BooksByDianaPalmer

ABOUTTHEAUTHOR
Lawman(2007)

ABOUTTHEAUTHOR

NewYorkTimesbestsellingauthorDianaPalmerisaformernewspaperreporterwith16years’
experienceonbothdailyandweeklynewspapers.Shebegansellingromancenovelsin1979and
currentlywritesforHQNBooks(mainstreamromances)andSilhouetteBooks(contemporaryseries
romances).
DianaPalmerhasover40millioncopiesofherbooksinprint,whichhavebeentranslatedand
publishedaroundtheworld,andshehaswrittenover100booksforSilhouette,MIRAandHarlequin
Books.Herawardsinclude10Waldenbooksnationalsalesawards,fourB.Daltonnationalsales
awards,twoBookraknationalsalesawards,aLifetimeAchievementAwardforseriesstorytelling
fromRomanticTimesMagazine,severalAffairedeCoeurawards,andtworegionalRWAawards.
Shehasbeenmarriedtoherhusband,James,since1972.Theyhaveoneson,whoisincollege
studyingtopursuealawenforcementcareer.Dianaherselfwentbacktocollegeasadaystudentatthe
ageof45,inspiredbyherhusband,whohadquitablue-collarmanufacturingjobtoreturntoschool
andgethisdiplomaincomputerprogramming.Dianagraduatedsummacumlaudefrom
PiedmontCollege,Demorest,Georgia,in1995withamajorinhistoryandadoubleminorin
archeologyandSpanish.Shewasnamedtotwohonorsocieties(theTorchClubandAlphaChi)and
wasnamedtotheNationalDean’sList.
Inadditiontoherwritingprojects,sheiscurrentlyworkingonhermaster ’sdegreeinhistoryat
CaliforniaStateUniversity.ShehopestospecializeinNativeAmericanstudies.

Lawman(2007)

ISBN:9781426801822
Copyright©2007byDianaPalmer

Inmemoriam
ToGeneBurton,Ourneighbor,ourfriend.

1
THEOLDJACOBSPLACEwasindisrepair.Thelastownerhadn’tbeenbigonmaintenance,and
nowtherewasaleakinGaron’sstudy.Rightoverhisdamnedcomputer,infact.
Heglaredatitfromthedoorway,elegantlydressedinagraysuit.He’djustarrivedinJacobsville
fromWashington,D.C.,wherehe’dbeentakingacourseatQuanticoonhomicideinvestigation.It
washisnewspecialty,thatareaoflawenforcement.GaronGrierwasacareerFBIman.Heworked
outoftheSanAntoniooffice,buthe’drecentlymovedfromanapartmenttheretothishugeranchin
Jacobsville.HisbrotherCashwastheJacobsvillepolicechief.Thebrothershadbeenalienatedfor
sometime.Cashhaddisownedhisfamilyoverhisfather ’sremarriagejustdaysafterhisbeloved
mother ’sdeathfromcancer.Thatlongfeudhadonlyjustended.Cashwasnewly,happily,marriedto
TippyMoore,the“GeorgiaFirefly”ofmodelingandmotionpicturefame.Shehadjusthadtheirfirst
child,alittlegirl.
Cashthoughtthechildwasthecrownjewels.ToGaron,shelookedmorelikealittleredprunewith
flailingfists.Butasthedayspassed,shedidseemtogrowprettier.Garonlovedchildren.Noone
wouldeverhaveguessedit.Hehadademeanorthatwasbluntandconfrontational.Herarelysmiled,
andhewasusuallyallbusiness,evenwithwomen.Especiallywithwomen.He’dlosthisonetruelove
tocancer.Ithadeatentheheartoutofhim.Now,atthirty-six,hewasresignedtobeingaloneforthe
restofhislife.Itwasjustaswell,hedecided,becausehehadnothingtogivetoawoman.Helivedfor
hisjob.Hewouldhavelikedachildofhisown,though.Alittleboywouldbenice.Buthehadno
desiretoriskhisheartinpursuitofone.
MissJaneTurner,thehousekeeperhe’dhired,cameintotheroombehindhim,herthinfaceresigned.
“Therearen’tanyconstructionpeopleavailableuntilnextweek,Mr.Garon,”shesaidinherTexas
drawl.“We’dbestputabucketunderitfornow,Ireckon,unlessyouwanttoclimbupontheroof
withahammerandnails.”
Hegaveherasuperiorlook.“Idon’tclimbuponroofs,”hesaidflatly.
Shelookedhimoverinthesuit.“Thatdoesn’tsurpriseme,”shemuttered,turningtogo.
Hegaveherashockedlook.Shemustthinkheneverworeanythingbutsuits,whenhe’dgrownupon
asprawlingwestTexasranch.Hecouldrideanythingwithfourlegs,andhe’dwonprizesinrodeo
competitionsinhisteens.Now,heknewmoreaboutgunsandinvestigationthanhedidaboutrodeo,
buthecouldstillrunaranch.Infact,hewasstockingpurebredblackAnguscattlehere,andhe
plannedtogivehisfatherandbrothersarunfortheirmoneyincattleshows.Hehadinmind
foundinghisownchampionherdsireshere.Ifhecouldlicktheproblemofgettingqualifiedcowboys
toworkforanoutsider,thatwas.Smalltownsseemedtodrawintothemselveswhenpeoplefrom
otherplacesmovedin.Jacobsvillehadlessthantwothousandpeoplelivinginit,andmostofthem
seemedtowatchGaronfrombehindcurtainedwindowseverytimehewalkedaroundtown.Hewas
surveyed,measuredupandkeptcarefullyatadistanceforthetimebeing.PeopleinJacobsvillewere
particularaboutlettingstrangersjointhefamily,becausethatwaswhattheyconsideredthemselves—
afamilyoftwothousandsouls.
Heglancedathiswatch.HewasalreadylateforameetingwithhissquadofagentsattheSanAntonio
FBIoffice,butlastnighthisflighthadbeenunexpectedlydelayedinD.C.onSundaybyasecurity
hitch.ItwasearlymorningbeforetheplanelandedinSanAntonio.He’dhadtodrivedownto
Jacobsville,andhe’dbarelyslept.Hewalkedoutontothewide,concretefrontporchwithitsgray
floorandwhiteporchswingandwhitewickerfurnitureandcushions.Thosewerenew.Itwaslate
February,andhishousekeepersaidtheyneededsomeplaceforhiscompanytositwhenitcame.He

toldherhewasn’texpectingtohaveany.Shesnortedandorderedthefurnitureanyway.Shewasan
authorityoneverybodywholivedaroundhere.She’dprobablybecomeanauthorityonhiminshort
time,buthe’dtoldhergraphicallywhatwouldhappenifshedaredtopassonanypersonalgossip
abouthislife.She’djustsmiled.Hehatedthatdamnedsmile.Ifhecouldhavegottenanyother
spinsterladywithhercookingskillstoworkforhim…
Heglancedatanold,blackcarofunknownvintagecoughingsmokeasitwentslowlydowntheroad.
Thatwouldbethenext-doorneighbor,whoselittlegreen-trimmedwhiteclapboardhousewasbarely
visiblethroughthepecanandmesquitetreesthatseparatedhisbigpropertyfromhersmallone.Her
namewasGraceCarver.Shetookcareofherelderlygrandmother,whohadaseriousheart
condition.Thegranddaughterwasn’tmuchtolookat.Sheworeherblondhairinalongpigtail,and
wentaroundmostlyinloosejeansandasweatshirt.ShewasshyaroundGaron.Infact,sheseemedto
beafraidofhim,whichwascurious.Maybehisreputationhadgottenaround.
He’dmetherwhenheroldGermanshepherddogtrespassedintohisyard.He’descapedhisfenced
penandshecamelookingforhim,apologizingprofuselythewholetime.Shehadgreeneyes,very
pale,andanovalface.Shewasplain,exceptforherprettymouthandexquisitecomplexion.She’d
onlystayedlongenoughtomakeherapologiesandintroduceherself.Shehadn’tcomecloseenough
toshakehands,andshe’dleftassoonasshecould,almostdraggingthedelinquentdogbehindher.
Shehadn’tbeenbacksince.MissJanehadmentionedaweekorsolaterthattheolddoghaddied.Old
Mrs.Collier,Grace’sgrandmother,didn’tlikedogsanyway.GaronremarkedthatMissCarverhad
beennervousaroundhim.MissTurnertoldhimthatGracewas“peculiar”aboutmen.Godknewwhat
thatmeant.
MissJanealsosaidthatGracedidn’tgetoutmuch.Shedidn’telaborate.Hedidn’taskanythingelse
abouther.Hewasn’tinterested.Helikedanoccasionalnightoutwithanattractivewoman,preferably
amodern,educatedone.MissCarverwasthesortofwomanhe’dneverfoundinteresting.
Hecheckedhiswatch,closedthefrontdoorandclimbedintohisblackBucarforthedrivetoSan
Antonio.HewasentitledtouseaBucar—theFBI’stermforabureauconveyance—eventhoughanew
blackJaguarsatinthegaragenexttohisbigFordExpedition.Hecarriedallhisgearandaccessories
intheBucar.Sohedroveittowork.Itwasgoingtobesomethingofacommute,butnomorethan
twentyminuteseitherway.Besides,hewastiredofapartmentliving.MissTurnerwasastringent,but
shewasahellofagoodcook,andshekepthousewithouttalkinghisearoff.Heconsideredhimself
fortunate.
Hesetoffdownthedriveway,castingacuriousglanceafterGrace’schokingengine.Hewonderedif
sheknewthathercarhadamechanicalproblem,andreasonedthatsheprobablydidn’t.Heglimpsed
herfromtimetotimemulchingandpruningherroses.Shehadseveralbushesofthem.Thatwasone
thingtheydidhaveincommon.Helovedroses,andduringhisbriefmarriage,he’dgrownseveral
varieties.Itwasahobbyheenjoyed,andhehadplentyofroomtopracticeitagainhereattheranch.
Ofcourse,itwasFebruary.Notmanyroseswouldbloomthistimeofyear.

THEOFFICEWASBUZZINGwhenhegotthere.AlocalhomicidedetectivewithSanAntonioP.D.
waswaitingforhim,inhisoffice.
“Ihaven’tevenhadtimetobrieftheSACabouttheworkshop,yet,”Garonmutteredtothesecretary
hesharedwithanotheragent.“What’shewant?”headded,noddingtowardthetall,dark-headedman
standingatthewindowwithhishandsinhispocketsandhisblackhairinalongponytail,evenlonger
thantheoneGaron’sbrotherCash,wore.Itdesignatedarenegade.
“Somethingaboutanabductedchildcasehe’sworkingon.”

“Idon’tdomissingpersoncasesunlesstheyendashomicides,”heremindedher.
Shegavehimaknowinglook.“Iworkhere,”shepointedout.“Iknowwhatyoudo.”
Heglaredather.“Don’tgetsmart.”
“Don’tgetsnippy,”sheshotback.“Icouldbemakingtwentydollarsanhourasaplumber.”
“Joceline,youcan’tevenputawasherinafaucet,”herepliedpatiently.“Ordon’tyourememberwhat
happenedwhenyoutriedtofixtheleakyoneinthewomen’srestroom?”
Shepushedbackhershort,darkhair.“Thefloorneededmoppinganyway,”shetoldhimhaughtily.
“Now,ifyouwanttoknowwhatDetectiveMarquezwants,whydon’tyougoandaskhim?”
Hesighedirritably.“Okay.Howaboutacupofcoffee?”
“Alreadyhadone,thanks,”shesaid.Shegavehimasmile.
“Ihateliberatedwomen,”hegrumbled.
“Gee,can’tyouliftacoffeecupallbyyourself?”sheaskedwithmocksurprise.
“Whenyoucomeaskingforaraise,seewhathappens,”hesaid.
“Whenyouwantacasereporttyped,seewhathappens,”wasthesmugreply.
HemutteredingutterSpanishallthewayintohisoffice.HehopedJocelineunderstoodeverysingle
nastyword.Butifshedid,shedidn’tleton.
Thedetectiveheardhisfootstepsandturned.Hehadblackeyesandanolivecomplexion,anda
worriedexpression.
“I’mMarquez,”heintroducedhimself,shakinghands.“You’dbeSpecialAgentGrier,Iassume?”
“IfI’mnot,Idon’thavetolookatallthatpaperworkpiledonmydesk,”Garonreplieddryly.“Havea
seat.Likeacupofcoffee?”headded,thengrimaced.“We’llhavetogogetitourselves,ofcourse,
becausemysecretaryisaliberatedwoman!”heraisedhisvoiceasshewentpastthedoor.
“Thecomputerisabouttoeatyoursix-pagelettertotheattorneygeneralaboutyourproposednew
legislation,”shecalledmerrily.“Sorry,butI’msureyoucandraftanewone…”
“Ifyouevergetmarried,I’llgiveyouaway!”
“IfIevergetmarried,I’llgiveyouaway,”sheretortedandkeptwalking.
Hesatdownbehindhisdeskwitharoughsoundinhisthroat.“Sheandmyhousekeepermustbe
sisters,”hetoldthevisitor.“Ihiredthemandtheytellmewhattodo.”
Marquezonlysmiled.“Iwastoldthatyouheadasquadthatdealswithviolentcrimesagainst
children,”hesaid.
Garonleanedbackinhischair,andallthehumorwentoutofhisface.“TechnicallyIheadasquad
thatdealswithviolentcrime,uptoandincludingserialmurder.I’veneverworkedchildmurders.”
Marquezfrowned.“Thenwhodoes?”
“SpecialAgentTrentJoneswasourcrimesagainstchildrenspecialist,”hereplied.“Buthejustgot
transferredbacktoQuanticotoworkonahighprofilecase.Wehaven’thadtimetoreplacehim.”He
frowned.“IthoughtJocelinesaidyouhadamissingpersoncase?”
Marqueznodded.HelookedassolemnasGarondid.“Itstartedoutasamissingpersoncase.Nowit’s
ahomicide,aten-year-oldgirl,”hesaidquietly.“We’vecheckedouteveryoneclosetoher,including
bothparents,andwecan’tturnaperpetrator.Nowwethinkitmighthavebeenastranger.”
Thiswasseriousbusiness.Thenewshadbeenfullofabductedchildrenwhoweremurderedby
convictedsexoffenders,alloverthecountry.Thecasewas,sadly,notthatunique.
“Doyouhaveanyleads?”
Marquezshookhishead.“Weonlyfoundthebodyyesterday.That’swhyI’mhere.Ifoundasimilar
case.Ithinkit’saserialcrime.ThatmeansIcanaskyouforhelp.”
Garonleanedbackinhischair.“Whenwassheabducted?”

“Threedaysago,”Marquezsaidquietly.
“Anylatentsatthescene?”Garonasked.
“No,andwehadthecriminologistsontheirhandsandkneesalloverherbedroomwithbluelights.
Nothing.Notasinglelatentfingerprint.”
“Hetookheroutofherbedroom?”heasked,surprised.
“Inthemiddleofthenight,andnobodyheardanything,”Marquezreplied.
“Footprints,tiretracks…?”
Marquezshookhishead.“Eitherthisguyisverylucky,or…”
“…orhe’sdonethisbefore,”Garonfinishedforhim.
Marquezdrewinalongbreath.“Exactly.Ofcourse,mylieutenantdoesn’tbuythat.Hethinkswe’ve
gotapedophilewhocarriedthekidawayandkilledher.Itoldhimthatthisisthesecondcaseof
bedroomabductionwe’veseeninthepasttwoyears.ThelastonewasoverinPaloVerde,andthe
childwasmurderedinasimilarmanner.IfounditlistedonVICAP,theFBI’sviolentcriminal
apprehensionprogram.Ishowedittothelieutenant.HetoldmeIwaschasingghosts.”
Garon’seyebrowlifted.“Didyoucheckforotherunsolvedchildhomicides?”
“Idid,”Marquezsaidsomberly.“IfoundtwoinOklahomaeightyearsago.Theyhappenedabouta
yearapart,andthechildrenwereabductedfromtheirhomes,butindaylight.Ishowedthecasestomy
lieutenant.Hesaiditwascoincidence,thattherewerenorealsimilaritiesexceptthekidswere
strangledandstabbed.”
“Thevictims,”Garonreplied.“Howoldwerethey?”
MarquezpulledoutaBlackBerryandbroughtupascreen.“Betweentenandtwelveyearsofage.
Theywereraped,strangledandthenstabbed.”
“God!”Garonburstout.“Whatkindofanimalwoulddothattoachild?”
“Areallynastyone.”
“I’dhopedthattheredribbonwouldshowupinthoseVICAPpostingsthatmatchedthishomicide.But
Ihadnoluck.”MarquezlookedupfromtheBlackBerry.Hereachedintohispocketandpulledoutan
evidencebag.HehandedittoGaron.
Garonopeneditandlookedinside.“Aredribbon?”
“Themurderweapon,”Marquezsaid.“ThefirstofficersonthescenewereSanAntonioP.D.They
foundittiedtightaroundtheneckoftheten-year-oldgirl’sneck.Herbodywasfoundinbehinda
littlecountrychurchnorthofhereyesterday.Wetransportedthebodyheretoourmedicalexaminer
forprocessing.Wehaven’treleasedthatbitabouttheredribbontothepress.”
Garoncouldguesswhy.Allhomicidedetectivestriedtoholdbackoneortwopiecesofevidenceso
thattheycouldweedoutpotentialsuspectswhowerelyingabouttheirinvolvementinthemurder.
Everypolicedepartmenthadatleastonementalcasewhotriedtoconfesstoanyviolentcrime,for
reasonsbestlefttoapsychiatrist.
Hetouchedtheribbon.“Itmighthavesomethingtodowithhisfantasy,”Garonmused,having
participatedinseminarsbytheFBI’sbehavioralsciencedepartment,observingprofilersatwork.
Modusoperandiwasthemethodusedtokill.Signaturewasafeaturelinkingallvictimsofaserial
killerinawaythatwasimportantonlytothekiller,anditneverchanged.Someleftvictimsposedin
obsceneways,someusedaparticularmarkingofvictims,butanumberofserialkillersleft
somethingthatidentifiedthemasthesuspect.
Garonglancedatthedetective.“Haveyoucheckedthedatabaseforsimilarribbonsatothercrime
scenes?”
“FirstthingIdid,whenIsawtheribbon,”hereplied.“Butnoluck.Iftherewassucharibbon,maybe

