BREAKTHESILENCEATOTALLYADDICTIVECRIMETHRILLERD.K.HOODBOOKSBYD.K.HOOD
Don’tTellASoul
BringMeFlowers
FollowMeHome
TheCryingSeason
WhereAngelsFear
WhisperintheNight
BreaktheSilence
AVAILABLEINAUDIO
Don’tTellASoul(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
BringMeFlowers(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
FollowMeHome(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
TheCryingSeason(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
WhereAngelsFear(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
WhisperintheNight(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
CONTENTSPrologueChapter1Chapter2Chapter3Chapter4Chapter5Chapter6Chapter7Chapter8Chapter9Chapter10Chapter11Chapter12Chapter13Chapter14Chapter15Chapter16Chapter17Chapter18Chapter19Chapter20Chapter21Chapter22Chapter23Chapter24Chapter25Chapter26Chapter27Chapter28Chapter29Chapter30Chapter31Chapter32Chapter33Chapter34Chapter35Chapter36Chapter37Chapter38Chapter39Chapter40Chapter41Chapter42Chapter43Chapter44Chapter45Chapter46Chapter47Chapter48Chapter49Chapter50Chapter51Chapter52Chapter53Chapter54Chapter55Chapter56Chapter57EpilogueHearmorefromD.K.HoodBooksbyD.K.HoodALetterfromD.K.HoodDon’tTellaSoulBringMeFlowersFollowMeHomeTheCryingSeasonWhereAngelsFearWhisperintheNightAcknowledgementsToZackSmith—followyourdreams.Youneverknowwherethey’llleadyou.
PROLOGUESATURDAY
MusicplayedsolouditvibratedinChrissieLowe’steeth.Studentscrammedintoeverysparespacetalkingsoloudtheysoundedlikeaflockofangrygeese.Giddyanduncoordinated,shepushedherwaybetweentwohugefootballplayerstoreachthestairs.ThedreamdatewithSethLyons—starcollegequarterback—hadfadedlikearoseinwinter.Thefruitpunchhe’dinsistedshedrinkto“loosenup”hadtheeffectofmakingtheroomgoallmistyaroundtheedges.Surroundedbypeopleshedidn’tknowdidn’thelpthewaveofrisingpanicanduncertaintyofbeingtheonlygirlattheparty.Thenigglyfeelingsomethingwasn’tquiterighthitherthemomentSethhadrefusedtogiveheraridebacktoherdorm.Hisinsistenceshestayworriedher,asdidthestrange,overlyinterestedlooksfromhisfriends.HerlegshadbecomeJell-Oandshesaggedagainstthewall.“Idon’tfeelsogood.Iwanttogohome.”
“AndIfiguredyouwereallgrownup.”Sethgrabbedherbytheshouldersandturnedheraround.“Goupstairs.Youcanrestupinmyroom.”
Gladofachancetogetawayfromthethumpingmusickeepingtimetothethrobinhertemples,sheglancedatthewaveringstairs.“Upthere?”
“Yeah,gorighttotheendofthehallway.”Seth’shandsettledonthesmallofherbackandhegaveheranencouragingpushtowardthesteps.
Agroupofjuniorssherecognizedasmembersofthefootballteamleanedagainstthewalls,drinkingbeerandwatchingwithinterestasshestaggeredupthestairs.Whentheygrinnedatherandmadehootingnoiseslikeabunchofderangedowls,hercheeksgrewhotwithembarrassment.ChrissiesmackedawaythehandstryingtosnagherandturnedtoSeth.“Aretheseyourfriends?”
“Uh-huh.Don’tworryaboutthoseanimals.”Hesnortedandhigh-fivedhisfriends.“Itwillbejustyou’n’me.”
Awaveofnauseahitherashisoverpoweringaftershavemingledwiththesmellsofbeerandbarbecue.Shejustwantedtoliedownandhopedtheroomwouldstopspinning.Usingthewallforsupport,sheeasedherwaythroughthepackedhallwayandopenedthedoor.Itwastheusual-sizedroombutwithtwodoublebeds,notlikethesinglesinherdorm.“You’vedoublebeds?”
“Yeah,usguysneedabitmorespacethanyoudo.”Sethgrinnedather.“Sitdown.I’llgetyouacoupleofpills.”Heheadedfortheopenbathroomdoor.
Warninglightsflashedinherbrainandthelongtalkherparentshadgivenheraboutnotdrinkingortakingdrugsfilledherswimmingthoughts.Whensheshookherhead,herstomachrolled.“Idon’tneedanypills.Ijustneedtoliedownforaspell.”
“Headallfuzzy?”Sethcameoutofthebathroom.“Feellikeyou’regonnaspew?”Hehandedhertwopillsthenaglassofwater.“Thesewillmakeyoufeelbetter.Yougottatrustme,Chrissie.”
Shepeeredatthepills.“AretheylikeTums?”
“Iguess.”Sethsatdown,makingthebeddip.“Comeon,Chrissie.Wecan’tenjoyourselveswithyouallmesseduplikethis.”
Shepeeredatthepills.“Idon’ttakedrugs.”
“DoyouthinkIwould’veaskedyoutocomehereifyoudid?”Sethtouchedhercheek.“Ilikeyoubecauseyou’resosweetandinnocent.”
Whenhelookeddeepintohereyes,herstomachgavealittleflip.Shesowantedtopleasehimbutbeingdrunkandalonewithhiminhisbedroomwasabigmistake.Swallowinghard,shewetherlips.“IthinkIshouldgo.”
“Youdon’ttrustme,doyou?”Sethdashedahandthroughhishairinanimpatientgesture.“YouknowtherearetengirlsIknowwhowould’vejumpedatthechancetobeinviteduptomyroombutIchoseyou—Ican’tbelieveyou’returningouttobebasic.”Hestoodandglaredather.“Ifyoudon’ttrustme,forgetit.I’llgiveyouaridebacktoyourdorm—butdon’texpecttohearfrommeagainanytimesoon.”
Unabletotakehiscondemnationamomentlonger,Chrissieallowedhergazetolingeronhishandsomefaceforjustamomentthentookthepills.
“See,thatwasn’tsobad,wasit?”Sethgaveherabrilliantsmile,andsatdownagain.“Letmehelpyouwithyourjacket.”Hetosseditontoachairthenpuffedupthepillowsandeasedherdownonthebed.“Liebackandrelax.Thepillswillmakeyoufeelsogoodlikeyou’refloatingonacloud.”Hestoodandstareddownather.“Closeyoureyes.Letmeturndownthelights.”
Headthrobbing,shecomplied.Thedooropenedandablastofnoisefromthepartyfilledtheroomforlongmomentbeforethedoorclosedagain,reducingtheloudmusictoatolerablebuzz.Hasheleftmealone?Heavinessfilledherlimbsandshetriedunsuccessfullytoliftherarms.Astrangenumbingsensationhadcreptoverherandshecouldn’tmove.Itwasasifthebedhadturnedintoquicksand.Frightened,shetriedtocallforhelpbutonlyamoanescapedherlips.
Whisperedvoicesdeepandmasculinesurroundedherbutshecouldn’tmakeoutwhattheyweresaying.Adizzy,out-of-bodyfeelingswampedheranditwasanefforttokeephereyesopen.Shetriedtofocusonthefacesgrinningatherandthendarknessclosedinaroundher.
Chrissieopenedhereyes,disorientedandconfused,andtookinthedamplawnoutsideherdorm.Thefreshlycutgrassprickledhercheekandtheworldseemedtobeupsidedown.Stiflingamoan,sherolledontoherbackandstaredintothestars,tryingtomakesenseofwhathadhappened.Witheffort,shesatup,pulledoutherphone,andstaredatthescreenforsomemoments,notsurewhattodo.Aftersendingatext,shestoodontremblinglegs,stumbledatthecurbandherphoneslippedfromherhand.Asitfelldownadrain,shestaredafteritindismayforalongmomentbeforemakingherwayslowlytothefrontdoor.
Luckily,theglassdoortothedormlobbyremainedopenonSaturdaynightsandherroomwasonthegroundfloor.Shefoundherkey,safeinthezipperedpocketofherjacket,andstaggeredintothebuilding.Empty,well-litpassagewaysgreetedherasshemadeherwaytoherroom.Shepassedthenoticeboardand,amongthecouponsforfreepizza,shespottedanewspaperarticleabouttheBlackRockFallsCollegefootballteam.Familiarfacesgrinnedoutatherfromateamphotograph.Leaningagainstthewallforsupport,shegrabbedthepenhangingbyastring,circledfourofthefaces,andthenaddedasad-facedemojiandherinitials.
Outside,theroarofapowerfulenginecaughtherattentionandshelookedthroughtheglassdoorasacar,cloakedindarkness,crawledbyherbuildingandthenstopped.Panicfrozehertothespot.Shecouldn’tbreathe.Theclickasthecardoorshutsoundedloudinthestillness,andmomentslater,ashadowcrossedthelawn,comingfast.Chrissiefumbledforherkey.Once,twiceshetriedwithtremblingfingerstoslideitintothelock.Herheartpoundedinherchestasthefrontdoorwhinedopened.Shedarednotscream.Noonemusteverknow.Asthekeyslidintothelock,footstepscamedownthehallway.Shegaspedinterror.Ihavetogetaway
ONEMONDAY
BlackRockFallsinAugustwasspectacular.Anentireartist’spaletteofcolorspaintedthelandscape,andfromSheriffJennaAlton’sfrontporch,shecouldseeformilesacrossthevastgrasslandstothemountainranges.Underaclear,brilliantbluesky,theblackmountainpeaksstoodoutlikeawallofprotectionaroundthetown,withthepinesofStantonForestmarchinguptomeettheminamixofluxuriousgreens.Wildflowersspilledoverthelushgrasssurroundingherranch,andfromwhereshesat,shecouldseethehorsesfrolickinginthecorral.Jennaputherbootsupontherailing,leanedbackinherchair—coffeecupinhand—andsighed.“It’sgoodtobehome.”ShesmiledatDaveKane,herdeputyandclosefriend.“IkindofmissedthisplacebutIsureneededavacation.”
“Metoo.”Kaneyawned.“Iwouldn’thavemindedacouplemoreweeks’rest.”Herubbedtheheadofhisbloodhound,Duke.“ButRowleywasworriedDukehadstartedtostress,sonexttimewe’lltakehimwithus.”
“Thatsoundslikeareallygoodplan.Thinkaboutit—twoorthreeweeksofbakinginthesunonabeautifulbeach,blueskies,whitesand…ah,bliss.”Shesmiledathim.“Itwasnicetorelaxforachange,withouttheconstantcaseload.”
“Maybewe’llbeabletocatchanotherweekabitlater,butIguesswiththecountyfairandrodeointownthisweek,thingsaregonnastartgettingcrazy.”Kaneleanedbackanddarklashesclosedoverhiseyes.“Wemightaswellmakethemostofthelull.”
JennahopedDeputyJakeRowleywouldheadouttoworkearlyasusualandopentheofficeoftheBlackRockFallsSheriff’sDepartment.Asfarasshewasaware,allwasquietintownandshereallydidn’tfeellikerushing.
She’darrivedinBlackRockFallssomeyearsprioraftergivingevidenceagainstanunderworldkingpinandlandinginwitnessprotection.AfterspendingayearrecoveringfromPTSD,she’dputhernameforwardintheelectionsandwonthepositionofsheriff.She’dfinallyleftundercoverDEAAgentAvrilParkerbehindandslippedintohernewlifewithenthusiasm.DaveKane,anintimidating,six-foot-fivesniper,hadarrivedacoupleofyearslater,andshe’ddiscoveredhewasanoff-the-gridDC’sSpecialForcesInvestigationCommandagentwithincredibleprofilingskills.He’djustlosthiswifeinacarbombingandgainedametalplateinhishead.Theyhadthesamesecrets:newidentitiesandfaces,nottomentionsecurityclearancesthatwentrightuptotheofficeofPOTUS.Duringtheirtimetogether,they’dformedaspecialbondasclosefriends.Whentheyhadthechancetograbacoupleofweeks’vacation,itseemednaturaltospendittogether.
TheouterperimeteralarmsoundedthencutoutandJennajumpedtoherfeet.Withonehandonherweapon,sheslidintothecoverofthehouse.“It’sawhitevan.”
“It’sWolfe.”Kanefrowned.“Whydidn’thecallfirst?”
AfterspendingaweekofluxuryvacationinginSantaCruzwithKane,thelastpersonJennaexpectedtofindonherdoorstepwasthemedicalexaminer,ShaneWolfe.TheTexanex-marine,whoresembledablondVikingmarauder,hadbeenKane’scontrollerduringhistimeinDC’sSpecialForcesInvestigationCommand.WhenWolfehadsuddenlyarrivedintownwithhisthreedaughters,bulgingwithexpertiseinforensicscienceandtechnology,Jennahadsnappedhimupasadeputy,andnowhecarriedtheofficeofmedicalexaminerforBlackRockFallsandtheneighboringcounties.
WolfecarriedadeviceinhisvehicletoallowaccesstoJenna’sranchsecurity,butitwasunusualforhimtoarriveunannounced.Asthevanpulledtoahalt,JennawalkedbackontotheporchtogreethimandglancedatKane.“Hedoesn’tlookhappy.”
“I’mgladyou’rehome.”Wolfeclimbedoutofthevanandranupthesteps.“Weneedtotalk.”
Jennawavedhiminsideandledthewaytothekitchen,pouredhimacupofcoffee,andtheyallsatatthetable.“Whatbringsyouallthewayouthereatthecrackofdawn?”
“Icalledbothofyouearlierbutyourcellphonesgavemethesamemessage:‘I’mnotavailable,call911.’”Wolfegavethemanexasperatedstare.“Iknewyou’dflowninlastnightandRowleytoldmeyou’dbeenbyforDuke.Didyouforgettoturnonyourcells?”
Jenna’sfacegrewhot.Yeah,she’dturnedhercellphonetovibrateanditwassittingonthebenchwithherkeys.“Seemsso,I’msorrytohaveworriedyou.Issomethingwrongwiththegirls?”
“No,they’refine.”AgitationrolledoffWolfebuthetookadeepbreathandsmiledatJenna.“EmilyishometofinishherdegreeinBlackRockFalls,soshe’llbeworkingwithusagain.”EmilywasWolfe’seldestdaughterandassmartasawhip.
“That’swonderful.So,what’sup?”
“Acallcameinonthe911lineyesterdaymorningfromthecollegeaboutasuicide.LiviJohnsonfoundherroommateChrissieLowe,eighteenyearsold,deadintheshoweraroundseven.Rowleywasthefirstresponderandcalledme.”Wolfesippedhiscoffeethenliftedhischinandlookedather.“I’mnotsosurethisisasuicide.I’vereasontobelieveChrissieLowewasrapedbeforeherdeathbutI’llconfirmafterthepost.”
Horrified,Jennaswallowedthebilecreepingupthebackofherthroat.“Rowleydidn’tmentionhehadanopencase.”
“Hedoesn’tknowthefactsasyet.”Wolfeleanedbackinhischair.“Ionlydidaquickvisualexamination,weprocessedthescene,andIremovedthebody.I’vesealedtheroomasIcan’truleouthomicide.Inotifiedherparentsandrequestedpermissiontoperformanautopsy.”
“Whatdidyoufind?”Kaneshiftedinhischair,makingthejointscreakalarmingly.“Wasithomicide?”
“I’veyettomakethatdetermination.Ihaven’tperformedthepostyet.Iknewyou’dbebacktodaysoIwaited.”Wolfenarrowedhisgaze.“AsWebberhasclassestoday,wouldyoubeabletoattendtheautopsythismorning?”
ColtWebber,abadge-carryingdeputy,workedasWolfe’sassistantandwasstudyingforensicscienceatcollege.HesometimesactedasJenna’srepresentativeatautopsiesandbackupwhennecessary.
“Sure.”Shefrowned.“Yousmellarat,don’tyou?”
“Definitely.”Wolfewavedhiscup.“Frommyinitialcursoryexamination,themethodusedtocuttheveinswasunusual.Inmostsuicideattemptsthecutismadeacrossthewristbuttheincisionsinthiscaserunfromwristtoforearm.Although,wehaveestablishedthepocketknifebelongedtothevictim.”
“So,ifanyonefoundher,she’dlikelybleedtodeathbeforetheycouldhelpher.It’sano-returnmove.”Kanefrowned.“Howwouldsheknowtodothat?It’snotgeneralknowledge.”
“Withalltheinformationavailableontheinternet,Ican’tbesure.”Wolfesippedhisbeverage.“Although,shedoeshaveabrotherinthemilitary—aNavySeal.”Hepushedahandthroughhishairinanagitatedmanner.“Shecould’veheardaboutthetechniquefromhim.”
“Idoubtabrotherwoulddiscusskillingtechniqueswithhissister.”Jennastood,collectedthecups,andplacedtheminthedishwasher.“Wasthereanythingelse?”
“Bruises.”Wolfepushedtohisfeet.“Thismorningtheyaremoreapparent,andIcan’tsayforsureshewasn’thelddownintheshowerandslicedopentomakeitlooklikesuicide.”Hemethergaze.“I’llknowmoreafterthepost.Canyoubeatthemorguebyeleven?”
Mindwhirling,Jennanoddedslowly.“Yeah,sure,we’llbethere.”ShewalkedWolfetothedoor.“We’llheadintotheofficeandseeifRowleyhasfolloweduponthecase.”
“I’msurehe’llhavemoreinformation.”Wolfesmiledatherandheadedforhisvan.“You’vetrainedhimwell.”
JennarubbedhertemplesandlookedupintoKane’sconcernedface.“See,we’rehomeforonenightandmysteriousthingsstarthappeningintown.”Sheshuddered.“I’mstartingtobelieveweattractcrime.”
TWO
MainStreetwasawashwithbrightlycoloredbuntingforthecountyfairandrodeo.Theusuallyslow-movingtownhadturnedintorushhourwithaflurryofpeoplefromdifferentcommitteesdashingalongthesidewalktosecureagoodpositionfortheirstalls.Menclutchingoppositeendsoffoldedtablescarriedthemfromthetownhallandsetthemup.Momentslater,agroupofwomendashedintoerectasignclaimingthespot.Otherscoveredthebenchesandsurroundswithtableclothsandsigns.WiththefairsettorunfromTuesdaythroughSunday,theinfluxoftouristsalonewouldkeepthembusy,butKane’sstomachrumbledatthethoughtofallthehomemadecakesandcookieshecouldpurchase.Heslowedhisblack,unmarkedtruck—affectionatelyknownas“thebeast”—tofollowahorsetrailer.
“Icanhearyourstomachfromhere.”Jennaturnedinherseattolookathim.“You’veonlyjusteatenbreakfast.Areyouhungryalready?”
Nonplussed,Kanesmiledather.“I’malwayshungry.Iburnupalotofcaloriesjustdrivingtowork.”
“Oh,thatmustbeapain.”Shechuckled.“Youknow,I’veneverheardanyonecomplainaboutburningtoomanycalories.”
Kaneflickedheraglance.“NexttimeIseesomeoneovertwohundredandfiftypoundsandsix-five,I’llaskthem,butI’dguessiftheyworkedouteverymorninglikewedo,maybethey’dhavethesameproblemasme.”Hebitbackagrin.“Jealous?”Hepulledintoaparkingspacereservedforthesheriff’sdepartment.
“Morethanyouknow.”Jennasighed,gatheredherthings,andfrowned.“I’mnotlookingforwardtofacinganautopsyonthefirstdayback.”
Kanemetherworriedgaze.“Let’shopeit’snotahomicide,butifitwasrape,we’llstillbehuntingdowntheanimalwhorapedher.”
“Yeah.”Jennaslidfromtheseat.“Thebeginningofanotherperfectweek.”Sheshookherheadandheadedfortheofficedoor.
Kanestoppedatthecountertogivethereceptionist,MagnoliaBrewster—Maggie—agiftfromSantaCruz.“ThanksforholdingdownthefortandkeepingDukeoutoftroubleduringtheday.”HeallowedDuketoslidebehindthecounter,tailwagging.
“Thankyousomuch.Thathoundisalwaysgoodcompanyandnotroubleatall,butIfigurehemissedyou.Rowleywasgladtoleavehimwithme,saidDukebossedhisdogaroundsomethin’wicked.”Maggieshookherhead.“I’veneverseenthelikehere.Hesatinhisbasketandsnoredmostdays.”
KanewonderedwhyRowleyhadn’tmentionedtheproblem.“Duke’smightyterritorial;herefusedtoletRowley’sdogintomycottagelastwinter.”
“Oh,Iknow.IcaredforSpikewhenRowleywaslivin’outatthesheriff’sranch.”Shelookedatthepackageasifsavoringitthenturneditoverinherhandsandbeamedathim.“I’lljusthavetomakesureyoutakeavacationeveryyearifyoucomebackwithgifts.Didyouhaveagoodtime?”
Kanechuckled.“Oh…yeah.”
“Hmm,you’renotplanningongivingoutanydetails,right?”Rowleycameupbesidehimandgrinned.
“Nope.”Kanesmiledatthem.“I’vegottago,Jenna’swaitingforus.”Notwantingtohangaroundformorequestions,hewavedRowleytowardJenna’sofficeandfollowinghimtookaseat.
“So,what’sbeenhappening,Jake?Wolfedroppedbythismorningandmentionedasuicide?”JennaopenedherdaybookthenstaredatRowley.“Haveyoufiledareportforme?”
“Yes,ma’am,it’sinyourfiles.”RowleyscannedhisiPad.“Apartfromthesuicide,itwastheusual:trafficviolations,anotherfightattheTripleZBar—seemsthelocalcollegeboyshavegotitintotheirheadstogotheretodrink.Thentheyclashwiththecowboysdriftingintotownfortherodeo.”
“Ifthey’reovertwenty-one,there’snotalotwecando.”Jennasighed.“IguesstheownercouldbanthembutIfigurehelikesthepassingtrade.”Shescannedhercomputer.“Now,aboutthisapparentsuicide.”
KaneturnedinhisseattolookatRowley.“Whatdidyoumakeofthescene?”
“ChrissieLowewasclothedandtherewasn’tawholelotofblood.Theshowerwasrunning.Shelookedpale,andbecauseofthehotwaterrunningoverher,Wolfesaiditwouldbedifficulttoestablishthetimeofdeath.”Rowleyclearedhisthroat.“ShehaddeepcutsupbotharmsandIfoundapocketknifebesideher.”
“Didyouspeaktothepersonwhodiscoveredthebody?”Jennaleanedforwardonherdesk.“Itwasherroommate,wasn’tit?”
“Yeah,LiviJohnson.”Rowleyrubbedahanddownhisface.“Shewashysterical,sobbingandshakingallover.Itwasdifficulttogetanythingoutofher.IfiguredI’dgobacktodayandspeaktoheragain.”Hesighed.“OneoftheothergirlsinformedmeLivistartedscreamingataroundsevenSundaymorning.She’dgoneintothebathroomafterwaitingsometimewithoutanyanswerfromChrissie.”
Kanefrowned.“Didanyonecontaminatethescene?”
“Nope.”Rowleylookedathim.“IwaswearinggloveswhenIturnedofftheshowerandcheckedforsignsoflife.ThenIcalledWolfe.Weprocessedthescene,tookphotographs,collectedprints.Ilockedthedormdoorandtookthekey.IcollectedthenextofkindetailsfromRoseBishop,thedormdirector,andWolfetookoverfromthere.HeandWebbertookthebodytothemorgue.Hewenttospeaktotheparentsandobtainedpermissionforanautopsy.”Hefrowned.“Ifeelrealsorryforherfamily.TheyfoundoutearlierintheweektheirsonisMIA.Wolfementionedherfatheristerminalandhermomdoesn’tlooktoowelleither.”
SadnessfelloverKaneasheexchangedaglancewithJenna.Theybothunderstoodthepainoflosingfamily.“Okay.Didyousecurethevictim’scellphoneandmediadevice?”
“Wolfetookherlaptopbutwecouldn’tfindhercellphone.”Rowleyfrowned.“Ifigurefromthethirddegreeyou’regivingme,thisismorethanasuicide.”
“FromWolfe’sinitialexamination,hebelievesChrissiewasraped.”Jennapushedthehairfromhereyes.“We’regoingtoviewtheautopsythismorning.We’llneedtogetatimelineofwhatshewasdoinginthehoursbeforeshedied.Wheredidshego?Whodidshespeakto,andwhowasthelastpersontoseeheralive?”Shestaredatthemacrossthedesk.“Kane,IwantyouandRowleytodosomegruntwork.Goandspeaktoherfriendsatthedormandseewhattheyhavetosay.I’llcallthecollegeandgetalistofherclassesonFriday.I’llneedtoorganizesomehelpfromBlackwatersowe’refreetoinvestigate.Withtherodeointown,wecan’tleavetheofficeunattended.Oncewe’veattendedtheautopsy,wecanworkbackfromthere.”
Kanepushedtohisfeet.“Rogerthat.”Hesmiledather.“I’llbebackbeforeelevenfortheautopsy.”
Astheyheadedforthecollege,RowleyglancedatKane.“So,howwasthevacation?NowMaggie’snotlisteningin,youcantellme.”
Kanesnortedwithlaughter.“YoumeanhowwasitgoingonvacationwithJenna?”Hegrinnedathim.“Itwasgreat.”
“Uh-huh.”Rowleysmiledathim.“Greatisgood.”
“We’rejustgoodfriends,Jake.Don’treadanythingintoit.”Kanelookedathim.“Weenjoyeachother’scompanyisall.”
“Okay.”Rowleyheldupbothhandsinmocksurrender.“Goodfriends,Igetit.”
Whentheyarrivedatthefreshmendorm,theyfoundflowersandasignwiththewords“RIPChrissie.”Kanefrownedandmovedthroughthegirlsonthelawnholdingavigiloutsidethefrontdoor.Inside,awomaninherthirtiesheldupahandlikeasentry.
“Whatdoyouwant,deputies?”Thewomanfrowned.“Haven’tthesegirlsgonethroughenoughwithoutyouquestioningthematatimelikethis?”
Kanestaredatherindisbelief.“Weneedtointerviewthemwhileeventsarestillclearintheirminds.Now,ifyou’llstepaside,weneedtospeaktoLiviJohnson.”
“I’lltakeyoutoher—poorthing,shehasn’tstoppedshakingallday.”Thewomangavehimacontemptuouslook.“TheMEsealedtheroomandshe’snotbeenabletocollectherthings.Shecan’tgotoclassinherPJs.Howmuchlongerbeforewe’reallowedinside?”
“I’llfindout,ma’am,butitwon’tbeforawhile.”Kanefollowedherintoalargeroomwithwidewindowsoverlookinganeatgarden.Floral-patternedsofassurroundedafireplacebigenoughtoroastapig.“I’llprobablybeabletocollectsomethingsforher,butasit’sapotentialcrimescene,wecan’triskanyonegoinginandcontaminatingevidence.”
“Contaminatingevidence?”Thewomanhadahookednoseandredhairstickingupinalldirections.Sheresembledaroosterthewayshefluffedupandstaredathimwithbeady,blackeyes.“Chrissiewasintheshowerwithslashedwrists.It’sprettyplaintomewhathappened:shecommittedsuicide.I’veseenitbeforeandit’sbecominganepidemic.Themomentonethinggoeswrongintheirlives,theyendit.”
Surprisedbyhercallousattitude,Kaneloweredhisvoice.“I’mawarethesuiciderateamongyoungpeoplehasincreased,butthatdoesn’tmeanwebecomecomplacent.Inanyunnaturaldeath,theMEwillmakeadeterminationaccordingtotheevidencehefinds.Rightnow,he’sreasontobelievethere’reafewmitigatingcircumstancessurroundingChrissie’sdeath.”
“Really,howso?”
“Ican’tsay.”Kanefrownedandtookouthisnotebook.“MayIhaveyournameandwhatpositionyouholdhere?”
“RoseBishop.”Shegavehimalongstare.“I’mthestudenthalldirector.”
Kanetookdownthedetails.“Whenisthecurfew?”
“Curfew?DoyoumeanwhendoIlockthelobbydoor?EleventhirtyeverynightbutSaturdays.It’sleftopenorI’mupanddownallnighttoopenit.”Sheturnedandheadedforthedoor.“I’llgogetLivi.”Shehustledawaydownthehallway.
“Shewashereyesterdaymorning.”RowleystaredafterBishopandfrowned.“Shespenthertimewavingherarmsaround.”HeturnedtoKane.“Itriedtointerviewherbutsherefusedtospeaktome.ShesaidthewelfareofhergirlstookpriorityoveranythingIhadtosaytoher.”
Kanerubbedhischin,wonderingifRoseBishophadanythingtohide.“Hmm,wellI’msureshe’llmaketimetospeakwithustoday.”
WhenLiviarrivedwearingoversizedsweatpants,paleandwitheyesredfromcrying,Kanewavedhertoaseat.HestareddownatBishop,who’dreturnedwithher.“Thanks,wecantakeitfromhere.”
“I’mnotsureIshouldleaveLivialonewithyou.”Bishopliftedherchinandglaredathim.
KanesatbesidethegirlonthesofaandRowleyleanedagainstthewall,armsfoldedoverhischest.“We’dprefertointerviewheralone.”KanelookedatLivi.“Ifthat’sokaywithyou?Trustme,Iunderstandwhatit’sliketofindabody,andifyou’renotuptotalkingtometoday,that’sokay.”
“I’mfine.Mrs.Bishop,Icandothis.”LiviwaitedforBishoptoleavetheroomandlookedupatKanewithbig,sadbrowneyes.“ItoldthemedicalexaminereverythingIknow.Iwokeup,heardtheshowerrunninginthebathroom.Iwaitedforabouthalfanhourandthencalledout.Whenshedidn’tanswer,Iopenedthedoor.”Shedraggedinaraggedbreath.“I’msorry,Idon’tknowwhathappenedtoher.Iwasasleep.”
Kaneopenedhisnotebookandtookouthispen.“You’redoingjustfinebutIneedtoaskyouafewquestionsaboutthetimebeforeshedied.”
“Sure.”Livipulledupherkneesandhuggedthem.“Askaway.”
“WhendidyoulastseeChrissie?”
“AroundnineSaturdaynight;shewasheadingouttoaparty.”Livifrowned.“She’dmetaguyonthefootballteam.”
Kanemadenotesthenlookedupather.“Didshementionhisnameorwherethepartywasbeingheld?”
“Yeah,itwasSethLyons,thequarterback.”Livigavealittlesobofdistress.“Itoldhernottogoanywherenearthefootballteam—they’veahouseoffcampusandthepartiesarewild.Theydoatonofhazingandit’snotsafeforafreshmangirltogotherealone.”
Kane’smindwasworkingatamillionmilesanhour.“Yetshestillwentalone?”
“Yeah.”Livifrowned.“AfewdaysbeforeshemetSeth,shegotsomebadnewsfromhomeaboutherbrothergoingmissing.He’saNavySeal.Shetoldmethewaitingwasdrivinghercrazyandsheneededadistraction.”
Kanenodded.“Doessheownavehicle?”
“Nope.”Sheshookherhead.“Shegotaridebutitwasn’tSethwhocameby.HedrivesaredMustangandIsawhergettingintoasedanwaydowntheroadlikeitwasallsecretorsomething.”
“Didyounoticethemakeorcolor?”Kaneliftedhisgazefromhisnotes.
“Ithinkitwassilver,couldhavebeenlightblue.Idon’tknowthemake.Theyalllookthesametome.”Livilookedathim.“We’vemadefriendswithtonsofguysandanyoneofthemcould’vegivenheraride.”
“DidshedateanyofthembeforemeetingSeth?”
“Yeah,afewfromhighschool,notmany,andtheonlyotherguysheknowsisPhilStein,hewasathighschoolwithus.”Liviwipedhernosewithatissue.“Someofthefreshmencanbepests,sowe’vebeenhangingwithafewofthejuniors.Itwasasurprisewhenoneoftheseniorsaskedherout.”
Kanefrowned.Fromtheget-goitwasbecomingobviousmorethanonepersonwasinvolved.“HadshebeenseeingSethforlong?”
“No,shehadn’tbeenseeinghimatall.HecameuptoherinthecafeteriaonFriday,waiteduntilshewasalonethenmovedin.”Agitated,Livipickedatherfingernails.“Hehadherupagainstthewall,sweet-talkingherlikeshewasspecial.Shetoldmehesaid,‘You’resomytype,cometoapartywithmeonSaturdaynight.Wearsomethingshorttoshowoffthosefinelegs.Don’ttellanyone—wedon’twantanyoneshowinguptospoilourfun.’”Sherolledhereyes.“Ofcourse,Chrissiealmostfaintedwithshockandcamebacktothetableallstarry-eyedandmadlyinlove.”Shechokedbackasob.“Shetoldmeinconfidence,straightaway.Infact,shewouldn’tstoptalkingabouthim.SheevendrooledoverhispictureonFacebookandnowlookwhat’shappenedtoher.”
Aftermakingnotes,Kaneobservedher.Sheseemedtobeangryandupset,whichwasanormalresponse.Aftertheshockoffindingthebodyofherfriend,hewasreluctanttopushheranyfurther,butheneededmoreanswersandsheseemedtobepullingherselftogether.“Didshespeaktoanyoneelsebeforesheleftfortheparty?”
“Yeah,wetalkedtotheothergirlsoverdinnerasusual,andshesentatexttobreakadatewithPhil—PhillipStein,he’sasophomore.”Livifrowned.“Ifigurehewasdisappointed;hewasalloverherbeforeSethmovedin.Afterdinner,wewenttoourroomandjustchattedwhileshehadashoweranddressedforherdate.Iwalkedoutwithherwhensheleftandshedidn’tspeaktoanyoneelseatall.”Herfacecrumpled.“Ishouldhavegonewithher.Iaskedherbutshedidn’twantmetocome.”
Kanemadeanoteofthenamethenlookedather.Thegirlwasbecomingdistressedagain,andhewantedtowinduptheinterviewassoonaspossible.“Nootherphonecalls?Texts,socialmedia?”
“No,Idon’tthinkso.”Liviwipedhereyeswithherfingers.“Isthereanythingelse?”
“Yeah,ifyoudon’tmind?”Kaneglanceddownathisnotes.“Doyourememberwhatshewaswearingwhensheleftthedorm?”
“Yeah,whitecroptopandpinkskirt,silversandals.”Livigavehimablankstareasifthinking.“Hershoesweremissing.”Sheblinkedafewtimesthenspokealmostlikeanautomaton.“Shewaswearingherclothesintheshowerbuthernewshoesweremissingandherskirtwastornuponeside.Herlipwascuttooandshehadabruiseononecheek.”Shedrewashudderingbreathasifallthepuzzlepieceshadfitsnuglyintoplace.“DidSethhurther?”
Kaneclearedhisthroat.“I’mnotsure.Couldyouidentifyhershoes?”
“Yeah,Ithinkso.”Tearsstreameddownthegirl’sfaceasshegaveadescriptionofsilversandalswithrhinestones.“It-toldhernottogo.”
“Thanks.”Kanewaitedabeatforthegirltosettledown.“Couldyougivemeadescriptionofhercellphone—make,cover,orwhateveryouremember?”
“Ithadasilvercover.”Liviwipedhereyes.“She’dstuckayellowsmileyemojionthecover.Sheusedthemallthetime;itwaslikeherlogo.”Sheletoutawail.
“Look…ah…”Kanestood.He’dneverbeenanygoodwithtears.“That’sallIneedfornow.Ifyoushowmeyourroom,I’llgoinsideandcollectsomeofyourthings.”
“No,Ican’tgobackinthere.”Livishookherhead.“Mythingsareallontherightbythewindow.Chrissiehadthecupboardanddresserontheleft.”Shegavehimalong,sadstare.“Youknow,IcameherebecauseBlackRockFallsisoneofthefewcampuseswhichhaveseparatebathroomsintheirdorms.Mosthavecommunalbathrooms.NowIwishI’dgonesomewhereelse,andthenIwouldn’thavefoundherlikethat.”
Kanenodded.“I’llgogetyourthings.”HesignaledtoRowleytofollowhimandheadedouttheroom.
Inthehallway,hewentstraighttoRoseBishop.“WherecanwefindSethLyons?”
“Thequarterback?”Bishop’seyesopenedwide.“Justamoment.”Shewalkedtoanoticeboardandscannedalist.“Yes,Ithoughtso—LyonsandafewothermembersofthefootballteamleftearlySundaymorningtocompleteaspecialcoachingsession;they’llbebacklatertonightaroundnine.”
“Okay,thanks.”KanemadeanoteandturnedtoRowley.“Showmethecrimescene.”Hepulledlatexglovesandbootiesfromhispocketashewalked.“Didyougothroughhazinginyourtimehere?”
“Nope.”Rowleyshrugged.“Ididn’tliveoncampus,sotheyleftmealone.”Heglancedathim.“You?”
“Iwasfullgrownatsixteen.”Kaneflickedhimaglance.“Iwaslucky,Iguess.I’venotmetamanyetwho’sabletointimidateme.”
“HowdidIknowyou’dsaythat?”Rowleystoppedatadoorcoveredwithcrimescenetapeandpulledouthiscellphone.“Itooksomepicturesofthescene.Idon’trecallseeinganyshoesnearorintheshower.”HehandedthecellphonetoKane.
Kanescannedthephotographs,zoominginonthepositionofthebody,thepocketknifeandanopenmakeupbagonthevanity.They’dfoundnonote,nofingerprintsontheknife.Theincisionsonherarmsshowednohesitation.Heglancedaroundandshookhishead.Whathappenedtoyou,Chrissie?
THREE
TrepidationsatonJenna’sshoulderslikeaheavyweightasshefollowedKaneandWolfeintothemorgue.Whenshe’dviewedthecrimescenephotographsfromthecasefile,anoverwhelmingfeelingofgriefhadhither.She’dgazedatthebedraggledimageofChrissieLowe,ayoungwomanwithallherlifeaheadofher.Hadamonsterrapedher,perhapsmurderedher,orlefthersodamagedshe’dtakenherownlife?
Jennabolsteredhercourage,determinedtofindoutwhathadhappenedtoChrissieandbringthepersontojustice.Inside,thetoofamiliarstinkofthemorgueseemedtocrawltowardherinacloudofcold.Shegrabbedafacemaskfromtheboxonthecounter,pullediton,thencollectedapairofgloves.NothingextinguishedthesmellofdeathnomatterhowcoldorhowmuchantisepticWolfeused.Itseemedtoclingtoherclothesandhairasifanentity.SheeyedthejarofmentholatedsalveKanewasapplyingunderhisnoseandtookitfromhim.“Thanks.”
“You’rewelcome.”KaneaddedhisfacemaskandtookapositiononWolfe’sright.
Jennajoinedhimandstareddownatthebodycoveredinawhitesheet.ShelookedatWolfe.Dressedingreenscrubs,withmaskandgloves,hebarelyresembledthetoughTexandeputyshe’dfirstmet.“Doyouhaveatimeofdeath?”
“Whenwasshelastseenalive?”Wolfepulledbackthesheet,foldedit,andlaiditunderthegurney.
“Herroommatesaidsheleftatnineandwasseengettingintoasilverorlightbluesedanshortlyafter.”Kane’seyesnarrowed.“ShewasdiscoveredatsevenSundaymorning.”
“Okay.”Wolfepulleddownhismicrophoneandstartedtodictatehisfindings,givingthedateandpersonspresent,andthenameandrelevantdetailsofthedeceased.“TimeofdeathiscurrentlyopenandcanbegaugedbetweennineonSaturdaynightandsevenSundaymorning.Thefindingswillchangeduetothefollowingcircumstances.FurtherinvestigationintofindingthelastpersontoseeheraliveatthepartywouldlessentheTOD.Thetemperatureofthehotshowerincreasedrigor,butfromtheconditionoftheepidermis,Iwoulddeterminetheimmersioninhotwaterlastedapproximatelyfourtofivehourspost-mortem.”
Jennamovedcloserandwincedatthearrayofbruisesontheyoungwoman.“Haveyoutakenswabs?”
“Yes,IfoundnoforeignDNAevidence.”Wolferaisedhisheadfromexaminingthebruising.“HerclotheswerewetandgaveupnoviableDNAwhatsoever.”Hefrowned.“Thebruisingonbothupperarmsisconsistentwithpressurefromlargehands.Ibelievesomeoneheldherdownforanextendedperiodtodothismuchdamage.Therearenodefensivewoundsandhernailsaren’tbroken.Nottofightbackisveryunusual.”HepointedtoChrissie’sthighs.“Thebruisingisconsistentwithrape.Youcanclearlyseefingernailgougesinherflesh.”Hesighed.“Thehandprintonthefaceisfromaslap,lookingattheimpactarea;Iwouldsaythisinjurycausedthesplitinherlip.”HeindicatedtotheX-raysonthelightbox.“Shehasnobrokenbonesandnosignsofheadtrauma.I’vetakenbloodsamplesandhavestartedatoxicologyscreen.I’llbecheckingthestomachcontentsattheconclusionbutsheisshowingahighblood-alcohollevel.Enoughtoimpairherreasoningandcognitiveskills.”
Jennawantedtolookaway,runoutoftheroom,gostraighttothecollege,lineupeverydamnmanoncampusandscreamatthemuntilshediscoveredtheculprit.Instead,shedrewadeepbreathandcalledonthelogicalpartofherbrain.Sheneededanswers,andalthoughChrissiehadpassed,theyoungwomanhadtheanswerstoalltheirquestions.ShewaitedexpectantlyforWolfetofinish.“Whatconclusionsdoyouhaveforme?”
“Icanconfirmshewasrapedoveraperiodofsomehours.Thisisnotoneman;it’smanymen.”Wolfe’sgazemetJenna’s.
AnoverwhelmingrageballedupinsideJenna.ShestareddownatChrissie’sangelicfeaturesandunderstoodhowterrifiedshe’dbeenduringherordeal.Helplessanddrunk,she’dhadnochancetodefendherself.JennadraggedhergazeawayfromChrissie’sfaceandlookedatWolfe.“Ifsherecognizedanyofthem,orthreatenedtogotothecops,theycould’vestagedhersuicide.”
“Exactly,andthisbeingthecase,I’llleavethecauseofdeathverdictopenuntilI’veexaminedtheinjuriesmicroscopicallyandgainedmoreinformation.Itwilltakeafewdays,I’mafraid.”Wolfepeeredatheroverthetopofhismask.“I’llrollherover.”
WithKane’shelp,WolfeturnedoverthebodyandexaminedeveryinchofChrissie’sdeathlywhiteskin,catalogingeveryscrapeandeachbruise,thenturneditback.Jennahatedwatchingautopsiesbutitwaspartofthejob,andwhenitinvolvedayoungwoman,itjustaboutbrokeherheart.NomatterhowcaringorrespectfulWolfewas,itcamedown
Jennaconcentratedontheevidenceandallowedthevariousscenariostosettleinhermind.Nomatterhowshepersonallyfeltaboutthisvictim,sheneededtobeobjectiveandfindouttheabsolutetruth.Shewouldneedtospeaktotheroommateandaskhersomepersonalquestionsaboutherfriend.KanehadneglectedtoaskLivihowlongsheandChrissiehadbeenfriends.
“Jenna.”Wolfewasstitchingupthebody.“Youokay?”
Jennafrownedathim.“I’mjustfine.”
“I’llsendyouafullreportonceI’veanalyzedthestomachcontents,butfromthesmell,I’dsayitwasjuicelacedwithvodkaandlikelyBourbon—apotentmix.Fromtheamount,I’dsayshevomitedatsometimebeforeshedied.”
“Poorgirl.”JennapushedalockofhairfromChrissie’sface.“We’llfindoutwhodidthistoyou,Ipromise.”
“We’llfindthem.”Wolfefinished,coveredthebody,andthenwheeleditintothestoragelocker.Asthemetallicdoorslammedshut,heturnedandlookedather.“IranafulltoxicologyscreenonherbloodbutIalsoranspecifictestshereforRohypnolandGHB,thedate-rapedrugs.I’llgoandseeifthey’rereadyasthefulltoxscreenwilltakeuptothreeweekstocomebackfromthelab.”Hepulledoffhisglovesandstrodefromtheroom.
JennamovedtoKane’sside.“IneedtospeaktoLiviandgetsomepersonaldetails.IalsowanttofindoutabitmoreaboutPhillipSteinandseeifwecangetalistoftheboysChrissieknew,althoughI’mleaningtowardthefootballteamfortherape.”
“Thegirl’sinbadshape;maybeweshouldleaveituntiltomorrow.”Kaneshrugged.“Butyou’retheboss.”
“We’llgivehersomespace.It’sunlikelyshe’llforgetwhathappenedduringherlifetime.”Jennaremovedherglovesandmaskthentossedthemintothetrash.“It’ssomuchharderwatchinganautopsyofayoungwoman.Thebrutalitysheenduredmakesmesoangry.”
“I’veseenthehardestofcopsfaintinanautopsyor,worse,spew—asifthesmellisn’tbadenough.”Theywalkedthroughthedoorsandoutintothehallway.
Jennasighed.“Wolfedoeshelpbymakingitallverytechnical.Ifoundafewthingsinterestingfromhisexamination:priortotherapeshewasn’tsexuallyactive,andherattackersusedprotection,whichmeansitwasn’taspontaneousattack.Thefewleavesoffreshlycutgrasscaughtintherolled-upmaterialofhertopareapparentlyfromthelawnoutsideherdorm,whichmeanssomeonedeliveredhertotheresidencehallanddumpedheronthegrass.”
“Asnoonewitnessedherreturn,wedon’thaveavalidtimeline.”Kanepushedhishandsintothefrontpocketsofhisjeansandsighed.
Jennaleanedagainstthecoldwhitewallandfoldedherarmsacrossherchest.“Yeah,wedo.”
“Howso?”Kanemimickedherpose.
“WeknowsomeonegaveheraridejustafternineandLivifoundheratseven.Ifshe’dbeenimmersedinwaterforfourtofivehours,thatwouldhaveherenteringtheshoweratbetweentwoandthreeSundaymorning.”Jennalookedathim.“IfwefindoutthedistancefromtheresidencehalltoLyons’house,we’llhaveatimeofarrivalattheparty.”
“Ifshearrivedattheparty.”Kaneraisedoneeyebrow.“Thecarwasobviouslyownedbysomeoneshekneworshewouldn’thavegotteninside.”
Jennastraightened.“WeknowSethLyonsdrivesaredMustang.”Shegavehimalonglook.“Sowhywouldn’thegiveherarideinhisvehicle?”
“Maybebecauseitsticksoutlikeasorethumb,andifhe’dplannedtorapeher,whyadvertisehispresence?”Kanefrowned.“Livimentionedsheoverheardhimtellinghertokeeptheirdateasecret.”
Jenna’searsprickedup.“Andwhydidn’tyouhaulhisassinforquestioning?”
“Oh,I’dhavebeenalloverhimlikearash.”Kaneeasedawayfromthewall,droppinghishandstohiswaist.“He’sawaywiththerestoftheteam.HeleftSundaymorningandthebusgetsinaroundnine.Iheardtheguysdrinkonthewaybacktocampus,sotoavoidanundertheinfluencedefense,weshouldwaittospeaktohimuntilfirstthinginthemorning.”
Beforeshecouldreply,aswishofdoorsopened,heraldingthearrivalofWolfe.Shestaredathimexpectantly.“Didyoufindanything?”
“Suredid.Ihaveapositiveforgamma-hydroxybutyricacidorGHB.”Wolfeheldupasheetofpaper.“Fromtheconcentrationinherblood,I’dsayshetookitaroundeleven.Itwasahighdose—onepillwouldhaveknockedheroutwiththeamountofalcoholsheconsumed—butIfigurethiswasatleastdouble.”
Jennapushedthehairfromhereyesandfrowned.“I’venoreportsaboutanyonesupplyingGHBinmytown.”ShelookedupatWolfe.“Thelastcaseinvolvingadate-rapedrugwasinjectedandtheycan’tpossiblybefromthesamedealer.”
“Nope,thelastcaseinvolvedketamineandwasaninjectableanesthetic.”Wolfefrowned.“GHBisastreetdrug,soifit’snotsuppliedhere,someoneisbringingitin.Likeitornot,thisdrugisavailableallover.”HelookedatJenna.“Thisanswersatonofquestions.Thedrugisfast-actingandremainsactiveforseveralhours.Chrissiewould’vehaddifficultyspeakingandcertainlywouldn’thavebeencapableoffightingback.”
Jennachewedonherbottomlip,thinkingbackonothercasesinvolvingsimilardrugs.“Ifigureddate-rapedrugsmadeapersonforgetwhathadhappened,sothatrulesoutsuicide,doesn’tit?”
“Thinkaboutit.”Wolfe’sgraygazebecamecompassionate.“Thispoorgirllikelywouldn’thaverememberedthedetailswhileshewassemi-conscious.Ifiguresomeoneslappedherface,splitherlip,andthenthreatenedher.She’dhavebeenawareofwhathadhappenedtoher.She’dhavebeeninaconsiderableamountofpain.”
ShestaredatKane.Havingaprofilerontheteamgaveherinsightsintothecriminalmind.“Givemesomething,Kane.Whatkindofmandoesthistoadefenselessyoungwoman?”
“Idon’tthinkthisattackwasrandom.Ifigurewecouldbelookingatserialrapists.Wehaven’thadthishappenbefore—thesuicideangle,Imean—soIdon’tknowiftheyplannedonkillingher.IagreewithWolfe.Threateningherwouldbetheironlyoptiontokeepherquiet.”Kanerubbedhischin,makingaraspingsound.“Theseguyshaveasystem.Theysingleoutpotentialvictims,findtheirweakspot,andthenusethatasleveragetothreatenthemintosilence.”
Horrified,Jennaswallowedhard.“Areyousurethey’vedonethisbefore?”
“It’slikely.They’rewellorganized.”Kaneshrugged.“Theyallusedprotection,madesurethecargivingheraridewasnondescript.Ifit’sagroup,likeagangorafootballteam,they’llalllieforeachother.Youcanbesurewhoeverisinvolvedwillhaveaniron-cladalibi.”
“Thatmaynotbeenough.”Wolfestoodfeetapartwithhishandsonhiships.“Thebruisesonheraresignificantandshowdefinedhandprints.I’msureoneofthemshowstheoutlineofaring.I’llbelookingcloselyattheimagestoseeifwecanusethemforidentification.Wedohavethetechnologytotakelatentfingerprintsfromskin,butasshewassubmergedinwaterforsometime,itwillbeimpossible.”
AngersimmeredjustunderthesurfaceandJennawoulduseittopushtofindwho’dabusedChrissie.“Thanks,that’sallveryinteresting.I’llneedyourreportassoonaspossible.”Shesighed.“IguessI’llhavetobreakthesadnewstotheparentsabouttherapebeforethemediagetsholdofthestory.”
“They’recominginthisafternoon.They’llwanttomakearrangementsandwon’tbehappyI’llhavetodelaymyfindings.”Wolfegaveheralong,consideringstare.“They’llhavequestionsandIfigureI’mthebestpersontoanswerthem.I’llcallwhentheyleavesoyoucanorganizeapressreleaseifyoufeelit’snecessary.”
“Thanks,I’dappreciatethat.Idon’tenvyyouthetask;there’snothingworsethanaddingmoremiserytogrievingparents.”SheturnedtoKane.“We’llheadbacktotheoffice.Ifwecan’tinterviewSethLyonsorhisfriends,Iwantbackgroundchecksonhimandeverymemberofthefootballteam.We’llcheckoutPhillipSteinaswell.Iwanttodiscovereverythingaboutthem.BythetimeI’vefinishedwiththem,we’llknowhowmanytimesadaytheygotothebathroom.”
FOURMONDAYEVENING
He’dalwaysbeenlogicalandconsideredeachaspectofasituation.Watchingthecausesandeffectsofpeople’sactionshadbecomeawayoflife.Hepeeredoutfromthecoverofbushestothedarkdriveway,takinginthearrayofbuildingsonthecollegecampus.Streetlightslinedthewalkwaysinpoolsofyellowinanefforttomakeitsafeforstudentstomovefromoneplacetoanother—butwasitsafe?Helurkedintheshadowsandcouldpluckanunsuspectingpersonatrandomanddisposeoftheminseconds.Intruth,ifhedecidedtokillthemall,noonewouldbesafefromhim.
Theleavesonthemapletreesfascinatedhim.Eachareplicaofthousandsofothers,onlydifferinginsizeorcolor.Thepineheleanedhisbackagainstwasthesame.Thebarkandneedleshadthesamedesignastheothers.Insectstoo,ants,butterflies—eachspeciesinnatureresembledeachotherasifcloned.Apartfromman,mostspeciessharedasimilarifnotidenticalgeneticcode.Itseemedonlywhenmanbecameinvolvedandbredtohisownpreferencedidaspeciesmakeadramaticchange.Yetnothingonearthactedlikeman,andhavingahigherintelligencecamewithaprice.HeoftenwonderedifGodcreatedeachmanwithauniqueDNAcode,topreventpeoplefromgettingawaywithmurder.
Herelaxed,usedtowaiting.He’dneverunderstoodimpatience.Thingshappenedintheirownsweettime,andhewelcomedthechancetoponderthemeaningoflife—ordeath.Asthecooleveningairrustledtheleaves,hefocusedontwogigglinggirlsinshortsandbaremidriffsrunningalongoneofthefootpathswithponytailsbobbing.Manythingshappenedoncampusatnight.Theswimmingpool,gym,andlibraryremainedopenuntilverylate.Studentsusedroomsfordiscussionsandclubmeetings.Itseemedtheplacerarelyslept.
Inthedistance,heheardtheshiftingofgearsandthewhineofbrakesasabusroundedtheendofthedriveway,leavingacloudoftoxicfumescaughtinthestreetlightasitlaboredtowardthem.ThegroupofplayersaboardallreceivedspecialtreatmentfromCoach,beingthefewhelikedtoparadebeforethescouts.
Astheysteppedfromthebushemadehiswayalongtheshadowedwalkwaytowardthecollege,mixingwiththestudentsreturningtotheirdorms.Bytheconversations,somemembersoftheteamplannedtousethegymandpool.Hesmiledintothedimlightandpulledhisbaseballcapdowntocoverhiseyes.Patiencewasavirtuehehadinspades,andhiswasjustabouttopayoutinsilverdollars.Hisnextstrikewouldbetonight.
FIVE
AlexJacobsstaredathisreflectioninthemirrorabovethesink.Heraisedbotharmstoadmirehisbulgingbicepsandgrinned.Asix-twomanwithabrilliantwhitesmilelookedbackathim,tannedwithneatblondhair.He’dcreatedhisbodyoverafewyearsofhardworkinthegym.Hiseffortshadpaidoutandhetookprideinhisphysique.Hisplaceonthefootballteamaslefttacklewassecure,aswashisfriendshipwiththequarterbackSethLyons.
Hestrolledintothegym,gladtoseetheplaceemptyandquiet.Atthistimeofnight,heusuallyhadtheplacetohimselfsoaslightmovementintheshadowssurprisedhim.Thefigurehadn’tmovedandjustleanedagainstthewall,watchinghim.Alexgavehimawavebuthadgottennoresponsebythetimehereachedtheweighttrainingbench.He’d
Afterloadingtheweightsontothebar,hisattentiondriftedtothepersonintheshadows,buthe’dvanished.Hadheimaginedhim?Aniggleofuneasesliddownhisspine.AsaseniorinBlackRockFalls,andwiththetown’sreputationofbeingserialkillercentral,he’dbestupidtocontinuewithoutcheckingiftheguywashidingsomewhere.
Hepickedupthebarbellheusedforarmcurlsasaweaponandwalkedwithpurposetowardtheglassdoorsleadingtothehallway.Hepeeredoutsideandlookedbothways.Itwasquietwithonlythedistanthootingofanowlflyingoverhead.Mostofthestudentswouldbeintheirdormsbynow,ormaybeafewhadgonetothelibrarytoprepareforthemorning’sclasses.Oneofhisteammates,PeteDevon,wouldlikelybedoinglapsinthepool,notlurkingintheshadows.
Ashestrolledbacktotheweighttrainingbench,hecouldn’tshakethefeelinghewasn’talone.“You’relosingyourmind,man.”
Hisvoicesoundedloudintheemptyroombutheshruggedandthentookhispositiononthebench.Hetookadeepbreathandthenclosedbothhandsaroundthebar.Engrossed,heliftedtheweightwithease,completedfivereps,thenrestedthebarbackontherack.Whenamanwearingabaseballcappulleddownoverhiseyesslidintohisperiphery,hisheartskippedabeat.Wherehadhecomefromandhowthehellhadhesnuckuponhimwithoutasound?Alexsatupsofasthisheadspun.Hereachedforhistowelandwipeddownhisface.Heletoutarelievedgasp.“Oh,it’syou.Areyouwaitingtodoweighttraining?”
“Nah.”Hisfriendleanedagainstthewall.“IwantedtotalkinprivateaboutthepartylastSaturdaynight.”
Alexallowedthesmiletocreepoverhisface.“Shewasprettyhot,huh?”
“Quiettoo.”Shadowscoveredtheman’sface.“Ilikethemquiet.”
“Metoo.”Notwantingtoelaborate,Alexdroppedbackonthebench.Hepreferredtobealoneinthegym.“I’mcoolingdown.I’dbetterfinishmyworkout.”
“You’llburnmuscleusinglightweightsonfastreps.Ifyouchangetoheavierweightsanddoslowerreps,you’llbuildhardermuscle.”Hisfriendpeereddownathimandsmiled.“I’llspotyouifyouwantmetoaddsomemore?”
Notwantingtoappearweak,Alexnodded.“Sure,thanks.”
Hewaitedwhilehisfriendaddedsubstantiallymoreweightstothebarandnoticedhisthinleathergloves.Hegrinned.“Iguessyou’vegottatakecareofthosehands,man.”Hegrippedthebar
“Yeah.Iwouldn’tbemuchusewithoutthem,wouldI?”
“Nope.”Alexlookedupathim.“Whyareyoureallyhere?”
“Doyoufigureweshouldgetthatgirlagain?”Themanrestedhishandsonthebar.“Shewasverycooperative.”
Alexstrainedthroughthefirstrep,gladwhenhisfriendliftedthebarbackontotherack.Theweightwaspunishingandmuchmorethanhepreferred.“Shewaswasted,man.”Hegrinned.“Ican’twaittoseetheshotswetook,andthevidwillbeaclassic.”Heheavedthebarofftherack,droppedittohischest,thenheaveditupagain,gruntingthroughthepain.
Herepeatedthemovementthreemoretimesandhismusclesstungwiththeeffort.“Thiswillbethelastrep.I’mallin.”
“Sure.”Hisfriend’smouthtwitchedintoasmile.“Thelastrepitis.”
Alexgrunted,pushingupwithallhisstrength,butnohelpcametoliftthebarontotherack.Paniccurledinhisbellyandsweatrandownhisface.Musclesbulgingwitheffort,hesuckedinadeepbreathandheavedbutcouldn’tlifttheheavyweightthelastfewinches.Elbowslockedandarmsshakingwiththeburn,hestaredathim.“Hey,givemeahandhere.”
“There’sasmallproblemwithseeingChrissieagain.Shewasfounddeadyesterdaymorning.”
Theheavyweightvanished,andpantingwiththeeffort,Alexstaredintotheman’scoldeyes.Hisfriendsuspendedtheweightoverhimasifitweighednothingandhelditlikehewastauntinghim—butwhy?“What!Shit,whathappenedtoher?Weallenjoyedeveryminuteandshenevercomplained,notonce.”
“Neitherwillyou.”
Asifinslowmotion,Alexwatchedinhorrorasthebarslippedfromtheman’sfingertips.Hehadnotimetoreact.Aloudcrackfilledhisheadandthenaclangingsoundasonesideoftheweightbarslidtothefloor.Hotburningpainshotthroughhisneckandupintohisbrain.Hecouldn’tbreatheandhisarmsrefusedtomove.Bloodgurgleduphisthroat,spillingoverhistongueinametallicrush.Heheardwhistlingandtheouterdooropenthenclosebeforehissightfoldedinattheedges.
SIX
The911chimeofhercellphonedraggedJennaoutofherdream.Shepawedatthebedsidetable,snatchedupherphone,andacceptedthecall.“911,whatisyouremergency?”
“There’sbeenanaccidentatthecollegegym.There’sabody.Ididn’tknowwhotocall.”
Jennaturnedonherbedsidelampthengrabbedherpenandnotebook.Shenotedthetime:itwasalittleafterone.“ThisisSheriffAlton.WhoamIspeakingto,andcanyougivemesomedetails,please?”
“ThisisJohnBeck.I’mthejanitor.IwaslockingthegymwhenIfoundhim.Ifigurehe’sbeendeadforawhile.”Becktookashudderingbreath.“Donedroppedabarbellonhisneck.”
“Okay,staywhereyouareanddon’ttouchanything.We’llbetheresoon.”
WithKaneatthewheel,Jennasatbackinherseatsippingafreshlybrewedcoffeeandsnappingfullyawake.“So,didyouuncoveranydirtylittlesecrets?”Shesighed.“Ionlyfoundtheirdrivingrecords;nothinginjuvieandnocrimessincetheyturnedeighteen.”
“Igainedaccesstotheircollegerecords.PhillipSteinisaneliteathlete,mainlysnowboardingandwintersports.”Kaneflickedheraglance.“He’severymother’sdream:clean-cut,hasahighIQ,andispursuingacareerinIT.”
Jennafrowned.“He’sacontradictiontotheusualnerdstereotype;heexcelsinsportsaswell?”
“Yeah,butIguessdatingasnowboarderdoesn’tcomeclosetodatingaquarterback.”Kanesnorted.“I’veneverbeenabletounderstandthedynamicsofdatingincollege.”
“WhataboutSethLyons?”
“He’samixedbag.”KaneturnedontoStantonRoadandacceleratedtowardthecollege.“Troublemaker,makesagameoutoftherules.Aftersomeroughhousinglastsemester,thedeanremovedmostofthefootballteamfromtheresidenthalls.TheyrentabigoldhouseoutonPine.”Hesighed.“Allthecomplaintsagainstthemaremuchthesame:drinking,loudmusic,fighting…butnoreportsofabusingwomen.”
Jennastaredatthedarkforestastheyflashedby.Itwasdarkanddangerousbynightwithonlysmallpoolsoflightfromthestreetlightsguidingtheirway.Theyturnedintothecollege’ssweepingdriveway,throughthewrought-irongates,andstoppedbesideWolfe’swhitevan.Jennagrabbedthethermosandcupsandheadedforthegym.“Ihopethisisjustanaccident.”
“Itwouldsuremakelifeeasier.”Kanestrodealongbesideher.“Itakeittheydon’thaveCCTVinsidethegym?”
“I’mnotsurebutthere’sacameraoverthere.”Jennapointedtoonejustabovetheentrancetotheamenitiesblock.“Ihopeit’sworking.”
“I’llaskthejanitor.”KanegaveWolfeawave.“Although,ifthat’shimwithWolfe,hedoesn’tlooksowell.”
Jennawalkeduptoamaninhisforties,dressedincoverallsandlookingsheet-white.“Mr.Beck?”
“That’sme.”Beckleanedheavilyagainstthewall.
Jennapulledouthernotebook.“Doyourecognizethevictim?”
“Suredo,AlexJacobs,thebestlefttackletheBlackRockFallsfootballteamhashadinyears.”Beckscrubbedatremblinghanddownhisfaceasiftryingtoerasethememory.“Toseehimlikethat,dearLord,mademesicktomystomach.”
“DeputyKanehasafewquestionsforyou.”JennaturnedtoWolfe.“Whathavewegot?”
“Likelyanaccident,it’shardtotell.He’snotbeendeadlong,maybeonetotwohours.”
ShefollowedWolfeintothegymandstaredatthebrokenbody.Itwouldtakealongtimetoforgettheyoungman’sbulgingeyesandopen,bloodymouthfixedinascreamofterror.“IfwecangetthefootagefromtheCCTVoutside,we’llbeabletofindoutwhattimehearrivedandifanyoneelsewashere.”
“It’sunusualforaweightliftertoriskliftingsomuchweightwithoutaspotter.”Wolfefrowned.“Plus,thepositionofhishandsconcernsme.I’veseenthistypeofaccidentbeforeandit’sunusualforthehandstobebelowthewaist.Yousee,whenthevictimisstrugglingtotaketheweight,hetrapsatleastonehandunderthebaronimpact.”Heheldhisarmsupasifdemonstrating.
Jennanodded.“Maybehisspotterdroppedthebarbellthenpanickedwhenhesawhe’dkilledhim?”
“Maybe.I’llcheckitforprints.”Wolfeshrugged.“Isthatcoffee?”
“Yeah,Ifiguredyou’dneedsome.”Jennaplacedthethermosonanearbytable.“I’llgoseewhatKanehasgottenfromthejanitor.”
Shemadeherwayoutsidethegymandranstraightintothedeanofthecollege.DavidBentwasanimposing,tall,thinmaninhissixtieswithblackhairgrayingatthetemples.Heworearobeoverhispajamas.“Mr.Bent,I’msorrybutyou’llhavetoremainhere.TheMEisonscene.”
“Whathappened?”Bentstaredoverhershoulderthenreturnedhisgazetoher.“IsJacobsdead?”
Jennarestedahandonhisarm.“I’mafraidso.Itappearshedroppedtheweightbaranditstruckhimacrosstheneck.Doeshenormallyhaveaspotter?”
“I’mnotawareofeverystudent’shabitsoncampus,Sheriff.”Bentgaveheralookofdisdain.“I’msurehisfriendswillbeabletoanswerallyourquestions.LyonsandagroupofseniorsontheteamliveoutonPine.Theirhouseissetbackfromthefirstcorner,youcan’tmissit.”Heclearedhisthroat.“Coachtookafewofthefootballteamoutforatrainingclinic.TheyleftearlySundaymorningandreturnedaroundninelastnight.”
“Yes,I’mawareofthetrip.”Jennamadeafewnotes.“IsitunusualfortheteamtogoawayonaSunday?”
