Follow Me Home (D. K. Hood)

FOLLOWMEHOMEANUNPUTDOWNABLECRIMETHRILLERTHATWILLHAVEYOUHOOKEDD.K.HOODALSOBYD.K.HOODDon’tTellASoul
BringMeFlowers
FollowMeHome
CONTENTSPrologueNowChapter1Chapter2Chapter3Chapter4Chapter5Chapter6Chapter7Chapter8Chapter9Chapter10Chapter11Chapter12Chapter13Chapter14Chapter15Chapter16Chapter17Chapter18Chapter19Chapter20Chapter21Chapter22Chapter23Chapter24Chapter25Chapter26Chapter27Chapter28Chapter29Chapter30Chapter31Chapter32Chapter33Chapter34Chapter35Chapter36Chapter37Chapter38Chapter39Chapter40Chapter41Chapter42Chapter43Chapter44Chapter45Chapter46Chapter47Chapter48Chapter49Chapter50Chapter51Chapter52Chapter53Chapter54Chapter55Chapter56Chapter57Chapter58Chapter59EpilogueHearMoreFromD.K.HoodAlsobyD.K.HoodALetterfromD.K.HoodDon’tTellaSoulBringMeFlowersAcknowledgementsTomyreaders,withthanksandappreciation.
PROLOGUETHEN
Stop.Pleasestop,youarekillingher.Trappedinafilthycagebeneaththebed,shepressedbothhandsagainstherearsandcurledintoaball.Nothingwouldmuffletheircrudecommentsorthestinkoftheirrancidsweatburningtheinsideofhernose.Asshegraspedthethinblanket,herelbowsdugintothecoldwoodenfloor.Theunpolishedplanksscrapedagainsthernakedflesh,formingsorepatchesonkneesandhips.ShetrembledinterrorasJodie’sscreamspenetratedthroughthegapsinherfingers.
Shewouldbenext.
Thebedaboveherheadsqueaked,droppingdustintohereyesandsuffocatingher.Theritualwasthesame.Themenbarkedordersthentheclick,click,clickandflashesofacamera.Eachtimetheyvisited,Bobby-Joetookherfromthebarredenclosureinthecellarandstuffedherinthecageunderthebed.AftertheytiredwithJodie,shewouldsufferthesamehumiliation.
Themenownedher.
Silencefollowedanutteringofcurses.Thenextmoment,Jodiehitthefloor;herheadrolledtowardherandshestaredatherwithwide,fixedgrayeyes.ThechainofthegoldlocketJodietreasuredhadleftanuglyredpatternonherneck.Shestaredatherinhorror.Thegirlshehadknownnolongerexisted.Heropenmouthwassetinahorrificgrinandthepurplehueofherlipsresembledoneoftheclownswhohadbroughthertothisterribleplace.Grippedwithfearshepressedafisttohermouthtomuffletheshriekthreateningtospillfromherlips.Badthingshappenedtogirlswhoscreamed.
“Jeeze,Bobby-Joe,you’vegoneandkilledher.”
“Shutyourface,Ely.Dammit,nowI’llhavetofindmeanotherblonde.”
“Pickherup,Ely.”
“Iain’ttouchingnodeadgirl.”
“Amos.Grabherfeet.We’llputheroverthere.”Bobby-Joe’ssweat-soakedfacecameintoviewasheliftedJodie.
Elybentandlookedather.“You’dbetterbeagoodgirl.ShutyourmouthanddoasIsay.”
“Shewillunlessshewantsmetotakemyknifeandpayhermomavisit.”Bobby-Joechuckled,sanktohisknees,andgrinnedather.“You’vejustbecomeourstarattraction.”
“Whatyougonnadowiththeotherone?”Chrispeeredatherfriendwithaconcernedexpressionthenlookedaway.“Wecan’tleaveherheretostinkuptheplace.”
“Wrapherinplasticandwe’llburyheroveratCraig’sRockliketheothers.I’llgetStutopickupareplacementassoonashecanfindone.”
“ThecrittersaregettingintothematCraig’sRock.”Elydroppedarollofplasticonthefloorwithagrunt.“We’llneedanewplaceforthenextone.WhataboutOldCorkey’splace?It’sdownhillfromhereanditwillbeeasier.There’splentyofroomunderthefloorboardsforatleastsixormore.”
“Thatsoundslikeaplan.”Bobby-Joereachedonelongarminsidethecage,snaggedheraroundthewaistanddraggedherout.Shedidnotstruggleortrytorun.Legsweak,shefellfacefirstonthebed.Paniccaughtherbreath.Shewantedtoscreambutpushedhermouthagainstthepillowandclosedhereyes.
Iwillsurvive.Determinedtomakeitthroughanotherday,shebitdownhardonherlipandchantedinherhead.Iamthirteenyearsold,mymother’snameisDaisyandmyfather’snameisLuke.IliveinBlackRockFalls,Montana.Ihavebeenhere140days.
“Forgether.It’sgettinglate.”AmosgrabbedBobby-Joebytheshoulder.“We’llneedtoburytheotheronetonight.Wecanstartfreshtomorrow.”
“Sheisallwrappedupandreadytobeplanted.”Elychuckled.“Anyway,I’mplumtuckeredoutalreadyandafterdiggin’I’llneedarest.”
“Iguess.We’llneedtools.YoucarryherandI’llbringmythespades.”Bobby-Joeyankedherfromthebedandstuffedherbackintothecage.“Comeonthen,let’sgetthisoverwith.Grabyourflashlightsandoneofyoubringarifle.Idon’tfancymeetin’upwithabear.”
Astheirfootstepsandvoicesfaded,thehousefellsilentandshegapedinastonishmentatthecagedoor.Thelockandchainlayonthefloor.Terrifiedofoneofthemcatchingher,shepushedonthebarsandtheentranceopenedwithafamiliarsqueak.Withherheartinhermouth,shecrawledoutandpeeredaroundthecellar.
Theroomwasempty.
Gaspingwithpanic,shestaredatthecellarsteps,surprisedtoseethedoorslightlyajarandlightstreaminginfromtheroomabove.Shefrozethenmovedherheadfromsidetosidelisteningforanynoise,anycreakoffloorboards.
Sheheardnothing.
WillIhavetimetoescape?AdiscardedblackT-shirtandapairofsockslayonthefloor.Shegrabbedtheshirtandpulleditonthenthesocks,doublingthemovertoprotectherfeet.Tremblingwitheveryuncertainstep,sheinchedupthestairs.Atthetop,shefoundherselfinapantryandeasedinsidethenpeekedoutthedoor.Aftersuckinginadeepbreath,sheslippedintothekitchen.Beerbottles,water,andcandybarslitteredthetable.Shelookednervouslyaroundbutthesmallcabinappearedtobeemptyandaclearpathledtoadoorattheback.Icanmakeittothebackdoor.
Withherstomachknottedinfear,sheedgedtowardthedoorandturnedtheknob.Thehandleturnedwithease.Sheshrankbackasanxietytrembledherknees.Themomentsheopenedthedoor,lightwouldstreamoutintothedarkness,alertingthem.Frantic,shesearchedfortheswitchandturnedoffthekitchenlight.Waitinguntilhereyesadjustedtothedarkness,shelistenedagain.Whennonoisecamefromoutside,shesnatchedupsomecandyandabottleofwaterfromthetableandopenedthedoor.
Heartpoundinghardenoughtobreakherribs,sheduckedlowthenslippedoutthedoor,closingitgentlybehindher.Twostepsdownandintodarkness,shecouldseethemen’sflashlightsmovingintotheforest.Theroarofwatercamefromherleft,andonthebreeze,thefamiliarsmellthatonlycomesfromamountain-fedwaterfall.BlackRockFalls.Iknowthisplace.
Sheturnedawayfromtheforestandrantowardthenoiseofpoundingwater.Ignoringtherocksandbrokentwigscuttingthroughhersocks,shekeptmoving.Herfamilyhadcampedclosebylastsummerandtheareawasfamiliartoher.Ifshecouldreachthenarrowtrackrunningalongsidethefalls,shecouldfollowitallthewaytothebottomofthemountain.Panic-strickentheywoulddiscoverhermissingatanymoment,shegaspedateverynoisebutkeptmoving.Theroarofwaterguidedherandsoonthethickpineforestgavewaytoanarrowpathborderedbyrocks.Themoonofferedaghostlylightbutrockslitteredthetrailandaconstantsprayofwaterfromthefallsmadeitslipperyunderfoot.
Throwingcautiontothewind,sheran.Ihavetogetaway.Throatdryandchestheaving,shelostherfootingandfell,slidingdownthesteepincline.Shedroppedthewaterandgrabbedalargepricklybush.ThankGoditstoppedhertopplingovertheedgeofthefalls.Shelaypanting,onehandstillgrippingthecandy,andsighedwithreliefasthebottleofwaterrolledtoherside.Itseemedlikeshehadbeenrunningforagesandshedesperatelyneededafewmomentstocatchherbreath.Flatonherback,shestaredupintothestar-filledskythenasoundcameoverthenoiseofthefalls.Shelistenedandeveryhaironherfleshstoodupatthesoundofloudvoicesandsomeonecrashingthroughtheundergrowth.Shescrambledtoherfeetandtinyrocksrolleddownfromaboveherpepperingherback.Sheturnedandherheartleapedinherchest.Bobbingflashlightslitupthemountainbehindher.They’recoming.
Terrified,shedivedunderthebushandcurledaroundthewoodytrunk.Soclosetotheedgeofthefallsice-coldwatersplashedoverherlegs.Footstepsandheavybreathingheraldedthearrivaloftwomensocloseshecouldreachoutandtouchthem.Withherpulsethrobbinginherears,sheheldherbreath,toofrightenedtobreathe,andtuckedinherhead.Alightskimmedthetopofthebush.
“Ifsheranthisway,Ifigureshe’dfallovertheedge.”Bobby-Joekickedatthelooserocks.“It’ssteepanddangerous.”
“Yeah,andwepassedapileoffreshbearscat.Idoubtshegotthisfarandifshedid,she’llbehisdinnerbeforemorning.”Christurnedhisflashlightbackupthemountain.“We’lllookaroundyourcabinsomemore.YoushouldsendElyandAmoshomeincaseshedropsbytheircabinsforhelp.”
“Goodthinkin’.”
Thefootstepsfadedandshewaiteduntilthelightsmovedoutofsight,thencrawledoutofherhidingplaceandmoveddownthemountainside.Asdawncame,shereachedacabinsetclosetothefalls.Frightenedoneofthemenwouldbeinside,shegrabbedwomen’sclothesfromthewashinglineandslidintothehenhousetostealsomeeggs.Afterchanginginthebushes,sheheadedbacktothefalls.Tooscaredtoriskthemonsterscatchingher,shekeptawayfromthetrailandhidduringthedaytorest
Dayslater,sickandstarving,shereachedthehighway.Shewaveddownaschoolbusandtoldtheelderlydrivershewaslost.OnthetripbacktoBlackRockFalls,shechewedonhernails.Bobby-Joeknewwhereshelivedandifshetold,hewouldkillhermother.Shewouldlieandsaysheranaway,thennoonewouldeverknow.Assheglancedoutofthewindowatthemountain,shesmiledforthefirsttimeinaverylongwhileI’mfree.
NOW1TUESDAY,WEEKONE
AmosPriceopenedthepapersackandcheckedtheitemshe’dpurchasedonMondayafternoon.Thefourteen-year-oldgirlhemetonlineinsistedhebringabottleofbourbonandafewotheritemstotheirmeetingthisafternoon.Tuesdayhadseemedtotakeayeartoarrivebuthecouldnotbelievehisluckandgrinned.Excitementrippledthroughhim.Herparentsworkedandshehadplayedhookyfromschooltobealonewithhim.Ithadtakenweekstoconvincehertomeethimandtheyhadspenthoursonlineinagameschatroom.Shethoughthewaseighteenandwassokeentomeethim.Lastnight,afterhe’dgivenherthenumberofhisburnerphone,shehadcalled.Howsweethervoicesounded,soyoungandinnocent.
Hepulledhisvehicleupsomedistancefromtheaddressshehadgivenhimandgrabbedthebag.Seeingthestreetemptyandnootherhousesforsomedistance,hestrolledtothefrontdoor.Findingitopenjustasshehadsaid,heslippedinside.“It’sme,Pete.”
“I’mhere.”Aglimpseofthebackofagirlwithpigtailstiedinpinkribbonsroundedthetopofthestairs.“I’llbedowninamoment.”
Desperatetohaveher,heheadedforthesteps.“I’llcometoyou.”
“No,Iwantmyoutfittobeasurprise.Gointothekitchen,I’vemadeyouadrink–colaandice.Youdidbringtheliquor,Ihope?”
Henoddedandsmiledather.“Yeah,Ihaveeverythingyouaskedmetobring.”
“Great.Haveadrink.I’llberightdown.”
Amosstrolledreluctantlyintothehugekitchenanddroppedhisbagontothecounter.Nervousandexcitedatthesametime,hetookoutthebottleofbourbon,addedasplashtothedrink,andgulpeddownhalftheglass.
Thesoundoffootstepscameonthestairsandshewalkedintothekitchencarryingacellphoneandwearingsunglasses.Shepausedinthedoorway,andwiththeafternoonsunstreamingthroughthewindowbehindherhecouldnotmakeoutherface.“ComeclosersoIcanseeyouproperly.”
“Iwantaphotoofyoufirst.You’renoteighteen.Whydidyoulietome?”Shehelduphercellphoneandtookashotbutremainedinthedoorway,hesitant.
“Youwouldn’thavecomeifI’dtoldyoumyrealagebutIwantedtomeetyousobad.You’respecialandwegetalongsowell.”Amosneededanothersipofhisdrinkbutsmiled.“Lookatme,I’mharmless.I’vehadtonsofgirlfriendsyourage.”
“Iguess.”
Hishandstrembledandhischestfelttight.Theyoftentriedtobackoutbuthehadwaystosubduethem.Hecouldslipsomepillsintoherglass.“Comehereandhaveadrinksowecangettoknoweachother.”
“Finishyourdrinkfirst.”Shemovedcloserandwiththesunlightstreamingbehindher,itwasasifsheworeahalo.“Isitgood?”
Hisheartpoundedandhepushedonthecountertostandbuthistwitchinglegsfailedtorespondandhesatbackdown.“What’syourname?”
“Oh,I’mnoone.”Shemovedcloserandallowedthelighttostreamontoherface.
Shewasnomorethanfivetwoandhadtheslimbodyofagirlbutcloseuphecouldseeshewasatleasttwenty.Hepushedintohisfoggymindtofindamemory.“DoIknowyou?”
“I’mtheGrimReaperandit’syourtimetodie.Thedrinkwaspoisoned.Itwillbeaslowandpainfuldeath.”
Fearclutchedhispoundingheart.Hetriedtospeakbuthistonguehadswollen,fillinghismouth.Histhroatconstrictedandhestruggledtobreathe.
“Havingtroublebreathing?Iseveryinchofyouscreaminginpain?Good.IwishIcouldmakeitlastforweeksbutyou’renotworthanymoreofmytime.”Shescoopeduptheglassthenheadedforthefrontdoor.“Goodbye.I’llseeyouinhell.”
Agonyspreadthroughhisshakinglimbsandheslidfromthechair,fallinghardonthefloor.Anantscurriedacrossthepolishedwoodtowardhim,leadingafewofitsfriends.Hetriedtomove,tobrushthemaside,butadarkfogwassurroundinghim.Oh,shit.
2WEDNESDAY
ItwaslateafternoonandSheriffJennaAltonsteppedfromhervehicleandtookintheintensecolorsoffall.Shadesofgreenthroughtogoldenbrownbathedtheentirelandscapeandtheaircarriedthesweetsmellofwildflowers.Shelovedthistimeofyear,butplanstotakeafewdaysofherlongoverduevacationtospendawayfromtownhadbeenshattered.It’slikeI’mcursed.Shestaredintotheblueskyandsighed.ThemomentlifereturnedtonormalinBlackRockFalls,somethingelsehappenedtospoilherplans.Although,intruth,nothinginherlifewouldeverbenormalagain.Underthreatofdeath,shehadleftherlifeasDEAAgentAvrilParkerandassumedanewidentityasthesheriffofBlackRockFalls.HerexperienceintheDrugEnforcementAdministrationwasoflittleuseinthespateofmurdersshehadencounteredinhertimehere,andatfirst,shehadcopedwithtwoinexperiencedrookiesandherolddeputyDukeWalters.ShehadtoadmitafterlosingDaniels,DeputyRowleyhadbecomeanassetbutthesunhadcertainlybeenshiningthedaytwoex-marinesjoinedtheteam.
Afteraharrowingstart,shediscoveredhersecondincommand,DaveKane,wasaslightlydamaged,offthegridDC’sSpecialForcesInvestigationCommandagentwithincredibleprofilingskills,andasharpshooter.ThenextbonuscameintheguiseofShaneWolfe,awidowerwiththreedaughtersandnotonlythetown’sMEbutamanwithincrediblecomputerskills.WolfehadsettledwellintolifeinBlackRockFallsandbecomeacrucialpartofherteam.Thesenewdeputieshadherbackandsuremadelifeeasier.
Jennaenteredtheranch-stylehousesetamidsttheshadeofmapleandpinetrees.Shecoveredhernoseandpeeredthroughthekitchendooratthebloatedbodyofamiddle-agedmansprawledonthepolishedwoodenfloor.Hiseyesbulgedfromablue-tingedface.SheturnedtoDeputyKaneandraisedoneeyebrow.“He’sbeenhereforawhile.”
“Bythesmell,Iwouldsayso.”Kane’seyesnarrowed.“Therealestateagentsaysheisn’ttheownerandthehouseislistedforsale.”
“Whyisitsohotinhere?”SheturnedtoDeputyWolfe,herin-housemedicalexaminer.“Whatdoyouthinkhappenedtohim?There’snosignofastruggleasfarasIcansee.Ifthehousewasn’tunoccupied,Iwouldhavefiguredhewasunpackinghisgroceriesanddroppeddead.I’llleavethisonetoyou,Wolfe.We’llchecktherestofthehouse.”
“Thethermostathasbeensettoeighty-fivedegrees.”Wolfetappedoneglovedfingeronthewallcontrol.“Doyouwantmetoturnitdown,ma’am?”
“Yeah,andgetthewindowsopen.”SheturnedtoKane.“We’lldoasweepofthehouse.”
ShepickedupherbagofequipmentandfollowedKanethroughthemeticulouslyfurnishedgroundfloor.Theycheckedthecellarandfindingnothingofinterestheadedupstairs.Threebedrooms,allseeminglyundisturbed.Thefaucetdrippedinthemainbathroom,leavingsmallsplashesofwaterinsidethebasin.
“That’sunusual,seeingaseverythingelseinhereisperfect.I’lldustthevanityforfingerprints.”ShepulledthekitfromherbagandtossedKaneasamplecontainer.“Removethetrapunderthesinkandcollectthecontents.”Shewaitedforhimtocompletethetask.
“Itlooksclean.”Kaneheldupaplasticcontainerandfrowned.“Idon’tthinkanyonehasbeenhere.”
Jennadustedthevanityandfaucetforfingerprints.“Nothingbutafewsmudgedprints.Ifcleanershadbeenhere,it’slikelytheylefttheirprints,butsomeoneleftthetapdrippingasifthesinkwasusedinahurry.”
“Itcouldhavebeenanoversight.”
“Maybe.”SheledthewaydownstairsandreportedtheirfindingstoWolfe.“Iwanttoknowhowthatmangotintothehouseandwhathewasdoinghere.Checkhispocketsforakey.”Sheturnedaway.“Withme,Kane.Whofoundthebody?”
“AlisonSaunders.SheistherealtorworkingatMr.Davis’sagencyandalsothewomanDeputyRowley’sapparentlydating.”
JennafollowedKaneoutside.“Iwonderedwhyshewasblubberingalloverhim.”
“Iguessfindingadeadbodyinahouseshewasplanningtoselltoayoungcouplethiseveningwasalittletraumatic.”Kanegaveanonchalantshrug.“Maybeshecanshedsomelightonhowhegotintothehouse.”
“Maybehewasapotentialbuyer?”JennastrolledtowardDeputyRowleyandayoungwomanwithdarkhairdressedinaneatskirtandblouseunderajacket.“MissSaunders?I’mSheriffAlton.Areyouuptoansweringsomequestions?”
“Okay,butpleasecallmeAlison.”ShedabbedatherredeyesandgaveRowleyamournfullook.
“Whattimedidyoufindthebody?”
“Abouttwentyminutesago.IcalledJakestraightaway.”
Not911?Jennapulledouthernotepadandpen.“Doyouknowthedeceased?”
“No,andhewasn’thereonMondaywhenMr.Davisdidthehouseinspection.Idon’tknowhowhegotinside.ThedoorwaslockedwhenIarrived.”Alisonblinkedherlong,wetlashes.“IcametomakesurethecarpetshadbeencleanedbeforeIshowedtheclients.”
“Howmanypeoplehavekeystothehouse?”
“Letmethink.”Alisontappedherbottomlipwitharedfingernail.“Thishouseusedtobearental.Wehavemasterkeysforthehousesandwehavetwoextrasattheoffice,andtheownerhasaset.Ihaveonewithme.Igaveonetothecarpenter,AdamStickler,andonetothecleaningservice.ThatistheCleanasaWinkhousekeepingservice,hereinBlackRockFalls.Weusethosepeopleallthetimeandtheyareveryreliable.”
Jennamadenotes.“Didthecleaningservicereturnthekey?”
“TheykeepamasterkeyfortheirownusebuttheyfinishedherebeforeMr.Davis’sinspectiononMonday;IthinktheycameafterthecarpenterleftonFriday.Hedidmentionsomeyardworkneedingdoing.”Alison’sbrowneyesfixedonJenna’sface.“Howdidthemandie?Wasitaheartattack?”
“Idon’tknowandwewon’thaveacauseofdeathuntiltheMEhasexaminedthebody.”Jennareplacedhernotebookandpen.“You’llneedtocanceltheviewingforthisevening.We’llbeheremostofthedayandtomorrow,andwhenweclearthescene,you’llneedtogetthecleanersinagaintogetridofthesmell.”
“Oh,Lord,nobodywillbuytheplacenow.Wehavetotellbuyersaboutanydeathsoccurringinthehouses.”
“Whoownstheproperty?”Kane’sgazemovedoverthehousethenbacktoAlison.
“ThreeMapleLaneisoneofthesevenpropertiesMr.Rockfordhasonourbooks.ImethimrecentlyandsoIknowthemaninthehouseisnothim.Mr.RockfordmovedtoTexasafterhissonwenttojail.Mr.Davisisactingashisagentforallthesales.”Alisonlookedasifshecarriedtheworldonhershoulders.“That’swhyImovedbacktoBlackRockFallstowork.Therearesomanypropertiesonthemarketsincethoseteenagersweremurderedlastsummer.”
Jennaletoutalongsigh.SherememberedtheRockfordcasewell.“Didyouhaveanytradesmenintorepairanythingafterthelastinspection?”
“AsfarasIamaware,alltherepairswerefinished.”Alison’sdaintyfingerstrembledonthefolderinherhands.“I’llhavetoaskMr.Davisifhesentanyoneout.”
“Callmewhenyoufindout.”Kanehandedheracardwithacompassionatesmile.“Mycellphonenumberisontheback.Youcancallanytime.”
JennastaredathimthenturnedhergazebacktoAlison.“Okay.That’sallIneedfornow.Youhadbettergetbacktowork.”
“I’mnotsureifIcandrive.”Alisonlookedforlorn.“I’mstillshaking.”
“You’vehadanastyshock.”JennaturnedawayfromherandspoketoRowley.“Drivehercarintotownandgivemeyourkeys.I’lldropyourcarbacktotheoffice.Whileyou’rethere,findoutifDavissentanytradesmenouttothehouse.”
“Yes,ma’am.”Rowley’smouthtwitchedintoasmileashehandedherthekeys.“Thankyou.”HeledAlisontohervehicle.
“Sheriff.Ineedaword.”DeputyWolfecameoutthehousecarryingalargeevidencebag.“ThevictimisAmosPrice,forty-nineyearsold,andaccordingtohisdriver’slicensehehasacabininthemountainsonSunsetRidge.FromwhatIfoundinhisbag,Ibelievehewashereforaromanticinterlude,althoughhewasalsocarryingtranquilizersinhispocket.”
Jennalistenedtothelistofitemsfoundwiththebody.“Isee.Timeofdeath?Cause?”
“Hardtodeterminethetimeofdeathfromthebodytemperature.I’dsayapproximatelyforty-eighthoursbutsomeoneturneduptheheat,soIcouldbeoffbydays.Fromtheartificiallyheightenedbodytemperatureitwouldbeafewhoursagobutfromthedecomposition,itcouldbeTuesdayafternoon.I’llhavetosayundetermined.Heisbloatedsothecausewillhavetowaitfortheautopsy.Maybeaheartattack,butrightnowI’mnotsure.”Wolfepulleddownhisfacemaskandscratchedhisblondstubble.“Ican’truleouthomicideatthistime,soI’lldusttheentirehouseforprintsanddoacompletesearch.I’llneedtherealestateagents’printsaswellastheybothhadaccesstothehouse.”
“Okay.”Jennastaredafterthedepartingcar.“I’llcallRowleyandgethimtoscanStickler,SaundersandDavis.”
“Iwonderifthebatteredtruckparkeddowntheroadbelongstothevictim.”Kanerolledhisshouldersandstrolledtowardthevehicle.Hepulledouthiscellphoneandrantheplatethenturnedtolookather.“Yeah,it’shis.”
JennaturnedtoWolfe.“Anykeysonthebody?”
“Yeah.”Wolfedugintotheevidencebagthenheldoutthekeysbetweentwoglovedfingers.“Itriedtheseinthefrontdoorlock.Theydon’tbelongtothehouse.Doyouhavegloves?”
JennapulledtwopairsoutofherpocketandtossedonepairtoKane.“We’dbettercheckthevehicle.”Shestrolledtothetruck.
“Rogerthat.”Ashekeptpacebesideher,Kane’sattentionmovedoverherface.“Ineedtoaskyousomething.”
“Sure.”
“Youknow,IwastalkingtoRowleyabouthowharditistogettosomeofthemoreremoteplacesaroundtown.Hesuggesteditwouldmakesenseforustogetahorse.Youdon’tusethestablesatyourplaceandthegrassinthecorralisafoothigh.”
Shenodded.“Soundslikeaplanbutthestablesareabitrun-down.”
“Itwon’ttakemelongtofixthem—acoupleofnewhingesandthey’llbefine.Doyouride?”
Jennagavehimasidewaysglance.“Icanride;well,Ididthehorse-ridingthingwhenIwasakid.”
ShelikedhavingKanelivinginthecottageonherranchandspentalotofdowntimewithhim.Hewasreliableandsmartandalwayshadherback.Oftenafterviewinganastycrimescenehewouldchangethesubjecttolightenthemoodandhisdiversionssomehowkeptherhuman.“Itwillbeanaddedexpensethough,andIguesswecouldrenthorsesifweneedthem.”
“Thenwe’llhavetheavailabilityissue.”Kaneshrugged.“I’llpayforanyupkeepbecausewiththeexpanseofforestandmountainswehaveinourcounty,wemightneedtheminahurry.Thelasttimeweinvestigatedamurder,wetrekkedformilesuptrailslookingforevidence.Ahorsewouldhavemadelifeeasier.WeknowAmosPricelivedupinthehills,andifhedoesn’thaveafamily,we’llhavetocheckhisproperty.Someoftheranchesareinremoteareas,andneighborsarefewandfarbetween.”Kane’slipsthinned.“Hispropertycouldbemilesupatrail.”
Sheconsideredhiswordsthenshrugged.“Idoubtit.Hehasatruckandlooksalittleoverweighttobewalkingmiles,butifyouwanttobuyacoupleofhorses,that’sfinebyme.”
“I’llgoandseeGloriaonSundayandI’llfixupthestables.”Kane’smouthtwitchedatthecornersasheopenedthevictim’struck.
“Gloria?”
“Yeah,RowleyinsistedGloriaSmithersisthebestpersonintowntogotoifyouwanttobuyahorse.I’vebeenintouchwithherandshehasafewmountsavailableatthemoment.”Kaneallowedapileofgarbagetofalloutthedoorthenpulledonamaskandslidhislargebodyinsidetheoldtruck.“Man,thisguywasapig;there’smoldhalfaninchthickonthegarbageinhere.”
Jennacoveredhernose.“Howdopeoplelivelikethat?”
“Whatdowehavehere?Grabthis,I’mgoinginagain.”Kanepeeredoverthemaskatherashetossedherariflethenbentinsideagain.Momentslater,hestoodandpeeredintoapapersack.“Diazepam.Hmm,thesemustbewhatWolfefoundinhispocket.Iwonderwhyhe’dtaketranquilizersonadate.”
Jennastaredathimindisbelief.“Ah…maybetodrugher.Itseemsfeasibleconsideringhewasinsidesomeoneelse’shouse.”
“Yeah?”Kane’sbrowfurrowed.“Ifyoudiscoveredaguytryingtodrugyou,wouldyoujustleaveorcallthecops?”
“Iwouldn’tgetmyselfintothatpositionwithatotalstrangerinthefirstplace.”Jennarestedonehandonthehandleofherweaponandsighed.“Maybeshedidn’tshowandhediedofboredomwaitingforher.”Sheshrugged.“Therewasabottleofbourbononthecounter—maybeitwasn’tadateafterall.Hecouldhavecommittedsuicide.Diazepamandboozewoulddoit.”
“I’veneverheardofanyonetakingcondoms,lubeandaboxofchocolatestoasuicide.”Kane’seyesdancedwithmirth.“Haveyou?”
Jennasnortedbackalaugh.“Iguessthere’salwaysafirsttime.”
Embarrassed,sheglancedaround.“OhLord,that’snotaprofessionalthingtosay.Thepoormanisdead.Probablymurderedandwe’refoolingaround.”
“Nah,juststatingfacts.”Kaneglancedatheroveroneshoulder.“Didyouknowit’snotunusualforpeopletolaughatmurderscenes?”
Shemethisgaze.“No,Ididn’t,butI’msureyou’regoingtotellmethereason.”
“It’snotbecausetheythinkdeathisfunny,it’sanemotionalreleasetoguardagainstoverwhelminganxiety.”Hedisappearedinsidethetruck.“Inourlineofwork,Iguessit’sbettertolaughonceinawhilethansufferfromPTSD.”Hebackedoutandexaminedsomethinginhispalm.
“Whathaveyougotthere?”
“Ifoundathumbdriveintheglovecompartment.Itmightshedsomelightonhislife,apartfromthefacthelikedtakeoutandbourbon.”Kanethrewthejunkbackinsidethevehicleandlockedthedoor.“Hehasbeenhereforacoupleofdaysandlivesonthemountain.Thoseplacesareprettyisolatedandhemighthavelivestockonhispropertythatneedstending.”
“Yeah,mostdoupthere.We’llheadbacktotheofficeseeifWaltersknowshimorhisrelatives.Hemighthaveafamilyandtheycanhandleanyanimals.I’llseewholivesclosebyaswellandaskthem.”
“Rogerthat.”Kanerippedoffhismaskandhislipscurledintoasmile.“Ifwedon’thaveanyluck,IfigureI’denjoyadriveintothemountains,spectacularviews,andallthepeaceandquietyoucouldwishfor.We’llbeabletofindthelocationofthevictim’shouseusingtheGPS.”
Jenna’svacationplanswouldhavetowait,butshehadtoadmittheideaofgettingawayforamorningtoenjoythefreshmountainairsoundedlikebliss.“Sure,nowcanwestopdaydreamingandgetbacktowork?”
3THURSDAY
Earlythefollowingmorning,Kaneleanedbackinhisofficechair,gapingatthecontentsofthethumbdrivehehadfoundinAmosPrice’struck.Heglancedaway,sickenedbytheimagesinfrontofhim.Almostayearearlier,Jennahadfoundsimilarimagesonthecellphonebelongingtotheex-mayor’sson,buthisfatherhaddestroyedhislaptop,removinganycluestoapotentialchildpornographyringworkinginthearea.TheFBIhadbecomeinvolvedbutevenwiththeirextensiveresourcestheyhaduncoveredzip.HefiguredJoshRockfordhadactedalone,andwithhiminjail,theyhadsolvedtheproblem.Obviouslynot.
Thefindopenedupacanofworms:IfPricehadbeeninvolved,thentherecouldbeothersandyetnothinghadcometolightsincehisarrivalinBlackRockFalls.HepushedtohisfeetandmarchedintoJenna’soffice.“Excuseme,ma’am.IthinkyouneedtobeawareofthisinformationintheAmosPricecase.”
“Comeinandtakeaseat.”Jennatossedalockofglossyhairfromherfaceandsmiledathim.“Whatdidyoufind?”
Kanewinced.“Imagesofchildren.Theyallcamefromthecameraonhiscellphone,sohewasinvolved.Itlookslikethesamechild.”
“Hmm,didhesendthemtoanyone?”
“Nope.”Kanedroppedintoachairoppositeherdesk.“LiketheJoshRockfordcase,hewastooclevertousehiscellphonetosendtheimages.Myguessiseverythingweneedwillbeonalaptopsomewhere.Ifnewsofhisdeathleaks,wemighthavethesameproblemaswehadwithRockford—oneofhisfriendswilltaketheharddriveandnukeit.”
Jennatappedherpenonthedesk.“Predatorspopupallovertheplacebutbeforewestartcheckingoutchatroomsforlikelysuspects,I’llcontacttheFBIagainandseeiftheyhaveanongoinginvestigationinthearea.”
“Yeah,theywouldn’tbetoohappyifweruinedastingoperation.”
“Notonlythat,Iwanttheminvolved.Theyhavetheresourcesandknowwheretolookonline.”Shesighed.
AknockonthedoorheraldedthearrivalofDeputyWolfe.
“Ah,Wolfe,youcouldn’thavearrivedatabettertime.”Jenna’ssmilewasgenuine;sheobviouslyappreciatedhavinghimontheteam.“Whatdidtheautopsytellus?”
“Notmuch,I’mafraid.”Wolferemovedhishatandscratchedhisthickblondhair.“Thecauseofdeathisundeterminedpendingatoxicologyreport.Problemisthereporttakesabouttwotothreeweeks.Wemighthitpaydirtwiththestomachcontents.Hehadtakenadrinkjustpriortohisdeath.Apartfromthebourbonandcola,ithadaverystrongsmellofcigarettesbuthislungsappearedclean.Idon’tthinkhesmoked.”
Kanefrowned.“Ididn’tfindanycigarettesinhistruckeither.”
“Oranemptycanofcolainsidethehouse.”Jenna’swhiteteethclosedonherbottomlip.“Ifhehadadrinkjustbeforehedied,whathappenedtotheglassheusedorthecolacan?”
“Exactly.EverythingIfoundpointstopoisonasthecauseofdeath,andfromthecontortionsofhislimbs,itwasaverypainfuldeath.Hisbodyliterallyshutdowninpainfulspasms.Therearequiteafewpoisonsthatactimmediately,forinstance,arsenic,strychnine,andofcoursethingslikesnakebite,butapartfromthembeingdifficulttoobtain,theyleaveclues.Bitemarks,forinstance,andbleedingeyesorcoughingblood.Thiswassubtle.AsIdetectedthehighsmelloftobacco,Iaskedthelaboratorytocheckfornicotinesulfate.It’sapesticideandextremelypoisonous.ItwouldproducethesymptomsIdetectedinthevictim.Itiscolorlessandthetastecouldbedisguisedwithbourbon.”
Kanerubbedthebackofhisneck.“So,thiscouldbeahomicide?”
“I’mnotrulingthatout.”
“Ifitis,thenwehaveamotive.”Jenna’sdarkeyebrowsmetinthemiddleinafrown.“Hehasimagesofchildrenonhiscellphoneanditseemshetookthemhimself.IcanfindnoonewithinafewmilesofMr.Price’scabinandnoneofthepeopleIcalledarepreparedtoventureontohisland.Ithinkwehavethreemainobjectives.Thefirstistohightailituptohiscabinandgethislaptoptodiscoverifanyoneelseisinvolved.Ifwefindanyclues,we’llturnthemovertotheFBItoinvestigate.Weneedtoconcentrateonthemurdersandidentifythechildintheimages.Forallweknow,Price’sdeathcouldbetheparentstakingthelawintotheirownhands.”
“Yeah.”Wolfe’spaleeyesnarrowed.“IfIfoundsomeonemessingwithoneofmygirls,Imightbetemptedtopayhimavisittoo.”
“Wedothingsstraightdownthelinehere,DeputyWolfe.”Jenna’sexpressionhardened.“Nomatterwhoisinvolved,understand?”
“Yes,ma’am.”Wolferubbedthebackofhisneck.“Bytheway,Iwouldconsiderpoisontobeusuallyawoman’schoiceofweapon.”“HehadanopenbottleofbourbonbutItesteditanditcameupclean.Therewereglassesinakitchencupboardbuttheyallappeareduntouched.IwillhavethemcollectedandtestforresiduebutIdoubtIwillfindanything.Thetrapunderthekitchensinkcameupclean.Whoeverdidthisplanneditwell.”
“Suggestions?”JennashiftedherattentiontoKane.“Howhegotinsidethehousewithoutakey,forinstance?”
“I’mworkingonit,ma’am.Iwouldliketoknowhisincentiveforgoingthereinthefirstplace.”KanemetJenna’sintenseexpressionandshrugged.“Tomeetagirl?”
“It’sapossibility.”Jennascratchedhercheek.“Saywegowiththatassumption.Whatdoyouknowaboutgroomingkids?”
“Pedophilestendtogoforalonelykid.Ifiguretheyprofilethemtofindavulnerablesubjecttogroom.Theyspendhourstalkingtothemonline.”Kanesighed.“TheFBIhasoperativesmasqueradingaskidstositonlineinchatroomsinanattempttolurethem.Thepredatorsusegamesroomsandothersocialmediagroups,impersonatingteenageboys.Theyhaveusernamesandpostanimageofagood-lookingguythenstartupaconversation.OncetheFBIhasthemadmittingtowantingsexwithanunderagegirlorboy,theysetupameetandarrestthem.”
“WhichmakesmedoubttheFBIhasbeenworkingourareaorPricewouldn’thaveendedupdead.Iguessifakillerwantedtolureapedophiletohisdeath,thatschemewouldworkjustaswell.That’ssomethingtoconsider.”Jenna’smouthturneddownatthecorners.“LookingatwhatPricehadwithhim,hewasexpectingtohavesexandintendedtosubduehisvictimifnecessary.”
“Itmakesmewonderhowmanytimeshehasdonethesamething.”Kaneleanedbackinhisseat,makingitcreakinprotest.“LikeIsaid,itwouldtaketimetogroomakidonlineandhewouldneedaccesstoahouse.We’rebacktowonderinghowPriceknewwhenthehousewasemptyandhowdidhegetin?”
“Youneedtofindout.”Alton’sgazenarrowed.“It’sobvious.Hehadakey.Investigate.”
Kaneclearedhisthroat.“Yes,ma’am.Themomentwegetbackfromhiscabin.”
“Weknowanumberofpeoplewhocouldhaveakey.Alisonmentionedtradespeoplehadworkedonthehouse—anyoneofthemcouldhavemadeacopy.”Jenna’sintentgazemovedoverthedeputies.“Beforeweleave,Wolfe,IneedyouandRowleytopullupanyfileswehaveonvictimsofchildabuseinthearea.You’llneedtocheckthearchives.WefoundnocomplaintsatallduringtheRockfordcase,soyou’llhavetosearchthenationaldatabase.Checkthegirlinthephotographsagainstmissingpersons.Gobacksomeyears.”
Kanerubbedhischin.“Youaretalkingabouthundredsofthousandsofmissingkids.Itisanimpossibletask.Isuggeststartintheneighboringtownsandworkout.”
“Yeah,wedon’tknowforsureheintendedtomeetakidorinfactifhemetanyoneatall.”Wolfelookedchagrined.
“Well,furtherspeculationwillhavetowaituntilwelookatPrice’scomputer.”Altonpickedupthephone.“DeputyWalters,didyoulocateMr.Price’sfamily?”Shelistenedforsometimethenshookherhead.“Givemethecoordinatestohishome.Thanks.”Shemadenotes,disconnected,thenpushedthepadtowardKane.“Pricehasnolivingrelatives.WaltersbelievestheunsealedroaduptoPrice’scabinshouldbepassablethistimeoftheyear.CheckifwecanaccesstheareabySUV.Apparently,anotherroadleadswayuponthenorthsidetoafewcabinslocalshireoutwhenfishingatBlackRockFalls,butarockfallblockedtheroad.ThewaterfromtherefeedsBlackRockLake,ahugeareaontheothersideofthemountain.Apparentlytherockfalldoesn’tshowupontheGPS.”Shestood.“I’msureyourSUVispowerfulenoughtoclimbthehill.”
“Ohyeah,thatbabywilldoitwithease.”Kanecouldnothelpthesmile.“I’llchecktheroadconditionsandgetthegeartogether.WillyouorWolfebecomingwithme?”
“Oh,I’mcoming.”Jenna’seyesflashed.“Wolfe,Iwantyoutocoordinatethesearchforthevictiminthephotographsandcasesofchildabusehereorinneighboringtowns.NotifytheFBI,wehaveapotentialpedophileringoperatinginthearea.They’llknowalltheusualhauntsofthesepeopleandwillbeabletohandlethatpartoftheinvestigation.Makesureyouinsistwearekeptintheloop.”SheglancedatWolfe.“Beforeyoustart,sendRowleytocollecttheglassesfromthemurderscene.I’vetrainedhiminthecorrectcollectionofforensicevidence.”
“Yes,ma’am.”Wolfegaveheracurtnod,pickeduphishat,andheadedforthedoor.
“Iwantyoubothreadytogointenminutes.”Jenna’svoicefollowedthem.
KanefollowedWolfefromtheroomandnoticedRowleydeepinconversationwithAlisonSaunders,theyoungwomanwhohadfoundthebody.
HestrolledtowardRowley’scubicleandclearedhisthroat.“Problem?”
“No,notexactly.”Rowley’scheekspinked.“Alisonwantedtoknowhowlongitwillbebeforeshecangetacleaningcrewinsidethehouse.”
“Ididn’tmeantogetJakeintotrouble.”Alison’sbigbrowneyesmovedoverhisface.“IjustneededtoknowwhenIcouldgetbackintothehouseandifthemanwasmurdered.”
KaneshotaglanceatRowley.Thedeputywasusuallydiscreetandprofessional.“AndwhatdidDeputyRowleytellyou?”
“HetoldmethesheriffwouldletMr.Davisknowwhenshehadfinishedtheinvestigation.”
Kaneheavedasighofrelief.“Wellthen,youhaveyouranswer.Atthemoment,wehavenoideahowthemandied.Itcouldtakeweeks,soifMr.DavisispressuringyoutoobtaininformationfromRowley,tellhimtocontactSheriffAlton.”
“Oh,sure.”
“Ifthatisall,MissSaunders,DeputyRowleyisneededelsewhere.”
“I’llseeyoulater.”AlisonsmiledbrightlyatRowleyandheadedforthedoor.
Kanewatchedhergo.“I’msureIdon’thavetoremindyounottogiveoutinformation,eventoyourgirlfriend.Wecouldhaveapossiblehomicideandwedon’twantanyleaks.”
“No,sir.Iwouldn’ttellherathing.”Rowleyswallowedhard,makinghisAdam’sapplebobupanddown.“WhatdidDeputyWolfediscoverintheautopsy?”
“Nothingpositiveyet.”Kaneloweredhisvoicetojustaboveawhisper.“Webelievethedeceasedwasinvolvedinsomekindofchildpornring.WolfewillbecoordinatingasearchforthekidsintheimagesandbringingintheFBI.HuntupanyreportedcasesofchildabuseanddoacompleterundownofPrice’semploymenthistory.Findoutifheworkedwithkidsinthelastcoupleofyears.We’llneedtofindoutifheprocuredkidsfromanothertown,sosearchtheothercounties’databanksformissingkidsorreportsofanythingsuspicious.”
“Okay.I’llgetontoitassoonasIgetbackfromcollectingtheevidenceWolfeneedsfromMapleStreet.”
“Okay.I’mheadingupthemountainwithSheriffAltontosearchPrice’scabin.”
“Oh,makesureyoutakeariflewithyou.”Rowley’sfacebrokeintoagrin.“Folksupthatwaytendtoshootfirstthenaskquestionslater.”
“Wonderful.”
4Theadrenalinerushofkillingslippedaway,leavingawaveofcontentment.Sheglancedaroundherneathome,everythinginitsplace,allsurfacespolishedtoahighshine.Shelikedclean.Infact,onethingoutofplace,onespeckofdustannoyedher,andrightnowshehadsomecleaningtodo.
Sheopenedthecupboarddoorinthesparebedroomandstaredatphotographsofthemonsters.ToenforceherdeterminationtoridtheEarthofpredators,shehadstucktheimagestotheinsideofonedoor,andontheother,themissinggirlsshehadfoundinthenewspapers.Shetouchedeachyoungface.Iwillgetjusticeforyou,Ipromise.
Shescowledatthemen’simagesandragesentbilerushingupthebackofherthroat.Ohyes,shehaddiscoveredthemonsters’namesandwheretheylived.Nowshewouldstopthemfromhurtinggirls.ShehadtrackeddownAmosPriceafteroverhearingaboutthestrangebehaviorofaclownatakid’sparty.Shewonderedhowmanytimesparentsignoredinappropriatetouchesandkids’complaintsbecausetheyweretooashamedtoadmitsuchathinghadhappenedtotheirchild.Shehadstoppedhim.Themonsterhidingbehindapaintedsmile.
Withsatisfaction,shetoreAmosPrice’simagefromthewoodendoorandrippeditintoshredsthenstrolledintothebathroomandflusheditdownthetoilet.Thesightofhimwrithinginagonyandthefearinhiseyesashislifeslippedawayhadignitedthedarksideagain.Sheenjoyedhissuffering,couldalmosttasteit,andwishedithadlastedlonger.Thecravingtolurethenextmanintoherwebhadbecomeanobsession.
Anabsoluteneedtohuntdownandkill.
Whowillbenext?Shelethergazedriftoverthephotographsthendraggedhernailsdowntheimageofamonster.“Areyoureadytodie?”
5AsKane’spowerfulSUVclimbedupthewindingmountainroads,eatingupthemiles,Jennaletoutasigh.Avistaofintensebeautystretchedoutforever,pineforestsclimbedupmagnificentmountains,swirlingriversanddancingwaterfallsthrewamyriadofrainbows,makingtheviewmagical.“Oh,thisismagnificent.IwishIhadventureduphereearlier.Ican’tbelieveI’vemissedseeingthisbefore.”
“Itisamazingbutnotsomewhereyoushouldventurealone.”Kane’slargehandsgrippedthewheelashenegotiatedatightbendintheroad.“Rowleymentionedthatthemountainmen,wherevertheyarehiding,tendtoshootfirstandaskquestionslater.”Hegrinnedather.“Thentherearetheblackbearsandthebobcats.Iguessyou’dlooklikedinnertothem.”
“Youwouldn’t.”Shereturnedhisgrin.“You’reallgristle.”
“Thanks.”Kane’seyessparkled.“I’lltakethatasacompliment.”
JennastaredattheGPS.“Price’scabinshouldbedownatrackontherightaboutahundredyardsahead.”
Thecarbumpedoverthedirtroad,tippingfromonesidetotheother.Thetreescameclosetotheroad,sendingzebrashadowsflashingpastastheymovedinandoutofthesunshine.“Thereontheright.Seethe‘privateproperty’sign?”
“Gotit.”Kanespunthewheelandexpertlynegotiatedabendthenadipintheroad.“Nowonderhistruckwassobeatup.Thisplacewouldbemurderduringthewinter.”Heindicatedaheadwithhischin.“There’sthehouse.”
Jennastaredatthelogcabin.Itwaslargerthansheexpectedwithawoodshedandasmallbarn.Anoldhuntingdogambledouttogreetthem.Itwaspitifullythinwithitsbonesshowing.“Youwererightaboutthelivestock.Iwonderwhathehasinhisbarn.”
“Iguesswe’dbetterchecktherefirst.”Kaneslippedfromthecarandraisedbotheyebrows.“Ican’tsmelllivestock.”Hetrudgedofftowardthebarn
Jennapattedtheolddogonthehead.“Don’tworry,we’llfindyousomethingtoeat.”
“Hiswaterbucketisempty.”AngerradiatedfromKane.“Ahuntingdogdoesn’tgetthatthininacoupleofdays.Uphere,hecouldhavecaughthisfood.”Hebentandfilledabucketfromafaucetattachedtoarainwatertank.“Comehere,boy,thereyougo.”Heturnedandpulledopenthebarndoor.“Nothinginhere.”
“Okay,let’scheckthehouse.”Jennapulledonapairoflatexglovesthentookasetofkeysfromherpocket.Shestrolledontotheporch,openedthedoor,thentookastepbackward.“Man,thisplacestinks.”
“Notdeath;that’sthesmelloftheunwashed.”Kane’smouthcurledintoagrin.“ItseemsAmosPricewasn’toneforpersonalhygiene.”Hemovedinsidethedoor.“Waitthere.I’llopensomewindows.”
“I’llcheckthebedrooms.”Jennastrolledintowhatlookedlikethemasterbedroomandherattentionsettledonanarrayofwigsonthenightstand.
Shethrewopenthecupboarddoorsandgapedattherackofbrightlycoloredclowncostumes.Ashudderofrevulsionwentthroughher.WhenKanewalkedintotheroom,sheturnedandgrimacedathim.“Hewasaclown.Ihateclowns.”
“He’sadeadclownnow.”Kane’sbluegazemovedoverherface.“It’sarealphobia,isn’tit?Clowns,Imean.”
“Yeah,andJohnWayneGacydidn’tdomuchtohelptheircauseeither.”Sheshuddered.“Incaseyouforgothewasamassmurdereroflittleboys.”
“I’mnotlikelytoforgethimbutIwishIcould.”Kanesqueezedherarmandtheheatofhishandfeltcomfortingagainstherskin.“Youokay?”
“I’mfine.”Sheturnedawayandwalkeddownthepassageintoafamilyroomwithafireplace,acoupleofoldsofas,andlittleelse.Throughanopendoor,shefoundakitchenwithasinkpiledhighwithdishes.“I’llseeifthere’sanythingtofeedthedog.”
Shehadnottakenthreepaceswhensheheardanoise.“Didyouhearthat?”
“What?”
AtinysoundfrozeJennaonthespot.Shetiltedherheadfromsidetoside.Aneeriefeelingcreptoverherasifaghostwasreachingoutofagravetospeaktoher.“IthoughtIheardavoice—areallycreepysoundlikeawhinemaybe.Listen.”
“Maybeit’sthewindoritmaybeacat.IhadaSiamesewhosoundedlikeababycrying.”
Shestrainedherearsandthesoundcameagain,sendinggoosebumpsrunningupherarms.“Itsoundslikeachild.”
Frombehind,Kanedashedbackdownthehallway,pushingopenbedroomdoors,thenheturnedhislargeframeslowlyandstaredatadoorsealedwithawoodenslat.“Ohno,notthecellaragain.Iamsoovergoingintodarkcellars.”Hisbicepsbulgedasheliftedthesubstantialpieceofwoodbarringthedoor.“Thisisstrongenoughtokeepoutabear.”HeglancedatJennaoveroneshoulder.“Youdon’tthinkhehasapetpanther,doyou?”Hisbrowwrinkled.“Averyhungrypetpanther?”
Thewhinecameagain,throwingeveryhorrormovietothefrontofJenna’smind.Realshecoulddealwith;spooksnotsomuch.Sheforcedhermindtothinkrationally.“Itcan’tbeaghost,theymovethroughthings.”
“Ididn’tthinkitwasaghostbutsomepeopledobelievespiritsgettrappedinplaces.”Kaneshrugged.“It’smorelikelyabigcat.”
“IthinkI’dpreferaghost.”Jennamovedtothedoor,keepingherbacktothewall.“Openthedooracrackandbereadytoslamitshutifitisadamnpanther.I’veheardtheyhaveastrangecall.”
“Yeah,theysoundlikeayelloracry.I’llwedgemyfootbehindthedoor.”
Shemovedcloser.“ThisisSheriffJennaAlton,isanyonedownthere?”
Asmall,quiveringvoiceechoedfromthedarkness.Soghostlike,coldchillssliddownJenna’sback.
“Yes,I’mdownhere.”
Everyhaironthebackofherneckstoodtoattention.“Areyoualone?”
“Areyoureallyasheriff?”
JennanoddedatKanetoopenthedoorafewmoreinches.“Yes,I’mherewithDeputyKane.”
JennagaggedatthestinkofsewagewaftingupfromthedarkbeyondandturnedtoKane.Nowaywassheenteringthecellarinthedark.“Canyouseealightswitchanywhere?”
“Yeah,herebythedoor.”Hisvoiceloweredtoawhisper.“Becareful,Jenna,shecouldbehiscrazyoldmotherandisanunknownquantity.”
JennaslidherGlock22fromtheholster.“Openthedoor.”
Pressingonehandoverhernose,shemovedontoasmalllandingandsurveyedthecellar.Itheldalargedoublebedandacage.Insidethecagesatayoungten-ortwelve-year-oldgirlwearingfilthyrags.OhmyGod!
6Holsteringhergun,Jennarandownthestepstowardthecage.“It’sokay,you’resafenow.What’syourname?”
“Zoe.ZoeChanning.”
Jennawenttothegirl.“You’regoingtobeokay.”SheturnedtoKane.“She’stheoneinthephotograph.”
“SoIsee.”
Sheshookthesturdymetaldoorandturnedtohim.“Getsomethingtobustheroutofhereandbringsomewater.”
AsKanetookoff,thunderingthroughthehouse,JennasmiledatZoe.“I’mgoingtogetyououtofhere.Wheredoyoulive?”
“IliveinHelena.”
“That’salovelyplacetolive.”Jennasquattedbythedoor.“Howlonghaveyoubeenhere?”
“Alongtime,lotsofweekends.Ican’trememberhowmany.”Zoewrappedfilthyarmsaroundherknees,flinchingaway.
Whydoesshemeasuretimebytheweekends?Jennaturnedanddidavisualsearchoftheroom.Shenoticedapileofblanketsonashelfandpulledonedownthenpasseditthroughthebars.“Here,wrapthisaroundyou.DeputyKaneisgoingtobreakthedoorandgetyouout.”
“CanIhaveashower?”Zoe’ssunkeneyespleadedwithher.“Amosdidn’tletmewash.Theyneverletmewashuntilthey’rereadytoleave.”
“They?”Jennastaredather.
“Yes,Amosbroughtthreeofhisfriendshereeveryweekend.”Hersmallbodyshuddered.“Whenhewentout,hesaidhewasbringingafriendhomeforme.HesaidhernamewasFreshMeat.”
Thegirl’smeasureoftimeslammedintoJennalikeasteelpole.Shestoppedtheoverwhelmingwaveofdisgustfromreachingherexpression.“Amoswon’tbebotheringyouanymore,he’sdead.”
Kane’sfootstepssoundedonthestairsandZoecringed,hereyesfilledwithterror.Jennareachedthroughthebarsandtookherhand.“It’sokay,Kaneismydeputyandhe’sheretohelpyou,justlikeIam.Wewillcatchthemenwhodidthistoyou.”ShetookthebottleofwaterKanehandedherandgaveittothegirl.
“Mydadisalawyer.Hesaysbadmengotojail.”KeepingherbrowneyesfirmlyonKane,sheopenedthebottleanddrankthirstily.
“Oh,don’tworry,they’llgotojail.MoveawayfromthedoorandI’llgetyouout.”Kane’sexpressionturnedtooneofdeterminationasheslidacrowbarbetweenthedoorhinges.
Themetalcreakedandgroanedbutmomentslaterthedoorclatteredtothefloor.Jennaofferedherhand.“Comewithme.”
Theyounggirlshrankback,hereyesfilledwithfear.JennaheldupahandtokeepKaneaway.“Ithinkshehashadherfillofmen.Leavehertome.We’lltakehertothehospital.Callaheadandarrangeforafemaledoctor,willyou?”Shefrowned.“Thedogwillhavetocomewithustoo.Wecandropitattheanimalshelter.”
“Yes,ma’am.”Kane’sbrowcreasedintoafrown.“Inoticedalaptopinoneofthebedrooms.I’llbagitthendoaquicksearchwhileyou’regettingherready.”
“Sure,grabwhatyoucanbutZoeisourpriority.”ShewaitedforKanetoleavethenhelpedthegirltoherfeet.“I’mtakingyoutothehospital.Thedoctorswillcheckyouthenyoucantakeashower.”
“I’mhungry.Ihaven’thadlunch.”
Jennaplacedonearmunderthegirl’sarmandhelpedherclimbthestairs.“Ihaveenergybarsinmycarandorangejuice.I’drathernottouchanythinghere.”
“Ilikeenergybars.”Zoeseemedtobrighten.“I’mgladyoufoundme.”
“SoamI.”Jennaledherintothekitchen.“Sitdownforaminuteandsipthewater.We’llhaveyououtofheresoon.”
“Canyoufeedthedog?”Zoe’slipquivered.“Amoswaswatchinghimstarvetodeath.Hethoughtitwasfunny.I’mgladhe’sdead.”
Rightnow,soamI.“Hewasn’taniceman,washe?We’llfeedthedog,don’tworry.”SheglanceddownthehallwayasKanecameoutofaroomwithalaptop,acoupleofexternalharddrives,andanumberofDVDsinalargeevidencebag.“Didyoufindanydogfood?”
“Notyet.”
Jennafrowned.“Hemusthavesomethingwecangivethepoorthing.Checkthefreezer.”
“Yes,ma’am.”KanestoodbesideJenna,despairetchedhisface.“Zoe,Ipromisewe’llcatchthemenwhodidthistoyou.”Hepulledopenafreezer,grabbedacoupleofsteaks,andthrewthemintothemicrowavetodefrost.
ZoeleanedintoJennaandherbigeyesmovedoverKane’sfaceasifassessingathreat.“Maybeyoushouldjustshootthemdead.”
7Withdifficulty,Kanetriedtoforcedowntheragebubblinginsidehim.Heneededtoportrayacalm,professionalpersonainfrontofthegirl.Anyshowofaggressionwouldmakeherevenmoreterrifiedofhim.Hegroundhisbackteethsohardhisjawached.Thesightofthegirl’sbruisedfacemadehisbloodboil.AmosPricemightbedeadbutthreelowlifeanimalswalkedtheEarth,andrightnow,hewantedtotearthemapartwithhisbarehands.Whatkindofamandoesthistoachild?
HewaitedfortheolddogtofinisheatingandloadedhimintothebackofhisSUV.JennahadZoewrappedupandsittinginsidethevehiclemunchingonenergybars.Heslidintothedriver’sseatandnoticedthewayZoeflinchedathiscloseness.Nooneeverrecoveredfromwhatshehadendured,andshewouldsufferrepercussionsforyears.Afterreadingsomanycasehistoriesofpsychopathickillers,abuseasachildwasatriggernopsychologistshouldignore.HeglancedatZoe.Sheappearedtobecommunicatingreasonablywell,whichwasunusualaftercontinuoustrauma.Hehadseenkidsshutdowncompletelyandnotspeakforyears.Theoneswhoblockedouttraumausuallycrashedandburned.
“Beforeweleave,getWolfeandRowleyupheretogoovertheplace.Weneedtofindoutwhoelseisinvolvedandtellthemwehaveidentifiedthegirlinthephotograph.”
“Okay.”
HecontactedWolfe,broughthimuptodatewiththeinvestigationandarrangedforhimtoleadupaforensicsteamtosweepthecabin.AsZoehadimplicatedothermeninherordeal,theyneededevidence.IfthemenhadleftatraceofDNA,Wolfewouldfindit.Hewouldworkhandinhandwiththedoctorsatthehospitalandconfirmthefindingsbyusinghisownlabtoprocesstheresults
“I’llcontactherparents.”Jennaflickedhimaworriedglancethenturnedinherseat.“Zoe,doyourememberyourphonenumber?”
“Iknowmydad’snumber.”Zoerubbedadirtyfingeroverhernoseasifthinkingthengavethenumber.“Ithinkthat’sright.Myheadfeelsstrange.”
“That’sjustfine.I’llkeeptryinguntilIcontacthim.”JennaliftedbotheyebrowsatKaneinameaningfulstareandcalledthenumber.“Let’sgetoutofhere.”
Hedrovedownthemountainside,bumpingalongthepitted,unevenroads,relievedwhentheyfinallyreachedthehighway.Then,lightsflashing,hespeddowntheblacktopinthedirectionofBlackRockFallsGeneralHospital.
JennahadsaidlittletoMr.Channingotherthanhisdaughterwasaliveandshewastakinghertothehospital.Whenshedisconnected,Kaneturnedtoher.“ItwilltakehimsometimetogetherefromHelena.”
“Heisgoingtoarrangearideinahelicopter.Heisheadinghomenowtocollecthiswife.”Jennaleanedbackintheseat,herfacepale.“Whenwearrive,I’llinformthehospitalhewillbelandingontheirhelipad.”Herbrowwrinkledintoafrown.“Shehasbeenmissingforsixmonths.”
Jesus.Kaneclearedhisthroat.“Assheistalkingtoyou,maybeyoushouldaskabouttheotherpeopleshementioned.Thehospitalwillsedateherthemomentwearrive.”
“Yeah,okay.”Jenna’smouthturneddown.Shepulledouthernotepadandpenthenturnedinherseat.“Zoe,what’sthedog’sname?”
“StupidbutIdon’tthinkitishisrealname.”Zoechewedonherbottomlipandshrugged.
“Oh,Isee.Washeherewhenyouarrived?”
“No,Amossaidhecamefromtheanimalshelter’boutthreeweeksago.”Zoesippedtheorangejuiceandsighed.“Heisn’tstupid.Ilikehim.WhenAmoslockedhiminthecellar,hewouldsitwithmeandlistentometalking.IthinkheknowswhatItoldhimbecausehedidn’tlikeAmosandgrowledathim.”Sherubbedthetipofherpinknose.“Youwon’ttakehimbacktotheanimalshelter,willyou?Idon’tthinkhelikesitthere.”
ApangofpitywrenchedatKane’sheart.“Nope.”HeglancedatJennaandshrugged.“I’mgoingtolookafterhim.We’llfindouthisrealname.Theanimalshelterwillhavearecordofhim.”
“Dogsandhorses?”Jennashothimaworriedglance.“Whatnext,cattle?”
Kaneshrugged.“I’mnotsure.I’llhavetoaskmylandladybutIthinkshe’llbeapushoverwhenItellheraboutthedog.”
StantonForestborderedthehighway;tallanddappledgreen,thepinesstoodlikesentriesguardingthewaytothefalls.Helookedbehindhimattheincrediblemountainsidebathedinsunshine,saddenedthemajesticbeautyhadhiddensuchatrocities.“Notlongnow.”
Jennagavehimaknowinglook.“Zoe,doyourememberthenamesoftheotherswhocametovisityou?”
“No.”Zoestuffedanotherenergybarintohermouthandchewed.
“Okay.”Jenna’stonewaslightandconversational.“Howmanymendidyousee?Wasitalwaysthesameamount?”
“Yes.ThreeandAmos,likeIsaidbefore.”
Unabletokeepquietamomentlonger,Kanetookadeepbreath.“Doyourememberwhattheylookedlike?”
Zoe’sbrowngazenarrowed.“Idon’twanttotalktoyou.”
“Okay,hewon’tsayanotherword.”JennagavehimalookgoodenoughtofreezeBlackRockFallsLakethensmiledatZoe.“Whatcolorhairdidtheyhave?”
“Idon’tknowwhattheylookedlike.Theyworemasks.”Shescratchedherdirty,tear-trackedcheek.“Onecamebyyesterdaymorningrealearly.HekeptaskingmewhereAmoshadgone.Hedidn’tletmeoutbuthedidleavemeapileoffood.”
Interesting.KaneglancedatJenna.“Hemightlivecloseby.Well,let’ssayinafive-mileradius,Iguess,lookingathowthecabinsarespreadoutuphere.”
“Yeah,itwillbeahugeundertakingtosearchthemountain.”Jenna’sattentionmovedbacktothegirlandshesmiledather.“Isthereanythingelseyourememberaboutthem?Scarsortattoos?”
“Onehadaspiderwitharedbackonhishand.Hewasmean.”Zoe’sbottomliptrembled.“Onehadascaronhisbelly,lowontherightside.Idon’twanttotalkaboutthemanymore.”
Jennagavethegirlabrightsmile.“Iamsoproudofyou,tellingmeallthosethings.Justrestnow,we’llbeatthehospitalsoonandyourparentsareontheirway.”
“Willtheybemadatmeforrunningaway?”
“No.”Jennahandedheranotherbottleofwater.“Ispoketoyourdadandheisveryhappyyouareokay.”
“That’sgoodandifyouspeaktohimagaintellhimIwassillytorunawaybecauseheflushedmydeadfishdownthetoilet.Iguessburyingtheminthegardenwasastupididea.”
JennagaveKaneatragicstareandhecouldseehereyesfillingwithtears.Sheclearedherthroatandhervoicecrackedalittle.“I’lltellhim.”
8ElyDorsey’sdaycouldnotgetanyworse.Hisfriendwasmissingandhadbeenforthreedays.Aftervisitinghishouseandseeinghistruckgone,hehadlethimselfinusingthekeyundertheflowerpotbythedoor.ThegirltoldhimhehadnotbeentheresinceTuesday.Concernedabouthisfriend’sabsence,hefedthegirlandleft.AftercallingAmos’scellphonefromapublicphoneandgettingnoresponse,hewenthome,notsurewhattodo.
HewaiteduntillateafternoonthendecidedtodrivepastthehousewhereAmosplannedtomeetthenewgirl.Hediscoveredhistruckparkedsomewaysfromthehouse,andtohishorror,crimescenetapebarredthefrontdoor.
