhismind,butashe’dtakenCade’struckawayandnowdelayedhisinheritance,he’dsitbyandwaitforthesituationtoplayout.Hemadehiswaytothefrontdoor,notmissingthemovementofthedrapesoveroneofthewindows.Thekidsexpectedhimaroundthistime,sosomeonewaswatchingoutforhim.HehopedPiperwouldtakehisside.Shedidn’tlikeAmberandKara.Theyapparentlywentthroughherthings,whichforaseventeen-year-oldisanunforgivablecrime.
Hesteppedintothehallway,removedhishat,andhungitonthepeg.Aclangfilledhisearsandpainshotthroughhisskull.Visionblurred,hefellforwardintoalineofcoatshangingonpegs,thecoldsmellofwinterstilllingeringinthematerial.Hepushedhimselfupandturnedastheheavycopper-bottomedfryingpancamedownagain.HisweaponwasrippedfromitsholsterbutRioshookhisheadandturnedtofacehisattacker.Dizzybutreadytofight,hemovedtodefendhimself.“Whatthehelldoyouthinkyou’redoing?”
“Beatin’thecrapoutofyou.”Karadroppedthepananditcrashedtothewoodenfloor.“Getyourhandsup.”SheheldtheM18pistolintwohands,aimingstraightathisheart.“Walkintothefamilyroomandjointheothers.Weneedtohavealittletalk.”
Swallowingthemetallictasteofbloodinhismouth,Riomethergaze.Itwascoolandcalculated.Herhandsdidn’tshake.Hesuckedinabreath.TheswitchtheteamhadmadefromtheirGlockstoM18pistolshadcomeaboutinthelastfewweeks.WatchingKanestripitblindinsecondsandgothroughtheprosandconsofcarryingamilitary-issuedweaponhadbeenimpressive,buthe’dneverimaginedhavingonepointedathimbyaniratewoman.“Okay,butlowertheweapon.Youhavenoideahowtouseit.”
“Really?ThisisanM18pistolmilitaryissue,nottobeconfusedwiththeM18rifle.ThiswasthebeautytheyreplacedtheM11with,right?IknowmyweaponsandIcanshootthisjustfine.”Karasmiledandnoddedtowardthedoor.“Move!Everyoneiswaiting.”
Headthrobbingsobadhethoughthiseyeballsmightfallout,Riokepthishandsupandwalkedintothefamilyroomandstoppeddead.HissisterPiperandtheirhousekeeper,Mrs.Jacobs,sattiedtokitchenchairswithgaffertape.ThetapewoundovertheirmouthsandPiperflashedhimaterrifiedlook.Behindthemholdingasharpkitchenknife,stoodKara’ssisterAmber.Hemetthegirl’seyesandshestaredathimdefiantly.HisgazemovedoverPiperandMrs.Jacobs.“Areyouhurt?”
PiperliftedhershouldersandMrs.Jacobsjuststaredintospace.“Putdowntheknife,Amber.Don’tmakethingsworsethantheyarerightnow.Howaboutweallcalmdownandoneofyoutellsmewhat’sgoingonhere?”HeturnedtolookatKaraoveroneshoulder.“It’snottoolatetoturnthingsaround.”Hepeeredaroundtheroom.“Where’sCade?”
“He’swaitingformeupinthemountains.”Karapokedhiminthebackwiththepistol.“IpromisedhimI’dmakeyouseereason.Takinghisinheritanceawaywasmean.He’snotcominghomeuntilyouchangethingsbackthewaytheywerebefore.”Shenudgedhimtowardanotherkitchenchair.“Sitdown.”
Riodroppedintothechair.“Ican’tdothat.It’ssignedandsealed.Cadeisn’tactingresponsiblerightnowandit’sinhisbestinteresttowaituntilhe’stwenty-onetoinherit.Yousee,ashisguardianandexecutorofmyparents’will,Igettomakeallthedecisions.”
“Thenyoucanchangethemaroundagain.”AsKaradugthepistolintohisribs,shedidn’ttakehereyesoffhim.“Amber,tiehimupgoodandtight.”Shegavehimaslowsmile.“Weain’tgoin’nowhereuntilyouagreetogiveCadehismoney.”
HostagesituationshadbeencommonplaceinLA,andRiohadhandledafewbutneverasoneofthehostages.“Icouldagreebutthatwouldn’tgethimhismoney.We’retalkingaboutalegaldocument.Ineedtoseealawyerandanaccountantbeforeanythingcanbechanged.It’snotthateasytodo.”Heshrugged,makingitdifficultforAmbertosecurehishands.“Notuntilthemorningatleast.”Hesighed.“I’dhavetomakeanappointmentandthengoseethem.Nothingcanbedonetonight,sountieusandgohome.”
“Thatissonotgoin’tohappen.”Karaglaredathim.ShecheckedhisbindingsandthenpaddedupanddownwiththeM18pistolhangingfromherfingers.“We’llstayhereuntilmorningandthenyou’llgoandseethelawyer.”
Riodidn’twanttomentionthelawyerswouldbecloseduntilMondayandnodded.Heneededallhispowersofpersuasiontobringthissituationtoaclosewithoutanyonebeinghurt.“Okayfine,butIcansmellmysupperonthestove.Weallneedtoeatandusethebathroom.Youcankeepusallhereinthefamilyroom,butthat’sthedeal.I’llmakethecallsfirstthinginthemorningifyoucooperate.”Heshrugged.“YouhavemyweaponandAmberhasaknife.Nooneisgoingtodoanythingstupid.”
“OkaybutI’mgoingwithyoutothelawyer’sofficeandI’llbecarrying.”KararaisedthepistoltoPiper’shead.“Onewrongmoveandtwothingswillhappen:you’llneverseeCadeagainandPiper’sfacewillbescarredforlife.Amberwillremainherewithmyrifle,andI’llhaveyourphones.Thelandlineisalreadycut.”
Tryingtopushdowntheanger,Rioliftedhisheadandlookedather.“IfyouhurtPiper,youknowdarnwellI’llhuntyoudown.”
“You’llneverfindus.”Karagiggled.“Youcouldn’tfindusbefore,couldyou?”Sheaimedthepistolathim.“It’sawildernessoutthere.Wecouldbelivinganywhere.Maybeinacave,orinacabin,orjustsleepingroughandmovingeverynight.Wecouldleavethestate.You’llneverfindusbutifyoudowhatIwant,wewon’thurtanythingbutyourpride.”
AsKarawasn’tthreateningtokillanyone,Riowouldplayhergame.He’dmakeaphonycallfirstupinthemorningandhopelikehellKanewouldunderstand.Henodded.“That’sfinebyme.NowuntieMrs.Jacobs.We’renotgoinganywhere.”Helookedathishousekeeperwhoblinkedbackathim.“Justgoalongwithwhattheysay,Mrs.Jacobs.Don’tdoanythingfoolish.Makethesupperandwe’llcomeintothekitchenoneatatimetoeat.”HelookedatPiper.“Samewithyou,sis.Don’tbeahero.I’llgivethemwhattheywantandthey’llgo.”HeglaredatKara.Heneededtouptheanteandmakeitasweeterdeal.Herecognizedherforthemoney-grubbingwomanshewas.“IfyougivemeyourwordnottohurtPiper,I’llhavethemoneyreleasedimmediatelyintoCade’saccount.Iwon’thuntyoudown,butIwantyoutogivehimamessagefromme.”
“Sure.”Karawasalmostbouncingwithexcitement.“What’sthemessage?”
Riogaveheradisgustedexpression.“You’redeadtome.”
FORTY-SIXSATURDAY
Kanerubbedhiseyesandleanedbackinhischair.“Duffyhasn’tlefthishouseovernight.Hegoeshomeandstaysthereandleavesthesametimeinthemorning.Unlesshe’slyinglowbecausehe’sspottedthecamera,hesureisn’tactinglikeapsychopath.”
“We’llleaveitthereforafewdaysandseewhathappens.”Jennalookedathim.“Ifheisourman,Ican’tseehimslowingthekillingspreenow.He’lldosomethingsoonandrightnowhe’sthebestwe’vegot.”Shereachedforherphone.“Hi,Maggie.IsRioano-showagain?”Shepausedabeatlistening.“Nowordfromhim,huh?Okay,ifyouhearanything,letmeknow.”Shedisconnected.
Kanelookedupfromhislaptopandfrowned.“It’salittleafternine.Heshouldhavecalledinbynow.”Heleanedbackinhischair.“MoreproblemswithCademaybe?”
“Doesthisoftenhappenwithkidswho’velosttheirparents?”Jennatwirledapeninherfingers.“Apparently,hewasagoodkidbeforehisparentsdied.”
Thinkingoverthetimehe’dspentwithCadefixinguphistruck,Kanesmiled.“He’sagoodkidnow,justalittlemixedup.Hormoneswilldothatforatimeanddatinganolderwomanisabigdealtohimrightnow.”
“Ifhe’ssleepingwithher,insomestateswe’dbeabletoarrestKaraforstatutoryrape.”Jennashookherhead.“That’sdifficultwhentheageofsexualconsenthereissixteen.”
Kanenodded.“Yeah,andhe’seighteenintwoweeks.”Hesighed.“Zacisdoinghisbestbuthe’llalwaysbehisbrother.Thekidneedsafatherfigureinhislifetoguidehim.SomeonelikeWolfewouldbeperfectbuthe’salwayssobusy.”
HisphonechimedandfromthecallerID,KanecouldseeitwasRio.HeglancedatJenna.“Themanhimself.I’llputitonspeaker.”HeswipedhisphoneandRio’svoicecamethroughthespeakersimmediately,beforehecouldspeak.
“Mr.Bruin?ThisisZacRio.I’msorrytobotheryousoearly,butIhaveanurgentsituationtodiscuss.I’dliketoseeyouatyourearliestconvenience.Iknowyou’retiedupformostoftheday.Samehere,weallareatthistimeoftheyear,butthiscan’twait.”
KnowingatoncethecallwasfakeandRiowastryingtogetanurgentmessageacross,KanefrownedatJennaandplayedalong.“Canyouelaborate?”
“It’stheprivatematterwediscussedconcerningtheinheritanceformybrother,Cade.I’llneedtomakesomechanges.”
Checkinghiswatch,Kaneclearedhisthroat.Heneededtimetogettheteamorganized.“Icansqueezeyouinateleven.WillyoubecomingwithCadeoralone?”
“No,notalone.There’stwoofus,KaraJudd,Cade’sfiancéewillbecarrying…Imean,handlinghisestatefromthistimeforward.She’sovertwenty-one.”Riowasgettinghismessageoverjustfine.“I’llseeyouateleven.”Hedisconnected.
“I’llgoandtellCarterandJo.”Jennahurriedfromtheroom.