“No,andtheyhadtheopportunitytospendbothdayswithprofessionalplayers.”Bentgaveanexasperatedsigh.“Thosethatneededtogotochurchorwhateverdidsobeforetheycaughtthebus.”Hestaredbackatthehallwayleadingtothegym.“Twodeathsinthesamenumberofdayswillruinourreputation.”
“I’msuretheparentsofthestudentswon’tbeworryingtoomuchaboutthecollege’sreputation.”Jennacouldn’tcomprehendhisapathy.“They’llwanttoknowwhathappened.”Shenarrowedhergaze.“I’llneedJacobs’nextofkindetailssoIcanmakearrangementstoinformhisparents.”
“I’llhavetoopenmyoffice.”Bent’sbrowfurrowed.“ComewithmeandI’llgetyoutheinformation.”
Jennashookherhead.“Iseeyouhaveyourcellphonewithyou.”Shepulledacardfromherpocketandhandedittohim.“Itwillbeeasierifyousendmetheinformationinatext.Ican’tleavethesceneuntiltheMEhasremovedthebody.”Shegavehimalong,appraisinglook.“Ifyou’dcallyoursecurityteamtokeepthestudentsawayfromthisarea,I’llfollowupwithyouinthemorning.”
“I’vealreadynotifiedthemandthey’reheadingthiswayaswespeak.”Benthunchedhisshoulders.“AreyousureI’mnotneededhere?”
Jennashookherhead.“Idon’tneedyoubutI’msurethestudentsgatheringoutonthelawnrequireanexplanation.Asyoumentioned,twodeathsinasmanydayswillbeunsettling.”
“Yes,yes,they’lldisperseonceItellthemthere’sbeenanunfortunateaccident.”Bentlookedexhausted.“I’llfindyouthatinformation.”Hewanderedoffasifinadaze.
Jennahustledtowardthejanitor’sofficeandmetKaneonthewayout.“Doyouhaveanything?”
“Yesandno.First,thejanitordoesn’tusuallylockupthegymorthepool.Oneofthesecurityguardsondutycalledinsickandhevolunteeredtolockup.TheCCTVscreensareinthesecurityguard’soffice.”Hefrowned.“Theotherguardisoutonpatrolsomewhereonthegrounds.”
“Apparently,he’sonhisway.”Jennalookedupathim.“So,whatelsedidthejanitorsay?”
“Byallaccounts,JacobswasaclosefriendofSethLyons.Theywenteverywheretogether.Lyonsmighthavebeenthelastpersontoseehimalive…andmaybeChrissie.There’ssomethingelse.”Kanepulledouthiscellphone.“Heletmeintothesecurityguard’sofficeandItookalookattheCCTVfiles.I’veemailedyouandWolfeacopyofthefootage.”HepulledupthefileandhandedthephonetoJenna.“There’sJacobsarrivingat9:15p.m.Justafter,there’samalfunctionandthecameragoesdownuntil12:30a.m.Thejanitorgoesinat12:55a.m.andthat’shimrunningouttovomitinthegarden.Thatmust’vebeenwhenhecalledyou.”
Jennafrowned.“DidyouaskhimiftheCCTVgoesofflineoften?”
“Idid.”Kaneraisedonedarkeyebrow.“HesaidI’dhavetocheckwiththesecurityguardsbutasfarasheknowsithasn’tfailedbeforetonight.”Herewoundthevideo.“Seethatflash?Ifiguresomeonedisabledthecamerawithalaserpointer.”
“Oh,wonderful.”Jennarubbedhertemples.“Whydoeseverythinghavetobesodarncomplicatedinthistown?”
SEVEN
AlexJacobs’parentswereoutofLouananhour’sdrivenorthofBlackRockFalls.JennacalledtheLouanSheriffDepartmentandaskedaveryreluctantandgrumpymantonotifyJacobs’nextofkin.ShedisconnectedandwaitedforKanetohelpWolfeloadtheweightybodyintothebackofthevan.Fornow,thegymwouldremainclosed.CrimescenetapecoveredthedoorandWolfehadpocketedthekey.SheturnedtoWolfe.“Whatnext?”
“Ihavemysuspicions.”Wolferemovedhisglovesandmaskthenrolledthemintoaball.“I’llputhimoniceandcomebacktomorrowwithWebber.Idoubtwe’llfindanythingincriminating;thestudentswipedownthebenchesaftereachuse.Ionlyfoundonesetoffingerprintsonthebar.Somanypeopleusethegym,itwouldbeimpossibletoimplicateanyoneevenifIdidreturnaverdictofhomicide.”Hesighed.“Thebestcourseofactionistowaituntilhisparentscomebytoidentifythebody.I’llobtainpermissionforapostthenI’llmakeadecision.”
“Sure,thanks.”JennawalkedbacktoKaneandtheyheadedforhistruck.Shehadtwodeathsandtworeasonstospeaktothemembersofthefootballteam.“We’llgowakeupSethLyons.Iknowwherehelives.”
“Youdon’tfigureLyonsisgoingtostepupandadmittorapingChrissie,doyou?”Kanegaveheranincredulouslook.“He’lljustsitbackandwait,hopingitallblowsover.Howareyouplanningtoplaythis?”
Jennapulledopenthedoorandclimbedinside.ShewaitedforKanetoslidebehindthewheel.“Straightdowntheline.I’dwanthimtobelievewe’relookingelsewhere.”
“Sure.”KaneheadedtowardStantonRoad.“I’llfollowyourlead.”
Theydroveforsometimeinsilenceandthenshewavedahandastheheadlightspickedoutaroadsign.“That’sPine.Thefrathouseisonthefirstbend.”Shepointed.“Thatmustbetheentrance.”
Theyturnedinandtookawinding,tree-lineddriveway,drovepastano-entrysignblockinganothersmallroadandthentheycametoaparkinglot.Apathwayledthroughthetreestothehouse.Jennapeeredintothedarkness.“Whynothaveparkingclosertothehouse?”
“Theno-entrysignontheotherroadlikelyleadstothehouse.”Kanefrowned.“Theydon’tlikevisitors.”Hepointedthroughagapinthetrees.“Thelightsareon.Don’ttheyeversleep?”
“Whereexactlydidyougotocollege?”Jennagiggled.“Ohyeah,Iknowthedrill.Ifyoutellme,you’llhavetoshootme.”Shegavehimalongstare.“IfigureyouwenttoOCS.”
“Yeah,OfficerCandidateSchoolwaspartofmytraininglikehundredsofothers.I’veseveraldegreesindifferentfields,notthatthey’reworthanythingnowwithmynewnameandall.”Hisexpressionwasshadowedinthedarkcarinterior.“Icompletedavarietyofcomplextraining,Jenna,atQuanticojustlikeyou.It’snotlikeciviliancollege;wedidn’thavethetimeorenergytostayupallnight.”Hewavedahandtowardthefrathouse.“Thesekidsfigureeducationisagame;forme,gettingitrightwasthedifferencebetweenlifeanddeath.”
Soberedbyherowndarkmemories,shecouldonlyimaginewhatKanehadenduredduringhisdeployment.“Ah,yeah,Iknowwhatyoumean.”Sheturnedherattentiontothefrontdoor.Fromwhattheycouldseethroughthetrees,itstoodwideopenandlightspilledoutontotheporch.“Eithertheydon’tseemtobetooworriedaboutsecurityorsomething’swrong.Ifigureweplayitsafeandforgetthepath.Ifwekeeptothetreeline,wewon’tbespottedfromthehouse.”
“Rogerthat.”Kanekilledthelightsandcoastedintothebushesbesidethedriveway.
Jennaslippedsilentlyfromtheseatandclosedthedoor.Seeingthecobwebshangingdownfromthetrees,sheshuddered.“Ah…youmindtakingthelead?”
“Nope.”Kanelookedatherandgrinned.“Worriedaboutghosts?”
“Nope,spiders.”ShemovedbehindKane’sbigframeastheyranintheshadows.Underfoottwigscrackedandshestumbledovertheremnantsofagardenborder.“Dammit.”Sheuntangledherfootfromamessofdeadvinesandhurriedafterhim.Kanehadreachedthebottomofthestepstothelong,wideporchandthenvanishedintotheshadows.Jennahightaileditacrossthedrivewayandwenttohisside.Theystoodlisteningforsomemoments.Softmusicdriftedouttheopendoorbutapartfromthestrainsofacountrysinger,theplacewasdeadlyquiet.“Ihopethey’renotalldeadinthere.”
“Well,Iguessamassmurdererwouldbeachangefromtheusualderangedpsychopathsweattractaroundhere.”Kane’ssmileshowedwhiteinthedarkness.“Sorry,Icouldn’tresist,butIdon’tsmelldeath—boozeandsweatmaybe,butnotmurder.”
AmazedbyKane’sabilitytosumupasituationinseconds,shemovedcloser.“Whatifsomeonepoisonedthemorisholdingthematgunpoint?”Sheliftedherchin.“Ifigureweproceedwithcaution.”
“Ialwaysdo.”Kaneeasedhiswayupthestepsandpressedhisbacktothewallbesidethefrontdoor.
Jennafollowedand,weapondrawn,waitedforhimtoturkey-peekaroundthefrontdoor.“Whatdoyousee?”
“Bodieseverywhere.Thefrontdoorleadsstraightintoafamilyroom.”Kaneturnedbacktolookather.“Ican’tseeorsmellblood,somaybethey’veallpassedout.”
AnoisefrominsideprickledthehairsonthebackofJenna’sneck.“Whatwasthat?”
“There’ssomethingmovinginthere.”Kanetookastepforwardandtheboardsunderhisfeetgavealoudmoan.Astrangledcrycamefrominside.“Stayback.”
Thenextmomentalargecalicocatshotoutthedoor,carryingpartofasliceofpizza,andtookoffintothedarkness,tailfluffedoutlikearaccoon.JennajumpedbackthenstaredatKane.“Whatthe—?”
“Ifanimalsareraidingtheplace,something’sup.”Kaneholsteredhisweapon,pulledonlatexgloves,andthenmovedtothedoorway.
“I’mgoingin.”Jennapeeredaroundthedoorandraisedhervoice.“Sheriff’sdepartment.”
Whennobodymoved,Jennaholsteredherweaponandfollowed,pullingonglovesasshewalked.Shewenttothefirstyoungmanspreadoutonasofabesideanotherwithhisheadhangingoverthearm.Shetouchedhisface.ThewarmskinunderherfingersandtherapideyemovementunderhislidstoldherhewasinREMsleep.Shecheckedtheothermanandfoundhimtobefine.“They’reasleep.”
“Soaretheseoverhere.Wehavesixguys.Doyouknowhowmanylivehere?”
Jennashookherhead.“No,butthey’reallseniors.”
“Well,Jacobswasoneofthemandtherecouldbemoreasleepupstairs.Ifiguretwotoaroom,they’dfittenormorepeopleinhere.Therehastobesixbedroomsinahousethissize.”Kanewrinkledhisnoseandbentover.“Andlookwhatwehavehere.”Heheldupaglassbongandasubstantialbagofweed.“Ibetyouknowwhatthisis?”
JennatookthebagfromKane,peeredinside,andexaminedtheweed.“ItlooksandsmellslikeGhostTrainHazeormaybeTrainWreck.”Sheglancedupathim.“It’sbeensometimesinceI’veseenanyweed,andnewstrainsarecomingouteveryday.Whatever,it’safederaloffensetobringitintoMontana.We’llbagtheevidence.”Shelookedaroundatthesleepingbodies.“Wakethemuponeatatime,gettheirnamesandprints.Idoubtanyofthemhaveamedicalmarijuanapermitbutyoucanask—butIfigurethisbagiswayoverthelimit.”
AsKanewenttoworkrousingthesleepyyoungmen,Jennatookinthesurroundings.Theplacewasamess.Beerandliquorbottleslitteredthecoffeetablesandtheflooraroundthesofas.Emptywrappersfromavarietyofjunkfood,half-eatenhamburgers,andcartonsofChinesetakeoutlitteredeverysparespace.Shemovedslowlythroughthegroundfloor,passinganumberofroomssetupforstudying,withdesksandlaptopsleftunattended.Astaircaseledintodarkness,butattheendofthehallway,shefoundthekitchen.Fourcoffeemachinessatonacounteramidpilesofdirtydishes,somewithmoldgrowingonrancidfood.Sheheardfootstepsandspunaroundasanathleticyoungmanstrolledintotheroom.Clean-cutandwearingamuscleshirtandshorts,theguyhadblondhairandpiercing,emerald-greeneyes.
“It’sthemaid’sdayoff.”HegaveJennaacrookedsmile.“Whatbringsyouhereinthemiddleofthenight,Sheriff?Somebodydie?”Heleanedagainstthecounterwithonehandalittletooclosetoakitchenknife.
Jennaeasedtotheothersideofthetablethenfacedhim,onehandrestingonthehandleofherweapon.“Andyouare?”
Theyoungmanlookedabashed,almostinsulted,andshecaughtagleamofcrueltyinhiseyes.
“SethLyons.”Hewavedahandtoencompassthehouse.“Mydadpaysforallthissomeandmyboyscanbealone,andhereyouarewalkingrightinasifyouowntheplace.”
Jennaliftedherchin.Hewassmallerthansheexpectedforafootballplayer,maybefive-tenwithanathleticbuild.“Thefrontdoorwasopenandwecalledout.Whennoneofyourfriendsmoved,weenteredthepremisestoofferassistance.”
“Isee.”Lyonscrossedhisarmsoverhischest.“Thatdoesn’tanswermyquestion,Sheriff.Whyareyouhere?”
“WefoundAlexJacobsdeadinthegymapproximatelyanhourago.Ibelieveheliveshere.”JennawatchedLyons’reactionanditwasasifshe’dpunchedhim.“Isheafriendofyours?”
“Dead?How?”Lyonsscrubbedhishandsoverhisface.“Heartattack?”
Jennafrowned.“Didhehaveaheartproblem?”
“NotthatI’mawareof,buthepusheshimselfhardandhisoldmandiedofaheartattackrecently.”Lyonspulledoutachairatthetable,pushedawaytheplatestomakeaspace,anddroppedintotheseat.
“Whendidyoulastseehim?”Jennawenttothesink,tookacleanglassfromashelf,filleditwithwater,andhandedittohim.
“Whenwegotbackfromtrainingcamp.”Lyonsleanedbackinhisseatandsippedthewater.“Weallcamebackherebuthedecidedtostayoncampusandliftsomeweights.”
Jennawasmakingamentalcalculation.Sixmenasleepinthefamilyroom,Alex,andSeth.“Howmanyofyoulivehere?”
“Eight.”Sethgaveheralonglook.“Sometimesmoreontheweekendswhenmembersoftheteamdropby.”
Notwantingtodiscloseanyinformationaboutthecauseofdeath,Jennaclearedherthroatandmovedon.“WhenwasthelasttimeyousawChrissieLowe?”
“Chrissie?”Lyons’demeanorchangedinasplitsecondfromrelaxedtowary.HepausedforsomemomentsasifthinkingbutJennacouldseeamansearchingforaplausiblestorytotellher.Itcamesoonafter.“InthecafeteriaonFriday.IaskedhertopartywithusonSaturdaynightbutshewasano-show.Whydoyouwanttoknowabouther?”
Oh,you’regood.Jennaleanedonthetableandstaredathim.“Really?Ano-show,huh?Whichoneofyoudrivesasilverorlightbluesedan?”
“MostoftheboysdrivetrucksandmyrideisaMustang.”Heshruggedandstaredoutintothepassageway.“Idon’tknowanyonewhodrivesasedanexceptmaybemyoldman.”Heturnedhisattentionbacktoher.“You’veignoredmyquestionandexpectmetoansweryours.WhydoyouwanttoknowaboutChrissie?”
Jennaignoredhim.“So,ifIaskalltheguyslivinghere,they’lltellmeChrissieLowehasneverbeenhere,isthatright?”
“I’mnotsuremanyofthemwouldhavemether.Alexdid,andPete.”Lyonsgrinned.“Youwantitinwriting,Sheriff?”
“Yeah,Ido.”Jennapulledoutherstatementbookandhandedittohim.“Writeitdownandsignit.I’llaskPetetodothesameandI’llbeonmyway.”
“Youstillhaven’ttoldmewhy.”Lyonsstaredather.“Hasshemadeacomplaintagainstme?”
“No,shehasn’tsaidaword.”Jennastraightenedbuthereyesneverlefthisarrogantface.“BecauseshewasfounddeadonSundaymorning,rightafteryourdate.Igatheryoumissedthenewstonight?”
“Yeah,wewereonthebus.”Hegaveheradirect,coldstare.“Shame,shewasanicegirl.”Hesetaboutwritingthestatement.
Withhisuncaringattitudetowardthedeathofayounggirlhe’dthoughtworthyofaskingonadate,Jennaneededtopushharder.HeandhisroommateshadgonetothetopofhersuspectslistforChrissie’srape.“Howmanypeoplecametotheparty?”
“Notmany—ten,fifteenmaybe.Theydriftinandoutallnight.”Lyonssignedthedocumentandhandedittoher.“It’sinvitation-only.”
“Howmanyofthemwerewomen?”Jennanoticedthewayhehunchedhisshouldersandonehandpartlyobscuredhismouth.He’shidingsomething.
“Idon’trecall.”Lyons’eyesflashedinannoyance.“Inoticedacoupleofgirlfriends.Theguystakethemuptotheirrooms,sothemajoritywereguys.It’snotlikewedon’tinvitegirlsbutwehaveabadrepandtheyoftenrefusetocomehere.”
“Howso?”
“Aw,comeon,Sheriff.”Lyonsbarkedalaugh.“Westudyandtrainhardallweek,thenontheweekendsweparty.That’swhywe’reoffcampus.Itwasmoveouthereorleave,sowecameouthere.”
Jennanoddedthenpulledoutthetrumpcard.“Isee.WouldyoubewillingtogiveaDNAsample?”
“Noway.”Lyonsscowledather.“Thatcomesclosetothesameasmicrochippingadog.Idon’twantmyprivateinformationintheFBIdatabase.”
“Okay.”Jennawavedahandtowardthehallway.“Mypartneristalkingtoyourfriends.Whydon’twejointhem?”Shewetherlips.“DoyoumindifIgrabaglassofwater?”
“Knockyourselfout.”Lyonsplacedhisemptyglassonthetablethenstoodandheadedoutthedoor.
Jennawaitedabeat,thenwithoutasecondthought,shepulledanevidencebagfromherpocketandplacedtheglassinside.Afterfillingoutthelabel,shepusheditintoherpocket,removedhergloves,andmadeherwaytothefrontofthehouse.Notsocleverafterall,areyou,Mr.Lyons?
EIGHT
Kanehadthemeninthefamilyroomspreadoutawayfromeachother.He’destablishedthebagofweedandthebongbelongedtoayoungmanlivinginthehouse.Theguyinquestionsufferedfromepilepsyandwaslegallyengagedinthemedicalmarijuanaprogram.Hecarriedacardasproof.Theothersdeniedsmokingtheillegalsubstanceandtoprovetheirinnocencehadagreedtosubmittodrugtesting,whichheconductedonthespot.Tohissurprisethey’dallcomeupnegative.Theyinformedhimallmembersofthefootballteamhadagreedtorandomdrugtestingafteroneofthemhadbeencaughtwithdrugsandsuspendedlastsemester.
Hehadn’tinformedthemaboutAlexJacobs’deathandhadonlyjustfinishedenteringtheirinformationintothefileswhenanotheryoungmanstrolledintotheroom.KanetookinhispalefaceandstrainedexpressionthennoticedJennacomingbehindhimdownthehallway.
“Didhetellyou?Alexisdead.”Themanscannedtheroom.“AndthatfreshmangirlIinvitedtothepartyonSaturdaynight,theno-show,she’sdeadtoo.”Hestaredattheothers.“ThesheriffwantedmyDNAbutIrefused.I’masuspectbecauseIaskedheroutonadamndateandyouguysknowIwaswithyouallSaturdaynight.Ididn’tleavethehouseuntilweallcaughtthebusonSundaymorning.”
AbarrageofquestionsfollowedandJennahustledintothemiddleoftheroom.
“We’renotaccusinganyoneofacrimebutwe’dliketoknowifanyofyousawChrissieLoweonSaturdaynight.She’sthegirlSethaskedtotheparty.”Jennapulledouthercellphone,broughtupapictureofChrissie,andshowedittoeachman.“DidyouseeChrissieatanytimeonSaturdaynightorearlySundaymorning?”
“IwasinthecafeteriawithSethwhenheaskedheroutonadate.”OneofthemenglancedatLyons.“I’mPeteDevon.Shewasano-show,justlikehesaid.”
“So,she’sneverbeeninthehouse?”Jennafrowned.
“NotthatIrecall.”Peteshrugged.
“CanIhavethatinwriting?”Jennahandedhimthenotebookandpenshewascarrying.“Sethhasalreadygivenmeastatement.”
“Sure.”Devontookthestatementbookand,restingitonthearmofachair,startedwriting.
Kaneconsideredthebodylanguageofeachmanashepeeredattheimage.AllofthemtoamanglancedatChrissie’sphoto,deniedknowingher,andthenlookedstraightatSethLyons.Theyallhadthesameconfusedexpressionandoneofthemshookhisheadslowly.Kanecouldtellbytheirreactionstheyallrecognizedherandhefiguredatleasttwoofthemhadbeeninvolvedintherape.Lyons’speechwhenhe’dwalkedintotheroomhadgiventhemalljustenoughinformationtokeeptheirmouthsshut.
AfterwaitingforJennatofinish,heclearedhisthroat.“Mindifwecheckoutupstairs?”
“Why?”Lyonsfoldedhisarmsacrosshischest.“Wehaven’tbrokenanylaws.”
Kanetookastepclosertohim.“I’dliketoclosethiscaseuptonight.It’slate.Wejustwanttoestablishthatyou’retheonlymembersofthehousehold.”Heletoutalong,seeminglyexhaustedsigh.“Idon’twantpermissiontosearch,justlook.”
“Sure,butI’mcomingwithyou.”Lyonsledthewaytothestairs.
Kaneheadedafterhim;he’dcaughtJenna’sconfusedgazeandgivenheranod.AsLyonsopenedeverydoor,Kanenoticedacommonthemerunningthroughthehouse:eachroomwasdirtyandlitteredwithlaundryuntilhecametotheroomattheendofthehall.Whenthedooropened,thesmellofbleachhithiminawalloffumes.Thebedhadcrisp,cleansheetsandwasmadeupinalmostmilitary-styleprecision;notonespeckofdustcoveredthefloor.“Whosleepshere?”
“Ido,andAlex.”Lyons’browwrinkledintoafrown.“Ilikethingsclean.”
Orhe’scoveringuptraceevidenceafterrapingChrissie.Kanegavetheroomacursoryonce-overthennodded.“SoIsee.”
“Thehouseisn’tamessallthetime.Thecleanercomestomorrow.Theycomeonceaweekbuttheguyslivelikepigs.”Lyonsfollowedbehindhim.“WhathappenedtoAlex?Thesheriffrefusedtotellme,andhismomwillhavequestions.”
Kanestoppedwalkingandturnedtolookdownathim.“We’renotsure;accidentmostlikely.We’llknowmoreaftertheautopsy.Whendidyoulastseehim?”
“Ialreadytoldthesheriff.Wegotoffthebusandheheadedtothegym.”Lyonsshrugged.“Hegoestherelate;helikesthequiet.”
Kanetookintheman’sunusualdemeanor.Hisbestfriendhaddiedandhedidn’tseemtocare.“Didn’tyouwonderwhyhehadn’tcomehome?”
“Alex?”Lyonsgavehimanincredulouslook.“Nah,Ifiguredhe’dtakenaridedowntotheTripleZ,maybehadtoomanybeersanddecidedtosleepinhistruck.”Hegavehimaslowsmile.“Orfoundawomantospendthenightwith;he’sabigstaroncampus.”
Thenwhytheneedtodrugandrapeyoungwomen?Kanebitbackaretortandnodded.“Okay,thanks.”
HemadehiswaydownstairsandheardJennatellingtheothersshewassadfortheirloss.HefollowedheroutthefrontdoorandtheyhurriedthroughtheshadowstohistruckusinghisMaglitetofindtheirway.Thehousewassetbackonthelot,offeringLyonsandhisfriendsaplacefarenoughfromtheroadtomuffleanyloudmusic—orthescreamsofthewomenheraped.Safelyinsidethetruck,heheadeddownthedriveway,turnedontoPine,andthenheadedforhome.HeglancedatJenna.“IfigureLyonsandhisbuddiesrapedChrissie.”
“Howso?”Jennaturnedinherseattolookathim.“Wedon’thaveanyproofandtheyallsaidshewasano-showattheparty.”
Kanegrittedhisteeth,wonderinghowmanytimesthey’dluredgirlstotheirhouse.“TheplaceisamessbutLyons’bedroom,whichhesharedwithAlexJacobs,wasspotlessandthey’dusedbleachtowashthingsdown.Cleansheets,theworks.Itwasoneofthebestclean-upjobsI’veseenforalongtime.They’reallveryawareofDNAandleavingtraceevidence.”Hesighed.“Didyoulikehislittlespeechwhenhecameintotheroomtogivehisfriendsaheads-up?”
“Yeah,itwasabithardtomiss.”Jennarubbedhertemplesandsighed.“NowheknowsChrissieisdead,they’llallcoverforeachother,andbynow,he’slikelycoachingthemnottosayanything.”
Kanethoughtforamoment.“WeneedtogetmoreinformationaboutwhathappenedtoChrissie.”
“I’llseeifIcangetitouttothemedia.We’llneedherparents’blessing,butifwecangetotherrapevictimstocomeforward,wecouldmakeacase.We’llguaranteetoprotecttheiridentities.IfiguretheDAwillgoalongwiththeidea,andIcouldinsisttheyhearthecaseinaclosedcourt.I’llspeakwithhimlater.”Jennayawned.“Rightnow,Ineedtosleep.I’mhavingtroublestayingawake.”
“I’mtiredtoo.”KaneacceleratedalongStantonRoad,hisheadlightspickingoutanowlflyingintotheforestandthereflectionsofmanysetsofeyespeekingoutofthedarktrees.“IhaveabadfeelingaboutLyons—somethingabouthimiswavingaredflagatme.”
“IfigureIsawtheevilinhimearlierinthekitchen.”Jennaleanedbackinherseatandlookedathim.“Itupsethimthathisbestfriendhaddied,butwhenIaskedhimaboutChrissieitwaslikeI’dflippedaswitch.Hispersonalitychangedandhiseyesdisturbedme;itwasangerorasifhewasjustontheedgeoflosingit.Likeacatjustbeforeitpounces.”
Kanerubbedhischin.“Hmm,andhedirectedittowardyou,huh?”
“Yeah,hedidn’tlikemebeingthere,period.”
“Interesting.Helikestotakehisangeroutonwomen.”Kanestaredatthedark,windingroadahead.“Rapeisneversexual,it’sviolence.IfLyonsplannedtorapeChrissieallalong,hecould’veencouragedhisfriendstoparticipate.”
“Ifindithardtobelieveallofthemareviolentrapists.”Jennafrowned.“You’retheexpertonbehavior,sojusthowdidheencouragethemtorapeanunconsciousgirl?”
“Itwould’vestartedoffslowly.”Kaneglancedather.“He’dhaveusedpeerpressure,insistingtheycompletearitualhazingbeforeallowingthemtoliveinthehouse.Ifoneortwoofthemhadconcerns,thefactshewasunconsciousandcouldn’tseethemwould’vemadeadifference.Tothemitwouldn’thaveappearedsoviolent.Oncethey’dagreedandLyonshadimplicatedthem,he’dhavegainedtheirsilenceandanalibi.”
“Howdoesheknowthegirlswon’tgotothecopsortellsomeone?”Jennadidn’tsoundconvinced.“Isurewould.”
Kaneturnedintotheirdriveway.“Ifigurethisisn’thisfirsttime.Menlikethisgaincontrolbythreateningtohurtsomeonethevictimknows,ortheygoaftertheirreputationbymakingsureeveryoneinschoolknowsthey’reeasy.”Hepulledupoutsidetheranchhouse.“Ormaybetheyhavepictures.”
“IftheydidthistoChrissie,”Jennaturnedtofacehim,“I’lltakethemalldown.”
Kanesmiledatherinthedarkness.“That’smygirl.”
NINETUESDAY
Ashehadlittletooccupyhisday,hedecideditwastimeformoreobservation.Heslidhisvehicleintoaspaceatthebackofthestudentparkinglotandturnedofftheengine.Hecouldremaininhisvehiclealldayifhechoseto.Noonepolicedentryintothedesignatedparkingareas—suchwasthesecurityaroundcampus.Itwasaterrorist’sdream.Theweaknessesintheschool’sdefenseamusedhim.ThewiredCCTVsystemwassporadicanddidn’tcoverallentrances.Anyonecouldeasilydisableitbycuttingthepowersourceorsimplyaimingalaserpointeratthelensofacameratodisableitforacoupleofhours.Laserpointersweretheeasiestoptionasthebeamtravelslongdistancesandtheusercouldremainhidden.
Usinghisdrone,he’dfollowedsixsecurityguardsastheypatrolledthecomplex.Anotherthreeworkedinasmallofficesurroundedbyscreens,viewingtheCCTVfootageorissuingIDcardstothestudents.Ithadn’ttakentoomuchtimetodiscovertheyworkedeight-hourshifts,soatanytime,onlytwomenstrolledaroundandnoneofthemworriedtoomuchaboutsecurity.Infact,formostofthetimetheywereeithersmoking,eating,orchattingtoeachotheraboutsports.HewonderedifhearrivedcarryinganAK-47andstrolledthroughthehallwayskillingatrandom,wouldtheystandandfightorturntailandrun?Hedecidedonthelatter.
HesetuphisiPadandmadehimselfcomfortablethenmaneuveredhistinydronetoriseupintotheairandscanthearea.Theminutepanoramiccameraandsensitivespeakergavesuperiorclarityofpictureandsound.Assmallasahummingbird,itwouldn’tattractattentionandlandedperfectlyonthewindowsilloutsidethefootballplayers’lockerroom.Helistenedwithinterestattheconversations;notonementionedthesuicide.ItseemedthedeathofJacobs—andtheplayerthecoachwouldpicktotakehisplaceontheteam—consumedthem.Astheteammembersleftthelockerareatoshowerbeforeheadingtoclass,hezoomedinandlistenedtoahushedconversationbetweenDylanCourtandPeteDevon.
“Seth’sfoundanothergirl.Hewantstomeetherlatertonightatthepool.Shegetstherearoundeightthirty.”Courtwasn’tlookingatDevon;hiseyeswereconstantlyscanningthelockerroom.“You’llbedoinglapsasusualandhe’llgotowatch.Youtoldusnooneelsegoestherethatlateatnight,sonoonewillseehimtalkingtoher.Whenshe’sfinished,hecanfollowheroutandusehischarmtogethertocometothehouseonSaturdaynight.”
“Ifigureweshouldcoolitforacoupleofweeks.”Devonrubbedthesweatfromtheendofhisnosewiththebackofhishandandthenshookhishead.“Jesus,you’retalkingaboutBrook?Hell,man—Iknowher.”
“Yeah,she’salonerandaperfectchoice.”Courtsnortedwithamusement.“Hermotherlivesalone.”HepokedDevoninthechest.“Comeonnow,don’ttellmeshedoesn’tdeserveit.You’veseenherteasingtheguys.”
“Nah,touchherandshe’llsqueallikeastuckpig.”Devonglaredathim.“HerfatherworksfortheDA’soffice.”Heshookhishead.“I’mnotgoingthere,man.”
“Dammit.”Courtpunchedhislockerdoor.“Sethwon’tlikeit.We’llfindsomeoneelse.Whataboutthatnewgirl,EmilyWolfe?Sethhasheronhislist.”
“She’shot.”Devonsmiled.“Ilikeblondesbutshe’lltaketime,she’saloner.”
“Hmmm.”Courtstaredintospace.“IguesswecouldrideouttoAuntBetty’stonightafterdinnerandseewhoishangingintown?”
“Nocando.”Devonstrippedoffandwrappedatowelaroundhiswaist.“CoachsaidifIdon’tdolapseverynighttobuildmuscleovertheinjuryfromlastseason,I’monthebench.I’llbedonebyninethirtythough,I’lljoinyouthen.”Heheadedfortheshower.
Thedronereturnedwithswiftefficiencyandhestoweditawaythenleanedbackinhisseat,contemplatingtheinformation.Herememberedthecoach’swrath—vividly.Onesmallinfringementofhisrulesandaplayercouldbeouted.Thefat,balding,loud-mouthedmanwasnorolemodelforhisplayers.He’dbethefirstoneinhissightsifheeverdecidedtoreturnwiththatAK-47.Hesmiledintothesunshineatthevisualimageofthecoachriddledwithbulletsandthenhisthoughtsreturnedtotheconversationinthelockerroom.Suchloyalfriends,butiftheywantedtosurvive,they’dneedtokeeptheirmouthsshut
TEN
Earsringingfromanoverindulgenceofcoffeeandeyesheavywithlackofsleep,Jennascannedthefiles,makingsureeverydetailwasuptodate.AfterobtainingtheapprovalofChrissie’sparentsandrunningherideabytheDA,thecalloutforothervictimsofrapewentoutoverthemedia.TheVictimsofCrimehotlineworkerswouldbehandlingthedelicateissuebutnoonehadcomeforwardyet.Jennahadcheckedoutanydropoutsfromthecollegeaswell.She’dfollowedupfourfromthepreviousyearandbeenshutdowneachtime.Allhadinsistedthey’dmovedcollegeforlogicalreasonsanddidn’twanttobeinvolvedinherlineofquestioning.SoshehadnothingtotieLyonstoanyblackmailconspiracyorrape.Chrissie’sroommatewouldbeheronlychanceofgettingsomeinformationorevengossipaboutwhatreallyhappenedoncampus.
She’dcalledthecollege,andratherthanpullLivioutofclass,she’ddecidedtowaitandspeaktoherateleven,whenshehadabreak.IfKanewentwithher,hecouldhuntdownPhillipSteinandfindouthisstory.
Whenashadowcrossedthedoor,sheglancedup.“Ah,Rowley,whathaveyoufoundforme?”Shewavedhimintoaseat
“Notmuch.”RowleysatandglanceddownathisiPad.“LyonsisthesonofJohnWakelinLyons,oldmoneywithsharesinjustabouteverything,fromhousingtogoldmines.”Hefrowned.“LyonsiswhatI’dcalltheusualbadboyandspentmostofhisfirstyearsuspended,buttheneverythingchangedwhenhebecamequarterback.He’sanintegralpartoftheteamandlivesacharmedlifeoncampus.Itseemshecandonowrong,andifhe’scaughtskirtingtherules,itgoesbyunchallenged.Although,hewasaskedtomovehisfriendsoffcampusafteranumberoffightsbrokeoutinoneofthedorms.”
Jennatappedthepenbetweenherfingersonthedesk.“Hmm,soIfigurehisfatherpaysoffanypotentialproblems?”
“Seemsso.”Rowleyclearedhisthroat.“Thereisadivisionintheteamtosomeextent:Lyonshastheteammembersfromwealthyfamiliesinthehouseoffcampus,andIfigurethey’reunderhisprotection.”
“Howso?”Jennaplacedthepenonthetable.
“Well,althoughthey’vebeenimplicatedinincidentsoverthelastcoupleofyears,nothingisontheirrecords,andnothinghasbeenreportedtousatall.”Rowleygaveheratroubledstare.“AndI’vecheckedthemallout.Trustme.Nooneisthatsqueaky-clean.”
“IgatheralltheguysinthehousewithLyonsareimportantteammembersaswell?”Jennashookherhead.“Winningiseverything,soIguessthedeanletsthingsslideratherthanloseadarnfootballgame.”
“Yeah,it’simportantforthemtowin.”Rowleyleanedbackinhisseat.“Thechancetoimpressascoutandturnprofessionalisthedream.Itlooksgoodfortheschooltoo.”Heglanceddownathisnotes.“IhunteddowneverythingIcouldfindonChrissieaswell.Normalkidwhowonafullscholarshiptocollege,wellliked,quiet,studiousgirl.She’sneverhadasmuchasadetention.Herfamilylivesintown,includingagrandpaandonecousin—butdecidedtoliveoncampus.”Heliftedhisgaze.“That’sallIhave,ma’am.Doyouwantmetogooutonpatrolnow?Wehaveaninfluxofvisitors.MainStreetlookslikealineupatAuntBetty’sondiscountFridays.”
Withtherodeointown,itwouldonlybeamatteroftimebeforeallhellbrokeloose.Thelastthingsheneededduringrodeoweekwasadeskfullofunsolvedcases.Jennaglancedattheclock.“Ah,sure,butwaituntilDeputyWaltersarrives.He’sdueinsoonandIwantsomeonehere.I’llbeheadingoutwithKanearoundeleventointerviewLiviJohnson,andthenwe’regoingstraighttoAlexJacobs’autopsy.”
“Yes,ma’am.”Rowleystood.“IheardfromWolfe.Jacobs’parentswillbearrivingthisafternoontoviewthebody.”Heclearedhisthroat.“I’llgoandupdatethefileswiththisinfobeforeIleave.”Heheadedforthedoor.
JennamadeafewnotesinherdaybookthenlookedupwhenKanepokedhisheadaroundthedoor.ShecouldalwayscountonKanetoarrivebearingfoodandcouldn’thelpsmilingasheslippedinsidethedoorcarryingfreshlybrewedcoffeeandtakeoutbagsfromAuntBetty’sCafé.Shetookthecoffeefromhim.“Don’ttellmeyou’vedecidedsincewehavetoworkthroughlunchattendinganautopsy,itwouldbegoodtoeatatten?”
“Somethinglikethat.”Kanedroppedintoachairandopenedoneofthepaperbags.“Cherrypies,stillwarmfromtheoven.I’vediedandgonetoheaven.”Hesniffedthepieandhummedinpleasure.Hiseyesmethers.“AndIfoundasilversedan.”
Astonished,Jennastaredathim.“Yousureit’stheonethatLivisawChrissiegettinginto?”
“Notonehundredpercentbutmaybeninety-ninepercent.”Kanebitintothepie,moaned,chewed,andswallowed.“Ichaseddownsilverandlightbluesedansinthelocalareaandluckilytherearefewerthanahundredorsointown.Inarrowedthesearchtotheareasurroundingthecollege,andguesswhat?”
Impatient,Jennastaredathim.“Goon.”
“Thejanitorownsasilversedan,andwhenIcalledhim,hetoldmehe’dwantedtodrivethecartochurchonSundaybutfoundvomitinthefloorintheback.”Kanetookanotherbiteandseemedtotakeforevertoswallow.“Helivesoncampusandleaveshiscarintheparkinglot.Hissparesetofkeysareonanailinhisofficeandherarelylocksthedoor.Heputitdowntoastudentprank.”HegaveJennaalonglook.“WolfesaidChrissievomitedsometimebeforeshedied.Whoevergaveheraridetothepartyprobablytookthejanitor’scarandusedthesamecartotakeherbacktothedorms.”
Foodforgotten,Jennareachedforherphone.“WeneedtogetWolfeontoitstraightaway.Igatherthejanitorcleanedupthevomit?”
“It’swithWolfealready.”Kanesmiledather.“Hepulledupthecarpetandisdoingtestsaswespeak.Onething,though:theentirecarwaswipeddownforprintsbutWebberfoundhairsonthebackseat—they’rethesamecolorasChrissie’s.Hefoundotherhairsaswellandafewotherstains.TheyweretearingthecarapartwhenIleft.”
Jennaleanedbackinherseatandtookalongbreath.“Greatjob.IfChrissiewasinthebackseat,thattellsmemorethanoneguywasinthecarwithher.”
“Maybetwocarriedhertothevehicleifshewasstillgroggy.”Kanesippedhiscoffee.“Dumpedherinthebackseat—justaminute,shehadasplitlip.Itwasstillbloodyafterbeingintheshowerforhours;shewould’vebledoverthebackseatifshewaslyingdown,andfromthepoolofvomit,she’dhavebeenonherleftside.”
Excitedbytherevelation,Jennaleanedforward,allhintoftirednessgone.“They’dhaveturnedofftheinteriorlightsonobodywouldrecognizethemandcould’vemissedthebloodonthebackseatinthedark.”Shereachedforapaperbagandtookoutapie.“Onething’sforsure,ifthey’veleftanytraceevidence,WolfeandWebberwillfindit.”
“Anotherthing.”Kane’sgazehadwanderedtothelastcherrypieandremainedthere.“ImadeafewinquiriesaboutJacobs.Iwantedtomakesurehehadn’tbeeninanyfightslatelyorhadanyenemies.”Heliftedhisattentionbacktoher.“HewasinafightwithaguybythenameofOwenJones.IaskedthejanitoriftherewasanyscuttlebuttaboutJacobs,andhesaidJacobsandafewothermembersoftheteam—Lyons’crew,we’llcallthem—toldthecoachhe’dattemptedtosellthemdrugs.AfightbrokeoutbetweenJones,Lyons,andJacobs,andthecoachbenchedJonesthenlaterthedeansuspendedhimfromcollegefortheentiresemester.”Heshrugged.“Althoughtheycarriedoutasearchandfoundnothing.IfigureLyons’crewsethimuptogetoneoftheirownontheteam.”
“So,ishebacknow?”
“Yeah,startedbackforthefallsemester.”Kaneleanedbackinhischairandsighed.“IfWolfesuspectshomicideintheJacobscase,we’llneedtotakealookatOwenJones.”
“Yeah,ifhe’sasinnocentasyousay,hesurehasamotive.”Jennasippedhercoffee.“Ireallydon’thavetimetowatchfootballbutRowleyexplainedhowimportantbeingonawinningteamistotheseguys.Thechanceascoutmightseethemcouldmeanamillion-dollarcareer.”
“Yeah,andtohavethatsnatchedawayonalie…”Kaneshookhishead.“Thatwouldmakemeangrybutnotmadenoughtomurdersomeone.”
“So,wehaveStein,butwhoelsewouldwanttokillsomeoneforrapingChrissie?”Jennashrugged.“Chrissiecould’vementionedtoanyonethatshewasgoingtothepartyandthey’dassumetheteamwasinvolved.”
“We’llneedtotakeacloselookatherfamilyandtheirmovementsaroundthetimeofJacobs’deathaswell.”Kanemadeanote.“I’llseewhatIcanfindout.”
“Great.”JennanoticedKane’sattentionhaddriftedbacktothepie.“Ah,doyouwanttoeatthatpiewhileit’sfresh?I’mhavingtroublefinishingmine.”
Kanegaveherasmiletolightuparoom.“Ithoughtyou’dneverask.”
ELEVEN
KanefollowedJennaintothecollegecafeteriaandpointedoutLivi.Jennahaddecidedtospeaktothegirlalone,hopingshe’dbemoreforthcomingspeakingtoafemaleofficer.HeheadedforagroupofstudentsandaskedifanyoneknewPhillipStein.TheypointedoutanathleticyoungmansittingaloneinthecornerwearingaT-shirt,jeans,andabaseballcapwornbackward.Kanewentoverandintroducedhimself.“MindifIsitdownandhaveawordwithyou?”
“IsthisaboutChrissie?”Steinliftedhischinalmostdefiantly.“Iwasn’twithheronSaturdaynight.YouneedtobespeakingtoSethLyons.”
Kanepulledoutachairandsatdown.“I’vealreadyspokentohim.TellmeaboutyourrelationshipwithChrissie.Howlonghaveyouknownher?”
“Iknewherinhighschoolandthenranintoheragainthedayshestartedhere;she’dgottenturnedaroundandItookhertoclass.”Steinstaredintospaceasifrememberingthemoment.“Shewasabeautifulsoul,gentle,andsoft-spoken.I’llmissher.”
Kanenoticedthesorrowinhiseyes.“Youcaredforher?”
“Yeah,itwasheadingthatway,butweneverreallywentondates—asinoutonadate.ItwaslunchhereinthecafeteriaandcoffeeatAuntBetty’swhenwemetupintown.”Steinshrugged.“Shewaskindofinnocent—knowwhatImean?Iwantedtotakethingsslow.”
“SoitwasashocktoyouwhenshetoldyoushewasgoingtoapartywithLyons.”Kanewatchedhisreaction.“Diditmakeyouangry?”
“Angry?”Stein’seyesnarrowed.“Hurtmaybe,disillusionedyeah,butnotangry.ItoldhertohaveagoodtimeandI’dcallheronSunday.ShetoldmeIwasgoodoldreliablePhil.”Hesnorted.“Ifiguredifshehadonenightwiththatanimal,she’ddecideIwasthebetterchoice.”
Kanefrowned.“Heinsistsshedidn’tshow.”
“Thenwhorapedher?”Stein’svoicewaslowanddeadly.“Itmusthavebeenbad.Shekilledherself,didn’tshe?That’swhatLiviistellingeveryone.”
“Hercauseofdeathisundeterminedatthistime.”Kanestudiedhisface.Angershimmeredunderhissurfaceofcalm
“Isthatright?Soyoufiguremaybesomeonefollowedherhomeandkilledhertokeepherquiet?Iwouldn’tbesurprised.WeallknowwhatgoesonatLyons’house.”Steingrimaced.“Chrissieisn’tthefirstgirltocomebackfromtheremessedup.”
Intriguedbythisinformation,Kaneleanedforward.“Doyouhaveanynamesorisitjustarumor?”
“Wehearthingsbutyou’llnevergetanyproof.It’scommonknowledgeLyons’daddypaysoffanyproblems.Iwouldn’tbesurprisedifhemakesthemsignsomekindofdocumenttokeephisboysafefromjail.”Steinmethisgaze.“Sono,Idon’thaveanynames.”
“Okay.”Kaneleanedbackinhisseat.“CanIaskwhereyouwereonSaturdaynight?”
“Sure,inmyroomstudying.”Steingavehimadeterminedlook.“Ididn’tgoout,checkwithmyroommateorasktheothers.Iwasthereallnight.”
“Andlastnightaroundnine?”
“I’dheardaboutChrissieonthenewsandcalledherparents.Ispoketoherdad.Heaskedmewhereshe’dbeenandifIknewanything.ItoldhimaboutherdatewithLyons.Herdadwasamess—itwastheworsecallI’veevermade.”Steinshrugged.“After,Iwentforawalkaroundcampustoclearmyhead.”
Kanepushedtohisfeet.“Okay,thanksforyourtime.”IneedtofindoutifMr.Loweiscapableofmurder.
JennafoundLiviwithagroupoffriends,andafterintroducingherself,shetookhertoaquietcornerofthecafeteria.Shesatopposite,andseeingthegirlwaspickingatherfingernails,shesqueezedherarm.“Iknowthishasbeenaterribletimeforyou,Livi,buttounderstandwhyChrissiekilledherselfandtofindthemenwhorapedher,Ireallyneedyourhelp.”
“ItoldDeputyKaneeverythingIknow.”LiviliftedadistraughtfaceandpeeredatJennathroughred-rimmedeyes.“ShewasmybestfriendsoIknewherbetterthanmost.”
Jennatookouthernotebookandpen.“DidChrissiehavemanyboyfriends?”
“No,shewasprettyquiet.Shedatedaboyinhighschoolforamonthorsoandthenhisfamilymovedbackeast.”Livifrowned.“IguessyoucouldcountPhilbuthewasn’treallyaboyfriend,hewasmoreofafriend.Theyhadlunchtogethersometimesandhe’dstudywithherinthelibrary;he’soneyearaheadofherandrealsmart,soIguessshekindausedhim,tohelpher.”
Jennaunfoldedhernotebookonthetable.“Didsheeverconsiderdatinghim?”
“Yeah,shewantedtogotothedanceattheshowgroundsnextSaturdaynight.I’mgoingbutshedidn’thaveadate.”Liviloweredhergazetoherfingersagain.“ShefiguredifshewentoutwithPhil,shecouldconvincehimtotakehertothedance.”Shemadeawavinggesturewithherhands.“ThensheblewhimoffforSethwithoutasecondthought.”
Jennamadeafewnotes.“WasPhilangry?”
“Nope,hemadeastudydatewithherforMonday.”Livishrugged.“Maybehejustlikedhercompany.Onething’sforsure,he’snotafraidofSethLyons.”
Jennaleanedforward.Theconversationjustgotinteresting.“Howso?”
“Oh,theyhadadisagreementinthecafeteria.SethwalkedinwithhisfriendsandtoldPhilhewassittingathistable.WhenPhilrefusedtomove,Sethpushedhim.Well,Philisrealstrong.Hejuststoodupandglaredathim.Nextminute,SeththrewapunchandPhilduckedandthenlaidhimoutcold.”Shebrightened.“Thenhesatbackdown,lookedatSeth’sfriends,andtoldthemtotakeoutthegarbagebecauseitwasstartingtosmell.Everyonestartedlaughing.Sethwaslikeamadbullandthreatenedtogeteven.”
AcoldchillblewacrossJenna’sneck.HadSethchosenChrissietogetbackatPhil?Shefrowned.“CouldSethhaveknownPhilwasseeingChrissie?”
“Idon’tseewhynot.”Livistaredoutthewindowbutitwasobviousshewasn’tseeingthelushgreengrassandflowerbeds.“Yeah,IrecallSethbeinginherewhenPhilwashavinglunchwithher,andtheyweretogetherinthelibraryatleastfourtimesaweek.”
Jennaslidherpenbackintoherpocketandfoldedhernotebook.“You’vebeenveryhelpful.IhopeIhaven’ttakenuptoomuchofyourtime.”
“I’mfine,mynextclassisn’tuntiltwo.”Livistood.“I’llbegettingbacktomyfriendsnow.”Shehurriedaway.
“Howdidyougo?”Kanetouchedherbackthendroppedintotheseatbesideher.
Jennasmiledathim.“Oh,shewasawealthofinformation.I’lltellyouonthewaytothemorgue.”Shefrowned.“There’ssomethingelse.”Theystoodandheadedoutthebuildingtothetruck.“Ifigurewehaveanaceupoursleevealready.”
“Howso?”Kanestartedtheengineandheadedthetruckdownthecampusdriveway.
Jennasmiledathim.“Webber.He’sastudenthere,remember?We’llgethimtogoundercoverandfindthedirtonourMr.Lyons.”
“They’llknowhe’sadeputy,andwhatabouthisage?”Kanefrowned.
“Nooneherewillrememberhe’sadeputyandhehasn’tmentionedittoanyone.HewasonlyinuniformforacoupleofmonthsbeforehestartedworkingwithWolfe,andhe’dpassforearlytwenties,easy.”Shesmiledathim.“Iftheydoremember,hecansayIfiredhimlastyearandhejoinedtheME’sdepartment.Thinkaboutit,Kane.Webberticksalltheboxes.Hewasatcollegelastyear,usesthegymandthetrack.He’llpasswithoutnotice.”
“Maybe.”Kaneshrugged.
Jennasighed.“NowallwehavetofigureoutishowhecangetclosetoLyons.”
“Hetriesoutfortheteam.They’llbelookingforareplacementforJacobs.”KaneturnedattheendofthedrivewayontoStantonRoad.“Iknowheplayedfootballinhighschoolandhe’sfit.Worstcase,he’llbeonthebenchbutwilltrainwiththeguys.Ifhefitsin,theymightevenaskhimtomoveintotheirhouse.”
Jennasnorted.“That’snotasafeplacetobeiftheydiscoverhe’sonthejob.”Shetookhergazeawayfromthecrowdsastheydroveintotownandglancedathim.“I’vebeenindeep;it’sdeadly.”Shesighed.“Maybeyoushouldtalktohim?It’smorelikeanordercomingfromme.”
“Sure.He’llbeattheautopsy.”KaneslowedastheypassedthehotdogvendorsonMain.
Jennapokedhiminthearm.“Stoplookingatthefood.Youjustateandwehaveanautopsytoattend.”
“Sure,sure.”Kanegrinnedather.“I’mgood.EmilyalwaysleavescookiesinWolfe’soffice.”
TWELVE
ColtWebberhadtransferredtoBlackRockFallsfromBostonandspentashorttimeasdeputybeforetakingWolfe’soffertobecomehisassistantintheME’soffice.Itwasacompletechangeofcareer,butgoingbacktocollegeattwenty-ninetocompletehisstudiesinforensicsciencehadbeenabreeze.He’dtheaddedbonus—andsalary—ofremainingadeputy,beingaroundifSheriffAltonneededanextrahand.NeitherhenorWolfehadaproblemintheirdualroles;infact,theyallworkedtogetherlikeawell-oiledunit.HeenjoyedworkingwithWolfe;theman’sfontofexpertiseandeasyTexanmannermadeeachdayanadventure.Thecoursewasbecomingabreeze,andinoneyear’stime,he’dgraduate.
Inthemorgue,he’dpreparedtheinstrumenttrayandspecimenreceptacles,andhadthecorpseontheautopsytable,whenheheardfootstepsandvoicesinthehallway.ItwasasurprisewhenKanebeckonedhimoutsideandtheystrolledintoWolfe’soffice.
“Wehaveasituation.”KaneleanedonehipontheedgeofWolfe’sdesk.
Webberfrowned,hopinghehadn’tbeenthecause,butKaneappearedanimatedratherthancondescending.“WhatcanIdotohelp?”
“Haveyoueverbeenundercover?”Kanefoldedhisarmsacrosshischest.
Webbershookhishead.“Nope.”
“Weneedsomeonetogetupcloseandpersonalwiththecollegefootballteam.”Kane’sseriousexpressionunnervedhim.“Theydon’thaveanagelimit,andyou’refit.Howlongsinceyouplayed?”
Astoundedbytherequest,Webber’smindseemedtorunincircles.“Ah,Iplayedtouchlastweekend.IworkoutwithRowleyeveryday.I’mfit.”Hesmiled.“Youwantmetotryoutfortheteam?Howso?”
“Yeah,that’sthegeneralidea.Ofcourse,we’llsupplyatrackerandanythingelseyouneedtogettheinformationwerequire.Itwouldbebestifyouavoidusandaddanyinfoyoufindtothecasefiles.I’llmakesuretocheckthemdaily.”Kanenarrowedhisgaze.“WesuspectSethLyonsandhiscrewarerapinggirlsoffcampus,andcouldbethereasonbehindChrissieLowe’sdeath.”
“Igatheredthatfromthecasefilebutyou’venoproof.”Webberstaredathim.“IfChrissiehadn’tbeenundertheshower,maybewe’dhavefoundsometraceevidence.”HeletthebatteredimageofChrissieLoweslipintohismind.“Togetclose,I’dneedtogetintotheirhouse,andthey’renotgoingtoriskdivulginganythingtoastranger.”Hesnorted.“Iwon’tgetnearLyons.I’llbeonthebench.Idon’tfigureCoachwouldconsideranoldmanlikemefortheteam.”
“Didyouknowthecoachisex-military?”Kane’ssmilespreadoverhisface.“I’veaskedWolfetospeaktohim.You’llbeplayingbeforeyouknowit.”Hegavehimadirectstare.“Thethingis,Colt,areyoureadytostepupandgettheproofweneedtostoptheseanimals?”Hestaredhimintheeyes.“It’sarequest,notanorder.Youcouldbedealingwithakiller.”
Webberconsideredtheimplicationsanddangers.He’dberunningwiththepackandwouldhavetolowerhisownmoralstandardsifwhatKanesaidwastrue.“Yeah,Icantakecareofmyself,butI’dneedadamngoodcoverstory.Assureasthesunrisesinthemorningsomeonewillremembermebeingadeputy,andthere’snowaythey’lldiscussanythinginfrontofmeiftheybelieveI’mstillinlawenforcement.”
“We’vealreadyworkedonacoverstorybutwe’llkeepitsimpleandasclosetothetruthaspossible.”Kanestraightened.“Youarrivedintown,movedinwithyouraunt;we’lluseWolfe’shousekeeperifnecessaryasacover.Thescholarshipisnosecret,sogowiththatangle.Youworkedasadeputyforatimeandthenarguedwithme,soJennafiredyou.YoufigureI’manarrogantassholeandyoutooktheofferofajobwiththeME.”
Webbergrinnedathim.“Howdidyouknow?”
“Arrogant,huh?”Kanelaughedandheadedforthedoor.“Touché.”
THIRTEEN
AttendingtwoautopsiesofyoungpeopleinthesamenumberofdaysdisturbedJenna.Sure,sheheldittogetherusingherprofessionalfa?adetocoverherinnerfeelings,butdeepdownsheheldayawningsorrowandsomemeasureofresponsibilityfordeathsthatoccurredinBlackRockFalls.She’dswornanoathtodoherbesttokeepthetownsfolksafeandupholdthelaw,andyettwoyoungpeoplehaddiedinunusualcircumstances.IfWolferuledthecauseofdeathforJacobsaccidental,andChrissie’sasuicide,she’dstillfinditdifficulttoaccept.WiththefootballteamcontaininghermainpersonsofinterestforChrissie’srape,Jacobs’deathseemedalittletooconvenient.
Shepulledonafacemask,tookadeepbreath,thenfollowedWolfethroughthedoorsintotheclinicalcoldofthemorgue.She’dneverquitemetanMElikeWolfebefore;althoughaveryimposingmaninstature,hehadawonderfullycalmingpresence.Hissoftvoiceandrespectfulmannerduringanautopsymadesurvivingthehorribleexperienceawholeloteasier.ShenoddedtoKaneandWebber,chattingoverJacobs’corpse.ShewishedshecouldswitchoffcompletelylikeKane.Histrainingasasnipergavehimtheabilitytodropintoazoneofpeacefulness.She’dwitnessedhimdothisanumberoftimes;itwasasifthemansheknewhadleftthebuilding—she’dseenthesameinamurderingpsychopathaswellbuttherewasadifference.Kanehadcompassioninspadesandhadaninbuiltneedtoprotecteveryoneevenifitmeantriskinghisownlife.
Wantingtokeepthemoodlight,JennamovedtoWolfe’ssideashecheckedtheinstrumenttrayandadjustedthelightsandmicrophoneintoposition.“HowdoyoufeelaboutEmilymovingbacktoBlackRockFallstocompleteherdegree?”Wolfe’sdaughterEmilyhadsecuredaplaceatthelocalcollegeforthefallsemester.
“Sincethecollegeexpansion,she’llbeabletocompleteherBachelorofForensicSciencehereandshe’salsoconsideringacriminaljusticedegree,whichwillsetherupifshewantsacareerinCSIorasamedicalexaminer.”Wolfepeeredatheroverhismaskandhiseyescrinkledatthecorners.“Thenshehashandsonherewithmeaswell,whichisanadvantage.Ihavetoadmitthatgirlisaspongeforknowledge;sheexcelsineverythingshedoesandshelovesstudyinginthenewbuilding.”Helaughed.“AndIkindalikehavingherlivingathomeagain.”Hepulledonhisgloveswithasnap.“AnnaandJulieareoverthemoontohavetheirsisterback.”
Jennanoddedinagreement.“Ienjoyhercompanytoo.”Shesighed.“Whenwegetthesecasessorted,youshouldbringthefamilyoverforabarbecue.”
“Youwon’tbeabletodragthemawayfromthehorses.”WolfeglancedoveratKane.“Youknowthey’llbugyouforaride.”
“Ienjoytheircompany.”Kanepulledonafacemask.“DoyouthinkAnnaisoldenoughforapony?It’sherbirthdaysoon.”
“Dang,notyouaswell.”Wolfesnorted.“They’vebothbeenatmeformonthstobuythemone.Iaskthem,‘Wherecanwekeepapony?WhendoIhavetimetocareforoneortakethemforrides?’ThenI’mthebadguyforaweek.”
“We’vegotthespace.”Jennalookedathim.“Onelittleponyisn’ttoomuchmoretocarefor,andIknowAtohihasoneforsale.”Shesmiledbehindthemask,rememberingthebeautifulpaintponytheirNativeAmericanfriendhadraisedontheres.
“IsitokayifIbuyitforherbirthday?”KanelookedatWolfe.“I’lltakefullresponsibilityforeverything.Itwon’tbeanyextraworkorexpenseforyou,butitwillmakeitsaferforherwhenshecomesbytoridethehorses.”
“Hmm.”Wolfe’sgazemovedfromonetotheother.“She’sbeenpesteringyouaswell,hasn’tshe?”
“Nope.”Kaneshrugged.“Shehasn’tsaidaword.Wejustfigureditwouldbeeasierthanridingwithmewhenshecomesby.Ican’triskheronmystallionalone.”
“I’llthinkonit.”Wolfewavedahandtowardthebody.“Let’sstart.”HepulledthesheetfromJacobs’bodyandswitchedonthemicrophone.“WehavethebodyofAlexJacobs,twenty-twoyearsold,Caucasian,weighttwohundredpounds,heightsix-one.Thebodyappearstobeinexcellentphysicalshape.Apartfromthetraumatotheneck,therearenosignsofexternaldamageapartfromasmallbruisetothelefthip.Iwouldestimatethebruisetobeapproximatelysixdaysold.”
Jennawatchedastheautopsyprogressed;theheart,lungs,andotherorgansallpresentedasnormal,andthebloodtestsconductedbyWolfeearlierhadnotgivenaresultforalcohol.AsWolfeprogressedtodissectingtheneckregion,shemovedforwardasheexplained.
“AsyoucanseefromtheX-rayalone,thedamagetotheatlasandaxis…ah,theupperpartofthecervicalspine,issevere.Bluntforcetraumacrushedthelarynxandhyoidbone.I’dsayparalysiswould’vebeeninstantaneous;thespinalcorddamagealonewouldhavekilledhiminstantly.”Wolfelookedupatthem.“Hereinliestheproblem.”Heremovedhisglovesandwenttohiscomputer.“Herearesomeimagesofsimilarfatalitiesduringweighttrainingusingasimilarbench.”Hescrolleddownthepage.“Andherearetheimagestakenatthescene.”Heglancedattheothers.“AsImentionedbefore,alloftheothervictimshavetheirhandsunderthebar.Allofthemtriedtopreventthebarfromcrushingthem.WhydoesJacobshavehishandshangingdownbothsidesofhim?”
“Iexaminedtheequipment.”Kanepointedatthescreen.“Asyoucanseefromtheimages,therackwasn’tdamagedandtheequipmentissolid.Hecouldn’thavemissedtherackanddroppedit,andthebarcouldn’thaverolledofftherack.Ifthebarhadslipped,hishandswouldbegrippingthebarandhe’dhavetriedtomaneuvertheweightawayfromhim.”
“ThisiswhyIbelievesomeoneelsewasinvolved.”Wolfenarrowedhisgaze.“I’veliftedweights,andunlesshetriedtocommitsuicidebythrowingthemintheairinthehopeofdroppingthemonhisneck,Idoubthe’dhavegottenhishandsoutthewayinthesplitsecondittakesforthatamountofweighttodrop.”HelookedatJenna.“I’dliketoknowhowmuchweightheusuallypresses.Accordingtothebenchpressstandards,amalenoviceat200poundsshouldbeabletopressaround140;anadvancedaround300pounds.Includingtheweightofthebar,hewasliftinginexcessof300pounds.Inmyopinion,goingonhisphysicalshape,hemayhavebeenabletoliftitafewtimeswithaspotter.Theonlylogicalconclusionishisarmsweredownbecausesomeonehadtakentheweightandhethoughttheyhadplacedtheweightontherack.Iftheydroppedtheweightonhim,hewouldn’thavehadtimetoreact.”
Jennaallowedtheinformationtosinkinthenlookedathim.“Soyou’resayingwehaveahomicide?”
“Nope,I’msayingsomeoneelsecould’vebeeninvolved.”Wolfegaveheralonglook.“Whatifitwasanunfortunateaccident?Thespotterwasliftingthebarthelastinchanditslippedouthishand.Maybehe’dgottenscaredandhightaileditoutthegym.”Hesighed.“UntilwediscoverthetruthI’mleavingthecauseofdeathopen.”Hepulledonafreshpairofgloves.“I’llfinishuphereandreleasethebodytothemortician.”
Jennaremovedhermaskandgloves.“Thanks,we’lllookintoitsomemore.”
“Beforeyougo.”Wolfeturnedbacktoher.“ThevomitinthecarmatchesthestomachcontentsofChrissieLowe,andthehairisthesamecolor.Ifoundasetofherprintsundertheedgeofthecarseatandmatchedthebloodinthecartohertype;theDNAtestisrunningnow.Idon’thaveanydoubtthatChrissiewasinthejanitor’svehicle.”Hewavedahandtowardthecounter.“Ifoundotherhairs,atleastfivedifferentpeople.I’veobtainedsamplesfromthejanitorandhiswifeanddiscountedthem.I’vetakensamplesfromJacobsandwehaveLyons’fingerprintsfromtheglassbutrightnow,I’venoothersamplestouseasacomparison.Therewasnoothertraceevidenceorprintsapartfromthejanitor’s,andtheywerefresh.”Hefrowned.“It’sgoingtobedifficultprovingwhorapedherwithoutevidence.I’lltakesomeprintsfromJacobs’handsandseeiftheymatchthemarksonherarms.Ifoundagrooveonhispinkyfinger,whichmakesmebelieveheworearing.IfwecanlinktheringtothemarkonChrissie’sarm,itwillputhimatthesceneoftherape.Ifwecanimplicatehimintherape,therestmightfalllikeahouseofcards.”
JennaexchangedaglancewithWebber.“AsColt’swillingtoinfiltratetheirhouse,we’llgetthecreeps.Soonerorlateroneofthemwillbreakthecodeofsilence.”
FOURTEEN
Kanestoodforafewsecondstoinhalethefreshbreezeandridhisnoseofthesmellofdeath.AsJennawalkedtohisside,heturnedtoher.“We’llneedtokeepacloseeyeonWebberifhemanagestogetclosetoLyons.”Heledthewaytohistruck.“Idon’ttrustthatguy.”
“Meneither.”Jennaglancedupathim.“Oh,andRowleyhunteddownOwenJones.IfigurewegoseehimandfindouthisangleonthefightwithJacobs,butfirst,Ineedamomenttogetmyheadstraightaftertheautopsy.”
Kaneopenedthedoorofhistruck.“Sure.WannatakeabreakatAuntBetty’s?”
“Thatsoundslikeaplan.”Jennasmiled.“Astrongcoffeewillhelptoremovethehorriblemorguetasteinmymouth.”
