WHEREANGELSFEARANADDICTIVECRIMETHRILLERWITHAGRIPPINGTWISTD.K.HOODBOOKSBYD.K.HOOD
Don’tTellASoul
BringMeFlowers
FollowMeHome
TheCryingSeason
WhereAngelsFear
WhisperintheNight
AVAILABLEINAUDIO
Don’tTellASoul(UKlisteners|USlisteners)
BringMeFlowers(UKlisteners|USlisteners)
FollowMeHome(UKlisteners|USlisteners)
TheCryingSeason(UKlisteners|USlisteners)
WhereAngelsFear(UKlisteners|USlisteners)
ToDanielandGaryBrownmybrainstormingteam,whoencouragemeeverystepoftheway.
CONTENTSPrologueChapter1Chapter2Chapter3Chapter4Chapter5Chapter6Chapter7Chapter8Chapter9Chapter10Chapter11Chapter12Chapter13Chapter14Chapter15Chapter16Chapter17Chapter18Chapter19Chapter20Chapter21Chapter22Chapter23Chapter24Chapter25Chapter26Chapter27Chapter28Chapter29Chapter30Chapter31Chapter32Chapter33Chapter34Chapter35Chapter36Chapter37Chapter38Chapter39Chapter40Chapter41Chapter42Chapter43Chapter44Chapter45Chapter46Chapter47Chapter48Chapter49Chapter50Chapter51Chapter52Chapter53Chapter54Chapter55Chapter56Chapter57Chapter58Chapter59Chapter60EpilogueWhisperintheNightHearMoreFromD.K.HoodBooksbyD.K.HoodAletterfromD.K.HoodDon’tTellaSoulBringMeFlowersFollowMeHomeTheCryingSeasonAcknowledgementsPROLOGUEFRIDAY
“Justkeepdriving.”FeargrippedEllaTateandsheturnedinherseattoglareatherfriend.“Don’tstop.Haveyoulostyourmind?”
“Wedon’tleavepeoplestrandedinBlackRockFalls.”Sky’svoicesoundedharshinthestillness.“There’sablizzardonthewayandthepoormancouldfreezetodeath.”
TheideaoftravelingintothemiddleofnowhereinthepitchblackwithnotevenasliverofamoonscaredthecrapoutofElla,letalonestoppingforastrangemanonthesideofadesertedhighway.“Wehaven’tpassedacarforatleastanhour.Hecouldbeaserialkillerjustwaitingforustodropby.’
“Really,atmidnightonthisstretchofroad?It’sfreezingoutthere,andwhywouldhehavehishazardlightsonifhewasn’tintrouble?”Skyslowedthecar.
UneasefelloverEllalikeashroudandherheartraced.“Don’tstop.HisfaceiscoveredandIcan’tseehishands.Hecouldbeapsychocarryingagunandjustwaitingforsomeonetocomebysohecanmurderthem.”
“Hecouldbeawoman.Everyonebundlesupagainstthecold.Wedon’tlookveryfeminineatthemoment,dowe?”Skygrippedthewheelandedgedthecartothesideoftheroad.“Evenapsychowouldn’tbecrazyenoughtobeoutherewithablizzardontheway.Heorsheneedsourhelp.It’stheneighborlythingtodo.”
ThesamedreadsheexperiencedwalkingintoahauntedhouseonHalloweengrippedEllaandthehairsonthebackofherneckrose.Everythingherbrotherhaddrummedintoherwhensheleftforcollegecametothefrontofhermind.Shecouldhearherbrother’svoiceloudandclear.Donotatanytimehelpastrangeralone.Theadvicewasrightuptherewithhitchhiking.Stoppinginthedeadofnightonalonelyhighway,milesfromtown,wasstupid.Sheswallowedhardandgrippedherphoneasthedarkfigurecameintoview.“Offertocallatowtruckanddriveon.”
“Youwon’tgetanybarsouthere.We’retoofarfromtown.”Sky’swindowhummeddown.“Canweofferyoua—”
ThehoodedfigurelashedoutandasprayofhotfluidsplashedoverElla’scheek.Skyfellintoher,bloodgushingfromhernoseandstainingherblondehair.Thedarkfigurewrenchedopenthedoorandgrabbedthecarkeys.Hearthammeringinherchest,Ellagapedindisbeliefattheaxheheldinonehand,theblood-splatteredmetalglisteningintheinteriorlightofthecar.Shockedandunabletomove,shestaredintotheblackeyesofahugeman.Hesaidnothing,justalmostcasuallyunclippedSky’sseatbelt,draggedherfromthecarandtossedherontothegroundasifshewasabagoftrash.Oh,myGod,he’skilledherandI’mnext.
Thestrangerlaidtheaxontheblood-soakedseatandlungedtowardher.Thefreezingairhitherinthefacelikeaslap.Shecringedandleanedawayfromhim.“D-don’ttouchme.I’mcalling911.”
Sheerpanicconstrictedherchestandhermusclesbunchedasherbody’sflightreactionslammedintoplace.Whenhecursedandwentforhercellphone,sheflungitathisface,unclaspedherseatbeltandfumbledforthedoorhandle.Hislargeglovedhandgropedatherarmjustasthedoorswungopenandherfeethittheblacktoprunning.Shedasheddownthehighway,leaptaditchalongsidetheroadandheadedintothecoveroftotaldarkness.Thedeadwintergrassandfrost-coveredundergrowthtangledaroundherfeet.Terrorgraspedherthroatasshestumbledovertheunevenground,notlookingback.Awhitegateloomedupandshethrewherselfoverthetop.Thedropontothehardfrozengroundradiatedthroughherlegsbuttheterrainherewaslevel,withnoundergrowth.Sheliftedherkneesand,gaspingthefreezingair,ranforherlife.Ihavetogetaway
Withnomoonlightandnothingtoguideher,shestretchedhereyeswidetoseebutonlypitchblacklayahead.Eachbreathhurtdeepinherchestandshootingpainscrampedthemusclesinherlegsbutshekeptgoing,runningblind.Somethinghardhitherinthechestandshebouncedback,winded.Terrordraggedacryfromherthroatandshepusheddownthepanic.Caughtonaninvisiblefence,shestruggled,unabletomovelikeaflyinaweb.Barbedwirestucktoherclothes,holdingherlikeVelcro.
Behindher,sheheardaroarlikeawoundedanimalandpoundingfootstepsontheblacktop.ShechancedalookoveroneshoulderbutonlytheheadlightsofSky’svehiclelitupthehighway.Wrenchingthecoatfromthewire,shegapedinterrorastheunmistakableglowofaflashlightmovedinanarcandshehittheground.Herstomachknottedinfear.Hewascomingafterher.
Whenthelightmovedinanotherdirectionscanningtheopenland,shepausedforasecondtowatchthenherstomachcrampedinhorrorasitturnedherway.Shehadtorun.Theflashlightbobbedinthedistanceandinmoments,hewouldbeheadingthroughthegateandinherdirection.Asobofdistressescapedherlipsbutshepushedtoherfeetandescapedintotheblackness.Asifnaturewasagainsther,thesnowcloudspartedandacrescentmoonpeekedthrough.Herinsidestwistedandsheturned,searchingforaplacetohide.
Nottenyardsawayshemadeoutaclumpoftreeswithtrunkslikemassiveblackpolesandchestburningwithoverexertion,sprintedintotheirprotection.Ontheothersideoftheclusteroftrees,shecouldmakeouttheshadowyoutlineofabuilding.Notahousebutperhapstheruinsofanoldbarn.Sheturnedaroundandheartthumpinginherears,watchedthelightbouncingalonginthedistance.Herchestachedandhugebillowsofsteamsurroundedherwitheachbreathgivingherpositionlikeabeacon.Exhausted,shebenthandsonknees.Therewasnowheretohideandhowmuchlongercouldshekeeprunning?Hewouldcatchupsoonandmurderher.
Sheneededtothink,tooutsmarthim.Hewouldexpecthertohideinthebuildingbutshehadotherideas.Shedraggedinafewdeepbreaths,turnedaroundandheadedbackintothetrees.Thepineshadafewlowbranchesbuthighuptheythickenedcappingeachtreewithlushfoliage.
Shepantedforeachbreathand,fightingthroughtheagonyoftornmuscles,reachedforthenextlimb.
Trembling,shewedgedherselfbetweentwoofthetree’ssturdybranchesthenstraddledathickbough.Shehuggedthetrunk,pressinghercheekagainsttheroughsurface.He’scoming.Theheavycrunch,crunch,crunchashisfootstepspoundedthefrozengroundsentshiversupherspine.Ashadowyfigureappearedandtheflashlightbeamscannedthearea.Asiftrackingherbysound,hestoppedandturnedhisheadthiswayandthatbeforemovingon.Oh,God,he’sfoundme.
Thecrunch,crunch,crunchofhisbootsbreakingthethinpatchesoficeongroundhadgottenlouder.Theflashlightmovedfromsidetosideashesearchedunderthebushesandhisheavybreathingsentplumesofsteamcurlinginthebeam.He’dcomesocloseshecouldhearhimmutteringobscenitiesunderhisbreath.Andhewasasmadashell.
“Whereareyou,bitch?”Hisvoicecameoutinaballofcondensation.“WhenIfindyouI’mgonnacutyouintolittlepieces.”
Hemovedaway,hisflashlightpickedoutanovergrowntrailtoadilapidatedbuilding.Ellachokedbackasobofreliefand,toherhorror,heheardher.Hestoppeddeadandswungtheflashlightaround,thenmadehiswaybacktohertree.Hewasstandingdirectlybeneathher.Hermouthwentdryandshebitdownsohardthatthemetallictasteofbloodcoatedhertongue.Sweatprickleddownherback.Sheprayedhewouldnotlookupandfindher;then,asifbydivineintervention,anowlswoopedacrosstheshaftoflightandsettledinatree.Thecrunch,crunch,crunchcameagainasthestrangermovedaway.
Fingersnumbfromholdingontothetree,Ellapeeredintothedarkness,toofrightenedtomove.Minuteslater,thebobbingflashlightwasheadingbackinherdirection.Sheerterrorslammedintoherasheliftedthebeamintothetrees.Shewrappedherlegsaroundthetrunkandmadeherselfassmallaspossible.Shepulledthecordofherhoodietightaroundherfacewithtremblingfingers,andsqueezedhereyesshut.Ifshekeptherfacehidden,hemightnotseeher.
Thelightcamecloser.Hewascheckingeverytree.Afraidthathewouldseeherbreath,Ellapressedherfaceintohersleeveandbreathedthroughhernose,butthelackofoxygenmadeherdizzy.Panicgrippedherandsheshook.Herteethchattered.Sheheldontightashescannedeachofthepines,comingcloserandcloser.Eachsecondseemedtolastalifetime.Thensheheardasound,wayoffinthedistance.Shemustbehallucinating,itsoundedlikeawoman’svoicecallinghername.Nohallucination,hehadheardittoo.
“Dammit,I’mgoin’toshutherupforgoodandyou’renext,sweetheart.”Theman’sangryvoiceseemedtoboominthesilence,thenhespunaroundandtookoffatgreatspeedtowardtheroad
Ellaletoutalongbreathandlistened.Thethin,wavering,ghostlyvoicecameagain.
“Ella,whereareyou?Helpme.”
Shockedandhorrified,Ellapeeredinthedirectionthemanhadrunbuttreesblockedherview.Oh,myGod.He’sgoingbacktokillherandI’mnext.
ONESATURDAY
“Jenna,youshouldgoseeadoctor.”DeputyDaveKanehandedheranotherboxoftissues.
“It’sjustacold.”SheriffJennaAltonraisedred-rimmedeyestohisface.“I’llbefineinafewdays.”
Kaneshookhishead.“It’sbeenovertwoweeksandyou’regettingworse.Tryingtocopewiththehorsesinthisweatherisn’thelping.”Hetappedthebottomofhiscaneonthefloor.“Damnthisknee.Ishouldthrowyouinthecarandmakeyougo.”
“Goodluckwiththat.”Jennagavehimabelligerentglarethenwipedherrednoseandsniffed.
Dukewhinedandrestedhisbigheadonthebed.HissadbloodhoundeyesmovedfromJennatoKaneasifhewasreluctanttotakesides.
Kanepointedtohim.“See,evenDukeknowsyou’reill.”Hethrewonearmupintotheair.“Okay,haveityourownway.I’llgomakebreakfast.”
Stymied,hemadehiswayslowlyintothekitchenandfilledthekettle,thencheckedthehotcakesintheoven.Workingwithanex-DEAagentlivinginwitnessprotectionwithanewnameandfaceashissuperiorhadbeenonecrazyadventure.EspeciallyasshelivedinfearofherlifeaftergivingevidenceagainstunderworldkingpinViktorCarlos.
AfterleavinghisjobintheDC’sSpecialForcesInvestigationCommand,he’dfoundhimselfworkingoffthegridinBlackRockFalls.Atfirstlifehadbeendifficult,livingalie.Thegovernmenthadcreatedanewidentityforhimafteraterroristplantedabombunderhiscar,killinghiswifeandleavinghimwithatitaniumplateinhishead.He’dsettledintohisnewlifeuntileverythingchangedlastfall.Amaniachadshothimandhe’dfallenintoacanyonandshatteredhisknee,howevertheplatehadbecomeanasset.Ithadsavedhislifebuthe’dsufferedshort-termmemoryloss,hismindtakinghimbacktothedayhelosthiswife,andthememoriesofhistimeafterhearrivedinBlackRockFallshadvanished.Afterextensiverehabilitationfollowingsurgerytoreplacetheplate,he’dfoundhisbalanceagainandcouldwalkonhisreconstructedknee.Thepainenduredsincetheextensivesurgerieshadintensifiedwiththefreezingtemperaturesand,overthelastfewweeks,venturingoutsidehadbecomenearimpossible.
He’dbeeninnoshapetocareforhimselfafterleavingthehospitalandhadtakenupJenna’sofferofherspareroomratherthantrytocopeinhiscottage,setastone’sthrowfromherhouse,amassivehundred-year-oldranchhouse,withbigroomsandwidehallways,whichmadeiteasiertonegotiateinhiswheelchairthanthecottage.Forthefirstmonth,DeputyShaneWolfehadarrangedanursetocareforhimduringtheday,whichwasapainashecouldcopefinealoneandonlyneededherforhisinjections.Thewell-equippedgymwasperfectforhisrehabilitation,buthehadtoadmithavingJennaashiscoachwasadouble-edgedswordbecausealthoughheenjoyedhercompany,shepushedhimtoexerciselikeamarinedrillsergeant.
WhenDeputyJakeRowleycalledtoofferhisassistancewiththehorses,Jennahadgladlyacceptedandinsistedhestablehisownmountontheranchasrecompense.Now,withJennaill,hewasconsideringstablingthehorsesintowninstead;itdidn’tseemfairtodragRowleytotheranchtwiceadaytocheckthehorsesaswellasexpectinghimtotakeoverthesheriff’sdepartmentintheirabsence.Herefilledthecoffeepotandleanedagainstthecounter.Momentslater,Rowleyknockedonthefrontdoor.
“Coming.”Kaneswungopenthedoorandablastoffreezingairslammedhimintheface,sendingspiralsofagonyintohisbrain.HestoodtoonesideandRowleystampedhisfeetonthemat,thensteppedinside,shuckinghisbootsatthefrontdoor.Kanepeeredintotheblizzard.“It’sgettingworseoutthere.You’llhavetowaitforthesnowplowtocomebyandfollowitbackintotown.”
“Surelooksthatway.”RowleyshruggedoutofhiscoatandKanecouldfeelthecoldflowingfromhimandsmellahintofsnowandhorseonhisclothes.“Thehorsesaresnugandwarm.I’veseenracingstableswithlessinsulation.ThedoubledoorsmakeallthedifferenceandyouhaveenoughfoodintheretoseeyouthroughJune.”
Kaneledthewaytothekitchen.“Iorderedextrasuppliesbeforethesnow.Irememberedhowitwaslastyear.”Hehookedhiscaneoverthebackofachairandwenttothecounter.
“How’sthesheriff?”JakeRowleypulledoffhisglovesanddroppedontoachair.
Kanepouredthecoffeeandhandedhimacup,thenturnedbacktothecounterandbrokeeggsintoabowl.“Worseandshewon’tgoseeadoctor.”
“ShewouldhaveahardtimegettingintoseeoldDocBrown,he’severyone’sfavorite.IhearthewomenprefertogotoDoctorAbigailSneedbutMaggiesaidherfriendwaitedthreehoursyesterday.”Hesippedhisbeverage.“Theotherone,DoctorWeaver,hasanoticeinherwindowsayingshe’lldohomevisits.”Heraisedabrow.“Doyoufigurebeingnewintownthelocalsdon’ttrusther?”
Kaneaddedbuttertoapanandpouredintheeggs.Hewonderedwhytheirreceptionist’sfriendhaddecidedtowaitratherthangotoadifferentdoctor.“DoctorWeaverwasherewhenIarrived.Exactlyhowlongdoesittaketostopbeinganewbie?”
“Oh,twentyyearsorso,Iguess.”Rowleygrinned.“Maybeyoushouldgiveheracall?”
“Givewhoacall?”Jennastrolledintothekitchen,thencoughedandturnedbackintothehallway.Sometimelater,shere-emerged,herfaceflushedandeyesrunning.
Kanepiledthreeplateswitheggsandplacedthemonthetable,thenpulledthehotcakesfromtheoven.“Thedoctor.”HeslidthehotcakesontoaplateandRowleystoodtotakethemfromhim.“I’llmakeanappointmentforhertocomeheresoyoudon’thavetogoout.”Hereachedforthecoffeepot.
“Younevergiveup,doyou?”Jennaglaredathim.
“Nope.”Hesetthecoffeeonthetableandslidintoachair.‘I’mcallingherassoonasI’veeaten—andthere’ssomethingelseweneedtodiscuss.”
‘Goon.”Jennaeyedhimsuspiciously.
“Wecan’texpectJaketodriveoutbeforefiveeverymorning,doaday’swork,returntotendthehorses,andthendrivehomeinthisweather.”KaneglancedatRowley’sblankexpression.“Hehasn’tcomplained,butitwasdifferentwhenhehadyourhelp.”
“Yeah,Iagree,itistoomuchashe’shandlingtheofficeaswell.”JennalookedatRowley,whowasstaringathisplate.“CanyoumoveintoKane’scottageuntilIshakethiscold?Onlyforacoupleofdays.”Shesighed.“I’daskyoutomoveinherebutKanehasmyotherspareroomfilledwithhisequipment.”
“Sure,ma’am,anythingtohelpanditwouldsavetime.”Rowleysmiled.“Notthatcaringforthreehorsesishardwork.”
Kanegapedather.Oh,boy,she’smovingRowleyintomycottage.
“Great!Hisspareroomisallmadeup.”SheglancedatKane.“KnowingKaneasIdotherewillbeenoughfoodintheretofeedanarmy.”Shechuckled.“Ifyouwanttocook,thatis,oryoucanjoinusformeals.”
“Breakfastwouldbeahelp,ma’am—I’musedtotendingformyself.”Rowleysmiled.“IusuallyeatatAuntBetty’sforbreakfastandhavedoneforyearsnow,butwiththesnowandall,I’mnotsureI’dhavetime.”
Kanewonderedwhatwouldhappenwiththelivingarrangementswhenherecovered.Healsohadanumberofquestionableitemsinhispossessionleftfromhispastlifeandwouldhavetomakeitovertohiscottagetolocktwoofhisbedrooms.AsmuchashetrustedandrespectedRowley,somethingsabouthisliferemainedneedtoknow
“Wellthen,that’ssettled.”Jennapickedatherfoodthenrubbedhertemple.“KaneiswellenoughtoworkfromhereoncasefilesandifnecessaryyoucancallinWolfeorDeputyWebber.Don’tforgetWolfemightbeourMEbutheisstillmydeputy.”
“Surething,ma’am.”Rowleyfinishedhiscoffeeandstood.“I’llbeheadingoffnow.Icanhearthesnowplow.I’llfollowhimbackintotown.”
“LeaveDeputyWalterstocloseupatnoon,andwewon’tbeopeningonSunday.Pinanoticeonthefrontdoor.Ifanyoneneedshelptheycancall911.”Jennareachedforhercoffee.“Drivesafe.”
KanerefilledtheircupsandwaitedforRowleytoleave,thenturnedtoher.“IhavethingsinmycottageIdon’twantRowleytofind.”Heleanedbackinhischair.“Enoughtoblowmycover.”
“Youcan’twalkovertothecottageinthesnow.Ifyoufallyou’llbebacktosquareone.”Jennasqueezedhishand.“Dave,Iknowyourinjuriesarekillingyou,andyou’rewaybehindinyourkneerehabbecauseoftheheadinjury.Thedoctortoldyouitwouldtaketimetorecover.”
Hegapedather.“You’remissingthepoint,Jenna.IhavetogetintomycottagebeforeRowleymovesin.I’llwalkoverthereifnecessary.Ihardlyusethecaneanymore.”
“DoyouhonestlybelieveRowleywouldbeabletocrackyoursafeorbreakintoyourcomputer?”Jennasmiledathim.“Hewouldn’teventry.”
“Howdoyouknowaboutmysafe?”
“Well,I’mcapableandIwouldtry.”Shegiggled.“OhLord,youshouldseeyourface.”Sheletoutanexplosivesneezeintoaballoftissues.“Iwentovertocollectyourclothesandstuff,remember.Thesafeisabithardtomiss.”
Kaneheavedasighofrelief.“That’sthegunsafe.Ihavetwo.”Hegaveheralongconsideringstare.“IguessIcantrustyouwiththecontentsoftheotheronenow.”
“Ihavetwosafesaswellandyou’rewelcometoshare.”Shegavehimawarmsmileandpushedtoherfeet.“Bundleup.I’lldriveyoutothecottageandhelpyoucollectyourstuff.”Shegavehimoneofherno-nonsensestares.“Iwon’tdieofpneumoniadrivingahundredyards.”
“Okay.”Kaneliftedhiscellphonefromthetable.“AssoonasI’vecalledthedoctor.”
“Youalwayshavetohavethelastword,don’tyou?”Jennacollectedtheplates.“Alongtimeago,thepeoplenextdoortomehadthisdognamedOscar.Itwouldbarklikecrazyandtheneighborwouldcalloutforittostop.Itwouldstopthenletoutalittlebark.Nomatterhowmanytimestheneighbortoldittostop,italwaysdidthesamething.”
Confused,Kanefrownedather.“YousayingI’madog?”
“Nope.”Jennarinsedtheplatesandstackedthedishwasher.“Butyouremindmeofthatdog,alwayshavingthelastword.”
Kanechuckled.“Really?”
“Yeahreally.”Jennaglaredathim.
Hegaveherhisbiggestsmile.“Woof.”
TWO
ThenighthadbeenhorrendousforElla.Afterhearingalongcut-offscreamthensilence,theblizzardhitwithforceandthestrangerhadnotreturned.TornbetweenstayingsafeinthetreeorbravingtheblizzardtolookforSky,shehadpeeredatthesheetofsnowfallingaroundthetreesandsobbed.Thechancesofmakingitbacktoheralivewouldhavebeenzero.Wedgedinthebranches,she’dheardthedistantsoundoftrafficovernightbutwastooscaredtomove.
Whenthewaterysunfinallypeeredthroughthesnowcloudsandbirdshoppedaroundher,shedecidedtochanceit.Thesnow-coveredfirhadofferedhershelterandthefactshe’dfilledherbagsshe’dpackedforthevisithadprobablysavedherlife.NotwantingtoleaveherclothesbehindforherstayatSky’shouseforthenextfewweeks,she’daddedmanymorelayersthanusualandtwopairsofthicksockscoveredherfeetinthesheepskin-linedboots.
Hermusclesachedandherhandsrefusedtoworkproperlybutbythetimeshemadeithalfwaydownthetree,thefeelingwascomingbackintoherlimbs.Thesceneryhadchangeddramaticallyovernight.Thehighwayhadallbutvanishedintoaseaofbrilliantwhite.Sheshuddered.Closeby,hiddeninthesnow,Skycouldbelyingbrutallymurdered.
Withcautioussteps,shemovedfromthecoveroftreesstaringintothewhitewildernessforanysignofthekiller.Bilerushedupthebackofherthroatatthethoughtoffindingherfriendbatteredtodeath.Searchingthesnowscapeinalldirections,shecouldnotseeanythingresemblingSky’syellowcar.Thesnowdriftscameuptoherkneesandeverystepwaslikequicksandonherwaybacktothehighway.
Theroadwasemptybutshecouldseetiretracksinthefreshsnow.Atruckhadcomebyrecently,sothehighwaymustbeopentotraffic.Theroarofamotorechoedinthedistanceandshedivedintothebushestremblingwithfearthenstaredouttoseeaneighteen-wheelerbearingdownonher.Shehadthechoice:freezetodeathorriskclimbingintothecabwithastranger.Theriskwasnon-negotiableandsheneededtogethelpforSky.Steelingherselfagainsttherisingpanic,shemovedtothesideoftheroadandwavedherarms.Thebigredtruckscreechedandbillowedsteamlikeanoldlocomotiveasitslowedtoahaltsomewayspasther.Thewindowbuzzeddown.Amaninhisfortieswithrosycheeksandwearingafurtrapperhatstuckhisheadout.Sherantohisdoor,slippingandslidingontheice-coveredblacktop,andbangedfranticallyonhisdoor.“Helpme.Amanmurderedmyfriend.Call911.”
“Murder,yousay?”Themanlookedbothwaysandthenbackather.“Whatareyoudoin’wayoutherealone?Wheredidyoucomefrom?”
Ellagapedathimandbangedonhisdoorwithbothfists.“Call911!”
“There’snocellphonesignaloutthisway.I’llcontactthesheriffonthetwo-way.”Theman’sexpressionturnedtoworry.“Ifigureyou’dbettergetinsideoutthecold.”Theman’swindowbuzzedbackup,hidinghimbehindthetintedglass.
Asuddenwaveoffeargrabbedher.Pushingherleadenfrozenlimbsforwardandmakingthechoiceofgettingintoatruckwithastrangerorfreezingtodeathinthemiddleofnowherewithanax-wieldingkillerontheloose,shestaggeredaroundthehoodandclimbedupintothecab.Heatsurroundedherandthemanappearedmoreconcernedthanathreat.“Pleasehurry.”
“Okay,okay.Here,takethis.”Thedriverdraggedablanketfrombehindhimandofferedittoherthenspokeintohisradio.“Ten-fourgoodbuddy,over.”Heturnedtoher.“Hewantstoknowwhat’shappened.”
Shestumbledthroughherhorrificordealthengapedathim;whatevercodedlanguagehewasspeaking,itscaredthehelloutofher.
“AdeputyfromBlackRockFallsisonhisway.”Heturnedbackintheseatandthetruckengineroaredandmovedforward.“We’llmeethimonthehighway.I’dstophereandwaitforhimbutI’mlateandI’vegivenhimthecoordinateswhereIfoundyou.”Heindicatedtoathermos.“Helpyourselftocoffee.”
Thestressseepedoutofherandsheleanedbackintheseat.Thewarmairfromtheheaterpermeatedthroughherclothesmakinghersleepy.Withthegentlerockingofthecab,hereyesdriftedclosedforasecondthenshesatboltupright.Whatifhedruggedmycoffee?Shehadtostayalertandbitdownhardontheinsideofhercheek.Chancingaglanceathim,sheclearedherthroat.“Ireallyappreciatethedrinkandride.”
“Ican’tfigurewhyyouwouldriskdrivingtoBlackRockFallsinthemiddleofthenight.”Hekepthiseyesontheroad.“Areyouawareofhowmanymurdersoccurredinthiscountyinthelastcoupleofyears?Iknowtheareacoversmanythousandsofsquaremilesbutit’salloverthenews.”
“Andfromwhathappenedlastnight,Iguessthereisanotherkillerontheloose.”Ellabitbacktherushofpanicthreateningtotakeover.
“Iwouldn’tlivehere.”Themanwavedahandtowardtheroad.Bluelightsflashedinthedistance.“Thereheisnow.”Heeasedthetrucktoahalt.“Youtakecarenow,hear?”
THREE
DeputyJakeRowleytookdownthetruckdriver’sdetails,thenturnedhisattentiontotheblood-spatteredyoungwomanbesidehim.Shehadafewscratchesonhercheeks,butnotenoughdamagetoaccountforthecopiousamountofbloodonherfaceandjacket.Concernedshemightbeinvolvedinherfriend’smurder,heopenedthebackdoorofhiscruiser.“Okay,Ella,getinsideinthewarm.”
“Don’tyouwanttoknowwhathappened?”Ellagrippedhisarm.“MyfriendSkyislyingonthisroadsomewhere.”Shepointedbackdowntheroad.“Backthatway.Wehavetofindher.”
Rowleyeasedherarmfreeandurgedherintothecar.“Thetruckdriverdidn’tseeacaroranysignofanyonebutyouontheroad,butwe’lltakealook.”HeclimbedbehindthewheelandpushedthecoordinatesintohisGPS,thenspunhiscruisertofacetheotherdirection.
“Hey,Irecognizethatclumpoftreesinthedistance.”Ellasquirmedinherseat,teethchattering.“Hisvehiclewashere,lightsflashinglikehewasintrouble.”
“Stayhere.”Rowleyslidfromtheseat.“I’llgoseewhatIcanfind.”
Theicywindcutintohischeeksandbuffetedhimwitheachstepupanddownthestretchofroad.Hesearchedforanysignofbloodonthefrozenblacktop,butthesnowcoveredeverythinginadeceptivewhitepowder.Withregret,hewalkedbacktohiscarandclimbedintothewarm.HeshookhisheadatElla.“Ican’tfindanytraceofyourfriend,
“Youhavetodosomething.”Ella’seyesfilledwithtears.“Shehastobeoutheresomewhere.”
Rowley’sheartwentouttotheshockedyoungwoman.“Searchandrescuewillbeouthereinnotime.We’llhaveasnowplowtoclearthehighwayandmenlookingforherbeforewegetbacktotown.Don’tworry—ifsheisoutthere,we’llfindher.Ihavethedetailsofhervehicleandthecoordinates.We’llconductasearchoftheentirearea.”Hetriedtouseacalmingtone.“Youneedtobecheckedoutbytheparamedics.”
Withsomuchbloodontheyoungwomanandnoapparentinjuries,heneededtoruntheincidentreportpastSheriffAltonbeforetakingEllatothehospital,buthewasreluctanttodisturbherwhenthedoctorwasduetovisit.ShewouldexpecthimtousehisinitiativeandcallDeputyWolfe.Theex-marinewidowerwiththreedaughtershadjoinedthedepartmentthepreviousyearbutspentmostofhistimeworkingastheBlackRockFallsME.IfEllahadwitnessedahomicide,assheclaimed,hewouldwanttoexamineherforevidence.
Hereachedforthesatellitephone,slippedoutthecruiserandwalkedafewyardsawaytocallhim.“Hey,it’sRowley.I’moutmidwaybetweenBlackwaterandtown.Ihaveafemale,nineteenyearsold,EllaTate.Claimsamanattackedandkilledherfriendlastnight.Thetruckdriverwhofoundherdidn’tseeherfriend’syellowvehicleorabodyonthesideoftheroad.Icheckedthelocationaswellandfoundzip.Ihaven’tgottenastatementfromherbutsheiscoveredinbloodandlikelysufferingfromexposure.”
“Herblood?”Wolfesoundedinterested.“Anyseriousinjuries?”
RowleykickedataclumpofgrayingiceandlookedatElla.“NotfromwhatIcansee.Shehasafewscrapes,isall.Itlookssuspicious.Iguessthescratchesdownhercheekscouldbefromherfriend’snails.”
“Haveyounotifiedthesheriff?”
Rowleyblinkedawaysnowflakesfromhislashes.“Nope,shewaswaitingforthedoctortoarriveandIdidn’twanttodisturbher.WithherandKaneoutsick,you’retheseniorofficer.”
“Okay,I’llcallher.She’llorganizesearchandrescuebutiftheinjuredfriendhasbeenoutonthesideoftheroadallnight,they’llbesearchingforabody.TakeTateintocustody.Notatthesheriff’soffice.Takehertothehospitalandgetheruptothesecureward.Don’tallowanyonenearher.We’llhavetotreatherasasuspectfornow.I’llmeetyouthere.”Wolfeclearedhisthroat.“How’sthesheriffthismorning?”
Rowleyheadedbacktothecruiser.“She’dbebetterifshetookthetimetorestbutshehatesbeingholedupinthehouseandwantstogetbacktowork.”
“Ifthisisamurder,she’llwanttobeinvolvedandsowillKane.Idoubtillnesswillslowherdown.”
Rowleyopenedthecardoorandslidbehindthewheel.“Ihopeso.Wesureneedthembackatwork.”Hestartedtheengine.“IhopeyoucanspareWebber.We’llneedtosendhimoutwithWalterstocoordinatethesearch.”
“Nothing’shappeninghere.”Wolfesoundedbored.“I’llsendhimintotheofficeandmeetyouatthehospital.Let’shopewehaven’tgottenourselvesanothermaniaclooseinBlackRockFalls.”Thelinewentdead.
FOUR
JennawaitedforKanetoslideaheavylockedmetalboxinsideherfloorsafe,thenpressedherthumbonthescanner.Sheenteredafewmoredigitsintothepanelandglancedupathim.“Scanyourthumb.Thelockingdeviceacceptstwofingerprintstoopen,soeitherofuswillhaveaccess.Isthatokay?”
“Yeah,theinfoissecureinmybox.Ifsomeoneforcesthelock,itcatchesfire.”Hesmiledather.“Betweenyouandme,it’stheusual:IDs,cash,passportsandburnerphones.”
Jennaraisedoneeyebrow.“Codebook?”
“IfItoldyouthatI’dhavetokillyou.”Hesnortedinamusement.“Youknowthedrill.”
Jenna’scellphonepealedandshegrowledinfrustration,thenlookedatthecallerID.“It’sWolfe.”Sheacceptedthecallandplaceditonspeaker.“Isanythingwrong?”
AfterlisteningtoWolfe’sexplanationaboutEllaTateandtheapparentmurderofSkyPaul,adrenalinestartedtopumpthroughJenna’sveins.SheexchangedaglancewithKane.“Ofcoursewewanttobeinvolved,Ionlyhaveacold.I’llheadtheinvestigationfromhere.I’llcallsearchandrescueandsendWaltersandWebbertomeetthechopperandthesnowmobilevolunteersandcoordinatethesearch.”Shesighed.“WhatarethechancesoffindingSkyPaulalive?”
“It’sunlikelyanyonecouldsurviveinjuredandlyingonthesideofthehighwayinablizzard.”Wolfe’svoicesoundedstrained.“Thetemperaturehasbeendroppingalldayandanotherblizzardisontheway.Wemightnotfindheruntilthemelt.Ifanotherfourhoursgoesbywithnosignofher,itwillbeabodyretrieval.”
Jennafrowned.“Yettheotheryoungwomanlivedtotellthetale.Howso?”
“Rightnow,Idon’thavemuchmoreinformationforyou.RowleyisabouttwentyminutesoutoftownwithEllaTate.I’llheadouttothehospitaltomeethimandcollectevidencefromtheallegedvictimshortly.”
ImpressedbyRowley’squickaction,shenodded.“Itsoundslikeyouhaveeverythingundercontrol.I’llcallinWaltersandWebberandgetthemouttogroundzero.”
“Noneed.WebberandWaltersaremakingtheirwaytothelastknowncoordinateswithasnowplowtocutapathalongsidetheroadwhereMissTatesaidtheincidentoccurred.RowleymentionedWaltershasexperienceinsearchandrescue.”
“Okay.”Jennafrowned.Sheneededtobeinthemidstoftheaction,notstuckathome,buttoventureoutsidewithachestinfectionandafeverjusttofindacorpsewasbeggingforpneumonia.Itwouldn’tbeworththerisk.Shehadskilleddeputiesandissuingordersfromhomewasnodifferenttobeingintheoffice,butrightnow,noonewasavailableatthesheriff’sdepartmentapartfromMagnoliathereceptionist—Maggietoherfriends.“Okay,ifyoutakedownMissTate’sstatementitwillfreeupRowleytoruntheoffice.I’llcallinsomehelpfromBlackwater.Rightnow,wehavetoconsiderMissTateaseitherindangeroramurdersuspect.We’llneedaroundtheclocksurveillanceatthehospital.Hasanyonecontactedtheparentsofthemissinggirl?Shemaybesafeathomeforallweknow.”
“Rowleydidn’tmentioncontactingSkyPaul’sparentsbutIguesshismainconcernwasgettingMissTatetothehospital.FromthebloodRowleymentionedonTate,Idoubtsheisathomeorherparentswouldhavereportedtheattack.”Wolfesoundedconcerned.“I’llspeaktohim.”
JennaexchangedaglancewithKaneandfrowned.“No,it’sfine,youhaveenoughtodo.I’llcallhimnow.HecangospeaktoSkyPaul’sparentsbeforehereturnstotheoffice.”
“Sure.I’llemailyouareportofmyfindingsandWalterswillkeepyouupdatedonthesearch.”
Jennaletoutalongsigh.“Okay,thanks.”ShedisconnectedandlookedatKane.“Ifeeluselessnotbeingouttherecoordinatingthesearchandrescue.”
“Allpartiesinvolvedknowwhatjobstheyhavetodo.YouknowaswellasIdothesearchandrescuechopperhasbeendoingthisformanyyears.Samewiththesnowmobilevolunteers.TheyknowtheirstuffandyouhaveWaltersouttheretodirecttrafficifnecessary.”Kaneshrugged.“It’snotyourfaultyou’reill.Don’tbesohardonyourself.”
“I’venevertriedtorunaninvestigationfromhomebefore.”Jennaturnedherheadawayandcoughed.“Iprefertospeaktomydeputiesfacetoface.”
“Thengetthemtodropinhere.Idon’tthinkitwillmakeanydifferenceifyou’renotintheoffice.IfigureouronlyproblemwillbeifWolfesuspectsEllaTateisinvolved.”
Jennarubbedhertemplestoeasethethreateningheadache.“Ifsheisthenoneofuswillneedtointerviewher.Rowleyisacompetentdeputybuthedoesn’thaveourexperience,andWolfewillbeworkingforensics.”
“Maybenot.”Kanemadehiswaytothekitchenandpouredtwofreshcupsofcoffee.“ButWolfeisontheball.Ifigureweshouldwaitforhisreport.”Hesighed.“AsWolfesaid,we’remorelikelytobesearchingforacorpse.Aftertwelvehoursormoreoutinthisweather,shewouldn’tstandachance.Thesearchisroutinenow,notalife-or-deathsituation.”
Jennahuffedoutalongbreath.“Yeah,Iguessbutifhebelievesshe’sresponsibleforkillingherfriend,I’llwantyoutointerviewher.Youasktherightquestionsandgetinsidepeople’sheads.”
“I’msureIcandrivetothehospitalandbackwithoutaproblem,orRowleycandriveme.”Hesmiledather.“Trynottoworrytoomuch.Youhaveacapableteamatyourfingertips.Restupandyou’llbebackatworkinnotime.”
Jennashookherhead.“Ican’trightnowwiththiscasebuzzingaroundinmyhead.”
“Talktome.”Kanelookedinterested.“Whathaveyougot?”
“Atheory.”Jennaleanedforwardinherchair.“IfsomeoneattackedSkyPaulonthehighwayandhercarismissing,wecouldhaveanothermurderonourhands—orwemighthavethekillerincustody…whatever,I’llcallBlackwaterandseeiftheycanspareafewdeputiestoguardEllaTateinthehospital.CanyoufollowupwithRowley?HeneedstogetovertospeaktoSky’sparents.”
“Sure.”Kane’sbrowfurrowed.“I’llaskhimifhenotifiedElla’snextofkinaswell.Ifnot,I’llcallthem.It’slikely,withorganizingthesnowplowandarrangingforWolfetoexaminethegirl,itmighthaveslippedhismind.”
Jennaheavedasighofrelief.Headinjuryornot,Kanewasfiringonallcylinders,althoughhehadbecomealittleremotetowardhersincelosinghismemory.Theincidenthadreopenedthewoundoflosinghiswife—forhimithadhappenedafewweeksago—andsherecognizedthesignsofamaninmourning.Keepinghimbusywasthebestmedicine.“WillyoubeabletochasedownsomeinfoontheTategirlformeaswell?Weonlyhaveherwordforwhathappened.IfSkyisdead,shewouldbethelastpersontohaveseenheralive.”
“Surecan.”Kanereachedforthecoffeepot.“Gobacktobedandrest.I’llpouryouacupofcoffeeandbringyouasliceofAuntBetty’sfruitcake.”
“Thatiseasiersaidthandone.”Jennaheardavehicleheadingtowardthehouseandgroaned.“DidIevermentionhowmuchIhatedoctors?Theyalwayswanttojabaneedleinme.”
“Gobacktobed.I’llgetthedoor.”Kanepushedtohisfeetandwalkedtothedoorwithoutusinghisstick.Heglancedoverather.“See,I’mfine.Imadeittothecottageandbackwithoutaheadache.I’llbebacktoworkbeforeyouatthisrate.”
Jennaglaredathim.“Ha,ha,veryfunny.”Shemadeherwaybacktoherbedroomtowaitforthedoctor.
WhenKaneusheredthedoctorintotheroom,Jennatookinwhatshecouldseeofher.Bundledupinahugesheepskincoatthathungdowntocoverherboots,thedoctorpeeredatherthroughoversizedblack-framedglassesthatmadeherdarkeyesappearhugeandsurreal.
“Goodmorning,Sheriff.”ThedoctorhadadistinctiveEnglishaccentandwhensheuntiedtheknittedscarffromaroundherfaceandthenpulledoffherhat,longblackhairspilleddowntoframeherfeatures.“I’mDoctorMavisWeaver.Whatseemstobetheproblem?”Sheplacedabrownleatherbagonthebedandinclinedherheadfromsidetoside,likeabirdofprey,thenlookeddownather.
Jennawrinkledhernoseatthestrongsmelloflavenderandblinkedatthedoctor.Shelookedasifshehadwalkedoutofthe1940s.Alargewomaninherlatethirties,shedressedinavarietyofunusualclotheslikeabaglady.Stymiedforasecond,sheclearedherthroatthencougheduncontrollably.
“Oh,Isee.”Dr.Weaveropenedherbag,tookoutastethoscopeandproceededtoexamineher.“Youhaveachestinfection.Youshouldhavecalledmeaweekago,younglady.Iwantyoutostayinside;goingoutinthisweathercouldleadtoseriouscomplications.”
Astonishedbyherbedsidemanner,Jennablinked.“Ah,Ithoughtitwasjustacold.”
“Areyouallergictopenicillin?”Thedoctorreachedintoherbag,tookoutasmallbottleandasyringethenpreparedaninjection.
Jennareadthelabel—itwasinherbestinterestnottotruststrangersplanningtoshootdrugsintohersystem—andshookherhead.“No.”
“Good!I’llgiveyouashot.Rollontoyoursideawayfrommeandliftyournightie.Thisonegoesintoyourbutt.”Dr.Weavergrinned.“Ithurtslikeabitchtoo.”
“Ah…isthatreallynecessary?”Jennaeyedtheneedlewithsuspicion.“Pillswillbefine.”
“Oh,you’llneedthemaswell.”Thedoctorchuckledasifenjoyingtheideaofinflictingpain,cleanedtheareaandjabbedintheneedle.“Thereyougo.I’lldrawsomebloodwhileI’mhereaswell,justtocheckforanynasties.”
Jennarubbedherbackside.Theinjectionhadn’tworriedher.Shesatupandofferedherarm.Thedoctorwasfastandefficient.Shewatchedherwriteonaprescriptionpadandwonderedwhysheranaclinic.“Doyouworkatthehospitalaswell?”
“Thehospitalisallaboutinsuranceandaroundthesepartstherearepeoplebarelysurviving.IneverturnanyoneawayandIcanhandlemostemergencies.”Dr.Weaver’seyesmovedoverherface.“Ihaveafewcolleagueswhoarepreparedtohelpoutprobonowhennecessaryaswell.”
“Thatisverynobleofyou,butwedohavetheDepartmentofPublicHealthandHumanServicestoassistlowearnerswithhealthcare.Ifyouprovideafreeservicehowdoyoupaythebills?”Jennapressedawadofcottontothecrookofherarm.“Weallhavetoeat.”
“Thosewhocanpayaremorethanenoughformysimpleneeds.”Dr.Weaverhandedhertheprescription.“Takethemedsandifyou’renotbetterinfourtofivedays,callme,orifyourconditiondeteriorates,gototheER.”
“Sure.”Jennaeyedhercritically.Asadoctor,thewomandidnotfillherwithconfidence.Shereachedintothebedsidetableforherwallet.“AreyouaMedicaidorHMKPlusprovider?I’llpaycashforthevisitifthat’sokay.Ifyouleavemybloodsample,I’llhaveoneofmydeputiesdropitattheME’soffice.Wolfewillperformthetests.”
“Youdon’thavetoworry,mydear.”Dr.Weaverpattedherontheshoulder.“DeputyKaneinsistedonprovidinghiscreditcarddetailsbeforeIleft.I’llemailhimareceiptandasIgorightpasttheME’soffice,I’lldropbyonthewayhome.Ifyouhavesomeonetopickupyourmeds,I’lldroptheprescriptionintothepharmacyonmywayhometoo.Iwon’tcontactyouunlessthetestsshowupsomethingofconcern.”
“Thanks,thatwouldbeagreathelp.”Jenna’sattentiondriftedtothedoor,wonderingwhyKanewouldpayforhermedicaltreatment.“I’msureI’llbefineinafewdays.”Shehandedtheprescriptionbacktothedoctor.
Shewatchedasthedoctorshruggedintohercoat,pulledonherbrightredhatandpurpleglovesandwaddledintothehallway.Themomentsheheardthefrontdoorshutbehindthedoctor,sheslippedoutofbedandmarchedintothekitchen.“Kane,whydidyoupayforhervisit?Ihadcashhere.”
“Itoldheryouwereinsuredandsheaskedforcreditcarddetailsbeforesheleft,soIgavehermine.”Hesighed.“Friendsdothatforeachother,it’snobigdeal.”
Jennaballedherfistsonherhips.“Uh-huh.IwouldhavepreferredtogointotowntoseeDocBrown.Shewas…weird.”
“SorrybutIdidn’thaveachoiceofdoctors.”Kanegaveherasheepishlook.“Idon’tknowanyotherswhomakehousecalls.It’slikeshesteppedoutofthefifties.”
Jennarubbedherbutt.“Youcansaythatagain.Andshegavemeashot.Ihateneedles.”Shewenttothecounterandrefilledthecoffeepot.“Whenshesendsthereceipt,I’llreimburseyou.”
“Ifyoumust,butit’snotnecessary.”Hetookdowncoffeecupsfromtheshelf.“Itwasmyideaforhertocall.”
Jennagavehimasidewayslook.“Maybe,butnowitwillbeallovertownwe’relivingtogetherandyou’repayingmymedicalbills.”
“Nah,shewon’tsayaword.”Kanegrinnedather.“Doctor–patientprivilegeandallthat.”Heleanedagainstthecounter.“FYI,peoplealreadybelievewe’reinvolved.IhadoneoldladyaskmewhenIwasgoingtomakeanhonestwomanofyou.”
Aghast,Jennagapedathim.“Oh,myGod,tellmethatdidn’thappen.”
“Suredid.Itoldheryouwouldn’thavemeifIwasthelastmanonearthandthatourrelationshipwasstrictlyprofessional.”Kanemovedtotherefrigeratorandtookoutthecream.“Shepattedmyarmandtoldmenottoworry,Iwouldfindsomeoneoneday.”
Jennagiggled,followedbyafitofcoughing.“I’dbettergetbacktobed.Givemeacallwhenthecoffeeisready.”
“Whatdidthedocsayiswrongwithyou?”Kanefrownedandcaughtherarm.“Whydidyouallowhertotakeblood?It’srisky.Youneverknowwhoiswatching.”
Jennalaughed.“Her?Idon’tthinkshe’sathreattonationalsecuritysomehow.”
“Okay.”Kanefrowned.“Doesshethinkyou’recontagious?”
Jennawavedhimaway.“No,it’sjustachestinfectionandIhaveaprescriptionformedsthatneedspickingup.Shewantedabloodsample,tolookfor‘nasties’.ItoldhertosendittoWolfe.I’llaskhimwhattestssherequested.I’msurehe’llmakesureshedoesn’tdoanythinguntoward.”Sheblewhernose.“IfeltlikeIwasbeingtreatedbysomeone’sgrandma,sheactslikeanoldwoman.”Theyexchangedlooks.“What?Isupposeyoufiguredshelookedperfectlynormal?”
“Sheisalittlestrange.”Kanechuckled.“WhenInoticedyourarmIwasworriedshemighthaveusedafleam.Shelooksasifshesteppedoutofatimemachine.”
“It’snotfunny.Youdidn’thaveaneedlejabbedinyourbutt.”Jennaproddedhiminthechestinanefforttostophimlaughing.“NexttimeI’llgoseeDocBrown.”
“Hewouldbemychoice.”Kane’steethflashedwhiteandshecouldhearhimsnickeringasshewentbacktoherroom
FIVE
AblastoficywindcutintoWolfe’sfaceashesteppedfromthewarmthoftheME’soffice.Winterhadsetinandeverybuildinghadiciclesofvaryinglengthshangingfromgutters.Althoughthesnowgavethetownapicturesqueappearance,thebittercoldtemperaturesaddedtothedangerofbeingisolatedinthemoreremoteareas.He’dheardsomeoftheolderfolkoftenfrozetodeathandvehiclesvanishedundersnowdrifts.HeenjoyedlivinginBlackRockFallsbutwiththemassivedropintemperaturethisyear,hewasconvincedwinterwasheadingintoanewiceage.
Asheledthewaytohistruck,thefrozenmapletreessurroundinghisbuildingcreakedandeverysooftenabranchwouldsnapandtumbletotheground,hittingthesnowwithasoftthud.Hetookholdofhisdaughter’sarmasEmilyslippedandslidalongthefrozenfootpath,herrosycheekspeekingoutfromunderherhoodie.Hehadnotbeenabletodissuadeherfromassistinghimtoday.Atleasthecouldbethankfulhisothertwodaughterswereathomesnugandwarm.
Lastnight’sblizzardhadn’tdeterredthetownsfolkfromgoingabouttheirbusiness.Thesnowplowsclearedtheroadsbeforedaybreakandvehiclesmovedaroundasnormal,manycarryingpinesfromtheChristmastreefarm.Kidswereeverywhere,excitedtobeonvacationfortheholidayseasonandlovingthefirstsnow.Astheymadetheirwaytohistruckacloudofsteamappearedtofollowacouplewalkingbyinanimatedconversation,rednosespeekingfromscarvesandhatscoveredwithsnowflakes.
HeslidintohisvehicleandwaitedforEmilytofastenherseatbelt.“Areyousureyouwanttocomewithme?It’swarmerinside.”
“Iwouldn’tmissit.”Emilysmiledatherfather.“Thiscasesoundsintriguing.I’mnotsurethewitness’saccountisaccurate.Itseemsabitfar-fetchedandshewouldhavediedoutintheblizzardlastnight.Itsoundsverysuspicious.Fromtheinformationwehave,MissTatecouldhavekilledherfriendandbeenmakingupastorytocoverthecrime.”
Wolfebitbackasmile.Hehadthoughtmuchthesamethingfromthepreliminaryreport.“It’salwaysbettertoassumethelastpersontoseeapersonaliveisasuspectunlessprovenotherwise.Incaseslikethisone,wemustgatherasmuchevidenceaspossible.Thingsmayhavehappenedthewayshesaidbutasamedicalexaminer,Ineedproofeitherway.”
WolfehadtoadmittobeingproudthatEmilyhaddecidedtofollowinhisfootstepsandwascurrentlyundergoingstudiesinforensicscience.ShespentthetimebetweensemestersandmostweekendsworkingalongsidehimattheME’soffice.Intelligenceraninthefamily,withallofhisdaughtersexceedingintheirstudies,buttheintelligencecameataprice.Emilywasheadstrongandheneededtouseeveryounceofhisconsiderablepatiencetokeephisgirlshappy.Toomanylimitationswouldcurbtheirinquisitiveminds,notenoughandtheywouldendupintrouble.Afterlosinghiswifetocancersomeyearspreviously,findingtherightbalancehadoftenbeenmoredifficultthanhewouldliketoadmit.ItwasfortunatethatEmilyhadfoundastrongfriendandoldersisterfigureinJenna.TheyhadbondedduringKane’srecoveryinthehospitalandhavingJennaasarolemodelcouldonlybeagoodthing.
“Howdoweproceed?”Emilyglancedathim.“She’snineteensowedon’tneedherparents’consenttoexamineher.”
HeturnedtoEmily.“Weactwithcaution.Theyoungwomanisanunknownquantity.SheinformedDeputyRowleyshewitnessedamurderbutweneedtoexaminethebloodspatteronhertodetermineifshewasinvolved.”
“Doyouwantmetocollectsamplesorjustobserve?”Emilyfoldedherglovedhandsinherlap.“OrwouldyoupreferIspeaktoher,womantowoman?She’saboutmyageandImightbeabletosqueezeinformationoutofher.Remember,tomostpeopleyoulookintimidating.”Shegavehimabeatificsmile.“IfI’djustmetyou,I’dberunningforthehills.”
Wolfepulledoutontothehighwayandsetoutforthehospital.“We’rethereforaforensicevaluation,soI’llneedyoutowatchherundressandcollecthergarments.Sayaslittleaspossibletoher.I’lltakeherstatement,thenI’mprettysureSheriffAltonwillwanttoquestionher.”
“Jennaisstillfeelingpoorly.Icalledherbeforeandshementionedthedoctorgivingherashotofpenicillin.”Emilyfrowned.“WithKanehousebound,Ibelievethatmakesyoutheseniorofficer.”Herjawbecameastubbornline.“Youhaveeveryrighttotakecharge.”
Wolfewipedahanddownhisfaceandforcedhisconcentrationtoremainonthehazardousslipperyroad.“Noneed.Jennaisquitecapableoforganizingasearchfromhome.She’llhaveRowleyrunningthingsattheofficeandrightnow,he’sdoingamightyfinejob.Idon’tneedtheextrawork,Em.Ihardlygettimewithyouandthegirlsnow.”Heflickedheraglance.“Ijustwantyoutoobservethecollectionofevidenceprocedure,okay?”
“Iguess.”Emily’smouthturneddownatthecorners“Ifyousayso.”
Wolfepulledintothespacedesignatedforpolicevehiclesandclimbedout.HecollectedhisbagfromthebackseatandturnedtoEmily.“She’sontherestrictedfloorandRowleyshouldbewithher.”
Hesteppedoverthepileofgray,frozensnowthrownupfromthesnowplowandheldouthishandtoassistEmily.Theymadetheirwayinsidethehospitalandtooktheelevatortotherestrictedfloor.Thesheriff’sdepartmenthadmadeafewchangesinthelastfewmonthstoensurethesecurityofeveryoneonthislevel.Scannersweresetoneverydoorway,eachroomorcorridorrequiringacardtogainentry.NoonecouldenterwithoutadeputypresentandseeingaBlackwaterdeputyondutymadehimsmile.Evenillandshort-staffed,Jennahadarrangedforthegirltohavearound-the-clocksecurity.
AdoctorwaitingwithRowleyoutsideanexaminationroomgaveWolfeanexasperatedstare.
“Mr.Wolfe,Imustprotest.Mypatienthasnotreceivedcaresinceherarrival.”Thedoctor’sfacewasredwithannoyance.“ImustmaintaindutyofcarebutDeputyRowleyinsiststhatyouexamineherfirst.Sheisalive,notacorpse.Youhavenoright.Shecouldbesufferingfromexposure.”
Wolfestraightened.“Inanycrime,astheMedicalExaminer,Ihavetherighttoexamineapotentialsuspectandcollectevidence.I’msureyou’reawareDeputyRowleyhasspokentoMissTateandheassuredmeshedoesn’trequireemergencymedicaltreatment.Shewasgivenahotbeverageandablanketbythetruckdriverwhofoundher—which,coincidently,hascontaminatedanytraceevidenceofathirdpartyinthiscrime.”Hegavethedoctorhisbestback-offglare.“ItisimperativeIexamineherclothesinsitu.Thebloodspatterwillindicateifsheistellingthetruthaboutherfriend’sabductionandpossiblemurder.”Hewavedahandtowardthedoor.“Thiswon’ttakelongbutIcan’triskfurthercontamination.Youarewelcometoobserve.”
“I’llwait.”Thedoctorleanedagainstthewallandfoldedhisarmsacrosshischest.
WolferemovedhisglovesandcoatthenturnedtoRowley.“Icantakeitfromhere.Hasthesheriffcalled?”
“IspoketoKanejustbeforeyouarrived.”Rowleyloweredhisgaze.“I’mheadingovertospeaktoSkyPaul’sparents,thenheadingbacktotheoffice.KaneisdoingabackgroundcheckonEllaTate.Hehasn’tfoundalistingforherfamily.Canyouaskherforanextofkincontact?”
Wolfenodded.“Sure.KeepmeintheloopandI’llmakesureeveryonegetsacopyofmyreport.”HehadathoughtandstaredatRowley.“DidyouMirandizeher?”
“Nope.Ifiguredshe’savictim.”Rowley’scheekspinked.“Dang,sheisincustodyandyou’regoingtoquestionheraboutacrime.”
“Yeah.It’snormalprocedure.Thelastpersontoseeavictimaliveisthefirstsuspectwelookat.”
“Iknowthatbutshesoundedsoconvincing.”Rowleyshrugged.“I’llgodoitnow.”
Wolfesighed.“No,youhaveenoughtodo.I’lldoit.You’dbetterbeonyourway.”
“Yes,sir.”Rowleyturnedonhisheelandheadedfortheelevator.
WolfeturnedtoEmily.“I’llbetakingastatementfromMissTateaftertheexaminationbutI’llneedyoutorecordourconversationfromthemomentweentertheroom.”Heopenedhisbagandhandedherhisvoicerecorder.
“Okay.”Emilytookthedevice.
Onceinsidetheexaminationroom,WolfeintroducedhimselfandEmily.Hepulledonapairoflatexglovesanddonnedamask.“I’mgoingtotakeyourstatementbutfirst,doyoumindifItakeafewphotographsandsomesamplesfromyourfaceandclothes?”
“No,dowhateveryouwantifithelpstofindSky.”
Wolfewalkedaroundher,takinginthescratchesonherfaceandthebloodspatteroverherleftside,hercheekandherleftglove.Ifshewasleft-handed,shecouldbethekiller.Hepulledacandybaroutofhispocketandhandedittoher.Shetookitwithherlefthand.“Youmustbehungry.Iaminthisweather.”
“Thanks.”Ellagavehimaquizzicalstare.“Iwashopingthehospitalwouldfeedmesoon.”
Wolfesmiled.“TheywillassoonasI’vefinished.BeforewestartIneedtoadviseyouofyourrightsunderthelaw.”Hereadherherrightsthenpulledhiscameraoutofhisbag.“Doyouunderstandyourrights?”
“Yeah,butI’mnotunderarrest,amI?”Ellagapedathim,wide-eyed.“Ididn’tdoanythingwrongandIdon’tneedalawyer.Whyreadmemyrights?I’mavictim.Idon’tunderstand.”
“I’manofficerofthelawandI’mdetainingyouuntilfurthernotice.I’mgoingtobeaskingyouquestionsaboutacrime.Agirlismissingpresumedmurderedandasyou’rethelastpersontoseeheralive,Iwouldn’twantyoutoincriminateyourself.”Wolfemovedaroundher,takingphotographsofthebloodspatter.“Areyouleft-handed,MissTate?”
“Yeah.Why?”Ellapeeredathimfromunderthehoodofhercoat.“I’mwarmnow.Whycan’tIremovemycoatandgloves?”
WolfeliftedElla’sarm.“Holdoutyourarmandturnitfromsidetoside.”Heclickedaway.“I’llneedtotakeafewswabsfromyourface,thenI’llbetakingyourclothesbacktothelab.Thehospitalhasprovidedyouwithhospitalscrubsandadressinggownuntilyourfamilyarrives.”
“Oh,wonderful.Isavedforagesforthatcoat.”Ella’seyesflashedinanger.“Mybootsweretwohundredbucks.”
“Doyoureallywanttowearthemwhenthey’recoveredwithyourfriend’sblood?”Emilymovedcloser.“Haven’tyourealizedyou’recoveredinblood?”
“N-no.”Ellapeeredatherarm.“Where?”
“Alldownyourleftside.”Emilyfrowned.“Ithinkyourclothesareruined.”
Wolfewatchedthegirl’sreactions.“Doyouhaveanumberwecancalltonotifyyourfamilywhereyouare?”
“Notrightnow.”Ellaliftedherchin.“Mybrotherwasdeployedacoupleofweeksago.That’swhyI’mspendingmyvacationwithSky.ChristmasinBlackRockFallsissupposedtobespectacularbutit’sfreezing.”
