KISSHERGOODNIGHTACOMPLETELYUNPUTDOWNABLECRIMETHRILLERD.K.HOODCONTENTSPrologueChapter1Chapter2Chapter3Chapter4Chapter5Chapter6Chapter7Chapter8Chapter9Chapter10Chapter11Chapter12Chapter13Chapter14Chapter15Chapter16Chapter17Chapter18Chapter19Chapter20Chapter21Chapter22Chapter23Chapter24Chapter25Chapter26Chapter27Chapter28Chapter29Chapter30Chapter31Chapter32Chapter33Chapter34Chapter35Chapter36Chapter37Chapter38Chapter39Chapter40Chapter41Chapter42Chapter43Chapter44Chapter45Chapter46EpilogueHearMorefromD.K.HoodBooksbyD.K.HoodALetterfromD.K.HoodAcknowledgments*TothefansoftheKaneandAltonseries.IwroteKissHerGoodnightespeciallyforyou.
PROLOGUE
Trappedinthemustydarkstonecell,DeputyPoppyAndersonsatonthemattressandstaredatheronlyformofentertainment.Itcameintheformofaconstantdrip,drip,dripofwaterhittingthegranitefloor,andslitheringinawindingrivulettojointhegrowingpuddlesurroundingthedrain.Despondent,afterthreemonthsofbeingconfinedinhell,sheflickedacockroachfromherblanketintothewater.Itlandedonitsback,legsflailingandtryingtowalkonair,asitrushedtowardthedrainandthenspunaroundandaroundinthewhirlpoolbeforeslippingbetweenthemetalslots.Sheliftedherheadandstaredattheshaftoflightcomingthroughthecrackssurroundingthedoortoherprison.Itwasalwaysthesamesteadylight.Therewasnowaytotellifitwasdayornight.Infact,timehadceasedtoexistinhernightmare.
Realitycameintheformofterror.Poppy’shandshadn’tstoppedtremblingsincethefirsttimeshe’dpressedhereyetothecrackinthedoorandseenawomanbeatentodeath.Bloodhadseepedunderherdoorinaribbonofhorrorandthesmellofdeathhadlingeredforsolongshe’dgottenusedtoit.He’dbeenthere,themanshe’dfirstmetonaflighttoBlackRockFalls,Montana—thenicemanwho’dluredherintothewoodsatthepretenseoffindingalostchild.Hewasn’tniceatall.Ontheflightthey’dtalkedaboutbaseballandhowhelovedtoswingabat.Sheswallowedbile.Oh,helikedtoswingabat—butnotataball.
She’dbecomeanumber,andasnumbertwenty-five,she’dbeenplacedondeathrow.Therewereothersinthejail,butnoonesaidaword.Noonedaredafterhe’dmadeanexampleoutofonewho’dcalledout,criedanddemandedtobesetfree.Poppyhadwatchedherdie,oneeyefixedinmorbidfascinationtotheslitheroflight.Hercaptorhadcaughtherlookingathimandsmiledwiththeinnocenceofachoirboyashetookthelifeofaninnocentwoman.Shewasn’thisfirst.
Manymorefollowed,andeachtime,Poppyrolledintoaball,tooscaredtomoveormakeasound.Wouldshebenext?Therecouldbenoreasoningwiththisbrutalman.Thestarkrealityofbeingtrappedinhisstoreroomjustwaitingtodiehadbecomeherfuture.Orwashekeepingherjusttowatchhimkill?Herthoughtsmovedfromonepossibilitytoanotherinrapidsuccession.Itwasallshecouldthinkaboutbecausenoonewouldbesearchingforher.He’dmadesureofthatbyforcinghertoemailtheofficewithherresignationandintentiontoheadforColorado.ShehadwantedtoworkwithDaveKaneandcouldhaveconvincedJennatomakeheramemberoftheteam,butheronedayasdeputyatBlackRockFallshadendedinaviolentkidnapping.Thehopethatanyonewouldcometorescueherhadfadedlongagoandnowherimaginationcenteredonhim.Hewasunpredictableandhismoodswingschilledhertothebone.Didknowingshewatchedhimkillmakeitmorethrillingforhim?Hermindwasspinningwiththeimplications,andthenexttimethescreamsstarted,sheturnedherbacktothedoorandtriedtoblockoutthenoise.Aftereachmurder,shecouldn’teatfordays,vomitingbileandsittingstaringintoemptycorners.Sheunderstoodhermentalhealthwassufferingbutcouldnolongerfight.Hervomitingcaughthisattentionand,asherdooropened,feargraspedherbythethroat.
“Ifyoumakeasound.I’llknow.Icanseeyoueverysecondoftheday.Iwatcheverythingyoudo.Iowneachbreathyoutake.”Themanstaredather,hisfacepassive.“ThenexttimeIseeorhearyou,theotherswillpaythepriceofyourdisobedience.”
Daysblendedintoeachother,andsmallsoundsgainedherattention.Theoddcough,therunningofafaucetorflushingofatoilet.Thescrapeofatrayasitwaspushedinfrontofthedeliveryslotnodoubtladenwithdiscardedwrappersjustlikehers.Ithadbeendayswithouthearingorseeingtheircaptorbutnoneoftheotherstriedtocommunicate.Allfollowedtherulesuntiltheydied.Whenhisfootstepscameagain,withoutthinking,Poppywenttopeerthroughthecrack.Thejailerbroughtsuppliesintheformofsurvivalrationsandpushedthemthroughtheslotinthedooronceaweek,butthistimehecarriedanunconsciouswomananddumpedherintothecellopposite.Likeher,thewomanworeaskimpynightie.Thecelldoorclangedshutandthemanturnedslowlytolookalongtherowofcells.FeargrippedPoppyandshefrozeonthespot.
“Icanseeyou,lookingatme,Twenty-Five.”Hercaptor’smouthcurledintoawidegrin.“You’vebeensoself-centeredallyourlife,haven’tyou?HowmanytimeshaveItoldyouthatifyoubreaktherules,everyonesuffers?”Heopenedacelldooranddraggedoutabedraggledwomanandpushedherhardagainstthewall.“Liftupyourarms.”
Thewomancompliedlikeanautomaton,andhesecuredhertometalloopsinthewall.Poppy’sstomachlurched.Wouldhekillherjusttoproveapoint?Whenhetookahorsewhipfromahookonthewall,horrified,Poppyslidtothefloor.Overthenextterrifyinghour,theextentoftheprisonerscametolight.Apartfromher,andtheunconsciouswoman,threeothersweredraggedfromthecells.Allwentwithoutastruggletoreceivetheirpunishmentforherwrongdoing,butastheirscreamsechoedthroughthewalls,Poppyrockedbackandforth,humming,withherhandspressedhardoverherears.Makeitstop.
Thedoortohercellopenedslowlyandafigureblockedthelight.Shecouldseethesheenofsweatonhisbareshouldersashisrancidstinkpouredintoherspacelikeathickfog.Terrified,Poppyflattenedagainstthewall,herheartpoundinginherears.Hadhecometopunishherorkillher?
“Seewhatyoudid,Twenty-Five?Youdestroypeople’sliveswithoutasecondthought.Womenlikeyou,whoflirtandbreakuppeople’srelationshipsareallthesame.Youdon’tcarewhosuffersbecauseofyou,doyou?Orwhathappenstothekidsfrombrokenmarriages?”Heindicatedbehindhimtothewomanhangingfromherwrists.“Sheisthesameasyou.Theyallare.Didyouhearhowloudtheyscreamed?Don’tworry,Idon’tintendtokillthemjustyet,buttheirtimewillcome.”
Refusingtocowertohim,Poppyliftedherchin.“Youknownothingaboutme.I’mnotliketheothers.You’remistaken.”
“Nah,Icanseerightthroughyourlies.Can’tyousee?I’mjustputtingtheworldright.It’sanexperimentinsocialjustice.Allofyouarenothingmorethanabunchofnarcissisticparasites.”Henarrowedhisgazeandtookasteptowardher.“I’llgiveyousomethingtothinkaboutwhileI’maway.Youcan’thidefromme.I’minyourdreams,hidingintheshadows.”Histongueslidoverhisbottomlip.“You’reclosetothetopofmylist,andI’mgonnasoenjoytakingmytimewithyou.Won’tthatbefun?”
ONEBLACKROCKFALLS,THURSDAY
ThesummersunpouredthroughSheriffJennaAlton’sofficewindowlikeabeamofhope.Sheleanedbackinherchair,watchingthedustmotestwirlandspin.Asachild,they’dbeenfairieswithgoldwingstravelingbetweendimensionsonashaftofsunlightbuttodaytheyremindedhertheofficeneededcleaning.Itwasjustbeforeeightandshewonderedwhyshe’dbotheredtoarrivesoearlyjusttostareatthewalls.She’dbeendoingpracticallynothingforalmostthreemonthsandthequietnessconcernedher.Itwaslikewaitingfortheothershoetodrop.Somethingwashappening.Shecouldfeelitinherbones.LifeinBlackRockFallswasverydifferentfromhertimeinWashington,DC,asDEAAgentAvrilParker,buthertimeasanundercoveroperativewasover.Withanewfaceandname,she’dfoughtherwaytobecomingthesheriffofthisvastcounty.Shehadnoideawhenshemovedtothisbackwoodstown,hiddendeepinaforestandsurroundedbymountains,thatshe’dmovedtoserialkillercentral.
Itwasbypureluckthespecializedteamshe’dgatheredaroundherwasunique.Hersecondincommandanddeputysheriff,DavidKane,hadturnedouttobeanoff-the-gridspecialforcessniper,butanothersurpriseawaitedherwiththearrivalofhishandler,Dr.ShaneWolfe,whosetupasmedicalexaminer.IthadtakenthreeyearsworkingwiththesetwomenbeforeJennadiscoveredtheyhadstrongtiestotheWhiteHouse.Nowalongwithherdeputies—JakeRowley,alocalBlackRockFallsresident;exLAPDgold-shielddetectiveZacRio;andsemiretiredDeputyWalters—she’dtakenonpsychopathsandbroughtthemtojustice.Sheturnedinherchairtostareoutthewindow.FromhereshecouldseethelengthofMainandacrowdgatheringinthepark.Sheturnedtohercomputertocheckthecalendarforupcomingeventsandfoundnothing.FootstepscameupthestairsandKanestoodframedinthedoor.Atsix-fiveandtwohundredandfiftypoundsofmuscle,Kanewasaforcetobereckonedwithandhejusthappenedtobeherfiancé.Shefrowned
“I’mnotrealsure.Maggiegotananonymouscallsayingweshouldbedownatthepark.”Kanejerkedhisthumboveroneshoulder.“WantmetogoandtakealookwithRowley?”
Jennastoodandpluckedherhatfromthedesk.Magnolia“Maggie”Brewsterranthefrontcounterwithamazingefficiency,andifshecouldn’tgetaname,nobodycould.“Inoticedthecrowd.We’llgo.I’dlovetogetoutoftheoffice.Updatingthefilesissoboring.I’mafraidmymindisn’tonworkrightnow.It’ssetongettingmarriedandbeinginFloridanextweekend.”Shesmiled.
“Minetoo,butifit’sanargumentaboutpickingupdogpoop,I’malloverit.”HepushedhisblackStetsononhisheadandfollowedherdownstairs.“I’vereadeverythingthereistoread.Iusedtolookforwardtosomedowntime,butconstantinactivityislikewatchingpaintdry.”
Thenextmoment,phoneringtonesfilledtheoffice.JennapulledherphoneoutofherpocketandturnedtoraiseaneyebrowatKane.“Ifigurethismightbemorecomplicatedthandogpoop.”Sheansweredthecall.“JennaAlton.”
“MorningSheriffthisisSusieHartwigfromAuntBetty’sCafé.Peoplearecominginandsayingthere’sabodyinthekids’playground.”
JennacouldhearKanetalkingtosomeoneandthenRowleyjumpedtohisfeet,phonepressedtohisear.Sheheldupafingerwhentheybothspokeatonce.“Okay,Susie,we’reonourway.Ifyoucangetthenamesofanyoneyouspoketoaboutthis,itwouldbeagreathelp.”ShedisconnectedandturnedtoRowley.“Wasyourcallaboutthebody?”
“Yeah.”Rowleyfrowned.“Intheplayground?”
Jennanodded.“CallWolfeandbringhimuptodate,andI’llgoandsecurethescenewithKane.Whenyou’vedonethat,headdowntotheparkandstartcollectingnames.”
“Yes,ma’am.”Rowley’sphonestartedupagain.“I’monit.”Hewalkedbacktohisdesk.
Jennathoughtforabeat.“Rio,grabyourcamera,butfirst,Iwantphotographsofthecrowdandthecrimescene.Usethedrone.Idon’twantanyoneslippingaway.Checkthewoodsaswell.Ifthisisahomicide,killersoftenminglewithacrowdtowatchthefalloutoftheirwork.”Shehurriedtothefrontdoor.
“Sure.”Riomovedpasther,headingfortheequipmentcloset.
“Comeon,Duke.”Kanepattedhislegandabloodhoundstood,stretched,gaveadoggyyawn,andwenttohisside,tailwagging.Asatrackerdog,Dukewasavaluedmemberoftheteam.
AsJennaclimbedintoKane’sblacktruckaffectionatelyknownas“theBeast,”sheturnedtohim.“Iknowit’sbeenboringaroundherelately,butI’dhopedthecrimeratewouldremainlowuntilafterourhoneymoon.Ifthisisahomicide,we’llhavetocancelthewedding.”
“Maybesomeonejustupanddied.”KaneshruggedashefastenedDukeintothebackseat.“Ithappens.”Heslidbehindthewheel.“Noteveryincidentintownhastobetheresultofaserialkiller.”HebackedoutoftheparkingspaceandheadeddownMain.
Peoplecongregatedinandaroundtheparklikeantsaroundhoney.Jennaletoutalongsigh.Howwasitthatdeathdrewpeople?Didn’ttheyunderstandthememoryofseeingadeadbodywouldstaywiththemforever?ShestareddownMain.Thetownsfolkweregatheringasifsomeoneweregivingoutfreemoney.“Youknow,everytimewesaywe’reboredsomeonegetskilled.Perhapsweshoulddropthatwordfromourvocabulary.Maybeit’scursedorsomething?”
“Nah.”Kanepulledalongsidethecurb.“Nothingwesaymakesanydifference.They’veallbeenouttheredoingtheirthing.Wejusthaven’tnoticedthemyet.”
ThetensionofthecrowdwaspalpableasJennasteppedoutintothemorningsunshine.Fearhadasmelltoit,andithoveredintheairlikesweatysocksinalockerroom.ShewaitedforKanetograbDuke,andthecrowdpartedastheymadetheirwayintothepark.Peoplepointedinthedirectionofthechildren’splayground,andthebreakfastofhotcakesinJenna’sstomachformedasolidball.“Oh,please,don’tletitbeachild.”
“It’snot.”WithKane’sheightadvantage,hecouldseeoverthecrowd.“Itlookslikeafemaleorayoungguyonthecarousel.”Heglancedaround.“Doyouwantmetodispersethecrowd?”
Shakingherhead,Jennaplowedthroughtheonlookers.“No,Riowillhaveoureyeintheskyupsoon.Whoeverdidthiscouldbewatching.Oncehe’stakenhisshots,wecansendthemontheirway.”
TheonlookersfellsilentasJennaandKanehurriedthroughthegatetothechildren’splayground.Thecrowdhadremainedoutsidethefencelineandallfacesturnedsomberlyintheirdirection.Thegrasshadbeenfreshlymowedthepreviousdayanddampdewycuttingsstucktoherbootsasshewalked.Theplaygroundwashalfinshadefromtheforestpressingagainstoneboundaryfence,butsunshoneonthefigureslumpedoverthecarousel.Astheymovedcloser,Jennastaredattheground,searchingforfootprints.“Onesetoffootprintsinandout.”Shepointedtotheperimeterfence.“Theycameinthroughthewoods.”
“Andlikelyparkedonthefireroad.It’ssecludedandthey’dbeabletomovethebodythroughthetreesunseen.”Kanescannedtheareaslowly.“Ifwegoinontherightofthecarousel,Idoubtwe’lldisturbanyevidence.”
Movinghergazeoverthefigure,JennafollowedbehindKaneashepickedhiswayinawidecircletothecarousel.Examiningadeadbodyatacrimescenewassomuchmorethantakingaquickglanceandleavingthenastystufftothemedicalexaminer.Theprocedureofinvestigatingahomicideranthroughhermindinalist.Sheneededtoabsorbthescene,butthefirstrespondershadaresponsibilitytorecordasmuchinformationaspossible.InhertimeinBlackRockFalls,Jennahadseenmanyvictimsofhorrendouscrimes,butshereeledbackattheshockofseeingthisone.Itwasn’tthebloodspatter,becausetherewasnoneevident,andalthoughthestenchofdeathhoveredintheair,theusualstinkofbodilyfluidswasabsent.Thebodyappearedtohavebeenwashedafterdeath.Thefacewasobscuredbyacomicalplasticmask,thetypekidsworewhentheydressedupascops.Bileroseupthebackofherthroatashergazeslidoverthebody.Thewoman’swhitefleshwasbarelycoveredbyaskimpynightie.Theskinhadturnedblueintheextremitiesandthelowerhalfhadadeeprosyhueononeside.Allthisshe’dseenbeforebutnotthesix-inchmetalpinsstickingoutfromthevictim’sbacklikeaporcupineorthenumbertwentycarvedintoherflesh.
“Well,thisisnew.”Kaneclearedhisthroatandpeeredatthevictim.“Arethosebarbecueskewers?TheylookmuchthesameasthepackofahundredIpurchasedrecently.”
Pushingonafacemaskandsnappingonsurgicalgloves,Jennaheldherbreathandbentcloser.“Yeah,theylookthesame.Thatmusthavetakensometimetodoandwhydoit?”
“Torture,maybe?”Kanefrownedandsuitedup.“Fromthelackofblood.I’dsayshewaskilledsomewhereelseanddumpedhere.”Heglancedupasatallblondmanpushedhiswaythroughthecrowdbarkingorders.HeresembledaVikingmarauder.“Ahgood,there’sWolfe.”
Themedicalexaminer,Dr.ShaneWolfe,arrivedwithhisassistantandbadge-carryingdeputy,ColtWebber,andhisdaughterandMEintraining,Emily.Jennawenttohissideandgavehimarundownofwhattheyknew.“Wefigureshewaskilledoffsceneandcarriedherethroughthewoods.ThetreesblockthisareafromMainandIhaven’tfoundthepersonwhofirstnoticedthebody.Canyougivemeanythingtogoonfromwhatyouseehere?”
“Hmm.Deepligaturemarksonwristsandankles.”Wolfeclimbedontothecarouselandexaminedthebody.“Thebodyisemaciated.Shewasprobablykeptaliveforatimeincaptivity.We’llgettheimagesandI’llcheckaroundfortraceevidence.”Hisgazemovedallaround.“I’llneedtogethertothemorgueASAP.Shecouldhavelatentprintsonherfleshortraceevidencefromwhoevercarriedherhere.Herfeetareclean.”Heliftedonearmofthecorpseandmovedoneofthelegs.“Thebodyisinastateofdecompositionandthere’snorigor.Itcameandwentalready.Thiswouldmakemebelieve,unlessIproveotherwise,thatshediedatleastthirty-sixhoursago.Thatwouldbethelongesttimeabodywouldgothroughthisprocess.Thelivormortis,thedarkpurplepatchesontheleftside,wouldindicateshecertainlydidn’tdiehere.”
Above,ahummingsoundcaughtJenna’sattentionandshenoticedthedronemovingbackandforthlikeanoldtypewritercarriage.RiohadbecomeanexpertatusingtheeyeintheskyandevensentittocollecttakeoutfromAuntBetty’sCafé.Rightnow,itwasrecordingthescene,takinginthetownsfolkandmovingofftoscourthesurroundingarea
“I’llgettheirattention.”Kanewalkedtothefencelineandraisedhisvoice.“Okay,husheveryone.Whowasherefirst?”Afewhandsraisedintotheair.“Comehereandtalktome.”
Gladtobeupwindofthebody,JennastoodbesideKaneandtheyspoketothethreepeoplewhosteppedforward.Afterspeakingtothem,theydiscoveredwho’dmadethefrantic911callearlier.“Thankyouforcomingforward,Mr.Lawrence.Tellmehowyoustumbledonthebody.”
“IwentintoAuntBetty’sCaféforato-gocoffee,likeIdosametimeeachmorning,andthenheadedtotheparktogiveBingoawalk.”HeindicatedtothegoldenLabradorstandingbesidehim,mouthopeninadoggysmile.
“Whattimewasthis?”Kane’spenhoveredoverhisdigitalnotepad.
“Atsevenforty-five,orasclosetoitasanangel’sbreath.”Lawrencetippedbackhishat.“Ididn’tseethebodyatfirst.Iheaduptheotherwaymostdays,butBingostartedfussingandwalkingaroundincircles.Thenwithoutwarningherandowntotheplaygroundandstartedbarkingandwhining.Ifiguredtheremustbeabobcatcloseby,soIwenttoseewhatallthefusswasaboutandthenIsmelledthebody.Itookalookandcalled911.”
Jennanodded.“Whydidn’tyougiveyourname?”
“Notime.”Lawrenceindicatedtothedog.“BingowastryingtoopenthegatetogetinsidetheplaygroundandIhadtostophim.Iwasn’ttryingtohideanything.I’vewatchedTVshowsandIknowaboutcontaminatingacrimescene,soIkepteveryoneawayandwaitedforyou.”
Sodocriminals.Jennasmiled.“That’sveryhelpful,thankyou.”
“Didyouseeanyoneinornearthepark?”Kaneliftedhisgazetotheman.“Anyoneinthewoods?Avehicle?”
“Nope,onlypeoplewhocamebyarethosetwo.”Lawrencepointedtotheothermenwho’dstoppedtogawk.“Thentheentiretownshowedup.”Heshrugged.
Jennanodded.“Okay,giveDeputyKaneyourdetails,andifyouthinkofanythingatall,callme.”Shehandedhimacardandmovedtothenextman.
Aftermovingthroughatonofpeople,theydiscoverednothingofinterestbutatleasthadalistofnames.JennaturnedtoRowley.“HeadbacktotheofficeandworkwithRioputtingnamestofaces.Anyonefromoutoftown,runtheirnamesjustincasethey’refelons.Ifthey’relocals,checkforanyonewithpriors.”
Itwouldtakeforevertomatchallthenamestotheimages,buttheFBIwhizkidBobbyKalowouldbeabletorunamatchatwarpspeed.Decidingwhattodo,shechewedontheinsideofhercheek.CallingtheFBIforassistanceforonlyonecrimewasn’tsomethingshe’dusuallydo,butwithherweddingplannedforFriday,sheneededallthehelpshe
“Okay.”RowleyturnedtowardthetwentyorsopeoplewatchingWolfe.“Okay,folks,nothingmoretoseehere.Givethepoorwomansomerespect.”
Asthemumblesofcomplaintreachedherears,sheturned,handsonhips,andstaredatthem.“Thisissomeone’sdaughter,perhapsamotherorawife.Goaboutyourbusinessandallowustofindoutwhokilledher.”
ShewaitedforKanetofinishspeakingwithLawrence,andaftertakingDuketosniffthebody,theywalkedaparallelpathtothedisappearingfootprintsinthedew.Dukewasanintegralpartofthesheriff’steamandworeabadgeonhiscollartoproveit.They’dfoundthebloodhoundsometimeagoatacrimescene.He’dbeenneglectedandlefttodie.KanehadadoptedDukeandnursedhimbacktohealth.Thedoghadissues.Hehatedthevetandeventhementionofabathsenthimrunning,buthewasthebesttrackerdoginthecounty.He’dbeenbredbyaNativeAmericanoutatthereservationandhadbeenrecognizedatoncebytheirfriendAtohiBlackhawk,who’dinformedthemaboutthedog’soriginsandname.Averyloyalcompanion,andanassettotheteam,Dukehadbecomeabelovedmemberofthecommunity.
TheyfollowedDukeintothewoods,butinsteadofsniffingtheground,hemovedfromtreetotree.Jennastaredafterhim.“I’veneverseenhimdothatbefore.”
“That’sbecausethekillercarriedthebodyinhisarms.”Kanepulledastrandofhairfromoneofthetreebranches.“I’dsayourkillerisaman,andhestruggledtocarryherthroughthewoods.Seewherethehairissnaggedinthetrees?IfIcarriedyouunconsciousinmyarms,allowingforheadhang,wewouldfindthehairatleasteightincheshigherforsomeonemysize,soI’dsayhe’saboutfive-eight.FromwhatDukeisdoing,thebodywasrestedagainstthetreetrunksonthewaythrough.”
Astheyemergedfromtheforestontothefireroad,aterriblefeelingofdéjàvuhitJenna.They’dwalkedthesamepathhuntingdownamissingdeputythreemonthspreviously.ShestoppedonthefireroadandstaredatKane.“Seeanythingfamiliartothisscenario?”
“Yeah.”Kanerubbedhischin.“ThisiswherewelosttrackofPoppyAnderson,butwecheckedonher.She’sspendingatonofcashinColoradoandshedidsendusanemailsayingwhereshewasheading.”Hetwistedatthewaistlookingbackintothewoods.“Youdon’tthinkthat’sher,doyou—thebody?”
TheideachilledJennatothebone.“Ithinkweneedtofindout.”
TWO
Millionsofpineneedlescrunchedunderfoot,sendingaburstofforestfragrancemixedwithdampsoilintotheairastheydashedbackthroughthewoods.Jennaledandtookawidermoredirecttrailandtheyhitthefencelinealittlewaypasttheplayground.Wolfehadthebodyonagurneyandwasswabbingthecarousel.EmilyandWebberwerecrawlingoverthegrass,collectingpotentialfragmentsofevidenceandplacingtheminsamplecontainers.Breathlessfromtherun,JennahustledtoWolfe’sside.“Didyouremovethemask?”
“Nope.”Wolfeliftedhisgazetoher.“I’mnottakingthechanceoflosingevidence.I’lldothatinacontrolledenvironment,butfromwhatIcansee,it’sgluedinplace.Therearedropsofgluemattingthehair.I’mhopingthekillerleftatraceofthemselvesbehind.Glueisaveryusefulmedium.Whenit’swetitattractsallkindsofthings.”Hisbrowfurrowed.“Whytherush?”
Jennaremovedherhatandfannedherselfwiththebrim.“It’sprobablynothing.DoyourecallthedayPoppyAndersonquit?”
“Yeah,shehightaileditoutoftownonatruckheadingforColorado,ifIrecall.Youdidatraceonherandshe’sspendingatonofcashallover.”Wolfe’sfaceshowedinterest.“Whatmakesyouthinkshehasanythingtodowiththiscase?”
GlancingattheblackbodybagandthenbacktoWolfe,JennapusheddownthehorriblefeelingPoppymightbethevictim.“It’slikedéjàvuandweknowkillersliketorevisitcrimescenes.WetrackedPoppythroughthesamepatchofwoodswhenwebelievedsomethinghadhappenedtoher.Wouldyoubelieve,Dukestoppedinthesameplaceashedidbefore.Weknowshegotintoavehicleonthefireroad,orDukewouldhavepickeduponherscent.Itjustseemsabitspooky,abodyofablonde-hairedwomanshowsupandshearrivedherealongthesamepathasPoppytookwhensheleft.”
“Thatwasthreemonthsago.”Wolfepackedtheswabsawayandremovedhisglovesandmask.“Thebodyisn’tPoppy,unlesssheshrunkaboutfiveinches.IfIrecall,shewastallandlookedmestraightintheeyes.Thewomanwefoundisaroundfive-four.You’reworryingovernothing.Poppyprobablydidthedisappearingacttogainattention.Kalohasbeentrackinghermovements,andshe’swhereshesaidshewasheading—ColoradoSprings.”Hesighed.“Youknowhowserialkillerswork.Thisisn’thisfirstmurder,andbythisstage,hewouldn’twaitthreemonthsbetweenkills.Knowinghowstubbornyouare,youwon’ttrustmeandyourverycapabledeputiestohandlethiscaseforafewdayswillyou?Doyoureallywanttopostponethewedding?”
ThelastthingJennahadonhermindwasthewedding.“Itwillbeeasytopostpone.It’snotasifwehiredaweddingplanner,isit?”ShestaredatKane.“Weshouldbeworkingonthecase.We’llpostponetheweddingandI’mnotdoingitforPoppyAnderson.IfKaloistrackingherinColoradoSprings,that’sgoodenoughforme.”
“See?”Wolferolledhiseyestotheheavens.“Asstubbornasamule.You’vetrainedyourteamtothehighestlevel.They’reoverqualifiedtohandlethiscaseandyou’llhaveJoandCarterarrivingsoontocoverforyou.You’llhavetheinvestigationrollingbeforeyouleave.Delegateasusualandleteveryonegetatit.Ifwehaveaproblem,we’llcallyou.”
UnconvincedJennashookherhead.“We’llmovetheweddingtonextmonth.Itwillstillbesummer.”ShelookedatKane’sconcernedexpressionandsighed.“YouknowIneedtobehere.I’msorry,butwe’llhavetocancel.”
“Weplannedforjustthiscontingency,Jenna.”Kanemovedtoherside.“Riohasworkedonplentyofhomicides.Let’sfaceit,wehavenothingtogoonrightnowandchancesareWolfewon’thavegottentoofarwiththeautopsyfindingsbeforeMonday.Wedon’thaveanysuspectstohuntdownuntilthegruntworkisdoneandtheguysaremorethancapableofhandlingthatpartoftheinvestigationwithoutus.We’llbegonethreedaysmax.”Hestaredather.“Okay,I’dsettlefortwo…orevenonenight.Youcanspareonenighttobewithme,can’tyou?”
“You’renotcancelingthewedding,areyou?”Emilydraggedoffhermask.“Jennayoucan’t.Notatthislatedate.Everythingisplanned.”Sheglancedatherwatch.“JoandTyareontheirwaynow.Youcan’tpostponeit.Iwon’tletyou.”
SpecialAgentsTyCarterandJoWellsfromSnakeskinGullyhadbecomefirmfriendsandanunofficialpartofherteam,althoughshecouldcalltheminanytimetotakeoveracaseorasconsultants.Theyhadarrangedtomoveintothecottageattheranchtocarefortheanimalsovertheweekend.Havingthemaroundwouldbeanadvantageiftheydecidedtogoaheadwiththewedding.JennaglancedatKane,andheshrugged,notgivinganythingaway.“IguesswithJoandTytobackupRioandRowley,itmightbepossible,buthavingaweddingandflittingoffonahoneymooninthemiddleofamurderinvestigationseemsdownrightirresponsibletome.”
“We’renotindispensable,Jenna.”KanepushedbackthetipofhisStetson.“Ourteamissolid.Theycanmanageforafewdays.Wehavetohavealifeoutsideofthesheriff’sdepartment.Youknowthat,right?”
Swallowingtheguilt,Jennanodded.“Yeah,butI’veneverwalkedawayfromaninvestigation.Notwhenit’sonmywatch.I’multimatelyresponsibleforthetownsfolk’ssafety.”
“Weallare,Jenna.Youknow,JoandCartermanagetosolveavarietyofcrimesontheirown.”Wolfelookedatherwithraisedeyebrows.“SamewithRio,andRowleyisafinedeputy.Mosttownsofthissizehaveasheriffandone,andtheycopejustfine.It’stimeforyoutoallowyourteamtodothegruntworkonthiscase.I’llneedtimetoruntests.Thereareatonofthingsgoingonhere.Findinganswerswilltakedaysandyoucan’tassistmeintheforensics.EvenifIworkstraightthroughfromnowuntilMondaymorning,IdoubtI’dhaveenoughevidencetopresenttoyoutomakeacase.Therearetoomanyquestionsweneedanswered.”
Jennacouldseehisrationalebutstaredathim.“Howso?”
“Firstup,noonehasbeenreportedmissing.”Wolfehelduphishand,fingersspreadandturnedonedown.“Whoisshe?”Heturneddowntwo.“Wherewasshekilled?”Heturneddownthreeandcontinuedashemadehispoints.“Wheredidthekillerpurchasethemask?Whatgluedidtheyuse?Hasshebeensexuallyassaulted?Causeofdeath?Hasshebeeninstorage,frozenorkeptasasexslave?Whatdamagewasinflicted?Wasitinflictedpost-mortem?Causeofdeath,drugevidence,traceevidence?”Hedroppedhishandsandsighed.“Icouldgoonandon,Jenna.Ifigure,youshouldgetmarriedtomorrowmorningasplanned.TaketheweekendandgetbackonthecaseonMonday.Imighthavesomethingforyoubythen.”
Concedingtohisargument,Jennanodded.“Okay,okay,theweddingison—fornow.Imightchangemymindifanythingsignificanthappenslatertoday.”
“Itwon’t.”Emilygrinnedather.“I’llworkwithDadovertheweekendandgetyousomeanswersand,really,untilweidentifythebodyandfindoutwhereshe’sfrom,there’snotrailtofollow.”Shesuitedupandwenttoviewthebody,leavingthemalonewithWolfe.
“I’llgetRiotowriteupamediareportandsetupahotline.”Jenna’smindwasmovingaheadatwarpspeed.“Someonemustbemissingher.”
“Shecouldhavebeendumpedherefromanywhereandthousandsofpeoplegomissing.”Wolferubbedthebackofhisneck.“Iguesswestartlocalandspreadout.Onethingyouneedtoconsider.Thechancesofthisbeingtheirfirstkillisremote.Firstkillsaremessyandrushed.Lookingatthisvictim,thiskillerisatthetopoftheirgame.”
Knowingmoreaboutmurderthanshewouldlike,Jennanodded.“Thenthekillerwillbeworkinginsidetheircomfortzone—theyalldo.So,they’llbecloseby.”
“Notalways.”Kanepushedhishandsintohisfrontpockets.“Mosttimes,yeah,butsomecanhaveafewcomfortzones.Somemightkillaroundafavoritevacationdestination,forinstance.Thekillingbecomespartofthetimeoffwork.Thenwehavepeoplewhotravelforwork,freightdrivers,executives.Alloftheseofferapossibilityoftheexpansionofacomfortzone.Thethingis,theyallhaveabasetoworkfromineachzone.So,lookforanyonewhomovesaroundandstaysforatimeatthesameplace.”
Jennaswallowedhard.“Sojustaboutanyone,huh?”Shechewedonherbottomlip.“Whynow?Thiscouldn’thavehappenedataworsetime.”
“Yeah,we’vehadthreemonthsofquiet.”Kaneshookhishead.“It’sasifthekillerdoesn’twantustogetmarried.”HemovedhisgazetoJenna.“Doyouknowanypsychopathswithacrushonyou?”
Snorting,Jennaliftedherchin.“OnlyoneandIkilledhim.Iagreethetimingstinks,butwhateverdatewepick,thechancesaresomethingwillgowrong.”Sheshrugged.“Wehavetodaytogettheballrollingand,likeyousaid,we’reonlyaphonecallawayifwe’reneeded.”
“Youdoknow,it’satleastafive-hourtrip?”Wolfenarrowedhisgazeandloweredhisvoice.“Youneedtosticktotheplanandleaveaftertheceremony.We’llbeabletogetstraightbacktowork.”HelookedatKane.“Imadeafewcallsandupgradedyourflight.POTUSdoesn’twantyouandJennatravelingcommercial.Hewasn’ttoohappyaboutyouleavingthestatebuthasmadeaconsiderationfortheweekend.There’llbearentalwaitingforyouattheairport.Youhavetheaddressofmymom’scondoandwheretopickupthekey.It’sniceandsafe.”
“Goingwithoutaweaponwillbelikebeingnaked.”KanetouchedthehandleofhisM-18pistol.“Ican’trememberatimeIwasn’tarmed.”
“Leavethattome.”Wolfethoughtforabeat.“I’llhavecredsforyouasaUSMarshalbymorning.You’llbeabletocarryaweapon.”
“You’llhavetimetoorganizethatandabadge?”Kanenarrowedhisgaze.“Seriously?”
“Doyoureallyhavetoask,Dave?”Wolferaisedbotheyebrows.
“Ah,no.Iguessnot.”Kanechuckled.“Friendsinhighplaces,huh?”
Jennalookedathimandshookherhead.“I’msureyou’lldojustfineifitdoesn’tarriveintime.We’regoingtothebeachandactinglikenormalfolkforachange.Youwon’tneedagun.”Shedraggedinasigh.“Comeon.Let’sgetatit.IwanttoseehowKaloisprogressingwiththesearches.”
THREE
Calmflowedthroughhimtosuchanextentitwasasifhewerestandingstillandallaroundhimmovedinslowmotion.Hestaredoutofthewindow,mimickingjustabouteveryoneelseinAuntBetty’sCaféasheatehisbowlofchiliandwasheditdownwithoneoftheirfinecupsofcoffee.HedraggedhisgazeawayfromthegroupofpeoplesurroundinghisgifttoSheriffAlton.Nothingmuchhadbeenhappeningintownoflateandhelikedtoseehistaxesdeployedinausefulendeavor.
Sighing,heleanedoverhisphonetoreadabookhe’ddownloadedaboutvariousbehavioraltraits.Oneofhisfriendshadcalledhimapsychoandhewonderedifthisaccusationwastrue,buthedoubtedit.Surelytherewasagroupofpeoplethesameashim?Peoplewentmissingandshowedupdeaddaily,soitwasonlyreasonabletoassumethereweremorepeoplewiththesamehobbyashimoutthere.Atfirst,he’dbelievedhishobbywasn’tsomethinghecouldtalkaboutingeneralconversation,buttheprivategrouphe’ddiscoveredontheinternethadopenedhiseyes.Therejusthappenedtobehundreds,maybethousands,ofpeoplewithhobbiesmoreunusualthanhis.Heglancedatthepage.Couldhebeasociopath?Nope,hedidn’thaveanantisocialattitude.Hemixedwellwitheveryone.Hmm,whataboutanarcissist?“Apersonwhotakesanobsessiveinterestinhimself.”No,thatwasn’thimeither.Infact,he’dstudiedallthepsychopathsfromBlackRockFalls,andnoneofthemfittedthosemolds.Infact,itseemedtheopposite.Mostpsychopathsmovedthroughlifewithease.Theyhadgoodjobs,intelligence,andwereoftenadmiredbytheirfriends…Theycertainlydidn’tstickoutinacrowdasbeingcrazy.Theidioticgeneralizationthattheywereantisocialself-lovingfreakswasjustaboutasstupidastellingakidthatadirtyoldmanmightkidnapthem.Itseemedtohimapsychopathcouldbeanyoneandnotthefoaming-at-the-mouthmadmanpeoplewantedtobelieve.Hereadonanddecidedmaybepsychopathwastooharshalabelforhim.Maybeimpulsivitywouldcomeclosetothemark.Afterallhedidactonimpulse,andbeingsmartenoughtoknowandunderstandhistrigger,he’dgainedsomecontrol.
Readingarticlesandbookswrittenbyleadingdoctorsovermanyyearshadgivenhimtheanswershecraved.Now,heunderstoodtheaffairshisfatherhadenjoyedwithastreamofwomenhadn’tbeenhisfault.Thatsinwashispa’salone.Althoughhe’dsufferedthefalloutfromhisangryparents,he’dneverforgottenlisteningtotheirlies.He’doftenpressedoneeartothedoorashispacalmedhismom’ssobsandpromisedtobeabetterhusband.Hismomhadtoldhimthatallmenwerethesameand,assoonashemarried,he’dbeoutchasingafter“marriagebreakers”justlikehispa.Shewarnedhimaboutthewomenwhoonlywantedamanuntilhelefthiswife,andthenthey’ddumphim.She’drantedaboutthesamethingsomanytimesithadbecomelikeamantrarunninginaconstantloopinhishead.Asakidhehadn’ttrulyunderstoodhermeaninguntilhe’dmarriedasweetgirlstraightoutofcollege.Athisfirstjobasamarriedman,astunningblondehadofferedhimtheworld.She’dbeenirresistibleandinsistedheleavehiswife,buthismother’svoicekeptonwhisperinginhismind.Determinednottobelikehispa,he’dtakenheroutforanightofpassion.Hesmiledatthememory.Hewasn’tlikehispaafterall,andithadbeensosatisfyingkillingher.Yeah,heunderstoodhistriggerjustfine.
FOUR
ItwaslateintheafternoonwhenTyCarterdroppedbytheofficewithhisDoberman,Zorro,athisheels.Kanesmiledathimwhenheheadedforhisdesk.“Allsettledin?”
“Yeah,thanks.”Carterdroppedintothechairoppositeandrestedonesnakeskincowboybootonhisoppositeknee.“You’rewellorganized.IwassurprisedwhenWolfegavemethekeystoJenna’scruiser.Ihadplannedongettingarental,sothatwasveryniceofher.Joisbackatthecottage.ShewantedtogiveJaimeatouroftheranch.Doyoumindifwetakethehorsesoutforarideovertheweekend?”
Kanehadn’tseenmuchofJaime,Jo’slittlegirl.“Sure,thepaintponyisverygentle,itbelongstoWolfe’syoungest,Anna.Mystallionisahandful,butJenna’smareisgood.”
“Warriorlikesme.HesnickeredwhenIwentbybefore,sowe’llgetalongjustfine.We’llbestickingtothetrailsaroundtheranch.”Carterpluckedatoothpickfromhisshirtpocketandtosseditintohismouth.“Iseethatlifegoesonasnormalaroundheresincetheengagement.Anysecondthoughts?”
WonderingwhatCarterwasimplying,Kaneleanedbackinhischairandstaredathim.“Aboutmarrying,Jenna?No,ofcoursenot,andwhywouldanythingchangearoundhere?She’sstillsheriffandI’mherdeputy.Iwouldn’twantitanyotherway.”
“Andifyouhavekids?”Carter’sgazeremainedfixedonhisface.“Thenwhat?”
Kanerolledhiseyes.“ItwillbeJenna’schoice,butifandwhenithappens,knowingherasIdo,she’llwantthebabywithherattheoffice—IfigureIwilltoo.We’llbuildanursery,hireananny…whatever’snecessaryandmaybeRowley’swife,Sandy,cancomeworkheretooandbringalongthetwinstosocialize.Itwillworkoutjustfine,wedon’tchaseserialkillerssevendaysaweek.”
“Ah-huh.”Cartersmiledaroundhistoothpick.“Seemstomeyou’vegivenitalotofthought.”Hesighed.“Youknow,I’veneverwantedtosettledown,mainlybecauseIhadalifethatmaderomancedifficult.SeeingyoutogetherandRowleyandSandy,well,Iguessawifeandawhitepicketfencearepossibleafterall.”
Surprisedtheconfirmedbachelorwasconsideringmarriage,Kaneclearedhisthroat.“Yeah,itcanwork.Doyouhavesomeoneinmind?”
“Notyet.”Carterchuckled.“I’mplanningonseeinghowyoutwogofirst.”HeglancedattheimagesonKane’sscreen.“Isthatthecasefromthismorning?Kalomentionedyouneededhimforresearch.”
Turningaroundhisscreen,Kanenodded.“Ido,areyouinterestedinlendingahandwhilewe’reaway?”
“Yeah,butJowillbeworkingbyremote.”Carterpeeredattheimages.“WithJaimehere,she’llbebusy.Givemetherundown.”
AfterKaneexplained,henoticedtheshadowcrossCarter’seyes.“AreyouseeingsomethingI’mnot?”
“Maybe.”Carterzoomedinonthemask.“Gluedon?”
Interested,Kanescannedtheimagesagain.“Yeah.Haveyouseenthisbefore?”
“ItwasacoldcaseIstudiedlastyear,mainlybecausewehadnothingtodo.”Carterscrolledthroughtheimages.“Womendressedthesamewithamaskgluedovertheirfaces.Theyhadmanybrokenbones.Somehadpartiallyhealedbreaksintheirfingersandtoes.Itkindaprovedthatthekillerhadheldthemforatime.TheyhadonehellofatimetryingtoidentifythebodiesandthendiscoveredtheIDofonlyoneofthem.Itwasnasty.Sixdeadwomen,nomissingpersonsreports,andnoclues.”
Turningtolookathim,Kanepickedupapen.“Wherewasthis?We’llneedallthecasefiles.”
“Colorado.”Carter’sgazenarrowed.“Wasn’tthatwherePoppysaidshewasheading?”
Kanenodded.“Yeah,butthebodywefoundissmall.It’snotPoppy.”
“I’llhaveKalosendthefiles.”CarterpulledouthisphoneandgaveKaneasmile.“Thisvisitjustgotinteresting.”
GladtohaveCarterintowntoassistwiththecase,Kanepushedtohisfeet.“Jennawillwanttoknoweverythingyouhaveonthecoldcase.She’sinheroffice.”
“Okay,butratherthanrepeatingmyselfadozentimes,grabRowleyandRioaswell.”Carterstoodandshrugged.“Lately,myvacationsarebecomingmoreinterestingthanwork.”
KanepeeredatDukeasleepunderhisdesk.“Youcoming,Duke?”Thebloodhoundgavehimabloodshotlookfromunderhislids,sighed,andwentbacktosleep.
HeadingforthestairstoJenna’soffice,Kanestoppedtogathertheotherdeputies.HeknockedonJenna’sdoor.“CarterrecallsacoldcasewithasimilarMOtoourmurder.RioandRowleyareontheirway.”
“Acoldcase?”Jennaspuntowardhiminherofficechair.“Aswedon’tknowhowlongthevictimhasbeenincaptivity,Kalowentbackfiveyearsandfoundovertwentymissingwomenwiththesamedescription.”Shesighedandleanedbackinherchair.“Noonehasbeenreportedmissinginmycounty.Thisoneisgoingtobetough.”
Unstackingchairsfromapileinthecorner,heslidthemacrossthefloortotheothersandtheyallsatdowntolistentoCarter.KanemovedhisattentiontoJenna.“Wolfementionedthatthecrimesceneandkillweretooclean.Thiscouldbethesamepersonstartingupfreshinourcounty.”
“Theproblemwiththemissingwomenisonlywomenpeoplecareaboutarereported.”Carterstretchedouthislonglegs.“Akillerpreyingonthehomeless,prostitutes,oranynumberofpeoplelivingontheedgeofsocietywouldslipthroughthenet.”
“That’strueenough.”Jennapushedbothhandsthroughherhairandtuckeditbehindherears.“Andthey’reeasytargetsforsomeonewantingaquickkill.Inthisscenario,ifthekilleriskeepingthemforatime,whowouldmissthem?”
“Thisiswhythecasewentcold.”CarterranonehanddownhisDoberman’sslickblackheadandshrugged.“Wecouldn’tidentifythevictims.Onewebelievewasaprostitute,butonlybyanotherrecognizingthenecklacewefoundwiththebody.Theladyinquestionwasanaddict,sonotareliablewitness,andshechangedherdescriptionofthenecklaceontwodifferentoccasions.”
Kanestoodandwenttopouracupofcoffeefromthepotbrewingonthecounter.“Youknow,ifthisisaserialoffender,hecouldbeswappingpersonalitemsfromonebodytothenext.Ifhe’ssmart,there’snoendtowhathemightdotohidethevictim’sidentities.”
“Yeah.”Riorubbedhischin.“I’veseenthathappenbefore.Theybelieveifwecan’tidentifythevictims,thenthechancesofthemleadingustothemisremote.Ifthisisaplannedmove,we’dhavetoassumethecurrentvictimisfromanothercountyorstate.”
ThephoneonJenna’sdeskrangandsheheldupafingerandpickedupthereceiver.“SheriffAlton.”Shelistenedandnodded.“Okay,thatmightbesignificant.Thanks,Shane.”Shereplacedthereceiverandstood.Shewenttothewhiteboard,tookapenfromtheholder,andturnedtotheteam.“Wolfehasstartedapreliminaryexaminationofourvictimandcalledtoinformusthatthevictimwasraped.Hedidn’tfindsemenortraceevidenceofherattacker,buthedidfindtracesofsoapywateronherskin.Hewillrunananalysisonthesoapandseewhathecanfind.Itwilltaketime.”
“Ah,youmentionedthesimilaritytowhenPoppyAndersonhightaileditoutoftown?”Rowleyleanedforwardinhischairwithhishandsclaspedbetweenhisknees.“IfollowedthisupwithKalo.He’sbeenkeepinganeyeoutforherasyourequested.Seemssheisstillonthepayrollhere.Apaycheckhasbeengoinginheraccountregularsincesheleft.Anotherthing,KalosaidshewasstillusinghercreditcardoutatColoradoSprings.She’stakingoutwadsofcasheverysooften.Ifigureifshe’slivingsomewhere,she’spayingcash.She’sacopandwouldknowhowtogetaroundatraceifshedoesn’twanttobefound.”
KaneexchangedasurprisedlookwithJenna.“She’sonthepayrollhere?Howisthatpossible?”
“I’dbetmybottomdollarMayorPetershamispayingher.”Jennashookherhead.“Youknow,Idon’trecallMaggiesayingshe’dstoppedherpay.”Shepickedupthephoneandcalleddowntothefrontcounter.Sheputthephoneonspeaker.“Hi,Maggie,didyoucancelPoppyAnderson’spaycheck?”
“Shewasn’tinoursystem.”Maggiesoundedsurprised.“Ican’tstopwhatisn’tthere.Ifshe’sgettingapaycheck,it’snotfromouraccount.”
“Okay,canyoucallthemayor’sofficeandfindoutifheplacedherinhissystem.Ifso,tellthemsheresigned.Maybesendthemacopyofheremailasconfirmation.”
“Yougotit.”Maggiedisconnected.
“Fromallthisinformationhaveyougotanything,Dave?”Jennalookedhopeful.“Anythingatall?”
Clearinghisthroat,Kanemethergaze.“Wehavenothingtolinkthecasesyet,no.We’llgothroughthecoldcasefilesandmakenotesofanythingsimilarbetweeneachoneandthenapplytheinformationtoWolfe’sfindings.Ifthisisthesameperson,we’llneedtohuntdownpeoplewhorecentlysettledhereorwhotravelbetweenstatesregularly.I’dsayfocusingonthesimilaritieswillbethebestwayforward.Ican’tofferaprofilewithoutinformation,andwe’vegotzip.”
“Okay.”JennaglancedatherwatchandthenatRowleyandRio.“Aswe’rechasingourtailsrightnow,it’stimetocallitaday.I’moffdutyandsoisKanefromnowuntilwereturn,soI’mhandingthiscaseovertoRioasnextseniorofficer.RioyouhaveCarterandJoatyourdisposal,andRowleywillbeanasset.Whilewe’reaway,Iwantyoutogothroughthecoldcasefiles.CheckinwithWolfeanduseanyinformationhecanofferyou.Fornow,checkifanyofthevictimsweresexuallyassaultedandthenmakealistofallthesimilarities.Thereasonbeing,thiscouldbeacopycat,andrightnow,wehavenoproofthecoldcasemurdersareevenrelated.”
KanestoodandpushedonhisStetson.“I’lldropyouandDukehomeandthenI’mheadingbacktotown.”
“Why?”Jennagatheredherthingsandstaredathim.“Yougoingsomewhere?”
Smiling,Kanetippedbackhishat.“Yeah,Shane,beingmybestman,insistedonthrowingmeabachelorparty,andEmilyfiguredyoushouldgetanearlynight.JoandJaimearestayingoverattheranchtokeepyoucompany.I’vebeenbanishedtotheCattleman’sHotel.I’mnotallowedtoseeyoubeforethewedding.”
“Oh,really?”Jennafrowned.“Somuchforaquietnightathome.”
FIVEFRIDAY
TyCartertookonelastlookatthehorsesinthecorral,madesurethewaterfeedwasworkingandheadedbacktothecottage.Creepingaroundtomakesurehedidn’tdisturbJoandJaime,heshoweredanddressedinrecordtime.Hesmiledtohimself.Man,thistownwashavingastrangeeffectonhim.ThepreviouseveningattheCattleman’sHotelhadbeenamusingtosaytheleast.He’dexpectedaraucousnightofdrinking,cards,pool,andwomenforKane’sbachelorpartywithShaneWolfe,JakeRowley,andZacRio,butohboy,hadhe’dbeenwrong.They’dhadagoodtime,buttheBlackRockFallsguyslikedtokeeptothemselves.Yeah,womengavethemtheeyefromtimetotime,andhelovedwomen,butbetweenShaneWolfe’sVikingmarauderglareandKane’sblankexpression,theybackedoff.Evenhischarmhadfallenflatandthathadneverhappenedbefore—thatwasfordarnsure.He’dhadonlytwolightbeersandhaddrivenbacktoJenna’sranchassoberasajudge.Imustbelosingmyedge,orit’sgettingtimeformetosettledown.
HefedZorroandthenfilledhiscupwithfreshlybrewedcoffeeandsatatthekitchentable.Itwasrealearlyandstillhalf-lightoutside,tooearlytowakeJo.Hisphonebuzzedinhispocketandhequicklyansweredthecall.“Yeah?”
“Wehaveaproblem.”ZacRiosoundedserious.“Theownerofthelandfill,GeorgeBrinks,calledthe911line.Hefoundabodyatthelandfill,rightatthefrontgateagainstthefence.I’mheadingtherenow.”Hesuckedinabreath.“Protocolisformetoinformthesheriff,butasit’sherweddingday,whatthehellamIsupposedtodo?”
ConsideringtheramificationsofnotinformingJenna,Carterrubbedhisforehead.“AsIrecall,Jennaputyouinchargewhileshewasonherhoneymoon.They’reaway,onvacation—whatever.Ifigurewehandleitandgivethemtherundownwhentheygetback.”Hepushedtohisfeetand,grabbinghishatfromapegbythedoor,wentoutside.“Iknowwherethelandfillis.I’monmyway.”HehurriedtothecruiserandopenedthedoorforZorrobeforeheslidbehindthewheel.“Don’ttellRowley—ifSandynoticessomethingisup,she’lltellJennaforsure—butcheckoutthesceneandcallWolfe.We’llhavetokeepthisfromKanetoo.Thatmanisasstubbornasamule.He’llwanttoknowallthedetailsanditain’tgonnahappen.Nottodayanyway.”
“Copy.”Riodisconnected.
Itwaslightbythetimehereachedthelandfill.Rio’scruiserwasblockingtheroadalongsideWolfe’sME’svan.Afewdisgruntledtownsfolklinedupalongtheserviceroadsoundingtheirhornsandgettingagitated,buthecouldn’tseeanyoneonfoot.Thatwasagoodthing.Bystandersmeantinterviewsandtakingstatements.ItlookedasifRiohadgottenthereintimetokeeppeopleawayfromthecrimescene.AssumingRiowastoobusytodispersethepeoplewaitingtousethelandfill,Carterdroveupthewrongsideoftheroad,pulledonhisFBIwindbreaker,andwalkedtothefrontofthelineofvehicles.Hegaveatwirlingmotionwithhishand,sendingeveryonebackthewaythey’dcome,andoncetheroadwasclear,hemovedJenna’scruisertotheentrancetotheserviceroadandblockeditbyparkinghorizontally.
Heflickedontheflashersandslidfrombehindthewheel.“Comeon,Zorro.”Heopenedthebackdoorandmadehiswaybacktothelandfill.Toonesideagray-hairedmanwassittingonthesideoftheroad,paleasaghost,holdinghisheadinhishands.AshemovedaroundWolfe’svan,hecaughtsightofthebody.Anotherwoman,white,bloodless,withblueextremitiesandwearingamask.Wolfewasbendingoverher,andRiowastakingphotographs,theME’susualentouragewasmissing.Hemovedcloserandcoveredhisnose.“Whathavewegot?”
“It’sthesameMOasbefore,rightdowntothenumberofskewersalongthebackbone,butthisisnumbertwenty-one.Makesmewonderwheretheothernineteenbodiesarestashed.”Wolfestraightened.“Lookatallthetrasharoundhere.It’spointlesscollectingsamples.They’llbecontaminated.Whoeverdumpedthebodyherewassureusinghisbrains.Aperfectplacetohideevidence,andshouldwefindanything,itwouldbechallengedincourt.Thisplaceisapetridishofmicroorganisms.”Hesighed.“I’llgetherbaggedandtagged.I’llhavetosneakherintothemorgueandgetheronicebeforeI’mmissed.”
Runninghisgazeoverthecrimescene,Carternodded.“Ifyou’vegotspareglovesandamask,I’llgiveyouahand.”HetooktheitemsWolfepulledfromapocket.“Thisonewasleftlyingfaceddownbythelivermortis.Isshestillinrigor?”
“Nope.”Wolfetossedabodybagontheground.“I’vebaggedherhandsandfeet.Ifthere’sanytraceevidence,itwillbethereormaybeinhermouth.”HeturnedtoRio.“Getsomeclose-upshotsofthebodyandunderthebodywhenwemoveit.”
“Sure.”Riomovedcloserwiththecamera.“I’vevideoedthesceneaswellandI’lldothesamewhenyoumoveher.Doyouwantthescenepreserved?”
“Nope.”Wolfeheadedforhisvan.“There’snothingwecanuse.I’llgetthegurney.”
CarterwalkedtoRio’sside.“Didyougetastatementfromtheoldguy?”
“Yeah.”Riokeptshooting.“Hedrovetothegateandsawthebody.Theroadherewasdeserted.Hedidn’tseeanyonehangingaround.Hewentbacktohisvehicle,drovedowntheroadaways,andcalleditin.HewasblockingtheroadwhenIarrived.Noonehascontaminatedthescene.”
Carterwalkedovertotheoldman.“Mr.Brinks.”
“That’sme.”Brinkslookedupathim.“Youknowthisisthesecondtimesomeonedumpedabodyhere.It’sashockcomingtoworkandfindingayoungwomanlikethat.”Hewavedahandtowardthebody.“IguessthismeansI’llhavetoclosethelandfillagain?”
“No,theMEwillremovethebodyandthenyoucanopenupasusual.”CartertippedbackhisStetson.“Don’tspeakaboutthistoanyone.It’sobviouslyahomicideandanythingyousaymighthindertheinvestigation.”
“Yeah,DeputyRioalreadyreadmetheriotact.”Brinksranafingerunderhisnose.“Iwon’tsayaword,althoughpeoplearegoingtowanttoknowwhytheywereturnedawaythismorning.”
Carterthoughtforabeatandthensmiled.“Tellthemwe’reinvestigatingillegaldumping.That’strueandyoudon’thavetoelaborate.Whydon’tyougowaitinyourtruckuntilwe’redonehere?”
“Thanks,I’lldojustthat.”Brinksstoodandambledoff.
Carterscannedtheareaagainand,seeingnothingofinterest,wentbacktothebody.Bendingtospreadoutthebodybagbesidethevictim,Cartercaughtthesmellofsomethingfamiliar.HeturnedtoRio.“Canyousmellthat?Likeoverthestinkofthebody?”
“Youmeantrash?”Rio’seyebrowsroseoverhismask.“Yeah,Ismellthetrash.”
Cartershookhishead.“It’s…Dammit,Iknowthatsmell.”HelookedupasWolfereturnedwiththegurney.“There’sachemicalodorhere,somethingI’vesmelledbefore.Canyouidentifyit?”
“Ihavementholatedsalveundermynose,sono,Ican’tsmellmuchatall.”Wolfebenttotakeholdoftheshouldersofthecorpse.“Grabherfeetandwe’llgetherbagged.”
Complying,CarterliftedthebodyandstoodasWolfezippeditup,bendingagaintoliftitontothegurney.Heremovedhisglovesandthememoryslottedintoplace.Hesnappedhisfingers.“Thesmell,it’sformaldehyde.”
