Long road home (brand of justice book 7) lisa phillips download pdf by Education Libraries

Lisa Phillips

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Nopartofthisbookmaybereproducedinanyformorbyanyelectronicormechanicalmeans,includinginformationstorageandretrievalsystems,withoutwritten permissionfromtheauthor,exceptfortheuseofbriefquotationsinabookreview

eBookISBN:979-8-88552-195-6

PaperbackISBN:979-8-88552-196-3

Publishedby:TwoDogsPublishing,LLC Idaho,USA

CoverDesignby:SashaAlmazanandGeneMollica,GSCoverDesignStudio,LLC

Editedby:ChristineCallahan,ProfessionalPublishingServices

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

AlsobyLisaPhillips

AbouttheAuthor

Chapter One

FRIDAY,7:55 P.M.

DOOR COUNTY,WISCONSIN

closedfrontdoorkeptsecretsfromtheworld.

Kenna’sjobwastokickthedoorinanddragthetruthtothelight Todaythough,sheknocked “It’s almost like we’re partners.” A glint of humor laced the tone of the woman standing beside her on the concrete doorstep.

KennahadparkedherSubarubehindtheMercedesandtheMitsubishiatthecurb CharlayneandBettywerealreadyhere Forrest,her“partner”hadhitchedaride,whichmadesensegivenKennawascurrentlysquattinginhergarage.

Onlythewomanbesideherknewthewholeplan

Kennawantedtosayshewasn’tinthemarketforapartner.OrshecouldtellForrestnottogetusedtoit. Neithersentimentlefthermouth

ForrestCrosbywasjustafewyearsolderthanKennabutdidn’twearitsowell.Thepasttwoyearshadagedher,except whenshesmiled.Eventhen,theglintinhereyesdidn’ttouchhermouthabovethescarfwrappedaroundherneck.Shewore insulatedjeansandtennisshoes,anoversizedsweaterunderherjacket Hairpulledback

Theybothworeheavycoats,butKenna’shadfuraroundthehood.She’dleftthebaselayerofffromunderherjeanssince they’dbeinsideMarion’shousetonight ThenhometoForrest’shousewhereKenna’sRVwasparkedinhergarageoutofthe cold,snow,andwind.

ThesamewindthatfrozeherfingersassheknockedagainonMarion’sfrontdoor.

Forrestheldatray.Underthelidwasaselectionofmeats,cheeses,nuts,andfruitthatKennawasgoingtomakesurethey tookhomeifthiswentsidewaysandnooneate.

Thedoorswungopen

Kennapastedonasmile.“We’rehere.”

Marionfrownedveryslightly Good.

Marionshouldbenervous,butseemedtopushitoffquickly.“Comein.Theothersarealreadyhere.”

Forrestwentfirst,soKennacouldcoverherback.Thesnacktraywenttothecoffeetableinthelivingroom,passedover thebackofthecouchtoBetty,who’dturnedwhentheycamein.Charlaynesatinthearmchairwithaglassofsomethingsparkly she’dprobablybroughtherselfandhadn’tofferedtoanyone

Kennaunzippedhercoat,butwasn’tabouttotakethetimetounlaceherboots.Theymighthavetorunoutofhere.

Forrestdidthesame Kennahadgivenherafullbriefing

Overthelastsixweeksorso,asKennahadbeenlivinginherRVgarage,sheandForresthaddiscoveredsomecommon ground. Forrestwas a mysterywriter buthadn’ttyped a word offictioninto her computer since her husband and sonwere tragicallykilledinatrafficaccidentonthehighwaylateatnight,comingbackfromamovie Twoyearsago.

Instead,shewascurrentlyresearchingatruecrimebookonalocallegend,aserialmurderernoonehadcaught Kennahad

peekedintotheofficeandstudiedthecollectionofpapersandcasefilesForresthadmanagedtocompile Sofarshe’dresisted theurgetocallMaizieandgetheronthecase.

Thegrievingwifeandmothermightneedtosolveitherself “Coffee? Tea?” Marionwandered downthe hall to the kitchen, whichconnected backto the livingroom. The hall rug needed vacuuming, and a thinlayer ofdusthad accumulated onthe bookshelves She sether jacketonthe armofthe couch besideher.

Forrest tooka foldingchair inthe corner, whichleft Mariononthe hotseat a padded piano stool infront of the cold fireplace.

Kennaleanedbackagainstthecouchjusttofeelthepistolatthesmallofherback.

Maybeshewouldn’tneedit

Since before the holidays Kenna had beentrackinga serial kidnapper who had stolengirls betweenthe ages ofsixand nine Eightgirlshadgonemissingovernearlythirtyyears Longenoughthecommunitygrewnumb Leadsdriedup,andpeople forgot.

Nooneeverfoundasinglebody

Plentyoffolksaroundthecountyhadideasaboutthekindofmanwhowoulddothiskindofthing. Kennahadideasofherown.KindoflikeForrestandher“partners”idea.

“Let’sgetstarted,shallwe?”Marionsettledonthestool,whichcreakedunderherweight Thoughshelookedthinnerthan thelasttimeKennahadseenher amonthago,atthelastbookclub.

Bettyliftedamugfromthecoffeetable “Whofinishedreadingthebook?”

Kennasmiled.“Ilikeditalot.”Andshewasgoingtolikethisevenmore. Forrestmadeaface.“Yeah,Idon’tknowthatIliked it.Antonwasn’tagoodguy.”

“Like thatmade himanyless attractive?” Charlayne snorted into her bubbles. “Bad boys are hot.” Comingfroma sixtyyear-oldwoman,thatwasinteresting.Forrestgrinned.Charlayneliftedherglassinasalute.“SheknowswhatImean.” Kennafrowned

Forrestshookherhead.“I’vewrittenafewbadboystoriesinmytime.”

AllKennacouldthinkaboutwasJax “Iprefergoodguys,I’vegottasay” Someguyshadanedge.Jaxhadsmoothedhisoutwithexercise,healthyliving,andbeinganFBIspecialagentforyears. He’dinvitedher tospendChristmaswithhimathismother’shouse,butinawaysheknew heunderstoodtherewasnoway she’dhavesaidyes.Theyweresomewhereasacouple…buttheyweren’t there He’dflownouttoColoradoandspentNew Yearswithher,Stairnsandhiswife,andMaizie,whowasbasicallyKenna’steenageward.Thenthey’dallgonebacktowork onJanuarysecond

Mariontriedtosmile.“Soundslikethere’sastorythere.”

Oh,shehadnoideathestoriesKennacouldtell Theyjustwouldn’tbeaboutJax NooneinthisroombesidesForrestknewshewasaprivateinvestigator.Kennahadmadesuretheydidn’tknow,andmost peopledidn’trunawebsearchoneverynewpersontheymet.

Bettyand Charlayne were friendships of convenience, but they’d figure out prettysoonwhyKenna had invited themto beginabookclubwithher.Theywouldgetafrontrowseattoareal-lifestorythatwouldcleartheirhusbandsofsuspicionfor good

“We’reheretotalkaboutthebook.”Kennagrinned.ShereallywantedsomeofForrest’scheesetraybutdidn’twanttobe the firstone to flip offthe lid and looklike she had no self-control “How aboutthe facthe lied to her aboutwho he really was?Andshehadnoidea,soit’skindofmistakenidentitysincesheassumedwhohewasandranwiththat.Butit’salsothe factheneveradmittedthetruth.”

“He wanted to believe the lie,” Bettysaid “Maybe she knew Igotthe feelinga few times thatshe might’ve knownbut didn’twanttoadmittoherselfthatthetruthwasrightinfrontofher.”

“Ithinkwedothat,too Don’twe?”KennastaredatMarion,moreconvincedthaneverthatshewasright “Refusingtosee what’srightinfrontofourfaces,becauseit’seasiertonotstirthingsup.Welikethestatusquo.”Sheglancedaround,thensaid, “Youhavetowonder,ifhewantedtobesomeoneelse,whynotjustmakethechange?Whystaywithhisfamilywhenhecould leavewithherandbethemantheybothwantedtobelievehewas?”

Forresttippedherheadinagreement.

“Because theyliked the danger Bothof them” Charlayne saluted againwithher glass “There’s a rushinthe riskand worryingaboutgettingcaught.Goodguys,schoolteachers,doctors,orministersaren’trisky.They’reboring.”

Kenna eyed her Charlayne’s husband was atleasttwentyyears older thanher, and she was midforties She keptherself painfullyskinnybutnotaresultoflimitingalcohol intake.Herhusbandhadretiredbutplayedgolfinthesummerandindoor sportsthistimeofyear.Hehadatan mostlikelyfromamembershipthatgavehimunlimitedtanningbedaccess.

KennaturnedtoMarion.“Whataboutyou?WhatdoyouthinkaboutAnton?”

“Menaren’tworthit,butIcanseetheappealofa bad boy. Someonewhodoeswhateverhewantsbecausehecan.That’s

power.”

Forreststood,finally.“Ineedtouse the bathroom.Idranktoomuchcoffee today.” She smiledandmade her preplanned exit

Therecouldbenoaccusationwithoutevidence.Butaconfessionwouldbeevenbetter.

Forrestmighthaveapointabouttheirbeingpartners ItwasjustthatKennahadn’thadoneinalongtime,andtheyusually didn’tendwell.

“Isthatwhyyoutakethem?”KennastaredatMarion,feelingtherushofknowingshewasrightlikeahumthatenergized her. And Charlayne and Betty would be her witnesses to whatever Marion said next. “Because you can? For the rush of power.”

Marionstaredather,apinchedexpressiononherface

Bettysaid,“Kenna,whatareyoutalkingabout?”

KennalockedhereyesonMarion

Theolderwomanshiftedonthepianostool.“Yes,what?”

Kennashrugged “IwasjustthinkingaboutMarcusinthebook Gettingintohishead,youknow?”

Marionclearedherthroat.“Hewasbad.”

“Buthedidn’tcare.Hejumpedonopportunityanddidwhateverhewanted.”Kennastaredather.“Shedidn’tcarewhoshe hurt”

Charlaynesmackedherlips.“Youmeanhe.” “No,Idon’t,”Kennasaid

Forrest came backin. Kenna tookher gaze off Marionfor a second, longenoughto see her friend her partner nod. Kennastood,readytogetthissettled.Butwasshereadytoadmitthatworkingwithsomeonewasbetterthanbeingalone? Shewasn’tsosureaboutthat.

Charlayneuncrossedherlegsandlaunchedup.“Whatarewedoing?”Sheswayedforwardoffbalance.

Mariongrabbedher,spunheraround,andpointedarevolverattheundersideofherchin

Charlaynedroppedtheglass,whichshatteredontheedgeofthecoffeetableandhitthedingycarpet.Thelidofthepiano stoolwasopen

Bettygasped.KennadrewherweaponandhelditpointedatMarion.

Charlaynescreeched,“Whatisgoingon?”

Forrestsaid,“Ifoundastackofdirtydressesthatwouldfitasmallgirltheageoftheoneswhodisappeared.They’reold, waitingtobewashed.”

Bettystood “I’dlikeananswertothataswell”

Kennasawtheguninherperipheralvision.Bettyhada.22she’dpulledfromherpurse.

“I’llkillher!”Marion’swhite-knucklegrasponCharlayne’sarmandtheguntoherthroatspokeloudlyenough “Putthe gundown.” Kenna heldher aimonthe childkidnapper,butthere was toomuchriskofhittingCharlayne tofire. Marionprobablyknewthat.“Putitdown,andwecantalkaboutthis.”

Letherthinktherewasawayoutotherthanprison “Talk?!”Marionyelled.“Youshouldn’thavesaidanything!”

“IfyouknewwhoIwas,”Kennasaid,“you’dknowthat’snotpossible” ForrestcreptupbehindMarionwithadouble-fistedgriponanumbrella.

Kenna couldn’treact, eventhoughshe wanted to tell the womanto stand down Thenagain, maybe thatwas the wayto resolvethis.

Forrestswungwiththeumbrella,clippingMariononthesideofthehead. Charlaynescreeched

Marionwhirledbackfromtheblowtobringhergunup,aimingatanythinginhersights.

Kennahadalreadymoved ShegrabbedMarion’swrist,jerkeditforwardandbroughtherkneeup Marion’sfacecracked againstKenna’sknee,andshehowled.Kennagotthegun,aimedMarioninthedirectionofthearmchair,andhandedMarion’s guntoForrest “Shedoesn’tgetup”ThenglancedatBetty “Idon’twantanyaccidentalshots Youhearme?”

BettywasfocusedentirelyonMarion.“Ihearyou.What’sgoingon?”

“MarionWellsisthepersonwhohasbeenkidnappinggirls.”Thelastonewastwoyearsago.Butconsideringthefirsthad beentheyoungersisterofaformercolleague,thisonewaspracticallypersonal Betty’sexpressiondarkened.“Isthatright.”

“Iknowyouwon’tkillherbeforejusticeisserved”AstemptingasthatmightbeforBettytoendMarion’slife andthe suspicionthathadbeencastonherownhusband.OrCharlayne’s.Thenagain,overtheyearsnearlyeverymaleinthecounty hadbeenaccusedinthecourtofpublicopinion.

Charlaynehadthebottleofbubbly.Shetookalengthyswig,thenwipedhermouthonthebackofherhand.Hermanicured nailsflashedinthelight,andshecockedonehip.“Icangetaknifefromthekitchen.Wecancuther.Justalittlebit.”