itwasoverlookedorheldbackfromthefile.I’vetriedtocontactthepolicedepartmentinWestTexas,
atPaloVerde,wherethelasthomicideoccurred,buttheydon’tanswerphonecallsore-mails.It’sa
tinylittlejurisdiction.”
“Goodidea.Whatdoyouwantfromus?”
“Aprofilewouldbeagoodstart,”hesaid.“Mylieutenantwon’tlikeit,butI’lltalktoourcaptainand
seeifhe’llmakeaformalrequestforassistance.Hementionedtheprofilingtomehimself.”
Garonsmiled.“I’llfillinoneofourASACs,sothathe’llexpectit.”
“NottheSAC?”
“OurspecialagentinchargeisinWashington,tryingtoappropriatefundsforanewprojectwe’re
tryingtogetstarted,partneringwiththelocalmiddleschoolstodiscouragekidsfromusingdrugs.”
“Hemightneedtoasksomebodywithmoremoneythanourgovernmentseemstohave,”camethe
dryreply.“Onalocallevel,ourownbudgetiscuttothebonealready.Ihadtobuyadigitalcamera
outofmypocketsothatIcouldgetmyowncrimescenephotos.”
Garonlaughedshortly.“Iknowthatfeeling.”
“Isittrue,thatalotofcasesnevergetlistedonVICAP?”Marquezsaid.
“Yes.Theformsareshorterthantheyoncewere,butittakesaboutanhourtofillthemout.Some
policedepartmentsjustdon’thavethetime.Ifyoucouldfindasecondcasewitharedribbon
involved,Imightbeabletohelpyouconvinceyourlieutenantthatthere’saserialkillerloose.Before
hekillsagain,”headdedsomberly.
“Canyouspareusanagent,ifweputtogetherataskforcetohuntthisguy?”
“Wecanspareme.Therestofmysquadistryingtorundownamobofbankrobberswhouse
automaticweaponsinholdups.I’mnotessentialpersonneltothem.Myassistantcanrunthesquadin
myabsence.I’veworkedserialmurdercases,andIknowagentsintheBehavioralScienceUnitIcan
callonforhelp.I’llbegladtoworkwithyou.”
“Thanks.”
“Nosweat.We’reallonthesameteam.”
“Doyouhaveabusinesscard?”
Garontookouthiswalletandpulledoutasimplewhitebusinesscardwithblacklettering.“Myhome
phoneisatthebottom,alongwithmycellphonenumberandmye-mail.”
Marquez’seyebrowslifted.“YouliveinJacobsville?”
“Yes.Iboughtaranchthere.”Helaughed.“We’renotsupposedtobeinvolvedinanybusinessoutside
thejob,butIpulledstrings.Iliveontheranch.Themanagertakescareoftheday-to-dayoperation,
soIhavenoconflicts.”
“IwasborninJacobsville,”Marquezsaid,smiling.“Mymotherstilllivesthere.Sherunsacaféin
town.”
Therewasonlyonecaféintown.Garonhadeatenthere.“Barbara’sCafé?”Garonasked.
“Thesame.”
Hefrowned.Hedidn’twanttostepontheman’stoes,butBarbarawasablonde.
“You’rethinkingIdon’tlooklikeamanwithablondmother,right?”Marquezsmiled.“Myparents
diedinabotchedrobbery.Theyownedasmallpawnshopintown.Iwasjustsixatthetime.Barbara
nevermarriedandhadnofamily.Iusedtotakemomanddadfoodfromthecafé.Afterthefuneral,
Barbaracameandgotmeoutofstatecustodyandadoptedme.Quitealady,Barbara.”
“I’veheardthat.”
Marquezcheckedhiswatch.“Ihavetorun.I’llphoneyouwhenI’vetalkedtomycaptain.”
“Bettermakeitane-mail,”Garonreplied.“Iexpecttobeinmeetingsformostoftoday.I’vegotalot

ofcatchinguptodo.”
“Okay.Seeyou.”
“Sure.”

ITWASAGOODDAY,GaronthoughtashedrovehimselfbacktoJacobsville.Thesquadwas
workingwitnessesatthelastbigbankrobberytofindanyinformationthatwouldfurtherthe
investigation.MenarmedwithautomaticweaponswereadangertotheentirecommunityofSan
Antonio.He’dtalkedtotheseniorASACaboutsettingupataskforceinconcertwithSanAntonio
homicidedetectivestoworkonthechildmurder.Hehadagreenlight.TheASAChadafriendinthe
TexasRangers.HegaveGaronhisnumber.Theyweregoingtoneedallthehelptheycouldget.
HeglancedtowardtheCarverplaceashedroveby.Hercarwasstillsittinginthedriveway.He
wonderedifshecouldstartitagain.Itwasamiraclethepieceofjunkranatall.
HepulledintohisdrivewayandalmostranintothebackofasilverMercedesconvertible.Afamiliar
brunettewithdarkeyesgotout,dressedinablackpowersuitwithaskirthalfwayupherthighsthat
showedoffherprettylegs.Heknewher.Shewastherealtorwho’djustgonetoworkforAndyWebb,
themanwho’dsoldhimthisranch.Herauntwasrich;oldladyTalbot,wholivedinamansionon

MainStreet
intown.

Whatwashername?Jaqui.JaquiJones.Easytoremember,andherfigurewasmorethanenoughto
makehermemorableinadditiontohermom.
“Hi,”shesaid,almostpurringasheclimbedoutoftheJaguar.“IjustthoughtI’dstopbyandmake
sureyouwerestillhappywithyourranch.”
“Happyenough,”hesaid,smiling.
“Great!”Shemovedcloser.Shewasonlyalittleshorterthanhewas,andhewasoversixfeettall.
“I’mhostingapartyatmyaunt’saweekfromFridaynight,”shesaid.“I’dlovetohaveyoujoinus.It
wouldbeanicewaytomeetJacobsville’suppersocialstrata.”
“Whereandwhattime?”heasked.
Shegrinned.“I’llwritedowntheaddress.Justasec.”Shewentbacktohercarandbentovertogive
himagoodviewofherbodyassheretrievedapenandpad.Itdidn’ttakesecondsighttoknowthat
shewasavailableandinterested.Sowashe.Ithadbeenalong,dryspell.
Shewrotedowntheaddressandhandedittohim.“Aboutsix,”shesaid.“That’searly,butwecanhave
highballswhilewewaitfortheotherstoshowup.”
“Idon’tdrink,”hesaid.
Shelookedstartled.Hewasobviouslynotjoking.“Well,then,wecanhavecoffeewhilewewait,”she
amended,smilingsothathecouldseeherperfectlycappedteeth.
“Suitsme.I’llseeyouthen.”
Shehesitated,asifshewantedtostay.
“I’mjustinfromD.C.veryearlythismorning,”hesaid.“Andit’sbeenafulldayattheoffice.I’m
tired.”
“ThenI’llgo,andletyougetcomfortable,”shesaidimmediately,smilingagain.“Don’tforget.”
“Iwon’t.”
He’dgonearoundhercartoputtheBucarinfrontofthehouse,onthesemicirculardriveway,soshe

simplypulledaroundhimtoshootoutthedriveway,wavingahandoutthewindowasshepassedhim.
Hewentinside,almostcollidingwithMissJane.“Thatfancywomanparkedherselfinthedriveway
andsaidshe’dwaitforyou.Ididn’tinviteherin,”sheaddedwithafaintbelligerence.“She’sonly
beenintowntwomonthsandshe’salreadygotareputation.PutherhanddownBenSmith’spants
rightinhisownoffice!”
Apparentlythiswasakintoblasphemy,hereasoned,waitingfortherest.
“Hejerkedherhandrightbackout,openedhisofficedoor,andputherrightoutonthesidewalk.His
wifeworksintheofficewithhim,youknow,andwhenhetoldherwhathappened,shewalkedinto
AndyWebb’sofficeandtoldhimwhathecoulddowiththepropertythey’dplannedtobuyfromhim,
andhowfar!”
Hepursedhislips.“Fastworker,isshe?”
“Tramp,morelike,”MissJanesaidcoldly.“Nodecentwomanbehaveslikethat!”
“It’sthetwenty-firstcentury,”hebegan.
“Wouldyourmothereverhavedonethat?”sheaskedshortly.
Heactuallycaughthisbreath.Hislittlemotherhadbeenasaint.No,hecouldn’thavepicturedher
beingavailabletoanymanexcepthisfather—untilhisfatherhadcheatedonherandhastenedher
death.
MissJanereadhisreplyonhisfaceandherheadjerkedupanddown.“Neitherwouldmymother,”
shecontinued.“Awomanwho’sthateasywithmenshedoesn’tevenknowwillbethatwayallherlife,
andevenifshe’smarriedshewon’tbeabletosettle.It’sthesamewithmenwhotreatwomenlike
disposabletoys.”
“Soeverybodyintowniscelibate?”hequeried.
Sheglaredupathim.Itwasalongway.“Peopleinsmalltownsmostlygetmarriedandhavechildren
andraisethem.Wedon’tlookatlifethewaypeopleincitiesdo.Downhere,honorandself-respect
arealotmoreimportantthanclosingabusinessdealandhavingamartinilunch.We’rejustsimple
people,Mr.Grier.Butwelookdeeperthanoutsidersdo.Andwejudgebywhatwesee.”
“Isn’tthereapassageaboutjudging?”heretorted.
“Thereareseveralaboutrightandwrongaswell,”sheinformedhim.“Civilizationsfallwhenthearts
andreligionbecomesuperfluous.”
Hiseyebrowswentup.
“Oh,didyouthinkIwasstupidbecauseIkeephouseforyou?”sheaskedblithely.“IhaveaMaster ’s
DegreeinHistory,”sheaddedwithasweetsmile.“Itaughtschoolinthebigcityuntiloneofmy
studentsbeatmealmosttodeathinfrontoftheclass.WhenIgotoutofthehospital,Iwastooshaken
togobacktoteaching.SonowIkeephouseforpeople.It’ssafer.EspeciallywhenthepeopleIkeep
houseforworkinlawenforcement,”sheadded.“Yoursupper ’sonthetable.”
“Thanks.”
Shewasgonebeforehecouldsayanythingelse.Hewasstillreelingfromherconfession.Cometo
thinkofit,theJacobsCountySheriffHayesCarson,hadrecommendedMissJane.She’dworkedfor
himtemporarilyuntilhecouldgetthepart-timehousekeeperhewanted.Nowondershewasafraidof
heroldjob.Heshookhishead.Inhisday,teachersrantheclassrooms.Apparentlyalotofthingshad
changedinthetwoorsodecadessincehegraduatedfromhighschoolandwentofftocollege.
Hewaslyingawake,lookingattheceiling,whentherewasafranticpoundingatthefrontdoor.
Hegotupandthrewonarobe,trampingdownstairsinhisbarefeet.MissJanewasthereaheadof
him,turningontheporchlightbeforeshestartedtoopenthedoor.
“Don’topenituntilyouknowwhoitis!”heshoutedather.Hishandwasonthe.40caliberGlockthat

he’dstuffedintohispocketashejoinedher.
“Iknowwhoitis,”shereplied,andopenedthedoorquickly.
Theirnext-doorneighbor,GraceCarver,wasstandingthereinarattyoldbathrobeandtatteredshoes,
herlongblondhairinafrizzedponytail,hergrayeyeswideandfrantic.
“Please,mayIuseyourphone?”shepanted.“Granny’sgaspingforbreathandherchesthurts.I’m
afraidit’saheartattack.Myphonewon’tworkandIcan’tstartthecar!”Tearsofimpotentfurywere
rollingdownhercheeks.“She’lldie!”
Beforeshegotthewordscompletelyout,Garonhaddialed911andgiventhedispatchertheaddress
andconditionoftheoldwoman.
“Waitforme,”hetoldGracefirmly.“I’llberightback.”
Heranupthestairs,threwonjeansandashirtanddraggedonhisbootswithoutsocks.Hegrabbeda
denimjacket,becauseitwascold,andwasdownstairsinlessthanfiveminutes.
“You’requick,”Gracemanaged.
“Igetcalledoutatallhours,”hesaid,takingherelbow.“Jane,Idon’tknowwhenI’llbeback.I’vegot
mykeys.Lockupandgotobed.”
“Yes,sir.Grace,I’llkeepherinmyprayers.You,too.”
“Thankyou,MissJane,”shesaidinhersoftvoice.ShehadafaintsouthTexasdrawl,butitwas
smoothandsweettotheear.
GaronbypassedtheBucar,unlockedtheblackJaguarandputherinside.Shefeltuncomfortable,not
onlybecauseshewasinhernightclothes,butbecauseshewasn’taccustomedtobeingalonewithmen.
Hedidn’tsayanything.Hedrovetohergrandmother ’shouse,pulledupinthedrivewayandcutthe
engine.Gracewasupthestepslikeaflash,withGarononherheels.
Theoldlady,Mrs.JessieCollier,wassittinguponherbedinathickbluegownthatlookedasifit
hadbeenhandeddownfromthe1920s.Shewasabigwoman,withwhitehaircoiledonherheadand
waterygreeneyes.Shewasgaspingforbreath.
“Grace,forGod’ssake,”shepanted,“gofindmybathrobe!”
“Yes,ma’am.”Gracewenttotheclosetandstartedrummaging.
“Stupidgirl,nevercandoanythingright.”ShelookedatGaronangrily.“Whoareyou?”
“Yournextdoorneighbor,”hereplied.“Theambulanceisontheway.”
“Anambulance!”SheglaredatGrace,who’dreturnedwithathickwhitechenillerobe.“Itoldyou…
we’dgointhe…car!Ambulancescostmoney!”
Gracegrimaced.“Thecarwon’tstart,Granny.”
“Youbrokeit,didyou?”sheraged.“Youstupid…”Shegroanedandheldherchest.
Gracelookedanguished.“Granny,pleasedon’tgetupset,”shepleaded.“You’llmakeitworse!”
“ItwouldsuityouifIdied,wouldn’tit,youngmiss?”shechided.“You’dhavethiswholehouseto
yourselfandnooldladytowaiton.”
“Don’ttalklikethat,”theyoungerwomansaidsoftly.“YouknowIloveyou.”
“Hmmmf,”camethesnortedreply.“Well,Idon’tloveyou,”shereturned.“Youcostmemydaughter,
heldmeuptopublicdisgrace,mademeashamedtogototown…!”
“Granny,”Gracegroundout,herfacecontortingwithpain.
“WishIcoulddie,”theoldwomanraged,panting.“Andberidofyou!”
Theambulancecametearingupthedirtroad,itssirensblazing,itslightsflashing.Gracegaveasigh
ofrelief.Shehadn’twantedtheirneighbortohearanyofthis.Itwasnoneofhisbusiness.Shewastoo
embarrassedeventolookathim.
“I’llgoandbringthemuphere,”shesaid,anxioustoescape.

“Foolgirl,ruinedmylife,”theoldwomangrumbled.
Garonfeltarippleofpuredisgustashewatchedtheelderlywomanclutchingherchest.Thegirlwas
doingallshecouldforhergrandmother,whoseemedaboutaslovingasapython.Maybeitwasher
illnessthatmadehersonasty.Thewomaninhislifehaddiedexpressingapologiestothenursesfor
havingtoliftherontobedpans.Thatkind,loving,sweetwomanhadbeenanangeleveninherfinal
hours.Whatacontrast.
TheparamedicscameupthestepsbehindGrace,carryingagurney.WithanodtoGaron,theywentto
workonoldMrs.Collier.
“Isitaheartattack?”Graceaskedworriedly.“Willshebeallright?”
Oneoftheparamedicsglancedather.“Areyouherdaughter?”
“Granddaughter.”
“Hasshehadspellslikethisbefore?”
“Yes.Dr.Coltraingiveshernitroglycerintablets,butshewon’tusethem.Hegivesherbloodpressure
medicine,butshewon’ttakethat,either.”
“Medicinecostsmoney!”theoldladysnarledatthem.“AllIhaveismysocialsecurity.Couldn’tfeed
amouseonwhatshemakes,workingpart-timeatthatflowershopandcooking…”
“Ican’tleaveyoualoneallday,andI’dhavetoifIworkedfull-time,”Gracesaidinasubduedtone.
Shedidn’taddthatshe’dhavetopaysomeonetostaywithhergrandmother,also,andtherewasno
wayanybodywhoknewherwouldtakethejob.
“Goodexcuse,isn’tit?”Mrs.Colliergrumbled.Shecriedout,suddenly,clutchingherchest.“Oh!”
“Wherearehernitroglycerintablets?”oneofthemedicsaskedquickly.
Graceranaroundthebedtothesidetable,andhandedthemtohim.
Mrs.Collierprotested,buthegotitunderhertongueanyway.
Sheshiveredasittookeffect,butthemedicwhowasmonitoringhervitalsgavetheotheronea
speakingglance.
“We’regoingtohavetotransporther,”hetoldhiscolleague.“Canyoucomewithher?”heasked
Grace.
“Yes.Just…justletmegetdressed.Iwon’tbeaminute.”
Shewentoutwithoutabackwardglance,dashedintoherroom,threwonjeansandasweatshirtand
heroldsneakersandrushedrightbacktohergrandmother.Shedidn’tbotherwithmakeuporeven
combherhair.Shewasn’tgoingtoasocialevent,afterall.
Garonglancedather.Shewouldn’twinabeautycontest,butshewasafastdresser,hethoughtwith
admiration.Mostwomenheknewtookhoursdressingandmakingup.
“I’llfollowyouintheJagandbringyouhome,”hetoldher.
Shestartedtoprotest,butoneoftheattendantsshookhishead.“We’llprobablyhavetokeepher
overnightatleast,”hesaid.
“Iwon’tstay!”Mrs.Collierraged,butshewasstillgaspingandclutchingherchest.
“She’llstay,”theolderparamedicsaidwithadeliberatesmile.“Let’sloadherup,Jake.”
“Youbet.”
GracestoodbackbesideGaronastheywheeledMrs.Collierout,stillmutteringangrily.
Garondidn’tsayanything.HeescortedGracedowntotheJagandhelpedherintothepassengerseat.
“You’llneedyourpurse,won’tyou?”heasked.
Sheindicatedthefannypackaroundherwaist.“I’vegotGranny’scardstocheckherin,”shesaid
dully.“Shecan’tdie,”sheaddedinahollowtone.“She’sallI’vegotintheworld.”
Whichwasn’tahellofalot,Garonwasthinking.Buthedidn’tsayit.Hewasresignedtolosingmost

ofthenight’ssleephe’dbeenhopingfor.

