Her Broken Wings (D. K. Hood)

HERBROKENWINGSACOMPLETELYUNPUTDOWNABLESERIALKILLERTHRILLER
D.K.HOOD
BOOKSBYD.K.HOOD
Don’tTellASoul
BringMeFlowers
FollowMeHome
TheCryingSeason
WhereAngelsFear
WhisperintheNight
BreaktheSilence
HerBrokenWings
AVAILABLEINAUDIO
Don’tTellASoul(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
BringMeFlowers(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
FollowMeHome(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
TheCryingSeason(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
WhereAngelsFear(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
WhisperintheNight(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
BreaktheSilence(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
CONTENTSPrologueChapter1Chapter2Chapter3Chapter4Chapter5Chapter6Chapter7Chapter8Chapter9Chapter10Chapter11Chapter12Chapter13Chapter14Chapter15Chapter16Chapter17Chapter18Chapter19Chapter20Chapter21Chapter22Chapter23Chapter24Chapter25Chapter26Chapter27Chapter28Chapter29Chapter30Chapter31Chapter32Chapter33Chapter34Chapter35Chapter36Chapter37Chapter38Chapter39Chapter40Chapter41Chapter42Chapter43Chapter44Chapter45Chapter46Chapter47Chapter48Chapter49Chapter50Chapter51EpilogueHearmorefromD.K.HoodBooksbyD.K.HoodALetterfromD.K.HoodDon’tTellaSoulBringMeFlowersFollowMeHomeTheCryingSeasonWhereAngelsFearWhisperintheNightBreaktheSilenceAcknowledgmentsToMichelle,Jasmine,Savannah,Cooper,Zack,Jake,Wesley,andGary
PROLOGUETWENTYYEARSAGO
Darkcloudsrolledacrossthesky,starvingtheendlessnight,withnohopeofilluminationfromthewaningmoon.Outsidethewindwhinedthroughthetreesandbuffetedthehouseinwildgusts.Shelayverystill,notmakingasoundinthealcohol-soakedair.Thedoortothebedroomhungopen,andthetickingofthehundred-year-oldgrandfatherclockinthehallwaystrippedawaythehoursandminutesuntildawn.Herheadpoundedandthecutonherliptastedlikemetal,butshe’dmadeplanstogetawayanditwasnowornever.Hearthammering,sheslidsilentlyfromthebedandheadedforthedoor,steppingwithcaretoavoidthecreakywoodenfloorboards.She’dhiddenherclothesinthebathroomlaundrybasketandquicklydressedbeforemovingalongthehallwaylikeaghosttoherboys’bedroom.
Tousledbutanxiousforthesecretadventuretobegin,theyshruggedintotheircoats,pulledontheirboots,andsnuckdownthehallwaytothestairs.Dizzywithfear,shecreptpastherbedroomdoorandpressingafingertoherlipsurgedthemforward.
Inagrindoffamiliarmachinery,thegrandfatherclockstruckthehourandshefroze,mid-stride.Gong,gong,gong,gong,gong,gong.
Thesoundechoedthroughthehouselikeanintruderalarm,butasthevibrationofthelastchimedissipated,notasoundcamefromherbedroom.Shefollowedtheboysdownstairsandtheyslippedoutthedoorinsilence.Shegrabbedtheirhandsandrantotheoldbatteredsedanparkedoutfront.Withherboyssafelyinside,sheclimbedbehindthewheel.Parkedontheslopingdriveway,she’dplannedtorollthevehiclesomewaysawayfromthehousebeforestartingtheengineandheadingforthereservation.Shecouldhidethereandhe’dneverfindher.
Afterfumblingthekeyintotheignition,shetookonelastfurtiveglanceatthehouse.Lightspilledfromthebedroomandshegaspedinterroratthefacetwistedwithrageatthewindow.Heknows.He’llneverletusleave.Sheturnedthekey.Theoldcarshiveredandshudderedbutrefusedtostart.Shebangedherfistsonthesteeringwheel.“Comeon,comeon.”
Afterpumpingthegas,shetriedagainandtheenginesplutteredintolife.Wastingnotime,sheheadeddowntheisolateddirtroad,bouncingovertreerootsandthesunkentiretracksleftinthemudafterlastwinter’smelt.Tall,forebodingtreeslinedthedrivewaylikesentriestoformthedarktunneltoherprison.Assheburstthroughthegateontheotherside,thesunwasnomorethanalighthazeonthehorizon.Notmuchfurthernow,andthemomentsheturnedontothehighway,she’dbefree.
Theoldminingroadstretchedoutbeforeher,thegrasslandslikeaseaofturbulentwaterundertheswirlingmorningmist.Fearcrampedherstomachwitheveryglanceintotherear-viewmirror.She’dtriedtoescapebeforebuteachtimehe’dfoundheranddraggedherback.Hisdrinkinghadgottensobadhe’dkillhersoonenough,andsherefusedtoallowamonstertoraisehersons.AsthewallofpinesliningStantonRoadcameintoview,shestaredatthelongwindingblacktopthatwouldtakehertosafetyandflooredthegaspedal.
“Daddy’scoming.”Oneofhersonshadtwistedaroundinhisseatandwasstaringoutthebackwindow.“He’sgoingtobeangryagain.”
Panicgrippedherbythethroatandsweatcoatedherfleshatthesightofbobbingheadlights,butsheforcedhervoicetoremaincalm.“We’llbeonthehighwaysoonandhewon’tbeabletocatchus.”
ShetookthebendontoStantonRoadatanangle,sendingdirtandgravelflyingupinagraycloud.Theoldtiresgrippedtheblacktopandshepushedthegaspedaltothefloor.Fivemilestotheon-rampandshe’dbeonthehighway,andthenonlyafewmoremilestotheprivateroaddeepintheforestthatwouldtakeherhome.AsaNativeAmerican,onceinsidethereservationsheandhersonswouldvanishlikesmoke.Sheglancedinthemirrorandswallowedhard.Thetruck’sheadlightslituptheroadanditwascomingfast.Theemptyroadaheadofherfilledherwithterror.She’dhopedbyleavingearly,adeliverytruckorsomeonewouldbetravelingintoBlackRockFallsatthishour.Ifhecaughtupwithheragain,she’dbedefenseless.
Sheletoutacryofanguishwhenthecar’senginesplutteredandsteamcreptoutfromunderthehood,butshepushedon.Treesflashedbyinaseaofgreenandblackbuthergazeremainedfixedontheyellowlinedownthemiddleoftheblacktop.
Brightlightshithermirror,blindingher,andthensheheardtheroarofapowerfulengine.Terrified,shewilledthecartogofasterandmovedouttostraddletheyellowline;ifhecouldn’tovertakeher,hecouldn’tpushherofftheroad.Thenextmomentthecar’senginesquealedinametal-on-metalshriekandshuddered.Cloudsofsmokepouredfromunderthehood,obstructingherviewoftheroad.Fumesfilledthecarand,choking,shewounddownthewindow.Ablastoffreezingairslappedherinthefacebutthelightsbehindherhadgottencloser.Shegaspedindistressandpressedtheacceleratorbuttheenginemadeonelastmoanandstoppedrunning.Themomentumtookhersomedistancebuthewasalmostonher,thebrightlightsfromhistruckfillingthecar’sinteriorandburninghereyes.
Withsecondstospare,shepulledofftheroadandsprangfromthecar,flingingopenthebackdoor.“Grabyourbackpacksandrunthatway.”Shepointedintotheforest.“Don’tlookback.”
Tohidethemfromtheenragedlunaticgettingslowlyfromhistruckwithashovelinonehand,sheheadedintheoppositedirectiontolurehimaway.
“Mommy,don’tleaveushere.”Aplaintivewailcamefrombehindher.
Shestoppedandlookedaroundashertormentorcrashedintotheforest.Shegapedinhorrorashescoopeduphissonandthenthrewhimtothegroundlikegarbage.Bloodtrickledfromtheyoungboy’snoseashelayunmoving.Sheranatherhusbandandpoundedhischestwithherfists.“Whathaveyoudone?”
Hislaughraisedthehairsonherfleshashetossedherasideandthenswungtheshovellikeabaseballbat.Theclanginsideherheadvibratedintohereyes.Asshefell,thegroundcameupfastandpineneedlesprickledhercheek.Shehopedherothersonhadgottenawaybutshewouldneverknow.Asshereachedouttotouchtheoutstretchedhandofherlittleboy,thesmellofthewoodlandsfilledherheadasiftosootheher.She’dmissedthepine-scentedmountainair.Hersightblurredandthenclearedforafewseconds,allowinghertoseethesky.Thestormcloudspartedandtherisingsunbeamspiercedthebrancheslikeahaloofgoldaroundthem.Highaboveamurderofcrowscircledandthenfilledthetreesasifwelcomingherhome.
ONEMONDAYAFTERNOON
Heartpounding,SheriffJennaAltonedgedherwayinsidethedrugstore,keepingalineofshelvesbetweenherandtheyoungguyinaskimaskaimingagunatthepharmacist.Theman’sfingerwasonthetriggerandhishandsshooksobad,she’dhavetouseallherpowersofnegotiationtopreventhimfromshootingthepharmacistatcloserange.The
“Lockedontarget.”
Jennatappedherspeakertwice,indicating,she’dreceivedhismessage.Havingasix-five,ex-militarysniperasbackupinsituationslikethesesuremadelifeeasier,andifshegavetheorder,he’dsplattertheyoungman’sbrainsalloverthestore.Pulsethumpinginherears,shemovedwithstealthpastthecosmetics.Amyriadofperfumesfromtheproductscrammingtheshelvesaccostedher.Toherrightacoffeemachinesuddenlyhummedintoaction,startlingher.Takingasteadyingbreath,shepeekedaroundthecornerandmetthepharmacist’sterrifiedgaze.Sheliftedherweapontotakeaim,edgingcloser,andthenheldonefingertoherlips,motioningwithherGlockforhimtomoveawayfromthemanwiththegun.
“Don’tjuststandtheregawkingatme.”Theyoungmanliftedthepistolandaimedbetweenthepharmacist’seyes.“HowmanytimeshaveIgottotellyou?Painmeds,thestrongerthebetter.Fillupthisbag.”Hethrustabackpackacrossthecounter.“Doitnow,unlessyouwanttodie.”
Jennagavethepharmacistacurtnod.Thegunmanhadgivenhimanexcusetomoveawayfromimmediatedanger.
“Sure,justtakeyourfingeroffthetrigger,son.”Thepharmacistliftedhischin.“I’drathergiveyouwhatyouwantthanriskthechanceofnotseeingmywifeandkidsonemoretime.”Hetookthebagandturnedaway,movingbehindapartition.
Jennascannedherposition;withthepharmacistoutofthelineoffire,shehadtomakeamove.Theflimsyshelvinglinedwithcansofbabyformulawouldn’tstopabullet,butitmightslowitdownsome.Notwantingtostartlethemanintoagunfight,sheaimedherGlockbetweenthecansandkepthervoicelow.“Sheriff’sdepartment.Loweryourweaponandwecantalkaboutthisbeforesomeonegetshurt.”
“Listen,Sheriff,Idon’twanttohurtanyone.Justletmewalkoutwiththedrugs.”Theman’seyeslockedonhersandhetrainedhisweaponather.
“Jenna,givemetheword.”Kanesoundedinsistentinherear.
Hergazemovedovertheyoungman’stremblingbodyandshedecidedreasoningwithhimmightwork.“Unlessyoudropyourweaponnow,youwon’tleaveherealive.”Sheheldherweaponinbothhandsandaimedathischest.“You’resurroundedandIhaveasniperoutsideaimingatyourhead—andhenevermisses.Nowloweryourweaponandwe’lltalk.Ifyouneedhelp,thisisn’tthewaytogoaboutit.”
“Youdon’tunderstand.”Thegunmandroppedhisguntohissideandhisvoicecameoutinananguishedsob.“I’vebeenfiredandnowIdon’thavemoneyformymom’spainmeds.She’sdyingandIstayedhomeafewdaystocareforher.Shecan’tgoanothernightwithoutpills.”Heliftedhisweaponagainandaimedather.“IwalkoutwiththemedsorI’mkillingyouandthepharmacist.”
Wronganswer.Jennaheardazingasabulletembeddedintheman’sshoulder.Kanehadmadetheshot,nottokillbuttodisarm.Astheyoungmancriedout,hisgunclatteredacrossthetilesandhesliddownthecountertositonthefloor.Moaning,herockedbackandforth,grippinghisarm.Jennadashedoutfromtheaisleandkickedhispistoloutofreachandthen,aimingherGlockathishead,stareddownathim.“Removetheskimask.What’syourname?”
“DirkGrainger.”Hedraggedoffthemaskwithabloodyhandandthenliftedhispain-filledeyestoher.“IfIgotojail,mymomwilldiealoneinagony.Please,Sheriff,dowhatyouwantwithmebutyougottahelpher.”
“Youthreatenedtokillme.”Jennaglaredathim.“You’reluckyyouliveinBlackRockFallsoryou’dbedead.”Shebenttoexaminehiswound.“It’sathroughandthrough.You’llbefine.”
“Paramedicsareontheirway.”KanepushedintothestorewithDeputyJakeRowleyclosebehind.HisgazemovedoverJennaandthenhepulledonasurgicalgloveandbenttopickuptheweapon.“It’snotloaded.”
“Iknowthisboy.”Thepharmacistcameoutfrombehindthecounter,unwrappingawadofcotton.Hebentdownandheldthedressingagainstthewound.“Pressthisagainstit,son.”HestoodandturnedtoJenna.“He’stellingyouthetruth.Thenursinghometurnedouthismotherafewweeksago,andDirkherestayedhometocareforher.Hehadsomevacationtimeduebuttheplantlethimgo.”Hisbrowwrinkledintoafrown.“It’sgettinglate,andifyouarrestDirk,who’lllookafterhismomtonight?”
Jennafrowned.She’dheardrumorsaboutconditionsatalocalnursinghome.“WassheoutatGlenParkPalliativeCare?”
“Yeah.”Dirk’sfacewassheet-white.“Whentheytookourmoney,theysaidshe’dreceivethebestofcareuntilshedied.Threemonthsshewasthere,andthentheycalledmetogogether,saidshewasn’tdying.”Helookedupather.“DocBrownandtwootherstoldmeshe’sterminal.”
JennaexchangedalookwithKaneandheshrugged.ShelookeddownatDirk.“I’llseewhatIcando.”
“Thankyou,ma’am.”Dirklookedpanic-stricken.“Ican’tleavemymomaloneforlong.Itwillbedarksoonandsomeoneneedstobewithher.”
Jennanodded.“Okay.Givemeyouraddress,andI’llneedyourhousekey.”Shetookdownthedetailsandtheywaitedfortheparamedicstotakehimtothefreeclinic.“Gowithhim,Rowley.I’llcallyou.”
AstheparamedicswheeledDirkoutonagurney,sheturnedtoKane.“We’llneedtogethelpforhismomandthentryandsortoutthismess.”
“Iwon’tpresschargesagainsthim.”Thepharmacistadjustedhisspectacles.“I’veknownthatboysincehewasababy.Hemust’vebeenpushedtothelimittocommitacrime.”
Jennastraightened.“Obviously.”SheturnedtoKane.“Outside.”
Shesteppedoutside,inhalingthefreshpinescentwaftingonacoolbreezefromStantonForest,andwatchedastheambulancemergedintothetraffic.Shehadaresponsibilityassherifftobringcriminalstojustice,butshealsohadthediscretiontochargesomeoneornot.She’dbeenstaringintospaceforsomemomentswhenKane’svoicebrokethroughherthoughts.
“So,whatareyouplanningondoing,Jenna?”Kanewalkedtohistruckandleanedagainstthedoor.“Hewasplayingwithfireaimingagunatyou.HowcouldIpossiblyhaveknownitwasn’tloaded?”
Jennalookedouttothesnowcappedmountainsandshrugged.“Itrustedyourjudgment.Youusuallydisableratherthankill.”Shemovedherattentionbacktohim.
“Ifiguredhewasshakingsomuch,hewouldn’thavebeenabletohitthesideofabarn,andyou’dtakencover,butifyou’dgiventheword,Iwould’vekilledhim.”Kaneshookhishead.
“Butyoudidn’t.Youusedsoundjudgmentanddisarmedhim.”Sheconsideredthesituationandmadethecall.“Ifhecomesupclean,I’mnotcharginghim.Itwasextenuatingcircumstancesandhisweaponwasn’tloaded.Idon’tbelieveheintendedtohurtanyoneandwasobviouslyoutofhismindwithworry.I’llgivehimawarningandlethimgo.Thegunshotwoundtohisshoulderisenoughpunishment.”Shesighed.“Ifitgoestocourt,withoutthepharmacistpressingcharges,he’llonlygetafine.Hedoesn’thavemoneyorajobandwillendupturningtoalifeofcrime.”
“I’llcheckhimout.”KaneusedhisphonetorunGrainger’snamethroughtherecords.“Nope,notsomuchasaparkingticket.”
“Okay,callRowley.TellhimwhenthedoctorsarethroughwithGraingertogivehimawarningandaridehome.We’redonehere.”JennathoughtforafewsecondsandheldupafingertoKane.“Justgivemeaminute.”ShepulledouthercellphoneandcalledDocBrown’ssurgery.Afterafewminutes’wait,theolddoctor’svoicecamethroughthespeaker.
“WhatcanIdoforyou,Sheriff?”
“Ihaveasituation.”JennaglancedatKane.“I’mnotaskingyoutodivulgeinformationaboutapatient,butIneedimmediatecareforMrs.Grainger.Thenursinghomedischargedhersomeweeksagoandhersontriedtoholdupthedrugstoretogethermeds.Ineedaplacetocareforherthisafternoon;she’salone.”
“I’llmakesomecalls.I’mhappytotreather,andthefreeclinicwilltakecareofhermeds.I’llseeifSunnybrookwilltakeher.Theyhaveafewplacesforuninsuredpatients.I’llpullafewstringsandgetbacktoyouwithoutdelay.”
Jennaheavedasighofrelief.“Thanks.It’surgent.We’reheadingovertherenowbutwecan’tcareforherovernight.”
“Dirkshouldhavecometomeforhelp.”DocBrownsighed.“I’llfindheraplace.”
“Thankyou.I’lllookforwardtohearingfromyousoon.”Shedisconnected.“Iguesswe’dbettergetovertothehouseandwaitwithheruntilherridearrives.Problemis,wedon’thaveanypainmedstoofferher.”
“MaybeWolfecanhelp.”Kaneopenedthedoorofhistruckandslidbehindthewheel.
Jennaclimbedintothepassengerseatandstaredathimindisbelief.ShaneWolfe,ex-marineturnedlocalmedicalexaminer,wasthelastpersonshewould’vecalled.“Don’tyouthinkcallingintheMEbeforethepoorwomanhasdiedisabitpremature?”
“Nope.”KanestartedtheengineandheadeddownMainStreet.“He’slicensedtoadministerdrugs.Hebecameamedicaldoctorwellbeforehestudiedforensics.Beforethat,hewasafieldmedic.Aswedon’thaveanyoneonhandandit’sanemergency,he’sthebestchoicewehave.”HeenteredGrainger’saddressintotheGPS.
SincearrivinginBlackRockFallsinthewitnessprotectionprogram,withanewnameandface,Jennahadn’tbeeninvolvedwiththeelderlyorinfirm.Herpreviouslife,asDEAAgentAvrilParker,hadn’tofferedheranyusefulinsightintotherunningofnursinghomeseither.Sheshrugged.“Okay,I’llcallhim.Ihopehe’snotbusy.”
“Unlikely—noonehasdiedaroundherelately.”HeglancedattheGPSandthenheadedthroughtown.
Anumberofmurdershadoccurredsinceshe’dbecomesheriff,andshe’dbeenenjoyinganormallifeforachange.Jennashothimaglance.“Didyouhavetotemptfate?”
“Well,apartfromtoday’sadrenalinrush,mylastcasewaschasingdownacrateofdogfoodstolenfromoutbackofthe7-Eleven.”Hegrinnedather.“Don’tworry.Ifiguretheserialkillershaveholedupforwinter.”
Jennalaughed.“Don’tbesosure.Withourluck,they’llcomeoutforHalloween.”
TWO
Darknesscreptintotheroom,ablacknesssounforgivingthatCarolcouldn’tseeacrossthebedroomtothelargepicturewindows.Notonemoonbeamcamethroughtheglasstopenetratethenight.She’dlainawakeforhourslisteningtotheoldhousecreakinginthewind.Thetreesoutside,oncesobeautifuldressedintheirsummergreen,nowresembledblackenedskeletonsintentonscratchingtheirbranchesdownthewallslikenailsonachalkboard.Snowwaslateincomingthisyear,butbadweatherwasonitswayandtheoldhousecomplainedasifitsbonesached.Herheartpounded.Thestrangenoisesfromthebuffetingwindsoundedlikesomeonemountingthestairs,andeventhecomfortingscentandwarmthofherhusbandsleepingbesideherfailedtoeasetheintensefeelingofforeboding.
Eventually,shesnuggledundertheblankets.Eyelidsheavy,shehadalmostgraspedsleepwhenthefloorboardsoutsideherdoorcreakedinafamiliarwhine.Thedoorknobrattled.Panichadherbythethroatandshepokedherhusband.“Lucas,wakeup.Someone’sinthehouse.”
Sheforcedhereyeswideopen.Thedoorsweepingacrossthecarpetsoundedsoloudinthesilence.“Lucas.”
Thenextmomentablindinglightfloodedtheroom.Shesquintedatthedarkfigurefillingthedoorway.
Putt,putt,putt.
Thelightvanished,plungingherbackintoinkyblackness.SheslippedherhandtowardLucas,andherfingersbrushedovertheunmistakableshapeofafeatherfloatinginapoolofwarm,stickyfluid.Theliquidspreadacrossthesheets,seepingthroughhernightgown.Petrified,sherolledoffthebedandsprawledonthecarpet,tremblingwithfear.Redspotsdancedinhervision,blindingher.Shehadtogetaway.
Herfingersswepttheedgeofthebedandshecrawledintothenarrowspacebelowandmadeherselfassmallaspossible.Hergaspsseemedtoechoaroundtheroomandsheshovedonefistintohermouth,tooscaredtobreathe.Sicktoherstomach,sheheardthebrushofshoesonthecarpetastheintruderlefttheroom.Secondsdraggedonlikehoursasshehuggedherkneestooafraidtobreathe.Thehouseshudderedandmoanedasifcryingoutindistressandthenthewinddropped,butallshecouldhearwasthedrip,drip,dripofbloodasherhusband’slifeflowedaway.
THREETUESDAYMORNING
DeputyJakeRowley,hadspentallhisworkinglifeasdeputytoSheriffAlton,she’dtrainedhimwellandheenjoyedtakingtheextraresponsibilities.Whenhe’dreceivedthegarbledcallfromawoman,convincedsomeonewasinherhouse,he’dactedimmediately.Although,sincethewindhadpickedup,thecallsfrompeoplehearingthingsatnighthadincreased.Oflate,ifanythinghappenedinthemiddleofthenight,anditwashisturnforthecallouts,itseemedhefoundhimselfinadarksinisterhouse,inamoonlessnight.HehadtoadmitdrivingupthelongdarkwindingdrivewaytotheRobinson’sisolatedhouse,knowingaprowlercouldbeclosebyhadhisadrenalinpumping.Heaimedhiscruiseratthefrontdoorandlefthislightsblazing.Surroundedbypinesandleaflessblackenedtreesthatspreadlongshadowsandmoanedwitheverypuffofwind.Themodernstylehomestoodopentotheelements.Thehowlinggustshadspreadleavesacrossthefrontporchandthroughtheopendoortolitterthepolishedwoodenfloor.Jakescannedthearea,pulledonsurgicalgloves,andweapondrawn,approachedthesilent,darkhallway.“Sheriff’sdepartment.Areyouthere,Mrs.Robinson?”
HisstomachclenchedthemomenthisMaglitepickedoutblooddropletsonthestairsandtheredribbonsmearedalongthewallasifsomeonehaduseditforsupport.Hepausedforabeat—ifhefollowedprotocol,heshouldhightailitbacktohisvehicletoradioforbackup.Hesquaredhisshoulders.Thefranticwomanwho’dcalledhimforhelpmight
Themoaningsoundsfromthehousesethisattentiontohigh.Thetreesgrewsoclose,thebranchestappedatthewindowsandscrapedthewallswitheachgustofwind.Hemovedoutofthekitchen.“Mrs.Robinson,areyouhere?”
Nothing.
Heswallowedhardattheimplicationsofhisunansweredcallandmovedbackdownthehallway.Withthegroundfloorsecured,hestaredatthebloodtrailfromthetopofthestaircase.Steppingwithcaretoavoiddestroyingevidence,hefollowedalineofcrimsondropletstooneofthetwodoorssetbeneaththestairs.Onehadanopenslidingboltlock,whichheassumedledtothecellar,andtheotherhadbloodsmearedoverthedoorhandle.Notwantingtoventureintoacellarwithoutbackup,heslidtheboltacross.Heartpounding,hemovedtotheotherdoor;withhisbacktothewallandweaponaimed,heeaseditopen.
Ananguishedsobcamefrominside,andturkey-peekingaroundtheopening,hecamefacetofacewithablood-soakedwoman,hidinginabroomclosetanddressedonlyinherPJs.“CarolRobinson?”
Insteadofreplying,shelashedoutathim,babblinginsanely.Hekepthisdistanceandtriedtocalmher.“Carol,I’mDeputyRowley.You’resafenow.”
Thehystericalwomangaveaferalcryand,glaringathim,keptoncoming,hereyeswild.Hehadnochoicebuttospinheraround,cuffher,andthendragherscreamingintothekitchen.Shecouldbeakillerandhewasn’ttakinganychances.Hescannedtheareaforasuitableplaceandusedflexicuffstosecurehertoasturdytowelrackattachedtoacenterisland.Hepushedthetremblingbutnowsilentwomanintoachair.“SitthereandI’llgochecktherestofthehouseandfindyouablanket.”
Heswallowedhardandheadedbacktothestaircase.Allabovewasindarkness,andtheconstantscrapingandwhiningfromthetreesoutsidewasdistracting.Hemountedthestairsandfollowedthebloodytrail,turningonlightsashewent,andpausedatanopendoor.Thewarmstenchofbloodcrawleduphisnostrils;whateverwasinsidetheroom,itwasrealbad.Hestoodtooneside.NotasoundcamefromwithinandhegatheredhisnervetoscantheroomwithhisMaglite.Thebeammovedoverapatchofbloodonthecreamcarpetandontothebed.Hisstomachlurchedasthelightflowedoverablood-coveredbodyinpajamas.Itwashisworstnightmare.Besidethebody,apoolofcongealingcrimsonfilledtheoncepristinewhitebedsheets.Hehitthelightswitchandturnedawaytoleanagainstthedoor,panting.
Pushingdowntheneedtopuke,heclearedthenextthreeroomsandgrabbedablanketfromthecloset.Heheadedbackdownstairs,butevenwiththelightsblazingineveryroom,hescannedtheareaconstantly.Ifthekillerhadmanagedtoeludehim,hecouldbeindanger.HewentbackinsidethekitchenanddrapedtheblanketaroundMrs.Robinson.“You’resafenow.There’snobodyhere.Doyouwanttotellmewhathappened?”
Apartfromtheinitial911callandhercriesoffearwhenhe’drestrainedher,shewassilent,staringunnervinglyintospace.Heclearedhisthroat.“I’msorryforcuffingyoubutuntilIknowwhathappenedhere,you’retheprimesuspect.I’mgoingtogetyousomehelp.”
Ashewalkedtothefrontdoor,hepulledouthisphoneandcalledthesheriff.Heturnedontheporchlightsandreturnedtohiscruisertospeaktothesheriffinprivate.Hewassurprisedathowfastshepickedup.Itwaswaypasttwointhemorning.
“Yeah,Rowley,what’shappened?”
Rowleyopenedhisnotebooktorelaytheinformation.“PossiblehomeinvasionoutonRiversideDrive,MajesticRapids.I’monscene.OnedeceasedbythenameofLucasRobinson.Gunshotvictim.CarolRobinson,hiswife,calleditin.IhaveawomanIassumeisherbutshe’shysterical.Ihaveherwaitinginthekitchen.”
“Didyoucheckthevictim’slifesigns?”
“Ah,noneed.Fromthedamage,itlookslikethegunmanusedahollow-pointtothehead.”Rowleyclearedhisthroat.“Iwenttothetopofthestairsandcouldseefromthedoor.It’snotpretty.”
“Thewifemaybetheshooter.”Thesheriffsoundedalarmed.“Don’tturnyourbackonher.”
“Copythat.”Rowleysighed.Asifhe’dmakethatrookiemistake.“Asthereappearstobenosignofabreak-inandnothingappearstobedisturbedinthehouse,IcametothesameconclusionandsecuredMrs.Robinson.She’snothappybutI’vemadeherascomfortableaspossible.I’veclearedthehouseandallthelightsareon,butIhaven’tcheckedoutthecellar.IslidtheboltacrossthedoorbutthoughtI’dwaitforbackupbeforeheadingdowntherealone.”
“Youfollowedprocedure.AnythingelseIshouldknow?”
Hegaveherarundownofthesituation.“Thisplaceisremote.Thetreescomerightuptothewallsandit’sasiftheyintendedtohidethehousehere—there’snolawnorgardenjustatwistydriveway.Withthewindblowingthetreesagainstthehouse,I’mhearingnoisescomingfromallover.”
“Doesthekitchenhaveonedoorordoesithaveanotherleadingoutback?”
Rowleylookedallaroundashespoke.Theshadowsmovingacrosstheporchcouldconcealakiller.“Thekitchenisatthebackofthehouse.Ithasonedoorleadingtoamudroomthatleadsoutside.ImadesuretocheckthelockonthebackdoorandI’mstaringatthefrontdoor.Theotherkitchendoorleadstoahallway.”
“Okay,callWolfe.GoandstayinthekitchenwithMrs.Robinson.TurnonyourcomandI’llcontactyouagainwhenI’mclose.I’monmyway.”
“Rogerthat.”RowleydisconnectedandcalledtheME,ShaneWolfe.
TheMEwouldarriveshortlywiththesheriffclosebehind.Heheavedasighofreliefandheadedbacktothehouse.Onceinsidethekitchen,hesetaboutfillingthecoffeemakerfromthefixingsonthecounter.CarolRobinsonwasshakingsobad,hefearedshemightbegoingintoshock.Hetriedtocoaxafewwordsfromherandnoticedsheseemedtobesettlingalittle.Oncethecoffeewasready,hereleasedoneofherhandsandthenslidheracup,keepingwellawayincaseshedecidedtohurlitathim.
Timeseemedtomovesoslowlyandeverycreakofthehousehadhimonalert.Hekeptonehandonhisweaponandsippedacupofthestrongcoffee.Tenminuteshadpassedandatleastshewasdrinkingthecoffeenowandhadstoppedtrembling.
Hetookadeepbreath.“Thesheriffisonherway.IsthereafamilymemberIcancallforyou,oryourlawyer?”
Thewoman’sbloodshoteyesliftedslowlytohimandsheregardedhimforlongmomentsasifconsideringheranswer.Thelookshegavehimunnervedhim.Withoutmovingherattentionfromhisface,shegaveanalmostimperceptibleshakeofherhead.Tohisrelief,heheardavehicleinthedistance.Heplacedhiscuponthecounterandhurriedtothefrontdoortopeeroutthewindow,usingtheframeascover.Hehadnoideaifthekillerwasthewomaninsideoramaniacrunninglooseinthegrounds.WhenWolfe’swhitevanbackedintothespacebesidehiscruiser,hescannedthewoodsbehindhim,searchingforanymovement.Thewindthroughthetreesmadetheentireareaseemalive.HeopenedthedoorasWolferanupthefrontsteps.“Didyouseeanyoneonthewayhere?”
“Nah.Whatdowehave?”Wolfewalkedtowardhimcarryinghisforensicskitandtossedhimabodybag.“We’lldoasweepofthecrimescenefirstandthenI’llcomegetthegurneyforthebody.”HelookedatRowley’sgloves.“Touchanythingwithoutgloves?”
Rowleyshookhishead.“NopeandIkeptawayfromtheblood.”HefollowedWolfeupthesteps.“Thewife,CarolRobinson,isinthekitchen.She’sactingalittlewacky,maybeyouneedtolookatherfirst.”
“Ifshewasintheroomwhensomeoneshotherhusband,I’mnotsurprised.”Wolfestoppedinsidethedoor,lookedatthestairs,andwhistled.“Issheinjured?”
Rowleyfollowedhisgazetotheblood-smearedwallbesidethestaircaseanddownthehallwaytothebloodyhandprintsonthebroomclosetdoor.“NotthatIcantell.She’snotsayingmuchatall.”
“PutthebodybagdownsomewhereandI’llgiveyousomebootiestowear.Wedon’twanttocontaminatethesceneanymorethannecessary.”Wolfeplacedhisbagonahalltable,pulledoutbooties,andgaveRowleyapairbeforepullingonhisown.“I’llcheckonMrs.Robinsonandthenwe’llstartupstairs.”
“Irestrainedher.”Rowleyledthewayintothekitchen.“Ibelieveshe’sokay.”
“Carol?MynameisShaneWolfe,I’mtheME.Ijustwanttocheckyouforinjuriesandtakeafewswabs.”Athercompletelackofresponse,WolfeexchangedaglancewithRowley.“Catatonicstateafterashockispossible.”
RowleywaitedforWolfetocheckherover.Asshestillrefusedtospeak,Wolfesighed.“I’llcalltheparamedics;sheneedstobeassessedinamentalhealthfacility.”
“Ishedead?Lucas,myhusband—ishedead?”Mrs.Robinson’svoicecameoutinasoftquiver.
“I’mafraidso.”Wolfepattedherontheback.“I’msorryforyourloss.Canyoutellmewhathappened?”
“Aman…withagun.”Herhandsshookandshelookedaroundwildly.“He’sstillhere.Icanfeelhimlookingatme.”
Rowleylookedoverhisshoulder,checkingthehallwayagain.Thenextmoment,aloudbangcamefromthedirectionofthecellar,followedbyapiercinghowl
FOUR
He’dforgottenhowcolditwasinMontanainOctober.Notthatheminded.Theicychillseepingthroughhisclothesonlyheightenedhisawareness.Helovedthedark.Thelongshadowsandblacktreessurroundinghimaddedtohisexcitement.Windgustswhistledthroughthepinesandstirredupthefallleavesingreatplumesofdust.Thenoisecoveredhisprogressbackthroughthewoodsashemovedclosertothehouse.Hewantedtobeinsidetowatchthemysteryunfold.Thewoman’ssobbingscreamsstillechoedinhisearsandhewishedtheexquisitesoundhadn’tstopped.Itwaslikethesweetestmusicandhadtemperedthemissingpartofhislatestkill.He’dmissedthebeggingandpleadingheusuallyencounteredthemomenttheyknewtheyweregoingtodie.ShootingasleepingmanhadhardlywhethisappetitebutthiswasBlackRockFalls,andheowedittothepeopleofthisfinecounty,theverybestinmurderandmayhem.
Ashecrouchedbehindapatchofdeadundergrowth,itwasasifthebuildinghadturnedintoadollhouse,alllitupinside.Thedeputywho’darrivedfirsthadturnedoneverylight,givinghimagrandstandviewoftheroomsfacingthewoods.Infact,hecouldseerightdownthehallwayandintothekitchen.Thewidestaircaseandthewallsmearedwithbloodintriguedhim.Whathadhappenedafterhe’dleft?Hadthewiferolledinherhusband’sremainsbeforesheranscreamingintothenight?Hestaredatthewide-opendoorandwonderedwhytheyoungdeputyhadn’tpulledthedrapes.Ifhe’dbeeninclined,hecouldeasilyshoothimthroughanyofthewindowsatcloserange.Foranyoneinsidethehouselookingout,thepitchdarknesssurroundinghimwouldofferhimmaximumcoveruntilitwastoolate.
Hesmotheredachuckle.Thesheriffwouldarrivesoonandhe’dwitnessherexpertcrime-solvingskillsfirst-hand.He’dheardsomuchabouther.Infact,she’dbecomealmostacultfigureamongmenlikehim.Yeah,hehadfriends—nonames,ofcourse.Inchatroomsburiedsodeepinthewebnobodycouldfindthem,SheriffJennaAltonwasafrequenttopicofconversation,andoutsmartingherwasafantasyforsome.She’dbecomeachallenge,andmanycreaturesofthenight,likehim,wouldsoonberisingforthebait.
FIVE
Jennahadsatboltuprightinbedatthesoundofhercellphone.HerfirstthoughtwenttoDirkGrainger’smother.She’dlefttheseriouslyillwomantuckedupsafelyinSunnybrookNursingHomeunderDocBrown’scare.However,theringtonetoldherthatDeputyRowley,theyoungmanshe’dtrainedupfromarookietobecomeafirst-classlawman,wascallingherinthemiddleofthenight.Itwashisturntoanswerthe911calls,andhewouldn’thavedisturbedherunlesssomethingbadhadhappened.Thewindrattledtheshuttersonthewindowsassheturnedonthebedsidelampandglancedattheclock.Ohyeah,atthistimeofthemorning,someonehadtobedead.Shegrabbedherpenandnotepadandansweredthecall.
Themomentshedisconnected,JennapushedthehairfromhereyesandcalledKane.Asusualhesnappedawakeinasecondandwasonhisway.
Jennadashedtothefrontdoor.Bythetimeshe’dfastenedherdutybeltaroundherwaistandslippedintohercoat,shecouldseeKane’sheadlightsheadingtowardher.Havingadeputylivinginacottageonherranchhaditsbenefits.Sheresetthealarmsystemandheadedoutthedoorintoadark,stormynight.Anarcticblasthitherwithforceandcutthroughherthickjacket,raisinggoosebumpsonherflesh.Bythetimeshe’dclimbedinsideKane’struck,affectionatelyknownas“theBeast,”thecoldhadnumbedhercheeks.“Drivefast.Rowley’saloneoutthere.”
“Rogerthat.I’vehadtheengineidlingsinceyoucalledandthere’snoiceontheroads.I’llhaveusthereinnotime.”Thepowerfulengineroaredandthetruck’stiresshoweredthefencewithgravelasKanepulledawayfromthehouse.
JennanoticedthatDuke,Kane’sbloodhound,wasmissingfromhisusualplaceonthebackseat.“Ithoughtitwouldraintodaybutthestormcloudsmightbringthefirstsnow.IsittoocoldforDukealready?”
“Yeah.Ilefthimasleepinhisbasket.Therewasnowayhewascomingouttonight.”Kanespedalongthedriveway.“WhatdidRowleysay?”
Jennaexplained,enteredtheaddressintotheGPS,andthenturnedinherseattolookathim.“Wehaven’thadahomeinvasionbefore.Burglary,doyouthink?”
“Ican’tfigureoutwhyanintruderwouldusehollow-pointsinaburglary.”Kaneturnedontothehighwayleadingintotown.“Theyusuallyprefertograbanythingofvalueandgetoutfast.Itwillbeinterestingtoexaminethescene.”
“Ihopeit’snotahit.I’veseenafewexecution-stylemurdersinvolvingthecartel.”Jennaleanedbackinherseat,tryingtopreventbadmemoriesfromreplayinglikeamovieinherhead.“Theywouldn’tthinktwiceaboutbreakingintoahouseandkillingamaninhissleep.”
“Hmm,thistownisspreadingoutsowide,anythingcouldbehappeningoutinthebackcountry.”KaneacceleratedandtheBeastpurredastheyflashedpasttheopengrasslandsurroundingJenna’sranch.Thenightwassodark,notonestarpeekedthroughthecloudcover.“Whatdoweknowaboutthevictim?”
“I’llseewhatIcanfind.”Jennausedhercellphonetoaccesstherecords.“Nopriors.FromwhatIcansee,he’safinancialadvisorworkinginthelocalbank.”
“Maybehegavesomeonebadadvice.”Kane’sgazeremainedfixedontheroad.“Peoplehavekilledforless.”
Jennastaredoutthewindow.“Idon’trecallvisitingMajesticRapids.ItmustbethehousingdevelopmentclosetothenewWhite-WaterRapidsPark.”
“Ibelieveit’sbetweentheparkandtheskilodge.”Kaneglancedather.“I’mlookingforwardtothesnowthisyear.It’sbeenalongtimesinceI’vehadthechancetohittheslopes.Remember,assoonasthesnowarrivesandwehavesomedowntime,youpromisedtocomeupthereforaweekendtokeepmecompany.It’snofunskiingonyourlonesome.”
Jennalaughed.“Iwouldn’tmissit.It’llbeliketakingavacation.”Shepulledaknithatfromherjacketpocketandpullediton.“MaybeRowleywillcomewithusandbringSandy.Ifigurethey’regettingserious.”
“Wecouldaskhim.”Kanechuckled.“MaybeweshouldaskWolfeandhisgirlsalongaswell.Iguessthetowncangetalongwithoutusforacoupleofdays.”
“WedohaveWalterstofallbackon.”Sheconsideredherolderdeputy.“Imean,we’donlybeaphonecallawayiftheFourHorsemenoftheApocalypserodeintotown.”
JennachuckledasKaneturnedontoMainStreetandtheheadlightspickedupthefirstHalloweendecorations.TheresidentsofBlackRockFallswentalloutwhenitcametoanyfestival,andHalloweenwasnoexception.AstheydrovedownMainandouttothesuburbs,mostofthehomeswouldfitfineintothesetofahorrormovie.“Lookingatoursweetlittletown,maybetheFourHorsemenhavealreadyarrived.”
“Oh,Ihopenot.”
DarknessseemedtocloseinaroundthetruckasJennapeeredaheadfortheentrancetotheRobinsons’ranch.“Ithoughtthisareawouldhavemorehouses.I’veonlyseentwootherdrivewaysinthelastmile.”
“Maybethey’relikeyouandwantlandtorunhorses.”KaneslowedwhentheGPStoldhimtheturnwascomingup.“Thislooksliketheplace.”
Astheheadlightspickedoutthenameonthemailbox,Jennanodded.“Yeah,thisisit,andluckily,thegate’swideopen.”
Jennaglancedoutthewindowastheynegotiatedthewindingdriveway,andanuneasysensationcrawledoverher.Thetreesformedadensewalleachsideoftheroad,anditwasasiftheytriedtograbholdofthetruckastheypassedby.Thelongbranchesloomedoutofthenightlikedemons’clawsfromthesurroundingblackness,onlytobecometreesagaininthebeamfromtheheadlights.Withonlythearcfromtheirlightsilluminatingtheturnsintheroadahead,itwaslikedrivingintoatunnel.“Icouldn’tliveouthere.Canyouimaginethewaitforthesnowplowtoarriveduringwinter?I’mnotsosureitwouldbeabletomakeitaroundsomeofthesetightbends.”
“Mostpeoplearen’tluckyenoughtohavethelocalsnowplowdriverlivingclosebylikeyoudo,andtheyusetheirown.”Heflickedheraglance.“I’mgettingonethisyeartoo.”
Kaneneverceasedtoamazeher.Jennastaredathim.“Youwantasnowplownow?”
“Yeah,it’sneat.Itattachestothefrontofmytruck.RowleyhasanewoneandshowedittomelasttimeIdroppedby.Afterlastyear’sblizzards,Ican’tseetheweathergettinganybetterandwe’llneedit.”
“Okay,butit’smoreworkforyoutodo.”Jennasearchedahead.“Idon’tseeanylightingatall,andthisdrivewayfeelslikewe’redrivingaroundincircles.”
“It’swaytoonarrow.Toobadifanothervehiclewantedtogetby.”Kanescannedtheareaandturnedtoherwithoneraisedeyebrow.“Idon’tseeanysecurityeither,andwiththetreessocloseandall,they’reaskingfortrouble.Withthistown’sreputation,you’dfigurethey’dsecuretheirranch.”
Afteranotherfewminutesonthewindingpath,theglowfromthehouselightsfilteredthroughthetrees.JennaheavedasighofreliefastheyroundedthenextbendandRowley’scruiserandtheME’svancameintoview.“Itlookslikethegang’sallhere.”
Sheattachedherearbudandturnedonthecommunicationsdeviceattachedtoherbelt.“Rowley,we’reatthefrontofthehouse.Iseethefrontdoorisopen.What’syourstatus?”
“Weheardsomethingjustbefore,maybecomingfromthecellar.”
Jennastiffened.“Okay,waitforbackup.”
“Copythat.There’sbloodeverywhere.You’llneedglovesandbooties.”
JennaturnedtoKane.“Stayalert.Rowleyhasn’tcheckedthecellaryetandit’sabloodbathsowe’llneedtosuitup.”
“I’llgrabwhatweneedfrommykit.”Kaneslippedfromthetruckandopenedthebackdoor.“Here.”Hepassedherahandfulofequipment.
TheymovedupthefrontstepsandJennacaughtsightofWolfeandRowley,weaponsdrawnandstaringdownapassageway.Shepulledonherbootiesandthenthegloves,andthenshutthedoorbehindthem.“Whatisit?”
“Listen.”Rowleymotionedwithhischintowardadoorattheendofthehallway.“Soundslikesomeoneorsomethingisinthecellar.”
TheeerieshriekandthumpsentanicychilldownJenna’sspine.WhydoIalwaysgetthecreepyhousesanddarkcellars?
SIX
ThelastthingJennawantedtodointhemiddleofthenightafterabrutalmurderwastoclimbdownadarkstaircaseintotheunknown.SheexchangedaglancewithKaneandheshrugged.TheremotenessoftheRobinsons’homeandtheunusualnoiseshadsethernervesonedgeonarrivalandthenotionofopeningthedoortoacellarmakingnoisesstraightfromhellwassendingherimaginationintooverdrive.SheglancedatRowley’ssheet-whiteface,pulledherweaponandwalkedpasthim.“Stayhereandwatchourbacks.We’llgoandlook.”Sheswallowedhard.“WolfewouldyoumindwatchingMrs.Robinsonuntilwe’redone?”
“Sure.”Wolfeholsteredhisweapon,turnedandheadedforthekitchen.
Aloudwhineandathumpcamefrombehindthecellardoor.SheturnedtoKanetryingtoignoretheapprehensioncrampinginherstomach.“NottheFourHorsemenatleast.”
“Nah,maybeahellhoundortwo.”Kane’smouthtwitchedupatthecorners.“Oraninjuredbear,whateveritis,mendon’tmakethatkindofnoise.”
TrustKanetomakelightofthesituation.“It’sjustaswellyoudon’tbelieveinghostsorwe’dbestandinghereallnight.Thedooropensinward—pickaside.”Sheignoredthefightorflightresponsemakingherheartpoundinherchestandtookadeepbreath.“Ready?”
“Sure.”Kanepulledhisweapon,slidbackthebolt,andglancedinsidethepitchblack.Hisvoiceboomedoutinthedarkspace.“Sheriff’sdepartment,isanyonedownthere?”
Thewhineandbumpcameagain.Jennarepeatedthequestion,andwhennoresponsecame,sheedgedclosertotheopening.Thefreezingairsmelledofwetcement,asiftheownerhadonlyfinisheditrecently,anditdidn’thavethemustyodorsheusuallyassociatedwithcellars.WiththecomfortingwarmthofherGlockinherpalm,sheeasedonehandaroundthedoorframefeelingforthelightswitch.Sheflickeditbackandforthbutnothinghappened.Ofcourse,thelightdidn’twork;itwasalmostasifsheexpectedit.Anawfulsenseofforebodingcreptoverher.Theycouldbewalkingintoatrap,andiftheystoodatthetopofthesteps,they’dmakecleartargets.Sheflattenedagainstthe
ShereachedforherMagliteanditcameoninabrilliantwhitestream.Aimingitaroundthedoorandintothecellar,shemovedthelightdownaflightofstairsandoveranopenbagofcementwithashovelbesideit,leaningagainstthewall.Longshadowsseemedtofilleverycornerandshedidn’tmoveuntilshe’dcheckedouteachone.Ofcourse,theroomwasL-shapedandshecouldn’tseearoundthecorner.Nevergointoadarkcellar.Thewarningrattledaroundinhersubconscious.“It’sasifit’sdaringustowalkintotheunknown.”
“Atleastthestairsarewide.”Kane’sflashlightcameonbesideher,andtheystoodsidebysideandscannedthearea.“ItlooksemptybutIguesswe’dbettertakealookatwhat’saroundthecorner.”
Thewhineandbangcameagain,andthehairsonthebackofJenna’sneckprickled.“Thereitgoesagain.Whereisitcomingfrom?”
“Furnacemaybe?”Kaneslippeddownthestepsandmovedalongthewallwithhisflashlightaimedalonghisweapon.
Thesoundcameagainashedisappearedaroundthecorner.
“Shit!”Kanebarkedastrangledlaugh.“Nowthatscaredthehelloutofme.”
Heartpounding,Jennarushedtohisside.Thedarknesscreptinbehindherandanicybreezeseepedthroughherjeans.Assheturnedthecorner,Kane’swideshouldersblockedherview.“Whatisit?”
“Itlookslikethey’reintotaxidermy.”Kane’slightmovedoverafull-growngrizzly.Itsglasseyesreflectedthelightbackatthem.“Funnyplacetokeepit,downhereinthedamp.”
Knowingthebearwaslongdeaddidn’tpreventarushofterrorgrippingJennaasherlightmovedoverthegapingmouthandoutstretchedpaws.Shetookastepbackandpusheddowntheneedtorun.AfterflickingherMaglitearoundtherestofthearea,shesighed.“It’sempty.”
“Itisapartfromthebearandfurnacebutthat’snotwhat’smakingthenoise.”Hemovedhisflashlighttoawindowongroundlevel.“It’sthat.”
Jennastaredupatawindowproppedopenwithastick.Theunfastenedshutterswhinedandbumpedagainstthesideofthehousewitheachgustofwind.Shemovedherflashlighttothefloor.Leaveshadfalleninsidemakingasmallpileandshemadeoutindistinctfootprintsleadingaway.“Ithinkwe’vefoundthepointofentry.”
Shemovedclosertoexaminethewindow.“We’llleavethatfornowandcomebackwhenit’slighttocheckforfingerprintsandanyfootprintsoutside.”
“Sure.”Kaneholsteredhisweapon.“I’llgetafewshotsofthescene.”Hepulledouthiscellphoneandtookthepictures.
Jennablinkedfromtheflashbutsheturnedandsearchedthefloor.Inonecornerwasapatchofdryingcement.“Getashotofthataswell.Ihopethey’renotburyingbodiesinhere.”
Oncehe’dfinished,sheheadedbackupthestepswithKaneclosebehind.Afterlockingthecellardoor,shelookedatRowley’sanxiousface.“Justanopenwindow.Thenoisewastheshutters.Itlookslikeourpointofentry.We’llcomebackandcheckitoutindaylight.Oh,andthere’sastuffedbeardownthere.”Shesmiledathim.“GoandtakeoverfromWolfe.I’llviewthecrimesceneandtheninterviewMrs.Robinsonifshe’stalking.Doesshehaveanyoneshecanstaywithtonight?”
“No,ma’am.”Rowleyfrowned.“Ialreadyaskedher.”
“Well,shecan’tstayhere.”Jennafrowned.“Callthehospitalandmakearrangementsforhertobeplacedinoursecurewing.Iwanthercheckedoutbyadoctor,andhavethemdoapsychevaluationonhertoo.She’llbesafelockedinthewardbutmakesurehospitalsecuritykeepsaneyeonheruntilwecanarrangeforsomeonetostaywithher.I’llpackabagforherassoonasWolfehasclearedthecrimescene.”
“Copythat.”Rowleyturnedandheadedtothekitchen.
JennawaitedforWolfetoreturnandtheyfollowedhimsinglefileupthestairs,avoidingthebloodspatteronthecarpet.Thebedroomwasoffalandingatthetopanditsdoorstoodwideopen.Bloodsmearedtheglossywhitefinishandframeasifsomeonehadstumbledagainstit.ThesightinsidetheroommadeJennagag.She’dwitnessedmanycrimesfrommutilatedbodiestoburnvictims,butthesmelloffreshbloodseemedtosurroundherandcrawluphernose.Wantingtolookawaywasn’tanoption,andshetookthefacemaskKanepushedintoherhandandplaceditoverhernose.Whatshediscoveredherecouldbecrucialtoidentifyingthekiller,andnomatterhowdisturbing,itwasherresponsibilitytofindjusticeforthevictim.
TheMEtooktheleadinacrimescene,andJennalistenedtoWolfe’srunningcommentary.Allaroundher,thehousewhinedandmoaned.She’dneverexperiencedsuchwildweathersinceherarrivalinBlackRockFalls,andasifseeingablood-soakedvictimwasn’tbadenough,therattlingwindowsmadeherglanceoverhershouldermorethanonce.SheglancedatKane,whohadhisusualmaskofprofessionalismfixedinplace.Hehadtheuniqueability,likeWolfe,toturnoffhisemotionalsideandconcentrateonthecrimesceneasawhole.Shecouldblankoutemotiontosomedegree,duetoherowntraining,buttoseeWolfeandKaneinactionwasawe-inspiring.“Whatdowehave,Shane?”
“Thevictimismalebutthat’sallIhavesofar,andIfoundablackfeatherinthebed.ItmightmeannothingbutI’vebaggedit.”Wolfetookseveralphotographsofthescene,movingaroundtheroomandaiminghiscameraateverypossibleanglebeforepullingbacktheblood-soakedsheets.“Fromthemetalfragmentsembeddedinthewallandmattress,I’dsaytwomaybethreeshotstothehead,andRowleywasright,thisdamageisfromhollow-points.”Hesighed.“Onewould’vesufficed,andtwoorthreeiswayinexcess.It’sthesameasastabbinginsomeways:peoplecanuseonethrusttokill,butinangertheystabapersonmultipletimes.Fromthis,andconsideringnoonehasdisturbedanythinginthehouse,I’dsaythisisacrimeofpassion.”
“Ormaybeahit.”JennalookedatKane.“Thisisyourfieldofexpertise,whatdoyouthink?”
“Possible.”Kaneleanedoverthebedtoexaminethebulletfragments.“Usinghollow-pointstellsmetheintenttokillwastherefromtheget-go.It’sasurething,andwhoeverdidthishithistargetwithoutinjuringthisman’swife.”
“Ortheshooteristhewife.”Jennapusheddownnauseaandmovedtohissidetoexaminethebody.“Itlookswellplanned.Ididn’tseeanysignsofforcedentrybutwe’llhaveabetterideainthemorning.Weassume,hecameinviathecellarandgainedaccessthroughaconvenientlyunlockeddoorandthenstraighthere,twomaybethreeshotsbeforehewalksoutthefrontdoorleavingitopen.”
“Yeah.”KanestraightenedandturnedtoJenna.“Ifthey’dleftthewindowopentomaybedrythepatchofwetcement,Iwould’vethoughtthey’dhavesecuredtheshutters.”
Jennanodded.“Andlockedthecellardoor.”Sheshuddered.“Imeanabearcouldgetthroughthatopening.Whydidtheyleavethedoorunlocked?IbelieveIneedtohaveachatwithMrs.Robinson.”ShelookedatWolfe.“Rowleysaidshewasn’ttalking.Didyoucoaxanythingoutofher?”
“Shetoldmesomeoneshotherhusband.I’vecollectedsamplesandtakenphotographsofthebloodspatteronher.Itwillprovewhereshewasatthetimeoftheshooting,andifshewasinvolved,I’dexpecttoseegunshotresidue.”Wolfecontinuedtocollectpiecesofmetalfromaroundthevictim.“Takeiteasywithher,she’sfragile.”
“Fragileoragoodactor?”Jennaturnedawayandheadedtothedoor.“Theopenwindowandunlockeddoorseemlikemorethanacoincidence.Iwonderifshepaidsomeonetokillherhusband—andifso,why?”
SEVEN
Jennawalkedintothekitchenandsatatthetable.Shepulledouthernotebookandlookedatthebedraggledwomansittingopposite.Shewasinherlateforties,petite,andbloodhadmattedherblondehairintoreddreadlocks.Acellphonecoveredwithcrimsonfingerprintssatonthetablebesideher.“I’mSheriffAlton.Canyoutellmeyourname?”
“Carol,CarolRobinson.”Thewomanturnedanemptycupinherhand.“I’dlikeanothercupofcoffeeifthat’sokay?”Shepushedthecupawayandpickedatthedriedmessonherhands.“Youhaveonetoo.”
Relievedthewomanwasatleastcommunicating,JennaglancedatRowleyandnodded.“Sure.”SheleanedonthetableandlookedatCarol.“Doyoufeeluptotellingmewhathappenedhere?”
ShewaitedforlongmomentsasMrs.Robinsongatheredherself.“Okay,let’sstartwithyouinbed.Didsomethingwakeyou?”
“No,I’dbeenawakeforhours.Wehaven’tbeenherethroughwinteryetandIdidn’texpectthehousetobesonoisy.Thewindwasmakingthehousewhine.Sometimesitwaslikeahowling,theshuttersshook,anditsoundedlikesomeonewastryingtoforcethemopen.IthoughtIheardthefloorboardscreakoutonthelandingandtriedtowakeLucastotellhimsomeonewasinthehouse.”Mrs.RobinsonlookedatJennaandherhandstrembled.
Jennanodded.“You’redoingreallywell.DidLucaswakeup?”
“No,hedidn’tstir,andthenthelightcameon.ItblindedmeandIcouldn’tseemorethanashadowinthedoorway.Iheardthreebangs,notloudlikeagunshot,butthenitwasdarkagain.IcalledouttoLucasbuthedidn’tanswerandthenIfelthisbloodalloverme.”Mrs.Robinsonstaredintospaceandshookasifrelivingthescene.“Ididn’tgoandhelphim.IknowIshould’vebutIwassoafraid.Ihidunderthebedandwaitedforalongtime.”
“So,whendidyoucallus?”Jennafrowned.“Wherewasyourcellphone?”
“Myphonewasonthebedsidetable.Icrawledouttogetitandthencalled911.”Mrs.Robinsonswallowedhardandscreweduphereyes.“Thelightfromthescreen…Icouldseetheblooddrippingontothecarpet.Therewassomuchblood…Ijusthadtogetaway.Ifoundmywaydownstairsandhidinthebroomcloset.”Sheliftedthecoffeetoherlips,spillingitoverhertremblinghands.“Ididn’tgobackandhelpLucas.He’sdeadbecauseofme,isn’the?”Sheletoutawailingsob.“Ikilledhim.”
Jennashookherheadandkepthervoicelowandwithaconcernedtone.“No,hediedinstantly.Youcouldn’thavesavedhim,Carol.”Shesippedthecoffee,gratefulforahotdrink.“Doyourememberopeningthewindowinthecellar,orleavingthecellardoorunlocked?”
“No.”Mrs.Robinsonlookedconfused.“Lucaswasdowntherefinishingupthefloorbeforedinner.Itwasasmallrepair.Maybeheleftitopen.Idon’tknowforsure.Iwasbusycookingdinner.”
“Okay.”Jennapushedon.“Doyoumindifwesearchthehouseandremoveanyevidencethatmightgiveusinformationaboutwhokilledyourhusband?”
“No,pleasedo.”Mrs.Robinsonlookedatherwide-eyed.“IwantyoutocatchthepersonwhodidthistoLucas.”
Jennanotedshehadsaid“theperson,”whichwasunusual.“Doesyourhusbandhaveanyenemies—anyoneheowesmoneytoperhaps?”
“Lucas?Enemies?”Mrs.Robinsonshookherhead.“No,hewaslikedbyeveryone.”
Jennafrowned.“Didheeverhityou?”
“No,wewereveryhappilymarried.Hewasaperfecthusband.”
WithMrs.Robinsonbeingthelastpersontoseethevictimalive,Jennaneededmoreinformation,andMrs.Robinsonseemedtobemorelucidbytheminute.Keepinghertalkingwaseasingtheshock.“Whataboutthepeopleathiswork?”
“Idon’tthinkso.”Mrs.Robinsonmethergazeandthenshrugged.“Hedidsayhecouldn’tpleaseallofthepeopleallofthetimebuthedidhisbest.”
“Okay,I’llspeaktohisbossinthemorning.Wheredoeshework?”Jennamadenotesandthenliftedherattentionbacktothewoman.“Wedidn’tfindagun.Doyouhaveanyweaponsinthehouse?”
“Yes.”Mrs.Robinson’sgazemovedtothepassageway.“There’sagunsafeintheden.Thekeysarehangingoverthere.”Shepointedtoasmalllineofhooksbesidethedoortothemudroom.
JennalookedupatRowley.“Gocheckitoutandseewhatammotheyuse.”
AsRowleyslippedoutthedoor,sheturnedbacktoMrs.Robinson.“Haveyouarguedwithyourhusbandlately?”
“No.”Mrs.Robinsonyankedontheflexicuffs.“Youdon’tthinkIkilledhim,doyou?”
Jennakeptherfaceneutral.“I’msorryifI’veupsetyoubutwehavetoaskthesequestionswhensomeoneiskilled.I’mlookingforthereasonsomeoneshotyourhusband.Icouldn’tseeanysignsofaburglary.Doyouhaveanyvaluablesinthehouse?”
“No,nothing.”
“Okay.”Jennanodded.“Whenyou’reuptoit,we’lldoawalk-throughandchecktomakesurenothing’smissing.”
“IftheTVisstillthere,that’stheonlyvaluabledownhere.WehaveasafeupstairsandIknowforsurewhoevershotLucasdidn’tcomefarintotheroom.”Mrs.Robinson’sfacewaspaleandeyesforlorn.“I’dhaveheardthem.Thesafeisatthebackoftheclosetandtheslidingdoormakesanoise.”
JennaglancedupasRowleycamebackintotheroom.Heheldouthiscellphonewithimagesoftheweapons.ShescrolledthroughthephotographsandfoundacoupleofhuntingriflesandaGlock,withregularammunition.“Thanks.”
Jennaheardthesirenofanambulancecloseby.ShemetMrs.Robinson’sred-rimmedeyes.“I’msendingyoutothehospitaltogetcleanedup,andI’dlikeyoutoseeadoctorforapsychiatricevaluation.Ifyouagree,thehospitalwillhavesomepapersforyoutosign.Itwon’tcostyouanything.”
“Okay.”Mrs.Robinsonnoddedslowly.
Jennaglancedupfromhernotes.“Doyouhaveanymedicationyouneedtotakewithyou?”
“No.”Mrs.Robinsonstaredatherbloodynightgownandthenshivered.“I’llneedachangeofclothesandsometoiletriesifI’mstayingforawhile.”
“Sure.I’llgoandpackyouabag.I’dlikeyoutostayuntilwe’vefinishedourinvestigationandhadtheplacecleaned.”JennaturnedtoRowley.“Keeptheparamedicsoutside.Idon’twantthemtrampingthroughthehouse.I’llbebackinafewminutes.”Sheheadedoutthekitchenandmadeherwayalongthehallway.
Acoupleofthingsplayedonhermind.Iftheshooterhadusedahollow-pointbullet,thefirstshotwould’vekilledthevictim,butifthekillerpumpedthreeshotsinatcloserange,thevictim’sbloodspatterwouldbealloverthem.OrifMrs.Robinsonhadbeenlyinginbed,Jennaassumedthebloodspatterwouldbeconsistentwithwhatshecouldseeonher.Eitherway,shecouldbetheshooter.WhenRowleyinitiallysearchedthehouse,hewaslookingforanintruder,notaweapon.ShewonderedifMrs.Robinsonhadstashedaguninthebroomcloset.Fromthebloodtrail,itwastheonlypossibleplaceunlessitwasunderthecouple’sbedupstairs.ThewayMrs.Robinsonseemedtogatherherselfsofastafterwitnessingahorrificmurderconcernedher.She’dseensomanystrangethingsinherlife,itwouldn’tsurpriseherifMrs.Robinsonhadshotherhusbandfromthedoorway,stashedthegunsomewhere,called911,andthengoneupstairsandrolledinherhusband’sblood.Shecould’vestagedtheentirescene.