“Ineedtolookaroundthehouse.Forrest,callthepoliceandgetthemhere.”Kennastrodeoutofthelivingroom,rolling hershouldersasshewalked.Everythingshe’dfoundpointedtoopportunity,andeverythingaboutMarion’slifesaidshewas exactlythetypeofpersontodosomethinglikethis

Thelastchildhadbeentakentwoyearsago.

MarionWellswouldn’tbekidnappinganyoneelse

Kenna searched the bedroomand bathroom. She didn’t want to toss too much, or the police would end up with their evidencetainted Butshehadtotakealookforherself Thepolicehadneversuspectedawomanwastheperpetrator,always fallingbackonassumptionsaboutsexualcrimes.Notabadtheory,butithadn’thelpedthemsolvethecrime.Intheend,allit didwasleavethemblindtowhatwasgoingoninfrontoftheirfaces.

ButKennaalmostalwayssawthetruth

Anamateurish-lookingembroideredversehungonthebedroomwall.Asmudgeofdriedbloodononecorneroftheframe. Pride comes before destruction

Kennafrowned.Thathitalittletooclosetohome.She’dcomeinheresureofherself,readytoenacttheplantoforcethe uglytruthofMarionWells’actionsintothelight

Abetterperson abetter Christian surelywouldn’tbeall puffedupwiththeir ownability.Full ofher ownsuretyand self-importance.

Surely,theywould Shedidn’tknow whatabetterChristianthanherwouldbefeelingrightnow.Sheonlyknew herownheart,anditwasn’t whereitshouldbe Orneededtobe Shehadn’tbeenaChristianlong,butshehadanotherquestiontoask WhetherofJax,or thelocalpreacher.

Buteitherway,justicewouldbedonehere.Themissinggirlswouldhavevoicesonceagain.

Kennarifledthroughthecloset,enoughtoseeaseamonthebackwall.Thebathroomwastotheleft,sowhatwasbehind this?

Sheswepttheclothesaside,andthehangersclackedtogether Adoor,barelyshoulderheight Apadlock.

Kennaturnedaround Sheshovedherfootbackandslammedbesidethepadlockwiththesoleofherboot Thedoorflungin.

Kenna crouched to look inside and choked on a gasp. “Forrest!” She ducked and crawled into a storage space, a thin mattressonthefloor.Acoupleofolddirtydollswithmissingeyes.Aplasticsheethadbeenlaidonthemattress,andatoo-thin girllayontop.

Practicallygray Cooltothetouch AnIVbaghungfromanailonthewallaboveherhead,nearlyemptynow Forestranintothebedroom.“Whatis ” Kennatouchedtwofingerstothegirl’sneck Thelastonekidnapped Two years ago Alumpcaughtinherthroat Thready Barelythere.“She’sstillalive.”

KennarippedtheIVbagoffthewallsothehospitalwouldknowwhatshe’dbeengiven.

Forrestthrewherathreadbareblanket “Coverherwiththis I’lltellthepoliceweneedanambulance” “We cantake her. It’ll be faster.” Kenna covered the girl, gatheringthe blanketaround her. She’d beenworkingonarm strengthandprayednowthatshewouldbeabletodothis Shesawthesoiledragsbetweenthegirl’slegsbutrefusedtothink aboutthat.“Let’sgetoutofhere.”

Shecrawledthroughtheclosetdoorandgiftedthegirlwithfreedom Prayingshewouldlivelongenoughtoknow.

ennahitSendonthetext.

Chapter Two

Suspectincustody Girlalive

She setthe phone onthe chair beside her so the persistentbuzzingofnotifications for the group thread withCharlayne, Betty, and Forrestdidn’tgetannoying. She needed a breather whenshe spenttoo muchtime withpeople, and her mind was spinningstillaboutthepridething Destructionwasmorethanatripandfall Shedidn’twantpridetocausehertolosewhat shehad.

Things were good She hada maninher life,andshe’dfounda familyindear friends people whounderstoodher and stillcared.

Forrest weaved through the hospital waiting area holding two cups of coffee “Confession, I drank a full one and then orderedthesetwo.It’sterrible,butit’shot.”

KennatooktheoneForresthandedover.“Thanks, partner.I’mfreezing.”

Forrestsnorted “Irescindmyoffer Idon’tthinkIwantalifeoffightingcrime” Kennasmiledovertherimofthecup.

“Youthinkit’sadrenaline,notjustthecold?”Forrestsettledaseatover,leavinganemptyonebetweenthem Shestretched outherlegsinKenna’sdirectionandcrossedherankles.

“Idon’tknow.”Butshedidn’tlikeit,becauseitfeltentirelytoomuchlikethepersonshehadbeen.Notwhoshewasnow. “IwasinMexicoforafewweeksattheendoflastyear.MaybeIhaven’tacclimatedtowinteryet.”

“YouwannaacclimatetoWisconsin,you’vegottastaylongerthanjustacase.Thankfully,itwassummerusuallywhenyour dadwashereforthatwriter’sconference”

Kennaignoredthecomment,liftedherphone,andcheckedthethread.“Bettysaysthepolicehavetapedoffthehouseasa crimescene Sheoverheardoneofthedeputiestalkingaboutacadaverdog”Shewantedtoknowwhenthey’dbedoingthat Findingthosebodieswastheprioritynow,sothefamiliescouldhavethathugepartofclosure.Notthatshewouldstickher nose in the local cops didn’t want a private investigator hanging around, as though she was ensuring they did their jobs correctly.

“Sowe’regonnatalkaboutworkandnotpersonalstuff,Isee?”Forrest’squestionhadatone.

Kennaglancedover,sinceshe’dsaidprettymuchthatexactthingtoForrestmorethanonce

“YouknewyourdadbetterthanIeverdid.”Forrestshrugged.“Whywouldmyexperienceofhimmakeanydifference?”

“It’s complicated” Like Vegas Mafia, trust funds, Washingtonstate cults, secret societies, and murder complicated It almostseemedlikeeverytimesheturnedoverarockinherfather’spast,therewassomethingunderitshewould’verathernot known.

Forrestsnorted “Yeah,it’s family Ofcourseit’scomplicated Whenyoulivewithsomeone,youseetheirmess,theirbad habits.”

“Thenwhydoesanyoneevergetmarried?”Herfriendwasn’tmakingitsoundappealing

Forrestlaughed.Whichinitselfwasprogress,evenifitwasshort-lived.“Thankyou.Ithelpstorememberthegoodtimes.”

“Itwasgood?”Kennahadn’taskedheraboutthehusbandshe’dlost. Forrestnodded.“Hewasagoodman,andhewasgoodtome.”

“IcansaythesameaboutBradley,evenifitwasn’t‘right’accordingtoGod’sideaofrightliving”Kennahadreconciled thatone,andconcludedshehadn’tknownbetter.Ignorancehadbothhurtherandgivenheranincrediblegift.Thingsshewould cherishinherheartandgrieveforaslongasitbeat Partners.

Lovers

“Noneofusareperfect.”Forrestsighed.

“Butitseemslikewe’reexpectedtodotherightthing.”Likenotbeingpridefulaboutsolvingacasewhennooneelsehad beenableto

“What’sthepointinexpectingthatofuswhenwe’rejustgoingtofail?”

Kennashrugged “I’mfiguringitout”

“Icanseewhyyoudowhatyoudo,”Forrestsaid.

“Andyou’regood?”Kennaeyedherfriend

“Someone’schildcamehometonight.That’sagoodthing.LikeIsaid,Icanseewhyyoudoit.”

“I’mnotgoingtoretireandwriteridiculousnovels,soyoudon’thavetoworryaboutthecompetition.”

Forrestlaughedagain “Wecandissectoneofyourfather’sbestsellersifCharlayneandBettyeverinviteusbacktobook clubafterwhatwedid.Butthat’sforlater.”

Adark-hairedmaninalineddenimjacket,jeans,andtanbootsstrodeacrossthewaitingarea “You’retheones?” Forrestgottoherfeetslowly.

Kennastood.“I’mPrivateInvestigatorKennaBanbury.” Hiscraggyfeatureshardened.“Whydidittakeyousolongtofindher?”

Kenna hadn’t interviewed himor his wife. She’d had copies ofthe case file notes withthe interviews done years ago, when everything had been fresh in his mind Hours after his daughter went missing Two years later, it would only have dredgeduphisgrief.

“Howisshe?”Kennawasn’tgoingtoanswerthequestionheasked Thismanjustneededsomeonetoblame “She’salive.Nothankstoyou.”Hepracticallyspatthewords.

Anurseontheothersideofthewaitingarealookedoverfromhercomputer.

KennafeltForrest’sshouldertouchherssothattheystoodsidebyside.

“That’swonderful news,”Kennasaid.Truthfully,she’dconsideredthechildtobedead.Whatever ledher tocheckfor a pulsehadmeanttheycouldsavethegirlbeforesheletgoforgoodandtookherlastbreath Forrestsaid,“Wewillbeprayingshefullyrecovers.”

“Soshecanbeintherapyfortherestofherlife,traumatizedbyeverysecondshewascaptive”Hescoffed “Whoknows whathappenedtoher.”

“Butshesurvived,”Kennapointedout.Unlikesomanyothers.“Shehastimetohealandliveherlife.”Likeshedidevery day

LikeForrestwasworkingondoing.

AndthesamethingsheprayedeverydayforMaizietorealize,andtakeholdof Kenna wanted to tell himthatifitwasn’tfor her tryingto find answers for RamonSantiago as to whathappened to his sister,noonewouldeverhavefoundhisdaughter Butshewasn’tsurewhataChristianwhowasn’ttaintedbyprideinwhat shehadaccomplishedwouldsayrightnow.

Forrestfilledthesilence.“Yourdaughterwillprobablywanttoseeyou.Assoonasshewakesup,she’llwanttoknowher dadistherewithher Youdon’twanttomissbeingtheonetotellhershe’ssafenow”Itwasaneffectivedismissal Hewhirledaroundandstompedout,asthoughlateforanappointment. “Weknowshe’salive,”Kennasaid Forrestnodded.“Let’sgo.”They’dfinishedtheircoffee,anditwasnearlyeleven. Kennahadparkedall thewayacross thelotintheonlyemptyspace Theywalkedthroughtheparkinglotonlyscattered withcars, and mounds ofplowed snow now covered insoot and dirt fromcars. Nothingfreshhad fallenina while. Dark shadowsleftbythestreetlightscreatedfartoomanyplacessomeonecouldhide.

Forrestsaid,“Ialwaysthinkitcouldbeatrap WhichiswhyI’mstillalive” Kennachuckled.“Iregretwatchingthatridiculousmoviewithyou.”Eventhoughshedidn’t.Notreally. Shehadn’thadarealfriendinalongtime,andanytimeForrestspentnotupinherownheadwasgood unlesssheneeded tobetheretoworkonherbook.Kennahadbeeninhighschoolwhenherfatherstartedwritingbooks.Nowshecouldbarely picturetheoldmanhunchedoveralaptop.DidForrestsharehisprocess?ThetwoofthemhadmethereinAppletonatabig conferenceforauthorsoftheirgenre.Herfatherhadbeenteachingaboutprivateinvestigation.

AfterKennafoundForrest’suniqueshort-termrentaladofferingstorageforanyone’sRVortrailer,she’dhadMaizieruna

full backgroundcheck.Whenthey’ddiscoveredaconnectionbetweenForrestandKenna’sfather wherehe’dsupportedthe beginningofherauthorcareer thathadgivenheraconnectiontotalkaboutKennastayingintheRVduringthestorage. They’dmadeadeal,andwoundupbecomingfriends Atleast,asmuchaseachofthemwascapableofinafewweeksof knowingeachother.

Kennaparkedonthedrive-infrontoftheRVbaygaragedoor Forrestdugoutherkeys,andtheyjangledinherhandasshe walked.Shestoppedsixfeetorsoaway,andKennaspottedwhathadstalledher.

Sheleftherfriendtherewithaswipeofherhand “Thisismydepartment”

Kennatuggedthetapednoteoffthefrontdoor.Mostlikelyitwasnothing,justascribbledmessagefromaneighbor.

Shewasn’teventhinkingaboutwhetherafingerprintmighthavebeenleftonthetapewhensheopeneditandread,“Your familiesdeathswerenoaccident”

Forrestpracticallyshovedheroffthestoop.Shejabbedherkeyinthelockandsweptinside.Downthehall.

Kennaheardadoorslam

I guess you don’t want to talk about it. Shesecuredthefrontdoorandthrewthedeadbolt,thencheckedaroundthehouse. Forresthadn’twantedKennatoputupsurveillancecameras,butnowshemightnothaveachoice Ifsomeonewasgoingtobe lurking,Kennawantedtoknow.

Sheleftthelightabovetheovenon,thenheadedthroughtothegarage.

BoxeslinedonewallalongsideForrest’scar Threebikeshungfromhooksonthewall Twoadultsize,andoneforaboy Kidsshoeshadbeendiscardedbythemat,kickedaside.Theywerepracticallyfallingapart,stillcakedwithmud.

Kenna stared for longer thannecessary, thinkingaboutkindred spirits and tryingnotto dwell onthe fate ofpeople who knewherfather.Forrestwouldbefine.Nothingwasgoingtohappentoherhereinherownhouse.NeitherwasKennagoingto babysitthewoman24/7fortherestofherlife.Shealsowasn’tgoingtoallowdangertoshowuphere.