2
ITWASMIDNIGHTbeforetheyhadMrs.Collierthroughthebatteryofteststhathadbeenordered.It
hadbeenaheartattack,fairlysevere.Dr.Jeb“Copper”Coltraincameoutintothewaitingroomto
talktoGraceafterhe’dseentheresultsofthetests.
“She’sbad,Grace,”Coppertoldher.“I’msorry,butitcan’tcomeasmuchofasurprise.Itoldyou
thiswouldhappeneventually.”
“Buttherearemedicines,andtheyhavethesenewsurgicalproceduresthatIsawonthenews,”she
argued.
Hestartedtoputahandonhershoulderbutimmediatelydrewitbackbeforeitcouldmakecontact.
She’dstiffened,somethingGaronnotedwithidlecuriosity.
“Mostofthoseproceduresareexperimental,Grace,”hesaidgently.“Andthedrugsstillhaven’tbeen
approvedbytheFDA.”
Gracebitherlowerlip.Shehadabeautifulbowofamouthwithanaturalpinktint,Garonnoticed
withoutwantingto,andapeachesandcreamcomplexionthathe’drarelyseenonawomanonceshe
tookhermakeupoff.Herhairwasasoft,golden-blond.Shehaditinaponytail,butwhenunfettered,
itmustreachhalfwaydownherback,andithadjustafaintwave.Shehadsmall,pertbreastsanda
smallwaistline.Shewasperfectlyproportioned,infact.Lookingatherlonglegsandroundedhipsin
thosetightjeansmadehimuncomfortableandheavertedhisgazebacktoColtrain.
“Maybeitwasjustalittleattack,”shepersisted.
“Therewillbeabiggerone,andsoon,”herepliedgrimly.“Shewon’ttakehermedicine,shewon’t
giveupsaltypotatochipsandbrine-soakedpickles—evenifyoustopbuyingthemforher,she’llhave
themdelivered.Faceit,Grace,she’snottryingtohelpherself.Youcan’tforcehertoliveifshe
doesn’twantto!”
“ButIwantherto!”shesobbed.
Coltraindrewalongbreath,hisgazedrawntoGaron,whohadn’tsaidaword.Hefrowned.“Aren’t
youCash’sbrother?”
Garonnodded.
“TheFBIagent?”
Henoddedagain.
“Icouldn’tgetthecartostartandthephonedidn’twork,”GracetoldColtrainbeforehecould
interrogateGaronanyfurther.Theredheadeddoctorwasabruptandantagonistictopeoplehedidn’t
know.AndMr.Grierherelookedlikeamanwhowouldn’ttakemuchproddingbeforeheexploded.
“Ihadtoaskhimforhelp,”sheconcluded.
“Isee.”ColtrainwasstillstaringatGaron.
“IcouldstaywithGrannytonight,”sheoffered.
“No,youcouldn’t,”Coltrainsaidshortly.“Gohomeandgetsomesleep.You’llneeditifshegetsto
comehome.”
Herfacefelltragically.“Whatdoyoumean,‘if’?”
“When,”hecorrectedirritably.“Imeant,when.”
“You’llhavethemcallme,ifI’mneeded?”shepersisted.
“Yes,I’llhavethemcallyou.Gototheofficeanddothepaperwork,”heordered.Shehesitatedfora
minute,glancingatGaron.“He’llwait,”Coltrainassuredher.“Git!”
Shewent.
Coltrainstaredatthetallermanthroughdark-circledeyes.“Howwelldoyouknowthefamily?”

“We’vespokenonceuntiltonight,”hereplied.“Theylivenextdoortome.”
“Iknowwheretheylive.WhatdoyouknowaboutGrace?”
Garon’sdarkeyesbegantotakeonaglitter.“Nothing.Andthat’sallIwanttoknow.Ididherafavor
tonight,butIamnotinthemoodtotakeondependents.Especiallyspinsterswholooklikejuvenile
bagladies.”
Coltrainwasindignant.“Thatattitudewon’tgetyoufarinJacobsville.Graceisspecial.”
“Ifyousayso.”Garondidn’tblink.
Coltraindrewinalongbreathandcursedunderit.HestaredafterGrace.“She’llgotopiecesifthe
oldladydies.Andshe’sgoingto,”headdedcoldly.“AlongwiththeothertestsIordered,Ihadthem
runanechocardiogram.Halfherheartmuscle’sdeadalready,andshe’llfinishofftherestofitthe
minuteIletherout—ifsheevenlivesthatlong.GracethinksIsedatedher.Ididn’t.She’sinacoma.I
didn’thavethehearttotellher.That’swhyIcan’tletherseeMrs.Collier—she’sinICU.Idon’tthink
she’llcomeoutofit.AndGracehasnobody.”
Garonfrowned.“Everybodyhasrelatives.”
Coltrainglancedathim.“HermotherandfatherdivorcedwhenGracewasten.Mrs.Collierhadto
takeGrace,”headdedwithoutexplanation,“andneverletthegirlforgetwhatafavorshedidher.Her
motherwaslivingoutoftownwhenshediedofadrugoverdose,whenGracewastwelve,”hesaid.
“Herfatherhadbeenkilledinalightplanecrashtwoyearsbeforethat.Therearenounclesoraunts,
nobodyexceptadistantcousininVictoriawho’selderlyanddisabled.”
“Whydoessheneedanyone?She’sagrownwoman.”
Coltrainlookedasifhewasbitinghistongue.“Graceisaninnocent.She’syoungerthansheseems,”
hesaidenigmatically.Hesighed.“Well,ifyoucandriveherhome,I’llbegrateful.MaybeLouandI
canmanagesomething,ifwehaveto.”
Louwashiswife,anotherdoctor.TheywereinpracticetogetherwithDr.DrewMorris.
Garonscowled.Hefeltasifhewasbeingputincharge,andhedidn’tlikeit.Buthecouldn’tjustwalk
offandleaveGrace,hesupposed.Thenhehadaninspiration.Someonehadtobesacrificed,butit
didn’tnecessarilyhavetobehimself.“MissTurnerworksforme.SheknowsMissCarver,”hebegan.
“Yes,”hereplied.“Janewasherteacheronce.She’stheclosestthingGracehastofamilyin
Jacobsville,eventhoughthere’snobloodrelationship.”
Sothatwasit.Heshrugged.“IcanspareMissTurnertohelpout.ShecanstaywithMissCarver
tonight.”
“Kindofyou.”Itwassaidwithfaintsarcasm.
Garondidn’tevenblink.Hisdarkeyeswereglittering.Hedidn’tgiveaninch.
Coltrain,havingmethismatch,drewinaslowbreath.“Allright.ButI’mgoingtosedateGrace
beforeIsendherhome.IfMissTurnercanstaywithhertonight,I’llappreciateit.”
“Noproblem,”Garonreturned.

COLTRAINDREWGRACEintotheemergencyroom,intoacubicle,andlistenedtoherheart.
“I’mokay,”shefussed.
“Sureyouare,”heagreedasheturnedtopickupasyringethathe’dalreadyfilled.Heswabbed
Grace’sarmandshottheneedlein.“Gohome.You’llsleep.”
“Ididn’tcallJudyatthefloristtotellherIcouldn’tmakeitinthemorning,”shesaiddully.“She’ll
fireme.”
“Notlikely.She’llunderstand.Besides,Jill,whoworksintheER,isJudy’scousin.She’lltellherwhat
happenedlongbeforeyoucancallher,”headdedwithakindsmile.

“Thanks,Dr.Coltrain,”shesaid,standing.
“YourneighborisgoingtoloanMissTurnertoyou.She’llstaywithyoutonight,”headded.
“That’sniceofhim,”shesaid.Shemadeaface.“He’suncomfortabletobearound.”
Hefrownedslightly.“He’sinlawenforcement.Infact,fromwhathisbrother,Cash,toldme,he’s
goodathomicidedetection…”
“Ihavetogo,”shebrokein,avoidinghiseyes.
“Youdon’thavetolikehim,Grace,”Coltrainremindedher.“Butyouneedsomeonetohelpyou
throughthis.”
“MissTurnerwilldothat.”Sheturnedtowardthedoorofthecubicle.“Thanks.”
“You’llgetthroughthis,Grace,”hesaidquietly.“Weallhavetofacethelossofpeoplewecareabout.
It’sanaturalpartoflife.Afterall,”headded,joiningherinthehallway,“nobodygetsoutofthe
worldalive.”
Shesmiledsoftly.“It’sgoodtorememberthat.”
“Yes.Itis.”

GARONWASWAITING,hishandsinthepocketsofhisjeans,pacing.Heglancedupassheand
Coltrainreappeared.Helookedtiredaswellasirritated.
“I’mready,”shesaidwithoutmeetinghisdarkeyes.“Thanksforwaiting.”
Henoddedcurtly.
“I’llcallyouifthere’sachange,”Coltrainassuredher.“Honest.”
“Okay.Thanks,Dr.Coltrain.”
“You’rewelcome.Getsomerest.”
Shestartedtowardthedoorwithoutanotherword.She’dforgottenthatherphonedidn’twork,sohow
couldColtraincallher?
Garonfollowedbehindher,hishandsstillinhispockets.Hehadn’tsaidanotherwordtoColtrain,
whoglaredafterhimuntilanursecaughthisattention.

GARONOPENEDTHEDOORforGraceandsettledherintothepassengerseat.Bythetimethey
pulledoutoftheparkinglot,shestillhadn’tspokenaword.
Heglancedatherashedrove.“Youknowthedoctorwell,doyou?”
Shenoddedwithoutlookingathim.
“He’sabrasive.”
Potcallingthekettleblack,shethoughtamusedly,butshewastooshytosayit.Shenoddedagain.
Hiseyebrowjerked.Itwasliketalkingtohimself.HewonderedwhyColtrainhadgivenherashot
insteadofsomethingtotakebymouth.Hell,hewonderedwhythedoctorwassoconcernedabouther
thathewantedsomeonewithheratnight.Alotofpeoplehadseriousillnessintheirfamilies.Most
peoplegotthroughitwithouttranquilizers.Especiallywomenasyoungasthisonelooked.
Well,itwasnoneofhisbusiness,hethought.HepulledouthiscellphoneandcalledMissTurner.She
answeredatonce,obviouslystillup.
“CanyougohomewithMissCarverforthenight?’heaskedher.
“Ofcourse,”sherepliedwithoutasecond’shesitation.“I’llbereadywhenyougethere.”Shehungup.
Heflippedthecellphoneshutandlaiditintheemptycupholder.“We’llpickMissTurnerupatthe
houseandI’lldriveyoubothoverthere.Tomorrow,MissTurnercanusetheExpeditionanddrive
youtoworkandthentothehospital.I’llhaveoneoftheboysrunitoverfirstthingtomorrowand
leavethekeyswithMissTurner.”TheSUVwashissecondvehicle,whichheusedprimarilyaround

theranch.Hisforemanandtherestofhiscowboyshadtheirowntransportation.Hedidn’ttellGrace,
buthewasgoingtohaveoneofhismechanicsoverhaulhercaraswell.Hedidn’tlikehavingherasa
responsibilitylongerthanhehadto.
Hedidn’tmindhelpingoutthisneighbor,aslongasitdidn’trequireanypersonalinvolvementwith
herbeyondtheminimum.Still,hedidfeelsorryforher.Sheseemedtobeamisfitinthissmalltown.
Obviouslyshewasn’toverlyinterestedinhim.Shewasasfaroverinherseatasshecouldget,and
shedidnothingtotryandattracthisattention.Hehadn’tmissedthewaysheflinchedwhenColtrain
hadstartedtolayacompassionatehandonhershoulder.Itraisedaredflaginhismind,buthewas
tooworn-outfromthetravelandtheinterruptedsleeptopursueit.Thesoonerhehadhersettled,the
soonerhecouldgobacktobed.
TheypulledupatthefrontdooroftheranchhouseandMissTurnercameoutwithasmallsatcheland
herpurse.Shegotintothebackseat.
“Ilockedup,”shetoldhim.“You’llhaveyourhousekeywithyou,ofcourse.”
“Ofcourse,”hedrawled.
“Grace,areyouallright?How’syourgrandmother?”
“She’snotwell,MissTurner,”Gracereplieddrowsily.“Dr.Coltrainthinksit’saheartattack.He
won’tgivemealotofhope.”
“Neveryoumind.He’sthebestwehave.He’lldowhateverhecan,youknowthat.”
“Yes,Ido.Thankyouforcominghomewithme,”sheadded.“It’sabighouse.”
“Itis,”MissTurneragreed.
HepulledupatthefrontdoorofthericketyoldwhiteVictorianhouse,makingafaceatthelackof
freshpaint.Presumablytherewasn’tanysparecashforupkeep.Pity.Itwasaprettyhouse.
“Thankyouforallyou’vedone,”Gracesaidformally,“andforlettingMissTurnerstaywithme.”
Shelookedasifitwerelikepullingteethtosaythat.Shehadafiercelyindependentstubbornstreak
thathewasjustmeeting.Hisestimationofherchangedalittle.
“Lockthedoors,”GaroncautionedMissTurneraftershe’dexitedthecarandwashelpingGrace
towardthefrontporch.
“Wewill.I’llgetupearlyandcomeovertofixbreakfast,assoonastheExpeditiongetshere.”
“Okay.Goodnight.”
Hedroveoff,alreadygoingoverthenextday’sroutineinhismind.Hedidn’tgiveGraceasecond
thought.

BUTTHENEXTMORNING,awakeandrested,hefeltbadlyaboutthewayhe’dtreatedGracethe
nightbefore.Herememberedhowhe’dfeltwhenhismotherhaddied;butespecially,whenthe
womanhelovedhaddied.Herememberedhowsadanddepressedthoseeventshadmadehim.Atthe
time,he’dhadnoonetohelphimgetthroughit.HisfamilywasbackinTexas,andhe’dbeenliving
inGeorgia,workingoutofAtlanta,whenithappened.Heshouldhaverememberedhowalonehe’d
felt.He’dbeenlessthansympatheticwithGrace.
Sohegotupearlierthanusual,madebiscuits,friedbaconandscrambledeggs.HephonedtheCollier
houseandonlythenrecalledthatthephonewasoutoforder.Heclimbedintothecar,dressedincity
clothesanddroveovertogetGraceandMissTurner.
Theyweredressed,justcomingdownthesteps.Gracewaswearingjeansandthefloppysweatshirt
again,withherhairinabun.Theybothlookedsurprisedtoseehim.
“Imadebreakfast,”hesaidwithoutpreamble.“Let’sgo.”
“Butyoudidn’thavetodothat,”Graceprotested.

Hestartedtotakeherarm,toherdheroutthedoor,butshesteppedbackinaninstant,hereyeswide,
hercheeksrosy.
Hegloweredather.“It’sonlybreakfast.I’mnotproposing,”headdedsarcastically.
Hereyebrowswentup.“Well,thankGodforthat,”sherepliedcarelessly.“I’llconsideritalucky
escape.”Shehesitatedwhenhegaveherablankstare.“Orshouldn’tIhavesaidthatuntilafter
breakfast?”
Hedidn’tsmile,buthiseyesdid.Hemadearoughsoundinhisthroat,avoidedMissTurner ’samused
gazeandledthewayouttothecar.
Graceatewithapparentenjoyment,butshewaswaryofherbig,taciturnneighbor.She’dnevermet
anyonequitelikehim.Ifhehadasenseofhumor,itmustbeverydeeplyhidden.
“Itwasverynice,”shesaidwhenshefinishedthelaststripofbacon.“DoyoumindifIuseyour
phonetocallthehospital?”
“Helpyourself,”hesaid.“There’sanextensioninthehall.”
Shegotup,wipinghermouthgently,andwenttofindthephone.
“How’sshedoing?”GaronaskedMissTurner.
“She’sgoingtotakeitbadly,”shereplied.“Mrs.Collierisanightmareofamothersubstitute,but
GracehaslivedwithhersolongthatIthinkshejustoverlooksthebadattitude.”
“Inoticedthattheoldladyseemstodislikeher.”
MissTurnergrimaced.“It’sevenworsethanitseems.Mrs.CollierfailedGraceatatimewhenshe
neededhermost.Ithinkit’sguiltthatmakestheoldwomantreathersohatefully.”
“Whathappened?”heaskedcuriously.
“It’snotmybusinesstotalkaboutGrace’sbusiness,”camethetersereply.
Hesighedandfinishedhiscoffee.Apparentlysecretswerepartofsmalltownlife.
Gracecamebacksubdued.“She’sinICU,”shesaidasshesatbackdownatthetable.“Hedidn’ttell
methatlastnight.”
“I’msurehehadhisreasons.Areyougoingtowork?”
“Ihaveto,”Gracesaidbaldly.“Granny’ssocialsecuritycheckbarelypaysfortheutilities.Ihaveto
getinasmanyhoursasIcan.”
“Noambitiontogotocollegeorlearnaprofession?”Garonasked.
Gracegavehimabaldstare.“AndwherewouldIgetthemoneytodothat,evenifIdidn’thavetotake
careofGranny?She’sbeenaninvalidsinceIgraduatedfromhighschool,andI’mallshehas.”She
scowled.“Youknow,foramanwhowantseverybodyelsetomindtheirownbusiness,yousurespend
alotoftimepryingintootherpeoples’.”
Hiseyebrowsarched.“Seehere,I’mloaningyoumyhousekeeper…”
“MissTurnerdoesn’thavetobeloaned,”Gracereplied.“Shehasaheart.”
Heglowered.“SodoI.”
“Youmustkeepitputupinasafeplace,sothatitdoesn’tgetusedmuch,”shereturned.Shegotup.
“Thanksforbreakfast.You’renotaverypleasantperson,butyouareagoodcook.”
“Thankyouthehellforsmallfavors,”hegritted.
“You’renasty,I’mnasty,”shereturned.“Ifyoueverdevelopapleasantpersonality,I’llevensmileat
you.”
MissTurnerwastryingveryhardnottosmile.Shedidlikethisjob,despitetheoddbehaviorofher
boss.
“Iwon’tholdmybreath,”Garonassuredher.“Ihavetogo.I’muptomyneckinmeetingstoday.The
keystotheExpeditionareonthekeyrackbythefrontdoor,”hetoldMissTurner.“Useitasmuchas

youneedto.”Hehesitated.“Trynottorunoverherwithitunlessyouabsolutelyhaveto,”headded,
noddingtowardGrace.“She’dprobablypunctureatirewithherattitude.”
“It’snosurprisetomethatyou’renotmarried,”Graceobserved.“Butthankyoufortheuseofyour
vehicle.I’llseeaboutgettingminefixed.”
“Mostmechanicswon’tworkforfree,”hepointedout.
Sheglaredathim.Hereyessparkledwhenshewasmad,andhersoftcomplexiontookonapretty
blush.“Icantradeeggsandcakesforatune-upwithJerrydownatthefillingstation,”shetoldhim.
“Bartering?”hesaid,astonished.“Whatcenturyareyoupeoplelivingin?”
“Abetteronethanyours,Iguarantee,”shereplied.“Aroundhere,we’repeople,notnumbersinacase
book.”
“I’mamazedyou’renotanumberinahomefortheunbalanced,”hesaidunderhisbreath.
“We’llgowhenyou’reready,Grace,”MissTurnerinterrupted,sensinganexplosion.
“I’mreadynow,MissTurner.”
Garonglancedatherdisapprovingly.“Yougotoajoblookinglikethat?”heexclaimed.
Shefrowned,glancingdownatherneat,cleanjeansandspotlesswhitesweatshirt.“WhatshouldI
weartoworkinthebackofaflorist’sshop,aballgown?”sheasked.
Heshookhishead.“Thewomeninmyofficewearpantsuitsandmakeup.”
“That’sprobablybecausetheythinkyou’reeligible,andtheywanttoimpressyou,”sheretorted.“My
bossisawomanandshedressesthesamewayIdo.”
Hiseyebrowjerked.“Toeachhisown.I’llbehomelatetonight,MissTurner.Justputsomecoldcuts
inthefridgeforme.”
“I’lldothat,boss,”shereplied.
Heturnedatthefrontdoor.“Ihopeyourgrandmotherimproves,”hetoldGracequietly.
“Coalsoffire?”shemuttered.
“Gladyounoticed.”Hewentoutandclosedthedoor.
Gracefeltanoddsensationinthepitofherstomach.Shehopedshewouldn’thavetoomuchmore
contactwithhertaciturnneighbor.AndshereallyhopedthatGrannywouldgetbetterasthedaywore
on.