“Doyouthinkthekillerispreservingthebodies?”Rioshuddered.“That’splainnasty.”
Thinkingoversomeofthecaseshe’dinvestigatedandreadabout,Carterrubbedhischin.“It’snotunusualforakillertowanttorelivethekill.Someofthemkeepabodyorgovisitacorpsemanytimesbeforetheydecompose.Iftheyknowhowtopreserveabodyusingformaldehyde,it’spossiblethiswomancouldhavebeenmurderedsometimeago.”
“Maybe,butwiththetechnologywehave,wecantellhowmuchthecellshavedegraded.Ifabodywasfrozenorsoakedinformaldehyde,thecellsstilldeteriorate.”Wolfepushedthegurneytothevanandsliditinside.“Ididn’tsmelltracesofformaldehydeonthepreviousvictim,butI’llrunaspecifictestforitASAP.Iinspectedtissuesamplesandtookblood.Shewasn’tdrainedlikethisone.Or,let’ssay,notasmuch.Therewassubstantialbloodlossonthefirstvictim.”Hesighed.“Themostcommonplacetodrainbloodisfromthecarotidartery.I’llbesuretocheckforanyotherpointshemighthaveused.Ifigureyouneedtostartsearchingforanyonearoundtownwhoisbuyinglargequantitiesofformaldehyde.It’snotsomethingmostpeoplewoulduse.”
“I’llhuntdownsuppliers.”Riorubbedthebackofhisneck.“Kaloisstillsearchingformissingwomenandmakingalistwithphotographs.We’llgethimtorunthemthroughthesystem.Hemighthitamatchwithourvictims.”
Carternodded.“Idon’tlikeourchances.Ifthesewomenhaven’tenteredthesystemasmissing,wemightneveridentifythem,butifwedo,itwillgiveusastartintherightdirection.”Hethoughtforabeat.“Taxidermistsuseformaldehyde.Therearesomeworkinghereandintheneighboringcounties,andhuntdownundertakers.Ifigurewegetalistandcheckthemoutaswell.”Hesmiled.“JustaswellI’mhere.Ifneedsbe,Icanhuntdownpeopleacrosscountiesandstatelines.”HeclappedRioontheback.“Let’sgo.IneedtogetbacktotheranchbeforeI’mmissed.We’llmeetupattheofficeassoonasJennaandKanehaveleftfortheairport.”
“Jennaisgoingtobeasmadashellwhenwetellher.”Rioremovedhisfacemaskandcrumpleditinhisfist.
Cartersnorted.“ThensayIcameinandtookover.”Hetossedatoothpickinhismouthandgrinned.“Onethingisfordarnsure:shecan’tfireme.”
SIX
“Jenna.”Jo’svoicedriftedintoJenna’sdream.
ThesmellofcoffeefilledJenna’snostrilsandsheopenedhereyes.Jowasstandingbesideherbed,withJaimepeekingaroundher.“Morning.”ShesmiledatJaime.“Hello,Jaime.”
“I’mgoingtorideahorseafteryougetmarried.”Jaimegrinnedather.“UncleTysaidyou’llbeleavingsoon.”
“WillI?”JennasatboltuprightspillingherblackcatPumpkinfromthebed.Thecatgaveadisgruntledmeowandjumpedbackonthebed,curledupinaball,andwentbacktosleep.“Whattimeisit?DidIoversleep?”
“No,it’sfine.”Josatontheedgeofthebedandstrokedthecat’ssilkencoat.“Timewillflybythismorning,andIdidn’twantyoutoberushed.”
Jennareachedforthecoffee.“I’mveryorganized.I’llbeready.IjusthopeDaveturnsup.”
“Whywouldn’the?”Jogrinnedather.“Youknowthat’sthetopfearonabride’sandbridegroom’slists.”Sheglancedtowardthewindow.“Theflowerscameaboutanhouragoandthegazebolooksbeautiful.Itwassuchagoodideatobuildoneunderthetrees.Itwillbeagreatplacetositwhenyouhavecookouts.”
AtwingeofworrygrippedJenna.Shehatedhavingpeopleunsupervisedonherranch.“Dideveryoneleave?”
“Yeah.”Jopattedherknee.“Carterwastheretomakesurenoonemadeamistake.I’llgoandstartbreakfast.Youtakeyourtime.Areyouhavinganyoneovertostyleyourhair?”
Jennashookherhead.“No,Davedoesn’tsayanything,butIknowhelikesitaroundmyshoulders.I’lljustwashit.I’mallpackedandreadytogo.”Sheindicatedtoasmallbagnearthedoor.“I’mnottakingmanyclothes.It’scasualbeachwearthereandI’mplanningonshoppinguntilIdrop.”
“Okay,I’llleaveyoutoit.”JostoodandguidedJaimefromtheroom.
AscratchingcamefromunderJenna’sbedandDukewiggledoutandshookhimself,longearswindmillingaroundhim.Hegaveanexplosiveyawnandthenstuckhisbigheadonthebedandsighed.Jennapattedhisheadandthencrawledoutofbed.“ThedoggydoorisopenandZorroisoutsidesomewhere.”ShelookedatDuke’sbigsadeyesandbenttohughim.“You’llbefinewithCarterandZorro.We’llbebackbeforeyouknowitandCartersaidhe’lltakeyoudowntoAuntBetty’sCaféforleftovers.”ShestraightenedandsuddenlywonderedwhyshewastalkingtoadogbutwhenDukebarkedandwaggedhislongthicktail,shebelievedhe’dunderstoodeverywordshe’dsaid.Afterall,heunderstoodKanejustfine.
Sheshoweredandbrushedherhairuntilitshone.Shepulledonherdressinggownandslippersandwenttothekitchen.CarterandJaimewerealreadyatthetable,andJoservedbreakfastthemomentshewalkedin.ShelookedatCarter.“IhopeyouleftDaveingoodshapelastnight?”
“Oh,Jenna.”Cartergaveheralopsidedgrin,hisgreeneyessparklingwithmischief.“Mylipsaresealed.”
Jennaateslowlyandsippedhercoffee,eyeinghimovertherimofhercup.“So,whataretheplansfortoday?Ifeelsooutoftheloop.DavementionedsomethingaboutleavingtheBeastatWolfe’soffice,soIgatherhe’scomingwithhim?”
“Yeah,Wolfe’sbringinghimandI’lldotheairportrunwhenyougethome,sohecanpickuphistruck.”Carterspreadtoastwithliberalamountsofbutterandthentoppeditwithstrawberryjelly.
Stillworryingaboutthecase,Jennanodded.“Ah,areyouplanningonstayingafterwegetback?Ifyou’renotbusy,I’dvaluehavingyoubothhere.”
“Iguessitdependsifyoustillneedusonthecaseornot.Weneedareasontobehereapartfromavacation.IpersonallywouldmoveherepermanentlyifIcould.”Cartershruggednonchalantly.“Rightnow,we’rejusttwiddlingourthumbsoutatSnakeskinGully.Thelocalcountiesarehandingtheirownproblemsjustfine.We’veaskedtobeinvolvedanywherewithinreachofthechopperbuthavegottenzip.Ifigureifitwasn’tforthecasesinBlackRockFalls,we’dgostircrazy.Lifeissoslowtherewemightaswellbelivinginadifferentdimension.I’dsaySnakeskinGullyisn’ttheendofcivilizationasweknowit,butyoucanseeitfromthere.”
“That’smyfault.”Jopulledaface.“Whenmybossmarriedmyex-husband,shemadeitveryclearmycareerintheFBIwasover.Thankfully,I’mstillcontactedbylawenforcementworldwideforadvice,andinthedowntime,I’llkeepwritingmybooks.”Shesighed.“Whateverhappenshere,we’llbeflyinghomeonMondaynightsoJaimedoesn’tmissschool.SheunderstandsIhavetoworkandisveryhappywithournannywhenI’maway.”
“ImissBeauandmyfriends.”Jaimelookedupfromherplate.“ImissMommysometimestoo,butwetalktwiceeverydayonvideocalls.Beaucan’tmakevideocalls,butIspoketomybestfriendlastnight.Itwascool.”
“Ilovevideocallstoo.”Jennalookedfromonetotheotherastheyspoke.HerattentionsettledbackonJo.“I’msohappyyoucameandallowedJaimetobeabridesmaid.”
“You’vemadeheraveryhappygirlandwe’llbestraightbackifyouneedushere.”Joruffledherdaughter’shair.“WewouldhavebroughtBeaualong,buthegetssoafraidofthechopper.Welefthimwithournanny.”
“Ihaveapictureofhiminmylocket.”JaimebeamedatJennaandunclaspedthelockettoshowhertheimageofherBostonTerrier.“He’sgrownsinceyoulastsawhim.”
Jennasmiledatthelittlegirl.“Hehasindeed.You’llhavefunridingthisweekend.Thereareatonoftrailsallovermyproperty.Youcanriderightdowntotheriverandbackwithoutcrossinganyfences.”
“UncleTywilllookafterusandI’lltakecareofPumpkinandDukeforyou.”Jaimedugintohercereal.“Youjustgoandhavefungettingmarried.”
Jennachuckled.“Iwill.”
Theperimeteralarmsounded,andCarterpushedhislastbiteoftoastintohismouthandheadedforthescreenbesidethefrontdoor.“It’sthegirls.”Hepressedtheintercom.“Comeonin.”
Emily,andhersisters,JulieandlittleAnna,sooncamethroughthedoorwithRowley’swife,Sandy,closebehind.Jennaturnedinherseattolookatthem.“Goodmorning.”ShewaitedforthemtositdownandturnedtoSandy.CooperandVannah,Jenna’sgodchildrenweremissing.“Wherearethetwins?”
“Atmymom’shouse.”Sandygaveanonchalantshrug.“They’reteethingagainandnotveryhappyatthemoment.Wethoughtitbesttocomealone.Jakewillbealongsoonwiththefoodanddrinks.Rio’sbrotherandsisterhaveofferedtohelptoo,sohe’llbebringingPiperandCade.”ShepattedJennaonthehand.“Don’tyouworryaboutathing.Wehaveeverythingarranged.It’sjustaswellyouhavesuchahugehouse.We’llallfitinthefamilyroomjustfine.”
“Areyounervous?”Emilyraisedoneblondeeyebrowandgaveheralooksomuchlikeherfather,Jennagrinned.
“No,notatall.”Jennasighed.“I’mjusthappy,butworriedaboutleavinganopencase.”
“There’snothingtodo.”Carterleanedagainstthekitchencounter,coffeecupinonehand.“Rightnow,it’sawaitinggame.Oh,andMaggiesendsherbestandsaidshe’dbeopeningtheofficeasusual,andDeputyWaltersisgoingtoswingbyincasethere’saproblem.”
WonderingifCarterwascoveringsomethingup,sheeyedhimsuspiciously.“IfindithardtobelievethatMaggiedoesn’twanttocometomywedding.Whataren’tyoutellingme?”
“She’soldschool,Jenna.”Cartersippedhisbeverageandsighed.“Shewantstokeeptheofficeopen.ItoldherWalterscouldholdthefortforacoupleofhours,butshesaidhe’llmessupthebooksifsomeonecomesintopayafine.”
Shakingherhead,Jennafinishedhercoffeeandwenttoclearthetable.
“Oh,noyoudon’t.”Jowavedheraway.“Headintoyourroom.Emisgoingtodoyourmakeup.”
HorrifiedJennablinked.“I’msureIcanmanage.Ipreferthenaturallook.”
“That’sjustwhatyou’regetting.”Emilyputbothhandsonherhipsandglaredather.“It’syourweddingday,andwe’regoingtopamperyou.”
“Here.”Sandypulledabluegarterfromherpurse.“Somethingold,borrowed,andblue.”ShehandedittoJenna.“Itwasmymom’s.”
Goingmisty,Jennasmiledather.“Thankyou.”
“You’rewelcome.”Sandypushedtoherfeet.“I’llhelpJoandhopefullyJakewillarrivewiththecake.”
Feelingasifshe’dbeenthrownintoawhirlwind,Jennablinked.“Cake?Whatcake?ThiswassupposedtobeaquietinformalceremonyandthenweheadtoFlorida.”
“ThatwasKane’sidea.”Carter’smouthcurledintoaslowgrin.“Oh,andhetoldmetogiveyouthis.”Hepulledalongthinboxfromhisbackpocketandhandedittoher.“Somethingnew.”
Withtremblingfingers,Jennaopenedtheboxandstaredattheexquisitethree-coloredgoldchain.ItwassoDaveKane.Notoverstatedbutelegantluxury.Sheranherfingersoveritandsmiled.SincestartinghernewlifeinBlackRockFalls,she’dneglectedtobuyjewelryforherself.Theearringsandtrackerringbeingheronlyadornment.Nowshehadanengagementringandastunningnecklace.
“Idon’tfigureI’veseenyouspeechlessbefore.”Carterbarkedalaugh.“Daveisbringingtheweddingrings.”
Jennaliftedhergazetohim.“Yeah,thatbitIknow.”
“Okay.”Carterrubbedhishandstogether.“AsDavesentmetomakesureeverythingrantotime,we’dbettergetamoveon.Offyougo,Jenna.Leaveeverythingtome.”Hewinkedather.“Don’tworry,I’manFBIagent.”
TimemovedatwarpspeedandbeforeJennahadtimetogetnervous,thesoundofachoppercamefromoverhead.SheturnedtoEmily.“Ohno,what’shappened?”
“Nothing.Dadsaidhe’dflyDaveandFatherDerryinonthechoppertosavetime.”Emilygrinnedather.“It’sjustabouttime,Jenna.Juliewillletusknowwhentoheadouttothegazebo.”Shekissedheronthecheekandgaveherahug.“Youlookbeautiful.”
Takingadeepbreath,Jennastoodandturnedtolookinthemirror.Thenecklacesparkledagainsthertannedskin.Theplainwhitesilkdressfitlikeagloveandfelltoherankles.She’dchosenflatsandalstowalkacrossthegrasstothegazebo,andassheturnedtogo,JuliecameintothebedroomcarryingabouquetofwhiterosesandaringofMontanawildflowerstowearinherhair
“Complementsofthegroom.”Juliebeamedather.
Overwhelmed,Jennalookedatherfourbridesmaids,alldressedinpaleblueandsmiling.“Iguesswebettermakethishappen?”
“Okay,rollthecamera.”JuliegaveasignaltoRio,whowasfilmingthewedding.“AnnaandJaime,offyougo,niceandslownow.”
ItwasJakeRowleywhowaitedforherinthehallway,wearinganewblacksuit.Shesmiledathim,rememberingthefirsttimethey’dmetandhowhe’dinstantlybecomeherdeputy.Whenshe’darrivedintownshe’dbeenlostandlikeafishoutofwater.Rowleyhadhelpedthetownsfolktoacceptastrangerintheirmidst.Hewasadearfriendandhadworkedbesideherfromtheget-gowithoutacomplaint.Nowhappilymarriedwithtwins,heofferedhisarmtoescorther.She’dneverhavebelievedwhenshe’darrivedinBlackRockFalls,scaredforherlifeandalone,thatshe’deverbesurroundedbyasurrogatefamily,letalonebemarryingtheloveofherlife.Asshewalkedtohisside,shewishedhermomanddadhadlivedtoseehermarry.Shepicturedthemsmilingather.I’mmarryingthemanofmydreams,andIknowyou’rehappyforme.ShesmiledatRowley.“Thankyou,Jake.I’msogladyou’rehere.”
“You’rewelcomeandit’sanhonor.”Rowleyblushedtotherootsofhishair.
Theypausedatthedoorasthelittlegirlswentfirst,Annagiggling,herwhite-blondehairglossyinthesunlightandJaimeshushingherloudly.NextEmilyandJulieheadedtothecrowdedgazebo.Takingadeepbreathtocalmhernerves,JennawalkeddownthestepsandoutacrossthelawnKanehadlovinglytendedforthelastthreemonths.Assheliftedherattentiontothegazebo.ShemadeoutKanestandingbesidehisbestman,Wolfe,theirbackstowardherandheadsbenttogetherchatting.Thenextsecond,asifhe’dsensedhercoming,Kaneturnedandsmiledather.Everythinginsidehermelted.Herheartmusthavestoppedbeatingbecauseshecouldn’ttakeabreath.Itwasn’tadream.Itwasreallyhappening.Asthebridesmaidstooktheirplaces,shesteppedinsideandKanetookherhand.Itwasasifshe’dsteppedinsideaprotectiveshield.Thewarmthfromhisfingerstraveledupherarmtoenvelopher.Intrigued,sheliftedherchintolookatthemanshe’dbespendingtherestofherlifewith,andthesightofhimmesmerizedher.HewassohandsomeandsmelledsogoodshehardlyheardwhatFatherDerrywassaying.Forcingherselftoconcentrate,shelistenedandrepeatedthewordstojointhemforever.Afterthey’dexchangedrings,Jennathoughttheceremonywasover,butthenFatherDerryclearedhisthroat.
“Isthereanythingyou’dliketosaybeforeyoukissyourbride,David?”FatherDerry’sfacewasfilledwithjoy.
“Jenna.”Kaneturnedtofaceher.“Ican’tpromiseourlifetogetherwillbeeasy”—hismouthcurledintoasmile—“butwhatevertimewe’regiven,itwillneverbelongenough.”
Blinkingbacktears,Jennacouldn’tthinkofawordtosay.Shehadn’tthoughtpasttheceremonythey’ddiscussedwithFatherDerry.Sheswallowedhardandsaidthefirstthingthatcameintohermind.“Um…andI’lltryreallyhardnottoburnthetoast.”
SEVEN
ThemomentthechopperdisappearedoverthetreesCarterusheredeveryoneintothefamilyroom.“Okay,wehaveasituation.SandyandJulie,canyoutakecareofAnnaandJaime?IpromisedthemtheycouldridethehorsesandIdon’tliketobreakmyword.”
“Sure.We’llhaveagreattime.”Sandylookedatherhusband.“Jake,ifyouleaveyourtruckforme,we’llcleanuphere,takethegirlsforaride,andthendropthematWolfe’shouse.”SheturnedtoJo.“Ifthat’sokay,Jo?”
“Yeah,thatwouldwork.”Josmiled.“You’dlikethatwouldn’tyou,Jaime?AnnaandJulieliveclosetothesheriff’soffice.I’llbefiveminutesaway.”
“Thatsoundslikefun.”Jaimegrinnedandgavehermomahug.“Youdon’thavetoworryaboutme,Mom.I’mnotababy.”
“Comeonthen,girls.Let’sgetyououtofthosedressesandbackintoyourjeans.”Julieherdedthemdownthehallway.“ThenI’llgoandgrabmythingsoutofthetruckandwe’llgoandseethehorses.”
WhenSandysetoffforthekitchenwiththeleftovercake,CarterquicklybroughtRowleyandJouptodate.“I’llgoandchange.Doyouhavespareuniformsattheoffice?”
“Yeah.”Rowleyscratchedhischeek.“Jennaisgoingtobelikeabearwithasoreheadwhenshefindsoutaboutthis.”
“Tydidtherightthing.”Emily’sbrowwrinkledintoafrown.“JennadeservessometimeawaywithDave.”Sheshrugged.“We’lljustmakesurewhenshecomesback,wehaveeverythingundercontrol.I’llheadstraighttothemorgueandmeetDad.We’llneedtogetstarted.Withtwovictimstoprocess,it’sgoingtobeatonofwork.”
CarterpushedbackhisStetson.“Okay,let’sgetatit.”HewhistledtoZorroandpattedhislegforDuketofollowhimandthenheadedforthedoor.“I’llleavethedogsinthecottage.Theyenjoyeachother’scompanyandwe’regoingtobebusy.JennainsistedthatPumpkinisfinetodoherownthing.Shehasfoodandwater,soIguessI’llleaveherbe.”
“That’sagoodidea.”Jowalkedalongbesidehimbacktothecottage.“Gettingbacktothehomicides,ifit’sexactlythesameMOinbothcases,itmakesthisinteresting.”Shepickedherwayovertheunevengroundonstraplessheels.“Iguesswelookforsymbolism.I’llneedtoseethecrimescenephotographstogetaprofileuponthisguy.”
CarternoticedthestrainedexpressiononJo’sface.“Sure,butwhat’sup,Jo?Imeanapartfromthecase.There’ssomethingtroublingyou.Icantell.”
“It’shavingJaimehereinthemiddleofamurderinvestigation.Ishieldherfrommywork,andit’stooeasywitheveryoneinvolvedforthingstoslipout.She’swaytooyoungtobeexposedtowhatpeoplearecapableofdoingtoeachother.”Jo’smouthturneddown.“I’dprefertotakeJaimehometodayifpossible.ItrustWolfe’shousekeeper,butifI’mworryingaboutJaime,I’mnotconcentratingonthecase.”
Carterremovedhishatashewalkedintothecottageandtosseditonapeg.Heturnedtolookather.“Takingherhomeisn’taproblem,butareyousureyoudon’twanttospendmoretimewithher?Youdon’thavetocomeintotheofficeatall.Wecanmanageforatimewithoutyou.I’msureJaimewouldappreciateacouplemoredayshereontheranchwithyou.”
“Iappreciatethethought,butyouneedaprofiler.”Josmiledathim.“Jaimeisveryindependentandisusedtomecomingandgoing.She’snotaninfant.Sheiseightnowandassmartasawhip.It’snotlikeI’mawayeveryday,butwhenIamsheisinsuchagreatroutineshehardlymissesme.Thevideochatshelpmemorethantheydoher.ImissherwhenI’mawayandsheseemstobouncethroughitlikeit’sjustanotherday.”Shesmiledathimandhungupherjacket.“Ioweeverythingtoournanny.Clara’sbeentheresinceJaime’sbirthandthey’reveryclose.She’smorelikehergrandmother.”
Carterstoppedtolookather.“Okay,I’llgoandrefuelthechopperandwe’llleaveassoonaswegetthechance.Itwon’ttakelongifyouaskClaratomeetusattheoffice.You’realwaysworryingaboutJaime’swelfare,butareyouhappy,Jo?”
“Yeah,funnilyenoughIam.”Joshruggedoutofherjacketandhungitononefinger.“Withschoolandherdancinglessons,Ionlygettoseeherbeforesheheadsouttoschoolorintheeveningsanyway.Nothavingamaninmylife,Iprefertokeepbusy.”Shesighed.“Imissbeingmarried.ItwouldbenicetohavesomeonetodiscussmydaywithwhenIgethome.Ididn’tthinkitmattereduntilIwatchedJennaandDave’swedding.Imissthatconnection.”Shegavehimaruefulsmile.“ButIhaveyoutowatchmyback,soit’snotalldoomandgloom.”
“True.”Carterheadedforhisroom.“Istillcan’tfigurewhyyouchosemeasyourpartner.I’malostcause,Jo.”
“There’snosuchthing.”Jofollowedhimdownthehall.“Anyway,Ilikeachallenge.WewerebothbrokenwhenwearrivedoutatSnakeskinGullyandwe’rehonestwitheachother.Ilikethatwecanworktogetherwithoutwalkingoneggshellsallthetime.YousayitlikeitisandIlikethataboutyou,evenifyouhaveafaultyfilterattimes.”
Amused,becauseJorarelytalkedaboutherpreviouslifeandhusband,Carterturnedatthedoor.“YouhavetoadmitI’vechanged.”Hesmiledather.“ThankstoyouandJenna,I’malmosthumanagain.”
“Yeah,butyou’vealwaysbeenciviltome,andIappreciateit.”Jokickedoffhershoesandbenttopickthemup.
Carterregardedherwithinterest.ThiswasanothersidetoJohehadn’tseenbefore.She’dalwaysbeenultra-professionalwithhimfromtheget-goand,asshewashissuperior,he’dalwaystreadlightlyaroundher.Sherarelyletherguarddownandhavingheradmithervulnerabilitysurprisedhim.Hesmiledather.“Everyonedeservestohaveatleastoneclosefriend.I’venoticedCagegetsallflusteredaroundyou.Maybeyoushouldaskhimoutforacoffee.”
“SheriffCageWalkerisaveryniceman,butI’ddrivehimcrazy.”Jogiggled.“He’sanoldsoulinayoungbodyandspeakssoslowly.Everytimewetalk,Ifeellikehe’sinslowmotionandI’mflashingaroundhim.”Shesnortedwithamusement.“Now,don’tyoustartmatchmaking.IalreadyhaveEmonmycase.”Shewavedhimaway.“Goandchangeyourclothes.Wehavepeoplewaitingforustosolvethiscrime.”Shehurrieddownthehallway.
Shakinghishead,Carterlookedafterher.Sherancirclesaroundhimtoo.
EIGHT
Stillbathingintheweddingglow,Jennahadn’tletgoofKane’shandsinceleavinghome.Everythinghadhappenedsofastandnow,finallyalonewithherhusband,itwastakingalongtimetounwind.AftercuttingtheweddingcakeandposingforRiototakeamillionphotographs,they’dchangedintocasualclothesandclimbedintothechopper.Excitedtobeleaving,thelastthingonJenna’smindwasmurder.Bubblingoverwithhappiness,she’dsmiledastheywavedgoodbyetoeveryone.WolfehadtakenthemdirectlytotheairportandtheyboardedaprivatejettoFlorida,complimentsofPOTUS.
Luxuriousdidn’tcomeclosetohowtodescribethejet.Itwaslikeflyinginahigh-endhotelroom.Jennarelaxedinthecomfortableleatherseat,snuggledunderKane’sarm,andjustbreathed.They’dbeenintheairforalmosttwohourswhentheflightattendantcamebytoofferthemmoredrinksandaselectionofmeals.ShelistenedwithinterestashespoketoKane.
“Wejustheardthere’saweatherwatchfortheFloridacoast.Thereisahurricaneoutatseaandmovinglandward.Ourordershavechanged.We’restayingoveruntilMondayincaseyouneedtobeevacuated.Here’sanumbertocallifthestormcausesaproblem.Justmakeittohangareightandwe’lltakeitfromthere.”HehandedKaneacard.
“Copythat.”Kane’sbrowsknottedintoafrown.“Justhowbadisthisstorm?”
“It’sabigone,butyouknowhurricanes.Theycanchangecourse.Itmightswingpastandyou’llbefine.Justchecktheweatheralerts,andifthere’saproblem,getthehelloutofDodge.”Hegavethemanodandheadedbacktothegalley.
Staringoutattheclearbluesky,JennarestedherheadonKane’schest.“We’llbefine.Surelynothingwillhappeninthenextcoupleofdays.We’llleaveonSundayifitlookslikeit’sheadinginland.”
“Yeah.”Kanerubbedhischinthoughtfully.“I’llbesuretocheckforweatheralertsonmyphone.”Hesmiledather.“Let’seatandmaybewatchamovietokillsometime.”
Withhermindonseaandsand,Jennanoddedandstraightenedinherseat.“Youchoosesomething.”Shesighed.“Thisjetisspectacular.Icouldgetusedtothisluxury.”
“Wedon’thavetowork.Wecouldretireandspendtherestofourlivesdoingwhateverweliked.”Kanescrolledthroughthemoviechoicesonthescreen.“Butafteratime,Ifigurethatwouldgetboring.Iknowitseemscrazywantingtoputinthehourssolvingcrimes,butIactuallyenjoyit.”
ConsideringlongandhardaboutspendingayearonabeachinHawaiiandthendismissingit,Jennahadtoagreewithhim.“Ilovemyjobtoo,andgrabbingweekendslikethistogetherisallthemorespecialbecausethey’rehardtocomeby.I’dhatetolosethatappreciationoftakingavacation.”Shegazeddownattheringsonherfingerandsmiled.“Wehadtogetawayforahoneymoon.Ithinkwebothneednewmemoriesandsomethingtotellthegrandkids.Although,ImissDukeandPumpkinalready.”
“Metoo.”Kaneliftedoneshoulderinahalfshrug.“Pumpkinisveryindependent,andDukelikesCarterandenjoysthecompanyofZorro.Timewilltellifhecopeswithoutusbeingthere.”
Jennarolledhereyes.“He’llprobablygiveyouthecoldshoulderwhenyougetback.”
“Moreliketaketohavingshowerswithmeagain.”Kanegrinnedbroadly.“Foradogwhohateswater,hemusthavebeenveryinsecuretodothat.”
ThememoryofKaneburiedalivesentshiversdownJenna’sspine.WithoutDuketheywouldn’thavefoundhimintime.Shepushedthememoriesintothebackofhermind.“Let’shopehe’sneverinsecureagain.”
ItwaslateafternoonbythetimetheytoucheddowninFlorida.TheheatwasstiflingandperspirationtrickleddownJenna’sbackastheymadetheirwaytothecarrentaldesk.Theonlyvehicleavailablewasasmallcompact.Jennashookherheadindisbelief.“Wereservedatruck.Howareyougoingtofitinthere?Thisiscrazy.”
“Don’tworry.Wolfesaidhismom’scondoisoppositethebeachandeverythingweneedisinwalkingdistance.”Kaneshookhisheadandpushedtheseatbackasfarasitwouldgo.Hefoldedhimselfintotheseat.“Wejusthavetogetthereandbackisall.”Heleanedoutthedoortoremovehishat.“MyheadistouchingtheroofandIdon’tfiguretheseatbeltwillfit.”
“I’llsnapyouin.”Jennaopenedthedoortoawallofblisteringheatthatrushedoutandsurroundedher.Sweatstuckhershirttoherbackassheloweredherselfintothescorchingseat.“Iwasn’texpectingittobethishot.CrankuptheACtoitslimit.I’mgoingtomeltinthisheat.”
“Openthewindows.Theairwillblowouttheheat,andwhenweshutthem,theACwillworkbetter.”Kanestartedtheengine,enteredtheaddressintotheGPS,andbackedoutoftheparkingspace.“Iwasn’texpectingittobesohotonthecoast.”Heglancedather.“Wehaveaprivatejetatourdisposal,maybewecouldturnaroundandheadforHawaii.”
LaughingJennashookherhead.“Bythetimewegetthereitwillbetimetoheadhome.That’sgottobe,what,ninehoursorsofromhere?”
“Yeah,butitwasniceandcoolintheplane,andtheyhadfoodandmovies.”Kane’seyestwinkledwithmischief.“Ilovetravelingonluxuryaircraft.NotthatI’vebeenonmany.ItookafewflightswithPOTUS,butinservice,itwasusuallyanythingthatIcouldgetarideon.I’dbesittingonthefloormosttimeswithtrucksandsupplies.”
AsthiswasherfirstvisittoFlorida,Jennatookinthesceneryandgrinnedwhenthefirstglimpseofthesparklingoceancameintoview.Concerncrushedherexcitementasshelookedintothedistance.Abandofdarkcloudshungoverthehorizonlikeamassivetsunamithreateningtostrikeatanymoment.“Oh,Idon’tlikethelookofthat.”
“It’salongwayaway.”Kaneturnedintoabeachroad.“Moststormslooklikethatatsea.Itdoesn’tnecessarilymeanit’sahurricane.Itmightjustbeathunderstorm.It’sveryhottodayandtheyoftenhaveeveningstormshere.”
UneasecrawledoverJenna.“Ihopeyou’reright.”Shetriedtopushtheworryfromhermind.“WhatelsedidWolfetellyouaboutthisplace?”
“LikeIsaid,thecondoisinabuildingwitharestaurant,coffeeshop,andabeachwearstore,oppositethebeach.Hesaidthefoodisgood,butwecancookourselvesifwewant.Healsosaidhelefthisknuckleheadinthegarage.It’sdrainedofgas,buthismomleftacanofgasinthere,ifwewanttotakeitforaride.He’shavingitshippedtoBlackRockFallswhenhismomcomesdownforhervacationinAugust.”
Jennablinkedathim.“Whatisaknucklehead?”
“Amotorcycle,aHarley.”Kanechuckled.“It’sanoldoneherestoredyearsagoandridesonhisvacations.Sincehiswifedied,herarelycomeshere.Ithastoomanymemories.”
“That’ssosad.”Shepointed.“Look!PalmDrive,turnhere.Oh,thislooksnice.”
Astheyjoinedalineoftrafficcrawlingalongthebeachfront,Jenna’sattentionmovedtothesea.TheGooglesearchshe’dmadeoftheareashowedimagesofablueoceanandwhitecrestedshorebreaksongoldensands.Thesealookedangry,reflectingthegraycloudscumulatingonthehorizon.Hugewavespoundedthebeach,creatingalineoffoam,
“Assoonaswegetsettled.Ah,here’sthebuilding.”Kanedroveintoanundergroundparkinglotandpunchednumbersintoakeypad.
Themeshdoorrolledupwardslowlyandtheydrovefrombrilliantsunshineintoadimspace.Jennatippeduphersunglassesandpointedahead.“Lookwecanparkinthebays.They’renumbered,butifwedrivethrough,therearegarageslinedupagainstthefarwall.”
“They’reprobablystorageareas.”Kaneparkedinabay.“Thisisthecorrectnumber.We’llleaveithere.It’scoolerunderthebuilding.We’llneedtocollecttheapartmentkeyfromaneighbor.HernameisMrs.Coats.”Heopenedthedoor,climbedoutandstretched.“IsuremisstheBeast.Ifyouwanttogoanywhere,maybeweshouldusethemotorcycle?”
Smilingassheslidoutofthesedan,Jennainhaledtheozoneandsighed.“I’mnotplanningongoinganywhere,butIcan’twaittogetmytoesintothesand.”
“Maybelater,whenit’scooler.”Kane’smouthcurledintoasmile,andhepulledhercloseandkissedher.“Ifyourecall,thisisourhoneymoon?”
Jennagiggled.“HowcouldIforget?”Shegazedintohiseyes.“Butthebeachlater.Maybeamoonlightstrollafterdinner?”
“Sure.”Kanesteppedawayandpulledtheirbagsfromthebackseat.Hepushedhishatonhisheadandhisexpressionchangetoserious.Hedumpedthebagsontothehoodofthesedan,turnedandcuppedhercheeks,histhumbsmakingtinycircles.“Youaresodarnbeautiful,Jenna.Tellmethisisn’tadream.”
Misty-eyed,Jennalookedintohisdarkbluegazeandsighedincontentment.“Well,ifitis,Idon’teverwanttowakeup.”
NINEBLACKROCKFALLS
Afterenteringalltheimageshe’dtakenatthesceneintoevidenceandemailingacopyofthefilestoallconcerned,ZacRiostoodatthewhiteboardinJenna’sofficeandmadenotesforothersinvolvedintheinvestigation.Alltheinformationhe’dgatheredremainedinhishead.Havingaretentivememorywasgoodforhim,buthesometimesforgototherscouldn’treadwhatwasinhismind.Theprocedureforprocessingahomicidesceneandrunninganinvestigationwasvirtuallythesameforallareasoflawenforcement,butbeingfirstresponderhaditsobligations.AsJennahadgivenhimthelead,he’dplayitbythebook.Hisfileswerecomplete,buthetransferredhisobservationsofthecrimescenetothewhiteboardforeveryonetosee.Heincludedthetimehe’darrivedandwhereMr.Brinkswaslocated.He’dsecuredthesceneandmadesuretherewasn’taphysicalthreattohiswitness.Hecouldplainlyseethevictimwasdead,buthe’dcheckedthebodyforlifesignsandthencalleditinbeforevalidatingMr.Brinks’identityandtakingastatement.He’dtakenimagesofBrinks’truck,tires,anddriver’slicensefortherecord.
He’dmadeanoteoftheweatherandtemperature,listedtheotherofficersonscene,andmadeanoteaboutCartersmellingformaldehyde.Aftersteppingbackandlookingathiswork,hestartedanotherheadingforpossibleusesofformaldehydeandthepeoplewhouseditregularly.They’dneedachecklisttoworkthroughduringtheinvestigation.
HemovedhisattentionfromhislistandovertotheoneJennahadstartedonthefirstvictim.Besideherlist,headdedaheadingforvictimtwoandnotedthecomparisonbetweenbothvictims:
Caucasian
Female
Blondehair
Nakedapartfromathinnegligee
Mask
Glue
Meatskewersinsertedalongspine
Ligaturemarks
Bruising
Cleanfeet
Numbercutintoback
Ashefinishedwriting,CarterandJowalkedintotheofficeaftertheirroundtriptoSnakeskinGullyandback.Rowleyfollowedclosebehindthem.Riowavedahandtowardthecoffeemachines.“There’splentyofcoffeeifyouneedit.Whileyouwereaway,Iupdatedyourfiles.Ifigureweneedtoexploretheformaldehydeangleasit’sallwehaverightnow.”
“Notsofast.”Jofoldedherhandsinherlapandstaredathim.“Twomurders,sameMO.Bothdumpedintownandwehavenomissingpersonsfittingtheirdescriptions.Thisislikewavingaredflagatme,Rio.”
Interested,RiodroppedintoJenna’sofficechairandlookedather.“Howso?”
“Thisscreamsofanorganizedserialkiller.”Jostoodandwenttothecountertopouracupofcoffee.“Thereissymbolismhereandweneedtolookmorecloselyatit.Themaskandtheskewersmeansomethingtothisman.”Sheturnedandleanedagainstthecounter,cupinhand.“Thisisn’thisfirstdance,andfromthecrimesceneimages,weneedtobelookingatothermurdervictims.Carterhasseensomethinglikethisbefore,sothat’sanotherangletoinvestigate.”
Nodding,Rioclearedhisthroat.“Iagreebutweneedtofindsuspects,andifthismanisintownandhasaccesstoformaldehyde,thatwillgiveusaleadtofollow.ImeanhowmanypeopleinBlackRockFallscouldthatbe?”
“Maybemorethanyouthink.”Rowleylookedupfromhistablet.“Ohboy,it’susedinatonofthings.Wefiguredamortuaryandataxidermist,butit’susedinmanufacturing.Therecyclingplantthattakeswoodfromthelandfillandmakesitintocompositewoodproductsusesformaldehyde-basedresins.”Hescrolledthroughapage.“Andwehaveafactoryontheoutskirtsoftownthatmakesresins.”Hesighed.“It’susedasapreservativeandadisinfectant,soit’sjustabouteverywhere.”
“I’msureWolfewillbeabletonarrowdownwhattypewasusedonthebody.”Cartershookhishead.“Itwasn’taresin.Itsmelledlikeanundertaker’spreparationroom,oraspecimenkeptinajarinalaboratory.Thattype,strength,orwhateverhastobeavailabletoafew,notavastmajority.AsfarasIknow,chemicalslikethathaverestricteddistribution.Weshouldbeabletotrackdownalocalsupplieronceweknowwhatspecificonewe’retracking.We’llhavemoreleadsaftertheautopsies.”
RiostoodandaddedJo’sobservationstothewhiteboard.“Okay,sowemaybeaddschoolsandcollegestothelist?Irecallspecimensbeingpreservedinformaldehydeoralcohol.It’sworthlookinginto.Imean,evenajanitorcouldhaveaccesstoasupply.”
“So,weworkontrackingtheformaldehydeuntilWolfehascompletedtheautopsies?”Rowleyglancedupfromhistablet.
“Somethingelse.”Cartertossedatoothpickintohismouth.“Theskewers.We’llneedtoseeifthey’rethesameoneachvictim.We’llneedasupplieroftheseinbulkaswell.Thekillerusedatonofthemand,ifhepurchasedthemlocally,someonewouldhavenoticedaguybuyingthatnumberofskewers.”
“Okay.”Riomademorenotes.“Anythingelse?”
“Wehavezipreportsofmissingwomen,hereorfromthesurroundingcounties.”Jowentbacktoherseatandplacedhercuponthedesk.“Ifthesewomenareout-of-townersorfromoutofthestate,whichseemsreasonableatthispointintime,youwon’thavejurisdictiontoinvestigatethecase.You’llneedcooperationfromthelawenforcementinwhatevercountyorstatethesewomenhailfrom.”Shespreadherhandswide.“Thiscaseisn’tgoingtobeeasy.FromwhatI’veseensofar,ifthiskillerisbringingbodieshere,he’snotjustusingBlackRockFallsasadumpingground.He’stryingtoproveapoint.Weneedtofindoutwhatthatreasonis—andfast.It’sobvioushehasanaxtogrindwithsomeone,andwhatismoredisturbingisthatifhehasmultiplecomfortzonesandismovingbetweenthem,thiscasecouldstretchacrossstates.”
Consideringtheramificationsofherstatement,Riodroppedintohischair.“Right.Cartermentionedasimilarcasesometimeago.Weshouldpullthatupandcomparethemurderstoourvictims.Maybethisguyhasbeeninjailandthatputastoptohiskillingspreeforatime.Itprotectedhimfrombeingcaughtifheismovingfromstatetostate.”Heleanedback,runningideasthroughhismind.“We’llneedtolookatoffendersreleasedfromjailinthelastsay…year?Also,occupationsthatwouldgiveakillermultiplecomfortzones.Inmyopinion,we’relookingforapersonwhotravelsaroundandmaybestaysindifferentplacesforashorttimebutknowsthelocationwell.”
“Iagree.”Josippedhercoffeeandsighed.“Sowhatoccupationsarewelookingathere?”
Standingandmovingtothewhiteboard,Riosearchedhismind.“Long-distancetruckdriver,abusinessmanwhomovesaroundwithinhisbusinessesandhasapartmentsindifferentcountiesandstates.”
“Drillersspendtimeindifferentplaces,especiallytheoffshorerigs.”Rowleylookedanimated.“Theoilbusinessemploysatonofpeopleandtheymovearoundeverywhere.”
“Man,thisisgettingcomplicated.We’restillassumingthevictimshavebeenmoved,sowhoeverisdoingthisisdriving,notmovingaroundbyair,unlesstheyhavetheirownaircraftorchopper.Aroundhere,therearemanycattlemenwiththeirownchoppers.Itcouldbeanyonefromthesuggestedoccupationsorjustsomeoneonvacationwiththeirowncabin.”CarterremovedhishatandruffledhisblondhairbeforereplacingtheStetsononhishead.“IfigureMondaywon’tcomesoonenough.Jennawillneedallthehelpshecanget,andI’mdarnsurewe’renotgoinganywhere.She’llneedallhandsondeckforthishomicide.”
Allowingtheinformationtosettleintoplace,Riosatbackdown.Hemusttakechargeanddelegate.“Okay,Rowley,youhuntdownsuppliersofformaldehyde,getalist,callthem,andaskthemifthey’llgiveusalistofpeopleandplacestheysellto.Thatshouldcutdownthegruntworkoftracingthechemical.”
“I’monit.”Rowleystoodandheadedoutthedoor.
DealingwiththeFBIwassurreal,andRiolookedatCarter.“Wouldyoumindhuntingdownthecasefilesyoumentionedsowecancomparethem?”
“Sure,I’lluseKane’sdesk.”Carterstoodandwenttothecountertofillacupwithcoffeebeforeheslippedfromtheroom.
“Whathaveyougotformetodo?”Jo’sfacebrightened.“Icandogruntwork.”
Rionodded.“Wouldyouhelpmehuntdownanyonewithoffensesagainstwomenwhowasreleasedfromjailoverthelasttwoorthreeyears?Maybeoneofthemwillfityourprofile.”Heleanedforwardinhischairwithhishandslinkedonthedesk.“WhenI’mdone,I’llheadonovertothecountyrecordsofficebeforetheyclosefortheweekend.I’llhuntdownthenamesofout-of-townerswhoowncabinsorweekendersinBlackRockFalls.”
“YoumightneedBobbyKalotohelpyouwiththattask.”Josmiled.“He’ssuperfast.”
PickingupthephoneandcallingKalo’snumber,Rionodded.“Goodthinking.”Hefrowned.“WhenIarrived,Ihadaspirationsofbeingsheriff,andafterworkinghereinSerialKillerCentral,Idon’tknowhowJennakeepsupthepace.”
TEN
“Windgustsof85to110milesperhour,northtonortheast.IfHurricaneZorbamaintainsitscurrentheading,itisexpectedtocrossthecoastinthenextthirty-sixtoforty-eighthours.Prepareyourhomesandcompleteyourplansforevacuation.Thenextupdatewillbeintwohours.Ifevacuationisnecessary,followtheadviceofthelocalofficials.”
Kanesatontheedgeofthebedandlistenedintentlytothesmallradio.HelookedupasJennacameoutofthebathroomwrappedinatowelfollowedbyacloudofhoneysucklefragrance.“Itlookslikewehavetwenty-fourhourstoenjoyFloridabeforewemustleavetobesafe.I’mnotgoingtoriskourliveshangingaroundtomeetHurricaneZorba.Itlookslikethebeachwalkisoff.”
“I’mnotsureI’dwanttohitthebeachanywaywithamajorstormwhippinguptheocean.Itlookslikeahorrormoviesetoutthere.”Jennastaredoutthewindowandletoutalongsigh.“Iwassolookingforwardtoaswimandthefeelofsandbetweenmytoes,ratherthanfindingitinmyhairandstuckbetweenmyteeth.Thewindisbrutal.Inthatglimpseofthebeach,wehadwalkingfromtheparkinglot,mylegsfeelasifthey’vebeensandblasted.”
“Minetoo.”Kanestoodandwrappedhisarmsaroundher,peeringatthewavespoundingthebeach.Hefrownedasthewindgustsbentthepalmtreesallinthesamedirection.“It’sgettingprettywildoutthere.Doyoufeellikegoingouttograbamealbeforeitgetsanyworse?TherestaurantdownstairshadaWE’REOPENsignpaintedontheboardscoveringthewindows.”
“Maybelater.IthinkIshouldcallRioandseehowthecaseisprogressing.”Jennapickedupherphone.
Kanepluckeditfromherhand.“Oh,noyoudon’t.”Heshookhishead.“Weagreed.Noshoptalk.Inanycase,ifyoucall,they’llthinkyou’recheckinguponthem,andthey’remorethancapableofhandlingahomicide.Thisisouralonetimetogether,Jenna.Relaxandenjoyitwhilewecan.”
“Okay,butitdoesn’tfeelright.”Jennaslippedfromhisarmsandlookedaroundthefloor.“Wherearemythings?”
“Here.”KanegrabbedJenna’sbaganddroppeditontothebed.“I’vebeenthroughahurricaneandI’mconcernedabouttheweather.It’sgettingworseanditdoesn’ttakeageniustoseethewindisdangerous.Ifigureifthestormkeepstrackingthisway,weshouldheadbacktotheairportfirstthinginthemorning.Wecan’triskleavingittothelastmoment.Ifeveryonestartstoevacuateatonce,itwilltaketheentiredaytogetthroughthetraffic.I’veseenpeoplepanicandit’snotnice.”Hewrappedhisarmsaroundher.“Iknowyou’redisappointed,butI’llmakeituptoyou.I’llfindanicesafebeachforustovisitthenexttimewetakeabreak,Ipromise.”
“Theweatherisn’tyourfault.”Jennaturnedandplacedherhandsonhisshoulders.“Ijustwantedaweekendtorememberandhavestoriestotellourgrandkidsandnowlookwhat’shappened.Ijinxedourhoneymoon.”
“No,youdidn’t.”Kaneshookhisheadandsmiledather.“Ifigureyouwantedalittleexcitementtoo,andwishesdon’talwaysworkoutthewayyouplanthem.Wehadaluxuriousflight,andawonderfulafternoontogether.”
“Wesuredid.”Jenna’smouthcurledintoasatisfiedsmile.“AlthoughIdidn’tknowI’dmarriedaUSMarshal.”Shegiggled.“Youcertainlyarefullofsurprises.”
“That’safirstformetoo.Wolfeisagenius.”Kanethoughtforabeat.“I’lldropbythe7-Elevenandmakeupasurvivalkit,justincasewehavetoleaveinahurry.Theywereopenwhenwecameby.Theyhaveshuttersonthestorefrontwindows.Ifigurethey’reusedtotheweatherbynow.”
“Yeah,weshouldmakethatapriority.Ifeelstrangewithoutmysheriff’sjacket.”Jennastaredoutatthedarkeningskyandshuddered.“Mypocketsarealreadyfullwithemergencysuppliesbutit’snotenough,”
Aclapofthunderrolledacrossthesky,andunderhispalmsJennatrembled.Hepulledhercloser,kissedher,andthenleanedbacktolookather—hisbeautifulwife.Hestillcouldn’tbelieveit.Alumpformedinhisthroatandheswallowedit,pushinghisweddingtoAnniefarintotherecessesofhismind.HelovedJennawithallhisheart,butAnniewouldalwaysbewithhimasifwatchingfromafar.Heforcedhisexpressiontoremaincalm,althoughtheweatherwarninghadconcernedhim.AsJennapickeduponhismoods,hewantedtokeepitlightandhappy,evenwithahurricanethreateningtospoileverything.
“Youreallyarehungry.”Jennainclinedherheadandlookedintohiseyesasiftryingtoseehisthoughts.“Icanhearyourstomachgrowling.I’llgetdressed.We’lldropbythe7-Elevenandthenfindsomeplacetoeat.”
“Wolferecommendedtherestaurantdownstairs.Hesaiditissecondtonone.We’llhaveanicemealandagoodbottleofwine.I’llmakeitaneveningtoremember.”
“Thatsoundsperfect.”Jennayawnedandstretched.“Ifwecan’tgotothebeach,let’sgetanearlynight.Ihatestormsandallthistravelingiswearingmeout.”
Amused,Kanenodded.“Yeah,I’dlikethattoo.”
ELEVEN
“AnotherdayandI’mstillalive.”PoppyAndersonranherfingertipsoverthebumpystonewalls,takingnoteoftheunusualgougesandscrapes.Thecoldseepedintoherfromtheforeverdampwalls.Theconstantsheenofmoisturefedapatchofbrightgreenmoss.Itstartedinacrackonthefloorandtumbledacrossonecornerbeforeclimbingupthewalls.Shehadtobeimprisonedinasectionofcavesdeepunderground.Movingherhandsslowly,sheexaminedtheroughsurfaceandsmallfissures.There’dbeenanimalscatonthefloorwhenshe’darrivedandavarietyofcritters—mice,rats,cockroaches,ants,spiders,andmaggots—visiteddaily.
Timeseemedtodragbyinoneendlessday,butithadtobesummerbynow,becausethemanwho’dimprisonedherglistenedwithsweatwhenhearrived,asifhe’dwalkedforatimecarryingthesupplies.Shewonderedifthecaveshadoncebeenpartofanoldmineorusedasaprisonalongtimeago.TherehadbeenaTVshowabouttherailroadscuttingthroughtheWest.Inthosedaystownsgrewveryfastandplaceslikecaveswereoftenusedtoholdprisonersorasstorage.Herprisoncellwasverydamp,andsomedayswaterrandownthewallstoescapeintoadrain.Theplumbingconfusedher.Ifthiscavewasdeepunderground,herjailerhadtakengreatpainstoaddatoiletandwashbasin.Indaysgoneby,she’dhavehadabucketandstrawonthefloor.Evenwiththeamenitiestheodorofsweatandsewageclungtothedampstaleair.
Keepinghermindactivewasheronlychanceofsurvival.Goingstir-crazymeantaslowdeath.Itwasasiftheirjaileruseditasanexcusetohurtthem.Asiflisteningtoherthoughts,awomanpleadedtobesetfreeandpoundedonadoorcloseby.Poppypressedhermouthtothecrackinthedooranddroppedhervoicetoawhisper.“Calmdown.He’llkillyou.”
Shelistenedinhorrorasthewomanignoredherwhispersandscreamed,hammeringonthedoor.He’dcomenow,maybenotstraightaway,buthe’dalwayswalkinrealslow.Awaveofdreadwashedoverherandshetrembledasfootsteps,slowanddeliberate,echoedthroughthepassageswellbeforehearrived.Thesmellofhimseemedtoseepthroughthedoorinamiasmaofunwashedmale.She’dfoundatinycrackinthewalltopeerthroughwithouthimseeingher,butpanicgrippedher.Hestoodforatimenotahand’swidthaway,lookingupanddowntherowsofcells.Asifmakinghischoice,heopenedadooranddraggedoutoneofthewomen.Thewomanfoughtback,kickingandbiting,buthislargehandsclosedaroundherthroat.Asheshookhertothebrinkofunconsciousness,theconversationwasalwaysthesame.Heinclinedhisheadandstaredatherbulgingeyes.BilerushedupthebackofPoppy’sthroat.Surely,heknewhisvictimcouldneverreply.Itwasasifaskingthequestionswasaritualtovalidatemurderingthem.
“Whatisyournumber?”Heliftedthemfromthefloor.“Doyouunderstandtheconsequencesofmakinganoise?”
Thewoman’seyesrolledupinherheadandhedroppedhertothefloor.Coughingandgagging,thewomantriedtocrawlbacktohercell,buthewasonherinasecond.
“You’veaskedtobepunished.”Hepushedthechokingwomantoherkneesandgrabbedherhair.“Doyoufigureyoucantemptamantoleavehiswifenow?”
Thewomanshookherhead,gaspingforbreath.
“I’mgoingtokillyou.Canyoumakemechangemymind?”Hebenttostareintohisvictim’seyes.Thewomanwasclutchingatherthroat,justtryingtobreathe.Heshookherbythehair.“No?Ididn’tthinkso.”
Terrified,Poppyshivered.Thewoman’sscreamscrawledinsideherhead.Shecoveredherearsandsliddownthewallandhummed.Themantookforevertokill,asifhesavoredeverypainfulblow.Therewasnomercy.Sicktothestomach,Poppytrembleduncontrollablyastheonlysoundcomingfromoutsidehercellwastheman’sheavybreathingandthedraggingsoundasheremovedthebody.Fearoverwhelmedherandshecouldn’tmove.Nosoundcamefromtheothercells.Wasshefinallyalone?Wouldhebringmorewomentofeedhisneedtokill?Teethchatteringwithfear,shecrawledtothemattressandcurledintoaball.Soonitwouldbeherturntodieunlessshecouldworkoutawaytoescape
IthadbeenastruggleasPoppytriedtokeephersanityandwits.Conversationwasbanned,butonceaweekthemanwouldtakeherfromthecellandwatchhershower.Duringthistime,she’dmakesmallremarks.Askinghowhisdayhadbeenandthankinghimfortheshower.Mosttimesheignoredher,treatingherlessthanifhe’djusthoseddownhis
Footstepscameback,andPoppyfroze.Fearhadherbythethroat,butasthekeyturnedinthelock,shescrambledtoherfeet.Thedooropenedwithametalliccreak,andshewaited,standingtallandproud.Coweringtothismonsterwouldgivehimpoweroverher.Staringhimstraightintheeyes,shecouldn’tmissthebloodspatteroverhisfaceandbarechest.Sheswallowedhard,realizinghewasnaked.Whatdidhewantwithher?Takingherlifeinherhands,shepusheddowntheterrorandliftedherchin.Sheneededtomakehimunderstand.“Iknowwhyyoupunishthewomen.Whydoyoudoeverythingalone?Icanhelpyou.”
“Whywouldyouwanttohelpme?”Hestaredatherwithnottheslightesthintofexpressiononhisface.“You’rejustlikethem.I’veseenyouinaction,remember?YouadmittedtogoingtoBlackRockFallstolandyouadeputy.Youmustknowheliveswiththesheriff?It’stheworst-keptsecretinthecounty.It’sbeenthatwaysincehearrivedintown,andyouplannedtocomebetweenthem,didn’tyou?”
Gatheringhernerve,Poppystraightened,nottakinghereyesfromhisface“ForgetDaveKane.IcanhelpbecauseI’mjustlikeyou.”
TWELVEFLORIDA,SATURDAY
AstrangerushingsounddraggedJennafromadeepsleep.Shesatupinpitchblack,unsureofhersurroundings.Sheblinkedafewtimes.Thereadoutfromthebedsideclockwasmissingandtheannoyingrattlingoftheairconditionerhadstopped.Allthenoisecamefromoutside.Thepromisedstormmustbewreakinghavoc.Ahowlingwindscreamedthroughthenightandtheshuttersonthewindowrattledlikeatraingoingoveranoldbridge.Rat-a-tat,rat-atat,rat-a-tat.Atingleofworrycreptoverher.Kanewouldwakeattheslightestsoundandshesensedhewasn’tbesideher.Thedarknessclosedinaroundherand,concerned,shepushedherhandsovertherumpledsheetnexttoher.Thebedwasemptyandcool.“Dave?”
Nothing.
Itwassodarkandthenaflashoflightningsentspearsoflightintotheroomforoneblindingsecond.Asthunderfollowedclosebehind,Jennareachedforthebedsidelampandflickedtheswitch.
Nothing.
Thestormmusthavecausedablackout,butwherewasKane?Hewouldn’tleaveheraloneinastorm.AlarmforhissafetygrippedJenna’schestassheeasedoutofthebed.“Dave,whereareyou?”
Nothing.
She’ddiscussedplanswithhimoverdinnertoleaveinanemergency.The7-Elevenhadeverythingtheyneededfortheirevacuationpack,andKanehadlistenedtothestormwarningupdatesallevening.Thewindhadpickedupconsiderablyduringdinnerandthemanageroftherestaurantwasstackingchairsastheyatedessert.Itwasobvioushewantedtoheadforthehillsbeforethestormcrossedthecoastlinebutbeforetheylefthe’dofferedthemastackofsandwichestogo.Asthey’dlefttherestaurant,theyranintoastreamofresidentsfilingoutofthebuilding.Allelderly,theypushedtheirluggageinanorderlyfashiondowntotheparkinglot,andMrs.Coats,who’dgiventhemthekeytothecondo,tookthemtoonesideandexplainedtheotherresidentsdidn’twanttotaketheriskofstaying.Aftercheckingtheweatherwarningattenthepreviousevening,they’ddecideditshouldbesafetoleaveatdaylight.They’dmadereadytoleave,chargedtheirphones,andlaidoutclothesforafastretreatandheadedtobed.So,whathadchanged?Jennafeltherwayacrosstheunfamiliarfloorsearchingforthenightstandandherphone.Trippingoverherboots,shestumbledheadlongintothenightstand,bumpedoffitandlandedinaneasychair.Annoyedforbeingsoskittish,shestoodslowly.“Getagrip,Jenna.”
Thewindhowledlikeapackofwolves,screamingaroundthebuildingasiftryingeverywindowanddoortogetinside.Thelightningcamefrequentlyinblindingcrashes,therollsofthunderasecondbehindit.Intheblackinterludes,redspotsdancedacrosshervision.Spreadingherhandswide,Jennafeltallaroundandeasedalongthewalltothenightstand.Runningherpalmoverthetopuntilshefoundherphone,shecheckedthetime.Itwasalmostthreeinthemorning.Usingherphoneflashlight,shemovedaroundtheroom.Kane’sclotheswerenolongerhangingoverthebackofachairandhisbootsweregone.Shefrownedintothedarkness.“Whereareyou,Dave?”
Uneasecreptoverher,butshetriedtoremainpositive.TherewasnowayKanewouldleaveheraloneunlessitwasanemergency.Shetriedtocallhim,butnothinghappenedandshestaredatthescreenindisbelief.“Dammit,nobars.”