“Itisverycoldhere.”Wolfeshrugged.“IfnecessaryI’llbeabletogetamessagetoyourbrother.I’msureheisallowedtoSkypeyoufromtimetotime.”
“IfhecouldIwouldn’ttellyou.”Ellacasthimadisapprovingglance.“Pleasedon’taskmeagain.”
Fullyawareofthesecurityrequiredaroundmilitarydeploymentoverseas,henodded.“Sure,Iunderstand.”Hetookacollectionkitfromhisbag.“I’mgoingtotakeafewsamplesfromyourfaceandhands.Itwon’thurt.”
“Okay.”Ellaturnedherfacetogivehimaccess.
“I’llbehappytolendyousomeofmythings.”Emilysmiledather.“Welookaboutthesamesize.”
“MybagisinSky’scar.Whenyoulocateit,canyoubringmythingstothehospital?”Ellalookedhopeful.“IhavejustabouteverythingIowninhercar.Mycellphoneshouldbeinthereaswell.Ithrewitatthemananditbouncedoffhimandfellonthefloor.It’spinkandhasmynameinrhinestonesonthecover.”
Wolfemovedaroundher,takingsamplesofbloodfromherfaceandneck.“YoumentionedtomydeputythatSky’scarvanishedovernight.Itmightbeunderasnowdrift.Ifyougivemeyourcellphonenumber,I’llpassitontothedeputiessearchingforthecar.Theymighthearitringingunderthesnow.”
“Sure.”EllarepeatedittwicetoEmily,whoentereditintohercontactsonhercellphone.
HeturnedtoEmily.“CallWebberandpassonthenumber.”
“Okay.”Emilyslippedoutsideintothepassageway.
Wolfebaggedandlabeledeverything,thenhandedEllasomelargeplasticbags.“Thebathroomisthroughthere.”Hepointedtoadoor.“WhenEmilycomesback,Iwantyoutoplaceallyourclothesintotheplasticbags.Youmaykeepyourunderwearon.Idon’tthinkthebloodsoakedthrougheverything.”
“Itwouldn’thavegonethroughallofthem.Ihavelayersofclothesundermycoat.Twosetsofthermals.Icouldn’tfiteverythingintomybags,soIworetherest.Ifthere’snobloodonthemcanIkeepthemtoo?”
Thatexplainswhyshedidn’tfreezetodeath.Wolferubbedhischin.“Ifyou’reokaywithEmilyexaminingyourclothesfirsttomakeadetermination,thenyoucankeepanythingnotbloodstained.”
“Sure.”Elladroppedhergazetothefloor,thenlifteditslowlytolookathisface.“ThencanItakeashower?”
“Yeah,butbeforeyougo,letmeseeyourhands.”Wolfewaitedforhertoremoveherglovesthenexaminedherhandsforanysignoffrostbiteorblood.Hefoundnone.Hemethergaze.“Okay,thanks.Whenyou’redone,I’lltakeyourstatement.”
WhenEmilyreturned,hewaitedforhertocollecttheclothesthenleavingherinsidetowaitforEllatoshowerwalkedintothehallwayandcalledJenna.“RowleyisonhiswaytochattoSkyPaul’sparents.I’mwaitingtotakeEllaTate’sstatement.”
“Whathasthebloodspattertoldyou?”Jennaclearedherthroat.“Victimorsuspect?”
Wolfeletoutalongsigh.“I’mleaningtowardsuspect.ThebloodspatterisconsistentwithherinflictingthedamageandherattitudeisnotwhatIwouldexpectfromsomeonewhohassufferedthistypeoftrauma.Sheishostileratherthandevastated.Infact,sheseemstocaremoreaboutherbloodstainedclothesthanthefactsomeonemurderedherfriendinfrontofher.Somethingelse.Sheisn’texhibitingsignsoffrostbiteconsideringsheshelteredinatreeduringablizzardforsixhours.Althoughsheiswearingnumerouslayersofclothes,includingtwosetsofthermals,socks,andhadfur-linedboots.”
“Ifshewasunderasnowcanopyshecouldkeepwarm.”Jennacoughedandwheezed.“Sorry.WherewasI?Ahyes,Iknowsmallanimalsburrowunderthesnowtosurvive,it’spossible.”
HenoticedEmilywavinghimtowardthedoor.“Ihavetogo,ma’am.I’llcallyouwhenIhavemoreinformation.”Hedisconnected.
SIX
SkyPaultriedtofightherwaybacktoconsciousness.Fleetingmemoriesfilteredintohermind,ofadarkroadatnightandsomeonehittingher.Underneathher,warmbeddingpressedagainstherback.Perhapsitwasallabaddreamandshewasathomeandinherownbed.Shetriedtoforceopenhereyes,butthedreamtuggedherbackdownandshedozedinthatrelaxingplacebetweensleepandwakefulness.Amemorynaggedatherandshetriedtograspthetruthofit.Somewhereinthedeeprecessesofhermind,anightmarehovered.Hadhermindconjuredthemanbythesideoftheroadandtheblindingheadache?SheremembereddrivingwithEllatoBlackRockFalls,butnotgettinghome.Somepartsofthepuzzledangledjustoutofreachandshecouldnotescapethedauntingfeelingofunease.Ihavetowakeup.
Shefellbackintothedeepchasmofsleepandwokesometimelaterwithathrobbingheadache.Sothememoryofaheadinjurywasrealenough.Hertonguestucktotheroofofhermouthandshecouldn’trememberbeingsothirsty.Sheopenedhereyesandthefirstthingshenoticedwasabagoffluidhangingfromapolebesideherbedandthebeepofamachine.I’minahospital.Withcare,sheturnedherthrobbingheadtostareatthewomaninthenextbedhookeduptoanumberofmachines.Shewasaboutheragewithdarkhairandonehandwithbrightpinknailpolishrestedontheturneddownsheet.
Shetriedtotouchherfacebutcouldnotliftherarms.Fearingtheheadinjuryhadparalyzedher,shewiggledherfingersandtheyworkedfine.Glancingdown,shegapedattherestraintssecuringbothwriststoabaralongeachsideofthebed.Shetriedtowrigglefreebutthebandsheldhertight.Panicgrabbedher.“Nurse,Ineedhelp.”Hervoicecameoutinadrysqueak.
Footsteps,thenafiguredressedingreenscrubs,hatandmaskcameintoview.Skyblinkedattheman.“Ineedadrink—andwhat’shappenedtome?”Shewriggledonthebed.“WhyamIrestrained?”
“Calmdown,Sky.Everythingisgoingtobefine.YouwereinacarwreckandIcan’tgiveyouadrinkjustyet.Thestrapsareforyourownsafety.”Hetookasyringefromadishbesidethebedandinserteditintothetuberunningintoherarm.“Gobacktosleepnow.”
Awarmglowspreadthroughherandsheclosedhereyes,thenthevoicefromhernightmareshockedherawake.
“Isaidtokeepherinaninducedcomaandhookuptheothermachine.”Anothermanwearingthesamegreenhospitalscrubshoveredoverher.Thefamiliarraspyvoiceslammedintoher,makingeveryhaironherbodystandtoattention.
Themansoundedimpatient.“Andbeforeyougohometoday,leavethetrashbythebackdoor.I’lldisposeofitlater.”
Confusionandterrorshudderedthroughher.Whatwashappening?Noonehadexplainedanythingtoher.WherewasElla?Skyfoughttostayawake,butevenherintensefearwasnomatchforthedrugscoursingthroughherveins.Thepainslidawayanddarknesssurroundedher.
SEVEN
HeabsorbedTrudy’sterrifiedexpressionandsmiledasthedrugstookhold.Kidnappingandmurderingwomenempoweredhimtosuchadegreeithadbecomeaninsatiableneed.Hehadn’texperiencedanormalemotioninanyform,notever,andduringhisforty-fiveyearshadonlygainedthreeacquaintanceshecouldtrust.
Helikedmakinghisvictimsbelievetheyweresafeinahospitalward,thenwatchingtheshockontheirfaceswhentherealizationhitthemthattheywereunderhiscontrol.Hewouldkillthemandenjoyeveryslowmoment.Hewouldn’tgivethemasecondthoughtoncethey’ddied.Havingnoremorsewasagifthevaluedandonehe’dinheritedfromhisfather.
Asacattleman’sson,he’draisedorphanedcalvesbyhandbutbythetimehe’dreachedtenyearsoldhisfatherhadforcedhimtoslaughterthem.Ratherthanupsettinghim,ithadexcitedhim.Hisfather’swordshummedinhisearsYouarelikeme,son.Wedon’tgiveashit.
Hehadn’tcaredwhenhisfatherdiedeither.
Heattachedhissurgicalmaskthenpulledthecurtainsurroundingthebedtooneside.HisattentionlingeredonSky.Herdisappearancewouldbealloverthenewsbynow.Findingherfriendinthecarhadspoiledeverything.Hewouldhavetakenheraswellifthestupidbitchhadn’trunawaybutEllaTatehadlefthimalltheinformationheneededonhercellphone.
Youngpeoplepostedtheirplansonlinetellingeveryonewheretheyweregoingandwhattheyweredoing.Byposingasamaninhisearlytwenties,hehadthreethousandfriendstochoosefromandithadbeeneasytodiscoverwhenSkywouldbeleavingcollegetoreturnhome.TheselfiepostedfromtheBlackwaterRoadhouseat11.00p.m.hadgivenhimplentyoftimetodrivetothehighwayandwaitforher.Although,SkyhadneglectedtomentionEllawouldbetravelingwithhertoBlackRockFalls.
Hewalkedintothesmallofficeadjacenttothewardandscannedhiscomputer.Withinafewminutes,hefoundpostsbyEllaandfriendedhertoo.Soonshewouldbetellingtheworld—andhim—whereshewasandwhatshewasdoing.Ithadbecomepartofthenewculture.Hell,peopleevenpostedimagesoftheirdinner.Hegrinned.“Okay,Ella,I’lljustwaitforyoutocometome.”Hedisconnectedandstrolledoutintothewardtolookathisnewprize.Lifejustgetsbetter.
EIGHT
Jenna’sdaywasgettingworsebythesecond.ShehadfinishedreadingEllaTate’sstatementbutWolfewasnotansweringhiscellphone.Howcouldsheconductaninvestigationbyvirtualremotecontrolwithouthisfirst-handinput?Shecalledhiscellphoneagainandleftamessage.TheonlytimeWolfeturnedoffhiscellphonewasduringanautopsyandasnoonehadreportedfindingabody,shehadnoideawhatwashappening.Withhisconstantworryabouthisdaughters,hewoulddiverthiscallstoKane’scellphoneasbackupandyetKane’sphonehadnotrung.
Shepushedherhairfromherfaceandleanedbackintothepillows.Withnoreportscominginfromherdeputies,shehadnooptionbuttowait.HearingKane’sfootstepscomingalongthehallway,sheliftedherattentiontothedoor.Hehadbeenaremarkablygoodpatientandwiththetablesturnedprovedtobeaverycaringnurse.Although,sincelosinghismemory,hehadthesamelostlookaswhenhearrivedinBlackRockFallsoverayearago.Sheassumedthememoryofhiswife’sdeathhadhithimhardforasecondtimeandshewouldtrytosupporthimthebestwayshecouldbybeinghisfriend.Sheunderstoodgrief,afterlosingeveryoneshelovedintheworld,andhewouldneedtimetorecoverinbothmindandbody.Whenheappearedatthedoorwithtwocupsofsteamingcoffee,shesmiledathim.“Thanks.DidyoureadthestatementWolfesentthrough?”
“Yeah,andfromtheamountofbloodonTate,SkyPaulshouldn’thavesurvivedthefirstattack.Iftherewasasecond,asTatesuggested,we’researchingforabody.Ifthemanleftheronthesideofthehighway,there’snowayshesurvivedablizzard.”Kanesighed.“IranabackgroundcheckonTate.”Heplacedbothcupsonthebedsidetableandloweredhimselfcarefullyintotheseatbesideherbed.“EllaTatewasatroubledteenager,mixedwithabadcrowdbutwhenherparentsdied,shewenttolivewithherbrotherandseemstohavestraightenedoutherlife.HerbrotherisaNavySealandwhendeployedsheisonherown,nootherfamily.Igatherheisawaynowandassumethat’swhysheplannedtospendChristmaswithSky’sfamily.I’dliketointerviewherandseewhat’sgoingoninherhead.Herstoryreadsmorelikefictionthanfact.”
Jennasighed.“Wolfeisconcerned.Fromthebloodspatteronherclothes,shemayhavehurtherfriendbutapartfromthat,wehavenothing.”Shechewedonherbottomlip,thinking.“I’vecalledhimfourtimesandhe’snotpickingup.That’snotlikehimandwhyhaven’thiscallsbeendivertedtoyourphone?”
“Iguessbecausethey’rebeingdivertedtoWebber’s.”Kaneshrugged.“I’mnottoosurewhyheisn’tgettingbacktoyou.”
Realizationslammedintoher.“Iknowwhy.WebberisoutwithWalterssearchingforthevictimorhercar.There’snosignaloutthatfarfromtownandIguessRowleyhasthesatellitephoneinhistruck.I’lltryagainlater.Oncetheycomearoundthebendandheadpasttheroadleadingtothemeatprocessingplant,they’llgetreception.”
“I’llusetheradioinyourtrucktocontactthem.IdoubttheyarefarfromWalter’scruiser.”Kanepushedtohisfeet.“Whereareyourkeys?”
Jennaopenedthedrawerbesideherandpulledoutherkeyfob.“Here.Becarefulonthesteps.”
ShewaitedpatientlyforhimtopullonhiscoatandpullthehoodoverhiswoolenhatbeforeventuringoutsidewithDukefirmlyathisheels.Kanewaswalkingeasiernowbutcouldnothidetheseriousheadacheshesufferedthemomenthewentoutsideinthecold.Afterfiveminuteshereturnedandshecouldhearhimshakingthesnowfromhiscoatandremovinghisboots.Shepickeduphercoffeeandsipped.Momentslater,hesteppedintoherroom.
“Theyhaven’tfoundatraceofthemissingwomanorvehicle.Nosightingsfromthechopper.Thechoppersearchedformilesinalldirectionsandhasnowreturnedtobase.ThesnowplowhasclearedafewmilesinbothdirectionsofthecoordinatesthetruckdrivergaveRowley.”Kanesatdownandreachedforhiscoffee.“Thesnowmobileguyslocatedthewoodsandtheoldbarnmentionedinthestatementaswell.Theyclearedapathtothetreesalongthefencelinebutfoundnothingstuckonthewire.”
Jennasighed.“Thereshouldbefibersonthewireifhercoatwasstuckasshesaid,unlessthesnowwasheditoff.”
“Notlikelythesnowwouldmakeadifference.WebbercheckeditoutandIdoubthe’dmissevidence.”Hesighed.“They’vebeenoutthereforhours,Itoldthemtocallitadayandreturntotheoffice.Thechopperwillbeoutagainatfirstlightwiththerestoftheteamtosearchbutthechancesoffindinganythingwithitsnowingwillbeimpossible.”
Jennanodded.“Thanks.IfigureRowleywillbecheckinginsoon.Idon’tenvyhimhisjob.”
MomentslaterJenna’scellphonepealed.Shesnatcheditupandputitonspeaker.“Whathaveyougotforme,Rowley?”
“ThelasttimeMrs.PaulhadcontactwithSkywasat11:00p.m.ShecalledtosayshehadreachedtheBlackwaterRoadhouseandwasgettinggasandsomethingtoeat.Shewasupset.”
JennaexchangedalookwithKane.“Didshesaywhy?”
“Yeah,theyhadanargumentaboutSky’sbrother.Shedidn’tgointodetailsbutsaiditwasprettyheated.SkytoldhermomshewishedshecoulddriveawayandleaveEllaattheroadhouse.”
“We’llneedSky’scellphonenumber.Ifit’sturnedonwemightbeabletotraceitandlocateher.”
“Ihavethedetailsinthereport.I’mattheofficeandI’llsendthefilenow.I’vegottenaBOLOoutonSky,hercarandthedescriptionofthemanEllagaveme.I’mwritingamediareportandwillcallitinnow.Anycallswillbedivertedtoyourcellphone,ma’am.Someonemighthaveseensomething.Isthereanythingelseyouneedmetodo,ma’am?”
Jennatappedherbottomlip,thinking.“HaveyouseenWolfethisafternoon?”
“Yeah.”Rowleysuckedinabreath.“He’satthePaulresidence,takingbloodsamples,Ibelieve,tocrossmatchthebloodfoundonEllaTate.”
Jennaheavedasighofrelief.“WaltersandWebberareheadingbacktotheoffice.Oncethey’vehadlunch,sendWebberovertotheME’sofficetoassistWolfe.Youcancloseup.There’sanotherblizzardforecast.”
“DoyouwantmetoaskWolfetotrackthecellphonesorcalltheBlackwaterRoadhouseandfollowup?”Rowleysoundedapprehensive.
JennaglancedatKane.“No,that’sfine.Kanewillbeabletotrackthecellphonesfromhere.I’llcalltheBlackwaterRoadhouseandfollowupontheargument.IfitwasbadenoughforSkytomentionittohermom,someonemighthaveheardthem.”Sheturnedherheadawayandcoughed.“CouldIaskyouapersonalfavor?”
“Sure.”
“Couldyoupickupmymedsfromthepharmacyonthewayhome?”
“Yes,ma’am.”Thelinewentdead.
HercellphoneandKane’sringtoneswentoffinunison.“Thatwillbethefile.”ShesmiledatKane.“Goworkyourmagic.”
“Yes,ma’am.”
NINE
Itwasanightmare.TheheavinessoflimbsandtheinabilitytoopenhereyeshadSkyconvincednothingwasreal.Shetriedtowakebutjustasinherchildhoodnightterrors,hereyesrefusedtoopen.Somewherejustoutofreachshecouldhearthesoftmurmurofvoices,andbrightlightsshoneredagainsthereyelids.Shetriedtospeakbuthermouthrefusedtoformwords.Herearsmadeastrangebuzzingsoundandshecouldhearaslowbeep,beep,beepcloseby.
Shetriedtorationalizehersituation.Thememoryofthemanatthesideoftheroad,thepaininherhead,thenwakingupinthehospitalandbeingtoldshewasgoingtohaveanoperation.Sherememberedtheheadachethenthefloatingsensationafterthenurseinjectedsomethingintothetubeinherarm.Ifshecouldrememberallthesethings,shesurewasn’tdreaming.Whycan’tIopenmyeyes?
Thevoicescamecloserandafamiliarsmellsmashedanothermemoryintohermind—butwasitamemoryorabaddream?Sherememberedthesmellofthemanwho’dhitheranddraggedherintohistruck.Insheerpanic,sheusedeveryounceofstrengthbutshecouldnotasmuchasflutterhereyelids.Someonetouchedherface,agentletouch,almostacaress,herheadmovedfromsidetosidethensheheardavoice.
“Iknowyoucanhearme.”Themanleanedoverher.“Isn’tthisfun?Youmustbeenjoyingthedrugs,wellsomeofthematleast.”Hechuckled.“IcandowhateverIplease.Icancutyouorpullouteveryoneofyourfingernailsandyou’lljusthavetoliethereandtakeit.Doesthatscareyou,Sky?”
Inside,Skywasscreaming.Terrormadeherheartracesofastthemonitorsoundedanalarm.Someonewouldcome,theyhadto.Sheheardsoftfootstepsandfromhisvoice,itwasthenurse.
“Iseverythingokay?”Hemovedcloserandcoolfingerspressedagainstherjugular.“Shemaybeallergictothedrugs.”
“Nah.”Theman’svoiceseemedclosernow.“She’sjustexcitedtoseeme,isall.”
TerrorgrippedSkyandshetriedtocalloutandtellthenurseshewasnotokay,butshecouldnotmoveamuscle.Whatwashappeningtoher?Thensheheardachuckleandhotonionbreathbrushedherface.Shewantedtoturnawaybuteverymusclehadfrozen.
“Hecan’thelpyou,Sky.Iownhim.”Themanbentcloseandwhisperedinherear.“Imightkeepyoufortwoorthreedays,oralifetime,beforeIkillyou.Won’tthatbefun?”
TENMONDAY
Kane’spatiencewasatanend.Hewanted—no,needed—togetbacktowork.Beingholedupinsidethehousetwenty-foursevenwasdrivinghimcrazy.He’dspentallSundaytracingcellphonesanddoingwhateverelsehecouldtoaidtheinvestigation,butheneededtogetoutforawhile.ThesearchforSkyPaulhadcomeupwithbigfatzero.Thesearchteamhadcheckedalltheoutlyingfactoriesandfoundnosignsoflife.Allhadshutdownfortheholidays.Snowdriftsofwelloversixfeetdeepcoveredbothsidesofthehighwayandwithmoreforecast,theyhadnochanceoffindingSkyorhercaruntilthemelt.
Afterfinishingapunishingweighttrainingsession,heaimedafewexperimentalkicksatthepunchingbagandhisinjuredkneeheldupjustfine.Althoughthereconstructionhadcompromisedhisflexibility,withafewadjustmentstohisstancehewouldstillbeabletokickhardenoughtotakesomeonedown.Thepivotswouldbeaproblem,though.Withareconstructedkneeandrepairedtendonshewouldneverbeonehundredpercentfitagain.“I’lljusthavetopunchharder.”Hesmashedhisfistsintothebaganddidn’thearJennawalkintothegym.
“Ifyoupunchanyharderthebagwillsplit.”Shegavehimalongconsideringstare.“Youokay?”
“Nope.”Hegrabbedatowelfromthebenchandwipedthesweatfromhisface.“I’mgoingstircrazy.I’dliketogetbacktoworknowyou’refeelingbetter.”
“Whatabouttheheadaches?”Jennanarrowedhergazeathim.“Youhaven’tbeenoutsideforanylongperiodoftimetotestifyoucanhandlethecoldyet.”
Kaneshruggedandlookedathishands.“Ihave.IslippedouttohelpRowleywiththehorsesthismorning.”Hesmiled.“Trustme,it’snoworsethanbeforeandifIwearawoolencapundermyhoodieitkeepsmyheadwarm.”
“Ican’tstopyou,Dave,butpleasetakeiteasyforyourfirstdaybackandtakeDukewithyouorhe’llfigureyou’velefthimagain.”Jennarubbedthedog’sears.“He’sworriedaboutyou.”
Kanelookedatthesadeyeslookingupathimandsmiled.“Don’tworry,Duke.I’lltakeyouwithme.”HelookedbackatJenna.“Anythingspecialyouwantmetodo?”
“Whydon’tyouinterviewEllaTateatthehospital?She’sbeingtreatedforexposure,sowehaveanexcusetokeephertherewithoutchargingher.”Jennadroppedontothebenchandlookedupathim.“Thedoctorhasn’tmentionedreleasingheryet,sowehaveanotherdayatleast.”Shesighed.“Wolfeshouldhaveanalyzedthebloodsampleshetookfromherbynow.”
Kanehungthetowelaroundhisneckandsatdownbesideher.“It’snosecretit’sSkyPaul’sblood,theTategirladmittedasmuch.”Hemoppedathisface.“Withnothingcomingupontheircellphones,andnoreportsofanyoneseeingSkyorhercar,ifwhatshesaidistruethekillercouldhavedestroyedtheSIMsanddumpedthecarinamillionplaces.Apartfromthewaterholesalongsidetheriver,therearemineshaftsalloverthearea.Searchandrescuehavecheckedtheindustrialbuildings,andthey’llkeeponlookingforanothercoupleofdays,buttheydon’tholdoutmuchhope.Inthisweather,ifhervehicleisouttherewewon’tlocateituntilthemelt.”Herubbedhistemples
“Notwithmoreblizzardsforecast,that’sforsure.”Jennafrowned.“Iknowyou’llhatemesayingthisbutIstillthinkit’stooearlyforyoutoreturntowork.Humormeandgiveithalfadaytoseehowyougo.There’smorebadweatherduethisafternoonandyoumightgetstuckintown.”
“Ifthathappened,I’dbunkwithRowley.”HeturnedtolookatJenna’sworriedexpression.“Okay,I’llgointotheofficeafterbreakfastandbebackbeforetwo.”
“Thatsoundslikeaplan.Nowyou’rereadytogobacktowork,Iguessyou’llbemovingbackintoyourcottage?”Shepushedherhairbehindoneearandraisedbotheyebrowsinquestion.
Notwantingtoruintheirclosefriendship,Kanestaredatthefloor,concentratingontheswirlsinthepolishedtimberandtryingtofindtherightwords.HerememberedhowclosehehadgottentoJennabutitwasmorelikeapleasantmemorythanthebuddingrelationshiptheyhadenjoyedacoupleofmonthsago.Theimageofhiswife,Annie,driftedthroughhismindandhisstomachgavealittletwist.Theshort-termmemorylosssufferedduetohisrecentheadinjuryhadonlyinvolvedhistimeinBlackRockFalls,andthecarbombingandwatchinghiswifediewasasifithadhappenedyesterday.Ifeellikeamarriedman.
HismemoryofthelastyearhadreturnedbutthepainoflosingAnniewaslikearawpatchonhisheart.Sure,heenjoyedlivinginJenna’shousebutrightnow,heneededhisownspaceaswell.Hewantedtimealonetogethisheadstraight.Allhisrecollectionshadjumbledtogetherandthelastthinghewantedwastohurthisbestfriend.“Yeah,I’llmovebacktothecottageassoonasyou’rereadytoreturntowork.Rowleyhasofferedtostayonandhelpmewiththehorsesforacouplemoredays.”
“Darn.”Jennalaughedandgavehimaplayfulpunchonthearm.“Iwasjustgettingusedtowashingyoursmellysocks.”
“Idon’thavesmellysocks.”Kanefrownedather.“DoI?”
ELEVEN
Afterbreakfast,KanewavedDukeintothebackseatofhistruck,slidbehindthewheel,placedhisto-gocupofcoffeeintheholderandturnedtheheaterupfullblast.Hisdogwasoverpossessiveandleavinghimbehindwasn’tanoption.Thebloodhoundhadstucktohimlikegluethemomenthe’dpulledonhiscoat.LastSaturday,theshorttriptohiscottagehadresultedinDukehowlingliketheendoftheworldwascomingandtearingatthefrontdoor.Jennawasnotimpressed.HeturnedinhisseatandpattedDukeonthehead.“Ihopeyou’llbeabletocopewiththecoldweather.”Hehadbundledhimupinathickblackdoggycoat,oneoffourJennahadpurchasedafterseeingDuke’steethchattering,andhadbroughtalongathickthermalblankettocoverhim.“I’llhavetoleaveyouinthecarwhenIgointothehospital,soyou’dbetterbegood.”
Thesnowplowhaddriventhroughoverhalfanhourearlierandshouldhaveclearedapathintotownbynow.HewaitedforRowleytodrivepastthenfollowed—althoughhewasheadingstraighttothehospitaltointerviewEllaTate,JennahadinsistedRowleykeepaneyeonhim.Hesmiledtohimself.Shedidn’tknowhimaswellasshethought.Hewouldnevergetbehindthewheelofacarifhehadanydoubtofhiscapabilitiesandthespecialisthadgivenhimthegreenlight.Hisheadwasfineandtheheadacheswouldeasewithtime.Unlesssomeoneelsetakesashotatme.
EllaTate’sexpressionofhorrorwhenKanewalkedintoherhospitalroomspokevolumes.Hefoundhersittingbythewindowandshehadfrozen,asifsuspendedintime,atthesightofhim.Hefigured,fromherwide-eyedexpressionandthewayshegrippedthearmsofthechair,shehadn’trecognizedhimasadeputy.HerreactiontohimasapotentialintrudergavehimtheimpressionthestoryshehadgivenRowleyhadbeenthetruth.“MissTate,I’mDeputyDavidKane.I’dliketohaveafewwordswithyou,ifyoudon’tmind?”
Heremovedhisgloves,unzippedhisthickovercoatandeaseditoffhisshoulders,thentosseditontoachair.Thebadgeonhisregulationjacketwasnowclearlyvisibleandhenoticedasubtlechangeinherposture.Takinghistime,forhertorelax,hepulledouthisnotepadandpen,thendraggedachairtothewindowandsatoppositeher.“Howareyoufeelingtoday?”
“I’mokay.”Ellablinkedafewtimesasifshewashavingaproblemfocusing.
Kanesmiled.“That’sgoodtohear.DidIstartleyouwhenIcameinjustnow?”
“Yeah,youlooklikethemanwhoattackedSkyandchasedme.Ithoughthe’dcomebacktokillmetoo.”Shegrippedtheblanketcoveringherlegssohardherknuckleswhitened.“Haveyoufoundheryet?”
Kaneshookhisheadandmadehisvoiceasconversationalaspossible.“Notyetbutwehavesearchandrescueoutlookingforher.”Heleanedbackinhischair.Hewouldaskheraboutthemanwhoattackedherabitlaterwhenshecalmeddown.“Whatcanyoutellmeaboutthetimeleadinguptotheincident?WhywereyouandSkydrivingtoBlackRockFallssolate?”
“Mybrotherwasdeployedandwillbeawayfortheholidays,soSky’sfamilyinvitedmetostaywiththemforChristmas.I’veneverhadavacationinBlackRockFalls,soIjumpedatthechance.”Shesighed.“WeweregoingtocomedownattheweekendbutthenSky’smomcalledandtoldherablizzardwasforecast,soweleftstraightaway.”
“YoudrovestraightthroughfromBillings?That’sasix-hourdrive.You’rebothatcollegethere,isthatright?”
“Yeah,we’reatMSU.”Ellashrugged.“Westoppedforgasandtogrababurger.WewouldhavemadeitifSkyhadn’tinsistedonstopping.”ShetookadeepbreathandgaveKanealonghardlook.“YousurelooklikethemanwhokilledSky.”
Kanenodded.“So,hewasbiglikeme,sixfive?Orlikemeinlooks?”
“Samesize,darkclothes,wearingawoolencapwithahoodieoverthetoplikeyou.”Sheranhergazeoverhim,examininghimclosely.“Bighandslikeyoursandhemadethesameswishingsoundashewalked.”
“Okay.That’sgood.”Kanemadeafewnotes,justtoactasifeverythingwasroutine,thenheliftedhisgaze.“Incaseyou’rewondering,itwasn’tme.Todayismyfirstdayoutforsixweeks.I’vebeenholedupatthesheriff’shouserecuperating.IsmashedmykneeandhadtohaveitrepairedandIthinkyouwouldhavenoticedthelimp.”
“That’sgoodtohear.”Ellawentbeetred.“Oh,notaboutyourknee.I’msorry.Imeantaboutitnotbeingyou.”
Kaneshrugged.“That’sokay.Let’sgetbacktothenightSkywentmissing.Whenwasthelaststopforgas?”
“Blackwater.”Ellapickedatherfingernails.“Wehadastupidargumentaboutherbrother.”Sheglaredathiminaflashofanger.“Shetoldmenottogetinvolvedwithhim.Icouldn’tbelieveshewouldbanmefromseeinghim.We’vebeenroomiessincewestartedatMSU.”Shelookedaway.“Itwasasifanarmybratwasn’tgoodenoughforherfamily.”
Soyoukilledher.Kanerubbedhischin.ThemoodswingsworriedhimandshehadexhibitedthesamebehaviorduringtheinterviewwithWolfe,yetherreactiontohimhadseemedrealenough.Unlesssheisaverygoodactor.“Igatheryouresolvedtheproblembeforeyou’dgottenbackontheroad?’
“Yeah.WhatcouldIdo?ItoldherI’dstayaway.”Shesighed.“Don’tyouwanttoknowwhathappened?”
Kaneshookhishead.“No,I’vereadyourstatement.Ijustneedafewmoredetails.Youcan’trememberhisvehicleatall?”
“Notreally.”Shestaredatthefloor
Awarepeopleoftenblockedoutterrifyingeventsoraccidents,hetriedtojoghermemory.“Closeyoureyesandtrytorememberdrivingtowardthevehicle.”
“Itwasdark.Hehadflashersgoing.Itwasdifficulttoseehisvehicle.”
Kanesmiledather.“That’sgreat.Yousaidhewasabigman,sohowdidheappearbesidehisvehicle?Tallerorthesame?”
“I’mnotsure.”Ellafrowned.“Hewassortofbentoversohishoodfelloverhisface.“
“Washeleaningagainstthedoor?”
“No,hewasleaningagainst—itwasapickup.”Hereyespoppedopenandshesmiledathim.“Abiglight-coloredpickup.”
Kanenodded.Sheappearedgenuinelysurprisedshehadremembered.“Okay.Yousaidhewascarryinganaxandlaiditontheseat.”Hefrowned.“Anaxisprettybigandsowashe,andyethemanagedtoleanintothecarbetweenthesteeringwheelandseatwithanaxinonehand,isthatright?”
“Hehadanax.”Ellaclosedhereyesagainthenopenedthem.“Itwasasmallax.Likeaboutthislong.”Sheheldherhandsaboutonefootapart.
Kanenodded.“Wasitjustabladeorwasitadifferentshape,likeahammerononesideforinstance?”
“IonlysawitforasplitsecondbutIknowitwasmetal.”Herexpressionbecamesolemn.“Itwentlikethis:westopped,Skyopenedherwindowandhehitherwiththeax,openedthedoor,draggedherout,droppedtheaxontheseatthentriedtograbme.Hewasbigandcouldn’tfitallthewayintothecar.Ihadtimetoopenthedoorandrun.”
“Okay.Itwasprobablyahatchetfromwhatyou’redescribing.Anaxhasalonghandle.”Kanemadenotes.“Soyoudon’treallyknowifSkyisdead,doyou?Shecalledtoyoulater,didn’tshe?Howdoyouknowhe’dkilledher?”
“Idon’t,notforsure,butIheardherscream.”Ella’seyesfilledwithtears.“Itwasterrible,likehewaskillingher.Icouldn’thelpher,couldI?Iwasterrified.Hethreatenedtohurtmetoo.”
“Notmanypeoplewouldtakeonamanofmysizecarryingaweapon.”Kanewantedtobesympathetic,butvisionsofJennaluringakillerawayfromhimtosavehislifeslidintohismemory.FriendsperformedheroicactswhennecessaryandthemissinggirlwasElla’sbestfriend.Heneededtopushalittleandseeifadarksidewashidingbeneathherdevastatedfa?ade.“Didyouthinktomaybefollowhimbacktotheroadandseeforyourself?Itwaspitchblack,asyoumentionedinyourstatement,andthebrushisthickalongthesideoftheroad.Itwouldhavebeeneasytohideintheditchbesidetheroad.”
“Really?Areyousomekindofjerk?”Ella’seyesflashedwithanger.“Doyouhonestlybelieveanyonewouldputthemselvesknowinglyindangerlikethat?Hehadanax,orhatchetorwhatever.I’mjustnotthatbrave,sorry.”
ConcernedthewomanwassufferingfromPTSD,henodded.“That’sfine.YoumentionedplanningtostaywithSky’sparents.Iftheyarestillwillingtohaveyou,areyouwillingtoremainwiththemuntilwefindSky?Rightnow,wewouldpreferyoutostayintown.We’llneedyoutoidentifythemanwhoattackedher.”
“Yeah,IknowSky’sfamilyandI’dliketobeheretofindoutwhathappenedtoher.”Shesighed.“Idon’treallywanttostayaloneinmybrother’sapartment.”
Kanefoldedhisnotebookandpusheditwithhispenintohispocket.“Okay,I’llspeaktothedoctorandcallinonMrs.Paul.Thankyouforyourhelp.”
“FindSky.”Ellaliftedherchin.
Kaneopenedthedoorandglancedather.“I’lldomybest.”
Inthehallway,henoddedtothedeputyondutyoutsideElla’sdoorandmadehiswayoutthroughthesecuritydoors.Heranintoanangryman,whointroducedhimselfasSky’sfather.
“Whatareyoudoingaboutmydaughterandwhycan’tIseeElla?”Mr.Paul’sfaceturnedanastyshadeofpurple.“Whatthehellisgoingonhere?”
Kanedroppedhisvoicetojustaboveawhisper.He’ddiscoveredlongagothatpeopletendedtoquietendowntolistenifhespokesoftly.“ThesheriffhassearchandrescueoutlookingforherandwehaveaBOLOoutonherandhervehicle.Wearewaitingforpeopletocallinsightings.Atthismoment,wedon’thaveanysuspectsbutthesheriffhaseveryresourceworkingonthecase.EllaiscurrentlyinprotectivecustodybutassoonasIspeaktothesheriff,I’llseeifwecanmakearrangementswiththedoctortohaveherreleasedintoyourcare,ifyoulike?”
“Damnsure,I’dlike.”Mr.Paulglaredathim.“It’sbadenoughmydaughterismissing,maybemurdered,butbelievingEllaisinvolvediscrazy.”
Kanepulledouthiscellphoneandwaveditathim.“Justgivemefive.”
HewalkedoutofearshotandcalledJenna.“I’vespokentoEllaTate.She’sastrangeoneanddisplayedmoodswingsbutthatcouldbeduetoPTSD.Sheisdefensiveandangry.That’snottheusualbehaviorI’dexpecttoseeinapersonwhohasjustmurderedtheirbestfriendandIcan’timaginehowshemanagedtohidebothbodyandvehiclewithoutatrace.”Hesighed.“Ipushedherbuttonsbutherstorydidn’tchangefromherstatementandIaskedquestionsfromallangles.Idoubtshe’sinvolved.IbelieveithappenedlikeshesaidandIdon’tfiguresheisaflightrisk.”
“I’mnotsureweshouldcutherentirelyloosejustyet.Sheistheonlywitness.”Jenna’svoicesoundedhuskyfromhercold.“Sky’smothercalledandIgaveheranupdateonthesearchforSky.SheisanxioustospeaktoElla.Shecan’tunderstandwhywe’rekeepingheratthehospitalwithoutvisitors.Iguessifyou’reconvincedEllaistellingthetruth,wecanlethergoontheprovisoshestayswiththePauls.”
“Sky’sfatherisherenowandwillingtotakeher.”Kaneleanedagainstthecoldwallandstaredintospace.“Doyouwantmetospeaktothedoctorandseeifshe’sokaytoleave?”
“No,that’sokay,Wolfespoketohimalready.EllaisphysicallygoodtogobutfromwhatWolfesaidabouther,hesuggestedsheshouldseeashrink.”Jennaclearedherthroat.“He’salreadyarrangedforherdischargefromthehospital.AllyouneedtodoissendtheBlackwaterdeputieshomeandexplainthetermsofreleasetoMr.Paul.”
“Rogerthat.”Herubbedhischin.“DidyouaskWolfewhatteststhedocwanteddoneonyou?”
“Notyet.Ifyou’redroppingbyhisofficemaybe,youcanaskhim.TellhimIsaiditwasokay.ThenIthinkyoushouldheadhome.RowleyandWaltershaveeverythingcoveredattheoffice.Nothingishappeningintown,everyoneisinsidewaitingforthenextblizzard.RowleydivertedthemediaandBOLOhotlinecallstomycellphone.”Shesighed.“IfRowleygetsstuckintownhecangettohishomefromtheofficeandwecanhandlethehorsestonight.”
Kanesmiled.Itwasasifshewasreadinghismind.Apersistentpainthrobbedinhisheadandhiskneeachedafterthelongwalk—notthathewouldadmitit.“Icanmanagealone.I’llgrabsomecomfortfoodonthewayhomefromAuntBetty’sCafé;thecoldweathermakesmehungry.”
“Icanhearyourstomachrumblingfromhere.”Jennachuckled.“Seeyoulater.”
TWELVE
Somewhereinthedarkness,Skycouldhearsomeonehumming.Thereturntoconsciousnesswasimmediateandsherecognizedthehissandbeepofmachines.Fearandsheerpanicgrabbedherassherememberedthemanwho’dkidnappedher.Hopelessnesssurroundedher.Shehadtotellsomeoneandstayingconsciouswasheronlyhope.Sensingsomeonecloseby,shedidnotattempttomoveanduntilshediscoveredwhoitwas,playingpossumwasheronlyadvantage.
Sheliftedhereyelidsacrackandcouldseeamalenurseintheatrescrubsbendingoverher.Heliftedoneofherarmsandwashedit.Afterdryingit,heplaceditbackdownbeforecontinuingtobatheherinaprofessionalmanner.Okay,Icandealwithaspongebath.Withinfinitecarenottocauseattention,shemovedhergazedownherbody,surprisedtoseethesidesofthebedmissingandtherestraintsfromherwrists.
Herheartpickedupabeatandshecouldhearthemonitorbeepsincreasinginspeed.Thenursewouldnoticeshehadwokenandgivehermorezombiedrugs.Sheforcedhermusclestorelaxandthebeepsslowedalittle.Toolate:hestoppedhummingandexaminedherface.Panicgrippedherashemovedalongthesideofthebed,wipingawarmclothoverherchest.Ittookeveryounceofherwillpowerbutshemanagedtokeepherbreathingslowandsteady.
Thenursedriedher,pulleddownherhospitalgownandcoveredherwithablanket.Hepickeduphisthingsandheadedforthedoor.Theroomfellintodarknesswithonlytheglowfromthemachineslightingtheroom.Tremblingwiththethoughtofenduringthetauntingofherkidnapperagain,shewaiteduntilthenurse’sfootstepsfadedandturnedherheadtolookatthebedbesideher.Itwasempty,strippeddowntothemattress.Theyoungwomanwiththepinkfingernailshadgone.Sheeasedupontooneelbow,thensatupslowly.Herheadachedandshetouchedherface,runningherfingersoverthelumponhercheek.Hernosehurtandsherecalledtheblastofpaininthecar.Thememoryofthatnightslammedintoher.Themanthey’dstoppedtohelphadhitherthenthrownherontothesideofthehighway.SherecalledcrawlingalongthefrozengrasscallingoutforElla.WhereisElla?
Awaveofdizzinessrolledoverherandthemonitorsmadestrangesounds.Whatifshesetoffanalarmandalertedthenurse?Ihavetogettoaphoneandcallmymom.Sheslidoffthebedontowobblylegsandscannedtheroom.Themachineswouldbeeasytosilence;allshehadtodowasturnthemoffatthewall.Thenshenoticedthemachineattachedtotheneedleinherarm.Shehadseenoneofthosebefore,whenhergrandmawasill.Withoutasecondthought,shedraggedtheneedleoutofherarm.Thestickyconnectorswentnext.Freetomovearound,shefoundatinyflashlightusedforexaminationsandmadeherwaytothedoorusingthewallforsupport.
Afterpeeringintotheshadowyhallwayandlisteningforamoment,sheeasedoutside.Theplacewasassilentasatombandsocold.Usingtheflashlight,shecreptalongthehallwayandcametoaroom.Terrifiedoffindingsomeoneinside,shepressedhereartothedoor.Nosoundcamefromwithinandnolightshoneunderthedoor.Shetookadeepbreath,grippedthedoorhandleandturned.
Thedoorswungopentorevealasmallkitchenette.Metalcupboards,likelockers,alongonewallandatableandchairsinthecenter.Aclockonthewalltoldheritwasalittleafterfive.Sheturnedandmadeherwaybacktothehallway.Shadowsseemedtoloomuparoundthesmallbeamoflightasshemadeherwayslowlyintotheunknown.Anyonecouldbethereintheblackness,watchingherandwaitingtodragherbacktoherroom.
Withherheartpoundingasifitmightburst,shemovedslowly,stepbystep,throughthegloomybuilding.Thesmallflashlightslidalongthehallway,turningshadowsintoimaginarymentryingtograbher.Shehatedthedarkandthecompletelackofwindowsmadethepassagewaycloseinonher.Arushofpanichitherinanauseouswaveandsheleanedagainstthecoldwall,breathingoutgreatpuffsofsteam.Theideaofbeingundergroundwithoutescapeterrifiedher.
Attheendofthehall,shestumbledthroughtheopendoorofasmallofficebutnophonesatonthedesk.Disbeliefanddismaytwistedhergutwitheverystep.Nothingresembledahospital.Nowindows,nowardsandtheonlythingthesamewastheantisepticsmell.Therewasnowayout,nostairsordoors,andheronlychoicewastokeepmovingalongthehallway.Anicychillunderfootmadehershiverandherfeetachedwiththecold.Herfootstepsseemedtoechooffthewallsandanyoneclosebywouldhearher.Thepulsebeatingloudinherearsthrobbedintimewiththepaininherheadbutshekeptgoing.
Theflashlighthittwolargealuminumswingdoorsandthesightofherreflectionmadeherjumpback.Withnootherexitinsight,surelythewayouthadtobethroughthere.Shepushedonthedoorsandpeeredintothegloom.Theroomhadapeculiarsmell.Sheeasedinsideandallowedthedoorstoswingshutbehindherthenliftedtheflashlight.
Thebeammovedoveragurneycoveredwithalumpywhitesheet.Shetookafewstepscloser—andfroze.Terrorgrippedherbythethroat.Shecouldn’tbreathe.Fromonesideofthegurneyhungathinpalearm.Unabletomove,Skytrembledasshemovedtheflashlightdownthearm,overalimphand…tothebrightpinkfingernails.
THIRTEEN
AfterspeakingwiththemanageroftheBlackwaterRoadhouse,JennadiscoveredtheargumentbetweenSkyandEllahadbeensoloudthey’dbeenaskedtoleave.ThethoughtofSkydrivingwhenshewasmadworriedher.Perhapstheargumenthadcloudedtheyoungwoman’sjudgementwhenshe’ddecidedtostoptohelpthemanwhohadapparentlybrokendown
SheopenedtherefrigeratordoorandcaughtsightofanumberofplasticcontainerswiththeAuntBetty’sCafélogoonthetopsandeachmarkedwiththeircontents.ItwouldseemKanehadoverruledherdecisiontocookdinnerandcollectedenoughtakeouttofeedthethreeofthemforafewdays.Thesoundofavehicleapproachingcaughtherattentionandsheclosedthedoorandmadeherwaytothefrontofthehouse.Underthefloodlights,sherecognizedtheME’struck.What’sWolfedoinghere?
WhenEmilyjumpedfromthevehicleandscootedofftowardthestable,JennapulledopenthefrontdoorandwaitedforWolfetoclimbthestepsontotheporch.“Emilyisinahurry,what’swrong?”
“Nothing’swrong,shewantedtoaskKanesomething,isall.”Wolfestampedawaythesnow,wipedhisfeet,steppedinsideandremovedhisboots.“Ispoketohimbefore.Hesaiditwouldbeokay.”Heshruggedoutofhiscoat.
Jennatookitandhungitonapeg.“Comeintothekitchen.Thecoffeeisjustaboutready.”Sheledtheway.
“Great.Ineededtodiscussafewthingswithyouinprivate.”Wolfedroppedintoachairfacingthedoorandleanedonthekitchentable.“I’llcuttothechasebeforetheothersarrive.YouaskedmetogiveKanethedetailsoftheteststhedoctororderedbutastheyareveryspecificandpersonal,IfiguredIshouldspeaktoyoupersonally.”
Perplexed,Jennapouredthecoffee,addedthefixingsforbothcupsandplacedthemonthetable.Shedroppedintoachairandlookedathim.“Thedocsaidshewaslookingfor‘nasties’soIgathershewantedtoeliminateanythingunusual.”
“LikeHIV,hepatitis,syphilisandherpes?”Wolfeturnedhiscoffeecupincirclesandmethergaze.“ShedidanHLAtestaswell,andbloodgroup.”Hesighed.“Iwouldexpectafullbloodcount,ironlevels,vitaminB12maybe,butnottheothers.”
Jennaleanedbackinherchair.“MaybeshethinksI’mpromiscuous.”
“Youhavetheoppositereputation,Jenna.”Wolfefrowned.“TheHLAtestisatgeneticlevel,whichsetmyalarmbellsringing.YoumayhaveadifferentfaceandnamebutnothingchangesyourDNA.Andthepeopleyouwereinvolvedwithhaveasampleofit.”Helookedather.“IknowitwasViktorCarlos.Iworkedwiththeteamhackinghisorganization.WetookyououtofplaywhenwediscoveredhehadoneofhispeoplehackingdatabasessearchingforyouandtheyincludedaDNAprofile.”
AwaveofnauseahitJenna.AftersolongcouldtherereallybesomeoneleftaliveinViktorCarlos’scartelsearchingforher?AsDEAUndercoverAgentAvrilParker,shehadexposedhisracketandsenthimtojail.Acoupleofyearslaterarivalunderworldorganizationhadwipedouthisentiregang.ShegapedatWolfeindisbelief.“Youknewallthisanddidn’ttellme?”
“Myinformationwasthateverymemberofhiscartelwasdead.”Wolfesippedhiscoffeebuthisgrayeyesneverleftherface.“Problemis,whensomethinglikethishappens,wehavetofigurehisfamilyhasstartedupagain.Asonormaybeacousinandyouknowthey’llcarryavendettaagainstsomeoneformanyyears.Youwentdeepintotheirorganization,didn’tyou?Theytrustedyou.”
Memorieslikebaddreamsfloodedintohermind.Shehadgiveneverythingandalmostlosthersoulbringingdownamonster.Howwouldsheeverforget?Shenodded.“Yeah,theytrustedmelikeoneofthefamily.”
“Iknowhowdifficultthatmusthavebeen,Jenna.”Heclearedhisthroat.“Iknowyoumarriedhisbrotherandhadbloodtestsdone,right?”
“Yeah,didyouhavetoremindme?IonlysurvivedbecauseIknewitwasn’treal.Theytreatedtheirwiveslikeproperty,orbroodmares.Ifhe’dfoundmystashofcontraceptivepills,hewouldhavekilledme.”Realizationhitherlikeasledgehammer.“Oh,Jesus,theirfamilydoctordidbloodtests.”
“AndhasyourDNAprofile.”Wolfeplacedhiscuponthetable.“I’llgiveDoctorMavisWeaver’snametomycontactandhavehercheckedout.Doyourememberthenameofthedoctoryouwenttoseebackthen?”
“No.Idon’trememberhimtellingmehisname.”Jennachewedonherfingers.“CanyouhidetheDNAresultsfromher?”
“Yeah,IplantobutifthisiswhowethinkitisIwouldn’thavegottenalltheblood.”Wolfefrownedather.“ShewouldhavesentitawayforasecondtestandrightnowIcan’tfindoutwhereshesentit.Fromnowon,Jenna,nobloodtestsunlessIdothem,okay?”
“Sure.Ididn’tthink.I’veslippedintothislifesowell,Iforgotaboutmypast.”Thefrontdooropenedandshecouldhearvoices.“DoesKaneknowthedetailsofmymission?”
“No,andhewon’thearthemfromme,althoughhehasclearance.”Hereachedacrossthetableandsqueezedherhand.“He’sagoodmanandyouknowbynowyoucantrusthimwithyourlife.Itwouldn’thurttoexplainthepotentialthreatwithoutgoingintodetails.Maybebeefupthesecurityaroundhere.Leaveitwithme;I’llgetsomeonefromHQtocomeout.”Hewithdrewhishand.“I’llkeepyouadvised.”
“Hi,Jenna.”Emilystrolledintotheroom,cheeksrosyfromthecold.“Howareyoufeeling?Youstilllookpale.”
Jennaforcedasmile.“I’mfine.I’mgoingbacktoworkonWednesday.”
ShenoticedKane’sconcernedexpressionandsighed.ThereisnowayIcankeepallthisfromhim.Heknows,justbylookingatme,thatsomethingiswrong.
FOURTEEN
Shocked,Skygapedatthegurney,unabletomove.Herchesttightened,makingitdifficulttobreathe.Afaintwhistlingsomedistanceawaysnappedherbackintoaction.Sheturnedandmovedtheflashlightalongthewall,searchingforaplacetohide.Anexitclosetothegurneyhadacardscannerfixedtothewalltoonesideofit.Herlegsshookwithfear.Thewhistlingwascomingfrombehindthatdoor.Thebeamslidoverahugealuminumrefrigerator,thenaglass-toppedentrancecameintoview.Shecreptacrossthefloorandpushedintotheroom.Astrongsmellofantiseptichitherand,terrifiedatwhatshemightfindinside,shesuckedinatremblingbreaththenscannedtheareawiththeflashlight.
Theroomcontainedasinkand,ononeside,afloor-to-ceilingcupboardwithaslidingdoortookuptheentirewall.Itopenedsilentlyandshepeeredinside.Blanketsandsheetsfilledtheshelvesalongsidecontainersofdifferentsizes.Shegrabbedablanketandwrappeditaroundherself,thenwedgedherselfintoasmallspacebesideabroom.Afterturningofftheflashlight,sheshutherselfinside.
Thewhistlinghadgottenlouderbythesecond.Panicgrippedher,twistingherbellyintoknots.Ifherkidnapperhadcometokillher,hewouldfindherbedemptyandstartsearching.Herkneestrembledsohard,shehadtosqueezethemtogethertostopthemrattlingagainstthedoor.Thewhistlingwasclosernow.Shepeekedthroughacrackinthecupboardandstoppedbreathing.Fromherposition,shecouldseetheredlightonthefrontoftherefrigeratorintheotherroom.
Abeamoflightburstthroughtheexitandthenextmomentthelightscameon.Sherecognizedthebigmanatonceasthemanwhohadkidnappedher.Heworethesameblackhoodiecoveringhisface.Thewhistlingstoppedforafewsecondsashepinnedthedoorbackandwenttocollectthegurney.Hepushedthewoman’sbodythroughtheexitandintothehallway.Ashemovedaway,thewhistlingstartedagainandSkycouldhearhisfootstepsandthesqueakofthegurney’swheelsechoinginthedistance.
Theopendoorwasawayoutandheronechancetoescape.Movingasquietlyaspossible,sheleftherhidingplaceandcreptacrosstheroomandoutintothehallway.Ahead,thepassagewaywentstraightforafewyardsthenmadeasharpturntotheleft.Icycoldnessseepedthroughtheblanketandhershortpantingbreathssentcloudsofsteamintotheair.Panic-strickenthatthemanwouldbebacksoon,sheslidtheflashlightintothepocketofthescrubsandpulledtheblanketoverherhead.Thewayouthadtobeclosebybutshefiguredifshecouldhearhim,themomenthestoppedwhistling,hewouldbeabletohearheraswell.Sheclenchedherjawandfollowedhim.
Reachingthecorner,sheedgedherwayalongthewallandtookaquickpeek.Themanwasnowhereinsightbutshecouldseeanopendoortotheoutsideandsnowpileduponeachside.Ratherthanthecrispcleanairsheexpected,aheavyodorhungintheair.
Aloudwhirringsoundfollowedbytheunmistakablenoiseofheavymachineryblastedherears.Notcaringifshemadeanoise,shesprintedfortheopendoor,thenflattenedherbodyagainstthewallandlookedoutside.Snowhadlightlydustedaclearedwalkwaylitbyarowoflights.Shecouldmakeoutfootprintsandtheimprintfromthewheelsofthegurney.Ononesidewasahighbrickwallthatendedsomeyardsahead.Shehadnochoicebuttoseewherethepathwaycameout.Withherheartbeatthrashinginherears,sheranslippingandslidingalongthepath,usingonehandonthewallforsupport.
Thegrindingnoisehadgottenlouderandastenchlikedeathwaftedtowardher.Shereachedtheendofthewallandfrozeonthespot.Nottenyardsawaythemanwashoistingthenakedbodyofayoungwomanontoaconveyerbelt.Thewidebeltcarriedthewomantoanopeninginahugemachinewithwhirringbladeslikeawoodchipper.
Horrified,Skypushedherknucklesagainsthermouthtostopascreamofprotest.Blackspotsdancedbeforehereyesandsheblinked,notbelievingwhatshewasseeing.Asthebodymovedslowlyintothegapingmawofthemachine,shegaggedattheterriblenoiseandvomitedbile.
Tremblingwithfearanddisgust,shebackedintothecoverofshadowsandtookinhersurroundings.Shehadtogetaway.Ontheleft,wallsroseoutoftheshadows,darklikeaprison.Ahead,afrostypathledtoaparkinglotnottwentyyardsaway.Awhitepickupwiththewindshieldthickwithicesatallalone,andbeyonditthesafetyofdarkness.Couldshemakeittherebeforethemanhadfinishedhisghoulishtask?
Aftertakingone,quicklookathim,shetookoffatarun.Greatcloudsofsteamescapedherlipsasshegaspedinfreezingair.Unabletogettractionontheice,shemadeitafewyardsbeforethesoundofheavyfootstepsthunderedbehindher.
Hehadseenher.
Shescreamedand,lungsbursting,ranforherlife.Theparkinglothadalowfence,snowpiledonpolesconnectedwithloopsofice-coveredchain.Thefootstepscrunchedbehindherandshescreamedagain,thefrigidairburningherthroat.Hegrabbedather,tearingtheblanketfromhershoulders.
“Giveup.Youcan’tgetawayfromme.”Sherecognizedthevoiceofthemanwho’dkidnappedher.“ComeeasyorI’llfinishyourightnow.”
Skyglancedoveroneshoulderandglaredathim.“Getawayfromme.Isawwhatyoudid.”Sheranatthefence,leapingoverthechain.
Shelandedhardonherknees,slidingacrosstheice,butscrambledupagainandtriedtorun.Hewasonherinseconds.Painslammedintoherheadandthemetallictasteofbloodspilledoverhertongue.Thegroundcameupfastandherfacelandedinapileoffreshsnow.Coldseepedthroughherthinclothesandshetriedtospeakbuthermouthrefusedtowork.Asnowflakelandedonheroutstretchedarm,lacyandperfect.Thefrozenlandscapeslippedintooblivionandthelightaroundherfaded.I’mgoingtodie.
FIFTEENTUESDAY
AcoldcrispmorninggreetedJennaandshewokefeelingsurprisinglywell.Sinceshehadfallenill,Kanewouldtendthehorses,workoutandshowerbeforeknockingonherdoortodeliverasteamingcupofcoffee.Shesatupinbed,pushedthehairfromhereyesandsmiledathim.“You’respoilingme.IusedtowakeupatfiveeverymorningandnowIloungearounduntilit’salmostseven.It’sgoingtobeastruggletogetupintimeforworktomorrow.”
“You’llsoondropbackintoyouroldroutine.”Heplacedthecuponherbedsidetable.“Rightnow,youcan’tworkoutandIhaveRowleyhelpingmetendthehorses,soyoudon’tneedtocomeoutsideinthecoldanddark.”Heturnedtoheadforthedoor.“I’llhavebreakfastreadyinten.”
“Dave.”Jennareachedforhercoffee.“Ididn’tgetachancetospeakwithyoulastnight,withRowleyhere,butaproblemhascomeup.Wolfegavemesomeinfoyouneedtoknow.CanyouhangbackafterheleavesthismorningsoIcanbringyouuptodate?”
“AbouttheSkyPaulcase?”Kanepausedinthedoorway.
Jennashookherhead.“No,thisispersonal.”
“You’renotill,areyou?”ConcernetchedKane’sexpression.“Ifso,Ihavetimenow.He’satthecottage.”
“I’mfine.Thisissomethingfrombeforewemet.”Jennagavehimwhatshehopedwasameaningfullook.“I’llexplainlater.”
“Rogerthat.”Kanestrolledoutthedoor.
Duringbreakfast,Jennadiscussedthedailyrunningoftheoffice.ApartfromtheSkyPaulcase,herdeputieshadtocopewiththeusualday-to-dayproblemsintown.Rowleyreportedalargenumberofvehiclecollisionsduetothebadweather,andtheusualcomplaints.Sheeyedhimovertherimofhercup,thenplacedthecuponthetable.“ContacttheDepartmentofTransportandseeiftheycanspraymoresaltontheroadsintown.Theyinvestedinmoresnowplowsthisyearandareconcentratingonkeepingthehighwayclear,somaybetheyneedtobeadvisedofthesituation.”
“Yes,ma’am,I’llgetontoitrightaway.”Rowleyrosefromthetable,rinsedhisplateandcupandplacedtheminthedishwasher.“WehavepeoplecominghomefortheholidaysandIfiguredapublicannouncementtomakesuretheyhavechainsorall-weathertiresfittedtotheirvehicleswouldbebeneficial.”
Jennanoddedinagreement.“Yeah,andmaybeaddtostayindoorsduringablizzardandkeepofftheroadsunlessnecessary.”Sheshookherhead.“Ican’timaginewhypeoplecomehereinwinter.Iwouldbetakingavacationsomewherewarmer,ifIhadanoption.”
“Metoo.”Rowleysmiled.
Jennaglancedathernotebook.Workingawayfromtheofficewasapain,likedealingwithproblemssecond-hand.“Anotherthing,withtheSkyPaulcase,I’mthinking‘whatif’aswehavenothingtogoon.WhatifthemanEllaTatesawwasn’talone?”
“Possiblebutiftherewasanothermaninthecarwouldn’thehavehelpedtryandcatchher?”Kanescoopedeggsintohismouth.“Whydoyoufiguretherearetwomeninvolved?”
Jennasighed.“BecauseSky’svehiclevanishedfromsightandthemanwhoattackedherhadthekeys.”
“Mostvehiclesaroundthiswaycarrysometypeoftowingdevice.”Rowleyfrowned.“Itwouldbeeasytohitchittothebackofhistruckandtowitanywhere.Itcouldbeinanotherstatebynow.”