Immediately,heheadedbacktohisfriend’shousetograbthegirl.Hetookthealternativeroute,parkinghisvehiclealonganoldloggingroadandhikingthehalf-miledownthemountaintoAmos’scabin,gladhehadtakentheextraprecautionswhenhefounditinfestedwithdeputies.Amoswasn’tthesmartestsohemighthaveguessedhisfriendwouldmessup.
Herestedhisbinocularsontheedgeoftherockandpeereddownatthecabin.Thedeputies’vehicleshadbeenoutsidethehouseforhoursbuttherewasnosightofAmosorthegirl.Ananxiousgrippingrolledhisstomach.Ifthenewgirl’sparentshadcomehomeearlyandcaughtAmosinthehouse,thecopswouldhavearrestedhim,andsearchinghishousewouldhavebeennormalprocedure.
Herubbedhischinandrolledbackonhisheelstothink.ThedeputiesmovedinandoutofthehousecarryingplasticbagsanditdidnottakeageniustoknowtheywerecollectingDNAandfingerprints.Hesighedinrelief.They’llfindnothing.HeandhisfriendshadbeenverycarefulandnotoneofthementeredAmos’shousewithoutwearinggloves.Theylaunderedthesheetsonthebedaftereachsessionandwashedtheplasticsheetingcoveringthebedwithbleach.Afterthelastscare,theytooknochances.Amosmightlivelikeapigbuteveryweekendwhenheandtheboysleftthelovenest,thecellarwasspotless.Theyevenincineratedthepaperbagfromthevacuumcleaner;theyleftnothingtochance
ThegirllockedinAmos’scellarwouldnotbeabletoidentifythemeither.LivinginfearafteroneofBobby-Joe’sgirlshadescapedtheyhadbeenextracareful,wornglovesandclownmasks.Thedeputieswouldgetnothingoutofher.Shewasasscaredasarabbit,andfrightenedtheywouldkillherfamilyifsheevertold.
Itwasgettinglateandhemadehiswaybackalongthetrailtotheroadleadingtohissecludedcabin,tuckedunderanoverhangandhiddenbytrees.HeclimbedintohisSUVandarrivedhomeintimefordinner.Missyclankedaroundthekitchen,dishinguphismeal.Ateighteen,shewasgettingtoooldforhimnowbutsheservedherpurpose.Shecookedandcleanedwithoutcomplaint.Infact,shetoldhimsheenjoyedcaringforhim,buthekeptthechainattachedtoawell-paddedmetalcuffaroundherlegjustincaseshedecidedtoescape.
Hestaredatherthinfaceandsighed.Hisheartsank.AllweekhehadexpectedtofindanewgirlwaitingforhimatAmos’shouse.Nowitlookedlikehewouldhavetogotothetroubleoffindingone.HepusheddowntheurgetocallBobby-JoeorChris—they’dallagreedtoonlycommunicatefacetofaceorviaapublicphone.Atanytime,thecopsmightarrestoneofthemjustlikeAmos,andtheymadesuretheydidnotleaveatrailforthecopstofollow.
Aftereatinghisdinner,heheadedintohismancaveandopenedhislaptop.Thenewwirelesstoweronthetopofthemountaingavehimhigh-speedaccesstotheinternet.Confidenthecouldfindasuitablereplacementinoneoftheonlineteenssocialgroupsorthemanygameschatrooms,hesignedintooneofthesites.Afterscrollingthroughtherequests,hefoundaninterestingpost.Ayounggirlwascomplainingherdatehadfailedtoarriveandleftherdisappointed.Atfourteenyearsold,shesoundedperfect.Herespondedandtohisdelight,shereplied.
Fromtheconversation,herealizedwithajoltthishadtobethegirlAmoshadbeengroomingforweeks.Knowingwhatshewantedtohear,hetoldherlies.Oneofthemanythingshehadperfectedovertheyearswaspersuasion.Heofferedhertheworldthentoldhershewouldbesafewithhimbecausehewassuchanicekid.Hegaveherthenumberofhisburnerphoneandwaitedwithanticipationforhertocall.
Theringtonepealedoutandhetookadeepbreath.“Hello.”
“ThisisNeedyGirl.Asyouaregoingtobemyfirstboyfriend,Iwouldreallyliketoknowyourrealname.Justyourfirstnamewilldo.”
Struckbyhersoftgirlyvoice,hedidnotthinkoftheconsequencesandblurtedout,“Ely.”
“Oh,that’sanicename.”Shegiggled.“Seeyousoon.”
9FRIDAY
Depressed,Jennastaredoutherofficewindowinanefforttoliftherspirits.Thetowncamealiveduringthecarnivalswiththetownsfolkthrowingthemselvesintoeventswithgusto.TheFallFestivalwasunderwayandbeingFridaytherewouldbeanartshowinthecommunityhall,aparadedownthemainstreetandtheusualdisplaysofartsandcrafts,homebaking,andthelikefillingtablesalongthesidewalk.
Wishingshecouldbeanywherebutinside,andfacingtheterriblefactagroupofchildmolestershadmovedintohertownor,worse,hadbeenoperatingunderhernoseforyears,Jennadraggedbothhandsdownherfaceandmoaned.
Herlifeassheriffhadbeencomplicatedanddifficult.Itwasnotthecozyneighborhooddisputesandparkingticketssheexpectedwhensheagreedtomovetothisbackwoodstown.AfterleavingherlifeasanundercoverDEAagentandlivinginwitnessprotectionwithanewfaceandname,lifeshouldhavebeensweet;instead,thesleepytownofBlackRockFallshidmoresecretsthantheLabyrinthofEgypt.Itwouldseemthatlowlifes,murderers,andcriminalsregularlyhauntedthepicturesquestreets.
Thecurrenthorrificcrimesmadeherappreciateherseniordeputies’efficiency,althoughatfirstithadbeenafightofwills.Bothhighlyqualifiedmen,shehadutilizedtheirskillsandnowtheyworkedseamlesslyasateam.Newdeputieswouldbearrivingsoon,andalthoughthelighteningofherworkloadwouldbearelief,shereallydidnotwantthehassle.
VoicesoutsideherdoorremindedherthestaffmeetingwasduetostartandshewouldhavetoputonagoodfronttohideheranxietyfromKane.Theyhadbecomeclosefriendsoverthelastyearandhisincredibleprofilingskillsworkedoneverylevelincludingreadingherlikeabook.Shestraightenedattheknockonherdoor.“Yes,comein.”
Thedeputiesfiledinandtookseats,withtheexceptionofWalters;shehadhimondutyalldayatthenurses’stationatthelocalhospital.AlthoughZoewasonaspecialfloorreservedbythesheriff’sdepartmentforinjuredvictimsorprisoners,shewantedtheaddedsecurity.WorriedtheothermeninthepedophileringwouldrealizeZoewasmissingbynow,shewasn’tsurewhattheywoulddotostopherfromidentifyingthem.
Jennaflickedagazeoverherdeputiesandfoldedherhandsonthedesk.“IcalledthesheriffinHelenaaboutZoe’scase.HetoldmehehadcalledintheFBIChildAbductionRapidDeploymentTeamwhenshewasreportedmissing.Theyfoundnotraceofherandhesaiditwasasifshehadvanished.Heissendingthefilesandnotifyingthem,sothey
“Idon’tthinkthey’llhaveanyrelevantinformationregardingPrice’smurder.”Kaneshrugged.
Shenoddedinagreement.
“DeputyWolfe,doyouhaveanythingtoreport?”
“Well,yesandno.”Wolfe’seyesbrightened.“I’vementionedthestrongsmelloftobaccocomingfromMr.Price’sstomachcontentsandIhadahunch,soIranatestspecificallyfornicotinesulfateanditcamebackpositive.”
Interested,Jennaleanedforwardandscribbledanoteinherbook.“Canyouexplainitssignificance?”
“It’saclearliquidandusedasapesticideamongstotherthings.Itisahighlytoxicsubstanceandresultsinanastydeath.Itisnotsomethinganyonewouldingestonpurpose.Duetothisfinding,Iamrulinghisdeathasahomicide.”Wolfesighed.“Howhedrankthesubstanceisamystery.Itwasnotpresentinthebottleofbourbonhehadwithhim.Wefoundnoglassoremptycanofcolatoindicatehedrankthepoisonatthehouse,butifhehadtakenthepoisonearlier,hewouldn’thavemadeittothelocation.”
“Apartfrombeingagreatreceptionist,Maggieisgreatfordoingresearch.I’llaskhertofindoutifitisavailableanywhereintown.Ifit’sunusual,thestorekeepermightrecallsellingabottletosomeonelocal.”Sheclearedherthroat.“Dowehaveatimeofdeath?”
“Notconclusive.Theheatinsidethehouseincreasesthespeedofdecompositionsousingtheusualbodytemperatureofthevictimasaguidewasredundant.It’sobviousthekillerturnedupthethermostattoconfusethetimeofdeath.WecanonlygoonthetimeframebetweenMr.Davis’inspectionandMissSaunders’visitstothehouse.”
“Whataboutfingerprints?Whoelsewasinthehouse?”
“WefoundAmosPrice’sfingerprintsonthefrontdoor,thebottomofthehandrailtothestairs,andonthekitchencounter.MissSaunders’fingerprintswereonthefrontdoorandonthekitchendoorframe.Theothersallcorrespondedtothecleanersandatradesman.ThetwocleanerswhovisitedtheplacetwodayspriorhaveaGPSintheirvan.Itisamotheranddaughterteam,RosemarieandLizzyHarper.Wecanplacethemintheimmediateareaoverthetwo-dayperiod.”
“Thetradesmanisacarpenter.”Kanescannedherface.“AdamSticklermovedintotowntwomonthsago.HelivedinBlackwaterandeightyearsagohissisterJanewentmissingonherwayhomefromschool.Shevanishedwithoutatrace,sokidnappingisapossiblemotive.TheBlackwatersheriffconductedafullinvestigation;again,theFBIwasinvolvedbutafterafewfalseleadsfrompeoplewhosawheronthedayshewentmissing,thetrailrandry.Hehasamotiveandwasinthearea.”
“Whatmotive?You’llneedmorethanthattoconvinceme,Kane.”
“Ihaveamotive.”Kanetookadocumentoutofafileandpusheditacrossthetable.“ItcametonothingbuthismotherputinacomplaintagainstPriceforinappropriatelytouchingkidsatabirthdayparty.JaneSticklerwasatapartytheweekendbeforeshewentmissing.WhenJanedisappeared,PricewastheFBI’sprimesuspect.”Kaneplacedaphotocopyofanewspaperonthedesk.“HisnameismentionedasapersonofinterestintheBlackwaterNews.”
Jennasighed.“IfJanewasataparty,theneveryonetherewouldhavebeeninvestigated.WasPriceevenattheparty?”
“Yeah,andhewasquestionedandcameupclean.Thesheriffsearchedhisplaceandfoundnothingbutwehavevitalinformationtheinvestigationdidn’thaveatthetime:Morethanonemanisinvolved.HecouldhavestashedJanesomewhereelse.”
“Okay,we’llneedtotalktoStickler.Hewouldhavebeenaboutfourteenatthetimeandcouldhavewaiteduntilhewasoldertostrike.”Jennastaredathernotes.“I’vebeenlookingintoLizzyHarper,oneofthecleaners.Shehasakeytothehouseandhasamotivetoo.Sheservedathree-yearsentenceinjuvieforstabbingherabusivefathertodeath,almostsixyearsago.Shehasaseven-year-oldsonfatheredbyhim.Atthetime,thenewspaperreportsbelievedotherswereinvolved.Thecourtsealedhercasefilessoallwehavetogoonisthecasebookfromtheinitialinvestigationandreportsinthelocalnewspapers.Ifherfatherwaspartofthepedophilering,shemightwanttotakerevengeonpredators.BothHarperandSticklerwouldknowthepropertywasvacant.”Sheliftedhergaze.“Thethingis,howdidtheylurehimtothehouse?”
“Ifhewasactivelylookingforakid,sayonline,theymighthaveplayedhimathisowngame.”Kaneclearedhisthroat.“TheFBIhasbeenactiveinchatroomsforyearstocatchpedophiles.It’sonTVanditwouldn’ttakeageniustoactasakidtolurehimthere.”
“Yes,youhaveapoint.”Jennaraisedoneeyebrow.“Butitwouldbedifficulttoactasayoungteenager;theyhavetheirownlanguage.”Shesighed.“Theydon’tgetalloftheirkidsonlinethough,dothey?I’vereadaboutcasesinvolvingfamilymembersorclosefriends.”
“Youhavetoremember,predatorsarecunning.”Kanegrippedthearmofthechairwithonelargehand.“Theyoftenworkorbecomeinvolvedinpastimesthatinvolvechildren.Priceworkedasaclowntoaccesskids.Pedophilesgainparents’trustthenmoveintogroomthekids.Oneofthemostprevalentisthemanwhobefriendsawidoworsinglemom—hepretendstocareforthemomandbehindherback,abusesthekids.Hebecomesthedadtheyneverhadandthekidstrusthim.Mostvictimskeepquietbecausetheydon’twanttobewithoutadadagainorhethreatenstokilltheirmom.Theproblemispedophilesactbothaloneandingroups,whichmakesthemdifficulttocatch.”
“Iamawareofthat,Kane.”Shetappedherpenonthetable.“Allthisleadstothequestion:WhyattackPricenow?It’sbeenyears.WhatwouldmakeLizzyHarpersuddenlybeoutforPrice’sblood?”
“Harperworksasahousekeeper,soIgathershedoesthecleanupafterkids’partiesaswell.”Wolfe’sgazehardened.“Maybebeingmolestedasakidthenseeingamanactinginappropriatelywithkidsatabirthdaypartymightgetherangryenoughtokillhim.Shedidkillherfather.Thiswouldbeextreme;usuallypeopledon’twanttogetinvolved,orthinktheyarebeingalittletoosensitive,orareashamedtoreportthistypeofbehavior.”
Sheswallowedtherisingbile.“Ican’tbelievepeoplecouldactsoirresponsibly.”Sheglancedbackathernotes.“Washetheonlyclownaroundtown?”Jennaswepthergazeoverthemen.
“No,Ichecked.”Rowley’sbrowneyesmetherownandnarrowed.“Thereareusuallytwoclownswhoputupthebouncehousewhenwehaveafestival,whichisatleastonceamonth.Thekidsflockthere.”
Moredamnclowns.“Whoownsthebouncehouse?”
“Thetowncouncil.”
“Contactthemandfindoutthenamesoftheclowns.”Jennapushedbothhandsthroughherhair.Shehatedthiscase.Actinginacoldandprofessionalmannerwhendealingwithchildviolationwasprovingdifficult.EspeciallywhenKaneandWolfeseethedwithangereverytimetheydiscussedthecase.KnowingKanewouldkillonhercommand,ifwarranted,withoutquestionwasnotaresponsibilitysheenjoyed.
“Didn’tyousayZoementionedothermen?”Rowley’spenhoveredoverhisnotebook.“Dowehaveanyleadsonwhotheymightbe?”
Jennasmiledathim.“Goodquestion.”HerattentionmovedtoWolfe.“Didyoucollectanyevidenceatthecabinwecanuse?”
“No.FromwhatIcanascertain,onlyPriceandthegirllivedatthecabin.”Wolfe’spalelashesdroppedoverhiseyesasheflickedthroughhisnotes.“AllthefingerprintsareeitherhisorZoe’s.Ifanyoneelsewenttheretheywereverycarefulandworegloves.Ican’tunderstandhowthecellarwassospotless.Iknowitwasdisgustinginthecagewherehekeptthechildbutitappearedhecleanedtherestoftheroomrecently.ThebedinthecellarhadfreshlylaunderedsheetsandIcouldsmellbleachonaplasticunder-sheet.Consideringtherestofthehouseisapigsty,whywouldhecleanthecellaryetleavehercagefilthy?”
“Onlyonepersonwouldknow.”Kaneleanedbackinhischairandstretchedouthislonglegs.“You’llhavetospeaktoZoeagain,ma’am.”
“IwillassoonasIhavepermissionfromherparentsandclearancefromthedoctor,butsheisn’tgoingtorecognizeanyoneiftheyworemasks.”Jennatappedherbottomlipwiththetopofherpen.“Perhapshe,ImeanPrice,didn’tcleantheroom.IfhehadfriendsoverattheweekendslikeZoetoldus,perhapstheyhadconcernsaboutleavingtraceevidence.”
“Yeah.”Kane’seyesflashed.“Theywouldn’triskleavingDNAbehind,wouldthey?”
“Yet,Amoshadn’tallowedhertotakeashowersincehisfriendsleft.”Jennamadeafewnotes.“Wouldn’tyouthinkifhewasworriedaboutDNA,hewouldhavemadeherwash?”
“We’llhavetowaitfortheresultsfromtherapekitsamples.”Wolfe’smouthturneddown.“TheverbalreportIreceivedfromthedoctoratthehospitalsaidPricehadabusedheroveralongperiod.Weknowshehadbeenmissingforsixmonthsandthatwouldbeconsistent.”Hesighed.“Theonlywayyou’llfindoutwhathappenedtoheristoaskherandseeifshe’lltalk.”
“IfinditimpossibletobelievethatPricewouldonlybeinterestedinherontheweekendswhenhisfriendswerethere.”Jenna’scheeksgrewhot.“Really,hehadhisdisgustingfetishthereforthetaking.Weknowheonlygaveherashowerbeforetheothersarrived.Iftheycleaneduptheplaceasyousuggested,theywouldhavemadesureshewascleantoo.Myguessis,therapekitwillimplicateAmosPricealoneandIbethisbedwillcarrythesignsaswell.”
“Ididfindseminalfluidinhisbed.ItwilltakesometimebeforetheDNAtestscomeback,though.”Wolfe’sgrayeyesmetJenna’s.“I’llletyouknowthemomenttheyarrive.”
ShepushedtoherfeetandstareddownathimthenmovedherattentionslowlytoKane.“Whenwefindtheseanimals,Iexpectyoutobothactinaprofessionalmanner.Bringtheminsowecaninterrogatethemandseehowfarthispedophileringhasspread.Idon’twanttofindouttheybroketheirnecksresistingarrest.Doyouunderstand?”
“Suredo.”Kane’slipsformedathinline.“Howdoyouwanttoproceed?”
“Hitthestreets.Someonemustrecognizeamanwithatattooresemblingablackwidowspideronhishand.Lookatpeoplewhorunsummercamps,scoutleaders,preachers,anythingthatinvolveskids.”
“ArewelookingintothehomicideofAmosPriceaswell?”Rowleygaveheraconcernedlook.“Orconcentratingonthepedophilering?”
“We’llberunningwithbothcases.”Shechewedonherbottomlip,thinking.“IwanttoknoweverythingaboutLizzyHarperandhermotherbutgoeasy.Kane,contacthermotherbyphonefirstandfindoutwhatyoucan.AsWolfementioned,poisonisoftenawoman’spreferredmethodofkilling.WeneedtoknowifLizzyandhermotherareinvolved.”
“Andfollowupwithaninterview?”Kanewasmakingcopiousnotesinhisbook
“Yes,assoonaspossible.”Jennasatbackdowninherchair.“I’mgoingtoseeifIcanobtaindetailsofLizzyHarper’scasebutitwilltakeacourtorderandrightnowwehavenothingonher.Iwanteverypieceofinformationregardingheryoucandiscover.Iwanttoknowifanyoneelsewasinvolvedinherabuseapartfromherfather.”
SheturnedherattentiontoRowley.“GetmealistoftradesmenthattherealestateagentsusedforthathouseandgoandseeMr.Stickler.Askhimtocomeinforquestioningandwatchhisreaction;ifhelookslikehehassomethingtohide,contactKaneforbackup.”
“HaveyouassignedanythingforWalterstodotopasstimeatthehospital?Hehasalaptopwithhim.”Kanemethergazewithraisedeyebrows.“Ratherthanplayingsolitaireallday.”
Jennathoughtforamomentthennodded.“Yeah,givehimacall,wouldyou?IwouldlikehimtochecktheMontanadatabaseforanysimilarcasesoverthelasttenyears.”
“Yes,ma’am.”
Whenthedeputiesleft,Maggiethereceptionistknockedonherdoorandherhugebrowneyesheldconcern.
“CanIgetyouanything,Sheriff?Youlookplumwornout.”
Jennaforcedherlipsintoasmile.“I’mfine,thankyou,justoverworked.Wasthereanythingelse?”
“Thenewdeputiesareallsettled.They’lldropbylaterthisafternoon.”
AndIthoughtthedaycouldnotgetanyworse.Jennaslumpedintoherchairandrubbedhertemples.“Thanks.”
10KanestrolledoutofJenna’sofficeandgrimacedatWolfe.“Iftheguywiththetattooisalocal,thenhewouldcomeintotownforsupplies,oratleasteatatAuntBetty’sCafé.Ithinkweshouldstartwiththestoresintown.”
“Yeahandwe’llworkfasterifwesplitup.”Wolfescratchedhisblondstubble.“AlthoughifyouplantodriveouttotheTripleZaskingquestions,IthinkIshouldtagalong.”
TheTripleZwasabikerroadhousesomemilesoutoftowntowardthemountainsandnotaplacetowalkintowithoutbackup.HegrinnedatWolfe.“Yeah,maybeweshouldtrytherefirst.Nothingbrightensmydaymorethanseeinggrownmenrunforcoveratthesightofabadge.”
“Yousayingweintimidatepeople?”Wolfe’ssuntannedfacecreasedintoagrin.“Sometimeslookingmeangetsresults,andoverattheTripleZweareanunknownquantity.”
Kanesnortedwithlaughterandheadedforthedoor.“We’lltakemycar.I’lldropyouhereonthewayback.Ifyoutakenorthoftown,I’lltakesouth.We’llbeabletocovermostofthestoresandmeetatAuntBetty’sforlunchatnoon.”Hereachedforhiscellphone.“I’llcallWaltersandgivehimsomethingtodothenwecanbeonourway.”
“Thatsoundslikeaplan.”Wolfepeeredathiscellphone.“Duringthedrive,I’llseewhatIcanfindonLizzyHarperandhermother.”
“Ifyoufindhernumber,I’llpulloverandspeaktoher.”
AsKanenegotiatedhisSUVthroughthetraffic,hewonderedwhytheBlackRockFallstownsfolkcelebratedeveryfestivalonthecalendar.Although,heimaginedvisitorsfromneighboringtownsboostedtheeconomy.Herubbedhisstomach,gladtofindhissix-packnotsufferingfromhisoverindulgenceofhomemadecookiesandcandieshepurchasedinvastquantitiesfromthestallsliningthestreets.TheintensemorningworkoutsheperformedwithJennakepthiminshape,andherskillshadbecomeformidable.Afteracoupleofpsychopathshadkidnappedherlastwinter,shehadchangedsignificantlyandhadworkedhardtoovercometheflashbacks.Allowinghimtotrainherinmixedmartialartshadmadethemfirmfriends.Theyhadformedacomfortablerelationshipandbannedtalkofworkduringtheirdowntimetogether.
Ashedrove,hescannedthearea.Thelocalparkwasamassofcolorwithcandy-stripedmarqueesandabouncehouse.Atthesightoftwoclownsleadingkidsonponies,thehaironthebackofhisneckstoodtoattention.Hepulledintoaparkingspace.“Clowns.”HeslidhisgazetoWolfe.“Iwonderiftheyhaveaunionorsomething.”
“TheyrequireapermitandinsurancetorunponyridesinBlackRockFalls.”Wolfe’sgazeliftedfromhisphone.“Weshouldcheckthepastandpresentclownpermitregistrations.WemightfindifPricehadanyclosefriends.”
I’llhavetobrushuponcitycouncillaws.“Yeah,greatidea.Keepsearching,I’llcheckthemout.”
Heslippedoutofthecarandstrolledtowardthelineofkidswaitingforaride,ticketsinhand.Whentheclownreturnedtothestartingposition,heslappedhimontheshoulder.“MayIhaveaword?”
“Ihavekidswaiting.”Theflashofannoyanceintheman’sambereyesdidnotreflecttheoversizedsmileonhiswhiteface.
Kaneledhimoutofearshotofthekids.“Itwon’ttakelong.”Hepulledouthisnotepadandpen.“What’syourname?”
“Why?Ihaven’tdoneanythingwrong.”TheclownhadaFrenchaccentandnarrowedhisgazeathim.
“Ididn’tsayyouhad,butyou’reworkingwithkidsandinthistownyouneedapermitandinsurancetorunaponyride.Plus,youneedtobeabletoshowthepermitonrequest.”Kanestraightened.“Nowanswerthequestion.Youwouldn’twantmetocuffyouanddragyoudowntothesheriff’sofficeinfrontofthekids,wouldyou?”
“Ihaveapermit.”Hepulledoffawhiteglove,unzippedhiscostume,andreachedinside.“MynameisClaudeBoovalandmyassociateismybrotherPierre.Bothnamesareonthepermit.”
Kanemadenotes,takingdownthenamesandaddressofthebrothers.“Wherewereyouthisweek?”
“It’stheFallFestival.Wearehereintheparkeverydayfromnineuntilsix.WestayattheBlackRockFallsMotelandbeforeyouask,no,wedidn’tleavethemotelatanytime.Weusedroomserviceformeals.”
So,theyareintheclearforPrice’smurderbutstillmightbeinthepedophilering.“Wouldyoupleaseremoveyourotherglove?”
“Why?”Claude’seyesopenedwidewithsurprise.
“I’minvestigatinganincidentinvolvingaclownwithaspidertattooonhishand.”Kanenarrowedhisgazeontheman.“Knowanyonefittingthatdescriptionintown?”
“No.”Clauderemovedhisotherglove.“See?Notattoos.”
Kaneglanceduptoseetheotherclownwalkingtowardhim.“PierreBooval?”
“Issomethingwrong?”
“Showhimyourhands.”Claudegaveanexaggeratedsigh.“Heislookingforaclownwithatattoo.”
“Sure.”Pierreremovedhisgloves.
Notattoo.
Disappointed,Kanetriedanotherangle.“DoyouknowaclownbythenameofAmosPriceorthenamesofclownswhofrequentthefestivalsorwholivecloseby?”
“Wedon’tassociatewiththeotherentertainers.Yousee,theyareourcompetitionforwork.”Claudeshrugged.“Manyofthemareclownsoneday,elvesthenext.Forusitisaprofession,notachancetoputonacostume.Althoughtherodeoclownsaredifferent.”
“I’mnottalkingabouttherodeoclownsbutthosewhoworkwithchildren.”
“Ah,Igatheroneofourprofessionhasactedunprofessionally?”Pierre’sbrightredmouthturneddowninanalmostcomicalway.“Weareawareofchildmolesters.Theyruinourreputationbutitisnotalwaysclowns.Amagicianluredoursister,Angelique,awayfromabirthdayparty.Shewasmissingforthreedaysbutmanagedtogetoutofthehousewhenthemonsterwassleeping.Hegotsevenyearsinjail.”
BellsandwhistleswentoffinKane’sbrain.“Whendidthishappen?”
“Eightyearsago,inBlackwater.Shewasonlytwelve.”Pierre’seyesfilledwithsorrow.“Shehasneverbeenthesameandafteryearsoftherapyshestillsleepswithaknifebesideherbed.”
“ThisiswhyIneedtofindthisman.”Kanestaredatthemen.“Whatwasthemagician’sname?”
“StewartJamesMacgregor.”
“Thanks.”Hescribbledinhisnotebook.“Anyoneelseinvolved?”
“Wedon’tknow.Angeliquehasneverspokentousaboutherordeal.Whensheescaped,awomanwalkingherdogoutsideMacgregor’shousehelpedher.Shetookhertothepoliceandwasabletoidentifythehouse.”
“YouliveinBlackwater?”Hedidnotrecognizetheaddressonthepermit.“Doyoulivetherenow?”
“No.Wehaveaplaceinthelowcounty.Tenmileseastofhere.Wemovedtherethreemonthsago.WepurchasedasmallranchfromtheretiredMayorRockford.AngeliquestillliveswithourparentsinBlackwater.”Hesighed.“Beforeyouask,westayintownbecauseourvehicleisbeingrepairedatMiller’sGarageifyouneedtocheck.”
“Okay,thanks.”Kanepulledouthiscardsandhandedthemtothemen.“Ifyounoticeamanwithablackwidowspidertattooonhishand,callme.Ifyouhearawhisperaboutanyoneworkingwithchildrenactinginappropriately,callme.I’llkeepyournamesoutofanyinquiry.Ijustwanttocatchthisguy.”
Whenbothmentookthecardsandnodded,Kanestrolledbacktohisvehicle.Heslidbehindthewheelandturnedthekey,lookingatWolfe.“Wehaveanotherwomanwhowasmolestedasachild.HernameisAngeliqueBooval.TheincidenthappenedeightyearsagoinBlackwater.Therewouldhavebeenatrial—themanchargedwasStewartJamesMacgregor.Seewhatyoucanfindout.”
“Doweaddhertooursuspectlist?”
Kanebackedthecarontothebusyroadthenspunthewheelandheadedoutoftown.“Ithinkanyonewithamotiveshouldbeconsidered.AngeliqueBoovalbecameunstableafterMacgregorkidnappedher,andifshenoticedPriceactinginappropriatelywithkids,shecouldbeoutforrevenge.”
“Well,thisisinteresting.”Wolfe’sblondeyebrowsroseabovethescreenofhiscellphone.“IdiscoveredwhereMacgregorlastworkedbeforehisarrestandgoogledthecompany.ItseemsacompanybythenameofPartyTimeemploysMacgregorandPrice.Thecompany’smainbusinessissupplyingacts,clowns,magicians,SantaClaus,andallkindsofcharactersforkids’partiesandforfestivalsinatleastthreelocaltownsincludinghereandBlackwater.I’vecheckedoutthelistofemployeesontheirwebsiteagainstthesexualoffendersregisterandtheyallcomeupcleanapartfromMacgregor.”Heheldupthescreenofhiscellphone.“See,StuMacgregorisstilllistedasavailableinalimitedcapacitystreetlicenseentertainment,onlynokids’parties.Heisalow-risksexualoffender.Idoubthegetsmuchwork.”
“That’sinteresting.”
“Yeah,andIhaveRosemarieHarper’snumber.”Wolfeglancedathim.“Wanttospeaktohernow?”
“Yeah.”HepulledthecartothesideoftheroadandtookWolfe’sphone.
Awomanansweredafteracoupleofrings.
“AmIspeakingtoRosemarieHarper?Good,thisisDeputyKanefromtheBlackRockFallsSheriff’sDepartment.Ineedtoaskyouafewthingsinthestrictestofconfidence.”
Heaskedherafewquestionsthendisconnectedandhandedbackthecellphone.“Thatistoocrazytoexplainrightnow.I’llfillyouinafterI’verunitpastthesheriff.”HeturnedtheSUVbackontothehighwayandaccelerated.
“Sure.”Wolfetookthephoneandsmiledathim.“Idounderstandtheterm‘confidential.’”
Aboutfivemilesoutoftown,KaneturnedtheSUVintotheparkinglotoftheTripleZbarandpulledintoaspace.Heturnedinhisseatandstaredatthecellphone.“IwonderhowmanyofthemenworkingatPartyTimehavepriors.”
“I’llcheckthemoutthemomentwegetbacktotheoffice.”
“FromwhatweknowaboutPrice,hedidn’tworkalone.It’smorethanlikelyhehasbeendoingthisforalongtimeandcouldhavealsobeeninvolvedintheAngeliqueBoovalkidnapping,butsheonlymentionedoneman—StuMacgregor.Itissomethingwehavetoconsiderastheyworkedtogetherandwerebothpedophiles.”Kaneopenedthecardoor.“HewouldhaveworkedthefestivalshereandinBlackwater.MissBoovalmighthavecaughtsightofhimincostumeandittriggeredamemory.Althoughhistypeofmurdertakesalotofplanning.”
“Shecouldhaveidentifiedhimyearsagoandshe’shadyearstoplanhismurder.”Wolfesnorted.“It’snotsomethingapersongetsovereasy.”
KaneledthewayintotheTripleZandstrolleduptothebar.Inhisperipheralvision,henoticedmenslippingoutthebackdoorandsmiledtohimself.Hehadbiggerfishtofry.
“WhatcanIgetyou?”Themanbehindthecounterrubbedafilthyragoverthebar,avoidinghisgaze.
“Information.”Kanestraightened.“Doyouhaveacustomerwithablackwidowtattooonhishand?”
“IfIdid,Iwouldn’ttellyou.”Thebarmansnortedindisgust.“Wedon’tratonourfriends.”
“Okay,I’lltakealookformyself.”Kaneturnedandglancedovertheroom.HemovedclosertoWolfe.“Splitupandtakealook.Idoubtwe’llfindanything.”
Aftermovingthroughtheeightmeninthebar,theyreturnedtothevehicleandfoundawomanwearingtightcutoffjeans,ashirtthatleftnothingtotheimagination,andredstilettosleaningagainstthedoor.Kanetouchedhishat.“Doyouwanttospeaktome,ma’am?”
“Youaskedaboutablackwidowtattoo?”
“Yeah,doyouknowthenameofthemanwhohasone?”
“Nothing’sfree.”Shepushedoutherchestandwinkedathim.“Fiftybucks.”
Kanebarkedoutalaugh.“Twenty.”Heslidabillfromhiswalletanddangleditintheair“Takeitorleaveit.”
“Okay.Someyearsago,maybeaslongassix,abikergangcalledtheBlackWidowsusedtocomeherefromBlackwater.Theyallhadthosetattoosontheirhands.”Shepointedonered-tippedfingernailbetweenherthumbandfirstfinger.“RightherebutIhaven’tseenanyofthemforyears.”ShepluckedthetwentyoutofKane’sfingersthenturnedandsashayedaway.
Kanerubbedhischinandstaredafterher.“ItseemseverycluewehaveleadstoBlackwater.”
11Shestrolledinthepark,andtoallaroundher,shewouldappeartobeoneofthecrowdeatingcottoncandyandenjoyingthefestivities.Thesmellofhotdogsandhorsemanurefilledtheairasshelingeredattheponyrides.ShehadseenDeputyKanechattingtotheclownsearlier.Hehadgiventhemhiscardandsmiledthenscurriedaway.Shehadstaredafterhimandashiverofhateranthroughher.Hecouldbeoneofthemonsters.Amaninapositionofpowerwassomeonenoonewouldeverexpect.Hehadnowifeandneverdated.Thatmadehimaprimecandidate.Maybeshewouldfollowhimforawhileandseewhathewasdoingintowntoday.Icanseeyou,DeputyKane,andI’mwatchingyou
SheneededanexcusetomoveintotheponycircletokeepKaneinsightandsidledclosertoaclownliftingachildontoasmallbaypony.Touchingthehorse’smane,shefeignedinterest.“Howlongwillyoubehere?Iwouldlovetobringmylittlesisterforaponyride.Shejustadoresclowns.”
“Fortheentirefestival.”TheclownhadaFrenchaccent.
“Oh,thankyou.”Shesmiledwarmly.“Wealwayshadclownsformysister’sbirthdayparties.Doyoudokids’parties?”
“Sometimes,butwepreferthefestivals.”Heindicatedtothelineofkidswaitingforrides.“Igottago.”
“Ohyes,ofcourse.”Shesmiledbutinsideherskincrawled.
HerattentionfixedonKane,shewalkedslowlybackthroughthecrowdandtookaseatonthefarsideoftheponyridesbesideafrazzledmotherwiththreedemandingchildren.Fromhere,shecouldkeepacloseeyeonKane’smovements.Whenheheadedforhiscar,shegottoherfeet,intentonfollowinghim.Sheneededtoknowwhathewasdoingandwhohehadonhislistofsuspects.Asshewalkedtohervehicle,sheglancedatherwatch.Goosebumpsroseonherarmswiththethrillofanticipation.Soonshewouldmeetthenextmonsteronherlist.Hehadbeensuchaneasymantocatch.Shehadplayedhimathisowngame,fedhisego,andthejerkhadagreedtomeether.
Bythemorning,anothermonsterwouldbedead.
12Jennaliftedherattentiontothetwonewdeputies.ColeWebber,twenty-eight,withbrownhairandbrowneyes,introducedhimselfwithasoftNewEnglandaccent.HehadtransferredtoBlackRockFallsfromBoston,andhavinganotherexperienceddeputywouldbeuseful.
Standing,shetookinthemanbeforeher,notinghisconfidence.Sheofferedherhand.“WelcometoBlackRockFalls.Dotakeaseat.”
“I’mgladtobehere,ma’am.”
SheturnedherattentiontoPaulaBradford,fivesevenwithblondehairandgreeneyes.ThisrookiehadstartedhercareerinlawenforcementonlysixmonthspreviouslyinHelena.“It’sabigstepforyoutoleaveyourfamilyandcomehere.”Sheshookthewoman’shand.
“Icomefromalargefamilyandsolitudeinasmalltownwillbeheaven,ma’am.”Paulasmiledthensatdown.“Thankyouforarrangingtheaccommodation.Myapartmentisverynice.”
“Yes,thankyou.”Webbergaveherastrangelook.“Although,Igatherfromtheneighbor,thehouseoncebelongedtoadeputykilledinthelineofduty.”
Jennaclearedherthroat.“Yes,PeteDanielswasavaluedmemberofourteambuthewasn’tkilledinthehouseandhisfamilydonatedthepropertytothedepartment.”
“Arehiskillersinjail?”
“They’redead.”Jenna’smindflashedbacktothecrunchofboneasherheelkilledherattacker.Aknifeheldatherthroat,thedischargeofaweapon,andbloodonherface.Herhandstrembledatthedisturbingmemoryandshebunchedthemintofists.
“Jenna?”Kane’sworriedvoicebrokethroughtheterrifyingvisionsplayinginaloopinhermind.
Sheblinkedand,seeinghimfillingthedoorway,noticedtheconfusedexpressionsonhernewdeputies’faces.Oh,God,howlonghaveIbeenoutthistime?Forcingthehorrificmemoriesbackintotheirbox,sheforcedherlipsintoasmile.“DeputyKane,I’dlikeyoutomeetColeWebberandPaulaBradford.Theywillbestartingtomorrow.I’llneedeveryonepullingovertimethisweekend.CanyouaskWolfetobringthemuptospeed?I’dlikeanupdatefromyouassoonasyou’refinished.”
“Yes,ma’am.I’vespokentoRosemarieHarper.”Kane’sconcernedgazemovedoverherfaceasheplacedatakeoutcupofcoffeeandapapersackfromAuntBetty’sCaféonherdesk.“Ipickedupyourlunch.”
Sheglancedattheclock;itwaspasttwo.“Thanks,I’vebeenbusy.”Sheglancedathertwonewdeputies.“Seeyouinthemorning.”
Whenthedoorclosed,Jennacoveredherfacewithbothhands.Theflashbacksofherkidnappingandneardeathhadlessenedbutobviouslysatinthebackofhersubconsciouswaitingtopounceatanygivenmoment.Shefeltsuchafool,actinglikeanidiotinfrontofhernewdeputies,butKanewouldcoverforher—hehadbeenherrockthroughouttheentireordeal.
Sheleanedbackinherseatandsippedhercoffeethenpeekedintothebagandsmiled.Turkeyonrye,herfavorite.Shetookabiteandthedooropened.Kanewalkedbackinanddroppedintoachair.Swallowing,shesmiledathim.“Thankyou.Ididn’tnoticethetime.”
“Areyouokay,Jenna?”
Shewavedhisquestionaway.“Fine,wewerediscussingPete’sdeathandIhadaflashback.Ihopeitdidn’tlasttoolong.”
“Idon’tthinkso.”Kane’slipstwitchedintoahalfsmile.“Webberthoughtyouweregrief-strickendiscussingPete’sdeathandfeelslikeaheelforbringingupthesubject.IknowweareallsorryaboutwhathappenedtoPetebutyoureallyneedtoseesomeoneabouttheflashbacksandnightmares.Post-traumaticstressdisorderisn’tamyth,itneedstobetreated.”
“Youcantalk.Theothernightduringthemovieyoudozedoffthenwokeupandgrabbedmebythethroat,ifyouremember.”
“Thatwasanightmare,notPTSD.”Kanegrinnedather.“Iwasn’tinAfghanistan.Iwasdefendingyouagainstazombie.Ishouldn’twatchshowswithzombies.Nexttimeyouwanttocomeovertowatchamovie,I’mpickingit,okay?”
“Sure.”Shesuckedthemayonnaisefromherfingersandlookedathim.“Forgetmoviesforaminute.Whatelsedidyoufindouttoday?”
Kanegaveherthedetailsoftheclown’ssister,thePartyTimeconnectionbetweenMacgregorandPrice,andhisvisittotheTripleZBar.“WecheckedabouthalfofthelocalbusinessesandaskedthewaitressesatAuntBetty’sCafé.SusieHartwigcameupwithsomeonewiththetattoo.Shedancedwithablondmanattherodeodancelastsummerwithasimilartattoobutshecan’trecallanythingelse;shethinksshehasseenhimintown.Shesaidhewasroughandsmelly.Hehadstrangeeyes.Itriedtopushhertogivemeamoredetaileddescriptionbutsheonlysaidhewasaroundfiftyandhadabeerbelly.”
“Okay,that’sastart.”Jennaheavedasigh.“Icouldn’tgetintothesealedfilesofLizzyHarper’scourtcase,soIhavezip.”
“Ihaveanotherbitofinformation.”Kane’seyebrowsfurrowed.“IcalledRosemarieHarperandtoldherwewereinvestigatingacasesimilartoherdaughter’sandneededherhelp.ShebackedawayatfirstbutwhenImentionedmorethanonemanappearedtobeinvolved,sheopenedup.SherecentlydiscoveredherhusbandwasnotthefatherofLizzy’sson.Thekidbecameillayearagoandhasageneticdisease.ThedoctorperformedaDNAtestandthekidhasadifferentfather.AsLizzyrefusestotellanythingaboutherordealapartfromafewsketchydetails,hermotherbelievesthisisproofshewassubjecttomorethanoneman’sabuse.”
“That’sfrightening.”Shenibbledathersandwich.“Anythingelse?”
“Sincekillingherfather,Lizzyisundertreatmentandonmedicationforbehavioralproblems.IcanplaceherintheareaduringthetimewehaveforPrice’sdeath.TheHarpersliveoneblockawayfromthecrimescene.”
Jennasighed.“Allcircumstantial.Ineedproof.”
“Idon’thaveproofbutatheory.ManypeopleintownusetheHarpers’cleaningserviceforkids’partiesanditisreasonabletoassumetheywouldrunintotheentertainment.It’spossible,andasPrice’scontactdetailsareonline,maybeLizzypretendedtobeakidhe’dmetasaclownandaskedhimtomeetheratthehouse.”
Jennanodded.“It’sfeasible.Shedidhaveamasterkeytothehousebuthowdidshelurehimthere?Wouldsheknowaboutthoseonlinechatroomsyoumentioned?”
“Yeah,ifshewatchedTV,I’msureshewouldbeawareofthedangerofchatroomsforkids.”Hisbrowcreased.“It’scommonknowledgepredatorspretendtobekidsonline.TherearesomanygroupsonFacebookaloneandtheFBIcan’tmonitorthemall.Shewouldjustusea‘comegetme’usernameandtheywouldflocktoher.”
Jennasippedhercoffeeandobservedhimovertherim.“Theproblemiswidespread.Iresearchedthefrequencyofcasestodayandthereareliterallythousandsongoinginthestate.It’slikeanepidemic.”
Asashadowdarkenedherdoorway,sheglanceduptoseeRowley.“Yes?”
“IhaveMr.Sticklerintheinterviewroom.”Rowley’seyebrowsrose.“Hecameinwithoutaproblembutseemsalittleconfusedaboutwhyyouwanttospeaktohim.”Hewalkedtowardthedeskandplacedasheetofpaperinfrontofher.“Hereisthelistoftradespeopletherealestateagencyusesforthepropertiestheymanage.Theoneshighlightedarethosewhoworkedatthecrimescene.”Hemethergaze.“AnotherthingIfoundinteresting:ThepropertiesownedbyRockfordwereallrentalsandmanagedbytheagency.Thesamemasterkeyaccessesthemall.Thecleaningservicehasoneofthekeys,andsodoesStickler.”
“Okay,thanks.”SheglancedatKaneandstood.“I’lladdthatinfotothewhiteboardnowandaddittothecasefilelater.WeneedtospeaktoMr.Sticklerwithoutdelay.”Shescribbledonthewhiteboardthenhurriedfromtheroom.
Intheinterviewroom,Sticklersathandsclaspedonthetableandlookingnervous.ThesmellofsweatdriftedtowardJennaassheenteredtheroom.Stickler,inhisearlytwenties,wasleanandmuscular.Jennasatdownandsmiledathim.“Thankyouforcomingin.ThisisDeputyKane.”Shewavedahandtowardhim.“Doyoumindifwerecordtheinterview?”
“What’sthisallabout?”Stickler’sexpressionwasgrim.“Ihaven’tdoneanythingwrong.”Hebrushedatthebeadingsweatonhisupperlipwithtremblingfingers.“Okay,recordtheinterviewbutIwantitknownyouhaven’treadmemyrights.”
Yousurelooklikeyouhavesomethingtohide.Sheturnedontherecorder.“Ihaven’tarrestedyou,Mr.Stickler.Thisisjustafriendlychat.IfIdidarrestyouthenIwouldreadyouyourrights.Whatyoutellustodaywouldnotbeadmissibleincourt.”Shesmiled.“Fortherecord,itistwothirtyandintheroomwithMr.AdamSticklerisSheriffJennaAltonandDeputyDavidKane.Mr.Sticklerhasvolunteeredtospeaktoustoday.”SheglancedathernotesthenliftedhergazetoStickler.“MissAlisonSaunders,fromtherealestateoffice,discoveredthebodyofamaninthehouseat3MapleLane.Igatheryoudidsomeworkthererecently?”
“Abody?AnyoneIknow?”Thecolordrainedfromhisface.
“Justanswerthequestion.”Kanecrossedhisarmsacrosshiswidechestandglaredathim.
“Yeah,Ihadtoattachnewhandlestothekitchencabinets.IfinishedlastweekonFridaymorning.”
Jennaleanedforward.“Wereyoutherebeforethecleaners?Imean,didtheplacelookasifithadbeencleanedpriortoaninspection?”
“Nope,Iwastherebeforethecleaners.MissSaunderstoldmetobeoutoftherebynoon.Ileftaroundeleven.”
“CanyouaccountforyourmovementsbetweenFridaylastweekandWednesdayofthisweek?”
“Yeah,IworkedSaturdayoveratBlindman’sPeakonoldMr.Starkey’sroof.Iwasthereallday.SpentSundaywithmyfolks.MondaythroughThursdayIwentbacktofinishMr.Starkey’sroof.”Sticklereyedherwithsuspicion,tookouthiscellphone,andscrolledthroughthescreen.“Icangiveyoutheirnumbersandyoucancheck.”
Jennatookdownthenumbers.“DoyouknowamanbythenameofAmosPrice?”
“Nope.”Sticklerstaredatherandasmallshadowofdoubtcrossedhiseyes.“Justaminute,yeah,Idoknowthatname.I’mprettysureheistheclownmyparentshiredformysisters’birthdaypartieswhenwelivedinBlackwater.”Henarrowedhisgaze.“I’mtheeldestofseven,sixgirlsandme.”
“Yeah,that’shim.HewasfounddeadinthehouseonMaple.”Kanerubbedthedarkstubbleonhischin.“AreyouawareAmosPricewasapedophile?”
“No!”AlookofanguishcrossedStickler’sface.“SweetJesus,doyouthinkhewasinvolvedwithmysister’sdisappearance?”
Jennafilledaglasswithwaterandpushedittowardhim.“I’mnotsure.Didyouknowyourmotherfiledacomplaintagainsthimforinappropriatebehavior?”
“No,IonlyrememberthecopscomingwhenJanewentmissing.Iguesstheyinvestigatedhim.Ihavenoidea—Iwasjustakid.”
“Okay.”Jennaleanedbackinherchair,actingnonchalant;hewasgettingwaytooupset,wasitgenuineoranacttocoverhisguilt?“Howlongagodidyoursistervanish?”
“Eightyears.”Sticklerliftedhisred-rimmedeyesandsniffed.“Ifhe’sdead,we’llneverfindhernow,willwe?”Hetooktheglassandgulpedthewater.
“Ourjobistofindherandwe’lldoourverybestbutweneedyourhelp.WhatwewanttoknowisifPricehadanyfriends.”Kane’sexpressionhardened.“Doyourememberifheworkedwithanotherclownordidyouseehimwithanyone?”
“Yeah,Idorememberamagician,calledhimselftheGreatDungini,andanotherclown.”SticklerstaredintospacethenmovedhisgazebacktoKane.“Idon’trememberanyothernames.”Hestraightened.“Icouldaskmyparents.Theyprobablyhavephotographs;theytooktonsandhavevideosoftheparties,althoughitwouldbehardtoidentifythemwiththeclownmakeup.”
“Okaythanks,you’vebeenveryhelpful,andanyimagesorvideoswouldbeagreathelp.Interviewterminatedattwo-fifty.”Jennaswitchedofftherecorder.“DeputyKanewillgiveyouhiscard.Ifyoucanthinkofanythingatalltohelpus,pleasecallhim.”
“Iwill.”Sticklerpocketedthecard.“CanIgonow?”
“Yes.”JennaflickedherIDoverthescanneronthedooranditclickedopen.SheindicatedtowardRowley.“Mydeputywillshowyouout.”
Aftershuttingthedoorbehindhim,sheturnedtoKane.“Whatdoyouthink?”
“FromhisreactionatfindingoutPriceisdead,heisn’tthekiller.”Kaneshrugged.“Problemis,heisangryandbelieveshissisterisstillalive,whichaftersomanyyearsthechancesareremote.Hehasconfirmedtherewasanotherclown.StuMacgregor,theGreatDunginiandPriceworkedtogetheratonetimeandweknowtheyworkedatPartyTime.AsPricewascleanatthetimeoftheFBIinvestigation,IfigurethemediawouldhavegottenholdofMacgregor’scaseandifSticklerknewthetwomenworkedtogether,hemighthavesuspectedPricehadtakenhissister.IhopeSticklerdoesn’tthinkMacgregorisinvolvedaswellandseekvengeance.”
“Oh,Ihopenot.”Jennafrowned.“Wehaveenoughtoworryaboutatthemoment.”
13Itcouldnothavebeeneasiertoturnthetablesonthenextpredator.Withafewconcernedwordsabouthavingtoslipawayfromhomeonceherparentswereasleep,sheconvincedhimtotakearoomattheBlackRockFallsMotel.Aperfectplace,themotelhadavarietyofclienteledependingontheseasons,fromrandyrodeocowboyshavingone-nightstandstohockeyfanssupportingtheirfavoriteteam.Inotherwords,theroomratestartedattwohoursandtheowneracceptedeveryclientwhowalkedthroughthedoor.MenlikehimlovedmotelroomsbecausetheycarriedsomuchDNA,provinganythingwouldbedifficult.
Shepersuadedhimtoleavetheroomkeyburiedunderthebigtreebesidetheschoolgateandshemadeplanstomeethiminsidetheroomatseventhatevening.Afterwatchinghimdropthekeyandkickdirtoverit,shewaitedforhisSUVtoturnthecornerbeforeattemptingtocollectit.Asshewalkedpasttheschool,sheallowedorangestospillfromapapersackinherarms.Retrievingthekeyandpoppingitintothesackwiththeorangeshadbeeneasy.
Afterarrivinghomethatevening,shecheckedhermessages,madeafewnecessarycalls,thenturnedintoayoungteenager.Sheglancedinthemirror:Ataslimfivefoottwo,withfriedeggsforbreasts,shecouldpassasamuchyoungergirlfromadistance.Duringtheday,theheelsonhershoesandthecleverwayshestyledherhairmadeherappearatleastfiveseven.Herpaddedbragaveheramorevoluptuouslook,andwhensheaddedmakeup,shelookedallofhertwenty-oneyears.
Afterslippingonsurgicalgloves,shepulledonahoodieandmovedthroughherkitchenandintothegarage.Shehadchosenamid-rangewhiteFord;withsomanyintown,noonewouldnoticeherparkingonthetree-linedlanebesidethemotel.TheBlackRockFallsMotelwasinaperfectlocation.NoCCTVcamerastointrudeonclients’privacy,andtheownersleftthemalone.Spectacularburnishedcoppermapletreessurroundingthecourtyardbathedtheareainmottledshadows,whichwouldallowhertoentertheroomunnoticed.
Shearrivedatsixthirtyandslidfromthecar,leavingthecarkeyshiddenontopofoneofthewheelsthen,keepingtotheshadows,enteredthemotelparkinglot.Themonsterhadfollowedherinstructions,takingaroomatthebackofthebuilding,thelastoneclosesttothetrees.Glancingaround,shejoggedacrossthecourtyardandusedthekeytogainentrance.
Sheheavedasighofrelief,findingtheroomunoccupied.Ifhewasapackanimal,shewouldbeintroubleifhearrivedwithacoupleofhisfriends.Sheremovedhercoatthentookthelongmetalmeatskeweroutofherbagandsliditwithineasyreachbeneaththepillow.Nopoisonthistime.
Thisonedeservedspecialtreatment.
Glancingattheclock,sheturnedoutthelightsandwatchedoutthewindowforhimtoarrive.Atfiveminutestoseven,anSUVpulledupoutsideandshecaughtsightofthelightglisteningonhisbaldheadashewalkedtothedoor.Herheartpounded.Hewasbigandcouldsnaphernecklikeatwig.Virtuallydefenseless,shewouldbeathismercyifherplanfailed.
Whenhepushedopenthedoor,shebackedintothebathroom,standingsilhouettedbythestreetlightcomingthroughthebathroomwindow.Tomakehimbelievehisdatewasayounggirl,shemustkeepherfaceinshadow.Awaveofanticipationatthethoughtofdestroyingthismonsterempoweredher.Shewouldplaytheroleandmakehimpay.
“Youinhere?”Hisvoicesoundedexcitedandshrillforhissize.
Shesuckedinadeepbreathtocalmherselfthengiggled.Theyalwayslikeditwhenshegiggled.“Yes,I’mhere.DidyoubringthethingsIaskedyoutobuy?”
“Yeah.”Heheldupapapersack.“Whythestockingsandblindfold?Idon’twantyouwearingstockings,Ilikemygirlsnatural.CanIturnthelightonsoIcanseeyouabitbetter?Yousurelookpretty.”
“Notyet,I’mshy.”Shetwirledfingersinherhair,actingcoy,andkeptoutofhisway.“Youlookolderthanyourpicture.Ithoughtyouwereeighteen.”
“Ishavemyheadtolookolder.”Hegaveherasadlook.“IdidlieabitbutIsowantedtomeetyou.”
“That’sokay.”Shegiggledagain.“Youliketoplaygames,right?”
“Oh,yeah,Iliketoplaygames.Whatdoyouhaveinmind?”
“Iwatchedmysisterwithherboyfriend–she’seighteen–whentheywerebabysittingandthoughtIwasasleep.IaskedyoutobringthosethingsbecauseIwanttodowhattheyweredoing.”
“Thatsoundslikefun.Whatweretheydoing?”
“Well,mysistertiedhishandsandfeettothebedwithstockingsthensheblindfoldedhim.”Shegiggledagainathismoanofpleasure.“Thensheclimbedontopofhim.Itlookedlikefun.”
“Yeah,yeah,Icandothat.”Hisvoicetrembledasheshedhisclothesthendraggedtheitemsoutofthebag.Herippedopenacondompacketandsmiledather.“Whydon’tyougetundressedthencomehereandtiemeup.”
Sickenedbyhislustfulgaze,sheshookherhead.“Blindfoldfirst.I’mshy.Wecanplayyourgamenexttime,okay?”
“Sure,Ihavelotsofgameswecanplay.”Hepulledtheblindfoldinplaceandlaidbackonthebed.“Thisisgoingtobesomuchfun.”
“Ican’twait.”Shebent,retrievedhisballed-upsmellysocks,anddroppedthemonthebedthenturnedontheradioniceandloud.“Idon’twantanyonelistening.”
“Goodidea.”
Shemovedswiftly,tyinghisanklesthenstraddlinghisfatbellytosecurehiswriststotheslatsintheheadboard.Hisheavybreathingandmoansofencouragementmadeherskincrawl.Sheslidthemetalskewerfromunderthepillow.Satisfiedhewasrestrained,sheleanedovertoswitchonthebedsidelampthenlifteduphisblindfold.“Lookatme.”
Anexpressionofterrorcrossedhisfaceandhetrembled.
“Whothehellareyou?”Hebucked,franticallytryingtodislodgeher.“Areyouacop?”
“Idon’tthinkso.I’mheretokillyou.”Shepresseddownhardonhischest,feelinghisheartthumpingagainstherpalms,andstaredintohishorrifiedeyes.“Howdoesitfeelknowingyou’regoingtodie?”
“NotifIkillyoufirst,bitch.”
“Goodluck.”Herfearslippedawayasshelookedatthepatheticexcuseforamanshakingbeneathher.Shecouldnotpityhim.Shehatedmenlikehim.“I’mgoingtokillyouinthemostpainfulwaypossible.JustlikeIkilledyourfriend.”
“Why?”Hisfacehadturnedadeepshadeofred.
Suddenlystruckdumb,shestaredathim.“Why?Foralltheyounggirlsyoumolested.Paybackisabitch,isn’tit?”
Sheenjoyedhisstrugglebeneathherandthewayhiseyesbulged.Shehadfrightenedhim,thesamewayasheterrifiedhisvictims.“Yourfrienddiedslowly,butunfortunatelyforyou,itwillbequickerbutsomuchmorepainful.”
“Youdon’tneedtokillme.I’llgiveyoumoney,anything.”Tearswelledinhiseyes.“Whatdoyouwant?”
“Justice.”Shepickedupthesocks.“Openyourmouth.”
Tohersurprise,hecompliedandshejammedthesockshalfwaydownhisthroatthenpresseddownhard.Shesuckedinadeepbreaththenplungedtheskewerintohisear.Ashismuffledscreamsfilledtheroom,shefeltnothing.Noremorse,nopityforinflictingincredibleagonyonthewrithingman.Hermindwasavoid.Hewasverminandshewastheexterminator.Sheleaneddownandstaredintohiseyesasthelifefadedaway.“Suckitup.”
Whenheshudderedandhiseyesrolledupdisplayingthewhites,sheremovedtheskewerthenwipeditonthepillow.Afterdroppingitintoaplasticbag,shepulledoutarolloftapeanddabbedastripmeticulouslyoverthebed,liftingamyriadofhairsfromthesheet.Satisfiednothingofherremained,sheemptiedhiswallettomakeitlooklikearobberythencollectedherthingsandslippedoutthedoor.Rotinhell.
14SATURDAY
Earlythenextmorning,aftertheirusualworkout,KanesatinJenna’skitchendrinkingcoffee.Thehounddogsatathisfeet.OnecalltotheanimalshelterhadrevealedhisnameasDuke,andthedoghethoughttobeoldturnedouttobefiveandlistedasagreattracker.Afterrehydrating,acoupleofdecentmeals,andabath,hewaslookinggood.
HesmiledatJenna.“IhopeIcanfindtimetopurchasethehorsestomorrow.Theymightcomeinusefulinthisinvestigation.”Heleanedbackinhisseat.“Irepairedthecorrallastnight,andthehorseboxesinthebarnareperfect.AllIneedtodoisorderfeedandstraw.”Hefrowned.“Thereareacoupleofhorsefloatsforsaleintownaswell.”
“Isn’tthisgoingtocostyoualotofmoney?”Shepeeredathimoverthecoffeecup.“Imean,youhavespentafortuneonmeatforDuke.Morethanyouspendonyourself,andhisvetbillmustbehorrendous.”
HegrinnedatherandpattedDukeonthehead.“Nah,it’sallgood,andIhavemoney.TherewasnowayIwassendingDukebacktotheshelter,especiallyasheisatracker.HewillbeagreatassetonceIgethimfit.IlikehiscompanyandI’msureyou’llgrowtolovehim.”
“Hehassuchasadface,ofcourseIlovehim.Ijusthopehisnamewon’toffendDeputyDukeWalters.”
Hechuckledandcalledthedogtohisside.“Nah,Itoldhimandhesaidhewasusedit.ApparentlyDukeisapopularnameforhounddogs.”
Hercellphonevibratedonthetable.“SheriffAlton.Yes,Mr.Ricker,whatisyouremergency?”Sheglancedathim,disbeliefetchedinherexpression.“Don’ttouchanything,shutthedoortotheroom,andkeepRosainyourofficeuntilwearrive.I’llhavesomeonethereassoonaspossible.”ShedisconnectedandthenextmomentwasspeakingtoRowley.“CanyougetovertotheBlackRockFallsMotel?Holdthefortuntilwegetthere.Thecleanerfoundabodytiedtooneofthebeds.Securethesceneuntilwearrive.I’mcontactingWolfenow.”
Kanepushedtohisfeet.“I’llcontactWolfe,yougetreadyforwork.”
“Okaythengotothemotelstraightaway;don’twaitforme.”Shegavehimawistfullook.“Whydopeopleseemtodieonmydayoff?”
“Dumbluck.”Heheadedforthedoorthenstoppedandglancedbackather.“Wouldyoulikemetohandlethiscase?”
“Theseconddeathinoneweek?Noway,Ineedtobeatgroundzero.”Jennashookherhead,sendingherravenhairspillinginalldirections.“Ihopeit’snotanotherhomicide.I’mworriedBlackRockFallsisbecomingmurdercentral.”
Withinhalfanhour,KanepulledhisblackSUVintothemotelparkinglotbesideWolfe’svehiclewiththeBlackRockFalls’Coronerinsigniaontheside.WhenRowleywalkedoutoftheofficetomeethim,hisfacepaleandexpressiongrim,Kanetookhimtooneside.“Whatdowehave?”
“Homicide.”Rowley’sbrowneyesnarrowed.“Thereisaguyinoneoftheroomsaroundbacktiedtothebedwithstockingsandwithbloodrunningoutofhisear.Wolfeistherenow.Hesaidtosendyoudownwhenyouarrive.”HeglancedoverKane’sshoulder.“Ah,there’sSheriffAltonnow.”
“HaveyoutakenstatementsfromMr.RickerandRosa?Iassumeshefoundthebodywhenshewenttocleantheroom?”
“Yeah,theroomwasbookedyesterday.Rickerthoughtitwasforaromanticevening.Mostpeopletakethissideofthemoteliftheydon’twanttobeseen.TheSUVparkedoutsidebelongstoElyDorsey.”
Kanemadeanoteinhisbook.“Isee.Anyothercustomersstayingonthissideofthemotel?”
“Nope,andRickersaidapartfromDorsey’svehicle,hehadn’tseenanyothervehiclesparkedherebutRosawasonherwayhomeandnoticedawhitelate-modelsedanparkedontheroadsomewaysback.Shesaiditwasunusualtoseeacartherebecausethetreesdropberriesalloverthepaintwork.”Rowleyliftedhischin.“Shesaidthecarwasgonethismorningwhenshearrivedtocleantherooms.”
“Didshesaywhattimeshenoticedthecar?”
“Aroundsevenlastnight.”Rowleyclearedhisthroat.“Sheworkstwoshifts:earlymorningandsixuntilnineatnight.”
Kanescratchedhischeek,thinking.“Doyouknowwhattimethevictimarrived?”
“Hepickedupthekeybeforelunchandpaidforthenight.Iusedthemappingapponmyphoneandlocatedhiscabininthemountains.Itisaboutamileawayfromthelastvictim’sresidence.It’spossibletheykneweachotherbutfolksupinthemountainskeeptothemselves.”Rowleyremovedhishatandscrapedahandthroughhisunrulyhair.“RickersaidDorseydidsayhewasintownfortheFallFestival.”
“Iwonderifthetwodeadmenkneweachother.”Kanerubbedhischin.“Hangonaminute,ElyDorsey.Holyshit,I’msureIsawthatnameonthelistofemployeesatPartyTime.Hemighthaveworkedwithourlastvictim.”HeglancedatJennaasshejoinedthem.
“Whathavewegot?”Jennamovedtohisside.
“Anotherhomicide,ma’am.HebookedinhereunderthenameofElyDorsey.I’mwonderingifheisthesamemanwhoworksforPartyTime.”
“That’sprettysimpletofindout.I’llcheckonline.”Thesheriffgavethembothanexasperatedlook,pulledouthercellphone,andlocatedthewebpageforPartyTime.“Yeah,thereisaclownhereofthesamename.That’shimalright;hisphotomatcheshisdriver’slicense.”Shesnorted.“Maybesomeoneisdoingusafavor.”
Kaneregardedherclosely.Sheappearedagitatedtothemax.“Whatdoyoumean?”
“Oh,comeon,Kane.”Sheglaredathim.“Zoesaidfourmenvisitedher.IfElyDorseywasoneofthem,thensomeoneisdoingourjobforus.”Hereyesflashedwithanger.“Trustme,angrypeopletakethelawintotheirownhands.Someonewhosufferedabusecouldhavediscoveredthesemenhurtingchildrenandtheywouldnotwanttoputakidthroughatrial.Askanybrutalizedwoman—shewouldratherseetheperpetratordeadsotheyneverharmanyoneagain.WhenthemenwhoattackedmediedIfeltnothing,absolutelynothing—nothingbutrelief.”
“I’msuremostwomenwouldagreewithyou;mostmentoo.”Kanehuffedoutalongsigh.
Jennapressedlongfingerstobothtemples.“Ifsomeoneknowsthenamesofthemolesters,theycouldbetakingrevengeagainstthem.ItwouldbeimpossibleforZoetoidentifyElybecausethemenworemasks.Isuggestwetargethisassociatesanywayandfindoutiftheyareinvolved.”
“Ifwecanfindthembeforethey’remurdered.”Rowley’sbrowngazedroppedtotheground.“Themountainmenareaprettytightbunch.Theywon’tratoneachother.”
“MaybethingswillchangewhentheydiscoverElywasmurderedaswell.They’llberunningscared.”Jennaliftedherchinandadeterminedlookcrossedherface.“Pedophileslikethemyoung,butthekillerprobablyisn’takid,sowecouldbechasingdownacloserelativehell-bentonvengeance.Ifapedophileringisoperatinginourtown,weneedtocloseitdown.ItlookslikeI’llneedtomakeanothercalltotheFBI.”