Thestormmusthaveknockedoutthetower,andofcourse,shedidn’thaveasatellitesleevewithher.Whyshouldsheneedoneonherhoneymoon?Thewindowsshookandshuddered,andthingshitthebuilding.Suddenlyafraid,shehuggedherchest.Thehurricanewasgettingworse.Fromthereports,theyhadanothertwenty-fourhoursbeforeitwassupposedtocrossthecoast.Shechewedonherbottomlip.Nodoubt,Kanewouldbetryingtogetnewsofthehurricane.Lightningflashedandthunderfollowedclosebehindlikegiant’sfootstepsshakingthebuilding.Itdidn’ttakeageniustoknowthehurricanewasheadingtheirway.Wouldthebuildingbestrongenoughtowithstandthestormorcould
Terriblelonelinesscrawledoverher,makingherheartache.Hermindwasworkingovertimeandfeargnawedather.Everyonehadleftthebuildingandshe’dneverbeenthroughahurricanebefore.Wherecouldshego?Thenextsecond,agustofwindroaringlikeafreighttraingrabbedtheshuttersonthebedroomwindow.Transfixedbythesurrealsightbetweeneachflashoflightening,Jennastaredastheyflewopenandbangedagainsttheoutsidewall,flappingaroundliketrappedbutterflies’wings.Thundershookthebuildingandtheshuttersscreamedashighwindstorethemfromthehingesandcarriedthemawayintothedarkness.Thenextinstant,theglasssmashedintoamillionpieces,spillinglikediamondsoverthefloor.Rainpeltedintotheroomand,borneonagustofwind,atreebranchflewpasthershoulderandspearedintothewall.“Davewhereareyou?Wehavetogetoutofhere.”
Terrified,Jennapickeduptheflashlight,grabbedherbagandjacket,andthenboltedfromthebedroom,slammingthedoor.Behindher,lampstoppledandsmashedasthewinddestroyedtheroom.Asshelookedfranticallyaroundtoescape,thewindseemedtotaunther,rattlingtheshuttersinthefamilyroomwithitsdeadlyfingers.Onethingforsure,itwasn’tsafenearanywindows.Sherantothefrontdoor,flungitopen,andstaredintothedarkness.Apartfromtheroarofthewindandtherainbeatingdown,nothingstirredinthedarkhallway.Wherecouldshego?ShouldshestayhereandwaitforKaneorgolookforhim?Whatifhe’dgoneoutinthestormandbeenhurt?Heartracing,shepulledonherjacketandbackpack.Afterdragginganeasychairacrosstheroomandwedgingitintopositiontokeepthedooropen,shemovedtothestairsandsatonthetopstep.Madeofconcretewithsteelhandrails,theylookedsturdyenough,butwasitsafertobeinastairwellinahurricaneorwasthatanearthquake?Indecisioncrawledoverher.Shouldshestayorgo?
Jennawrappedherarmsaroundherandpeeredintothedarkness.Itseemedlikeaneternityofdoubtsandfearsassailedherbeforealightbobbedinthestairwell.“Isthatyou,Dave?”
“Yeah.”Kane’svoiceechoedupthestairs.“Areyouokay?”
Springingtoherfeet,Jennaheadeddowntohim.“Yeah,butthebedroomiswrecked.Thewindowsmashed.”
Sheroundedthetopofthenextflightandherflashlightmovedoverhim.Herbreathhitchedinherthroatatthesightofamaninablackslicker,acowboyhat,andrubberboots.“Wheredidyougettheslicker?”
“Fromthesize.I’dsayitbelongstoWolfe.”Kanestoppedbesideherdrippingwateronthesteps,removedhishat,andleanedintokissher.“Sorry,Ididn’tmeantoworryyou.Iwenttousethebathroomattwoandthewindhadpickedup.Thephonesweredead,soIwentdowntotheparkinglottolistentotheradiointhesedan.It’sbadnews.Wedon’thavetimetogetoutbeforeithits.Drivinginahurricaneissuicide.IrecallWolfetellingmethisbuildinghasweatheredthembefore,sowe’llbefine,butonceitpassestheroadswillbeinbadshape.Itwillbeeasiertotravelbymotorcycle.IwenttothegarageandpulledouttheHarley,gasseditup,andbroughtitinside.It’sinautilityroomundertheramponthefirstfloor.Ifoundhelmetsandacoupleofleatherjacketsinthegarageandstashedthemintheretoo.Ifitfloods,thatshouldbehighenoughtobesafe.There’sanotherslickerintheapartmentifweneeditinthemorning.”
Jennagapedathim.“Youpushedamotorcycleuptheramptothefirstfloor?”
“Yeah,well,it’smadeforwheelchairaccess,soitwasn’tthatdifficult.”Hegaveheralopsidedsmile.“We’llberidingitdown.”
“Okay.You’renotfillingmewithconfidence,Dave.”Walkingbesidehimupthestairs,Jennastaredattheblackrubberboots.“Whereareyourthings?”
“Alreadystashedinthesaddlebags.Mybootsareunderthekitchentable.”Heturnedandgaveheralonglookandshookhishead.“Youdidn’tthinkI’dleaveyouhere,didyou?”
Jennacouldn’thidetheworryinherexpression.“IadmitIwaskindofscaredwhenthetreebranchcamethroughthewindowandmissedstabbingmebyaninch.Youshouldhavewokenme.”
“Ididn’twanttodragyououtinastormfornoreason.”Kaneglancedathisphone.“It’sthree-thirty.Thehurricanewillbemakinglandfallanytimesoon.Weneedtohunkerdownandrideitout.Soonasit’ssafe,we’llheadbacktotheairport.I’mguessingifthephonesarestillout,we’llfindapayphonetheretocontacttheflightcrew.Whilewe’rewaitingtoleave,I’llcontacttherentalpeopletogoandcollectthecar,andthenseeifIcanarrangetohavetheHarleyshippedbacktoBlackRockFalls.”Heshrugged.“Theymighteventakeitonthejet.There’dbeenoughroominthecargohold.”
JennarelaxedatKane’scalminginfluenceuntiltheflashlightpickeduptheticinhischeekmuscle.She’dknownhimlongenoughtorecognizehewasconcernedandtryingtohideitfromher.
“We’llneedtograbwhatwecanandgetdownstairs.Idon’tknowhowlongitwilltaketopassover.”Kanetossedtheeasychairtoonesideandenteredtheapartment.
Waterspilledfromunderthebedroomdoor,soakingthecarpet.Avoidingthepuddle,Jennafollowedhimtothekitchen.“Okay,givemethebadnews.”Shedumpedherbagonthekitchentableandproppeduptheflashlight.
“It’sbad.”Kaneleanedagainstthecounterandrubbedhischin.“It’sheadingourwayfasterthananyonerealized.Ihadnowayofknowing,butoverthelasthouritincreasedspeed,andtheannouncerontheradiosaiddestructivewindgustsofoveronehundredfiftymilesperhour,andit’smassive.We’reinthedirectline.We’reindanger,Jenna,andthere’snowayout.Alreadyroofsandtreesareflyingaround.Ifthisbuildingcavesin,ourchancesofgettingoutaliveisslimtonone.”
Tryingtomakelightofthesituation,Jennanodded.“Okay.You’vesurvivedworsesituations,sowhatdowedotokeepsafe?”
“Wefindasmallroom,withnowindows.Eatfoodifwehaveitandwait.”Kanewenttoacupboardinthehall.Hehandedheraslicker.“You’llneedthis.”Hepulledouttwoaluminumfoldingchairs.“We’llgrabthesandwichesandcookieswepurchasedandheaddowntotheutilityroomunderthestairs.Ifigureit’sthesafestplacetoholeup.”Hewenttotherefrigerator,pulledoutthefood,anddroppeditonthetable.“Passmethebaghangingontheinsideofthebroomclosetdoorhandle.I’lltakethewateraswell.Idon’tknowhowlongwe’llbeholedup.I’mhopingthehurricanewillbreakupintoaraindepressiononceithitsland.RainwecanhandlebutI’mnotriskingthehighwinds.”
Jennaaimedherflashlightintothebroomclosetandraisedaneyebrow.Itwasdeeperthanshe’dexpectedandheldhookswithvarioustypesofequipmenthangingfromthem.“DoesWolfe’smomclimbmountains?There’sallkindsofropesandpulliesinhere.”
“NotthatI’maware.”Kanetookthebagfromherandpeeredoverhershoulder.“It’srescuegear.ProbablyanotherofWolfe’ssidelines.Beingamilitarychopperpilot,he’dlikelybecalledontohelpoutinanemergency.”Hesighed.“Believeitornot,IknowverylittleaboutWolfe’slifebeforeBlackRockFalls.Iknewabouthiswifeandthathewasafieldmedic.Heflewintomanydangeroussituationstoevacuatewoundedsoldiers,butwedon’tdiscusspastlives.Heknowsnothingaboutme.Atthetime,IwasNinety-eightHtohim.Justanumberinateam.”
JennanoticedthechangeinKane’seyesandsqueezedhisarm.“Idoubtyou’veeverbeenjustanumbertohim,Dave.Fromthelittleyou’vetoldme,hegotyououtofhell,evenwithhiswifedyingofcancer.Heneverletyoudown,didhe?That’satruefriend,evenifyoudidn’tknoweachother’snames.”
“Well,hedidcallmeDaveintheend,anditkindastuck,didn’tit?”Kanesmiledather.“Let’sgo.”Hehoistedthebagoveroneshoulderandurgedhertowardthedoor.
Astheyhurrieddownthesteps,thebuildingtrembledbeneaththeirfeet.JennagrippedtighttoKane’shand.Asoundlikemetalbeingdraggedacrosstheblacktopfilledthestairwell.Arippingsoundandthetinkleofglasssmashingcamesecondslaterandthenamassivechunkofmetalcrashedontothelandingbelowthem.Thewindrusheduptomeettheminagushofrain,anddebrislikefingerspulledatherhair.Horrified,shegapedatKanespeechless.
“Oh,thatcan’tbegood.”Kaneturnedandpulledherbackupthestairs.“Run.”
THIRTEENBLACKROCKFALLS
MedicalExaminerDr.ShaneWolfelistenedwithinterestasRiobroughthimuptospeedwiththecasesofthetwoJaneDoes.He’dcalledthemintohisofficebeforeseven.He’dworkedlongintothenighttogetanswersandneededafewhours’shuteye.Withluckhe’dbeabletoeatbreakfastandgrabtwohours’sleepwhilehewaitedfortheresultsofthesampleshe’dtakenfromthebodies.“You’resayingthatevenwiththeFBIscanningtheimagedatabases,youstillcan’tidentifythesewomen?”
“Ifthey’renotinadatabase,wecan’tfindthem,no,butKaloisextendinghissearchinternationally.”Rioleanedbackagainstthecounterinthemorgueexaminationroomandshrugged.“Fornow,they’llhavetobeJaneDoeOneandTwo.OrTwentyandTwenty-One,yourchoice.”
Wolfeshookhishead.“I’dnevergiveakillerthesatisfactionofnaminghisvictims.It’sJaneDoeOneandTwo.”
“That’sfinebyme.WhenyouhavetimetotakecastsoftheirteethandDNAsamples,wecantryagain.”Carterpeeredathimoverhismask.“Withpeoplesearchingtheirfamilytrees,wemightfindarelative,andifthewomenwenttovisitadentist,wemightgetahitonthedentalrecords—butthatwillbelikesearchingforaneedleinahaystack,withoutasmuchasastatetogoby.”Hecrossedhisfeetattheanklesandtookarelaxedpose.“Wecheckedoutthemasksandskewersbutcouldn’tpindownanyparticularstore.Theskewerswithheartsonthetoparemassproducedandcanbepurchasedanywhereinpacksfromtentoonehundred.Themasksareavailableatgeneralstores,costumestores,andWalmart.”
“We’reworkingonalistofpeopleandplacesthatuseformaldehyde.”Riorubbedthebackofhisneck.“Maybealistofwhodoesn’tuseitmightbeeasier.”
“Don’tworrytoomuch.”Carterletoutawearysigh.“Oncewe’vehunteddownthenames,we’llhandthemovertoKalo.He’llcross-matchthemwithlocalstoresandpeoplebuyingonline.Hisresultswillgiveusthebestpossiblecandidatesforsuspects.”
“Hey,listenup.”Emilycameintotheroomwithawhooshasthedooropenedandclosedbehindher.“AhurricanemadelandfallovernightandwipedoutpartoftheFloridacoast.”ShelookedaghastatWolfe.“Iwatchedthenews.Theyhavenocommunicationwithanyoneyet.IhopeJennaandDavemadeittotheairport.IthitrightwhereGrandmahashercondoandthenturnedbackaroundandheadedtoBermuda.It’sspinningovertheBermudaTriangle.”
Wolfeheadedforthedoor,pullingoffhisglovesandmask.“Givemeaminute.”Herushedoutandheadedforhisoffice.HetriedcallingKaneandthenJennawithnoluck.Hisoptionswerelimited.Kanewasanassetwithabountyonhisheadandhehadtoreporthimmissing.Ifhisfingerprintsgotintothewronghands,anythingmighthappen.
Usinghiskeyshelocatedacellphone,adirectlinktohissuperiorsinthemilitary.Aftergivinghiscodename,hepassedontheinformationandwaited.Avoicesayingacodenamehedidn’trecognizecamethroughthespeaker.
“Whatdoyoumean,you’velostcontactwithNinety-eightH?”
Wolfestiffened.“I’msorry,sir.Idon’trecognizeyouridentification.I’munabletocontinuethisconversation.”Hedisconnected,pulledouttheSIM,andtosseditintothemicrowave.
Dashingahandthroughhishair,hepacedupanddown.Whocouldhetrust?HadhisconnectiontotheWhiteHousebeencompromised?Hestaredattheground.IfDaveandJennawereindanger,hemustgoandgetthemout—ifhehadalocation.Hestaredatthephoneonhisdeskandsnatcheditup.ThesignalfromJenna’strackeralarminsertedintoherringwouldhavesentanalerttohisphone.Shenevertookoffthering,soiftheywerealive,andindangershe’dlikelyactivateit.Hetookafewdeepbreaths.He’daskKalototracktheirphones.Theydidn’tneedaconnectiontofindthem.HedialedKaloandexplainedthesituation.“I’minthemiddleofanautopsy,butifthesignalsarestationary,liketheymightbeinjuredorstucksomewhere,callme.”Hedisconnectedandheadedbacktotheexaminationroom.
Wolfelookedattheexpectantfaces.“I’veaskedKalototrackJenna’sandDave’sphones.He’llcallassoonashehasanything.Wemightaswellkeepbusyuntilwehavemoreinformation.”Forcinghisheadbacktothecaseofdoublehomicide,helookedatJo.“So,Jo,anythoughtsonthiskiller?”
“AfewbutI’dliketoseewhatyoufind.”JostoodbesidethescreenpeeringwithinterestattheX-rays.“I’llknowmoreifyoucandescribetheprocessheusedtokillthem.Itsaysalotaboutthetypeofkillerheisandhismotive…ifhehasone.”
Wolfereplacedhismaskandgloves.He’dalreadycompletedapreliminaryexaminationofbothbodies.Atthispointintheautopsy,he’dlefttheorgansintactbuthadthebodycavityopen.He’dprogresswiththeautopsy,butfromthefindingshecoulduseadevicetoexplaintheinjuriesmorefullytotheobservers.“Emily,wheeloverthedigitalanatomytable.I’vegivenyouaglimpseofthisdevicebefore,butbysuperimposingtheimagesofavictimoverthefileofanormalbodyIcandemonstratethenatureoftheinjuries.”Heactivatedthemachine.“Asyoucansee,italsogivesusa3Dimageand,byrotatingpartsofthebody,Icandisplayunderlyingorgans.Itwillgiveyouaconciseandvisualexplanationofcauseofdeath.”
“Thiscan’treplaceafullautopsy.”Carterstraightened.“It’smorelikesciencefictionthanfact.HowdoIknowwhatI’mseeingistherealdeal?”
Wolfeglaredathim.“BecauseI’mtherealdeal.Thisapparatuswasdesignedforteachingpurposes,butinourcase,itwilldemonstratethedamagetothevictimsinawayyou’llunderstandfromtheget-go.”HeturnedtoJo.“Fromthebruisingandbrokenbones,bothwomenwerebeatenusingabluntinstrument.Fromthebruising,thesizeandshapeoftheinjuries,I’dsayheusedabaseballbat.”
“Andthesexualassault?”Joclearedherthroat.“Canyoutelliftheywereante-orpost-mortem?”
Wolfemovedtheslideronthemachinetoshowthedepthofthebruisingonthearms,legs,andback.“Theywerebothalivewhenherapedthem.Heusedacondom.Ifoundnosemenbutfoundnonoxynol-9,usedinthemanufacturing,andtracesofthepowderusedtopreventacondomstickingtoitself,andluckilyenough,lubricantingredientstoidentifythespecificbrand.”Heraisedhiseyebrows.“I’mrunningtheseforanalysisnow.ArapekitisthefirstthingIdowhenIseethesignsonavictim.”
“Hepunishedthem.”Joletoutalongsigh.“Forhim,rapeisthefinaldegradation.”
“Idisagree.”RiostaredatJoandshookhishead.“I’dliketoknowifthatmaskwasputonbeforeoraftertheydied.Ifigurehewantedthemfaceless.Hetookthatawayfromthemtoo,theiridentity.Theywereobjectstohim,notpeople.”
Wolfecheckedthroughtheresultscomingthroughonhisscreenandturnedbacktothem.“Ifoundbloodunderthemask,somedamagetothefaces,bruisinglikefromaslap,andabloodynose.Fromthesefindingsalone,I’dsayheputthemaskonpost-mortem.”Heclearedhisthroat.“Fromthepreliminaryexaminationandthedamagetotheheartandlungs,myfirstassumptionwasthattheincisionsmadebytheskewerskilledthem,butonfurtherexaminationofthebruisesonthethroat,andfromtheX-raysanddissection,Iconcludedthecauseofdeathwasasphyxiationcausedbystrangulation.Thelackofhemorrhagingaroundtheskewerswouldsaytheywereinsertedpost-mortem.”Hemovedtheslideronthemachinetoshowthedamagetothevictimin3DandlookedatJo.“Canyouprofilehimnow?”
“Ican.”Carterrolledhiseyes.“Thismansurehateswomen.”
FOURTEENFLORIDA
Windwhistledthroughthecracksinthedoor,andJennaburiedherfaceinKane’schestastheyhuddledinsidethebroomclosetseatedonupturnedbuckets.Waterpooledaroundtheirfeetandseemedtodripfromeverycrackandcranny.Thenoiseoutsidehadeasedsomebutthecreakingandgrindingterrifiedher.Sweattrickleddownherback.Thehumidityinsidetheclaustrophobicclosethadmadeitaveryunpleasantnight,butintruth,she’dbeentooterrifiedtonoticeit.Thethoughtofdyingonherweddingnighthaddominatedherthoughts.Herjawachedfromkeepinghermouthshutalthoughshe’dwantedtocryoutinterror.Thehurricanehadhitwithsuchforceandsofastthey’dbarelythrownthemselvesintothebroomclosetintime.Fromtherippingandgratingsounds,followedbythumpsandscreamingasthewindtoreintothebuilding,they’dbeenluckytosurvivetheterrifyingonslaught.“Hasitgonebyyet?”
“Ifiguretheworseisover.Thequiettimewastheeyegoingoverusandthenitstartedupagain.Itsoundslikethewindisstillhighbutit’smovingaway.”Kaneuntangledhimselffromherandgrabbedabottleofwater.“Drinkyourwater.We’vebeensweatingforhours.Dehydrationisakiller.”
Nodding,Jennaliftedabottletoherlipsanddrainedit.“Nowwhat?Wecan’tsitinhereallday.”
“We’llgotakealook,butthewindgustsaredangerousandthingsaregoingtobeflyingaroundlikemissiles.Let’shopethebuildingisn’ttoodamaged.”Kanedrainedhisbottleandtosseditintoabucketbytheirfeet.“I’llcheckoursupplies.”Heopenedabag.“We’vefourbottlesofwaterandcookies.Ifthemotorcyclemadeitthrough,wehavetheenergybarsIpurchasedfromthe7-Elevenstashedinthesaddlebags.”Hestoodandstretched.“We’lltaketheclimbinggear.We’llneedittofindawaydowntothenextfloor.Thestairsweretoastbeforethestormhit,soitwon’tbeprettynow.”Hetossedtheclimbinggearoveroneshoulder,pickedupthebag,andthenplacedonehandonthedoorhandle.“Ready?Stayclose.”
Heartthumping,Jennatookthelongcoilsofropefromthehookandloopedthemoveroneshoulder.“Go,I’mrightbehindyou.”
SheheardKane’ssharpintakeofbreathbeforesheblinkedintothelightandgaspedinhorror.Howhadtheysurvived?Theapartmentwaslittlemorethanashell,thekitchenandbathroomtheonlyroomsleftstanding.Theinteriorwallsoftheapartmenthadvanished,leavingabrickskeletonwithstripsofsilverinsulationandtwistedmetalwavinginthewind.Shestaredthroughthegapingholestothebeachfrontandwayintothedistance,anddismayengulfedher.Allalongthebeachfrontwasapocalyptic.Roofsrippedoffandtossedinalldirections,wallshalfstanding.People’sbelongings,clothes,drapes,toysthrownaroundorpiledupagainstremainingwallslikecolorfulsnowdrifts.
Sandcoveredtheblacktopinagoldenhueandwaterranthroughitlikenewlymaderivers.Thestormhadlitteredthebeachfrontwithpalmtreesanddebris.Anorangesofa,turnedupsidedownandhalfburiedinthesand,satwithfoamywaveslappingaroundit.ShegrippedKane’sarmassheturnedtowardthegapingholewherethefrontdoorhadbeen.Sheswallowedhard.Theywerestuckonthetopfloorofawreckedbuildinginnoman’sland.Anuncontrollabletremblewentthroughher.“SweetJesus,thankgoodnesswesurvived,buthowthehellarewegoingtogetdownfromhere?”
“Veryslowly.”Kanescannedtheareaandthenlookedather.HisfacehadchangedintocombatmodeandthatmadeJennafeelmuchbetter.Heheldouthishand.“Holdmyhandanddon’tletgo.Thefloorisaconcreteslaboverasteelframe.Unlessthestructureisdamagedbelowus,whichIdoubtbecauseIdon’tseeanycracks,weshouldbeabletogettothestairs.They’rethestrongestpartofthebuildingandwecanusetheropestodropdownfromthere.”Hemovedforward,testinghisweightonthefloor.“Stepbystep.Watchyourfooting.There’sdebrisallover.”
Takinghishand,Jennafollowed.Underherfeetthebuildingseemedtosway,andwitheachgustofwind,saltyrainwetherface.Herbootscrunchedoverbrokenglassasshefollowedslowlybehindhim.Theyreachedthehallwayanddismayswallowedher.Mostofthewallshadvanishedandflappingsheetsofsoakedsidingandgapingholessurroundedher.Rubblecoveredthestairs,makingthemimpassable.Asfarastheeyecouldsee,personaleffectslitteredtheground.Whatwasleftofthehallwaylookedlikealandfill.Aphotographalbumlayopeninapoolofwater,theimagesdistortedandcurlingattheedges.Clothes,potsandpans,paper—somuchpaperwasstrewneverywhere.Windwhistledthroughthehallwaybuffetingthem.Apartfromtheroaroftheoceanandthebuildingremnantsflappinginthewind,deathlysilencesurroundedthem.Notrafficorothersignsoflifedriftedfromthestreetsbelow.ConcerngrippedJennaasshestaredthroughtheopenwallstotheflattenedsidewalks.“Idon’tseeanyonemovingaroundoutthere.Whatiftherearecasualties?Shouldwetakethetimetosearchthearea?”
“Iwon’tsugarcoatit,Jenna.Rightnow,weshouldbeworryingaboutourownsurvival.Ifwecangetdownfromhere,we’llkeepalookoutforanyoneintroubleonourwaybacktotheairport,butmostpeoplewouldhaveleftbeforeithit.Localswholivehereareovercautious,andsearch-and-rescueteamswillbeontheirway.”Kanestraightened.“Rightnow,we’reindangerofthisbuildingcollapsingandmypriorityisgettingustosafety.Let’shopetheairportisstillstanding,butfromwhatIcansee,themaindamageistothisstripofthecoastline.”
Jennaswallowedhard.“Whatifit’stoastorthecrewhightaileditoutbeforeithit?”
“Don’tworry.I’llfindawaytogetyouhome.There’reairportsalloverFlorida.”Kanesqueezedherhand.“Ineedyoutoconcentrateongettingdownfromherefirst.”Heleanedovertherailing.“There’satonofdamagetothebuildingandwindgustswillbeaproblem,butthisistheonlywaydown.Icanseethefirst-floorrampanditlooksintact.We’lldropdowntothereandhopetheHarleymadeitthroughthestorm.Orwe’rewalkingbacktotheairport.”
Jennapeeredintotheabyssandshuddered.Itwassuchalongwaydown.“Youwantustoclimbdownthere?”
“Yeah.”Kanehandedherthebagandtookthecoiledropefromhershoulder.“Wehavetwoharnessesandsafetygear.I’lllowerthebagdownasouranchorandwe’llfollowit.There’senoughropetoplayoutforonetrip.Helookeddeepintohereyes.“Youdotrustme.Don’tyou,Jenna?”
Ithadbeenalongtimesincetraining,andshehadn’trepelleddownamountainoranywhereelseforaverylongtime.“YouknowIdo,butIhaven’tdonemuchmountainclimbing.”
“You’vedroppedfromachopperthough,haven’tyou?”Kanegaveheraconfidentsmile.“Thisismuchthesame,butyou’llbeonmyback.”
Swallowingthefear,Jennagapedbackathim.“Onyourback?Whatifmyhandsslip?”
“Youwon’tslip.Oh,don’tlooksoworried.Comehere.Itwillbeokay,Ipromise.”Kanepulledhercloseandkissedherhard.“IloveyouandI’dneverletyoufall.Allyouhavetodoisrelax,keepyoureyesopen,andI’lldoallthework.”Hesteppedbackandshruggedintoaharnessandwentaboutarrangingtheropes.Oneend,hesecuredtothehandrail,theotherhetiedtothebagofsuppliesandJenna’sbackpack.Droppingthemovertherailing,heloweredthemdowntotheramponthefirstfloor.Hehandedthesecondharnesstoher.“Getthisonandclimbontomyback.I’llattachyoutome.Iwon’tletyoufall.”Hedraggedapairofglovesfromhispocketandpulledthemon.“ItwasasifWolfehadapremonitionsomethingwouldhappen.Ifoundglovesinabagwiththeharnesses.”
Handstrembling,JennasteppedintotheharnessandKanecheckedthefasteningsbeforeturninghisbackonher.Shegrabbedhisshouldersandjumpedontohisback,wrappingherlegstightlyaroundhiswaist.“Okay,I’mready.”
“Holdontomystraps,notaroundmyneck.”Kanehookedupherharnesstohis.“There,you’reattachedtomeandyouwon’tfall.It’sthesameasifwewereskydivingintandem.”Hetookholdoftheropeandsteppedovertherailing,balancingonthenarrowedge.“Keepyoureyesopenanddon’tlookdownoryou’llbecomedisoriented.Leanintome.Hugmetight.”
Grippingwhite-knuckledtothestrapsoftheharness,Jenna’sstomachwentintofreefall.Theyhungoverthedropashebalancedontheveryedgeofthecementslab.WhenKanesteppedoffandtheyhunginmidair,Jenna’sheartraced.ShewantedtoscrewuphereyesandhidebutforcedthemopenandpressedagainstKane’sback.Thewindgustsaroundthemsentpapersflutteringaroundthemlikebatscaughtinanupdraftandthentheydropped.AsKanefedtheropeout,theyfellfasterthanJennawouldhaveliked.Heartinhermouth,sheheldherbreath,andinseconds,Kanelandedsoftlyontheground.
“Youokaybackthere?”Kaneunclippedher.“Jenna?Youcangetdownnow.”
Frozenwithfearforasecond,Jennaunclaspedherdeathgripandslidfromhisback.“Thatmademystomachturnover.Iwasn’texpectingtodropsofast.”
“Afastdropmeanssurvival.”Kaneturnedandhelpedherfromherharness.“Thewindgustsarecarryingallkindsofprojectiles.”Heunfastenedtheharnessandtosseditovertherailing.“I’llbesuretoreplaceWolfe’sequipmentwhenwegethome.Isurehopehismomisinsured.”
Jennauntiedthebagsandnodded.“I’msureshewouldbe.”
Scanningtheirsurroundings,shegaspedatthedestruction.“There’swateronthegroundfloor.Ican’ttellhowdeep.”
“It’sonlysurfacewater,lookit’slappingatthedoor.We’llgetoutokay,butI’llhavetoclearthebrokenshuttersfromtheramp.Theutilityroomisoverthere.”Kanepointedtoadoortuckedinundertherampandthenheadeddowntheslope.Screechingechoedupthestairwellashehauledthetwistedmetalaway.“Okay,we’regoodtogo.”
Kickingpiecesofbrokenwoodandtreebranchestooneside,Jennaheadedfortheutilityroomundertheramp.Sandhadpiledupoutside,preventingherfromopeningthedoor.ShegrabbedatreebranchanddugatthesandasKanecameupbehindher.“Almostdone.”
“Here,letme.You’llgetsplinters.”Kaneheldoutonehandforthebranch.“I’mwearinggloves.”Hemadeshortworkofthewetsandandtuggedopenthedoor.Waterhadseepedunderthedoor,buttheHarleystoodglisteningonitsstand.“Theresheis.”HesmiledatJenna.“Ihopeshestarts.”Heduckedinsidetheroomandwheeledthemotorcycleontothelanding.“Heregoesnothing.”
Sayingasilentprayer,Jennacollectedherbackpackandthesupplies.ThenextmomentadeafeningroarfilledtheconfinedspaceandsheheardKanewhoopforjoy.ShestowedthesuppliesinthesaddlebagsandwaitedforKanetogobackintotheutilityroomtoretrievethehelmetsandleatherjackets.Shetookthejacketheofferedherandslippedintoitandthenpushedthehelmetontoherheadandfastenedthestrap.“IfeellikeI’vegonebackintimeandwe’reheadingforRoute66.”
“Youlookkindacuteinleather,butIpreferyouinacowboyhatandwearingagun.”Kaneflashedherawhitesmile.“Let’sseeifwecanfindawayoutthroughthismess.”HestraddledtheHarleyandpushedonhishelmet.“Youknow,Imightbuymyselfanewhat.MyStetsonhasbeenburiedinmudandnowpushedintosaddlebagssoakingwet.It’sgoingtobewrecked.Although,itdoescleanupreallywellandIdolikethelived-inlook.”
Jennasnorted.“We’restuckintheaftermathofoneoftheworststormsinhistoryandyou’reworriedaboutyourhat.”Giggling,sheclimbedonbehindhimandslippedherarmsaroundhiswaist.AsusualKanehadfoundawayofbreakingthetensionandmakingherrelaxwithhisstrangebrandofhumor.“It’sgreattoseeyouhaveyourprioritiesright.”
“Aman’shatislike…well,likeanoldfriend.Atfirst,it’sallnewandabitstiffaroundyou,butafterafewyearsithasacomfortablefamiliarity.”Kanerevvedthemotorandkickedupthestand.“Hangontight.Thisisgoingtobearoughride.”TheHarleyshotdowntherampandoutintothedaylight.
FIFTEENBLACKROCKFALLS
WolfepointedtotheX-rays.“Youcanseebythefracturesintheforearmsandfingersontherighthandthatthiswomanmadeanefforttodefendherselfonthedayshedied.However,thebruisesalloverareindifferentstagesofhealing.Theligaturemarkswouldindicatethekillerrestrainedherpreviouslyandonthedayofherdeath.”Hisphonevibratedinhispocket.ItwasBobbyKalo,theFBIITwhizkid.Heglancedattheothers.“Justgivemeamoment.Ineedtotakethis.“Whathaveyougotforme,Bobby?”
“I’vefoundKaneandJenna.They’reheadingtowardtheairportatFortLauderdale.I’msurethey’llcontactyousoon.”
ThetensioninWolfe’sshouldersrelaxedandhesmiledbroadly.He’dsortoutthesecurityproblemanothertimeandonceKaneandJennaweresafelyhome.“That’sgreat.Thanksforlettingmeknow.”Hedisconnected,andlookedattheothers.“KalohaslocatedKaneandJenna.They’resafe.”
“ThankGod.”Jopushedbothhandsthroughherhairandletoutalongsigh.“Wherearethey?”
Wolfeleanedagainstthecounter.“They’reheadingforaFloridaairport.That’sallIknowfornow.Nodoubtwe’llhearfromthemsoon.”
“Gettingbacktotheseligaturemarks.”CarterpeeredatthebodyofJaneDoeOneandliftedablondeyebrowinquestion.“So,you’resayingthatthekillerhasbeenmessingwiththesewomenforsometime?”
WolfeturnedbacktotheX-rays.Heindicatedtothefracturesinthephalangesandmetacarpalsoneachhand.“Youcanseesomeofthesefracturesarepartiallyhealed.Thiswouldindicatebeatingsoveraprolongedtime.Bruisinggoesthroughvariousstagesofhealingandyoucanseefromthecolorsrangingfromred,purpletobrownthatsomeofthesebruiseswereinflictedantemortem.”
“You’resayingthisguyenjoyshurtingwomen?”Riorubbedthebackofhisneck.“Thewomenaresupposedlyfromoutoftown.Thismeanswe’relookingforsomeonewhohasaplacetokeepwomenlockedupwithoutdetection.Itmustberemoteorpeoplewouldhearwhathe’sdoing.”Hescannedthefacesaroundtheroom.“Anyideas?”
Cartergavehimalookofincredulity.“You’retheonewholiveshere.Whyareyouaskingme?”
SuddenlymissingKaneandJenna’sprofessionalism,Wolfeletoutalongsigh.“Howaboutweconcentrateontheautopsiesandtryandmakesomeheadwayinthecase.”HelookedatRio.“TalktoRowley.He’salocalandmighthavesomeideaofwheretolook.Ifyourecall,wehadakillerthatusedthecavesatthebaseofBearPeaktoholeupin,buttherearethousandsofthemupthere.Thatmountainhastunnelsrunningallover.Addtothefactit’sdifficulttodraganunwillingwomanthroughtheforest,maybeweshouldbeavoidingtheobviousandthinkoutsidethebox.”
“Yeah.That’swhatJennawoulddo.”JowalkedalongthescreenarraypeeringattheX-raysandphotographsofthedeceased.“Ifigurethisguyhasabigsetupsomewhereclosetotown.HeknowstheareaandthelocationoftheCCTVcameras.Heiswaytoocomfortableandhasanexpandedcomfortzone.Ithinkweshouldlookdeeper.We’remissingsomethinghere.”
“We’llneedtoexpandourinvestigationtoawiderarea.”Rioscratchedhishead.“Ifthesewomenaren’tmissingfromlocalareas,hehastobecollectingthemfromothercounties.TheremustbemorereportsofsimilarcrimesinotherstatesorcountiesapartfromtheonesCarterheardabout.Thisisn’tthiskiller’sfirstdance.”
WolfegaveRioalonglook.“He’susingformaldehydetopreservethebodiessohecanmovethem.Ican’tthinkofanyotherreasonwhyhewouldpreservethem.FromthetissuesamplesI’vetaken,oneofthesewomen,JaneDoeTwo,wasmurderedalmostamonthago.I’llbeabletomakeamoredefinitedeterminationoverthenextfewdays.”
“Unlesshelikestovisitthempost-mortem.”Jogrimaced.“Itwouldn’tbethefirsttime.”
“Theresurearesomefreakypeopleoutthere.”Cartershookhishead.“Butyoucanusuallyrecognizethembythestinkofrottingfleshontheirclothes.”
“Yeah.”Riolookeddisgusted.“I’vereadaboutthem.”
“Thisbringsmetoanotherimportantquestionweneedtodiscuss.”JonarrowedhergazeatWolfe.“Canyoudetermineifthewomenwererapedonceorrepeatedlyduringtheirtimeofcapture?”
“Bothhadbeensexuallyactivepriortotheirdeaths.”Wolfemovedtothescreenarrayandranthefileforwardtodisplayasetofimages.“Ididconsiderthisasapossibilityandconductedacolposcopyonbothvictims.Asyoucanseefromtheimagesonthescreentakenduringmyexaminationusingacolposcope,thetearsonbothvictimsintheregionofthelabiaminoraandposteriorvaginawouldindicaterape.Iusedtoluidinebluetohighlightareasofinjury.Thisisahighlysensitivedevicethatgivesusaclearpictureofeventhemostsubtleinjuries.”Heindicatedtothepicturesonthescreen.“Fromtheevidenceontheseimages,Imademydeterminationthatthedamageoccurredduringthefinalassaultsonthevictims,andIagreewithJothekillerusedrapeasthefinaldegradation.”
“Heusesrapeasaweapon?”Rioletoutalongbreathandshookhishead.“Asifkillingthemwasn’tgoodenough.”
“It’softenusedasameansofcontrol.”Jo’sbrowscrinkledintoafrown.“Helikestodominatewomen.Beatingthemtodeathishimpunishingthem.Thisiswhatsatisfieshim.Hekillsthembecausehe’stiredofthem.Oncethey’vegivenup,they’renousetohimanymore.”
“Okay.”Carterscratchedhischeekthoughtfully.“So,whatwe’vegothereisaguywithaccesstoasecludedpropertyinBlackRockFalls,whomovesaround,maybefromstatetostate,orsomeonewhotakesfrequenttrips.”Helookedaroundtheroom.“Ifigurehemustbesomeonewhohasreturnedrecently.Orhasbeeninjail.Therehastobeareasonfortheintervalbetweenmurders.Thesearepossibilitieswemustconsidergoingforward.”
“Itookeverythingyoumentionedintoconsiderationattheget-go.”Riofrownedathim.“Therewasonlyonerecentreleasefromcountyinthelastsixmonths.Hewasn’tapersonofinterest.Weneedtolookfartherafieldifwe’reevergoingtomakeheadwayinthiscase.”
“Thengetyourmindsaroundthisproblem.”Wolfeindicatedtotheimagesonthescreen.“Asyoucansee,theskewersonbothvictimsfollowthesamepatternalongthespine,whichwouldsuggesttheyholdsignificancetothekiller.Haveanyofyouseenanythinglikethisbefore?”
“Yeah.”Cartermovedclosertothescreenandpeeredatthepictures.“I’veseenasimilaruseofskewers,buttheperpetratorinthatcasewasusingthemtocreateahaloaroundhisvictims’heads.”HeglancedatJo.“DoyourecalltheMichelangeloKiller?Hedresseduphisvictimslikeangels?”
“Yeah,Idorecallthecase.”Joshrugged.“He’slockedawayinthestatepenondeathrow.There’snowaythisisthesameperson.”Shedrummedherfingersonthecounter.“Theskewersmeansomethingtothekiller.Symbolismisaverybigpartofthiskiller’sMO.Boththeskewersandthemaskrepresentsomethinginhispast.We’llneedtodiscoverwhyhe’susingtwodifferentsymbolstoconveyhishateforwomen.”
Wolfetookintheworriedfaces.Itseemedveryunusualthatthisteamofhighlyskilledpeoplewerestymied.“Ifigureyouareoverthinkingthis,sobreakitdown.Youhavetwosymbols.Weknowthemasklikelymeansheconsidersthewomenfacelessandnameless.Doingthisisrelevanttohimandsignificantasit’shisMO.Theskewersaresomethingelse.Theyrepresentanotheraspectofhispsyche.Jo,youdealwithsymbolismallthetime.Thiscan’tbesomethingyouhaven’tseenbefore?”
“Ihaven’tseenskewersusedinthebackofthevictimlikethisbefore,no.Itcouldbeverysimplelikethehaloexampleorcomplicatedasinatwistedmemoryfromchildhoodthat’sonlyrelevanttothekiller.”Joliftedherhandsupintheairanddroppedthemathersides.“IsurewishKaneandJennawereheretodiscussthiswithus.KanealwayshassomecaseoranothertorefertoandJennathinksoutsidetheboxandalwayshasatonofanglestoconsider.Withoutanystrongevidenceorsuspects,we’rechasingourtailslikeamateurs.”
“Youcansaythatagain.”Carterraisedbotheyebrows.“JusthowlongdoesittaketoflyfromFlorida?Thesoonertheygetbackhomethebetter.”
SIXTEEN
WhodidTwenty-Fivethinkshewas,tryingtoslipunderhisdefensesandpretendingtobejustlikehim?Noamountofconvincingcouldmakehimbelievethatapersonwithherdestructivenaturecouldpossiblyunderstandwhythewomeninthecellsneededtobepunished.Heinhaledtheformaldehydesolutioninthebathtubandsighed.Therewassomethingaboutthesmellthatmadehisheartracewithexcitement.Itwasanaccomplishmenttostealawomanfromherhometown,keepherprisoner,andthenturnherintoawarningofwhatwouldhappeniftheothersdidn’tbehave.Smilingathisingenuity,hewishedhecouldsharehisachievementswithothersonline,butfornowthiswashissecretalone.He’dovercometemptationagainandwouldreturntohiswifealovinganddutifulhusband.I’mnotlikemypa.
He’dmadeplansforTwenty-Twoandtheywouldtaketimetoorganize.Usingthesolutionwouldensurethedecompositionwouldbekepttoaminimumandthebodypresentedatitsbest.ThetownsfolkofBlackRockFallsneededtoknowadulterywasasinandhiswarningsneededtobeheededorthey’drisktheconsequences.Hewantedwomentobeafraidandwouldkeepleavingfacelessbodiesuntilhe’dgottenresults.Thefirsttwohadgottentheirattention,butitwasobvioustheyneededmoreencouragementtocomply.Itwasthesameineverytownhevisited.Heshookhishead,recallinghowSusieatAuntBetty’sCaféhadhungalloverhimandmadeherintentionsclear.Sheknewfullwellhewasahappilymarriedman.Takingherfromtownwouldberisky,butifsheflirtedwithhimagain,she’dbewakingupinsideoneofhiscellsrealsoon.
Carefullydroppingthebodyintothebath,hekneeledbesideit,takingintheperfectionofthebruisessoneatlyadministeredalongboththighsandback.Heranafingerdownonearm,tracingtheoutlineofeachbruise.Helovedthewaythecolorshadchangedandnowstoodoutonthewhitebloodlessflesh.Theolderbruiseshadayellowhueandtheonesinflictedmomentsagoremainedredorblue.Deadbodiesfascinatedhim,especiallythewaythebloodcollectedtothesideheleftthemon,leavingadarkpurplemarkontheskin,orthewaytheeyesremainedfixedinthesameposition,justlikethefishsittingonicebehindglassinthelocalstore.
AfterpositioningTwenty-Twofacedowninthetub,hewashedherhairandmeticulouslycleanedeachnail.He’dleaveherinthesolutionovernightandturnherinthemorningbeforeleavingherforanotherdayandthencarryhertotheplastic-coatedbenchforherfinaladornments.Theskewerscamefreshfromthepackage,allshinyandbright.Helaidthemoutinaneatline,besidethenewhammerandcaressedeachlongsharpspearwiththetipsofhisfingers.Thecoolaluminumsparkledundertheoverheadlighting,eachlittleheart-shapedendcarryingamemoryofthepast.Itwouldn’tbehisfingerprintsonthesilvershaftsbecausehealwaysprotectedhimselfwithgloves.He’dtakeneveryprecautionandhisownfleshwasdevoidofhairapartfromhishead.He’ddrapedhisnakedbodywitharubberfisherman’sapronthatcoveredhimfromnecktokneetopreventskinflakesfallingonthebody.
Themaskandgluesatononeside.Hepridedhimselfwithhisingenuityindisguisingeachofthehomewreckers.Theycametohimasfacelessannoyancesandwouldleavethesame.He’dneverhuntedthemdown;theycamewillinglyandwithanagenda.Itwasalwaysthesame.Theywouldplayonhisweaknessesbymakingthemselvesattractivetohimandcreatingdoubtsabouthisownrelationship.Heunderstoodnowthiswasaploytheyusedonanymantheydecidedwasaneasytarget.Theywereallthesame.Itwasasifhe’dbeenwatchingthesamemovieoverandoveragain.Inconstantfearofbecomingjustlikehispa,ithadbecomehisdutytoridtheworldofthepestilence.Nomarriagewassafewhiletoxicwomencontinuedtowalktheearth.
Hestoodandwalkedtothecells,wipinghishandsonatowel.NumberTwenty-Fiveintriguedhimandhewantedtotakeanotherlookather.Thisonewasdifferent.Shedidn’tcowerawayfromhimliketheothers,andtherewassomethingaboutherhecouldn’tfathom.Openingthetrapdoor,hepeeredatherthroughthebars.Shegavehimabelligerentstareandliftedherchinasifindefiance.Heshookhishead.“So,youthinkyou’relikeme?Well,littlelady,thereisnooneelselikeme.”
“That’swhereyou’rewrong.”NumberTwenty-Five’seyesflashedwithannoyance.“I’mmorelikeyouthanyoucouldpossiblyimagine.Icanproveit.Justgivemethechance.”
Hesearchedhereyes,thewindowstothesoul.Therewasahintofsomethingthereherecognized.Theyalwayssayittakesonetoknowone,somaybehe’dmisjudgedherintentionstowardthedeputy.IfshewaslikehimandhadbeenluringDeputyKaneintotheforesttoexactherownkindofjusticewhenhespottedherinthepark,he’dmisjudgedher.Maybehecouldbeatthetruthoutofherbutnottoday.Heflexedmusclesstilltinglingfromhisworkout.He’dalwaysconsideredthepunishmentstobepartofhisroutine.Mostpeopleexercisedtomusic,buthepreferredthescreamsoftheguilty.
SEVENTEEN
RainsplatteredJenna’sfaceasKaneweavedthemotorcycleinandoutofthemoundsofdebrislitteringthestreets.Sheclungontightwithbothhandswrappedaroundhiswaist,fingersdugintotheleatherofhisjacket.Allaroundtheblacktopwasstrewnwithhouseholditems,treebranches,andpapers.Negotiatingthroughthedamagedstreetswasanightmare.Theydidn’tfindanyoneintrouble,butasKaneturnedatanintersection,theyranheadlongintoagangofyouths.Somecarriedbaseballbats,standingguardwhiletheirfriendslootedthestores.Hordesofthemasyoungastenranupthemiddleoftheblacktopcarryingarmfulsofgoodsandpersonalpossessionsstolenfromstoresandhouses.
Terrifiedfortheirsafetyasthecrowdflowedtowardthemyellingandscreamingabuse,Jennaraisedhervoiceoverthenoise.“Whatarewegoingtodo?”
“Hangon.”Themotorcycle’sengineroaredandKanemountedthesidewalk.
Peoplejumpedoutofthewayastheyflewpaststoreswithbrokenwindows,barelymissingupturnedtables,chairs,andsignagethatlitteredthesidewalk.Infearofherlife,JennahuncheddownoverKane’sbackasshotsrangout.ThenextmomentKanemadeevasivemaneuvers,layingthebikealmostdownonitssideastheytookasharpbendandacceleratedawayattopspeed.AsKanebrakedhardandalmostunseatedher,shecriedoutinterror.She’djustregainedherholdonhimwhentheyshotdownanalleyway.Branchesfromoverhangingvegetationwhippedhercheeksandtoreatherclothes.Sheclosedhereyestightastheymovedthroughanothergroupoflooterswhousedthemfortargetpractice.Sticksandstonesbouncedoffherleatherjacketandpingedagainstherhelmet.Theywereoutnumberedtwentytooneandhadnochoicebuttokeepgoing.Themotorcycleweavedinandoutofthestreetsatfullspeed.SuddenlyacrowdwasdescendingonthemfromallsidesandKanepulledtoahalt,scanningthearea.Heartthundering,Jennastaredallaroundtoo.Therewasnoescaperoute.Toonesideofthemanalleywayledtoaflightofstonestepsanddownontoanotherroadbelow,aheadandbehindamassofpeople,armedanddangerousrunningtowardthemscreamingabuse.Therewasnowayoutthistime.Kanewasarmed,butagainstsomany,theydidn’tstandachance.“Whydotheywant
“Mobmentality.Getclosertome.”Kaneturnedhisheadtowardher.“Grabontomybelt.Lockyourfingersinrealtight.We’regoingdownthestairs.”
PressinghardagainstKane,Jennaslippedherfingersaroundhisbelt.TherewasnotimetothinkorevenholdherbreathasKanepointedthemotorcycledownthealleyway.Ittippeddangerouslyforwardastheybumpeddownthesteps.Teethchatteringfromthevibrationastheycareereddownthestairs,Jennaheldonfordearlife.Petrifiedastheangrymobrushedafterthem,shekeptherheadtuckedintoKane’sback.Atlast,theyreachedthebottomandbouncedontotheblacktop.Witharoarofthepowerfulengine,Kaneacceleratedawayatfullspeed,slowingonlytoweavearoundhouseholditemsspillingfromdamagedhouses.Thehurricane-ravagedbuildingsflashedpastandtheysoonleftthepathofdestructionfarbehindthem.
ShakenbytheordealbutconfidentinKane’sdriving,Jennachewedonherbottomlipuntiltheyreachedthehighway.Seeingtheopenroadaheadofthem,shesighedwithrelief.Therainhadstoppedatlastandtheairwascoolagainsthersorecheeks.Highabove,thesearch-and-rescuehelicopterssweptbackandforth.Trucksandlocalauthoritiesstreamedpastthemintothedisasterarea.Thehighwaywasclearanditseemedallthedamagehadbeenrestrictedtothecoastline.
BythetimetheyarrivedatFortLauderdaleairportJenna’sbackandarmsthrobbedandnodoubtshe’dbebruisedallovercomemorning.HandsnumbfromholdingontoKanesotight,sheslidoffthemotorcycle,shookoutthecramps,andgrabbedherbackpack.AsshelookedatKane,shenoticedatrickleofbloodrunningdownonecheekandstainingthefrontofhisT-shirt.“You’rehurt.Letmetakealook.”
“It’sjustascratch.Don’tworryaboutit.”KaneclimbedofftheHarleyandremovedhishelmet.“Areyouokay?Didtheygetyouwiththerocks?”Hisconcernedgazeranoverherface,andhepulledherclose,strokingherhair.
Tremblingallover,Jennaleanedintohimandnodded.“Yeah,butI’mokay,justshakenisall.Thoseguyssuredidn’twantanywitnesses.Canyouimaginewhatwouldhavehappenedifthey’dpulledyouofftheHarleyandfoundtheUSMarshal’sbadgeonyou?”
“Iwouldn’thaveletthathappen,Jenna.”Kaneturnedawaytopullhisbackpackoutofthesaddlebags.“Iwouldhaveusedmyweaponifnecessarytoprotectyou.JustbethankfulIdidn’thaveto.IwouldrathernotexplaintotheauthoritieswhyI’mcarryingafakeUSMarshal’sbadge.”
Confused,Jennastaredathim.“It’snotafake,isit?SurelyWolfewouldhavemadesuitablearrangementswiththepowersthatbe?”
“Ireallydon’twanttofindout.”Kaneshrugged.“Doyou?”
“Nope,can’tsaythatIdo.”Jennalookedaroundatthepeoplestreaminginandoutoftheairport.“Okay,whatnext?”
“We’llleavethemotorcyclehereandgofindaphonethatworks.I’llcalltheflightcrewandWolfetolethimknowwhat’shappening.They’llknowaboutthehurricaneandbeworriedaboutus.Hangareightisonthefarsideoftheairport.Itwilltakesometimetosubmitaflightplanandgettheaircraftreadytoleave.We’llrestupsomeandthenI’llarrangetotransportthemotorcyclebackhomeandgospeaktotherentalpeopleaboutthesedan.It’sinsuredandthey’llarrangetocollectitfromunderthebuildingifit’sstilldrivable.”
Jennatookhishandandtheyhurriedintothebuilding.WhenKaneshowedhisUSMarshal’sbadgetothedeskclerk,shepracticallythrewthephoneathim.AftercontactingtheflightcrewandmakingarrangementstotaketheHarleytoBlackRockFalls,KanecalledWolfetoexplaintheirsituation.Theairportwasingoodshapeandallthestoresinsideopen.Manyothershadtakenrefugeinsideandpeoplelinedupatthediners,buttheyeventuallyfoundaplacetogetsomethingtoeat.TheytooktheHarleydowntohangareightandsatdownonthefloortowaitfortheflightcrewtoarrive.Jennapulledthefirst-aidkitoutofherbackpackandtendedthecutonKane’sface.Theywaitedforatimesittinginstunnedsilence,justdrinkingcoffeeandnibblingatsandwiches,beforeJennaturnedtoKaneandsmiled.“Well,thatwasaweekendIwon’tforgetinahurry.IknowIwantedsomethingtotellthegrandchildren,butwebarelygotoutalive.”
“Ifigurethisonebeatsall.”Kanegaveherabroadsmile.“Although,thereweresomepartsofitIenjoyed.”Hecuppedherchinandstaredintohereyes.“Itwasn’tallbad,wasit?”
“Fishingforcompliments,huh?”RaisingoneeyebrowJennachuckled.“Theshorttimewehadtogetherwaswonderful,butahurricane?Imean,really?Howmanypeoplehavegottenstuckinahurricaneontheirhoneymoon?”
“Itoldyoutobecarefulwhatyouwishedfor.”Kanesqueezedherhand.“Don’tworry,we’vegottenthebadluckoutofthewayandnowthere’sonlygoodmemoriestocome.”
EIGHTEEN
ItwassogoodtotouchdowninBlackRockFallsaftersuchachaotictrip.Bonewearyandeyesfilledwithgrit,JennawaitedonthetarmacasWolfe’sHarleywasunloadedfromthebackoftheprivatejet.Acoolbreezebrushedherface,bringingwithitthedelicioussmellofpinetreesandfreshair.Itwrappedaroundherinafragranthugasifthemountainsandforestswerewelcomingthemhome.She’dcalledaheadtoinformWolfethey’dbearrivingoutsidethemedicalexaminer’sofficeinafewminutesandtoopenthegateforthem.Themomentsheclimbedonthebackofthemotorcycleandthewindbrushedherface,thefeelingofbeinghomeengulfedherwithpeaceandcontentment.Itwasashameshehadamurdercasetodealwith.ShewantedtospendmoretimealonewithKane.Itshouldbetheirtimetogetherandnotbusinessasusual,butasthesheriff,homicideswereherresponsibility.
Wolfewaswaitingforthematthegateofthemedicalexaminer’sparkinglotandwavedthemthroughwithabroadsmile.AsKaneparkedthemotorcycle,Jennaslidfromthebackandcollectedtheirthingsfromthesaddlebags.SheturnedtoWolfe.“Well,wehadadisasterofahoneymoon.Whatprogresshaveyoumadewiththecase?”
“I’mafraidwehaveanotherbody.”Wolferubbedhischin.“Theteamisonit.Wehavenothingontheiridentitiesorwheretheycamefromatall.Kaloisrunningtheirprintsaswespeak.There’snotmuchelseIcantellyou.Riowouldbethebestpersontobringyouuptodate.”Wolfe’sattentionmovedfromherandconcentratedonthemotorcycle.“It’ssuchalongtimesinceI’veseenmybaby.”HelookedatKaneandsmiled.“Howdidshehandle?”
“Likeadream.”Kaneslappedhimontheback.“YoudoknowthismeansI’llhavetogetonenow.Ienjoyedflyingdownthehighwaywiththewindinmyhairandhearingtheroarofapowerfulengine.”
Astonished,JennastaredatKane.“I’llneverunderstandhowyoutakenear-deathexperiencesinyourstride.”ShelookedatWolfe.“He’snotgoingtomentionwewerecaughtinahurricaneandalmostdied,andhadpeopleshootingorthrowingrocksatusonthewaybacktotheairport?”
“Thatwouldbeawalkintheparkforhim.”Wolfemethergaze.“ThehurricanewasonlyalongthebeachfrontIhear.”
Jennagrippedhisarm.“Itwasreallybad,andI’msosorry,Shane,yourmom’scondowascompletelydestroyed.”
“Don’tworry,it’sinsured.”Wolfeturnedwithashrug.“HurricaneshappenallthetimeinFlorida.”Hisgazetraveledoverherface.“Kanesaidyouweren’tinjured.You’resheetwhite,areyouokay?”
Jennarubbedherbruisedforearmandnodded.“Yeah,Iguess.Justafewbumpsandbruises.That’swhathappenswhenpeoplethrowrocksatyou.Wecamethroughthehurricanejustfineoncewe’dclimbeddownfromthetopstorytothefirstfloortoescapethebuildingbeforeitcollapsed.Thehair-raisingridethroughArmageddontogetbacktotheairportwasjustpeachy.IknowthatyouandKaneareusedtolivingontheedge,butrightnowIfigureIneedaweektogetoverit.”Sheturnedandwalkedtothebackdoorofthemorgue.“Ihopeyouhavefreshcoffeebrewing.IhaveafeelingI’mgoingtoneedit.”
Theconversationconcerningmotorcyclesfollowedherintothemorgue.SheheadedforWolfe’sofficeanddroppedintoachair.“We’reinthemiddleofahomicideinvestigationandyou’rebothchattingaboutmotorcycles.Ithinkweneedtogetourprioritiesright.”SheturnedtoWolfe.“Youmentionedasecondvictim.Isitanotherfemale?Aretheyinthemorgue?”
“Yeah,they’rebothhere,andI’vecompletedtheautopsies.Ibelievetheteamisstillattheoffice.”Wolfewenttothecoffeemachineanddroppedintwopods.“Tobeperfectlyhonest,wehaven’tmademuchheadwayinthetwenty-fourhoursorsoyou’vebeenaway,buttheteamhasbeenworkingnonstop.”
“Wheredidyoufindthesecondvictim?”KanesatdownbesideJennaandsighed.“SameMO?”
“Yeah,exactly.Shewasfoundoutsidethelandfillleaningupagainstthefence.”Wolfehandedthembothacupofcoffee.“Mr.Brinkscalleditin.”Heleanedagainstthecounter,lookingatthem.“We’vegotnothingsolidandnosuspects.Kalohascheckedallthedatabasesformissingwomenmatchingtheirdescriptionsandfingerprintsandthesetwoseemtobeghosts.Anotherthing,JaneDoeTwowasbathedinformaldehyde,whichasyouknowisapreservative.Wedon’tknowhowlongthekillerkeptherpriortoleavingheratthelandfill.I’mrunningteststodeterminetherateofdeteriorationofJaneDoeTwo’sfleshtogivemeamoreaccuratetimeofdeath.Bothwomenwererapedantemortemandbruisesofdifferentmaturityontheirbodieswouldindicatetheywerebeatenoveraperiodoftime.”HelookedatJennaandshrugged.“It’searlyintheinvestigationandIneedmoretimetomakeadetermination.Althoughcauseofdeathofbothvictimswasasphyxiationduetostrangulation.I’llgetmyreporttoyouassoonaspossible.”
Concernedthekillerhadescalatedsofast,JennaranbothhandsthroughherhairandstaredatKane.“Iwouldlovetogohomeandshowerandchange,butwe’llhavetogointotheofficeandseeifthey’vemadeanyheadway.”ShefinishedhercoffeeandstoodandthenremovedtheleatherjacketandhandedittoWolf.“Unlessyouwantustoviewthebodiesnow?”
“Thatcanbedonetomorrowwhenyou’verested.Itisn’taprettysight,Jenna.”Wolfeshookhishead.“Youknow,itmightbebestifyouwenthomeandstartedfreshinthemorning.You’vebothbeenthroughatraumaticexperience.You’rebothexhaustedandwon’tbethinkingstraight.”