JUDY,inthefloristshop,wasallkindnessandcompassion.SheofferedtoletGraceoff,withpay,to
staywithhergrandmother.
Graceshookherhead.“Thanks,butDr.Coltrainwouldhaveacow,”shemurmuredasshe
constructedawreathforafuneral.“Hedoesn’twantmehangingaroundICU.Ican’tgoin,youknow,
exceptforafewminutesthreetimesaday.She’sreallybad,Judy.I’mafraid.”
“She’sbeenyourfamilyforalongtime,”Judyagreed.“Butthere’sawholeworldouttherethat
you’veneverseen,Grace.Youhavetothinkahead.”
Shemovedrestlessly.“Idon’tknowwhatI’ddo,ifshe…well,Imean,CousinBobinVictoriawould
letmecomeandvisit,buthe’sinbadshapehimselfandhehasanursewhostayswithhim.I’dbe
alone,hereinJacobsville.”
Judyreachedover,pattedherhand,andsmiled.“You’llneverbealoneinJacobsville.We’reyour
family,Grace.Allofus.”
Shemanagedasmilethroughamistofquicktears.“Thanks.”
Judyshrugged.“You’llgetby.We’llalllookoutforyou.Notthatyouneeditanymore,”sheadded.
“You’vebecomeveryindependentovertheyears.I’mproudofthewayyou’vehandledyourself.
You’reaninspiration.”

“Notme.”
“You.”Judysmiled.“Notmanypeoplecouldcomebacksowellfromwhathappened.You’vegot
guts,girl.”
Gracedidn’tliketotalkaboutthepast.Shemovedsomemoreredrosesclosertowhereshewas
workingandstartedJudytalkingaboutthenewwaterrates.Thatwasgoodforanhour.

MRS.COLLIERwasstillinthecomawhenGraceleftheraboutdark.MissTurnerhadcomeinthe
Expedition,probablyatColtrain’surging,andinsistedthatGracecomehome.
“Youcan’tworkandstayatthehospitalallhours,”MissTurnersaidfirmly.“Besides,Joliewillcall
youifyou’reneeded.We’vegottenyourphonefixed.Right?”sheaskedtheprettynurseonnightduty.
“YoubetIwill,“Jolieassuredherwithasmile.
“Allright,I’llgohome.Thanks,”sheadded,andfollowedMissTurnerouttotheExpedition.

GARONHADCOMEHOMEalittlelaterthanhisusualtimeandhadstillgoneouttohelphisboys
withsomeheiferswhowerecalvingforthefirsttime.LateFebruarywasjustrightfornewcalves,
withthefirstgreengrasscautiouslypokingitsheadupoutofthecoldground.HisblackAnguscattle
werepretty,andhebredforspecifictraits,sinceheranbeefcattle.Itwassomethingofablessingthat
theformerowners,theJacobsfamily,hadbeenhorseranchers,becausethebarnwaswell-keptand
thefenceshadbeenbuilttolastalmostnew.Ithadbeenasimplemattertostringelectricwirearound
theexistingpasturestoensurethathisanimalsdidn’twander.
HecameupontotheporchjustasMissTurnerdroveupatthesteps.
“How’shergrandmother?”heaskedwhenshejoinedhim.
“Nochange,”shereplied.Sheshookherhead.“She’sholdingupwell,butIthinkshe’llgotopiecesif
theoldladydies.She’snotusedtohavingtolivealone.”
“Don’ttellmeshe’safraidofthedark,”helaughed.
Shelookedupathimandshedidn’tsmile.“IfMrs.Collierdies,I’llhavetofindsomeonetostaywith
Graceforawhile,justuntilshegetsusedtotheidea.OrmaybeshemightgouptoVictoriaandstay
withhercousinBobforafewdays,”sheadded,thinkingaloud.
“Takeitonedayatatime,”hesaid.“It’snotwisetoborrowtrouble.”
“Isupposeso.”Shehesitated.“Hercarismissing,”shesaidsuddenly.
“Iknow.IhadBradybringitoverhereandoverhaulit,”hereplied.“Iwastemptedtosendittothe
junkyardinstead,butIguessit’sgottwoorthreemilesleftinit…”
Thephoneranginsistently.HereachedforitbeforeMissTurnerdid.“Grier,”hesaidshortly.
“Youstolemycar!”GraceCarveraccused.

3
“IDONOTSTEALCARS,”herepliedindignantly.“IworkfortheFBI.”
“Theywouldn’thavehiredyouinthefirstplaceiftheyknewyoustolecars,”shereplied,ignoring
hisdefense.“Where’smycar?It’snousesayingyoudon’tknow,becausethemailmansawoneof
yourcowboysdrivingitoffthismorningafterIwenttowork.”
Hedidn’tdenyit.“It’sadeathtrap.I’mhavingitoverhauledbymymechanic,”hesaid.“Thenyoucan
driveyourself.”
Therewasabriefpause.“Isee.”
Hebithistongue.“Ididn’tmeanthatImindyouandMissTurnerusingtheExpedition,”hesaid
irritably.“Stopputtingwordsinmymouth!”
“Ididn’tsayanything!”
“Youwerethinkingit!”
Sheblinked.“Itmustbeahandysortofgift,readingminds,consideringyourlineofwork,”shesaid
toosweetly.
Hiseyesdarkenedangrily.
Shehesitated,butonlyforamoment.“Sorry,thatslippedout.Justpretendyouneverheardit.”
“There’sasaying,”hebeganslowly,“aboutbitingthehandthatfeedsyou…”
“Iwouldn’tbiteyours,”shereplied.“Notellingwherethey’vebeen!”Beforehecouldreacttothatshe
thankedhimagainforhelpingwiththecar,andhungupquickly.
Heslammedthefreedomphonedownintoitscradleandmutteredsomethingunderhisbreath.
MissTurner ’seyeswidened.She’dneverseenevidenceofatemperinhertaciturnnewboss.Well,
shethoughtasshewalkedtowardthekitchen,atleastheseemedmorealivethanheusuallydid.She
wonderedwhatintheworldGracehadsaidtohimtoprovokethatresponse.

GRACE,MEANWHILE,wasfeelingmean.Herneighborhadtakenhercaroutofgoodintentions,so
thathecouldfixitforher.Sheknewhewouldn’tchargeherforit,either.Shegrimaced.Sheneeded
tostoptakingoutherfrustrationonhim.JustbecauseshewasfranticaboutGrannywasnoreasonto
hurtotherpeople.Notthatheseemedthesortofpersonyoucouldhurt…
Shewasn’tworkingtoday,exceptonherownlittleprojectthatconsumedmuchofherfreetimeand
whatlittleofherincomeshecouldspare.Sowhenshegottoastoppingpoint,shewentintothe
kitchenandstartedcooking.She’dheardMissTurnersaythatGaronwaspartialtoanapplecake,and
shewasfamousforhers.Sheuseddriedapples,whichgavethedessertatasteallitsown.
Thatafternoon,whenGaron’sforeman,ClayDavis,broughtthecarback,shewentouttothankhim
withthecakeinacarrier.
Hewasheadedtowardapickuptruckdrivenbyoneofhismen,buthestoppedwhenhesawGrace
comingandsmiled,doffinghiswide-brimmedhat.
“MissGrace,”hesaidrespectfully.
Shegrinned.“Hi,Clay.Wouldyoudomeafavorandtakethistoyourboss?”
Helookedatthecakeinitscarrier.“Hemlockordeadlynightshade?”heaskedwickedly.
Shegapedathim.
Heshrugged.“Well,we’vesortofheardthatthetwoofyoudon’tgetalong.”
“It’sjustaniceapplecake,”shedefendedherself.“Ifeltguiltyforsayingunkindthingstohim.It’s
sortofapeaceoffering.”
“I’lltellhim.”Hetookthecake.

Shesmiled.“Thanksforfixingmycar.”
“Key’sinit,”hesaid.“Andyouneedtowatchthatoilgauge,”headded.“Wepatchedtheleak,butjust
incase,don’tsetoffanywhereuntilyou’resureit’sgotoilinit.Ifyounoticealeak,letusknow.
We’llfixthat.”
“Thanksalot,Clay.”
Heshrugged.“Neighborshelpeachotherout.”
“Yes,butthere’snotalotIcoulddoforyourboss.He’salreadygotallthehelpheneeds.”
Hesmiled.“Hedoeshaveasweettooth,”heconfided,“althoughMissTurnerisn’tmuchofahandat
cakesorpies.Don’ttellherIsaidthat,”headded.“She’sagreatcook.”
“Shejustdoesn’tdopastries,”Gracefinishedforhim,smilingback.“That’sokay.Ican’tfrychicken
ormakebiscuits.”
“Weallhaveourgifts,”heagreed.
“Thanksagain.”
“Noproblem.”
Hedroveawaywiththecakebesidehimonthetruckseat.

THATNIGHT,Gracedroveherselftothehospital.Shesatoutsidetheintensivecareunit,inthe
waitingroom,untilverylate.Coltrainfoundherthere,alone,whenhemadehislastrounds.
Hegroundhisteethtogether.“Grace,youcan’tworkalldayandsithereallnight,”hegrumbled,
standingoverher.
Shesmiled.“Ifitwereyourgrandmother,you’dbesittinghere.”
Hesighed.“Yes,Iwould.ButI’minbetterhealththanyouare…”
“Don’tstart,”shesaidcurtly.“ItakeverygoodcareofmyselfandIhaveaterrificdoctor.”
“Flatterydoesn’tworkonme,”hereplied.“AskLou,”headded.Louwashiswife.
Sheshrugged.“Itwasworthatry.”hereyesbecamesolemn.“Thenursesaidthere’snochange.”
Hesatdownbesideher,lookingworn.“Grace,youknowthathearttissuedoesn’tregenerate,don’t
you?”
Shegrimaced.“Miraclesstillhappen,”shesaidstubbornly.
“Yes,Iknow,I’veseenthem.Butit’saverylongshot,inthiscase,”headded.“Youhavetogetusedto
theideathatyourgrandmothermaynotcomehome.”
Tearsprickedhereyes.Sheclaspedherhandstogether,verytightly,inherlap.“She’sallI’vegot,
Copper.”
Hebithistonguetryingnottosaywhathewasthinking.“Don’tmakeherintoasaint,”hesaidcurtly.
“Shewassorryaboutitall,”sheremindedhimwithbig,weteyes.“Shedidn’tmeantogetdrunkthat
night.Iknowshedidn’t.IthurtherthatMamawentoffwithoutawordanddumpedmeinherlap.”
“Isthatwhatshesaid?”hefished.
Herfaceclosedup.“Shewasn’tamotherlysortofwoman,Isuppose,”shehadtoadmit.“Shedidn’t
reallylikekids,andIwasalotoftrouble.”
“Grace,”hesaidgently,“youwereneveralotoftroubletoanyone.Youwerealwaystheonedoing
theworkatyourhouse.Yourgrandmothersatandwatchedsoapoperasalldayanddrankstraightgin
whileyoudideverythingelse.Theginiswhyherheartgaveout.”
Shebitherlowerlip.“Atleastshewasthere,”shesaidharshly.“Myfatherdidn’twantkids,sowhenI
camealong,heranoffwithsomeminorbeautyqueenandneverlookedback.Mymotherhatedme
becauseIwasthereasonmyfatherleft.Andnoothermanwantedherwithaready-madefamily,so
sheleft,too.”

“Youlookedlikeyourfather,”herecalled.
“Yes,andthat’swhyshehatedmemost.”Shelookedatherclaspedhands.“Ineverthoughtshecared
aboutmeatall.Itwasashock,whatshedid.”
“Itwasguilt,Iimagine,”hereplied.“Likeyourgrandmother,shehadahighopinionofherfamily
name.Sheexpectedwhathappenedtobeinallthenewspapers.Anditwouldhavebeen,exceptfor
yourgrandmotherplayingonChetBlake’ssoftheartandbegginghimtoburythecasesonobody
knewexactlywhathappened.Butitwastoolatetosaveyourmotherbythen.”
Sheswallowed,hard.“Theynevercaughthim.”
“Maybehedied,”Coltrainrepliedcurtly.“Ormaybehewenttoprisonforsomeothercrime.”
Shelookedupathim.“Ormaybehedidittosomeotherlittlegirl,”shesaidcurtly.
“Yourgrandmotherdidn’tcare.Sheonlywantedithushedup.”
“ChiefBlakewassorrybecauseofwhathappenedtomymother,”shesaidabsently.“Otherwise,I
expecthewouldhavepursuedthecase.Hewasagoodpoliceman.”
“Itwasmorethanthat,”hesaid,hisexpressionsolemn.“Theperpetratorthoughtyouweredead.Chet
thoughtyouweresaferifhekeptthinkingit.Hedidn’tmeanforyoutoliveandtestifyagainsthim,
Grace.”
Herskincrawledatjustthememory.Shewrappedherarmsaroundherself.“Doyousupposehekept
thefile?”
“I’msurehedid,butit’sprobablywellhidden,”hetoldher.“IdoubtCashGrierwillaccidentallyturn
itup,ifthat’swhat’sworryingyou,”headdedgently.
Shegrimaced.“Itwas.Garonhasbeenverykindtome,”shetoldhim,“inasore-paw,irritatedsortof
way.Idon’twanthimtoknowaboutme.”
“Itwasneveryourfault,Grace,”hesaid,hisvoicesoftandkind,asifheweretalkingtoasmallchild.
Infact,ithadbeenCopperwhotreatedherwhenthepolicemenbroughthertotheemergencyroom.
He’dbeenaresidentthen.
“SomepeoplesayIaskedforit,”shebitoff.
“Hell!”
“HelivedclosebyandIusedtowearshorts,”shebegan.
“Don’tevermakeexcusesforacreaturelikethat,”helectured.“Nonormalmanisgoingtoleerata
twelve-year-oldchild!”
Shemanagedasmileforhim.“You’reverygoodtome.”
“IwishIwasgoodforyoursociallife,”hereplied.“Youdon’tevendate,Grace.You’retwenty-four
yearsold.Youshouldhavehadtherapyandlearnedtogetonwithyourlife.Iblameyour
grandmotherforthat.Shewouldn’thavearelativeofhersconnectedinanywaywithapsychologist.”
“She’sveryold-fashioned.”
“She’sanostrich,”hecorrectedhotly.“Protectingthefamilynamebypretendingnothinghappened.”
“Everybodyknowswhathappened,”sheremindedhim.
“Notreally.Theyonlyknowthebarebones.”
“Theyalllookoutforme,justthesame,”shesaid,feelingwarmandprotected.“We’reallfamilyin
Jacobsville,”sheaddedthoughtfully.“LikeoldMr.Jamesonwhowasinprisonforbankrobberyand
camehomewhenhewasreleased.He’spaidhisdebttosociety.He’ssorry.Nowhe’sjustaccepted.”
Hesmiled.“It’soneofthenicerthingsaboutlittletowns,”hehadtoagree.
“Youdon’tthinkanybodywouldtellGaron…?”
“Nobodygossipsaboutyou,”hesaid.“NotevenMissTurner.”
Onethinshoulderlifted.“He’sastrangerhere,evenifhisbrotherisourpolicechief,”shesaid.“I

don’tsupposepeoplewouldrushtoairthedirtylinen.”
“You’renotdirtylinen,”hesaidfirmly.
Shesmiled.“You’reanicedoctor.”Shehesitated.“Can’tIseeGranny,justforaminute?”
Hemadeaface.“Ifyou’llpromisetogohomeafterward.”
Shewasreluctant,butshedidwanttoseeMrs.Collier.“Okay.”
“Comeon,then.”
Heledherintotheunit,spokebrieflytothenurseandescortedGraceintoasmallcubiclewhereher
grandmother,whiteasasheetandunawareofanyonearoundher,layquietonthebed.
Gracehadtobitehertonguetokeepfromcryingout.Theoldladyalreadylookeddead.Shewas
breathinginawaythatGracerememberedvividlyfromherearlychildhood.Hergrandfatherhad
breathedlikethatthedayhedied.Itwasaraspingsortofsound.Itwasfrightening.
Coltrainmovedtoherside.“Grace,ithelpstorememberthatthisissomethingallofuswillfaceone
day.Itisn’tanend.It’sabeginning.Likethecocoonthatproducesabutterfly.”
Shelookedupathimwitheyesthatwerefartoobright.“Mywholefamilyisdead.”
“YoustillhaveacousinupinVictoria,andhelikesyou.”
Shehadtoadmitthathewasright.Althoughthecousinwasinhislateseventiesandasemi-invalid.
Shemovedtothebedsideandslowly,hesitantly,touchedhergrandmother ’sbroadshoulder.
“Iloveyou,Granny,”shesaidsoftly.“I’msorry…I’vebeensuchaburdentoyou—”Hervoice
broke.Tearspoureddownhercheeks.
Hergrandmothermovedjerkily,asifsheheard,buthereyesdidn’topen.Afteraminute,shewasstill
again,andtheraspybreathingworsened.
Coltrain,whoknewwhatitmeantalltoowell,drewGraceoutofthecubicleandbackintothewaiting
room.
Shepulledahandkerchieffromherpurseanddabbedathereyes.“I’msorry.”
“There’snoneedtobe.Damn,Grace,youshouldn’tbeherealone!”
Justashesaidit,thedooropenedautomaticallyandGaronGrier,inathree-piecegraysuit,walked
intothewaitingroom.
Coltrainstaredathimblankly.Grierwasthelastpersonintheworldhe’dexpectedtosee,especially
afterthemanhadbeensocoolwithGracewhenhergrandmotherwasbroughtin.
Garonjoinedthem,hisdarkeyesonGrace’sravagedface.“MissTurnersaidyou’dprobablybe
here,”hesaidcurtly.“Iwentbytothankyoufortheapplecake,andyourcarwasgone.”
“Youbakedhimanapplecake?”Coltrainasked,surprised.
Gracemovedrestlessly.“IwasrudetohimandIfeltguilty,”sheexplained.“Hehadoneofhismen
fixmycar.”
“Whichsheaccusedmeofstealing,”Garonadded.Onedarkeyebrowlifted.“Butthecakedidmake
upfortheinsult.It’sadamnedgoodcake.”
Shesmiledthroughhertears.“I’mgladyoulikedit.”
HeglancedatColtrain.“IthoughtI’dfollowyouhome,”hetoldher.“Claysaidthecarmaystillleak
oil.Youliveonalonelystretchofroad.”
Coltrainlikedtheman’sconcern,buthewasn’tshowingit.“Lethimfollowyouhome,andstay
there,”hetoldher.“Youcan’tdoanygoodhere,Grace.”
Shedrewinalongbreath.“Iguessnot.”SheturnedtoGaron.“Ihavetostopbythelady’sroomfora
minute,thenI’llbereadytoleave.”
“I’llwait,”heassuredher.
Shewalkeddownthehall.Whenshewasoutofearshot,ColtrainturnedhisattentiontoGaron.