SheusedherMaglitetosearchthebroomclosetandfoundnotraceofaweapon,butshedidfindapairofbootswithcementtracesonthesoles.MaybeLucasRobinsonopenedthecellarwindowafterall.
Themurderwasn’tthemostgruesomeKanehadworkedonduringhistimeinBlackRockFalls,butitcameclosetothetopofhislist.Withalasermeasurerinonehand,hemovedaroundtheroom,callingoutmeasurementsforWolfe.Hestoodjustinsidethedoor.“Ifiguretheshooterstoodhere.”
“Thatmakessense.”Jennawalkedupbehindhim,pullingonafacemask.“Mrs.Robinsonsaidthelightcameon,therewerethreesoftshots,andthelightwentoff.”
Theangledidn’tseemrightandKanefrowned.“Fromthebloodspatter,howtallwastheshooter?Theangleseemstoohighfrommypointofview.”
“I’lltakethereadingfromthehead—well,what’sleftofitandtakethemeasurementfromthere.”Wolfeheldouthishandforthedeviceandthenpointedittowardthedoor.“Okay,fromthereadings,I’dsayclosetosixfeettall.Ofcourse,thisdependsonifheaimedtheweaponwithonehandortwo.Somepeopletakeabentkneestancewhenshootingwithtwohands.Whatwouldyoudo,Kane?”
“IfitwentdownlikeJennadescribed,I’dturnonthelightwithonehand,shootwiththeother,andthenswitchoffthelightandleave.”KaneturnedtoexaminethewallandthenlookedatJenna.“Well,that’sinteresting.”
“Whatis?”Jennaraisedhereyebrows.
Kanere-enactedtheshooter’smovesandthensmiledather.“Okay,onethingweknowforsure:thekiller’sleft-handed.”
“Howso?”Jennafrowned.
“Timing.Iftheshooterwasright-handedthere’dhavebeenapausebetweenturningonthelight,aimingandshooting.Thelightswitchesarealwaysontheright,soifIturnonthelight,shoot,andthenturnitoff,I’dhavetowastetimechangingmyweaponfromonehandtotheotherortwistaroundtousetheswitchandthenaim.Inthattime,shewouldhavehadtimetoseethekiller.”Kanedemonstratedaright-handedshootandthenswitchedtohislefthand.“See,iftheshootinghappenedinstantaneouslyasMrs.Robinsonstated,theshooterhastobeleft-handed.”
“Whynotambidextrous?”Jennanarrowedhergazeathim.“I’veseenyoushootjustaswellwithbothhands.”
“True.”Kaneshrugged.“Butthishasallthesignsofahit,sowe’refiguringaprofessional.Ahitmustbecleanandfast.He’scomingoutofthedarkandwould’vetakenintoaccountthesuddenbrightnessmaybeblindinghimforasecond.Theweakerhandisusuallylessaccurateandhewouldn’thaveriskedit.”
“Well,that’sastart,thekillerisaroundsixfootandleft-handed.”JennalookedatWolfe.“Theparamedicsarecloseby.OkayifIgetachangeofclothesforMrs.Robinson?Oh,andshementionedasafeatthebackofthecloset.Kane,willyoucheckitoutandmakesurenoone’sturnedtheplaceover?Wedon’tneedasearchwarrant.Mrs.Robinsongavemeverbalpermission.”
“You’regoodtogo.”WolfelookedatJennaoverthetopofhismask.“I’mfinishedhere.I’llgoandgetthegurney.”
Kanewalkedtotheclosetthattookuponecompletewallandslidopenthedoor.Therunnersmadeadistinctivegrindingnoiseasifneedingoiling.Hepushedalineofsuitsandshirtstoonesideandfoundthesafe.Afterdustingitforprints,hescannedthemandfoundamatchforthevictim.Thesafeappearedtobeundisturbed.HeturnedtolookatJenna.“Theprintsonthesafehaven’tbeensmudged.Idoubtit’sbeentouchedsincethevictimlastopenedit.”
“Mrs.Robinsonmentionedthedoormadeanoise,andshedidn’thearanyoneentertheroomoropentheclosetdoor.”Jennafilledasuitcasewithitemsandthenwalkedintothebathroom.“That’sallIneed.”Hervoiceseemedtoechofromthesmallroom.
Kanestuckhisheadaroundtheclosetdoor.“HowlongareyouplanningonkeepingMrs.Robinsonlockedupinthesecureward?”
“I’mnotsure.”Jennacameoutcarryingamakeupbaganddumpedanarmfulofitemsintothesuitcase.“Shedoesn’thaveanyone,somaybeafewdaysheldunderpsychiatricassessmentwillgiveWolfetimetocomeupwithafewresults.”Sheclickedthesuitcaseshutandthenlookedupathim.“Youbothbelievethisisahit,butIwantyoutorunanotherpossibilitythroughyourmind.Sheshootsherhusbandfromthedoor—she’satallwoman,maybefive-ten—andthenwantstogetupcloseandpersonaltomakesurehe’sdeadandpumpsanothercoupleofroundsinwhat’sleftofhishead.ShestaggersdownstairscoveredinbloodandhidesinthebroomclosettowaitforRowley.Thefrontdoorwasopen.Shecould’veopeneditbeforeshewentupstairstokillherhusband,comedown,andthrowntheweaponoutsideinthebushes.Thebloodtrailgoesoutfarenough.”
Kanenoddedslowly.“Hmm,possible,sowhat’syourtakeonthepointofentry?”
“I’dsaythevictimopenedthewindowtodrythecement.Hecameupstairs,forgottolockthedoor,maybeheintendedtogobacklater.Ifoundhisbootsinthebroomcloset.”Jennafrowned.“We’llhavetowaituntildaylighttodoacompletesearchoftheareaandcheckiftherearefootprintsoutsidethecellarwindoworaweapon.”
“Okay.”Kanetookthesuitcasefromher.“Theparamedicsarehere.”
“Good,I’drathershedidn’tseeWolferemovethebody.”Jennahurrieddownthestairs.
Kanestaredafterher.Tohimthescenewasatypicalhit,butJennararelyacceptedtheobviousandconsideredeveryangleinacase.Voicesdriftedupfromthehallwayandhehustleddownstairstohandoverthesuitcase.MomentslaterJennacamefromthekitchenwithMrs.Robinson.
“Areyouleft-handedbyanychance?”Jennaledhertotheparamedic’sgurney.
“Yes,howdidyouknow?”Mrs.Robinsongaveherapuzzledlook.
“Oh,justahunch.”JennacastameaningfullookatKaneandthenturnedherattentionbacktoMrs.Robinson.“Trytogetsomerestandwe’lldropbytotalktoyouinthemorning.”Shenoddedtotheparamedicstotakeheraway.
Kanelookedatherandraisedaneyebrow.“Ahunch,huh?”
“Wasn’tityouwhooncetoldmethatthelastpersontoseeamurdervictimaliveisthekiller?”Jennasmiled.“Sometimestheanswerisjuststaringusintheface.”
EIGHTBEFOREDAWNWEDNESDAYMORNING
ThemorningfrostsatinthecornersofthewindshieldofParkerLouis’truckashewaitedforhisfriend,TimAddams,toslipouttomeethim.Itwasthedarkestbeforedawn,andonlyasliveroflightescapedfromthefrontdoorbeforeTimwasintheseatbesidehim.ParkerlookedatTimandgrinned.“Weshouldbeabletogetinandoutbeforethefirstshiftarrivesforwork.”
“Yeah,butwedon’twanttobenoticeddrivingaroundsoearly.”Timchuckedhisbackpackontothebackseatandthenturnedtolookathim.“Driveniceandslow.”Helookedaround.“Goodyouleftyourriflebehind.Ifthebossshowsearlyandcatchesus,wedon’twantthecopssayingwewerearmed.”Apuffofsteamcameoutofhismouth,surroundinghimlikecigarettesmoke.“It’sfreezinginhere.CanIturnuptheheat?”
“Sure.”Parkermovedhistruckawayfromthecurbanddroveawayinstealth.
Excitementwelledupinsidehim.Theideaofsneakingontoabuildingsiteandstealingappliancesbeforetheinstallersarrivedforworkhadbeenpuregenius.Thesitebossleftthecabinsunlockedratherthanriskgivingthecasuallaborasetofkeys.Thislackofjudgmentmadeiteasierforsomeonetorobthem,andthey’dbeabletooutfittheirownplacesfornothing.
Intheearlymorning,theblacktopglistenedwithsmallpatchesoficereflectingintheheadlights.Onceoutoftown,Parkertooktheforestroadandaccelerated.Heheadedinthedirectionoftheon-ramptothehighway.Iftheroadsstayedclear,they’dmakeittothenewskiresortcabinswithintwentyminutes.
Aheadanoldtruckchuggedalong,theexhaustblowingastreamofsmokeintothepristinealpineair.Hepassedit,honkinghishornandgivingthefingertothedriver.Thevehicleslowedandthenpulledtooneside.“He’sscaredofus.Let’shavesomefun.”
Parkerdroveforafewmomentsbeforetakinghisfootoffthegasandcoastingdowntothirtymilesperhour.Heglancedinthemirror,waitingforthetrucktopulloutandpasshim.Hechuckled.Helovedthisgameandallowedthevehicletocomealongsidebeforehesped.TheoldtruckacceleratedandParkerflooredthegaspedal.Hewhoopedwithexcitement.“Man,lookattheoldfool,he’sfiguringonracingus.”
Laughingatthesightofanoncomingeighteen-wheeler,hemettheoldtruck’sspeed,trappingthevehiclebesidehim.Airhornsblaredandtheotherdriverbrakedhard.Parkerlookedinhismirrorasthetruckfishtailedandplumesofsmokepouredfromthetiresasittuckedinbehindhim,narrowlymissingtheoncomingvehicle.
“Ohman,Ifiguredtheeighteen-wheelerwouldspreadhimalloverthehighway.”Timlaughedandturnedaroundinhisseat.“Whataclown.Hewasdeterminedtopasswhenallheneededtodowasslowdown.”
Parkerpeeredinthemirrorandsloweddownagain.“Herehecomes.Doyouthinkhe’lltrytopassusagain?”HegaveTimaslowgrin.“Orishechicken?”
“Forgethimorwewon’tgettotheskiresortbeforetheworkersarrive—thatwastheplan,right?”Timglancedoveroneshoulder.“Idon’tthinkhe’sgonnatrypassingusagain.”
“I’llmakehim.”Parkerslowedhisvehicletoacrawlandthenwaitedforthetrucktoattempttopassbeforespeedingupagain.Ratherthanplayhisgame,theotherdriverdroppedback.“Ha,toldyouhewaschicken.Man,IthinkIsawsmokecomingouthisears.”
“Maybenot,he’scomingfast.Steponthegas.”Timhungontothebackoftheseat.“Shit!He’snotgonnastop.”
AjoltfrombehindandthegrindingofmetalshotParkerforward.Hisseatbeltpulledhimupandcameclosetostranglinghimashistruckslidacrosstheblacktop.“Whatthehell?”
Hejammedhisfootdownonthegaspedalandhistruckjumpedforwardwitharoarbutfishtailedonapatchofice.Hewrestledwiththesteeringwheelandtriedtoaccelerateoutoftheslide.Theoldtruckslammedintothemagainandlikeabatteringrampushedthemofftheroad.Ashisvehiclebouncedoverthedeadundergrowth,Parkeraimedhistruckbetweentwotallpines.Heletoutabreathinapuffofsteamashisprizedpossessioncametoajarringhaltinthedimlight.Heglancedinthemirrorandgapedinterror.
Thetruck’sheadlightslitupthehighwaywithitstwinbeams.Asthedriversteppedfromhistruck,aneeriemistroseupanddriftedacrosstheblacktop,swirlinglikedancingghosts.Dressedallinblack,thestrangerwalkedintothelight,buthiscowboyhatpulledlowconcealedhisface.Hecarriedapowerfulhuntingrifleinonehandandheadedpurposelytowardthem.Parkercursedunderhisbreath.“Dammit,Ileftmyrifleathome.”
Theyweredefenseless.Parkerstaredinhorrorasthemanslowlyraisedtherifletohisshoulder.Panicshudderedthroughhim.“He’snotmad,he’sbatshitcrazy,andI’mnottakingabullet.”HepushedTimhardononeshoulder.“Getout.He’llneverfindusintheforest.”
Heswitchedofftheinteriorlightthendroppedoutthedoorand,keepinglowtotheground,headedbetweenthetallpines,jumpingblindlyoverthedrywinterundergrowth.Behindhim,Timwasbreathingheavily.Itwassodark,hecollidedwithatreeandTimcrashedintohim.Painshotthroughhiskneeashecollidedwithalogandsprawled,tangledwithTim,ontheground.Underhim,pineneedlescoveringtheforestfloordugintohisjeanslikeshardsofglass.Hereachedupforalowboughanddraggeduphisachingbodytostandononeleg.Bitingdowninagony,hepushedonintothedarkness.Lowbranchesslashedathisbarecheeks,flingingicywaterdownhisneck,buthekeptmoving.
“Slowdown,you’remakingtoomuchnoise.”Timpulledonthebackofhisjacket.“Hidebehindatreeandwait;hemayhavehadhisfunandbeonhisway.”
Tremblingwithfear,Parkerstoodwithhisbackagainsttheroughtrunkofapineandbentover,handsonknees,tryingtosuckthefreezingairintohislungs.HecouldjustmakeoutTimbesidehim,staringbackthewaythey’dcome.Heloweredhisvoicetoawhisper.“Seeanything?”
“No.Listen.”Tim’spalefaceturnedtohim.“He’scomingafterus.”
Parkershiveredandeveryhaironhisbodystoodtoattention.Thesteadyfootstepsofthestrangercrunchedthroughtheforest,andthenashapewithgreenglowingeyesloomedoutofthedarkness.“Shit,he’swearingnight-visiongoggles.Run!”
Asheturned,ashot,earsplittinglyloudinthequiet,connectedwithhisleftshoulder,red-hotpainsearinginathunderboltofagony.Hefelltohiskneesjustasasecondshotexplodedinhishead,andhissightblinkedoutlikeacandleinthewind.
NINE
ThewindhadkeptupallnightandbymorninghadbroughtwithitarushofsleettowetKane’scheeksashedashedtohistruck.He’dfallenintobedacoupleofhoursagobuthadn’tslept,hismindwouldn’tallowhimtoletgoofthemurderscene.He’dgottenupandwentabouthischoresmakingsurethehorseswerecomfortable.They’dberemaininginthebarntodayandwouldbefineinside.Workingwiththehorseshelpedhimclearhishead.Asamilitarysniperinhislastlife,thescenelastnightattheRobinsons’housewasmuchthesameashe’dleftbehindafterhittingatarget.Itbroughtbackmemoriesofpeoplehe’dseenthroughhisscopemoretimesthanhe’dcaretoremember.HehadlittledoubtinhismindLucasRobinsonhadbeenthevictimofahit.AlthoughJennawasconvinced,thevictim’swife,Carolwasresponsiblehehadhisdoubts.Theshootingdidpointtoher.Thewifewastheonlyotherpersoninthehousethenightofthemurder.They’dfoundnootherfingerprints,andthefootprintsinthedustunderthecellarwindowcould’vebeenfromthevictimashe’dworkeddowntherebeforehisdeath.HehoistedDuke,hisbloodhound,intothebackseat,securedhisharness,andthenclimbedbehindthewheel.HepulledouthiscellphoneandcalledWolfe.“Hey,morning,Shane.DidyoudoagunshotresiduetestonMrs.Robinsonlastnight?”
“Yeah,itcameupnegative.Shedidn’tkillherhusband.Atthehospital,Icheckedthroughherhairtoo—shehadfragmentsofhisskullinherhair.Shewasbesidehim,asshesaid,whentheshootingoccurred.”
Kaneclearedhisthroat.“Okay,thanks,I’llletJennaknow.”
“I’mdoingtheautopsyonLucasRobinsonthismorningaroundelevenifyou’replanningondroppingby.Althoughcauseofdeathseemsapparent,Ineedtobesure.”Wolfeyawned.“Ineedsomesleep.Canyoukeepthecrimeratedownfortherestoftheweek,doyouthink?”
Kanechuckled.“I’lldomybest.We’reheadingfortheofficenow,catchyoulater.”Hedisconnected,backedoutofthegarage,andheadeddownthedrivewaytoJenna’sfrontporch.
Asusual,themomenthedroveup,shecameoutthedoorandhurriedtogetinside.“Morning.”
“Inoticedyouleftoutthe‘good,’andfromthedarkcirclesunderyoureyes,youdidn’tsleepeither.”Shehandedhimtwoto-gocupsofcoffeeinaholder.“IthinkI’llneedthisinadripifI’mgoingtomakeitthroughtoday.”
Kaneplacedthecoffeeintheconsoleandwaitedforhertobuckleupbeforeheadingforthehighway.“Yeah,seeingacrimescenelikethattriggersaflightorfightresponseandittakesawhileforourbodiestocomedownfromtheadrenalinboost.”
“Yeahandthenwefeellikethis.”Shepulledanexhaustedexpressionandthenlaughed.“Hey,youfigureDukefeelslikethisallthetime?”
“Maybe,everythingseemsaneffortforhimoflate.”Kaneturnedontothehighway,thewiperbladesswishingbackandforthpushingtheiceparticlesacrossthewindshield.“Itmightbethecoldweather.”
“You’vehadhimcheckedoutbythevet,whatdidhesay?”Jennaturnedinherseattopeeratthedog.“He’sokay,isn’the?”
Behindthem,Dukeletoutamournfulhowlandburiedhisnoseintheblanket.
“Whatwasthatfor,Duke?”Jennaleanedovertheseattorubthedog’sears
Kaneglancedather.“You’llhavetospelltheword‘v-e-t’.Itgetsthesamepanicreactionas‘b-a-t-h’.”Hesnorted.“Ican’tbelieveIhavetospellwordsinfrontofhim.Ididn’tknowdogsunderstoodlanguageanditwasmoreofahandgesturetypeofcommunication.Anyway,he’sfine.Alittleoverweightbutnothingtoworryaboutanditsusualforthisbreedtoconserveenergysotheycankeepgoingwhenweneedthem.”Hegrinnedather.“Youshouldhaveseenhimatthe‘v-e-t-s’.Icouldn’tgethimtowalkthroughthedoor.HesatdownandrefusedtomoveandIendedupcarryinghiminside.Soonashesawthepoorguyloadthevaccination,heletoutthisblood-curdlinghowlandtriedtoescape.”
“Hewasokaywhenwetookhimthefirsttime.What’shappenedsince?”Jennagavehimaconcernedlook.“Thev-e-tdidn’thurthim,didhe?”
Kanechuckled.“Nope.Thefirsttimehewassoill,he’djustaboutgivenupapartfrombeingskinandbones.Hehadanearinfectionandtheanimalpractitionerclippedhisclaws.Hehadatonofneedlesthatdayandremembersthev-e-thurtinghim,Iguess.”Heglancedather.“Hehasaverygoodmemory.”Heturnedontothehighwayandstaredintothebleakmorning.“IspoketoWolfebefore.ThegunshotresiduetestonMrs.Robinsoncamebacknegative.”
“So,we’rebacktosquareone.”Jennasighed.“Myguttellsmeshe’sinvolved.”Sheshivered.“MindifIturnuptheheat?”
Kanesmiledather.“Gorightahead,it’sgoingtobealong,coldday.”
“Itsureis.”Jennaremainedquietfortherestofthetriptothesheriff’soffice,sippinghercoffeeandstaringoutthewindow.
KanepulledintohisparkingspacenexttoRowley’scruiserandslidoutthedoor.HeopenedthebackdoorandliftedtheveryreluctantDukeontothesidewalk.Withoutabackwardglance,thebloodhoundscamperedupthestepsandnosedhiswayinsidetheglassdoors.KanecollectedhiscoffeeandwaitedforJenna.“You’requietthismorning.Somethingonyourmind?”
“Yeah.”Sheheadedupthestepsandinsidethewarmbuilding.“We’llgobacktotheRobinsons’housethismorningandhuntdownpointsofentry.”Handinghimhercoffee,shepulledoffherglovesandthenturnedtogreetthereceptionist.“Hey,Maggie,anythingurgentthismorning?”
“Notsofar.”Maggiegaveherabrightsmile.“Maybewe’llhaveanearlydayandbeabletogethomeinfrontofthefire.”
“Thatsoundsgoodtome.”JennaturnedtoKane,tookbackhercoffee,andthenheadedforheroffice.“GrabRowleyandwe’llgoovertheRobinsoncase.”
Kaneclearedhisthroat.“Yes,ma’am.”
“What?”Jennapausedinthedoorwaytostareathim.“Imisseatingbreakfastwithyouforonemorningandwe’rebacktoyoucallingme‘ma’am’?”Shenarrowedhergaze.“Ordoyouhavesomethingonyourmind?”
“Me?”Kaneshrugged.“Nope.Onlythecase,it’sastrangeoneforsure.”
“Okay.”Jennashookherheadanddisappearedintoheroffice.
Kaneplacedhiscoffeeonthedesk,removedhiscoat,andlookedatRowley.“Morning.”Heindicatedwithhischintowardtheofficedoor.“Shewantsusforameeting.”
“Iguessedasmuch.”Rowleysmiledandslappedhimontheback.“Anotherdayinparadise.”
Kanepickeduphisto-gocup,ledthewayintoJenna’soffice,andsatdown.“Istheresomethingwemissedlastnight?”
“No,wedidathoroughcrimesceneinvestigation,andfromWolfe’spreliminaryverbalreportonsceneandthegunshotresiduetestcomingupnegative,itseemsclearnowthismurderwasahomeinvasionoraplannedhit.”SheglancedatRowley.“I’vereadyourreportandI’msurprisedMrs.Robinsonwasuncooperativewhenyouarrivedonscene.WhenIspoketoher,sheappearedtobequitelucid.Areyousureshedidn’tsayanything?”
“Ifiguredshewasinshockorhadjustmurderedherhusband.”Rowleyfrowned.“Whenshecalled,maybetherealizationofwhathadhappenedhadn’thitheryet.I’mnotadoctorbutIguessshockcancreepuponaperson.”
“Didyouhearorseeanythingatallaroundthehouse,anothervehicle,anything?”Jennafoldedherhandsonthetable.“Youdidn’tpassanyoneonthehighway?”
“Nope,Ididn’tseeanyone,butifsomeonewasthumpingaroundthehouse,Iwouldn’thavebeenabletohearthemwiththewindblowingandall.”Rowleyswallowedhard,makinghisAdam’sapplebobupanddown.“Icouldn’tseemorethanafewyardsinthedark,leavesblowingupallaround,treebranchesscrapingthewindows.Iwasexpectingsomeonetojumpmeatanymoment.”
Kanechuckled.“Ohboy,assoonaswegetclosetoHalloween,everyonegetsthejitters.”
“Yeah,well,whenIcaughtsightofthevictim,IwishedI’dcalledforbackupattheget-go.”RowleylookedatJenna.“ButIsearchedthehouseandfoundMrs.Robinson.”
“Okay.Fromourinitialwalk-through,Icouldn’tfindanythingdisturbed,soI’mgoingtoruleoutrobberyasamotive.”JennaglanceddownathernotesandthenlookedatKane.“Iagreeitwasahit.”
Kanenodded.“Yeah,it’stooneat.”Hesippedhiscoffeeandpeeredatherovertherim.
“So,wehaveaprofessionalhitmanintown?”Jennapushedbothhandsthroughherhair.“Lifejustgetsbetterbythesecond.”
TEN
AblastofwindsplatteredicyrainagainstthewindowlikebuckshotandJennashiveredatthethoughtofventuringoutintothecoldagain.Shelookedatherdeputies.Howeasyitwouldbetodelegateandstayinsideinthewarm,butthatwasnotherway.Shebitbackasmileattheideaandturnedhermindbacktothecase.“Okay,soifitwasahit,thequestionburningonmylipsiswhyanyonewouldwanttomurderafinancialadvisor?”
“Maybehecheatedsomeone?”Rowleyshrugged.“Orgavethembadadviceandtheylosttheirmoney.”
“Notlikely.”Kaneshiftedinhischair.“Aprofessionalhitmanisnotonlyhardtofindbutgettingonetotravelherewouldbeexpensive.”
Jennadrummedherfingersonthedesk,thinking.“Thenwedigintothecouple’slives.IfLucasRobinsonmixeswiththerichandfamous,maybeheupsetthewrongman.Rowley,Iwantyoutolookforanydirtontheman,wherehewent,whathewasdoingandwithwhom.Ifhewashavinganaffairwitharichman’swifeforinstance.”Shemadenoteslistingwhatsheneededtodoandthenliftedhergaze.“Searchthesocietypagesforeventsandquestionhisco-workers.Peopleinofficesoftengossip,sospeaktoeveryoneheknew.”
“Okay.”Rowleyscribbledinhisnotebook.“Andthewife,samewithher?”
Jennanodded.“Yeah,findoutwhatyoucanonthem.Theremustbesomethingdirtyintheirbackgrounds.Imean,whyliveinpracticalisolationifyouhavenothingtohide?”
“Sure.”Rowleyglancedather.“Iguessyou’reheadingoutinthecold.”
Jennafrownedathim.“Yeah,we’llbecheckingoutthecrimesceneagainandvisitingMrs.Robinsonatthehospital.Ifwegettime,we’lldropbythemorguetoattendtheautopsyonMr.Robinson.”Shenarrowedhergaze.“Wouldyouratherswapduties?”
“No,ma’am.”Rowleystoodabruptly.“I’llgetonthisrightaway.”Heheadedoutthedoor.
JennaturnedherattentiontoKane,foldedhernotepad,andstood.“Readytogo?Wehaveacrimetosolve.”
“Sure.”Kanegaveheraslowsmileandthenpushedtohisfeet.“I’llgrabmygear.”Heturnedandstrolledoutthedoor.
Inthedaylight,theRobinsons’housedidn’tappearanylessintimidatingthanthepreviousnight.Astheydroveupthetwistingdrivewayandthehousecameintoview,Jennascannedtheareaandshookherhead.“Robinsonmusthavebeencrazybuildingthehomesoclosetothetrees.Ifafirebrokeout,they’dhavenochanceofescape.”
“Itwould’vebeenanightmaretryingtosleep.”Kanepulledupoutsidethefrontstepsandturnedtolookather.“Thetreeshavegrownsoclosetothewalls,thenoiseinsideisdisturbing.LastnightIwaswaitingforabranchtocomethroughoneofthewindows.”
“Maybethat’swhyRobinsondidn’theartheintruder?”Jennazippedupherjacket.“Hewasprobablyusedtoallthecreaksandwhines.Anyonecould’vebrokeninandhe’dhavesleptthroughit.”Shepulledherhoodoverherwoolenhatandbracedherselfforthecold.
“Well,hesleptthroughgettinghisbrainsspreadalloverthewall.”Kaneshookhishead.“Iwonderifhiswifeheardanythingunusualbeforetheshooting.”
Jennareachedforthedoorhandle.“Sheheardthefloorboardscreakisall.We’llaskherifsheremembersanythingelselater.”
ThemomentJennaslidfromherseatablastofsleetsmackedherintheface.“Ugh!Iwishitwouldjustsnowalready.”Shebentherheadanddashedupthesteps.Pullingoffoneglove,sheremovedthecrimescenetapeacrossthedoorandreachedinsidehercoat.Shefumbledinapocket,surprisedwhenthekeysfeltwarmtothetouch,andliftedthemtothedoor.
Asthedooropened,thewaftofdeathcomingfrominsidethehousegreetedthem.Jennashookherhead.“We’llsticktogether.Thekillercouldbelurkingaround,andifhe’saprofessional,he’dpickusoffinseconds.”Shepushedthedoorwideopen.“Maybeletsomefreshairinside,toclearthestink.”SheglancedatKane.“RemindmetoaskMrs.Robinsonaboutaclean-upcrew.She’llneedonebeforeshereturns.”Sheheadedbackdownthefrontsteps.“That’sifshereturns.I’mnotsureI’dwanttoliveherealoneafterwhat’shappened.”
“Itwouldsurebeaprettyplace.”Kanescannedthearea.“Thisisprimerealestatebutafterthisnoonewillwanttobuyit.”
Jennanoticedthelookonhisface.“You’dbuyit,wouldn’tyou?”
“Once,maybe.”Hegaveheracrookedsmile.“Thefactsomeonewasmurderedheredoesn’tworryme.Therightsecurityisthekey,butI’mnotplanningonmovingoutofmycottageuntilmylandlorddecidestokickmetothecurb.”
ThesadexpressionKanegavehermadeherchuckle.“That’snotgoingtohappen.Comeonwehaveajobtodo.”Withthewindblastingiceintoherface,sheheadeddownthesideofthehouse,weavingthroughthetreesinsearchoftheopencellarwindowandstoppeddeadandstared.“Thatcan’tbegood.”
Theclosedshuttersoverthecellarwindowmadeherturnandscanthedensetrees.Aprickleofapprehensioncrawledupherspine.Besideher,Kanetensedandtheybothinstinctivelymovedbehindtheprotectionofadrippingwettrunk.Couldsomeonebeintheforestwatchingandwaitingfortheirreturntomurderthemaswell?Jennaloweredhervoicetojustaboveawhisper.“Seeanyone?”
“No,butthatdoesn’tmeanathing.Withthewindandthelowvisibility,wecan’thearorseeanyonehidingintheforest.”Kaneturnedandpeeredattheground.“Someonehasbeenheresinceitstartedsleeting.Thosetracksarefresh.”Hemovedoff,followingthefootprints,andthenturnedbacktoher.“Meterreader.Likely,heknewnobodywashome,noticedtheraingettinginside,andclosedtheshutters.Itwouldbeaneighborlythingtodoaroundhere.”
Jennahuffedoutafrustratedcloudofsteam.“Yeah,andheobliteratedanysignsofabreak-inwhilehewasatit.”Shebentovertopeerattheshutters.“Nosignofforcedentry.”Shetriedtoopentheshutters.“Theseappeartobelocked.Maybesomeoneelsebrokeinagainandshutthemfromtheinside?”
“Iguesswe’llhavetogointothecellarandtakealook.”Kanenarrowedhisgaze.“Ilockedthecellardoorwhenweleftlastnight,soifsomeonewentthroughthiswindowthey’dstillbeinthecellar.”
AnicytrickleofrainrandownthecollarofJenna’sjacketandsheshivered.“Oh,thisdayjustgetsbetterbythesecond.”
Keepingawatchfuleyeallaround,Jennaledthewayinsidethehouse.Theybothpausedintheentrancetopullonsurgicalglovesandthensheclosedthefrontdoor.“We’llcleartherooms,justincase.”
“Rogerthat.”Kanetippedhisheadtotheleftoftheentrance.“Doyouwanttosplitup?”
Jennaallowedherlastvisittorunthroughhermind.Alltheroomsonthelowerlevelwerespaciousandhadminimalfurniture.Itwouldbedifficultforanintrudertohideanywhere.“Yeah,butfirstwe’llseeifthecellarislocked.”
“Okay.”Kaneledthewaytothehallway.“It’slocked.Icanseetheboltacrossthedoor.”
“Good,thenwe’llsplitup.Youcheckthestudyandupstairs,I’llgoright.Calloutaswego.”Jennaheadedbacktothefamilyroomand,keepingherbacktothewall,turnedtheknobandpushedthedooropen.Shepeekedaroundtheroomand,seeingitempty,closedthedoor.“Familyroom,clear.”
Asshemovedtowardthekitchen,shecouldhearKanecallingoutasheclearedtheroomsupstairs,andtheymetupatthekitchendoor.Sheturkey-peekedaroundthedoorandthenentered.Aftercheckingoutthemudroomandbackdoor,sheturnedtoKane.“Noonehasbeenhere.They’dtrackdirtinside,andthematoutsidewasdrybeforeweusedit.”
“Cellarnext?”Kaneturnedtoleave.
“Holdup.”Jennafrowned.“We’llopenthedoorandcallout.Ifsomeoneisdownthere,they’llwanttocomeoutratherthandieofstarvation.”Shesighed.“I’mmoreinterestedinsearchingforcluestodiscoverwhysomeonewantedtomurderLucasRobinson.”
ShewaitedforKanetounboltthecellardoor.Whenhewavedhisflashlightaroundandcalledout,noresponsecame.HelookedatJennaandshrugged.“There’snoonedownthere.Wantmetogocheck?”
Jennashookherhead.Theideaofgoingintoadarkcellaragainchilledhertothebone.“It’snotnecessary.Wehaveeverythingweneed.I’llgrabthepairofbootsIfoundinthebroomclosetandtakethemtoWolfeforacomparisontothefootprintsunderthewindow.”
“I’llgoandgettheharddriveoutofhiscomputer.Didyounoticealaptopanywhere?”Kaneturnedtotheofficedoorway.
“No,buttherewasabriefcaserestingonachairinthebedroom.”Jennaswallowedhardatthethoughtofviewingthebloodycrimesceneagain.“I’llgogetit.”
Withoutwaitingforareply,shepulledafacemaskfromherpocketanddashedupthestairs,avoidingthebloodtrail.Insidethemasterbedroom,sheavertedhergazefromthecongealedbloodpoolsaroundthebedandcollectedthebriefcase.Assheslippeddownthestairs,sheheardtiresongravel.Acardoorslammed,andmomentslater,someoneknockedonthefrontdoor.AsKaneemergedfromtheofficeandwenttoherside,shelookedathim.“Itseemswehaveavisitor.”
“Hmm,andonewhoisn’ttooworriedaboutcrimescenetape.”Kaneheadedforthedoor,reachingforhisweapon.
ELEVEN
Kanepeeredthroughthewindow.Anoldmandrippingwithwaterstoodontheporch.Hehadwrinkledcheeks,andatuftofgrayhairpokedoutofthefrontofhisfur-linedtrapperhat.Browneyeslookedathimthroughblack-rimmedeyeglasses.He’dbundledupagainsttheweather,andKanecouldn’tmakeoutifthevisitorcarriedaweapon.Heopenedthefrontdoorafewinchesandlookedathim,watchinghisbodylanguageforanysignsofaggression.“Isthereaproblem?”
“Maybe.”Themanindicatedbehindhimwithhisthumb.“SeenatruckinthebushesbackawaysonStantonRoad.Istoppedtotakealookandtheairthereaboutshasastinklikeroadkill.Ifigureditwasawreck,soIcalled911.Thedispatchersaidthesheriffwasatthisaddress,andshesaidasIwascloseby,IshoulddropbyandtakeyoutowhereIfoundthewreck.”
Asthemanfinishedspeaking,Jenna’scellphonechimed.KanecouldhearherspeakingtoMaggieandfrowned.“Isee.”Heedgedontotheporch,blockingthedoortoavoidthevisitorviewingthebloodywallsinsidethehouse.Hepulledouthisnotebook.“Didyougoandseeifanyonewasinjured?”
“No,withthesmellandall,Ithoughtitwouldbebettertocall911.”Thestrangershuffledhisfeet.“Ididn’treallywanttogetinvolved.”
“Youdidtherightthing.”Kanemettheman’sdarkgaze.“I’llneedyourdetails.Whatbringsyououtinthisweather?”
“TomDickson,I’moutofSaddleCreek.Iownacabinupthereandwasheadingintotownlookingforwork.”Dicksonfrowned.“Igotmyselflaidoffforthewinter.I’venotbeenattheplantlongenoughforpaidvacationtime.”
Kanerelaxedalittle.SaddleCreekwasanisolatedareainthefoothillsofStantonForest.InhistimeinBlackRockFalls,he’dcometorealizemanypeoplelivedoffthegridinthesmallcabinsallovertheforest.“There’snoonehiringaroundhereatthemoment.Maybetrysomeoftheranchesfartherout.They’llhavelivestockthatneedstendingduringwinter.”HeheardJennadisconnectandcometowardthedoor.
“Yeah,Iwasthinkingoftheproducestoremaybe.”Dicksonrubbedhishandstogether.“It’swarmerinside.”
KaneturnedasJennacameoutofthehouse,briefcaseinhand.“Sheriff,thisisTomDickson.HefoundawreckonStantonRoad.”
“Yeah,Maggiecalledandsaidhewasonhisway.We’llcheckitout.”JennaclosedthedoorbehindherandthengaveDicksonalong,consideringstare.“Doyouhaveprovisionsforwinter?You’llbesnowedinbeforelong.”
“Well,yes,ma’amIdiduntilabeartoredownmyshed.Itcamebackwithafewofitsfriendsandateeverything.”Dicksonsighed.“Thentheplantlaidmeoff,laston,firstofftheysaid,soI’mlookingforwork.”
“Weneedsomeonetostackboxesinthecellar.”Jennaraisedoneeyebrow.“Itwilltakeadayandit’sniceandwarmdownthere.Willthathelp?”
“Itsurewould,ma’am.Thankyoukindly.”Dicksonfrowned.“Doyouwantmetoleadthewaytothewreck?”
“Yeah.”Jennafollowedhimdownthesteps.“Thenheadintothesheriff’sdepartmentandspeaktoMaggieatthefrontcounter.I’llcallherandshe’llshowyouwhatIneed.Shemightknowofotherpeoplearoundtownwhoneedoddjobsdoingaswell.”
KanewatchedDicksonwalkawaywithadistinctlimp.Whateverhisage,heappearedtobestruggling.“Doyouworkwithhorses?”
“Suredo.”Dickson’smouthtwitchedintoasmile.“Itwasmygeldingwhoalertedmetothebear.Darnnuisance.BythetimeIgotoutsidethedamagewasdone.”Heswungintohistruck.“Turnrightattheendofthedrive.It’saboutaquartermilealongthehighwayontheleft.”
Kaneremovedhislatexglovesandpulledonhisthickleatherpairbeforeplacingtheevidencebagcontainingtheharddriveintothebackofhistruck.HeturnedtotakethebriefcasefromJenna.“Yousureaboutallowingatotalstrangerintoourbasement?”
“What’shegoingtosteal—thefurnace?”Sheflashedhimagrin.“Thepooroldmanisdestitute;wouldyouratherIsenthimtothesoupkitchen?”
Kaneclosedthebackdoorandopenedthedriver’sside.“No,IguessMaggiewillwatchhim.”
“AndRowley.Walterswillbeinforacoupleofdaysthisweektoo.He’llmakesureDicksonbehaveshimself.”Jennaclimbedintothepassengerseatandturnedtohim.“Thetownsfolklookoutforeachother.Oncethewordgetsoutheneedshelp,he’llgetwork.Amanlikethatwon’ttakecharity.”
“IguessMaggiewillhaveitallaroundtownbythetimeweleavetonight.”Kanestartedtheengineandheadeddownthedriveway.HeglancedatJenna.“Ifthisisawreckandithappenedlastnight,Idoubtanyonewillhavesurvivedoutinthisweather.”
“Ifitstinkslikeroadkill,ithappenedwaybeforelastnight.”ShelookedatKane.“Inthisweather,decompositionwouldbeslow.”
Althoughsleetpeltedthewindshieldandthedrivewayhadvanishedintoahazeofgray,itdidn’ttakeKanetoolongtocatchuptotheotherdriver.Itwasacold,wet,miserableday,andastheyturnedontoStantonRoad,athickmistmadethetallmajesticpinesappearasifabubblinglakesurroundedthem.Waterdrippedfromthebranchesanddisappearedintotheswirlingfog,whippedupbythecontinualhowlofwind.HeglancedatJenna.“I’mwonderinghowhenoticedawreckinthisweather.Icanhardlymakeouttheblacktop.”
“Hmm,andit’sgottenworseinthelasthourorso.”Shetuckedherhairunderherhatandthenpulledongloves.“He’sslowingdown.Ican’tseeanythingfromhere.”Shesighed.“Ihavetheawfulfeelingwe’regoingtobehereforsometime.”Sheindicatedtothebackofatruckwedgedbetweentwothickpines.“Thereitis.”
“Iseeit.”Thetruckhadplowedthroughtheundergrowthandcometorestbetweentwotrees.“Thedrivershould’vesurvived.Iwonderwhathappened?”Onlythetailgatewasvisible;theforestandheavymistseemedtohaveswalloweduptherestofthevehicle.KanepulledupbehindDickson’struck.Asheopenedthedoor,asuddenwaveofuneaserolledoverhim.Hescannedtheimmediateareainalldirections,themistwassothicknow,itwasasifDickson’struckwassittinginacloud.
“Maybehehadamedicalemergency.”Jennacamearoundthehoodandglancedathim.
“It’spossible.Let’sseeifwecanlocatethedriverandthenwe’lllookforskidmarks.”
“Sure.”Kane’sgutwasscreamingathimsomethingwasterriblywrongwiththisscenario.
“Ican’tsmelldeath.Let’sbecareful.”Jenna’slowvoicecamefromclosebehindhim,echoinghisthoughts,andthesoundofherweaponslippingfromtheholsterappearedloudinthesilence.
“Copy.”KanelookedoveratDickson.Hecouldseebothhishandsonthewheel.Whenthewindowbuzzeddown,hewavedhimaway.“Thanks,we’lltakeitfromhere.”
Theoldmangavethemanodandthendroveaway.AssomanystrangethingshappenedinBlackRockFalls,walkingintotrapshadbecomeparforthecourse.Heturnedtolookather.“Ican’tsmellanythingeither.Ifthisisatrap,it’sagreatplace.Withthemistandconstantsleet,it’shardtoseeanything.Therecouldbeatripwireanywhere.”
“I’lllookdown,youlookup.I’mnotseeinganyfootprints.”JennawassearchingthegroundwithherMaglite.“Ican’tseeanygrounddisturbanceortripwires.”
Kaneglancedupintothecanopyandfrowned.“Nothingaboveusapartfromcrowsjustsittinguptherewaiting.TheremustbesomethingdeadaroundherebutI’mnotsurewhythey’renotontheground.”
“Wecan’tstandherebirdwatchingallday.”Jennaindicatedtowardthetruck.“Thebodymightbeinsidethevehicle,sothecrowsdon’thaveaccess.”
Astheymovedslowlybetweenthesoakedtrees,underfootthepine-needle-packedgroundwaslikewalkingonblankets.Allaroundwaseerilysilent.StantonForestwasusuallyahiveofactivityandhometoavastvarietyofwildlife.Thesilencewasunusualandawarningsomethingwasn’tright.Thetruckseemedtoemergeoutofthemist;severaldentscoveredthetailgateandbothfrontdoorshungopen.Kanetookphotographsusinghisphoneandthenmovedinslowly.Hepeeredinsidethecab:nosignofbloodbuthefoundtheforestfloordisturbedaroundbothdoors.“Looksliketheywererunningawayfromsomething.”Hesnappedmoreimagesandhisgazelockedonsomething.Atingleofawarningraisedthehairsonthebackofhisneck.“Oh,andthisisunusual.”Hepluckedtwoblackfeathersfromthefrontseatandheldthemup.“Didn’tWolfefindablackfeatherbesideLucasRobinson?”
“Yeah,butitmaynotbeconnected.”Shepointedup.“Theyprobablycamefromthecrows.Thewindcould’veblowntheminsidethetruck.”
“I’llbagthem.”Hesquintedintheunrelentingsleet.Eventhetallpinesdidn’tofferthemmuchshelter.“There’snobloodinsidethetruck.Thelogicalplacetogowouldbebacktothehighway.”
“Fromthebrokenbranches,theywentthisway.”Jennamovedonaheadofhimandthenstoppeddead.“Bobcat.”
Kanemovedtoherside,raisedhisvoice,andwavedhisarmsaround.“Getoutofhere.”Thecatraiseditsblood-soakedmuzzlefromthecorpseofaman,snarledbutbackedawayandboundedintotheforest.“Thecatwaskeepingthecrowsaway.”
“There’sanotherbodyoverhere.”Jennaturnedtolookathimandherfacedrainedofcolor.“Headshots,bothofthem.”
Kanecroucheddownbesidethefirstvictim.“Thisguywasrunningawayandtookabulletintheshoulder;theheadshotwaslast.Fromthedamage,theshooterwaspackingforbear.”
“Samewiththisone.Hehasawoundintheback,headshottofinishhim.”Jennaleanedagainstatreeandsighed.“Takeasmanyimagesaspossible.I’llcallitinandgetWolfeonscene.”SheliftedhergazetoKane.“Findingthosefeathersmightbesignificantafterall.Isurehopethesemurdersandthehitaren’tconnected.ThelastthingweneedoverHalloweenisanotherdarnserialkillerintown.”
TWELVE
Itwasamiserable,graydaybutthesightofthebrightorangepumpkinspiledupoutsidethegrocerystoremadeShaneWolfesmile.IthadbecomeatraditionforhimandhisthreegirlstocarveupapumpkinforHalloween.Itwasoneofthefewremainingtraditionsleftoverfromwhenthey’dbeenarealfamilybeforehiswifehaddiedofcancer.Afterpurchasingasuitablespecimen,Wolfesteppedovertheriverofleaf-strewnmuddywaterhurtlingdownthegutterandslidthepumpkininsidethebackofhisSUV.Thesedaysheimmersedhimselfinhisworkbuthisdeterminationtogivehisdaughters,Emily,Julie,andAnna,anormallifewasparamount.Allthreetookafterhimincoloring,withblondehairandgrayeyes,butthankfullytheyallhadtheirmother’spetitebuildandattitudetolife.EmilywasfollowinginhisfootstepsandstudyingtobecomeamedicalexamineratBlackRockFallsCollege,Juliewasinhighschool,andasbrightasabuttonandhisbaby,Anna’spriorityinlifewasridingthepaintponyKanehadgivenherforherlastbirthday.Hegrimacedwhenhisphonerangandshooktherainfromhishatbeforeclimbingintohisvehicle.Hefishedthephoneoutofhistoppocket.“Wolfe.”
“It’sJenna.I’mafraidyou’llhavetopostponetheautopsyonRobinson.WehaveadoublehomicideoutonStantonRoad.Multiplegunshotvictims.Thekillerchasedthemdownandshotthemintheback.We’reonscene.I’llsendyouthecoordinates.”
“I’mintown.EmilyandWebberareatmyoffice.I’llgograbthemandmyvanandbewithyouASAP.”Wolfedisconnectedandstartedtheengine.
He’dlefthisdaughterEmilyandhisotherintern,ColtWebber,adeputywho’djoinedhisstafftostudyforensicscience,studyingbloodspatterfromtheRobinsoncase.Nowhehadmorecasespilinguptolimithispreciousfamilytime.Hesighedandheadedthroughthemist-shroudedtown,arrivingafewminuteslaterattheME’soffice.Hestrolledinsideandswipedhiscard,gladtoseehisinternsfullyinvolvedinthetaskhe’dsetthem.“WehaveadoublehomicideinStantonForest.DaveandJennaareonscene.It’scold,wet,andmuddy—wearbootsandwetweathergear.”
Momentslatertheyclimbedinsidethevanandhepunchedinthecoordinatesforthemurderscene.“Doyouhaveclassesthisafternoon?”
“Yeah.”Emilypeekedoutfromthehoodofaraincoattwosizestoobigforher.“Butwe’llbethroughbythree.”
WolfeturnedontoStantonRoadandpeeredthroughtheswirlingmist.Thefewpeoplebravingtheweatherhustledalongthesidewalk,bowedoverintothewind,chinstuckedinandholdingtighttothebrimsoftheirhats.“We’lldelaytheRobinsonautopsyuntilfour.I’llseewhatwehavehere,butI’llleavetheautopsiesoftheStantonForestvictimsuntilthemorning.I’llwantyouinmyofficeafterbreakfastasyoudon’thaveclassesuntilafterlunch.”
“Oh,Dad,whysoearly?”Emilyshivered.“It’sfreezing.”
“HaveyouchangedyourmindaboutbecominganME?”Wolfekepthisgazeonthemurkyroadahead.
“Don’tbesilly.”Emilypulledanaghastexpression.“I’mentitledtoask,right?”
Wolfebitbackagrin.Shewassolikehermother.Itwarmedhishearttoseeshe’dinheritedhermother’sgrit.Inherchosenprofession,shewasgoingtoneedit.Heglancedatherandshrugged.“Nothingwedointhisjobisparticularlyenjoyable,Em,youjustgottagrinandbearit.”Heclearedhisthroat.“Anyproblems,Webber?”
“No,sir.”Webberfrowned.“Threehomicidesintwelvehours.Ihopewe’renothavingaHalloweenkillingspree.”
Wolfeglancedathim.“Don’tjumptoconclusionsbeforewe’vecompletedtheautopsies.Manythingsarenotwhattheyseem.”
“Dad.”Emilylookedathim.“HasJennadeterminedhowMr.Robinson’skillerenteredthehome?”
Wolfeshrugged.“Ihaven’treadherreportyet.I’dguessshewascalledouttothismurderbeforeshehadtimetofileit.”Hefrowned.“I’veneverseenweatherlikethisbefore,sowindywithsleetandyetthemiststillhangsaround.”
“It’sbecausewe’reatahigheraltitude.”Webberrubbedthecondensationfromthesidewindow.“Orit’sjustbecauseit’sHalloween.Theysaystrangethingshappenaroundthistime,spiritsandallcomingthroughfromtheotherside.”
“Soyou’llbeplanningavisittotheOldMitchamRanchonHalloweentosleepover?”Wolfechuckled.“Orarethecollegestudentstoooldtodothatthesedays?”
“There’snowayI’mgoingnearthatplace.”Webbergaveachokedlaugh.“I’mnotafraidofghosts,it’sjustwaytoocoldtoholeupthereovernight.”
“Right.”Wolfekepthiseyesontheroad.
Aheadthewig-waglightsonKane’sblacktruckloomedoutofthemist.Wolfeslowedand,turningonhishazardlights,pulledupinfrontofit.Heremovedhiswarmleatherglovesandexchangedthemforsurgicalonesfromaboxonthedash.“Gloveup,usethemasks.Webber,getthemetaldetectorfromouttheback.Ifthekillerusedarifle,wemightfindcasings.”
“Doweneedourcoveralls?”Emilythoughtforabeatandthenshookherhead.“No,wedon’t,right?It’sbeenrainingfortwodaysandanytraceevidencewillhavebeenwashedaway?”
WolfenoticedJennaandKaneemergingfromtheforest,raindrippingfromthebrimsoftheirhats.“Probablynot.WaithereandI’lltakealook.”HeslidfromthevanandwalkeduptoJennaandKane.“Whathavewegot?”
“Lookstomelikethevehiclewaschased,thedriverlostcontrol,crashedthroughthetrees,andcametorestoverthere.”Jennapointed.“Thedoorsarewideopen,sotheyleftinahurry.Icheckedforfootprints,frombackherewherethebushesarebrokenfromthepathofthetruck.”
“Ifoundskidmarksontheroad,butwiththesleet,it’shardtodeterminehowlongthey’vebeenthere.”Kanepeeredinthetruckandthenstraightened.“Ifoundnothingtopointtotheshooterfollowingthemintotheforest.Thepineneedlesaresothick,they’relikeacarpet.Itlooksliketheshooterusedarifle.Wehaven’tfoundanycasingsusingtheflashlight.It’ssodarkintheforesttoday,wecould’vemissedthem.”
“Twogunshotspervictim,fromwhatwecandetermine.”Jenna’smouthturneddown.“Wedisturbedabobcat,sooneofthevictimsistornupsome.We’vetakenphotographsofthescene.I’llforwardthemtoyounow.”
Wolfenodded.“Okay.”HeturnedandwavedtoEmilyandWebbertojointhem.
HetookhisforensicskitfromEmilyandturnedtoWebber.“Runthemetaldetectorfromtheedgeoftheroadtothebodies.Photographthepositionofanythingyoufindbeforebaggingit.”
“Yes,sir.”Webberwenttowork.
WolfeturnedtoJenna.“Leadtheway.”HelookedatEmily.“FollowbehindJennaandbeawarethere’sabobcatcloseby.”
Ashewalked,Kanemovedbesidehim.Wolfeturnedtohisfriend.“Coincidence?”
“I’mnotsure.”Kaneduckedtoavoidalowbranch.“Bothcrimesceneshavethefeelingofprofessionalism,althoughinthistown,wehaveanumberofmarksmen.”Heslappedhimontheback.“JustanotherstringofmysterydeathsforyoutosolveinBlackRockFalls.”
Wolfeshookhishead.“Me?Nah.It’susuallynomysterydiscoveringhowapersondied,butifthesemurdersareconnectedandasprofessionalasyousay,Idon’tenvytheinvestigationyouandJennahavetowadethrough.”
“Meeither.”Kanefrowned.“IthoughtI’dseeneverysideofhumannaturebeforeImovedhere.”Hesighed.“Man,Ihadn’ttouchedthesurface.”
THIRTEENMIDDAYWEDNESDAY
ThewaitressatAuntBetty’sCafébrushedpasthistable,spillinghiscoffeeallovertheplateofcinnamonbuns.Hedidn’thavemuchtimetospareafterwaitinginlineforagesbesideamanwhosmelledofwetdog,andthethoughtofthedelaywaitingforareplacementmadehisbloodboil.Notwantingtomakeasceneandbringattentiontohimselfinthecrowdedcafé,hewaitedforhertoturnaroundandpointedattheruinedfood.“Youbumpedintomytable.”
“Oh,Iseemtobeclumsytoday.CanIgetyouanythingelse?”Shewipedthetableandrefilledhiscoffeecup,andthenwaitedexpectantly.
“I’mnotbuyinganythingelse.I’dlikeyoutoreplacemyfood.”
“I’mnotsureIcandothat.”Sheglancedoveroneshouldertothefrontcounter.“Itwillcomeoutofmypay.”
Hegaveheralonglook.AuntBetty’sCaféwasrenownedforitsgreatfoodandcustomerservice;heck,itsaidasmuchonthesignoutfront.“Tellmesomething,ifIwreckedyourcar,doyoufigureIshouldpayforthedamages?”
“Sure,itwouldbeyourfault.”Thewaitressrolledhereyesandletoutaboredsigh.“That’sthelaw.”
Henoddedasafamiliarangerroseupinsidehim.Theneedtograbherbythethroatandsqueezethelifeoutofherwasoverwhelming.“Exactly.”
Itwasasifhe’dbeenspeakingtoabrickwall.Shejustpickeduptheplateofsoggybuns,edgedherwaythroughthetables,andwentbacktothekitchen.Pushingdowntherage,hescannedtheroom,makingsurehisconversationwiththewaitresshadgoneunnoticed.Hegrippedhishandstogetherinapracticedmovetoregaincontrolasthewomanwho’dtakenhisorderglancedinhisdirection.Hedroppedhischin,allowingtheshadowfromhishattocoverhisfeatures,butinhisperipheralvision,henoticedherslipfrombehindthecounterandheadhisway.Asshegotcloser,hemadeoutapinonhershirtthatsaid,SusieHartwig,Manager
“I’msorry,it’sRuby’sfirstday.”Susiesmiledathim.“I’llreplacethosecinnamonbunsandyourmealisonthehouse.”
Hetippedhishat.“Thankyou,ma’am.”
Momentslater,Susiereturnedwithaplateofcinnamonbunsandawedgeofapplepie,freshfromtheoven.
Heglancedupather.“IsRubynewintown?”
“Yeah,she’sdownfromthecity.”Susiesmiled.“She’llbefineonceshegetstoknowourways.”
Hesippedhiscoffee.“Ibetshewill.”
MakingplansasSusiewalkedaway,heeyedRubyfromunderthebrimofhishat.Guysthattriedtoplaychickenonthehighwayaskedtodiefast,butsmart-mouthedwomenreallytickedhimoff.Ashiverofexcitementranthroughhimashisgazelockedonherface.He’dplansomethingrealspecialforher.
FOURTEEN
ItwaspastlunchtimebeforeJennadroppedintoherchairinheroffice.She’dstoppedbytheSunnybrookNursingHometoseeMrs.Grainger.ThedesperatelyillwomanwascomfortableandgratefulforJenna’sleniencetowardherson.OnDocBrown’sinsistence,she’daskedDirktocommittoapsychevaluation,whichDocBrowninsistedwouldkeephiminthehospitalforaweek.She’dalsodroppedbytheplantandspokentotheowner.Themanhadn’tknownaboutDirk’smotherandhadfiredhimonthegroundsofnotreturningtoworkafteravacation.Hereinstatedhimatonceandmadesurehishealthinsurancewasinorder.Shesighed.IthadbeenworthhervaluabletimetomakethingsrightfortheGraingerfamily.
Tryingtoignoretheunrelentingbatteringofsleetonthewindowpanes,sheplacedthewalletsofParkerLouisandTimothyAddamsonherdeskandthenpulleduptheirnamesinthedatabase.Likethefirstvictim,LucasRobinson,neitherofthemhadarapsheet.Theycarriednoweaponsintheirvehicle;infact,onpapertheyappearedtobeordinarypeoplegoingabouttheirlives.Whywouldsomeonewanttokillthem?
Shestaredatthedriver’slicensesofthetwomenandshookherhead;bothcarriedthegoldstardenotingthemtobeMontanaRealIDlicensesbuttheydidn’tprovethemen’sidentity.Theheadshotshaddestroyedanychanceofaskingnextofkintoidentifythebodies.Bynow,Wolfewouldbecheckingthevictimsforanydistinguishingmarksortattoos.He’dtakeanimpressionoftheteethinhopethemenhadseenalocaldentistatonetime.Ofcourse,she’dhavetheawfultaskofvisitingthenextofkin,andaskingquestionstoestablishidentityandgettingpermissionforthedentisttoreleasehisfiles.
Thevictims’truckhadabumperstickerpromotingthenewskiresort,andbythetoolsinside,itwaspossiblebothmenhadbeenheadingtoworkatthetimeofthemurder.KaneandRowleyhadhotfootedittothegrowingresorttospeaktothesitemanagerandseeifherecognizedeitherofthemen.Jennahadturnedherattentiontosearchingsocialmediaforallthreevictimswhensomeoneknockedonherdoor.Sheliftedherhead.“Yes,comein.”
“Afternoon,Jenna.”AtohiBlackhawk,agoodfriendandtheNativeAmericantrackerwhohelpedthemwithcases,waitedinthedoorway.
Jennasmiled,gladtoseeafriendlyface.“Hey,whatdragsyououtinthisweather?”
“Icomebearinggifts.”Atohiplacedaholdercontainingthreeto-gocupsofcoffeeandabagoftakeoutonherdesk.“IranintoDaveoutsideAuntBetty’s.Hewasbuyingyoulunch,butseeingaswewerecomingtoseeyou,heaskedmetobringitalong.”Heflashedwhiteteeth.“So,Igrabbedsomeextracoffee.”Heturnedandlookedatthedoor.“There’ssomeonehereI’dlikeyoutomeet.”
“Sure,getoutofyourwetcoatandtakeaseat.”Suddenlyfamished,shepeekedintothetakeoutbags.
“Jenna,thisisBradKelly,acousinofminefromtheres.”Atohiwavedinatallmaninhistwenties.Hehadtiger’seyes,andwhenheremovedhissoakedStetson,itrevealeddark,straighthairtohiscollar.“Bradcametousafterhismotherwentmissing.Hewentawaywhenheturnedeighteenbutisnowbackonamissionandweneedyourhelp.”
Jennatooktheto-gocupwithhernameprintedonthesideandnodded.“Sure,whatdoyouneed?”
“WhenIwasaboy,Isawmypakillmymom.”Brad’stigergazeneverleftherface.“Hekilledmybrotheraswell.”
Jennafrowned.“Haveyouspokentothetribalpolice?Inthefirstinstance,it’sreallyamatterforthem.”
“No,itoccurredhereinBlackRockFalls.”Bradappearedagitated.“Atohibelievesyoumighthaverecordswecanusetoestablishourcase.”
“Sure.Howlongagodidthishappen?”Jennatookoutherpenandmadesomenotesonthepadonherdesk.
“Twentyyears.”Bradfrowned.“I’mkindoffoggyontheexactdate.Ididn’ttellanyoneaboutmymombecauseIdidn’tremember.AtohiremembersitbeinglatefallwhenIarrivedattheres.IknownowIblankeditoutforalongtime.Itwasn’tuntilthecopstoldmemypahaddied,itcamebackinbitsandpieces.”
Notsurehowfactualhisrecollectioncouldbeaftersolong,Jennamethisgaze.“So,wherehaveyoubeensinceyouturnedeighteen?”
“Alaska.”Bradfrowned.“Ilefttheresbecausemypawashuntingmedown.”
“Ateighteenyoucould’vespokentothelawenforcementontheresorcomeheretospeaktothesheriffandhadhimarrested.There’snostatuteoflimitationonmurder.”
“Ididn’trememberhowI’dgottentotheresatthattime,andifIhadrecalledthatmorning,doyouthinkthesheriffwould’vetakennoticeofme?”Bradclenchedhisfistsonthetable.“Theonlythingthatwould’vehappenedismypawould’vekilledmetoo.Ihadtogetasfarawayfromhimaspossible.TheonlythingIrememberedatthetimewasmymomtellingmetorun.”
“Whathesaysistrue.Mymomtookhiminandtoldmethestoryofhowhereturnedtotheres.”Atohi’sdarkeyessettledonherface.“Hewasinshockandnottalking.ThefamilywassuspiciousandmyfatherwenttospeaktoJoeKellyonthepretextofinvitingthefamilytomygrandfather’sbirthday.HewastoldLuitl,Brad’smother,hadlefthimandtakentheboys.”Heshookhisheadandsorrowfilledhiseyes.“Thatistheeditedversionofwhathappened,buttrustmewhenItellyouJoeKellywasawife-beatingcowardandtooscaredtosetfootontheres.MyfamilyhopedonedayLuitlwouldreturn.”
“See,nothingwasdone.IfI’dbeenabletoremember,noonewouldhaveheardmyvoice.”Brad’seyesboreintoher.“I’mwastingmytime.We’llletourpeopledealwiththis.”
“I’mlisteningtoyou,Brad,butyou’llhavetohelpme.Ineedallthedetails,names,birthdates,addresses,anythingyoucanremember.”Jennamademorenotesasherespondedandthenraisedherheadtomeethispenetratingeyes.“IgatheryourfatherisnotaNativeAmerican?”
“Nope,butmymomwasaBlackhawk,Atohi’scousin.”Bradshrugged.“Afterwhathappened,Iranthroughtheforest.Mymomhadtolduswhattodoifwehadtorun,tofollowtheriveruntilwecametotherocklikeabearandthenfollowtheroadtotheres.IttookmedaysbutIfoundit,andtheytookmeinandcaredforme.”
Jennawasfindinghisstorystrange.Ifhisfatherhadkilledhismotherandbrother,someonewould’vefoundtheirbodies.Theywouldhavenotifiedtheauthoritiesandthey’dhavehunteddownhisfatherandbroughthimtojustice.“Sowhycomeforwardnow?Yourfatherisdead,thereisnochargetopursue.”
“Maybenot,butifIcanfindmyfamily’sremains,IcanasktheMEtoputthecaseforwardtothestatecoronerforaninquest.Iwantthetruthtocomeout.Whyweren’tmymotherandbrothereverlistedasmissing?SomeonewascoveringupformypaandIwantthemcharged.”
Jennanodded.“Onthedayyourmotherandbrotherdied,doyourememberanything?Doyourememberwhatmadeyourfatherangryenoughtokillthem?”