Jennasighed.“Yeah,searchandrescuesaidmuchthesame.Thetimebetweentheincidentandgettingonscenewasfartoolong.”Shelookedatherdeputiesandshrugged.“Itwasjustathought.”
“Wecouldmakeavisittothelocalrecyclingyardsbuttheyweretoldtobeonthelookoutforthemissingvehicle.”Kaneclearedhisthroat.“Mosthaveshutdownovertheholidaysaswell.”
Jennanodded.“It’sworthadrive-by.Ifthey’reclosed,thecarcouldhavebeenabandonedoutside.”
“I’llgotakealook.”Kanestoodandrefilledhiscup.“ButIfiguresearchandrescueorthesnowmobileteamwouldhavefoundit,evenwiththeblizzard.”
“I’llheadintotheofficeandopenup.”RowleyshruggedintohiscoatandlookedatKaneexpectantly.“Thesnowplowshouldhaveclearedtheroadsbynow.”
“I’llbeinlater.IhavetodropintotheME’sofficetospeaktoEmily.”Kanesatbackinhischair,makingitgroanunderhisweight.“Ipromisedtotakehersomeinformationonprofiling.”
“Okay.”RowleynoddedatJennaandheadedforthefrontdoor,stoppingtopullonhisboots.
Oncethedoorclosed,JennaexplainedthebloodtestsituationtoKane.“WolfeisconcernedaboutsecurityandiscontactingHQ.”
“Don’tbesurprisedifachopperlandsherewithaspecialistcrewonboard.”Kanefrowned.“Theytendtomoveswiftly.I’llcallRowleyandtellhimI’mstayinghometoday.”
“It’snobigdeal,Dave.”Jennaliftedherchin.“Imanagedjustfinebeforeyouarrived.I’marmedandawareofapotentialthreat.I’msureI’llmakeituntilyoucomehomeattwo.”Shesighed.“Ican’tseeanyoneriskinganattackindaylight.”
“Thatwoulddependonthethreat.”Kane’sexpressionofconcernspokevolumes.“DidWolfementionanythingabouthackingthedoctor’scomputer?”
Jennashookherhead.“No,andIwouldsaytodothatlegallywouldbedifficultwiththepatientprivilegelaws.”
“IdoubtHQwillbewaitingforacourtorder,somehow.”Kanedrummedhisfingersonthetableandsmiled.“Wolfetoldmeyouhaveinformationthat’sevenabovemypaygrade,sothey’lldooneoftwothings—hackthedoctor’scomputertoseewhosheiscontacting,orcomeandtakeyououtoftheequation.”
Thethoughtofleavingherhome,Kane,Wolfe,Rowley,Emilyandhersistershitherhardinthepitofthestomach.“I’mnotleavingBlackRockFalls.YouandtheothersaretheonlyfamilyIhavenow.”Shestaredathimindisbelief.“I’llrefusetogo.InearlylostyouonceandI’mnotlosingyouagain.”
“Youwon’thaveanychoice.”
SIXTEEN
ItwaswithsomereluctanceKaneleftthehousewithDukeonhisheels.WithapossiblethreathangingoverJenna,thelastthinghewantedtodowasleaveheraloneatanisolatedranch.HerinsistenceshewouldcarryherGlockinashoulderholsterdidlittletoeasehisworry.Ifanassassingotthroughherinadequatesecuritysystem,shewouldn’thavetimetogettothesaferoominthebarn.Herringwhenactivatedalertedhiscellphonebuthewouldbetoofarawaytolendassistanceinanemergency,yetsheinsistedonstayingalone,givingtheexcusethatshewouldneedtobeavailableifWolfeorganizedateamfromHQtoupdatehersecurity.Unconvincedhistriptotherecyclingyardswasapriorityhestoodonthestoopforafewmomentsstaringoutacrossthelandscape.
Theovernightsnowhadflattenedtheviewandtheearlymorningraysofwaterysunglistenedlikestreaksofgoldacrosstheice-coveredgrasslands.WinterinBlackRockFallswasacruelbeauty,turningthetreessurroundingtheperimeterofthehousetoblackcreakingmenaces.Thefrozensnappingbranchessoundedlikegunshotsinthestillness.“Ablanketofsnow”welldescribedthescenebeforehim.Thesilencewasasifnaturehadturneddownthevolume.
Hisbootscrunchedinthesnowonhiswaytothegarage.Hestartedhistruck,allowingtheenginetoidle,thenstrolledbacktohissnow-coveredcottage.Icicleshungdownfromtheguttersandfrostcoveredthewindowsinswirlingpatterns.Itremindedhimofagingerbreadhouse.Heturnedoverthekeysinhispalmthendecidednottogoinside,feelingasifitwasaninvasionofRowley’sprivacy.
Laterthisafternoon,hewouldstarttomovehisbelongingsoutofJenna’shouse.Rowleyhadalreadytakenhishorsefromthestableandwasmakingnoisesaboutbeinganxioustoreturnhome.Notthatheblamedhim.Withhisfamilyreturninghomefortheholidays,hewouldwanttospendtimewiththem,andthentherewashisdog.TheplanhadbeenforRowleyandthedogtomoveintothecottage,buttheysoondiscoveredDukewasaterritorialcreatureandrefusedtoallowanothermaledoginside.
Kanemadehiswaybacktohistruckandbackedoutofthegarage.Heheardthewhirrofchopperbladesthenabirdsetdownbesidethecorral,sendingoutmoresnowthanasnowplow.Unsureoftheidentitiesoftheoccupantsspillingoutthedoor,hedrovetothefrontofJenna’shouse,slidfromtheseatandpulledouthisweapon.Oneofthefourmenheadedtowardhimandtheotherthreehauledequipmentoutofthechopper.Asthemanapproached,Kaneaimedhispistolattheman’shead.“Stopwhereyouare.”
“We’reunderorders,Deputy.”Themanliftedhishands.
KaneheldhisGlocksteady.“HoldyourcredpacksoutwhereIcanseethem.”
“Sure.”Themanpulledouthismilitary-issuecredpackandissuedanorderfortheotherstodothesame.“WolfeorganizedasecurityupdateforaJaneDoe.Wecanhandleitfromhere,Deputy.”
Kanescrutinizedeachman’scredentials,andsatisfiedtheywerelegit,holsteredhisweapon.“Idon’tthinkso.Waithere.I’llgospeakwithher.”
HeheadedbackupthestepsandslippedinsidetofindJenna,faceashen.“It’stheguysfromHQheretoinstallanewsecuritysystem.Isuggestyoudisguiseyourselfabit,maybecoveryourhair,putonsunglasses.Theydon’tknowwhoweareandreferredtoyouasJaneDoe.”Hesqueezedhershoulder.“I’llstayuntiltheyleave.Isuggestyouheadovertothesaferoom.I’llcomegetyouwhenthey’redone.”
“Thankyou.I’llslipoutthebackdoor.I’llcallRowleyandtellhimyou’llbelate.Idon’twanthimfiguringyou’vewreckedyourtruckandbeheadingbackhere.”Jennagavehimasmallsmile,thenjoggedtoherbedroom.
Kaneopenedthefrontdoorandgazedatthefourmen.“Okay,wheredoyouwanttostart?”
“We’llneedaccesstoallrooms,toalarmthewindows,andwe’llbesettingupanewperimetersilentalarmsystem.”
Kanerubbedhischin.“Thatwilltakehours.”
“Nah,oneatmost.Weusewirelesslasertechnologynow,nowiresandimpervioustoallweatherconditions.Easytouse,fasttoinstall.I’mtoldshehasaCCTVscreenarray.”Hewavedalittlebox.“Thisbabycollectsthedata,sendsanalerttoasmanycellphonesasyoulike.We’llupdatetheCCTVandbegonebeforeyouknowit.”
Afterhearingthebackdooropenandshut,Kanewavedhiminside.“Okay,you’regoodtogo.”
Likehim,Jennahadnophotographsandinfactnothingpersonalonshowinherhousetoidentifyher.Fortunately,thepreviouseveninghe’dmovedhercruiserintothebarnandfittedthechains,readyforhertodrivetoworkonWednesdaymorning.
Themenmovedwithswiftefficiencyand,afterexplainingthesystemtoKane,leftinacloudofdisturbedsnow.HecollectedJennafromthesaferoom.“Thatdidn’ttakelong.”
“Howdoyouknowtheyhaven’tfittedcamerasineveryroomorlisteningdevices?Idon’ttrustanyone.”Shedraggedoffhercoatandtosseditontoakitchenchair.
Kaneshrugged.“Iwatchedthem,butwecandoasweepoftheplaceifyoulike?”
“Ohyeah,Iforgotyouhaveallthegizmos.”Jennapulledaface.“Irememberthedayyouarrived.”
Kanechuckled.“SodoI.”Heheadedtohisroomandpulledoutasuitcase.“Doyouknowhowtouseoneofthese?”Hehelduptheheadphonesandscanner.
“Yeah,Iremember.”Jennaheavedalongsigh.“Itseemslikealifetimeago.Icanmanage.Rowleywillbewaitingforyou.”
Kanehandedhertheequipment.“I’llexplainthesecuritysystembeforeIgo.It’smucheasierthanbeforeandwecansetitordeactivateitviaourcellphones.I’veaddedthreenumberstothealarm,yours,Wolfe’sandmine,justincase.Theygavemethreeremotestocarryinourtrucks.They’llrecognizeuswhenwedriveinandwon’ttripthealarm.Ifthereisafalsealarm,youcansendanautomaticmessagetonotifybothofus.”Heledthewayintotheofficewiththearrayofscreens.“Nowyoucanpantheentireranchandzoomin.I’mamazedtheygotallthisdonesoquickly.”
“It’sgreat.”Shelistenedashewentoverthedetails.“Okay,that’seasytounderstand.Soyoucanactivatethealarmagainwhenyoudriveout?”
“Yep.”Kaneheadedforthedoor.“Ifyoudofindanybugs,don’tnukethemuntilWolfehaslookedatthem.Weneedtoknowwhatorwhowe’redealingwith.”Heturnedatthedoor.“I’llcallwithanupdateontherecyclingyardsatlunchtime.”
“Okay.”Shefollowedhimout.“Drivesafe.”
SEVENTEEN
ThehissofthelifesupportsystemfilledthequietroomashepeereddownatSky.Hisneedtosilenceherhadruinedhisplans.Heshouldhavebeenmorecareful;onepunchhadcomeclosetokillingherandhadbeennofunatall.Aftercarryingherbackinsideandremovingallevidenceofherescape,he’dcalledthenursebacktoworkandexplainedhowitwashisfaultshehadfallenoutofbedandhitherhead.Thewell-trainedandoverpaidmanhadnotsaidawordbutsetaboutmakingsureSkywouldbeokay.
Annoyed,hewentbacktohisofficeandsatinfrontofhiscomputer.HisvisitwithhisgirlfriendonSaturdaynighthadbeenadequatebutshehardlyfilledhisinsatiableneed.Shewasameanstoanendandhecouldcontrolherbytellingherwhatshewantedtohear.Hehadbecomesoskilledovertheyearshecouldcharmanyoneintobelievinganythinghesaid.Hislifehadbecomeawebofskillfullytoldlies.Mostofthetimepeopleweregullibleandifhetoldthemhecouldwalkonwatertheywouldbelievehim.
Ifhiscurrentoccupationhadn’tbeensolucrativeinbothmoneyandsatisfaction,hecouldhavefollowedadifferentpath.Peoplebelievedhimnomatterwhatcrimeshecommittedorlieshetold.Hehadcharminspadesandcouldtalkhiswayoutoftrouble.Afterhisfather’sdeath,heconvincedhispartnertosignoverhisbusinessandbankaccounttohimtheweekbeforehedied.Theidiotactuallybelievedhewouldlookafterhisfamilyforhim.Hell,hewouldrathercuttheirthroats.
Thethoughtmadehimchucklebuthequicklysobered.Theurgetokidnapwasgettingstrongagain;theadrenalinerushwaslonggonefromSky’sabduction.Nowallhehadtodowastofindsomeoneinthemiddleofwinterinablizzard.Heloggedintohissocialmediasites,scrolledthroughhismanyprofilesandsmiled.SeveralyoungpeoplehadmadeplanstoreturntoBlackRockFallsfortheholidays.Hemadealistanddecidedtotakeasmanyaspossible;itwasalongtimeuntilthespringbreakandheneededhishospitalwardfull.
Outofinterest,hewenttoSky’sFacebookpageandreadtheposts.Atlast,EllaTatewasonlineandtryingtogetagrouptogethertosearchforherfriendbuthadgottennoresponse.Hewenttoherpagetosearchthroughherimages.HefoundshewasstayingwithSky’sparentsinBlackRockFallsandrespondedatoncewhenhefriendedher.Hewentontosearchforothersuitablepeopletokidnapandthecomputerbuzzedamessage.EllawantedhishelptofindSky.Hereaditandsmiledathisgoodfortune.Ohyes,ofcourseIwillhelpyoufindyourfriend.
EIGHTEEN
FrostcrystalscoatedKane’struckbythetimeheledthewayfromtherecycler’syardinBlackRockFallswithRowleyclosebehindhim.Heinhaled,clearinghislungsofthesmellofoil,greaseandbodyodor.Winterhaditsownsmell,crispandclean.Asheexhaled,aplumeofsteamsurroundedhim.Heslidbehindthewheelandstartedtheengine
Evenwiththebittercoldandwiththeconstantthreatofheadaches,hehadn’tregrettedreturningtoBlackRockFalls.He’dfoundahomeinthisstrangetownandthepeopleacceptedhim.Nothingseemedtodampenthespiritsofthetownsfolkandheadmiredthemfortheirstrength.Theyrarelycomplainedandbundledagainsttheweatherinbrightlycoveredclothes,hatsandscarvesmadeacolorfuldisplay.Ashedrovebacktotown,hewavedbackatpeopleclearingtheirdriveways.Tomost,snoworsunshine,itwasjustanotherday.Heturnedthetruckontothemainstreetandheadedtotheoffice.
ThetownhadturnedintoaChristmascardovernight.Treeshungheavywithsnowandeveryhousehadawhiteroofandalineoficicleshangingalongthefrontlikelacybunting.Kidswithredrunnynosesbuiltsnowmeninfrontyards,laughingandthrowingsnowballsasiftheyhadn’tnoticedthefreezingtemperature.
Christmastreeswithlightsblinkingadornedmanyfrontwindowsanddecorationsproclaimingtheholidayseasonfilledthetown.HeturnedtoRowley.“Iguessweshoulddriveuptotheindustrialareaandcheckouttheotherjunkyard.”
“Notmuchpoint.”Rowleyrubbedhishandstogether.Theyshutdownforfourweeksatleastoverwinter.”HeglancedatKane.“ThesnowmobileteamwentuptherelookingforSkyPaulandsaidthegatewaschainedup.”
Kanefrowned.“Buttheyweren’tlookingforsignsofacrushedcar.”Hetooktheroadoutoftown,gladthesaltspreaderhadclearedthehighway.“Incaseslikethis,wehavetoplaythe‘whatif’game.Wehavenoclues,zip,andintruth,wedon’tknowifwehaveavictim.Wehavebloodevidenceandasketchyreportfromawomanwhocouldbeinvolvedinamurder.”
“So,whatifshekilledher,youmean?Well,shewasthelastpersontoseeheraliveandthatkindamakesheranautomaticsuspect.”Rowleyunzippedhisjacketandremovedhisglovesastheheaterkickedin.“Doyoufigureshedrovethecartotherecycler’s,haditcrushedwiththebodyinsidethenwalkedbacktotheroad?”
“Nopebecausethat‘whatif’ismissingavitalpieceofinformation.”Kaneflickedhimaglancethenkepthiseyesonthefrozenlandscape.“ThechanceofEllaTateknowingtheguyorwatchmanorwhoeverisinvolvedwiththejunkyardwouldberemote.SomeonehadtobetheretocrushSky’svehicle.It’snotsomethingshecoulddoalone.”
“Sowhatisyour‘whatif’?”Rowleylookedathiminterested.
“WhatiftheincidentplayedoutasTatesaidandthekillerownsthejunkyard?”
“Killedthegirl,towedthecarhereandcrushedtheevidence?”Rowleysmiled.“Makessense.”
Kanetookinthebeautyofthebrilliantwhitecountryside,flattenedbythesnow.HerememberedhisfirstdriveintoBlackRockFallsalongthesamehighway,inthesnowatnight.Theisolationandeeriequiet,theblackenedtreesstandingalongtheroadlikeabattalionofsoldiers’gunsheldatattention.Hecouldnotimagineayoungwomanchoosingtospendanightupatreeorwalkingmilesinthesnow.Hersurvivalhadbeenclosetoamiracle.“Sonowwehavetwopossiblescenarios.”
“Iguesswecouldcross-checkherphonerecordswiththeownerandseeifsheknowshim.”Rowleypulledouthiscellphoneandscannedfilesonthecase.
Kanenodded.“Yeahandifshedoesknowhim,shecouldhavecontactedhimfromtheBlackwaterRoadhousetotellhimtheywereontheirway.”
“Whykillherbestfriend?”Rowleyturnedinhisseat.“ItseemsabitextremejustbecauseshearguedwithheroverSky’sbrother.”
“Yeah,themotiveisastickingpointwithmetoo.”KaneglancedathisGPS.“AreweclosetotheplaceTatesaidtheywereattacked?”
“Yeah,seethosetreesoverthere?That’swhereTatesaidshespentthenight.”Rowleypointedoutthewindow.“Goingonherstatementtheattackmusthavehappenedopposite.”
Kaneslowedhistrucktoacrawl.Novehiclesmovedineitherdirectionandtheplacewasassilentasatomb.Hescannedthearea,seeingtherecentgroovesfromthesnowmobilesalongthepartiallyclearedpath.ThegroupofpineswhereTatehadshelteredwereheavywithsnow,theirbranchesbendingundertheweight.Highinthetreebeneathsnow-coveredbrancheswouldbethesafestplacetosurviveanightintheseconditions.Outofthewind,thesnow-ladenbrancheswouldformaniglooofsortsaroundher.
HeturnedtoRowley.“Howfaristhejunkyard?”
“Straightahead,firstturnontheright,thereisabrightorangesign.Theroadwasclearedsoweshouldgetthroughokay.”Rowleypulledonhisglovesandpeeredoutatthesky.“I’mnotsurehowlongtheblizzardwillholdoff,theskylooksfittoburst.”
Gladofthesnowtires,Kaneeasedhistruckalonganice-coveredblacktopthatwounditswaypastafieldofrustyoldcarsdatingbackfiftyyearsormore.Eachhadaliberalcoatingofwhiteandcrazedfrostpatternsacrossthewindows.Hepulledupinfrontofthehugeirongatesandblastedhishorn.Theplacelookeddesertedandheslippedfromthecar,draggingdownhishatfirmlyoverhisearsthenpullinguphishoodie.HeopenedthedoorandDukejumpeddownbesidehimandsniffedthefrozengroundthensneezed.
KanedidavisualscanoftheareathenturnedtoRowley.“Weneedtofindoutwhentheyshutdown.Theheavymachineryusedtoliftthevehiclesintothecrusherandthecrusheritselfdoesn’tappeartohavethesameamountofsnowpileduponthemasthesurroundingbuildings.”Hetookouthiscellphoneandtookafewphotographs.“Seehere,wherethegateopensthesnowisonlyafewinchesdeep.”
“Yeah,buttheyusealotofsaltuphereinthedriveways.”Rowleykickedthesnowfromhisbootsonatreestump.“AndIwouldsaysomeonewoulddropbyfromtimetotimetokeepaneyeontheplace.”
Kanepushedthephonebackinsidehiscoat.“Maybe,butthere’snotmuchtosteal,isthere?I’mnotsuremanywouldtrytoscalethisfenceinwinter.”Hesighed.“I’lllookupthesnowgaugemeasurementsforthisarea.Rightnowiftheownershutdownbeforethefirstblizzardtheamountofsnowdoesn’ttally.Ifheshutdownafterthenhewouldhavebeenopenthedayaftertheattack.Ifso,whywasn’thehereduringthesearch?”
“Thesnowmobilegroupsaidthegateswerelockedwhentheycamebyandthey’vebeenbythreeorfourtimessearchingthearea.”Rowleystaredintospace.“Whatnext?”
KaneheadedbacktohistruckandpulledopenthebackdoorforDuketojumpontohisblanket.“Wefindoutwhentheyshutdownandaskthemtoallowustolookaround.Iftheydon’tallowusinsidetosearchtheplace,Ithinkwehaveenoughforasearchwarrant.”
NINETEEN
Theissuingofamediastatementwasadouble-edgedsword.UnlikeaBOLO,the“beonthelookout”orderissuedbylawenforcementtofindorapprehendlostpeopleorsuspects,themediareleasehotlineopenedupaPandora’sboxofuselessinformation,allofwhichhadtobesiftedthroughjustontheoff-chancesomeonehadactuallyseensomethinguseful.Afteracoupleofhours’searching,Jennahaddiscoveredonesmallleadbutitcouldwaituntilsherefilledhercoffeecup.Thepersistentcoughhadeasedbutherheadstillachedandtheillnesshadweakenedhermorethanshewouldcaretoadmit.Shepushedtoherfeetand,handsonhips,leanedbackstretchingherback.
Thesnowbroughtwithitaneeriesilenceandalthoughtheskywasheavywithcloudcover,abrightwhitelightstreamedthroughthewindows.Thecondensationfromtheheatinghadfrozeninaleafydesignonthewindowpanesandsherubbedaholeinthefrosttopeeroutside.Acrossthedriveway,Kane’scottageappearedsurreal,coatedwithsnowanddecoratedwithfoot-longicicleshangingfromtheguttersandwindowsills.Theboughsofsurroundingpineshungdownundertheburdenofsnowappearingstrangelygreenamidstthebarrenblacksticksofthemapletreesandbrownandgraybrush.Coldseepedthroughthewindowscoolingherskin.Theranchhousewasoveronehundredyearsoldandeverywintershepromisedtofinishthedoubleglazingtokeepoutthebitterwindbutsomethingalwayscameuptostopher.Timeitseemedwasherenemy,sherarelyhadenoughtimetogotothebeautyparlorforahaircutletalonemakeimprovementsontheplace.
Thesilentalarmflashedonthewallpanelandhercellphonevibrated.Asifshehadwaitedforthismoment,acalmdescendedonher.Shemightbealonebutshecoulddefendherhome.Inthreestrides,shewenttothegunsafeandmomentslaterhadarifleloadedandwithineasyreach.Shestrappedherbackupweapontoherankle.TheringtoneonhercellphoneinformedherKanehadreceivedthesamealert.Shescannedthearrayofscreensandthevehicleheadingtowardthehousethenacceptedhiscall.“IhaveavisitordrivinganoldDodgeDurangomaybea2000model,couldbesilver,ithasadealofsnowonit.”
“DoctorWeaverwasdrivingasilvertruck,mostlikelyit’sher.”ShecouldheartheroarofKane’svehicle.“I’moutattheindustrialareaamileorsopastwhereSkywasabducted.Rowleyiswithme.Wolfecanbethereintwenty.I’llcallhim.”
Jennachewedonherbottomlip,watchingthevehiclemakesteadyprogressdownherdriveway.“No,don’tbotherhimjustyet.Ifshecamealone,I’llbeabletohandleher.I’dpretendI’mnothome,althoughthesmokecomingfromthechimneyisadeadgiveaway.”Shesighed.“I’llbefine.ThealarmjustspookedmeafterwhatWolfetoldmeaboutthebloodtestsDoctorWeaverordered.Itmakesheranunknownthreat.”
“Rogerthat.I’monmywaybacktotheoffice.Don’thangup.I’llhandyouovertoRowleyinaminuteandputyouonspeaker.Justdon’tallowhertojabyouwithaneedle.”
“Noway.I’mnotsurehowwe’llexplainthissituationtohim.”Jennapressedherbacktothewallandwatchedthebundledupfigureclimbfromthevehicleandheadforthefrontporch.“Wecan’ttellhimthetruth.”Shegrabbedhercoatfromthepegandshruggediton.Nowaywassheallowingthewomaninside.
“I’llfiguresomethingout.”Kane’svoicesoundedserious.“Isshealone?”
Jennapeeredinsidethefrostedwindowsofthedoctor’scar.“Unlesssomeoneislyingdowninsidehertruck,sheseemstobe.Radiosilencenow,I’mopeningthedoor.”Sheslippedthecellphoneintoherpocketandturnedthehandle.“Whatbringsyououtinthecold,Doctor?”
“IwaspassingandthoughtI’ddropbytoseehowyou’rerecovering.”Dr.Weaverlookedupatherfromthebottomofthesteps.
“I’mmuchbetter,thankyou.”Jennasteppedoutontotheporchbutkeptherdistance.
Atingleofworryliftedthehairsonthebackofherneckatthewaythedoctorkeptherhandsinherpockets.Asthewomanmovedcloser,Jennacaughtanunnervingexpressioncrossingthewoman’sface.Apprehension,orwasitindecisionshecaughtinhersmallbeadyeyes?Shecouldn’tputherfingeronitbutwhenanerveinthedoctor’scheektwitched,italarmedher.Shedidn’ttrustthiswomanandwantedheroffherranch.
“Youstilllookverypale.”Dr.Weaver’sexpressionwasdeterminednow.“I’llcheckyouover,nocharge.”
“Noneed.I’mfine.”Jennaallowedhercoattofallopenjustlongenoughforthedoctortonoticetheweapon,sittingsnuginitsshoulderholster.
“Youshouldbeinsideoutofthecold.”Dr.Weaver’sattentionmovedtothepistol.Shefrownedandthefootshe’draisedasiftomountthestepsfellbacktothepackedsnowatthefootofthestairs.“Yourbloodtestscamebackandapartfromaslightlyelevatedwhitecellcountyouarefine.Thehigherwhitebloodcountismostlikelyduetotheinfection.Youshouldtakeanotherbloodtestinafewweeksjusttobesure.”
Jennaforcedasmile.“That’sgreatnews.Wolfewilldooneforme.Youshouldn’thavecomeallthewayoutheretotellme.Youcouldhavecalledme.It’sdangerousontheroadsatthistimeofyear.”Sheglancedbehindherandclearedherthroat.“Ihavetogo,Ihaveavisitor.”
“Oh.”Thedoctorgaveheraconfusedstare.“Ithoughtyouwerealone.IdrovepastDeputiesKaneandRowleyoutonthebackhighway.”
“I’mnotsureIrememberhowbeingalonefeelsanymore.”Jennalaughedandhopedshedidn’tsoundhysterical.“SinceI’vebeenill,I’vehadstreamsofvisitorsdaily.I’llgetmorerestwhenI’vegottenbacktowork.”Shiveringdramatically,shepushedopenthedoor.“It’scoldouthere.I’dbetterletyougetbacktowork.”Shegaveherawave.“Thanksfordroppingby.”
JennashutthedoorandturnedthelockbutDr.Weaverjuststoodtherestaringatherwiththesameexpression.Thesightofherjuststandingthereunnervedher.Shepulledouthercellphone.“RowleyputKaneon.”
“Shegone?”
AshiverwentupJenna’sspine.“Nope,she’sjuststandingtherestaringatthedoor.”Shewalkedontothefamilyroomandwipedaholeinthefrostedwindowtolookoutside.“ShehasastrangeexpressiononherfaceandsaidshethoughtIwasalone.”
“That’snotgood.I’mdroppingRowleyattheofficeandcominghome.”Kaneclearedhisthroat.“What’sshedoingnow?”
Jennahadnottakenhereyesoffthedoctor.“She’sleaningonhertruckandtalkingonhercellphone.DoyouknowifWolfehasgottenanyinformationonheryet?”
“Nope.I’msurehe’llletyouknowwhentheFBIhavefinishedlookingintoherbackground.”
Heartpounding,Jennagapedatthewomanindisbelief.“Holycrapsheisheadingbacktothehouse.”Sheswappedthecellphoneintoherlefthandandpulledherweapon,surprisedattheshakeinhergrip.“Whatdoesthiswomanwantwithme?”
“Oldmemoriesarehardtoshift,Jenna.It’snormaltogoonalertifyoufeelthreatened.”Asusual,Kane’svoicewascalm.“Look,ifshebelievessomeoneisinthehousewithyoushewouldbestupidtotryanything.Ifshecomestothedooragain,speaktoherthroughthewindow.”
Jennaholsteredherweaponwithsomereluctance,pushedopenthefamilyroomwindowandlookedatthedoctor.“Isanythingwrong?”
“IthinkIdroppedmykeys.”Dr.Weavermovedherbootthroughthesnowatthefootofthestepsandstaredatthefrozenground.
Jennakeptthecellphonetoherear.“Youhadyourhandsinyourpocketstheentiretimeyouspoketome.Idon’tthinkyoudroppedthemhere.Maybetrylookingclosertoyourtruck.”Shesighed.“IwouldcomeoutandhelpyoubutIhavetotakethiscall.Kaneisonlyafewminutesawayandwillgiveyouahandwhenhearrives.”
“It’sokay,heretheyare.”Thedoctorheldupthekeys.“Theywereinmypocket.Sillyme.Sorrytohavetroubledyou.”Shetrudgedbacktohertruck,startedthemotoranddroveaway.
“Hasshegone?”ThesoundofKane’senginehadstopped
Surprisedthewomanhadunnervedhertosuchanextent,Jennaheavedalongsighofrelief.“Yeah,whereareyou?”
“Outsidetheoffice.I’mheadinghomenow.”
“Good.”Jennapeeredoutthewindow.“I’mnotsurewhoshewascalling,soI’llbeinthesaferoomjustincase.Comegetme.”ThesoundofapowerfulmotorfilledJenna’searasKaneheadedhistruckbackoutontothehighway.“I’llstayonthelineuntilyouarrive.Drivesafe.”
“Rogerthat.”
TWENTY
EllapacedupanddownbeforetheroaringfireinDougPaul’smancave.ShewishedSky’sfamilywouldlistentoherandstoptreatingherasifshe’dlosthermind.NoneofthemseemedtobedoinganythingtofindSky.Theyallsataroundwaitingtohearnewsfromthesheriff.Thewaitingwasdrivinghernuts.SheglaredatDoug.Unlikehissmallsister,hewaswellbuiltandathletic,buttheyhadthesamehairandeyes.“IfigureI’vewaitedlongenoughforsearchandrescuetofindSky.Theyhavetobesearchinginthewrongplace.Iwanttoborrowyourtruckandlookforhermyself.”
“I’mnotallowingyounearmytruck.”Dougglaredather.“Momwillhaveafitifyougoouttherealone.”
Ellaliftedherchin.“Iwon’tbealone.Imetaguyonline,amedicalstudent,whosayshewillhelpmelookforSky.I’mmeetinghimlater.”
“Doyouhonestlybelievewecouldfindherifsearchandrescuefailed?Didn’tyouwatchthenews?Thesheriffhadeveryoneavailableoutlookingandthenewschopperwasdoingupdates—theyhadfiftyormorepeopleontheground.Thedeputieswereonscenedirectingthesearch.Trustme,thesheriffismovingheavenandearthtofindher.”Dougsnorted.“You’renutsifyoufigureyouandsomemedstudentwillfindherinthemiddleofthenight.”
“Well,atleastItried.NotlikeyousittingallcozyinfrontofthefirewhileSkyisouttherefreezingtodeath.”EllawalkedacrosstheroomandpointedtoaframedmapofBlackRockFallshangingonthewall.“Howoldisthismap?”
“I’mnotsurebutit’snotamap,it’soneofmydad’saerialshots.”Heturnedinthechair,makingtheleatherupholsterymoan,andstaredatit.Hegaveittomeformylastbirthday,soit’snottoooldatall.Why?”
Ellapeeredattheimage,thentracedherfingeralongthehighway.Shepointedtoanumberofbuildingsscatteredalloveronesideoftheimage.“Whatareallthesebuildingsusedfor?Aretheycattleranches?”
“Nope.TheplaceyousaidSkydisappearedisamilefromtheindustrialareaofBlackRockFalls.Thegrasslandsoutthatwayareahoneycombofabandonedgoldminesandnotmanypeopleuseitforgrazing.Thebuildingstherearepotteries,ironworks,arecyclingyardandindustrialmachinerymostly.”Hepointedtoagroupofsixoreightbuildings
Ellanodded.“Whyhasn’tanyonementionedsearchingthefactoriesforSky?Alltheymentionissearchingthehighway,butIcanseealltheseplacesareonlyamileorsoawayfromthehighway.WhatifsomeoneworksnightshiftsatoneoftheseplacesandheisthemanwhotookSky?”
“That’sunlikelyatthistimeofyear.Allthefactoriesareinshutdownovertheholidaysandtheywouldhavealarmsystems.IfSkymadeitthatfarandIdoubtit,shewouldhavefrozentodeath.Andanyway,someonewouldhavefoundherbynow.”Heshookhishead.“Thenewssaidthesearchandrescuechoppersearchedtheentirearea,andtheteamonthesnowmobilescheckedoutallthefactories.”
Ellagrippedhisarm.“Shehastobeinthearea.”
“Whatmakesyousaythat?”Dougleanedoneshoulderagainstthewall.“Hecouldhavetossedherintohistrunkanddrivenanywherebeforeyoureportedhermissing.Hehadaboutninehours’startatleast.”
Ellashookherheadandgrippedhisarmtighter.“Thenwhereishercar?”Sheliftedherchinandglaredathim,tryingtomakehimunderstand.“Isawoneman.Howdidhemovehercar?Onemancan’tmovetwovehicles.”
“Yeahtheycan.”Dougstrolledtothedoortothegarage.“Comehere,I’llshowyou.”Heledthewaythroughadoorintoahugegarage.“Seethis?”Hepointedtoapieceofmachinery.“It’scalledatowingframeoranA-frame.Itattachestothebackofmytruckandhooksuptothefrontofanothervehicleortrailer.Nodriverrequired.Itdoesn’ttakeupmuchroominthetrunk.Manypeopleusethem.”
“Okay.”Ellarubbedherarmsagainstthechill.“ButIthinkitwasanambush.Somehowheknewwewouldbethere.”
“Outatmidnightwithablizzardcoming?Noway.”Dougshookhishead.“Wedidn’tknowwhattimeSkywouldarriveuntilshecalledMomfromtheBlackwaterRoadhousesohowcouldthemanwhoattackedherpossiblyfindout?”
Ellashookherhead.“Idon’tknowbutIhavethisfeelingshe’souttheresomewhere.Wehavetogofindher.”Sheledthewaybackintohismancaveandpeeredintothedancingflamesinthehearth.“IfI’mright,thatmanmighthaveaplacecloseby.Hecouldbeoutwaitingforanotherpersontokill.”Sheturnedtolookathim.“IfigureifwegetthereatthesametimeashetookSkywemightcatchhim.We’lloutnumberhimandthistime,youcantakethat.”Shepointedtoashotguninarackonthewall.“Hewon’tbeexpectingustofightback.”
“You’reinMontana.”Dougshookhishead.“Mostpeoplecarryweaponsintheirvehiclesouthere.Ifheisdoingasyousay,chancesarehe’dbedeadbynow.”
Sheglaredathim.“Well,hewasaliveandwellthelasttimeIsawhim.Taketheshotgun.”Shefrowned.“AndIhavearrangedtomeetaguynamedJim.Ican’tleavehimouttheretofreezehisassoffwaitingformetoarriveorturnonthenewstodiscoverthekillermurderedhimtoo.”
“Okay,I’lltakethegun.Thatareaisablackholeforphonereceptionandyouwouldbesurprisedhowmanypeoplebreakdownorareinvolvedinawreckwithinthatonemilestretch.It’slikeit’scursed.”Hestareddownatherwithadeterminedexpression.“Butifyoumustgo,bundleupandmeetmebackhere.I’llgrabsomeblanketsincasewegetstuckoutthere.”
Ellawinced.“Doyoufigurewe’llgetcaughtinablizzard?”
“Maybe.Isaiditwasastupidideabutifyouinsist,we’lldoitmywayandturnbackiftheweathergetsbad.Wehavetheshotgunandmytruck’sGPShasasatellitetracker.Ifanythinghappens,someonewillcomeoutandfindusassoonastheyknowwe’remissing.”Hewavedheraway.“I’mnothangingaroundwaitingforyouallnighttogetready.It’sfreezingoutthere,andIwanttograbsomecoffeetogofromAuntBetty’sCafébeforeweheadoutoftown,andtheyclosethestoreateleventhirty.”
Ellastaredathim,wonderingifhebelievedherstoryorthethreattheyfacediftheycameacrossthesameman.“Sure,butbringplentyofammunition.I’mnottakinganychances.”
TWENTY-ONE
HetookonelastlookatSky’sfacewithoutoneshredofregretatthesightofherlifelessstaringeyes.Nooneunderstoodhowhefeltwhenthewomeneventuallydied.Tohim,oncethey’dscreamedtheirlastbreaththeyhadthesamevalueasanemptycandywrapperheneededtotossawayinthetrash.Hewouldbehappytoleaveheralongsidearoadbutthenthecopswouldhaveabodyandthiswaywasniceandtidy.
Afterhoistingherontotheconveyerbelt,hepulledofftheblanketcoveringherthenhittheswitch.Hewaitedforafewmomentsassheslippedinsidethechute.Themachinegroanedandtrembledwiththeeffort;then,asherfairhairvanishedfromview,heturnedawayandpushedthegurneybackinside.
Hisluckwaschanging.Fromthemediareports,thesheriffsuspectedEllaTatewasinvolvedinSky’sdisappearance.Hechuckledasheenteredhisoffice,satdownatthedeskanddeletedhisphonysocialmediaprofiletomakesurenoonecouldconnecthimtohisvictims.Thesheriffwouldbethesameasmostpeopleinlawenforcementandhaveaprofilertryingtogetinsidehisbrain,buthecouldeasilyoutsmartmostpeople.Rightnow,thesheriff’sfocuswouldbeonTate,soshewouldbelookingatherifanyoneelsecameupmissing.Hell,theywerealreadyconvincedshemurderedSky.Theprofilerwouldwriteherupasaconfused,violentcollegestudentanditwouldbecaseclosed.Untiltheyarresther,I’mfreetodoasIdamnwellplease.
TWENTY-TWO
TrepidationgrippedEllaasshelookedoutthewindowofDoug’struck.Theforecastblizzardhadnotarrivedandalthoughtheskyhadaforebodingheaviness,thenightwascrispandtheroadsclear.BlackRockFallswaslikeamovieset,withChristmaslightsstrungoutbetweenthelamppostsflashingbrightcolorsonthesnow-ladenstorefronts.OutthefrontofAuntBetty’sCafésatawavingsnowmanwithablinkingrednose.Inside,afestivetreeshimmeredwithgarlandsandglassballs.Asignonthewindowofferedalistoftemptingseasonaldishestokeepoutthecold.
Astheydroveoutoftown,pasttheparkwiththegiganticChristmastreeandnativityscene,shelookedbackonherlifesinceherparentsdied.Shehadbecomeamilitarybrat,draggedfromposttopostbyherbrother,butinayearorsoshewouldbeoutonherown,lookingforajobandaplacetocallhome.ShejustneededtofindSkythenshecouldmakeplanstomovetoBlackRockFalls.ThePaulfamilyhadbeencaringtowardherandshelikedDoug.Havingpeoplesheknewintownwouldmakeallthedifference.Shedraggedhergazeawayfromthevast,emptywhitelandscapeandglancedatDoug.Hedrovehunchedforwardoverthewheel,peeringthroughtheicywindshield.Snowflakeswerealreadybuildingwhitelinesonthewiperblades.Sheclearedherthroat.“I’dliketolivehereaftercollege.It’sbeenalongtimesinceIcouldcallaplacehome.”
“It’sagrowingarea.I’mnotmovingaway—there’splentyofworkhere.”Dougliftedhischinasiftoindicateahead.“What’sgoingonthere?IsthatthesamevehicleyousawthenightSkywentmissing?”
TheheadlightsofDoug’struckpickedupalight-coloredpickuponthesideoftheroadwithitsflasherson.Awaveofmorbidapprehensionwashedoverher.Shegrippedthesideoftheseat,tryingtokeepcalm.“Yeahitcouldbehim.I’mprettysureitwasawhitetruck,ormaybesilver.”Sheglancedathim.“Ican’tstopshaking,it’slikedéjàvu.”
“Yeah,butthistime,you’rewithmeandwehaveashotgun.”Doug’sfacewasgrim.“Let’sdothis.”
Apersonbundledupagainstthecoldclimbedfromthecab,slappedacowboyhatoverthetopofablackwoolenhatandwrappedascarfaroundhisface,thenstrodearoundhistruck.Astheydrovecloser,theheadlightsmovedacrossdeepgougesinthesnow.Ellagaspedatthesightofanothervehiclenosedownintheditchbesidetheroad.Althoughpartiallyburiedinthepileofgraysnow,shecouldmakeouttheredtaillights.Cloudsofsteampouredfromthecrumpledhoodandonedoorhungopen.“Oh,myGod,it’sawreck.”
“Theroadsarecoveredwithiceanditwouldn’ttaketoomuchtolosecontrol.”Dougslowedthenshotheraglance.“Whatabouthim?Doeshelooklikethemanwhoattackedyou?”
“Hewaswearingblackandhadahoodpulleddownoverhisface,soIdidn’tgetalookathim.Hewasbiglikehim…butthecowboyhatmakeshimlooktaller,Iguess.”Sheshookherhead.“No,Idon’tthinkthat’shim.That’sprobablyJim,theguyImetonline.”
“Youdidn’tthinktoaskthisJimguywhathelookslike?”Douggapedather.“Orwhatvehiclehedrives?”
Elladraggedherattentionawayfromthewreck.“Iknowwhathelookslike.I’veseenhisprofilepictureonlineandhesaidhedrivesawhitepickup.”Shewavedahandattheparkedcarahead.“Ican’tseehisfaceorthecolorofhisvehiclefromhere—Iguessitcouldbewhite.”
“Okay.”Dougpulledhistrucktothesideofthehighway,leavingtheenginerunning.“Stayherewiththeshotgun.I’llgoseewhatIcandotohelp.”Hegaveheralongconcernedlook.“Youdoknowhowtouseone,don’tyou?”
Anxietygrippedher.Herparentshaddiedinawreckandseeingthecarallbentoutofshapebroughtbacktoomanybadmemories.“Yeah.Nowgo,someonecouldbedyingoutthere.Iwon’tlockthedoorsincaseyouhavetorunback.”Sheheldoutherhand.“GivemeyourcellphoneandI’llseeifIcangetanybarsandcall911.”
Shetookthephoneandpeeredatthescreen,thenpressed911,buttherewasnosignal.AsDoughadmentioned,themile-longblackholeforphonereceptionseemedtoattracttrouble.SeemeditwasfastbecomingtheBermudaTriangleofBlackRockFalls.
TWENTY-THREE
ItwaspastmidnightandsleepwouldnotcomeforJenna.Thedoctor’svisithadshatteredhernerves,bringingbackhorrificmemoriesofanotherlifeandthethreatsofbeingonsomeone’shitlist.SinceKane’sarrival,hehadbecomehersafetynetandshebelievedthethreatofherpastlifeemergingwasclosetoimpossiblewithmostoftheplayersdead.Theproblemwasthemeninvolvedhadfamiliesandtherewasalwayssomeonewillingtocarryoutavendetta.Nowwithonestupidbloodtestshecouldbebackonthecartel’shitlist.
Shestaredattheceilingandallowedhermindtowanderoverthelastfewmonths.ApartfromspendingagooddealoftimeassistingKane’srehabilitation,shehadfulfilledherdutiesattheoffice.She’dworkedlonghoursthenreturnedhometorelievethenurseWolfehadarrangedforhim.Kanewasdifferentsincetheshootingand,althoughhe’dbeenaskindandconsiderateasalways,hadavoidedherattemptsatclosenessbetweenthem,muchlikewhenhe’dfirstarrived.Somethinghadchangedbutshecouldn’tquitefigureoutwhatwaswrong.Shesighed.Wolfewouldknow,butitwouldbeeasiertowalkintoFortKnoxandpickupacoupleofgoldbarsthantogetinformationonKaneoutofhim
Jennathrewbacktheblankets,draggedonherdressinggown,pushedherfeetintoherslippersandwalkedintothekitchen.Aftertakingoutthefixingstomakehotchocolate,sheheardfootstepsbehindher.Heartpounding,shespunaroundtofindKanecomingthroughthedoorway.“Youscaredthehelloutofme.”
“Sorry.”Hepeeredoverhershoulderatthecounter.“Canyoumakeacupformetoo?Ican’tsleeptonight.”
Jennatookinhistousledappearanceandstrainedexpression.“Sure.Ican’tsleepeither.Therearesomanythingsgoingaroundinmyhead.”Shemadethehotchocolateandhandedhimacup,thensatdownatthetable.“WhereisSkyPaulandisEllaTateinvolved?”
“IwishIknew.”Kaneeaseddownintoachairandwinced.“FromwhatIcanseethepairhavebeenfriendssincetheybecameroomiesatcollege.I’vespokentoafewoftheirfriendsfromthecampusandtheyallsaythesamething,thattheyargueallthetimebuttheyarebestfriends.”Heexaminedherface,thensighed.“That’snotallthat’sworryingyou,isit?Youmustfeellikeyouhaveabullseyeonyourbackagainandtrustme,Iknowhowthatfeels.”
Jennasippedherbeverage,peeringathimovertherimofthecup.Sheshrugged.“Well,yes,thereisthat,butI’velivedwiththatproblembeforeandwithyouandWolfeonthecase,we’llbeabletostopthemgettingclose.”Shesuckedinadeepbreath.“I’mmoreworriedaboutyou.”
“Me?”Kanelookedastonished.“I’mfineandgettingbetterbytheday.”Heplacedbothhandsaroundthecup,dwarfingitinhispalms.“Oh,youmeanaboutthememoryloss?”
Relieved,Jennanodded.“Yeah,you’vebeendistant,almostlikeastrangerattimes.”
“I’msorry,Jenna.”Kanelookedwounded.“Mymemoriesarealljumbled.ThetimesinceIarrivedhereisasifithappenedfiveyearsagoandthecarbombingfeelslikeacoupleofmonthsago.WhenIsawyouinthegulleyaftertheshooting,Ididn’trecognizeyou,Ididn’tknowwhereIwasandthelastthingIrememberedwasseeingmywifedie.”
Understandingfloodedoverher.Nowonderhehadbeensodistant.Shereachedacrossthetableandsqueezedhisarm.“I’msosorry,Dave.Youdidmentionthatatthetime,butIthoughtyouhadallyourmemoriesbacknow.”Shesighed.“Sotheyarealltherebutnotinchronologicalorder?Oh,nowIunderstand.Don’tstressaboutit,justtakeitonedayatatime.Icanwait,Dave.IdidbeforeandIcandoitagain.”
“ThisiswhyIneedtomovebackintothecottage.”Kanestretchedouthislegandrubbedhisknee.“Ineedthenormality,theoldroutinewehadbeforetogetmyheadstraight.”Heliftedhisgazetoher.“Ivalueourfriendship,Jenna,andIwanttobecloser.Ifyougetshippedout,I’llgorighttoPOTUSifnecessarytobereassignedwithyou.”
Jennachuckled.“Nowthat’sthekindofBFFIneed.CanwetakeWolfeandthegirlswithus?I’dliketokeepthefamilytogether.”
“Metoo.”
TWENTY-FOUR
Thetemperaturehaddroppedbythetimeheturnedontothehighway.He’ddrivenslowly,intendingtopullintoasideroadandwaitforEllaTateandhercompaniontodrivebyinhisblacktruck.He’dplannedtogetupbehindthemandgivethemablastofhishorn.Seeingasedanflyingdownthehighwaydoingatleastsixtywasasurpriseandmore
Hisexcitementhadturnedsourwhenhespottedheadlightbeamscuttingthroughthedarknesstowardhim.Thevehicleslowedasiftheoccupantswereexamininghim.Thefreezingcoldcutintohischeeksashepickedhiswaybacktohisvehicle.Thetruckapproachedwithcautionandnotwantinganyonetoidentifyhim,hewrappedascarfaroundhisfaceandpulleddownhiscowboyhat.HehopedtheapproachingvehiclewouldbecarryingEllaTatebutifnot,noonewouldrecognizehim.Asthecarslowed,hegavethedriverawavebutstoodhisground.Ayoungmansteppedoutofthetruckandheadedinhisdirection.
“AreyouJim?”
Abuzzofexcitementshiveredthroughhim.Oh,thisisgonnabesoeasy.“Yeah.Igatheryou’reDoug.IsEllahere?”
“She’sinmytruck.”Dougglancedatthesteamingcar.“Anysurvivors?”
Hetouchedthesyringesinhispockets,lefthandforDougandrighthandforElla.“Yeah,one—thedriverdidn’tmakeit.”Heshrugged.“Nousetryingtocallforhelpouthere.Ifyoulendahandtocarryher,I’lllayheronthebackseatofmypickupanddriveherstraighttotheER.IwouldhaveliftedhermyselfbutIwasworriedshemighthaveabackinjury.We’llneedtokeepherasstraightaspossibleandsupportherhead.”
“Yeah,I’llhelp.”Douglookedapprehensive.“Shemightsueusformovingher.Yousureweshouldn’tdriveuptheroaduntilwegetsomebarsandcallanambulance?”
SmartguybutI’msmarter.“She’llfreezetodeathbeforetheparamedicsarrive.Comingwithmeisthebestchanceshehasrightnow,butI’llneedyourhelp.You’llneedtoholdhertoprotectherneck.Canyoudothat?”
“Okay.”Dougdidn’tlooktotallyconvinced,butgaveacurtnod.“Ellawillfollowusinmytruck.”
Witheffort,theyeasedtheyoungwomanfromthecar,takingcaretosupportherhead.HemadeDougholdtheyoungwoman’sshouldersanditwaseasytoconvincehimtoslideintohisbackseatwiththewoman’sheadonhislap.“There’sablanketinhercar.I’llgrabitandherpurse.Thehospitalwillneedtoknowheridentity.”
Heusedthetimetoretrievethesyringefromhispocket.Gatheredthepursesandcellphonesfromthevehicleandreturnedtothecar.AnticipationshookhishandsasheopenedthedoorclosesttoDougandhandedhimtheblanket.“I’llgoandtellEllatofollowus.”
“Sure,thekeysareinthecar.”Dougsmiled.“Becareful;shehasaloadedshotgunwithher.”
ThemomentDougturnedtocovertheyoungwomanwiththeblanket,heplungedtheneedleintohisjugular,followedbyasecondintohisthigh.Dougwentoutinsecondswithoutamurmur.Onedown.Aftershuttingthedoor,heslippedandslidhiswayalongtheice-coveredblacktoptoDoug’struck.Hepausedatthebackofthetruckinthedarknesstomakesurethescarfcoveredhisfacethenslippedthesyringeoutofhispocketanduncappedit.Hemovedslowlyaroundthetruckthenshonetheflashlightthroughthewindow.Thereshewas,notholdingashotgunbutjuststaringathimwithahalf-smileonherlips.Thereisoneidiotborneveryminute.“Heythere,Ella.Rememberme?”
TWENTY-FIVEWEDNESDAY
Socold.Ellafumbledfortheblanketcoveringherandpulledituptoherears.Herneckachedandastrangenumbnessgrippedherlegs.Herteethchatteredlikecastanets,soundinghorriblyloudinthecompletesilence.Heavensabove,thecoldhadseepedintoherbones.Sheblinked,staringatthebrilliantwhitewallinfrontofher.Startled,shegazedaroundher.Shewasinsideacarandthewhitewallwasawindshieldcoveredwithsnow.HowthehelldidIgethere?
Condensationdrippeddownthewindowsandsheliftedherglovedhandtowipeitaway,thenthoughtbetterofitandsearchedaroundthecar.Shefoundahamburgerwrapperandusedittowipeaholeinthemist.Outside,thesnow-dustedhighwaystretchedinbothdirections.Shesearchedhermemory,rememberingspeakingtoDougaboutsearchingforSky.Theyhadclimbedintohistruckwithashotgunandheadedoutoftown.Thenwhathappened?
Shesearchedthecabin.Theshotgunlayacrossthebackseatjustassheremembered.Twoemptyto-gocupssatintheconsolealongwithavarietyofcandy.PerhapsshehadfallenasleepandDoughaddecidedtosearchalone.Whatthehellwasthetime?Shewasdesperateforapee.Fromthedaylight,shefigureditmustbewaypastnine.Sheeasedopenthedoorandwincedasablastofarcticairhitherface.IfshecameherewithDoug,hemustbecloseby.Hernumblegshittheblacktopandsheturnedandgapedinhorroratthewreckedsedanafewyardsaway.Havewebeeninawreck?
Sickened,sheedgedforward,notbelievinghereyes.Thedoortothewreckedsedanhungopenandtheinteriorlightshowedawomanwithlonghaircoveredinbloodhanginghalfoutofthesmashedwindshield.Anuglygashacrossherthroatleftherinnodoubtthatthepoorwomanwasdead.Ellagapedindisbelief.Thewoman’sbloodhadfrozenasitdrippedoffthehoodandhungingrotesqueredpopsicles.Shebitbackarushofnauseaandwadedthroughthethicksnowtothevehicle.Shehadtolookinsideincasesomeoneelsewasinsideinjured.
Shiveringwithcoldandfear,shereachedthewreckandsteeledherself,thenpeeredinside.Apartfromthedriver,thecarwasempty.Shekepthereyesavertedfromthewoman’shorrificinjuriesand,grippingthesideofthevehicle,easedherwayaroundthecar,searchingtheimmediateareaforanysurvivors.SheturnedtoexamineDoug’struck.Itappearedtobeundamaged.Perhapshe’dcomeacrossthecarwreckandstoppedtolendassistance,butifsowherehadhegone?Shescannedthefrozentundra.
“Doug,areyououthere?”Hervoiceseemeddampenedbythesnow.Theeeriequietclosedinaroundher.Shecalledmanytimesbutnoreplycameandatrickleoffearraisedthehairsonthebackofherneck.Aloneinthemiddleofnowhereandherfriendwasmissing.Notagain.Thiscan’thappentwiceinoneweek.
Slippingandslidingperilouslyalongtheedgeoftheditch,shereachedDoug’sSUV.Snowdustedtheblacktruckandbythethickcoatingoffrostcrazingthepaintwork,theymusthavebeenhereallnight.Ifshecouldn’tfindDoug,shewoulddriveintotownandgethelp.ShehadtheGPStogetherbacktoBlackRockFalls.Shewrenchedopenthedoorandhergazefixedontheignition.Sheletoutasobofdesperation.Nokeys.Achillshiveredthroughhertothebone.WhathadhappenedtoDoug?Whywouldheleaveherandhistruckonthesideoftheroad?Nothingmadesense.Hehadtobeclosebysomewhere.Maybehehadwanderedoffintothebushes.Sheleanedagainstthetruckandcuppedhermouth.“Doug,Doug,answerme.Stopmessingaround.”
Silence.Infact,therewasnonoiseatall.Nobirds,notrafficnotonesound.Itwasasifshewascompletelyaloneintheworld.Aloneinthemiddleofnowherewithacorpse.
TWENTY-SIX
Acommotionatthefrontcounteratthesheriff’sdepartmentdrewJenna’sattentionawayfromthecomputerscreen.Shehadspentthelasthourortwosincearrivingupdatingherfiles,collectingreportsfromthelocalsearchandrescueteamsandkeepingthemediainformedaboutthestatusofSkyPaul’sdisappearance.Nothingseemedtoaddupinthiscaseandfindingnobodyortraceoftheyoungwomanhadlefthergraspingatstraws.ShehadherdeputiessearchingforanyonewhomayhavebeenpassingthroughthelocalareaatthetimeofSky’sdisappearance.ThethoughthadoccurredtohertocheckthewhereaboutsofmenlivingintownfittingthedescriptionEllaTatehadofferedoftheattacker,thenherdeputieswalkedthroughthemainentrancetotheoffice,allshakingthesnowoffblackhoodies.Thedescription“tallwithbroadshoulders”resembledatleasthalfthemenintown.
Aknockcameonthedoorandthereceptionist,Maggie,stuckherheadinsidetheroom.
“IhaveMr.andMrs.Paulinthewaitingarea.Theyinsistonspeakingtoyourightaway.”
JennapushedtoherfeetandsmiledatMaggie.“That’sfine,sendthemthrough.”
Atallmiddle-agedmandustedwithsnowflakesguidedadistraughtwomanwearingabrightredwinterjacketandmatchingknittedhatintotheoffice.JennamovedaroundthetableandpulledoutachairforMrs.Paul.“HaveyougottennewsaboutSky?”
“Notaword.”Mr.Paul’seyesnarrowedandhismouthturneddown.“You?”
Surprisedbyhisharshtone,Jennamovedbackaroundherdesktomakeaspacebetweenherandtheangryman.“Asyouareaware,wehaveinvolvedthemediaandsentoutBOLOstoallothercounties.”Shemethisgazefullon.“Mydeputiesareworkingaroundtheclocktofindher.”
“That’snotwhywe’rehere.”Mrs.Paulshottoherfeetandleanedacrossthedesk,puttingherfacenotsixinchesawayfromJenna.“MysonwentoutlastnighttosearchforSkyandnowhe’sgonemissin’too.”
ItwasfortunateJennahaddealtwithanumberofiratepeopleinhertimeandthiskindofdisplaynolongerintimidatedher.Shedroppedhervoicetojustaboveawhisper.“Whendidyoulastseeyourson?”Shesatdownandfoldedherhandsonthedesk.
“Lastnightatsupper.”Mrs.Paulsankbackintoherchairandswallowedhard.“DougleftanotetosayheandEllahadgoneforarideouttowardBlackwater.Thepairofthemhaven’treturnedandhe’snotanswerin’hiscellphone.”
“IfiguredtheymighthavestayedoverattheBlackwaterMotelseein’theweatherhasbeensobad,butthey’renotthere.”Mr.Paulstoodbehindhiswiferubbinghershoulders.“It’snotlikehimnottocontactus.”
“Areyouawareaneighteen-wheelerrolledoveronthehighwayamileoutofBlackwaterlastnightaroundeleven?Itspilledaloadoftoxicchemicals,blockingthehighwayinbothdirections.”Jennasighed.“It’sbeenonthenewsallmorningandtheDepartmentofTransportwouldhaveerectedaflashingsignonthehighwayjustoutsideoftown.”
“Yousayin’thatifDougwreckedhistrucklastnightinthecellphonedeadzone,noonewouldhavebeenbyandhewouldn’thavebeenabletocallforhelp?”Mr.Paulfrowned.“We’llheadoutnowandgolookforhimourselves.”
Jennashookherhead.“That’snotnecessary.We’rebetterequippedtohandlethesituation.I’llbringinmydeputiesandwe’llgooverthedetails.”SheliftedthephoneandcalledKane.“GrabRowleyandcometomyoffice.Wehaveasituation.”
MomentslaterKaneledRowleythroughthedoor.Helookedatherandraisedoneeyebrowinquestion.Sheliftedherchinandexplained.“Whenwe’vefinishedhere,DeputyRowleywillmakeoutamissingperson’sreport.I’llgetasearchorganizedimmediately.I’llneeddetailsofyourson’svehicle.”
Shemadenotesandlookedbackatthecouple.“Whattimedidtheyleave?”
“Wedon’tknow.Late.”Mr.PaulglancedatKane.“Myson’svehiclehasaGPSwithatrackingdevice.Doyouknowthekind?Hecanfindhiscarusinghiscellphone.”
“Ah,that’suseful.Weshouldbeabletotracethevehicle.”Kanetookouthisnotebookandpen.“Ifyougivemeyourson’splateandcellphonenumber,I’llgetsomeoneontoitstraightaway.”
“Idon’thavehislicenseplatenumber.”Mr.Paul’sexpressionwasgrim.
Jennapushedalockofhairoutofhereyes.“IshiscarinsuredbyBarker’shereintown?”
“Yeah,weallare.”Mr.Paulbrightened.“They’llhavethedetails.”
“Wouldyoucallthem,please?Itwillbequicker.”Jennawentthroughthecontactsonhercellphoneandreadoutthenumber.SheglancedupatKane.“Whenwehavetheinformation,I’llaskWolfetolocatethevehicle,butwewon’twait;we’llheadouttowardBlackwaterincasethey’vehadcartroubleandWolfewillcallwhenhehasthecoordinates.Itisacellphonedeadzone,asyouknow,sograbyoursatellitephoneandanythingelsewemightneed.We’lltakeyourtruck.”
“Yes,ma’am.”Kaneheadedoutoftheoffice.
JennawaitedpatientlyforMr.Paultoobtaintheplatenumberofhisson’struck,thencalledWolfe.Afterdisconnecting,shemettheworriedcouple’seyes.“Usuallywhenanadultcomesupmissingwewaitawhileincasetheyshow,butashewentlookingforSky,wecan’tbesurehehasn’tgottenintotrouble.Thefirstthingistofindhisvehicle.Ifwedon’thaveanylucklocatinghiminthenexthour,I’llputoutaBOLO.”Shestoodandwavedthecoupletowardthedoor.“Iwantyoutofileamissingperson’sreportsowehaveallDoug’sdetailsonfile.IfyougowithDeputyRowley,he’llstartthepaperwork.I’llcallyouwhenwefindhim.”