“Thanks,butwe’regood.Wehadplentyoftimetorestontheflight.”Kanedraggedhisjacketoutofhisbackpackandshruggedintoit.“YouknowdarnwellJennawon’tbeabletosleepunlessshe’sgottentothebottomofthiscase.”HetossedJennaherjacket.“Let’sgo.TheBeastisoutback.”
ItwasnosurprisetoJennawhenKanepulledupoutsideAuntBetty’sCafé.She’dlistenedtohisstomachgrowlingforthelasttwentyminutesorsoandexpectedhimtostopsomewheretogetsomethingtoeat.Tohersurpriseheaskedhertowaitanddashedinside,comingoutwithatonofpies.Whenshewalkedintothesheriff’sdepartment,shewassurprisedtoseeRowleyonthecounter.“Hi,Jake.Where’sMaggie?”
“Asit’safterfiveonSaturday,Isentherhome.”Rowleysmiledather.“I’mrealgladtoseeyoumadeithomesafely.Badluckaboutthehurricane.”Heindicatedwithhischintowardthehallway.“Theteamisintheconferenceroom.Notthatthey’vecomeupwithanythingyet.Thiscasesureisatoughone.”
Jennanodded.“Thanks,it’sgoodtobehome,andwithtwomurdersintown,it’sjustaswellwe’rehere.”ShestareddownthehallwayandthenbacktoRowley.“IsJoheretoo?Where’sJaimeandwhat’sbeenhappeninghere?”
“TheytookJaimebacktoSnakeskinGullyaftervictimtwoshowed.”Rowleyrubbedhischin.“OnFriday,afteryouleft,JoandCarterwentouttoviewthescene,andSandyandJuliewentforaridewiththegirls.Jaimetoldmethatshehadagreattimeridingthehorses.”
Smiling,Jenna’smindfilledwithimagesofthelittlegirlsdressedintheirbridesmaids’dresses.“Oh,that’sgood.Atleasthervisitwasn’truined.”SheturnedtoKane.“Iguesswe’dbettergetatit.”
Alowmumbleofvoicescamefromtheconferenceroom,andJennawalkedinwithKaneclosebehind.InaflashofblackandbrownDukeflewoutfromunderthedeskandhurledhimselfatKane.ShepluckedthebagoftakeoutfromKane’sarmsjustasthedogcircledhiminanaffectionateyappingdoggydance.ShegrinnedasKanewrestledthedogintosubmissionbyrubbinghisearsandtellinghimthateverythingwasokay.
“Well,won’tyoulookatwhatthehurricane’sblownin.”Cartergrinnedaroundhistoothpick.“Andthey’vebroughtfoodtoo.It’sadoublebonus.Nowbehonest,youmissedus,didn’tyou,andcouldn’twaittocomeback.”
“Well,letmethink—aweekendinFloridawithDaveorworkingacasewithyou?”Jennasmiledathim.“Sorry,Davewins.”Sheturnedbacktothewhiteboard.ThecopiousnotesmadebyRio’sneathandincolumnswithheadingswereconcise,butitwasobviousnoconclusionshadbeendrawnaboutthekiller.ThecolumnmarkedPROFILEwasempty,whichsurprisedJennaasJowasanexpertinherfield.Shesmiledasfacesturnedtoher.“Okay,guys,whathaveyougotforme?”
AfterlisteningtoRio’supdateofthecases,shesatdownatthetableandrubbedhertemples.“So,wehavenosuspectsatall?”
“Wehunteddowntheobvioususersofformaldehyde.”Riorubbedthebackofhisneck.“Theundertakerandthetwotaxidermistsweknowaboutintown.Weinterviewedthemandtheyallhadrock-hardalibisforthetimethebodiesweredumped.”
Unsatisfiedwithhisreply,Jennafrowned.“Iwantdetails—names,placeswheretheywork,andtheiralibis.”
“WewenttotheBlackRockFallsFuneralHomeandinterviewedMaxWeems,theundertaker,andhisson.”Rioleanedbackinhisseatandstaredather.“TheywereatAuntBetty’saroundthetimeofthedumpingofthefirstvictimandforthesecondtheywerecollectingabodyfromthehospital.”
“Wecheckedouttheiralibis.”RowleyconsultedhisiPad.“They’rerocksolid.”
AgitatedJennatappedapenonthedesk.“Isthatall?Whataboutthetaxidermists?”
“MeandJohandledtheinterviewsofthetaxidermistswithstoresintown:ColinDruryandAustinBerry.DruryhasbeeninHelenaforthepastweek,andBarryliveswiththreeotherguys.Allofthemconfirmedhewasathomeandwespoketothemseparately.”Cartersmiledaroundhistoothpick.“Theycheckedouttoo.”Hechuckled.“Youseewecanworkwhenyou’renothere,Jenna.Infact,we’vebeengatheringinformationsinceyouleft.”
TryingnottorollhereyesatCarter’sself-satisfiedgrin,Jennapushedthehairfromherface.“Withallthisinformationgathering,westilldon’thavealistofsuspects.Theremustbeotherpeoplewhouseformaldehydethatwehaven’tconsideredyet.”
“Thereareplentyoftaxidermistsintownwhodoitforahobby.”Kanesippedcoffee.“We’verunintoafewbefore.Theyshouldbelicensed.It’saleadweneedtochasedown.”
“Okay.”Riomadeanoteonthewhiteboard.“I’llgetonitbutthat’sallwehavefornow.”
“Thisisatoughonebutthisisonlydaythree.Sofaryou’veallfollowedprocedure.That’sallIcanaskofyou.”JennaturnedtoKane.“Anysuggestions?”
“Yeah,whydoyoufigurethekillerusedafreshvictimforJaneDoeOnewhenhehadJaneDoeTwoinstorage?”KanelookedatJo.“Wouldyouconsiderthisguyisanecrophiliac?Whatdoweneedtoknowtogivehimthatlabel?”
“No,Idon’tthinkso.”Jofoldedherhandsonthetable.“Thoseguysenjoythesmellandlikefrequentvisitstothecorpses,usuallytoindulgetheirsexualfantasies.Iseenoevidenceofthatbehaviorinthiscase.”Sheclearedherthroat.“Ibelieveheusedtheformaldehydeforonereasononlyandthatistopreservethebodysohecouldmoveitfromplacetoplace.”
ConsideringtheupdatefromRio,Jennascannedthefileandmethisgazeacrossthetable.“InyourreportyoumentionedapreviouscaseinDC.”SheturnedtoCarterandraisedoneeyebrow.“Iassumeyou’vecheckedthisguyout?”
“Weneverarrestedthekiller;heremainsinthewind.”Cartermovedatoothpickacrosshislipsandnarrowedhisgaze.“Myquestionis:whywouldthekillergotothisextremeandthenstopforalongtimebeforestartingupagain?Ifthesevictimsarenumberstwentyandtwenty-one,wherearetherestofthem?Idon’trecallthekillerinDCcarvingnumbersinthefleshoftheothervictims.Itmightnotbethesameperpetrator.”
“IresearchedasimilarpatternofbehaviorbutI’msureJoknowsmoreaboutitthanIdo.”Kanereachedintoabagforapeachpie.“InthecaseIreadabout,thekillerwasmarriedwithchildren.Itseemedhecouldcontrolhisurges,whichisunusualasyouknow.”
“Notreally.”Jo’sexpressionbecameinterested.“Thereisatypeofpsychopathwhocanquitecomfortablyleadadoublelifeandtakebreaksbetweenmurders,orkillandreturntotheirlifewithoutanychangeinbehavior.Theyhavetheabilitytocompartmentalizepeople,memoriesofmurdersorfantasies.Theybecomeexpertatputtingthemawayandnotthinkingaboutthem.Whentheneedarises,theycaneasilyaccesstheirfantasiesorswitchbetweenimaginationandrealityinablinkofaneye.”
Fascinated,Jennapouredherselfacoffeeandleanedbackinherchair.“Aretheythesameinotheraspects?Dotheylackempathyandnotthinkofthevictimoncethemurderhasbeencommitted?”
“Inthiscase,Idoubtit.”Kanestretchedhislonglegsandsighed.“Hemustbethinkingaboutthemorhewouldn’tbepreservingthem.Thisbringsmetoanotherquestion.Doyouthinkhecouldbemarriedandhaveafamily?”
“Marriedoraloner,botharepossibilities.Weknowmanyleavedoublelives.”Joopenedherhands.“Onethingforsure,thiskillerisconsumedwithmakingpeoplesuffer.Ibelievehebecomessexuallyarousedatseeingthewomenstruggling.Ifheismarried,hemightblamethevictimformakinghimarousedandbeatsthemtodeathaspunishment.”
“Oh,he’sasadisticSOB.”Cartertossedhistoothpickinthetrashandreachedforoneofthepiesinthetakeoutbag.“Wolfesaidhe’dbeenbeatingthesewomenoversometime.Heusedrapeasapunishment.Idon’tthinkhewasgettinganygratificationoutofit.Itwasjustanotherweaponinhisarsenal.”Heshookhishead.“He’sassmartasawhipand,justlikealltheothersoflate,seemstoknowhiswayaroundforensics.IblameTVshowsandtheinternetforgivingtoomuchinformationonforensicinvestigations,becauseit’sbecomingmoreandmoredifficulttofindDNAor,let’sfaceit,anyevidenceatallagainstthesekillers.”
Determinedtogetmoreinformationontheillusivekiller,JennaturnedtoCarter.“ItwouldhelpifyoucouldsendtheimagefilesandvideofromthedronetoKalo.He’llbeabletorunitthroughthefacial-recognitionsoftwareagainstdriver’slicensepictures.Iwantthenamesofeveryoneinthevicinityatthetimethebodieswerediscovered
Takingabeattostareatthewhiteboard,Jennascannedthelistofusesofformaldehydeandthevariousindustrieswhereitwascommonlyfound.SheturnedbacktoCarter.“AskKalotocross-referencetheoccupationsofthepeopleatthecrimescenewithanyoneworkingwithorinvolvedinanywaywithformaldehyde.Therehastobealink,andifhecanhuntdownpeoplewhoshowedatthecrimescenesanduseformaldehydeforanyreasonwhatsoever,we’llhavealistofsuspectstoinvestigate.”
“Goodthinking.”RioglanceddownathisiPad.“I’llsendhimalltheadditionalinformationIdiscoveredtoday.”
“Okay.Isthereanythingelseweneedtodiscuss?”Whentheroomfellsilent,Jennaglancedatherwatchand,seeingitwasaftersix,turnedbacktothetiredfacesaroundthetable.“That’sallwecandountilwehearfromBobbyKaloandWolfesendsovertheautopsyreports.Ifigurewe’llneedadaytocatchupontheinformationinthecasefiles.Sounlessanythingbreaksinthemeantime,we’llstartfreshonMonday.”
ChairsscrapedaseveryoneexceptCartergottotheirfeet.Jennarandownthelistoffilesonhertablettomakesureshehadalltheinformationonthecaseandthencollectedherthings,readytoleave.Everyinchofherbodyachedfromthebruises,andhermuscleshadstiffenedfromtraveling.Thedeliciousthoughtofgoinghometotheranchandsoakinginthehottubforanhourorsowasverytempting.Thehotwaterwouldbeverysoothing,andshewouldhaveplentyoftimetocatchupwiththecaseafterdinner.
“Youlookexhausted.”JomovedtoJenna’ssideandstaredatherwithaworriedexpression.“Wouldyoulikemetocomeovertotheranchhouseandcookdinnertonight?”
“Noneed.ThistimeI’mgonnainsistyoujoinusatAntlersfordinnerandIwon’ttakenoforananswer.”Carterpushedtohisfeet.“Thatpeachpiewasnice,butIhaveafeelingKanewouldpreferaten-ouncesteakwithallthetrimmings.”
“Youcansaythatagain.”KanegrinnedatJenna.“I’mstarving.”
“Youdon’thavetoheadbacktotheranchfirst.Youcouldtakeashowerhere.Iknowyouhaveclothesinthelockerroom.”Jomovedtoherside.“Comewithus.ItwillbeyourfirstmealinBlackRockFallsasamarriedcouple.Itwillberelaxingandyoudeservesometimetogether,seeingasyourhoneymoonwasruined.”
Shakingherheadinresignation,Jennanodded.“Okay,I’mhungrytooandasteaksoundslikeheaven.”
NINETEENSUNDAY
Asusual,Kanewokeatfiveandslippedoutofbed,leavingJennasleeping.She’dtakenthebruntofthestreetgang’sattackandwascoveredwithbruises.Thehottubhadhelpedsome,butsheneededtorestifsheplannedtohitthegroundrunningwiththecasethemomentshewoke.Hedressedinsilenceand,withDukecloseonhisheels,headedstraightouttothebarntodohischores.SummerinBlackRockFallswasanexquisitemixtureofwarmsunandfreshcleanair.Heinhaleddeeplyashewalkedtowardthebarn,recognizingthescentsofthevariouswildflowersspreadoutincolorfulpatchesturningthelowlandsintoanexceptionallybeautifulquilt.Agruntingnoisecomingfromthebarnslowedhisstride,butwhenhepeekedinside,hefoundCartermakingshortworkofthemuckingout.Awheelbarrowsettoonesidewasalreadyfilledwithhayandmanure.Neverfarfromhisside,Carter’sDoberman,Zorro,wassittinglikeastatueatthebackdoor.Hestrolledinside.“You’reanearlyriser.Notmanypeoplebeatmetothechoresinthemorning.”
“Well,asit’sstilltechnicallyyourhoneymoon,”Cartersmiledathimaroundhistoothpick,“Ifigureditwastheneighborlythingtodo.”
Morethanhappynottobeankledeepinhorsedung,Kanetippedbackhishatandsmiled.“Well,thankyoukindly.”
“You’rewelcome.”Carterpickedupthewheelbarrowandheadedforthemanurepileoutbackofthebarn.“Warriorisactingalittleskittishthismorning,soI’llleavehimtoyou.”
Kaneopenedthestallthatcontainedhisblackstallion.“Hedoesn’tlikecrittersinhisstall.Itwasprobablyamouse.”Heranonehanddownthesleekblackcoat.“Heseemsfinetome.”
Aftergivinghishorseathoroughgrooming,hetookhimbythehalter,ledhimoutintothebrilliantsunshine,andovertothecorral.Theothertwohorseswhinniedingreeting,andheopenedthegatetoletthehorserunfree.Hewatcheditfrolickingforafewmomentsbeforeturningbacktothebarn.“Comeon,Duke.Wehavechorestodo.”
“I’mjustaboutdonehere.”Carterwalkedbackintothebarn,brushinghishandstogether.“Ifigureafterwrestlingwithahurricaneyesterdaythelastthingyou’dneedtodoisworkoutthismorning,soifit’sokaywithyou,Jowilldropbytocookbreakfast…unlessyou’dratherbealone?”
Kaneslappedhimontheback.“We’regoodandwe’dlikethatjustfine.IknowJennaisanxioustobreakdownthecasewithJo.She’sbeendiscussingitwithmeallnight.”
“Okay.”Carterwhistledtohisdog.“I’llgrabashowerandwe’llmeetyouatthehouse.”
Afterbreakfasttheteammadetheirwaytothefamilyroom.KanescannedthenotesCarterhadmadeaboutsimilarcases,butheneededmoreinformation.“YoumentionedtheMichelangeloKillerusedskewers.Whatelsedoweknowabouthim?”
“BrunoVito,theMichelangeloKiller,murderedsixteenwomen.Allwereprostitutesofvariousracesbutaroundthesameage.”Carterpausedforabeatandthenclearedhisthroat.“Helikedthembetweentheagesoftwenty-twoandtwenty-six.ThestrangethingisthatVitowasmarriedtoaveryattractivewifeandhassixkids.Heworkedasabakerandhiswifehadajobintheschoolcanteen.Hiswifehadnoideahespenthissparetimekillingpeople.FromwhatJosays,herepresentsaclassiccaseofdouble-lifepsychopathy.”
“Itsaysherehe’sondeathrowinastatepen.”Jennaleanedforwardinherchairlookinginterested.“Haveyouinterviewedhim,Jo?”
“No,Ihaven’t,buthe’sonmylist.IfIcangettohimbeforehe’sexecuted.Ibelieveheisattheendofhisappeals.So,histimemaybelimited,althoughwhathehastosaywouldbeinvaluableformyresearchonpsychopathicbehavior.Theproblemis,ifhe’sbeenappealingthechargesagainsthim,gettinghimtoadmitkillingpeoplewillbedifficult.Rightnow,IhavenoreasontobelievethatthiscurrentkillerisacopycatoftheMichelangeloKiller.”
“I’mnotsosure.”JennascannedheriPad.“Iseemanysimilaritiesbetweenthetwoofthem.Bothofthemkeepthewomencaptivepriortotheirdeaths.I’vemadeaquickcomparison.Bothgetenjoymentoutofinflictingpain.Bothusedskewerstorepresentsomethingintheirfantasies.Ifwecan’tgetanyhardevidencetohuntdownsuspects,wouldyouconsiderinterviewingtheMichelangeloKiller?Itwouldbeinterestingtoseewhatinformationhecouldgiveusthatmighthelpuswiththiscase.”
AsJenna’ssuggestionmadesoundsense,Kanenoddedinagreement.“Yeah,thatwouldbeagoodidea.IrecallreadingapaperfromanFBIagentwhowenttothesourcetoobtaininformationaboutacertaintypeofbehavioralpattern.Hestraightoutaskedthepsychopathforhishelpwithhiscurrentcase.TheprisonergotakickoutofbeingaskedbytheFBI.ItgavehimbraggingrightsinjailandgavetheFBIinvestigatoravaluableinsightintothebehaviorofthekillertheywouldn’thavegottenotherwise.IfourguyisonthesamewavelengthastheMichelangeloKiller,wemightbeabletodiscoverwhatmakeshimtick.”
“Thatsoundsfeasible,butinpracticeitmightbealittlemoredifficult.”Joranahandthroughherhairandsighed.“Wemightbeluckyifhe’satalker.Someofthemenjoyreminiscingabouttheirmurdersasitgivesthemachancetorelivethethrillofthekill.Othersdenyeverythingandrefusetosayaword.Ashe’shadsomanyappeals,there’sachancehemightfigurebytalkinghe’sadmittingguilt.”
“He’sgotnothingtolose.”JennasmiledatJo.“Yourpowersofpersuasionareincredible.Ifanyonecangethimtotalk,youcan.”
Kanelookedfromonetotheother.HeagreedwithJenna.IfthekillertheywerechasinghadbeeninfluencedbytheMichelangeloKillerandwasjustacopycat,itwouldmeananentirelydifferentlineofinquirywasnecessary.IftheycouldgetVitotodivulgehisinnermostfeelings,theycouldusetheinformationtomoreaccuratelyprofilethemanresponsiblefortherecentmurders.Atthemoment,theyhadnohardevidencetopointthemtoagroupofpossiblesuspects.“Ifigureit’sworthatry.Howlongwouldittakeyoutoarrangeaninterview?”
“Notlongatall,providingtheprisoneragreestothemeeting.”Joraisedbotheyebrows.“We’llhavetoassumehewon’tbewillingtocooperatefornothing.We’llhavetocomeupwithsomethingtomakeitworthhiswhile.”
Afterreadingsomanypapersonpsychopaths,Kaneunderstoodthatamajorityofthemenjoyednotoriety.BeingthetopdoginprisonwasabigdealtothemandtheylovedtoreadaboutthemselvesorwatchanynewspaperorTVdocumentariesontheirmurders.“Thefactthathe’sondeathrowwillhelp.Ifigurehe’llwanteveryonetorememberhim.Youcouldoffertofeaturehiminyourbook,andifhewantstobeoneofthetenmostnotoriousserialkillersinhistory,hemightwellenjoytellingall.”
“Well,itworkedwithJamesStone,didn’tit?”Jennadrummedherfingersonthearmofthechair.“Unlesswehavesomehardevidencerealsoon,we’llneedsomethingtogiveusacluetotheidentityofthiskiller.”
NothavingtheinformationontheMichelangeloKillerinfrontofhim,KanelookedatCarter.“What’stheMOintheMichelangelocase?”
“FromwhatIrecall,theMichelangeloKiller’smotivewasfirmlybasedinaradicalreligiousupbringing.Hebelievedbymurderingtheprostitutes,dressingthemuplikeangelsandaddingahalo,herescuedthemfromtheirsins.”Carterscratchedhischeek.“That’sallIhaveonthecase,butifyouwantdetails,I’llhavethefilessenttousASAP.”
“Thanks.”JennaturnedtoJo.“Iknowyouhaven’tgottenmuchinformation,buthaveyoumadeanyheadwayatallinprofilingthekillerinthesehomicides?”
“Idohaveafewthoughtsonthiskiller.”Jo’sexpressionwasseriousasshelookedatJenna.“Ithinkit’sprettyobvioushehasaproblemwithwomenforsomereasonorwhatever.We’vehadsomanyserialkillerswho’vehadmanipulativemothers.Asyouknow,oftenthetriggercomesfromchildhoodabuse.Abusehappensinmanydifferentwaysanditdoesn’thavetobephysical.Ifachildisexposedtoviolentbehaviorfromoneorbothoftheirparentsagainsteachother,theymightdeveloppsychosisagainstbothparents.Inthiscaseit’sobviousthepolicewereinvolved.TheuseoftheHalloweenmaskisasignificantfeatureofthisman’sfantasy.”
AllthecasesthatKanehadreadaboutpercolatedintohismindashelistenedtoJodiscusstheprofileofthekiller.Heleanedforwardinhischair.“Ibelievetheskewersusedinthesamepatternoneachofthevictimsrepresentsomethingfromhischildhood.I’vebeenrackingmybraintryingtothinkwherepeopleuseskewersapartfromincooking.Doyoufigurethekiller’sparentsarguedorfoughtinfrontofhim,andthen,forinstance,thewifeorhusbandcookedaspecialmakeupmealusingskewerseachtime,itwouldimpacttothisextentonthechild?”
“Itallcomesdowntowhatheassociateswithhistriggermemories.Peopleassociatesmellsoractionswithmemoriesgoodandbad,soitmakessensethattheyalsotriggerapsychoticepisodeinapsychopathickiller.”Jo’seyebrowsmettogetherinafrown.“Youhaveaverygoodprofilingmind,Dave.Iwouldassumeourkillerhasmorethanonetrigger,orherequiresboththemaskandtheskewerstocompletehisfantasy.Aswehavenoideahowmanywomenhe’smurdered,butifourJaneDoesarenumberstwentyandtwenty-one,thenhecouldhavehadbreaksinbetween,orhesimplydecidedtostartonnumbertwenty.”
“Noway.”Cartershookhishead.“Fromthecrimescenes,thereisnowayinhellthatthesemurdersarehisfirstdance.InallthecasesI’vebeeninvolvedwith,thefirstkillsaremessy,rushed,andthekillermakesmistakes.Therewouldbemoreevidenceatthescene.I’mseeingawell-organizedkillerhereandonewithexperience.Hetakeshistimeandenjoysit.It’sgoingtobehardtocatchhim.”
“Okay,takingthatintoconsideration”—JostaredathernotesandthenlookedbackatJenna—“ifhehasn’tbeingreleasedfromjailrecently,wehavetoassumehedoesn’tlivealone.He’dneedpeoplearoundhimtouseasalibis.IwouldsayheisaCaucasianmalebetweentheagesofthirty-fiveandforty.Hehasajobthatallowshimtomovearoundwithoutconstrictionoverawidearea.”
“Hecan’tpossiblybemarried.Howcouldamarriedmanpossiblyhideabunchofwomenfromhiswifeoverasustainedperiod?”Jennaraisedbotheyebrowsinquestion.“Mostwomenwouldnoticeifherhusbandcamehomesmellingofawoman.Wenoticethesethingsandifheis,asyousay,someonewhoisawayfromhomefrequentlyandcomeshomesmellingofperfumeorwhatever,Iwouldimaginethatwouldbeverydifficulttohidefromhiswife.”
“Idon’tthinkso.”Carterlookedamused.“WeknowthisguycanhidehisDNAandanytraceevidencefromthebodies,soit’sprettyobvioushewouldn’tbegoinghomestinkingofperfume.He’stoosmartforthat,butIagreehemovesaroundfrequently.Ifheislivingwithsomeoneorismarried,he’dneedanexcusetobeawayfromhomeatregularintervals.Ifigureheiseitheratruckdriverorinsales,andIwouldgowiththelatterbecausesalesrepresentativesareusuallywelldressedandpresented.They’dhaveabetterchanceofattractingawoman.Theywouldlooksaferthanaroughneck.Ifwe’retalkingaboutprostitutes,they’dbelookingforaguywithplentyofsparecash.”
“Youhaveapoint.”Jennanoddedanagreement.“Asthevictimshaven’tbeenreportedmissing,wehavetoassumethatthey’reeitherstreetpeopleorprostitutes,buttheydon’tlooklikethey’vebeenlivingonthestreets.Theirhairandteethareingoodconditionandiftheylivedonthestreet,theywouldn’thavethemoneytogotothedentist.Wolfehasn’testablishediftheyaredrugusers,butIwouldassumethey’rehigh-endprostitutes,andifyou’retheoryiscorrect,thenourkillerispickingthemupinbarsoroffthestreets.”
Listeningintentlytotheconversation,Kanenodded.“Thenhe’dneedavehicletotransporthisvictims.So,wecanstrikeatruckdriverfromourlistofoccupationsbecause,assureashell,hewouldn’triskusinganeighteen-wheelertopickupprostitutes.”
“Okay,sowe’relookingforasalesrepresentativeorsometypeofexecutivewhomovesthroughoutthestate,maybeinamanagerialpositionwithadecentvehicleandwhodealsinamanufacturingprocessthatinvolvesformaldehyde.”Carterleanedbackinhischairandstaredattheceiling.“Thatnarrowsitdowntoaboutoneortwothousandpeople.ThisstatehassomanydifferentindustriesandIhavenoideahowwecanpinpointthiskillertoanyoneofthem.”
“Really?That’sadefeatistattitudecomingfromyou,Carter.Wehaven’tevenscrapedthesurfaceoftheevidenceyet.Wolfewillfindsomething.Healwaysdoes.”Jennashookherhead.“We’vehadtoughercasestosolvethanthisoneandwe’rejustgettingstarted.I’mdarnsureI’mnotgivingupjustyet.”
TWENTY
Horrified,Poppypressedherhandstoherearstoblockoutthebeggingandscreamingofherjailor’scurrentvictim.Theconversationshe’dhadwithhimranthroughhermindinaconstantloopofagonizingterror.Usingeveryounceofcourageshepossessed,she’ddonewhatsheneededtosurviveandofferedtoassisthimwithhisnextvictim.Theirconversationhadbeenlimitedandshehadn’tbeenabletogathermuchinformationonwhyhewaskillingthewomen.Terrified,she’dwatchedhimchangevisiblyinbetweenthetimeshespoketoherandwhenhemurdered.Couldhebedemonstratingasplitpersonalityorwassheseeingbothsidesofapsychopath?Havingnoprofessionalexperienceindealingwithsomeoneinaheightenedstateofaggravation,she’dkepthervoicelowandneverlookedawayfromhimwhenhewasspeakingtoher.Fromwhatshe’dwitnessed,showingfearmadethingsworse.Whenhisterrifiedvictimsfoughttoescape,hechangedinasplitsecond.Themoretheyscreamedandwriggledtogetaway,themoreheenjoyedit.Theintenselookinhiseyesfrightenedherandhiscrueltwistedsmileremindedherofaderangedclown.Itwasasifhe’dturnedintoadifferentperson.
Feargrippedherbythethroatasthesoundofthebaseballbathittingthefloorandrollingawaysignaledtheendofthefirstphaseofthewoman’spunishment,butthemoansofthebeatenwomancontinuedashecompletedhisfinaldegradation.Shefoughtforbreathtryingtokeepcalmbecausethenexttimeheopenedthedoor,shewouldneedtobereadytopasshistest.Poppystiffenedherspine,swallowingherfear.Tofoolhimintobelievingshewasjustlikehimshe’dneedtobereadytodealwithwhatevergruesomejobheintendedtogiveher.She’dseendeadbodiesbeforeandattendedautopsies.Ifshecouldlookatwhathehaddoneinaclinicalway,shemightnotloseit.Scrubbingbothhandsdownherface,shepacedupanddownthesmallcell.Comeon,Poppy,youcandothis.Justconcentrate.
Lockedawaywithnochanceofescape,shecouldn’thelpanyone,butifshegainedhistrust,therewouldbeatleastaslimchanceofgettingawayandalertingtheauthorities.Shehadtofacethenextfewminuteswithoutcringingaway.Hewouldbefinishedsoon,anditwouldbetimeforhertoproveherworthtohim.Trembling,shegroundherteethtogethersohardherjawachedasthesoundofhimdragginghisvictimdownthepassagewayseepedintoherbrain.Shewouldhearthetorturedscreamsofthewomenhe’dmurderedinherdreamsforever.
Footsteps,slowanddeliberate,camedownthepassagewaytowardhercell.Heartthumping,Poppysuckedindeepbreathsandstaredatthedoor.Itopenedslowlyandherjailerstoodbeforehersplatteredwithblood.Sheliftedherchinandlookedhimsquareintheeyes.“I’mready.Whatdoyouwantmetodo?”
“Comewithme.Iwantyoutoremoveyourclothesbecausewedon’twantanyDNAevidenceonthebody,dowe?”Hestoodtoonesidetoallowhertopass.“Thenyou’lltakeashowerandI’llgiveyousomethingtocoveryourhair.”Hetappedheronthearm,leavinglongstreaksofblood.“Don’tmakethemistakeoftryingtoescape,Twenty-Five.YoumeannothingtomeandIwouldbestupidtotrustyou.Ihaven’tforgottenthatyou’reacop.Youcouldbenext.Justkeeprememberingthatandwe’llgetalongfine.”
TWENTY-ONEMONDAY
TheearlymorningsummersunlightflashedthroughthetreesasJennaheadedwithKanefortheoffice.Shehadplannedherentireday,risingearlytomakealisttodelegateherdeputiestospecificinvestigations.Thishadbeenherwayofrationalizinghersituation.Havingherdreamhoneymoondestroyedbyahurricanehaddisturbedhermorethanshehadimagined.Itwassupposedtohavebeenaspecialtimewithmemoriestocarrywiththemintothefuture,buttheirshadbeencruellysnatchedaway.Sheshookherheadindismay.Howmanybrideshadapsychopathrunningaroundkillingpeopleontheirweddingday?ItseemedthatJenna’slifehadbecomeapendulumswingingbackandforthtotherhythmofanendlessnumberofpsychopaths’insanity.
Ithadbeendifficultdraggingherselfoutofbedthismorningandconcentratingonthecase,ratherthanstayinghometospendtimealonewithKane,butasusual,herlifehadtobeplacedonholdwhendutycalled.Leaningtowardhim,shesqueezedhisarm.“Isitalwaysgoingtobelikethis?Shortbreaksandthenweeksofcraziness?HowdoesRowleycope,raisinghistwinswiththethreatofanotherserialkillermovingintotown?Iwantustohaveafamilytoo,buttheworryofaconstantstreamofpsychopathswalkingthestreetsconcernsme.Whatifourchildbecomesatarget?Lookatwhat’shappenedtoWolfe’sdaughters.Nooneissafehere.”
“Badthingshappenineverytown,noonecanbeonehundredpercentsurenothingisgoingtohappentotheirkids.I’mafraidthat’stheworldwelivein.We’lltakeprecautionslikewedonow.TheranchislikeafortressandtheBeastcouldtakeabombblast.”Kanetookhishandfromthewheelandsqueezedhers.“AndthenyouhavemeandI’llkeepyousafe.Iforwhenwehavekids,we’lldoexactlywhatwe’vealwaysdoneandtakeitonedayatatime.Wehaveagreatsupportteamaroundus,andallofourfriendsarelikefamily.Youdotrustthemdon’tyou,Jenna?”
Sincethetraumaofsurvivingthehurricane,Jenna’sthoughtshadcenteredonhertimeassheriff.Theyweremarriednowandthatshouldn’tmakeadifference.They’dalwaysbeenateambutsuddenlythethoughtoflosingKanehauntedherthoughts.He’dcomeclosetodyingsomanytimesonherwatch.Howmanylivesdidhehaveleft?One?Twenty?Assheriffifanythinghappenedtohim,itwouldbeherfault.He’dtakeabulletforherwithoutflinchingandthatwasoneheckofaresponsibilitytocarry.She’dbeenseriouslyafraidduringthestorm,believingthehappinessshe’dyearnedforwouldbesnatchedawayfromherinseconds.Tryingtohideherconcern,sheturnedtohim.“Youknow,Itrustyoutolookaftermeandtheteamwillalwayshaveourbacks,butitseemseverythingisagainstus.”
“Nothinghaschanged,Jenna.It’sbeenlikethissincethefirstdaywemet.You’rethesheriffandI’myourdeputy.We’llcatchthekillerssameasalways.Ifigureyou’reseeingaproblemwherethereisn’tone.We’vebeenmarriedforonlyafewdays,andsofar,itseemstobegoingjustfine.Wehaven’ttriedtokilleachotheryetanyway.”Kanechuckledandwiggledhiseyebrowsather.“Pleasestopworrying,Jenna,anddowhatyoudobestandconcentrateoncatchingthiskiller.Everyoneontheteamlookstoyouastheirleader,sostopsecond-guessingyourself.Youknowinstinctivelywhattodoandwetrustyourjudgement.”Hesqueezedherfingers.“Lookwhathappenedwhenwewereoutoftown.Withoutyoutopointthemintherightdirection,theywerechasingtheirtails.”
AlthoughRio’shandlingofthecasehadbeenfaultless,Jennaenjoyedtheegostrokeandnodded.“Yeah,Iguesstheydidmissus.Maybeyou’rerightandIshouldgetmyheadbackinthegameandstopfeelingsorryformyself.”
TheyhadjustturnedontoMainwhenherphonechimedinherpocket.ShecheckedhercallerID,putherphoneonspeaker,andacceptedthecall.ItwasDeputyJakeRowley.“Hi,Jake.What’sup?”
“Acallcameinonthe911line,adeliverydriverspottedsomeoneleaningagainsttheWELCOMETOBLACKROCKFALLSsignjustoutsidetowntothenorth.Hecouldseeitwasawomanandpulledovertoaskifshewantedarideintotown.Longstoryshort,it’sanotherbody.Fromwhathedescribed,it’sthesameMO.Ihavetheman’sdetailsandhe’llbewaitingonscene.I’mheadinginthatdirectionnow,butyouwillprobablybeatmethereifyou’vealreadylefthome.”
AsinkingfeelingfilledJenna’sgutandsheglancedatKaneraisingbotheyebrows.Anothermurdersosoonandtheydidn’thaveanycluesontheothertwoyet.Shesighed.“Yeah,we’reheadingdownMainnowandwillbethereinfive.I’llgetWolfeonscene,andJoandCarterarerightbehindus.What’sthenameofthemanwhodiscoveredthebody?”
“HisnameisAlanWoods.HeisoutofLouanandmakesaregulardeliverytothegeneralstoreMondaythroughFriday.”Rowleysuckedinadeepbreath.“Iwonderwhatnumberthisonewillhavecarvedintoherback?Ihopethistimehe’sleftsomeevidencebehindsowecanlockhimupforaverylongtime.”
“SodoI,Jake,sodoI.”JennadisconnectedandthencalledWolfeandCarter.
Itwouldneverbeanormalday’sworkforJennatodealwithcrimescenes.Ittookatollonanyonehavingtoconstantlywitnesssuchcarnage.Everycasethatsheworkedonshe’dmadeherresponsibilityandcaredforthevictims.Theywereneverfacelesscorpsesandsherememberedeachandeveryoneofthem.Tryingtogatherherthoughtsonhowto
“I’llseewhatIcandobutI’mnotmakinganypromises.”Kaneflashedherasmile.“Susiementionedpecanpies,soIorderedthemaswell.Ifigureditwasgoingtobealongday,soI’vearrangedtohaveabunchoftakeoutdeliveredtotheofficeatten.Ifiguredwe’regonnaneedabreakbythen.”
“Wesurewill.”JennapointedatawhitedeliveryvanwithalogoonthesidethatreadLOUAN’SFRESHMEATPIES.“There,canyouseetheguyspewingintothebushes?”
“Yeah,he’shardtomiss.”Kanepulledinbehindthevan.HeslidoutoftheBeast.“I’llgrabtheforensicskit.”
AbreezebrushedJenna’sface,bringingwithitthestenchofrottingfleshandvomit.Shewalkedovertothewitness.“Didyouseewhodumpedthebodyoranyoneinthevicinitywhenyouarrived?”
“No,ma’am.”Themanturnedashadeofgray.“I’mgonnaspew.”Heheadedforthebushes.
JennaturnedtospeaktoJoandCarter.“I’llgoandcheckthevictimwithKane,ifyoudon’tmindinterviewingthewitness?Hedidn’tseeanything,butwe’llneedhisstatement.Wolfeisonhisway.”
“Sure.”Carterlookedoverhershouldertothemanspewinginthebushes.“IfigureI’llgivehimafewmomentstocatchhisbreath.”Hewrinkledhisnoseandpulledamaskoutofhispocket.“Man,itsurestinksaroundhere.”
Jennanodded.“Itsuredoes.Iknowthewitnessusedhisvehicletoconcealthebody,anditsavedusworryingaboutbystandersshowingupandcontaminatingthescene,butcanyouaskhimtomoveitbackaways?Wolfewillneeddirectaccess.”
“Yeah,noworries.”Carterheadedforthewitness.
TakingthefacemaskandglovesfromKane,Jennaheadedtowardthevictim.Itwasexactlythesameastheprevioustwo.Abatteredwomanwearingamaskandaflimsynegligeewithskewersdownherspineandanumbercarvedintoherflesh.Therewasnodoubtnowtheyhadaverydangerouspsychopathintown.Fromthesmell,thiswomanhadn’tbeenwashedinformaldehyde.Thedistinctiveodordidn’tlingeronthecorpseandthepositionofthebodywasalsodifferentfromtheothertwo.Thetwopriorvictimshadbeendiscoveredlyingfacedown,sprawledwitharmsandlegsindisarray,butthisonewassittingup,proppedagainstthesign.Herheadwasfacingdown,whichmadeherhairfalloverherface,concealingthemask.SheturnedtoKane.“Doyoufigurethatpositioningthecorpsethiswaywasdonetomakeitlookasifshewerewaitingforsomeone?”
“No.”Kanecroucheddowntoviewthebody.“Inmyopinion,placingheronthesideoftheroadsoeveryonecouldseeherastheydrivepastisdegrading.Hehasdiscardedherliketrash.Thisisthefinalinsultforsomeonehedespises.”
“He’sescalating.”JowalkedupbesideJennaandpeeredatthebody.“Andhe’sgettingcareless.Theothertwovictimsweremeticulouslypresented,theirhairbrushed,andthisoneisuntidyincomparison.ItwillbeinterestingtoseewhatWolfediscovers.Killersalwaysmakeamistakesoonerorlater,andbylookingatthispoorwoman,shewasarushjob.Maybehehadtoleavetowninahurry.”
“Whichwouldconfirmhemovesaroundinhisoccupation.It’sMondaymorninganditmakessensethatifthismanisworkingoutoftown.Hecouldhavedroppedherhereonthewaytowork.”KanestraightenedandpushedbackhisStetsonashescannedthedirtalongsideStanton.“Ican’tseeanytiretracksclosetothesideoftheroad.So,hestoppedsomewaysawayandcarriedherhere.Hewouldn’triskdoingthatindaylight,sowemustassumeheisanearlyriserandusuallyleaveshomebeforedawn.”
Listeningwithinterest,JennawalkedbesideKanearoundtheperimeterofthemurderscene,searchingforfootprintsoranyotherevidenceapersonmightleavebehind.Therancidsmellofdeathfollowedthem,leakingthroughhermaskastheywalkedaway.Jennaliftedherfacetothebreezecomingfromthemountains,seekingsomerespite.Findingnothingbutafewanimaltracks,sheturnedtolookatherownfootprints,clearlyvisibleinthesoftdirtalongsidethehighway.“Thisisawasteoftime.Themanresponsiblefordoingthisobviouslyparkedontheroadandcarriedheralongtheblacktop.”
“Yeah,Ifigurehestoppedjustaboutthere.Thisisatypicaloilleakfromastationaryvehicle.Ifitwereacontinuousleak,we’dseealineofsmalldroplets,notapoollikethis.Whichwouldsuggestthevehiclewasstationaryforatime.”Kanewenttotheedgeofthehighwayandsquatteddownpeeringatapatchofoilstainingtheblacktop
Asatruckcamebarrelingalongthehighwayintheirdirection,Jennasteppedoutontotheblacktop.HerjacketwiththefluorescentinsigniaofSHERIFFwritteninbrightyellowsix-inch-highletteringacrossthefrontwaseasilyrecognizable.Sheheldupherarms,makingslowing-downmotionstotheeighteen-wheelerasitcameclosetowhereKanewasworking.Thetruckcontinuedonbyinarushofwindthatliftedthehairofthevictim,exposinghergrotesquemaskandmovinghernegligeeasifshewerealive.Jennaswallowedhardandkeptherattentionfixedontheoncomingtraffic.MostofthevehicleshadslowedatthesightoftheBeastandhercruiserparkedonthesideoftheroadwiththeirblueandredlightsflashing.Drivershungoutoftheirwindowsstaringinmorbidfascinationatthevictim,eachonetryingtocatchaglimpseofwhathadhappened.Jennawavedthemon.“There’snothingtoseehere,moveon.”
“I’mdonehere.”Kanestoodandcametoherside,pushingtheswabshe’dtakenintoclearplasticcylindersandsealingthem.Hestaredintothedistance.“Ah,there’sWolfe,andRowleyisrightbehindhim.”
Aftermakingaparticularlycarefulexaminationoftheareaaroundtheoilspillandallalongtheblacktoponthewaybacktothebody,JennagreetedWolfeandhisteamastheyclimbedfromtheME’svan.ShewasgladtoseeWolfehadusedhisvantoconcealthebodyfromtheroad.Standingtooneside,shewaitedforhimtocompletehispreliminaryexaminationofthecorpse.Whenhestraightened,shemovedtohisside.“Whathavewegot?”
“Thisoneisfresh.”Wolfenarrowedhisgazeatheroverthetopofhisfacemask.“Sheisinonlythefirststagesofrigor.I’vetakenthebodytemperatureandI’llbeabletogiveyouareasonabletimeofdeath.There’snoindicationofformaldehydeonthisbodybutallthesignsaretherethatthisisthesamekiller.Somethingelseisscreamingoutatme.TheothervictimshadbeenscrupulouslywashedbutIcanclearlyseethiswomanhassomethingunderoneofhernails.Itlookstomeasifourkillerisgettingcareless.I’llbeabletotellyoumorewhenIgetherbacktothelab.”Hewavedhisassistantover.“Webber,bagherhandsandfeet,andwe’llgetherintoabodybag.“Emily,Iwantyoutosearcheveryinchofthegroundbeneathhertomakesurethekillerhasn’tleftanyevidencebehind.”
“Isthatsomethinginherear?”Emilybentclosetothevictim’sface.“Maybesoapsudsorsomethingsimilar?Ididn’tnoticeanythinglikethatonanyoftheothervictims.”
“Yeah,thatlooksinteresting.”Wolfebentlowoverthevictimandbrushedbackherhair.“I’llcollectasampleofitbeforewemoveher.”Hereachedintohisbagandpulledoutakit.“Thismightbethebreakthroughwe’vebeenlookingfor.”
Movingcloser,Jennalookedathim.“Kanecollectedsamplesofapatchofoiljustbackthereonthehighway.Wedidn’tfindanyfootprintsanywherenearthebodyandfiguredheparkedontheblacktopandcarriedherhere.Itwillbeanotherpieceofevidencewecanuseifwegetasuspectdrivingavehiclewithanoilleak.”
“Usedengineoilisgreatevidence.”Wolfecollectedthesamplefromthewoman’searwithcareandsliditintoaplasticcylinderbeforestraighteningandturningtoJenna.“Ittellsastory.Forinstance,alloilshavedifferentproperties,sowe’llknowthebrand.Differentvehiclesproducedifferentcontaminants,whichwecanpintoaparticularengine.It’salmostasgoodasafingerprint.”
Encouragedbythegoodnews,Jennasmiledbehindhermask.“Howlongbeforeyoucandotheautopsy?Thisonemightgiveustheinformationweneedtohuntdownafewsuspects.”
“There’snoreasonIshoulddelayanautopsy,asit’sanobvioushomicide.I’llconductapreliminaryexaminationwhenIgetherbacktothelab.Ifyouscanherprintsandrunthemwithherdescriptionthroughthedatabase,youmayhitpaydirt.Lookingattheconditionofthebody,thisonewaskidnappedrecently.I’llgiveyouacallwhenI’mreadytoproceedwiththeautopsy.Itwillbeafewhoursyet.There’satonofevidencetoprocessonthebodybeforeIstart.”
StaringpastWolfetothewitness,Jennanodded.“That’sgood.I’vesomeleadstochasedown.Doyouwanttospeaktothewitnesswhodiscoveredthebody?Hedidn’tseeanyone.”
“No,notifyou’vetakenhisstatement.IfIneedanymoreinformation,I’llcatchupwithhimlater.Ithinkit’smoreimportanttogetthebodyoniceandcollectasmuchevidenceaspossible.Forinstance,ifyouwanttoknowifshehasdrugsinhersystem,I’dneedtogetthetestsunderwaywithoutdelay.”Wolfesurveyedthecrimesceneandthenturnbacktoher.“Wecanhandleitfromhere.IfIfindanythinginteresting,I’llcallyoulaterthisafternoon.”
ItwaslikeagreatweighthadliftedfromJenna’sshoulders.HavingWolfetotakeoverthecrimescenegavehertimetofast-tracktheinvestigation.“Thanks,I’llleaveyoutoit.We’llseeyoulater.”Shewalkedtoherteamandwaitedforthemtoturntoher.“Ifyouhaveeverythingyouneedfromhere,wecanheadbacktotheoffice.”Aseveryoneheadedfortheirvehicles,shemadeherwaytowhereMr.Woodswasleaningagainsthisvan.“Thanksforyourassistance.We’llbeintouchifweneedanymoreinformation.Iwantyoutokeepthisinformationtoyourselfasarespecttothefamilyofthiswoman.I’llneedtodiscoverheridentityandinformthenextofkinbeforeit’sreleasedtothepublic.”
“Yeah,Iunderstand.IneedtogetthesedeliveriestothegeneralstoreandthenImightgohomefortherestoftheday.”Woodsturnedawayandclimbedintohisvan.
JennawalkeduptotheBeastandslidinside.ShelookedatKaneandletoutalongsigh.“Ifthisbodyisfresh,maybewe’llbeluckyandfindamissingpersons’report.Shemustbesomebody’sdaughter.Someoneouttheremustcare.”
TWENTY-TWO
Bythetimeshearrivedattheoffice,Jenna’smindwasworkingovertime.SheinformedMaggiethattheteamwouldbeworkinginthecommunicationsroomandledthewayupthestairswitheveryonefollowingclosebehind,includingthetwodogs.Wheneveryonewassettled,sheturnedtotheexpectantfacesandclearedherthroat.“Iwanteverythingyou’vegotontheformaldehydeusersintown.Haveyoucross-referencedanyofthemwithrecentreleasesfromjail?”
“Wehaveafewpossiblesuspectslinedupforyou.”RioglanceddownathisiPad.“Wefoundtwohobbytaxidermistsintownwhoarecurrentlyregistered.OneisJoshuaSalmon,whoworksatthemeat-processingplant.HelivesonMaple.TheotherisTomParsons,along-haultruckeroutonPine.”Hesighed.“Wehaven’thadtimetointerviewthemyet.”
JennamadenotesinhercasefileandthenlookedatRowley.“Didyoufindanyonerecentlyreleasedfromjailwhomightuseformaldehyde?”
“Yeah,Kalosentusalistofpossibles.”RowleyscannedhisiPad.“ReleasedinthelastthreemonthswehaveBigJohnOates,whowasconvictedonanassaultchargeafterafightattheTripleZRoadhouse.HelivesatMinersRidge—that’saveryisolatedplaceandformspartofthelowlands.Heworksatafactorywhereformaldehydeisused.ThenextpersonofinterestisLucasDavies,convictedofarsonaftersettingfiretoaneighbor’svehicle.He’ddiscoveredhiswifewashavinganaffairwiththeownerofthevehicle.He’samerchandiseroutofGreenTreeLane,BlackRockFalls.”HeglancedupatJenna.“ThenwehaveSamBright,whowasjailedforfiveyearsforindecentassault.Fromtherecords,thatwasthethirdtimehewasconvictedofthesamecrime.Helikestobreakintohousesandattacksleepingwomen.He’slivingoutofLongRiver,BlackRockFalls,andisaroaddriver.”
ConsideringtheinformationJennanodded.“Whatexactlydoesaroaddriverdo?”
“Roaddriversusuallypickupanddelivercargotrailers.Theytraveltovariousdestinations,usuallylongdistance.”Kaneleanedbackinhischair.“Theoccupationsthattravelfromonecountytoanotheroronlongdistancerouteswouldfitinperfectlywiththeprofileofthekiller.Doyouagree,Jo?”
“Yes,Ido.”JonoddedandturnedtoJenna.“WehaveJaneDoesand,withnopositiveIDstolinkthemtoourarea,wemustassumethatthesewomenarefromanothercountyorstate.Thekillerismovingthebodiessomehowwithoutanyonenoticing,sowehavetoassumehe’sfrequentlytravelingfromoneplacetoanotheranddrivingavehiclethatiscommonplaceintown.”
Listeningwithinterest,JennaturnedtoRio.“Ifigureeveryoneyou’vementionedisapossiblesuspect.Wouldyouaddthemtothewhiteboardsowecanallkeeptrackoftheirnamesandwheretheylive?”Sheglancedbackdownathernotes.“IbelieveSamBrightwouldbeonthetopofmylist.Hetravelslongdistancesandthere’salsoarecordofindecentassault.Asthevictimswereraped,healreadyhastwostrikesagainsthim.”
“Hedefinitelyisapossible.”Kaneleanedforwardinhischair.“Doyouwantmetohunthimdown?”
Jennasmiledathim.“Yeah,thatwouldbeagoodplacetostart.”Sheturnedtotheothers.“Isuggestwesplitupthislist,huntdownthesepeople’slocations,andgoandinterviewasmanyofthemaspossible.It’salonglistandweneedtocutitdown.”SheperusedhernotesagainandthenliftedaheadandlookedatRowley.“WhatmadeyouaddLucasDaviesintheequation?Whatdoesamerchandiserhaveincommonwithformaldehyde?”
“Hiscompanydealswithalltypesofcleaningproducts,andformaldehydeisoneofthem.”Rioturnedfromthewhiteboardtolookather.“Hetravelsaroundandfitstheprofile.”
Thinkingbackoverallthecasesthatshe’dworkedonoverthelastfouryearsorso,Jennacouldn’trecallanyofthepeopleRiomentioned.“Thenamesyoumentionedthatwerereleasedfromjailrecentlyareallkindoffamiliar,butIcan’trecallarrestinganyoneforthoseparticularcrimes.Whenwasthis?”
“Thesewerebeforeyourtime.You’dlikelyrememberthenamesbecausetheywouldbeonthecurrentlistofrecentparoleessenttotheofficeeachweek.”Rowleylookedupfromhisscreen.“Therecordsbeforeyoutookoverareverysketchy,mainlybecausetheircomputersystemwastoast.AllIcouldfindwastheinformationfromthecountyjail,whichissentpriortotheprisoners’release.WecouldcallDeputyWalters?Hemightrecallthecases.Hewould’vebeenintheofficeatthetime.”
Jennashookherhead.“Thatwouldbeawasteoftime.AlltheinformationwouldstillbeavailablefromtheDA’sofficeandcountywouldhavecopies.Ifnecessary,we’llcontactthemandgetthefiles.”
“TheproblemIseewiththislistofsuspects”—KanedrummedhisfingersonthearmofthechairandstaredatJenna—“isweknowthekillerhasafixationorfantasywithpolicewomen.Theremustbesometie-inwiththemaskshe’susingandnoneofthesepeoplewerearrestedbyawoman.Thereweren’tanywomenworkinginlawenforcementinthisofficebeforeyou.”
“Whichwouldmeanthatsomethingsubstantialhappenedtothekillerconcerningafemalepoliceofficer.”JoraisedoneeyebrowandlookedatJenna.“Itcouldbesomethingsimplelikeateenager’sattractionbeingrebuffedortheofficerhumiliatedtheminsomeway.Shecouldhavebeenthetriggerthatstartedhimonhiskillingspreefromtheget-go.Iftheywererecentlyreleasedfromjail,perhapsseeingyouintownwearingyoursheriff’sjacketmighthavetriggeredamemory.Ifitisoneoftherecentlyreleasedmen,itwouldaccountforthebreakinthekillingspree,ifweassumethisisthesamepersonCartermentioned.Theyneverarrestedhim,didthey?Forallweknow,thispersonhasbeenmurderingwomenovertheentirecountry.Ifthisisso,itwouldgivetheimpressionthathiskillingspreesarespasmodic,butintruth,hecouldbekillingweeklyandjustdumpingthebodiesonhistravels.”Hergazemovedaroundthetable.“Youdorealizethatthisdoesn’thavetobeatrucker?Itcouldbeanyonewhogoesfishingorhuntingontheweekendsormurdersonvacation.Weshouldn’tlimitourselvestopeoplewhomovearoundintheirprofession.”
“Don’tworry,Iwon’t.”Jennasplitupthenamesofpotentialsuspectsandhandedthemout.“Okay,youeachhavethenameofsomeonetohuntdown.Whenyoufindtheircurrentwhereabouts,writeituponthewhiteboardandheadonouttointerviewthem.We’llkeepittoourusualteams.”ShelethergazelingeronRowley.“ThiskillerisdangerousandIdon’twantanyoneplayingtheheroandinterviewinganyonewithoutbackup.Isthisclear?”Whentheheadsaroundthetablenodded,shesmiled.“Good.Let’sgetatit.”
TWENTY-THREE
IttookKanealloftenminutestohuntdownSamBright.Hecheckedoutthepaperworkthatcamefromthejailandcontactedhisparoleofficer,whogavehimallthedetailsheneeded.HisphonebuzzedandhesmiledasBright’sworkschedulepoppedintohisinbox.Heglancedoverit,notingBrightwasintownaroundthetimethebodiesshowed.Heshouldbeathomenowashe’djustcheckedinwithhisparoleofficerwhenhe’dcalled.TheguyhadmentionedBrightwasgoinghomeandwasn’tduetoheadoutagainuntilWednesday.KaneturnedtoJenna.“I’velocatedSamBrightandweneedtogettherenow.”Hestoodandgrabbedhisjacketfromthebackofthechair.
“I’vefoundTomParsons.”Jennaletoutalongsigh.“He’smarried.Icalledthecompanyheworkswith,andtheysaidheloadedhistruckandwasduetoleaveonalong-haultriplatelastnightorearlythismorning.He’llbeawayovernightandtheyexpecthimbacklatetomorroworWednesdaymorning.”ShestoodandtookthejacketKanehandedher.“Let’sgo.”
ThemomentKaneshruggedintohisjacket,Dukewasbyhisside.Aftertheshockofsomeonekidnappingthedogfromthebackofhistruck,Jennahadmadesure,apartfromthesheriff’sdepartmentbadgehangingfromhiscollar,thesameinsigniawasprominentonallhiscoats.EveryoneinBlackRockFallsunderstoodDukewasavaluablepartoftheteam,butJennawantedtobesurethecriminalsknewaswell.Kidnappingorinjuringapatroldogwasaseriousoffense.AfterrubbingDuke’shead,KanehurriedoutofthecommunicationsroomtocatchupwithJenna.“AsParsonsisaway,weshoulddropbyandspeaktohiswife.It’sagoldenopportunitytofindoutexactlywherehewasandwhen.”
“Yeah.Thatworksforme.”Jennapulledopentheglassdoor.
TheyheadedoutintothesunshineandclimbedintotheBeast.KaneturnedtoJenna.“YousaidTomParsonslivesonPine.WegorightbyhisplaceonthewaytoLongRiver.Doyouwanttodropbyandseehiswifenow?”
“Sure.”Jennasmiledathim.“Atlast,thingsseemtobemovingalonginthiscase.IhopethatWolfefindssomethingwecanuseintheautopsytomorrow.Ifthiskillerisgettingcareless,hemighthavemadehisfirstmistake.Thefluidinthelastvictim’searsurelookedlikespittletome.Ifitisandheisoneofourparolees,thenhe’llbeeasytoidentify.”
KanebackedouthistruckandheadeddownMain.“ThatsurewouldmakelifeeasierbutsomehowIdon’tfigurewe’rethatlucky.”
“We’llhavetogetabreaksoonerorlaterinthecaseandI’mbankingonWolfefindingsomething.”Jennaleanedbackinherseat.“ThisisthefirsttimeWolfehasfoundanythingunderoneofthevictim’snails.Ihopeit’ssomethingwecanidentify,topinpointwherethislunaticiskeepingthesewomen.Theareasaroundtownaresodiverseitshouldbeeasy.Ihadagoodlookatthelastvictim’shandsandI’msureIsawdirtandmaybegrassunderhernails.”
OnPinethehousesspreadoutovertheirlotsandsatbackfromtheroadwithlongdriveways.Theroadwasaptlynamedasbrownandgreenpineneedlescoveredthetreelinedblacktop.Kanepulledintothewidedirtdrivewayandfollowedittothehouse.Theranch-styleresidencesprawledatoddangles,asifmanyadditionshadbeenaddedovertheyears.Somedistanceawayattheendofagraveltracksatatallwidegarage.HeassumedParsonshousedhistruckthere.Theyardwaswildandunkept,butthehousehadbeenfreshlypaintedanditappearedthattheyhadrecentlyreplacedthestepstotheporch.HepulledhistruckinbesidearedColoradoandturnedtoJenna.“Howdoyouwanttoplaythis?”
“I’lltakethelead.We’llkeepitfriendlyandinformal.”Jennaslidoutthetruckandwalkedtowardtheporch.“Seewhatyoucangetfromherbodylanguage.”
Kanewentupthestairsandknockedonthedoor.Awomanheassumedwasinhermid-thirtieswithatwo-year-oldboyonherhipopenedthedoor.Theodorofwetdiapersrushedouttomeetthem.“Mrs.Parsons?I’mDeputyDaveKaneandthisisSheriffAlton.Couldwehaveafewminutesofyourtime?”
Mrs.Parsonsleanedagainstthedoorframeandfrownedatthem.“Isthereaproblem?Hassomethinghappenedtomyhusband?”Sheranahandself-consciouslythroughheruntidyhairandsmoothedherwrinkledfloraldress.
“No,no,nothing’shappenedtoyourhusband.”Jennasteppeduptothefrontdoor.“We’rejustlookingforinformation.Asyourhusbandisatrucker,wefiguredhemighthavebeenintheareaofStantonearlythismorningoronMainyesterdaymorning.We’rehuntingdownwitnessesforillegaldumping.”Shepulledouthernotebookandpenandlookedatthewomanexpectantly.“Doesheoftengotothelocallandfill?”