Kanegrinnedather.“Hush,don’tsaythattooloud—peoplewillfigureyou’vebeensnackingontissuesamples.”
“Ewww.”Jennapulledaface.“NowI’velostmyappetite.”Sheclimbedintothepassengerseat.
Kaneslidbehindthewheel.“Nah,AuntBetty’specanpiewouldtemptasaint.”
Heheadedslowlythroughtown.AcarnivalatmospherefilledMainStreet,andvisitors’horsetrailersarrivingfortherodeomadeupthemajorityoftraffic.TheJumpyCastlewasinthepark,andwithschooloutfortheday,kidsraninalldirections,eatinggreatcloudsofcottoncandy,orketchup-drippinghotdogs.“Theclownsareabsentthisyear.”
“I’mnotsurprised—thelasttimetheyshowed,theparentskepttheirkidsaway.”Jennasighed.“NotthatIblamethem.I’vehatedclownsallmylife,andeversincewehadsomeinvolvedinapedophilering,Ihatethemevenmore.”
KanepulledupoutsideAuntBetty’sCafé,gladtofindaparkingspace,andclimbedout.Inside,thenoisewaswayabovehiscomfortlevel,whichwasunusual.Hecasthiseyeoverthepatronsandafewofthelocalsgavehimanod.Theruckuswascomingfromagroupofcowboys,andhestoppedtoglareatthem.WhenJennaturnedtostareatthemaswell,themenelbowedeachotherandkepttheirheadsdown,andthecaféquietenedtoitsnormalhumofpoliteconversation.Theywenttothefarendofthecountertoavoidtheline,andSusieHartwigdashedovertotaketheirorder.
KanefollowedJennatotheirreservedtableandsatdown.“Itsureisnicetohavethistableandfastserviceforthedepartment.”
“Yeah,we’dneverfindtimetoeatotherwise.”JennasmiledasSusiefilledtwocupswithcoffeethenleftthepotandfixings.“Thanks,Susie.”
“Yourorderwillberightout.”SusiefrownedatJenna.“Youfeelingokay,Sheriff?Youlookamightpaletoday.”
“We’vecomefromanautopsy.”Jennaliftedhercup.“Itwasn’tpleasant.”
“Oh,Isee.”Susielookedmortified.“I’llbebackbeforeyouknowit.”Shehurriedaway.
Kanesatbackinhisseat,runningthecasethroughhismind.“WeneedtofindJacobs’pinkyring.”HeglancedatJennaovertherimofhiscup.“Ifit’sbulky,liketheimpressionWolfefoundonChrissie’sarm,itplaceshimatthesceneoftherapeandgivesPhillipSteinamotive.”
“HowwouldheknowJacobswasinvolved?”Jennagavehimaninquisitivestare
“JacobsandLyonswerelikethis.”Kanecrossedhisfingersandheldthemup.“They’reroommatesandSteinknowsChrissiewentonadatewithLyonsthenightoftherape.It’salsolikelyLyonswasinthevehiclethatgaveheraridetotheparty.FromwhatweknowaboutChrissie,it’sunlikelyshe’dhavegottenaridefromastranger,whichtellsmetherapistsplannedtousethejanitor’scar.”
“Hmm.”Jennastaredintothedistance.“DoyoufigureSteinwouldkillonahunch?”
Kaneshrugged.“HeknewChrissie;forallweknowhecould’vefollowedhertothehouse.”Hesippedhiscoffee.“HemightbeabletoprovidethemissinglinkweneedtoproveChrissiewasthere.Ifhehungarounduntilsheleft,he’dhaveaprettygoodideawhathappenedtoher.”
“Yeah,butmurder?”Jennashookherhead.“Ifhewasafriendandsawherdumpedonthelawnoutsideherdorm,he’dhelpher…maybecalltheparamedics,notleaveheralone.”
Kaneplacedhiscuponthetable.“Maybeshedidn’twanthishelp—she’dbeendruggedandraped.Ifigurethelastthingawomanwouldneedwouldbeamanaround.”
“Maybe,butthenshehadherroommate.”Jennafrowned.“Westilldon’tknowforsureifshekilledherself.Someonecould’vetakenherintoherroomandstagedthesuicide.Theideashekilledherselfdoesn’tfitheroutgoingprofile.Womenarespeakingoutnow,andthesupportnetworkisthere.IfweconsiderLyons’fathermighthaveofferedhercompensationtokeephermouthshut,itmakeslesssense.Ithadtobesomethingorsomeoneelse.”
Kanerubbedhischin.“LikeI’vesaidbefore,themenwhopack-rapeawomanandgetawaywithitusuallyhavesomewayofintimidatinghertokeephersilence.”
“Iguessso.Butwhetherornotshecommittedsuicideisn’ttheissuerightnow,it’swhokilledJacobs.”Shesighed.“Ittiesin;twodeathshappeningsoclosetogetherismorethanacoincidence.WhenyoulookedaroundLyonsandJacobs’room,didyounoticearing?”
Kaneshookhishead.“Iwasn’tlookingforone,butevenifheworeitregularly,itwouldmakesenseforhimtoremoveittoliftweights.I’dsayit’sinhislockeratthegym.”Hesighed.“We’dneedawarranttosearchit.”
“Notifweaskedtheparentsifwecouldcollecthisthings.I’llcallWolfeandfindoutifthey’vearrivedtoviewthebodyyet.”Jennapulledouthercellphoneandmadethecall.“HasJacobs’familyarrivedyet?”
“Yeah,they’rewaitinginmyofficetoviewthebody.”Wolfeclearedhisthroat.“Whatdoyouneed?”
“Permissiontogothroughhislockeratthegym.”JennaexchangeaglancewithKane.“We’rechasingdownhispinkyring.IfitmatchesthemarkonChrissieLowe’sarm,itwillplacehimatthesceneduringtherape.”
“Sure,I’llaskthemtosignastatementtothefact,andIguessyou’llwanttoincludehisbedroom?”
“Yeah,andwe’llneedyouthereaswell,butIfigureLyonsistoosmarttoleaveanyevidence.”JennaglancedupasSusiedeliveredtheirmealsandpauseduntilshewalkedaway.“Doyouhavetimethisafternoon?”
“I’llmaketime.”Wolfe’svoicelowered.“Ifthisisagroupofpredators,weneedtotakethemdownandsoon.”
“Wesuredo.”Jennafrowned.“Letmeknowwhenyouhavethedocsigned.We’reheadingovertothecollegetointerviewOwenJones.”
“Oh,I’llgetitsigned.”Wolfedisconnected.
FIFTEEN
TherewassomethingspecialaboutsittinginAuntBetty’sCaféwatchingtheworldgoby.ThetouristsinvadingBlackRockFallsamusedhim,andnowwithastringofpsychopathickillernovelsonthemarket,theplacewashumming.Itwasasifpeopleflockedhereontheoffchancethey’dbeinvolvedinabrutalmurder.Heshookhishead.Itdidn’tworkthatway;mostkillershadadarngoodreasontosnuffoutthelifeofastranger.He’dalwaysbeenanobserveroflife,fromthestrangestofinsectstothebiggestpredatorofall:man.Helikedbeingadominantmale.Apredator.
Peopleneededtofacefacts.Nothinglawenforcementcoulddowouldstopapsychopathhell-bentonkilling.They’dwalkoverhotcoalstoreachtheirtarget,andnoamountofsweet-talkingwouldmakethemstop.Whentheurgecamealong,thecontrolvanishedlikewatervapor.Hewouldn’tconsiderhimselfapsychopathbecauseheonlykilledpeoplewhodeservedit.
Hetookanotherbiteofhisburgerandchewedslowly.Hisattentionmovedtothesheriff.Awomanofaverageheightinherthirties,attractivewithraven-blackhairthathunglikewetsilktohershoulders.Thebarearmsprotrudingfromherregulationshirtshowedamusculardefinitionfromworkingoutregularly,whichmadehimbelieveshepreferredtohandlesituationsherselfratherthanrelyonherdeputies.Hisattentionsliddowntohersmallhandswithneatnails.Sheworeonlyonering,noweddingband,andhewonderedwhyshe’dremainedsingleinatowndominatedbymen.Although,he’dneverseenherwithoutthebigdeputyatherside,andthewaytheyleanedtowardeachother,theyactedlikefriends.
Hewishedthey’dsatclosertohim,sohecouldlisteninontheiranimatedconversation.Hecravedinformation,butafterwatchingthenewsandlisteningtothescuttlebuttaroundcampus,he’ddiscoveredlittleabouttheinvestigationintoJacobs’death.He’ddonehisjobwellandpeoplewouldn’tbewaryifthesheriffbelievedhisdeathhadbeenanaccident.Suspiciouspeoplecausedproblemsbynoticingthingstheynormallymissed.
Thedaywasdragging,eachhourmovingsoslowitwasasifthehandsontheclockhadstoppedthensuddenlydecidedtomoveagainfifteenminuteslater.Hestaredathisemptycoffeecupandsighed.Afterplanninghisnextmovetothesecond,hehadlittletodobutwaituntildark.
Thewaitressleftthesheriff’stableandheadedhiswaytorefillhiscup.Shegavehimabrightsmileandhefelthismouthcurlinguptoreturnit.“Whythankyou,ma’am.”
“Iseverythingokay?”Hersmilelingered.
“Yeah,thanks.”Hewaitedforhertosashayawayandfinishedhismeal,leavingageneroustip.
Asheleft,hecastanotherglanceatthesheriff.Somepartofhimfeltsorryforher.If,bychance,shediscoveredsomeonehadmurderedJacobs,she’dneverpinitonanyonenomatterhowhardshetried.Hesmiledtohimself.Noevidence,nowitnesses,nocase.
SIXTEEN
TheyoungwomanatthecounterofthecollegeofficetossedbackherlongblondehairandlookedupatKanewithaninterestedexpression,andthenlookedoveratJenna.Shesmiledather.
“We’relookingforOwenJones.He’sajunior.”
“Oh,everyoneknowsOwen;hewasonthefootballteamandhe’sbackthissemester.Wehaveanewsystemhere.Weissuestudentswithaswipecardandtheyscanthemastheyentereachlecturehallorthelibrary.It’ssoweknowwhoisinsideeachbuildingshouldtherebeanemergencyofsomekind.”Shepointeddownthehallway.“Ifyougodowntosecurity,they’lllookhimuponthecomputerandfindhislocation,andthenthey’llescortyoutohim.”
“Okay.”Jennaturnedandheadeddownthehallway.
“Weirdsecuritysystem.”Kanefellintostepbesideher.“Thestudentsloginandoutoflecturesorwhateverbutthere’snosecuritytostopanyonewanderingin.”
“It’snotaprison,andit’snormalforstudentstohavefreeaccesstocommonareas.”Jennachuckled.“Iguessyou’dhavethemallfriskedbeforetheypassedthroughthegate?”
“I’dhaveairport-typesecurityscannersoneverydarngateatallschoolsifIhadmyway.”Kanenarrowedhisgaze.“Carryweaponsallyouwantbutdon’ttakethemintoschools.”
“I’msurethat’severyparent’sdream,butdoyouknowhowlongitwouldtaketoscaneverystudentinaschool?”Jennaslowedherpaceastheyreachedthesecurityoffice.“Itwillneverhappen.”
AfterdiscoveringJoneswasinthelibrary,theyfollowedasecurityguardthroughthebuilding.
“I’lldothetalking.”JennalookedupatKaneandsmiled.“Wedon’twanthimrunningforthehills,andhewillifyouleanonhim.”
“Iwasgoingtotakethesportsangletoeasehimintospillinghisguts.”Kanefrowned.“Leaningonhimwouldworktoo.”
“LikeIsaid.”Jennanarrowedhereyesathim.“I’lldothetalking.”
ThesecurityguardaskedthemtowaitinthehallwayandhewentinsidethelibrarytocollectJones.Thehallwayledouttoalandscapedgardenwithbenchessetundertrees.Acoupleofstudentssatonthelawnchatting.WhenJonescameoutwiththesecurityguard,Jennatookinthemuscularyoungman,tallandstrongwithchiseledfeatures.ShepulledouthernotebookandlookedupathimthenintroducedherselfandKane.“WeunderstandyouhadafightwithAlexJacobsandafewofhisfriends;canyoutelluswhathappened?”
“Thefightwasagesago,whydragitupnow?”Jonesgaveheradisinterestedstare.“IdidmytimeandI’mbacknow.Why?Issomeonecausingtroubleagain?”
Jennashookherhead.“No,buttheMEhaslefthiscauseofdeathopenonJacobs,andwe’respeakingtoanyonewhomayhavehadareasontocausehimharm.”
“Hedon’thurtthateasy.”Jonessnorted.“Ibustedafingerpunchinghim,andhedidn’tgodown.”Hegaveheradirectstare.“DoIcarehedied?No,Idon’t.HeandSethLyonsarebothliarsliketherestofthoseanimals.Lyons’daddybuyshimoutoftrouble,andtrustme,he’sgotteninmoretroublethananymanIknow.”
“Maybeyoushouldexplainwhathappenedtocausethefight?”Jennaledthewayoutsidetoasecludedbench.Shesatdownandhedroppedreluctantlyontotheseatbesideher.
“LyonsandJacobswantedmeofftheteam.”Jonesshruggedasifreluctanttotalkaboutit.
“Why?”Kanedroppedontothegrassandraisedoneeyebrow.“Theymusthavehadareason.”
“Ican’tgointoit.Let’sjustsayIdidn’twanttomoveoutofthestudenthallsandintotheirhouse.”Jonespushedbothhandsthroughhisunrulyhair.“SotheywenttoCoachandtoldhimItriedtosellthemdrugs.Thedeanorganizedasearchandtheyfoundapipeinmyroom.Iwantedthemtotestmebutthatdidn’thappen.”Hestaredintothedistanceandangerflashedinhiseyes.“Theysetmeup,andCoachtoldmeIhadachoice:sitonthebenchfortheseasonorhe’dcallthecopsandhavemecharged,whichwouldmeantheendofmyscholarship.”HelookedatJenna.“ItookthepenaltybutwentpostalonSeth;Alexwasneverfaraway,andafterhegotinvolved,thingsgotnasty.Iwassuspendedfortherestofthesemester.”Hegaveherawrysmile.“I’mstillonthebench.”
Jennascannedhisexpressionandtheflashofannoyance.“So,youwentonthecoachingtriponSunday.WhatdidyoudoonMondaynightafteryougotoffthebus?”
“Ididn’tgoonthebusbutIliketorunandusuallytryandfitasessionineachafternoon.”Jonesrubbedthebackofhisneck.“Iworkedinthelibraryalldayandneededtoloosenup,soIransomeandthenIwentbacktomyroomandslept.”
“Whattimewasthat?”Kane’svoicewasconversational.
“DarnedifIknow.”Jonesshrugged.“Aroundtenmaybe.”
Jennamadeafewnotes.“Didyouseeanyoneduringthiswalk,orstopandtalktoanyone?”
“Therewerepeople,yeah,butIdon’trememberanyonespecific.”Joneslookedintothedistancethenshookhishead.“Nah,Ididn’ttalktoanyone.Iwaslisteningtosometunes.”Hepulledaphoneoutofhispocketwithearbudsattached.“Why?YouthinkIkilledAlex?”Hechuckled.“How?”
“Maybeyouspottedforhiminthegymanddroppedthebaronhisneck.”Kanehaddroppedintohisdangerousmode.“Youhadamotivetokillhim.Hehadthecoachbenchyouandthatledtoyoursuspension.Ifyoutakehimout,aspotontheteambecomesavailable.”
“Ididn’tkillhim.He’snotworthmytime.”Jonesgrimacedandlookedawaywithadisgustedexpression.“AndIplaywidereceiver,Alexplayedlefttackle.Youreallythinkafterwhathappened,I’dputmybodyonthelinetoprotectSethLyonsinagame?”Heshookhishead.“IhopetheSOBgetswhat’scomingtohim.”
Jennaleanedforward,notingtheagitationintheyoungman.“Becauseheplantedthepipe,oristheresomethingelseyou’renottellingus?”
“Youknow,Sheriff,therearejustsomethingsaguydoesn’tdiscussinthepresenceofwomen.”Jonesstaredathishands.“Let’sleaveitatthat?”
AnumberofthingsranthroughJenna’smindbutshestoodandexchangedaknowinglookwithKane.“I’llwaitinside.”SheheadedforthedoorthenleanedagainstthewallandwatchedasKaneaskedquestions.
Momentslater,shenoticedSethLyonsheadingherwayandmovedtowardhiminanefforttostophimseeingKanetalkingtoJones.Shesearchedhermindforafewquestionsshecouldaskhim,anythingtodelayhismovementalongthehallway.“Ah,Mr.Lyons.JustthepersonIwantedtospeakto.”
“Yeah?”Lyonsgaveheraninsolentlook.“Whatnow?”
Jennatookhertimetakingouthernotebookandflippingthroughthepages.“WhendidyoulastcallChrissieLowe?Iassumeyoucalledhertoarrangearidetotheparty.Weknowsheclimbedintoagraysedan.”
“Ididn’tcallandIdon’thavehernumber.”Lyonshuffedoutasigh.“Ispoketoherinthecafeteria.Iguessshemadeherownarrangementsforaride.”Hemovedintoherpersonalspace.“It’sallover,someguyrapedher.Lookatme,Sheriff.DoyouhonestlythinkIneedtorapegirls?”
Unfazedbyhisbravado,Jennaleanedinslightlyandloweredhervoice.“You’veabadreputationwithwomenoncampus,butnoonehasmadeanycomplaintsagainstyou.I’mstartingtobelieveyouhavesomeoneonthefacultyprotectingyou.”
“Idon’tneedprotection.”Lyonsclampedhishandaroundherarmandglareddownather.“Butmaybeyoudo.Mydadisaverypowerfulmanwithfriendsinhighplaces.Everyonehassecrets,Sheriff,andifyoukeepharassingme,I’llfindoutyours,andcomenextelectionyouwon’tgetanyvotes.”
Straightening,Jennamethissmugexpression.Hisgriponherarmpainfullygroundthebonestogether.Hewasenjoyingintimidatingher,andwithnooneinthehallwaytowitnesshisbehavior,itwouldbeherwordagainsthis.SheslidherGlockfromtheholsterandpresseditagainstthezipperofhisjeans.“Didn’tyourdaddyevertellyounottothreatenawomanwithagun?Takeyourhandoffme,turnaround,andwalkawaybeforeIarrestyouforassault.”
“Okay,okay.Jesus.I’msorry.”Lyonsdroppedhishandandbackedaway,handsheldupinsurrender.
Jennaholsteredherweapon.“I’llbewatchingyou,Lyons.”
“Yes,ma’am.”Lyonshurriedtowardthelibrary.
JennaturnedtoseeKanewalkingtowardher.Shestaredathim.“Well?”
“WhatwasgoingonwithLyons?”Kaneturnedtostareafterhim.
“IwantedtostophimfromseeingyouwithJonesandaskedhimafewquestionshedidn’tlike.Hegrabbedmyarmandtriedtothreatenme—”
“Hedidwhat?”Kanegapedatherwithanexpressionofdisbelief.“Whatdidhesay?”
Jennashrugged.“ItwasnothingandIhandledit.WhatdidJonessay?”
“Hisgirlfriend,afreshman,leftmid-semesteraftershewasdraggedintoacarandraped.”Kane’sexpressionlookedliketheskybeforeathunderstorm.“Jonestriedtomakeherreportitbutsherefusedtosaywho’drapedher.Notlongafter,LyonsmadeacommentaboutJones’sgirlfriend,sayingshewas‘tasty.’WhenJonesconfrontedhisgirlfriendaboutit,shepackedupandleftcollege.”
Jennaswallowedhard.She’djustexperiencedtheevilsideofLyons.“Didhegiveyouthegirl’sname?”
“Nope.”Kanepushedhishandsintohispockets.“Hesaidshe’dbeenhurtenoughandhe’ddenyhetoldme.”Helookedather.“ItwouldbereachingtogetLyonschargedwithrapeaftersolong.Ifhe’sbeendoingthisforsometime,wemightbeabletogetagroupofwomentocomeforward,butoneononewithoutashredofevidencewillbehearsayatbest.”
“Uh-huh.”Jennachewedonherbottomlip.“NothingJonessaidconvincedmeheisn’tresponsibleforJacobs’death.”
“Thereisonething.”Kane’sbrowfurrowed,makinghiseyebrowsjoininthecenter.“IfJonesandJacobswereenemies,itisn’tlikelyJacobswouldallowhimtospothim.Idon’tfigureJacobswouldputhimselfinsuchavulnerableposition.”
“Hmm,that’sapoint.”Jenna’scellphonechimedandsheglancedatthescreen.“It’sWolfe.”
“IhavepermissionforyoutosearchAlexJacobs’locker,butIfigureunlessSethLyonsagrees,you’llneedasearchwarrantforhisbedroom.It’sLyons’roomtoo,andhisfatherownsthehouse.Anotherthing:Kanementioneditwasbleachedandcleanasapin.Ifigurewe’dbewastingourtimedoingasweepthislateinthegame;theseguysarewaytoosmarttoleaveanyevidence.”
Jennasighed.“Rogerthat.Sendacopyofthedoctomyphone;we’llgoseethesecurityguyagainandgetaccess.”
“It’sontheway.”
Jennadisconnectedandwaitedforthemessagetoarrive.Sheglancedatthefileandturnedinthedirectionofthesecurityguard’soffice.“Let’sgocheckhislockeratthegym.”
Aftershowingthesecurityguardthepaperwork,theycollectedaforensicskitfromKane’struckthenfollowedhimtothegym.Theguardtookthemintothelockerroomandusedapairofboltcutterstobreakthepadlock.Jennanotedthewhiteboardwithnamesandnumberslisted.“Arethosethenamesofpeopleandcorrespondinglockers?”
“Yeah,theyallhaveacombinationlock,sotheydon’tneedtocarrykeys.Theypickalockerthenaddtheirnametothelist.”Thesecurityguardstoodtooneside.
AwhiffofbodyodorcrawledupJenna’snoseassheopenedthedoorandpeeredinside.“Sothelockersareusedbyanyone?”
“Yeah,butonlymalestudents.Thewomen’slockerroomisnextdoor.”
Jennanodded,pulledonapairofgloves,andusedherMaglitetolookinside.Thereonthetopshelfwasalargegoldpinkyringsittingbesideawatch.“Getaphotoofthering,Kane,thenwe’llbagitalongwiththewatch.”
Shelabeledtheevidencebagsandcollectedtheitems,andthentheybaggedhisclothes,includingabaseballcapandajacketwiththefootballteam’slogoontheback.“That’sit.”Sheturnedtotheguard.“Thankyouforyourhelp.”
“Noworries,ma’am.”Theguardstrolledaway.
“Fromthestinkcomingfromhisjacket,Jacobswasn’tmuchintopersonalhygiene.”Kanewrinkledhisnose.“IfhewasinvolvedinChrissie’srape,IwonderifWolfewillbeabletopullanytraceevidencefromhisthings.”
“We’lldropbyonthewaybacktotheoffice.”Jennaglancedatthebaggeditems.“WeneedtofindevidenceagainstatleastoneoftheguysinLyons’house.”
SEVENTEEN
Ithadbeenalongday,andafterenteringalltheday’sinformationintothefiles,Jennaglancedattheclock.Itwasalittleafterseven,andaspellinthehottub,dinner,andanearlynightwerecallinghername.She’dcomeupagainstabrickwallwithherinvestigationsandwouldthinkonthemovernightandstartfreshinthemorning.Shecloseddownhercomputer,collectedherthings,andthenheadedoutherofficetothereceptionarea.TheplacewasquietandMaggiehadleftfortheday,leavingRowleyonthecounter.ShestrolleddowntoKane’sdeskandwaitedforhimtostoptyping.“Let’scallitaday,I’mbeat.It’smyturntocoverthe911linetonightsoI’mplanningongettinganearlynight.”
“Sure,givemefive.”Kanesmiledatherandwentbacktohiscomputer.
Jennawalkedtothecounter.“Noonehasbeeninforacoupleofhours,we’venooutstandingwarrantsormisdemeanorstoworryabout,I’mgoinghome.”
“It’sbeenprettyquietintowntoday.”Rowleypickedupabunchofkeys,slidonhishat,andmovedaroundthecounter.“Ifigurethingswillpickupastherodeostartstomorrow.”
Jennasighed.“Itwouldbeniceifonefestivalandrodeowentoffwithoutahitch.Thosecowboysseemtogetpleasureoutofknockingeachothersenselessorcausingtroublewiththelocals.”
“It’sasmallpricetopayfortherevenueitbringsthetown.”Kanewalkedupbehindher,pullingonhisjacket.“Duke,whereareyou?”Hepeeredaroundthecounterandgrinnedathisdog.“Timetowakeupandgohometosleepsomemore.”Herubbedthedog’sheadthenlookedatJenna.“Ready?”
Jennanodded.“Yeah.”SheturnedtoRowley.“Seeyouinthemorning.”
HavingRowleylockupandopentheofficeworkedtoheradvantage;ashearrivedattheofficeatthecrackofdawneachmorning,itmeantshedidn’thavetodashintowork.Bythetimeshearrivedataroundeightthirty,he’ddealtwithmostofthewalk-incomplaintsandhadthecoffeemachinesbubbling.Ofcourse,shemadesurehewaspaidforhisovertime.Toher,findingadedicateddeputylikeRowleyhadbeenadreamcometrue.
ShefollowedKaneoutsideanddumpedherthingsinhistruck.Thesmellofpopcornandhotdogsdriftedonthebreeze,andpeoplemovedalongMainStreet,chattingloudly.Shesighedwithrelief.Thefestival,foronce,wasgoingonwithoutincident.Herheartsankatthesoundofadirtbikecomingfast,andsheturnedtoseewhowasstupidenoughtospeedpastthesheriff’soffice.Thebikecamerightatherandscreechedtoahalt,turningsidewayswiththeefforttostop.SherecognizedtheriderasAtohiBlackhawk.Heoftenhelpedwithcases.
“What’sthehurry?”
“Amessofjoggersaregettingintoonehellofaruckusonthepaththatgoestothetopoftherapids.There’sacrowdofcollegekidswatching.”Blackhawkpulledoffhishelmetandfrowned.“Ifiguresomeoneisgonnagetkilled.”Hepushedlongblackhairfromhiseyes.“Iwould’vetriedtobreakitupbutthey’retoughguysandnowaywasIgettinginvolved.”
“Okay,leadtheway.”Jennajumpedintothetruck.“Joggers?”
“I’mguessingthey’refromthecollege;there’saswitchbackpaththatfollowstherivertothetopoftherapidsthencomesdownthroughtheforestandendsupbackattheparkinglot.Allthecollegekidsuseittoreachtherapids.Theyjogandhangoutthere.”KanebackedoutoftheparkingspaceandfollowedBlackhawkthroughthetraffic.“DoyourememberMayorPetershammadeabigdealoutofclearingitlastyearsoitwasasafetrailforthestudentstouse?”
Jennanodded.“Yeah,vaguely.HisspeechestendtogoonsolongItuneoutafterhe’sfinishedspeakingaboutourbudgetfortheyear.”Sheyawned.“Ihopethiswon’ttakelong;thisday’sbeenhardenoughalready.”Sheglancedattheforestastheyspedby;thislateinthedaytheshadowsseemedtostretchforever.
“It’sgoingtogetlongerifwehavetowalktothetopoftherapids.”Kaneglancedather.“MaybeBlackhawkwilllendushisnewdirtbike?”
“Maybeitwillallbeoverbythetimewegetthere.”Jennashrugged.“Howlongcanafightlast?”
“Itdepends.”KanepulledupbehindBlackhawkandtheyjumpedoutthetruck.
Jennabuttonedherjacket.“Wheredidyouseethem?”
“Wayupthetopofthetrail.”Blackhawkhandedherahelmet.“Here,putthison.”HeremovedhishelmetandhandedittoKane.“Takemyride,I’llwaithere.”
“Thanks.”Kanetossedhimhiskeys.“Dukewillbegladofthecompany.”
Afterpushingonthehelmetandfasteningthechinstrap,JennaclimbedonbehindKaneandtheytookoffatbreakneckspeedupthetrail.Sheclungontohimasthepowerfulbikebouncedovertheunevengroundlitteredwithtreeroots.Howpeopleranuphere,she’dneverknow.Thecooleveningairseepedthroughherjacketandshewishedshehadthoughttopullonapairofgloves.Thedirtbike’senginesoundedlouderastheymoveddeeperintotheforest,andalthoughthetrailwaswide,asthelightdimmedthetallpinesseemedtocloseinaroundthem,bringingbackhorrificmemoriesofatrocitiesshe’dwitnessedinthisforestsincearrivinginBlackRockFalls.
“Iseethem.”Kane’svoiceseemedtocatchonthewind,andshewouldhavemisseditifshehadn’tbeenstucksoclosetohisback.“Justahead.”Heslowedthebikeandthenstoppeditsomewaysfromacrowd.
Legsstilltremblingfromthevibration,Jennaclimbedawkwardlyfromtheseatandglancedupathim.“Let’shopewecandefusethesituationandletthemgowithawarning.Idon’tliketheideaofmakinganarrestthentryingtogetthembacktotownthislateintheafternoon.”
“Itwillbeslow-going.”Kaneheadedtowardthecrowd.“Sheriff’sdepartment.Breakitup,folks.”
ThewindhadpickedupandacloudofsprayfromtheroaringfallswashedoverJennaassheheadedafterKane.Tenormoreyoungpeople,alldressedforrunning,stoodinacircleinasmallclearingclosetotheedgeoftherapids.Sheheardthesoundofaslapandinwardlygroaned;itsuresoundedlikeafight.Restingonehandonherweapon,shefollowedKanethroughthesmallgapinthecrowd.“Comeonnow,people,it’sgettinglate.Getonyourwayandgivethesefolkssomeair.”Shepushedbetweentwotall,youngmenandtookinabrawlbetweenfourothers.Sherecognizedallofthem:OwenJones,whothey’dinterviewedearlier,andSethLyons,PeteDevon,andDylanCourt,whothey’dmetatLyons’house.Sheraisedhervoiceabovethenoiseofthewater.“Hey,breakitup.”
SeeingKanemovingtotheleft,shemovedtotheright,circlingthefightingmen.Theroaroftherapidsrushingdownthemountainsidewasdeafening,anditwaslikelynoneofthemencouldhearher.Thefightwasanythingbutfair:LyonsandhisfriendshadJonescornered,andhe’dbecomeapunchingbag.Ignoringthewetgrassandslimyrocks,Jennatookadangerouspathclosertotheedgeoftherapidstoavoidthem.SheedgedclosersoJonescouldseeher.Usingherharshestvoice,sheyelledatthem.“Hey,that’senough!Breakitup!”
“Youshouldlearntokeepyourmouthshut.”LyonsaimedapunchatJones’sstomach.“Iwouldn’twantyoutohaveanunfortunateaccident.”
OwenJonesdroppedhishandsand,astonished,turnedtoseethesheriffheadinghisway.Thenextmoment,SethLyonsmovedinwithanuppercut.Theimpactradiatedthroughhisteeth.Thefollow-throughwasahardpushtohischest.Hestaggeredback,andashisfeetslippedonthemossywetrocks,hewentintoanuncontrollableslidetowardtherapids.Armsflailing,hegrabbeddesperatelyforthesoakingbranches,buttohishorror,theyslippedthroughhisfingerslikewetspaghetti.Theroarofthefallswasdeafeningbuthecouldhearraisedvoicesfromabovehim.Unabletostophismomentumtowardthegapingabyssbehindhim,hecursedasthegroundunderhisfeetvanished.
Airborneforamillisecond,heseemedtohangabovethechurningwaterandthendroppedfast.Airandwaterbuffetedhimandfearfrozehissensesforasplitsecond,buthe’dskiedonhigherslopesthanthis.Thenextmoment,theinstincttosurvivebrokethroughandhesuckedinadeepbreathbeforehittingthefreezingwater.Theairrushedoutofhimonimpactandthebubblingdepthsenclosedhim.Lungsburstingaswhite,foamingwatersurroundedhim,andunabletodeterminewhichwaywasup,heforcedhimselftorelax.Themomenthisbodystartedtorise,hekickedmadly,brokethesurface,andgaspedforair.
Ice-cold,churningwaterslammeddownonhimashekickedhard,butacurrentstrongenoughtoshredclotheshadhiminitsgrip.Hehadnochanceofswimmingwearingshoesandkickedthemoff.Whenhebrokethesurfaceagain,herealizedhe’dlandedwherethewaterpooledbeforeitracedahundredfeetorsotoplungeovertherapids.Bobbingintherushingwaterlikeacork,hetrieddesperatelytograbatrocksbuttheicydepthshadhimintheirgripanditwaslikefightingagainstthestrengthofanelephant.
Coldseepedintohisbones,andwithhisstrengthdeteriorating,hehadtomakeachoice.Diehereorlive.Therewasonlyonechanceofsurvival:hehadtogoovertheedgeandridetherapids.He’dwatchedpeopleinkayaksmaneuvertheirvesselsoverthewaterfall.Downstreamthewaterwaswildbutnotdeep.Takingafewdeepbreaths,hesurrenderedtothecurrent,foldedhisarmsoverhischest,andallowedthewatertohurtlehimtohisfate.
EIGHTEEN
Heartracing,Kanedashedtotheedgeofthefalls,concernedfortheyoungman.Hestaredintotheswirlingrockpoolbelowandheavedasighofrelief.Joneshadsurvivedthefallbutwasflailinghisarmsinadesperateattempttoswimtoarock.HeturnedtoLyons.“Didyoupushhim?”
“No,andIhavewitnesses.”Lyonswavedtohisfriends.“Don’ttrytopinthisonme.Owenstartedit,askanyone.”
Kanehurrieddownstream,unfasteninghisbeltandintendingtodive,butstoppedwhenJennaranupbehindhimandgrabbedhisarm.“What?”
“It’saboutsixfeetdeepdownthere—youdivein,you’llbreakyourneck.”Jennapointeddownthetrail.“There’sanotheraccesspointonthebigsweepingbend.Itwilltakehimtimetomaneuveraroundtherocks.Ifweridedownthere,we’llbeabletocatchhimbeforehereachesthenextfalls.”
Kanegaveheranodandtheytookoffrunning.Hehadthedirtbikehurtlingdownthetrailatfullthrottleinseconds.Behindhim,Jennaclungontight,movingwiththebends.PeopleheardthemcomingandpressedintothetreesasKanedroppedoneboottothegroundtoslidethebikearoundthetightbends.Treesflashedbyinablurofgreenandthebikebuckeddangerouslyovertheunevenground,buthepushedthespeedtothelimit.“Comeon,comeon.”
Aheadhecouldseethesweepingbend.“Hangon.”
Kanetooktheturnsofastandlow,hiskneebrushedtheground.Whentheyreachedthebend,hecouldhearJennayellingbehindhimtostop.Theyleaptfromthebikeandhetookoff,strippingoffhisweaponandjacket.Hekickedoffhisbootsandwadedintothedeep,swirlingwater.Behindhim,Jennafollowedsuit,grippedtighttothewaistbandofhisjeansandfollowedhim.Thecurrentwasfierce,andeverystepfeltasifhehadgreatweightstiedtohislegs.Theystoodtogetherwithahugeboulderattheirbacksandstaredintothelight.Hesethisfeetaparttokeephisbalanceandthenlookedupattheswirlingwatertumblingdownthemountain.“Canyouseehim?”
“Hashegonepast?”Jennawasalreadyshivering.
Kaneturnedandsearchedthelowerreachesbutcouldonlyseewhitewater.“Idon’tthinkso.”
AnxietygrippedhimashescannedtheswirlingbubblestryingtocatchaglimpseofJones.Secondstickedby,eachonestretchinglikealifetime,andthenoutoftheswirling,mistyhaze,aheadpoppedup.“There.”HepointedasJonescamehurtlingtowardhimatspeed.Hegrittedhisteethandthenlungedathim,snaggingoneflailingarm.Ittookallhisstrength,butwithJenna’shelp,hedraggedhimontotheboulder.
Theyoungmancoughed,spluttered,andthenspewed.Kanehelpedhimtositup.“Wheredoesithurt?”
“Everywhere.”Jones’svoicewasahuskysqueakandhisteethchatteredviolently.“I’ms-socold.”HelookedatKane.“Thanksforsavingme.Youtoo,SheriffAlton.”
“Ifyou’reokay,let’sgetoutofthisfreezingwater.”JennasqueezedKane’sarm.“Ohgood,helphasarrived.”
Kaneheardsomeoneyellingclosebyandturnedtoseeachainofcollegestudentsmakingtheirwaythroughtheturbulentwater.HegrabbedholdofJones’sarm,andwiththestudents’help,theystaggeredoutoftherapidsandcollapsedontheriverbank.Jones’sfriendssurroundedhim,offeringhimtowelsandthumpinghimontheback.
“I’vecalledthewarden.”Abright-facedyoungmansmiledatKane.“He’sjustupthemountainaways.Theparamedicsareontheirwaytoo.Thewardensaidhe’dtakeOwendownthemountaintomeetthem.”
“Thanks.”KanerolledovertoseeJennashiveringbesidehim.“Youshould’vestayedonthebank.”
“Youneededmyhelp.”Jenna’steethchatteredlikecastanets.“DidLyonspushhim?”
Kaneshookhishead.“Ididn’tgetaclearviewwitheveryonearoundthembuthestumbledbackrealfast.”
Kanepushedtohisfeetandwenttoretrievetheirweapons,boots,andhisjacket.HepulledonhisbootsandwentbacktoJenna.Shewasshakingsobad,heworriedhypothermiamightsetin.Hesmiledather.“You’dbetterwearmyjacket.You’resoakedthrough.”
“Whataboutyou?”Jennablinkedupathimandpeeledoffherwetclothes.
“I’mfine.Beingtallhasitsbenefits.”Althoughhisjeanswerewetthrough,histopwasdry.“Here,putiton.”
“Lyonsandhisbuddiestookofflikegreasedlightning.”Jennashruggedintohisjacketandrubbedherarms.“OncewedeliverJonestothewarden,there’snothingmoretodohere.”
ThewardenarrivedwithhotcoffeeinaThermos,andtheysatwithJonesasherecovered.Hewantedtotellhisstorysotheylistenedtohisexplanationofwhathappened.“So,whatcausedthefight?”
“Nothing,justLyonsmouthingoffasusual.”Jonesdraggedahandthroughhiswethair.
“Didhepushyoutowardtherapids?”Jennaleanedforward.“Itsurelookedlikeittome.Comeintotheofficeinthemorningandwe’llchargethemwithassault.”
“I’mnotsureifhepushedmeandthere’snowayI’mgettinginvolvedwithanassaultchargeagainstLyons.”Jonescoughedafewtimes.“Canweleavethistoanothertime?Inearlydrownedandmyheadhurts.”
“Okay.”Jennanodded.“Butwe’reheretohelp.Ifhe’sthreateningyou,weneedtoknow.”
“Yousuredon’tknowtoomuchaboutLyons,doyou?Hethreatenseveryone.”Joneshandedthewardenhiscup.“Ineedtogetwarm,ma’am,andthewardenhasofferedmearidedownthemountaintomeettheparamedics.Icanhandleitfromhereifthat’sokay?”
“Gorightahead.”Jennaturnedtothewarden.“Thanksforyourassistancetoday.”
“Justdoingmyjob.”Thewardenmountedhishorse,pulledJonesupbehindhim,andthenrodeaway.
KanestaredatJenna.“ItseemseveryoneisscaredofLyons.”Hegaveheralonglook.“Heevengotawaywiththreateningyou.”
“No,hedidn’t.”Jennaliftedherchinandhereyesdancedwithmischief.“HegrabbedmyarmandIpulledmyweaponandaimeditkindoflow.HegotthemessagerealfastthatI’mnotawomanhecanintimidate.”
Thedaylightwasfadingfastandlongshadowsspreadacrosstheclearing.Thetemperaturehaddroppedconsiderablyandtheridedownthemountainwouldbefreezing.“Okay.Youreadytogo?”
“Yeah.”Jennastood,swampedbyhisjacket.“Icouldwearthisasawintercoat.”Shegrinnedathim.
Kanestoredherwetjacketandthenclimbedontothedirtbike.WhenJennajumpedonbehindhimandslippedherarmsaroundhiswaist,heturnedhisheadtospeaktoher.“Ifigurewecameclosetowitnessinganattemptedmurder.IfJoneswasn’tsofit,hischancesofsurvivingtherapidswould’vebeenlimited.”
“Yeah.”Jennarestedherchinonhisshoulder.“WeneedtobekeepingacloseeyeonLyons.He’sshapinguptobeournumber-onesuspect.He’ssoarrogant,Ifigurehewouldn’thavethoughttwiceaboutfollowingChrissieintoherroomandkillingherormurderinghisbestfriend.”
NINETEEN
ItwasclosetoninethirtywhenPeteDevonwalkedoutofthelockerroomandmadehiswaytothecollege’sOlympic-sizeswimmingpool.He’ddelayedhisregularsessiontoavoidBrook,thegirlSethhadmentionedasaperfectcandidateforthenextparty.Hestoodforamoment,inhalingthefamiliarsmellofchlorine,andthenhisgazesettledonsomeoneglidingalonghisusuallane.Toaccommodatestudentswholikedtotrain,thecollegehaddividedhalfthepoolintolanes,andhepreferredswimminglapsinthemiddleone.Disgruntled,hestoodobservingtheswimmer’stechnique.Themancutthroughthewaterwithasmoothstrokeandhisturnswerefast.Asalikelymemberoftheswimteam,hetookpriorityoveraninjuredfootballplayer.
Petedoveinandcountedthelapsinhishead.Traininginthepoolhadbecomealmostmechanicalandheenjoyedthequiettimealonetothink.He’dbeenparanoidsincediscoveringthegirl—whatwashername?Ahyeah,Chrissie—haddiedafterwillinglyallowinghalftheteamtohavesexwithher.Yeah,she’dseemedalittledrunkatthetime,buthey,sheprobablyneededthecourage.Sethhadinsistedshe’dbeenmorethanwilling,andnothingthey’ddonehadpushedherovertheedge.Infact,Sethhadmadesureshe’dgottenaridehome,andshe’dbeenfinewhenPeteandAlexhaddrivenherbacktoherdorm.Nowthecopswereinterviewingeveryone,asiftheyfiguredsomeonehadmurderedher.
Hepushedhisarmsouttotouchthewallandhisfingersmetsolidflesh.Unabletostop,hecollidedwithsomeone.Hetrodwaterandthenchuckled.“Ohshit,I’msorry.Ididn’tknowyoucamehere,man.”Heduckedintothenextlane.
“There’slotsofthingsyoudon’tknowaboutme.”Hisfriend’sfacebrokeintoagrin.“EverplayedShark?”
Thewayhelookedathimdisturbedhim.Thesmiledidn’treachhiseyes;instead,coldorbsfixedonhim,emptyofemotion.WhatdidIdotoupsetyou?Heclearedhisthroat.“Nope,can’tsaythatIhave.Itsoundslikeakids’swimminggame?”
“Youcouldsaythat,butit’smoreofarace.Howfastdoyoufigureyoucouldswimwithasharkchasingyou?”Hissmiledidn’tfade.
Peteshrugged.“Prettyfast,Iguess.”Hecontinuedtreadingwater.
Hisfriendwavedhimawayinanarrogantgesture.“Goon,I’llgiveyouaheadstartandthentrytocatchyou.I’llbetheshark.Unlessyou’rechicken.”
Peteshrugged.“Itsoundsabitchildish.Okay,soifIplayyourstupidgame,whathappensifyoucatchme?”
“I’llkillyou.”Asinisterchucklecamefromdeepinhischest.“Okay,infiveseconds.One,two…”
TWENTYWEDNESDAY
ItwasalittleaftersevenwhenJenna’scellphonechimedthe911ringtone.She’djustsatdowntoeatbreakfastinKane’scottageandhopedthecowboysarrivingintownhadn’tstartedtomaketrouble.Shetookonebiteofhereggsthenreluctantlyansweredthecall,puttingthephoneonspeakertoallowKanetolisten.“SheriffAlton.”
“ThisisBobJamison.I’maparamedicoveratBlackRockFallsGeneral.Thecleaneratthecollegecalledusouttothepoolforasuspecteddrowning.”Hewaitedabeat.“There’sadealofbloodontheladderandtraumatothevictim’sface.Wehauledthebodyoutofthewaterfromtheotherside,leftitonthegurneyandsealedthearea.Ifiguredyou’dwanttotakealook,incaseit’ssuspicious.”
JennaexchangedaglancewithKane.“Yeah,we’llgettheMEoutthere.Canyouwaituntilhearrivesandtellthecleanerwe’llneedastatement?”
“Sure,butshe’sprettyshaken.Wehaveherinthebackofthebus.Asecurityguardcametolookandherecognizesthebodybutcan’tgiveapositiveID—hedoesn’tknowhisname.Sayshebelieveshe’sonthefootballteamandswimsherealmosteverynight,sametime.”
“Thanks.Keephimthereaswell.”Jennadisconnected.Itwasaboutahalf-hourdrivefromherranchtothecollege,butWolfecouldgetthereintenminutes.“Rowley’sclose.I’llsendhimouttoholddownthefortuntilWolfegetsthere.”
“Youfinisheating.”Kanepickeduphiscellphone,madethecallsandthendisconnected.
Jennasneezedandlookedathim.“Thanks.”
“Youokayafterthefreezing-coldswim?”Kane’sgazemovedoverher.
Jennaswallowedthemouthfulofeggs.Thepreviousevening,theyhadn’tdiscussedsavingJones.She’djustwantedtosoakinthehottubthengetanearlynight.“TherapidsmovedfasterthanIimagined.”
“Itwasjustaswellwehadthedirtbikeorwewouldn’thavegottenthereintime.”Kanefrowned.“Thebendsslowedhimdownsome,butitwascloserthanI’dhaveliked.”
Jennareachedforhercoffee.“Didmanyofyourthingsgetwet?”
“Nothingabovethewaist.”Kanefrowned.“You?”
“Yeah,mostofmystuffisruined,butmyphonecamethroughokay.”Shefinishedhercoffeeandstoodtocollectthedishes.“IhaveadrawerfilledwitheverythingIneedattheoffice.ItwasjustaswellIdidn’tlosemykeys,mywallet,ormyphone.”Sherinsedtheplatesandslippedthemintothedishwasher.Ihavenewcredpacksattheofficeaswell;mineisalittlewetbutmycredsarefine.”Shesighed.“MynotebookistoastbutIhaveaspare.Thankgoodnessmyfilesareuptodate.”Sheglancedathim.“Iguessyou’llneedreplacementsforeverythingaswell?”
“No,I’mfine.Mynotebookwaswettoo.”Kanesmiledather.“I’vereplaceditwithadigitalpen.IcanuseitonmycellphonescreenanditconvertsmynotestotextviaBluetooth.I’vebeenitchingtotryit.”
“Wolfe?”Healwayshadthebestgadgets.“Thatwouldsavetonsoftimeupdatingfilesmanually.I’llaskhimtogetmeonetoo.”
“Don’tworryhim,I’llorderyouoneonline.”
Jennasmiledathim.“Thanks.”
“Jenna.”Kaneleanedagainstthecounterandlookedatherwithaconcernedexpression.“Ifthisisan‘accidental’”—hemadequotesaround“accidental”withhisfingers—“drowning,itmeansthreecollegekidshavediedinaboutthesamenumberofdays.Jacobs’deathissuspicious,andIfigureifthisvictimisonthefootballteamaswell,ithastobeconnected.”
Jennahadcometothesameconclusion.Shemessedwiththedishwasherandthenturneditonbeforestraighteningtolookathim.“Yeah,ifheis,something’snotright.”Sheblewthebangsfromherforehead.“I’mreadytoleave.We’llheadouttothecollegefirst.Let’sjusthopeanotherkillerisn’tstalkingBlackRockFalls.”
Itwasamagicaldaywhensummermellowedintofall,andJennadecideditwasherfavoritetimeofyearinBlackRockFalls.Eachseasonhaditsownglory,butasKanedrovetowardtown,sheopenedherwindowandallowedthewindtotousleherhair.Glancinginthesidemirror,shecouldseeDuke’sreflection,hislongearsflappingandlipsvibratingintheairstreamasifhewassinging.Gladtobealive,sheinhaledthecrispmorningair,almosttastingtheflavorsoftheseason.Thesmellofpineandthenwoodsmokeintermingledwiththelastsprinkleoffragrantwildflowers.Sheinhaled,appreciatingthefragrantairfillingherlungs.HermindfilledwiththehorribleexperienceofwatchingJonescomingclosetodrowningandwhathadhappenedinthecollegepool.Didthefightbytherapidshaveanythingtodowithit?
ThelandscapechangeddramaticallyastheylefttheopengrasslandsandmovedthroughtownthenoutontoStantonRoad.Therollinggreenpasturesandgrassyhillssoonbecameaforestoftallpines,growingsoclosetogetherabearcouldbeayardawayandhiddenfromview.Thedark,rough-barkedtrunkslinedtheroadsidelikearowofsentries,hidingthemanysecretswithin.
“What’sonyourmind?”Kaneglancedatherforasecondbeforereturninghisattentiontotheroad.
Jennadraggedherselffromherthoughts.“Ifboththesedeathsarehomicides,what’sthepossibilitytheyarerevengekillingsforChrissie?Haveyouhadtimetolookintoherbackgroundyet?Isherfathercapableofmurder?”
“Thefatheristerminalandtooilltomurderanyone.Hergrandpaisinhiseightiessowecanrulehimout.HerbrotheristheeldestbysixyearsandMIAintheMiddleEastsomewhere.Fromallaccounts,hersisterandmotherwouldn’tbestrongenough,butshedoeshaveacousinintown:SteveLowe.”ThenerveinKane’scheektwitched.“He’stwenty-one,sixfeettall,andworksatthefeedstoreintown.TheirfamiliesliveonestreetapartsoI’dguessChrissieandStevespentplentyoftimetogetheraskids.”
“Hmm.Sohe’sapossible.We’llneedtospeaktohim.”Jennachewedonherbottomlip,thinkingthroughthecircumstancesofeachcase.“ThecasesarecomingalongsofastIcan’tseemtogetafootholdonanyofthem.Wehaven’tgottenanyrealproofagainstthemenwefeelmightberesponsibleforChrissie’srape,andifWolferulesJacobs’deathasmurder,wehavetwopersonsofinterestinthecase,maybethreeifweincludeSteveLowe.Ifeelalittleoutofcontrolrightnow,asifthecasesaresweepingusalongonamysteryride.”
“Thenwetakeitonestepatatime.Ireallydon’trecallanyofourcasesbeingeasy,andwemadeitthroughokay.”Kaneturnedthecornerontothesweepingdrivewayleadingtothecollege.“Oncewefindoutthedrowningvictim’snameandWolfehasmadeadetermination,itwillmakelifeeasier.”Hesmiledather.“Youknowdarnwell,onceyoulaythecasesoutonthewhiteboardeverythingwillfallintoplace.”Hechuckled.“KnowingyouasIdo,you’llhavefiguredoutalistofpossiblesuspectsbynoon.”
TheyparkedbesideWolfe’svanandwalkedtotheamenitiescenter.JennaglancedatKane.“I’llspeaktotheparamedicsandthecleaner.Findoutwhoopenedupthismorningandwhichsecurityguardlockeduplastnight.I’dliketoknowhowcomehemissedseeingabodyfloatinginthepool.”
“Okay,andI’llgochecktheCCTVfootageaswell.”Kanefrowned.“Ifsomeonetamperedwiththecamerasagain,Ifigurewehaveakilleroncampus.”HeheadedoffwithDukeathisheels,tailwagging.
AshiverrandownJenna’sspineandshepushedawaythefamiliarrushofdreadthatgrippedheratacrimescene.Thebackoftheambulancewasopenandamiddle-agedwomanwassittinginside,wrappedinablanket.Jennacouldn’tseeWolfeorRowleyanywhere,sosheapproachedthetwoparamedicsspeakingwithasecurityguard.“Whichoneofyoucalleditin?”
Ashortmanwithclose-croppedhairandaroundfaceheldupaglovedhand.“Thatwouldbeme,Sheriff.I’mBobJamison.”
Jennanodded.“Okay.Isthewomanwhofoundthebodywellenoughtomakeastatement?”
“Yeah,she’sabitshakybutsheshouldbeokay.”Jamisonnoddedtowardtheentrancetothepool.“TheMEisinsidewiththeotherdeputy.”
Jennapulledapairofsurgicalglovesfromherpocketandpulledthemon.“I’llgoseethebodythencomeandspeaktothecleaner.What’shername?”
“GladysBirch.”Jamisonclearedhisthroat.“Icalledthedeanaswellandhe’sonhisway.”
“Thanks.”Jennaheadedfortheentrancetothepool.Maybehe’llbeabletoIDthebody.
TWENTY-ONE
Kanestaredatthefootageonthescreeninthesecurityguard’sofficeandshookhisheadindisbelief.Thecameraoutsidetheentrancetotheamenitiescenterhadblinkedoutinexactlythesamemannerasthepreviousnightandaroundthesametime.Inthehourbeforethat,twostudentshadenteredthepoolarea,onemaleandonefemale.Thistime,thecameraactivatedagainat10:35p.m.andcaughtthesecurityguardenteringthebuildingat11:05p.m.Secondslaterhecameout,lockedthegate,thenwentonhisway.
Hestraightenedandcasthisgazeoverthesecurityguard.Themanwasinhissixtieswithabellyhangingdownoverhisbelt.Hiswhite-streakedgreasyhairhungdowneachsidefromanattemptedcomb-over.Itwasonlyacoupleofhoursmaxsincehe’dstartedworkbuthisclotheslookedasifhe’dsleptinthem.Pudgyhandswithdirtynailsgrippedastainedcoffeecup.Kanewrinkledhisnose,wonderinghowhekepthisjob.Anodorlikethefootballlockerroomafteragamewithaddedonionshungintheofficeasthickasfog.“Didyouhavethesystemcheckedoutafterthelastfailure?”
“Me?No,therequestformaintenancewassentthroughthenormalchannels.Whothehellknowsifanyonewillcomeoutandfixthedarnthing.”Thesecurityguardshrugged.“Ididn’tgoinsidethepooleither,Ijustunlockedthegateforthecleanerandleft.Ihadacoupleofstudentswaitingonmetounlockthegym.”
Kanemadeafewnotes.“Doyoukeepalogofyourshifts?”
“Yeah.”HepushedatatteredbookinKane’sdirection.“It’sjustforwhenwedoourrounds,andwemakeanoteifanythingunusualhappens.”Theguardplacedhiscuponthedeskandleanedbackinhischair,makingitgroanunderhisweight.Hefoldedhisarmsacrosshissubstantialwaistandlookedathim.“There’snomentionofthemalfunction.Iguesstheguyswereoutontheirrounds.”
Howconvenient.Kaneglancedovertheentriesandsnappedafewshotsoftherelevantpagesoverbothdayswithhiscellphonecamera.“I’llneedtospeaktotheguardwholockeduplastnight.”
“ThatwouldbeDirkVoss.HelocksupandTimBrannonhandlesthelibrary.Byelevenmostofthestudentshaveleft.”Theguardwasscanningafileonhiscomputer.“I’vefoundhisnumber.I’llgivehimacall.”HedialedthelandlineandafterabriefexplanationhandedthereceivertoKane.
Kanetookthewarm,greasyreceiverand,avoidingcontactwithhisskin,gavehisname.“Whattimedidyoulocktheamenitiescenterlastnight?”
“Aroundeleven.”Vosssoundedasifhe’djustfallenoutofbed.
“Didyougoinsidetomakesurenoonewasusingthepool?”
“Kinda.Iwenttothedoorwayandcalledout,waitedsome,thencalledoutattheentrancestothelockerrooms.Itwasasquietasatomb.”Vossyawned.“Why?DidIlocksomeoneinside?Allthekidshavecellphones—onecallandsomeonewouldgoletthemout.”
Annoyedbytheman’sunprofessionalbehavior,Kanestaredatthefloor.“I’llneedyoutocomebythesheriff’sofficethismorningtomakeastatement.Yourinabilitytodoyourjobcould’vecostamanhislife.Thecleanerfoundabodyfloatinginthepoolthismorningandhe’sbeenthereallnight.”
“Yousayin’that’smyfault?”
Kanegrimaced.“I’llleavethattothesherifftodecide.Ifyou’reano-showbynoon,I’llbedroppingbytohaulyourassdowntown.”Hedroppedthephoneontothecradleandreachedintohispocketforacard.“Emailmeacopyofthatsectionoftape.Youdoknowhowtodothat?”
“Yeah.”TheguardtookthecardfromKane.“I’lldoitnow.”
Kanenodded.“Thanks,I’llshowittothesheriff.”Heheadedoutthedoor,gladtobebreathingfreshairagain.“Comeon,Duke.Let’sgoseewho’sbeenkilledthistime.”
TWENTY-TWO
Wolfe’sinvestigationwasinfullswingasJennawalkedpoolside.Markerslitteredtheareaaroundtheladder,andtoonesidetheuncovered,pale-skinnedbodyofayoungmanlayonagurney.WolfewasdeepinconversationwithRowleyandtheybothlookedupatonceassheapproached.“Whathavewegot?”
“Atfirstglance,anaccident.”Wolfewalkedhertothebody.“Heslippedclimbinguptheladderandfell,hittinghisnoseonthetoprung,fellintothewater,anddrowned.”
Thechlorineinthewaterhadn’tdisguisedthesmellofdeath:notrancidyetbuttheawfulsmellofthefirstsignsofdecay.Theyoungman’sfacewasamess,hisnosenearflattenedandthetippushedup.Hisskinwaspaleandrippledfromalongtimespentsubmergedinwater,andhiseyesstaredintonothing,cloudylikeadeadfish.Shefrowned.“So,whatmakesyouthinkotherwise?”
“Everydeathissuspiciousunlessprovedotherwise.Doyouknowwhathewasdoingpriortohisdeath?”Wolfelookedatherexpectantly.
Jennadraggedhergazeawayfromthebody.“Ifhe’sonthefootballteam,yeahIdo.Theyallwenttoacoachingclinicorwhateverovertheweekend.Theytraineverymorning,andifhelivedinLyons’house,there’sapossibilityhecould’vebeeninvolvedinChrissieLowe’srape.Why?”
“Seehereonhisankles,bothsideshaveatiny,half-moonindent?”Wolfepulledamagnifyingglassfromhispocketandhandedittoher.“I’mnot100percentsurebutIfigurethey’renailmarks.Sure,theycould’vehappenedduringgroupsex,I’veseenworseinjuries;butifnot,someonecould’vegrabbedhisfeetashewasclimbingtheladderandpulledhiminadownwardmotion.He’dlosehisgripandhisfacewouldhitthetoprung.”Heclearedhisthroat.“IhavetoconsidereveryanglebeforeImakeadecision,Jenna.”
“Thatwouldtakestrength.”Rowleystaredintothepoolasifweighingupthefacts.“Becausesomeofhimwould’vestillbeeninthepool.It’shardtoexertforceunderwater.”
Jennanodded,gladtoseeRowleyaddhisconclusions.“Thatmakessense.Soisthisanotherprobablehomicide?”
“Ah…”Wolfefrowned.“WhenI’veconductedanautopsy,I’llletyouknowmydecision.”
“DoyouhaveaTOD?”Jennapulledouthernotebookandfoundherpen.“Igatherhe’sbeeninthewaterallnight?”
“Yeahandthewatertemperaturemesseswiththereadings,soIdon’thaveatimeofdeath,butgoingontheskindeterioration,I’dsayatleasteighthours.”Wolfepulledabodybagfromhiskit.“We’llgethimloadedintothevan.”Helookedather.“WeneedapositiveID.Haveyoufoundanyonewhomightknowhim?I’llneedpermissionfromhisnextofkin.”
Jennashookherhead.“Notyet.Doyoumindwaitinguntilthedeangetshere?Hemightrecognizehim.”
“Sure.”Wolfeindicatedwithhischintowardthelockerrooms.“Whilewe’rewaiting,I’lltakealookinthereaswell.Ifoundatowelonthebench,soIgatherhelefthisbelongingsinalocker.ThestudentsarerequiredtocarryaphotoIDcardwiththem.Emilyhasjustgottenhers.”
“I’llgo.Theyleavethemopen,sothelockedonewillbehis.”Rowleyheadedoffinlongstrides.
“Callmewhenyoulocatethelockeranddon’ttouchanything,”Wolfecalledafterhim.
Jennalookedathim.“NoWebberthismorning?”
“No.”Wolfeshookhishead.“Ithoughtitbestashe’stryingoutforthefootballteam.”Wolfehadloweredhisvoicetojustaboveawhisper.“Ifigurethelesstimehe’sseenwithus,thebetter.I’vegivenhimbackdatedpaperworktosayhe’sbeendoinganinternshipinmyofficesincestartingcollege,justincaseSethLyonsquestionshim.WebberseemstobelieveLyonsisinvolvedintherapecaseandwillbetryingtogetclosertohim.”Henarrowedhisgaze.“Idon’tenvyhim.”
FootstepsinthehallwaycaughtJenna’sattentionandsheturnedtoseeKanewithDavidBent,thedean,comingtowardthem.Shestoodhergroundandwaitedforthemtoreachher.ShetookinBent’sneatappearance:professionalinadarkbrownsuitwithleatherpatchesontheelbows,buthisexpressionwasoneofhorroratthesightofthebody.Shewavedherhandtowardthecorpse.“Doyouknowthisman?”
“Ah,yes.DearGod,whathappened?”Bentstaredatthecorpseandthenslowlybacktoher.HisAdam’sapplemovedupanddownasifhecouldn’tfindthewords.Hevisiblygatheredhimself.“It’sPeterDevon,anothermemberofthefootballteam.”
Anothercoincidence?Jennamadeanote.“Thankyou.Ah,themedicalexaminerwillbeabletogiveyouthedetails.”SheindicatedtoWolfe.
“Rightnow,itlooksasifheslippedgettingoutthepoolandstruckhishead.”Wolfemovedtoherside.“I’llbeabletogiveyoumoreinformationonceI’vecompletedmyexamination.”
Jennaglancedathim.Wolfewasamasterofnotofferingacauseofdeathwithoutabsoluteproof.SheledBentawayfromthebody.“We’llneedtonotifyhisnextofkin.Mr.Wolfewillneedtheirpermissiontoconductanautopsy.”
“He’soutofHelenaandhisfatherisaclosefriendofmine.”Bentpushedahandthroughhishairinanagitatedmanner.“Ithinkitshouldcomefromme.I’llmakeavideocall.”
“Thankyou.”Jennatookacardfromherpocketandhandedittohim.“We’llalsoneedpermissiontosearchhisbelongings,includinghisvehicle.Iknowit’sdifficulttoaskforthingslikethis,butIcanassureyouit’snecessary.”
“Why?”Bentnarrowedhiseyesather.“Istheresomethingyou’renottellingme,Sheriff?”
Jennashookherhead.“No,youhavethesameinformationasIdorightnow,butwhenanunusualdeathoccurs,wemakesurenostoneisleftunturned.Ascannedcopywillbefine.Ifyoucanarrangetohavetheparentssenditstraighttome,we’llbeabletoreleasethebodytothemwithoutanunnecessarydelay.”
“I’llseewhatIcando.”Bentturnedawayandleft,mutteringunderhisbreath.
JennaturnedtoKane.“Getanythingoutofthesecurityguards?”
ShelistenedasKanewentovereverythinghe’ddiscovered.“AnotherCCTVfailure?Well,that’sconvenient.Takealookatthebody—whatdoyousee?”
JennawaitedforKanetoexaminethecrimesceneandchatwithWolfe.ThenKanepulledonapairofglovesandassistedasWolfemaneuveredthecorpseintoablackbodybagandzippeditup.
AsWolfepackeduphisforensicskitandcollectedthesamples,sheturnedherattentionbacktoKane.
“So,Wolfe’snotmakinganyhastyconclusions,huh?”Kanemovedtoherside.“Lookingatthedamage,someonesmashedhisheadintothesideofthepool.”Heshookhishead.“Unlessthisguywasdrunkortakingdrugs,whywouldheslip?He’shangingontotherailingwithbothhands.Ifheslipped,hemighthavegrazedhisshinsontheladderbutIdoubthe’dletgo.Ifheslippedandletgo,I’dsayhe’dfallbackwardintothewater,notdroplikeastonewithenoughforcetobreakhisnose.Thewaterwouldhaveslowedhimdownsome,enoughforhimtograbtherailing.”
JennaindicatedtoRowley,whowasheadingtowardthemfromthelockerroom.
“Ifoundhislocker.”RowleysmiledatKane.“Ibetyoucouldopenitinasecond.”
“Probably.”KaneglancedatJenna.“Doyouwantmetotakealook?”
“We’lltakealook.”Jennamadeherwaytothelockerroom.“I’veaskedforhisparents’permissiontosearchhisbelongingsandvehicle.Ican’tseeareasonwhythey’drefuse.”
“Wellthen,incasetheyrefuse,we’lllockitagain.”Kaneshrugged.“Noharm,nofoul.”Heglancedather.“Ifwefinddamningevidence,we’llpostaguardoraddanotherlockuntilweobtainasearchwarrant.There’salwaysaway.”
Jennasnorted.“I’mpadlockingthegatetothepool.NooneisgettinginhereuntilWolfemakeshisdecision.Rightnow,asfarasI’mconcerned,thisisacrimescene.”
AsRowleyhadsuggested,Kanehadopenedthecombinationlockinafewseconds.Shelookedathimandraisedbotheyebrows.“Howdidyoudothat?”
“OnceBenttoldyouhisname,Ilookedhimuponline.Foundhisdateofbirthandafewimagesofhimwiththefootballteam.Itriedhisdateofbirthfirst,thendoubleduphisteamnumberanditopened.Peoplearecreaturesofhabit;theyusefamiliarnumberssotheydon’tforget.It’salocker,sohewasn’ttooworriedaboutsecurity.”
Jennapeeredinside.Shecouldseeagymbag,clotheshungonpegs,andapairofwornsneakerswithsocksballedupinside.Shefoundasetofkeysinhispantspocket,andapairofsunglasseslayontopofhisbag.“Seeifhelefthisphoneinsidethebag.”