“Mrs.Collierwon’tlastmorethanafewhours,”hesaidbluntly.“IthinkGraceknows,butshe’s
goingtotakeithard.”
Garonnodded.“I’llmakesureshe’snotaloneoverthere.Whenhergrandmotherisgone,shecan
stayattheranchwithusforaweekortwo,untilshegetsherbearings.MissTurnerwilltreatherlike
alonglostdaughter..
“Isn’tthatsomethingofaturnaboutforyou?”Coltrainaskedwarily.“Justrecently,youdidn’teven
wanttobebotheredwithGrace’stransportation.”
Garonavoidedhiseyes.“She’sgotagoodheart.”
Coltrainhesitated.“She’sagoodperson,’heamended.Hefrowned.“Aren’tyouworkinglate?”
Henodded.“WehaveamissingchildupnearTyler,”hereplied.“It’smyspecialty,soIwasassigned
tothecase.”Hisexpressiontautened.“I’vebeeninlawenforcementmostofmylife.Usually,not
muchshocksme.Thiscase…”Heshookhishead.“Theperptookthechildrightoutherbedroom
window.Wefoundevidenceofaviolentencounterintheroom.”Hiseyesflashedangrily.“Thisman
isananimal.Hehastobecaught.”
“Haveyoufoundthechild?”
Heshookhishead.“Notyet.ButI’mlikeasnappingturtle.Iwon’tstopuntilI’vefoundher.Andthe
kidnapper.”
Coltrainsmiled.“You’relikeyourbrother,inthat,Igather.”
“BackwhenhewasaTexasRanger,”heconfided,“Cashchasedarobberysuspectallthewayto
Alabama.”
Coltrainchuckled.“That,I’dbelieve.”
Heshookhishead.“Ifanyonehadtoldmethathe’dsettledowninasmalltownandhavekids,I’d
havelaughedmyheadoff.Sincehisdaughterwasborn,earlierthismonth,he’stoacommitted
familyman.”
BeforeColtraincouldreply,Gracecamebackdownthehall,lookingmoroseandlonely.
Garonfeltherpainkeenly.Hewasnostrangertoloss.
“Comeon,”hesaidgently.“I’llfollowyouhome.”
Gracehesitated.ShelookedupatColtrain.“You’llcallme…?”
Henodded.“I’llcallyou,Grace.”
Aboveherhead,Garon’seyesmetColtrain’sandasilentmessagepassedbetweenthem.Coltrain
wouldcallGaronaswell.Hetoldhim,withoutsayingasingleword.

GRACEPULLEDUPatherfrontstepswithGaronrightbehindher.Shegotoutofthecarhesitantly.
Ithadbeenaverylongtimesinceshe’dbeenalonewithamanatnight.Shedidn’ttrustmen.
Shehesitatedathersteps,turningonthegravelpathtowatchGarongetoutofhiscarandjoinher.
Shewasstiffasapoker,somethinghemusthaverecognized.
Hisdarkeyesnarrowed.“DoyouwantmetosendMissTurnerovertospendthenightwithyou?”he
asked.
“No.I’llbefine.Thankyou,”sheaddedjerkily.
Hescowled.She’dbeenrelaxedatthehospital,withColtrainnearby.Butonherownlikethis,with
him,sheseemedtogrowthornsandbarbedwire.Itdidn’ttakerocketsciencetoknowthatshewas
uncomfortable.Hewonderedifshewasthatwaywithothermen.
“You’vegotournumber,”heremindedher.“Ifyouneedus,justcall.”
“Thankyou.It’sverykind,”shesaid.
Hedrewinalongbreath.“Ihaveahardtimewithrelationshipsofanysort,”hesaidoutoftheblue.

“Mylineofworkputsoffanynumberofpeople,especiallywhentheyrealizethatIcarryagunallthe
time,evenoffduty.Imakethemuncomfortable.”
Shebitherlowerlip.“I’mnotusedtopeople,either,”sheconfessed.“GrannyandIkeeptoourselves.
IhavelittlejobsthatIgoto,”sheadded,“andIhavejustahandfulofcasualfriends.Butnobody
close.”
Hecockedhishead.“Isthereareasonforthat?”
“Yes,”shesaidsimply.“ButIdon’ttalkaboutit.”
Shemadehimcurious.Henoticedthatshewasstillwearingjeansandasweatshirt,withajacket.
Noneofherclothingwasnew,andherloafershadtornplacesandscuffmarks.Shemustbudgetlike
crazy,hethought.
“Youlikeroses?”heasked,noticingtheprunedbushesnearthefrontporch.
“Ilovethem,”shereplied,smiling.“I’mespeciallyfondofmyAudreyHepburnandmyChrysler
Imperial.”
“Apinkandared,”hemused.
“Why,yes!”sheburstout,surprised.
“Ihaven’thadmuchopportunitytoplantbushesinrecentyears,”hesaid.“Imightgetbacktoit,now
thatI’vegottheranch.Itusedtobeahobby.”
“I’vebabiedtheserosebushessinceIwasalittlegirl,”sherecalledwarmly.“Mygrandfather—he’s
deadnow—lovedtogrowthem.Heknewallthevarieties,andhetaughtme.Wewerebestfriends.He
diedwhenIwasnine.”
“Ineverknewanyofmygrandparents,”Garonreplied.“Theyalldiedbeforewewereborn.”
“We?”sheasked.“YouandCash?”
“Therearefourbrothers,”hereplied.“CortandParkeraretheothertwo.CortrunsourWestTexas
ranchwithourfather.Parker ’sinlawenforcement.”
“Wasyourdadalawman?”shewondered.
“No.ButourgrandfatherwasaU.S.Marshal,”hesaidproudly.“I’vestillgothisgunbeltandhisold
Colt.45.”
“Mygranddadwasahorsewrangler,”shesaid.“Buthegotkickedbyabullandcrippled.Heretired
andmovedherewithGrannywhenmymotherwasalittlegirl.”
“Yourrootsgobackawayshere,”hesaid.
“Yes.It’snicetohavesome.”
Hecheckedhiswatch.“I’dbettergethome.I’vegotsomepaperworktodobeforeIcangotobed.
Callifyouneedus.”
“Iwill.Thanks,”sheadded.
Heshrugged.“Itwasagoodcake.”
Shesmiled.“I’mgladyoulikedit.”
“Lockyourdoors,”hecalledashegotintohiscar.
“Iwill.Goodnight.”
Hewavedanddroveoff,butshesawhimhesitateattheendofherdrivewayuntilhesawlightsgoon
inherhouse.Itwasrathercomforting.

SHELOCKEDTHEDOORSandcheckedthemtwice.Shecheckedthebroomhandlesplaced
crosswiseinallthelong,old-fashionedwindowstokeepanyonefromopeningthem.Shecheckedher
bedroomwindowfourtimes.Itwasaritualthatsheneverskipped.
Herneighborhadsurprisedherbyshowingupatthehospital.Hewasaloner,asshewas.Shehadn’t

likedhimatfirst,buthedidseemtohaveafewsavinggraces.
Sheputonherlongwhitegownandbrushedoutherhairsothatitswirledaroundhershoulderslikea
sheetofgold.Shedidn’tlookintothemirrorwhileshedidit.Shedidn’tlikelookingatherself.
Itwasalmostdawnwhensheheardsomeoneknockinglikecrazyatthefrontdoor.Shewassleeping
inadownstairsroom,ratherthantheoldbedroomshe’dhadonthesecondfloorofthehouse.It
wasn’tfardownthehall.Shethrewonathickrobeandpausedtolookoutthesmallsquare
windowpanesaftersheturnedontheporchlight.
Shefrowned.Itwasherneighbor,dressedandsolemn.Herheartranawaywithher.Shecouldonly
thinkofonereasonhemightbehere.
Sheopenedthedoorwithalittlesobinhervoice.“No,”shesaidhuskily.“Please,no…!”
“I’msorry,”hesaidquietly.
“She’s…gone?”
Henodded.
Tearsrandownhercheeks.Shedidn’tmakeasound.Shejustlookedupathimwithhertragicface,
cryinghelplessly.
Hemovedforwardtotakeherbytheshoulders.Itwasaninvasionofherpersonalspacethatshocked,
frightenedher.Shejerkednervously,butwhenhishandsloosenedandwerebarelyrestingonher,she
relaxedsuddenlyandmovedintohisarms.Shecouldn’trememberatimeinheryounglifewhen
anyonehadheldherwhileshecried.
Hesmoothedherlong,tousledhairwithabig,gentlehand.“Peopledie,Grace,”hesaidgently,using
hernameforthefirsttime.“It’ssomethingweallhavetogothrough.”
“Youlostyourmother,”sherecalled,sobbing.
“Yes.”Hedidn’taddthatshewasn’ttheonlypersonclosetohimthathe’dlost.Hedidn’tknowher
wellenoughtoconfideinher.
“Wasitquick?”shewantedtoknow.
“Coltrainsaidshejusttookalittlebreathandrelaxed,”hereplied.“Itwasquickandpainless.She
neverregainedconsciousness.”
Shebitherlowerlip.“Heavens,”shechoked,“Idon’tknowanythingaboutherburialpolicy.She
wenttothefuneralhomeherselfandfilledoutallthepapers.Shehadalittlepolicy…Idon’tknow
whereitis.”Sheweptagain,likingthefeelingitgavehertoleanonhim.Shehadn’teverbeenthe
sorttolean.Hewaswarmandstrongandrightnow,hewasn’tthreatening.
“I’llhelpyouwiththat,”hesaid.“Butyou’recominghomewithmenow.Goupstairsandchange,
Grace.We’llworryaboutthearrangementstomorrow.Whichfuneralhome?”
“JacksonandWilliams,”sherecalled.
“I’llphonethemwhileyou’regettingdressed.I’llphonethehospital,too,”headdedbeforeshecould
ask.
“Idon’tknowhowtothankyou…”shebegan,liftingafacetornwithgrieftohiseyes.
“Idon’twantthanks,”hereturned.“Goon.”
“Okay.”
Sheturnedandwenttoherroom.
Garonwatchedhergowithnarrowedeyes.Coltrainhadbeenemphaticaboutkeepinganeyeon
Grace.Hesaidthatshewasgoingtotakeithard,andshe’dneedsomeonetowatchher.The
redheadeddoctorhadknownherformanyyears.Maybehejustcaredmorethanmostotherpeople
did.
Goranpulledouthiscellphoneanddialedinformation.

4
GRACESATWITHGARONintheofficeofthefuneralhome,whileHenryJacksonwentoverthe
arrangementsforMrs.Collier ’sfuneralwithher.Garonhadtakenavacationdaysothathecould
help.Hedidn’ttellherthathehardlyevertooktimeoff,butsheguessedit.
Thereweren’talotofarrangementstomake.Mrs.Collierhadlaidoutherdesires,andevenpaidfor
hercasket,asimplepineone.ShewastobeburiedinalocalBaptistchurchcemetery,nexttoherlate
husband.Herinsurancewouldcoverthecostsoftheservice,sothatGracehadnothingtoworry
about.
ThenextstopwasBlakeKemp’soffice,whereGracelearnedthatshe’dbeenleftthehouseandland.It
wasalittlesurprising,becauseshe’dexpectedhergrandmotherwouldn’tleaveheranythingatall.
GaronwassittinginthewaitingroomwhileGracespoketohergrandmother ’sattorney.
“Ididn’tthinkshe’dleavemeanything,”shebegan.
Blakeleanedforward.“Shehadaguiltyconscience,Grace,”hesaidgently.“Shefailedyoutheone
timesheshouldn’thave.Iknowshewasn’tkindtoyou.Maybethatwasjustaninvoluntaryresponse
toherownbehavior.”
“SheblamedmeforMama,”shereplied.
“Sheshouldn’thave,”hesaidwiththeeaseofsomeonewho’dknownthefamilyformanyyears.
“Nothingthathappenedwasyourfault.”
“That’swhatDr.Coltrainsaid.”
“Andhe’sright.We’llgoaheadandfilethepapers,makingyouexecutrixofherestate.”Heheldupa
bighandwhenshestartedtospeak.“Youdon’thavetodoathing.I’llhandleit.Now,aboutthe
funeral,”hebegan.
“Mr.Grierishelpingwiththat,”shesaid.
“Cash?”heexclaimed.
“No,hisbrotherGaron.Helivesnextdoortoourplace,”shesaid.
Hiseyebrowsarched.Hewasn’texpectingthat.Fromwhathe’dheardofCash’sbrother,hedidn’tgo
outofhiswaytohelppeople.
“He’sverynice,”shecontinued.“Hehadhismenfixmycar.AndIbakedhimanapplecake.”
Hesmiledgently.“It’sabouttimeyoustartednoticingbachelors,Grace.”
Sheclosedupatonce.“It’snotlikethat,”sheassuredhim.“He’sonlybeingkind.MissTurner
probablyhadsomethingtodowithit.”
“Shemighthave,”heconceded.“Well,ifyouneedanything,youknowwhereIam.”
“Yes.Thankyou.”
Hesmiled.“It’snotrouble.Whenwegetthepapersdrawnup,youcanswingbyandsignthem.I’lldo
therest.”
Shestartedbackoutoftheoffice,smilingatthereceptionist,anewgirlwho’dreplacedVioletHardy,
whowasnowKemp’swife.Garongotupfromthecomfortablesofaandwentwithher.The
receptionist’seyebrowsarchedandshegrinnedatGaron.Hescowled.
“It’sthethingaboutsmalltowns,”Gracesaiduneasilywhentheywereoutonthesidewalk.“Ifyou’re
seenwithanybody,peoplegossip.It’snotmalicious.”
Hedidn’treply,buthedidn’tlikeit,andmadeitobvious.
“Thankyoufortakingtimeofftohelpmedothesethings,”shesaidwhentheywereonthewayback
toherhouse.“Ireallyappreciateit.”
“Ididn’tmind.”Hecheckedhiswatch.“ButIhavetogobacktomyoffice.We’reworkingona

murder.Achild.Ihavesomemorecallstomake.”
Shestiffened.“Doyouhaveanyleads?”
Heshookhishead.“It’searlytimes.Shewasapparentlytakenrightoutofherbedroom,withher
parentsasleepnextdoorandkeptforseveraldays.Ahikertrippedoverherbodybehindachurch
yesterday.”Hisfacehardened.“Shewastenyearsold,andallherimmediatefamilymembershave
alibis.Shewasassaulted.Whatthehellkindofhumanbeingfeelsattractedtolittlegirls?”
Shewasbreathinguneasily,herarmsfoldedtightoverherchest.“Inadequatemen,”shebitoff,“who
wantcontrol.”
Herreplysurprisedhim.Heglancedather.“Excuseme?”
“Menwhocan’tmakeitwithgrown-upwomen,”shesaidtautly.“Andtheyhatewomenbecauseofit.
Sotheyvictimizethemosthelplesssortoffemales.”
“You’regood,”hemurmuredwithafaintsmile.“Yes,that’smytakeonthecase,too.”Hiseyeswere
stillontheroad.“You’vegotpotential.Everthinkoflawenforcementforacareer?”
“Ihateguns.”
Helaughed.“Youdon’thavetohaveagun.WeemployciviliansattheBureau,”headded.
“Informationspecialists,engineers,linguists…”
“Linguists?”
Henodded.“Intheolddays,youhadtobeanagenttoworkfortheBureau.Butnowwe’remorelaid-
back.”
Shesmiledinspiteofherself.“You’renotlaid-back,Mr.Grier,”shereturned.
Heglancedathercuriously.“Howoldareyou?”
Hereyebrowslifted.
“Tellme,”hepersisted.
“Twenty-four.”
Hesmiled.“I’mthirty-six.Thatdoesn’tqualifymeforarockingchair.YoucancallmeGaron.”
Shegavehimalonglook.“That’sanameI’veneverheardbefore.”
“Mymotherhadfourchildren,allboys.Myfathersayssheusedtositontheporchandgothrough
babynamebooksforhours.Atthat,mynameisn’tquiteasbadasCash’s.”
“Cashisn’tallthatunusual,”shepointedout.
“HisrealnameisCassius,”herepliedwithasmile.
“Mygosh!”
“That’swhyheuses‘Cash,’”hechuckled.
“Arethetwoofyouclose?”
Heshookhishead.“We’vehadsomefamilyproblemssincemymother ’sdeath.We’reintheprocess
ofgettingtoknoweachother.Cashwentofftomilitaryschoolwhenhewasabouteightornineyears
old.Untilthispastyear,wedidn’treallyspeak.”
“That’ssad,tohaveafamilyandnotspeak.”
Hewonderedaboutherparents,butitwastoosoontostartaskingpersonalquestions.Hedidn’twant
anymorecontactwithherthannecessary.Hewasmarriedtohisjob.Ontheotherhand,he’djust
talkedtoherabouthiswork,andthatwassomethinghe’dneverdonebefore.Shehadanempathy
aboutherthatwashardtoresist.Hefeltathomewithher.Thatwasdangerous,andhewasn’tgoingto
letanythingdevelopbetweenthem.