“Ihavenoideawherehegoes.Idon’trecallwhattimeheleft;itwasdarkoutside.That’sthelifeofatrucker’swife.We’reusedtobeingalone.”Mrs.Parsonswavedahandbehindher.“Ihavetoomuchtodowiththechildrentoworryaboutwhereheistwenty-fourhoursaday.Yeah,hegoestothelandfill,buteveryonegoestothelandfill.Thereisoftenalotofpackingmaterialleftinhistruckwhenhecomeshome.So,hedoesoftendropitthere.Theotherdaysmaybehewasthereatthosetimes.Iwouldn’tknow.You’dhavetoaskhimwhenhegetsback.I’musuallyasleepwhenheleavesinthemorning,soIcan’ttellyouwhenheleft.”
Jennamadeafewnotesandthenlookedbackatthewoman.“Whenhe’saway,doeshestayawayforonenightorafewnightsatatime?”
“Heownshistruck,soitdependswherethejobtakeshim.”Mrs.Parsonseyesflashedwithannoyance.“Onethingfordarnsure,heneverdumpshislitteronthesideoftheroad.So,ifyou’relookingtopinthisonhim,you’vegotthewrongman.”
“I’mnottryingtoblameanyone,Mrs.Parsons.”Jennafoldedhernotebookandputitinherpocket.“I’mmoreinterestedinfindinganyonewhowaspassingthroughtheareaandmighthaveseenavehicleparkedonthesideoftheroadaroundthetimeofthedumping.”
AbabycriedinsidethehouseandMrs.Parsonslookedaroundandthenbacktothem.“Ihavetogo.Myyoungestisteething.Tomisduebacktomorrow,butIwouldn’tbesurprisedifhestaysoutlongeraswe’renotgettinganysleeplately.Ifyouwanttocatchupwithhim,IwouldsuggestthatyoudropbyagaintomorrowafternoonormaybeleaveituntilWednesday.He’snotdueoutagainuntilFridaymorning.”
Kanepushedhishandsintothefrontpocketofhisjeansandleanedcasuallyagainsttheporchrailing.“Whattypeofgoodsdoesyourhusbandcarry?”
“Anythingthatdoesn’tneedrefrigerationandhedon’tcarryanimals.”Mrs.Parsonslookedoverhershouldertowardthewailingbaby.“Ican’tleavehercrying.Givemeaminute.”Shehurriedawaydownthehallway.
“Whatdoyouthink?”Jennahadloweredhervoicetoawhisper.“ShouldIaskheraboutformaldehyde?”
Kanescannedthearea,hisattentionfixingonthegarage.“Maybewewon’tneedto.Keepherbusy.”
Boltingthroughthelonggrass,Kaneranintothegarage.Thesmellofoilhithiminawaveofhumidity.Thebuildingwasmassive,bigenoughtoaccommodateaneighteen-wheeler.PatchesofoilstainedthecrackedcementfloorandKanebentdowntoinspectthem.Heranhisfingersthroughtheoil.Itwasdryandhadbeenthereforsometime.Straightening,hewalkedtothebackofthegarageandpeeredintotheincinerator,findingonlyashes.Hemovedontoashedandpeeredinthewindow.Abenchheldavarietyoftoolsandheadsofvariousanimalsadornedthewallsinrows.Outbackinalean-to,hediscoveredfiveplasticgallonbottleslabeledformaldehydeandliftedeachonetojudgetheircontents.Hepulledouthisphoneandtookphotographsofeverythinghe’dfoundandthenheadedbacktoJenna.Asluckwouldhaveit,Mrs.Parsonshadn’treturnedtothefrontdoor.Justasheclimbedthesteps,hecouldhearherfootstepscomingdownthehallway.HegaveJennaaslightnod.
Asthewomancametothefrontdooragain,Kanesmiledather.“Ihearyourhusbandisquitetheartist.Ibelievehehassomefinetaxidermy.Doesheworkinthehouseordoeshehaveaplacesomewhereelse?Iguessitwouldbetoostinkytodoaroundkids.”
“Hekeepsallthatgarbageintheshed.”Mrs.Parsonsgrimaced.“I’mnotafanoftaxidermy.AllthosedeadeyesfollowingmelikeI’mtoblameforkillingthem,Iwon’thavetheminthehouse.”
“I’mnotafaneither.”Jennasmiled.“Iprefermyanimalsaliveandfree.It’sanunusualhobby.Iimagineyouhavetoorderalltheformaldehydethat’sdeliveredhere?DoesTomuseittocleantheinsideofhistruckafterconsignmentsaswell?”
“No,Idon’torderanythingforTom.Hehandleseverythingtodowiththebusiness,allthebooks,theordering,andthecontracts.Ihaveenoughtodobringinguphiskidsandrunningthehouse.”Shepushedastrandoflonggreasyhairbehindoneearandstaredathim.“Isthatall?Ineedtogetbacktomychildrenorthenextthingyouknowwe’llhaveChildProtectiveServicesknockingonmydoor.”
“I’msorrywetookupsomuchofyourtime.”Jennasmiledather.“Childrenareatonofwork.You’vebeenveryhelpfulandweappreciateit.”Shebackedawayfromthedoorandthenturnedtolookatthewoman.“Ifweneedmoreinformation,we’llbesuretodropbywhenTomishome.”
Astheyheadeddownthelongdarkwindingdriveway,KaneturnedtoJenna.“Therearethreeemptybottlesofformaldehydeatthebackofthegarage,andtwofullones.”Hehandedherhisphone.“Theoilonthefloorofthegarageisold.It’sunlikelythatParsons’truckmadetheoilpatcheswefoundonStantonnearthebody.Itseemshe’susingformaldehydeforhishobby.Ididseeatonoftaxidermyonthewallsinashed.Therearetoolsandabench.He’stherealdeal.Although,formaldehydeisusedasadisinfectantaswell,butIdon’tthinkhecarriesanythingthatwouldrequirethatamountofcleaning.Mosttruckerswouldhoseoutthebackoftheirtrucks.”
“Unlesshe’sacleanfreak.”Jennaflickedaglanceathimandshrugged.“Althoughbylookingattheyardandthesmellcomingfromthehouse,Iwouldhardlythinkso.”Shechewedonherbottomlip;somethingshealwaysseemedtodowhenshewasworkingoutaproblem.“Formaldehydeandoilspillskindofmakemesuspicious,butthenhedoeshavearock-solidalibiashe’smarried.Ihonestlybelievethatmostwiveswouldprotecttheirhusbands.Maybenotafterdiscoveringthatthey’vemurderedthreeorfourwomen.ButintheinitialinvestigationIwouldassumetheywould.Thenagain,shecouldbetellingthetruthandshe’ssoinvolvedlookingafterherchildrenthatshedoesn’treallyknowwhathe’sdoing.”
KaneturnedontoStantonandheadedforLongRiver.Heshrugged.“Itwouldbeaperfectsetupforapsychopath,wouldn’tit?Justthinkaboutit,Jenna.Aguywhocanbeawayfromhomeatanytime,andhiswifewouldn’tbecomesuspicious.Ifhe’sawareofthemorecommonpsychopathicprofile,hewouldknowthatthemajorityofthemaresingleCaucasianmales.”HestaredattheblacktopwindingthroughStantonForestandsighed.“Ifitishim,itwillbeverydifficulttogetaconviction.Wewouldneedabsoluteproof.Circumstantialevidencewouldn’tcutitwithhiswifeashisalibi.”
“We’llkeephimonthelist.I’mmoreinterestedinwhatBrighthastosayforhimself.”JennascrolledthroughheriPad.“Thisguyisatthetopofmylistatthemoment.Ithinkyoushouldtaketheleadintheinterview.It’sobvioustomehehasaproblemwithwomen.Orhehasnorespectforthem.Menwhorapedon’trespondwelltoawomanquestioningthem.You’reintimidatingandmighthaveabetterchanceofgettinginformationoutofhim.Ifhe’sonparole,there’snowayhe’llwanttogobacktojail.So,leanonhimabitandseewhathappens.IseefromtheGPSthatthere’salotoflandaroundhisproperty.ImightleaveyoutoitandmakeanexcusetotakeDukeforawalk.Itwillgivemetheopportunitytotakealookaround.”
Kanefrowned.“Becareful.YouknowaswellasIdothatwedon’thavepermissiontosearchthepremisesandwithoutasearchwarrantanythingwefindwouldn’tbeadmissibleincourt.”Heblewoutalongbreath.“Ifwecanestablishprobablecause,wecangetasearchwarrantandgobacklater.”
“Idoknowwhattodo,Dave.”Jennalaughed.“Istheresomethingaboutthiscase?Isitspookingyoumorethanusual?”
Kanelookedatherandsmiled.“Youmeanyoudon’tthinkIshouldworryaboutsendingmywifeintothepotentialclutchesofarapingpsychopath?WeknowBrightissuspicious,butwhatwedon’tknowisifhe’sworkingalone.Hecouldbelivingwithanaccomplice.Youalwaysneedtobeonyourguard.Especiallywhenyou’realone.”
“Youshouldn’tworry.”Jennasqueezedhisarm.“Iwouldn’tthinktwiceaboutdefendingmyselfifnecessary.Onceuponatime,Iheldtheopinionthatpeoplecouldchangebutsincewe’vebeendealingwithpsychopaths,Iunderstandit’sanout-of-controlmentalproblemandthere’snocure.”
“That’sgoodtoknow.”KaneturnedontoLongRiverandthevoiceontheGPSinstructedhimtoturnintothefirstdrivewayonhisleft.
Brightlivedinalogcabin-styleranchhouseinthemiddleofaclearedwell-maintainedgrassyyard.Scatteredwildflowersspilledacrossthelawn,addingapleasantfragrancetotheair.KaneparkedtheBeastoutfront.Alate-modelsilverGMCtruckwasparkedinalean-toattachedtoonesideofthehouse.Afewothershedsandadilapidatedoldbarnlaytowardtheback.HeclimbedoutofthetruckandopenedthebackdoortoletDukejumptotheground.Thebloodhoundstretchedandlookedupathim,wagginghistail,waitingtoreceivehisnextcommand.TheonethingthatDukelikedwastobeinvolvedinacase.Beinganexperiencedtrackerdog,hiscontributiontotheteamwasinvaluable.KanereachedintothebackoftheBeastforhisforensicskitandpulledoutanevidencebag.HehandedittoJenna.“Thereisaraginherecarryingthesmellofformaldehyde.GivemeafewminutestogetBrightoccupiedandthenshowittoDukeandseeifhecanhuntdownanyonthepremises.”
“Goodthinking.”JennaheldthebagbehindherbackandwaitedbythetruckasKanewentupthesteps.
Thefrontdoorwasopenedbyamaninhismid-thirtieswearingaT-shirtandjeans.Neatandtidywiththefashionablestubblemenworeontheirchinsoflate,hiseyeswidenedwhenhiseyestraveledtothebadgeonKane’sbelt.Kanestraightenedtohisfullheight.“SamBright?”
“Look,Deputy,IknowIwasfifteenminuteslateformyparoleinterview,butthere’snoneedforyoutocomeknockingonmydoor.”
NoticingtheprisontattoosonBright’sforearmandnotlikingthewayhestuckouthischinindefiance,KanepulledonhiscombatfaceandfixedhisgazeonBright.“Thishasnothingtodowithcheckinginwithyourparoleofficer.”
“Okay.”BrightstiffenedashelookedpasthimtoJenna.“Isthatthesheriff?”
Kanenodded.“Yeah,doyoumindifsheletsthedogstretchitslegswhilewe’retalking?”
“Nope,there’snotmuchitcanhurtaroundhere.”Brightstoodtooneside.“Doyouwanttocomein?”
Onfullalert,Kanesmiledathim,buthe’dneverriskturninghisbackonapotentialpsychopath.“Sure.Leadtheway.”
Hefollowedhiminsideasurprisinglyneatfamilyroom.Brightsatdowninaneasychairbesidethefireplaceandlookedathimexpectantly.Hisdemeanorhadchangedsignificantly,fromdefianttopliable.ItseemedBrightknewhowtoworkthesystemandpullthewooloverpeople’seyes.Thedifferencebetweenthemanonthestepsandnowwasremarkable.Kaneremainedstandingandslowlypulledoutanotebookandpenfromhispocket.HetookhistimeperusingablankpagetogiveJennaasmuchtimeaspossibletosearchtheoutbuildings.“I’vespokentoyourparoleofficerthismorningandhe’sgivenmedetailsofthetripsyoumadeinthelastweekorso.Beingaroaddriver,Iassumethatyoudelivervariousvehiclestotheirnewowners?”
“Yeah,that’sright.Idroponeoffandbringanotherbackhere.Sometimesthey’renewvehicles.OthertimesIgotopickupusedvehicles.”Bright’sfacefilledwithconcern.“You’renotsuggestingthatI’vebeencarryingillegalsubstancesbetweenstates,areyou?ItwashardtomisstheFBIagentsmovingaroundtownthelastfewdays.”
Veryastuteandproveshewasintown.Kaneshookhishead.“Nope,thetwoFBIagentsarenotwiththeDEA.”
HepausedabeatasanotherchangecameoverBright’sdisposition.Nowhewashavingaproblemsittingstill.Onekneebouncedupanddowninobviousagitation.Kanemadeanoteinhisnotebooktogivehimtimetobringhimselfundercontrol.Whenheliftedhisgaze,Bright’seffortwasnoticeable.Asheenofsweathadformedonhisbrowandthestinkoffearwasfillingtheroom.Hehadsomethingtohide.“Howoftendoyoupickuphitchhikers?Isitallthetimeorjustoccasionallywhenyougettheurgetorapesomeone?”
“Ididn’trapeher.”Brightlookedathimincredulously.“DoyouthinkIwouldriskmyparoleandgobacktojail?Thatwomanwaswilling.Ican’tbelieveshereportedmebecauseshedidn’tevenaskmemyname.”
Standingfeetapartandshouldersstraight,KaneleveledhiscombatgazeonBright.“Youhaven’tansweredmyquestion.Howoftendoyoupickuphitchhikers?”
“Okay,Iadmitit.”Brightpushedtremblinghandsthroughhishair.“Theycomeuptomeatthetruckstopsandbegmetotakethemtothenexttown.Idon’tliketorefusethem.Don’tyoufigureI’mdoingtherightthing?Leavingthemoutonthesideoftheroadisdangerous.Someofthemarejustkids.”
Kane’smindwasmovinginalldirections.Thisguywasaminefieldofpossiblecriminalactivity.Justhowmanyoftheseyoungwomenhadheraped?Hedroveadifferenttruckeverytimehewentout.Evenifthevictimgaveadetailedstatement.Thechancesofthemhavinghiscorrectnameorthetypeoftruckthathewasdrivingwouldbeminimal.Hestaredathim.“Doyoueverbringanyofthesehitchhikershomewithyou?”
“Yeahsome.”Brightgrippedthearmsofthesofa,hisfingerswhitewiththepressure.“Iwasjustbeingneighborly.Igivethemaplacetosleepandamealbeforetheyleave.There’snolawindoingthat,isthere?”
Kaneshookhishead.“Nope.Doyoulivealone?”
“Yeah.”Brightshrugged.“Ilikemyprivacy.”
Kanekepthisattentionfixedontheman.“Doyouhaveacellaroranyotherstorageareasontheproperty?”
“Youcanseeforyourselfthereareshedsandcabinsallovermyproperty.”Brightjumpedtohisfeetandhismouthtwistedintoasneer.“Ifyouwanttosearchthem,you’llneedawarrant.Isureasheckdon’ttrustyou.”HeliftedhischinandglaredatKane.“IfigureI’vesaidenoughalready.You’lltwisteverythingIsayandIwantyoutoleavenow.”
Kanenoddedandslowlyclosedhisnotebookandpusheditintohispocket.“Notaproblem.Thanksforyourtime.I’msurewe’llbedroppingbytoseeyouagainrealsoon.”Hemadeashowoftestingtheslideofhisweaponinandoutoftheholsterandthen,neckpricklinginwarning,headedforthedoor.
TWENTY-FOUR
TheoutbuildingsonSamBright’slandsatbeneaththeshadeofthetreeslikeapatchofmushrooms.Joinedtogetherbydarknarrowalleyways,Jennaassumedthey’dbeenusedforsometypeofcottageindustryatimeago.Mosscoveredthewallsofthewoodenbuildingsandweedstangledthelonggrass.Thewindowframesstillclungtoalittlewhitepaintbutmosthadpeeled,leavingaconfettiofpaintflakesoverthewalkway.Shepeeredintogrime-coveredwindowsbutdustthathadbuiltupoveralongtimeobscuredanyviewoftheinterior.Lockeddoorspreventedanychanceofentry.Asshemovedacrossasmallclearingtothenextclutchofbuildings,thesmellofacridsmokefilledJenna’snostrils.MotioningforDuketocometoherside,shepeeredaroundtheendoftheshed.TheinformationonSamBrightwasthathelivedalone.So,whowasoutbackburninggarbage?Onfullalert,Jennaplacedahandonherweaponreadytodraw.Uneasecreptoverherasshemovedforward.Kanehadmentionedthepossibilityofanaccompliceanditseemedhewascorrect.Movingalongthewallofoneofapairofsmalllogcabins,Jennamadeouttheshadowedfigureofamantossingthingsintoaflamingfirepit.
Besideher,Dukewhinedandthenmovedpastherandsatdown.Shestaredathim,recognizingthisasasignhe’dsmelledformaldehyde.Themanburningthegarbagewasanunknownquantityandshehadnobackup.IndicatingtoDuketofollowher,sheedgedherwaybackdownthealleywayandmadeherwaysilentlytotheperimeteroftheotherbuildings.ShepulledoutherphoneandsentamessagetoKane.HemusthavefinishedtheinterviewwithBright,assecondslater,hecamerunningacrossthelonggrasstowardher.Whenhereachedherside,sheturnedtohimanddroppedhervoicetoawhisper.“There’saguyburningsomethingoutbackofthetwocabinsontheothersideoftheoldsheds,andDukereactedtofindingformaldehyde.”
“Weshouldsplitupandgoinoneithersideofthosecabins.”Kanepeereddownthealleyway.“We’llhavethedroponhim.”
Stomachchurning,Jennanodded.Theideaofconfrontingapossiblepsychopathintheactofdestroyingevidenceconcernedher.Particularlyonewhohatedwomen.SherantheimageofthemanthroughhermindagainandlookedatKane.“Ididn’tseeaweapon,butitwasonlyabriefglanceashemovedbetweenthebuildings.I’llcalloutandidentifymyself.Ifthereisaproblem,hewon’tseeyoucominginfromtheotherside.”
“Waitaminute.Wedon’tknowwhatwe’rewalkingintohere.”Kanepulledoutwirelessearbudsfromhispocketandpushedthemintohisears.“Useyourphone’searbuds.I’llcallyouandwe’llkeepincontact.”
Jennanoddedandreachedforherphone.ShewaitedforKane’scall,gavehimanod,andthenheadedthroughthealleyway.Hefollowedbehindhersilently,andwhentheyreachedtheperimeteroftheoutbuildings,heheadedintheoppositedirection,movingaroundoneofthecabinsanddisappearingfromviewwithDukeclosebehindhim.Heartthunderinginherchest,Jennakeptherbacktothewallandeasedthroughtheshadowstotheendofthebuilding.Fromherpositionshecouldeasilymakeoutamanthrowinghandfulsofclothesintothefire.Thesmellofburningwoolandman-madefabricsrushedtowardher,searinghernostrilsinablanketofchokingsmoke.Inthefirepit,fragmentsofclothesflaredupindancingflamesandotherssmoldered,glowingredastheirblackenedremnantscurled,fallingtoashesanddancingawayinthewind.“Ihaveeyesonthesuspect.Hedoesn’tappeartobecarryinganyweapons.Canyouseeanythinghiddenonhimfromyourangle?”
“Nope.He’snotevencarryingaknifesheath.Ifigureyou’regoodtogo.”Kaneclearedhisthroat.“Maybemakeanoisetogethisattentionsoyoudon’tcreepuponhim.Ifhe’sdestroyingevidence,he’llbealittlejumpy,andwecan’tseewhat’sinthatbagbyhisfeet.”
SlidingherweaponfromitsholsterJennatookadeepbreathandmovedforwardintotheopen.“I’mgoingin.”
Keepinghergunalongsideherbodyandpointedtotheground,shemovedtowardthemanandraisedhervoice.“Sheriff’sDepartment.KeepyourhandswhereIcanseethemandturnaroundandfaceme.”
Themanjerkedasifhe’dbeenstungbyabeeandspunaroundtofaceher,fistsclenchedathissides.Heglaredather,hismouthturneddown.“Whatgivesyoutherighttocreepuponamanandthendrawdownonhim?ThisisprivatepropertyandIhavemyrights.”
“Ihaveyoucovered.”Kane’svoicecamethroughherearpiece
Itwentagainsthertrainingtoholsterherweapon,butknowingKanehadthemaninhissights,shestraightenedherspineandwalkedconfidentlytowardhim.“You’renotSamBright,whohappenstobetheownerofthisproperty,sowhatareyoudoinghere?”
“I’mhiscousinDerekandIdon’tneedyourpermissiontoburngarbageinourbackyard.”Heknuckledhisfistsathiswaistandstuckouthischin.“Thequestionis:whatareyoudoinghere,stickingyournosewhereit’snotwanted?”
CatchingaglimpseofKaneinherperipherywithhisweaponaimedattheman,Jennatookafewstepscloserandpeeredintothefirepit.“Whatisityou’reburningthere?”
“Oldclothes.”Derekshruggedandwenttopullanotherhandfuloutofthebag.“TheystinkandIwantedtogetthemoutofthehouse.Theybelongedtoourgrandma.Whenshepassed,sheleftthehousetoSamandme.I’vebeencleaningouttheroomsandgettingridofthejunk.”
AshiverofapprehensionslippeddownJenna’sbackashergazeslidoverthebagonthegroundandthehandfulofjeansT-shirtsandsweatersinhishand.“Don’tthrowanythingelseonthefire.Ican’tspeaktoyouwiththesmokeinmyeyes.”Sheliftedherchintoobservehimmoreclosely.“Howoldwasyourgrandma?”
“Inhernineties,Iguess.Notthatthat’sanybusinessofyours,Sheriff.”Derekdroppedthebundleofclothesontopoftheopenbagandstaredherdown.“Arewedonehere?I’vegotatonofworktodotoday.”
JennawavedKanetowardherandturnedherattentionbacktoDerek.“No,we’renotdonehereyet.Iseethereareavarietyofdifferentstylesandsizesofclothesinthatbackpack.Allofthemappeartobeexceptionallymodernandhighend.Thesearenotwhatweusuallyseeninety-year-oldswearinginBlackRockFalls.I’dexpecttoseethoselabelsonwomeninsomeofthebigcities,maybeLAorNewYork,butnothereintown.Webuymorepracticalclothingbecausetheweatherissochangeable.”Shepokedthebagwithhertoe.“Thesizesaredramaticallydifferent,anditmakesmewonderwhyyoudidn’tdonatethesetoGoodwill,ratherthanburnthem.I’msuremanypeoplewouldbeabletomakeuseofthem.”
“Moretothepoint,wheredidyoureallygetthemfrom?”Kanewalkedintotheopenholsteringhisweapon.“Thinkseriouslybeforeyouanswer,becausewhatyousaynowwillreflectonwhathappensnext.”
“Whattheheckareyoutalkingabout?”DerekspunaroundtostareatKane.“LikeIsaid,Itookthemoutofmygrandma’scellar.Shehadboxespileduptotheceiling.Maybethesebelongedtoherwhenshewasyounger?Whoknows,andwhocares?Isureashelldon’t.Ijustwanttogetridofthejunk.”
“Justhowmuchofthishaveyouburnedalready?”KanestaredatthebagandthenslowlybacktoDerek.
“I’vebeenburningstuffallweek,butIjuststartedonthispiletoday.Whydoesitmattertoyou?”Derekpushedahandthroughhishair.Hiseyesflashedwithagitation.
“Oh,itmatters.”Jennamotionedhimtowardthehouse.“WeneedtospeaktoyouandSamtogether.Leavethisfornow.”SheturnedtoKane.“Escorthimbacktothehouse.I’mtakingMr.Brightandhiscousininforquestioning.”
“Questioning?”Derekstaredatherindisbelief.“Areyouarrestingus?Onwhatcharges?”
Jennapulledthephoneoutofherpocket.“I’mnotarrestingyou.I’mtakingyouinforquestioningandI’llbeholdingyoupendingfurtherinvestigationsafterobtainingasearchwarrantforthisproperty.Ihavereasontobelievethatyou’redestroyingevidencefromacrime.”
AsKaneescortedhimbacktothehouse,Jennatookphotographsofthefirepitandthebagofclothes.First,shecalledoldDeputyWalterstocomebyandpickuptheprisonersinhiscruiser.RowleyandRiowouldbeheadingouttothelowlandstohuntdownJoshuaSalmonatthemeatprocessingplantandBigJohnOatsattheadhesivesfactory.
HernextcallwastoCarter.Sheranthroughtheevidencewithhimandforwardedtheimages.“I’mbringingthemin.Theycancooltheirheelswhileyougetstartedonasearchwarrant.Iknowthissoundssketchy,butthisistheonlysolidleadwe’vediscovered.Ifigureweneedtorunwithit.”
“Threenakedvictimsandyoufindaguydestroyingabagofwomen’sclothes.Thatsuresoundslikeprobablecausetome.I’monit.”Carterdisconnected
Lettingoutasighofrelief,Jennaheadedbacktothehouse.Shemightbegraspingatstrawswiththislead,butatthispointintheinvestigation,shewouldtakeanysnippetofinformationandrunwithit.Sometimesthesmallestcluegavethebestreward.
TWENTY-FIVE
ThesmellofbloodclungtoeveryporeofPoppy’sbody.Itseepedintohersoulandstucktherelikeaflytrappedinaspider’sweb.Thelongnightofbone-jarringterrorwithapsychopathduringakillingfrenzywouldhauntherforever.Shestoodatthesmallaluminumsinkandscrubbedhernails.Handsred,raw,andswollen,shepersistedrubbingthesoapoverherskinandusingthesmallnailbrushherjailerhadgivenherasasmallconsiderationforherhelp.Disgustshiveredthroughher.Shesobbedindesperationandscouredthebrushovertenderflesh,butnothingwouldremovethebloodfromunderhernails.Shemettheeyesofherreflectioninthemirrorabovethesink,hardlyrecognizingtheimagestaringbackather.Darkcirclesrimmedhauntedeyesandbloodstillspatteredherface.Horrifiedbyherappearance,shelatheredherfacewithsoap.Thepromisedshowerherjailerhadofferedherhadnevereventuatedandshe’dsatallnightstinkingofblood,terrifiedofwhatwouldhappennext.Thismorninghe’darrivedandusheredherdownalongdarkpassagewayandorderedherintoadifferentcellawayfromtheothers.Insideandsethighononewall,acobwebencrustedlightbulbsecuredwithinametalnetofferedasmallamountofillumination.Thecellwassimilartotheothers:Wallshewnfromsolidrock.Nowindows.Noescape.
Claustrophobiahadgrippedherinawaveofpanic,butshe’dsmothereditandtriedtoactcasual,asifsheenjoyedlivinginadarkdampdungeon.Althoughthiscellwasn’tasbadastheoneshe’dleft;infact,ithadafewluxuries.Againstonewallstoodamilitary-stylecotwithapillowandafewroughblanketstocoverthecanvasbottom.Soapandtowelssatonthebedbesideanoldpinkcottonseersuckersummerdressthatappearedtobeoutofthe1950s.Tooafraidtomove,Poppyhadwaitedforinstructions,saggingagainstthewallandshiveringfromalongnightnakedandinshock.He’dsaidnothing,pulledthedoorshut,andturnedthekey.Afterhisfootstepshaddiedaway,he’dnotreturned.Sheknewhisroutinebynow.Whenheleftafterakillhewasusuallygoneforacoupleofdaysoraslongasaweek,buttraumatized,she’dwaited,tooscaredtomove.Herhandsstiffwithdriedblood,she’dpickedatthecrustycrimsonstreakscrackingwitheachbendofherknuckles.Afteranhourorsohadpassedshe’dgainedenoughcouragetogoandwashawaythestink.Ithadbeenimpossibletoremoveallthebloodfromherskinusingonlyherhands,coldwater,andasmallpieceoffragrantsoapusuallyfoundatsomeofthebettermotels.She’dwashedmanytimesand,movingtowardthelight,examinedeveryinchofherbodythatshecouldsee,searchingforanysmearsshe’dmissed.
Asshedriedhercoldbodywithfreezingfingers,herstomachclenchedwithhunger,andalthoughsicktothestomach,thefirstruleofsurvivalwastoeatwhenpossible.Itwasusualforherjailertoleavesurvivalpackagesinaboxinthecorneroftheroom.Thesewerethesameassoldiersusedduringtheirtourofdutyinisolatedareas.Heusuallyleftenoughforaweekorso,andwhensheshoweredoutinthehallway,hewouldcollectthegarbageandreplenishthefood.
Afterpullingthedressoverherhead,andwrappingoneoftheroughblanketsaroundher,Poppypeeredintotheboxofsuppliesandblinkedinsurprise.OntopoftheusualpackagessataThermosandabagoftakeoutwiththenameAUNTBETTY’SCAFéprintedonthepapersack.Atleast,itseemedshehadn’tleftBlackRockFalls.UncertaintygrippedherassheopenedtheThermosandsniffedthehotfreshcoffee.Thebagcontainedjellydonutswithaliberalcoatingofpowderedsugar.Herjailerhadnoempathy,nocompassion.Whywouldhebegivinghertreats?Whatelsedidheexpecthertodo?Orwasheluringherintoafalsesenseofsecurity?
TWENTY-SIX
Itwasgoodtobeawayfromtheofficeonasummer’sday,andRowleybuzzeddownhiswindowandinhaledthefreshbreezecomingfromthelowlands.Thescentofsummerwouldn’tlastlong.Ahead,thelandscapehadbecomeaseaofwheat-coloredgrasses,whippedintowavesbythewind.Occasionallyadustdevilwouldescapethevastopennessanddance
“Okay.”Riosnappedthesleeveoverhisphoneandlookedathim.“I’vereadacasefileabouttheownerofthisprocessingplantgoingcrazyandstuffingpeopleintoashreddingmachineandturningthemintofertilizer.Henearlygotyoutoo,didn’the?”
ThehorrorofthatparticularcaseslidintoRowley’smindlikeanightmarehe’dratherforget.Heheadedfortheparkinglotandpulledintoaspaceoppositethemainentrance.“Yeah,Icameclosetobeingfertilizer,butJennathrewherselfontotheconveyorbeltandpulledmeoffjustintime.”
“Isurehopethenewguyinchargeiscooperative.”RiocheckedhisiPadandsmiledathim.“Itwasclosedforatime.Wheredidpeoplegotogettheirkillsprocessed?”
Thinkingforabeat,Rowleyshrugged.“I’mnotahunter,soI’mnotsure.Iguessmosthuntersarecapableofprocessingtheirownkills.Although,IdorecalltheprocessingplantsatLouanrunningapickupserviceduringthehuntingseason.Theyhavearefrigeratedstoragebuilding,whichisreallygoodforthetourists.Theycandonatetheirmeattothelocalcharities.It’sfrozenandstoredinaneasyplaceforthemtogopickitup.”Heclimbedoutfrombehindthewheelandheadedtowardtheoffice.
Theofficewasspreadoutintodifferentdepartments.Asluckwouldhaveit,signsoneachwallpointedtothevariousdepartmentswithinthecomplex,andRowleyfoundthemanager’sofficeonthegroundfloor.Thestrongsmellofdisinfectantwaftedtowardthemastheyturnedthecornerandsidesteppedacleanermoppingthetiledfloors.Theyedgedtheirwayaroundthewetpatchesandwentintothemanager’soffice.Awomaninherthirtieswearingacreamblouseandgrayskirtlookedupatthemfromherdesk,andhereyeswidened.Rowleysmiledtoputheratease.“Ma’am,we’relookingforJoshuaSalmon.Couldyouchecktherosterandseeifhe’sworkingtoday?”
“I’mnotsureI’mallowedtogiveoutthatinformation.”Sheindicatedtowardtheofficedoorbehindher.“You’llhavetospeaktoMr.Wileyaboutstaffissues.Waitamoment,I’llgoandtellhimyou’rehere.”
Thewomanstoodwithascrapeofherchair,andafterknockingonthedoormarkedMANAGERsetoutinblacklettersonacopperplate,shewentinside.Throughthefrostedglasspanel,Rowleycouldmakeoutthewoman’soutlineandafigureseatedbehindadesk.Afewmomentslater,thesecretarycameoutandwavedtheminside.Heglancedovertherotundmanbehindthedesk.Aroundfacewithapencilmustacheandsmallbeadyeyeslookedupathim.Fromhisexpression,hedidn’tlikespeakingtolawenforcement.Rowleyclearedhisthroat.“I’msorrytotroubleyou,Mr.Wiley,butweneedtospeaktoJoshuaSalmon.I’mafraiditcan’twaituntilhefinisheshisshift.”
“I’veaskedmysecretarytohavehimcomehere.Itmighttakeafewminutes.Heworksonthekillfloor.We’reprocessingcattleatthemomentandhaveverystringenthealthrules.Employeesaren’tallowedtomovefromoneareatotheotherwithouttakingthenecessaryprecautions.”Wileyleanedbackinhischairandhiseyebrowsrose.“He’snotinanytrouble,ishe?”Hisexpressionwasindignant.“Wedon’tencouragetroublemakerstoworkhere,althoughIhavetoadmittheoddonedoesslipthroughthenet.”
“We’renotatlibertytodiscusswhywe’rehere.”Riotookanotebookfromhispocket.“Isthereaspareofficewherewecantalktohiminprivate?”
“Yes.Wehaveaninterviewroomrightnextdoor.”Wileystoodandledthewaythroughtheofficeanddownthehallway.Heflungopenadoortoasmallroomcontainingadeskandafewchairs.“Ifyou’dliketowaithere,I’llsendhimalongwhenhearrives.”
RowleyturnedtoWiley.“Thankyouforyourcooperation.Whenwe’rethrough,we’llseeourselvesout.”
HeleanedagainstthewallbesideRioandwaited.Twentyminutesorsolater,JoshuaSalmonarrivedwearingwhitecoverallsandrubberboots.Hewaitedatthedoor,staringatthemblankly.Rowleywavedhimtoaseat.“Thankyouforcoming.We’dliketoaskyouafewquestionsaboutyourhobby.”
“Myhobby?Ihaveacurrentlicense,sowhat’stheproblem?”Salmonpushedhishandsintothepocketsofhiscoverallsbutdidn’tsitdown.Hejuststaredatthemwithanincredulouslookonhisface.
“Wheredoyougettheanimalsthatyouuse?”Riodroppedintoachairandlookedupathim.“Sitdown.You’remakingmyneckache.”
“Roadkillmostly.Somearefromneighbors.Theybringtheirpetstomebecausetheycan’tstandtheideaofburyingthem.”Salmonreluctantlysatdown.“IspecializeinbirdsbutallofthemIfindIreporttothewardensbeforeIusethem.Idon’tkillanythingformyhobby.”
Rowleynodded.“DidyouhaveanyreasontostopintownearlyonThursdaymorning?”
“Yeah,Ihadanearlyshift,soIwouldhavegonethroughtownbeforesix.”Salmonscratchedhischeekandnarrowedhisgazeatthem.“Ah…Iknowwhatthisisabout.It’sallovertownaboutfindingthebodyonthecarouselintheparkoppositeAuntBetty’sCafé?Ididn’tstop—notevenforcoffee.Ijustdrovestraightthroughandcamehere.Youcancheckmyentryinthebookatthefrontdoor.Weallhavetosigninandoutofthisplace.It’sdateandtimestamped.”
“SocastyourmindbacktoFridaymorning.DidyouworkonFriday?”Rioleanedforwardinhischairandstaredathim.“Ordidyouhappentodropbythelandfill?”
“Asithappens,IdiddropbythelandfillonFridaymorning,butIwasturnedaroundbyanFBIagentandsentonmyway.Idroppedmygarbagebytherethefollowingday.”Salmonshrugged.“Theremusthavebeentwentyorsovehicleslineduponthelandfillapproachroad.Beforeyouask,Idon’trememberanybodyinparticular.”
Ashewascooperating,Rowleypushedalittleharder.Thetimeshehadgiventhemputhimatthescenesoftwocrimes.“So,youleaveforworkintheearlyhoursmostdays?OnMondayyouwouldhavedrivenpasttheWELCOMETOBLACKROCKFALLSsign?”
“Yeah,IwouldhavedrivenpasttherejustafterfiveonMondaymorning.”Salmon’seyesshiftedfromonetotheotherandhemovedaroundrestlesslyinhischair.“Sodidaboutonehundredpeopleontheirwaythroughtown.What’sthebigdeal?”
Takinghistime,RowleyscribbledthetimeinhisnotebookandthenliftedhisattentionbacktoSalmon.“Didyouhappentonoticeawomanstandingbythesideoftheroad?”
“Can’tsaythatIdid.”Salmonrolledhiseyestotheceilingasifseekingdivineintervention.“I’mnotinthehabitofpickinguphitchhikers.They’renothingbuttrouble.”
“Wouldyoumindcomingoutsideandshowingusyourvehicle.”Riostoodandmotionedhimtowardthedoor.“We’renotplanningonsearchingyourvehicle,butwewouldlikeyoutomoveitafewfeetoutoftheparkingspaceifyoudon’tmind?”
“Sure.Ihavenothingtohide.”Salmonstoodandambledtowardthedoor.
RowleywalkedbesideSalmon,meetinghimstrideforstride.Thesuspectwasintherightplaceattherighttimeonthreeconsecutiveoccasionsandusedformaldehyde.Thismadehimapersonofinterest.Iftheyfoundapatchoffreshoilunderhisvehicle,itwouldbeaslamdunk.WhenSalmonbackedthetruckoutoftheparkingspace,Rowleybenttoexaminethegroundandfoundnothing.Withoutanoilslickbeneaththevehicle,theyonlyhadcircumstantialevidenceagainsthimandnotenoughtotakehiminforfurtherquestioning.HewavedatSalmontodrivehistruckbackintotheparkingspaceandthenbenttopeerinthroughthedriver’ssidewindow.“Thankyouforyourcooperation.That’sallweneedfortoday,butdon’tleavetown.Wemighthavequestionsforyoulater.”
HefollowedRiobacktohistruckandclimbedbehindthewheel.“Ithoughtwehadasuspect,butwithouttheoilslickwehavenothing.”
“Maybewe’llhavebetterluckwithBigJohnOates.Theplantwhereheworksisonlyafewminutes’driveaway.”RiowasscanninghisiPad.“Thebusinessmanufacturesdifferenttypesofadhesivesusedinmakingfurniture.Formaldehydeisacomponentofjustaboutallofthem,soIwouldimagineitwouldn’tbetoodifficulttostealsomefromhisworkplace.Although,thisguywasrecentlyreleasedfromjail,sohe’dbestupidtoriskaparoleviolation.Ifheknowsanythingorhasseensomeonestealingformaldehyde,hemightinformonthem.Trustme,mostofthemwilltalkratherthandoingtherestoftheirsentence.”
BigJohnOateswaswellnamedandbigwasanunderstatement.Standingaroundsix-fiveandweighinginataroundfourhundredpounds,hewouldbeaforcetobereckonedwith.Itdidn’tsurpriseRowleythathehadtakendownsevenmeninafightattheTripleZRoadhouseandcausedatonofdamage.Oncethey’dlocatedhim,heagreedtogototheparkinglotandspeaktothem.Rowleyranthroughthesamesetofquestionshe’dgivenSalmonandtheonlypositiveresponsewasthathe’ddrivenpasttheBLACKROCKFALLSsignonhiswaytowork.HetookthesamerouteMondaytoFridayandrecalledseeingtheSheriff’sDepartmentcruisersonthesideoftheroadonhiswaytoworkthepreviousMonday.Theycheckedhisvehicleforoilleaksandfoundnone.Rowleyhadonlyonemorequestionforhim.“Doyoueverpickuphitchhikers?”
“Sometimesbutneverwomen.”Oatesletoutalongsigh.“Withallthekillingshappeningaroundtownoflate,Idon’twantanyonepointingthefingeratme.IdidmytimeforastupidmistakeandI’mnotgoingbackinsideagain.”
FindingOatstobehonestandstraightforward,Rowleygavehimanod.“Thankyouforyourtime.Ifthere’sanyproblemwithyourbossforspeakingtous,justgethimtogivemeacall.”Hehandedhimhiscard.Astheyheadedbacktohistruck,heturnedtoRio.“Helookscleantome.Whatdoyouthink?”
“It’snothim.”RiotippeduptherimofhisStetsonandsighed.“He’swaytoonoticeabletogetawaywithdumpingbodiesaroundtown.It’sreasonablybusyfromtheearlyhoursandsomeoneofhissizewouldn’tgounnoticed.Isaywetakehimoffthelist.”
Rowleylaughedandslidbehindthewheel.“Ifigurewe’llrunitpastJennafirst.”
“Yeah,goodidea.”Riogrinnedathim.“Idobelievebeingleftinchargeforacoupleofdayshasgonetomyhead.”Hechuckled.“Itwassurenicewhileitlasted.”
TWENTY-SEVEN
Waitingforajudgetoconsidertheprobablecauseevidencetoissueasearchwarrantwaslikewatchingpaintdry.Jennaspentthetimeupdatingherfiles.WhenSusieHardwickarrivedwiththetakeoutthatKanehadorderedtheysataroundtheconferenceroomeatinganddiscussingthecase.ShelistenedwithinteresttoRowleyandRio’sreportonthetwosuspectsthey’dinterviewed.SheagreedthatBigJohnOateswasunlikelytobethekillerandtheyremovedhimfromthelist.TheSalmoninterviewinterestedherandtheideaofcheckingoutMillers’GarageintowntodiscoverifSalmonhadtakenhisvehicleinforservicecrossedhermind.Salmon’scooperationwentagainsthim.Previousexperiencetoldherthatmostpsychopathswereoftenpliableduringquestioningandfewofthemactedaggressively.Manyaskedquestionsoftentogaininformationabouttheprogressionofacase.Havingtwoexperiencedprofilersonherteamwasagreatadvantagewhensolvingcrimes,andsheplayedtoherstrengths.Jobeinganiconinthefieldofbehavioralanalysiswouldusuallybehergo-topersonifshewasonthecase,butasshewascoolingherheelsatthecourthousewaitingforthesearchwarrant,sheturnedtoKane.“What’syouropinionofSalmon?”
“Hewasintherightplaceattherighttime.Helivesaloneanddoesn’thaveanalibiforanyofthementionedtimesthebodiesweredumped.Heworksonthekillflooratthemeat-processingplant,sowouldbeusedtocleaningupbloodandexcrement.Whathappenedtoourvictimswouldtakeastrongstomach,that’sfordarnsure.”Kanesippedhiscoffeeandeyedherovertherim.“Hecould’veeasilydumpedthelastvictim’sbodyonthewaytoworkandstillsignedinontime.We’reonlysurmisingthattheoilleakbelongstothekiller.Ibelieveweshouldkeephimonthelistandfollowup.”
ThephonebuzzedandJennareachedforit.ItwasWolfe.“Iwasjustthinkingaboutyou.Doyouhaveanythingforus?”
“Yeah,wehavesomeinterestingdevelopmentsinthemostrecentJaneDoecase.I’llbeconductinganautopsyattwo.IfoundDNAinherear,andI’mrunningitthroughtheDNAsequencernow.Weshouldhavesomeresultsoverthenextcoupleofhours.Iwasalsoabletoliftlatentfingerprintsfromthebody,andI’mrunningthemthroughthedatabase,Ifigurethisisthebreakwe’vebeenwaitingfor.I’llseeyouattwo.”
Wantingtopunchtheair,Jennasmiledattheexpectantfacesaroundthetable.“Goodnews!Wolfemighthavediscoveredsomeevidence.He’srunningtestsnow.Theautopsyisattwo.”
“Youcan’tsplityourselfintotwo,Jenna.”Cartermovedthetoothpickacrosshislipsandshrugged.“IknowJowillwanttoattendtheautopsy,soI’llgowithRioandRowleytotossBright’shouse.”
MorethanhappytoallowCartertotaketheleadonthesearch,Jennanodded.“Sure,thanks.Myfirstpriorityistheautopsy.Although,itwillbeinterestingtoseewhatyoufindattheBrightcousins’house.Ihopethejudgegetsamoveonwiththesearchwarrant.Ican’tkeeptheBrightcousinshereformuchlongerwithoutreadingthemtheirrights.”
“They’rehappyenough.Maggiefedthemandit’snotasifthey’reinthecells,althoughtheinterviewroomsareuncomfortable.Wehadnochoice.Wehadtokeepthemapartincasetheyconcoctedastory.”Kanedrummedhisfingersonthetable.“Theycouldbetellingthetruth.Iftheoldladydidhaveacollectionofclothesinhercellar,shemighthavebeenahoarder.Theyseeavalueinuselessgarbageandtakeithome.Shecouldhavebeenpickingtheclothesupfromanywhere.Havingformaldehydeonthepremisesandburningrubbishisn’tconclusiveevidencethesemenarekillers.”
“Whenthesearchwarrantarrives,we’llgoovertheplacewithafine-toothcomb.I’mcountingonfindingsomethingwecanuse.”CartermetJenna’sgaze.“Seemstometheevidenceisstackingupagainstthem.Don’tallowthemtoslipthroughyourgrasp.”HelookedatKaneandshrugged.“We’llagreetodisagree.Callitgutinstinct.Fromwhatyoutoldme,Ifigurethoseguysaremorethanintheballparkforthemurders.”
“I’mnotdiscountingthemyet.”Kaneliftedoneshoulder.“Ijustwantmoreevidence.Ihadonehostileandonecooperative.Itdidn’tfeelrighttome.Killerslikethisonearesmartandtrytooutwitcops.DerekBrightwasdarnrighthostile.”
“There’sstillonemorepersonwehaven’tinterviewed.”RioglancedupfromhisiPadandlookedatJenna.“LucasDavies.AsfarasIcouldascertain,heisoutoftownuntiltomorrowbuthewasincontactwiththisofficefromThursdaythroughtotoday,soweshouldn’tdiscounthimasasuspect.”
Jenna’sstaredatthewhiteboardandsighed.“Okaygivemearundownofhisinformationagain,please.”
“LucasDavieswasconvictedofarsonaftersettingfiretoaneighbor’svehicle.He’ddiscoveredhiswifewashavinganaffairwiththeownerofthevehicle.He’samerchandiseroutofGreenTreeLane,BlackRockFalls.”RiometJenna’seyeswithafrown.“HefledtoBlackwaterandwastakendownbyoneofthefemaledeputies.Fromthedeputy’sstatementofthearrest,itseemsthatDavieshasaproblemwithwomenlawenforcementofficers.Witnesses’statementssayhewasviolentandabusive.”
Notplanningonleavinganystoneunturned,Jennamadenotesinherdaybook.“Okay,assoonasheshowsintown,IwantyouandRowleytointerviewhimbeforehe’soffonanotherjob.”Shelookedfromonedeputytotheother.“Keepmeupdatedonhisstatus.Idon’twanthimslippingthroughtheneteither.Rightnow,I’llconsiderasmanysuspectsasyoucanthrowatme.Soonerorlater,we’llhaveenoughevidencetochargeoneofthem.”
ThedooropenedandJowalkedinwavingahandfulofpapers.
“Ihavethesearchwarrant.”Jowasgrinningwidely.“Wegotthewholenineyards.Thehouse,outbuildings,andeventheirvehicles.”
Thrilled,Jennastoodandhigh-fivedher.“Great!”SheturnedtoCarter.“Grabextraforensicskitsfromthestoreroomandyou’regoodtogo.”
“I’monit.”CarterstoodandwavedRowleyandRiotowardthedoor.“Let’sgo.”
TWENTY-EIGHT
AfewscatteredpuffywhitecloudsdriftedacrosstheendlessblueskyasKaneheadedtheBeasttowardthemedicalexaminer’soffice.Townsfolkambledthroughtownenjoyingabeautifulsummer’safternoonoblivioustothefactakillerlurkedamongthem.Howlongwouldittakeforthemurderertoexhausthisstashofcaptives?Wouldherisksnatchingsomeonefromtowntoappeasehislustforkillingorwouldhebearrivingsoonwithanewwomanfrompartsunknown?Withnoreportsofrecentmissingpersonsfittingthedescriptionsofthecurrentvictims,hehadnoideawhichdirectionJennashouldtaketheinvestigation.Heglancedather.“IcalledBobbyKaloandaskedhimtowidentheareaforthemissingpersonsreports,andalthoughhedidcomeupwithacoupleofwomenfittingthedescriptionsofthevictims,allofthemwentmissingoverfiveyearsago.Ifindithardtobelievethatourkillerhaskeptthesewomenprisonerforthatperiodoftime.”
“Really?”Jennalookedathimandraisedoneeyebrow.“Doyourecallthekidswhoweretakenandkeptassexslavesuntiltheyweretoooldtobeofinteresttotheircaptors?”Sheshookherhead.“Anythingispossible.Havingastockofwomentomurderwhentheneedariseswouldn’tsurprisemeatall.Thewaypsychopaths’mindswork,andthefacttheyaresodarnsmart,itseemstomethiswouldbeveryconvenient.”Shelookedathim,herfaceanimated.“Thinkaboutit.Afterfiveyearsthesewomenhaveceasedtobeapriorityandendupinthecoldcasefiles.Apsychopathwholikestodisplayhisvictims,likethisone,couldselectavictimfromadifferentstateforinstance,andthechancesofdiscoveringtheiridentitywouldbenearimpossible.Moresoifthewomanwasaprostituteoravagrant.Itwouldalmostbeaperfectcrime.”
Kanepulledhistruckintoaparkingspotoutsidethemedicalexaminer’sofficeandturnedtoher.“Yeah,andafterthattime,thechancesofanywitnessesofanabductioncomingforwardwouldbelonggone.”
“Ifheisdoingthis,heisverymuchincontrol.”Joleanedforwardinherseat.“Manywouldescalateintoafrenzyandkillthemall.FromwhatI’veseensofar,thisman’shatredofwomenisdeepset.Whichwouldmakemebelievehispsychosisstartedalongtimeagoandhehassomecontroloverit.Weallagreethatthismanhaskilledbeforeandoftenbutnowhislifestyleprecludeshimfromprocuringwomenonaregularbasis.Maybethiswasn’thisMOinthebeginningbutnowhegainspleasurefromkeepingthemprisonerandmakingthemsuffer.”Shegatheredherthingsfromtheseatbesideher.“Unfortunately,mostofoursuspectsmeetthatprofile.MorethanoneofthemmovearoundandcouldeasilyhaveplacessetupanywhereinBlackRockFallstokeeptheirvictims.Theoptionshereareendless.Youhavetheforest,caves,cabinsinthemountains,mineshafts,andanynumberofisolatedareas.Thethingisthatlivinginatownlikethisit’snotunusualforpeopletobuylargeamountsoffoodorsupplies.Theycanbuyjustaboutanythinghereandnotcallattentiontothemselves.It’sapsychopath’sparadise.”
TheyheadedinsidetheME’soffice,andKaneflashedhisIDcardoverthescannerandtheymadetheirwaydownthewhitetiledhallwaytothemorgue.Theyfoundtheexaminationroomwiththeredlightblinkingoutsideandquicklychangedintoscrubs,masks,andglovesfortheautopsy.Thedooropenedwithawhooshastheyenteredthecoolroom.Evenwithmentholatedsalvespreadbeneathhisnose,thesmellofdecomposingfleshsearedKane’snostrils.
“Rightontime.”Wolferemovedthesheetfromthebodyonthegurney.“We’llgetstartedbecausethiscaseiscomplicatedanditwilltaketimetoexplainthesubtledifferencesbetweenthiscaseandtheothers.”
“YoumentionedfindingDNA.”Jennamovedclosertothebody.“Haveanyresultscomebackyet?”
“NotyetbutthisvictimwasaminefieldofDNAandlatentfingerprints.Itwasalmostasifsomeonedeliberatelyleftevidence.”Wolfepeeredatthemoverthetopofhismask.“You’llrecallEmilynoticingthefluidinthevictim’sear?Ofcourse,myfirstthoughtwascranialfluidleakingfromtheearduetoheadtrauma.Onexaminationunderthemicroscope,Ideterminedthefluidwasspittle.IimmediatelysetupasamplefortheDNAsequencerandjustbeforeyouarrived,IsentthemtoKalo,whoiscurrentlyrunningtheresultsthroughtheDNAdatabases.”
Leaningagainstthecounter,Kanenodded.“Iguessthechancesofthevictimgettingtheirownspittleintheirearwouldbeimpossible?”
“That’sthefirstthingIchecked.”Wolfewenttothescreenarrayandpulledupsomefiles.“Thelatentfingerprintsdon’tbelongtohereither.”Heindicatedtotheimagesonthescreen.“LatentfingerprintsarethoseleftbybodyoilsandIusealightfiltertogetaclearerimage.FromwhatIcollectedIcanonlyimaginethesewereleftdeliberatelybecauseIfoundasmearofsweatacrossthecheekofthisvictim.DNAanalysisofthesamplewasconsistentwiththespittleinthevictim’sear.”
“Areyourunningtheprintsaswell?”Jennastaredattheimagesonthescreen.“Idon’tseeanymarksonthevictim’sneck.Thisoneisdifferentfromtheothers.Haveyoudeterminedacauseofdeath?”
“Theprints,yeah,Kalohasalltheinformation”—Wolfeletoutalongsigh—“and,no,Ihaven’tdeterminedthecauseofdeathatthistime.We’llseewhattheautopsyshowsus.”Hemovedbacktothegurney,selectedascalpelfromtheinstrumenttray,andmotionedtohisassistantColtWebberthathewasreadytostart.
Kanefollowedalongwiththeautopsy,whichwastextbookuntilWolfeexaminedtheheart.Heremovedit,setitonapairofscales,andthenproceededtodissectit.Thevictimhadinjuriesnotconsistentwiththeothers.Theimagesthey’dtakenatthecrimescenehadn’tindicatedthatoneoftheskewershadbeenpushedintothevictim’sheart.Although,thekillerhadplacedtheothersalongthespineexactlyinthesamepositionasthepreviousvictims.“Issharpforcedtraumawhatkilledher?”
“Yeah.Deathwouldhavebeeninstantaneous.”Wolfelookedupfromhiswork.“Shetookabeating.Thesameastheothers,usingabaseballbatorsimilar,andtheconsistencyisthattheabusehappenedovertime.Theinjuriesvary.Somearerecentandothersasoldassixmonths,maybemore.Thebruising,again,isinstagesofhealing,whichwouldprovethatthiswomanhasbeenheldforatleastsixmonths.”
“Idon’tseeanyheadtraumaontheX-rays.”Jennawalkedupanddownpeeringatthescreens.“Forsomereasonhedidn’twanttodamagethisone’sface,andbynotstranglingher,itseemstomehewasinahurry.Whatdoyouthink,Jo?”
“Stabbingsomeoneintheheartisprettyupcloseandpersonal.”Jo’seyebrowsroseabovehermask.“Wassherapedaswell?”
“Yeah.”Wolfepulledthesheetdowntothevictim’sknees.“HerinnerthighsarebruisedsoIwouldassumeshefoughtback.Also,therearebruisestotheforearms,knuckles,andwrists.Inmyopinion,thisonewasaproblemforhim.Hewasunabletodominateherintosubmissionandwentforthequickkill.”HeturnedtoJenna.“Manypeoplebelievedeathbystrangulationisfastandclinical,butitisn’t.”
“Goon.”Jennaliftedherchinasifreadyingherselfforthereply.
“Thevictim’sfaceswellsandbecomesblue,theeyesbulge,andbloodvesselsburst.Mucuspoursfromtheirmouthandnose.Theirtongueprotrudesandtheirlipsswell.”Wolferaisedoneeyebrow.“Iknowmanykillersareaddictedtothistypeofface-tofacesufferinganditdisgustsme.”
“Whydoyouconsiderstabbingsomeoneisaquickkill?”Jennastaredatthevictimonthegurney.“He’salwayspreferredstranglingthembefore,sowhywouldhechange?”
“Maybehewasrunningoutoftime?That’sforyoutodecide.Ijustgiveyouthefacts.”Wolfeshrugged.“Theintensityofthegriprequiredtokillsomeonebyasphyxiationtakesatleastfourminutesofcontinuouspressure.Thistakesconsiderablestrengthandthat’sthereasonmanypeoplewhokillbystrangulationuseacordorsimilartotwistaroundthenecktosustainthepressure.Holdingsomeoneandexertingenoughpressurewiththeirthumbsisdifficultbecausenooneisgoingtositstillandjustallowsomeonetostranglethem.Eventhoughitonlytakesaveryshorttime,tensecondsorsotoachieveunconsciousness,themomentthepressureisreleasedbloodflowstothebrainandthevictimregainsconsciousness.”
Kaneclearedhisthroat.“Ifigureamancapableofstranglingwouldhavethestrengthtobreakaperson’sneck.Doingsofrombehindinonefastmovementisnotupfrontandpersonal.It’sfastandsilent.Heenjoyshiskilling.”
“Fromtheevidenceinfrontofme,Iconcludethisvictimdiedofsharpforcetraumatotheheart,causingmassivedamagetotheleftatriumandleftventricle.”WolfelookedatJenna.“Timeofdeathisapproximatelysixtotwelvehoursbeforethediscoveryofthebody.”
Nodding,Kanewantedtoknowifthebodyhadbeenwashedinformaldehyde.“Isthere—”
“Justaminute.”Wolfestrippedoffhisglovesandheadedforthedoor.“IhaveacallcominginanditmightbetheresultsI’mwaitingfor.”HeturnedtolookatWebber.“Closeherup.I’mdonehere.”
Kanenoticedaflashingredlightonthescreenarrayandturnedtotheothers.“ThatwillbeKalo.I’mgettingoutofthesescrubsandgoingtoseewhathe’sfound.”HefollowedWolfeoutofthedoor.
“Waitforus.”Jennahurriedoutofthedoorbehindhim.
BythetimetheypiledintoWolfe’soffice,hewassittingathisdeskstaringatthescreen.Kaneleanedagainstthewallandwaited.Wolfehadhisphoneonspeaker.
“Areyouabsolutelysure?”Wolfestaredatthescreen.“Sendmethecomparisonfiles.”Heleanedbackinhischair,rubbinghischinthoughtfullyasheperusedthefiles.
“I’msure.”Kalo’svoicecamethroughthespeaker.“It’sthesamePoppyAndersonI’vebeentrackingsinceshehightaileditfromBlackRockFalls.HerDNAprofileandprintsareonfile.It’sher.I’monehundredpercentcertain.DNAdon’tlie.”
TWENTY-NINE
Dumbfounded,JennastaredatWolfe.“What?Thiscan’tbehappening.You’retellingmethatPoppyAndersoniscapableofmurder?Thatwomanismoreinterestedinwhatcolorlipstickshe’swearingthankillingpeople.”
“ItwouldaccountforthedifferentMOinthiscase.Ifigurestabbingapersonintheheartwouldbeeasierthantryingtostranglethemtodeath.”Wolfeturnedtothecoffeemachineandstartedfeedingpodsintothereceptacle.“She’sinvolvedorherDNAwouldn’tbeonthebody.Justhowmuchdoyouknowaboutthiswoman?Itmakesmewonderwhyshewashangingaroundtheconferencesandtryingtoobtaininformationaboutforensicswhenthecountyshelivesinrarelyseesmorethanatrafficviolation.”