Iftherewassomethingunknownaboutherfamily’saccident,Kennawouldfigureitout.

Shedidn’tneedtostaywhenMarionWellswasincustody.Thebodieswouldbefoundinduecourse,bylocalpolice.If notforthenote,shemighthavepulledouttonightandheadedbacktoColoradobeforethenextwinterstormrolledthrough

She pulled the latchonthe door and stepped up into her RV. The interior still smelled like new carpet, and the chrome shinedalittletoobrightly,butshewasworkingonmakingithome Thestripped-downAR-15onthediningtablehelpedwith thebalanceofthedecor.

KennagrabbedaSharpiefromherjunkdrawerandwroteALIVEunderthephotoofthekidnapper’smostrecentvictimon herfridgedoor.

Shepackedtheweaponawaynowthatshedidn’thavetodistractherselftopassthetimewaitingforbookclub,thendialed Maizieonspeakerandlistenedtoitringwhileshelatchedthecaseandputtheweaponinthebedroomcloset “Hey.”

Kenna stepped out ofthe bedroom “I’mhere One sec,” she called out, thengrabbed her earbuds and slipped themin Sometimes theytalked for a few hours, and Kenna would workout. Or Maizie played music over the openphone line, and Kennatookanap.Thistimeshegrabbedherlaptop.“I’mloggingon.”

“DidsomethinghappenwithMarion?”Maizieasked “Isthevictimokay?”

AttimesMaiziesoundedliketheseventeen-year-oldshewas,thoughshewouldturneighteeninafewweeks.Othertimes she sounded like someone who had lived a lotlonger Onoccasionshe mightsound like a scared child Withthe life she’d lived,shecouldbewhoevershewantedifshefoundpeace.

None ofthose had shownup whenMaizie hid awaynearlyall ofChristmas Eve and mostofChristmas Day Something Kennastillhadn’tgotananswerabout.Shedidn’tknowwhattomakeofit,andMaiziedidn’tseemtowanttotalkaboutit.

“Thevictimisalive,”Kennareplied.Fewpeopleunderstoodhowmuchofawinthatwas.“Andthesuspectisincustody. This is abouta note leftonForrest’s door whenwe gotback I’muploadingpictures now” She tookthemwithher phone, whichsentthemtothecloudwithoutherdoinganything.Maiziewouldseetheimagesalmostimmediately.

“Notascholar,whoeverwrotethis”

She’dnoticedthesame.“Anyindicationinthepolicereportsthattheirdeathswereotherthanatragicaccident?”

“Huh”Maiziewentsilent “Icanlookovereverythingagain,andhaveStairnsdothesame Ireadthereport,butIdidn’t thinkaboutitatthetime.”

“Goodidea,”Kennasaid.“Betweenthetwoofyou,ifthere’ssomethingtofind,it’llgetfound.”

StairnshadbeenKenna’sbossattheFBI Nowretired,hehelpedKennawhilehiswifecontinuedhertherapypracticeona limitedbasis withMaiziehernumberoneclient,andeveryoneelseonline.

Maizie lived inKenna’s father’s Airstream, the one she’d parked behind Stairns’cabininColorado, and the teenwas a survivor.Almostanadultnow,she’drescuedherselffromthe manwhoheldher captive since nearlythe dayshe was born. Herupbringinghadbeenwrittenonhersoul.Whichmightpreventherfrombecomingafunctioningadult,orshemightsurvive yetagain.Eitherway,itwasn’tgoingtobeeasy.

Butlifeneverwas.

KennahadsurrenderedherselfandherfuturetoGod.AndshewasprayingMaiziewoulddothesame.

Maiziesaid,“Anythingfromthekidnapper,MarionWells,aboutwherethebodiesareburied?”

Kennasaid,“Ihopeshetellsthepolice” “Me,too.”Maiziesighedaudiblyoverthephoneline.“AndI’lllookintotheaccident.” “Rundownwhatyouhavesofar”

“Good thingIdownloaded itall months ago before youmade the booking, or you’d have to waitfive minutes for me to hackthepolicedepartmentnetwork”

“Youthinkitwouldtakeyouthatlong?”Kennasaid.

“IfIwasinclinedtoengageinillegalactivity,perhapsitmightonlytakemethreeminutes.”

“If”Kennadidn’tlikethemethodsMaiziesometimesemployed,butStairnshadwrittenoutanhonestycodebetweenthe twoofthemandbothhadsignedit.Iftherewasanythinghedidn’tfeelcomfortablewith,Kennawouldknow.

MaizierattledoffadateinlateOctobertwoyearsago “TheyweretravelingbackfromafootballgameinGreenBaywhen asemicomingtheotherdirectionveeredacrossthedoubleyellow centerline.Forrest’shusbandswervedtomissitandlost control Therewasnever anycollision Their car flipped,andbothweremortallyinjured Though,thecoroner thinksittook longerforthechildtodie.”

Aloneinthedark.Upsidedown,hurt.Fightingforbreathandwonderingwhathadjusthappened.Empathywasn’talwaysa goodthing Whenitcametochildren,Kenna’sboundarieswereathingoftheirown Shedidn’tknowiftheywerestrongerthan steel,ornon-existent.Shesavedchildrenwhenevershecould,butotherwisetriedtostayoutoftheirlivesbecauseifshelost oneithurttoomuch

“Youthinksomeonemighthavecausedtheaccidentonpurpose?”Maiziesaid.

“Theremightbesomeoneouttherewhobelievesit.”Kennapaused.“Butthepolicewentoverthevehicle,right?”

“There’s a report in the file about the car. Nothing to indicate anyone messed with it. But if they were looking for an explanation as to why it flipped, maybe they weren’t thinking sabotage. Could be they were only considering contributing factors”

“Andthecarnow?”Ithadbeentwoyears,soitwasn’tlikelytobeanywhereKennacouldgolookatit. “There’sanoteinthefilethatitwasscrappedandcompactedaftertheinsurancecompanymadetheirfinalassessment” Thesemitruckdriverhadgonetoprison.Kennacouldgotalktohimandfindoutifheknewanything.Afterallthistime,he mightbeinclinedtoopenup.

“Arewemakingthisacase?”Maizieasked.

Kennadidn’twanttostiranythingupforForrestwhenshewasworkingsohardtoputitbehindher.Atleastmostofthe time Therestofthetimeshewasbarelyhangingon whichwashowgriefworked “I’llkeepyouposted,”shereplied KennaneededtofindoutwhatForrestknew.

Thenshe’ddecideifshewasgoingtostickaroundandinvestigateadoublehomicide

Chapter Three

FRIDAY,9:35 P.M.

SAN DIEGO,CALIFORNIA

pecial AgentOliver Jaxtonstoodinfrontofhis ASAC.Helaidthe stackofprintedimages onthe deskbetweenhimand AssistantSpecialAgentinChargeBillClarke “Sheshouldbewarned”

Clarke had loosened his tie hours ago. His graycombover had gone limp, and no matter how late itwas, the guydidn’t seemtowanttogohometohiswife.Everyoneintheofficeknew theirrelationshipwascolderthantheAlaskantundra.She lovedherpugmorethanshe’deverlovedhim,evengeneratingsideincomefromthedog’ssocialmediachannels Meanwhile, Billpunchedaclockeverydayandcarriedhisgraycloudaroundtheoffice.

Clarkestudiedthetopimage “DoyoubelieveKennaBanburytobeinimminentdanger?”

“No.”Thatdidn’tmeansheshouldn’tbewarned.“Ibelievetheserialkillerwe’vebeentrackingistryingtobaitherinto comingafterhimandusingusasthemiddlemen”

Clarke’s saggycheeks shifted, covered withthree days ofstubble. “We don’tneed her help to catchthis guy. Sooner or laterhe’llslipup.”

Jaxdidn’tlookatthepicturesofKenna He’dstaredatthemlongerthanwasnecessaryalready “Idon’tlikeusbeinginthe middleofiteither,butifhe’sgoteyesonher,sheshouldknowtobecareful.”

“How’boutyoucatchhimbeforeanythinghappens ifyou’resoworriedabouther”

“We’restillprocessingphysicalevidencefromthelastbody.TheonethatdroppedinHemet.”Jaxsighed.“Ineedtonudge forthosetestresultsassoonastheycangetthemtome.”

SofaritalmostseemedasiftheirsuspecthadkilledsomeoneandbetweeneachmurderpaidavisittoWisconsin,where Kenna had been for a few weeks, then came back to California to murder the next victim. While he was there, he took stalkerishphotosofher

Jaxcontinued,“I’drathergethimbeforethenextkilloccurs,andifKennaknowstobeonthewatchfor the Walker, then we’dbeusingalltheresourcesatourdisposal”Nottyingtheirhandstogetherbyexcludingher

“You’re gonna have to be careful with that, Jaxton.” Clarke laced his fingers on his stomach. “Running to a private investigatoreverytimeyoucan’tsolveacase.”

Theyknewexactlywhotheywerehunting.Wherehe’dbeen.Whatkindofvictimshechose.ButJaxdidn’tthinkthatwas whathisbossmeant.“Itisn’tlikethat.”

“No?You’ll endupwithareputationregardless Separatingyourselffromher,atleastprofessionallyfor sometime,can onlyhelpyoubuildtrustwiththeteam.”

BecauseClarkethoughtheneededto?

Hisbosscontinued,“Otherwiseyou’retheguywhorunstothePIhe’sloyalto.Insteadofbeingateamplayer,loyaltothe FBI.”

Jaxfigured loyaltyto the FBImightbe partofthe problembetweenClarke and Mrs Clarke, buthe keptthatthoughtto himself.

“FarasIcansee,he’sjustbaitingher,”Clarkesaid “Tryingtogetariseoutofher

whydon’tweshowhimwhatwe ’ re madeofinstead” “Yes,sir.”

Clarketappedthefile “Yourrequesttoinformherthatoursuspecthaseyesonherisdenied” Jaxcollectedtheimagesandlefttheoffice,tryingnottolettheirritationshowonhisface orthewayheclosedthedoor.

Whatever is lovely Whatever is of good report

Notalotofthatintrackingserialkillers,sohehadtogooutsidetheFBIandhisworkasaspecialagent.Whichbrought himtoKenna Herfamily Hisfamily Faith Thestrongfoundationhewasbuilding,andhadbeenforyears,layingeachbrick withreadingtheBible,praying,goingtochurch,takingcommunion.Simple,buteffective.

As he walked back to his desk, he rolled his shoulders. The left side had remained stiff since Mexico, and he’d been workingwithaphysicaltherapist Mostlynowitwasonlyachesandpains,scarsandoldinjuriesthatwerehealing Thepastfaded.

He preferred to live inChrist inthe present and lookto the future Not somethingmanyof the people he worked with understood,thoughhe’dstartedattendingaweeklyBiblestudyintheofficehererunbyoneoftheagentsfromfinancialcrimes. Andamen’sbreakfastatthesmallCalvaryChapeloffshootheattended

Until somethingchanged, or God said differently, this was where he’d beenplanted. He worked withtwo ofthe agents who’dcomedowntoMexicoandhelpedrescuehimandKenna,andMaizie.TheyweretrackingtheassociateofKurtandhis sheriffcousin,amanwhohadmurderedmanyyoungwomenandyoungmen Thekillerhisfriendsknew as“Parker”andhis victimsknewas“theWalker”or El Caminante hadgrownupinabordertowninTexas.HejoinedtheUSArmysohecould kill,anditwassanctioned,andnowheoperatedinSouthernCaliforniaandthewestsideofArizona

El Caminante showednomercy,andhekilledregularly.

TheWalkerneededtobecaughtsoon.

ButJaxcouldn’tgetKenna’shelponthisone.

“Nodice?”Theagentheusuallyworkedwith,Farnes,settledhisbackpackstrapoveroneshoulder.

Jaxshookhishead

“I’moutforthenight.Seeyouinthemorning.”

“Night”

Farnesknockedonhisdesktop.“Getsomesleep.”

Jaxnodded,thenpackeduphisthingsandgrabbedhiscell.Halfwaytotheelevator,hisphonestartedtoring,vibratingin hissuitjacketpocket.

Thescreenofhiswatchread M,whichmeantitwasMaiziecalling. Hepulledouthisearbudsandansweredthecall “Hey,kid”Hejabbedthebuttonfortheparkinglevelandleanedagainst thesideoftheelevatorasitdescended.

Maizielaunchedin,barelytakingabreath “Thekidnapperwasarrested,MarionWells Thelatestvictimwasinthissecret roominhercloset,andshewasbarelyalive.Kennasavedherlife.”

Jaxsmiledtohimself.

“Shewashookeduptothisslow-dripIVthingsoMarioncouldkillherwithoutgettingherhandsdirty Shejustleftthegirl intheretodie.Canyoubelievethat?”

“She’salive?”ItsoundedlikeKennagottherejustintime Anothercasesolved.