“Hewasalwayshittingherandus.”AflashofangersointensemovedacrossBrad’sfaceandstartledJenna.“Momwantedtoescapetotheres.Shecouldhidethereandherfamilywouldprotecther.They’dneverallowhimnearher.Irecall,creepingdownthestairsandrunningforthetruck.We’dgottentotheforestbeforehecaughtus.HecameafteruswithashovelandMomtoldmetorunanddon’tlookback.IransomewaysbutIstoppedtoseewhathadhappened.Theywerebothcoveredinbloodandmypawasstandingoverthemwithashovel.HeyelledatmetostopbutIranlikethewind.IheardhimcrashingthroughtheforestaftermeandhehuntedformeforalongtimebutIholedupinahunter’sblind.Ifellasleep,andwhenIwoke,allIrememberedwasIhadtorunawayfrommypaandgettotheres.”
Jennatappedherpenonthetable.“Whendidyourememberthedetails?”
“LikeIsaid,itstartedcomingbacktomethedaythecopstoldmemypahaddied.”Bradpushedahandthroughhisthickblackhair.“AlittlecamebackeachdayandthenIrememberedeverything.Ihadtocomeback.Mymom’sghostwillbewalkingtheforestunabletorest.”
“Okay.”Jennaturnedtohercomputer.“Overthelastcoupleofyears,we’vebeenuploadingoldhardcopycasefilesintooursystem.I’mnotsureiftheygobackthatfarbutIcandoasearch.”Shesmiledathim.“Asluckwouldhaveit,notmanythingshappenedinBlackRockFallstwentyyearsago—unlikenow,wehavethreemurdercases.”Sheturnedtothescreenandplacedthenamesintothesearchengine.
“Really?”Bradleanedbackinhischair.“Maybewecanhelp.Atohitellsmeyouoftenaskforhisassistance.”
“Tracking,mosttimes,butJennacanalwayscallonmeifsheneedshelp.”Atohiglancedathim.“Don’tunderestimateoursheriff.Shehashunteddownmanyaserialkiller.”
“Yeah,Iknow.”Bradreachedforhiscoffee.“Herreputationisn’tasecret.”
Jennastaredatthecomputerscreenindisbelief.“There’sareportfromhisteacherexpressingconcernshehadn’tseenyouoryourbrotherforaweek.Thesheriffsaysinhisnoteshespoketoyourfatherandhetoldhimyourmotherhadtakenhissonsandreturnedtoherpeople.”ShelookedatBrad.Hestaredbackwithanexpressioncarvedinstone.“Therewasnofollow-up.”Shefrowned.“TheprocedurewasdifferentbackthenIguess.I’dhavemadesureyourmotherwassafeontheres.”
WhenBradsaidnothing,Atohiclearedhisthroatasiftobreaktheawkwardsilence.“We’vebeensearchingtheplacesBradcanrecallintheforestbeforethefirstsnow.There’sagroupofus,andI’vecontactedtheforestwardenssotheyknowwherewe’reworkingandwillkeepthehuntersawayfromthearea.”
Jennanodded.“That’sagoodidea.Keepmeinformedifyoufindanyremains.Don’ttouchanything.Wolfewillcheckitout,andheknowsaforensicanthropologistoutofHelenawhohasassistedhimwithothercases.”ShelookeddirectlyatBrad.“Isthereanythingelseyouneed?”
“Ididn’trealizeweneededyourpermissiontotouchanythinginourforest.”Bradpushedtohisfeet.“Butifitmeansjusticeformymomandbrother,IguessIcanlivewithitthistime.”Heturned,grabbedhiscoatandhatfromthepegbehindthedoor,andstormedout.
Jennastoodandwalkedtothedoortostareafterhim.“WasitsomethingIsaid?”
“Nope.”Atohisighed.“Hecamebackwithachiponhisshoulder.Don’ttakeitpersonal.”
TheangerradiatingfromBradhadunnervedhertosomeextent.Sheshookherhead.“Iwon’tbutheseemssoangry.IfeelasifI’velethimdownsomehow.”Sheleanedagainstherdesk.
“You’vebeenveryhelpful.Nowweknowwhynobodysearchedforhim.”AtohipushedtohisfeetandgaveJennaahug.“Thanksforyourhelp.”
“Anytime.”Surprisedbythegesture,sheglancedawayfromAtohiandhergazesettledonKanestandinginthedoorway.“Ihopeyoufindthem.Itwillbringhimsomeclosure.”ShesteppedawayandreachedforAtohi’shatandcoat
“Thanks.”AtohismiledatherandthenbentdowntogreetDukeasthedogpushedpastKane,tailwagging.HetookhiscoatandhatfromJennaandthenraisedhisgazetoKane.“I’llbeonmyway.”
“Sure.”Kanesteppedtooneside.“Getthingssorted?”
“Jennawillbringyouuptospeed.”Atohipushedonhishatandthenpulledonhiscoat.“Catchyoulater.”
“Uh-huh.”Kaneshutthedoorandleanedagainstit.
“What?”Jennaraisedoneeyebrow.
“ShouldIbejealous?”Heremovedhiscoatandhungitonthepeg,andthenremovedhisblackStetsonandshookofftheraindropsbeforedroppingitonherdesk.
Stiflingasmile,Jennashrugged.“No,butheisaremarkablyhandsomeman,don’tyouthink?”
“Idon’treallytakemuchnoticeofothermen’slooks.”Kanefoldedhisarmsacrosshissubstantialchest.“Whathappenedtomakehisfriendbustoutofherelikehistailwasonfire?”
Jennashrugged.“Notsure,buthedidaddanothermurdertoourgrowingcaseload.Acoldcase,butfromwhathedescribed,twentyyearsagohisfatherbrutallymurderedhismomandbrother.Hebelieveshismother’sghostiswalkingtheforestunabletorest.”
“Hmm,doyoufigureit’spaybackforwhatwedidbeforecominghere?”Kanesatdownandpeeredupather.“Imean,acasewaitingtwentyyearsforustocomealong.YoutalkaboutstrangethingshappeningaroundHalloween,nowthat’sdarnrightspooky.”
FIFTEEN
Headbowedagainsttheweather,AtohiincreasedhisstridetocatchupwithBrad.Thepenetratingcoldseepedthroughhisalreadydampcoat,andthewindblewicyrainintohisfacesendingdribblesofcoldwaterdownhisneck.Heleapedtoonesideofthesidewalktoavoidtwobulldogsdraggingahugewomanbehindthem.Withonlyhereyesshowingfrombeneaththehoodofhercoat,sheresembledahugeballofredwoolinrubberboots.Hedashedon,andlookingahead,caughtsightofBradheadinginsideAuntBetty’sCafé.Heslippedinsidethecafé’sdoorandinhaledthefood-infusedwarmth.HeremovedhishatandsmiledatSusieHartwigbehindthecounter.“Seemsyoucan’tkeepusawaytoday.”
“I’vejusttakenabatchofcherrypiesfromtheoven.”Susiechuckled.“Didthesmellofthemlureyouback?”
“No.”BradgaveSusieanagitatedstare.“We’recoldandwetandthisseemedlikeagoodplacetodryout.I’llhavethechiliandapplepie.”
“Sure,andwhataboutyou,Atohi?”
“ThechilisoundsgoodbutIcan’tresistthecherrypies.”Atohigrinned.“I’msurprisedyouhaveanyleft,withDaveKaneintown.”
“Wemadeextra.”Shecalledouttheorderandturnedbacktohim.“Rubywillbringitoutforyou—andbenice,she’shavingabadday.Poorgirlhasbeenspillingdrinksallday.”
Atohinodded.“Okay.”HewavedBradtoatableandtheyremovedtheirwetcoats.“Doyouhavetobesorude?Thesearegoodpeople.”Atohihunghiscoatonthebackofhisseatbeforesitting
“Arethey?”Bradmimickedhimanddroppedintoachair.“We’llsee.”HismouthcurledintoagrinasRuby,thewaitress,headedtowardthemwithapotofcoffeeandtwocups.
“Backagain?”ShesmiledatBradasshepouredthecoffee.“Yourorderwillberightout.”
“Ihearyou’rehavingabadday,spillin’drinksandall?”Bradleanedbackinhischairandlookedupather.“MaybeIcanmakeitbetter.Canwegooutforacoffeesometime?”
“Oh…”Rubylookedathimandhercheekspinked.“Thatwouldbenice.Idon’tknowmanypeopleintown.”
“Wheredoyoulive?”Bradgaveheraslowsmile.“I’moutontheres.”
“Oh,I’moutonElkCreek.”Sherolledhereyes.“It’smyaunt’shouse.I’mstayingwithheruntilIcangetaplaceofmyown.It’sapain.Itakethebusanditstopsattheendoftheroad.I’llbewetthroughbythetimeIgethome.”
“IcancomebyFridaynight;wecouldhavethatcoffeeandI’lldropyouhome.”BradflickedaglanceatAtohiandhiseyesdancedwithmischief.
“Yeah,sure.”Rubyjumpedwhenabellsoundedatthecounter.“Thatwillbeyourmeal.”Sheturnedandhurriedaway.
Atohistaredathim.“Areyoutryingtoproveapointorsomething?”
“Iguess.”Bradshrugged.“Iwassureshe’drefuse.”Hegavehimalonglook.“So,wheredoItakeherforacoffeeandmaybeamealaroundhere?”
“There’sanewpizzaplace,justopeneduptheotherendoftown.”Atohiaddedcreamandsugartohiscoffeeandstirredslowly.“Idon’tfigureyoufortheCattleman’sHotel.”
“Nope,thepizzaplacesoundsfine.”Bradsighed.“IguessIhaveafewdaystocleanoutmytruck.”
“You’dbettertakemyride.”Atohichuckled.“That’sifyou’replanningonmakingagoodimpression.I’msurprisedthatoldthingyou’redrivingisrunning.”
“Itrunsfine,andI’llfixupthebodysoon.”Braddrummedhisfingersonthetable.“Findingmymomtakespriority.”Hegavehimalonglookasifconsideringhisoffer.“Iwilltakeyourride.Thanks.”
“Whatareyourplansforafterthemelt?”AtohileanedbackasRubyarrivedwiththeplatesoffood.“Withtheinfluxoftourists,wehavenow,Imakeagoodlivingfromthetourguidebusiness.Peopleliketoheartheoldstoriesabouttheforest,anditmakesthemrespecttheland.”
“I’veneverbeenapeopleperson.”Bradscoopedupaspoonfulofchili.“I’llfindwork.I’vesurvivedthislongonmyown.”
UneaserolledoverAtohiandheflickedhisgazeoverhim.WhathadhappenedtoBradinAlaskatochangethefriendhe’dknownsowell?Hisfrequentandvariedmoodswingsconcernedhim.Theangrymanbeforehimhadswitchedinaninstant,infrontofRuby,intoalaidback,nonchalantRomeotoconvincehertogoonadatewithhim.Momentslater,thesarcasticBradhadreturned,andAtohiwonderedwhichofBrad’spersonaswastherealdeal.
SIXTEENLATEWEDNESDAYAFTERNOON
Kanepickedupthepenfromtheholderandturnedtothewhiteboard.Jennahadalreadysectionedtheboardintothree,andaddedLucasRobinsontotheassumednamesoftheothertwovictimswiththeinformationshehadtodate.HeturnedtolookatherandRowley.“Okay,we’veconfirmedParkerLouisandTimAddamsworkedattheskiresort.Theywereinvolvedintheconstructionofthesecondphaseofcabins.”HewaitedforJennatostopchewinghersandwich.
“Whodidyouspeakto?”Jennasippedhercoffee.
“Sitemanager.”Rowleyglancedathisnotes.“SidGlover.”
“Irantheplatesofthevehicle,andthetruckbelongstoParkerLouis.”Jennapulledtheotherhalfofhersandwichfromthetakeoutbag.“Withthevehicleandlicensesmatch,wehaveenoughinformationforWolfetospeaktothenextofkin.Ifbothmenaremissing,he’llgetpermissionforthedentalrecordsandwe’llhaveapositiveID.”
KanewrotealltheinformationonthewhiteboardandnoticedJenna’sraisedbrow.“DidImisssomething?”
“Nope.”Shegrinned.“Evenyourwritinghasmilitaryprecision.Howdoyoufitsomuchinsuchasmallspaceandmakeitreadable?”
“I’mnotsure.”Slightlyembarrassed,Kaneclearedhisthroat.“IhavesomeinformationonLucasRobinson.Wedroppedintothebankandspoketoafewofhisassociates.Rowleyhasalistofhisfriends—fromwhatwegather,hewasaplayer.”
“Asingamblingorwomen.”Jennalookedinterested.
Kanenarrowedhisgaze.“Women.Fromwhatweheard,hewashavinganot-so-secretaffairwithAnnTurner,ahairstylistworkingatthebeautyparlorhereintown.”
“IknowAnn.”Jennaleanedbackinherchairandlookedathim.“She’syoung,maybeeighteenornineteen.Iwonderifhiswifeknows?”
“Itwouldgiveusmotive.”Rowleysmootheddownhiscurlsandshrugged.“Imean,ifMrs.Robinsonwasawareoftheaffair,maybeshehiredahitman.”HelookedatKane.“Youdidsaythemurderlookedlikeahit.”HeturnedbacktoJenna.“Ifso,wheredowegofromhere?”
“AsnohardevidencepointstoMrs.Robinsonbeinginvolvedatthistime,we’llneedmorethansuspicion.”Jennamadenotes.“We’llattendtheautopsyandwaitforWolfe’sreport.Ifheconsidersthepossibilityofahit,wehaveprobablecauseandcanaskthejudgeforacourtordertoviewtheirbankandphonerecords.IfMrs.Robinsonwithdrewalargeamountofcash,forinstance,we’dhaveenoughevidencetobringherinforquestioning.”ShelookedupatKane.“We’lltaketheinvestigationinthatdirectionfornow.”
Kanemadenotesonthewhiteboardandthenturnedbacktoher.“WhataboutIanClark,theguywechargedwithbreakandenterlastfall?He’sjustoutofjail.”HemetJenna’sgaze.“He’slivingbackathome,withhisfolks,onMaple.ItwouldbeunusualforhimtogofromBandEtomurder,butwedon’tknowwhathappenedtohiminjail.”
“Sure,Ihavehisaddressonfile—we’lldropbyaftertheautopsyandtalktohim.”Jennachewedonherbottomlip.“Okay,let’smoveontotheStantonForestmurders.”
Kaneaddedtwonamestothewhiteboard.“Wehunteddownapossiblesuspect,maybetwo.CliffYoungwasinafightwithbothvictimsoutsidetheTripleZBarlastSaturdaynight,accordingtothesitemanageroftheskiresort.Hewastherehavingafewbeersandthefightwasacarryoverfromsomethingthathappenedatwork.”
“Doyouhavehisdetails?”Jennawasmakingnotes.
“Yeah,Rowleyhasthem.”KaneaddedasecondnametotheboardandwaitedforRowleytofinishspeaking.“ThenwehavehisclosebuddyKylerHall,andthisiswherethingsgetinteresting.”
“Howso?”Jennaliftedhergazetohim.
“Complicatedmorelike.”Rowleysighed.“Thesecasesaremoreinvolvedthanyouthink.”
Kanesatdowninthechairinfrontofthedesk.“Okay,wespoketoanumberoftheworkersattheskiresortanddiscoveredYoungandHallareclosefriends.CliffYoungwasdatingAnnbeforeshehookedupwithLucasRobinson.Youngwasn’ttoohappyaboutseeinghisgirlwithanolderman.”
“Okay.”Jennatappedherpenonthetable.“AndHall?Howdoeshefitintothismess?”
Kanerestedonebootonhisotherkneeandleanedbackinhischair.“HewenttoRobinsonforfinancialadvicelastyearandendeduplosinghisshirt.”
“So,bothmencouldhaveamotiveforkillingRobinson.”Jennastaredintospace.“Andifthey’reascloseasyousay,maybetheymurderedthemenintheforestaswell.DoyouknowifHallwasinvolvedinthefightattheTripleZ?”
Kanenodded.“Weknowhewasthere.We’llneedtodropbythebarandhuntdownwitnessestothefight.”
“Goodluckwiththat.”Rowleygrinned.“Thoseboysdon’tliketalkingtolawenforcement.”
“Thereasonforthefightmightshedlightonamotiveforthemurdersintheforest.Wehavealotofgroundtocover.”JennastaredatthewhiteboardforabeatandthenovertoKane.“TakeRowleyandheadouttotheTripleZ—seeifyoucanhuntdownanyinformationonthebrawl.I’llfinishuphere,andifyou’renotbackbyfour,I’llgototheME’sofficefortheRobinsonautopsy.”
Kanestood.“Rogerthat.”HepushedonhisStetsonandthenreachedforhiscoat.“Coming,Duke?”
Tohissurprisethedogstood,shookhimselffromnosetotail,longearsandlipsflapping,andthenwaitedashedressedhiminhisthick,waterproofcoat.KanestraightenedandlookedatRowley’samusedexpression.“Hegetscold.”
“Hehasafurcoat.”Rowleypushedonhishat.“Youspoilhim.”
KanelookeddownintoDuke’strustingbrowneyes,rememberinghowhewaswhenhe’dfoundhiminthemountainsduringacase.He’dbeenskinandbones.Itwasawonderthedogwassogentleaftersurvivingsuchhorrificmistreatment.HerubbedDuke’sears.“He’sworthit.”
ThesleethadpoundedKane’svehicleinanunforgivingblastallthewaytotheTripleZ.Thelimitedvisibilityonthehighwaymadeittoughgoing,andeventheeighteen-wheelersmovedslowerthanusual.Bythenumberofcarsintheparkinglot,themiserableconditionshadn’tpreventedthepatronsfromvisitingtheTripleZ.HeparkedasclosetotheentranceaspossibleandcalledDuketofollowhiminside.Thedogjustopenedhiseyesforabeatandthenclosedthemagain.“Okay,stayhere.”Hepulledablanketoverhimandshutthedoor.
“Mydogspendsmostofhistimeoutsideinallweathers,bychoice.”Rowleypulledhishatdowntoshieldhisfacefromthesleet.“Hecomesandgoesashepleasesthroughthedoggydoor.”Hesighed.“There’sonlyoneproblem:IcanonlygivehimaccesstothemudroomandusuallyhavetocleanhimupwhenIgethome.”
Kanechuckled.“Maybeyoushouldbuyhimacoat.”
Hepushedthroughthedoorsandwincedatthestenchofstalebeer,sweat,andwhatcould’vebeencorndogs.Weavingthroughthetables,heledthewaytothebar,ignoringthedagger-likestaresfromthevariedclientele,andwaitedforthebarkeepertoserveacustomer.Unlesscalledouttosortoutaruckus,thesheriff’sdepartmentusuallylet
“Uh-huh.”Thebarkeeper’smouthstretchedintoagrin.“There’safightheremostdays,Deputy.It’skindahardtokeeptrackofthemall.”
Kaneleanedacrossthebarand,droppinghisvoicetojustaboveawhisper,glaredathim.“Youwon’tfinditsofunnywhenwedon’trespondthenexttimeyoucall911.”Hestraightenedandglancedaroundthebar.“Irecallsavingyourhidethelasttimeabrawlbrokeoutinhere,andthesheriffmakingsureyoureceiveddamages.Ourdeputieswentbeyondthecallofdutyandsufferedpersonalinjury.”Hesnorted.“Ineedanswers.Twoofthemeninvolvedinafightherewerefoundmurderedintheforest.”Heleanedonthestainedwoodencounterandeyeballedhim.“So,I’dsuggestyouwipethatgrinoffyourfaceandstartcooperating.Whowasinvolved?Ifyoudon’tknowwhocausedthefight,Iwantthenamesofpeoplewhodo.”
“Murdered,yousay?”Thecolordrainedfromthebarkeeper’sface.“I’lltellyouwhatIoverheardbutIwon’tstandupinnocourttotestify.Abarkeeperislikeapriest—peopleknowtheycantalktousandwedon’tblaballovertown.”
Kanetookouthisnotebookandslidoutthepen.“Whydon’tyoustartfromthebeginning?Whowashereandwhatdidyouoverhear?”
“CliffYoungandKylerHallweresittingatthebarwhenParkerLouisandTimAddamswalkedin.”ThebarkeeperstaredintospaceforabeatandthennarrowedhisgazeatKane.“Theywerearguingaboutanappliancesdelivery.”Helookedaroundnervouslyandstartedtopolishthebarwithvigor.“CliffandKylerarestealingfromtheskiresortsite.Theyknowwhenthedeliveriesofappliancesarriveatthecabinsandhavebeenhelpingthemselvestoitems.Apparently,itwasoneortwothingsatfirst.ParkerandTimfoundoutandwantedinonthedeal.”
“So,whatcausedthefight?”Rowleymovedcloser.
“Parkerthreatenedtospillhisgutstothebossunlesstheyincludedthemonthenextdelivery.”Thebarkeeperturnedaway,filledtwoglasseswithsoda,andslidthemacrossthebartoKaneandRowley.“Cliffwentballistic,sayinghe’dkillParkerbeforehelethimblackmailhim.”Hefrowned.“Thentheytookitoutside.”Heindicatedwithhischintotheemptyingbar.“Isthatall?Youcominginhereisbadforbusiness.”
Kanetookdownnotesandthenliftedhisgazetothebarkeeper.“Idon’thaveyourname.”
“HankDunaway.Iliveoutbackinoneoftherooms.”
Kaneslidhispenbackintotheholderonhisnotepadandmettheman’sgaze.“Well,Mr.Dunaway,unfortunately,beingabarkeeperdoesn’tentitleyoutotheSealoftheConfessional.Thisinformationmakesyouamaterialwitnesswithimportantevidenceaboutthecase.Iftheprosecutioncallsonyoutotestify,youhavenooption.”
“I’llrefuse.”Dunawaylookedhorrified.“Youcan’tmakeme.”
Kanenoticedthesweatbeadingontheman’sbrow.“It’soutofmyhands.Theprosecutorcanissueasubpoenaorderingyoutoappearincourt.Ifyourefuse,awarrantwillbeissuedforyourarrest.Ajudgecouldsendyoutojailforcontemptofcourtifyourefusetotestify.”HedroppedafewbillsonthebarforthedrinksandsmiledatDunaway.“Justincasesomeoneinherefiguresyou’rebribingus.”Heturnedandheadedforthedoor.
“Thatwassmooth.”Rowleychuckledandfollowedhimoutside.
Kanesmiled.“Justdoingmyjob.”Hedashedbacktohistruckandslidinside,turningtolookatDukecurledupasleeponthebackseat.“Iwonderwhyyouinsistoncomingwithme,Duke,whenyouwon’tgetoutintherain.”
“He’ssmarterthanyouthink.”Rowleyclimbedintothepassengerseatandgrinnedathim.“Wheretonext?”
Kanestartedtheengineandthenglancedathiswatch.“Ifwehurry,we’llbebackintownbeforeJennaleavesfortheME’soffice.”
HisthoughtsturnedtothecaseandthepossibilitytheyhadtwokillersstalkingvictimsinBlackRockFalls.Ormaybeonemurdererandafollower,whichwasoftenthecase.Alphamalepsychopathsoftenledotherstokill.Heturnedontothehighway,andastheyreachedtown,helookedatRowley,whoseemedlostinthought.“HowarethingsgoingwithSandy?Youhaven’tmentionedherallday.”
“Thingsaregoingfine…well,betterthanfine.”Rowleychuckled.“I’mgettingusedtohavingheraround.I’mthinkingofaskinghertomarrymerealsoon.”
Kanesmiledathim.“Notplanningonlettingthisonegetaway,huh?”
“Noway.”Rowleyhadadreamylookinhiseye.“She’stheone,Ijustknowit.”HeglancedatKane.“DoyouthinkJennawillallowustoliveinthehouse,afterallitdoesbelongtothedepartment?”
“Yeah.”Kanenodded.“Ican’tthinkofareasonshe’dturnyououtonthestreetjustbecauseyoudecidedtogetmarried.ShelikesSandy,wealldo.She’sbecomingpartofourfamily.”
“That’snice.”Rowleyclearedhisthroat.“ButI’llmakesuretoaskJennaaboutthehouse,beforeItietheknot.”
Kaneparkedonhisspotoutsidethesheriff’sdepartmentandopenedthebackdoorforDuketojumpdown.Thedogloweredhisheadanddashedupthestepsnosinghiswayinsidetheglassdoors.Hestaredafterhim.“You’rewelcome.”
SEVENTEEN
AfterlisteningtoKane’sreportabouttheconversationbetweenKylerHall,CliffYoung,andthetwoallegedvictimsfromtheforest,ParkerLouisandTimAddams,Jennarolledhereyestotheceiling.“Thissoundstooeasy.”Shelookedatherdeputies.“Andsincewhenhaveanyofourcasesbeenopenandshut?”
“Maybewegotluckythistime?”Kanesippedthehotcoffeeshe’dgiventhemontheirreturn.
Somethingdidn’tfeelrightandJennafrowned.“ThisisBlackRockFallsandluckhasnothingtodowithit.Sure,checkoutthesuspects,butIbelieveweneedtoinvestigatethiscasesomemore.Rowley,headonovertothemortician’s—IanClark,ourotherpotentialsuspect,isworkingasacleaneroverthere.Iwantyoutofindouthiswhereaboutsatthetimeofthemurders.I’vereadhissheetandIfinditdifficulttobelievehe’dbreakintoahouse,killsomeone,andnottakeanything.Norisheintimidatingenoughtohuntdowntwomenandshootthem.”Sherubbedhertemples.“ButIguesshecould’vechangedduringhistimeinjail.”
“Yes,ma’am.”Rowleyhesitatedbeforeleavingandlookedather.“Ah,canIaskyouapersonalquestionbeforeIgo?”
“Yes,what’stheproblem?”
“IfIdecidedtogetmarried,wouldIstillbeabletoliveinthehouse,seeingasitbelongstothedepartment?”
Jennacouldn’tstopsmiling.“Yes,ofcourse,youcanstaythereforaslongasI’msheriff,butIdohopesomedayyou’llhaveaplaceofyourown.Thetownsfolkmightgettiredofmeoneday.”
“Ihopetobuyaranchclosebyinayearortwo.”Rowleygrinned.“Oh,andpleasedon’tmentionittoSandy,Ihaven’taskedheryet.IwasthinkingofaskingheratChristmas.”
“Iwon’tsayaword.”AsRowleywentoutthedoor,Jennawalkedaroundthedeskandgrabbedhercoat.“Comeon,Kane,we’llbelatefortheautopsy.”SheglanceddownatDuke.“You’dbetterstaywithMaggie.Comeon,boy.”ShepattedherlegandDukeledthewayoutthedoor.
Atthefrontdesk,JennawaitedforDuketoclimbintohisbasketbehindthecounterandlookedatMaggie.“How’sourhandymangettingalong?”
“He’sahardworker.”Maggiemethergaze.“Idon’tknowifhehasanycash.Hedidn’ttakeabreak,soIsenthimdowntoAuntBetty’stogetsomethingtoeat.SusieHartwigmadesurehewasfed.”Shefrowned.“Heseemslikealostsoul.”
“Abearateallhissuppliesandtheplantlaidhimoff.”Jennafrowned.“Payhimtwohundredthisafternoonandifyougettime,seeifyoucanfindhimanyworkaroundtown.”
“Isurewill.”Maggiegrinned.“I’llstartwithRowley.He’sbeencomplaininghisgarageneedstobecleanedoutbeforethesnowarrives.”
Jennasmiled.“Goodidea.”Shegaveherawaveand,followingKaneoutthedoor,pulledupthehoodofhercoat.
Shedidn’tmindthesnow—thecoldhadarefreshing,cleansingfeelaboutit—butthesleetdrovehernuts.Everythingwasdamp,andthefreezingrainseemedtoseepthroughallherclothes.Theconstantfogclosedinaroundthetown,obscuringtheviews.Itwasoppressive.SheduckedherheadandmadeherwaytoKane’struckthroughtheslow-movingpedestrians,bundledupforwinterandlookinglikedrownedrats.Insidethetruck,shefastenedherseatbeltandturnedtoKane.“Ihopethisweatherblowsthroughsoon.ItwillruinHalloween.”
“Weatherforecastsaiditwouldclearbythisafternoon.”Kanestartedtheengineandbackedoutofthespace.“Thewindhaspickedup;maybeitwillblowthecloudsaway.Thenthetemperaturewilldroplikeastone,andwitheverythingwet,theblacktopwillbeslickwithice.Dangeroustimes.”Hegroaned.“Oh,Iforgottotellyou.OneoftheinvestorsintheskiresortheardabouttheOldMitchamRanchandhaspurchaseditasatouristattraction.TheyalreadyhaveflyersoutandadvertisementsalloverthemediaforHalloween.”
AshiverradiatedthroughJennaasthememoryoftheplaceslammedintohermind.Ithadstartedwithamurder–suicidedecadesago,andmorerecentlythebrutalmurderoftwoyoungwomenhadmadetheramshacklebuildingalegend.ThelocalsinsistedtheghostsoflostsoulshauntedtheOldMitchamRanchanditcarriedacurse.Aftercomingclosetodyingthere,andwitnessingthefateofthepreviousowners,shedidn’tneedconvincingthecursewasrealenough.“Whowouldwanttogothereforfun?”
“Notmebutthatsortofthingattractspeople.Theyliketobescared.”Kanesoundedthehornasastraydogdashedoutfromthecurb.
Ashehitthebrakes,Jenna’sseatbeltsnappedsotight,shecouldhardlybreathe.“Yikes.”
“Dammit,thatdogisgoingtocauseanaccident.”Kanepulledinatthecurb
Jennastaredafterthebedraggledmixed-breed.“Drive.Wedon’thavetimetochaseafteritnow,Kane.I’llcallthecouncilandhavethedogcatcherkeepaneyeoutforit.”Shemadethecall.
TheyarrivedattheME’sofficeafewmomentslaterandalthoughthesleethadturnedtolightraintheydashedinside.Jennaswipedhercardatthedoorandtheydraggedofftheircoatsandthenhungthemonthepegsprovidedinthehallway.Astheyheadedtowardthemorgue,EmilyWolfepokedherheadoutthedoorandwavedtothem.Jennasmiledather.“Sorrywe’relate.”
“Wehaven’tstartedyet.”Emilymettheminthehallwayandhandedthemmasksandgloves.“I’llletDadknowyou’rehere.It’saninterestingcase.I’mlookingforwardtodiscoveringallthevictim’ssecrets.”Sheturnedonherheelandmarchedbackinsidetheroom.
JennalookedatKaneandnoticedaflashofamusementinhiseyes.Kane’smacabresenseofhumorseemedtospilloutinthemostinappropriatemoments.She’dcometoviewitashisreleasefromthestressofseeingsomanydead,andsometimesmutilated,bodies.“Okay,Davespititout.”
“Oh,nothing.”Kanepulledonhismaskbutitdidn’thidethesmile.“Iwasjustwonderinghowmuchinformationapracticallyheadlessmancantellus.”
Unabletoreply,Jennaliftedbotharmsintotheairandthendroppedthemathersides.Shecomposedherexpressionandpushedthroughthedoor.Theusualunmistakablesmellofdeathandantisepticgreetedher.“Afternoon,everyone.”
“Okay,it’sgettinglate,butbeforewestart,I’veobtainedpositiveIDsontheStantonForestvictims.We’llconducttheirautopsiestomorrow.”WolfelookedatJennaoverhisfacemask.“Let’sgetonwiththeRobinsoncase.Icollectedbloodsamplesandconductedablood-alcoholtestatthescenelastnightbeforedecompositionsetin.I’dsayfromthereading,Mr.Robinsonhadafewdrinksbeforeretiring.”Hepulledbackthesheetfromthecorpse.“I’mrunningafulltoxscreenonthesamplesaswell.”
“Doyouhavereasontobelievesomeonedruggedhim?”Emily’spalegrayeyesflickedtowardJenna.
Jennashookherhead.“No.Fromhiswife’sstatement,sheheardsomeoneinthehouseandtriedtowakehimbeforetheshooterenteredtheroom.”
“Exactly.”Wolfepulleddowntherecordingdevicefromabovetheexaminationtable.“Theamountofalcoholheconsumedwouldn’thaveplacedhiminastupor.So,welookforotherreasonsshecouldn’twakehim.Eventhoughwefoundnogunshotresidueonthewife’sskintoindicatesheshothim,westillneedtoruleoutthepossibilityshewasinvolved.”
“Isleeplikethedead.”Webberclearedhisthroat.“Maybehewasthesame.”
“I’lltakeeverythingintoconsideration,butthatquestionwillhavetobedirectedtohiswife.”WolfelookedatJenna.“Okay,nomorequestions.I’llrecordmyfindingsasIgo.”
JennawaitedpatientlyasWolfedescribedahealthymale,weightnormalforhisheight.NothingseemedoutofplaceuntilWolfepausedtherecordingandWebberturnedthebodyover.Hergazedriftedoverthetorso,tryingtoignoretheshatteredneckwherepartoftheheadhadbeen,andcenteredonamark.“Isthatabite?”
“Surelookslikeone.”Wolfeloweredamagnifyingglasscompletewithlighttothemark.“Webber,getafewshotsofthearea.”Hestoodback.“Anysuggestions?”
“Howoldwouldyousaythatis?”Kanemovedcloserandpeeredatthemark.
“It’snotfresh—threeormoredays.”Wolfeturnedtolookathim.“Althoughtheteethbroketheskin,healingiswellunderway.Also,notethepurpletingetothebruising.You’lltypicallyseeabruisechangefromredtobluetopurplewithinthefirstfewdaysafteraninjury.Maybehiswifebithim?”
TheimplicationsofthebitemarkwhirledthroughJenna’smind.“Ifshedidn’tbutnoticedit,she’dbeawarehewashavinganaffair.”Sheletoutalongsigh.“Heck,howdoyouaskMrs.Robinsonifshewasinthehabitofbitingherhusbandwithoutopeningacanofworms?Forallweknow,she’stotallyoblivioustoherhusband’slovers.”
“Thenweaskthegirlfriend.”KanelookedatWolfe’sastonishedexpression.“I’msorry,wehaven’thadtimetobringyouuptospeed.WeonlyjustfoundoutRobinsonwasaplayer.HewasseeingAnnTurner.”
“Thehairstylist?”Emilystaredatthem.“Shewasseeinghim?”
Jennanodded.“Seemsso.Iguesswe’dbetterspeaktoAnn.”
“I’dguessshedoesn’tknowhe’sdead.”Kanefrowned.“Nothingworsethanbeingthebearerofbadnews.”
EIGHTEENWEDNESDAYEVENING
Itsurprisedhimthatpeopleneverrealizedsomeonewasfollowingthemuntilitwastoolate.ThesleethadclearedandyetRubyhadn’tnoticedhistruckfollowinghertothebusstop.He’dstayedwellbehind,waitingtodiscoverherstop,crawlingalongthecurblikesomeoneoutviewingthelimp,rain-soakedHalloweendecorationsoutfrontofmostyards.Thehousesbecamescarceatthisendoftown,theperimetersofthepropertiesturningfromwhitepicketfencestobarbedwire.Thisclosetotheforest,manyoftherancheshadtree-lineddriveways,andpeopleusedthealleywaysasashortcuttotheirhomesratherthanfollowtheroad.HisheartpickedupasRubysteppeddownfromthebusanditchuggedaway,leavingapuffofblacksmokeinitswake.Hepulledtothecurb,wellawayfromastreetlight,asshewalkedafewfeetalongthesidewalkandthenturnedontoanalleyway.
Coldnessdroppedoverhiminanalmosttrance-likeillusion.Hisbodyseemedtohaveamindofitsownasheslidfromthetruck.Hewalkedhunchedoverandaddedalimp.Anyoneglancingoutawindowandseeinghimwouldseeanoldmanbatteredbythewindheadinghomeinthedark.Hemovedslowlytotheentranceofthealleyway.AheadhecouldhardlymakeoutRuby’sslightfigureasshekickedasidethethickcoatingoffallleavesonthewell-troddenpathway.
UnderfootthegravelcrunchedbeneathhisbootsandhesensedmorethansawRubystopandlookathimoveroneshoulder.Heincreasedhisspeedandcouldtasteherfearashecamewithinafewyardsofher.Herbreathpuffedoutingreatcloudsofsteamassheincreasedherpace.Itmadeherappearetherealasifshemighttakeflightandhe’dloseherforever.Hestampedhisfeetashegainedonher,amusedbyhowshezigzaggedlikeascaredrabbit.Ahead,hecouldseetheyellowglowofastreetlightattheendofthedarkalleyway,andwithasigh,heturnedandwalkedbackintheotherdirection.Rubyhadwhettedhisappetite,andthenexttimetheymet,shewouldn’tseedeathcoming.
NINETEENTHURSDAYMORNING
ThesunhadjustpeekedoverthehorizonasKaneleanedonthefencesurroundingthecorral.Hesmiledatthehorsesracingaroundsnortingwiththeirearspricked.Atlasttheskywasclearformilesandhecouldturnoutthehorsesduringthedaytoenjoythelushgreengrass.Hestaredintothedistance,feastingontheview.Itwassodarngoodtoseethemountainsagain.WhenJennawalkedupbesidehimwithstrawcaughtinherhair,hegrinnedatherandpluckeditout.“Thanksforhelpingwiththehorses.”
“They’remyhorsesaswell.”Sheyawned.“Gettinguptoworkoutandthenmuckoutthestablesbeforeweleaveisapainwhenwehavemurdercasesaswell.”Sheturnedandheadedtowardthehouse.“You’vebeencarryingmefartoolong.”
Hechuckledandfellintostridebesideher.“Youhelpmetendthemeverynight,andIdidsayI’ddothechoresifwecouldhavetheminthefirstplace.”
“Hmm,butwe’llbemissingtheautopsiesontheStantonForestvictimsifwedon’tgetamoveon.”Jennaglancedatherwatch.“Canyoushowerandfixbreakfastintime?ItoldWolfewe’dbetherebeforenine.”
KanewhistledforDukeandturnedtowardhiscottage.“Sure,andI’lldriverealfastwithlightsandsirensifwe’relate.”Hesmirkedatherandjoggedalongthepath.
Overbreakfast,heallowedthecasetofilterintohismind.“AsfarasI’maware,Wolfewillhavestartedtheautopsiesalready.Withtwotocover,he’llbeusingWebberasalawenforcementwitness.”Heliftedaforkfulofeggstohismouth.“WecouldinterviewthehairstylistatthebeautyparlorandthendropbytheME’sofficeforWolfe’sfindings.”
“Yeah,wecouldcutafewcorners,butthenI’mnottheretoaskquestions.”Jennafrowned.“IknowyoutakethemajorityofevidencefromthecrimescenebutIbelievethevictimsstillhavesomethingtotellus.”
“Sure.”Kanestood,collectedtheplates,andscrapedtheuneateneggsintoDuke’sbowl.ThedoghadcleanedthemupbeforeKanehadloadedthedishwasher.“Needmorecoffee?”
“No,thanks,I’mgood.”Jennapushedtoherfeet,roundedthetable,andaddedhercuptothedishwasher.“We’llspeaktothehairstylistlater.Whatwashername?”
“AnnTurner.”Kanestrappedonhisdutybeltandthenpushedonhishat.“Ready?”
“Yep.”Jennaslippedherphoneintoherpocket.“IsDukecoming?”
Kaneheadedtothedoor,snagginghisjacketontheway,withDukehotonhisheels.“It’snotrainingsohe’llsticktouslikeglue.Iguesshe’llbeabletowaitinShane’sofficeduringtheautopsies.Idon’tthinkwe’llhavetimetodropbythesheriff’sdepartment.”
“He’llbefine—Wolfe,Imean.”JennaheadedtowardKane’struck.“It’snotlikeit’sasterilearea.Dukewillprobablysleepthewholetime.”
Kaneopenedthebackdoorofhistruck,liftedDukeinsideandthenwentaboutattachinghisharness.“Although,hemightstarttohowlifhesmellsthecorpses.”
“Oh,thatwouldmakethenews.Icanseetheheadlinesnow.”Jennajumpedintothepassengerseatandturnedtogrinathim.“GhostlyhowlingheardatlocalmorgueoverHalloween.”
“CanyouimagineShane’sTVinterview?”Kanestartedtheengineandheadeddownthedriveway.“Mr.Wolfe,haveyoubeenhowlingatthemoonlately?”Hechuckled.“Oh,don’tmentionanyofthisorhe’llgethisI-just-bit-into-a-lemonface.”Theyturnedontothehighway.
“Iwon’tmentionaword.”Jenna’sbrightdemeanorfadedasherphonechimed.“It’sRowley,I’llputhimonspeaker.Morning,isthereaproblem?”
“No,ma’am.Asyou’reheadingstraighttotheME’soffice,Ithoughtyou’dlikemetobringyouuptospeedwiththesuspectIinterviewedyesterday,IanClark.”Rowley’senthusiasticvoicecamethroughthespeaker.“HehasanalibifortheRobinsonmurder.Icheckeditoutonthewayinthismorningandthemorticianconfirmedhewaswithhim,preparingabodyforburialforthreehoursthatevening,andneverlefttheparlor.”
“Okay,wecantakehimoffourlist.Thanksforlettingmeknow.”JennaleanedbackinherseatandlookedatKane.“Onedown.Hey,isthatice?”Shepointedtoglossypatchesontheblacktop
“Itsurelookslikeit.”Kaneslowedtomaneuveraroundthem.He’dhopedthemorningfrostwould’vemeltedbynow.“Thetemperatureisdroppingfastandtherain-soakedblacktophasn’thadtimetodry.”
Thenextmomentablackcatdashedacrosstheroad,itscoatspikyanddamp.Kaneslammedonthebrakes,barelymissingit.Thebackwheelsofhistruckhitanicepatchandtheyfishtailedsoclosetotheditchalongsidetheroad,thefrontwheelscrashedthroughthedriedbushesbeforeheregainedcontrol.Hestoppedinchesfromtheedgeoftheditch.“Wheredidthatcomefrom?Thereisn’tanotheroccupiedranchhereformiles.”Hepeeredoutthewindowbutthecathadvanishedintotheundergrowth.
“OhLord,wedidn’tneedanymorebadluck.”Jenna’sattentionhadfixedontheclumpoftrees.“TherewasacatsittingonthegatepostoftheOldMitchamRanchlasttimeIwentbyanditprobablybelongstooneofthecontractorsworkingthere.Itcan’tbelongtothesnowplowguy,he’sinFlorida,andhewouldn’tleaveacatunattended.”
WhenDukebarkedandletoutahowl,thehaironthebackofKane’sneckstoodtoattention.Hestartedbackalongthehighway.“Ididn’texpectthatreactionfromDuke,butthenIdon’trecallrunningintoacatwithhimlately.”HeglancedatJenna.“Youdon’treallybelieveblackcatsarebadluck,doyou?”
“Iguessnot.”Jennaclearedherthroat.“IhadaneighborwhoownedaBombay.Itscoatwasglossyblackandithadamazingcoppereyes.Itwasalovelycat.Icaredforitforatimeafterherhouseburneddown.”Shesighed.“Poorwomanlosteverythingbutthatcat.”
Kanelookedatherbeforepullingbackontotheroad.“Somaybenotsolucky,huh?”
ThemomenttheyturnedontoMainStreet,Kaneslowedtoacrawl.Theice-coveredblacktopglistenedinthesunlight,andtworear-endaccidentsblockedtheway.AcrowdhadgatheredamongthebedraggledHalloweenbuntingonthesidewalk,theirfacesobscuredbythescarvesandhatstheyworetokeepoutthebitterlycoldair.Hepulledtothecurbandstaredintothedistance.“Theylooklikeminorcollisions.”
“Dammit.Moredelays.”Jennaslippedfromthetruck.“I’llcallRowley.He’llhavetodealwiththem.Gochecktomakesureeveryoneisokay.We’llhavetotakethebackroadsorwe’llmisstheautopsies.”Shesighed.“I’llgetsomeoneoutheretobrinetheroadsaswell.”
ThechillshudderedthroughKane’sheadthemomenthesteppedfromthetruck.ThetemperaturehaddroppedconsiderablyintheshortdrivefromJenna’sranchandthemetalplateinhishead,theresultofacarbombing,causedsevereheadachesinwinter.Heduckedbackinsidethecab,draggedhiswoolencapfrombetweenthefrontseatsandpullediton,leavinghisStetsonontheseat.Hepulleduphishoodandgroundhisteethagainstthethreateningpain.Hisbootscrunchedonthepatchesoficeashemadehiswaytothefirstcollision.“Areyouinjured,ma’am?”Hepeeredintothevehicle.
Whentheyoungwomanshookherhead,henoddedandmovedontothenextvehicle.Underfoottheblacktopwastreacherousandhisfeetslippedwitheachstep.Aftercheckingeachofthepeopleinvolved,heslippedandslidhiswaybacktoJenna.“Noinjuriesthistime.ThesuddendropintemperaturehascoveredthisendofMainwithblackice.TheotherendofMainshouldbeclear,thesunisalreadyonthatpartoftown.Heretheblacktopisintheshade.”
“Brinespreadersareontheirway.”JennamovedoutintothemiddleoftheroadanddirectedtraffictowardRonanRoad.“We’llneedtokeepthetrafficflowingsothebrinespreadercangetthrough.”Sheglancedathim.“You’reaspaleasaghost.Headache?”
Kanewinced.Shecouldreadhimlikeabook.“Yeah,I’lltakesomepills,assoonaswegettotheME’soffice.”
“No,youwon’t.”Shefrownedathim.“You’lltakethemnow.RowleyispickingupDeputyWaltersandhecanhandlethetraffic.Rowleywillfiletheaccidentreports.Youcanwaitinthetruck.”Sheturnedawayandwalkeddownthecenterline,theyellowsheriff’slogosplashedacrossthefrontandbackofherwinteruniformgivingtheoncomingtrafficnodoubtastowhowasincharge.
TWENTY
“Feelingbetter?”JennaturnedtoKaneashepulledintotheME’sparkinglot.
“Yeah,thanks.”Kanepulledhiscapdownoverhisearsandhishandwenttothedoorhandle.
Jennarolledhereyes.Shehadamacho,ex-specialforcesdeputy,whoshebelievedresentedhertellinghimhowtocareforhisinjury,butheoftenpushedhimselfwaybeyondthecallofduty.Ashissuperiorandfriend,itwasherresponsibilitytomakesurehetookcareofhimself.“Waitup.”
“We’relate.”Kaneflickedheraglance,hishandhoveringoverthedoorrelease.
Shegavehimadirectstare.“I’mnotgoingtoapologizeforinsistingyoutakeyourmeds.”Shetookinhisnarrowedgazeandswallowed.“Youshouldknowbetterthantogooutinthisweatherwithoutacap.”
“Iwasinkindofahurrythismorning.”KaneslidoutthetruckthenreappearedatthereardoorandunclippedDuke’sharness.“Yousee,Ihavethisdemandingbosswhohasmeworkingbeforesunup.IremovedmyhatwhenIdashedinforashowerbeforemakingherbreakfastandforgottoreplaceitbeforeIlefthome.Itwasmybad.”Heflashedherasmileandhiseyesdancedwithamusement.“Idoappreciateyourconcern,Jenna.Itmeansalottome.”
Shejumpeddownfromthetruckandmethimatthefrontdoor.“Demanding?Moi?”Shepushedopentheglassdoorsandwentinside.“Never.”
Jennadidn’twaitforKanetosecureDukeinWolfe’sofficeandheadedstraighttothemorgue.Sheremovedhercoatandhungitononeofthepegsinarowbesidethedoor,grabbedamaskandgloves,flashedhercardonthescanner,andmovedinside.Thesmellofdecayedfleshhitherassheglancedaroundtheroom.MonitorsheldX-raysandcrimescenephotographsinanarrayofhorror.Shestaredatthem,unabletorecognizethelocationofafewofthem.WhenWolfelookedupandhaltedtherecordingdevice,shenoddedtohim.“Sorrywe’relate.WehadtoattendacoupleofaccidentsonMain.There’sapatchofblackicethere.Whathavewegot,andwhereisthatcrimescene?Idon’trecognizeit.”
“It’snotoneofours,buttheStantonForestmurdershaveasimilaritytoacaseinButte.Emilydidasearchlastnighttoseeifwecouldfindapattern.Ihaveagutfeelingthesecasesarelinked.”WolfeglancedtowardthedoorasKaneentered.“Twomengunneddownandlefttorotatthesideoftheroad.”
Intrigued,Jennastudiedtheunfamiliarcrimescenephotographs.“Bothshotinthebackandthenhead.”
“You’dimaginetheshooterdroppedthemandthencameintofinishthematcloserange,butthisisn’tthecase.”WolfelookedatKane.“Ibelievethisshooterhaslefthissignaturebehind.”
“Areyoureferringtothefeatherswefoundatbothscenes?”Kanemovedclosertopeeratthebodyontheexaminationtable.
“Nope.Therewasn’tanymentionofafeather.Maybetheymissedit.”Wolfeusedaremotecontroltozoominonanautopsyimageofanothervictim.“Theangleoftheshotsisn’tconsistentwiththattheory.TheseinjuriesarethesameasParkerLouisandTimAddams.Whatdoyousee,Kane?”
“Fromthetrajectoryofthebullet,I’dsayshouldershot,andastheyfellafollow-uptothehead,sohefiredrapidshotsatthesamedistance.”KanemovedhisgazetoJenna.“Onevictimmightbeacoincidence,buttwoidenticalonesthattieuptovictimsinanothertownisasignaturemethodofkillingtome.Hecould’veeasilytakenthemdownwithaheadshot.Itwould’vebeenacleankill,andifheisahitman,oneshotandgetthehelloutofdodgeisusual.Thisindicatestomehewantedtoinflictmaximumpain.”HepointedtotheX-raysoftheStantonForestvictims.“Tosmashtheclaviclelikethattakesprecision.Thatinjuryisexcruciatinglypainful.”
Fascinated,JennaexaminedtheX-rays.“Withtheheadshotscomingsofast,thepainwouldn’thavelastedverylong,secondsatbest.Ithardlyseemssatisfyingenoughforapsychopath.”SheturnedtoKane.“We’veseenmanywhotorturetheirvictims,andaslowdeathfeedsthethrill.Whatkindofcrazyarewedealingwiththistime?”
“I’dliketohuntdownanyothermatchestothiscaseandmaybespeaktotheprofilersinvolvedbeforeImakeadecision.Yousee,thesecrimescoverbothendsofthespectrum.”Kanerubbedthebackofhisneck.“Wehavewhatlookslikeadefinitehit,likelypaid.So,sayweconsiderthat’sthereasonthekillerisintown.TheRobinsonmurderwasalmostclinical,butthenwehavethesetwo.”Hewavedahandtowardthevictims.“Thesearen’thits.Ifigureitwastheirunluckyday.Theypissedoffapsychopath.”
“Hmm.”JennaturnedtoEmily.“Howfardidyouextendthesearch?”
“Montana.IusedthenewspaperarchivesandfollowedupwithacalltoButtetoobtainthefiles.”EmilyshotahaughtylookatWolfe.“Idon’thaveclearancetosearchtheotherdatabases.”
Jennasmiledbehindhermask.“Don’tworry,it’sourjobtohuntdownsimilarcrimes.”SheturnedbacktoKane.“Sohowfarwouldahitmantravel?”
“Thatwoulddependonseveralfactors:isheafreelancerordoesheworkforaboss?”Kaneraisedbotheyebrows.“Hecouldbeacartelheavy,butunlessMr.Robinsonwasintodrugs,gambling,orpeople-smuggling,whichIdoubt,orhasbeensubpoenaedtotestifyagainstsomeone,I’dsayhe’safreelancer.”
TheenormityoftheproblemrestedheavilyonJenna’sshoulders.“Ifwefindsimilarmurders,we’llneedtoliaisewithotherlawenforcementdepartmentsandspeaktotheofficersonthosecases.”
Shecouldthinkofnothingworse.Dealingwithdifferentfilingsystemswasonething,butpeoplehadtheirownwayofinvestigatingcrimes;sure,theyfollowedprocedure,butonlyafewcouldmatchherteam,andsometimesitwasthesmallthingsthatpeoplemissedinaninvestigationthatcouldsolvethecase.
“AnyotherquestionsorshallIcontinue?”Wolfe’svoicejoltedheroutofherthoughts.
Jennashookherhead.“No,whatelsedidyoudiscover?”
“I’llsendyouafullreportoncethetoxicologyresultsareavailable,butasfarasIcandetermine,bothLouisandAddamswerehealthymenfortheirage.Causeofdeathinbothwasagunshotwoundtothehead.Again,bythesmallentrywound,thepermanentcavityexitwound,andbrainmatterspatteratthescene,wecansafelysayhollow-points,andfromthedamagesustained,I’dsaytheweaponwasarifle.”
JennapeeredatthebodyofTimAddams.“Whydotheshoulderexitwoundsdifferfromtheheadshots?Wouldthisindicatetwoshooters?”
“No.”WolfeclearedhisthroatasiftogetEmily’sandWebber’sattention.“We’retalkingaboutkineticenergy,orthesizeofabulletandhowfastittravelsbeforeithitsthetarget.Thedamageinflicteddependsonthetypeoftissueithits.Softtissueabsorbslessenergyfromtheprojectilesoallowsittopassthrough,causinglessdamage.Hardareas,likeskullsorbones,oftenabsorbmostoftheenergyandresultinthebulletcausingmassivedamage.”
“Butallwefoundwerefragmentsatthescene.Istherenothingwecanusetodoaballisticstest?”JennaglancedatKane,worriedthey’dmissedvitalevidence.“Surelyifthebulletswentthroughsofttissue,asyousay,we’dhavefoundatleastoneofthebulletsinsidethevictim.”
“I’mafraidnot.Thebullethitbonebeforeexiting.Softtissueabsorbsthekineticenergyandslowsdownthebullet,sotheyoftenremaininsidethebody.Ifahollowpointhitsbone,itincreasesthekineticenergy,whichmushroomsthebullet,spreadingthedamageandcausingapermanentcavityexitwound.IhavefragmentsfromtheRobinsoncaseandwhatwefoundattheStantonForestcrimescene.Wolfelookedather.“I’llexaminethemtoseeifthey’refromthesameweapon,butIdoubtit.Theshooterwouldn’thaveusedariflefortheRobinsonmurder,andfromthedamagetothetwointheforest,heusedarifletomakethedistanceatthatvelocity.Findmethekiller’sweapons,andI’llconductatestandseeifwehaveamatch.”
Easiersaidthandone.JennaturnedtoEmily.“CanyousendmetheButtecasefiles?We’llheadbacktotheofficeandseewhatelsewecanhuntdown.”
“I’lldoitnow.”Emilymovedtothecomputerandtappedawayatthekeyboard.“Done.”
“Okay.”WolfeturnedtoWebber.“YoucancloseupMr.Louisforme.Emily,I’llleaveMr.Addamstoyou.Whenyou’redone,takethetissuesamplestothelab.”Hepulledoffhisglovesandheadedforthedoor.“IneedtospeaktoDaveandJennainmyoffice.”
JennafollowedhimintothehallwaywithKaneonherheels.“Issomethingwrong?”
“Ihaveaverybadfeelingaboutthiskiller.”Wolfewavedahandtowardthemorguedoor.“I’veseenthisMObeforeandreadaboutsimilarcasesinotherstates.”Heledthewaytowardhisoffice.“IhaveacontactintheFBIwhoworkedoncasesinBaltimoreinvolvingthekillerleavingablackfeather,andIthinkyoushouldtalktoher.WiththeselasttwoandtheonesIuncovered,therehastobemore.We’retalkingaboutanextremelydangerousandactiveserialkillermovingfromstatetostate.Ifthisisthesameperson,we’llneedallthehelpwecanget.”
TWENTY-ONESNAKESKINGULLY,MONTANA
Exhausted,JoBlakedroppedintoherofficechairandpushedbothhandsthroughherhair.WhatamIdoinghere?Thetruthslappedherinthefaceandshepushedittooneside,unabletocopewithanymorestress.Asifmovinghomeswithherseven-year-olddaughterandsettingupanFBIfieldofficeinaremote,backwoodstowninMontanawasn’tenoughtodealwith,nowherphonewasringing.“SpecialAgentJoBlake.”
“Jo,it’sShaneWolfe.”
Jobrightened,stood,andwalkedintothemainoffice.“Nowthere’savoicefromthepast.LastIheard,you’dgivenupthegoodlifeandgoneintoforensicscience.Whereareyoulivingnow?”
“I’moutofBlackRockFalls,Montana,akaSerialKillerCentral.I’mthemedicalexaminerforhereandtheneighboringcounties.”Wolfeclearedhisthroat.“Wehaveafineprofilerhere,butifyouhavetime,couldIpickyourbrainsonacasethat’scomeourway?”
“Montana?Smallworldthat’swhereIamtoo.I’moutofSnakeskinGully.”Jo’svoiceechoedinthemassive,almostemptyroom.“Yeah,I’llbegladtohelpassoonasIgetsettled.Givemeacoupleofdays.Idon’thaveanystaffandhaven’tlocatedtheagentassignedtome.I’llputyouonspeakerbutdon’tworry,thisplaceislikeFortKnox.Theyusedtheoldfirehouse,soit’sahugebuildingandhasahelipadontheroof.Ievenhavemyownbirdbutnoonetoflyit.”
“What?WhydidyouleaveDC?”
ThesinkingfeelinginJo’sstomachlurchedagainandsheswallowedhardtopreventtheangerandremorsefromwellingupinsideher.“Longstory,butafteramessydivorce,thebosssentmetoheretosetupafieldoffice.I’mherewithJaime,andyou’llrememberClara,hernanny?”Shesighed.“Butenoughaboutme.Iwassosorrytohearaboutyourwife’spassing.Arethegirlscopingokay?”
“Thanks,andyesthey’refine.”
Jo’smindfilledwithmemoriesofahappyfamilyandamazingbarbecues.“Okay,whatdoyouneed?”
“DoyourecallthestringofunsolvedmurdersinandaroundBaltimore?”Wolfepausedabeat.“Thekillshadsimilarities,inparticularablackfeatherleftonscene,andyouthoughtthey’dbeencommittedbythesameperson?”
Jothoughtforamomentandnoddedtoherself.Thebrutalmurdersandtheirstrangetwistshadhermindworkingovertime.“Yes,Iremember.TheChameleonKiller.Ifoundsimilaritiesinmurdercasesinotherstatesaswell.Someofthemurdersresembledhitsandtheothersmorepersonal.He’shadmebaffledafewtimesbecausewe’reeitherlookingatthreeormorekillersorapersonwithavarietyofviolentpersonalitydisorders.Hemaybesufferingfromdissociativeidentitydisorder.He’sstilloutthere,wenevercaughthim.”
“Ithinkhemightbehere.”
Acoldchillseepedthroughherasifwarninghertostayaway.Imagestoohorrificforhermindtocomprehendblindsidedherforamomentbeforeshepulledherselftogether.“Sendmethefile.I’llseeifitmatchesanythingIhaveonfile.Ifthisisthesamekiller,I’llneedateamtoassistyoursheriff;rightnow,it’sjustme.”
“There’snorush.Wehaveanexcellentteamhere.JennaAltonhassolvedmanymurdercases,andshehasanex-militaryprofilerforadeputy.”Wolfesoundedproudofthepeopleheworkedalongside.“I’lltalktoher.Ifthisisthesameman,youknowhimbetterthanwedo.I’llsendouttoallagenciestocontactmeifanysimilarcaseshavehappenedintheirstate.Thiskillermaybespreadinghimselfwide.”
JogoogledBlackRockFallsonhercomputerandpeeredatthemap.“I’llgetbacktoyouassoonasI’vegoneoverthefilesandunpacked.”Sheblinkedattheremotetown,sittingsnuginthemountainrange.“I’vefoundyourlocation;it’salmostasremoteashere.Itmustbeatleastthreehours’driveaway.Ifit’sthesameman,Icangiveyouafewdays,butIcan’tbeawayfromhometoolong.We’vejustarrivedandJaimestartsathernewschoolinthemorning.She’stakenthedivorceprettyhard.”Shestoodandwanderedtothewindowoverlookingthelocalsheriff’sdepartment.
“Icanimagine.Annawentintoherselfforweeksafterhermomdied.Look,Idon’twanttoupsether.Wecanmakeavideocallifnecessary.TheroadsintoBlackRockFallsaren’tsafeforsomeonetravelingalone,andtheweatheroutherehasbeenunpredictable.”Wolfesoundedexhausted.“It’sabeautifultown,lovelypeople,butforsomereasonamagnetformurder.”
Jowalkedbackintoherofficeandsatdownbehindthedesk.Sheturnedthechippedmugonherdeskwiththewords“World’sBestMom”onthesideandselectedapenfromthestackinside.Sheaddednotestothelistofto-doitems.“Idon’tintendtodrivetherewiththefirstsnowforecast.ItwilldependonwhenIcangetsomeonetopilotthechopper.Ihaveanoff-the-gridoperativeoutinthewoods,Carter.Ihavethetasktogotellhimhe’snowbackonactiveduty.”
“Don’ttellmethey’veassignedTyCartertoworkwithyou?”Wolfesoundedastonished.
Jodroppedherheadintoherhands.“OhLord,pleasedon’ttellmehe’saproblem.”Shestaredathercellphonescreen.“Allhisjackettellsmeishe’sthirty-six,anex-NavySealturnedFBI.He’safirstresponderandspentfiveyearsinthecrimeinvestigationdivision.Topinhisfield.Helicopterpilotandarmsexpert.OnleaveforPTSDafterthreeinnocentkidsdiedduringaraidanddoesnotintendtoreturntoworkanytimesoon.”
“He’sgood—oneofthebestcrimeinvestigatorsaround.”Wolfeclearedhisthroat.“Well,hewasbeforehewentoffthegrid.Hehadafewfamilyproblemsaroundthattimetoo.Itmusthavebeensubstantialbecausehistrailkindarancoldaroundtwoyearsago.”Hepausedabeat.“Hewasinvolvedincybercrimeaswell.Doyouhaveanagenttocoverthatendofthings?”
“Allowmetoexplain.”Jorolledhereyes.“DoyourememberAlexisDavenport,theheadofmydepartment?”
“Oh,yeah.Shecomeswithawarning.”
“Johnwashavinganaffairwithherandgavehersomepersonalinformationonmethatcouldruinmycareer.”Jogrippedherhandssotightherknucklesached.“AlexiswantedmysignatureonthedivorcepapersandmeasfarawayfromWashington,DCaspossible.ShegavemeanultimatumandIhadtocomplyorenduppennilessonthestreet.Shegavemethemissionfromhell.I’minthebackwoodsoftheWildWestwithorderstoscratchupateamandsetaboutcreatinganFBICrimeSceneInvestigationgo-tofortheremotesheriff’sdepartments.”Sheforcedhervoicenottotremble.“Shegavemealistofpossiblestaffmembers—letmesee,shesuppliedmewiththree.Anofficeadministrator,alocalwhodidn’tshowthismorning,thenwehaveTyCarter.ThethirdisourcybersuperstarBlackHatHackerfromjuviturnedWhiteHatwiththetag‘TheUndertaker,’whoworksatthelocalcomputerstore.”Shesnorted.“So,myfriend,lifehereisjustpeachy.”
“Oh,Isee.You’llneedanME.Youcancallonmeifyoudon’thaveanyone.”
Jostraightenedinherchair.“Imightstealyou.Wehaveastate-of-the-artfacilityhere.OnethingIdidinsistonwasabuildingoutfittedwitheverythingweneed.Imustadmit,Alexisdidsupplymewiththebestequipment.Iguessshebelievedmyhusbandwasworthit.”
“Andwhatdoyouthink,Jo?”Wolfe’svoicesoothedhershatterednerves.
Forcingdowntheneedtolaughhystericallyatthewayherlifehaddisintegrated,shestaredatthephone.“Tobehonest,Ibelievetheydeserveeachother.Enoughaboutme.I’lllookoverthefilesandcallyouback.”
“Thanks,Jo.”Wolfedisconnected.