“Interesting.”Kanehadplacedthebagonthebenchandwassearchingeverycrevice.Heheldupacellphonethenpulledanotherfromazippedcompartment.“Whywouldheneedasecondphone?”
Jennamovedcloser.“Canyougetintoit?”
“Oh,yeah.”Kanescannedthecallsandfrowned.“Nocallsmadebutheuploadedimagefilesfromthesamenumber,thisnumber.It’saburner.Ifiguredasmuch.Youcanbuytheseatany7-Eleven.”Heopenedtheimagegalleryanddroppedhishandtohisside,obscuringtheview.HisgazeliftedtoJenna.“Thisonlyproveshelikesroughsexbutit’snotChrissieLowe.Thewomanlooksofageaswell.”
“Letmesee.”Jennanarrowedhereyesathim.“IknowyoubelieveseeingimageslikethiswillbringonmyPTSDbutI’moverit,Dave.I’vedealtwithmanyrapecasesinmycareerandIcan’tleadaninvestigationfromthesidelines.”Sheheldoutherglovedhand.“Showme.”
Sheflickedthroughtheshots,sickenedbythecontent,andthenliftedhergaze.“Oh,they’resmart.Ican’tmakeoutonefaceintheseshotsapartfromthegirl.Wecan’tevenproveDevonwasinvolved.Anyonecould’vegivenhimthisphone.Forallweknow,thismightbeafetish.”
“Itcouldalsobehisgirlfriend.”Rowleypeeredatthescreen.“They’readultsandthere’snolawagainstgroupsex.”
JennalookedatKane.“It’stoomuchofacoincidence,findingtheseimageswhenwehavearapecaseoncampus.We’dneedthecooperationofthewomaninvolved,butfindinghermightbeaproblem.Whatdoyouthink?”
“Ifweplantousethisasevidence,weneedtopackitupneatlyandobtainasearchwarrant.”Kanepointedtothescreen.“Lookaroundtheroomintheimages.IfigureitbelongstoLyons.Icheckedhisroomatthehouse,andthisonehasthesamedrapesandnightstand.Weblowtheseupandwe’llgetthelocation.”Kanerubbedhischin.“Although,ifwefindthisgirl,Idoubtshe’dadmittoanywrongdoing.”
Jennastaredathimindisbelief.“Why?Ifsomeonerapedme,I’dsurewantthemlockedupforalongtime,andthisisproof.”
“Proofshewasrapedbutnoevidencetopointtothemenwhorapedher.Unlesswecanfindsomedistinguishingmarksonthemeninvolved.”Kaneshookhishead.“Ittakesatwistedbunchofguystorapeawoman.Thisisn’tsex,it’sviolence,andIfigurethey’reusingtheseshotsasblackmailtokeeptheirvictimsquiet.”
TWENTY-THREE
AcrispmorningbreezebrushedColtWebber’sfaceandtousledhishairasheranthroughthetunnelandouttojointhefootballteam.Thememoriesoftheroarofthecrowd,thescentsandsmellsofastadiumpackedwithpeopleathighschool,filledhishead.Hecouldstillseethecheerleadersclearinhismind.Heck,itseemedlikeamomentago.
Hehadtoadmittheideaofbeingundercoverboththrilledandunsettledhim.He’dheardrumorsaboutLyons:hisarroganceandtemperhadgottenhimintotroublemanyatime.Thefactthemanhadbackupintheformofanumberofheavyweightsmadehisthreatrealanddisconcerting.Uptonow,hislifeatcollegehadbeenenjoyableandhe’dtakentohissubjectwithenthusiasm,madenewfriends,andenjoyedworkingbesideShaneWolfeintheME’soffice.He’dbecomeaspongesoakingupthewealthofinformationthatpouredfromhismentor.HiscareerchangefromdeputytoME’sassistantmightnothaveeventuated.OnarrivinginBlackRockFalls,hisimmediateattractiontoWolfe’seldestdaughterEmilyhadbeenamistake.Atseventeen,Emilywastooyoungtobeseeingamaninhistwenties,andWolfehadmadeitclearhedidn’twanthisdaughterinvolvedwithhim.Emily,asensible,smartwoman,hadn’ttakenmuchconvincingandthey’dwalkedawayasfriends.
TogethisfootinthedoorwithLyonsandhisbuddies,he’ddroppedbyatrainingsessiontospeaktothecoach.He’dtoldhimthathe’dplayedfootballinhighschoolandwantedtotryoutfortheteam.Coachhadmadehimdropanddothirtypushups.He’dsmiledtohimself.SincearrivinginBlackRockFalls,he’dtraineddailywithJakeRowleyandwasfitternowthanhe’deverbeeninhislife.He’dcompletedhispushupsonhisknuckles.He’dimpressedCoachandnoticedSethLyonswatchinghimlikeahawk.Hewonderednowifthequarterback’sattentionwasagoodthingorapotentialthreat.Timewilltell.
Heswunghishelmetashewalkedandjoinedtheotherplayersmakingtheirwaytothecoachingteamformorningpractice.TheywentthroughafitnesstrainingsessionandthenCoachconcentratedonplays.Afterwatchingfromthebenchforsometime,Coachcalledhimover.Hewantedhimtotryoutforthepositionofwidereceiverandhadhimrunningandcatchingballs.Onethinghecoulddowellwascatchafootball.
Aftercountlessresets,ColtpulledoffhishelmettowipethesweatfromhiseyesandCoachstrolledovertohimwithSethLyons.
“AsDevonhasn’tgraceduswithhispresencethismorning,withoutofferingareason,I’mbenchinghim.”CoachgaveLyonsalookthatpreventedanyarguments.“Lyons,thisisColtWebber.”
ApangofregretgrippedColt.WolfehadcalledhimearlieraboutthedeathofPeteDevon.Obviously,thenewshadn’tspreadyet.HetookthehandLyonsofferedandsmiled.“Nicetomeetyou.”
“Where’veyoubeenplaying?”Lyonsgavehimaconfusedlook.“Andwhythehellhaven’tyoutriedoutbeforenow?I’veseenyouaround,youwereherelastsemester.”
Coltshrugged.“I’moutofBoston.LastsemesterIwaswaytoobusytocommittojoiningateam.”
“Toobusyhow?”Lyonsrestedhishandsonhishipsandliftedhischinasifassessinghim.
“Working.”Coltmethisgaze.“IhelddowntwojobsbutsinceI’vegottenascholarshipIhavemorefreetime.”
“Whenyoutwohavefinishedpassingthetimeofday,Iwanttotryafewplayswithhimandseeifhefits.”Coachstaredathim.“Howfastcanyoulearnplays?”Hehandedhimaplaybook.
Coltgrinned.“Prettyfast.”
“Good.We’llgowiththefirsttwointhebook.”CoachwalkedawayandlefthimwithLyons.
“They’reprettysimple.”Lyonswentthroughthemoves.“Gotit?”
Coltnodded.“Yeah.”
Afterspendingagreatdealoftimesettingandresettingtheplays,Colthadhisheadfirmlybackinthegame.Ithadbeenaseasyasridingabikeandhefiguredagehadgivenhimmorestrengthandspeed.WhenCoachcalledpracticetoahaltandsenttheplayerstotheshowers,hefiguredevenwithoutWolfe’sintervention,hewould’vemadetheteam.
“Webber,andyoutoo,Lyons.”CoachwavedthemoverandstaredatWebberasifassessinghim.“Okay,I’mgivingyouashot,butyou’llneedtolearntheplays.”
“Alex’splaybookisinmyroom.I’llgiveittohim.Itwillsavetimeandit’snotlikeAlexisgoingtoneeditanylonger.”Lyonsglancedathim.“We’llneedtostudythistogether.Idon’tlikemistakesduringagame.”
“Iwanthimuptospeedbytheweekend.”Coachwalkedawaywithoutabackwardglance.
“Whereareyoustaying?”Lyonsnarrowedhisgaze.“Oncampus?”
“Nah,I’vegotaroomatmyaunt’shouseintown.”ColtfellbackonthecoverstoryKanehadcreated.
“Youraunt’shouse?”Lyonscringed.“Areyouamonkorsomething?”
Coltchuckled.HeneededtoconvinceLyonshewasassleazyashewas.“Nah,theopposite,butmyscholarshipdoesn’tcoveraccommodation.NotthatItakegirlshome;havinganyvisitorscausesheraproblem.”Hewinked.“Itdoesn’tslowmedownthough.I’vegotanicerideandBlackRockFallshasoldabandonedranchesalloversoIdon’tgohungry.”
“Ifigurewe’regonnagetalongjustfine.”Lyonsslappedhimontheback.“We,ah,meandsomeoftheguysliveinourownhouse.It’sabigoldranchhouseoutonPineatthefirstbend.Livinginthedormswaswaytoorestrictiveandthedeankeptstickinghisnoseinourbusiness.”
Coltindicatedwithhischintowardthecollege.“Ifigurethedeanbelieveshe’saprisonwardenthewayhekeepstabsoneveryone’smovementswiththosedamnswipecards.Therearefartoomanyrules.We’readultsnotkids.”
“I’mlikingyoumorebytheminute.”Lyonschuckled.“Exactly.AndasfarasI’mconcernedfootballhastheonlyrulesIintendtoliveby.”
“That’sme,hardandfast.”Coltgrinned.“Andneverdroptheball.”
“We’rehavingawaketosendoffAlexonThursdaynight,whydon’tyoucomealong?”AseriousexpressioncrossedLyons’face.“You’llhaveheardaboutAlexJacobs’accident?Wewanttosaygoodbyeinourownway.”
AsPeteDevon’sdeathwouldbeallovercampusbythetimetheyarrivedatclass,ColtwonderedhowitwouldaffectLyons.Heplasteredagrimexpressiononhisfaceandnodded.“Sure,I’llbethere.”
“I’llsupplytheentertainmentandbeer.”Lyonsgavehimalong,consideringstareandthenseemedtomakeuphismind.“Whydon’tyoudropbytonight?I’llgiveyouthebookandwe’llgoovertheplays.”
Notbelievinghisluck,Coltnodded.“Sure.”
“Aroundninewouldbegood.”Lyonsturnedtogo.“I’mhittingtheshowers.”
ColtstoodforafewsecondswatchingLyonsstruttowardthetunnel.Stageonehadgonebetterthanexpectedbutheneededtobelivinginthehouseandthatwouldtakesomedoing.WhatwillIneedtodotogainhistrust?
TWENTY-FOUR
Hestrolledfromthefootballfield,puzzledbythemorning’sevents.He’dseenWebberaroundthecollegeandhadn’trealizedhe’dplayedfootball.Hemusthaveusedsomeone’sinfluencetogethimselfonthefootballteamsofast.Whoisthisguy?Heopenedhislaptopandinsecondshadhackedthecollege’sstudentdatabase.Afterscanningthefiles,hefoundWebber’sdetails.ThemanwasonascholarshipandinternedattheME’soffice.Webberhadalreadycompletedhisfirstyear’sinternshipattheME’sofficeandwasn’toneoftheusualbrain-deadjocks.AguylikeWebberwouldaskquestions,andfromhisdirectstareandconfidentwalk,hewasnobody’sfool.Yetifhewasaplayerwhenitcametogirls,aplayerwouldbeuseful.
Heallowedideastopercolatethroughhismindandthensnappedhisfingers.Ofcourse,Webberwouldhaveaccesstoavarietyofdrugs.WhobetterthansomeoneworkingintheME’soffice?Surely,samplesofdifferentdrugswouldbeavailablefortesting.Inanycase,everyoneintownwasawareShaneWolfehadbeenamedicinthemilitarybeforetakingoverasME.Asadeputy,he’doftenbeenatthesceneofanaccident,patchingpeopleupbeforetheparamedicsarrived.Ohyeah,workingalongsidehim,Webberwouldhaveaccesstodrugs.
HefiguredWebberwouldmaketheteam.Itdidn’ttakeafooltoseehowenthusiasticCoachhadbeentowardhim,andhewasn’tnicetoanyone.Webberwasanunknownquantityandhe’dhavetotreadeasy,butoverthelastcoupleofdaysthingshadworkedoutjustfine.He’dtakenouttwooftheteamwithoutbreakingasweat.Intruth,whenitcametodying,they’dbecameweakmomma’sboys.
TWENTY-FIVE
Rushedoffherfeet,JennasatinontheinterviewwithDirkVoss,thesecurityguardfromthecollege.She’dgivenKanetheleadashe’dspokentothemanonthephoneearlier.
“Runthroughyourroutineforlockingup;whatdoyoudofrom,say,seven.”Kane’sfacewasvoidofexpression.
“Letmesee,I’mintheofficeuntileightthirty,whenwebothgoonpatrol.Wesplitupanddoageneralwalk-through.After,wecomebackhere,haveacupofcoffee,somethingtoeat,andthenwegooutagainaroundeleventolockuptheamenitiesareas.Thenwecomebackhere.Westayheremostofthenightunlesswehaveaperimeteralertorsomethingsimilar.”
“So,theofficewasunattendedduringthecamerablackoutsataroundnine,ninethirtyonbothnightsthefatalitiesoccurred?”Kaneliftedhisgaze.
“Yeah,seemsso,wedidn’tseeanythingwrong.”Vossfrowned.
“Runthroughwhatyoudobeforeyoulockupthegymandpool.”ThenerveinKane’scheektwitched.“Whatprecautionsdoyoutaketoensurenobodyislockedinside?”
“Iusuallygoin,checkthepool,walkthroughthelockerroomsandthegymareas,thenlockup.”Vossfrowned.“I’mnotirresponsible.”
“So,whathappenedthenightPeteDevondied?”Kaneleanedbackinhischairandgavehimastarethatcouldfreezeanocean.“Seemstomeyoushould’vefoundDevoninthepool,maybeinneedofresuscitation.Instead,wehaveadeadbodyfloatinginthewateralldamnnight.”
“IwantedtogetbacktotheofficetocatchaTVshow.”Vossdroppedhisgaze.“I’msorry.”
“Gotellthattohisparents.”KanelookedatJenna.“Isthereanythingelse,ma’am?”
Jennastood.“No,gethisstatementthencuthimloose.”Sheusedhercardtoopenthedoorandheadedbacktoheroffice.
ItwasalittlebeforefivebythetimeJennahadgottenallthenecessarysearchwarrantsandpermissionfromAlexJacob’sparentstosearchhisvehicleandpossessionsatthehouse.TheirprobablecausehadbeenflimsyforPeteDevon’sdrowningbutJennahadofferedthejudgetwoalternatives.Thefirst,asamemberofthefootballteamlivinginLyons’house,DevonhadbecomeapersonofinterestintherapeofChrissieLowe,andsecondlyhissuspiciousdeathhadsentuparedflag.Ashiscellphonerecordsandpersonalpossessionscouldholdcrucialevidenceinbothcases,thejudgehadagreedtoallowthemtosearchtheentirehouseontheoff-chanceWolfepickedupsometraceevidence
“Ifigureit’sgoingtobedifficult,findingthelastpersontohaveseenDevonalive.Imean,withthenumberofstudentsmillingaroundcampusatnight.”KanemaneuveredhistruckthroughtownandoutontoStantonRoad.“Itwould’vesavedthegruntworkifwe’daskedthedeantoputanannouncementovertheloudspeakeratthecollege.”
Jennaturnedinherseattolookathim.“Yeah,itwould’vesavedtime,butitcouldalsobogdownourinvestigationwithhearsay.Wedon’thavethemanpowertointervieweveryonewhowasoncampusbothnights.”Shewatchedthedarkeningforestflashbyandtriedtokeepthecasesseparateinhermind.“Isureneedtogetthethreecaseslaidoutonthewhiteboard.Withthenumberofcluespilingup,itwillbeeasytooverlookcrucialevidence.”Shesighed.“It’sneverthisdifficult;weusuallyhaverandommurdersandalistofsuspectsbutthesecasesareallintertwined.It’shardtokeepthemallstraightinmyhead,asinwhowaswherewithwhomatwhattime,becauseitseemstobethesamegroupofpeople.”
“Itcertainlyrevolvesaroundthefootballteam.”Kaneglancedatherthenreturnedhisattentiontotheroad.
“IfigureweinvestigateChrissie’srapeseparatelyfornow.”Jennaleanedbackinherseat.“Findingoutwhereithappenedandwhorapedheriscrucial.Let’shopewefindsomethingwecanusetonight.”
“Irememberthelayoutoftheroom.ItwasLyons’bedroomintheimageforsure.”Kanegrimaced.“Problemis,believingtherapeisthemotiveforkillingtwoplayersmaybeamistake.”
“Howso?”
“It’stooeasy.”Kanefrowned.“Chrissiewasafreshman;whooncampuswouldcareenoughtokillforherapartfromStein?”
“Noone.”Jennashrugged.“PhillipSteinisouronlysuspect.Istillthinkweneedtolookatthecousin.”
“Yeah,he’samaybeifit’sarevengekillingbutwecan’toverlookJonesandanyoneelsewhomighthaveabeefwiththeplayers.”KaneturnedontoPineRoad.
Jennafrowned.“Orthecoach.”Shechewedonherbottomlip,thinking.“Hmm,wehavetwopivotalplayersremovedfromtheteamrightbeforethestartoftheseason.Itmightbepayback.”
“Andsuccessfulteamsdogetatonloadofenemies.”Kaneturnedontothedrivewayleadingtothehouseandcontinuedalongtheforest-lineddriveway.“Itlookslikewe’dbetterincludethecoachinourinquiriesbutheisn’tlikedsowe’llhavealistamilelong.”
Jennapointedaheadatthesmallparkinglot.“Ahgood,Wolfeishere.He’sbringingapieceofChrissie’sclothingsoDukecanhaveasniffaround.”SheturnedtolookatDuke,whowassittingupinthebackseatinhisharness.“I’mstartingtolovethatdog.”
“That’sgood,hekindalikesyoutoo.”KanepulledupbesideWolfe’svanandslidout.“I’llgrabDuke.”
JennaclimbeddownfromthecabandmetWolfe.“Ifigurewetakeasmanyimagesaspossible.Ifwecanlocatetheraperoom,itwillatleastbeastartontheChrissieLowecase.”
“Sure.I’llbelookingforevidenceintheDevoncasetoo,sowe’llneedmediadevices,anythinghewouldhavesocialinteractionwith,onlinegamingforexample.We’llneedtolookatboththefootballplayers’deathsfromeveryangle.IfIdiscoverit’shomicide,whohaditinforthem?”Wolfedraggedhiskitoutofthevan.“Ifigurethesecouldbehatecrimes,andiftheyare,whohatedtheshinyboysoncampusenoughtokillthem?”
Jennanodded.“That’sagoodpoint.Wediscussedthecasesinthetruckbutaseverythingishappeningsofast,we’llneedameetingtobrainstormthesecasesandgeteveryoneonthesamepage.Evenifyou’renotconvincedthelasttwodeathsareaccidents,thekilleristryingtomakeusbelievetheyare,whichbringsusbacktothequestion:didChrissiecommitsuicideorwasshemurdered?”
“I’mleaningtowardsuiciderightnowandIhaven’tmadeadeterminationontheothercasesyet,Jenna;theymaybetragicaccidents.”Wolfelookedperplexed.“Okay,whatdidyoucomeupwith?”
“Ifwe’relookingathomicide,wehaveadirectlinktothefootballteam.”JennalookedupasKanejoinedthemwithDukeathisside.“Maybethekiller’smotiveistodestroytheteam.First,Chrissiediesafterabrutalrape,andshewassupposedlyheadingforLyons’houseonthenightitoccurred.Itwasn’texactlyasecretshewasgoingtothepartywithSethLyons;atleasttwopeopleknew:LiviandStein.”Shenarrowedhergaze.“So,someonecould’veintervened.IthinkLyonsisacreepbuthecouldbetellingthetruthandshedidn’tarriveattheparty.Ifsothensomeoneistryingtoshiftourfocusontotheplayers.Wedidn’tarrestanyone,sotheperpmovesitupanotchandtakesouttwokeyplayers.Thistellsmesomeonehasabeefwiththeentireteamorthecoach.”
“Ilikethewayyouthinkoutoftheboxbutthreemurdersmeanswehaveaserialkillerlooseintownagain.Iknowwe’vehadourfairshareofpsychopathsoflate,butwecan’tassumeeverydeathisamurder.”Wolferubbedhischin.“Ifthisistheworkofaserialkiller,we’dseesimilaritiesinthecauseofdeath.Sofarthey’remilesapart—ifthey’rehomicides.”
“Iftheyare,I’mseeingcoldandcalculating.”Kanerubbedhischin.“Asociopathtendstobemorehot-headedanddoesthingsonthespurofthemomentwithoutthinkingoftheconsequences,yetinbothcasestheCCTVcamerasweredisabled.Thekillerwalkedinandwalkedoutandnobodynoticedhim.Tomethatsaysplanned,notoutofcontrol,heartracing,andsweating.”HestaredatWolfe.“Iguessyou’llknowmoreafterDevon’sautopsy?”
“Yeah,I’lldothepostfirstthinginthemorning.I’vealreadyextractedasampleofbonemarrowfordiatomtesting.”Wolfemethisgaze.“I’llbeabletogiveyoutheresultslaterandexplainthetestsinvolvedinasuspecteddrowning.”Hesighed.“IrealizetheCCTVcameragoingofflineatthesametimeeachnightseemssuspiciousbutwecan’truleoutamalfunction,orsomeoneturneditoffforashortperiodoftime—maybeasecurityguardtocoversomethingelse.You’dhavetogobackoverthelastsixmonthsandseeifit’shappenedbeforearoundthesametime.”
“That’simpossible—thedrivesareoverwritteneveryweek.”Kanerubbedhischin.“It’sanoldsystem;amalfunctionispossible.”
Jennaliftedbotharmsintotheairandthendroppedthemathersides.“Darnit,everytimewefindevidence,somethingwipesitout.”
“Hello,what’sthis?”KaneturnedafullcirclethenlookedatJenna.“Seethedeviceshiddeninthetrees?”Hepointedintwodirections.“That’saWi-Fisilentalarm.They’veinstalledanearlywarningsystemforunwantedvisitorsandwe’vealreadytrippedit.”Heshookhishead.“Whenwecameviathetreelinelasttime,wedidn’tsetitoff—nowonderLyonswassurprisedtoseeus.”
Jennafrowned.“Theyknowwe’reherenow,solet’sgetitoverwith.”SheturnedbacktoWolfe.“HowdoyoudetermineifsomeonemurderedDevonorhejustslippedanddrowned?”
“Drowningismoredifficulttoprovethanmurder,believeitornot.”Wolfeheadeddownthepathwayandwalkedtowardthehouse,hisbootssoundingonthecementpathway.Heturnedtothemandraisedapaleeyebrow.“Although,frommyinitialexamination,ifsomeonemurderedPeteDevon,theycoveredtheirtrackslikeapro.”
TWENTY-SIX
Theymadetheirwayalongthetree-linedpathwaytothehousethenpausedatthefootofthesteps.Jennalookedatthevehiclesparkedcloseby.“Theroadwiththeno-entrysignmustleadrighthere.Ifiguretheysendtheirvisitorstheotherway,sotheyhaveawarningofanyunexpectedarrivals.SheplacedherhandsonherhipsandlookedatWolfe.Duringasearchfortraceevidence,theMEtookseniority.“Howdoyouwanttoplaythis?”
“OneofthemmighthavebeenthelastpersontoseePeteDevonalive,andifwehadatimeframeforhismovementsitwouldhelp.MyTODisaneducatedguessrightnow.”Wolfescratchedhischinasifconsideringhisnextwords.“WiththeChrissieLowecase,aswehavenoDNAevidence,we’llneedtoproveshewasinsidethehouse.Allthemenyouinterviewedinsistedshedidn’tarriveattheparty.Ifwecanprovetheopposite,withthesamplesIhaveofherstomachcontentsandtheevidencefromthevehicle,wecanbuildacase.WehaveproofJacobswasinvolvedashishairwasamatchtoonefoundinthevehicle;nowifIcanmatchtheotherhairtooneoftheseguys,wecanatleastimplicatetheminherrape.Ifyoucanpinthemdownandquestionthem,we’llhandlethesearch.”Heglancedbackatthedoor.“I’llbecollectingsamplesofeverythingthatmightberelevanttothecase.Ifshewashere,we’llfindtraceevidence.”WolfehandedKaneaplasticbag.“ThisbelongedtoChrissieLowe;seeifDukecanpickupherscent.”
“MyguttellsmeLyonsislying.”Kanetookthebag.“Ifshewashere,Dukewillknow.”
“Don’tforgettolookforhershoes.”Jennaledthewayupthestepsandbangedonthedoor.Ayoungmansherecognizedfromtheirvisit,JoshStevens,gapedatthemopen-mouthed.Jennaheldoutthesearchwarrant.“Wehaveawarranttosearchthesepremises.”
“Forwhatreason?”SethLyonsappearedatthedoorandstoodbesidehisfriend,barringtheentrance.
Jennapressedthewarranttohischest.“Thereasonislisted,nowstandaside.”Shepushedpastthem,walkedintothefamilyroom,andsurveyedthegroupallsittingaroundwatchingTV.Thesmellwasthesame:marijuanaandbeerwithahintofstalesweat.“Isanyoneelseinthehouse?”
“No.”Lyonswaslookingoverthepaperwork.“Youwon’tfindanythinghere.Itoldyoubefore,Chrissiewasano-show.”HeglaredatJenna.“I’mgettingtiredofyouleaningonme,Sheriff.Maybeit’stimeIcalledmydad.”
AnnoyanceathisveiledthreatprickledJenna’sneck.“YoucancallSantaClausforallIcare,nowstandaside.Iwanteveryoneinthediningroom.Gositatthetableuntilwe’vecompletedoursearch.”ShestaredatLyons.“Non-complianceandI’llhandcuffyoutothechairs.Understand?”
Whentheyshuffledtothetable,givingeachotherworriedlooks,shenoddedatKane.“GiveDukethescent.”
“Okay,Duke.”KaneopenedtheevidencebagandhelditoutforDuke.“Seek.”
Thedogpushedhisheadintothebagthenmovedaroundtheroom,nosetotheground,tailwagging.Jennawatchedhimsystematicallymovefromthefrontdooracrossthecarpetthenheadforthesofa.Shekeptacloseeyeonthemensittingatthetable,andseveralweremovingaroundasiftheyhadantsintheirpants.Ofcourse,theyhadnoideawhatDukewaslookingfor,soshewonderedifanyofthemhadastashofdrugs.
AbarkbrokeherthoughtsandsheturnedherattentionbacktoDuke.Thedogwassittingontheflooratoneendofthesofa.SheglancedatWolfe.“That’sapositiveresponse.”
“Don’tcallhim.”WolfeglancedatKane.“I’llneedtotakeafewshotsfortherecordaswego.”
“Sure.”Whenhe’dfinished,KanecalledDuketohisside,butthedogwalkedincirclesandbarkedagain.“Hehasn’tfinishedyet,hestillhasthescent.”Herubbedthedog’sears.“Goodboy.”Hereinforcedthescentthengavethecommandagain.“Seek.”
AsDukecontinuedhissearch,WolfecametoJenna’sside.
“I’lltakealook.”Wolfecarriedhisforensicskittothesofa,examineditindetail,andthentookoutaportablevacuumcleanerandwentalloverthechair.Next,heremovedtheseatcushionandcollectedallthedetritusfrombelow.Hewavedtheseatcushionatthemenaroundthetable.“I’mconfiscatingthisforevidence.”Hepulledahugeevidencebagfromhiskitanddroppedthecushioninside.“I’llneedtoanalyzethestainsonthefabric.”
Duke’sbarkscametwicemore,onceinthehallwayandagainonthestaircase,notonthesteptreadsbuthalfwayupthestairsonthehandrailside.JennalookedupasWolfeexaminedtheareaclosely.“Whathavewegot?”
“Blood,asifsomeonespatitout.”Wolfetookphotographsthencollectedsamples.Hisexpressionwasice-coldwhenhemetJenna’sgaze.“Okay,I’mdonedownhere.Nowwemovetothebedrooms.”Heturnedtothegroupofmen.“WhichoneisPeteDevon’sbedroom?”
“Firstontheright,topofthestairs.”LyonssnappedtoattentionwhenWolfelookedathim.“HeshareswithDylanCourt.”
AfterDuke’sthreepositivereactions,Jenna’sstomachtightened.ShenoddedatWolfe.“Yougoahead.I’mgoingtokeepaneyeonMr.Lyonsandhisfriends.”Sherestedonehandonherweaponandnoticedthesomberreactionfromthemenatthetable.TheneedtoquestionthemanddragouttheinformationaboutChrissie’slasthourswelledupinsideherandshepusheditdown.Shewantedtosplitthemup,questionthemaboutChrissie,andhaveeverywordfromtheirmouthsrecordedontape.
Movingherattentionfromonemantothenext,shemadeamentalnoteofthosewhorefusedtomeethergaze.Herskincrawled.Twoormoreofthemensittingafewfeetfromhercouldbeserialrapistsbutshe’dneedawholelotmoreevidencetoproveit.Fornow,she’dconcentrateonaskingthemquestionsabouttheDevonandJacobscases.
AsKaneandWolfeheadedupthestairstosearchthebedrooms,shepulledouthernotebookandtookdownthenamesofeveryoneatthetable.Shehadtwopossiblehomicidecasestosolveandmostofthepeopleofinterestweresittinginfrontofher.“Okay,I’mgoingtobeaskingyouquestionsinrelationtothedeathsofyourhousemates.”ShelookedatJoshStevens.“WhendidyoulastseePeteDevon?”
“Aboutanhourafterdinneryesterday,hewenttodohislapsinthepool.Hedidthesamethingeverynightsincehisinjury.”Joshshrugged.“Why?”
Jennamadeanote.“It’sjustroutineinquiries;wearetryingtoestablishthetimeofdeath.”Sheliftedherchin.“Whichoneofyouwouldbehisclosestfriend?”
“Thatwouldbeme.”DylanCourtgaveheradiscontentedlook.
Thehostilitytowardheraroundthetablewaspalpable,andsheclearedherthroat.“Didn’tyouthinkitwasabitstrangewhenhedidn’tcomehomelastnight?”
“Nope.”Courtchuckled.“Wecomeandgoasweplease.Idon’tgiveaf—figifanyofusstayoutallnight.Ifiguredhe’dgotlucky.”
Theyoungmenaroundthetablechuckledinagreement.Jennamadeafewnotes.“DidheorAlexJacobshaveanyenemies?Didhehaveadisagreementwithanyonelately?”
“Youdoknowwe’reonthefootballteam,right?”Lyonsgaveheracondescendingglare.“Ofcoursetheyhadenemies.Anymemberoftheteamswebeatlastseasoncouldhaveabeefagainstoneofus.Ifyou’retalkingaboutenemiesfromcollege,sure.Someoftheguysgetangrywhenwestealtheirgirls,buthey,wealwaysgivethembackafter.”
Jennawantedtowipethesmirkrightoffhisarrogantface.“Afterwhatexactly,Mr.Lyons?”
“Whatdoyoufigure,Sheriff?”Lyonslookedherupanddown.“I’msureafineladylikeyourselfhashadherfairshareofone-nightstands.”Heshrugged.“Noneofusareplanningtosettledown;we’reheretoplayfootballandhavefun.”
JennaignoredLyons’rudeness.“Anythingelse?”
“Wedon’twalkawayfromfightsoncampus.”Courtgaveheralong,steadylook.“Ifsomeguywantstocausetrouble,wedealwithit.”
“LikethefightwithOwenJones?”
“Exactly.”Courtshrugged.
“That’swhythedeanaskedyoutoleavethestudenthall,Ibelieve?”Jennastaredbackathim.“Howaboutsteppingupandgivingmesomenamesofthesepeoplewithgrievancesagainstyou?”
“Nope.”Lyonsfrowned.“Wedon’tthrowpeopleunderthebus.”
Atthatmoment,KanecamedownthestairswithWolfeclosebehind.Theyhadanumberofevidencebagsbetweenthem.JennaturnedtoKaneandraisedhereyebrowsinquestion.“Arewedonehere?”
“Yeah.”Kaneheldupanevidencebagstuffedwithwomen’spanties.“IfoundtheseinSethLyons’room.Inanightstandcontaininghisbelongings.”
“Sowhat?”Lyonsbarkedoutalaugh.“SoIkeepthepantiesofthegirlsIsleepwith—bigdeal.There’snocrimeinthat.Ididn’tstealthem;theygavethemtomeformycollection.”
“YoureadytocomecleanaboutChrissieLowebeingherethenightshedied?”KanemovedtoJenna’sside.
“Youhardathearingorsomething?Ialreadytoldyou,shedidn’tshowonSaturdaynight.”Lyonswavedahandaroundthetable.“Asktheguysorreadmylips.She.Wasn’t.Here.”
“Well,Mr.Lyons.”Wolfeleanedonthetableandeyeballedhim.“Oursnifferdogsurefoundherscent,andifIfindherDNAonanyoftheseitems,we’llknowyou’relying.”
Jennawantedtogrinbutsmothereditwithacough,thenLyonsthrewoutacurveball.
“Ah,Sheriff.”Lyons’facesplitintoawidegrin.“Ididn’tsayI’dneverhadsexwithherorthatshehadn’tbeenherebefore.Isaidshewasn’therethenightshedied.”
TWENTY-SEVEN
ItwasdarkbythetimeColtWebberdrovehistruckalongthewindingdrivewaytoLyons’house.Hisheadlightspickedupasignsaying“Visitors’parking”andhepulleduponthegravel.Hisheartpoundedwithmisgivingsattheideaofwalkingintothelions’den—orshoulditbeLyons’den?Hecarriednoweapon,andifJenna’ssuspicionsprovedtrue,hemightbecomethenextvictimfromthefootballteamthemomentLyonsdiscoveredhe’dbeenacop.Apricklingsensationwalkedoverhisfleshashelookedaroundatthedensewoodlandsetting.Itwasaperfectplaceforanambush.
Hegatheredhiscourageandstaredthroughthetrees.Inthedistance,hecouldclearlypickoutthehouse.Lightshonefromeverywindowandhecouldseepeoplemovingaroundinside.Thewindingcementwalkwaytothefrontporchappearedtobenew,butthelightingintheparkingareaandalongthepathtothehousewaszero.Treesformedacanopyandnomoonlightwasvisibletoofferamodicumofillumination.Ashiversliddownhisspineandhecouldn’timagineanyonewouldenjoywalkingthroughthespookydarknessalone.AftergatheringhisiPad,heslippedfromhistruckandmadehiswaydownthedarkwalkwayusingthelightonhiscellphonetofindhisway.
Acoolbreezerustledthetreesandsentaswirlofgoldenleavesdancingathisfeet.Thesmellofdampearthandpineenclosedhimasifcreepingoutofthedarknesstosmotherhim.Hemissedthecomfortofhisweaponathisside.Ithadbeenafamiliarfriendandconfidenceboosterinmanyunpleasantsituations,andhe’dhatedleavingitinthecompartmentunderhisseat.Ashewalked,heglancedaroundattheforebodingtreescloakedinshadowsandhisimaginationtookflight.SomanypeoplehaddiedinBlackRockFallstakingpathwaysjustlikethisoneandfallingintothehandsofapsychopathickiller.DeepinsidehewantedtoturnaroundandgetthehelloutofDodgebutrememberedhismissionandkeptwalking,hisrubber-soledbootsmakinglittlesoundonthepathway.
Anowlhootedclosebyfollowedbyanothersomewaysoff,sendingawarningthatastrangerhadenteredtheirdomain.Aloudcrackasifsomeonehadtroddenonadrytwigcamefromhisrightand,heartthundering,heturnedhislighttoscanthetrees.Redeyes,lowtotheground,blinkedandthensomethingfurryscamperedintheoppositedirection.Asuddenburstofuncertaintygrippedhimandhequickenedhispace,gladwhentheporchcameintofullview.
Heranupthestepsandhammeredonthedoor.Itopenedsomemomentslaterandaguylookedhimupanddown.Coltnoddedtohim.DylanCourt.He’dmemorizedeverynameonthefootballteam.“HiDylan,I’mheretoseeSeth.”
“He’sinhisroom.”Court’sexpressionwasnonetoofriendlybuthestoodtooneside.“Topofthestairs,lastroomattheendofthehallway.”Hewavedhimthroughthefamilyroom.“Hesaidyouplannedtodropby.Nicemovestoday.”
Coltnodded.“Thanks.”
Itwasasifthetemperatureintheroomhaddropped.Thesuddensilenceandcold,suspiciousstaresofthemensittingonthesofasunnervedhim.One,maybetwohecouldhandle,butfourwouldbeaproblem.Ignoringtheicyreception,hepickedhiswaythroughthebeercansandtakeoutwrapperslitteringthefloorandthenranupthestairs,takingthemtwoatatime.
Thehousesmelledlikeitneededagoodclean,andhewonderedhowsixorsogrownmencouldliveinfilth.Hereachedtheroom.Thedoorwasopen.Theroomwasastarkcontrasttotherestofthehouseandasneatasapin.SeeingLyonsworkingatadesk,hepausedandknocked.“Hey,areyoubusy?”
“Thiscanwait.”Lyonspushedawayfromthedeskandstood.“Theplayscan’t.”Hegavehimalongstareandfrownedasifevaluatinghim.“You’resmart.I’vebeendiggingintoyourfiles.Ihopeyoudon’tmind?”Hedroppedontothefootofhisbed.“Yousee,Colt,Ican’tfigureoutwhyanerdlikeyouwantstoplayontheteam.Youdon’tseemthetypetowantacareerinfootball.”
Coltsmiled.“Idon’t.”HeleanedagainstthedoorframeandmetLyons’perturbedgaze.“MyfutureisinforensicscienceandonedayIhopetobecomeanME.”
“Sowhytryoutfortheteam?”Lyonsclaspedhishandstogether.“There’snotmuchmoneyinforensicscience,andwithyourskillsyoucouldmakemillionsifyoumadethedraft.”
“Iwon’tmaketheNFLbecauseI’mtooold,butIneedtokeepfitandfiguredtheteamneededme.”Coltshrugged.“Forensicscienceisacareerthat’sgoingtotakemeintooldage.I’dbewashedupinfootballintwoyears.”
“Iguessthatmakessenseifyou’venofamilymoneytofallbackon.Youdon’tseemthetypetohangoutwithusjocks.”Lyonsstaredathimforalongtime.“Ifyoudo,wehavealittleinitiationtoproveyou’reoneoftheguysandthatIcantrustyou.”
UneasecrawledoverColtbuthegrinned.“Oh,I’vebeenthroughafewinitiationsinmytime.Whatdoyouneed?”
“Someonesweetandinnocent.”Lyonsrolledhisshoulders.“LikethatblondeI’veseenyoutalkingto.”Aslowsmilespreadoverhislips.“Weliketosharethingshere.Booze,women,youknowthedeal.”HisgazeneverleftColt’sface.“Ineedtoknowwhereyoustand;areyouinorout?”
Emily.Heforcedhismouthtoremainfixedinagrin.“Oh,I’min.”
“Good,you’llhavetoproveit,butfornowI’llgiveyouadaypass.”Lyonsrolledoverandgrabbedabookfromhisbedsidetable.“ThisbelongedtoAlex.Hehadanaccidentatthegymandbrokehisneck.”Hestaredatthebookforalongmoment.“We’dknowneachotherforsometimeandnowhe’sgone.Howdoyoudealwithworkingwithdeadbodies?”
ItwasobviousLyonsdidn’ttrusthimandhe’dhavetochangehismind.WhatWolfehadtoldhimthefirsttimehe’denteredthemorguedriftedintohismind.“Idon’tseeacorpse.Iseeapersonwithastorytotell.Iwanttodiscoverwhathappenedtothem.”
“I’dseeacorpse.”Lyonsshuddered.“So,yougettohangoutwiththesheriffaswell?”
Coltbarkedalaugh.“Hangout?Idon’tthinkso.She’sfartoobusyatcrimescenesandbarelylooksmyway.Ikeepoutofherway.”
“Let’sgetbacktothesexyblondeInoticedsittingwithyouinthecafeteria.”Lyonswethislipsasifsavoringamemory.“Howcomeshe’shangingoutwithyou?”
Ofallthegirlsoncampus,LyonshadpickedoutEmilyWolfeforhisfriendstorape.“Emilyisinterningatthemorguesoourpathscross,isall.”
“Emily,huh?Willshecometoapartyhereifyouinviteher?”Lyonschuckled.“Theboysneedadistraction.”
Searchingforanyexcuse,Coltshookhishead.“Notachance.She’salittleyoungformeandonlysitswithmeatlunchtoreadovermynotesfromlastsemester.”Heclearedhisthroat.“I’msureI’llbeabletofindyousomeoneelseifit’spartofaninitiation.”
“ButIhaveahankeringforher.Ilikethemsweetandinnocent.”Lyonsgavehimaslowsmile.“IntroducemeandI’llmakeamoveonher,buttoproveyou’reoneofus,you’llhavetobeinvolved.”Hesniggered.“Don’tworry,theynevercomplain.”
Youwon’thaveonechanceinhellwithEmily.Coltswallowedthebadtasteinhismouth.“Ican’twait.”Heheldhishandoutforthebook.“It’sgettinglate,areyoureadytogoovertheplays?”
“Sure.”Lyonsstood.“Comedownstairs,we’lltalkinthekitchen.”
Twohourslater,ColtstoodandpickeduphisiPadandAlex’splaybook.“I’vegottogo.MyauntbawlsmeoutifIgethomelateanddisturbher.”
“Thatmustmakedatingabitch.”Lyonsfrowned.“Maybeyoushouldmove?”
Coltshookhishead.“Ibarelybreakevennow.Isharethefoodandutilitieswithmyaunt.”
“Ah,yeah,you’reonascholarship,Iforgot.”Lyonspushedtohisfeet.“Okay,I’llseeyouatpracticeinthemorning.”Heledthewaytothefrontdoor.
Coltfollowedandgavetheguysinthefamilyroomawavebutnoneofthemmovedtheireyesfromthebig-screenTV.HeturnedtoLyons.“Night.”
“Introducemetotheblondetomorrow.”Lyonsgrinned.
Overmydeadbody.“Sure.”Heheadeddownthestepsandpulledouthisphone,accessedthelight,andhurriedalongthedarkpathway.Thetemperaturehaddroppedconsiderablyinthelastfewhoursandthebreezehadanicychillstraightfromthemountains.EveninAugust,thenighttemperaturesremindedeveryonethatwinterwasontheway.Ashemadethefirstturn,heheardacrunchbehindhimandstopped.Movinghislightinanarc,hesearchedthepathbehindhimandfoundnothing.Thehairsonthebackofhisneckprickledasthefeelingsomeonewaswatchinghimcreptoverhim.Hekeptmovingthenthesoundcameagain,likefootstepsonthepathwaybehindhimandthescrapeofashoeontheroughcement.HewonderedbrieflyifLyonshadsetupapranktoscarehim.Lyonswouldn’tbeawarehestudiedmartialartsandcouldtakecareofhimselftosomedegree,butthenarrow,tree-linedpathwaydidn’tofferhimmuchroomtomaneuver.AddedtothefacthehadaniPadinonehandandaphoneintheother,andanyonecouldbewaitingaroundthenextbend,itwouldbeeasytogetthejumponhim.
Hislightmadeatunnelbeforehim,andashewalked,heslidtheiPadunderonearm,shiftedthephonetohislefthand,andthenpulledhiscarkeysfromhisjeanspocket.Hehustledalong,scanningthepathwayinalldirectionsandlistening,butallhecouldhearwasthesoundofhisdeepbreathingandthepoundingofhisheartinhisears.Asthesnakingpathwayopeneduptotheparkinglot,heheavedasighofreliefthenaslightbuzzingbrokethesilence.Heglancedupandcaughtaglimpseofthebiggestinsecthe’deverseeninhislife.Hestaredintothedarknessbutwhateveritwashadvanishedintothenight.
Colthithisfobkeyandclimbedintohistruck,lockingthedoorsbehindhim.Thewalkhadunsettledhimmorethanhe’dliketoadmit.Heleanedbackinhisseat,gladwhentheengineturnedoverandmusicplayedontheradio.Feelingfoolishforallowinghisimaginationtogetthebetterofhim,hestaredintothedarkness.Hadthewindplayedtricksonhismindorhadsomeonebeenlurkingintheshadows?
TWENTY-EIGHT
IthadtakenKanesometimetoconvinceJennatotakeanhourorsotojoinhimfordinnerattheCattleman’sHotelintown.They’dbeentooexhaustedtocookbythetimethey’dreturnedtoherranch.Heenjoyedhercompanyandhatedtodinealone.
Wednesdayeveningsweren’tusuallybusybutwithafestivalintown,Kanehadbeenluckytosecureatablelaterintheevening,notaprimepositionbutnotnexttothekitcheneither.Afterordering,hetookinthewomanseatedbeforehim.She’daddedasmallamountofmakeup,andthethinlinesaroundhereyesmadethemappearhugeinafaceframedinglossyblackhair.Whensheopenedhermouthtospeak,heshookhishead.“Noshoptalk.”Hesmiledandhandedherthemenu.“Wedeserveonehourawayfrommurderandmayhem.”
“Myheadisfilledwiththeoriesandpossiblesuspects.It’ssomucheasierforWolfewhenpeopleareshotorstabbedtodeath.Sofar,wehaveonepossiblesuicideandtwopossiblemurders.It’shardtoconcentrateonanythingelse.”Jennamovedhergazeslowlyoverhim.“ButIhavetoadmityou’redistractingdressedinasuitwithyourhairallslickeddown.”Hereyestwinkledwithamusement.“Ikeepthinkinganyminuteyou’regoingtopulloutyourFBIcreds.”
ItwassogoodtoseeJenna’shumoroussideagain.Kanechuckled.“Iwasgoingforthesuave,sophisticatedlook.”Hepausedasthewaiterofferedhimasampleofredwine.Hesipped,andthennoddedhisapproval.HisgazewentbacktoJenna.“Didn’twork,huh?”
“Trustme,youlookjustfineinbluejeansandacowboyhat.”Jennasippedherwineandmoaned.“Oh,thisisgood.”
Kaneliftedthebottleandshowedherthelabel.“It’sfromCentralOtago,NewZealand.It’sasmallareaintheSouthIsland.Inmyopinion,theyproducesomeofthebestPinotNoirintheworld.”Hemethergaze.“Itgoesrealwellwithanicethicksteakandallthetrimmings.”
“I’msureitwillbutyou’llonlyhaveoneglass,won’tyou?”Jennashothimamischievousgrin.“Whichmeanstherestofthebottleismine.”
Kanewaggedafingerather.“Andyouasheriffandall.”
They’djustfinishedtheirmaincourseandhadbeenwaitingfordessertwhenKane’sphonepealed.Hefrownedandglancedathiswatch.“Ionlywantedanhour’speace.”
“Anyoneweknow?”JennaleanedbackinherseatasthewaiterplacedasliceofBlackForestcakebeforeher.
Kanenodded.“Yeah,it’sWebber.”Heansweredthecall.“Problem?”
“Nah,justtouchingbase.”Webbersoundedalittleanxious.“ImadetheteamandtookupaninvitetogoovertheplayswithSethLyonsatthehouseonPine.ApartfromtheguystreatingmeasifIhadtheplague,Ididn’treceiveanythreats.ItoldhimthetruthaboutinterningwithWolfe,sohewon’tbesuspiciousifsomeoneremembersseeingmewithhim.HedidaskifIknewJenna.Onething:onthewalkthereandbackalongthepathway,Ihadthestrangestfeelingsomeonewaswatchingme.”
Kanefrownedandrememberedthealternativeentrancethey’ddiscovered.“Nexttimeyouheadoutthatway,godowntheno-entryroad;itleadsstraighttothefrontofthehouse.”HeglancedatJenna.“Thepathwaythroughthetreeshasasilentalarmaswell.Theyobviouslydon’tlikeunexpectedvisitors.DidyougetanyvibesfromLyonsatall?”
“HeplayshiscardsclosetothevestbuthedidinvitemetoapartyonThursdaynight,awake,Ifigure,forJacobsandDevon.”Webberclearedhisthroat.“I’manglingforaninvitationtomovein.They’vetwospareroomsatthemomentbutitwillbeataprice.”
Kaneleanedbackinhischairandsighed.Therealwayshadtobeaprice.“Howso?”
“Theywantmetobecomeinvolvedinoneoftheirparties.Lyonsmadeitverycleartheyuseprocuringasuitablewomanforgroupsexasaninitiation.Hewascarefulnottomentionheplannedtorapeher.”Webbercursedunderhisbreath.“IsurewishI’dbeenwearingawire.”
“Maybewecanfindalocalfemalecopwillingtogoundercover.”JennaglancedatKane.“Howlonghavewegot?”
“Notimeatall.Lyonshashismindsetononewoman.Iknowit’samindgametoseeifI’lldefileafriendtomakeitintohisinnercircle.”
Kaneblinked,hisstomachclenchingattheimplications.“He’snotgothissightssetonJenna,hashe?”
“No.LyonswantsmetointroducehimtoEmily.”
TWENTY-NINETHURSDAY
ThethoughtofspeakingtoWolfeweighedheavyonJenna’sshouldersasshemadeherwayintothemorgueforPeteDevon’sautopsy.AfterKanehadexplainedWebber’sphonecallthepreviousevening,thelastthingshewantedtodowasinformWolfeoneofhisdaughterscouldbeindanger.SincemovingtoBlackRockFalls,bothEmilyandJulieWolfehadcomeclosetobecomingvictims.AlthoughWolfewasaconsummateprofessionalonherteam,sheexpectedalessthanwarmreceptionofhernews,soseeingWebberandEmilywaitinginsidethemorguesurprisedher.“Iwasn’texpectingtoseeyouheretoday.”
“Whenthere’sanautopsy,wecometoobserve.”EmilysmiledatJenna.“IhearyousavedOwenJonesfromtherapids.”
JennashotalookatKaneashesteppedintotheroombehindher.“Didyouhavetotelleveryone?”
“Ineversaidaword,Jenna,butit’sinmyreport.”Kanelookedabashed.“Agooddealofcollegekidswerethere;I’msuretheycouldn’twaittospreadthenews.”
“Itwasn’tKane.”Emilyfrowned.“Everyoneistalkingaboutit,callingyouAquawomanandhowyouplungedinbootsandall.”
JennacastaglanceatKane.“Kanewastheretoo,andifwehadn’tgottentoJonesintime,he’dbeherewaitingforanautopsy.”Shefrowned.“CanIhaveawordinprivate?”
“Sure.”Wolfeledthewayintothehallwayandpulleddownhismask.“What’sup?”
JennaexplainedtheinterestSethLyonshadshowninEmilyandthepotentialofherbecominghisnextrapevictim,andthenshewaitedwithbatedbreathforhisreaction.
“I’lltalktoher.”Wolfe’sgrayeyesheldaflickerofworryandthenitvanishedandhesmiledather.“Thanksforlettingmeknow,anddon’tworry—it’shighlyunlikelyEmilywouldplaceherselfinthatposition.She’sawareoftheLowecaseandthispieceofinformationwillkeepherwellawayfromanyoneonthefootballteam.”
“AndshehasWebberinsomeofherclassestokeepaneyeonher.”Jennalookedupathim.“Although,beingundercover,Iwouldn’tencouragehertohangoutwithhimanymore.”
“Itoldhertokeepherdistance.”Wolfegrimaced.“Anyway,she’smoreinterestedincollegeseniorsatthemoment.”Heshookhisheadindismay.“Sheturnsnineteensoon,it’saworry.”
Jennasqueezedhisarm.“Iwouldn’tworrytoomuch.Whenanypotentialboyfriendslayeyesonyou,they’llbehavethemselves.”Shewavedahandtowardthedoor.“Iguesswe’dbettergetbacktoit.”Sheledthewayinside.
“Okay,areweallready?”Wolfefollowedher,wenttothegurneyandswitchedontheexaminationlight,spreadingabrightbeamovertheinertbody.Heturnedonhisrecorder,madeallthenecessaryreferencesfortheofficialrecordingofhisfindings,andthenpulleddownthesheet.“Let’sgetstarted.”
Jennabreathedthroughhermouthtoavoidthestenchofdecomposingflesh.ThewayPeteDevonhaddiedintriguedher.“WhatisitaboutdrowningcasesthatmakesthemsodifficulttodetermineCOD?”
“It’snotsohardtodeterminedrowning,it’sprovingifapersonwasmurderedbydrowning.”Wolfe’seyesmethersoverthebody.“WefoundPeteDevonsubmergedinwater,hisskiniswrinkled,andtheamountofdamagetotheepidermisisagoodindicationofsubmergenceforseveralhours.”Heindicatedtowardtheskinonthehandsandfeet.“ThediatomtestIconductedyesterdayonthesampleofbonemarrowextractedfromthefemurshowsthesamefivealgaepresentinthevictimasinthepoolwater.Sofromthattest,weknowhedrownedinthepoolwherewefoundhim.Thisismoreaccuratethantestingthewaterextractedfromthelungs,butthatwasalsoamatch.”
Jennamovedcloser.“Sowhyisthecauseofdeathsohardtodetermineifeveryresultindicatesdrowning?”
“Emily,canyouexplain?”WolfetookclippersandremovedasectionofPeteDevon’shairfromthecrownofhishead.
“Weknowhedrowned.”Emily’seyesdancedwithenthusiasmoverherfacemask.“Whatweneedtodetermineisifheslippedandfellorifsomeonemurderedhim.Dadisconsideringthelatterbutweneedtoproveit.Healreadypointedoutthemarksonthevictim’sanklesatthescenebutnowtheyaremorepronounced.”Shemovedtotheendofthegurneyandliftedonefoot.“Seehere,thehalf-moonmarksoneachankle?Dadsaidhementionedthematthescene.”Sheplacedherhandaroundthepaleankle.“Asifalargerhandthanmineheldonsotighttheydugtheirnailsintohisflesh.”SheliftedtheotherfootforJennaandKanetoexamine.“Tryyourhand,Dave,andseeifit’sacloserfit.”
JennastaredinamazementasKaneliftedthelegthenslippedoneglovedhandaroundtheankle.Hishandsoverlappedthenailmarks.“SonotasbigasKane’sbutclose,sowe’dassumeaman?”
“Withhandsalmostasbigasmine,I’dsayso.”Kanereplacedthelegonthegurney.“Andfromthepositionsofthenailmarks,Devonwasattackedfrombehind.”
“Yes,ordraggedoffawomanbyoneofhisfriends.”Wolfeclearedhisthroat.“Ifthedamagewascausedinthepool,I’dassumethismanhasconsiderablestrengthtoo.”WolfeturnedhisattentionbacktoJenna.“You’dfigureattackingsomeoneinwaterwouldbeeasy,butittakesquiteanefforttopullsomeonedownaladdersubmergedinwater.”HetouchedDevon’snose.“Thisdamagewascausedbyasharpdownwardmovement.Thekillermusthavebeeninthewaterbehindhim,grabbedhisankles,andpulled.”HelookedoveratWebber.“WhywouldIcometothatconclusion,Webber?”
“Ifsomeoneslippedonaladder,they’dlikelygrazetheirshinsorfallbackintothewater.”Webberheldoutbothhisarms.“Climbingupaladderoutofthewater,they’dbeangledbacknotforward.”
Itdidn’tbotherJennathatWolfewasmakingtheautopsyaclassforhisinternsandshewassurprisedattheirknowledge.“SowhenthestepsstruckDevonandknockedhimunconscious,hedrowned?”
“Idoubtit.Madehimdizzy,yeah,butthatdoesn’tlooklikeenoughdamagetoknockhimout.”Kaneleanedforwardandexaminedthebody.“Theimpacthasn’tpushedthenasalbonesintothebrainbutitwould’vehurtlikehell.”
“Thisiswhywedon’tjumptoconclusionsandsearchforthewholestory.Thefallcould’veeasilyrenderedhimunconscious.”WolfewavedJennatohissideofthegurney.“Duringmyinitialexamination,Inoticedadiscolorationofthescalp.Asyoucansee,thereisadistinctmarkonthetopofthehead.I’llbeopeningthecraniumlatertodeterminetheextentofthebruising,butatthisstageI’druleoutaweapon.Fromthesizeoftheinjury,it’spossibleitwascausedbyafistcomingdownfromabove.”Here-enactedhowapunchwouldcomefromabovewithforce.“I’veseensimilarinjuriesinmenkilledincombat.”
“I’veseensimilarinjuriescausedduringfootball,evenwithahelmet.”Webbershrugged.“Hecould’vebeeninjuredinatackleandnotreportedittothecoach.”
JennaflickedaglanceatKane.“Ifnotafootballinjury,whoarewelookingathere?Someonetrainedinmartialartsorhand-to-handcombat,boxing?”
“Yeah.”Kanenodded.“Apunchlikethatwouldsubduehim.”
“Morethanthat.”Wolfeturnedtoher.“ConsiderDevonishurt,he’sunderwater,andnodoubtdisorientedandtryingtogettothesurface.Themomentthetopofhisheadbreaksthesurface,wham,someonelandsonehellofapunchonhishead.Thefirstthinghe’ddoisgasp,andoncewaterisinthelungs,it’sover.Hemighthavetriedtofightbackbuthislungswouldbebursting.Waterispainfulwhenitentersthelungs.Hecan’tbreathe,hasnooxygengoingtohisbrain.Hisbodywouldbegoingintospasmsanddeathfollowsprettyquickly.”
Jennaleanedbackononeofthecounters.“So,suspectedhomicide?”
“Ican’tsayuntilIcompletetheautopsy.I’llneedtoopenhimupandmakesureheisn’tsufferingfromanythingunusual,buthismedicalrecord,apartfromarecentfootballinjury,indicateshewasintopshape.”Wolfeshrugged.“I’lldoatoxicologyscreenaswellbutifsomeonemurderedthisyoungman,hesuretriedtomakeitappearlikeanaccident.”
AhorriblesensationofdreadslidoverJennaatthethoughtofanotherkillerinBlackRockFalls.Hadtheoncesleepytownbecomeamagnetforeveryonewiththeitchtogoonakillingspree?SheliftedhergazefromthebodybacktoWolfe.“Okay,we’llheadbacktotheofficeandtryandhuntdownsomecluestogetajumponwhoisdoingthisandwhy.”
“I’llsendoverareportwhenI’mthrough.”Wolfeliftedascalpelfromthetray.
“Thanks.”Shewaitedabeat.“DidyoumatchtheringwefoundinJacobs’lockerwiththemarkonChrissieLowe’sarm,orthehandprints?”
“Notyet.”ThescalpelinWolfe’shandhoveredoverDevon’schest.“LatertodayIwanttomakesurethatthebruisingismorepronounced.I’lltakemoreimagesandmakeadigitalcomparisonbutfromwhatIcanseewithmynakedeye,itlookslikeamatch.”Hefrowned.“Itmightbeanideatorundownthedesign,justincaseit’sateamringorsimilar.”
“I’monit.”Jennamadeahastyretreatfromthemorgue.WithWebberstillofficiallyadeputy,theneedtohavealawenforcementofficerasawitnesstotheautopsywassatisfied.
Asshewalkedoutintothefreshair,sheturnedtoKane.“Dammit,seemslikewe’vegotanotherkillerintown.”Shethrewherhandsintotheair.“WhatisitwithBlackRockFalls?It’sasifsomeoneisadvertisingitasaserialkiller’splayground.”
“Iwouldn’tsaythattooloud.”Kanegrinnedather.“Someonewillmakeitthetitleofabook.”
THIRTY
KanemetRowleyandWaltersonthesidewalkoutsidethesheriff’sdepartment.He’dgivenJennaaridebacktotheofficeandthenhadgonetocollectthefoodorderforthemeetingfromAuntBetty’sCafé.AsWaltersmadehiswayinside,KanestaredatRowley’sdisheveledappearanceandraisedoneeyebrow.“Trouble?”
“Youcouldsaythat.”RowleystraightenedhisshirtandranonehandthroughhishairbeforereplacinghisStetson.“Theusualfightsbreakingoutallovertownfromtheinfluxofcowboys,andthistimetheyrantheirmouthsataninterstateMChavingafewbeersattheTripleZBar.”Heshookhishead.“Itwasn’tpretty.Wetriedtocalmthingsdownwithoutluck.Iwentbacktomycruiserandpulledouttheshotguns.Iclimbedontothebarandtheownerturnedoffthelightsandthenswitchedthemonagain.Whentheynoticedus,theysettleddown.”
KaneflickedaglanceatRowley’scruiser.“Noarrests?”
“Findingoutwhothrewthefirstpunchwouldbelikesortingmygrandma’stangledknittingyarn.”Rowleygrimaced.“Noonewastalking,soItookdowntheirnamesandgavethemawarning.”HeindicatedtothefoodinKane’sarmswithhischin.“Wehavingameeting?”
“Yeah.”Kanenodded.“Wolfefiguresbothdeathsarehomicides.”Heclearedhisthroat.“Whileyou’rehere,JennawantstothrowabirthdaypartyforWolfe’slittleAnna.Youcoming?”
“Wouldn’tmissit.”Rowley’scheekspinked.“I’mseeingsomeonebutit’searlydaysyet.Sandyworksinadministrationatthecollege.CanIbringheralong?”
Kanesmiled.“Sure.”Heheadedupthestepsandshoulderedhiswaythroughtheglassdoors.
“Good,you’reallhere.”Jennastoodatherofficedoor.“WolfeandWebberarestillworkingontheDevonautopsy,sowe’llhavetogoaheadwithoutthem.”Shewenttoherwhiteboardandwaitedforthemtositdown.“I’vediscussedthethreecaseswithKaneandWolfe.Asthefootballteamsharesalinkwiththeseotherwiseseeminglyunrelatedcases,I’llneedtoaddtheinformationtothewhiteboardsidebysidesowecanconsiderthewholepicture.Kane,willyoubringeveryoneuptodateandI’llgettheinformationontothewhiteboard?”
Kanescrolledthroughthefilesonhiscellphone.“Okay,atfirstwebelievedwehadthreeseparatecases,sowe’lltakethemonebyone.Wolfehasn’truledoutChrissieLowe’scauseofdeathissuicide.ShemadeadatewiththequarterbackSethLyonstogotoapartyonSaturdaynightbutaccordingtohisfriendsatthehousewheretheyalllive,shenevershowed.Dukethinksotherwiseandgavepositiveresultsofherbeingthere.We’rewaitingonbloodsamplestakenatthescenetoseeifthey’reamatchforChrissie.”HewaitedabeatforJennatowritetheinformationonthewhiteboard.“Herroommate,LiviJohnson,gaveusastatementconfirmingChrissieleftthebuildingaroundnineandwaslastseengettingintoasilversedan.Thissedanbelongstothejanitor,JohnBeck,wholeaveshiscarkeysunattendedinhisoffice.WolfeobtainedforensicproofChrissiewasinthatvehiclebutBeckhasasolidalibi,sowecanonlyassumethepersonwhogaveChrissiearidetoandfromthehouseusedhiscar.”Hefrowned.“ByallaccountsChrissiewasintelligentandit’shighlyunlikelyshe’dtakearidewithastranger,whichmakesmebelieveSethLyonsandperhapsoneofhisfriendswereinthecar.”
“AsthefootballplayerslivingwithLyonsareclose-knit,wehaveWebberworkingundercoveratthecollege;he’sknownthere,triedoutforthefootballteam,andwasaccepted.”Jennaturnedtolookatthem.“So,ifyouseehimonthestreet,walkonby,he’llunderstand.FromconversationswithLyons,Webberbelievesheluresgirls,usuallyfreshmen,tothehouseanddrugsthem,andthenheandanumberofhisfriendsrapethem.”
“DidWolfefindanyproof?”Rowley’smouthturneddown.“ChrissieLowehadbeenunderahotshowerforhours;there’dbenoDNAonherbodyandIdoubtanyonewhoplannedarapewouldforgetaboutprotection.”
Kaneshookhishead.“NotraceDNAevidencewasfoundbutshedoeshavehandprintsonbotharms,andonebruiseisquitedistinctandintheshapeofaring.WolfehasaringownedbyAlexJacobsandwillupdateusifheconsidersitamatch.”
“Walters,Ineedyoutorundowntheringdesign.”Jennalookedattheelderlydeputy.“Makesureit’snotaschoolringorwhateverandeveryonehasone.”
“Surething.Sowhywouldn’tthegirlcomeandtellyouabouttherape,Sheriff?”OldDukeWaltersscratchedatthewhitestubbleonhischin.“Whykillherself?FromwhatI’vefoundoutabouther,shewasastraight-Astudent.Makesnosense,nosenseatall.”
“We’llgettothatlater.”Jennacontinuedtoaddthefactstothewhiteboard.“Ourfirstassumptionwasitwasmurder,anduntilWolfemakesadecisionthatstillmustbeaconsideration.Shedidn’tleaveanotebutmaybeshetriedtoreachouttosomeonebeforeshedied.”Shefrowned.“Wecouldn’tfindhercellphone,althoughfromherrecordsshesentashortmessageattwothirtyonSundaymorning.”
“Towho?”Rowleyleanedforwardinhisseat.“Thiscouldbethekey.”
Kaneshookhishead.“Wedon’tknow.WhenWolfebacktrackedthenumber,themilitaryshuthimdown.Ifigureshewantedtoreachouttosomeoneandtheonlypersonwecanlinktoherisherbrother.WeknowtheNavydeployedhimsomeweeksago.Hisstatusisunknown,whichmeansheisMIA.TheNavyinformedthefamilyintheweekbeforeChrissiedied.”Hesighed.“There’snowayofknowingwhatwasinthemessage.”
“SosheknewherbrotherwasMIA?”Waltersshookhishead.“Poorkid.Thatmighthavepushedherovertheedge.”
“Orshewantedtosaygoodbye.”Rowleyfrowned.“So,shelostordumpedthecellphonebetweenthepartyandherdorm.Shecould’vethrownitanywhere—oh,shit…youdon’tthinkherrapistscould’vesentthemessage?”
Kanegrimacedatthethought.“Anythingispossible,andsendingdisgustingimagestoherbrothercouldsurepushhertosuicide.”