“TheyhadnothingonPrice.”Kaneshrugged.“I’vecheckedandhewasn’tonanysexoffenderslistorhadanypriorsstatewide.”
“NowheisdeadtheyhavenocasetopursuebutI’llkeeptheminformed.”Jennagaveanexasperatedsigh.“Theydohaveongoinginvestigationsstatewideatthemoment,andwithanylucktheothermeninthepedophileringwilldropintotheirnet.”
Kaneshookhishead.“Withtheinternet,itcouldbeoperatinganywhereinthecountry.Findingwhoisinvolvedwilltakeaheckofalongtime.”
“Thenwewalkallovertheirfriendsuntiloneofthemtalks;someonemustknowsomethingaboutthesemen.Peoplegossip,althoughIgatherpredatorsoftenkeeptheirpredilectionssecret.”Jennashothimanangrylook.“Theyworkedtogether.Therehastobeanotherlink…someoneknowsbothofthem.Findthem.”
Kanewantedtosoothheragitationandloweredhisvoice.“Weareallworkingaroundtheclockonthis,Jenna.”
“IknowbutIwantresults.”JennapushedahandthroughherhairandglaredatRowley.“Whichroom?”
“Thevictimisthisway,ma’am.”Rowley’sfacepaledasheledtheway.“Thishomicideisdifferentfromthelastone.”
“Right.”Jenna’sshouldersslumpedassheglancedatKane.“Haveyoubeenonsceneyet?”
“Nope.Ijustarrived.”KanegrabbedhiscrimescenebagfromthebackseatofhisSUVandheadedtowardtheroom.“Wolfeisworkingitnow.”
Themotelroomdoorwasopenwhentheyarrived.Kanedroppedhisbagoutsideandtheysuitedupincrimescenegear.Hesurveyedthearea.“IfIplannedtomurdersomeone,thisplaceisperfect.NoCCTVcameras,treestogivecover.Noonehasachanceofseeinganyonecomingandgoing.”
“Murderoraplaceforillicitsexwithaminor?”Jenna’sforeheadcreasedintoafrown.“Asthekillerdidn’tbooktheroomorpickupthekey,Elymusthavesnuckhismurdererintotheparkinglotinhiscar,orthekillercameinthatwhitesedan.”
KanepeeredintothedoorandnoddedtoWolfe.Tiedtothebed,thenakedvictimwaswearingacondomandhadagagofsomesortpushedintohismouth.Ablindfoldcoveredhisforehead.Theman’sfacehadturnedadeepshadeofblue.“Sexplaygonewrong?”
“No,Idon’tthinkso.Thisisahomicideandwecanaddrobberyaswell;hiswalletisempty.”Wolfe’seyespeeredathimoverhisfacemask.
“Okay,letmetakealook.”Jennashothimaninquisitivelookandpeeredinsidethedoor.“Oh,Isee.Whathaveyoufoundinhispersonaleffects?IsthereanythingtotiehimtothePricecase?”
“Yesandno.”Wolfestrolledtothedoorwithagrocerysackandhelditopenforher.“Chocolatesandwine,condoms.Hiswalletandclothesarehere.Nocash.Itcouldhavebeenahookerbutifso,sheworegloves.Ifoundnoprintsotherthanthevictim’sonhiswallet.Therearehundredsofothers,fartoomanytoconsider.”
“Hookersdon’tgenerallymurdertheirclients;it’sbadforbusiness.Theydon’tweargloveseither.”Jennasighed.“Anyinitialfindings?”
“HehasascaronhisrightsidethatfitsthedescriptionZoegaveyouofoneofherattackers,butappendixoperationscarsarequitecommon.I’mnot100percentsurebutIthinkthekillerstabbedhiminhisearwithsomethinglikeaknittingneedle.I’llgiveyouadefinitecauseofdeathaftertheautopsy.”Hesighed.“DoingsomethinglikethatwouldbetakingBDSMalittletoofarbutasourvictimwasobviouslyexpectingsexandhiswalletisempty,Isuggestwelookatthelocalhookers.”
“Idon’tthinkso.”Jennaclearedherthroat.“I’mnotawareofanywhodocall-outs,theyallworkdiscreetlyattheCattleman’sHotel.Inmytimehere,wehavenotbeenabletofindcausetochargeoneofthem.I’veneverbeenabletoprovetheyacceptmoneyforsex.”Shechewedontheendofherpen.“Thismurderisfarmorecomplex.WeknowthismanwasaclownandworkedatPartyTimewithAmosPrice.WehavenoindicationtosuggesthewasinvolvedinthepedophileringunlessZoecanidentifyhim.Ifshedoesthenwecouldhaveavigilantesituation.Suggestions?”SheliftedherconcernedbluegazetoKane.“Twomurdersinaweek.I’mnotrulingoutthepossibilityjustyet.”
Kaneclearedhisthroat.“IfheisanassociateofPricethenIwouldagree.Thekillercouldhavestagedthemurdertokeepusguessing.”
“AnditmaynotberelatedtoPrice’smurderatall.I’llbeinterestedinwhatWolfediscoversduringtheautopsy.”JennagaveKaneanagitatedlook.“Suspects?”
“Thatdepends.”Kaneflippedthroughhisnotes.“Ifwetakethevigilantekilleranglefornowandincludewomenmolestedaskids,LizzyHarperandAngeliqueBoovalfittheprofile.Eighteentosaytwenty-five,unstableduetokidnappingorothertraumaticeventinvolvingaman.Wehavetotakeintoaccountthesementraveledaroundandcouldhavemolestedkidsinothertowns.It’snotunreasonabletobelieveoneofthesuspectstraveledheretokillthem.”
“Youmeanthekillerwasmolestedbythemasakidandisseekingrevengeasanadult?”Jennatappedherbottomlipthinking.“Yeah,thatmakessense.”
KaneglancedatRowley.“Weneedinformationfromaslongastenyearsago.Doyourememberanythingsimilarhappeningintownwhenyouwereakid?”
“Yeah,Ido.ThereissomeoneelseinBlackRockFallsweshouldconsider.”Rowley’sheadbobbed.“Yeah,Irememberacoupleofyearsbackhearingaboutoneoftheteachersattheelementaryschoolhavingabreakdown,causedbysometraumaasakid.I’mnotsurewhathappened.Shestillworksherebutit’scommonknowledgeshehatesmen.”
Kanetookouthisnotepad.“Yougotaname?”
“Yeah,MissMcCarthy.IthinkhernameisPatriciaorPattie.I’mnotsurewhereshelivesbutIfigureshewillhaveahousenearStantonForestbythecollege.Alltheteachersseemtoliveinthatarea.Ihearsherarelyleavesthehouseunlessitistoteachtheyoungkids.”
“Okay.Goodwork.”Jenna’sexpressionbrightened.“Rowley,Iwantyoutoheadbacktotheoffice.Openacasefileforthisvictimandlogtheinterviewsofthemotelownerandthewomanwhofoundthebody–that’sapriority.Afterthat,continuetosearchforcasesinvolvingchildmolestationordisappearancehereandinothercounties.Gobackeighttofifteenyears.GetBradfordandWaltersinvolvedinthesearch;splitupthecounties,itwillbequicker.AnycatspeeingoncarsordomesticsthatcomeintodaysendoutWebber.Heisexperiencedenoughtohandlethesmallercaseswithoutsupervision.”Shetookabreaththenblewitout,makingherbangsflyoffherforehead.“I’lldropmycarattheofficethenI’mheadingupthemountainagainwithKanetocheckoutthevictim’sresidence.Wemightfindsomeevidencetolinkhimtothepedophilering.”
“Yes,ma’am.”Rowleytouchedhishatandjoggedtohiscruiser.
Kanerubbedthebackofhisneck.“Withpotentiallytwomorepedophilesonthelist,ifZoe’saccountiscorrect,we’llneedtofindoutwhoelseisinvolvedbeforethekillerstrikesagain.”
“Yeah.”Jennaraisedoneblackeyebrow.“Iguesswe’dbetterbringintheclowns.”
15Jennachewedherfingertipsinfrustration.Herlong-awaiteddaytorelaxhadslippedintooblivion.ShesippedtakeoutcoffeeandwatchedthecountrysidedashbyasKane’sSUVburnedupthemiles.ThebeautyofMontanawasinspirational.Somanydifferentvistasfromlushpineforeststodazzlingmountainviewsthatwentonforever.Shelikedthepeople,andoverall,lifewasperfect,untilakillerwanderedintohertownandshatteredthepeace.
Theroadaheadnarrowedandrockstumbleddownthemountainside,pingingagainstthedoorsastheydrovepast.AlthoughKanehadslowedthecar,arushoffearrolledoverher.Thenarrowdirttrailfellawaytoadeepravineononeside,andtheimpenetrablepinetreesontheothergavenospacetogetofftheroadifanothercarapproached.AsthebackwheelsoftheSUVslidtryingtogaintractionandpepperedthetreeswithrocks,Kane’sconcernedgazemovedoverher.
“You’reaswhiteasasheet.Youokay?”
Shegrippedtheseat.“Keepyoureyesontheroad.I’mfine.”
“Don’tworry.I’musedtodrivingintheseconditions.Myvehiclewon’tslidedownthemountain,Ipromise.”Heflashedherawhitesmile.“Well,notonthewayupanyway.Thewaydownwemightslipabit.”HechuckledandtappedtheGPSscreen.“Thecabinisjustaroundthenextbend.”
Shegavehimherbestsarcasticlook.“I’msothrilled.”
Theyturneddownawiderroadthathadnotseenagraderforalongtime.Someonehadplacedplanksofwoodoverthedeeprutsandthedrywoodcreakedandgroanedastheyedgedforward.Thecabin,asmallroughlybuiltlogstructurewithahangover,hadarustywatertankattachedtooneside.Apileoffirewood,completewithaxstickingoutofacuttinglog,appearedtohavebeentheresincesettlement.Jennagapedinamazement.“Peopleactuallyliveinthathovel?”
“Seemsso.”KanepulledtheSUVtoahalt.“Peopleliketodropoffthegridandliveuphere,soit’snotfancy.”
Shepointedtotheroof.“GoodLord,isthatasatellitedish?Alltheperkswithnoneofthecomfort.”
“Yeahandnowthecommunicationstowerisperchedontopofthemountain,theirphoneandWi-Fiwouldbebetterthanmostaregettingintown.”Heglancedather.“ShallItakethelead,ma’am?”
Shelikedthewayhedeferredtoherseniorityonthejob.Ithadtakenhimsometimetoadjusttonotbeingincharge.Althoughhegavehertheutmostrespect,sometimesshecouldalmostseehimchompingatthebittotakethelead.Shehandedhimapairofglovesthenpulledonherown.“Yes,goahead.”
StandingbacktoallowKanetoleadtheway,shewaitedforhimtohammeronthedoorandannouncetheirarrival.Whennoresponsecame,sheusedthekeyWolfehadfoundwiththebodyandpushedopenthedoor.“Sheriff’sdepartment,isanyonethere?”
Jennaheardasoundliketheclankingofchainsandduckedawayfromthedoor,pressingherbacktotheroughlogwall.“Whatwasthat?”
“Hemighthavelefthisdogchainedupinthere.”Kanedidaturkeypeekintoawindow,lookedather,andshookhishead.“Isanyonethere?”
Aslightshufflingsoundcamefromwithinthensilence.ThewindhowledthroughthetreesmakingthehaironthebackofJenna’sneckstandonend.ShemovedclosertoKane.“Becareful,ashotgunblastwouldgostraightthroughthesewalls.”
“Rogerthat.”Kanedroppeddownlowtothegroundandeasedhiswaytothedoor.
Thetreescreakedandthebreezesentleavesspiralingaroundtheirfeet.Jennadroppedhervoicetoawhisper.“I’msuresomeoneisinside.Icanhearfloorboardscreaking.”
“Unlessyouwantmetoopenfire,Isuggestyoucallout.”Kaneedgedclosertothefrontstoop.“YouhavethreesecondsandI’mcomingin.”
“Don’tshoot.”
Jennabitherlipatthesoundofaterrifiedfemalevoice.“It’sokay.Wewon’thurtyou.Comeoutwithyourhandsup.”
“Ican’t.”Asobfollowed.“I’mchainedtothewall.”
“HolymotherofGod.”Kane’sastonishedglancemethers.“Letmetakethis,Jenna.”
HerfirstinstinctwastoprotestbutKanecouldshootthefeelersoffanant.Shenodded.“Okay.”
“Watchmyback.”Hemovedthroughthedoor,Glockinhand.“Areyoualone?”
“Yes.”
JennakeptherbacktothewallandKane’sfootstepsthunderedthroughthesmallcabinashecheckedeveryroom.
“Clear.”Hisvoicerepeatedthewordashemovedthrougheachroominthehouse.
Jennasteppedinsideandgapedattheskinnyteenagegirl,facepaleandwithblackcirclesunderhereyes.Thegirlworenothingbutalong,tatteredT-shirtbearingthenameofalocalbeermanufacturer.Inherperiphery,shenoticedKanedraggingablanketoutofacupboardandheadingherway.Shetooktheblanketfromhimandwalkedtowardthegirl.“I’mSheriffJennaAltonfromBlackRockFallsandthisisDeputyKane.You’resafenow.What’syourname?”Shedrapedtheblanketoverthegirl’sshoulders.
“JaneStickler.”Sheglancedfearfullyattheopendoor.“He’llbebacksoonandhedon’tlikestrangers.Hewon’tbehappyyoucameinsideuninvited.”
AdamStickler’smissingsister.“Hewon’tbecomingbacktoday.”Jennaledthegirltoachairatascrubbedwoodentable.“What’shisname?”
Jane’sshouldersslumpedandsheshookherhead.“Idon’tknowforsure,hemademecallhim‘Daddy’butheain’tmyfather.”Sheswallowedhard.“Idon’tevenknowifmyfamilyisstillalive.”
Jennasmiledather.“Yes,asfarasI’mawarethey’refine.Andyourbrother,Adam.HelivesinBlackRockFalls.DeputyKanespoketohimrecently.”
“Canyoutakemehometoseemymom?IliveinBlackwater.”Janeblinked.“Hetookmetotowntoseeadoctorandsaidwecouldvisitmymombuthedidn’tgetthetime.”
JennaopenedhermouthtoaskwhyshehadnottoldthedoctorDorseywasholdingherprisonerwhenKaneclearedhisthroat.Sheturnedandwalkedwithhimtotheothersideoftheroom.“Whatisit?Ineedtospeakwithher.”
“ShehasStockholmsyndrome.”Kane’seyesflickedtothegirlandback.“Shehasbeenheldcaptiveforsolongshefiguresshebelongshere,thatisnormal.Thebrainshutsdownandprotectsthemfromwhatisreallyhappening.Sheisn’tafraidofme.Thatwastheclue:Seeingstrangemenisnormaltoher.ShelikelyhasfeelingsforElyaswell.Somekidscryfortheircaptorswhenrescuedevenaftersufferingabuse.You’llhavetotreadeasy.”
ShegavehimanodandreturnedtoJane.“HesentustohaveyouseeadoctoratthehospitalbutIpromisetospeaktoyourmomandseeifshe’llmeetusthere.Doyouknowwherehekeptthekeytoyourmanacles?”
“Withthekeystohiscar.”Janepushedmattedhairfromherface.
“Wehavehiskeys.”Jennaglancedatthelifelesseyesofthevariouselkheadshangingonthewalls.Thehouseappearedtobesurprisinglyclean,unlikethegirlstandingbeforeher.Shewaspitifullythin.Theskinonherbonyarmshadbruises,someclearindicationoffingermarks,herfeetandlegsappearedscratched,andshehadafesteringsoreononeankle.Jennahadseensimilarmarkstothebruisingonherneckonstrangulationvictims.
“CanIgetyououtofthosechains?”Kane’sgazeslidoverthegirl,hisfaceetchedwithconcern.
JaneleanedintoJennaandlookedupathim.Jennapattedherhand.“Kaneisaverygentleman;allhewantstodoissetyoufree.”
WhenJanenodded,KanemovedcloserandJennacouldfeelhertremblingagainsther.“Takeitslow,Kane.”
“Okay.”Kanedroppedhisvoicetoalmostawhisperandavoidedeyecontactwithher.“IspoketoAdamrecentlyaboutyou.Hehasneverstoppedlookingforyou.I’llcallhimstraightawayandhecanmeetusatthehospital.”Kanewentthroughthekeysthenheunfastenedthecuff.“Thereyougo.”
AsKanepulledthecabinapartcollectingboxesofthumbdrivesandacomputer,Jennausedhercellphonetoaccessthedriver’slicenseimageofElyDorsey.Shehelditupforthegirltosee.“Isthisthemanwhochainedyouup?”
Janenoddedthenturnedherfaceaway.“Isheintrouble?”
“No.Canyoutellmeanythingabouthimorhisfriends?”
Thegirlshookherhead,sendingdirtyhairfallingoverherface.
Jennasatbesideher.“Howdidyoucometobehere?”
Sheliftedhertroubledgaze.“HisfriendswillkillmyfamilyifItell.”
Inanefforttohideherdistress,Jennatookadeepbreath.“No,we’llprotectyourfamily.HisnameisElyDorsey.”Sheglancedatthegirl.“Wearelookingforhisfriends.”Shegrippedthegirl’shands.“Weneedyourhelp.Willyouatleasttellmehowyoumethim?”
“Thatwasalongtimeago.”Janestaredintothedistance.“Idon’tremember.”
“Whenheleft,didhetellyouwherehewasgoing?”
“No.”Janegaveherawarystare.“Hehadanewgirlfriend,didn’the?That’swhytheothersstoppedcominghere.”
Jennasighed.“I’mnotsure.Doyourememberanythingelseatallabouttheothermen?Scars,tattoos?”
“Onehadaspidertattooonhishandbetweenhisthumbandindexfinger.”
“I’mdonehere.”KanecamebackintotheroomandJennanoticedaflashofangerinhiseyes.“Thereareafewchickensoutbackrunningloose.They’llsurviveontheirown,there’sastreamrunningthroughtheproperty.”Heheldoutanevidencebagfilledwithpills.“Ifoundamassivesupplyofcontraceptivepillsinthebathroom.Igatherthat’swhyhetookhertothedoctors.Youmightneedtomentionthemtothedoctoratthehospital.”
“Okay.Let’sgo.”Jennalookedatthegirl.“Isthereanythingyouwanttotakefromthehousebeforeyouleave?”
“I’mnotcomingback?”Janeappearedagitated.“Maybeweshouldleavehimanote.”
JennashotaglanceatKane.“Don’tworry,we’lltellhim.”
16AfterdeliveringJanetothehospitalandleavingWalterstowatchoverher,KanewaitedforJennatospeakbrieflytoJane’sbrotherandthedoctorbeforereturningtotheoffice.Thegirlwouldremaininthehospitalforafewdaystocompletetestsandamentalhealthevaluationthenreturntoherfamily.Anyfurtherinterviewswithherwouldhavetowaituntilthedoctorhadclearedherlaterthatday.
KaneglancedatJennaonthewaybacktotheoffice.“Whatnext?”
“Weareinawait-and-seesituationrightnow.”Jenna’sheadbentoverhernotes.“I’verequestedanotherinterviewwithZoeandthedoctorwillspeaktotheparentsshortly.”Sheglancedathim.“WhilewewaitfortheautopsyonDorsey,itmeanssomegruntwork.Wehavenoothermenwhomightbeimplicatedinthesexring,sowe’llhavetoshakethemurdersuspectsandseewhatfallsout.Oneofthemmustbewithholdinginformationonthemeninvolvedoristhevigilantekiller.”
Kanedrummedhisfingersonthesteeringwheelandconsideredherplan.“Igatheryouwanttofindthetworemainingmeninthepedophileringbuthowwillthisleadustothekiller?Theycouldhavekidnappedadozengirlsoverthelasttenyears.”
“Ifwefindjustoneofthem,wecouldusethemasbait.”Jennasmiled.“Ifthevigilanteiscomingforthem,we’llcatchherintheact.”
“Okay,Iguesswehavenochoice.RightnowthevigilanteisallsmokeandmirrorsbutIsuggestwekeepacloseeyeon,Harper,BoovalandMcCarthyasourthreeprimesuspects.Wheredoyouwanttostartlookingforthesemen?”Hesighed.“Wecan’tsetupastingoperationbypretendingtobeayounggirlinoneofathousandpossiblechatrooms.We’llbesteppingalloverapossibleFBIinvestigationanditwouldtaketoolong.Predatorsarecautious—theywouldhavegroomedthegirlsformonths.Theymightkidnapagirlbuttheyareunlikelytoriskmeetingagirlthey’vejustmetonline.Theyareawareofthetraps.Bythetimewelureone,thevigilantewillhavekilledtheothertwointhering.Plus,wemightendupwithamanfromanothercounty.Thesementravelmilestomeetupwithkids.”
“OneoftheFBIagentsmentionedmuchthesametomeonthephonetheotherday.Wedohaveoneleadtofollowup,though.ZoeandJanementionedaspidertattoo;we’llstartthere.”Jennasnappedherbookshut.“I’llmakesomecallsandgetpermissiontore-interviewZoe.I’lltalktotheparentsofbothgirlsandseeiftheyhavealibisforthetimeofdeathofbothvictimssowecanrulethemout.”Sheflickedhimaglance.“TakeyourlunchbreaknowandI’llgowhenyougetback.”
Kanesmiledather.“I’llcallyouifIfindoutanythinginteresting.”Hepulledupoutsidethesheriff’soffice
“Seethatyoudo.”Jennaslippedfromtheseatandstrolledtotheofficewithoutabackwardglance.
KaneheadeddowntoAuntBetty’sCaféforlunchbutfoodwasthelastthingonhismind.Inthespaceofthreedays,theyhadfoundtwokidnappedgirlsandthesamenumberofdeadmen.Theyhadnosuspectstoarrestforthekidnappingcrimes,asaccordingtothegirls,thedeadmenhadactedalone,buttheyneededtofindatleasttwoothermeninvolvedinmolestingthegirls.Itwillbelikefindinganeedleinahaystack.
Hewalkedintothecafé,tookhisfavoriteseatbythewindow,thenorderedhislunchfromSusieHartwig.Sippinghiscoffee,hemulledoverthesuspectsandpossiblescenarios.Thekillerorkillersknewthemolesters’identities,whichmeantatonetimethemeninvolvedhadnotbeenascarefulastheywerenow.HismindwanderedtohismeetingwiththeBoovalbrothers.Althoughasmadasrabiddogsabouttheirsister’sordeal,herkidnapper,Macgregor,hadspenttimeinjailforthecrime.Theyhadnoapparentmotivetohuntdowntheothermenunlesstheyhadreasontobelievetheyhadbeeninvolvedintakingtheirsister.Hadshetoldanyone?
Achildgoingthroughtheordealofkidnappingwouldbeinshockandmightnotrememberdetails.AngeliquecouldwellhaveidentifiedMacgregorasherkidnapperandyearslaterrecognizedtwooftheclownsworkingwithherbrothersastheothermeninvolved.Maybeshedidnotwanttogothroughanothertrialorbelievedthattoomuchtimehadpassedsinceherkidnappingtobringtheothermentojustice.Ifshehadinformedherbrothers,itwasfeasibleforthemtotakethelawintotheirownhandstosavetheirsisterfromrelivingtheevents.
Whoelseonhislistofsuspectshadamotive?CouldLizzyHarper’sfathertieinwiththiscase?Fromwhathermothertoldhim,atleastoneothermanwasinvolvedandthetimelinefit.Hewouldneedtolookdeepertofindtheanswers.
Heunderstoodhowpredatorsworkedonkids’minds.Theliestheytoldwentwaypasttellingthechildtheirparentshaddied.Thekidnapperoftenthreatenedtokillthekid’sfamilyiftheyescaped,andifthemolesterheldthekidformonthsoryears,thattypeofprogrammingwouldbedifficulttobreak.Whatwouldhappenifoneofthesekidscamefacetofacewiththeircaptorasanadult?Wouldtheysufferaflashbackthenplotrevenge?
Hepulledouthiscellphoneandaccessedthecasefiles.Hemeticulouslyreadeverythingonthekidnappingandmurdercases.NothingseemedtooverlapalthoughheneededtolocateStewartJamesMacgregor,themanwhohadkidnappedAngeliqueBooval.AsthecourthadsealedAngelique’sfile,hewouldliketospeaktoheraswellincaseshehadoverheardthementionofothermen.Ifhepresentedthefactstoherasanadult,shemightcooperate.Thenagain,shecouldhavebeenthefirstgirlthemenhadkidnappedandmighthaveescapedbeforetheothervictimsbecameinvolved
HeturnedhisattentiontothedwindlinglistofsuspectsandwonderedifRowleyhaddiscoveredsimilarcasesinanyoftheothertowns.AdamStickler’salibihadcheckedout,sohedeletedhimfromhislistofsuspectsthenconsideredthewomenlivingintownwhohadsufferedabuseaskids.LizzyHarperandhermotherwenttothetopofhislist.Amotheranddaughterseekingrevengewasadistinctpossibility,especiallyastheymovedaroundtheareafrequently.Hewouldneedtospeaktotheschoolteacher,PattieMcCarthy,andwithJennabusy,hewouldhavetotaketherookie,PaulaBradford,withhim.IfMissMcCarthyhadaproblemwithmen,havingafemaledeputyalongmightbeofassistance.
Hedroppedsomebillsonthetablethenstrolledbacktotheoffice.GladtoseeRowleyfullyincontrol,hesatdowninhiscubicleandplannedhisafternoon.IfAngeliqueBoovalwaslivingwithherparentsinBlackwater,hewouldspeaktoJennalaterandmaybetheycouldarrangetovisitAngelique.HismindwenttoJenna.Withanothermurder,heworriedaboutherPTSDflashbacks.Ifhecouldtakehermindoffthecaseforanhourorso,itwouldhelp,andhewonderedifshewouldacceptaninvitationtodinner.Perhapsifhetiedupasmanylooseendsaspossiblethisafternoon,hecouldtrytoconvincehertoputworkasideforanhour.Yes,dinnerwouldbeagoodideaforastart.Shehadtoeat.IwilltakehertotheCattleman’sHotel.I’llneedtobookatable.
Heputthatonhisto-dolistand,flippingopenhisnotepad,foundthenumberoftheCleanasaWinkcleaningserviceandcalledthem.Whenheidentifiedhimself,thepersonontheendofthelineinformedhimwheretofindtheHarpersthatafternoon.HejotteddownthedetailsthenwentonlinetolookupPattieMcCarthy’saddress.AsRowleysuspected,shelivedonSchoolRoadclosetoStantonForest.HetookdownthedetailsthenpushedtohisfeetandscannedtheofficeforBradford.Hestrolledtoherdeskandclearedhisthroat.“I’mgoingtointerviewasuspect.”Hestaredintoherbigstartledeyesandwonderedhowshewouldcopeinacrisisifhescaredherbyspeakingtoher.Heofferedheracomfortingsmile.“Iwantyoutorideshotgun.”
“Yes,sir.”Bradfordgavehimacurtnod,collectedherthings,andfollowedhimtohisSUV.“MayIaskwhatcase?”
Kaneslidbehindthewheel,waitedforhertobuckleupthentookoffdowntheroad,lightsflashingtodispersethecrowd.Peoplestrollingaroundasifjaywalkingwaslegalleapedbackontothesidewalkandglaredathim.Onceoffthemainstreetheflickedheraglance.“Themurders.Wehaveatheorythatavigilanteismurderingagroupofpedophiles.Thekillercouldbetakingrevengeonthemenwhoabusedherasachildoritcouldbeafamilymemberofanabusedchild.”
“Whatdowehaveonthepedophilering?”
“Notmuch.Webelievetherewasagroupofatleastfourmeninvolved,andgoingonthefacttheykeptoneofthegirlsforeightyears,wemustassumethegrouphasbeenactiveforsometime.NothingcametolightfromanFBIinvestigationintochildexploitationlastyearafterwearrestedamanforchildpornography.IbelievethesemenareverysmartornothangingaroundchatroomsorotheronlineforumslongenoughfortheFBItonoticethem.Ithinkconsideringthetimebetweenthecases,theyslippedthroughthenet.”
“HowcouldthatbepossiblewithanongoingFBIinvestigation?”
“Lackofbootsontheground.”Kanegrimaced.“Lastcounttherewere346listedsexoffendersinMontanaalone,whicharetheirmainpriority.Theyhaveagradingsystemastohowdangeroustheyareconsidered.Thereareprobablythousandsofpredatorstheyhaven’tdetectedyet.”Hesighed.“IwonderedhowmanykidswentmissingoverthelasttenyearssocontactedtheNationalCenterforMissingandExploitedChildrenandtheytoldmeapproximately800,000childrenarereportedmissingeachyear.That’sabout2,000perweek.”Helookedatherstartledexpression.“Yeah,horrificbuttrue.”
“That’sterrible.WhataboutZoe?”Bradfordlookedshocked.“Didn’tanyonelookforher?”
Kaneshookhishead.“Nothere,shewentmissingfromHelena.TheBlackwaterrecordslistedJaneSticklerasarunaway.IdidfindonelocalcaseinvolvingAngeliqueBoovalandinvestigatedbytheBlackwatersheriff.ItledtothearrestofStuMacgregor;heisontheregisterasalow-riskpedophile.TheotheroneinvolvedLizzyHarper,whokilledherfatherformolestingher.”
“Okay.WhatdoIneedtoknowaboutthesuspectsweareinterviewing?”
“Theyarewomenwhosufferedabuseinthelastfifteenyears.ThefirstisPattieMcCarthy,aschoolteacher.”Kaneflickedheraglance.“Ifoundanoteonhercase.Itseemedthesheriffatthetimewasconvincedshewasmakingupastorytogetattention.Hefailedtofollowupwithamedicalexamination.Itwasabotchedinvestigationfromthestart.Iwanttoknowifanythingreallyhappened.”
“Soyouneedmealongasawomannotasyourdeputy.”Bradfordgavehimadisappointedlookanddroppedhergazetoherhands.
“Asthewomeninvolvedhaveissueswithmen,IwantMissMcCarthytofeelcomfortableduringtheinterview.”Slightlyannoyed,heclearedhisthroat.“Asmydeputy,itwillbeyourresponsibilitytoaskherthequestions.Itisunlikelyshewillspeaktomeaboutsuchasensitiveissue.”
“Whatdoyouwantmetoaskher?”
“Firstofall,askherwhereaboutsbetweenMondaythroughtolastnight.Thenleadintoquestionsabouthercomplaint,whenitoccurred,howmanymenwereinvolved.Doessherememberanynamesatall?”Heglancedovertoseeherwritinginhernotebook.“Tellherwefoundtwokidnappedgirlsthisweekandwe’reinvestigatingsimilarcasestoseeifthey’relinked.Easeintothequestions.Iwantyoutowearyourearbudandmic,soIcanhearyou.ThenifIthinkofanythingelsetoaskher,I’llcontactyou.”
“Soyou’renotcomingtothedoorwithme?”Bradfordsearchedhisfaceassheattachedherearbudandswitchedonthereceiver.
HeturnedthecarontoSchoolRoad,foundthehouse,andpulledupoutside.“I’llbeclosebybutIdon’twanttofrightenher.”Hepulledouthiscommunicationdeviceandwavedherfromthecar.
WhenDeputyBradfordknockedonthedoor,Kanecaughtsightofanathleticwomaninhermid-twenties.HelistenedwithinterestasBradfordexplainedthereasonforhervisit.
“Asyoucanimagine,wearefollowinganypossibleleadstopreventthisfromhappeningtootherchildren.”Bradford’svoicedroppedtoaconfidentialwhisper.“Anyinformationyoucouldoffermightsaveanothergirlfrombeingtaken.”
“Really?Whycometomenow?”PattieMcCarthy’svoicewasshrill.“Nooneofferedtohelpmeatthetime,didthey?MyparentsthoughtIwaslyingandsodidthesheriff.”
“Idon’tthinkyouliedorIwouldn’tbehere.”Bradfordstraightened.“Doyoumindtellingmeaboutyourwhereaboutsthisweek?”
“Iwashomemostofthetime.Idon’tgooutmuch.”Pattiesneered.“Oh,thisisn’taboutthegirlsyoufound,isit?Iwatchthenews.YouthinkIhadsomethingtodowiththemen’sbodiesshowingupallovertown.”Shesnortedasifindisgust.“Well,letmesee,IwentoutonWednesdayintotowntobuygroceriesandwalkedaroundthefestival.IdidseeafewpeopleIknow.Letmesee,SusieHartwigatAuntBetty’sCafé,willthatdo?”
“I’llspeaktoher.”Bradfordmadeafewnotes.“Anyoneelse?”
“NotthatIrecallbutI’msuremanypeoplesawmeintown.”
“WhataboutSaturdaynight?”Bradfordclearedherthroat.“Didyougooutatall?”
“Iwashomealone.Idon’tgooutondates.”
“Whatmakeofcardoyoudrive?”Bradfordlookeddownathernotebook.
“AJeep.”PattiestaredpastheratKane.“DoyouneedtheearbudcommunicationdevicesoDeputyKanecanlisten?Doeshegetoffonhearingtheluriddetails?”shesnortedandherlipcurled.“Yes,Iknowyourname,DeputyKane.Idon’tseeyoutakingwomenoutondates.Preferlittlegirls,doyou?”
Kaneturnedhishead,disturbedbyherdisgustinginsinuation.Hespokeintohismic.“Ican’tbelievesheteacheschildrenwiththatkindofattitude.Keepaskingthequestions.”
“MissMcCarthy,ifyouhaveavalidreasonforthatcomment,I’msureSheriffAltonwillbemorethanhappytotakeyourcomplaint,butrightnowweneedinformation.”Bradfordtossedherblondeheadinanagitatedmanner.“Youtoldthesheriffsomeonekidnappedyouasachild.Canyourememberhowmanypeoplewereinvolved?”
“Okay,fine,butyouneedtowatchmenlikeDeputyKane.”
“I’llmakesureto.”Bradfordhunchedhershoulders.“Please,MissMcCarthy,anydetailsyoucanofferwouldbeofgreathelp.”
“Irememberthekidnappinglikeitwasyesterday.Amangrabbedmefrommybed,draggedmeoutthewindow,andbundledmeintohiscar.”Pattiegruntedinanger.“Fourmenabusedmethenoneofthemdroppedmebackinsidemywindow.WhenItoldmydad,hesaidIwashavingabaddream.”Hereyesblazed.“Theydidn’tevencalladoctortoexamineme.Myfatherhitmeandtoldmehewasashamedofme.”Shebitdownhardonherlip,leavingmarks.“Hetookmetothesheriff’sofficeasapunishment;hewantedhimtolockmeupforthenighttoscaremestraight.Noonewouldbelieveme,noone.”
“Ibelieveyou.Wheredidtheassaultoccur—inahouse?”
“No,notahouse.”Pattieshookherhead.“ItwastheFallFestival,likenow.I’mprettysurehetookmetoatentinthepark.Icouldhearthecanvasflapping.”
ThehaironthebackofKane’sneckstoodonend.“Askheriftheyworemasks.”
BradfordrelayedthequestionandhewaitedforPattietoreply.“TheyputabagovermyheadandgaggedmebutIrememberthingsaboutthem.Thesmellofthem,forinstance,butitistoolatetodoanythingnow.Itwouldbemywordagainsttheirs,wouldn’tit?”
“Maybenot.Canyourememberanythingsignificantatall?Anysmallthingmighthelpustofindthesemen.”
“Enoughquestions.Iamnotgoingtorakethisupagain.Itgivesmenightmares.I’vebeenintherapyforyears.”Pattieshookherheadandbackedaway.“That’sallI’mgoingtosay.Ihavetogo.Ihaveanappointmentintown.”
“Justonemorething.Howlongagodidthishappen?”
“Fourteenyearsagothisweek.”Pattie’sgazemovedbacktoKaneinthecar,andiflookscouldkill,hewouldbetoast.
Hebarkedoutaquestion.“Askherifonehadaspidertattooonhishandandtellhertwoofthemhavebeenmurdered.Watchforherreaction.”
WhenBradfordrelayedthequestion,fromKane’sviewpointhecouldseethecolordrainfromPattie’sface.
Shesnarledherreply.“Idon’trememberbutI’mgladtheyaredead.Theygotwhattheydeserved.”
17Meddlingcops.Shestrolleddownthemainstreetinanefforttocoolheranger.Thesheriffwasobviouslyarrowinginonvictimsandnotconcentratingoncatchingthemonsters.Shehatedcrowds,hatedmen,buthadtoact“normal”toridtheworldofpedophiles.ShestrolledpasttheCommunityHallandforcedherlipstosmileattheoldwomensellingtheirwaresonthewhite-linen-coveredstalls,thenwoveherwaythroughthehordesofkidstrailingballoons.Kidsshelikedjustfine,butmenshecouldnottrust.
WiththeBlackRockFallsCountySheriff’sDepartmentcrawlingalloverthemountains,thenextmonsterwouldhavetowait.Sheneededtotakehertimewithhim,andwouldhavetodistractthesheriffawayfromthearea.Killingamonstertooktime.Astheylikedtoplaygameswiththelittlegirlstheyviolated,shewouldreturnthefavor.Thepreviousdayinachatroomwithhim,hetoldherhewantedtoplayaspecialgamewithherandshewillinglyagreed.Shesmiledintothesunshine.Iguessadyingmandeservesafinalwish.
Sippinghertakeoutcoffee,shestaredattheyounggirlsmovingthroughthecrowdsenjoyingthefestival,oblivioustothethreatcloseby.Littledidtheyknow,likeaneaglespottingarabbit,adestroyerofinnocencecouldswoopdownandstealthemawayinseconds.
Predatorsbelievedtheywereinvincible,untraceable,andsafe,butshewouldfindthemandshewouldkillthem.
Shewouldkillthemall.
18Jenna’scellphonechimed.ShestaredattheunidentifiedcallerIDandleanedbackinherofficechair.“SheriffAlton.”
“ThisisDoctorAllan.You’llbepleasedtoknowZoeiswellenoughtospeaktoyouthisafternoon.Zoe’sparentsaremorethanhappyforyoutospeaktotheirdaughterbutImustinsistyoukeepthequestiontimetoalimit.Youshouldbeawareshockcancreepuponaperson.”
Shesighedwithrelief.“Thankyou.Icanassureyou,Iwillbemostcareful.Iamcomingalone.”
“I’llletthemknow.”
“HowlongbeforeIcantalktoJane?”
“Itisearlydays,Sheriff.Herparentshavejustarrived.I’llbeintouchwhensheisavailable.”
“Sure,thankyou.I’monmywaynow.”Afterdisconnecting,shecalledKaneandrelayedthenews.“DidyougetanythingoutofPattieMcCarthy?”
“Notmuch.Shecan’tidentifythemenwhotookher.”
“Okay,Ihavetogo,we’lltalklater.HaveachatwiththeBoovalbrothersagainandfindoutiftheirsisteriswillingtospeaktous.”
“Iwasheadingthatway.Goodluckwiththeinterview.”
Jennasmiled.“Thanks.”
Twentyminuteslater,sheparkedhercarinthepoliceandemergencyservicesparkinglotatthehospitalandmadeherwayinside.Sherodetheelevatoruptotherestrictedward.Thehospitalsmellbroughtbackawaveofbadmemoriesfromhernear-deathexperiencethepreviouswinterandshefoughttheneedtoturnaroundandleave.Ihavetostopactinglikeanidiotandhelpthekids.
ShefoundZoescrubbedcleanandwithherhairtiedinaponytail,sittingupinbedlookingquitebewilderedashersiblingsdashedaroundtheroomplayingwithlatexgloveballoons.Awomanstoodwhensheentered,andassheapproached,Jennacouldseeshehadbeencrying.“Mrs.Channing?I’mSheriffAlton.I’vecometohaveafewwordswithZoeifthat’sokay?”
“Yes,yesofcourse.Ican’tthankyouenoughforbringingZoehometous.”Mrs.Channingwavedhopelesslyattheotherchildren.“Myhusbandwenttobuycoffee.He’llbebacksoonandwilltakethechildrenoutside.”
“Mom.”Zoe’ssmallhandsgrippedthesheets.“IwanttospeaktoSheriffAltonalone.”
“Ireallyshouldbehere.”Mrs.ChanningpattedZoe’sarm.“Youneedyourmother’ssupport.”
“Idon’twanttospeaktoyouaboutwhathappenedandIdon’twantDadlisteningeither.”Zoe’seyesfilledwithtears.“Please,MomIneedtodothisonmyown.”
Jennasmiledattheanxiouswoman.“I’llbefiveminutesorso.Iwon’tupsether,it’sjustroutinequestions.”
“Okay,I’llberightoutsidethedoor.”Mrs.Channingusheredthenoisykidsintothehallway,shuttingthedoorbehindher.
“Ineedtoknowsomething.”Zoe’sfrightenedgazerakedherface.“Whenyoucatchthemen,mydadsaidIwouldhavetobebraveandtellthejudgeeverythingthathappened.I’mnotsureIcandothatinfrontofeveryone.”Atearwelledupinhereyeandrandownonecheek.
Jennapulledupachairandsatdown.“No,youwon’tbeinfrontofeveryoneifitgetstocourt.”Shetookadeepbreath.“Itwillbewhatwecallaclosedcourt,andifyouneedtotestify,itwillbejustyouinaroomonyourownwithacamera.Nooneoutsidethecourtwillevenseeyourfaceorhearyourname.”Shesighed.“Didn’tyourdadtellyouweclosethecourttoprotectyou?”
“HedidsaysomethingbutIdon’twanttotalktohimrightnow.Whyareyouhere?”
Jennatookoutanotepadandhercellphonefromherpursethenturnedonthevoicerecorder.“Youmentionedthemenontheweekends.Duringtheweek,didyousleepinthecellarorwithAmos?”
“Amos.”Zoe’scheekspinkedandshestaredatherhands.
Sheneededtomoveawayfromthesubjectandsmiledtoreassureher.“Whocleanedthecellarafterthemenleft?”
“Theydidbeforetheyleft.”
“That’sreallyhelpful.”Jennamadeafewnotes.“DidAmosletyoushoweratall?”
“Yes,hewouldn’tletmetowastethehotwaterduringtheweekbutattheweekendsheletmetoshowerandwashmyhairwithnicesoap.”Shesniffed.“Helockedmeinthecageallday.”
Jennatriedtokeephervoicefromshowingheranger.“IfIshowyoupicturesofthreemen,canyoutellmeifyourecognizeanyofthem?”
“Okay.”Zoestraightenedasifsteelingherself.
Openingherphone,Jennashowedheracompilationofthreemen:AmosPrice,ElyDorsey,andapictureofastrangertakenatrandomfromthefiles.“Doyourecognizethemanthatkidnappedyou?”
“Yes,thatisAmos.I’mnotsurebutthatone—”ZoepointedtoEly“—hasabrownmarkonhisneckthesameasoneoftheothers.”
GoosebumpsroseonJenna’sflesh.“Goodgirl.Youhavebeenveryhelpful.”Shenoticedthegirlbrighten.“Youdon’thavetobescaredofAmosorthemanwiththemarkonhisneckanylonger.Theyarebothdead.”
“IhopeDeputyKaneshotthemdeadwithhisgun.”Zoesmiled.
Decidingnottoexplain,Jennaturnedofftherecorderandstood.“That’sallfornow,Zoe.Youhavebeenveryhelpful.”Shepattedherarmandheadedforthedoor.“I’llsendinyourparents.”
Outsideinthehallway,sheapproachedtheparents.“WeknowthemanresponsibleforkidnappingZoe.”
“Givemehisname,I’lltearhimapart.”Mr.Channing’shandsballedintofists.
“HisnamewasAmosPrice.”Jennaclearedherthroat.“Wefoundhimdeceased.ItwaswhenwecheckedhiscabinwediscoveredZoe.ShegavemeapositiveID.Hewasthemanresponsible.”Sheswallowedthebileinherthroat.“AlthoughZoerefusestodiscussherabduction,youshouldbeawareweknowfourmenwereinvolved.Wefoundasecondmanmurderedthismorningandsheidentifiedadistinctivebirthmarkonhisneck.”ShelookedatMr.Channing.“MayIaskwhereyouandyourwifehavebeensincewefoundZoe?”
“Here.”Mr.Channingblanched.“Thehospitalgaveustheroomnextdoor.Apartfromvisitingthecaféformeals,wehaven’tleftherside.”
Sheeyedhimcritically.“YoudorealizeIhaveadeputyonduty.”
“Wellthenhewillprovewehavenotleftthebuilding.Hecheckedusoutbeforewewereallowedtocomenearher.”Mr.Channingshookhishead.“Haven’twebeenthroughenoughwithoutyouaccusingusofmurder?”
Jennaliftedherchinandmethisgazeheadon.“Iamjustdoingmyjob,Mr.Channing.IdoubtthehospitalwillkeepZoeforlong.Doyouhaveadequatesecuritytoprotecther?”
“IfullyintendtotakemyfamilybacktoHelenathesecondsheisreleased,whichI’mtoldwillbelatertoday.”Mr.Channingbristled.“Youdon’tthinkforonesecondIwouldleaveheroranyofmyotherchildrenanywherenearBlackRockFalls,doyou?”
“Well,IhaveyourcellphonenumberandIwillcontactyoupersonallyandupdateyouwhennecessary.Thankyouforyourcooperation.”Sheturnedandheadedtowardtheelevator.
ShegotouthercellphoneandcalledKane.“ZoegavemeapositiveIDforPriceasherabductor.SheconfirmedPricecleanedherupforhisfriendsonweekendsandtheyscrubbedtheplacedownbeforetheyleft.”
“DidsheIDElyDorsey?”
“Notexactlybutshedidrecognizethebirthmarkonhisneck.Thechancesoftwomenhavingthesamemarkwouldberemote.That’sgoodenoughforme.Ihopewefindtheirassociatessoon.I’dliketoclosethiscase.”Shesighed.“I’mheadinghome.I’llworkfromthere,youkeepinterviewingsuspects.”
“Rogerthat.”
Shedisconnected.Iwillcatchyousoon,youbastards.
19KaneswungtheSUVaroundandheadedbacktotowntospeaktotheBoovalbrothersagain,wonderinghowcooperativetheywouldbeaboutaskingtheirsistertospeakaboutherordeal.Withhismindlockedonthecase,hehadnotsaidmorethanacoupleofwordstothenewdeputy.HerreferencesfromtheHelenaSheriff’sDepartmenthadbeenoutstandingbuthehadyettoseeifshewouldbeanassettotheteam.
HeglancedatBradford,whohadnotstoppedgawkingathimsinceshegotinthecar.“YoudidagreatjobquestioningMissMcCarthy.Sheisn’tthemostpleasantperson.I’mkeepingheronthelistofsuspects.Nothingshesaidconvincedmesheisinnocent.Whatvibedidyougetfromher?”
“Notmuch.Shewasprettyaggressiveandtheattackonyouwasunexpected.”
“Manyabusedkidsseemenasathreat,andherresponseisquitecommon.”Kaneshrugged.“Oncethecrimewasreported,shewouldhavetoldherstorymanytimes.Itwouldhavebeenhardonayoungkid.”
“Iguessso.”Bradfordbentherheadoverhernotes.“Itwasgreathavingyouinmyearpromptingthequestions.”
Butyouwon’tmakeaprofilerifyoufailtonoticebodylanguage.Hesighed.Makingsmalltalkwasthelastthingonhismindbutnotwantingtoappearrudeoraloof,hesmiledather.“WhatmadeyouaskforatransfertoBlackRockFalls?”
“Ithinkthechancesofpromotionarebetterinasmalleroffice,plusworkingwithasuperiorteamisagoodwaytolearn.”Bradfordreturnedhissmilewithaflashofstraightwhiteteeth.“I’mnottryingtobrown-noseyoubutIheardwhathappenedlastsummerandwantedtobepartoftheteam.Webbertoldmeaboutyourprofilingskills,andworkingalongsideadeputywhoisalsotheMEcanonlyimprovemyskills.”Sheclearedherthroat.“Iwashopingtobepartneredwithyoutogainexperience.”
Hekepthisgazeontheroad.Movingintotown,thetrafficslowedtoacrawl.“Well,technicallyyou’repartneredwithDeputyRowley.Youwillridewiththesherifformeasneeded.Mosttimes,I’moncall-outswiththesheriff.”Heglancedovertoseeherfacedrop.“WeprefertoeaseourrookiesintothewayofthingsherebutI’lltakeyoutothepracticerangeonceaweekandI’msureRowleywillintroduceyoutohisdojo.Themorehand-to-handcombatyoucanpractice,thebetter.Wehavetodealwithsomeroughtypes.”
“Okay.”Shebrightened.“Iwouldappreciatesomeextratraining.Iheardyoushotamanholdingaknifetothesheriff’sthroatlastwinter.Wasn’tthatariskythingtodo?”Shegavehimanaccusingglare.“Youcouldhavekilledher.”
“Notlikely.”Kanepulledthevehicletothecurb.“Inevermiss.”
HefoundtheBoovalbrothersinthesameareaoftheparkgivingponyridestoalineofkids.Parentsstoodpatientlyignoringtheeaudehorseandswarmingfliesastheywaitedfortheirchild’sturn.GlancingatBradford,heindicatedwithhischintowardtheclowns.“Waithereandlogtheinterviewinyournotebookwhileit’sfreshinyourmind.IneedawordwiththeBoovalbrothers.”HestrolledintheirdirectionandwalkedbesideClaudeBooval.Smilingatthelittlegirlperchedontopoftheponyheloweredhisvoice.“MayIhaveaquickword?”
“Whatisitnow?”ClaudeBooval’sred-and-whitespottedshouldersslumped.
Kaneignoredhishostilityandkeptinstepwithhim,movingcarefullyaroundthepilesofhorsedungliningthecircularpatharoundthepark.“DoyouthinkAngeliquewillspeaktothesheriff?Wehaveafewleadsandshemightremembersomethingsignificant.”
“Idoubtit.Shedoesn’tliketospeakaboutitatallbutIknowsomethingofinterest.Ourfamilyhasbeenclownsforgenerations,soshehasnoneedtofearclowns,butsinceithappened,shewillnothaveaclowncostumeinthehouse.ThisiswhymybrotherandIleftBlackwaterandmovedtoBlackRockFallstopreventherdistress.Sheisheretodayvisitingafriendbutshewon’tcomenearusincostume.Wewillmeetherlaterwithoutthepaint.”
Kanepushedalittleharder,butawareofthechildonthepony,hekepthiswordsambiguous.“Herinformationmightsavethesamethinghappeningagain.”
“Okay,Iwillaskherandifsheagrees,Iwillcallyou.”Heletoutalongsigh.“Ihaveyourcard.”
Kanesmiled.“Thanks.Mondaywouldbegoodifthatsuits?”HepattedtheponythenstrolledbacktoBradford.“Nextstop,I’mdroppingintotherealestateoffice.IwanttospeaktoMr.DavisorAlisonSaunders,hisassistant.Wecanwalkfromhere,itwillbequicker.”
Peopleonthestreetsteppedasidetogivehimaccesstotherealestateoffice.Hetookinthecleanwindowsandnewlistingspostedinneatcontainersandsmiled.OldMr.DavisdidnothavetheattentiontodetailAlisonoffered.Hepushedopenthedoor,surprisedtofindtheusualheavyodorofcigarsmokereplacedwithacitrusbouquet.Onethingremainedthesame:Mr.Davissatbehindthemaindeskstaringathiscomputer,buthecouldseeAlisonSaundersspeakingtoaclientinthebackroom.
“Ah,DeputyKane,anyonebeenmurderedtoday?”Davis’smouthtwitchedintoagrimace.“It’snotgoodforbusiness,youknow?”
Kanestraightened.“I’msureit’snottoogoodforthevictimseither.”Heclearedhisthroat.“Justonequestion.Areallyourmasterkeysaccountedfor,andwhereintowndoyounormallyhavethemcut?”
“Everykeyissignedinandout.”Davistookabookoutofhisdrawerandopeneditonthedesk.“Here.”Heproddedthepagewiththetipofapudgyfinger.“Thekeysarecutatthehardwarestorebutwehaven’tlostoneinoverfiveyears.”
“Howdoesitwork?Imean,differenthousescan’thavethesametypeoflock,canthey?”Bradford’sbrowcreased.
“Allthelocksarechangedforanyhousesweselloragreetolease.”Davissmiledather,displayingyellowingteeth.“Thenwehaveamasterkeyforalltheproperties.Whenanewownertakesresidence,theyreceivetheirownuniquesetofkeys.Oncetheyusetheirkey,themasterkeynolongerworks.Amazingbuttrue.”
Kanepulledouthiscellphone.“DoyoumindifItakesomepicturesofthebook?I’dliketoknowthepeoplewhohadkeysoverthelastcoupleofmonths.”
“Bemyguest.”
Kaneusedhiscellphonecameratorecordthepagesthenstraightenedandsmiled.“HowisAlisonworkingout?”
“Sheisanassettothebusiness.”Davisgavehimaknowingsmile.“Pretty,isn’tshe?IthinkDeputyRowleylikeshertoo.Hedropsbyallthetimetospeaktoher.He’slikealostpuppy.”
Kaneraisedabrow.“Really?I’llhavetospeaktohimaboutwastingtime.”
“Iseeyouhaveanewassistantaswell.”DavisflickedaglanceoverBradford.
Annoyedattheman’schauvinistregardforwomen,henarrowedhisgaze.“Yes,thisisDeputyBradford,shehasjoinedtheteam.”Heglancedatherand,seeingherdiscomfort,decidedtoremoveherfromthesituation.“Ifyouwouldprefertowaitoutsideforme.Iwon’tbelong.”
“Yes,sir.”Bradfordgavehimarelievedlookasshepulledopenthedoorandstrolledintothesunshine.
Heclearedhisthroat.“DoesAlisonmanageallofRockford’shouses?”
“Yes,andmore.Sheisagoodworkerandsoldtwopropertieslastweek.”
Kaneplacedonehandonthedoorhandle.“Shedoesseemefficient.That’sallIneed,thankyouforyourtime.”HeswungopenthedoorandwalkedtoBradford’sside.“Whatadisrespectfuljerk.Youokay?”
“Yeah,I’mfine.Thanksforgettingmeoutofthere.Ihatemenlikehim.”
Kanetookinherpalefaceandpinchedexpression.“Maybeweneedtotakeabreak.”
“Acoffeewouldbebliss.”Shesmiledathim.“I’mnothungry.”
Thehardwarestorewasopposite.“Okay,I’mgoingtothehardwarestore.”Hepulledouthiswalletandhandedhersomebills.“We’llneedtofindtheHarpersanditmighttakesometime.DoyouwanttoslipovertoAuntBetty’sCaféandgrabusacoffee?Flatwhitewithfoursugarsforme.Ifyouwaitoutside,I’llgograbthecarandpickyouup.”
“Sure.”
HewatchedherdisappearintothecrowdandcalledJenna.“Hey,it’sme.”
“What’sup?”Jennayawned.“Nomorebodies,Ihope?”
“Nomorebodies.”Kanesmiled.“Ithoughtyoumightliketohavedinnerouttonight.IhaveareservationforatabletonightateightattheCattleman’sHotel.”Whenshesaidnothing,hedrewadeepbreath.“WebothhavetoeatandIneedtodiscussthecasewithyou.”
“Okay.Whynot?”
“Great!I’llpickyouupatseventhirty.”
“Sure.I’mheadingovertoseeWolfeandattendtheDorseyautopsy,thenI’mgoinghome.I’llbringyouuptospeedwiththepost.Rowleyislockingup.Catchyoulater.”Thelinewentdead.
Kanecaughtabreakinthetrafficanddartedacrosstheroad.Thebellonthetopofthehardwarestoredoorchimedasheentered.Heglancedaroundattheold-world-styleinteriorwithavarietyofgoodsforsale.Theplacecouldnothavechangedsinceprohibition.Theslightodorofpaintandchemicalsbroughtbackmemoriesofshoppingwithhisfather.Ashestrolledtothecounter,anelderlymantotteredoutfromtheback.Heworeroundspectaclesandhislongblackeyebrowscurledup,givinghimtheappearanceofanowl.
“Afternoon.”
“WhatcanIdoforyou,DeputyKane?”
“Iwonderedifyoukeeparecordofthekeysyoucutforpeople.”
“Nope,can’tsaythatIdo.”Theoldmanrubbedhislongnose.“Toomanytokeeparecord,threemaybefourthisweek.”Heliftedcloudyblueeyestohisface.“Mysonisalocksmith.Hedoestheworknowandiscuttingkeysallthetimefromhisvan.”
Kaneblewoutasighandtappedthecounterwithhisfingers.“Doyousellpesticidescontainingnicotinesulfate?”
Theoldmanwavedatashelfcrammedwithbottles.“Therearequiteafewbrands.Whatdoyouneeditfor?”
“Oh,it’snotforme.”Kanelethisgazedriftoverthebottles.“Areyourequiredtokeepalistofpurchasers?”
“Nope.”Thestorekeepergavehimaconcernedlook.“Idoforratpoisonandafewotherdangerouschemicals.IhaveabookandtheyhavetoproduceacurrentID,butthatstuffisusedingardensmosttimesandthebottlescarrywarnings.”Hesighed.“Wesellafairfewbottles—notsurewhenIsoldthelastone,maybeafewdaysago,ormaybelastweek?I’mnotsure.”
So,it’sreadilyavailable.Kanetouchedhishatandturnedtothedoor.“Okay,thanksforyourhelp.”
Hemoveddownthestreetandpausedtopurchasesomecakesfromoneofthestalls.Ashewaitedforhischange,hecaughtsightofamagicianmakinganimalsoutofballoons,surroundedbykids.Thecrowdpartedandawomanemerged.HerecognizedthepalefaceofPattieMcCarthystrollingby.Hecheckedthetimeandmadeanoteinhisbook.Hmm,shesureisn’tactinglikesomeonescaredofcrowds.
20Jennastuffedsomecookiesintohermouth,jumpedinhercarandheadedtothenewME’soffice.Sheenteredthebuildingusingherswipecardandheadeddownthecoolwhitepassagewaysuntilshecametothepathologylaboratory,knockingonthedoorassheentered.Wolfesatatacomputerandhisassistant,ayoungpathologygraduatenamedSteve,waspreparingtissuesamples.“AmItoolateforthepost?”
“JustalittlebutIhaven’tfinishedyet,soIcangoovermyfindingswithyou.”Wolfe’sgazeslidoverherthenhebrushedafewcrumbsfromthesleeveofhershirt.“Justeaten?I’mgladyouhaveastrongstomach.”
Jennashrugged.“I’llbefine.”
“Okay.”Wolfestoodandledthewayintothemorgue.“IhaveacauseofdeathandI’vefoundafewotherinterestingclues.”
Theroomresembledanoperatingtheaterapartfromtherowsofdrawerstostorecorpsessetintotwoofthewalls.Theairwaschillyandthesmellofdeadbodiesandcleaningchemicalshungintheair.OnalongaluminumbenchlaywhatremainedofElyDorseyaftertheautopsy.
ShemovedclosertoWolfe.“Whatdoyouhave?”
“AsIthought,thecauseofdeathwasapuncturewoundthroughtheleftearandintothebrain.”Hepointedtoaspecimen.“Ifyoulookatthecross-sectionofthebrain,Iwouldsaydeathwasinstantaneous.”
Jennapeeredatthesliceofhumantissueinthepetridishandnodded.“Isee.Wasitpainful?Idon’trecallanyonecomplainingofhearingscreaming.”
“Yeah,itwouldhavebeenextremelypainful.”WolfepointedoneglovedfingertoEly’smouth.“Seethemarksonhischeek?Thetipsoffingerscausedthebruising.Hehadapairofsocksstuffedintohismouth,andthekillerpresseddownwithagreatdealofforcewiththelefthandthenthrusttheknittingneedleorperhapsameatskewerintohisear.I’mleaningtowardthelatter.Iwouldsayfromthepositionofthemarks,thekillerwasstraddlinghimatthetime.Thekillerwasdressedaswell.Ifoundafewobscurefilamentsofdenimstucktothecondomhewaswearingatthetimeofdeath.”
Shestaredatthebodyandhermindwentintooverdrive.Hertimespentinthevicesquadinherotherlifehadtaughthermanythings,andoneofthemwasthatmanypeopleenjoyedunusualsexualfetishes.Whateverapersoncravedtherewassomeoneouttherewillingtoacceptpaymenttosatisfythemostpervertedneeds.“IthoughtthiscasewasconnectedtoapedophileringbutnowI’mnotsosure.Thismanlooksasifhehadadateforsomeroughsex,maybewithadominatrix.FromwhatIsawinthemotel,thekillerblindfoldedhimatsometimeandtiedhimup.Ifhepaidforroughsex,hewouldnotbealarmedwhenshecoveredhismouth.”
“Doyouhavereasontobelievethiskillerisfemale?”Wolfelookedatheroverhisfacemask.“Iadmitthefingertipsaresmall,butanumberofmenhavesmallfingertipsaswell.”Hesighed.“Thenthereisthehandprintonthecheek.Ibelievethekillerslappedhim,andashisbodygoesintorigor,theprinthasbecomemoreevident.Canyouseeitisasmallhand?Itcouldbefemale.”
Jennawalkedaroundthebody.“Ithinkso.Goingonthechocolatesandwine,I’mleaningtowardahookerorakinkysexdate.”
“ItpointstothatbutI’mnotconvinced.”Wolfemethergaze.“Ithinkyourinstinctswererightthefirsttime.IthinkthekilleristhesamepersonwhomurderedPrice.Bothcrimescenesstinkofapredator.Thegifts,forinstance;themajorityofpredatorsarrestedforluringkidstoplaceswiththeintentionofhavingsexhaveabagofgiftswiththem.”
Jennachewedonherbottomlip,staringatthebody.Ifthemenkneweachother,herassumptionofavigilantekillerwasbecomingareality.SheglancedupatWolfe.“Didyouremovetheblindfoldonscene?”
“No,itwasonhisforeheadwhenIarrived.”
“ThenI’mgoingwiththevigilantetheory,andtheremovaloftheblindfoldiscrucialevidence.Ifigureshewantedtoseehiseyesasshekilledhim.”ShestaredatWolfe.“Nowallwehavetodoisfigureoutwhosheis.”
21Kanemovedthroughthecrowdonthewaytotheparkandheadedforthemagicianworkingthestreet.ThemanwasnotwearingglovesanddidnothaveaspidertattoobutheneededtoIDhim.Hewaitedforanopportunemomentandtappedhimontheshoulder.
Themanturnedslowlyandsmallblackeyesmovedoverhisface.
“Isthereaproblem?”
“I’dlikeyourname.”Kanepulledouthisnotebookandpen.“AreyouwithPartyTime?”
Arelievedlookpassedoverthoseblackeyesandthemagiciannodded.
“Iam,andI’mlicensed.MynameisStuMacgregor.”
Kanestaredathimindisbelief.HeknewMacgregorwasclassedasalow-risksexoffenderinMontanabutwassurprisedthelocalcouncilhadissuedhimalicensetobeanywherenearkids.“Really,showittome?”
“I’mrehabilitated,certified.Ihaven’toffendedforsevenyears.IagreedtochemicalcastrationsoIcouldcontinueworkinginarestrictedcapacity.Inanycase,howcouldIdoanythingwrongwithallthesepeoplearound?”Macgregorglaredathimthenunzippedhiscostume,dugintoapocket,andthrustitathim.
Kaneexaminedthedocuments.Macgregor’slicenserestrictedhimtopublicstreetperformances.Attachedtoitwasanoticegivinghisclassificationasalow-gradesexoffender.Heshookhisheadindisbelief;itseemedeverystateandtowncouncilhadadifferentwayofdealingwithpedophiles.“Okay.”Hethrustthepaperworkbackathim.
“Ididmytimeandyouarehasslingmefornogoodreason.”
“I’lldomorethanthatifanykidsgomissingfrommytown.”Kaneeyeballedhim.“I’mwatchingyou.”Heturnedandstrolledtowardhisvehicle.
AshemadehiswaytopickupBradford,hewonderediftherewasaconnectionbetweenStewartJamesMacgregorandPattieMcCarthy.TheageseemedtoberightbutgettinginformationoutofMissMcCarthywouldbelikegettingbloodoutofstone.
Hedouble-parkedoutsideAuntBetty’sCafé,muchtotheannoyanceofthecarsbehindhim,andBradfordjumpedintothepassengerseat,coffeesinhand.Hetookthecardboardcarrycontainerfromheranddepositedthecupsinhisconsole.“Thanks.”
“IaskedSusieHartwigifsheremembersseeingMissMcCarthyintownbutshecan’tbesurewiththehundredsofpeopleshehasservedduringthefestival.ShedoesrememberseeingheronSaturdayeveningaroundsix;shestoppedbyforameal.”
Kanescratchedhischeek.“SoPattieMcCarthywaslyingaboutstayinghome.”
“Lookslikeit.Nowwhat?”Bradfordglancedathim.
“NextonmylistisLizzyHarper.”
“Iknowabouther.Shestabbedherfathertodeathandservedjailtime.”Bradford’sgazemovedoverKane’sface.“Whywouldyoususpecther?”
“Shewasinajuveniledetentioncenterforthreeyearsandhadhersoninthere.”Kanereachedforhiscoffeeandtookasip,keepinghiseyesontheroadahead.“Ihaveagutfeelingthereweremoremeninvolvedinhercasethanshetoldthecourt.Sheclaimedtohavestabbedherfatherbecausehewasconstantlyabusingher.Problemis,theboysheclaimedwasfatheredbyhimbelongstosomeoneelse.Asshewasfourteenatthetimeandhermotherhelpsherraisethekid,IwonderifLizzyfinallytoldherabouttheothermen.Theycouldbetakingoutthepedophilesoneatatime.”
“Andifthey’renotthekillers,thenyoufiguretheymightknowthenamesofthemeninvolvedinthepedophilering.”
Kanenodded.“Exactly.”HeturnedtheSUVaroundandheadedtowardaclusterofsmalllandholdingsontheoutskirtsoftown.“Theyareworkingontwohousesthisafternoon.Let’sseewhatwecanfindout.”