Buthiswasbarelytreadingwater

MaybeshewouldconsidercomingtoSanDiegoandlookingatthecasefiles,sinceshehadclosedhers.NotthattheFBI neededthehelpofaprivateinvestigator.Atleast,notofficially.Itdidn’tlookgoodforthemtobeaskingforhelpallthetime. But fresh eyes, and fresh ideas? Regardless of what his boss might’ve said, sometimes they needed a little out-of-the-box thinking.Shemightseesomethingtheyneverwouldbecause,whileshemight’vebeenanFBIagentatonetime,KennaBanbury wasn’tonenow

She’dprobablyneverthoughtin theboxwhenshe’dbeenanagent. Jaxneededthemedicalplanthatcamewithhisjob Goingfreelancewouldbewaytooexpensiveconsideringhowoftenhe gothurt.HecouldunderstandwhyKennaneverwantedtobeseenbyadoctor.Shehadatrustfundandapastthatmeantshe distrustedhospitals anddoctors.Thanks tohis mother,Jaxhadbeencutofffor the egregious choice ofbecominga cop,and couldn’taffordhisownplan

Untilsomethingchanged,orGodsaiddifferently.

Maiziesaid,“She’salive Thegirlshouldmakeafullrecovery”

Heheadedforhiscar.“That’samazing.”AfterithadconnectedtohiscarBluetoothsystem,Jaxheadedfortheapartment herented.

“Nowshe’sgotmelookingintothedeathsoftheladysheliveswith’sfamily.Youknow…thecaraccident?”

“Sure.”Heknewaboutthat.Maiziehadtoldhimthatbefore.

Now,shementionedanoteandthesuspicionssurroundingtheaccident.

Hisbrowsrose.“Someonethinksitwasmurder?Orknowsitwas?”

“I’mgonnafindoutwhat’supwiththeaccusation,andKennaisgoingtomakesurethekidnappingcaseisallwrappedup,” Maiziesaid.“Icansendyouacopyofthenote.”

“Youshouldprobablynot,though”HehadenoughworkwiththeFBIanddidn’twanttocrossstreams orgetintrouble “Justkeepmeposted,andletmeknowifthere’sanythingIcandotohelpthatdoesn’tinvolveusingFBIresources.”

“Copythat”

Jaxslowedwiththefreewaytraffic.“Youokay,kid?”

Maiziedidn’tspeakrightaway.

“Somethingonyourmind?Aboutthecase,orsomethingelse?”Hetriedtotreadcarefullygivenherpast,andthefactshe wastechnicallyaminorandhewasagrownman.Though,therewasnothingchildishaboutMaizie.She’dstartedupdatinghim onKenna’swhereaboutsandhow thingsweregoingafterMexico Hehadn’tshutitdownbecausehewantedtoknow Butit hadn’teverdelvedpastworkintopersonalwithMaizie,andhowthingsweregoingwithher. “WhatwasChristmasatyourhouselike?”

Jaxfrownedattheoceanofbrakelightsinfrontofhim.“Holidaysatthebighouse.Right.Askmymother,she’dsayitwas perfect, whichmeans the decorations are so beautiful you’re scared to touchthem. Too muchalcohol consumed byseveral familymembers,whothenhavetobeescortedtoaseparatesittingroombythehousekeeper Myfatherfellasleepinhiseasy chairwithanemptyglassbesidehim.Mymotherfussedtheentiretime,andsodidmysister’sbaby,butshedidn’thelpwith that Shealsodidn’tsitdown

“Thisyearmysister’shusbandwascalledtothehospitaltoperformanemergencyheartvalvereplacementbeforeweeven haddinner,sosheandIsnuckuptothemediaroomassoonaswecouldandwatchedacoupleofterriblesmall-townromance Christmasmoviesandatetoomuchpie.”

“Soitwasgood?”

“IthasthingsIlove,thingsthatarenostalgicandI’dmissthemiftheyweregone,andthingsI’dliketoseechange”Jaxbit thebulletandasked,“Whataboutyou?WhatwasChristmaslike?”

Thismostrecentholidayseasonhadbeenherfirstoneoutfromthecontrolofthemanwhohadheldhercaptiveherentire life untillastyear.She’dbeenterrorized,brutalized.Andthatwasjustwhathecouldimaginethatevilmanhaddone.

“Heneverdidthat,”Maiziesaid.“Decorations.Dessert.”

No, I don’t imagine he did But what Jaxdid imagine made himsickto his stomach. “And Christmas withthe Stairns family,andKenna?”

“Itwasn’tthateither AndIjust ”

Whenitdidn’tseemlikeshewouldcontinue,hesaid,“I’msorry.”

Shehadbeenrobbedofachildhood Hadhersanityshredded Andshe’dstillmanagedtoescapefarenoughKennacould findherandhelpher.

Maiziewasnothingshortofamazing.

SowhocaredifChristmasmadenosensetoherbecauseshe’dneverexperiencedanythinglikeit

Jaxcontinued,“WhoknowswhatKenna’schildhoodChristmaseswithherdadwerelike,ontheroadinyourtrailer.”They hadallbeencarefultoreinforcethefactitwas her spacenow Shewastheoneincontrolofit “Andshewaskidnappedby thatserial killer.WithBradley.Idon’tknow whatthatwas likefor her.Ican’tevenimaginewhatshewentthrough,butshe keepsmovingforwardandit’smiraculous Andit’sbeautifultowatch Shestandsupforthepeoplesheloves”

“Likenotbackingdownandfindingme,”sheadded,heartbreakinhervoice.

Jax nodded. “Now it’s your turn to do the same. Figure out what you like, and what you want your life to be. Find happiness Driveacar oramotorcycle Goonacruise Slapsomebodyintheface Arguewithsomeoneyoulove,andendit intears,huggingandlaughingaboutit.Getastomachachebecauseyouatetoomuchcake.”

Shegaveagentlechuckle

He smiled. “You’ll bleed a little, butit’ll heal. You’ll meeta boywe all dislike and getyour heartbroken. You’ll love. You’lllosepeople,makefriends,maybegetmarried Haveababy orahousefulofthem You’llknowwhatjoyis,andhow tofindpeaceinyoursoul.Allthoseemptyplacesinsideyouwillfill,andthememorieswillfadealittleeveryday.Untilone dayyouwakeupandrealizeyouhaven’tthoughtabouthiminyears.”

Jaxheardasniff

Thelinewentdead.

Chapter Four

SATURDAY,8:15 A.M.

DOOR COUNTY

,WISCONSIN

oKenna,themorningairsmelledlikesnow,thoughnofreshpowderhadfallenovernight,whichwasprettydisappointing. Hernosehadturnednumbaftermiletwo,andthankfullyshe’drememberedtobringatissueonherruntoday Barebranchesreachedoverpowerlinesintotheroad.Frombehindhersunglassesshespottedaredpaintedbarnbefore thenextcorner.Oneofthosegeometricquiltpatternsonthesidingabovethedoorsidentifiedthefamily likeacrest. Throughtheopenphonelineinherearbuds,underthehemofthebeaniekeepingherheadwarm,sheheardJaxsay,“Sure?” Kennaslowedenoughtoturninacircleandjoggoingbackwardforafewseconds,beforeturningforwardagain.“Yes,I’m sure There’snoonefollowingme I’veseensomefarmersoutbreakingicefortheircows Onecar Noweirdos”

Itwaskindofcutethathewasworried.Butnotsocuteasto why,givenshe’dcomeheretofindadifferentkiller. “Ishouldgetamotorcyclewithrearviewmirrors,”sheadded “ThenI’dbeabletoseeifthere’ssomeonebehindme” Whywouldshewanttoruninaplacewhereshemightencounterotherpeople?Forrestmighthavebroughtuptheideaof partners,butKennareallydidoperatebetteralone evenifshewasaloneandalsoonthephonewithJax.

Jaxchuckled “Kindofdefeatsthepurposeofexerciseifyou’resittingonabike” “ButIwouldlookgood.”

“Somuchit’salittleterrifying”

Kennalaughed,inhalingamouthfuloffrigidair.“Geez,it’scold.”

“I’minshortsandaT-shirt.”

Mmm. Speaking of looking good.She’djumpattheopportunitytobehispartner ifalltheconnotationsofthatdidn’tland hermoralsinhotwatergivenenoughtime.ThankgoodnessshewasnowherenearCalifornia.

“It’sseventy-fivedegreesalready,”headded “Yeesh, no thanks.” Kenna smiled to herself. “I prefer this highof twenty-eight and clear skies, thanks.” Plus insulated tights,handwarmersinhergloves,andtwopairsofsocksinhersneakers,aswellabaselayer,T-shirt,andsweaterunderan insulatedrunningjacket.

“Yourfaceisnumb.”

“ButI’mnotsweaty.”KennaracedaroundthecornerintoForrest’sneighborhood.“SowhatelsedidClarkesay?” Jaxsighed. “It boils downto himnot wantingsomeone else to solve our case. He likes his numbers to make himlook good”

Kennahadaskedhimquestionsthroughhisstoryofyesterday’sworkday.Shehadn’tgonesofarastomakehimwonderif shewasinterrogatinghim,buthewasdefinitelynotsayingsomething Hewasholdingback.

She’ddecidedalongtimeagothatifamanneededtokeephis ownconfidence,thenthatwas his decision.They’dbeen throughenoughsincetheymetthatifhefeltheneededtonottellhersomething,thenshewasn’tgoingtogetbutthurtaboutit Whatwouldbethepointininventingaproblemwhenshecouldjustbeunderstanding?

Godhadbeenplentyunderstandingwithher

“TheFBIdoesn’tneedhelp,”Jaxsaid.“Andmybossdefinitelywon’taskforit.”

Kennasnortedathistone.“Atleastnotfromsomeonewithoutabadge.”

Whichwaswhyshe’dlefttheWalkercasetotheFBIandcometoWisconsintofindRamon’ssister Herformercolleague mighthavebeenwrittenoffbytherestoftheFBI.Butsohadshe.TheFBIdidn’twantherontheirteam,sowhatwasthepoint tryingtobepicked?She’dratherfightforthepeoplenoonefoughtfor

“YouknowIdon’tagreewiththat,right?You’druncirclesaroundtheseguys andme.”

“Maybenotyou ”

“Pickacase.”Hegaveawarmchuckle.“We’llgohead-to-head.”

AssheranontoForrest’sstreet,shespottedapolicecruiserinfrontofthehouse.“Huh.There’sacophere.”Sheslowed herpaceinstinctively,notallthewaysurewhy

Everyrun-inwitha cop was different. How would this one feel about the fact she’d left MarionWells’house withthe victim,ratherthanstaywiththesuspect?HowdidtheyfeelaboutForrest’sfamily’saccident,andthenotesuggestingitmight havebeenintentional?

Didtheyknow?

Jaxsaid,“I’mbackatmycar.”

Theirhour-longrunwasover.

Kennaslowedtoawalk “Haveagooddayattheoffice,dear” Jaxchuckled.“Rightbackatya.”

Sheremovedherearbudsandstowedtheminherjacketpocket

Justthen,Forrestopenedthefrontdoortotheofficer,whostoodinfrontofheronthestoop.Hewasprobablyfiveeleven. Downjacket,tuckedbehindhisgun,whichsatonhislefthipratherthanhisright.KennawastoofarawaytohearwhatForrest said,butthelookonthewoman’sfacespokeloudlyenough.Bloodseemedtohavedrainedoutofherskin,leavingherolive complexionalmostsickly.ShespottedKenna,turned,andwentbackinside,leavingthedooropen.

Kennaclearedherthroat “SomethingIcanhelpyouwith,Officer?” He turned to her. “It’s Deputy Kobrinsky. Jerry. And you’re Kenna Banbury.” Atleastthe cops inthis countydid a web searchlookingforbackgroundonstrangersandnewcomers

“I’mguiltyofthat,atleast.”Theyshook.“Forrestmighttryandignorethis,butI’mlookingintowhathappenedwithher family.Ifthatnotewasrightandtheaccidentwasn’tanaccident…”Heneededtoknow shemightintentionallysteponsome toes.Wouldhisbossmind,orwouldthesheriffdismissherlikeJax’sAssistantSpecialAgentinCharge?

Jerryfrowned.“What?That’snot…I’mhereaboutMarionWells.”

“Right,Ishould’vecomebyandmadeastatement”

Hefoldedhisarmsacrosshischest.“I’mtheonewhoinformedForrestthatherhusbandandsonhadbeenkilled.You’re reallydraggingallthatbackupandmakinghergothroughitagain?Youmight’vedonethecountyafavorfindingthatgirland detainingMarionWells,butthat’stheonlythingyouneedtobeworriedabout.Iftheaccidentwasn’tthat,I’dhaveinformed ForrestwhenItoldherwhathappened.Nooneneedsyoudiggingupsomethingthatisn’tthere.”

She wanted to fold her arms, too, butmirroringhis bodylanguage would onlymake her lookdefensive “Regardless of howyoufeelaboutprivateinvestigators,yousaidyoucameheretotalkaboutMarion.Correct?”

Sowhatifhegotthewrongendofthisstick Shedidn’thavetoexplainherselforthenote Itwasn’tlikeshe’dconvince himshewasn’tdoingthistobeself-serving,orthinkingtherewasacasewheretherewasn’tone.

Kobrinskynodded “Everyoneisgladyouprioritizedsavingthatgirl’slife” “How isshedoing?”Kennashivered.“Let’sgoinside.Youwantsomecoffee?”Heclosedthedoor behindhim,andshe duga couple ofpods outofthe boxinthe pantry the flavor Forrestdidn’tlike for Jerry’s coffee and the one she liked for hers “Black?Milk?”

“Blackisfine.”