KanewalkedtothedoorandwhistledtoRowley.“Uphere,now.”
WitheveryoneinJenna’soffice,Kaneexplainedthecall.“Okay,we’reassumingtheJuddsistersareholdingRioandhisfamilyagainsttheirwill.KaraisarmedandtheywantRiotochangebacktheinheritanceforCade.”
“Thankgoodness.”Jopushedbothhandsthroughherhair.“Ifigureditwasanothermurder.Ahostagesituationisanicechangeofpace.”
“Maybe,butIdon’thavethetimetodealwiththisinthemiddleofmulti-homicidecases.”Jenna’smouthturneddown.“Honestly,Ican’tbelieveCadegothimselfinvolvedwiththosetwo.Hewasaskingfortroubleandnowit’shappened.Ineedtonipthisinthebudrightnow.We’llheadoutandsurroundtheplace.”Jennapulledherweaponoutofthedeskdrawer,checkedtheload,andholstereditbeforelookingatherteam.“Unlessyouhaveabetteridea?”
“Weneedeyesinsidebeforeweendangeranyone.”Carterfoldedhisarmsacrosshischest.“I’llgoinandseewhat’shappening.”
“They’llneverbelieveyouwenttocheckonRio’shealth.”Rowleyheldhishatinonehandandflappeditagainsthisthigh.“Itwouldhavetobeme.”
Jennanodded.“Okaybutifthesegirlsaresmart,they’llcheckyououtforacommunicationdevice.”
Kanesmiled.“They’retryingtoextortmoneyfromakidandareholdingadeputyandhisfamilyhostage.”Heshookhishead.“That’snotsmart.”HepointedtoJenna’strackerring.“WillJenna’sringfitonyourpinkyfinger?Ifitdoes,activatetheringbeforeyougoinsideandwe’llbeabletoheareverything.Iftheydocheckyouforalisteningdevice,whichisdoubtful,theywon’tknowaboutthering.”
“Tryit.”Jennahandeditover.“Ifyou’redoingthis,Jake,don’ttakeanyrisks.Rememberwhatwediscussedabouthostagesituations.Mostaredesperatepeopleandwillmakestupiddecisions.TheJuddsisterswantmoney.Makeitallaboutmakingsuretheygetwhattheywantandleave.”
Kanenodded.“Ihavecash,soofferthemanincentivetoleave.Tellthem,theycantakethemoneyandyou’llforgetiteverhappened.”Hefrowned.“Lyingisn’taconcernrightnow.It’sgettingthehostagesoutsafebyanymeans.”
“Gotit.”Rowleysmileruefully.“Don’ttellSandyIvolunteeredforthis,she’llbeasmadasabee-stunghog.”
WhentheringslippedonRowley’spinkyfinger,Kanelookedattheothers.“WecangoinviaOliveandcutthroughtheyards.Iftheyseeourvehicles,itmightspookthem.”HelookedatRowley.“Haveyougotanycivviesinthelockerroom?”
“Yeah,andI’lltakeMaggie’ssedansoIdon’tspookthem.I’llgoandchange.”Rowleyheadedforthedoor.
“Okay.”JennagavearundownofwhatsheknewaboutKaraandAmberJudd.“RiobelievesKaraismanipulatingCade.He’sbeenfallingofftherailssincehemether.She’sinhertwentiesandhasbeenaroundtheblockmorethanafewtimes.I’dsayCadeismesmerizedbyher.WhenIspoketothemupthemountain,theonlypositivethingI’dgottenfromKarawasthatshewastakinghersistertoschool.Theremustbesomesemblanceofresponsibilitythere,sodoingsomethinglikethis,whichcouldmeanjailtimeandleavinghersistertofendforherself,seemsunusual.TheymusthavesomeplanthatinvolvesCade.”
Kanenoddedslowly.“We’lluseourcomsandgoinsilent.Rowleywillfeedusinformationandwe’lldecidehowtoplayitinthefield.”Heshrugged.“It’stwowomenandthere’sfourofus.Howmuchtroublecouldtheypossiblybe?”
“Karaisangryaboutmissingoutonthemoney.”JocheckedherammunitionandlookedatJenna.“Sheonlyhadacoupleofdaystowait,sothenewsthatRiohadaddedanextrathreeyearsmusthavetickedheroff.Inthatstate,andarmed,sheshouldn’tbetakentoolightly.She’sbeenlivingoffthegrid,huntingforsurvival.She’llbeonetoughcookie.”
“We’llheadoutandgetintoposition.”Jennaheadedtowardthedoor.“Kane,goandupdateRowley.I’llgetDukeinthetruck.”
KaneheadedtothelockerroomasRowleywasheadingout.He’dchangedhisshirtandcarriedhisdutybeltoveronearm.Helookedjustlikemanyoftheguysintown.“Okay,gouptothedoorcasual-like,ringthebell,andstandwayback.Ifoneofthegirlsanswersthedoor,justsayyou’retheretospeaktoRio.You’llhavetoplayitbyearfromthenon,butpresstheringbeforeyougotothedoor.Ittakesafewsecondstoconnectandanythingcanhappeninafewseconds.”
“Gotcha.”Rowleysmiledathim.“I’lllockmyweaponinmydeskandI’llheadout.IsitokaywithMaggieaboutusinghersedan?”
Kaneshrugged.“I’llgoaskher,butIfigureafteralltheyearsyou’veknownher,she’lltrustyouwithhervehicle.”HewalkedtothefrontcounterandsmiledatMaggie.“MindifRowleytakesyourcarjustdowntheroadtoRio’splace?We’recheckingthathe’sokayanddon’twanttotipoffanyoneifthere’saproblem.”
“Yousurecan.”Maggiepulledthekeysfromherpurseandhandedthemover.“Justmakesureyoucheckinandkeepmeupdatedonyourstatus.”
KanetookthekeysandtossedthemtoRowley.“Yes,ma’am.”
JoandCarterhadspedoffintothedistancebythetimeKanereachedtheBeast.HeclimbedinbehindthewheelandheadedtowardOlive,theroadrunningbehindRio’shouseonMain.IttooknotimeatallbeforetheymetupwithJoandCarter.BothwerewearingtheirFBIjackets.HeturnedtoJenna.“Howdoyouwanttodothis?”
“IfiguremeandJotakethealleywayfourdoorsdownandgoroundthefront.YouhightailitthroughthebackyardbehindRio’shouse.”Jennaindicatedtothecuriousoldmanpeeringattheminhisfrontgarden.“Maybespeaktohimfirst?”SheheadedofftowardthealleywaywithJoatherside.
Kaneexplainedthesituationtotheoldmanandwaswavedinwithoutanyproblems.Theydashedthroughvegetablepatchesandcametoasturdywoodenfence.HegaveCarteranodandtheybothgrippedthetopandhauledthemselvesupjustenoughtopeeroverthetop.EverythinginRio’shouseappearednormal.Thebackdoorwasshutandnoonewaslookingoutofthewindows.“Let’sgo.”
KanefollowedCarteroverthefenceandtheydroppedtothegroundinsilence.IndicatingtoCartertogoleft,hewentrightand,keepinglow,peekedintothelowerwindows.Hehadagoodviewofthekitchen.Dirtyplatessatonthetableandevidenceofbothsupperandbreakfastlitteredthecounters.ThisconcernedhimasMrs.Jacobswasafastidioushousekeeper.Therewasnowayshe’dleaveasmuchasadirtyspoononthetable.HeturnedasCartercametohisside.“Therearedirtydisheseverywhere.Something’sup.”
“Theblindsaredrawnonallthewindows.Icouldn’tseeanything.”Carterfrowned.“Nosoundfrominside.Haveyoucheckedthebackdoor?”
Kanepulledouthisvibratingphone.“No.ItlookslikeRowleyisheadingforthefrontdoornow.”
“Goodtimetotrythatdoor.”Cartermovedtowardthedoor.Hepausedwithonehandpoisedoverthehandle.“Ready?”
Holdinguponefinger,KanelistenedtoRowleycallingoutRio’sname.
“Nooneisansweringthedoor.It’sallquiet.I’llkeeptrying.”
“Thedoorislocked.”Carterturnedbacktohim.“Icantryandpickthelock.”
“Notime.Standback.”Kaneliftedhissize-fourteenbootandslammeditintothedoorjustbesidethelock.Thedoorsplinteredandcrashedopen,hittingthewallandbouncingback.Hepressedhiscom.“We’rein.”
Pullinghisweapon,Kanemovedinside.HewentrightandCarterleft.Theyeasedalongthewallandcheckedeachroom.TheyfoundPipertiedtoachairinthefamilyroomandRiointheofficeopposite,facedowninapoolofblood.
FORTY-SEVEN
“Calltheparamedics.”Kane’svoicecamethroughJenna’searpiece.“Riohasaheadwoundbuthe’sbreathing.Piperisherebutthat’sall.CarterisheadingforthefrontdoortoletRowleyin.”
JennamadethecallassherantowardthehousewithJoatherside.ShepushedpastCarterandcheckedonRio.Hewasinbadshape,bleedingheavilyfromadeepgashonthebackofhishead.ShelookedupasJofelltoherkneesbesidehim.“Staywithhim.Rowley,grabsometowelsandtryandstopthebleeding.”ShelookedatCarter.“Where’sKane?”
“AcrossthehallinthefamilyroomuntyingPiper.Shemightknowwhat’shappened.”CartercrouchedbesideRio.“Go!Ihavefieldmedicaltrainingandwe’llstaywithhimuntiltheparamedicsarrive.”
JennafoundKanecuttingPiperfromachairandtryingtocalmherwithoutanyluck.Thegirlwashystericalandtearsstreameddownherface.JennatookherhandsandlookedherintheeyesasKanetriedtoremovethegaffertapefromherhair.“Takesomedeepbreaths.You’resafenow.”Shewavedahandtotheopendoor.“See,CarterandJoarecaringforZac.He’salivebuthashadanastybumponthehead.Theparamedicsareontheirway.”SheglancedatKaneandthenbackatPiper.“Comeonnow,deepbreaths,that’sright.Whathappened.Whodidthis?”
“K-KaraJuddandhersisterAmber.”Pipershuddered.“CadewenttotheircabinwiththematBearPeakafterschoolanddidn’tcomehome.TheyshoweduplastnightandtiedupmeandMrs.Jacobs.TheywaitedforZactocomehomeandthenhithimwiththefryingpanandtookhisgun.TheywantedZactochangetheinheritancebacksotheycouldgetCade’smoney.Zacsaidhe’ddoitbutcouldn’tcallthelawyeruntilthismorning.Wesatupallnight,butZacinsistedweeatandhavebathroombreaks.Afterbreakfast,whenhemadethecalltothelawyer,Karasuddenlywentcrazy.Shesaidshedidn’ttrusthimandpressedtheguntohisheadandmadeZacgointotheoffice.Ambersearchedformoneyandfoundnone.ShekepttellingKaratostopbeingstupid,butthatonlymadehermadder.KaraorderedAmbertodigtheknifeintoMrs.Jacobsbackandtakeherouttothetruck.ThenKarasaidifZacdidn’tcomeupwithtengrandbytwothisafternoon,they’dthrowMrs.JacobsandCadeovertheravine.”Sheletoutawail.“ThenshetoldZactoturnaroundandshehithimrealhard.Icouldseethemfromhere.Hefellontheflooranddidn’tmove.Ithoughthewasdead.”