“Onething:evenifWolferulesherdeathassuicide,weneedtofindevidenceandbringchargesagainstherattackers.SethLyonsisourmainsuspect.”Jenna’sfacehadbecomestone.“Thereisnoconsentissuehere.Readtheautopsyreport.Thisgirlhadenoughdate-rapedrugsinhersystemtorenderherunconsciousforhours.Iwantthesemenfoundandcharged.”
Kanemethergaze.“That’sagiven.”
“SowhyfocusonSethLyons?”RowleyliftedhisgazetoJenna.“Heaskedhertotheparty,butanyoneofthemenatthepartycould’vebeenresponsible.ShemighthavebeenpartofaninitiationlikeWebbersuggested.”
“NotthistimebecauseLyonswasrunningtheshow.Heinvitedhertothepartyandhasamotive.”JennaaddedthewordtothewhiteboardbesideSethLyons’name.“Theguyshebrokethedatewith,PhilStein,hadafightwithLyonsinthecafeteriaatthecollegeandflattenedhimwithonepunch.Fromaneyewitnessaccount,SteinhumiliatedLyons.ItwasnosecretSteinwasseeingChrissie,soitgivesLyonsamotive.RapinghisgirlfriendwouldbepaybackandweknowLyonsandhisfriendsdon’tgiveaninch.”
“ButwehavenosolidevidencetochargeLyonswithrape.”Kaneglanceddownathisnotes.“Asyouknowfromthefiles,theguyslivingatLyons’houseallgaveeachotheralibisforthenightoftherapeandthey’vesterilizedtheroomweconsideredasthepossiblesceneofthecrime;however,theydidn’tdothesamefortherestofthehouseorthevehicle.WolfehashairsamplesfromJacobsandDevonbutneedssamplesfromtheotherpeoplelivingatthehousetoseeiftheymatchthosecollectedfromthevehicle.”
“Also,hershoesaremissing.”JennaturnedtolookatKane.“There’sadescriptionoftheminthefile.Theshoesmightgiveussometraceevidence.It’ssomethingI’lladdtoapressrelease.Kane,Iwantyoutocontactthecollegetoseeifthey’vebeenturnedintolost-and-found.”
“Yes,ma’am.”Kanemadeanote.
“Next,wehadtheunusualdeathofAlexJacobs.”Jennawrotehisnameonthewhiteboard.“Wolfeisnotconvincedhisdeathwasahomicide;hethinksmaybeatragicaccident.”Sheturnedtofacethem.“Theautopsyreportwillgiveyouthereasonswearelookingintothiscaseasapossiblehomicide,andourinvestigationwillcenteronthemotiveforkillinghim.Jacobswasapivotalplayeronthefootballteam,admiredandlikedasfaraswebelieve,andthenthejanitorgaveussomeinterestinginformationaboutJacobsandsomeoftheothermembersoftheteam.ThegrouptookpartinaplantoremoveOwenJonesfromtheteam.JacobswenttothecoachandtoldhimthatJoneshadattemptedtosellthemdrugs.AfterafightbrokeoutbetweenJones,Lyons,andJacobs,thecoachbenchedJones.Securitycarriedoutasearchandfoundacrackpipe;Jonesinsistssomeoneplantedit,butthedeanremovedhimfromcollegefortheentiresemester.”Sheshrugged.“He’sbacknow,soIfigurehehasamotiveforkillingJacobs.Don’tforgetthefightattherapids.”
“ThenyoushouldaddPhilSteinaswell.”RowleygaveKaneadirectlook.“IfhebelievesJacobswasinvolvedinChrissie’srape,hehasamotiveaswell.”
Kanesmiled.“You’reechoingmythoughts.Wehaveanotherpossibleaswell:Chrissie’scousin,SteveLowe.Ifigureasshewasfamily,hehasmotivetoo,andwe’llneedtodiscoverhiswhereaboutsduringbothTODs.”
“Yeah,butlet’ssticktoJacobs’deathfirstoritgetsconfusing.”Jennaaddedthenamestothelistandthemotives.“Loweisabigguyandworkspart-timeatthelocalfeedstore,sohewillbeliftingheavyweightsallday.BothJonesandSteinarestrong,muscularguystoo;botharecapableofholdingtheweightJacobswaslifting,butIfigureSteinisperhapstheonlyspotterJacobswouldtrust.Loweisanunknownquantityatthemoment.”
“I’mnotsosure.”Rowleyshookhishead.“You’dhavetobepartofacollegefootballteamtounderstand.Yeah,theremighthavebeenhardfeelingsbetweenthembutJonesispartoftheteamnow,andifIplannedtokillsomeoneI’dmakesuretogetclosertomytargetandgainhistrust.”
“Goodpoint.”JennanoddedinagreementandaddedJonestotheboard.“Jonesdoesn’thaveasolidalibiforthetimeJacobsdied.”SheglancedatKane.“We’llgoseeStein,Jones,andLowelaterandseewhattheyhavetosay.”
Kanereachedforhiscupofcoffeeandtookasip.Heglanceddownathisnotesagain.“Okay,Wolfehasn’tsentanautopsyreportforPeteDevonyetbecausetherearetoomanyinconsistencesforhimtodeterminecauseofdeath.”
HeranthroughthepreliminaryfindingsandthenglancedupatJenna.Seeingshehadaddedallthepertinentinformationtothewhiteboard,heturnedtoRowleyandWalters.“Here’swhereitgetsinteresting.BothJacobsandDevondiedaroundthesametimeofnight,inthesamebuilding,andtheCCTVcameraswentdownatthesametimebothnights.Unfortunately,there’snotenoughfootagetodiscoverifthisisaregularoccurrence,andthecollegesecurityguardshaven’tnoticedanythingunusual,sotheyareuseless.”
“We’vedeterminedthatifsomeonekilledbothmen,theywould’veneededtohaveaconsiderableamountofstrength,whichagaintargetsoursuspects.”JennalookedbackatKane.“Wolfefiguresweshouldthinkoutoftheboxwiththesecases.Forinstance,we’reincludingChrissie’srapeinthetwosuspectedmurdercasesbecauseofthefootballteamlinkandalsolookingatanyenemiesoftheteamorthecoach.”
“Yeah.”Rowleynoddedinagreement.“Thecoachhasmadeazillionenemiesovertheyears.He’stoughandunforgiving.”
“I’dsaythere’dbeafewpeopleouttogethisjobtoo.”Walters’graybrowsfurrowed.“Iftheteamfails,thecollegewillbelookingatreplacinghim.It’samatterofpride.”
“Whichbringsusbacktooursuspects.”Jennasatinherofficechairandleanedback.“Allhaveaproblemwiththeteam.Allwanttogeteven.Theymayhavedifferentreasonsbutit’sthesameresult.”
Kanenodded.“Seemsopenandshuttome.Threesuspects?Myguttellsmethere’smoretothisandwe’remissingsomething.”HepushedatakeoutbagtowardJenna,noticingshehadn’teatenanythingortouchedhercoffee.“DoanyoftheseguysknowhowtodisableaCCTVcamera,forinstance?Hasanythingelsehappenedwiththeteamorthecoachwe’renotawareof?”
“Okay,Rowley,I’llneedyoutorunthingshere,butifyougetanydowntime,seewhatyoucanfindoutaboutrivalteams,anythingthatcouldpointtosomeonetryingtodestroytheteamoranydirtyoucandiguponthecoach.”Jennatookasipofhercoffeeandsighed.“That’sallwehavefornow.”Shewavedatthebagsoffood.“Grabwhatyouwantandwe’llallgetbacktowork.”
Kanewaitedforthemtogoandlookedather.“Youknowwhat’sbotheringmeaboutallthis?”
“What?”Jennaraisedoneeyebrowinquestion.
“Ifit’spaybackagainsttheteamforwhateverreason,whytakeoutthelesserplayersfirst?Allcanbereplacedbyplayersonthebench.”Kanereachedforabagofsandwiches.“Ifitwasme,mytargetwouldbeLyons,thestarquarterback.”
“Hmm.”Jennaleanedbackinherseat.“MaybewhoeverstagedtheaccidentsisplanningsomethingspecialforLyons?”
THIRTY-ONE
ForJenna,writingoutthefactsinacaseonthewhiteboardcenteredhermindandputtheprioritiesinorder.Shestaredattheboard.Thethreecasesrevolvedaroundthefootballteambutiftheyturnedouttobemurder,sheneededtoknowwhatwouldtriggersomeonetokilltheplayers?ShefinishedhersandwichandtookasipofcoffeebeforedraggingherattentionawayfromthewhiteboardandlookingatKane.“WhatifIgoleftfieldandmakeacrazyassumptionaboutthesecases?”
“Giveittome.”Kaneleanedonthedeskandmethergaze.
Jennanodded.“Okay,whatifwe’relookingatthisallwrong?”Shedrummedherfingersonthetable.“Thesecollegefootballteamsarerivalsanddoweirdthings,likestealingeachother’smascots.IknowtherewassometroublewiththeteamfromLouanacoupleofyearsago.”
“Where’sthisgoing,Jenna?”Kaneliftedhiscupandsipped.
“Sayitwasn’tLyonsandhisfriendswhorapedChrissie—whatifitwasmembersofarivalteam?Maybetheyfiguredwe’dhaulinLyonsandhisfriendsforChrissie’srape.Whenthatdidn’twork,oneormoreofthemwentpostalanddecidedtokilltheplayers.”
“Uh-huh.”Kanerubbedthebackofhisneck.“IguessifwecouldprovesomeoneelseoverheardLyonsaskingChrissietotheparty,itmightbepossible.WeknowLyonsluresgirlstothehousetorapethemandhasbeendoingsoforsometime.”
Exasperated,Jennastaredathim.“Yeah,you’reprobablyright,I’mjustgrabbingatstraws—andfromwhatLivitoldme,it’snotasecret.Guyslikehim,whohavefatherstomaketheirmistakesgoaway,oftenbragaboutbreakingthelaw,andit’snottoofar-fetchedtobelievetheotherteamsareawareofhisdeviatebehavior.Thinkaboutit.Lyonshasjustscored.He’sfoundaninnocentyounggirlwillingtogotothepartyalone.Doyouhonestlybelievehe’dkeepthenewstohimself?Noway,he’dbecrowingtoeveryoneinvolvedinhisdirtylittlegames.”Shetossedthebangsoutofhereyes.“They’dallbeinontheplan,wouldn’tthey?Anyonecouldhaveoverheardthem.”
“Sowhybleachtheroom?WeknowChrissiewasthere,ithadtobethem.Dukepickedupherscent.”Kaneleanedbackinhischair.“Unlesstheotherplayersdroppedheratthehouseandshestaggeredinsideforhelp.”Hismouthturneddownattheedges.“Lyonsandhisgangaresickenoughtousethesituationtotheiradvantage—likeI’vesaidbefore,rapeisviolence,notsexualgratification.”Hesighed.“Thenthere’sthevehicle.WeknowitbelongstothejanitorandwehavepositiveproofChrissiewasinside.”
“Butwhenwassheinthecar?”Jennastaredatthewhiteboard.“Weknowshewasgivenaridehomeinthesilversedanbutthatdoesn’tproveitwasthesamevehiclethatshewasseengettingintobyLivi.Itwasdarkandshewasn’tsureofthecolor.”Shethrewherhandsintheair.“Wesurehaven’tgottenmuchtogoonuptonow,havewe?”
“YoumentionedchasingdownStein,Jones,andLowe—that’sastart.”Kanefinishedhiscoffee,collectedtheemptybags,andstoodtothrowtheminthetrash.
Jennalookedupathim.“Okay,makeacalltothecollegesecurity;iftheyareoncampus,we’llgoseethem.AndcalltheofficeatthecollegeaswelltofindoutifsomeonehasturnedinChrissie’scellphoneandshoes.I’mgoingtowriteapressreleaseaboutthemissingitemsandhopesomeoneintownhasfoundthem.”Shefrowned.“Imightmentionarewardwithnoquestionsaskedfortheirreturn.Withanyluck,we’llgetabreakinthiscase.”
MomentsafterJennahaddisconnectedfromherlocalmediacontact,hercellphonechimed.SheglancedatthecallerID.ItwasWolfe.“HiShane,doyouhaveanygoodnewsforme?”
“Some.IhavenothingtoaddtomyconclusionofDevon’sdeath.Hisautopsyshowednothingofinterestbutthecranialautopsydidshowahematomabelowthescalp,whichonlymeanshewasaliveaftertheblowtohishead.Soitcouldhaveoccurredduringfootballpractice.”
Jennapushedawaytheawfulmemoryoftheautopsyandclearedherthroat.“Whatabouttheevidencefromthejanitor’svehicle?”
“I’veidentifiedtwooftheforeignhairsinthejanitor’ssedanasbelongingtoJacobsandDevon.”Wolfetookadeepbreath.“JacobscouldhavebeenresponsibleforthebruisesonChrissieLowes’arms;hishandsfit.I’vemadeanimpressionoftheringandcomparedittothemarkonherskin.AndIwasabletoextractasmallamountofDNAfromthering.I’mtestingitnow.IfitcomesbackasamatchforChrissie,we’llknowhewasinvolved.TheDNAtracesIfoundwereblood,caughtaroundthestonesinthering.Hemighthavebeentheonewhohitherandsplitherlip.Thebloodwefoundonthestairsisherbloodtype,andalcoholisinthesample.Itwilltakeafewmoredaysbeforeweknowforsureifit’sChrissie’s.”
AwaveofreliefsweptoverJenna.Atlastsomeheadwayinthecase.“Anythingonthebloodtraceinthecar?”
“Yeah,it’samatchforChrissie’sbloodtype.”Wolfesighed.“IhopetheDNAtestwillprovebeyonddoubtChrissiewasinthehouseandinthejanitor’svehicleaftertherape,butwehavenoevidencetoproveitwasthesamecarshegotintoonSaturdaynight.”
“Thanksforrushingthisthrough.Ireallyappreciateit,Shane.”
“It’smyjobbutIappreciateanegostrokefromtimetotime.”Hechuckled.“I’llwriteupmyreportsandbringthemovertoyouinthemorning.”
ThelinewentdeadandJennasmiled.“I’msureluckytohavesuchagreatteam.”
Shestood,grabbedherjacket,andheadedoutthedoor.ShemetKaneatthefrontcounter.“Anyluckwiththelost-and-found?”
“Nope.”Kanestraightenedfromleaningonthecounter.“Bothitemsaredistinctive,soitdidn’ttaketoolong.Securitywillbelookingoutforthemincasethey’returnedin.”Hehandedherago-cupofcoffee.“Andwe’reinluck,SteinandJonesareinthelibrary,sowecangoandspeaktothemnow.”
“We’llstopbythefeedstoreonthewaybackandspeaktoLowe.”
“Isurehopenothingelsehappenswhilewe’reout.”KaneslidhisStetsononhisheadandmadehiswaytothefrontdoor.“We’regettingsnowedundernow.”
Jennagrimaced.“ThisisBlackRockFalls.Ifit’sgonnahappen,it’sgonnahappenhere.”
THIRTY-TWO
Theskyseemedtogoonforeveraboveamillionpines,andfluffywhitecloudsnestledoverthemountaintopslikecottoncandywigs.Hehadn’tbeenatpeaceforalongtime.Oflate,hismindhadmuddledeventsintostreamsofimagesfrayedattheedgesorincompletelikethefadedcolorofanoldphotograph,butallthishadchangedthefirsttimehe’dlaindownonthecollegeroof.Onhisback,hiddenbetweentwohugeairconditioningunits,thegrittycementwashardagainsthisspineashestaredatthescreenwatchingalivefeedfromthedrone.
Itwaslikewatchingarealityshow,theweirdandentertainingdailylivesofthestudentsandfaculty.Allhadsecretsandstoriestotell.Mostpeopleliedorexaggeratedhappeningsintheirlives.Itwasasiftherewasn’tenoughexcitementintheirhumdrumexistence,sotheyhadtomakeupstoriestoimpresstheirfriends.Thegossipremindedhimofthekids’gamewhereastoryistoldtoonepersonatthebeginningofalineandaskedtopassiton.Bythetimethestoryarrivesatthefinalperson,it’sadifferentstory,withsomanyembellishmentsandadd-onsitdoesn’tcomeclosetothetruth.
He’dcometotheconclusionpeopleactedlikeants,allwithajobtodooraplacetogo.Somesopredictablehecouldsethiswatchtothem.TakeEmilyWolfe,forexample:thissemester,eachafternoonatfour,she’ddrivetotheforest,parkintheparkinglot,andthenrunupthepathalongsidetherapids.Butdidshetaketheswitchbackandcomebackdownlikeeveryoneelse?NotEmily.ShejoggedpastthetopoftherapidsandweavedherwayalonganoldtrailthateventuallyledtothetopofBlackRockFalls—theactualplacethefoundershadusedtonamethecountyandthesprawlingtown.
Oncethereshewouldstandstaringoutacrossthewide-openvista,tothetownspreadingoutwaybelowandthemilesofgrasslandsstretchingintothenextcounty.Afterashortbreak,she’dturnbackaroundandthenheaddownthewindingpathway,pasttheolddilapidatedbridgespanningtheriver,andthenfollowthetraildowntotheparkinglot.
Infact,he’ddiscoveredmanysecretsoflate.Thetinydronehadofferedhimtheopportunitytoeavesdroponjustaboutanyconversation.Ifhedidn’tfindaconvenientwindow,mostpeopleweretoobusycheckingouttheircellphonestonoticehistinymachinehoveringabovetheirheads.HisdronehadbeenclosebywhenEmilyhadtoldWebberabout
Nowhereisniceandsafe,Emily.Nowhere.
THIRTY-THREE
ThenoiseandsmellsofthecollegesurroundedJennaasshefollowedthesecurityguardtothelibrary.ShewaitedwithKaneoutsidethedoorfortheguardtogoandfindStein.SheturnedtoKane.“Isn’titstrangehowthesmellofaplacebringsbacksomanymemories?ThemomentIwalkedinhere,thesmellofbooksandbodyodormademeremember
“Sure.”Kanetookherhandandsqueezed.“I’mhereforyouifyouneedme.Anytime,youknowthat,right?”
Sheturnedandsmiledathim.“Yeah,andit’sgoodtoknow.”Shereluctantlyletgoofhishand,pulledouthercellphone,andsearchedforafile.“We’vegotziponStein.Nopriorsofviolence;afewfightsonhisschoolrecordbuthe’sneverbeenchargedwithanything.”
“HeadmittedtohavingfeelingsforChrissie,sohehasmotive.”Kaneshrugged.“Itdoesn’ttaketoomuchtopushpeopleovertheedge.Gangrapeandthenifhefiguresshecommittedsuicidebecauseofit,it’sonehellofaninducement.”
“Yeah,especiallyasLiviandlikelymostofthewomenlivinginherdormaresayingthat’showshedied.”JennapeeredthroughtheglassdooratStein,headingintheirdirectionwithaconfusedexpression.“He’sonhisway.”Whenhewalkedthroughthedoorandlookedather,sheindicatedtowardthedoorstothegarden.“Canwetalkoutside?”
“Sure.”Steinwalkedbesideher.“HaveyouchargedthemenwhorapedChrissie?”
Jennashookherhead.“Notyet.Hercauseofdeathisinconclusive.”
“So,whatdoyouwantwithme?”Steinlookedperplexed.“Isureashelldidn’thurther.”
“Ididn’tsayyoudid.”Jennalethergazemoveovertheyoungman.Hehadthechiseledmuscularframeofanathlete,yethewasunshavenanddarkcirclesranunderhiseyes.“Youkeepingoodshape.Doyouliftweights,swim?Martialarts?”
“Idotrack,weights,andswimming,andIrunmostafternoons.Yeah,I’vestudiedmartialarts.It’sgoodformyflexibility.”Steingaveasnort.“GoodLord,youthinkI’minvolvedintheaccidentsofAlexJacobsandPeteDevon,don’tyou?”Heshookhishead.“Thosetwoboneheadswouldn’tbeworthmytime.Now,SethLyons…”Hepunchedthepalmofhisotherhand.“I’dliketotakehimapartpiecebypiece,butifIlaidonefingeronhim,hisoldmanwouldhavemeinjailfortentotwenty.I’mnotthatstupid.”
Jennanodded.Hemightbesmartbuthehadn’tconvincedherofhisinnocence.“WherewereyouonTuesdaynight,thedayPeteDevondied?”Shewaitedforareactionbuthisblankexpressionmeanteitherhecouldn’trememberorhewasrememberingjustfineandtryingtocomeupwithanalibi.“Aroundninethirty?”
“I’mnotsure.”Steinscratchedhishead.“Iusuallyspendtimeinthelibraryafterdinner.Icould’vestillbeenthereorinmyroom.I’mnotsure,thingshavebeenabitmuddled”—hetappedhishead—“inheresinceChrissiedied.”
Jennamadeafewnotesthenlookedbackathim.Maybehewastakingherdeathharderthanshe’dthought.“Areyousleeping?”
“What,areyouadoctornow?”Steinsnortedinresentment.“HowdoyoufigureI’msleeping?Myfriendwaspackrapedandthencommittedsuicide.Everyoneknowswhathappened,soI’mnotsurehowyoucameupwithaninconclusiveverdict.HowdoyouthinkIfeelknowingthementhathurtherareouttherelaughingaboutit?”Hetookastepcloser,hisfistsclenched.“YouknowSethLyonsisresponsible,whydon’tyouarresthim?”
“Takeastepback,Mr.Stein.”Jennarestedherhandonherweapon.“Youcanbeassuredwe’redoingeverythinginourpowertofindoutwhoassaultedChrissie.”
“I’vetoldyou.”Stein’sfacecontortedwithrage.“IthastobeSethLyonsandhisfootballbuddies.Nooneelseluredheroutalone.”
“WehavenoproofitwasLyonsbutyoucanbeassuredwe’rehuntingdownsuspects.”KanelaidahandonStein’sshoulder.“Withthreedeathswithinaweek,we’llbeaskingeveryonequestions.We’retrackingpeople’smovements,andrightnow,weneedtoknowwhowasseeninandaroundtheswimmingpoolthenightPeteDevondied.”
“Idon’trememberbeinginthearea.”SteinglaredatKane.“Myroommatemightremember.Whydon’tyouaskhim?HisnameisPaulBrown.He’sinthelibrarystudying.Wantmetogogethim?”
What,andaskhimtogiveyouanalibi?JennaclosedhernotebookandlookedatStein.“No,youwaitherewithDeputyKaneandI’llspeaktohim.”Sheturnedtotheglassdoor.“Where’shesitting?”
“Overbythewindow.”Steinledthewaybackinsideandpointedthroughtheglassdoortoamanwithauburnhair.“BlackT-shirt.”
“Okay,thanks.”Jennawalkedtothedoor,andthesecurityguardwho’daccompaniedthemwenttomeether.“Ihaven’tfinishedwithSteinyetbutIneedtospeaktoPaulBrown.”Shepointedtothemanatthedesk.“Itwillonlytakeaminute.”
Shehurriedovertothemanandloweredhervoicetointroduceherself.SheaskedhimaboutthenightDevondied.“DoyourecallseeingPhilonTuesdaynightaroundninethirty?”
“He’sbeenabitcrazysinceChrissiedied.”Brownrubbedhischin.“Westudiedforawhileafterdinner,wedomostnights,buthesaidheneededsomefreshairandalonetime.IwentbacktoourdormandwatchedTVwithsomeoftheguys.Hecamebackaroundtenthirty.TheshowhadfinishedandIwasheadingbacktoourroomwhenhecameinthroughthefrontdoor.”
ThenextquestionstormedintoJenna’shead.“Washeactingnormal?Washishairwetorperhapshisclothes?”
“NotthatIrecall.Hewaswearingabaseballcap,soIdidn’tseehishair.Heactednormal,Iguess.Ididn’ttakemuchnotice.”Brownfrowned.“SorryIcan’tbemorehelpful.”
Jennastood.“You’vebeenveryhelpful.Thankyou.”Shewalkedtothesecurityguard.“WhenSteinreturns,we’llbereadyforJones.”
OutinthehallwayshewenttoKane’ssideandlookedatStein.ShehopedthatinherabsenceKanehadgottenmoreinformationfromhim.“DoyouremembertakingawalkonTuesdaynightafterstudyingwithPaul?”
“Notreally.”Steinstaredintospace.“Ohyeah,Icameoutofthelibraryandturnedtowardthestadium.I’mnotsurewhereIwent.Ihadalotonmymind.”
“Didyouspeaktoanyoneorseeanyonewhocouldverifyyourwhereabouts?”Kanenarrowedhisgaze.“Don’tyouthinkit’salittlesuspiciousthatapersonyouhadaproblemwithdiedoncampusandyoudon’thaveanalibi?”
“I’dsayI’mnottheonlypersonwhohadabeefwiththoseguys.”SteinstaredbackatKane,nonplussed.“Orwhocan’tprovewheretheywereoncampusatthetimetheydied.MyfriendjustcommittedsuicideandIcan’tstopthinkingaboutherdyingalone.It’seatingmeupinside.So,no,Idon’trememberseeinganyone.Ifthat’snotgoodenough,arrestmeforwhateveryoufigureI’vedone,andwe’llletmylawyersortitout.”
Jennanodded.“Okay,that’sallfornow.Thankyouforyourtime.”
ShewaitedforSteintomakehiswaybackinsidethelibrary.“TheguardisfindingJonesforusnow.Whatdoyouthink?”
“He’sgotmotiveandyoucanseehowdisturbedheisaboutChrissie’sdeath.”Kaneleanedoneshoulderagainstthewall.“Problemiswehaven’tgotmuchtogoon.Ilookedathisfingers:hisnailsareshortandhehaslargehands.IfbothmenwillletWolfemakeacastingoftheirhands,hecouldmatchthemagainstthemarksonDevon’sankles.”
“ItwouldbealongshotandI’mnotsureifit’sadmissibleincourt.Evenbitemarksareinadmissiblenow.”Jennanodded.“Justaminute,I’llcatchupwithSteinandaskhim.Ifhe’sgotnothingtohide,he’llcooperate.”Shepushedthroughthelibrarydoor.
IttookafewsecondstocatchuptoStein.Shebeckonedhimawayfromtheotherstudentsandkepthervoicetoawhisper.“Wouldyoubewillingtogivethemedicalexamineranimprintofyourfingers?”
“Why?”Steinfrowneddownather.
Jennaliftedherchin.“Toremoveyoufrommylistofpossiblesuspectsinahomicide.”
“YousayingsomeonemurderedChrissie?”Hiseyesdarkened.“Ilovedher.I’dneverhurther.”
“No,notChrissie.”JennahadnochoicebuttorevealWolfe’sfindings.“TheMEhasreasontobelievesomeonewasinvolvedinPeteDevon’sdeath.”
“Involvedhow?”Stein’seyesnarrowed.
Jennastraightenedandstaredhimstraightintheeyes.“It’sanongoinginvestigation.”
“Okay.”Steinshrugged.“I’llgiveyoumynumber—callmeandsetatime.”Hebentovertolookdeepintohereyes.“Trustme,ifI’dwantedtokillPete,I’dhavepickedsomethingmorepainful.Drowningwould’vebeentooeasyforthatSOB.”
Unsettledbyhisencroachmentintoherprivatespace,shetookdownhisnumberandsteppedaway.“Thankyouforyourtime.”
Shehurriedbacktothehallway.JoneswasalreadywithKane.Hisfaceshowedtheaftereffectsofthefightonthemountaintrailandhisfallintotherapids.Shemovedclosertolisten.
“No,Idon’tlikeCoach.”Jonesshookhishead.“Allhethinksaboutiswinning.Hedoesn’tconsiderthehealthoftheplayers.TakePeteDevon,forexample.Insteadofmakinghimdolapsinthepooleverynight,heshould’vegottenhimtothephysioforultrasoundtreatment.Themanisasadist.”Heindicatedtohisface.“Lookatme,Ihadapossibleconcussionafterthetripdowntherapidsandhestillhadmeouttraining.Theman’sanidiot.”
“So,youwereawareDevonwouldbeatthepool?”Kanemadenotesandactedasifspeakingtohimwasachore.“Didyouseehimthere,thenighthedied?”
“Nope.”JonesliftedhisgazetoJenna.“Ma’am.Youwantedtospeakwithme?”
Jennawavedahandtowardthegarden.“Wouldyouprefertospeakoutside?”
“Here’sjustfine.”Jonesrolledhismuscularshoulders.“Who’smadeacomplaintagainstmethistime?Lyonsagain?”
Jennatookinhisarrogantposeandself-assuredstance.“Ihaven’treceivedanycomplaints,Mr.Jones.”Sheunfoldedhernotebook.“YouwerespeakingaboutPeteDevonwhenIarrived.Whendidyoulastseehim?”
“Attherapids.”Jonesgrimaced.“Wedon’tmoveinthesamecircles.I’mstudyingengineeringandlet’ssayhisambitiondoesn’tgotogreatheights.”
“Isee.”Jennaglancedathishands.“Wouldyoubewillingtohaveanimpressionmadeofyourfingersbythemedicalexaminer?”Shelookedupathim.“We’reusingtheinformationtoclearpeoplewhoknewDevonfromhispossiblehomicide.”
“Sure.”Joneschuckled.“Iwouldn’thavedrownedhim.I’dhavestrangledthelyingpieceofcrap.”Hisexpressionturnedtogrimashelookedather.“HimandtherestofLyons’followers.”
“Really?”Kanestraightenedfromleaningagainstthewall.“We’vetwopotentialhomicidesandyou’veadmittedbeforetwolawofficerstowantingtokillthem.Doweassumethisisanadmissionofguilt?”
“Nope.”Jonesfrowned.“It’sastatementoftruth.Incaseyou’vebeenlivinginadreamworld,it’scommonknowledgearoundherethatLyonsandhisfriendshavenorespectforwomen.”HelookedstraightatKane.“IexplainedthereasontoDeputyKanethelasttimewespokeandI’mnotdiscussingitagain.”
AwarethatJones’sangerwasescalatingatanalarmingpace,Jennaloweredhervoicetocalmhim.“DidthefightattherapidshaveanythingtodowithChrissieLowe’ssuicide?”
“Nope.”Joneslookedaway.“Lyonsandhisfriendsweremakingremarksaboutsomeofthegirlsrunningupthereisall.”Heshrugged.“Thingslike‘getthatfatassmoving’or‘greatlegs,shameabouttheface.’Itoldthemtoshutupandtheytookitrealpersonal.”Hesnorted.“I’dhavegotteninafewpunchesbutCourthadmebythearms.”HelookedsheepishlyatJenna.“ThanksforhelpingDeputyKanetosaveme.”
Jennanodded.“It’sallpartofmyjob.”Sheclearedherthroatandtookachance.“So,yourmartialartsdidn’thelptoomuchwiththethreeofthem?”
“Obviously.”Jonespointedtohisface.“DylanCourtgrabbedmefrombehindandDevonandLyonshadgottenacoupleofpunchesinbeforeIhadtimetoreact.Ifiguretheyplannedthewholething.”
Soheknowsmartialartsaswell.Interesting.“DidLyonspushyouoverthefalls?”
“LikeIsaidbefore,I’mnotsure,butoneofthemdid.”Jonessnorted.“Ididn’tjumpintotherapidsforfun.”
“That’sashame,wecouldhavechargedoneofthemforattemptedmurder.”Jennamethisangrygaze.“Movingon,canyourememberwhereyouwerebetween,say,eightthirtyandeleventhenightDevondied?”
“Hmm.Iwentforadriveintotown,collectedsometakeoutfromAuntBetty’sCafé.Icamebackhereandstudied.ThesecurityguardaskedmeifIwantedthelibraryleftopenaroundeleven,Iguess.Ihadtraininginthemorning,soIleftandwenttomydorm.”
He’dmentionedtimesandplacesthatcouldbeeasilychecked.Jennafoldedhernotebookandsmiled.“Ithinkthat’sallfornow.Ifyou’llgiveDeputyKaneyournumber,we’llbeintouchtoarrangethatimpressionofyourfingers.”
“Sure.”Jonesgaveouthisdetailsthenheadedbackinsidethelibrary.
Jennasighed.“Hmm,I’mnottoosureabouthim,andSteinreallyunnervedmebefore.Foraguywhoactsgentle,hetriedthestand-overtacticwithme.”
“AndJonesisvolatile.”Kanepushedhisnotebookinsidehispocket.“ItwillbeinterestingtoseeifeitherofthemmatchesthefingernailmarksonDevon’slegs.Onething’sforsure:they’rebothstrongenoughtobethekillerofJacobsandDevon.”
Jennaledthewaybacktothecollegeentrance.“Theyarebothmorethancapableofkillingbothmen,theybothhavemotives,andneitherhasasolidalibifortheTOD.”Shesighed.“We’llseeifanyoneremembersseeingJonesatAuntBetty’s,butwiththevisitorsintownfortheFallFestival,thechanceswillbeslim.”
“AsRowleyhasn’tcalled,I’dsayhehasn’tfoundanystandoutenemiesoftheteamorthecoach,andnoonehascalledinaboutChrissie’smissingitems.”Kaneslippedintostepbesideher.“WeneedtoknowifWaltershashunteddownthedesignofJacobs’ring.ItwouldbeaproblemifeveryonelivinginLyons’houseownsone.”
Jennafrowned.“I’llcallWaltersandfindout.Thenwe’lltalktoLowe.”Sheglancedatherwatch.“Itwillbegettinglatebythen,sowe’llleaveRowleytocloseup.IfigureaswehavetodropbyAuntBetty’s,wemightaswellstopforanearlydinner.”
“Thatsoundslikeaplan.”Kanegrinnedatherandrubbedhisbelly.“Thursday’searly-birdspecialisbisonshortribs,mashedpotatoes,andbutteredcarrots.”
Jennacouldn’tstopsmilingatKane’sexpressionofabsolutebliss.“Thatgood,huh?”
“Oh,yeah.”
THIRTY-FOUR
KaneeasedhistruckintoaspacebehindthefeedstoreandglancedoveratJenna.“Iguesswetreadeasywiththisguyashe’sjustlostarelative.”
“Youtakethelead,I’lltakenotes.”Jennarubbedherforehead.“I’veaheadachestraightfromhell.”
“Sure.”Heslidfrombehindthewheelandheadedtowardthebackofthestore.
Thedoorresembledtheentrancetoabarn.Ithadarampupintothemainstoreandroll-downshuttersoverawideentrance.Thesmellscomingfromthefeedstorehadtheirownuniqueflavor.He’drecognizeafeedstoreblindfoldedbythemixtureofhayandponypelletswithadashofleather.Chaffandhaylitteredtheparkinglot,makingpatternsinthedustasthewindmovedthemindifferentdirections.Allaroundhim,menmovedbackandforth.Thenextmomentaforkliftzoomeddownarampcarryingbalesofhay.Soonafteratallmanwithabuzzcutanddarkstubble,wearingbluejeansandaplaidshirt,carriedasackoffeedouttoatruckanddumpeditintheback.
KanesidesteppedahuntingdogcurledasleepamongthecommotionandlookedatJenna.“Busyplace.”
“Lookingforanyoneinparticular,Sheriff?”Plaidshirtheadedtowardthem.
“Yeah.”Jennalookedtowardtheopenspaceintothestore.“SteveLowe.”
“Thenyou’vefoundhim.”TheyoungmansmiledatJenna.“Needtochangethefeedorderforyourranch?”
“Notthistime.”Jennasighed.“We’resorryforyourloss.”
“IamtoobutIfigureyou’vegotsomethingelseonyourmind.”LoweflickedaglanceatKane.“Whatelsehashappened?IsitJack?”
Kanesteppedforward.“No,hisstatusisstillunchanged.WecametoaskyouafewquestionsaboutChrissie.Isthereanywhereprivatewecantalk?”
“There’saroomoutback.”Loweheadeduptheramp,pastthesacksofvariousfeeds,saltlicks,andbarrelsofmolasses,toaroom.“Inhere.Weuseitforbreaks.”
KanefollowedhiminsidewithJennaonhisheels.Theroomwassparse,containingatablewithchairs,arefrigerator,acoffeepotonabench,andasink.
“Okay,what’stheproblem?”Loweleanedagainstthebenchandturnedtolookatthemwithaworriedexpression.
Kanepulledoutachair.“Whydon’twetakeaseat?”
“Sure.”Loweglancedatthedoor.“Butcanwemakethisquick?Mygrandpawillbebacksoonandhedon’tlikeunofficialbreaks.”
“DidChrissiemakecontactwithyouthedayshedied?”Kanewaitedforareaction.“DidshesendyouamessagelateSaturdaynight?”
“No,butIdidseeheroncampusonFridayaroundsix.”Loweleanedbackinhisseat.“Shedidn’tseemsuicidaltome.”
Kane’sinterestpiquedatthementionofthecollege.“Whywereyouoncampus?”
“Iworkherepartofthetime.”Loweraisedaneyebrow.“Iattendclassesatthecollegeandtakeafewnightclassesaswell.Where’sthisheading?”
Kanesmiled.“It’sjustroutinequestions.We’relookingforwitnessesoncertaindays.Whenareyouusuallyatthecollegeandatwhattimes?”
“Mostmornings,andItakenightclassesthreetimesaweek:Monday,Tuesday,andFriday.I’mstudyingbusinessmanagement.I’mplanningontakingoverthestorewhenmygrandparetires.”Lowedrummedhisfingertipsonthetableinanagitatedmanner.“Iusuallyhavedinneratthecafeteriatocatchupwithfriends.Classesgotoabouteightthirty.”
Thetimeframefitbutthemanbeforehimhadvolunteeredtheinformationalittletooeasily.“Youalwaysleavearoundeightthirty?”
“No.”Lowespreadhishands.“Therearesomenicegirlsinmyclasses;sometimesIstaylaterandwehavecoffeeandchat.”
“Isee.”Kanenodded.“Didyouusethegymorpoolthisweek?”
“Nope.”LoweglancedatJennaandthenmovedhisgazebacktoKane.“I’mliftingheavyweightsmostdays,andI’musuallytuckeredoutbythen.”
Kanenotedtheman’swell-muscledframe.Hewasthethirdmanthey’dinterviewedwhowaswellcapableofkillingJacobsandDevon.“DoyouknowAlexJacobsorPeteDevon?”
“Iknowwhotheyarebutthey’renofriendsofmine.”Lowesnorted.“Theirfriendsareallfrommoney.”
“Didyouseethematalloncampus,MondayorTuesdayevening?”
“Maybe.OnMonday,someoftheteamgotoffabusasIwalkedpast.Thosetwoshould’vebeenwiththembutIcouldn’tsweartoit.”Lowesighed.“Tuesday,Idon’trecallseeingthem.”
Kanenotedtherepressedagitationcomingfromthisman.Heneededafewmoreanswers.“WereyouinthevicinityofthepoolandgymonMondayorTuesdayevening?”
“Yeah.Iwalkpasttheretogettomytruck.”Lowenarrowedhiseyestonearslits.“Whatisallthisabout?”
Sometimesbluffingasuspectworkedwonders.Kaneclearedhisthroat.“We’retryingtoidentifythepeopleontheCCTVfootagecollectedonthenightAlexJacobsaccidentallydiedasweneedtoestablishhistimeofdeath.We’respeakingtopeoplewhomayhaveseenhimarriveatthebuilding.”
“Isee.”Loweshrugged.“Idon’trememberseeingeitherofthosefootballplayers.Oranyoneinparticular.”
“Doyourememberthenamesofthegirlsyouhadcoffeewithonthosenights?”Kanerestedhishandsflatonthetable.“Theymightrecallwhattimeyouwentbacktoyourvehicle.”
“Yeah,onegirl,Stella.”Lowepulledouthiscellphone.“I’llgiveyouhernumberandyoucancallher.”HereadoutthenumberandJennatookitdownthenstoodandwalkedoutoftheroom.
Kaneneededtoknowonemorething.“DoyouknowthenameofthemanChrissiewasmeetingthenightshedied?”
“Yeah.”Lowegrimaced.“SethLyons,theTeflonquarterback.Ifhe’stheonewhorapedher,you’llnevermakeitstick.Hisfatherwillbuyhimoutoftrouble,sameasallthosedogslivinginthehouseonPine.”
Kanepushedtohisfeet.“Nooneisabovethelaw.IfLyonsisresponsibleforrapingChrissie,we’llchargehim.”
“Goodluckwiththat.”Lowestood.“Arewedonehere?I’vegottagetbacktowork.”
“Yeah,fornow.”Kanehandedhimhiscard.“IfyourememberanythingthatmightassistusinchasingdownthemenwhohurtChrissie,givemeacall.”
“Sure.”Lowepushedthecardintohistoppocket.
KaneheadedforthedoorandmetJennaoutsideathistruck.“DidyoucallStella?”
“Yeah,andshesaysLoweleftaroundnine,ninethirty,whichputshiminthevicinityofbothcrimescenesaroundthetimetheCCTVcameraswentout.”Shesighed.“Threesuspectsandnotonesolidshredofevidencetopinamurderonanyofthem.”
Kaneopenedthedoorofhistruck.“Thenwe’llhavetolookharder.”
“Ifigureweneedtoexpandournetandlookclosertohome.”Jennastaredintothedistance,thinking.“Maybestartlookingattheguyslivinginthehouse.Wedon’tknowwhathappensbehindcloseddoors.Astudents’halllikeLyonsrunshasrules,andbreakingtheruleshasrepercussions.Weknowheencouragesrape,somaybeheusesmurderasapunishmentaswell.”
THIRTY-FIVE
AsheclimbedoutofhisvehicleandranupthestepsofLyons’house,themingledsmellsofbeerandweeddriftedoutthedoorlikealivingentity,catchingtheslightbreezeandwhiskingaway.AcoldchillraisedthehairsonhisarmsasiftheghostsofJacobsandDevonhadpassedstraightthroughhim.HeraisedhisvoicesoCourtcouldhearhimovertheloudmusic.“Don’twanderoff.Ihavesomethingtoshowyou.”
“Sure.”Courtbarkedalaugh.“I’mnotgoinganywherebutIhavetogodowntothecellarlater.”
“Okay.”Heshrugged.
HepeeredaroundCourt’slargeframe,scanningtheimmediatearea.Thelightsinsideweredimandguysstoodintwosorthreestalking.Hefiguredthatmaybetenortwelvepeoplehadshowed.
“Wereyouexpectingsomeone?”
“Yeah.”Court’smouthturneddown.“ItlookslikethefreshmanIaskedtocomebyisano-show.Dammit,weneedsomethingtotakeourmindsoffwhat’shappened.”
“ImightbeabletoeaseyourpainalittlewhenIshowyouwhatIhave.”Hemotionedtoaquietcornerandtheymovedaway.“Noteverythinghappenshere.”
HeglancedoverCourt’sshouldertoseeWebberdeepinconversationwithJoshStevens.Heopenedonehandtodisplayacoupleofloadedsyringes.“I’llneedtohidethese.”HepushedthedrugsbackinsidehisjacketpocketandthentookouthiscellphoneandwiggleditinfrontofCourt’seyes.“Thisgirlisrealhot.”Hewethislips.“Lastweek,Alexandmetookherouttoanoldbarnandtiedherdown—butifyou’retoosqueamish…”
“Youtiedherdown?”Court’sexpressionturnedfromworriedtointerested.“Okay,givemeataste.”
Droppinghisvoiceandmovingcloser,heopenedthefileandthenglancedaround.“Thisvidwillblowyourmindbutit’srealnoisy.”Hewavedahandattheothersintheroom.“I’mnotshowingthistoeveryone—notyetanyway.I’llcomeandfindyouinabit.”
“Sure.”
THIRTY-SIX
ColtWebberturnedtofacethedoor,leanedhisbackagainstthewallbesidethefireplace,andlistenedtoJoshStevenstalkingabouthistruck.ThemomentLyonswalkedintotheroom,StevensmeltedintothecrowdandLyonstookhisplaceasifthey’dplannedtokeephimintheirsightsallnight.Thethoughtunnervedhim;ifLyonstookitintohisheadtodraghimintothecellarandmurderhim,hewouldn’tstandachance.Witheffort,hekepthisexpressionneutralasLyonswentonandonaboutthetrilliongameshe’dplayedandwonbecausehewassogreat.Intruth,Lyonsdidhavetalentasacollegequarterback,buttomakeittothebigtimewassomethinghisdaddycouldn’tbuyforhim.HewonderedhowmanyotherbuddingquarterbackshadsatonthebenchforyearshopingSethLyonswouldbreakaleg.
“Whyareyoustaringatthedoor?”LyonsturnedandfollowedColt’slineofsightandthenturnedback.“Waitingforsomeone?Ah,don’ttellme,youinvitedEmilyalong?”
“Nah,butIhopedyou’dhaveliveduptoyourreputationandorganizedsomeentertainment.”Coltsnorted.“Emilywouldn’tcome.Shefinishesclassesandthenjogseveryafternoonbeforeheadinghome.Apparentlyshelosthermomsometimeagoandhelpswiththeotherkids.”
“Hmm,shame,butshemustgetsomedowntime.”Lyonspuffedoutasigh.“Ihaven’tgottencloseenoughtospeaktoheryetbutI’mworkingonit.”Hegrinned.“I’minclinedtomeetupwithherthisFriday.”
Colt’sstomachcrampedattheideaofhimaloneintheforestwithEmily.“Ithinkyou’rewastingyourtime.Itriedtogetclosebutsheshutmedown.Shemadeitclearshe’snotinterestedingettinginvolvedwithanyoneuntilshe’sthroughcollege.”
“Well,shehasn’tcomeupagainsttheLyonscharmyet.Actually,Dylanplannedsomeentertainmentfortonightbutthegirlheinvitedisano-show.Igathersheinsistedondrivingherselftoo,whichisanotherstrikeagainsthim.Heshouldknowbetter,butIguesshedidn’thaveachoice.”Lyonsshookhishead.“Iliketogetoneoftheguystogivethemaridehere.Thentheygetofferedadrinkalongtheway,andbythetimetheyarrive,they’restartingtomellow.”Herolledhisshoulders.“Idon’thavetimetosweet-talkthem.TheyknowwhyI’veaskedthemhere.”
Coltfrowned.“Dothey?Youonlyinvitethemhereforsex?”
“Yeah.”Lyonssippedhisbeer.“Ihaveagirlbackhome,we’reengaged.Whenwemarry,we’lljointwocompaniestogether.”
Colthadnoideasucharchaicpracticeshappenedanymore.“Youmeanit’sanarrangedmarriage?”
“Kinda.”Lyonsshrugged.“Idon’tloveherifthat’swhatyoumean,butshe’soldmoney.ShelooksokayandI’llhavemyownlife.Oncesheproducesacoupleofheirs,shecantakealoverifshewants.We’vediscussedeverythingandshe’sdownwithit.”
“Nicedeal.”Coltgrinned.“Oneofthebenefitsofbeingonthefootballteamisthewomen.Man,IgotlaidnightlythelasttimeIplayed,andI’vereallymissedbeingontheteam.Weknewhowtoparty,ifyouknowwhatImean?”Hescannedtheroomagain,noticingCourtusheringaguythroughadoorattheendofthehallway.
“Ifigurewedotoo.”Lyonstippedhisheadtoonesideasifexamininghim.“Butmostguysarejusttalk.”Hesnorted.“Areyoujusttalk,Colt?”
“Needproof,huh?”Coltpulledouthiscellphone,gladKanehadmovedafewconfiscatedimagesfrompastcrimesintohisfiles.HewavedhisscreeninfrontofLyons’eyesthenpulleditback.“StillfigureI’mtalkingshit?”
“IsomehowknewyouandIwouldfittogether.”Lyonssmiled.“You’rewhatweneedontheteam—amanaftermyownheart.”
ColtcontinuedthetalkaboutwomenwithLyonstodiscoverifLyonsandhisfriendscouldbetheserialrapistswho’dattackedChrissieLowe.Phrasinghisquestionswithoutcausingsuspicionwouldn’tbeeasy.Hedovein,hopinghehadn’tpushedhislucktoofar.“Ican’tbelieveIcamethisclosetosharingthegirlyouinvitedlastweek.”Heheldhisthumbandforefingeraninchapart.
“There’llbemore.”Lyonsshrugged.“I’llasktheguysiftheywantyoutojoinin.We’llneedtobecareful.”Hegavehimalonglook.“Everythingthathappensherestayshere.”
Coltfrowned.“Thewomenagreetoparty,don’tthey?”
“You’veneverheardacomplaint,haveyou?”AslowsmilecreptoverLyons’face.“Yeah,theyliketopartywithusandcomebackformore.Thefreshmeninparticularcomeacrossallsweetandinnocent,andoncetheyhaveafewdrinkstheyturnintonymphomaniacs.Theguysaremorethanhappytooblige.”
ColttookalongdrinkthenmetLyons’gaze.“Theyalsotendtochangetheirmindsoncethey’resober.It’shardtobelievenoneofthemhavecomplained.”
“That’sbecauseIhaveinsurance.”Lyonschuckledandpulledacellphoneoutofhispocket.Coltnoticeditwasacheapburnerandnottheoneheusuallycarried.“I’llshowyouafewimagesbutwehavealibraryoftheseandthey’rewell-hidden.Noonecouldfindthem,andifanyonewenttothecopsandcomplained,Ihaveafewcutversionstoshowthem.ThewayI’veeditedthem,theyprovethegirlswereintoeverythingwedidtothem.”Heopenedthefileandpassedhimthecellphone.“Takealookforyourself.”
AwaveofdisgusthithimlikeatsunamiatthesightofChrissieLoweinindecentposes.Hezoomedinonherface.Herhoodedeyelidshadn’tdisguisedherhuge,dilatedpupilsandtheblank,slackexpressiontoldhimshewasbarelyconsciousifatall.Hekepthiseyesloweredasiftakingintheimagesandtriedtocontrolhisrage.He’dblowhiscoverforsureifhewasn’tcareful.HowhehandledhisresponsenowwascrucialtocatchingthisSOB.Hetookadeepbreathandletitoutslowly.“Ohman,thisishot.Everhadtwoatthesametime?”Heforcedachuckle.“Nowthatwouldbefun.”
“Ohyeah,andwe’vegotvideostoo.”ItwasaboastandnowLyons’eyesweredancingwithdelight.“Althoughwatchingrerunsisaturn-on,it’snothinglikebeingthere.”
Coltwentinforthekill.“When’sthenextparty?”
“Hmm.”Lyonsshrugged.“I’mnotsure,maybeSaturday.Theguysneedtocomedownfromthegame.I’llseewhatIcanarrangebutI’mgoingtohaveEmilyonewayoranother.Ican’tresistachallengeandIalwayswin.”Hegavehimalonglook.“Ifyouwanttoearnyourwayintoourgroup,you’llhavetohookupwithagirlafterthegame.Iftheguysknowyou’vesuppliedoneofthem,they’llagreetoyoujoiningus.”Hismouthraisedatthecorners.“Look,I’llmakeiteasyforyou.Ifweworktogether,thegirlswon’tbeabletoresist,andthey’llbelievethere’ssafetyinnumbers.Don’tworry,theguyscaneasilyhandlethreeatonce.”
Woah,thisplanisgoingwaytoofast.Coltfrowned.“Sure,butthree,isn’tthatrisky?”
“Nah.”Lyonschuckled.“Don’tworry,themomentthejethitstheirsystems,they’llbedemandingtogetlaid.”
Coltwishedhe’dbeenwearingawire.TheconfessionthatLyonsusedadate-rapedrugonhisvictimswasalltheproofheneeded.Dammit,everythinghesaystomeishearsay.He’drecognizedthestreetnameforketamine,adate-rapedrug,andforcedasmile.“Countmein.”
“We’llsee,myeagerfriend.”Lyonschuckled.“Waithereandchatwithsomeoftheguys.”Hemotionedtoagroupofmenchattingcloseby.“Ineedtousethejohn.”Hestrolledtowardthehallway.
Surrounded,Colthadtheweirdestsensationofdrowning.Themen’sfacesallhadthesamesuspiciousexpressionandlookedathim,sayingnothingasifhe’dbecometheenemy.ItwasobviousLyonsdidn’tfullytrusthimyetifhehadtorunhispresencepasthisboys.Heglancedcasuallyathistrackerringandcalculatedhowfastbackupwouldarriveiftheydecidedtokillhim.Notfastenough.
THIRTY-SEVEN
DylanCourtusedhiskeytoopenthedoortothecellar.Heglancedaround,makingsurenoonehadfollowedthem.“I’llgetthelight.Ineedtostashmyflashdriveinthesafe.”Hesteppedinsidetheroomandflickedtheswitchtoturnonthelights.
“SomethingIgottaknow.”Hisfriendpausedinthedoorway.“Whereelsehaveyoubeenkeepingyourcopies?”
“Nowhere,onlyinthesafe.”Court’sgazeslidaroundtheroom.Big,comfortablesofassurroundedagiganticflat-screen,anditseemedeverytimehecamedownherehefoundanotherluxury.Thefullystockedbarandcoffeemachinewerenewadditionstotheirspecialroom.Hewalkedtowardaframedpictureoftheteam,pressedabuttonhiddenunderthemantel,andthepictureflippedbacktorevealasafe.“See,I’lllockitaway,safeandsound.Ijustneededtoaddafewthings.”
“That’sgood.”HisfriendpulledouthiscellphoneandofferedCourtafewsecondsofvideo.“ThisiswhatIhave—likeit?”
Courthadneverseenanythingsoprofessionalfilmedonaphone.“Man,that’salmostpornoquality.”Helookedintohisfriend’seyes.“Canweputituponthescreen?”
“Later.Iwanttoseewhatyou’rehidingonyourflashdrivefirst.”Hisgazebecameintense.“Givemealook.”Hewavedhiscell.“AndI’lldownloadacopyofthisrightnow,foryourpersonalcollection.”
Unabletoresistthechancetoseetherestofthefootage,Courtdoveintothesafeandfoundhisflashdrive.Heledthewaytoadeskatthebackoftheroom,bootedupthecomputer,enteredhispassword,andtheninsertedthedrive.“There,nowcanIseethedamnvideo?”
“Thanks,I’lltransferthefilesnow.”Hisfriendsmiledathim.“ItwillgiveyousomethingtodowhileIlookatthese.”
Momentslater,Court’scellphonechimedwithamessage.Hewaitedforthefiletodownloadthendroppedontothesofatoplaythefiles.Engrossed,hedidn’tnoticehisfrienduntilthesofadippedashesatbesidehim.Hepausedtheclip,slightlyannoyedatbeingdisturbed,turned,andlookedstraightintothemuzzleofagun.“W-whattheheck?”
“Pushupyoursleeve,theleftone.”Hisfriend’sexpressionhadhardenedtogranite.“That’sright.Nowtaketherubbertubingandtieitaroundyourarm.Iwannaseethoseveinspopping.Thenusethesyringe.”Henudgedhimwiththecoldmuzzleofthegun.“Youknowhowtodoit,don’tyou,Dylan?”
Courtstaredatthetwosyringes.“Whatisit?”
“Somethingjustforyou.”Theman’slipscurledinasinistersmile.“You’llenjoytheride.Youshouldthankme.”HejammedthemuzzleharderintoCourt’stemple.“Hurryup,Idon’thavemuchtime.”
Panicmadehishandsshakebuthetooktherubbertubing,tieditaroundhisarmusinghisteethtoassisthim,andthenpulledittight.“Youknowthiswillshowuponadrugtest?I’llbeofftheteamforsure.”Courtpressedtheneedleintohisvein.“Isthatwhatyouwant?”
“Yeah.”Hisvoicehadbecomealowgrowl.“Doit.”
Themomentthedrughithisvein,Courtbecamedrowsy.Itwasagoodfeeling,likefloatingaway.Hecoulddealwithbeinghigh.Itwasn’tthefirsttime.Atleasthewouldn’tremembermuchabouthisordeal,andhe’dbeensmartandonlysqueezedasmallamountintohisarm.He’dbeawakeinanhourorso,andoncehetoldSethwhathadhappened,they’dmakethisSOBpayforwhathe’ddone.Thenextmoment,leather-coveredfingersclosedaroundhishandandarushofcoldliquidshotupinsidehisarm.Thehighdosewouldkillhimifhedidn’tgethelp.Sheerterrorhadhimbythethroat.I’mgoingtodie.
Disorientedandtrembling,heforcedhisheavyeyelidsopenandstaredatthesyringehangingoutofhisarm.Hisfriendwaslooseningtherubberbandbuthadn’tremoveditandwatchedhimwithdark,stone-coldeyes.Hewantedtosaysomething,pleadforhislife,buthismouthwentslackandhecouldn’tspeak.Hisheartpoundedandthenslowed,missingbeatsasiffightingtopumpthebloodthroughhisveins.Sweatpouredintohiseyes,stingingbutnotforlong.Asheslippedintooblivion,heheardhimemptyingthesafe.Theroomplungedintodarknessandthelastsoundhemadeoutwasthedoorclickingshutashiskillerlefthimalonetodie.
THIRTY-EIGHTFRIDAY
Itwasgoingtobeoneofthosedays.Jennacouldfeelitinherbones.Dashingtotheofficewithoutstoppingforbreakfastwasaffectingherthoughtprocesses.Shestaredatthewhiteboardandshookherhead.Theyhadmadelittleheadwayonanyofthecasesandthereportsshe’dorderedhadnotarrived.WhenRowleyknockedonherofficedoor,shewavedhimin.“Haveyoufoundanythingwecanuse?”
“Notspecifically,no,I’mafraid,ma’am.”Rowleydashedahandthroughhisunrulycurlsandsighed.“Seemsjustabouteverymanandhisdoghasabeefagainstthecollegefootballcoach.Hehasastringofcomplaintsagainsthimfromotherteams,andplayerswhohebenchedovertheyearsarealloutforhisblood.”
BaffledbyRowley’sinformation,sheclearedherthroat.“Howtheheckdoeshekeephisjob?”
“Iguessbecauseeveryteamhecoacheswins.”Rowleyfrowned.“It’sallaboutreputation,ma’am.Thecollegeholdsfootballinthehighestesteem.Yousee,BlackRockFallsisoneofthefirstplacesthescoutscomelookingforsuitableplayersfortheNFL.”Hesmiledather.“That’swhywegetkidsfromalloverwantingtojointheteam.”
Jennanodded.“Okay,sowecouldhaveadisgruntledparent,ex-player,oranynumberofpeopleintentondestroyingtheteam?”ShesighedatRowley’sapologeticshrug.“Nooneinparticular?Orhavetherebeenanyrecentthreats?”
“YeahbutIspentmostoflastnightandthismorningchasingdowneveryoneinvolvedandnoneofthemcameanywherenearherearoundthetimeJacobsorDevondied.Anotherthing:Wolfecalledandsaidthecastsofthesuspects’handswereinconclusive.Hecouldn’tproveeitherofthesuspects’nailsmadethemarksonDevon’sankles.”Rowleymethergaze.“I’vemorebadnews.”
Jenna’sstomachdropped.“Okay,giveittome.”
“WalterschaseddownthedesignofJacobs’ring.”Rowleyfrowned.“TheteammadeittotheNationalChampionshipslastyearandalltheplayersontheteamhaveone.”Hefrowned.“WhichmeanseveryresidentofLyons’house,withtheexceptionoftheguywithepilepsy.He’sthebrotherofSethLyons’fiancée,sohelivesinthehouse.”
Astonished,Jennastaredathim.“Lyonshasafiancée?”
“Seemsso.”Rowleyshookhishead.“Notforlong,Iguess,onceshefindsoutwhathe’sbeendoing.”
“Unlesssheplansonvisitinghiminjail.”Jennarolledhereyes.“IhopeKanehasfoundsomethingorwe’rebacktosquareone.”
“DidIhearmyname?”Kanehungintheopendoorway,handsonbothsidesofthedoorframe,hisjackethangingopenlikethewingsofabat.
Jennasmiledathim.“Youdid.HaveyoucheckedJones’salibi?”
“Yeah.”KanenudgedDukeintotheroom.“Givemeasecond,I’veleftsometakeoutinthetruck.”HeglancedatRowley.“Wannagivemeahand?”
“Sure.”Rowleyfollowedhimoutthedoor.
Jennastaredafterthem.ShesomehowknewKanewouldcomebackfromAuntBetty’sCaféladenwithfoodforbreakfast.Afewmomentslater,theyreappearedcarryingtakeoutbagsandgo-cupsofcoffee.“Okay,sitdownandtellmewhatyou’vefound.”
“Joneswasinthelibrary,andsinceAuntBetty’sinstalledaCCTVsystem,Iwasabletolookoverthetapes.Hediddropbyforaburgerateightthirty,butIspoketocollegesecurity,andtheyhavehimscannedbackinthelibraryatten.HehadplentyoftimetoeatandthengokillDevon.”
Jennastoodandaddedtheinformationtothewhiteboard.“Hmm,seemsalloursuspectswentmissingaroundthetimeofDevon’sdeath.”SheglancedatKane.“IfSteinwentforawalk,wouldhebepickeduponanyotherCCTVcameras?”
“Notlikely.”Rowleyfrowned.“They’reintheparkinglotandaroundtheentrancesmainly.YoumightbeabletopinpointthetimeJonesarrivedbackoncampusandwhenLoweleft.”
“Alreadylooked.”Kanesippedhiscoffee.“WhenJonesarrivedatnine,hewalkedoutoftheparkinglotandwasn’tcarryinganything.Ifigureheatehisburgerinthevehicle.Icouldn’tpickhimupanywherenearthepoolbecause,asyouknow,theCCTVcamerasweredown.”Heshrugged.“Loweleftatninefifty,sohehadtimeaswell.”
“Okay,soJonesarrivedbackatnineandwasn’tseenagainuntiltenatthelibrary.Fromthescannerrecords,SteinandJonesarrivedatthelibraryatten.Howstrange.”JennashotaglanceatKane.“Youdon’tthinkthey’rebothinvolvedintheseaccidents,doyou?”
“It’spossible.”Kaneshrugged.“Theybothhavedifferentmotivesbutcouldbeworkingtogether.”Heputdownhiscupandfrowned.“OnethingaboutJacobs’deathstillbothersmeandit’sbeenmentionedbefore.BothJonesandSteinarguedwithhimrecently;sureashellJacobswouldn’ttrusteitherofthemtospothimliftingthatamountofweight.”HemetJenna’sgaze.“Devon,maybe.Iftheybothjumpedinthepool,grabbedalegeach,andhauledhimunderthewater…butstandingoverJacobswhenhewasthatvulnerable?Nah,noway.”
“WhataboutLowe?”Rowleywasscanningthecasefile.“Doesheusethegym?”
“No,hesaidhisjobinvolvesalotoflifting.”Jennasatdownanddroppedherheadintoherhands.Sheliftedhergazetoherdeputies.“WhodidJacobstrustaboveallothers?”
“Lyons.”Kaneleanedbackinhischair.“WhatifheknewJacobshadleftdistinguishingmarksonChrissie?Perhapswe’relookingatthisallwrong.MaybeJacobsbecamealiability.”
“AndDevonhadimagefilesonhisburner.”Rowleyfrowned.“Ifhe’dbrokentherules,maybeLyonsdecidedtoeliminatehimaswell.”
Jennalookedfromonetotheother.“Sowe’llneedtofindoutwhereLyonswasatthetimeofbothdeaths.Ifigureifheiscapableofrape,murderwouldbesecondnaturetohim.”Shemadeanoteinherdaybookandthenleanedbackinherseat.“WestillneedmorethancircumstantialevidencetoproveLyonsandhisfriendswereresponsibleforrapingChrissie.HasanyoneheardfromWebber?Iwasexpectingareportfromhimbynow.”
“Hewasheadingouttothehouselastnight.”Kanereachedinabagforasandwich.“TheyhadawakeforJacobsandDevon.Maybehestayedover,andhe’dbetrainingthismorning.Idoubthe’dhavefoundanyalonetimetocontactus.Hewouldn’trisksendingamessageincaseLyonsgotsuspiciousandcheckedhisphone.”HeblinkedthenstaredatJenna.“Seeifheloggedintothefileslastnight.”
AfterscanningthefilesandfindinganentryWebberhadmadeintheearlyhoursofthemorning,Jenna’sheartpounded.Shereadthereportaloudandlookedupatherdeputies.“Webberisclosetogettingtheproofweneed.Iagreewithhim:Lyonshavingtheimagesisonething,butiftheydon’tproveheoranyoftheothersareinvolvedinChrissie’srape,they’reuseless.Wecan’tprovewhentheytooktheimages,soitwon’tholdupincourt.It’snotacrimetohaveexplicitimagesofwomenovertheageofeighteen.”SheturnedtoKane.“NicetouchaddingthosefilestoWebber’sphone.Itseemslikeheneededthem.Idon’tenvyhim.Heistakingonehellofarisk.”
“Iwasjustcoveringallthebases.”Kanerubbedhischin.“IfLyonsisakiller,hewon’tthinktwiceabouttakinghimout.”Thenerveinhischeektwitchedandhisagitationwaspalpable.“AsLyonshasEmilyinhissights,it’sgoingtomakelifedifficultifwehavetowatchoutforheraswell.WebberisgoingtobeintroubleifLyonsexpectshimtoprocuregirlsfortheirpartyandparticipate.”
Jennashookherhead.“Thatissonotgonnahappen.”Shedrummedherfingersonthedesk.“Wecouldraidthepartyfordrugs.SurelyWebberwillgiveusaheadsupifhediscovershowLyonsisadministeringthem.”
“Weknowhow.”Kanefrowned.“Theyslipsomethingintotheirdrinks.Pinningitononepersonwouldbedifficult,especiallyiftheyhaveapunchbowl,forinstance.”
“Dopeoplemakepunchanymore?”Rowleypulledaface.“Maybetenyearsagobutnotnow.”
Jennarubbedhertemples.“SeemstomewehavetobeatthegameonSaturday,andIsuggestwehaveeyesonEmilyaswell.Sherunseachafternoonaroundfour;we’llmakesurewehavesomeoneintheareajustincaseshehasanyproblemswithLyons.”
Jenna’scellphonechimedandshelookedatthecallerIDbeforeansweringthecall.“Morning,Shane.Howareyou?”
Shelistenedandthenputthephoneonspeaker.“Okay,you’reonspeaker,andKaneandRowleyarehere.”