Shesetamuginfrontofhim,thenleanedherhipsbackagainstthecountertop,clutchingherownmug “Howisthegirl?” “Awake.” He swallowed a mouthful and winced. “I got the chance to talk to her early this morning. Marion had her cleaningandcooking,doingallthehouseholdstuff ShesaidMarioncalledherCinderellaandlaughedaboutit” “Sowhatchanged?”TherehadtobeareasonMarionhaddecidedtogetridofthegirl.Shehadatheory,givenwhatshe’d seeninthatroom,butwantedtoknowwhatthedeputythought.

“Shetoldusshegotherfirstperiod Mariontoldheritwastimetogotosleep” Kennablewoutalongbreath.“That’swhysheneedsanewgirleveryfewyears.”

Hestudiedher “WhileIappreciateyourassistanceinsavingthisgirlandallowingustoarrestMarion,nooneneedsyou diggingupsomethingsopainfulforForrest.Ithinkyouofallpeoplewouldunderstandthingsneedtofadeintothepastrather thanbeingdraggedup.”

“Soyou’vegotmefiguredallout.”Kennatookasipofhercoffee.

“Nothardly.”Hesetthemugdown.“MarionWellsisn’ttalking.Atleastnottous.Thebodiesofher victimsneedtobe

unearthedsothefamiliescanlaytheirlovedonestorest.”

“You’vesearchedthehouseandtheareaaroundit?”Marionhadamodestbackyard,andnootherproperties.Maiziehad checkedintoallthat,butthedeputydidn’tneedtoknow “Whatabouthercar?”

“Her propertyis beingprocessed, but local searchand rescue brought incadaver dogs. There were no humanremains foundonherproperty WebelievethevictimsweretransportedinthetrunkofMarion’scar Whetherthatwasbringingthemto thehousewhenshekidnappedthem,ortakingthemtowhereshedisposedofthem,wearen’tsure.”

“You’ll findthem” Ifhe thoughtshe was goingtobe a nosyprivate investigator,thenshe wouldchange his mindbynot interferingwiththispartoftheircase.“Ifyouwantmyhelpwithanything,oranextrasetofhands,I’msureyouwon’thesitate toask.”

Amuscleinhisjawflexed “Shesaidshe’lltalktoyou”

“Who?”

“MarionWellssaidshe’llonlytellyouwheresheburiedthebodies”

Oh…hedidn’tlikethatatall.Didn’twantherinthemiddleofhiscase,keytogettinginformation.AndtheASACinSan Diegodidn’twanthertotrytohelpthemfindWalker She’dbeinclinedtodevelopacomplexifthiscontinued

Sure,privateinvestigatorsweren’tusuallyreveredbylawenforcement,butshe’dprovenherself,hadn’tshe?She’dclosed someseriouscasesinthelastyearplus.

Kennastudiedthehillinthedistance “Isthatright?”

Jerrysighed.“Areyougoingtocomeandtalktoher,orareyougoingtomakethisdifficultforeveryone?”

Shewasprettysureshecoulddobothwithoutmucheffort,butdidn’tpointthatout “Letmechangeintomyworkclothes” SheglancedattheclockonthewallthatForresthadn’tadjustedwithdaylightsavings.Inafewmonths,itwouldtelltheright timeagain.“I’llbethereatninethirty.”

Hestrodetothedoorandlethimselfout.

KennafoundForrestintheroomsheusedasanoffice,staringatpapersarrangedonahugepieceofposterpaperthatshe’d affixedtothewallwithastickystripalongthetop

“Apparently,Marionwillonlytellmewherehervictimsareburied.”Kennaleanedagainstthedoorframe,notwantingto intrudeonForrest’sspace “SoI’mheadedtothepolicestationtotalktoher”

“That’sgood.”Forrestdidn’tlookawayfromthepapers.

Kennadidn’tmentionthenote,orForrest’shusbandandson.IfMaiziefoundsomethingorthiswentanywhere,therewould bereasontobringitup.Forresthadtocarryenough.Especiallywithjustfindingthenoteandjustnowopeningthefrontdoor tothemanwho’dtoldherthetragicnews.

If she wanted to write a book about a serial killer who had never been caught, rather than face reality, that was her business. And nottoo far fromexactlywhatKenna did. Justice was how she’d survived. Buryingher head fromrealityand gettingonwithherlife theoneshewanted

Kennasaid,“Okay,seeyoulater.”

Itwasn’tKenna’sjobtofixthiswoman.Evenifeverythinginherwantedtotry,Forrestwasn’thercase.Shewasagrown womanwho could live her life and make whatever choices she wanted, and itwasn’tonKenna to convince her something wasn’thealthy.

Kenna asked the people who cared about her to respect her choices No one got to tell her that the wayshe lived was wrong,ornotgoodenough.Thatsheshouldhaveasmanyfriendsaspossibleandsharealltheintimatedetailsofherlifewith them Toomanypeopledidn’thavecontentment,andlivinginoneplacedidn’tappealtoKenna Shewasn’tgoingtosuddenly settlesomewhere,startattendingchurchatthesameplaceeverySunday,andquitlivingontheroad.Thenomadicwayoflife waswritteninherDNA.

Sheconsideredherlifetobeprettygoodrightaboutnow battlingthefeareveryday,growingherrelationshipwithGod, andbeingavoiceforthelostandforgotten.SowhatifDeputyJerryKobrinsky orJax’sboss didn’tthinkshewasasgood asacop?

MaiziehadsentavideoofCabot,Kenna’sdogthatshe’dleftwiththeteen.Thedoghadbeenthroughillnessandsurgery anddidn’tneedtobeontheroadallthetime Kennawatchedthevideoasshedriedofffromtheshower,thendialedtheteen’s numberandputthecallonspeakersoshecoulddress.

Theteenanswered.“Hey.”

“Cute video,” Kenna said Her dog,Cabot,hadboundedover the lawntogreetStairns,Kenna’s former boss atthe FBI Thedoghadracedtogreettheretiredmanashecameouttositwithhismorningcoffee.She’dsattobepetted,thenliedown bytheman’sboot

“Shekeepsgettingbolder.”

“Stairnslookslikehe’sgood.Healing.”He’dbeenshotinMexicoafewmonthsago. Maiziesighed.

“What?”

“Everythingdoesn’thavetobeaboutthat.”

“Thedog?”Cabothadgonethroughsurgeryforcancer.MaybeeveryoneinKenna’slifewashealing.Maybeeveryonein theworldwas Maizie snorted. “Youknow Idon’tmeaneverythingdoesn’thave to be aboutCabot. Maybe everything should be about her”

“Butwecan’tonlytalkaboutthedog,”Kennapointedout.“Sometimesweshouldtalkaboutwork.”

“Nah”Maiziechuckled “Youshouldjustpaymetomakedogvideos” Kennachuckledaswell.Asshelayereduptogoout,shetoldMaizieaboutthedeputy’svisit.

Whenshewasdone,Maiziesaid,“Ican’tfindanyotherpropertiesunderhername,orthenameofanyoneinherextended family aliveordead Nocabinsshevisitedasachild Nofavoriteplacestovacation Ihave no ideawhereMarionburied hervictims.”

“Thereareentirelytoomanyopenstretchesoflanduphere Shecouldhavefoundanoutofthewayspotandburiedthem nearlyanywhere.”Kennawouldwalkthewholecountryifthat’swhatittook,butshewouldrather haveanideaofwhereto start

“Shedoesn’thaveaboat,sothatnixesmyideathatshedumpstheminthelake.”

“Thatwouldbeagoodwaytodisposeofthem.”Kennapaused.“Although,Iwouldn’twanttobeonthewaterwhenit’sso cold”

Marionworkedatthe elementaryschool,whichwas terrifyingbuthadgivenher access tothe children.She’dalsobeen overlookedasasuspectbythepolice Shedidn’townaboat.

Deputy Kobrinsky had every right to be angry that Kenna had solved the case rather than the police, but he should be angrierthathisdepartmenthadn’tfigureditout.Thatsomanykidshadbeenvictimizedandmurderedbythatslow-dripIVbag.

“That’swhatForrest’sserialkillerdid,”Kennaadded.“SomaybeMarionheardaboutitandfigureditwasagoodwayto makesurenoonefoundanyofher victims Or shefiguredanyonewhofoundoneiftheywasheduponshorewouldbelieve theybelongedtotheserialkillerForrestiswritingabout.”

Thatkiller was more ofa local legend, a manwho carved a J into his victims, and had beendubbed “J Pierce” bythe media.He’dbeendormantforyears,andmostpresumedhewasdeadnow.UnlikeMarion,everyoneofhisvictimshadbeen found.WashedupontheshoresofLakeMichigan,uphereontheWisconsinpeninsula. Somuchdeath.

MaybeKennaneededtogoseethatgirlinthehospital,justtolookatthelifeinhereyesratherthanrememberingtheway she’dlooked Likeshewasalreadydeadandgone

“Iwannaknow,”Maiziesaid.

Kennasmiled “Metoo,Maze Yougoodotherwise?” “I’mfine.”

“Good.Getbacktowork.”

ShehunguptothesoundofMaizielaughingandsaying,“Yes,ma’am!”

All ofthemwerenavigatinglifetogether.Itwas messy,buttheycared.Things weren’talwaysperfect,butsheknew one thing Theywereafamilyandalwayswouldbe.

Chapter Five

TheDoorCountySheriff’sDepartmenthadonedispatcher.Theentireofficetookuptwofloorsthatwereboththesizeofthe coffeeshopnextdoor Interrogationwasupstairsattheback,behindthebullpen Theyhadfourdeputiesondayshift,two onnights permanently,anda boss who’drununopposedfor fifteenyears.Byall accounts Gingrichwas a decentsheriff,but Kennahadnointerestinrapportorcooperation.

Shetookthefilewithher intotheinterrogationroom,havingleftmostofherweaponsinthecar Thedeputyhadnoticed she wasn’twearingher gunonher hip and waved her inafter lettingher know where she could hangher coat. No one had pattedherdown,searchedher,oraskedherwhatelseshewascarrying MarionWells’handswerecuffedtothetable.Herthinsweaterdidn’tprovidemuchprotection.

Kennastuckherheadout “Turntheheatupinhere,Deputy It’sfreezing” “Surething,boss.”Kobrinskymadeaface.

He’dbetternotpumptheheatandmakethemsweat,asifthatmightinduceMarionintotalking.Kennajustdidn’twantthe temperaturetobesocolditcouldbeperceivedasinhumanetreatment Marion’slawyerwouldbeabletousethat,andanything elsethepoliceorKennadid,toarguehercase.

IfMarionbelievedKennacouldcommandthepolicehere,atleasttoanextent,shemightseeKennaasanauthorityfigure aswellasthePIwhohadexposedherdeeds.

Kennapulledoutachairandsat Whetherthedeputiesorthesheriffwerewatchingdidn’tmatter Shewasn’theretoputon ashow.“You’vebeenreadyourrights,anddeclinedcounsel,isthatcorrect?”

Whynotconfirm andsoundofficialatthesametime.

Marionstaredather,thepaleskinanddarkcirclesunderhereyesmorepronouncedthanyesterdayatbookclub Thelines onher face had deepened. Now thatKenna knew whythis womanhad takeneachofthe eightgirls, and whyshe eventually disposed ofthem, itdidn’treassure her ofanythingother thanthatshe’d done the rightthingcominghere This womanhad effectivelyhiddenhercrimesfordecades.

Nooneintownevensuspectedher.

Ifitwasn’tforKenna,onemoregirlwouldbedead.

Shedidn’tshowMarionthefile.OnlystareddownhernoseasthoughMarionwasbeneathher.“Yousaidtothepolicethat you’dtellmewherethebodiesareburied Sowherearethey?”

“MaybeIjustwantedtowastetheirtime.”

“Andmine”Kennagotupfromherseat,shiftingthefileslightlywithherfingersandhopingMarionwouldtakethebait Herhandsshotout,thecuffsjingled,andshegrabbedthefile.

Kennawatchedherreaction.Theeagerwaysheflippedthroughpages,soakingupachancetoseeeachofthemagain.Asif obsessedwithjustthememoryofthem,andwhattheyhadmeanttoher.

“Thisisblank!”Marioncried.“Wherearethey?”

Kennaleaneddown,onefistonthetable “Youdon’tgettoseethelivesyoudestroyed Butyouare goingtoreturnthemto theirparents.”

IfitwasuptoKenna,MarionwouldneveragainseeevenimagesofthegirlsshetookinanewspaperoronTVIfitwasup

toKenna,Marionwouldn’tevenbeabletorememberwhattheylookedlike.

EventhoughGodcoulddothat,sinceHecoulddoanything,shedidn’task.Itwasalittleself-serving,sinceitwouldonly beoutofangerandaneedtotakefromMarionaftershe’dtakensomuchfromthepeopleinthiscounty

“I bet you’re pretty proud of yourself.” Marion paused. “Catching the notorious kidnapper.” Her expression hardened. TryingtogetariseoutofKenna?

Ratherthantakethebait,Kennastoodthere.Completelystillandsilent.

Longenoughtoheartheairventintheceilingbegintoblowwarmthdown Noreaction.

“Bestedme,”Marionspat.“Likeyoubestalltheothers.”

“It’sashameyoudidn’tseemecoming,”Kennashotback,beforeshecouldthinkitthrough AbetterChristianthanherwouldhavemanagedtostayquiet.Shemight’vefeltprideatMarion’shouse,knowingshehad theanswersandwouldbetheonetofinishit Now,therewasn’tmuchofthatleft Justawholelotofsadnessoverthetragic lossoflife.