Hedrovetothefirstaddressonthelistbutastheirworkvehiclewasnotoutfront,hestartedtobackoutofthedriveway,stoppingwhenthefrontdooropened.
“Someoneishomeafterall.”Bradford’smouthcurledintoasmile.“Itlookslikethemother.Maybeshe’llbeeasiertotalkto.”
Kaneslidfromtheseat.Thewomanstandingatthedoorwearingathincottondress,apron,andapairofkitchengloveseyedhimwithsuspicion.HestrolledtowardherwithBradfordclosebehind.“I’mDeputyKaneandthisisDeputyBradford.We’relookingforMrs.HarperandherdaughterLizzy.”
“I’mRosemarieHarper.Lizzyhadanappointmentintownbutsheshouldbebacksoon.Whatdoyouwant?I’vealreadytoldyoumorethanIshouldhave.”
“Iappreciateyourhelp,ma’am,butIhaveafewmorequestions.”Kanepulledouthisnotebookandpen.“Ibelieveyouandyourdaughtercleanedthepropertyat3MapleLane?”
“Yes,butthatwasaweekagolastFridayafternoon.”
“SoI’vebeentold.”Heobservedhownervoussheappearedandsteppedback.“Sowherewereyouthisweek?”
“We’vebeencleaningallofRockford’shousesfortherealestateoffice,sowe’vebeenalloverthelastcoupleofweeks.”Shegaveanervousshrug.“Theywouldhavealist.”
“Okay,whataboutFridaynight?DidyouorLizzygooutforanyreason?”
“Lizzyisalwaysinandout,shehatesbeingcoopedupinthehouse.”Mrs.Harpersighed.“Shewentintotownforacoupleofhours.Shewantedtohavealookaroundatthestallsandpickupsometakeout.Iremembershewasgoneforquitesometime.ShesaidshehadalongwaitatAuntBetty’sduetothefestival.Why?”
Kanemadeafewnotesinhisbook.“Wefoundakidnappedchildinacabininthemountains.ThemaninvolvedisAmosPrice.Haveyouheardthename?CouldhehavebeeninvolvedintheincidentinvolvingLizzyandherfathersomeyearsback?DidLizzyevermentionanyoneelse?”
“No.Therewasn’tanyoneelseinvolvedthedayPetedied.Lizzywaitedforhimtocomehomethatnightandkilledhim.”Sheglaredathim.“Don’tlookatmelikethat.Sheneversaidaword.Yes,Ishouldhaveknown,shouldhaveseensomething,butithappenedontheirweekendsaway.Myhusbandusedtotakeherfishingwithhim.”Shebitherbottomlip.“Lizzyhatedfishingbutheinsistedshedooutdooractivitiesandwouldspankherifsherefusedtogowithhim.”
“Hassheeversaidwhyshedidn’ttellyousomethingwaswrong?”BradfordflickedKaneaglanceasifaskinghispermission.
“Notinsomanywordsbutthetruthcameoutinthetrial.”Mrs.Harper’seyeshardened.“Abittoolateformetodoanythingtohelpheraftershestabbedhimtodeath.”Shewetherlips.“Myhusbandthreatenedher.Ifshementionedonewordoftheirsecret,hewouldkillme.”
Sicktohisstomach,Kanepushedon.“ArethenamesElyDorseyorStewartMacgregorfamiliartoyou?Couldtheyhavebeenfriendsofyourhusband?”
“Why?”
Kaneobservedherfaceandthewayhereyesblinked.“Justanswerthequestion.”
“IknowallaboutStuMacgregor.MyhusbandlovedmagictricksandhemadefriendswithamagicianbythenameofStu.ItwassometimeafterhediedIdiscoveredStuisthemanwhowenttojailforkidnappingtheBoovalgirloverinBlackwater.”Mrs.Harperplacedonehandoverhermouth.“OhmyGod,washeinvolvedwithmyLizzyaswell?TherehadtobeanothermanbutLizzyrefusestospeakaboutit.”Sheglancedupasthesoundofacarenginecamedowntheroad.“Theresheisnowbutdon’texpecthertoopenuptoyou.Shewillonlygetangry.”
Kanerubbedhischin.“Angry,huh?”
ThevanpulledupbesideKane’sSUVandayoungwomanstaredathimopen-mouthed.Sheslidoutofthedoor,collectedanumberoftakeoutboxes,andwalkedtowardhermother.KanemovedclosertoBradfordanddroppedhisvoicetojustaboveawhisper.“Ifsheishostiletowardmen,youmighthavetoquestionherinstead.”
“Okay.”
“Issomethingwrong?Whatareyoudoinghere,DeputyKane?”LizzyHarper’seyesflashedwithanger.“Mom,what’sgoingon?”
“Nothingtoworryabout.I’msureDeputyKanewillexplain.”Mrs.Harper’sagitateddemeanorspokevolumes.
“Well?”Lizzystood,handsballedonherhips,andglaredathim.
Kanekepthisdistancebutmethergazeheadon.“MayIspeaktoyouinprivate,orwouldyouprefertospeaktoDeputyBradford?”
“Okay.Iknowyouwilluseanyexcusetomakemebreakmyparole.I’mnotstupid.I’lltalktoyouoverbyyourcar.”Lizzythrustthetakeoutintohermother’shandsthenstrodeaway,backstraightandheadhigh.
Hefollowedandwaitedforhertoturnaround.“MissHarper,thisisnotaboutyourparole.Wearetryingtodiscoverthenamesofagroupofmenwhokidnappedandabusedatwelve-year-oldgirl.”
“HowthehellshouldIknowanythingaboutagroupofpedophiles?Incaseyoumissedthenews,Ikilledmyfather.”
Kaneclearedhisthroat.“Idon’tthinkyouaretellingmethewholestory,MissHarper.Ibelieveourlatestvictim’ssituationwasmuchlikeyours.Weknowyourfathertookyoutohisfishingcabintoabuseyou.”
“That’snotasecret.”Lizzyglancedtowardhermotherandgrimaced.“I’msuresheknewbutsheisweakandeverytimeItriedtotellhershe’dshutmedown.”Sheglaredathim.“Don’tcomeoverallsocialworkeronmeandaskmewhyIdidn’ttellateacherorsomeone:Iwasashamed,that’swhy.Hemademefeellikeshit,likeIwasnothing,dirty.NoonewouldlistentomesoIhadtodealwithhimmyself.”
Kaneleanedagainstthecar,takingacasualposeinanefforttoputheratease.“Wasitjusthimordidhehaveafewfriendsvisitwhileyouwerethere?”
“Why?”Hereyesflasheddangerouslyandifshehadbeenarattlesnake,hewouldbedead.
“Thegirlwefoundtoldusshewasheldinthemountainsandmenwouldvisitattheweekends.”Henoticedthecolordrainfromherface,andheragitation.“Weneedtostoptheseanimalsbeforetheygrabanotherkidoffthestreet.”
Sheshruggedandlookedaway.
“MissHarper,Iknowthisishardforyoubutdidyourfatherplaceyouinthesamesituation?”Hetookouthisnotepadandflippedthroughthepages.“WefoundAmosPricemurderedthenElyDorseybothhadkidnappedgirlsattheirhomes.Iknowthesemenareinvolvedinapedophilering.Dothesenamesmeananythingtoyou?”
“No.Ohshit,Iknowwhatthisisabout;Itakeitmymothertoldyoumysonisn’tmyfather’schild.Sonowyouwantallthedirtylittledetails.Youmenareallthesame.”Lizzypushedbothhandsthroughhersilkyhairandliftedherchin.“Idon’thavetotellyouanything.Yeah,Ikilledmypervertofafatheranddidmytime.Nowunlessyouwanttochargeme,Ihaveworktodo.”
“Fine.”Kanerubbedhischin.“Butthelongerwehavetolookfortherestofthesemen,themorechancethereisofthemsnatchinganotherchild.”Heinclinedhishead.“Asamatterofinterest,asyoursonhadaDNAtest,Icanobtainacourtordertocheckitagainstourvictims.Ifwegetamatch,youdorealizeIcouldarrestyouonsuspicionofmurder?”
“Really?”Lizzyliftedherdimpledchinandsmiledathiminanunhingedway.“Itsoundslikehedeservedtodie.Theproblemwithyou,DeputyKane,isyouarenodifferentfromanyothermanwhohasquestionedme.Youwantmetotellyouallthedisgustingthingstheydidtomesoyoucanfantasizeaboutitlater.”Sheheldupahandtopreventhisreply.“Arrestmeorleavemethehellalone.”Sheturnedandstompedbacktowardhermother.
Thedisgustingthings“they”didtoher.HerFreudianslipgavehimalltheinformationheneeded.
22ThateveningJennastaredatDaveKaneoverthetableattheCattleman’sHotelrestaurant.Filledtocapacity,shehadhadtosqueezepastpeopletogettoherseat.ShecouldnothelpbutnoticetheadmiringglancesKanereceivedfromjustabouteverywomanwhowalkedby,andthewayheignoredthem.Shehadtoadmit,hedidlooksuaveinadarkbluesuitwithhishairneatlycombedratherthanplasteredtohisheadfromhiscowboyhat.Hesmelledgoodtoo.
“DoIhavefoodinmyteeth?”Heraisedoneblackeyebrowthensmiled.“Ordoesthatlookmeansomethingelse?”
Theyhadbecomeclosefriendsinthelastyearanditwasgoodtorelaxoffdutywithhimandnotbethesheriffforashortwhile.Shechuckledathisbemusedexpression.“Maybe.”Shesighed.“Ilikethis,whatwehave.I’veneverhadaclosefriendquitelikeyoubefore.”
“I’mgladwecanbenormalafterhoursaswell.”Kanewinced.“Ihavetoadmit,atfirst,notrunningthingswasdifficultbutIadaptprettywell.”
Shechuckled.“Youcertainlydo.Ihaven’thadtotakeyououtbackofthebarnandteachyoualessononce.”
“Uh-huh.”Kaneflashedawhitesmileather.“Evenmydadwasn’tgameenoughtotrythatmeansofpunishmentwithme.”Heclearedhisthroat.“Iwasfullygrownatfourteen.”
Shedroppedhervoice.“Doyoumissthem,yourparentsandfamilysinceyoumovedwayouthere?”
Kane’sfacetookonathoughtfullook.
“MorethanyoucouldimaginebutIguessI’mpreachingtotheconverted.”
Atonce,sheregrettedintrudingonhisprivacyandnodded.“ImissfriendsbutIlostmyparentsbeforeIsignedupformylastgig.”Shesighed.“There’snogoingback,isthere?”
“IwouldwithoutasecondthoughtifIcoulddosomethinguseful.”Henarrowedhisgazeather.“I’msureyouunderstandmyreasoning?”
Sheunderstoodhiscarefullydisguisedconversationonlytoowellandclearedthelumpinherthroat.Itdidn’ttakeageniustoknowKanewouldvanishfromexistenceifofferedthechancetotakedownthepeoplewhomurderedhiswife.“Yeah,Ido,andifyouplanongoingtoareunion,I’mgoingwithyou.”
“Asmydate?”Kanegaveheralong,consideringstare.“Maybe.”
Pickingupherglassofwine,shesipped,allowingtherich-bodiedflavortospilloverhertongue.Sheneededtochangetheconversationbeforetheeveningwasatotalfailure.“Iknowyouaredyingtotalkaboutthecase.Sinceyouarrivedonmydoorstepthisevening,you’vehadasmugsmileonyourface.”
“Really?Hmm,Imustbelosingmyedge.”Hesippedhissodaandhisbluegazeslidoverherface.“Bradfordrodeshotgunwithmetodaytoquestionafewsuspects.Shedidverywellforarookie.”
“That’sgood.”Jennasmiled.“So,let’scuttothechase.Whatdidyoudiscover?”
“Notmuch.”Kaneshrugged.“TruthisIwantedtodiscusstheinterviewwithLizzyHarperwithyou.”
“Thendiscussitbeforeyoublowagasket.”
“Firstofall,hermothermentionedshewasoutforsometimeonFridayevening,apparentlygettingtakeout.We’llneedtocheckwithDavisattherealestateofficeandfindoutwherethepairofthemwereworkingthisweek.”
“Okay,sowhatdidLizzyHarpersay?”
“Shedidn’tsaymuchatall,mainlyputallmendownaspigs,butshedidletitslipthatmoremenwereinvolved.”Kane’slipscurledintoasatisfiedsmile.“Ididn’tpushformoreinformationbutnowshehasgivenusamotivetoobtainacourtorderforherson’sDNAresults.We’llbeabletodiscoverifoneofourvictimsishisbiologicalfather.”
Jennaleanedforward.“Really?”
“Yeah,andhermotheridentifiedStewartMacgregorasafriendofherhusbandaswell,solikelyhewasinvolved.”
“Great,I’llgetthepaperworkunderwayforthecourtorders.Ihopethat’sallbecausemybrainneedsarest.”Shesighed.“Dinnerwithyoutonightisaluxury;Ihardlygettimetoeatlately.”
“It’sgoodtotakeanhourtothink;we’renotmachines.”Kanehuffedoutasigh.“Thesecasesarehorrificandyou’vecoveredeveryanglefornow.Thesuspectsinthegirls’abductionsaredeadandwehavelittletogoontofindtheirkillers.IftheDNAprofilefromoneofthevictimsmatchesLizzy’sson,we’llhaveamotive.”
“Okay,I’lldelegate.Rowley’sondutywithWebberonMonday.They’llkeepsearchingforassociatesofourmurdervictims,andprovidingwegetthecourtorder,I’llaskWolfetorunacheckoftheboy’sDNAagainstourDNAdatabaseaswell.TherewasarapecasebeforeIarrivedhereandmanyofthemenvolunteeredtheirDNA.Wemightflukeamatch.”
“Let’shopeso.”Kanegrimaced.“I’mconvincedthegroupofpredatorsisbiggerthanwethought.Weneedtocatchtheseassholes.”
Disturbedbytheimplications,Jennaplacedherglassonthetable.“I’veseenterriblethingsinmylifebutthisbeatsall.”Sheliftedherchin.“Itplaysonmymindtwenty-fourseven.Ican’tsleepsoitmakesitdifficulttofollowtheshrink’srecommendationandturnoffforawhiletopreventtheflashbackskickinginagain.Thisinformationissodisturbing.Haveanyfeel-goodmoviesatyourplacetolullmetosleep?”
“Yeah,I’llfindsomethingtocheeryouup.”Hewavedatthewaiterforthecheck.“Ifyouwanttogetawayforanhour,I’mgoingtoseeacoupleofhorsesinthemorning.IsaidI’dtryanddropbyaroundtenunlesswegetdraggedouttoanotherdamnmurder.”
TheonethingshelikedaboutDavidKanewashisgentleside.Whentheywerealone,histoughpersonarelaxedandshecouldlaughwithhim.Itwasnicetoputthejobasideforafewminutesandbeherself.Shesmiled.“WeshouldbeonthecasebutunlessWolfeandRowleycomeupwithanythingnew,Iguesswecouldgrabanhour.Idoneedtimetoclearmyhead.”
“It’sharderwhenkidsareinvolved.Trustme,Wolfewillbeworkingonthoselaptopsallnightandyoudeserveatimeout.”Hehandedthewaiterhiscreditcardandsignedthebillthenlookedather.“We’llhavefuntomorrowbutIguesswe’llhavesoremusclesonMonday.Ihaven’triddenforyears.”
Shelaughed.“Meeither.Maybeyoushouldaddahottubtoyourlistofessentials.”
“That’sathought.”Hetookthecreditcardfromthewaiterandpushedtohisfeet.“I’lllookintoit.”
Jennagapedathim.Justhowrichareyou?
Theywalkedoutintothebalmynightandmadetheirwaytotheparkinglot.Alightbreezecarriedthescentofrosesfromthetubsseteachsideoftheentrancetothehotel.Whenhiswarmfingerscuppedherelbow,thesmalltouchsurprisedher,ashehadnottouchedherintimatelysincethenighthecuddledherafewmonthsago.Shedoubtedanyonewouldseethemastheywalkedbetweentherowsofparkedcars,andsheleanedintohim,enjoyingthehardmusculararmpressingagainstherbareflesh.Thecomfortablefriendshiptheyhadestablishedsuitedherwell.Hecomplementedherinsomanyways,respectedheratwork,andunderstoodherdemons.
Astheyreachedthecar,Kane’scellphonerang.Hegaveheranexasperatedlookandreachedinsidehispocket.
“DavidKane.”Hisexpressionchangedtoalarmandhehelduponefingerthenputhisphoneonspeaker.“Whoisthis?”
Adistortedvoicecamethroughthespeakers,sendingJenna’steethonedge.
“Whydoyouprotectpedophiles?Don’tbothermakingupexcuses.Iknowgettingallthedirtylittledetailsfromtheirvictimsturnsyouon.”
“Icanassureyou—”KaneflickedJennaaworriedglance.
“Sureyoucan.Menlikeyou‘love’kids,don’tthey?Lovethemtodeathmosttimes.Iamriddingtheworldofthescumandyouareprotectingthem.Stopgettinginmywayoryou’llbenext.”
Thelinewentdead.
“OhmyGod.”Jennastaredathiscellphoneindisbelief.“Howthehelldidthekillergetyournumber?”
“IgiveoutmycardsallthetimeandMaggiehasapileatthefrontdesk,alongwithyours.”Heranhisfingersthoughhisthickhairandgrimaced.“AllthesuspectsIinterviewedtodayhavecardsaswell.Asthecallerelectronicallydisguisedtheirvoice,Idon’tknowifitwasamanorwoman.Damnit,Ihaven’tactivatedtherecordcallapponthisphoneandnowwehavezip.”
Unsettledbythecall,Jennasqueezedhisarm.“Evenifyouhadacopyitwouldhavebeenuseless.”
“Notreally.Wolfehastheequipmenttodecodethevoiceprint.”Kanemovedhisbluegazearoundthearea.“We’dbettergetoutoftheopenjustincasethereisashooterwatchingus.”
Jennaclimbedintothecar.“Idoubtthecallerwillstopatonecall.Ithinkweshouldalldownloadtheappincasesomethinglikethishappensagain.”
“Rogerthat.”Kaneglancedaround.“Weneedtogetoutofhere.”
Jennafastenedherseatbelt.“Whatdoyoumakeofit—thecall,thethreats?Whowoulddothat?”
“TheyknowI’minterviewingthevictims.”Anerveinhischeektwitched.“Sotheyareeitherfollowingmeortheyareacquaintedwithoneormoreofthem.”Hestartedthecarandheadedoutoftheparkinglot.“OnethingthatcomestomindisthecalleralmostparaphrasedwhatPattieMcCarthy,theschoolteacher,saidtometoday.ShebecameangrywhenBradfordinterviewedherandaccusedmeofnotdatingwomenbecauseshebelievesIpreferyounggirls.”Heclearedhisthroat.“SheisveryastuteandknewIwascommunicatingwithBradfordthroughtheearbudandlisteningtotheirconversation.”
Jennachewedonherbottomlip,tryingtoevaluateeverythinghehadsaid.Sheturnedinherseattolookathim.“Wehavenotconsideredthevictimsmightknoweachother.Thereiseverychancetheycouldbeinthesamesupportgroup,forinstance.Idon’tknowofanyherebutthenIhaven’tbeeninvolvedwithanycasesofchildabuseinBlackRockFalls.It’ssomethingweneedtolookinto.”
“Yeah,butsofarmostoftheoneswe’vediscoveredoccurredinBlackwater.”HespunthewheelastheyturnedintoJenna’sdriveway.“Icompletedmostofmyinterviewstoday,andcometothinkofitIonlyspoketotwovictimsofabuse:PattieMcCarthyandLizzyHarper.”Hepulledintohisgarageandturnedtoher.“IaskedtheBoovalbrothersiftheycouldarrangeforustospeaktotheirsister,Angelique.Theymentionedshewasintowntoday.”Heblinkedthenscratchedhischeek.“PattieMcCarthysaidshehadanappointmentintownandLizzyHarperwasonthewaybackfromtownwhenwearrivedatthehousetheywerecleaningtoday.”
ThehairsonthebackofJenna’sneckrose.“Thatputsthethreesuspectsinthesameplaceatthesametime.Theycouldhaveeasilymetsomewhere.It’stoomuchofacoincidencetoignore.”Shestaredathim.“Theycouldbeworkingtogethertoconfuseus.”
“Iftheyare,we’llhaveonehellofatimecatchingthekiller.”Kane’sdarkeyebrowsrose.“Thereisstrengthinnumbers.”
“Ican’timaginethreewomencapableofmurderingtogether.Menmaybe,butnotmanywomenhaveapackmentality.”
“Oh,yestheydo.”Kane’sgazehardened.“Itdependsonhowwelltheirleaderinfluencesthem.Don’tforgetManson’sgirls.”
HehadagoodpointandJennanoddedinagreement.“True.HowdidLizzyHarperacttowardyouduringquestioning?”
“Hostile.”Hemethergazeandhisnarrowed.“Infact,Iwouldsaypre-warnedwouldcomeclose.”Hepulledouthisnotepadandputontheinteriorlight.“ShethoughtIwasaskingherquestionsbecauseitturnedmeon,soshetiesinaswell.”
Mortified,shegapedathim.“Whatdidshesay?”
“SomethingalongthelinesofIwantedhertotellmeallthedirtylittledetails,andmenlikemeareallthesame.SimilarphrasingtoPattieMcCarthy’s.”Hegaveheradejectedlook,pocketedhisnotebookthenturnedoffthelight.“Cominginside,ordoyoujustwantmetofindyouamovietotakehome?IsurecoulddowithsomecompanyandIwanttocheckoutthelocalsupportgroups.”
“I’llstayforawhile.”Shesqueezedhisarm.“It’snotyou,Dave.Afterwhatthosewomenhavebeenthrough,trustingmenwouldbedifficult,andIguessyourquestionsopenedupoldwounds.”
“Iknow,butifwedon’taskthedifficultquestions,we’llnevercatchtheanimalswhodidthistothem.”Hesighedandscrubbedbothhandsoverhisface.“Theydon’tseemtounderstandwewanttobringthemenresponsibletojustice,notprotectthem.”Heshookhisheadslowly.“Ican’timaginewhytheythinkIwouldfindhurtinglittlegirlsstimulating.I’veseensometerriblecrimesbutchildabusemakesmesicktomystomach.”
Jennalookedintohiseyesandsighed.“Metoobutthereisnothingmorewecandotonight.Checkoutthesupportgroups.I’lldashhomeandchangethenlet’swatchamovie.”
“I’dlikethat,thanks.”Kaneflashedheragrinandheadedforthefrontdoor.
Jennadashedtoherhouseandchanged.AsshewalkedintoKane’scottage,theoldmanager’sresidenceonherranch,shefoundhimstaringathiscellphone.“Anyluck?”
“I’mstilllooking.”Kaneliftedhisgazeandsmiledather.“Couldyoumakethecoffee?”
Jennastrolledintothekitchenandfilledthecoffeemaker.“Ihaven’theardofanysupportgroups.Wehavethebreastfeedingmothers’groupintown,andafewothers,butnothinglikeabusedkids.”
“Ican’tfindanythingatall.”Kanewanderedintotheroomwithhisdarkheadbentoverthescreen.“I’llcallasocialworkeronMondayandseeiftheycanhelp.It’spossiblethey’renotlistedforprivacyreasons.”
“Ifthere’salinkbetweenLizzyHarperandPattieMcCarthy,itwouldmakesensetheymetinasupportgroup.”Jennaleanedagainstthecounterasthecoffeepotsentoutthetemptingaromaoffreshlygroundbeans.“I’dbettheyknowourmurdervictimsandwereabusedbythem.Oneofthosewomencouldbeourkiller.”
Kaneliftedhisheadfromhiscellphoneandhisdarkgazemethers.
“Orboth.”
23Halfwaythroughthemovie,thesilentalarmsetintothewallflashedviolently.Anintruderhadbreachedtheperimeteroftheproperty.AutomaticallyreachingforhisGlock,KanejerkeduprightandswitchedofftheTV.HeturnedtoJenna.“Someoneisoutside.I’llgoandcheck.”
“I’mcomingwithyou.”Jenna’swhispercamecloseby.“We’llstickoutinourlight-coloredshirts.CanyougrabacoupleofyourblackT-shirts?”
“Rogerthat.”Kanefeltaroundthefloorforhershoesandpassedthemtoherthenslippedhisfeetintohisboots.
Dukescrambledtohisfeetandtippedhisheadfromonesidetotheotherasiflistening.Kanepattedthedogonthehead.“Stay.”
AsJennamovedsilentlythroughthehouseextinguishingthelights,Kanepaddedintothebedroom,draggedacoupleofblackT-shirtsfromthedresser,and,findingherwaitinginthedoorway,hetossedonetoher.“Putthison.I’llcheckthecameras.”
Hemovedstealthilydownthehallwaythenslippedintohisoffice,andafterclosingtheblinds,flickedontheflat-screenarray.Momentslater,Jennasneakedtohisside.Heleanedonthetableandpeeredintothescreens.“Whydidn’tyourhousealarmtriggerthefloodlights?”Heglancedather.“ThesensorsIinstalledmeansomeoneismovingclosetothecottage.Toodamnclose.”
“Ihavenoidea.”Sheglancedathimandpushedahandthroughhertousledhair.“IsetthealarmbeforeIlefthome.”
Intrigued,Kanestaredateachmonitorforanymovementoutside.“Wherearethey?”
“Ican’tseeanythingatall.Maybeit’sarabbitorsomething.”
Heshookhishead.“Nah,thesensorsaresetforchestheight,andwe’dseeabearifitwalkedin—theydon’texactlysneakaround.”
“Doyoureallybelieveanyonewhoknowsuswouldbestupidenoughtowalkinhere?”Jennaglancedupathimwithascowl.“Imean,really?”
Hestraightened.“Aftertherangeofpsychopathswe’vehaddriftingintotownoflate,anythingispossible.I’mgoingtotakealookoutthewindows.”
“I’llberightbehindyou.”
Adrenalinepumping,hekilledtheflatscreenstoblockanylightandslippedoutintothehall,thenmovedfromwindowtowindow,turkey-peekingoutsidetochecktheimmediatearea.Themoonlessnightwasasdarkasacave.“Ican’tseeadamnthingandmynight-visiongogglesareinmySUV.Maybeweshouldwaitandseehowthisplaysout.”
“Noway.”Jennaliftedherchin.“Ifsomeone’sbreakingintomyhouse,I’mgoingtoarrestthem.”
Concernedforhersafety,Kaneturnedandlookedathershadowedface.“Wedon’tknowthethreat,andafterthephonecallearlier,wecouldbewalkingintoatrap.”
“Ortheycouldbewalkingintoours.”Shetippedbackherheadandglaredathim.“Itcouldbeasimplebreakandenterorapervert—whothehellknows,butdammit,Dave,togetherwe’reabiggerthreat.”
AcarhornwailedoutsideandKaneheardJenna’ssharpintakeofbreath.Hetouchedherarmandhermusclesbunchedunderhispalm.Heturnedtoglanceather.“Okay.Whatdoyouwanttodo?”
“Whoeverisouttherehastobeprettystupidtosetoffmycaralarm.Unlesstheywanttoknowourposition.Withmycarparkedoutsidethehouse,theywouldn’tknowI’mherewithyou.”Jennagrabbedherkeysfromthetablethenmovedtothewindowandpointedthefobthroughtheglassathervehicle,stoppingthenoiseinablinkoflights.“Nowtheyareawareweknowthey’rehere.Isaywemeetthemheadon.Theyhaven’tgotourskills,andIsureashellwanttoknowwhoissneakingaroundmyhouseatnight.”
Hecouldn’targuewithherlogic.“Rogerthat.”
Inhisperiphery,hecaughtsightofadarkoutlineagainstthewhitewallofJenna’sranchhouse.Thefigurehesitatedthenmovedintheirdirection.“Unknownbogeyisbyyourlivingroomwindowandheadingthisway.Ifweleavebythebackdoor,wecouldtaketheadvantageandcomeroundbehindthem.”
“Takethelead.I’llwatchyourback.”Jenna’shandrestedfirmlyonhisbelt.
HestrodeswiftlytothebackdoorwithJennarightonhisheels,Glockraised.Hepunchedinthecodetodeactivatethealarm,easedopenthedoor,thenturnedtoherandloweredhisvoicetoawhisper.“Counttothreethenfollowme;keepyourbacktothewall.”
Acoldcertaintycreptoverhim,andbattle-readyheeasedoutofthedoorguninhand.Behindhim,Jennamovedwithoutmakingasoundandtheycreptdownthesteps.Silentlytheydashedalongthesideofthecottagethencrouchedatthecorner.Hesniffedtheairbutnostinkofbearhungonthebreeze.Afterbobbinghisheadaroundthecornerandseeingnotraceoftheintruder,hewavedherforward.Aftermakingavisualsearchoftheimmediatearea,heledthemtothefrontofthehouse.Thebackwallofthegarageobscuredtheviewofhisfrontdoorandheduck-walkedalongtheperimeter,listening.
Asoundlikeasplashcamefromnearby,toodarnclose,andfollowedbyaclatterassomethinghittheground.HeturnedandwavedJennabackthewaytheyhadcome.Anunholystenchroseup,burninghisnostrils,andbehindhim,heheardJennagag.Insidethehouse,Dukeletoutawail.ThesmellwasveryfamiliartoKaneandhepulledtheneckofhisT-shirtoverhisnose.
Theoverpoweringstinksurroundingthemwasdeath.
Aslightcrunchoffootstepsbrokethroughthesilenceasadarkfigureranupthedriveway.Kanedovearoundthegarageandsearchedthedarknessbuttheintruderhadslippedoutofview.
ThenextmomentJennawasathisside.
“Dammit,they’regettingaway.”Sheliftedherweaponandshottwiceintotheairthenraisedhervoice.“Stoporthenextonewillbeinyourback.”
Inthedistance,acarengineburstintolife,andwithashriekoftires,adarkshapebarreledoutfrombehindashedacrosstheroad,skiddedontotheblacktop,andspedawaywithoutusinglights.KanedroppedhisgunandturnedtoJenna.“Whothehellwasthatandwhatisthatstink?”
“Idon’tknowbutthey’relonggone.It’spointlessgivingchasenow.”Jennacoveredhernose.“Ifwehadaflashlightwecouldatleastfindoutwherethestinkiscomingfrom.”Shetuggedathisarm.“Idon’tthinkit’sagoodideatogotothefrontdoor.”
Kanestaredintothedarkness;nothingmoved.“Ihavemykeysinmypocket.I’llgettheflashlightoutofmycar.”
“Don’t.”Hersmallhandclosedtight,nailsdiggingintohisflesh.“You’llhavetogoinsidethegarageandwehavenoideaifanyoneislyinginwait.”Hervoicelowered.“Itcouldbeanambushorabomb.”Shelookedupathim,herfaceapaleshapeinthedarkness.“I’mnotriskingmyhouseeither;wehavenochoicebuttogobackthewaywecameandcallforbackup.”
Herubbedthebackofhisneck.Shedidhaveavalidpointandhefollowedhertothebackdoorofthecottage.“Ifthisisawell-organizedtrap,theycouldalsobeinmycottagebynowaswell.I’mnotsurewhatDukewoulddoifstrangerstriedtogetinside.Ifigurehewouldwelcomethem.Weshouldcheck.”
“Okay.”Jennaslidbackintotheshadows.
Hefollowedher,stickingclosetothewall.Whentheyreachedthebackdoor,hetouchedherbackthensignaledforhertobequiet.Helistenedintentlythenwhisperedclosetoherear,“MyfloorboardscreakandIcan’thearanyonewalkingaround.”Heedgedtowardtheopendoor.“Coverme.”
HeslidintothekitchenanddidareconnaissanceoftheentirehousewithDukeonhisheelsbeforecallingJennainside.“Allclear.”Heshutthedoorbehindher.“Thisisgettingstrangerbythesecond.”
Hemovedaroundtherooms,closingthedrapesthenswitchingonlights,andstoppeddeadatthesightofaredpoolofstinkingbloodoozingunderthefrontdoor.“Ohshit!”
24Coveringhernosewithherarm,Jennagapedatthespreadingcrimsonpool.“Callforbackup.”SheglancedatKane.“Ihopethere’snotadeadbodyhangingonyourdoor.”
“I’mmoreworriedaboutabomb.”Hescratchedthedarkstubbleonhischin.“Thebloodcouldbeaploytomakeusrushoutsideandtakealook,incasesomeoneisinjured.Theywouldexpectustofollowdutyofcareprotocol.”Heglancedaround.“It’snotsafehere.”
“Unlessthebombhasatimer,itisn’tgoingtoexplodeunlesswetriggerit,butI’mnottakinganychances.We’llwaitinthebarnjustincase.You’dbetterbringDuke.”JennamovedawayfromthedoorandfollowedKaneintothekitchen.“GetWolfeandRowleyouthere.Explainwhathappened.Tellthemtoproceedwithcautionandcallmebeforetheyentertheproperty.”Sheheadedtothebackdoor.
Astheyhurriedtowardthebarn,Kaneexplainedthesituationtothedeputies.Sheusedthekeypadonasideentrancetogainentrancetoadoorsetintothesideofthebarnthenturnedonthelights.WhenKanedisconnectedthecallsheledhimthroughthesteeldooranddownaflightofstairstoafullyfurnishedsaferoom.“Ihadhopednevertousethisplacebutithaseverythingweneedtoholeupuntilthecavalryarrives.”
“Nice.Ithoughtitwasastoragearea.”Hewhistledandstrolledaround,lookinginthebedrooms.“Thisplaceisalmostasbigasmycottage.Howcomeyou’venevertoldmeaboutitbefore?”
Sheshrugged.“It’sasaferoom,Kane.Tokeepmesafe.”
“Okay,Iunderstand.”Hedroppedintoachairatthesmallkitchentable.
Jennabusiedherselfbypullingoutthecoffeemakerandfixings.Itwaspromisingtobealongnight.Sheglancedathimoveroneshoulder.“I’mtryingtofigureoutwhymyalarmdidn’tactivatethemomentsomeonecamethroughthegate.Ifyourememberitwasworkingfinewhenwearrived.”
“Yeah,butyoudeactivateditwhenyouwentinsidetogetchanged,didn’tyou?”Heshrugged.“Maybeyouforgottoresetit?”
Runninghermovementsthroughhermind,sheshookherhead.Shehadforgottenonceafteranear-fatalaccidentandalwaysdouble-checkedsince.“No,Iclearlyrememberjugglingabottleofwineandpunchinginthecode.”
“Thenwhydidn’ttheintrudertriggerthelightswhentheycameontotheproperty?”
Acoldshiverrandownherspine.“Theycouldhavearrivedbeforeus.Thelightshaveadelayandcouldhavegoneoffagainbeforewearrived.Theydidn’tgetintothehousebecauseIdisabledthealarmwhenIwentinside.”Sheliftedhergazetohim.“Weknowwhoeverwashereparkedbehindtheoldshedacrosstheroad.”
“Theycouldhaveslippedinsideyourhousewhileyouwerechanginganddeactivatedthealarmafteryouleft.”Kanefrowned.
“How?Thedoorlockedbehindme.”
“There’sahundredways.Youwalkinandletthedoorswingshutbehindyouandsomeonecouldsneakupbehindyouandcatchthedoorbeforeitcloses.”
Dreadmadeherheartrace.“You’resayingtheywereinsidethehousewatchingmetogetthecode?”Shemethisgazewithashudder.“Iwonderwhat’swaitingformewhenIgethome.”
“You’llbefinebecauseI’mthetarget.Youhaven’treceivedanythreats.”Kanemovedtohersideandleanedhislargeframeagainstthekitchencounter.“Theyneededtimetocarryouttheirplan,andwithyouralarmandfloodlightsdeactivatedtheywouldhavehadplentyoftimetosetthingsup.”Hisgazeslidoverher.“Justaswelltheydidn’tknowaboutmysilentalarm.”
Awaveofpanicrushedoverherandshepushedbothhandsthroughherhair.“Howthehelldidtheyknowaboutmyalarm?”Shechewedonherbottomlip.“Iinstalleditmyself,andalthoughit’spossiblepeoplemightthinkIhavesensorlightsinthedriveway,whoevercameheretonightknewtheyarewiredintothealarm.”
“Ihavenoidea.”Kaneraisedoneeyebrowthenturnedaway.“It’sgoingtobealongnight.”
Shehandedhimacupofcoffee.“Really?Wecouldbesecondsawayfrombeingblowntopieces.”
25Jenna’scellphonerangandshedirectedRowleytoapproachthehouse.“Aimyourspotlightsonthefrontdoorofthecottagebutkeepwellback.”
“Yes,ma’am.”
“Whatcanyousee?”JennaputhercellphoneonspeakerandglancedatKane,whohadnotstoppedpacingupanddown.
“ThisisWolfe,ma’am.I’mlookingthroughbinocularsandseeingapatchofredliquidandanupturnedblackplasticbucket.Thereseemstobepiecesofpaperfloatinginthepuddleandanoteonthefrontdoor.NootherforeignobjectsintheimmediateareaandnothingIcanseeanywhereontheporchoranywiresatall,butanythingcouldbeundertheliquid.”
“Keepyourdistanceandputafewroundsintothegroundinfrontofthestep.”Kanemovedtoherside,towingDukeonaleash.“Theymayhaveplantedapressureplate;thebloodwouldcoverit.”
JennalistenedastheSUVdooropenedandWolfeusedhisrifle.Puttputtputt.Thensilence.
“Allclear,ma’am.”Rowley’svoicecamethroughthespeaker.
Sheheavedasighofrelief.“Holdyourposition.We’reinthebarnandwe’recomingout.”
AfterhandingKaneoneofherhalogenflashlights,sheledthewayoutofthesaferoom.TheyskirtedthecottageandsprintedtomeetWolfeandRowley.JennapeeredatKane’sfrontdoorandlookedatherdeputies.“Suggestions?”
“I’mfamiliarwithexplosivesandtripwires.I’lldoareconofthearea.”Kane’sexpressionwentdeathlyserious.“ButIsuggestweclearyourhousefirst,ma’am,asyoubelievesomeonehasbeeninside.”
JennaappreciatedthefactKanechangedfromfriendtodeputyinfrontoftheothers,andnodded.“Yeah,goodidea,butIdoubtanyonehadtimetoplantabombinmyhouse.”
“Itwouldonlytakeafewsecondstoslipadeviceintoyourhouse,ma’am.”WolfestrolledtothebackoftheSUV.“I’llgrabmykit.”
Thesmellofputridblooddriftedtowardheronthebreeze.SheglancedupatKane.“Whateverhappenshere,youcan’tstayinthecottagetonight.Youwillhavetobunkwithme.Unlessyouwanttotakearoomintown?”
“I’mnotleavingyououtherealoneandIdoubtthemotelallowsdogs.”Kane’sexpressionwasunreadableinthedark.“Iwouldratherbeclosebywithalunatichangingaround.”Herubbedhisnoseandgrimaced.“DoyouknowagoodcleaningservicewhoworksonSundays?”
Jennachuckled.“YoumeanapartfromCleanasaWink?”ShetooktheglovesWolfeofferedherandpulledthemon.“Yeah,Iknowacleanupcrew.I’llcallthemfirstthinginthemorning.”
“Noneed,ma’am.”Wolfegaveherareassuringsmile“Oncewe’vecheckedoutthearea,bleachandahosing-downwillfixit.PlusI’msureyoudon’twanttoadvertisethefactsomeoneisstalkingKane.”
“I’mnotbeingstalked.”Kanegavehimareproachfulglare.“Vandalizedandthreatened,maybe,butwhoeverdidthisistryingtomakeapoint.”
“Really?”Wolfesnorted.“Thenwhyarewecheckingforbombs?Iftheywantedyoutostopthepedophiles,theywouldn’tbetryingtokillyouorSheriffAlton.”HeglaredatKane.“Thisisthekillerwarningyouoff.”
Jennaclearedherthroat.“Standdown,thepairofyou.We’lldoasweepoftheareajustincasethereareanyexplosives.Inthissituation,wecan’tbetoocareful.Whateverthereason,mysecuritywasbreached.”Sheglaredatthem.“Stayalert.”
SheturnedtoseeRowleylookingatherwithawide-eyed,startledexpression.Heryoungdeputywassuper-efficientbutseemedtowiltifshebarkedattheoldermen.“Yes,whatisit?”
“We’llneedmorevests,ma’am.”RowleypulledtwofromthebackoftheSUV.HehandedheroneandgavetheothertoKane.
“Ihavetwointhebackofmycar.”ShetossedKanethekeys.“Don’tforgettocheckunderneathforbombsbeforeyouopenthedoor.”
Whenhegaveheralong,coldstare,shecouldhaveswallowedhertongue.HowcouldshehaveforgottenKane’swifehaddiedinacarbombingbeforesheopenedherbigmouth?Herfacegrewhot.“I’mgladyou’reanexpertonexplosivedevices.”
“SoamI.”Kane’smouthformedathinlinewhenhehandedherDuke’sleash.“Betterkeephimhere.Hemaytriggeratripwire.”
Shecouldsensethebadmemoriescrushingdownonhimasshetookthedog’sleash.“Okay.”
“I’llhelpKane,ma’am.”Wolfescoopedthevestfromherhandsandshruggedintoit.“Notthatavestwilldomuchtostopanexplosion.”HestrodetowardherSUV,flashlightinhand.
SheglancedatRowley.“Don’task.”
“Iwouldn’tthinkofit,ma’am.”Rowley’sdarkgazenarrowed.“WhodoyouthinkhasitinforDeputyKane?”
Jennakeptherattentionfixedonherdeputies.Shenoticedthecarefulwaybothmensurroundedhercar,peeringunderneathandmovingtheirflashlightsinalldirections.“Hehadacallearlierthiseveningwarninghimoff.Thismightbeaploybythekillertogethimtostanddown.Theyobviouslydon’tknowhimverywell.”
“Themurderswerealloverthenewsthiseveningbutnothingwasleakedaboutthelinkstothegirlsyoufound.”Rowleytippedbackhishatandscratchedhishead.“WhywouldtheythreatenKane?Hisreputationisuntouchableandthelocalsknowit.”
WhenKaneopenedthebackofherSUVandpulledoutthevests,sheheavedasighofrelief.SheshruggedandturnedbacktoRowley.“Mostkillersdon’tthinklogically.WhoeveriskillingthepedophilesbelievestheyaredoingacommunityserviceandfigureKaneisgettingintheirway.Hewasinterviewingsuspectstodayandmaybegotclosetothe
“Icouldseewhytherewouldbeasplitopinion.”Rowleywalkedbesideherandgaveheranuncomfortablestare.“Peoplewhowereabusedaskidsandparentswholostkidstothesecreepswouldbehappysomeoneiskillingthem.”Heclearedhisthroat.“Wewanttocatchthemandbringthemtojustice.Icanseebothsidesoftheargument.”
Jennastoppedwalking;shehadtoadmitshecouldseebothsidestoo,butherjobwastoenforcethelaw.“Wefollowtheletterofthelawandpersonalopinionsdon’tapply.Notever.”
“Yes,ma’am.”
AfterwaitingforKaneandWolfetoclearherhouse,sheheadedupthestepsintimetoseeKanecheckingthealarmsystem.“Findanythinginteresting?”
“Youtellme.”Kane’smouthtwitchedashehelduptwowirestornfromthemainbox.“Thefloodlights,Igather?Itdidn’ttakeatech-headtoworkoutthewiring.Thelabelyoustuckonthecontrolpanelisadeadgiveaway.”Heraisedoneeyebrowandhislipsquiveredasheattemptedtosmotheragrin.“GivemeafewsecondsandI’llhavethesereattached.”
“Whataboutprints?”Sheunhitchedthedog’sleashthenmovedtoKane’sside.
“Wipeddown.”Wolfecameupthepassagewayandpointedtoasmallscuffontheflooroutsidethebroomcloset.“Iwouldsaytheyparkedacrosstheroadbehindthebarnthenwalkedherebeforeyouarrived.Kanementionedhedroveintohisgarage.Youhaveaseven-minuteturnoffdelayonthelights,sohehadplentyoftimetoreturntothehouse,isthatcorrect?”
“Yes,Ijoggedtothehouse,wentinside,anddisabledthealarm,gotchanged,re-setthealarm,andcamebackhere.Thelightswereworkingfinethen.”
“Theyhidthebucketofbloodsomewhereclose.”Wolfesighed.“Theyfollowedyouinsideandhidinhere.”Heswungopenthedoorofasmallcupboardandshonehisflashlightinside.Thereareafewsmudgesofsoilbutnofootprints.WhenyouwenttoKane’stheydisabledthefloodlightsandalarm.”
“HowdidtheyknowyouplannedtogoovertoKane’scottagetonight?”Rowley’squestioninggazemovedbetweenthem.
“WewenttodinnerattheCattleman’sHotel.Itwascrowded—anyonecouldhaveseenusarriveinmyvehicle.Wechattedaboutwatchingamovieoverdinner.”Kanerubbedhischin.“It’spossiblesomeoneoverheardus.Theywouldhavehadplentyoftimetogetherebeforeusandsetthisup,ortheyjustgotlucky.”
Jennachewedonherfingernails,thinking.“Wespendalotofdowntimetogether.Ifsomeonehasbeenwatchingus,theywouldassumewe’dspendsometimetogetheraftergoingforameal.Weusuallydo.”
“Justaminute.”Wolfeheldupafingerthenturnedbacktothefrontdoor.“Doyouoftenuseawedgetokeepthedooropen?”
Jennafollowedhim.“No,never.”
“InoticedthiswhenIcameupthesteps.”Wolfepointedtoasmallwedgeofwoodontheporch.“Comeoutsideandclosethedoor.”Heledtheway.
Jennacompliedandwatchedasheslidthewoodenwedgenearthedoorhingeandthefloor.
“Okay,Iwantyoutogoinsideasyouwouldnormally.”Wolfehandedherthebunchofkeysshehadgivenhim.
Sheusedthekeystoopenthedoor,strolledinside,andallowedthedoortoswingshutbehindher.Afewmomentslater,thedoorswungopenandWolfesmiledather.“Thewedgepreventedthedoorfromclosingcompletelybutnotenoughforyoutonotice.”
“OhmyGod.”Jennashookherheadindisbelief.“Iwonderifthekillerwasseatedbesideusatdinner?”
“Ican’tbelieveyoudidn’tnoticeifasuspectwascloseby.”Wolfe’sastonishedexpressionmovedoverKane’sface.“Think.Didyounoticeanyoneatall?”
“Peoplewerecomingandgoingallthetime;nobodyinparticularregisteredwithme.Tobehonest,Iwasn’tlookingforathreat.Iwasconcentratingondiscussingthecaseandeating.”
Jennasighed.“Mr.DaviswaschattingtoGeorgeMillerandhiswifewhenwearrivedbutnoneofthemareonourlistofsuspects.”
“Yeah,Inoticedtheminthelobby.”Kaneclearedhisthroat.“Ifwe’redonehere,I’dliketocheckoutthecottagenow,ma’am.Withthefloodlights,itshouldbeeasyenoughtofindanytripwires.”HepattedDukeonthehead.“Stayhere,boy.”Hepickeduptheflashlightandheadedoutthedoor.
Jennaturnedtotheotherdeputies.“Don’tjuststandthere,let’sgo.”Shefollowedthemoutthedoor.
“Ma’am.”Wolfestrodebesideher.“LeavethistoKaneandme.Wehavespecializedtraininginthisarea.”
Theyseemtobespecializedineverything.Shegavehimacurtnod.“Okay,we’llkeepawayfromanypotentialblastzone.Becareful.Don’tforgetyouhavekidsathome.”
“Notforasecond.”WolfeflashedheroneofhisraresmilesthenjoggedtoKane’sside.
Herheartracedasherdeputiescheckedthearea.Astheymovedaround,sheheardKane’sdeepvoicecallout,“Clear.”
WhenWolfecrouchedatthecrimsonpoolatthefrontdoorandKanebenttotakephotographswithhiscellphonecamera,shewantedtorunovertothembutkeptherdistance.Ifitwasacrimescene,thefewerpeoplestampingaroundthebetter.Bytheloweredvoices,herdeputieshadfoundsomethingsignificantandherheartpoundedinanticipation.MomentslaterKanewavedherforward.
“Clear.”
JennatookthefacemaskKaneheldouttoherandpusheditoverhernose.Thesmellwasdisgusting.“Whatdowehave?”
“Wolfeisdoingatestonthebloodbuthethinksit’sanimal;ithasfurinit,maybefromacow.”Kaneindicatedtothepuddleandhismouthturneddown.“Inthebloodarephotocopiesofoldnewspapers.Wolfewillhavetocleanthemupbutfromwhatwecanseefromtheheadlines,theyallfeaturemissingkids.”
ThesightofblooddrippingfromtheinnocentsmilingfacesdepictedinthenewspapersmadeJenna’sstomachclench.Shemovedcloser,tryingtoreadtheheadlines.“Someofthemlookold,yellowed.”
“Yeah,they’reallcutfromoldnewspapers.”KanemovedhisflashlighttoafewWolfehadlaidinalineonthegrass.“Someofthearticlesaremorethantenyearsold.Wolfewillbeabletogetallthepertinentinformationandthenamesofthejournalists.”
“Howmanykids?”
“Six,andallmissinggirls.”Kane’seyessearchedherfacethenhemovedhisflashlightontohisfrontdoor.“Thenthere’sthis.”
ScrawledovertheimagesofAmosPriceandElyDorseywerethewords:“Monsterskillkids”.JennaturnedtoKaneandwavedahandatthenewspaperarticles.“OhmyGod,doyouthinktheymeanPriceandDorseykilledthesechildren?”
“Itsurelooksthatway.”Kaneremovedhisgloveswithasnap,andhistroubledgazemovedtoherface.“Withbothofthemdead,wehavenoideawheretheyburiedthebodies.Weonlyhaveoneoption.”
Jennafrownedathim.“Yeah,Iknow.Wehavetofindthevigilantebeforetheyfinishtheirkillingspree.”
26ParkedinthebushesoppositethejunctionleadingtoSheriffAlton’sranch,shesatinhercartinglingwithexcitementfromhercloseencounterwiththelawandwatchedtheroad.Sweatsoakedhershirtandherheartstillracedfromsprintingfromthesheriff’sranch.IthadbeenastrokeoflucktobestandingatthereceptioncounteroftheCattleman’sHotelwhenDeputyKanecalledtomakeareservation.Ithadgivenherplentyoftimetoworkoutaplan.
Outwittingthesheriffwouldnotbeeasy,andsheactuallyadmiredhergrit.JennaAltonwasonetoughcookieandnoteasilyswayedbyemotion.ShewonderedhowthesheriffwouldreactwhenshecalledKanetogivehimthenextclue.
ShecouldneverexplaintoKanehowsheknewwheretofindthemissinggirls.ShewouldsendhimtotheisolatedCraig’sRockthendownthemountaintoOldCorkey’splace—adesertedcabinashortdistancefromwhereoneofthemonsterslived.Thatwouldkeepthesheriffandherteamoccupiedforatleastoneday.
Awaveofanticipationofwhatwastocomethrummedthroughherasshestaredintothedarknessatthesheriff’sranch.Sometimehadpassedsinceacruiserflewpastwithlightsflashing,andinthedistance,ahaloofilluminationemanatedfromthesheriff’sproperty.ItsurelookslikeIhaveyourattentionnow.Timeforstagetwo.
27AwelcomecoolbreezeliftedKane’shairandbroughtwithitthearomaofpineforests.Hetookafewstepsawayfromthecottagetoenjoyalungfulofcleanair.HereluctantlystrolledbacktothefrontdoorandglancedoveratRowley.Theyoungdeputy’shairwasstucktohisfacewithsweat.ItwaswaypasttwointhemorningandRowleyhadworkednon-stoptocleanupthecottagewithhimafterWolfehadgonehometobewithhiskids.Theyhadspentmostofthenightscrubbingdownwallsandhosingawayblood.
Kanestraightenedhisachingbackandyawned.“Thatwilldo,I’mbushed.Thanksforyourhelp,Jake.”
“Itsmellsokayoutherenowatleast.”Rowleydroppedaspongeintoabucketandpeeledoffrubbergloves.“DoyouthinkDeputyWolfewillbeabletosavethenewspaperarticles?”
“Yeah,he’llphotographthem.Hehassoftwaretobringouttheprint.”Kaneremovedhisgloves.“I’msurewe’llbeabletogetcopiesviathelibraryarchives,ifallelsefails.”
“Great.”Jakepushedahandthroughhisbrownwavyhair.“I’llheadonhomenow.”
“Andupsetoursheriff?”Kanesmiledathim.“Sheinvitedustosleepoverandtrustme,thehotchocolateandcookieswaitingforuswillbeworthit.”Hewinced.“I’dlovetosleepinmyownbedtoobutthecottagestillhaseaudedeath”HeindicatedtoDukeasleepinthebushes.“Eventhedogwon’tgoinside.”Hegrinned.“Soareyoustaying?”
“Okay.Doyouthinksheisindangerfromthiscrazy?”Rowleyrubbedhisdimpledchin.“Althoughyoulooklikethetargetatthemoment.”
KaneshruggedandstaredatJenna’shouse.“Someonefollowedherintoherhouseundetected,sothey’regood,realgood.Ithastobethesamepersonwhocalledme.Ithinktheyaresendingmeamessagetoleavethemtoadministerstreetjustice.”
“Weareallinvestigatingthemurders.Whytargetyouandnotthesheriff?”
“IguessbecauseI’vebeeninterviewingwomenwhosufferedabuseasachild.”Kanecollectedthescrubbingbrushesanddroppedthemintoanemptybucket.“ThekillerbelievesIgetathrilloutofhearingthemspeakaboutchildabuse.”
“Andyou’reaman.”Rowleystoodwithhisfistsballedonhisnarrowhips.“ThesherifftoldmeaboutyourearlymorningworkoutssoIgathershecanhandleherselfprettywell.”
“Jennacouldtakemostpeopledownsingle-handedbutthat’snottheproblem.Whoevermanagedtogetinsideherhousemoveslikeashadowandtheyarefit.Theytookoffrunningatimpressivespeedaftertheysprayedmyhousewithblood.”HeglancedatRowley.“Don’tworry.IdoubtJennawillletanyonegetthebetterofheragain.”
“Ihaven’tseenherfightbutshesuredoesn’tmessaroundwhenshe’smakingarrests.”Rowleygrinned.“ShetookonRockfordwhenshefoundhimcreepingaroundherhouseandheisabigguy.”
“Sheisn’tweakbutRockfordhadlosttheelementofsurprise.HewokeherandshewasabletograbherGlockanddealwiththeasshole.”Kanesuckedinadeepbreaththencoughedoutthechemicaltasteinhismouth.“It’stheonesyoudon’thearthatarethemostdangerous.Surpriseattackskillmorepeoplethanbyothermeans.I’dsayifanintruderhadaknifeandgotthejumponanyofus,theycouldinflictalotofdamage.”Hesighed.“Justtobesafe,I’dliketomakesurehersecuritysystemisfullyfunctionalandI’mtooexhaustedtodealwithitnow.Fixingthelightswaseasy.”
“I’dsayshe’llbeasleepanyway.”RowleyglancedovertoJenna’shouse.“Ineedtotakeashowerandgetoutofthesestinkingclothes,butitfeelsstrangedoingthatatyourboss’shouse.”
Kanechuckled.“Iknowwhatyoumean.You’rewelcometousemyspareroomtoshowerandchangeifyoudon’tmindthesmell?”SeeingJenna’sshadowmoveinfrontofthewindow,heliftedhischin.“We’dbettergetamoveon.Sheisawakeandnodoubtwaitingforus.”
“Okay,thanks,Iappreciateit.I’llgrabthebagfrommycar.”Momentslater,Rowleyfollowedhiminsideandglancedaround.“It’sbiggerthanitlooksfromtheoutside.”
“Yeah,Igatheritwasbuiltfortheranchmanagersomehundredyearsago.”Kaneledthewaydownthepassagethenpointedacrossthehall.“Everythingyouneedisinthere.”
Fifteenminuteslater,KanesatatJenna’skitchentablesippinghotchocolate.Hisheadthrobbedandhehadinhaledenoughchemicalstodropanelephant.Heraisedsoreeyestoherface.“I’llbegladtohitthesack.It’sbeenalongday.I’mstartingtolooklikemydog.”Herubbedthehound’shead.
“Iwon’tbeabletosleep.”Jennanibbledonthecookieshehaddippedinherhotchocolate.“Mymindisinoverdrivetryingtofigureoutwhatthehellisgoingon.”Shesippedthebeverageandhergazeboreintohimovertherimofthecup.“I’musedtokillersdoingthedeedthengettingthehelloutofDodge,notdroppingbyforavisitandmakingthreateningcalls.”ShedirectedherattentiontowardRowley.“Iwouldreallyliketofindoutifthevigilantesuspectsknoweachother.Thesupportgroupideaissomethingweneedtoexplore.”Shesighed.“Ifeellikewe’regoingroundincircles.Didyoufindanyassociatesofthemurdervictims?”
“We’vefoundafewpeoplewhoknewthemurderedmenbutnoneofthemarefriends.Allsaythesamething:Theydidn’tsocialize.”Rowley’sdarkgazeliftedfromhiscup.“Therehastobealink.”
“Ithinkit’sobvious.”Kaneshrugged.“Wehavethreemurdersuspects,allvictimsofchildabuse.Allthewomen,includingtheyounggirlZoe,mentionedthemenworemasks.Thatisthelink.Themenarethesamegroupofpeopleandhavebeendoingthisforyears.”
“Whydoyouthinkallthesuspectsareinvolved?”Rowleyplacedhiscuponthetableandyawned.“Youmadementioninthemurderbooksthatallthesuspectswereintownonthesameday.”
“Ididwonderifthewomencontactedeachotherbuthowwouldtheyknowtheirnames?Thecourtsandmediawithholdthenamesofabusevictims.”Shedrummedherfingernailsonthepolishedwoodentabletop.“Unlessthevigilantefollowedthenewspaperstoriesaboutmissingkids.Iftheyturnedupalive,maybetheycontactedthemlaterinlife?”
“So,wecouldhaveagroupofwomenkillingthemenwhohurtthem?”Rowleylookedinterested.“Themotiveisthere.Theywouldwanttostopthembeforetheyhurtanotherkid.”
“Youcouldberight.WhoevercalledKaneandvandalizedhishousehasgivenusaclearindicationthereisagroupofmenkidnapping,molesting,andmurderingkids.”Jennagrimaced.“Iwanttofindoutwhoisinthispedophilering;thenwe’llbeabletocatchthekillerbeforetheystrikeagain.”
“Easiersaidthandone.”Kaneswallowedthebilecreepinguphisthroat.“TheycouldbeoperatingrighthereinBlackRockFallsunderournoses.”
“Exactly.IhopeWolfehasalistofthemissingkidsfromthenewspapersbymorning.FromwhatIcouldseetheyareaspreadfromneighboringcounties.”
TheideaofsomanykidsdyingbythehandsofchildmolesterssentajoltofadrenalinefloodingthroughKane.Thewearinesssubsidedandhismindzoomedinonthefactsofthecase.“Yeah,andgoingwayback,sometenyearsorso.It’sgoingtobeonehellofajobtrackingdowncoldcasesandwe’llbeupagainstjurisdictionproblems.”
“Idon’tgiveadamnaboutjurisdiction.”Jennashothimacoldglare.“I’llcontacttheothersheriff’sdepartmentspersonallyandaskfortheircooperation,whichwillbegiven.Thelocaljudgeswillofferupsearchwarrantswithoutaproblemifwehaveprobablecause.”Shenibbledonacookie.“Wehavetobreakthispedophileringfortworeasons:onetostopthevigilante,andtwotopreventanotherkidfrombeingkidnapped.Iwantaround-the-clockinvestigation.IhaveWalterstakingthe911callsonSunday.
Kanenoddedinagreement.“ThenewdeputiesseemveryefficientandI’msuretheycanholdthefortwithWalterswhiletherestofusdothegruntwork.”
“Yeah,Iagree.”Jennareachedforanothercookie.“Iwanttoberightinthemiddleofthisinvestigation.IshouldhavebeenwithyouwhenyouinterviewedthevigilantesuspectsbutIdidn’twanttolosetheopportunitytospeaktoZoe.”
Kaneshookhishead.“Withtwocasesonthego,youhadlittlechoicebuttosplittheworkload.WecoveredlotofgroundandhaveAngeliqueBoovaltointerviewonMonday.MaybewecanspeaktotheBlackwatersocialworkeraswell.Theymightbeabletogiveusalistofsupportgroupsinthearea.”
“Ican’timagineakillerattendingasupportgroup.”Jennapushedalockofblackhairbehindoneearandsighed.“ThenIhavenoideawhattypeofcrazywe’redealingwiththistime.”
“Thisyear,I’veseendifferenttypesofkillers.”RowleyglancedatKane.“Fromwhatyousay,thistypeoflunaticcomesinmanyvarieties.”
Kaneyawnedandcoveredhismouth.“Yeah,therearemanydifferentclassesofkiller.”
“Knowingwhattypetheyaremakesadifference.”JennaglancedatRowley,placedhercuponthetable,andstretched.“Theyareallcrazy,andthevigilanteisanotherrunguptheladdertowhatwe’vebeenusedtooflate.”
“Wouldyouclassamanwhokillsinarage,saywhenhefindshiswifecheatingonhim,thesametypeofkillerasthemanwhomurderedtheschoolgirlslastsummer?”Rowleyranahandthroughhishair,makingitstandupinalldirections.“Yousaidhewasapsychopath,sowhatisthedifference?”
KanewantedtosleepbutheowedRowleyanexplanation.“Inverysimpleterms:Inacrimeofpassion,likeyourfirstexample,themenareblindedbyfurysoreallydidn’tknowwhattheyaredoing.Ifitisawifeorloverwhohashurtthemtheyusuallyattacktheface.Theyusuallyshowremorseorareshockedtheyhavekilledsomeone.Apsychopathmayormaynotplanamurderbuttheyhavenofeelingstowardtheirvictim.Thekillingsatisfiesaselfishneedinthem,andmostofthetimeintheirmindstheydon’tseemurderingaswrong.Someofthemtrulybelieveit’snormaltokillpeople.”
“That’sterrifying.”Rowleysippedhisdrink.“Fromwhatyousaidaboutthevigilante,theyknowwhattheyaredoing.Iwouldsaytheyarewell-plannedrevengemurders.”Hisfacewentblankasifdeepinthought.“So,thisissomeonewhodoesn’tfitneatlyintoeithercategory?”
Kaneleanedforward.“Mostpsychopathsaredrivenbyatrigger.Somethingbadthathappenedtothemasachild.Myguessisourkillerisfemaleandsufferedabuseasachild.Shemayhaveheardorseensomethingthattriggeredthekillingspree.Tauntingmeisanothertraitbecausetheybelievetheyhavesuperiorintelligenceandcanoutwitus.Theycan’t.Eventuallytheymakemistakes.Thefirstonewascontactingmeandthesecondwascomingheretonight.”
Jenna’seyesflashed.“Andthethirdwasunderestimatingme.”
28SUNDAY
Jennahadwokenateightandstrolledoutofherroomthefollowingmorningdressedinherworkoutgear.Shewenttothekitchenfollowingthedeliciousaromaoffreshcoffee.ShefoundKanelookingasfreshasadaisy,nursingasteamingcupofjoe.“Goodmorning.Thanksformakingthecoffee.”
“Mypleasure.I’verepairedyouralarmaswellbutyoumightwanttoaskWolfetogiveitanupgrade.”Hesmiled.“Ithoughtyou’dwanttoworkout,soIwenthome,fedDuke,andchanged.Oh,andRowleyheadedhome.Hewillmeetusattheofficeatten.Hehadtofeedhisdogtoo.”
“Whereishe?Duke,Imean.”
“Asleepinhisbasket.Ithinkwekepthimuptoolatelastnight.”Hechuckleddeepinhischest.“Doyouknowhesnores?Truly,andherunsinhissleep.”
Jennapouredacupofcoffeeandaddedthefixings.“Helooksgoodnow.Ican’tbelieveheisthesamedog,andnotaviciousboneinhisbody.AfterbeingmistreatedIthoughthewouldbedifferent.”
“Heisahounddog;they’renotknownforhavingabadtemperament.Heisgentleandveryclean.Whoevergavehimtothesheltermusthavebeennuts.”Kanesmiledwarmly.“Ihaven’thadadogsinceIwasakid.He’sgreatcompany.”
Jennasmiledathim,likingtheglimpseintohissecretpast.“Heisluckytohaveyou.”
“Thanks.”Kaneleanedhiswideframebackinthechair,makingitcreakinprotest.“Ifwegointotheofficeearly,maybewecanbedoneintimetolookatthosehorses?”
Jennafinishedhercoffeeandstood.Sheneededagoodsolidworkouttoclearherhead.“Maybe.Areyoureadyformetokickyourass?”
“Leadtheway.”Kane’sblueeyessparkledinamusement.“Iguessyoucantry.”
Beforeshelefthome,JennacalledWolfeanddiscoveredhehadwastednotimeincollectingtheinformationfromthenewspaperarticles.“That’sgreatnews.Youmusthaveworkedallnight.”
“Yeah,Iworkedlastnightbutifyou’regoingintotheofficethismorningI’llemailittoyou,unlessyouneedmetoreportforduty,ma’am.”
“JustsendthelistandwecandiscussanythingelseonMonday.”Jennafrowned.ShedidnotintendtostealhisentireSundaywithhiskids.“Ithinkyou’vedonemorethanenoughthisweekend.Thankyou,Iappreciatedyouputtingintheovertime.”
“It’sallpartofthejob,ma’am.I’llseeyouonMondayunlessthekillerstrikesagain.”
Smotheringayawn,Jennadraggedahandthroughherhair,notsureifshehadbrushedit,andsighed.“Ihopenot.SeeyouonMonday.”
Shedisconnectedandgulpeddownherthirdcupofcoffeeinanefforttodriveawaytheexhaustion.Thecaseshadgnawedatherandshehadtossedandturnedbeforefallingasleep.TheworkoutwithKanehadbeenbrutal,andnowshehadfallenintotheslumpfromtheadrenalinerush.Shefilledhertakeoutcupswithcoffeeandheadedforthedoor,gladtoseeKanewaitinginhisblackrigforher.Hisoffertodriveherintotheofficehadbeenmostwelcomeandshewouldenjoythecompany.