Jowaitedforthefilestoarriveandscannedthemquickly.Thefamiliarityofthecrimescenesmadeherstareintospacetryingtomakesenseofitall.TheChameleonKillerhadmovedintoBlackRockFalls.Sheshookherheadindisbelief.“Andsoitbegins.”
TWENTY-TWOSTANTONFOREST,BLACKROCKFALLS
AtohiBlackhawkstareddownattheunmistakabletopofaskullpokingoutfrombeneathawhitesnowberrybushandswallowedhard.Hetookafewstepsbackandthentookarollofyellowtapefromhispocketandmarkedthetallpinegrowingcloseby.HeturnedandwalkedbacktoBradKelly,steppingoverthecarefullyconstructedgridthey’dsearchedtirelessly.“Brad,I’vefoundsomething.”HegrippedBrad’sarm.“Don’tgooverthere,it’sbestwedon’tdisturbtheevidence.”
“Ineedtosee.”Bradstaredathim,eyeswildwithdistress,andpulledaway.
Atohiheldhiminabearhug.“No!Thereisnothingtosee.Actlikethesonsheknew—bestrongandbrave.”Underhisarms,Brad’smusclesrelaxed,andAtohisighedwithrelief.“It’soutofourhandsnow.ShaneWolfeisagoodman.Hewilltreatherwithrespect,youhavemyword.”
“HeknowsnothingofourwaysbutI’llagree.Wehavenochoice,dowe?”Bradshookhishead.“She’swhereIsawherinmydream.”Heturnedandpointedthroughthetrees.“Irememberrunningtowardthatrockandhearingthesoundofwater.”
Atohinodded.“Ifitisher,shewillresteasynow.We’lltakeherhome.”
“Ismybrotherwithher?”Brad’sheadturnedinthedirectionofthegrave.
Atohigavehimashake.“Idon’tknow.Thereisonlyonebone.Itmaynotevenbeheroryourbrother.We’llhavetowaitandsee.”Hewavedoveroneofhisfriends.“TakeBradbacktocampandwaitforme.I’llcontactShaneandhe’llbeabletogiveusmoreinformation.”HetookouthisphoneandfoundWolfe’snumber.
“Okay.”Bradturnedaway,shouldershunched.
“Shane,it’sAtohi.”Atohiwalkedbacktothegravesite.“I’vefoundaskull.I’llsendyouthecoordinates.Whencanyougethere?”
“Areyousureit’shuman?”Wolfesoundedbusy,andAtohicouldhearothervoicesinthebackground.
“Yeah,thetoppartofthecraniumisvisibleandpartofbotheyesockets.I’vemarkedtheareabutnooneelsehasdisturbedthescene.”AtohiglancedatBradsittingonalog,drinkingsomethingfromacup,andsighed.“Bradisconcernedshewon’tberespected,butI’veexplained.Heseemsokaynow.”
“Heledyourighttothespot?”Wolfesoundedskeptical.
Atohistaredatthegrave.“No,thegeneralarea.Herecalledlandmarks.Wesearchedanareabackfromastreamherememberedfromthenighthisfatherkilledher.Wedidagridsearchandsplitup.Ipulledtheluckystraw.”
“I’llcometakealooktoconfirm.ThenallIcandoissecuretheremains.We’llneedaforensicanthropologyteamtorecoverthebodyandanyevidenceleftbehind.IhaveafriendinHelena;I’llhavehercomedown.”Wolfeclearedhisthroat.“It’slikelythekillerburiedbothvictimstogetherinashallowgrave.Itwouldbebetterifyourfriendwasn’tpresent.”
Atohistaredintothedistance.“Hewon’tagree.Ifigure,he’llcampouthereuntilhe’ssureshe’ssafe.Hesaidhe’sbeenhavingdreams.I’mnotsurehowstableheis.I’veknownhimforalongtimeandhe’schanged.It’sasifrememberingwhathappenedhassenthimalittlecrazy.”
“I’mnotsurprised—itwouldhavebeenashock.”Shane’svoicewasmuffledashespoketosomeoneelse.“Ah,sorry,I’vejustaskedEmilytocallJennaandexplain.I’llleavenowandbethereassoonaspossible.Howfarareyoufromthehighway?”
“Notfaratall.Onlyafewhundredyards.You’llseeourtrucksparkedalongsidetheforest.I’llsendJennathecoordinatesaswell.”AtohiturnedtoseeBradstaringathim.Hegavehimanod.
“I’monmyway.”Wolfedisconnected.
TWENTY-THREE
ThewindbuffetedJennaasshemadeherwayalongMaintothebeautysalon.Theicehadmeltedandthedampsidewalkglistenedinthesunshine.Thecoldairblowingfromthesnow-cappedmountainsrisinginthedistanceheldthepromiseofsnowandyetnotacloudmarkedthebrilliantbluesky.ShelovedthisaboutBlackRockFalls.Nomatterwhathappenedinhertownorhowlousyshefelt,thescenerymadeeverydayworthliving.Shenoddedtothetownsfolkasshepassedbyandallgreetedherasafriend.Yes,lifeinthistownwasspecial.
Thebeautyparlorwasbusyasusual,andagirlcametothecountertogreether.Jennawrinkledhernoseattheconfectionofchemicalsmellsaccostingherandsmiled.“I’dliketospeaktoAnn.”
“She’sjustfinishingupwithaclient.”Thegirlwavedtoarowofchairs.“Takeaseat,shewon’tbelong.”
Jennaglancedatherwatch.TheautopsieshadtakenlongerthanexpectedandshewantedtocatchCliffYoungandKylerHallattheskiresortsitethisafternoon.Tosavetime,KanehadgonebyAuntBetty’stograblunch.Theycouldeatontheway.HerphonechimedandshefrownedatthecallerID.“Hi,Em,what’sup?”
AfterEmilyexplainedaboutAtohiBlackhawk’scall,Jennaleanedbackinherchairandhershouldersslumped.She’dneedanotherteamofdeputiestohandlethecurrentcaseload.“Okay,tellyourdadwe’llbethereassoonasI’vefinishedaninterview.”SheglancedupasAnnwalkedtowardher,usheringaclienttowardthecounter.“Ah,Ann,isthereaplacewecantalk?”
“Sure,comeinhere.”Sheledthewayintoasmallkitchenette.“Hastherebeenacomplaint?Ifso,youneedtospeaktotheowner.Ijustworkhere.”
Jennashookherhead.“No,IneedtotalkaboutLucasRobinson.”Shewaitedforareaction.Itwasn’twhatsheexpected.Thegirl’sexpressionwasbelligerent.“Youdoknowhim,don’tyou?”
“It’shiswifecausingtrouble,isn’tit,sendingyouaroundtomyworkplacetogetmefired?”Ann’shandswenttoherhips.“Hetoldmeshewasn’ttoohappywhenheaskedherforadivorce.Hesaidwehadtocoolthingsforawhileuntilhemovedhisassetsintoaplacewhereshecouldn’tgettothem.Theyhaven’tsleptinthesameroomforoverayear.”
Interesting.Jennatookouthernotebookandmadenotes.“WhendidyoulastseeMr.Robinson?”
“Sundaymorning.”Anngiggled.“Hetoldhiswifehewasgoingtochurch.”
Jennaraisedoneeyebrow.“Andhowlonghasyourrelationshipbeengoingon?”
“Aboutthreemonths.”Annmethergaze.“We’reinlove.”
“YouwereseeingCliffYoungbeforehim,isthatcorrect?”Jennaglancedathernotes.
“Yeah.”Anntwirledastrandofherhair.“Hewasn’trealhappywhenIbrokeitoffwithhim.”
“Youbettersitdown.”Jennapulledoutachairandwaitedforhertosit.“LucasRobinsonisdead.Someonebrokeintohishomeandshothim.”
“OhmyGod!”Annfollowedahorrifiedexpressionandrapidbreathingbyawailthatbroughtpeoplerunning.
Jennastoppedtheowneratthedoorandquicklyexplained.Shereturnedtothekitchenette,pouredAnnaglassofwater,andthensatoppositeher,sotheirkneeswerealmosttouching.“Ann,didLucasevermentionanyonewhomightwanttoharmhim?Washeworriedatall?”
“Nooooo.”Annliftedatear-streakedface.“Onlyhiswife.Shedidn’tunderstandhim.”
Notabletokeepthetruthfromthisdistraughtyoungwoman,sheleanedforwardandsqueezedhershoulder.“Lucaswasknowntohaveseveralgirlfriends.”Shetookinthegirl’sastonishedface.“Menwhohaveaffairsusuallytelltheirgirlfriendsthey’releavingtheirwife.Hiswifedidn’thaveanargumentwithhim,andhediedinthebedbesideher.”Shesighed.“Askanyoneheworkedwith;itwascommonknowledge.That’showIfoundyou.”
“Hewasjustusingme?”Ann’seyesroundedinsurprise.“Thepig.”
“There’soneveryimportantthingIneedtoknow.”Jennausedhermostcomfortingvoice.“You’renotintroublebutIhavetoeliminatesomethingimportant.DidyouhappentobiteMr.Robinsoninthelastfewdays?”
“OhGod.”Annlookedhorrified.“That’showhiswifefoundout,isn’tit?Yes,thatwasme—wewerefoolingaroundanditgotoutofhandisall.”
“Idon’tknowifhiswifeknewabouthisaffairs.”Jennastoodandclosedhernotepad.“That’sallfornow,Ann.I’msorryforyourloss.”Shehandedthegirlhercard.“Ifyouthinkofanythingatall,anyonehementionedwhomighthaveagrievanceagainsthim,callme.”Sheheadedforthedoor,leavingthestunnedgirlstaringafterher.
Asshesteppedontothesidewalk,Kanepulleduptothecurbandshejumpedinside.“Greattiming.”
“DidshehaveanyideawhomighthavekilledRobinson?”Kanewaitedasatruckcarryingpigsdroveby,andthenheturnedtowardStantonForest.
Jennashookherhead.“No,shehadnoideahe’ddied.IhadacallfromEmily:Atohifoundbonesintheforest.Wolfeisonhisway.We’llhelpsecurethesceneandhopewegettotheskiresortbeforeHallandYoungleavefortheday.”Shesighed.“That’sassumingtheywenttoworktodayandaren’thalfwaytoCanadabynow.”
“DidWolfementionthenameoftheFBIagenthewantedtocallaboutthemurders?”Kanereachedblindlyintothebagofsandwichesonhislap.
“No,Ihaven’tspokentohimsincetheautopsy.”Jennaopenedthetakeoutbagandpeekedinside.“Areyouworrieditmightbesomeoneyouknow?”
“Notreally.”Kaneshrugged.“WhenAgentJoshMartindroppedbyafewmonthsagotoassistwiththemissinggirlscase,hedidn’trecognizeme,andI’veworkedalongsidehim,soIbelieveI’msafe.”Hefrowned.“I’mwonderingwhoitis,isall.”
AstheydrovealongStanton,Jennacouldseeseveraltrucksparkedoff-roadattheedgeoftheforest,andWolfe’swhitevanwiththeMedicalExaminerdecalontheside.“We’llbeabletoaskhimsoon.”AsKanepulledinbehindthevan,Jennapushedthelastofthesandwichintohermouthandgrabbedherto-gocupofcoffee.“Oh,good,hehasn’tleftyet.”Shehurriedtothevan.
“Jenna,Dave.”Wolfeclimbedfromthevan,grippinghisGPSinonehand.“Thegraveisabouttwohundredyardsinthatdirection.”Hepointedintotheforest.“Iguesswetakethistrailandseewhereitleadsus.”Headjustedhisbackpackandledthewaythroughthetrees.
Jennafollowedbehindhim.“DidyouspeaktoyourFBIcontact?”
“Yeah,JoBlake.”Wolfeduckedunderalow-hangingbranch.“She’swillingtolookatthefilesatleast.She’sopeningabranchofficeinSnakeskinGully.That’sasmalltowntuckedintheshadowofthesamemountainrangeasBlackRockFalls,butit’satleastathree-hourdrivefromhere.”
“Whenwashermostrecentcase?”Kanecrunchedthroughtheundergrowth,pushinglowpineboughsaway.
“ThesameyearasIarrivedhere.”Wolfetrudgedon,checkinghisGPS.“Shehandledtheprofilingofasadistickillerandfoundherselftiedupinknotsbecauseofthevariantsineachkill.”
Jennafrowned.ShehadKane,whywouldsheneedanotherprofiler?“WhatmakesJoBlakesospecial?”
“ShewasthebehavioralanalystfortheFBI’sCSIoutofDCandhasareputationforbeingoneofthebestprofilersinthebusiness.”Wolfeglancedoveroneshoulder.“It’snotherexpertiseweneed,it’sherknowledgeofthekiller.Fromtheoldcasefiles,Istudied,ourcurrentkillermightbethesameman.Thereisasimilaritywecan’tignore.”
“Andthatis?”KanemovedbesideJennaasthetrailwidened.
“Theswitchfromhittopersonal.”Wolfestoppedwalkingandturnedtofacethem.“Johadatheory.ThekillershewashuntingdowninBaltimorewasnotonlyexhibitingcriminalpsychopathybutwasperhapssufferingfromdissociativeidentitydisorderaswell.Hekilledwithalmostclinicalprecisiononeday,likeahit,andthenexthe’dmessupthevictim;withsomehe’dbehorrendouslycruel.Hedidn’thaveapreferencefortypeorgender,andJocouldn’tpinhimdown.”
ItwasobvioustoJennathatbothmenunderstoodtheconversation.Sheheldupahand.“Justaminute,youlostmeat‘exhibiting.’Whatisdissociativeidentitydisorder?”Shesighed.“InplainEnglish.”
“Oh,sorry,Jenna.”Kanefrowned.“You’dknowitbytheterm‘splitpersonality.’Overthelastfewyears,newandlessdemeaningtermshavebeenusedforpatients.”Hemethergaze.“Ifindithardkeepingupmyself.”
Jennasnorted.“Asif,yournoseisalwaysstuckinabook.”Sheglancedahead.“Howmuchfurther?”
“Fromthetrampledundergrowth,I’dsaytheywentoffthetrailjustahead.”Wolfetooktheleadagain.
“Nowyouknowthatinformation,dowereallyneedanFBIagentontheteam?”JennalookedatKane,wonderingwhatwasgoingthroughhismind.“Wouldn’tyoubesteppingoneachother’stoes?”
“Idon’tthinkso.I’masniperwhostudiedprofiling;sheisabehavioralanalyst.Sheiswayaboveme.”Kaneshrugged.“I’dbeabletolearnfromher,muchlikeWolfelearnsfromhisforensicanthropologistfriend.”
“What’sshelike?”Jennawrinkledhernoseatthesmellofbearscat.“Someoftheseprofessionaltypescanbeunbearable.”
“NotJo.”Wolfeturnedtolookather.“Shespeakshermindandjumpsinbootsandall.Herjobandherdaughterareherlife.”
Jennawinced.“Ihopenotinthatorder.So,she’sunattached?”
“Divorced.Thinkonit,Jenna,andI’llcontactheragainifyou’reinterestedinbringingherinonthecase.”Wolfemovedonthroughthetrees.“Ah,IseeAtohi.Hehasagroupofpeoplewithhim.”
Afterexchangingpleasantries,JennafollowedasAtohimovedawayfromthesmallclearingtoanareamarkedoffingridswithyellowtape.Ahead,Wolfeheldupahandandtheyallstopped,formingahalf-circle.“Whatcanyousee?”
“Humanskull.”Wolfetookabrushfromhispocketandcroucheddown.Withgentlecarehebrushedsoilfromtheroundedskull.“It’sbeenexposedforsometime.Ithasmossgrowingoverit.I’msurprisednoonehasdiscovereditbeforenow.”HeflickedJennaaconcernedglance.“Substantialheadtrauma.I’llhavetocallinaforensicanthropologist—you’llrememberDr.JillBatesfromHelena?”
Jennanodded.“Okay,we’llsecurethesceneandinformtheforestwardens.They’vealreadypostednoticessayingthereisanarchaeologydigtakingplaceinthisarea,sowithluckwemightbeabletokeeppeopleaway.”
“Noneed.”Atohitouchedherarm.“Therewillbetwoofuscampingcloseby.Sheisfamilyandwedon’tfearherspirit.”
“Secureawideboundary.”Wolfepulledouthiscellphoneandwalkedsomedistanceaway,disappearingbehindbushes.
Jenna,Kane,andAtohisoonhadtheareaenclosedwithcrimescenetape.Checkingherwatchagain,shewaitedimpatientlyforWolfetoreturn.“Weneedtoleavenowifwe’replanningonspeakingtoYoungandHall.”
“We’llmakeit.”Kanecheckedhisownwatch.“Here’sWolfenow.”
“Jillwillbehereinthemorningbychopperwithherteam.She’llneedaccommodationandtransportforsix.CanyougetMaggietoarrangethatforme,please?”WolferaisedbothbrowsashelookedatJenna.“I’llleaveeverythingtoJill.She’llbeabletouseoneofmylabsfortheremainsandthengiveusareport.”Hesighed.“I’llhavetogetbacktothelab.Ihaven’tfinishedmyinvestigationsintothecaseswehavealready.”
JennanoddedandturnedtoAtohi.“HowisBradhandlingallthis?”
“DisturbedbutIthinkrelieved.”Atohismiledather.“Don’tworry,goonyourway,I’llmakesurenoonedisturbsanything.”
“Thanks.”Jennaturnedtotheothers.“Let’sgo.”
“Disturbed,huh?”Kaneglancedatherastheyfollowedthepathbacktotheirvehicles.“MaybeweneedtolookalittlecloseratBradKelly.”
TWENTY-FOUR
Kaneacceleratedalongthehighway,lightsflashingandsirensblaring.Itwasgoodtobeabletodrivehistruckfastontheopenroad,andthewayhisengineroaredmadehimsmile.ThedrivealongsideStantonForestandhighintothemountainswasoneofhisfavorites.Itwasalmostlikeflyingastheygainedaltitudeatspeed.Allgoodthingsmustcometoanend,andheslowed,turnedoffthelightsandsirens,andthentookthenewoff-rampleadingtotheskiresort.
Themayor’svisionforawintertouristboomwasworkingwell.WideroadssnakedtheirwaytothetopofBlackRockMountainandgavespectacularpanoramicviewsoftheforestasfarastheeyecouldsee.Thesnow-coveredmountainofferedanaturalarrayofskirunswithoutdestroyingthebeautyofthearea.Sowellconcealed,eventheskiliftsdidn’tspoiltheviews.Surprisedbytheinterestandinvestmentscominginbythedozen,themayorhadcommissionedanothertencabins.He’dsettheminalittlepicturesquevillagewithinwalkingdistanceofthemainlodge.ItseemedsincethepopularityoftheWhiteWaterRapidsPark,everyonewantedashareintheprosperityofthetown.
Truckslitteredtheroadalongsidedumpstersfilledwithdiscardedbuildingmaterials,andradiosblaredfromthesmallcabinslikeabadlytunedorchestra.Heturnedintothevillageandparkedoutfrontofthesitemanager’strailer.“Iguessweshouldstarthere.”
“Okay.”Jennapulledouthernotebookandgavehimasternlook.“It’sfreezingoutthere.AreyouwearingthethickcapIgotforyou?”
Kanesmiledather.“Ineverleavehomewithoutit.”Hepulledthecapdownoverhisearsandclimbedout.
ThecoldblastofwindmadehiseyeswaterashehurriedintothetrailerwithJennahotonhisheels.Theysteppedinsideatemporaryconstruction,deskswithcomputersandpaperseverywhere.Fromthearrayofequipmenton-site,thebuildingworkemployedmanydifferenttrades.He’dmetthelargemansittingatthemaindeskbehindasignsaying“manager”onhislastvisit.Wearingahuntingcaplinedwithsheepskinandglassesrestingontheendofhisnose,helookedupcuriouslyastheyentered.Kanenoddedtohim.“SidGlover,thisisSheriffAlton.We’relookingforKylerHallandCliffYoung.Aretheyworkingtoday?”
“Justamoment.”Gloverhammeredonhiskeyboardandranhisfingerdownthescreen.“Yeah,they’reworkingonnumbersix.”Henarrowedhisgaze.“Notinanytrouble,arethey?Idon’twantanycriminalsonmysite.”
“Notthatwe’reaware.”Jennasteppedforward.“Havetheybeenworkingherelong?”
Themanusedthekeyboardandnodded.“Yeah,accordingtothepayroll,sincetheprojectstarted,overayearnow.”
“Andyetyouactedasifyoudidn’tknowthemwhenmydeputyaskedyou.”Jennapressedonehandflatonhisdeskandglaredathimwithanintimidatingstare.“Whyisthat?”
“Oh,Iknowthem.”Themanagerwavedahandasiftoincludeallaroundhim.“Ijustdon’tknowwhereeachindividualmanisatagiventime.Wehavetwohundredmenworkinghereinavarietyofcrews.Ican’tkeeptrackofalloftheminmyhead.”
“Okay,whataretheirusualhours?”Jennamadenotes.
“Ah,anytimebetweendaylightanddusk.”Themanagersmiled.“It’scontractworkhereforthemostpart,andcrewsworklongerhours.Thefastertheywork,themoretheygetpaid.”
“Isthatusualforthistypeofwork?”Jennastraightened.
“It’susualpracticeformostbuildingworkthesedays.Wehaveaprojectmanagerwhoarrangesfortradestocomeanddothework;it’snotlikeaplantwherepeopleareemployedbythefirm.”
“Pointusinthedirectionofnumbersix.”Jennaheadedforthedoor.
“Firstright,halfwaydownontheleft.Thenumbersareoutside.”Themanagerleanedbackinhisseat.“Youcan’tmissit.”
Kanefollowedherout.“Thanks.”
“We’lldrive,thewindiscrueluphere.”Jennaclimbedintothetruck.“Ihadtheweirdestfeelingthemanagerwashidingsomething;heseemeddistractedsomehow.Didyounoticethewayhiseyeskeptflickingtothedoor?”
Kanenoddedanddrovetheshortwaytonumbersix.“Ididn’tseeanyonehangingaround.Hegaveyoutheinformationyouaskedfor,Ifiguredhewascooperating.”Hepulledupbesideatruckloadedwithavarietyofwaste.“Whoeverownsthetruckdoesn’ttaketoomuchprideinkeepingitnice.”
“Maybetheydon’thavetime,workingallhours.”Jennaslidfromtheseatandheadedtothedoor,swinginghersmallforensicskitoveroneshoulderbeforeKanehadtimetounclipDukeandlethimdown.
Kanestartedafterher,andDukeboundedoff,tailwaggingandearspushedbackflatagainsthisheadbythewind.Thedogwasn’tlettingJennaoutofhissight.Kanescratchedhischin.What’swrongwithhim?Istheresomeonehereweshouldknowabout?
Hemadeittothefrontdoorofthecabininlongstrides,scanningtheareainalldirections,butnothingseemedsuspicious.Menmovedinandoutofunfinishedcabins,andthecacophonyofdifferenttunessurroundedhim.Insidethecabin,Jennawaitedforamanusinganailguntostopwhathewasdoing.Kanemovedtoherside,andthemanraisedhisheadandstartedatthesightofthem.ThenailgunroseinhishandandKaneinstinctivelydrewhisweapon.Agas-drivennailguncouldbelethal.AsJennasteppedcloser,Duke’shacklesroseandhegaveanuncharacteristicgrowlandshowedhisteeth.
“Aimthatsomeplaceelse.”Jenna’svoicesoundedloudintheemptyroom.“Infact,layitdownonthecounteroverthere.What’syourname?”
“CliffYoung,ma’am.”Heturnedawayandplacedthetoolonthecounter.“Isthereaproblem,Sheriff?”
“Where’syourfriend?”Kaneholsteredhisweapon,noticingtheconcerninYoung’seyes.
“I’mhere.”Amaninhislatetwenties,tallandmuscular,walkedoutfromanotherroom.“I’mKylerHall.Whatdoyouwantwithme?”
“IhearyouwereinafightwithParkerLouisandTimAddamsattheTripleZBaronSaturdaynight.”Jennaliftedherchinandstoodherground.Itwasobviousthisman’sshowofhostilityhadn’tfazedher.“Wehavereasontobelieveyouwereallinvolvedinarackettostealappliancesfromthesite.”Shenarrowedhergazeathisarrogantbarkoflaughter.
“Nah,itwasn’taboutanythingofthesort.”Hallgaveheraninsolentgrin.“Itwasoverawoman.We’dallhadtoomuchtodrink.”HelookedatKaneandwinked.“Youknowhowitis?Thingsgotnasty.Ihadtoputthoseboysdowntoteachthemalesson.”
Kanemethisgaze.“AreyouadmittingtoshootingLouisandAddams?”
“What?”HallgaveYounganastonishedlookandswallowedhard.“No!Idon’tknownothingaboutnomurders.”
“CanyouaccountforyourmovementsonWednesdaymorningbetweendaybreakandeleven?”Jennaopenedhernotepad.
“Justaminute.”Young’sAdam’sapplebobbedasheswallowed.“Doweneedalawyer?”
“I’mnotarrestingyou.”JennapassedameaningfullookatKane.“I’mheretohuntdownsuspectsinashootingincident,andifyoupulledthetrigger,I’dsay‘yes.’Asyouhavesomeconcerns,we’llmakeitofficial.”SheglancedatKane.“Readthemtheirrights.”
“Wedidn’tkillanyone.”Hallstraightenedasifregainingcontrol.“Weshareahouse.WehadbreakfasttogetheronWednesdaymorningandthenheadedherebeforeseven.Weleftherearoundfour.”
Kanefrownedattheirresponses.They’dnotinformedthemeithermanhaddiedandyetHallandYounghadmentionedmurderandkilling.Hereadthemtheirrights,andwhentheyrefusedlegalrepresentation,hemovedonwiththequestioning.“Doyouliveintown?”
“Yeah,onLake.”Hallleanedagainstthecounter,histoolbeltscrapingagainstthegranitetop.
Therewasonlyonewayoutoftowntothehighway,andthatputbothmenintheareaatthetimeofdeath.“ThenwhattimedidyouhitStantonRoad,anddoyourecallanyothervehiclespassingby?”
“LakerunsintoStantonsoaroundseven,Iguess.”HallglancedatJenna.“Ihadtroubleseeingafewfeetinfrontofme.Athickmistwascominginfromtheforest.SomevehiclespassedusbutIdon’trememberanythingaboutthematall.”
“Okay.”Jennanodded.“Whatdoyoucarryinyourtruckforprotection?Imean,workinguphere,youcan’tbetoocareful,canyou?”
“There’sashotgunonarackinthecab.”Hallshrugged.“Mostguyscarryoneuphere.”
“Andwhenwasthelasttimeeitherofyoufiredaweapon?”Jennaslippedhersmallforensicskitfromoneshoulder.
“Notforaboutthreemonths—wewenttothepracticerange.”Youngmovedaroundrestlessly.“Wedidn’tshootnoone.”
“Thenyou’llagreetoagunshotresidueswab?”Jennaopenedthekitandlookedatthemexpectantly.
“Noway.”Hallgrippedhisfriendbytheshoulder.“They’relookingtoblamesomeone.Weneedtohavethisdonelegal.We’renotansweringanymorequestions,wewantalawyer.Youhavetoprovideonefreeofcharge,wedon’thaveanymoney.”
Dammit.Kanesighed.TheyneededinformationabouttheirinvolvementwithRobinson.Bothmenhadanaxtogrind,andnowthey’dhavetopullthemininforquestioning.HerolledhiseyesatJennaandshesprangintoaction.
“Fine,thengetyourgeartogether.Iwantyoubackatthesheriff’sdepartmentforquestioning.”Jennalookedfromonetotheother.“I’mgivingyouabreakbyallowingyoutodrivebacktotown,butifyoutakeoffordoanythingstupid,trustmeyouwon’tliketheconsequences.”Sheglaredatthem.“I’llcallyoualawyerandhavehimmeetus.We’llwaitforyououtside.”SheheadedthroughthedoorandleanedagainstKane’struck.Ahugepuffofsteamcamefromhermouthasshesighed.“Isuremisjudgedthem.Ithoughtthey’dwelcomeagunshotresiduetesttocleartheirnames.”
KanewhistledDuketohissideandliftedhiminsidethetruck.Oncehehadthedogsecuredinhisharness,helookedather.“They’vetippedtheirhand.Wenevermentionedanyonewasdead;it’saprettybigassumption.Dukedidn’tlikethemeither.I’veneverseenhimbecomeaggressivebeforetoday.”
“MaybeweshouldgivehimthescentofthevictimsandseehowhereactstoHallandYoungthen?”Jennathrewherarmsupintheair.“That’snotconclusiveeither;weknowtheywereinafight.”
Kanewatchedthemenpacktheirtruckandclimbinside.“Thisisgoingtobeinteresting.Whydidn’tyoujustcuffthemandtakethemin?”
“Well,they’llhaveCrossfortheirlawyer,andatthisstageoftheinvestigationIdon’twanttogivehimanyexcusetoundermineme.”Sheclimbedintothetruck.“Thisway,itappearstheyagreedtocomeinforaninterview.”Sheturnedtolookathim.“Betweenyouandme,Ithinkthey’reasguiltyashell.”
TWENTY-FIVE
Rattleddidn’tcomeclosetothewaySamuelJ.Cross,thelocallawyer,madeJennafeel.Themandressedlikeacowboy,straightfromtherodeocircuit,butthecasuallookwasdeceiving.SamCrosswasassmartasawhipandsheneededtobeonhertoeswithhim.Shepeeledoffhercoatandhungitonthepeginheroffice,andnoticedDukehadstucktoherlikegluesincetheencounterattheskiresort.ThedogusuallywenttovisitMaggieatthefrontcounter,lookingforsnacks,andwouldlieunderherdeskinabasketoratKane’sfeetmostofthetime.Itwasunusualforhimtobesoprotective,andthegrowlingandteeth-showingwasoutofcharacter.Jennapattedhimonthehead.“Canyoufeelmyresentmenttowardthelawyer?Don’tworry,hewon’thurtme.Whilehe’stalkingtohisclients,whydon’twegoseehowthehandymanisdoinginthebasement?”
Shewalkedthroughtheofficeandtookthestepsdowntothebasement.Onedoorledtotheevidencelocker,asecuredarea,andasecond,currentlyopen,ledtothefurnaceandastoragearea.ShemovedtothedoorandDukebarked,makingherjump.ThedogrushedforwardandJennaraisedhervoice.“Downboy.”
Inside,TomDicksondroppedthestackofoldpapershe’dbeencarryingandstaggeredback.JennagrabbedDuke’scollarandinstructedhimtosit.ShelookedatDickson’sface.Hewasanold,wrinkledmountainmanwithnohintofcompassioninhishardgaze.“I’msorry,I’mnotsurewhat’sgottenintohimtoday.”
“Dogsarenothingbuttrouble.”Dicksonraisedhisgazetoherandbenttopickupthepapers.
Jennaignoredhiscomment.So,hewasn’tadog-lover;itmadenodifferencetoher.Sheconsideredhimforamoment.Helookedsodownonhisluck,shewantedtohelphiminanywayshecould.
“Istheresomethingelseyouwantedmetodo,ma’am?”Dicksondroppedthepapersintoacartonandstraightened.Hepressedaglovedfisttohisbackandgroaned.“Sorry,myarthritisplaysupsomethingfierceinthewinter.”
Jennashookherhead.“No,Iwasjustcheckingonhowyouweregoingdownhere.”
Rowleyhadofferedhimaday’sworkovertheweekend,buthereallyneededsomethingelsenow.Shesearchedherbrainforajobforhimtodo.“Ifyoucancomebymyranchfirstthinginthemorning,itwouldbeagreathelpifyoucouldmakesomeroominmybarn.Ihavethewinterfeeddeliveryduesoon.I’dplannedtohelpKaneovertheweekend,butwe’resnowedunderrightnowandIneedtobehere.”
“Youwon’tbethere?”Dicksonfrowned.
“No,butthehouseandcottageareunderCCTVsurveillance.”Jennashrugged.“Ifyouentertheperimeterofthehouseorcottage,you’llrisksettingoffthealarmsystem.Solongasyouavoidthoseareas,you’llbefine.”
“I’llbetherebyseven.”Dicksonbenttopickupmorepapers.“Aslongasthatmuttisn’trunningloose.”
Jennaheadedforthedoor.“No,he’llbeleavingwithme.Justremember,bringeverythingyouneedwithyoubecauseonceyouleavetheperimeteroftheranch,youwon’tbeabletogetbackinsidewithouttrippingthealarm.I’llbehappytoleaveyousomelunch.”SheranupthestepswithDukeonherheelsTimetofaceSamCross.
ShemadeherwaytotheinterviewroomsandfoundKanesittingoutside,sippingacupofcoffee.“Thisseemslikeawasteofyourtime—shouldn’tyoubechasingdownacourtorderforMrs.Robinson’sbankaccountdetails?”
“Crosssaidhisclientswouldbereadytotalkatanytimenow,soasyou’dgonemissing,IthoughtI’dwaithere.”Kaneliftedasecondto-gocupfrombesidehischairandhandedittoher.“Rowleyhastakenthepaperworkovertothecourthouseandalthoughtheprobablecauseisvague,wemightbelucky.”
Jennasatdownbesidehiminthecrampedalcoveandsippedthecoffee.“Hmm,seemstomeitwascommonknowledgeLucasRobinsonwashavingaffairsforsometime.Ifindithardtobelievethewifewasthatna?ve.We’llgoandspeaktoheragainassoonasthedoctorshavefinishedtheirevaluationofherstateofmind.I’mstillconvincedthere’salinktoherthatwe’vemissed,andsheisleft-handedlikethekiller.”Shesmiledathim.“I’veaskedTomDickson,thehandymanworkinginthebasement,todropbyinthemorning.That’swhereIvanishedto.He’sgoingtoreorganizethebarnbeforethewintersuppliesaredelivered.”
“Youplanningonleavinghimtherewhilewe’reout?”Kanefrownedatherandshookhishead.“Youdon’tknowhimfromAdam.”
“No,butwhatcouldthatoldmanpossiblydo?”Jennasighedinfrustration.Shehadtobelievepeoplewereinherentlygood.“Wehaveasecurityfieldaroundthehouses.Ifhesomuchasmovesinsidetheperimeter,we’llknow.Hecan’taccessthesaferoom,andtherestofthebarnholdsfeedandstables.Nothingtosteal.He’sworkedherewithoutaproblem,kepttohimselfandnotwanderedaround.He’sgoingtobetherebyseven,sowe’llsethimtoworkandleave.”Shecouldseehewasunconvinced.“I’llputhislunchintheoldrefrigeratorsohedoesn’thavetoleaveduringtheday;he’llbefine.”
“Okay.You’remakinghimlunchaswell?”Kanegaveanagitatedrollofhisshoulders.“Youplanningoninvitinghimtodinnertoo?”HeindicatedtoDuke,whowasleaningagainstherleg.“Dukeisagitated,hasbeensincewestartedworkingthiscase.Hewon’tletyououtofhissight.”
Jennalaughedathissourexpression.“He’sgettinglikeyou,overprotective.Ifyourecall,DukebecameaggressivewhenwespoketoHallandYoung.Theyposedathreattomeandhesenseditisall.”ShepattedDukeonthehead.“AlthoughhedidfrightenDicksonenoughtomakehimdropthepapershewascarrying.”
“Hedidwhat?”Kanechuckled.“Really?”
BeforeJennacouldexplain,thelightflashedoutsidetheinterviewroom,indicatingSamCrosshadconcludedhisinterview.SheglancedatKane.“That’sonedown.”
“Nope,two.”Kanethrewhisto-gocupintoanearbytrashcanandstood.“Hedidn’tspendmorethanafewminuteswithYoung.MostofhistimehasbeenwithHall.”
JennaswallowedhercoffeeandtossedthecupbesideKane’s.“Okay,I’lltaketheleadandyouobserveunlessyouhaveanyofyourownquestions.”
“Okay.”Kanestretchedandhislongfingerstouchedtheceiling.HebenttopatDukeonthehead.“Stayhere,goodboy.”Heswipedhiscardandtheyenteredtheinterviewroom.
JennanoddedatSamCross.“Afternoon,Sam.Isyourclientwillingtoanswerafewquestions?”
“Yeah,withinreason,butI’mstatingfortherecordneitherhenorMr.YoungwereinvolvedintheshootinginStantonForest.”CrossnoddedatKane.“DeputyKane.”
“Cross.”Kanenoddedandsatdown.“I’llstarttherecording.”Hegavethedateandtime,andeveryoneintheroomstatedtheirnames.
JennalaidhernotebookonthetableandsatoppositeCrossandaverybelligerent-lookingHall.SheglanceddownathercasenotesonRobinson;shealreadyhadwhatsheneededfromthemabouttheirinvolvementwiththeStantonForestmurdervictims.BothHallandYoungwereinthevicinityatthetimeofthecrime,andbothmenhadhistorywiththevictimsandhadrefusedagunshotresidueswab.NowsheneededinformationonHall’sinteractionwithLucasRobinson.“Mr.Hall,canyouaccountforyourwhereaboutsonMondaynightafterelevenandTuesdaymorningbeforethree?”
“Yeah.”Hallleanedforwardonthedeskandrestedhisheadinonehand.“IwashomewithCliff.Wehavetogetupearlyforworksowedon’tgooutweekdays.”
“Didanyoneelseseeyou?”Jennaglancedupathim.“Aneighborperhaps?Didanyonecallyou,ordidyouinteractwithanyoneonlineduringthattime?”
“No,I’dsayIwassoundasleep.”Hallsmiled.“Aloneinmybed,unfortunately,soIcan’tproveit.Why?”
Jennapushedon.“IbelieveyouhadagrievancewithLucasRobinson.Canyouelaborate?”
“Agrievance?”Hallsnortedandhiseyesflashedwithanger.“Isthatwhatyoucallswindlingamanoutofhisinheritance?”
“Howso?”
“HetoldmetoinvestinacrazyschemeanditwentbankrupttwoweeksafterIinvestedmymoney.”SpittleflewfromHall’smouth.“I’msureheknewitwasgoingtogobust.Ishouldn’thavetrustedhimtoinvestmymoney…ifheinvesteditatall.SeeingthehousehebuiltatMajesticRapids,I’dsayhe’sbeenswindlingeveryoneintownforyears.”
JennamadeafewnotesandfeltKanetouchherarm.Shenoddedathim.
“Didyoumakeacomplainttothebankmanager?”Kaneleanedbackinhischair,makingitcreak.“Ifyoubelievedsomeonewasrunningascam,youcouldhavereportedittousortheFBI.”
“What’sthepoint?”Hallchokedbackalaughofdisgust.“Who’dlistentome?AndIdon’thavethecashtopayforlawsuits,I’mlivinghandtomouthsincethatguyrippedmeoff.”
Jennanodded.“Icanseeyou’reupset,Mr.Hall,andwhy.DidyouenterMr.Robinson’shomeonMondaynightandkillhim?”
“Don’tanswerthatquestion.”CrosssentdaggersacrossthetableatJenna.“Yousaidyouwantedtointerviewmyclientsaboutashootingincident;nowyou’rebringingmurderonetothetable.”Heshookhishead.“Layitoutforme,Sheriff.Whatareyouaccusingmyclientsofdoing?”
Jennabristled.ShehadwantedKanetowatchHall’sreaction,andratherthandenyinganywrongdoing,themanwasglaringatherwithmalice.“Okay.”ShetookabeattoshakeoffthehateradiatingfromHallandliftedhergazetoCross.“BothyourclientswereinthevicinityoftheStantonForestmurdersattheTOD.BothwereinvolvedinargumentsattheirplaceofworkandlaterattheTripleZ,wheretherewasanaltercationwitnessedbyanumberofpeople.BothyourclientshavegrievancesagainstLucasRobinson,andtheycan’tverifytheirwhereaboutsduringthetimehewasgunneddowninhishome.”Shegavehimadirectstare.“Ibelieveyourclientsareinvolvedinthreemurders.”
“Where’syourevidence?”Crossstabbedafingerintothetable.“Doyouhaveanythingtoprovemyclientswereateithercrimescene?”
Jennashookherhead.“Notatthistime.”
“Notatthistime.”Crossbarkedoutalaugh.“CircumstantialevidencewillnotamusetheDA.Norwillitconvincehimtochargemyclients.Nojurywillconvictthemwithoutevidence.”
“Iaskedforagunshotresiduetestandtheyrefused.”Jennaglaredathim.Hewasright,ofcourse,butshehadtointerviewsuspectstogetanswers.Hewasgoingwayoverthetop.“Iftheyareinnocentofthecrimes,whynotcomply?”
“Becauseagunshotresiduetestfromtwoknownshooterswouldlikelyshowpositive,asbothmyclientshavecurrenthuntinglicenses.”Crosspushedtohisfeet.“Thataloneisreasonabledoubt.Now,ifyou’llopenthedoors,I’mtakingmyclientsoutofhere.”
Jennastoodherground.“Notyet.IwanttospeaktoCliffYoung.HisgirlfriendbrokeupwithhimoverLucasRobinson.IneedtoknowifhemetwithRobinson.”
“Iwouldn’tallowyoutoaskthatquestion,Sheriff.”CrossflickedaglanceatKaneandthenbacktoher.“Thismaybeabackwoodstownbutwedon’tallowintimidationfromlawenforcement.”
Inherperiphery,shenoticedKanestiffenjustslightlyandgetslowlytohisfeet.Hehadherbackasalways,andfromhiscoldexpression,hewouldn’tallowtoomanymorejudgmentalremarksfromSamCross.
“Whydon’tyoutakeaseat,Mr.Cross?”
“Soyoucantrytointimidatemeaswell?”CrossglaredatKane.
Infuriated,Jennashotupfromthetable.“Iresentthat.It’sunprofessional,andIthoughtyouwerebetterthanthat,Sam.Wealwaystreatpeoplewithrespect.IaskedyouherebecauseIneedtoaskquestionstoeliminateyourclientsfrommyinquiries.You’reimpedingmyinvestigation.Thistimeyoucanremoveyourclients,butrestassuredthemomentwefindevidenceagainstthem,thetalkingisover.I’mtakingitstraighttotheDAforanarrestwarrant.”Sheswipedhercardonthescannerandwalkedintothehallwaywithoutabackwardglance.
TWENTY-SIX
IthadbeenalongdayandRubyEvansrubbedhersorefeetonthebustriphome.Gladthesleethadstoppedatlastandtheeveningwasclearandcrisp,sheslippedhershoesonandstoodtomakeherwaytothefrontofthebus.Thevehicleslowedwithasqueakofbrakesandshemoveddownthesteps.Thedoorsbangedshutbehindher,andasthebusdisappearedintothedistance,shehadtheawfulsenseofbeingtotallyaloneifsomeoneattackedher.
Itseemeddarkerthanusual,andalthoughtheskywasclear,aheavymistswirledacrosstheblacktopfromtheforest.Halloweenwasafewdaysaway,andthemistresembledghostlyformsdriftingalongthesidewalkasifsearchingforsoulstosteal.Tomakethingsworse,thestreetlightswereoutbetweenthebusstopandthepathwayshetookonherwayhome,throughthewoods.Aftertheupsettingmeetingwiththestrangemanthepreviousevening,hernerveswereonedge.Rubycouldn’tpushthethoughtfromhermindthatsomeonewasfollowingheragain,andshehadtoforceonefootinfrontoftheotheralongtheshadowysidewalk.Asshewalked,shesearchedherpurseforherphone;thescreenwouldofferheramodicumoflightbutthebatterywaslow.
Rubywalkedthefiftyyardstothealleywayandstopped,listeningforanysound.Anowlhootedintheforestandabreezerustledtheleaves,butnothingseemedtomoveinthedarkness.Shetookafewhesitantstepsandthenpaused,lookingaheadatthepatchofinvitinglightfromthestreetlight,onehundredorsoyardsaway.Shecouldtakethelongwayhome.Itwouldtakemaybeanotherhalfanhour,butherfeetachedandshehadanearlyshiftinthemorning.Shepeeredintothedarkness.Thepicturesquewalkwayshe’dtakenearlierhadturnedintoamusty-smellingtunnelleadingintoanunknownvoidofuncertainty.Shouldshetaketheshortcuthomeandmayberiskrunningintothestrangemanagain?
Fearchurnedherstomach.Itwassodarkinthere,andthecanopyoftreeshidanyhintoflight.Anyonecouldbehidinginthegloom,waitingforanunsuspectingvictimtowalkby.Howeasyitwouldbetopluckherfromthepathwayanddragherintothebushes.Bitingherbottomlip,shesuckedinadeepbreathasindecisionmadeherfalter.Homewasontheothersideofthealleyway;amealandahotbathcalledtoher.Sheignoredthelittlevoiceinherheadtellinghertoavoiddangeroussituations,gatheredhercourage,andenteredthepitch-blacktunnel.Thelightfromherscreenwasoflittlecomfortbutbetterthannothing.Asshequickenedherpace,theblueglowfadedandblinkedout.Surroundedbyasuffocatingwallofblack,shestuffedthephoneinsideherbagand,usingonehandtoguideher,shehurriedalongthewallofleaflessbushes,stretchinghereyeswidetoseeinthedark.
Themustysmellofrottingvegetationfilledhernostrils,andunderfootwetleavescoveredthispartofthegravelpath,mufflingthesoundofhershoesandthefootstepsofanyonefollowingher.Risingpanicmadeithardtobreathe.Shehadtogetoutoftheclaustrophobictunnelandincreasedherpace,stumblingovertheunevenpathway.Petrifiedofeverycreakofthesurroundingtreebranches,shemovedforwardandthenherhandtouchedfabric.Ahintofcolognedriftedontheair.Shefroze,tooterrifiedtospeak.Underherpalm,thefabricmovedandalowchucklecameonabreath,socloseshecouldfeelthewarmthofitonhercheek.
“Hello,Ruby.”
TWENTY-SEVENFRIDAYMORNING
Jennaduckedandthenspunononefoot,aimingakickatKane’shead.Thenextmomenthislargehandgrippedherfootandflippedherfacedown.ThematmadeawhooshingsoundasKane’stwo-hundredandfiftypoundslandedbesideher,pinningherwithease.“Dammit,Kane,let’strythatagain.I’mgettingslow.”
“It’stobeexpected.”Kanerolledtohisfeetandofferedherhishand.“Youcan’texpecttobeintopshapewhenyouworkoncaseshalfthenight.”
Shetookhishandandhepulledhertoherfeet.“Youdo.”
“TruebutI’musedtosurvivingonnosleep.”Kanepushedahandthroughhisdamphair.“IjustneedfoodandI’mgood.”Hegrabbedatowelfromthebackofthechairandsmiledather.“I’llhittheshowers.Thehorsesaresquaredawayandit’syourturntocookbreakfast.”Heglancedathiswatch.“ThenIguessit’sameet-and-greetwiththehandyman.”
Jennawatchedhimwalkawayandthenheadedtoherbathroom.Althoughhehadn’tsaidanotherwordaboutallowingTomDicksontoworkattheranch,he’dspentagreatdealoftimecheckingthesecurityonherhouseandhiscottage.Theybothhadinstalledahomesecurityalertontheirphones.IfDicksondecidedtowanderneareitherhome,they’dknow,andhe’dbeunderCCTVsurveillance.Shewasn’tintheleastworried,butshe’dseentheconcerninKane’seyes.ThethingwithKane,hewasalwaysonthejob.Itwould’vecomefromhistimeprotectingPOTUS,nodoubt,butshewishedsometimeshe’djustloosenup.She’dseenhisgentlesideandhehadavulnerability.He’dplacehisbodyinfrontofabullettoprotecttheinnocentandshefeared,oneday,someonewoulduseitagainsthim.
AsJennaclosedthedishwasherdoorandsetitworking,sheglancedattheclock.“Dicksonwillbehereinaboutthirtyminutes.”SheturnedtospeaktoKanebutheheldafingertohislipsandpointedatDuke.
Shestaredatthedog.Itwasasifhe’dfrozenintime,andfromhisraisedhacklesandthelowrumblinggrowl,somethingwaswrong.Shepulledherweapon,slidtothebackdoor,andcheckedthelocks.WhenshereturnedtothekitchenKaneindicatedwithhandsignalstomovealongthehallwayandintoherhomeoffice.Keepingherbacktothewall,sheeasedinside.ShestudiedthearrayofCCTVcameras,showingalltheexternalareas.Onlythehorsesmovedaroundinthecorral;shecouldn’tseeanyonenearthehouse.“Allareasclear.”
“He’sindicatingtowardthefrontdoor.”Kanemovedtoherside.“Ican’tseeanyoneoutthereeither,butItrustDuke—hesensesmorethanpeople.”
AshiverofamemorycaughtJennaunawares.She’doncehitatripwireandsetoffanexplosivedevice,sendingthemsky-high.“Abomb?”
“Noonecouldgetinhereundetectedunlesstheydroppedsomethingusingadrone.”Kanefrowned.“I’mprettysurethat’stheonlywayinunlesssomeoneusedachopper,andthenthey’dhavetrippedthemotionsensors.”
WhenDukebarkedandranatthedoor,JennaexchangedapuzzledlookwithKane.“Doyoufigurehe’sillorsomething?Dodogsgocrazy?”
“Onlywithrabiesandhe’shadhisshots.”Kanewalkedtothedoor,peeredthroughthewindow,andthenturnedandraisedbotheyebrowsather.“I’vefoundtheproblem.It’sthatblackcat.Itjustpeekeditsheadoutfromundertheporch.”
Jennafrowned.“Poorthingisprobablystarving.”
“Notlikely—theyaresuperbhuntersandthereareplentyofmiceandratsinthebarn.”Kanelookedagainandthenfrowned.“Itmightbehurt.It’scoveredinblood.”
“Blood?HoldontoDuke.”Jennahurriedtothedoorandopenedit.“Puss,comehere,puss.”Shebentandheldoutonehand.
Insteadofcomingtoher,thecatboundedawayandshecouldseeitstailwavingabovethelonggrassinthedirectionoftheOldMitchamRanch.JennastraightenedandstaredatKane.“It’snotactingasifitshurt.Ihopenothinghashappenedtoitsowner.”
“Itwouldn’thurttocheck.”Kanestaredinthedirectionthecathadgone.
“Okay,we’lldropbytheOldMitchamRanchonthewaytotheoffice.Wehaven’tmetthenewowneryet.”Shetrunkedbacktohim.“Iwonderifthey’vegottenapileofblackcatsforHalloweenandleftthemthere?”
“Maybe.”Kaneglancedathiswatch.“Idoubttheownerwouldstaythere.There’sacrewworkingoutoftrailersturningitintoaHalloweenattraction.”Hegrinnedather.“Woowoo.Let’shopethecursehasn’ttakenthemyet.”
Jennashookherhead.“That’snotfunny.”
ThebuzzersoundedatthegateandJennawenttothesmallscreensetbesidethefrontdoor.Shepeeredatthemanstaringatherfromthewindowofhistruck.“It’sDickson.”Shepressedthebuttontounlockthegates.“I’mgladhe’searly.IwanttogetovertotheOldMitchamRanchjustincasesomethinghashappened.Thecatwasupsetaboutsomething.”
“Hmm.Itwasmakingenoughnoise.”Kanefrownedather.“Unfortunately,Idon’tspeakcat.”
Jennagrabbedhiscoatfromthepeginthemudroomandtossedittohimbeforegettingherown.“NeitherdoI.”Shesetthealarmandopenedthefrontdoor.“Catsaremoreintelligentthanyouthink.”
“Yeah,butifit’switnessedabloodymurder,gettingittotestifyincourtisgonnabeaproblem.”Kanechuckledandfollowedherdownthesteps.
TheygreetedTomDicksonandJennaexplainedwhattheyneededhimtodo.Shepointedoutthesandwichesanddrinksshe’dleftintherefrigerator.“Seehowyougo.GetasmuchdoneasyouareablebutIdon’texpectyoutoworkallday.We’llfinishupthisweekend.I’llleavecashwithMaggieatthefrontdesk,samedealasbefore.”
“Thanks,Sheriff.”Dicksontouchedhishatandtalkedslow.“I’llbeworkingalongsideDeputyRowleyonSaturday,andnextweekMaggiehasfoundmeafewdays’workoutattheliverystable.”Hepeeredatheroverhisglasses.“You’veallbeenmightykindtome,ma’am.”
Jennalookedattheoldmanandsmiled.“That’sgreat.We’llleaveyoutoit.”Shewalkedawayandheardlowvoicesbehindherbutdidn’tturnaroundandheadedforKane’struck.
“Hmm.”Kaneslidbehindthewheel.
Jennaturnedtolookathim.Itwasobviousfromhisgrimexpressionhewasannoyed.“What?”
“Nothingforyoutoworryabout.”Kanestartedtheengineanddrovedownthedriveway,staringstraightahead.
“Uh-huh,soI’mgoingtogetcombat-faceKaneallday,amI?”Jennasighed.“Loosenup,Dave.It’sme,Jenna.Hesaidsomethingtoyou,didn’the?”
“Ohyeah,hesaidsomething.”Kaneglancedatherandthenlookedbackattheroad.“Nothingforyoutoworryabout,he’sjustanoldmanisall.Probablygoingsenileandlosthisfilter.”
Jennasatbackintheseatandstaredoutthewindow.ItwasashortdrivetothenextranchandJenna’smindwasrunningatmaximumspeed.“Ifhesaidsomethingaboutme,Ineedtoknow.I’mrecommendinghimforemployment.Myreputationisontheline.”
ThetruckstoppedwithajoltandKaneturnedinhisseatandlookedather.Annoyedbyhisstubbornness,shemethisgaze.“Don’tgoallmachoonme,Dave,itdoesn’twork.Icanorderyoutotellme.”
“Yeah,Iguessyoucan.Fine.HeaskedmehowIkeptmycoolwithyouorderingmearoundallthetime.”Kane’sgazedidn’tleaveherface.“AndhowIfeltbeingkeptinmyownlittlehouselikeyourprizestallion.”
Shocked,Jennastaredathim.“Afterallwe’vedoneforhim,hesaidthat?He’sastrangeone.Heprobablyneverhadafilter.Hewaslikelyraisedtobelievewomenshouldbechainedtothekitchensink.”Shefrowned.“Doyouwantmetoaskhimtoleave?”
“Nope.”Kaneturnedthetruckbackonthehighway.“He’sjustanoldman,andI’msurehewasjustteasingme.”Hesnorted.“I’mnoteasilyprovokedbuthegotundermyskinisall.”
Mindreeling,Jennalookedathim.“Youdon’tthinkthat,doyou?”
Tohersurprise,Kanelaughed.
Sheturnedinherseat.“What’ssofunny?”
“I’mtheluckiestmanonEarth.”Kaneflickedheraglance.“Icameherebrokenandyougavemeaplacetolive.YounursedmebacktohealthwhenI’dlostmymemory.I’mnotperfectbutyoudon’tcare.Mostwomenwould’vegivenuponmeaftersixmonthsbutyouunderstandme.”HeturnedintotheOldMitchamRanch.“Youdon’tcareyou’relivingwithakiller,albeit,agovernmentassassin.Therearenosecretsbetweenus—well,apartfrommyrealname—andwe’rehappy.So,whocareswhatpeoplethink?”
Jennasighed.“Well,Isuredon’tgiveadamnandIdon’tbelievethetownsfolkdoeither.”Astheydrovepastthelineoftrailers,shelookedathim.“Ithoughtthisplacewouldbeahiveofactivity.Whereiseveryone?”
“Notsure.”Kanemovedthetruckclosertothedilapidatedranchhouse.“Maybeit’sfinishedorthey’reworkinginside.”
Jenna’sattentionmovedovertheelaborateHalloweendecorationsonthefrontporchoftheOldMitchamRanch.Askeletonhunginsidethewindow,andtheghoulishmannequinssittinguprightinchairslookedsorealamongthegrinningjack-o’-lanterns.Shestaredastheygotcloserandherstomachdidflip-flopsatthesightofabloodtrailonthefrontsteps.Itlookedtoorealsomehow,andthenextmomentthesmellofdeathseepedintothecab.“Err,Dave,Idon’tthinkthedeadbodiesareHalloweendecorations.”
TWENTY-EIGHT
Shotsrangoutandatreebesidethetruckshatteredintoamillionpieces.Woodsplintersraineddownonthetruckinastrangebrowndust.
“Dammit!”Jennascannedthearea,lookingfortheshooter.“Getusoutofhere.”
Moreshotspepperedtheground,sendingupplumesofdust.“Moveit,Kane.Withthesuninmyeyes,Ican’tseeifit’scomingfromtheridge.We’resittingduckshere.Go,go,go.”
“Holdtight.Thisisgonnaberough.”Kanespunthewheelandhitthegas.
Asthetruckreversedatspeed,Jennaduckeddownandgrippedtheseat.Theengineroaredastheyflewbackward,bumpingovertheunevendriveway.“Didyoumakeouttheshooter?”
“No.”Kanehadturnedtolookoutthebackwindow.“Rifle,fromthewestIfigure.”
Jennalookedupathisgrimface.“Getusoutofrange.Headbacktotheranch.We’llsuitupandgetbackup.”
Thetruckrotatedandrockedforasecondandthen,wheelsspinninginthedirt,careereddownthedriveway.TreesrushedbyinablurandthetruckbouncedlikeabuckingbroncoasKanemaneuveredoverthedeepgrooves.Thrownforward,Jennahitherheadontheconsolebutheldonfordearlifeastheworldturnedagain.ThetruckseemedtoriseatthefrontasKanepushedittofullspeed.Theyslidontothehighway,driftingaroundthecornerandfishtailinginascreamoftiresasheacceleratedawayfromthecarnage.AwaveofnauseahitherandshelookedupatKane’scombatface.“Wegood?”
“Ifhe’sontheridge,wewillbeoncewemakeourdriveway.”Kanedidn’ttakehiseyesofftheroad.
“I’llcallthecavalry.”JennaeasedhercellphoneoutofherpocketandcalledRowley.“Shotsfired.Weneedbackup,myranch.Nosirens.CallWolfe.TellhimtobringWebberandpackforbear.Wearfullgearincludingcompacks.WehaveamassmurderattheOldMitchamRanch.”
“Holycow.Areyouokay?”
“Yeah.Moveit.”Jennadisconnected.
“Okay,we’recominguptoourgatenow.”Kaneslowedtomaketheninety-degreeturnandthenhitthebrakes,waitingforthegatetoswingopen.
Jennapushedupandrubbedherforehead.“Okay,whatisyourtakeonthescene?Itsurelookedlikeamassmurdertome.”
“FromwhatIcouldsee,themenontheporchareallheadshots.I’dsaythekillerallowedthewomantobleedout.Thebloodisfresh.”
Jennastaredathimopen-mouthed.“Youreyesightisobviouslybetterthanmine.Couldshestillbealive?”
“Nope.”Kanepulledupoutsideherranchandrubbedhisthumboverthebruiseonherforehead.“Sorryaboutthat,it’sjustabruise.”
Jennabattedhishandawayandglaredathim.“Youhadafewsecondstotakeinthescene,howcouldyoupossiblyknowshewasdead?”Shetouchedthethrobbingeggonherforeheadwithtremblingfingers.“Ionlyfiguredouttheywerepeopleandnotstoremannequinsfromthesmell.”
“I’veseenalotofdeath,Jenna,andIrecognizedthewoman.Herthroatwascut.”Kane’sexpressionwasgrim.“ShewasthenewgirlatAuntBetty’s.IthinkhernameisRuby.”
Horrified,Jennaswallowedhard.“Jesus.Whatkindoflunaticarewedealingwithnow?”
“Ifhe’sthesamemanwhomurderedtheothers,unpredictableandescalatingfast.”Kanegaveheraconcernedlook.“We’llprobablyneedanarmytotakethisonedown.”
JennahadneverseenKanethisonedge,andawaveofanxietyslidoverher.“It’snevereasy.”Sheclearedherthroat.“Getyourgear,backupisontheway.”
Althoughshe’dhandledmanymurdersinhertimeinBlackRockFalls,itdidn’tgetanyeasier.Shehadn’tbecomehardenedtoseeingmutilatedbodies,andunderthebravadoofleadership,shestillhadtoconquerherfearandforceherlegstomove.“I’llsuitupandthentellMr.Dicksontogohome.Fromthesmell,he’salreadyfireduptheincinerator.”SheslidfromthevehicleandthenwentaroundthebacktocollecthernewliquidKevlarvestandhelmet.
“Why?Weneedthatworkdone.”Kanejoinedher.
Jennapulledonthevestandthenshrugged.“Dicksondoesn’tlikedogsandDukedoesn’tlikehim,soyoucan’tleavethemtogether.”
“Okay,Dukecanstayinthetruck.”Kaneassembledarifleinsecondsandlaiditintheback.“I’mready.”
Wolfe’sringtonechimedonJenna’sphone.“We’resafe,Shane.What’syourETA?”
“Iwasonthewaytomyoffice.I’llbethereinten.”Wolfedisconnected.
JennalookedatKane.“Tenminutes.We’lldoanequipmentcheck.”
Theyspentthenextfewminutesstuffingusefulitemsintotheirpockets.Jennawentinsidethehousetoexchangeherbuff-coloredStetsonforablackwoolenhat.AsshewentdownthestepsandheadedforKane’struck,shecaughtsightofmovementnearthebarn.SheheavedasighofreliefwhenshespottedDicksoncomingfromaroundtheback.
“Isthereaproblem?”Dicksonlimpedtowardthem.“AnythingIcandotohelp?”
Jennaturnedtolookathim.“Nothingtoconcernyou,Mr.Dickson.We’rejustpickingupafewthings.”Whenhenoddedandheadedbacktothebarn,shetookoneoftheriflesoutofthegunlockerinthebackofKane’struckandcheckedit.“Handmesomespareclips.”Sheshovedtheminherpockets.“Let’sgo,we’llwaitatthegatefortheothers.”
SheclimbedbackintothetruckandwaitedforKane.Hewasstaringathisphoneandpassedittoherasheclimbedbehindthewheel.Sheglancedatthescreen.ItwastheCCTVfeedfromthefrontgate.“Ah,goodthinking.”
“Didanyonefollowus?”Kaneheadeddownthedriveway.
JennatooktherecordingbacktowhenDicksonarrivedatthegate.Shecouldseethemleaveandreturnbutnooneelsehadusedtheroadsincethey’darrivedhome.“No,andIwouldn’texpecttoseemanypeople.Theguythatownsthesnowplowandbrinespreadersistheonlyotherpersonwhousesthisroad,andhe’sinFlorida.Thereisaccessoverland,evenfromhere.Therearetracksallover,leftfromwhentheOldMitchamRanchwassplitup.Mostoftheranchesusethemtomovelivestock.”
“WhataboutthecrewworkingontheOldMitchamRanch?”Kanewaitedforthegatetocreakopenandthendrovethroughandpulledoutontotheroad.“They’dbebackandforthcollectingsupplies.”
ThesightofthedeadbodiessetupontheporchshudderedintoJenna’smemory.Sherewoundthefeedafulltwenty-fourhours,andapartfromherandKane,noonehadpassed.“Theshootermustbeoneofthemenworkingon-site.”
“Unlesstheyknowaboutthedirtroads.YoucangettotownviatheotherranchesifIrecall?”Kanetookhisphonefromherandsliditinsidehispocket
“Yeah,apartfromminetherearethreeranchesoverthehill.Theyallhavedirtroadsthatleadtothehighway.IwouldimagineI’mtheonlyownerwhohasaperimeteralarmsystem,andtheydidn’tsetoffanyofouralarms,sotheycamefromadifferentdirection.Sincethelastownerssoldtheland,Ihavenoideaifanyoneusestheoldtracksanymore.”Jennaturnedinherseat.“Herecomesthecavalry.”
“Howdoyouwanttoplaythis?”Kanelookedather.