“You’ll go to prisonfor the rest of your life,” she added “I’ll head out onthe road to another case and another set of victimswhoneedjustice.IdoubtI’llthinkofyou,exceptasastraythought.You’llbarelybeamemory.”

“AskmewhyIdidit.”

“Idon’tcare”

Mariondidn’tlikethat.“AskmewhyIchose those ones.”

Kennashrugged No big deal, right? Shehopedherexpressionindicatedassuch,anyway Marionseemedtowanttogetariseoutofher.Whatshedidn’tknowwasthatitwouldtakemorethanthistogethertogo beyondspeakingwithoutthinking.DidMarionwanthertogetangry,orthreatenher?

Kenna did want answers everyone who had lost someone wanted to know why. Before she found the perpetrator, she oftentoldherselfshedidn’tcare.Sometimesevenafter.Occasionally,sheviewedthatneedtoknowasaweakness.

Now thatMarionwasincuffs,ifshewantedtoconfessandofferupinformationthatKennawouldbeabletopasstothe families, thatwas one thing. Itmighthelp insome small wayto give thema semblance ofpeace. Butall the closure inthe worldwouldn’tbringbackwhatthey’dlost

FindingoutthatForrest’shusbandandsonhadindeedbeenmurderedwouldn’tmakethemanylessdead.Shewouldstill havetolivewiththeloss.

MaybethatwaswhyForrestdidn’twanttodealwiththenoteandwhatitmeant. “Askme!”Marionscreamed.

Kennawaiteduntilshe’dtakenabreath “Wherearethey?That’sallIwanttoknow”Theyweren’tbuildingarapportor gettingtoknoweachothersoMarionwouldtellhereverything.Allshecaredaboutwasthelocationoftheburialsite. “You’llneverknow!”Marionlaughedlikeahorrormovievillain “They’llbemineforever!” No,theywouldn’t.“Thelatestoneisn’t.Whatwashername?” “Riley.”

“She’sbackwithherparents Theysayshe’llmakeafullrecovery”Physically,atleast TherestwasuptoRiley’sstrength andthesupportshewasgiven.LikeMaizie,therewouldbedayswhenthingsseemedgood,dayswhenitwastoofreshinher mindstill,andbabystepsofforwardprogressinbetween “She’snotyoursanymore” “Goodriddance!”

“Marion, the screamingis gettingold” Kenna slumped into the chair atthe table like she was over itall “Calmdown, okay?Quitscreeching.”Sheletoutanoverlyloudsigh.“Justtellmewheretofindtherest.Youhavenoleveragewithme.You onlywanttojerkmearound,thesamewayyou’rejerkingaroundthepolice.Getaclue,Marion.It’sdone.You’vebeencaught. You’regoingtojail,andyourreignofterrorisover ForRiley,andforeveryoneelse”

She hadn’t had muchtime to get to know Marionafter she figured out who had takenthose girls, and Maizie found the evidenceinMarion’sonlinepurchases ButwhatshedidknowofthiswomansaidMarionwantedtofeelsuperiorbecauseshe gotawaywithitforsolong.

“Soyouwantedsomeonetocookandcleanforyou Thekidsattheschooloftenincludedoneyouthoughtwasmalleable” Kenna’sstomachflipped.“Soyoukepteachoneforwhat ayearortwo?Maybelonger.ThenyouorderedIVbagsofpoison fromoverseas,andletthedrugdothedirtywork.”

MaiziehadfoundthetransactionsonacreditcardinananagramofMarion’sname

“Afterall,whyfacetheconsequencesofwhatyoudidyourselfandlookthemintheeyeswhileyoutaketheirlife?”Kenna said Allsheneededtoknow waswherethepolicecouldfindthevictim’sbodies “Whatconvenientmethodofdisposaldid youuse?”

ShewashonestlysurprisedMarionhadn’tfoundsomeoneelsetodisposeofthebodies.Butaco-conspiratorhadn’tcome up in the investigation. Marion had been alone for decades, with few friends and no discernable life outside her job as librarianattheschool.

“Igavethemdignity,”Marionreplied.

Kenna stared at her, wondering if she actually believed that or if it was part of the delusion she’d been living under. “Becauseyouknewitwaswrong,andatleastatinypartofyouthoughtitwasawaytoredeemyourself”

IfMarionadmittedsheknewheractionswerewrong,therewasnowayaninsanitypleawouldholdweight.Shemighttry toargueshewasn’tmentallyfitfortrial,butKennawouldwritetothejudgeherselfifithelped Marionneededtobetriedand convictedofhercrimes.Thejusticesystemwasn’tperfect,butitwasawholelotbetterthanitwasinmanyothercountries.

“Wherearethey,Marion?”

“BackforthTrail.Milemarkerfourteen.Behindtheoak.”

Kennapushedherchairback.

“Youcan’tleave”

Shetookthefileofblankpaperandsteppedoutintothehall.

“We’renotdonehere,Kenna!”

Jerrysteppedoutofaroomhalfwaydownthehall.“Didyoumeanformetosweatyouout?Iwasn’tsure.”

“Iwasn’tinthe mood to freeze” Marionhad beenuncomfortablychilled, and Kenna had needed a wayto establishher authority.

“Youthinkthat’swhatgothertotellyouwheretheyare?Compassion,orsomething?”

Anotherdeputyappearedbehindhim,alongwiththesheriff TheolderguyhadGINGRICHonhisnamebadge,eventhough everyone intownlikelyknew his name. Theyhad probablybeenwatchingand listeningto the conversationona computer screen Kennaacknowledgedallofthem “Doesitmatter?Shesaidwheretheyare”Shewasn’tgoingtogivethemaseminar onalltheinterrogationtacticsshe’dusedovertheyears.

“You’regoinguptheretotakealook,Isuppose?”SheriffGingrichasked. “Nope.” She tooka step back, watchingthe surprise flashontheir faces. Enough with the assumptions. “Not my case anymore,butIwouldliketoknowwhenyoufindthemall.Sodon’tdeletemynumberjustyet.”

Ifshehungaroundtoseethemunearththeoldestbody,someonemighteventuallyputittogetherthatshehadaconnectionto thevictim’sbigbrother.RamonSantiagohadbeenaghostsinceMexico.Shemightbeheretoclearthisupforhim,andworka caseeveryonehadconsideredcold,buthisnamedidn’tneedtobesplashedoverthenewsagain HisdeparturefromtheFBI as a supposed traitor or the fact that had come after his betrayal by a female agent who had been Kenna’s roommate at Quantico wassomethingnooneknew.CeciliaWarrenwouldfindthesamejusticeasMarionWells. Induetime.

Shecheckedher surroundings outside,scanningtheparkinglotbehindthesheriff’s officeandthesurroundingareawhile shewalkedtoherSubaru Justanothercar Nothingspecial Asmuchaspeopleseemedtorefusetobelieveit,shedidn’tseek outattention.IftheWalker theserialkillerJaxandhisteamwerehunting wantedtobaitherintocomingafterhim,thenhe wasgoingtohavetoshowhisface Makeamove.

Hopefullyamistake,aswell.

Kennadrovethroughthetown ForthefirsttimesinceshearrivedinWisconsin,shewantedtoleaveandgohome,rather thansimplyto the nexttownor the nextcase. She’d spenta chunkoftime atStairns’cabinbefore the holidays. Thenshe’d comehere,soshecouldhaveworkasthelegitimateexcusenottogoandmeetJax’smotherortherestofhisfamily Forrest’s ideaofChristmashadn’tbeenmuchtospeakof,andthatsuitedKennajustfine.Sheandherfatherhadnevermadeabigdealof it,thoughshehadwatchedacertainChristmas-themedactionmovienearlyeveryyearthenandsince

Rightnow,ratherthancontendwiththepolicehereandtheirassumptionsaboutherintentions,shefoundthedesiretoseek solaceinsomethingfamiliar.

Whywasthat?

MaybebecomingaChristianhadchangedherinthatwayaswell,sothatshewasmorepronetowanttogoseethepeople shecaredabout Visitherfriends Forbetterorworse,shehadmorethanjustworktokeephergoingthesedays Herlifehad shifted.Shewaschanging hopefullyinwaysthatwerebetter,eveniftheyweren’tsocomfortable.

Shespottedthelocal favoritespottwostreetsover After thedeputyhadbeentherewhenshegotbackfromher run,she hadn’teatenanything.She’djustshowered,dressed,andcomestraighthere.Theyhadn’tevenofferedhercoffee.

Thebellabovethedoorjingledwhenshesteppedinside.

AcrossthedinershesawBettyslideoutofaboothandstand Charlayneslidoutafterher,andbothwomenmetKennaby thehostessstandthathadprobablybeentheresincethemid-’80s.Theirhusbands,inaheatedconversationatthetable,didn’t seemtohavenoticedtheirexit

“Care to explainwhyyoudidn’ttell us aboutMarion?” Bettyfuriouslywhispered the words, her face close to Kenna’s. “Howwehadtofindoutsomeonewethoughtwasourbookclub friend isthecountykidnapper?”

Kennatookastepawayfromthehostessandglancedbetweenthetwowomen.“You’reassurprisedasIamthatshehada kidinhercloset.I’mjustgladwegottoherintime.”

“We?”Charlaynesetahandonherhip.“Marionnearlycutmythroat!”

“You should’ve told us you knew what she was up to,” Betty said. “Not keep us in the dark and string us along like chumps”

“I’msorryIdidn’ttell you,”Kennasaid.“Butifall fourofuswerepretending,she’dhaveseenthroughit.”Shepaused. “Bothofyourhusbandsweresuspects”

“That’swhyyougaveusafrontrowseattonearlygettingkilled?”Charlayneranherfingersacrossherneck.

“I’msorryifyouwerescared”

Charlaynehuffedaway,backtowardherhusbandandBetty’swhileKennatriedtofigureoutwhatelseshecouldsay.The twogray-hairedmenmadeasinterestingofapairasthetwowomen,oppositeswhohadbecomefriends.Kennawasaboutto apologizetoBettywhenoneofthemensaid,“WhydoIevenbother?”andsatback Theothertossedawaterglassathisfriend.“I’llkillyoumyselfforthis.”

Chapter Six

Without stopping at the booth, Charlayne grabbed her huge gold purse and headed back to the front door. “I have an appointmentatthesalon”Herfaceremainedcompletelyimpassive Whetheraboutthemenfighting,orthesituationwith Marion and the fact she’d nearly been seriously hurt. Could’ve been killed. Kenna didn’t know which was foremost in Charlayne’smindasthewomansteppedoutintothechillyafternoonair.

Betty,stillstandingbesideKennaatthehostessstand,wasmoreofaschoolmarmtype CharlaynelookedlikeaManhattan mobster’sagingwife.Bettydidn’tleave,butshealsodidn’tgotothetable.

Thetwomenseemedatodds,whenKenna’simpressionsofarhadbeenthatthetwowomenwerefriendsbecauseoftheir husbands.

Sheblewoutabreath “Isthisgoingtoescalateintomorethanthrowingwater?” Bettyshrugged.“You’retheprofessional.Whydon’tyou tryandgetthemtofigureitout?”

Maybebecauseshewasn’tashrink.

While the mencontinued to argue, Kenna said to her, “I’msorryIcouldn’ttell youthe whole truthaboutMarionWells Withallyou’vebeenthrough,havingyourhusbandsaccusedofkidnappingthosechildren,Iknewyou’dwanttohelpevenifI couldn’ttellyouthat’swhatbookclubwasabout”Shepaused “Istilllikedtalkingaboutbooks”

Asaltshakerhurtledacrosstheroom.

Bettysaid,“Maybewecandobookclubonavideocallafteryouleavetown” “I’dlikethat.”Kennasqueezedhershoulder.

Thewaitressturnedawayfromthetwomen,rollinghereyesassheheadedbacktothecoffeepot.Nooneelseinthediner gavethemmuchattention,thoughacoupleofpeopleleftquickerthantheyprobablywould’veafterbillswerepaid Kennaheadedovertostandattheendofthetablefacingbothmen.

Theyquittalkingassoonassheneared “So you’re the PI?” The man on the left had a scar on his chin on the right side and military-short gray hair. Betty’s husband.

The other clearlydyedhis hair black andshe’dguess he was Charlayne’s husband.Like a lotofmarriedcouples,they matchedstyles.Though,Betty’sSundayschool stylewascontrastedbyher husband,wholookedlikehecouldprobablybeat thetaroutofanyonewhobotheredher Charlayne’shusbandtriedwaytoohardtoreachhiswife’slevel,andtotheircreditshe seemedtohavestuckaroundlongenoughtomakeitwork.Thesamemightnotbesaidabouttheirfriendship.

“Whyareyouguyscausingadisturbancewhenpeoplearetryingtoeat?”Kennaasked Betty’shusbandhuffedwhatmight’vebeenalaugh.“TheodoreCampbell,nicetomeetyou.”

“Don’tcallhimTeddy.It’sTheo.”Charlayne’shusbandstuckouthishand.“AlonzoBernstein.” “KennaBanbury.”

“Yeah,”Theosaid.“HeardallaboutMarionWells.”Hespatthewoman’sname. “Butthat’snotwhatsentasaltshakerflyingacrosstheroom Sotalk”Therewasareasontheirwivessteeredclearofthe fight,andnooneelseintervened.Orcalledinthesheriff.