“Iseehermoreasahomewreckerthanapsychopath.”Jodroppedintoachairwithasigh.“Sheobviouslylikestobethecenterofattention,andthiscouldbethemanifestationofborderlinepersonalitydisorderorevennarcissistictendencies.Itwouldtakeanoverwhelmingfitofjealousytocommitmurder,andasnoneofourvictimshavebeenreportedmissing,Iwoulddismissthemasbeingsomebody’sspouseorgirlfriend.Itwouldbeveryunusualforahusbandnottoreporthiswifemissingunlesshewasinvolvedinherdisappearance,andthenthere’sthefamilyaswell.No,inallhonesty,Ican’tseePoppybeingthekiller.”
“Maybe,she’ssendingusamessage?”KanestretchedhislonglegsandlookedatWolfe.“She’dlikelyassumethatwe’dsearchforherwhenshewentmissing,eventhoughshesentusacoverstory.ShewouldknowJennawouldn’ttaketheemailshesentusasgospel.”HetookacupofcoffeethatWolfehandedhim.“Ifigureweneedtotakeacloserlookatthelatentprintsonthebody.Isthereanywaywecanseeallofthematonce?I’mwonderingifthere’sapattern.Shewouldknowthattheprintswouldbepickedup,andIknowfordarnsureifIwascapturedandhadtheopportunitytoleaveamessageonlyamedicalexaminercouldsee,Iwouldusethesamemethod.”Hesippedhiscoffee.“NowweknowPoppyisinvolved,itseemstomethesmearofperspirationonthevictim’scheekwasdeliberate.Ifiguresheusedherownsweattoleaveamessage.Wejustneedtofindit.”
“I’llpulluptheimagesofthebodyandtakeacloserlook.”ThephoneonWolfe’sdeskrangandeveryone’sattentionmovedtohim.“ShaneWolfe.”Heflickedthephoneontospeaker.“That’sgood.Didyoudeterminethespeciesandorigin?”
“Yeah,wesuredid.”Thevoiceontheotherendsoundedexcited.“It’sanativelocalspeciesofmossandgoesbythenameofluminousmoss—Schistostegapennata.It’sfoundincaves.Thesoilsampleisindicativeofhumanhabitation.Wefoundtracesofureaconsistentwithhumanexcrementfromaseptictankorsimilar.I’llemailyouthefullreport.”
“Thanksforprioritizingthisforme.Ioweyouone.”WolfedisconnectedandlookedatJenna.“Thisinformationconfirmsthelocationofthevictims.ThekilleriskeepingtheminoneofthethousandsofcavesinBlackRockFalls.”
Consumedbytheideaoffindingamessageonthebodyofthelastvictim,Jennanodded,butrightnow,nothingelsemattered.Thiswasthebreakthroughthey’dbeenwaitingfor.Whywaseveryonewastingtimediscussingpossiblelocations?ShewantedtopushWolfeoutofthedoorandintothelaboratorytohurryhimalong.Withoutmoreinformationonthelocation,thechancesoffindinganyoneinthecavesriddlingBlackRockFallswouldbelikefindinganeedleinahaystack.“That’svaluableinformationbutourpriorityrightnowisifPoppyleftamessageonthevictim.Doyoumindleavingthediscussiononwherethevictimswerebeingheldfornowandgoseetheimagesyoutookofthelatentprints?”
“Sure.”Wolfepickeduphiscoffeecupandheadedforthedoorandthenpausedtolookather.“Itwilltaketime.I’lltakeaquicklooknow,butifIdon’tfindanything,I’llkeeplooking.SometimesIneedtotrydifferentlightfilterstogetanything.”
Withhermindreelingattheimplicationsofthisinformation,JennaturnedtoKane.“YouknowPoppy.Doyouconsiderhercapableofstabbingsomeonetodeath?Wouldshedosomethinglikethattosaveherownlife?”
“Idon’tknowPoppywellenoughtogiveyouananswertothat,Jenna.”Kanewalkedbesidehertowardthelaboratoryattheendofthehallway.“Shecouldbewiththekillerasanaccomplicebutwhatifshe’sbeenkidnappedbyapsychopath?Whoknowswhatapersonmightdotosaveherownlife?Everybody’sdifferentandshehasn’tthetrainingthatwehave.Ihonestlydon’tthinkPoppywouldeverputherlifeonthelineforanyonebutherself.”
“Sonotreallycopmaterial?”JofellintostepbesideJenna.“Whichmakesmewonderwhyyoudidn’tstanduptoMayorPetershamandallowhertojoinyourdepartmentinthefirstplace.”
Jennasnorted.“Trustme,Ihadnochoiceinthematter.Unfortunately,thatwomancantwistpeoplearoundherlittlefinger.ItwasbyMayorPetersham’srequestthatshejoinourteamforatrialperiod.Hecontrolsourbudgetanditwasapersonalrequest,sowhatelsecouldIdo?Sheonlylastedoneday,afterall,andsentinherresignationafterbeingrebuffedbyDave.She’dgottenitintoherheadthathe’dinvitedhertoworkwithhim.”
“Iwasn’tthathardonher.”Kaneshrugged.“IwouldhavebeenwillingtotrainherbutnotifherintentionwastocomebetweenmeandJenna.”
“Youknowitwas,Dave.Shetriedtopushherwayintoourgroupattheconvention.”Joletoutalongsigh.“Shedidn’tstopatDave.ShehadWolfeandCarterinhersightsaswell.Cartercouldseestraightthroughher,butthenittakesaplayertorecognizeaplayer.”ShegrinnedatJenna.“Wolfejusttotallyignoredherasifshewerepartofthefurnitureorsomething.”Shegiggled.“I’veseenDavegivepeoplethedeathstare,butWolfetakesittoawholenewlevel.”
TheyfollowedWolfeintothelaboratory.Momentslaterthescreenarraylitup,displayingthelatentprintsonthevictim’sbody.Jenna’sstomachgaveatwistofapprehensionassheexaminedeachimagecloselylookingforapattern.AsWolfepresentedtheareaswherehe’ddiscoveredlatentprints,herotatedtheimagesandenlargedthem,butnomessageshowed.
Disheartened,Jennasighed.“Isthiseverything?”
“Nope,Ihaveimagesofeverypartofthebodytakenatthesceneandwhenwebroughtherintothelab.”Wolfeprojectedmoreimagesontothescreens.“Ifoundevidenceofsweatsmearedonhercheekandacrosstheskinofherbelly.”Heindicatedtotheareasofinterest.“Obviouslytherewereprintsthereaswell,butIfoundthemajorityontheforearmsofthevictimandconcentratedonusingthemforidentification.”
Intrigued,Jennastaredatthescreenarraywithrenewedinterest.“Theremustbesomethinghere.Isthereanythingwecandotoenhancetheimagesofthesweattogetabetterlook?ItseemstomeifIwasgoingtoleaveamessage,itwouldbeeasierformetowriteitinsweat.”
“Yeah.”Wolfesmiledather.“Ihaveafewmoretricksupmysleevewecanuse.LikeIsaid,itwilltaketime.I’llneedtoreviewalltheprimaryimagesofthebody.I’llcallyouifIfindanything.”
Disappointed,Jennaledthewaytothedoor.SheturnedtowardKaneastheyheadedfortheBeast.“Atleastweknowthewomenarebeingheldundergroundinadampcave.”Sherubbedhertemplesindesperation.“Icanonlyhopewegettosqueezeinformationoutofoneofoursuspects,becauserightnow,Icouldhavepeoplescouringtheentirecountyandjustmaybe,inaboutthreeyearsorso,wemightfindthedarncave.”
THIRTY
“Thisdoesn’taddup.”Riostackedthecartonsinthebackofhistruck.“Everythingwe’vefounddatestothetimeSamBrightwasdoingtime.Hecan’tbekidnappingwomenfromajailcell.Ifhe’dtakenthembeforehewasarrested,they’dhavediedwhilehewasdoinghistime.”
“Unlesshiscousincaredforthem?”Rowleypushedmoreboxesintothetruck.“Theyseemprettyclose,andDereklookslikeafollowertome.IfigureSamtoldhimtogoandburntheevidencebecausehealreadymentionedtoKanehe’dnoticedtheFBIintown.Maybehebelieveswe’regettingtoocloseforcomfort.”
“Ifoundthesepicturealbums.”Carterlaidthemonthehoodofhiscruiser.“ItseemstomeMrs.Brightwasn’tafancydresserandsheremainedvirtuallythesamesizethroughoutherlife.Thealbumisfilledwithphotographsofher,fromaweddingdayrightuptopictureswithhergrandsons.Shewasasmallwoman,probablyaroundfive-three.Idon’tfigureshe’dhaveanyusefortheclothes.Noneofthemwouldhavefitherorbeenherstyle.Shedidn’thaveanydaughtersorfemalekinfolk.”Helookedupatthetwodeputies.“Thesewerestoredherebysomebodyelse,unlessherhusbandwasatrendycrossdresser.”
“Anything’spossible.”Rowleyshrugged.“I’msuretheBrightcousinswouldknowtheanswertothatquestion.”
Riolockedupthehouseandthenclimbedintohistruck.“I’msureJennawillbeinterestedinwhatwefoundbutit’snotenoughevidencetochargeanyone.I’mnotsureit’sevenenoughevidencetoquestiontheseguys.Wehavenoproofwhatsoeverthattheyevenbelongtothem.Ican’tfindanyprintsonanyofthem,apartfromtheboxesthecousinspreviouslyopened.Whoeverstoredtheminthecellarwaswearinggloves.Thisinitselfseemstolinkwiththecurrentmurders.Thekillerisextracarefulnottoleaveanyevidencebehind.Althoughthatplasticbagfilledwithwomen’sunderwearwefoundintheoldnightstandatthebackofthecellarmightbehisdownfall.”
“Isurehopeso.”Rowleyclimbedintothepassengerseat.“Itwillbeinterestingtoknowwhattheautopsyshowed.Let’shopeit’sabreakthroughandweseetheendofthiskillingspree.”
“I’llmeetyoubackattheoffice.”Carterpushedthephotographalbumsintoanevidencebagandplacedtheminthebackofthecruiser.
Whentheyarrivedattheoffice,theyfoundJennaintheconferenceroomwithKaneandJo.RiowaitedforJennatofinishhercallwithKalo.ShewasintentonlocatingundergroundprisoncellsorsimilarintheBlackRockFallsarea.Shehadamapofthecountyspreadoutonthedeskandeveryone’sattentionwasfixedonJenna’sstrainedexpression.
“Gowayback.Wemightbelookingathistoricalsites.”Jennarubbedhertemples.“Anyindustrialareasthatmighthavebeenconvertedintocellsatonetime.Irecalltherewasanoldrailroadtrackthatwentthroughpartofthemountainandsomeofitwasconvertedintoplacesfortherailwayworkerstolive.Weneedalltheinformationyoucanfindonanythingbuiltundergroundinthelastfiftyyearsorevenlonger.”Sheleanedbackinherchairandsighed.“Thanks,Bobby.”ShelookedupatRioandnoddedatRowley.“We’vehadabreakthrough.PoppyAnderson’sDNAisalloverthelastvictim.”Shebroughtthemuptodate.
“Ican’tbelieveshe’sinvolved.”Rowleyremovedhishatandmoveditaroundinhishands.“Avictimmaybe.Shedidgomissingsuddenlike.Poppydoesn’tseemthetypetobrutallymurderwomen—andallthevictimssufferedsexualabuse.”
“I’mnotmakinganyassumptionsonhercapabilitiestomurder.Shecouldbeanaccomplice.Idoknowshedoesn’tlikeotherwomen.Allofthemarerivalstoher.Forallweknow,thiscouldbeatrapaimedrightatmeandJo.”Jennapushedastrandofhairbehindoneearandshrugged.“Ifshe’sinnocentandtryingtosendusamessage,we’llneedtosearchanylocationsundergroundedsuitableforpossiblejailcells—orthathavebeenusedinthepast.Kalowillhavealistofsitesforussoon.Fornow,we’llkeepmovingtheinvestigationforwardwiththelistofsuspects.Whathaveyougotforme?”
Riogavethemarundownofwhatthey’ddiscoveredatthehouse.“IfigureunlessDerekisinvolvedandwaskeepingthevictimsalivewhilehiscousinwasinjail,theseguysaretellingthetruth.”
“That’sonepossiblescenario.”JennaturnedtoKane.“Whatdoyouthink?Aretheyguilty?”
“No,notahope.”Kanescrolledthroughthefilesonhislaptop.“SamBrightwasarrestedandthengivenbailuntilhiscasewenttocourt.Apsychopathwouldneverhaveriskedleavingwitnessesalive.He’dbeenarrestedforindecentassault,notmurder,andwouldhavebelievedthatpartofhislifewasstillprivate.Psychopathsdon’ttrustanyonebutthemselves,sothere’snowayhewouldhaveriskedleavinghiscousininchargeofhiscaptives.”
“Iagree.”Jonodded.“Justbeingarrestedwould’vetriggeredhimintoafrenzyofmurder.Hewouldhavekilledthemallandiftheyweresecuredunderground,hewouldhaveleftthemtheretorotbecauseheknewthatnoonewouldhavefoundthem.”
“Haveyoumadealistofeverythingyouremovedfromthehouse?”JennaleanedbackinherchairandlookedatRowley.
“Yeah.Itookphotographsandwedustedforprints.”Rowleynodded.“It’salreadyinthefile.”
RioscrolledthroughthenotesonhisiPadandtheprinterinthecorneroftheroomsprangintoaction.“I’llprintcopiesofthelistofevidenceweremoved.I’vesenttheimagefilestoyouremailaddressalready.”
“Okaythanks.”Jennasmiledatthem.“I’lltakeitfromhere.Whenyou’vetakeneverythingintotheevidenceroomandwrittenitup,youcanbothtakeabreak.”
“DoIgetabreaktoo?”Cartertossedatoothpickintohismouthandgrinnedather.
“No.”Jennaliftedherchinandstaredathim.“Iwantthedetailsonthephotographalbumsandthebagofunderwearyoufound.”ShetappedherbottomlipandlookedatJo.“Howattachedwouldakillerbetohistrophies?Wouldhereactwhenwetellhimwehaveconfiscatedthemall?”
“Yeah,he’llreact.”Jothoughtforabeat.“Itmaybesubtleorcrazy—there’snotelling.”
“Okay.”Jennanodded.“I’lltalktothem.”SheturnedherattentionbacktoCarter.“Leavetheunderwearwithme.I’llgoandshowthemandseeifwegetareaction.”ShelookedatRioandRowley.“Justentertheentireboxesintoevidence.Numberthemand,ifnecessary,we’llgetWolfetogothroughthemandmakeaninventoryifthey’rerelevanttothecase.”
Rionodded.“Sure.”HeturnedtoRowley.“Let’sgetatit.”Theyheadedforthedoor.
THIRTY-ONE
Afterallowingthenewevidencetopercolatethroughhermind,JennaturnedtoKane.“I’mtryingtodecidewhichoftheBrightcousinsweshouldinterviewfirst.Whodoyouthink?”
“Derekseemstobethemorevolatileofthepairandissubordinatetohiscousin.Hemightbetheweaklink,soIsuggestweseewhathehastosayfirst.”
“Iagree.”Jocollectedthecoffeecupsfromthedeskandputtheminthesink.“Ifwegointotheinterviewasifweknowthey’reguilty,hemightrolloveronSam.”
“I’mnotsosure.”Kanestoodandcollectedastatementpadfromapileonthedesk.“IfSamisdominantoverhim,hemightbetoointimidatedbyhimtoriskit.He’dbethinkingaheadoftime.Iftheyendedupinthesamejail,Samwouldbegunningforhim.”
Jennagatheredherthingsfromthedesk,pushedtheevidencebagofunderwearintoabrownpapersack,andstood.“Okay,let’sgetthisoverwith.”Sheledthewaythroughtheofficeanddowntotheinterviewrooms.
Afterswipinghercardatthedoor,Jennamovedinside.ThestinkofunwashedmalecrawleduphernostrilsasshestaredatDerekBright.Hesatonthefloorwithhisbacktothewallhisheadinhishandsandlookedupatherwithabelligerentexpressiononhisface.“Mr.Brightwe’dliketoaskyouafewquestions.Wouldyoumindjoiningusatthetable?”
“I’vebeensittinghereforhours.”Derekclimbedslowlytohisfeetandtookaseatatthetable.
ShereadhimhisrightsandsatdownoppositewithKaneandJooneitherside.“Doyouagreetoanswerafewquestions?”
“Let’sgetonwithit.Ihavethingstodo.”Derekleanedonthetableandpickedathisfingernails.“Whatdoyouwanttoknow?”
Jennaswitchedontherecordingdevice,introducedallparties,andthenleanedforwardinherchairandlookedatDerek.“Asyouareaware,weexecutedasearchwarrantonyourpremisesthisafternoon.Wehaveconfiscatedboxesofclothingandabagofunderwearfromthecellar.WehavereasontobelievethattheseobjectsmayberelatedtothreemurdervictimsfoundinBlackRockFallsoverthelastfewdays.Isthereanythingyou’dliketosayabouttheclothesyouwereburningwhenwedroppedbythisafternoon?”
“They’rejustoldclothes.”Derekgaveanirritatedshrug.“Areyousayingmygrandmawasamurderer?Weburiedheroverthreemonthsago,sohowdoyoufigurethebodiesareshowingupnow?”
“Wedon’tthinkthatyourgrandmaisamurderer.”Kanerolledhiseyes.“Iguessyouhadabigjobcleaningoutthehouseaftershepassed?”
“Notsomuchthehouse.Shekeptthatcleanenough,butthecellarwasfilledwithuselessjunk.”Dereklinkedhishandsbehindhisneckandleanedbackinthechair.“IgaveaboxoftrinketstoGoodwill.Theotherstuffhadastrangesmellaboutit,sowedecidedtoburnit.”
Needingmoreinformationaboutthetrinkets,Jennaleanedforward.“Whatkindoftrinkets?”
“Aw,youknow,thethingswomenwearbutaren’tworthmuch.”Derekdroppedhisarmsandshrugged.“Bracelets,beads,andearringsbutnothingprecious.Idroppedthembythismorning.”
JennaexchangedameaningfulglancewithKane,andhestoodandlefttheroom.Shedidn’tneedtotellhimtohightailitdowntoGoodwillandaskthemfortheboxoftrinketsthatDerekhadgiventhem.SheturnedherattentionbacktoDerek.“Whatdoyouuseformaldehydeforathome?”
“Formald…what?”Dereksnortedandglaredather.“Whatareyoutalkingabout?Idon’tknowwhatthatis.”
“Ourtrackerdogpickedupthescentofformaldehydeatyourhousethismorning.Infact,itwasclosetowhereyouwereburningtheclothes.It’sachemicalusedforpreservationanddisinfecting.”
“Samsaidsomethingleakedalloverthem,maybethatwaswhathewastalkingabout.Idon’tknow.Hewasn’tspecific.”Derekeyedhercuriously.“You’llhavetoaskhim.”
“DoyouthinkSamstoredthesethingsathisgrandma’swhilehewasinjail?”Joflickedhimaglance.“Doyouthinksomeoftheseitemscouldhavecomefromthewomenheraped?Somemenkeeptrophies.”
“Nah,notSam.Hedidn’trapeanyone;hewassetup.”Heshookhishead.“Iknowheremovedallmygrandma’sclothesfromherbedroomandtookthemtoGoodwill.Hedidn’twanttokeepanythingofhersandtoldmetoburneverythinginthecellar.Wouldn’thewanttokeepthemiftheywerehistrophies?”
Thismanwasactingverycalmandcooperative.Wantingtoseeareaction,Jennapickedupthebrownpapersackfromthefloorbesidethechairandspilledtheevidencebagontothedesk.WatchingDerek’sfacecloselyshepointedtotheskimpywomen’sunderwearvisiblethroughtheplastic.“Whatdoyouknowaboutthese?”
“Absolutelynothing.”Derekgavetheevidencebagacasualglanceandstaredbackather.“I’veneverseenthembeforeinmylife.”
“So,it’sokayifweburnthese?”Jopulledtheplasticbagtowardher.
“That’sfinebyme.”Derekshruggedandleanedbackinthechair.“Arewedoneyet?”
“Soon.DoyouknowPoppyAnderson?”Joliftedhergazetohim,penraisedabovehernotebook.
“Neverheardofher.”Derekshookhishead.“CanIleavenow?”
Withabsolutelynoreactionfromhimwhatsoever,Jennahadnowhereelsetogowiththequestioningandpushedtoherfeet.“Yeah,we’redonehere.”Sheswitchedofftherecordingdeviceandcollectedherthings.“I’llsendsomeonedowntotakeyoubacktoyourranch.Thankyouforyourcooperation.”
OutsideinthehallwayJennaturnedtoJo.“Ididn’tgetanythingfromthatdidyou?”
“Notathing.Hehasnoattachmenttothoseitemsofclothing.”Joletoutalongsigh.“There’snochargestoanswer.Likehesaid,there’snolawagainstburningrubbishinafirepitonyourownproperty.”
Jennaleanedagainstthewall,huggingthestatementbookstoherchest.“We’lllikelygetthesamestoryfromSamBright,althoughIwillbeinterestedtoknowwhyhetoldKanethathewaslivingalone.”
“Onethingthatpuzzlesmeiswheretheclothescamefrom.”Joscratchedherheadwithapen.“Iftheydon’tbelongtohergrandsons,whoelseinthefamilyshouldwebelookingat?”
“Iguesswe’llhavetoaskSamBright.”Jennapushedoffthewallandheadedtothenextinterviewroom.Sheflashedhercardandwalkedinside.
SamBrightwassittingatthetablewithhisheadrestingonhisarms.Wastingnotime,Jennareadhimhisrightsandturnedontherecorder.“Youknowthedeal,Sam.WehaveafewquestionsabouttheclothesDerekwasburning.Youcaneitheranswerthemandgetoutofherefastorwecancallyourlawyer.”
“I’vealreadyansweredDeputyKane’squestionsatthehouseearlier.”Samgavethembothanappraisingstare.“Whatelsedoyouneedtoknow?”
Brushingofftheskin-crawlingfeelingofdisgusthispenetratinglyslowup-and-downgazegaveher,Jennadroppedherthingsontothetableandsatdown.“Youinformedmydeputythatyoulivedalone.IspoketoyourcousinDerekandhetoldmehewaslivingwithyou.Whydidyoulieaboutthat?”
“Becauseit’snoneofyourbusinesswhoIlivewith,andDerekownshalfoftheproperty.”Samleanedbackinhischaircasually.“TherulesofmyparolesayI’mnotallowedtomixwithcriminalsandmycousindoesn’thaveasmuchasaparkingviolation.”HegaveJennaaslowsmile.“WhatelsecanIhelpyouwith,Sheriff?”
ThebackofJenna’sneckprickledandshecouldimaginethehorrorofwakingupandfindingthisman’ssmilingfacelookingdownather.She’dreadhiscasefileandwonderedhowamanwhobrokeintowomen’shousestorapethemhadbeengivenparole.“Doyouownthewomen’sclothesthatwereinyourgrandmother’shouse?”Shetossedtheplasticbagofunderwearonthedeskinfrontofhim.“Asweinformedyouearlier,weconductedalegalsearchofyourranchtodayanddiscoveredthisunderwearinanightstandatthebackofthecellar.Arethesegarmentspartofyourcollectionoftrophies?”Sheeyeballedhim.“Idoknowjusthowmuchmenlikeyouliketokeeptrophiesoftheircrimes.Youliketoreliveeveryminute,don’tyou?”
“Ineverrapedanyone.”Samleanedforwardonthedesk,anuglyexpressioncuthisfaceintohardlines.“Thosewomeninvitedmetotheirbeds.Itwasasexgame,isall.IdidtimeforsomethingIdidn’tdo.”Hejabbedafingertowardtheevidencebag.“Ifyoutookthatunderwearfromthehouse,thentheybelongedtomygrandma.IfyouthinkI’dfindthemsexy,you’rewrong.Theydisgustme.”
“So,youwouldn’tmindifweburnedthem?”Jograbbedupthebagandshoveditintothebrownpapersack.
“Gorightahead.”Samsmiledather.“Andifyouremovedalltheotherboxesfromthecellar,Ishouldthankyou.Itsavesustheworkofcleaningitout.”
Tryinganothertact,Jennapausedtheinterviewtowritenotes.Sheneededtimetoallowhimtocooldownbeforeshequestionedhimfromadifferentangle.Sheraisedherheadandlookedathim.Heappearedsupremelyconfident—maybetooconfident.“Wefindithardtobelievethattheclothesbelongedtoyourgrandmother.Noneofthemwouldhavefitherand,fromthephotographsofherwefound,theydon’tappeartobethetypeoffashionshewouldwear.Iftheydon’tbelongtoyou,isthereanyoneelseinthefamilywhocouldhavestoredtheminyourgrandma’scellar?”
“Nope.”Samletoutalongsigh.“Thisiswhyweinheritedthehouse.There’snooneelsealiveinthefamily.”
AlthoughSamBrightmadeJenna’sskincrawl,likehiscousinshehadnosolidevidenceagainsthim.Shecouldn’tprovethathe’dstoredtheclothesathisgrandma’shouse.ShehopedthatKanegottotheGoodwillstorebeforetheysoldthetrinkets.Theremightbeasmallchancethatsomeonewouldrecognizethemfrompreviouscrimes.HerguttoldherGrandmaBrighthadknownthekiller.ShelookedatSam.“Didyourgrandmaeverhavepeoplestayingwithher?”
“Yeah,sheusedtorentoutroomsduringthehuntingseason.”Samstretched.“Shehadanoticeinthegeneralstorewindow.Itwashowshesupplementedherpension.”
Withthisinformation,Jennacouldfeeltheendgameslippingoutofhergrasp.Anyonecouldhavelefttheclothingthere.Perhapsavarietyofvisitorsovermanyyears.Shenodded.“Doyourecallifshekeptrecordsorthenamesofpeoplewhostayedwithher?”
“NopeandIneverfoundanythinginherpapers.Hertaxesarepaidandthelawyerhandledtheestate.Likeeverythingelseinthehouse,whatwedidn’twantwetooktothelandfill.”Samshrugged.“It’snotlikewewereclose.Sometimeswe’dvisitherjusttoseeifshehadenoughfood,butsheusuallywavedusaway.Shepreferredtobelivingonherown.”
“DoyouknowPoppyAnderson?”Jostaredathim.
“Nope.”Samshrugged.“I’venevermether.”
JennaglancedatJotoseeifshehadanymorequestions.JogaveaslightshakeofherheadandJennaswitchedofftherecordingdeviceandcollectedherthings.“That’sallfortoday.Thankyouforyourcooperation.Oneofmydeputieswillbealongtogiveyouaridebacktoyourranch.”
Disappointed,Jennaledthewayoutoftheinterviewroom,andtheyheadedalongthehallwaywithJokeepingstepbesideher.“Thatwasawasteoftime,theygaveusnothingwecoulduseandwehavenoideaifoneofMrs.Bright’svisitorspaidhertostoretheclothesthere.”
“Well,ifwe’vestumbledoverastashoftrophies,onethingisforsure,theydon’tbelongtotheBrightcousins.”JotouchedJenna’sarm.“Thisistheproblemwithpsychopaths.Theycanhideinplainsightanddon’tfollowanyparticulartypeofperson.Ifwewalkedpastsomeoneonthesidewalk,theycouldbeakillerandwe’dneverknow.”
“IstillhaveLucasDaviestointerview.He’llbebackintowninthemorning.”Jennaglancedather.“IknowitmightseemlikealostcauseatthemomentbutI’mnotgivingupyet.”
“Ifyoucangetsomeonetocoverthatforyou,I’vebeenofferedanopportunitytointerviewtheMichelangeloKillerinthemorning,ifyou’reinterestedincoming?”Jo’sexpressionbecameanimated.“Ican’tguaranteethathe’llgiveusanyinformationtohelpwiththiscase,buthemight.Ifigureit’sworthtrying.Theprisonwardeninformedmethathewaskeentobeincludedinmybook.”
Wonderinghowshecouldgoandtalktoaconvictedpsychopathicmurderer,withakillerroamingaroundtown,Jennastoppedwalkingandturnedtoher.“Howcouldheassistuswithsolvingthiscase?”
“He’dbeinterestedbecausethecurrentspateofmurdersareveryclosetohisMO.”Jopushedthehairfromhereyesandsighed.“Iagreeit’salongshotbutI’msureanyinsightintothemindofthekillerwe’redealingwithwouldbeanadvantage.I’mbankingonthefactthattheMichelangeloKillerwillbelookingatacopycatasheroworship.Maybeifwegivehimdetailsofthemurders,hemightbeabletopredictourkiller’snextmove.Wewouldn’thavelongtoquestionhim—nolongerthanhalfanhour.”SheraisedbotheyebrowsinquestionandlookedatJenna.“Youhavedeputiesavailabletoinvestigateanyfurtherleadsthatcomein,andIfigureitwillbetimewellspent.”
Thinking,Jennatuggedonherbottomlipandthennodded.“We’rechasingsmokeatthemoment.Iguesstakingafewhourstogainaninsideperspectiveofthecasewouldbetoouradvantage.IfCartercanflyusthere,itwouldsavetime.”
“Yes,that’sagiven,butitwillbeanearlystart.”Joindicatedwithherchintowardthemensittingintheconferenceroom.“DoyouneedtorunitpastKanebeforeyoudecide?I’llneedtimeforCartertosubmitaflightplan.”
Jennashookherhead.“No,ofcoursenot.I’min,butKanewillbecomingalongtoo.Ifwe’regoingtobealoneinsidearoomwithBrunoVito,Iwantsomeoneontheoutsidewatchingourbacks.Vitohasnothingtoloseandmightenjoyonelastkillingspree.IknowprisonguardscanbeboughtandI’mnottakingthechance.”
THIRTY-TWO
SwirlingmistfromtheriverspilledacrosstheblacktopandfilledthesidewalkasSusieHartwigsteppedintothealleywayoutsideAuntBetty’sCafé.Afterlockingthedoorbehindher,sheslippedherpurseoveroneshoulder,theweightofherGlockacomfortagainstherhip.RaisedinBlackRockFalls,she’dneverneededtocarryaweaponforpersonalprotection.Aslittleasfiveyearsago,mostfolksneverlockedtheirdoorsandchildrencouldrunwildwithoutfear—butnotnow.She’dspokenherconcernstoSheriffAltonandthenextmomentshe’dbeenonthepracticerangewithDeputyKane.Eachtimeshewalkedhomelateatnight,hiswordsofadviceranlikeanearwigthroughhermind—justlikenow.
“Ifsomeonecomesatyouorgrabsyouwiththeintenttodoyouharm,don’thesitate.Emptytheclip.”
Bonewearyfromworkingatwelve-hourshift,shemadeherwayoutintothedarknesswithonehandrestingonherpurse.Shetookthesamewayhomeeverynightandsteppedoutwithconfidence.SincemovingtoaneathouseonMaple,itwaseasiertowalkthefewhundredyardsthandrivehertruck,andsheenjoyedthesolitudeofamoonlitstrollafteralongshiftinanoisydiner.ThealleywaybehindthedinercutthroughfromMaintoMapleandhadastreetlight,courtesyofMayorPetersham.Theorange-yellowglowappearedtohoverovertheswirlingmist,makingthedumpsterslooklikeshipsfloatingonagoldenocean.Alwayscautious,Susiemadesuretolistenforanysoundsandpeeraroundcornersbeforemovingforward.She’dlivedinBlackRockFallslongenoughnottobena?veaboutherpersonalsafety.Peoplediedinthistownandshetookextraprecautionseverytimesheworkedthelateshift.
Hermindwasonthefollowingmorning.Shedidn’thavetoshowforworkuntilnoonandshe’dmadeplanstovisitthebeautyparlor.Sighingwithreliefasshereachedtheendofthealleyway,shemadealeftintoMaple.Thehouseshereweresomeofthefirstbuiltduringtheestablishmentofthetown.Theyspreadoutwithluxurious-sizeyards,mostofthemsetbackfromtheroad.Thegardensdisplayedanabundanceofflowersandtheirscenthungintheairwithapotpourriofperfumes.Themoonsatinacloudlesssky—awitch’smoon—butnotenoughtobrightenthenight.Luckily,streetlightsspacedoutalongthesidewalkofferedpatchesofmutedlight.Usually,theygaveherenoughilluminationtowalkhomeinconfidence,butnottonight.Aheadinthedarknesssomethingmoved,andsheslowedherstep.Itwasunusualtoseeanyoneparkedonthesideoftheroad,andthetowncarseemedoutofplace.Mostpeopleinthesepartsownedtrucks,apartfromsomeoftheolderladieswhopreferredtodriveacompactaroundtown.
Wary,shemovedcloser.Nighthadturnedeverythingintoshadesofgrayandblendededges,makingitdifficulttoseeanythingclearlybetweenthestreetlights.Themistswirledaroundavehiclewiththehoodraisedandsomebodyleanedovertheenginewithaflashlight.Sheheavedasighofrelief.Itwasn’taserialkillerlurkinginthedark,justsomepoorsoulhavingcartrouble,andbytheconditionofthevehicle,theyprobablydidn’thavethesparecashtojointheautoclub.Asshemovedcloserthelightwentoutandshecouldhearmuffledcursescomingfromunderthehood.ThemanwasobviouslyintroubleandinBlackRockFallsstoppingtoofferassistancewastheneighborlythingtodo.Steppingalittlecloserbutkeepingagooddistancefromhim,sheraisedhervoice.“Doyouneedhelp?CanIcallsomeoneforyou?”
“Nah,Idon’twanttodragsomeoneoutatthistimeofnight.It’sasimplerepair—justaloosewire.Ialmosthaditwhenmyphonedied.Ifyouhaveaflashlight,Icouldfixitinafewseconds.”Heturnedandlookedather,butshecouldn’tmakeouthisexpressionundertheshadowofhishat.“Itwasimpossibletryingtojugglemyphoneandreplacethewireatthesametime.DoyouthinkyoucouldholdyourphoneflashlightovertheengineformesoIcanrepairit?Itwon’ttakemorethanaminuteorso.”
Thedecisiontohelphimcamenaturally.MakingpeoplehappywaspartofherjobandthesuccessofAuntBetty’sCafésinceshe’dtakenoverprovedherproficiency.Evensoherheartpoundedinherchestasthevoiceinherheadsentoutawarning.Shedrewadeepbreathandopenedherpurse.Herhandbrushedthepistolasshepulledoutherphone,turnedontheflashlight,andmovedclosertopeerunderthehood.
“Oh,dammit.”Themanstraightenedandshookhishead.“I’vedroppedthenut.I’llneverfindit.”Helookedatherandhismouthturneddown.“Ihavesparesinmytoolboxinthetrunk.Couldyoubringthelight?”Hewalkedtothebackofthesedanandpoppedthetrunk.
Reluctantly,Susiefollowed.Herflashlightpickedoutamaninhislatethirties,averageinheightandwearingcoveralls.Hewascursingunderhisbreathandgettingagitated.Sheaimedherlighttotheopentoolbox.“MaybeIshouldcallsomeonebeforemybatteryisdeadtoo.”
“It’sjustIcan’tseesowellwithoutmyglasses.Canyougraboneforme?”Heshruggedandpointedatthetoolbox.“Inthere,anutaboutaquarterinchwide.”
Movingthelightoverthetoolbox,Susiemadeoutasectionwithoilynutsandbolts.Shebentoverandsortedthroughthem.Sheliftedonebetweenthumbandfingerandturnedtohim.“Isthistheoneyouneed?”
Painshotthroughthesideofherhead,andshebithertongue.Herkneesbuckledandshedroppedherphone,thelightfillingthetrunk.Terrifiedbutsurprisinglyalert,theadviceDeputyKanehadgivenherrushedintohermindincrystalclarityandshepushedonehandintoherpurse.Herfingersclosedaroundthehandleofherweaponbutfellawayimpotentasagonysearedared-hotpaththroughhertemplefromasecondblow.Shetastedbloodandthereekofoilandgasfilledhernostrils.Theworldtippedsidewaysandcurledinattheedgesasshetippedforward.Herpursewastornfromherarm,thelightfromherphonevanished,andshetumbledheadlongintothetrunk.Redspotsdancedbeforehereyesandwithherheadexplodingwithincredibletorture,shesankintomercifuldarkness.
THIRTY-THREETUESDAY
Enjoyingthecrispfreshmorning,Kanecheckedthewaterfeederandtossedacoupleofsaltblockstothefeedhe’daddedtothemangerinsidethefenceline.They’dextendedtheperimeterofthesecurityfencetoincludethebackpaddockandapartofthewoodsborderingtheedgeoftheranch.Thepaddockwasrichandlushwithgrass,andwithno
“Yeah.”CarteradjustedhisStetsonandambledovertowardhim.“Ifigureweshouldforgettheworkoutthismorning.Timeisgettingawayfromus.”HegrinnedatKane.“Ithinkthat’sthefirsttimeI’veeverseenyoushowupthislatetodoyourchores.”Hechuckled.“Areyoustillinhoneymoonmode?”
Kanereturnedhissmile.“Iplantobeinthesamemoderightuptoandbeyondourfiftiethweddinganniversary,soyoubettergetusedtoit.”Heallowedasmallhumofcontentmenttoslippasthislips.“ItsureisgoodbeingmarriedtoJenna.IfigureI’mstillinthedisbelievingphase.IneverthoughtitwouldhappenbutI’msuregladitdid.”HebentdowntorubDuke’searsandthenstraightened.Carterobviouslyhadsomethingelsetosaytohim.
“Itcanbetoughonawoman,livingwithguyslikeus.”Carterpeeredintothedistanceandsighed.“Weneedsomeonewhounderstandsthatwerenotexactlynormal.It’snoteasyfindingsomeone,especiallyifyoumakethemistakeofdatingsomeoneinthemilitary.Mosttimestheyhavetheirownghoststoputtorestandyousuredon’tneedtwopeoplecarryingthatburdenintoamarriage.”
NotintendingondiscussingthepastwithCarter,Kanenoddedinagreement.WhatwasinhisandJenna’spastwasneed-to-know,andCarterdidn’tneedtoknow,thatwasfordarnsure.Heclearedhisthroat.“I’mgoingtotakeashowerandstartbreakfast.Seeyouinabouttwentyminutes?”
“Yeah,sure.”Cartergavehimawaveandheadedtothecottage.
ThemomenthewalkedintothehousehefoundJennainfullsheriffmode.HecouldhearheronthephoneissuingorderstoRowley.WhiletheywereatthestatepeninterviewingtheMichelangeloKiller,RioandRowleywouldbehuntingdownLucasDavies.
“Beforeyoudothat”—Jennapushedastrandofhairbehindherearandacknowledgedhimwithasmile—“itemizeandphotographtheboxoftrinketsthatKanerescuedfromGoodwill,sendtheimagestoKalo,andaskhimtogetthemouttoallprecincts.Wemighthitgoldifanyonerecognizesthem.ThentakethemovertoWolfe.”Shedisconnected.
IthadbeenKane’sluckyday.WhenhearrivedattheGoodwillstore,theboxthatDerekBrighthaddroppedbystooduntouchedonthefrontcounter.Notwantingtomakeafussaboutthetrinketsbeingpossiblypartofamurderinvestigation,he’dofferedagenerousdonationfortheentirebox.Aftermuchraisingofeyebrows,thetwoelderlywomenbehindthecounterhadnoddedinagreement.He’dleftthestorewith“comebyagainsoon”followinghimoutthedoor.
HesatdowntoremovehisbootsandlookedatJenna.“Anyupdatesonpossibleplacesthekillerisholdinghisvictims?”
“Notyet.”Jenna’sbrowfurrowed.“Kalocalled.He’ssendingthelistofpossiblecavesitesbutisn’toptimistic.Historicalsitesaresignpostedandfrequentlyvisitedbyhikers.Idoubtanyonewouldriskkeepingwomenthere.It’ssummerandanyonecouldwanderin,soit’sdoubtfulourkillerisusingthem.IcalledAtohiBlackhawk.Heknowstheareaandcouldn’tthinkofanywheresuitableforactualjailcells.He’sgoingtospeaktohiselders.Ifhegetsanyinformation,he’llcallmethisafternoon.”
Kanestoodandnodded.“I’mstillconfusedaboutPoppy’shandinthis,andifshe’shelpingthekiller,whywouldn’ttheybemakingsureshedoesn’tleaveanyDNA?Thesceneshavebeensocleanit’soutofcharacter.”
“Ifigurewe’llfindherholedupwiththekiller.I’mhopingKalogivesusaplacetostartasearch.”Jennalookedupathim.“Wecan’trunaroundblindlyalloverthecounty.Theycouldbeanywhere.YouknowaswellasIdoapsychopathwhohasahatredforwomencouldfliponheratanytime.Ijusthopewefindthembeforeshebecomesthenextvictim.”
Kanesmiledather.“Iknowyouwill.Cartersayswheelsupatseven.”Heheadedfortheshower.
OverbreakfastKanelistenedwithinterestasJennadiscussedJo’slistofinterviewquestionsforBrunoVito,theMichelangeloKiller.HesippedhiscoffeeandturnedtoJo.“Youmentionedthismanwasmarriedandhiswifehadnoideathathe’dbeenkillingmultiplewomenoveralongperiod.”Heplacedhisemptycuponthetable.“I’mnotfamiliarwithdouble-lifepsychopathy.Isthereanythingweshouldknowbeforeheadingintothissituation?”
“Youwon’tbeincontactwithhimatall.”Jennasqueezedhisarm.“HehasagreedtospeaktoJoandme.Ifigurehebelieveshecanintimidateusbecausewe’rewomen.HemightclamupifyouandCarterareintheroom.”
Kaneshookhishead.“Ifigurehe’llbeinhispassivemode,theoneheusedwithhiswife,whichmakesmewonderwhetherhe’llactuallydiscusshismurderswithyou.WhereastalkingtoCarterandme,he’dhavethechancetoboastabouthiskills.”Hestoodandcollectedtheplatesfromthetableandrinsedtheminthesinkbeforestackingthedishwasher.
“Double-lifepsychopathyisn’tthesameaspersonalitydisordersyndrome.”Jomethisgaze.“It’sapersonwhocancompartmentalizetheirlivesintotwosectionsthatdon’tcrossatanytime.Theycanaccessthesideoftheirpersonalitytheyneedtodealwiththecurrentsituation.Theyswitcheasilywithoutanyproblemwhatsoever.Infact,Iwouldevensuggestthatafterakill—shouldtheneedarise—Vitowouldbeabletoportraythelovinghusbandeventhoughhehadbloodonhishands.”
Kaneleanedbackonthecounterandnodded.“Woulditbeaformofdisassociationorjustassociatedbehavior?Thatseemstobemoreprevalentinpsychopaths.”
“Disassociating?Yes,asinmanagingtoforgetthathe’djustbrutallymurderedapersonandthengohomeandactnormallywithhiskids.However,manypeoplecompartmentalizeintheirdailylivestocopewithunpleasantsituationsormemories.I’mnotsayinghidingemotionsisahealthythingtodobutit’swidespreadandquitenormal.I’msureinyourtimeinthemilitaryitwasnecessaryforyoutocompartmentalizebadmemoriestoremainfocusedonyourmissions,thesameasCarter.”Shesmiledathim.“Itmighthavebeennecessaryatthetime,butyoudon’tliveadoublelifebecauseofit,doyou?”
KanecaughtJenna’swide-eyedexpressionsuddenlydroppingtohercoffeecupandshookhishead.“Nope,I’mjustadeputyinasmalltowninMontana.MydaysofworkingforUncleSamareover.”
“Timetogoifyouwanttomakeitbackherebeforenoon.”Carterstood,scrapingbackhischairandpickinguphishatfromtheseatnexttohim.HelookedatZorro.“StayherewithDuke.It’splaytime.”TheDobermanshookhimselfandgaveahappybarkbeforenudgingDuketowardthedoggiedoor.
“Well,won’tyoulookatthat.”Jennachuckled.“Thatdogdoesunderstandeverythingyousay.”
“Well,he’salwaysbeenalittleuptight.”Carterrubbedhischinandlookedatthedogscrawlingthroughthehatch.“Heneededtobetrainedtoalevelwherehedidn’tgetblownupsearchingforexplosives,butwhenwemovedtoSnakeskinGully,Iintroducedafewmorecommandssohecouldunwindduringourdowntime.”Hepushedhishatonhisheadandheadedforthedoor.“Wheelsupinfive.”
THIRTY-FOUR
Theprisonhaditsownparticularbadsmell,andittookallofJenna’sconcentrationnottocoverhernosewithherhand.Summerhadmadeitworse,andthestinkofperspirationmixedwithsomefoulodorsseepingfromthekitchenwouldmakevomitsmellgood.ShewalkedthroughtheprisonfollowingbehindKanewithJobesideherandCarterwatchingtheirbacks.Thecorridordividedtheexerciseyardsandwastheonlywaytogettotheinterviewrooms.Beingparadedinfrontoftheinmates,allintentonspittingorhurlingabuseatthem,unsettledher.Althoughhershirtclungtoherbackfromthehumidity,justknowingthatafewbarsseparatedherfromamobintentongettingevensentshiversdownherspine.She’dvisitedthejailbeforeandthistimeusedearplugsbeforeenteringthefirstdimcorridorsandmovingthroughsecurity.Thelastthingsheneededwastohearthreatsfrominmatesandshehummedatunetoblockoutthenoise.SherequiredaclearheadtoconducttheinterviewwithBrunoVitoand,ignoringthemenpushedagainstthebars,kepthergazeonKane’sbackuntiltheyreachedtheinterviewroom.Intheanteroomoutside,KaneandCartercouldobservethroughatwo-waymirrorandheareverythingbeingsaidinsideaslongasJennaactivatedtheintercom.Theprison’svideoequipmentwouldbedisabled,butJowouldberecordingthesession.Sheglancedather.Joappearedtoberemarkablycalm,asifsheinterviewedpsychopathsonadailybasis.
“I’mnotsurewhatmoodtheprisonerwillbein,we’lljusthavetoplayitbyear.”Jo,apictureofcalmprofessionalism,smiledatherencouragingly.
NervesclenchedJenna’sstomach,andshetookafewsteadyingbreathsastheprisonerenteredtheroomandtwoguardsrestrainedhimusingchainsattachedtothetableandfloor.ShescannedheriPadforthequestionsthey’ddecidedtoaskVito.WithJoasherwingman,theinterviewwouldgoasplanned.SheturnedtoKane.“Okay,I’mready.”
“You’dbettergetyourgamefaceon.You’resheetwhite.”Kanerubbedherarmsandstaredintohereyes.“You’vedonethisbefore,andthisguyisnothreattoyou.He’sagreedtoremaininchains.Providedyoukeepinyourseat,hewon’tbeabletoreachyou.”
“Trustme”—Carterlookedatherwithraisedeyebrows—“ifheasmuchastwitchesinthewrongdirection,we’reinthere.”
Pastingasmallsmileonherface,JennafollowedJointotheinterviewroom.Beforetheysatdown,shewaitedforJotointroducehertoBrunoVito.Theprisonerstaringupatherappearedtobeanythingbutaderangedserialkiller.Helookedtobearoundfifty,withdarkhairgrayingatthetemples,butwhatsurprisedherwashiseyes.Bigbrownsofteyesheldanexpressionofcompassion.Hissmilewaswelcoming,andknowingthiskiller’sMOchilledhertothebone.
“SheriffAlton.I’veheardsomuchaboutyou.”Vitoshookhisheadslowly.“My,my,howdidalittlethinglikeyoutakedownsomanyserialkillers?”
Understandingthecharmapsychopathusedtoinfluencepeople,JennatookthechairoppositehimandJosatbesideher.“I’msurewecouldchataboutmeallday,butweonlyhaveahalfanhourtospeaktoyou,andyou’resomuchmoreinterestingthanme.”
“Notforme,butI’mwillingtoplayyourgame.”Heopenedhishandsaswideasthechainswouldallow.“Maybenexttimeyoucomevisitmeyoucantellmesomeofthedetailsofyourcases.”
Takingtheopening,Jennasmiledathim.“Funnyyoushouldask,Idohaveacasethatmightbeofinteresttoyou.Webelieveheistargetinghigh-riskvictims.”ShescannedheriPadforimagesandfindingasuitablecrimescenephotoofoneofthevictimsturneditaroundtoshowhim.“Ibelievethismaniscopyingyourstyle,butwecan’tfigureouthismotive.”
AslowsmilecrossedVito’slipsashestaredattheimage.Inaninstanthiseyeschangedtoapredator’s.Tryingtoactnonchalant,Jennaleanedbackinherchair.She’dseenthatlooksomanytimesbefore.“Doyouhaveanopiniononthiskiller?”
“Areallhisvictimsskinnylikethisone?Canyoushowmesomemore?”Vitodraggedhiseyesawayfromtheimageandlookedather.“Ican’tgiveyouanopinionononepicture.”
“Yeah,youcan.”Joclearedherthroat.“Theyareallexactlythesame,apartfromthelastone.Thecauseofdeathinthefirsttwowasstrangulation.Inthethird,sharpforcetraumatotheheart.”
“Thefirsttwo,hehadplentyoftimetocreatetheimageorfantasyofhisdesire,butthethirdonewasrushed.”Vitosighed.“I’mguessingyouknowthatalready,sowhyareyoureallyhere?”
JennaexchangedaglancewithJo.ItwouldbebetterforJotoquestionhim.Shehadwaysofgettinginformationoutofpsychopathsandwouldfeedhimjustenoughdatatomakehimbelievehewastakingcontroloftheinterview.
“We’reheretotalkaboutyou.”Jo’sgazehadn’tlefthisface.“Whatmadeyoukillprostitutes?Whatdidtheskewerssymbolize?IneedinformationifI’mtoaddyoutomybookasoneofthemostnotoriousserialkillersinthelastdecade.”
“Mywifewasasocialworkerwhohadtodealwithprostitutesonaregularbasis.Shewantedtohelpthem,butmixingwiththemandbringinggermshometomykidsannoyedme.”Vitostaredathishands.“Shehadanotionthatthosewomenwereforcedintospreadingtheirlegs,butIcantellyounoforcewaseverinvolved.Offerthemafewbucksandthey’ddoanythingforyou.IfIwavedatwentyatthem,they’dclimbintomytruck,noquestionsasked.”Hesighed.“So,IdecidedtohelpthemfindGodinthefastestpossibleway,butbeforetheymettheirmaker,theyhadtosuffertheconsequencesoftheiractions.”Heliftedhisheadandsmiledatthem.“Oncetheywereinthecar,I’dknockthemoutanddrivethemtotheplaceI’dchosen.I’dgagthemanduseziptiestorestrainthem,andthenI’dbringthemaroundtoenjoytheshow.I’dexplaintothemwhytheyhadtodie.”Heshrugged.“Ittooksometimehammeringskewersintotheirheads.Afteratime,Idiscoveredhowtokeepthemaliveuntilthelastone,andbythattime,theyhadrepentedtheirsins.”Heflickedhisgazefromonetotheotherasifgaugingtheirreactionandasmugexpressioncrossedhisface.“That’snottoographicforyouisit,Sheriff?”
AchillrandownJenna’sspine.Hetalkedsocasually,asifdiscussingdoinghislaundryratherthantakinglives.Sheswallowedbileandkepthergazesteady.“Notatall.I’veseenmuchworse.Yourkillswerecleanincomparison.”Sheshrugged.“Iknowyouselectedprostitutes,butyoudidn’tseemtomindwhatracetheywereaslongastheywerebetweentheagesofapproximatelytwenty-twoandtwenty-six.Howdidyoudecidewhichonestokill?”
“Ididn’tchoosethem.Theydecidedtheirownfatebyofferingmesexandclimbingintomyvehicle.”Hesnortedwithobviousdelight.“Ididn’thavetotwisttheirarmoranything.Theymadethedecision,notme.”
“Manyofthewomenyoukilledwereneverformallyidentified.Wasthatpartofyourplanaswell?”Jolookedupfromtakingnotes.“Outofthesixteenwomenyoukilled,onlyfivepeoplecameforwardtoclaimtheirbodies.”
“Itwasmorethansixteen.Istoppedcountingattwenty-five,AgentWells.Youhavetounderstandthatthesewomenarepests.”Vitolinkedhisfingerstogetheronthetable.“Whenanexterminatorgoesintoahouseandkillstherats,doyouseenoticesstapledtotreesaboutmissingpetrats?No,youdon’tbecausenobodycares.Prostitutesarethesame.Theyswarmoverthestreetsspreadingdisease.IofferedthemsalvationandIwasdoingtheworldafavorbytakingthemoffthestreets.”
LikeKanehadsaid,psychopathsallconvincedthemselvestheyhadavalidreasonformurder.Jennasmotheredashudderofrevulsion.Vito’slackofempathywasdisturbing,andyetfromtheinformationtheyhadonthecase,hewasafamilyman.Shehadtoaskthequestion.“Didyoueverhurtyourwifeorkids?”
“WhywouldI?Theydidn’tprostitutethemselves.”Hesnorted.“Ididittoprotectthemfromvermin.”
“Howdidyourwifereactwhenshefoundyou’dbeenkillingprostitutesandthengoinghometoherbed?”Jowasmakingcopiousnotes.“Doessheorthechildrenvisityouinjail?”
“Idon’tknowhowshefelt.”Vito’shandsclosedintofists.“Ihaven’tseenhersincethedaytheyarrestedme.Mykidswouldbegrownbynowand,no,theydon’tdropbytochat.”
“Doesitmakeyouangry,asyoudidthistoprotecther?”Jolookedupathimablankexpressiononherface.
“Iwouldhavelikedtheopportunitytoexplaintoher,butsheobviouslydidn’twantmysideofthestory.”Heshrugged.“I’mnotviolentinhereandotherslikemetalktoeachother.Everythingwedohasareason.Iknowshrinksfiguretheyknoweverythingthatgoesoninsideourheads,butyou’resowrong.Wedon’tkillanyonewhodoesn’tdeserveit.Theremaybeafewwhomurderjustfortheloveofkilling.Thethrillkillersareadifferentbeast.Theywantinstantgratificationandareusuallyruledbylust,drugs,orarejustplaincrazy.Thoseofuswhotaketheirtimeandplaneverything,arerarelycaught.Theycouldbethepersonworkingbesideyou,alocalcop,orevenyourdoctor.Wedon’tfitintoatypeandusuallythestranger-dangertag,orthedirtyoldmanyouwarnyourkidsabout,isajokewhenitcomestomostofus.Peopleshouldmemoreafraidofthefriendlypersonclosebybecause,assureashell,that’swhereoneofusislurking.Mymistakewasconfessingtomywife,andshewenttothecops.”
ClaustrophobiagrippedJennabythethroat.Shewantedtobeasfarawayfromthismanaspossible.Suckinginabreath,shemethisgaze.“Yousayyou’renotviolentanymore,sowouldyoukillagainifreleased?Ordidyoumurdertheprostitutesjusttopreventtheminfectingyourfamily?”
“IsaidIwasn’tviolentinhere.Maybethisisbecausethereseemstobealackofprostitutesondeathrow.”VitogaveJennaalookthatwentstraightthroughherinajoltofterror,andhissmilewaspureevil.“Apsychopathcan’tchangehowhethinks,honey,andthosedo-goodereggheadswhobelieveapsychopathickillercanberehabilitatedarethecrazyones.”Hechuckledandleanedforward,staringatherasifwaitingforareaction.“WouldIkillifIwasreleased?Nowletmethink.Yeah,inaheartbeat,butI’dfigureoutanotherwayofmakingwomensuffer.Iwouldn’thuntdownprostitutesagain—I’moverit.MaybeI’dtargetwives—youknow,thenewlywedspushingshoppingcartsouttotheparkinglotatnight.They’resovulnerabletopeoplelikeme.”
Jennahadn’tasmuchasblinked.“Wives?Doyouhaveareasonorisitanywomanunderthirty?”
“I’mlockedupbecauseItrustedmywife,butnowIknowfromtalkingtotheguysinheretheycanbeastreacherousasablackswamp.Theyneedtheirtonguescutoutandnailedtoatree.So,Isuggestyouneverletmeoutbecausenexttimeyouwon’tbeabletostopme.”
“Okay,I’llkeepthatinmind.”Jostaredathimexpressionless.“Ifyouclaimtounderstandthepsychopathicmindaswellasyousay,whynotgivemeaprofileonthemankillinghigh-riskwomenanddumpingtheminBlackRockFalls—andapossiblemotive.”
“Sure.”Vitostraightenedinhischair.“Youwantmyadvice.Ha-ha,that’samusing.Okay,shoot.”
After,Johadgivenhimtherundownonthecurrentcase,leavingnothingout,Jennaallowedhimtoviewthecrimescenephotographs.Theyweretakingariskdoingthis,asanytypeofstimulationcouldtriggerapsychoticepisode.SurprisinglyVitolookedattheimageswithadetachedexpressiononhisface.Shewaitedforwhatseemedlikefifteenminutesorsoforhimtoabsorbtheimages.“Well,doyouhaveanythingtoofferusaboutthecase?”
“Thewomanyoubelievetobeinvolvedisn’t.”Vitoshookhisheademphatically.“Noway.Wellnotinthewayyouimagine.Thedominationandrapefantasiesarepersonal,andhewouldn’tshareitwithanyoneandsureashellnotwithsomeonehebelievestobeinferiortohim.Hemightbeorderinghertocleanuphismess.Ifigurehe’denjoyseeingherdothat,especiallyifshe’stremblingandafraidofhim.”Hesighedasiftastingtheideaandenjoyingit.“Youneedtounderstand,thiswomanmeansnothingtohim…Shemightaswellbeamoporsomeinanimateobject.”HeslidhisgazetoJo.“Thisguyhaskilledbefore,manytimes,andcannevergetenough.”HewethislipsasiftastingthetensionintheroomandlookedbackatJenna.“Thethrillnevergoesaway.We’realwaysplanningthenextkill—Iamrightnow.It’sjustaswellI’mshackled.Beingthisclose,Icansmellyou.InsidemyheadI’mseeingyousquirminginagony.”
Refusingtobackdown,Jennamethisgazestraightonandliftedherchin.“I’mseeingyoucryingforyourmamawhentheypushthatneedleinyourarmbutthat’sbesidethepoint.Canwegetbacktothecaseoristhatallyouhave?”
“Feisty—Ilikeachallenge.”Vitosmiledather.“Ihaveinsightsonpsychopathsyoucan’treadinbooks.Ilivewiththem.Iknowhowtheirmindsworkandhowtheydifferfromeachother.You’llgettounderstandastimegoesbytherearedifferenttypesandallwiththeirowndemons.It’sthedemonwhoguidesthemthatyouneedtounderstand—Iknoweverythingabouthowtheythink,butitwillcostyou.”Heshrugged.“I’llgiveyouthisoneforfree,likea‘comegetme’offer.Fromwhatyou’veexplained,yourmanisescalatingfastandallowingPoppytolivemightindicatehe’slosingcontrol,whichmakeshimunpredictable.Whodoyouhaveinyoursightsassuspects?”VitopushedtheiPadbackacrossthetabletoJenna.
Aftergivinghimabasicsuspectprofile,Jennawaitedforhimtoprocesstheinformation.