SheopenedthedoorandnoticedDuke’sheadhangingoverthebackseat.ShelookedatKaneandraisedoneeyebrowinquestion.“Isheanewrecruit?”Sheslidintotheseatanddepositedthetravelcupsintheconsole.
“Doyoumind?”Kanelookedchagrined.“Ididpromisetotakehimforawalkintheforest.Youdoknowhecantrackapersonbytheirclothing.”
ShegazedatDuke’sbloodshoteyes.“Hedoesn’tlookasifhehastheenergytokeephiseyesopenletalonetrackanyone.”
“Heisfitterthanyouthink.”Kane’smouthtwitchedupatthecornersashestartedthecar.
Shefastenedherseatbelt.“Ifwecanprocessalltheinformationwe’vecollectedforbothcasesforMondaymorningbeforelunch,I’llcomewithyoutolookatthehorses,butIwantbootsonthegrounduntilwesolvethesecases.”
“Sure,I’llbegladofthecompany.”Kanesmiledather.“I’llbeinterestedtoseewhatinfoWolfegotfromtheoldnewspapers.”
Jennastaredoutthewindowatthegreenfieldsflyingby,notreallylistening.AllshecouldthinkaboutwasfindingZoelockedinthecage.Sheunderstoodthefearofbeingatthemercyofbrutalmen.Herflashbackswereaconstantreminder.WhenKaneclearedhisthroatinanunnaturalway,sheglancedoverathim.“Sorry,didyousaysomething?”
Herepeatedthequestion.
“Yeah,we’llhavenamesofmissinggirlsandwheretheylivedatleast.”Shesighed.“Theyseemedtohavevanishedintothinair.”
Kaneflickedheraglancethenreturnedhisattentiontotheroad.“Theearliercases—opportunisticI’dsay,maybebysnatchingkidswalkinghomealone.Weknowpedophilesfrequentonlinechatroomstoprocurekids.Theyoftenliketoshareexperiencesaswellbutthesemenarebeingextracareful.”
“Aswe’vedrawnablankonthemurdervictims’associatesandtheFBIhavecomeupwithzip,wecan’tmoveforwardonthemurdercasesuntilweinterviewAngeliqueBoovalandtheBlackwatersocialworker.Ifigureweshouldstartbyfollowinguponthemissingkids’casesfromthenewspapercuttingsleftinfrontofyourcottage.Nowwehaveaccesstostatewidedatabases,wecancheckeachname.”Jennapushedherhairbehindoneear.“Ifanyofthemarealive,theymighthaveinformationwecoulduse.”
“WhataboutJane?”
“I’mstillwaitingfortheall-cleartovisitheragain.Nowshehashadtimetogetovertheshock,shemightbeabletogiveussomemoreinformation.”
“Ihopeso.Ithinkfindingthejournalistswhowrotethestorieswouldbebeneficial.Writinganarticleonamissingkidwouldbehardtoforget.”Kaneturnedontothehighwayandtheyfollowedaslow-movingtractor.“Theyoftenhavetheoriestheycan’tprintaboutsuspects.Itwouldbeworthfollowinguponthemjustincasewegetaleadonthepedophilering.”
Jennapickeduphercoffeecupandsipped,allowingtherichbrewtorunoverhertongue.“Goodidea,butasthosemissinggirlscamefromalloverthestate,I’mgoingtorunPriceandDorseythroughtheMontanaSexualandViolentOffenderRegistryandseeiftheyhavebeenactiveinothertowns.Theyoftenlistknownassociatesaswell.”Sheglancedathim.“WeknowaboutStewartJamesMacgregor,themagician,andI’msureIreceivedanemailwhenhewasreleasedfromjail.Ididn’tred-flaghimbecausehewasclassedasreformedandaminimalthreat.”
“Theycan’tbereformed.”Kanesnortedinderision.“Itisasexualpreferencethey’llneverchange.”Hepulledupoutsidethesheriff’sdepartmentandliftedtheothercupofcoffeefromtheconsole.“RowleyhasalreadyarrivedanditlookslikeWebberhasvolunteeredaswell.”
Jennaheavedasighofrelief.“Great,weneedallthehelpwecanget.”Sheslidfromthecarandheadedforthedoor.
Shewalkedtoheroffice,passingRowleychattingtoWebber.“Inmyoffice,deputies.”
Afterwaitingforherdeputiestositdown,shewenttothewhiteboardandpickedupthemarkerthensplittheboardintwodownthecenter.“Wearedealingwithtwocases.Theyareintertwinedbutweneedtotakeaseparateapproachtobothofthem.”ShewroteVigilantekillerononesideoftheboardandPedophileringontheotherthenlistedthevictimsandsuspects.
Sheturnedtofacethem.“I’mgoingtorunthenamesofthevigilantekiller’svictimsthroughtheSexualandViolentOffenderRegistry.Withanyluck,iftheyhavecommittedanoffenseanywhereinthestate,thearrestingofficerwillhavealistofknownassociates.”Shemovedbacktoherdeskandsatdownthenturnedonhercomputerandwaitedforheremailstodownload.ShelocatedthefileWolfehadsentherandprintedfourcopies.“DeputyWolfehasemailedmealistofthenamesofthemissingkids,dates,andthenamesofthejournalistsinvolvedwiththecases.”Sheliftedthecopiesfromtheprinterandscannedthem.“Okay,wehavesixkids.Rowley,youtakethetopthree,andWebber,youtakethelastthree.Feedthenamesintothestatedatabaseandseeifyougetahit.Youwillbelookingforjuvenilemissingpersons’reports.Next,Iwantyoutofindacontactnumberforthereporter.Youwouldbesurprisedhowusefultheycanbeifyouspeaktothemofftherecord.”Shepulledouthernotebookandcheckedthelistshehadmadeovernight.“Kane,IwantalistofallknownassociatesofLizzyHarperandPattieMcCarthy;maybethrowAngeliqueBoovalintothepotaswell.Findoutiftheyareinvolvedinanyclubsorgroups.”
Notoneofthedeputiesmadeasound,andapartfromthestrongscentofavarietyofaftershaves,shewouldnothaveknowntheywerethere.Shelookedupfromhernotebookattheirunblinkingstares,handedthecopiestothedeputiesthensighed.“Whatareyouwaitingfor?Livesareatrisk,getamoveon.”MaybeIneedtostartcrackingawhip.
29DreadhadhungoverChrisJenkinslikeastormcloudthemomenttheimageofAmosPriceflashedontohisTVscreen,andthefeelinghadgottenworsewiththenewsofthecopsfindingElyDorsey’sdeadbodyinamotel.HisfingershaditchedtocallBobby-Joe,butkeepingtothecodethey’ddevisedtopreventanyoutsidersfromdiscoveringtheirfriendship,heclimbedintohisSUVandheadedupthemountainroadtoBobby-Joe’shouse.
AfterparkingsomewayfromthelockedentrancetoBobby-Joe’sprivateroad,heheadedonfoottotheold,dilapidatedcabin.Ashewalkedthroughthepinetrees,hedidaslowscanoftheareatomakesureBobby-Joewasalone.Satisfied,hedashedacrosshisfrontyardandenteredthehousebythebackdoor.Thekitchenwasempty,dirtydishesoverflowedthesink,andtheplacestunkofgarbageandstalebeer.“Bobby-Joe.Whereareyou,man?”
“Hereinthebedroom.I’mtalkingtomyhoney.”
ChriswipedthesweatfromhisbrowandstrolledintoBobby-Joe’sbedroom.Bobby-Joewasseatedatthecomputerandtypingaresponsetosomeoneinanonlinechatroom.“Weneedtotalk.Didyouseethenews?”
“Yeah,justaminute.”Bobby-Joetypedsomemorethenspunaroundinhisseat.“Man,IhavethissweetthingonthehookandI’vefoundtheperfectplacetotakeher.Acabinreasonablyclosetotheroadandnoonegoesneartheplacethistimeoftheyear.Icouldparkonthefireroadandwalkthere.”Hegrinnedwidely.“Sheisalreadywillin’tomeetme.Wouldyoubelievesheiscomingonherbicycle?”Hechuckledandwinkedathim.“Ifyou’relookingforaniceplace,wecouldmaybemeetuptherewithbothgirlsthenbringthemhere.Ihaveplentyofroominmycagefortwolovelies.”
“Yeah,butunlockthedamngatesoIcandrivehere.It’sonehellofawalk.”
“I’llgiveyouakey.MostpeoplewhoseeyourSUVwillthinkit’smeanyway.It’sthesamemake,samecolorbutstopcleanin’thedamnthingifyouplantocomehere.Acleanrigdon’tlookright.”Bobby-Joechuckled.
“Sure.”Chrisnodded,surprisedBobby-Joewasstillmakingplanstokidnapanothergirl.Concernedbyhisfriend’slaid-backattitude,heswallowedhard.HisfriendwasunpredictableandactedasifAmosandElyshowingupdeadmeantnothing.“Areyouthinkingoftakinganothergirlnow,sosoonafterwhat’shappened?”
“Yeah,ofcourse,andIknowyouwantoneofyourown.NowthatAmos’sgirlisunavailable,I’mgettinganxious.”
Chrisstaredathim,notabletounderstandwhyhewassocalm.“Thecopsfoundthegirl?Holyshit.Ithoughtyouwentoverthere.Whydidn’tyoubringherhere?”
“BecauseIthoughthewouldbecomingbackandIdidn’thavethekeystounlockthedamncage.”Bobby-Joestoodandambledintothekitchen.“Ididn’tknowhe’ddroppeddead.Heartattack,Iexpect,fatbastard.”Hetookacoupleofbeersfromtherefrigeratorandhandedhimone.“Don’tworry,thekidwon’tbeabletoidentifyus,andwemadesureweleftnothingthere.It’scool.”Hesighed.“Youdownwithmyplanorwhat?Wetaketwoatthesametimeandbringthemhere.Ihaveplentyoftranquilizers.We’llworkoutthetime.Youmeetyourgirlatthecabinfirstandhalfanhourlater,I’llgetminetoarrive.Theywon’tbeabletogetawayfrombothofus.”
“Yeah,yeah,I’min.”
ArustlingnoisecamefromoutsidetheopenwindowandChrisspunaround.Hisheartpoundedwithfear.“Didyouhearthat?Maybethecopsareoutthere.”
“Man,you’rejumpy.”Bobby-Joegavehimanexasperatedlookandleanedoutthekitchenwindow.“There’snooneoutthereapartfromafewchickensscratchin’around.”Hepulledhisheadinthentookalonggulpofhisbeer.“Youneedtogrowsomeballs.Noonecomeshere.It’ssafe,sostopworryin’.”
Chrisswallowedthefearstranglinghisvoiceandtriedtoleancasuallyagainstthecounter.“I’mbeingcautious,isall.”
“Sureyouare.”
“WhatdoyouthinkhappenedtoEly?”Chrisopenedthebottleandfrowned.“Twoofourfriendsdyinginthesameweek.Itdoesn’tmakesense.Doyouthinksomeoneishuntingusdown?”
“Nah,youreallybelieveayounggirlcouldkilleitherofthem?Elydiedonthejob.”Bobby-Joesniggered.“OneoftheparamedicswhotransportedhisbodytotheME’sofficespoketome.Hesaidhewasnakedandwearingacondom.Iguesshisnewgirlsplit;noonementionedfindingheratthemotel.”Hesighed.“He’sdeadsoitdon’tmatterifshesawhisface.”
Chrispushedahandthroughhishair.“WhataboutEly’sgirl?”
“Isneakeddownthemountainonfootandtookalookathiscabinthroughthebinoculars.Thehousehascrimescenetapeacrossthedoor.”Bobby-Joesighed.“Thecopshaveheraswell.”
“Shit!Shecouldidentifyus.I’msureofit.”Hetookalongdrinkthenwipedhismouthwiththebackofhishand.“Thenewsnevermentionedher.”
“Theytookhertothehospital.”Bobby-Joesankintoachairatthekitchentable.“Elydidn’tfeedhermuchandasshewaschainedupthecopswillorderallsortsoftests.Idoubtshecouldidentifyus.Thinkaboutit:We’vebeencarefulandcoveredourfacessincethelittlebitchescaped.”Heshrugged.“Wehaven’ttouchedEly’sgirlinages.We’rehomefreewithher,noevidence.ThecopswillblameElyandhe’sdead.”Hesmiled.“We’refine.Stopworryin’.”
PanicclosedChris’sthroatandhegapedathisfriend.“Iknowyouwenttohisplacerecentlyandyouworkatthehospital.Whatifsherecognizesyou?”
“Nah,thechancesofmerunningintoherwouldbeslim.”Bobby-Joesippedhisbeer.“Thedoctorswillkeepherinthehospitalforages.Thecopsgettointerviewherafterthepsychiatristclearsher.I’veseentheprocessbeforeanditwillbedaysbeforetheyreleaseher.”Hesighed.“Ineverwentnearherwithoutthemask,it’scool.”
“She’llsureashellrecognizethetattooonyourhand,andyourgreeneyesaredistinctive.Onceshetellsthecops,they’llbeonyoulikefliesonshit.”
“Myeyesmaybe.”Bobby-Joesighed.“Thetattoo,Ialwayskeepcoveredandhavedonesincethegirlescapedfromhere.ThehospitalbelievesIhaveanoldwristinjuryandIneedtowearabrace.SomyhandiscoveredandusuallyIhavesurgicalglovesonaswellwhenI’mworking.”Heshrugged.“Idon’ttakechances.”
Whythehellwashetakingitsocalmly?Anyminutethecopscouldbreakdownthedoorandhaultheirassesofftojail.“It’stoomuchofarisktobringanynewgirlshere.We’llhavetofindanotherplace.”
“Noway.Thecopscan’tcomeonmylandwithoutawarrantandtheycan’tconnectustoAmosorEly.”
“WhathappensifEly’sbitchgivesthecopsyourdescription?Itwillbealloverthenews.Howmanypeopledoyouknowatthehospital?Oneofthemwillcallthecopsforsure.Thecopswillstickaclownmaskonyouandshewillidentifyyou.Shit,anyonewhoknowsyoucould.”
“Yeah,maybe,butshewouldn’thavegivenastatementyet.LikeIsaid,thedoctorshavetoclearherbeforetheyallowthesherifftotalktoher.Myguessisthesheriffwillshowupsometimetomorrow.”Bobby-Joeleanedbackinhischairwithathoughtfulexpressiononhisface.“Thecopsalwaysmakesurepeopleofinterestareontheseventhfloor,andtheyonlyhaveadeputyondutyduringtheday.Atnight,theylockdownthewardsbutIhaveaccesstoallareas.Icanfixourproblemeasyenough.”
Terrified,Chrisstaredathim.“Whatareyougoingtodo?”
“Iknowthemovementsofthenightshiftatthehospital.Bymidnightthereisonlyonenurseoneachward.Icaneasilyputheroutofaction.I’llgettherejustbeforethenursesonthatfloorareduetotakeabreakandslipsomethingintothecoffeepotandthehotwaterurnjusttobesure.”Hesniggered.“TheCCTVcamerasareonthemainentrance.I’llgoinviathebackdoor—Ihaveaswipecard.”
“Whichthecopswillbeabletotrace.”
“Nope.”Bobby-Joechuckled.“Youremembertheoldcleanerwhohadaheartattackaboutthreemonthsago?Ihavehiscard.Itookitfromhimwhenhecollapsed.”
Chriseyedhisfriend’srelaxeddemeanor.“Yeah,thenwhat?”
Hismouthcurledintoasadisticgrin.“I’mgonnapaythestinkingbitchavisitandkillher.”
30CurledinthedampsoilunderabushgrowingbeneathBobby-Joe’skitchenwindow,sheflickedawayaspiderdeterminedtocrawlintohermouth.BythetrembleinChris’svoice,herecognizedathreatwasonthelooseandhewasinthelineoffire.Theyshouldbefrightenedofme.Veryfrightened.
Ifthesheriffhadfoundtwogirlsandtakenthemtothehospital,sheneededtodiscoverwhichoneBobby-Joeplannedtomurder.Sheheardvoicesagainandverycarefullyeasedoutfromunderthebush.Straightening,shepressedherbackagainstthewallbesidetheopenwindow.Thewoodenslattedshuttersoneachsideofthewindowwouldhideherfromview.
Thevoicesdriftedouttoherandshelistened,toonervoustobreathe.
“Ican’trememberthenameofEly’sgirl.Heusedtocallher‘bitch’everytimeIwenttovisit.”Chrisclearedhisthroat.“Howareyougoingtofindher?”
“Iknowhername.”Bobby-Joesniggered.“IheardElycallherJanethelasttimeIwenttoseehim.Idon’tknowhowmuchsheremembersaboutheroldlife;shemustbeseventeenorsobynow.”
“Yeah,Iremembershecalledhim‘Daddy’.”Chrissworeunderhisbreath.“Hewasasicksonofabitch.Withusitwasdifferent.”
“Yeah,that’sright,you‘love’kids,don’tyou?”Bobby-Joe’ssuddenharshvoicemadeherskincrawl.
Yes,Ibetyoudo.Withherpulsethumpinginherears,shecreptawayfromthehouse.Ragewelledinsideher.Dammit,ifshehadthoughttobringhergunshecouldhavestormedintothecottageandshotbothofthem.No,aquickdeathwouldbetoogoodforthem.Shemuststicktotheplan.I’llmakethempay.
OncewellawayfromBobby-Joe’scabin,shejoggedupthefootpath,headingtowardthefalls.Atthetopofthemountain,sheclamberedoverapileofrockstothesmallparkinglotcutoutofthemountainsidethetouristsusedbeforetherockfallblockedtheroad.Shehesitatedandscannedtheareabuttheplacewasdeserted.Sherestedforsometime,mullingoverwhatthemenhadsaidthenmadeherwaybackoverthemassoffallenboulderstoaclearedareahalfamiledownthemountainwhereshehadparkedhercar.
Sittinginhercar,shesippedfromabottleofwaterandgazedoutattheexpanseofbluesky.Toherright,thefallscrasheddownthemountainside,creatingadozenrainbows.Asoftbreezemovedthetopsofthepinetrees,andthemassesofwildflowerssatinpatchesofbrillianceagainsttheboulders.Thescenewasaphotographer’sdream.Sheturnedherheadtolookatthemountain’smanypeaks.Inalldirections,pinetreesmarchedupthesidesoftherockfaceingreensplendor.HowshewishedhermemoriesofBlackRockFallscouldbedifferent.Whatsecretsthisforestheld.Sheslippedfromthecarandwenttorunherpalmovertheroughbarkofamassivepine.Thetreesattheedge
Itwasashamemonstersroamedtheforest.
31AfterspendingthemorningsearchingthroughtheSexualandViolentOffenderRegistryforallknownoffendersinMontana,Jennathencheckedthestatewidedatabaseoffugitivestoseeifthevictims’namescameup.StuMacgregorwastheonlynamethatdid.WhenKaneknockedonherdoor,hisarmsladenwithtakeout,sheglancedattheclock.“Oh,I
“Idon’tthinkoursearchyieldedmuchinformation,I’mafraid.”Kaneplacedthebagsonherdeskthenheadedtothedoor.“Bringyourfoodwithyou,andyournotes.We’lleatwiththesheriff.”
Onceeveryonehadsettled,Jennaglancedatherdeputies.“IfoundziponourvictimsandabitofinfoonStuMacgregor.PriceandDorseyhaven’thadasmuchasaparkingticket.Whathaveyoufound?”
“Notmuch,onlywhatweknowalready.AmosPrice,ElyDorsey,andStuMacgregorallworkedforPartyTime;theyoftenwenttothesamegig.Ispoketotheowneroftheestablishmentandhehasneverreceivedacomplaintagainstthem.Heinformedmeasfarasherecallsnotoneofthemenworkingforhimhasaspidertattooonhishand.Hesaidhewouldlikelyrefusetohiresomeonewithsomethingthatmightdisturbthekids.”Kanetookasipofhiscoffeeandsighedappreciatively.“Ilookedintoourmurdersuspectsaswell.Apartfromthemolestationaskids,Ican’tfindalinkbetweenthematall.Theyallwenttodifferentschoolsandhavedifferentoccupations.Icheckedsocialmediatoseeiftheyhaveanyfriendsincommonandcameupempty.Infact,theyhadhardlyanyfriendsatall,andLizzyHarperhasn’tgotanaccount.Sheisarealloner.Iguesswe’llhavetowaituntilMondaytospeaktoasocialworkeraboutpossiblesupportgroups.ThatistheonlyotherlinkIcanthinkofrightnow.”
“Rowley,whatdidyoufind?”Jennamunchedonaturkeysandwich.Shehadnotrealizedhowlongithadbeensincebreakfast.
“Allthemissinggirlsonmylistarestilllistedasmissing.Ihadtocheckalloverthestatebutmostofthesearefromthethreesurroundingcounties.Ileftmessagesforthejournaliststocontactmeiftheyhadanupdateonthestoriesbutthemissingpersons’fileswouldbeuptodate.”Hisdarkeyesmovedoverherface.“Icontactedtwoofthegirls’parentsinBlackwater.Thecaseswereallseventotenyearsago.Icheckedtheiralibisforthetimeofdeathofourvictimstorulethemout.Iaskedwhattheyrememberedaboutthedaysorweekspriortotheirkidsgoingmissing.Allhadtakentheirdaughterstoapartyintheweekbeforetheirdisappearance.”
Jennanodded.“That’sveryinteresting,sothePartyTimelinkisdefinite.Haveyounarroweditdown?”
“Yeah.”Kane’sgazerestedonher.“Theyemployedfourclownsandtwomagiciansinthelasttenyears:Thetwoweknowareinvolved,andtheBoovalbrothers.Theothermagiciandiedlastyear.”Heraisedoneeyebrow.“ThemanagermentionedtheFBIwasalloverthemthisweekaswell,soIgathertheyareworkingstatewideonthepedophileringortheywouldhavenotifiedyou.”Heshrugged.“Soitseemsnoneoftheiremployeesarepartofthepedophilering.”
Damn.Theleadswererunningthroughherfingerslikewater.SheglancedatWebber.“Anythingtoreport?”
“Nothingonmylistofmissinggirls.”Webberclearedhisthroat.“IfoundanarrestreportonLizzyHarperbutnothingwedon’tknowaboutalready.Theothermissinggirlsonmylistarestillmissing.Ididn’thaveanyluckcontactingthejournalistsatall.”Hesighed.“ThereisamentionintheBlackwaterfilesabouttheAngeliqueBoovalcaseandtheconvictionofStuMacgregorbutherfileissealedaswell.”
Jennaletoutalong,disappointedsigh.“Dammit,Ihopedwewouldfindsomething.Thanksforcomingintoday.Gohomeandgetsomerest.WaltersisoncalltodayandI’llonlycontactyouinanemergency.”
ShenoticedthewayKaneremainedseated.Sheflickedhimagaze.“Isthereanythingelse?”
“Yeah,nowwe’refinishedfortheday,areyoureadytoleave?”
Collectingthefoodcontainersandstuffingtheminthegarbage,shenodded.“Yeah,abreakwilldomegoodbutkeepitshort,okay?Iwanttore-checkeverythingbeforeweheadouttoBlackwatertomorrow.”Shecollectedhernotepadandcellphone.“Doyoumindgoingoverafewthingsontherideouttotheranch?’
“No,ma’am.”Kanestoodandstretched.“Doyouwanttogohomefirstandchange?”
Exhaustedandwiththecaseweighingheavyonhermind,shemethisgaze.“Wedon’thavetimetogohomeandchange.Goingforarideisoutofthequestion.”SheglanceddownatDuke,loungingatKane’sfeet.“Sorry,Duke,maybenexttime,okay?”
“Areyoufeelingokay,Jenna?”
“Yeah,it’sjustmyheadisreelingfromallthat’shappened.”Sheshrugged.“I’mnotsurewhathelpI’llbe—Idon’tknowathingaboutbuyinghorses.I’llbeuselessatofferinganopinion.”
“That’sokay.”Hisvoicehadloweredtothecaringtoneheusedwhenshebecameangrywithhim.“I’llpickoutasuitablemountforyou.Whatcolordoyouprefer?Idon’twanttobuysomethingyou’llhate.”
Laughterbubbledathisseriousexpressionandthetensionofthedayliftedfromhershoulders.Shegrinnedandtappedherbottomlipasiftryingtomakeuphermind.“Well,letmesee,blackgoeswitheverything,butthensodoeswhite.”
“Ihopewecanfindsomethingtosuityou.”Kane’slipscurledintoasmile.“We’llbeabletotakethemtoday.ThestablesarereadyandIhaveahorsefloat.”
Jennastaredathim.“Youhaveahorsefloat?”
“Yeah,IhaditdeliveredtoGloria’sranchonFriday.”Herolledhisbroadshouldersandsuddenlylookedabashed.“Sheisvery,ah,accommodating.RowleyintroducedhertometheotherdayinAuntBetty’s.”
Jennaheadedforthedoor.“Really?You’venevermentionedmeetingherbefore.”
“Ididn’tthinkitwasarelevantpartofthecurrentcaseload,ma’am.”HeattachedaleashtoDuke’scollarandstraightened.
Shenotedthehighcolorinhischeeksandbitbackasnortoflaughter.“That’swhyyouwantmealong,isn’tit?Soshedoesn’thitonyouagain.”
Hisexpressionhadclosedintohisprofessionalpersonaandheignoredherquestion.AfterworkingwithKaneforalmostayear,sheknewbyhisfacethatthesubjectofGloriaSmitherswasnotopenfordiscussion.Hmm,maybehelikesher.
AstheyheadedouttoGloriaSmithers’ranch,Jennalookedthroughhernotes.Noneofthevictims’associateswereinvolvedinthecase.Thevictimshadnosociallife,nofriendsorworkmatestheyhungoutwithatweekends.Everypersontheyspoketoledtoanotherdeadend.ApartfromthefactthetwomurdervictimsworkedatPartyTime,theyhadnothingtoprovetheyasmuchasspoketoeachotheroutsideofwork.Itmadesensethatifagroupofmenvisitedthegirlsonaregularbasis,theywouldhavebeenfriendsforsometime.Themeninthegrouptrustedoneanotherandobviouslyplannedeachmeetingwithcare.Thefacttheyhadbeenverycarefulnottoallowthemselvestoberecognizedinanyoftheimagestheyhadfoundmadeherwonderjusthowmanymenwereinvolved.Thegirlsmentionedfourmen,butshecouldnotbesureiftheywerethesamefourmen.Sherubbedthetipofhernose.Theonlyconclusionshecouldcomeupwithwasthemenmetyearsago,maybeasteenagers,andyetnothingherdeputieshaddiscoveredpointedtoanythingotherthanthetwoworkingforPartyTime.Shehadtodigdeeper.Butwhere?
SheglancedatKane.“Doyouthinkthekillerwaseitheravictimofabuseorarelativeofoneofthegirlstheymolested?”
“Sofaralltherelativeswe’vefoundhavesoundalibisforthetimeofdeathofbothvictims.”Kaneshrugged.“Althoughweareassumingthesixmissinggirlsweknowaboutaretheextentofthepedophiles’activities;therecouldbemore.Thenaddthefactitisallassumption;wedon’thaveproofanyofthesemissinggirlswereinvolvedwithourvictims.”Hesighed.“Thekillerbeingavictimofabuseisthemorelikelycase.”
Jennascannedhernotebookasiftheproofsheneededwouldsuddenlyjumpoutather.“RevengeistheonlymotiveforPriceandDorseyIhave.Theproblemis,allmissingkidsarestillmissing,whichleavesuswiththethreewomenmolestedaskids:LizzyHarper,AngeliqueBooval,andPattieMcCarthy.”
“Pushingthemforinformationwillbedifficult;maybeyou’llhaveabetterchance.Theydon’twantmetospeakwiththem.”
Sheletoutahugesigh.Themasksweresignificant.Ifthegroupofmenusedthemasksasaregulardisguise,itwouldhavestartedfromtheget-goandwouldhaveleftalastingimpressiononthegirls.Herthreesuspectsheldkeyinformationontheidentitiesoftheothersinthegroupofmolesters,althoughgettingthemtoadmitoridentifyanyofthemeninvolvedwasprovingdifficult.HerthoughtsturnedtoAngeliqueBooval.Theinterviewwithherthefollowingdaymightgiveherthebreakthroughsheneededtosolvethecase.
SheglancedatKane,whoappeareddeepinthought.“DidtheBoovalbrothersmentionanythingabouttheirsister’swhereaboutsduringthemurders?”
“Theydidmentionshewasintownbutapparentlyshewon’tgonearthemincostume;clownsfrightenher.”Kane’sheadremainedfacefront,staringattheroad.“Anothersuspectwasintownthatdayaswell.IsawPattieMcCarthyheadingawayfromStuMacgregor,whowaswearingaclowncostume.Maybeshedoesn’tlikeclownseither.”
Jennastaredathiminsurprise.“That’snotareasontokillsomeone.Manypeoplehateclowns—it’sarealphobia.”
“Sureis.ItgoesbythenameofcoulrophobiabutIdon’tthinkthatparticularphobiaiswhatourkillersuffersfrom.”Kane’sbluegazemethersforafewsecondsbeforereturningtotheroad.“Inmyopinion,thevigilantehasaformofPTSDandsomethingtriggeredanepisodeandsetthemoffonthiskillingspree.”
“Icanrelatetothat.Infact,I’mnotsurprisedthemurdershappenedwhenwehaveafestivalintown.Entertainersareallover:theonesintheparkandthemagicianonthesidewalk.IneedtofindoutifPriceandDorseyworkedthestreetsinsomecapacitylastweekaswell.”Shemadeanoteinhernotebook.“I’llfindoutifPartyTimeknowsanything.”
“Icheckedthatalready.”Kanesighed.“PartyTimeisn’tinvolvedinthestreetfestivals.Thelocaltowncouncilsorganizeandpaytheentertainers.”
“Okay.”ShelookedbackatKane.“SoweknowHarperandMcCarthywereinthevicinityatthetimeofbothmurdersandAngeliqueBoovalwasinBlackRockFallsthedayElyDorseydied.WeneedtoknowifBoovalwasintownthedayPricedied.”
“We’llaskherinthemorning.”Kaneturnedintoadriveway.“Herewearenow.”
Jennaglancedupastheyenteredasweepingdrivewaywithwhitefencedareasoflandeachsidecontainingnumeroushorses.“Thisplaceishuge.”
“Yeah,Gloriahasafewdifferentbreedshere,Igather.”Kanedrovetothestepsofawhiteranchofconsiderablesize.“Shehaspickedoutafewmountswemightfindsuitable.”
Themomentthecarpulledupatthefrontsteps,thedoorflewopenandoutsteppedavoluptuouswomaninherlatetwentieswithflowingredhairandwearingjeanssotightifshehadvaricoseveins,Jennawouldhavebeenabletoseethem.AsKaneslidfromthedriver’sseat,thewomangrabbedhimandkissedhimonbothcheeks.
“Dave,howwonderfultoseeyouagain.”Thewomanlinkedherarmwithhisasifshehadknownhimforyears.“I’msogladyoucouldmakeit.”
“SoamI.DoyoumindifIbringthedogalong?”
“Ofcoursenot,silly.”Shebeamedupathim.
JennaclimbedfromtheSUVandwenttoKane’sside.“YoumustbeMissSmithers.Igatheryouhavesomehorsesforsale?”
“Ah,yes.”Kaneturnedandgaveherastonylook.“Gloria,thisisSheriffJennaAlton.”
GloriahardlyacknowledgedJenna’spresencebuttowedKanetowardabigbarnsetsomewayfromtheranch.Jennacouldhearthemchattinginlowvoicesandherinstincttoldhertogetbackinthecarandwait,butshepusheddownherbubblingresentmenttowardthewomanandcaughtuptothem.Sheforcedherlipsintoasmile.“Doyouliveherealone,MissSmithers?”
“Ofcoursenot.HowcouldIrunaplacelikethisalone?”GloriaturnedherattentionbacktoKane.“ThereisablackgeldingIthinkwillbeperfect,andachoiceoftwomares.Thebayisveryquiet,forthemoreinexperiencedrider.”SheshotanalmostpityingglanceatJenna.“ThenthereisawhiteArab;sheisalittleheadstrongbutsound.”
JennacouldnothelpherselfandtouchedKane’sarm.“Ilikeahorsewithspirit.”
“I’llhaveArniesaddlethemforyou.”GlorialedthewayintoamassivebarnanddetachedherselffromKanetospeaktooneofherstaff.
Jennaturnedtohim.“Nicelady.Iwonderwhyshe’snotmarried.”
“Ihavenoidea.”Kane’smouthturneddownandhebenttorubDuke’sears.
“Shelikesyou.”JennastaredafterGloria.“Whydon’tyouaskheroutonadate?”
“She’snotmytype,andfortherecord,Ihavenointentionofdatinganyone.”Kane’seyesrolledskyward.“I’mheretobuyahorse.”Hislipstwitched.“Youdoknowthemeaningofthewordschmoozing,right?Beingnicetotherightpeoplewhenyouwantsomethingishowthingsaredonearoundtheseparts.”HeturnedhisgazebacktothereturningGloriaandsmiled.“Trustme,I’manexpert.”
32JaneSticklerstaredintotheshadowsinherroomatthehospital.Thequietwasdrivinghercrazy.Thesheriff’sdepartmenthadclosedtheentirefloorshewason,andduringtheday,adeputysatondutybesidetheelevators.Thenursehadinsistedshewassafeovernightasthehospitalrestrictedaccesstothewards.Yetonlyonenursesatatthenurses’stationallnightandmosttimesreadingabook.
Apparently,noonecouldfindherbutherstomachachedatthethoughtoftheinterviewwiththesheriffinthemorning.Elywasdead,sowhydidtheyneedanymoreinformation?Shechewedonwhatwasleftofhernails,wonderingwhattheywouldaskher.Embarrassmentheatedhercheeks.Shecouldnottellthemeverything—itwasjusttooawful.Thedrugsthedoctorshadgivenhermadeherbrainslowandshecouldn’tthinkstraight.Sheglancedatthedigitalreadoutontheclockaboveherbed;itwasaftermidnightandshehaddozedforthreehoursaftertakingthemedication,butnowfullyawake,shejustwantedtogohome.
Shewonderedifherroomwouldbethesameorifherparentshadthrownoutherthings.Theyhadbeenstrangewhentheyarrived.Theylookedsomucholderandshehardlyrecognizedthem.Itwasasiftwostrangershadwalkedintoherroom.Shehadbeensoexcitedtoseethemanddesperatelyneededahugbuttheyhadnotsomuchastouchedherhand.Infact,theyseemedashamedofher,sittingwellawayfromherasifshehadsomecontagiousdisease.Hermomhadn’tmentionedtakingherhomeatallandleftwithoutsayingwhenoriftheywouldreturn.
ThankGod,Adamhadarrivedsoonafterthesheriffdroppedheratthehospital.Herbrotherleftherforanhourthenreturnedladenwitheverythingshewouldneed:nightgowns,toiletries,andclothes.Sure,someofthethingswerealittlebig,butshehadnothadanythingofherowntowearineightyears.HerbrotherhadgrownuptobeaverykindmanandhadofferedtotakehertohishouseinBlackRockFalls.
Anoiseinthehallwaycaughtherattentionandshelookedthroughtheglasspanelinthedoor,expectingtoseethedeputywhowalkedpastandpeeredatheronthehoureveryday.Panichitherlikeablowtothegutasthedimlightinghitaclownface.Elywascomingandhewouldkillherfortellingthesheriffabouttheothers.Frozenwithterror,hergazefixedonthemanstrollingslowlyalongthepassageway.No,itcouldnotpossiblybehim.ThesheriffhadtoldherElywasdeadbuthiswordsfilledherheadasifhestoodnexttoherwhisperinginherear.Ifyousayawordtoanyone,wewillfindyou.Thereisnoplacetohide.Wewillkillyouandyourfamily.
Heartracing,shegaspedforbreathandslippedfromthebed.Shehadtogetaway.Afterpushingthepillowunderthecoverstomakeitappearshewassleeping,sheduckedunderthebedandlayonthecoldtile.Asthedoorpushedsilentlyopen,themanmovedintotheroom.Sheheardhimbreathing.Theblanketscameoffthebedinawhooshandthemanswore.
“Whereareyou,bitch?”
Hisfeetmovedinchesfromhernose,andsheletoutagasp.Thenextmoment,thehideoussmilingfacepeeredather.
“GetoutfromunderthereandgetintobedorI’mtakingyoubackwhereyoubelong.”
Sherecognizedthevoiceasoneofthemenwhousedtovisither,themeanonewiththegreeneyes.Shebackedaway.“I’llscreamandthenursewillcome.”
“Nooneiscoming.Allthenursesarehavinganicesleepandyouaretheonlypatientonthisfloor.Theotherkidwenthome.”Heleanedinandgrabbedherbythehair.“DoasIsayandI’llbenice,oryou’llsuffer.Yourchoice.”
Tremblingwithfear,sheeasedoutfromunderthebed,thesmellofhimbringingbackarushofterribledarkmemories.“LetgoofmeandI’lldowhatyousay.”
“Iknowyouwill.”Hesteppedbackapace.Thegrinningredlipsstretchedwideonhiswhitefacesenttremorsofdisgustthroughher.
Ashaftoflightlituptheroomandasmallfiguredressedinblackwiththeirfacecoveredinaskimaskstoodinthedoorway.
“Whothehellareyousupposedtobe?”Heturnedaway.“Getoutofhere,kid.”
Asthefiguremovedintotheroomleavingthedoorwideopen,Janeinchedherwayaroundthefootofthebed.Ifshecouldmakeitoutofthedoor,shecouldfindhelp.
Withoutwarning,thefigurelungedtowardtheclown,andJaneheardavoice.
“Run!”
Shedidn’twaitandhurtledtowardthedoor.Theclown’slargehandsgraspedathernightgownbutsheslippedawayandedgedoutintothehall.
“Leaveheralone.”Thefiguresteppedinhisway.“Runanddon’tlookback.”
TheclownbellowedwithrageandJaneheardaloudthumpasheplowedafistintothestranger.“I’lldealwithyounext,kid.”
Terrified,sheforcedherlegstomoveandranoutthedoorthenpelteddownthedimlylitcorridortowardthenurses’station.Theplacewasdeserted,andbehindher,shecouldheartheclownswearingatthewoman.Ineedtogethelp.
Herfeetcladonlyinsocksslippedonthepolishedfloorandshebouncedoffthewallsinadesperateattempttogetaway.Safetywasnotfarbutseemedtobemilesaway.Shescreamedasloudaspossible.Someonemustbearoundinahospitalandmighthearher.“Helpme!Helpme!”
Herscreamsechoeddowntheemptycorridorsbutnoonecame.Desperateforhelp,sheranpastthedoorstotheotherrooms,peeringthroughthesmallwindows,butnootherpatientsoccupiedtherooms.Sherememberedsomethingherbrotherhadtoldherearlier—shewasinawardonaflooralltoherself.Forherownsafety.Breathless,sheranforherlifeandslidtoastop,gapingindisbeliefatthenursebehindthecounter.Thenightnurselolledbackinherchair,eyesclosed.Janebangedherfistsonthedesk.
“Wakeup,Ineedhelp.”
Thewomandidnotmove.
Sheslappedatthecounter,sendingpapersspillingtothefloor.“Helpme.”Shestaredatthenurse,waitingforhertotakeabreath.
Thenurse’schestdidnotmove.
Hadhekilledthemall?
Desperatetogetaway,sheglancedinalldirections.Theelevatordoorsloomedinthedistance,themetalglisteninglikethepearlygates.Ifshecouldmakeittotheelevator,shemightgetaway.Shetookoffatasprint.Icanmakeit.
Sheturnedtoseehimstrollingslowlytowardher,hisgrotesquemaskgrinning
“I’mcoming.”Hechuckleddeepandlow.“I’mgoingtokillyou.”
Herchesttightenedandherheartbeatsofastitnearlyburstthroughherribs.Hisfootstepssoundedbehindher,andwitheachmeasuredstep,hetauntedher.
“Youcan’tgetawayfromme.”
Hewasgainingonherbutshestillhadtime.Sheslidintothewallbesidetheelevator,draggedinabreath,andslammedhertremblingpalmonthebuttononthepanelbesidethedoor.Machinerywhirredandlightslituponthescreenshowingthefloors.Theelevatorwasonthebottomfloorandshewasattheverytop.“Comeon,comeon.”Shepoundedthebuttonandstaredatthereadoutasitseemedtocreepupthefloorsinslowmotion.
Fivemorefloorstogo,threemoretogo,twomore.Itwasmovingfastnow.
Hewasfaster.
“Gotyou.”Heslammedherintothewall,forcingtheairfromherlungs.
Theelevatordoorsslidopen.Toolate;hehadher.Shecouldnotbreathe.Hisweightpinnedherlikeabutterflytoacollector’sboard.Beforeshecouldfightback,hespunheraroundandwrenchedherarmout,andsomethingsharpprickedherflesh.Shetriedtosaysomethingbuthermouthrefusedtowork.ShestaredintohispitilessgreeneyesandshudderedathisdisgustingredgrinI’mgoingtodie.Theworldtiltedthenfoldedinattheedges.
33FlatoutonthefloorofJane’shospitalroom,shegaspedforbreathandrolledintoaball.Painshotthroughherstomach.ShemighthaveknownBobby-Joewouldusehisclassicmoveonherandpunchherintheguts.AtleastJanehadgotaway.Shewouldnotfailtokillhimnexttimetheymet,butrightnowsheneededtogetawaybeforehecamebacktokillher.
Thesoundofdraggingcamefromoutsidethedoor.Withonearmwrappedaroundherribs,shestumbledtoherfeetthenslidintotheshadowsbehindtheopendoor.Momentslater,Bobby-Joeenteredtheroom,draggingJanebythehair.Hehoistedherontothebed,andthroughthecrackinthedoor,shewatchedhimtuckherundertheblankets.Themanwascareful,wearingamaskandsurgicalgloves,andwouldnotleaveatraceofevidence.Whenhelookedunderthebedandglancedaroundtheroom,sheheldherbreath.Oneonone,hewouldkillher.
“Dammit,nowIhaveakidstalkingme.NotthatIhavetoworry.I’maghost.”HechuckledthenwentbacktothebedandstareddownatJane“Itoldyou,noonegetsaway.”Bobby-Joeturnedawayandsaunteredoutoftheroom.
ShewaiteduntilsheheardtheelevatordoorsclosethenpeeredaroundthedoorandstaredinhorroratJane.Herfacewassheet-white.ShemovedclosetothebedandcheckedforapulseinJane’sneck.Nothing.Hehadkilledher.Angerragedoverherlikeatidalwave.“I’msosorry.”
Herfirstprioritywouldbetogetoutofthehospital.Shepeeredcautiouslyoutthedoorthen,ratherthantaketheelevator,turnedtheotherwayandheadedforthefireexit.Herribshurtandshehadlearnedanimportantlesson.ThenexttimeshemetupwithBobby-Joe,shewouldbecarryingaweapon.
34MONDAY,WEEKTWO
AfterfinishinghisworkoutwithJenna,Kaneheadedouttothestablestotendthehorses.Heinhaledthesatisfyingsmelloffreshhay.Itremindedhimofhischildhoodandhismisspentyouthinasmallcountrytownbeforejoiningthemarines.Hesmiledatthememories.Bothanimalshadsettledinwellovernightandsnickeredingreetingathisarrival;theyhadacceptedDukeaswell,whichwasabonus.Herubbedthehorses’silkennosesandspokequietlytothembeforemovingthemouttothecorral
HewasmuckingoutthestallswhenheheardJenna’svoicecallinghisname.“I’moutback.”
Hepushedthewheelbarrowtowardthebarnandmether.“Somethingwrong?”
“Yes,verywrong.Janediedovernight.”Jenna’smouthformedathinline.“Thedoctorshavenoideawhathappened.Shewasfinewhenthenursegavehermedsatbedtime.”
Herolledthewheelbarrowintothebarnthenremovedhisglovesanddroppedthemontoatable.“Whowaswithher?Anysignsofastruggle?”Hewipedsweatfromhisbrowwithhisforearm.
“Notthatthedoctornoticed.Shediedinhersleep,orsoitseems.”Jennastoodwithonehandrestingonherserviceweapon.“ItsoundedsuspicioustomesoIsentWolfetotakealookatthebody.Ifhethinksapostisnecessary,we’llhavetogetherparents’permissionforanautopsy.”
Henoddedinagreement.“Itdoessoundsuspicious,especiallyaswe’dplannedtointerviewheragainsoon.Problemis,whowouldkillher?Thevigilanteiskillingthepedophilesnotthevictims.”
“Thethoughtcrossedmymindaswell.”Jennaworriedherbottomlip,turningitrosy-pink.“Although,fromwhatthevigilantehastoldus,themeninvolvedmurderedalotofkids—maybeoneofthemkilledJane?”
Kanemethergaze.“Yeah,butonlyweknowwhatshetoldus.Ifshewasmurderedandherkillerknowsanythingabouthospitalprocedurefortraumatizedpatients,hewouldassumeJanewouldneedadoctor’sclearancebeforeweinterviewedher.”Herubbedhischin.“Hewouldalsoneedaccesstothehospitalatnight.”
“Yeah,whichtellsusit’smorethanlikelyoneofthemeninthepedophileringworksatthehospital.”Jennaflickedhimaworriedglanceandstartedtowardherhouse.“Getready.Iwanttogettothehospital,andwehavetovisitAngeliqueBoovalinBlackwatertoday.We’llgoinyourcar.”
Thememoryofherexhilarationthelasttimeshedrovehiscardriftedacrosshismind.Hegaveheralonglook.“Doyouwanttodrive?”
“What,medrive‘thebeast’?”Herlipstwitchedintoanalmostsmile.“AsmuchasI’dlikethechancetoputthepedaltothemetalonanopenroad,I’mnotsureifyournervescouldhandleit.”Sheeyeballedhiminalmostachallenge.“Sheisyourbaby,afterall.”
Heliftedhischin.“Mynervesarefine.”
“I’dratherhaveyourmindonthecasethanmydriving.”Sheturnedtogothenstoppedandlookedbackathim.“I’llfixbreakfast.Canyoubereadytoeatinfifteenminutes?”
Theideaofacookedbreakfastmadehisstomachrumble;oflatehehadsettledforcereal.Hesmiledather.“Yeah.”
Afterbreakfast,KanedrovetotheofficeandJennawasunusuallyquiet.Heglancedathertoseeherchewingonherlip,ahabitshehadwhendeepinthought.“Problem?”
“I’mjustgoingoverthecases.Janedyingistoocoincidental.Shemanagedtosurvivejustfinechainedtoadamnwall,andthemomentsheissafeshediesinhersleep?I’mnotbuyingit,notatall.”Sheglancedathim.“Theproblemisiffoulplaywasinvolved,thecrimescenewouldhavebeendestroyedbynow.Therewouldhavebeennursesanddoctorsallovertheroom.”
“Notnecessarily.Wolfeisverygoodathisjob.”
“Yeah,Iknow,butittookalotofconvincingtopersuadethedoctortoleavethebodyinsitu.”Sheflickedhimaglance.“Iinsistedweregardanydeathinvolvingacrimeassuspicious,andhefinallyagreedtosealtheroomandwaitforWolfetoarrive.He’llbetherebynow,sowillhavesomeanswersbythetimewegetthere.”
“He’llknowifitlookssuspicious.”
“Anotherthing.”Jennaturnedinherseattolookathim,fillingtheairwithherhoneysucklefragrance.“Ihaveagutfeelingthisvigilanteisinvolvedinmorethanwegivehercreditfor,andI’msureit’sawoman.Thebloodonyourdoorstep,thephonecall.ThemoreIthinkaboutit,itjustseemsliketheactionsofavengefulwoman.”
Kaneclearedhisthroat.“Yeah,I’msuretootheprofilefitsawoman.Shewantedtogivehermotiveformurderandsendawarningtobackofffrominterviewingthewomen.Whatelsedoyouhave?”
“Ithinksheisplayinguslikeachessgame.”Jennaleanedtowardhimwithanexcitededgetohervoice.“Thinkaboutit.Sheisgivinguscluesandtellingusthesemenareguiltyofmurderaswellasbeinginapedophilering,butbydoingthis,sheisdirectingourinvestigation.Shemustknowthatafterwereadthosenewspaperarticleswe’dbetalkingtoanywomenwhohavebeenmolestedinthelasttenyears.”Shethrewbothhandsintheair.“Weareheadingoutoftowntoday—why?BecauseweneedtofollowuponAngeliqueBooval,whoisaprimesuspect.ButwhatifAngeliquehadnothingtodowiththemurdersandthevigilanteisjustgettingusoutoftownsoshecankillagain?”
Kaneshrugged;shedidhavesomevalidpoints.“Maybe,butassumingJanediedasaresultofhomicide,ifthevigilantewaswatchingthemovementsofthemenconcerned,whydidn’tshestopJane’smurder?”
“Idon’tknow,butifmytheoryiscorrect,boththeothermenonherlistliveinBlackRockFalls.”
“Ithinkthat’sagiven.”HeturnedthevehicleontoStantonForestRoadandheadedtowardthehospital.Heglancedattheforestwiththemountainstoweringinthedistanceandfoundithardtobelievesuchabeautifulvistacouldhidesomanycrimes.SincehisarrivalinBlackRockFalls,theseeminglyharmlesslittletownhadrevealedabottomlesspitofsecrets,noneofwhichsofarhadledtoanythingbutdeath.
Kanedraggedhisthoughtsbacktothenow.“It’sanuisancethatwehavetogobackintotowntoopentheoffice;itwilladdmoretimeonourtriptoBlackwaterandIsaidwe’dbetherebeforetwo.”
“I’mwayaheadofyou.”Shefloppedbackinherseatandherattentionmovedawayfromhim.“Rowleyisinchargeoftheofficetoday,Icalledhimearlier.”Sheclearedherthroat.“Haveyounoticedhowbigheisgetting?HeaskedmeifIcouldsupplybiggershirts.Ofcourse,Iorderedthematonce.Hemustbeworkingout.Doyouhavethetimetoshowhimsomeofyourunarmedcombatmoves?”
“Noneed.”Heslowedthecartomakeabendthenglancedather.“Heworksoutatthegymintownandhasjoinedamartialartsdojo.”
“Whythesuddenneedtobuildhimselfup?Heisaverycapabledeputy.”
Kanebitbackagrin.“Heisseeingsomeoneandwomenbringoutthebestinmen.”
“Oh,Isee.”Jenna’scheekspinked.“IguessheisstilldatingAlisonSaunders?”
KanedrovethroughthehospitalgatesandparkedinareservedspaceoutfrontbesideWolfe’scruiser.Hemethergaze.“Mylipsaresealed.”
35ThesmellofthehospitalsurroundedJennaasshewalkedwithsometrepidationtowardJane’sroom.Outsideinthehallway,herbrotherAdamsatonachairwithhisfaceburiedinhishands.Shemovedtohissideandlaidonehandonhisshoulder.“Mr.Stickler,I’msorryforyourloss.IsthereanyoneIcancallforyou?”
Heliftedhispale,tear-streakedfaceandlookedatherthenshookhishead.Hisexpressionheldsomuchpain,Jenna’sstomachcramped.
“Ijustwanttoseeher.”Adamscrubbedathiseyes.“Whywon’ttheyletmeseeher?”
JennagaveKaneanodtogoaheadandspeaktoWolfe.AstheBlackRockFallsCountyCoroner,Wolfewouldhavetomakethecalltoallowhimtoviewherbody.ShesatdownbesideAdamandswallowedthelumpinherthroat.“Itwassostrangeforhertodieinhersleep.Ithoughtitbestforourcoronertotakeaquicklookjusttomakesurenoonehurther.”
“Ihavetheawfulfeelingsomeonedid.”Hewipedhiseyeswithhissleeve.“ShewasjustfinewhenIleftherlastnight,reallyhappy.Shewantedtolivehereintownwithme.”Hisbloodshoteyesblinkedandhisgazemovedoverherface.“Oneofthemenwhokidnappedherhaskilledher.Shetoldmetheythreatenedherandsaidifshesaidawordtoanyonetheywouldkilleveryonesheloved.”
AstonishedthatJanehadspokentoAdamaboutherordeal,Jennatooktheopportunitytopushhimalittlemore.Anyinformationshecoulddiscoverwouldbeabonus.Shestoodandwenttothecoffeemachineafewfeetawayandpurchasedtwocupsofcoffee.AfterhandingonetoAdam,shesatdown.“Ihopeyoulikeitwhitewithtwo?”
“Yeah,thanks.”Adamclutchedontothecupasifitwerealifepreserverandglancedather.“Ihopetheassholescomeandtryandkillme.”Hisheadturnedandhestaredstraightintohereyes.“Janetoldmewhattheydidtoher.Ican’tbelieveshesurvivedeightyearswiththem.Theychainedhertothewall,forChrist’ssake.”
Jennaheldhisgaze.“Weknowtherewereatleastfourmeninvolvedandtwoofthemaredead.Didshegiveyouanycluesabouttheothers?Iknowtheyworemasksbutanysmallcluemighthelpustotrackthemdown.”
“Onehadgreeneyes.”Adamsnortedinanger.“Whentheyfirsttookher,shesaidshethoughthewasafairybecausehehadfairhairandhiseyesweregreen,emeraldgreen.”Thenerveinhischeektwitched.“Andaspidertattoointhewebofonehand.Fromwhatshetoldmehewasameansonofabitch,cruelandmerciless.Shewasterrifiedofhim.”
Wantingtokeephimtalking,Jennaputdownhercupthentookouthernotepadandjotteddownafewdetails.“Anythingelseyoucanremember?”
“I’llneverforgetwhatshesaidtomelastnight.”Herubbedahandoverhisfaceandblinkedasifstillseeingher.“Shesaidsinceyoufoundher,bitsofmemorieshavebeencomingback.Shethinkstherecouldhavebeenfourmen.Twowereofsimilarbuildbutoneofthemwasrealquiet.Theothersteasedhimbutshedidremembersomethingsignificantabouthim.”
Penpoisedabovethenotepad,sheleanedtowardhim,anxioustoheareveryword.“Whichwas?”
“Hehadascaronhiskneelikemine.”Adamplacedhiscoffeecuponthechairbesidehimandrolleduponelegofhisjeanstodisplayalongscarrunningupthecenterofhisknee.“IcameoffahorsewhenIwasakidandcrushedmykneesobadithadtobereplaced.Myfather’shealthinsurancecoveredthesurgerybutJanesaidthesemenalwaysappearedtobeshortofmoney.Theyarguedaboutputtinginmoneytopayforherupkeep.Sothefacthehadsuchexpensivesurgeryhastobeimportant.”
Jennaletthefactsrollaroundherhead.Arodeoridercametomindthenathoughthither.“Hecouldhavebeeninacarwreck.”
“Exactly.”Adamrolleddownthelegofhisjeans.“Abigclaimlikethatwouldstillbeonrecordwithaninsurancecompany.”Herubbedthebackofhisneck.“Shesaidtheyallworemasksandlatexglovesbutshecouldseethetattoothroughtheglove.”Heswallowedhardandlookedaway.“Shesaidtheytookphotographs.Disgustingfreaks.”
Jennawincedathisaggressivestanceandstood.“Okay,thanks.Ipromiseyou,wewillfindthesemen.”
RelieffloodedoverheratthesightofKanecomingfromJane’sroom.Whenhewavedherover,shelookeddownatAdam.“Itwon’tbelongnow.I’llgoandspeaktoDeputyWolfe.”
“Helookstense.Problems?”Kaneraisedonedarkeyebrowandledthewayintotheroom.
“Heisangryanddoesnotbelieveforonesecondshediedinhersleep.”JennamovedtoWolfe’ssideandstareddownattheemaciatedfigureofJaneStickler,tryingtoignorethescentofdeathhoveringintheroom.“Haveyoucometoaconclusion?”
“Yeah.”Wolfemovedtheoverheadlightsoitilluminatedthecorpse.“Shehasneedlemarksinherarmsbuttheycouldhavebeenduringadministrationofdrugsbythenurses.Sousuallyafulltoxicologyscreeningwouldn’tbenecessarybutIfiguresomeoneoverdosedher.Ihavethelistofwhatthehospitalgaveherduringherstayandnothingcouldhavekilledher.”
Jennashothimaglance.“Ahunchisn’thomicide;youmusthavefoundsomethingelse.”
“Lookhere.”WolfemovedthelightsoitshoneonthetopofJane’shead.“Seethebruising?Thatisfreshandnotintheinitialreport.Ihadreasontobelievesomeonedraggedherbyherhair,soIcheckedtheroomandfoundmanyofherhairsunderthebedandbythedoor.Isuggestcheckingthehallwayforhairsanddustingthenurses’stationandtheelevatorcontrolpanelforfingerprints.”
“Okay.”SheglancedatKane.“GrabWolfe’skitandgetmesomeevidence.”
“Yes,ma’am.”
JennamovedherattentionbacktoWolfe.“Whatelsehavewegot?”
“Jane’ssockslookbrandnewbutaresoiledasifshewaswalkingaround.”Wolfe’sgrayeyesnarrowed.“Shehasabundleofnewsocksonthechairoverthere.Whyweardirtyonestobed?Thenthereisthis…”Heflickedbackthesheetandpushedupthegirl’snightgowntodisplayredmarksonherknees.“Classicfrictionmarks.Shewasdraggedfacedown.”
AwaveofapprehensionhitJennaandsheswallowedthelumpinherthroat.“Doyoubelieveshetriedtorunawayfromherkiller?”
“Yeah,hecouldhavechasedherdownandsubduedherthendraggedherbackbyherhair.Sometimeduringthestruggle,headministeredahotshotthenputherbacktobed.”
Jenna’sheadspunwiththenews.“Howthehelldidsomeonekillherinthehospital?Wherewerethenurses?”Shepacedtheroom,shakingherheadindisbelief.“Iwantanswers.DotheyhaveCCTVcamerasoneachfloor?”
“No,theyareatthemainentranceandtheemergencyentrance.”Wolfecoveredthebody.“Ialreadyasked.”
“I’llhavetospeaktothenurseandeveryoneondutyinthewardslastnight.”JennaheadedforthedoorjustasKanecamebackin.“Findanything?”
“Nope,thenurseondutysaidthecleanersdidthisareabeforethebodywasdiscoveredbutIdidfindoutsomethinginteresting.Oneofthenursesusedthewaterfromthehotwaterurnforteainthebreakroomandpassedoutcold.Sheisstillasleepandthedoctorthinkssomeoneputsleepingpillsinthewater.Itoldhertomakesurenoonetouchestheurnsowecouldgetasample.”
“Youmeansomeonedruggedtheentirestafflastnight?”
“Onthisfloorandthetwobelow,yes.Itmakessensetheydid—apparently,thenightshiftonthosefloorsusuallytakeashortbreaktomakecoffeeorwhateverateleventhirty,andit’sraretohavemorethanonenurseondutyovernight.Ifanythinghappenstoapatient,sheonlyhastocalldowntoemergencytogetassistance.”Kaneleanedhiswideshouldersagainstthewall.“Whoeverdidthisknowstheshifttimesandwhenthenursestakeabreak.”
Jennascratchedherhead.Somuchtodoandtimewasrunningout.Delegate.“Wolfe,ifyou’retakingbloodfromthepeopleondutylastnightwhocouldhavebeendrugged,canyouquestionthemaswellandseeiftheynoticedanythingunusual?”Shesighed.“Thisiswaytoobigforus;we’llhavetocallintheFBIagaintocarryoutafullinvestigation.Iwanttoknowifthepillswefoundonthevictimsandthedrugusedonthestaffcamefromthishospital.Youcantracepackagingandthebatchnumbersfrommissinginventoryoutofthehospitalpharmacycan’tyou?”
“Yeah,notaproblem,I’llcontactthem.I’mgoingtobehangingaroundforhourswaitingfordocumentstobeprocessed.Thehospitalhastocompleteatonofformsbeforethey’llreleasethebody.”
Sheletoutalongsigh.“I’mconvincedit’saninsidejob.It’sobviousamemberofthepedophileringworkshereorknowssomeonewhodoes.”
“Unfortunatelythatdoesn’thelpmuch.”Kaneclearedhisthroatthengaveheranapologeticlook.“Anyonewhospenttimeinhereasapatientforanylengthoftimewouldbeusedtotheshiftchangesaswell.”
“I’llspeedthingsupabitbytakingbloodsamplesfromthenurseondutylastnightandwe’llneedtogoconfiscatetheurn.”Wolferubbedhischin,makingaraspingsoundoverhisblondstubble.“I’llhavetodoanautopsy.”HepushedagurneyclosertothebedthenthrewKaneapairofgloves.“Helpmegetherontothegurney.Itstinksinhere.I’llputherintheroomnextdoorforherbrothertoseeher.”Heflickedaglanceather.“Canyoudistractherbrotherforafewminutes?Heisinherfileasnextofkin.Obviously,herparentsgavehimthehonor.Gethimtofillinapermissionform.Thereisoneinmykit.”
“Sure,butbeforeIforget…DidPriceorDorseyhaveascarontheirknee?Itwouldhavebeensignificant,maybethesameaskneereplacementsurgery.”
“No,theyhadnothingunusualapartfromthescaronDorsey’sstomach,andthebirthmarkonhisneckZoeidentified.”
“Thentheonewiththescaronhiskneeisstilloutthere.”Shelookedatthegirlwithdeepcompassion.“Ihavetofindherkiller;shedeservesjustice.”
36JennawaitedashertwodeputiesusedthesheettoliftJaneontothegurney.ShenotedthewayWolfecoveredherwithafreshsheetandalmostreverentlysmoothedherhair.
“IfyoutakeAdamdowntothenurses’stationtosigntheforms,we’llmoveher.”Kanerubbedattheblackstubbleonhischinandglancedatherwithalookofdetachment.“Hemightrefusetosignthepermissionforms.”
“He’llsign.”ShebenttosearchthepocketsofWolfe’sbag.“Hewantstoknowwhathappenedtoher.”
Aftercollectingtherequiredform,sheheadedoutthedoor.ShefoundAdamSticklerinthesamepositionandtouchedhimontheshoulder.“I’llneedyoutofilloutafewformsifyoudon’tmind?Comedowntothenurses’stationwithme.”
Shesighedwithreliefwhenhefollowedherwithoutquestion.Thepoormanwassopaleshethoughthemightcollapse.“TheMEhasafewconcerns,asyoudo,aboutJane’sdeath.Hewouldliketodoanautopsybutwe’llneedthenextofkin’spermission.”
“I’mhernextofkinasofyesterday.”Adamgaveheradisgruntledstare.“Myparentsareembarrassedandweretoocowardlytotellhertheydidn’twantherlivingwiththem.”Heletoutahalf-chokedsob.“Theywon’thavetoworrynow,willthey?Youknow,Ihaven’tbotheredtotellthemshedied.I’mnotsureifIeverwanttoseethemagain.”
Jennablinkedbackthetearsstingingthebacksofhereyesandrestedahandonhisarm.Shedidnotknowwhattosaytohim.“Doyouwantmetospeakwiththem?”
“Wouldyou?”Hestraightenedandlookeddownintohereyes.“DeputyWolfeisthenewME,isn’the?Ishegood?Willhebeabletofindoutwhathappened?”
“Yes,heisthebestIknow.”Sheledhimtothenurses’stationandplacedthepaperworkonthecounter.“Ifyou’llsigntheseforms,I’lltakeyoutoseeJane.”
Withthesignedformsinonehand,JennatookAdamintotheroomtoviewandformallyidentifyhissister’sbody.KaneandWolfestoodtooneside,theirfacesgrim.Besideher,Adamallowedthetearstofallandheldhissister’shandforalongtime.
“I’lltakecareofherforyou.”WolfesteppedforwardandlaidonelargehandonAdam’sshoulder.“Gohomeandgetsomerest.”
“Didshesuffer?”Adam’smouthturneddown.
“No.”Wolfeledhimtothedoor,hisvoicelowandcompassionate.“Shewenttosleep.”
JennawatchedthetwomenwalkoutthedoorandturnedtoKane.“Doyouknowwhathermurdermeans?”Shedashedahandthroughherhair.“We’rechasingsmokeandshadows.Whoeverdidthisisrunningscaredofthevigilanteandthelaw.HekilledJanebecausehethoughtshecouldidentifyhimandmaybeothersinhisgroupofperversion.”
“WhichmeansZoecouldbenextonhislist.”
Jennapulledouthercellphone.“I’mcallingZoe’sfathertogivehimtheheadsup.I’llcallthesheriffthereaswelltokeephimintheloop.”
InthehallwayoutsideJane’sroom,Jennamadethecalls.ShedecidedtoinformtheBlackwatersheriffshewouldbeinterviewingapotentialsuspectinhisjurisdictionaswell.ShesmiledatKanewhentheBlackwatersheriffofferedherhisfullcooperationtosolvethecase.“Yes,Idobelievethepedophileringiswidespread,andfromthelistofmissinggirlsIsentyou,theremaybeothercountiesinvolved.”SheputhercellphoneonspeakerandmovedclosertoKane.
“Oh,I’monthecase,Sheriff.I’vehadmydeputiesworkingallweekendcheckingoutcoldcasesfromtenyearsback.I’llbechasingdownleadstoanystreetentertainersaswell.Wehaveafewclownscomingthroughatoddtimesoftheyear.Ifwefindanything,I’llcallyou.”
“Thankyou.”ShedisconnectedandturnedtoKane.“That’sgoodnewsandwehavethego-aheadfromtheBlackwatersheriff.Ididn’twanttotreadonanyone’stoes.”
WhenWolfestrolledtowardherwearingaconcernedexpression,herstomachdropped.Whatelseiswrong?Sheliftedherchin.“Youlookliketheskybeforeastorm,what’sup?”
“Beinghereinthehospitalclickedsomethinginmymind.”HeglancedatKane.“DoyouhavetheimagesyoutookofthebottleofpillsfoundinAmosPrice’struck?”