“Thanks.”Mr.Paulledhiswifefromtheoffice.
Shepulledopenthebottomdrawertoherdesk,tookoutherbackupweaponandsecuredittoherankle.HerKevlarvestwentonnext,thenshepulledherovercoatfromthepegandshruggeditoverthetop.SheglancedupasKane’sformblockedthedoorway.“Wearyourvest;Icouldbeatargetandwedon’tknowwhowe’redealingwithatthemoment.”
“Greatmindsthinkalike,theysay.”Kaneopenedhisjackettorevealhisvest.“Iwasgoingtosuggestthesametoyou.Atfirst,IfiguredSky’svanishingactfollowedbyElla’sandDoug’scouldhavebeencontrivedtogetyoualoneinablackspot.”Kanenarrowedhisgaze.“Althoughthetimelinedoesn’tfit.”
Notwantingtodiscussthematterintheoffice,Jennafrowned.“We’lltalkinthecar.”Shelookedhimupanddown.“Phone?Gear?”
“InmytruckwithaThermosofcoffee,soupandastackofsandwichesIpickedupatAuntBetty’searlier.”Kanesmiledather.“Ifiguredwe’dbeeatingontheruntoday.”
Jennapulledonherthickwoolenhatandgloves,thenfollowedhimoutthemainentrance.Thebittercoldhitherfaceinastingingrush.Snowfell,dustinghercoatwithwhiteflakesandmakingthesidewalkslippery.Winterhaditsownspecialsmell,acombinationofsnow,wood-firesmokeandpine.Ablanketofsnowcoveredthetownbutitwasawashwithcolor,fromthedecorationshangingbetweenthestreetlampsandacrossthemainstreettothered-cheekedtownsfolk,mostwearingbrightlycoloredscarvesandhats.Kidsdartedeverywhere,puffingoutgreatcloudsofsteamastheybuiltsnowmenorthrewsnowballs.Thepurewhitesnowwasfunforthechildren,butshefiguredafterthreemonthsormorethey,likeeveryoneelse,wouldlookforwardtothemelt.
SheglancedatKane’struck—“thebeast”,ashecalledhismodifiedunmarkedblackDodge,wasfittedwithwintertires,forsafety.SheheardanexcitedbarkandsmiledatDukepeeringoutthewindow.Sheclimbedintothepassengerseatandleanedoverthebacktorubthedog’sears.“Hey,Duke,niceharness.”
“Yeah,hehasafearofcages,soaharnesswasthenextbestthingtokeephimsafe.”Kanesmiledather.“Icanattachhisleashtoitaswell.”Heslidbehindthewheelandstartedtheengine.
Jennawaiteduntiltheyreachedthehighwaybeforestartingaconversation,busyingherselfwithfillingtwoto-gocupswithcoffeefromthethermos.ShefiguredKaneneededallhisattentiononnegotiatingtheicyroadsandidiotdriversthroughtownandthesuburbs.ThehighwayintoBlackRockFalls,althoughblanketedeachsidebyendlesswhite,hadbeenclearedandsaltedsincethelastblizzard.Abrightyellowflashingsigninformedmotorists:HighwayclosedbetweenPeakCrossingandBlackwater.
Sheturnedinherseat,cupinhand.“Youmentionedsomethingaboutthetimeline?”Shehandedhimacoffee.
“Yeah.”Kanetooktheto-gocup,sippedthenplaceditintheconsole.“SkywentmissingFridaynightbutthedoctordidn’ttakebloodfromyouuntilSaturday.Ifyou’reatarget,itwouldmakemoresenseforhertobeinvolvedinDougPaul’sdisappearance.Ifigureshewouldknowyou’druntheinvestigationfromhomeandwouldn’tbeoutlookingforher.”Hesighed.“Asasniper,Iwouldn’trisktakingdownatargetwithachopperoverheadandateamontheground.Outhereinthesnow,I’dbeasittingduck.”
Jennaconsideredhiswordsandnodded.“Yeah,butsheknewIwasreturningtoworktoday.”
“Exactly.”Kaneglancedather,thenhisattentionwentbacktotheroad.“Novehiclesonthehighwayandnosearchandrescuearoundtospotasniper.”
FearskitteredupJenna’sspine,raisingthehairsonherbody.“Yeah,ifshehasamatchonmyDNAandknewIwasaloneyesterday,shemighthavetriedtosubdueme.Shewasdesperatetogetinsidethehouse.”Sheshuddered.“Whyelsewouldshecomebywhenshecouldhavecalledme?Idon’ttrusther.Ishouldneverhaveallowedhertotakeblood.”
“Idon’teitherandwehavepeoplecheckingherout.Ifsheasmuchasjaywalkedwe’llknowbytonight.”Kane’slipstwitchedupatthecorners.“ShemaybeworkingwiththecarteltogetapositiveIDonyoubutbecauseofthetimeline,Ican’ttieherinwithSky’sdisappearance.HowcouldshepossiblyknowSkyandEllawouldbeonthehighwayatthatparticulartime?”Hesighed.“IwishIknewwhatpromptedDougandEllatosuddenlygosearchingforSkyinthemiddleofthenight.”
ThesatellitephonerangandJennapickeditup.“Alton.”
“It’sWolfe.I’velocatedDougPaul’struck.I’llgiveyouthecoordinates.”
JennauploadedtheinformationintotheGPS.“Thanks.AnythingonDocWeaveryet?”
“Notyet.I’mexpectinganupdatesoon,I’llletyouknow.”
“Thanks.”JennadisconnectedandlookedattheGPSscreen.“Thetruckisaboutahalf-mileaheadonthehighway.”
Thetruckcameintosightastheyroundedabend.Someoneleaptfromthecab,ranintothemiddleoftheroadandwavedtheirarms.Shecouldseehermouthworkingbutcouldnothearher.“IsthatEllaTate?”
“Ifigureit’sapossibility.”Kanegrimaced.“Ifso,where’sDougPaul?”
“Maybehe’sinjured.”AsKaneslowedhisvehicle,Jenna’sattentionwenttoalineofdeepgroovesleavingtheroadandcuttingthroughthefrozenbankofsnow.“Thatdoesn’tlookgood.”
“Nope.”Kanesuckedinabreath.“Lookslikesomeoneranofftheroadandintotheditch.”
TheypulledupbehindDougPaul’struckandJennaspottedthefadedredtaillightsofacrumpledwreckthroughacoatingofsnow.Thevehiclesatatanoddangle.Thedriver’ssidewheelshadclearedtheditchbuttheothersidehadn’tbeensolucky.SheturnedtoKane,pullingupherhood.“I’lltakealook,andyou’dbettergetEllaoutofthecold.”
Shejumpedfromthetruckandgaspedattheicychillseepingthroughherthickclothes.Breathingoutgreatcloudsofsteam,shemadeherwaytowardthewreckthenstoppedmidstrideatthehorrificscenebeforeher.Abodystuckhalfoutthewindshieldandasparkingtrailofbloodhadfrozentothewhitepaintwork.“Oh,myGod.”
TWENTY-SEVEN
ThesharpsmellofantisepticdrewDougoutofadeepsleep.Voices,lowandmumbling,driftedthroughthemiasmainhisfoggybrain.Hedraggedopenhiseyelidsbut,findingtheefforttoomuchandthelightfartoobright,closedthemagain.Hismomusuallythrewopenthedrapesandcleanedhisbathroomwhenshewantedhimtodosomechores.Heopenedhismouthtocalloutandremindherhewasonvacationbuthistonguehadstucktotheroofofhismouth.Wherehadheendeduplastnight?HismindwanderedbacktohisdayandherememberedleavingthehousewithEllaandhuntingforSky.Astarkimageofawomanthrustthroughawindshieldflashedintohismindandheopenedhiseyes.Above,abrightlightshonedownonhim.Heavydrapessurroundedhisbed.Therewasanunnervingfamiliaritytothebeepsandsuckingsoundsofthemachinery.Thesamenoisesherememberedfromvisitinghisgrandpainthehospitalinthedaysbeforetheoldmandied.
AmIdying?Whatthehellhadhappenedtohim?Heturnedhisheadtocallouttothedistantvoicesandtheroomtiltedthenatidalwaveofnauseahithim.Oh,thatcan’tbegood.Heclosedhiseyesandtookafewdeepbreathsuntilthefeelingpassed.Underhim,crisp,smoothsheetspressedagainsthisflesh,sohewasnotsufferingfromparalysis.Yethefeltstrangelyunattachedtohisbodyandcheckedtomakesurehehadallhisbodyparts.Hewiggledhistoesandmovedhisfingers,buttheefforttoliftanarmsentpainsearingthroughhisleftside.Agonyhadawokenlikeasleepingtigertognawathisflesh.DearLord,hadsomeoneshothim?Hetrembled,pantingintorment.Sweatcoatedhisbrowandsaltyrivuletsstunghiseyes.Hetriedtoforcewordsfromhisdrythroat.“Helpme.”Hisvoicecameoutinaraspywhisper,butsomeoneheard.
Thecurtainswishedopen.Amandressedinhospitalscrubsandwearingamaskpeeredathim.Thenheturnedawayandmomentslaterturnedback,holdingasyringe.
Dougliftedhischinandhadtoforceoutthewords.“What…happened…tome?”
“You’vebeeninacarwreck.Don’tyouremember?”
Dougshookhishead.“No,whathappened?”
“Idon’tknowbutyou’regoingtobefine.”Theman’sdarkeyescarriednocompassion.“Don’tfightthedrugs,it’sbetterifyousleeprightnow.”HepushedtheneedleofthesyringeintoatuberunningintoDoug’sarm.“Thiswon’ttakelongtowork.I’llbebacklatertosetupthemachine,thenyou’llgetregulardoses.Iwon’tallowyoutosuffer.”Hepulledthedrapesaroundthebed,leavingalargespace,andhurriedaway.
Thememoryofhavingtohavehisoldcancer-riddleddogeuthanizedflashedacrosshisconsciousness.Iwon’tallowyoutosuffer.Theyweretheexactwordsthevethadsaidtohisdog.Perplexed,Dougpeeredthroughthegapinthecurtainsandmettheterrifiedgazeofayoungwomaninthenextbed.Shehadabruiseonherforeheadandpulledfeeblyagainsttherestraintsattachedtoherwrists.Heblinked.Sheseemedstrangelyfamiliar.Anotherdoctor,ormaybeanurse,dressedinhospitalscrubsbutlargerthanthefirstman,cameintoview.Themanhadhisbacktohimashebentovertheyoungwoman.
“Hello,Olivia.”Hegavealowchuckle.“Youoweme,youknow.Ifoundyouinacarwreck.We’regonnahavesomuchfuntogether.”Hepressedthetipofascalpelunderoneofherterrifiedeyes,thenremoveditandhelditbeforeher.“Notnow,butI’llbebacksoon.”
Dougrecognizedtheman’svoiceand,terrifiedfortheyoungwoman’ssafety,foughtagainstthedrug.ItwasJim,Ella’sfriend.Hewantedtosaysomethingbuthisthroatwasparchedandhiswordscameoutinasigh.Jimstraightenedandsteppedaway.Whatthehellisgoingonhere?
Memoriesofthecarwreckandhelpingayoungwomanfloodedintohismind.JimhadinsistedhehelpedhimtotakehertotheER.Themomenttheinjuredwomanwasinhisarms,Jimhadmovedlikelightningandplungedaneedleintohisneck.Thenextthingherememberedwaswakingupinthehospitalinagony.Hadanothervehicleslammedintothemtoinjurehimorwasheinvolvedinsometwistedgame?HestaredatJimindisbelief.Holycow,themedicalstudentwasthreateningahelplesspatient.Coldchillsranthroughhisbonesbuthecouldnotmove.Hisbodyseemedtobefloatingawayandasthemedicationtookhold,hisvisionblurredbuthishearingwasworkingjustfine.
“Doyoulikethedrugs,Olivia?Icallthemzombiedrugs.Itmeansyouseeandfeeleverything.Won’tthatbefun?”Jimchuckleddeepinhischest.“Overthenextfewdays,we’regonnabeseeingalotofeachother.”
TWENTY-EIGHT
AblastoffreezingairblastedKaneasheslidfromhistruck,sendingastabofagonythroughhistemple.Hepulledhiswoolencapoverhisearsandtuggeduphishoodie,pullingthestringstightaroundhisface.Hegrabbedthefirstaidkit,pushedthesatellitephoneintoonepocketandroundedthehoodofhistruck.EllaTatewasslippingandslidinginhisdirection,babblingsofasthecouldn’tcatchawordofwhatshewassaying.Helookedatherwildexpression.“Areyouinjured?”
“No,justcold.”
Kanefrowned.“Whathappened?IsDouginsidethetruck?”
“No,he’svanished.”Ella’steethchatteredlikecastanets.“Iwokeupinthetrucknotlongago.”
HetookherbythearmandledherbacktoDoug’struck.“Can’tyoudrive?”
“Yeahbuthetookthekeys.”Ellashiveredbesidehim,huggingherchest.
AsKanecrunchedhiswayalongtheice-coveredblacktop,thesmellofsaltburnedhisnostrils.Hebentandexaminedthesurfaceoftheroadandfrowned.Theicewasn’tasthickashe’dimaginedwhichmeantthesnowplowhadclearedthisroadandspreadsaltinthelasttwenty-fourhours.HestraightenedandpeeredinsideDougPaul’struckandspottedtheshotgun.Therewasnosignoftheownerandnothingtoindicatethepairofthemhadbeendrinking.HetookinElla’sdistraughtexpression.“Comewithmeandyoucantellthesheriffwhathappened.There’scoffeeandsoupinmytruck.”
Kaneliftedtheshotgunfromthefrontseat,unloadeditandcarrieditbacktohistruck,securingitinaboxintheback.HemovedtoElla’ssideandpattedherdown,then,satisfiedshecarriednoweapons,openedthedoorandwavedherinside.“Jumpin.Wrapablanketaroundyou.I’llbebackinasecond.”
AftergivingDukeapatonthehead,heheadedbacktowardJenna,followingthecartracksthroughthepileofsnow.HescannedthecarnagethenmovedhisattentionbackatJenna.“Anysurvivors?”
“Nope.”Jennagrimaced.“Let’sgetoutofthecoldandseewhatshehastosay.”
Kanetouchedherarm.“Therewasaloadedshotguninthetruckbutshe’sclean.”
“Okay.”Jennabrushedsnowfromhercoat,thenledthewaybacktohistruckandclimbedinside.
Kanefollowedandslidbackintothewarm.HeturnedtolookatElla.“Didyouwitnesstheaccident?”
“Idon’tevenremembergettinghere.LastthingIrememberedIwastalkingtoDougaroundelevenlastnight.IwokehereandDougwentmissing.”Ella’steethchatteredasshespoke.“Idon’tknowwhat’shappeningtome.IfeellikeI’mgoingcrazy.”
Hetookinherwildappearance.“Nosix-fivemanchasingyouwithanaxthistime?”
“No,andnoonehasbeenby.”Ellasnuggledintheblanket.“Whereiseveryone?”
“TheroadisclosedatBlackwater.”KaneturnedtoJenna.“Doyouwantmetodrivehertothehospitalandhavetheparamedicscheckherout?”
“No,Iwanttostayonscene.CalltheparamedicsonthesatellitephoneandnotifyWolfe,thengooverthevehicle.GiveRowleyacalltoruntheplate;youwon’thavebarsonyourcellphoneouthere.”Jennasniffedandswipedathernose.“I’lltakeherstatement.”
KaneglancedatElla,thenbackatJenna.Hisguttoldhimsomethingdidn’tsitright.“DoyoumindifIaskhersomethingfirst?”
“Gorightahead.”JennapouredcoffeeintoacupandhandedittoElla.
KaneturnedinhisseatandtookinElla’sappearance.Shelookedsmallandfrightenedwrappedinablanket;butpsychopathscameinavarietyoftypes.“Twoofyourfriendsaremissingandyou’reoutinthemiddleofnowherecarryingaweapon.Yousayyoudon’trememberhowyougothere.Doyouoftensufferblackouts?”
“Notuntilthismorning.Look,Ididn’tdoanythingtoDougorSky.”Ellaglaredathim.“Youcantellifsomeonefiredthegunrecently,can’tyou?Ihaven’thurtanyone.”
“Wedidn’tsayyoudidbutwehavetoaskquestionstopiecetogetherwhathappened.”JennagaveEllaasmile.“Drinkthecoffee.Itwillkeepyougoinguntiltheparamedicsarrive.”ShegaveKaneafrown.“Icantakeitfromhere.”
“Okay.”Kaneslidbackoutintothebitingwindandmadehiswaytothewreck.Heleanedintheopendoorofthesedanandpulledthekeysouttheignition,thendroppedthemintohispocket.HetookoutthesatellitephoneandcalledtheparamedicsforEllaTate.Thehospitalinformedhimunlessitwasalifeordeathsituation,itwouldbeawaitofmorethantwohoursduetotheamountofminoraccidentsaroundtown.WhenheinformedWolfeofthesituation,heagreedtotransportEllatothehospitalifnecessaryandcollectthecarwreckvictim.
Afterdisconnecting,Kanescannedtheinteriorofthevehicleandfrowned.Nopurseorcellphoneand,afterexaminingtheemptybagoftakeoutfromtheBlackwaterRoadhouse,hehadtoassumemorethanonepersonwasinsidethevehicleatthetimeoftheaccident.Perturbed,hesearchedaroundandunderthevehicle,climbinguppackedsnowpiledupbythesnowplowtopeerbeyondthecar.Sleetcutintohisfaceasheunlockedthetrunkandpeeredinside.Threesuitcasesmethisgaze,allwithairlinetagsinthenameofOliviaPalmer.
HecalledRowleyonthesatellitephonetoruntheplatesanddiscoveredthevehiclebelongedtoMrs.RubyPalmer,awidowfromBlackRockFalls.Asusual,MaggietheBlackRockFallsSheriff’sDepartmentreceptionistwasacquaintedwiththefamily.Oliviawasathird-yearstudent,whocamehomeforChristmaseveryyear.HermotherwouldhavepickedherupatSweetWaterCreekairportoutsideofBlackwaterduetothetemporaryclosureoftheBlackRockFallsrunwayaftertheblizzard.
AfteraskingMaggietochecktheERonthechancesomeonehadcomebyandtakenOliviatothehospital,hedisconnectedandcontinuedhissearchofthewreck.Ifthedoorhadopened,itwaspossibletheimpacthadthrownOliviaclear,buthefoundnosignsofbloodorabodyimprintanywhereinthesnow.WherewassheandwherewasDougPaul?Rightnow,withnocluestothreepeople’sdisappearance,ifsomeonesuggestedalienshadabductedthemhemightaddittohislistofpossibilities.
Hepulledouthiscellphoneandtookimagesofeverythingincludingthepositionofthebody,thecontentsofthetakeoutbagandtrunk,thenwentbacktorecordthepaththecarhadtraveledfromtheroad.Hewalkedupanddownthehighwaypeeringforanysignofbrakingandfoundnone.Thepackediceonthehighwaywasmarkedwithchainsbuthewouldexpectthatfromthelocaltraffic.Hefrownedandconcludedthevehiclehadtakenthebendinthehighwaytoofast,lostcontrolintheicyconditionsandslidacrosstheroad.Theairbagslikelydeployedwhenthecarhitthewallofcompactedsnow,blockingthedriver’sviewanddenyingheranychancetosteerthevehicleoutoftrouble.Withoutaseatbelttoprotecther,whenthecarslammedintothewalloftheditchMrs.Palmersmashedthroughthewindshield.
Withfeetandfingersnumbwithcold,heheadedbacktohistruckandclimbedinside.Awaveofheatandthesmellofhotsoupsurroundedhim.HegaveJennaarundownofhisconclusions,thenglancedatEllainthebackseat,sippingfromacup.HisattentionslidbacktoJenna.“Whatdowehave?”
“Practicallynothing.”ShefilledacupwithsoupfromtheThermosandhandedittohim,thenpushedabagofsandwicheswithinreach.“We’lltalkoutside.”
Kaneplacedthecupintheconsole,grabbedasandwichandreluctantlyopenedthecardoorandgotbackoutintothebitterlycoldwind.“Let’smakethisquick,mybrainisfreezing.”
“Sure.”Jennaexaminedhisfaceandfrowned.“SherecallsmakingplanstomeetafriendoutherearoundelevenlastnightandtheyweregoingtosearchforSky.Theshotgunwasforprotectionincasetheymetupwiththemanwiththeax.SheremembersplanningtoleavebutnotgettingintoDoug’svehicle.”Shesighed.“That’sit.ShehasnomemoryuntilshewokeupfreezingcoldinDoug’struck.Hetookhiskeysandcellphone.”
“Sowehavetoassumetheymetherfriend.”KaneglancedatElla.“It’smorethanlikelyDougfoundOliviaaliveinthewreckandtheytookhertothehospital.”
“Maybe,butwhyleaveEllaheretofreezetodeath?ShecouldhavefollowedinDoug’struck.”Sheglancedatthewreck.“It’snotasifpoorMrs.Palmerisgoinganywhere.No,Idon’tfigurethat’swhathappened.Thehospitalwouldhavenotifiedusofthewrecklastnight.”Shepushedalockofhairinsidehercapandfrowned.“I’llcallRowleytochaseitdownjustincasesomeoneforgottocallus.”
“Alreadyonit.Maggieischeckingnow.”Kanerubbedhistempletorelievetheache.“WolfeisonhiswaywithWebberandassoonashegivestheall-clear,I’llhaveatowtruckcomeouttocollectthewreck.”
“Okay,I’llgiveMaggieacallandseewhatshe’sfound.”Jennatookthesatellitephoneheofferedandshivered.“Ifthisisanotheraxmanattack,whydoyoufigureheleftEllabehindunscathedbothtimes?Hehadtohaveareason.”
Kane’smindwentintooverdriveattheimplications.“OnlyoneIcanthinkof:tothrowusoffhisscentandhaveuschasingourtails.Itdoesn’ttakeageniustoknowinanycrimeofthiskindthelastpersontoseeavictimaliveistheprimesuspectuntilprovenotherwiseandthemainfocusoftheinvestigation.”
“Yeah,anyTVcopshowwouldtellhimthat,sohefiguresifwebelieveEllaisinvolveditwillgivehimtimetocleanuphistrail.”Jennawrinkledhernose.“Toobadforhimwe’vedealtwithenoughpsychopathsinthelastcoupleofyearsnottofallintothattrap.”
“Ifigureheprobablydruggedher.Havinghernotrememberinghowshearrivedherewouldaddtoherapparentinstability.”Kanerubbedhischin.“We’llrunitpastWolfe;itcouldbeareasonwhysheisactingsodisorientated.”
“Thatsoundslikeaplan.We’dbettergetbackinthetruckbeforewedieofexposure.”Jennaofferedhimasmallsmileandreachedforthepassengerdoor.“I’llspeaktohimwhenhe’sfinishedwithhispreliminaryexaminationofthescene.”
Kaneclimbedbackbehindthewheel,atesandwichesandsippedsoup,feedingbitsofbreadtoDuke,whilehewaitedforJennatofinishhercall.Theshakeofherheadandworriedexpressionsaiditall.Twomoreyoungpeoplehaddisappearedalongthisroadandtheydidn’thaveonesingleclue.IfEllawastellingthetruthandahatchet-wieldingcrazywasstalkingthebackroads,theyneededtofindhimandfast.ItseemedeachnewseasoninBlackRockFallsbroughtwithitanewbrandoftwistedpsychopath.Whattypeoflunaticarewedealingwiththistime?
TWENTY-NINE
Assnowflakeslandedonhereyelashesandranoverhercheeks,JennawaitedpatientlyforWolfetoextractthegrotesquelyfrozenbodyofMrs.Palmerfromthewreckageandloaditintothebackofthecoroner’svan.TheMEhadtakenagreatdealoftimeexaminingthebodyinsituandhadgottenWebbertomeasurethedistancefromtheroadtothecrashsite.HehadpainstakinglywalkedtheblacktopwithWebberandhisdaughterEmilytodeterminewhereMrs.Palmerlostcontrolofhervehicle.Hisdetailedexaminationoftheinteriorofthevehicle,andmostparticularlythepassenger-sidedoor,hadJennaintrigued,butitwasn’thisreportshewaswaitingon.ItwasobviousthatMrs.Palmerdiedinacarwreck.
AfterspeakingwithEllaTate,shecouldn’tmakeuphermindiftheconfusedyoungwomanwasagoodliar,apsychopathorsufferingmemoryloss.ShehadleftherinKane’scapablehandsforfurtherquestioning,withEmilytolisteninforexperience.Havingayoungwomanofthesameageassupportwouldbebeneficial;Emilyhadincredibleinsightandhadtheabilitytolookatthingsfromadifferentangle.AsWolfeshutthedoorstohisvan,Jennawenttohisside.“Findanythinginteresting?”
“NotconclusivebutI’mwithKaneonthisone,I’mconvincedsomeoneelsewasinthevehicle.Therearelongblondhairsontheheadrestandseat.Thepassenger-sidecarpethasmarksonitconsistentwithsomeonesittingthererecentlywearingsnow-coveredboots,andI’mnotconvincedthedooropenedonimpact.”Hebrushedsnowflakesfromhisface.“Thisisalatemodelvehicleandthedoorslockautomaticallyoncethecarreachestenmilesperhour.Thechancesofthemflyingopenduringimpactwouldbeminimal.Theseatbeltisacrosstheseatasifsomeoneliftedherfromthecarandthereisasmallspotofbloodontheairbag.I’lltestitagainstasamplefromMrs.PalmerbutitwillbethreedaysorsobeforeIgetaresult.”
Threepeoplemissinginsimilarcircumstancesinlessthanaweekspelledserialkiller.Jennawincedattheimplications.“So,anotherkidnappingorworse?”
“It’sapossibility.”Wolfepulledhishatdownoverhisears.“Moresoasthewreckwasn’treported.Myconcernis,ifthisisanunfortunateaccident,whyleaveEllaouthere?Shehadnofood,nocarkeys.Itseemsaveryirresponsiblethingtodo.”Hemotionedtothevan.“I’llgetthebodybacktothemorgueandthawherout.Weareonlyassumingthewreckwasresponsibleforherdeath.UntilIexamineher,thecauseisundetermined.Shecouldhavebeenshotforallweknow.”Hesighedinacloudofsteam.“Thevehicleisreadytobetakenbacktotheinspectionlot.I’llcallthetowtruckandmakethearrangements.Ihaveasatellitephonewithme.”
“Thanks.Beforeyougo,Ineedtoaskyousomething.”Sherubbedherhandstogetherinanefforttopreventherfingersfromfreezing.
“Askaway.”WolfeindicatedwithhischintowardEmilysittinginsideKane’struck.“Sheisn’tmakinganuisanceofherself,isshe?”
Jennasmiledathisconcernedexpression.“Notatall,sheisanasset.BecarefulorI’llconvincehertojointhesheriff’sdepartment.”
“Thatmightnotbeasfar-fetchedasyouthink.She’splanningtotalkyouintoallowinghertoridealongwithyouduringhervacationtolearnmoreaboutpoliceprocedure.SheisabornprofilerandIbelieveonceshefinishesherstudies,shemightwellwanttocombinehertalents.”
“Likeyou?”Jennachuckled.“WhyamInotsurprised?Ifshewasaboy,Iwouldhavethoughtyou’dclonedher.”
“I’lltakethatasacompliment,ma’am.”Wolfelookedsuitablyproud.“Wastheresomethingelseonyourmind?”
“Yeah.I’veinterviewedEllaTateandsheinsistsshecan’trememberanythingsinceshedecidedtolookforSkyPaullastnight.”Shehuffedoutapuffofsteam.“I’veseenthisbefore,thissuddenmemoryloss,andit’susuallyinpeoplewhohavebeengivendaterapedrugs.Howlongdoesitstayinthesystemandcanwetestherforit?”
“Itdependswhichonetheyused,thereareafew.Asyouknow,shewouldhavetoingestthedrug,whichisunlikelyunlesstheyusedketamine—thatdrugisusedasananestheticonanimalsmosttimesbutwouldhavethesameeffect.”Wolfe’spaleeyesnarrowed.“We’llhaveabouttwenty-fourhourstotestforitanditmightbeanideatolookforaneedleprickwound.Iftheperpetratorstuckher,he’dactfastsoshecouldn’tfightback.Hewouldn’tbecarefulandassheisruggedup,I’dbelookingforanexposedarea,maybeneckorface.”
“I’llaskherifshehasanysorespots.”Jennachewedonherice-coldbottomlip.“Ifsheagreestoabloodtestnow,doyouhaveyourmedicalkitwithyou?”
“Ineverleavehomewithoutit.”Wolfeturnedbacktohisvan.“I’llgrabwhatIneedandyoucantalkherintogivingmeasampleofherblood.”
JennamadeherwayovertheslipperyblacktoptoKane’struckandopenedthedoor.“Emily,wouldyoumindwaitingwithWebber?IneedtospeaktoElla.”
“Sure.Thanksforallowingmetositin.”Emilywrappedascarfaroundherfaceanddroppedfromthefrontseat,thenskatedprecariouslytowardherfather’svan.
JennaexchangedameaningfullookwithKaneandturnedinherseat.“Ella,I’mconcernedyourmemorylossmightbeduetoadrug.”
“Idon’ttakedrugs.”Ellagaveheranindignantlook.“NeitherdoesDoug.”
“Ididn’tsayyoudidbutthememorylossyou’redescribingisconsistentwithadaterapedrug.”Jennamettheyoungwoman’sbewilderedgaze.“Doyourememberanyonestickingyouwithaneedleordoyouhaveasorespotanywhere?”
“Idon’trememberbutIdohaveasoreneck,righthere.”Ellapointedtoherneck.
Jennaleanedoverthebackseatandpeeredatthesmallmarkrightatthejugular.“Thatcouldbeaneedlemark.Ifwetakebloodwecandiscoverifsomeonedruggedyou.”
“Okay,ifitmakesyoubelieveme.”Ellasighed.“HowmuchlongerdoIhavetosithere?”
“Fivemoreminutes.”JennalookedatKane.“Getaphotoofthatneedlemark.Wolfeisheadingovertotakeherblood.”ShesmiledatElla.“You’llberidingbacktotownwiththeME.I’dliketohavetheparamedicscheckyouoverthenyoucangostayatthePauls’house.”
“Nohospital.”Ellaglaredather.“I’mnothurt,I’mjustcoldandIneedapee.”
“Okay,aslongasyoustayhomeuntilwediscoverwhathappenedtoyourfriends.”JennawatchedKanetakeafewimagesoftheneedlemark,thenlookedbackatElla.“Agreed?”
“Sure.”Ellashrugged.“Idon’tknowanyoneelseinBlackRockFallstovisitanyway.”
AfterWolfetookthebloodandEllaaccompaniedhimbacktohisvan,Jennaleanedbackintheseatandsighed.“Wolfefiguressomeone,possiblyinjured,wascarriedfromthewrecktoawaitingvehicle.”
“Itlooksthatwaybutfromthevarietyofcartracksonthehighwayit’simpossibletoconfirmanothervehiclewasinvolved.”Kanewavedahandtowardtheroad.“Ifoundchainmarksallalongtheiceoppositethewreck,butatthistimeoftheyearthisroadisoftenbusywithpeoplecominghomefortheholidays.Someonecouldhavestoppedhereanytimebetweenthefirstsnowandthefreezebutthere’snoconclusiveevidencetosuggestavehiclestoppedtherelastnight.”Hestaredoutthewindshieldasifthinkingovertheirimpossiblesituation.“Thereisnoevidencetosuggestakidnapping,novehicles,orbloodevidenceapartfromthesmallspotontheairbag,whichcouldeasilybebloodspatterfromMrs.Palmer.Wehavezip.”Hesighed.“Idoubtwe’llfindanythingwrongwithDougPaul’struckeitherandhewouldbeawareoftheweatherconditionsandhadaperfectlygoodvehicletoshelterinsideuntilhelpcame.Onlyafoolwouldsetoutonfootandwherewouldtheyhead?There’snothingformilesouthere.Ifigureit’spointlesscallingoutsearchandrescueagaininthehopetheyfindtwopeoplewalkinginthesnow.Ifthey’dkepttothehighwaylikeanysensibleperson,wewouldhaveseenthemandatthespeedIwasdrivingIwouldn’thavemissedthem.”
Jennanodded.“I’llgivethemediaanupdateandputoutanotherBOLOincasesomeonegavethemaride,andgetsearchandrescueoutagain.It’sallwecandofornow.EllarecallsthetimeshespoketoDouglastnightbeingaroundeleven.Theroadsignwouldhavealreadybeenerectedorsoonafter.I’llfindouttheexacttimetheyerectedthesign.”Shemethisgaze.“ThiswouldmeanifanyonepickedupDougandOliviatheywouldhavebeentravelingfromBlackwatertoBlackRockFallsbeforeelevenwhenthetruckblockedthehighway.Thereisonlyonewaytheycouldhavetraveledandthat’sintoBlackRockFallsorbeyond.”Shelookedathim.“Weneedtobelookingforthemclosertotownorintown.”
“Anotherthingtoconsider.FromallaccountsDougisasensibleguy.”Kane’seyebrowsbunchedtogetherinconcentration.“Ifhe’dfoundOliviaalive,hewouldhavedrivenherstraighttothehospitalandcalledustoattendthewreck.So,somethingelsehappenedhereandit’sobvioustomeEllaisn’tinvolved.Ifigureshe’sapatsy.”Hiswideshouldersliftedinashrug.“Thereisonlyoneconclusion.Thisisn’tacoincidenceandwhoeverkidnappedthemtookSkyaswell.I’mwithyou;inthisweather,theyhavetobeclosetoBlackRockFalls.It’stheonlylogicalconclusion.”
JennapouredmorecoffeefromtheThermosandsipped,warmingherhandsonthecup.“Yeah,andifwehadn’tfoundEllaaloneinDoug’struck,wewouldhavewrittenthisupasanastyaccident.”
“Maybenot.”Kanesippedhiscoffee.“YouwouldhavecheckedthetrunkandfoundthebagsbelongingtoOlivia.OneofthemhadaMontanaStatetagonitaswell,sowe’dassumehermothercollectedherfromtheairport,whichiswhatMaggiesuggested.”
Jennafrowned.“I’lltellRowleytocalltheairportandfindoutwhenshearrived.Weknowitwasbeforeelevenlastnightbecausetheoverturnedtruckhasblockedthehighwaysincethen.”ShefinishedhercoffeeandturnedtoKane.“We’llheadbacktotheoffice.”
“I’mgettinglowongas,sowe’llhavetostopintown.”Kaneturnedhistruckaroundandheadedbackdownthehighway.“WhatbothersmeiswhykidnapDoug?Ifthisissomeweirdoonakillingspree,theyusuallysticktothesamegender.Whatisthemotive?”
“Bothsexes,young,good-looking,sayssexslavestome.”Jennawrinkledhernoseindisgust.“Theygetthemhookedondrugsthenusetheaddictiontocontrolthem.I’veseenyoungmen,womenandkidssoldoverseas.It’sagrowingproblemandsomethingweneedtoconsider.”
“Youlookasifyouhaveaplan.”Kaneraisedoneeyebrow.
Jennanodded.“I’mconsideringpotentialsuspects.Maybeoursuspectisatruckdriverwhopassesthroughonaregularhaul.Hecouldhavemadeitthroughearlier,seenthewomenaloneintheircarandnudgedthemofftheroad.Ithappenedtomeeasilyenough,remember.”
“Scaredheroffthehighwaymaybe.”Kanestaredstraightahead,hisbrowwrinkledinconcentration.“Icheckedthevehiclealloverandfoundnoscrapesorpainttransferfromanothervehicle.”
Jennashookherhead.“Thatdoesn’tmeanathing.Afourteenwheelerbearingdownonadriver,especiallyonabendintheseconditions,couldmakeanyonepanicandrightnowit’sallIhavetogoon.”Shesighed.“I’llcontactthelocalbusinesscouncilandgetalistofthefactoriesintheareaopenforshortperiodsduringtheshutdownfordeliveries.”Sheshrugged.“Ifigureit’saplacetostartbecauseI’mrunningoutofideas.”Sheglancedathim.“Onethingforcertain,ifthiskidnapperisanopportunist,heistheluckiestmanIknow.”
THIRTYTHURSDAY
Hewalkedintoherofficeand,shuttingthedoorbehindhim,clickedthelock.Hisvisitsthrilledher,especiallyknowingtherewerepeopleoutsideandtheyriskeddiscovery.Whenshestoodtogreethimwithahungrylookonherface,hedutifullymovedaroundthedesktoembraceher,asanyloverwoulddo.“I’vemissedyou.Ishouldcomebymore
Ohyeah,hecouldplaythepart.Hell,he’dbeenplayactinghisentirelife.Itamusedhimthatpeopleactuallybelievedhim.Notthathecaredaboutanyone’sopinionofhim,butheoftenwonderedwhatcaringforsomeonewouldactuallyfeellike.Perhapsitcameclosetowhatheexpectedtoreceivefromsomeone.
Ashispahadtaughthim,valuewaswhatapersonexpectedtoreceive.Hesmiledathisgirlfriendandnoticedthewayhereyeschangedwhenshegazedupathim.Manywomenlookedathimthatwayandhefiguredhecouldhaveanyofthem.Mostwhowantedhimhadoutstandingbeauty,wealthandlikelyfiguredhimhusbandmaterial,butnowomanwouldhog-tiehimintomarriage.
Hisgirlfriendwasnotpretty,infact,shewassomewhatplain,buttohimshewasacommodity.Herusetohimwastwofold.Heneededherexpertiseandloyalty.Makingherbelievehecaredforherhadbeeneasybuthisgeniushadprevailedwhenheconvincedhertogoalongwithhisplans.Hesmileddownather;hehadherwrappedaroundhislittlefinger.Infact,ifeverythingwenttohell,hewouldn’tneedtokillhertoguaranteehersilence:shewouldwillinglyprotecthimandpaytheprice.
Noonecouldimplicatehiminanywrongdoingbecausehehadoutsmartedeveryone,withtheexceptionofSheriffAlton.Shehadn’ttakenthebaitandhadallowedEllaTatetowalk,sonowhewouldthrowheranothercurveballandkillsomeoneatrandom.Hewouldgooutforadrivelaterandcaveintheheadofthefirstunsuspectinggulliblefoolwhostoppedtohelphim,thenleavetheblood-soakedbodyonthesideoftheroad.Thesheriffwouldbescratchingherhead,wonderinghowmanykillersshehadlurkingalongthesamestretchofhighway.Hebitbackachuckle.Oh,yeah,justthethoughtofhearingaskullcrushingandwatchingbloodseepacrossthesnowwouldsoothehisurgetokillforlongenoughtoactthepartofadevotedboyfriend.
THIRTY-ONE
Atherdesk,Jennaallowedthepreviousday’seventstopercolateinhermind.Franticforthesafetyofthemissingpeople,shehadorderedsearchandrescueoutatdawnagain.Theyhadbeensearchingthehighwaysouthofthewreckandtruck-spillforstrandedmotoristsbutasweepingyetthoroughsearchhadagainyieldednothing.Atleastnowshehadatimeframe;theDepartmentofTransporthadblockedthehighwayanderectedtheroadclosuresignsatmidnightinbothBlackRockFallsandBlackwater.ThiswouldputthetimeofthecarwreckandtheabductionofDougandOliviabetweenelevenandmidnight.Shehadupdatedthemediarelease,andhopedsomeonewouldcallinwithalead.Afterworkingthroughthedaymakingcallsandgatheringinformation,shestaredatthenotes.Somewhereinthepileofinformationhadtobeacluetowheresomeonehadtakenthemissingpeople.
Afewofthefactoriesopenedduringtheshutdownonalimitedbasis,asshehadsurmised.ThelocalmeatprocessingplantopeneduponedaytheweekpriortoChristmastoensurefreshmeatwasavailablebeforetheholidays.Itranaskeletonstaff,processednomorethantensteersandhadbeeninshutdownfortwoweeks.Thelocalrecyclersremainedopenonvarioustimesdependingontheneedtocrushorshredwaste.KaneandRowleyhadcheckedthemoutandnotfoundatraceofSky’svehicle.
JennastaredathernotesthenbacktoRowley’scasefiles.Asmeticulousasusual,RowleyhadrundownalistofanyonewhoregularlyvisitedBlackRockFalls.Thelistincludedtruckdriversbringingsuppliesfromothertownsorinterstate,realestatebrokersandthemaildeliverytrucks,includingFedExandUPS.Sheaddedaremindertospeaktothesnowplowdrivers;theymovedupanddownthehighwaymorefrequentlythanmost,butshefiguredkidnappingtwopeopleinasnowplowwouldbenearimpossible.ButtheymighthaveseensomethingIcanuse.
TherewasaknockonherdoorandshedraggedherattentionawayfromhercomputerscreenandlookeduptoseeKane.“Comein.Haveyoufoundanythinguseful?”
“Yeah,Ihavealistofthedriverswhoregularlycomethroughtownonthedaysthepeoplewentmissing.Butthat’snotwhyI’mhere.”Kanetookastepforward,thenstopped.“It’swaypastsevenandMaggieisanxioustogethometoherfamily.”Heclearedhisthroatandhisexpressionwasserious.“Rowley’sstomachisgrowlingsoloudit’smakingDukejumpy.Canwemaketracksforhomesoon?”
Jennaglancedoutthewindowintoinkyblackness.Thedayhadslippedbyinwhatseemedlikeacoupleofhours.“OhLord,Ididn’tnoticehowlateithadgotten.I’msorry,thiscaseistime-consuming.I’veworkedallafternoonandhavenexttonoleadsatall.”Sheleanedbackinherchair.“PleasegiveMaggiemyapologiesandsendheronhome.WhatisRowleydoing,ishestayinginthecottagetonight?”
“Nope,hemovedallhisthingsoutthismorning.”Kanesmiled.“He’shappytobebackinhisownhome.”
Jennastretchedandsmiled.“Iguessyou’dbettersendhimhometooandwe’llheaddowntoAuntBetty’sforameal,mytreat.”Shepushedherhairfromherface.“Whilewe’reeatingwecanworkoutwhattodonext.Doyoumindifwebothgoinyourtruck?Idon’treallywanttodrivehomealonetonight.”
“Meeither.I’vefedDukeandhe’llsleepinmytruckwhilewe’reeating.He’llbecozyenoughwearinghiscoatandcoveredwithathickblanketforhalfanhour.”Kaneplacedthefolderonthedeskandsmiled.“I’lltelleveryonethegoodnews.”
TheydashedintoAuntBetty’sCafétoavoidtheflurryofsnowsoakingtheirclothescombinedwithacruelwind.WarmthandthewonderfularomasofcookingandstrongfreshcoffeesurroundedJennathemomentshesteppedinsidethedoor.Shelovedtheatmosphereofthisplace;itwaslikesteppingintoawarmhug.Itsurprisedherthatacaféinarelativelysmalltownstayedopenuntilelevenandlatereachnight.Theplacewasneveremptyandduringthedaypeoplelineduptobeserved.Onethingforsure,herenobodyeverwalkedawaydisappointed.
ShesmiledatRowleyasheturnedawayfromthecounterhuggingalargetakeoutbag.“Haveyoutriedthepumpkinsoup?”
“Yeah,I’vepickedupenoughforlunchtomorrowaswellincasewe’rebusy.”Rowleytippedhishat.“Goodnight,ma’am.”Heheadedforthedoor.
“Night.”Shetookaquickglanceatthedailyspecialsboardandherstomachgrowledinappreciation.Thenshemadeherwaythroughthetablestooneagainstthewallattheback.
Themanagementhadapermanent“Reservedforthesheriff’sdepartment”carddisplayedbesidethemenu.Withherdeputiesdashinginforquickmeals,theydidn’thavetimetolineupandthestaffatAuntBetty’sgavethempriority.Theyallappreciatedthekindgesture.Jennaremovedhercoatandglovesthentookherseat.Oppositeher,Kanedrapedhiscoatoverthebackofthechairandsatwithhisbacktothewallasusual,hiseagleeyesscanningthecustomersforanystrangersintown.
TheyorderedandwithinminutesJennawashummingwithcontentmentoveralargebowlofpumpkinsoup.ShehadorderedsteakwithallthetrimmingsaswellandKanefollowedsuit.“Oh,thisissogood.”
“I’mgladtoseeyouhaveyourappetiteback.”Kanelookedather,spoonhoveringovertheplate.“Whileyouwereworkingthisafternoon,Icheckedoutthedatabaseforsimilarcases.Sixpeoplehavevanishedoverthelastfewmonths,andallreportedlytraveledonthehighwayfromBlackwatertohereandwereheadingforlocaltownsinbothdirections.”
Jennaswallowedamouthfulofsoupandsighed.“Whydidn’twereceiveaBOLOormissingpersonnotification?”
“Wedid.”Kaneleanedbackinhischairasthewaitressclearedtheplatesandreplacedthemwiththeirmainmeals.“TheywereloggedandhandledbyRowleyandWalters.”
SurprisedRowleyhadn’tbroughttheincidentstoherattention,Jennafrowned.“RowleyneverfailstoupdatemeandWaltersisthesame.”
“Yeahbutyouhadafewthingsonyourmindatthetime.”Kanecutintohissteak.“ThefirstfewwerereportedwhenyouwereinWashingtonDCvisitingmeinthehospital,theothersduringtheweekyoutookoffworktocareforme,andthelastonecamethroughwhenyouweretooilltospeaktoanyone.Rowleywasinchargeandhedealtwithit.”Heliftedhisforkandpauseditathismouth.“Allthepaperworkisinorder.ThelastpersontogomissingwasTrudySimmons,twentyyearsold,outofGlassRidge.ShewasheadingfromBlackwatertoaschoolreunioninherhometown.Allthereportscamefromdifferentcounties.Rowleycheckedwiththehospital,hotelandgasstationintownandfoundnotraceofher.HefollowedprotocolandconvincedWolfetousehisnewfacialrecognitionsoftwareontheCCTVfootagehecollectedfromtown,andcameupwithabigfatzero.Rowleyhandledallthecasesinthesameway,didtheusualchecksandfoundnotraceofthem.It’sjustlikeSkyandDougPaul.Theyseemtohavevanishedwithoutatrace.”
Jennasippedhercoffeeandeyedhimovertherimofhercup.“SoRowleyfiledthereports,sentcopiestotherelevantcountiesanddidn’tbothermewiththem.Icanseewhyinthecircumstances—theydidn’tconcernourdepartment.”Shefrowned.“Butheshouldhavebroughtthemtomyattentionnow.”
“Hechasedthemdownagaintodayandyouhaveallthedetailsinyourfiles.”Kanesmiled.“Asyouspenttheentireafternoonlockedinyourofficeonthephone,heinformedme.”
Intrigued,Jennaconsideredtheinformation.“Whatabouttheages?Therehastobesomethingthattiesthesecasestogether.”
“Allarebetweennineteenandtwenty-two.”Kanewentbacktohismealandtheysatinsilenceforafewminutes.
Inanefforttocomeupwithasuspect,Jennaallowedtheinformationshehadgatheredearliertopercolatethroughhermind.Shefinishedhermealandwaitedforthewaitresstorefillhercoffeecup.“I’vebeengoingoveralistofpossiblesuspects.”Sheleanedbackinherchair.“IthastobesomeonewhousesthathighwayregularlyandIhavealistofpeople.Deliverydriversmostly,butIcan’thelpthinkingthepostalservicevanwouldbeupanddownthatroaddaily.Mailcomesintothepostoffice,issortedandthenthelocalmailmandeliversit,right?”
“Uh-huh.”Kanenoddedandchewedslowly,thenswallowed.“Wewouldhavetofindoutwhattimetheusualdeliveryarrives.Itcouldbeovernight.”
Excitementthrummedthroughher.“Okay,wehaveatleastonepersontotalkto.”Sheleanedforwardinherseat.“Whoelsewouldcomethroughovernight?”
“Milkmaybe?”Kanepushedhisplatetoonesideandreachedforhiscoffee.“I’mnotsurewhatperishablesaredelivereddaily.IdoknowwhenIdroppedbyforthesoupandsandwichesearliertodaythewaitresseswereworriedaboutsuppliesgettingthroughfromBlackwater.”
JennatookouthernotepadandlookedupatKane.“FedExdeliverieswouldbeeasytohuntdownbuttheremustbeotherdeliveriesortruckdriverswhopassthroughtownonaregularbasis.”
“Mostwillhavelogbooksbutalltheseplaceswillbeclosednow.”Kanesmotheredayawn.“It’sbeenalongdayandIstillhavetotendthehorses.”
Aftersolongathome,Jennadidnotfeeltheleastbittired.“Oh,I’llhelpwiththehorses.Ihavemoretotellyou.We’llchatonthewayhome.”Shepaidthebillbycreditcard,stood,draggedonhercoatandheadedforthedoor.
Astheymadetheirwayhome,snowbuiltuponthewindshieldwipersand,oncetheyturnedoffthemainhighwayontotheroadleadingtoherranch,thewaybecametreacherous.ShehadfaithinKane’sdrivingbutwasawareofhowslowlyhewasmovingalongtheice-coveredroad.Sheclearedherthroat.“TheotherthingIwantedtomentionisnotallthefactoriesshutdownfortheentireholidayseason.Someofthemopenonedayaweektokeepsupplyavailabletothelocalstores.”
“Nowthat’sinterestingbecauseIpatrolledtheareaandfoundnosignofanyonebeingthereforatleastaweek.”Heleanedforward,peeringaheadasthesnowpeltedhistruck.“Thejunkyardgavemetheimpressionthegatecouldhavebeenopenedsincethefirstblizzardbutthatplacewouldn’tneedtosupplylocalstores.”
ThebackwheelsofthetruckslidsidewaysandJenna’sheartpickedupabeat.ShegrippedtheseatandlookedatKane.Hisfacewasamaskofconcentration.Heturnedandsmiled.“It’sokay;wehitapatchofice.Worstcasewe’llslideintotheditchandatthisspeedwe’llbeabletodriverightout.”
Jennabarkedoutalaugh.“Oh,you’refillingmewithconfidence.”
“Trustthebeastandthenewsnowtires.”Hechuckled.“Notfarnow.”
Jennabreathedasighofrelief.“Okay,sowehaveafewthingstohuntdowntomorrow.I’llgetRowleyandWalterstostartlookingforpeoplewecaninterview.IfigureweshouldcheckoutthefactoriesIknowareopenduringtheshutdownandseeifthere’sanyonewecanspeakto.”
“Okay.”Kanemaneuveredhisvehiclethroughthegateandfloodlightslituptheproperty.
AbeepsoundedastheremoteinKane’svehicleconnectedwiththealarmsystemandheslowedatthehouse.Sheturnedtohim.“Givemefivetochange.I’llmeetyouatthestables.”Shegrabbedherthingsandslippedfromthecar.
“I’llcomeinsideandmakesureit’ssafe.”Kaneopenedhisdoorandsteppedoutside.
Jennawavedhimaway.“I’llbefine.”Shepulledoutherweapon.“ThenewsecuritysystemwouldhavealertedmeifanyonehadsteppedfootinsidemygatebutI’llcheckanyway.”
“ThenI’llwaithereuntilyougivemetheall-clear.”Kaneleanedagainsthistruckandwatchedherclimbthesteps.
Jennawentinside,droppedherbelongingsonthehalltableanddidasweepofthehouse,thenwenttothedoorandwavedatKane.“Allclear.”
Sheheadedforthebedroom.Atleastshehadafewleadstohuntdown.Agreed,itwasnotmany,butitwasastartandifthemanwiththeaxexistedinhertown,shewouldfindhimanddiscoverwhathadhappenedtoSkyandDougPaulandOliviaPalmer.
THIRTY-TWOTHURSDAYNIGHT
ItwaslatewhenLeviHoltpassedthroughBlackRockFallsonhiswaytospendhisvacationwithhisfolksinBlackwater.Theroadreportontheradiotoldhimthehighwaywasclearandratherthanriskinganotherblizzardblowingin,whichwouldmeanbeingstuckinBlackRockFallsfordayswhilethesnowplowsdidtheirjob,hedecidedtodrivethroughthenightifnecessarytogethome.
Thedarkroadwoundaheadofhimlikeafrostyblacksnake,cuttingthroughthesnow-coveredlandscape.Theworldhadturnedgrayandblackthemomentthesunset.Treesandtheoddbuildingsbecamemurkyandforeboding.Hismotherhadwarnedhimaboutthedangersoftravelingatnightandhe’dheardthereportsofpeoplegoingmissing,sohetookhistime,searchingaheadforanysuddenchangesinroadconditions.Theskywaspatchywithcloudsandonceinawhilethefullmoonpoppeditsheadoutbetweentheheavyclouds.Heturneduptheradioandsangalongtothetunes,ormunchedonabagofbeefjerkyhe’dplacedwithineasyreachontheseatbesidehim.
Theideaofseeinghisfriendsagainmadehimsmile.TheselfiestheyhadpostedonFacebook,wearingSantahatsandurginghimtocomestraightawayafterhisfinalshiftatTireandMechanical,hadmadeuphismindtodriveallnight.
Heslowedtoroundasweepingbendsparklingwithsmallpatchesofice,andnoticedaheadavehiclewithitshoodupandflashersblinkingorangeinthedark.Dammit,IguessI’llhavetostop.
Aftercomingalongsidethepickup,hebuzzeddownhiswindow.“Hey.Needanyhelp?”
“Yeah,enginejuststopped.It’sgotplentyofgas.”Amanslidoutfrombehindthewheel.“I’vebeenhopin’atruckdriverwouldcomeonbyandradioatowtruckforme.Ican’tgetnobarsoutheretocallanyone.”
Levifrowned.“Can’thelpyoucallanyonebutIknowengines.I’lltakealook,”Heclosedthewindow,foundhisflashlightandslidoutintothebittercold,leavinghisenginerunning.
“Thankyoukindly.”Themanwalkedtothefrontofthevehicle.“Ihaveawrenchifthat’sanyhelp?”Hewavedthetool.
“Ihavetoolsinmytruck.”Leviturnedontheflashlightandapproachedthefrontofthepickup.
Itwasfortunateatthatmomentthatthemoonslippedoutfrombehindacloudorhewouldn’thaveseentheshadowoftheman’sarmraisedabovehishead.Leviduckedtoonesideasthewrenchchimedagainsttheradiator.Feargrippedhimbythethroat.Hespunaround,strikingoutwithhistorchandcatchingthemanhardacrosshisrightarm.When
Themancamefast,swingingwildlyathimandmissingbyinches.AllLevihadwashisflashlight.Heshoneitintotheman’seyes,hopingthehigh-poweredhalogenbeamhadblindedhimforasecond,thentookoffatarunandslidacrosstheroad.Hedivedbackintohistruck,hishandstremblingashelockedthedoors.Hereachedfortheshifterjustasthemaniaccameathimagain.Thewrenchshatteredthesidewindow,showeringhimwithglass.Heslammedhisfootontheaccelerator,spinningthewheelsoniceandfishtailingdownthehighway.
Heartracingsofasthecouldhearitthumpinginhisears,hestaredoutthebrokenwindowatthemanrunningafterhim.“Thatmustbetheguythenewssaidhasbeenkidnappin’people.”
Terrified,heslammeddownonthegas.Thepowerfulengineroaredbutthebackwheelslosttraction.Hefoughtforcontrolbutslidacrossthehighway,comingtorestinthedeep-packedsnowbesidetheblacktop.Withoutwarning,theenginesplutteredanddied.Everymuscletrembling,hegapedintothesidemirroratthedarkshadowofthestrangerhurryingpurposefullytowardhim.Sheerpanicgrippedhim.“Oh,Jesus.”
Hesuckedinafreezingbreathandturnedthekey.Theengineturned—nothing.Hetriedagain.“Comeon,comeon.”
Graspingdesperatelyathisknowledgeofengines,hepusheddownhardonthegasandturnedthekeyagainwithtremblingfingers.Heletoutasobastheperfectlytunedmotorburstintolife,butthecrazymanhadgainedonhimandwaslittlemorethantwentyyardsaway.Hesqueezedthegaspedaldowngentlyandhistruckmovedforward.“That’sit,niceandslow,youcandoit,girl.Getmethehelloutofhere.”
Atlastthetires’chainsdugintotheice,givinghimtraction,andheaimedthetruckbackontothehighway.Ashedroveawaythemanvanishedintothedarknessbehindhim,buthekeptoneeyeonhismirror,notsurewhattodoifthemaniacfollowedhim.Theicywindbuffetedhimthroughthebrokenwindowbuthedarednotstoptocoverit.Ahalf-hourlater,heenteredBlackwater.Fivemoreminutesandhewouldbehome.Oncesafeinside,hewouldcall911.
THIRTY-THREEFRIDAYMORNING
TheheatingintheofficewasfailingmiserablyandJennastuffedafewtissuesintothegapatthebottomoftherattlingwindow.Theweatherhadbeenactingstrangeoflate.Blizzardsblanketedthetownwithsnowdriftssohigh,peoplehadtodigouttheirvehicles,andthenextmomentahowlingwindcamethroughtownasifthedevilhimselfwaschasingit.ThishadtobethecoldestwintershehadspentinBlackRockFalls.WhenRowleyknockedonherdoorwithasomberexpressionshehadsomeideathenewsaboutthefurnacewasnotgood.“WhatdidMr.Jeffriessay?”
“Weneedanewfurnace,hedon’tfiguretheymakepartsforoursanymore.”RowleyhadabandonedhisregulationStetsonandoptedforthesamethickwoolenhatKanepreferredandhaditpulleddownoverhisears.“Problemis,ifyouwanttobuyanewone,gettingithereatthistimeoftheyearwillbedifficult.”Hehandedheraninvoicefromtheplumber.“Hesaidhecoulddosomethingtokeepitrunningbutitmightonlylastadayortwo.Atthebottomoftheinvoiceisaquoteforareplacement.”
Jennaglancedatthepaperworkandnodded.“I’dnormallyhavetogetthemayortoapproveanexpensethatbigbutwehaveenoughinthebudget.Thankhimformeandtellhimtogoaheadwiththerepairs.I’llseeifwecanfindafurnace.Wolfeseemstohaveconnectionseverywhere.Maggiewillpaytheplumberwhatheisowedfortoday.”Sheinhaledthesmellofcinnamonandhotchocolate.“Ifthat’sKanewiththefoodforourmeeting,grabWaltersandcomebackassoonaspossible.”
“Yes,ma’am.”Rowleyheadedoutthedoor.
AfewmomentslaterKanewalkedthroughthedoor,hischeeksreddenedbythewindandcarryingbagsoftakeoutfromAuntBetty’sCafé.“Ah,justintime.”Jennatookabagfromhimandpeeredinside.“IthoughtIsmelledcinnamonbuns.”
“Yeah,andIhadtheThermosesfilledwithhotchocolateaswell.”Hesmiledather.“There’senoughcakeandcookiestokeepusgoinguntillunch.”Heturnedbacktothedoor.“I’llshuckmycoatandgrabsomecups.”
Whenshehadherdeputiessettled,shepulleddownthewhiteboardcoveredwithnamesshehadgatheredofpeopleofinterest.Sheturnedtoherdeputies.“IcalledourcontactattheFBIandhisresponsetoourcurrentspateofmissingpeoplewasthatwe’reprettymuchonourownwiththiscase.We’venosolidevidencetosuggestamankidnappedthemissingpeopleapartfromEllaTate’sstatement.Normallyshe’dbeapersonofinterestbutwecan’tjumptoconclusions.Althoughwedidfindheratthesceneoftwoormorepeople’sdisappearance,webelievehertobeanunreliablewitness,duetotheinfluenceofdrugsormentalcapacity.We’restillwaitingforthetoxicologyreportfromWolfeabouttheinvolvementofdaterapedrugs.Ifthisisthecase,shewillslowlyregainhermemoryandwe’llinterviewheragain.”Shepointedtoalistofnames.“Inthemeantime,wehavetwopeoplemissingandlikelyathird.Wehaven’tbeenabletocontactanyofRosePalmer’srelativesbutwedoknowshearrivedattheairportatninetopickupOliviaPalmer.RowleyishuntingdownOlivia’sfriendsviasocialmediainthehopetheymaybeofassistance.”SheturnedtoRowley.“Haveyoufoundanyone?”
“Yeah.”RowleystareddownathisiPad.“I’veaddedthemtothefile.”
“Good.”ShesmiledatWalters.“I’llleavethatpartoftheinvestigationinyourcapablehands.Callmeifyoufindanyleads.”
“Surething,ma’am.”Walterslookedhappytoberemaininginsidetoday.“I’llseeifIcanputafirecrackerundertheplumberfixin’thefurnacetoo.”
“Thatwouldhelp.”ShemetKane’sgaze.“Whathaveyougotforme,Kane?”