“HasKaragotaphonewithher?”KanetuggedoffthelaststripoftapeandlookedatPiper.“Ifso,doyouhavehernumber?”
“Yeah.”Piperpointedtothemanteloverthefire.“Ourphonesareupthere.Mineisthepinkone.Hernumberisinmycontacts.It’snotlocked.”
“Thanks.”Kanemadeacall.“Hi,Bobby.CanyoufindthisphoneandfeedthecoordinatesintotheGPSonmyphone.Yeah,it’sownedbyKaraJudd.She’skidnappedRio’shousekeeper.”HewaitedforafewminutesandlookedatJenna.“Gotit.”
JennalookedatPiper.“JoandCarterwillwaitwithyouuntiltheparamedicsarrive.We’llgoandfindCadeandMrs.Jacobs.”
“KarahasZac’snewpistol,theoneyougavehim.”PiperlookedatKane.“Hetoldhertobecarefulwithitbutshesaidsheknewallaboutguns.Shetriedtoforcehimtoopenthegunlockerbutherefusedandshestucktheguntomyhead.”Shestartedtosobagain.“Hesaidshemightaswellkillmebecauseheknewdarnwell,shewouldn’tleaveanyofusaliveandhewouldn’tbearminghertokillanyoneelse.”Sheburiedherfaceinherhands.“Shekepthittinghimandhedidn’tevenliftuphishandstostopher.Hejustkeptsaying,‘Isthatallyougot?”ShelookedupatJenna,cheekswetwithtears.“Hewastryingtostopherhurtingus,wasn’the?”
Stomachinknots,Jennanodded.“Yeah,hewaskeepingtheattentionawayfromyou,andbysayingsheshouldkillyou,wastakingawayherpower.Itwasaverycourageousthingtodo.Hemustloveyouverymuch.”
“We’vegottago.”Kanesqueezedherarm.“Ifthesignaldropsout,we’retoast.”
“Don’tworry,we’lltakecareofher.”Carterwalkedintotheroom.“Jowillgowiththemtothehospital.IfyousendRowleybacktotheofficetopickuphisweapons,we’llfollowasbackup.”HelookedatKane.“Whereareyouheading?”
“BearPeak.”Kaneglancedathisphone.“She’sgottenagoodstartonusbutweonlyneedtoknowwhereshe’sheading.I’mnotplanningonriskingMrs.Jacobslifeatashowdownonamountainroad.”Hemethisgaze.“We’llbegoinginniceandquiettogetthejumponher.”
Heartalreadypickinguppace,Jennanodded.“We’lluseourcompacksforcommunication.Don’tusetheradio.Soundcarriesupthereandshe’slikelygotascanner.”
“Okay.”Cartermovedatoothpickacrosshislips.“ThisKarawomanandhersisterseemmightyaggressive.She’sthreateningtokillMrs.Jacobsifshedoesn’tgetherownway.WhydraganoldladyintoitwhenshealreadyhasCadetouseasabargainingchip?SeemsacrazythingtodowhenZachasnofamilyattachmenttohishousekeeper.Imean,she’sanemployeenotfamily.Howeverwellrespected,thatmakesadifferenceinemotionalblackmail.”Heshrugged.“WantmetoaskKalotolookintoherbackground?TheremaybemoretoKaraJuddthanwefigured.”
“Ithinkthey’rejusttwomoney-hungrywomenbut,hey,goforit.”Jennashrugged.“Inthistownanythingispossible.”
ShefollowedKaneoutofthedoorandtheyranfortheBeast.Thetruckhadtakenoff,sprayingtheblacktopwithdustbeforeshe’dclickedinherseatbelt.Lightsflashingandsirenswailing,KanemaneuveredthetruckthroughtrafficandthenheadeddownMainandontoStanton.Thefreshgreenforest,stillpatchywiththedeadwinterbushes,flashedpastastheBeastroaredintoaction.Othervehiclesbecameablurastheyincreasedspeed,passingeverything,includingeighteen-wheelersasiftheywerestandingstill.
Mindfillingwithpossibleoutcomes,Jennagrippedtheedgeofherseat.ShetrustedKane’sdrivingimplicitlybuttheneedtohangonfordearlifeneverlefther.TheBeasthadbecomeapartofhimandhedroveitwithcompleteconfidence.Infact,shecouldseethecomparisonbetweentheBeastandhissniperrifle.Henevermissedhistargetandrightnowhewasaiminghistruckbetweentwospeedingvehicles.Beforeshecouldtakeabreath,they’dzoomedpastandthehighwayaheadwasclearagain,althoughherpulsehadincreaseddramatically.Astheyheadedforthemountainturnoff,Kanesilencedthesirensandturnedoffthelights.Theywouldgoinquietandhopetotakecontrolbeforethingshadgottenanymoreoutofhand.ShehadnoideawhatKarawasthinkingorhowfarshecouldpushher.Thewomanhadseemednormalenoughwhenshe’dlastspokentoher,butanattackonalawenforcementofficerandkidnappingseemedalittleextremeevenforher.Wasshethatdesperateformoney?SheglancedatKane.“WhatcouldhavehappenedtomakeKaragoofftherailslikethis?AsfarasIknow,andthat’snotmuch,shehasbeenlivingoffthegridforsometime,butAmberhasbeenatthesameschoolsinceCadeandPiperarrived.IrecallRiomentioningthatPiperintroducedhimtoagirlwholivesinthemountains.I’msurethat’swhohewasreferringto.Hewashappyshe’dmadefriends.”
“Ibethe’secstaticnow.”Kaneshookhisheadruefully.“Ihopethere’snopermanentdamage.He’dbeenoutcoldforatime.That’snotgoodandthebloodlosswassubstantial.”
AheadJennamadeouttheflashinglightsoftheambulanceheadingforRio’shouse,thesirengettinglouderasitpassedby,andthenthesounddisappearedasifithadbeenswitchedoff.Thetoofamiliarnoisestirredsomanyunpleasantmemories.Ashiverwentthroughherastheytooktheoff-rampandthenheadedalongRockyRoad.TheBeastacceleratedagain,eatinguptheroughroadwithease.UneasegrippedJennaassheclungontight.Intownshehadaserialkillerrunningwildandthetownsfolkneededhertoprotectthem,butKaraJuddwasarmed,dangerous,andobviouslyunstable.Rightnow,Jennahadnocontroloverwhatmighthappennext.Therealizationmadeherstomachtighten.Theimmediatefuturewasunknown.Whowoulddieifshemadeamistake?Shebitherlipuntilshetastedblood.Hermindracedsofastwithprobabilities,itwasasifshe’dfallenintoaragingtorrent,andwasbeingsweptawayintotheunknown.
FORTY-EIGHT
Astheymovedhigherandhigherupthewindingroad,theblacktopturnedtodirtandnarrowed.JennastaredattheGPS.Theywereheadingintherightdirectionbutupaheadaturnoffloomed.“Sharpleftjustahead.”
“Theforestisdensehere.Hercabinmightbedisguised.”Kaneslowedthetrucktoacrawlandtheybumpedovertheunevenroad.“Iseetiretracksthroughthebushes.”HemaneuveredtheBeastforwardatasnail’spaceandthenstoppedandpointedatalengthofcordcaughtacrossthehood.“Theyhaveacrudebutefficientalarmsystem.”HeflickedaglanceatJenna.“Theyknowwe’recoming.”Heturnedthetruckaroundandbackedintoasmallclearing.“They’llbeexpectingustodriveintoatrap.I’llhidetheBeasthereandwe’llgoinonfoot.FromtheGPS,I’dsaythecabin,ifthereisone,isaboutonehundredandfiftyyardsupthemountain.”Hepointedstraightahead.“Inthatdirection.Thedirtroadwilltakeusrighttoit.”
OnethingJennaappreciatedaboutKanewashisexperienceinthefield.Shedidn’tcomeclosetohisexpertiseinassessingthreatsandmakingplansontherun.Shenodded.“Ithinkweshouldsplitup.”Shepointedtotheright.“ThetreesclosertotheravinearespacedandIcanseeananimaltrackwindinginthatdirection.”
“Theforestwillonlygoanotherfiftyyardsorso.”Kanepeeredintothetrees.“Ifyourecall,BearPeakissurroundedbygrassyrockyareas.Mostoftherecentlandslideshavebeenonthissideofthemountain.Thismeanswe’llbeeasiertosee.”
“Okay.”Shesqueezedhisarm.“IknowKarahadarifleinhertruck,sowehavetoassumeshehasthat,andtheM18pistol.Iwantheralive,butifshestartsblastingus,youmighthavetodisableher.”
“That’sagiven.Inahostagesituation,I’dnormallytakeouttheshooterbutwithtwounknownthreatsinthere,it’sawholedifferentballgame.”HeslidfromthetruckandwenttoreleaseDukefromhisharness.
NigglingapprehensionwiggledlikewormsinJenna’sbellyassheclimbedoutofthetruck.“Grabmyvestoutoftheback.I’mnottakinganychances.”
“Let’sjusthopeshedoesn’taimforourheads.”KanetossedJennaherliquidKevlarvestandpulledonhisown.Minuteslaterhe’dassembledhissniperrifleandslungitoveroneshoulder.“I’llcallCarterandupdatehimontheway.Heshouldbeonscenesoon.Staysafe.”
Jennaheadedintothebushes.“Youtoo.”
Shemovedswiftlyalongthenarrowtrail,keepingtotheshadows.Underfoot,therichpineneedlecarpetwasfastbecomingdustygravel.Arecentrockslidehadpepperedthegroundwithavarietyofunstabledebris,andastheinclineincreased,herfeetslippedasifshe’dhitapatchofice.Grabbingholdofthethinningtrees,shemovedclosertothemountain,hereyespeeledforthewomen’shideaway.Asthetrailbenttotheleftandthenhitastraightaway,shecouldmakeoutacabintuckedinagainstthemountain.Ononesideevidenceoftherockslidesatinamoundrestingagainstasmallretainingwall,preventingitfromspillingintotheforestandblockingtheroad.OutfrontwasawhiteGMC,butafterusingherbinocularstosearchthesurroundings,Jennafoundnosignofanyone.Shetouchedherearpiece.“Ihaveeyesonthecabin.Ican’tseeanymovement.”