“Acleaner,DorisBeachwood,atLyons’housecalledtheparamedicsaroundeightthirtythismorning.Shefoundthebodyofaman,sinceidentifiedasDylanCourt,inthecellar.Beforeyouask,thecellarismoreofamancave,big-screenTVwithatheatre-typesetup.Itlooksliketheyliketheirprivacy—InoticedsomepornDVDsbesidetheTV.”Wolfepausedabeat.“TheparamedicwhocalledsaidCourtwasDOA—possibledrugoverdose.”
AshiverofdreadranupJenna’sback.Kanehaddrug-testedallthemenlivingatthehouseandthey’dallcomeupclean;andafterthefiascowithOwenJones,thecoachhadimplementedrandomdrugtesting.“Hewasn’tauser.Kanedrug-testedthemallthenightwefoundJacobs.”
“Yeah,well,acoupleofthingsdon’tlookrightaboutthesceneeither.YoushouldcomeandtakealookbeforeImovethebody.ThismanwassharingaroomwithPeteDevon.”Wolfeclearedhisthroat.“I’mnotconvincedthisisanaccidentaloverdose.Apartfromthecleanerandtheparamedics,nooneelsebutmehasbeenintheroom.SethLyonsisonhisway,andIcalledinWebbertomakeeverythingappearnormal.I’llexplainmyconcernswhenyouarrive;Icouldbeoverheardhere.”
JennaexchangedaworriedlookwithKane.“We’reonourway.”Shedisconnectedandstood.“Rowley,findoutwhatyoucanaboutDylanCourt.I’llneedhisnextofkinandifhehadanypriordrugproblems.”
“WhataboutEmily?”Rowleygottohisfeet.“It’susualforWolfetocallherintoassistatascene,andIfigurewe’rejusthandinghertoLyonsifshe’sthere.”
“Nodoubt.I’llcallhimandmakesureshedoesn’tshow.”Jennawaitedabeattothink.Shehadsomanythingstojuggleandsofewdeputies.“Ah,andifyouhaveanytroublewiththerodeocrowdintown,callWaltersintoruntheplacewhilewe’realloutonacall.I’veaskedtheBlackwatersherifftosendovermoredeputiestohandlethecrowdattheshowgroundsoverthenextfewdays,sothey’llhavethingsundercontrolwhilewe’rebusywithourcaseload.”Jennashruggedintoherjacketandthenheadedforthedoor.“Okay,Kane,you’rewithme.”
THIRTY-NINE
KanesidesteppedacoupleofkidsonskateboardsflyingalongthesidewalkandfollowedJennatohistruck.Peoplemilledaroundtowndressedinfringedshirtsandcowboyhats;theyseemedtogoall-outwhentherodeocametotown.Heglancedup,catchingsightofaredballoontrailingitsstringasitescapedabovethetreesonanupdraftofwind.Ashepulledopenthedoortohistruck,thetemptingaromaofhotdogsandonionsdriftedfromoneofthestreetvendors.Athisfeet,Dukeliftedhisnoseintheairandwhined.Heliftedhimintothebackseatofhistruckandstrappedhimin.“I’llbuyyouonewhenwegetback.”
“You’llbuymewhat?”Jennaclimbedinandclickedinherseatbelt.
Kaneslidbehindthewheelandstartedtheengine.“AhotdogforDuke.Ifigurehe’sbecomingaddictedtothem.”
“Theycan’tbegoodforhim.”Jennafrownedandglancedoveratthedog.“Youspoilhim.”
KanebackedoutandturnedhistrucktowardStantonRoad.“Nah,he’sgood.Ionlygivehimthesausagetoeat.”
“Well,Ifigureit’sjustanotherexcuseforyoutoeat.”Jennachuckled.“You’reabottomlesspit.”
Kanesmiledather.“I’veneverbeencalledthatbefore.AnnieusedtosayIwaslikeateddybear.”Memoriesofhisdeadwifefloodedoverhim.“Withmystomachgrowlingandall.”
“She’sstillwithyou,isn’tshe?”Jennastaredstraightahead.“Myfolkssureare.Ithinkaboutthemallthetime.”
Annie’ssmilingfacedriftedintohismindbutthescentofherhadvanished,andhersoftlaughternolongertormentedhisdreams.HeclosedhisfingersaroundJenna’shandandsqueezedgently.“She’llalwaysbeapartofme,Jenna,andI’mtryingtomoveonbutit’sdifficult.”
Whenaslighttremorwentthroughher,heglancedather,meetinghergazeandseeingadampnessinhereyes.Hehadtoforcehisconcentrationbacktotheroadanddroppedherhandtogripthewheel.She’dbeenverypatientwithhimandneverdemandedanytypeofcommitment.Yethefiguredshewantedmoreandwasallowinghimtimetogrievehiswife.Hell,shewashisbestfriendandhecaredforher.“Jenna,IguessIshouldn’ttalksomuchaboutAnnie.”
“No,don’teverthinkthat,Dave.”Jennaclearedherthroat.“It’sgoodyoutrustmewithyourpast.”Sheturnedinherseattopeerathim.“Youplayyourcardsveryclosetoyourvest.”
Unsureofwhattosay,hesmiled.“Aftermyinjury,youtoldmewe’dtakeitonedayatatime.Iknowyoudon’twanttogetburned,Jenna.”
“Youdon’tknowtoomuchaboutfire,doyou?”Jennasnortedalaugh.“Aslowburncanturnintoawildfirewithoutwarning.”
“Itsurecan.”Hesmiledandturnedontothedriveway.Heignoredtheno-entrysignandtookthedirectwaytothefrontdoor.“AndasmuchasI’dliketodiscussthistopicfurther,Ifigurewe’dbetterputourgamefaceson.”
“Yeah,butwithpeoplegettingmurderedaroundusallthetime,weneedtostepawayforafewminutesandthinkaboutsomethingniceorwe’dloseit.”Jennasighed.“Thenwe’dhavetoquitandjointherestofthecraziesoffthegrid.”
“Yeah,butIfigureIcouldhandlecompleteisolation.Fishing,hunting,andsleepingrough.”KanenoddedinagreementandparkedbesideWolfe’svan.
“Maybenotthesleepingroughbit…YoucansleeproughifyoulikebutIwantanicelogcabininthewoods,withpowerandinternet.”Jennagiggled.“I’dpostno-trespassingsignsandpeoplewouldleavemealone.”
“Uh-huh.”Kaneturnedtolookatherandsmiled.“Ormaybeweshouldstayherewithallourfriendsandtakeanothervacation—Hawaiinexttime?”
WhenWolfeappearedontheporchandwavedtheminside,KanetookinhisseriousexpressionandallthoughtsofanothervacationwithJennaevaporated.HeturnedtoJennaandfrowned.“Hedoesn’tlooktoohappy.”
“Let’shopethisisn’tahomicide.”Jennaslidfromthetruckandheadedtowardthehouse.
KanehurriedupthestepswithDukeathisheels.Inside,amiddle-agedwomansatonthesofainthefamilyroomdrinkingaglassofwater.SethLyonsandColtWebberstoodtalkingtoWolfe,whowasmakingnotes.JennastoodbesideWolfe,notebookinhand.Kanewalkedtohersideandlistenedtotheconversation.
“WhenwasthelasttimeyousawDylanalive?”WolfestaredatLyonswithastrangeintensity.
“I’mnotsure,lastnightsometime,maybearoundeight,I’mnotsure.”LyonsturnedtoWebber.“IwastalkingtoColtformostoftheevening,welluntillate,andIheadedtobedaroundonethirty,Iguess.”
“Webberwillbeassistingmewiththeautopsy.Youdoknowhe’soneofmyinterns?”WolfemovedhisattentionawayfromLyonsandlookedatWebber.“Unless,ofcourse,you’reoneofDylan’sfriends?”
“I’veseenhimatpracticebut,no,I’mnotoneofhisfriends.I’llbethere,sir.”Webber’sgazeslidtoKanethenbacktoWolfe.“Inoticedhimlastnight.HewasheadingdowntowhatInowknowisthecellar.I’mnotsureofthetime.HewaswithanothermanbutIdidn’tgetalookathisface.HehadahoodiepulledupoverabaseballcapandIonlysawhiminprofile.Hewasaboutmyheight.Broadshoulders.That’saboutallInoticed.Hecould’vebeenanyoneoftheguysontheteam.”
“I’llwantalistofeveryoneattheparty.”JennahandedhernotebookandpentoLyons.“Didyouinviteanyonenew?”
“Nope,onlyColt,andhewaswithmemostoftheevening.”Lyonsnarrowedhisgaze.“Why?”
“Iwantalistwhileit’sfreshinyourmind,justincaseweneedtospeaktothemlater.”Jennafrowned.“WasDylanahabitualdrugtaker?”
“Heckno!”Lyonsshookhishead.“We’retestedregularlyandhe’dneverdoanythingsostupid.He’snotthatkindofguy.”
KanemovedhisattentionfromonemantotheotherandactedasifWebberwasacompletestranger.“So,thisguyyouclaimedyousawcould’vebeenadealer?Maybeafterlosinghisroommate,Dylanneededsomethingtogethimovertheshock.Losingtwofriendsinaweekcanpushpeopleovertheedge.”
“Idon’tknowanyonedealingdrugs,sir.”WebberraisedoneeyebrowthenturnedtoLyons.“Doyou?”
“IfIdid,Iwouldn’tbestupidenoughtoratthemouttothecops.”Lyonssnorted.“Gettingmylegsbrokenorworsewouldn’tbeagoodcareermove.”
“Whydidn’tyoucheckthecellarwhenDylanwentmissing?”KanestaredatLyons.
“Ididn’tknowhe’dgonemissinguntilMr.Wolfecalledme.Look,man,thingshappen,peopledie.It’slife.Nogoodgettingalltiedupinknotsaboutit.”Lyonsshruggedasifhewasusedtolosinghisfriends.“We’readults.Wedon’thavetocheckinandoutorbehomefordinner.”
“Whatelsehaveyougotforme,Wolfe?”Jennalookedupathim.
“I’vetakenastatementfromthecleaner;shefoundthebody.Shehasakeytothecellarandsaidit’susuallylockedbutshefounditunlockedthismorning.I’llemailyouacopy.”Wolfetappedawayonthedeviceinhishand.“Ifigureshe’sinshock.Herhusbandiscomingtocollecthersoon.”
“Okay.”Jenna’scellphonesignaledamessage.“Showmethebody.”SheturnedtoLyons.“Stayhereandworkonthatlist.Imayhavequestionsforyoulater.”
“Webber,comewithme.I’llexplaintheprocedureforthistypeofsituation.”Wolfeledthewaydownthehallwaytotheopendoortothecellar.
Kanefollowedand,onceinside,turnedandlockedthedoorbehindthem.HeneededtospeaktoWebberwithoutLyonswalkinginontheirconversation.Besidehim,DukeletoutamournfulhowlthatmadethehairsonKane’sarmsprickle,andashemoveddownthesteps,theunmistakablesmellofdecompositionwaftedtowardhim.Atthebottomofthestairs,heinstructedDuketositthenpulledouthisscanner,attachedtheearbuds,andswepttheroomforcamerasoralisteningdevice.Hemadeagridinhismind,takingineverypossibleaspect.“It’sclean.”
Heglancedaroundtheroom.Avacuumcleanerlayontheedgeoftherug,nodoubtdiscardedwhenDorisBeachwoodspottedthediscoloredfaceandempty,staringeyesofthecorpse.Takinginthescene,henoticedapicturehangingonthewallwasaskew.Hepulledonlatexglovesandlookedbehindittofindanemptysafewithanunlockeddoor.Forabunchofmessyguys,thisroomwasoutofplace,muchlikeLyons’bedroom,whichmadehimsuspicious.Helookedcloserbutfoundnosignsofastruggle.Itwastidyandtherugshadn’tbeendisturbed.HemovedtoJenna’ssideandpointedtothesafe.“Wemighthaveamotive.”
“Yeah,Ispottedthattoo.ItwaswideopenwhenIcamedown.Itooksomephotosandthenpusheditshuttogetpast.It’sbeencleanedout.”Wolfewalkedtohisside.“So,wecouldassumeCourtbroughtsomeonedownheretoshowhimsomethinginthesafe.Thepersonwaitedforhimtoshootup,tookthecontents,andleft.Ifhewasadealer,anddecidedtorobhim,maybehekilledhimtohidehisidentity.”
“Killedhim?”Jennamovedclosertothebodyandshrugged.“Whatmakesyouthinkthisisahomicide?”
“This.”Wolfecarefullyturnedthevictim’sheadtoshowherhischeek.“Thatcouldbethemarkfromagunmuzzle.”HelaidCourt’sheaddownrespectfullyandlookedather.“It’spossiblesomeoneheldaweapontohisheadandmadehimshootup.”
“Orit’samarkfromhishelmetafterahardtackle.”Kanescratchedhischeek.“Iwonderwhatwasinthesafe.”Hedroppedhiskitonthecarpet.“IguessI’dbetterdustforprints.”
“Don’tbother.”WolfepointedtoaslightmarkonCourt’sthumb.“Seethat?Lookslikeapressuremark;it’sgotaslightridgetoit,likethestitchingonaleatherglove.”
“Ifigurewecanplacethetimeofdeathbetweenaroundtenandtwelvelastnight.”Webberpeeredatthebody.“That’swhenIsawhimheadthiswaywiththeguyImentionedbefore;problemisIdidn’tseehimleave.IwastoointerestedinwhatLyonswassayingandshowingme.”Hisexpressiondarkened.“Heisonesickpuppy.”
“Ithoughthewastheorganizerallalong.”Jennashookherhead.“We’llneedthatphone.”Shefrowned.“Didheleaveyouatanytimeduringtheevening?”
“Yeah,whenhewenttothebathroom.”Webberclearedhisthroat.“Iwenttothebathroomaswellduringmytimehere,soIwasn’twatchinghimtheentiretime.”
“Howlongwashegone?”Jennaliftedherchin.“LongenoughtokillCourt?”
“Yeah,Iguess.”Webbershrugged.“Icouldn’tswearincourthowlong.Ifiguredhehadhisboyssurroundmetokeepmeinline.Ihadconcernstheymightcausetrouble.”
“Okay,Iwantdetailsofwhatwassaidbetweenyou.”Jennanarrowedhergaze.“Don’tleaveanythingout.”
DisgustandangerdroppedoverKaneasWebbergavethemarundownoftheconversationhe’dhadwithLyonsthepreviousnight.“Ifyoucouldn’tmakeoutanyoneelsewithherinthepictures,he’ssmartenoughtocroptheimagesheshares.Forsure,hewon’tbecarryingtheburneronhim.”
“Idon’tfigurehecroppedtheimagesIsawofChrissieLowe.”Webberrubbedhischin.“Theywereeroticposes,possiblyaftertherape,butIcouldseehereyes.Shehaddilatedpupilseventhoughtheroomwasbright.Ifigureshewasheavilysedated.”
“Canyouthinkofanythingelsehesaid?”Jennalookedathimwithinterest.“Anythingelseabouttheimages?”
“Yeah,Ican.”Webberflickedaglancetotheopensafe.“Hementionedtheyhadatonofuncutimagesandvideofileslockedaway.”
KaneexchangedaknowinglookwithWolfe.“YouthinkingwhatI’mthinking?”
“Yeah.”Wolfefrowned.“Thistakesthesupposedaccidentstoawholedifferentlevel.”
“Howso?”Jennalookedfromonetotheother.
Thepiecesofthepuzzleseemedtodropintoplace.Kanemethergaze.“Blackmail.Justaswefigured.”Hewavedahandtowardthesafe.“Lyonsusesthefilestopreventthegirlsherapesfrominformingthecops.Hehasimagesandvideos,andI’dbetthatcomputeroverthere”—heindicatedtoadesksetagainstthewall—“haseditingsoftware.Hethreatenshisvictimstomakesurethey’llkeepquiet.Assureashell,hemakesthemlookasifthey’rewilling.”
“I’lltakealook.”Wolfewenttothecomputerandinsecondshadbypassedthepassword.Hescannedthescreenandhismouthturneddown.“Yeah,hehasallthenecessarysoftwarebutnoimagefiles.Hemustdeletethemaftercopyingthem.”Heturnedoffthecomputerandstood.
“So,doyoubelieveitcouldbeoneoftherapevictims,seekingrevenge?”Webbernodded.“Possible,Iguess,butIdidn’tseeanywomenattheparty.”
“No.WeknowitwasaguywhocamedownherewithCourt,andLyonswentmissingforlongenough.”Jennafrowned.
“Heseemstooobviousasuspect.SayLyonsinvitesothermentohisluridpartiestoblackmailthem.He’salreadyinvitedWebber,andIfindthatsuspiciousasthey’veonlyjustmet.”WolfestraightenedfromexaminingCourt’sbody.“Ifweassumealltheaccidentsaremurders,thenthekillerhadtoknowthesafecontainedsomeoftheuncutvideoversions.Hemight’vecutadealwithCourttogethisfile.Whilehewashere,hegrabbedtheevidenceandthenkilledhim.”HeglancedatJenna.“Ifthisisvengeance,itmakessenseforhimtotakeouteveryoneinvolvedinblackmailinghim.”
“Yeah.”Jennanoddedinagreement.“Revengewouldbeasolidmotiveandwouldaccountforthealmostcleanwayofkilling.Hatekills—whereapersonhasbeenphysicallyabused,forinstance,orhumiliated—areusuallyoverkill.”
“Thatideahascredence.”Webberrubbedhischin.“Thekillerlikelyworkedhiswaydownthelistuntilhefoundsomeonewhowoulddealwithhim.Thosewhodidn’t,hekilled.”
Kaneallowedtheideastofilterthroughhismind.“Hmm,makessense.It’sdoubtfulLyonswouldfoldandgivehimthefiles;helikestobeincontrol.He’sblackmailingforareason.Themenhechoosesmusthavesomethinghecanuse,orhe’susingblackmailtokeepthemundercontrol.”
“Thistheoryopensupacanofworms.”Wolfe’seyebrowsknitted.“Itdoesn’tfitanyofoursuspects,especiallySteveLowe.Theothertwoareathletesandhaveprominentfamilies.”
Kaneshookhishead.“I’mnotsosure.Whatwedidn’thaveisaclearmotive.HowdoweknowJoneswasn’tsupplyingthedrugstoLyonsandcamebyforatasteoftheaction?”
“Goon.”Jennastaredathim.
“WeknowJoneswasangryaboutbeingdroppedfromtheteambutbeingsetupcould’vebeenLyons’ideaofalesson,samewiththebeatinghetookupneartherapids.”KaneglancedatJenna.“SamewithStein.HowdoweknowSteinwasn’tinvolvedinpastrapes?MaybeJonesandSteinwantedout.HowcouldLyonspunishbothofthem?He’dmakeSteinagreetostanddownandsaynothingwhenheinvitedChrissietotheparty.IfigureLyonsmayhaverapedChrissieasapunishmentandatasteofwhathewascapableofdoing.”
“It’sallpossible.”Webbersighed.“Steindidn’tseemtooworriedaboutChrissiegoingtothepartywithLyons.”
Kanenodded.“Yeah,maybethingsweren’tmovingalongfastenoughforhimandhefiguredhe’dbeashouldertocryonforChrissieaftertheparty.”Heclearedhisthroat.“Seemstomethere’sadealofthreateninggoingonaftertheserapeparties.IfigureLyonshaseveryoneunderthethumb.”
“We’llneverarrestanyoneatthisrate.We’veallgotdifferentideasonthesuspectsandmotives.”Jennastaredattheopensafe.“It’sbeenhoursandwhoevertookthefileswould’vedestroyedthembynow.”
“UnlesshetriestotakeoutLyonsinafreakaccident.”Wolfe’sgazemovedoverthem.“Itwouldtieuplooseendstotakeouttheringleader.”
“ThenfindoutwhatLyons’plansareforthenextfewdays.”JennaturnedherattentiontoWebber.“Theteamdoesn’ttrainonSaturdaymornings,dothey?Sofindoutwherehe’splanningtobe.Sureashell,thekillerwillknowandgoafterhim.”
“Ialreadyknowsomeofhismovements.”Webbercrossedhisarmsoverhischest.“He’splanningonrunningthisafternoonontherapidstrail.He’sbeengoingupthereregularlyandjustaboutmadeanannouncementinthecafeteriayesterdayhe’sgoingatfour.HetoldmeatthepartyheplanstofollowEmilyupthemountain.Hefiguresifhegetsheralone,she’llagreetocometoapartyheretomorrownight.Healsofigures,ifthatfails,he’llhavetimetohitonacoupleofgirlsafterthegame,butIdoubthe’llhaveanyluck.There’stherodeoonSaturdayandthenthedance.TheFallFestivaldanceisabigdeal,andIfiguremostgirlsalreadyhavedates.”
“IfIseethatanimalnearEmily…”Wolfe’sexpressionhadturneddangerous.“I’llbreakhiminhalf.”
AlthoughtheideaofEmilybeinginthecrossfireangeredKane,hecouldseeanangletheyhadn’tconsidered.HemovedtoWolfe’sside.“EmilyknowsthedealwithLyons,andifhecausestrouble,hewon’texpecttobecomingupagainstagirlwithherlevelofclosecombattraining.”Hegavehimalonglook.“Explainthesituationandtellhertorunasusual.I’llshadowherwithJenna.I’mbettingifthekillerisn’tLyons,thenhe’llknowhe’sheadingtothesecludedpartofthemountainwhereEmilyusuallyruns.Ifigurehe’llwaitforhertopassandthengrabLyons.”Heshrugged.“It’swhatIwoulddo,andthisguycertainlyseemstoknoweveryone’smovements,andheplanshiskills.Hehaseyesonhisvictimssoiscloserthanwethink.”
“Youmean,usemydaughterasbait?”Wolfeshookhishead.“Noway.I’movermydaughtersgettingmixedupwithserialkillers.”
Kanefrowned.“Emilywon’tbebaitforthekiller.She’llbetheluretogetLyonsaloneonthemountain.There’snoreasonthekillerwouldtargether—evenifheshows.”HestaredatWolfe.“It’sawin-winsituation.IfLyonsmakesamoveonEmily,we’llhavehim;ifthekillertriestotakeoutLyons,we’llarresthim.”Hesighed.“IfnoneoftheabovehappensandLyonsjustaskshertotheparty,thenwe’llhaveheronscenewithWebberasbackup.Sheknowsthescore.ThemomentLyonsoffersheradrink,allshehastodoiswalkoutthefrontdoor.We’llberightoutside,andifthedrinkcontainsadate-rapedrug,we’llarresthimforChrissie’srapeandanythingelsewecanthrowathim.Hisfingerprintswillbeontheglassandwe’llhaveWebberasawitness.”
“She’llwanttodoit.She’spartoftheteamnow.Withbothofusasbackup,andRowleyandWalterscloseby,whatcouldpossiblygowrong?”
“That’swhatI’mafraidof.”Wolfe’sexpressionresembledtheskyjustbeforeastorm.“WhendoesanythingevergorightinBlackRockFalls?”
FORTY
He’dspentaleisurelymorningsittingunderatreeoutsidethelibraryatthecollege.Hetippedhisheadbackandstaredintoacloudlessbluesky.Alightbreezeblewdownfromthemountains,bringingwithittheunmistakablesmellofsnow.Itwouldn’tcomeyet,notforsomeweeks.Heneededtheweathertocooperateandnotinterferewithhisplans,andasluckwouldhaveit,MotherNaturewasstillinthelastthroesofsummerandonlyafewofthesignsoffallwereevident.Itwasspectacularthistimeofyear;somemightseethebloomofsummerfading,butinhiseyes,itwasafeastofcolor.Thespectrumchangedasdidtheuniquesmellsofanalpinetown.Thepineswouldalwaysbethere,tallandmajestic,butasthegreenfadedfromtheundergrowthandwoodsmokefilledtheair,itwasasifnaturehadreplacedthesummersceneryacrosstheforestandgrasslands.
Thetimehe’dtakenoflatetoobservehumanbehaviorhadfascinatedhim.Thestudentsmovedfromoneclasstoanotherlikeants,allwithapurpose,allfollowingtheirsetpath,programmedtomove,eat,andleaveatthesoundofabell.Theywalkedinorderlylines,carryingtheirmediadevicesandbooks.Itseemedthebrainwashingofpeopletoobeyanyoneinauthoritycameatanearlyage.Getagrouptogetherandringbellsorissueafewordersandthey’ddojustaboutanything.Heck,themilitaryevenorderedmentokillandtheydidsowithoutasecondthought.
HelikedBlackRockFalls.Itwouldseemthatratherthankeeppeopleaway,thenotorietyoftheplacewasmakingittheplacetobe,orvisit.Thetownteemedwithvisitorsbuttherodeocrowdkeptwellawayfromthecollegeandlifehereseemedtocontinueinabubbleofnormality.
Itwasasifnoonereallyseemedsurprisedthatmembersofthefootballteamhadsuddenlyperished.He’dseennooutpouringofgrief,nogirlscryingoneachother’sshoulders,nomidnightvigilsforthedeardeparted.Hesighed.Perhapstheyneededgraphicslayingstostirtheiremotions.Hegrinnedintothesunshine.Perhapsheshouldhaveskinnedthemaliveandthenpeggedthemoveranants’nest.Nowthatwould’vegottentheirattention.
FORTY-ONE
Jennadidn’tfigureherdaycouldgetanyworseuntilsheslippedoutofKane’struckandaharassedRowleygreetedheronhiswaytohisSUV.“Whathappened?”
“JusthadacallfromoneoftheBlackwaterdeputiesyousentouttokeepaneyeonthecrowdattheshowgrounds.”Rowleygaveadisgustedgrunt.“Seemsthingshavegottenwayoutofhand,fightshavebrokenout;they’renotsurebutsomearesayingtheticketofficewasheldupatgunpoint.Peoplearechasingdowntheculpritsandnowthebullshavegottenlooseandstampedallovervehiclesintheparkinglot.Iwasheadingouttolendahand.Waltersisintheoffice.”
“Okay,headonoutthere,I’llfollowinmycruiser.”ShewavedKaneinside.“GettheDylanCourtcasebookwrittenupandsendWaltersouttonotifyhisnextofkin.ThemomentWolfecalls,IwantyoutoheaddowntotheME’sofficeandattendtheautopsy.I’llbethereassoonasI’vedealtwiththis.”
“Yousure,Jenna?”Kanelookedapprehensive.“Thoseboyscangetrowdy,especiallyifthey’vebeendrinking,andWolfehasWebberonhand,hedoesn’tneedmethere.”
JennatappedthehandleofherGlock.“Maybe,butIalwayshaveafriendreadytodealwiththesesituations,andinadditiontothedeputiesonscene,I’llhaveRowleyasbackup.Wecan’tletcrimesintownslidebecauseofourcaseload.Thetownsfolkdeserveourprotection—myprotectionastheirsheriff.Thisisaminordistractionfromthecase.Getatit,Kane.WehavetosolvethesemurdersandI’llbebackbeforeyounoticeI’mgone.”
“Yes,ma’am.”HeopenedthebackdoortohistrucktoallowDuketojumpontothesidewalk.“Callmeifyouneedme.”
Shegavehimawaveandheadedforhercruiser,searchingherpocketforthekeyfob.Intruth,shepreferredKanetodriveherinhistruck.Apartfromthecompany,itgavehertimetothinkorworkoncasestoandfromtheoffice.Hercruiserlookedsurprisinglycleanandthensherememberedagroupoflocalkidshadbeenholdingacarwashtocollectdonationsforbandequipmentandshe’dletthemusetheparkinglotoutsidethesheriff’sdepartment.Maggiehadcollectedagenerousdonationfromherdeputiesandalltheirvehicleshadreceivedspecialtreatment.Sheclimbedinsideandopenedthewindowthenheadedslowlythroughtownandoutonthehighwaytotheshowgrounds.Sheturnedonherradio,andmomentslateritcrackledintolife.ItwasRowley.“Copythat.Goahead,Rowley.Break.”
“Copythat.Ma’am,I’minpursuitofaredGMCCanyon,headingnorthonthehighway,containingthesuspectofahold-upattheshowgrounds.TheBlackwaterdeputieshavethingsundercontrolthere.Theparamedicsareon-sitetreatingthepeopleinjuredfromthebullstampede.Break.”
Jennaslammedherfootdownonthegasandhitlightsandsirenassheflashedpasttheshowgroundsoff-ramp.Wayinthedistance,shecouldmakeoutRowley’swigwaglights.“Copythat.I’mrightbehindyou.Whatdetailsdoyouhaveforme?Goahead.”
“Copy.Twosuspectsinvolved,bothwenttotheshowgroundsloadedforbear.Theyhadabeefagainsttheorganizeraboutsomemoneyowed.TheoneI’mchasinggotcleanaway.Theothersuspectdisappearedintothecrowdattheshowgroundsbutthedeputieshaveadescriptionofhim.They’reconductingasearchnow.Break.”
Jennaforcedherconcentrationontheroadahead.Overtakingtheslowercars,sheexperiencedanunfamiliarrushofadrenalin.NowsheunderstoodwhyKaneenjoyeddrivingatspeed.Itwasalmostaddictive.SheliftedherradioandcalledinthepursuittoMaggie.
“Copythat,Sheriff,andDeputyKaneisawareofyoursituation.”
“Thanks,Maggie.Over.”Jennagrippedthewheelandsqueezedthegasdownalittlemore.Sheglancedatthespeedometerasitreachedeighty.Shehadn’ttakenhercruiserovereightybeforebutpusheddownthegaspedalalittlemore.
Inthedistance,Rowleyseemedtobegettingfurtheraway.SheglancedinhermirrorandthoughtforonemomentKanewasbehindher.Ablacktruckwithtintedwindowssimilartohiswascomingupfast.Evendrivingthebeast,Kanecouldn’thavecaughtuptoherinthatamountoftime.Shereachedfortheradiobutnevermadeit;theblacktruckslammedintothebackofhercruiser,shuntingherforwardatanincrediblespeedbeforedroppingback.
Grippedwithfear,Jennaletoutagasp.With“Sheriff”writtenalloverhercruiser,whoeverwastryingtokillherwasserious.Sheaccelerated,takingtheriskofovertakinganeighteen-wheelertogetspacebetweenherandthelunaticonhertail.Sheglancedinthemirrorandslowedsometoleaveasmallergapbetweenherandthetruck.Taking
“Copy.Slowdowntheeighteen-wheeler.Pullhimoverifyoucan.It’sunlikelywhoeverisintheblacktruckwilldoanythingwithawitness.Worst-casescenario,takethenextoff-rampandheadintothenearesttown.Break.”
Beforeshecouldreply,sheheardtheairhornsoftheeighteen-wheelerandtheblacktruckwasalmostbesideherontheoppositesideoftheroad.Heartpounding,shekeptbothhandsonthewheel,drewadeepbreath,andlookedintothedistance.She’dtraveledthisroadathousandtimesbefore,andaheadshecouldmakeoutthesignpostforLouan.
Theblacktruck’sengineroaredasifthedriverwastryingtointimidateher.Sheforcedherselftoremaincalmandnotpanic.Theoff-rampwasloominglikeanoasisinthedesert.Shegrippedthesteeringwheelandhitthegastothefloor.Thecruiseracceleratedawayandsheshotdowntheoff-rampdoingninety,buttoherhorror,theblacktruckstucktoherlikeglue.Atightbendaheadforcedhertobrakesharply,buttheotherdriverknewtheroadaswellandthetruckslowedbutmomentslaterwasrunningalongsideheragain.
Panichadherbythethroatandsweatcoatedherpalmsasshegrippedthesteeringwheel.AheadtheroadwasclearwithastraightrunintoLouan.Shecouldhitthebrakesandmakehimpass,butthedirtonthesideoftheroadalongsidetheditchwasn’twideenoughtoriskpullingoveratspeed.Ifshecouldmakeittothegasstationabouttwomilesahead,she’dbesaferthanaloneonthehighway.
Sheacceleratedbutthenextmomenttheblacktrucktappedtherearsideofhercruiser.Thejoltsenthervehiclespinningoutofcontrol,andtheworldflashedbyinanauseatingseaofgreenandbluethenslowed.Shewrestledtogaincontrol,screaminginfrustrationashercruiserslidacrossthehighway.
FORTY-TWO
“Jenna,comeback.”KanestaredatMaggie’sbig,round,worriedeyes.
Nothing.
“Jenna,comeback.”
Nothing.
“Rowley,comeback.”WorrycrampedKane’sstomach.
“Copy.”Rowley’svoicecamethroughtheradioloudandclear.“I’mnorthofLouan.Thelocaldeputieshaveapprehendedtheoccupantoftheredtruckataroadblock.I’lltakehimintocustodyandheadonback.Nosignofthesheriff.Herdescriptionofthevehiclepursuingherfitstheoneownedbytheothersuspect.I’mnotsurewhythedriverwouldtargetthesheriff.Makesnosense.Break.”
Kaneswallowedhard.Whatcouldhavehappened?“Copy.Shewaslookingforanoff-ramp.MaybeshemadeitintothegasstationoutofLouan?Goahead.”
“You’dgettoherbeforeme.Break.”
“Copy.I’mgone.Over.”KanetossedthemictoMaggieandpulledouthisphonetocallJenna.Whenshedidn’tpickup,heranoutthesheriff’sdepartment,leavingaconfusedDukebarkingbehindtheglassdoors.
Momentslater,hewashotfootingitoutoftown,sirensblazingandlightsflashing.Thehousesliningthestreetsbecameabrownandredblurashenegotiatedthetrafficatbreakneckspeed.Outoftown,hesoonhittheedgeoftheforest;here,shadowsfellacrossthehighwayinzebrastripes,flashingashepassedlike“don’twalk”signs.Hetooktheon-ramptothehighway,impressedbyhowhistrucktookthetight,sweepingbendwithease.Aquickglancetoldhimthehighwaywasclearbehind.Heflooredthegaspedal.“Comeon,girl,showmewhatyou’vegot.”
Thebeast’sengineroareditsreplyashepushedittoitslimit,pistonspumpedandthefrontofhistruckliftedtomeetthechallenge.Underhim,rawpowervibratedasthetruckateuptheblacktopatmaximumspeed.Allhecouldseewasablack,windingsnakebeforehim,splitdownthecenterwithabrokenyellowline.
Hismindfocusedononething:findingJenna.Ashespedbyoneeighteen-wheelerthenskirtedaroundanother,hedidn’tslowtotakethesweepingbend.Asthehighwaystraightenedout,hehadaclearviewahead.Inthedistance,hemadeoutanastydarkcloudbillowinghighinthesky.Hegrittedhisteeth,recognizingthetwistingblacksmokeasavehicleonfire.ThefaceofAnnie,hiswife,flashedinhismind,amemoryofthedayhisvehiclehadexplodedandkilledher.ThethoughtoffindingJennadeadinthetwistedmetalchurnedhisguts.“Godhavemercy.”
HetooktheLouanoff-rampandheadedalongtheroadintotown.Uneasecreptoverhimasheslowedtogapeatthetwistedblackwreckwrappedaroundapoleinthedistance.Flameslickedthecharredmetal,leapinghighintotheair,andthenextmomentablastrockedthesilence,sendingmetalshardsflyinginalldirections.HereachedforhisradioandcalledMaggietogetthefiredepartmentonscene.Heswallowedhard.“I’llgotakealookaroundbutitdoesn’tlooklikeanyonegotoutoftherealive.Break.”
“Copy.Oh,sweetJesus.”Maggieletoutasobofdistress.“I’llcontactWolfe.Over.”Thenshewasgone.
AterriblealonenesscrawledoverKaneashemaneuveredthetruckalongthedesertedhighway,headingslowlythroughthethick,blacksmoke.Nootherwreckscameintoview.OnlyafewpeopleusedthebackroadintoLouan;mostcarriedonalongthehighwayandtookthenewexittosavetime.Hescannedtheroad,weavingaroundthewreckagefromtheexplosion,sicktohisstomachatthethoughtoffindingJenna,orpartsofher,scatteredontheblacktop.HeslammedonthebrakesataglimpseofthetrunkofJenna’scruiserinthelonggrass.Thevehicleappearedtobenosedownintheditchatthesideoftheroad.Unabletomaneuverhistruckanyfurtherthroughthetwisted,charredmetal,hejumpedoutthedoorandranthroughthegrassbesidetheditch,leapingoverpartsofthedamagedvehicletogettoher.
ReliefatfindingJennaalivestungthebacksofhiseyes.Hestoodforabeat,watchingherattackingtheairbagsinhercruiserwithaknifeandcursingloudenoughtomakeapreacherblush.Emotionwashedoverhimwithsuchintensityhiskneesweakened.Hewantedtowhoopwithhappinessbutputonhisgameface.Fromherexpression,shewasinnomoodforanoutburstofjoy.Hesliddowntheditch,splashedthroughthemuddywater,andwenttotheopenwindow.“MayIbeofassistance,ma’am?”
“Dave.ThankGodit’syou.Somecrazysonofabitchranmeofftheroad.”Jennaturnedtolookathimandangerflashedinhereyes.“ThestupiddoorshavelockedonimpactandI’mstuckfastintheairbags.”
Bitingbackasmile,Kanelookedherover.Herflushedfacewasangryandherhairallmussedup,butthewayhermouthturneddownwithindignationtoldhimshewasokay.“Youhurtinganywhere?”
“Onlymypride.”Shetookalong,deepbreaththenletitoutslowlyasiftosteadyhernerves.“Igathertheexplosionwasthetruckthatranmeofftheroad?Hetappedtherearsideofmycruiserandthenshotpastmeatspeed.Nextmoment,Iheardanalmightycrash.Ifiguredhistruckhadcaughtfire—Icouldsmellsmoke.”Shewinced.“ThenanexplosionshookthegroundandIfiguredbeinginsidethecruiserinaditchwasn’tsobadafterall.”Shelookedathim.“Ihopehedidn’thitanyoneelse.Canyoutellifit’stheblacktruckIhadonmytail?”
Surprisedbyhercalmness,Kaneshrugged.“Hardtotellthemakeormodel,it’sinpieces.Thedriverwrappeditaroundapoleanditburstintoflames.Ihaven’tcheckedtheoccupantsbutitwouldbeamiracleforanyonetosurviveawrecklikethat.”HetriedthedoortoJenna’scruiserbutitwaslockedtight.“I’llgetyoufreeandthentakeacloserlook.Whereareyourkeys?Canyoureachthem?”AsalltheBlackRockFallsvehicleshadkeylessentryandignitiontoallowforafastgetaway,thekeyfobwouldlikelywork.“I’llbeabletoopenthedoorsfromouthere.”
“Yeah,Ithinkso.IfIcanreachintomypocket.”Jennawiggledaroundthenpassedhimthekeyfob.
Heaimedthesmartkeyatthecruiseranditrespondedwithablinkoflights.“There,thefoboverridestheautomaticlockingsystem.”Hepulledopenthedoor,unlatchedJenna’sseatbelt,andhelpedherout.
“IthoughtIwasagonerforsure.”Shelookedupathim.“I’msuregladIwasdrivingthenewcruiser.Theairbagsworkedrealgood.”Shescannedthescene,onthejobasusual.“Iguesswe’dbettergoandseeifthedriversurvived,butfromthatawfulsmell,Ifigurehe’sacrispycritterbynow.”
“WolfeisonhiswayandMaggiecalledthefiredepartment.”Hefollowedherasshemovedaway.Hisnaturalcalmhadresumedandlifehadreturnedtoacomfortingnormality.Inthedistance,hecouldhearapolicesiren.“That’llbeRowley.Heapprehendedthesuspectintheredtruckandhe’sonhisway.”Hetookherhand.“I’llhelpyououtoftheditch.”
Tohissurprise,shedidn’targueandheclimbedupthesideoftheditch,pullingherbehindhim.Heturnedandlookedather.“Yousureyoudon’twanttositandrestawhile?Youcouldbeinshock.”
“I’vebeenrestingforabouttwentyminutes.I’mnothurt.”Jennastampedthemudoffherbootsandlookedupathim.“Madashellatmyselffornothandlingthesituationbetter,butafterwhatI’vebeenthroughoflate,thiswasawalkinthepark.”Shepulledouthercellphoneandcheckedit.“Myphoneisfinetoo.”Shestartedtopickherwaythroughthetwistedmetalontheblacktop.“Oh,canyousmellthatstink?I’mright.There’sabodyinthewreckforsure.”
Kanehustledafterher.Thebittersmellofburnedrubberandfleshwasonehe’dbeenfamiliarwithinhislifetime.Hereachedhersideandtheymovedclosertothewreck.Fromtenyardsaway,theycouldclearlyseetheblackenedbodyofthedriver,hunchedoverthewheel.Hereachedforherarm.“Ifigurewecheckoutthesurroundingareaincasehewasn’talonethenleavetheresttoWolfe.”
“YoudothatandI’llseeifwecangettheLouandeputiestoassistandblockoffaccesstothisareauntilweclearthescene.”Jennaseemedtransfixedonthesmolderingruinsofthevehicle.“Whydidherunmeofftheroad?Iwasn’tchasinghimdown.Itdoesn’tmakesense.”
Kanepeeredintotheditchbesidetheroadthenshrugged.“Ifigurehe’sthesecondsuspectintheshowgroundsrobbery,andwhenhelefttheshowgrounds,hethoughtyouwereinpursuitofhisaccomplice.Hewouldn’thaveknownRowleywasaheadofyou.I’dsaythedriveroftheblacktruckdecidedtorunyouofftheroadtoallowtheothermantogetaway.Heprobablythoughtthey’dbothbehomefreeoncehe’ddisposedofyou.”
“Hmm,maybe,buthedidtheclassicPITmaneuver—theoneweusetostopaspeedingvehicle.”Shelookedupathim.“IttakespracticetousethePursuitInterventionTechnique.Ithinkhe’sacop.”
Kanefrowned.“Nah,hemayhavetriedit,butnotmanycopsendupbarbecuedonapoleaftercompletingthatmaneuver.”
“Ifheisn’tacop—”Jennastaredattheblackenedwreck“—Ifigure,there’smoretothisguythanwerealized.”
FORTY-THREE
Jennawonderedifshe’devergetthestinkoftherancidairoutofherclothesandhair.Theoilysmokehadcoatedeverythingaroundher,givingthebrowninggrassaweirdsootycoveringasifallthetopshadgonethroughafire.WhenRowleyarrivedwithhisprisoner,sheescapedintoKane’struckandlistenedtoRowley’supdateofthearrest.“So,youhavethesuspectincustodyandrecoveredthemoneyfromthehold-up.Washecarryingtheweaponheused?”
“Yeah,oncehehittheroadblockandfoundhimselfstaringdownthebarrelsoffourrifles,hethrewhisweaponoutthewindowandcouldn’tsurrenderquickenough.HestartedtalkingsofastIhadtoshuthimuptoreadhimhisrights.HisnameisJoeyTurner.”Rowleyindicatedwithhischintothecarwreck.“Ihavethenameofthemanwhoranyouofftheroadaswell.It’shisbigbrother,Jimmy.Thesuspectincustodygavemeablow-by-blow.Seemshisbrotherwastalkingtohimonhiscellphoneduringthechase.Saidhe’dslowyoudownsotheycouldbothgetcleanaway.Hehadpriorsandwasn’tanex-cop.”
“Kanefigureditwassomethinglikethat.”JennalookedbehindhimasWolfestartedheadinginherdirection.“Greatwork,Rowley.Taketheprisonerinandbookhim.ContacttheDAandhe’llhavehimhauledofftothecountyjailtoawaitahearing.We’llbebackassoonaswe’refinishedhere.”SheglancedupatWolfe.“Whatdoyouhaveforme?”
“Itplaysoutlikeyousaid.”Wolferemovedhissoot-coveredsurgicalglovesandrolledthemintoaball.“Speedingandhewasusinghisphone.Helostcontrolandslammedintotheroadsign.”Hefrowned.“HowmanymorepeopleamIgoingtofinddeadbehindthewheelofavehiclewithaphoneclutchedintheirhands?Peopledon’tseemtorealizethattextingortakingcallswhendrivingisworsethanplayingRussianroulette.Theytaketheireyesofftheroadforafewsecondsandendupwrappedaroundapoleor,worse,killaninnocentdriverinahead-on.”HeleanedagainstKane’struck.“I’vetakenwhatbloodsamplesIcouldbutwe’vealreadyhadwitnessesfromtheshowgroundscomeforwardtosayhewasdrinkingbourbonatthebar.I’msendinghisbodystraighttothemortician.Idon’tneedtodoanautopsy.”
Jennasighed.“I’llgetWalterstonotifyhisnextofkin.”ShelookedatWolfe’sunusuallystrainedexpression.“Thisaccidenthastakenuptoomuchofyourtime.Theclean-upcrewishere;whydon’tyouheadonbacktotown?Iknowyou’reitchingtogettotheCourtautopsy.”
“That’sdone.”Wolfestaredstraightaheadasifthinkingaboutsomethingmoreimportant.“Rightnow,itlookslikeapossiblehomicide,ifIcanprovehehasgunmuzzlebruisesonhisfaceandtemple,andmatchtheglovemarksonhisthumb.Hewasn’tauser.Ifoundnoindicationofdruguse.NoneedlemarksortheassociateddamageIwouldnormallyseefromanaddictorevenarecreationaluser.Ialsocontactedthecollegeandspoketothemaboutthetestingtheydoontheirplayers:theytakerandomurinesamplesandthelaboratoryconfirmedCourt’stestsallgaveanegativeresult.Thelasttestwasonlyaweekago.Idoknowhemadeanappointmentwiththecounselorandwasdistressedbythedeathsofhisfriends.”
Nothingseemedtoaddup.Jennachewedonherbottomlip.“Sowhatkilledhim?”
“I’vetestedhisbloodfortheusualspeedballtypeofdrugs.I’llgetitconfirmedbutIhadapositiveresultformorphine.”Wolfeleanedonepalmagainstthedoorandbenttospeaktoher.“Thedrug’sreadingsappeartobetoopureforastreetmix.Ifigurethere’smoretothisthanmeetstheeye.”
Jennafrowned.“Whatdoyoumean?”
“I’llknowmoreverysoon.Isentthebloodsamplestoaspeciallab.IfI’mright,someoneusedamassivedoseofmorphinetokillCourt.”Wolfegaveheralonglook.“HowcouldacollegekidobtainmorphineinBlackRockFalls?”
“Hmm,thatisunusual.”Jennathoughtforamoment.“Unlesshisfatherisadoctororworksinthepharmacy?”
“Maybebutdoctorsandpharmacistsdon’tjustleavemedicationslyingaround,andtheykeeparecordoftheirsupply;they’dknowifsomewentmissing.”Wolfeglancedathiswatchandthenrananagitatedhandthroughhishair.“I’llkeepyouuptodatewiththefindings.”
She’dknownWolfelongenoughtoknowwhensomethingwaseatingathim.Hewasalwaysonthejobbutsomethingwaswrong.“Forgetthecaseloadforamomentandtellmewhat’swrong.”
“Nothing.”Wolfestraightened.“I’mfine.”
“Oh,it’snotabouttheponyKaneplannedtobuyforAnna’sbirthday,isit?”Jennapushedopenthedoorandslippedoutofthetruck.“Wekindofforcedyourhand,Iguess.”
“No,it’snotthatatall,Jenna.”Wolfelookeddownatherandsmiled.“Havingyouguysinvolvedwithmygirlsislikehavingarealfamily.JulieandAnnaarealwayschattingaboutUncleDaveorJakeandAuntieJenna.”Hesqueezedherarm.“Itmeansalottometoseemygirlssmilingagain,andEmilylooksuptoyoulikeabigsister.”
TearsprickedthebacksofJenna’seyes.Toher,Wolfeandhisgirls,Kane,andRowleyhadbecomethefamilyshe’dlosttoo.Shepattedhishand.“Wefeelthesame,Shane.We’veallbeenthroughsomuchhorrorsincewearrivedinBlackRockFalls,it’snicetohavesomenormalityinourlives.”
“WhichiswhyIdon’twantyoutoputEmilyindanger.Sure,there’saslimchancethekillerwillgrabtheopportunitytotakeoutLyonsandshewon’tbeinvolved,butwhatwedoknowforsureisthatifEmilyrunsupthemountainthisafternoon,Lyonswilltrytoseduceherinsomewayoranother.Wedon’tknowifheplanstorapeher.Wecan’truleouthemightbethekillerwhomurderedthreeofhisfriendsandpossiblyChrissie.It’sprettysecludedupthere,especiallylateintheafternoon,andyouknowtheoddsofsomethinglikethisgoingwrong,Jenna.”Wolfedroppedhishandfromherarm.“It’spastoneandyou’reinnoshapetogorunning.I’llcallEmilyandtellhertoforgetitandgostraighthomeafterclass.Ican’tbelievesheagreedtobecomeinvolvedinyourplan.Itgoeswaypastcrazy.Imusthavebeenoffmyheadtoallowhertoconsideritinthefirstplace.”
NowJennaunderstoodWolfe’sagitation.Shelookedupathim.“I’mfine.You’vecheckedmeoverandknowIdidn’treceiveascratch.Ifyou’reworriedaboutme,don’tbe.I’mfunctioningjustfine.”Sherestedonehandonherweaponandtookarelaxedpose.“DoyouhonestlybelieveI’dputEmilyatrisk?”
“Well,no,butthegirlsareallIhave,Jenna.”Wolfe’seyesnarrowed.“Ifshewasyourdaughter,wouldyouallowhertodothis?”
Jennamethisgaze.“ShecouldrunintoLyonsanyafternoonwhensheruns;infact,shecouldencounterhimanytimeatcollegeorinAuntBetty’sCafé.Thisafternoonwillbeacontrolledenvironment:I’llbeclosebyandsowillKane.Heck,whydon’tyoucomealongaswell?”
“HavingyouandKanewillbeenoughtoscaremostpeopleaway.IfIjoininaswell,thekillerandLyonswillknowsomething’sup.”Wolferubbedhischin.“Icouldwaitinmyvanintheparkinglotatthefootofthemountain.IfIremovetheMEsignagemagnetfromthesides,noonewillnoticeme.”
“Thatsoundslikeaplan.”JennaclimbedbackintoKane’struck.“Ifyou’redonewiththewreck,I’llasktheLouandeputiestohandletheclean-up.I’llcallatowtrucktocollectmycruiserandwe’llbebackintownbytwoatthelatest.Itwillgiveusplentyoftimetogetcleanedupandchanged.”
“Okaybutifthisisgoingtowork,we’llhavetoplanitdowntothesecond.You’llneedtobecloseenoughtoprotecther.”Wolfegaveheralonglook.“I’llholdoffcallingEmilyfornowbutletmeknowthemomentyouhittownsowecangetthetimingright.”
“I’llplanforanumberofpossibleoutcomes,don’tworry.”Jennalookedupathim.“I’llputRowleywithyou,andwithWebbershadowingLyons,we’llhavealltheanglescovered.”
“Promisemeyou’lllookafterher,Jenna.”AworriedexpressionmovedoverWolfe’sface.
Jennasmiled.“Youhavemyword.”
FORTY-FOUR
AstrongwindtossedthefirstfallleavesintotheairandthendancedtheminspiralsalongthesidewalkasKaneandJennawalkedthefewhundredyardstothesheriff’soffice.He’dgrabbedhisduffeloutthebackofthetruckalongwithhisforensicskitwhenthey’ddroppedthetruckatthecarwash.HeglancedatJenna,walkingbesidehimcarryingthemedicalfieldkit.“I’mgladthere’sastrongwindblowing.Peoplearealreadylookingatusandcoveringtheirnoses.Ihopethecarwashwillgetthesmelloutofmytruck.”
“It’sjustaswellwehaveachangeofclothesattheofficeandaplacetotakeashower,butIdon’tknowwhywecouldn’thavegonestraighthome.”Shegavehimasidewayslookastheysplitaparttoletamotherandthreeyoungkidswalkby.“We’llhavetogohomeandchangeintorunninggearanyhowandthenbeatthetrailwaybeforeEmilyisduetoarrive.”
AsKanewalkedaroundawoman,hernosewrinkledwithdisgustandheincreasedhispace.“Trustme,ifwe’dgotcleanedupthenclimbedbackinmytruck,we’dhavegottenthestinkalloverusagain.Theseatsneedcleaningandtheoutsidelookslikeit’sbeensittingnexttoabarbecue.”
“Oh,Kane,that’saterriblethingtosay.”Jennasidesteppedacoupleofkidswithcottoncandyblowingdangerouslybackandforthinthewind.“Evenifthemantriedtokillme,hedidn’thavetodiethatway.Canyouimaginebeingburnedtodeath?”
“No,Ican’t,buthedidn’tneedtoholduptheticketofficeattheshowgroundsorrunyouofftheroadeither.”Unabletounderstandherconcernforthemanwho’dthoughtnothingaboutpotentiallykillingher,Kanestaredather.“Ordrivewhiletalkingonacellphone.”
“Iguess.”Sheglancedathim.“Iwonderhowmanycarwrecksarecausedbysendingmessages.”
Kanehuffedoutasigh,wishinghehadn’tlookedupthenumbersrecently.“LasttimeIlookedatthestats,1.6millioncarwrecks—oroneinfour—arecausedbytexting.Obviouslysendingorreadingamessageismoreimportantthanlife.”
“Enoughaboutthat,Emily’ssafetyismymainconcernrightnow.”Jennaappearedtoshakeherselfmentally.“IneedtoworkoutaplanBforthisafternoon,maybeaplanCaswell.I’llthinkonitintheshower.”
HeledthewayupthestepsandintotheofficewithJennaclosebehind.Astheywalkedpastthepeoplewaitingatthecounter,DeputyWalterswavedtogettheirattention,butJennahadalreadyheadedfortheshower.Hewalkedtowardhim.“Yeah?”
“IhaveChrissieLowe’sshoes.”Waltersheldupaplasticevidencebag.“Amanwalkinghisdogfoundthemspreadoutalongsidetheroadinthegrassupnearthecollege.”HegaveKaneaknowingnod.“Iwentstraightout.NobodytouchedthemandIputthemstraightinthisherebag.Allthedetailsareinthereport.”
Kaneplacedhisbagsonthefloorandexaminedtheshoes.SomeonehadlikelytossedthemoutthecarafterdroppingChrissiebackatherdorm.“CanyousendthemovertoWolfe?Withluck,hemightbeabletoliftsomeprintsoffthem.”HelookedatWalters.“Stillnowordonherphone?”
“Nope,itwentofflinearoundtwoforty-fivethesamemorningtheroommatefoundherdead.”Waltersshrugged.“Maybesomeoneflushedit?”
“Yeah,youneverknow.”Kaneshrugged.“Igottagowashthisstinkoff.Catchyoulater.”Hepickeduphisbagsandheadedforthelockerroom.
WhenKanecameoutthelockerroom,hefoundDukecurledupasleepunderhisdesk,andontop,hefoundtakeoutbagsfromAuntBetty’sCafé.Fromthewonderfularomaoffreshcoffee,Maggiehadorderedlunch,knowingthey’dbothbeenonthegosincebreakfast.HesatdownandwaitedforJennawithoneeyefirmlyontheclock;he’dfinishedeatingbythetimesheemergedfromtheshower,hairglossyandsmellingofhoneysuckle.“Maggieorderedyousomelunch.”
“Great,I’lleatitonthewayhome.”Shesnatchedupthebagsandheadedforthedoorthenpausedandlookedathimoveroneshoulder.“Coming?”
Hegrabbedhisgo-cupofcoffeeandfollowedhertopickuphistruckwithDukeonhisheels.Hestrolledalongbesideher.“Idon’tthinkwe’veeverhadacasewiththreeviablemurdersuspectsandnotashredofevidenceonanyofthem—suspicions,maybe,butnotbeingabletoprovebeyondareasonabledoubtanyofthemwereatthecrimescenesmakeslifedifficult.”
“Maybewehaven’tyetbutsomethingwillhavetogive.”Jennatookasipofhercoffee.“Nooneisthatlucky.Theywereallnearthemurderscenes.IknowEmilyhasbeenaskingeveryoneiftheysawthemaroundthetimeofthemurders,andWebberaswell.It’snotasifwecanputitoutinapressrelease.Ifigurewe’dgetsued.”Shethrewonearmupintheair.“Unlessthekillermakesamovethisafternoon,we’llstillbescratchingaroundforevidenceandsuspects,butLyonsissureshapingupastheringleaderintheChrissieLowerapecase.Rightnow,I’dbehappytosolveatleastonecasethisweek.”
Kaneledthewayintothecarwash.“Rowleyhasthetheftcollar,soit’snotasifwehaven’tsolvedanything,butifnothinghappensthisafternoon,we’llbebacktosquareoneontheothercases.Iguesswecanonlykeepthrowingoutthenetandseeingwhoelsewecancatchbecauseassureasmytruckisblack,ifthisismurder,hehasn’tstoppedkillingyet.”
Afterchangingclothes,KanepushedafewusefulitemsintothepocketsofhisjacketandwaitedinhistruckforJennatocomerunningdowntheporchstepsofherranchhouse.He’dchosenamixtureofdarkgreenstoblendinwiththeforestthenaddedablackballcapandshades.Jennahaddisguisedherselfquitewellwithcasualclothes,abaseballcap,andsunglasses.She’dmergeinwiththeotherrunnerswithoutmuchnotice.Forhimitwasslightlymoreofaproblem:nomatterwhathewore,hestoodoutlikeasorethumb.Beingaheadtallerthanmostwasanadvantagehe’dnevertrade,butblendingintoacrowdhadneverbeensomethinghe’dbeenabletoachieve.HepulledhisballcapdownoverhiseyesandlookedatJennaassheslidintothepassengerseat.“Ifigurewe’llneedtosplitup.Ifanyoneseesustogether,they’llmakeusforsure.”Hestartedtheengineandheadeddowntheleaf-strewndrivewayandoutontothehighway.
“Yeah,Ialreadydecidedthat,andI’veworkedoutthreepossiblescenariosbutI’mintwomindsaboutleavingDukebehind.”Jennachewedonherbottomlip.“He’dbeabletowarnyouifsomeonewaslurkingintheforest.”
Kaneshrugged.“Maybebuteveryoneknowshe’salwayswithme.Iftheydon’tmakemefirstup,themomenttheyseeDuke,they’llrecognizemeforsure.”
HeturnedthetruckontothemainhighwayintoBlackRockFalls.Onceoutoftown,he’ddecidedtotakethebackroadstoStantonRoadtoavoidthetraffic,gettingthemtotheparkinglotatthebeginningofthetrailwithagoodhalfhourormorebeforeEmilywasduetoarrive.He’dhadhisownideasonhowtohandleEmily’ssurveillancebutglancedatJennaandthenmovedhisattentionbacktothebusyroad.“Howareyougoingtoplaythis,Jenna?”
“We’llarriveearlyenoughtobeabletosplitupandbeatthetopoftherapids,waitingonbothsidesofthetrail.”Jennaglancedatherwatch.“WithWebberfollowingLyonsbehindher,andbothofusaheadofher,weshouldbefine.”Sheturnedinherseat.“WolfeisdroppingbytheofficetocollectRowleyandthey’llbeintheparkinglotatthefootofthemountainasbackup.Weallhavecompacks,includingEmily.”
“Okay.”Kanekepthiseyesontheroad.
“IfigureifLyonsmakesamove,weallowittoplayout.”Shelookedathim.“We’llbeabletohearwhathe’ssayingtoEmily.Ifhe’sjustaskinghertoaparty,we’llkeepourdistanceandletplanAtakeitscourse.I’veinstructedEmilytoaccepthisinvitationbutinsistshedriveherselftotheparty.”Sheadjustedherballcapandpushedastrandofhairbehindoneear.“Itoldherifhewantstorunwithher,sheshouldinsisthegoonaheadbackdownthetrailbecauseshewantssomealonetime.”
Kanesmiled.“Thenifthekillerislurking,she’soutofharm’sway.”
“Exactly,andifthereisnokillerwaitingtopounceandLyonstriestodrugherattheparty,she’llhaveWebberasbackup,aswe’vediscussed,andwe’llhavetheproofweneedtotakehimdown,atleastforadministeringanillegaldrug.”Shesighed.“Ifwecangetourhandsonhisburnerphone,wemightbeabletochargehimwithChrissie’srapeaswell.”
“It’sapossibility.I’dbethekeepsitcloseby.”KaneacceleratedalongStantonRoadandthesmellofpinerushedthroughhisopenwindow.“So,what’splanB?”
“Ifigureit’shighlyunlikelyhe’lltryandrapeherinthemountains,butifhetouchesher,whoeverisclosecantakehimdown.”Jennaopenedherjackettorevealashoulderholster.“NotthebestthingtocarryrunningbutI’lluseitifIhaveto.”
Kanegrinned.“Metoo.”
“Oh,Iknowyounevergoanywherewithoutaweapon.I’veoftenwonderedifyoutakeoneintotheshower.”Jennachuckled,andwhenhedidn’treplyshepokedhiminthearm.“Holycow,youdo,don’tyou?”
“Well,Ileaveitcloseby.”Heshrugged.“It’sahabit.”HeturnedoffStantonRoadandmadehiswaythroughtherowsofpinetreestowardtheparkinglotatthefootofthetrail.“What’splanC?”
“IfeverythinggoestoplanA,weholdbackandwatch.IfthekillertriestotakeoutLyons,it’sgoingtobebeforehehitsthemorepopulartrail,sosomewherebetweenthetopoftherapidsandtheoldbridge.We’llbeonourcomsandabletosurroundhimwithouttoomuchdifficulty.”
Kanewinced.“Thiskillerisstrongandsupersmart;he’llspotusifwegettoocloseanditonlytakesasecondtokill.Thatclosetotherapids,hecouldjustpickLyonsupandtosshimovertheravine.”Heglancedather.“IfigurethesafestthingforEmilyisratherthancontinuetotheswitchback,sheshouldtakethecut-throughpathormaybegobackupandwaitatthetop.”
“Thenshe’dbeawayfromWebber;he’llbeonLyons’tail.”Jennashookherhead.“Idon’twantherexposedtodanger.ItoldhertoletLyonsgoonaheadandthenfollowinfiveminutesorso.Weshouldsticktotheplanoritwillgetconfusing.Shecanalwayshangbackorshootdownthecut-throughtoyourpositionifanythinggoeswrong.”
TheypulledintotheparkinglotandKanestoppedwaydownthebackinanareasteepedindeepshadows.Hisblacktruckwasalmostinvisibleinthedark.Heglancedaround.SixothervehiclessurroundedhimbuthecouldnotseeEmily’ssilverJeepCherokeeorWolfe’swhitevan.“Itlookslikewe’rewellaheadoftime.”Heattachedhiscompacktohisbeltandthreadedtheearpiecethroughtheneckofhisshirtthenholsteredhisweaponinthesmallofhisback.HenoticedJennawassurveyingtheareaintentlybeforeshejumpedoutthedoor.Hefollowedandroundedthehood.“Ready?”HehandedJennaabottleofwater.“Staysafe.”
“Rogerthat.”Jennaheadeduptherapidssideofthetrailandinsecondswaslostinthetrees.
Kanescannedtheareaonemoretimeandthenmadehiswayacrosstheparkinglot,takingtheinlandtrailmostpeoplepreferred.Thetrackthroughthedenseforestledtothreeoptions.Onewastotaketheswitchbackandcomedownalongtheedgeoftherapids,andthesecondwastocutthroughhalfwayandtaketheshorterwaybackdownbesidetherapids.Thethirdwastocarryonuptotheheadoftherapids.Mostpeopletooktheinlandtrackupthemountaintoavoidthecoldsprayandwindintheirfaces,butonthewaydowntheothertrack,havingthecoolwindontheirbacksastheyranintothemottledsunshinewasarefreshingchange.Heranatanevenpace,keepinghisattentiononeveryshadow.Thetrailwaseerilyquietandhepassednootherrunners.Hedidn’tmindthesolitude.Thesilencecouldbeanadvantage,andalthoughthescentofpinewasstrongwiththewindinhisface,ifsomeonewashidingcloseby,he’dlikelysmellthem.
FORTY-FIVE
AmixtureofuneaseandexcitementwashedoverEmilyassheslidherJeepintoaspaceintheparkinglotattheentrancetotherunningtrailandgotoutfrombehindthewheel.Sheturnedonhercomandslippedtheearbudintoherearthenbouncedherheadupanddownasiflisteningtoherfavoritetune.Ithadbeenherfather’sidea,andifLyonsapproachedher,shecouldmaketheexcuseofturningoffthemusicandactivatethemic.Shecouldn’tseeWebber’struckcomingintotheparkinglotbuthe’dfollowedheratadistancefromthecollege,stayingwellback.TheroarofLyons’redMustangonhertail,however,wasunmistakable.ShepressedhermicasshereachedinsidetheJeepforherwaterbottle.“Gameon.”
“Rogerthat.”Jenna’svoicecamethroughloudandclear.“Kane’spositionedontheforesttrack—headthatway.I’mupatthetopneartherapids.I’llfollowyoudownwhenyouleave.WebberwillbebehindLyons.You’regoodtogo.”
Emilywentthroughherusualstretchingexercisesthenswallowedhard,glancingatthethreeunknowncarsintheparkinglot.Shetookalungfuloffresh,pine-scentedairthenheadedupthetrail.Howstrangetofeelsoworriedwhensheranthesamepathalmosteveryday,butthisafternoontheusualcrowdwasmissing.Sheunderstoodwhy:mostpeoplewouldhaveforgonetheirexercisetoenjoythefunattheshowgrounds.TherodeowentlateonFriday,withthecrowningoftheFallFestivalqueenandotherevents.Mostpeoplewouldbetakingadvantageofanightout.Asshemovedalongatherusualpace,shenoticedthechangeintheweather;thesummerhadvanishedandthecoolnessthatcameoffthemountainsinfallhadarrived.Afreshbreezecarryingahintofsnowwhistledthroughthetallpinesinastrangewhine,andthedyingleavesfromtheundergrowthcrunchedunderfoot.
Inherearpiece,sheheardKane’svoiceashecommunicatedwithJenna.
“PhilSteinisonthemountain,goingslowabouttwentyyardsfromtheswitchback.I’minaconcealedpositiontenyardsfromtheswitchback.”