“I’vebeenscanningthedatabaseforanysimilarincidentstoaddtowhatRowleydiscoveredyesterdayandfoundmoreunsubstantiatedreportsaboutpeoplevanishingwithoutatracethroughoutthestate.They’reallagedbetweeneighteenandtwenty-five,allbutonewastravelingaloneandtheirvehicleshaveneverbeenlocated.”HepouredacupofhotchocolatefromtheThermos,thenleanedbackinhischair,cupinhand.“OnethingthatjoinedthedotsformewasthattheyalltraveledthoughBlackRockFalls.Ifigurethey’reconnected.”
ThehairsonthebackofJenna’sneckprickled.Itwasobvioustheyhadanotherkillerintown.“Soifthekidnapper,let’scallhimAxman,hasbeendoingthisforsometime,howdoyoufigurehe’sdisposingofthevehiclesandbodies?”Sheglancedatherdeputies.
“We’reonlyassumingAxmankilledthesepeople.Theslavetradewediscussedisalwaysanoption.”Kane’seyebrowsknittedtogetherinafrown.“HasWolfegivenacauseofdeathforMrs.Palmer?”
“Notyet.”Jennaleanedonthedesk,palmsflat,andstaredatKane.“Sure,wemightfindbodiesofpeoplewhodiedofnaturalcausesafterthemeltbutEllaTate’sstatementandtheamountofbloodwefoundgivesmecausetobelieveatleastSkysufferedconsiderableinjurybyanax-wieldingman.”Shestraightened.“Soyes,untiloneofthesepeoplewalksintomyoffice,aliveandwell,we’relookingforbodies.”Shewentbacktothewhiteboard.“Rowley,whatwouldbethebestplacetodisposeofavehicleintheimmediateareaofthekidnapping?”
“Theareaheseemstobestalkingismainlyindustrial.”Rowleyfilledhiscupandhisbrowwrinkledinconcentration.“Therearemassesofoldshaftsleftfromgoldmines.Theycouldbedumpinggroundsforbothbodiesandvehicles.Someshaftsgodownmiles.”Hetookacinnamonbunfromthebag.“Wealreadycheckedoutthelocaljunkyard.Itwasdeserted.”
“Itwasonthatday.”KanegaveJennaadirectstare.“I’mconvincedsomeone’sopenedthegatesincethenightSkydisappeared.Wecan’truleoutthechancetheAxmanhadanaccomplicetodisposeofhervehicle.”
Jennamadenotesonthewhiteboard.“Thatisapossibilitybutit’seasyenoughtotowacarwithoutadriver.TheAxmanwouldonlyneedaccesstotheyardandtheknowledgetousethenecessarymachinery.Didyouseeacrusherattherecyclingyard?”
“Yeahandashredder,buthewouldneedmorethanthekeytothegate,we’retalkingheavy-dutymachineryhere.”Kanereachedintothebagforacookie.“Hewouldneedkeysandtheskillstomovethevehicleintothecompactorusingtheelectromagnetcrane.”Heshrugged.“Placingabodyinthetrunkofacarandcrushingitisnotnew.Itusedtobequitepopularbodydisposalbackintheday.”
Jenna’sstomachclenchedatthethoughtofusingacrushertodisposeofabody.“Well,there’snowayhetowedSky’struckouttoagoldmineinablizzardwithoutleavingatrace.Thesnowwasfourfootdeepinplaces.Therecyclingyardisalogicaloptionandoneofthemisinthelocationofthekidnappings.”
Afterscanningtheboard,Jennasatdown.Nowconvincedtheyhadalunaticinthebackcountry,sheneededtostepuptheinvestigationbeforehestruckagain,butwithoutevidence,shemightaswellbechasinghertail.Sheneededonesimplecluetogettheballrolling.“Okay.Ihavealistoffactoriesintheareaonfile.Rowley,chasedownthe
“Sure.”Kanewenttorise.
“Justaminute.”Shechewedonherpen,thinking,forafewseconds.“IfweassumetheAxmaniskidnappingandkillingthesepeopleandthencrushingthemintheirvehicles,whattypeofcrazyareweupagainst?”
“Withoutabodyandcauseofdeath,Ican’tgiveyouanaccurateprofile.”Kaneshrugged.“Imean,therearetheopportunistickillers.Theymurderbecausetheyliketheadrenalinerushbutthemajorityofthemwalkawayfromthekillsite.Adeadpersonisnomoreusetothemthanasodacan.Mostofthemdon’tfullycomprehendthey’redoinganythingwrong.Infact,inafewinterviewsI’velistenedtothemurderersfiguredeveryonekills—thatit’snormal.”Heleanedbackandlookedather.“Ifthismanishidinghiskillsandtheirbelongings,heplansthemurdersandchoosesthevictimsforareason.Heislikelyasociopath,fullyawareofwhathe’sdoingandtheconsequences,butlikelybelieveshe’ssosmartwe’llnevercatchhim.”
THIRTY-FOUR
ThenexttimeDougopenedhiseyesandstaredatthestarkwhiteceiling,herealizedwithajolthissituationwasnotaterribledream.Heswipedhistongueoverdry,crackedlipsandwiggledhistoes.Althoughtheburningsensationofared-hotpokerstabbedintohisside,theheavyfeelinginhislimbshadeased.Heliftedhisarms,pushingthecoverstooneside,andattemptedtorise.Agonysearedthroughhimontherightsideasifaspearhadgonethroughhisbodyandwasstillstickingouthisback.Helookeddownhisbarechestandgingerlyranhisfingersoverthethickwadofdressing.Whathappenedtome?
Inarush,hismindfilledwiththeimageofthehopelessexpressionoftheyoungwomaninthenextbed.Thedoctormusthavegivenherthesamestupefyingdrugastheyhadgivenhim.HewouldneverforgethowterrifiedJimhadmadeher.Hepunchedthemattressinafitofanger.Nowonderherfacewasfamiliar!Shewastheoneinthewreck.HehadcradledherheadinhislapinthebackofJim’spickup.Jimhadcalledthegirl“Olivia”yethadn’tmentionedknowingheratthetime.
Withcare,herolledtoonesideandtriedtositonthesideofthebed.Agonyflamedthroughhimbuthemanagedtodropbothlegsovertheedge.Hetuggedoutthecatheterattachedtohimwithdisgust.Thedripinhisarmnodoubtcarriedpainmeds.Whateverdrugstheyhadusedonhimbeforehadgonewaypastpainrelief;they’dturnedhimintoazombie.
Theroommovedinandoutoffocusandthreatenedtofoldinattheedges.Longmomentsofnauseafollowedandhegrippedtheedgeofthebedlikealifepreserveruntiltheebbandflowofhisbalancesubsided.HewantedtospeaktoOlivia,thenglanceddownathisnakedness.Thelastthingsheneededwastoseeanakedmanapproachingherbed.Grittinghisteethagainstthepain,hetuggedattheblanketandfashionedatoga,theneasedhisfeetontothecoldfloor.Sweatcoveredhisskinanddrippeddownhisnosewiththeeffortoftakingonesinglestep.Thepaininhissideseemedtocrushhislungs,preventinganintakeofbreath.
Hereachedforthecurtainsaroundhisbedandtheyopenedwithaswishofmetalrunners.Thegirlwasstaringathimandheplacedonefingeroverhismouthtosignalhertobequiet.Hescannedtheroom,searchingforanyCCTVcameras,thendroppedhisvoicetojustaboveawhisper.Itcameouthuskyfromhisdrythroat.“I’msorryIcouldn’thelpyou.Theyhadmeonsomestrangedrug,Icouldn’tmove.”
“Iknow.Theypumpthatshitintousallthetime.”Sheblinkedathim.“Icouldn’tdoanythingtostophimeither.”Herbottomlipquiveredandtearswelledinhereyes.“Itwasterrible.Ithoughthewasgoingtocutoutmyeye.”
Notsurewhattosay,Dougnodded.“I’msosorry.”Heswallowedthelumpinhisthroat.“Wehavetotellsomeonewhat’shappened.”
“Doctorscan’tjustdrugpeople,tiethemdownandfrightenthemlikethat.”Oliviasniffed.“Ihopewe’renotinapsychiatricwardbymistake.I’veheardofnursesdoingallsortsofterriblethingsinthoseplaces.”
“Ihavenoreasontobeinone.”Dougeyedhercautiously.“Haveyou?”
“No.”Oliviablinkedawaytears.“Iwasdrivinghomefortheholidayswithmymomandshewreckedthecar.WhenIwokeup,IthoughtI’dbeenhurt.Thenheshowedupand…well,youknowtherest.”Sheletoutalittlesob.
Thepoorwomanwasterrified.“Nothingheremakessense.Ican’trememberanythinghappeningtome,yetIhaveadressingonmysidethathurtslikehell.”Dougwavedahandtowardthedoor.“Howoftendothedoctorscomeby?”
“I’mprettysurethey’veleftfortheday.”Sheindicatedtowardthebeepingmachinebesidehisbed.“Turnoffyourmachineincaseyourincreasedheartbeatsignalsanalarmandgetthatneedleoutofyourarm.Themachinedrugsuseveryfourhours.IknowbecauseIheardthemtalking.”Shelookedathimwild-eyed.“TheygivemeadifferentdrugwhenthatawfulmancomestovisitandIcan’tmove.HeisasickSOBandinsistsI’mtiedtothebedanddrugged.”Tearsstreameddownhercheeks.“Ineverknowwhathe’sgoingtodonext.It’slikehegetsoffonscaringme.”
“Wehavetogogethelp.”Horrifiedbyherwords,Dougturnedandshuffledtothemonitorsanddisabledallofthem,thenpulledoffthewiresattachedtohischest.Heremovedhisdrip,thenreleasedOliviafromtherestraints,noticingthewaysheshrankawayfromhim.“Hey,I’mnotgoingtohurtyou.Ijustwanttogetthehelloutofhere.”Hestaredatthedoor.“Theydon’tjustleaveusaloneallnight,dothey?”
“Idon’tthinktheycareifwedie.”Sherubbedherwrists,then,asifmakingadecision,heldoutonetremblingarm.“Canyoutakemyneedleout?”
Hedetachedherdripandmadeherpressdownonthewound.“HaveyoutoldanyonewhatJimisdoingtoyou?That’shisname,isn’tit?ImethimwhenwepulledyououtthecarwreckbutIdon’tknowwhyIendedupinhere.”
“Didyouseetheaccident?”Hereyesbecamewideandfearful.“Ismymomokay?”
Dougswallowedhard,notsurewhattotellher.HewasonlytakingJim’swordthewomanhaddied.Ratherthanmakethesituationworse,heshrugged.“Shewentthroughthewindshield.Wehadgottenyououtthecar,thenI’mprettydarnsureJimstuckmewithaneedle.”Helookedathertragicexpression.“Idon’tknowforsurebutmyfriendwasthere.Shehadmycellphoneandmytruck.”
“Okay.”Oliviavisiblypulledherselftogether.“Somymomcouldbeheretoo?”
“Maybe.”Heglancedatthedoor.“Weneedtofindout.Howmanypeopleworkinthisward?”
“Onlytwobuttheytalkaboutsomeoneelse.ThenurseknowswhatJimisdoingtome.Hejokesaboutit.”Shebitherbottomlip.“I’mnothurtapartfromabumponthehead,sowhydoyoufigurethey’rekeepingmehere?”
Fromthequantityofdrugsthenursehadpumpedintothem,hefiguredthehospitalcouldbepartofthesex-slaveindustry.Oncehookedandundercontroltheywouldbesoldoverseastoworkasprostitutes.HeglancedatOlivia’sfrightened,ashenexpressionandshookhishead.Rightnow,shedidn’tneedtoknow.“I’mnotsurewhat’sgoingonbutweneedtogetoutofhere.”Hedashedahandthroughhishair.“IknowJimisamedicalstudentandIguesstheotheroneisanurse.”
“Yeah.He’stheonewhoadministersthedrugsandcaresforus.”Sheavoidedhisgaze.“HedoeswhatJimtellshimtodo.Jimisthecreepyone.Hehasdeadeyes.I’mterrifiedhe’sgoingtokillme.”Oliviapushedintoasittingpositionandusedthesheettowipeawayhertears.“IheardthemtalkingbutIdon’tknowwhyyou’rehereorhowyoucamebythatinjury.”
Dougtouchedthedressingonhisside.“Idon’trememberbeinghurtatall.”
“Idon’tknoweitherbuttheymentionedyouwereherebecauseofsomeonecalledSky.”
THIRTY-FIVEFRIDAYAFTERNOON
Jennaslidthesearchwarrantfortherecyclingyardintothepocketofhercoat,collectedhersatellitephoneandmetupwithKaneatthefrontcounter.ShecouldseeWolfeandWebberleaningagainstWolfe’snewSUVindeepconversationandheadedoutside.Thetownresembledafrozentundra,iciclesaslongasswordshungdangerouslyfromtheguttersandsnowdriftsinsomeplacescameuptoherwaist.AblastoffreezingwindfilledwithiceblastedhercheeksandsheheardKane’smoanofdispleasure.Thecoldwouldbecausinghavocwithhisheadinjurybutifshesuggestedheshouldremainintheoffice,hewouldgiveheroneofhisdisgruntledlooksandshakehishead.Sheflickedaglanceoverhim,gladhehadtakeneveryprecautiontokeepwarm.Noteventhetipofhisnosewasshowingunderhissunglasses.
Snowfellinaconstantrelentlesscurtain,coveringeverythinginminutes.Thefrozentreescreaked,threateningtosnapintwoandshedminiavalanchesofsnowontothefootpathandanyunsuspectingpeoplewalkingunderthem.Thesnowplowsandsalt-spreadershadbeenbyduringthedayintheirnever-endingefforttokeeptheroadsclear.Shewrappedherscarfaroundherheadbutthewoolencapandhoodedjacketdidlittletoprotectherface.Afterslidinghersunglasseson,shemovedwithcautionovertheice-coatedsidewalktospeaktoWolfe.“We’remeetingtheowner,BillSawyer,attheyard.Hedidsaynoonehasbeentheresincetheshutdowntwoweeksago.”
“Howdidyoumanagetogetasearchwarrant?”WolfestraightenedandindicatedtoWebbertogetintothecar.“Wedon’thavemuchinthewayofprobablecause.”
Jennaliftedherchintolookathim.“Wedo.KanevisitedtheyardonTuesdayandnoticedsomeonehadopenedthegateaftertheblizzard.Theownerstatesnoonehasbeenthere,soIwentwithwhatwehad,awitnesssayinganaxmanattackedSky.Hercarismissingandwehavereasontobelievethevehiclecouldbeatthatlocation.WeneedtofindevidenceSkyorhercarwasthere.”
“Onegoodthingaboutwinter.ThecoldpreservesDNA.”Wolfepulledopenthedoortohistruckandslidinside.“We’llfollowyou.”
JennaclimbedintoKane’sblacktruckandnoticedhisusualsupplyofhotdrinksandsnackspiledintothecenterconsolebutthebloodhoundwasmissing.Shewaitedforhimtoslidebehindthewheel.“Where’sDuke?”
“Believeitornot,he’sbehindthefrontcounterinhisbasket,withMaggie.Shehasaheaternearherfeetandfeedshimtreatsalldaylong.Iguesstheclingystageisoveratlast.”Kanepulleddownhisscarfandsmiledather.“Iaskedhimtocomewithmeandhepretendedtobeasleep.”
Jennachuckledandunwoundherscarf.“Idon’tblamehim;I’dratherbeinsideinthisweathertoo.”
Theyheadeddowntownpastthepark,surprisinglyfilledwithrosy-facedchildrenplayingaroundthegiganticdecoratedtreewhileotherscreatedsnowangelsinthenewdrifts.Thegigglingkidsweresuchacontrasttothehuddleofparents,hunchedagainstthecoldwiththeirhandspusheddeepintheirpockets.Thenoiseoflaughterandscreechesofdelightasasmallgrouppeltedeachotherwithsnowballsfilledhermindwithfondmemoriesofherownchildhood.Theholidayshadbeenspecial,filledwithwarmhugs.Sheswallowedhard,atthatmomentrealizinghavingherownkidswasanemptydream.Thedayshe’dwalkedawayfrombeingAgentAvrilParkerandbecomeSheriffJennaAlton,she’dIntruth,Idon’texist.
“It’sharderintheholidays.”Kaneglancedatherasifhe’djustreadhermind.“Thememoriesareabitch.Theyblindsidemeatthestrangestmoments.”
“Metoo.”Sheturnedinherseat.“IthinkdeepdownIwantedtohavekidsbutaftermyfolksdiedIshutoffmyemotions.Ididn’treallyconsiderthefutureandwhatitmeanttobeanagent.”
“IknewtherisksbutIfiguredthey’dbeoverseas,nothere.”Kaneslowedtotakeabendandthen,onceontheinterstate,increasedspeed.“Worsestillwasnotbeingabletospeakaboutittoanyone,orbeingabletodoanything.”Hewipedhishanddownhisface,thenturnedtosmileather.“WolfewantsustospendChristmasDaywithhimandthegirls.”
Fillingwithawarmglow,Jennagrinned.“Really?I’dlovethat.”
“Metoo.”Kanechuckled.“Thegirlstoldhimitwouldn’tbeChristmaswithoutallthefamily.TheywantedRowleytoo,andWebber,butRowleyisspendingtheholidayswithhisfolksandIhearWebberhasagirlfriend.”
Jennagapedathim.“Really?IthoughthewasinterestedinEmilyandWolfewasconcernedbecausehewastoooldforher.”
“Longstory.”Kaneshrugged.“IgatherWolfetoldhimtokeephisdistanceuntilEmilyfinishedcollegeandsinceshecamehome,itseemshercrushonWebberisover.”
TheradiocrackledandWolfegavehiscallsign.Jennapickeditup.“Gotooursafechannel.Over.”
NotthatsheconsideredanychannelontheradiosafebutsheswitchedtochanneltwoandwaitedforWolfetospeak.
“AsyouarewaitingonmyfindingsforMrs.Palmer’scauseofdeath,IcheckedherrateofthawingbeforeIleftandIshouldbeabletoconductanautopsyonSundaymorning.Problemisourhousekeeperlikestoattendchurchandmorningteawithherfriends.Wouldyoubeabletowatchmygirlsforacoupleofhours?Emilycouldstayhomewiththem
JennasmiledandglancedatKane’sgrinningface.Wolfehadneveraskedafavorandshewelcomedthechancetogetclosertohisfamily.“We’dloveto.We’llcomepickthemupfirstthing.Whattimeisgoodforyou?Over.”
“Eight-thirty.”Wolfeclearedhisthroat.“Julieiskeentoseethehorses.Over.”
“We’lltakethemforaride.”Jennastaredaheadintotheblanketofwhite,tryingtorecognizehersurroundings.“Itwillbeanicebreakfromsearchingforpotentialmurdervictims.Over.”
“AreyouassumingtheAxmandisposedofthebodiesofthepotentialvictimsbyusingthecrusher?Over.”
JennaexchangedaglancewithKane.“Yeah,isthereaproblem?Over.”
“Itwouldbeliketryingtofindaneedleinahaystack.Ifthekillerissmartenoughtodothat,hewouldn’tleavethecrushedremainsclosebybutaddthemtoapile.Usuallytherearestacksofcubesofflattenedpilesofmetalwaitingforpickupbytherecyclers.Ifigureitwillbebesttolookattheonesthathavetheleastamountofsnowonthem.I’lldothemfirstthenscantheofficefortraceevidence.Over.”
“Sure.Overandout.”Shehunguptheradio.“Thetruckaheadofusmadetheturntothejunkyard.Ifigurethat’stheowner,Mr.Sawyer.”
Theyfollowedthevehiclealongthesnow-coveredroadbut,surprisingly,thegoingwasn’tasbadasJennahadexpected.Infact,shecouldseethetracksofanumberofvehiclesinthehard-packedsnow.“Thisroadhasbeeninuseduringtheshutdown.”
“ItwasclearlikethiswhenIcamebyonTuesday.Ifiguredthesnowplowskeptitopenfortheplants.”Kaneswungthetruckaroundasweepingbend,thenpulledupbesidearedpickup.“I’llcallthemwhenwegetbacktotheofficeandgettheirschedule.”
Jennaturnedtolookathim.“I’llspeaktotheownerwhileWolfeandWebberarehuntingdownthecrushedvehiclesandconductingasweepfortraceevidence.”Sheglancedatthemanyrowsofsnow-coveredcars.“CheckoutthecarsatthefrontandseeifSky’scaristhere.”
“Okay.Mytruckwillfitdownthoserows.”Kanerubbedhischin.“Ifit’snotinthefirstfewvehicles,I’lltakeadrivearoundtheyard.”Hegaveheralonglook.“IdidabackgroundcheckonBillSawyerandhecameupclean,buttakealookathim.HefitsthedescriptionEllagaveusoftheAxman.”
Jenna’sattentionmovedtothemangettingoutofhisvehicle.“SoInotice.”
THIRTY-SIX
Jennaclimbedoutthetruckand,wrappingherscarfaroundherface,crunchedthroughthesnowtotheburlymanstandingbesidethegatetotherecyclingyard.“BillSawyer?”
“Theoneandonly.”Sawyer’sruddyfacecreasedintoagood-naturedgrin.“Nowwhat’sallthisaboutillegaluseofmycrusher?”
Jennapulledthesearchwarrantfromherpocketandhandedittohim.“Wehaveawarranttosearchyourpremises;webelievetheremaybeevidencetosupportamissingperson’scaseweareinvestigating.”
“Okay.”Sawyerstuffedthewarrantinsidehispocketwithoutglancingatit,pulledoutasetofkeysandunlockedthegate.Hewavedtheminside.“Knockyourselvesout.”
“I’dlikeyoutoexplainthesystemtome.”Jennawaitedforhimtowalkinsidetheyardthenfollowedhim,withKaneandtheothersclosebehind.
“Whenthevehiclesarrive,mycrewstripsthemofallworkingpartsandpullsoutanythin’thatcanberesold.Hazardousmaterialsareremoved,thebatteryandtheairconditioningdrained.What’sleftiscrushedorshredded.”
Jennanodded.“Howmanypeoplehavekeystothisyard?”
“MeandmycousinWyatt.He’sholdin’abackupsetincaseofanemergency.Iholdhissparesettoo.”SawyerindicatedpastJennawithhischin.“Heownsthemeatprocessingplantupyonderbutthat’sonshutdownrightnowtoo.”
Makingamentalnotetogethiscousin’sfullname,Jennaglancedbehindher.WolfeandWebberwerebusybrushingsnowawayfromstacksofcrushedmetalandKanehadclimbeduptopeerinsidetheopenmouthofthecrusher.SheturnedbacktoSawyer.“Doyouhavemanyvehicleswaitingtobecrushed?”
“Thatlinetherewillbenext.”Hewavedtowardtherowsandrowsofvehiclespiledupatthebackofthelot.“Theonesatthebackweuseforpartsmostly,andwhentheyarejustshells,wecrushthem.”
“Domanypeoplecomebyandaskyoutocrushtheirvehicleswithoutremovinganything?”Jennawatchedhisfacebuttherewasnochangeinhisexpression.
“Somedo.”Heshrugged.“I’vehadafewwherethewifehasarguedwithherhusband,gothiscarinthedivorcesettlementthencrusheditoutofspite,butiftheyinsistoncrushin’theentirevehicle,westillremovethebatteryandhazardouswastebutwechargeahigherprice.Ourprofitcomesfromrecyclin’parts.”
Jennanodded.“Igatheryoucheckthetitlebeforeyoucrushthevehicles?”
“Inmostcases,yeahIdo.”
“Soyoubelieveit’snotalwaysnecessary?Thatwouldbeillegal.”Jennastaredhardathim,butthemandidnotmissabeat.
“Nope.Iftheyareabandonedandnotvaluedatmore’nfivehundred,Icrushthem;andIgetshipmentsviainsurancecompanies,burned-outwrecks,abandonedcarswithnoidentificationnumbersorplates.Theyareloggedandthencrushed.”Hegaveheralonglook.“IcheckinsideandthetrunksbeforeIcrushanythin’.Idon’twantnodeadbodiesstinkin’upmyplace.”
Jenna’sneckprickled.Hehadjustvoicedherexactsuspicions.“That’sastrangethingtosay.”
“I’veseenmovieswherebodiesarecrushedincars.”Hegaveanindignanthuff.“It’snothappeninginmyyard.”
JennaturnedattheroarofKane’struckashedrovebetweentherowsofstackedvehicles,obviouslysearchingforSky’syellowsedan.ShelookedatSawyer.“Whathappenstothewastemetal?”
“Isellit.”Sawyersmiled.“Ascrapmetalrecyclercollectsitandshipsittoaplacewhereit’sshredded,melteddownandreused.”
Jennapulledouthernotepadandpen.“I’llneedthenameandcontactdetailsofeveryonewithkeystotheyardandI’dliketoinspectthelogbookforthecrusherforthepasttwoweeks.”
“Surething.They’reintheoffice.”Sawyerledthewaytoasmallbrickbuildingheavywithsnowandicicles.Heopenedthedoorwithakeyfromhisbunch.“Letmegetthelight.”
Jennanoticedthelackofsnowinfrontoftheofficedoorandthecrunchingunderherboots.“Isthissandandsalt?”
“Yeah,wedropacoupleofbagsherebeforethesnowsowedon’thavetodigouttheoffice.”Sawyerkickedthesnowfromhisbootsandwalkedinside.“Weshutdownforthreeweeksisall.Idropinfromtimetotimetoaddmoresalt.”
Jennaexaminedthebooksandtookcopieswithhercellphone.ThepagesforthetimeofSky’sdisappearanceandsincewereblank.Sheturnedherattentiontoacabinetfilledwithlinesofkeys,somewithlabels.“Whatarethoseusedfor?”
“Machinery,toolboxes,thelunchroomandthejohn.”
Shewalkedoverandstaredatthem.“Sothecraneandthecrusherkeysareheretoo?”
“Yeah.”Sawyergaveheralong,patronizinglook.“Ican’tleavethekeysinthemachinery.It’sagainsthealthandsafety.”
“Isee.AndIguessitwouldbedifficultforonemantooperatethecraneandcrusheratthesametime?”Jennamettheman’sgaze.“Ifigureapersonwouldhavetobehighlytrainedtouseitaswell?”
“Aroundhere?IwouldsaytherewouldbeatleasttwentyorsoNCCCOqualifiedmenworkinginthisareawhocoulddriveacrane.Itonlytakesoneman,Sheriff.”Sawyerliftedhisbrowsandsighed.“Thecrusherhasacraneattachedandanautomaticpush-buttonset-upsoonemancanoperateit.Samewiththeshredder,justoneredbutton.”
“NCCCO?”Jennamadeanote.“Whatdoesthatstandfor?”
“ThatwouldbetheNationalCommissionfortheCertificationofCraneOperators.”Sawyerleanedcasuallyagainsthisdesk.“Thisisanindustrialareaandnobossinhisrightmindwouldhireanyonewithouttherightcredentials.Heavymachineryisinuseallover.Ifyoubelievesomeonebrokeinhereandusedmycrusher,you’llhaveapileofpeopletotalkto.”
Jennatappedherpenagainstherbottomlip,runningtheinformationthroughhermind.Shecameupwithapileof“whatifs”butoftentheywerethetriggerstosolveacrime.WhatiftheAxmanusedthecrushertodisposeofcarsandbodiesandhaddoneforsometime?Kanehadmentionedpeopleandtheirvehiclesvanishdaily.SurmisingtheAxmanworkedinthislocation,hadakeytotheyard,andtheskillsettooperatethecrusher,timewouldstillbeafactor.InSky’scase,theAxmanhadtotowthecarandherbodyheretocrushthem,thenhightailitoutoftheareatogivethesnowtimetocoverhistracks.Hewouldn’thaveriskedthechanceEllahadmadeitbacktothehighwayandwaveddownapassingtrucktogethelp.
HermindwenttoDougandOlivia’sdisappearance.TheAxmancouldhaveusedoneofthewreckedvehiclesinthelottoconcealthebodies.Sheglancedattheshellsofrustyvehicleswellwithinreachofthecrane,thenatthestackofmetalcubes,andashiverofdreadcrawledupherspine.TheAxmankilledatnightandcouldhavedisposedofthebodiesinthisdesertedjunkyard.Ifhecouldgetinandoutagainfastenoughwithoutsomeoneseeinghim,itwouldbetheperfectcrime.
ThesoundofSawyer’svoicedraggedherbacktothenow.
“Isthereanythin’elseIcanhelpyouwith,Sheriff?”Hepulledoutatinofchewingtobaccoandstuffedawadintohismouth.
“JustonemorequestionandthentheMEwilldoasweepofyourofficeandotherbuildings.”Sheclearedherthroat.“Howlongdoesittaketocrushacar?”
“Forty-fiveseconds.”
THIRTY-SEVEN
ThewallsofthehospitalroomwaveredinDoug’svisionandhegrippedthesideofthebed,notquitebelievingwhatOliviahadsaid.ArushofeuphoriahithimatthepossibilityoffindingSkyalive.Heswallowedhard.“Skyismysister.Isshehere?”
“Idon’tknowbutwecanasksomeonewhenwelookformymom.”Oliviapulledofftheelectrodestohermonitoringmachineanddraggedoutallherencumbrances,thenslidtoherfeet.“Firstweneedwater.Theyhaven’tgivenmeanythingtoeatordrinksinceIarrived.Everythingweneedtosurviveisapparentlyfedthroughthedrip.”Usingthewallforsupport,shestaggeredtowardthesink,tooktwopapercupsfromadispenserandfilledthem.Shedrankthirstily,thenfilledacupandreturnedtohim.“Here.Takeitslow.”
Afterupendingthecup,Douglookeddownathisblanketandherpapernightgown.“We’llneedsomethingtowear.”
“Ifigureourclothesareinthosebagsbythedoor.”Shepointedattwobulgingplasticbagsleaningagainstthewall.“JimaskedtheotherguytoincineratethemandIguessheforgot,thentheyarguedandstormedout.Theyhaven’tbeenbacksince.”Shesmiledathim.“Iguessthenurseforgottosetupthedrug-administermachinesandthat’swhywe’reawakenow.”Shemadeherwaytothebagsandpeeredinside.“Yeah,thesearemineandIfiguretheothersareyours.”
“Sohowcomeyouwereawakeduringtheirargumentandnotme?”
Shedraggedthebagstowardhimandher.“Jimwasvisitingme.Evendrugged,Icanhearandfeeleverything,likeIsaidbefore.Heenjoysfrighteningmeandthreateningtocutoutmyeyes,it’slikehe’sasadistorsomething.”Shehandedhimabag.“Usuallythemedsinthedrugmachineknockmeoutafterheleaves.”
Awareoftimepassingandfightingwavesofexcruciatingpainandnausea,Dougwentbehindthecurtainandstruggledintohisclothes.Hewentthroughthepocketsofhisjeansandfoundthemempty.“Dammit,IleftmycellphoneinmytruckwithElla.”Heblinkedafewtimes.OhmyGod,Ella.
“WhoisElla?”Olivia’svoicecamethroughthecurtain.“Youdecent?”
“Yeah.”Dougslidbackthecurtainwithtremblingfingers.Thepainhadincreasedwiththeeffortofdressing.Heswipedatthesweatleakingfromhisbrow.“Afriendofmysister.IwaswithherlookingforSkywhenwecameacrossthewreck.She’ssmart,andshehadashotgun,andifshesawJimdoanythingtomeshewouldhavegoneforhelp.”
“Ihopeso.”Oliviaglancedaround.“Wegottagetoutofhererightnowwhilewehavethechance.”Sheshruggedintohercoatandstaredinthedirectionofthedoorway,absentlypickingatthedriedbloodonhersleeve.“YoudoknowJimcouldbejustoutsidethatdoor.”
“There’sonlyonewaytofindout.”AsDougstruggledintohiscoat,acoldsweatdampenedhisskin.Hetookafewstepsacrossthefloorandstaggered.Flamesofpainwashedoverhimandheleanedheavilyagainstthewall.“Justgivemeafewsecondstocatchmybreath.”
“Youneedpainmeds.”
“Nothanks.”Heslidhishandsintothecoatpocketsandhisfingersmetthefamiliarcoldmetalofhiskeyfob.HedistinctlyrememberedleavingtheengineofhistruckrunningtokeepEllawarm.“Shit.”
Oliviastaredathim,wide-eyed.“What’swrong?”
“Mykeysareinmypocket,whichmeansEllaisheretoo.”
Heedgedalongthewall,thenpushedopentheswingingdoorsaninch.Hestaredbothwaysinastonishment;hewaslookingatadimcorridorlitonlybyafewtinydownlights.Hisheartracedwiththeimplicationsofthescenebeforehim;itwasasifthehospitalroomwaspartofamovieset.Nothingoutsidefitwithanyhospitalhe’dseenbefore;infacttheplaceresembledaprison.Alarmbellswentoffinhisheadandtheadrenalinepumpingthroughhimspeduphisheart.Heallowedthedoortoshutsilentlyandslumpedagainstthewall.“I’mconvincedJimisinvolvedwiththesex-slaveindustry.We’renotinarealhospital.Ifigurehe’skeepingushereuntilhecansellusofftothehighestbidder.”
“Whatarewegoingtodo?”Oliviagrippedhisarm.
Hescannedtheroom.“Openthedrawersandsearchforanythingwecanuseasaweapon.”
Oliviacompliedandcamebackwithtwoscalpels.Dougtookoneofthemfromher,thenlookedatherpaleworriedexpression.“Ifanythinghappens,gofortheneck.Youcandoalotofdamagewithoneoftheseblades.”
“Mybrothertaughtmehowtodefendmyselfandhetoldmetheonlywaytowinwhentheoddsarestackedagainstmeistofightdirty.”Sheheldthescalpelinherpalmandpracticedanupwardthrust.
Dougnodded.“Ready?”
“Yeah.”Oliviamovedclosertohim.
Theyeasedoutintothehallwayand,keepingtheirbackstothewall,edgedalong,peeringintotheshadows,Dougledtheway.Thetemperaturehaddroppedconsiderablyandcoldseepedthroughhisclothes.Thelackofwindowsworriedhimandwitheachstephetookintothenarrowdimpassageway,hissensesinsistedtheywereunderground.Heledtheway,checkingtheroomsastheywentandfindingonlyalockerroomandasmallofficewithnophone.Acloudofworrysettledoverhim,theplacelookeddesertedandtheyfoundnosignofanyotherwardsletalonepatients.Ahead,thehallendedintheglintofmetalonapairofdoubledoors.HeturnedtoOlivia.“Thatmightbeanotherward.Keepbehindme.”
Shenodded,hereyesappearingdarkinherashenface.“Okay.”
Outofbreathandfightingwavesofincredibleagony,Dougpeeredthroughtheglasspanelinthedoorthenslumpedagainstthewall.Despaircaughthimbythethroat.“It’snotaward.Lookslikewe’realone.”
“Sowhereistheexit?”Oliviagrippedhisarmwithtremblingfingers.“We’vecheckedeverywhere;therehastobeawayout.”
Lightheaded,Dougindicatedtheroom.“IthastobeintherebutI’mnotsureifIhavethestrengthtopushthedarndooropen.”
“Comeon.”Olivialeanedagainstthedooranditopenedwithawhine.“Lookoverthere.Icanseeadoor.”
They’dmadeithalfwayacrossthefloorwhenarumblingnoiseechoedthroughtheroom,alongwiththesoundofsomeonewhistling.Doug’sheartracedsofasthethoughtitmightburstthroughhischest.Helookedaroundforsomewheretohide,butitwastoolate;hestaredinhorrorasthedooropenedslowlyandagurneyslippedinside,withJimat
“Well,lookwhatwehavehere.”Jimslammedthegurneyintohimwithamaniacalgrin.
Red-hotpainsearedthroughDougandhebuckled,fallingtohisknees.HesawOliviadartforward,scalpelinhand,andthenextmomentsheflewacrosstheroomandhitthewalllandinglikearagdollonthefloor.Dougtriedtogetupbutfailed.“Leaveheralone,youasshole!”
HewincedasJimliftedawrenchfromthegurneyandadvancedtowardhim,swingingitcasuallyinonehand.
“Youplannin’ongoin’somewhere,Doug?”
THIRTY-EIGHTSATURDAY,WEEKTWO
Kane’sdayseemedtobegoingfrombadtoworse.AftercompletinghisworkoutwithJenna,thefirstsinceshehadgottenill,he’dheadedouttohisgarageanddiscoveredhistruckhadaflattire.Oncloserinspection,hefoundasharppieceofmetalwedgeddeepinthetread,nodoubtpickedupduringthesearchofthejunkyard.Thatinvestigationhadbeenacompletewasteoftime,theyhadfoundnothingofinterestandalthoughWolfehadclimbedalloverthecompactorandanysuspiciouscrushedvehiclescollectingsampleshe’dfoundnoevidenceofblood.
ChangingthetireandheadingintoGeorge’sGarageforareplacementhadtakentimeandaftercallingJennatoexplainthesituationhe’davoidedgoingintotheofficeandheadedouttochasedowntwodeliverydriversandthemailtruckdriver.
Afterfinishingnightshiftsinsub-zerotemperaturesthemenwerenonetoopleasedtoseehimontheirdoorstepsearlyonaSaturdaymorning.Itwasthesameateachhouse.Themenansweredeachquestionwithacurt“No.”Itwasasiftheyhadturnedintothethreewisemonkeys—seenoevil,hearnoevilandspeaknoevil—justtoannoyhim.Bythetimeheleftthepostalworker’shouse,hewonderediftheyallhadsomethingtohide.
Heslidbehindthewheelofhistruck,gladtobeinsideinthewarm,andcheckedhisnotes.Hisheadhurtlikeabitchbuthedecidedtochasedownonemoreleadbeforereturningtotheoffice.JennahadarrangedtointerviewEllaTateafterlunchandaquickglanceathiswatchtoldhimtimewasrunningshort.HeturnedandrubbedDuke’searsinthebackseat.Curledupasleep,wrappedinhisblanket,thebloodhoundopenedonedarkbrowneyetolookathimbeforesighingandburyinghisheadinthesoftbluecovers.“I’llgetyouintotheofficeassoonasIcan.Although,Maggieisspoilingyouandbyspringyou’llbetoofattokeepupwiththehorses.”
Hislaststopwouldbeaboutacallthatcamethroughtheinformationlinefromthelocalmailman,JohnWright.Hepunchedthemailcarrier’saddressintotheGPSandturnedhistruckontotheroad.Icecrystalshadformedaroundhiswindowsevenwiththeblastofhotairfromtheheater,andsnowpileduponthewiperbladeswitheachpassoverthewindshield.SaturdayinBlackRockFallswasnormallybusy,withpeoplemillingaround,butthismorningthetownwasunusuallyquiet.Apartfromtheoddbundleduppersonwalkingadogandthesmokefromthechimneys,hewouldhavethoughttheentiretownhadheadedsouthforthewinter.Nodoubt,thepredictedblizzardwaskeepingeveryoneathome.Henegotiatedtheblindingwhitestreetsandturnedintoadriveway.LeavinghisenginerunningtokeepDukewarm,hemadehiswaywithcarealongthepartiallyclearedpathwaytothefrontdoor.
Hisbootscrunchedonthesmallpatchesoficeasheduckedundertheicicleshangingfromthefrontporchtopeerthroughthefallingsnowatthefestivewreathhangingonthefrontdoor,lookingforabellorknocker.Findingneither,herappedonthedoorwithhisknuckles.ThesoundofmusicdriftedthroughthedoorandtheblinkinggreenandredlightsofaChristmastreereflectedagainstthesnow-coveredwindowsills.
Thedooropenedacrackandayounggirllookedupathimwithbigblueeyes,blondecurlstumblingoverhershoulders.Herfacebrokeintoawidesmile.Hesmiledback,appreciatingtherayofsunshineonableakday.“I’mDeputyKane,isyourdadhome?”
“I’lltellhim.”Shefrowned.“ButIhavetoshutthedoor.Youstaythere.”
Thedoorclosedandafewmomentslateropenedagain.Amaninhisthirties,tallandrobustwiththickbrownhair,peeredathim.“Mornin’,Deputy,whatcanIdoforyou?’
Kanepulledouthisnotebook.“JohnWright?Youcalledinonourhotlineaboutthemissingwoman?”
“Yeah,that’sme.”Wrightlookedathimexpectantly.
Kanewincedasasnowflakemeltedandsliddownhisneck.“I’dlikesomemoreinformation,ifyouhavetime?”
“Suredo.”Wrightsteppedbackandglancedathissnow-coveredcoat.“Whydon’tyouleaveyourcoatinthemudroom?Wecantalkinthekitchen.Jillyhasjustmadeajugofhotchocolate.”Hewavedtoasmallroomfilledwithcoatsandbootsclosetothefrontdoor.
“Thanks.”Kanekickedthesnowfromhisbootsandwipedthemcleanonthematbeforesteppingintothehouse.Heremovedhisgloves,thenshruggedoutofhiscoatandfoundanemptypegonthewallinthemudroomtohangit.
Thehousesmelledofhotchocolate,cinnamonandfreshlybakedcake.Kidspeeredathimfromaroundcorners.AshefollowedWrightalongthehallway,heglancedintothefamilyroomcompletewithadeliciouslywarmlogfire.Asmallwomanwithamassofblondecurlsandthesamebigblueeyesasherdaughterwelcomedhimasifshehadknownhimforyears.
“Comeonin,youlookfrozen.”Shegesturedtoaseat.“Sitdown.Ihavehotchocolateandfresh-bakedcookiesstraightfromtheovenifyou’rehungry?”
Kanesmiledather.“Thanks,thatwouldbegreat.”HesatdowninhisappointedchairandWrightsatdownopposite.
“Thisismywife,Jilly.”Wrightleanedforwardinhisseat,cradlingacupbetweenhishands.“Sheconvincedmetocall.Itsoundsabittrivialbutthenewsreaderdidsayifwe’dseenorheardanythin’unusualtocallin,soIdid.”
KanenoddedinthanksasMrs.Wrightgavehimacupofhotchocolateandpushedaplateofcookiesinfrontofhim.AsmuchashewantedtodevourthemliketheCookieMonster,helaidhisnotepadonthetableandliftedhispen,thenlookedatWright.“Whatdoyouhaveforme?”
“Twothings.Onemightnotbemuchbuttheothermightbeimportant.Beingapostalworker,Igettoseethedailylivesofpeoplemorethanmost.”Wrightdroppedhisvoicetoaconspiratorialwhisper.“YouheardofamanbythenameofJeffKnox?HeisoutofBlackwater,drivesapickuponaregularrunafewtimesaweekfromBlackwatertohereatnightandhaspriors.Thesheriffchargedhimwithrapingahitchhiker.Henevermadeittocourt.IheartheBlackwaterDAdidn’tfindenoughprooforsomethin’?”
Kanemadenotes,thengaveintothetemptationandhelpedhimselftoacookie.“Whatmakesyoufigurehe’sinvolved?”
“IoverheardsomeonetalkinginthelineatAuntBetty’s.TheysaidsomeonesawKnoxcarryingawomanintotheBlackwaterMotel,samenightthatyoungwomanwentmissin’.Theymentionedhisname.”Wrightgavehimasmugsmile.“AndIjusthappentoknowwhothatwas;hisnameisTyAitkenandheopenedthatfancybakeryinBlackwater,lastfall.”
Theleadwashearsayatbestbuthewrotedowntheinformation.Itwouldn’thurttoshakedownAitkenandseewhatfellout.Hesippedthehotchocolate.“Youmentionedtwothings?”Hebitintoacookie.NotasgoodasJenna’schocolatechip,butverytasty.
“Yeah,itisprobablynothin’butIoftenseeDocWeaverontheroadupintheindustrialarea.IpassheronTuesdaysasI’mheadingoutoftownandshe’sonherwayback.Iguessshehasapatientoutthatwaybutyesterdayshepassedmeonthehighwayheadingwaytoofastandtooktheturntotheindustrialarea.”Wrightshrugged.“Seemedstrangeconsiderin’everywhereupthereisclosed.”
IneedtodigabitdeeperonDoctorWeaver.AshiverslidacrossKane’sneckandheliftedhisgazefromhisnotes.“Whattimedoyounormallyseeher?”
“OnTuesdays,aroundfour,butyesterday,Iwasheldupbythesnowplow,darnthinggoessoslow,Ididn’tgettomylaststopuntillate,maybefourthirty,oritcouldhavebeenlater.”Wrightscratchedhischin.“Ididn’tgetbacktothepostofficeuntilwayafterfiveandmybosswasnonetoopleased.”
Kanefinishedhishotchocolateandclosedhisnotepad.“Thanks,you’vebeenveryhelpful.Ifyouhearorseeanythingelse,givemeacall.”Hepulledacardfromhispocketandsliditacrossthetable,thenstood.“Thanksforthedrinkandcookies.”
“Takeafewmore.”Mrs.Wrightslippedafewintoapaperbagandhandedittohim.“Youneedtoeatinthisweather.”
StilloverwhelmedbythegenerosityofthepeopleofBlackRockFalls,Kanesmiledather.“That’sverykindofyou,ma’am.”Buthismindwasnotoncookiesasheheadedforthemudroomtocollecthiscoat.
Hemadehiswaytohistruckandclimbedinside,thenofferedacookietoDuke.HepulledouthiscellphoneandcalledJennatoupdateher.“I’monmywaybacktotheofficenow.”
“Okay.IcouldsendRowleyouttospeaktoTyAitkenaboutKnoxthisafternoon.Hisdriver’slicensewillbeonfile.ItwillbeinterestingtoseeifheisthesamebuildastheAxman.”Shepausedabeatasifthinking.“I’llcallWolfeandseeifhisFBIfriendshavediscoveredanythinginterestingaboutDoctorWeaverandifhehasanybloodtestresultsforElla.”Hecouldhearherfingerstappingonthedesk.“Idon’tlikethis,Kane.Sheisinvolvedinsomething,Ijustknowit.”
THIRTY-NINE
Duetotheroadclosuresthroughoutthestate,Jennaexpectedalongdelayforanewfurnace.ShemadeacalltoMayorPetershamtoapprovethepurchaseofheaters,eventhoughdisturbinghimonaSaturdaywasnotinherbestinterests.Afterall,shehadanofficetorunandstafftokeepwarm.HeauthorizedthepurchasewithoutcomplaintandRowleyhadgottenallthelocalstorehadinstock.ThecomfortingheatonherlegsmadeherdrowsybutsheshottofullattentionwhenKanebackedintotheofficesurroundedbythearomaoffreshcoffeeandcarryingbagsoftakeoutwithRowleyclosebehind.
“Ifiguredyou’dwanttoworkthroughlunchbeforeheadingouttospeaktoEllaTate?”Kanedroppedthebagsontothedesk.“IbroughtRowleyuptodatewithmyinterviewwiththepostmanthismorning.DidWolfehaveanythinginteresting?”
Jennaleanedforwardinherseattopeerintothebags.“Notreally.He’sstillwaitingonElla’sdrugtestbutifshehaddaterapedrugsinhersystem,Wolfefiguresbynowshewillremembermostofwhathappened,sowe’regoodtogo.Thetestwilljustconfirmhissuspicionsandclearherofanyinvolvement.”Sheselectedabagelwithcreamcheese,herfavorite.“Whatconcernsmeisourlackofsolidevidence.Thesecasesdon’tfollowtheusualMOofakidnapping.”
“Yeah,noransomordemands.”Kanesighed.“Andwehavethreepeoplemissingwithoutatrace.Ouronlywitnessshouldbetheprimesuspectatthispointandwebothknowshewasn’tinvolved.”
“Wemighthaveanotherwitness.Justbefore,IfoundaninterestingreportoutofBlackwateronanattackonamotorist.”RowleyheldthedooropenwithhisfoottoallowDuketolumberinsidethenflopdowninfrontoftheheater.“TheincidentoccurredonThursdaynight.”Hepushedatrayofto-gocupsontothedeskthensatdown.“I’veaddedthedetailstothecasefile.”
Jennatookacoffeewithhernamewrittenonthesideandhadasip.“Justgivemearundown.WhyisitrelevanttotheAxmancase?”
“IfigurethereportiscloseenoughtowhathappenedtoEllaTatetobethesameperson.”Rowleyreachedforapacketofsandwiches.“LeviHoltpassedthroughtownonhiswaytospendhisvacationwithhisfolksinBlackwaterandcameacrossapickup,hoodup,flasherson.Whenhestoppedtohelp,aguyclimbedoutthecarandattackedhim.HoltescapedandreportedtheincidenttotheBlackwaterSheriff’sDepartmentonFridaymorning.IcalledBlackwaterandspoketothedeputywhotookdownthecomplaint.Hesaidhewentforadrive-byinthearea.Hefoundafewbitsofbrokenglassbutthesnowplowhadbeenthroughandcleanedupeverything.WhenIaskedhimwhyhehadn’tsentusthefileastheincidentoccurredinourcounty,hecloseddown.Ifeltlikehewasstonewallingme.”
“Really?Iwonderwhy.Theyusuallycooperatewithus.”Jennaaccessedthefileandscannedthereport.“There’snodescriptionoftheattackerorhisvehicleapartfroma‘guyinapickupwearingascarf.’”SheexchangedalookwithKane.“Thenameonthereportistheirnewrookie,Bates.WeneedtohaveawordwithLeviHoltandgetthewholestory.”
“HisreportcouldbackupEllaTate’sstatementforthenightSkyPaulvanished.”Kaneleanedbackinhisseat,sandwichpoisedinmid-air.“WeneedtoknowifthemanattackedHoltwithahatchet,forastart.”
Jennaglancedatthefileagainandsighedattheincompetenceofthedeputy’sreport.SheturnedherattentionbacktoRowley.“Okay,asyou’reheadingouttoBlackwatertochasedownTyAitkenaboutKnox,IwantyoutodropbyandinterviewHoltthenspeaktotheproprietoroftheBlackwaterMotelandseeiftheyrecallKnoxhavingawomaninhisroom.I’llcallinWebbertoridealongwithyou.Don’tgonearKnox.Fromthedetailsonhisdriver’slicense,hefitsthegeneraldescriptionoftheAxman.Iwanttorunabackgroundcheckbeforespeakingtohim.IfHolt’srecollectionisthesameasElla’s,Knoxmightbeourman.”Shethoughtforamoment.“GoseeHoltfirstandseeifhisaccountbacksupElla’s.I’llbeinterviewingpeopleallafternoon,somessagemestraightawayifitdoesandtakedownafreshstatementfromhim.”
“Yes,ma’am.”Rowleyreachedforhiscoffee.“WillyouclearitwiththeBlackwatersheriffbeforeweleave?Idon’twanttobesteppingonanyone’stoes.”
“Sure.”Jennareachedforthephone.“Maggie,canyoucallinWebberformeplease.No,he’snotattheME’soffice,he’llbeathome.TellhimIneedhimfortheafternoon.”Shedisconnected,thencontactedtheBlackwaterSheriff’sDepartment.
JennapulledupherhoodieagainstthebittercoldandslidintoKane’struck.Sheglancedathim.“Ididn’tmentionitinfrontofRowleybutIhavesomegoodnews.TheFBIdidn’tfindaconnectionbetweenDoctorWeaverandthecartelorthereasonsheorderedaDNAtestonme.He’sstillwaitingfortheinfoonwhattestsshe’sbeendoingonthetownsfolk.”
“That’sareliefbutIfigureshe’sinvolvedinsomethingillegal.”Kaneturnedinhisseattolookather.“Whereto?”
Jennabuckledherseatbelt.“IhopeRowleysendsconfirmationonHolt’sattackbeforeIspeaktoEllaagain.Ifigureshe’dbemoreforthcomingifsheknewtheAxmanattackedanotherperson.IwanttopayDocWeaveravisitandfindoutwhyshewasheadingouttotheindustrialareawheneverythingaroundthereisshutdownfortheholidays.”
“Shelivesoverherclinic,sounlesssheisoutonacall,weshouldfindherthere.”KaneswungtheSUVoutontotheblacktopanddrovethroughtown,tookaleftturnthenpulledupinfrontofastorewithDr.Weaver’sshinglehangingoutside.“Thelightsareon,shemustworktoday.”
Jennazippeduphercoatandwrappedascarfaroundherfacethenclimbedfromthetruck.Underfoot,theslipperysidewalkwasanaccidentwaitingtohappen.Asshesteppedcautiouslytowardthedoor,herinsidestwistedrememberingthescareWeaverhadgivenherattheranch.Sheedgedherwaytothefrontdoor,gladwhenherfeethitthemat.Thedoorchimedastheyentered.Shescannedthesmallwaitingroom;itwasemptyandnosecretarysatbehindthefrontcounter.Unliketheusualwhite,steriledoctors’offices,darkbrownwallsthatmadethestraight-backwoodenchairsappeartoblendintoobscuritygreetedherandfromthelighthunganancientstripofflypaper.Shewalkedtothecounterandpressedthebellwiththesign,“Ifunattendedpleaseringbell.”
AfewmomentspassedbeforefootstepssoundedandDr.Weavercamethroughadoor.ShelookoverthetopofherspectaclesatJennathenshiftedhergazetoKane.
“Sheriff,DeputyKane,sorrytokeepyouwaiting,mysecretarydoesn’tworktoday.Whatbringsyououtinthisweather?”
Unsurewhythewomanunsettledhersomuch,Jennaofferedherasmile.“We’rechasingdownpeoplewhowereinthevicinityoftheindustrialareaoutonthehighwaylateFridayafternoon.”Shecaughtherstartledexpression.“IgatheryouoftentravelbetweenBlackwaterandhereonTuesdaysaswell.Aswe’vehadafewincidentsinthatareaoverthelastweekwearecollectinginformation.”
“Ivisitout-of-townpatientsonTuesdays.”Weaverfrowned.“Ican’tgiveyounames,I’msureyou’reawareofdoctor–patientprivilege.OnFriday,Itreatedanaccidentvictimoutatthemeatprocessingplant.”
“Whydidn’ttheycall911?”Kanefrowned.“Anyindustrialaccidentisrequiredtobewrittenup.”
“Notifit’stheowner.”Dr.Weavergavehimasatisfiedsmile.“Itwasminorandhedidn’twantanyfuss.”
Jennapulledouthernotebook.“I’llneedhisname.”
“Sorry,Ican’tgiveyouhisname,I’vedivulgedenoughalready.”Dr.Weavergaveherasicklysmile.“Isthereanythingelse?”
Jennapounced.“Yeah,whydidyoudoaDNAtestonme?”
“Ididnosuchthing.”Dr.Weavertookastepbackinsurprise.“Letmesee,IdidanormalscreeningandanHLAtest.”
“That’saDNAtestfortissuetyping.”Kanemovedastepcloserandhislipsflattenedtoathinline.“Whywasthatnecessary?”
“Oh,Iseeyou’reangry.”Dr.Weaverglancedfromonetotheother.“I’mbuildingalocaltissue-typingdatabase.I’vebeentestingallviablepatients.SomanychildrendiebecausetheyneedakidneyandsomanyhealthypeopleliveinBlackRockFalls.Iwantedtoofferthemtheoptionofsavingalife,isall.”
Jennahuffedoutabreath,notbelievingwhatthiswomanwassaying.“Withoutconsent?That’sagainstthelawandthere’salreadyaworldwidedatabase.”
“WellthenI’msorry.”Dr.WeaverpeeredoverherglassesatJenna.“Iguessyou’dbetterarrestme.ButImeantnoharm.”
Jennalookeddownatherfeet.Thedoctordidmakeahabitoftreatinguninsuredpeopleandtakingheroutofthecommunitywouldcausehardshipforsome.Thethreatofthiswomanwasmeltinglikethesnowonherboots.“Iwon’tarrestyouthistimebutI’mconfiscatingthedatabase,andallbloodtestsgoviatheME’sofficetobecheckedfromnowon.”Shenarrowedhergaze.“Icouldhaveyoufiredforthis,youknow.”
“Verywell.”Dr.Weaverlookedcrushed.
“Showmethefile.”Kanewavedahandtowardthecomputeronthefrontdesk.“Isitonthere?”
“No,it’sinmyoffice.”Weaverledtheway.“Ihaveaseparatecomputerforthedatabase.”
Jennatookasheetofpaperfromthedeskandwroteadeclarationstatingthedoctorhadgivenpermissionforthemtoconfiscatethecomputer.“Signthisstatement.”
ThedoctorcompliedandJennafollowedKaneouttohistruck.Ashedumpedthelaptopintothebackseat,shepickedupanunsettlingvibefromhim.“What’sup?”
“It’snotmyplacetosay,ma’am.”Kaneslidbehindthewheelandstartedtheengine.
Ma’am?Jennaclimbedinbesidehimandturnedtolookathim.“Spititout.”
“ShebrokethelawandIwouldhavearrestedher.”Heshrugged.“Itwasyourcall.”
“Ihavetworeasonstoleaveherbefornow.”Jennaleanedbackinherseat.“Shedoeshelppeopleandlivesonpracticallynothing.Youcanseethattoo,right?”
“Nope.”Kaneflickedheraglance.“Iseeaverydangerousschemingwoman,abottomlesspitofcontradictions.Sheusesthekindlydoctorfa?adetofoolpeople.I’msureofit.Sowhat’syoursecondreason?”
“Istillhaveabadfeelingabouthertooandwanttokeepaneyeonher.”Jennanotedthestubbornsettohisjaw.“IwanttoknowtherealreasonsheheadsouttoBlackwatereveryTuesdayandseeifshewasreallyatthemeatprocessingplant.IfigureifIgiveherenoughropeshe’llhangherself.”
“Hmm,maybe.”Kanepulledhishatdownoverhisears.“Wheretonow?”
Jennascrolledthroughthefilesonhercellphone.“Ithinkwe’llpayavisittotheproprietorofthemeatprocessingplant.Ihavehisdetailshere.WyattSawyer.HelivesonMapleDriveandwecangoviaStantonRoad.Iftheplantisinshutdown,hecouldbeathome.”ShepunchedtheaddressintotheGPS
“WyattSawyer?Didn’ttheguyatthejunkyardhavethesamelastname?”Kaneswungthecararoundandheadedbackthroughtown.
“Yeah,andhementionedhiscousinWyattholdsasetofhiskeys.”Sheleanedbackintheseat.“Iguessitwouldbeastretchoftheimaginationtobelievethisguyisinvolved?”
“Asthejunkyardcameupclean,wehavenohardevidenceagainstBillSawyeroranyreasontosuspecthiscousin.Ifwestartbelievingeveryoneisinvolvedwe’lljustbespinningourwheels.”Kaneshrugged.“We’llhavetokeepdigging.”
“I’mthinkingoutsidetheboxandconsideringeveryangle.WyattSawyerworksintheareaandwillbeattheplantduringtheshutdownonthedaytheyprocesscattlebeforeChristmas.I’llaskhimhowoftenhevisitshisplaceofbusiness.Hemighthaveseensomething.”Jennapulledouthernotebookandscannedthepages.“We’venobodiesandSky’scarhasvanished.IfiguretheAxmanhassomewhereclosetotowntotakehisvictims.It’dberiskymovingthemtoofar.”Sheshutthenotebook.“We’llinterviewKnoxtomorrowanddiscoverhiswhereaboutsonthenightsofthecrimes.Iknowit’slikegrabbingatsmokeatthemomentbuttheAxmanwillmakeamistakesoonenough,theyalldo.Untilhedoeswe’reallstuckwithtime-consuminggruntwork.”
“Anisolatedplaceclosetotown?”Kanemadeasnortofwhatcouldhavebeenamusement.“Itwouldtakeusyearstocheckallofthem.Hecouldhaveasurvivalshelterburiedunderhishouseorinhisyard.”Hetookhiseyesofftheroadforasecondtolookather,andfrowned.“Wecouldbedealingwithamanwhokeepshisvictimsalivethensellsthemasslaves,orsomeonewholikescorpsesasfriends.”
Jennarubbedbothhandsdownherfaceinexasperation.Shehadneverbeensofrustratedaboutacasebefore.Nothingseemedtomakesense.“Thecompletelackofevidenceisdrivingmecrazy.”
“Somethingwillshowup.Ilookatcrimesliketheshreddedpagesofastoryandwehavetofindallthepiecesandstickthembacktogethertofindoutwhathappened.”Kaneslowedthetrucktoallowacoupleofkidstocrosstheroadtotheparkwiththeirparents.“Thehardpartisfindingthepieces.”
“Really,justfiguredthatout,huh?”Jennalaughed.“Howabout,‘Confuciussays,“Lifeislikeariddleandweallplayapart.”You’dagreewiththat,right?”
“Yeah.Seemsourpartiscatchingkillers.”Kanegrimaced,thenturnedintoStantonRoad.
FORTY
ThebeepscomingfromthehospitalmachinesrousedOliviafromadeepsleep.Shegaspedandshookherselfawake.Hadshehadadreamtoescapetheterriblerealityofhersituation?Sheswallowedhard,refusingtobelieveshehadimaginedwalkingthroughthedimcorridorsandfindingnothingbutacoupleofrooms.Think.Itfeltsoreal,itmusthavehappened.ThelastthingsherememberedwasbeinginaroomwithDougthenseeingJimcomethroughadoorandpushingagurneyintoDougbutafterthat,hermemorywasblank.Awalloffearclosedinaroundherandshefoughtagainsttherestraintsholdingherwriststightagainstthebarsalongsideherbed.Painsearedthroughherasshetorethefleshandbloodspottedthewhitesheets.Sheletoutascreamthatvibratedoffthewalls.“Iwanttogetoutofhere!”