“Thislistofprobablesuspectsisgood.Anyoneofthemcouldbethekillerbutlookforsomeonewithhighintelligence.Thismanissmart.”Vitonodded,lookingpleasedwithhimself.“Ifhiswomenare,whatdidyoucallthem,highrisk,Ifigureyoumeanprostitutes,itinerants,womenwhohitchhikeorhangoutaloneinbars,right?Ifheiskillingthem,heisselectiveandincontrol.Fewarereportedmissing,whichallowshimtotakehistimewiththem.Heisusingskewersbutthat’sacoincidence.Ifigurewe’reworldsapart.Thisisn’tacopycatkiller.Iusedskewerstorepresentahaloandsalvation;thismanisfollowingaritualthatsymbolizesimportantthingstohim.”Vitosuckedinabreath.“Badmemoriesfromhischildhoodperhaps.”Heshruggedanddrummedhisfingersonthetablethinkingforabeat.“Asnooneisgoingmissingfromyourcounty,thenit’skindofobvioushekidnapswomenfromdifferentcountiesorstates.So,hetravelsaround,whichyou’vealreadyfiguredout.Keepingthewomenaliveisunusual.Mostofusprefertocatchandkill.”Hesmiled.“Thechaseisallpartofthethrill,sothisisunusual.He’skeepingthemforaspecificreason.Iwouldsayashebeatsandrapesthem,hisfantasyisdomination.He’sprovinghecancontrolandinstillfearinwomenandneedstoproveitovertime.Idoubthegetsboredwiththem.Theymustdosomethingtotriggerthefinalactofmurder.Heneedsthewomentovalidatetheirowndeaths.”HemetJenna’sgazewithanice-coldstare.“Iwouldsayheislikemeinthatwayandisprobablylivingadoublelife.Itwouldn’tbeimpossibleforhimtobesomeonewhohelpspeopleduringthedayandkillsatnight.”HeturnedhisattentiontoJo.“Whatdidyoucallme?Ahyes—aclassiccaseofdouble-lifepsychopathy.Hecouldbethesame.”
“Whataboutwashingtheirbodiesanddisplayingtheminpublic?What’swiththefacemaskandskewers?Whatdotheysymbolize?”Joleanedforwardslightly,hereyesbrightwithinterest.“Thiskillerseemstohavesomanyfacetsit’shardtounderstandhismotive.”
“Ohreally?”Vitochuckled.“Youarethishighandmightyexpertonbehavioralanalysisandyoudon’tunderstandthebasicvisualsweuseasstimulation.”
“Whydon’tyouspellitoutforme?”Joliftedherchin.“Thistypeofcooperationisveryvaluabletous.Ifyouagreetocontinuetoassistus,I’llmakearequesttohaveyouremovedfromdeathrow.Maybeifyoucontinuetospeaktous,I’llthrowinafewluxuriesaswell.”
“Okay.”Vitopursedhislips.“Themaskisprettysimple.Itmakesallthevictimslookalike,sameasdressingtheminnegligees.Thisguyhasaspecifictypeofwomanonhismindeachtimehekills.Thistraitisquiteusualformanypeoplelikemebecauseit’susuallythefaceofthepersonwhotriggeredthekillingspreeinthefirstplace.That’swhatisonourmindswhenwefeeltheneedtomurdersomeone.”Hethoughtforaspell,staringathishandsandthenliftinghisgazebacktoJo.“Heislikemetosomedegree.Iwouldsaythewomenhechoosesdosomethingthattriggertheneedtokillthem,butkillingthemstraightawayistooeasy.Heneedstopunishthemfortheirsins,andonceheissatisfied,hetakestheirlives.Bathingthemandplacingthemaskovertheirfacesgivesthembacktheirinnocence.”
“Whatabouttheskewersplaceddownthespinelikeaporcupine?”Jopausedherpenabovehernotebook.“Whatdoyoumakeofthat?”
“It’sobscureandonlysomethingthattriggersamemoryforhim.”Vitosighed.“Ifhemovesaroundforwork,thenyoucouldassumethesewomenarehitchhikers.Maybe,heoffersthemarideandplacetostay.Ifso,they’dgetwillinglyintohisprivatevehicle.He’dtakethemtotheplacehe’skeepingthem,whichwouldbeisolated,becausehewouldn’twantanyonedisturbinghimduringhisritual.Onethingisforsure,itwouldn’tbeclosetowherehelivesorhe’driskbeingseencomingandgoing.”Heletoutalongbreath.“Thedisplayingthemisamythandsomethingshrinksbelieveispartofourtormentedpsyche.Itmeansnothingandhasnosignificance.Theritualwasoverthemomenttheydied.Thewomanmeantnothingtohimanymore.Hewasjustdumpingthegarbage.”HestaredatJo.“Icouldfillyourbookforyouwithreasonspsychopathscommitmurder,butthat’sallI’msaying.Getmeadealandwe’lltalkagain.”Heturnedhisheadtowardthedoor.“Guard.”
JennawaitedforhimtoshuffleoutofthedoorandturnedtoJo.“ThathadtobeoneofthemostterrifyinginterviewsIhaveeverconducted.”
“Itwasbrilliant.”Jogaveherawidesmile.“Hereallybelievedhe’dtakencontroloftheinterview,didn’the?WemilkedvaluableinformationoutofhimandIwatchedhimgothrougheverystageofhispsychopathy.Ihopewegetthechancetospeaktohimagain.That,myfriend,wasaninterviewbehavioralanalystscanonlydreamabout.”
THIRTY-FIVE
Headthrobbingandeyelidsheavy,SusieHartwigdraggedherselfbacktoconsciousness.Dimlightsurroundedher,andthecoldfromthehardsurfacebeneathherseepedintoherbones.Tooafraidtomove,shelaystillandlistened.Hearingnothing,sheliftedherhandsandranherfingersoverthebackofherheadandthenpeeredatthem,expectingtoseeblood.Hereyesightwasoutoffocus,butshecouldmakeouttheblackgranitewallssurroundingasmallroomwithamattressonthefloor,andasinkandtoilet.Pushingdownwavesofpanicshetriedtocontrolherfear.She’dreadbooksaboutsurvivingsituationslikethis.IthadbeenadvisedbyMayorPetershamafterthefirstsixorsoserialkillershadcometotown.Stayingcalmcouldbethedifferencebetweenlifeordeath.Swallowingherfear,sheassessedhersituation.Herfirstprioritywashersafetyandthesecondwastoescape.
Rollingontooneelbow,shescannedthesmallarea.Ametalboxwithoutalidsatbesideasturdydoor,andashereyesightcleared,shemadeoutbottledwaterandapileofsilverpackages.Shivering,shetouchedthescantynegligeecoveringhernakednessandtriedtopullitdowntocoverher.Itdidn’ttakeageniustounderstandthatthemanshe’dhelpedlastnighthadkidnappedherandlockedherinthistinyroom.Thethoughtofhimtouchinghermadehersicktoherstomach.Ashereyesadjustedtothelight,shenoticedthebarscoveringasquaretowardthetopofthedoor,buttheywerecovered.ShehadseensimilardoorsinjailsinmoviessetintheoldWest.Couldhebeholdingheronamovieset?Orwasthispartofanoldmine?Shepushedtoherkneesandslowlystood.Herheadswamandherstomachrolledassheranherhandsovertheslimydampwalls.Herpalmsslidoverthegroovesthepioneerminershadleftbehindwhenthey’ddugthemoutofthemountainsideusingpicsandshovels.Thehardblackgranitewasfamiliar.Ithadbeenaroundherallherlife.I’mstillinBlackRockFalls.
Thedoorhadnohandle,butshepushedhershoulderagainstitinthehopeitmightopen,thoughitwasshuttight.Sheheardanoiseand,infearofherlife,frozeonthespot.Awhisperhardlymorethananexhalationofaircamethroughthecrackinthewall.
“Areyouokay?Beveryquietorhewillhearus.”Thewoman’svoicepausedforabeat.“MynameisPoppy.I’madeputy.Whoareyou?”
Heartthunderinginherchest,Susiepressedherlipstothefissure.“SusieHartwig.Whereareweandwhyishekeepingushere?Isthisanythingtodowiththebodiestheyfoundintown?”
“Ithinkso.Ifigurewe’rehisstockofmurdervictims.He’sgivenusallanumberandI’mtwenty-five,sohe’sbeendoingthisforawhile.We’renolongerhumantohim,andforgetaboutreasoningwithhim.Pleadingorcryingisabigmistake,sotryandkeepittogether.”Poppy’svoicewasjustaboveasigh.“Ifyouwanttosurvive,don’tmakeanynoise.Helikesyoutobeafraidofhim,solookhimstraightintheeyeandremainsilent.Therearemoreofushere,buttheothersaredownanotherpassageway.Hemovedmehereyesterday,butIdon’tknowwhy.”
Asterrorliftedthehairsonherbody,Suziepressedhermouthtothegap.“Whatwillhedoifhehearsustalking?”
“Themomentanyonecriesoutormakesanoise,hedragsthemintotheopenspacejustoutside,tiesthemup,andmurdersthem.”Poppygaveamuffledsob.“Heseemstoknoweverythingwedo.IfigurehehasCCTVcamerasdownhere.Ihaveaplantoescape.Keepyourheaddownanddon’tquestionanythingIdoevenifitseemsasifI’monhisside—I’mnot.”
Trembling,Susienodded,eventhoughthewomancouldn’tseeher.Shehadnoideaifthepersonontheothersideofthewallwasthekillerjusttryingtotrickher.Arushofpanicgrippedher,andshepusheditasideandtookadeepbreath.Goodpeoplewouldbeoutsearchingforher.“I’llbemissed.Iknowthesheriffandeveryoneinthedepartment.She’llbeouthuntingformerightnow.We’lljusthavetosurvivelongenoughforhertogethere.”
“IknowhertooandIhopeshe’sasgoodasherreputation.Isentheramessageonthelastvictim.Dr.Wolfewillfinditforsure.”Poppyletoutalongsigh.“Iguesswe’llsoonknowifSheriffAltonlivesuptoherreputation.”Footstepsslowanddeliberatecamefromoutside.“Don’tsayaword.He’scoming.”
THIRTY-SIX
ItwasdifficulttoavoidattractingattentionasRiowalkedwithRowleytothefrontdeskofthecompanywhereLucasDaviesworked.Thesightoftwodeputiesaskingquestionshadeverybody’searsprickedandhehadseriousdoubtsthesuspectwouldcooperatewiththem.Ashe’dbeenreleasedfromprisononlyinthepastthreemonths,hewouldlikelybeworkingonatrialbasis.Davieswouldnodoubtconsideranyintrusionbythelocallawenforcementathreattohisjob.HewonderedwhyJennahadconsideredhiminthefirstinstance.Theywerepursuingakiller,notanarsonist,andLucasDavieshadbeenconvictedofsettingfiretoaneighbor’svehicleafterhediscoveredhiswifehadhadanaffairwithhim.
Thereceptionistatthefrontcountershowedthemintothecompany’sbreakroomandthenhightaileditofftofindDavies.Whenamaninhisthirtieswithneatblondhairandwearingsmartcasualdresscameintotheroom,Riostoodandwavedhimtoaseat.LucasDavies?I’mDeputyZacRioandthisisDeputyJakeRowley.Iknowyou’verecentlyreturnedfromabusinesstrip,butwereyouintownatanytimefromlastThursdaythroughMonday?”
“DoIneedalawyer?”Davieseyedthemsuspiciously.“BecauseyouwouldonlyhavetocheckwithmyemployertoknowwhereIwasandwhen.”
Flippingopenhisnotebook,Rioshrugged.“Well,that’suptoyou.Iknowwecouldaskyouremployer,butwefiguredyou’dprefertoanswerafewquestionsratherthanhavehimsuspectyoumightbeinvolvedinanoffence.”Hesighed.“We’reaskinganyonewhowasreleasedfromjailinthelastsixmonthsorsothesamequestions.They’reroutine,isall.Ifwebelieveyou’reinvolvedinacrime,wewouldreadyouyourrightsandtakeyouinforquestioning.You’vebeenaroundtheblockafewtimes.Youknowthedeal.So,what’sitgoingtobe?Answermyquestionsordowetakeyoudowntotheoffice?”
“Okay.”Davieslookedoverhisshoulderasifconcernedsomeonemightoverhearhim.“IlefttownonThursdayandspenttheweekendinHelena.IvisitedafewofourstoresonSaturdayandMondayandthenIdrovehome.”Hefrowned.“We’rerequiredtokeepalogofourvisits,includingmileage,whichischeckedbeforeweleaveandwhenwereturn.”Hesighed.“Wearen’tassignedaparticulartruck.They’reallthesameandwetaketheonewiththemerchandisepackedreadyforthestores.That’swhythemileageischecked.”
So,it’spointlesscheckingforanoilleak.Riomadeafewnotesandnodded.“DidanyoneseeyouinHelenaovertheweekend?”
“Yeah.”Daviesshuffledhisfeet.“I’mseeingsomeone,butIreallydon’twantyoucallingthemforanalibi.I’mnotsurehowshewouldreactifshebelievesthatyou’recheckinguponme.”
“Ifyoushowusyourlogbooksandtheycheckout,you’llneedtogiveushername,shouldweneedittoclearyou.”Rowleygavehimadirectstare.“Wedon’thavetoinformherthatwe’relookingatyouforacrime.Wehaveotherwayswecanusetoprotectyourprivacy.”
“Okay,I’llgoandgetthelogbooks.”Daviesgavethemthenameofhisgirlfriendandherdetailsandthenhurriedbacktotheoffice.
Riostaredafterhim.“Hislogbookshouldgivedetailsofthecontactshemadeduringhisworkday.I’llusemyphonetomakecopiesofeachpageandmakerandomcallstoseeiftheyarelegit.Ifso,Ithinkwecanrecommendthesheriffstrikesthisguyfromherlistofpossiblesuspects.”
“Hesureisn’tactinglikeakillertome.”Rowleytippedbackhishatandrestedonehandonthehandleofhisweapon.“Heiscooperating.Well,Ifigurehe’stryingtomakeanewlifeforhimself.Whenhesetfiretohisneighbor’svehicle,itwasprobablyacrimeofpassion.”
RiocheckedoutthelogbookswhenDaviespresentedthemtohim.Eachpagehadbeencheckedbythecompanyandstampedasbeingcorrect.Hecopiedeachpageusinghisphoneandthenhandedthebookbacktohimwithanod.“Thankyouforyourcooperation.Idoubtwe’llbebotheringyouagain.”Heledthewayoutoftheofficeandheadedbacktotheircruiser.
Asheslippedbehindthewheelhisphonechimed.ItwasBobbyKaloandheansweredusingtheBluetoothdeviceinhisvehicle.“Don’ttellmeyou’vefoundalinkbetweenthosetrinketsandamurder?”
“Howaboutthreemissingpersonsfiles?I’vesentthedetailstotheoffice.Theygobacksevenyearsandareinthreedifferentstates.Thepiecesofjewelryaredistinctiveandthemissingpeoplewerewearingtheminphotographs,whichmadelifeeasier.Allthreeweresinglewomenwholivedalone,knowntofrequentbars,andwereinthehigh-riskcategory.”Bobbytappedawayonhiskeyboard.“Ineachcase,theywerereportedmissingbypeopletheyworkedwith.There’snosupportingevidencewhatsoever.Itwasasiftheyvanishedfromthefaceoftheearth.”
Exhilaratedbythenews,RiosmiledatRowley.“Itwouldbetoomuchofacoincidenceforsomeonetohaveallthreeofthemintheirhouse,wouldn’tit?DidyouccWolfeaswell?He’llsendthevictims’dentalchartstoallthedentistsinColorado.Itwillbeabreakthroughifwecangetapositivematchonanyorallofthem.Thanks,Bobby.Ifigurewe’llgoandvisittheBrightcousinsagain.”
“Mypleasureand,yeah,Wolfehasthefiles.Catchyoulater.”Kalodisconnected.
“I’llcallJenna.”Rowleypulledouthisphone.
Shakinghishead,RioflickedonlightsandsirensandheadedtowardtheBrights’residence.“Shewon’thaveherphonewithherduringtheinterview,andifshe’sonthewayhomeinthechopper,shewon’tbeabletohearyou.We’lljustdragthecousinsbacktotheofficeforquestioningandI’llgetthepaperworkreadyforanarrestwarrant.We’llexplaineverythingtoJennawhenshegetsback.”
WhentheyarrivedattheBrights’house,theplacewaslockeduptight.Novehicleswereintheyardandtheshuttershadbeenclosed.Needingtoknowifthetwomenhadlefttown,Riousedhislockpicktoopenthefrontdoor.Theymovedinside,weaponsraisedandclearedthegroundfloor,andthenmovedslowlyupthestairs.Thebedroomsstillheldafewclothesintheclosetsbutthepersonalitemsthey’dspottedduringthesearchofthepropertyweremissing.HeholsteredhisweaponandturnedtoRowley.“Dammit!Itlookslikewe’retoolate.They’reinthewind.”Heglancedathiswatch.“Thesheriffsaidshe’dbebackfromthestatepenbeforenoon.I’llsendoutaBOLOontheBrights’vehicles,buttheyprobablylefttownthemomenttheywerereleasedandhaveatwelve-hourstartonusbynow.Maybesomethinginthequestioningspookedthemortheyknewtheboxoftrinketswasasmokinggun?”
“Wecan’tjustsitbyanddonothing.”Rowley’smouthturneddowninannoyance.“Iftheycameintoaninheritance,they’dhavesparecash.Ifigurewecontacttheairportandseeifthey’vetakenaflightinthelasttwelvehours.IfIwereplanningonmakingmyselfscarce,I’dtakethefirstflightoutoftown.”
Withhismindrunningthroughdifferentscenarios,Riolookedathim.“Wecan,butthat’seasytotraceandtheseguysarewaytoosmart—andSamBrightwouldsenduparedflagthemomenthepurchasedaticketashe’saparolee.Ifigurethey’dtakethebestoptionandgooffthegrid—they’llbeholingupwheretheykeepthewomenandbidingtheirtimetoseeifweconnectthemissingwomentothetrinkets.We’llsendtheirpicturesanddescriptionsoftheirvehiclestothelocalrangersandaskthemtospreadthewordwiththehuntersandhikers.Ifigureit’souronlychanceoffindingthem.”
“Thatsoundslikeaplan.”Rowleysmiledathim.“I’llmakesomecalls.”
THIRTY-SEVEN
FearparalyzedSusieasthefootstepscamecloser.Theyweretheslowdeliberatefootstepsofsomeonewithconfidence.Sweatcoatedthepalmsofherhandsandshelookedaroundwildlyforaplacetohide.Blackdampwallsstaredbackather—therewasnoescape.Herpreviousbravadomeltedlikelastwinter’ssnow.Whenthefootstepscametoastopoutsidehercell,tremblingshookherandtheneedtorungrippedher.Paniccameinarush,andshecouldn’tbreathe.Terrifiedherjailerwouldseeherfear,sheclaspedherhandsandpressedherlipstogether.Thehatchoverthewiremeshpeepholeopenedandthesmalllightsethighinthewallilluminatedthedarkeyespeeringather.TheexpressionheldnoparticularmenaceandremindedherofherpetLabrador’sinquisitivebrowneyes.Empoweredbythecomparison,sheliftedherchinand,foldingherarmsacrossherchest,methisgaze.Theonlydefensewasattackandhe’dexpecthertobeafraidofhim.Draggingupeverylastbitofcourage,Susieglaredathim.“Isthisthewayyoutreatsomebodywhotriedtohelpyou?”
“Onequestion.”Obscuredbythebars,hisfacialexpressionwasdifficulttomakeout.“DidIhitonyoutheotherdayinAuntBetty’sCafé?OrencourageyouinanywaywhatsoevertomakeyoubelieveIwasinterestedinyou,Twenty-Six?”
Thefacthe’dgivenheranumberwasalltheproofsheneededtoknowheintendedtokillher.Tryingtogetherheadonstraight,Susiegapedathim.Somanypeoplecamebythedinertoeatorcollecttakeout,andshedidn’trecognizehisvoice,butshe’dnevermakeapassatacustomer.Tryinghardtokeepthequiverfromhervoice,shetookadeepbreath.“DoyoufigureIhavethetimetoseducecustomers?Ifyouthoughtthat,you’dbewrong.WhatdoyouimaginemyreputationwouldbelikeifIstartedflirtingatAuntBetty’s?DoyouhonestlybelievetownsfolkwouldeatinmydinerifImadethemfeeluncomfortable?”Shestaredhimdown,hopingthatherattitudewouldn’tmakehimflyintoarageandmurderher.“It’susuallytheotherwayaround.Beingawaitressinadiner,we’reoftenthesubjectofunwantedattention.ItrytomakemycustomersfeelathomeandI’veneverhadanypreviouscomplaints.Ifbeingfriendlywasaproblemforyou,thenIapologize,butAuntBetty’sCaféisknownforitsfriendlyatmosphereandthat’snevergoingtochange.”
Asifsheflippedaswitch,herjailer’seyestransformed.Thepupilsseemedtogetlargerasifhiseyeshadsuddenlyturnedblack.ThehatchslammedshutandSusiecouldhearaboltslidejustasthedoorswunginwardtowardher.Thesmellofcigarettesandmalesweatrushedinthecellasthemanfilledtheentirewidthofthedoor.Hewasnotwhatsheexpected.Inhislatethirties,wearingcoveralls,withastrongbuildandsourexpression.Linesaroundhismouthturneddownanddeepfrownlinesgavehimtheappearanceofbeingcontinuallygrumpy,butitwastheeyesthatterrifiedher.Hetippedhisheadonewayandthentheotherasifevaluatingher.Chillsrandownherspine,butshestoodherground.Whereelsecouldshepossiblygo?IfPoppywascorrect,coweringinfrontofhimwouldonlymakeherhisnextvictim.
“Yousurearearrogant.Didn’tyourdaddyteachyoutorespectmen?”Heshookhisheadandobservedherforalongminute.“YouknowIcan’tletyougo,don’tyou?”Asadisticsmilecurledhislips.“Although,Idon’tfigureI’dgetmuchpleasureoutofmurderingyoujustyet.MaybeI’llmakeyouwatchwhathappenstothewomeninhere.OrI’llbeatsomerespectintoyou.Ihaveallthetimeintheworldtomakeyouobedient.IfigureeveryonehastheirbreakingpointandI’lljusthavetobepatientuntilyoureachyours—thenI’llenjoykillingyou.”Hepulledthedoorshutandslidtheboltacross.
Shakingwithfearandteethchattering,Susiedraggedindeepbreathstosteadyhernervesandthenpressedhereartothecrackinthedoor.Thecellnexttoheropenedwithawhineofrustyhinges,andashespoketoPoppy,thehairsonthebackofherneckroseinterror.
“I’mguessingyouknowSusieHartwigfromAuntBetty’sCafé?”Heclearedhisthroat.“Themanager?Iknowyouwereinthediner.Isawyoutalkingtoherwhenyouarrivedintown.”
“Yeah,Iknowher.Sowhat?”Poppy’svoicedrifteddownthehallwaytowardher.
“I’ddoherjusttoshuthersmartmouth,anddumpheroutsidethediner,butit’stoohotintownrightnowtousealocalwiththesheriffandtheFBIhangingaround.Thewomenfromotherstatesarerarelyidentifiedandthetrailstopsthere.”HewaschattingtoPoppyaboutmurderasifhewerediscussingthemenuatthediner.“IhavearealscreamerI’manxioustogetto.Onsecondthoughts,I’llgiveSusietoyou.I’dliketowatchyouplayoutyourfantasy—Imightevenjoinin.We’llleaveherintheformaldehydebathforafewdaysandI’lldumpherinColoradoonmynextvisit.”
“Whenareyouleaving?”Poppysoundedexcited.“Ifyou’replanningondoinganotheronetonight,anddumpingherlocally,thecopsaregoingtoknowyou’reintown.”
“I’llneedtocheckmyschedule.”Histonewasconversational.“Phew!Icansmellyoufromhereanditisn’tnice.Iguessyou’veearnedashower.Ihaven’ttimeorinclinationrightnowtowatchyou,maybelater.”
“Doyouhavetobehere?I’mnotgoinganywhere,amI?”Suzie’svoicehardened.“Ordon’tyoutrustmealoneinthepassageway,evenafterIhelpedyou.”
Suziepressedhereyetothecrackinthedoor.BloodspattermattedPoppy’shairandwassmearedoveroneear.Shestoodnakednotbotheringtocoverherself.DearLord,she’dhelpedhimkillsomeone.Tryingtostopherkneestremblingwithfear,shemovedherattentiontotheman.Hewasrubbingthebackofhisneck,eyesstaringintonothing,thinking.
“Hmm.”Helookedaroundandthenshrugged.“Idon’ttrustyou.Ineverwill,butI’mnotstupid.Iknowafteryouhelpedmewiththelastone,you’llbeusefultohavearound.”Hechuckled.“They’refunforatime,butoncetheystopbreathingIloseinterest.IfIintendtocontinuemyhobby,thecleaningisessential.Ican’triskleavingmyDNAonthetrash.”Hismouthquirkedupatthecorner.“IwishIhadabiggergarbagedisposal.Itwouldmakelifesomucheasier.”Herubbedhischin.“Okay.Thisisaonetimeoffer.I’llallowyoutotakeashowerandthengobacktoyourcell.You’llhavetoproveIcantrustyou.Remember,Imaynotbehere,butI’malwayswatching.”
“I’llneedsomethingtowear.”Poppymovedintothehallway.“Acleandressmaybe?”
“Iguessso.There’sabagofclothesnexttothedesk.”Helookedatherforalongmoment.“Don’tmakemeangry,Twenty-Five.I’llsomakeyouregretit.”HisfingersclosedaroundPoppy’sthroat.“There’snowayoutofthecaves.Thegateattheendofthetunnelislocked.So,ifyouwanttokeepyourfreedom…partner…don’tmessup,becauseyouknowtheconsequencesfortryingtoescape.Don’tyou?”Whenshenodded,hedroppedhishand.
Susie’steethchatteredasthehorrorofwhatwashappeningsunkin.Sheleanedagainstthewall,huggingherselfashisslowfootstepsmovedaway.Aclangofametaldoorandthegrindofakeyturningechoedupthetunnelaccompaniedbyalowsatanicchuckle.
THIRTY-EIGHT
Aftertouchingdownattheranch,JennawastednotimeandclimbedintotheBeast.AsKaneheadedoutofthedrivewaywithCarterandJoclosebehindinJenna’scruiser,shecalledAuntBetty’sCafétoplaceanorderfortakeout.ItwasalittleafternoonandsheexpectedSusieHartwigtopickupthephone.ShegavetheordertoWendy.“Doyouhavetimetomakeuptheordernow,orcansomeonedropitbytheofficewhenit’sready?”
“I’llstartontheordernow,butdeliverymightbedelayed.Susiehasn’tshownforhershift.”Wendyletoutalongsigh.“ThiswillbethefirsttimeIthinkshe’severbeenlate.Shewasplanningtogotothebeautyparlorthismorning,somaybeshegotheldup.IfshearrivesbythetimeI’vemadeupyourorder,I’lldropitbyonmywayhome.Ifnot,I’llcallyou.It’sthelunchtimerushandwe’resnowedunder.”
Notwantingtobedisturbedwhentheyarrivedattheoffice,Jennapulledonherbottomlip.“I’mjustleavingtheranchnow.We’lldropbyonthewaythroughtownandwaituntilit’sready.”
“Thanks,I’llseeyousoon.”Wendydisconnected.
“Problem?”Kanegaveherasidewayslook.
Jennashrugged.“Idon’tthinkso.Susieislateforwork,isall,andyouknowhowbusytheyareatthistimeoftheday.We’lljuststopbyandpickupourorder.Wehaveatonofthingstodiscusswhenwegetbacktotheoffice.WhatVitotolduswillhelpnarrowdownthesuspects.”
“Youcan’ttakeeverythinghesaysasgospel.”Kaneshookhishead.“Iagreehemadesomegoodpoints,andyoudidgettoseetheinnerworkingsofapsychopath’smind,buthe’sonlytalkingtoyoubecausehegetsakickoutofit.He’snotdoingittohelp.Forhim,anyviolentstimulation,especiallylookingatcrimescenephotographs,islikegivinghimaboxofcandy.”
Jenna’sphonechimed.ItwasWolfeandsheputitonspeaker.“Hi,Shane.Ihopeyouhavegoodnewsforme.”
“Itdependsonhowyouinterpretgoodnews.”Wolfesoundedexhausted.“I’veexperimentedwithseveraldifferentlightfilterstoenhancethefingerprints.IttooklongerthanI’dexpected,butI’vefoundacrypticmessagescrawledinPoppy’ssweatacrossthevictim’sstomach.Itreads:Help!Undergroundcells”Hepausedabeat.“Icheckedeveryimageofthevictimandthat’sallshewrote.There’snothingtopinpointherposition,I’mafraid.”
Stunnedintosilenceforabeat,Jennaheldherbreathastheimagespoppedintoherinbox.Thecasehadblownoutinanotherdirection.Shescrolledthroughtheimageshe’dsenther.“Thisisincrediblework.Thanks,Shane.You’reagenius.WhowouldhavethoughtPoppywassmartenoughtothinkofdoingthat?Whenyousaidyou’dfoundherDNAonavictim,Ifiguredshewasinvolvedwiththemurders.”
“Yeah,sodidI.Beforeyougo,Iguessyouhaven’tspokentoRioyet?We’vehadahitonmissingwomenoutofColorado.”Wolfeyawnedexplosively.“Sorry,it’sbeennonstopforhours.KalosentmetheinformationandI’veforwardedthedentalrecordstoallthedentistsinthestate.I’llcallyouwhenIgetareply.”Hedisconnected.
“ItlookslikePoppy’savictimafterall.”HearingKane’ssharpinhalationofbreath,Jennastaredathim.“What?Thisproveswehavesomeoneontheinside.Poppyhassomehowmadeherselfusefultothekiller.Shemanagedtogetamessageout.Thisisepic.”
“Idon’tbuyit.Ifshe’savictim,howdidshegetaccesstothebody?”Kane’smouthturneddown.“Allowingawomantogetinvolvedgoesagainstthekiller’spreviousbehavior—soisdroppinghisguardandleavingDNA.Something’snotrighthere.Evenpsychopathshavelogic.It’sjustdifferenttoours.There’snoproofPoppyactuallywrotethemessage,isthere?Maybehe’sgivingusasurefiresuspectsohecanwalkfree,butitcouldalsobeatrap,Jenna.Itwouldn’tbethefirsttime.”
TheinterviewwithBrunoVitowasstillplayingthroughJenna’smind.She’dgainedinsightintothecurrentcasebutcouldunderstandKane’sconcern.“YouhavetoadmitsomeofVito’spointsmadesense.”Sheturnedinherseattolookathim.“Forinstance,hebelievesthatPoppyisn’tinvolvedinthemurdersandthekillerworksalone.Ifthemessageonthevictimislegit,italsomeansallthetimesincePoppywentmissingshe’sbeeninthehandsofapsychopath.”
“OnewhodrivestoColoradoonaregularbasisanduseshercreditcardstokeepuptheillusionshe’ssafeandwell.”Kanetookhishandoffthesteeringwheelandrubbedhischin.“Thatwillnarrowthesuspectsdown.I’llcheckoverthecasefilesagainwhenwegetbacktotheoffice.”
Pullinghernotebookfromherpocket,Jennathumbedthroughthepages.“SomethingelseIfigureissignificant.AlthoughVitomadeacaseforthekillertobeworkingalone,thefactthatheiskeepingwomenprisonerswouldmakemebelievehehadapartner.He’dneedsomeonetowatchthewomeninhisabsence.Yet,Vitobelievedthekillerhasaritual,helikestoperforminprivate.Thismakessensetome,althoughIknowIshouldn’ttryandapplylogictoanythingapsychopathdoes.”
“Iagree.Theentireinterviewwasavaluableinsightintothecriminalmind.”KanepulledintothecurboutsideAuntBetty’sCaféandwavedatCarter,whowasfollowingthem,tokeepgoing.“I’llgoandgrabthetakeout.”Heslidoutofthedoor.
AnxioustostartasearchforPoppy,JennacheckedhermessagesandfoundnothingfromRioorRowley.Therewerenomissedcallseither,whichshefoundunusualasRowleywasasticklerforcheckinginwithher.FiveminuteslaterKaneemergedfromthedinercarryingacardboardboxanddepositeditonthebackseatnexttoDuke.“IwonderifRowleyandRiohavefinishedtheinterviewwithLucasDavies.Ihaven’theardfromthemallmorning.”
“Theyprobablydidn’twanttobotheryou.”KaneheadedalongMain.“Theyknowwe’reduebackatnoon,sothey’llbewaitingforusattheoffice.Rioisusedtotakingtheleadinmurdercases.I’msurehe’llhaveeverythinguptodatewhenwearrive.”
Thevehiclesparkedoutsidethesheriff’sdepartmentindicatedthateveryonewasinthebuilding.JennagaveMaggieawaveasshewalkedpastthefrontcounterandwentstraightuptotheconferenceroomtheywereusingforthiscase.Thesmelloffreshcoffeebrewingwafteddownthehallway.Shepushedopenthedoorgladtoseeeveryoneatworkaroundthelongtable.Afterdroppingherthingsonthedesk,shesatdownandgavethemWolfe’snews.Everyoneinhaledatoncewhensheshowedthepowerfulimages.“OurpriorityisfindingPoppy.Ifshe’swiththekiller,weneedtobemovingatwarpspeedtofindher.”Shemovedhergazearoundthetable.“Thismeansinacovertway,nolightsandsirens,nogunsblazing.Thekillerisholdingprisonersandbygoingoffhalf-cockedwe’llbegivinghimareasontomurderthem.”SheswungherattentiontoRio.“Okay,whathaveyougotforme?”
ShelistenedwithinterestasRiobroughtheruptodate.“Yeah,Iknowaboutthemissingpersons.Wolfecalled.Nothingmoreonthatasyet.”Shemademorenotes.“That’sveryinterestingabouttheBrightcousins.Getoutapressreleasesayingthey’repersonsofinterestandsetupahotline.It’sashotinthedarkbecausewehavereasontobelievethekillertakesregulartripstoColoradoandweknowSamBrighthasn’tleftthestate.”ShetookthecupofcoffeeKanehandedherwithasmile.“LucasDaviestravelstoColorado.Heneededspecialpermissionbytheparoleboardtocrossthestateline,buttheyconsiderhimsuchalowriskitwasgrantedasit’spartofhisprofessionand,sofar,hehasn’tputafootwrong.”ShelookedatCarter.“Doyoufigureit’spossibleforhimtosomehowgetbacktoBlackRockFallswithabodyandthendrivebacktocollectthetruck?”
“Lookingattheentriesinhislogbook,hetravelsthesameroute.”CarterscannedtheimagesonRio’sphone.“Hefrequentlystaysovernight,whichgiveshimawindowofopportunity.HecouldeasilyusethecreditcardinColoradoandhavehisfinalsleepoverwithindrivingdistanceofBlackRockFalls.”
“We’dbelookingforaplacehestopsovernightwithinathree-hourdriveoftown.”Kaneunpackedtheboxoftakeoutandplaceditonthetable.“So,heeitherusesarentalorhehasavehiclestashedsomewherealongtheway.”Hesighed.“TheproblemIhavewithLucasDaviesisthathehasnopriorsotherthanarson.WeknowthekillerinourcasehasmurderedbeforeandLucasDaviesdoesn’tfittheprofile.”
JennastaredatKane.“SamBrightdoes,andIdon’trecallaskingDerekBrightifhe’sbeeninColoradorecentlybecauseitwasn’trelevantatthetime.”Shescrolledthroughherfiles.“Hisoccupationislistedasaroaddriveraswell,sohecouldeasilybetheoneusingthecreditcardsinColorado.”
“SeemstomeweshouldbeincludinganyonewiththeopportunityofdrivingtoColoradooverthelastthreemonths,that’showlongPoppyhasbeenmissing.”Carterstaredatthewhiteboard.“DidanyonefollowuponTomParsons?”
“He’sbeenoutoftownandisn’tduebackuntiltoday.”Kanescannedhisnotes.“Wespoketohiswife,butshedidn’thavetoomuchinformation.Hewouldbeduetodropoffhisconsignmentatthewarehouse.I’llgivethemacallandseeifhehasarrivedyet.Accordingtohiswife,heisn’tduetogooutagainuntilFriday.”Hereachedforasandwich.“Histruckhasn’tgotanoilleakeither.Icheckedoutwhereheparkswhenhe’sathome.”
Jennasippedhercoffeeandsighed.“We’llkeephimonthelistuntilwecanspeaktohim.”Shestaredatthewhiteboard.“WiththeBrightcousinsinthewind,theyhavetobeourprimesuspects.”
AknockonthedoorandthesightofAtohiBlackhawkbroughtasmiletoherface.“Hi,Atohi.Didyoufindanycaves?”
“Itseemstheoldtimerskeptthingsunderground.”Blackhawkdroppedintoasparechairandleanedonthetable.“Iknowthehistoricalsitesbutthey’renotplausible.Manyyearsago,waybackinthe1800s,theyminedforgoldinthelowlandsaroundtheseparts.Yourecallseeingtheminers’cabinsorwhat’sleftofthemoutpasttheindustrialareasontheedgeofthecounty?Itseemsthatmanyoftheminerscarvedoutcavesinthegraniterockformationeachsideofthedryriverbedtostoretheirmachineryduringthewinter.Somesunkmineshaftsallalongthedryriverbed,butmanyofthosemineshaftshavebeensealedastheyaredangerous,butthestoragetunnelsintotherockmeettherequirementsyou’relookingfor.They’redeepandisolated.It’salmostbarrenthere,apartfromthewheatgrass.Noonelivesformilesinanydirection,sosomeonecouldcomeandgowithoutbeingnoticed.Itwouldn’ttaketoomuchtoshoreupthecavestomakethemsafe.”
JennapulledupamapofBlackRockFallsonheriPadandhandedittohim.“Doyouknowwherethesecavesareexactly?It’samassiveareatohuntdownonesinglecave.”
“Therearemany,butwithdiscussiontheycameupwiththemostlikelycaves.Allagreedhemustbeholdingthewomenhere.”Blackhawkmovedthemapandpointedtoanareaflankedbyagranitewallofrock.“Thisistheoldriverbed.Itgoesformilesandifsomeoneistakingwomenthere,theymusthaveaccess.Fromwhattheeldersrememberfromthestories,thecavesherewereextendedbyminers.”Heindicatedtoanareathatwidenedfromanoldriverbedtoanopenplain.“Thegoldminesareallaroundhere.Manyholesintheground.Itmakessenseifsomeofthemstoredequipmentorusedthecavesforshelter,they’dbehere.”
ThethrillofclosinginonakillergrippedJenna.ShesmiledatBlackhawk.“Thankyousomuchfortrackingthecavesdownforus.”Shesqueezedhisarm.“Stay,wehavefreshcoffeeandatonoffood.”
“You’rewelcome.”Blackhawkgrinnedather.“Andthanks,I’dappreciateabite.”
“I’llgowithJoandscouttheareainthechopper.”CarterpushedtohisfeetandlookedatJenna.“Itwillgiveusabetterideaofwheretostartsearching.Ifweseeanything,we’llcallyou.Ifnot,I’lldropthebirdontheME’sroofwhenwegetback,incaseweneeditinahurry.”Hepouredhiscoffeeintoato-gocupandscoopedupacherrypie.“Comeon,Jo,grabtwoforks,we’lleatontheway.”
Jennanodded.“Thanks.”SheturnedtoRowley.“GowithRioandhuntdownTomParsons,seewhathehastosayforhimself.Ifhecanprovehiswhereabouts,we’lldrophimfromourlistbecauseitlooksasifhewasoutoftownwhenwediscoveredthelastvictim.”
“I’monit.”RowleyledthewayoutthedoorwithRioonhisheels.
“Okay.”Kanestaredatthewhiteboard.“Weshouldconsidercuttingdownthesuspectslistwhilewe’rewaiting.ItwillbeanhourorsobeforeCarterhasdoneasweepoftheminingareas.”
BeforeJennacouldopenhermouthtoreply,Maggiewasatthedoor,herfacedistraught.“Isanythingwrong?”
“Mrs.JenkinsoutofMapledroppedbywiththispurse,saidshefounditandthephoneinthegrassalongsidetheroad.”Maggieheldoutanevidencebag.“TheybelongtoSusieHartwig.IcalledAuntBetty’sandshedidn’tshowforworkthismorning.Wendyhassearchedeverywhere.Shewentbyherhouseandthebeautyparlor,butnoonehasseenher.”
ChillsrandownJenna’sspineasshetooktheevidencebag.Nowthisisgettingpersonal.SheturnedtoKane.“YoutookSusiethroughaself-defensecoursepersonally.Shecarriesaweaponandknowshowtouseit.Shewouldn’tbeeasytotakedown.”ScaredforSusie’ssafety,sheswallowedhard,tryingnottothinkofwhatmightbehappeningtoherthisveryminute.“He’stakenher,hasn’the?Thisisamessageaimedrightatme.Theotherswerestrangers.Susieisourfriend,andhedarnwellknowsit.”Sheslammedherfistonthetable.“Iwantherfound—today!”
THIRTY-NINE
Heartthunderinginherchest,Poppywaitedasthefootstepsdisappearedandthencrumpledtothesmellymattress,tooscaredtomoveamuscleforatleastanhour,beforedaringtostand.Disregardingherlackofclothing,sheedgedherwaydownthepassageway.Attheend,ametalgatebarredherway.Closingherfingersaroundthecoldiron,shepulledandpushed,butthegatewaslocked.Ahead,anotherpassagewayrevealedalineofsixcells,eachwithametaldoorwiththesamepeepholeastheothers.Notasoundcamefromwithin.Nofootstepsorheavybreathing—nothing.Convincedherjailorhadleft,sheturnedandhurriedbackandslidopentheboltonSusie’scell.“Helpmetosearchforanythingwecanuseasaweapon.”
“WhatabouttheCCTVcamera?”Susiewaskeepingherdistance,hereyeswidewithfear.“He’llbebackandpunishusifhecatchesusoutofthecells.”
Poppyhadtakentheopportunitytolookforthecamerawhenshe’dcleanedupthemessfromthepreviousmurder.Shehadn’tspottedanycameraspointingtowardtheircells.Asmalllenssethighintheroofofthecavepointedtotheareawhereherjailermurderedhisvictims.SheturnedtoSusie.“Ifigureheonlyfilmshimselfmurderinghisvictims.Ithinkeverythingelseisjustathreattokeepusincheck.Don’tworry,he’snotcomingbackforatime.Iknowhisroutine.Ifhecomesbyearly,heleavesaroundthistimeanddoesn’tcomebackforhours,sometimesdays.Itwillbehoursthistime,becausewhenhe’sgoingawayforafewdays,healwaysrestocksourfoodsuppliesandthistimehehasn’t.”
“I’mnotsureIwanttotakethatchance.”Susiebackedawayfromher.
PoppywantedtoshakeSusieintoaction,butthewomanjuststaredatherround-eyed.Sheglanceddownatherselfandguessedthattakingordersfromabloodsplatterednakedwomanwouldbedifficult.Turningaway,shewenttothedeskandpulledoutthebagofclothes.ShesortedthroughthemfindingsomethingsuitabletowearandpulledonaT-shirtandapairofjeans.ShefoundsomesweatpantsandaT-shirtandthrustthematSusie.“Puttheseon.Itwillmakeyoufeelmorecomfortableandthenwe’dbetterstartsearchingthisplacefromtoptobottom.Lookforanythingwecanuse.”
“It’sacave.Wherecouldanythingpossiblybehiddeninhere?”Susiepulledontheclothesandsteppedtentativelyoutofthecell.
“Lookanyway.”Poppyheadedbackdownthepassageway.“I’mgoingtofindtherecordingdevice.Ithastobeinheresomewhere.Weneedtoturnitoffsowecanmovearound.”
Reachinguphigh,PoppyfollowedthecableleadingfromtheCCTVcameraandbacktowardthealcovenearhercell.Thedimlightinthetunnelshidthesmallcritterslivinginthecracksandcrevices.Disturbedbyherprobingfingers,theyscatteredandranoverherhandsandupherarms.Unabletocontrolhershrieksofdisgust,shebrushedthemawayandshuddered.Determinedtofindtherecordingdevice,sheranherfingersoverthecable.Itledtohighabovethedesk,andaftersearchingallaround,shenoticedasmallshelfsetintotheroofofthecave.Sheclimbedontothedeskand,expectingtodiscoverarecordingdeviceofsomedescription,shegapedinastonishmentatthelaptopsittingontheshelf.Shetouchedthekeyboardandthescreenlitup,showingthelivefeedofthekillingarea.Takingadeepbreath,shepressedpauseontheprogramandthelivefeedfrozeonthescreen.“I’vepausedthevideo.Itwaspointingtheotherwayanyway.Hewouldn’tbeabletoseeus,buthemighthearus.”
“Isthatalaptop?”Susiestoodontiptoesandstaredather.“Seeifithasanemailservice.Itmusthavesometypeofwirelessconnectionoritwouldn’tbeabletofeedhimalivestream.”
IttookPoppyafewsecondstofindtheemailapplication.Whenshe’darrivedatthesheriff’sdepartment,Maggiehadinformedhereveryoneintheoffice’semailaddresswastheirlastname,atBlackRockFallsSheriff’sDepartment.ShesentanemailtoKane.
I’maprisonerincellscutintoundergroundcaveswithSuzieHartwigandothers.Canyougetafixonthislaptop?Poppy.
SheturnedtolookdownatSuzie.“I’vesentanemailtoKane.Itshouldgotohisphone.ThelastoneIsenthim,herepliedreallyfast.”
“Youshouldhavesentittothesheriff.Youknowshe’llbeoutlookingforme.”Susielookeddistraught.“I’velookedeverywhere.There’snothingheretouseasaweapon,unlessyoucountsoapandacoupleoftowels.IfDeputyKanedoesn’treplysoon,you’dbetterdeletethatemailorwe’llbeinbigtrouble.Itwillbebetterifthislunaticdoesn’tknowwe’vebeenincontactwiththesheriff’sdepartment.”
Poppywaited,herlegstremblingasshestoodonthedesk.Areplypoppedintothebox.
Areyouindangerrightnow?Kane
Typing,Poppymadethemessagetothepoint,givingasmuchinformationaspossible.
No,killerleftanhourorsoago.Heisusuallygoneforafewhours.Averageheight,thickbuild,browneyesandhair,smoker,smellsofsweat.PoppyStandby.Itwilltaketimetotrace.Thirtymins.Deleteeachemail.Kane
Poppyturnedupthevolumeonthelaptopsoshecouldhearthealertwhenthenextmessagearrived,deletedtheemails,andclimbeddown.ShelookedatSusie’shopefulexpression.“Nowwewait.”
“Howlong?”Susieslumpedagainstthewall.
Poppyshrugged.“Halfanhour,maybelonger,beforetheycanpinpointthelaptop’slocation.Don’tworry.They’llfindusnow.”Shescannedthefilesonthelaptopandbileseepedupthebackofherthroat.“OhmyGod,hetapedallthemurders.”
“Thesickfreak.”Susierubbedatremblingfingerunderhernose.“Whydon’tyougoandwashofftheblood?It’sallthroughyourhair.Ifthisallgoestohell,he’llknowsomethingisupifyouhaven’ttakenashower.”Shedashedahandthroughherhair.“I’lllistenfortheemail,andifIhearhimcomingback,I’lltaketherecorderoffpause,andgobackintomycell.”
Nodding,Poppystareddownthetunnel.“You’llhearhisvehicle’sengine.Itwillgiveyoutimetodowhatyouneedtodo.Youhavetobebrave.Ready?”
“Okay.Go.”Susiepushedoffthewallandwalkedalittleunsteadilydownthetunnel.
FORTY
RowleyturnedhiscruiserintotheBrights’drivewayandfollowedRioaroundthehouse,checkingthatthecousinshadn’treturnedhome.Theplacewasthesameaswhenthey’dleftitandthecousinsnowhereinsight.“Iguessitwasworthatry.I’veknownpeopletotakeoffandthensneakbackhome.Theyfigurewewon’tchecktwice.”
“Itwasworthdroppingbyagain.”Rioclimbedintothepassengerseatandfastenedhisseatbelt.“I’lladdTomParsons’coordinatestotheGPS.Withanyluckhe’llbebackbynow.Ifigureit’sawasteoftimetalkingtohim,andweshouldbeoutlookingforSusieHartwig.”
Rowleyturnedhistruckaroundandheadedbacktothehighway.ListeningtothevoiceontheGPS,heeasilyfoundhiswaytoTomParsons’ranch.“Kanementionedthisguykeepshisvehicleoutback.Ifigureweshouldleavethecruiserhereandgoinonfoottoseeifhiseighteen-wheeleristhere.Itwillgiveusachancetoseeifithasanoilleak.”Hepulledhiscruiseroffthedrivewayandbehindaclumpofbushes.
Keepingtotheshadowsfromthepinetreesliningthedriveway,theyheadedforalongtallgarageouttowardthebackoftheproperty.RowleyturnedandsmiledatRio.“So,he’shomethen?”
Movingcautiously,theymadetheirwayintothegarageandalongsidethetruck.Theybentdownandusingtheirflashlightsexaminedthecementfloor.Waterpooledalongsidethetruckandahoseloopedoveratapstilldripped.ItwasobviousParsonshadwashedhistruckrecently.Rowleystraightenedshakinghishead.“Itlookscleantome.Let’sseeifhe’swillingtotalktous.”
“Weshouldgobackandpickupthecruiser.”Riostoodhandsonhipslookingathim.“Hemightfigurewe’vebeensneakingaroundwithoutpermissionifwewalkuptothedoor.”
Rowleynodded.“Yeah,goodidea.”Heledthewaybacktothecruiserandtheydrovetotheendofthedriveway,parkingoutfrontoftheporch.
Astheyclimbedthestepstotheranchhouse,thestrongsmellofdirtydiapersoozedoutofthescreendoor.Rowleywrinkledhisnoseandrappedonthedoorframe.
Amanwalkedtowardthedoorcarryinganewspaperandhiseyesnarrowedashestaredatthem.Asthedooropened,RowleyintroducedhimselfandRio.“We’rejustfollowinguponthechatDeputyKanehadwithyourwife.”
“Sure,whatdoyouwanttoknow?”Parsonsleanedagainstthescreendoorhishandspushedintothefrontpocketsofhisjeans.
Rowleywentoverthedatesandtimesthey’ddiscoveredthebodies,watchinghimcloselyforanytelltalesignsofinvolvement.
“Idon’trecallseeinganyoneonthesideoftheroadonthewayintotown,butit’sdarkmosttimesI’monthemove.Notonanyofthedaysyoumentioned.”Parsons’headfurrowedintoafrown.“Thisisbadbusiness.Nowomanissafetowalkaroundaloneanymore.”HelookedsteadilyatRowley.“IalwaysavoiddrivingthroughtownandtakeMaple.Itsavesmetimewiththetrafficandall.So,IguessImissedseeingthebodyonthecarouselandIhaven’tvisitedthelandfillinatleastaweek.”
“Thinkoverthosedaysandtimesagain.”Riorepeatedthem.“Youmustrecallifyouwerehere.Itwasonlyafewdaysago.”
“Yeah,it’spossible,butIcan’tbesureaboutthetimes.LatelyI’vehadafastturnaround,soI’mliterallydroppingoffoneconsignmentatthewarehouseandcollectinganotherfordelivery.Idon’tkindofcheckmywatcheveryfiveminutes.It’sloadthetruckanddrive,unloadthetruckanddrive.MosttimesIforgetwhatdayitisI’msobusy.”Parsonsshrugged.“Ihaveagrowingfamily,soItaketheworkwhenit’savailable.Thelastcoupleofweeksit’sbeennonstop.”
“Whataboutsleeping?”Riolookedathimclosely.“Therearerulesaboutdrivinglonghourswithouttakingarest.”
“Oh,Igetmysleep.”Parsonssmiledathim.“Mosttimesit’satatruckstoporamotel.IusuallygrabashowerandI’mfreshtogo.”Hesighed.“I’mhomeforafewdaysnow,soI’llgetthechancetoseemykidsandspendtimewithmywifebeforethenextjob.”
Ayoungboywalkedupthehallwayandwrappedhisarmsaroundhisfather’sleg.Parsonspickedhimupandrestedhimononehip.Thechild’sthumbwentinhismouthandhisheaddroppedagainstParsons’shoulder.RowleyexchangedaglancewithRioandnoddedatParsons.“Icanseeyou’vegotyourhandsfull.”Hesmiledatthelittleboy.“Thanksforyourcooperation.”
“Anytime.”Parsonsturnedaway,allowingthescreendoortoslamshut.
Astheyclimbedintothecruiser,RowleyturnedtoRio.“Whatdoyouthink?”
“Heseemswaytoobusytofitkillingintohisschedule.”Riosighed.“Let’sheadbacktotheofficesowecandosomerealpolicework.”
FORTY-ONE
Chewingonherbottomlip,JennaleanedoverKane’sshoulderwatchingthelaptopscreenashetypedtheemailstoPoppy.Shecouldjustaboutcutthetensionintheroomwithaknife.Kanehadjumpedintoactionatonce,contactingBobbyKaloandforwardingthemessagesastheycameininanattempttolocatetheIPaddressofthelaptopPoppywasusing.JennacontactedCartertoexplainthesituation.“Howlongbeforeyoutakeoff?”
“I’llbeleavingheresoonbutIneedtostopbyWolfe’sofficetorefuel.I’llbeovertheminesinthirtyorfortyminutes.”Carter’sbootscrunchedonthegravelasheheadedtowardthechopper.“Jowillcontactyoubytextassoonaswe’reovertheminingarea.I’llstayataltitudeandmakesurethere’snovehiclesinthearea.Ifit’ssafe,I’lldroplowandsearchtheriverbed.AskPoppytolistenforthechopperandthentellmewhenshehearsit.I’llsweeptheareauntilwegetafixonherposition.Isuggestyouheadoutforthelowlandsnow.”
“Copythat.”JennarelayedthemessagetoKane.“SendtheemailtoPoppy.Carterwillneedanaccuratelocation,somessageJothemomentPoppygetsbacktoyou.I’llgetwhatweneedfromthegunlocker.ContactRioandRowleyandheadtheminthesamedirection.”
“Maybeweshouldthinkthisthroughsome?”Kanesenttheemailandthenrubbedthebackofhisneck.“Ifthekillershowswhilewe’rethere,he’llhightailitoutoftown.ThatdescriptionPoppygaveusfitsthreeofoursuspects…boththeBrightcousinsandParsons.Ifhegetsbackbeforewearrive,andwespookhim,hemightkillthem.”
Jennaconsideredthesituationandnoddedinagreement.“Iagree.SusieandPoppy’ssafetycomesfirst.We’llgoincovertly,andifhe’snotthere,we’llgetthewomenoutandlayatrapforhim.”
“Thatmightnotbesoeasy.”Kanefrownedather.“Poppyseemstothinkhecouldbeawayforafewhoursordays,andwesureashellcan’tsitdowntherefordaysonend,hopinghe’llshow.”
AllowingKane’swordstopercolatethroughhermind,Jennapacedupanddown,thinkingthrougheveryangle.Therewasnowayshe’dleaveanyoneindanger.“Okay,you’retheexpertincovertoperations.DoyouthinkCartercandropussomewhereclosetothecavesBlackhawkshowedus?You’llbeabletocommunicatewithPoppyonyourphonetofindoutifthekillerhasreturned.Ifhehasn’t,we’llgoinandgetthemoutandhavethempickedupbyCarter.Oncethevictimsaresafe,we’lltakeshiftswatchingtheentranceroadtotheminesforhimtoreturn.Iknowthatarea.Ifyourecall,wefoundabodythere.There’sanaccessroadforthemaintenanceoftheelectricitylines.Doyourecallspeakingtoalinesmanwho’dspottedabodynearamineshaft?”
“Yeah,that’snotsomethingI’dforgetinahurry.”Kaneraisedbotheyebrowsather.“Theareaisopenplainsformanymiles.Itwouldbedifficulttowatchwhocomesandgoeswithoutbeingdetected.”Herubbedhischin.“Doyourememberthatoldcabinalongtheminingroad?Wecouldhookupacameraintheretowatchtheroadandbewaitingoutofsightamileorsoaway—ifwecouldgetinandoutbeforehespottedus.There’snotellingwhenhewillreturn.”
Jennaconsideredthedistancebetweenthemainhighwayandaccessroadandtookintoaccountthetimeitwouldtaketogetbackuptothearea.“Ifiguredwewouldbeonourownifheisthereorreturnswhenwe’rerescuingthewomen.Carterisn’tgoingtobeabletodomuchwhenhe’sflyingthechopper,andRioandRowleywillbeatleastamileaway.”Shesighed.“We’llbeonourown,butwe’vedoneitbefore.I’llgoandgetthegear.Iassumewe’llberepellingoutofthechopperontherockfacebesidetheoldriverbed?”
“Yeah.It’snotgoingtobeeasy.Carterwillhavetodropusfromaltitudetoavoidanyoneseeingus.Itwillneedtobearapiddecline.”Kanegaveheralongconsideringstare.“Areyousureyouwanttodothis?WolfecanflytheFBIchopperandCartercouldgoinwithme.It’ssomethingwe’vedoneamilliontimesbefore.”
Jennasnorted.“You’renotgettingoverprotectiveagainareyou,Dave?”
“No,it’snotaboutbeingoverprotective.It’saboutspeed.”Kane’slipsflattenedintoathinline.“MeandCartercandescendfast.We’vehadtobecausewe’vebeenunderfire.You’llneedtodropandtrusttherope.It’snoteasy.”
“I’llmanage.”Sheheadedforthedoor.“I’mgoingwithyou.CallRowleyandseeifhe’sgoteyesonParsons.Ifso,wecanremovehimfromthesuspectlist.Poppydidn’tmentiontwomen,sowehavetoassumeourkillerisSamBright.Hemayormaynotbealone.”Sheturnedtolookathim.“TheBrightcousinsarealreadyspooked.There’sagoodchancethey’realreadyheadingbacktothecavestokillthewomen.Wecan’twaitforKalotopinpointthelaptop,Dave.Wehavetomovenow.”
“I’lltextJowiththenewplan.”Kanepulledouthisphone.
Running,Jennarushedtotheequipmentlockers,pulledoutliquidKevlarvests,helmets,andharnesses.Shegrabbedriflesandtheirbackpacks.Dressing,she’dstrappedonherhelmetwhenKanecameintotheroom.“Areweset?”
“Yeah,we’llheadouttotherocksbehindtheriverbed.There’sanoldtrackleadingouttoitbutmostofitwillbeoffroad.Carterwillpickusup,andoncewegetalocation,we’lldropdown.He’lltakeofftoavoidattention,sowe’llbeonourown.”KanepulledonhisliquidKevlarvest.“RowleyhadeyesonParsonsabouthalfanhourago.Theywereontheirwayback.Isentthemouttotheindustrialareaontheedgeofthelowlandstoawaitinstructions.”
Sighingwithrelief,Jennanodded.“That’sgood,sowehaveoneorbothoftheBrightcousinstodealwith—iftheyshow.”Shesmiledathisworriedexpression.Itwasn’tlikeKanetoshowanyemotionbeforeheadingintoasituation.“What’supwithyoutoday?We’vehandledworsekillersthanthisone.Atleasthehasn’tmadepersonalthreatsagainstus.Foronce,I’mnothistarget.”