“Yeah.”Kanepulledouthiscellphonethenscrolledthroughtheimages.“Here.”HegaveWolfethephone.
“Dammit,Imissedit.”WolfehelduptheimageofabottleofpillswithaprintedwhitelabelonthefrontwithDiazepam5mgwritteninblack.“Seethisbottle?Thisisabulkbottlesuppliedtohospitals.Whenadoctorprescribesmedication,thereisapatient’sname,dosage,numberofpills,anddoctor’snameonthelabel.”
Jennaswallowedthebileinherthroat.“SowhoeverkilledJanehasaccesstothehospitalpharmacy.”
“It’ssomethingI’llnotifytheFBIaboutwhenIcontactthem.Wefounddrugsofthesametypewithbothourothervictims.Itmakessenseoneoftheirgroupissupplyingthem.”Wolferubbedthebackofhisneckinanagitatedmanner.“Somethingelse—whenIwasorganizingfortheremovalofthebody,thepathologistworkinginthemorgueinformedmethatafterelevenatnight,accesstothehospitalisbyaswipecardorviatheemergencyroom.”
Arushofexcitementhither.“Sothey’llhavearecordofanyoneenteringthehospital?”
“Yesandno.”Wolfe’sbrowcreasedintoafrown.“You’llbeabletogetaprintoutofthepeopleenteringthehospitalusingaswipecardbutnotthenamesofpatientsinemergencybecauseofconfidentialitylaws,butwedohavetheCCTVfootage.Allweneedisacourtorder,butifJane’skillerworkedhere,hewouldmakesurehewouldavoidthecameraorbeindisguise.Togotothismuchtroubletokillherhewouldbetakingeveryprecaution.”Hemethergaze.“Ispoketotheoffice.They’llemailyoualistofpeoplewhousedtheircardsovernightandalistofemployees.”
“Thanks.”Shechewedonherbottomlip.“Howlongbeforeyoustarttheautopsy?”
“I’llstartassoonasthebodyarrivesatmyoffice.Although,Iwon’thavethetoxicologyscreenresultsbackforaboutthreeweeks.Ifshediedofadrugoverdose,whichIsuspect,itpointstosomeonewithknowledgeoftheadministrationofdrugs.Imean,forinstance,anoverdoseofinsulinwouldkill.Itdoesn’thavetobeanarcotic.Weshouldn’tdiscountwecouldbelookingatanundergrounddrugsupplyintown.”
“Iunderstanddrugtrafficking,Wolfe.Nowyou’removingintomyareaofexpertise.”Jennanodded.“TheFBIinvestigatorswilldoacompleteauditofthedrugs.Makesurewearekeptintheloop;Iwanttoknowifthedrugscamefromhere.”Shethoughtforafewminutes.“Ifthat’sall,we’reheadingovertoBlackwatertointerviewtheBoovalgirl.”
“NothingmoreIcanthinkof,ma’am.”Wolfenodded.
“Ifyou’refinishedhere,ma’am,weshouldbegoing.”Kanemovedtoherside.“It’sanhour’sdriveatleastandyoumentionedwantingtospeaktothelocalsocialworkeraswell.Ifweleavenow,we’llhavetimetograbsometakeoutonthewaytointerviewingAngeliqueBooval.”
Sheheardhisstomachrumbleandsighed.“I’mready.IthinkyouburnupcaloriesfasterthananyoneIknow.”
“Nah,Ijustlikefood.”Kanegrinned
“I’lltraveldownwithyouintheelevator.”Wolfepushedthepaperworkunderonearmthenbenttopickuphisbag.“Ihavetomakearrangementswiththehospitaladministratortoremovethebody.”
Astheywalkedintotheconfinedspace,JennaturnedtoKane.“You’retheprofileronmyteam.Wehavetwokillersrunningusaroundincircles.Ineedmoreinformationtocatchthem.Whatcanyoutellme?”
“Thevigilanteweknowisawomansetonrevengeandisnotadangertoanyoneelseinthecommunity.Shehasonegoalandthatistowipeoutthemenwhokilledthegirlsinthenewspapers.”ThenerveinKane’scheektwitched.“ThepersonwhokilledJanehasgonewaypastbeingapedophileorachildkiller.Childmolesterswhokillarenotnecessarilypsychopaths.Theyoftenkillthekidsoutoffeartheywillidentifythemandthentheyfeelremorse.ThepersonwhokilledJanemustbethemeanonethegirlsmentioned.Heisacompletelydifferentkillerandhasdefinitepsychopathictendencies.Helikestofrightenandintimidatehisvictims.Heisadangerousmanandweneedtostophimbeforehekillsagainbecausenexttime,it’sgoingtobenasty.”
37Shewashavingoneofthosedaysthatneverended.Itfeltasifshehadbeendrivingforhourswithoutabreak.Shehadtimeforlunchbeforegoinghome.Thesmelloffreshlybrewedcoffeeanddonutshitherwithablastofdeliciousaromaasshesteppedinsidethelocalcafé.Shecollapsedintoaseatinthebackcornerandbitbackamoan.BatteredandbruisedfromBobby-Joe’sassault,shehaddressedinalong-sleevedblousetocovertheinjuriestoherforearms.Herstomachachedandhispuncheshadbruisedherribsbutsheofferedthewaitressawidesmileandorderedhermeal.
“Youlookpaletoday.Areyoufeelingokay?”Thewaitressfilledhercupwithcoffee.
“I’mjusttired.Ihadahotdatelastnight.”Shewinkedather.“Canyouleavethecoffeepot?I’mstillhalfasleep.”
“Luckygirl.”Thewaitressplacedthecoffeepotonthetable.“I’llberightbackwithyourorder.”
Shesmiledather,gladBobby-Joehadnotmarkedherface.Hisblowshadbeenswiftandimmobilizingbeforehe’dcaughtandmurderedJane.Theidiotmusthavebelievedshewouldbewaitingaroundforhimtokillheraswell.Angershookherhandsandsheclutchedthecoffeecup.Onlyafoolwouldrushouttogetrevengewithinjuries,andshewasnofool.Shewoulddealwithhimsoonenough.WiththelawcrawlingalloverBlackRockFalls,shewouldhavetobidehertimealittlelongerandconcentrateoneliminatinganeasiertarget.
Shesippedhercoffee,decidingthebestwaytoactivatethenextstepofherplan.ThesheriffwouldlikelyleavethetwonewdeputiesandRowleytoruntheofficeinherabsenceanddistractingthemwouldnotbeaproblembutDeputiesKaneandWolfewouldbeanothermatter.Onesimplecallwilltakecareofthesheriffandhertwofaithfuldogs.
IthadtakensomemonthstosetupherdifferentidentitiesinthechatroomtolurethemonstersbutBobby-Joehadstillnottakenthebait.Shedidhaveanotheronthehookandspoketohimasoftenaspossibleonline.Theideaofwatchinghimdiefilledherwitharushofexcitement.Atinglewentthroughherasshepicturedhimwrithinginagony.Therecouldbenobetterfeelingthanwatchingtheterrorinhiseyesashislifeleakedaway.Shestabbedthesteakonherplateandliftedararepiecetoherlips.Thesmellofbloodfilledhernostrilsandshesmiled.Shehadtoadmitsheenjoyedkillingthemonsters.Maybetoomuch.Hermindwenttothehuntingknifeshehadpurchasedatayardsale.Itwasassharpasarazorblade.Itwilldonicely.
38KanesettheGPSinthecarfortheaddressofthesocialworkerJennahadcalledandheadedtowardBlackwater.Theytraveledforoveranhourwithoutspeaking,Kanecontenttolistentothesoftmusicontheradioandtotakeintheview.Thelongstraightblacktopspreadoutformileslikeablacksnakeslitheringthroughthegreencountryside.Heretheforestfollowedonesideoftheroadwithpinetreeslikegiantfencepostsguardingthewaytothemountains.Astheyroundedalongsweepingbend,themajestyoftheRockyMountainscameintoview,spreadoutinaline,jaggedpeaksstretchinguptothebluesky.Alongtheothersideoftheroadwasflatterterrain.Wildflowersgrewinabundanceamidstthescrubandwhencaughtinthewindappearedtomoveacrossthegrasslandsinwavesofcolor.
Hespottedafewranchhousesinthedistancebutthispartofthecountywasisolated.HeturnedtoJenna,whohadnottakenherattentionfromhercellphonesincetheyleft.“Theviewsarespectacularouthere.”
“Yes,Iknow,butIwouldn’ttraveloutthiswayalone.”Jennaflickedhimafarawayglance.“Ican’timaginehowyoudroveallthewayherefromDCinthemiddleofwinter,youmustbecrazy.”
Hechuckled.“EvenI’mnotthatcrazy.Althoughitwouldhavetakenaboutthreedaysinsummer,Iwasn’tgoingtoriskitinwinter.IwasinHelenabeforeIcamehere.Ihadthingstoarrange,andIneededtopurchaseadecentvehicle.IwantedtohaveitcustomizedbeforeIattemptedtodrivetoBlackRockFalls.”Hemetherconfusedgazewithasmile.“Fortherecord,youneveraskedmehowlongI’dbeentraveling.IttooklongerthanIexpectedduetotherecentsnowfall.That’swhyIarrivedintownsolate.”
“Oh,afterhearingwhereyoucamefromoriginally,IfiguredasyoulovethisSUVsomuch,youmusthavedrivenitfromDC.”Shehelduphercellphone.“I’vebeengoingoverourcasefiles.IfwedecideAngeliqueBoovalisourvigilante,wearegoingtohaveaproblem.Wecan’tarrestherinBlackwater;wehavenojurisdiction.”
Kanedrummedhisfingersonthesteeringwheel.“Whyisthisaproblem?”
“Ifsheisourkiller,andrealizessheisasuspect,shemightleavethestate;thenwe’llhaveabiggerproblem.”Jennaregardedhimwithaseriousexpression.“Itwouldn’tlooksosuspiciousifIinterviewedheralone.I’llwearmycomdevicesoyou’llheartheinterviewandcanpromptmeifIforgetanythingvital.”
“Okay,butifyoutookaBlackwaterdeputywithyouthentheycouldmakethearrestifnecessary.”Heglancedatherthenmovedhisconcentrationbacktotheroad.“We’dhavetogothroughdueprocesstobringherbacktoBlackRockFallsanyway,butI’msuretheBlackwatersheriffwilldowhathecantohelp.”
“Goodideabutshe’llhavetobeafemaledeputy.”
Heshrugged.“AfterthedisturbinginterviewIhadwithLizzyHarper,Ithinkyou’reright.”Heclearedhisthroat.“Youmentionedprofilingpeopletofindsuspects.LizzyHarperisonthetopofmylistforbeingthevigilante.Sheradiatesangerandhaskilledbefore.Sure,weneedtopinpointherwhereaboutsatthetimeofbothdeaths,butwedoknowshewasintownwhenbothmurderswerecommitted.”
“Oh,she’sonthetopofmylist,andPattieMcCarthyisrunningaclosesecond.”Jennasnorted.“Shelooksfitenoughtorunthedistancefrommyhousetotheroad.Bothofthemarevindictiveenoughtohavethrownbloodalloveryourfrontdoorandthreatenedyouoverthephone.”
ThevoiceontheGPStoldthemtotakearightatthenextintersectionandKaneslowedtheSUVtotakethecorner.Shewascorrect:Thewomenhadbecomedefensivethemomenttheylaideyesonhim.Bothappearedtobefitandabletosprintifnecessary.Henoddedinagreement.“Yeah,andbothliveintown.”
SignsofhabitationcameintoviewandsoontheGPSadvisedhimhehadreachedhisdestinationontheright.Hepulledupinfrontofabrickbuildinganddidavisualsweepofthemainstreet.“Rowleysaidthesheriff’sdepartmentisacrosstheroadfromthecommunityhealthcenter,whichisrighthere.”
“Yeah,Icanseeit,downthereontheleftpastthepizzaplace.”Jennaunbuckledherseatbeltandturnedtohim.“GoandspeaktothesocialworkerandI’llheaddowntoseethesheriff;itwillsavetime.”
“Okay.”Kanepushedopenthecardoorandsteppedontothesidewalk.“Doyoumindcallingmewhenyou’rereadytoleave?”
“Icouldjustmeetyoubackhere?”Jennagavehimaninquisitivestare.
Kaneclearedhisthroat.“Youknowsocialworkers,alwaystryingtopsychoanalyzeeveryone.Imightneedanescapeclause.”
“Ha!Sure,I’llcall.”Sheheadeddownthestreet,shakingherhead.
AsKaneenteredthebuilding,heheardpolicesirenswailingandkeptwalking.Notmyproblem.Hespoketothewomanatthedeskthenstrolledalongthepassagewaytofindtheroomnumber.Tohissurprise,thedoorwasopen,andseatedonasofainsidewasawillowyblonde,engrossedinamagazine.Hercarefullymade-upfaceliftedinhisdirectionandshecrossedherlong,tannedlegs.Hisattentionlingeredonthewhitestilettos,withstrapsaroundtheankles,andthelongbarethighspeekingfrombeneathatightwhiteskirt.Hedraggedhisgazeawayandknockedlightlyonthedoor.“Ah,MissSimpson?I’mDeputySheriffKanefromBlackRockFalls.Doyouhavetimeforaquickword?”
“Yes,ofcourse.DeputyRowleycalledtotellmesomeonewouldbedroppingbythismorning.”
“Ihavesomeoneinmydepartmentwhosufferedtraumaearlierintheyear.WehavenothingtohelpinBlackRockFallsandIwaswonderingifyouhaveanysupportgroupsinthearea?”
“Thatdependsonthetrauma.”
Kaneclaspedhishandsinfrontofhim.“Kidnapping,attemptedrape,andmurder.”
“Maleorfemale?”Sheeyedhimcritically.“Itmakesadifference.Yousee,womenoftenrefusetoopenupinfrontofmen.”
Kanegaveherhisbestconcernedstareandleanedforwardinhischair.“Female,anditwilltakesomeconvincingtogethertoattendbutIwanttotry.”
“Thenyoumusttrytopersuadehertomakeanappointmentwithme.Wedohavevarioushelpgroupsbutwhatyouaredescribingrequiresspecialisthelp.”Shesmiledbutthehumordidnotgotohereyes.“Groupsessions,ifany,areheldunderthesupervisionofatherapistinthestrictestofconfidence.”
Kanecouldseefromherdefensiveposturehewouldgetnoinformationfromher.“Isee.Iwillspeaktoherandaskhertocontactyou.”Hestood.“Thankyouforyourtime.”
Ashestrolledtowardthefrontdoor,heheardadeepvoiceissuingordersthroughamegaphoneandtookinthechaoshappeninginthemiddleoftown.Deputies’cruisersblockedthestreetandinthemiddleoftheroad,amanheldJennatohischestwithapistolpressedagainsthertemple.
39TimeseemedtostandstillasKanepushedhiswaythroughthegatheringcrowdwiththeircellphonesheldhigh,seeminglyunconcernedfortheirownsafety.“Move.”Hepushedamantoonesideandelbowedhiswaytothefrontofthecrowd.AfterayearoffightingtheeffectsofPTSD,thelastthingJennaneededwasamaniacholdingaguntoherhead.Somethingwasgoingdownandshehadneglectedtocallhim.HenotedJenna’sGlockwasmissingfromherholsterandgroundhisteeth.Whatthehellhadhappened?Nowaywouldshegiveupherweapon.
Catchingsightofagray-hairedmanholdingamegaphoneovertheroofofacruiser,heshoulderedhiswaytohisside.“Areyouthesheriff?”
“Yeah.”Themanturnedtolookathim.“SheriffJohnson,andyoumustbeDeputyKane?”
Kane’sattentiondidnotmovefromJenna.“Yes,sir.What’sthesituation?”
“Themanwiththegunrobbedtheconveniencestoreandtookapregnantwomanhostage.SheriffAltongavemehersidearmand,withoutawordofexplanation,marchedoverthereanddemandedtotaketheplaceofthehostage.”
Kanegapedathimindisbelief.“Shedidwhat?”
“Ohyeah,sheisafeistyoneandsheisgonnagetherselfkilled.”Johnsongavehimadisparagingstare.“ThemanisRickHoral.Hegotoutofjailnotthreedaysago.”
KanefrownedatSheriffJohnson.“Hashedonethisbefore?”
“Yeah,heisarepeatoffender.Neverhurtanyonebeforebuthewentdownforarmedrobbery.”
Kanemettheman’sgaze.“I’dlikepermissiontotaketheleadonthisone.SheriffAlton’ssafetyismyresponsibilityandI’mtrainedinhostagesituations.”
“Shethinksthesunshinesoutyourassandsaidyou’dbebybeforeheshother.”Johnsongavehimalong,unreadablelook.“HeardyoushotoneoftheDanielsboysrightbetweentheeyesduringyournegotiations.”
Ignoringthehostility,KanemovedhisattentionbacktoJenna.Sheappearedcalmandstaredathimthenliftedoneelbowandmadeahaltinggesturewiththeotherhand.HefiguredJennaplannedtotakethegunmandownalone.Heshrugged,notwantingtoofferanysignaltothegunman,andflickedaglanceatJohnson.“Idowhat’snecessary.”
“Wellthen,gorescueyoursheriff.Mymenwillfollowyourlead.Ihaveavestinmycar.I’llsendsomeoneforit.”
Kanenoticedtheslighttrembleofthegunman’shand,thefingerrestingabovethetrigger,andthesweatbeadingontheman’stoplip.Heislosingit.“Notime.”
“It’syourfuneral.”Hemotionedhismentohissideandspoketotheminhushedtones.“DeputyKanehasexperienceinhostagesituationssolistenup.”
Kaneturnedtothem.“Staybackanddon’tgettriggerhappy.Leavehimtome.Idon’twantSheriffAltonhit.”
Asifice-coldbloodslidthroughhisveinstoheightenhisperception,Kanesurveyedthesituation,takingintoaccountthepositionofalltheplayersandeverypossibleoutcome.HehadtomakehimselfthetargetandallowJennatosolvetheproblem.Theideaofnottrustingherwithhislifedespitetheguntoherheadandrecentflashbacksdidnotcomeintotheequation.Itrusther.Shewon’tfail.
Dammit,Ican’thaveaflashbacknow.ColdsweatdampenedJenna’sshirtandtheslighttremorinherhandoftencamewithoutwarning.Shehadgottenherselfintothissituationandshewasmorethancapableofgettingherselfout.
SeeingKaneinthecrowdhadsettledher,andsheconcentratedonhisface,mentallywillinghimtodrawthegunman’sattentionandallowhertodoherjob.Worriedhemightbelievehertobeinmortaldanger,whichshewastosomeextent,shehopedheunderstoodhersignaltobackthehelloff.WhenKanemovedalmostnonchalantlyfromthecoverofthecruiserwithoutwearingaKevlarvesttoprotecthim,shewantedtoscreamathimtogoback.Instead,shetookadeepbreathtofocusandcalmhernerves.Shenoticedthehardlinetohismouthandflickedhereyestowardthegroupofdeputiesstandingbehindthecruisers.ItwasobvioushedidnotwanttheBlackwaterdeputiesinvolvedinthesituation.
Theyhadtrainedtogetherforalmostayearnowandrunthroughmanysimilarscenarios.Shehadtheabilitytotakedownthegunmanwithouthishelp,butwithapistolpressedagainsthertemple,sheneededadistraction,anditseemedKanehadvolunteered.Whenhemethergazeandgaveheraslightnod,sheflickedhereyeshardtotheright.Oncethegunwasawayfromherhead,shewouldstrikeoutwithdeadlyforce.
Toherrelief,Kaneunderstoodherfranticgesture.Hemovedoutintotheopen,keepingtotheman’sright,andhelduphishands.IfRickHoralaimedhisweaponathim,shewouldgetasplit-secondchance.Shegroundherteethandforcedhertremblingkneestocalm.Thetrainingtoslowherheartbeatandremainincontrol,whichKanehadreinforcedinheroverthepastmonths,fellintoplace.IamincontrolandI’mgoingtotakedownthissonofabitch.
SheheldherbreathasKane’smovementcaughtthegunman’sattention.
“Hey,Rick,what’sallthisabout?”Kaneshookhisheadslowly.“Ihearit’snotlikeyoutotakeahostage.”
“Youain’taBlackwaterdeputyandyougotnosayinwhatIdo.”
Whenthemuzzleofthegunmovedawayfromhertemple,JennagotherfeetunderherandcasuallyaspossibleliftedoneelbowlevelwithHoral’sstomachthenclosedthepalmofherotherhandoverthefist.Readywhenyouare,Kane.WhenKane’sgazeflickedbacktoher,confidencefloodedthroughher.IfKanecouldmakethegunmanangryenoughtodrawfire,shewouldstrike.
“Yeah,maybe,butthat’smysheriffyouhavethere,andthemayorofBlackRockFallswouldhavemybadgeifIallowedyoutoshoother.”Withouthesitation,Kanetookanotherstepforward.“It’snottoolate.Handoverthegun,andthesheriffwon’thaveyouchargedwithkidnappingher.”
“Nooneisgonnaletmewalkaway,andI’llkillherifyoutakeonestepcloser.”
“Thatwouldbeastupidthingtodounlessyouplanondyingtoday?”Kanemovedanotherfewpacestotheright.“Rightnow,wecanworkthisout,butthemomentyourfingermovestothetrigger,yourbrainswillbealloverthestreetbeforeyouhavetimetotakeabreath.”Hesmiledathim.“That’sapromise,andlookbehindme—youhavetheentireBlackwaterSheriff’sDepartmentjustwaitingtoshootyoufullofholes.Youcan’twin.”
“Yeah,well,maybeI’lltakeyououtfirst.Thesheriffhereain’tgotnoweaponandsheain’tnothreattome.”HoralsteppedbehindJenna,usingherasashield.“Theywon’triskshootingher,willthey?”HemovedthepistolawayfromJenna’sheadandliftedhisoutstretchedarmtoaimitatKane.
ShehadamillisecondtosaveKane’slife.Asifinslowmotion,Kanehittheground,drawinghisGlockoutofitsholsterinonefluidmotion.JennaslammedherelbowintoHoral’sguts.Asthegunmancriedoutinpainthenbentinagony,shebroughtupherthighandslammedhisfaceintoherknee.Hisnoseshatteredwithasatisfyingcrunchandshesteppedtoonesideashefolded,droppinghispistol.ThechopshedeliveredatthebaseofHoral’sskullsenthimsprawlingfacedownontheblacktop,screamingforhismama.Disgustedasthesmellofurineburnedhernostrils,shesteppedoverhimandkickedhisweaponoutofreachthenbenttodrawhisarmsbehindhisbackandcuffedhim.
AfterdraggingthegunmantohisfeetandhandinghimovertoSheriffJohnson,Jennaignoredthecongratulationsorbemusedstaresofthedeputiesthenretrievedherweapon.Shenoddedtothesheriff.“I’mnotpressingchargesagainsthimbutyoumightwanttoaskthepregnantlady.”
“Thanksforyourhelp.”SheriffJohnsontippedhishat.
JennawaitedforKanetobrushthedustfromhisuniformthenglaredathim.“Didn’tyouhearthesirens?”
“NotuntilI’dleftthesocialworker’soffice.”ThenerveinKane’scheektwitched.“I’msurprisedyougotinvolvedinalocalmatter.Wereyouawarethegunmanjustgotoutofjailforarmedrobbery?”
Shegapedathiminastonishment.“ApregnantwomanhadaguntoherheadandJohnsonwasactinglikeitwasadayatthebeach.Dammit,Kane,ifIdiednoonewouldgiveashit.Thatwomanhasafamily.”
“I’dcare.”
Noticingtheotherdeputieswatchingthemwithinterest,sheheadedtotheothersideoftheroad,awayfromthedissipatingcrowd.“Drawinghisfirewithoutwearingavestissuicidal.Doyouhaveadeathwishorsomething?”
“No.Itrustedyoutobringhimdownandyoudid.”Kaneshruggedandhisconcernedgazemovedoverher.“Areyoumadatme,ma’am?IfiguredIwasfollowingorders.”
AdrenalinestillsurgedthroughJenna’sveinsandherhearthadnotslowedbutexhilarationthrummedthroughher.ThePTSDflashbackshadcrippledherinsimilarsituations,buttherigoroustrainingKanehadputherthroughhadpaidoutinsilverdollars.Shelookedupathim,notsurewhattosay.Asusual,hehadplacedhisownsafetyaboveherown.“No,butyoubroketheprotocolyouinsistedweallfollow.Whythehellweren’tyouwearingavest?”
“Notime,ma’am.”Kanewalkedwithheralongthesidewalk.“Iassessedthesituation.Theguywasshakingsobad,Iknewonceheturnedthegunonme,hewouldn’thavebeenabletohitthesideofabarn.”Hislipstwitchedatthecorners.“Hesureunderestimatedyou.Wham,bam,bam.”Hepunchedtheair.“DidyouseethefacesontheBlackwaterdeputies?”Helaughed.
Althoughthrilledbyhiscompliments,Jennakeptherfaceexpressionless.“Okay,IadmitIwasexpectingyoutoshowanddrawhisfire.”
“I’llalwayshaveyourback,Jenna.”Heglancedather.“Youwouldhavedonethesameforme.”
40“Well,thatwasawasteoftime.”Jennapeeredatherlunch,thecaféinBlackwaterdidn’tcomeclosetothedelightsservedatAuntBetty’sCafé.
“Yeah,socialworkersareallmuchthesame.”Kaneshrugged.“Ithoughtshemightatleasttellmethatsupportgroupsexistedinthearea.”
“Nevermind.”Jennasippedhercoffee.“IspoketoSheriffJohnsonaboutAngeliqueandhewillhaveafemaledeputywaitingoutsideherresidenceattwo.Hedidmentionhercase,mainlywhatheknewabouttheabduction,butnothingaboutwhattranspiredduringthecourtcase.Sameaswhatwe’vebeenupagainst;itwasclosedcourt.”
“Yeah,andwehavenochancetogetajudgetograntaccesseitheraswedon’thaveashredofevidenceagainstanyofoursuspects.Didhementionifhenoticedanychangeofbehaviorinher?”
TheadrenalinerushhadleftaheadacheinitswakeandJennarubbedhertemplesinslowcircles.“Yeah,hesaidshe’dbeendifferent.SheusedtoattendchurcheverySundaywithherparentsandthatstopped.Shekeepstoherself,hasfewfriends,andworkspart-timeinthelibraryhereandinBlackRockFalls.”SheglancedatKane.“Shepreferstoworkafterhours.Asfarasheknows,sherestackstheshelvesanddoestheoddbookrepairs.”
“ThatwouldbewhyshewasinBlackRockFallsthedayIinterviewedherbrothers.”Kanepushedhisplatetoonesideandleanedbackinhischair.“Iwouldn’tmindbettingshewasintownatthetimeofthemurders.Itwouldbeeasyenoughtocheck.”
Jennafinishedhercoffee.“Iagree.”Shepushedtoherfeet.“Iwonderedwhyshespecifiedatimeforustospeaktoher.Iguesssheisn’tworkingtoday.I’mnotsureIwouldliketodrivefromheretoBlackRockFallstoworkpart-time.Shecan’tbemakingmuchmoney.”Shedroppedbillsonthetableandfrowned.“I’mconcernedaboutamotive.Asfarasweknow,StewartMacgregorwastheonlypersonnamedinhercase.Ifsheisourvigilante,whatisherreasonforkillingPriceandDorsey?Ifshe’dplannedtokillsomeone,wouldn’tshegoafterMacgregorfirst?”
“Weneedtofindoutifanyoneelsewasinvolvedinherabduction.Afterallthistime,shemightbepreparedtotalk.”Kanepulledouthiswalletandmatchedherpile.“Idon’tbelieveforonesecondanyofthesemenactedalone.ShewasabletoidentifyMacgregorandhishousebutiftherewereothersinvolved,perhapsshecouldn’tidentifythemandkeptquiet.”
JennaledthewaytothedoorandtheystrolledtoKane’sblackSUV.“IaskedSheriffJohnsonifshementionedanyoneelsewasinvolvedatthetime.Allsherememberedwastheclownattheparty.Shewasalittlegirl.Thinkaboutit,Kane.Theykeptherinacellarforthreedays;itwouldbedark,andtoasmalltraumatizedkid,anymanwithaclownfacewouldlookthesame.”
“That’sapointyoucouldbringupwithher.Shewillmostlikelyclamup;theyalldo,butwehavetofindoutifshewasabusedbythesamegroupofmen.”Kaneunlockedthecarandclimbedbehindthewheel.
Jennaslidintothepassengerseat.“I’lldomybest.”
KanepulledupbesideaneatbrickhomesetinarowofsimilarhousesnotfarfromBlackwater’smainstreet.Acruiserwaitedoutside,andontheirarrival,amiddle-ageddeputyclimbedouttogreetthem.
“Don’tforgetyourcomdevice.”Kane’sforeheadcreasedintoafrown.“Tellthedeputytokeepwellbackthenyouwon’tappearsothreatening.Maybeexplainsheishereasyoudon’thavejurisdictiontointerviewher.”
JennaattachedtheearbudandwaitedforKanetofithisownthentestedthereception.“Okay,let’sgettheshowontheroad.”
Shepushedopenthedoorandslidontotheroadthenstrolledtogreetthedeputy.“Thanksforcoming.”
“Mypleasure.IamChristineParkes.Whatdowehave,ma’am?”
Jennaexplainedthesituationandheadedtowardthestoopinfrontoftheneathouse.Acurtainmovedthenfootstepscameandawomanwithgrayinghairpeeredather.“Yes,whatdoyouwant?”
“I’mSheriffJennaAltonfromBlackRockFallsandthisisDeputyParkes.I’vecometospeaktoAngelique.”
“It’sokay,Mama.”Apetitewomanwithlong,flowingblackhaircametothedoor.“Pierrecalledandexplainedwhytheyarehere.Itisnothingtoworryabout.I’llspeaktotheminthelivingroom.”HeraccentheldahintofFrench.“Canyouwatchmycookiessotheydon’tburn?”ShelookedatJenna.“Comein.”
Jennafollowedherintoaroomawashwithcolor.Brightyellowwallsandpalebluesofasdominatedtheroom.Floralscentfilledtheairfromavaseoverflowingwithflowersonacoffeetable.Thechairssataroundamodernfireplace.JennatookaseatandParkesstoodbythedoortoobserve.Themantelheldphotographsofgenerationsofalargefamily.Fromtheimages,JennanoticedAngeliquehadhardlychangedfromthephotographshehadseenofherattwelveyearsold.Youlooktoosweetandinnocenttobeakiller.Whathappenedtoyou?
“Mybrothermentionedyouarelookingforpedophiles.”Angeliquesatinthechairoppositeherandfrowned.“WhywouldyouthinkIwouldknowany?”
Jennaofferedherasmilethentookouthercellphone,foundthephotographsofPriceandDorsey,andhelditupforhertosee.“Thesemenwerefoundmurderedrecentlyandwe’vediscoveredbothworkedasclownswiththesamecompanyasStuMacgregor.”Shenoticedthegirl’sfacehadpaled.“Attheirhomes,wediscoveredgirlstheyhadkidnapped.”
“That’sawfulbutIdon’tknowanything.”Angeliquerockedbackandforthinherseat,clearlyagitated.
“Iknowwhathappenedtoyou.”Jennaloweredhervoicetoaconspiratorialwhisper.“Couldtherebeanychancethatthemanwhomolestedyoucouldhavebeenmorethanoneman?”
“Whatdoyoumean,morethanoneman?Idon’tunderstand.”
Obviously,sheneededtobeblunt.“Tellmeaboutthemanwhokidnappedyou.Howmanytimesdidhevisityouinonenight?”
“OhmyGod.”Angelique’shandswenttoherface.“Iwentoverthisincourt.”
Jennapushedalittleharder.“I’msureyoudidbutIamnotallowedtoviewthefilesandIhavereasontobelieveatleastfourmenareabusinggirls.Twoaredeadandweneedtoarresttheothersinvolved.Thishasbeengoingonforatleasttenyearsandyoumighthavevitalinformation.Willyoutryandthinkaboutthattimeagaintohelpthe
“Twoaredead?Ifithasbeentenyears,I’mnotsurprised—peopledieeveryday.”
ThecoldlookinAngelique’seyessentashiverdownJenna’sspine.“Someonemurderedthesemen.”
“Maybetheydeservedit.”
Jennaclearedherthroat.“WheredidMacgregorholdyou?”
“Inadarkroom,abasement.Whenhecamedown,heonlyhadaflashlightandhe’dshineitonme.”
“Youidentifiedhim,soheneverworeamask?”
“Hehadaclownmask,butIknewhewasthemagicianbecausehetookmefromtheparty.”Angeliqueletoutalongsigh.“Hehasatattooonhisarmaswell.Itisaheart,blooddripping,withanarrowthroughit.”Shechewedonhernailsandfrowned.“Isawitattheparty,andwhenhetookme,hehadpusheduphissleeves.”
“CanyouanswerthequestionsIaskedbefore?Itmaybeveryimportanttomyinvestigation.Didhevisityouonceortwiceormanytimes?”
“Ican’tbelieveyou’reaskingmethis.”Angeliquegrippedtheedgeofherseatandherknuckleswentwhite.“Manytimes,allthetime.Hewouldgoawayforafewminutesthenreturn.”
“Howmanytimes,sayinoneevening?”
“Oh,Idon’tknow,maybesixoreight.”Angeliqueblinkedafewtimesasifrecallingthehorror.“That’simpossibleforoneman,isn’tit?”Sherubbedatherface.“IwassofrightenedandatfirstIwastiedtothebedandblindfolded.IbeggedhimtotakeofftheblindfoldandsaidIcouldn’tbreathe.I’msureIsawflashesbeforeheremovedtheblindfold.Ithinkhetookpicturesofme,thesickasshole.”SheliftedherangrygazetoJenna.“Yes,Iguesstherecouldhavebeenmore,buttheydidnothavefatgutslikethosemenintheimagesonyourcellphone.Macgregorwastwenty-two,Ithink,atthetime.Iftherewereothermen,theydidn’tsayanythingtomeandallIcouldseewasagrinningclownmask.”
“Doyourememberiftheysmelleddifferent?”
“Smelleddifferent?Howdoesastinkingmansmell?Theyallsmellthesame…Idon’tknow.”Angelique’seyesflashedwithangerbutJennacouldseethefrightenedchildcoweringwithin.
“Okay,that’sallaboutthatfornow,butifyoucanrecallanythingatall,givemeacall.”Jennahandedheracard.“IunderstandyouworkattheBlackRockFallsLibrarypart-timeandhereaswell.WhenareyouusuallyinBlackRockFallsincaseweneedtospeaktoyouagain?”
“I’llbeworkingthereallweekfromtomorrow.Beforeitwasodddays:MondaythroughWednesday,andFriday.”Angeliquechangedbackintothesweet-temperedwomanwhohadgreetedthemwithoutmissingabeat.“I’mmovingthereinthemorning.Mybrothershaveahousejustoutoftown.It’ssuchalongdrivebackandforthfromhere.”
“You’llbemovinginwiththem?”
“No,Ialreadyhaveanapartmentontheoutskirtsoftown.Livingthere,Icanavoidthefestivals.IreceivedasettlementafterthecourtcasesoIdon’tneedtowork,butIlovebooksandit’sniceworkinginthelibraryafterhours.”
Jennasmiled.Shehadadmittedbeingintownatthetimeofthemurders;allsheneedednowwastopinpointthetimes.“Whattimeareyouusuallyintown?”
“Oh,Igettherebylunchtime.IlikeBlackRockFalls.Ilookatthestores,haveamealatAuntBetty’sCafé.Idon’thavetobeatworkuntilclosing.”Angeliquesmiled.“It’snotadifficultjob,andsomedaysitonlytakesmeanhourtostacktheshelves.Peopledon’treadthatmanybooksanymore,itisallaboute-booksnow.OnceI’vefinished,mytimeismyown.”
Timeenoughtocommitmurder.Jennapushedtoherfeet.Shedidnothaveenoughevidencetoobtainanarrestwarrant.“Well,that’sallweneedfornow.Thankyouforallyourhelp.We’llseeourselvesout.”
JennathankedParksforherhelpthenclimbedintothefrontseatofKane’svehicleandlookedathim.“Whatdoyouthink?”
“Sheticksalltheboxes.”
Shepulledouttheearbudandsighed.“Yeah,Iagree,andhermoodswingsalmostlikeasplitpersonality,butsheistiny,maybefivetwo,anddoesn’tlookcapableofkillinganyoneletaloneamanthesizeofElyDorsey.”
“Saysthewomanwhojusttookdownalunaticwithagun,whoweighedatleasttwohundredpounds.”Kaneflickedheranamusedglance.
Shewelcomedhisegostroke.Kanedidnothandoutcomplimentsoften.“We’llheadbacktotheoffice.WolfewillbedoingJane’sautopsybynow.Onceweupdatethecasefilesandincludeanincidentreportonwhathappenedtoday—”sheletoutalongsigh“—weshouldbeabletoleavebyfiveforachange.”
“Hallelujah.”
41Thatevening,inherbedroom,shelaughedtoherselfassheturnedonhercomputer.ThelatestnewsbulletinstatedthesheriffhadmadenofurtherstatementsaboutthemysteriousdeathsofAmosPriceandElyDorsey,orthedeathofJaneStickler.ShehadtheBlackRockFallsSheriff’sDepartmentrunningalloverthestate,andonephonecalltoDeputyKanetomorrowfromapayphonewouldhavethemallscamperingupthemountaintolookforgraves.Everythingwasgoingtoplan.
SheenteredthechatroomandsignedinasNeedyGirlthenwaited.Afterafewmoments,shenoticedhisusername,EighteenandLonely,inalist,andamessageboxopenedupmomentslater.
Sheranherfingersoverthehuntingknifeandsmiled.Hertimespentrunningthebladeoverawhetstonehadbeenworththeeffort.Theedgeglistenedundertheoverheadlights,reflectingpatternsaroundtheroom.Shetookafirmgriponthehandleandpracticedanupwardthrustingmotion.Theknifefitsnuglyinherpalm.Theguardatoneendwouldstopherhandslippinginthebloodandontotheblade.
Therewouldbealotofblood.
Shewouldneedtostrikefastandhardbecauseifshemissed,hewouldkillherwithoutasecondthought.
Iwillnotmiss.
Allowingeachpotentialscenariotopercolatethroughhermind,shewetherlips,confidentshehadaplantokillamonster.Amessagepoppeduponherscreen.
Hey,NeedyGirl,doyoulikeclowns?42TUESDAY,WEEKTWO
Jennasteppedoutonherporchandblinkedintothesunshine.Sheslippedonhersunglassesandsurveyedherdomain.Therainovernighthadrefreshedthelushvegetationsurroundingherlandinvariousshadesofgreen.Theairhadthefresh-cuthaysmellsheloved,andinhalingdeeply,shestrolleddownthestepsandheadedtothecorral.ShehadnothadtimetobreatheletaloneenjoythetwohorsesKanehadpurchased,butshefoundthemgroomedandglossy,munchingtheovergrowngrass.Shewonderedwhatwouldhappenwhentheyateallthegrass,becauseKanehadnotmentionedusinganyoftheotherpaddocks.
“Hey,Jenna,admiringthehorses?”
JennaturnedatKane’svoice.Ihavetoadmittheyarebeautifulcreaturesbutalotofextraworkforyou.”
“Idon’tmind;itdoesn’ttakethatlongtogroomthemandmuckthemout.”Kaneleanedhistannedforearmsonthetoprailofthecorralandsmiled.“IfeelpeacefulwhenI’mwiththemandIcangetmymindstraight.”Hisattentionfollowedthemovinghorses.“Therearesomanyanglestoconsiderwiththesenewcases,Ineedtimetoreflect.”
“IagreebutIdomybestfiguringinbed.”Shetookapositionbesidehim.“I’mlookingforwardtohavingthetimetotakearide.Youdoknowallthesurroundingpaddocksuptothelineoftreesareonmylandsoifyouneeditforthehorses,gorightahead.”
“Thanks.”Helookeddownather.“I’mdonehere—areyoureadytogo?”
“Yeah,Ijusthavetolockup.”Shemethisgaze.“I’llfollowyouintotown.”
“Sure.”Hismouthtwitchedatthecornersandhetouchedhishatbeforeamblingtohisvehicle.
Shestaredafterhim.Theirworkoutthismorninghadbeenbrutalandshehadstaggeredintotheshowerwithherlegsshaking.OftenKanewouldreturnafterhehadshoweredandeatbreakfastordrinkcoffeewithherandmulloverthecaseload,butthismorninghewasano-show.Hismindworkedoncasesdifferentlytoherown;heoftenkeptsilentuntilhehaddigestedallthefactsthenspitthemoutinalongmonologue.Shebarkedherideasateveryoneexpectingthemtocollecttheevidencesherequired.
Aftersettingherhousealarmandpickingupatravelcupofcoffeetodrinkontheway,sheclimbedintohervehicleandfollowedKane’sblackSUVtotheoffice.
Shepulledupinherusualspace,notingWolfehadarrived.ShehopedhewouldhavethefindingsfromtheautopsyonJaneStickler.Herstomachgavealittletwistassheslippedoutfrombehindthewheelandheadedforthefrontdoor.Thebrightsunnydayhadsuddenlyturnedominous.Hearingaboutthelastmomentsinayounggirl’slifewasnotonherlistoffavoritethingstodo.
ShegreetedMaggiewithawave.Itwasunusualseeingalineofpeoplewaitingatthefrontdesk.Tohersurprise,herdeputies—withtheexceptionofWalters,whowasnowworkingpart-time—appearedtobehardatworkintheircubicles.Sheglancedatherwatch,wonderingifshewaslate,thennoticedRowleywaitingbyherofficedoorwithaperturbedexpression.Haseveryonearrivedbeforemethismorning?“Morning,didyouwanttospeaktome?”
“Yes,ma’am,ifyouhaveamoment?”
Sheremovedherweaponandslippeditintothedeskdrawerwithherkeysthensatdownandlookedupathim.“WhatcanIdoforyou?”
“Yesterday,IsentWebberouttoinvestigatethecomplaintswe’vereceivedaboutdogsrunninglooseintown.Ah,Kanementionedthembeingdangerousandall.”
“Yes.”Jennadrummedherfingernailsonthedesk,andtheactionmadeRowley’sfacepale.
“Well,seemshewroteabouttwentyticketsormore.Iwasonthe911call-outlastnightandpeoplewerecallingmeatallhourscomplainingabouthim.”Hischeekspinked.“Ithoughtyoushouldknow,ma’am.”
Annoyedidiotstoostupidtokeeptheirdogsundercontrolhadblockedtheemergencylinewithstupidcalls,shepushedtoherfeet.“Goodjob.Thosedogsarebecomingahazard,andastothepeoplewaitingtopaytheirfines,leavethemtome.”Shestrodepasthimandheadedforthedoorthenstopped.“TellBradfordtohelpMaggieonthedeskuntilweclearthebackload.”
Thelineofpeoplewavingticketsglaredatherassheapproached.Sheclearedherthroat.“Listenup,folks.”Shewaiteduntilalleyeshadturnedtoher.“Wearecurrentlydoingablitzondogs.Manyarerunningontheroadscausingaccidentsandothersareformingpacks.Iftheybiteachild,theownerwillbeheldresponsible.”Sheranhergazeoverthemall.“Secondly,ifanyonecalls911withoutatrueemergency,Iwillpersonallywriteyouaticketforfalselyreportingacrime.Doyouunderstand?”
Notwaitingforaresponse,sheturnedonherheel,andseeingWolfeandKaneatthecoffeemachine,sheheadedthroughtheofficetospeaktothem.“DoyouhaveanautopsyreportonJaneSticklerforme,Wolfe?”
“Ihaveapreliminaryreport.ThetoxicologyscreeningwilltakeweeksbeforeIcangiveapositivecauseofdeathbutIhavediscoveredevidenceofinterestthatmightpointtoourkiller.”
“Okay,we’llwaitforBradfordtofinishonthedeskthenIwanteveryoneinmyofficeforanupdate.”SheflickedaglanceatKane,whowasbusymakingcoffee.“Canyougrabmeoneofthose?”
“Surething.”
Shewalkedbacktoherofficeandpulleddownthewhiteboard.SheenteredtheinformationonAngeliqueBoovaltothelistofsuspectsforthevigilantemurdersthenaddedanewcolumnforJaneStickler.Afterstaringatthelackofinformation,sheheardKane’svoicebehindher.
“Thetroopswerebusywhilewewereoutyesterday.Theytrackeddownmoreinformationonthevictims.Imeanthefirsttwovictims,PriceandDorsey.”Hehandedheracupofcoffee.“Rowleyhasbeenworkinghardandinterviewedthepeoplewholastsawthemalive.”
“That’sgreat.”Shesippedhercoffeethensmiled.“Iwasstartingtothinktheywerephantoms.”
Shewaitedatthewhiteboardforherdeputiestotakeseatsinherofficethenplacedhercoffeecuponthedesk.“Okay,Rowley,youhavesomeinformationtoshare—youcanstart.”
“Ireceivedacoupleofcallslastnightonthecrimeinfolinewesetupwiththelocalnewschannel.”Rowleymadeashowofgoingthroughthefolderonhislap.“AmosPricewasseenatapartyontheSundaybeforehisdeath.SamButtonhiredhimforhisson’sbirthdaypartyoverinBlackwater.Itwasaword-of-mouthengagementanddidn’tgothroughPartyTime.ThesecondsightingwasonMonday,hewentintotheconveniencestore.TheonenearthelibraryonMainStreet.Hepurchasedchocolates,abottleofbourbon,andcondoms.Thecheckoutguy,PeteSadler,saidhepaidcash.Herememberedhim,ashehadabaseballcappulleddownlowonhisheadandlookedsuspicious,sohewaswatchinghimontheCCTVcamera.Ihaveacopyandit’sAmosPrice.”Heclearedhisthroat.“Heiswearingthesameclothesaswhenwefoundhim.”
“Washealone?”KaneturnedinhisseattolookatRowley.
“Unfortunately,yes.Icouldclearlyseehistruckinthevideotakenfromthecameraoutsideandnoonewaswaitingforhiminside.”
Jennamadenotesonthewhiteboard.“SowecanplacePrice’smurderonMonday?”
“No,becausehewaspickedupdrivingbyontheCCTVcameraonTuesdayaswell.”
Sheglancedathim.“Doyouhaveatime?”
“Yeah,twothirty.”Rowleyflippedbackthroughhisnotebook.
“Thatisgreatwork,Rowley.”Jennasmiledathim.“AnythingelseonDorsey?”
“ThemotelownerwasthelastpersontoseeElyDorseyalive.Heremembersseeinghisvehicledrivepasttheoffice.Hehadnobodywithhim.IspoketotheownerofPartyTimeandhesaidDorseyhadtakentimeoffwork,saidheneededafewdaystorepairsomethingsinhiscabin.Hespoketohimabouttenthedayofhisdeath.”
“Ihavesomethingtoo.”Wolferaisedoneblondeyebrow.“Ispoketoallthenursesondutyatthehospitalandthedoctors.JaneSticklerhadthreevisitors:herparentsandherbrother.Thenurseonnightdutypickeduphercoffeeasusualatmidnightthenchattedwithtwoothernursesforafewminutesbeforereturningtoherdesk.Sheremembersfeelingsleepybutnothinguntilshewokearoundfourinthemorning.ShewenttocheckonJanebutonlyshoneherflashlightonher.Shethoughtshewasasleep.Itwasn’tuntilshewentbackatfivetotakehervitalsbeforetheshiftchangethatshefoundherdeceased.”
Jennamademorenotesonthewhiteboardasherdeputiesspoke.“So,wecanassumeherkillerwasinthehospitalbeforemidnighttodrugthecoffee.”
“Yeah.”Wolfe’sforeheadcreasedintoafrown.“Thereliestheproblem.Icalledthehospitaladministratorandinsistedhegivemealistofthepeoplewhoenteredusingtheircards.Oneofthemisdeadandhasbeendeadforsometime.Iwouldsaythekillerhashishospitalaccesscard.”
Oh,wonderful,anothercurveball.Jennarubbedhertemple.Ifanythingcouldgowrongtomakethecasemorecomplicated,itwould.Herdaywasgettingbetterbythesecond.“Whycan’twehavesimplemurders?Whyiseverythingthathappensinthistownsodarncomplicated?”
43Bobby-JoeBrandon’sweekcouldnotgetanybetter.HesatatChris’skitchentablewithhishandwrappedaroundabottleofbeerandrubbedhisthumboverthecondensation.Hegrinnedathisfriend.“Itwaseasy;nothin’hadchanged.Asusual,thedeputyondutywenthomewhentheysecuredtheward.AllIneededwastheswipecardandIhadaccesstoallareas.AsIhadexpected,thedrugsworkedonthenightnursesonthefloorbelowaswell.Itworkedslowlysotheywouldallbelievetheyhaddroppedofftosleep.Hell,ithappensallthetimeonthegraveyardshift.Theywon’treportfallin’asleepondutynow,willthey?”Hesippedhisbeer.“Ifoundthegirl’sroomeasilyenough.ThebitchtriedtorunbutIcaughtherbeforesheescapedintheelevator.Youshouldhaveseenhereyes,man.”Hegrinnedathisfriend.“Shewasshitscaredofme.Igaveheraheadstarttomakeitinterestin’andshewasattheelevatordoorpoundingthebuttons.Thoseelevatorsaresoslow,andwhenIcameup,Ihiteveryflooronthepaneltosenditbackdown.Itwasmovin’sodarnslow,Icouldtakemytimeandenjoywatchin’her.IwishitcouldhavelastedlongerbutIneededtogetoutofthere.Islippedaneedleintoherarmandbang,shewasdead.”
“Whataboutthepersonyousawintheroom?Cantheyidentifyyou?”Chrislookedlikehewasgoingtospew.“Wecan’tmeetthegirlsnow.It’stoosoonafterthemurder.Itwillbealloverthenewsthemomentwetakethem,andtheywillseetheconnection.Shit,shewasEly’sgirl,they’llknoweverythingbynow.”
“Stopactin’likeababy.Whocouldpossiblyconnectustoamurder?Ely’sgirldidn’tspeaktothecops;shedidn’tgettime.NobodyrecognizedmeatthehospitalandIleftnoprints.Icoveredupgoodwalkin’inandevenaddedalimpjustincase.SoonasIwasclearoftheCCTVcamerasoutside,Iworeadoctor’sjacketIfoundinthedirtylaundry,gloves,andmyclownmaskintheelevator.”Hesippedhisbeer.“Youarestupidifyouthinkhe’sathreattous.IhithimhardinthegutsandmadeitquiteclearIwouldkillhim.Hedidn’tseeanythin’andtookoffbeforeI’dgottenthegirlbacktotheroom.Hewasjustakidandprobablyhidinthehospitaluntildarktostealdrugs;hewon’ttellanyone.”Hesnorted.“Whatcanhesay?‘Iwasstealingdrugsandadoctordressedasaclownhitmeforbeinginapatient’sroom?’Whowouldbelieveastorylikethat?They’dprobablyarresthimformurder.”
“Ifyou’resureit’ssafetomeetthegirl,I’llgo.Idon’twanttoloseher—it’stakenmedaystogethertocooperate.Idon’twanttomessitup.”Chriswipedahandoverhissweatyface.“I’mmeetingheronthetrailtothecabintoday.Sheiscomingonherbicyclestraightfromschool.I’mleavingmyrigonthefireaccessroad—itisn’ttoofartocarryher,orshemightwalkifIcanconvinceherI’mtakingherhome.”
“I’llleavemytruckthereaswell.Goodthinkin’.”Bobby-Joechuckled.“Mineisridingherbicycletoo.Sheusuallyrideshomefromschoolsonoonewillsuspectanythin’.Sheistellin’hermomsheisvisitin’afriend.ItoldherIwouldtakeherhomeafterward.Sheisrealkeen.”Hewethislipsandletoutalongsigh.“Man,it’sbeenalongtimesincewe’vehadtwointhehole.Itookafewsickdays.Icouldn’tworkknowin’Ihadtwohoneysathome.”
“Ionlyhavetwodaysoffwork.”Chriseyedhimsuspiciously.“Minewillgettherefirst.Nowdon’tyougoruiningherbeforeI’vehadmyfun.Iwantatleasttheweekendwithherbeforeyouinviteanyofyourfriendsover.”
Bobby-Joeliftedhisbeerinasalute.“Yougotit,butyouknow,ifyou’dtakenthetimetobuildadecentcellarinthisdump,youcouldhavekeptherhere.”
“I’mtooclosetothenextcabinandsomeonewouldhearherorseeher.”
“Maybe,maybenot.”Hereachedintoapocketandpulledoutabottleofpills.“You’llneedthese.Onewillmakehermanageableandtwowillputhertosleep.”Heslidthebottleacrossthetable.“Youknow,Ifiguretodayisshapin’uptobethebestdayoftheweek.”
44Holdingthemeetingandgoingoverrecenteventswasaprequeltolisteningtothedreadedautopsyreport.WhatmadeitworsewasJennahadrescuedJaneSticklerandfeltaconnectiontothegirl.Shehadmadesurethedoctorshadlocatedherinthespecialwardassignedforinjuredprisoners.ShehadleftWaltersondutyallday.TheonlyaccesstothehospitalwardsovernightwasviaacardunlesssomeonesneakedintothehospitalbywayoftheER,buttheycouldleaveundetectedviathefireexit.Thismadenosense,asapatientwouldrequireanurseorparamedictoadmitthemintotheER.
OnlyahandfulofpeopleknewJanewasatthehospital,andhergreatestthreat,ElyDorsey,wasdead.Theyhadnoleads,andtheonlypersonunaccountedforwhohadenteredthehospitalinthetimeleadinguptoherdeathhadbeendeadformonths.Ithadtobesomeonewithaccesstothedeadman’scardbuthehadnolivingrelativesandhispersonaleffectsshednolightonthetheft.
Afterreturningtoherdesk,listeningtoherdeputies’reports,andmakingsuretheyupdatedthecasefiles,JennaturnedherattentiontoWolfe.ShehadtoknowthetruthaboutJane.“ArewereadyfortheautopsyreportonJaneStickler?”
“Yes,ma’am.”Voicesechoedaroundtheroom.
“Goaheadwhenyou’reready,DeputyWolfe.”
Wolfegaveheroneofhisice-coldglancesandplacedapileofphotographsonthedeskinfrontofhim.“Doyouwantmetoreadmyfullreportordoyouwanttheabridgedversion?”
HergazeslidtothestackofphotographsandsheswallowedhardattheimagesthenturnedherattentionbacktoWolfe.“Theshortversionwillbefine.”
“Firstly,thetoxicologyreportswilltakeatleastthreeweeks,maybemore.Addtothisthechangesinbloodchemistryafterdeathandwhatdrugswereadministeredatthehospital,itisgoingtobedifficulttopinpointwhatdrugwasactuallyused.”Wolfe’smouthformedathinline.“Ihavereasontobelievethiswasahomicideastherearetoomanyinjuriestoassumeanursegaveanunintentionaloverdoseofmedicationatthehospital.”Heglanceddownathisnotes.“Ihavenumberedthephotographstogiveyouaclearerpictureofmyfindings.”HepassedJennaanimageofwhatsheassumedwasthebackofJane’shead.“Ifoundsubstantialbruisingonthehead.Asyoucanseeintheimage,Iremovedasectionofthehairtorevealtheextentofdamage.Furtherinvestigationshowsasubstantialhematomabeneaththescalpconsistenttothekillerdraggingthevictimbyherhair.Theextentofthebruising,swelling,andbloodclottingsuggeststhishappenedwhileshewasalive.”HeslidanotherimagetoJenna.
Jennastaredattheimagesandherstomachrolled.Theexcitedandverymuchalivegirlshehadmetwasnowanexhibitofcruelty.“Couldthishavehappenedbeforewefoundher?”
“No.”Wolfe’sexpressionwasserious.“Thereisnothingonherchartfromthehospital,andthedoctor’sinitialexaminationwascomplete.Shelistedascaronthescalp,soshewouldhavehardlymissedthesubstantialdamageIfound.”Hepassedanotherthreephotographsacrossthetable.“Thevictimhasburnsonherkneesconsistenttobeingdraggedovertiles;hercalfisdirtyononesideandhernightgownwasbunchedupwithmarksonthefront.Ibelievethekillerdraggedherbyherhairfacedown,likelyunconscious.”Heclearedhisthroat.“Ispoketothenurseonduty,whogaveherasedativeateightthatnight,notaninjection,andyetshehasafreshandveryraggedpuncturewoundinherforearm.Moreofatearthananinjectionsite.Ibelievesheknewherkiller,ranfromhim,andwascaught,injectedwithsomethingtoknockheroutcold,thendraggedbacktoherbed.Bytheswellingandbleedingbeneaththescalp,Iwouldsaydeathoccurredashorttimeafterherkillerreturnedhertobed.”HemetJenna’sgazeandhiscoldexpressionremainedunaffected.“Ifshehadlingeredmorethanafewminutes,thehematomaandswellingwouldhavebeensignificantlymorepronounced.”
Althoughherstomachknottedintoatightball,Jennastaredatthephotographsinanefforttotakeaclinicalapproach.Indeath,Janeneededherhelpjustasmuchasshehadalive.“Anythingelse?”
“Yeah.”Wolfe’slipsturneddownandhiseyesflashedinanger.“Shesufferedprolongedtorture.Hertimeasasexslavetofourmenmusthavebeenbrutal.Herrightarmshowsmisaligneduntreatedfracturestotheradiusandulna.”Hepointedtohisforearm.“Shehascrackedribsandinternalscarring.”Hisfacedarkenedandheflippedoveranotherimage.“Andthis.”
NausearolledoverJennaasshestaredatthescarringoverthegirl’sback.“Theonlypeoplewhowouldbenefitfromherdeatharethetworemainingmeninthepedophilering.Ifiguretheywereworriedshecouldidentifythem,butallwehavetogoonisaspidertattooandascarononeknee.Inthistownmanyofthehockeyplayersorrodeoriderswouldhavescarsontheirknees.”
“Wesearchedhighandlowforamanwithaspidertattooandfoundnotrace.TheBlackWidowbikerclubsplituptenyearsago.Youwouldimagineifheworkedatthehospitalsomeonewouldnoticeit.”Rowleyscratchedhishead,makinghisbrownhairstickupinalldirections.“Couldthetattoohavebeenonehestuckonorsomething?”
“It’sapossibility.Doingsomethinglikethatwouldthrowusoffhistrack.”Wolfeshruggedandglancedbackathisopenfile.“AlthougheverythingZoetoldushasbeencorrect:theappendicitisscarandthebirthmarkonDorsey’sneck.Shehasamazingrecallconsideringthestressshesuffered.”
“Yes,butshewouldn’tlikelyspotthedifferencebetweenafakeandarealtattoo.”Jennachewedonherbottomlip.“EverythingpointstoJane’skillerbeinginvolvedwiththehospital.Hemanagedtogetinsideafterhoursunseenandleavewithoutatrace.Wehaveclearedeveryonewhousedtheemployees’entrancebarthepersonwhousedthedeadman’sswipecard.Theemployees’entrancedoesn’thaveaCCTVcamera,sowehavenoideawhousedthedeadman’scard.”Shescannedhernotes.“Wehavethedrugstoconsider.ThepharmacistconfirmedthebottleswefoundinPrice’struckandDorsey’scabinwerefromthehospitalsupplies.Ourmysterykillerworksatthehospital,hasaccesstodrugs,andislikelyanurse.Yet,afterextensiveinterviews,notonepersononthedamnstaffknowsamanwithaspidertattooandifit’stheotherpedophilewedon’thaveadescription.”
“Wecalledeveryonewhoworksatthehospital.”Rowley’seyesnarrowed.“Itdoesn’tmakesense.Wewentfurtheraswell—deliveryservicesandevenaskedthemortician.Thispersonisaphantom.”
Jennashookherhead.“Notaphantom,veryclever.Ithinkwehavetoexamineeverynurseatthehospitalpersonally.Oneofthepeopleyoucalledcouldhavelied,right?Iknowitwillbetoughgoingbutwehavenochoice.I’msureJane’skillerisanassociateofPriceandDorsey.Rowley,getthelistofpeopleworkingheredivideitbetweenyou,Bradford,andWebber.”
“Yes,ma’am.”
“Twothings.”Kaneleanedhisbroadbackintothechair,makingitgroan.“Rowleycouldberight,itcouldhavebeenastick-ontattoo:Manycriminalsusethemtothrowthelawofftheirtail.Andwhydidn’thetrytokillZoe?Ifheworksatthehospitalasyousay,hecouldhavepoisonedherfood,forinstance,andifhehasaccesstodrugsasweassume,hecouldhavetamperedwithhermeds.”
“Shewasn’tmedicated.”Wolfeflippedthroughhisnotes.“Accordingtothedoctorwhotreatedher,hewashappytohavehertreatedbythefamily’sGPinHelena.Hewantedtowaitforthebloodteststocomebacktomakesureshewasn’tsufferingfromanySTDsanddidrecommendacourseofantibioticsforachestinfection.”
“Okay,sohedidn’ttrytokillher,butshehadtobeathreat,soifheispartofthiscircleofpredators,whydidn’thetry?”
“Youhaveapoint.”Jennadrummedherfingernailsonthetable.“Janehadasecureenvironment,orsowethought,andWalterswastherecheckingeveryoneinandoutduringherstay.Maybehedidn’tgetachancetoattackZoe.”
“Hecouldn’thavegottennearher.”Kanestretchedouthislonglegsandsighed.“Herparentsneverleftherside.Idoubthewouldhavehadtheopportunitytoputanythinginhermeals.FromwhatWalterssaid,herfatherpurchasedtakeoutforhermostofthetime.”HeglancedatWolfe.“IsthereanythingelseweneedtoknowaboutZoe?”
Wolfeliftedhisgraygaze.“Apartfrommalnourishment,sheappearedtobequitestableandlucidconsideringherordeal.Iwasabletoviewthedoctor’snotesaftertheparentsgavemepermission.”
“WhatI’dliketoknowishowthevigilantekillerbecameinvolved.”RowleyhadbeenlisteningintentlyandlookedatJenna.“Atfirst,Ithoughtitmightbeafatherofoneofthemissinggirls,buttheyhavealibis,sowhydidthevigilantegiveusthenewspapers?Whatmessageisthekillersendingus?”
JennasmiledatKane.“Thisisyourfieldofexpertise.”
“Sure.”Kanerubbedhislargehandstogetherasifonthebrinkofreceivingawadofcash.“I’mprettycertainourkillerisawoman.Shegaveusamotiveforherkillingspree,maybetomakeusbackoffbecauseinhermindsheisdoingtherightthing,likeputtingoutthetrash.Shewantsustoknowhowmanykidsareinvolvedandtheperiodoftimethepedophileringhasbeeninoperation.Sheisgivinguscluestofindthem,nother.”
“Soshefiguresyou’llgoeasyonher?”WebberflashedJennaawhitesmile.
“Shehasmurderedtwomenanditwasn’tinself-defense.”Jennapressedbothpalmsonthetable.“Shewillbetreatedthesameasanyoneelsewesuspectisguiltyofmurder.”
“Howdoyouthinkajurywouldconsiderhercrimes?”Bradford’ssoftvoicesoundedstrangeamongstJenna’susualmeetingofall-maledeputies.“Doyouthinkthey’llgoeasyonher?”
“I’mnotheretoworryaboutwhatajurywillthink.”Jennaglaredathernewdeputy.“Iknowthiscaseisconflicting;ofcourseweallwantthesemenbroughttojustice.Neverforgetourjobistobringtheminandletthecourtsdecidetheirpunishment.Idon’twantanyofyouthinkingyoucangoeasyonthevigilantekiller.Thatmaybethelastmistakeyouevermake.”
“Thereisonethingforcertain.”Rowley’seyesscannedherface.“Thevigilanteknowswhoisinvolvedinthepedophilering.”
Jennanoddedinagreement.“Sheobviouslyfoundalinkbetweenthemenwehaven’tbeenabletodiscover.ApartfromthetwovictimsworkingatPartyTime,theirtinyringoffriendsandassociatescameupclean.Shehastobeinvolvedsomehow,butallthegirlsweassumetheykidnappedapartfromZoeandJanearestillmissing.Shecan’tbeavictim;weneedtolookelsewhere.”Shesighed.“Ifwehadthenamesoftheothermeninthepedophilegroup,wemightbeabletosavethenextpersononherlist,butIdoubtanyonewilladmittoabusingchildreninexchangeforourprotection.”
Kane’scellphonerang,disturbinghertrainofthought,andshestaredathim.“Takethatoutside,willyouplease?”
“Yes,ma’am.”Kanestood,answeringthecallashestrolledthroughthedoorway,thenturnedandhelduponehandforsilence.Hewalkedbackintotheroomwearingaconcernedexpression.“Whatdoyouwant?”Heplacedthecellphoneonthetableandadistortedvoicecameoutofthespeaker.
“Igatherbynowyouhavefiguredoutthemissinggirlsinthenewspapersarestillmissing?”
“Wehave.Whatisyourinterestinthesecases?”KaneleanedoverthetableandhisconcernedgazelockedonJenna.
“Youshouldbelookingupinthemountains.”
“I’mlistening.”
“HeaduptoCraig’sRockandyou’llneedtocheckoutOldCorkey’splaceaswell.It’saboutfiveminutesawayfromtheredownhill.”
“DidyoumurderAmosPriceandElyDorsey?”
Thelinewentdead.
Whatthehellisgoingonhere?Jennaswallowedhard.“Rowley,haveyouheardofCraig’sRockorOldCorkey’splace?”
“Yes,ma’am,theyarewayupinthemountains.Notaplacepeoplevisitbecauseofthebears.It’swayoffthehikingtracks;youwon’tbeabletodriveupthere.Ridemaybe,butitwillbealonghikeoffthemaintrackalongthefalls.”
“Okay,getWebberandBradfordorganizedforthenurses’interviews,I’llneedyouwithus.I’lltaketheGPSandthesatellitephone.”SheshotaglanceatKane.“WillyourfriendGloriabeabletosupplyuswithextrahorses?”
“Icanask.”Kanepickeduphiscellphoneandheadedouttheoffice.