Tearsstreameddownhercheeks,tastingsaltyinhermouth.Shesobbedandscreamedagain.“Youhavetoletmeoutofhere!Ican’tstandthisanylonger.”
Apartfromthebeepsandhissofthemachines,itwassoquiet.Couldshebetheonlypersoninthebuilding?Sheturnedandstaredatthecurtainssurroundingherbed.“Doug,areyouhere?Doug,pleaseanswerme.”
Silence.
Thedistinctsoundoffootsteps,notloudbutthesoftsqueakofrubber-soledshoesontile,camefromthehallway.Sheturnedherhead,expectingJimtowalkthroughthedoor.Haterolledoverherforthemanwhotreatedherasifshewaslessthanhuman.Heartpounding,shegritherteeth,expectingtheworst.Thedoortotheroomswishedopenandthecurtainsopened.ItwasnotJimwhostoodtherebutthenurse.Helookeddownatherandshookhisheadandsheglaredathim.“Whyareyoukeepingmehere?There’snothingwrongwithme.”
“I’mnottheonekeepingyouhere.”Theman’seyesmethers.“Ijustworkhere.”
Oliviakickedherfeet,spillingtheblanketsoffthebed.“Thenletmego.”
“Can’tdothat,sorry.”Heshrugged.“Thebossisn’thappywithyoutryingtoleave.Hehasn’thurtyou,hashe?”Hepickeduptheblanketandlaiditoverher.“Youshouldbegrateful.”
“Grateful?”Ashiverofdisgustrolledoverher.“Haveyoulostyoureverlovingmind?Hethreatenedmewithascalpel.Ithoughthewouldtakeoutmyeye.”
“It’swhathedoestoallofthem.Hehasamorbidsenseofhumor.”Thenurseexaminedherwristsandfrowned.“Hewon’tbehappyyoutriedtoleaveandnodoubthe’llblameme.”
“Idon’treallycareifheblamesyou.Youjuststandbyandallowhimtoscarepeopletodeath.”Sheglancedovertowardthecurtains.“Where’sDoug?”
“He’srighthere.”Thenursemovedaroundherbedandthrewbackthecurtains.“He’ssedatedandwillremainso.”
SheraisedherselfupinthebedandstaredatDoug’sashenface.“DearLord,whathappenedtohim?”
“Hebustafewstitchesisall.”Thenurseturnedbackandbusiedhimselfopeningdrawersandlayingbandagesonatray.“Ineedtocleanupyourwrists.Thebosswillbeinlatertoseeyouandyoumustlookyourbest.”
Tremblingwithangeranddisgust,OliviastaredatDoug.“Jimdidthis.Herammedhimwithagurney.”
“Well,that’snoneofmyconcern.”ThenursepressedtheneedleofasyringeintoOlivia’sdripandhiseyebrowsrose.“Idoknowthebossgetsangrywhenpeopletrytoleavebeforethey’reready.”
AwaveofdizzinesssurgedthroughOlivia.Hermouthwentdry.Hehaddruggedheragain.Herlimbsbecameheavyandsheworkedthesalivainhermouth.Sheneededanswers.“HowlonghaveIgottoputupwiththis?”
“That’snotmycall.”Thenurseunbuckledherwristsandwenttowork.
Oliviafoughtthedrug.“Please,helpmeescapeandmymomwillgiveyoumoney.”
Thenurse’sdarkeyesmovedtoherface.“Thereisnoescape.”
FORTY-ONE
KanepulledhistruckintothedrivewayofWyattSawyer’sneatbrickhome.Helivedinthemoreprosperousendoftown.ThepathleadingtothehousewasclearofsnowandsaltcrystalscrunchedunderhisfeetashefollowedJennatothefrontporch.Astackoficiclessatbesidethestepsasifrecentlyremoved.Hehaddonethesamewithhisownporchtoavoidwalkingintothemonhiswayinandout,soheassumedWyattSawyerwasatallmanlikehiscousin.
Heglancedthroughthefrostywindowtothefamilyroom.Inside,awidehearthheldaroaringwoodfirewithdancingorangeflamesthatcurledsmokeupthechimney.Abasketofpineconesandlogssatbesidethehearth.Alargecomfortablesofaandtwomatchingchairssurroundedthefireandapolishedwoodoccasionaltableheldanexpensive-lookingbronzestatueofastag.Itlookedpristineandresembledtheperfectsceneinaperfecthouse.HestoodtoonesideasJennapressedthebellandheardchimesechoinginside.Thedooropenedtorevealatallmaninhisfortiesdressedinjeans,adarkbluesweaterandslippers.Hegavethemanastonishedlook.
“WhatcanIdoforyou,Sheriff?”Sawyerfrowned.“Notabreak-inatmyplant,Ihope?”
“No.”Jennatookouthernotepad.“AreyouWyattSawyer?”
“Iam.”Sawyerfoldedhisarmsacrosshischest.
“I’mSheriffAltonandthisisDeputyKane.”Jenna’svoicegavenothingaway.“IbelievetherewasanaccidentatyourplantlateFridayandDoctorWeaverattended.Isthatcorrect?”
Kanewatchedtheman’sbodylanguageandexpressionbuthebetrayednothing.
“Yeah,that’sright.Isthataproblem?”Wyattraisedoneeyebrow.
“Asitwasanindustrialaccident,yes.”Jennaliftedherchin.“Whathappened?”
“Nothin’foryoutoworryabout,Sheriff.”Wyattsteppedtooneside.“You’dbettercomeinside.It’stoocoldtotalkouthere.”Heturnedandledthewayintoamudroombesidethefrontdoor.“Now,whyismyinjuryamatterforthesheriff’sdepartment?”
“Ifithappenedattheplant,itneedstobereported.”Jennaclearedherthroat.“Whowasinvolved?”
“Justaminute.Thoserulesareiftheplantisoperationalandaninjuryinvolvesoneofmyemployees.Rightnowweareinshutdown.”Sawyerfrowned.“Iwasdoingsomemaintenanceandcutmyself.Itwasn’tbadenoughtocalltheparamedicssoIcalledDoctorWeaver.”
“Ifitwasn’tanythingtoworryabout,whynotdriveintotownyourselfandseethedoctor,orgototheER?”Jennapulledbackherhoodandlookedathim.“Areyouokaynow?”
“Iam.”HegaveJennaanengagingsmile.“Thankyouforaskin’butatthetimeIwasbleedin’andconcernedthecutmighthavebeendeeperthanIfigured.”Hetookastepclosertoherandpulleddowntheneckofhissweatertodisplayasmallbandage.“Wouldyouliketosee?”
Kaneclearedhisthroat.SawyerwasbeingwaytoofamiliarwithJenna.“Maybeifyouexplainhowtheinjuryoccurred?”
“Oh,sure.”Sawyerstraightenedanddroppedhishandstohissides.“I’mnotsureifyou’refamiliarwiththeworkingsofameatprocessin’plantbutI’dbehappytowalkyouthroughanytime.”HeraisedbotheyebrowsatJennaasifhewasaskinghertothemovies.“Thesteerscomeintothekillfloor,getprocessed,thenthecarcassishungonahookthatmovesalongaproductionlineandgoesthroughmanyhandsbeforeit’spacked.Iwasreplacin’oneoftheblockandtacklesontheline.Thehookswungaroundandhitmerighthere.”Hepointedintheregionofhiscollarbone.“Darnthingcutrightthroughmyclothesandgavemeapuncturewound.Itbledlikethedevil,soIwenttomyoffice,packeditwithabandageandcalledthedoc.”Heshrugged.“Shecheckedmeout,putinacoupleofsuturesandIwasgoodtogo.”
“Youdidcleanupanybloodandsterilizethearea?”JennasteppedawayfromSawyer,wrinklinghernose.“I’msureyou’reawareofcross-contamination?”
“Yeah.I’vebeeninthisbusinessforyearsandwehaveinspectorscrawlin’overtheplaceallthetime.They’llbetherethedayweopenbeforeChristmas.”Sawyeropenedhisarmsandshrugged.“I’veneverhadacomplaint.Myplantisspotless.Ifollowtherules.You’rewastin’yourtimehere.”
Kanenarrowedhisgaze,takinginhisneatappearance,shortmanicurednailsanddesignerstubble.Heportrayedawealthybusinessmanandwonderedwhyhe’dbothertodotheheavywork.“Whydidn’tyouleavethemaintenancecrewtofixtheproblemwhentheygotback?Igathertheplantisinshutdownovertheholidays?”
“Yeah,weshutdownforfourweeks,sometimesmoreiftheweatherpreventsthecattletrucks,butIhaveasmallcrewwhocomeintoprocesstensteersfromBlackRockFallstheweekbeforeChristmastomakesurethelocalstoreshaveenoughsuppliestocarrythemthrough.”Sawyerpushedbothhandsintohisbackpocketsandleanedcasuallyagainst
Whynothaveitrepairedbeforeyoushutdowntheplant?Kanerubbedhischin.“Sodidyoujusthappentonoticeitwasfaulty?”
“Nope.”AflashofannoyancecrossedSawyer’sface.“Whenthemaintenancecrewisinaproductionarea,theworkersareoffthefloor.It’sasafetyissue.I’doverlookedareportfromoneofthesupervisorsonthekillfloorthatablockandtacklewasfaulty.Idecidedtofixitbeforewedidtheshortrunnextweek.”
“Okay,that’sallIneedfornow.”JennagaveKaneameaningfulglanceandshuthernotebook.“Thankyouforyourtime.”
“Mypleasure.”SawyeropenedthefrontdoorandsmiledatJenna.“Itwasnicemeetin’you,Sheriff.”
KanefollowedJennabacktohistruckandwaitedforhertobuckleup.“Whatdoyoumakeofhim?”
“Icouldn’tpickaholeinhisstory.”Jennapulledupherhoodandshivered.“AshefitsthesametypeastheAxman,IfiguredI’dpushhimabittoseeifheshowedaggressionbutallhedidwashitonme.”Shepulledafaceofdisgust.“Idon’treallyneedtoknowaboutthecattle-slaughteringprocess.”
Kanestartedtheengineandwaitedforthesnowonthewindshieldtomeltbeforeturningonthewipers.“Helikelythoughtitwouldinterestyou.Thisisahuntingtownandmostpeoplearen’tsqueamishabouttheprocessofdressingananimalforthetable.”HebackedoutofthedrivewayandheadedtowardthePauls’residence.“IdidseeaflashofannoyancewhenIchallengedhimbutheemployshundredsofpeople,sowouldn’tbeusedtoanyonequestioninghimabouthowherunshisbusiness.”
“Hmm,wellatleasthe’sgivenDocWeaverareasontobehangingaroundtheindustrialareaduringtheshutdown.”JennaletoutalongsighandreachedfortheThermosofcoffee.“NotthatIbelieveforoneminuteshe’sworkingwiththeAxmanbutsincesheturnedupunannouncedonmydoorstep,I’mconvincedshe’suptosomething.”Shepouredtwocupsofcoffee.“I’mdrinkingthisbeforewespeaktoElla.Iwantyoutotaketheleadintheinterview.Whenyouspoketoherlasttimeshewasn’tundertheinfluenceofdrugs,andyou’llbeabletoreadherbetterthanme.”
Kanelookedather,thenreturnedhisattentiontotheroad.“Yeah,shewasn’texactlylucidwhenwefoundheronthehighway.DaterapedrugswouldbeagoodchoiceiftheAxmanwantedhertoforgetwhathappened.”Hesighed.“What’snotfittinginthisscenarioiswhyleaveawitnesswhenhehadasecondchancetotakeher?It’snotlogical.”
“It’sasifhehadaninsightintoourinvestigation,whichisimpossible.”Jennasippedherdrink.“Maybehefigureswe’llbelieveshe’sthekillerandtheAxmanisafigmentofherimagination?”
Kaneprocessedwhatshehadsaidthennodded.“Ifwedidbelievethat,itstillleavesuswithwhereshestashedthecarandSky’sbody.Okay,Iguessweonlyhaveherwordshestayedoutinthefreezingcoldinablizzardallnight,shecouldhavegottenaridebacktothehighwayandthenwaveddownatruck.”Heshrugged.“ThatmightmakesenseifshewasinvolvedbutthentheAxmanblowsthattheorytohellbylettingLeviHoltescape.IfRowleycomesbackfromBlackwaterandHolthasanidenticalstorytoElla’s,weknowwe’rerightandshe’sinnocent.”
“UnlessHoltisinvolvedandhereportedtheattackasacoverforher.”Jennaraisedoneeyebrow.“Thatwouldmakesense.IfHoltisinvolved,hecouldhavebeeninthecarwiththem.I’llgiveRowleyacallandmakesureheestablishesHolt’swhereaboutsatthetimeofSky’sdisappearance.”Sheopenedhercellphoneandmadethecall.
Thesnowpeltedthewindshieldandthewindincreased,blowingupgreatcloudsofwhiteacrossthehighway.Kaneslowedtoavoidasedancreepingalonginfrontofthem.HeturnedtoJenna.“Theweatherisclosingin.IhopeRowleyandWebbermakeitbackfromBlackwaterwithouttoomuchtrouble.”
“SodoI.”Shebarkedoutalaugh.“Idon’tfancystayinginthemoteltonighteither.Ifitgetsanyworse,wewon’tgethome.”
Kanereachedforhiscoffeeandsmiled.“Don’tworry,I’llgetyouhome.”
FORTY-TWO
LifewascertainlylookingupforRowleyoflate.Thesheriffwashandinghimmoreresponsibilities.SinceKane’sinjuryandduringthesheriff’sillness,shehadreliedonhimtokeeptheofficeopenalongwithsemi-retiredDeputyWalters.He’dfiguredoncethingshadgottenbacktonormal,hewouldbebacktohandlingthelocalsquabblesandparkingtickets;buthisworkmusthavemetwithherapproval.AlthoughdrivingtoBlackwaterinthedeadofwinterwithablizzardonthewaywasnothisideaoffun,thenewYukonsuremadelifeeasier.HeturnedupthemusicandgrinnedatWebber.“It’sgoodtogetouttheofficefortheafternoon.”
“Whydon’tyouturnthatnoisedownforawhileandbringmeuptospeedonwhatwe’redoing.”WebbertippedbackhisStetsonandrestedonebootonthedashboard.“Andno,I’dratherbeintheME’sofficethanoutinthedarncoldfreezingmyballsoff.”
Rowleyfrownedatthedisregardforhisnewcruiser.“Iwillassoonasyoustopdamagingmytruck.”
“Huh,yours,isit?”Webbergrinnedanddroppedhisfoot.“Niceride,you’relucky.I’dhavethoughtoldWalterswouldhavebeenthenextinlineforanewone.Sogivemetherundown.”
RowleygavehimthedetailsoftheattemptedassaultonHoltandtheinformationKanehadgottenoutofthemailman.“LeviHoltisathomeandweneedtointerviewhimfirst,thensendamessagetothesheriff.Shewantstoseeifthestoriesmatchandiftheydo,wehavetoeliminatethechancethepairareworkingtogether.”
“TwopeopleworkingtogethermakesmoresenseandhavingHoltmakeouthewasattackedalongthesamestraightawaywouldbepuregenius.”Webberopenedhiscellphoneandaccessedtheonlinecasefile.“Hisstatementispracticallyuseless.Thedeputywhotookthisdownmusthavehadthebrainsofamonkey.”
RowleytooktheexitrampintoBlackwaterandturnedoffthemusictolistentotheGPSguidingthemtoHolt’sresidence.Hepulledupbehindasnow-coveredSUVinthedrivewaytoaranch-stylehouseandslidfrombehindthewheel.Ablastofcoldairhithimfullintheface.Winterhadasmellandataste,likediggingintoafreezerforthatlastquartoficecream.Heledthewayupthestepstotheporchandpressedthebell.Thedooropenedandamaninhistwenties,withruffledbrownhairandasleepyexpression,stoodtoonesideasifhe’dbeenexpectingthemandwavedthemthroughthedoor.Rowleyremovedhishat.“LeviHolt?”
“Yeah,that’sme.”Holtledthewaydownanarrowhallwayandintoatoastykitchensmellingofbaconandcoffee.“You’llbedeputiesRowleyandWebber.SheriffAltoncalledearliertomakesureI’dbehome.You’rehereaboutthemanwhoattackedme.”Hewenttothecounter.“Takeaseat.Coffee?”
Rowleypulledoutachair.“Yeah,thanks,I’mRowley.”
“Howaboutyou,DeputyWebber?”Holtplacedthreelargecupsonthetablethenallthetrimmings,beforereturningwithafullpotofcoffee.
“I’dbeobliged.”Webberremovedhishatanddroppedintoachair.“Ireadthestatementyoumadetothelocaldeputyandithasmoreholesthanaleakybucket.”Heleanedonthetableandeyeballedhim.“Whatreallyhappenedoutthere?”
WonderingwhyWebberhadjumpedstraighttothechaseratherthanputthewitnessatease,Rowleytookouthisnotebookandpen.“Howaboutwestartwithwhattimetheincidentoccurred?”
“Late…beforemidnight,Iguess.”Holtsatoppositethem,pouredthecoffeeandpushedthecupstowardthem.“Itallhappenedsofast.Iwasfreakingout,Ithoughtforsuretheguywasgonnakillme.”
Rowleytooknotesasheexplainedwhathadhappened.“Canyoudescribetheman?Howtallwashe?”
“Big,sixtwo,maybe.”Holtrubbedhischinandstaredintospace.“Hewaswhiteandhaddarkeyebrows,smalleyes.RealintenselikeDraculaorsomethin’.Man,whenhecameatmewithawrench,Iwasoutofthere.”
“Didyougetagoodlookathisface?”Webberaddedcreamtohiscup.
“Nope,hewaswearin’ahoodiewithacowboyhatandhadascarftiedaroundhisface.Hewaslikeanoldcowboyoutofamovieheadin’offtorobabank.”
Holt’scarefreeattitudewassettingoffalarmbellsforRowley.Peoplewhoexperiencedtraumararelymadejokes.Itwasasifhewasbeingtoohelpful.“Canyoudescribehisvehicle,themakeorcolor?”
“HehadhisheadlightsandflashersonsoeverythinglookedorangebutIfigureitwasalate-modelwhitepickup.I’mnotsureofthemake,aGMCmaybe?”Holtshrugged.“Iwasrunnin’formylife,notlookin’atthemakeofthejerk’scar.”
Rowleynodded.“Areyousureitwasawrenchhethreatenedyouwith?”
“Yeah,Igottoseeitrealclose.”Holtnarrowedhisgaze.“ButIgotahitin.Ismashedhimhardwithmyflashlight,hurthimtoo.”
“Wheredidyouhithim?”
“Ontherightforearmorwrist.”Holtshuddered.“Thenhecameatmeagain.Hesmashedmywindowandputadentinthesideofmydoor.It’soutsideifyouneedtoseeit.ThedeputywroteupareportformyinsurancebutIcan’tgetitrepaireduntilaftertheshutdown.”
“Yeah,we’lltakealookbeforeweleaveandtakesomephotosifyoudon’tmind.”Webberleanedbackinhischair.“Wherewereyoucomingfrom?”
“Louan.IworkatTireandMechanicalandrentahousethere.Iwasonmywayhometospendtheholidayswithmyfolks.”Holtreachedforhiscup.“Ileftwork,wenthome,showeredandchanged.Ihadmybagspacked.Istoppedinforamealthendrovestraightthrough.”
Rowleylookedupfromhisnotes.“DidyouleaveLouananytimeinthelasttwoweeks?”
“Nope.”Holtlookedathimwithasuspiciousglintinhiseye.“Why?”
“Soyoudon’tgooutatnightdrinkingorchasingwomen?”Webbersmiledathim.“Isuredo.”
“SodoIbutnotinthelasttwoweeks.”HoltnarrowedhisgazeatWebber.“TireandMechanicalclosesdownforfourweeksandwehadtostaybackthelasttwoweekstocatchup.Peoplewantedtheirvehiclesreadyforthesnowandwehadthemlinin’up.Ifinishedup,wenthomeaslateasnineandfellintobedmostnights.”
“Cananyoneverifythat?”Webberleanedbothforearmsonthetable.“We’recheckingoneveryonewhocamethroughBlackRockFallsinthelasttwoweeks.”
“Yeah,sure.”HolttookRowley’snotepadandwrotedownthreenumbers.“Mybossisthetoponeandtheothertwoaretheguyswhosharethehousewithme.”
“Okay.”Rowleyindicatedtowardthenotepad.He’dpreparedastatementfromtheBlackwaterfileandaddedtheextrarelevantdetails.“Readthroughmynotesandifthatisatrueandaccurateaccountofwhathappenedonthenightoftheincident,signanddateit.”HewaitedforHolttoreadthepages.
“Yeah,that’severythingIremember.”Holtsignedthepages.
Rowleypickedupthenotepadandstood.“Okay,thanks,we’lltakethosephotographsofyourtruckthenbeonourway.”HeturnedtoWebber.“Youhandlethevehicleinspection.I’llchasedownthesepeoplethencontactthesheriff.”Heheadedforthefrontdoor.
TheweatherwasclosinginwhentheyarrivedattheBlackwaterMotel.Rowleypushedopenthedoortofindasurprisinglycleanfoyerandleaningonthefrontcounterinacloudofperfumewasabuxomwomaninherthirties.Shegavehimtheonce-overandsmackedherrubylipsasifsheplannedtoeathimfordinner.“Afternoon,ma’am.IwaswonderingifIcouldtalktotheproprietor.”
“Well,thatwouldbeme.”ShelookedupatWebber.“My,theygrowthemtallinBlackRockFalls.”Shepattedherdarkhair.“Areyoulookin’foraroom?”
Rowleybitbackasmile.“Ahno.Iwaswonderingifyou’dhappentorememberifJeffKnoxhadawomaninhisroomonFridaynight?”
“I’msureIdon’tknow.”Sheeyedhimsuspiciously.“Idon’tgospyin’onmyresidents.”
“Residents?”Webbergaveheralonglook.“Dopeoplelivehereonapermanentbasis?”
“Somedo.”Shesmiledathim.“Menmostly.TheylikeacleanroomandahotmealandIprovideboth.Itakeintheirlaundryaswell.”
Rowleysmiledback,hopingbeingniceandspinningagoodyarnwouldgethimaroomnumber.“Ineedtospeakwithhim.WepickedupawomanduringaninvestigationwhosaysshewaswithhimFridaynight;shehadhiswalletandawadofcash.Wefiguredhemightwantitback.”
“Youdroveallthiswaytoreturnhiswallet?”Shefrowned.“HowcomeIfindthathardtobelieve?”
“Knoxisheralibi.”Webbershrugged.“Butweunderstandifyou’drathernotgiveushisroomnumber.”
“Ifigurehe’llneedhiswallettopayme.He’sinnumbertwenty-six.”Shegavethemawaveastheyheadedforthedoor.“Comebacksoon.”
FORTY-THREE
HeswitchedofftheTVindisgustandtossedtheremoteontothecoffeetable,thenstormedoutoftheroom.Angerheatedhischeeksasheshovedopenthebackdoorandstoodontheporch.Snowbatteredhisbarefleshandsentcoldtearsrunningdownhisface.Adeadlychillcrawledthroughhisclothes,raisinggoosebumpsonhisskin,butheremainedmotionless,staringattheskeletaltreesblackenedbyfrostalongtheperimeterofhisland,andtrieddesperatelytothink.Winterseemedtomufflesoundasifeverythingwashidingbeneaththeblanketofsnow,tooafraidtomakeanoise.Theusualwildlifewasmissingtoday.Infact,everythinglookedcoldanddead.Rightnow,heneededthequietsolitudetogetawayfromtheconstantchatterovertheradioorTVaboutthepeoplemissingfromBlackRockFalls.Whycouldn’tSheriffAltonleavewellenoughalone?
Heslammedafistonthehandrail,shatteringtheiciclesandsendingthemspearingintothesnow-filledgardenbedbelow.Dammitalltohell.Afterdrivingalloverthelocalcounties,pickinguphitchhikersandtakingthembacktohisundergroundhidingplace,hislazinesshadovercomehisnaturalgoodsense.KidnappingpeopleanywhereclosetohomewasamistakeandheshouldhaveknownawomanlikeJennaAltonwouldpokehernosewhereitwasn’twanted.Mostsheriffsdidn’tgiveadultmissingpersonsmorethanacursorylook,especiallywhenheleftnoevidenceforthemtofind,butleavingEllaTatealivehadbeenabigmistakeandAltonwaslikeadogwithabone.Shehadthemediamakingeveryonejumpyandherdeputieswererunningallovertownchasingdownnon-existentclues.Nowhewouldhavetopostponehisplansuntilspringandthenchooseanewareatohunt.
Ofcourse,noonecouldpossiblysuspecthimofkidnappingormurderinganyoneandtheideaofkeepingOliviauntilthemeltflitteredintohismind.Itwouldbeanoption.Dougwouldn’tbeaproblem;hecouldmakehimvanisheasilyenough.Hechuckled,fillingtheairwithacloudofsteam,atthememoryofOlivia’sterrifiedstare.Hestillcouldn’tbelievehowwellthingshadworkedoutforhim.Whowouldhavethoughthe’dcomeacrossacarwreckcompletewithayoungwomanoftherightageandtypeforhisneeds?Butthenthesheriffhadstartedaninvestigationandspoiledeverything.
ItwasjustaswellhecouldoutsmartSheriffAltonandhadplannedeachmoveaheadoftime.He’dpurposelynottouchedEllaandthedrughe’dgivenhermadeherlooklikeshe’dlosthermind.Shewasthelastpersontoseethreemissingpeoplealiveandshouldbethesheriff’snumberonesuspectbutno,Altonwashuntingforamythicalaxman.WhereEllahadgottentheaxideafromhecouldn’timaginebecausehe’dhitSkywithawrench.
JennaAlton’sinterferenceinhisbusinessmadehisbloodboilandhewishedhehadtheopportunitytotakeheroutoftheequation.Overthelasttwodaysthethoughtofseeingherdrugged,helplessandathismercyhadbecomeafantasy.TheideaoffeedingAltonintothemachineandhearingthesatisfyingcrunchasitgroundherbonesintomushmadehimsmile.Hewouldsendherinalive,maybetiedupandgagged.Thesightofhermovingslowlyintothegapingmawofthemachinefilledhismindwithvividimages.He’denjoyedwatchingthemachineworkitsmagicmanytimessincehe’dcreatedtheillusionofahospitalward.Theclinicalset-uphadbeenpuregenius.Itwaslaughablehowcalm
FORTY-FOUR
SnowhitthewindshieldinablindingsheetbythetimeKanepulledupoutsidethePauls’residenceandmadeadashtothefrontdoorwithJennaclosebehindhim.Sky’smotheropenedthedoorwithahopefulexpressionandKanegaveashakeofhishead.“I’msorry,nonewsaboutSkyorDougbutwehaveeveryavailablepersonworkingonfindingthem.”
“WecametospeakwithEllaifshe’shome.”JennagaveMrs.Paulacompassionatesmile.“Wehopedshemightbefeelingalittlebettertoday.”
“She’skindofstunned,verydepressedandwe’vecontactedthemilitarytotryandhaveherbrothersenthomeforChristmasoncompassionategrounds.”Mrs.Paulstoodtooneside.“Youcantrytalkingtoher,butI’veaskedherwhathappenedandsheseemsveryvague.”
KanefollowedJennainsidethewarmhouse.AtMrs.Paul’sinsistence,theyshuckedtheircoatsandfollowedherintoamodernkitchencompletewithgranitebenchtopsandaluminumappliances.Heinhaledthesmellsofwoodsmoke,cinnamonandfreshlybrewedcoffeeandtookanofferedseatatacenterislandbesideJenna.
“I’llgogether.”Mrs.Paulmadeherwaybackdownthehallway.
SometimelaterEllaappearedatthedoorway,lookingpale,withdarkcirclesunderhereyes.Shegavehimaworriedstare,thenmovedwithobviousreluctancetotakeaseatopposite.Kaneclearedhisthroatandtookouthisnotebookandpen.“Ihopeyou’refeelingbetternow?”
“Notreally.”Ellagavehimasullenlook.“Ifeellikesomeoneismessingwithmyhead.”
“Really?”Kaneleanedonthecounter.“Howso?”
“Ikeephavingnightmares,likewhenI’mawake.”Ellapushedbothhandsthroughheruntidyhair.“DifferentversionswiththenightthemanhitSkyandwhenwesawthewreck.”
Kanemadeafewnotes.Oftenmakingasuspectbelievehewasnotingeverywordtheyutteredcalmedthemandencouragedthemtospeak.Heliftedhisgaze.“Whatcanyourememberbeforeseeingthewreck?”
ElladescribedherdiscussionwithDougaboutgoingtosearchforSky,thenleavingandheadingtowardBlackwater.Kaneheldupahandtostophertalking.“Thinkback;you’redrivingthroughtownandturningontothehighway.Didyounoticeanysigns?”
“Signs,whatkindofsigns?”Ellafrowned.“Youmeanstreetsignsorstopsigns?”
Kaneshookhishead.“Nope,whataboutaroadclosuresignwithflashinglightshalfwayacrosstheaccesstothehighway?”
Hewatchedhercloselyassheconsideredhisquestion.TheDepartmentofTransporthaderectedthesignclosetomidnight.“WhattimedidyouleavewithDougtosearchforSky?”
“Itwasgoingoneleven.”Ellawrappedherarmsaroundherstomachandrockedbackandforth.“IremembergoingtomeetaguynamedJim.ImethimonFacebook,hesaidhewasamedicalstudentbutwhenIwenttolookforhimagain,hispagehadvanished.Allourmessagesaregoneaswell,asifhedidn’texist.”
KaneexchangedameaningfullookwithJenna.“IfhekidnappedDougandOlivia,she’sthegirlmissingfromthewreck;it’slikelyhedeletedhisaccount.”HemetElla’sgaze.“Takeitslowandtrytorememberwhathappened.DidyoumeetJimonthehighway?”
“Irememberseeinghiswhitepickuponthesideoftheroadandhisheadlightswereallcloudy,liketherewassmokeintheairaroundhimorcloseby.”Ellaclosedhereyes.“IrememberDougaskingmewhatJimlookedlikebutwhenJimgotoutofhispickup,hewrappedascarfaroundhisface.”Hereyessprangopen.“Hewaswearingacowboyhatoverahoodie.”
Kanemadenotes,thensmiledather.“That’sgood.Howbigwashe?Couldhehavebeenthemanwhochasedyou?”
“Maybe,butitwasdifficulttosaywiththehatandall.”Sheshudderedandgrippedtheedgeofthecounter.“WhenDougdroveabitcloser,theheadlightspickedupthewreckandthatpoorwomanhangingoutthewindshield.”
“Wasthedoortothewreckopen?”Jennaleanedforwardonthecounter.“Didyouseethepassenger?”
“Yeah,leaningbackintheseatwithblanketstuckedinaroundher.”Ella’seyesbrightened.“Isawhermoveherhead.DouggotoutandhelpedJimcarryherintothebackofhispickup.”
Kanefrowned.“Inthecargobedorinthebackseat?Didithavefourdoorsortwo?Tellmeexactlywhatyousaw,stepbystep.”
“TheycarriedthewomantoJim’spickup.Itwasbig,fourdoors,itlookedlikemybrother’swithabiggrilleatthefrontsomaybeaGMC.Dougslidinsidethebackseatcarryingthewoman’sshouldersandJimheldthelegs.ThenJimshutthedoorandwentaroundtheotherside,openedthedoorandbentintotalktoDoug,thenhecametospeaktome.”
“Youdidn’tgotohelp?”Kanelookedatherandsheshookherhead.
“No,Dougtoldmetostayinhistruckwiththeshotgunincaseanythingwentwrong.”Ellaswallowedhard,thenshookherhead.“IrememberJimopeningthedoortospeaktome,thenthenextthingIrememberiswakingupwrappedinDoug’sthermalblanketsandseeingthewreck.Iwasfreezing.I’mnotsurehowIsurvived.”Shemadeasobbingsound.“Thenyouarrived.That’sall.”
WhenJenna’scellphonesignaledamessage,Kanewaitedforhertoglanceatthescreen.TheywereexpectinganupdatefromRowley.ShegavehimaslightnodandheturnedhisattentionbacktoElla.“DoyouknowamanbythenameofLeviHolt?”
“No.”Ellagavehimalong,confusedlook.“YouknowI’mnotfromtheseparts.HowwouldIknowanyonefromhere?”
Surprised,Kaneleanedbackinthechair.“Ididn’tmentionhewasfromhere.HeisoutofBlackwater.”
“Istilldon’tknowhim.”EllagaveJennaadesperatelook.“I’mdoingmybesttoremember.”
“You’redoinggreat.”Jennasmiledather.“Thebloodwetookfromyouisbeingtested.WebelieveJimmayhaveinjectedyouwithadrugthatcausestemporaryamnesia.Thefactyourememberwhathappenednowmakesmebelievethisiswhathappened.”Shesighed.“WhatIdon’tunderstandiswhyhetooktheothersandnotyou.Doyouknowwhy?”
“Nobutrightnow,Iwishhehadtakenmeaswell.”TearsstreameddownElla’scheeks.“IseethewaypeoplelookatmeasifIdidsomethingwrong.SureIarguedwithSkyattheroadhousebutwemadeupinthecarbeforethatassholehitherwiththeax—”ShelookedatKane.“—hatchetorwhatever,butIwouldneverhurtherorDoug.IcaredforDoug.Skyandmearelikesisters.”
Kanescribbledinhisnotebook.“Yetthisisthefirsttimeyoucameforavacationhere?”
“YeahbutIsharearoomwithSkyatschool.”Ellawipedhereyesonatissue.“Isthatall?”
AtasignalfromJenna,Kaneclosedhisnotebook.“Okay,Ithinkthat’senoughfortoday.”
“Thankyouforyourcooperation.”JennastoodandsmiledatElla.“We’llletyouknowtheresultsofthebloodtestandIcanassureyouwe’redoingeverythingpossibletofindSkyandDoug.”
Outsideinhistruck,KanestaredatthemessagefromRowleyonJenna’scellphone.
Holt’sstoryismuchthesameasEllaTate’s.Checkedhiswhereaboutsatthetimeofthedisappearancesandhehassoundalibis.Willobtainstatementandemail.JeffKnoxlivesinroomtwenty-sixattheBlackwaterMotel.
Kanehandedbackthephone,thenstartedtheengineandturnedtoJenna.“ThatrulesHoltoutofanyinvolvementinthekidnappingsandIhaveatheorywhytheAxmanleftEllabehind.Heisconvincedheisintheclearbutisconcernedaboutourinvestigation.Ifigurehebelievesifwecatchhim,anunstableyoungwomanwithconvenientmemorylosswouldcreatereasonabledoubtathistrial.”
“He’sasslipperyasaneelandtryingtooutsmartus.”Jennasighed.“Andrightnowhe’sdoingagreatjob.”
FORTY-FIVE
Aftermakingafewenquiries,RowleydrovetothenewbakeryownedbyTyAitkenandtohisrelieffoundthestoreopen.HeturnedtoWebber.“Youdon’tseemanystoreslikethisanymore.It’slikeAuntBetty’sCafé.Theymakeeverythingfreshonsiteandit’snotfromafactorylikemoststoresaroundhere.Thesmelloffresh-bakedbreadremindsmeofmygrandma.”
“Minetoo.She’dbakeherownbreadandspreaditthickwithbutter.”Webbersmackedhislips.“Nothingbetter.”Hescannedhisnotes.“SothisguyissupposedtohaveseenKnoxcarryingawomanintohismotelroom.Thisinitselfdoesn’tmakehimtheAxman.”
Rowleyshrugged.“Ifthesheriffwantshiminterviewed,shehasanangle.KnoxhaspriorsandifthewomanfitsthedescriptionofSkyPaul,hecouldbeasuspect.Rightnow,we’rejusttreadingwater.Wedon’thaveashredofevidenceandnosuspects.”
“Okay,IguessweseewhatAitkenhastosay.”Webberslappedhishatonhisheadandclimbedoutofthecruiser.
Rowleysteppedoveramoundofgrayingsnowlitteredwithcandywrappersandfollowedhimintothestore.Thebellchimesurprisedhim.Itwasasifhe’dwalkedintothe1950s.Theyoungwomanatthecountersmiledatthem.“I’mafraidwedon’thavemuchtoofferyoudeputies.Folkshavebeencominginallday.”
Rowleyglancedattheremainingcakes,cookiesandbreadinsideaglasscabinetandsmiledather.“We’relookingforTyAitken.Ishehere?”
“Iam.”Amaninhisearlyfortiesstrolledoutfromthebackwipinghishandsonaflour-coveredapron.“WhatcanIdoforyou?”
RowleyintroducedhimselfandWebber.“WeheardviaaninformantthatyouwitnessedJeffKnoxcarryingawomanintohismotelroomonFridayoflastweek.”Hepulledouthisnotebookandpen.“Isthistrue?”
“Comeoutback.”Aitkenmotionedforthemtofollowhim.“I’lltellyouwhatIknow.”
Theyfollowedhimintoaroomsettoonesideofthehugeovensandpreparationareas.Ithadatableandchairsinthecenter.Acoupleoflockersagainstonewallandacounterwithasink.Cupshungonhooksbesideacoffeemachineandarefrigeratorhummedinonecorner.RowleytookaseatbutWebberstoodbythedoorandleanedoneshoulderagainstthewall.Rowleyopenedhisnotebook.“Okay,whatdidyousee?”
“I’musuallyherebetweenthehoursoftenandfiveovernight.I’monlyherenowbecausewereceivedaspecialorder.”Aitkenrolledhisshoulderswearily.“ThatnightI’dmixedthedoughandsetittorise,thenwenttofindtheorderbook.IrememberedIhadanorderforabirthdaycakebutI’dleftthedetailsathome.Mywifehandlesthatsideofthebusinessanditwastoolatetocallher,soIwenthome.Onthewayback—”
Rowleyheldupahand.“Whattimewasthis?”
“Closetothree.”Aitkenrubbedhischin.“Isawhimasplainasday.JeffKnoxwascarryingayoungwomanwithblondehairoveroneshoulderfromthebackseatofhisvehicletothemotelroom.Shewasmoving,likewriggling,butnotscreaming.”Hefrowned.“IknowKnoxisalowlife,soIturnedoffmyheadlightsandcruisedtothecurb.Icouldseeclearintotheroom.Hedroppedherontothebed.Shewasn’tprotesting,soIfiguredshewantedtobethereandIdroveoff.”
“AreyouawareofthepeoplemissingbetweenhereandBlackRockFalls?”Webberstraightened.“It’sbeenalloverthenews.”
“ThehoursIwork,Idon’tcatchthenews.”Aitkenfrowned.“Whowentmissing?”
Rowleylookedupfromhisnotes.“AyoungwomanbythenameofSkyPaul,blonde,smallbuild,inherearlytwenties.”HenotedAitken’sastonishedexpression.“WebelieveamankidnappedheronthatFridaynightaroundmidnight.”
“DoyourecallwhatvehicleKnoxwasdriving?”WebberleanedbothhandsonthetableandstaredatAitken.“Youmayhavewitnessedacrime.”
“Holyshit!Idon’trecallthemake,andundertheflashinglightsonthesignoverthemotel,I’mnotsureofthecolor.Asilver,maybe,orwhitevan.”AitkenmetRowley’seyes.“Doyoufigurehe’skilledher?”
Rowleyleanedbackinhischair.“We’llneedmoreevidencebeforewecometoanyconclusion.Thesheriffwilllikelyapplyforawarranttosearchhismotelroom.I’llneedyoutowriteastatementaboutwhatyouwitnessed.Canyoudothatforme,Mr.Aitken?”
“Sure.”Aitken,visiblyshaken,pushedtohisfeet.“Ineedcoffeefirst.”Hewenttothecounterandpulleddownthreecups.“I’mdeadonmyfeet.”
“Okay,wecanwait.”WebberflickedaglanceatRowley.“I’llgogetastatementbookfromthetruck.”
Sometimelater,withthestatementcompleted,Rowleyledthewaytohiscruiserwithapapersackofcakesandcookiestuckedunderonearm.Heglancedathiswatch.Itwasclosetofiveandtheweatherwasclosingin.Heslidbehindthewheel.“IhopewemakeitthroughtoBlackRockFalls.You’dbettercallthesheriffwithanupdate.”
“Onething.”Webberpeeredintotheloadedbagofgoodies.“Wewon’tstarve.”Hepulledouthiscellphoneandcalledthesheriff.“Ma’am,itlookslikewehaveasuspect.”
FORTY-SIXSUNDAY,WEEKTWO
SundaymorningarrivedandJennafeltasifshemightaswellbeatherheadagainstabrickwall.Itseemedthateverytimeshehadgottenaheadinthecase,somethinghappenedtoslowdowntheinvestigation.AsKnoxwasconsideredaresidentoftheBlackwaterMotel,shewouldneedmorethantheowner’spermissiontosearchhisroom.ToavoidanyissuesiftheyprovedKnoxwasinvolvedandthecasewenttocourt,sheneededtoobtainasearchwarrantissuedbytheBlackwaterjudge.ShewouldbeoutofherjurisdictioninBlackwaterbutwouldn’thaveaproblemseekingassistancefromtheBlackwaterSheriff’sDepartment.
AfteremailingthepaperworktotheBlackwaterjudge,he’drefusedtoissueasearchwarrantonwhathetermedashearsayandrequestedmoreinformationonKnox.Ithadbeenpointlesstoarguewithhimandshe’dsettoworksearchingtheBlackwaterdatabases.Shehadn’taskedforKane’shelpbuthehadworkedbesideherwellintothenighthuntingdowninformationonthehitchhikerrapecaseandtwocasesofviolenceagainstwomenthenpresentingitinaniceconcisefileforJudgeEaton.Nowtheyhadprobablecausebutshewasn’tsureitwouldbeenough.JudgeEatonwasbeingdifficultandtomakethingsworsetheywouldhavetowaitforhimtoreturnhomefromchurchbeforespeakingwithhimagain.
TheywereontheirwaytoWolfe’shousetocollecthisgirlsandtakethembacktotheranch.BythetimeWolfehadcompletedtheautopsyonMrs.Palmer,theycoulddropthegirlsbackhomethenapproachthejudgeagainwiththenewevidence.Sundaywouldbeawashout.IfthejudgeagreedtoissuethewarrantonaSunday,theywouldhavetoconvincetheBlackwatersherifftosendoneofhisdeputiestoassistinthesearchthentrytogetthroughtheheavyovernightsnowfalltoreachBlackwater.Boneweary,shegroanedsoftlybutthesoundcaughtKane’sattention.
“Areyouokay?”Kane’seyeshadnotlefttheice-coveredroadbuthegaveherarmasqueeze.“OramIgivingyouthesilenttreatmentagain?”Heglancedatherthenmovedhisattentionbacktothehighway.
Jennaturnedinherseat.Theblindingwinterlightpickedoutthesharplinesofhisface.Hewasthinnernow,withoutoneounceofsparefat,andcarriedahauntedlookinhiseyesthatmadeherhearttwist.“It’snotyou,it’sthedelayinthesearchwarrant,althoughIwishyou’dtalktomeratherthankeepwhat’seatingatyoubottledupinside.WehadgottentobeclosefriendsbeforeyourheadinjuryandImissthat.”
“Iremember.”Kaneletoutalongsigh.“Iwantthatback,Jenna,butI’msodarnangryrightnow.”
Concerned,Jennafrowned.“Angryatme?”
“Notyou.”Kanebarkedalaugh.“You’reamazingtoputupwithme.IknowI’vebeenapaininthebutttheselastcoupleofmonths.”Heswallowed.“It’snotbeingabletojoinamissiontotakeoutthemanwhokilledAnniethat’seatingmeupinside.”
Jennabitherbottomlip.Herarelymentionedhiswife’sname.Anniediedinacarbombingbyaterroristgroupinhisotherlifeasaspecialagent.HehadbeentheobvioustargetandAnniewascollateraldamage.“Therewillbenomission.Don’tyouremember?WolfetoldyouPOTUSgavetheinvestigationtopprioritybuttheterroristswerelikeghosts.Iftheyfindanyleads,anythingatall,they’llhandleitandyou’llbenotified.”
“That’snottheproblem.”Kane’shandstightenedonthesteeringwheelandJennacouldhearhisleatherglovescreak.“Becausemymemoryofthedaysbeforethebombingaresoclearnow,I’mconvinceditwasn’taterroristgroupatall.”
Astounded,Jennasuckedinadeepbreath.“Thenwhowouldwantyoudead?”
“Someoneontheinside,closetome.”Kane’smouthturneddown.“SomeoneItrusted.”Helookedatherandshecouldseethecoldcalculatinggovernmentassassinlookingbackather.“IfigurePOTUShadhissuspicionsaswell,that’swhyI’mherewithyou.Ifthereisadoubleagentthey’llfigureI’mdead.”
ThereasonsbehindKaneandWolfe’sarrivalinBlackRockFallstojointhesheriff’sdepartmentslidintoplace.She’dleftDEAAgentAvrilParkerbehindandbecomeJennaAlton.Inwitnessprotectionwithanewface,sheassumedKaneandWolfehadarrivedtoprotectherbutshewaswrong.POTUSwantedKanesurroundedbypeoplehecouldtrustbecausehesuspectedadoubleagentwastryingtokillhim.Perturbedbytheimplications,sheleanedbackinherseatandstaredoutatthemilesoffrozensceneryconsideringtheoptions.Aftergivingtheproblemsomethought,sheturnedbacktoKane.“WhatcanIdotohelp?”
“Nothing.”Kanetappedhisheadwithonefinger.“It’sallinhereinbitsandpieces.Ijustneedtimetofititalltogether.I’mreplayingconversationsinmyheadandtryingtofigureoutwhatdoesn’taddup.”Hesnorted.“It’snotgoingtohappenanytimesoon,Jenna,itcouldtakemonthsandI’llneedWolfetorundownsomeinformationformeasIgo,butoneofthesedaysI’llfindthetraitorandmakehimpay.”
Jennasqueezedhisshoulder.“We’llmakehimpay,Kane.You’renotalonenow.”
“Iknow.”Kanepulledupatthesideoftheroadandturnedtolookather.“You’reanincrediblefriend—infactthemosttolerantandpatientwomanI’veknown.I’vegiventhisalotofthoughtandI’dreallyliketogobacktoourmovienightsanddinnerdates,ifthat’sokaywithyou.”
“Dates,huh?”Jennapokedhiminthearmtoseeiftheicemanhadfinallythawed.“Youmeanthat?Becauseyou’vemadeitquiteclearyou’restillinlovewithyourwife.”
“Yeah,Imeanit.”Kanegaveheraslowsmile.“IrememberhowitwasbetweenusbeforetheheadinjuryscrambledmybrainsandIthinkwe’regoodforeachother.”
Feelinglikeshewassixteenagain,Jennamethisgazeandnodded.“Babystepsthen?”
“Yeah.”Hetouchedherface.“Babysteps.”
WhentheyarrivedatWolfe’shouse,JulieandAnnaWolferushedoutthedoortogreetthem,chatteringsofastJennaburstintolaughter.SheturnedtoseeKaneswingAnnaontohisbackandstridethroughtheyardtotakealookatthesnowmanthegirlshadbuiltearlierintheweek.SheturnedtoanswerJulie’sstreamofquestions.“Yes,youcanrideLady;sheiswellnamed,butonlyupanddownmydriveway.Yourdadhasgivenusstrictinstructionsnottoallowyouoffmyland.”
“Annawon’tbeabletorideDave’shorse,it’swaytoobig.”Juliefrowned.“Maybeshecanridewithme?”
“Annaisridingwithme.”Kaneloomedupbehindthemgrinninglikeababoon.“AftertherideyougettoeatJenna’scookies.”
“Nottoomuchsugar.”Wolfeappearedinthedoorwaysmiling.“Ihavetolivewiththemandthisbehavior,rightnow,isnormal.”
JennafollowedeveryoneinsideandKanewentbacktohistrucktograbDr.Weaver’scomputerforWolfetoexamine.Whenthegirlstookofftocollecttheirthings,sheturnedtoWolfeanddroppedhervoicetoawhisper.“TryandmaketimeoverthenextcoupleofdaystospeakwithDave.Ican’tgiveyouanydetailsbutheneedstospeakwithsomeoneinconfidence.”
“Sure.”Wolfefrownedandhiseyesshowedconcern.“Areyouworriedabouthishead?”
Jennashookherhead.“It’snothisinjuries,it’ssomethingelse.”
ThefrontdooropenedandKanecameincarryingthecomputer.
“Wheredoyouwantthis?”KanelookedatWolfe.
“Inmyworkroom.”Wolfeledhimawaydownthehallwayandintoaroom.
“Hi,Jenna.”Emilystrolledtowardthemandgaveherahug.“Howareyoufeeling?”
“I’mgreat.”Jennalaughed.“I’dbebetterifIcouldsolvethiscase;it’skeepingmeawakeatnight.”
“DadwillhavesomeanswersforyouinacoupleofhoursandhementionedthebloodtestonEllaTateshouldbeinbynowaswell.”Emilypushedherlongblondehairoveroneshoulder.“Ididn’tgetthefeelingEllawasinvolvedinSky’sdisappearance.Sheseemedgenuinetome.YouknowwhatImean,stunnedandabitdisorientated.I’vestudiedvarioustypesofbehaviorandsheactslikeavictimoftrauma.”
Overthepastcoupleofmonths,JennahadcometoappreciateEmily’sfriendshipandtheirdiscussionsoncrime.Shenodded.“Yeah,butakillercanactexactlythesameaswell,especiallyafteracrimeofpassion.I’mnottalkingpsychopath,theycanfoolthebestofus,butmostnormalpeoplewhokillforwhateverreasonareinshockandtraumatizedtosomedegree.”
“SoIshouldneverjumptothefirstconclusion?”Emilysighed.“It’smoredifficultthanIimagined.”
“Notreally.”Kanestrolledupbehindthemasquietasamouse.“Oftenyourgutinstinctwillhelp,andasyougoalongyourintuitionandabilitytoreadapersongetsstronger.Youaredoingjustfine.Learnalltheanglesandeverythingwillfallintoplace.”
Jennaturnedasthegirlscameboundingbackdownthepassagewaybundledupincoats,hatsandgloves.“Iseeyou’rereadytogo.”SheturnedbackasWolfestrolledtowardher.“Givemeacallwhenyou’redoneandwe’llbringthemhome.Ifweobtainasearchwarrantwe’reheadingouttointerviewKnoxinBlackwater.”
“Ifyou’redoingaforensicsweepoftheroom,trytoobtainaDNAsamplefromKnoxaswell.I’llgetafullforensicskittogetherandyoucanpickitupwhenyoudropthegirlshome.”Wolferubbedhischin.“Findoutwhentheroomwascleanedlast;ifheisaresident,itmighthavebeenawhile.Wemayhitpaydirt.”
“That’sagreatidea.”Jennaturnedtogo.“Comeon,girls,thehorsesarewaiting.”
FORTY-SEVEN
Underthesedation,Oliviafoughttostayawake.Grippedinfear,sheshookherhead,willingherdroopingeyelidstoremainopen.Atrembleofterrorshudderedthroughherandtheadrenalinecoursingthroughherveinsbroughtherawake.ShegulpedinhugedeepbreathsandturnedherheadtolookatDouginthenextbed.Hispalefacerestedpeacefullyonthestarkwhitepillow.Alargebruiseextendedfromtempletocheek.Hehadtubesattachedallover,includingonecomingfromhismouth.Themachinebesidehisbedmadeabreathingsoundandshebitbackasob.Thecrazypeopleherehadputhimonaventilator,whichcouldonlymeanhecouldnolongerbreatheonhisown.Thememoryoftheirattemptedescapedriftedintohermindinpieces.SherememberedfindingtheexitoutofthishellholeandDougliftinghishandstofight.OhLord,JimhadrammedhimwiththegurneythenhithimwithsomethingheavyandDoughadcollapsedinaheaponthefloor.
Panicgrippedheratthesoundofvoicesfromthehallway.Shekickedherlegs,wantingtorunaway,buttherestraintsheldherfirmlyinplace.Shetookafewsteadyingbreaths,thenshuthereyes,leavingthemopenaslittopeeroutunderherlashes.TheonlywayshehadachanceofdiscoveringJim’splanswouldbetopretendtobeasleepandlisten.Themachinehadpickedupherracingheartbeatandshewilledherbodytorelax.ThedoorsswungopenandJimandthenursestrolledinside.
“Whyisherheartbeatsofast?”Jimcameclosetothebedandshecouldsmellhim.“Whatdoesthatmean?”
“Youkeepherdruggedallthetime,herbloodpressureiswaytoolowandshe’sdyingofstarvation.”Thenurseplacedanoxygenmaskoverherface.“Howmuchlongerareyouplanningonkeepingher?”
“Notlong.”Jimclearedhisthroat.“AlthoughIwouldliketokeepherabitlonger.”
“She’lldiesoon.”Thenursewentaboutadjustingdrips.“I’mturningoffthemedsforawhile.Herorganswillstarttodeteriorate,thenshe’llbenousetoanyone.”HemovedtoDoug’sbedsideandJimfollowed.“Areyoureallywillingtorisklosingallthoseorders?”
“Herorganswillbefine.”Jimsnorted.“Aslongasherheartispumping,sheisviableasadonor.”HeleanedoverDoug.“Thisoneisgonnamakemeafortune.”
Whatdidhesay?I’mnotanorgandonor.Horrified,Oliviaclampedherjawshutinaneffortnottoscream.Tremblingwitheffort,shekeptherbreathingslowandsteady.Oh,dearGod,they’regoingtoharvestmyorgans.
“Doug’ssurgerywillbescheduledonTuesdayandwe’lldoOliviawhenIcanconfirmtheorders.”Jim’svoicebecamesullen.“DamncopsareeverywhereandIcan’triskbringin’anynewsubjectshereforawhile.Withthemediahypeeveryoneintownisundersuspicion,sowe’llhavetolaylowuntilthemelt.”Heheadedforthedoor.“WhenOlivialeaves,Iwantthisplaceemptiedandbleachedfromtoptobottom.Theyhavenothin’onusandI’mnotplannin’onthemfindin’anythin’shouldtheygetitintotheirheadstosearchmypremises.”
Asthefootstepsfaded,Oliviatoreatherrestraintsuntilherbandagedwristsbled.Shethumpedherheadonthepillowandscreameduntilshewashoarse.ThedoortotheroomopenedandJimstrolledinsideandstaredather.Sheswallowedthefearandscowledathim.
“What’swrong,Olivia?”Hemovedcloserandgrinned.“Justfoundoutwe’regonnacutoutyourkidneyswithoutanesthetic?”
Angerragedthroughher.Shewhippedherheadaround,liftinghershouldersoffthebed.“Youmurderingson-of-a-bitch.”Shespatathimandwatchedthespittlerundownthefrontofhishospitalscrubs.
“There’snothin’youcando,Olivia.”Jim’seyeshadturnedintodarkslits.“I’llenjoywatchin’youtakenapartpiecebypiece,thenIgettohavemyfun.”Hechuckled.“Spitatmeallyoulike.I’mnotplannin’onkillin’youyet.Youhaveatleastanotherdaytoenjoymycompanybutit’scomingsoon,Olivia.Ihaveabuyerforjustaboutallofyou.You’reworthyourweightingold.”
Shakingwithterroranddisgust,Oliviaglaredathim.“Ihopeyourotinhell.”
“Darlin’—”Jimswaggeredtothedoor.“—I’malreadythere.”
FORTY-EIGHT
JennahandedAnnauptoKaneandhetuckedthegirlagainsthischestandsmileddownather.“Becareful.Areyousureyoushouldberidingbarebackwithher?”
“Yeah.”KaneheldAnnaaroundthewaistandclickedhistongue.“Seeyouinalittlewhile.”HishorsemovedoffdownthedirtroadwithJulieridingLadybyhisside.
ThecellphoneinJenna’spocketchimedandshehurriedupthefrontstepsandintothewarmthofherhouse.Thecookiesintheovenfilledthehousewithacomfortingaromaandsheacceptedthecallandwalkedintothekitchen.“SheriffAlton.”
“Oh,thisisDaisyLarsoutattheTwoTreesRanch.MyhusbandStancalledmebeforeandmentionedseein’thelocaltowtruckdriver,ChuckBurns,headin’throughtownlastFridaynightaroundonewithayellowcarhitchedtohistruck.AsthemanontheTVinsistedanyinformationwasconfidential,IdecidedtocallasStanwon’tbebackintownforafewdaysyet,beenheldupwiththeweatherinHelena.”
Jennagrabbedapenandnotepadfrombesidethelandlineandmadenotes.“Howcomehedidn’tcallyoubefore?”
“Hedidn’tknowaboutthemissin’peopleuntilImentionedit.He’sbeenontheroadforaweeknow.HedrivesatruckforMackenzie.”Daisyclearedherthroat.“Iwastellin’himhownobody’ssafearoundhereanymoreandherememberedseein’thecar.”
“Iunderstand.DoyouhaveanumberwhereIcanreachyourhusband,Mrs.Lars,andyourcontactdetailsaswell?”
Mrs.LarsrelatedtheinformationandJennatookitdown.“DoyouknowChuckBurns?”
“Heisn’tthetypeofpersonwewouldassociatewith,Sheriff.Iknowheownsthejunkyardintown.”Mrs.Larsdrewadeepbreathandhesitatedasifnotsuretocontinue.“I’mnotsureIshouldsayanythingmore,Idon’twanthimshowinguponmydoorstepallriledup.”
Jennawouldhavegivenamonth’spaytofindoutthegossiponChuckBurns.Therewasnowayshewaslettingthisgo.“Whatthemediaissayingiscorrect.Ipromiseyournamewillnevercomeup.Inanyreports,I’llrefertoyouasmyCI.That’showwerefertoaconfidentialinformant.”
“Okay.”Mrs.Lars’svoicebecamelowandconspiratorial.“Iheartellheisanambulancechaser,youknow,outcruisin’thestreetslookingforanaccident.HisstoresellsrecycledpartsliketheoneownedbySawyeroutonthehighwaybutIdon’tfigureheworriestoomuchaboutwheretheycamefrom,ifyouknowwhatImean?”
“Yeah,Iunderstand.”Jennaleanedagainstthekitchencounter;KaneandRowleyhadvisitedbothjunkyardsandfoundzip.“Areyousayingheisrunningachopshop?Becausemydeputiessearchedhisjunkyardlastweekandeverythingseemedtobeinorder.”
“Hisjunkyardisbesideanoldgarage,theonethatstillhasthe1940’sgaspumpsoutfront.”Mrs.Lars’excitementcamethroughtheearpiece.“Burnsownstheentireblockofbuildings.StantoldmeheoftenseesBurnswavingvehiclesthroughtheoldrustydoorsofthegaragelateatnight.Strange,seeingtheplacehasbeenclosedforfiftyyearsormore.”
Jennapumpedtheair,peninhand,thengrinned.“Thankyou,Mrs.Lars,you’vebeenveryhelpful.We’llcontactyouifweneedanymoreinformation.”
“Notroubleatall.”Thelinewentdead.
Afterlettingoutawhoopofexcitement,JennarandownthepassagewayandtookaquicklookoutthefrontwindowtocheckonKaneandthegirls.Kanehadeverythingundercontrolandwasmovingslowlyalongthedirtroad,holdingfirmlyontoAnnaandchattingtoJulie.Sheturnedandmadeherwaytoheroffice,whereshehadalistoftheownersofthepropertiesinhercounty.SincearrivinginBlackRockFalls,she’ddiscoveredlocalgossipcouldbeagoldmineofinformation.Slidingintotheseatatherdesk,shelocatedthefileonhercomputerandscannedthepages.Sureenough,ChuckBurnsownedthejunkyard,theadjoiningproperty,listedasaderelictgasstation,andanotherbuildingcurrentlyusedforstoragebytheowner.IfChuckBurnswasinvolvedinachopshoplikeMrs.Larshadintimatedhemighthaveacriminalrecord.
Sheaccessedthelocaldatabanksandsoonfoundhehadpriors.He’dspentjailtimeforkidnappinginWyomingandreceivedafinefordealinginstolenproperty.Shemadeupafileandwouldpresentittothejudgefirstthinginthemorningtoobtainasearchwarrantofhisproperties.Althoughthejunkyardwouldn’tbeopenonSundays,awildsparkofurgencymadeherwanttoheadoutrightawaytoseeiftheoldgaragehadanywindowstheycouldpeerintotoseeifSky’svehiclewasinside.Shetookadeepbreathtogetbackontrack.Rightnow,herproofagainstBurnswashearsayandshehadtoconcentrateonobtainingevidenceagainstKnox.