“Jenna,youare.Hehateswomen.”Kane’sgazenarrowed.“Heespeciallyhateswomeninlawenforcementorhewouldn’thaveplacedthecop’smaskonhisvictims.He’lltakegreatpleasureintakingyoudownandmakingyousuffer.HowPoppyhassurvivedsolongisamiracle.”
Soberedbyhisrevelations,Jennanodded.“Okay,okay.ItjustseemedtomeSamBrightdidn’tposetoomuchofaproblem.Hewascooperative,almostpassive.”SheswallowedhardatKane’sraisedeyebrow.“Apsychopathcanfoolanyone.Yeah,Iknow.”Sheclearedherthroat.“Talktome.”
“Wehavenoideawhatweaponstheyhave,orwhatthey’lldowhencornered.Anunpredictablepsychopathcouldusethewomenasashield,orjustkilltheminfrontofus.”Kaneturnedaconcernedexpressiontoher.“Youknow,they’lldoanythingtoescape.”
Jennasqueezedhisarm.“Irememberwhenakillerhadaknifeatmythroatandyoukilledhim.Theydon’tknowwhatthey’reupagainst.We’reagoodteamandI’mnotplanningonseeingSuzieorPoppydietoday.”
“Let’shopewegettherebeforetheydoandcangetthewomenoutwithoutafight.”Kaneattachedhisearbudandturnedonhiscom.“Dischargingaweaponingranitecavesisdangerous.Missthetargetandthericochetcouldkilloneofus.”
Jennanoddedandattachedhercom.“Iknow.”Hiscombatfacewasback,andthesightofitwaslikeawallofarmoraroundher.Hemadeherfeelsafe.Shehandedhimahelmet.“It’sjustaswellyounevermissthen,isn’tit?”Shewentontiptoesandkissedhim.“Let’sgo.”
FORTY-TWO
SusieHartwigpressedagainstthebars,herearsstrainingtohearachopper,butsheheardnothing.Tentatively,shecalledout.“Hey,isanyoneelseinhere?Hecan’thearyou.We’veturnedofftherecorderfornow.”
Voices,thinandhesitant,camebackfromtheotherpassageway,noneshecouldreallymakeoutbutthey’dunderstoodherjustfine.“Helpisontheway.Stayquietnow.Hemightbebacksoon.”
There’dbeennomoreemails.Shepacedupanddown,hernervesshatteringwitheveryminutethatwentby.SheturnedtolookatPoppystandingonthedesk,herattentionfixedonthelaptop.“Anything?”
“Notyet.I’mtoletthemknowwhenwehearachopper.It’sbeenalmostthirtyminutes.Theyshouldbeheadingthiswaysoon.”Poppywavedheraway.“Keeplistening.”
Takingherpositionatthegate,SusiesaidasilentprayerfortheFBIagentstofindthem.She’dmetJoWellsandTyCarter.They’dbeenverynicetoherandgivenherasubstantialtipeachtimethey’ddinedatAuntBetty’s.Arumblecameinthedistanceandshepressedhereartothebars.Notthewhoop,whoopofahelicopterbuttheroarofanengine.FearhadherbythethroatassheturnedandranbacktoPoppy.“He’scomingback.Icanhearavehicle.”
“Getbackintoyourcell.”Poppyturnedtothelaptop.“Don’tsayaword.I’msendingamessageforradiosilencetoKane.I’lldeletethemessagesandtaketherecorderoffpause.”Afewmomentslater,shejumpeddown,lookedallaround,andwentbackintohercell.“Eatsomething.He’llexpectustoactnormallyandit’swaypastlunchtime.”
Sicktoherstomachwithfear,Susiesearchedthroughtheboxofsuppliesandpulledoutanaluminumpackageatrandom.Sheselectedabottleofwaterandwenttositonamattresspushedupagainstthedampwall.Ittookhermorethanafewtriestomakehertremblingfingersopenthepackagecontainingcrackersandcheese.She’dneverexperiencedterrorlikethisbefore,andherstrengthofwillwiltedlikeacutflowerinthesun.Isthiswhathappenedtotheotherpoorsoulskeptprisonerinthesecavesforsolong?Hadthehorrorofbeingonawaitinglistofvictimsmakethemcomplacenttotheirfate?
Itseemedlikeforeverbeforethefamiliarfootstepsmovedslowlythroughthetunnels.Hecheckedoneachofhisprisonersandtookhistime,asifsoakinguptheirfear.ThethreatshemadetothemmadeSusie’schintremble.Thecrueltyofthismanheldnobounds.Hetormentedhisvictimswiththeslowdeathhe’dplannedforthem.Andthenhe’dlaughwhendescribinghowthey’dbefound.Hisintenttospreadthemoutinanindecentposesotheworldwouldrecognizethemforthescumtheyrepresented.Heactuallybelievedthelocaltownsfolkwouldrespecthimforremovingthemfromsociety.TheclangasthegatetotheirsectionhitthewallsentshiversdownSusie’sback.Theadrenalineflowingthroughherveinsfromthepreviousexcitementwasmakingitdifficulttoregainhercomposureashisfootstepscamecloser.
Theboltinherdoorslidacrossandthedoorswungopen.Herjailerstoodtherestaringdownatherwithacoldsoullessexpression.Inhishandheheldabaseballbatandwascasuallyslappingitagainstthepalmofonehandasheobservedher.Sippingherwaterinanefforttoappearcalmandincontrol,Susieliftedherchinandstaredathimbutsaidnothing.
“DidIgiveyoupermissiontogetdressed?”Helookedoverwithnarrowedeyes.“Justwheredidyougetthoseclothesfrom?Youdon’tdeservethedignityofclothes.”
“Igavethemtoher.”Poppysteppedoutofhercell.“Allthetimeyou’vebeengivingmethecriteriaofthewomenyoubelieveneedtobepunished,andit’squiteobviousthatSusieisn’tguiltyofwhatyou’veaccusedherofdoing.”
“Thatwasn’tyourdecisiontomake.”Heliftedhischinandlookeddownhisnoseather.“Likemostwomen,youtrytooverstepyourmark.”Heswungthebatbackandforth.Aslowsmilecurledhislips.“YoulikeSusie,doyou?”HehandedPoppythebat.“Proveyourloyaltytomeandkillher.”
FORTY-THREE
Heartracingwithanticipation,Jennarantothefrontdoor,clingingtoherbackpackandrifle.Behindher,KanewasaskingMaggietocareforDukewhiletheywereaway,andthenhisfootstepswerethunderingonthetilebehindher.Throwinghergearintothebackseat,sheyankedopenthefrontdooroftheBeastandjumpedinside.Secondslater,Kaneslidbehindthewheelandtheengineroaredintolife.Withasquealofburnedrubber,thetrucktookoffathigh-speed,lightsflashingandsirenswailingasKanemaneuveredthevehiclethroughthetraffic.TheyreachedtheoutskirtsoftownandthefrontoftheBeastliftedasKanepushedhisfoottothefloor.Fencesanddrivewaysflashedpastastheyheadedfortheonramptothehighway.ThethrillofthechasehadJennatakingdeepsteadyingbreaths.ShewouldneveradmitittoKane,buttheideaofdroppingfreefallfromachopperscaredthehelloutofher.Asthelowlandscameintoview,shetookinthevastvista.Formiles,thelonggoldengrassmovedwitheachbreathofwindasifitwereanentitywrithingacrosstheopenplains.Shegrippedthesideofherseatasthespeedincreased.Kane’sconcentrationwasondriving,andhehadn’tsaidawordsincethey’dlefttown.AllJennacouldhearabovethewailofthesirenswastheroaroftheengineandthewhoop,whoop,whoopastheBeastflashedpastothervehiclesasiftheywerestandingstill.Inthedistanceshemadeoutthecraggyrockformationthatwoundaroundthelowlandsandonceformedthesidesofariver
“Holdontight.We’llbemakingasharpleftafterthatclumpoftreesahead.”Kaneflickedheraglance.“Oncewe’reonthedirtroad,killthelightsandsirens.Wedon’twanttogiveanyoneawarningwe’reonourway.”
JennaheldontightastheBeastslidaroundthecorner,sendingupgreatcloudsofdustandthenbouncedalonganolddirtroadfilledwithrutsanddivots.Naturehadreclaimedtheoldroadalongtimeago,butKanepushedtheBeastthroughtheovergrownmassofbranchesandweeds.Theybouncedalong,weavingpastrocksandfallenbranches.Upahead,Jennamadeoutthechopperhoveringhighabovetherockformation.“IseeCarter.”ShepulledoutherphoneandsentatexttoJo.AreplycameinafewsecondsandJennapunchedtheair.“We’vefoundthem.Kalojustsentthelaptop’scoordinatesandCarterissettingdownattheendofthisroad.Itrunsaroundthebackoftheravine.Theriverbedopensupontheotherside.”
“Yeah,IknowwhereIam.”Kaneslowedtomaneuveraroundapileoffallenrocks.“Ihopewegettherebeforehemurdersanybodyelse.”
Jenna’sstomachclenchedintoknots.“TheproblemIseeis,ifitistheBrightcousinsaswesuspect,oneofthemwillbeactingasalookout.Hecouldpickusoffbeforeweevengettothemouthofthecave.”
“Ithoughtofthatandwe’llberepellingdowntoapositionabovethecave.”Kanesqueezedherhand.“Anylast-minuteorders?”
Jennalookedintotheeyesofawarriorandunderstoodhisquestion.“Usenecessaryforceasalways.Ourfirstpriorityisgettingthosewomenoutalive.”
“Copythat.”Kanegaveheranodandturnedhisattentionbacktotheroad.“Iseethechopper.”Hepulledupandleaptfromthetruck.
GrabbingtheirgearandleavingtheBeast,JennaclimbedintothechopperwithKaneclosebehind.Withoutwarning,Cartertookoffandherstomachflip-floppedasthechopperrosehighintotheair.ShecouldhearKaneoverhercomspeakingtoCarteraboutthelocationofthecave.Carter’sreplychilledhertothebone.
“Imadeoutavehicle,headingforthecave.I’dhavemissedit,butitthrewupacloudofdust.Hemustbeinahurry.WhenIcamearoundforabetterlook,thevehiclehadvanished.Ifigurehe’scovereditwithacamouflagedtarpaulin.”Carter’seyeswerefixedahead.“Ididn’tseewhowasinthevehicleorhowmanypeople.Don’ttakeanychances.Thelate-afternoonshadowswillhideyouifyoustickclosetotheravinewallonapproach.”
“Copythat.”Kanewasorganizingtheropesandpulliesfortheirdescent.
“I’llsupervisethedrop.”Joclimbedoutofherseatandslidopenthedoor.
JennafumbledforherphoneandsentatexttoRowley,tostartmovinginsilentlywithRioasbackup.SheswallowedtherisingfearandwaitedforCartertoreachthedroppoint.Thewindfromtheopendoorbuffetedthechopperasithoveredinmidair,highabovetheground.
Thenoisewasdeafeningnow,andkeepingbusytoavoidtherushofanxiety,JennaattachedherharnessandallowedKanetocheckthefastenings.Hestaredintohereyesandtalkedherthroughthedrop,makingsuresheunderstoodthetechniquerequiredforafastdescent.Shegavehimasmallsmileandnodded.Itwasn’tthefirsttimeshe’djumpedfromachopper,butheknewshehadn’tattemptedafastdropbefore,andbyhisconcernedexpression,sheobviouslycouldn’thidethefearinhereyes.Shepressedhercom.“Icandothis.”
“Iknowyoucan.Leaveyourcomopensoyoucanhearme.I’lltellyouwhentoslowdown,okay?”Kanetouchedhercheek.“Ready?”
Withhergogglesinpositionandchinstrapfastened,shegavehimathumbs-up.SecondslatershestoodontheskidsbesideKane,waitingforthecommandtojumpoutintotheunknown.Forcinghereyestoremainopen,shefellbackonJo’scommand.Freefallinghighabovetheravine,feartumbledherstomachandshefoughtdownawaveofuncertaintyasthegroundcameupwaytoofast.
“Now,Jenna,now.”Kane’svoicecamethroughherearpiece
Arushofpanicoverwhelmedherassheflashedpasthimandthenextsecondinstinctkickedinandshewentthroughtheproceduretoslowherdescent.Breathless,shehitthegroundandrolled.ThenextsecondKanewasbesideher,haulinghertoherfeetandunclippingherharness.Highabovethechoppermovedaway.Kane’sgazemovedoverher,andshesmiledathim.“I’mfine.Howfartothecave?”
“Whenwereachthetopofthishill,weshouldbedirectlyaboveit.Itlookslikeasheerdroptotheoldriverbed.”Kanescannedthearea.“Ihopewe’llbeabletofindawaydownfromhere.Cartermentionedseeinganovergrowntrackalongsidethecave.We’llneedtobeveryquietandtrytoavoidlooseninganyrocksonthewaydown.”
Itwaswindyatthetopoftheravineandloosepebblesmadethewayuncertain.Jennamovedcautiouslytowardtheedgeandleanedover.Thegroundseemedtobeaverylongwaydown,butshecouldmakeoutatrackcarvedintotherockface.Longgrassandweedscrisscrossedtheblackpathway,andinplacesthetrailhadcrumbledawaycompletely,leavinglargepatchesofunstableground.“Gettingtothecaveisn’tgoingtobeeasy.”
“Lookoverthere.”Kanepointedtoaspotintheshadowoftheravine.“Carterwasright,oursuspecthascoveredhisvehiclewithacamouflagetarpaulin.He’ssmarterthanIimagined.Hisvehicleisalmostinvisiblefromhere.Noonewouldnoticeitunlesstheydroverightuptoit.Cartercouldhaveflownoveralldayandnotfoundhimifhehadn’tthrownupdustonthewayhere.”Hereachedforherhand.“Don’tlookatmelikethat,Jenna.It’ssaferifIholdontoyou.I’llgofirst.Ifyouslip,sitdown.Itwillstopyoufromfalling.”
Seeingthelogicinhisplan,shegavehimanod.“Whenwegettothebottomoftheravinewe’llbewithoutcover,soweheadforthevehicle.Weshouldbeabletohearwhat’sgoingoninthecavefromthere.Iwouldassumeit’slikemostmineshaftsandhasaseriesoftunnels.FromwhatBlackhawkwastellingus,thekillercouldhaveusedstorageareascarvedoutfromtherockandturnedthemintocells.”
“Itwouldn’tbeunreasonabletobelievethatpeoplewhowouldhaveminedhereusedthecavestolivein.”Kanecutheraglance.“They’regoodprotectionfromtheelementsandsafeenoughifyouputagateontheentrance.Especiallyifthey’vebeenminingforgold,they’dneedsomewheresafetokeepit.It’stooheavytobecarryingaroundinyourpocketallday.”
Afteranerve-wrackingdescentdowntheslipperypathway,JennapressedherbackagainsttherockfacesearchinginbothdirectionsforanysignoftheBrightcousins.Kanehadmovedoutaheadofherandhadreachedthecamouflagedtarpaulincoveringthevehicle.Hedisappearedbeneathitforafewsecondsbeforehisheadpoppedoutandhewavedherforward.Shemovedquietlyacrossthesandybottomtotheoldriverbedandjoinedhimunderthecovering.
Jennausedherphonetoruntheplateonthetowncar.“That’snottheBrightcousins’vehicle,theybothhavetrucks.”Shewaitedafewsecondsbeforethenamepoppeduponherscreen.“Iknewitwashim.Mygutwasn’twrongafterall.It’sthemanRioandRowleyjustinterviewedandourothersuspect—TomParsons.Hefitstheprofileinsomanyways,butthentheBrightcousinsupandvanished.Doingthatandwiththeclothesandall,itmadethemlookguilty.”Sheshookherhead.“He’ssodarnsmart,makinglikehewasadevotedfamilymantoputdoubtsintomyhead,andhealmostgotawaywithit.Ishouldtrustmygutinstinctmoreoften.”
“Isuredo.HewasmoreliketheMichelangeloKillerthanweimagined.He’swellorganized.Lookatthis.”Kaneindicatedtoawatertankhookeduptoaraincollectorwithapumpattachedtoaseriesofpipes.Ageneratorhummedbesideit,cablesfeedingoutalongthegroundandintothecaveentrance.“Seetheantennaupthere?It’sprobablylinkedtoasatellitefeed.”Hemovedaround,slowlyscanningtherockface,andthenturnedbacktoher.“Idon’tseeanysurveillancecameras.Ithinkwe’regoodtogo.”
Heartracingwiththeadrenalineflowingthroughherveins,Jennamovedtotheedgeofthetarpaulin.“Thegateiswideopen.I’llgorightandyougoleft.Waitandlistenattheentrance.It’slikeanamplifierinthere.Weshouldbeabletoheareverythingthey’resaying.Problemisthey’llbeabletohearustoo.”SheturnedtolookatKane.“I’lltakethelead.Hangback.Ifheseesme,he’llassumeI’malone.I’lldistracthimawayfromthewomen.Lookingattheequipmenthehashere,hecouldbepackingforbear.”
“Justremember.”Kane’svoicewhisperedthroughherearbud.“Therecouldbeanynumberoftunnelsinthereforhimtohide.”
Ignoringthesuddenoverwhelmingdesiretorunintheoppositedirection,Jennastraightenedherspine.Thiskillerwasbrutalandsadisticandshedoubtedshewouldevergettheimagesofhisvictimsfromhermemory.HermindfilledwiththefacesofSusieHartwigandPoppyAnderson.Determinedtostopthismaniac’sreignofterror,sheslidherweaponfromtheholster,inhaledadeepbreath,andmovedlikeaghostintothedimlightofthecave.
FORTY-FOUR
ThedoortoSusie’scellslammedbackandthenextminutehewasonher.Painshotthroughherheadasonelargehandclosedaroundherhairanddraggedheracrossthefloor.Beforeshehadtimetoscream,shesawtheflashofaknife,andcoldsteelslippeddownherchestashepeeledtheclothesfromher.Tossedoutintothetunnel,shefellhardandslidacrossagrittygranitegroundtoPoppy’sfeet.Kneestornandpalmsshredded,shetriedtoscrambletoherfeet,butintwostrideshehadherbythehairagain.Terrorshudderedthroughherashedraggedherthroughthegatethatledtohiskillingarea.
“Getdownhere,Twenty-Five.”HerjailerturnedtolookatPoppy’spaleface.“Timetoproveyourworthtome.”
Shockedintoaction,Susieballedherfistandlungedforward,aimingapunchatherjailer’sgroin.Itconnected.Withahowllikeaninjuredwolf,hestaggeredawayfromher,clutchinghimselfandfallingtohisknees.Thenextmoment,Poppyemergedfromthedarknesswiththebaseballbatheldatshoulderheight.Assheswungatthekiller,hereachedoutahandandgrabbedherbytheanklepullingherfeetfromunderher.Cryingoutinalarm,Poppycrashedtothefloorandjustlaystill.Withoutasecondthought,SusiegrabbedthebaseballbatasitslidfromPoppy’shand.Themanwascussingashestruggledtogettohisfeetandsheswungthebatacrosshisshins.Whenhetooktheblowasifitwerenothingandcalmlyreachedfortheknifeinthesheathathiswaist,Susietriedtoscrambleaway,butthecavewallwasatherback.
“I’mgoingtokillyourealslow.”HemovedtowardSusieandkickedthebaseballbatfromherhands.“I’vealwayswantedtoskinsomebodyalive,anditlookslikeyou’regoingtobemyfirst.”
“Nooo!”Poppysatup,shakingherhead.“Shehasn’tdoneanythingtoyou.I’mthehomewrecker,nother.IactuallyenjoybreakingupcouplesjusttoproveIcan.IcameheretolureDeputyKaneawayfromthesheriff.Ihadaninklingthattheywereacoupleafterspeakingtohimattheconference.TheproblemwithSheriffAltonisshethinksshe’sallthat.Icameheretoproveotherwise.”Sheclimbedslowlytoherfeetandleanedagainstthewall.“Theproblemistheideaofkillingmedoesn’tappealtoyou,doesit?”
“Theideaisgettingmoreappealingbytheminute.”Heglaredather.“I’vehadothersbeforewhothinktheycantakeit,buttheyusuallyendupsobbingandcryingandbeggingfortheirlives.Ifigureyou’llbethesame.”Helungedtowardher.
“Sheriff’sDepartment.”Jenna’svoiceechoedthroughthetunnel.“TomParsons,wehaveyousurrounded.Dropyourweapons.It’snottoolatetofixthis.Thinkofyourwifeandkids.”
SusiestaredatJennaindisbelief.“Shoothimforgoodnesssake,beforehekillsus.”
AflashofmovementdartedinfrontofSusieasPoppysprinteddownthetunnelpushingJennaoutofthewayinherhaste.SusiegaspedasthekillermovedlikelightningandtackledJenna,aroundtheknees.TheyrolledonthefloorandJenna’sgunspunacrossthegroundintothedarknessandoutofreach.
FORTY-FIVE
ConcernedforJenna’ssafetybutfollowingordersandkeepingoutofsightasshetookcontrol,Kanemeltedintotheshadows.Thenextsecondfootstepscamerunningtowardhimandhesteppedoutofhiding.HisbreathcameoutinarushasPoppythrewherselfintohisarms,blockinghisviewofJenna.Heholsteredhisweapontountangleherandpushedheraway.“Move.Getoutside.RioandRowleyareontheirway.”
“Oh,Dave,Iknewyou’dcometosaveme.”Poppyleanedagainstthewallpanting.“Hehasabaseballbatandaknife.Noguns.”
Ignoringher,Kanestarteddownthedimtunnel,andasheturnedthecorner,hisheartskippedabeatatthesightofParsonsrollingaroundthegroundwithJenna.Thedimoverheadlightscaughttheflashofablade.Behindthem,SusieHartwig,starknakedandfilthy,wastryingtocrawlaway,nottowardhimandtosafetybutintoadarkcorner,searchingthefloorwithherhands.HerantowardJenna,butinthatsecond,Parsonshadrolledherover,draggedhertoherfeet,andpressedtheknifetoherthroat.AslowsmilecrossedParsons’facewhenhespottedhim.Kaneheldouthishands.“There’snowayout,Tom.CutherandI’llkillyou.Lethergoandyou’llbeabletohaveyourdayincourt.”
“Howaboutyoubackthehelloff,andI’llleaveandtakethesheriffwithme?”Parsons’mouthtwitchedintoaconfidantgrin.“I’vealwayswantedasheriff.”
“Whataboutyourwifeandkids?”Jenna’sgazeshiftedtowardKane.“Don’tyouthinkyouowethemanexplanation?”ShesaggedagainstParsons,leaningtohisleftandkeepinghimoffbalance.Herintentiontofightclear.
InsidewarningbellsscreamedatKane.Onewrongmoveandthesharpknifewouldcutdeep.Thatclosetohercarotidartery,he’dneverbeabletosaveher.WhatJennawasattemptingwasdangerousbutwhenshegavehimthetiniestofnods,Kaneexchangedaknowingglancewithher.They’dtrainedforasituationlikethis,buttherisktoJennawouldbefatal.OnemistakeandParsonswouldkillher.Distractinghimwashisonlyoption.“Howdoyouthinkshe’llfeelwhenshediscoversyou’vebeenrapingwomen?”
“Thishasnothingtodowithmywifeandkids.”ParsonswrappedhisfreearmaroundJenna’swaist,butshecontinuedtosag,leaningaway,kneesbenttounbalancehim.“Standupstraight.”HeswunghisgazebacktoKane.“MoveandI’llcutherthroat.Evenyoucan’tdrawthatfast.”
Really?TimeslowedandKanecouldseeatrickleofsweatslideslowlydownParsons’temple.Asthemantriedtogethisfeetunderhim,theknifedroppedawayfromJenna’sthroat.Inasplitsecond,Kanedrewhisweaponandfired.ThedeafeningshotshatteredParsons’rightshoulder.Theknifespilledfromhisunresponsivefingers,andhegapedathim,hismouthopeningandshuttinglikeafishtossedontoariverbank.Inaninstant,Jennaspunaround,kickedhislegsfromunderhim,rolledhimover,andheedlessofhisbleedingshouldercuffedhim.Kanedraggedhimupandsathimagainstthewall.“Don’tmoveormynextshotwilltakeoutyourkneecaps.”
“Youcan’tjustleavemeherebleedingtodeath.”Parsons’facecontortedwithpain.“Youhaveadutyofcare.”
Disgustedbyhiswhimpering,Kaneturnedandstaredathim.“You’rebreathingand,trustme,thatwasn’tmyfirstchoice.You’reluckythesheriffisacompassionatewomanandIhatepaperwork,orI’dhaveaimedalittlehigherandtotheleft.”
“Youhavetherighttoremainsilent—andasDeputyKaneisn’tinaverygoodmoodjustnow,Isuggestyoudo.”JennareadParsons’hisrightsandthenlookedupatKane,blowingthetumbleofravenhairfromhereyes.“Niceshot.”Shestuckafingerinherearandwiggledit.“Myearsareringing.”Shepointedintothedarkness.“Myweaponisovertheresomewhere.Canyoufinditforme?”
KanepulledouthisMaglite.“Sure.Icanhearavehicle—thatwillbeourbackup.”
“Good.TheycantakeParsonsintocustodyandwe’llmopuphere.”Jennalookedaround.“Thisplaceisahellhole.”
“He’snotgettingawaywithkillingallthosewomen.”Susie,eyeswideinasheet-whiteface,hadfoundJenna’sgunandwaswavingitatParsons.“Moveoutoftheway,Jenna.”HerhandstrembledassheaimedtheweaponatParsons’head.“Didyouseewhathedidtothosewomen?It’sonthelaptop,allthetorture,therapes—everything.”Sheletoutasobandthengatheredherself.“He’samonster.Hedoesn’tdeservetolive.”
“Susie.”JennasteppedawayfromParsons.“I’veknownyousinceIfirstarrivedinBlackRockFalls.HaveIeverallowedakillertogetawaywithmurder?”
“No.”Susiehadn’ttakenhereyesofftheprisoner.“Butthisisdifferent.Thisonetriedtokillme.Doyouknowthereareotherwomenlockedupinoneofthetunnels?Hekeepsuslikeanimalsandnumberedussohecouldmurderusinsequence.Hedoesn’tdeserveatrial.Hedeservestodie.Iwantmyrevenge.”
Kaneclearedhisthroat.“Iagreehedeservestodie,Susie,thoughifyoukillhim,itmakesyounobetterthanhim,doesit?Akillerisakiller.Ifyoupullthetrigger,you’llbejustasguiltyashim.Itwouldn’tbeself-defense.Itwouldbefirst-degreemurder,andmeandJennawouldhavetotestifyagainstyou,andwedon’twanttodothatdowe,Jenna?”
“No,ofcoursewedon’t.”JennamovedclosertoSusieandheldoutahand.“You’renotthinkingstraightrightnow.Givemethegun.”
“NotyetandI’mthinkingjustfine.”Holdingtheweaponoutinfrontofher,SusiewenttowhereParsonswasslumpedagainstthewallmoaning.Shepressedthemuzzleofthegunintohisforehead.Hiseyesliftedtohersandthenclosedtight.Susieleanedin.“Areyouscared?Youshouldbe.HowdoesitfeelknowingIcouldsqueezethetrigger?Ishouldreleasethewomenandletthemdealouttheirownformofjustice.YoudeservethatbutI’mbetterthanyou.Ihaveaconscience.”Sheturnedandgavethepistolbutt-firsttoJennaand,grabbingablanketfromapileonthedesktocoverhernakedness,walked,headheldhigh,outofthecave.
FORTY-SIXFRIDAY,WEEKTWO
ThenextfewdayshadrevealedtheextentofTomParsons’evilmission.Spreadacrosstwostatesandinvolvingoverfortywomen,Jennafounditdifficulttocomprehendhowhemurderedsomanywomenandyethiswifehadneversuspectedathing.She’dspokentoheratlengthandreceivedablank,shockedexpression.Infact,Mrs.Parsonshadbeenso
They’ddiscoveredfourotherwomeninthecellsandallofthemwantedtotelltheirstories.Thewomenhadbeenheldforaslongasthreeyearsandallofthemwouldrequireextensivepsychiatrictreatment.Theirstorieshadbeenthesame.They’dmetParsonsatatruckstoporabarandstartedtalkingtohimwiththeintentionofgettingaridetothenexttown.Hetoldthemabouthiswifeandkidsandhowheenjoyedgettingontheroadtogetabreakfromthem.Duringthetruckride,hetoldthemheenjoyedtheircompanyandofferedthemaplacetostayifhecouldvisitthemfromtimetotime.Thewomenwerealldrifters.Theymovedfromtowntotownlookingforworkjusttosurvive.Hisoffersoundedtoogoodtobetrue,butthey’dbeendesperateenoughtoaccept.
They’dtakenPoppyandSusiestraighttotheERalongwiththeotherwomen,andalthoughSusiewasshaken,she’dgivenaconcisestatementdetailingherkidnapping.AfterJennahadpeeledPoppyfromKane,she’dfoundhertobeclearheadedandabletorelaypreciseinformation.TherevelationthatParsonshadchangedhisMOwithSusieandPoppyofferedtheteamanewinsightintothedeviouswaysapsychopathwouldusetolureawomanintohistrap.
TheevidencetheydiscoveredinthecavessealedParsons’fate.He’ddocumentedeverymurderandsavedthemonnumerousdrives.Theteamhadtakenturnsviewingthefootagebecauseofthegraphicnatureofthecontent,andevenWolfehadwalkedoutofthecommunicationsroomashenandspeechlessforatime.They’dhandedalltheevidenceovertotheDAandeveryonewasanxioustointerviewthekiller,butParsonshadremainedsilent,speakingonlytohislawyer,SamuelJ.Cross.TheteamhadusedthetimetohuntdownthemissingBrightcousins.Theassumptionthatthey’dvanishedbecauseoftheirinvolvementhadbotheredJenna,buttohersurprise,themenhadarrivedhomewithamessoffishaftercampingatoneofthelakes.
She’dbeensittinginherofficebringingherfilesuptodatewhenSamCrossknockedonherofficedoor.Notaslickdresser,Crosswastheepitomeofacowboy,withhisfadedbluejeans,batteredStetson,andsnakeskinboots—buthejusthappenedtobethebestdefenselawyershe’devermet.“WhatcanIdoforyou,Sam?”
“Myclientiswillingtobeinterviewedbuthe’llonlyspeaktoagentJoWellsandyou.”Crossrolledhiseyes.“Iinformedhimhe’dneedtospeakwiththeDAifhewantedadeal,buthe’shedginghisbets.Ifigurehewantstowringthelastbitofhorrorfromhisstorybytellingyouandwatchingyourreaction.”
Grimacing,Jennadroppedapenintoherchippedmug.“Afterwatchingthosetapes,nothingwillevershockmeagain.”
“We’recomingtotheendofthetimeyoucanlegallyholdhimwithoutcharges.Whenwillyoubeformallycharginghim?”CrosstippedbackhisStetsonandsighed.“Ishouldinformyouthatduetothemountingevidenceagainstmyclient,myadvicetohimtoavoidthedeathpenaltywillbetopleadguiltyofallcharges.I’lladvisehimtogiveyouandtheColoradolawenforcementasmuchdetailaspossiblesotheycanpursuetheidentitiesofthewomenonthevideofiles.”
Jennaleanedbackinherchair.“Thatwouldbegood.We’dliketohearhissideofthestory.Oncetheinterviewisover,we’llbearrestinghim.I’llsupplyyouwithacopyofthewarrant.Notknowingtheidentityofthevictimsmadeitdifficult,butWolfehasnowidentifiedthethreevictimsbytheirdentalrecords.AstheirmurdersoccurredinBlackRockFalls,andwehaveproofParsonskilledthem,theDAwillbebringingthreecountsofmurderagainsthim.He’llalsobechargedwithkidnapping,deprivationofliberty,rape,andassaultofthewomenwediscoveredinsidethecaves.Bytheendoftheday,we’llbeshippinghimofftoCounty.”
“That’swhatIexpected.Iassumedthepaperworkwouldbefinalizedtoday.”CrosssuckedinadeepbreathandglancedbehindhimasJowalkedpastthedoor.“IseeAgentWellsisstillintown.”
“Yes.Whenwediscoveredthemurderscoveredatleasttwostatesandthenumberofwomeninvolved,webroughtthemintoassist.”Jennaclearedherthroat.“DoyouwishtospeakwithAgentsWellsandCarter?”
“Notatthistime.”Crossrubbedthebridgeofhisnose.“It’sbeenalongfewdays.NowMr.Parsonsiswillingtotalk,whencanyouarrangeaninterviewwithmyclient?”
Jennasmiledathim.“I’llspeaktoJo.Shecan’twaittohearhisstoryandhasaremarkablewaywithdealingwithpsychopaths.Forsomereasontheyseemtofeelsafewithherandgiveherinformation.It’sasiftheyfeelproudtellingherwhatthey’vedone.”ShenoticedtheusuallycalmandconnectedSamCrosswasalittlejittery.Shewasn’tsurprisedifhe’dbeensubjectedtoParsons’harrowingstoryforthelasttwodays.“Whydon’tyougointotheofficedownstairsandgrabacupofcoffeeandsomethingtoeat?I’llsetuptheinterviewsothatyoucangetbacktoyouroffice.ItwillbewhentheDAcanmakeit.Hewantstobeinvolved.”
“Thanks.Afterthiscase,I’mgoingfishing…foraweek.”Crosspushedhishatbackonhisheadandheadedoutthedoor.
“Absolutelynot.”Kaneshookhishead.“Youcan’tpossiblyallowaprisonertodictateterms.”
“Kane’scorrect.”Cartermovedatoothpickacrosshislips.“Weshouldbeintheinterviewwithyou.Ican’timaginewhyyou’devenconsiderthatSOB’sdemands.”HemovedhisattentionawayfromJennaandstaredatJo.“Iknowyouwanttogatherinformationforyourbookbutinmyopinion—ifit’sofanyvaluetoyou—isthatallowinghimtotaketheupperhandisabigmistake.”
Annoyed,Jennamovedherattentionfromonetotheother.“ItwaspartofthedealImadewithSamCross.Itwasn’tmyideaorJo’s.”ShelookedatKane’sunyieldingexpressionandshrugged.“Fine.We’llallgointogether,butifheclamsup,I’llbeorderingbothofyoutowaitoutside—isthatperfectlyclear?”
“Thatworksforme.”Kanesmiledather.“Foratimethere,Ifiguredwewerehavingourfirstfightasamarriedcouple.”
Shakingherheadindisbelief,Jennalookedathimandburstoutlaughing.“Trustme,ifwewerehavingafight,you’dknowaboutit,butthisisn’taboutus,Dave,isit?It’snotpersonal.Thisisaboutwork.Iwelcomealivelydiscussionaboutacase,butIdon’tappreciateanyonequestioningmyorders.”SheturnedhergazetoCarter.“Eventhoughthetwoofyoutriedtopressureme,thistimeIseeyourpoint.Youshouldknow,Carter,onceI’vemadeupmymindit’sprettyhardtochangeit.”
“Oh,Iknow,butitwon’tstopmetrying.”Carter’smouthcurledupatthecorners.“Ma’am.”
Jennaheadedfortheinterviewroom.“Okay,theDAandWolfehaverequestedtowatchtheinterview,plusafewoftheDA’sstaff.They’reallwaitingforus,solet’sgetthisshowontheroad.”
SheledthewaythroughtheofficeandstoppedwhenshearrivedatKane’sdesktofindPoppyperchedontop,peeringintoacompactmirror.AftercavinginandgivingPoppybackherjob,therealizationthatshe’dhavetoendurethewoman’sconstantattentiontoKaneannoyedher.She’dfiguredafterPoppyhadprovedshecouldcopeinacrisissheowedherachanceontheteam.JennashotaglanceatKaneandcaughthiseyerollandsmiled.“Youknow,Dave.Asdeputysheriff,Ifigureyoudeserveadeskinmyoffice.AsPoppyhasanobviousattractiontoyourdesk,shecanhaveit.YoucanshareminefornowandI’llhaveanewonedeliveredbyMonday.”
“I’dlikethat.”Kanechuckled.“Thanks.DoIgetapayraiseaswell?”
Jennalaughed.“Don’tpushyourluck.”
Soberingastheyenteredthehallwayoutsidetheinterviewroom,JennanoddedtoWolfeandtheDAandhisassociates.Theywouldbeabletohearandseeeverythingonceshesetuptherecordingdevice.ThevideofeedwasalsoavailabletoRowleyandRiointhecommunicationsroom.Shesteppedinside,Jofollowedclosebehind,andtheysatdown.KaneandCartercameinbehindthemandstoodeachsideofthedoor,likesentries.Parsons,chainedsecurelybyfeetandhands,satrelaxedbesideSamCross,asifwaitingtobeservedcoffeeinAuntBetty’sCafé.Withthevideosetup,thetime,date,andwhowaspresentadded,JennarestedherhandsonthedeskeachsideofheriPad.ShehadnotesbuthadquestionssetinhermindtoaskParsons.ShewantedJotoeaseintothequestioninginanefforttocollectasmuchinformationaspossible.BeforeshecouldopenhermouthParsonsleanedforward,clankinghischains.
“Mywifeandkids.”Parsons’expressionchangedandhiseyesflashedwithconcern.“Aretheyokay?Didyoutellher?”
Empathywasn’twhatJennaexpectedandmethisgaze.Thisviciousmurdererdidn’tdeservehercompassion,butrightnowshe’ddojustaboutanythingtomakehimtalk.“Yes,yourwifeknows.Yourwifeisundercareatthehospitalandthechildrenarestayingwithherrelatives.I’msureyou’dimaginethishasbeenquiteashocktoher.”
“EverythingIdidwastoprotectherandthechildren.”Parsonsdroppedhisheadintohishands.“EverythingIdoisforthem.”
Astoundedtoseehimshowinganyemotion,JennaturnedtolookatJo.Thisreactionwassooutofcharacterforapersonwithhislustformurder,sheneededanexperttohandlehim.Shegaveheraslightwaveofherhandtoindicatesheshouldtakeoverfromtheget-go.
“Mr.ParsonsmynameisAgentJoWells.I’mabehavioralanalystwiththeFBIandcurrentlywritingabooktoenablelawenforcementtobetterunderstandwhypeoplemurder.I’mheretolistentoyouandnotcondemnyouforwhatyou’vedone.Canyoutellmeinyourownwordswhatprovokedyoutomurderthefirstvictim?”Sheleanedbackinthechairandtheroomfellsilentforsomemoments.“Didsomethinghappentoyourmomtomakeyouwanttopreventithappeningtoyourwife?”
WhenParsonsjuststaredathishands,JennaexchangedameaningfullookwithSamCrossinthehopehe’dbeabletomakehisclienttalk,buthejustshrugged.Besideher,Jonudgedherelbowandindicatedforhertowait.Jennanoddedandleanedbackinherchair.Itwassoquiteintheroomthatshecouldhaveheardapindrop.
“Okay,sohowaboutwestartwiththeskewers.Theymustbeaneasypartoftheexplanation.”Joleanedforwardslightly.“Whatexactlydotheymeantoyou?”
“Yeah,everythingIdomeanssomethingtome.”ParsonsliftedhisheadslowlyandstaredatJo.“Why?”
“Theywereusedinasimilarcrime,bytheMichelangeloKiller.”JoheldupanimageofoneofBrunoVito’svictims.“Didyoucopyhim?”
“I’veneverheardofhim,buthehasanimaginationthat’sforsure.”Parsonsshrugged.“I’vebeenthinkinghoweverythingstarted,whyIkilledthefirstwoman,andhowIfeltaboutit.Truthis,Ididn’tfeelanything.Idon’tcareaboutthem—Ifantasizeaboutwhoisnextanditbecomesanobsession.Ithinkaboutkillingallthetime—IfigureI’maddicted.”Hechuckledandshookhishead.“You’veneverheardanyonesaythatbefore,haveyou?”
“Okay,solet’sgobacktowhenyouwereakid.”Jo’sexpressionwasrelaxedandopen.Itwasobviousshedidn’tplanonallowinghimtotakeovertheinterview.“Tellmeaboutyourparents.”
“Mypawasamajorasshole.Hehadnorespectformyma.Hewasinsalesandtraveledallover.Heprobablyhadawomanineverytownandcamehomestinkingofperfumeornotatallforweeks.”Heopenedhishandswide.“I’msureMaknewhewasseeingotherwomen,butIguessshelovedhimand,whenhesaidhe’dbehome,she’dcookaspecialroastdinner.Itwasalwaysoneofthoserolled-upmeatdisheswiththeskewersalldownonesidetoholdittogether.Whenhedidn’tcomehome,she’dthrowitagainstthewallandwe’dgohungry.Ialwayshadthejobofcleaningupthemess.”
“Whathappenedwhenyourpacamehome?”Jo’sfacewasexpressionlessandsheneveroncegaveherfeelingsawaytothepeoplesheinterviewed.“Didtheyfight?”
“Ohyeah,he’dslapheraroundandthenapologize.Theyalwaysmadeupandthenassoonashewentawayithappenedallover.”Parsonsleanedbackinhischair.“IfIaskedhimwhyheslappedmymaorifIgotbetweenthemtostophim,he’dgetmad,takeoffhisbelt,folditover,andbeatmewithitsohardIcouldn’twalkthenextday.He’dtellmetomindmybusiness.He’dsaythatwhenIgrewup,I’dunderstandthatamanhashisneeds,andawife’splaceistorespectthem.”
“So,youwerehelplesstodoanythingtohelpyourmother?”Jomadeafewnotesandraisedhergazebacktohim.
“Itriedandwespokeaboutit,butshe’dgetmadatmetoo.She’dtellmeI’dbejustlikehimwhenIgrew,thatallmenwerethesame.Shealsotoldme,therearetwokindsofwomen:thosewhomarriedamantobehiswifeandthehomewreckers.”Parsonsshruggedalmostnonchalantly.“Itseemedmyfatherwasattractedtothelatter.”
Unabletohelpherself,Jennastaredathimuncomprehending.“Whathasallthistodowithyoukidnapping,raping,andmurderingwomen?”Shefrowned.“Andwhytheplasticmasks?”
“Yousaidthey’dsitniceandjustlisten.”ParsonsturnedtoSamCrossandthenindicatedtoJenna.“Youneedagoodbeating,woman,toputyouinyourplace.Menruletheworld.Don’tyouknow?Youonlygotyourjobtokeepthewomenfromnaggingustodeath.Itwasacompromiseisall.”
Unsettledbyhiscomments,Jennawantedtoleave,butkepthergazesteadyonhim.“Doyoubeatyourwife?”
“Never.”Parsonsglaredather,hiseyesturningblack.HeclenchedhisfistsandJennaheardKaneandCartershiftpositionbehindher.“I’magoodhusband.Iprotecther.”
“Canwekeepthisconversationontrack?”Jotookasipofwaterfromabottleshe’djustcracked.“It’saneasyquestion.Whydidyoukillyourfirstvictim?Youmusthavehadareason.”
“Thefirstoneandallofthemwerethesame.”ParsonsshruggedandhisattentionmovedbacktoJo.“Itravelinmyworkandnotadaygoesbywithoutsomewomantryingtohitonme.Theywantarideortheywantme.I’vegotacabininColorado.Ioftenstaytherebecauseitsavesmoneyonmytrips.EverytimeIgotoabarorgoouttobuysomethingtoeatthere’ssomewomantryingtogetmetoinvitethemtomyplace.Youseehoweasyitwasformetobecomelikemyfather?Icouldn’tallowthattohappen.IhadawifeandkidsathomeandIalwaysmadesuremywifeknewexactlywhenIwasgoingtobehome.Yeah,IspenttimewiththewomenI’dcollectedinmytrips,butIneverwenthomesmellingofperfume.”
“You’resayingthatyouconsideredthewomenyoukidnappedathreattoyourmarriageandremovedthem?”Jomethisgazeheadon.“Sowhyrapethem?Surelythatwascheatingonyourwife?”
“Ah,see,youdon’tunderstandthewayofthings.”Parsonssmiledather.“Thosewomenbroketherules.Theyhadachoice.ItoldthemIwasinlovewithmywife,butitmadenodifference.Theydidn’tcareiftheyhurtanyone,soIgavethemaridetohell.”HeclankedhischainsandshiftedhisgazeslowlytoJenna.“Theydeservedtobepunished.Isetrulesforthemtogivethemachancetochangetheirways.Watchthetapesandyouwillhearwhattheyofferedme.So,Igavethemeachanumberand,becausetheywereallthesame,Itookawaytheiridentity.IpurchasedthemasksatayardsaleinColorado.Thefactitwasacop’smaskisn’trelevant.Whatwasrelevantisthattheyalllookedthesame,becausehomewreckersareallthesame.”
Jennaclearedherthroat.“Wefoundabagofclothesinthecaves.Wheredidyougetthemfrom?”
“Theybelongedtothewomen.”Parsonsmethergaze.“Ihadn’ttimetoputthemintostorage.ThenegligeesIpurchasedfromWalmart.IgavethemtomywifeandthentoldherIliketoseeherindifferentonesallthetime.Itookawaytheoldonesandgavethemtothewomen.”
“Yousaidyouputtheclothesinstorage?”Jo’seyebrowsrose.“Whereexactlywouldthatbe?”
“I’vehadalongtimearrangementwithMrs.Bright.”Parsonsfrowned.“Wouldyoubelieveshewentanddiedonmeandleftthehousetohergrandsons?Icouldn’ttellthemabouttheclothesnow,couldI?Itriedtobuythehousefromthem,buttheyrefused.Itdidn’tmatterbecausewhenIwenttoseethemtheywerehaulingouteverythingandburningtheclothes.”
“Howmanywomenhaveyoukilled?”Joleanedbackinherchair,actingasifshewereaskinghimhowmanycupsofcoffeehehadaday.
“I’mnotsure.”Hescratchedhischin,makingthechainsclankagainstthemetalloopsonthedesk.“Istartedgivingthemnumbersayearago,butI’vebeenmarriedsevenyearsandthatwasaroundthetimeitstarted.Ididn’tplanondumpingthebodiesinBlackRockFallsatall.ItwasjustthatwehaveatoddlerandayoungbabyandIwantedtobehomemoreoften.”Hesighed.“IttooksolongformywifetofallpregnantforourfirstoneIwasstartingtobelieveIwascursed.”
TheskinonJenna’sarmspebbledasifsomeonehadwalkedoverhergrave.“Ifyouthoughtthattobetrue,whydidyoukeeponkilling?”
“Oh,surelyyouknowthat,Sheriff?”Parsonseyesmovedupanddownoverherbodyandcametorestbackonherface.“There’ssomethingabouthavingawomanafraidofmethatIenjoy.Ihaveno,whatyouwouldcallfeelingsforthem.Keepingthemforaspell,theybecomeplacid,butwhenIdragthemoutandbeatthem…well.”HeshotalookatKaneandthenmovedittoCarter.Hismouthturnedintoasatisfiedsmile.“Itfeelssogoodtohaveawomansquirmingandmoaning—Iliketocontroltheirpainandseejusthowmuchtheycantake.”HemovedhisattentionbacktoJenna.“Ididn’tstopbecauseIenjoyedittoomuch.”
Horrified,Jennafoughthardtocomposeherexpression.“So,theexcuseaboutfearingyou’dbecomejustlikeyourfatherwasanexcuseformurder?”
“Youaresowrong.”Parsons’expressionchangedtoannoyance.“Ineverhadanaffairwithanyofthem.Ipunishedthemfortryingtobreakupmymarriage.”Heshrugged.“Noneofthemhadthechance.”
“Areyourparentsstillalive?”Jomademorenotes.
“Mymaisalive,butmyfatherunfortunatelyfellinfrontofabuswhenIwaseighteen.”Parsonschuckleddeepandsinister.“MymaremarriedandmovedtoCaliforniaacoupleofyearslater.She’shappy.”
Jennaneededmoreinformation.“WhydidyoukidnapPoppyAndersonand,moreimportantly,whydidn’tyoukillher?Seemstome,shehadtherunoftheplacewhenwearrived.Wassheinvolvedinthekillings?”
“Involved?Nah.ShewashedthebodyofTwenty-Four,isall.Ienjoyedwatchingheronherknees.She’ddoanythingIorderedhertodo…Shewasmyslave.Itwaswhatshedeserved.Yousee,assmartandcunningasshemightbe,she’snodifferentthantherestofthehomewreckers.”Parsonsraisedaneyebrowandsmiledather.“Surelyyouknowthatbynow,don’tyou,Sheriff?”HeflickedalookatKaneandwinked.“Hesureashellknowswhatshe’slike.Encourageawomanlikethatandtheynevergiveup—dothey,Deputy?”
Jennajuststaredathim.“Goon.Justhowdoyouhavesomuchinformationonsomeonewho’sneverlivedintown?”
“IdeliveredatrucktoHelenaandtookaflightback.Shesatbesideme.”Parsonschuckled.“Shetoldmewhyshe’dcometoBlackRockFalls.ShewasgoingtohookupwithDeputyKane.WhenItoldheritwascommonknowledgethatyouhadfeelingsforhim,shebrushedthatawayandmadelikethatwasn’taproblem.”Heleanedbackinhisseat.“Bytakingheroutoftheequation,Iwasdoingyouafavor,Sheriff.ThefunnythingwasthatTwenty-Fivethoughtshecouldplayme,butI’dplannedtokillhernextandI’dhaveenjoyedeverysecond.She’sjustliketheothers.”Heleanedforwardandstaredintohereyes.“I’movertalking,butI’llgiveyouapieceofadvice,Sheriff.Aleopardcan’tchangetheirspots.Twenty-Fivealreadyhasherclawsinyourman—andit’sonlyamatteroftimebeforeshetakeshimfromyou.”
EPILOGUESATURDAY,THEFOLLOWINGWEEK
Thesmellofsteaksizzlingonthegrillwithonionshadtobethebestaromaintheworld.JennaleanedbackinherseatandsippedaglassofaromaticredwinethatKanehadselectedfromhisextensivecellar.Therichtastespilledoverhertastebudsinasighofdelight.She’dneededtounwindaftertheharrowingcase,andKane’sideatoinvitetheirfriendsaroundforacookoutwasjustaboutasrelaxingasitgot.ThevideosParsonshadfilmedofthemurderswouldstaywithherforaverylongtime.She’dhadafewsleeplessnightsandneededsometimeawayfromtheoffice.ShehadtakenoffthisweekendafterMaggieandoldDeputyWaltershadofferedtotakeovertogiveeveryoneawell-earnedrest.SherubbedherforeheadasthememoryofspeakingtoMrs.Parsonsagainfilteredintohermind.Sheunderstoodthepoweroflovingsomeone,butsomethingsmostpeoplecouldnotforgive.YetParsons’wifewasstandingbyherhusband,eventhoughhe’dpleadedguiltytoallchargesandwouldneverseethelightofdayagain.
JennahadtoadmitthatParsons’warningaboutPoppyAndersonhadplayedonhermind.ShehadnodoubtthatPoppywasaflirtandhaddesignsonKane.BothEmilyandJohadwarnedheraboutgivingPoppybackherjob,sayingshewouldcausetoomuchtrouble.Thedecisionhadn’tbeeneasy,butoneshe’dtakenalone.Poppyhadshowntruegritinanuntenablesituation,andshefiguredsheowedherasecondchance.Although,partneringherwithRiohadn’tgonedowntoowellwithEmily.
Sheglancedovertothegroupofmenstandingaroundthegrill.Asifhe’dfelthergazeonhim,Kaneturnedandsmiledather.TheonethingthatEmilyandJohadn’ttakenintoconsiderationwasthatKanewasanhonorableman.Whenhegaveavow,hekeptit.ShetrustedhimwithherlifeandherheartandfigureditwouldtakemorethanPoppyAndersontocomebetweenthem.
ItwasjustJenna,Emily,andSandyatthetable.JulieandAnnahadtakenthemselvesofftothestableswithZacRio’ssiblings,PiperandCade,toseethehorses.JoandCarterhadleftthepreviousweekaftertakingoverParsons’murdercasesinColorado.Herfriendswerechatting,anditwasnicetojustsitbackandlistenforachange.ShesmiledatEmily.“So,Zacishere.Areyoutwoanitemnow?”
“I’minterested.”Emily’slipscurledintoasatisfiedsmile.“Heiskindaspecial,don’tyouthink?”
Unabletohidehergrin,Jennalaughed.“He’saniceguy.Ilikehim.Howdoesyourdadfeelaboutyoudatinghim?”
“Oh,we’renotdating.”Emily’sgazemovedovertothemen.“We’rejustfriendsrightnowbutI’mworkingonit,andit’snotuptoDad.It’suptome.Idon’twantanythingtostandinmywayoffinishingmymedicaldegree,andZacisverysupportive,sothere’snoplanstogetseriousjustyet.”
Jennashookherhead.“That’shardtopredict,Em.Lovekindahitsyoulikeatornadoandsweepsyouaway.”
“So,I’venoticed.”Emilychuckled.“Davegetsthosepuppydogeyeseverytimehelooksatyou.”Shepointedather.“Youlooklikethecatthatgotthecream.”
SneakinganotherlookatKane,Jennasmiled.“Davemakesmesohappy.EverymorningIwakeuphopingit’snotadream.Iguessthatfeelingwillwearoffoneday.”
“Itwon’t.”Sandy,JakeRowley’swife,sighedandsmiled.“Ifeellikethattoo.”
Jenna’sattentionmovedtoSandy,bouncinghertwins,CooperandVannah,oneoneachknee,andwonderedhowshemanagedtocopewiththewriggling,gigglingtwins.Theyseemedsuchahandful,butitwasobviousthatSandywasenjoyingeverymoment.“Areyougettinganysleepwiththetwins?”
“Notwhatyoumightcallsleep.”Sandylaughed.“It’sfineunlessthey’reteething,whichatthemomentseemstobeallthetime.”
“LetmetakeCooperoverwiththemen.”Rowleycametothetableandswunghissonintotheair.“Wehavetostartthemalebondingatayoungage,youknow.”Hegrinnedatherandhoistedthelittleboyononehip.
“I’vealwaysthoughtitwasingrainedinthem.Youknow,thewaytheyallgathertogetheraroundthegrill.Although,mydadseemstobethecookallthetime.Whatisthat,thedominantmaleorsomething?”Emilywrinkledhernose.“They’reweird.”
Grinning,Jennaglancedovertothegroupofmenaroundthegrill.“Iloveit.Wegetthebestendofthedeal.Wemakeafewsalads,supplythecondiments,andsitherewaitingtobefed.Idon’tmindthattraditionatall.It’snicetorelaxforatimeandtalkgirltalk.”SheglancedatKaneashecamebacktothetabletorefilltheirglasses.Shesmiledupathim.“Howlongforthesteaks?I’mstarving.”
“Shanewillhavethemreadysoon.”Kanelookedaroundthetable.“IsthereanythingelseIcangetyou,whileyou’rewaiting?”
Jennasmiledathim.“Onlyyou.”
“Youhaveme.”Kanepulledherintohisarmsandsmileddownather.“Jakeisgoingtodropbyinthemorningtotendthehorses.I’vebookedthehoneymoonsuiteattheCattleman’sHotelfortonight.”Hebentandkissedherforalongtimeandthenpulledbackandsmiled.“Ifigurewe’lltakethehoneymoonwe’reowedonedayatatime…maybestretchitoutoverfiftyyearsorso.”
HappinessspreadthroughJennainawarmglowandshewrappedherarmsaroundhisneck.“I’dlikethatjustfine.”
***
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BOOKSBYD.K.HOODDETECTIVESKANEANDALTONPREQUELS
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FinallyhavingJennaandDavetogetherwasadelighttowrite,butafterreadingthisbook,you’llknownothingissmoothsailinginmystories.TroubleiscomingfromalldirectionsandJenna’sandDave’sliveswillbeturnedupsidedown.AnewtypeofserialkillerhasarrivedinBlackRockFalls—andnooneissafe.Ihopeyou’lljoinmeformynextthrillingrideastheteamhuntsdowntheJackofHeartskiller.
IfyouenjoyedKissHerGoodnight,Iwouldbeverygratefulifyoucouldleaveareviewandrecommendmybooktoyourfriendsandfamily.Ireallyenjoyhearingfromreaders,sofeelfreetoaskmequestionsatanytime.YoucangetintouchonmyFacebookpageorTwitterorthroughmyblog.
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Iwanttothankmyhusband,Gary,whoenduresmylongauthorsilenceswhenI’minBlackRockFalls,bringsmecoffee,andremindsmetoeatwhenI’minthezone.Helaughsatmyresearchhistory,ratherthanbeingworried.Imeanwhowouldn’tbeconcernedtodiscoverI’mresearchingpoisons,chainsaws,andhowtodissolveacorpseinacid?Instead,helistenspatientlytoasceneI’verewrittententimesoverandencouragesmetokeepgoing.EverydayI’mthankfulforbeingabletospendmylifewithhim.Thesepastthreemonthshavebeencrazy,andwithouthim,thisbookwouldneverhavebeenwritten.
We–bothauthorandpublisher–hopeyouenjoyedthisbook.Webelievethatyoucanbecomeareaderatanytimeinyourlife,butwe’dloveyourhelptogivethenextgenerationaheadstart.
Didyouknowthat9%ofchildrendon’thaveabookoftheirownintheirhome,risingto13%indisadvantagedfamilies*?We’dliketotrytochangethatbyaskingyoutoconsidertheroleyoucouldplayinhelpingtobuildreadersofthefuture.
We’dloveyoutogetinvolvedbysharing,borrowing,reading,buyingortalkingaboutabookwithachildinyourlifeandspreadingtheloveofreading.Wewanttomakesurethenextgenerationcontinuestohaveaccesstobooks,wherevertheycomefrom.
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*AsreportedbytheNationalLiteracyTrust
PublishedbyBookouturein2022
AnimprintofStoryfireLtd.
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Copyright?D.K.Hood,2022
D.K.Hoodhasassertedherrighttobeidentifiedastheauthorofthiswork.
Allrightsreserved.Nopartofthispublicationmaybereproduced,storedinanyretrievalsystem,ortransmitted,inanyformorbyanymeans,electronic,mechanical,photocopying,recordingorotherwise,withoutthepriorwrittenpermissionofthepublishers.
eBookISBN:978-1-80314-335-4
Thisbookisaworkoffiction.Names,characters,businesses,organizations,placesandeventsotherthanthoseclearlyinthepublicdomain,areeithertheproductoftheauthor’simaginationorareusedfictitiously.Anyresemblancetoactualpersons,livingordead,eventsorlocalesisentirelycoincidental.
TableofContents
TitlePage
Contents
Dedication
Prologue
Chapter1
Chapter2
Chapter3
Chapter4
Chapter5
Chapter6
Chapter7
Chapter8
Chapter9
Chapter10
Chapter11
Chapter12
Chapter13
Chapter14
Chapter15
Chapter16
Chapter17
Chapter18
Chapter19
Chapter20
Chapter21
Chapter22
Chapter23
Chapter24
Chapter25
Chapter26
Chapter27
Chapter28
Chapter29
Chapter30
Chapter31
Chapter32
Chapter33
Chapter34
Chapter35
Chapter36
Chapter37
Chapter38
Chapter39
Chapter40
Chapter41
Chapter42
Chapter43
Chapter44
Chapter45
Chapter46
Epilogue
HearMorefromD.K.Hood
BooksbyD.K.Hood
ALetterfromD.K.Hood
Acknowledgments
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Copyright
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