“Ihavemyownhorseandtrailer.IfyoucanhireanotherhorsefromGloria,makeitageldingandtheywilltravelokaytogether,”Rowleycalledafterhim.
“Canyouride,Wolfe?”
“Sure.”Hestood.“I’llcollectmygear.”
Jennapushedtoherfeet.“I’llcallinWalterstoholdthefort.”Shetappedherbottomlip,tookadeepbreath,andlookedatRowley.“Soonasyouhaveorganizedtheinterviewswiththehospital,goandgetyourhorse.We’llmeetyouatGloria’s.”SheturnedtoWebber.“Whenyou’redoneatthehospital,remainintheofficeunlessthereisanemergency.”Shegrabbedherweaponandpocketedhercellphonethenpickedupthekeysanddroppedthemintohishand.“Ifwearen’tbackbyfive,lockup.”
“Surething,ma’am.”
JennastrodeoutofherofficeandlookedupatKane.“Itlookslikeyou’regettingarideintheforestafterall.”Shepushedherhairbehindoneear.“BringoldDuke.Hemightbeabletohelp.”
“Yeah.He’llbeanasset.”Kane’sexpressionwassolemn.“ThisrideisnotreallywhatIhadinmind.Ifthecalleristhevigilante,shemightbesendingusoffonawildgoosechasetogetusoutoftown.”
Dreadwashedoverher.“Youmeansoshecankillagain?”
“Uh-huh.That’sexactlywhatImean.”
45ExciteddidnotcomeclosetohowChrisJenkinswasfeelingafterspeakingtoBobby-Joe.Hisshabby,run-downcabinwithitssqueakyfrontdooranddrippingtapsdidnotappearquitesobad.Hesteppedontotheporchtogazeintothesurroundingforestandwantedtoshoutout.Itwasabeautifuldayaftertherain.Perfectformeetingthegirl.Hegrinnedandwentbackinside.Iamoneluckysonofabitch.
HavinghisfriendclosebywouldsuremakethingseasierifhehadanytroublegettinghertohisSUV.Helaughedtohimself.Shewouldbehisproperty,andtheincomeshewouldprovidefrommembersoftheirspecialgroupwouldmakehislifemorecomfortable.HewouldnotmissElyandAmos;infact,onceStuhadgonetojail,theyhadinsistedonkidnappingthegirlsandheendeduppayinghisduesjusttogetinvolvedintheaction.NowChriswouldbecallingtheshots.
Hefiguredhisgirlwouldbethefirstofmany.IfhehadtwoinBobby-Joe’scage,hewouldbeabletopurchaseacabinhigherupthemountain.Manyoftheolderdoer-upperswereforsaleandsomealreadyhadrootcellars.Ifhehadtwoorthreegirlsinhisowncellar,hewouldbecomeaveryrichman.Hechuckledandstrolledintothekitchentoprepareabottleofsoda.Hisgirlhadmadeapointofaskinghimtobringsodaandbourbon.Itwasanunusualrequestbutwhowashetoargue?Andthealcoholwouldmakethedrugsworkfaster.Thenshewillbemine.
Ashecrushedthepillsandaddedthemtothedrink,hismindfilledwithwhathewouldneedtotakewithhim.HehadanticipatedmeetingherforsometimeandwantedtohavetimealonewithherbeforeBobby-Joearrived.Hefrowned.Hehadnochoicebuttogoalongwithhisoddbehavior.WithoutBobby-Joe’shiddencellar,hewouldnotbeabletokeephisgirl.Hewonderedwhathernamewasandsighed.ItdidnotmatteranywayasBobby-Joe’srulesdidnotallowanyonetocallthegirlsbytheirnames.Hesaiditwastooeasytoslipupifthecopsarrestedthem,andiftheydidnotknowtheirnames,theywouldpassapolygraph.
Hereplacedthelidonthebottleandputitbackintherefrigeratorthenheadedforhisbedroom.Hisheartpoundedwithanticipationoffinallymeetingherandhehadtoforcehismindtofocusonwhatheneededtotakeinhisbagtothemeeting.HealreadyhadcleaningmaterialsintheSUV.Aftertakingtwogirlstothesmallcabin,theycouldnotriskleavinganyevidence.Theforestrangersusuallywentbytocheckthem,andwithtwogirlsmissing,iftheylefttheplaceinamess,therangerswouldcallthecops.Hepulledonapairofsurgicalglovesbeforetossingtheboxintohisbag.Heknewthedrillbyheart;everythinghetouchedcouldleaveafingerprint.Hetossedacoupleoflargetowels,condoms,andachangeofclothesintothebackpack.Aboxofchocolatesandhisclownmask.Hestoodbackandsurveyedtheroomthenpickeduphiscameraandstuffeditinthebag.Itwasmuchsaferthanusinghiscellphone.
Heturnedandglancedattheclockandhisstomachgaveasqueeze.HehadtimetoeatthenhewouldheaddownthemountaintoBlackRockFallsandtakethebackroadintoStantonForest.Hewethislipsinanticipationofwhatwastocomeandgrinnedathisreflectioninthemirror.I’mcoming.
46Afterstoppingtorestthehorsesandhaveabitetoeat,Kanemountedhishorseandadjustedhisbackpack.Dukehadkeptupwiththeirslowpaceandseemedtobehavingthetimeofhislife.Hewasagreatcompanionandhadstucktohimlikeglue.I’mgladIkepthim.WhenDukereturnedtohisside,hesmiledathim.“Goodboy.”
ThepicturesquerideuptoCraig’sRockwouldhavebeeneasieriftheyhadgainedaccesstoaprivateroadleadinghigherupthemountain,butthegatewaslockedandwellsignpostedwith“Keepthehellout”writteninred.AsRowleyinsistedthemountainfolkmightshootfirstandaskquestionslater,ratherthancauseaproblem,theyhadtakenthedangeroustrailupbesidethefalls.Ridingsinglefilewithamassivedropononesideoftherock-strewnpathway,thehorsesshowedreluctancetomoveattimes,butasthepathreachedclosertothesummit,Kaneenjoyedaspectacularviewoftheentirevalley.Farbelow,thetownseemedinsubstantialagainstthemilesofopenrangesononesideandthemassivepineforestontheother.
Atthetopofthetrail,Kanenoticedagroupofeightorsocabinssetinthewoods,quiteclosetogether.HerodeuptoRowley.“ArethosethefishingcabinsMayorRockfordusedtoownwhenhelivedhere?”
“Yeah,heusedtohirethemouttotourists.”Rowleyremovedhishatandpushedhisfingersthroughhisdamphair.“Youwouldbesurprisedhowmanypeoplecomeheretospendweekshikingthroughthisforestinthesummer.Iguesstheycampmosttimesbutthenarriveheretospendafewdaysfishingbeforetheymakethetrekhome.”Hepushedhishatbackontohishead.“Igathertherealestateofficehandlesthebookingsnow.”
Kanesurveyedthecabinsthenshrugged.“Iguessbutit’sonehellofarideupheretofish.HowmuchfurtherisCraig’sRock?”
“Afewminutes,iftheGPSiscorrect.”
TheytookananimaltrackthroughtheforestwithRowleyoutinfront,usingtheGPSfornavigation.Itwouldbeeasytobecomelostinthedensemassofpinetrees;apartfromupordown,everydirectionappearedthesame.Withoutthesunlightspikingthroughthebranches,thetall,unforgiving,roughtrunksappearedsinister.KanemovedclosertoJennaandsheturnedandgavehimanenquiringlook.Itwasobviousbyhervirtualsilencemostoftheway,hermindwasbackonBlackRockFallsandthevigilante.
“Ineedaword,Wolfe.”Jennawaitedforhimtocatchuptoher.“Iguessthere’saremotepossibilitywe’llfindagrave.Idoubtwe’llfindanyonealiveuphere.Ifso,we’llneedaforensicanthropologist.Doyouknowanyone?”
“Ihaveateamonstandby.”Wolfenoddedather.“Don’tworry,Ihaveeverythingcovered.Ifwefindanything,I’llmakeaninitialassessment—forinstance,confirmthebonesarehumanandwhatapproximateage—thenarrangetohavetheHelenateamcomeupheretomorrow.We’llneedtheirexpertisetodiscoverhowlongtheboneshavebeenthere;wemightbelookingataburial,hundredsofyearsold.”
“Yeah,Iunderstand.Youworkwithfleshandfingerprintstodiscoverthecauseofdeathandidentityandtheylookatthingslikemossormoldonthebones,animalsinthearea,anddeterminesexandcauseofdeathinotherways.”
“Exactly.”Wolfe’sfacecrackedintoasmile.“I’vestudiedthefieldbutitisadifferentdegree.Forinstance,they’llbeabletoextractDNAfromteeth,ifanyareintact,andarrangecarbondatingifit’sanoldburial.”
Kanelookedintothenever-endingvistaoftrees.“It’sgoingtobedifficultgettingateamupherewiththeequipmentrequired.”
“Notnecessarily.”Wolfescratchedhisblondstubble.“IhadagoodlookaroundwhenwetookabreakandI’mprettysuretheycouldlandachopperonthetopofBlackRockFalls.Thereisalargeflatareaononesideofthemountainfarenoughawayfromthefallstobesafe.”
“IwishI’dknownthatearlier.”Jennaheldherbackandgroaned.“Although,askingthemayortopayforachoppermightbepushingmyluck.”
Kaneurgedhishorseforward.“Thatwon’tbeourproblemifitismorethanwecanhandle;theHelenaforensicsteamwilltakeover.Asthegirlsarereportedlymissingfromalloverthestate,they’llwanttobeinvolvedfromtheget-go,andsowilltheFBI.”
“Maybe,butthey’renotexcludingus.”Jenna’sexpressionwasdetermined.“ThisisourcaseinmycountyandIplantosolveit.”Shemovedaheadofhimalongthetrail.“I’mjustholdingmybreathnothinghappenswhileweareonafieldtrip.”
“Walterssaidhewouldgointotheoffice.Youhavethreecapabledeputiesondutyandthey’llcontactyouifanythinghappens.”Kanerodebesideher.“Wecan’tdoanythingintown.Ifthevigilanteisgoingtostrike,she’lldoitanyway.”Heshrugged.“Ifwehadacluewhoshepickedoutforhernextvictim,wecouldhaveplacedhiminprotectivecustody,butwedon’t.Allwecandoiswaitandhopeherkillingspreeisover.”
“Maybeifshehasledustothegravesite,wewilldiscoverenoughevidencetofindthegirls’killersandbringthemtojustice.”Jennasighed.“Thenshemightbesatisfiedandstopkillingthemenresponsible,butifshefiguressendingusupherewillgetheroffthechargeofmurder,sheissorelymistaken.”
Kanenoddedinagreement.“Shewouldbeunderestimatingyouifshebelievesyou’llevergiveupchasingher.”
“Yeah,andplayingthevictimcardwithmewon’twork.”
“Craig’sRockisinfrontofusnow,whichmakesOldCorkey’scabinsomewayswestfromhere.It’sclosetoprivateproperty,sowe’llhavetobecareful.”Rowleyturnedaroundinhissaddleandbrushedatthesweattricklingdownhistemples.“Orders,ma’am?”
“We’lldismountandspreadoutonfoot.Stayinsight.Iheartherearebearsinthisarea,sostayalert.”Jennaslidoffherhorseandwincedasshelanded.“Takethebearsprayjustincase.”
Kanedismountedandtookinhissurroundings.Atrailledthroughthedensepinetreesandthejaggedrockfacepeekedoutbetweenthem.“Ithinkitwouldbethisway.Iwouldnotriskwalkingthroughpoisonivy;I’dusetheanimaltrail.”HegaveJennaalonglook.“Thisisaveryremoteplace.Whysendushere?”
“Well,itmaybeahoax,butwewon’tknowuntilwetakealook.”Jennastrodeaway,backstraightandheaderect.
“Iwouldn’tmindbettingthosecabinshavesomethingtodowiththemissinggirls.”WolfemovedbesideKaneandhisexpressionturnedmurderous.“YoumentionedRockford’ssonwasdoingtimeforhavingchildpornography.Maybeweneedtopayhimavisitinjail?”
“That’sathoughtbuttheFBIinvestigationturnedupzip.Idoubthewasinvolvedandtrustme,duringthecourtcasehewouldhavegivenuphissoultoavoidjailtime.”
ThinkingofMayorRockford’sextensiveestatebeforehissonwenttojail,KaneturnedtospeaktoRowley.“Hey,Rowley.”Heremovedhisshadesandpushedthemintohisshirtpocket.“Thosecabinsaremilesfromanywhere—howdidRockfordmaintainthem?Icouldn’tseehimtrekkingallthewayuptheretochangethesheets.”
“Thereusedtobearoadthatrandowntheothersideofthefalls.Itmetupatthetopnearthecabins.Manyfolkstayeduphereonweekendfishingtrips.Therewasatrailerthatcameeveryweekendthroughsummer,soldeverythingfrommilktohotdogs.”Rowleyremovedhishatandwipedhissweat-soakedfacewithacloth.“Aftertherockslide,IdoubtRockfordcameupheretocheckoutthecabins.Thehikershadtofendforthemselves,Iguess.”Hisbrowfurrowed.“Therearepeoplelivingalloveruphere,scatteredaroundthenationalparkareasandallhaveprivateroadsoffthemountain,buttheyprettymuchkeeptothemselves.Mostareself-sufficientanddon’tleavetheirpropertiesmorethanonceortwiceayear.”
AmemoryofLizzyHarperflashedthroughhismind.“Hey,holdupaminute.”HewaitedforJennatoturnaround.“Whenwasthisrockslide?”
“I’mnotsure—aboutsixyearsago,maybelonger.”Rowley’sbrowwrinkledintoafrown.“Why?”
“WolfewaswonderingifthecabinshaveanythingtodowiththemissinggirlsandIrecallLizzyHarpermentioningherfathertookherfishingontheweekends.That’swherehemolestedherandnodoubthadothermeninvolvedaswell.”
“Thenoncewe’vecheckedaroundhere,we’llfindOldCorkey’splacethencheckoutthecabins.”Jennapushedbackherhat,allowingherdarkhairtofalloverhercheeks.Sheraisedbotheyebrows.“Comeon,let’sgo,it’sgettinglateanditwillbehardenoughridingdownthemountainindaylight.Idon’tfancytacklingthetrailbesidethewaterfallinthedark.”
“Wecouldstayinthecabins.”Rowley’sexpressionwashopeful.
KaneopenedhismouthtosaysomethingbutJennabeathimtoit.“Haveyoulostyourmind?”SheglaredatRowley.“Notonechanceinhell.”
Dukehadrunaheadwithhisdroolingtonguefloppingoutthesideofhismouth.Thecrashingthroughtheundergrowthstoppedandhegaveoutthreebarksthenwhined.
“Ihopehehasn’tdisturbedabear.”Kanefollowedthedogthroughthetreesandcameoutontheedgeofasmallclearing.
Dukecametohissideandnudgedhisleg,clearlyagitated.Kanesurveyedtheimmediateareaandswallowedhard.Oh,shit!Askull’shollowblackeyesstaredathimasifpleadingforhelp.Thebleachedwhiteskulllayononesidewithgreenmossgrowingoveronecheek.Afootaway,thetopofanotherpeeredoutoftheleafmoldasifhiding.LongfineboneslitteredtheopenspacenestledbeneathCraig’sRock.Nothingcouldbeworsethanfindingthegravesofmurderedchildren.HeschooledhisexpressiontocoverthewellingemotionandturnedawayasJennacametowardhim.“I’mafraidit’samassgrave,ma’am.”
47Onthewaytomeetthenextmonster,shetooktheoldbackroad,whichranbetweentheendoftownandtheloweredgeofStantonForest.Itsnakeditswaythroughthesouthsideandendedinalargecircularareaforcarsortruckstoturnaround.Emergencyservicesusedtheroadanditactedasafirebreakjustincaseawildfiresparkedintolife.Afterdrivinghercardownatrack,somedistancefromthetrailhehadmentioned,sheparkedbehindaclumpofbushesthenslidfrombehindthewheelanddraggedabicycleoutofthetrunk.Shemadesureshehadeverythingsheneededthencoveredhervehiclewithacamouflagesheet.Withthekeysintheignition,shecouldmakeaquickgetawayifeverythingwenttohell.
Asoundstartledher;ifhespottedhernow,hewouldknowitwasasetup.Sheturnedslowly,staringinalldirections,butnothingbutthebreezemovedthroughthetallpines.Afterremovingherhatandallowingherhairtodroptohershoulders,shereplacedit,pullingthefrontdowntocoverhereyes.Withherlargesunglassescoveringmostofherface,hewouldthinkshewasfourteenforsure.Nowifhermonster,orEighteenandLonelyashecalledhimself,drovepastherontheroad,hewouldnotsuspectathing
Theideaofkillinghimexcitedherandterrifiedheratthesametime.Thefactsheenjoyedwatchingthemdiefrightenedhersometimes.Shepushedawaythefearandembracedthegnawingneedinsidehertoridtheworldofpredators.
Shepulledabackpackontohershoulders,mountedthebicycle,andheadeddowntheroad.Assheturnedthebend,sheheardacarandhidinthebushes.Acarwentflyingbyher,andtoherhorror,Bobby-JoeBrandonwasbehindthewheel.Ican’ttakeontwomenatonce.
Indecisionplaguedher.Stayorleave?Whatshouldshedonow?ShestaredafterBobby-JoebuttheSUVkeptongoinganddisappearedaroundabendinthedistance.Notlongafter,anidenticalSUVdroveslowlyupbehindher,andsheturnedonherseatthenstoppedpedaling.Amanclimbedoutofthevehiclewearingaclownmask,andeveryinstincttorunscreamedinher.Feargrippedher.IfhehadplannedonBobby-Joeashisbackup,shehadmadeafatalmistake.
“I’mEighteenandLonely.AreyouNeedyGirl?”
Althoughslightlymuffled,theonethingsherecognizedwasvoices.ThismantryingsohardtohidehisidentitywasChrisJenkins.
Tryingtoactnonchalantandkeepingherheaddownsothecapshadowedherface,shenodded.“Ithoughttheclownmaskwasajoke.Ididn’treallyexpectyoutowearone.”
“Iwantedyoutobesureyou’dfoundtherightguy.Thewoodscanbedangerous.”Chrisroundedthehoodofthetruckandhisgazedriftedoverher.
Gladshehadthesunglassesasadisguise,shestuckoutonehipinaposeshehadnoticedmanyteenagegirlsuse.“Wellthen,nowyouknowit’sme,whydon’tyouremoveit?”
“Ah,becauseIliketoplaygames.”Hechuckled.“Allgirlsliketoplaygames.Youdo,don’tyou?”
“ThenI’mkeepingonmysunglasses.”Sheputonehandonherhipandsnorted.“Ithoughtweweregoingtohavesex.Haveyouchangedyourmind?”
“NopebutIwantittobefunandmemorable.Anyonecandoitlikeyourparents.”Hemovedcloserbutdidnotattempttotouchher.“I’mgonnamakeitspecial.”
“Okay,butlet’sgetonwithit.I’mhotandthirsty.”Sheshrugged.Actingimpatientoftenputthemoffguard.Theydidnotwanttolosetheirprize.“Isthecabinfar?”
“Seethattrailjustupthereyonder?”Chrispointedtoatrackaboutsixyardsawayontheright.“It’sjustdownthere.DoyouwanttohopinmyrideandI’lldriveyouthere?”
I’mnotthatdumb.“I’llridemybicycleifyoudon’tmind.”Shecouldfeeltheknifeinthesheathpressingintoherankleanditspresencespurredheron.“Whydon’twewalktherestoftheway?”
“I’lldowhateveryouwantbutIdon’twanttoleavemyvehiclehere.Iwanttomakethecabinniceandcozyforus.Ihavetheliquoryouwantedandthechocolates.”Hepulledhisbagfromthetruckthengaveheralonglook.“Yousurearepretty.Ican’twaittoseemoreofyou.Waithere,I’llparkuptherea-waysandwalkback.”Hedroppedhisbag,jumpedintotheSUV,anddroveaway.
Notlongafter,shewatchedhimjogbacktoher,stillwearingtheclownmask,anditmadehimlookridiculous.Whenhereachedherside,breathingheavily,hepickeduphisbag.“ItoldyouIwouldn’tbelong.Readyforsomefun?”
Sheswallowedthebilerushingupherthroatandforcedhermouthintoasmile.Shehadtoactnaiveandnotafraidbutrightnow,shewantedtogetasfarawayfromhimaspossible.Dammit,Ihavetostopmessingaroundandkillthissonofabitch.
Chris’shandtrembledashetouchedherback.“Thisway,downthistrack.”Heledthewayintotheforest.
TheideaofBobby-Joebeingclosebyworriedherbutshebitthebulletandaskedthequestionburningonhertongue.“IsawanotherSUVgobyjustbefore.Thatmanwon’tbotherus,willhe?”
“No.”Chris’shotpalmrandownherback.“Ipromise,hewon’tcomeanywherenearthecabin.It’sjustyouandme.I’lltakegoodcareofyou.Youcantrustme,darlin’.”
Acoolbreezerustledthetreesandshesnappedbacktofullalertness.Shemustplaythepart.Theplanplayedthroughhermind,eachstepsheneededtotake.Shehopedhewoulddoexactlywhatsheexpected.Somanythingsmustfallneatlyintoplaceandifshemadeonemistakeanddidnotstrikeatthefirstopportunity,shewouldbetheonetodie.
Sheclimbedoffherbicycleandleaneditagainstatree.Takingadeepbreath,shefollowedhiminsidethecabin.Atonce,hedraggedoutthecontentsofhisbagandcoveredthebedwithaplasticsheetandalargetowel.Whenhenoticedherstaringatthebed,hechuckled.
“Wedon’twanttomakeamessandupsettherangersorthey’lllockthesecabinsandwe’llhavenoplacetomeet.”Chrismovedcloserandpeeredatherthroughthehideoussmilingmask.“Whydon’tyoutakeoffthoseglasses,sitdown,andrelax.We’llhaveadrink.”Hechuckled.
Shekeptherheaddown,actingreluctant.“Okay,butIwanttoseeyoufirst.”Sheremovedherbackpackandsatatthetable.
“Sure.”HesteppedbackandpulledhisT-shirtoverhisheadbutthemaskremainedintact.“I’lldowhateveryouwant.”Hetossedtheshirtontothetablethenundressed.Hestrolledovertothesmalltableandtookabottleofsodafromacooler.Heopeneditandhelditouttoher.“Youshouldhaveadrink,itwillhelpyourelax.”
Thesmellofhim,aftershaveandsweat,accostedhernostrils.Shetookthedrinkandpretendedtosipit.“That’sabitstrong.”Shecougheddramatically.“Youlookdifferentfromyourphoto,older.”
“Sorrytodisappointyou.Drinksomemore,itgetsbetterthemoreyouswallow.”Heloomedoverher.“Thentakeoffthesunglasses,I’manxioustolookatyou.”Hemovedcloserandstoodinfrontofher.
“I’mfineandtheglassesstayjustlikeyourstupidmask.”Sheputthebottletoherlipsagain,watchinghimclosely,thenplaceditonthetable.“I’llhavetotakeoffmyshoesfirst.”Idon’twantyourbloodalloverthem.
Ashiverofdisgustwentthroughherasheranhishandsoverhershoulders.Shebentinfrontofhimtountieherlacesthentossedhershoessomedistanceaway.Beforeshestraightened,sheclosedonehandaroundthehiltoftheknifeattachedtoherankle.Thebonehandlefeltwarmandcomfortingagainstherpalm.Witharoar,shepushedupwardandplungedtheknifeunderhisribcagewiththeforceofeightlongyears’rage.Thesharpbladeslidintohimlikebutter,missingboneandslicingintohisheart.Shepulledbackandthrustagain,cuttingdeep.Asahotscarletspraysoakedthefrontofhershirt,laughterbubbledupinsideherandshedraggedoffhismask.
“Hello,Chris.”
Hemadeagurglingsoundandbloodtrickledfromhismouth.Hestaggered,clutchingatherwithhisroughhands.Shewincedashisfingersbitdeepintohershouldersandshepulledoffhersunglasses.“Lookatme,yousonofabitch.Iwanttowatchthelifegooutinyoureyes.”
Heletoutaferalmoanandhiseyeswidenedinstunnedsurprise.
Shetwistedtheknife.“Doesithurt?”
Withoutasecondthought,shespreadherfeet,draggedthesharpbladeout,andforceditdeepagain.Hiseyes,nowslightlyunfocused,staredatherfaceandhisgriplessened.Shewatchedhismouthtryingtoformwordsbutshedidnotgiveadamnwhathewantedtosay.Hislungswerefillingwithbloodandlifewasebbingaway.
Shedraggedouttheknifeandgrinnedathim.“Don’ttellyourmommy,thiswillbeourlittlesecret.”
48ApprehensionfelloverJennalikeashroudasshewalkedintothepicturesqueclearing.ShehopedKanewasmistakenandtheboneshehaddiscoveredbelongedtoanimals.Thetemperaturedroppedconsiderablyassheenteredashadowed,horseshoe-shapedareasurroundedbyasheerrockwallrisinghundredsoffeetintotheair.Theairwasstillandheldadamp,earthyfragrance.Underfoot,acoatingoftwigsandpineneedlescrunchedwitheachstep.Shepeeredintothedarknesswaitingforhereyestoadjust.Protectedfromtheweather,sheconsideredabsentlyhowthesecludedareawouldhavemadeasuperbcampinggrounduntilherattentionmovedtothepatheticstarkwhiteremainsscatteredinthelonggrass.“Oh,dearLord.Standback,everyone.Wolfetakealookandseewhatwehavehere.”
HergazemovedtoKaneonhiskneespeeringintentlyatsomething.Hisdogsatobedientlyonthetreelinewatchinghismasterasifwaitingforacommand.“Whatdoyouhavethere,Kane?”
“It’salocket.”Kane’sexpressionwasgrim.“Irecognizeitfromoneofthephotographsofmissinggirls.”HeglancedoveratWolfe,whowassuitingupincoveralls.“Maybeyoushouldstarthere.”
“I’lldoapreliminaryexaminationbutbytheweatheringofwhatboneswecansee,Iwon’tbeabletodeterminetheageoftheremainsbyusualmethods.Thereisnosmelleither,whichwouldmakemeassumetheremainshavebeenhereforsomeyears.”WolfethrewabundleofcoverallstoKane.“Suitup.We’llneedtomarkoutagrid,makeasketchofthearea,andtakesomepictures.ThenIsuggestwelookforOldCorkey’scabin.”
JennaleftthemtoitanddidaslowvisualscanoftheareathenturnedtoRowley.“We’llmarkouttheperimeterofthecrimescene.”Shemovedbackafewpacesandremovedherbackpackthentookoutarollofcrimescenetape.“Startwayoverthere,attachthetape,thencomebacktome.”
Bythetimetheyhadfinishedattachingtapetotrees,Wolfewaswaitingtospeakwithher.Shestrolledtowardhim.“Howmany?”
“It’stooearlytotellbuttherearethreeskullsvisible,sothekillersburiedtheminveryshallowgraves.Icanseeplasticstickingthroughthegrassinplacesandtheymarkedeachgravewitharock.Therearethreerocks.”Wolfestoodhandsonhips,hisfaceexpressionless,afa?adeheseemedtodropdownwhenonacase.“OncetheareaisphotographedandI’vemadearoughsketchofthepositionsofthebodies,Iwillmakeupagrid.Itiseasiertohaveatermofreferencewhenexcavatingasiteofthissize.”Hisgraygazeslippedtothegravesitethenbacktoher.“Oncewehavefinishedthepreliminaryexamination,I’llhavemoreaccurateinformationtorelaytotheFSDinHelena.”
Attemptingtokeepherownprofessionalpersona,thoughthehorrorofwhatlayafewfeetbeforeherhadshakenhertothecore,Jennanodded.“Okay,butifyouwanttofindtheotherburialsite,wewillneedtokeeptrackofthetime.It’snotsafetravelingthesetrailsafterdarkandthosegraveswillstillbehereinthemorning.TellKaneandRowleyhowyouwantthegridsetup.Ihaverollsoftape,string,andbrightorangeflagsinmybackpack.”Shegavethebackpackakickwithhertoe.“I’lltakethephotographs.”
“Yes,ma’am.”WolfeturnedawayandspoketoRowley.
“ThelocketbelongstoagirlnamedJodieKing.”Kanepressedanevidencebagintoherhandsthenhelduphiscellphonetoshowherapicture.“Sheiswearingitinthisimageandit’sinscribedontheback:ToJodie,loveMomandDad.”Heclearedhisthroat.“Shewentmissingeightyearsago.”
Withinfifteenorsominutes,shehadthephotographsandherdeputieshadthegridsetup.JennastoodtoonesidewithRowleywatchingWolfeandKanemovefromonegridtotheother.ShehadattendedgraveexcavationsbeforebutnotonthisscaleandfoundshehadamorbidfascinationinthewayWolfeworked.Usingasmalltrowelandabrush,heremovedfallenleavesandotherdebrisfromeachgrave,madenotes,measuredanyboneslyingonthesurface,andranacommentaryintoasmallrecordingdevice.Shecheckedherwatchandanotherhourhadflownbyinaninstant.BythetimeWolfeandKanehadflaggedthreegraves,thesunhadslippedlowinthesky.
Toherrelief,WolfestoodandwalkedcarefullyfromthecrimescenewithKaneathisheels.Shewaitedforthemtoremovetheircoverallsandglovesthenwalkedtowardthem.“Doyouhaveapreliminaryreport?”
“Threeshallowgraves,threeskullsarevisible,twoshownosignsoftrauma,andoneshowsindicationofbluntforcetrauma.Fromthebonesscatteredoverthegeneralarea,thereisevidenceofanimalintervention,buttherearealsothesameinjuriesIfoundonJaneStickler.Untreatedbrokenbones,whichwouldindicatethekillerskeptatleasttwoofthesechildrenforsometime,atleastsixweeksaftertheinjury.”Wolfeletoutalong,wearysigh.“Thissiteisgoingtotakesometimetoexcavate.Itmaybemonthsbeforewediscovertheidentityofthesekids.”
Angerrearedathearingabouttheatrocitiesthekidshadsuffered,butshepusheddowntheragewellinginsideher.Ihavetofindthemenwhodidthis.“ContactHelenaandaskthemtoassistourinvestigation.”
“Yes,ma’am.”
JodieKing’slocketweighedheavyinherhand.SheliftedhergazetoKane.“Howdidthevigilanteknowaboutthisplace?”Jennastaredatthedirt-smearedlocket,hermindracing.“Shemusthavebeeninvolvedsomehow.Iwonderifoneofthemenkidnappedher.FromwhatweknowaboutLizzyHarper’sfather,hetookhertoafishingcabinupheresomewhere—shecouldhavewitnessedJodie’smurderandoverheardwheretheyplannedtoburyherbody.”
“Doyouthinkwehavefoundourvigilante,ma’am?”Rowley’sdarkeyebrowsraised.“Imean,doyouthinkLizzyHarperisourkiller?”
“Everythingpointstoherbeinginvolved.”
“Sheisonthetopofmylistbutmaybesheonlywitnessedoneofthesekids’murders.”Kanerubbedhischin,hisfacepensive.“Thetimelinedoesn’tfitforJodie,butthenwedon’tknowhowlongLizzy’sfatherabusedherorhowlongtheykeptJodiealivebeforetheykilledher.Lizzywon’tgiveusanyinformation.”
“Withwhatwehavesofar,ImightbeabletoconvincetheDAtoissueanarrestwarrant.Ifnot,I’llorganizesurveillance.”Jennabentandpulledanevidencebagfromherbackpack,labeleditJodieKing,thendroppedthesmallerbaginside.“Ifitisher,Idon’twantanymoremurdersonmywatch.”
“Ifwecouldfindtherestofthering,wemightbeabletostopthevigilantebeforeshestrikesagain.”Kanerubbedthebackofhisneckandgaveawearysigh.“Ifwehadonesingleconnectiontolinkourmurdervictimswemighthaveachance.”
“Theycan’tbefarawayifthevigilanteisstalkingtheminBlackRockFalls.ThecabinsarethecommondenominatorinallthesecasesandallarelocatedinStantonForest.”Jennachewedonherbottomlip.“Whatothercluesdowehave,Kane?Wefoundtwogirlsincabinsinthemountains.LizzyHarpertoldyouherfathertookherfishingandtheystayedinacabinatthetopofBlackRockFalls.”Shewavedahandaround,encompassingthearea.“Thefishingcabinsarewalkingdistancefromhere.I’mconvincedtheyhaveahideoutcloseby.”Shestaredatthefailinglight.“Dammit,weneedmoretime.”
“IfwegostraighttoOldCorkey’scabinandcheckitout,we’llhavetimetorideuptothefishingcabinsandtakealook.It’snotthatfaroutofourway.”KaneraisedoneblackeyebrowinquestionatRowley.
“Tenminutes,Iguess.”RowleypulledtheGPSoutofhispackandscannedthescreen.“Maybealotlessaswe’reriding.OldCorkey’sisinthatdirection.”Hepointedintotheforest.“Thefishingcabinsareaboveusandtotheright.I’llscoutaroundforatrail.”Heheadedforhishorse.
Asusual,shecoulddependonRowley’slocalknowledge.SheshotaglanceatWolfe.“DidyoucontacttheHelenaforensicsteam?”
“Yes,ma’am.They’llbeabletopickusupfromtheBlackRockFallsHospitalhelipadatseveninthemorningandbringusbackhere.”Wolfewavedahandtowardthegravesite.“Ihavecoveredalltheremains.Thecrimesceneshouldbefineovernight.Thereisnothingofinterestforanywildlife.”
WhenRowleyrodeupmomentslater,Jennawalkedtomeethim.“Findatrail?”
“Yes,ma’am.It’snotfiveminutesaway.Wewouldhavespotteditbutit’shiddenbythetrees.”
Jennagatheredupherbelongingsthenstraightenedandstaredatherdeputies.“Whatareyouallwaitingfor?Grabthegear.Iwanttoarriveatthefishingcabinsbeforedark.”
TheyfollowedRowley’sleadandsoonadilapidatedcabincameintosight.Jennascannedthearea.“Itlookslikeit’sabandoned.”
“Nodoubt.”KanehaddismountedandwasfollowingWolfetothefrontdoor.“We’lltakealook,ma’am.”HeturnedtoDuke.“Stay,boy.”
Jennawaitedforafewmoments,watchingthedoorexpectantly.Wolfecameoutfirst,removinghissurgicalgloves,thenKaneshutthedoorandwalkedtowardher.“Wehavebodieswrappedinplasticunderthefloorboards,butfromthedust,noonehasbeenhereforsometime.”
“I’llhavetocomebackinthemorningwithlights—itspitch-darkinthere.”Wolfe’sbrowcreasedintoafrown.“FromwhatIcansee,therearethreebodies.I’mgoingtoneedhelp.ThetwoexpertsHelenaaresendingwiththechopperwillnotbeenough.Itmaytakeadayorsotoorganize;wearetalkingabouttwodifferentteamsandequipment.Thiscan’tberushed.”
“Pullinanyoneyouneed.”Sheglancedatherwatch.“Idoubtanyonewilldisturbedthemovernight.Weshouldmoveoutorwewon’thavetimetocheckthefishingcabins.”
Sixbodies.Couldthesebethemissinggirlsinthenewspapers?Jennaswallowedhardandturnedherhorsebackupthemountain.
49Warmbloodsoakedhershirtandtrickleddownthefrontofherjeans.Shestaredattheknife,stickyagainstherpalm.Ithadtakensecondstokillhimandyettheroomalreadystankofdeath.Atherfeet,thelasttwitchesoflifeleftChrisJenkins’body.Helaysprawledonhisback,afixedstartledexpressiononhisface.Shebentoverhimandstaredintohiseyes.“Seewhatyoumademedo?”
Astarkclarityofmindengulfedher,removingtheemotionandhateshefeltforthemonster.Onceshehadkilledhim,thegnawingragemeltedawaylikeiceinthesunandleftbehindawarmglowofcontentment.Shestraightenedandpeeredaroundtheroom,tryingtoretracehersteps.Thesheriffwouldsearchthecabinandshemustmakesuresheleftnohintofherexistencebehind,notonehairorfingerprint.Shefoundabucketclosebyandremovedherclothesthenpushedthemintothebucket.Athreadbaretowelhungovertheedgeofthesinkandshewrappeditaroundonehandtoturnonthefaucet.Thepipesmadeagurglingsoundanddiscoloredwaterranintothebasin.Shewashedusingthesliverofsoapsomeonehadleftbehind,butwithoutamirror,shehadnoideaifanybloodremainedonherface.Afterscanningthefloor,shewetthetowelandrubbeditoverherfootprintsthenletthewaterrunforsometimetomakesurenotraceofbloodremainedinthetrap.Sheturnedoffthefaucet,droppedthetowelinthebucket,thendressedincleanclothesfromherbackpack.
Afterwipingdownthechairwiththemonster’sT-shirt,sheaddedthebottleofdrinktothebucket.Shetookonelastlookaroundthecabin,pulledhercapdownlowonherhead,andpushedonhersunglasses;withherbackpackoveroneshoulder,shepickedupthebucketthenheadedforthedoor.SheusedtheT-shirttoturntheknob,droppeditonthefloor,andelbowedthedooropen.Themomentshesteppedoutside,shestaredintothestartledfaceofayounggirlpushingabicycle.Sheletthedoorswingshutbehindherandwavedthegirlaway.“Run!Themanintherehasaknife,hetriedtokillme.”
Concernedshemightbeidentified,shebrushedpasttheterrifiedgirlandgrabbedherownbicycle,butbeforeshehadmounted,thegirlcameflyingby,pedalingfast.Afterridingtotheendofthetrail,shestaredbothwaysandsawthegirlheadingintheoppositedirectiontowhereshehadlefthercar.Goosebumpsroseonherskinasawaveofapprehensionwashedoverher.ThegirlwasheadinginthesamedirectionasBobby-Joehaddriven.Therewasnothingattheendoftheroadasfarasshewasawareandperhapsbynowhehadturnedaroundandheadedhome.Theideaofhimbeingsoclosenaggedather.Whyisheintheforest?Didthemonstersplantomeettwogirlstoday?
Toherrelief,thegirlturnedleft,takingahiddenpathawayfromthemaintrail,andtheforestswallowedher.ManyanimalpathsweavedthroughoutStantonForestandsheprobablyknewofashortcutbacktothemainroad.Turningintheotherdirection,shepedaledhard,gladtofindthesmallclearingwhereshehadlefthercar.Onceshehadstowedthebicycleandthebucketunderthetarpaulininthetrunkofhercar,ittookherafewmomentstoremoveherbaseballcapandbrushoutherhair.Shecheckedherfaceinthemirror,addedsomelipstickthenheadedbacktotown.
Theheavyweightshehadcarriedforsolongwasfinallygettinglighter.Onetogo.
50Bobby-Joehadwaitedforthirtyminutesandwasgettingrestless.Sheshouldbearrivingsoonandhewantedtobewaitingforheratthecabin.HedrummedhisfingersonthesteeringwheelofhistruckthendecidedtopayChrisavisit.Ifhewalkedinonhimandhishoney,sowhat?Hepickedupabottleofdruggedsodathenslippedfromtheseatanddepressedthekeyfobtolockthedoors.Aftertakingaquicklookaroundjusttomakesurenoonelurkedintheshadows,hestrolledtowardthecabin.Asheturnedthebend,henoticedawhitesedanmovingawayatspeedinthedistance.Hecursedunderhisbreath;ifChrishadinvitedanyoneelsetothepartywithouttellinghim,therewouldbehelltopay.I’mrunningthisshow,notyou,asshole.
Movementcaughthiseyeinthedenseforestandoverthebirdsongcamethedistinctsoundofcrying.Heturnedslowly,peeringinalldirections.“Hello,issomeonethere?”
“M-me,I’mhere.”Agirlpushedoutthebushes,tearsstreamingdownherface.“Youdidn’tc-comefromthecabin,didyou?”
Bobby-Joestaredatherindisbelief.Oh,thisismyluckyday.“Me?No,Iparkedmytrucksomewaysuptheroad.”Heindicatedbehindhimwithhisthumb.“Mydogjumpedoutthebackandheadedthisway,I’vebeenlookin’forhim.Haveyouseenabrowndogcomeby?”
“No.”Thegirlrubbedathereyes.
“Whathappenedtoyou?”Bobby-Joekepthisdistance,notwantingtospookher.“It’snotsafeforyounggirlstobewalkin’aloneintheforest.”
“Icametomeetsomeoneatthecabin.”Shesniffedandhertear-filledeyesmovedoverhim.“Imetagirlbacktherenearthecabin.Shesaidtherewasabadmanintherewithaknife,soIranawaybutthenIfelloffmybicycle.Thewheelisallbentoutofshape.”
Bobby-Joefrowned,wonderingwhatthehellChriswasdoing.AtleastChrishadanadvantageoverhimrightnow.TheupsetgirlcouldidentifyhimbutChriswouldhavebeenwearinghisclownmask.Hehadhishangingoutofhisbackpocket.Hesighed.Toolatenow.Itlookslikethisoneiscominghometostay.
Hismindranthroughafewscenariosofwhattodowithher.Shewasscaredandhehadtoappeartobeasafeoption.Allhehadtodowaspersuadehertogetintohistruck.“Oh,therearesomenastymenaround.LikeIsaid,it’snotsafeintheforest.IguessIhadbetterlookformydogintheotherdirection.Idon’tliketheideaofbeingstabbedtodaybysomelunatic.”Hemadetoturnawaythenstoppedandlookedather.“Doyouwanttowalkwithme?”
“Okay.”Shefollowedhim.“What’syourdog’sname?”
“Deefer.”
“That’sastupidname.”Shewipedhernoseonatissuethencoughed.
Bobby-Joethoughtallhisbirthdayshadcomeatonce.Hefiguredshewasthegirlhehadgroomedformonths,butnowChrishadspookedher,andanychanceofconvincingherhewasthemansheplannedtomeetwouldbeawasteoftime.Shewouldconnecthimtothemaniacinthecabin.Hewouldhavetoplayitcoolandheldoutthebottleofsoda.“Wannadrink?Ihaven’topenedityetsoithasn’tgotcooties.”
“Thanks,I’mverythirsty.”Sheremovedthetopandtookalongdrink.“Itwillbedarksoon.Isthereatrailoutoftheforestupthisway?”Sheheldthebottleouttohim.
Bobby-Joeshookhishead.“Nope,andyouhavethedrink.Ihavemoreinmytruck.”
“HowamIgoingtogethome?”Shedrankagainthenlookedupathim.“I’llgetlostouthereandImightrunintothemanwiththeknife.”
“Youmight.”
“Willyouhelpme?”Shemovedcloserandgrabbedhisarm.“Please?”
Excitementrushedthroughhim.Shehadwalkedstraightintohisarms.Hecouldnotbelievehisluck.Histruckwasafewyardsaway.Thedrugswouldkickinsoonenoughandshewouldbehis.Hesmiledatherandheldouthishand.“Don’tworryyourprettylittlehead,darlin’.I’lltakecareofyou.”
“Thankyoubutwhataboutyourdog?”Hereyeshadbecomewideandinnocent.
Heswallowedhardandforcedhisbodytorelax.Benice,sheisonthehook.“I’msurehecanlookafterhimself.Gettingyouhomeismoreimportant.”
“MaybeIcancomebackheretomorrowandhelpyoulookforhim?”
Bobby-Joebitbackagrinoftriumph.“I’dlikethat.”Hewavedahandtowardhisvehicle.“Mytruckisoverthere.I’lldriveyouhome.”
Whenshetookhishandandsmiledathim,arushofeuphoriasweptoverhim.Thisonehewouldkeepforever.
51WEDNESDAY,WEEKTWO
Thefollowingmorning,Kanesatinhiscubicleandstaredatthecasefiles,wonderingifhehadlosthisedge.Thekillerhadeludedhimandthemeninvolvedinthepedophileringseemedtomovethroughlifelikeghosts.Everystepintotheinvestigationhetook,hecameupwithdeadends.HeagreedwithJennaandconsideredLizzyHarpertobetheprimesuspectforthevigilante.Althoughawomansmallinstature,shewasingoodshapefromtheheavyworkloadsheenduredasacleaner.LizzyHarperhadmurderedherfather,sotherecouldbenoquestionofherhavingthegutstokill,andtheyhadthetie-inwiththefishingcabins.Heranthroughthetranscriptofherinterviewforthethirdtime.Yes,shehatedmen,butsheseemedtohimtobeangrywitheveryone.Ifshewasthevigilante,whatwashermotive?Shehadalreadykilledthemanwhomolestedher.
Theonlyexplanationhecouldcontemplatewasthatherfatherexposedhertothemeninthepedophilering.Although,theyfoundnosignsofanythingunusualintheoldfishingcabins—nocellarsoranythingsignificantenoughtobelieveagroupofpedophileshadusedthem—butaftersomanyyears,anythingwaspossible.HedoubtedLizzywouldidentifythecabinwhereherfathermolestedhernow,becauseduringthecourtcase,shehadhadtheopportunitytoimplicateothermenbuthadremainedsilent.Yethehadproofanothermanwasinvolved.Lizzy’ssonwasnottheproductofincest.Whoisthekid’sfather?Hecheckedhisemailinboxagain,hopingtoseetheDNAresultsonthevigilante’stwovictims.IftherewasamatchtoLizzy’sson,thentheyhadmotivetobringherinforquestioning.
HisfingersitchedtocallWolfebutJennahadsenthimwithWebbertothegravesiteswiththeHelenaforensicsteam.Withakillerontheloose,shehadinsistedheandRowleyremainattheofficefollowingupleads.Hescrolledthroughthecontactsonhiscellphone,foundthenumberofthepathologylaboratoryWolfeused,andcalledthem.Hegavetherequiredinformationandwaited,andwaited.Tenorsominuteslater,thelaboratorytechniciancamebackontheline.
“I’llsendtheresultsthroughtotheBlackRockFallsME’sofficenow.”
AnnoyancerippledupKane’sspine.“IncludetheBlackRockFallsSheriff’sDepartmentinthatemail.IneedthatinformationyesterdayandtheMEissomewhereonthetopofthemountain.”
“Sure,sendingitnow.”
Kanestaredathiscomputerscreenandrefreshedhisinboxthreetimesbeforetheemailcameinwithattachments.Heopenedthefileandbitbackawhoopofexcitement.Atlast,theevidencetheyneeded.AmosPricewasthefatherofLizzyHarper’sson.HepushedtohisfeetandgrabbedRowleybytheshoulder.“Withme.”
“Wehaveabreakthroughinthevigilantecase.”
WhenJennaliftedhergazetohim,hegrinned.“WehaveenoughevidenceforanarrestwarrantforLizzyHarper.TheDNAresultscameinandAmosPriceisthefatherofherson.Thisproveshewasinvolved,sowehavemotive.ShewasintheareaatthetimeofthemurderandhasakeytothehousewhereAlisonSaundersfoundhisbody.”
“ThankGod.Nowwecanstopherbeforeshekillsagain.Goodwork.”Jennasmiledathim.“WriteitupandgivethepaperworktoRowleytotakeovertothecourthouse.I’llcalltheDAtomovethingsalongfasterthenI’lltrackdownhercurrentlocation.”
“Yes,ma’am.”Feelingjubilant,hestrodeoutthedoorandheadedforhiscubicle.
ThepaperworkdidnottakelongandhehandedthedocumenttoRowleyandsenthimonhisway.Afterspendingthenexthourmakingcallsandupdatinghiscasefiles,heglancedupasMaggie,obviouslydistressed,leftthefrontdeskandboltedintoJenna’soffice.Whathashappenednow?
Jennacameoutandwavedhimintoheroffice.Hepickeduphisnotepadandwalkedintotheroom,closingthedoorbehindhim.Jennawasonthephonetothemedia,givingdetailsofamissingchildforanAmberAlert.Hehadonlycaughttheendoftheconversationandwaitedexpectantlyforhertoexplain.Afterreplacingthereceiver,shedroppedherheadinherhandsandstaredathimwithanexpressionofremorsebutsaidnothing.
Hefrownedathersilence.“Whowentmissing?”
“Athirteen-year-oldgirl,SandraDoig.IhavenotifiedtheNationalCrimeInformationCentertoenterherontheMissingPersonsFileandputoutaBOLO.AlllocalcountieswillbeonthelookoutforherandwillissueanAmberAlert.IalsomadeacalltotheFBIChildAbductionRapidDeploymentTeam,sohelpisonitsway.”Shegaveatiredsigh.“I’vejustfinishedspeakingtothemedia.Theywillreleaseherdetailsimmediately,solet’shopewefindherquickly.Shetoldherparentsshewashavingasleepoverwithherfriendyesterdaybutdidn’tshowforschoolthismorning.”Jennapushedherfingersthroughherthickblackhair.“Hermomwouldn’thaveknownonlyshewentbytheschooltogivehersomelunchmoney.Thefriendsaidshedidn’tgohomewithher.”
Thistownisbecomingcrimecentral.Kanepushedtohisfeet.“Didshecallherotherfriends?”
“Yeah,MaggieaskedalltherightquestionswhenMrs.Doigcalled.Thegirl’smothersaiditisusualforSandratosleepoverwithPetaBraun,theyareBFFsandMrs.Braunmakessuretheydon’tstayupallnight.”Jennachewedonherbottomlip.“TheprincipalaskedthekidsovertheintercomandacoupleofthemsawherheadingawayfromtheschooltowardthebackroadtoStantonForestafterschoolyesterday.”
Thememoryofthemurderstheyhadinvestigatedearlierintheyearranthroughhismind.“That’snotgood.Ihopewedon’thaveanotherkillerstalkingtheforest.”
“I’mmoreworriedaboutthecurrentveryactivepedophilering.”
“Yes,andthelocalpedophilewhohasbeenworkingintownduringthefestival.”Kaneswallowedthebilerushingupthebackofhisthroat.“AskMaggietoarrangeforamemberofthefamilytobringsomethingSandrahasworn.It’sgoingtobedifficultsearchingtheforestandDukecantrackbysmell.”
“Yeah,herhusbandisonthewaywithapairofhersocks.IalreadythoughtofDuke.”Jenna’seyesnarrowed.“Weneedtomoveonthisnow.Iamassumingthisisanotherkidnappingbythesamemen.NowthatZoeisunavailable,theywouldneedanothergirl.I’llcallRowleyandtellhimtogetbackhereASAP.”Shepursedherlips.“StuMacgregoristheonlyknownpredatorintownweareawareofatthemoment—findhim.”
“Yes,ma’am.”Herubbedhischin.“I’llcallthetowncouncilandseeifheisworkinginthearea.”
“Okay.DidyoulocateLizzyHarper?”
HecouldalmostseeJenna’smindturningover;shehadsomanythingstoconsiderandwasprioritizingatanamazingspeed.“Yeah,sheandhermotherarecleaningahouseonCliftonDrive.Sheshouldbethereuntilfive.”
“Good,andshehasnoideasheisonourradar.Oncewereceivethearrestwarrant,Iwillsendsomeonetopickherup,butrightnowSandraDoigisourfirstpriority.IwanttobespeakingtoMacgregorinfiveminutes.”Jennawavedhimawayandreachedforherphone.
WithDeputiesWolfeandWebberatCraig’sRockwiththeHelenaforensicsteam,theofficewasshorthanded.Kanereturnedtohisdeskandimmediatelycalledthelocalcouncil,andaftertheoperatorpassedhimfromonedepartmenttotheother,hemanagedtoestablishthatthemagicianwasworkingonthestreetacrossfromtheparknotfarfromthesheriff’soffice.Kaneleanedbackinhischair,recallinghisearlierconversationwiththeman.HepushedtohisfeetjustasRowleycamethroughthefrontdoorcarryingafolderandwentintoJenna’soffice.
HefollowedhiminsidethenwaitedforJennatostopspeakingtoRowley.Whensheturnedhergazeonhim,heclearedhisthroat.“StuMacgregorisworkingacrossfromthepark.Thatseemstobehisspotduringafestival.Ispoketohimtherelastweek.”
“Okay,we’llspeakwithhimfirst.”SheturnedtoRowley.“WhileI’mout,putBradfordonthedesktohelpMaggiewithincomingcallsfromthepublicaboutthemissinggirlandmakesureshekeepsmeuptodatewithanydevelopments.YouspeaktoMr.Doig;heisbringinginsomethingofSandra’swecanuseforscent.”
“Yes,ma’am.”Rowleymarchedoutoftheroom.
Thecallpanelonherdesklitupandsheflickedanapprehensiveglanceathim.“Thismightbeinformationonthemissinggirl.GoandspeaktoMacgregor.Itwillbequickertowalk.”
“Sure.”Hehelduponehand.“I’llneedthegirl’sdetails.”
“I’vealreadysentalltheinformationtoyourphone.”Sheliftedherchinandhereyesboreintohim.“I’llpickyouupattheparkwhenI’mfinishedhereandwe’llgodoortodoor,startingfromwhereSandrawaslastseen.I’llgetWolfeandWebberbackhereandtheycanbringinLizzyHarper.”
“Okay.”Kaneheadedforthedoor.
Thesunhithimfullintheeyesashesteppedoutontothestreet.Hereachedforthesunglassesinhistoppocketandmovedthroughthemillingcrowdsenjoyingthefestival.Theschoolshadclosedforonedaythepreviousweekbutthenumberofkidsunderfootstaggeredhim.Hedodgedagroupfromthelocalkindergartenclasswavingstickyfingersandsmilingathimwithtoffee-apple-stainedteeth.Thisweekmanyentertainers,buskers,clowns,andmagicianshadsetupintheparkinglotsinfrontofthelocalstores.HepickedoutStuMacgregorsurroundedbykidsandhepusheddownhisanger.Wouldhegotoworkasusualifhehadakidnappedkidathomeinhiscellar?Couldhebeprocuringkidsforotherpedophiles?Probably.
Predators,likepsychopaths,hadtheabilitytoappearnormalandmosttimesworethefa?adeofapersonoftrustandlikeability.Althoughhehadfoundpsychopathstobeextremelycleverwithoutfeelingstowardtheirvictims,mostpedophilestrulybelievedtheylovedthechildrentheymolested.Theyactedontheirsexualperversion.Theproblemhehadasaprofilerwasthetwotypesofpersonalityoftencrossed.Hecouldbedealingwithapedophilewithpsychopathicpersonalitywhocravedsexwithchildrenbuthadnoconsciencewhenitcametohurtingorkillingthem.
HemovedtothefrontofthemassofpeoplewatchingStuMacgregorrunthroughhisperformance.ThemannoticedhimatonceandKanenoticedhishandsshakealittleduringhisfinaltrick.Whenthemagicianannouncedhewouldbetakingashortbreak,thecrowedmoanedasonethenstartedtowanderaway.Kanewalkeduptohimandstood,handsonhips.“DoyoudriveoverfromBlackwatereachdayordoyouhaveaplacehereintown?”
“Ileasedahouse.It’sarun-downplaceoutsideoftownonthewaytothefalls.”Macgregorbusiedhimselfwithhisprops,notmeetingKane’seyes.“Why?”
Kanewatchedhisbodylanguagewithinterest.Heisworried.“IthoughtStantonRoadwasupmarket.”
“NotStantonRoad,waypastthereupthehighwayneartheTripleZbar.It’sanoldbunkhouseonWeller’sRoad.”
Kaneleanedcloser.“Didyoutakealittlegirluptherelastnight?”
“No.”Macgregorstillrefusedtolookathim.“Idon’tknownothingaboutalittlegirlgoingmissing.”
“Ididn’tsayshewentmissing,didI?”Kaneglaredathim.“Packupyourthings.We’regoingtotakearidetothesheriff’soffice.Youcanwaitinacellwhilewesearchyourplace.”
“Youdon’thaveawarranttosearchmyplace.”
Kanemovedsoclosehecouldsmelltheman’ssweat.“You’reonparole,Idon’tneedoneandIhaveenoughtodetainyouonsuspicionofkidnapping.”
HepulledouthisphoneandrelayedtheinformationtoJenna.“Givemeyourkeys.Youarearegisteredsexoffenderandagirlismissing.”Hegavehimalittlepushtowardthesheriff’sdepartment.“Startwalkingunlessyouwantmetocuffyouinfrontofallthekids.”
52Foronce,shewasinagoodmood.ShehadthedayfreetoenjoytheFallFestival.Afterwanderingthroughtownavoidingthemillingpeople,shespottedStuMacgregor,butrightthisminutehewastheleastofherproblems.Hehadnevertouchedheroranyofthegirlsandwasabrokenmanafterhistimeinprison.Thecourtcasehadtakenupallhiscashandhisfamilywantednothingtodowithhim.Thedeputieshadhimontheirradar.Notthatshehadlefthimoutofherdiary.Shehadrecordedeverydetailshecouldrememberinthattime,alongwithdetailsofherrecentmurders,becauseassureashell,SheriffAltonwouldnotallowhertowalkfreeformuchlonger.
OverlunchinAuntBetty’sshesavoredthememoryofwatchingChris’slifeslipaway.Withglee,sheallowedeachdetailtopercolatethroughhermind.Killinghimhadbeensatisfyingandshehadenjoyedtheheatofhisbloodgushingoverher.Thesmellofdeathintriguedherwithitsmanyfacetsandshealmostwishedshehadthetimetorollinitlikesomebarbaricheathen.Sheletoutacontentedsigh.Yes,herplanstokillmonstersweregoingalongjustfine.
SheglancedupattheTV,andthenoisycrowdenjoyingtheirmealsseemedtovanishfromview.HerchairclatteredtothefloorandshedashedfromhertabletothecountertocatchthebreakingnewsonTV.Shegapedattheimageonthescreenoftheyounggirlshehadseenoutsidethecabinyesterday.Whenshereadthe“Missinggirl”bannersplashedacrossthescreen,angercurledinherbelly,makingherhandsshake.HerheartracedandshecouldnotdraghereyesawayfromtheTV,thenSusieHartwig’svoicebroughtherbacktoreality
“DearLord,won’tyoulookatthatpoorchild.”SusiefrownedupattheTV.“Isurehopeshehasn’tfallenintooneoftheswimmingholesanddrowned.”
ThereareworsethingsthatcanhappentoagirlinBlackRockFalls.ShegatheredherselfandglancedatSusie.“Ihopenot.Canyouturnupthevolumesowecanhearwhathappened?”
“Surething.”Susiemovedbehindthecounter.
Thesternfaceofthenewsanchorfilledthescreen.“Thirteen-year-oldSandraDoigwaslastseenleavingBlackRockFallsMiddleSchoolbythebackgateonherbicycleyesterday.IfanyonehasseenSandra,pleasecallthenumberonyourscreen.”
Holyshit,whathappenedtoher?Chriswasdeadandcouldnothurther.Theforestwasdesertedandtheroademptywhensheleft.Sandrashouldhavemadeitsafelytothehighway.Infact,shehadnotgivenherathoughtsinceleavingStantonForest.ThememoryofseeingBobby-Joedrivingpastflashedintohermindandshewantedtoscreaminanguish.Ohshit,Bobby-Joehastakenhertohiscabin.
AtrickleofsweatranannoyinglybetweenhershoulderbladesbutshecouldnotmoveherattentionfromtheTV.HergazeslidtoSusie,wholookedatherwithapuzzledexpression.Shetriedtorelaxandthink.HerplansforBobby-Joehadbeencomplex,butwiththesheriff’sdepartmentclimbingalloverthemountainnotfarfromhissecludedcabin,shehadlittlechanceoftorturinghimtodeath,andnothingelsewoulddo.Hewouldpayforwhathehaddone.
Sheallowedherclenchedjawtorelax,forcedherfaceintoacomposedexpression,andmetSusie’sgaze.“Iwonderifthesheriffwillaskforvolunteerstojointhesearch.”
“Iguessbuttheydohavetherangers.”Susieshruggedandpulledapencilfrombehindoneear.“Tablethreeisreadytoorder.Gottago.”Shehurriedaway.
Actingasnonchalantaspossible,shereturnedtohertable,pickedupherchair,andsatdown.ShehadtotakedownBobby-Joetodayandhewouldbeherfinalactofrevenge.
Afterdrainingthecoffeecup,shedroppedsomebillsonthetableandheadedforthedoor.Shehadacalltomake.
Bythetimesheslidbehindthewheelofhercar,sirenswailedinthedistanceasthesheriffdepartment’svehiclesheadedtowardStantonForest.TheideaofmanipulatingDeputyKaneamusedher.Shestartedhercarandheadedforherapartmenttochangeintohikinggear.Thistime,shewouldneedtheknife,herpistol,andastungunTheimageofBobby-Joeflashedintohermind.Hewascruelandcalculatingbutafterall,hewasonlyaman.Shehadprovedtheyallhadtheirvulnerabilities,butkillinghimwouldbespecial.Thepainhesufferedwouldnotatoneforwhathehaddoneortheliveshehadtaken.
I’mgoingtokillyouslow,Bobby-Joe.
I’mgoingtomakeyouscream.
53JennadecidedtosendBradfordandRowleytosearchMacgregor’scabinthemomentKanearrived.“Lightsandsirens,andcallmethemomentyougetthere.Ifyoudon’tfindher,getbackheredoubletime.”
Sheglancedupfromherdesk,gladtoseeKaneusheringStuMacgregortowardthecells.“Kane,giveRowleythekeystoMacgregor’shouse.”
“Yes,ma’am.”
Momentslater,hereturnedandinformedheraboutacallhehadreceivedaboutthemissinggirl.Theinformationputacompletelydifferentperspectiveonthecase.
“Howgoodisthislead?”
“Thecallergavemedetailsofherbicycleandwhatshewaswearing.”Kaneraisedoneeyebrow.“Shesaidshesawthegirlheadingdownatrailtowardtheforestrycabinyesterdayafternoon.Theideaofhergoingwillinglywouldfit,especiallyifwearetalkingaboutapedophilering.Youknowhowpredatorswork—theygroomkidsandheprobablyconvincedhertomeethimatthecabin.”
Dammit!“So,it’spossibleStuMacgregorhasheratthecabininthewoods,nearwherethiswitnesslastsawher,andnotathishome?”
“It’spossible,andatleastwehaveaplacetostartsearching.”Heleanedonherdesk.“That’sonehellofabigforestoutthereandshecouldbeanywhere.Rightnow,Macgregorisdenyingheisinvolved.Theinformantisallwehavetogoonfornow.”
TornbetweencheckingoutthecabinandwaitingforherdeputiestosearchMacgregor’shouse,shegroanedinwardly.IfIhadWolfeandWebberhere,thiswouldnotbeanissue.“We’llwaitforRowleyandBradfordtocheckhishouse.Itisthemostlogicalplace.Hecouldhavemetherintheforestandtakenhertohisplaceliketheothers.Ifweluckoutthere,we’llheadouttoherlastknownlocation.I’llgetontothemediaagainandorganizeasearchparty.Asyouknow,thefirstforty-eighthoursarecrucialinmissingkids’cases.IhaveapairofSandra’ssocks.DoyouthinkDukewillbeabletotrackher?”
“Yeah.”
Jennawenttohercupboardandpulledoutheremergencybackpack.“GoandgetDuke,lightsandsirens,thenheadoutthebackroadtoStantonForest.I’lltextyouthecoordinates.Walterscantakeoverhere.I’llmeetyouattheroadleadingtothecabin.”
“Rogerthat.”Kanestrodeoutthedoor.
WorryforSandracrampedherbellyasshefollowedhimoutofheroffice.ShepausedbrieflytoaskMaggietocallWaltersintotheofficetomaketheLizzyHarperarrestassoonasthewarrantcamethrough.Hercellphonerang.“SheriffAlton.”
“Wefoundnotraceofthegirl.Thisisaone-bedroomshack,nocellar.”Bradfordspokeandshecouldhearsirensinthebackground.“We’llbebackattheofficeinfiveminutes.”
Annoyed,Jennasighed.“Okay,thanks.”
ShecalledKaneandgavehimtheinformationthenwalkedintoherofficebeforestridingtothefrontcounter,waitingimpatientlyforRowley’scruisertoarrive.ThemomentthedooropenedandBradfordwalkedinshepouncedonthewoman.“Where’sRowley?”
“Righthere,ma’am.”RowleystrolledthroughthefrontdooronBradford’sheels.
“Grabyourbackpacksandfollowme.”
Momentslater,sheledthewaytoherSUVwithRowleyandBradford.Oncethedeputieshadclimbedaboard,shespunthewheelofherSUV,andsirensandlightsblazingheadedtowardStantonForestatspeed.“CallWolfeandtellhimI’llsendthemthecoordinatesofthetrackwhenwearrive.Theycanmeetus.Iwanteveryavailablepersonsearchingforthisgirl.”
“Yes,ma’am.”Rowleymadethecall.“Theyareontheirway.”
Astheperimeteroftheforestcameintoview,sheslidthevehiclearoundasweepingbendandheadedwest.Thelinesoftallpinetreesdashedpastinstreaksofgreen.Theflashesofsunlightandshadowsmadetheroadlooklikeaflickeringsilentmovie.Sheslowedtosearchthenever-endinglineofdarkbrowntrunksfortheentrancetotheaccessroad.Theforestwithitsabundanceofwildflowersappearedbeautifulsetagainstanazureskywiththemountainsasabackdrop,butshewasawareofthepotentialdangerlurkingwithinitsdarkdepths.
Shemissedthedirtroadatfirst.Longgrasspartiallyhiditoneachsideandshereversedtopeerdownatrackdisappearingintothedimforest.AfterpullingtheSUVtoahalt,shecheckedthecoordinatesonherGPSthensenttheminatexttoKaneandWolfe.“Makesureyouhaveyourreceiversturnedonandyourearbudsin.Iwanttomakesureweareallcommunicating.”Jennaslippedfromthecarthenheardasireninthedistancecomingfast.“ThatwillbeKane.Wemightaswellwaitforhimtoarrive.”
“Youmightwanttodrivesomewaysdownthisroadtoo,ma’am.”Rowley’sbrowcrinkled.“Themaphasacabinmarkedaboutquartermiledownthatroad,attheendofatrailmorethanfiftyfeetintotheforest.”
“Okay.WhenKanegetshere,wewilltakehisSUVandleaveminehere.ItwillmakeagoodmarkerforWolfewhenhearrives.”