“Thesistersareonthissideofthepileofrocks.”Kanesuckedinabreath.“They’vespottedyou,takecover.”
Jennahitthegroundandthenrolledbehindtheclosesttreeasshotsrangoutallaroundher.Barkandwoodchipsraineddownasthebulletswhizzedpast,clippingthetrees.Makingherselfassmallaspossible,shekeptherbacktothetallpine.Thesmelloffreshlycutwoodsurroundedherasbranchesfellfromtheonslaught.Thebarragestoppedandheartpounding,Jennascrambledonherbelly,searchingwildlyforabetterposition.Aheadwasalargeboulderandshethrewherselfbehindit,cominguponherkneestopeekaround.Thegunshotscameagain,aimingattheplaceshe’dbeenbefore.Thebulletscutthroughthetree,chippingoutsomanychunksitlookedlikeapieceofajigsawpuzzle.
Pullingherweapon,allJennacoulddowaswait.Shecouldn’tseewhowasfiringatherandhopedKanehadabetterview.ShecaughtherbreathwhenKaraJuddcameintoview,rifleheldshoulderhighandaimingstraightforher,butbeforeshecouldtakeaim,ashotrangoutandtherifleflewfromKara’shands.Thewomanletoutablood-curdlingscreamandspunaround.Shewasyelling,butJennacouldn’tmakeoutaword.Onethingwasforsure,herattentionwasnowfixedonKane.Kara’sarmhunguselessatherside,butshehadtheM18intheotherhandandwasattemptingtofireit.HersisterhadrunfortheGMCandspunitaroundtofacetherockslide.Jennastaredindisbelief.Whatcouldtheypossiblyhopetoachieve?They’dbackedthemselvesintoacornerandthiswasano-winsituation.Hercomcrackledintolife.
“Getthehelloutofthere.Runtowardtheravineanddon’tlookback.Gonow,Jenna.Ihaveyoucovered.”Kanesoundedcoolandcalm.“Run.”
DeterminedtorescueMrs.JacobsandCade,Jennashookherhead.“Wehavetheupperhand.Karaisinjured,she’llrunoutofammosoonenoughandthenwegoin.”
“Dammit,Jenna,Amberisgoingtoramtheretainingwallandthewholemountainwillbecomingdownonourheads.ForGod’ssake,run.Gonow.”
Horrifiedbyhisimpliedintent,Jennapressedhercom.“I’mgoing.Getyourselfoutoftherenow.That’sanorder.”
“Didn’tyouhearherconfesstothemurders?Kara’sgoingtocutupMrs.Jacobsjustliketheothers.She’sourkillerandI’mtheonlyonewhocanstopher.”Kaneclearedhisthroat.“Run,Jenna,andliveforme.Iloveyou.”Hiscomwentsilent.
Horrified,JennagaspedasAmberbackeduptheGMCandthen,enginerevving,acceleratedtowardtheretainingwall.Heavenhelphim,Kanewasinthedirectlineofthemassivemoundofrocks,mud,andtrees,andheknewit.Wolfe’swordsslammedintoher.Don’tbehisAchillesheel.Shepressedhercom.“I’mheadingnorthandIloveyoutoo.I’llseeyousoon.”
Sheturnedandranblindlythroughtheforest,headingintothedenserareasandclosertotheravine.Behindher,shecouldheartheGMC’sengineandthesquealoftiresasAmberrepeatedlycrashedintotheretainingwall.Rockspingedoffthetreesbesideherasthemoundofdirttrembledandshifted.InherearshecouldhearKanecommunicatingwithCarter.
“Turnback.We’llneedabirdintheair.Underfireandthesuspectsarereleasingarockslide.Jennaisontheravinesideofthemountain.Ontheright,headingnorth.”
“Copythat.”JennacouldhearasquealofbrakesasCarterspunthecruiseraround.“Whereareyou,man?”
“I’mnotgonnamakeitout.”Kanesoundedsocalmasifhe’dresignedhimselftodying.“Dukeishightailingitintotheforest,leftsidetowardtheriver.Heknowstheforest.GetAtohitogolookforhim.I’lldisableKaraJuddbeforeshetakesmedown.Makesureshenevergetsoutofjail.”
“Yougotit.”WhenCartersignedoffaneeriesilencedescended,likeadeathlyloneliness.
Oh,myGod,Dave.Jennaran,jumpingoverbushesandweavingbetweentrees.Ifshecouldmakeittothetopoftheravine,she’dbepastthedangerpoint.Inthedistance,anothersingleshotrangout.Kanehadmadetheshot,nottokill,buttodisableKaraJudd.Shewasn’tthethreatrightnow.Secondslater,atremendousroarshookthegroundbeneathherfeet.
FORTY-NINE
Silence.ThesoundofthefallsbelowJennaseemedabsurdlynormalbuttheusualsoundoftheforesthadvanished.Nobirds,notevenarustleinthetrees.Sheblinked,feelingdirtcakedonherface,gritfillinghermouth.Asshereachedforherwaterflaskatonofpowderfellfromherhair.Shewashedouthermouthandthendrank.Itwashardtobreatheandshefumbledinsideherpocketforafacemask.Assheuncurledtositup,dirtfellfromherclothestojointhelayerontheground.Everythingaroundherworeacoatingofdust.Shetouchedhercom.“Dave,comein.Dave?”
Nothing.Shetriedagainandwhenhercomcrackled,sheletoutalongbreathbutsadlyitwasn’tKaneinherear.
“Jenna,it’sShane.”Wolfesoundedhisusualcalmself.“We’llbeheadingyourwayintheFBIchopper.Thesearchandrescueguyisatthestick.I’mcominginwithCarterandRowley.HowmuchofathreatisAmberJudd?”
JennapicturedthegirlrammingtheGMCintotheretainingwallandgrimaced.“Unknownbuttreatashostile,andshe’sgotRio’sM18pistol.Ihavenoideaifshecanshootorifthey’reoutofammunition.KaraadmittedtobeingourkillerbutIthinkKanedisabledher.Iwastoofarbacktodoanythingtoassisthim.Ifigurefromwhatwentdowntodaythey’rebothinvolvedinthemurders.I’llheadacrossBearPeakandbacktowardthecabin.Kaneisthereandhemightbeintrouble.He’snotansweringhiscom.”
“Ihaveyourcoordinates,Jenna.Kane’ssignalisstationary.Statusunknown…”Thesoundofthechopperblockedouthiswords.“ETAinten.”
Glancingaroundtogetherbearingsinthesuddenlyunfamiliarterrain,Jennakepttheravinetoherbackandheadedright.ShehadtogettoKanebutallaroundherthegreenforesthadbeenmutedtograyasifitwerelateintheafternoon.Thecloudsofdustsettlinghadhiddenthesun,andtheforestwasdarkandforeboding.Panicforhissafetygrippedherandshekeptpressinghercom,constantlycallingKaneandmovingasfastaspossiblethroughtheforest.Whennoreplycame,theworldseemedtocrashdownaroundher.Hecouldn’tbedead,couldhe?Thethoughtofhimburiedaliveandallalonemadehersicktoherstomach.Shepressedhercom.“Dave,hangonforGod’ssake,we’reonourway.Don’tyoudaregiveuponme.”
Tearsstreamingdownhercheeks,sherantowardhislastposition.Itseemedtotakeforeverbeforeshehitthebaseofthemountainand,usingitforaguide,movedaroundtheperimeter,climbingoveranythinginherway.Parchedanddehydrated,legsaching,shekeptgoingandburstintotearsofreliefwhenshefoundamuddystream,itscleansourcecominginajetofwater,icecoldfromthetopofthesnowcappedmountain.Afterrefillingherwaterbottle,shewashedthedustfromhereyesandkeptrunning.Abovefinallycamethewhoop,whoopofthechopperbladesandtherushofwindasitpassedoverhead.Wolfehadfoundheranditwasnosurprisewhentworopesdroppeddowncloseby.Aminuteortwolater,CarterandWolfefellfromthesky,repellingdownwithspeed.Momentslater,Rowleyappeared,alittleslowerbuthelandedonhisfeet,andgaveheranod.Sherantothem.“ThankGodyou’vearrived.Wehaven’tgotmuchtime.Thecabinshouldbeabouttwohundredyardsthatway.”Shepointedtotheright.“Hurry,Kaneisn’tansweringhiscom.WeneedtogettohimASAP.”
“Okay.”Carteradjustedhisbackpackandattachedafacemask.Hisexpressionblank,he’dturnedintoaSealinablinkofaneye.“Let’sgo.”Hejoggedoffintotheswirlingdust.
AsJennaranbesideWolfe,sheglancedathisconcernedexpression.“DoyouknowexactlywhereDaveis?”
“Yeah,fromthefly-by,I’mafraidhe’sundertherubble,Jenna.Evenifwe’dbeenonscene,we’dhavenevergottentohimintime.”Heglancedatherandshookhishead,hiseyesfilledwithsorrow.“We’llsecuretheprisonersandmakesurethehostagesaresafeandthengoanddighimout.Youshouldwaitatthecabin.”
Gapingathimincredulously,Jennagrabbedhisarm.“I’lldonosuchthing.Haveyoulostyourmind?Irefusetobelievehe’sdeadandwe’regoingtodighimoutrightnow.Rowleywillsecuretheprisoners.”Sheglaredathim.“That’sDaveoutthere.You’rethelastpersontogiveuponhim.Hetrustsyoutokeephimsafe,Shane.”
“It’snotgoingtomakeanydifference,Jenna.”Wolfepoundedalongbesideher.“I’msosorrybutwe’retoolate.HemightbeamachinebutyouknowaswellasIdonoonecouldsurvivealandslideofthatmagnitude.”
Angerwelledupinsideher.“Thenyoudon’tknowDavelikeIdo.Getoutofmyway.I’llgodighimoutmyself.”SheboltedafterCarter.
TheypushedthroughtheforestandCartercametoastandstillasthecabincameintoview.Hetookcoverbehindatreeandwavedatthemtodothesame.Jennacouldhearcryingandpeeredoutfrombehindathicktrunk.AmberJuddwascradlinghersisterinherarms.FromwhatJennacouldmakeout,Karawasbleedingfromashoulderwoundandhadprobablypassedout.Neitherlookedathreat.SheturnedtoWolfe.“Theydon’tlooktoodangerous.Rowley,gowithWolfeandrestrainthem.Checkthehostages.”SheturnedtoWolfe,pullingoutherphone.“GivemeKane’scoordinates.I’mgoingtofindhim.”
“Idon’tthinkyou’llneedthem.”WolfepointedtoDuke,diggingmadlyattheedgeofamoundofdirtandheadedforthecabin.