GARONDROPPEDGRACEOFFandwentbacktowork.Marquez’scaptainhadcalledandthesenior
ASACcalledGaronintohisofficeandauthorizedtheBureau’sassistance.Garonwouldheadupthe

taskforceastheysearchedforamurdererwhokilledlittlegirls.Nobodywassayingitoutloud,butit
wasverypossiblethattheyhadaserialkillerontheirhands.Atleastfourcasessharedthesamebasic
patternofdeath.
“I’llgetstarted,then,”Garontoldhim.
“Marquez’scaptainsaidthecaseneedstobesolvedassoonaspossible,”ASACBentleyremarked.He
wasolderthanGrier,nearretirementandhadaskedforassignmenttoSanAntonio,wherehehad
relatives.Hewasakindlyman,withagoodheart,andhewasasuperioragent.Garonrespectedhim.
“Thecaptainhasanopenmind,butMarquez’slieutenantdoesn’t.Hethinksit’sallcoincidence.”
“Idon’t.Thecasesaretoosimilar,”Garonsaiddoggedly.
TheASACsmiled.He’dknownGaronalongtime.Heknewhowdeterminedtheagentcouldbe.
“Thatwouldbemygutfeeling,too.Stayoutoftrouble.”
“I’lltry,”hereplied.Thegringavehimaway.

HEPHONEDMARQUEZandtheymetatalocaldiner.Marquezlookedtired.Thereweredark
circlesunderhiseyes.
“Youlooklikeyou’vebeenburningthemidnightoil,”Garonremarked.
Helaughed,alittlehollowly.“Itakethesehomicidesseriously.IphonedtheOklahomaP.D.wherethe
otherredribbonmurderoccurred.Thatwasaneleven-year-oldgirl.Theyfoundherfacedownina
patchofbrown-eyedSusansnearacemetery.”
“Assaulted?”Garonasked.
Marqueznoddedcurtly.“Yes.Strangled,aswell.Andthenstabbedabouttwenty-fivetimes.Justlike
thisonewe’reworkingon.Toosimilartobeunrelated.”
Garon’slipsmadeathinline.“Averypersonalattack.”
“Exactlymyfeeling.Theperphatedthechild,orwhatsherepresented.Itwasoverkill,plainand
simple.Somethingelse—therewasanothervictim,samebasicMO,overnearDelRio,aboutten
yearsago,killedwithaknifeandleftinafield.Iwaslookingforsimilarcasesandhappenedtorun
intooneofourolderinvestigatorswhorememberedit.Itwasn’tevenfedintoadatabase,itwasso
old.Ie-mailedthepolicedepartmentoverthereandaskedthemtofaxmethedetails.”heranahand
throughhisthick,straightblackhair.“Littlegirls.Innocentlittlegirls.Andthismonstermayhave
beendoingitsincethenineties,atintervals,withoutgettingcaught.I’dgivebloodtogetthisguy,”
Marquezadded.Hepausedlongenoughtogivethewaitresshisorderandwaituntilshecouldpour
coffeeinhiscupbeforehespokeagain.“He’sgottobearepeatsexoffender.He’stoogoodatwhat
hedoesforasloppyamateur.Ittakesawilyso-and-sototakeachildrightoutofherownbedroom
withherfamilyinthehouse.Andhedoesitoveraperiodofyears,ifthecasesdomatch,without
gettingcaughtorevenseen.”
“Thatpieceofredribbon?”Garonmurmured,sippingcoffee,“musthavesomethingtodowitha
fantasyhe’sactingout.”
“That’swhatIthought,”theyoungermansaid.“ThedetectivewhotoldmeabouttheDelRiocase
alsorememberedhearingofasimilarcoldcase,fromtwelveormoreyearsback,buthecouldn’t
recallwhereithappened.HethinksithappenedinsouthTexas.”
“Didyoulookinthedatabaseforthatcase?”
“Yes,buttheDelRiocasewasn’tthere.Godknowshowmanyothersaren’t,either,especiallyifthey
happenedinsmall,ruraltowns.”Hesmiled.“ItoldmylieutenantaboutthatDelRiocoldcase,and
abouttheothertwochildreninOklahomawhoweretakenfromtheirhomesandfounddead.Isaidwe
neededtogettheFBIinvolvedsoyouguyscoulddoaprofileofthekillerforus,andhelaughed.He

saidthedeathshadnoconnection.SoIwenttothecaptain,andhecalledyourASAC.Thanks.”
“Noproblem,”Garonmused.“Mostveterancopshatepaperworkandcomplications.Nobodywants
tobelookingforaserialkiller.Butwemightcatchthisone,ifwe’restubbornenough.”
Marquezpursedhislips.“Iaskedoneofyoursquadmembersaboutyou,”hesaid.“Hesaysthat
you’llchasepeopletothegatesofhell.”
Garonshrugged.“Idon’tlikelettingcriminalsgetaway.”
“NeitherdoI.Thisguy’saserialkiller.Ineedyoutohelpmeproveit.”
Garonpausedwhiletheirsteakswereserved.“Whatsortofsimilaritiesarewetalkingabout,withthat
coldcaseinDelRio?”
“AllIhaveissketchyinformation,”camethereply,“butthemannerofabductionwasthesame,and
theynarrowedthesuspectsdowntoastranger.Thevictimwasassaultedandstabbed.Idon’tknow
aboutredribbons.IfilledoutourcaseontheformforVICAPandIdidturnupseveralchildmurders
inotherstates.Butnoneofthechildrenwerestrangledandstabbed,whichmaysignifysomeother
perp.”
“Orhemighthavechangedhishabits.Maybeagungavehimmorepowerinanabduction.”Asthey
bothknew,amurderermightchangethewayhekilled,butifthecrimehadasignature,itusually
wouldn’tvaryfromcrimescenetocrimescene.
“Anyredribbonsinthoseothercoldcases?”heasked,becausetheribbondidseemtoserveasa
signatureinatleastonecase.
“No.Atleast,”headded,“therewerenoneintheinformationIaccessed.AsIsaidearlier,wealways
holdbackoneortwodetailsthatwedon’tfeedtothemedia.Maybethosedetectivesdid,too.”
“DidyoutrycallingthedetectiveswhoworkedtheOklahomacases?”
“Idid.ThefirstOklahomaonewassureIwasactuallyareportertryingtodigoutunknownfactsin
thecase.Igavehimmycaptain’sphonenumber,andhehunguponme.Hesaidanybodycouldlook
thatinformationuponline.Nobodyatthesecondpolicedepartmentknewanythingaboutacoldcase.”
“HowabouttheotherTexascase?”
“That’sadoozyofastory,”Marqueztoldhimwithpuredisgustinhistone.“It’sinPaloVerde,alittle
townupnearAustin.Icouldn’tgettheirsinglepolicemanonthephoneatall.Itriede-mailinghim,
alongwithmyphonenumber.Thatwasweekbeforelast,andI’mstillwaitingforananswer.”
“Wegetalotofkookse-mailingusforvariousreasons,”Garontoldhim.“Andwegetabouttwo
hundredspammessagesaday.Thecaptionsaresomisleadingthatyouoccasionallyopenonewithout
meaningto.It’salwaysascamoralinktoapornoWebsite.Evenwithfilters,theygetthrough.
Maybeyourmessageendedupinthedeletedfiles.”
“Ihatespammers,”theyoungermanmuttered.
“Wehaveacybercrimedivisionthatspendshoursadaylookingforscamsandshuttingthemdown.”
“Goodforyou,butthatstilldoesn’tsolvemyproblem.”
“YoucanflytoOklahomaandshowyourcredentialsinperson,can’tyou?”
“Icanbarelypaymyrent,”Marquezsaidmiserablyashefinishedhissteak.“Ican’taffordthe
airfare.”
“Yourdepartmentwouldpayforthetickets,”Garonsaid.
Marquez’seyebrowsmethishairline.“Likehellitwould,”heshotback.“Didn’tItellyouthatIhadto
buymyowndamneddigitalcamerabecausemylieutenantwouldn’tauthorizetheexpenditure?He
likeshisjobandthecitymanagergoesoverdepartmentalbudgetswithamicroscope.”
“Iknowhowthatfeels.”
“No,youdon’t,”theyoungermanassuredhim.“Unlessyou’vehadtobringinareceiptforacupof

icewateryouboughtfromaconveniencestoretobackupclaimingitonyourexpenseaccount!”
“Youhavegottobekidding!”Garonexclaimed.
“IwishIwere,”theothermansaidsadly,shakinghishead.“Iguessthey’dlockmeupforawhole
giantCoke.”
Garonchuckledhelplessly.“Youneedtocomeandworkforus,”hetoldMarquez.“Youcouldeven
haveaBucar.”
“Awhat?”
“Abureaucar,”Garontoldhim.“Igettodriveminehomeatnight.It’slikemovingstorageforall
myequipment,includingmyguns.”
“Guns,plural?”thedetectiveexclaimed.“Youhavemorethanone?”
Hegavethedetectiveawrylook.“Surelyyouhaveaccesstobodyarmorandstopsticksandariot
gun…?”
“I’mwearingmybodyarmor,”hemuttered.“It’scalledasuit!Asforstopsticks,Ipullmyservice
weaponandtrytoblowouttiresaslongasthesuspectisn’tnearanythingImightconceivablyhitby
mistake.Asforariotgun…”Hepushedbackhisjackettodisplayhisshoulderholster.“Thisisit.”
“Theyletyouwearashoulderholster?”Grierasked.“Wearen’tallowedto.”
“Idon’tknowifIwanttoapplytotheBureauifIcan’twearashoulderholster.Besides,theymove
youguysaroundtoomuch.Ilikebeingnearhome.”
“Toeachhisown.”
“Whoelseisgoingtobeonthistaskforceyou’resettingup?”Marquezasked.
“We’vegotthesheriff’sdepartment,becausethemurdertookplaceoutoftowninthecounty,along
withaK-9unit,aTexasRanger…”
“ARanger?Wow,”theothermansaidwithawistfulsigh.“Itriedtogetin,fiveyearsago.Ipassed
everythingexceptthemarksmanshiptest,buttwootherguyshadhigherscoresthanIdid.That’squite
anoutfit.”
“Yes,itis.MybrotherwasaRanger,beforehecamedowntoworkinSanAntonio.Hewaswiththe
D.A.’sofficeasacybercrimeexpert,thenhemovedtoJacobsville.”
“He’schiefofpolicethere,”Marqueznodded.“Quiteaguy,yourbrother.He’smakingsomemajor
drugbusts.”
Garonfeltarippleofpride.Hewasproudofhisbrother.
“Whoelse?’Marquezpersisted.
“WehaveaninvestigatorfromtheD.A.’sofficewhospecializesincrimesagainstchildren.We’ve
volunteeredourcrimelabatQuanticofortraceevidence.”
“Wehaveoneofthebestforensicunitsinthecountry.”
Garonsmiled.“Iknow.Idon’thaveaproblemwithlettingthemprocessdata.”
“Whendowemeet?”
“Tomorrowafternoon,atElChico’s.Aboutoneo’clock.Ifoundonepolicemanwhoknowsthe
familyofthevictimandusedtoliveintheneighborhood.He’llmeetusthere.”
“I’llhavetheTexasRangeronhandandtheD.A.’sinvestigator,”Garontoldhim.“Ihopewecanget
thisguy.”
“Noargumentthere.”Heglancedathiswatch.“I’vegotacoupleofhoursoffafterthis,butIshould
bebackinmyofficebeforequittingtime,ifyouneedtocontactme.Iforgottogivemynumbers.If
youcan’treachmeattheoffice,”headded,pullingoutabusinesscard,“mycellphonenumberison
this.”
“Thanks.I’llbeintouch.”

Marquezreachedforhiswalletwhentheywerefinishedandthewaitresshadproducedthebill,but
Garonwavedhimawayandpassedhiscreditcardtothewoman.
“Mytreat,”hetoldMarquezwithasmile.“Itwasabusinesslunch.”
“Thanks.IwishIcouldreciprocate,butmylieutenantwouldsendmeouttosolvestolengasstation
drive-offcasesifIpresentedhimwithalunchbill.”
Garonjustlaughed.

THELAUGHTERFADEDwhenhegothome.MissTurnerwaslookingworriedandstandingbythe
telephone.
“What’sgoingon?”Garonaskedher.
“Nothing,Ihope,”shereplied.“It’sjustthatIcan’tgetGraceonthetelephone.I’msureshe’sallright.
Maybeshe’sjustnotansweringherphone.”
“I’lldriveoverandsee,”hereplied,andwasoutthedoorbeforeMissTurnercouldasktogowith
him.
HepulledupinthefrontyardoftheoldVictorianhouse,notingagainhowlittlemaintenancehad
beendoneonit.Hetookthestepstwoatatimeandrappedhardonthedoor.Hediditthreetimes,but
therewasnoanswer.
Hestartedaroundthesideofthehouse.Andthereshewas.Intherosegarden,withpruningshears,
cuttingbackherrosebushes.Shewastalkingtothem,aswell.Obviouslyshehadn’theardhimdrive
up.
“Iknowsheneverlikedyou,”shewastellingtheroses.“ButIloveyou.I’llmakesureyougetallthe
fertilizerandfungicidesyouneedtomakeyoubeautifulagain,thewayyouwerewhenGrandaddy
wasstillalive.”Shesniffedandwipedherweteyesonthesleeveoftheflannelshirtshewaswearing.
“Idon’tknowwhyI’mcryingforher,”shewentonafteraminute.“Shehatedme.NomatterwhatI
didforher,sheneverwantedmeinherlife.Butnowshe’sgoneandit’sjustyouandmeandthis
enormoushouse…”
“Aretherosesgoingtoliveinitwithyou,then?”heaskedcuriously.
Sheturnedsofastthatshealmostfellover.Herhandwenttoherchest.Shewasalmostgaspingfor
breath.“Youmovelikethewind,”shechoked.“Whatareyoudoinghere?”
“MissTurnercouldn’traiseyouonthephone.Shewasworried.”
“Oh.”Shewentbacktotrimmingtherosebushes.“Thatwaskindofher.”
Heglancedaroundatthebarelandscape.Therewasagardenspotbehindthehousethatlookedasifit
hadjustbeenplowed.Hewonderedifshekeptthegarden,orifhergrandmotherhadgrown
vegetables.
“Didyoufindthemanwhokilledthatlittlechild?”sheasked.
Heshookhishead.“It’snotthatsimpletosolveamurder.Thisisoneofseveralsimilarcrimes,some
fromyearsago.Ittakestime.We’reformingataskforcetoinvestigateit.”
“Myfatherusedtoworkforthesheriff’sdepartmenthereasadeputy,justlikeGrandaddydid.That
wasalongtimeago,”sheadded.“Hequitwhenhemarriedmymotherbecauseshedidn’tlikehim
takingrisks.”
“Whatdidhedoafterward?”
“HegotajobasalimousinedriverinSanAntonio,”shereplied.“Hemadegoodmoneyatit,too.
Thenhemetapretty,richwomanthathe’dbeenhiredtodrivearound,andhewentheadoverheels
forher.Heleftmymotherandfiledfordivorce.Shenevergotoverit.Theotherwomanwasten
yearsolderthanshewas,andsheownedaboutique.”

“Isyourfatherstillliving?”heasked.
Sheshookherhead.“HeandhisnewwifeweredrivingtoLasVegaswhenadrunkdriverraninto
themhead-on.Theybothdied.”
“Yousaidyourmotherdislikedyou?”
Shenodded.“Ilooklikemyfather.Shehatedmeforthat.”
“Whathappenedtoyourmother?”
“She…diedabouttwelveyearsago,”shesaid.“JusttwoyearsafterDaddydid.”
“Whatdidshedoforaliving?”
“Shewasanurse,”Gracesaidquietly.
“You’regoingtokillthosebushesifyoukeepsnipping,”hepointedout.“Andthetemperature’s
dropping.”
Sheshiveredalittleasshestoodup.“Isupposeso.Ijustwantedsomethingtodo.Ican’tbeartositin
thathousealone.”
“Youdon’tneedto.Packasmallbag.I’lltakeyouhomewithme.YouandMissTurnercanwatch
moviesonthepayperviewchannel.”
Shelookedupathim,frowning.“That’snotnecessary…”
“Yes,itis,”hesaidgently,studyingherface.Itwaswetwithtears.“Youneedalittletimetoget
adjustedtolifewithoutyourgrandmother.Nostrings.Justcompany.”
Shegnawedonherlowerlip.Shedidn’tunderstandhismotives,anditshowed.
“I’ddoitforanybody,”hecontinued.“Thinkofitasoneneighborhelpinganotherout.”
Sheshiftedinplace.“IfIwouldn’tbeintheway…”shebegan.
“Iworkinthestudyallhourstryingtogetherdrecordsup-to-date,”hesaidsimply.“Youwon’t
botherme.I’llgiveyoutheguestroomnexttoMissTurner ’s.Ifyougetscaredinthenight,she’llbe
around.”
Shestillhesitated.Itwashardforher,trustingaman.Anyman.
“Ifyoustayoverheretalkingtorosebushes,somebody’sgoingtonotice,”hepointedout.“Thinkof
thescandal.”
Shesmileddespiteherself.“Allright,then.Thankyou,”sheaddedalittleawkwardly.
“You’ddoitforme,I’msure.”
Andshewouldhave.
MissTurnerwassurprisedanddelightedattheunexpectedcompany.“Hehateshavingpeoplehere,”
shetoldGraceasshepouredhersometeainthekitchenofthelong,singlelevelhouse.
“It’sonlybecauseIwastalkingtotheroses,”Gracefaltered.
MissTurnerstaredather.
Graceflushed.“Well,I’mnotexactlyovercomewithvisitorsthesedays.”
“Youcantalktome,”shetoldher.“Atleast,Icanansweryouback.”