Afewminuteslater,sunlightflashedonawindshieldroaringaroundthebendathighspeed.ThewailingsirendidnotmufflethesoundofthepowerfulengineinKane’svehicle.WhenhecametoastopparalleltoherSUV,shewalkedtothepassengerdoorandpulleditopen.“We’llridewithyou.Thecabinisdownthatroad.”SheturnedtoBradford.“Grabthebackpacksoutofmycar.”Shetossedherthekeys.“Rowley,bringarifle.”
“Yes,ma’am.”BradfordcollectedthebackpacksandhauledthemtothebackofKane’sSUV.“Willthesebeokayintherewiththedog?”
“Yeah,hewon’ttouchthem.”Kanenoddedintheaffirmative.“Putthembesidemine.”
TheyallpiledintothevehicleandJennagaveKanedirectionsasheturnedintotheforest.Sheglancedathim.“Thisisafrightenedkid.Turnoffthesirenbutleavethelightson.Akidwillapproachapolicevehicleifthey’relost.”
“Ithinkthetrailiscomingupontheright.”Rowleyleanedforwardeagerly
“Okay.”KanepulledtheSUVofftheroadbesideanarrowtrail.“Downhere?”
“Yeah,Iwouldsayso.”Rowleypeeredatthemapthenbackatthetrail.“Hey,look,thereisasignpostsomewaysdownthepath.”
Jennaleapedfromthecar.“Okay,grabyourbackpacksandleavetherifle.Ifyoufindanything,marktheareawithaflagandcallme.ShepulledaplasticbagfromherpocketandlookedatKane.“GetDuke.”
“Yes,ma’am.”Kaneletthedogoutofthecarandattachedalongleashtohiscollar.Hehoistedonhisbackpackthenwalkedthedogtoher.“Givehimthescentthenallwecandoisheadtowardthegirl’slastknownpositionandhopeforthebest.”
Jennaopenedtheplasticbagandofferedittothedog.Tohersurprise,hegavetwoshortbarksthendroppedhisnosetothegroundandsearchedaround.Momentslater,hetookoffdowntheroadawayfromthecabin.“Oh,thatcan’tbegood.Weknowshewasatthecabin.”
“Butmaybeshewentthiswayafterthewomansawher.”KaneattemptedtoheaveDukebackbutthedogbarkedloudlyandpulledattheleash.“Heseemsintentonheadingthisway.Doyouwantmetofollowhim?”
“Yeah,takeBradfordwithyou.”JennaglancedatRowley.“Comewithmetocheckoutthecabin.”SheturnedtocallafterKane.“Keepincontact,Kane.”
“Rogerthat.”Kanegaveheranod,andwithBradfordathisside,theyfollowedthedog.
Withouthesitation,JennaplungeddownthetrackleadingtothecabinbutwassoongladtohaveRowleyatherside.Shecouldnotimagineayounggirlwalkingdownthispathvoluntarily.Deepinthewoods,thepinetreesandthedenseundergrowthseemedtoformanimpenetrablewallclosinginaroundthem.Longshadowsfelllikeprisonbarsacrossthetrackandthehairsonthebackofherneckstoodupasifinawarning.Apartfromtheirsoftfootstepsandthecreakingofthetrees,aneeriesilencedescendedonthem.Everymuscletensedassherealizedtheusualbirdsongwasmissing.Jennaslowedthepaceandglancedaroundinalldirections,sensingdangerlurkingintheshadows.Sheloweredhervoicetoawhisper.“Somethingisn’tright.Nobirds.”
“Iseesomecrowsupthere.”Rowleyfrowned.“Theyareallwatchingus.”Heshuddered.“That’screepy.”
Jennasniffedtheairandshrugged.“Ican’tsmelldeathbutcrowsareagoodsignsomethingisdeadaroundhere.”Shewavedhimon.“Thecabinmustbearoundthenextbend.Keeptothetreeline.Wehavenoideawhatisaroundthenextcorner.”
Asoftbuzzingsoundreachedherastheywalkedandthecabincameintoview.Astonished,shegapedatthefrontdoor.Thewoodenpanelsmovedlikeaheatmirage.Shetookafewstepscloserthenrealizedwithashudderthattheblackmasswasaswarmofflies.Theycrowdedoverthelogcabinandspreadacrossthewindowslikeblinds.“OhmyGod,arethoseflies?”
“Yeah.”Rowleywipedahandacrosshismouthasifindisgust.“Thatcan’tbegood.”
ThesoundofKane’svoiceinherearstartledherbutshequicklyregainedhercomposure.“Whathaveyoufound?”
“Agirl’sbicyclefittingthedescriptionofSandra’s.Itsfrontwheelisbentoutofshape.I’vemarkedtheplace.Itwasonatrailjustoffthemainroad.ThenDukeledustotheendoftheroad.Hereitwidensout,soIguessfiretrucksuseditasaturnaroundspot.ThereisanSUVparkedhere,andthehoodiscool,soit’sbeenhereforawhile.”Kaneclearedhisthroat.“Irantheplates.ItbelongstoChrisJenkins,andguesswhat?Helivesinthemountains.Problemis,Sandra’sscentwentcoldhere.Ifigureshegotintoanothervehicle.Wecouldhavetwoguysworkingtogether,maybeaprocurerandaclient?”
“Rogerthat.”Jennakeptupaconstantscanoftheareaandonehandonherpistol.“Ithinkwehavesomethingsignificantheretoo.”
Sheexplainedthefliesandthesilence.“I’llleavethemicopenandgoandtakealookinsidethecabin.”
“Okay.Weareheadingtoyourpositionnow.”
JennaslidherGlockfromtheholsterandturnedtoRowley.“Wedon’tknowifanyoneiswatchingusorwho,ifanyone,isinside.We’llbevulnerableinsidethecabin.I’mgoingtoreconitalone.Getintotheforestwithatreetoyourbackandwatchmysix.”
“Yes,ma’am.”Rowleypulledouthisweapon,gaveheracurtnod,andbackedintotheshadows.
Sheknewthedrill,sticktothetreelinethenmovefromthecornerofthecabinandlookthroughawindow.Theemergencycabinsinthisareawerelittlemorethanoneroomandsheshouldbeabletoseeifanyonewasinside.Shereachedthesideofthecabinandlistenedforanysoundofmovement.
Nothing.
Assheedgedtowardthewindow,agreatcloudoffliesroseintotheair,buzzingwithannoyance.Theylandedonher,coveringherfaceasifshewastheirnextmeal.Shewavedthemawayandturkey-peekedinsidethewindow.Thequickglancegaveherlittleinformationasblacknessmethergaze.Theonlylightcamefromthesmallwindowsandapartfromtheoneshewaslookingthrough,fliesblockedtheother.Shebangedonthewall,sendingthefliesswarmingagain.“Sheriff’sdepartment,isanyoneinside?”
Silence.
Shit!Sheholsteredherweaponjustlongenoughtopullonapairofsurgicalglovesthenspokeintohermic.“Itlooksempty.I’mgoingtotrythedoor.”
Heartthumpingagainstherribsatthethoughtoffindingamurderedgirlinside,Jennaeasedalongthewalltothefrontofthecabinandturnedthedoorknobwithtremblingfingers.Asthedoorswungopen,acloudoffliesrushedinsideandthestenchofdeathfloodedhernostrils.Lightfromthedoorfelloverthebodyofaman,lyingonhisbackinapoolofblood.Multiplestabwoundsadornedhisbarechestandhiseyesstaredather,setinahorrifiedexpressionthatwouldstaywithherforaverylongtime.
Aswarmoffliesjoinedtheantscrawlingoverhisface,andasnauseagrabbedher,Jennamovedawayfromthedoor.Themanwasobviouslydeadandthefewerpeopledisturbingthescenethebetter.Shespokeintohermicthenhadthecouragetolookatthebodyagain.“Wehaveanakedbody,male,latethirties.Stabwoundstochest.Icanclearlyseeascaronhisknee;hecouldbeoneofthemembersofthepedophilering.Iwouldsayhehasbeendeadmaybetwelvehoursorso.”Shesighed.“I’llnotifyWolfeandthenstartaperimetersearchbutifthisisanothervigilantemurder,Idoubtwewillfindanything.”
SheheardadogbarkingandwasgladtoseeDukeboundingtowardherwithKaneintow.ShepulledouthercellphoneandcalledWolfe.“Wehaveanotherhomicide.”
54Nothingwasgoingtoplan.Irritated,Bobby-Joedraggedthegirlfromthebed.“Getbackintothecageanddon’tmakeasound,hearme?”
“Iwanttogohome.”Shelookedupathim,herchinstuckoutatastubbornangle.“Yousaidyouwouldtakemehome.”
Hegrabbedherhairandtwisteditinhisfist,enjoyingtheflashoffearinhereyes.“Youarehome.You’lldoanythin’Iwant,whenIwant,andhowIwant.”Helaughedwhenhereyeswidened.“You’renevergoin’home,andifyoutrytorunaway,I’llhuntyoudownthengogetthatprettylittlesisterofyours.I’llslityourmother’sthroatwhileI’mthere.”
Comingoutoftheshowerwithatowelwrappedaroundhiswaist,heheadedupthecellarstepsandstrolledthroughthepantryandintothekitchenwhistling.Thesounddiedonhislipsatthesightofayoungwomanleaningagainstthekitchencounteraimingapistolathim.Hestaredatthegunclaspedcombat-styleinbothhands.Theweaponlookedbiginhersmallfistsandherfaceseemedfamiliar.Whothehellwassheandwhatdidshewant?Flickinghiseyesaroundtolookforaweapon,hespottedaknifeonthecounter.Confidenthecouldoverpowerher,heliftedbothhandsandedgedinthatdirection.“What’syourproblem?”
“Yousaidthattomeaswell.”Thewoman’shandsheldthegunwithunnervingsteadiness.“Thatyou’dhuntmedownandkillmyparents,butyoudidn’tfindme,didyou?”
“Idon’tknowwhatyou’retalkin’aboutbutIdoknowyou’reonprivateproperty.Mygateislockedandsignpostedforareason.”
“Itookcareofthegate.Youshouldhavepurchasedathickerchain;myboltcuttersslicedthroughitlikebutter.”Shesmiledathim.“Youdidn’texpectmetowalkallthewaybackhere,didyou?”
“Okay.So,you’veobviouslybeenherebefore.Whatdoyouwant?DidyoucometotellmeI’madaddy?”
“No.”Herexpressionturnedtoice.“I’llgiveyouonething—youandyourfriendswerealwayscareful.”Aslowsmiletwistedherlips.“Iguessyou’rerunningoutoffriendsnow,huh?”
Uneasecreptoverhim.Howdidsheknowtwoofhisfriendshaddiedrecently,andwherethehellwasChris?Hehadexpectedhimtoarrivelastnighttousethecage,butafterscaringhisgirlintheforest,maybehe’ddecidedtoholeupinthecabinuntillater.Heshrugged,tryingtoactnonchalant.“You’retalkin’aloadofshit,lady.”
“AmI?”Sheliftedherchinandhercoldeyesboreintohim.“Letmesee…Amosdied,thenEly.IranintoChrisnearwhereyoupickedupSandra;hewon’tbebringinghisgirlheretoday.”
Panicmadehisheartbeatuncomfortablyfast.HowdoessheknowaboutthegirlImetintheforest?“Idon’tknowanySandra.”
“Oh,that’sright;youneverasktheirnames,doyou?”Herlipcurledinobviousdisgust.“Isshelockedinthecageinthecellar?”
Howdoessheknowaboutthecage?Onlyoneofhisgirlshadeverescaped.Stuhadlostoneandpaidthepriceforhisstupidity.Whenhisgirlvanished,hehadscannedthenewspapersformonthsbuthadnotseenonewordmentionedabouther.Lookingatthewomanstandingbeforehim,shecouldbethegirl;therewasaslightresemblance.“Isthisajoke?”
“DoIlooklikeI’mjoking?”Heraimdidnotfalter.
Sheknewtoomuchandhadtheconfidenceofacopwithplentyofbackup.Hetookhiseyesoffherforasplitsecondtoglanceoutthefrontwindowexpectingtoseedeputies’cruisersoutsidebutonlytheforestfilledhisview.
“Ifyou’relookingforthesheriff,shewon’tbecomingtotheparty.”Thewomansmiledasifshehadreadhismind.“Ihavebigplansforyou,Bobby-Joe.Youdorecognizeme,don’tyou?”
Thepuzzlefellintoplace.Shemusthavebeenoneoftheirearliergirls.Luckily,shehadneversaidawordtothecops.Shemusthavelikedbeinghere.“YoudolookfamiliarnowIcometolookatyou.”Heclearedhisthroat.“Whatdoyouwant?”
Hereyeslockedonhisfacebuthermouthtwitchedatthecornersasifholdingagunonhimwasfunny.“I’vebeenoutvisitingoldacquaintancesandthoughtI’ddropby.Ijustcouldn’tgetourtimetogetheroutofmymind.”
Relieved,hesmiledhisbestcome-get-mesmile.“Neverfoundanyoneasgoodasme,huh?Youdon’tneedtoholdagunonme,allyouhavetodoisask.”
Heopenedhisarmswideandheldinhisguttomakethetowelpuddleathisfeet.Heneededadistractiontograbtheknifebutthewoman’sattentionhadlockedonhisface;notevenhereyesmoved.“Likewhatyousee?”
“Iseeevil.Apersonwhohidesbehindamask.”Hermouthturnedintoanuglygrimace.“Youareapatheticlittlewormandnotworthytobecalledaman.Yousee,arealmanprotectschildren.”
“Sowhyareyouhere?”
“Toeventhescore.”Shewetherlipsasifsavoringherwords.“IknowwhatyouareandIwasinthehospitalwhenyoumurderedJane.Nowit’syourturntopaybutfirst,Iwantyourlaptop,alltheimagesyouhaveofthegirlsyoukepthere,andthemasks.”
“Noway.”
Abulletwhizzedpasthisearinanear-piercingboom,splinteringthewallbehindhimandshoweringhisbarefleshwithsplintersofwood.Heflickedaglanceoveroneshoulderandgapedattheholeinthewall.Holycrap,sheisusinghollowpoints.Fearshookhiskneesandsweatcoatedhisskin.Hehelduphishands.“Okay,okay.They’relockedinthepantry.”
“Getthem,allofthem,andbeforeyouthinkyoumighttryandcutmeormaybegrabagun,thinkagain.I’lldropyoubeforeyoucantakeyournextbreath.”Hereyesfixedonhimandshesmiled.“I’mgoingtoenjoykillingyou.”
Terrorgrippedhimand,keepinghishandshigh,hemovedslowlytothepantrydoor.“I’llneedtolowermyhandtoopenthedoor.”
“Keeponehandonyourhead.”
“Sure,anythin’yousay.”Heopenedthedoorwideandwithtremblingfingersslidopenthefalsebacktothepantry.Keepingoneeyeonthecrazywomanwiththegun,heopenedthesafeandtookouthislaptop.Hepiledaboxofimagesandfilesontopthenstuffedtheclownmasksintothebox.Helookedoveroneshoulder.“Wheredoyouwantthese?”
“Onthekitchentable.Openthelaptopandshowmewhat’sonthosethumbdrives.”Herdarkeyesmovedoverhim.“Onemove,onetinymovetowardme,andyourheadisleavingyourbody.”
Hecompliedandturnedthescreenaroundforhertoviewtheimages.“Nowwhat?”
“Nowwe’regoingforalittlewalk.”Shepulledoutziptiesfromherpocketanddroppedthemonthecounter.“Turnaround.Handsbehindyourback.”
Angertightenedhisthroat.“Noway.Areyoujokin’?Shootme,bitch,becauseassureashell,you’llhavetokillmebeforeIgoanywherewithyoubarefootandnaked.”
Helungedfortheknifeonthecounterandwhite-hotpainslicedthroughhiminaboltoflightning.Hislimbsstiffenedandhisheartraced.Hehitthefloorfacedownandheardtheunmistakablecrackofboneashisnoseshattered.Themetallictasteofbloodrandownhisthroat.Hecouldnotmoveamuscle.Holyshit,sheusedastungunonme.
“Howdoesthatfeel,Bobby-Joe?”Thewomanbentandsecuredhishandsbehindhisbackwithzipties.Sheloopedafewtogetherandtiedhisankles,leavingenoughspacetoshufflehisfeet.“I’vepickedoutanicetreeclosetothefallswithyournameonit.”Shegrinnedathimbuthereyeswereascoldasice.“Unlessyouwantthestungunonyourballsnexttime,IsuggestyoudoasIsay,butIpromiseyouonething:Beforeyoudie,Iwillmakeyouscream.”
55Kanecaughtthesmellofdecomposingfleshbeforeheroundedthebendinthepathtothecabin.Dukewaspullinghardontheleashandmakingstrangebarkingnoisesthenstoppingtohowl.HeturnedtoBradfordandtookinherashenface.“Haveyouattendedahomicidecrimescenebefore?”
“No,sir.”Shestraightenedasiftryingtolookefficientandfellintostridebesidehim.“Itsmellsprettybad.”
“It’sonlygoingtogetworse.Useoneofthefacemasksinyourbackpack.Ifanyoneasksyoutoenterthecrimescene,youmustbewearingcoverallsandbooties.Don’ttouchanythingwithoutwearinggloves.”Heglancedaround,peeringthroughthewalloftrees.“Bealert,wehavenoideaiftheareaissecure.Thekillercouldberightbesideusandwewouldn’tseehiminthecoveroftheforest.”
TheywalkedaroundahairpinbendandhecouldhearJennaspeakingonhercellphone.“What’syourETA?”
HegatheredshewasspeakingtoWolfe,andhecalledDukeandtoldthedogtositunderatree.HewanderedovertoRowleyandtheywalkedtothedoorofthecabin.Coveringhisnosewithonehand,hepeeredinside.Stickyblackpoolsofbloodsurroundedthebody,whichappearedtobewearingablackshroudoffliesandotherinsects.HesteppedawayandturnedtoRowley.“NobloodyfootprintsbutIcanseesomesmearmarksonthefloorasifthekillertriedtohidehistracks.”Hetookouthisnotepadandjotteddowntheinformation.“Didyouseethebodybeforethefliesarrived?”
“Yeah,butIdon’thaveanythingtoaddtowhatthesherifftoldyou.”Rowleyscratchedhishead.“HelooksfamiliarandIrecallhisname.That’sChrisJenkins,Igavehimaticketforabrokentaillightaweekorsoago.”
“Thatwillbeeasyenoughtocheck.”KaneturnedatJenna’svoice.“Haveyoubeeninside,ma’am?”
“No,Wolfeisfiveminutesaway,we’llwaitforhim.Wehaveanotherproblem:Walterscan’tlocateLizzyHarper.”Sheremovedherhatandwipedthesweatfromherbrowwithatissue.“Hermothersaidshedidn’tgotoworktodayandshe’snotathome.”
Kanescannedthearea.“Idoubtshe’llbestickingaround.”
“Ihaven’tseenanytraceofheratall.Wecheckedtheimmediateareabutfoundnothingofinterestapartfrombicycletracksoverthere.”Shepointedtotheedgeoftheclearing.“Thedirtissofteranditappearssomeoneleanedtheirbicycleagainstatree.”
Kanewanderedover,pulledouthiscellphone,andtookphotographsofthetiremarks.“Idon’tthinkthisisSandra’sbicycle;themarksarenarrowandmorelikearacingbicycle.”
“So,itcouldbelongtothekiller?”Jenna’scellphoneblastedoutaheavyrockringtoneandshepulleditoutofherpocket.“Yes,Walters,whatisit?Justonemoment,I’llputyouonspeaker.”
“StillnotraceofLizzyHarperbutI’mstilllookingasshedon’tknowwe’relookingforher.Ifsheisintown,I’llfindhersoonenough.”
“GetMaggietohelpyou.Callsomeofthelocalstores—someonemusthaveseenher.Anythingelse?”
“Ihavefoundsomethingofinterest.”
“Goon.”Jenna’sbrowwrinkledintoafrown.
“Itookthelistofpeopleworkingatthehospitalandcross-referencedthenamesofthosewholiveinthecabinsupnearCraig’sRock.Ifoundfourpeople.Threecheckedoutokaybutoneman,Bobby-JoeBrandon,worksnightsatthehospitalandhehastakenacoupleofdaysoffwiththeflu.HewassupposedtobeondutythenightJaneSticklerdiedbutcalledinsick.Kindaconvenient,don’tyouthink?”Hepausedforafewseconds.“IfoundhiscellphonenumberandcalledhimbutallIgotwashisvoicemail.Ifigurethere’saslimchancehemightbeoneofthefourmenthegirls’mentionedinthepedophilering,andifso,hecouldhaveabductedthegirl.Asheisn’tansweringhisphonethevigilantemighthavekilledhimalready.”
Kane’sskinprickled.“Whereexactlydoeshelive?”
“DidyoupassaprivateroadwithalotofsignswhenyouwentuptoCraig’sRock?”
“Yes,Iremembertheplace.”JennaflashedKanealookofconcern.
“Well,ma’am,hiscabinisabouthalfamileupthatroad.Youwouldhavetodrivetothegateandgoonfoot.Hehasthepropertyfenced,soI’mtold.”
“Okay,thanks.Hemightbeintheshowerorsomething,keeptryinghisnumber.”Jennaworriedherbottomlip.“Anyrelevantleadsonthemissinggirl?”
“Notreally.We’vehadquiteafewcalls,afewcrackpots,andtheothersI’mcheckingoutastheycomein.Mostarethesame,asweknowalready;theylastsawherheadinginyourdirection.Onepersonsawherridingalongtheroadwhenhewascomingintotown.Shewaslastseenafterschoolintheareaforsure.”Hepausedandshecouldhearatappingonakeyboard.“Anotherthing:Mrs.Dempsysawalate-modelwhitesedanturningandheadingtoyourpositionearlyyesterdayafternoon.Shedidn’ttakemuchnoticewhowasdriving.”Hetookadeepbreath.“Therearevolunteerssearchingfromtheschool,headingthroughtheforestinyourdirection.Therangershavethemwellorganized.”
“Okay,thanks.Ifanyonecallsinwithapositivesighting,callme,andkeeplookingforLizzyHarper;someonemusthaveseenher.”
“Yes,ma’am.”
AfterJennadisconnectedshestaredupatKaneblanklyasifthinking,thenclearedherthroat.“Whatifthevigilantekillersetupthisvictim?Youmentionedpedophilesgroomkidsonline,andifsheactedlikeayounggirl,it’spossiblethisishowsheisgettinghervictimsalone.”Shewavedahandaround.“Lookatthisplace:It’samileormorefromtownbutnottoofartocomebybicycle,andit’ssecluded.”
“Yeah.”Rowleyblinkedawaythefliesbuzzingaroundhissweat-streakedface.“Ifthevictimsthoughttheyweremeetingayounggirl,theywouldn’tbeover-cautious—infact,morelikelytodowhateverthekidwanted.”
“Ifweconsiderthevigilanteisposingasakid,yeahitmakesperfectsense.”Jennasighed.“IfBobby-JoeBrandonispartofthis,heisprobablydeadalready.”
AboltofrealizationsmackedKaneinthehead.“We’remissingsomething.Let’ssaythecallIreceivedaboutseeingthegirlherewasfromthevigilante,andshedidn’tdisguisehervoicethistimetomakemethinkitwaslegit.”
“She’sneverdonethatbefore.Whynow?”Jennaraisedoneeyebrow.
“Ifigureshe’sbeenmovingusaroundlikepiecesonachessboard.Thinkback.Sheblood-bombedmyhouseandleftthenewspaperstojustifyherreasonformurder,maybeinanefforttomakeuspullbacktheinvestigation.ShewantedusoutoftowntogivehertimetokillJenkinssoshecalledandinformedmeaboutthegravesatCraig’sRock.”
“ThensheluredJenkinshere.”Jennawaswellaheadofhim.“It’sobvioussheknowsthenamesofthemeninthepedophilering,andifBobby-JoeBrandonisourfourthman,hewouldbenextonherlist.IfigureBobby-Joeplannedtomeetagirlhereaswell.”Sheglancedupathim,eyesflashingwithexcitement.“It’spossibleshekilledChristhencaughtsightofBobby-JoewithSandraandfollowedhim.Weknowsomeoneelsewashere.Sandra’strailvanishessoitprovesasecondvehiclepickedherup.”
Kanerubbedthebackofhisneck.“Thevigilantewouldn’thavepickedupSandraorshewouldhavebeenhomebynow.”
“Yeah,sheisusingthismurdersceneasadecoy.Ifigurekillingthefourthmanisherultimateprize.”Jennastaredintospacethensnappedhergazebacktohim.“Craig’sRockisclosetoBobby-Joe’scabin,soshecallsyoutotellyouaboutseeingSandrahere.ShewouldknowIwouldcallinallmyresourcestosearchforthemissinggirl,andwhenwefoundthebody,IwouldcallintheMEandgiveheraclearpathtoBobby-Joe.”
“Ohshit!”Rowley’seyesroundedinhorror.“You’resayingshewantedusawayfromCraig’sRocksoshecouldmurderBobby-JoeBrandon?”
Kanenoddedinagreement.“Yeah.Weneedtogetuptherenow.”
56WhenDukebarkedandjumped,aswildlyaspossibleforahound,JennaturnedtoseeWolfeandWebbercomingintotheclearingcarryingatonofequipment.Shehurriedtomeetthemandexplainedthesituation.“I’mheadinguptoBobby-JoeBrandon’scabin.Ithinkwe’rewastingourtimesearchinghere.”
“IfyouleaveWebberwithme,wecanhandlethecrimescenealone.I’veorganizedahugeteamfromHelenaandsurroundingcountiestoexhumeallthebodiesatCraig’sRock.They’llbeherefirstthinginthemorning.”Wolfewalkedovertothecabinandpeeredintothedoor.“I’vealreadycalledthelocalmorticiantobringtransportforthebody.”
“WethinkthisisChrisJenkins;hefitsthedescriptionasfarasIcantellonhisdriver’slicense.Kanefoundhistruckparkedsomewaysupthemainroad.Seeifhisprintsareonfile.I’llneedyoutoconfirmhisIDandfindoutifhehasanynextofkin.”Sherubbedhermouth,rememberingthefliesandantscrawlingoverthevictim’sface.“You’llneedtocleanhimupbeforeyougetapositiveID.”
“That’sgiven,ma’am.”Wolfelookedslightlyannoyed.
Withhermindjugglingamultitudeofcases,beingnicesometimesslippedintoobscurity.“Thatwasrude,Iapologize,Wolfe.I’msureIdon’thavetoremindyouaboutprocedure.”Sheturnedtoherotherdeputies.“We’llgoinyourSUV,Kane.RowleyandBradford,withus.”ShetossedherkeystoWebber.“Drivemycarbacktotheofficewhenyou’refinishedhere.”
“Yes,ma’am.”Webber’sfacewassheet-white.
Withagirlindanger,Jennadidnothavetimetoboostmorale.Sheofferedhimasmallsmile.“Iknowyou’vehadagruesomeintroductiontoBlackRockFallsbutit’snotlikethisallthetime.You’llbebacktowritingticketsbeforeyouknowit.”
“I’veseendeathbefore,ma’am,butit’snevereasy.”
“He’sdoingafinejob.”WolfeslappedWebberontheback.“Suitup,wehaveworktodo.”
JennaspunawaytofaceKane.“Let’sgo.”
FranticforthesafetyofSandraDoig,JennajoggedalongthetrailtoKane’sblackSUV.WhenKanemovedtoherside,sheglancedupathim.“Lightsandsirens.IwanttogettoBobby-Joe’scabinyesterday.”Sheyankedopenthedoortohiscar,tossedherbackpackovertheback,andclimbedintothepassengerseat.“Hurry!”
“Yougotit.”KanehoistedDukeinthebackandslidbehindthewheelthencastaglanceovertoRowleyandBradford.“Strapin,it’sgoingtobeawildride.”HisgazesettledonRowley.“Mysniperrifleisundertheseatinacase.Getitoutforme,please.”
“Rogerthat.”Rowleygavehimacurtnodthenclickedinhisseatbelt.
ThrownbackinherchairasthepowerfulSUVtookoffthenspunone-eightydegreesbeforetearingbacktothemainroad,Jennagrippedtheedgeoftheseat.ShehadconfidenceinKane’sabilitytokeephersafebuthislookofgrimdeterminationworriedherabouthismood.Hisopinionofpedophileswasquiteclear,andhewouldkillonhercommandwithoutblinkinganeye.ShewouldneedtokeepatightholdonherdeputiesifBobby-JoeBrandonwasaliveandhadthemissinggirlinhiscabin.
“Gostraightaheadattheintersectionthentakethefirstright.TheroadrunsparalleltoStantonRoadandwillbypassthetrafficintown.”Rowleyleanedforwardinhisseat.“It’sresidentialbutloopsbackaroundtoStantonRoadnearthecollege.”
“Okay.”TheengineroaredlikeanangrybullasKaneturnedontothehighway
Jennaconcentratedontheroadahead,andwiththesirenblaring,theforestbecameagreenblurasKaneincreasedspeed,hardlyslowingtotakethebends.Behindher,shecouldhearRowleycheckinghisweaponsandassemblingKane’srifle.Theyflashedpastcars,mostpullingovertoallowthemtopass,andhittheintersectiondoingsixty.“Holyshit,Kane,slowdownoryou’llkillsomeone.”
“We’regood.Icouldseeagoodhundredfeeteachway.”Hisbluegazelandedonherforasplitsecond.“Trustme.”
Astheyflashedbyhouses,peoplecameoutopen-mouthedtowatchthemgoby.Theendoftheroadcameupfast,andwithaquickglanceinbothdirections,Kanehitthegasagainandtheysurgeddowntheopenhighway.Jennagapedattheneedleonthespeedometer:eighty,ninety.Shesuckedinabreathandlookedawaywhenitslidover120milesperhour.Sheheardastrangewhooshingsoundastheypassedcars,trucks,andbuildingswithoutslowing.TheturnoffleadingtoCraig’sRockandtheentrancetothefallswascomingupatspeed.
Ashowerofgravelhadwasheddowninthelastrainandcoatedtheendoftheroad,spillingontothehighwayandmakingamuddysmearontheblacktop.Jennaheldherbreath.Thecarslowed,themotorrumbled,andshesqueezedhereyesshutasKaneslidthecararoundthehairpinbendonthegravel,then,wheelsspinning,theSUVgainedtractionandincreasedspeedupthemountainroad.Hewasscaringthehelloutofhernow.Withherheartpounding,shetriedtoactnonchalant.“Youshouldcompeteindriftingcompetitions.You’dwin.”
“Nah,it’sanidiot’sgameandI’dneverriskmylifeonsomethingsostupid.”
“That’sgoodtohear.”Sheglancedathim.“Turnoffthelightsandsirens,wedon’twanttoadvertisethefactwearehere.”
“Yes,ma’am.”
Astheyclimbedhighintothemountainrange,Jennascannedtheforestforcabins.Herwholesomeideaofawonderfultrekupthepeaktoenjoynaturehadbeenshatteredoflate.Withhundredsoflogcabinsspreadthroughouttheforest,shewonderedhowmanypeopleusedthemforillegalactivities.TheroadweavedinalldirectionsandJennaswallowedhardastheSUVcameperilouslyclosetotheedgeofthefalls,sendingpebblestumblingdowntherockface.Then,toherrelief,Kaneturneddownasideroadleadingintotheforest.Astheydrovedeeperintothemassoftrees,theshadefromthetallpinesturnedthebrightsummer’sdayintodusk.Ashorttimelater,theyapproachedtheprivateroadWaltershadinformedthemledtoBobby-Joe’sproperty.Shestaredattheopengatewithsignsalloverprohibitingentry.“Thatwaspadlockedwhenwecamepastlasttime.”
“Thiscan’tbegood.”Kanedroveslowlythroughtheopeningandhungoutthewindow,examiningthegate.“Someonehascutthroughthechain.”
“ItmightbeLizzyHarper.Shecouldbeonfoot.”AjoltofadrenalinehitJenna,makingherhandtremble.“Scanthearea.Rowley,taketheleft;I’lltaketheright.Kane,proceedwithcaution.”
“There’sawhitesedanparkedoff-roadahead.”Kaneslowedthecarthenpulledup.“Doyouwanttostoporcontinue,ma’am?”
Jennashookherhead.“No,keepgoing.Pullupjustbeforetheturn;we’llgoinfromthere.Rowley,runtheplate.”
“Oh,motherofGod.”Rowley’svoicecameoutinarushofemotion.“HehasAlison.That’shercar.”
57ItneverceasedtoamazeJennathewayKanecouldslipfromhisdeputypersonaintocombatmodeintheblinkofaneyeandmovewithoutmakingasound.Hechangednoticeablyandhisexpressionbecamefixed,almostrobotic,buthiseyesmovedconstantly,scanningthearea.Withhiminthelead,ifsomeonewasintheforestwaitingtotakeashotatthem,theywouldnotgetpasthisscrutiny.
AstheyroundedthesweepingcurveleadingtotheclearingsurroundingthecabinwithKaneinthelead,Jennaheardhisvoiceinherearbud.
“Ifwecrosstheroad,we’llbeabletocomeuparoundthebackofthecabin.”
“Rogerthat.”Shecouldseehimusingapairofbinocularstocheckoutthecabin.“Canyouseeanymovementinside?”
“Nope.Thereisatruckparkedoutfront.”
Astrangledscreamcamefromtheforest,sendingaflockofbirdsrisinghighintheair.Infrontofher,Kanefrozeandscannedtheareawithhisbinoculars.Jennawavedtheotherdeputiesintothetreesandmovedslowlytohisside,takingcoverbehindapinetwofeetwide.“Bobcat?”
Anotherscreamandthistime,alongwailingvoiceshatteredthesilence.“Pleeeeasestop.”
Tornbetweencheckingthecabinforakidnappedgirlandsavingapedophilefrompotentialmurder,JennaglancedtowardKane.“Checkoutwhoisscreaming.IfAlisonisindanger,takeactionimmediately.I’lltakeRowleyandBradfordandclearthecabin.”
WhenKanegaveheracurtnodthentookawell-worntrailblendedintotheforestwithoutasmuchasacrackoftwigs,shepressedhermic.“Rowley,Bradford,withme.We’llcrosstheroadhereoneatatimethengoaroundthebackofthecabin.Kaneisheadingtowardthepersonintrouble.”
Withoutwaiting,shedashedacrosstheroadandslippedintothecoveroftrees.SecondslaterRowleythenBradfordsansdogwerebesideher.“Where’sDuke?”
“Itoldhimtoliedown;heisinthebushes.”Bradfordgaveheraworriedlook.“Ithoughthemightgetintheway.”
“Okay,followme.”
Jennaapproachedthebackdoorofthecabinwithcaution;nosoundcamefromwithinandthescreaminghadobviouslynotdisturbedtheinhabitants.Thebackdoorhungopenandshecouldclearlyseethekitcheninside.“Sheriff’sdepartment.Mr.Brandon,areyouthere?”
Sheturkey-peekedaroundthedoorandthendrawingherweapontookafewcautiousstepsinside.Thestrongodorofunwashedmanandbeeraccostedhernostrils.Thekitchenwasemptybutherattentionwentstraighttoagapingholeinthewallandthesplinteredwoodfragmentslitteringthefloor.Onlyaguncouldmakethatmuchdamage.Shehithermic.“Kane,thereisaholeasbigasTexasinthewallinhere.”
“Blood?”
“NotthatIcanseeandit’squiet.”Shetookadeepbreathandmovedintothekitchen.“Thebackdoorwasopen.Itlookslikeoneshotandamaybeachase.”
“Ican’tseeanyonefrommyposition.Thescreamingiscomingfromclosertothefalls.Ifigureyou’regoodtogo.”
“Okay.”Shecouldseethroughtothesmalllivingroom.Anotheropendoorwasonherright.“Mr.Brandon?”
WithRowleyhotonherheels,sheedgedalongthewallandpeeredintothebedroom.Shecouldsmellthefilthybedlinenfromthedoorwayand,heartpounding,movedinsidetocheckthesmallbathroom.“Clear.”
NooneappearedtobehomeandyetatrucksatinthedrivewayandAlison’scarwasontheroad.Worryknottedherstomach.Wherearethey?Sheledthewaytothekitchen,openingcupboardstosearchfortheconcealedentrancetoacellar.SheturnedtoRowley.“Searchforacellardoor.Itmightbeunderamat.”
“Yes,ma’am.”
“Kane,theplaceisempty.I’mstillsearchingforAlisonandthegirl.”JennawavedBradfordinside.
“Thescreaminghasstopped.Itwasn’takid’svoice;itsoundedlikeaman.Ifigurethekillerwouldn’thurtakid.SandraandAlisonmuststillbeinthehouse.I’mclimbingtoahigherposition.”
GladshehadKaneontheoutsidewatchingtheirbacks,Jennaholsteredherweapon.“Rogerthat.”
Inthekitchen,Bradfordstoodwithonehandpressedtohermouthandstaredatalaptoponthetable.Concernedbythedeputy’sashenface,Jennawalkedtoherside.“Whatisit?”
“Takealook.”Bradfordgrimacedthenturnedaway,shakingherhead.
DisgustandangerslammedintoJennaattheluridimagesonthescreen,andusingherelbow,sheclosedthelid.Shedraggedoutlatexglovesfromherpocketandpulledthemonthenpeeredintoacartonsittingonthetable.Insidewereclownmasks,twentyormorethumbdrives,andpilesofphotographs.Sheforcedhermindtocutoutthedepravityandconcentrateonthevictims’faces.“OhmyGod,Irecognizesomeofthesegirlsfromthenewspaperarticles.”
“Doyouthinkhe’skilledthegirl?”Bradford’shandswereshaking.
“No,menlikehimprefertokeepthemaliveforaslongaspossible.Shehastobehere;heprobablyhasherandAlisonstashedcloseby.”
Frantictofindthem,sheglancedaround,thenKane’svoicecameintoherear
“I’vecontinuedupthetrailbutIstillcan’tseeanyone.Icanseealedgehigherup;I’llgetupthereandscantheareawithmyscope.AnyluckfindingSandraandAlison?”
Shepressedhermic.“No.Thecabinisemptyandwearesearchingforacellar.Theyhavetobeheresomewhere.IknowBrandonisoneofthepedophiles.Heleftalaptopopenwithpornfilesonthekitchentable.There’saboxcontainingclownmasks,thumbdrives,andphotographs.Irecognizesomeofthemfromthemissinggirlsinthenewspapers.”
“Rogerthat.Justaminute.Iseemovementupthetopofthemountainandthesoundofwaterisgettinglouder.I’mclosetothefallsandIcanmakeoutafewshapesahead.”
“Okay,holdyourposition.We’llcheckoutthecellarthenmeetyouonthetrail.”
“Ma’am.”Rowleycaughtherattention.“I’vefoundasafewiththedooropen.Itlooksempty.”Hewalkedintothepantryandpointedtoadoorsetintothebackwall.“Thatmightbethecellardoor.I’llcheckitout.”
“Wait!”Jennamovedtohissideandpushedhimagainstthewall.“Alwaysassumesomeonemaybedowntherewithaweapon.Keepyourbacktothewallandeaseopenthedoor.”
Thedooropenedwithoutasoundbutitwaspitch-blackatthebottomofthestairs.“ThisisSheriffAlton.CometothebottomofthestairswhereIcanseeyou.”
“Ican’t.”
Jenna’sheartmissedabeatatthesmallglimmerofhope.Thevoicewasyoung.“Isthatyou,Sandra?”
“Yes.”
SheflickedaglanceatRowley,andhiseyesflashedwitharageshehadnotseenbefore.Shetookabreath.“IsAlisonwithyou?”
“No.Idon’tknowAlison.”
JennaflickedalookatRowley’sconcernedfacethencalledoutagain.“Areyoualone?”
“Yes.”
Ittookeveryounceofwillpowernottochargedownthestairs.Sheedgedbackintothepantryandunclippedherflashlightfromherbelt.“Ican’tseeathingdownthere.Canyouseealightswitchanywhere?”
“Nope,itmustbeinside.”Rowleyturnedonhisflashlight.
SheturnedtoBradford.“Watchthedoor.Rowley,withme.”
WithRowleyclosebehindandholdingtheirflashlightsflushtotheirGlocks,theyfloodedthecellarwithlight.Shesighedwithreliefatfindingthegirlseeminglyalone.StillunsureifBobby-Joewashidingunderthebedorintheshadows,sheedgeddownthecreakyoldstairsstepbystep.“Icanseeyou,Sandra.Ifanyoneelseishidinginhere,wearearmed.Comeoutwithyourhandsup.”
“I’malone.Nooneelseishere.”Sandra’ssmallvoicesoundedweakandshaky.
Sheholsteredherweaponandrantothegirllockedinacage.“It’sokay,we’regoingtogetyouout.”Sheopenedhermic.“Kane,wehaveSandraandsheisfine.NosignofAlisonorBobby-Joe.”
“Rogerthat.”
“Getrightovertothebackofthecage,Sandra.”Rowleyappearedathersidewithanaxandsmashedthedoorwithacoupleofblows.
Jennapeeredatthehuddled,wide-eyed,tremblingfigureandherheartshatteredintoathousandpieces.Whatkindofanimaldoesthistoayounggirl?“You’resafenow.”Withdelicatecare,sheeasedherfromthecageand,shieldingherfromRowley’slineofsight,glancedaroundforsomethingtocoverher.“Grabmethosecleanbathtowelsthengobackupstairs.”
AftertakingthefoldedtowelsfromRowley,sheturnedbacktothegirl.Witheffort,shekeptheremotionincheck.“I’mgoingtocatchthemanwhodidthistoyou.IwantyoutostayupstairswithDeputyBradford,ah,Paula,forafewminutes.Shewilllookafteryou,okay?”
“Iwanttogohome.”
Jennawrappedherinthetowels.“Verysoon.”
Inthekitchen,sheinstructedBradfordtofindSandrasomethingtoeat,lockedthefrontdoor,thenleftwithRowleybytheback,gladtoheartheboltslidingintoposition.ShejoggedbacktocollectDuke,confidentthedogwouldleadthemstraighttoKane.Astheyheadedupthemountaintrailatarun,sheopenedhermictospeaktoBradford.“Sandrawillneedtobeexamined.Don’tallowhertowashnomatterwhat,okay?Stayalert—wedon’tknowwhereBobby-JoeisatthemomentandAlisonisstillmissing.”
“Yes,ma’am.”
“Kane,what’shappening?”
“I’vemovedintopositionbehindaboulderhighuponthewestsideofthetrail.Ihaveavisualofamantiedtoatree.Hisconditionisunknownbutheisbloody.Itlookslikesomeonecuthisthroat.Hangon,I’llsetupmyrifleandtakealookthroughthescope.”Silencehungheavybetweenthemforafewlongseconds.“Oh,shit!”KanepausedandJennacouldhearhimtakeadeepbreath.“Alisonisthekiller,repeat,AlisonSaundersisthekiller.”
RealizationhitJennalikeacannonball.Sheswallowedthelumpinherthroatasthemissinglinksinthecasedroppedintoplace.
“Alisonwouldn’thurtanyone.”Rowleyflashedheralookofconcern.“Theremustbesomemistake.”
Jennaglancedathimbutkeptupthepace.“We’llfindoutsoonenough.Didyouhearthat,Kane?”
“Yeah,sorry,man,it’sher.Sheiscoveredinbloodandpacingupanddowninfrontofamutilatedbody.Shehasapistolandisscanningthetrailasifwaitingforsomeonetoarrive.”
“Okay,we’llkeepoutofrange.”Jennastoppedwalkingandsurveyedthearea.“We’regoinginleftofthemaintrail.Canyoucoverusfromyourposition?”
“Yeah,Ihaveaclearlinetothetarget.”
“Oh,Jesus,don’tkillher,Kane.”Rowley’svoiceraisedinpanicashespokeintohismic.“Ithastobeamistake.”HiseyespleadedwithJenna.
PanicdroveJennafasteralongthetrail.Onherorder,KanewouldtakeoutAlisonwithoutasecondthought.Theideamadebilerushintohermouth.Shebitoutthewords.“Standdownunlesssheisathreat.Wehavenoideaofthesituationrightnow.Ifsheisthevigilante,rememberIwantheralivetoanswerquestions.”
“Yes,ma’am.”Kane’sclippedreplygratedonhershatterednerves.“Standingdown,awaitingorders.”
58Hiddeninshadows,Kanelayflatonhisstomachandrestedthesniperrifleonaconvenientrock.Throughthehigh-poweredscope,hefollowedthemovementsofAlisonSaunders.Hernormallyneathairwastangledandherwhiteskirtandpinkblousespatteredwithblood.Derangedwasagoodwordtodescribeherappearance,andJennaandRowleywouldwalkrightintoherlineoffireiftheycontinuedupthetrailtothetopofthefalls.HemovedhisattentiontoBobby-JoeBrandon’sblood-soakednakedbody.Hehadstabwoundstohisuppertorso,aknifeprotrudedfromhischest,andhisheadhungdown.
Jennaspokeinhisear.“Icanhearthefalls,whereareyou?Dukeispullingtotheright.”
KanerolledonhissideandscannedtheforestuntilhefoundJenna.“Iseeyou.Iamontherightuphighintheshadows.Alisonisstillstaringatthetrailasifsheiswaitingforsomeone.”
“So,ifwecontinueontheleftwe’llbewalkingintoatrap?”
“Rogerthat.Suggestyoucircleroundandusethetreesforcoveruntilyouareclosertoherposition.”Hesuckedinadeepbreath.“Iwon’tallowhertoshootyou,Jenna.”
“Dammit,Kane,wedon’tknowforsureifsheisthevigilante.”
Heshookhisheadslowlyindespair.“BythestateofBobby-Joe,thisisherbestworkyet,andfortherecord,Idon’thavetokillher.”
“I’llbeabletotalkherdown.”
Kanepeeredthroughthescopeatthewild-eyedwomanpacingthetopofthefalls.Talkingherdownwouldnotbeanoption.“FromwhatI’mseeingnow,sheiswaypastnegotiation.”
Rowley’svoicecamethroughhisearpiece.
“I’lltalktoher.She’lllistentome.”
Kaneshookhishead.“It’snotagoodidea.”
Tohishorror,Rowleyburstthroughthetreesandintotheopen.Hecouldheartheconversationthroughhisearbud.
“Whatdoyouwant,Jake?”Alisonplacedthepistolonarock.“Don’tworry,I’mnotplanningonkillingyou.”
“IwouldliketoknowwhatyouaredoingupherewithBobby-JoeBrandon.”Rowley’svoicesoundedincompletecontrol.
“Youdon’thavetoworryabouthimanymore.Iguessyou’rewiththesheriff?”Alisongaveashortlaugh.“IguessedshewouldfigureoutwhoIwassoonenough.Ididn’tthinkI’dhavetowaitsolong.”
“Yeah,she’shere.Whydidn’tyoucallmetohelpyou?”
“Youwouldn’tunderstand.Menneverdo.”Alisonspreadherbloodyhands.“Andyou’dwantmetogivemyselfup.It’snotgoingtohappen,Jake.”
Jenna’svoicebrokeintotheconversation.“I’mrighthere,let’stalk.”
“Sure,comeonup,butleaveJakebehindanddon’tholdagunonmeeither.I’mnothreattoyou.”
“Okay,butifyoupickupyourweapon,Kanehasorderstoshoot.”Jenna’svoicewasassteadyasarock.“Doyouunderstand?”
“Yes,Iunderstand.”Alisonfoldedherarmsoverherchestinanonchalantpose.
Kaneopenedhismic.“Keepheroutintheopen.”
“Rogerthat.”AsJennaweavedherwaybetweenthetrees,Kaneheardasharpintakeofbreath“Ihaveeyesonthevictim.Shehascuthisthroat.Usereasonableforce,Kane,ifshegoesforherweapon.I’llkeepmymicopen.Rowley,watchmysixbutkeepoutofsight.”
“Yes,ma’am.”
KaneaimedhisrifleatAlison.“I’mlockedontarget.”
Hedroppedintothatplacewherehisracingheartslowedandhisbreathcameinanevenflow.Thecalmheneededtomaketheshot,tokill,disable,orprotectslippedoverhimandhewaited.
Jennamovedthroughthetrees,thepoundingofwaterblockingoutthesoundsoftheforest.ShekeptherattentionfixedonAlison,waitingforhertodiveforherweapon,butAlisonhadbackedawayfromthepistolandstoodperilouslyclosetotheedgeofthefalls.Whenthegirlspoke,shecouldhardlyhearher.ShewouldneedtogetcloserandtrustthatifAlisonhadaweaponhiddenbehindherbackandthreatenedher,Kanewouldbefastenoughtoprotecther.“Comecloser,Ican’thearyou.”
“Nocando.”Alisonraisedhervoice.“Yousee,Idon’ttrustanyoneinlawenforcementandyouhaveadeputypointingagunatme.”
Jennashoutedatheroverthenoise.“Youcantrustme,andifBobby-Joehurtyouasachild,thenIguessyouhadgoodreasontogetevenwithhim.”ShetookinthealmostblankexpressiononAlison’sfaceand,seeingnoobviousthreat,movedcloser.“Let’stalkbutputyourhandswhereIcanseethem.”
“You’renotgoingtoallowKanetoshootme.”Alisonheldherhandsoutathersides.“I’munarmed.”
“Youwantedtotalk,solet’scuttothechase.WhydidyoumurderBobby-JoeBrandon?Didhemolestyouasachild?”
“Molestissuchanice,cleanword,isn’tit.Letmespellitoutforyou,Sheriff.Hekidnappedmeeightyearsago,usedme,thenkeptmeinacageunderhisbed.Iwasthereforthepleasureofhimandhisfriends.Iwatchedhimandhisfriendsrapeandmurderinnocentgirls.”ShegaveJennaacoldlook.“Bobby-Joewasavicioussonofabitchandhelaughedwhentheyscreamed.Theymeantnothingtohim.”Shesnorted.“Ifthegirlsdied,theywouldsaythey‘planted’thematCraig’sRockorunderthefloorboardsatOldCorkey’splace.”
AshiverwentdownJenna’sspineatthememoryofthebleachedwhitebonesatCraig’sRock.“Whydidn’tyoutellthesheriff?”
“I’msurehewasinvolved.”Alisongaveahystericallaugh.“Hecouldhavebeenoneoftheothers,theonesinthemasks,soIkeptmymouthshut.AssoonasIcould,Ikilledhim.”Shesmiledalmostprettily.“WhatasurpriseitwastoseeAmosPriceintown.Soonafter,IfoundouttheothershadreturnedtoBlackRockFalls.IttooksometimetofindthemintheonlinechatroomsbutI’mapatientwoman.”
“Whoarethesemen?TellmeandI’llputthemawayforaverylongtime.”
“It’stoolate.AmosPrice,Imurderedwithnicotinesulfate.ElyDorsey,theoneinthemotel,Iskeweredhimthroughtheear.AndgoodoldChrisJenkins,Istabbedhimtodeath.”ShegesturedtoBobby-Joe’scorpse.“YoucanseehowImadeBobby-Joepay.”Sheswipedathermouthasifrubbingawaythedistasteforthemen.“I’veleftadiaryinmyhousewitheverydetailIcanremember:names,dates,andthegirlsIwitnessedthemkill.”
UnabletograsphowcoolanddetachedAlisonappearedtellinghowshehadmurderedfivemen,Jennaswallowedthebileinherthroat.ShehadtokeephertalkingandobtainasmuchinformationaspossiblewhileAlisonwaspreparedtospeak.“DidStuMacgregorhaveanythingtodowiththepedophilering?WeknowhewenttojailforkidnappingAngeliqueBoovalandshementionedotherswereinvolved.”
“Hewastheprocurer.WhenBobby-Joegavehimanorder,hepickedupagirl.Macgregordidn’tjoininduringthetimeIwaswithBobby-Joe.Iguesshestoppedkidnappinggirlswhenhecameoutofjail.Ireadtheychemicallycastratedhimandthat’stheonlyreasonhe’snotdead.”Alisonopenedherarmswide.“IdisposedofthemonsterswhohurtmebutthenetworkiswiderthanBlackRockFalls.ImadeBobby-Joeshowmeallhisphotographsandthumbdrivesbuthewillhaveacamerainthecellarfilledwithimagesofhislatestvictim.Didyoufindthegirl?Hewillhaveherlockedinhiscage.IwouldhavesearchedforherbutIwasalittlepreoccupied.”
Jennastaredatherindisbeliefbutpushedon.“Yes,Sandraissafe.”
“‘Safe?’Whatastupidword.”Alisonsnorted.“ThememoryofbeingrapednevergoesawaybutIguessyouhavesomeideaofwhatit’sliketohavemenholdingyouagainstyourwill,don’tyou,Sheriff?Canyouimaginebeingtrappedinafilthycabinandhavingmenlininguptouseyou?”
AwaveofunderstandinghitJenna.Yes,shehadwantedtokillthemenwhokidnappedandtriedtorapeher.Sheheldnoremorseforeitherofthembutkillinginself-defensewasdifferent.Shehaddefendedherselfandnothuntedthemdowntoseekrevenge.Coldrealizationmarchedapathdownherspine.Beforeherstoodacold-bloodedkillerandshewastryingtomanipulateher.Ontheedgeoffallingintoadebilitatingflashback,hervisionblurredthenKane’sreassuringvoicecameinherear.
“Jenna,sheisplayingforsympathy,usingyourexperiencesagainstyou.Don’tlethergetinyourhead.”
Theflashbackrecededandshetappedhermictwicetosignalshewasokay.Thenextmoment,Rowleymovedinherperiphery.Whatthehellishedoing?
“Ma’am.”Rowley’svoicewaspleading.“Letmespeaktoheragain.”
Jennawhisperedherreply,hopinghermicwouldpickuphervoice.“Standdown,shehasmadeitclearshedoesn’twanttotalktoyouandyouwillonlycomplicatethings.”
ShetookafewslowstepsclosertoAlison.Ifshegainedherconfidence,shemightbeabletopersuadehertogiveherselfup.Inthemeantime,shewouldusehernegotiatingskillsandkeephertalking.“Doyouknowthenamesofanyothermeninvolvedinthepedophileringoranyothervictimsyouhaven’trecordedinyourdiary?”
“No,butyouareawareofLizzyHarper,AngeliqueBooval,PattieMcCarthy.JaneSticklermusthavecomeaftermebutImentionedheraswell.Yousee,IwasinthehospitalthenightBobby-JoekilledherandItookabeatingformytrouble.Iescapedthatnightbutshediedinfrontofmejustliketheothers.Didyouknowheusedadeadman’scardtogetintothehospitalthatnight?Hewassmart,butthenpsychopathsareintelligent.”Shebarkedoutasarcasticlaugh.“Iwantedvengeanceforallthegirlstheykilled,allthelivestheydestroyed.”Sherubbedhermouth.“Youcantelltheothersthey’resafenow.I’vekilledalltheclowns.”
BeadsofsweatturnedtorivuletsandrandownJenna’scheeks.Worriedshemightbelosingcontrolofthesituationsheswallowedhardandforcedhervoicetoremainsteady.“I’lltellthembutcomewithmenowandI’llmakesureyougettotellyourstory.”
“Yes,tellmystory.”Alison’syounggazemovedoverherandherblackhairmovedalmostinslowmotioninthebreeze.Behindher,arainbowarchedovertheedgeofthefalls.Herlipsliftedinasmallsmilethensheopenedherarmsandfellbackwardovertheedge,disappearingintothemist.
Jennarushedtothetopofthefallsbutallshecouldseewasthepoundingwaterrushingdownthemountainside.Shepressedahandtohermouthindisbelief.Footstepssoundedbehindherbutshecouldnotdraghereyesawayfromthetumblingwater.
“God,no.”Rowleydashedpasther,hishatfallingfromhishead.“Alison.Oh,Jesus.No!”
Jennareachedoutandgrabbedhisarm.“She’sgone.”
59Onherreturntotheoffice,JennareleasedaverydisgruntledStuMacgregorfromthecells,andafterthesternwarningKanehadgivenhim,shedoubtedtheywouldseehimintownanytimesoon.AfterhandingovercopiesoftheinformationcollectedfromBobby-Joe’scabintotheFBI,shediscoveredthepedophileringhadspreadthroughoutthecountry.ThemenAlisonhadmurderedwerethetipoftheiceberg.WhenshereadAlison’sdiary,thedetailsmadehersicktoherstomach.ThewomanhadsufferedmentalanguishafterescapingBobby-Joe’scabinyearspreviously.Withnooneshecouldtrust,shehadwaitedpatientlyuntilshefoundthemenwhoabusedherthentakenthelawintoherownhands.
Thursday,weektwo
Thefollowingday,Jennaregardedthedeputiesseatedbeforeherdesk.“TheinformationfromBrandon’scabinincludedmissinggirlsfromthroughoutthestateandI’veturnedallourinformationovertotheFBI.Wewillstillbeinvolvedtosomeextentbutthisiswayoverourheads.IbelieveBobby-Joeusedmanyoftheimagesassecurityorevenblackmail.I’veidentifiedanumberofprominentmeninthephotographs.”SheglancedatWolfe.“Whatdidyoudiscover?”
“EverythingAlisontoldyouchecksout:thepoisonused,themeatskewer,andshelefttheknifeusedonChrisJenkinsstickingoutofBobby-Joe.Forensicsteamsareworkingonexhumingtheremainsoftheothergirls.”Wolfeclearedhisthroat.“Theonlythingwedon’thaveisinformationonhowshekilledthelastsheriff.Hisdeathwasrecordedasnaturalcauses.”
“Hewascrematedaswell,sowehavenothingtogoon.Isuggestweletthatonego.”
Jennarubbedhertemples,ithadbeenalongdayanditwasn’tevenlunchyet.“SomanythingsfellintoplacewhenIreadherdiary.Whenwecheckedthemissinggirlsonfilefromalloverthestate,Ireadanoldcasefileaboutalocalgirlwhoranawayfromhomethenturnedupwithafewscratchesandbruisesfivemonthslater.Thereportsaid
“Theevidencewasrightunderournoses.”Kane’sgazemethersoverthedesk.“Sheownedalate-modelwhiteFordandithassmallblotchesonthepaintwork.IfyourecallonthenightElyDorseywasmurdered,Rosa,thecleaneratthemotel,noticedawhitesedanparkedundertreespronetodropberries.”Hesighed.“ShewasintownatthetimeofthemurdersandhadaccesstothepropertywhereAmosPricedied.HercarwasseenheadingtowherewefoundChrisJenkins.”Hefrowned.“Whatwedidn’thavewasmotivesosheslippedunderourradar.”
“Ihadnoideashehadhistoryhere.Ithoughtshewasnewintown.”JennaleanedbackinherchairandavoidedRowley’spainedexpression.“Didn’tshecomefromBlackwater?”
“Yeah,shedid,butsheusedtoliveinBlackRockFallsasakid.Shenevermentionedshe’dbeenabused.”Rowleyrubbedhischin,clearlystilldistressed.“ShereturnedwhensheheardtheRockfordsweresellingtheirproperties.ShehadarealestatelicenseandcontactedDaviswhenheadvertisedanopening.”
“Whenwasthat?”Jennalookedathim.“YouseemedtoknowherprettywellthedaywefoundAmosPrice’sbody.”
“Acoupleofweeksbeforethen,Iguess.”Rowley’scheekspinked.“We’dbeenouttodinnerisall.”
So,aniceshowofaffectionandtearsaswell.Alisonhad“found”thebodybecausenoonehadbeenbyandshewantedtheworldtoknowhewasdead.Sheclearedherthroat.“I’mafraidnoonehasspottedAlison’sbody.I’venotifiedeveryonelivinginthevicinityoftheriver,andtheteamofvolunteershavebeensearchingwithoutluck.”
“Shecouldn’thavesurvived.”Kane’sexpressionwassolemn.“It’sprobablyforthebest.”
“YouallthinkshewasanunfeelingkillerbutIknowbetter.”Rowleyliftedhischininastubbornmanner.“Iknowshehadtopayforwhatshedid,butafterwhatshewentthrough,Iwonderwhatajurywouldhavemadeofwhathappened.”
KaneflickedasympatheticlookatRowley.“It’sobviousshetookherownlifesononeofthewomeninvolvedinthiscasewouldbedraggedintocourttorelivetheabuse.”
“Iguess.”Rowleyranahanddownhisface.“Sheobviouslythoughttheyhadsufferedenough.”
Jennapushedtoherfeet.Gettingeveryonemotivatedagainaftersuchhorrificcrimeswouldbedifficult.“Okay,WebberandBradford,headoutonpatrol.Kane,checkupwithourFBIcontactandmakesurehehasallthenecessaryfiles.”
“Andme,ma’am?”Rowleyliftedhisbrowngazetoher.
Sheofferedhimasympatheticsmile.“Youcantakeanearlylunch.”
JennaheldupahandtohaltKaneandwaitedforthemtoleave.“IhopelifesettlesdowninBlackRockFallsforawhile.Isureneedabreak.”
EPILOGUEWhenAlisonSaunders’bodywashedupontheedgeoftheriveronthefollowingSunday,Jennaarrangedforburialinunconsecratedground.AsRowleyhadbeensoupsetatthelossofhisgirlfriend,shehadinsistedAlison’splotlayundertheonlytreeinthesmallcemeteryandwellawayfromalineofkillersstretchingbackoveronehundredyears
DrivingbythecemeterywithKanetwoweekslater,shespottedLizzyHarper,AngeliqueBooval,andPattieMcCarthybendingoverAlison’sgravethenwalkingquicklyoutthegate.“Whataretheydoinginthere?”
“Ihaven’tperfectedtheartofreadingmindsyet,ma’am,butIwouldimaginetheyarevisitingagrave.”Kanesmiledather.“Doyouwantmetostopandaskthem?”
Sheignoredhisdrysenseofhumorandnodded.“Yes,butIdon’twanttospeaktothem.OneofthemwasplacingsomethingonAlison’sgrave.Iwanttoseewhatitis.”
JennawasawareRowleyhaderectedagravestoneandlaidflowersonAlison’sgrave,butseeingthethreeothervictimsofchildabusetherespikedhercuriosity.AllhadbeensuspectsinthebrutalmurdersbeforeAlison’sconfessionandshehadwonderediftheykneweachother.
“Jenna.Iknowwhatyou’rethinking.”Kanetouchedherarm.“It’snotaconspiracy.Thosewomenwerenotinvolvedinthemurders.Weclearedthemall.Alisonactedalone.”
“Ithoughtyoucouldn’treadminds.”SheslidfromthecarandwalkedbesideKanetothegravesite.Hergazedriftedoverthewhitemarblestone,withAlison’snamecarvedinsimplescript.JakeRowley’sflowershadwiltedinthesunbutonthedryearth,asmallbunchofflowerssatinapretty,pinkvase
Attachedtoitwasacardwithjusttwowords:Thankyou.
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WritingthisstoryhasbeenchillingformebutIhopeitshedslightonthedangerschildrenfaceinsideseeminglyinnocentonlinechatrooms.
Ifyouenjoyedmystory,Iwouldbeverygratefulifyoucouldleaveareviewandrecommendmybooktoyourfriendsandfamily.Ireallyenjoyhearingfromreaderssofeelfreetoaskmequestionsatanytime.YoucangetintouchonmyFacebookpageorTwitterorthroughmyblog.
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DON’TTELLASOULDETECTIVESKANEANDALTONBOOK1
Thefloorwasstonecoldonherbareskin.Herheartpoundedinherchest.‘NotasoulknowswhereIam,’shethoughtasshetookinthedarknessaroundher.Andthensheheardhisfootsteps…
Whenabodyisfoundstuffedintoabarrelatthelocaldump,coveredinlongredcuts,DetectiveJennaAltonandhernewdeputy,DavidKane,rushtothescene.
NothingeverhappensinthesmalltownofBlackRockFalls,soJennabelievesthevictimmustbeoneoftworecentmissingpersons,andshefearsforthelifeoftheother.
Bothwerestrangerstothetown,butthere’snothingelsetolinkthem.Jennaknowssomeonemusthaveseensomething,butnoone’stalking;howwelldoesshereallyknowthepeoplearoundher?
ThenadisturbingcluemakesJennasuspectaconnectionwithotherdisappearancesinthetown’shistory.Justwhenshebeginsaskingtherightquestions,sherealisesshe’sbeingfollowed.Isshenextonthekiller’slist?
Inaraceagainsttime,JennaandDavidmustunlockthedarksecretattheheartofthetown,beforeit’stoolate…
Acompletelyaddictivedetectivethrillerthatwillhaveyouguessingrighttotheend.IfyouloveRobertDugoni,KarinSlaughterandRachelAbbott,you’llloveDon’tTellaSoul
Getithere!
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!
BringMeFlowersisavailablenow!
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSManythankstoallthewonderfulreaderswhotookthetimetopostgreatreviewsofmybooksandtothoseamazingpeoplewhohostedmeontheirblogs.
ImustgiveashoutouttoDanielandGaryforbeingincrediblesoundingboardsformystoryideas,andtoVeronicaandWesfortheirloveandsupport.
PublishedbyBookouture
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Copyright?D.K.Hood2018
D.K.Hoodhasassertedherrighttobeidentifiedastheauthorofthiswork.
Allrightsreserved.Nopartofthispublicationmaybereproduced,storedinanyretrievalsystem,ortransmitted,inanyformorbyanymeans,electronic,mechanical,photocopying,recordingorotherwise,withoutthepriorwrittenpermissionofthepublishers.
Thisbookisaworkoffiction.Names,characters,businesses,organizations,placesandeventsotherthanthoseclearlyinthepublicdomain,areeithertheproductoftheauthor’simaginationorareusedfictitiously.Anyresemblancetoactualpersons,livingordead,eventsorlocalesisentirelycoincidental.
ISBN:978-1-78681-512-5
TableofContents
TitlePage
AlsobyD.K.Hood
Contents
Dedication
Prologue
Now
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
Chapter58
Chapter59
Epilogue
HearMoreFromD.K.Hood
AlsobyD.K.Hood
ALetterfromD.K.Hood
Don’tTellaSoul
BringMeFlowers
Acknowledgements
Copyright