AsJeffKnoxwastheirmainsuspect,sheneededeverythingshecouldfindtoinducetheBlackwaterjudgetoissueasearchwarrantforhismotelroom.Shewasn’tconvincedthechargesofassaultthey’dfoundwouldbeenoughtoswayajudgefromadifferentcounty,especiallyashehadrefusedherfirstrequest.AfterenteringKnox’snameinthestatewidedatabaseresultsfilledherscreen.Shegapedinastonishment.TheDAinDeepValleyCountyhadalsochargedhimwithrapingahitchhiker.JustlikethecaseinBlackwater,itneverwenttotrial.Twofortwo.Shechewedonherbottomlipwonderinghowcometwowomenhadhimchargedwithrapethendroppedthecharges.Hadhethreatenedthem?Sheneededtospeakwiththevictimstofindoutwhytheyrefusedtogiveevidence.
Sheenteredthewomen’snamesintothesearchengineandswallowedhard.Bothwomenhadmissingperson’sfiles.ItwasiftheyhaddrivenintotheBermudatriangleandvanishedjustlikeherthreemissingpersons.SheaddedalltheinformationtothefileandemailedittoJudgeEatoninBlackwater.Surely,nowshewouldhaveenoughprobablecause
Thenoiseofsomeonebangingonherfrontdoorandthesoundofthetwogirlscallinghername,Jennaclosedthefilesandheadedforthedoor.Thegirls,withrosycheeksandexcitedchatter,metherassheopenedthedoor.“Comeinsideinthewarm.”Shehelpedthemwiththeircoatsandhungthemonthepegsbesidethefrontdoor.“IhavecookiesinthekitchenandDavesaysImakethebesthotchocolateintown.”
“He’stakingcareofthehorses.”Annabeamedupatherastheymadetheirwaytothekitchen.“Hesaidweshouldbehelpinghimbecausethat’showyousaythankstoahorseforridingitbuthesaidhewouldthankthemforusbecausewewereshivering.”
Jennaglancedattheclockandfrowned.Thetimehadflown.“Nowonderyou’recold,you’vebeenoutthereforanhour.”
ShehadthemsettledinfrontofthefirewatchingTVbythetimeKanewalkedinthefrontdoor,removedhiscoatandkickedoffhissnow-coveredboots.Shetookhimintothekitchenandbroughthimuptodate.“I’veemailedthefiletoJudgeEaton.NowIguesswewaituntilafterlunchtocallhim.”
“Yeah,Ifigurewegivehimplentyoftimetoreadthefile.”Kanenibbledatacookie.“Wolfeshouldbecallingsoon.Wecoulddropthegirlshomeanddoadrive-byofChuckBurns’junkyard.Idoubtitwillbeopentodaybutifitis,wecouldmakesomeexcusetohavealookaroundandseeifhehasayellowcarinthere.”
Jennareachedforacookie.“Aslowdrive-by,maybe.Idon’twanttospookhim.Ifhethinkswe’reontohim,he’lldestroyanyevidence.”Shesighed.“I’dratherwaituntilwehaveasearchwarrant.”
“Thatsoundslikeaplan.WecoulddropbyAuntBetty’sforlunch.ItwillgivemetimetoreadovertheinfoyouhaveonKnox.”
Jennagrinnedathim.“Yourtankisalwaysempty.Areyouevernothungry?”
“It’sthelonghours.”Kanereachedforanothercookie.“Ineedalotoffueltokeepupwithyou.”
Jennalaughed.“Okay,we’llwaititoutatAuntBetty’s.ItwillbewarmerthanopeningtheofficeandIdoneedtoeat.I’mexhaustedandthecoldweatherisn’thelping.”Shesighed.“ThethoughtofdrivingtoBlackwaterthisafternoontoexecuteasearchwarrantonapotentialkidnapperisn’tmyideaofaperfectSunday.”
“IhadaballridingwithJulieandAnna.”Kaneturnedhiscuparoundonthetableandsighed.“Iwantedtohavekids.They’reexhaustingbutI’mkindofjealousofWolfe.Iknowhelosthiswifetoobutshelefthimwiththreebeautifuldaughters.”
“Ifigurewe’relucky.”Jennapushedwordsoutoverthelumpinherthroat.“Hehasadoptedusasfamilyandwegettoenjoyhiskidsforacoupleofhoursatatime,thenhandthemback.”Sheshrugged.“Thehoursyouputinonthejob,youwouldn’thavetimeforkids.”
“Iguessnot.”Kanesighed.
Jenna’scellphonechimed.ItwasWolfe
“AutopsyshowedMrs.Palmerdiedinthewreck,nothingsuspicious,andthebloodtestforEllaTatecamebackpositive.Soitseemsshewastellingyouthetruth.Theamountshestillhadinhersystemwouldhaveknockedheroutandmessedwithhermind.”
AwaveofreliefliftedaweightfromJenna’sshoulders.“That’sgoodnews.Areyoufinishedfortheday?”
“Yeah.I’mhomenow.”Heclearedhisthroat.“Anotherthing.DoctorWeaver’scomputerconfirmsshewasmakingherownHLAtypingdatabase.Ifigureweneedtoquestionherabouthermotive.Myguttellsmesheisuptosomething.”
Jennafrowned.“Ihavethesamefeelingbutthekidnappingtakespriorityrightnow.”
“Sure.Havemygirlsbehavedthemselves?”
“Perfectasalwaysandthey’llsleepwelltonight.”JennasmiledatKane.“Theyrodeforaboutanhour.”
“Great.Willyoubeabletodropthemhomenow?Emilyismakinglunch.”Wolfe’svoiceloweredtoawhisper.“I’daskyoutostaybutIwouldn’tadviseit.”
Jennachuckled.“Sure,we’llbethereinhalfanhour.”ShedisconnectedandlookedatKane.“We’regoodtogo.Mrs.Palmer’sdeathwasaccidentalandElla’sbloodtestcamebackpositiveforthedaterapedrugIsuspected.”
“That’sonelessmurdertoinvestigate.”Kanepushedtohisfeet.“I’llgoandgetchangedintouniform;ifthesearchwarrantcomesthroughIguesswe’llbeheadingouttoBlackwater.”HeglanceddownatDukecurledontherug.“DoyoumindifIleavehimhere?He’stuckeredout.”
“Ofcoursenot.”Jennareachedforhercellphone.“I’llgivetheBlackwatersherifftheheads-upwemightneedoneofhisdeputiesthisafternoon.IfthereisanyevidenceatKnox’smotelroom,we’llneedhimthereforanyjurisdictionissues.”
FORTY-NINE
MuchtoJenna’ssurprise,shereceivedacallfromJudgeEatonasshefinishedlunchatAuntBetty’s,toinformherhehadsignedthewarrantandadeputyfromBlackwaterwouldmeetherattheBlackwaterMotelwithinthehour.ShehadspokenatlengthwithWolfeandhe’dadvisedthemtosealtheroomiftheyfoundanythingsignificantandleavetheforensicstohim.Jennaagreed;itwouldbeeasyenoughtohavetheBlackwaterdeputytakeKnoxintocustodyandholdhimforquestioning.
Thedrive-byofChuckBurns’junkyardyieldedzip.Hehadtheplacelockeduptightandtherustypull-downdoortothegaragelookedasifithadn’topenedinyears.ThewindowsoutfronthadathickcoatingofgrimeandJennahadnootheroptionthantowaituntilthefollowingmorningtopayhimavisitwithasearchwarrantinhand.
ThesunwasdroppinglowintheskybythetimetheyturnedontothehighwaytoBlackwater,withKanebehindthewheelastheyheadeddownthestraightaway.Herdislikeofdrivinginthesnowpickeduppaceastheyheadeddownthefirsthill.Snowthrownfromthesnowplowcreatedhugebanksoneachsideofthehighwayandtheblacktopwoundawayahead,resemblingalugetracketchedoutofthecountryside.Sheturnedherattentionawayfromthesteepdeclineandpeeredthroughthesidewindow.Icesparkledinpatchesandthelastraysofthewintersuncoloredthewideexpanseofsnowacrossthegrasslandsinorange
Astheytraveledthroughthemilesofopenplains,leavingthevastforestsbehind,theypassedafewranches,roofspiledhighwithsnowandsurroundedbyfencesburiedtothetopwire.Inthedistance,anelkpawedatacleareddriveway,searchingforameal,thenboundedthroughdeepsnowdriftstowardasmallwoodedarea.“I’msurprisedanimals
“Theyaremoreadaptablethanyouthink.”Kaneglancedinthedirectionoftheelk.“It’sunusualtoseethemawayfromtheirherdinthisweather.Ifiguretheystaytogethertokeepwarm.Youseemverytense.”Heturnedontheradio.“AmIdrivingtoofast?”
Jennalaughedbutitsoundedfalse.“No,it’sfine,IknowI’msafewithyou.It’saweirdfeelingofdreadIgetsinceIspunoutandlandedontheroofofmycruiserlastyear.Drivinglongdistancesintheseconditionsisn’tsomethingIenjoy,especiallywithsundownsoclose.”Shewavedahandatthespectacularviews.“Although,Ihavetoadmitthesnow-coveredplainslookbeautiful.Lethalbutverypretty.”
“Iusuallyfigurethesnowlookspicturesqueforthefirstday,thenIwishitwasspring.”Kaneglancedather.“TellmemoreaboutJeffKnox.Whatdoyoumakeofhim?”
Understandinghewasattemptingtotakehermindoffthejourney,Jennapulledouthernotesandflickedthroughthepages.“Apartfromhispriors,weonlyhavewhatAitkenhasallegedtohaveseen.Knox’spastandthesightingofhimcarryingawomanintohisroommakehimapersonofinterest.Thedescriptiononhisdriver’slicenseputshiminthesizerangeoftheAxman.”
“WecouldspeaktoLeviHoltagainandofferhimsiximagesofmenaroundthesamesizeandseeifhepickshimoutasapossiblesuspect?”Kaneslowedtotaketheoff-rampintoBlackwater.“Didweconfirmwhatvehiclehedrives?”
Jennatookadeepbreathofreliefasthetowncameintoview.“Yeah,awhitepickupandavan.”Sheshuddered.“Ican’timaginewhypeopledrivewhitevehiclesinthesnow.Theybecomeinvisibleinseconds.”
“Thatmaybethepoint.”Kaneslowedtodrivethroughtown.“Atnightheswitchesoffhisheadlightsandhebecomesinvisiblebuthe’dbeabletoseetheblacktopquitewell;eveninthedarkitsticksoutagainstthesnow.”
TheydroveintotheparkinglotattheBlackwaterMotelandpulledupbesideadeputy’scruiser.Jennascannedthearea.Onlyafewvehicleshadparkedoutsidetherooms.Themotelwastired-lookingandneededrenovation.Theoldpainthadstartedtopeeloffthewallsandpotholeslitteredthecleareddriveway.Sheglancedathim.“Iguessnotmanypeoplestayhereinwinter.”
“I’mnotsureI’dstayhereatall.”Kaneslidfrombehindthewheel,pulledhiscapdownoverhispinkearsandturnedtoher,puffingoutagreatcloudofcondensation.“Thewallslookpaper-thinandthatroofisafewmoresnowfallsawayfromcollapsing.Ifigureitwillbefreezinginside.”
AblastofcheapperfumeaccostedJenna’snostrilsassheledthewayintothemotelreceptionareaandnoddedtotheBlackwaterdeputyleaningagainstthecounterchattingtothereceptionist.SherecognizedDeputyBlake.“ThanksforcomingoutonaSunday.”
“Thesheriffcalledmeafterhe’dgottenacallfromJudgeEatonandIdroppedbyhishouseforthewarrant.I’llserveitandthenyoucandoyourthing.”Blakefrowned.“DoyoufigureJeffKnoxisinvolvedwiththekidnappingsalongthehighway?”
“He’sapersonofinterest.”Jennaturnedtothereceptionist.“Whendidyoulastcleantheroom?”
“Twoweeksago,Iguess.”Thereceptionistwrinkledhernose.“He’saresident.Icleantheplacewhenheasksmeto,whichisn’toften.”
That’sgood.Jennanodded.“IsMr.Knoxinhisroom?”
“AsfarasIknow.”ThereceptionistpattedherblondehairandsmiledatKane.“Wouldyoulikemetoshowyoutheway?”
Jennarolledhereyesandheadedforthedoor.“We’llbefine,thankyou,ma’am.”SheglancedoverhershoulderatKane.“Roomtwenty-six.”
FIFTY
ChuckBurnspacedupanddown,unsurewhattodo.Thesheriff’sdepartmenthadpaidhimanothervisit,thesecondinlessthanaweek.Hishearthadpoundedsofasthethoughthemightsufferaheartattack,seeingthedeputy’sbigblacktruckstopoutsidehisyardagain.He’dfrozeninsidetheoldgarageandturnedoffthelight.Toanyonepassingbytheplacelookeddeserted.Hepulledouthiscellphoneandturnedofftheringerjustincasethesheriffhadamindtocallhim.Whatthehelldidtheywantnow?Hepulledthedoortothestoreroomshuttoconcealthefilledshelvesofcarpartshe’dsalvagedfromthecarshisbenefactorhadgivenhimthenmovedtothedoorandlistenedtothemchatteraboutvisitingsomeoneinBlackwater.
Heenjoyedthe“noquestions”agreementhehadwithhisanonymouspartner.Allhehadtodowastopickupavehicle,stripitthencrushit.Themanwantednothinginreturnbuthissilenceandthedealhadbecomelucrativebutsincethedeputiesstartedsniffingaroundhisyard,hesmelledarat.Heheavedasighofreliefastheblacktruckdroveaway,andfoundtheman’snumberonhisphone.Theonlytimehecalledwastoconfirmapickupandthemanhadmadetherulesquiteclear.Hehitthecallbuttonandwaited.
“Yeah.”Thevoiceattheotherendwasascalmasusual.
“I’vehadthesheriffherecheckin’outmyyardtwicethisweek.Ifigurethey’relookin’forthatyellowcar.”
“Youshouldhavecrusheditbynow.”Theman’sannoyancecamedowntheline“Ourdealwastostripthevehiclesandcrushthemassoonaspossible.”
Burnsclearedhisthroat.“Yeahwell,Iwouldifthedeputieshadn’tarrivedandsearchedmyyard.IstrippeditdownbutIhaven’tbeenabletocrushitincasesomeoneseesme.It’salloverthenews,don’tyouknow?”
“Whendidthesheriffdropby?”
Burnsrubbedthebackofhisneck.“’Boutfiveminutesago.Ioverheardthemtalkin’aboutBlackwaterandtheytookthehighwaysouth.”
“Getridofthatdamncarandleavethesherifftome.”Thelinewentdead.
FIFTY-ONE
AcloudofcondensationformedaroundJenna,KaneandBlakeastheycrunchedthroughthesalt-ladenparkinglotoftheBlackwaterMoteltoreachroomtwenty-six.ShestoodtoonesidewithonehandonherweaponasKaneknockedonthedoor.Thesoundofamancursingcamethroughthethinwallsandthedooropened.Awaveofunwashedmaleandstalefoodwaftedoutaroundhiminamiasmaofnasty.Themanwhostoodbeforethemhadmussed-upbrownhair,anddarkbluecircleshungunderpuffyeyes.Hestraightenedtoaboutsixfeettallandglaredatthem.AnoisytruckwentbyonthemainstreetandJennaraisedhervoice.“Mr.Knox?”
“YouknowdarnwellwhoIam.Leastwayshedoes.”KnoxpointedafingeratBlake.“Whatyoudoin’wakin’amanatthishour?Iworknightsandyou’redisturbin’myrest.Sundayismyonlydayoff.”HeattemptedtoclosethedoorandgapedasKane’slargehandpushedthedoorwideopen.“Whatdoyouthinkyou’redoin’?”
“Wehaveawarranttosearchyourroom.”BlakepressedthewarrantintoKnox’schestandpushedhiswayintotheroom.“Standoveragainstthewall.Doyouhaveanyweaponsyouwanttotellusabout?”
“Yeah,myrifleandaRugerLCP.”Knoxpaled.“Iain’tdonenothin’.Itain’tillegaltoownagunintheseparts.”
AsKaneplacedtheforensicskitonthetableinsidethedoor,Jennaexchangedherthickleatherglovesforlatexandmovedinsidetheroom.Shecoveredherfacewithasurgicalmask,notwillingtobreatheinthetoxicair.“Anyknives?”
“Yeah.”Knoxgaveabarkoflaughter.“Youkiddin’me,Sheriff?ThisisBlackwater.Maybeyou’vemistakenthemotelforanapartmentonFifthAvenue.”
ShemadeherwayintothemiddleoftheroomandKanemovedtoherside.Sheloweredhervoice.“Youstartinhere,I’llseeifIcansweet-talkhimintogivingupaDNAsampleandaskhimafewquestions.”
“Rogerthat.”Kanesnappedonglovesandwenttowork.
Afterpullingouthernotebookandpen,sheapproachedKnox.Hegaveheralongsalaciouslookthatmadeherskincrawl.AlthoughshewasawareKnoxownedawhitevanandapickup,shewantedconfirmation.“Mr.Knox,I’mSheriffAltonfromBlackRockFalls.Iwouldliketoaskyouafewquestions,soDeputyBlakewillreadyouyourrights.”Jennawaitedamoment,thenliftedherchin.“Doyouwishtohavealawyerpresentforquestioning?”
“Nope.”Knoxgrinnedather.“Unlessbein’astudisacrime.”
“Mr.Knox,thisinvolvesyoubeingimplicatedinakidnapping.”Jennaraisedhereyebrows.“Itisaseriouscrime.”
“Ihavenoideawhatyou’retalkin’about.”Knoxchuckled.“Idon’thavetokidnapwomentogettheminmybed.”
Jennaglancedatthegrubbysheetsandsuppressedashudder.Shecouldn’timagineanywomanwalkingintohisroomwillingly.“Youmentionedworkingnights.Doyouhaveanemployer?”
“Yeah,IworkforBrightwaysasadeliverydriver.They’reawholesaledistributors.Groceriesmostly.Ideliverthemlateatnight.”Knoxshrugged.“MyrunisfromheretoDeepValleyandbackthroughBlackRockFalls.”
Jennamadenotes,surprisedhe’dofferedsomuchinformation.“Whatdoyoudrive?”
“Thevehiclesoutside.”Knoxindicatedwithhisthumbtowardtheparkinglot.“Idrivethevanunlesstheroadsarebadorit’sasmalldelivery,thenItakemytruck.”
Jennaliftedhergaze.“Whyatnightandcanyougivemeanideaofthetimesyou’reonthehighway?”
“Ah,becausethat’swhenthestoreswanttorestocktheirshelveswithfreshproduceforthemornin’.”Knoxgaveheralongstareasifshewasanidiot.“IleaveBrightwaysaroundten-thirty’n’getbackheresometimesaslateassix.ItdependsonhowmanystopsIhavetomake.Ifit’sjustafewdeliveriesintoBlackRockFallsIcandothetripinanhourorsoingoodweather.”
“IgatheryouwouldhavebeentravelingonthehighwayaroundmidnighttheFridaybeforelast?”Jennaattemptedtogaugehisreactionbuthejustlookedatherwiththesamecontemptuousexpression.
“Yeah,thatwouldberight.”Knoxrubbedhischin,thenfrowned.“Itwasanearlyrun.I’dgottenbackherearoundtwo,maybethree,Idon’trightlyrecall.”
Jennawantedhimtoadmithe’dtakenawomantohisroom.Ifhewasn’tinvolvedinSky’skidnapping,thewomanAitkensawhimcarryintohismotelroomwouldgivehimanalibi.“IsthereanyonewhocanverifythatyouarrivedherebetweentwoandthreeonSaturdaymorning?”
“Nope.Ididn’tseeanyone.Itwaslateandmostfolksaroundherearetuckedupinbed.”Knoxdidn’tmovehisintensestarefromherface.“Anythingelse?”
“Yeah.”Jennaignoredhishostilityandglancedbackathernotes.“I’dliketoseeyourrightforearm.”
“Howdidyouknowabou—”Knoxshookhishead.“Nevermind.”Herolleduphissleeve,displayingadressing.“Yeah,IinjureditopeningacratelastTuesdaypackingmytruck.”
ThesamedaysomeoneattackedLeviHolt.Interesting.“SoifyouhurtyourselfonTuesdaydidyoucompleteyourrunthatnightasusual?”
“Yeah.”
Ihavehim.“Sothehighwayclosurewasn’taproblemforyouatall?”Jennaclearedherthroat.“Ibelieveatruckoverturnedandspilleditsload,closingthehighwayforeighthoursormore.Howdidyougetthroughandback,Mr.Knox?”
“Itookabackroad.”Knoxgaveheratriumphantgrin.“ItgoesthroughtheStrongRanch.Itbypassedtheclosure.It’sadirtroadandtheykeepthesnowwellcleared.I’mnottheonlydriverawareofit.”
Hisconfirmationofbeingintheareacouldgobothways.Eitherhewassurethevictimshadnotrecognizedhimorhewasinnocent.Jennatookinhisself-assuredattitudeandthewayhelookedather,movinghiseyesupanddownherbody,anddecidedtheformer.“WhataboutThursdayevening,whattimedidyoudrivetoBlackRockFalls?”
“Ihadonedeliveryintownsoitwasaquickturnaround.Igotbackherebeforeone,Iguess.”KnoxglaredatKaneandshookhishead.“Idon’tlikepeoplemessin’withmystuff.Iain’tdonenothin’wrong.Thisispoliceharassment.”
JennaglancedatKane.Hewasremovingthesheetsfromthebedwithcareandstuffingthemintoplasticbags.Theyexchangedameaningfullook.ShefiguredKanehadfoundevidence,buthesaidnothingandaddedthebagtothepilehehadcollectedonthetable.SheturnedherattentionbacktoKnox,ignoringhisoutburst.“DidyouhavecartroubleonThursdaynight?”
“Nope.”Knoxshuffledhisfeet.“Itseemsrealstrangespeakin’toyoubehindthatfacemask.What’swrong,scaredyoumightcatchsomethin’?”Hemovedastepcloser,grinning.
“Youneedtomindyourmanners.”BlakesteppedinfrontofJenna.“You’respeakin’toalady,notyourstrippergirlfriend.”
JennashotBlakealookshehopedconveyedherannoyanceandmovedaroundhim.“Standdown,Deputy.IamquitecapableofhandlingMr.Knox.”Sheliftedherchin.“Didyouhaveawomaninyourroom,Fridaybeforelast?”
“IfIdid—”Knoxgrinnedather,“—asagentlemanIwouldn’ttell.”
“Ma’am,mayIhaveaword?”Kanemovedtoherside.
Jennafollowedhimoutsideandshutthedoor.“Whathaveyoufound?”
“Whatcouldbebloodonthesheets.”Kaneshrugged.“Afewblondehairsonthecarpet,someredhairs.TheroomisaDNAcocktail.”Heremovedhisgloves.“Theblondehairscouldbelongtothereceptionistsowe’llneedasampleofherhairforWolfetocompare.I’vebaggedthesheets.Theystinkasifthey’vebeenonthebedformonths.”Heheldupasetofcarkeys.“I’llcheckthepickupasthatwasthevehicleAitkenmentionedinhisstatement.Ifthere’sbloodinside,andit’samatchforSkyPaul,wemayhaveourAxman.”
“Ifyoufindsomeandit’samatch.”Jennaremovedherglovesandmask,thenbundledthemintoaball.“Ihavehiminthelocationofallthreeincidentsattherighttime;hedrivesawhitepickupbutnotregularlyandhasaninjurytohisrightarm.Itsurepointstohimbutmanypeopledrivewhitepickupsandusethesameroadregularlyatnightfordeliveries.UnlessWolfefindssometraceevidence,wedon’thaveonechanceinhellofconvincingJudgeEatontosignanarrestwarrant.He’llsayit’scircumstantialevidenceatbest.”Shesighed.“Heseemssounconcerned,it’sunnerving.”
“Yeah,butweshouldn’tdiscounthimyet.”Kaneleanedoneshoulderagainstthewallandhuffedoutacloudofsteam.“Hedisplaysnarcissistictendenciesandissosurehehasn’tleftanyDNA,that’saredflaginitself.”Herubbedhischin.“We’vedealtwithhistypebefore.Theybelievetheycanoutsmartusandwithoutatraceofthemissingpersons,nobodies,wehaveziprightnow.IfKnoxistheAxman,hehastheupperhandandknowsit.IfigureweshoulddigalittledeeperintoMr.Knox.”
Jennatossedherglovesintoatrashbin.“Hehasn’tconvincedmeheisn’tinvolved.”
“Blakeobviouslyknowsthewomanhesees.Maybeweneedtogetanameandcheckoutherstory.”Kaneremovedhisglovesandmask.“Ifshe’sthewomanhecarriedintohisroom,he’llbeintheclearforkidnappingSkyatleast.”
Jennastraightened.Shestillhadtosweet-talkKnoxintogivingaDNAsample.“Okay,youprocessthepickupandvanthengospeaktothereceptionist,seeifshe’llvolunteertogiveyouahairsample.Iassumesheistheonewhocleanshisroomandifnotweneedaname.I’llwrapitupwithKnox.”
ShepushedopenthedoorandtookthefewstepsacrossthesmallroomtospeaktoKnox.“Mr.Knox,areyouwillingtotakeaDNAtesttoexcludeyoufromourlistofsuspects?Thenwe’llleaveyoualone.”
“Sure.”Knoxwethislips.“Trustme,IneverleavemyDNAanywhereit’snotwanted.”
Ignoringhissmartmouth,Jennaturnedbacktothetableandopenedtheforensicskit.TheideaofgettingclosetoKnoxmadeherwanttogag.ShetossedapairofglovestoBlakethengavehimatestkit.“I’llleavethattoyou,Blake.”SheturnedtoKnox.“Thankyouforyourcooperation.”Shenoticedhimopenhismouthtoreply,butputherbacktohimandcollecteduptheevidencebags,thenopenedthedoor,gladoftherushoffreshcoldaironherface.
ShewaitedoutsideforBlaketojoinher,thenaddedtheDNAkittothelargebagofevidenceandlookedathim.“Doyouknowthenameofthewomanyoumentioned?Hecouldhavebeencarryingherintothemotelroom.”
“Nah,she’saredhead.”Blakesnorted.“Oneofthedancerswhoworksatthetittybar.”Heflushedtohisears.“Sorry,ma’am.Imeantthelocalstripclub.”
“Okay,I’llneedalltheinformationyoucangetmeonKnox.I’llclearitwithyoursheriff.”Jennatappedherbottomlip.“Someonewillknowhisfriendsandwhohehangsoutwith,barshegoesto,soseewhatyoucanfindoutabouthim.Heiswaytoooverconfident.Mostpeoplefreakoutwhenthecopssearchtheirhomes.I’mworriedifthewomanAitkensawhimcarryingintohisroomwasSkyPaul,whereisshenow?”
FIFTY-TWO
Despondentfromthelackofprogressinthemissingpersons’cases,JennatrudgedthroughthefreshsnowtoKane’struck.DuringtheirtimewithKnox,thesunhadslippedawayandnowcoloredflashinglightsfromthegaudymotelsignreflectedintheicyparkinglot.Theworldhadturnedfromawinterwonderlandtoeveryshadeofgrayinminutes,muchlikehermood.Thefactssurroundingthedisappearancesgnawedather.Whenpeoplewentmissinginsimilarcircumstances,eitheroftwothingsusuallyhappened:thekidnapperssentaransomnote,ortheyfoundbodies,butsomecaseswereneverresolved.Sheletoutasighfillingtheairaroundherinacloudofwhite.WherethehelldoIgofromhere?
ShemetupwithKaneatthetruckandheardBlakejoggingupbehindthem.Theyturnedtogreethim.“Problem?”
“Nah.”Blakesmiledather.“It’sjustyoumightwanttoholdoffleavingforhalfanhourorso.Thesnowplowsdrovebyjustbefore.They’llbeclearingthehighwayandsprayingsalt,soyoumightwanttogivethemaheadstart?”
JennastowedtheevidencebagsinthebackofKane’struckandnodded.“Thanks.Icoulddowithastrongcoffeebeforeweheadhome.”
“Canyousuggestagoodplacetogetasteak?”KanegaveBlakeanoptimisticlook.“Wemightaswelleatbeforeweleave.Iwon’tfeellikecookingbythetimeI’vegottenhome.”
“TheTurfandSurfGrillisoppositethepark.”Blakewavedahandinthedirectionoftown.“Goodfood,nicecleanplace.”
Atthementionofsteak,Jenna’sstomachgrowled.SheglancedatKane.“Thatwilldofine,thanks.”ShepulledopenthedoortoKane’struck,thenpausedtopullabusinesscardfromherpocketandhandedittohim.“CallmeifyoufindoutanythingaboutKnox.”
“Isurewill,ma’am.”Blaketookthecardandmadehiswaytohiscruiser.
AnhourormorehadpassedbythetimetheyreachedthehighwayandheadedbacktoBlackRockFalls.Snowpeltedthewindshieldlikeconfetti,slowingthewipersandturningthehighwayintoascenefromaChristmasglobe.Withnotrafficonthehighway,theblacktoploomedbeforetheminatunnelofthetruck’sheadlights.Gladnottobealone,Jennaleanedbackintheseatrelaxingandlisteningtothechatterontheradio.ItwasunusualforKanetobesoquietbutasheneededallhisconcentrationtodrive,shedecidednottodiscussthecase.Instead,sheglancedathim,wantingtoknowmoreabouthissecretpast.“HaveyoueverwonderedwhythethreeofusendeduptogetherinBlackRockFalls?”
“Atfirst,Ifiguredthiswastheendoftheline,putouttopasturejob.Ihadadegreeofmemorylosscoveringthetimebeforethecarbombing,soIguesseditwasbecauseofmyinjury.”Kaneshrugged.“UntilIworkedalongsideyou.Iknowagentsandyouhadsomanytells,IcouldonlyimagineI’dbeensentheretoprotectyou.”Hebarkedalaugh.“Anobviousmistake.”
Jennagrinned.“WhataboutWolfe?IknowweneedhisexpertiseasanMEandhisITskillsarecrazybutwhysendhim?”Shereachedforherto-gocupofcoffee.“Heisn’tinwitnessprotection,ishe?”
“Nope,noneed.”Kaneflickedheraglance.“Asfarasanyoneknowshelefttheservice,workedinITforawhile,thenstayedathometonursehiswife.That’salltruebuthebuiltasecureroomtouseforcommunications.Iwouldimaginehehandledafewagentsbeforeme.WhenIrealizedyouwereanagent,Imadeenquiries.ThatcausedenoughripplesforPOTUStosendWolfehere.HeismycommunicationtoHQshouldIneeditbecauseunlikeyou,I’mnotinwitnessprotection,I’mofficiallyoffthegrid.”
Jennaponderedhiswords.“SodoyoufiguretheysentShaneheretokeepaneyeonus?”
“Nope.”Kaneglancedinhismirrorandfrowned.“IguesstheywantedsomeonehereIknewIcouldtrust.IfIgetamessagetoinformmeI’mbackonactivedutyviahim,I’llknowit’strue,butafterthedamageIsustainedlastfall,Idon’tfigurethatwillbeanytimesoonifever.”Helookedinthemirroragain.“I’msureIcaughtsightofavehiclefollowingusbeforeanditjustvanished.”
“Maybeit’saghosttruckthathauntsthehighwaylateatnight.”Jennachuckledandstaredintothesidemirror.“Ican’tseeanything.”
ShenoticedthetighteningofKane’sjawandthetickingofthemuscleinhischeek.Hisattentionflickedfromthemirrorandbacktotheroad.Jennaturnedinherseattopeerbehindthem.Herscalptingledandherbellyquiveredwiththeunnervingfeelingsomeonewaswatchingthem.Theroadbehindappearedemptyandonlytheblacktopsnakedawayaroundthepreviousbend.
“Turnbackaroundandwatchoutthesidemirror.”Kane’svoicewaslowandcalm.“Icaughtaglimpseofsomethingglisteningwhenthemooncameoutfrombehindthecloudsjustbeforewetookthelastbend.”
InstinctivelyJennawentforherweaponandlaiditacrossherknees.SheturnedtolookatKane.“Doyouthinkit’stheAxman?Maybewehavegottentoocloseandhewantstotakeusout?”
“Maybebutmytruckisunmarked,sohowdoesheknowit’sus?Unlessit’sKnox,hemighthaveseenourvehiclebutIdidn’tnoticehimpeeroutthewindowatthemotel.”KanefrownedatherGlock.“You’llneedbothhandstohangonifhemakesamove.”
“Okay.”Sheholsteredherweaponandmovedherattentionbacktothemirror.“Ican’tseeanyone.”
Astheyroundedthenextsweepingbend,anengineroaredbehindthemandasifoutofthinair,themenacingcrash-bar-coveredgrilleofavehicleappearedinthesidemirrorcomingfast.Jennaclampedherjawtightandhungon.“Oh,myGod,watchout!”
“Shit!”Kaneacceleratedacrossthehighwaythenslammedonthebrakesandhistruckslidsidewaysforfiftyyardsonthefreshcoveringofsnowroadbeforecomingtoarockinghalt.
Thewhitepickupflashedpastinablur,missingthembyinches,andfishtaileduptheroadthenslowedtostopfourhundredyardsawayonthesweepingbendasifwaiting.Jenna’sheartpoundedasKanemovedhistruckbacktotherightlanethenstoppedinthemiddleoftheroad.
“Didyougetaplate?”Kane’sgazehadn’tmovedfromthespeedingwhitetruck.
“No,itwascoveredinmud.Ifigurehe’splannedthisandprobablyfollowedusfromtown.”Jennaswallowedhard.Itwaslikebeingstuckinahorrormovie.Thewhitepickup’slightscameoninaflashofbrilliance.Itspunaroundandfacedthem,steambillowingfromunderthehoodandtheenginerevvinglikearagingbull.Thedarkwindowsgavethepickupaneerilyroboticappearanceasthevehicleliftedupatthefrontandshookwithpower.Unnerved,Jennagrippedtheseat.“What’shedoingnow?”
“Playingchickenandhesurepickedthewrongguy.”
AsenseofforebodingdroppedoverJenna.Godhelpthem.OnelookatKaneandsheknewhe’ddroppedintocombatmode.Shetookinhisdeterminedexpressionandnotedthepulsingveinstandingoutinhisneck.“You’driskourlivesonastupidgameonanicyroad.Haveyoulostyourmind?”
“Youneedtotrustme,Jenna.Noonewantstodie.He’llfoldthenlosecontrolonthebendandendupintheditch.”Heglancedather.“Hewouldn’tbedoingthiswithoutwearingaseatbelt,sowe’llplayhisstupidgame,thendriveoverandarresthim.”
Angeredbyhisoverconfidence,sheturnedonhim.“I’dratheryoustoppedactinglikeateenagerandshootouthistires.Younevermiss,doyou?”
“Andifhe’sjustakidinahigh-poweredtruckplayingchicken?Ishootouthistiresandherollsanddiesinthewreck.”Kanedidn’ttakehiseyesoffthewhitepickup.“Youwillingtoriskthat,Jenna?”Herevvedtheengineasifinreplytothechallenge.“No?Thenhangontight.”Hehitthegas.
Thetruck’stiresspun,thengrippedtheblacktop,andtheyshotforwardatspeed.Jennadugtremblingfingersintotheseat,hergazefixedonthewhitetruckhurtlingtowardthem.Thespacebetweenthetwocarsnarrowedand,blindedbytheheadlights,sheheldherbreath.Herheartpoundedfastinherearsandherstomachcrampedsotightshewantedtovomit.
Thenextmomentthebrightlightsofaneighteen-wheelerroundedthebendinfrontofthem,air-hornsblastinginwarning.Jennabitbackascream.Iftheyswervedtoavoidthewhitepickup,theywouldcrashheadonintothetruck,butKanedidn’tflinchandheldhiscourse.Atthelastsecond,thewhitepickupswervedinfrontoftheoncomingtruck.Shewaitedforaloudbangandthescreamoftearingmetalbutonlythetruck’sair-hornscontinuedtoscreechintothenight.
Pantingandspeechlesswithfear,shewaitedforKanetoslowdownandstopbesidetheroad,thenleapedoutthedoorandvomited.Sheturnedtoseehimstandinginthemiddleofthehighwaystaringintodarkness.“You.Are.Insane.”Hervoicesoundedshaky.“Wecouldhavebeenkilled.”
“Notachance,hestartedmovingoverthelinetoavoiduswaybeforewe’dgottenclose.Ifiguredhewasgoingtousethetruckforcover.”Kaneheldoutabottleofwaterandshrugged.“Hemusthaveninelivestohavegottenawaywiththat.”
Legstrembling,Jennatookthewaterandwashedouthermouth,thenbentover,handsonthighs,tryingtoslowherpanickedmind.“It’spointlesspursuinghim.Heknowsthisstripofhighwayandcouldbeholedupanywhere.”
“Atleastwehaveagooddescriptionofhistruck.”Kanepulledhishatdownoverhisearsandrubbedhishandstogether.“White,blacked-outwindowswithamarkonthepassenger-sidedoor,liketheoutlineofasticker.”
Jennagapedathimasshemadeherwaybacktothetruck.“Yousawallthatinasplitsecond?”
“Justdoingmyjob,ma’am.”
FIFTY-THREEMONDAY,WEEKTWO
IttooksomeeffortforJennatoclimbintoKane’struckthefollowingmorningwithoutshakingthememoryofthepreviousnight.Thewinterweatherwasinfullforceandtheroadsmoredangerousbythehour.Astheywouldbeworkingalongsideeachotherallday,itseemedgoodsensetoleavehercruiserandtakearidewithhimtotheoffice.Afterbeingmadalleveningafterheriskedtheirlivesinamovie-likestunt,she’drunthroughthescenarioathousandtimesandrealizedthat,stuckoutinthemiddleofnowhereandtwentyminutesawayfrombackup,they’dhadnootherchoice.Kanehadmadeasplit-seconddecision,summedupthesituationandactedwithconfidence—asusual.
“Ifiledareportaboutlastnight’sincident.”Kaneturnedintotownandslowedtojointhelineoftrafficmovingatasnail’spacebehindthesnowplow.Heglancedatherandraisedaneyebrow.“Areyouholdingameetingtodayasusual?”
JennahadheldaMondaystaffmeetingatninesinceshebecamesheriff,butoflatetheyneededmeetingstoupdateeveryonemorefrequently.Shenodded.“Yeah,IcalledRowleyyesterdayandaskedhimtorundownmoreinfoonChuckBurns.Ifigurewe’veenoughprobablecauseforasearchwarrantbutthemorewecansweetenthepotwiththebetter.It’llbeinterestingtoseewhathefound.I’llupdateeveryoneonKnoxandour‘incident’.”Shehelduptwohandsandmadequotemarks.“IfthatwastheAxman,wemightbelookingathomicideforMrs.Palmer.”
“Itsurewouldbeawayofpushingsomeoneofftheroadwithoutleavinganytraceevidence.”Kanepulledintohisspotoutsidethesheriff’sdepartment.“I’llgiveEllaTateacallandseeifsheremembersanythingaboutthewhitepickup.Shedidn’tmentionthetintedwindowsorthestickermarkonthedoor.”
Jennapaused,onehandonthedoor.“SowecanruleoutKnox.Yousearchedhisvehiclebutdidn’tmentiondarkwindowsorasticker.”
“Ithaddarkwindowsbutithadalogoacrossthedoor.”Kaneshrugged.“Itdidn’tlooklikeastickerbutmaybetheBlackwaterdeputycouldtakeacloserlook.Itcouldbeamagnet.Heownsthosevehicles,notBrightways.”
“I’llcallhim.”Sheslippedfromthevehicle.
Thewindhadpickedup,swirlingthesnowandbitingthroughherclothes.Sheglanceddownthesidewalkatthepeoplebentover,headsdown,battlingagainsttheweatherwithscarveswrappedaroundtheirfacesandwearingsunglasses.Thelookstruckherascomicalforamomentbutthensherememberedthefurnace.Evenwiththesmallheaters,theofficewouldbefreezinguntiltheyresolvedtheproblemwithit.ShebrushedawaythesnowflakesrestingonhereyelashesandfollowedKaneinsidethebuilding.Whenablastofwarmairhither,shestaredatMaggieonreceptioninsurprise.“Howcomeit’ssowarminhere?”
“IhadacallearlyyesterdaymorningfromShaneWolfe.Hesaidhe’dfoundsomeonetoreplacethefurnace.Hedidn’twanttobotheryou,seeingasyouwerelookin’afterhisgirls.”Maggiefrowned.“Icamedownandopenedup.Iwaitedhereuntilthey’dfinished.Ididn’twantthempokingtheirnosesintothingsthatdon’tconcernthem.”
“You’reagem,Maggie.”Jennabitbackagrin.Asusual,Wolfehadcalledhisgovernmentcontactsandfixedtheproblem.“That’swonderfulnews.I’llbesuretothankhim.”Shemadeherwaytoheroffice.
AftercallingDeputyBlakeinBlackwater,sheupdatedherwhiteboard,thenstrolleddowntothekitchenettetofillthecoffeemaker.KaneandRowleywerebusyanddidn’tlookupasshepassed.Shecollectedacontainerofchocolatechipcookiesandheadedbacktoheroffice.Ateightfifty-five,theroomfilledwithherdeputiesandKaneplacedacupofcoffeeonthedeskforherbeforetakinghisseat.ShethankedWolfefororganizingthefurnaceandbroughtthemuptodatewiththeKnoxinterview,thenlookedexpectantlyatWolfe.“HaveyouhadtimetolookovertheevidencewecollectedfromKnox’smotelroomyesterday?”
“Ihaven’thadtimetoreachanyconclusions.TheDNAtestswilltakeafewdays.”Wolferubbedhischin.“Icantellyouthemarksonthesheetsareblood.Itypedthesampleandit’sthesamebloodtypeasSkyandKnox,soit’sinconclusiveatthistime.”Hefrowned.“WhatworriesmeisyourincidentoccurredalongthesamestretchofroadasthePalmeraccidentandpossibleabduction.Ire-examinedthephotographsofthesceneandifMrs.Palmerhadswervedtoavoidacollisionwithanoncomingvehicle,theresultwouldhavebeenthesame.Aswefoundnoevidenceofacollision,weassumedshelostcontrolontheicetakingthebendandslidofftheroad.Ithappensfrequentlyatthistimeofyear.”
Jennaleanedforwardinherseat.“Sohaveyouchangedyourfinding?”
“I’mleavingitanopenverdictfornow.”Wolfereachedforhiscoffee.“WhenyoucatchtheAxman,I’llseeifhistiresmatchanyoftheothersetswefound.”
“IhaveDeputyBlakeoutofBlackwaterchasingdownanyknownassociatesofKnox,especiallywomen.”Jennatookasipofhercoffee.“Ihadthefeelinghewaslyingorcoveringupforsomeone.Hecarriedablonde-hairedwomanintohismotelroomthesamenightasSkyPaulwentmissing.Blakeknowsthetownsfolkandwe’llhavetohopeKnoxtalkedtooneofhisfriends.Helikestoboast,soIcan’tseehimkeepingasecret.”SheturnedherattentiontoRowley.“Okay,nowontothereportfromMr.LarsaboutChuckBurns.Haveyoufoundanyadditionalinformation?”
“Everythingshetoldyouabouthimappearstobetrueenough.”Rowleyflickedthroughhisnotes.“Wehavespokentohimbeforewhenwecheckedoutthejunkyards.Wedidn’tfindanythingsuspicious.”Heflickedthroughhisnotesthenliftedhisheadandlookedather.“Asyouknow,Burnsownstheoldgaragenextdoortothejunkyardandastorageareaadjacenttothegarage.It’sacollectionofredbrickbuildings.HefrequentstheroadbetweenBlackwaterandhere,lookingforabandonedcarsorwrecks,andownsawhitepickupusedfortowing.He’sanambulancechaserandownsascanner.Igatherhecollectsabandonedvehiclesvaluedunder$500sohecancrushthemwithoutverifyingownership.”Hefrowned.“Notmanyofthetownsfolkwereforthcomingabouthimrunningachopshopbutunlesstherecycledpartshaveidentifyingnumbersonthem,asinsomepartsofvehicles,hecouldbesellingthemthroughhisyard.”
Jennasmiledathim.“That’sallweneed.I’lladdthatinformationtothewarrantforyoutotakeovertothejudge.Iwantyoutostresstheimportanceofservingitthismorningandwaitforareply.”
“Yes,ma’am.”
“Okay.”Jennapushedtoherfeet.“Themomentthewarrantarrives,we’llmoveout.”SheglancedatWolfe.“Doyouwanttobeinvolved?”
“Notatthisstage.”WolfeindicatedtoWebber.“IneedtoworkontheKnoxevidence.IcanspareWebberforbackup.”
“Good,thenthat’sallfortoday.”JennaexchangedalookwithKaneandhehungbackastheothersfiledout.“DoyoufigureChuckBurnswillcauseanytrouble?”
“I’mnotsure.Hewaswaryanddefensivebuthegaveuspermissiontosearchhisproperty.Hedidn’thavetoomanywrecksthereatallandnothingevenremotelylatemodel.Wejustgaveitaquicksweepandleft.”Kaneshrugged.“OfcourseatthetimeIwasn’tawareheownedotherbuildingscloseby.”
Jennachewedonherbottomlip.“IfhehasSky’scarhiddensomewhereelse,hewouldn’tbeworriedaboutyousearchinghisyard.”Sheleanedonehipagainstherdesk.“Burnsislookingmorelikeasuspectbythesecond.”
FIFTY-FOUR
Angerragedthroughhimwitheachstepfromtheparkinglotandbetweentheredbrickbuildings.Heusedhiskeytoopenthehiddenentrancetohissecretrooms.Thefreezingfingersofmeltedsnowrunningdownhisneckdidnotcoolhistemper.Noonehadevergottensoclosetodestroyinghisbusiness.Hereachedthenextdoorandthumbedinthepasswordonthekeypad.Hegruntedasredlightsflashedhiserror.“Dammitalltohell.”
Thenosysheriffwasstickinghernoseintotoomanyplaces.Shewassmarterthanhehadgivenhercreditforandthedeputyalwaysathersidehadastarethatcutintoaman’ssoul.Hesnorted,recognizingakiller.Whenhelookedintothemirror,thesametruthreflectedbackathim.Ittakesonetoknowone.
DeputyKanewashidingasecretjustlikehim.HisreactiononthehighwaywhenhechallengedhimwasunexpectedandshowedKanewasacertaintypeofman—onewhodoesn’tfeardeath—whichmadehimathreat.Hethumbedinthepasswordslowerthistimeandthedoorclickedopen.Smashingthemetaldooragainstthewall,itechoeddownapassagewaylitonlywithsmalldownlights.Afterremovinghiscoatandboots,heshovedthemintoalockercontaininghissparecoatandthemalenurse’sclothesthendraggedhospitalscrubsoverhisclothesandworeahatandfacemaskasadisguise.Hewouldneverriskanyoneseeinghisfacejustincaseoneofhisvictimsescaped.Itwasgoingtobearush;hehadsolittletimetocompletehisordersanddidn’twanthisreputationfordeliveringontimeshottohellbecauseofSheriffAlton.Duetoherinterference,hewouldhavetoceaseoperationuntilthesmokeclearedanditwouldcosthimmillions.
Histemperhadn’tcooledbythetimehecameuponthemalenursehe’dcajoledintoworkingwithhim.Intruth,hewantedtofeedthewimpintothehoggermachineandwatchhiseyesasthemachineslowlyshredhimintolittlepiecesbutrightnow,heneededhim.Maybelater.“You’vewatchedthedocharvestorganssoIneedyoutoworkonDougalonebecausewe’rerunnin’outoftimeandIhavebusinesstoattendtointown.”
“Noway.”ThenursestoppedwashingOliviaandpeeredathimoverhisfacemask.“Watchin’isonethingandIassistbutdoinganumberofcomplicatedproceduresisanothermatter.IfImadeonemistakeandcuttoodeep,thesamplewouldbeuseless.”Heraisedbotheyebrows.“Thenyourreputationwon’tbeworthadime.”Thenurseclearedhisthroat.“Anotherthing—you’llhavetopullbackonthedrugsbeforeshipment,you’regivin’Dougenoughmedstobringdownagrizzly.”
AwaveoffrustrationgrippedhimatthesightofOlivia’sterrifiedstarebuthe’dnotimetoindulgeinhisfantasies,he’dneedtoleavesoontoconvincethedoctodropeverythingandcompletethenextshipment.“Okay,drophimdownsomebutkeephimstrappedtothebed.He’llbefirstwhenIcangetthedamndochere.”
“WhataboutOlivia?”Thenursemethisgaze.
Heshookhishead.“We’llgettoherlater.Issheonthezombiedrug?”
“Yeahbutitwon’tlastlong,maybeanothertenminutesorso.”Thenursepickedupthebowlandtowelsandlefttheroom,leavingthemalone.
Ittookanefforttocontroltherushofexcitement.UnlikeSky,she’dbealivewhenhefedherintothehogger,andwatchingthemachinedoitsjobsatedhisdesire.He’doncepreferredtostranglethem.Stabbinglefttoomuchevidencebehind.Hehadtoadmitleavingtheirbodiestorotbesidethehighwayhadbeenawastebutallthathadchanged
FIFTY-FIVE
CaughtupinJenna’sexuberance,KaneslidbehindthewheelandwaitedforhertofastenherseatbeltbeforepeelingoutoftheparkingspaceandheadingtotheoutskirtsoftowntoChuckBurns’junkyard.Thetiresgrippedwellonthenewlysaltedblacktop,andheacceleratedleavingthedecoratedmainstreetbehind.“Isurehopewefindsomethingsubstantialthistime.”
“Timehasbeenourenemy,notgettingthereportfromMrs.Larsuntilyesterdaythenwaitingforthejudgetosignasearchwarrant,we’vegivenBurnsplentyoftimetodisposeofevidence.”Jennawavedthedocument.“Iwishwe’dhadthisyesterday.”
KaneshruggedandpulledhistrucktoahaltoutsidethejunkyardwithRowley’scruiserclosebehind.“ThenKnoxcouldhaveslippedthroughthenet.Helookedthemostsuspiciousandhe’sstillonourlist.Howareyouplayingthis?”
“We’llgoseeBurns.I’llsendRowleyandWebberroundbackoftheoldgarageincasehetriestorun.”JennaclimbedfromtheSUVandissuedordersthenledthewayintotheoffice.“Mr.Burns,wehaveawarranttosearchyourpremises.”
“Sure,Isaidbeforeyoucouldlookaround.”Burnswipedgreasyhandsonastainedrag.“Iain’tgotnothin’tohide.”
“Thewarrantextendstoallyourpremises,includingtheoldgarageandstorageareasyouowninthislocation.”Jennaslappedthewarrantonthedesk.“IfyouhavekeysitwouldbewisetoopenthedoorsorI’llgivemydeputiesinstructionstobreakthemdown.”
Kanetriedtoavoidtherancidsmellofmalesweatanddirtymotoroilandrestedonehandonhisweapon;ifBurnsplannedtoescape,hewouldtryinthenextfewsecondsbuttheman’sfacepaledandheleanedheavilyagainstthewall.Itwasasifallthelifehaddrainedoutofhim.“Handoverthekeys,Mr.Burns.”
“Okay,sure.”Burns’eyesshiftedfromhimandbacktoJennathenhewentforsomethingbelowthecounter.
Don’tgoforaweapon.Idon’twanttokillyou.Weneedanswers.Beforehefinishedthethought,hisGlockwasinhishand.“Iwouldn’tdothatifIwereyou.”
“OnemorestepandDeputyKanewillblowyourfingerscleanoff.”JennahadherGlockaimedatBurns’chest.“Handsonhead.Stepawayfromthecounter.”SheexchangedameaningfulglancewithKane.
Kanemovedaroundthecounterandpulledopenadrawer.InsidehefoundsetsofkeysandwhistledatthesightofaSmith&Wesson500.HeholsteredhisGlockandpulledonapairoflatexgloves,thenliftedthepistoloutthedrawer.“Youweren’tplanningonshootingme,wereyou,Burns?”Hesmiledatthequiveringman.“Andjustfortherecord,Iwasn’taimingforyourhand,IwasaimingrightbetweenyoureyesandInevermiss.”Heunloadedthegun,lettingthebulletstumblebackinthedrawer,thenslippedtheheavyweaponintohisjacketpocket.
“Showmethekeysforthegarage.”Jennaheldherweaponsteady.“Thencuffhim,Kane.Idon’twantanysurprises.”ShereadBurnshisrights.“Let’sgo.”
“Move.”KanegaveBurnsalittlepushinthebackandmarchedhimoutthedoorandtotheoldgaragenextdoor.
“Oh,lord.Don’tgointhere.”Burns’headhungdownonhischestandhisshouldersslumped.“Youdon’tunderstand.”
“Oh,Iunderstandjustfine.”Jennaslidthekeyintothepadlockonthegaragedoor.“Doyouhavesomethingtotellme,Mr.Burns?”Shegavehimanenquiringlook.“No?WellthenIguesswetakealookforourselves.”Shebenttoslideupthedoor.
ThedoormovedwithoutthegratingsoundKanewouldhaveexpectedforanoldrustydoor.HetookaholdofBurns’armandtheman’smusclestrembledagainsthispalm.Lightflowedintothedarkinteriorandhitthepolishedfinishofalate-modelyellowsedan.ThecarwaslittlemorethanashellandBurnshadstackedpartsonshelvescompletewithlabelsgivingthemake,yearandmodelofthevehicle.TheexactsamecarownedbySkyPaul.
HeheardJennaorderingRowleyandWebbertoreturn,thensheturnedtofaceBurns.
“Where’sSkyPaul?”Jennaholsteredherweapon.“Thisishervehicle.Bestyoutellusnowbeforemydeputiesteartheplaceapart.”
Burnstrembledbutsaidnothing.
KanesqueezedBurns’armjusthardenoughtolethimknowhemeantbusiness.“Where’sSkyPaul?”Heglaredathim.“TheDAwillgoeasyonyouifyoucooperate.”
“Idon’tknowanyonebythenameofSkyPaul.”Burnsliftedhisheadandadeterminedexpressioncrossedhisface.“Ifoundthevehicleabandonedonthesideoftheroadupneartheindustrialareaoutonthehighway.”
“Whydidn’tyoureportit?”Jennastoodhandsonhipsandhereyesboredintohim.“It’sbeenalloverthenewswewerelookingforthiscar.”
“Iain’tsayin’nomore.”BurnsturnedhisheadandspatonthegroundatJenna’sfeet.“Iknowmyrights,Iwantalawyer.”
Justthen,RowleyandWebbercamejoggingbackthroughthesnowtowardthem.KanepushedBurnstowardRowley.“EscortMr.Burnstothebackofyourcruiser.”
“Yes,sir.”RowleytookBurns’armandledhimaway.
“Right.”Jennaraisedhervoice.“Let’stearthisplaceapart.Checkforrootcellars.Webber,Iwantevidence.Thereshouldbebloodinthecar.Theseatsareoverthere,checkthemaswell.”Shepointedtothebeigecarseatsleaningagainstonewall.“Kane,checktheotherbuildings.”
KanewaitedforRowleytoreturn,thengrabbedthesetofkeyshangingfromthepadlock.“Showmethestoragearea.”HefollowedRowleydownadirtroadrecentlyclearedofsnow.“Thislookspromising.Burnstookanefforttoclearthisarea.IsurehopewefindSkyPaulalive.”Hebenttoexaminetiretracks.“Hmm,Imakeoutthreemaybefourtrackshere.It’llbedifficulttoisolateone.”
“Somethingbigcamethroughhereandrippedthebranchescleanoffthetrees.”Rowleystareddowntherowofnakedwesternlarch.“There’sacleartrackhere.Adeliveryvanmaybe?”
TheimageoftheconfidentKnoxflashedintoKane’sbrain.Theyhadn’tconsidereditcouldbeagroupofpeopleinvolvedinthekidnappings.Hegrimacedatthethought.“Ihopeit’snotsex-slavetraders.”Hebrushedawaythesnowflakesfromhischeeks.“Tracingthevictimswouldbeimpossible.”
Thedirtroadledtoamassiveseparateredbrickbuildingwithasmallparkinglotattheback.AnalleywaydividedtwobuildingsandKaneledtheway,takinginwhatresembledairconditioningunitsattachedtooneside.Someonesurewanteditcoldinsidethatbuilding.Heapproachedametaldoorandfittedanumberofkeysinthelock.Afterafewtriesthedoorclickedopen.HeglancedoverhisshoulderatRowley.“Watchmyback.”Hestoodtoonesideandswungthedooropen.
InsidewaspitchblackandKanesworeunderhisbreath.Itseemedeverytimeheinvestigatedamissingperson,heendedupventuringintosomeeerilydarkplaceoranother,anditdidn’tgetanyeasier.HeusedhisflashlightalongsidehisweapontolightthewayandedgedslowlyforwardwithRowleyclosebehind,hisbreathsendinggreatcloudsofcondensationintotheair.Itseemedenteringthedarkunknownwasn’tRowley’sjobofchoiceeither.Furtheralongthehallwaytheyfoundanemptyinnerofficecoveredinathickcoatingofdustandanotherdoor.Thedooropenedontoalongdarkpassageway.Heranthebeamofhisflashlightoverthewalltofindaswitch.Onlysmallinsetlights,likethoseinthefloorofanaircraft,illuminatedtheway.“Sheriff’sdepartment.Isanyoneinhere?”
Nothing.
Heartpounding,Kanepusheddownthecreepinguneasecrawlinguphisspineandreacheddowndeepforhisprofessionalfa?ade.Somethingaboutthisplacemadehisskincrawlandtheunpleasantodorseepingfromthedampwallsplayedtrickswithhismind.Flashesofpastcrimescenesdancedthroughhissubconsciousinawarning.Keepingtothewall,heledthewaydownthedimcorridortoanothermetaldoorwithakeypadsetinthewallnexttoit.Hemovedforwardtoexamineitandrecognizedthetype.Itwasafamiliarbrandandnotverysecure.Hehadthetechnologytoopenitwithoutaproblembuthisguttoldhimhewouldn’tlikewhatwasontheotherside.
“Nowwhat?”Rowleymovedupbesidehim,aiminghisflashlightonthecontraption.
Kaneholsteredhisweaponandpulledoutadecoder,assmallasacellphone,fromhispocket.“Ineverleavehomewithoutthis;it’sveryuseful.”
Movingwithspeed,heattachedwirestotheboxandnumbersflashedonthescreen.Afterafewseconds,thenumbersstoppedonthedecoderandthedoorclickedopen.Acloudofsub-zeroairescaped,bringingwithitthemetallicsmellofblood.HewantedtoslamthedoorshutandglancedatRowley’ssuddenlyashenface.“Thatdoesn’tsmellgood.”
“Jesus,thatsmellslike…oh,shit.”Rowley’seyeswidened,lookinglikeblackorbsinthedimlight.“Notbodiesagain.ShouldwejustcallWolfe?”
Kaneshookhishead.“Wehavetotakealook.”HeslappedRowleyontheshoulder.“Youshouldbegettingusedtothisbynow.”
“I’llnevergetusedtoseeingmurdervictims.”Rowley’smouthturneddown.“AtleastIdon’tpukeasmuchasIusedto.”
UneaseslidoverKaneashepocketedthedecoderandslidtheGlockfromitsholster.Walkingintoadarkabyssfilledwiththesmellofdeathbroughtbackmemorieshe’dratherforget.Thesightlesseyesofpastvictimsflashedintohismindinfast-forwardrerunsandhegroundhisbackteeth.Notagain.“I’mgoingin.Makesurethedoorremainsopen.”
“Rogerthat.”Rowleyplacedhisbacktothedoor,heldhisweaponalonghisflashlightandgavehimalessthanconfidentnod.“Readywhenyouare.”
Takingadeepbreath,Kaneeasedthroughthedoorand,sensesonfullalert,movedinsideonestepatatime.Thesmellofbloodsurroundedhimandbeforehecoulddropintohisprofessionalsafezoneofcalm,hisflashlightilluminatedaheadlessskinnedbodyhangingonagianthook.Thehaironthebackofhisneckbristledandhismindcontinuedtoplaytricksonhim.Heartpounding,heloweredhisflashlight;surehehadseentheshapelybackofawomanthenturnedtocatchRowley’spalefaceandwideeyesinhisbeam.“Whatwasthat?”
“Adeermaybe.”Rowley’sAdam’sapplebobbedupanddownasheswallowed.“Thedoorissixinchesthick.Ifigureit’safreezer.”
Kaneshonehislightoverthedoorandsurroundssearchingforahandle.Abovethedoor,hefoundarodtokeepthedooropenandslotteditintoplace.“Seeifyoucangetthelightson.”
Momentslatertheroomfloodedwithlight.Kaneshookawaythemacabreimagesinsidehisheadandscannedtheroombeforehim.Frozencarcassesofelkanddeerhunginlines.Itwasunusualtoseesomanyinoneplace.HuntersinMontanafield-dressedtheirtaggedkills,leftthemtocoolthentookthemhomeordonatedthemtocharity.Seeingsomanyinstoragemadehimsuspicious.HewouldcontactFish,WildlifeandParksandgivethemtheheads-up.Takingcaretoavoidtouchinganything,hewalkedthewallsofthefreezer,checkingeachlineofcarcasses.Therewasonlyoneentrance,yetthebuildingwasvast.Theremustbeanotherwayintotheplace.HestrolledbacktoRowleyandtheyheadedbackoutandintothewaterysunshine.