“I’mtakingitslow.IfigureI’mhalfwaytotheswitchbackandwillcontinueonuptothefalls.”Jenna’svoicehadacalmingtone.“Anyoneonyourtail,Em?”
Emilyglancedoveroneshoulderthenpressedhermic.“NotyetbutLyonsfollowedmeintotheparkinglot.”
“Ihaveeyesonhim.”Webbersoundedexcited.“He’sheadingtowardEmily.NosignofJones.”
“Copythat.”Jennatookadeepbreath.“KeepheadingtowardKane,Em,andthentakethetrailtothetopoftherapids.I’llbecloseby.”
Emilytouchedhermicagain.“Copythat.”
Emily’sheartpounded,andatwingeoffeargrippedher,knowingLyonswascomingupbehindher.Whatwouldhedo?Instinctivelysheincreasedherpace;gettingclosertoKanewouldbeherbestoptionbutthenshe’dbeinthesightsofStein—apotentialmurderer.
Shekeptgoing,takingthewindingpathandjumpingoverthetwistedtreerootsalongthetrack.Sheconcentratedonthefactgoodpeoplesurroundedher.Kanewasupaheadandsoonthetrailstraightenedout;ifhehadhiddensomewhereahead,he’dhaveaclearshotifanyonetriedtohurther.She’dbeenwithhimtothegunrangeandseenhimshoot.Hewasremarkable.Noonehadachanceagainsthim.Itwascleartheyhadhersurrounded,andWebberwouldbecominguptherear.HewouldstayasclosetoLyonsaspossiblewithoutbeingseen.Sheunconsciouslytouchedthecanofbearsprayonherbelt.
Asshemovedthroughthetwistypath,acloudpassedoverthesun,darknesssurroundedher,andthecoolbreezebecameanarcticblast,stealingherbreath.Theforestwentfrombeautifultoforebodinginasplitsecond;thedimlighthidthetrapsunderfootandshestumbledovertheunevenground.Branchessnaggedatherclothesandscratchedherbarelegsbutshepushedonandsoonreachedthestraightaway.Thetrackwidenedandaheadshecouldmakeouttheswitchbackandthetrailuptotherapids.
Breathingheavily,shereachedtheendofthestraightawayinrecordtimeandstoppedtocatchherbreath.Thepoundingoftherapidswasgettinglouderandsoonwouldcoverhervoiceifshescreamedforhelp.Shetookasipofwaterandglancedaround.IfKanewashiddensomewhere,hewaslikeaghost.Athumpingsoundinthedistancemadeherturnandshecaughtsightofafigureheadingherway.ItwasLyons.He’scoming.
FORTY-SIX
UntilJennahitthetrail,she’dthoughtshe’dnotreceivedanyinjuriesfromwreckinghercar,butherbackandlegsached.Yeah,shecouldfightifshehadto,butrunningupthesideofthemountainwithafreezingwindblastingherfacewasn’tmakingherfeelanybetter.AsshemadeherwayalongthetrailattheedgeoftheriverwindingthroughStantonForest,herlungsachedwitheachbreathofcoolmountainairandshefoundherprogresswasn’tasfastasshe’danticipated.
Voicesaheadcaughtherattentionandthenayoungcouplecamerunningaroundthebend,rosy-cheekedandbright-eyed.Theygaveherafriendlywaveandchuckledastheywentby.Shewavedbackbutkeptherheaddown.Asshemadethefinalclimbtothetopoftherapids,anotheryoungmanranpast.Notlongafter,herpulsequickenedatthesightofOwenJones,suspectnumbertwo,sittingonarockandstaringintotheroaringwater.Shehithermic.“Kane.Jonesisatthetopoftherapids.Helookslikehe’swaitingforsomeone.”
“Hasheseenyou?”
Jennaslowedtoawalkthenleanedoverasiftryingtocatchherbreath.“Ithinkso.Idon’tfigurehe’srecognizedmethough.”
ShestiffenedasJonesgottohisfeetandstarteddownthemountaintowardtheswitchback,passingherwithoutaglance.Assheturnedtowatchhim,heroundedthecornerandvanished.“Hedidn’tmakeme.Heranstraightpastandwentroundthefirstbend.Ican’tmakeouthisposition.”
“WhataboutStein?”Kaneclearedhisthroat.“Heshouldberightontopofyoubynow.”
Jennaallowedtheimageofanotherrunnertofilterthroughhermind.HadSteinalreadygoneby?Shecouldn’tbe100percentsurewiththebeadingwaterobscuringhervision.Theyoungmanhadaballcappulleddownoverhisshorthairandwaswearingsunglasses.Itcould’vebeenhim.“I’mnotsure.AmandidrunbyafewminutesagobutmyattentionwasonJones.”
“Rogerthat.IthadtobeStein.Nooneelsehasgoneby.EmilyisclosenowandLyonsisonhertail;she’llbetheresoon.”Kanewaitedabeat.“IcanseeWebber.WehaveEmilysurrounded.”
Jennamovedbackdownthetrail,slidintotheforest,andpositionedherselfbehindamoss-coveredrock.“Okay,I’minposition.”
AsshesippedfromherwaterbottleandwaitedforEmilytorunby,themurdercasescametothefrontofhermind.Shestareddownthetrailandherstomachdropped.Coulditbeacoincidencethatshe’dseentwoofthesuspectsonthemountainattheexactsametimeandplaceasLyons?Itwasn’tasecrethe’dannouncedthefacthewasjoggingthisafternooninthecafeteriainfrontofeveryonepresent.Shepressedhermic.“Kane.IsurehopeJonesandSteinaren’tbothinvolvedinthekillings.”
“Ifigurewe’regoingtofindoutsoonenough.”
“Okay,Webber.”Jennakeptherattentiononthetrail.“IneedeyesonJonesandStein.LeaveLyonstous.Don’tcometomyposition.Takethecut-throughandwaitforthemtocometoyou.Youshouldhavecoverinthetreesthere.Letusknowiftheydoubleback.”
“Rogerthat.”Webbersoundedoutofbreath.“I’monmyway.”
Jennahunkereddownandwaitedforthecharadetoplayout.Hiddenintheshadowsbetweenthetallpinesandtheboulder,shegatheredherprofessionalcalmaroundherandbecameonewithhersurroundings.Underherfeet,therich,leaf-coveredsoilwasmoistandpineconeslitteredtheundergrowth.Sheinhaled.Theforesthadadifferentscenteachseason.Asthebitingwindcutintoherdampclothes,itsentamessagethatfallwouldbeshortthisyearandwinterwascloseonitsheels.
Againsttheroaroftherapids,sheheardthescreamofared-tailedhawkasitsoaredlikeanarrowfromatreeintothesky.Shewatchedthemajesticbirdandfolloweditssilhouetteagainstapassingclouduntilthetopsofthepinesblockedherview.ShemarveledatthemajestyofthebirdlifeinBlackRockFalls;theforestcouldbebothaterrifyingandmagicalplace.HerfriendAtohiBlackhawkoncetoldherthatnomatterwhatterriblethingshappenedinStantonForest,thebeautywouldremain.Rainwouldcleansethesoilandwildflowersandvineswouldcovergraves.Whateverhappenedonthemountaintoday,lifewouldgoon.
Fromhervantagepoint,Jennahadaclearviewofthetopoftherapids.Theclearingwasafavoritepicnicareaandwhereshe’dwitnessedthefightbetweenLyons,Jacobs,Devon,andJones.ShewouldneverforgetseeingJonesfallintothefreezingrapidsorhisstruggletosurviveasheslidbetweenrocksonhiswaydowntheriver.Thememorywasstillsorawitsentashiverdownherspine.Atthesoundoffootsteps,shemovedherattentiontothetrailandsighedwithreliefasEmilyranintosight.Asplanned,Emilywalkedtotheflatrockandsatdown.Shetookalongdrinkofwaterandthenstareddownattherapids.AfewminutespassedandSethLyonsranintoview.Jennalookedhimover.Hehadhardlybrokenasweat.
Jennacouldn’theartheexchangeofwords,butasifreadinghermind,EmilypressedhermicbuttonandtheconversationcamethroughJenna’searpiece.
“I’veseenyouaround.”SethLyonsmovedclosertoEmily.“You’reafriendofColt,right?ColtWebber?”
“No,notafriend.Heinternsatthesameplaceisall.”EmilystoodandJennacouldseethefrownonherface.“Why,doyouwantanintroductionorsomething?”
“Nope.Iknowhim.”Lyonschuckled.“We’rebothonthefootballteam.I’mthequarterback.”
“Really?”Emilypulledthebandfromherponytail,lettingherlongblondehaircascadedownherback,andthenscoopeditupandretiedit.
“Wethought—meandColt—thatyoumightliketocometoapartytomorrownightafterthegame?”
“Sure.”Emily’ssmilealmostconvincedJennashewasinterested.“Whereandwhattime?”
“NineatmyhouseonPine,numbersix.”Lyonsgaveherabroadsmile.“I’llgetyouaride.”
“Noneed,I’lldrivemyself.”Emilysippedherwateragainandsatbackdownontheflatrock.“Icomeupheretomeditate,soI’llseeyouthere.”
“Sure.”Lyonstouchedhercheekandthenturnedtogo.“Ican’twait.”
WhenheranpastJenna,sheusedhercomtocontactKane.“Lyonsisheadingbackdownthemountain.Emilyissafe.Ifthekillerorkillersaregoingtostrike,they’lldoitsoon.”
“Don’tgiveawayyourposition,theycouldbehidinganywherealongthetrail.Followtheplan.TheyknowEmilyishereandsheisn’tathreat.Letherfollowasplannedandwe’lltakeuptherear.”
“Rogerthat.”Jennawaitedagoodfiveminutesthenpressedhermic.“Okay,Emily,you’regoodtogo.Yourdadiswaitingintheparkinglot.Assoonasyougettothebrokenbridge,takethetrackthatcutsbacktotheinlandpathandheaddowntothefootofthetrail.Thenyou’llbypassanyonelyinginwaitforLyonsalongthewindingpartofthetrack.”
“Onmyway.”Emilydasheddownthetrail.
Jennastaredafterherthenhithermic.“Kane.Nothing’shappenedorwe’dhaveheardfromWebberbynow.I’llgiveEmilyaheadstartthenfollowher.”
“Lyonsshouldbehittingthebendinthetrailbynow.”Kaneheavedadeepbreath.“Iftheyweregoingtostrike,oppositetheoldsuspensionbridgeisthemostsecludedareaandthey’llhavethecut-throughasanescaperoute.Itlookslikewe’regoingwithplanAbutI’llheadbackdowninlandandmakesureEmilymakesitthrough,thenI’llcutthroughandmeetyouontherapidstrail.”
Jennasighed.“Dammit!Ifiguredoneofourtwosuspectswouldhavemadeamovebynow.”
“Thekillerwillmakeamovesoonerorlater.Maybehemadeus,andifsothisguyisevensmarterthanwe’vegivenhimcreditfor.”Kanesoundedcalmasusual.“Webber,what’syourposition?”
Nothing.
Jennafrowned.Evenoverthenoiseofthefalls,Webbershouldhearthecominhisear.“Webber,thisisAlton.Doyoucopy?”
Aterriblerushofuneasedriftedoverher.“I’llheadforEmilynow.Emily,doyoucopy?Turnaroundandcomeback.I’llmeetyouonthetrail.”Jennadashedoutofherhidingplaceandhurtleddownthemountain.
“I’mokay.There’snobodyhereandtheoldbridgeisafewyardsaway.I’llbeheadingdownthecut-throughtrackinafewmoments.”
Jennahithermic.“Webber’snotanswering,somethingmighthavehappened.Waitwhereyouareuntilyouhearfromme,Em.”
FORTY-SEVEN
HeadjustedtheearpieceandslappedthecompacktakenfromWebbertohisbeltthensmiledintotheshadows.He’dmovedthroughtheforestlikeaghost,notmakingasound.Ofcourse,he’dmadethesheriffandherdeputy.ItwashardtomissamanofDeputyKane’ssizerunningupatrail.Wherethesheriffwas,Kanewasneverfarbehind.They’dtakendifferentpathsandhe’dhadamomentarypangofregretforspoilingtheirattemptstocatchtheleaderofTeamRapist,buthehadhisownplansforthespoiled,richquarterback.HelookeddownatWebber’sbody.Thenoisefromtherapidshadmadeiteasytocreepupbehindhimandengagethechokehold.Themanwasstrongerthanhe’danticipatedbutnotasstrongashim,andsoonWebber’skneeshadbuckledandhe’dsuccumbed.
HedraggedWebber’sbodydeeperintotheforestandthenkickedleavesoverthedoubletrackshisheelshaddugintotheforestfloor.He’dhadnoideahewasworkingforthecopsandgrimaced.Howhadheallowedhimtoslipunderhisradar?Ashemovedtotheendofthecut-throughtrack,thesheriff’svoicecameinhisear,orderingEmilytoturnback,buthecouldseehernottenyardsfromLyons,whowasleaningagainstawoodenposttotheoldbridgeasifwaitingforher.HepressedhismicandhopedhesoundedlikeWebber.“I’matthecut-through.Icouldn’tcomebackbefore;Lyonswascloseby.”
“Rogerthat.”Thesheriffsoundedrelieved.“I’llkeepoutofsightandletitplayout.Emily,headtotheoldbridgethencutthrough.”
Hegrinned.He’dfooledher.
“Rogerthat.”Emily’svoicecamethroughhisearpiece.“Onmyway.”
Hemovedthroughthetrees,andasEmilyranby,hesteppedout,snaggedherbythearm,andcoveredhermouthinoneslickmove.Holdingherhardagainsthim,hepulledthecompackfromherwaistandtosseditintotherapidsthenpulledthepistolfromthesmallofhisbackandpressedthemuzzletohertemple.“Don’tmoveamuscleoryourbrainswillmessupmyshirt.”Hecouldfeelherheartpoundingagainsthimandherbreathingwasrapid.“Wecandothisthehardwayortheeasyway,Emily.”
FORTY-EIGHT
Atfirst,angeratherselfragedthroughEmily.Howcouldshehaverunstraightintodanger?Thetrailaheadhadappearedclear.Wherehadhecomefrom?Fearfollowedwiththeterribleknowledgeshecouldn’tfightherwayoutofthisproblem.Thewide-glovedhandpressedsohardagainsthermouth,herteethached.Shecouldsmellleatherandgunpowder.Thewaythemanheldher,withhissolidstrengthbehindher,toldherthatifshemoved,he’dbreakherneck.Terrorslammedintoherasthecoldmuzzleofagunpressedagainsthertemple.Shefrozeandlistenedtotheinstructions.
“I’mnothereforyou,Emily.I’mhereforSethLyons.”Themanpressedthesteelharderagainstherskin.“I’llletgobutifyouscreamortrytorun,I’llshootyou.Understand?Ihaveasuppressoronmyweapon,thesheriffwon’thearathing,andWebberisdown.NowthisiswhatIwantyoutodo.”Hekeptthegunagainstherhead.“WalkdowntoLyons.KeepyourhandswhereIcanseethem.I’llbeinthebusheswithmyweaponaimedatyourhead.Iwon’tmiss.AllIwantyoutodoisdistracthimforafewmomentssoIcangetcloseandthenI’llletyougo.Actnatural.Gotit?”
Trembling,shenoddedslightlyandthehandonhermouthreleasedalittle.She’dlosthercom,andwithherhandspinnedtohersides,shewouldn’tbeabletoalertanyonebyusinghertrackerring.Shehadnootherchoicebuttocomply,buthermindwasworkingovertime.Webberwasdown.Thethoughthemightbelyingdeadclosebymadeherstomachroil.Shewoulddowhatherdadhadtaughther:cooperatefirstandthenthemomenthewasdistracted,she’dtrytoescape.“Yes,Iunderstand.”
Holdingherarmsoutalittlefromhersides,shewalkedaroundthenextbendandLyonsemergedfromthebushessurroundingtheoldbridge.Thebannerhangingattheentrancewith“Danger”writteninredhadfrayedanddroppedtotherottenwoodenslats.Longstrandsofcanvasflappedaboutinthewind,slappingtheground.Beyond,thedecayingstructurestretchedoutinruinsacrossthefast-flowingrapidsoverfiftyfeetbelow.AsshemovedclosertoLyons,thewindcarriedthespraytoherface.Shewantedtowipethewaterfromhereyes,butifshemovedherhands,hemightshoother.
“HiEmily.”Lyonsgaveheraslowsmile.“IfiguredI’dwaitforyousowecouldgettoknoweachotherbetter.”
Getsomethingbetweenyouandthetarget.Emilyheardherdad’swordsfilteringintohermind.Heartjackhammering,shemovedclosertotheentrancetotheoldbridgeandleanedagainstoneofthemanypinetreesliningtheedgeofthesurgingriver.HermovementturnedLyonsaround,placinghimbetweenherandthegunman.Thebushesoppositemovedslightlyandamanwiththebrimofaballcappulleddowntoshadehisfacemovedtowardthem,butshecouldn’tseeaweaponinhishand.Areyouthekiller?SheswallowedthepanicinherthroatandlookedatLyons’smilingface.“IsaidI’dseeyouattheparty.Ilikemyspace.”
“You’reatease.”Lyonstookastepcloser.“Comehere,Iwon’tbite.”
AdrenalinpumpedthroughEmily,blindpanicmeltedaway,andherpathbecameclear.Shetookasteptooneside.Heronlyoptionwastorun.“There’samanbehindyouwithagun.”
“Awhat?”Lyonsspunaroundandglaredattheman.“Whatthehelldoyouwant?”Hewalkedtowardthemanandpushedhimhardinthechest.
“That’sthelastmistakeyou’llevermake.”Theothermanlashedout,hittingLyonsintheface.
Emilypressedheremergencytrackerringandthenturnedtoleapoverthedangersign.Sheranontothericketyoldsuspensionbridge.Itswayedinprotestandunderfoottherottentreadscreakedasthebridgeshuddered.Windlashedatherandicyspraywhippedupfromtherapids,drenchingherinseconds.Sheslippedandthenmadethemistakeoflookingdowntothetreacherousrocksandswirlingwaterbelow.Unabletomove,shehuncheddown,clingingtotherailing,andthensuckedinafewdeepbreathstocalmhershatterednerves.Thenoisefromtherapidsthunderedinherearsandshedoubtedherdadwouldbeabletohearanycommunicationfromhertracker,butshe’dtry.“Dad,ifyoucanhearme,I’mstuckontheoldsuspensionbridge.I’velostmycom.Lyonsandanotherguygotintoafight.Ithinktheguyhasagun.”Shegrittedherteeth.“I’mscaredbutI’mgoingtotryandgettotheothersideandawayfromthem.”
Petrified,shemovedinslowmotionandlookedaheadtotheothersideoftheravine.Itseemedtobesofaraway,andmanyoftheslatsonthebridgehadfallenintotheriverlongago.Shewrappedonearmaroundtheblackenedrailingandstood.Thebridgemoanedinprotestandswungdangerouslytooneside.Shehadtomakeitacrossandmovedon,stepbystep,testingeachslatbeforeshewenttothenext.Behindherthesoundsofthefightcamethroughtherushofwater,andsheturnedtoseeLyonstakingabeatingfromthestranger.
Assheturnedback,thesuspensionbridgeswayeddangerouslyandherpalmsslippedonthesoakedmossandslime-coveredhandrail.Herheartpoundedsohardshethoughtitwouldburstthroughherchestbutsheshuffledalong,pickingherwayoverthemissingslats.Theclosershecametothemiddle,themorethewindbuffetedherasifitwastryingtoripherfromthebridgeandtossherintotheriver.Itwassocold,shecouldn’tfeelherfingersanymoreandherkneesshookwitheachstep.
Thenextmomentanalmightyrippingsoundsplittheairandwoodsplintersshotpastherthenrushedawayinthewind.Thebridgejoltedhertoherkneesand,losinghergrip,sheslippedinanuncontrollableslidetowardagapinghole.Shegrabbedatairasthesupportsforthehandrailsrushedbyandthencameanotherrippingsound.Thebridgemovedagain,tumblingherfromonesidetotheother.Assheslammedintoasupportrail,shemanagedtolooponearmaroundtheicymetalandcametoashoulder-wrenchinghaltinchesfromtheholeandcertaindeath.
Sobbinginterror,shelookedoveroneshoulderandfoundthecauseoftheproblem.Themandidhaveaweapon.AknifeglintedinthesunlightasheurgedLyonsontothebridge.BloodstreamedfromLyons’noseandhemovedwithoutcareasifonasuicidemission.Sheraisedhervoiceasloudaspossible.“Stoprunning!Thebridgewillcollapse.”
Lettingoutawailofterror,Lyonsignoredher,jumpedoverthemissingslats,andheadedtowardher.Emilyclungtighttotheshudderingbridge.Thewoodbeneathherfeetbuckedandcreaked.Theidiotwouldkillthem.ShestaredthroughthecloudsofmistbehindLyons.Themanhadvanished.SheraisedhervoiceinthehopeLyonswouldhearher.“It’sokay.Nooneischasingyou.”
Hedidn’tsomuchasacknowledgeherpresenceandkeptoncoming,hisexpressionwild.Blooddrippedoffhissoakedfaceinaghoulishcrimsonsprayaroundhim.Decayedwoodenslatsfellaway,floatinglikeconfettiinthewindbeforetumblingintotherushingwaterbelow.Shehelduponehandtohim.“Stop!”
Thesuspensionbridgewhinedandshegapedinhorrorasthestrandsofwoven,rustymetalinthecablesupportingonesideofthebridgeappearedtostretch.Wiresscreechedandsnappedasthecableunraveledbeforehereyes.Shestared,frozeninterror,beforeherinstincttosurvivetookover.Shewrappedbothlegsaroundawoodenpostandtightenedhergripontheslipperyrailingasaloudtwanglikethesnappingofanalmightyguitarstringcutthroughtheroaroftherapids.Sheduckedjustintimeasthemetalcablesnappedandslicedthroughtheairafootaboveherheadlikeawhip.
Analmightymoanlikethefellingofagreattreeshudderedthroughthebridgeandthenonesideofitfellaway.Acrycamethroughthewindand,trembling,shelookeddown.SethLyonswashangingbyonearmtothebrokensideofthebridgeandtryingdesperatelytopullhimselftosafety.Armsandlegsaching,Emilypressedherheadclosetohertrackerring.“Help!”
FORTY-NINE
WhenWolfe’svoicecamethroughJenna’searpiece,sheglancedallaround,worriedsomeonemightbecloseby.“Copy.Wolfe,what’shappened?”
“Emily’sintrouble.She’sontheoldsuspensionbridgeandthelastcommunicationIreceivedfromherwas,‘Help.’She’slosthercompack,andwiththenoiseoftherapids,it’sdifficulttohearher.I’mheadingupthemountainandbringingarope.Rowleyisstillinposition.”
Jennaslidfromherhidingplaceandrandownthemountain.“I’monmyway.”
“Metoo.”ShecouldhearKane’sheavybreathingasheran.“I’malmostatthecut-through.”
Jennapressedhermic.“Rogerthat.Webber,headtoEmily’sposition.”
Noresponse.Whatthehellhadhappenedtohimnow?Sherandownthestraightaway,leapingovergnarledtreerootsandavoidingtherocks.Assheroundedthebend,shecaughtsightofamanstandingattheentrancetotheoldbridge.Sheslowed,placedonehandontheweaponinhershoulderholster,andwalkedtowardhim.Hewasinhismidtolatetwentieswithshort,fairhairandcouldbeacollegestudent,butnotonewho’dcomeunderherscrutiny.“Whatareyoudoinghere?”
“Tryingtofigureouthowtosavethem.”HepointedtoEmilyandLyonsdanglingonthebrokenbridge.“I’dhavecalled911butmyphoneisinmytruck.”
“Standback,I’mthesheriff.”Jennamovedclosertotheedgeandtookinthesituation.“Helpisonitsway.”
“Thatguydroppedthese.”HeofferedJennaapileofflashdrives.
Jennapushedthemintoherjacketpocket.“Thanks,nowstandtooneside.”
“Sure.”Themanturnedawayandheadeddownthetrail.
Thenextmoment,Kanecamethunderingthroughthecut-throughtrackandskiddedtoahalt.“IfoundWebbercrawlingouttheforest.Someoneknockedhimout,buthe’llbeokay.Itoldhimtorestawhileandthenheadthisway.Where’sEmily?”Hemovedtotheedgeoftheravineandpeeredatthebridge.“Jesus.”
Jennaturnedtohim.“We’llhavetotalkEmintomakingherwayback,butI’mnotsurehowwecanassistLyonsuntilWolfegetsherewitharope.”Shefrowned.“I’llcallthefiredepartment.”Shemadethecallthenwalkedtotheedgeoftheravineandcuppedherhands.“We’recoming,holdon.”
Therewasnotimetowaste,andwithouthesitation,JennastrippedoffherjacketandthenremovedhershoulderholsterandhandedittoKane.“Givemeyourbelt.I’mgoingtobringherin.”SheloopedKane’sbeltthroughherown.“I’llattachEmtomeandthenshewon’tbesoscared.”
“Haveyoulostyourmind?”Kane’smouthturneddownashehandedherhisbelt.Hepulledoutasmallpairofbinocularsandscannedthearea.“Giveitafewmoreminutes.ShehasherselfinagoodpositionandWolfewillbeheresoon.”HeturnedhisattentiontoLyons.“Itwillbeimpossibletosavethembothatthesametime.”
TheloudcreakingfromthebridgewasallJennaneededtomakeuphermind.ShelookedupatKane.“ImadeWolfeapromisetowatchoutforherandIneverbreakmyword.”Shetookadeepbreathandsteppedoutovertheabyss.
“Thenpromisemeyou’lltakeitslowandeasy.GetEmilythenwe’lltryforLyons.Don’triskallyourlivesbytryingtosavethemalone.”Kane’sfacefilledwithanguish.“Promiseme,Jenna.”
“Okay,okay,youhavemyword.”Clingingtotheslipperyhandrail,sheshuffledherfeetalongthemetalbarattachedtothedanglingslatsofthebridge.Therusty,wet,blackenedbardidnothingtorelieveherfearofheights,butshe’dtrainedinworseconditions.Shesmotheredherworryandmovedon,takingprecise,evensteps.Thewindpulledatherclothesasiftryingtomakeherfall,andblastsoffreezing,wetwindcutthroughherclothes.ShekepthergazefixedonEmilybutthegirlhadn’tmovedandwasstaringattherushingwaterasifparalyzedwithfear.“Emily,I’mcoming.”
SheshoutedtoEmilytostandupandstartmovingtowardherbutthewindcarriedherwordsaway.ThebridgegroanedandshudderedwitheachperilousstepandJennahadtofightagainstwavesofrisingpanic.ThememoryofseeingOwenJones’srecentfallintotherapidsrushedoverherwithoutwarning.Thegut-clenchinghorrorofseeinghimfallingintotheicywater,collidingwithboulders,andfightingtosurvivewassoreal.Shegaspedforair,herbraininsistingshewasgoingtodie.Herkneeswobbledandhergriplessenedontherailing.Inherearpiece,Kane’svoicebrokethroughthehallucination.
“Jenna.Jenna,listentomyvoice.Justholdon.Openyoureyes.You’realmostthere.Look,Emilyhasspottedyou.Don’treply,justkeepgoingonestepatatime.Comeon,Jenna,youcandoit.”
Sheturnedherheadtolookathim,gatheredherwits,andthennodded.Handsnumbfromtheconstantfreezingblastsofwater,shemovedon.WithKane’sencouragementinherear,shecouldfaceherfearandfocuswithabsoluteclarity.Athirdofthewayacross,sheheardwhimperingandlookeddown.Lyonsdangledbelowher,hiseyesdesolatewithfear.Hewassoakedthroughfromthepoundingrapidsrushingbybelow,hisfaceabloodymess,andhewasoutofherreach.Rightnow,shehadnowayofsavinghim,andhislifedependedonhowlonghecouldclingtotherottingwood.Allshecoulddowasofferhimencouragement.“Hangon.Helpisontheway.”
Jennaworkeduparhythm—step,slide,step—asshemoveddowntheslopetothemiddleofthebridge.Ahead,Emilyhadfinallyheardheryellingandwaswatchingher.Shecouldseethegirl’spaleface,wideblueeyes,andsoakedblondehair.Wolfe’spetrifieddaughterwouldneedalotofencouragementtostandupandmove.Asshereachedthecenteroftherapids,thesquallbecamefierceasifshe’dsteppedintoawindtunnel.Herheartratepickeduptoadizzyingspeed.Theswayingofthebridgewasbadenoughbutseeingslatsofwoodripawayandtumbleintothefast-flowingwaterterrifiedher.ShelookedatEmily,andtheworryonWolfe’sfaceflashedacrosshermindandbolsteredherresolve.Hewasfamilyandsherefusedtolethimloseanotherlovedone.
TenmorestepshadheratEmily’sside.“Slowlyhookonearmoverthehandrailandpushyourselfup.”SheloopedonearmindemonstrationandthengrippedEmilyunderonearm.“Ihaveyou.”
JennaheavedasighofreliefwhenEmilyobeyedwithoutaword.“Okay,nowI’mgoingtoloopKane’sbeltthroughyours,sowe’rejoinedtogether.”Theideawasmoreacomfortmovebecausethebeltswouldn’ttaketheweightifoneofthemfell.“Okay,we’regoingtoheadbacknow.Yourdadiswaitingforyou.Keepyourhandsandfeetincontactallthetime.Moveonehand,thenslideonefootalong,thenmovetheotherhand,andsoon.”
“It’sbeenmoving.”Emily’slipshadturnedbluewiththecold.“Likejoltingeveryfewminutes.Itdidthatjustbeforeitbroke.”
AnxietygrippedJenna’sstomachbutshetriedtomakelightofthedangeroussituation.“Ifigureit’stherottenwoodbreakingawaybutthissideofthebridgeisokay.”Shetookthefirstfewsteps,gladwhenEmilymovedwithher.“We’llbeoffhereinnotime.”
“Wolfeishere,andsoisWebber.ThefiredepartmentETAisstillabouttenminutes.Itlooksgoodfromthisend,keepmovingslowandeasy.”Kaneclearedhisthroat.“Don’trisklettinggotopressyourmictocommunicate.WolfehasEmily’strackeronhiscellphone.”
JennaturnedherheadtolookatEmily.“Kaneistalkingtomethroughmycomandyourdadcanhearyouthroughyourtracker.Kanetoldmeitalllooksgoodahead,nomoredamage.Canyoumovealittlefaster?”
“I’lltry.”Emilyhadadeterminedexpressiononherface.
Thebridgeshudderedandwhinedwitheverystepandthehowlingwindtuggedattheirclothes.Awarethenextstepcouldhavethemtumblingtotheirdeaths,JennakeptupaconversationwithEmily,andhavinghertherebolsteredhercourage.TheypassedbyLyons.He’dstoppedwhimperingandhadclimbeduptohookonearmoverametalstrut.Abovehimwasanemptygapandtwistedmetal;hehadnoplacetogoandremainedsuspendedinmidair.Sheglancedtotheentrancetothebridgeandachillranthroughher.Wolfewastherewitharopeinhandbutheobviouslythoughtthebridgewouldnotsupportanotherperson’sweight.
Twentyyardstogo,shecouldclearlymakeouteveryone’sfaces.KaneandWolfestoodattheedgeofthebridge,feetspreadandreadytograspthemthemomenttheyarrived.Jennasighedwithrelief.“Notmuchfurther,Em,keepgoing.”
Thenextmomentarippingscreamcutthroughthethunderofthefalls,thebridgeshuddered,andanoiselikethedevilhimselfhadleaptoutofhellechoedthroughthemountains.“Hangon,Em.”Jennawrappedherarmsaroundthehandrailandherlegsaroundthemetalsupportbar.SheturnedtoseeEmilycopyher.
Inanalmightyroaroftearingmetal,thesecondcablebroke,slingshottingthematanincrediblespeedtowardthesideoftheravine.Behindher,JennacouldhearEmilyscreamingastheyflewthroughtheair.Sheclungontightastheyshottowardtheedgeoftherapids.Sheerforcepluckedthemfromthebridgeandtheyfell,crashingintothethickundergrowthliningtheravine.PainshotthroughJenna’sarmastheytumbledtogether,bouncingoverrockstowardthefast-flowingrapids.Thegroundandskybecameablurofcolors.Airrushedfromherlungsandthentheworldwentblack.
FIFTY
Kanewatchedinhorrorasthebridgeswungbackinascreamoftwistedmetal.JennaandEmilywerenowhereinsight,butLyonshadbeenflungupandontothebank.Hewaswithinreach.WhenWolferanupbesidehim,Kanegrimaced.“IcanreachLyons.I’llgodown;tossmedowntheropeandhaulhimup.”
“AndleaveEmilyandJenna?Nodamnway.”Wolfestareddowntherapids.
“Wecan’tleavehimthere,andIfigurethey’vebeenthrownontothesideoftheravinedownstreamaways.”KaneslappedWolfeontheback.“Ididn’tseethemfallintothewaterandEmilywasstrappedtoJenna;they’llbetogether.”
“Jenna,doyoucopy?”Wolfesoundeddesperate.
Nothing.
“You’dbetterhurry.”WolfeglaredatKane.“Thatsonofabitchisn’tworthsaving.”
KanewantedtoagreebuthadadutyofcaretoLyons.Heturnedawayanddroppedovertherockface.Momentslater,hefoundLyonsbatteredandbruisedbuttryingdesperatelytoclimbup.HegotbehindLyonsandpushedhimupaheadofhim.Atthetop,heforcedhimdownonaboulder.HehadtokeepWebber’sinvolvementasecretandstaredatLyons.“RestawhileandthenfollowuswithWebber.TakeoffandI’llarrestbothofyou.Understand?”
HetookLyons’nodsasaffirmativeandturnedtoWolfe.“Bringtherope.Webber,call911andgettheparamedicsherepronto,andthenwaitwherewedescendanddirectthefirefighterstoourpositionwhentheyarrive.”HegaveWebberandLyonsalonglook.“I’mtrustingyoutodotherightthing.Livesareatrisk—canIcountonyou?”
“Yes,sir.”Webberpulledouthisphone.“We’lldoasyouask.”
“I’mnotgoinganywhere.”Lyonsheldhishead.
KanepickedupJenna’sjacketandweaponandthentookoffatarunwithWolfeclosebehindhim.Theychargeddownthetrail,crashingthroughthebushesliningtheedgeoftheravine.Thewallofthegorgefellawayinlayers,somewithpinesandjuniperbushesgrowingamongtheboulders.Themoss-coveredrocksanddampvegetationmadeitslipperyunderfoot.Heslowed,searchinginalldirectionsforJennaandEmily.
“There.”Wolfepointedtoahugeboulderrestingprecariouslyontheedgeoftherapids.“Seethem?”
Kanecouldjustmakeoutthearmhanginglimplyoverajuniperbush.Hepressedhismic.“Jenna.Jenna,doyoucopy?”
Nothing.
“Emily,Jenna!”Wolfecuppedhishandsaroundhismouth.“Callout!”
Onlythesoundofrushingwatercamefrombelow.KanedroppedJenna’sthingsandthenlookedaroundwildlyforasuitabletree.HegrabbedWolfe’srope,tieditsecurely,andthentosseditdowntheravine.“I’llgofirst.Doyouwantmetocarrythemedicalsupplies?”
“Noway.”Wolfegavehimastaretofreezetherapids.“You’rewastingtime.”
“Okay.”Kanedraggedglovesfromhisjacketpocketandpulledthemon.“Ihopeyouhavegloves.”Hegrabbedtheropeandstartedbackwarddowntheravine.
“Ineverleavehomewithoutthem.”Wolfestaredafterhim.“I’llberightbehindyou.”
Ashemadehiswaydown,afeelingofdreadfelloverKane.Nocriesofpainorpleasforhelpdrifteduptohim,onlytheroarofthefalls.Nosoundcamethroughhisearpiece.Yeah,Jennacould’velosthercominthefall,butheck,shewastoughandshe’dcalloutifshe’dseenthem.Jennahadbeenclosetodeathtoomanytimesthisweekanddeterminednottoallowhertodie,hedroppedontoaledgeandcrawledtotheedgetopeerover.“Oh,shit.”
Kane’sguttightenedinanguishatthesightofJennaandEmilywedgedbetweentherockfaceandamassiveboulderhangingprecariouslyabovethefast-flowingwater.Oneachside,thesoilhaderoded,leavinglittlesupport.HeassessedthesituationandturnedasWolfemovedtohisside.“Iknowyouwanttogorushingdowntherebutwecan’triskdislodgingtherock;it’shangingbyathread.We’llhavetosplitupandmoveinslow.”Hescannedthearea,takingintoconsiderationeachfoothold.“We’llheadfortheflatrock.Thatareaappearsstable,andifIcanreachthem,Ishouldbeabletopullthemclearbeforetheboulderfallsintotherapids.Ifyoutaketherightandusethesaplingsashandholds,I’llgodowntherockstotheleft,it’sfaster.”
“It’salmostasheerdrop.”Wolfestaredathimandthennodded.“Okay,Ifigureifanyonecanclimbdownthereandsurvive,youcan.”Hehoisteduphisbackpackandmovedoffatonce.
Kanedroppedovertheedgeoftheravineand,findingfootholdsintherockface,moveddownatasteadypace.He’dreachthewomenfirstandswallowedhardatthethoughtoffindingthembothdead.Hisheartracedandsweatbeadedonhisbrowbutfearhadnoplaceinarescuemission.Hedraggedinadeepbreathanddroppedintothezone,pushinghisemotionsintothefarreachesofhismindandonlyconcentratingonthetaskahead.TohisrighthecouldhearWolfecallingouttoJennaandEmilyeveryfewminutes.Fromaboveheheardvoices;thefirefightershadarrivedandoneglanceskywardconfirmedtheyweregettingorganizedtodropdownstretchers
Relievedhelpwasathand,hekeptmoving,ignoringtheconstantcoldspraylashinghim.Thehandholdsmovedunnervinglyunderhisfingersandhisbootsslippedonthemoss-coveredrocks.Heglanceddownand,grippingthebaseofajuniperbush,sliddownthelastfewfeettolandontheflattenedplateaufiveyardsawayfromJennaandEmily.Remainingcoolandprofessionalnowcouldmeanthedifferencebetweenlifeanddeathforhisfriends.Heexaminedtheimmediateareathenmovedforward,takingcarefulsteps.ThelooserocksbeneathhisbootsshiftedwitheachstepandrusheddownlikebirdshottopeltJenna’sback.Herarmmovedandthenherhead.“Jenna,canyouhearme?Don’tmove.”
“Oh,shit.”Jennaturnedherheadtowardhim.“Ithinkmyarm’sbroken.Whathappened?”
“You’resuffocatingme.”Emily’smuffledvoicecamefrombehindher.
Guttighteningwithreliefathearingtheirvoices,Kaneshuffledcloserandraisedhisvoice.“Don’tmove!You’rehangingjustabovetherapids.WaitformeandI’llpullyouclear.”
“Wait!”Wolfecameinfromhisright,crawlingonallfours.“Don’tmovethem,theymighthavespinalinjuries.”
“I’msorealloverbutmybackandneckseemokay.”JennaturnedherheadtolookatEmily.“Youokay,Em?”JennalookedbackatKane,herfacefilledwithconcern.“Shehasaheadinjury.She’sbleedingrealbad.”
“Icanmovemyfingersandtoes.MyankleishurtingandI’vegotbloodinmyeyes.”Emily’svoicesoundedsurprisinglycalm.“Sorelowerbackbuteverythingseemsokay,Dad.”
KaneedgedcloserandglancedoveratWolfe.Hisnextmovecouldsendthewomenfallingtotheirdeaths.Directlyinfrontofhim,therockfacedippedslightlybuthadaridgewideenoughforhimtostand.Togetbothwomentosafety,he’dhavetodragthemoutatthesametimeandthenrollbackontotheflatrock,bringingthemwithhim.Hedidn’thavetimetoexplain,andtheexpressiononWolfe’sfacetoldhimhewasfullyawareofthedanger.“Jenna,areyoustilltiedtogetherwiththebelts?”
“Ican’ttell.”Jennafrowned.“I’mstucktightagainstEm.”
“Okay.”KanewatchedinhorrorassmallrocksraineddownoneachsideofJennaastheunderpinningoftheboulderslippedaway.“Emily,canyoumoverealslowandwrapbotharmsaroundJenna’swaistandholdontight?Jenna,hangontoEmily.I’mgoingtohavetopullyouout.It’sgoingtoberough.”
Heartthundering,hewaitedforJenna’ssignal.“Okay,herewego.Hangon.”
WindandicyspraypeltedKaneashesteppedontothenarrowrock,spreadhisfeet,andbenthisknees.HetookholdofJenna’sbeltwithonehandandslidtheotheraroundherthigh.Thebouldermoved,slippinganotherinchtowardtheswirlingrapids.Itwasnowornever.Hesuckedinadeepbreathand,usingeveryounceofstrength,liftedthewomenoutofthecrevice.Onestep,two,andthenthreebackwardhadthemfallingbackontotheplateauinatangleofbodies.HerolledJennatowardhimandgrabbedEmily’sarmtopreventherslippingaway.Hewincedatherblood-soakedyoungfaceblinkingupathim.Wolfedoveintohelpandtheyallsatontheplateau,breathingheavily.Agrindingnoisetorethroughtheairlikeachainsawandthemassivebouldershiftedthenrolledlikeanout-of-controlbowlingballintotheravine.Thealmightycrashvibratedthroughthemountain,sendingashowerofdustandpebblesoverthem.KanelookeddownatJennaandshookthedustfromhishead.“Thatwastooclose.”
“Areyouguysalrightdownthere?”AvoicecamefromaboveKane.“We’reonourwaydown.”
Kanelookedupatthefacesofthefirefightersandgavethemawave.HelookeddownatJenna.“Helpisonitsway.”
AsWolfetendedtohisdaughter,KaneeasedJennaintoasittingpositionandunbeltedherfromEmily.Jennashiveredandheshruggedoutofhisjacketandwrappeditgentlyaroundher.Shehadscratchesandbruisesandbitsofgrassandtwigsstickinginherhair,butsomehowshe’dsurvived.“I’mstartingtowonderhowmanylivesyouhave.Thisisyourseconddicewithdeaththisweek.”
“Saysthemanwhojustclimbeddownasheerrockfacewithoutarope.”WolfegrinnedathimasheremovedhisjacketandcoveredEmily.“Howmanyforyou,Dave?Youmustbeintothreefiguresbynow.”
Kaneshrugged.“Idon’tthinkaboutit.”
“Meeither.”Jennafrowned.“Iwouldn’tmakeaverygoodsheriffifIworriedaboutgettinghurt.It’sthenatureofthegame.”ShesuckedinadeepbreathandlookedatWolfe.“I’mnotgoingtomakeitbackuptopwithoutpainmeds.I’mokay,noheadacheordizziness.”
“Thatbad,huh?”WolfewrappedabandagearoundEmily’shead.“Dave,there’smorphineinmyfieldkit.Checkhereyes;ifshelooksokay,youcangiveherashot.”Heslidthekittowardhim.
KanemadeJennalookintothesunthenbackafewtimes.Shewasfreezingcoldbutlucid,andherpupilsreactednormally.“Shelooksfine.”Hepulledouttheplasticcontainerlabeled“Morphine”andtookoutapreparedsyringe.Thesightbroughtbackmemories.He’dcarriedthesamepackduringhistourofduty.Withoutanypreamble,hepulledupthelegofJenna’sshortsandplungedtheneedleintoherthigh.Whensheletoutahowlofprotest,hecaughttheflashofangerinhereyes.“Okay,whicharmhurts?”
“Theleft.”Jennatrembledagainsthim.“Imusthaveputitouttobreakourfall.”Shesupportedthewristwithherotherhandandgrimaced.“Itfeelsbroken.”
“Hmm,lookspainful.I’llwrapitbuttheparamedicsareontheirway.They’llbeherebythetimethefirefightershaveyouuptop.”Kanenarrowedhiseyesonher.“You’regoingtothehospital,sonocomplaints,okay?”Smallrockspeltedthemandheglancedup.“Thefiredepartmentareontheirwaydown.You’llgettorideupinastretcher.”
“Ihatethosethings.”Sheindicatedtowardthetwistedmetaldanglingovertheravine.“DidLyonsmakeit?”
Kanelookedupfrombandagingherwristandnodded.“Yeah,he’swaitinguptopwithWebber.”
“SomeguygavemeabunchofflashdrivesandsaidLyonshaddroppedthem.”Jennalookedupathim.“Theymightbetheevidenceweneedtoarresthim.Hemighthavebeenthekillerafterall.”
ItwasdarkbythetimeKanemadehiswaybackdownthemountainwithRowleyandWolfe.He’dinsistedWebbergotothehospitalafternoticingthebruisingonhisneck.AfterEmilyhadinsistedshewasfineanddidn’tneedtohaveherdadalong,Wolfehadreluctantlyremainedbehind.Althoughasmallgroupofpeoplehadgatheredtowatchthefirefightersinaction,they’dsoondispersedoncetheparamedicshadtakeneveryonedownthemountain.He’daskedthebystandersifanyofthemhadhandedJennatheflashdrivesbutnoonehadcomeforward.
“Whyisthisguysoimportant?”Rowleyglancedathim.
Kanepulledtheflashdrivesfromhispocket.“He’sawitness.WhenLyonsranontothebridgeafterEmily,hedroppedthesedrives.Lyonsisinsistingsomeonewasuptherethreateninghimandtheygotintoafight.IwasonscenesecondslaterandIdidn’tseeanyone.”
“DidJennarecognizehim?”WolfefellintostepbesideKane.
“Nope.”Kanepocketedtheflashdrivesagain.“Shedidn’tseewherehewentbecauseshewaswatchingwhatwashappeningonthebridge.”
“Emilywould’veseenthefight,butaftersustainingaheadinjury,there’snowayI’mgoingtoallowquestioninguntilI’msureshe’sokay.”Wolferaisedoneeyebrow.“Areweclearonthat,Kane?”
“Sure.”Kaneshrugged.“Iguessthedoctorswon’tallowusnearLyonseither.I’dsureliketoknowifheaccidentallydroppedtheflashdrivesorifitwasanattempttodisposeofthemintheravine.”
“Ifthey’rethemissingonesfromthesafeatthefrathouse.”Wolfefrowned.“HowdidtheygetintoLyons’possession?Unlesshetookthem.”
KanelookedatRowley.“Didyouwatcheveryonecomingdownthetrail?”
“Yeah,andI’vetakenphotosofeveryone.”Rowleyslidhisphoneoutofhispocketandopenedthefile.“Recognizeanyofthem?”
Kanestoppedwalkingandscannedeachimage.“Nope.Jennasaidtheguyshespoketowastallandmuscularwithabuzzcut.HehadabluecaphangingoutthebackpocketofhisjeansandworeablackT-shirt.”HepausedattheimagesofJonesandStein.“Wheredidoursuspectsgo?”
“Theywenttotheirvehiclesanddroveaway.”Rowleytookbackhisphone.“Theycameoffthetrailaboutfiveminutesapart.Theyneverreturned.Ifiguretheywentbacktotheirdorms.”
Kanerubbedhischin.“I’mheadinghometogetoutofthesewetclothes.I’llfeedDukeandsettlethehorsesandthentakesomeclothestothehospitalforJenna.”HelookedatRowleyastheywalkedintotheparkinglot.“There’snothingmorewecandotoday.I’llleaveyoutolockup.We’lltalktoLyonsinthemorning.Ifigurehe’llbekeptinhospitalovernight.”
“Rogerthat.”Rowleysmiledathim.“Canyougivemearidetotheoffice?”
Kanenodded.“Yeah.”HeturnedtoWolfeandfrowned.Hisfriend’sexpressionhadturnedtogranite.“What’sup?”
“What’sup,hesaysasifhedidn’triskEmily’sandJenna’slivesupthere.It’sjustanotherday’sworkforyou,isn’tit,Kane?”Wolfe’seyesboredintohim.“Justsowe’reonthesamepage,thisisthelasttimeyou’reinvolvinganyofmydaughtersinoneofyourcrazyschemes.Emilycould’vediedtoday.Itendshere,Kane,orI’mwalking.HaveImademyselfclear?”
“Perfectly.”Kanemethisstare.“Wehadhercovered,butIdidn’taccountforthebridgecollapsing.Youwerelisteningonthecom,Jennaorderedhertoruntome.”Hesighed.“I’msorry,man.YoushouldknowI’dneverintentionallyplaceanyofyourkidsindanger.You’relikefamily,andJennawouldripmeanewoneifyouleftBlackRockFalls.Shelovesthosegirlslikesisters.”
Notsure,foronceinhislife,howtohandlethesituation,hewaitedforagesasWolfestaredintospace,hisangerpalpable.Besidehim,Rowleyhadanexpressionofdisbeliefonhisface.Kaneclearedhisthroat.HehadtosaysomethingtoencourageWolfetostay.“Youhavemyword,Shane.Thatusedtomeansomething.”
“Okay.”Wolfegavehimacurtnod.“There’ssomethingyouneedtodoformebeforeyouhightailituptothehospitaltoseeJenna.”
Kaneopenedhishands.“Justsaytheword.”
“Takealookattheflashdrivesandcallme.I’mnotsureIcanwaituntiltomorrowtoknowifthey’retheevidenceweneedintheChrissieLowecase.”Wolfe’smouthturneddown.“Ifthey’rethemissingdrives,Lyonssurehadusfooled.”
Thenursingstaffatthehospitalhadbeenamazing.OnceJennahadtheresultsofherX-ray,they’dhelpedheroutofherwetclothesandshe’dshoweredandwashedthefilthfromherhair.Thecrackinherwristwaspainfulbutshewouldgetawaywithonlywearingabrace;thebruiseononehipandtheotherscrapesjustaddedtotheassortmentof
Sheglancedinsidethebaghehandedhertofindtoiletries,anightgown,slippers,andarobe.“I’mnotstaying.I’mgoodtogoassoonasI’mdressed.”Shewavedapacketathim.“Theyevengavemepainmeds.”
“Yeah,Iknow,buttheytoldmeyouneedbedrest,sothiswaythere’snoarguingwhenwegethome.”Kanesatontheedgeofthebed.“Iknowyouwon’thaveeatensoI’veorderedChinesetakeoutandI’lldropbyandcollectitonthewayhome.”Hegaveheralonglook.“I’mstayingovernightincaseyouneedanything.”
Jennasmiledathim.“I’msureI’llbefinebutI’llprobablyhurtalloverinthemorning.”
“I’dsayso.”Kanepushedthehairawayfromabruiseonherforehead.“I’llbecheckingonyoueverycoupleofhoursduringthenight.Concussionhasahabitofcreepinguponpeople.”Hesighed.“Ican’tbelieveyouandEmsurvivedthefall.Iwasexpectingtheworse.”
“I’mnotsurprised.Ididn’tthinkwe’dsurviveeither.Welandedinthebushesandtheyslowedusdown,butIcouldn’tstopusrollingbacktowardthewater.”Jennaleanedbackandstudiedhim.“Youhadyourbattlefaceinplacewhenyoucamedowntheravine.It’skindofintimidating,youknow.Ifiguredyouweregoingtoraisehellandthenyoucalmlydraggedustosafety.”
“IsEmilyokay?”Kanefrowned.“IknowWolfecamebytocollecther.”
“She’sfine.ShewenthomehoursagobutWolfeinsistedwedropquestioningheruntilthemorning.Shehasasprainedankleandtheyputthreestitchesinherhead.Shehasbruisesalloverbuthasn’tcomplainedandfigureshermoonbootisanewfashionaccessory.”Jennasmiled.“Webberdroppedbyaswell,he’sfine.He’llhaveasoreneckandahuskyvoiceforawhilethough.”
“That’sgood.I’mrelievedthey’rebothokay.”Heshookhishead.“ThoughWolfeisnottoohappywithmeforincludingEmilythisafternoon.”
“She’dplannedtorunthereanyway;shedoesmostafternoons.ItwasonlyamatteroftimebeforeLyonsmadeamoveonher.WhenWolfecalmsdownhe’llrealizeshecould’vebeenupthereallalone.”Jennastudiedhisface.Somethingelsewasbotheringhim.“It’snotjustWolfe,isit?Areyoumadatme?”
“No,we’refine.It’stheflashdrivesthatguygaveyou,theonesLyonsdropped.”Kanelookedaway,swallowedhard,andthenstaredathishands.“They’retheuncutversionsofthevideosoftheyoungwomenLyonsandhisteammatesdruggedandraped.Notafew—twenty,maybemore—andnowwehaveabsoluteproofwhowasinvolvedapartfromLyons.ThethreemurdervictimsandJoshStevens.”
“Sowe’llbemakingthearreststonight?”Jennafrowned.“HaveyouseenLyonssincehearrivedhere?”
“Nope.Icouldn’tgetnearLyons.They’rekeepinghimovernightforobservation.Apparently,hewasravingwhenhearrived.”Kanegrimaced.“Maybeit’sforthebest.I’mnotsureI’mthebestpersontoquestionhimrightnow.”
Jennagapedathim.Hewouldn’tlookatherandhisbackwasrigidasifhewasontheedgeoflosinghistemper.Shetouchedhisarmandtautmusclesmetherpalm.“Youlookasifyou’regoingtoexplode.Whatthehellisonthosefiles?”
“I’veonlyskimmedthroughafewandthey’reverydisturbing.”Hescrubbedhishandsdownhisface.“Theymademeashamedtobeaman.”
Whenhewouldn’tmeethereyes,shesqueezedhisarm.“You’rethemostrespectful,kindestmanI’veevermet,andyoumakemefeelsafe.Heck,youmakethewholetownfeelsafe.”
“DoI?”Kaneliftedhisgazetohersbutonlydeepsorrowfilledhiseyes.“Thanks,butrightnow,IwishIwasn’tadeputy.”
Jennasighed.“Howso?”
“IkeepthinkingLyonswillgetsomehigh-profilelawyerandhe’llwalk.”Kaneclearedhisthroat.“Wecan’tallowthattohappen.”
“Wehavetoenforcethelaw.”Jennabenttolookathim.“Oncehegoestotrial—andhewill—it’soutofourhands.”
“YeahbutI’mnotthinkinglikeacoprightnow,Jenna.”Kaneflickedheralethalglance.“I’mfightingaprimalinstincttogodragthatsmart-mouthedanimaloutsideandteachhimhowtorespectwomen—Kanestyle.”
FIFTY-ONESATURDAY
AfterJennaconsideredeverythingthathadhappenedonthemountain,shecouldn’tdiscountLyonsasthepersonresponsibleforcausingatleastoneoftheaccidentsthathadkilledhisfriends.SheignoredtheERdoctor’sorderstorestanddecidedtogointotheoffice.Althoughinconsiderablediscomfort,andbone-wearyfromKanewakinghereverytwohourstomakesureshehadn’tfallenintoacoma,orwhatever,she’dalreadyorganizedtwoarrestwarrants.Asusual,Kanehadleftatdaybreaktotendthehorsesandcompletedhisexerciseroutinebeforemakingbreakfastatseven.Notthatshecomplained;infact,shekindoflikedtheattention.
She’dremainedinheroffice,updatingcasefilesandleavingKaneandRowleytohuntdownJoshStevensandSethLyons.Asthecaseinvolvedserialrapists,she’dmadeacalltothelocalFBIoffice.Casesinvolvingserialrapistswentwayaboveherpaygrade,andtheyhadpeopletodealsensitivelywithvictims.SheglancedupasKanewalkedinto
“IhaveStevensandLyonsincustody.”Kaneflippedopenthefiletodisplayanimageofayoungmanwithdarkcurlyhair.“Stevensisininterviewroomoneforquestioningandhasn’taskedforalawyer;Ifigurehewantstocutadeal.”Hesighed.“WepickedupLyonsfromhishouseandhe’snotsayingmuch.He’sinroomtwobutIfigurehe’lllawyerupassoonasweshowhimtheevidence.”
“I’lltalktoStevensfirst.”Jennaleanedonherdesk.“IspoketotheDAandhe’lldropbylater.HewantscopiesoftheflashdrivesandthenhisofficewillhandtheevidenceovertotheFBI.He’sconfidentenoughofthewomenwillcomeforward.Apartfromgettingjustice,theyhaveanotherreason:Lyonsandhisaccompliceshadconsiderableestates.There’lllikelybeanumberoflawsuitsfordamagesagainstthem.”
Jennapushedthehairfromhereyesandlookedupathim.“IwentovertheevidencetoconsiderifLyonsisimplicatedinJacobs’death,buttheDAconsidersittobecircumstantialatbestandwedon’thaveenoughtochargehim.”
“Wehavetherapesandblackmail.”Kanefrowned.“IfJoshStevensconfirmsoursuspicions,they’llbothbespendingalongtimeinjail.”
Jennapushedtoherfeetandbitbackamoanofdiscomfort.“Okay,let’sseewhathehastosay.”
ShefollowedKanedowntotheinterviewroom,waitedforhimtoswipehiscard,andthenfollowedhiminside.Aftertakingaseat,sheswitchedontherecordingdeviceandstatedhername,andKanedidthesame.“Mr.Stevens,you’vebeenreadyourrightsandagreetoquestioning,isthatcorrect?Pleasestateyournamebeforereplying.”
“JoshStevensand,yeah,I’vewavedmyrighttohaveanattorneypresentatthistimebutIreservemyrightshoulditbecomenecessary.”
JennaflickedKaneaglancethenmovedherattentionbacktoStevens.“Areyoustudyinglaw?”
“No,butIwatchTV.”Stevensleanedbackinhischair.“Okay,askaway.”
Jennatookthedigitalnotepadfromthefile.“We’veseentherapefiles,theuncutversionsLyonskeptinthesafeathishouse.Thisiswhyyou’reunderarrest.We’veidentifiedyouasoneofanumberofmeninvolved.”Sheregardedhimclosely.“Weknowdrugswereinvolvedtoanextentwherethewomeninvolvedwereinnoconditiontogivetheirconsent.”
“Howcanyouprovewedruggedthem?”Stevens’mouthtwitchedupinalmostasmugsmile.“Youdon’thaveanyproof.”
“WehaveChrissieLowe’sautopsyreport.”Jennastaredathimwithoutblinking.“Bytheendoftheday,we’llhavetestimoniesfromotherwomenonthetapes.Yousee,nowthatwehaveyouandSethLyonsincustody,andtheothermeninvolvedaredead,thewomenfeelsafeenoughtocomeforward.Thecourtwillprotecttheiridentity.Thispartoftheinterviewprocessisn’twhyI’mhere.IwanttoknowifSethLyonswasinvolvedinblackmailingthevictimstokeepthemquiet.”
“DoIgetadealifIthrowhimunderthebus?Idon’twantmynamealloverthemedia.”Stevensleanedforwardandclaspedhishandsonthetable.“Ifhisdadfindsout,mylifeisover.”
“Yourlifeisalreadyover,Josh.”Kaneglaredathim.“YouthinktheDAwillgiveyouaget-out-of-jail-freecardfortalking?You’llbechargedasaserialrapist,wehavealltheproofweneed.”Heleanedforward.“ButasLyonswastheringleader,anyinformationyousupplynowmaygoinyourfavor.Youmightgetluckyandreceivealightersentence.”
Jennacollectedherthoughts.“WasLyonsinvolvedinblackmail?”
“Yeah,heusedtheimagesandvideofilestokeepthegirlsfromcryingrape,butheusedthemtokeepusinlinetoo.”Stevenspushedahandthroughhishair.“ThisiswhyIdidn’tparticipateafterthefirstsixorso.ItoldSethIhadcontractedanSTD.Heusedthetapestopreventanyofusshootingoffourmouthsabouttheparties,andheusedAlexandDylanashismuscleifoneofthegirlsthreatenedtoexposeus.”
AcoldchillrandownJenna’sback.“Andwhatdidhethreatentodo?Surelyhecouldn’tusetheimagesorhe’dincriminatehimself.”
“Hesaidhe’dkillus.”Stevensgaveheralonglook.“Thegirlswereeasytoconvince.Hethreatenedtoposttheirvideosalloverthemedia,buthe’dmakesurenoneofourfaceswerevisible.Sethwasgoodatmanipulatingimagesandvideofiles.”
“Okay.”Jennamadeafewnotes.“Didyoueverseehimthreatenanyofthemenwhodiedrecently?”
“Sure,allthetime.”Stevensfrowned.“Thatdoesn’tmeanhekilledthem.”
Jennamovedinharder.“Wheredidhegetthedrugs?”
“I’mnotsure.”Stevensshrugged.“Healwayshadsomethingtoslipintoagirl’sdrink.Somegirlshe’dshootuphalfwaythrough,dependingonhowlongweneededthem.”Hechuckled.“Wehadonefreshmaninhisroomforthreedays.”
“Youthinkthisisfunny?”Kane’sfistsmasheddownonthedesk.“WhatifChrissieLowetookherownliferatherthanfacelivingwiththeshameofwhatyoudidtoher?”
“Notme.”Stevensheldupbothhands.“Ididn’ttouchher.”
Jennaloweredhervoice.Besideher,Kanehadregainedhiscomposureinsecondsbuthisdeadlyexpressionremained.Sheleanedforwardandtookanalmostconspiratorialpose.“Howdidthateveningplayout?”
“AlexJacobsandPeteDevondroveouttothecollegeandtookthejanitor’scar.TheywenttomeetChrissie.”Stevensshrugged.“Sethnevergavethegirlsaride;healwayssentoneoftheguys.Whenshearrived,hegaveherafewdrinksandthentookhertohisroom.Ididn’tdoanything.HegaveherafewpillsandthenJacobsheldherdown.Ijustfilmedit.”
Bitingbacktheurgetoslaphisarrogantface,Jennakeptwriting.Althoughshehadnoneedtowritenoteswiththeentireinterviewontape,theprocessfocusedher.“Andafterward?”
“Fromwhattheysaid,theydroveherbacktoherdormaroundtwo,dumpedheronthegrass,andthentookthecarbacktotheparkinglotandreturnedthejanitor’skeystohisoffice.Thegirlhadlefthershoesinthecar,andonthewaybackAlexchuckedthemoutthewindow.”Stevensleanedbackinhischair.
“Didtheythreatenherorstrikeher?”Kaneglaredathim.
“JacobsgaveheraslaptowakeherandthenSethgaveherawarningbeforesheleft.Hetoldherifsheopenedhermouth,he’dhavehersisterthefollowingweekend.”
“Hersister?”Jennaraisedhergaze.“Theoneinhighschool?”
“Iguess.”Stevenssmiledather.“Sethwascarefulwhohechose;healwayssaidhepickedsomeonewhohadsomethingorsomeonetolose.Theyweretheeasiesttocontrol.”
“Didtheymentionherphone?”Kanedrummedhisfingersonthedesk.
“Nope,justhershoes.”
“Okay.I’llhaveastatementtypedupforyoutosignandthenI’llcalltheDA.”Jennastood.“You’llneedalawyer.Doyouwantmetocallsomeone?”
“Okay,callmealawyerbutIdon’twantSamCross.”Stevensdidn’tappeartheleastbitconcernedaboutfacingpossiblejailtime.“Callmyfamilylawyer.I’llgiveyouhisnumber.”
Jennagavehimanod,closedtheinterview,andturnedoffthetape.ShefollowedKaneoutintothehallandleanedagainstthewall.“HowdidLyonsreactwhenyouhauledhimin?”
“Hewentballistic.”Kane’smouthtwitchedintoasmile.“Ittooktwoofustotakehimdownandcuffhim.RowleywantedtoTaserhimandIadmitthethoughthadcrossedmymind,butIdidn’twanthislawyercryingfoul.”
“Maybeyoushouldsitoutofthenextinterviewandcooldown.”Jennaclearedherthroat.“Iknowyou’reangrybutthisisn’ttheKaneIknow.Canyoureboot?Ireallyneedyourprofessionalsideintheseinterviews.”
“Sure.”Kaneletoutalongsigh.“I’mgladwehaveLyonsincustody.Iwon’tjeopardizethecase,Jenna.Youhavemyword.”
“Okay.”Jennaliftedherchin.“Doyoufigurehe’scapableofmurder?”
“Yeah,anyonewhocaninflictthatkindofviolenceiscapableofmurder.”Kaneshrugged.“MaybeJacobswantedtostopafterChrissiedied.Hell,maybetheyalldid,anditmadehimangry.Helikestobeincharge;controllingpeopleanddominatingwomenishisthing.Hefigureshisfriendsowehimloyalty.Yeah,hecould’vesnappedandkilledJacobs.IfigureLyonsistheonlypersonhewouldtrusttospothim.”
“True.”Jennafrowned.“AndLyonshavingtheflashdrivesdoesn’tmeanathing.Inhindsight,Lyonscould’vetakenthemoutofthesafebeforeCourtoverdosed.He’dneveradmitit,wouldhe?We’llneverfindoutifhewasatanyofthemurderscenes,hisfriendswillcoverforhim.TheonlythingworryingmeaboutJacobs’deathismotive.LyonsneededhimontheteamtomaketheNFL.Thatwassomethinghisdaddycouldn’tbuyhim.”
“Maybenot—therearelotsofgreatplayersonthebench.Aslongasheshoneoutasastarplayer,theothersweredisposable.Ithadtobesomethingelse.”Kaneshrugged.“Rightnow,allwehaveonhimisblackmailandserialrape.”
“Ineedtoknowwhohefoughtwithattheoldbridge.”Jennapushedherhairbehindoneear.“Whocouldithavebeen?”
“We’llgetEmilytotakealookattheimagesRowleytookontheday.”Kaneshrugged.“ShemightbeabletomakeanID.”
Jennaturnedtowalktothenextinterviewroom.“Wolfewillbeheresoonwiththefinalresultsfromtheautopsies.”ShelookedoverhershoulderatKane.“Ihopehe’sfoundevidenceagainstSethLyonsorSteveLowe.Ican’tignoremygutfeelingthatoneofthemisaverysmartkiller.”