Jennathoughtforamoment;shehadatacticalprofessionalinKaneandyetheaskedheropinion.“Weshouldsplitintotwoteams.WetakethefrontwithRowley,headupbesidethetrailers,andWolfeandWebbergoaroundbackoftheranchhouseandcomeinfromthere.Anysuggestions?”
“I’mnotsurewe’dhaveenoughcoverforafrontalapproach.Theshootercouldbeholedupinoneofthetrailers,orthebarn.”Kaneturnedandlookedather.“Ormaybehewasusingahuntingriflefromupontheridge.We’vebeenshotatfromtherebefore.”
Jennanodded.“Okay,I’vegotabetteridea.”SheslidfromtheseatasRowleypulledupbehindthemandWolfestoppedhisvaninthemiddleoftheroad.Webberjumpedout,rifleinhand.Shewaitedforthementogather.“Okay,wehavefourmenwithgunshotwoundstothehead,onewomanwithherthroatcut.Noonehasleftorvisitedtheranchinthelasttwenty-fourhourssowehavetoassumetheshooterisonsceneorhasescapedoverland.”SheturnedtoWolfe.“Webberiswithyou.Headuptheroadwithcaution,don’tslowdown,gopasttheranch.There’satrailjustonthebend;youcanparkthereandcomeinonfootaroundthebackofthehouse.Useyourcomstokeepintouch.”SheturnedtoRowley.“You’rewithus.Leaveyourtruckhere.There’sadirtroadjustbeforetheOldMitchamRanch’sdrivewaywhichleadstothepaddockatthebackofthebarn.We’llgoinfromthereandusethebarnforcover.”ShelookedatKaneandnoticedaslightnodofapproval.“Thisway,iftheshooteristhere,hewon’tknowwe’recoming.”
“Ifthere’soneshooter.”Kanefrowned.“Fromthecarnageitcouldbetwo.Imadeoutsingleheadshotsbutthatwasfromadistance.”
Jennanodded.“Okay,moveoutandstaysafe.”Shelookedatthemonebyone.“Wecouldbefacingapsychopathresponsibleforhomicidesacrossthecountry.Noheroics,hewon’tgiveyouasecondchance.Shoottokill.”
TWENTY-NINE
AstrangeexcitementdescendedonJenna,butdeepdownsheunderstoodthedanger,andbecomingavictimwasasoberingreality.Theadrenalinpumpingamixtureofdreadanduncertaintytriggeredherfleeresponseeachtimeshechaseddownafelon.Herheartpounded,andrelyingonheryearsoftrainingtobolsterher,sheheadedintodangerwithherheadscreamingathertorunaway.Hermindfilledwiththeghastlysceneonthefrontporchoftheoldhome,thebloodspatteronthestepsandemptysightlesseyes.Sheslowedforjustasecondbeforepushingtheimagesawayandincreasingherstride.HavingKaneandRowleytowatchherbackgavehercourageassheboltedalongthetrailtowardthebarnoverlookingthehouse.Thethickcoveringofleavesdampenedtheirfootfallsastheymovedswiftlywithoutmakingasound.Astheycametothetreeline,hercomcrackled.
“Jenna,we’recomingupontheranchhousenow.”Wolfe’svoicecameinherear.“It’salmosttooquietandIcansmelldeath.Movinginnow.Thereareswarmsoffliescrawlingoverthesideofthehousebesidethebackdoor.Wemayhavemorevictimsinside.”
ColdfingersofuneasesliddownJenna’sback.SheignoredthewarningscreaminginherheadnottomoveforwardandglancedatKanebesideher.He’dheardWolfethroughhiscomandwinced.Jennapressedhermic.“Stayinposition.We’recomingupalongsidethebarnandwillhaveeyesonthefrontporchinfive.”
“Rogerthat.”
JennalookedoveratKanetogivehimanorder,buthewasalreadyscanningtheareawithhisbinoculars.“Allclear?”
“We’regoodtogobuttheundergrowthisatleastwaist-high.”Kaneglancedatherthenhisattentionwentbacktothebarn.“Doyouwantmetogofirstandopenupapath?”
“Okay.”Jennanodded.“Singlefileonceweleavethecoverofthetrees.YouandRowleygofirst,I’llwatchyourbacks.”
TheyscurriedthroughthetreesandshewaitedasKanemadeadashtothesideofthebarn.HepeekedaroundthecornerandwavedRowleyover,andJennafollowedclosebehind.ShemovedupbehindKane.“Whatdoyousee?”
“Nothingmoving.”Kaneleanedhisbackagainstthewallandlookedather.“Ican’tseeinsidethetrailers.Wecouldhaveashooterwaitingtopickusoffonebyone.”
Jennanoddedanddroppedintohercombatzone.“We’llclearthebarnfirst—wecangainaccessbythesidedoor.”Shepressedhercom.“Wolfe.Holdyourposition.We’llclearthebarn.Waitformysignal.Whenwehaveeyesonthefrontofthehouseandthetrailers,youcangoinsideandclearthehouse.BeawareofIEDs;wedon’tknowwhowe’redealingwithrightnow.”
“Rogerthat.Nosoundfrominside,andthebackdoorisopen.Noexplosivedevicesortripwiresinsight.”
“We’reenteringthesidedoorofthebarnnow.”JennanoddedatKane.“Go.”
“Wait!”Kanehandedherhisrifleandbenttoexaminetheground.“Nosoildisturbance.”Hecheckedallaroundthedoorframebeforestandingtoonesidetoeasethedooropenandturkey-peekinside.Hepulledbackandthenlookedagain,usinghisbinoculars.“DamnHalloween.”
Jennastaredathisannoyedexpression.“Whatisit?”
“They’verecreatedtheMitchamhangingsceneinside.”Kaneshookhishead.“It’sgoingtobeanightmaresortingoutwhat’sreal.”Hepulledhisweaponandmovedinside.“Clear.”
JennafollowedandwavedRowleyintothebarn.Shescannedthearea.ThenewownershadmadechangesforHalloweenbyaddingfalsecobwebswithhugefatblackspidersandeerielighting.Amannequinofamanswungbackandforthfromtherafters,makingacreakingsoundthatwouldsetanyone’snervesonedgeifthey’dheardtheghoststoriessurroundingtheplace.Manyyearsago,Mitchamhadmurderedhiswifeandcommittedsuicide.Later,peopleclaimedtohaveheardhimswingingbackandforthinhisdeaththroes.
“Thisplaceiseverykid’snightmare.”Rowleypaled.“Itseemswrongtocommercializethemurderscommittedhere.”
Jennashookherhead.“Ican’tbelievethemayorallowedthis.”ShehandedKanetherifle.
“Ithappensallover.”Kaneshruggedandpressedhismic.“Wolfe.We’vefoundre-enactmentsofcrimeshere.Youmaybefacingthesameinsidethehouse.”
“Copy.”
Jennapulledherweaponandmovedtothebarndoor,tryingtoignoretheentrancetotherootcellar.Shecouldseetheboltsecuredoverthehatchandwonderedifthenewownershadrecreatedthebrutalmurderofayoungwomanwho’ddiedthere.Sheswallowedhard,tryingunsuccessfullytopushthemurder,thathadevenstunnedKane,fromhermind.WithKaneandRowleyinposition,sheturnedtothem.“Kane,keepyourrifleonthefirsttwotrailers,Rowleytakethethird,I’llwatchthehouse.”Shepressedhermic.“Wolfe,wehaveyoucovered.Movein.”
“Rogerthat.”
Thesmellblowinginfromthehousehadintensified,andthecongealingbloodappearedblackinthesunlight.Thekillerhadstagedthemacabresceneontheporchtogainmaximumeffect.Jennashudderedandfrozeonthespotassomethingbrushedagainstherleg.She’dseenprairierattle-snakesonherranchanddarenotmove.Sheloweredhervoicetojustaboveawhisper.“Kane,somethingtouchedme.Isitasnake?”
Hereyesmovedtomeethisandshebitherlipashelookeddown.Whenhegruntedandaimedhisrifleoutthedoor,sheglaredathim.Panicroseinherthroatasthesensationcameagain.“There’ssomethinghere.Icanfeelit.”
“It’sthatdarncatagain.”Kanewasusinghisrifletoscopethetrailers.“It’srubbingaroundyourlegs.”
Sheglanceddownandapairofbigcoppereyeslookedupather.Thecatletoutacontentedpurr.“Notnow,pussycat.”
Aloudbangbrokethesilence.Startled,Jennaswungherweaponupanddownandsidetoside,searching.“Wheredidthatcomefrom?”Shehithermic.“Wolfe.Comein.”
Nothing.
AnotherbangandKanemovedforwardthroughthebarndoorandtookapositionbehindatree.Jennatriedagain.“Wolfe.”
Nothing.
THIRTY
Wolfeflattenedagainstthewallofthekitchen.He’dheardthebangfromoutsideandJenna’svoicethroughhisearpiece,butwithbothhandsfirmlyonhisweapon,hewasn’tremovingahandtoreply.He’dheardsomethingmovinginthehouseandwasn’ttakinganychances.HeglancedatWebber’sface,eyeswideatthethreefly-infestedhandsonthekitchentable,nexttoabloodyax.Webberwasatrainedpoliceofficer,andtoWolfe’srelief,heshookhisheadandsnappedbackintoaction.
“Wolfe,comein.”Jennawasgettinginsistent.
Wolfedarednotmakeasoundbutturnedonhismicandtappedittwice.Itwascodetoletherknowhe’dheardherbutcouldn’ttalk.HenoddedtoWebberandtheyeasedtheirwaydownthehallway.Heartthumpinginhischest,hetookaquickglanceintothefirstbedroomandduckedback.Amannequinofawomanwearingold-styleclotheslayonthefloorinapoolofblood.Helookedagain,slowerthistime,atagrislyscene,designedforHalloween.Movingtothenextroom,hevividlyrecalledthemurdersceneofayounggirlhe’dattended.Whoeverhadpurchasedthisranchhadusedcrimescenephotographstodepictthemurders.Although,thelastonewasn’thowherememberedit.Thenoisecameagain,andheglancedbackatWebber.“Didyouhearthat?”
“Soundslikeratsinthewalls.”Webbermovedaheadandpeeredintothefamilyroom.“Thisroomhasskeletonsplayingcards.Theratsareabonus.”Hehithismic.“Houseisclear,Sheriff.We’reheadingontotheporchnext.”
“Rogerthat,Webber.”Jennasoundedrelieved.“Wolfe,thebangingwasthewindcatchingthetrailerdoorsandshuttingthem.Theoccupantsmusthaveleftinahurrytoleavethemopen.Allclearsofar.Nosignofthekilleratall.Noshellcasingseither.Thisisastrangeone.”
“Copy.”WolfeholsteredhisweaponashefollowedWebberintothefamilyroomand,battingawayflies,peeredoutthewindow.“Theporchisacrimescene.Standdownuntilit’ssecured.It’sgoingtotaketimetoprocess,butifyouwanttogetupclose,wearglovesandbooties.Therearefootprintsontheporchfloor.Mykitisoutsidethebackdoor—grabwhatyouneedfromthereandcomearoundthefront.TheinsideissetupforHalloweenbutthekillerhasaddedhisowntouchbylitteringthekitchentablewiththevictims’hands.Itlookslikeheusedanax.We’regoingtoneedhelptocatchthislunatic,Jenna.”
“Copythat.I’llleaveyoutohandlethesceneandwe’llcontinuetosearchthegrounds.There’sabunkhouseoutbackIwanttocheck.I’llleaveRowleyhereonsurveillance.”Jennaclearedherthroat.“Oh,didyoucheckthecellar?It’sinthepantry.”
“No,we’reonourway.”
WolfewavedWebberfromtheroomandtheysoonfoundthepantry.WithWebber’sassistance,hepulledopenthedoorandpeeredatstepsvanishingintodarkness.Hefumbledforaswitch,butofcourse,thebulbwasmissing.Standinginthelightatthetopofthestairs,theymightaswellhavehadtargetspinnedontheirshirts.Heduckedbackandlistenedwithhisbackagainstthewall,Webberbesidehim.Afterwhathe’dwitnessed,hehadnointentionofbecomingthekiller’snextvictim.Riskinghislifewhenhehaddaughterstocareforathomewasnotanoption.Hesuckedintheputridair,aimedhisflashlightalonghisGlock,andpeeredaroundthedoortosearchthesmallroom.Theold
“Inoticedsolarpanelsonthetrailers,andthey’dneedpowertosetuphere.”Webberscratchedhischin.“Maybethere’spanelsontheroofaswell.”
Wolfenoddedbuthisgutwastellinghimnottoventuredownthesteps.“Ifso,whydidn’ttheyreplacethelightinthecellar?Unlesssomeoneremovedittohidedownthere.”
“Maybeit’sallpartoftheHalloweenexperience?”Webberwasstaringatthebodypartsonthekitchentable.“Doyouwantmetogodown?”
Wolfeshookhishead.“Nope,I’llgo.Ibelieveit’scleardowntherebutthishouseisgivingmethecreeps,andtrustmethatdoesn’thappenoften.”Heraisedhisweapon.“Keepyourbacktothewallandwatchthedoor.Idon’tliketheideaofthedoorshuttingandlockingmedownthere.”
“Noworries.”Webbergavehimacurtnod.
GladofhisliquidKevlarvestandthenewhelmethe’dobtainedforthesheriff’sdepartment,Wolfeheadeddownthecreakysteps.“Isanyonedownhere?Thisisthemedicalexaminer.I’marmedandthesheriffhasthehousesurrounded.Callout.”
Hisflashlightmovedacrossspiderwebsheavywithdustandpickedupreflectionsofredeyesindarkcorners.Underfoothisbootscrunchedonratdroppingscoveringthesteptreads.Thescurryingsoundsfrombelowmadethehairsonthebackofhisneckprickle.Hewishedhe’dwornafacemask.Thestenchofverminturnedhisstomachbuthe’dsmelledworsethingsinhiscareer.Thestairscreakedandmovedunnervinglywitheachstep,andthehandraillookedasifitwouldcrumbleawayatthefirsttouch.Hemovedtheflashlightaround,upanddown,butnoonelurkedinthecorners.
Thebeamofhisflashlightmovedtothechestfreezer,andWolfemovedclosertoexaminethedarkstainsononeside.Itwasasifsomethinghadspilledovertheedgeandrundownthesides,leavingastickymessonthefloor.Hemovedcloserandexaminedthedeepcherrypool.Morefakeblood?Hepressedhismic.“Webber.I’vefoundsomething.I’mopeningthefreezer.”
“Rogerthat.”Webber’svoicecamethroughhisearpieceandseemedtoechofromhispositionatthetopofthesteps.
Wolfeholsteredhisweaponandattemptedtoliftthefreezerlidwithoutsuccess.Heplacedtheflashlightbetweenhisteethand,steelinghimselfforwhatmaybeinside,draggedopenthelidafewinches.Ashebenttopeerinsidethecrack,thelidsprangopenandafiguresatboltupright.
Surprised,theflashlightslippedfromWolfe’smouth,bouncedacrossthefloor,andwentout.Incompletedarkness,hehitthefloorandrolledaway,drawinghisweapon.“Shit!”
THIRTY-ONE
HepeeredoveraboulderonthetopofthesmallridgeoverlookingtheOldMitchamRanchandsmiled.Theoldbackroadshadcutthedistancefromthehighwayinhalfandmadeforafastgetaway.Evenso,theviewthroughhisscopehadbeenworththeriskofrunningintothesheriffandherposse.He’dwatchedhermovehermenaroundlikechesspiecesacrosstheboardhe’dcreated.He’dwaitedpatientlytoseetheirreactionstohisart—anditwasart.Hewonderediftheywould’veenjoyedwatchingtheshockedfacesofthemenhe’dmutilatedasmuchashehad.Thewaythey’drunaroundinpanicasthegirlbledoutmadehimchuckle.They’dtriedtosaveherandhadn’tseenhimcoming.Themomenttheylaideyesonhimthey’dsealedtheirfate.They’dactedtough,throwingoutthreatsasiftheycouldmanipulatehim.Helaughedatthememory.Theycouldn’tescape—nooneeverescaped—andafterafewwell-placedshots,they’dhavestrangledtheirownmotherstogetawayfromhim.
Hedidn’thearpleas,promises,orprayers;infact,themoretheytriedtoreasonwithhim,themorepainheneededtoinflict.Seeingpeoplediemadehismemoriesgoaway.Itwasasifeachonetickedaboxonanimaginarylistofthingstodo.Ifthecopsevercaughthim,he’dhavedifficultyrememberingallhiskills.Atthetime,itwaslikewatchinghimselffromafar,asifhehadn’tcutthegirl’sthroatorusedanaxtoremovebodyparts.Bytomorrow,he’dforgetthem,onlyrememberingthemlikeapersonwouldrecallasliceofexcellentpieorastrongcupoftheirfavoritecoffee.
He’denjoyedthiskill.ItmadeupforRobinson.Hetooknoimmediatepleasurefromaquickkill,andtheexhilarationseemeddelayed,cominglaterinarushoftechnicolorimagesasherodeonanadrenalinhigh.He’doncethoughteveryonewaslikehimbutdiscoveredbeingabletowalkrightuptoapersonandkillthemwasagift.He’dgottenclosetohistargetswithease.Nooneeverquestionedwhathewasdoing,orwhyhewasthere.Why?Becausehewalkedintoeverystore,business,restaurant,orhomeasifhebelongedthere.
Hecastonelastlookovertheporch,seeingeverythingashe’dleftit.ItwashisdonationtothecurseoftheOldMitchamRanch,anditwouldoutshinealltheothers.Hecouldseetheheadlinesnow:MassMurdererCommitsHalloweenMayhem.Yeah,I’dlikethat
THIRTY-TWO
Kanehadhisownideasaboutthekiller.Hemaynotbeahotshotbehavioralanalyst,buthe’dprofiledmurdererswithsuccessforsometime.Thecurrentrandomkillings,withnorhymeorreasontothem,sentchillsdownhisback.Theunpredictabilitymadethecasedifficult,andthepacethekillerwasescalatinghadexceededallhisexpectations.He’dstudiedthebehaviorofmanypsychopathsandrarelydidtheirconditionfitintoaneatlittlebox.Theyallhaddifferenttypesofmentalhealthconditionsmixedintotheirpsyche,whichmeanttheywerealwaysdealingwithanunknownquantity.
HefollowedclosebehindJenna,constantlyscanningthearea.Theoldbunkhousehadbeenempty,withnorecentsignofhabitation.TheyreachedthebackdooroftheramshacklehouseandWolfe’svoicecamethroughhisearpiece.
“Weneedbackup.Inthecellar.”
“Onourway.”Jennapressedhermicand,weapondrawn,ranupthebacksteps
Kanefollowedandneargaggedonthestench.Hebattedawayswarmsoffliesandtookinthescene.Inthesmallpantry,Webberwasagainstthewallweapondrawn.BeforeJennacouldspeak,Kanehithismic.“Wolfe.What’shappening?”
“Notsure.I’velostmyflashlight.Someonewashidinginthefreezer.Thelight’sout.Ican’tseeadarnthingdownhere.”
“Didyoutakealook?”JennaglaredatWebber.
“No,ma’am.”Webber’scheeksflushed.“Shanetoldmetokeepbackandguardthedoor.”
“Kane,getdownthere.”Jennamethisgaze.“I’llhaveyourback.”ShelookedatWebber.“Watchthebackdoor.Idon’twantanysurprises.”
KaneturnedonhisMagliteandfoundWolfeleaningupagainstawall,weapondrawn.Hemovedthebeamaroundandfoundthefreezer.Heliftedthelightup,takinginthespilledblood,andwinced.Insidethefreezersatagrotesquemannequin,white-facedwithblackeyesockets.Seeingadummycomingoutofthefreezerinthedarkwould’vestartledhimafterseeingthecarnageontheporch.“Clear.Holdtight,Shane.”HeturnedtoJenna.“It’sallpartoftheshow.”Heindicatedbehindher.“There’saboxoflightbulbsontheshelfbehindyou.Handmeoneandwe’llgetsomelightdownthere.”
Afterfixingthelight,Kaneheadeddownthericketysteps.WolfewasshakinghisheadovertheHalloweendisplay.Kanewalkeduptohimandslappedhimontheback.“Nowthat’sjustplainnasty.”
“Imust’vesteppedonthepressurepad.”Wolfeshutthelidofthefreezer.“Watchthis.”
Thelidmovedandawhite,blood-soakedhandslippedoutthecrack.Thenextmomentthefreezeropenedandthemannequinsatup,makingahissingsound.Kanepushedtheliddownandshookhishead.“WhoeversetthisuphascollectedcrimesfromalloverBlackRockFalls.Thesearen’tmemoriesIwanttorevisit.”HeturnedtoseeJennastandingbehindhim.
“Whenyoutwohavestoppedplayingwiththeexhibits,wehavevictimstoattendto.”Jennaturnedandheadedbackupthestairs.“Getsuitedup.I’llmeetyououtfront.”Sheusedhercom.“Rowley,it’sallclearhere.We’removingoutsidenow.Holdyourposition.”
“Jenna.”Wolfefollowedherupthesteps.“Wait,we’llusethefrontdoor.I’lltakeaquicklookatthemurderscenethenI’llbestartinginthekitchen.I’llbetakingshotsofthehandsonthetableandbaggingthem.There’sablood-spattered,balled-upjacketunderthekitchentable—itmayhavesomeIDinside.I’dsaythekillerusedittocarrythehandsfromtheporch.”HetossedWebberhiskeys.“I’llneedmyvan.”
“Yes,sir.”Webberheadeddownthebackstairsatarun.
Theysuitedup,gloves,masks,andbooties.Kaneeasedopenthefrontdoorandpushedallhisemotionstothedarkestreachesofhismind.TheporchresembledatypicalHalloweensceneuntilhetookinmassesofinsectscrawlingoverthecorpses.Ashemovedoutside,thesmellofdeathwasasthickasfog.Thekillerhadsecuredthefourmalebodiestochairswithwideblacktape.Someofthemenhadhandsmissingbuttheirclotheswereintact.Eachhadgunshotwoundstothehead.Theyoungwoman,whoherecognizedasRuby,satinthemiddlesurroundedbyapoolofblood.Inthecrimsonpuddlefloatedablackfeatherdisturbedonlybyatrailofbloodycatfootprintsleadingawaytotheedgeoftheporch.HeturnedtoJennaandpointed.“Thecatwashere.”
“So,Isee.”Jennaliftedoneshoulder.“Gofigure.”
Kanewentbacktoexaminingthescene.Oneman,withgrayhair,satinhisshirtsleeves;besidehimonthefloorwasaGlock22withtheclipremoved.Hesearchedaroundandspottedtheclipinthegrassbelowtheporchrailing.HestoodtoonesidetoallowWolfetoconductapreliminaryexaminationandmovedtoJenna’sside.“I’mfindingithardtobelievethisistheworkofoneman.Ifso,heisoutofcontrol.”
“Orjustenjoyinghimself.”ShepeeredathimoverthetopofhermaskandthenturnedtoWolfe.“Whathavewegot,Shane?”
“Thewomanisthecentralfigure.Thekillerbroughtherhereandsecuredhertothechair.I’dsaywhenthemenwereasleep,sosometimelastnight.”Wolfeglancedoveratthetrailersandthenbacktothecrimescene.“Theincisiontotheneckispost-mortem,andfromtheangleI’dhavetoassumethekillerusedhislefthand.ThistieshimtotheRobinsoncase.”HelookedatKane.“Assumingyou’recorrectabouttheshooting.”
“Itmakessense—akillerwouldn’tjugglehisweapontoturnonalight.”Kanefrowned.“He’seitherleft-handedorambidextrous.”
Wolfenodded.“ThelacerationtothethroatisalltheproofIneed.”HeturnedbacktoRuby’sbody.“Thefemalevictimhasapuncturewoundtothethigh.Thekillernickedthefemoralarteryandthenhidcloseby.Heknewwheretoputhiswound,whichalsoindicateshehassomeknowledgeofanatomyorwastrainedtokill.”Helookedatthem.“Ifheusedherforbait,he’dhavebroughtheraroundandshewould’vescreamedforhelp.Themencamerunning.Fromthefirstaidkitonthefloor,someonetriedtostopthebleeding.Theywouldn’thavebeentooanxioustocall911becausethewoundissosmall.”HeglancedatJenna.“MaybetheybelieveditwouldbequickertodrivehertotheERoncethey’dstoppedthebleeding.”
Kanestaredatthescene.“Yeah,Iagree.”
“Howdidhegetthejumponfourmen,withoneofthemarmed?”JennastaredaroundherandthenlookedbackatKane.“Therearetwoflashlightsontheground,theywouldhaveseenthekiller.”
Kanesurveyedtheimmediatearea.“Therearetonsofplacesheretolieinwaitatnight.Thekillerwaitedforthemtoconcentrateonthegirl,cameoutofhiding,andpointedhisrifleatthem;he’dhavehadthedroponthem.”Hemovedontotheporch,steppingcarefullyaroundthebloodspatter.“Hetakesoutakneeontheguywiththeguntoshowthemhemeansbusinessandthenordersthemtotieeachotherup.”
“Thenhehashisfun.”Jennafrowned.“Allthewhile,Rubyisbleedingout.”ShelookedatKane.“Itcouldbeanynumberofkillers.Onemandoingthismuchdamageinonenightseemsabitfar-fetched.”
“No,it’snot.”WolfestraightenedfromexaminingthegapinggashonRuby’sneck.“It’spossible.Wedon’tknowhowmuchtimehehad,dowe?OnceIestablishthetimeofdeath,we’llhaveabettertimeframetoworkwith.”
Kanebentandpeeredatthefeather.“Threecrimescenesandblackfeathersateachone.Thisisasignature.Itmeanssomethingtothekiller.”
“I’veestablishedthefeatherscomefromcrows.”Wolfefrowned.“It’salsothenameofalocaltribeofNativeAmericans.Itmightbesignificant,amessageperhaps.”
“I’llspeaktoAtohi.”Jenna’slipsflattenedintoathinline.“Althoughhe’skindoftiedupwiththecoldcasemurder.Iheartheexcavationisgoingwellbutthere’snosignofanotherskeleton.”
“Theboy’sfathercould’veburiedthemapartorwildlifecould’vescatteredtheremains.ItwillbesometimebeforeDr.Batesfinishesupthere.”Wolfepulledouthisphoneandtookshotsofthecrimescene.“I’dliketosendthesetoJotocomparewiththecrimesinBaltimore.Youdon’thavetoaskforherhelp,Jenna,butwiththistypeofkiller,we’regonnaneedallthehelpwecanget.”
Kanefrowned.“JoBlakeisabehavioralanalyst,afancynameforaprofiler.Whatcanshebringtothetable?”
“I’mnotquestioningyourskills,Dave.”Wolfelookedperturbed.“Notatall.It’sthatshehadsimilarcasesinBaltimoreandthere’sbeenothers.TheFBI’scodenamefortheBaltimorekillingswastheChameleonKillerandheleftblackfeathersatthescene.It’stoomuchofacoincidence.FromwhatI’mseeing,itcouldbethesamekillerorkillers.”
“Okay,soyouwantherhereinanadvisorypositionandnottotakeoverandstampalloverourinvestigation.”Kaneshrugged.“Whatdoyousay,Jenna?”
“Willshebecomingwithherteam?”Jennaballedherhandsonherhips.“Howmany?”
“I’mnotsure…onlytwoofthem,Ibelieve,ifshehaslocatedherdetective.ShewastryingtolocateTyCarterbuthe’soffthegrid.Sheneedshimtoflythechopper.”
ThenameignitedamemoryinKane’shead.“He’saloosecannon.Headstrong,worksalone.Ican’tseehimagreeingtoworkinateamortakingmuchnoticeofabehavioralanalyst.He’saseat-of-your-pantstypeofguy.”
“Doyouknowhim?”Jennalookedconcerned.
Kaneshookhishead.“Onlybyreputation.”
“Iknowbothofthem.”WolfesmiledatJenna.“You’llfindJoeasytogetalongwithbutshe’sastoughasnails,sodon’tunderestimateher.Trustme,Kane,you’llbeabletokeepTyCarterinline.”
“Iguessifit’sthesamekiller,andshe’sbeenhands-onwithhispreviouscases,she’llbeabletohelp.”JennaglancedatKaneandshrugged,thenlookedbackatWolfeandnodded.“Okay,giveheranothercallandbringherinonthecase.Solongasyou’resuretheywon’tpulltheFBIcardanduseittorailroadus.”
“Youhavemyword.”Wolfepulledouthisphone.“I’llcallhernow.”
THIRTY-THREESNAKESKINGULLY,MONTANA
AnnoyedbythelackofresponsetohermessagesandcallstoTyCarter,JoBlakehadcalledintotheSnakeskinGullySheriff’sDepartmenttoaskforassistancetolocatehim.Itseemedwhenanoff-the-gridex-NavySealdidn’twantanyonetofindhim,hebecameinvisible.ThesheriffhadinsistedhetakehertoCarter’slastknownlocationandthey’dleftatonce.Thesheriff’scruiser,amassiveSUV,bumpedoverarockypath.Alongtheway,she’dkeptvigilantandscannedthearea,tryingtomemorizetheturnstheyhadtaken,butthehighwayhadsoonbecomedirtroadsleadingintoadenseforest.AfterreadingtheserialkillerreportscomingoutofBlackRockFalls,beingwithacompletestrangerinthemiddleofnowherepushedherfearfactortomaximum.“Howmuchfurther?”
“Well,LastChanceFallsisattheendofthisroad.FromthereIguesswegoonfootandlookaroundforacabin.”SheriffCageWalker’smouthturnedupatthecorners.“Yousureyou’recutoutforsmall-townlife?”
“Idon’treallyhaveachoice.”Jolookedathishonestfaceandsoftbrowneyes.“IgowhereI’mneeded.”
“Ihaven’thadmorethanadisputeoverafencesinceIbecamesheriff,andthat’sneartwoyearsnow.”Cageshrugged.“I’mnotsurewhytheFBIdecidedweneedafieldofficehere.”
TheimagesWolfehadsentthroughearlierspilledacrosshermind.“Iguesstheypickedsomewherecentral,withasparebuildingforustosetupshopin.”
“Maybe.”Cagepulledthecruisertoahalt.“There’sthefalls—hisplacecan’tbetoofaraway.”
Jofrowned.“HeownsamessoflandupherebutIcouldn’tfindacabinonGoogleEarth.”
“It’sunlikelyyouwould.”Cagechuckled.“Notmanycomethiswaytomaptheforest.”Hegaveheralonglook.“Youdoknowaboutthewildlifearoundtheseparts?Youwouldn’twanttofindyourselfinashowdownwithagrizzly.”
Annoyed,Jostaredathim.“Yeah,I’maware.Iwouldn’thaveaskedyoutocomewithmeifithadn’tbeensourgent.”
“I’mhappytohelpoutatanytime.”Cageslidfrombehindthewheelandpulleduphiscollar.“Lookslikethere’satrailintotheforest.Watchyourstep;it’sbeensnowingandunderfootisicy.”
Joswallowedherfirstreplyandnodded.“Yeah,wehavesnowwhereIcomefromtoo.Can’twedrive?Thetraillookswideenough.”
“Idon’tmakeahabitofdrivingontopeople’spropertywithoutpermission.”Cagefrownedather.“Walkingupniceandslow,sotheycanseewhoyouare,andyellingoutwillkeepyousafer.”
“Hmm.”JotouchedtheGlocksnuginsidehershoulderholsterunderherjacket.Sheshivered.Itwassocoldandshewasn’thandlingthemountaintemperaturesatall.“Sotheyshootfirstandaskquestionslateraroundhere?”
“Ifthey’vepostedanotice,yeah.”Cagegrinnedather.“Amightdifferentthanthebigcity,huh?”
Joshookherhead.“Notatallbutinthebigcitytheydon’tpostnotices,theyjustshootyou.Sometimesbecauseyou’velookedatthemthewrongwayortheywantyourshoes.”Sheslippedontheunevensurfaceandhegrabbedherarmtosteadyher.
“Youmightwanttobuyapairofhikingboots.”Cageeyedherfootwear.“Theproducestorecarriesagoodrangeandyou’llneedsnowgeartoo.Youwon’tsurvivehereunlessyoubundleup.”Hetookoutapairofbinocularsandscannedthearea.“Iseesmoke.Thecabinmustbestraightahead.”
Jostumbledafterhim,realizingdesignerbootsmightlookgreatbutdidn’tstopthebittercold.Afterthreestridesshecouldn’tfeelhertoes.They’dwalkedfortenminutesbeforethecabincameintoview.Tuckedintothesideofthemountain,itwasbarelyvisible,butthesignpostsalongthewaywarningtheownerwouldshoottrespassersonsighthadgottenherattention.Shepausedatthestairstotheporchandraisedhervoice.“Hello,inside.I’mAgentBlake,FBI.I’mlookingforTyCarter.”
“Youfoundhim.”Adeep,masculinevoicecamefrominside.
Relieved,Jomovedtothebottomstep.“It’sJoBlakefromthefieldofficeatSnakeskinGully.Weneedtotalk.”
Thefrontdooropenedacrackandshemadeoutatallfigureinside.“Ithoughtyouwereaman.”
Joheldherground.“Well,youwereobviouslymistaken.”
“Mornin’,Cage.”Cartersteppedtothedoor.
JoswungaroundandgapedatCageinsurprise.“Youknowhim?Whydidn’tyousay?”
“Youdidn’taskifIknewhim,youaskedifIknewwherehelived.”Cageleanedagainstatallpine.“I’venevervisitedhimbeforenow.”
JoturnedasTyCarterwalkedoutontotheporchandrestedarifleagainstthewall.Hewasnotwhatshe’dexpected.Tallandstrongwithasquarejawandbuzzcutwastheimagesherememberedfromhisfile.Themanstandingbeforeherwasacowboyrightdowntohissnakeskinboots.Piercinggreeneyesboreintoher,andhisshaggyblondhairpokedoutfromunderawell-wornStetson.Shestraightenedandwalkedupthestepstogreethim.Grabyourgear,wehaveanurgentcase.”Shenoticedaslightsmirkanditmadeherbloodboil.“Whydidn’tyouanswermycalls?”
“Nobarsuphere.”Tyshruggedandmovedatoothpickacrosshislips.“Ireceivedmyorderslastweekbymail.Theyinformedmetowaitforyoutocontactmeandhereyouare.”Hestoodtooneside.“Iguessyou’dbettercomeinandbringmeuptospeed.”
Jostoodherground.“Wedon’thavetime.”Shepulledherphonefromherpocket,openedtheimagefilesWolfehadsenther,andhandedthephonetohim.“MassmurderoutofBlackRockFalls.Themedicalexamineriswaitingforusbeforeheremovesthebodies.You’llneedtopackforafewdays.”
“Myduffleisalwayspacked.”Tyfrownedattheimages.“Givemefivetoputoutmyfireandgetmyweapons.”Helookedatthesheriff.“Cage,canyougrababagoffoodforZorrofrommypantryandputitinmytruck?”
“Sure.”Cagewalkedinthedoorandstoppeddead.“Ah…isheokay?”
Jo’sattentionmovedtoaDoberman,sittingearstall,quiveringlipspulledbackdisplayingverywhiteteeth.“Doyouhavesomeonetocareforhim?”
WithonesmallgesturefromTy’shand,thedogdroppedandwatchedthemclosely.Jomarveledattheconditionoftheanimal.Hewasafine-lookingdogandheldhisheadupwithpride,lookinglikeaSphinx.
“ZorrogoeswhereIgo.”Tywalkedthroughthesmall,spotlesscabinandintoaroomattheback.“He’sthebombsquad.”
ShewaitedafewminutesforTytoemergefromtheotherroom.He’dchangedintocleanclothesandhadaduffleoveroneshoulder,aguncaseinonehand,andapairofhikingbootsintheother.Hestillresembledacowboy.
“We’llgoinmytruck.”Tyusheredheroutthedoor.
Oncethey’ddroppedCageathiscruiser,JobroughtTyuptospeedwiththemurdersinBlackRockFalls.Hehadn’tsaidawordtoherforthepasttenminutes.Hehadnoconclusionsoropinionsonthecase,whichshethoughtstrange.“Haveyouhandledmanyserialkillercases?”
“Yeah,afew.”Tyturnedontothehighwayandaccelerated.“So,whatisyourpartinallthis?You’remyboss—myordersmadethatperfectlyclear.”Hetossedthetoothpickoutthewindow,lettinginablastoffreezingair.
ItwasobvioustoJothathedidn’tliketheideaofherseniority.Fromhisfile,he’dbeenatthetopofhisfieldtwoyearsago.He’dbeenmuchofalonewolfbeforeaslip-upbyateamhewasworkingacasewithhadresultedinthedeathsoftwoyoungchildren.Fromwhatshe’dread,TyhadsufferedPTSDtosuchanextenthe’dgoneoffthegridtorecover.Althoughhispsychtestshadcomebackclean,hewasstillanunknownquantity.Sheturnedtolookathim.“TheideaisweworktogetherbutI’llbetakingthelead.I’mabehavioralanalyst.Iprofilekillersandattempttoanticipatetheirnextmove.”
“IusemygutinstinctandI’venotbeenwrongyet.”Heshrugged.“Doyouworkonthefly?”
“IfyoumeanwillIstayintheofficeandsendyououtoncases,no.Iprefertoberightintheaction.Ineedtoseethecrimescenetodeterminetheprofileofthekiller.”Jolookedattherigidsetofhisjaw.Itwasobvioushewasn’timpressedtobeworkingwithherinthefield.Sheclearedherthroat.“I’mnotadetectivebutmyinsightshavesolvedmanycrimes.”
“Canyouhandleyourselfinthefieldinextremeconditions?”Tyflickedheraswiftglance,takinginherattire.“It’sgoingtobetoughworkingthebackwoodstowns.Daysofhikingthroughforests,hand-to-handcombat,andduckingbullets.”
Josetherjaw.Herbossandex-husband’sloverhadgivenherahardnosed,damagedpartnerwiththeintentionofmakingherlifeamisery.She’ddealtwithabossy,demandingmanduringhermarriageandwaswellversedinhowtodealwithegos.Shedidn’tneedtoimpressTyCarterwithqualifications.She’dearnhisrespectbuthewascorrect,theywouldsureneedtobetough.Sheliftedherchin.First,she’dneedtoconvincehimshewasn’tahelplesswoman.“Icanhandlemyselfjustfine.”
“Uh-huh.”Tystaredstraightahead.“So,howmanydowehaveonourteam?”
Joswallowedhard.“Rightnow,it’sjustyouandme.”
“Oh,boy.”
THIRTY-FOURBLACKROCKFALLS
ItwasaftertwobythetimeJennaspottedtheincomingchopper.Shehurriedintothebarn,thankedTomDickson,andaskedhimtofinishup.Shegavehimafullday’spaybutdidn’texplainwhyanFBIchopperwaslandingonherranch.KanehaddashedtohiscottagewithDukeandthenhurriedinsidethebarntocalmthehorsesasthenoisymachinelanded.Shieldinghereyesfromthewhirlwindofdustfromthespinningblades,Jennawaitedonthefrontporchfortheagentstoemerge.Shetookinthetwostrangersandshookherhead.JoBlake,anattractivewomansheimaginedtobearoundthirty,haddressedinatailoredsuitwithfashionablebootsandwithherdarkhairsweptup;sheremindedJennaofhertimeworkinginDC.Agentshadadresscodeunlessundercover,butwhenTyCarteremergedfromthepilot’sseat,shedidadoubletake.Bundledupinasheepskincoatandwearingbluejeans,abatteredStetson,andone-waysunglasses,helookedasifhe’djustwalkedoffaranch.He’saDCagent?
CarterobviouslyownedthesleekDobermanthatjumpeddownfromthechopperwearingaharness.Itmovedtohissideandlookedupathimasifawaitinginstruction.ShewonderedwhatDukewouldthinkofanotherdoginhisyard.SheturnedasKanestrodeoutfromthebarn,andaftertheintroductions,shelookedatCarter.“Ididn’tknowyou’dbebringingadog.OurDukeisprettyterritorial.”
“Youwon’thaveaproblem.Zorrowilljustignorehim,andittakestwototango.”Cartersmiled.“WhatbreedisDuke?Hisnamesoundslikeahuntingdogtome.”
“Yeah.”KanemovedtoJenna’sside.“He’sabloodhoundandafinetracker.”
“Zorroisourbombsquad.”CarterpattedZorroonthehead.“Ihaven’ttrainedhimtodisarmoneyet,butifthere’soneoutthere,he’llfindit.”
Jennanodded.“Goodtoknow.Bringhimalong.TheMEiswaitingforusatthecrimescene.”TheyclimbedintoKane’struckandheadedtotheOldMitchamRanch.
“Ihearyou’retheprofileroftheteam,Kane.”Josoundedinterested.“Wouldyouconsiderthisaserialkiller’sworkorarewelookingataterrorist?”
“Serialkiller.”Kanelookedatherinhismirror.“We’rehere,soyoucantakealookforyourself.”
“Ihearyou’reanexpertincatchingserialkillers.”CarterinstructedZorrotoremaininside.HeremovedhissunglassesandmovedtoJenna’ssideastheysteppeddownfromthetruck.
Jennalookedathimtoseeifhewasjokingbutsheonlysawgenuineinterestinhisunusualgreeneyes.“Well,Ihaveagreatteam.”Shewavedtowardthemurderscene.“Thisisourfirstmassmurder,andIbelieveJowasinvolvedinsomethingsimilarinBaltimore.”
“Soshesaid.”Cartertookatoothpickfromhispocket,pusheditintothesideofhismouth,andmoveditfromsidetoside.“Ionlymetheracoupleofhoursago.Shedidn’tsaytoomuchonthewayhereaboutheroldcases;shewasonthephonemakingarrangementsforherdaughter.Shehasaseven-year-oldathome.”HetooktheglovesandbootiesWolfehandedhimandputthemon.“Let’sseewhatwehavehere.”
AsCarterwalkedupthestepsandnoddedtoRowley,whowasstandingguardjustinsidethefrontdoor,shotguninhand,Jennapulledonherglovesandbooties.She’dalreadylistenedtoWolfe’stakeonthecrimescenebutwasinterestedtohearthediscussionbetweenKaneandJo.Theywerespeakinginhushedtonesanddoingagreatdealofpointingandgesturing.
“Oh,Iagree.Severetrauma-inducedpsychosiswouldpushanalreadyunstablepsycheintothispattern.”JolookedupatKane.“UsingthegirlasbaitisthesameMOastheBaltimorecasebutthisismoreviolent,moreadvanced.Itshowsapower-inducedfrenzy.Helovedtheaudience,andwhentheypassedoutfromlackofblood,theylosttheirusetohim,soheshottheminthehead.”
“Whatpuzzlesmeisthefirstvictim,Robinson.”KaneturnedtolookatJo.“Hismurderwastooclean,unhurried,awalkinandwalkout.Itdoesn’tfitintothistypeofextremebehavior.”
“Thisiswhatfazedmetoo.I’vehadseveralthesame.”JoglancedatJennaasifseeingherforthefirsttime.“Ifthiskillerisworkingacrossthestates,thisinvestigationwillbecomeanFBImatter.Although,there’sonlythetwoofusavailableatthemoment.”Shesighed.“IonlyarrivedinSnakeskinGullylastweekend,andsofar,I’veonlylocatedTy.ThecomputerguyandreceptionistareAWOL.”
“Doyouhaveaccesstothecasefiles?We’llneedthemtocomparethecases.”Kanewalkedofftheporchwithherandtheychattedonthewaybacktohistruck.
“SheriffAlton.”Carterwalkedupbesideher.“There’safewthingsI’dliketodiscusswithyou.”
Jennaturnedtolookathim.“Yes,ofcourse.”
“Wolfesaidhe’smatchedallthebloodyfootprintswiththevictims,yetthekillermusthavebeencoveredinblood.Howdidhemovearoundwithoutleavingfootprints?Allthevictimsaresecured,soit’snotamurder–suicide.”CarterwavedfliesawayfromthepoolofcongealedbloodbeneathRuby’slifelessbody.“IcanusuallysumupasceneinsecondsbutI’dbeinterestedtoknowwhatyouseehere.”
Ishetestingme?Jennascannedthearrayoffootprints.“Thisisn’tmyfirstdance,Carter.Idon’tneedalessonincrimesceneinvestigation.”
“Thenwhytherushtogetushere?”Cartergaveheralonglook.“You’reclearlyoutofyourdepth.I’venoticedananomalyonWolfe’spreliminaryexamination—haveyou?”Thetoothpickmovedacrosshislipsandhegrinnedather.“No?”
KanehadmentionedCarterwasarrogant,andhewassureshowingitnow.Shestraightenedandeyeballedhim.“Wolfedoesn’tmakemistakes.”
“Ididn’tsayhedid.Iaskedyouwhatyouseehere.”Carterstaredather,greeneyesflashingwithamusement.
Okay,I’llplayyourgame.“Iseeeverythingperfectlyclear,Carter.Oneset,theonewiththeswirls,appearstobemoredominantthantheothers.”ShepulledoutherphoneandscannedthefootprintcomparisonfilesWolfehadmadepreviouslyfromthevictims’footwear.“Thefirstvictimfromtheleftownedtheseshoes,soI’dimaginehewasthelasttodie.Thekillerorderedhimtosecuretheothersandthencarrytheseveredhandsintothekitchen,asthesamefootprintsarethroughoutthehouse.”
“Uh-huh.”Carterscannedthesceneagain.“So,Wolfefiguresthekillerstoodbackhereandorderedthebigguy,we’llcallhimnumberone,totieeveryoneupandthencollectbodypartsinhisjacket.Thekillertoldhimtocarrythemtothekitchenanddisplaythemonthetablelikeagoodboy.Heexpectedhimtocomebackheresohecouldtiehimupandkillhim?”Hewalkedovertocorpsenumberoneandlookedathimclosely.HeturnedbacktoJennaandrestedthetoothpickinthecornerofhismouth.“Thatdoesn’tworkforme.Notatall.I’dsayhediedfirst,hewastheguywiththeweapon,maybethebosshere.”Hefrowneddownatthevictim.“Howcouldhehavecarriedthebodypartswithahandmissing,andwhydidn’theescape?Accordingtothefootprintshewasaloneinthekitchen.Anyfoolwouldhavehightaileditoutthebackdoor.”Hesnorted.“There’ssomethingelsesignificant.Takeanotherlook.”
WolfehadbackedhisconclusionswithphysicalevidenceandJennahadnocausetodoubthisfindings.Bemused,shestaredatCarterandthenbackatthecrimescene.He’dspottedsomethingshe’doverlooked.Shewenttoeachman,lookedattheirfootwear,andcheckedthesolesagainstWolfe’srecord.Whenshegottovictimnumberone,shedidadoubletake.Largeleatherbootsstuckoutfromtheendofhisjeans.ShelookedupatCarter.“Hisshoesareonthewrongfeet.”
“Yeah,Inoticedthat,andhisjacketismissingandit’sfreezingouthere.HismustbethejacketWolfefoundinthekitchen.”Cartersteppedaroundthebloodspatterandwenttoherside.“Wolfehadnoreasontoremovehisboots.Ibelievethekillerworethemtomovearoundandputthembackonthecorpsewhenhe’dfinished.Weknowheusedajackettocollectthebodyparts.Iwouldsayhetookthejacketfromvictimnumberonebeforehebeganhiskillingspree.TherestismuchlikeWolfesurmised.Heheldthematgunpointandhadonetieuptheother.Thelastonehesecuredhimself.Heissmart—lookhere.”Hepointedtovictimnumbertwo.“Themurdererseveredtherighthandofthesecondvictimbutplacedatourniquetabovetheamputationtopreventbloodloss.It’sthesamewiththeothers.Hewantedthemaliveandinpain.”
IntriguedbyCarter’sinsight,Jennanodded.“Goingbythedamagetothearmofthechair,heusedtheaxWolfefoundonthekitchentable.”
“Yeah,Iwouldthinkso.”CarterpickedhiswaybacktoRubyandstaredatthepoolofblood.“Thefeather.Josaidthisisthreeforthree,sowemustassumethesamemanmurderedallthecurrentvictims.Ibelievethefeatherissignificanttohim:itmeanssomething,andbyleavingit,he’ssendingamessage.”
Jennanodded.“IthoughtJowasthebehavioralanalyst.”
“Sheisbutitdoesn’ttakeadegreetounderstandhumannatureinourbusiness,doesit?”HepushedbackhisStetsonandlookedather.“AnythingelseIneedtoknow?”
“Wolfebelievesthekillerisleft-handedfromthelacerationonRuby’sneck.”JennawavedahandtowardKane.“KanehasthesametheorywiththeRobinsonmurder.Whenthekillerwalkedintothebedroom,heturnedonthelight,shotRobinson,andturnedoffthelight,allinseconds.Theswitchisontherightgoingintotheroom,soKanefigurestheshooterwasleft-handedorambidextrous.”
“Morelikeleft-handed;onehandisalwaysweaker.”Carterambledofftheporch.“Ithinkwe’redonehereandthestinkisgettingbad.Where’sagoodplacetostayaroundhere?Andwe’llneedavehicle.”
Jennafrowned.“Iguessyoucanusemycruiser.IridewithKanemosttimes.”Shewavedahandtowardthehouse.“I’llspeaktoWolfeaboutthevictim’sbootsandthenwe’lldriveyouintotown.”
ShepickedherwaybackinsideandnoticedCarterstickingtoherlikeglue.Inthekitchen,Wolfewasbaggingandlabelingthebodyparts.SheexplainedCarter’stheorytohim.“Youdidn’tmentionvictimnumberone’sboots,soisitapossibilitythekillerusedthemtodisguisehisidentity?”
“Yeah,butI’llneedtoproveit.I’vemadeanoteofthebootsbeingonthewrongfeetinmycrimescenereport.”Wolfewroteonanevidencebagandthenlookedupather.“Ihavetoconsiderbothscenarios,Jenna.Thekillerusinganotherman’sbootsisapossibility,buthe’dhavetohavethevictimssecuredfirst.”Hesighed.“Thenyouhavetoconsiderthesituationthemenfaced.Itwasthemiddleofthenight,agirlisscreaming,andtheywould’vedressedquicklytorushoutsidetoseewhatthenoisewasabout.Victimnumberonecould’veeasilyputhisbootsonthewrongfeet.Ifthekillerdidusehisboots,I’llfindevidence.Forinstance,I’lllookforbloodspatterfromtheothervictimsonhissocks.”HegaveCarteralonglook.“Ican’tfigureoutwhythefirstvictimdidn’tfirehisweapon.Hemusthavehaditinhishandwhenhecameoutthetrailer.”
“Maybethekillerhadthedroponthem.”Carterchewedonhistoothpick.“Orheputdownhisguntohelpthegirl.”HelookedatJenna.“Didyousearchthetrailersforweapons?”
Jennanodded.“Yeah,wedidn’tfindany,whichouthereismorethanalittlestrange,butthere’sarifleinthetruck.”
“WhatIthinkisstranger.”KanewalkedinthebackdoorwithJoonhisheels.“Wherearetheotherworkers’vehicles?WehaveonetruckparkedbehindthefirsttrailerownedbyTrevorWilson;fromthedriver’slicenseonrecordhe’stheshirtlessvictim.He’ssixty-twoyearsold,hasbeenintheservice,andwehavehisprints—it’sapositiveID.”
Jennawavedthefliesawayfromherface.“Whattypeofcrazybossdropstheirworkersoutherewithouttransportorweaponstoprotectthemselves?”
“Illegalaliens,maybe.”Kaneshrugged.“Cheaplaborandoneswhodon’tknowthelocallegendsordon’tcare.”
“Ormaybetheyflewinfromanotherstate,andasthebossislivingon-site,he’dbegivingthemarideintotownwhennecessary.”Carterleanedagainstthedoorframe.“There’stimetodiscussthislater.Canwegetawayfromthisstink?”
JennalookedatWolfe.“Doyouneedourhelp?I’llleaveRowleyheretowatchyourback.”
“Nah,we’llworkourwaythroughandgetthemonice,althoughI’dappreciateRowleyasbackupjustincasethekillerishangingaround.”Wolfe’seyesmethersoverthemaskandshenoticedoneraisedeyebrow.“You’dbettergettheagentssettled.We’llbejustfine.”HeturnedtoJo.“What’rethechancesofthekillerreturningtothesceneofthecrime?”
“It’spossible,don’ttakeanychances.”Jomovedherattentiontothebodyparts.“Although,thismuchcarnagemightsatisfyhimforawhile.”
Jennaheadedforthebackdoor.“Ihopeso,we’rerunningoutofspaceinthemorgue.”
THIRTY-FIVE
Deepinherownthoughts,JennaallowedthelightconversationdriftingaroundhertogobyandletKaneanswertheagents’questions.Thetruckpulledupoutsideherfrontdoorandthepassengersclimbedouttoretrievetheirbagsfromthechopper.SheheardKaneclearhisthroatandlookedathim.“Didyousaysomething?”
“Nope.”Kanescannedherface.“Don’tyouthinkitwouldbeagoodideatohavethemstaywithus?Weusuallyworkintothenightanditwouldbemoreconvenient.”
Unsettledbyhissuggestion,Jennastaredathim.“IfyouwantJotostaywithyou,that’syourcall,butassureashell,I’mnotsharingmyhousewithCarter.”Sheshookherhead.“I’veofferedhimmycruiserbutIdon’tmakeahabitofinvitingstrangementosharemyhouse.”
“Youdidme.”Kanesmiledather.“Itmusthavebeenmyirresistiblecharm.”
Jennaglaredathim.“Ididnot!Givingyouthecottagewasakindness.Ididn’taskyoutomoveinwithme.”
“Uh-huh,Iguess.Anyway,IwasthinkingofofferingCartermyspareroomandwonderedifyoumightdothesameforJo.It’satemporarysolutionandwouldsavetime.”Kaneshrugged.“ButifsharingwithJoisaproblem,we’llfindthemroomsintown.”
Seeingthesenseinhisidea,shenodded.“Sure,whynot?ButI’msurprisedyou’driskhavinganFBIagentsnoopingaroundyourhouse,andwhatabouthisdog?Dukewillgocrazy.”
“Don’tworryaboutDuke,I’lltellhimtobenice.”Kaneclearedhisthroat.“Securityisn’tanissueeither—hewon’tfindanything,andsinceRowley’sstay,I’veinstalledanothersafeinmybedroom.Trustme,it’slikeFortKnox.”
Jennasmiledathim.“Goodtoknow.”SheslidoutthedoorandwenttogreetJo.“Tosavetimehuntingdownaplacetostay,wouldyouliketobunkwithme?Ihavealltheequipmentwe’llneed,andyou’rewelcometousemycruiser.”
“Thatwouldbegreat.”Josmiledather.
JennaturnedtoCarter.“Whataboutyou?”
“Yeah,thanks.”Carternodded.“We’lldumpourbagsandthenheadintotownforameal.We’llmeetyouatthesheriff’sofficeinanhourandreviewthecases.I’llthinkonhowwecansplitthecaseload,somakesureallyourdeputiesareatthemeeting.”
HisattitudetookJennabysurprise.Shewalkedcloserandeyeballedhim.“AgentCarter,I’mtheleadofficeronthiscase.WhenI’mreadytohanditovertotheFBI,I’llletyouknow.”
“Yes,ma’am.”Carterdidn’tdisguiseaneyeroll.“I’musedtoworkingalonebutthat’snoexcuse.Iapologize,ma’am.”
Unconvinced,Jennanodded.“Okay.”
“You’llbestayingwithme.”Kane’sstonyexpressionhadn’tchangedashelookedatCarter.“I’llshowyouyourroom.”Heledthewaytohiscottage
JennaturnedtoJo.“I’llhavetomakeupyourbedtonight.Idon’thavemanyvisitors.”Shesmiledather.“Doyouhaveapairofjeansandsomemoresubstantialbootstowear?Mostofthecrimescenesareoutoftownandtheforecastisforsnowanydaynow.”
“No,Idon’t.”Jopulledhersuitcasewheelsovertheunevenground.“Ihadnoideawhattoexpect.TheFBImovedmetoSnakeskinGullywithoutnotice.”ShesmiledatJenna.“ThelocalsheriffthereinformedmeIcanbuyeverythingIneedattheproducestoreintown.”
Jennaopenedthefrontdoor,shutdownthealarm,andwavedherinside.“Therearetwoplaceshereintownthatsellbasicwinterwear,butthejeanswillneedwashingbeforeyouwearthem.Ihaveapairthatwillfityouinthemeantime,butapairofhikingbootsisapriorityaroundhere.”ShelookedatJo’ssuitjacket.“Doyouhaveawintercoatwithyou?”
“Yeah,myFBIjacketisthickandIhavemyKevlarvestwithme.”Jostoodinthefamilyroomandlookedaround.“Youhavealovelyhome.”
Jennashowedhertoherroom.“Thanks.I’llgrabthosejeans.”
Shehurriedtohercloset.Jowassmallerthanherbutshe’dbeenthinnerwhenshe’darrivedinBlackRockfallsandhadthreepairsofgoodjeansshenolongerused.ShetookthemintothesparebedroomandnoticedJo’sdrawnexpression.“Istheresomethingwrong?”
“I’mworriedaboutmydaughter,Jaime.”Shestareddownatherphone.
Jenna’sstomachgaveatwist.“Howso?”
“Shetookmydivorceandmovingawayfromherfriendsreallyhard.Itwasamessydivorceandit’sbeendifficultexplainingtoherwhyherdaddyprefersmommy’sboss.”Jogaveheradirectlook.“That’swhyI’mworkinginthebackwoodsofMontanawithateamofmisfits.”
Astonished,Jennashookherhead.“Hmm,Isee.Shewantedyououtoftheway.”
“Exactly.Wehaven’tunpackedyetandI’moffonacase.”Joshookherhead.“JaimehashernannybutIfeelasifI’mlettingherdown.”
Jennasatonthebedbesideher,surprisedavirtualstrangerhaddecidedtoconfideinher.Perhapsshehadnooneelsetotalkto.“Divorceishardonkids,butsheisseven,isn’tshe?Halloweeniscomingupandshe’llbeinvolvedinallsortsoffunthingsatschool.Doesshemixeasilywithotherkids?”
“Yeah,andshe’susedtomegoingawayfordaysonendoncases.I’mlucky,she’sprettyeasygoing.”Joindicatedwithherchintowardthedoor.“LikeDeputyKane.You’reluckytohavehim,he’sarealgentleman.He’sbeencallingme‘ma’am’allday.”Shechuckled.“I’mstuckwithMr.Grumpy.I’mtoldTyisoneofthebestinhisfield,butit’sgoingtobelikeworkingwitharobot.He’sold-schoolandthisassignmentmustbehisworstnightmare.”
Jennalaughed.“Oh,Kanewasprettymachowhenhearrivedtoo.IttookhimsometimetounderstandthatIcouldlookaftermyself,butI’dtrusthimwithmylife.He’sagoodman.”Shestood.“I’llleaveyoutogetchanged.Wehaven’teatenyeteither,soifyou’dliketofollowustoAuntBetty’sCaféintown,wecandiscussthecasesoverlunchandthenI’lltakeyoutothestores.Itwillbefaster.KanecantakeCarterbacktotheoffice.He’llhavealltheinfoyouneedbythetimewegetback.”
Later,inKane’struck,Jennaglancedathim.“WhatdoyouthinkaboutCarter?”
“Arrogantbutbeingoffthegridforayear,youtendtoloseyourpeopleskills.”Kane’smouthquirkedatthecorners.“Yousureshuthimdown.”
Jennacringed.“Toomuch?”
“Nah,savedmethetroubleoftakinghimoutbackofthewoodshedandteachinghimsomemanners.”Kaneflashedawidesmile.“AndtothinkIusedtoworryoveryou.”
Jennashrugged.“I’mabiggirlandthere’snowayhewasgoingtowalkoverme.Hedidtry,butImustadmit,afterItookcontrolofthescene,hecameoverasknowledgeableandallowedmetoseetheactionthroughhiseyes.Youmayberight.He’sbeenalonetoolong.”Sheturnedinherseattolookathim.“AndJo.Firstimpressions?”
“Smart,andsheanalyzesontheflywithincredibleaccuracy.”Kanefrownedandglancedather.“Ipickedupavulnerabilitybutshe’stoughingitout.It’shardtohideinsecurityfromme.ItmakesmewonderwhyshewassenttoasmalltowninthemiddleofnowherewithanarrogantSOBlikeTyCarter.”Hisgazeremainedfixedontheroad.“Wolfegavemetheimpressionshewassuperconfidentandusedtorunningtheshow.”
RememberingthedevastationonJo’sface,JennawonderediftellingKanewasbreakingaconfidence,buttheyhadnosecretsbetweenthem.“FromwhatIgather,she’sconcernedaboutleavingherdaughter.Joisrecentlydivorced.”
“Oh,Isee.”KanepulledupinfrontofAuntBetty’sCafé.“Thatmakesalotofsense.”Henoddedtowardthecafé.“WillyouinformSusieHartwigaboutRuby’smurder?”
“NotuntilI’venotifiedhernextofkinbutIwillaskherforRuby’sdetails.”Shefrowned.“I’msurprisednobodyhasreportedhermissing.”
“Maybetheyhave.”Kanereachedforhisphone.“DoyouwantmetocallMaggieandask?”
Jennaslidfromthetruck.“We’llaskherwhenwegetintotheoffice.I’mfamished.”ShewaitedonthesidewalkforCartertopullupbehindtheminhercruiser.
Theyorderedtheirmealsandsatatthesheriff’stable.Itwasquiet,withonlyafewcustomerslingeringafterthelunchtimerush.JennalookedatCarter.“We’llneedtoexchangecasefiles;itwillmakelifeeasier.Whatareyourcellnumbers?”
Shetookthemdownandthemessageringtoneschimedasthefilesflashedthroughcyberspace.AfterscanningtheBaltimorecasefiles,sheglancedupatKane.“What’syourtakeonthis?”
“Fromthecrimesceneimagesandtheautopsyreports,plusJo’sprofile,Ifigurewe’redealingwiththesameman.”KanenoddedtoJo.“Haveyoucometothesameconclusion?”
“Yeah,unlessit’sacopycat,butthelinkweconsideredbetweentheBaltimoremurderswasn’treleasedtothepress.Although,nothingindicatedourkillerwasleft-handed.”Jorefilledhercupfromapotonthetable.“Didyougetareadfromanyofyoursuspects?”
“WeinterviewedKylerHallandCliffYoungbuttheylawyeredup.Wedon’tknowifeitherofthemareleft-handed.”Kanespreadcreamoverthetopofhischerrypie.“Tosavetime,I’llgiveyouarundownofthecaseagainstthem.TheywereinvolvedinafightwiththeStantonForestvictims,LouisandAddams.Youngbrokeupwithhisgirlfriend,Ann,overheraffairwithLucasRobinson,ourfirstvictim.RobinsonapparentlyswindledHalloutofhisinheritance,sotheyalltiein.TheyhavenoalibisforTODintheRobinsoncaseandwereinthevicinityoftheStantonForestmurdersattheTODaswell.”HeglancedatJo.“Aretheycapableofmurderisthequestion.Volatileandangrycanescalateintothistypeofbehavior,asyouknow.”
“Yeah,anyofthosescenarioscouldtriggerapsychoticepisode,butthisangerseemsmorepronounced.It’songoing,adeephatred.”Josippedhercoffee.“Likelyfromatraumaticeventinchildhood.”
Jennalookedfromonetotheother.“Okay,saythey’rethekillers.Whatisthesignificanceoftheblackfeather?Whywoulditbesignificanttobothmen?Theycomefromdifferentfamilysituationsandit’sunlikelythey’dhavebothsufferedthesametraumaaskids.”