LATER,MISSTURNERshowedhertotheguestroomandpointedoutthequiltatthefootofthebed
incaseGracegottoocool.
“Hesayshecan’tsleepinawarmhouse,sohekeepsitlikeadeepfreeze,”MissTurnermuttered.
“Likelyyou’llgetfrostbite,butatleastyouwon’tbelonely.Gotyourmedications?”
Gracenodded.
“Good.There’swaterinthecarafebythebed.Sleepwell.”
“You,too.”
ThedoorclosedandGracesatdownonthebed.Itwasaprettyroom,doneincoolbluesandbeiges.

Shewasamazedatherhostfortheinvitation,andgratefulaswell.She’ddreadedspendingthenight
alone.
Foramanwithnosocialskillstospeakof,shethought,hewassurprisinglykindhearted.

SHESETTLEDUNDERthecomforterandclosedhereyes.Buttheeventsofthedayhaddamaged
her,andnotonlyhergrandmother ’sdeath.Shekeptseeinglittlegirlslyinginbedsofroses,wearing
redribbonsaroundtheirnecks…
Whenthescreamsstarted,shedidn’tevenrealizethattheywerecomingfromherownlips.

5
“GODALMIGHTY!”CAMEAdeepvoicefromsomewherenearby.“Grace.Grace!”
Shewasdying.Bloodwasseepingoutallaroundher,anditwasred,asredashergrandmother ’s
roses.Shewaslyinginapatchofsunflowers,lookingupatthesky.Therewaspain.Somuchpain!
Shecouldalmostfeelmercilesshandsonhershoulders,shakingher,shakingher…!
Shegaspedandhereyesflewopen.GaronGrierwassittingonthesideofherbedinabathrobe,his
blond-streakedbrownhairmussed,hisdarkeyesnarrowandconcerned.BehindhimstoodMiss
Turnerwithherhairdown,grayandthin,wrappedinathickbathrobe,chewingherlowerlip
nervously.
Gracetookalongbreathandanotherone.Shewasshaking.“S-sorry,”shestammered.“I’msorry!”
Thebighandsholdinghershouldersrelented,pullingherintoasittingposition.Herlongblondhair
hadcomeundonefromitsclothtieanddrapedaroundhershoulderslikeafallofsilk.Shewas
wearingathickcottongownthatcoveredherfromthroattoheels.Onlyherfaceandhandspeeredout
fromitswhiteness.
“Whathappened?”Garonasked.
Sheswallowedhard,lookingaroundherinrelief.Shewasn’tlyinginafield.Shewasinabed,ina
house.Safe.Sheswallowedagain,awarethathereyesandcheekswerewet.
“Whatwasit?”hepersisted.“Anightmare?”
Sheonlynodded,stillshaken.Ithadseemedveryreal.
“Howaboutsomewarmmilk,Grace?”MissTurnerasked.“Itmighthelpyousleep.”
“Milk,hell,”Garonsaidcurtly.“BringheratotofCrownRoyal.”
“Ihatespirits,”Gracebegan.
“Now,”headded,fixingMissTurnerwithalevelstarethatdidn’tinvitedefiance.
“Backinajiffy,”MissTurnersaid.
GaronletgoofGrace’sshoulders.Hiseyeswerelikelasers,probing,inquiring.“Thisisn’tanew
thing,isit?”heaskedsuddenly.
“Thenightmare?No.”Sheleanedforward,drawingherkneesupunderthecovertorestherforehead
on.Herheartwasskippingmadly.Shecouldbarelygetherbreathatall.“I’vehadthemforalong
time.”
Hewantedtoaskquestions,demandanswers.Butshewasaguestinhishouse.Hedidn’twantto
invadeherprivacy.Hedidn’twanttoknowintimatethingsabouther,either.Heonlyfeltsorryforher.
Thiswasjustabriefinterludeinhislife,andhers.Sheneededhelpthathecouldgive.Buthedidn’t
wanttolethertooclose.
Shetookonelastdeepbreathandgrimacedwhenshesawthelookonhisface.Hewashatingthis.She
didn’tevenhavetoask.
Shepushedbackherunrulyhair.“I’llbeallrightnow,”shesaidwithoutmeetinghiseyes.“Thanks
forcheckingonme.It’sjustanoldbaddream.IhavethemonceinawhilewhenI’mreallystressed.
Losinggrannyhasbeen…difficult.”
Hecouldn’timaginewhy.TheoldladyhadbeenconstantlycriticalofGrace.Butiftheoldwoman
wasallshehadleft,itwasunderstandablethatshewasgrievingforher.Heknewgriefintimately.It
wasstilltoofreshinhismind.He’dneversharedit,withanyone.Notevenwithhisfatherand
brothers.
Gracewaspainfullyawarethathewasonlywearingpajamabottomsundertheblackrobe.Itwasopen
infront,andhisbroad,muscular,hair-roughenedchestwastoocloseforcomfort.Sheglancedatit

nervously,herbodytensingwithnervousdiscomfort.Herhandstightenedaroundherknees.
Garonsawthatreactionandwasirritatedbyit.She’dbeenscreamingherheadoff,sowhywasshe
actingasifheweretryingtoattackher?Hegottohisfeetwillill-concealedimpatience,glaring
downather.
Shecouldn’tmeethiseyesorexplainorapologize.Hedidn’tunderstand.Hewasahandsome,sensual
manwhoneverlackedfemaleattention.Itmadehimangrythatthisfrumpylittlewomanlookedat
himasifhewerearapist.
Thesilencethatgrewbetweenthemwasdarkandexplosive.MissTurnerbrokeitfinallywithher
return.Shehadawhiskeyjiggerfullofamberliquid.“Hereyougo,boss,”shesaid,handingitto
Garon.
HeputitinGrace’shand.“Drinkit,”hesaidimpatiently.
Shegrimacedasshesniffedit.“I’veneverhadspirits,”shetriedtoexplain.
“You’rehavingthis,orMissTurnerwillholdyoudownwhileIpouritin,”hesaidcurtly,stungby
herattitudewhenthetwoofthemwerealonetogether.
Shelookedathimaghast.“Youwouldn’tdare,”shechallenged.
“Comehere,MissTurner,”hebeckonedthehousekeeper.“I’llshowyouahalfnelsontouseonher.”
Hemeantbusiness.Gracegrimacedagain,butsheheldherbreathandtossedtheliquordown.It
burnedherthroatandalmostcameupagain.Shegagged.
“Here,”MissTurnersaidquickly,pouringheraglassofwater.
“Gasolinewouldtastebetter!”Graceraged,glaringathim.
“Biteyourtongue,woman,”heshotback,offended.“That’sCrownRoyal!”
“Dieselfuel,”shemuttered.
Hethrewuphishandsandgottohisfeet.“Youcan’tsharepreciousthingswithpeasants,”he
muttered.
“Iamnotapeasant.”
“Orlunatics,”hepersisted.
“Iamnota…!”
“Youtalktorosebushes,”hepointedout.
Whileshesimmered,MissTurnergrinned.“Actuallyhedoestalktotractorsthatwon’tstart.Iheard
himusesomeSpanishslangthathecouldbearrestedforinDelRio.”
Heglaredather,narrowingoneeye.“Someprofanityisoccasionallynecessarytoteachthestupid
machinethatyoumeanbusiness.It’sluckyitdidn’tgetshot,atthat.”
“Ifyoushootthetractor,theforemanwillburyyouwithit,”MissTurnerreplied.“Hesaysit’sbarely
usableasitis,andhe’stryingtogetthesoilreadytoplant.”
“It’sFebruary,”heexclaimed.
“InFebruaryweplantpotatoes,”shesaidshortly.
“Ihatepotatoes.”
“Wealsoplantforagegrassesforthecattle,”sheamended.
Hesighed.“Isupposehemightneedthetractor,atthat.”HeglancedatGracewithhishandsinhis
pockets.“Ifyouthinkyoucansleep,wemightalltrytogetbacktobed.I’vegottodriveuptoLytle
firstthingforameeting.”
“I’llbeallright,”sheassuredhim.Sherecalledthatthenextdaywasvisitationatthefuneralhome,
andsheshuddered.
Herememberedthat.Reluctantsympathypushedhiswoundedegoaside.“I’llbehomebyfive.You
aren’thavingvisitationuntilsix,areyou?”

Sheshookherhead,surprisedathissuddenknowledgeofwhatwaswrongwithher.
“I’lldriveyou.MissTurnercancome,too.”
“Butyoudon’thavetodothat,”sheprotestedweakly.
“Thereisn’tanybodyelsetodoit,”hesaidwithoutrancor.
Shebitherlowerlip.“Thankyou.”
Herappreciationmadehimuncomfortable.“You’rewelcome.Let’sgo,MissTurner.”
“Sleepwell,Grace,”thehousekeepersaidgently.
“You,too.I’msorryIwokeyouallup.”
“I’musedtoit,”Garonsaideasily.“Iworkhomicide.Itisn’texactlyanine-to-fivejob.”
Hereyebrowsarched.“Youmeanyougetcalledoutatnight?”
“Night,holidays,weekends,”heagreed.“It’smyjob.Infact,it’smylife.Ilikecatchingcrooks.”
Shemanagedawansmile.“Itmustbechallenging.”
Henodded,buthewasn’tinclinedtolinger.She’dmadeheropinionofhimasamanblatantlyclear.
“Sleepwell.”
Shewatchedhimgo,followedbyMissTurner,withvagueregret.He’donlybeentryingtocomfort
her,andshe’doffendedhim.Shewassorryaboutit.Herwholeadultlifehadbeenonelonelyordeal
asshemetanymasculineattentionwithrigidcoldness.Shewishedshecouldsleepandescapethe
memories.Thatwasn’tpossiblerightnow.Shewastoowiredtorest.Soshedidn’tliedownright
away.Shecouldn’tbeartohavethenightmarecomeback.Sheproppedupinbedandfounda
paperbacktoread.Onceshewasreallysleepy,she’dtryagain.

HEWASALREADYGONEwhenshegotupthenextmorning.SheandMissTurnerhadasmall
breakfastandthenMissTurnerdroveGracehome.
“Idon’tlikeleavingyouherealone,”theolderwomansaid.
“I’mnot,really,”Gracetoldherwithasmile.“Thehouseiswarmandkind.Threegenerationsofmy
familylivedanddiedhere.”Shelookedaround,hereyeslingeringonthehugemapletreeinthefront
yard,barenowbecauseitwasstillwinter.Intheautumnitwasglorious,asymphonyinredandgold.
ColdwindsmadeitsheditsleavesinwhatGracealwayscalledarainofleaves.Shelovedtorun
throughit,withherarmsoutstretched,andfeelthenipofthefirstcoldaironherface.
“Thattreeisgoingtocomedownonedayandcrushthehouse,”MissTurnermentioned.
“No,itwon’t,”Graceassuredher.“It’ssturdy,andverylonglived.It’sthemostbeautifultreeinthis
area,inautumn.”
“I’llreservejudgmentuntilIseeit,”MissTurnerchuckled.“I’llcomebackforyouaboutsix.Okay?”
“Ifyou’resure,”Gracereplied.
“Iam.”
ShewatchedtheolderwomandriveawayandwonderedagainattheclosenessshefelttoGaronGrier
andhishousekeeper.Theywereallthreemisfits,inaway.Shedidn’tknowGaronverywell,butshe
knewthathedidn’tsocializemuchandthathewasaworkaholic.SowasMissTurner,apparently.
Gracehadtoadmitthatshedidherownshareofwork,attwojobsplusherafterhoursprojectthat
neverseemedtogetfinished.
Shewentthroughthecloset,hopingforonedecentblackdress.Hersparecashformonthshadgone
toaugmenthergrandmother ’ssocialsecurityandpayformedicinesthattheoldladyneeded.Mrs.
Collierdidn’thavemuchofadrugbenefit,certainlynotenoughtocoverdrugsthatcostovera
hundreddollarsabottle.Often,Gracedidwithoutherownfullprescriptiontocoverher
grandmother ’s.Coltrainsaidthatwasrisky,butGracefiguredwhathedidn’tknowwouldn’tworry

him.
“Wilbur!”shecalledloudly.Therewasamuffledanswerasheroldcatcameoutfromundera
discardedwindowboxthatwasproppedonastep.“Whatareyoudoingthere?”sheasked,bendingto
pethim.“Somethingscareyou,baby?”
Heonlymeowed.Shedidn’tseeanythingnearthehouse,butshe’dheardoneofGaron’smen
mentionthey’dseencoyotesinthearea.Shehopednoneofthemshowedupatherhouse.She’dheard
theykilledcatsanddogs.ShewasfondofWilbur.Hewastwelvenow,andthetwoofthemhadshared
sometraumatictimes.OldMrs.Collierhadn’ttoleratedWilburinthehouse,althoughGracehad
sneakedhiminduringboutsofbadweatherwithouttheoldladyknowing.Now,itdidn’tmatter
anymore.Gracedecidedthathewasgoingtoliveinsidenowandkeephercompany.Itwouldmake
hersolitudelesslonely.
Thatafternoon,thecommunitycametoherdoorwithbowlsofsaladandplattersofmeatandcakes
andpies.Someoneevenbroughtherfourpoundsofcoffee,whichshewasn’tallowedtodrink.But
shemadeapot,forthevisitors.
Itwasthecustominsmalltowns,bringingfoodforthefamilywhentherewasadeath.Itwasawayof
showingsympathy.Thisway,thebereavedwouldn’thavetopreparemealswhiletheyweregoing
backandforthtothefuneralhome.Ofcourse,therewasonlyGraceinthefamilylocally.Butthat
didn’tstoppeoplefrombringingfood.Barbara,whoownedthelocalcafé,broughtmeatsand
vegetables.Twosheriff’sdeputiesandtheirwivescamealongwithcakesandpies.TheBallenger
brotherssenttwooftheirsonsalongwithhomemadebread,andLeoHart’swifeTessbroughta
Crock-Potfullofchickenanddumplings.Itfascinatedherthatsomeofthetown’sleadinglights
thoughtsomuchofoldMrs.Collier,andshementionedittoBarbara.
“Don’tbesilly,”shechuckled.“It’syouthey’refondof,Grace,”sheadded.“Youusedtobaby-sit
CalhounBallenger ’skids,somethingAbby’sneverforgotten,andyouhelpedTessHartwithherrose
garden.Youshouldrememberthatyou’vealwaysbeenoneofthefirsttotakefoodtootherfamilies,
andnoneofthenewrichfamiliesintownaresnobs—unlikesomeoftheoldermoniedgeneration.”
“Isupposeso,”Gracerepliedwithasmile.She’dnoticedthatMrs.Tabor,aleadinglightoftheold
moneycrowd,hadactuallysentatrayoffingerfoods,althoughshedidn’tmixmuchwithcommon
people.Herniece,whoworkedatAndyWebb’srealtycompany,hadalreadymadeareputationasthe
worstofthelocalwildwomen.Infact,itwasshewhobroughtthetray.
“Thankyou,”Gracehadtoldher,uneasyattheolderwoman’spiercingscrutinyassheputthefood
onthediningroomtablealongsidealltheotherplatters.
“Ijustwantedalookatyou,”thewomanchided.Shewaswearingjeansthatmusthavebeensprayed
on,withadeeplylowcutredblouseandsweater.ShegaveGrace’sloosejeansandpinksweatshirta
mockingglance.“Well,itcan’tbeyourlooksthatfascinateGaron.Iwonderedwhyhe’dbehelping
youout.Isupposeitreallyisacaseofjustbeingneighborly.”Shelaughedcoldly.“Ican’tbelieveI
wasworriedaboutthecompetition,”sheaddedcarelessly,andwalkedoutwithoutanotherword.
Gracestaredafterher,speechless.Shecouldn’timaginehertaciturnneighborbeinginterestedin
herself,ofcourse,butshecouldseewhyhemightgoafterMrs.Tabor ’sniece.Oddlythethought
hurt.Garonhadnevermentionedtheflashywoman.Washeseeingher?Sheshouldn’tcare.She
couldn’tcare.Butithurttothinkofhimwithsomeonelikethat,whowasself-centeredandcruel.It
seemedtoGrace,withoutknowingwhy,thatlifehadbeencruelenoughtoGaronalready.

SHEINVITEDMISSTURNERandGaronovertoeatwithherthateveningbeforetheywenttothe
funeralhome.Theyprotested,butshereasonedwiththemthatshewasn’tgoingtobeabletoeatitall

herself.Itwouldonlygotowaste.
Shehadpaperplatesandnapkinsreadywhentheydroveup.Itwasashort,silentmeal,butvery
enjoyable.Jacobsvilleboastedsomeofthebestcooksinthecounty.Therewerehomemaderolls,
spicebreads,bakedhamandbroiledchickenandallsortsofsaladsandsidedishes.
“Iknowwhomadethischocolatecake,”MissTurnermurmuredwithasmileasshesavoredherslice.
“Barbaradidthis.”
Gracelaughed.“It’stheonlythingshecancook,”sheconfided.
“Well,it’sagoodthingshedoesn’thavetodependonherskillstokeepthecaféafloat,Isuppose,”
camethereply.“Althoughshecouldcertainlyfillthetableswithpeopleeatingchocolatecake.Thisis
wonderful.”
“I’llpacksomeforyoutotakehome,whenwegetbackfromthefuneralhome,”Gracesaid.“Ihate
towastefood.”
“SodoI,”MissTurneragreed.
“Mrs.Tabor ’sniecebroughtthesnackplatter,”GracetoldMissTurnerwithoutlookingatGaron.
MissTurnerdidn’tsayanything,butherglancewaseloquent.
Garonheardthecomment.Itsurprisedhim.Hehadn’tspokentothewomansinceshe’dturnedupin
hisdriveway.He’dbettercallheraboutthatpartyshe’dinvitedhimto,hesupposed.Shewasn’tbad
looking,andhewasfeelinghisjoblately.
Hedidn’tsayitaloud,buthisfacemirroredit.Heandhistaskforcehadspentthemorninglooking
overcrimescenephotos.Hecouldn’tgetthemoutofhismind.Nohomicideswerepleasanttolook
at,butthosewithchildrenwereparticularlydisturbing.
“You’reveryquiet,”MissTurnerremarkedwhenGaronwaspushingapplepiearoundonasaucer
andsippingcoffee.
“Itwasalongday,”hesaid,withoutelaborating.
ButGracerecalledthathe’dbeenworkingonataskforce,andsheknewwhatitwasabout.She
glancedathissetfeatureswithsympathy.
“Youreallydon’thavetogowithustonight,”Gracebegan.
Helookedup.“Idon’tmind.”
“Therewillbealotofpeoplethere,”shecontinuedwithoutlookingathim.“Theremightbesome
gossip…”
“I’mnotworriedaboutit,”hesaidnonchalantly.Hecheckedhiswatch.“Weneedtogetmovingpretty
soon.”
Gracegotup.“I’llcovereverything,andputthefoodintherefrigerator.”
“I’llhelp,”MissTurnervolunteered.