Theyallranacrosstheclearing,RowleyswoopingintohandcuffAmberJudd.AsJennaranpastshecouldseeKarawasoutcold.“Handcuffhertoo,handsandfeet.She’sapsychopath.Youreallydon’twantherwakinguprightnow.”
“Thehostagesarealive.”WolfecameoutofthefrontdoorofthecabinandwenttohelpRowley.“I’llfollowyou.”HewavedJennaaway.
“Let’sgo.”CarterpulledonJenna’sarm.“Thisway.”
Climbingoveramoundofdirt,JennafollowedCartertotheothersideofthelandslideandtheyrandownthroughthemoonscapetowardDuke.Exhaustiongone,sheranleapingoverrocksandtreebranches.Asdirttumbleddownthemountainwitheachstep,Dukelookedupatthemandbarkedwildlyashedug,throwingoutawidestreamofrocksanddirtbehindhim.Jennaroundedaboulderandslidtoastopatthesightofahandholdingasniperriflehighintheair.Thefingersmovedjustslightlybutitwasenough.“Dave,we’rehere.Hangon.”Shefelltoherkneesandpushedherhandsintothedirt.“He’salive.Comeon,helpmedighimout.Goodboy,Duke,dig.”
Usingherhands,shetorerocksandbranchesaway,scoopingawaygreatarmfulsofdirt.BesideherCarterwaspullingtheriflefromKane’sfingers.He’dgraspedhishandandwaspullinghard.
“Jenna,helpmepullhimclear.”CarterhadoneofKane’sarmsouttotheshoulder.“Grabmybelt.”
Jumpingupandtakingafirmgrip,Jennadugherfeetinandpulled,usingeveryounceofstrength.Ahandpushedthroughthedirtandsherushedintograbit.Liftingatwo-hundred-fifty-poundmancoveredwithdirtandrockswaslikemovingamountain.Secondslater,Wolfewasthere,diggingoutKane’slegsanddragginghimclear.ThenextmomentKaneemergedfromthemound,coughingandspluttering,butalive.Sherushedforwardtowipethedirtfromhisface.
“Letmecareforhim,Jenna.”WolfeeasedherawayandpulledopenKane’smouthandscoopedoutdirtwithhisfingers.
“Breathethroughyournose,good…andnowtakesomewaterandwashthedirtfromyourmouth.Don’tswallow.Don’tpanic,yournoseisclear,andIhaveoxygen.”WolfepressedwatertohismouthandKanemadeanefforttospitbutthemuddywaterjustrandownhischin.“Again.Spititout.”WolfegavehimmorewaterandthistimeKanespatoutthedirttwoorthreetimes,andthengrabbedthebottle,drank,rolledtooneside,andspewed.
“Comeonman,situp.”CarterdraggedKaneintoasittingposition.HedustedoffKane’sblackStetsonanddroppeditbesidehim.“Howyousavedyourrifleandyourhatisastoryworthhearing.”HeslappedKaneonthebackandgotablankstareinreply.
“Washyourmouthagain.”WolfeexaminedKane’shead.“Wheredoesithurt?”
WhenKanepointedtohiseyes,Carteremptiedabottleofwateroverhishead,washingawaythedirt.Jennajustsatthereandwatched,feelingstrangelyremote.Itwaslikeanout-of-bodyexperienceasWolfemethodicallycheckedKaneforinjuries.
“He’sinshock,butasfarasIcantellwithoutX-rays,he’sokay.Thevesthelpedandhe’dpulledhishatdownoverhisnoseandusedtheboulderforcover.He’saveryluckyman.”Wolfe’sgazemovedoverher.“You’renotdoingsowellyourself.You’vesecuredtheprisonersandcaredforthewellbeingofthehostages.Leavethemtous.Cartercanhandletheextraction.Kaneneedsyourightnow.Sitwithhim,keepuptheoxygen,andI’llgocheckontheothers.”
Jennahadn’trealizedshe’dbeencryinguntilDukecameupbesideherandlickedhercheek.Sheputanarmaroundhimandthennoticedhispawswerestreakedwithblood,clawstornfromhisfranticdigging.“You’resuchagoodboy.Yousavedhislifeandnearlydughimoutalone.”
Shesatthereinthedirtforwhatseemedlikehours,withonearmlockedaroundKaneashesatstaringintonothing,hisfacecoveredbyanoxygenmaskunlesshewascoughingorspitting.She’dseenWolfeinjecthimwithsomethingbeforeheadingbacktothecabinwithCarter.Shecouldhearherteamviahercom,discussingplanswiththechopperpilottosendsearchandrescueouttocollecteveryone.Carterwashauledupintothechopperbyaropeladderandwouldreturnwithhelptosecuretheprisoners.
WhenKane’shandclosedaroundJenna’s,sheturnedtolookathim.Wetandmuddy,hiseyesseemedtohavelosttheirfarawaylook.Shesmiledathim.“Howareyoudoing?”
“I’mfine.”KaneliftedherhandandpeeredathershreddedfingersandthenlookedatDuke.“Lookatthepairofyou.Ican’ttakeyouanywherewithoutyougettingintotrouble.”Hisvoicewaslittlemorethanacroak.
Sighingwithreliefathearinghimspeak,shesmiledathim.“Youbroughtdownapairofserialkillersbyriskingyourownlife.Howtheheckdidn’twehavethemintheequation?”
“Howcouldwehaveincludedthem?”KanerubbedDuke’slongdustyearsandbrushedthedirtfromthedeputy’sbadgehangingfromhiscollar.“Therewasnolink,nothingtomakeussuspiciousofthem.”Hesighed.“IwasassurprisedasyouwhenKarajustspatouttheinformation.Shemusthavethoughtweknewshe’dbeeninvolved.Ithinkherarmisbrokenandtheshoulderwasathroughandthrough.”Helookedather.“Youdidn’twantherdead,soIhadtoriskitandbidemytimetogetacleanshot.Sheplannedtokillbothofus.”
Jennanodded.“Afterdoingthat,youdidn’texpectmetowalkawayandleaveyouheretodie,didyou?”
“Whenthelandslideslipped,Irolledbesidetheboulder.Ididn’texpecttogetoutaliveandIcan’tbelievemyriflesurvived.Itbecamemylifeline,stuckagainsttheboulder,itprovidedmewithalittleairandmarkedmyposition.Although,Dukehere,wasn’tgivingup.Icouldhearhimbarking.”MudcakedthecornersofKane’ssmile.“Imadeallsortsofpromisestogetbacktoyou,Jenna,andyetagain,I’vebeengivenanotherchance.”Heshookhisheadindisbelief.“Itseemslikeyou’restuckwithme.”
Spentandanemotionalwreck,Jennaleanedintohim.“Iwouldn’thaveitanyotherway.”
“Thenmarryme,Jenna.”Kane’sexpressionhadturnedserious.
Heartbursting,JennawatchedarivuletofdirtywaterrundownKane’stemple.Darkblueeyesstaredatherfromamud-splatteredface.Hewasusuallysoimmaculateandseeinghimlikethisseemedsurreal,butinthoseeyesshecouldseetherealDaveKane.Thekindandgentlepersonshe’dcometoloveandtrust.Shedissolvedintotearsandclung
FIFTY
Thecleanupoperationhappenedinablur.HavinganefficientteamaroundhermadeJenna’slifesomucheasier.CarterhadreturnedwithachopperanddeputiesfromLouantoescorttheprisoners,bothwouldbeheldforatimeatthehospital’ssecurewardwithadeputyondutyaroundtheclock.WatchingKanebeingstrappedtoastretcherandwinchedintoachopperwithDukehadmadeherfeelsick,butsheknewhe’dbeokay.Beforehe’dleft,he’dpressedasetofkeysintoherhandandaskedhertocheckontheBeast.WithRowleyatherside,she’dmadeherwaybackdownthemountain,herstomachchurningatwhatshemightfind.Astheyturnedthebendintheroad,ashaftofsunlightsparklinggoldwithdustmotespickedoutthetruck.ShegrinnedatRowley.“It’sdustybutfine.”
Feelingalittleshaky,shetossedhimthekeys.“Youdrive.”
“Me?”Rowleygavehimselfashake.“Wow!”
Jennagrinnedathimandclimbedin.“Dropmeattheofficeandtakeitthroughthecarwash.Bythetimeyougetback,I’llhaveachangeofclothesreadyforyoutotaketothemorgueforDave.”
“Themorgue?”Rowleyslippedbehindthewheelandranhishandsoveritwithreverence.“Notthehospital?”
“Nope,Kanehateshospitals.Wolfewilltakehimtohisoffice,sohecantakeashower.He’lllookatDukeaswell.Hisfeetarecutupprettybad.ThedogtrustsWolfebuthatesvets.”Jennaleanedbackinherseat.“Okay,let’sgo.Isoneedtotakeashower.”Sheturnedbacktohim.“WhatdidtheparamedicssayaboutRio?Ishegoingtobeokay?”
“Hewasconsciouswhentheyarrived.He’llneedsuturesinhisheadandthey’llkeephiminthehospitalovernightforobservation.”Rowleystartedtheengineandletoutalongbreath.“PiperisatWolfe’shouse.Mrs.Millsiswithher.She’llstaytheretonight.WolfesentMrs.JacobsandCadetotheER.Hefiguredtheywerebothinshock.CadewasincoherentwhenIuntiedhim.”
Astheyheadeddownthemountainatasnail’space,Jenna’sphonechimed.“Hi,Bobby,doyouhaveanythingforme?”
“Yeah,thosenamesyougaveme,KaraandAmberJudd?Theywerebothfostered,butKarashowedupinHarrietteJefferson’sfile.Shemusthavebeensixandwentmissingaroundtheageoftwelve,butshoweduphalfwayacrossthestateathersister’sfosterparents.ShewentbackintothesysteminHelenauntilsheturnedeighteenandthentookAmberandtheyjustvanished.Therewerenoreportsfiledaroundthattimetosuggestchildabuse.”Hesighed.“AndIhavenothingmoreonyourthreesuspects.Thoseguysaresqueakyclean.”
StillconcernedabouthowtheJuddsistershadescapedscrutiny,shesighed.“Yeah,soitwouldseem.KaraandAmberJuddareourkillers.KaraadmittedittoKaneandthentriedtokillhiminarockslide.He’llbefine.HeshotKaraintheshoulderandlikelybrokeherarmaswell,butshe’lllive.”
“Youdon’tsay?”Kalosoundedastonished.“Yetthecircumstantialevidencewasmountingagainstthesuspects.IfiguredDuffyforsure.”
“Metoobutitwouldneverhavestoodupincourt.Wewerechasingourtailsonthisoneandnowweknowwhy.”Staringoutthewindow,Jennafrowned.“HowmanyofMrs.Jefferson’sfosterkidsliveinmycounty?”