FIFTY-TWO
IfJennahadtodescribethedifficultyofwalkingintoaroomtointerviewamanshedespisedandactinaprofessionalway,shewouldn’tbeableto.Facingapersonwho’druinedsomanylivesmadeherskincrawl.SethLyonswasamonsterbutsheputhersheriff’smaskfirmlyinplacetodealwithhimandhopedlikehellshe’dbeabletokeepKanefromleapingacrossthetableandbeatinghimtodeath.ShenoddedatRowley,whowasstandingoutsidetheroom,andstaredthroughtheone-waymirrortothemaninsideinterviewroomtwo.Withhiswristscuffedtoaringonthetable,Lyons’headhungdownandhewaspantinglikeacorneredanimal.
Holdingherheadhigh,JennawalkedinsidewithKaneatherheels.Withoutpreamble,sheturnedontherecordingdeviceandcamera.“Mr.Lyons,you’vebeenreadyourrightsandunderstandthem?”
“Yeah,Sheriff.”Lyons’eyesshiftedtoKane.“YourdeputyexplainedandIagreedtospeaktoyou,okay?Idon’tneedalawyer.Ididn’tdoanythingwrong.I’mthevictim.”Hemovedhisheadslowlytoher,andthelookhegaveherwascontemptuous.“You’rewastingmytime.Getonwithit.”
Beforeshecouldstarttheinterview,hercellphonechimed.“Excuseme.”JennapausedthetapeatthesightoftheDA’sphonenumber.“SheriffAlton.”
“AnagentfromtheFBIcalled.Thefirstfourwomenthey’vecontactedagreedtocomeforwardandtestifyagainstLyonsandhisfriends.I’llgiveyoutheirnames.Thisisonlythestart,Sheriff;bytheendofthedayIfigurewe’llhavemanymore.”
Wehavehim.Jennatriedunsuccessfullytosuppresstheboltofexcitementrushingthroughher.SheglancedatKaneandallowedhermouthtotwitchintoasmallsmile.“Thankyou.”Shemadenotesandthenwentthroughherfolderandselectedanumberofphotographs.Sheplacedthemfacedownonthetableandrestartedtheinterview.
Aftergivingthetimeandpeoplepresent,andagainmakingsureLyonswasawareofhisrights,shemettheman’ssullengaze.“I’dlikesomemoreinformationaboutthefightyouwereinvolvedinonthetrailupbytheoldbridge.”
“Itwasnothing.”Lyonslookedathishands.
“That’snottheimpressionEmilyWolfehad;shesaidyouwereinfearofyourlife.”Jennaleanedforwardinherchair.“Doyouknowthismananddidhethreatenyouwithaweapon?”
“Justdropit,okay?”Lyonsmovedaroundinhischair.“Nothinghappened.IwentonthebridgetohelpEmily,isall.”
Jennaglanceddownathernotes.Sheneededadescriptionoraname.“Comeon,now,youmustknowthisguy.Whydidheattackyou?Whoishe?We’llhaulhiminforassault.”
“Iattackedhim.”Lyonssmirkedather.“HewantedtoacttheheroandchaseafterEmily.Hewouldn’tbackoff,soIhithim.Endofstory.CanIgonow?”
“Theinterviewisn’toveryet,Mr.Lyons.”Jennastaredathim.“It’scometomyattentionthatyou’reinthehabitofinvitingyoungwomentoyouroff-campushousewiththeintentionofrapingthem.”
“Me?”Lyons’eyesneverleftherface.“Youhavethewrongman.”
“DoI?”Jennaplacedthecompromisingimagestakenfromtheuncutmediafilesonthetablebeforehim.“Thisisyouandyourfriends,rapingwomen,Ibelieve?”
“YoucanmakewhatyoulikeofthosephotographsbutIknowthetruth.”Lyons’mouthcurledintoasadisticgrin.“Theyallcamewillinglyandnevermadeacomplaint.Somewomenlikegroupsex,orareyoutoofrigidtounderstandagoodtime,Sheriff?”
Besideher,JennaheardalowgrowlcomefromKaneandsheexchangedameaningfulglancewithhimbeforeturningherattentionbacktoLyons.“IunderstandthesefourwomenarespeakingtotheFBIaswespeak.”Shesawtherawrageinhiseyes.“Infact,allthesewitnesseswilltestifythatyouandyourfriendsdruggedandrapedthematapartyatyourhouseandthenblackmailedthemtokeepquiet.”Sheshrugged.“YourfriendJoshrolledoveronyouintheChrissieLowecasetoo.Wehaveallthedetailsaboutthenightshediedandevidencetobackuphisstatement.Infact,wehavealltheflashdrivesandenoughwitnessestokeepyouinjailfortherestofyourlifeandthensome.”
“Doyouwanttogiveusyoursideofthestory?”Kaneleanedforward.“Thisisyourchance.”
“Idon’thaveastory.”Lyonsglaredathim.“Idon’tneedtorapewomen—theycometomewillingly.I’mthequarterback;theyallloveme.”
“Uh-huh.”Kanefoldedhisarmsacrosshischest.“That’swhyChrissieLowekilledherselfafteryourdate.”
“CanwemoveontothenightAlexJacobsdied?”JennaneededsomuchmorefromLyons.“Didyouspothimontheweights?”
“Nope.”Lyonspulledatthecuffs,makingthemjangleagainstthehookinthetable.“Ifyou’regoingtoaccusemeofkillinghimaswell,Iwantalawyer.”
Jennashrugged.“Verywell.”Shetookdowndetailsandclosedtheinterview.Asshestood,shelookedathimandsmiled.“How’sitfeeltobeonthelosingteam?”
FIFTY-THREE
Wolfescratchedthetwo-day-oldstubbleonhischinandstaredattheresultsofthebloodteststakenfromChrissieLoweandDylanCourt.Nothingwasaddingup;infact,allhisfindingsseemedcontradictory.He’dmadehisfinaldeterminationsanddidn’tbelieveJennawouldapprove.He’dcheckedhisfindingsanumberoftimesandthey’dallcomeoutthesame.Unconvinced,he’dvisitedthecollegetospeaktothecoachandmembersofthefacultywho’daccompaniedtheplayersontheirtrip.AllhadsaidthesamethingandconfirmedthatPeteDevonhadtakenanumberofbighitsoverthedaysbeforehisdeath.They’dalsomentionedthatDylanCourthadtakenthedeathsofhisfriendshard,tothepointofseekingprofessionalhelp.HesignedthedeathcertificatesandletoutalongsighthenturnedhisattentiontoLyons’testresultsfromthehospital.
AlthoughLyonshadbeenoutofcontrolonarrivalatthehospital,thetestshaddetectednoalcoholordrugsinhissystem.Whathadmadehimchargeontoanunsafebridgelikealunaticremainedamystery,andsofar,hewasn’ttalking.Thearrogantyoungmandidn’tseemthetypetorunfromafight,andfromJoshStevens’statement,whichJennahademailedtohimearlier,Lyonshadcontrolledeverythingandeveryoneinhishouse.
Aftercollectinghisresultsandshovingthemintoafolder,Wolfeheadedforthedoor.Atthereception,EmilysatchattingwithWebber.Hehadn’tquestionedheraboutherordeal,preferringshehadagoodnight’ssleep,andfiguredgoingoveranear-deathexperienceoncewitheveryonepresentwouldsuffice.“Readytogo?”
“Doyouwantmetotakecareofreception?”WebberstoodandhelpedEmilytoherfeet.
Wolfeshookhishead.“Nope,I’lllockup.Youcometoo;you’llbeneededtohelpsortoutthismess.”
“Dad.”Emilygavehimaworriedlook.“Youmadatme?”
Wolfelockedthedoorandturnedtoher.“You’reagrownwomanandIrespectyourdecisions,butriskingyourlifeafterallwe’vebeenthroughisupsetting.”Heletoutalongbreath.Beingasinglefatherwasbecominghardereachyear.Once,hisglarehadthemallscamperingtotheirrooms,butastheygrewintoyoungwomen,EmilyandJulieinparticularneededmoretactthananangrygrowl.“Kaneshouldn’thaveinvolvedyou.ItwasunprofessionalandItoldhimso.”
“YouknowDavewouldwillinglytakeabulletforanyofus.”Emily’sfacedrainedofcolor.“Youheardhisordersoverthecom.Jennasenthimdownthebacktrailandthenhetookthecut-throughtracktomeetme.HewasfollowingordersandhefiguredIwassafewithColtcoveringme.Ican’tbelieveyoublamedhim,Dad.He’slikeyourbrother.Heck,he’soneofthefamily.”Shechewedonherbottomlip.“Jennariskedherlifetosaveme.Shecould’vewaitedforthefiredepartment,butno,shecameontothebridgetohelpme,samewithDave.Hedidn’thesitatetoclimbdowntherockfacetosaveus.That’swhatfamilydoes,Dad.”Hereyesfilledwithtears.“Youusedtobelikethattoo.”
Wolfelookeddownatherandcuppedherchin.“IknowIdon’ttakesomanyrisksnowbecauseI’mallyouhave.Imadeapromisetoyourmomtoalwaysbehereforyou.”Hedroppedhishand.“Wipeyoureyesorwe’llbelateforthemeeting.Andincaseyou’reworried,IsortedeverythingwithKane.We’regood.”Heheadedforhistruck.Ohboy,mygirlssurehaveawayoftwistingmyheart.
ThearomaofcoffeeandcinnamonbunsgreetedthemastheyenteredJenna’soffice.Witheveryonesquashedaroundherdeskandtalkingatonce,itwaslikewalkingintoacagefilledwithturkeys.Wolfedroppedhisfilesonthetableamidthecups,coffeepots,andplatesofbunsandthenhelpedEmilyintoachair.HelookedatJenna.“Morning,ma’am.How’sthearm?”
“I’lldo.”Jennawaslookingpaleanddrawn.Shestoodandwenttothewhiteboard.“Okay,somanythingshappenedyesterday,we’llneedtocorrelateeveryone’sstoriesintoatimeline.”SheglancedbackatWolfe.“Arethereanyfindingsweneedtoconsiderbeforewegoon?”
Wolfetappedthefolderonthedesk.“Ihavemadeadeterminationinthecases.They’renotwhatIexpected,andthereasoningbehindeachoneiscomplicated.Isuggestwedealwitheachcaseseparately,andI’llgiveyoumycauseofdeathaswego.ItwillmakemoresenseifwedealwithChrissieLowe’srapefirst.IhaveruledherCODassuicide,I’llelaboratelater.”
“Okay.”Jennamoveddowntotheendoftheboard.“ThismorningweinterviewedJoshStevensandSethLyons;youhaveallreceivedacopyoftheirstatements.StevensverifiedChrissie’smovementsonthenightshedied.Asyoucanseefromthetimeline,sheleftthestudenthallatnine.WenowknowshegotaridetothepartywithJacobsandDevon,wasdruggedandraped,andthenaroundtwowasreturnedtoherdorm.Itwasthenshewroteatextmessagetoanumberwecan’ttrace.”ShelookedbackatWolfe.“Anyluckfindingoutwhoshemessaged?”
Wolfeshookhishead.“Itcould’vebeenanattempttocontactherbrotherbuttherewasnoreply.FromwhatIcouldascertainbypullingeverystringIhave,herbrother’steamwentdowninenemyterritory.Ifanyofthemsurvivedthewreck,theywon’tforlong.”HestaredatWebberandRowley.“Thatinformationisclassifiedanddoesnotleavethisroom.”
“Itrustmydeputies.”Jennaaddednotestothewhiteboard.“Okay,let’smoveon.Lyonsistalkingtohislawyerbuthewon’tbegettingawaywithanything.WehavevideoproofhewasinvolvedinChrissie’srapeandmanyothers.I’veturnedacopyofeverythingovertotheDA’soffice.TheFBIhasspokentoanumberofvictimsfromthevideofilesandfoundsomewhoarewillingtotestify.TheDArefusedtocutadealwithJoshStevensandheiscurrentlyonhiswaytothecountyjailtoawaitahearing.Ibelieveduetotheevidenceagainsthimhe’soptedtopleadguiltytorapebutwillbetestifyingagainstLyonsinaneffortforleniency.”ShelookedbackatWolfe.“DowehavesolidevidencetocorroborateStevens’statement?”
Wolfeopenedhisfileandsearchedthroughthedocuments.Hewasold-schoolwhenitcametoreportsandhelikedhavingthepaperworkinhishands.“Yeah,IfoundprintsonChrissieLowe’sshoesthatmatchAlexJacobs.ThehairsfoundinthevehiclematchJacobsandDevon.TheshoeswerefoundwhereStevensmentionedinhisstatement.”Heglancedbackthroughhisnotes.“Thedate-rapedrug,jet,whichWebberreportedLyonsmentioned,wastheoneusedonChrissieLowe—italltiesin.There’snodoubtLyonsusedthesamemethodwitheachoftheirvictims.I’msurenowthatthethreatisover,theFBIwillencouragemorewomentocomeforwardtotestifyandmakeclaimsfordamages.”
“Okay,sowecaninformChrissie’sparentsthatapartfromLyonsandStevens,themeninvolvedaredeceased.I’llgoandspeakwiththemassoonaswehavechargedLyons.”JennalookedatWolfe.“Okay,movingontotheothercases.Uptonow,we’vehadthreepossiblesuspects,butIbelieveLyonsmayhavebeeninvolvedaswell.”
“Ifigurewe’llneedtocompilealltheevidencewehavefromyesterday.”Kane’sgazemovedaroundthegroup.“AlthoughLyonsmadelightofthefightwiththeguyonthetrail,weneedtoknowwhoheisandwhatscaredLyonsenoughtojumpontoanunsafebridge.”
“Iknowwhy.”Emilysuckedinadeepbreath.
FIFTY-FOUR
WorriedwhenthecolordrainedfromEmily’sface,Jennatookherseatatthedeskandlookedather.“Inyourowntime,Em.Whathappenedwhenyouheadedtowardtheoldbridge?”
“Amangrabbedmefrombehindandpressedaguntomyhead.Hesaidhewouldshootme.”Emilyswallowedhard.“ButwouldletmegoifIdidwhathesaid,andheonlywantedmetodistractSethforhim.”
“Oh,Emily,whythehelldidn’tyoutellmethislastnight?”Wolfelookedgrief-stricken.“Areyousureyouwanttodothisnow?”
“Yeah,Dad.”Emilysqueezedhisarm.“I’llbefine.”
“Didyourecognizehim?”KaneleanedforwardwhenEmilyshookherhead.“Whatdidhelooklike?”
“Ididn’tseehim,hegrabbedmefrombehind.”EmilyglancedatWolfe.“Icouldn’tdoathing,Dad,hewasstrongandhadmyarmspinnedtomysides.”
“Iunderstand.”Wolfetookherhand.“Yousurvived,that’sallthatmattersnow.”
JennanoddedatEmily.“Justtakeitslow,Em.Nooneisintrouble.Wejustwanttofigureoutwhathappened.”
“IwalkeduptoSeth.Hewaswaitingformebythebridge.IturnedhimaroundsoIcouldseetheotherguybutIdidn’tseeagun.”ShelookedatKane.“Hewastallandmuscularandwearingablueballcap,blackT-shirt,andjeans.Hehadthecappulleddownoverhiseyesandhisfacewasinshadow.Icouldn’tmakeitout.”Shesighed.“Beforeyouask,hecouldhavebeenSteinorJones—they’rethesamebuildandhewassomewaysaway.”
“Whataboutthisman?”KaneheldoutaphotographofSteveLowe.“Wasithim?”
“Maybe.”EmilylookedatJenna.“They’reallmuchthesame.”
“Okay.”Jennasmiled.“Goon,whathappenednext?”
“AllIcouldthinkaboutwaswhatDadhadtaughtme:distractandthenrun.SoItoldSeththerewasamanwithagunbehindhimandthenIranontothebridge.Ifiguredhewouldn’triskfollowingme.”Sheletoutalongsigh.“IheardSethyellingattheguybutIdidn’tlookback.Nextthing,thebridgestartedswayingandshuddering.IturnedaroundandSethwascomingafterme,andhisfacewasbloody.Themanwasn’tthereandItoldhimsobuthekeptoncoming,fast.Nextmomentthebridgebrokeandhewasjusthangingthere.ThenIsawJennaandDave.Youknowwhathappenednext.”
“Doyoufiguretheguywhogaveyoutheflashdrivesatthebridgecould’vebeenhim?”KanelookedatJenna.
Jennasighed.“Maybebuthedidn’tlooklikehe’dbeeninafight,andfromthestateofLyons,he’dhavegotteninafewpunches.Ididn’tseeaweaponeither.”ShelookedatWebber.“Didyouseewhograbbedyou?”
“Nope.”Webberrubbedhisbruisedneck.“Hehadmeoutinseconds.Ididn’tsomuchashearatwigcrack.”
“Themanwhogavemetheflashdrivecould’vewitnessedthefight.Itshouldn’tbetoodifficulttotrackhimdownifhe’sstudyingatthecollege.”Jennasighed.“Bigguywithabuzzcut.Couldhebeonthefootballteam?”
“Therearefourorfivebigguyswithbuzzcutsontheteam.”Webbernarrowedhiseyes.“Cometothinkofit,theguyCourttookdowntothecellarwasbig.Ididn’tseehisfacebuthewaswearingablueballcapunderhishoodie.Irecallseeingitstickingout,lightblue.”
“Maybeheremovedhiscapandactednonchalanttofoolyou.”Kanerubbedhischinandlookedather.“Hedidn’twanttobeseenrunningaway,sohehungaroundforafewmomentstogiveyoutheflashdrives.”Heshookhishead.“Rowleytookphotosofeveryonewhocamedownthetrailandyousaidhewasn’toneofthem.”
ThehairsonthebackofJenna’sneckrose.“Sowheredidhego?”
“Maybehefoundhimselfavantagepointandwatchedtherescue.Notmanypeoplehangaroundtoassistthecops.”Wolfeletoutalongsigh.“Jenna,didyouseeaweapon?”
“No.”Jennashrugged.“Iwasalittlepreoccupiedatthetimetonoticewherehewent.”
“Hedidn’tpassme.”Webberfilledacupwithcoffee.“Ifhedidn’tgodownthetrail,hemusthavegoneup.Maybehewatchedfromwheretheylaunchthekayaksandthencamedownlater?”
“Inthedark?”Jennashookherhead.“Bythetimeeveryoneleftthemountain,itwould’vebeenpitch-black.Onlyalunaticcomesdownthefallstrailinthedark,anditwascoldlastnight.Hemusthaveslippedbyus.”
“Hedidn’tcomedowneithertrail.”Rowleylookedoffended.“IhadthembothcovereduntilKaneandWolfearrived.”
“Okay,butthere’samillionwaysoutofStantonForest.Justtocovereveryangle.Rowley,getalistandimagesofallthemalestudentsaroundtwentyto,say,twenty-eight,andwe’lltakealook.”Jennasighed,pushedtoherfeet,andindicatedtothewhiteboard.“We’venohardevidencetoproveSteinorJoneswereinvolvedinanyofthepossiblehomicides.Sure,theyhadreasonstopickafightwithLyonsonthemountain,butfromtheimagesRowleytookontheday,neitherofthemworejeans,sothatrulesthemout,andnoneofussawLoweonthemountain.”Shelookedaroundthefacesbeforeher.“Cananyonegivemeasolidreasonwhyanyofthesemencouldberesponsible?Everythingwehaveiscircumstantialatbest.”
“Suspicionsaren’tenoughforanarrestwarrant.”Kanesighed.“WhichbringsusbacktoLyons.”
“Hewasn’tsobravewithouthisfriendsaroundhim.”Emilyrubbedherhipandgrimaced.“Isawhisface.Whoeverthatmanwas,hescaredthehelloutofhim.”Sheshuddered.“Sethwasrunningforhislife.”
Jenna’sphonerangandshereturnedtoherdesktotakethecall.“Yes?Okay,I’llberightout.”Sheheldupahandtohaltthebuzzofconversation.“LiviJohnson,Chrissie’sroommate,isoutside.I’llgoandtalktoher.”
Inthereceptionarea,Jennasmiledattheyoungwoman.“Yes,whatcanIdoforyou,Livi?”
“It’sjustIfoundthiswhenwewerecleaningthenoticeboardinmydorm.”Livihandedheranewspapercuttingcontaininganimageofthefootballteam.“See,someofthefacesoftheplayershavecirclesaroundthem?Ifigureditwasabitspookyasthreeofthemaredeadnow.”ShehandedthepapertoJenna.“Seehereatthebottomofthepage?Chrissiewrotethat—shealwaysaddedanemojiandherinitialstomessages.Ifigurethoseweretheanimalswhorapedher.”
Jennaswallowedhardattheemojiofasadfaceandtheinitials“CL.”ChrissieLowehadreachedoutfromthegravetotelltheworldwho’drapedher.Howhadherteammissedthisvitalpieceofevidence?“Itwasonthenoticeboard?”Shefrowned.“Whereisthatinrelationtoyourroom?”
“Shewould’vehadtowalkrightbyitonherway.It’sinthehallway.”Livishookherhead.“Itwascoveredwithasign-uplist.ItwentupthedayIfoundher.Someonemusthaveposteditrealearly.Thiswasunderneathit.”
JennasqueezedLivi’sshoulder.“Itmusthavebeenashockforyoutofindthis.”
“Strangethatthreeofthemdiedinaccidents,isn’tit?”Livi’seyessearchedherface.“It’sasifshehadanavengingangel.”
Jennastaredatherforabeat.Ofcourse,Wolfehadn’treleasedthecausesofdeathtothepressbutrumorsandgossipspreadlikewildfireacrossacollegecampus.Hewouldn’tissueastatementuntilhe’dmadeadeterminationineachindividualcase.Shenodded.“Itisstrange,isn’tit?”SheledLivitothedoor.“Thankyouforbringingthisin.”
Saddenedbythesimpleemoji,Jennastaredatthenewspapercuttingandthenpushedahandthroughherhair.Shegatheredhercomposure,walkedbackintoheroffice,andhandedtheclippingtoKane.“Avoicefromthedead.ThiswaspinnedtothenoticeboardinChrissieLowe’sdorm.Howdidyoumissit?”
“Isearchedfornotes.”Wolfefrowned.“Igavethenoticeboardacursoryscanbutitwaspackedwithinformation.Ihonestlydidn’tseeanewspapercutting.Itmusthavebeencoveredbysomethingelse.”Hepulledouthisphoneandscannedthefiles.“Here’sanimageoftheboardItookthatmorning.See,nonewspapercutting.”
“Ilookedatthenoticeboardaswell.”Rowleyfrowned.“ItookacopyofthecollegenewspapershehadinherroomwithanarticleaboutSethLyonsinit.It’sinabagintheevidenceroombutshehadn’twrittenonit.”
JennatookWolfe’sphoneandzoomedinallovertheboard.Shefoundthesign-upsheet,andpeekingfrombehinditwastheedgeofthenewspaper.“Livisaidshefounditunderasign-upsheetandhereitis.”
Shedroppedintoherseat,suddenlyawareofeverybruiseonherbatteredbody.“Rightnow,wehavenootheralternativebuttohuntdownthemysterymanonthemountain.IwanttoknowwhyhepickedafightwithLyonsandwhyLyonswassoafraidofhim.”Shesighed.“Getmeaname,Rowley.”
Herphonerangagain.Sheanswered.“Okay,Maggie,sendintheDA.”
ThedooropenedandtheDAwalkedinandlookedaroundthecrowdedroom.Jennasmiledathim.“We’regoingovertheevidence.”
“I’vespokentothelawyerrepresentingSethLyonsandheisawareoftheevidencewehaveagainsthisclient.”TheDAlookedpleasedwithhimself.“WiththeaccountfromJoshStevensandthewitnessespilingupagainsthim,thelawyer’sgoingtoencourageLyonstopleadguilty.”
Jennasmiled.“Thatisgoodnews.”
“Doyouhaveanythingtotiehiminwiththedeaths?”TheDAlookedhopeful.
“Sofarallwehaveiscircumstantialevidenceonallourpossiblesuspects.”Jennasighed.“EverythingpointstoLyonsbeinginvolvedbutwehavenoproof.”
“IaskedhislawyerifLyonswoulddisclosethenameofthemysterymanandherefused,sayingthefightwaspersonalandhadnothingtodowithanythingelse.”TheDAsmiled.“IfLyonsisresponsibleforthedeathsinsomeway,provingitwillbeimpossible.Hehadthemotiveandthesmartstokillwithoutleavingevidence.Healsowould’vebeenabletogetclosetohisvictimswithoutcausingsuspicion.”Heshrugged.“Wemayneverprovehekilledthem,butwithtwenty-fiverapechargesagainsthim,andblackmail,duringsentencingI’llbestatingaprecedentinarecentcaseinBillingsoftwentyconsecutivelifesentencesgiventoaserialrapist.Idoubteitherofthemwilleverbereleasedfromjail.”
Jennastoodandshookhishand.“That’sgreatnews!KaneandIwillgoandspeaktoChrissie’sparentsthisafternoon.I’msureitwillgivethemasmallamountofclosure.Thanksforcomingby.”
“Mypleasure.Haveagoodday,Sheriff,Deputies.”TheDAheadedforthedoor.
Jennaglancedaroundatthefacesstaringbackather.“Iwishwehadmoreproof.”
“Iknowyouwanttofindtheanswers,Jenna,butsometimesthere’snotenoughevidencetosupporthomicide.”Wolfelookedatherandshrugged.
“Yes,Iknow.”Jennasighed.“We’vesolvedtherapeofChrissieLoweandchargedtwosuspectswithserialrapeandblackmail.We’vecaughtthemanresponsibleforthearmedhold-upattheshowgroundsandreturnedthemoney.It’sagoodweek’sworkbutwestillhavefourunsolveddeaths.”
“Makethatonedeathbyunknowncauses,oneaccident,andtwosuicides.”Wolfenarrowedhisgaze.“AsImentionedbefore,I’vemadeadeterminationoneachcasebasedontheevidence.”Helookedathisnotes.“AsImentionedbefore,ChrissieLowecommittedsuicide.Iwasn’tconvinceduntilIexaminedthecutstoherwristsunderamicroscope,andtheanglesuggestsshecutherself.”
Jennaheavedasigh.“Thatwasexpected.Goon.”
“IhavereasontobelievethatDevoncouldhavesustainedthemarksonhisanklesfromothermeans;they’dhadgroupsexpreviously,andafterlookingatthetapes,Ican’truleoutthepossibilityhereceivedthemarksatthattime.Also,byspeakingtowitnesses,hisheadinjurycouldhavebeencausedduringfootballpractice.Hecouldhavesustainedaconcussionbeforeenteringthepool,slipped,andfallen.”Helookedathisnotes.“TheonlydeathI’mleavingwithanopenverdictisJacobs’.Ican’tprovehedroppedabarbellonhisneckorthathisspotteraccidentallydroppeditonhim,butasIdon’thaveashredofevidenceeitherway,Ihavetoleavehisfindingopen.”
Jennacouldnotbelieveherears.“AndCourt?”
“IhavenoproofCourtdidn’tsustainthefacialinjuriesduringthefightonthemountainoronthefootballfield.Idohaveevidencetosupporthisstateofmindthenighthedied.Twoofhisfriendshadjustdiedandhe’dbeenseekingprofessionalhelp.Hewasalonewithaneedlestillinhisarmandtheevidencepointstosuicide.Themanhetooktothecellarcould’vebeenadealer.Ihavenohardevidenceanythingelsehappened.”
Suddenlylostforwords,Jennastaredathim.“What?Youmeanafterallthistimeyou’vechangedyourmindonallthecases?”
“No,beforethis,I’veonlymadeassumptions—wealldid.It’smyjobtoprovecauseofdeath,andI’dnevermakeadeterminationuntilI’dconsideredalltheevidence.IrequireabsoluteproofofhomicidebeforeIstandupincourtandtestifytoconvictamanformurder.”Wolfeliftedhisgrimexpressiontoher.“It’sonlybeenaweekandIcametodaytogiveyoumyfinaldetermination.Ifyoufindnewevidence,I’llreopenthecases.”Wolfecollectedhisdocumentsandliftedoneeyebrow.“Sometimesthedeaddon’ttalk.”
FIFTY-FIVE
Wolfe’sconclusionspercolatedthroughJenna’smindonthedrivetotheLowes’.SheglancedatKane.“He’sright.”
“Huh?”Kaneflickedherabemusedlookthenreturnedhisattentionbacktotheroad.“Aboutwhat?”
Jennasighed.“WhatWolfesaidaboutnotconvictingamanwithoutproof.Iwasjustsosurewewerelookingathomicides.”
“Metoo,butintheendtherejustwasn’tenoughevidencetochargeanyofoursuspects.”AnerveinKane’scheektwitched.“I’msurewedidn’tmissanything.”
Jennachewedonherbottomlip.“Shanelookedwornouttoday.Iknowhe’sbeenworkinglatetosearchforanyshredofevidencetobringaboutaconviction.”
“He’sbeenpullingtripleshiftsintheME’sofficeandassistingusonstakeouts;I’mnotsurprisedhe’sexhausted.”HepulledintoaparkingspaceoutsidetheLowes’houseandturnedtolookather.“He’sontheedgeofleavingtowntoo,Jenna.Wecan’tinvolvehisgirlsincasesagain.”
Jennaturnedtolookathim.“Iknow.”Sheadjustedtheslingholdingherinjuredarm.“Iguessaswe’veallgottensoclose,Emilybecameanaturalpartoftheteam.”
“PutthattoonesidewhilewespeaktotheLowes.”Kaneexaminedherface.“Youlookannoyed,andrightnowtheyneedcompassion.Losingonechildisbadenoughbutnotknowingwhattheirsoncouldbegoingthroughrightnow,orifhe’saliveordead,mustbehorrendous.”
Jennanodded.Kanewouldbeawareofthehorrorsofamilitarychoppergoingdownbehindenemylines.“Haveyoubeeninsimilarsituations?”
“Yeah.”Kane’seyeshadafarawaylook.“Ifthey’vebeencaptured,they’llbetortured.Wolfetoldmeinconfidence,thegovernmentishopingforanegotiationbutthechancesareslim.There’snotmuchcommunicationbetweentheradicalgroups,soiftheycaptureoneofourguys,forthemitmeanstheendofaverynastyroad.”
Jennafumbledwiththeseatbeltandgroaned.“Okay,let’sgoandspeaktotheLowes.Ihopeknowingthemenwhohurttheirdaughteraredeadorheadingforjailwillgivethemclosure.”
“Idon’tthinkanyoneevergetsclosure,Jenna.Theangertakesalongtimetogoaway.”Kaneleanedacrossherandpushedopenthedoor.“Willyoubeokay?You’resheet-white.”
“I’llbefine.”Sheforcedhermouthintoasmile.“I’lltakesomepainmedswhenwe’rethroughtalkingtothem.”
ThewalktotheLowes’frontdoorgaveJennaaminutetocollectherthoughts.Therecouldbenothingworsethanfacingafamilywho’dlostachild.She’dhavetobreakthesadnewsofChrissie’sdeathbeingruledasuicide.Shewouldgivethemaconciseandclearstatementofferingthemabriefoutlineofwhattheyassumedhappened.Wolfehadsentalltheinformationtothestatecoroner’sofficeandtheywoulddecideifaninquestwasnecessary.Ifso,thecoronerwouldrevealthehorrificdetailsoftheirdaughter’ssuffering.Rightnow,shehopedtosoftentheblow.She’dnoticedtwovehiclesparkedinthedrivewayandhopedshe’dfindbothofChrissie’sparentsathome.Notnotifyingthembeforehandwasn’tanoversight.Shepreferredtodeliverthiskindofinformationinperson,andphonecallsusuallyledtodisclosureofinformation.
SheglancedupatKaneashepressedthedoorbelltoanolder-stylered-brickhome.Frominsideshecouldhearthechimes.Thedooropenedandatall,gauntmanincasualjeansandsweateropenedthedoor.“Mr.Lowe?”
“Iam.”Mr.LowegaveherthenKanealookofdeepconcern.“Istherenewsofmyson?”
“No,sir.”Kaneshookhishead.“Amemberofhisteamwouldcomebytospeakwithyouiftherewasanynews.”
Jennaclearedherthroat.“Isyourwifehere?Wehavesomeinformationtosharewithyouboth.”
“Yes,comein.”Mr.Loweheldthedooropenandsteppedtooneside.Whenateenagegirlwalkedintothehallwaywide-eyed,heturnedtoher.“Gogetyourmomandthengotoyourroom.Wehavesomethingtodiscusswiththesheriff.”
Thegirlturnedandhurriedaway,andJennafollowedMr.LoweintothefamilyroomwithKaneclosebehind.ShestoodwaitingforMrs.Lowe,andwhenarake-thinwomanwithapalecomplexionarrived,theyallsatonsofasfacingeachother.Jennawantedtobeascompassionateaspossible.“We’vecometoinformyouthatwe’vemadeanarrestinChrissie’scase.”
“Onlyone?Themedicalexaminerinformedmeshewasrapedbymorethanoneman.”Mr.Lowe’sfacefilledwithanger.“What’shisname?”
“We’vereasontobelievefourmenwereresponsible;onewillbepleadingguiltyandtheotherthreearedead.”Jennakepthervoicelowinanattempttocalmthemanbeforeher.“Anothermanwehaveincustodyadmittedtotakingphotographs.Theimageshetookimplicatedtheothermen.Heiscurrentlyinthecountyjailawaitingahearing.He’llpleadguiltyandspendalongtimebehindbars.”
“DearLord.Mysweetinnocentgirl.”Mrs.Loweliftedhersorrow-filledeyes.“WasSethLyonsinvolved?Chrissie’sroommateLivicamebyandtoldusshewentonadatewithhimthenightshedied.”
Jennanodded.“Yes,hewas.Heslippedthroughournetforawhile.”Shesighed.“ButSethLyonswillspendtherestofhislifeinjail.Theothermeninvolveddiedinvariousaccidentsandonefromasuspectedoverdose.”
“I’dhavespokentothesonofabitchmyselfbutIdon’tventureoutmuchthesedays.”Mr.Lowewheezed,coughed,thentouchedhischest.“Emphysema.”
“I’msosorry.”Suddenlylostforwords,Jennaswallowedhard.“I’msorrytoinformyou,theMEhasruledChrissie’sdeathasuicide.”
“WegatheredasmuchafterwespoketoLivi.”Mrs.Loweshookherhead.“Iwishshe’dtoldus.”
“Isthatyourson?”Kanestoodandwalkedtothemantel.“ANavySeal,youmustbeveryproud,sir.”
“Yes,that’sJack.”Mr.Lowepushedtohisfeetandsuckedinabreath.“Thatphotowastakentheweekheleft.He’dbeenhomeonleaveforafewdaysandthenthecallcameandhewasoffagain.”Heshookhishead.“Helovesthelifeandlivesforhisteam.Ihopehemakesithome.”HeturnedtoJenna.“I’llnevergiveuphope.”
“That’safineattitude.”Kanenodded.“Whenhecomeshome,we’llcomebyandthankhimforhisservice.”
Gladoftherespite,Jennastoodandpeeredatthephotograph.Shedidadoubletakeandthenswallowedhard.Thesmilingfaceslammedintohermemoryandhermindwhirledwiththeimplications.Heartpounding,shefoughtforwords,unabletodraghereyesaway.“He’s…ah…afine-lookingyoungman.”ShehandedMr.Lowethephotograph.Theneedtoleavehadbecomeurgent.“Weshouldbeheadingbacktotheofficenow.Ifthere’sanythingyouneed,pleasedon’thesitatetocall.”ShehandedMr.Lowehercard.
“Thankyou.”Mrs.Lowegrippedherarm.“ForfindingjusticeforChrissie.”
Unabletoreply,Jennanoddedandheadedoutthedoor.Shewalkedswiftlybacktotheroadwithoutsayingaword.SheclimbedintoKane’struck,anxiousforhimtogetbehindthewheel.“Irecognizethemaninthepicture.”
“Ohyeah?”Kaneleanedbackinhisseatandhiseyebrowsknittedintoafrown.“Ididn’tknowyouknewanyNavySeals.”
Heartthumping,shestaredathim.“He’sthemysterymanorI’veseenaghost.”
“He’sMIA,Jenna.”Kanesighed.“Youmustbemistaken.”
ArushofeuphoriahitJennalikeatidalwave.Itallmadeperfectsense.“Thinkaboutit,Dave.WhatifJackLoweisalive?Aftersufferingahorrendousrape,Chrissiesenthimatextnamingthemenwhohurtherandtellinghimherintentions.Shedestroyedhercellphone.Shecouldhaveflusheditdownthetoiletforallweknow,andifhehadgottenthemessage,hecouldn’thavecontactedher.Lastshe’dheard,hewasMIA,andafteralmostaweek,she’dlosthopeandreachedouttohimbeyondthegrave.Maybeshebelievedhe’dbeontheothersidewaitingforher.Shecouldn’tfaceLyonsblackmailingherandtookherownlife.”Shestaredintospaceforabeat.“IfigureJackcamebackandmurderedmostofthemeninvolved.Hedeliveredtheevidenceoftheirguiltrightintoourhands.Howelsecouldhehavegottenholdoftheflashdrivesifhewasn’tCourt’skiller?Idon’tbelieveforoneminuteLyonswouldrisktakingsuchdamningevidencewithhimoutrunning.”Shestaredathim.“JackriskedbeingrecognizedtogivemetheevidenceagainstLyons.”
“Youcan’tproveJackLoweisalive,andifheis,you’venoevidencehekilledanyone,Jenna.ItrustWolfe’sfindings.Hedidn’tfindenoughevidencetoprovethemenweremurdered.”Kanegaveheranincredulouslook.“NoonetriedtokillLyonseither,orhe’dhavebeentellinganyonewho’dlisten.Inanycase,frighteningaguyisn’tthesameaskillinghim;andtrustme,foramanwithJackLowe’sabilities,killingLyonswould’vebeenawalkinthepark.Ifhe’dseenthefootageonthoseflashdrives,he’dhaveagoodreason.”
Jennakepthervoicelowandincontrol.“Hefoundawaytoavengehissister.Icanfeelitinmygut.”
“IfyoufigureyousawJackLowe,Ibelieveyou,butwehavenoevidence,Jenna.Zip,nada,andtheMEruledouthomicide.Ifhewasonthemountain,there’snocaseforhimtoanswer.”Kanefrowned.“IfWolfesaysJackLowe’sontheothersideoftheworldriskinghislifeforourcountry,hewouldn’tlie.Rightnow,MIAmeanshe’seitherdeadorbeingtorturedinsomegodforsakenprison.”Kanestartedtheengine.“Militaryguysalllookmuchthesameinuniform,butwe’lldropbytoseeWolfe.He’llfindyouabetterphotoofhimfromhisfiles.”
FIFTY-SIX
AfterKaneandJennaarrivedatWolfe’shouse,andinformedthegirlsthey’dbeholdingabirthdaypartyforAnnaatJenna’sranch,KanegaveWolfeabriefexplanationfordisturbinghiseveningwithhisfamily.HefollowedJennaintoWolfe’ssecureoffice.Morelikeasaferoom,thesix-inchsteeldoorprotectedthesecretsinside.ItwasKane’sfirstinvitationintoWolfe’sinnersanctumandhetookinthevariouscomputersandmilitaryphonesandawalllinedwithtop-secretcodebooks.Hewhistled.“Wow,nowonderyourequestedsuchalargehousewithseparateaccommodationforahousekeeper.Whendidyoumanagetogetallthisbuilt?”
“WhenJennaputintherequisition,ateammovedinanditwasalldonebythetimeIarrived.Theyevenmovedinmyelectronicsandthebooksfrommyotherhouse.Theysurewantedtokeepyouguyssafe,andtheystilldo.Isendinweeklyreports.”Wolfetappedawhitetelephone.“That’sadirectlinetothePentagon.”Hesatinachairbehindthedeskandlookedatthemwithoneraisedeyebrow.“So,what’ssotop-secretyouneedtousemyconeofsilence?”
Kaneexplained,andmomentslaterWolfewenttowork.HehadanimageofJackLoweonthescreeninseconds.
“Thatsurelookslikehim.”Jennaleanedforwardandstaredatthescreen.“Hecouldbethemanonthemountain.HematchesthedescriptionofthepersonEmilysawandtheoneWebbersawgointothecellarwithCourt.IfIdidseeJackLowe,hehasaclear-cutmotive.”Sheleanedbackinherchairandfoldedherarmsoverherchest.“Youwantednewevidence—well,hereitis.Thisisreasonabledoubt,surely?”
“It’shearsayatbest.Nooneelseidentifiedhim.”Wolfelookedather.“Nowyou’veseenabetterphotoofhim,areyou100percentsure?”
“MyfocuswasonEmilyandIonlyhadabriefglanceofhim,butfromwhatIrecall,heresembledJackLowe.”Shestaredattheimage.“Isn’tthatenoughtoreopenthecase?”
“No,I’dneedmoreevidence,andsowouldtheDA.I’llstandbymyfindings,Jenna.Evenifyoudidseehimonthemountain,itprovesnothing.Youcouldn’tstandupincourtandtestifyhewasathreattoanyone,andfromLyons’statement,he’dtestifythesame.Youtoldmethemanyousawwasn’tcarryingaweaponandshowednoevidenceofbeinginafight.I’veruledthedeathsasaccidentalorsuicide,whichmeansthere’snocasetoanswer.”Wolfetappedawayathislaptopandthenturneditforhertoviewthescreen.“Seeforyourself:JackLoweisstillreportedasMIA,andIcan’tfindanytraceofhimbeinginthecountrysinceheleftonhistourofduty.AsfarasI’maware,noneofhisteamhavereportedinsincethechopperwentdown.Bynow,wehavetoassumethey’realldead.”
“Soyou’resayingIsawaghost?”JennaliftedherchinandstaredatKane.
Kaneshrugged.“Idon’tbelieveinghostsbutIdobelieveyoumetsomeoneonthetrailthatresembledJackLowe.”Henarrowedhisgaze.“ThepressreleaseyouaskedRowleytoissuementionedarewardfortheguywhogaveyoutheflashdrives.Maybehe’llshowandputyourmindatrest.”
“Ihopeso.”Jennashookherhead.“ButifI’mright,he’llnevercomeforward.”
FIFTY-SEVEN
Lightningcrackedandthunderrolledaroundthechopper.JackLowegazedintotheblackclouds.Itwasasiftheskycriedoutwithangeragainstthecrueltyhissisterhadendured.Asthehighwindstossedthechopperaround,heignoredtheelementsandstaredagainatthemessageonhisphone.Itwouldhaunthimfortherestofhislife.
Jack,Iknowyou’llneverreadthisbutIhavetotellsomeone.EarliertonightfourmembersoftheBlackRockFallsfootballteamdruggedandrapedme.Youknowthem,Jack.Lyons,Court,Devon,andJacobs.SethLyonsthreatenedtodothesametoourlittlesisterifIwenttothesheriff.Theyhavepicturesandavideoofme,Jack.MomandDadwouldbesoashamedifthiswasspreadalloversocialmedia.They’reliketerroriststowomenoncampusandLyonstoldmeI’mnottheonlygirlthey’vedonethisto.Myroommatetriedtowarnmeaboutthem.I’vebeensuchafool,Jack,andit’sbestifIendthisnow.Likeyou,I’mnotafraidofdying.Seeyouontheotherside,bigbrother.xxx
Heartaching,Jackgrippedthecellphonesoharditcutintohispalm.Hermessagehadremainedunansweredfortenminutesbeforehe’dreturnedtobaseafteronehellofamission.Hischopperhadgonedownbutmostoftheteamhadwalkedawaywithoutascratch.He’dbeenoutofcontactwithbaseforafewdays,butaftercompletingthemissionwithadepletedteam,he’dreturnedtobase.Atthedebriefing,JackhaddiscoveredhisstatuswasMIAandwouldremainsountilhisunithadcompletedtheretrievalofallthemembersofhisteam
He’dturnedonhisphoneandsentheramessagebuthisreplytoChrissiehadremainedunanswered.Devastated,hisguttoldhimhe’dmissedthewindowofopportunitytosaveherbylessthanfifteenminutes.Howmanymoreyoungwomen’sliveswouldthesemendestroy?Thecreedhelivedbyhadplayedinhismind:IhumblyserveasaguardiantomyfellowAmericans,alwaysreadytodefendthosewhoareunabletodefendthemselves
He’dpulledinafewfavorsandwithinthehourwasonhiswayhomeonafakepassport.Afterarriving,he’dgonestraighttoChrissie’sresidencehallandthescuttlebuttsurroundinghersuicidehadnearshatteredhim.He’ddroppedintoadifferentzone,engagedaprotectiveshieldtoeasethepain,andthengoneaboutgatheringintelontherun,withthehelpofhisdrone.Peoplehadlittleideahoweasyitwastospyonthemanddiscovertheirinnermostsecrets.Infiltratingtheinfluxofnewstudentsforthefallsemesterhadbeeneasy,aftermakingfriendswiththefootballteamtheprevioussemester.Ithadbeenbypurechancethatduringhisdowntime,afriendhadaskedhimtoreplacehimasthemedicforthecollegefootballteamforacoupleofweeksandthissemesterhe’dslippedintothecollegewithoutquestion.Havingfieldmedictraininghadpaidoffinspades.He’dalsousedhisexpertisetodisablethecollegeCCTVcameras,hackthemainframe,and,likeaghost,huntdownthetargets.Ithadonlytakenafewdaystotakeoutthetrash.
He’dnotgainedanysatisfactionbykillingJacobs,Devon,orCourt,andtheirfaceswouldneverhaunthim,buthewouldrememberSethLyons.Thedisgustinganimalhadwethimselfwhenhe’dtoldhimhewasChrissie’sbrotherandgivenhimthereasonhewasinBlackRockFalls.He’ddangledtheflashdrivesinfrontofhisfaceandgrinned.Aftermessinguphispretty-boyface,he’dthreatenedtodisembowelhimandhanghimfromthenearesttreebyhisentrailsifhegavethecopshisname.HopingLyonswouldleaptohisdeathintotheravine,themanhaddecidedhisownpunishmentbytakingthecoward’swayoutandoptingforthebridge.
Yeah,he’dtakenariskbystickingaroundtomakesurethesheriffhadalltheevidencesheneededtoensureLyonswouldrotinjailfortherestofhismiserablelife,butitwasworthit.Momentslater,he’dvanishedlikesmokeandthencalledtheteamtoevacuatehim.Later,whenthenewshadcomethroughaboutarewardforthemanwho’dgiventhesherifftheflashdrives,he’darrangedforoneofhisbuddiestodropbythesheriff’soffice.Withasimilarbuildandfeatures,theywereoftenmistakenforeachotheronbase.Hisfriendhaddonatedtherewardtoacharityforbatteredwomen.Ashisfriendhadaniron-cladalibi,havingarrivedinBlackRockFallsonthemorningofthebridgecollapse,hisrusehadworked.
JackallowedhishumanitytoslipthroughonemoretimetoreadChrissie’smessageagain.Hebrushedawaythestingoftearsinhiseyesandthen,withhismaskfirmlybackinplace,hehitdelete.Hismissionwasoveranditwastimetoreturntobase.Resteasy,littlesister.I’mdonehere.
EPILOGUEONEWEEKLATER
AshimmerofexcitementranthroughJennaasshesteppedontoherporchandsurveyedherranch.Itwasanincrediblybeautifulday.Thesunshoneandnotacloudmarredthebluesky.Thescentsoffallcametoheronasurprisinglywarmbreezeasifnaturehadmadethisdayspecialtomarkonelittlegirl’sbirthday.Wolfe’syoungest,Anna,hadstolenaplaceinherheart,butsheenjoyedspendingtimewithallhisgirls.EmilyandJuliehadbecomeclosefriends,anditwasgreattohavesomeonetogoonshoppingtripswithandnotbethesheriffforoneday.Bestofall,thisyearshe’dpersuadedWolfetoallowherandKanetoarrangeAnna’sbirthdayparty.Surprisingly,AnnahadonlyinvitedthreefriendsfromschoolbutinsistedthatRowley,Webber,andAtohibethereaswell.Thelittlegirlhadaskedhershylyifshecouldhaveabigperson’sbarbecueandhorserides.Howcouldsherefuse?
Ithadbeenabusyweek,tyinguplooseendsandwritingreports.TheFBIhadmovedswiftlyandcontactedmoreoftheyoungwomenrapedbyLyonsandhisfriends.Fifteenhadcomeforward,andastheproofofthecrimeswasunchallengeable,SamuelCross,thelawyer,hadfoundhimselfinundatedwithqueriesaboutcompensation.Asthemajorityoftheoffenderswereloaded,he’dagreedtorepresentthemallinanumberofclassactionsfordamages.Lyonshadpleadedguiltyathishearingandwasawaitingsentencing,butlikeStevens,hewouldspendtherestofhislifeinjail.
Thedayamanwithabuzzcuthadwalkedintothesheriff’sofficetoclaimtherewardhadbeenthecherryonthecake.Atlast,she’dbeenabletotieupallthelooseendsandclosethecase.He’dclaimedhe’dcomehomeonleaveandtakenawalkwhenheranintoLyonsandJennabuthadn’twitnessedafight.He’dgottenthereafterLyonshadrunontothebridgeandfoundtheflashdrivesontheedgeoftheravine.AfterKanehadshakenhishandandthankedhimforhisservice,Jennahadstaredatthemanforalongmomentbeforecheckingouthisstory.ANavySeallikeJackLowe,theresemblancebetweenthetwomenwasuncanny.Whenhe’dleft,she’dlookedatKane.“I’msuregladhecameby.YouhavetoagreehelookslikeJackLowe.”
“Ineverdoubtedyou,Jenna.”Kanehadsmiledather.“I’dhavefiguredthesamething.”
Therodeocrowdhadleft,andaftertheusualSaturdaynightdance,thetownhadthankfullyreturnedtonormal.SoonthechillofwinterwouldarriveandKanehadofferedtotakeherforaweekendatthenewBlackRockFallsskiresort—justasfriends,ofcourse.Itwouldbealuxury.Hotchocolate,skiing,andnightsinfrontofalogfire…Bliss
ThewarmcomfortoffriendssurroundedherasKanestrolledbacktotheporch.He’dspentagreatdealoftimeattachingballoonstothedrivewayandnowwalkedback,chattingwithAtohi,Rowley,andhisgirlfriendSandy.Shesmiledatthem.“You’vealldoneagreatjob.”
“Theponiesareverygentle.”Kaneslappedbothmenontheback.“Thankyouforbringingthem;itwillmeanallthekidscanrideandAnnaisgoingtolovehergift.”
Jennaopenedthefrontdoorandwentinside.“Herponyissopretty.Thankyousomuch,Atohi.”
“ThemareisgentleandI’veworkedwithherthisweektomakesureshehasnovices.”Atohilookedather.“She’llbeperfect.HernameisRawenoandshe’lltakecareoftheyoungone.”
Jennalookedoverthegiftspiledhighonthecoffeetablethenledthewayintothekitchen.She’dmadethebirthdaycake,andalthoughittiltedslightlytooneside,andKanehadhelpedherwiththefrosting,sheconsidereditquiteanachievementasshehadonlyonegoodarm.AsKanemovedaroundthekitchen,fillingbowlswithvarioussnacksandcandy,JennahandedRowley,Sandy,andAtohidrinksfromtherefrigerator.“So,whoplanstodothecooking?”
TheylookedateachotherandasmilespreadoverRowley’sface.“Shane.”
“He’sthemasterofthegrill.”Kanechuckled.“Wolfehasmanytalents.”Hecockedhisheadasiflistening.“Ihearvehicles.”
EmilyandWolfewerebringingalltheirguests,andaftertakingaquicklookaroundtherooms,Jennaheadedforthefrontdoor.Asthechildrenspilledoutofthetrucks,shemoveddownthestepstogreetthem.“Happybirthday,Anna.”Shebenttohugthelittlegirl.
“Ican’twaittoridethehorses.Isawtheponiesinthecorral.Aretheyforustoride?”AnnalookedatKaneandbeamedwhenhenodded.“Canwedothatstraightaway,UncleDave?Daddycanhelpwiththebarbecue.”
“Don’tyouwanttoopenyourpresentsfirst?”Kanecroucheddowntolookather.“AndJennamadeyouacake.”
“I’mnotsurethey’llsitstilllongenough.”Wolfechuckled.“Allthey’vebeenchattingaboutisthehorses.”
“Yeah,they’vebeendrivingmenuts.”Juliepulledaface.“Horses,horses,horses.”
Jennalaughed.“Thecakecanwait.They’llneedaboostoncethey’verunoutofenergy.”ShegaveAtohiawinkandheslippedofftowardthestables.
“Great!”Emilygrinned.“I’llhelpJenna.Juliewillhelpwiththegirls.”
“Oh,allright.”JuliewavedAnna’sfriendstowardthecorral.
AsJennafollowed,holdingAnna’shand,thelittlegirlliftedherbigblueeyestoher.“CanIridewithUncleDave?Myfriendscanallrideandthey’llbefineontheponies.”
“Notthistime;you’llbestayinginsidethecorralwithyourfriends.”KanetookAnna’sotherhand.“ButI’llwalkbesideyouifyoulike.”
“Icanrideyourhorseonmyown?”Anna’seyesrounded.
“Noneed,look.”HepointedtothestablesasAtohiledoutamagnificentpaintpony.“Happybirthday,Anna.”
Thelittlegirl’sfacelitupwithsomuchjoy,tearsprickedthebacksofJenna’seyes.Wolfemovedbesideherandsheturnedtolookathisreaction.“Ithinkshelikesherpresent.”
“It’sbeenalongtimesinceI’veseenherthathappy.Thankyou.Iappreciateitmorethanyouknow.”Wolferubbedhishandstogether.“I’llgetthefiregoingforthebarbecue.”
UndertheguidanceofJulie,Atohi,Rowley,andSandy,theprocessionmovedoffaroundthecorral.JennawenttostandbesideKaneandsmiledatthewayDukeleanedagainsthisleg,hiseyesclosed.Thekidshadwornoutthedogalready.ShemimickedKane’sposeofonefootonthebottomrungastheywatchedthelittlegirls.“IknewwhenIwokeupthismorningitwouldbeaspecialday.Thisislikehavingarealfamily.”
“Yeah,itis.”Kaneslippedhisarmaroundherwaist.“Peoplesayyoucan’tpickyourfamilybutIfigureoursturnedoutjustfine.”
IfyouweregrippedbyBreaktheSilence,signupheretobethefirsttoknowwhenthenextD.K.Hoodbookisreleased.
Signuphere!
HEARMOREFROMD.K.HOOD
Ifyou’dliketokeepuptodatewithmylatestreleases,justsignupatthelinkbelow.We’llnevershareyouremailaddressandyoucanunsubscribeatanytime.
Signuphere!
BOOKSBYD.K.HOOD
Don’tTellASoul
BringMeFlowers
FollowMeHome
TheCryingSeason
WhereAngelsFear
WhisperintheNight
BreaktheSilence
AVAILABLEINAUDIO
Don’tTellASoul(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
BringMeFlowers(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
FollowMeHome(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
TheCryingSeason(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
WhereAngelsFear(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
WhisperintheNight(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
ALETTERFROMD.K.HOOD
ThankyousomuchforchoosingmynovelandcomingwithmeonanotherthrillingadventurewithKaneandAltoninBreaktheSilence.Ifyou’dliketokeepuptodatewithallmylatestreleases,justsignupatthewebsitelinkbelow.Youremailaddresswillneverbesharedandyoucanunsubscribeatanytime.
Signuphere.
Ifyouenjoyedmystory,Iwouldbeverygratefulifyoucouldleaveareviewandrecommendmybooktoyourfriendsandfamily.Ireallyenjoyhearingfromreaderssofeelfreetoaskmequestionsatanytime.YoucangetintouchonmyFacebookpageorTwitterorthroughmyblog.
Thankyousomuchforyoursupport.
D.K.Hood
www.dkhood.com
dkhood-author.blogspot.com.au
DON’TTELLASOULDETECTIVESKANEANDALTONBOOK1
Getithere!
Thefloorwasstonecoldonherbareskin.Herheartpoundedinherchest.‘NotasoulknowswhereIam,’shethoughtasshetookinthedarknessaroundher.Andthensheheardhisfootsteps…
Whenabodyisfoundstuffedintoabarrelatthelocaldump,coveredinlongredcuts,DetectiveJennaAltonandhernewdeputy,DavidKane,rushtothescene.
NothingeverhappensinthesmalltownofBlackRockFalls,soJennabelievesthevictimmustbeoneoftworecentmissingpersons,andshefearsforthelifeoftheother.
Bothwerestrangerstothetown,butthere’snothingelsetolinkthem.Jennaknowssomeonemusthaveseensomething,butnoone’stalking;howwelldoesshereallyknowthepeoplearoundher?
ThenadisturbingcluemakesJennasuspectaconnectionwithotherdisappearancesinthetown’shistory.Justwhenshebeginsaskingtherightquestions,sherealisesshe’sbeingfollowed.Isshenextonthekiller’slist?
Inaraceagainsttime,JennaandDavidmustunlockthedarksecretattheheartofthetown,beforeit’stoolate…
Acompletelyaddictivedetectivethrillerthatwillhaveyouguessingrighttotheend.IfyouloveRobertDugoni,KarinSlaughterandRachelAbbott,you’llloveDon’tTellASoul
Availablenow!
BRINGMEFLOWERSDETECTIVESKANEANDALTONBOOK2
Getithere!
Shedidn’tknowhewaswatching.Untilitwastoolate.
She’dwalkedthiswayhundredsoftimesbefore.Shekneweverytwistandturn.Shedidn’tknowthiswasthelasttimeshe’deverwalkthispath.
Hiddendeepintheforest,schoolgirlFelicityParkerisfoundcarefullylaidoutonarockwithnothingbutafreshlypickedbunchofflowersnexttoher.Thebodyliesjustoffapopularhikingroute,andDetectiveJennaAltonthinksthekillermightbeavisitortothetown,untilanothergirl’sbodyisfoundatthelocalswimmingpool,onceagainposedwithabunchofflowers.
Jennarecognizesthesignsofaserialkiller,andthinksitcouldbealocal.Asthetownisgrippedwithfear,Jennamustexamineeachpersonthegirlsknew,andtrustbetweenneighborsstartstocrumble.
Bothgirlswentoutontheirown,andwerefoundwheretheyshouldn’tbe.Weretheytakenbychance,ordidtheyknowtheirkiller?Howweretheyluredsofarfromsafety?AndcanJennaandherteamfindthekillerbeforeanotherlifeislost?
Anabsolutelynail-bitingthrillerthatwillkeepyouupallnight.IfyouenjoyRobertDugoni,KarinSlaughterandRachelAbbott,you’lllovethis!
Availablenow!
FOLLOWMEHOMEDETECTIVESKANEANDALTONBOOK3
Getithere!
‘Don’tyouagreeDetective?Thatsomepeopledeservetodie?I’vekilledthefirst.I’vekilledthesecond.Nowwillyoucatchtheothers,ordoIhavetokillthemtoo?’
ThebodyofAmosPriceliesinapoolofbloodonthepolishedfloorofanotherwiseemptyhouse.Withnosignsofabreakin,andnocluesleftatthescene,DetectiveJennaAltonisataloss.
Butastheteambeginstounpickthelifeofthereclusivevictim,theydiscoveradisturbinglinkbetweenAmosandthedisappearanceofseveralyounggirlsinthecountygoingbackyears.
Dayslater,anotherbrutallymurderedbodyisfound,inaremotemotelontheoutskirtsoftown.ElyDorseywaskilledinafrenziedattackandJennafearsnotonlythatthemurdersareconnectedtothemissinggirls,butthatthekillerhasn’tfinishedyet.
AsJennatriestoworkoutwhowillbenext,thekillersuddenlystartssendingherdeputy,DavidKane,messages.Isshebeingtaunted?Ordoesthemurdererwanttobecaught?AndwillJennadiscoverwho’sbehindthesekillingsbeforemorepeopledie?
Anabsolutelynail-bitingthrillerwithplentyoftwists,FollowMeHomeisperfectforfansofRobertDugoni,KarinSlaughterandRachelAbbott.
Availablenow!
THECRYINGSEASONDETECTIVESKANEANDALTONBOOK4
Orderhere!
Thelightfadesassherunsforherlife,theforestnowbecomingquieteraroundher.Theonlynoiseshehearsisthesoundoffootstepsfollowingher…
It’shikingseasoninBlackRockFallsandthesmalltowninMontanaisfloodedwithvisitors.Butwhenahikerfindsahumanskullonadesertedtrailinthewoodsthatsurroundthetown,DetectiveJennaAltoniscalledintoinvestigate.
Withnomissingpersonsreported,Jennahasnoleads.Thenherteammakesashockingdiscovery–thebodyofanotherhiker,ayoungman,tiedtoatreeandriddledwithbullets.Couldthetwomurdersbelinked?
Asmorebodiesarefound,JennaandherdeputyDavidKaneknowthattheymustventuredeepintotheforesttofindandfacethekiller.Butnothingcanpreparethemforwhatawaitsthemthere…
IfyouloveRobertDugoni,KarinSlaughterandRachelAbbottyou’lllovethisnail-bitingthrillerfromD.K.Hood.
Getitnow!
WHEREANGELSFEARDETECTIVESKANEANDALTONBOOK5
Ordernow!
Assheopenedhereyesandtookinhersurroundingsafeelingofterrorranthroughherweakenedbody.Sheknewexactlywhereshewas.Andsheknewexactlywhatwasabouttohappentoher…
WhenEllaTatestumblesintoBlackRockFalls,herexhaustedandbloodiedbodyisaterrifyingsight,butnotasfrighteningasthestoryshehastotell.Ambushedontheirwayintotownwhentheystoppedtohelpamanbythesideofthehighway,EllaandherfriendSkyranwhenhepulledanaxonthem.Butonlyoneofthemgotaway.
AsDetectiveJennaAltoninvestigatesthecase,shelooksintothehistoryofmissingpersonsinthetown,anduncoversmorecases–allyoungpeople.Allstoppedonthesamestretchofhighwayintotown.Allvanishedwithoutatrace
WhenadistinctivepinksweaterbelongingtoSkyturnsupinBlackRockFalls,Jennafollowsthetrailtoaderelictbuildingontheoutskirtsoftown.Butsheisn’tpreparedforwhatliesbehindthosedoors.Canshestopthekillerbeforemorelivesarelost?
IfyoulikeRobertDugoni,KarinSlaughterandRachelAbbottyou’lllovethisnail-bitingthrillerfromD.K.Hood.
Orderhere!
WHISPERINTHENIGHTDETECTIVESKANEANDALTONBOOK6
Ordernow!
Sheopenshereyesandstrugglestomakeoutthedarkroomaroundher.Onethingsheknowsinstantly–herwristsareboundandshe’stiedtoachair,unabletomove.Asshescreamsforhelp,shehearsfootstepsoutside.He’scoming…
Fifteen-year-oldLindyRosenhasbeenhavingnightmaresforweeks,wakinginapanic,screamingthatthere’samaninherroomwatchinghersleep.Herparentsassumeditwasheroveractiveimagination,butwhenonemorningtheyfindLindymissingfromherbedroom,they’renotsosure.DetectiveJennaAltoniscalledintoinvestigate.
Withinhoursoftheschoolgirlgoingmissing,thekidnapperreachesouttoJennawithavideoofLindyboundandtiedtoachair,cryingtobesetfree.Andasimplemessage–you’vegot24hourstofindherorIkillher
Jenna’steamworkaroundtheclocktotrytofindLindybeforethedeadline,buttimerunsout,andJennareceivesadevastatingmessage.Thekillerhasmadegoodonhispromise.He’splayingadangerousgame.Andnooneknowswhathisnextmovewillbe.
Butjusttwodayslater,oneofLindy’sschoolfriendsistakeninthemiddleofthenightandthecountdownbeginsagain.
Completelyaddictivefromtheverystart,ifyoulikeLisaRegan,KarinSlaughterandRachelAbbottyou’llloveWhisperintheNight
Orderhere!
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Manythankstoallthewonderfulreaderswhotookthetimetopostgreatreviewsofmybooksandtothoseamazingpeoplewhohostedmeontheirblogs.
PublishedbyBookouturein2019
AnimprintofStoryFireLtd.
CarmeliteHouse
50VictoriaEmbankment
LondonEC4Y0DZ
www.bookouture.com
Copyright?D.K.Hood,2019
D.K.Hoodhasassertedherrighttobeidentifiedastheauthorofthiswork.
Allrightsreserved.Nopartofthispublicationmaybereproduced,storedinanyretrievalsystem,ortransmitted,inanyformorbyanymeans,electronic,mechanical,photocopying,recordingorotherwise,withoutthepriorwrittenpermissionofthepublishers.
eBookISBN:978-1-78681-899-7
Thisbookisaworkoffiction.Names,characters,businesses,organizations,placesandeventsotherthanthoseclearlyinthepublicdomain,areeithertheproductoftheauthor’simaginationorareusedfictitiously.Anyresemblancetoactualpersons,livingordead,eventsorlocalesisentirelycoincidental.
TableofContents
TitlePage
BooksbyD.K.Hood
Contents
Dedication
Prologue
Chapter1
Chapter2
Chapter3
Chapter4
Chapter5
Chapter6
Chapter7
Chapter8
Chapter9
Chapter10
Chapter11
Chapter12
Chapter13
Chapter14
Chapter15
Chapter16
Chapter17
Chapter18
Chapter19
Chapter20
Chapter21
Chapter22
Chapter23
Chapter24
Chapter25
Chapter26
Chapter27
Chapter28
Chapter29
Chapter30
Chapter31
Chapter32
Chapter33
Chapter34
Chapter35
Chapter36
Chapter37
Chapter38
Chapter39
Chapter40
Chapter41
Chapter42
Chapter43
Chapter44
Chapter45
Chapter46
Chapter47
Chapter48
Chapter49
Chapter50
Chapter51
Chapter52
Chapter53
Chapter54
Chapter55
Chapter56
Chapter57
Epilogue
HearmorefromD.K.Hood
BooksbyD.K.Hood
ALetterfromD.K.Hood
Don’tTellaSoul
BringMeFlowers
FollowMeHome
TheCryingSeason
WhereAngelsFear
WhisperintheNight
Acknowledgements
Copyright
© Copyright Notice
The copyright of the article belongs to the author. Please do not reprint without permission.
THE END
No comments yet