“Whatwasthatallabout?”Rowleyscratchedhisheadunderhiswoolencap.
Kaneshrugged.“I’mnotsure.Poachingperhaps.I’llgettheFWPtolookintoitbutrightnowourpriorityisfindingthemissingpersons.”Hepulledtheouterdoorshut,lockeditandledthewayaroundthebuilding.
Afteranextensivesearch,they’dfoundnothingbutabunchofemptyrooms.Disappointed,KaneexchangedhisglovesforsomethingwarmerthanlatexandsentRowleytodoanothersearchofBurns’officeandyard.HemadehiswaybacktoJennaandexplainedwhatthey’dfound.HenoticedJenna’sexcitementandthepileofevidencebagssittingonthecounter.“Whathaveyougot?”
“WehaveenoughheretobringBurnsinforquestioning.”Shesmiled.“Bloodevidenceinthevehicleandontheseats.Also,wefoundEllaTate’scellphone.Sittingrightonthebenchinclearview.”
Kanefrowned.“Wolfehadnolucksearchingforherphone.Yousureit’sElla’s?”
“Ohyeah,butthebatteryandSIMaremissing.”Jennaheldupanevidencebag.Thepinkphonehad“Ella”onthecoverinrhinestones.“JustlikethedescriptionshegaveWolfe.”Shesmiled.“Wehaveenoughevidenceheretobookhim.”Shepulledouthercellphone.“I’llcallWolfe.”Shemadethecall,thenliftedhergazetoKane.“He’sonhisway,we’llwait.”
“Ma’am.”Rowleycamejoggingback.“Thesnowisafootdeeparoundthevehicles.Nothinghasdisturbedthemsincewewerehere.Theofficedoesn’thaveacellar.IcanfindnotraceofSkyPaulortheothers.”
SheturnedtoWebber.“Wrapitup.We’llwaitforWolfetoarrivenow.”SheturnedtoRowley.“TakeBurnsbacktothestationandputhiminacell.HecancoolhisheelsuntilwegetbackthenI’llcallhislawyer.We’llbealongassoonasWolfehascompletedhisexaminationofthescene.”
“Yes,ma’am.”Rowleytippedhishatandstrodetowardhiscruiser.
Kanewalkedoutoftheoil-pollutedatmosphereandintothecrispwintermorning.HetookafewdeepbreathsandlookedatJenna.“Iwonderifhe’lltalk.Westillhavethreepeoplemissing.”Theycrunchedthroughthesnowbacktohistruck.“I’mstartingtowonderiftherearemorepeopleinvolvedinthiscrime.”
“Howso?”Jennarestedonehandonthedoorofhistruck.
Kaneshrugged.“Agutfeeling.There’stoomuchgoingonforonepersontohandle.”Hewavedahandtowardthejunkyard.“Ifhe’sworkingwithKnox,forinstance.Itwouldmakemoresense.KnoxkidnapsthepeopleandBurnsdisposesofthevehicles.TheonlypartofthisthatworriesmeiswhereDougPaulfitsintohisMO.Ifit’sakillerwe’redealingwith,unlessDougwascollateraldamage,andhemistookLeviHoltforawoman,themotivedoesn’tmakeawholelotofsense.”Heleanedagainsthistruck.“Kidnapperswhoaren’tinterestedincollectingaransomorsellingtheirvictimsusuallydoittorape,murderorboth.I’veneverheardofonewhodealsinsparecarpartsandfrozenpoachedmeatontheside.”Hesnorted.“They’reusuallywaytoosmarttokeepavictim’scarintheirpossession.”
“Soyou’renotconvincedwehaveourman?”Jenna’sbrowcrinkledintoafrown.“Italladdsuptome.EspeciallyifWolfefindsevidencethatBurnsdisposedofthebodiesinthecrusher.”
Kaneshookhishead.“ItwillbehardtoproveheisinvolvedinDougorOlivia’sdisappearances,especiallyifthevehiclesheusedtoconcealthebodieshavealreadybeenrecycled.”Heblewoutahuffofsteam.“That’sifhemurderedtheothervictims.Burnsdoesn’tfittheprofileI’dexpectforakillerescalatingsofast.HewasquakinginhisbootswhenIhadholdofhisarmanddidn’ttryandsweet-talkhiswayoutoftrouble.”
“Theevidenceisstackedagainsthim,Kane.”Jennafoldedherarmsandstaredathim.“WhatdoyouseethatI’mmissinghere?”
Kaneshrugged.“Oh,he’sinvolvedbuthedoesn’thavethestreetsmartstodothisalone.”Hewavedahandtowardthegarage.“What’shismotive?”
“Hecouldhaverapedthewomen.”Jennastaredintospace.“Ifigurethechopshopwouldbelucrative.”
Kanenodded,thenmimickedherposeandfoldedhisarms.“Sittingoutonthehighwayhopingtokidnapawomanandstealhercarseemsabitextreme,whenhe’dhavetheabilitytostealonefromaparkinglot.Tobeperfectlyhonest,itwouldbedifficulttorapesomeoneoutsideinthisweather.Hemusthavetakenthewomensomewhereotherthanhere.We’vesearchedthisplaceandthere’snosignanyone’sbeenintheotherbuildingforsometime.Andthejunkyardofficehasn’tgotmorethanasparefootofspace.”Hekickedatawedgeofsnowwiththetoeofhisboot.“ThenwehavetofactorinDougPaul.HeplayshockeyfortheLarkssohe’llbefit.HowdidBurnssubduehim,drugElla,thengetOliviaoutofthewreckedcarallonhislonesome?”
“AllgoodpointsI’llconsiderafterWolfehasexaminedthepremises.”JennabrushedsnowoffherjacketandopenedthedoortoKane’struck.“IthinkBurnsisguiltyashell.Theevidenceisrightinfrontofus.”
Kanemethergaze.“Well,IfigureBurnsisjustthetipoftheiceberg.”
FIFTY-SIX
Dougwoketothesoundofarguing,hisheadpoundedandhistonguewasstucktotheroofofhismouth.ThememoryofJimrammingthegurneyintohimwasthelastthingherememberedapartfromthesearingpaininhisheadbeforeheblackedout.Fromunderhislashes,hewatchedthenurseandJimcometowardhim.Helayverystillandtriednottoflinchasthenursemovedclosethentouchedhim.
“Hewon’tlastmuchlongerifyoukeepdamaginghim.”Thenursepeereddownathim.“Hisorganswillbeworthzeroifthey’rebruised.“Lookathim.Whatwilltheysayabouthiscondition?”
“Idon’tcarewhattheysay.”Jimslammeddownafistonthesidecabinet,shakingtheutensils.“Theyworkformejustlikeyoudoandbeherefirstthingtocompletetheorders.I’mgoingtoseehernowandmakethefinalarrangements,thenI’llbebacktofinishupoutside.Packupeverythingwedon’tneedandI’llstoreitsomewheresafewhenIreturn.”Heturnedonhisheelandchargedoutthedoor.
Dougclampedhisjawshutasthemanwashedhimandchangedthedressingonhiswoundbutneglectedtofastentherestraints.Hisheartpoundedatthethoughtofescapeandthemonitoringmachinekickedupthebeats,butthenursewastoobusywithOliviaordidn’tcare.Heattemptedtomoveanddiscoveredhislimbsworkedjustfine.Movingwithslowmeasuredmovements,heeasedtheneedlecarryingthedripfromhisarmandpresseddownhardtostoptheflowofblood.Thenhepressedtheneedleintothemattress.Theeffortmadethemachinebeepfasterandheheardthenursecurseunderhisbreath.Dougpushedhisarmundertheblanket,leavinghisrightarmontop.
Thecurtainswishedopen,thenclosed,andthenursepeereddownathim.
“Itoldhimthedrugswouldkillyou.Toolatenow.I’mnotlettingyousuffer.”Thenurseadjustedthedrip,thenturnedtolookathimclosely.“Oh,great,nowyou’resweating.Ibetyouhaveafever.”Hebentoverthebedtoattachtherestraints.
Usingeveryounceofstrength,Dougballedhisfistandslammedthenurseinthetemple,thenhithimagain.Themanfellacrosshim,stunned,withhismouthopeningandclosinglikeafishoutofwater.Dougrippedtheneedleoutofthebedandjammeditintothenurse’sjugular.Heheldhimdownuntilhewentlimp.“There.Howdoyoulikeit?”Agonyrippedthroughhimandhelaybackpanting.
“What’shappening?”Oliviasoundedasifshe’dbeencrying.“Areyouokay?”
Dougleanedover,rippedthecurtainfromtherailingandlookedathertear-stainedcheeks.“I’lldo.”Herolledthenurseawayfromhislegsandstaggeredtohisfeet.“Youdon’tlooksogood.Letmegetyououtofthere.”Hemadeittoherbedandunstrappedherwrists.“DoyouknowifJimishere?”
“Hewas…beforebuthehadtogoorganizesomethingintown.Hewasinarealbadmood.Somethinghasgonewrong.Ifigurethecopsareontohim.Hewantstoharvestourorgansthengetridofusbeforetheyfindthisplace.”Oliviablinkedawaytearsandlookedupathim.“What’sthepointtryingtoescape?Jimwillbashusagainanddragusbackhere.”
Dougturnedandunclippedtheswipecardfromthenurse’sscrubs,thenpattedhimdownandfoundasetofkeysinonepocket.“Thistime,wehaveacardtoopenthedoorandcarkeys.”Heplacedtheitemsonthecabinetandlookedather.“Helpmegethimonthebed.We’lltiehimdownandgaghim.”
“Hemusthaveoutsideclotheshere.Wehavetofindsomethingtowearorwewon’tsurviveoutside.”Oliviagrabbedthenurse’sfeetandliftedthemontothebed.“Grabanarm.You’reinnoconditiontolifthim.”
Themonitorsbeepedinpanickedalarmastheyheavedthemanuponthebed.Inagony,Dougpulledthetubesandwiresfromhisbody.Thentiedandgaggedthenurse.Hedraggedtheblanketsfromthebedthenturnedtoher.“Wedon’tknowwhenJimwillreturn,wehavetoriskit.Grabhisshoes,they’llfityou.I’llweartherubberbootsinthecorneroverthere.Hurry!”
Heshuffledoutthedoorlisteningintentlybutitwasallquiet.Theofficewasemptyandsowastheroomwithlockersandashelfpackedwithsurgicalscrubs.Theypulledonpantsandtops,wrappedtheblanketsaroundthemandmovedasfastaspossibledownthedarkhallwayandintothelargeroomwiththedoortofreedom.Heglancedaroundforaweapon,thenthoughtbetterofit;beingsoweak,hewouldbeuselessinafight.Thepainhaddrainedhimanditwasbecominghardtobreathe.Heleanedonehandagainstthewall,panting,thenswipedthecardandthedoorclickedopen.Theymovedoutsideintothebittercoldandhespottedalocker.“Bingo.”HedraggedouttwoheavycoatsandhandedthesmalleronetoOlivia.
“Ifoundglovesandahatinthepocketsofmine—checkyours.”Oliviashruggedonthecoatandbuttoneditup,thenpulledontheglovesandhat.“Nowwejusthavetofindhisvehicle.”
SweattrickleddownDoug’sneckfromtheeffortofdressing.Itwasasifcottonfilledhisheadandhisvisionblurred.Heshookhisheadviolently,thenstaggeredafterOlivia.Sheturnedacornerandhefollowed.Attheendofthepassageway,theyencounteredanotherdoor.Itopenedwithoutaproblembutthemomenthepeeredcautiouslyoutsideablastofarcticairandsnowflakessmackedhimintheface,followedbyahorrendousstink.Heblinked,blindedbythesnowscapebeforehim.Theywereinanindustrialarea.Redbrickwallsloomeduphighoneachsideandaheadhemadeoutsnow-dustedmachinery.
“There’snoonehere.”Oliviapulledonhisarm.“Hurry,hecouldbebackanysecond.”
HalfdraggeddownalanewaybyOlivia,Dougshieldedhiseyesallowingthemtoadjusttothelightbeforescanningthearea.“There’satruckoverthereintheparkinglot.”Hepointedthekeyfobatthevehicleandthelightsflashed.“Doyoudrive?”
“Yeah.”Olivia’sreplycameoutinapuffofsteam.“Iknowyou’rehurtingbutwemustgetinthattrucknow.”
Theyslidandslippedacrosstheicyroadway,negotiatedthechainfencethenclimbedintotheSUV.BeforeDoughadclickedhisseatbelt,Oliviahadtheenginerunning.Sheglancedathim.“HowlongshouldIidletheenginebeforeweleave?Idon’twantittobreakdown.”
“Driveitrealslow.Theenginewillwarmupbythetimewehitthehighway.”Heturneduptheheater,thensearchedthevehicleforacellphone.“Whydoesn’thehaveacellphone?”
“I’dsayhedoesn’twanttobetraced.”Oliviahadcrawledthetruckouttheparkinglotandmadeherwaydownalongroad,keepingitinthetiretracksofanothervehicle.“Idoubtharvestingorgansfromkidnappedpeopleislegal.”
TheyreachedthehighwayandDougplacedahandonOlivia’sarmtopreventhermakingtheturntoBlackRockFalls.“Wehaveplentyofgas.HeadtoBlackwater.Idon’twanttorunintoJimonhiswayback.We’lltellthesheriffwhathappenedandhe’llcontactSheriffAlton.”
“Sure.”Oliviaacceleratedalongthehighway.“Iwanttobeasfarawayfromthatcreepaspossible.”
Dougleanedbackintheseat.“Iwon’tlethimgetawaywiththis.”HesmotheredamoanofdespairatthethoughtofwhathissisterSkymusthavesufferedatthehandsofJim.“IfIhaveto,I’llhunthimdownliketheanimalheis,thentearhimapartwithmybarehands.”
FIFTY-SEVEN
ThesmelloffreshlybrewedcoffeeanddonutsgreetedRowleyashewalkedbackintotheofficeafterdeliveringBurnstothecells.Hemadehiswaytothesmallkitchenetteatthebackoftheroomandhelpedhimself.Inthebackground,hecouldhearthedemandingvoiceofawomanandDeputyWalters’calmingmonotone.Notwantingtobeinvolved,heslippedbehindhisdesktowriteareport.
HehadfinishedthedonutsandwasleaningbackinhisseatenjoyingthecoffeewhenWalterscameblusteringtowardhimlookinglikeathundercloud.“Anythingwrong?”
“Maybe,maybenotbutIwenttoschoolwithBeatricePaulandIdon’ttaketookindlytobeingscreamedatasifIamsomedodderyoldfool.”HesatinKane’schairandpushedahandthroughhisgrayhair.“Sheclaimstohaveseensomeonewearin’hergranddaughter’ssweaterintownjustbeforeandseein’astheyoungwomanismissin’Icalledthesheriffandshetoldme,youshouldhaultailoutthereandgetaphotooftheallegedsweater.Shesaidtohuntdownwhereitcamefromthencallherimmediately.”
Rowleyglanceduptoseeanelderlywomanmarchingdowntowardthemwithadeterminedexpressiononherface.Hepushedtohisfeet.“CanIhelpyou,ma’am?”
“Yousurecan.”ShepointedafingeratWalters.“Thisoldfoolwon’tlistentome.IsawDoctorWeaverwearingSky’ssweaternottwentyminutesago.”
Rowleydroppedhisvoicetoacalmsteadytone.“Howcanyoubesureitisthesamesweater?”
“BecauseImadeitforher.”Sheliftedherchin.“Igaveittoherlastwinter.Itisoneofakind.It’syellowandhasaredheartrightinthecenter.It’sabigsize.Skywanteditbigsoitwouldfitoverlayersofclothesanditcomesdowntoherknees.”Sheglaredathim.“Shewouldhavehaditwithher.Don’tyouunderstand?IfDocWeaverhasit,whoevergaveittohermusthavetakenitfromSky.”
Rowley’sheartbeatpickedupasheconsideredtheimplications.DocWeaverhadavitalcluetoSky’sdisappearanceinherpossession.“Didyouaskherwheresheobtainedthesweater?”
“OfcourseIdid.”Mrs.Paul’scheeksflusheddeepred.“Sheinformedmeherboyfriendpickeditupatayardsale.”Shegaveanexasperatedsigh.“Andbeforeyouask,noshedidn’tknowwhohadtheyardsalebutIcantellyou,therearen’tmanyatthistimeofyear.”
Rowleyfrowned.Heneededtomoveonthisclueimmediately.“Okay,giveDeputyWaltersallthedetailsandI’llspeaktothesheriff.”
HesteppedoutofearshotandcalledJennatoexplainthesituation.Shedidn’thesitatetosendhimtohuntdownDr.Weaverandgetphotographsofthesweater.Afterdraggingonhiscoatandhat,heheadeddowntowntoDr.Weaver’sclinic,foundaparkingspaceandheadedinside.Henoddedatthepeopleinthewaitingroomandwentstraighttothedesk.“Ineedtospeakwiththedoctor.”
“Oh,isitamedicalemergency?”Thereceptionistblinkedathimoverherglasses.
Rowleyshookhishead,sendingicecrystalsinalldirections.“No,apolicematter.”
Hewaitedforthedoortoopenandthepatienttowalkout,then,beforethereceptionistcouldopenhermouth,walkedinsidethedoctor’soffice.“DoctorWeaver,I’msorrytobotheryouwhenyou’resobusybutIneedtoknowaboutthesweateryou’rewearing.”Hisattentionwenttothesweater.Itwasyellowwitharedheart.“MayItakeaphotographofitpleaseandwheredidyougetit?”
“Ifyoumust.”Dr.Weavercamefrombehindherdeskandstoodinfrontofhim.“Ialreadytoldthecrazywoman,myboyfriendpurchaseditatayardsaleintown.It’sjustlikenewandalthoughalittlesnug,isverywarm.”
Rowleyusedhiscellphonecameratotaketheimages.“What’syourboyfriend’snameandwherecanIfindhim?”
“Youonlyjustmissedhim.”Dr.Weaversmiledathim.“He’sheadingbackouttothefertilizerplant.Hehassomemaintenanceworktodooutsideintheyard,sohe’llbeeasytofind.I’dsayheleftabouttwentyminutesago.”
“Okay.”Rowleyrubbedhischin.“What’shisnameandcontactdetails?”
“WyattSawyer.Heownsthemeatprocessingandfertilizerplantsoutsideoftown.”Shesmiledathim.“Didyouknowallthewaste,thebonesandthelikefrommeatprocessing,endupinbloodandbonefertilizer?It’smaderightnexttothemeatprocessingplant.”Shelookedupathim,eyessparklingwithobviouspride.“That’swhyhebuysthingsatyardsales,hehateswaste.”
“Isee.AndI’llneedhisphonenumber?”
Aftersherattledoffthenumber,hethankedherandheadedforthedoor.HewouldhavetotakearideouttotheplantandspeakwithMr.Sawyer.Fromthesheriff’scasenotes,he’dbeencooperativeduringhislastinterviewandRowleydoubtedhewouldcauseaproblem.AftercallinginhisdestinationtoMaggieintheoffice,heheadedoutinthe
ThescenerychangedwitheveryseasoninMontana.Thesnowhadflattenedthelandscape,turningthegrasslandsintoafrozentundra.AfewelkshelteredinthespatteringofpinesbutitseemedeerilyquietandherealizedhowfrightenedEllaTatemusthavebeen,aloneinthiswilderness.He’dfeltsorryforherthedayhe’dpickedherupandwasgladthebloodtestclearedher.Shemusthavegonetohellandback.
Heturnedintothesnow-coveredroadleadingtotheindustrialestateandfollowedtheicyblacktoptotheprocessingplants,followingawell-wornpaththroughthesnow.Hefoundthefertilizerplantwithoutdifficulty—hecouldhavefollowedthesmelltoitanyway.Fromthestink,theprocessofcrushingandcookingthewastecarriedonevenduringtheshutdown.Herolledintotheparkinglotintimetoseeamanwalkingtowardhim,cellphoneinonehandandashovelintheother.Dressedinadarkhoodie,matchingpantsandsteel-cappedworkingboots,hestoodclosetosixfeet,withwideshoulders.HeeyedRowleywithsuspicion.Whenthemanpushedthephoneintohispocketandgavehimasmile,heslidfromhiscruiser.“Mr.Sawyer?”
“That’sme.”Themanstoppedafewyardsfromthevehicleandleanedonhisshovel.“WhatcanIdoforyou,Deputy?”
ThecaseandthequestionsheneededtoaskcametothefrontofhismindandRowleytookasteptowardhim.“IwantedtoaskyouaboutthesweateryougaveDoctorWeaver.”Herememberedhe’dneglectedtoreporthisarrivaltoMaggieandheldupahand.“Justaminute,Iforgottocallin.”
Asheturnedtoclimbbackintothecab,thesoundofagonginsidehisheadbrokethesilenceandhisbrainexplodedinpain.Confused,hestaggeredandfellagainsthistruck.Whathadhappened?HeturnedslowlytopeerthroughblurredvisionatSawyerandcaughtthecoldlookinhiseyesandthewayhismouthhadsetinathinline.Shakinghishead,hewenttosaysomething,butSawyerraisedtheshovelagain,advancinglikearattler.Hemovedsofast,Rowleydidn’thavetimetodefendhimself.Agonyslammedintohim,theblowsendingshockwavesthroughhisteeth.Hisstomachrolledandthetoo-brightparkinglotmovedinandoutoffocus.Holyshit,he’sgoingtokillme.
FIFTY-EIGHT
AgitationslitheredoverJennaatWolfe’sshakeofthehead.“Whatdoyoumean,‘noblood’?Therehastobetraceevidencehere.It’sthemiddleofwinterandBurnshadtodisposeofthebodies.Thecrushermakessense.”Shejammedherhandsinherpockets.“It’snotasifhecoulddigaholeinthefrozenground,isit?”
“Nope,butassumingthevictimsaredead,andI’veyettodiscoveranyevidencetoprovethattheory,hecouldhavestashedthemsomewhere.”Wolfegaveheracondescendinglook.“It’snotasiftheyaregoingtobefounduntilthemeltandmovingfrozenbodieswouldbeeasierthanrottingcorpses.”Hesighed.“Hewouldhaveatleastthreedaysbeforetheydefrostedandplentyoftimetodropthemdownamineshaftoncetheroadscleared.”
“Jenna.”Kanetouchedherarm.“DoyouwantmetogogetDuke?Ifthereareanybodiesaroundthepropertyhe’llfindthem.”
“Notnecessarily.”Wolferemovedhisglovesandmask.“ThesnowisgreatfortrackingbecausewecanfollowfootprintsorwhateverbutDukeisn’tcadaver-trained.Thedogslearntorecognizethescentofdecompositionandwhenabodyisfrozenandcoveredwithfreshsnow,itbecomesanalmoststerileenvironment.Therearenoscentsforthedogstosmell.”
“Whatmakesyoubelievethey’redead,ma’am?”Webbergaveheralonglook.“Thebloodinthevehicleisconsistentwiththeoneblowdescribedbythewitness.AccordingtoElla,Skywasaliveaftertheattack.Haveyouconsideredthesex-slavetrade?Thatwouldmakemoresensethanmurder.”
AnnoyancerippledoverJenna.ThereshouldhavebeenbloodevidenceandnowWebberwastryingtoundermineherauthority.“OfcourseIhavebutthosemonstersusuallywanttheirmerchandisemuchyoungerandingoodcondition.TheypreferteenagersoryoungerandDougPaulwouldbemoreofaproblemthanhe’dbeworth.”Sheglaredathim.“I’mconvincedthisisahomicidecaseandI’mtreatingitassuchuntilprovedotherwise.”
“Ican’tconsideritahomicidewithoutsubstantiallymoreevidence.”Wolfe’smouthflattenedtoathinline.“I’msorry,Jenna.There’sjustnotenoughevidence.”
Jenna’sphonechimed.“It’sMaggie.I’dbettertakeit.”
“Seemssomeonefoundwhatlookslikeatoothinabagoffertilizerthismorning.Theyfounditwhentheywerepottingupbulbsintheirgardenshed.”Maggiesoundedapologetic.“Ihaveitrighthere.IfiguretheMEneedstotakealookatit,itsurelookslikeithasafillingtome.”
Appalled,JennaswallowedhardandtouchedWolfe’sarmtogethisattention.“Dotheyhavethepackagingthefertilizercamein?”
“Suredo,it’ssittingrighthereonthecounteranditstinks.It’sfromthelocalplantrighthereinBlackRockFalls.”
“Okay,placeitinanevidencebagandsealit.Wolfewillcomebyandcollectit.”ShedisconnectedandexplainedthesituationtoWolfe.
“It’sprobablyananimaltoothwithdirtinitbutI’llswingbyonthewaybacktotheofficeandtakealook.”Wolferubbedhischinandglancedbackatthejunkyard.“Toputyourmindatrest,I’llcomebackafterdarkanddousethecrusherwithluminolincaseI’vemissedanythingbutI’veswabbedeveryinchofitanditcomesupclean.”Heglancedathiswatch.“I’llhavetimetoruntestsoneverythingelsewe’vefoundthisafternoon.IfIfindanythingfromhereorifthetoothishuman,I’llcallyou.”
“Okay,thanks.We’llheadbacktotheoffice.”SheturnedherattentiontoKane.“Lockuptheplace.Idon’twantanycomplaintsifBurnswalks.”Tryingtoclearherheadoftheconflictingviewsfromherdeputiesandputeverythinginorder,sheleanedonKane’strucktowaitandsurveyedthearea.
Tuckedawayontheedgeoftown,theoldred-brickbuildinghadoncebeenagoldexchangefortheminersbutalthoughgold-miningwasstillprofitableinhercounty,thelocalminesyieldedlittlenowandtheriskwasn’tworththeeffort.Shecasthergazealongthestreetandapartfromthemenwalkingaroundbehindhertheonlynoisecamefromthecrackingoffrozenbranches.ItwasquietinBlackRockFallsinwinterbutnotavoidofwhite.Theabundantwildlifeintheareasurprisedherandeventhealpinebirdsseemedtoadapttothecoldweather.
ThecellphoneinherpocketchimedandsheglancedatthecallerIDandfrowned.ItwastheBlackwaterSheriff’sDepartmentcallingher.Thenewsheriff’snamehadslippedhermind,althoughshehadseenamemosittingonherdeskfromMaggieabouthim.“SheriffAlton.”
“ThisisSheriffBuzzStuartoutofBlackwater.”Stuartclearedhisthroat.“I’llgetstraighttothepoint.Ihavetwoofyourpeoplehere,DouglasMichaelPaulandOliviaKatePalmer.Theysayamankidnappedthemandheldthemprisonerupintheindustrialestatenexttothehighwaynotahalf-hourfromBlackRockFalls.IassumethesearethepeopleyoumentionedintheBOLOandthemediareleases?”
Stunned,JennawavedKanetowardherthenputthecellphoneonspeaker.“Yes,thosearetwoofthemissingpersons.Whatshapearetheyin?”
“Mr.PaulisinneedofimmediatemedicalassistanceduetoawoundonhissideandMissPalmerhasaheadinjury.Mr.Paulwon’tleavehereandishell-bentonspeakingtoyou.I’vecalledBlackRockFallsHospitalandthey’resendingparamedics.Theyshouldbeherewithinthehour.”
Heartracing,JennaexchangedalookwithKaneandsmiled.“Puthimon.”
TheylistenedinamazedsilenceasDougtoldhisstory.Disgustedandalarmed,JennastaredatKane,watchingtheemotionsmoveoverhisface.Shestraightened.“Yousaythisman’snameisJim?Canyoudescribehim?”
“Yeah,solid,aboutsixfeet,darkhair,white.He’llhaveacutonhischesttoo.Oliviastabbedhimwithascalpel.Ifigureitwouldhaveneededstitches.”Doug’sangerradiateddowntheline.“He’sstrongasabullandthenursecalledhim‘theboss’.Ifigureheownstheplace.Thehospitalroomisunderthefertilizerplantandtheentranceisrightbesideabigmachine,likeashredderofsomekind.Wetiedupthenurseandlefthimononeofthebeds.”
AnxietycrammedJenna’sbelly.“WhataboutSky?”
“Idon’tknow.”Dougtookaraggedbreath.“Ifigureshe’sdead.Fromwhatweheard,Jimhasbeenrunninganorgan-harvestingracketforsometime.Ihaveabadfeelingtheyalreadytookoneofmykidneys.”
JennacaughtKane’shorrifiedexpressionbeforehewalkedaway,pullingouthiscellphone.Shefrownedandwentbacktotheconversation.“Okay,we’llheadouttherenow.GowiththeparamedicstotheERandI’llhaveadeputywaitingtomeetyou.We’llcomeandspeaktoyouatthehospitallater.I’llmakesureyouareinasecureward,sonoonecangettoyou.”ShedisconnectedandcalledDeputyWaltersandexplainedwhatsheneeded,thenstaredatKane’spaleexpression.“What’sup?”
“Getinthecar.”Kanethrewhimselfbehindthewheelandstartedtheengine,thentookoffatspeed.“SothisJimtheymentionedcouldbeWyattSawyer,theownerofthefertilizerplant.Earlier,IheardRowleycallinandsayhewasheadinguptheretospeaktohim.”Hegaveheragrimlook.“Ijustcalledhimandhe’snotansweringhiscell.WeneedtowarnhimaboutSawyer.”
“IsenthimtoseeDocWeaveraboutSky’ssweater.”Jennaswallowedhard.“What’shedoingatSawyer’sfertilizerplant?”
“IheardhimtellMaggiethatWeaverhadgottenthesweaterfromherboyfriend,WyattSawyer.Rowleywenttospeaktohim.”Kane’sfacewasgrim.“Buckleup.”
Heartthumping,Jennasnappedontheseatbeltasthetruckfishtaileddowntheroadanddriftedaroundthecorner.Kanedarteddownbackstreetstoavoidtown,andshotoutlikeabulletontothehighway.Theengineroaredasheengagedlightsandsirensandaccelerated.Hehadturnedintoamilitarymachineagain,hisfaceamaskofdetermination.ItwasasifDeputyKanehadleftthebuildingandablackopsagenthadtakenhisplace.Hedrovelikeamanpossessed,andnotafraidofdying.
Astheyleftthetownbehind,thesnow-coveredgrasslandsflashedbyinawhiteblur.Breathlesswithanxiety,shereachedfortheradio.“Hemightbeoutofrange.I’lltrytoreachhimontheradio,thencallMaggieandgetanupdate.Hewouldhavecalledinwhenhearrivedatthefertilizerplant.”
AfterfrequentcallstoRowley’scruiseryieldednoresponse,JennaradioedMaggiewiththeirdestinationandrequestedbackup.WhenWolfecameonthetwo-way,sheglancedatKane.“Yes,Wolfe,whatdidyoufind?Over.”
“It’sahumantooth.We’reonourway,over.”
“I’vegotarealbadfeelingaboutthis.”Kane’sfistsgrippedthesteeringwheelashepushedhistruckfasterovertheicyroads.“Withahumantoothinthefertilizer,weknowhowhedisposedofSky’sbodyandhervehicle.There’sanurseinvolvedandtoharvestorganshemusthaveadoctoronhisteamaswell.”
UnabletoimaginethehorrorSkymusthaveendured,Jennatriedtokeephermindsetonthecase.“MymoneyisonDoctorWeaver.”
“Oh,it’sherforsure.HerboyfriendisWyattSawyerandhegetsoffonseeinghisvictim’ssweateronhisgirlfriend.Heisasmoothtalkerandwastoosmarttousehiscousin’syardtodisposeofSky’svehicle.I’mwonderinghowlongthishasbeengoingon.”Kanesnortedindisgust.“SOBbashesandthendrugshisvictimstokeepthemquiet,thensellstheirbodyparts.IfiguredI’dseensomeoftheworstkillersinmytimebutthisonebeatsall.”Heflickedheracoldstare.“WeneedtogettherebeforehestartsworkingonRowley.”Heslammedhisfootonthegas.
FIFTY-NINE
Dazedbutstillonhisfeet,Rowleyduckedthenextblowandthemetalshovelclangedonthedoorofhiscruiser,thesoundechoingagainsttheredbrickwalls.Heshookhishead,notabletocomprehendthesituation.WhywasSawyertryingtokillhim?HewentforhisweaponbutSawyerhadhimpinneddowninthetruck’sopendoorandthenextblowsentscreamingagonyuphisarmastheshovelslammedintohiselbow.Fingersnumb,hisGlockdroppedtothegroundandspunawayintoasnowdrift.Hiscellphonevibratedinhispocket.Helpwasacallawaybuthehadnotonechanceinhellofansweringthecall.WhenSawyerraisedtheshovelagain,Rowleyliftedhisarmstoprotecthishead.Ihavetogetawayfrommytruckandintotheopenbeforehefinishesmeoff.
Afterduckingthenextblow,hetookastepforwardbutSawyerpushedhiminthechestwiththeshovelandlaughedathim.
“You’reminenow.”Sawyer’seyesflashedmenace.“Youdon’thaveachanceagainstmeandI’msogonnalovekillin’you.”
AwaveofdesperationandfeargrippedRowleybuthepusheditaway,determinednottoallowthislunatictowin.Oneonone,he’dhaveachance,butstuckbetweenanopendoorandthecab,Sawyerhadtheupperhand.Acouplemoreblowstotheheadwouldfinishhim.Rightnow,hewasoutofoptions,itwasmoveordie.Thenherememberedhistracker.Wolfehadsuppliedthemallwithanemergencybeacon;itusedthesametechnologyasasatellitephone.Hereachedacrosshischestandpressedthestudbesidehisbadge.SoonJennaandKanewouldbeabletoheareverywordheutteredandknowhisposition.Hejusthadtosurvivelongenoughforthemtogettohim.Thechancesofsurvivinghadfallentojustabovezero,then,asifsomeonehadheardhim,Kane’sadvicedriftedintohishead.Whencornered,attack.Grindinghisteeth,heglaredatSawyer’samusedexpressionandliftedhischin“Doyougiveyourselfextrapointsforattackinganunarmedman,Sawyer?You’renothingbutayellow-belliedcoward.”
“Oh,listentothebravedeputy.”Sawyertookafewstepsbackandgrinned.“Okay,let’smakethisrealfun.Thetruckisstoppin’myswinganyways.”Hebeckonedhimforward.“Showmewhatyougot.”
Rowleyhadtrainedforthistypeofsituation.Heturnedtooneside,thenlashedoutwithhisfootonce,twice,threetimes,butSawyerdeflectedthestrikeswiththehandleoftheshovel.Giddyandhurting,hetookacoupleofunsteadystepsawayfromthecruiserbutkepthisattentiononSawyer.Themanstood,eerilyconfidentandwithaslightsmileonhisface,swingingtheshovelasifwaitingforhisnextmove.Hewasplayingwithhim,likeacatwithamouse.
“Thatallyougot?”Sawyerlaughed.“Whatareyou?Ablackbeltinstupid?”
Notwillingtogivein,Rowleystraightenedandstaredhimdown.Althoughhisrightarmwaspracticallyuseless,andagonycutthroughhisheadlikeaknife,hetookafightingstance.Nowaywashegoingdowntothismaniac.Helpwouldbecomingandheneededtotransmitasmuchinformationaspossible.“Youcan’twin,Sawyer.Backupisonitsway.Thesheriffknowsyouownthefertilizerplantandisheadingherenow.”
“Idon’tthinkso.Youforgottocallin,didn’tyou,andhowlongdoyoufigureitwilltakemetodisableyourradio?”Sawyergavehimamaniacalgrin.“I’vetakendownbiggermenthanyouandyou’reinjured.Youwon’tlastlong.I’veseenhogsbleedlessthanyou.”
ArushofwarmthtrickleddownRowley’scheekandbrightredspotssplashedthesnowathisfeet.I’mbleeding.Hestaredatthecrimsonflowindisbeliefandtriedtoconcentratethenaimedanotherkick,thistimeataSawyer’sknee,butlandedafeebleblowtotheman’sthigh.“YoumayhavedamagedonearmbutIstillhavemyfeet.”
“Notforlong.”Sawyergrinnedinaflashofwhiteteeth,raisedtheshovelandbroughtitdowninawhooshofair.
Oh,Jesus.Slowedfromtheheadinjury,Rowleyhadnowayofavoidingtheblow.Searingpainshotacrosshisrightkneeandhebuckled,fallingfacedowninthesnow.“I’mdown.”HehopedKanecouldhearhim.
Anothercrushingblowtohisheadsentshockingagonyrocketingdownhisnerveendingsandwhitestarsdancedacrosshisvision.Sawyer’slowchuckleandthefearofdyinginthesnowshotadrenalinethroughhisveins,pushingawaythered-hotpain.Heblinkedbloodfromhiseyesandrolledaway,kickingatSawyer’slegswitheveryounceofstrengthhehad.“Nowyou’vemadememad.”
HelandedakickonSawyer’skneebuttohishorror,themanabsorbedtheblowandjuststoodtheregrinningdownathim.Panicwelledandhegulpeddownfreezingmouthfulsofair.Underhim,theice-packedsnow,crimsonwithhisblood,blurred.Hismusclestrembledanditwasasifhefloatedontheedgeofreality.Heshookhishead,desperatetostayalive;helpwascomingandhehadtoremainconscious.Digginghisfingersintotheice,heinchedawaytogetsomedistancebetweenhimandSawyer.Toolate.Withatriumphantgrunt,Sawyercamedownonhimhardwithbothknees.Airlefthislungsinarushofsteamandinseconds,Sawyerhadpulledziptiesfromhisbackpocket.RowleyfoughthardbutSawyerwasincrediblystrongand,momentslater,hadhimtrussedup.HestaredupintoSawyer’sblackunyieldingeyesandhopedKaneorWolfecouldhearhim.“I’mdown,needassistance.”
“Yousuredobutyoudon’thavenoradioonyou,nowdoyou?”Sawyergavehimasatisfiedgrin.“DidIhityoutoohardandscrambleyourbrains?Don’tpassoutonmenoworyouwon’tenjoythenextbit.”HeslappedRowleyhardacrosstheface.
“Oh,Jesus.”Rowleygroundhisteethagainstarushofsearingagony.
“Jesuscan’thelpyounow.”Sawyerbentoverhimandstaredintohiseyes.“I’msogonnaenjoywatchin’yougetallchewedupinthehogger.”
ColdhitRowley’sbackasSawyerliftedhisfeetanddraggedhimwitheaseacrosstheparkinglot,headingtowardthehoggermachine.ThestarkhorrorofwhatSawyerintendedtodohithome.Fightingtokeepconscious,hetriedtoreasonwithhim.“It’snottoolate.Youcanwalkawaynow.Iwon’tsayanything.”
“Oh,you’llsayplentyandbythetimeyoudieyou’llbecryin’foryourmommy.”Sawyerdraggedhimintothecourtyard.“WhenIhavetheconveyerbeltrunnin’andyou’reheadin’downintothegrinder,you’llscreamandnoonewillbeabletohearyoubutme.”Hechuckledandkeptmovingclosertothemachine.“Iloveitwhentheyscream.”
SIXTY
JennagrippedKane’ssatellitephoneinbothtremblinghandsandlistenedtothehorrificattackonRowley.Sicktoherstomach,sheglancedatKane.“Wewon’tmakeitintime.”
“Wewill.”Kanemovedhisfingersrestlesslyonthesteeringwheel.“Jakewillfightback.Listentohim.Hemightbeinjuredbutheisn’tdownyet.”
TerrifiedforRowley,Jennastaredatthescreen,willinghimtosurviveforjustafewmoreminutes.Shewishedhecouldhearher.“We’recoming,hangon.Comeon,Jake,fightback.”
Thesickeningthudsandgaspsmadeherstomachcramp.HerhandsshookwitheverywordRowleyuttered.Hearingafriendfightingforhislifewastearingherapart.ShelookedatKane.“Gofaster;wehavetogettohim.Please,Kane,wecan’tlethimdie.”
Theyshotpasttwoeighteen-wheelersandKaneaimedthebeastintothemiddleofthehighway,wheelsstraddlingthecenterline.ThemotorroaredandthehoodraisedasthepowerfulenginethrewJennabackinherseat.Aheadtheroadwasclearintothedistance,butevenKanewasn’tinvincible.Iftheyhitonepatchoficetheywouldslideintotheditchatfullspeed.Shegrippedtheseat.“Oh,shit.”
“Themiddlehaslessiceatthemomentandeverysecondcounts.”Thenerveinhischeektwitchedastreesflashedbyinablurofbrownandwhite.“Hangon.”
JennaheldherbreathasKaneslidthetruckaroundthecorneranditfishtailedontheicebeforehegainedcontrolandtheychargeddowntheroadleadingtothefertilizerplant.
Inherhand,Kane’scellphonerelayedthehorrorRowleywassuffering.Hisvoicecamethroughthespeakerinalmostawhispernow.
“Sawyerisdraggingmetoamachinehecallsthehogger.It’samassiveshredder.”Rowleypantedouteachword.“I’mnotgoingtomakeitoutofthis.GetthisSOBforme,WyattSawyeristheAxman.”Hesuckedinadeepbreathandhisvoicecameoutcalm,almostresigned.“It’sbeenapleasureknowingyouall.”
Fightingbacktears,Jenna’schestconstrictedandshebitbackasob.“Oh,myGod.”
“There’sJake’struck.”Kanebypassedtheparkinglotandsqueezedhistruckdownasidewalktowardthebuilding.Ahead,JennacouldseeamandraggingRowleybythefeettowardahugepieceofmachinery.Sheslottedthephoneintoitsbracketandpulledoutherweapon.Shewasoutthedoorandrunningbythetimethetruckslidtoahaltinfrontofaconcretepostdividingthewalkway.Thesnowunderfootboggedherdownandsheslippedontheice-coveredpathway.Glacialaircutdeepintoherlungs.SecondslaterKanewasathersideinacloudofsteam,Glockdrawn.Shekeptrunning.“Sheriff’sdepartment!Stopwhatyou’redoing.”
Toherhorror,SawyerignoredherandliftedRowleyontotheconveyerbeltasifheweighednothing.Heglancedatthemandshrugged,thencalmlywalkedtothemachine.Jennakeptrunning—shehadtosaveRowley.“StoporI’llshoot.”
WhenSawyergrinnedandgaveherthefinger,shedidnothesitate.“Takehimout,Kane.”
TwoshotsrangoutandbloodspurtedfromSawyer’sshatteredkneesbutbeforehefell,hestumbledforwardtopressaredbuttononthemachine.Themassivegrindingmachinesprangtolifeandtheconveyerbeltshuddered,thenmovedslowlytowardthesharpgrindingteethflashingmenacinglyinsidealargehole.Forthefirsttimeinherlife,sheheardRowleyswearashewriggledaroundinadesperateattempttorolloffthewideconveyerbelt.
Lungsburstingwitheffort,Jennaholsteredherweaponandsprintedthelastfewyardsatspeed,thenthrewherselfatRowleyinanattempttorollhimoffthemachine.Theyspunsidewaysbutremainedstuck.Themachinemadeaterriblegrindingnoiseandshehadaclose-upviewofthedeadlysharpbladesturninginside,readytoshredthemtopieces.Feetandhandsslippingonthegreasybelt,shecouldn’tpullherselffree.Panicmadeherhandsshake.Insecondsthebeltwasgoingtodroptheminsidethegapingmaw.SheturnedtoseeKanerunningtowardthem.“Kane,dosomething.”
Hisfacewasamaskofconcentrationasheraisedthepistolinbothhands.Anothershotrangoutandtheredbuttononthemachineexplodedintoashowerofredplastic.Timeseemedtostopasthestinkingmachinecamewithinafewinchesofswallowingthemalivebeforetheenginewhined,shudderedanddied.Heartthundering,Jennaheavedasighofrelief,thenpushedherselfupandlookeddownintoRowley’sblood-soakedface.“I’msuregladKanenevermisses.”
EPILOGUEFRIDAYMORNING,WEEKTWO
ItneversurprisedJennahowmanycriminalsrolledoverontheirpartnersforadeal.TheDAattackedtheweakestlink,oneGeoffreyLaRocca,thenurse,andhesoongaveuptheentirehorrificteam.WyattSawyer,therapistsexaddict,hadboastedaboutkillingwomeninotherstatesaswellandleavingtheirbodiestorotbesidethehighway.TheRoadsideStrangler,afteraferocioustwelve-monthkillingspreeinWyomingthreeyearspreviously,hadbeenunmasked.
TheSawyerinterviewhadbeeninteresting,conductedinahospitalroomwithbothhandscuffedtothebed.Itseemedlikepoeticjustice.Afterhislawyerconvincedhimthejurymightgoeasyonhimifhetalked,Sawyerwentfromangrytoboastingabouthowhehadoutsmartedeveryonehisentirelife.HegaveJennaaslowsmile,thenadmittedtocomingclosetokillingherandKane.AfterexaminingSawyer’swhitepickupwiththestickermarkononedoor,Kaneidentifieditasthevehiclethatplayedchickenwiththemonthehighway.
JennahadlistenedintentlyasSawyerwentontotellthestoryofhowhestumbledontotheideaoforganharvestingaftermeetingtheunworldlyDr.Weaverandconvincingherhecouldhelpthelessfortunatebysupplyingthedesperatelyneededorgansifsheperformedthesurgery.Hehadthemoneytosetupasmallclinicandbypayingsubstantialamountstotherightpeoplesoongainedaccesstotheblackmarket.Thetradeinillegalorganswaswidespreadandwithsomanyyoungpeopleadvertisingtheirwhereaboutsonsocialmedia,kidnappingafewpotentialdonorswasn’ttoodifficult.
He’dchosenwomenasthemajorityofhisvictimsbecausethey’dfedhisneedtokillandadmittedthatunlesstheydiedundertheknife,hefedthemtothehoggermachinealive.Themenheprocessedswiftly,sellingofftheirorgansanddisposingofthemwithinacoupleofdays.Heownedboththemeatandfertilizerplants,sousedrefrigeratedtrucksfromthemeatprocessingplantfororgantransportationandthehoggermachineinthefertilizerplantfordisposaloftheremains.Addingthebodiestothewastefromhismeatprocessingplantandturningthemintofertilizerwaseasyandundetectable.
Sawyerhaddiscoveredpeoplewoulddoanythingformoney.Adisgracednursewaseasytocomeby,aswastheambulancechaserBurnswhoheusedtopickupthevehiclesofthepeoplehekidnapped.ThestorymadeJennasicktoherstomach.Itwasasifhewasproudofhisingeniousschemeandtoldhisstorywithrelish.Whenaskedwherehekeptthecashfromthesaleoftheorgans,heinformedthempaymentswentintoanoffshorebankaccount.TheFBIhadsearchedbutfoundnotraceoftheaccountorSawyer’slistofcontacts.
JennahadtoadmitarrestingDr.Weaverhadgivenheramodicumofsatisfaction;althoughthewomanhadintimidatedhertosomedegree,hergutinstincthadbeenright.Aftersearchingtheundergroundclinicatthefertilizerplant,theydiscoveredthecomputerintheofficeheldthesameorgan-matchingdataDr.Weaverhadcollected.ThedatabasegavethemaninsightonhowbigSawyerhadexpectedhisschemetogrow.Hadheplannedtopluckamatcheddonorfromtownwhenanordercamein?
TheDAchargedDr.Weaverforperformingillegalorganharvestingonlivingpeopleandmurderinthefirstdegree.Thedoctorhadrefusedtosayanything,notgivingacluetohowmanyvictimstheyhadmurdered.AtleasttheyhadthetoothandifWolfecouldextractanyviableDNAfromit,theymightbeabletosolveanothermissingperson’scase.TheproblemwasthatsomanypeoplejustupandvanishedwithoutatraceallovertheUSA.
Itwaswithsomedegreeofrelief,whenWolfeconfirmedhisoriginalfindingsonDr.Weaver’shistory.AfteranextensivesearchofDr.Weaver’sbackgroundandcontactsoverthelasttenyears,theFBIhadfoundabsolutelynoconnectionbetweenherandViktorCarlosorthecartel.Atlast,JennacouldbreatheeasyagainandlikewiseKane.
JennahadassistedKanebylisteningandmakingnotesashedelvedintohisnewmemoriesofthetimeimmediatelybeforethecarbombing.Notlongafter,he’dpassedallhissuspicionstotheofficeofPOTUS.JennawasawareKanedesperatelywantedtobeinvolvedinthecaptureofthemenresponsibleforhiswife’sdeath,butobviouslyPOTUSthoughtotherwise.However,whenWolfegavehimthereportofthedeathsofthemenresponsible,he’dtakenthenewsinhisusualprofessionalmannerthenvowednottospeakofitagain.Itsurewasgoodtoseetheburdenliftedfromhisshoulders.Maybenow,hecouldmoveonwithhislife.
JennawalkedintothehospitalroomandtooktheseatbesideKaneandWolfe.ShesmiledatRowley.AfterseeinghimsafelytotheER,she’dbeensobusywitharrestsshehadn’thadtimetovisithim,buthadcalledhimandlistenedtoKaneandWolfe’sdailyreports.“I’msosorryI’venotbeeninforavisitbeforenow.Howareyoufeelingtoday?Youdon’tlookreadytogohome.Haveyoubeenhidingyourinjuriesfromme?”
“I’mjustfine,ma’am.”Rowleylookedatherthroughbloodshoteyespeeringoutfromabruisedandbatteredface.“LikeItoldyou,Ihaveachippedelbowandabruisedknee.Therestofmeisfine.”
“Let’snotmentionthesevereconcussion,twelvestitchesinhisheadandacrackedrib.”Wolfefrowned.“It’sjustaswellyouarrivedwhenyoudid.”
“Thetrackeryougavemesavedmylife.”Rowleysmiledacrookedgrin.“ButIfigureitwasthesheriff’sflyingtacklethatbrokemyribs.”Hechuckled,thenmethergaze.“I’mjoking,ma’am,youputyourlifeonthelineformeandI’llneverforgetit.”
“Thankyou.”Jennasmiled.“OnethingIhavetoask.”SheturnedtolookatKane.“Whydidn’tyoutakeoutSawyer?”
“Hewasn’tarmed.”Kaneshruggedandstretchednonchalantly.“Ifiguredyou’dwanthimforquestioningandyourorderwasintheheatofthemoment.”
“Yeah,wesurefoundoutalotaboutMr.Sawyer.”JennanoddedandturnedherattentiontoWolfe.“Whataboutthetooth?”
“I’vesenttheDNAprofileouttoallagenciesandwe’llseeifwegetamatch.I’veleftthecaseopenandturnedeverythingovertotheCSIunitinHelena.”Hesmiled.“IdroppedintoseeOliviaandDougandthey’redoingokayconsideringDoughadakidneyremoved,butthey’llneedcounseling.ThedoctorstoldDoughe’dbeinthehospitalforatleastanotherweek.”
“Oh,somethingelse.”Kanesmiledather.“AfterhearingaboutourinterestinKnox,theBlackwaterMotelreceptionistcalledMaggieandadmittedshewastheblondeKnoxcarriedintohisroom.”Hechuckled.“Shewouldhavecomeforwardsoonerbutdidn’twanttoruinherreputation.”
“Ishouldhaveherchargedwithwithholdingevidence.”Exhaustedbythestressfulcase,Jennasighed.Shejustwantedtogohome,sitbythefireandrelaxforawhile.Kanewasmonitoringthe911lineandsheturnedtohim.“Hasanythingurgentcomeinforustoattendtotoday?”
“Nope.Ifigurewegogetatreeandmaybebuysomepresents.”Kanesmiledather,tookherhandandgaveitasqueeze.“Ifigurewealldeservesomedowntime,don’tyou?”
Jennashruggedandstareddownattheirlinkedhandsinamazement,he’dneverasmuchastouchedherinfrontoftheothers.SheglanceduptoseeRowleyandWolfegrinninglikebaboons.SheuntangledKane’sfingersandclearedherthroat.“Idohaveafewthingstodoattheoffice.”
“Nothingthatcan’twait.”Kane’seyestwinkledwithmischief.“Don’tforgetwe’rehavingChristmaswithWolfeandthegirls.”
Isitthattimealready?Jennablinked.“WhenisChristmas?”
“Tomorrow.”Kanechuckled.“Ho,ho,ho.”
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WHISPERINTHENIGHTDETECTIVESKANEANDALTONBOOK6
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Sheopenshereyesandstrugglestomakeoutthedarkroomaroundher.Onethingsheknowsinstantly–herwristsareboundandshe’stiedtoachair,unabletomove.Asshescreamsforhelp,shehearsfootstepsoutside.He’scoming…
Fifteen-year-oldLindyRosenhasbeenhavingnightmaresforweeks,wakinginapanic,screamingthatthere’samaninherroomwatchinghersleep.Herparentsassumeditwasheroveractiveimagination,butwhenonemorningtheyfindLindymissingfromherbedroom,they’renotsosure.DetectiveJennaAltoniscalledintoinvestigate.
Withinhoursoftheschoolgirlgoingmissing,thekidnapperreachesouttoJennawithavideoofLindyboundandtiedtoachair,cryingtobesetfree.Andasimplemessage–you’vegot24hourstofindherorIkillher
Jenna’steamworkaroundtheclocktotrytofindLindybeforethedeadline,buttimerunsout,andJennareceivesadevastatingmessage.Thekillerhasmadegoodonhispromise.He’splayingadangerousgame.Andnooneknowswhathisnextmovewillbe.
Butjusttwodayslater,oneofLindy’sschoolfriendsistakeninthemiddleofthenightandthecountdownbeginsagain.
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DON’TTELLASOULDETECTIVESKANEANDALTONBOOK1
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Thefloorwasstonecoldonherbareskin.Herheartpoundedinherchest.‘NotasoulknowswhereIam,’shethoughtasshetookinthedarknessaroundher.Andthensheheardhisfootsteps…
Whenabodyisfoundstuffedintoabarrelatthelocaldump,coveredinlongredcuts,DetectiveJennaAltonandhernewdeputy,DavidKane,rushtothescene.
NothingeverhappensinthesmalltownofBlackRockFalls,soJennabelievesthevictimmustbeoneoftworecentmissingpersons,andshefearsforthelifeoftheother.
Bothwerestrangerstothetown,butthere’snothingelsetolinkthem.Jennaknowssomeonemusthaveseensomething,butnoone’stalking;howwelldoesshereallyknowthepeoplearoundher?
ThenadisturbingcluemakesJennasuspectaconnectionwithotherdisappearancesinthetown’shistory.Justwhenshebeginsaskingtherightquestions,sherealisesshe’sbeingfollowed.Isshenextonthekiller’slist?
Inaraceagainsttime,JennaandDavidmustunlockthedarksecretattheheartofthetown,beforeit’stoolate…
Acompletelyaddictivedetectivethrillerthatwillhaveyouguessingrighttotheend.IfyouloveRobertDugoni,KarinSlaughterandRachelAbbott,you’llloveDon’tTellASoul
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Shedidn’tknowhewaswatching.Untilitwastoolate.
She’dwalkedthiswayhundredsoftimesbefore.Shekneweverytwistandturn.Shedidn’tknowthiswasthelasttimeshe’deverwalkthispath.
Hiddendeepintheforest,schoolgirlFelicityParkerisfoundcarefullylaidoutonarockwithnothingbutafreshlypickedbunchofflowersnexttoher.Thebodyliesjustoffapopularhikingroute,andDetectiveJennaAltonthinksthekillermightbeavisitortothetown,untilanothergirl’sbodyisfoundatthelocalswimmingpool,onceagainposedwithabunchofflowers.
Jennarecognizesthesignsofaserialkiller,andthinksitcouldbealocal.Asthetownisgrippedwithfear,Jennamustexamineeachpersonthegirlsknew,andtrustbetweenneighborsstartstocrumble.
Bothgirlswentoutontheirown,andwerefoundwheretheyshouldn’tbe.Weretheytakenbychance,ordidtheyknowtheirkiller?Howweretheyluredsofarfromsafety?AndcanJennaandherteamfindthekillerbeforeanotherlifeislost?
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‘Don’tyouagreeDetective?Thatsomepeopledeservetodie?I’vekilledthefirst.I’vekilledthesecond.Nowwillyoucatchtheothers,ordoIhavetokillthemtoo?’
ThebodyofAmosPriceliesinapoolofbloodonthepolishedfloorofanotherwiseemptyhouse.Withnosignsofabreakin,andnocluesleftatthescene,DetectiveJennaAltonisataloss.
Butastheteambeginstounpickthelifeofthereclusivevictim,theydiscoveradisturbinglinkbetweenAmosandthedisappearanceofseveralyounggirlsinthecountygoingbackyears.
Dayslater,anotherbrutallymurderedbodyisfound,inaremotemotelontheoutskirtsoftown.ElyDorseywaskilledinafrenziedattackandJennafearsnotonlythatthemurdersareconnectedtothemissinggirls,butthatthekillerhasn’tfinishedyet.
AsJennatriestoworkoutwhowillbenext,thekillersuddenlystartssendingherdeputy,DavidKane,messages.Isshebeingtaunted?Ordoesthemurdererwanttobecaught?AndwillJennadiscoverwho’sbehindthesekillingsbeforemorepeopledie?
Anabsolutelynail-bitingthrillerwithplentyoftwists,FollowMeHomeisperfectforfansofRobertDugoni,KarinSlaughterandRachelAbbott.
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Thelightfadesassherunsforherlife,theforestnowbecomingquieteraroundher.Theonlynoiseshehearsisthesoundoffootstepsfollowingher…
It’shikingseasoninBlackRockFallsandthesmalltowninMontanaisfloodedwithvisitors.Butwhenahikerfindsahumanskullonadesertedtrailinthewoodsthatsurroundthetown,DetectiveJennaAltoniscalledintoinvestigate.
Withnomissingpersonsreported,Jennahasnoleads.Thenherteammakesashockingdiscovery–thebodyofanotherhiker,ayoungman,tiedtoatreeandriddledwithbullets.Couldthetwomurdersbelinked?
Asmorebodiesarefound,JennaandherdeputyDavidKaneknowthattheymustventuredeepintotheforesttofindandfacethekiller.Butnothingcanpreparethemforwhatawaitsthemthere…
IfyouloveRobertDugoni,KarinSlaughterandRachelAbbottyou’lllovethisnail-bitingthrillerfromD.K.Hood.
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ImustgiveashoutouttoVeronicaSlaterandJasonforwearingimagesofmybookcoversontheirT-shirtsandpromotingmeinmyhometownandbeyond.
AspecialthankyoutoNoelleHoltenandKimNashforthefantasticonlinepromotion,theyarepartoftheincredibleBookoutureteamwhoworksohardbehindthescenestopublishmybooks.
PublishedbyBookouturein2019
AnimprintofStoryFireLtd.
CarmeliteHouse
50VictoriaEmbankment
LondonEC4Y0DZ
www.bookouture.com
Copyright?D.K.Hood,2019
D.K.Hoodhasassertedherrighttobeidentifiedastheauthorofthiswork.
Allrightsreserved.Nopartofthispublicationmaybereproduced,storedinanyretrievalsystem,ortransmitted,inanyformorbyanymeans,electronic,mechanical,photocopying,recordingorotherwise,withoutthepriorwrittenpermissionofthepublishers.
eBookISBN:978-1-78681-544-6
Thisbookisaworkoffiction.Names,characters,businesses,organizations,placesandeventsotherthanthoseclearlyinthepublicdomain,areeithertheproductoftheauthor’simaginationorareusedfictitiously.Anyresemblancetoactualpersons,livingordead,eventsorlocalesisentirelycoincidental.
TableofContents
TitlePage
BooksbyD.K.Hood
Dedication
Contents
Prologue
Chapter1
Chapter2
Chapter3
Chapter4
Chapter5
Chapter6
Chapter7
Chapter8
Chapter9
Chapter10
Chapter11
Chapter12
Chapter13
Chapter14
Chapter15
Chapter16
Chapter17
Chapter18
Chapter19
Chapter20
Chapter21
Chapter22
Chapter23
Chapter24
Chapter25
Chapter26
Chapter27
Chapter28
Chapter29
Chapter30
Chapter31
Chapter32
Chapter33
Chapter34
Chapter35
Chapter36
Chapter37
Chapter38
Chapter39
Chapter40
Chapter41
Chapter42
Chapter43
Chapter44
Chapter45
Chapter46
Chapter47
Chapter48
Chapter49
Chapter50
Chapter51
Chapter52
Chapter53
Chapter54
Chapter55
Chapter56
Chapter57
Chapter58
Chapter59
Chapter60
Epilogue
WhisperintheNight
HearMoreFromD.K.Hood
BooksbyD.K.Hood
AletterfromD.K.Hood
Don’tTellaSoul
BringMeFlowers
FollowMeHome
TheCryingSeason
Acknowledgements
Copyright
© Copyright Notice
The copyright of the article belongs to the author. Please do not reprint without permission.
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