“AboutsevenasfarasIcantell,butunlessthey’vecausedaproblemormadethepress,they’relikesmoke.”
Jennasnorted.“Ortimebombsjustwaitingtobetriggered.Keepafileonthem.Wemightneedit.I’mprettysureKaraandhersister’skillingspreecamefromanabusivechildhood,andfromwhatI’veseenofMrs.Jefferson’shome,itwasapetridishforpsychopaths.”
“Theycouldhavebeenkillingforyears.”Kalosighed.“LikeIsaid,they’relikesmoke.TheonlyreferenceIfoundtoAmberJudd,andbelieveitornottherearehundredsofpeoplebythatname,wasintheBlackRockFallsHighSchoolattendancerecords.Sheshowedupayearagoandbeforethatitsaidshewashomeschooled.”
Staringoutthewindowbutseeingnothing,Jennanodded.“That’sher.Shewaslivingoffthegridinthemountainswithhersister.”Shelookeddownatherdirtyhandsandcakednailsandshuddered.“I’mlookingforwardtointerviewingboththesewomentofindoutwhattriggeredthem.Thanksforyourhelp,Bobby.”
“Anytime.”Kalodisconnected.
“IthinkIknowwhattriggeredthem,orKaramaybe.”RowleyturnedontoStantonbutkepttheBeastunderfiftymilesperhour.Hehadn’ttakenhiseyesfromtheroad.“WhenmeandCarterdroppedPiperatWolfe’shouse,CarterwasaskingherquestionsandPipermentionedthatKarawentcrazyafterdroppingbyonedayandseeingthequiltingcircle.Mrs.JacobshasthematRio’shouseonceamonth.PipersaidKarawasrantingonaboutnottrustingoldpeopleandsaidsheneededmoneytogetaway.”
TryingtofathomhowKaraandAmberhadslippedundertheradarandbrutallymurderedfourwomen,sheturnedtoRowleyasthepiecesofthepuzzlefittedneatlyintoplace.“So,assumingthatwasthetrigger,howdidKaraconvinceAmbertohelpher?”TheimageofAmberrammingtheGMCintotheretainingwallplayedinhermindandherthoughtswenttohowpoorMrs.Darvishmetherfate.She’dprobablyseenhersisterrammingMrs.Darvish’struckovertheravine.Ohyeah,Amberwouldbeinituptoherneck.“Strikethatquestion,I’veseenAmberinaction.Theymusthaveplannedeverythingtogether.Amberisprobablythekidonthebike.She’sskinnyandwithherhaircoveredandwearingahoodie,sheeasilypassedasaboy.Shesurefooledme.IwasclosebywhenshecameintotheofficewithMrs.Jefferson’spurseanddidn’trecognizeher.”Sheblinked,seeingeverythingclearlynowthatsheknewtwopeoplewereinvolved.“IfigureKarakilledandAmberpreventedhersisterleavingabloodtrailbyusingtowelsforhertowalkon.Wefoundtraceevidenceoftowelsonthecarpets.Karashoweredonscene,changed,andtheyburnedtheevidence.Thisiswhywehavenoviablefootprints.Theycleanedupthebathroomwithbleach.Wefoundevidenceofitatallthescenes.”
“Yeah,itmakessense.”Rowleyheadedtowardtheoffice.“They’dalreadykilledFloraCarsonbeforecontactingRio.AmberdropsbyhishouseandgiveshimthemessageandthentheyhightailitbacktoCarson’shouse.They’dknowhe’dwritedowndetailsandgetdressedbeforeheadingout.Theyhadatleastafive-minutestartonhim.PlentyoftimetohideatMrs.Carson’shouse.Whenhewenttothedoor,oneofthemdeliveredtheshotintheback.Riowouldhavestaggeredinsideandtheyremovedhisboots.Oneofthemputthemonandtheydraggedhimthroughthepoolofbloodandsetthescene.”Helookedather.“Butwhythemudmessages?”
Jennathoughtforabeat.“Thevictims’homeswereisolatedandIfigureKarawassendingamessagetotheothers.Shewantedthebodiestobefoundtoinstillfearintothequiltingcircle.Thatwashergoal.Shewantedthemfrightenedandlivinginfearofher,sameasMrs.Jeffersonhadinflictedonherforhowevermanyyears.”
“Doyouthinkshe’lladmittoit?”Rowleypulledupoutsidethesheriff’soffice.“Wehavenoevidenceagainstthemforthemurders,onlykidnappingandattemptedmurderofalawenforcementofficer.”
Jennapushedopenthedoor.“Ihopeso.Shefiguresweknoweverythingandsomepsychopathslovetoboastabouttheirkills.”Shehurriedinside.
“Oh,Jennaareyouokay?”Jometheratthedoor.“AnythingIcando?”
Jennasmiledather.“I’llbefine.I’mjustfilthyandhaveafewscratches.YoucouldcallthehospitalandfindoutwhenwecaninterviewtheJuddsisters.Iwanttojumpalloverthembeforetheychangetheirmindsabouttalking.”Shewalkedupthestairstothelockerroomsandstoppedtopullasetofcleanclothesfromherstash.“KaraadmittedtoKaneshe’dcutuptheoldladies,soshemusthavefiguredwe’dfoundoutaboutherkillingspree.”
“I’llcallthehospitalbutCartersaidKarahadathroughandthroughshoulderwoundandabrokenarm.Thedoctorswerepreppingherforsurgerywhenheleft.”Jofollowedclosebehindher.“Ican’timaginethemallowingustospeaktoheruntilthemorningandAmberisunderheavysedation.Don’tworry,wehavethembothunderheavyguard.”
“That’sgood.”Jennadumpedherclothesontothebenchandgrabbedtowels.Shesteppedintothebathroomandslidthedoorshut.Afterstrippingoffherdust-coveredclothes,shewaitedabeatbeforegettingintotheshower.“Canyoustayaminute?Ineedtotellyousomething.”
“Sure.”Josoundedinterested.“What’sonyourmind?”
Jennajusthadtotellsomeonebeforesheburst.Afterwrappingatowelaroundher,sheslidthedooropenacrackandpokedherheadaroundittolookatJo.Shewantedtoseeherreaction.“CanItrustyouwithasecret?”
“Crossmyheartandhopetodie.”Jolookedathersolemnly.“Although,withexceptions.Pleasedon’ttellmeyoudidsomethingillegal.I’mnotapriest,I’manFBIagent.”
LaughingJennashookherhead.“Nonotillegal.Daveaskedmetomarryhim.”
“Uh-huh…Ithoughtsomethingwasgoingonbetweenyoutwo.”Jowiggledhereyebrows.“KanemovinginwithyouandalllastHalloween.CartersaidhecouldseeallthesignsofarelationshipbutIwouldn’tbelievehim.Yousurekeptthatquiet.”
Jennashrugged.“Wehadnochoice.Ifigureditwouldinterferewithourworkingrelationshipbutitdoesn’t.Dave’sbeenalittleoverprotectivesincehearrivedandIdon’tthinkthatwillchange.Heunderstandsmyneedtobeindependent.”
“Yeah,heisareallyniceguy.”Joleanedagainstthewall.“I’vealwaysknownhecaredaboutyou.Thewayhelooksatyousometimesisadeadgiveaway.”
Jennagrabbedshampooandturnedontheshower.“Ihopeheremembersaskingme.Hewasinshockafterwepulledhimoutofthelandslide.”
“Idon’tthinkmuchfazesDaveKane.”Jogrinnedbroadly.“Whatdidyousay?”
Jennapokedherheadbackaroundthedoor.“Isaidyes,ofcourse.”
EPILOGUESUNDAY,WEEKTWO
JennawoketothesoundofCarterbangingonherfrontdoor.Ithadbeenaftermidnightwhenshefinallyfellintobed.LocatingtheDAlateonaSaturdayafternoonhadbeenanightmare.ThetonofpaperworkinvolvedduetoKara’sinjuriessustainedduringthearrest,herattackonRioandKane,anddetainingaminorhadtakenhourstocomplete.Shestaggeredoutofbedand,grabbingherrobe,hurriedtothefrontdoor.ShefrownedatCarter’sraisedeyebrow.“What?”
“We’vedonethechoresandJowouldliketostartbreakfast.”Cartergrinnedaroundatoothpick.“Wethoughtwe’dletyousleep.HaveyouheardfromKane?”
Jennaturnedtolookattheclock.“Youshouldhavewokenmeand,no,Ihaven’theardfromKaneatall.Wolfetookhimhomewithhimandgavehimsomethingtomakehimrest.Likelyhehadoneofhisheadachesfromhell.He’llcontactuswhenhe’sready.”ShepushedhairfromhereyesandstoodtoonesidetoallowhimandZorrotoenter.“AnynewsofRioandCade?Ididn’tgetanyinformationatalllastnightapartfromtheywerestable.”
“IcalledbeforeandspoketoRio.He’sokay.”Cartershruggedoutofhisjacketandhungitinthemudroom.“Cadetoo.They’llbereleasedoncethedoctorshavecheckedthemoveragain.IdoubtRiowillbebacktoworkforacoupleofdays.Theyputfifteenstitchesinhishead.Thatwomanmustpackapunch.”
Jennafrowned.“Rio’sbeenthroughhellandback.Ihopehetakesaweekoff.Heneedstherest.”Sheglancedupastheclockstruckeight.“Oh,lookatthetime.I’llgetready.Iguesswe’llbeinterviewingtheJuddsisters?”
“Yeah.”Cartersmiled.“Rowleycalledmeearlier.Hewaitedforthepaperworklastnightanddroppedbythehospitalatseventhismorning.He’salreadychargedthembothwithattemptedmurderofalawenforcementofficerandkidnapping.Thatwillholdthemfornow.”
Hurryingtothebathroom,JennawavedatJocomingthroughthefrontdoor.“WhatwouldIdowithoutRowley?I’llbefiveminutes.”
“Takeyourtime.”Joheadedforthekitchen.“Wewon’tbeabletospeaktothedoctorsatthehospitaluntilthey’vedonetheirrounds.Wehavetimetogointotheofficeandgetallthepaperworkfinished.”
Theyarrivedattheofficeatnine-thirtyandJennawentthroughthefilestomakesuretheyhadeverythinginorder.ShemadeacalltoBobbyKalo.“Thanksforyourhelpwiththecase.There’sjustonemorethingIneedifyoudon’tmind?WillyourunanothercheckonPoppy?Istillhaveanigglingfeelingabouther.”
“Ihavebeencheckinguponher.”Kaloletoutalongyawn.“Shehasn’tpurchasedanotherphonebutusedhercreditcardatWalmartoutofColoradoSpringsforclothingandpersonalitems.Iwouldn’tworrytoomuchabouther.Shehasmoney,I’msureshe’sjustfine.”