Theosatbackagainstthebenchwithanexaggeratedsigh,allhisattentiononhisfriend “Ican’tbelieveyoulostit”

Alonzowipedhismouthwithanapkin.“It’sbeensolong,Ididn’tthinktocheck.” “Youjustassumeditwouldstillbethere?”Theocountered.

Kennaglancedbetweenthem “Whatisit?” “Abook.”Alonzothrewthenapkinonhisplate.“Thatnooneintheworldcaresaboutbutus.” “Andmaybeoneotherperson,”Theoadded “Couldsomeonehavetakenitfromwhereyouhidit?”Kennasuggested.Therewereonlytwooptions:Thebookhadbeen eitherstolen,ormisplaced “Right.”Theolookedather.“ThePIcanfindit.”

Shestaredathim,feelingnosyenoughtopushit.“Tellmeeverything.Whoyoubothare,whatthebookis.Allofit.” Theo’sexpressionshuttered,butshecaughtaslightcurveofhislips “Nevermind.”Alonzoshookhishead.“I’msureit’llturnup.”

Theysharedalook,andneithersaidanythingelse That’s what I thought.

Thesetwomenhadsomedeepsecrets,andtheyweren’tabouttosharethemwithher or anyoneelse Shewonderedif theirwivesevenknew.ThatcouldbewhybothwomenhadreactedthewaytheydidaboutbeingkeptinthedarkoverMarion. Maybe theywere entirelytoo used to secrets. Or felttheyshould’ve lettheir husbands know their lives mightbe indanger goingtobookclub

Kenna didn’tlike the implicationthatshe’d beenprideful aboutkeepingthemsafe, butitseemed to be comingup a lot lately Thetimeshe’dspentinMexicohadstrippedherstrengthandcontroldowntonothing,andshe’dfinallysurrenderedto God.Butthiswastherealtest.Backinhernormallife whereshelikedtocalltheshotsandfallbackonherabilitiesandher strength thatwastheprovingground.Couldshelivealifethatrepresentedthechoiceshe’dmadetobeaChristian,orwould shetripandfallatthefirstobstacle?

Shecouldfigurethatoutprettyquickly,butitcouldalsobealifelongjourney.

I’d rather this didn’t take years to settle If I get a vote

“Heardaboutthearrestyoumade,”Alonzosaid.“Bigdeal,sogoodjobsavingthatgirl.”

“Thanks”Kennagrabbedachairfromanearbytableandsatwithherbootononekneesoherbentlegtouchedtheendof the table and she faced the two men. As she moved, she’d clocked Betty, who sat at the counter, drinkinga cup oftea and talkingtothewaitressbehindthebar.“Neitherofyouhastoworryaboutbeingimplicatedanymore.” Alonzoeyedher.“We’renotpayingyou.”

“Thisisn’taboutmoney.”

Theomadea huh sound “Shemeansthat”

Alonzosaid,“Interesting.”

“Sowhoisthepersonthatmightwantthisbookofyours?”Kennaasked “Icanhavemyassistantlocatethem Makesure they’renowherenearhere.Thatshouldtakesomeoftheworryoutofit.”

“I’mnotworried.”Theodidn’tmeethergaze.

Alonzosatstiffly “It’sjustawholelotofoldinformationthatwouldn’tmeananythingtoayoungbroadlikeyou We’llfind it.”

“Right”Kennanodded Iftheywantedtogivehertheperson’sname,theywould Oroneofthemwouldcontactherlater and do it on their own. She didn’t particularly need another case right now, but some simple legwork wasn’t out of the question WhatsheshoulddowasaskthemaboutForrest’sfamilyandiftheyknewanythingabouttheaccident WereeitherofthesetwomenthepersonwhohadleftthenoteonForrest’sdoor?

Kennasetthatworryasideforanothersecond.“WouldyouratherIaskedyouwhereyouhaditlast?”Thatwaswhather fatheralwayssaid: Where were you when you had it last? Mosttimesretracingherstepsdidhelplocatesomethingshe’dlost TheostaredatAlonzo.

Themobsterlookingmanwiththepinkieringliftedhischin “Insideahollowed-outbookonmyshelf”

“CouldCharlaynehavemovedit?”Kennasuggested.

Alonzoshookhishead

“Anyone been through that room?” She paused. “Workmen, contractors, or the cable guy? A guest who visited, and it seemedodd.Anythinglikethat?”

Alonzo’sdarkbrowsdrewtogether “Huh”

Atthe leastitgave himsome trees to shake. Good. Figuringthat might be enoughfor now, she switched up her line of questioning “CanIaskthetwoofyouabouttheaccidentthattookthelivesofForrestCrosby’shusbandandson?” Theoshrugged.

Alonzosatquietly.

“Did youever have reasonto believe the accidentwas anythingother thanexactlythat?” she pressed. “Driver error, or mechanicalfailure,oratragiccombination?”

“Accidentshappen.”Alonzopaused.“It’ssad,butthat’slife.” Kennacouldn’targuewiththatsentiment.

Theoaskedher,“WhydoyouaskabouttheCrosbys?”

Sheexplainedaboutthenoteonthedoor.“Anyideawhomightwanthertobelieveitwasn’tanaccident?” Alonzousedacolorfulwordtodescribethetypeofperson

Theonoddedhisagreement.“Otherthanthekillershe’swritingthatbookabout,she’snotexactlyathreat.”

“The killer everyone figures is dead?” Whywould the killer leave a note, eveniftheywere alive? “Could be a wayto preventherfromwritingthebook,butthere’snowaytotellthat’swhythenotewasleftunlessIcanfigureoutwholeftit.” Whichmightmeanfiguringoutthekiller’sidentity.

Theoglancedather “Whyaren’tyououttheremakingsurethecopsdotheirjobsrightwithMarionWells?” “Dotheyneedababysitter?”Kennasaid.

“Ijustfiguredyou’dwanttobetheretoseethemfindthebodies Shetoldyouwherethey’reat,right?” “Smalltown?”

Alonzoturnedhisphoneandwaveditather “Emergencydispatchapp Theycalledinalocalsearchandrescuecadaver dogovertoupbythestatepark.”

The waitress came byandpouredthemall coffee,refillingtheirs andgivingher a mug.Whenshe’dwalkedaway,Theo said,“Sowhyaren’tyouuptherehelping?”

ItwasthewayhesaiditthatgaveKennathefeelingthisguymight’vebeenlaw enforcementatonepoint.Sheeyedhim. “I’mtheonewhoasksthequestions”

Theochuckled.“Youthinkwe’rejustoldmen.”

Alonzojoinedinthechuckling.

Kennawasn’tgoingtotellthemshewasn’tsosure.“YouthinkIalwaysdowhatIshould?” Bothofthemsnorted.

“Ihopenot,”Alonzosaid “Otherwise,you’dbeanotherpushoverwomanwhodoeswhatshe’stold Boring ” Theoseemedtoagreebutsaidnothing.

Kenna didn’t want to get into the intricacies of what feminismshould mean, the role of strong, independent women in society,andtherestofit.Shesettledon,“Thisisamorecomplexissuethannotbeingbored.I’mnotsureIwanttobetheone tounpackitforyou.”

“Good,”Alonzosaid.“Becausethatwouldbe boring. ”

Kennadrankdownthecoffeeandsetthemugonthetable.“Youguyshaveagoodone.” Theogrunted “Yeah”

Kennagotinthecar andcalledRamon’snumber.Itrangthroughthespeakersasshepulledoutoftheparkinglottoward Forrest’shouse “Comeon” I might’ve found your sister “Pickup” Nooneneededtoknowthatthebrotherofthefirstvictimwasanassociateofhers. Assoonasthecallwenttothecannedvoicemailservice,sheendedthecallwithoutleavingone. Forrest’scarwasparkedinthegaragebyKenna’sRV Kenna blocked herself inbyparkingonthe drive, hit the buttonto close the garage door, and went into the house. She calledout,“It’sjustme” “Office.”

Kenna strode in,ignoringthe factshe normallystayedbythe door,andfloppeddownonthe armchair thatwas Forrest’s “thinking”chair.Shewouldn’tbeherelongenoughtowarranttakingoffherConverse.Ittooktoolongtolacethembackup. Becauseaftertellingnearlyeveryoneshewouldn’tbegoinguptoseethepoliceunearthallthebodies,Kennaplannedto getalookafterthefact Justtobesuretheyfoundthemall

Forreststared atthe papers pinned up all over the walls. Her deskhad nothingbuta laptop onit. Cluttered mind, clear surfaces Kenna liked thatabouther includingthe wayshe almostobsessivelycleaned She loved to tidyand wipe things down.Forresthadtoldherthattherotemovementshelpedherthinkthroughproblems.Andprocrastinatewhenshedidn’twant todosomething

Kenna had never seenForrest workout, and she was onthe slender side. She probablyshould eat more protein. Then again, whentheyhungout, theyordered pizza. So it wasn’t like Forrest never ate. Life was about balance. And not being miserableorfeelingguiltyforenjoyingsomething

Forresttippedherchin.“Lookslikethey’llbepullingoutbodiessoon.”

Another civilian with one eye on the police department Usually it wasn’t more than interest Unless it turned into a problem.

“Youhavethatappaswell?”Kennaasked.

“Ofcourse,”Forrestsaid.“Itgivesmeideas.”

“Partofmethinksshewaslying.Thatshemight’vegivenuptheinformationalittletooeasily.”

“Maybeitwasalie,andshewantstokeepgivingy’alltherunaroundsoshecanbeincontrol.”Forrestglancedover,then lookedbackatherwall.

“Shehasmoreleveragebeforetheyfindthebodies Afterthat,herfateisprettymuchsealed” “Maybeshewantsittobeover,”Forrestsaid.“She’sbeencaught.”

Kenna had metplentyofkillers who lostthe will to fightthe momenttheir power was stripped awayand theywere put behindbars.“Maybeweshouldtalkaboutthatnote.”

“Leavemetomymisery”Forrestshookherhead “Yourdadsaidthattome Prettysureitwasjustabouthowtofinishthe chapterhe’dbeentryingtowrite.”Sheglancedover,thetiniestofsmilesonherface.“Idon’twanttotalkaboutit,dragitup, orthinkaboutit.Ijustwanttodomywork.”

Andthatmightbethewholereasonforleavingthatnote AsawaytostopForrestfromwritingthebook Wouldshefigure outtheidentityofthekillerbeforeshewasdone?Someoneouttheremightbeworriedshealreadyhad.

“Iknowhowitfeelstohavethepastdredgedupagain,”Kennasaid “Andyouknownothingwillbringthemback”Kenna hadlostthemanshelovedandthechildtheywould’vehadtogether.

“Iread everythingaboutyou, so Iknow whathappened,” Forrestsaid softly “After your assistantsentthe application, I dugup all the informationIcould find. Idon’tneed help, Kenna. I’mnota danger to myselfor anyone, and Idon’tneed a boyfriend…asmuchasCharlaynethinksthatwillfixthings.”

Kennarolledhereyes “Agreed.”

“Whataboutchurchtomorrow?”Kennaasked “We’llsee.”

Thatmightbeaboutasmuchenthusiasmasshewasgoingtoget.Kennastoodupandheadedforthedoor.“I’mgonnaget somethingtoeat,thenswingbythesiteandseehowit’sgoing.”

ShewasatthedoorwhenForrestsaid,“Youknow,ifyoueverwantyourstorytold,Icouldwriteitforyou.”

Kennaglancedbackather “Whowouldwanttoreadabookaboutme?”

Anhourlater,shepulledoveronthehighway,behindaredcompactandawhiteSUVwiththesheriff’sdepartmentdecalon the side Bothwere empty, so she followed dirtroad Probablyfire access to this area ofdense trees Notwell-known, so Marionhadchosenitbecausefew peoplecamethisway.Maybeafew huntersinseason.Hikers.Peoplewiththeir off-road vehicles.Dogwalkers.

Killers.

Kenna found the BackforthTrail and followed it, lookingfor anoak. She found a clearingwitha lone tree inthe center. Wherewaseveryone oranyoneatall?

Kennatookadeepbreathandcalledout,“Hello?”asloudlyasshecould.

Adogranintoview,wearingavest Thedogbarkedatherandlifteditsfrontpawsoffthegroundashediditasecondand thirdtime.Thiswastheworkingdog.

“Hello?”shecalledoutagain,lookingaround,butsawnomovement.Nopeople. Wherewerethey?

She’dhavedispatchedmorethanonecopandaK-9handler.Maybethesheriffdidn’tbelieveMarionhadbeentellingthe truth,sohe’donlysentonedeputy Ortheysimplydidn’thavetheresourcestogooutinpairs

Kenna heard a faint sound, beyond the dog in the trees. She jogged over uneven grass that crunched under her feet. Thankfully,thereweren’tinchesofsnowonthegroundButstill,diggingupbodieswouldbehardworkwiththefrozensolid ground.

Thedogranbetweentreesaheadofher.Desperationinhismovements.Alertingher,bringingherto…what?

Kennafollowedthetrailthedogtook “Issomeoneouthere?” “Watchyourstep!”Thatwasaman,maybeKobrinksy.

Thedogstoppedattheedgeofaholeinthegroundandcroucheddown,lookingin Whining Kennaapproachedwitheasysteps.“Who’sthere?”