“Theycouldbealeaderandafollower.”Josmiledather.“Apsychopathhascharminspades,andthisisattractivetoaweakerman;hemaylookuptohim.Inthiscasetheyusuallygoalongwiththemandgetdraggedintotheirworldwithoutreallyunderstandingthereason.”Sheplacedhercuponthesaucerandpattedhermouthonapapernapkin.“SeemstomeHallandYounghavecommonenemies.”
“That’sallveryneat.”Carterletoutalongsighandscrolledthroughtheimagesofthecrimescenes.“Sohowdotheytieinwiththemassmurder?I’mnomedicalexaminerbutIknowenoughforensicstoseethatthefirstthreekillingsareclean.Thekillerorkillersdidn’tlingertoenjoytheirkillslikethelastone.Trustme,thatamountofdamagetakestime.”HeshotadirectglanceatJenna.“CanyoumakeoutanypossiblelinkbetweenthecasesbecauseIsureashellcan’t.”
Jennadroppedsomebillsonthetableandpushedtoherfeet.“Atleastwehavesuspects.LookingattheFBI’spastefforts,they’vestruckoutoneverymurder.”
THIRTY-SIX
Kaneheadedtotheoffice,takingintheconstantchangestoMainStreet.Fewweekswentbybetweenacelebrationofonethingoranother.Aftersufferingweeksofsleet,thetownsfolkhadreplacedmostofthehail-ruineddecorationsforHalloween.He’dnoticedhowBlackRockFallsembracedthecelebrationforwellovertwoweekspriortotheday,althoughthejack-o’-lanternsdidn’tcomeoutuntilthelastminute,whentheylitupMainwitheeriegoldensmilesduringthetrick-or-treatprocessionofkidscollectingcandy.He’denjoyedpatrollingwithJennaandseeingthehappyfacesandoutrageouscostumes.Hehopedthecurrentmurderswouldn’tpreventthekids’fun.
Astheyarrivedatthesheriff’sdepartment,heturnedtoJenna.Shehadn’tsaidtoomuchtohimsinceleavingAuntBetty’s.“Ibelieveyou’rerightaboutCarter.Hehasagoodreputationofgettingthejobdone;wecanusehisinputsameasJo’s.”
“Heseesthingsdifferentlytothewaywedo.”Jennarubbedhertemples.“Iadmit,Iprefertheteamapproachtosolvingcrimes.Sure,Ileadthecase,butIrelyonyourprofilingskillsandWolfe’sdeterminationonthecrimescene.Together,weconsiderallpossibilitiesandgofromthere.”Shepuffedoutabreaththatliftedherbangs.“Carterlooksatthewholepictureatonceandmakesasnapdetermination.Hecameupwithadifferentscenariothanwedidinaboutfifteenseconds.”
Kanerubbedhischin.“Thatdoesn’tmakehimright.Consideringallaspectsbeforejumpingtoconclusionsisasoundstrategy.Usingallyourresourcesisamarkofagoodleader.Youshouldn’tdoubtyourself.He’salonewolf.IthinkJoisgoingtohaveherhandsfullwithhim.”
“Theproblemis,thistime,everythinghesaidmadeperfectsense.”Jennamethisgaze.“Wolfedidn’tmentionhe’dnoticedthevictimhadhisshoesonthewrongfeet.”SheexplainedherconversationwithWolfe,andCarter’stakeonthemurderattheOldMitchamRanch.“WhatCartersaysismorethanpossible—he’sprobablyright.”
“Wolfenoticedthebootsandwilladdittohisconclusionsbecausehetakesintoaccountalltheevidence.”Kaneshrugged.“Ifhesaiditcould’vehappenedbecausethemenrushedtodress,thenhe’sofferingyoureasonabledoubt.KnowinghimasIdo,he’llbetestingthosebootsforanyforeignDNAandsearchforproofthekillerremovedtheman’sfootwear.Hedoesn’tjumptoconclusions.Hewantshisevidencetoberocksolidincourt.”
“Okay.”Jennagavehimadirectstare.“Wehavetoliveandworkwiththemforafewdays,andfromwhatJosaid,shewillbeourgo-tolocalFBIbranch,sogettingongoodtermswiththemnowwillbetoouradvantage.”Shesmiled.“IkindoflikeJo,andit’snicetohavesomeoneclosemyownagetotalkto.”
Bemused,Kanefrowned.“I’mclosetoyourage,Jenna.”
“Oh,Dave,youaresofunny.”Jennachuckled.“Imeangirltalk.I’vemissedit,andEmilyWolfeisagreatcompanion,butitwasrefreshingtalkingtoJo.”Shereachedforthedoorhandle.“I’mtakingthecruiserforhalfanhour.Joneedstopickupafewthings.Ifyoucouldcollatealltheinfowehavetodate,we’llallmeetupinmyofficewhenwegetback.”
Kanestaredatherindisbelief.“Can’tCartertakeher?”
“No,I’mgoingwithher.We’llneedtoshowthemthemurderscenesandJodoesn’thaveadecentcoatorhikingboots.Iknowwheretogo,Carterdoesn’t.Itwilltakenotimeatall.”Sheslidoutthetruckandpokedherheadbackinsideandgrinnedathim.“Promise.”
Kanescratchedhishead.“Uh-huh.”
HewaitedforCarterandZorroonthesidewalkandtheywalkedintothesheriff’sdepartment.AfterintroducinghimtoMaggieandWalters,hewentstraighttoJenna’sofficeandpulleddownthewhiteboard.Hestaredforafewmomentsatthefacesofthevictimsdepictedinlifebesidethegruesomeimagesoftheirdeaths.Itwasasiftheypleadedwithhimtofindandstoptheirkiller.“I’llprinttheimagesfromthecrimesceneandgetthemup.”Heusedhisphonetoaccessthefileandsentthemtotheprinter.
Astheprinterhummedandchurnedouttheimages,TyCarterinstructedZorrotoliedownonthematandthenwalkedupanddown,staringatthewhiteboard,stoppingtoexaminephotographsbeforemovingon.
Kanerestedonehipontheedgeofthedeskandlookedatthedog.“There’snotmuchforZorrotodointhiscase.IfhegetsonokaywithDuke,you’rewelcometoleavehimatmycottage.Ihaveanenclosedareaoutbacktheycanaccessfromthemudroom.”
“Yeah,Imighttakeyouuponthatoffer.Hedoesn’tlikebeingcoopedupinside.”
Kanenodded.“Jennamentionedyourtheoryaboutthefootprints.”
“Notatheory,anobservation.”Carterchewedonhistoothpick.“Wolfewillfindbloodonthevictim’ssocks.Fromthebloodspatterpatternaroundhisfeet,hewasn’twearinghisbootswhenthekillerseveredhishand.“Didyoufindshellcasingsatanyofthescenes?”
Kaneshookhishead.“No.”
“HmmthatsuretiesinwithwhatJotoldmeabouttheBaltimoremurders.”Carterturnedandlookedathim.“Whatdoyouthinkwehavehere?”
Kanecollectedupthephotographsandthenwenttothewhiteboardandattachedthem.“Ifigurewehavetolookintothevictims’backgroundstocatchthiskiller.”Hestoodbacktoadmirehiswork.“Thefeatherlinksthembutapartfromthat,I’dsayRobinsonwasapaidhit.TheStantonForestmurdersdon’tresemblearandomshooting.They’reclean,liketheRobinsoncase.It’sasifsomethingthesetwomendid,triggeredthekillertorunthemofftheroadandkillthem.”HemovedalongtotheOldMitchamRanchkillings.“Thisiscompletelydifferent.It’smessyanddangerous.Imean,howdidawaitressfromAuntBetty’sendupdeadhere?Ifthekillerabductedherandbroughtherherewiththeintentofusingherasbait,tokillthemen,he’schangedhisMOagain.Jobelievesthisindicatesaparticularlynastypersonalitydisorder.”
“Holycow,areyousuggestinghehasasplitpersonalityandbothsidesareserialkillers?”Carterdroppedintoachairandscrubbedbothhandsdownhisface.“I’mgoingtoneedcoffeeintravenouslytowrapmyheadaroundthisone.”
KanewavedahandtothetwocoffeemachinesonthecounteratthebackofJenna’soffice.“Well,makeyourselfusefulandputonacoupleofpots.”
“Sure.”CarterremovedhiscoatandhungitononeofthepegsbehindJenna’sdoor.“ThisisthefirsttimeI’veworkedinanofficethatsmelledofhoneysuckle.”Hechuckledandwentaboutrefillingthecoffeemachines.“Mosttimesit’sbadbreathandbodyodor.”HeglancedatKane.“Itakeityou’reclosetoJenna.Ihadherallwrongandwasn’texpectinghertobreakmyballs.”
Kanedidn’tbite.“Shehastherespectofeveryoneunderhercommand.Thesheriffisprofessionalalltheway.Isuggestyoudon’tunderestimateher.”
“Hmm,IwaswarnedthesameaboutJo,butatthetimeI’dassumedshewasaguy.”Cartermovedthetoothpickacrosshislipsandsighed.“Ihaven’tworkedwithmanywomen.”
“Notevenintheservice?”Kanenarrowedhisgaze.“OrinDC?”
“Nope.”Cartershrugged.“Iledmyteamandkeptmyheaddown.”HegaveKanealonglook.“You’rewastingyourtalenthere.EverthoughtaboutapplyingtotheFBI?”
Bitingbackagrin,Kanestood,turnedaway,andmadenotesonthewhiteboard.“Nah,hereIhaveonebossandIliveonherranchrent-free.Ihavewide-openspaces,fishing,andhuntingonmydoorstep.I’mahappyman.”
“Ihavethattoo.”Carterhittheswitchesonthecoffeepots.“Well,Idonow.UnlesstheycallmebacktoDC.Iftheydo,Imightvanishagain.”
“IbetJowouldputupafightiftheydo.There’snowayshe’llbeabletoruntheSnakeskinGullyofficealone.Sheneedsachopperpilotandadetective,soIfigureyou’resafe.”KaneturnedataknockonthedoortofindRowley.“Oh,good,you’reback.Isthereanythingtoreport?”
“No,allquietattheOldMitchamRanch.Icoveredtheentrancewithcrimescenetape,andthetrailersandranchhouse.”RowleydroppedatakeoutbagonthedeskandpulledanevidencebagfromunderhisarmandhandedittoKane.“Thewalletsfromthevictims.Itseemsthey’realloutofWyoming.Wolfecheckedthemalevictimsagainsttheirdriver’slicensesandtheyallfit.He’stakenprintsaswellandaddedtheinformationtoourcasefiles.Thegirlwe’veidentifiedasRubyEvans,whoworkedatAuntBetty’sCafé.YourecognizedherandsodidI,sothat’stwofortwo,butWolferequiresapositiveID.IspoketoSusieHartwigandgotRuby’sdetails.ShelivedwithherauntoutonElkCreek.”Hestaredlonginglyatthecoffeedrippingintothepots.“It’sbeenalongday.”
Kanenodded.“Iguessfromthebagoftakeoutyouhaven’teatenyet?Grabacoffeeandtakeaseat.Jennawillbebacksoonandwe’lldiscussthecase.”
“Thanks.”Rowleypulledoffhisjacketandhungitonthebackofthechair.“Thisistheworstsofar,isn’tit?”
Kane’sattentiondriftedtotheimagesonthewhiteboard.“Yeah,thisisatwisted,unpredictablemindandhe’schargingdownvictimslikeamadbull.”
THIRTY-SEVEN
AcoolbreezescentedwiththepromiseofsnowblastedJennaasshehurriedtothecruiserwithJoatherside,carryingbagsfilledwithherpurchases.Shehadtoadmireawomanwhocouldselectanentirewardrobeintwentyminutesflat.Therehadbeennodeliberation;she’dcasthergazeacrosstheavailablerangeandhadthegoodsatthecheckoutinrecordtime.She’dpulledonhernewhikingboots,jacket,hat,andglovesbeforedashingoutthestore.“Myhead’sspinning.I’veneverseenanyoneshopsofast.”
“ThetimetogoshoppingisaluxuryIhaven’tbeenabletoaffordsinceIjoinedtheFBI.”JowaitedasJennapoppedthetrunkanddroppedherbagsinside.“NotifIwantedtobeawifeandmotheraswell.”
BeforeJennahadthechancetostartthecruiser’sengine,sheheardAtohiBlackhawkcallinghername.Sheopenedherwindowtospeaktohim.“Areyouchasingafterme?”
“Yeah.”Atohisquattedbyherdoorandhisfriend,Brad,placedonehandontheroofandstareddownather.“Jill,theforensicpathologist,hasremovedthebonesandwantstotakethemtoHelenatostudythem.”
“Youcan’tallowthat.”Brad’stigereyesflashedinanger.“Wewon’tallowit.Shemustremainhere.”
UnsettledbyBrad’saggression,Jennaloweredhervoice.“I’llspeaktoWolfe.He’llknowwhattodo.”ShelookedbackatAtohi.“AnysightingsofBrad’sbrother?”
“Hehasaname.”Bradstaredather.“It’sScott.”Hetouchedanangry-lookingscratchalonghisjawashestaredintothedistance.“He’souttheresomewhere.Ifeelaconnectiontohim.”
Ohboy,wehaveanothercrazy.“Okay.HasJillmentionedcontinuingthegridsearch?”
“Yeah,she’saskedforvolunteerarcheologystudentsfromthecollegetoassist.”Atohi’sgazesearchedherface.“She’llbeleavingacouplemembersofherteamtooverseetheexcavationbutwe’dappreciateitifyoucouldinterveneonourbehalf.”
WonderingwhyAtohihadn’texpressedhisconcernstoWolfeinperson,Jennanoddedandstartedtheengine.“I’llcallhimthemomentIgetbacktotheoffice.”
Asifreadinghermind,Atohistood.
“I’vebeencallinghimalldayandkeepgettinghisvoicemail.”Atohifrowned.“Andhe’snotatthemorgue.”
Jennasighed,unabletoelaborateonwhyWolfewasbusy.“He’sworkingacase.AssoonasIspeaktohim,I’llgetbacktoyou.I’vegottago,Ihaveameeting.”
“Sure.”Atohislappedthetopofthecruiserandthetwomenwalkedaway.
“Problem?”Jostaredafterthemen.“Hisfriendsurehasatonofpent-upaggression.”
“Coldcase.”Jennaturnedintotheflowoftrafficandheadedtotheoffice.“They’retalkingabouthismother’sremains.Theyfoundthemintheforestbuthisbrotherisstillmissing.Bradwitnessedthemurderswhenhewasakid.”
“Wellthenangerisabetterresponsethanbeingcharming.”Joraisedoneeyebrow.“Withthattraumaticevent,hecouldeasilyhaveturnedoutapsychopath.”
Fiveminuteslater,Jennawasshuckinghercoatandhangingitonapeginheroffice.Sherubbedherhandstogetherandwentaroundherdesktoherseat.AcupofcoffeeappearedbesideherlikemagicandshesmiledupatKane.“Okay,thegang’sallhere.Iseeyou’veaddedtheinformationtothewhiteboard.WehaveatonofgroundtocoverandcangetthecasesmovingwhileWolfeisbusywiththeforensicinvestigations.Justonemoment.”Shepickedupherlandlineanddialedthemorgue.“Emily,Iguessyourdadisbusy,butIneedafavor.”SheexplainedAtohi’srequest.“Callmewhenyouhavetimeandletmeknowwhathesaid.”Shedisconnected.“Okay,backtothecase.I’mgoingwithJotointerviewMrs.Robinsonatthehospital.KaneandCarter,Iwantyoutohuntdowndetailsaboutthevictims,youknowthedrill.You’llneedtocontacttheclosestsheriff’sofficeandaskthemtonotifythenextofkin.Tellthemweneedsomeonetocomebyandidentifythevictims.”
“Okay.We’llneedspaceandabankofcomputers,sowe’llbeworkingintheCCTVcontrolroom.”KanestoodandCarterfollowedhimoutthedoorwithZorroathisheels.
Jennalookeddownathernotes.“Rowley,headouttoRuby’saddressandspeaktoheraunt.She’llneedtoformallyidentifyRuby’sbody.”Shesighed.“TakehertothemorgueandwaituntilWolfehaspreparedthebodyforviewing.I’mguessinghe’llbedoingherfirstasshelivedlocally.”Shetappedthepenagainstherbottomlip.“Wolfeisverybusybutaskhimifhe’smadeheadwayongettingpositiveIDsforParkerLouisandTimAddams,theStantonForestvictims.”
“Yes,ma’am.”Rowleystood,pickeduphisemptytakeoutbag,andtosseditinthetrash.“I’llcallifhehasanyinfo.It’sgoingtotaketimeforWolfetomakeRubypresentable.”HepushedhisStetsononhishead,grabbedhiscoat,andwalkedoutthedoor.
Mentallyexhausted,Jennadrainedhercoffeecupandpushedtoherfeet.“Okay,Jo,we’reofftoseethewifeofthefirstvictim,LucasRobinson.Shetoldusshewaslyingbesideherhusbandwhenhewasshot.”Astheywalkedbackoutintherapidlydroppingtemperature,JennabroughtJouptospeed.
“Doyouthinkshepulledthetrigger?”Joslidintothepassengerseatofthecruiser.“Thespouseisusuallythefirstsuspect.”
Jennanodded,climbedbehindthewheel,andstartedtheengine.“Myguttoldmeshe’sinvolvedbutwedon’thaveenoughtogetawarranttosearchherbankstatements.Ihaven’tfollowedupyetaswehadtheothermurdersinquicksuccession.It’snotheronakillingspree—she’slockedupinthepsychwardatthehospital.”Sheglancedather.“That’swhyIwantyoutointerviewher.Mygutisrarelywrong.”Shebackedthecruiseroutontotheroadandheadedforthehospital.
“Howwasshewhenyouarrivedonscene?”
“Rowleywasthefirstresponder.Mrs.Robinsoncalled911,andsheseemedlucid,butbythetimehearrivedshewasn’tsayinganything.Hecuffedher,thinkingshecouldberesponsible.”Jennasighed.“Whenwearrived,she’dspokentoWolfeandIwasabletoquestionher;sheseemeddistant.”
“Didshesayanythingunusual?”Joturnedtolookather.
Jennaallowedthememoryofthatnighttopercolateintohermind.“She’dhiddenunderthebedaftertheshooting,didn’tcheckonherhusband,justrandownstairsandhidinabroomcloset.Shewasaskingmeifshecould’vesavedhim.”
“Hmm.”Jowentsilentforsomeminutes.“Ofcourse,weallreactdifferentlyinacrisis.It’stypicaltoexperienceavarietyofemotionsfollowingatraumaticevent.Theincidenttriggeredherfleeresponseandsheranaway.Runningfromtheroomanddownthestairsknowingtheshootercouldbeinthehouseisunusual.”
Jennaturnedintothehospitalparkinglot.“Myfeelingsexactly.She’dwaitedforatimeunderthebed—shemusthaveknowntheshooterhadgone.Whydidn’tshecheckonherhusbandbeforehiding?”
“It’saquestionweneedtoaskher.”JogatheredherbriefcaseandlookedatJenna.“Usualfeelingsincludefear,shock,numbness,grief,disillusionment,andanger.Someevensayit’slikeanout-of-bodyexperience.”
Jennagotoutofthecruiserandtheywalkedintothehospital.“I’vesufferedfromPTSD,soIdohavesomeidea,andI’vebeentrainedtohandlestressfulsituations.IthoughtIwasunbreakableuntilIhadaknifetomythroatandthenaman’sheadexplodednexttomyface.So,Icanrelatetowhatshewentthrough.”
“Thatmusthavebeentough.”Jogaveheraconcernedlook.“Didyouhavetroublesleepingandconcentrating?”
“Yeah.”Jennapushedthememoriesaway,intotheirsafeplace,andsmiled.“Iwasindecisiveforgottoeat,andactedstupid,butKanehauledmebackintoshape.”
“Howso?”
Jennapushedthebuttonfortheelevatorandwaitedforittoarrive.“TheincidenthappenedbecauseI’dletmyguarddown.Kaneinsistedondailyworkouts,asinhand-to-handcombat,andhegivesnomercy.”Jennaflickedheraglanceandsteppedintothecar.“He’sgotametalplateinhishead,sowiththeconstantheadachesitmusthavebeendifficultforhim,buthedrilledmeuntilmyconfidencereturned.Healsoinstilledinmethathe’dalwayshavemyback.”
“Heunderstandsthecondition.”Josmiledather.“Supportisveryimportant,andmakingyoufeelsafewould’vebeenhisfirstpriority.”Sheledthewayouttheelevator.
Asthepiecesfellintoplace,Jennafellintostepbesideher.“Ithoughthewasbeingoverprotectiveandmacho.Itoldhimtobackoff.”
“Really?”Jochuckled.“Butyoufeltsafe,right?”
Jennanoddedslowly.“Istilldo.”Shewalkedtowardthesecurewardandswipedhercard.Thedoorslidopenandsheledthewayinside.“CarolRobinsonwillbeinhere.Asshe’shereforvoluntarypsychiatricassessment,we’llhavetospeaktotheattendingphysicianbeforequestioningher.”
ThehospitalsmellsurroundedJennaastheywalkedtothenurses’station.SherequestedMrs.Robinson’sroomnumberandaskedthenursetocalltheattendingdoctor.Asluckwouldhaveit,thedoctorwasontheward.Thedoctor,amanbarelythirty,cametogreetthem,notinthewhitecoatshe’dexpectedbutinjeansandasweater.
“Dr.Bligh?SheriffAltonandthisisAgentJoBlake.”Sheheldoutherhand.“DoyouhaveareportonCarolRobinson?Wewouldliketointerviewherifpossible.”
“Idon’tseeaproblem.Sheisinsurprisinglygoodspirits.”Bligh’shandwaswarmandhisgraspfirm.“Sheisaskingifshecangohome.I’msurprisedshewantstoreturntothehouse.Formostpeopleit’sthelastplacethey’dwanttogo.ThisisthereasonI’vekeptherhere.I’mstillevaluatinghercondition.”
“Shecan’treturnhome.It’sstillacrimescene.Fornow,I’dpreferhertoremainhere.Shedoesn’thaveanyrelativestogotoandwemayneedtoquestionherfurther.”
“Thatwouldhavetobevoluntaryatthisstage.”Blighfrowned.“Intruth,shecanwalkoutwhenshewants.”
Jennarolledhereyes.“I’llseeifIcanconvincehertostay.Pleasecontactmeifsheupsandleaves,won’tyou?”
“Ofcourse.”Blighwalkedthemtoaroomandwentinside.“Carol,you’llrememberSheriffAlton.Shewantsawordwithyou.”
Thewomansittinginaneasychairreadingabookdidn’tresembletheblood-spatteredwomanshe’dmetonthenightoftheshooting.JennaintroducedJoandthenturnedtothedoctor.“Thankyou,Dr.Bligh,wecantakeitfromhere.”
“Afternoon,Sheriff.”CarolRobinsonplacedherbookfacedownonthecoffeetableandlookedatthem.“Isittimeformetogohome?”
JennapulledupachairandJofollowedsotheybothsatoppositeher.“I’mworriedaboutyoursafety,soI’dpreferyoutoremainhereforthetimebeing,andyourhouseisstillacrimescene.I’msureyoudon’twanttoreturntoitlikeitis?”
“No,Iguessnot.”Carolstaredintospace.“I’llhavetoredecorate,andgetnewcarpetsaswell.”
Jennanodded.“Ithinkso.”SheindicatedtowardJo.“AgentBlakehasafewquestionsforyou.Isthatokay?”
“Yeah,sure.”CarolturnedherattentiontoJo.
“WhatdoyourememberaboutthetimebeforetheintrudershotLucas?”JocasuallytookoutheriPadfromherbriefcaseandthenlookedatCarol.“Tellmeaboutthedaysbeforeithappened.”
“Itwasthesameasalways.”Carolblewoutasigh.“Hewenttoworkandcamehomelate.Somenightshedidn’tcomehomeatall.Hehadbusinessmeetingsandrefusedtodrinkanddrive,sostayedoverintown.”
“Didyoueverworryabouthimhavinganaffair?”Jo’sfacehadn’tchangedexpressionasifshe’djustaskedwhatshe’dhadforlunch.“Isurewould.”
“Itenteredmymind.”Carolpickedatherfingernails.“Awomancalled,askingafterhim,onenight.Lucassaiditwashissecretaryremindinghimaboutanappointmentisall.”
“Howdidthatmakeyoufeel?”Joglanceddownathernotes.
“I’dheardtherumors;youknow,abouthimhavinganaffairwithoneofthegirlsfromthebeautyparlor.”Carolgaveheraslowsmile.“Shedidn’tgethim,didshe?”
“No,I’dguessshedidn’t,iftherumorsweretrue.”JogaveJennaameaningfullookandthenmovedherattentionbacktoCarol.“DidyoushootLucas?”
“No,andthemedicalexaminerswabbedmyarmsforgunshotresidue.”CarollookedstraightatJenna.“YouknowdarnwellIwasinthebedbesidehimwhenithappened.Ihadhisbrainsalloverme.”ShelookedbackatJo.“Whywouldyouaskmeaquestionlikethat?”
“Wehavetoask—it’sanormalpartofthequestioning.”Jopattedherarm.“So,inyourownwords,whathappenedthatnight?”
Jennawentthroughthenotesshe’dtakenonthenightasCarolrecalledtheshooting.Thestoryremainedthesame,maybealittleembellished.“Howlongdidyouremainunderthebed?”
“Idon’tremember.Fiveminutesmaybe.”Carolmovedaroundinherseat,clearlyagitated.
“Howdidyoufeelthen?”Jolookedather.“Angry,scared?”
“Scared.”Caroldugherfingernailsintoherarm.“Lucas’armwashangingovertheedgeofthebedanditwasmoving.Icouldseeitwiththelightfrommyphone.”
“Sowhydidn’tyouhelphim?”Jomadesomenotes.
“Icouldn’tlookathim.Ihadhisbloodalloverme.”CarollookedJostraightintheeye.“Ijustran.”
Jennacheckedhernotes.“Sohowlongaftertheshootingdidyoucall911?”
“I’mnotsure…Timeseemedtostandstill.”Carollookedoutthewindow.“Isthatall?I’mtired.”
JennaglancedatJoandshenodded.“Yes,thanksforthechat.”Shestoodandtheywalkedfromtheroom.“Whatdoyouthink?”
“Ithinkyouneedtolookalittlecloserather.She’sinvolved.Shedidn’tpullthetriggerbutmaybeshehasaboyfriendwhodid.”Josmiledather.“Ithinkyourgutwasrightthistime.”
THIRTY-EIGHT
Henoticedthesheriff’scruisercominghiswayinthereflectioninastorefrontwindow.Asitwentby,heturnedtogetabetterlook.SheriffAltonwasatthewheel,andthewomanwearingtheFBIjacket,whohe’dseenherwithearlier,wasridingshotgunagain.HewonderedifhistimeattheOldMitchamRanchhadmadeanimpressiononthem.Herantheexquisitepantomimethroughhismind,hispaybacktothebigbossmanwho’dparkedacrossthealleyway,blockinghistruck.IthadtakenonequestioninAuntBetty’sCafétodiscoverwherethecrewworked.Thegirlwho’dspilledhiscoffeehadbeentheperfectbait,andgettingherhadonlytakenasmallamountofhistime.Themomenthe’dsteppedoutofthebushes,he’dstrangledherjustenoughtokeepherunconsciousuntilhe’ddecidedhertimetodie.
He’dheadedouttotheOldMitchamRanch.Lateatnight,thebossmanandhissmart-mouthedworkerswouldbeslowfromdrinkanddrunkfromsleep.He’ddrivenrightinwithRubyoutcoldinthebackseat.Thechairs,he’dfoundstackeduponthefrontporchandsetthemoutjustbeforerevivingRubyandpuncturingherthigh.Helickedhislips,almosttastingthememoryofthekill.Rubyhadscreamedlikeabansheeandthemenhadcomerunning,fallingovereachothertogettoher.They’darguedoverhowtostopthebleedingandnotoneofthemhadcalled911.He’dwalkedrightuptothemunnoticed,aweaponineachhand,andthebigbossmanhadwethimself.Oncehe’dmadethemsecureeachothertothechairs,he’dhadallnight.Thesmellofbloodhadbeenlikeperfumefillingtheairinaheavyfog.Hisvividrecollectionsoftheterrorinthehelplessmen’seyes,theirscreamsofpain.Thewaythey’dbeggedformercyandtwitchedafterhe’dshotthemhadfedhishunger,buttheirfaceshe’dforgottenthemomenthe’dwalkedaway.
He’dbeensocarefulnevertoleavemorethanasinglefeatherasaclueandlaughedaloudwhenthesheriffandFBIagentdashedstraightpasthimintoaclothingstore,cacklingliketeenagers.Heslippedinsidebehindthemandmadehiswayaroundthestore,soclosehecouldsmellthesheriff’shoneysucklescent.Hewalkedaroundlikeheownedtheplace,andwentaboutchoosingawoolenhat,anewpairofleathergloves,andahoodie.Hisheartpoundedwithexcitement,beingsoclosetothem,andatonepointhebrushedagainsttheFBIagentashereachedforacoatonarack.HelistenedtosnatchesoftheirconversationandheardenoughtoknowtheFBIagentwasstayingwiththesheriff.Howconvenient.
Thehustlearoundthesheriff’sdepartmentmadehimsmile.He’dseenvehiclescomingandgoinglikebusesataterminal;betterstillthesheriffhadcalledintheFBI.Itseemedthelawenforcementintownwouldbeworkinglonghourswitheightmurderstosolve.Keepingthembusywasaployheenjoyed.Thedoggedpersistenceandtunnelvisionoflawofficersonacasemeantthathehadfreereintomovearound.Hewasn’tconcernedwhenthecravingscame;hecouldactwithouttheworryofthelawdisturbinghim.They’dneversuspectedhimandneverwould.Theproblemwastheeightvictims.Hepreferredtodothingsinthrees,andeight…well,thenumbereightdidn’tsitwellwithhim.Ithadtobenine,ormaybetwelve,beforehesatisfiedthecraving.Hesmiledandpulledonhisnewleathergloves,flexinghisfingers.Atthismoment,thechoiceofwholivedordiedwasinhishands.Iownthistown
THIRTY-NINESATURDAYMORNING
JennawasthinkingseriouslyaboutaskingMayorPetershamtoextendheroffice.Infact,afewadditionalroomswouldbenecessarywiththecaseloadoflate.Sheoftenneededtohaveeveryoneinheroffice,includingdeputiesfromothercountiesandWolfeandhisteam,andthingsweregettingmorethanalittlecramped.Sheeasedherwayfromthewhiteboardandbacktoherseat.ShehadKaneononesideofherandJoontheother;Carter,Wolfe,Emily,Webber,Rowley,andWaltersstaredatherexpectantly.“Okay,I’vebeenissuingpressreleasesbutwe’vehadnocall-insfromanywitnesses.NoonehasbeenneartheOldMitchamRanchorseenanythingthemorningoftheStantonForestmurders.So,let’sstartwithRubyEvans.Rowley,whatdoyouhaveforme?”
“Inotifiedherauntandtookhertothemorgue.ShegavemeapositiveID.”Rowleyplacedthepaperworkonthedesk.“IaskedsomequestionsaboutRuby’smovements.Shehadtoldherauntshe’dbeworkinglate.Herauntsleptlateyesterdaymorning,andassumedRubyhadalreadyleftforwork.Noboyfriendsandnofriends,theauntisawareofatall.”Heglanceddownathisnotes.“IfollowedupatAuntBetty’s.Susiewasupsetatthenews.ShesaidRubyleftatninetocatchthebushome.Icalledthebuscompanyandhavegottenholdofthedriver.HeremembersdroppinghersomewaysfromthecutthroughtoElkCreekaroundnine-twenty.”
Jennamadenotesashespokeandthenthinkingaheadlookedupathim.“DidyouaskSusieifRubyhadanyproblemswithanyofthecustomers?”
“Yeah.”Rowleynodded.“ShedidmentionRubythoughtsomeonehadbeenfollowingherthenightbefore.Iaskedherifshe’dhadanyproblemsatwork.TheonlypersonRubyhadspokenatlengthwithwasAtohiBlackhawk’sfriendandshedidn’tknowhisname.ShewasplanningtomeethimforacoffeeonFridaynightafterwork.”
Jennalookedupfromhernotes.Theimageofthetall,muscularmanwithunusualeyescameintohermind.“HisnameisBradKelly.”
“Theangryyoungman.”Joleanedforwardinherchair.“Hedidn’tseemtohavethetimetochasewomen.”
JennalookedatWolfe.“Didyousortouttheproblemwithhismother’sremainswithJill?”
“Yeah,ifit’shismother’sremains.”Wolfegaveheraskepticallook.“It’sfemale,andJillisgoingtoworkoutofthemortician’sasthemorgueispackedtotherafters.She’schasingdowndentalrecords;asKellyisnextofkin,wehavehisconsenttoobtainhismother’sfilesandseeifthey’reamatch.”Heglanceddownathisnotes.“FromtheinitialexaminationIdidatthescene,theheadtraumaappearsconsistentwithhisstory,butwe’retakingthewordofachild’smemorieshere.”
“Traumaticmemoriesasachildareusuallymoreaccuratethanyourealize.”JoglancedatKane.“You’dagree?”
“Yeah,it’sasiftheincidentorthefaceoftheperpetratorisimprintedontheirmemory.”KanelookedatWolfe.“Although,headtraumainfemalemurdervictimsisverycommon.”
Jennamadeafewnotes.“Okay,thenweneedtospeaktoBradKellyasheinteractedwithher.”
“Heseemsangry.”Jolookedconcerned.“Didyoudoabackgroundcheckonhim?”
Jennashookherhead.“Wehadnoreasonto.Hecametousseekinghelptofindhismother’sandbrother’sremains.Hisfatherwasabusiveandhewitnessedtheirmurder;hemadehiswaytotheres,lefttherewhenheturnedeighteen,anddidn’treturnuntilhefoundouthisfatherhaddied.”
“Well,Isayhefitsthetypicaldescriptionofaserialkiller.”Carterstretchedouthislonglegsandcrossedhiscowboybootsattheankles.“Hehadaseriouslymessedupchildhood.Howdoyouknowhedidn’tmurderhispa?Haveyouevenconsideredhim?Thinkaboutit:he’sjustarrivedintownandthekillingsstart.Thekillerleavesablackfeather.SeemstomeitwouldmeansomethingtoaNativeAmerican—theCrowNationliveinthisstate,don’tthey?”
“IsheamemberoftheCrowNation?”JoturnedtoJenna.“Ifso,ablackfeathercouldbesignificant.”
ItallsoundedfeasiblebutJennawasn’tconvinced.“Okay,we’llchasedownBradKelly’sbackgroundandwhereaboutsatthetimeofthecrimes,butyou’lllikelyfindtwentyorsopeoplewillvouchforhim.AsfarasI’maware,he’sbeencampingattheburialsitesincetheyfoundtheremains.”ShelookedatKane.“CanyoutactfullyaskAtohiiftheBlackhawksaremembersoftheCrowNationandaskabouttheblackfeatheranditssignificance?”
“Icould.”Kanegaveheralonglook.“ButIknowhe’samemberoftheBlackfeetNation,soIdoubtit.IfIrecall,hementionedBradsayinghismothersenthimtothereservationtobesafeamongherpeople.Ifhe’sAtohi’scousin,thenhe’dbethesame.”Kaneraisedoneeyebrow.“StillwantmetohuntdowninfoonBradKelly?”
Jennanodded.“Yes,butlater.We’dbettercoverallthebasesandfindouthowhisfatherdiedaswell.”Sheglancedaround.“Okay,wherewerewe?”
“RubyEvans.”Wolfemethergaze.“I’vecompletedtheautopsy,andmyreportisinthefiles.I’llgiveyouarundownofthemainpoints.Thekillerstrangledherbutthatwasn’tthecauseofdeath.Iwouldimaginebythebruises,herkillerusedstrangulationtosubdueherforatimebeforehestabbedherinthethigh.Shediedfrombloodloss,andthelacerationtothethroatwaspost-mortemandconsistenttothekillerbeingleft-handed.IfoundDNAunderherfingernailswhichcouldhaveresultedfromherscratchingherselfasshetriedtofreeherhandsorduringthestrangulation.I’mwaitingontheresultsofaDNAcomparisonandwillcallyouifthetraceevidencebelongstoherkiller.”
“Thatwouldsurebeabreakthrough.”Cartersmiled.“Ifitmatchesanyofoursuspects.”
“Iguesswe’llwaitandsee.”Wolfeshuthimdownwithalook.“KaneandCarterhunteddownthefamiliesofthevictimsattheOldMitchamRanch.Wehaveallofthemcomingbysometimetodaytoidentifythebodies.I’llstartontheautopsiesassoonaswe’vefinisheduphere.”HelookedbackatJenna.“Frommyinitialexaminationsonsceneandbackatthemorgue,IdoubtI’llfindmorethanisobvious.Theywerealltorturedandfinishedwithagunshottothehead.Thekillerspacedthedeathsoveratleastonehourastherateofrigorisslightlydifferentineachvictim.Thefourmenallappearfitandnormalfortheirages.”
Jennaleanedbackinherchair.“HaveyouhadtimetoexaminethebootsofTrevorWilson,thesiteboss?Themanwithhisbootsonthewrongfeet?”
“Yeah,andIfoundtracesofbloodspatterthatmatchedthespotsonhissocks.Icansay,withoutdoubt,hisbootswereremovedandthenreplacedlater.”
“Ha!”Carterslappedhisleg.“Iwasright!”
JennaignoreCarter’sgrinningfaceandturnedtoKane.“Okay,Kane,you’vediscussedthescenariowithJo—whathaveyoucomeupwithasaprofileforourkiller?Isitthesamekiller,orarewedealingwithsomeoneelse?”
“Thesamekiller.”
Jennanodded.She’dheardsomanytheoriesaboutwhathappenedattheOldMitchamRanchbutsheneededKane’s.“HowdidyouandJoreadthescene?”
“Ibelievethekillersnuckuponthemenandthreatenedthem.Hewouldfeelpowerfulandincontrol.”Kaneshrugged.“ThenIthinkhetookthebootsandjacketfromvictimnumberoneandworethem.Heplannedthemurderssohadoncoverallsandgloves.He’sawareoftraceevidenceandmadesurenottoleaveany,notonefootprintorevenashellcasing.SameasintheRobinsons’houseandtheStantonForestmurders.”HelookedatJenna.“IknowhehasadifferentMObutwe’reconvincedit’sthesamekiller.”
“IfIcantakeyoubacktothefirstmurder.”Joleanedforwardinherseatandcuppedherhandsonthetable.“Atfirst,weseeacoldcalculatedkiller.Hekilledfastandclean.HegainednopleasureoutofkillingLucasRobinson,whichweallbelievewasapaidhit.”
“ThenyoumoveontotheStantonForestMurders.”Kanefoldedhisarmsacrosshischest.“Thiswasthesame,disposalofaproblem,afastkill,clean.”
“Thenwehavethemassmurder.”JolookedatJenna.“Thisisakillerprolongingtheenjoyment,makingitlast.Maybehefelthedeserveditafterthetwofastkillings.Heneededafixandtookhistimetosetitup.HeusedRubyasbait—whyher,wedon’tknow,unlessitwasopportunistic.”
“Idon’tthinkso.”KanelookedatJo.“It’snoteasytojustgrabagirloffthestreetataroundnineatnight.Helikelydiscoveredshetookthebusandfollowedher.ShementionedtoSusiethatsomeonewasfollowingher,soitwasprobablyhim.He’dplannedthekillandknewthemenwouldbealone.Maybehehadareasontogothere,maybehewenttherelookingforworkorsomething?”Heshrugged.“It’sbeenalloverthemediathere’sateamuptherecreatingaHalloweenattraction.”
Jennanodded.“Okay.Ifthisisthecase,andhemadethevictimstieeachotherup,likewethought,theywouldhavelefttraceevidenceonthegaffertape.Wolfe,that’satheoryyou’llhavetoproveordisprove.”
“I’vetakenprintsandswabsfromeveryoneatthescene.I’llcheckthegaffertapeforprintsandseeifIgetamatch.”Wolferubbedhischin,makingascrapingsoundonthebristles.“Icanverifyhemutilatedthevictimswhiletheywereseated.Allofthemhavevariousbloodspatterevidenceonthefrontoftheirbodies.Apartfromthebloodspatteraroundtheirnecksfromtheheadwounds,theirbacks,fromtheshouldersdown,clearlyshowtheoutlineofthechairs.Thevictimswouldhavesuffered.”
“Hesoundslikeamonster.”Emilyhadpaled.“Thewayhelaidoutthehands,liketrophiesonthekitchentableandyetsofarhedoesn’tseemtobetakingtrophies.That’sunusualisn’tit?”
GladthatWolfe’sdaughter,Emilywasinvolvedinthecase,Jennamadeanoteofhercomment.“That’sagoodpoint.Hedoesn’ttaketrophies.”
“Eitherthatorhe’ssmarterthanwethink.”Carterreachedforabottleofwateronthedeskcrackeditopen,andtookasip.“Takingtrophiesisakiller’sdownfallandusuallyleadstotheirarrest.Weknowheiscoldandcalculating,butthewayheflipshisMOmakeshimdifferenttoanykillerI’veknownbefore.”
“Wehave.”JennashotKaneaglance.“Trustme,BlackRockFallshasseenjustabouteverytypeofkillerknowntoman.”
FORTY
Mindreelingfromalltheinformation,theories,andideasfromherteam,Jennaclosedhereyesforafewsecondstothinkbeforetakingamomenttolookatthewhiteboard.“Let’sjusttakeaminutetoconsiderthesuspectsinthiscase.KylerHallandCliffYoungarepersonsofinterestbecausetheytieinwithLucasRobinsonandtheStantonForestmurders.We’veinterviewedbothmenandtheylawyeredup.Theevidencewehaveonthemiscircumstantialatbest.I’llneedmoretotiethemintothemassmurder.”ShelookedatRowley.“FindoutwheretheywereonThursdaynight.Checkoutanywitnessestotheirwhereabouts.”
“Yes,ma’am.”Rowleynodded.“Asthey’velawyeredup,Iwon’tbeabletoaskthemdirect.”
Jennarubbedhertemples.“Gotalktotheirneighbors,callthemanageroftheconstructionsite,findoutwheretheyhangoutandaskaround.”
“Oh,sure.”Rowleyscribbledinhisnotebook.
“ThisleadsusbacktoLucasRobinson’smurder.”Jennasighed.“Wehavenoothersuspects,anditwilltakeatonofgruntworktochasedownallhisenemies.Hewasn’tliked.”ShelookedatWolfe.“Haveyoureleasedhisbodyyet?”
“Yeah,I’vesentLucasRobinson’sremainstothefuneralparlorasweneededthespace.”Wolfeclearedhisthroat.“IsMrs.Robinsonwellenoughtomakethearrangements?”
Jennamademorenotes.“Walters,Iwantyoutofollowupwithher,please.CarolRobinsonseemsfinetome;IvisitedherwithJoyesterday.”Sheliftedhereyestoherdeputies.“I’mconvincedshe’sinvolvedsomehow.Yeah,Iknowshe’sbeenlockedupsinceherhusband’sdeath,butthere’ssomethingaboutherthatsendsupwarningsignals.”
“Makesperfectsensetome.”Carterbarkedalaugh.“I’vereadthefile.CarolRobinsondiscoversherhusbandishavinganaffairandhiresahitman.Thisishowourkillerarrivedintown.Maybehewasheadingoutafterthejobandsomethinghappenedonthehighway.Roadragemaybe,herunsthemen’struckofftheroadandgetsouthisvehiclepackingforbear.Hegunsthemdownandleaves.”
“SowhyreturnandkillRubyandthemenattheOldMitchamRanch?”Jennastoodandstretchedherbackandthenwenttothecoffeemachine.“Whatwouldtriggerhimtogocrazy?”Shepouredacupandwentbacktoherdesk.
“Amemory.”JolookedatJenna.“Somethingassimpleasascentcancauseanepisode.Ifheissufferingfromdissociativeidentitydisorder,itcantriggerlikePTSD.Somepeoplehaveblackouts,doterriblethingsanddon’tremember.Othersrememberitasifsomeoneelsecommittedtheatrocities,ortheyseeitinflashbacks.”
“Yeah.”Kanelookedather.“It’slikeanotherpersonalitytakesoverforatime.Theproblemwehavehereisifit’soneofoursuspects,theotheronewouldbeawareofthesuddenchangesinhisfriend.Hemightbecoveringupforhim.”Hesighed.“Provingitwouldbedifficult.”
AcoldshivertrickleddownJenna’sspineashermindwentbacktoherencounterwithAtohi.Sheswallowedhard,notwantingtoplacethefactsinorderinhermind.Ifherassumptionswerecorrect,itwouldmeanherfriendAtohiwaslyingtoher,andshetrustedhim.Sheliftedhergazefromhernotes.“ImetAtohiandBradKellyyesterday.WetalkedabouttheremainsofKelly’smother,asI’vementioned.Irememberhehadascratchonhisjaw,whichcouldtieinwithRuby’smurder.He’daskedherout,soshe’dknowhimandnotbeafraidifsheranintohim.Hehadanabusivechildhood,watchedhismotherandbrothermurdered.Hearrivedintownjustbeforethekillingsstarted.Wehavenoideawhathewasdoingfromthetimehelefttheresuntilaweekago.”
“AndifCarolRobinsonhiredhimtokillherhusband,whenhekilledthetwomeninStantonForest,ittriggeredthememoryofhisfatherkillinghisfamily.”Kanenoddedslowly.“Cold,calculatingBradstepsout,andangry,murderous,out-for-revenge-on-the-worldBradcomestothefront.”
JennaturnedtoCarter.“IsthisenoughtoobtainawarrantforMrs.Robinson’sbankstatements?Thejudgedeniedourlastrequest.Ifshehiredahitman,she’dneedasubstantialamountofmoney.”
“Leavethattome.”CarterpushedbackhisStetsonwithonefinger.“It’sonlyprobablecauseandIfigurewehavethatinspades.”
AnFBIagentrequestingawarrantfromtheirlocaljudgewouldcarrymoreweight.Jennacouldn’tbelieveherluck.“Okay,I’llleaveyoutohandlethepaperwork.”
“Sure.”Carterpushedanothertoothpickintohismouth.“WhenI’mdone,I’llgobytheothercrimescenestogetafeelforthiskiller.”
Jennalookedatthegroupbeforeher.“Yes,takealooknowbecauseIneedtogetoutapressreleaseaboutthemurders.Assoonasit’smadepublic,theghoulswillbeoutsightseeing.OnceI’vecalleditin,I’llgowithKanetospeaktoAtohiandseeifwecanfindoutBradKelly’swhereaboutsatthetimesofthemurders.”
“IthinkI’dliketositinontheautopsies.”Jocollectedherthingsfromthedesk.“I’minterestedtoconfirmthesequenceofeventsattheOldMitchamRanch.Itwillgivemeaclearerpictureofthekiller.”
Jennaclosedhernotebook.“Okay,we’llmeetbackhereatfiveandwe’llgooverourfindings.”SheglancedatWolfe.“Iknowtheautopsieswilltakeaconsiderableamountoftime.Jowillbringmeuptospeedifyou’rebusy.”
“I’llbeworkingonthevictimsallday,sowewon’tbeabletomakeit,butI’llcallifIfindanythingsignificant.”Wolfetappedonherdesk.“Catchyoulater.Jo,I’llwaitforyouinthevan.”HelefttheroomwithEmilyandWebberclosebehind.
“I’llberightthere.”Jostood.
Therewasascrapingofchairsastherestofthegroupgottotheirfeet,andRowleyandWaltersheadedoutthedoor
“Youknowsomething?”JolookedatCarter.“Allthisislikedéjàvu.DoyouremembertheChameleonKillercaseoutofBaltimore?Heleftablackfeathertooandwehadnosuspectsbecauseeveryonesawadifferentman.”
“Iknowaboutthecasebutonlyreaduponitlastnight.”Cartersighed.“It’sverysimilartowhatwehavenowandlikelythesameman.”
Intrigued,JennaturnedtoJo.“Howcomeyoudidn’tcatchthekiller?”
“Intheend,Icametotheconclusionwewereeitherdealingwithamasterofdisguiseorakillerwithmultiplepersonalities.”Jotappedthefile.“IagreewithCarter.Thiscouldbethesameman.Hemightnotbeawarehe’sdressingdifferentlyorusinghisleftorrighthandbecauseheseeshimselfaswhateverpersonalityemerges.Hemightworkforacartelasahitman,hencethecleankills,butthencrazyBradbreaksoutandgoesonakillingspreeasKanedescribed.Ifso,thispersonalityisunpredictableandhecan’tcontrolit.Wehadbootsontheground,ahugetaskforce,andwecouldn’tcatchhim.IfthisisBradKellyandhe’sexhibitingyetadifferentpersonality,thislatestoneisfarmoredangerousthanalltheothersputtogether.”
FORTY-ONE
Thewindhadpickedupagain,pilingmulticoloredleavesintheguttersandbringingthepromiseofsnow.Kanestareddownthestreetandhadthestrangefeelinghe’dsteppedontothesetofasupernaturalmovie.TheHalloweenbuntingonMaindancedaroundandmadestrangehowlingnoises.Theplasticskeletonshangingfromthestreetlightsappearedtobewavingandgrinningattheconstantflowoftraffic.Witcheswithlongwhitehairsittingaroundacauldronoutsidethegeneralstoreseemedtocometolifeastheirclothesflapped.Stringsofplasticjack-o’-lanternsswungbackandforthabovethestorefronts,makingaclatteringsound.KanetossedhisStetsononthebackseat,duginhisjacketpocketforhisblackwoolenhat,andpulleditdownoverhisears.HewonderedwhatDukewasdoingallaloneathomeandslidbehindthewheel.“Dukewould’veenjoyedatriptotheres.”
“Maybewewon’thavetogototheres.”Jennapulledoutherphone.“I’llcallAtohi.Hemightbeintown.”
Kanesmiledather.“Goodthinking.”
“Atohi,it’sJenna.Weneedachat,whereareyou?”
“I’mclosetotown.Doyouwantmetocomeintotheoffice?”
“No,howaboutmeetingusatAuntBetty’s?”
“Sure.”
“IsBradwithyou?”JennaflickedaglanceatKane.
“Nope,he’sparkedoutsidethemortician’sasfarasIknow.I’vebeenwiththeteamsearchingtheforestforScott’sremains.”
“Okay,we’llseeyousoon.”ShedisconnectedandlookedatKane.“Dowehavetimetodoadrive-byandseeifhe’sthere?”
Kanestartedtheengineandbackedout.“Sure.Areyouplanningonspeakingtohim?”HeheadeddownMaintowardthefuneralparlor.
“No,rightnowallwehaveissuspicion.We’llneedmoreevidence.Maybeafterwe’vespokentoAtohi.IfhecanverifyBrad’swhereaboutsandtheycheckout,we’regoingtohavetolookelsewhereforasuspect.”
TheideaofseeingthefuneralparlordeckedoutforHalloweenamusedKane,andhechuckledunderhisbreath.“Ihopethemorticiandidn’tgoalloutforHalloween.”
“Oh…”Jennasnortedandcoveredhermouthbutthegigglestillescaped.“Thatwouldbeinterriblybadtaste.”ShegatheredherselfandlookedatKane.“Icouldn’thelppicturingit…sorry.Idon’tknowwherethesethoughtscomefrom.Youaresuchabadinfluenceonme,Dave.”
Kaneturnedthecornerandtheyslowedtodrivepastanoldtruckparkedonthesideoftheroad.InsidetheycouldplainlyseeKellyinthedriver’sseat,lookingathisphone.“Hmm,wellatleasthe’swherehesaidhewouldbe.”Heturnedintothemortician’sdriveway.“Waithere,I’llgoaskhowlonghe’sbeenoutthere.”
Heslidoutthetruck.Inside,itwasascoldasthemorgueandhadthesmellofembalmingfluidmixedwiththescentofflowersthatalwaysseemedtohangaroundfuneralparlors.Herangthebellonthefrontcounterandwaited.Amanwalkedthroughadoorandcloseditbehindhim;helookedfamiliarbutwasn’tMaxWeems.
“I’mlookingforMr.Weems.”
“I’mWeems,unlessyouwantmypa,MaxWeems.”Theyoungmanmethisgaze.“He’sbusyrightnow.HowcanIhelpyou?”
KanerecalledMaxWeemshadasonandsmiled.“Haveyounoticedthetruckparkedoutside?”
“Yeah,I’veseenit.ItbelongstoaguybythenameofBradKelly.Hefigureshismom’sremainsarehereandheneedstobecloseby.Mypareckonswejustlethimbe.”
“Yeah,itwouldbebest.”Kanenoddedinagreement.“Howlonghashebeentherethistime?”
“Ihavenoidea.Hecomesandgoes.”Weemsshrugged.“I’mfartoobusytowatchhismovements.”
“Iunderstand.”Kanepulledacardfromhispocketandhandedittohim.“Ifhecausesaproblem,givemeacall.”
“Iwill.”Weemsglancedatthecard.“Thanks,DeputyKane.”
KanehustledbacktohistruckandtheyspedofftowardAuntBetty’sCafé.“Weluckedout.Weems’sonknowsKelly’sname,buthehasn’tbeenkeepingtabsonhim.”
“Uh-huh.”Jennawaslookingatherphone.“Ijustranhisplates.Heonlypurchasedthattrucktendaysago.”Shelookedathim.“So,hecameherebyairorbus.”
“Atohiwillknow.”KaneslidhistruckintoaparkingspaceoutsideAuntBetty’sandturnedtolookather.“Howdoyouwanttoplaythis,Jenna?”
“Youtalktohim,helikesyou.”Jennabitherbottomlip.“Itwon’tseemsoformaleither.I’vealwaystrustedhim.Ihopehedoesn’tprovemewrong.”
Concerned,Kanefrowned.“Ilikehimtoo,he’sagoodguy.I’mrarelywrongaboutpeople.”
Insidethecafé,theyorderedamealatthecounterandwenttotheirtableattheback.ItwascozyinsideAuntBetty’s,andKaneremovedhishat,gloves,andjacketbeforesittingdown.HeinhaledthedeliciousaromaoffreshlybakedpieandgrinnedatJenna.“Canyousmellthat?Hmm,Saturday’sspecial,peachpie.”
“SoIgatheredwhenyouorderedtwofornowandsixtogo.”Jennashookherheadslowly.“Youplanningonhibernatingoverwinter?”
Kaneleanedbackinhischairandflickedhisgazeoverher.“Itwouldn’thurtyoutoeatmore.Weburnsomanymorecaloriesinthecoldandyou’regettingskinny.”
“Iamnot!”Jenna’scheekspinked.“IgaveJomyjeansbecauseI’veputonsomuchweightsinceIarrivedhere.”
Kaneshookhishead.“Thenyoumusthavebeenskinandbones…Notsurprisingafterwhatyouwentthrough.I’veknownyouforacoupleofyearsnowandyou’vecreatedanentirelydifferentbodyshapesincewestartedworkingout.”HesmiledupatSusieHartwigasshearrivedwiththeircoffee.“Trustme,withourworkload,noteatingwillmakeyouill.”
“Ah…youwantedtoseeme?”AtohiBlackhawklookedfromonetotheother.
Astonishedbyhissilententrance,Kanelookedupathim.Nooneevermanagedtosneakuponhim,andhe’dlethisguarddownwithaserialkillerintown.Heclearedhisthroat.“Yeah,pullupachair.CanIgetyousomethingtoeat?”
“Ihaveasliceofpeachpiecoming.”Atohismiled.“Bestpieintown.”
“Don’tstarthimonpieagain.”Jennalaughed.“Allhethinksaboutishisnextmeal.”
“I’mmuchthesame.”Atohifrowned.“HowcanIhelpyou?”
KanetookasipofhiscoffeeandnoticedSusiecomingbackwithacupandatray.HewaitedforhertopasstheplatesaroundandpourAtohi’scoffeebeforelookingathim.“We’vehadanumberofmurdersthisweek,eightsofar—”
“What?”Atohi’shorrifiedexpressionmethis.“You’rejoking,right?”
Kaneshookhisheadslowly.“Nope,andnobodyknowsanydetails,butwetrustyouandneedsomeinformation.Canyoutellmethesignificanceoffeathersinyourculture?”
“Okay.”Atohi’slargehandsslidaroundhiscoffeecupandheraisedhisgazetolookatJenna.“Youbelievethekillerisoneofmypeople?”
“ThetwosuspectswehavearebothCaucasianbutthefeatherseemssignificant.Onehasbeenleftatthecrimescene.”
“Thenitisnotoneofmypeople.Afeatherisn’tsomethingyoustuffyourpillowswith;toustheysymbolizehonor,power,andwisdom,tonameafewthings.Ifachiefgivesone,itmeansthepersonisveryspecial;itislikeamedalofhonor.Findinganeaglefeatherisanamazinggiftastheyhaveaspecialconnectiontotheheavens.”
Kanenodded.“So,whatsignificancewoulditmeantoleaveoneatacrimescene?”
“Letmeaskyou.”Atohiraisedoneeyebrow.“Ifyoufoundsomethingprecious,wouldyoutaintitwithblood?”
“No,Iwouldn’t,butwhoeverisdoingthisisleavingamessage.”Kaneleanedbackinhischair.“Thecrowfeathersmeansomethingtohim.”
“Crow?”Atohisippedhiscoffee,hispieforgotten.“Youngwarriorsusedturkeyfeathersintheirhair;boys,notmenworthyofwearinganeagle’sfeather.Suchfeathersareearnedforbraverynotgivenoutlikecandy.”Hethoughtforalongmoment.“Crowsmeanwisdom.Theyspeakthetruth,andsomesaytheyleadthehunter.Perhapsthiskillerisonamissiontofindthetruth,butthrowingafeatheronthegroundisdisrespectful.Feathersaredisplayednothiddenaway.”HelookedatKanewithadeeplytroubledexpression.“Thiskiller,ifheisoneofmypeople,islostinhisownmind.”
Kanelookedhimstraightintheeye.Hehatedaskingthenextquestionbuthehadnochoice.“IhavetoaskyousomethingandIdon’twantyoutotakeoffensebecauseI’maskingasadeputy.”
“YouwanttoknowaboutBrad?”Atohisighed.“Heisn’tthesamepersonasthecousinIgrewupwith;he’schanged.Hewassilentforsomanyyears,weneverreallyunderstoodwhathadhappenedtohim.Whenhereturned,hehadsomuchrageinside,heblamedhimselffornotreturningtotheforest.”Heliftedhischin.“Honestly,Idon’tknowhimanymore,butsincetheytookhismother’sremainstothefuneralhome,he’scalmedsome.”
TheremorsefromAtohiwashedoverKaneandheswallowedhard.“Couldthecrowfeathersbesignificanttohim?”
“Yeah,theCrowraisedhismother;herfatherwasCrow.Shecamebacktouswithhermotherwhenhedied.ItispossibleBradisawareofhisheritage.”
Kanerefilledhiscoffeecupfromthepotonthetableandthenaddedcreamandsugar.“WhendidBradgettotheres,andwashedrivingthetruckthen?”
“Hearrivedmaybeacoupleofweeksago.Iwasawayworkingwhenheshowedup,andasfarasIknowhecameinhistruck.”Atohishrugged.“He’snotafreeloader;hebroughtplentyofsupplieswithhimandgavethemtomymother,cashaswell.Hewasgratefulforalltheyearsshecaredforhim.”
“Okay.”Kanemovedtothenextstep.“DoyourememberspeakingtoawaitressinherebythenameofRubyEvans?”
“Yeah,Bradaskedheroutforacoffeelastnightbutshewasano-show.”Atohilookedfromonetotheother.“Howdoyouknowabouther?”
“RubymentionedthedatetoSusieHartwig.Theproblemis,someonemurderedheronThursdaynight.”Kanewatchedhisshockedreaction.“OutattheOldMitchamRanch.”
“What!”Atohishookhishead.“Ican’tbelieveit.Shewassonice,Braddidn’tthinkhehadachance.Hewasshockedwhensheagreedtogooutwithhim.”
Kanetookasipofhiscoffee.“DidBradmentionevergoingouttotheOldMitchamRanch?”
“Nope.”Atohipulledhisplatecloseandliftedhisfork.“IcanonlyaccountforhiswhereaboutswhenIwaswithhim.Outsidethat,Idon’tknowwherehewent.Sameassincewefoundthebones.IlefthimtocampintheforestonThursdaynightandtookfoodouttohimonFridayaroundnine.Wetalkedabouthisdate,andhewaslookingforwardtoit.”HemetKane’sgaze.“Hedidn’tsoundlikeapersonwho’djustmurderedher.AsfarasIknow,he’scampedouttheresincewefoundtheremainsandonlymovedwhentheforensicteamtooktheremainstothefuneralparlor.Ican’timaginehimleavinghismomalonetogooffandmurderpeople.Yeah,he’sactingalittlecrazyrightnow,buteverythinginhispasthasjustcomecrashingdownonhim.Butkillingpeople?Idon’tthinkso.”
FORTY-TWO
Mindinturmoil,JennastaredblanklyoutthewindowofKane’struckforseveralminutesaftertakingacallfromWolfe.ThetraceevidencefoundunderRuby’sfingernailswasaviablesampleandlikelyfromherkiller.NowallsheneededwasDNAfromhersuspectsforcomparison,butherchancesofgettingsamplesfromlawyered-upKylerHallandCliffYoungwouldbeimpossible.Although,gettingavisualwouldbebetterthannothing,andifeitherofthemhadscratchesontheirfaces,she’dgivetheirattorney,SamCross,theoptionofthemgivingavoluntarysampleorhergettingacourtorder.ShelookedoveratKane,whowaswatchingherwithinterest.“IknowBradKellyhasascratchonhischin,sowegoseehimfirst,andthenwepayKylerHallandCliffYounganothervisit.”
“WhateverHallandYoungsay,itwon’tbeadmissible;they’vealreadyrequestedalawyer.”Kanestartedtheengine.“You’llhavetogothroughCross.”
Jennarolledhereyes.“Thatmandrivesmecrazy.”Shefastenedherseatbelt.“Ijustwanttolookatthemandseeiftheyhaveanyinjuries.Iwon’tsayaword.”
“Okay.”KaneturnedontoMainStreet.“IguessyouwanttospeaktoKellyfirst?IhaveplentyofDNAcollectionkitsintheback.”
InterestedtodiscoverhowBradKellywouldreacttoherquestions,Jennanodded.“Yeah,let’sseewhathehastosay.I’llquestionhimandwe’llwatchhisreaction.Myguttellsmetohaulhiminforquestioning,buteverythingwehaveagainsthimishearsayatbest.”
“Ifheissufferingfromdissociativeidentitydisorder,itmaydependonwhichpersonalityheisusingtoday.”Kaneglancedatherandthenbackattheroad.“Hementionednotrememberingtheactualmurderwhenhearrivedattheres.Itallcamebacksomeyearslaterwhenthecopstoldhimhisfatherhaddied.”
ThispuzzledJennaanditdidn’texplainhowapersoncouldsuddenlyhaveasplitpersonality.“YouandJobelievehehasmultiplepersonalities,right?”
“Wecametotheconclusionthekillermayhave,that’swhyhehasn’tbeencaught.”Kanepulledoverandturnedtoher.“BradKellyisn’tnecessarilythekiller,butalotofwhathappenedtohimcouldpushapersonintomultiplepersonalitydisorder.”
“Howso?”