Jennasighedwithreliefanddrummedherfingersonthedesk.Sheglancedatherwatchandfrowned.Concernedshehadn’theardfromKane,butnotwantingtodisturbhimifhewassleeping,shepickedupherphoneagainandcalledWolfe.“Morning,Shane.HowisDave?Stillasleep?AndDuke,isheokay?”
“Heleftabouttenminutesago.”Wolfeclearedhisthroat.“Ikindofgottheimpressionhewasdisappointedyouhadn’tcalledhim.ItoldhimnottocallyouasCarterhadmentionedlettingyousleep,seeingasyouworkedintotheearlyhours.”
Jennafrowned.“Oh,no.Ididn’tcallincaseIdisturbedhim.Ifiguredhehadoneofhisheadaches.Thesteelplateinhisheadcauseshimsomuchpainattimes,andIknowhelikestosleepwhenit’srealbad.I’llcallhimnow.Wherewasheheading?”
“Iguesstotheoffice.He’sfine.Dukeisfinetoo.Herefusedtoleavehisside,evenwhenDavetookashower.Youknowhowmuchthatdoghateswater,yetheclimbedinrightbesidehimandjustsatthere.”Hechuckled.“Theybothwantedtoleaveandgohomeassoonasthey’dwashedoffthemud.Daveisastubbornman,Jenna.Hewashellbentondrivinghomelastnight.ItwasjustaswellRowleylefttheBeastattheofficeanddidn’tdropbyuntilthismorningtogivehimthekeys.”
Jennafrowned.“Heshouldbeherebynow.Maybeheheadedhome?”
“Hedidn’tsaybuthedidneedtopickupmedsfromthepharmacy,andatthistimeoftheday,thepiesarefreshoutoftheovenatAuntBetty’s.”
“Okaythanks.”Jennasighed.“Catchyoulater.”Shedisconnected.
“Jenna.”Jowalkedintotheoffice.“WecangoandinterviewtheJuddsisters.Rowleyjustcalled.He’sbeenstakedouttherewaitingforthedoctorstogiveustheallclear.WhenRowleyreadthemtheirrightsandchargedthem,KaraaskedforalawyerandSamuelJ.Crosshasagreedtotakethecaseprobono.”
StandingandstaringoutthewindowatKane’semptyparkingspace,Jenna’sstomachtwisted.“Justaminute.Ineedtomakeacall.I’llmeetyoudownstairs.”ShecalledKane,surprisedwhenhedidn’tpickupandthecallwenttovoicemail.Sheleftamessage.“Itseemslikewe’vebothavoidedcallingincasewedisturbedeachother.Akindofcaller’scatch-22.”Shechuckled.“I’mheadingtothehospitaltointerviewtheJuddsisterswithJoandCarter.Rowleyistherealready.Ifyoumakeitintotheoffice,you’llneedtofileareportontheshooting.I’llcatchyoulater.”
Sheheadeddownstairsandclimbedintothecruiser.Astheyheadedforthehospital,sheleanedforwardinherseat.“I’dlikeyoubothtobeinvolvedintheinterviews.IneedaprofessionalopinionwithKaneMIA.IfigureKaraisapsychopath,butyouwillknowforsure,Jo,andAmberisn’ttoofarbehind.Isitpossibleforsisterstohavethesamepsychologicaldisorders?”
“Yeah.”Joturnedinherseattolookather.“Psychopathyisgenetic.Wedon’thaveaspecificgeneforityetbutthatdiscoveryisnodoubtjustaroundthecorner.Youalreadyknowapersoncanbebornwithapredispositionofdevelopingapsychopathicpersonalitydisorder.Ifthatdisorderdevelopsornotusuallydependsonfactorsinthechild’senvironment.Achildbroughtupwithloving,caringparentsmayneverdevelopintoapsychopathorhaveanyoftheotherpsychopathicdisorders.However,asitrunsinfamilies,itonlytakesonepsychoticparenttotriggerthecondition.Manykidswiththepotentialfindthemselvesinfostercareoronthestreetsduetoaparentalbreakdown.Inthiscase,bothkidsbeingraisedinfostercare,itwouldbeatoss-upiftheysurvivedintactorbecameavictimofbadparentingorworse.”Shesighed.“Theyarevictims,youknow,andthere’sverylittlewecandotohelpthem.Oncetheystartkilling,thechanceofrehabilitationispracticallyzero.”
Jennashookherhead.“Ifinditdifficulttohavecompassionforbloodthirstymaniacs.I’veseenwaytoomuchoftheirwork.”Shethoughtforabeat.“AlthoughIdofeelsorryforthekidstheyoncewere.Ican’timaginethehorrorofbeinglockedinacloset.It’snowonderKaraislikesheis,butitdoesn’taccountforhersister.”
“Itgoeslikethis.”Carterpulledintoareservedparkingspaceoutsidethehospital.“Firstyoufeelcompassionforthem,thenyoutryandreasonwiththem—andthenyoudie.”
AfterspeakingtothedoctorinchargeoftheJuddsisters,JennastoppedbytocheckonRioandhisbrother.“Hey,socanyourememberwhathappened?”
“Yeah,wellmostofit.”RiogaveareplicaofthestoryPiperhadtoldthem
JennalookedatCade.“Whataboutyou?”
“IhadnoideawhatKarawasdoing.ThemomentItoldheraboutthechangeinmyinheritanceshewentballistic.”Cadeshrugged.“Iwentwiththemtothecabinandsheheldarifleonmeandthentiedmetoachair.Nextthing,theyshowedupwithMrs.Jacobs,thenIheardshootingand,well,youknowtherest.”
Jennanodded.“Okay,well,takeaweekorwhateveryouneed,Zac,andgetbetter.Callmeifyouneedanythingatall.”Sheheadedforthedoorandtooktheelevatortothesecurefloor.
Atthefrontcounter,JoandCarterwerespeakingtoSamCross,theattorney.Afterexchangingpleasantries,theyweretakenthroughsecurityandintotheward.BothKaraandhersisterhadseparaterooms.TheywenttospeaktoKarafirst.Outsidethedoor,JennalookedatJo.“Youtaketheleadandwe’lljumpinwhennecessary.Idon’twanttomakeheranymoreupsetthansheisrightnow.”
“Sure.”Jopushedthroughthedoor,briefcaseinhand,andtookaseatbesidethebed.“Goodmorning,MissJudd.I’mSpecialAgentJoWellsandthisisAgentCarter.YouknowSheriffAlton.”
“I’myourattorney,SamuelJ.Cross.”Crosstookaseatontheothersideofthebed.“I’veagreedtothisinterview,butyoudon’thavetosayanything.However,thereissubstantialevidenceagainstyouforthecharges.DoyouwanttospeaktoAgentWells?”
“Whynot?Ijustwantedyouheresotheydidn’trailroadme.”Karalookedsmug.“Idon’tseeDeputyKanewithyou?Ishepartofthemountainnow?”Shechuckled.
Keepingherexpressionneutral,JennapulledupachairandsatdownnoticingtheziptiesecuringKara’sankletothebed,notthatshecoulddomuch.Onearmwasinacast,theotherinasling.“He’srightoutside.Ifigurehe’llbeinterviewingyoursister.Hehasafewwordstosaytoheraboutherdrivingskills.”SheturnedonherrecordingdeviceandwaitedforJototakeover.
“Movingrightalong.”JoexchangedalookwithJenna.“WeknowaboutyourtimewithMrs.Jefferson.Weknowshelockedkidsinherclosets.Whatelsehappenedtomakeyouwanttogoonakillingspree?”
“Youdon’thavetoanswer.Thisinformationisn’tpertinenttothecase.”Crossmadenotesinhisbook.
“Shedoes.”Jomethisgazewithafrown.“ItmightexplainwhyKarafelttheneedtogetrevengeonoldladies.”
“Revengeisagoodword.”Karanodded.“Beinglockedforhoursinadarkclosetwithspiderswasonething,butthebeatingsshegaveusweresadistic.Sheenjoyedhurtingus.Shegotthislookinhereyes,wildlike.Thenshe’dsinglikeshewassavingoursoulsorsomething.Shewasacrazyoldwoman,butshehiditwell.Whenthequiltingcirclecametothehouse,shewaslikeadifferentperson,allsunshineandflowers.”Shegaveashudderandstaredintospace.“She’ddragmefromtheclosetandtakemedownstairs,bendmeoverachair,andbeatmewithaleatherstrap,allthewhilesinginghymns.Shetoldmesheneededtobeatthebadoutofme.”ShedroppedhergazetoJenna.“ShewasalwayswatchingusandIwantedtokillher.Iwantedtokillherfromthefirsttimesheshutmeinthedark.Problemis,timedistortsmemoryandeveryoneseemstolookalike.IfiguredI’djustworkmywaythroughthequiltingcircle.Irememberthehousehadlandaroundit,soIpickedthememberswholivedinisolatedhouses.Itwaseasy.”
“Youcouldn’thavemanagedthatalone.”Jolookedupfromhernoteswithadisinterestedexpression.“Themessenger,themessagesonthesheriff’sofficedoor,noneofthosewereyourdoing.WeknowAmberwasthereforallofthem.Shehelpedyoubylayingdowntowelssoyoudidn’tleavefootprints,andfromthewaysherammedtheGMCintotheretainingwall,she’sprobablyresponsibleforpushingJoleneDarvishovertheravine.”Shesmiled.“Youprefertokillhands-on,don’tyou?”
“Ilikeitbloody.Amberisjustakidbut,yeah,shehelpedmebydressinguplikeaboyand,yeah,sherammedoldladyDarvishovertheravine.Itoldhershecoulddrivehomeandwecameacrosstheoldlady.ItwasAmber’sideatoscareher,butwhenshesawherthatnight,shestartedlaughingand,thenextthing,thetruckwentovertheravine.Welaughedallthewayhome.Youshouldhaveseenhertryingtogetout.Itwasclassic.”
“Ithinkthat’senough.”SamCrossclearedhisthroat.“Maybeweshouldtalkinprivatebeforeweproceed.”
“Nah.”Karaflickedhimadismissiveglance.“Theyhavemeandyouknowit.ImesseduptryingtosetupZacRio.I’vedonewhatIcameheretodo.I’llpleadguiltyandspendmylifeinanicecomfyprisonforthecriminallyinsane.”Sheshruggedandthenwincedinpain.“Amberisakid.They’llgoeasyonher.”
Jennaliftedherchin.“Okay,let’sgothroughthemurdersonebyone.”