Kobrinskyhadbloodonthe side ofhis face Beside himablonde laywithher hair over her face,notfar fromhim Her bodytwistedatanuncomfortableangle ifshewasawaketofeelit.They’dfallenintoaholeinthegroundthathadapparently beendisguised.

Atrap

AnditwasuptoKennatogetthemout.

Chapter Seven

Kennashookherhead.“Ican’tlifther.”

Kobrinskystaredather,thunderinhiseyes “Wehavetoliftherout You havetolifther”

She didn’twantto explainaboutthe injuryshe’d sustained years ago. Butifhe knew who she was, thenwhydidn’the knowaboutthat?“Where’syourstuff?Weneedrope,andI’llcallitin.”

Wasthereahelicopteravailableinthispartofthestate?RemoteareasusuallyhadsomeformofLifeFlight Hisjawflexed.

Kennasaid,“Areyouhurt?”

“Myleg.Icanwalk.”Thewayhesaiditmadeitseemlikesheerdeterminationratherthananassessmentofhisphysical ability “Rope?”

“Backoftherig.Iwasgonnagettheevidencebagafterweactuallyfoundsomething.”Hemotionedwithhisfingers.“Give meyourphone Mineisshattered,andshemustnotbringhersonsearchesbecauseit’snotonherperson” “I’llcall.AndI’llbeback.”Shelookedatthedog.“Stay.”

Kenna ranto the deputy’s vehicle, payinga mind to where she stepped Offto the side, she spotted anarea she thought mightbeanothertrap.Aholeinthegroundthathadbeendisguised,whichwouldleaveherbrokenlikethatK-9handler.

Once she was sure she didn’t have to worryabout fallinginto a hole and beinganother victim, Kenna called 911 She explained aboutKobrinskyand the doghandler, thenrequested a helicopter. Itwould take firefighters longer to getthere, as theywereallvolunteersinthiscounty.

Shetoldthedispatcher,“I’llgetthemoutofthehole” Somehow.

Sheswungacoilofropeoverhershoulder Thedispatchertoldheritwouldbetwentyminutes Kennasaid,“Tellthemto hurry,”andranbacktothehole.

Hyper-aware, she spotted a few areas inthe unevenground she wanted the chance to checkout. And another spot that lookedliketheleavesandbranchesthathadfallenintotheholewithKobrinskyandthewoman.Ifshewasaskedrightnowif shebelievedthevictimswereburiedouthere,she’dhavesaidyes.Thereweretoomanyindicationsofburialspots.

Kennaloopedtheropearoundanearbytreeandtiedofftheendaroundherwaist Shethrewtheotherendtothehole “Tie heroff.”

Kobrinskysaid, “Get readyto pull” He used the rope to climb out of the hole and stayed bythe dog Poor guyhadn’t stoppedwhining.Bloodwetthesideofthedeputy’slegthroughmorethanonelayerofclothing.Hegrabbedtheropewithboth hands,nogloves.“Pull!”

Shebracedherweightandusedherbodymassandtheropearoundherwaisttoliftthewomanfromthehole.

Kobrinskyrolled the doghandler onto the ground, and Kenna nearlycollapsed. She untied the rope and ranback. “Life Flightwillbeheresoon”Shegavethewomanacursorycheck-overwhilethedeputyfeltforherpulse Thetourniquethighon herleglookedlikehisbelt.“It’sprettyfaint.Howlonghadyoubeendownthere?”

“Toolong,”hesaid “Thedoggotconfused Turnedaroundlikehedidn’tknowwheretogo”

Kenna looked inthe hole. “Dead animals. Looks like a couple ofcats, and theydied bloody. So the dogmight’ve been thrownoffbyconflictingscentsofdeath.”

“Whowould ”Heseemedtocuthimselfoff,andhisfacepaled “Takeiteasy.Marionsetthisuptothrow offanyonelookingfortheburial site.Shecould’vedonethisyearsago,justin caseanyonesearching oradog foundherspot”

“All so whoever came to digup the victims, or unsuspectingpeople, got hurt?” He spoke throughgritted teeth. “She’s messingwithus Sendingusonawildgoosechase” “Thatmakesitmorelikelythey’rehere.” Hehuffed.

“I’llfindthem”

“I’llgetthesheriffouthere.”

“Ihavedoneworklikethisbefore,youknow”Shedidn’tnecessarilyneedlawenforcementhelp Thedeputylookedherupanddown.“Idon’tseeabadge.”

Shenearlysaid, That’s never stopped me Butahelicopterengineandrotorsgotcloseenoughhewouldn’thaveheardit Still,itwouldbesatisfyingforhimtoknow.

Theparamedicsgotthewomanloaded,andthedeputywentwithher.

Hetossedherhiskeys “Lockitupandgivethosetothesherifforsomeoneatthedepartmentwhentheyshowup” “Takecareofthem.”Kennaclaspedthekeys.Nooneobjectedwhenthedoghoppedintothehelicopter whichwasfine withher Shehadadoganddidn’tneedtomakefriendswithanotheronethatshewouldhavetoleavewhenshemovedon

Shewalkedbacktothedeputy’scarandfoundhisevidencecollectionkit.

Her phone rang.She joggedtoher car together earbuds outofthe cupholder,thenstucktheminandansweredthe call. “Yeah,Maze.What’sup?”

“Helicopter?”

She explained about the hole and the two people who had falleninand reiterated the conversationshe’d just had with DeputyKobrinsky.

“Andnowyou’regoingbacktoForrest’s?”

Kennagrabbedtheevidencecollectionkitandturnedbacktothepath.

“You’regoingthewrongway.”

Ofcourse,theteenwastrackingKenna’sGPS.Shewouldn’texpectanythingless.Thingsweregenerallybetterforbothof themiftheykneweachotherweresafe.Andiftheyweren’t,theyneededtobeabletoeasilylocateeachother.

AfterwhathadhappenedthelasttimeMaiziewentintothefield herfirsttimeaspartofthe“team”suchasitwas no one wanted to take more chances. Getting kidnapped by a dangerous corrupt sheriff fromColorado had set back Maizie’s healingjourney Kenna wasn’tina hurryfor Maizie to joinher where itcould getdangerous, and they’d end up riskingher peaceofmind.

Consideringthegirlwasatechgenius,thatwasjustfine.ShecouldstayinthetraileronStairns’landwhereshewassafe.

“Ineedtofindher,”Kennasaid “There’snoonehere Thesceneneedstoremainsecureuntilthesherifforsomeoneelse arrivestotakecontrolofit.”

She eased her wayto the edge ofa spotshe was sure would fall outfrombeneathher feet Thengrabbed a logthathad someweightbutwasn’ttooheavyforhertolift.Shetosseditandwatchedthesurfacefallaway.

“Nicetry,Marion”

Maiziesaid,“Justwatchyoursurroundings.Wedon’twanttodaytobethedaytheWalkergetsthejumponyou.” Kenna patted the spotwhere her gunwas holstered and moved to the nextarea she thoughtmightbe a trap. She gottoo close,though Hershoecaughtsomething,andthegroundstartedtoslipaway Shescrambledandlurchedbackward,landing withherbehindonthesolidwinterground.

Maiziegasped “Didyoufall?”

“I’mfine.”Kennarolledtotheedgeandpeeredover.“Deadanimals.”Shewinced,herheartthumpinginherchest.“She wantedtothrowofftheK-9”

“Wealreadyknewshewasdespicable.Butkillinganimalsis…”

“SometimesIforgetthedepravitypeoplecancomeupwith andsomeeventakepleasurein.”Kennashookherhead,even thoughnoonecouldseeher “Ispendtimewithgoodpeople,andIforget”

“Better than swimming in it twenty-four seven,” Maizie said. “I don’t mean me,” she quickly corrected. “I mean you workingcases Livinginthemiddleofthedepravitybecauseit’sallyousee Takingabreakfromitisgoodforyou”

Kennahadbeenencouragedtoseethelighter side.Now sheknew theLight,andhaditinher,sheunderstoodfullywhat thatmeant.Notjustfindingjoyinasunrise,orababygiggling orbringingachildhometotheirparents.Butthegoodnessof Godthathadbroughtherthroughmorethanshecouldevencomprehend.AGodwhohadallowedhertosurvivewhenitshould havebeenimpossible.

Thank You. “I’mnotsureIlikethatitseemstobethatmuchdarker now,comparedtothelight.Itwouldn’thavebeenso shockingbefore.”

Maiziesaidnothing

“It’showlifegoes.Thingschange.Youchange hopefullyforthebetter.Youadapt.Yougrow.”Kennadugintheevidence bag and pulled out some markers She found a notepad and sketched the area, marking the traps Date Time Weather Everythingshe’dbeentrainedtodowhenworkingascene.

Shemadealistofmarkernumbersandnotedwhereeachonewasplaced Nowaywassheabouttotakephotoswithherownphoneandriskthemtakingitfromher,legallyinawayshewouldn’tbe abletoarguewith.Thankfully,therewasacamerainthebag.

Kennawalkedthewholearea Shefoundtwomoretrapsontheperipherybeforesheturnedtotheclearing Behindtheoak, whereMarionhadtoldthemtodigwaswherethelargesttraphadbeen.

Hadtheirkillerreallydugthoseherself?Thesheriff’sdepartmentwouldhavetofigureoutifshe’dpaidforittobedone Thatwouldbeanotherpieceofevidenceagainsther.Theymightevenbeabletoaddconspiracycharges.

Kennaturned,surveyingthegrass “Iknowwhyshepickedthisspot”Sheglancedatthetrees,thenthesky “Noshade The sunsoaksthegroundallafternoon.”

“Ithoughtitwasfreezing?”

“Itis,butthisspotonthemountainsideactslikeasuntrap Thirty-fivedegreesfeelswarm,andthegroundprobablyrarely hassnowonit.Sheisn’tjustconfinedtoburyingtheminthewarmermonths.”

“Goodforher,”Maiziesaid,soundingfullylikeateenager

Kennachuckled.“She’ssmarterthanIgavehercreditforher.Theplanwasfarmoreelaborate.”

Shewasn’tsurewhatshe’dthoughtaboutwhyMariontookthegirls.Seemedithadbeenforahousekeeperjob,withanote of her pretending as though she were a mother to a terrified child. Then when that child reached her first milestone of womanhood,shedisposedofthemandfoundanewvictim.

Kennafoundthefirstspotandknelt

“Howdoyouknowthey’reburiedthere?”Maizieasked.

Kenna dugouta small shovel,takinga secondtocheckthe area aroundher andmake sure she reallywasn’tgoingtobe surprisedbyanassailant.Noonewaswatchingher.

Butthatdidn’tmeantheWalker,orwhoeverhehadtakingpicturesofher,wasn’taround.

“There’sadepression,”Kennareplied.“Adifferenceinthegroundbecauseofwhatisunder there.Shedidn’tburythem toodeep,sotheearthsettlesaroundthebodyandthegrassdoesn’tgrowbackquitethesame.”

Kennadugasshetalked,goingoversomethingsshe’dlearnedatQuantico Otherthingsshe’dpickedupfromherfather

Thesedaysshedidn’tknowwhereshegotmostofwhatsheknew.Shesimplyabsorbedthingsovertheyears.Shestillread lawenforcementjournals,andwhitepapers Jaxsentherstuff,andtheydiscussedit

Sheunearthedanareaaboutthreefeetwide,twofeetoutfromwheresheknelt.Whenshehaddugdownaboutafootanda halfwiththetrowelshehadtostopandtakeapicture whichmeantseveral.Sheincludedtheevidencemarkernumberinthe image,loggeditonherpaper Thenshecutthefabricbacktorevealasmallskullandbowedherhead Shegavethisstolenlife amomentofsilenceandthendugfarenoughshecouldseearoundtheneck.

“Notthisone”Shenotedalltheconditionsshecouldthinktowritedown,thenmovedon PrayingshewouldfindRamon’s sister,asmuchassheprayedshewouldn’tandleftachancethegirlmightstillbealive.

Thesecondwasn’tsodecomposedasthefirstoneshe’ddugup Kennadidn’tthinktoomuchabouttheinsects Shesimply scoopedthedirtbackoveritandleftthingsintactasmuchaspossible.

“Comeon.”SheguessedwhereMarionmighthavestartedandtriedthecentermostdepression. Thefirst?

Kennaknewshewasrightwhentherewasnoburlapsheet.Nocovering.Andthestateoftheskullbroughtbileupintoher throat “It’sher”Shehadagutfeeling,butcouldn’tproveituntilshedugfarenoughtoseethelittlegirl’sneck “Serioushead trauma.Herskulliscracked.”

“Beforeoraftershedied?”

“I’msuretherearewaystotell,butIdon’tknow whattheyare.”Kennawipedatearfromhercheek,probablysmearing dirtonherface.Thislittlegirlhadsuffered.Thatcouldnotbedenied.

“Doesshehavethenecklace?”

Kenna managed to liftitfromaround the girl’s neck or whatremained. She hardlyhad to disturb anything. Notfroma spineseveringinjury,justdecadesofdecay “It’stimetogohome,Meri”Sheheldthenecklaceinherhandandgaveherselfa moment.

“Disturbingevidence?”Thesheriffstoodacrosstheclearing.“Really?”

Kenna rolled her shoulders, slippingthe necklace into the backpocket of her jeans as she stood. “It’s called evidence collection.TheFBIcanvouchformytraining.”