“Whenterriblethingshappentokids,it’spossibletheytakeonsafepersonalities.”AnervetwitchedinKane’scheek.“Ifachildsuffersprolongedabuse,somecreateadifferentpersonintheirmind,sotheabuseisn’thappeningtothem.Whenthishappens,itcanhaveacumulativeeffect.Soeverystressthattheyfacegrowingupiscoveredbyadifferentpersonality—afrontman,ifyoulike—whocancopewiththepressure.Forinstance,theguywhoshowsupfortheinterviewmaybeconfident,butthechildwhoremainsinsideasapersonalityiswithdrawnandcan’tspeak.”Hewavedahandtowardthetruckparkedoutsidethefuneralparlor.“AtohisaidBradwasdifferentfromwhenheleft,angry,soget-evenBradmightbeoutatthemoment.Hemightbehidingsavage-psychopathBrad.”
Amazedbyhisknowledge,Jennasuckedinabreath.“SohowcouldhebetheChameleonKiller?Howdoweknowifthisisthesameman?”
“Dissociativeidentitydisorderiscategorizedbyapersondisplayingtwoormoredistinctpersonalities.It’sasiftheycarrydifferentcharactersinsidethemandpullouttheonebestsuitedtohandletheproblem.Eachpersonalityoftenhasadifferentnameandagebecausetheymanifestatdifferenttimes,sotheyhavetheagefromwhentheyemerged.Theyoftenhavedifferentcharacteristics,likeaccentsandwalkingstyles,theysmoke,don’tsmoke,drinkcoffeeoronlydrinktea.Beingleft-orright-handedisanotherpossibility.”Hesighed.“Thebiggestproblemisyouneverknowwhoyou’respeakingtoatanygiventime.Somehaveadominantpersonalitybutitusuallydependsonthesituationthey’refacing.”
“Sohowmanyareawareofwhattheothersaredoing?”Jennaswallowedhard.“Dotheyknow?”
“Somedoandsomehavemissingtime,blackouts.”Kanescratchedhischeek.“Thosewhodon’tknow,it’sashockbecausethatpersonalityisoftenanormalperson.Thisisn’tlikeapsychopath,Jenna.Mostofthesepeopleareharmlessandcanbehelped.”Hesighed.“Ontheotherendofthescale,ifthedominantpersonalityisapsychopath,he’llknowwhateveryoneisdoing.Hecontrolstheteamandsometimesrefusestoallowthenormalonestoemerge.”
Jennapushedahandthroughherhair,consideringtheimplications.“SoifBradKellyisthekiller,wecouldtriggeranotherepisode?”
“Maybe,maybenot.”Kaneshrugged.“Ifwedon’tmakehimdefensive,he’dhavenoreason.Hangonaminute.You’reassuminghe’sguilty.IfIremember,theothersuspectsbecamealittleupsetwhenwespoketothem.”
“Okay.”Jennaturnedherattentiontothetruckparkedaboutahundredyardsaway.“Let’sdothis.”
WhenKanepulledinbehindBradKelly’struck,JennanoticedBradlookattheminhismirror.Tohersurprise,heturned,gavethemawave,andclimbedout
Shewalkeduptohim.“Afternoon.”
“SheriffAltonandDeputyKane.”Bradlookedfromonetotheother,hisstrangeeyesexaminingthemclosely.“Hastheundertakercomplainedaboutmesittinghereallday?”
Jennashookherhead.“No,wehaven’thadacomplaint.I’msorrybutwehavesomebadnews.”Shestraightened.“ThegirlyoumetinAuntBetty’sCafé,RubyEvans,she’sdead.”
“Dead?”Brad’seyebrowscrinkledintoadeepfrown.“When?Shewassupposedtomeetmeforacoffeelastnightanddidn’tshow.”HestaredatJenna.“Whathappenedtoher?Didshehaveanaccident?”
HeappearedgenuinelyshockedandJennahadapangofregretforbeingsobluntwithhim.“I’mafraidsomebodymurderedher.”
“Whowouldmurderher?”Bradscrubbedhishandsdownhisface.“Thistowniscursed.I’mcursed.Ifshehadn’tagreedtogooutwithme,she’dbeokay.”
“Whatdoyoumeanbythat?”Jennawatchedhimclosely.“Didyouhaveanythingtodowithherdeath?”
“Me?No!”Brad’seyesflashedwithanger.“It’sjusteveryonearoundmeseemstodie.”
Anotherstrangeresponse.Jennawaitedabeatforhimtocollecthimself.“Howdidyougetthatscratchonyourface?”
“This?”Bradtouchedhischin.“Intheforest,why?”
“Rubyhasskinunderherfingernails.”
“Itisn’tmine.”Bradstraightened.“You’dneedtoproveitwithaDNAtest,wouldn’tyou?”
Jennanodded.“Yeah,that’stheusualway.”
“Well,shedidn’tscratchme.”Brad’seyesboreintoher.“I’lltakeatest.”
Relieved,JennanoddedtoKane,andhewenttocollectasamplekitfromhistruck.“It’sthebestthingtodo,thenthereisnodoubt.”
“Icanwalkwithmyheadheldhigh,Sheriff.”Bradstaredathisbootsthenslowlylookedather.“Doyouthinkafterseeingmypabeatmymomtodeathwithashovel,Icouldhurtanyone?”
Jennaswallowedhard.“Idon’thaveanopiniononthismurder,Brad.I’mhuntingdownalistofpeoplewholastsawRubyalive.Ifeveryoneisashelpfulasyou,we’llsooncatchherkiller.”Shepulledouthernotebook.“WherewereyouThursdaynight?”
“Here.”Bradglancedbackatthefuneralparlor.“I’mmakingsuremymomremainshereandsheisn’thauledoffassomeexhibitionforaforensicanthropologyclass.”
“Cananyoneverifythat?”Jennalookedupathim.“Didyoumakeanycalls?Talktoanyone?”
“IpickedupChinesetakeoutaroundeight,Iguess.”Bradrubbedhischin.“Iusedtherestroomsinthepark,changedmyclothes,andthencamebackhere.”
“Okay.”Jennamadenotes.“WhataboutMondaynightandWednesdaymorning?”
“Huntingdownmymother’sremainsorstayingwiththemintheforest,Iguess.Icampedintheforestmosttimes,andapartfromAtohidroppingby,Ican’tproveIwasthere.”HelookedbackatKane.“Doyouneedtotakebloodforthetest?”
SheglancedaroundasKanewalkedbackwearingsurgicalglovesandcarryingaDNAtestkit.TurningbacktoBrad,shesmiled.“No.It’sprettysimple,justaswabfromtheinsideofyourmouth.”
“Howlongbeforeyouknow?”BradopenedhismouthforKanetotaketheswab.
Jennashrugged.“Notlong.WolfehasasuperfastlabintheME’soffice,withallthelatestequipment.”
“That’sgood.Idon’tlikebeingasuspect.”Bradwipedthebackofhishandoverhislips.“Isthatall?”
“Notreally.”Kanelookedathim.“DidyouknowabouttheplansfortheOldMitchamRanch?”
“Yeah,Atohimentionedsomeclownisturningitintoanamusementparkorsomething.”Bradshrugged.“Itmightbeokayfortourists,butnooneinhisrightmindfromaroundherewillgothere.”
“Soyouknowthehistoryoftheplace?”Kanewasn’tlookingathimbutwritingoutthepaperworkfortheswab.
“Yeah,everyonedoes,andIheardonthenewsaboutthemurders.Theplaceshouldbeburnedtotheground.”Bradfrowned.“Why?”
JennaglancedatKane,hopingherexpressionwouldpreventhimfromquestioningBrad.Sheneededhissignatureonthepaperwork.
“Ah,canyousigntheconsentform?”KaneresteditonthehoodofBrad’struck.
AsBradscribbledhisnameandthedate,Jennapushedalittleharder.“Haveyoubeenbytherelately?”
“TheOldMitchamRanch?No,notsinceIcamehome.”Bradstraightened.“IdidgothereoncewithabunchofkidsinhighschooloneHalloween—neveragain.Why?”
Jennarestedonehandonherweaponinacasualstance.“That’swherewefoundRuby.”
“Well,thetestwillproveIhadnothingtodowithhurtingher.”Bradglaredatthem.“Igottago.”Heturnedawayandwenttositinhisvehicle.
JennafollowedKanebacktohistruckandtheyclimbedinside.“Whatdoyouthink?”
“Hesignedthepaperworkwithhisrighthand,whichisaproblemaswe’relookingforaleft-handedkiller.”Kanestaredoutthewindow.“Dammit,hefitstheprofileinsomanyways.”Heturnedslowlytolookather.“Unlesshehasdissociativepersonalitydisorderandifso,he’shidingitwell.We’dhavetoseethepersonalitychangetobesure.”
“It’sonlyapossibilitythekillerisleft-handed.We’regoingonahunch,basedonMrs.Robinson’sstatement.Shecouldhavebeenwrongaboutthetimeittooktokillherhusband,andifyouthinkaboutit,Rubywould’vebeendeadandnotstruggling.”Jennashrugged.“Thekillercould’vegrabbedherbythehairwithhisrighthandandcutwiththeleft.Ifhe’sassmartasyouthink,hemighthavedonethatonpurposetoconfusetheinvestigation.”
“Maybe,andifheisinvolved,heknowsdarnwell,Rubydidn’tscratchhim.”Kanestartedtheengine.“WeshoulddropthesamplebyWolfe’sofficeandthengoseetheothersuspects.”
“Sure.”Jennaleanedbackinherseat.“Youknow,we’reonlyassumingthekillertookRubytotheOldMitchamRanchtouseasbait.Wehaven’tconsideredthatmaybeoneoftheguysworkingtheremetRubyatAuntBetty’sandtookheroutthere.Doweknowifanyofthemhavescratches?”SheglancedatKane.“Hadshebeensexuallyactive?Maybeitwasarapegonewrong?”
“Thentherewould’vebeenfivemeninvolved.”KaneparkedoutsidetheME’soffice.“Someonehadtotiethemupandshootthem.”Heshrugged.“Ididn’tseeanyevidenceofafifthmanlivinginthetrailers.”
Jennanodded.“I’llaskWolfeaboutthescratcheswhilewe’rehere,andwe’lllookatthebodiesofthemenagain.”Shesighed.“Rightnow,Ifeellikewhoeverisdoingthisisslippingthroughourfingers.”
FORTY-THREE
SurprisedtoseeJennaandKane,Wolfeturnedoffhismicrophoneandpeeredatthemoverhisfacemask.He’dfinishedthepreliminaryexaminationsonallthevictimsandwasinthemiddleoftheautopsyonTrevorWilson.“Pleasedon’ttellmewehaveanothermurdervictim?”
“Nope.”Kaneheldupasealedplasticbag.“IcollectedaDNAsamplefromBradKelly.Wethoughtyou’dlikeitrightaway.I’mnotoptimistic—he’sright-handed.”
Wolfesteppedawayfromthecorpsepullingoffhisglovesandapron.“Theregoesthattheory,butyouneverknowwhatakillerwilldotothrowusoffhisscent.Bringittothelab.HeturnedtoWebberandEmily.“PrepareslidesofthesamplesI’vetakenwhileI’mgone.”HelookedoveratJo.“IfigureJennawillwanttospeaktoyouaswell.”
“Sure.”Josmiledathimandfollowedhimfromtheroom.
Wolfegrabbednewscrubsfromaclosetinthehallway,tossedhisintoalaundrybasket,andpulledonthenewonesashewalked,hoppingononefoot.“ThenewtechnologyIhaveherenowwilloftengivemearesultinninetyminutes.”Hesmiledatthem.“Thelab-on-a-chipisexcellentfordeterminingtraceevidenceatacrimescenebutIprefertheRapidDNAmachine.”HepulledonfreshglovesandpluckedthebagfromKane’shand.“Ifyou’llwaitinthere.”Hepointedintothelab.“WecanspeakwhileIprocessthesample.Youcan’tcomeintothesterileareaorthesamplemaybecontaminated.”
“Okay.”JennasmiledathimandledKaneandJothroughthedoor.
Insidethesterileroom,WolfeopenedthebagandtookoutthesealedtubecontainingthesamplecollectedfromBradKelly.Ashepreparedthemachine,heheardJenna’svoicecomethroughthespeakeroverhead.
“Haveyounoticedanyscratchesonanyoftheothervictims?”Jennapeeredathimthroughtheglasspartition.
“Notanythingnotableoninitialexamination,butIwasn’tlookingforscratches.”Wolfefinishedpreparingthesampleandplaceditintothemachine.“Ifthereare,Idon’tthinkthey’reofanyconsequence.I’mgladyou’reherebecauseIwantedyoutoviewRubyEvansagainsoIcanexplain.”Heheadedforthedoorandmettheminthehallway.“I’vealsofoundafewinconsistencieswiththeguyyourefertoasvictimnumberone—Wilson.”
“Howso?”JennatookfacemasksandglovesfromthecounteroutsidethemorgueandhandedasettoKane.
“It’sbetterifIexplainwhenwe’reviewingthebody.”Wolfepushedopenthedoortothemorgueandapproachedthestainless-steelcabinet.“Itookthetemperatureofallthevictimsatthesceneandmadenotesontheirstateofrigor.Theresultsareconflicting.Mostmassmurdershappenwithinafewminutesofeachotherunlessit’sahostagesituation.”HewenttothedrawersliningthemorgueandpulledoutRuby.“WhatdoyouknowaboutRubyEvans’movementsimmediatelypriortoherdeath?”
“WehaveSusieHartwig’saccountandthebusdriver’s.”Kanescrolledthroughthefilesonhisphone.“RowleyspoketoSusieandshesaidRubyleftatnineandcaughtthebustoStantonRoad.ShesaidsheusuallywalksalongatrailthroughawoodedareatogettoElkCreek.Thebusdriverrecallshergettingoffthebusataroundninetwenty.”
WolfepulledonthefreshapronEmilyhandedhimandpulledbackthesheetonRubyEvans.“Thisiswhereitgetsconfusing.”HeindicatedtothebruisesonRuby’swrists.“Thiswouldnormallyindicateshewasfightingtogetawaybutshehasnodefensewounds.”
“Areyousayingherkillerdidn’thitherorattackherfromthefront?”Kanefrowned.“ThekillerlikelytiedherupforthetriptotheOldMitchamRanch.Couldtheinjuriesbeduetostruggling?”
Wolfenodded.“Someofthematleast.”HepickedupRuby’srighthand.“ThisiswhereIfoundtheskinunderhernails.Well,onenailtobeexact.”
“Yethernailsaren’tbroken.”Johelduptheotherhand.“Shegaveaswipeinprotestandthenwassubdued.”
“Yes,andifyouaddthistothemudIdiscoveredonthebacksoftheheelsofhershoes,I’dsaythekillerpouncedonherinthealleywayandshestruckoutinfright.It’shardtotellfromthedamage,butifyoulookatthebruisingonherneck,seehereabovethelaceration,”hepointedtotwodistinctthumbprintseachsideofherneck,“wecanseethebruisingclearly,madefromtwohandsabovethelaceration.Ithinkthekillersubduedherbystrangulationaftershefainted.Ibelieveifyougoandlookatthatcut-throughfromStantontoElkCreek,you’llfinddragmarksmadebyherheels.”
“Doyoubelievethemarksonherwristscamefromstrugglingwhenshewasinthechair,notfrombeingtiedpreviously?”Jennapeeredatthebody.
Wolfenodded.“Yeah.They’reconsistentwiththedamagecausedbythetape.Here’swhereitgetsinteresting.Shediedfirstandmaybeanhourorsobeforevictimnumberone,Wilson.Hediedatleasttwohoursbeforetheothertwo.”
“Whichmeansthekillerwaswiththemforaminimumofthreehours?”Kaneraisedbotheyebrowsinquestion.“We’veassumedthekillerkidnappedRuby,tookhertotheranch,setherupontheporch,andthenbroughtherround.Herscreamingalertedthesleepingmen,whocametohelp,andthekillerwaswaitingforthem.”
Wolfelookedfromonetotheother.“It’stheonlyexplanationIcanofferyou.”HeglancedatJenna.“I’vetakenDNAsamplesforcomparisonagainstthemenatthescene;noneofthemmatchthesamplefromRuby.Theyallhaveafewscrapes,fromworking,butshedidn’tscratchanyofthem.”
“Wasshesexuallyassaulted?”JennapulledthesheetupandoverRuby’sbody.
“No.”WolfepushedRubybackintothebodystoragelocker.
“Idon’tthinkshemeantmuchtothekiller.Iagree,shewasusedasbait.”JolookedatJenna.“Hecutherthroatpost-mortemtoshockthemen;theyprobablybelievedshewasstillalive.”
Wolfenodded.“FromtheresultsIhavenow,itwentdownlikethis:Themencameout,hemadeanexampleofWilson,maybebecausehewascarryingaweapon,andshothimintheknee.Fromtheprintsonthegun,Wilsonunloadeditandtosseditaside,sowecanassumethekillerwasholdingaweapononhim.Hegottheothermentotieeachothertothechairsusingthegaffertape.Ifoundcorrespondingprintsoneachman’stapetoprovethisbeyonddoubt.”
“Whoremovedthehands?”Jennalookedconfused.
Wolfemethergaze.“Thekiller.Therearenoprintsontheax.Hemadethelastmanbindhisownlegstothechairandoneofhishands.Thetapeononeofhishandsisclean,soourkillerwaswearingleathergloves,notlatexorsimilarbecausetheystickhardandwould’veleftresidue.”
“Whatwouldinduceamantotieuphisfriendsandthenhimself?”Jennalookedhorrified.
“Fear.”JowalkedtothebodyofWilson.“Thekillermadeanexampleofthisman.Wolfemadethedeterminationthatsomeoneremovedhishandpost-mortem.Thinkaboutthesituation:amanhasagunonthem.Heshootsthebossinthekneeandordersoneofthementotiehimup,sohedoesit.Maybeoneofthemenmouthedoff,soheshotWilson.Nowtheothersareterrified.Hetellsthethirdman,Taylor,totieupKennyandSkinnerandthenremovesthedeadman’shand.AfterthatheremovesKenny’shandandsoon.”
“It’sapowertrip.”KanelookedatJenna.“Hewascontrollingthem,bendingthemtohiswill.”
“Allthewhilefeedingofftheirpainandmisery.”JolookedatJenna.“Heenjoyskilling;seeingpeoplesufferanddieislikeadrugtohim.”
“Thisisalltheproofweneedtoconfirmthekillerplannedthisout.”Jennaleanedagainstthecounter.“IthinkhehadabeefwithWilsonandthisispayback.”Sheshookherheadslowly.“Wilsonisanout-of-towner.Whatthehelldidhedotothekillertomakehimtrackhimhere,andhowdoesthistieinwiththethreeotherhomicides?”
“We’vebeendiscussingmultiplepersonalitydisorderasafactorinthiscase.”JoleanedagainstthecounterbesideJenna.“Themassmurdercould’vebeencommittedbyoneofseveralpersonalities.”
“Yeah.”Kanepulledoffhisglovesandmask.“Thisisthepsychopath,leaderofthepack.Heistheavenger.Ifsomeonecausedoneoftheotherpersonalitiesaproblem,hecomesoutandfixesit.”
“Theproblemwiththis,Jenna.”Joraisedbotheyebrows.“Ifwe’recorrect,we’redealingwithacoldcontractkillerpersonality,responsibleforRobinsonandlikelytheStantonForestmurders.”Shewavedahandtowardtherefrigeratedcabinets.“Thatpersonalityiscalmandcool.Hemightbeareallyniceguy.Idon’tthinkwe’vemethimyetbecausenoneofthemenyou’veinterviewedhavebeencalmorcool.”ShelookedatKane.“HowwasBradKellywhenyouinterviewedhimtoday?”
“Cooperativeandhedeniedbeinginvolved.”Kanefrowned.“Heappearedtobequiteoffendedthatwethoughthemightbeinvolved.Hebroughtupthefacthe’dseenhisfatherkillhismotherasanexcuse.”
“Hmm.”Jowalkedupanddownforafewmoments.“Ifhe’sourkiller,hecouldbethepersonalitywhocanhandlethestress.”ShelookedatJenna.“Theangryyoungmanwemetcould’vebeenatotallydifferentpersonality.”
Wolfeclearedhisthroatandeveryonelookedathim.“Whateverpersonalitywehavecommittingmurder,asamedicalexaminer,theonlycluesI’vefoundtoindicatethemurdersattheOldMitchamRanchwerecommittedbythesamepersonaretheblackfeatherandtheassumptionheisleft-handed.”
“Itwouldn’tbeunusualforapersonwithdissociativeidentitydisordertochangefromright-toleft-handedduringaswitch.”Josighed.“Infact,anythingispossible.Notallareviolent,someself-harm,andmosthavenoideatheotherpersonalitiesexist.Ifso,andBradKellyisourkiller,he’dpassaliedetectortest.”
Wolfetookabreath.“Onethingisforsureandthat’swehaveapsychopathoutthere,andIsuggestyoutryandstophimbeforehemurderssomeoneelse.”
FORTY-FOUR
Itwasgoingtobeoneofthoseawfuldayswhentheytookonestepforwardandthreebackinaninvestigation,Jennajustknewit.TheinformationfromJoandKanehadstymiedherusualwayofthinkingthroughacase.Anyofhersuspectscouldbesufferingfromdissociativeidentitydisorderandhidingapsychopath.Rightnow,sheconsideredatleasttwoofthesuspectshadamotiveformurder.ThefacesofKylerHallandCliffYoungdroppedintohermind.ShepulledoutherphoneasshefollowedKanebacktohistruckandcontactedthesitemanagerattheskiresort.“Hithere,it’sSheriffAlton,canyoutellmeifKylerHallandCliffYoungareworkingtoday?”
“Theywereherethismorning,butwhentheydroppedbytheoffice,theymentionedheadingouttotheTripleZBar.”
“Okay,thanks.”ShedisconnectedandthenstoppedwalkingwhenJocalledhername.
“CanIcomewithyou?”Johurriedtoherside.“Wolfehasfinishedthepreliminaryreports,andfromwhatIcansee,thecauseofdeathofeachmanisobvious.I’dliketoobservethebehaviorofthesuspectsifthat’sokay?”
Jennanodded.“Observingisallwe’llbedoing.I’mlookingtoseeiftheyhaveanyvisiblescratches;ifso,it’sreasonablecausetogetacourtordertohavethemDNA-testedagainstthesampletakenfromunderRuby’snails.”
“DoyouwanttovisittheStantonForestcrimescene?We’llbedrivingbyitinafewminutes.”KanelookedatJoandthenstartedtheengineandtheyheadedtoStantonRoad.
“Nothanks,theimageswerefineandyourdescriptionofthecrimescenesummeditupwell.”Joturnedtolookoutthewindow.“Thispartoftheworldisincrediblybeautiful;thescentsandfreshairreallysurprisedme.I’dforgottenplaceslikethisstillexisted.SnakeskinGullysoundedliketheendoftheearth,butit’smuchthesame.ItwillbeagoodplacetoraiseJaime.”
Jennanoddedinagreement.“There’ssomethingspecialaboutsmall-townlife.Thecamaraderieissecondtononeandyou’llbothdofine.BlackRockFallsisaspecialplacetooandit’sashamewe’vebecomePsychopathCentraloflate.”
“Hmm,Ithinkthekillersallbelievetheycanoutsmartyou.”Josmiledather.“Ihaveanawfulfeelingthey’llkeepcominguntilyouletonegetaway.Oneunsolvedcrimeandtheyhavenothingtoprove.”
FlashesoftherecentcrimescenesfloodedJenna’sheadinarushsofastshegrippedtheseattosteadyherself.“Let’shopeit’snotthisone.Withthefourofushuntingdownthismaniac,weshouldgetaresultsoon.”Sheglancedatherwatch.“Steponthegas,Dave.Wehavetobebackattheofficebyfive.”
Sheleanedbackinherseatwatchingtheforestflybyinaflashofcolor.ThesoundoftheengineseemedtoaddasenseofdangerasKaneacceleratedandtheBeastroaredinresponse.Theyspedbyothervehicles,lightsflashing,andsheheardJo’snervouscoughfromthebackseat.Sheturnedandlookedather.“Placesaresofarapartouthere,
“That’swhywehaveachopper.”Jogaveanervouslaugh.
“ETAfiveminutes.”KaneflashedJennaagrin.“It’sgoodtoblowawaythecobwebsfromtimetotime.”
AsthetruckslowedbeforeKanemadetheturnintotheTripleZ’sparkinglot,JennafacedJoagain.“We’llplayitlow-keyandhopewecangetcloseenoughtothemtopickupanyrecentinjuries.”
“Theywon’tsuspectme.”Jounbuckledherseatbeltasthetruckcametoastop.“Iknowwhattheylooklike,I’llgoinfirst.”
Jennashookherhead.“Idon’tthinkthat’sagoodidea.LikeKanesaid,it’snotsafe.”
“I’lltakemychances.”Joslidoutthedoorthenpeeredinatthem.“Givemeaheadstart.”Sheturnedandjoggedacrosstheparkinglot.
“Ready?”KaneclimbedoutandlookedatJennaoverthehood.“Isshegoingtobeokay?”
NotoverlyconcernedaboutJo,Jennanodded.“Yeahdon’tworry,shewould’vebeentrainedthesameaswewere.Ifigureshecanhandleherself.”
“Ifshekeptuphertraining.”Kanestrodetowardthebar.“It’sbeensomeyearssinceQuantico.”
Astheywalkedintothebar,thesmellofbeerandsweathitJennainawallofnasty.SheblinkedtoallowhereyestoadjusttothediminteriorandspottedJosittingatthebar,nursingabeer.“Well,how’sthat?”Jennachuckled.“She’stakenaseatrightnexttothem.”Sheheadedtotheoppositeendofthebarandwaitedforthebarkeepertowalktothem.“IsthatfreshcoffeeIsmell?”
“Yeah.”Thebarkeepergaveheracuriouslook.“Youdroveallthewayoutheretobuyacupofmycoffee?”
Jennamethisgaze.“Nope.We’vebeeninthemountainsandI’mdesperate.Givemetwowithcreamandsugar.”Shesatatthebar.
“Snow’scoming.”Kanesatbesideherandsmiledatthebarkeeperashefilledtwocups.“There’salreadysnowupnearthenewskiresort.”
“Sameeveryyear.”Thebarkeepershrugged.“AlthoughlastyearitwasthecoldestIremember.”
AsKanemadesmalltalkwiththeman,Jenna’sgazeslidtoJo.She’dstruckupaconversationwithKylerHallandCliffYoung.Thecoffeewasreasonableandeverythingwasgoingwell,untilCliffYoungplacedahandonJo’sknee.
“Hey,letgoofme,lady,orI’llpunchyouintheface.”Young’sfacewassheet-white.
“Iwouldn’tifIwereyou.”Johadbenthisfingersbackandhereyesflashedwithanger.
Jennadroppedoffthebarstoolandheadedtowardtheargument.“Okay,what’shappeninghere?”
“Nothing,Sheriff.”JodroppedYoung’shand.“Thismangrabbedmythighisall.Idon’tlikementouchingme.”Sheplacedsomebillsonthebarand,withoutasecondglance,headedoutthedoor.
Jennastaredafterherandthenlookedatthebarkeeper.“We’regoodhere.”
“I’lltakecareofthecoffee.”Kanepulledouthiswalletandflickedhiseyestothedoor.
“Sure.”Jennawalkedslowlytowardthedoorand,onceoutside,noticedJoleaningagainstthewall.“Youokay?”
“I’mfine.Hallwasdrinkingwithhislefthand.”Jogrinnedather.“Bothmenhavescratchesandyoudon’tneedpermissionforCliffYoung’sDNA.”Sheheldupafinger.“Iaccidentlycaughthimwithmyfingernail.”
“Sweet.”Kanehadwalkedupbesideherwithoutasound.“I’llgrabatestkit.”
Jennahadn’ttakentwopacestowardKane’struckwhenHallandYoungwalkedoutthedoor.Thepairignoredthemandturnedtowardtheirpickup.Astheywalked,Halltookacigarettefromhismouthandflickeditontotheground.Theyallstoodmotionlessasthetwomendroveaway.“Thisismyluckyday.”Jennarantothesmokingcigaretteandpulledapairofglovesfromherpocket.“Asalivasampleandtwowitnessestoprovewhoitcamefrom.Takethat,SamCross.”
Aftermakingsurethesamplesweresafe,JennaclimbedbackintoKane’struck.“Okay,we’lldropthesamplestoWolfeandthenheadbacktotheoffice.”Shegrinnedathim.“Strikethree.”
FORTY-FIVE
Therewasonebenefitofstartingworkatdaybreakbecauseamangottofinishearlyandmostdayshelikedtobebackintownbeforefive.Atthisendoftown,sideroadsledtoarowofsmallbusinesses.Astheneedformoreretailoutletsgrew,manyhouseshadtransformedintostoresovernight.Thebeautyparlor,asturdybrickdwelling,hadatonetimehousedthelocalbankmanager;nowitspewedchemicalodorsingreatclouds.Intruth,he’dlocatedthestorebyitssmell.He’dbeenwatchingthemovementsofAnnTurner,oneofthelocalhairstylists,forsometime.Itseemedshehadareputationforbeingmanipulative.Thetalkaroundtownfromthewomenfolkwasthatthesmall,cute,bubblygirlhadasmileforanymanwholookedherway.Shewasthedangerouskind,thetypethatthoughtnothingofbreakingupahappymarriageforafewnightsoffun.Sheusedherfemalecharmslikeasirenandluredmarriedmentotheirdownfall.Hechuckled,imagininghishandsclosingtightlyaroundhersoft,smoothneck.
Ann,likemostpeople,followedthesamedailyroutinetoandfromwork.Alittleafterfive,mostofthehairstylistswouldleavefortheday,andAnnwouldcarrythegarbagetothedumpsterinthebackalleyandthenheadforhercar.Shealwaysparkedinthesameplace,behindthebankinthenextlot.Theownerofthebeautyparlorwouldlockup,getintohervehicleparkedoutside,anddriveaway.
Themomenttheowner’svehiclepulledaway,hepulledonhisgloves,madesurehishoodiewasdownoverhisface,andstrolledalongthesidewalk.TheroadoffMainwasquiet,andaswirlingmistcrawledacrosstheblacktop,coveringhimtohisknees.Dressedallinblack,hecouldmovethroughthefadinglightandblendintotheshadows.Itwasasifhe’dbecomethemist,slidingintospacesandthenvanishinglikeaghost.Notrafficpassedhim,andonequickglancearoundtoldhimthatwhenhe’dslippedintothealley,nobodyhadseenhim.Heblendedintotheshadowsandachillingcalmnessreplacedtherushofanticipatingakill.Inthisstate,hecouldwaithere,hardlybreathingforhoursifnecessary.Hedidn’thavetowaitlonginthegarbage-taintedairbeforeshecamedownthesteps,purseoveronearmandjugglingthreehugeblackgarbagebags.Whenshesetthemaside,hemadeoutherpinkleatherjacket,shortskirt,andblackstockingsdisappearingintopinkcowboyboots.Dressedformetokill.Hewaitedforhertoopenthedumpster,andasshewentuponthetipsofhertoestotossthebagsinside,hesteppedbehindher.“Hello,Ann.”
“Oh,youscaredme.”Ann’seyeswidenedinsurprise.“DoIknowyou?”Sheturnedtofacehimhereyesbrightwithexpectation.
Hedidn’treplybutgraspedherbythethroat,liftingheroffherfeettomeethiseyes.Watchingtheirexpressionswasallpartofthethrill.Shelookedstartledandthenalarmedaspanicfilledhereyes.Sherakedathishands,tryingtobreakhisgrip,buthehadher.Shewasn’tgettingaway.Hermouthopenedandclosedlikeafishtossedontotheriverbankbutnosoundcameout.
Italwayssurprisedhimhowlongittooktostranglesomeone.Itwasn’tafastdeath.Itwasupcloseandpersonal.Hecouldfeelthelifeleavetheirbodies.Luckily,theelementofsurpriseusuallyrobbedpeopleoftheirfirstinstincttosurvive.Mostwomenwouldgoforhishandsinafeebleattempttobreakhisgrasp.Itwasafutilemove.Iftheydraggedhispinkyfingersback,maybehe’dreleasehisgrip,buthecouldn’tunderstandwhytheyneverwentforhiseyesoratleasttriedtokneehimintheprivates.AtleastRubyhadtriedtoattackhim,lashingoutwithhernailsbeforehe’dsubduedher.
Hesqueezedharderandsmiledasthebloodvesselsexplodedlikelittleredstarsinhereyes,andfinallythelifeleftherinarushofurine.Hedroppedher,disgusted,andwenttothefaucettowashanytracefromhisboots.Ashewalkedaway,heglancedbehindhimbutallhesawinthealleywasapileoftrash.He’dforgottenaboutheralready.
FORTY-SIX
AtlastJennabelievedshe’dmadesomeheadwayinthecase.ShewalkedintoherofficeandfoundCartersittingoppositeherdesk,workingonhislaptop.“Howdidyougo?AnyluckwiththesearchwarrantforMrs.Robinson’sbankaccounts?”
“Ohyeah.”Cartergrinnedather.“Obtainedandserved.”
Jennasmiled.“Great.We’rejustwaitingforRowleyandwecanbringeveryoneuptospeed.”
“I’mhere.”Rowleywalkedintoheroffice,followedbyKaneandJo.
Suddenlyfilledwithanewburstofenthusiasm,Jennadroppedintoherchair.“Okay,let’sgettheshowontheroad.”SheexplainedWolfe’sconclusionsandwhathadhappenedattheTripleZBar.“We’llneedstatementsfromKaneandJotoverifytheoriginoftheDNAsamples.Wolfeisrunningthemnow.”
“IhavesomethinginterestingintheLucasRobinsoncase.”Carterstoodandwenttotheprinter.Hecollecteddocumentsandhandedthemout.“Mrs.Robinsonmadetwosubstantialwithdrawalsincashabouttwoweekspriortoherhusband’sdeath.Ifshecan’taccountforthemoney,it’spossibleshepaidforahit.”
Amazed,Jennastaredatthebankstatement.TheaccountwasinCarolRobinson’snameandthewithdrawalshadalmostdrainedit.“Igatherherhusbandwasinsuredandshewouldhavesomethingtogainfromhisdeath.”
“Yeah.”Cartersmiled.“Fivemillion.”
Kanewhistled.“That’samotive,andsheknewhewashavinganaffair.”HelookedatJenna.“HowdoessomeonefindahitmaninBlackRockFalls?”
“DidyouknowshewasbiginITbeforeshemarried?”Carterstretchedhislegsoutinfrontofhim.“Sheprobablyfoundhimonthedarkweb.She’llhavecoveredupalltraceonhercomputeraswell,sowe’llfindnothing.”
“Itwould’vehelpedifthekidthey’dsentmeasacomputerwhizzhadshown.”Joshookherhead.“Hemighthavebeenabletohuntdownthehitman.”
“Idoubtit.”Kaneshrugged.“Wolfeisourgo-toguywhenitcomestoIT,andhe’sfoundafewtracesofwebsitesinhistime,butifCarolRobinsonhasasolidbackgroundinprogramming,she’llhavewipedeverytraceclean.”
“Thenwhenwefindherhusband’skiller,wemightbeabletofindamoneytrail.Ifshepaidhimincashandhe’sstillintown,he’llhavethemoneystashedsomewhere.”CarterlookedatJenna.“Don’tyouagree,Jenna?”
“Yeah,ahitisadistinctpossibility,andwe’llcertainlybelookingforamoneytrail.”Jennacheckedhernotes.“Movingon.Rowley,anyluckfindingoutwhereKylerHallandCliffYoungwereatthetimesofthemurders?”
“Onlyhearsayandvaguememories.”Rowleymethergaze.“Theirneighborsrecallseeingtheirtruckoutsideasusualmostnights.TheonlymorningoneoftheneighborsnoticeditmissingwasthemorningoftheStantonForestmurders.They’vealreadyadmittedtoleavingearlythatmorning.”Heleanedforwardinhisseat.“Nooneispreparedtogivethemanalibiforanyofthetimesofdeath.”
Glancingattheclockonthewall,Jennafrownedathim.“Oh,youhadTomDicksoncleaningoutyourgaragetoday,andI’vekeptyouback.You’dbetterleavenow.”
“It’sfine.”Rowleysmiledather.“Idroppedbyearlierandfixedhimup.He’saveryreliableworker.Mygarageisasneatasapin.”
“That’sgoodtohear.”Jennapushedtoherfeet,wenttothewhiteboard,andbroughtituptodate.SheturnedtolookatWalters.“HowdidyougowithMrs.Robinson?”
“Ihaven’tgottenintoseeherasyet.”Waltersscratchedhisthinninggrayhair.“IwentdowntospeaktoWeemsatthefuneralparlor.HetoldmeMrs.Robinsoncalledhimandtoldhimtocremateherhusband’sbodythemomenthearrivesattheparlor.Weemsshowedmeallthedocumentshe’dtakentothehospitalforhersignature.HealsotoldmeParkerLouisandTimothyAddams,fromtheStantonForestmurders,willbelaidtorestnextweek.”
“Okay,thanks.”
ThelandlinerangandJennaheldupahandtoquietthechatterintheroom.“SheriffAlton.”
Itwastheforensicanthropologist,JillBates.HercheeryvoicecamedownthelineandJennaputthephoneonspeaker.“Jill,greattohearfromyou.Haveyoufoundanything?”
“Yeah,fromthedentalrecords,theremainswefoundinStantonForestbelongtoLuitlKelly.I’vefinishedmyexaminationandwillbepassingthecasetoWolfe.I’vesteppedupthesearchforhersonScott.Hehastobeclosebybutsofarwe’vefoundnothingbutakid’sshoe.”Shetookadeepbreath.“SeemstomethestoryBradKellytoldmeaboutwhathappenedisaccurate.Theskeletalremainsweunearthedarecomplete.Theheadtraumaisconsistentwithhismemories.Anotherthingofnote.Thiswomansufferedconstanttraumaoverseveralyears.Ifoundevidenceofbrokenbones,indifferentstagesofhealing.”
AngerandremorseforBrad’smothersweptoverJenna.“Fromallaccounts,shetriedtoleaveherhusband.Thisshouldneverhavehappened.Ican’timaginewhatitwouldbeliketolivewithamonsterlikethat.”
“It’smorecommonthanyouthink,I’mafraid.”Jillclearedherthroat.“Atleasthe’sdeadnowandnothurtinganyoneelse.”
Jenna’smindflashedtoBradKelly.He’dseenandlikelysufferedterribleabuseasachild.Likefather,likesonplayedinherheadlikeanearwig.Shehopedwithallherheartthey’dmadeamistakeandBradKellyhadn’tturnedoutworsethanhisfather.Shesighedandlookedatthefacesofthepeopleintheroom;allhadexpressionsofconcern.“Thanks,Jill,Iappreciateyourcall.LetmeknowifyourteamfindsScottKelly’sremains.Itwillsureputhisbrother’smindatrest.”
“Isurewill,bye.”Thelinewentdead.
Jennareplacedthereceiverandblewthebangsfromherforehead.“We’reatastageintheinvestigationwhenallwecandoiswait.Alltheevidencewehaveiscircumstantialatbest.TheonlythingwecandoiswaitfortheDNAresults.Withluck,Wolfewillhavethemsoon.It’saftersix,gohome,andasit’sSundaytomorrow,staythereandI’llcallifIhearanynews.I’lltakethe911calls.Iwanteveryonetorestupuntilneeded.”
ShewaitedforherdeputiestoleavebutJoandCarterremained.Althoughshewantedtogohome,soakinthehottubandforgetaboutmassmurderforanhourorso,shehadguests.“Isuggestweheadbacktotheranchandthengooutfordinner.I’mtootuckeredouttocooktonight.”
“Wherecanwegetagoodsteak?”CarterremovedhistoothpickandflickeditintothetrashcanunderJenna’sdesk
“There’sasteakhouseintown,surfandturfmainly.”KanestoodandlookedatJennaandJo.“Thatokaywithyou?”
“It’sfinewithmeandIhaveagenerousexpenseaccount.”Jogrinned.“It’soneoftheperksofbeinginchargeofthefieldoffice.”
Jennasmiled.“Great,I’llbookatableonthewayhome.”Shestoodandwalkedovertothepegsbehindthedoortograbhercoat.
Astheywalkedtothefrontdoor,Cartersmiledather.“You’resurenotwhatIexpected.”Hetossedanothertoothpickintohismouth.“I’vemetplentyofsheriffsinmytimeandnotoneofthemcouldrunastringofcomplicatedinvestigationslikeyoudo.Howdoyoucopewithsomanymurders?”
JennagaveMaggieawaveatthecounter.“Gohome,it’slate.SeeyouonMonday.”SheturnedtoCarter.“It’sneverjustme,Carter,it’stheteam.”
Astheywalkedoutsideintothecold,crispevening,Jennainhaledthefreshpinebreezeandalpinescents.AmovementcaughtherattentionandBradKelly,tigereyesblazing,seemedtoappearfromnowhere.Caughtoff-guard,sheinstinctivelytookastepback.KaneandCartermusthavereactedinstantaneouslyasthenextmomentallshecouldseewasKane’swideshoulders.SheglancedtoherrighttoseeCarterpushingJobackinsidethebulletproofofficedoors.SheproddedKaneintheback.“ForHeaven’ssake,Kane,he’snotarmed.”
WhenKanemovedslightly,JennasteppedoutfrombehindhimandlookedatBrad’sangryface.“Honestly,Brad,it’snotagoodideatojumpoutatmewhenwehaveaserialkillerintown.”ShelookedupatKanebuthehadhiscombatfaceonandwouldnotmovehisattentionfromtheperceivablethreat.Instead,sheturnedbacktoBradKelly.“Didyouwanttospeaktome?”
“JillBateshasconfirmedtheremainsaremymotherandnowshehasloadedherintoacoffinandissendinghersomewhereelse.”Bradwasabouttoburstwithrage.“Wherearetheytakingher?”HemovedclosertoJenna,lookinglikeatrappedwildanimal.
Jennaloweredhervoicetojustaboveawhisper.“I’msorryyouhaven’tbeeninformed.Jillcalledmeafewminutesago.SheishandingthecaseovertoWolfe.Yourmother’sremainswillbeatthemorgue.Wolfewillreviewthefindingsandthenreleaseherbodytoyou.”
“Idon’twanthergoingbacktothefuneralparlor.”Bradshookhishead.“Mypeoplewilltakecareofhernow.”
“YoucanbeassuredthatWolfewilltreatherwiththerespecthegiveseveryvictimthatcomesintohisoffice.”JennacouldalmostcuttheemotionallychargedairaroundBrad.Couldthekillerbestandingrightinfrontofher?Seeinghimlikethis,itwasverypossible.
“Respect,huh?”Bradshookhishead.“Youactlikeyoucare.Nobodycared.Itoldmyteacherswhenmypabashedmymombuttheydidnothing.Whenmymomandbrotherwentmissing,didanyonecare?Notonelawofficercametothereslookingforus.Thesheriffallowedmypatogetawaywithmurder.”
Jennagapedathim,wantingtoexplain.“I—”
“Saveit,lady.”Bradstormedofftowardhistruck,climbedin,andspeddownMain.
“Oh,boy.”Jocameouttostandbesideher.“I’msleepingwiththelightsontonight.”
Shaken,JennaslidintoKane’struck.“Thatisoneangryman.”
“Yeah,hehasreason,Iguess.”KanestartedtheengineandbackedoutontoMain.
Jenna’sphonechimedandshesighedandcheckedthecallerID.“It’sWolfe.”Sheansweredthecall.“Hi,Shane.”
“IhavetheresultsoftheDNAtests.”Wolfesoundedbemused.“Iranthemtwicetomakesure,that’swhatcausedthedelay.TheDNAIfoundunderRubyEvans’nailsisamatchforBradKelly.”
FORTY-SEVEN
Speechlessforamoment,JennastaredatKane.He’dtakenoffwithlightsandsirensafterBradKelly’struck.Shetookabreath.“Hewasjusthere.Areyousure?”
“Yeah,it’samatch.Ihavenodoubt.”Wolfeletoutalongbreath.“UnlesshehasanexcuseforRubyscratchinghim,he’sourkiller.”
Jennaswallowedhard.“Okay,Shane,thanks.We’llgivechaseandarresthim.”
Shedisconnectedbutherphonerangagainimmediately.ItwasJo.“Hi,Jo,wehaveapositiveDNAmatchonBradKelly,we’reinpursuitnow.”
“Iguessedasmuchwhenyoutookoffandhightailedittothecruiser.We’rerightbehindyou.”Jowasbreathingheavily.“There’snodoubt?”
Jennashookherheadandthenwonderedwhy,asJocouldn’tseeher.“No,Wolferantheteststwice.”
Ahead,themistswirledintheheadlights,blockingherview,butshecouldstillseethetaillightsofBrad’soldmodeltruck.“He’sheadingforthemorgue.Nodoubthethinkshecancollecthismother’sremains.”ThebackwindowlitupwithblueandredlightsasCarterracedupbehindthem.“I’llseeyouthere.”ShedisconnectedandgrabbedholdoftheseatasKaneslidtheBeastaroundthecorner.
Tohersurprise,Kellypulledovertothecurboppositethesheriff’sdepartmentasifallowingthemtopassby.ShecaughtsightofhisstartledexpressionasKanedrovepastandthenbrakedhardtostopacrosstheroadinfrontofhim.BehindthemCarterhadblockedanychanceofretreat.ShefollowedKaneoutthetruckasheadvancedonBrad,andshestucktohimlikeglue,drawingherweapon.“Handswherewecanseethem.”
WhenKellyplacedhishandsonthesteeringwheel,JennanoddedtoKane.ShewaitedforhimtopullopenthedooranddragoutKelly.Hehadhimfacedownonthehoodofhistruckandcuffedinseconds.“BradKelly,you’reunderarrestforthemurderofRubyEvans.”Shereadhimhisrights.
“Me?”Bradshookhishead,almostresigned.“Iknewyou’dtrytonailmewithhermurder.FoundawaytofixtheDNAresults,huh?”
“Takehiminandbookhim.”JennatossedCarterthekeystothesheriff’sdepartmentandturnedtolookatJo.“I’llcalltheDA.IwantKellyinthecountyjailtonight.”
Shemadethecall.“Mymedicalexaminerdoesn’tmakemistakes,andherantheteststwicetomakesure.Thesuspecthasascratchonhischin,thevictimhashisDNAunderhernails.ApartfrommeetingonceatAuntBetty’sCafé,Kellydeniesseeinghersince.He’sfartoodangeroustobeinmycells.He’smurderedeightpeople.”SheshookherheadandstaredatJo.“Yes,wehaveFBIagentsonthecase.Here,speaktoJoBlake.”Shethrustthephonetowardher.
“Hello.”Jofrowned.“I’mabehavioralanalystwiththeFBIfieldofficeoutofSnakeskinGully.Yes,it’snew.Isuggestyoutellcountytosendachopperandfourguards.Thismaniscapableofanything.Heshouldbeinasecureenvironment.Isuggestyouhurry.”Shelistenedforafewminutes.“Withinthehour.Good.”ShedisconnectedandhandedthephonebacktoJenna.“Itlookslikewegettoeataroundnine.”
“ThesteakhouseisopenuntilmidnightSaturday.I’llbookatable.”Jennamadethecallasshewalkedintothesheriff’sdepartment.ShefoundKaneonthephonetothelocaljudge.
“Wouldyoubelievehe’sworkingathisoffice?”Kanesmiled.“He’llwaittosignthearrestwarrant.”
“Theprisonerisinthecells.”Carterstrolleduptoher.“I’llwriteupthearrestandsearchwarrantsandrunthemovertothejudge.”
Amazedbytheefficiency,Jennasmiled.“Thanks.I’msorelievedwebroughthiminwithoutanyproblems.Hasheaskedforalawyer?”
“Yeah.”Kanenodded.“I’llcallSamCross.”
Jennafrowned.“Justwaituntilwehavethearrestwarrantinourhands.Idon’twanthimtofindaloopholethatallowsKellytowalk.”
ThenextmomentthefrontdoorflewopenandRowleycameinstilldressedinuniformwithAtohiclosebehind.Jennashookherhead.“Isentyouhometorest.”
“WewereatAuntBetty’s.”RowleylookedfromhertoKane.“Whathappened?”
JennahatedtellingAtohishe’dchargedhiscousinwithmurderbutshehadnochoice.“I’msorry,Atohi,we’vearrestedBradforthemurderofRubyEvans.Beforeyousayanything,hisDNAmatchestheskinfoundunderhernails.Hehasascratchonhisfaceandcan’tverifyhiswhereaboutsduringanyofthemurders.”Shesighed.“We’llcallSamCrosstorepresenthimandhe’lldoitprobono.I’llsubmittheevidencewehavetodateandleavethecourtstodecide.”
“Idon’tbelieveit.”Atohicouldn’thidetheshockonhisface.“Angrymaybebutnotakiller.”
Jennasqueezedhisarm.“We’llneedtosearchhisbelongings.Didyouseehimwithanylargeamountsofcash?”
“Hehadmoney.”Atohishookhishead.“Fromworking,hegavesometomymom.Hemadearrangementsforhismomtooandpaidforthem,Ibelieve.”HelookedatJenna.“Youarewelcometosearchhisroombuteverythingheownshecarriesinabackpackinhistruck.”Hewavedahandtowardthevehicleparkedoutside.“CanIseehim?”
Jennashookherhead.“I’msorry,noyoucan’t.”
“ThentellhimI’lltakecareofhismom.”Atohiturnedandwalked,shouldersslumped,outthedoor.
“I’llbebacksoon.”CarterheadedforthedoorandthenturnedtolookatKane.“Ifyou’reheadingbacktotheranchtochangefordinner,canyougrabmeacleanshirt?I’llhaveashowerherewhilewewaitforthechopperandthenwewon’tmissourdinnerreservation.Rowleywillkeepmecompany.”Heranoutthedoor,paperworkinhand.
“Sure.”Kanelookedafterhim.
JennaturnedtoRowley.“AreyouokaywithstayingbackuntiltheypickupKelly?”
“That’sfinebyme.Mygirlisvisitinghergrandmathisweekend,soI’venothingbettertodo.”Rowleylookedather.“Whathappensnext?”
“We’llcallSamCrossthemomentCartergetsbackwiththewarrants.”Sheleanedagainstthefrontcounter,suddenlyexhausted.“I’veformallychargedKellywiththemurderofRubyEvans.KaneiswritingupthepaperworkandtheDAisarrangingforKellytogotothecountyjailuntilhishearing.He’sarrangingachopper.IjusthopeCrossdoesn’tsweettalkthejudgeintogivinghimbail.”
“That’sunlikelytohappenuntilatleastMonday,morelikelyTuesday.”KanehandedJennathedocumentstosign.“We’llneedtohustleifweplanongoinghometofeedthehorsesanddogs.”Herubbedhisbelly.“Weshouldmakeitbackintotownbynine.”HelookedatRowley.“MakesureKellyhasameal.GetsomethingsentupfromAuntBetty’s.”HesmiledatJenna.“Innocentuntilprovenguiltyanddutyofcare,covered.”
“HerecomesCarter.”Jopeeredthroughtheglassdoor.“Thatwasfast.Hedriveslikeamadman.”
“Itwasonlytwoblocksaway.”Jennasmiled.“Andaslongashefliesthechopperwell,you’llbefine.”ShezippedupherjacketandturnedtoRowley.“Callmeifyouhaveanyproblems.We’llbeatthesteakhousefromnine.”
“Sure.”Rowleytookthebunchofkeysfromher.
ThemomentCarterhurriedinsidewiththewarrantsJennaturnedbacktoRowley.“CallSamCrossandthenWolfebeforeitgetsanylaterandaskhimwhathewantstodoaboutsearchingKelly’struck.”Shechewedonherbottomlip.“We’relookingforcashtolinkhimtoLucasRobinson’smurderbuthe’llwanttocheckitforproofRubywasinside.He’lllikelyhaveittowedtohisofficeinthemorning.”Shestaredintospace,thinking.“You’dbetterputoutapressrelease.Justsaywe’vearrestedasuspectfortheOldMitchamRanchmurders.That’sall,nootherinfo.”
“Okay,leaveeverythingtomeandgoeat.”Rowleysmiledather.
JennalookedatKaneandJo.“Let’sgo.”
FORTY-EIGHT
ThebuzzofthesteakhousehummedaroundJennaasshefinishedhermeal.Withthekillerlockedup,shecouldrelaxatlast.Ithadbeenawonderfulevening,andseeingKaneandCarterinanimatedconversationoneverytopicfromhuntingtoenginesmadeherrealizehowmuchhemustmisshisfriends.ThecoffeearrivedandshechattedwithJo.Itwasasifshe’dknownherallherlifeanditwasgoodtohavesomeonewiththesameintereststotalkto.ShewouldmissherwhenshereturnedtoSnakeskinGully.“HowwasJaimetonight?”
“SheiscopingbetterthanIam.”Josmiledather.“I’vebeensoworriedandyetshelovesthehouse,hasmadefriendsatschoolalready,andistalkingabouthavingapuppy.”
“That’swonderful.”JennaglancedatCarter.“Doyouhaveanyoneathome,Ty?”
“Nope,it’sjustZorroandme.”Cartershrugged.“There’sneverbeenroomforawifeinmylifeuptonow.Iliketocommitonehundredpercent,andbeingawayallthetimemakesrelationshipsdifficult.”
Jennanoddedinagreementbuthadnoticedtheadmiringlookswomengavehim.“I’msurethere’saspecialsomeoneoutthereforyou.”
“I’mnotinanyhurry.”Carterflashedherabrilliantsmile.“I’mkindamarriedtothejobrightnow.”HelookedatKane.“Youknowthefeeling,right?”
“Sure.”Kaneleanedbackinhischairandsmiled.“I’veonlyhadonevacationsinceIarrived.Themurderskeepusprettybusy.”
“Thenlet’snotendthenighthere.”Carterpushedhiscoffeecuptooneside.“Ihearthere’spoolandcardroomsattheCattleman’sHotel.”HelookedatKane.“Howlongsinceyou’vehadanightoutwiththeboys?”
JennagrinnedatKane.“Oh,goon,Dave,youknowyoudeserveanightout.”ShelookedatJo.“We’llbejustfineonourown.”
“Thesethingsgolate.”Kaneshookhishead.“Idon’tlikeleavingyououtattheranchalone.”
Jennapickedupherphoneandwiggleditathim.“Ihaveaphoneandasaferoom.We’rebotharmed,plustheranchislikeFortKnoxandwehaveDukeandZorro.”ShelookedatJo.“We’llbefine.”Shewavedahandatthem.“Go,we’llbeathome,probablysoakinginthehottub.”
“Youhaveahottub?”Jo’seyebrowsshotup.“Countmein.”
JennawatchedasKaneandCarterstrolledoutthedoor.SheslippedthekeystohercruiserCarterhadleftonthetableintoherpurseandreturnedtohercoffee.“Oh,Ishould’veaskedKaneforhishousekey.Thedogsareinthecottage,Icould’vebroughtthemuptothehouse.”
“They’reprobablysoundasleepbynow.”Josippedherdrinkandsighed.“It’sgettinglateandI’mexhausted.Readytoheadhomenow?”Shehandedthewaiterhercreditcardandwaitedforhimtoswipeandreturnit.
Jenna’sphonechimedandshefrownedatthe911ringtone.“Dammit,it’sanemergency.”
“DoyouwantmetocallKane?”Jopulledoutherphone.
“Notyet.”Jennaacceptedthecall.“911.Whatisyouremergency?”
“Oh,hurryplease,there’sawomanoutbackofthebeautyparlor,Ithinkshe’sdead.Shesurelooksdead.”
Itwasaman’svoice.Jennatookapenfromherpurseandwroteonapapernapkin.“Okay,whatisyournameandcontactnumber?”
“ErrolStack.IwaswalkingmydogalongAlpine,andhefoundher.Hereyesarejuststaringandshehasantscrawlingallover.”Hegaveherhisnumber.
“Okay,Mr.Stack,thisisSheriffAlton.I’mintown,I’llbethereinfive.Waitoutfrontinthelight,don’ttouchanything.Stayontheline.I’llgetbacktoyouinamoment.”SheglancedatJoandmutedthecall.“CallWolfe.Mr.StackhasfoundabodyoutbackofthebeautyparloronAlpine.I’mnotspoilingKane’snightout.We’llhandlethisoneourselves.”
“Okay.”Jomadethecall.“Wolfeisonhisway.”
“Great.”Gladshe’dwornhershoulderholster,Jennastood.“Thebeautyparlorisn’tfar.”Shehustledoutthedoorandrankneedeepinmisttohercruiser.“Theweatherisreallymakingthetownspookythisyear.Thismistisgettingthickerbytheday.”
“Nodoubtthekidswillloveitwhentheygotrick-or-treating.”Joclimbedinthepassengerseat.“Ihopewegetthiscasewoundupinthenextfewdays.IwouldlovetobehomewithJaimeforHalloween.”
Jennastartedtheengineandputherphoneonspeaker.“Youokaythere,Mr.Stack?”
“Yeah,waitingoutfrontunderthestreetlight.I’marmedandI’llshootifanyonejumpsoutatme.”
JennashotJoaglance.“Okay.”Sheflickedonherwig-waglights.“Youshouldbeseeingmycruisersoon—I’mcomingdownMainandwillturnontoAlpineintwominutes.”
Themisthadgottenthickerassheturneddownthesideroad,shespottedMr.Stack,anelderlymanwithablackBostonTerrierwearingabrightredcoat.Shedrovepast,turnedaround,andthenpulledthecruisertothecurb,butbeforeshehadthechancetogetout,Jotouchedherarm.Jennadisconnectedthecallandlookedather.“Problem?”
“Ifyou’replanningongettingoutbeforeWolfearrives,I’llkeepthevehiclebetweenmeandMr.Stackandwatchyourback.”Jopulledherweaponandslidoutthecruiser,lookingallaround
Fogcrawledacrossthesidewalktowardthemanandhisdog.Theorangeglowfromthestreetlightandthedanglingskeletonhangingfromthecrossbargavethesceneaspookyatmosphere.AcoldbreezebrushedJenna’scheekasshesteppedoutofthecruiser,drawingherweapon.Apartfromthelightspillingacrossthemanandhisdog,andtheintermittentblueandredflashesfromherwig-waglights,allaroundthestoresandbankhadvanishedintodarkness.Shekepttheopendoorbetweenherselfandthestranger.“Mr.Stack,pleaseremoveyourweaponandlayitontheground.”
“Why?”Stacktookastepcloser.“I’mtheonewhocalledyou.Ifoundthebody.”
Jennaaimedherweaponathim,deadcenterofhischest.“Yes,butifyou’rearmed,Ineedyoutoplaceyourweapononthegroundandstepawayfromit.Thisisnormalprocedure,Mr.Stack.Pleasecooperate.”
“Oh,Isee.”Stackreachedinsidehiscoat.
“Usetwofingers,takeoutyourweaponniceandslow.”Jennaheldherbreathandherweaponsteadyashecompliedandplaceditgentlyonthegroundandthensteppedaway.
JennaholsteredherGlockandwalkedtowardhim.“Ihavetopatyoudown,Mr.Stack.”
“Oh,verywell.”Stackturnedaroundandplacedhishandsflatonthewallofthebeautyparlor.“IfIeverfindanotherbody,I’mwalkingrightby.”
“Clear.”JennaturnedtolookatJo,whohadherweaponaimedatthestranger.Sheclearedherthroat.“Okay,Mr.Stack.Where’sthebody?”
“Downthere.”Stackpointedtoanalley.“Bythedumpstersoutbackofthebeautyparlor.Aswewerewalkingby,mydogstartedbarkingandthenranoff.Iwenttogethim.IthoughthewaschasingratsandInearlyhadaheartattackwhenIfoundthewoman.”
AshiverofwarningwentthroughJennaasshepeeredintothedarkness.Shedidnotintendtowalkintoapossibletrap.“Howdidyouseeher?Idon’tseeaflashlight.”
“Iusedtheflashlightonmyphone.”Stackturneditonandwaveditaround.“See?”
Atthatmoment,thesoundofavehiclecomingdowntheroadcaughtJenna’sattention.Sheheavedasteam-filledsighofreliefasWolfepulledupoutsidethebeautyparlor.“Waithere,Mr.Stack.”Shepickeduphisweapon,slippedouttheclip,andcheckedthechamberbeforeplacingitintoherpocket.
ShepulledoutherphoneandactivatedthepowerfulLEDbeam.Itpiercedthedarknesstorevealapairoflegsstickingoutfrombehindastuffedgarbagebag.AsWolfecametoherside,scanningtheareainbigsweeps,shepointedtothealley.“She’sdownthere.”
“SoIsee.”Wolfepulledouthisflashlightandmovedforward.“Webberisonhisway.Coverme.”Heheadedintothedarkness.
JennawavedJoforward.“Let’sseewhatwehavehere.”
TheyfollowedWolfe,movingtheirflashlightsandweaponsinalldirections.Thewalltothealleyendedatthebackofthebeautyparlor,andaquicksweepoftheareatoldhertheywerealone.JennaturnedtoWolfe.“Allclear.”
“Jo,givemesomelight.”Wolfeplacedhisbagonthefloor,pulledoutgloves,andhandedherapair.
“Sure.”Jolitupthebodywithherphone.“Dang,she’syoung—what,eighteenorso?”
Jennatookinthefigure,armsandlegsindisarraylikearagdolltossedawaybyachild,andexaminedthehorrificexpressionontheyoungwoman’sface.Ajoltofrecognitionwentthroughherandshebentcloser.“Iknowher.ThisisAnnTurner.ShehadanaffairwithLucasRobinson.Iinterviewedherrecently.Whendidthishappen?Thebeautyparlorclosesatfive.”
“I’dsayshe’sbeendeadforaboutfourhours.”WolfehandedJennaapairofgloves.“I’lltakesomeshotsofthesceneandthenyoucancheckherpurseforID.”
AsWolfetooktheshots,JennasearchedtheareausingagridtechniqueKanehadtaughther.Thegroundwasdampbutnofootprintsledfromthefaucetattachedtothewall.Cigarettebuttslitteredthegroundaroundthebottomofthesteps.Fromthelipstickonmostofthem,shedecidedthestepsmustbeafavoriteplaceforthewomenworkinginsidetositandsmoke.Aftersearchingthesmallarea,shefoundnothingatallandreturnedtoWolfeandJo.“Noevidence.There’sapileofcigarettebuttsatthebottomofthestairs;wantmetocollectthem?”
“Nope.”WolfeexaminedAnn’seyes.“Idoubtthiskillerwould’vewaitedforhercasuallysmoking.Criminalsaren’tusuallythatstupid.”Herolledthebodyoveranddidacursoryexamination.“Shedoesn’thaveamarkonher.Shehassomethingunderhernails,soI’llbagthembutitdoesn’tappeartobeflesh.Thislookslikeasphyxiationduetostrangulation.Therewasn’tafight.Fromthedroppedbagsandherpurse,thekillersurprisedher,likelyasshewasopeningthedumpster.”
“Thisisanotherhit.”Jostaredatthebody.“Menwhostranglewomendosoforpower.It’smostusualinspousalabuse.It’susedtosubdueawomanforrapeaswell.Bothareactsofpoweroverwomen.”Shepursedherlips.“Idon’tseethathereatall.Hehasn’ttouchedher.Herclothesappeartobeinorder.It’sasifhejustwalkedupandkilledherinthemostundetectablewaypossible.Noblood.Amanofaverageheightandweightwould’vebeenabletostrangleherawayfromhimandavoidcomingintocontactwithherclothes,butI’dlookforanytraceevidenceonher.”
“Shewasahairstylist.”Wolfefrownedather.“Icanseeatonofhairsonherskirt;thelikelihoodofprovingoneofthosebelongstoherkillerisremote.Ifthisisahit,hedidn’tleaveanyevidencebehind.”HelookedatJenna.“BradKellyhadtimetodothisbeforeyouarrestedhim.”