Theyspenthourstalkingandtakingstatements.ThebrieftimetheyspentwithAmberJuddonlyconfirmedhersister’saccount.Theybothseemedresignedtotheirfate.BlackRockFallshaditsownpenitentiary.Thecountybeingsolarge,andwithsomanyfelons,ithadbuiltaprisontorivalanystatepen.LocallyknownasCounty,ithousedBlackRockFalls’notoriouskillers.Afterwritingupthepaperwork,JennamettheDAathisoffice,whichonaSundaywasquiteanachievement.HearrangedforKaraJuddtobetakentoCountyandhersistertoasecurejuvenilefacility,althoughhehadrecommendedshebetriedasanadult.
Itwasover.Takingafewdeepbreathsoffreshmountainair,Jennawalkedbacktoheroffice.ShespottedtheBeastoutsideinitsusualspaceandthefamiliartallmaninblackleaningcasuallyagainstit,withabloodhoundathisfeet.Shegrinnedandhurriedacrosstheroad.“Thereyouare.”ShemovedhergazealloverhimandDuke.“YoulookinbettershapethanthelasttimeIsawyou.IsDukeokay?”
“Yeah,he’salittleclingy,buthe’sdoingjustfine.”Kanechuckled.“Igotyourmessageaboutourcatch-22phonecallsituation.We’vegottastoptiptoeingaroundeachother,Jenna.Ilikeyoucheckinguponme.It’snice.”Hemethergaze.“Areyoudonehere?Weneedtotalk.”
Haveyouchangedyourmindaboutmarryingme?Jenna’sstomachtightenedintoknots.“Yeah,theGrannyKillercaseissolvedandwrappedupneatly.ThemediahasalreadycaughtwindofthearrestandRowleyhasputoutastatement.Nowit’sinthehandsofthecourts.Atlast,wehavesomedowntime.Isureneedtherest.Wherehaveyoubeenallday?Itriedtocallyou.”
“Oh,I’vebeenkindabusy.”Kanesmileddownather.“IneededmyhatcleanedandIhadtostripdownmyrifletogetthemudoutofit.WhenI’dfinished,Ihadtopickupafewthingsandgetmesomepie.”Hecuppedhercheek.“Ifiguredyouneededsomespacetogetthingssorted.Youdidn’tneedmeatthehospitaland,astheJuddsisterstriedtheirbesttokillme,Ifiguredbeingtheremighthavecausedaconflictofinterest.”Hestaredintohereyes.“Doyourememberwhatwetalkedaboutonthemountain?”
Suddenlyveryvulnerable,Jennanodded.“Ofcourse,Ido,Dave.Itwasn’ttheproposalI’dexpected.Youknow,dinnerandflowers,youononeknee.It’severywoman’sdream,butthatidealflewoutofthewindowthemomentyouaskedme.I’llneverforgetitorthelookinyoureyes.Itwasperfect.”Sheswallowedhard.“Haveyouchangedyourmind?”
“Mymindwasmadeupalongtimeago.”Kanepulledherclose.“WhenwewenttoHelena,IhadWolfepickupsomethingspecialforme.ItwasanopalIpurchasedfromaplacecalledLightningRidgeinAustralia.ItremindedmeofallthestarsintheskyhereinBlackRockFalls,andwhenitmovesunderthelight,itresemblesthesunonagreenandblueocean.Allthesethingsarepartofus,Jenna,andrepresentwhatwelove.AtohitoldmehispeoplebelievetheyarefromtheGoddessofRainbows.TheancientGreekssaytheyarethehappytearsofZeusandbringprosperityandluck.”Hesmiled.“Ittooksomedoing,tryingtohidethecallsbackandforthfromthedesigner,butWolfecollecteditformebeforeallhellbrokeloosehere.”Hepulledaboxoutofhispocketandflippeditopen.“Idon’thaveflowersordinner,Jenna.It’sjustme,Duke,andtheBeast,butIwanttobewithyoufortherestofmylife.”Heslippedtheringonherfinger.
Breathless,Jennastaredattheincrediblestone,surroundedbydiamonds,andliftedhergazetohisface.Shecouldseeuncertaintyinhiseyesandsmiled,blinkingbackunshedhappytears.“It’sbeautiful,Dave.Sobeautiful.”
“When?”Kane’sintensegazeflittedoverhershoulder.“Dammit.Isowanttokissyou.Dowehavetokeepthisasecret?”
Jenna’sgazewenttoSusieHartwigandWendy,whowereheadingtotheofficetodeliverapileoftakeout.Theywerestandingtransfixedonthesidewalkstaringatthem.“Justonething:I’llbekeepingmyprofessionalnameasSheriffAltontoavoidconfusion.”
“Finebyme.Wewouldn’twantpeoplebeingconfusednow,wouldwe?”Kanegrinnedbroadly.
Laughing,Jennalookedathim.“But—I’llbeMrs.JennaKanewhenwecheckintohotels.Youbeingsostraitlacedandall.”
“Well,Idohaveareputationtouphold.”Kane’smouthtwitchedupintoasmile.
JennaleanedbackandindicatedwithherchintoSusieandsmiledathim.“Yousuredo.Thetownsfolkrespectyouandnowyou’vegotthemtalking.”
“Uh-huh.”Kane’sattentionmovedbacktoher.“We’regettinganaudience.”
Jennastaredattheringandgiggled.“Aftercarryingmeoveroneshoulderoutofthecrimewriter’sconventionballlastwinter,I’mnotsurprised.IsJulytoosoon?Justourclosefriends…andI’dlovetogosomewherehotforourhoneymoon.”
“I’dprefertomorrow,butwhateverwedo,weshouldhaveateamonstandbyincaseaserialkillercomestotown.We’regoingonvacation,evenifit’sonlyafewdays.I’llfindaplacewithnointerruptions.”Kane’slipscurledintoasmileashelookedoverhershoulder.“Hmm,everyoneintheofficeiswatchingusthroughthedoor.Ifigureit’stimeImademyintentionsclear.”Heremovedhishatandbenttokissher.
***
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BOOKSBYD.K.HOODDETECTIVESKANEANDALTONPREQUELS
LoseYourBreath
Don’tLookBack
DETECTIVESKANEANDALTONSERIES
Don’tTellaSoul
BringMeFlowers
FollowMeHome
TheCryingSeason
WhereAngelsFear
WhisperintheNight
BreaktheSilence
HerBrokenWings
HerShallowGrave
PromisesintheDark
BeMineForever
CrossMyHeart
FallenAngel
PrayforMercy
AVAILABLEINAUDIO
DETECTIVESKANEANDALTONPREQUEL
LoseYourBreath(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
DETECTIVESKANEANDALTONSERIES
Don’tTellaSoul(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
BringMeFlowers(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
FollowMeHome(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
TheCryingSeason(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
WhereAngelsFear(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
WhisperintheNight(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
BreaktheSilence(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
HerBrokenWings(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
HerShallowGrave(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
PromisesintheDark(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
BeMineForever(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
CrossMyHeart(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
FallenAngel(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
ALETTERFROMD.K.HOOD
DearReaders,
ThankyousomuchforchoosingmynovelandcomingwithmeonanotherthrillingadventurewithKaneandAltoninPrayforMercy
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It’swonderfultocontinuewritingthestoriesofJennaAltonandDaveKaneandhavingyoualong.Wehavesomanythrillingnewadventurestoexploreandcrimestosolve.Ireallyappreciateallthewonderfulcommentsandmessagesyouhaveallsentmeduringthisseries.
Ifyouenjoyedmystory,Iwouldbeverygratefulifyoucouldleaveareviewandrecommendmybooktoyourfriendsandfamily.Ireallyenjoyhearingfromreaderssofeelfreetoaskmequestionsatanytime.YoucangetintouchonmyFacebookpageorTwitterorthroughmyblog.
Thankyousomuchforyoursupport.
D.K.Hood
http://www.dkhood.com
dkhood-author.blogspot.com.au
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
ThemagnificentTeamBookouture.Awonderfulgroupofverytalentedpeoplewho’vemademydreamscometrue.
Myreaders,fromfarandwide.Iappreciateeachandeveryoneofyouforyoursupportandfriendship.
We–bothauthorandpublisher–hopeyouenjoyedthisbook.Webelievethatyoucanbecomeareaderatanytimeinyourlife,butwe’dloveyourhelptogivethenextgenerationaheadstart.
Didyouknowthat9%ofchildrendon’thaveabookoftheirownintheirhome,risingto13%indisadvantagedfamilies*?We’dliketotrytochangethatbyaskingyoutoconsidertheroleyoucouldplayinhelpingtobuildreadersofthefuture.
We’dloveyoutogetinvolvedbysharing,borrowing,reading,buyingortalkingaboutabookwithachildinyourlifeandspreadingtheloveofreading.Wewanttomakesurethenextgenerationcontinuestohaveaccesstobooks,wherevertheycomefrom.
ClickHEREforalistofbrilliantbookstosharewithachild–asvotedbyGoodreadsreaders.
Thankyou.
*AsreportedbytheNationalLiteracyTrust
PublishedbyBookouturein2022
AnimprintofStoryfireLtd.
CarmeliteHouse
50VictoriaEmbankment
LondonEC4Y0DZ
www.bookouture.com
Copyright?D.K.Hood,2022
D.K.Hoodhasassertedherrighttobeidentifiedastheauthorofthiswork.
Allrightsreserved.Nopartofthispublicationmaybereproduced,storedinanyretrievalsystem,ortransmitted,inanyformorbyanymeans,electronic,mechanical,photocopying,recordingorotherwise,withoutthepriorwrittenpermissionofthepublishers.
eBookISBN:978-1-80019-860-9
Thisbookisaworkoffiction.Names,characters,businesses,organizations,placesandeventsotherthanthoseclearlyinthepublicdomain,areeithertheproductoftheauthor’simaginationorareusedfictitiously.Anyresemblancetoactualpersons,livingordead,eventsorlocalesisentirelycoincidental.
TableofContents
TitlePage
Contents
Dedication
Prologue
Chapter1
Chapter2
Chapter3
Chapter4
Chapter5
Chapter6
Chapter7
Chapter8
Chapter9
Chapter10
Chapter11
Chapter12
Chapter13
Chapter14
Chapter15
Chapter16
Chapter17
Chapter18
Chapter19
Chapter20
Chapter21
Chapter22
Chapter23
Chapter24
Chapter25
Chapter26
Chapter27
Chapter28
Chapter29
Chapter30
Chapter31
Chapter32
Chapter33
Chapter34
Chapter35
Chapter36
Chapter37
Chapter38
Chapter39
Chapter40
Chapter41
Chapter42
Chapter43
Chapter44
Chapter45
Chapter46
Chapter47
Chapter48
Chapter49
Chapter50
Epilogue
HearMorefromD.K.Hood
BooksbyD.K.Hood
ALetterfromD.K.Hood
Acknowledgments
*
Copyright
© Copyright Notice
The copyright of the article belongs to the author. Please do not reprint without permission.
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