FootstepsrunningmadeJennareachforherweapon.Heartpounding,shestoodhergroundasWebbercameintosight.“Oh,good,it’syou.”
“Gogetmyvanandbackitintothealley.I’mdonehere.I’llgetherbacktothemorgue.”WolfepickedupthepurseonthegroundandtossedittoJenna.“You’llhavetocontactherfamily.”Hesighed.“I’lldoapreliminarytonightandleavethepostuntilMonday.I’mprettybusyrightnow.”
Jennanodded.“Sure.”Sheopenedthepurseandfoundasmallamountofcash,carkeys,andherdriver’slicense.Sheshoneherflashlightonthecontents.“AnnlivesoutonStoney.I’llgetastatementfromStackandthenwe’llheadouttospeaktoherfamily.”
“Where’sKane?”Wolfepulledoutabodybagfromhiskitandgaveheracuriouslook.
“He’sattheCattleman’sHotelwithCarter.”Jennareplacedtheitemsinthepurseandsliditintoanevidencebag.“Ihavetogivehimtimeoffsometimes.Thiscanwaitforthemorning.Ihaveeverythingundercontrol.”
“Ah,Isee.”WolfewaitedforhisvantoarriveandlookedatJenna.“We’lltakeitfromhere.Ifyouneedme,I’llbeawakeforsometimeyet.”
Jennapulledoffhergloveswithasnapandtossedthemintothedumpster.“Thanks.”ShelookedatJo.“Handledmanydeathnotifications?”
“No.”Jofollowedherbetweenthevanandthewall.“I’musuallycalledinafterthatchorehasbeendone.Itwouldbeoneoftheworstthingstodo,Iimagine.”
Jennagrimacedandheadedforhercruisertograbastatementpad.“Yeah,itis.”
FORTY-NINE
ItwasclosetomidnightandthedrivebacktotheranchseemedsurrealtoJenna.ThehomestheypassedhadallembracedtheHalloweentradition,gearingupforaspectacularstreetfestivalthefollowingFriday.Underafullmoonthestarswentonforeverinacloudlesssky,butwhenthemoonlighthitthedancingwhitemistsweepingacrosstheblacktop,itseemedtocreateaprocessionofghostlyfigures.Withherheadlightspickinguptheghoulishdecorationsalongeveryfence,sheexperiencedahintofthefearofthedarkshe’dhadasakid.Ithadbeensometimesinceshe’dtraveledthisroadwithoutKanebyherside.Shemissedhissolidstrengthandblackhumor;healwaysseemedtosenseherapprehensionandmakeherlaugh.
“Anythingworryingyou?”Joturnedinherseattolookather.“Thenotificationofthenextofkinwasaharrowingexperience.It’shardtoleaveworkbehindsometimes,isn’tit?”
Jennaturnedintoherdrivewayandwaitedforthegatetoopenandthefloodlightstofilltheareawithlight.“It’snotthejobtonight,althoughI’mconcernedaboutAnn’sdeath.Ifwe’dhadtheresultsoftheDNAearlier,wemighthavesavedher.”Sheglancedaroundandsighed.“ItjustseemssostrangecominghomewithoutKane.”Sheflickedheraglance.“HeusedtodrivemecrazywithhisoverprotectivenessandnowIkindamisshim.”
“Iknowwhatyoumean.”Jochuckled.“I’veworkedwithmanyNavySealsandMarinesduringmytime;youcanmakethemintoagentsbutthey’llalwaysbemilitary.IcantellKanewasintheservicejustbythewayheacts.They’reallrespectful,andputtingtheirbodiesonthelinetoprotectpeopleisasnormaltothemasbreathing.Lookatwhathappenedtoday.”Shesmiled.“I’veonlyjustmetTyandhehadmeoutofdangerinseconds.InoticedKanestoodinfrontofyou,readytotakeabulletifnecessary.It’snotmacho,it’swhatthey’retrainedtodo.Youknow,atfirstIfoundTyarrogant,butnowI’mgettingtoknowhim,he’saprettycoolguy.”
Jennapulleduptothefrontporchandclimbedoutthecruiser,backsorefromalongday.BarkingandthelonghowlfromDukeechoedacrosstheyard.“Thedogswantout.”
“Maybetheyneedtogopotty?”JostaredatKane’sdarkcottageandshrugged.
“Nah.”Jennaheadedupthesteps.“Thereisafencedareaoutback;theycanusethedoggydoortogetoutplusthere’llbeplentyoffoodinside.I’mjustgladwefedthehorsesbeforewewentout.Itwouldbeanightmaretendingtothemthislate.”
Beforeshehadthechancetoopenthedoor,ablackflashdashedacrosstheporch.“Whatthe—?”
“Ididn’tknowyouhadacat?”Jobentdownandpickedupthepurringanimal.“Oh,it’slovely.Itseyesarethecolorofpumpkins.”
Amazedtoseethecatagain,Jennashookherhead.“It’snotmine.Itshoweduprecently.IthoughtitbelongedattheOldMitchamRanch.Itshowedupthedayofthemassmurderallcoveredinblood.Wewouldn’thavecheckedtheplaceifithadn’thightaileditinthatdirection.Justthink,ifithadn’tdroppedby,thekillerwouldstillbeoutthere,murderingpeople.”
“Seemslikeit’smovedin.”Jolookedather,eyesshining.“Sometimespetschoosetheirowners.Canshecomeinside?”
Jennaconsidereditforaminute.“Iguess,butIdon’thaveanycatthingshere.She’llneedalitterboxorwhatever,won’tshe?”
“She’llprobablytellyouwhenshewantstogooutside.Sheseemsveryintelligent.”Jorubbedthecat’shead.“Iwonderwhathernameis?”
“Pumpkin,Iguess.”Jennachuckled.
Sheopenedthefrontdooranddisarmedthealarm.“I’llfindhersomethingtoeat.Ihaveacanoftunasomewhere.”Sheheadedforthekitchenandsoonhadthecatsettled.SheturnedtoJo.“Thatwaseasyenough.Now,aswedon’thavetogointotheofficeinthemorning,I’mgoingtosoakinthehottub.Ihaveswimwearthatwillfityouifyouwanttojoinme.”Shesmiled.“It’sahugetub.I’dsaywe’dfittenormoreNavySealsintherewithroomtospare.”
“I’dloveto.”Jofollowedhertoherroom.“ThiswillprobablybethelastnightIspendhere.Ican’timaginethejudgethrowingthecaseoutofcourt.You’vetakenaverydangerousmanoffthestreet.”
“Wedid—theteam—andIcan’timagineKellywalkingwiththeDNAevidence.”Jennawentthroughherdrawers,searchingforsomethingsuitableforJo.Shehandedheraone-pieceandJohurriedofftoherroomtoundress.ShechangedandstaredoutthewindowatthedarkshadowssurroundingKane’scottage.Shemissednothavinghimcloseby.I’mstartingtorelyonKane.Shelookedatherreflectionintheclosetmirrorandshookherhead.I’msometoughsheriff,huh?
ShegrabbedapileoftowelsfromthehallclosetandmetJoasshewaswalkingoutherdoor.“Thehottubisdowninthegym;well,inaroombesidethegym.”Sheledthewaythroughthehouseandopenedadoorthatleddownarampintotheconvertedbasement.Tohersurprisethecatfollowedclosebehind,tailstraightupandwaving.
“Ah,sothisiswhereyougoatthecrackofdawn.”Josmiledather.“IdidwonderwhereyouandKanedisappearedto.Ithoughtyou’dgoneouttothebarntofeedthehorses.”
“Wedothattoo.Theexerciseistokeepusinpeakcondition.Inthistown,youneverknowwhenyou’llneedtodefendyourself.”Jennaledthewaythroughthegym,openedadoor,andturnedonthelightstothewood-linedroomthatheldamassivehottubandasteamroom,thelatterrecentlyinstalledbyKaneinhisdowntime.“Kanedidmostoftheworkinhere.Thebasementcoversthefootprintofthehouse,sowehavetonsofroom.ThegymIbuiltsomeyearsago,buthe’saddedweightbenchesandafewothertorturedevices.”Sheplacedthetowelsclosebyandturnedonthebubblesinthehottub.“Itfeelsdecadentkeepingthewaterhotallthetime,butthesolarpanelskeeptherunningcoststoaminimum.”
Thecatjumpedontothebenchandsatwashingitspaws.Jennasmiled.“Pumpkinhassettledrightin.Isthewaterhotenough?”
“It’swonderful.”Joslippedintothewater.“I’msogoingtohavetogetone.”ShelookedatJenna.“Theonegoodthingaboutdivorcingaprominentattorneyisthesettlement.Mineshouldbethroughinacoupleofweeks.”
AlthoughJosoundedokay,Jennacouldheartheresentmentinhervoice.Shewasn’tsureifJowantedtodiscussherpast.“Ithinkadulteryisthehardesttoforgiveorgetover.Ican’timaginehowyou’vecoped.Itmusthavebeenashock?”
“Shockdoesn’tcomeclose.”Joranherfingersthroughthewater.“Icamehomeafterbeingawayfortwodaysonacaseandfoundmybosshadmovedintomyhouse.”Shestaredintothedistance.“He’dsentJaimetomymother’sandhadourthingspacked.Itwasasifwe’dbecomenothingtohim.”Sheshookherhead.“Ican’tforgivethat,Jenna.TreatingmelikethatisonethingbutJaimedoesn’tdeserveit.”
Seeingherpain,Jennasighed.“Areyougoingtobeokay?”
“Me?Yeah,I’mastoughasnails.”Joseemedtoshakeherself.“IknowhewantedmeoutoftheFBIbutI’dnevergivehimthesatisfaction.IhappentolikemyjobandnowIhavenewfriends.”Shesmiled.“I’mlookingforwardtorunningthenewfieldoffice,andthesheriffofSnakeskinGullyisahunk.”
Jennalaughedandthenheardthecatgrowl.Itsfurstoodupalloveranditstaillookedlikeitbelongedtoaraccoon.Itwasasstiffasaboardandstaringatthedoor.“What’swrongwiththecat?”
Thenextmomenttheroomplungedintodarkness.“Don’tworry.Ifthere’saproblemwiththepower,thegeneratorwillkickinsoon.”Theywaitedinthedarknessbutnothinghappened.“That’sunusual.”
“Maybeit’safuseorsomething?”Jo’svoicesoundedloudinthesilentroom.
Thecatkeptupalowgrowlpunctuatedbyspits.
Jennalookedinitsdirectionbuttheroomwaspitchblack.“Docatssensedanger?”
“Yeah,andtheyhaveincrediblehearing—maybeshewasgivingusawarning.”Jo’svoiceechoedintheroom.
Jennapulledherselfoutthetubandfeltaroundforthebench.“Iguesswe’dbetterfindout.Dammit,I’mmoretiredthanIthought,I’veleftmyphonebesidethebed.Ineverdothat,notwhenI’mtakingthe911calls.Doyouhaveyourswithyou?”
“No.”Josoundedcalm.“Ididthesame.”AsplashofwaterandshecouldhearJowalkingaroundthetub.“I’vefoundthetowels—here,grabone.Holyshitit’sdarkinhere.”
Jennatookatowelandwrappeditaroundherself.“Nowindows.Wrapthetowelaroundyouandwe’llgobackupstairs.I’llgetsomeclothesonandgoseewhat’swrong.MyMagliteisonmydutybeltinmyroom.Placeyourhandonmyshoulder;weneedtonavigatethegymtogetoutofhere.”
“Hushaminute.”Jogrippedherarm.“Didyouhearthat?”
Abovetheirheadsthefloorboardscreakedasifsomeonewaswalkingalongthehallwayandintooneofthebedrooms.Heartpounding,Jennadriedoffasbestshecouldanddroppedhervoicetoawhisper.“Itshouldbeimpossibletogetinhere.Wehavemilitary-gradesecurityandabackupgenerator,butifwe’vebeenbreached,it’snoordinarythreat—we’llhavetofight.”
“Thekillerislockedup,soit’snothim.”Jo’sgripintensified.“Whoelsewouldriskwalkinginhere?You’reusuallyarmed.”Shemovedcloser.“It’sprobablyKane.”
“No,it’snotKane.”Jennalookedupattheceiling,seeingonlydarkness.“He’dcalloutandnotcreeparound,andhedoesn’tmakeahabitofwalkingintomyroominthemiddleofthenight.”
Jenna’sstomachturnedintoaballofknots.Hadsheoverlookedsomething?Didthekillerhaveanaccomplice?Theideamadegoosebumpsriseonherbareflesh.She’dbeeninapsychopath’slineoffirebefore,butshe’ddonenothing,saidnothingtoprovokeanattacklately.Shetriedtopushherconcernsawayandfellintoherzoneofprofessionalcalm,buttheconstantcreakingaboveherheaddraggedathernerves.Someonehadtrappedtheminthebasementwithoutphonesorweapons,andeventhefailsafetrackerringsheworeasabackupsatonhernightstand.
“Someonehasbreachedyoursecuritybytakingoutthepower.”Jo’svoicewasbarelyaudible,itwassolow.“Yourfailsafeisthegenerator,sowhoeverisoutthereknowsyouhaveoneandhasdisabledit.Doyouhaveanythingdownherewecanuseasweapons?”
Jennapicturedthegyminthelight.“Yeah,dumbbells.TheonesIuseweighsixpoundsandthey’lldo.They’reonthebenchinthegym.Notthattheywillhelpmuchiftheintruderiscarryingagun.”
“IwonderiftheyknowI’mstayinghere?Ifnot,wemighthaveanadvantage.”Jo’svoiceremainedcalm.“Howdoyouwanttohandlethis?”
“Wegetoutofhere,locateourGlocks,andcallforbackup.”Theyedgedtowardthegymdoor,JogrippingJenna’sshoulderinanelephantparade.Jennaopenedthedoorsilentlyandlistenedforanysound.Above,someonewassearchingthehouse,movingslowlyfromroomtoroom.Theslightcreakofthefloorboardsgavehertheimpressiontheyweredealingwithoneintruder.Shenegotiatedtheequipment-filledgym,andusingthewalltoguideher,shemovedthroughthedoortothebench,ranherfingersalongthepaddedfabric,foundwhatshewaslookingfor,andhandedJoadumbbell.Sheleanedagainstthewall.“Ifigureit’soneman;he’llhaveaflashlight,sowe’llbeabletoseehim.We’llwaituntilheheadsforthekitchenorfamilyroom.Weshouldbeabletomakeittothebedroomswithouthimseeingus.”JennareachedbackandsqueezedJo’sarm.“We’llhavetosplituporneitherofuswillgettoourweapons.Yourroomisclosest.YougofirstandsneakinsideandthenI’llheadformine.Ifheshows,I’llchargeathim,sodon’tlookback,justgetyourweapon.”
“Gotcha.”
ThehairsonJenna’sbodystoodtoattentionasabeamoflightshoneunderthedoor.Footstepscreakeddownthewoodenramp.Hervoiceseemedtostickinherthroat.“Someone’scoming.”
FIFTY
ThedarknessclosedinonJennainasuffocatingwall.Fingerstremblingwithcold,shesearchedthedoor,andwhenherhandtouchedthekeyprotrudingfromthelock,sheturnedit.Thewell-oiledtumblersmovedwithoutasound.Whenshe’dfirstarrivedinBlackRockFalls,convincedthecartelwouldfindher,she’dinstalledlocksandmadeeverydoorinthehousesecure.Herparanoiahadfinallypaidoff.Sheleanedagainstthewall,heartthunderinginherchest.Whoeverhadbreachedhersecuritywasrightoutside.
Thehandlerattledandsomethingslammedintothedoor.ShegrippedontoJoandtheywaited.Twoorthreetimestheintrudertriedtogetinside,butthen,sheheardfootstepsmovinguptheramp.SheturnedtoJo,keepinghervoicelow.“He’ssneakingaroundlikeaburglar.Although,he’sgonetoatonoftroubletogiveupafterfindingthebasementlocked.Heapsofpeoplelocktheirbasements.IbetwhoeverisouttherebelieveswearealloutinKane’struck.Ioftenleavemycruiseroutsidethehouse.”
“Maybebuthe’dhaveseenourweaponsandphoneswhenhesearchedthehouse.”Jo’svoicewascalm.“Whogoesoutwithouttheirphone?”ShesqueezedJenna’sarm.“Hecouldbeoutsidethedooratthetopoftherampjustwaitingforustocomeout.”
Jennathoughtforamoment;betweenthetwoofthem,theyshouldbeabletohandleanintruderevenwhilehalf-nakedandshivering.“Ididn’thearhimshuttheotherdoor.He’sprobablyleftitopen.”
Thecreakscameagain.Theintruderwasmovingawaytowardthefamilyroom.“Maybehe’sleaving.It’snowornever—coming?”
“I’mrightbehindyou.”Jogrippedhershoulder.“Go.”
Jennaturnedthelockandeasedopenthedoor.Shewaitedlongsecondsbeforepeekingintothehallway.Therampaheadwasseepedindarknessbutdimlightfilteredinfromtheopendoorabove.Thefullmoonwashighintheskyandwouldofferherenoughlighttoseeinthefamiliarsurroundings.Shemoveduptherampswiftly.AtthetopshelookedbothwaysandthenurgedJotomovedownthehallwaytoherroom.Asshefollowed,coldbitintoherbareflesh.Herteethchattered.Theintruderhadleftthefrontdooropen.ShehaltedatJo’sdoortowatchherback.Oneweaponwouldbeenough,twoevenbetter.Nofootstepsordarkshadowsloomedtowardher,butbeforeshecouldslippastandalongthehallwayintoherbedroom,Jopoppedbackoutthedoor.Inthedimlight,Jennacaughttheshakeofherhead
“Hehasmyweaponandphone.”Jo’svoicewasbarelyahiss.
JennastaredatJo.Herbarearmsandlegswereclearlyvisibleinthedarkness.They’dneedclothesfast;dampandwearingswimwear,theywouldn’tlastlonginthefreezingwindwhistlingthroughthehouse.
Theymovedasone,reachingJenna’sbedroomafewmomentslater.ThecatstreakedpastandjumpedontoJenna’sbed,itssilhouetteamovingshadowagainstthelightquilt.Moonlightstreamedinthebedroom,andfromthedoorJennacouldseeherphone,dutybelt,andbackupweaponweremissingfromthenightstand.Onceinside,sheclosedthedoorandmadestraightforthelandlinebesidethebed.Thelinewasdead.
Droppingintocombatmode,shesearchedtheroom,runningherhandsoverthefewobjectsonthenightstand.Whenherfingersclosedoverhertrackerring,shealmostwhoopedwithjoy.Shedepressedthestoneandpusheditonherfinger.ItwouldtakeafewsecondsforKanetolookathisphone.Shedraggedsweatersandjeansoutherdrawers.ShetossedclothestoJo,andastheydressed,shebentclosetothering.“Intruder,weareunarmed,nophones,nopower.Someoneisinthehouse.”SherepeatedthemessagethreetimesandhopedKanecouldhearher.“Ineedyouherenow.”
Sheslippedonapairofshoes,allthebettertokickwith,andturnedtoJo.“ItwilltakesometimeforKaneandCartertogethere.We’llhavetotakehimdownalone.”
“Okay,assureashell,I’mnotsittingherewaitingforhimtogetthedroponus.”Jomovedtoherside.“He’sinsideandwe’rebothtrainedforsituationslikethis,althoughstrategyisn’tmystrength.”
Jennanoddedandtookcontrol.“Wehavetwochoices.Discoverhislocation.Oneofusmakesadiversionandtheotherattacksfrombehind.”Jennaliftedthedumbbell.“Ifyou’renotuptothat,wehightailitoutthewindowandriskrunningacrosstheyardtothesaferoominthebarn.”
“Andgetgunneddownifhe’souttherewaitingforus.”Joshookherhead.“No,let’stakehimdown.”
“Okay.”Jennaeasedopenthedoorandlistened.“He’sinthekitchen.”Shewenttothewindowandsliditopen.Ablastoffreezingairslammedintoherasshedroppedthedumbbelltotheground.“OnceI’mout,counttofiftyandthendistracthimsoIcangetthedroponhim.Thentakecover.I’llbecomingthroughthefrontdoor.”
“Okay.”Jopickedupthedumbbell.“Go.”
AwarethatshewasleavingJo,amotherwithayoungchildathome,indanger,Jennahustledoutthewindowandhungfromherfingertipsbeforedroppingtotheground.Duckingtoavoiddetectionthroughthewindows,sheboltedaroundthehouse.Thedogsbarkingandhowlinghadreachedballisticbutthenoisecoveredherfootfallsassheranupthestepstotheporch.Thefrontdoorstoodwideopenandsheturkey-peekedaroundthesidewindowtolookinside.Aflashlightmovedfromsidetoside,headingtowardthehallway.Theintruderhadhisbacktoher.Heartnearburstingthroughherribcage,andwithheradrenalinsohighherteethchattered,shegrippedthedumbbellinherrighthand,slippedthroughthefrontdoorandhidbehindthesofa.
Awarethatinaflashlightbeam,herbreathsofsteamwouldshineoutlikeabeacon,shepulledtheneckofhershirtoverhermouth.Floorboardscreakedandthefootstepscamecloser.Herguttightened.He’dturnedaroundandwasheadingherway.Inthisposition,shewouldbeaneasytarget,andnoamountofcombattrainingwouldhelpheragainstahandgun.Asifhecouldsensehercloseby,hestoppedwalkingandstoodinthemiddleoftheroom.Thestreamoflightmovedfromsidetoside,socloseitpassedtheedgeofthesofa.Ashedirectedhisflashlightaway,shecrawledacrossthesmallgaptothenextchair.Fromhereshecouldseedownthepassageway.
AsoundasifJohaddroppedashoecamefromherbedroom.Theintrudermovedintothehallway.Jennacouldseehisoutline,tallanddressedindarkcolors,andwearingabalaclava.Whenheheadedtoherbedroomdoor,shehopedJohadtakencover.Thenextsecondthecatshotoutoftheroom,itsfeetskiddingonthepolishedfloor.Itheadedstraightoutthefrontdoorandvanishedintothenight.
“Damncat.”Hemadehiswaytowardthedoor,floorboardscreakingwitheverystep.
Tenseandreadytofight,Jennagotherfeetunderherandwaited.Herheartpoundedwhenthemanshonehislightintoherroom.
“ComeoutwhereIcanseeyou.”Hisvoicewasloudinthequiet.“Moveitordiewhereyoustand.”
“Okay.”Joappearedatthedoor.Hervoicesoundedcalmandincontrol.“Whatdoyouwant?”
“Iaskthequestions.”Hemotionedwiththeflashlight.“Getouthere.”
Pushingdowntheurgentneedtochargeattheintruder,Jennaduck-walkedtoabetterposition.WhenJosteppedintothehallway,bathedintheintruder’sflashlight,Jennaunderstoodhermotive.JowantedtokeephimfacinghertogiveJennathechancetoattackfrombehind,butshe’dputherselfindanger.Shemighthaveaninstanttoeitherattackordistracttheman.
Jennapressedherringagain.TheconnectionwouldbeopentoKane’sphoneandhe’dbeabletoheareverything.Recordingtheconversationwouldhappenautomatically.
“AgentBlake,sowemeetatlast.JustthepersonI’mlookingfor.”Heheldtheguninhislefthandandhaditpointedatherhead.“Where’sthesheriff?”
“AttheCattleman’sHotelwithKaneandCarter.It’sjustyouandme.DoIknowyou?”Joliftedherchinandblinkedintothelight.“Dropthatlightoutofmyeyesifyouwantmetotalktoyou.”
“Oh,thedemandingtype.Hmm,Igatheredasmuch.”Hedroppedthelightafraction.“Wehaven’tmetbutyou’veseenmywork.DidyouenjoymyHalloweenmurders?”Helaughed.“Oh,Icanseeyou’realreadytryingtopsychoanalyzeme.Don’tbother—betterpeoplethanyouhavetried.I’minthetoo-hardbasketandyouwon’tbelivinglongenoughtowriteapaperonme.”
“WhoamIspeakingto?”Jo’sconfidentvoicedidn’tquiverasshestareddownthemuzzleofthegun.“I’msureyouhidebehindmanyfaces.CanIspeaktotheonewhoisn’tamassmurderer?”
“Massmurderer?”Heshookhisheadslowly.“Idon’tdomassmurder.Yousee,blamingmeforeverythingwasyourfirstmistake.”
“So,whydidyoucometoBlackRockFalls?”Johadn’tmovedaninch.“TokillLucasRobinson?Thatwasaveryprofessionalhit,muchliketheonesinBaltimore.”
“Yeah,Ididhim.”Themanwavedahandasifencompassingthetown.“Iadmit,comingbacktoBlackRockFallsunleashedthebeastinme.ThememoriesIhaveoflivinghereeatmeupinside.WhenIreceivedamessagefromRobinson’swife,Iaskedthereasonshewantedhimdead.Shetoldmehehasaffairsandbeatsher.That’stwodarngoodreasonstokillhim,Ifigure.Whenshewantedhisgirlfriendtakencareofaswell,Iobliged—foraprice.Thebonuswaskillinghiminherhouse.ShehadnoideaIplannedtoblowhisbrainsoutrightbesideher.Istoodoutsidethefrontdoorandwatchedher—man,shewentcrazy.Ittookallofmywillpowernottopopheraswell.”Hechuckledbutitcarriednohumor.“BeingpaidtogetridofproblemsishowIsurvive.”
“AndthetwomeninStantonForest?”Johadn’tmovedaninch.“Whopaidyoutokillthem?”
“Thosesmartassguyswantedtokillme.Theytriedtorunmeofftheroad.”Heshruggednonchalantly.“TheymademepissedsoIkilledthem.Needanymoreinfo?WanttoknowhowIfeltkillingthem?”
“Iwouldn’twastemytimepsychoanalyzingyou.You’renotinterestingatall.”Josoundedboredandfoldedherarmsoverherchest.Shewastryingtomakehimshiftpersonalities.“Letmespeaktothemanwhoenjoyshiswork.Iwanttoknowwhyheiskillingeveryoneandleavingablackfeather.Ifyou’renottheoneincharge,whois?”
Jennacrepttowithinafewyardsoftheman.Shecouldseehimquiteclearlyinashaftofmoonlight.Hisfingerwasnotonthetriggerbutrestingabove,andshehadtomakeasplit-seconddecisionwhentojumphimbeforeheshotJo.She’dlaunchherselfathimthemomentshehadthechance.Thenasoundcamefromhimthatmadeherhairstanduponend.Itwasthevoiceofachild.
“Don’tcallhimout,lady.”Thegunhaddroppedtohisside.“Hedoesterriblethingsandsaysit’spaybackforourmom.Hewon’tlistentous.I’vetoldhimshewouldn’twanthimtobelikePa.”Heletoutalittlesob.“ThefeatherisMom.It’shername.Hekillsthemforher.”
Thekillerhadshownaweakness,andwithouthesitation,Jennalaunchedherselfathim,dumbbellraised.Shebroughtitdownonhisheadandtheycrashedtothefloorinapileoflimbs.ShelookeduptoseeJodashintothecoverofthebedroom,andthegunandflashlightspunawayoverthepolishedwoodenfloorandintoherbedroom.“Thegun,grabthegun.”
“Ican’tfindit.”Joscrambledaroundthefloor.“Weneedhimalive,Jenna.”
Jennastaredafterher.“Yeah,Ihavesomequestions.Whythehellishehere,forone?”
Sherolledawaytositonthefloor,convincedhewasdownforthecount.Toherastonishment,theman’seyespoppedopenandhemoaned.Hesurgedup,andturnedtowardher.Witharoar,Jennaswungtheheavyweight,strikinghimacrosshiskneecaps.Themanhowled,spunaway,anddroppedheavilytohischest.
“Bitch!I’lldealwithyounext.”Hedraggedhimselftowardthebedroomdoor.
Wouldnothingstophim?Jennawentuponherkneesandtookaimforthebackofhishead,butasifgauginghermoves,herearedupandtheblowgrazedhisshoulder.
“You’remakingmeangry,Sheriff.Ididn’tcomeheretofightyou.”Hepushedupfromthefloorandturnedtolookatherwithabloodstainedsmile.
JennaheavedasighofreliefasJoappearedatthedoorandaimedthepistolathim.“Giveitup,it’sover.”
“It’soverwhenIsayit’sover.”HisconfidentgrinsentashiverofuncertaintythroughJenna.“Icamehereforher.”HeshotaglanceatJoasifcompletelyoblivioustothegunsheheldonhim.“Idon’tliketheliesyou’vebeentellingaboutmeandit’snotgoodformyreputation.”Heshookhishead,sendingbloodspotsflying,andstartedtocrawltowardJoagain.“Ineedtoteachyoualesson.”OnelargehandreachedforJo’sankle.
“TouchmeandI’llsplatteryourbrainsalloverthewall.”Joaimedathishead.
“Goahead.I’mtheoneyoucan’tkill.”Hespatbloodandglaredatherthroughtheskull-likesocketsinhisbalaclava,hisblood-coveredlipsappearingblackinthemoonlight.
Whenhesuddenlylaughed,Jennareassessedthesituation.Washisweaponloaded?Heseemedoverconfidentandincontrol.Thiswasonedangerousandverystrongman.Sheshovedhimhardintheback.“Staydown.”
“Don’ttellmewhattodo.”HerolledtoonesideandgraspedthefrontofJenna’sshirt.
Jennajabbedhiminthefacewiththedumbbellandsprangaway.Shockedastheintruderrearedup,shejumpedtoherfeetandfacedhim.Shehadtotakehimdownbutkeephimalive.AsJotookastepforward,JennacouldseethemuzzleoftheGlockinthemoonlight.“Holdyourfire.”
Withouthesitation,Jennakickedouthislegsandhefellhard,bouncingonthewoodenfloor.“Staydown.”
“You’rebothgoingtodie.”Hisheadwhippedaroundtolookather.“I’mgoingtomakeyoupayforthis.”
Jennajumpedonhisback,straddlinghimandforcinghisfaceintothefloor.Underher,hebucked,pawingatherlegsandtryingtodislodgeher.Hehadamazingstrength,andthepersonacomingoutwasasmadashell.Ashepushedup,sheswungthedumbbellatthebackofhishead,andhehitthefloorhard,rattlingthepictureonthewall.
Surehewasout,shelookedupatJo.“Grabtheflashlight.Ihavespareflexicuffsinmynightstand.Topdrawerontheright.”Shedraggedhisarmsbehindhim,andsecondslater,Jowasthrustingtheflexicuffsinherhand.
Theyhog-tiedhim,andbythetimethey’dfinished,hewasfullyconsciousandanotherpersonalityhademerged.Thisonewasthreateningtodisembowelthem.Jennasatonthefloor,herbacktothewall,breathingheavily.
“Youshould’vekilledmewhenyouhadthechance.”Themanblinkedintotheflashlight.“You’llneverbesafeagain,Sheriff.”HelookedatJo.“Andyou’realreadydead,lady.”
“Shutup.”Jennaglaredathim,pushedtoherfeet,andwenttoJo’sside.
“Thisguyknowstoomanydetails;hehastobeinvolvedintheChameleonKillings.”Jolookedatherbuttheweaponremainedtrainedonhim.“Kellymusthavebeenhisaccomplice.”
“It’ssurelookingthatway.DNAdoesn’tlie.KellyhadtobeinvolvedinatleastRuby’smurder.”Jennasighed.“Isthatgunloaded?”
Keepingwellawayfromtheintruder,sheclungtothedumbbellasJocheckedtheclip.
“Yeah.It’sloaded.”Joaimedattheman’shead.
Jennaspokeintohertrackerring.“Kane,theintruderissecured,we’reokay.”Shepressedtheringagain,stoppingthetransmission,andstaredattheman.“Whothehellareyou?”Shecautiouslyleanedforwardandrippedoffhisbalaclava,andasJolituphisface,Jennastaredathimindisbelief.“Howisthispossible?”ShegapedinastonishmentatthewildtigereyesofBradKelly.
FIFTY-ONE
ThemomentJenna’smessagecamethrough,Kaneheadedtohistruck.HisgutwrenchedashelistenedtothevoiceofapsychopathandJennaandJofightingfortheirlives.
“What’shappening?”Carterjoggedtohisside,pullingonhisjacket.
Kanepressedhisphonetohisear,notwantingtomissanything.“Someone’sbrokenintotheranch.”
“JoandJennaaremorethancapableoftakingcareofanintruder.”Carterlaughed.“Idoubtanyonecouldgetthedroponthem.”
Kanetooklongstridestowardhistruck.“Somecrazypsychopathtookoutthepowerandhastheirweapons.”
“What?”Carterstaredathim.“Let’sgo,man.Howcomeyou’renotbarkingadvice?”
Kanefrowned.“Hegottheirphonesaswell.TheaudioiscomingthroughJenna’stracker—weallhavethem,they’reone-waycommunicationdevicesthattriggerarecordingonmyphone.”
AsJennagavetheallclear,KaneclimbedbehindthewheelandtossedthephonetoCarter.TheCattleman’sHotelsatontheoutskirtsoftownandtheyweretwentyminutesawayfromJenna’sranch.Iftheintruderbrokefree,hemightfindbothwomenslaughteredonhisarrival.Heleftrubberontheroadastheyscreamedoutoftheparkinglot.
“Whocoulditbe?”Cartertightenedhisseatbelt.“Anyenemies?”
Kaneaccelerated,pushingthepedaltothefloorastheyflashedalongsideStantonForest,hisheadlightsbarelycuttingthroughthethickswirlingmist.“Toomanytocount.There’sabiggerproblem.Ifhecutthepower,thebackupgeneratorshouldhavekickedininseconds.It’sveryreliableandIcheckiteverySundaylikeclockwork.”
“Withyoursetup,noonecouldgetontotheranchtocutthepower.”Carterlookedathim.“Ifitwereme,I’dshootoutthetransformerattheendoftheroad.Jennaistheonlyoccupiedhousealongthatroad.ShementionedthesnowplowguyhadleftrecentlyforFlorida.Noonewouldbehometoreporttheproblem.”
Kaneflickedonthewig-waglightsandheadeddownthecenteroftown.ApartfromtheHalloweenghostsandghoulsinaseaofwhitefog,notasoulloiteredonMainStreet,anditwasjustaswellasheblewthroughtowndoingninetyandhittheroadtoJenna’sranchinrecordtime.TheyslowedandKanehungoutthewindowandaimedhisMagliteattheruinedtransformerbeforetakingoffagainatspeed.“Yougotthatright,butitdoesn’taccountforthegenerator.”
“Whatabouttheoldguyyouhadworkingtherethedaywearrived?Tom?”Carterhungonasthetruckslidaroundacorner.“Hecould’vedisabledit.Yousaidhewasshortofmoney.Maybehedecidedtobreakin.”
ItseemedinconceivabletoKanethatamanJennahadhelpedwouldtrytokillheratthefirstopportunity.Heshruggedandaimedthetruckalongthedarkhighway.“Hedidn’tactlikeapsychopathandhasnoaxtogrindwithJenna.HeneededworkandJennawasfeedinghimjobs.”HeglancedatCarter.“UnlesshewasafterJo.”
“HowwouldheknowJo?It’sherfirsttimeintown.”Carterrubbedhischin.“Iguesswe’llfindoutsoonenough.”Hisphonerang.“It’sJo.”
“Areyouokay?”Carterplacedhisphoneonspeaker.
“Yeah.Closecallbutallthoseearly-morningtrainingsessionscamethroughforJenna.”Josoundedbemused.“HowthehelldidSamCrossgetKellyoutofcustody?”
“Hewhat?”Carterfrowned.“Beatsme.Nobodyinformedus.AsfarasIknowachopperpickedhimupandtransportedhimtocounty.”
“Yeah,that’swhatRowleysaid.”ItwasJenna’svoiceontheline.“Sohowcomehe’shog-tiedinmyhallway?”
KanepulledupbesideJenna’scruiseranddashedinsidethehouse.Thelightswereblazing.Jennahadstartedthegenerator.HestaredattheprisonerindisbeliefandthenbackatJenna.“CarterconfirmedthecountyjailhaseyesonBradKelly.Ifhe’sthere,whothehellisthat?”
“He’snotsayingbutfromtheuncannyresemblance,hehastobeBrad’smissingbrother,Scott.Obviously,ScottKellydidn’tdieintheforestafterall.Itwouldmakesenseasthesearchteamhaven’tfoundatraceofhisremains.”Jennalookedathim.“I’vereadhimhisrights.We’llhavetohaulhimintotheofficeandlockhimupforthenight.I’vearrangedfordeputiesfromBlackwatertowatchhim.We’llhaulhimdowntownassoonasthey’reontheirway.Ican’tsendhimtocountywithoutanarrestwarrant,andthat’sgoingtobeaproblemasherefusestogivehisname.”
“What’syourname?”Cartercroucheddownandlookedattheprisoner.
“Takeyourpick.”Theprisonernarrowedhisgazeandhisvoicechangedtoaslowdrawl.“ThismorningIwasTomDickson,outofSaddleCreek.Sorryaboutthegenerator,Sheriff,butIonlyflippedtheswitchtooff.”
“You’renotTom.”Jennastareddownathim.“Tomisatleastthirtyyearsyourseniorandhasbrowneyes,grayhair,andwrinkles.”
“Ohyeah,pooroldTom.”Hechuckled.“Heneverhasanycash.Maybeheusesthatdisguisetogetclosetohisvictims.Haveyouneverheardofcontactlensesandwigs,Sheriff?Thewrinklessprayonandjustpeeloff.”Hesmiledather.“WhenIaddedthelimpandtheoldcoatIfoundinadumpster,Ihadyouallfeelingsorryforme,huh?”
“AreyourelatedtoBradKelly?”Carterlookedathimclosely.
“What,doallusboysfromthereslookaliketoyou?”Themansnorted.“Anyway,Bradisdead.”
Kaneleanedagainstthewall.“WhatmakesyoubelieveBradKellyisdead?Ispoketohimnotfourhoursago.”
“Liar.”Themanthrashedaround.“I’dliketoseeyoudierealslow,Deputy.”
“WhydoesspeakingaboutBradupsetyou?”Jomovedforward.“CanIspeaktosomeonewhoknows?”
“LetmeupfromthefloorandI’llletyouspeaktoanyoneyoulike.”Theprisoner’svoicehadchangedtosmoothandcajoling.“Iwon’thurtanyone.Promise.”
Kanewantedtoobservehimallnight.Beingthisclosetoapsychopathwithdissociativeidentitydisorderwassomethinghe’dneverimaginedwouldhappen.HenoticedCarterscrollingthroughhisphoneandthenwalkintothekitchen.HeleftJotryingtogetsomesenseoutofthelunaticandfollowedhim.“Whatareyoulookingfor?”
“I’mfollowinguponJenna’shunchandsearchingforbirthrecords.”Cartersmiledathim.“WeknowBradKelly’sdateofbirth,soI’vesetupasearchforrelativesbornaroundthesametime.Helooksthesameage.”
Kanenodded.“TheeyesareunusualandthesameasBrad’s—theyhavetoberelated.”
“Well,darn.”Carterlookedathimandsmiledaroundhistoothpick.“IbelievewecancalloffthesearchforScottKelly’sremains.Hisfatherdidn’tmurderhimafterall.ScottandBradKellyareidenticaltwins.Theybothescapedaftertheirfathermurderedtheirmother.”Heindicatedwithhischintowardthehallway.“IdenticaltwinshaveidenticalDNA.ScottisbatshitcrazyandadmittedtokillingLucasRobinsonandAnnTurner.Hefitstheprofileand,unlikeBrad,isexhibitingdissociativeidentitydisorder.Headmittedtousingdifferentdisguisestogetclosetopeople.ItfitsinwiththeBaltimoremurders—allthesameMObutseeminglydonebydifferentpeople.Ifwesearchhishome,I’mguessingwe’llfindatonofprofessionaldisguiseslikecontactlenses,wigs.Ifthisguyworkedalone,we’vechargedthewrongtwinandScottKellyistheChameleonKiller.ItwillbedifficulttoproveBradisn’tinvolved,unlessthisguyhasscratchesonhim.”
“It’soutofourhandsnow.”Jennapushedbothhandsthroughherhair.“It’suptotheDAtosortthingsout,wejustcatchthebadguys.”
EPILOGUETHEFOLLOWINGFRIDAY
ItwasdarkonHalloweennightbythetimeJennafinishedwritingthereports.ShehadwavedgoodbyetoJoandCarteronThursdaymorning.Heck,shemissedthemalready.IthadbeenwonderfulhavingJoaround,andshelookedforwardtoworkingwithheragainsoon.
Kanewalkedintoheroffice,dressedallinblack,to-gocupsofcoffeeandabagoftakeoutfromAuntBetty’sCaféinhand.Sheclosedherlaptopandlookedupathim.“That’sit,caseclosed.”
“NotinmywildestdreamswouldIhavefiguredonidenticaltwins.”Kaneplacedthetakeoutonthedeskanddroppedintoachairoppositeher.“Notsoidentical…Oneofthemwasjustangryandhisotherhalfturnedouttobeamurderingpsychopath.”
Jennaclosedherdaybookandpushedittooneside.“I’mnotsurprised.Bradmadeittotheresandtheyraisedhiminafamily,butScottlivedalifeofhell.Whataretheoddsofonebrothermakingittosafetyandtheotherrunningintoapedophileintheforest?”Shepulledatakeoutbagtowardher.“Istillcan’tgetmyheadaroundwhyScotthadsomanypersonalities.”
“Afterbeingheldinasmallroomforyears,hismindcreateddifferentpersonalitiestocope.”Kaneopenedabagcontainingapieandlookedather.“Hisfirstkillwashistormentoranditgavehimfreedom.Itopenedthedoortohismurderingrampage,anditseemseachofhistougherpersonalitiestookpart.Icouldn’tbelievethewiderangeofdisguiseswefoundinhishome.Hewasamasterofdisguise—nowondertheFBIcouldn’tfindanyonetomatchhisdescription.IfIhadTomDicksoninfrontofmerightnow,knowinghewasScott,IdoubtI’dseethroughhisdisguise.Oh,hewasgood.Ihonestlybelievedhewasanoldermandownonhisluck.HelookednothinglikeScott.Imean,withthedarkbrowncontacts,alimp,andgrayhair…heevenhadwrinkles.”
“Yeahandhesmelledprettybadtoo.Ithinkcoveringhisunusualtigereyeswiththebrowncontactlensesmadehimgeneric,andthespray-onwrinkleswouldhavefooledanyone.Heevenspokedifferentlyandappearedtobeanoldermantoeveryonehemet.NowonderJonamedhimtheChameleonKiller.Hecouldchangeintojustaboutanyonehiscrazysplitpersonalitychoseandnoonewouldrecognizehim.Tothinkhewasworkingsoclosetopeoplewecareabout.”Jennasippedhercoffee.“Whydidn’thetrytokillanyofusorRowley?”
“Itwasagametohimandbyfoolingus,henevercameintoconsiderationasasuspect.Itwasaclevermove.”Kanerubbedhischin.“Tomwasapersonalityheusedasafrontmantomovearoundunnoticed.Iguesshemusthavehadarun-inwiththeworkersattheOldMitchamRanchasTom,andthenScotttookoveranddecidedtokillthem.”
“Yeah,Ithoughtthesame.”Jennanodded.“ThenheturnedbackintoTomandcalmlycametoworkforusthenextmorning.HelikelyburnedhisbloodstainedclothesanddisabledthegeneratorthenhightaileditinhistruckupthehilloverlookingtheOldMitchamRanchtotakepot-shotsatus.Hedidn’thavetoleavetheboundariesofmylandtodothat.”Shespuntheto-gocupinherhandsandlookedathim.“Seemshe’sboastingabouthiscrimes.Jowasabletoextracttonsofinformationfromhim.Hisstorychecksoutaboutkillinghistormentor.Ahunterfoundthebonesofhisabductorlongago,andthecageinthebasement,wherethemanheldhim.It’sbeenacoldcaseforyears.”
“Iknow.”Kanewipedhishandsonanapkinandthenliftedhiscoffeetohislips.“ThewayJomanagedtodrawouthisdifferentpersonalitiestogivetheiraccountsofeventswasincredible.Listeningtohisconfessionofthemurdershecommittedherewasintense,butwhenheaddedastringofmurdersfromBaltimoreandotherkillings,she’dbeenunabletosolveforyears,itwasmind-blowing.ThetapeshemadeofKelly’sinterviewwillbeusedforteachingbehavioralanalystsforyearstocome.”Helookedatherovertherimofhiscup.“I’velearnedalotfromher.”
Jennanodded.“I’mgoingtomissthembutit’sgoodtoknowthey’reclosebyifweneedanyhelp.”
“Yeah.”Kanemethergaze.“Runningthroughclueswithotherinvestigatorswillbeabonus,andthey’renotlikelytopulltheFBIcardandtakeover.”
“Thefeatherwasacluewedidn’tunderstand.Notknowingthesignificancesloweddowntheinvestigation.”Jennasighed.“IwishAtohihadexplainedmore.”
“Yeah,ifhe’dtoldusLuitlregardedherselfaspartoftheCrowTribebecauseofherfatherandhernamemeans‘feather,’itwould’vehelped.”Kanesighed.“SeemsasifinScott’sdeludedmind,eachtimehekilled,itwastoavengehismother.Atohidoesn’tagree.HebelievesScottdisrespectedhernamebydroppingthefeatherinthevictims’blood.AtleastBradishomenowandwasabletolaythepoorwomantorestwithherpeople.”
“It’ssosad.Theyboththoughttheothertwinwasdead.”Jennaleanedbackinherchair.“I’mgladtheDAclearedBradofallcharges.WithoutthescratchonScott’swristitwouldhavebeendifficult.It’sfortunateWolfetookanotherlookandfoundsoapresidueinthetissuesamplefromunderRuby’snailsandmatchedittothesoapfoundinScott’sbathroom.”
“ThankGodforWolfe.”Kaneraisedhiscoffeecupinatoast.
“Amentothat.”Jennatouchedhercuptohis.“IthinkthebiggestshocktomewasCarolRobinsongettingbail.SamCrossisgoingthebattered-womanangletobringdownthecharges.”Sheshookherhead.“Atleastnowweknowwhyshewassoshockedatthescene.”
“Yeah,shepaidthehitmanbuthadnoideawhenorwherehe’dkillherhusband.Sheactuallybelievedthehitmanwasanintruder.”Kanescratchedhischeek.“She’sstillamurderer,evenifshedidn’tpullthetrigger.She’llgetlife.”
JennalookedatKaneandfrowned.“Whenyoulookatthecases,theycanbeblamedonspousalabuse.TheballstartedrollingwithLuitlKelly’sabusivehusbandtwentyyearsagoandendedwithCarolRobinson.”
“It’ssomethingthatneedstostop.”Kane’seyesflashedwithanger.“MaybeweneedtotalktothemayorandsetupacampaigninLuitlKelly’sname.Wecanraisemoneyformoresafehousesforwomentogotoifthey’reindanger.”
“Yeah,we’llstartacampaign,nowwehavetimeonourhands.We’llcallitHerBrokenWings.I’msurethetownwillgetbehindus.”Jennaindicatedtowardthedog.“NowitmakessensewhyDukewasactingstrange.IputitdowntothecatandnowrealizeheprobablysensedthatwhenScottwasdisguisedasTomDickson,akillerwascloseby.”
“Ireallyneedtolearnhowtospeakdog.”KanebentandscratchedDuke’sfloppyears.“HeprobablythinksI’mlosingmyedge.”
“Nah,hejustthinksyou’rehuman.”Jennasmiledathim.“Oh,Ihavesomegoodnewsforyou.DoyourememberMrs.Grainger?Hersonheldupthepharmacyfordrugsforher?”
“Yeah,thatcasewashardtoforget.”Kanefrowned.“Issheokay?”
Jennanodded.“Betterthanokay.Sinceshe’sbeenunderDocBrown’scare,anewspecialistisonhercaseandshe’sundergoingtreatment.Hersoncalledandsaidshe’dmadeasignificantimprovement.”
“That’swonderfulnews.”Kaneclearedhisthroat.“Doyouthinknowthatourcaseloadsareclear,wecouldsneakoffonavacationbeforeanythingelsehappens?Ireallyneedabreak—wealldo.”
Hemusthavebeenreadinghermind.Jennahadbeenthinkingaboutmakingvacationtimeforeveryoneintheoffice.“Well,I’mhopingtogetawayforacoupleofdaystotryouttheskiresortbeforeChristmas,andyoudidpromisemeaweekend.”
“Sure.”Kanelaughed.“You’reagluttonforpunishment.”
“Me?Why?”Jennastaredathiswhitegrin.“Comeon,whatdarksecretdoyouhavenow?”
“NosecretbutI’monehellofagoodskier.”Kanechuckled.
Jennatossedherto-gocupinthetrashandlaughed.“Metoo.”
“Oh,we’regoingtohavefun,theslopesuptherearefast.”Kaneballedupthepaperbagsandpushedtheminsidehiscup.“Ican’twaitforthefirstsnow.”
“Whenwego,I’llhavetomakearrangementsforPumpkin.WecantakeDukewithusbutshe’llneedsomeonetocareforher.”Jennastaredintospace.“MaybeEmwilltakeherforacoupleofdays.Iknowshelikescats.”
“So,she’sstaying,then?”Kaneraisedoneeyebrow.“Saysthewomanwhodoesn’tlikepets.”
“Idosolikepets,andDukelikeshertoo.”Jennalaughed.“She’sstaying—shesavedmylifebygivingmeanearlywarningsomeonewasinthehouse.”
AknockcameonthedoorandShaneWolfe’syoungestdaughter,Anna,pokedherheadinside,althoughJennahardlyrecognizedherinherHalloweencostume.Shesmiledather.“Hello,Anna,youscaredme.”
“DidIreally?”Annagiggled.“Daddysaidit’stimetogogetsomecandy.”ShegrinnedatKane.“Youlookawesome.”
“Thanks.”Kanestood,pulledupthehoodofhislongblackcloak,andgrabbedthescytheleaningagainstthewall.“Youlookgreattoo.Tellyourdadwe’reonourway.”
“Okay.”Annascamperedoffdownthehallway.
Jennastood,adjustedherdemoncostume,andwalkedaroundthedesk.ShelookedatDuke,riggedoutinasuperherocapeandmask,andgiggled.“Ready,Duke?”
Thedogbarkedandgaveherhisbestdoggysmileandwaggedhisthicktail.
Inthereceptionarea,Wolfe’skidswerechattingexcitedlyastheyheadedoutthedoor.KaneandJennafollowedthemintothecold,mistynightandstoodatthetopofthesteps,surveyingthepeoplemovinghappilyalongMainStreet.SheglancedupatKane.InhisGrimReapercostume,helookedhugeandfrightening.Sheshiveredandheturnedtosmileather.“Whatareyougrinningat,Dave?”
“Comeon,mylittledemon.”Kanetookherhandwithalaugh.“IfwehavetowalkdownMainStreetdressedlikethis,let’sdoitlikeweownit.”
IfyouwanttofindoutwhathappensnextforKaneandAlton,signupheretobethefirsttoknowaboutthenextbookinthisgrippingseries.
HEARMOREFROMD.K.HOOD
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BOOKSBYD.K.HOOD
Don’tTellASoul
BringMeFlowers
FollowMeHome
TheCryingSeason
WhereAngelsFear
WhisperintheNight
BreaktheSilence
HerBrokenWings
AVAILABLEINAUDIO
Don’tTellASoul(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
BringMeFlowers(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
FollowMeHome(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
TheCryingSeason(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
WhereAngelsFear(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
WhisperintheNight(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
BreaktheSilence(AvailableintheUKandtheUS)
ALETTERFROMD.K.HOOD
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IamdelightedyouchosemynovelandjoinedmeintheexcitingworldofJennaandKaneinHerBrokenWings.Ifyou’dliketokeepuptodatewithallmylatestreleases,justsignuphere.Youcanunsubscribeatanypointandyourdetailswillnotbeshared.
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Writinganovelisaveryisolatedbusiness,andIwouldlovetohearfromyou—sopleasegetintouchonmyFacebookpageorTwitterorthroughmywebsite.
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DON’TTELLASOULDETECTIVESKANEANDALTONBOOK1
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Thefloorwasstonecoldonherbareskin.Herheartpoundedinherchest.“NotasoulknowswhereIam,”shethoughtasshetookinthedarknessaroundher.Andthensheheardhisfootsteps…
Whenabodyisfoundstuffedintoabarrelatthelocaldump,coveredinlongredcuts,DetectiveJennaAltonandhernewdeputy,DavidKane,rushtothescene.
NothingeverhappensinthesmalltownofBlackRockFalls,soJennabelievesthevictimmustbeoneoftworecentmissingpersons,andshefearsforthelifeoftheother.
Bothwerestrangerstothetown,butthere’snothingelsetolinkthem.Jennaknowssomeonemusthaveseensomething,butnoone’stalking;howwelldoesshereallyknowthepeoplearoundher?
ThenadisturbingcluemakesJennasuspectaconnectionwithotherdisappearancesinthetown’shistory.Justwhenshebeginsaskingtherightquestions,sherealisesshe’sbeingfollowed.Isshenextonthekiller’slist?
Inaraceagainsttime,JennaandDavidmustunlockthedarksecretattheheartofthetown,beforeit’stoolate…
Acompletelyaddictivedetectivethrillerthatwillhaveyouguessingrighttotheend.IfyouloveRobertDugoni,KarinSlaughterandRachelAbbott,you’llloveDon’tTellASoul
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BRINGMEFLOWERSDETECTIVESKANEANDALTONBOOK2
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Shedidn’tknowhewaswatching.Untilitwastoolate.
She’dwalkedthiswayhundredsoftimesbefore.Shekneweverytwistandturn.Shedidn’tknowthiswasthelasttimeshe’deverwalkthispath.
Hiddendeepintheforest,schoolgirlFelicityParkerisfoundcarefullylaidoutonarockwithnothingbutafreshlypickedbunchofflowersnexttoher.Thebodyliesjustoffapopularhikingroute,andDetectiveJennaAltonthinksthekillermightbeavisitortothetown,untilanothergirl’sbodyisfoundatthelocalswimmingpool,onceagainposedwithabunchofflowers.
Jennarecognizesthesignsofaserialkiller,andthinksitcouldbealocal.Asthetownisgrippedwithfear,Jennamustexamineeachpersonthegirlsknew,andtrustbetweenneighborsstartstocrumble.
Bothgirlswentoutontheirown,andwerefoundwheretheyshouldn’tbe.Weretheytakenbychance,ordidtheyknowtheirkiller?Howweretheyluredsofarfromsafety?AndcanJennaandherteamfindthekillerbeforeanotherlifeislost?
Anabsolutelynail-bitingthrillerthatwillkeepyouupallnight.IfyouenjoyRobertDugoni,KarinSlaughterandRachelAbbott,you’lllovethis!
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FOLLOWMEHOMEDETECTIVESKANEANDALTONBOOK3
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“Don’tyouagreeDetective?Thatsomepeopledeservetodie?I’vekilledthefirst.I’vekilledthesecond.Nowwillyoucatchtheothers,ordoIhavetokillthemtoo?”
ThebodyofAmosPriceliesinapoolofbloodonthepolishedfloorofanotherwiseemptyhouse.Withnosignsofabreakin,andnocluesleftatthescene,DetectiveJennaAltonisataloss.
Butastheteambeginstounpickthelifeofthereclusivevictim,theydiscoveradisturbinglinkbetweenAmosandthedisappearanceofseveralyounggirlsinthecountygoingbackyears.
Dayslater,anotherbrutallymurderedbodyisfound,inaremotemotelontheoutskirtsoftown.ElyDorseywaskilledinafrenziedattackandJennafearsnotonlythatthemurdersareconnectedtothemissinggirls,butthatthekillerhasn’tfinishedyet.
AsJennatriestoworkoutwhowillbenext,thekillersuddenlystartssendingherdeputy,DavidKane,messages.Isshebeingtaunted?Ordoesthemurdererwanttobecaught?AndwillJennadiscoverwho’sbehindthesekillingsbeforemorepeopledie?
Anabsolutelynail-bitingthrillerwithplentyoftwists,FollowMeHomeisperfectforfansofRobertDugoni,KarinSlaughterandRachelAbbott.
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THECRYINGSEASONDETECTIVESKANEANDALTONBOOK4
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Thelightfadesassherunsforherlife,theforestnowbecomingquieteraroundher.Theonlynoiseshehearsisthesoundoffootstepsfollowingher…
It’shikingseasoninBlackRockFallsandthesmalltowninMontanaisfloodedwithvisitors.Butwhenahikerfindsahumanskullonadesertedtrailinthewoodsthatsurroundthetown,DetectiveJennaAltoniscalledintoinvestigate.
Withnomissingpersonsreported,Jennahasnoleads.Thenherteammakesashockingdiscovery—thebodyofanotherhiker,ayoungman,tiedtoatreeandriddledwithbullets.Couldthetwomurdersbelinked?
Asmorebodiesarefound,JennaandherdeputyDavidKaneknowthattheymustventuredeepintotheforesttofindandfacethekiller.Butnothingcanpreparethemforwhatawaitsthemthere…
IfyouloveRobertDugoni,KarinSlaughterandRachelAbbottyou’lllovethisnail-bitingthrillerfromD.K.Hood.
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WHEREANGELSFEARDETECTIVESKANEANDALTONBOOK5
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Assheopenedhereyesandtookinhersurroundingsafeelingofterrorranthroughherweakenedbody.Sheknewexactlywhereshewas.Andsheknewexactlywhatwasabouttohappentoher…
WhenEllaTatestumblesintoBlackRockFalls,herexhaustedandbloodiedbodyisaterrifyingsight,butnotasfrighteningasthestoryshehastotell.Ambushedontheirwayintotownwhentheystoppedtohelpamanbythesideofthehighway,EllaandherfriendSkyranwhenhepulledanaxonthem.Butonlyoneofthemgotaway.
AsDetectiveJennaAltoninvestigatesthecase,shelooksintothehistoryofmissingpersonsinthetown,anduncoversmorecases—allyoungpeople.Allstoppedonthesamestretchofhighwayintotown.Allvanishedwithoutatrace.
WhenadistinctivepinksweaterbelongingtoSkyturnsupinBlackRockFalls,Jennafollowsthetrailtoaderelictbuildingontheoutskirtsoftown.Butsheisn’tpreparedforwhatliesbehindthosedoors.Canshestopthekillerbeforemorelivesarelost?
IfyoulikeRobertDugoni,KarinSlaughterandRachelAbbottyou’lllovethisnail-bitingthrillerfromD.K.Hood.
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WHISPERINTHENIGHTDETECTIVESKANEANDALTONBOOK6
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Sheopenshereyesandstrugglestomakeoutthedarkroomaroundher.Onethingsheknowsinstantly—herwristsareboundandshe’stiedtoachair,unabletomove.Asshescreamsforhelp,shehearsfootstepsoutside.He’scoming…
Fifteen-year-oldLindyRosenhasbeenhavingnightmaresforweeks,wakinginapanic,screamingthatthere’samaninherroomwatchinghersleep.Herparentsassumeditwasheroveractiveimagination,butwhenonemorningtheyfindLindymissingfromherbedroom,they’renotsosure.DetectiveJennaAltoniscalledintoinvestigate.
Withinhoursoftheschoolgirlgoingmissing,thekidnapperreachesouttoJennawithavideoofLindyboundandtiedtoachair,cryingtobesetfree.Andasimplemessage—you’vegot24hourstofindherorIkillher
Jenna’steamworkaroundtheclocktotrytofindLindybeforethedeadline,buttimerunsout,andJennareceivesadevastatingmessage.Thekillerhasmadegoodonhispromise.He’splayingadangerousgame.Andnooneknowswhathisnextmovewillbe.
Butjusttwodayslater,oneofLindy’sschoolfriendsistakeninthemiddleofthenightandthecountdownbeginsagain.
Completelyaddictivefromtheverystart,ifyoulikeLisaRegan,KarinSlaughterandRachelAbbottyou’llloveWhisperintheNight
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BREAKTHESILENCEDETECTIVESKANEANDALTONBOOK7
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Herheadthrobbedasshestumblesupthestairs.Musicvibratingandthesoundofpartygoersfillherheadasshewalksintooneofthedark,emptyrooms.Asshesitsonthebed,shehearstheunmistakablesoundofthedoorlockingbehindher.Sheisnotalone.
ThebodyofcollegestudentChrissieLoweliescurledintoaball—longredcutsalongherarmssuggestinghowshehadmetherdeath.DetectiveJennaAltoniscalledintoinvestigate.
PurplishbruisingonChrissie’supperarmsmakeJennabelievethereismoretoChrissie’sdeaththanotherssuspected,andshesoonfindsherselffollowingthetrailofthestudent’slastfewmoments,leadinghertothesceneofapartythathadendedjusthoursbeforeChrissie’sbodywasfound.
WhenJennahearsreportsthatChrissiewasseengoingintothebedroomofacollegefootballstar,sheknowsthatfindingoutwhatwentonbehindthatcloseddoorcouldbethekeytofindingouthowChrissieendedupdead.Butthenanotherpartygoerdiesinanapparentaccidentatthecampusgymjusthourslater,andJennaisconvincedthedeathsareconnected.
Facingawallofsilencefromthestudentpopulation,Jennahastoactfasttofindthekiller,butsoonanotherstudentisfounddeadonthecampus.AsJennasendsinoneofherdeputiesundercover,shepraysthatshehasn’tjustsealedhisfate.Canshefindthekillerbeforeanymorelivesaretaken?
FansofLisaRegan,KarinSlaughterandRachelAbbottwilllovethistotallygrippingpage-turnerfrombestsellingcrimeauthorD.K.Hood.Youwon’tbeabletoputitdown!
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
WherewouldIbewithouttheamazingteamatBookouture,whooffersupportandunderstandinginthecrazyworldofpublishing?Thankyousomuchformakingmepartofthefamily.
PublishedbyBookouturein2020
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Copyright?D.K.Hood,2020
D.K.Hoodhasassertedherrighttobeidentifiedastheauthorofthiswork.
Allrightsreserved.Nopartofthispublicationmaybereproduced,storedinanyretrievalsystem,ortransmitted,inanyformorbyanymeans,electronic,mechanical,photocopying,recordingorotherwise,withoutthepriorwrittenpermissionofthepublishers.
eBookISBN:978-1-78681-901-7
Thisbookisaworkoffiction.Names,characters,businesses,organizations,placesandeventsotherthanthoseclearlyinthepublicdomain,areeithertheproductoftheauthor’simaginationorareusedfictitiously.Anyresemblancetoactualpersons,livingordead,eventsorlocalesisentirelycoincidental.
TableofContents
TitlePage
BooksbyD.K.Hood
Contents
Dedication
Prologue
Chapter1
Chapter2
Chapter3
Chapter4
Chapter5
Chapter6
Chapter7
Chapter8
Chapter9
Chapter10
Chapter11
Chapter12
Chapter13
Chapter14
Chapter15
Chapter16
Chapter17
Chapter18
Chapter19
Chapter20
Chapter21
Chapter22
Chapter23
Chapter24
Chapter25
Chapter26
Chapter27
Chapter28
Chapter29
Chapter30
Chapter31
Chapter32
Chapter33
Chapter34
Chapter35
Chapter36
Chapter37
Chapter38
Chapter39
Chapter40
Chapter41
Chapter42
Chapter43
Chapter44
Chapter45
Chapter46
Chapter47
Chapter48
Chapter49
Chapter50
Chapter51
Epilogue
HearmorefromD.K.Hood
BooksbyD.K.Hood
ALetterfromD.K.Hood
Don’tTellaSoul
BringMeFlowers
FollowMeHome
TheCryingSeason
WhereAngelsFear
WhisperintheNight
BreaktheSilence
Acknowledgments
Copyright