GRACEHADKNOWNitwouldbeanordeal,butitwasn’tasbadasshe’dfeared.Mrs.Collierwasin
apurpledress,herfavoritechurchdress,andshelookedverypeaceful.TearsprickledatGrace’s
eyesandshedabbedthemwithahandkerchief.Itwouldbelonelywithouttheoldlady,evenwithher
constantcriticism.
Grace’scousin,BobCollier,cameinawheelchair,pushedbyTina,hiscaregiver.TinawasMiss
Turner ’sage,darkhairedandeyed,withathickSpanishaccent.Shetookgoodcareoftheelderly
gentleman,andshewasfondofGrace,aswell.
Tinahuggedherwarmly.“Youcomeseeyourcousinsometimes,huh?”sheinvited.“Hegetslonely.”
“Iwill.”GracebentandhuggedBob,whowasdark-eyedwithsilverhair.
Hechuckled.“Yougetprettiereveryyear,girl,”heteased.Thesmilefaded.“I’msorryaboutyour

grandmother.SheandIdidn’tgetalong,butshewasstillfamily.”
“That’swhatIalwaysthought.”
“Who’sthemaninthegraysuit?”headded,noddingtowardGaron.
“Mynextdoorneighbor,”shesaid.“He’sbeenverykind.Sohashishousekeeper,MissTurner.She’s
standingnexttohim.”
“You’reluckytohavesomeoneclosetoyou,”hesaid.“TinaandIaremilesofftheroad.Itgets
lonely.”
“I’llvisityoumore.Ipromise,”shesaidgently.
Heheldherhandbetweenbothofhis.“Hadahardlife,haven’tyou,girl?You’reduealittle
happiness.Maybeit’sstandingoverthereinagraysuit,huh?”
Shelaughedandflushed.“It’snotlikethat.He’sinlawenforcement.”
Heraisedhiseyebrows.“Grace,haveyoubeendoingsomethingillegal?”heaskedwithatwinklein
hiseyes.
Shelaughedagain.“Iwouldn’tknowhow.”
Garonwaswatchingherwiththeoldmaninthewheelchair.Shehadacaringnature,anurturing
personalitythatmadehimuncomfortable.Heknewtheoldmanwascuriousabouthisplacein
Grace’slife.Hewassureshe’dtellhimthetruth.Hewasn’tinterestedinarelationshipwithhis
neighbor.He’dhavetofindawaytogetthatacross,butnottonight.Graceneededalittlesupport,to
getherthroughthisbadtime.
CashGrier,Jacobsville’spolicechief,walkedintothefuneralhomeandstoppedtoextendhis
sympathytoGrace.Henotedhisbrothernearthecasketandjoinedhim.
“Ithoughtyoudidn’tgotofunerals,”hemused.
Garonshrugged.“Shewasallalone.MissTurnerandIhavebeenlookingoutforher.”
“Uh-huh.”
Garonglaredathim.“I’mnotinthemarketforafrumpygirlfriend.”
Cash’ssmilefadedandhegavehisbrotherahardglare.“Thatwasuncalledfor.Gracedoesn’thave
thesortofmoneyshe’dneedtodressforeveryoccasion.”
Garonshiftedhisweight,hiseyesgoingreluctantlytoGrace’strimfigureintheslightlytoolarge
blackdressshewaswearing.Itdidnothingforherandlookedasifithadcomefromayardsale.
“You’dthinktheoldladycouldhaveaffordedonegooddressforher,”Garonmuttered.
Cashfrowned.“Youhaven’tgotaclue,haveyou?”heasked.“Mrs.Collierhadseveralprescriptions
thatshewasrequiredtotake.SheandGracehadtochoosebetweenmedicineandfood,nevermind
dressyclothing.I’dlayoddsthatdressisoneoftheoldlady’s.Untiltonight,I’veneverevenseen
GraceCarverinadress.”
“You’rekidding,”Garonreturned.
“I’mnot,”hisbrothersaidfirmly.“Oldpeopleinthistownsometimesdowithoutgroceriestopay
drugbills.Healthcareisexpensive.Peoplelivingonsocialsecuritydon’thavealotofoptions.Grace
workedtwopart-timejobstohelppayfortheoldlady’smedicines.Shemaybepoor,butshe’s
proud.”
Garonavertedhiseyes.“Nowthattheoldwoman’sgone,maybeshecangetagoodpayingjob,orgo
backtoschoolandfinishhereducation.”
Cashstudiedtheothermanquietly.“Notallwomenhaveayentostartinternationalcorporations,”he
pointedout.
GaronhadtoadmitthatCashwasright.Hecouldn’tseeGraceinapowersuitthrowingoutordersto
acadreofunderlings.

“What’seatingyou?”Cashpersisted,becausethemanhewasbeginningtoknowwasn’tpettyor
critical.
Garon’smouthpulleddown.“We’reinvestigatingahomicide.Aten-year-oldgirl.”
“Ah.Thatone.”Cashshiftedhisweight.“We’veheardaboutthecase,evendownhere.Brutal.”
“Very.Anditlooksasifitmightbenotbetheonlyone,”headdedwithaquickglance.“That’s
betweenyouandme.”
“Ofcourse.Anyleads?”
Garonshookhishead.“It’searlydays.”
“Somecasesareharderthanotherstowork,”hisbrotheragreed.
GaronwaswatchingasGracespoketocitizenswhocamebytooffertheircondolences.Shewas
friendly,warm,welcoming,grateful.Shewascompletelynatural.Heknewshemustbecutupinside,
butshewasn’tlettingitshow.
“Doyouknowwhathappenedtohermother?”GaronaskedCash.
Heshookhishead.“Onlythatshediedsomeyearsago,whenGracewasstillachild.Theoldladyhad
avinegarypersonality,butshewasrespectedaroundtown.Herlatehusbandhadbeenadeputysheriff.
SowasGrace’sfather,forashorttime.”
“That’swhatIheard.”
“IsupposeyouknowthatbeingseenwithGraceisgoingtostartrumorsflying,”Cashpointedout.
“Shesaidthat,”hereplied.“Therumorswillwinddownwhenthisisallover.”
“Youdon’tdateatall,doyou?”Cashasked.
“I’vebeenaskedtoacocktailpartynextFridayattheTabors’s,bytheniece.Gracesaidshebrought
foodtothehousethisafternoonforthefuneral.”
Cashwhistledthroughhispursedlips.
“What?”Garonasked.
Cashgavehimaspeakingglance.“Mrs.Tabor ’snieceisraisingeyebrowslocally,andsheisn’twell
liked.”
“Mostofthefoundingfamilieshavebeeninvitedtotheparty,fromwhatI’vebeentold,”Garonsaid
defensively.
“Mostofthemhavealsosenttheirregrets,”Cashinterjected,“mostprominentlytheBallengers,the
HartsandtheTremaynes.Withoutthem,nobodyelseisgoingtoshowup,either.”
“Whathavetheygotagainsttheniece?”hewantedtoknow.
“Haveyoumether?”Cashmurmureddryly.
“Sure.Shecametotheranchandinvitedmetotheparty.”
“Anythingaboutherstrikeyouasunusual?”
Garonthoughtforaminute.“She’sratherforward,andshedressesinaseductivefashion.”
“Exactly.Andhowwelldoyouthinkthatbehaviorisgoingtogooverinasmallconservativetown?”
“She’soutofplacehere,”Garonsaid.“ButsoamI.Ihatesmalltownpolitics.”
Cashsmiled.“Iloveit,wartsandall.It’sthefirstplaceI’veeverbelonged.”
“Yourwifeseemstolikeithere,too.”
Henodded.“Thebabyhasopenedevenmoredoorsforus,locally,”hesaid,smilingdreamily.“I
neverthoughtI’dendupafamilyman.”
Garontookastepaway.“Ihopeit’snotcontagious,”hemuttereddarkly.“I’mmarriedtomyjob.”
“WherehaveIheardthatbefore?”Cashwondered.
TheColtrainswalkedinwiththeirson,Joshua.Hisfatherwascarryinghim,althoughhelookedtobe
abouttwoyearsold.Copperwastallandredheaded.Hiswife,Lou,wasblond.Theirlittleboyhad

blondhairwithredlights,andhefavoredhisfathermost.
TheymadeabeelineforGrace.Louhuggedherwarmly.SodidCopper.
“WhatisitwithMissCarverandtheColtrains?”Garonaskedcuriously.“Hetakesanunusualinterest
inherwell-being,althoughheseemstobeinlovewithhiswife.”
“Copperhasaspecialplaceforhislong-timepatients,”Cashsaid.“I’veheardthatGracewasoneof
thefirstpeoplewhowenttohimwhenheopenedhispracticehere.Shewasjustakidatthetime.”
“Oh.”
“Doyouautomaticallyputtheworstpossibleinterpretationonpeoples’relationships?”Cashasked.
“Iworkinlawenforcement.”
“SodoI,”Cashremindedhim,“butItrytogivepeoplethebenefitofthedoubt.”
“Yes,Irememberyougivingittoourstepmother.”
Cashclosedupandhiseyesglittereddangerously.
Garonletoutalongbreath.“Hell,Ididn’tmeanthat.”heavertedhisface.“Thelittlegirlwasten.She
wasrapedandsodomizedandcuttopieces.Tenyearsold!”
Cashlaidabighandontheotherman’sshoulder.“Listen,I’veseenmyshareofgrislymurders,inthe
militaryandinpolicework.Iknowwhatit’slike.Butyouhavetokeepsomeemotionaldistance.You
knowthat.”
Garonswallowed,hard.Hehadahistorythathe’dneversharedwithhisfamily.He’dlivedawayfrom
thembackEastforyears,duringwhichthey’dallbutlosttouch.Hewaskeepingsecretsthatweretoo
painfultoshare,evennow.Thechild’sdeathhadaffectedhiminunexpectedways,andhewasn’t
copingwell.
“I’veneverhadtoworkachildkillingbefore,”Garonsaidshortly.“I’vedonehostagerescueand
SWAT,I’veevenworkedaserialmurder.ButI’veneverhadtoworkacrimescenewhereachildwas
literallybutchered.Iwasn’tprepared.”
“Nobody’severprepared,”Cashreplied.“Iworkedincovertareasforyears.SomeofthethingsIhad
todoinvolvedchildren.”
Garonglancedathim.“ChildrencarryingAK-47s,ifmemoryserves.”
“Yeah,”Cashreplied.“Thatdidn’tmakeitanyeasiertopullthetrigger.”
“Atleastitwasacleankill.Thisismessy.It’smessyanddeliberateanddepraved,”hesaidharshly.“I
don’tlikesharingtheplanetwithahumanbeingwhocoulddosomethinglikethattoalittlegirl.”
“SocatchhimandmakesurehegetsDeathRoad,”Cashreplied.
Garonglancedathisbrotherandmanagedasmile.“You’reanoptimist.Wedon’tevenhaveasuspect
yet.”
“Askenoughpeople,andsomebodywillhaveseensomething,”camethereply.“Iguaranteeit.”
Garonnodded.HestaredatGracewithoutactuallyseeingher.“Thanks,”hesaidcurtly.
“Whatarebrothersfor?”Cashchuckled.

THEWAKEwasonlytwohours,butGracefeltexhausted,physicallyandemotionally,whenitwasall
over.SheclimbedintothecarwithGaronandMissTurnerwithoutaword.
ShewentintoherhousetofixthecakeandsomeofthefoodforGarontotakehomewithhimwhile
MissTurnerwaitedinthecar.
“IreallyappreciateyouandMissTurnergoingwithmetonight,”shesaidinasubduedtone.“Ididn’t
realizehowlonelyitwouldbe.”
“Lonely?”hemurmured,watchingherputfoodinsealedplasticcontainers.“Halfthetownwas
there.”

Sheturned,staringathim.“Youcanbealoneinacity.”
“Isupposeso.Savesomeofthatforyourself,”hetoldher.
“I’llstillhaveplenty.I’llfreezewhatIdon’teatrightaway.”
“Don’tbotherwiththatapplepie,”hestoppedherwhenshebegantounwrapit.
“Butyoulikeapplecake,”shereplied,perplexed.
“Ilikeyourapplecake,”hecorrected.
Sheflushedandlaughedalittlenervously.“Oh.Thanks.”
“Complimentsembarrassyou,”henoted.
Sheshrugged.“I’mnotusedtothem.”
Butsheshouldhavebeen,hethought,watchingher.Fromwhathe’dheard,shewasagoodlittlecook.
Andsheseemednevertogettiredoflisteningtootherpeopletalk.Sofewpeoplecouldlisten.
Sheputtheplasticcontainersinabigplasticbagandhandedthemtohim.“Thanksagain,”shesaid
shyly.
“Thankyou.”Hehesitated.“Whattimeisthefuneraltomorrow?”
“It’sateleven,”shesaid.“Butpleasedon’tfeelobligedto—”
“Ican’tmakeit,”heinterrupted.“Ihavetohelpinterviewneighborsaroundthechild’shome.I’m
sorry.”
“You’vedonesomuchalready,”shebegan.
“MissTurnerwillgowithyou,”hecontinued.Heheldupahand.“Shevolunteered.”
“Allright,then.Thankherforme.”
Henodded.“She’llpickyouupafewminutespastteninthemorning.”
“Allright.”
Shelookedsadandlonelyandlost.Impulsivelyhereachedoutandtouchedalockofherblondhair
thathadescapedfromitsbun.Shecaughtherbreathandmovedbackastepinstinctively.
Thatirritatedhim.Hisdarkeyesflashed.“Goodnight,then,”hesaidcurtly,tookthebagandturnedto
leave.
Shebitherlowerlipalmostthrough.Hewasbeingkind,butshecouldn’thelpherownreactions.
Hepausedatthefrontdoor.“Keepthislocked,”hetoldherasheopenedit.“Evenouthereinthe
country,therearedangerouspeople.”
“Iwill.”
Shewaslikeastickfigure.Herposturespokevolumes.Herlargegrayeyeswereglitterywithfear.
Heturnedandmovedtowardher,noticinghowmuchmoreshetensedasheapproachedher.He
scowleddownather.“Whyareyouafraidofme?”heaskedverysoftly.
Shestumbledforwordsandcouldn’tfindanythatwouldsuittheoccasion.Shegrimaced,avoiding
hispenetratinggaze.Hesawtoomuch.
“Nevermind,”hesaidwhenshedidn’treply.“Itisn’tasifI’minterestedinyouthatway,”headded
almostasanafterthought,andwithacold,faintsmile.“Goodnight.”
Hewalkeddownthestepsasnonchalantlyasifhe’dforgottenherexistence.Sheknewhe’dbeen
mentallycomparingherwiththatflashynieceofMrs.Tabor ’sanditmadeherfurious.Shewished
thatshewereawholewoman,abeautifulwoman,whocoulddrivehimmadwithhergoodlooksand
makehimforgetthatflashynewcomer.Butitwasaforlornhope.Shedressedasshelived—behind
barriersofsexlessness.Itwasaprisonfromwhichtherewouldneverbeanescapeforher.Despite
theattractionsofhersexynext-doorneighbor.

6
THEFUNERALwasbrief,andonlyafewpeopleattendedit.Graceweptforhergrandmotheratthe
gravesideserviceandthendriedhereyes.Shehadtolearntotakecareofherself,tolivealoneand
workalone,withnobodytotalkto.Itwasgoingtobeahardexistence,untilshegotthehangofit.She
wasaware,andsurprised,thatGaronhadshownupjustintimeforthegravesideservice.Hestood
apart,frowningcuriouslyatoneoftheotherpeopleattendingtheceremony.
Aftertheministerofferedhiscondolences,shegotup,turnedandalmostplowedrightintoRichard
Marquez,standingbesideBarbara.
“Thankyoubothforcoming,”shesaid,smiling.“Iwasn’texpectingyou.”
Barbarahuggedherwarmly.“You’refamily.Ofcoursewecame.”
Marqueznodded,andsmiled.GaronnoticedthatMarquezmadenomovetotouchGraceoreven
approachher.Whywashehere?Howwelldidthemanknowhismysteriousnext-doorneighbor?He
hadn’tmentionedMrs.Collier ’sfuneraltoGaronwhenthetaskforcemet.
GracelookedtowardGaronalittleuneasily.Hejoinedthesmallgroup,withMissTurnerbesidehim.
“Ididn’tknowyou’dbehere,”Marquezsaid,shakinghands.“DidyouknowMrs.Collier?”
“HeandMissTurnerhavebeenkindenoughtowatchoutformeinthepastfewdays,”Gracesaid
withoutlookingatGaron.
Marquezseemedcurious,buthedidn’tpressit.“Ihavetogetbacktowork,”hetoldGrace.“Mom
wantedtocome,andIdidn’twanthertohavetocomealone.”
“Worrywart,”Barbarachidedtheyoungman.“I’lloutliveyou.”
“Seeyouaround,”MarqueztoldGaron.
Henodded,includingBarbarainthegesture.ShesmiledsecretivelyatGraceandfollowedMarquez
outofthecemetery.
“Ididn’tknowyouwereacquaintedwithMarquez,”Garonremarkedastheywalkedbacktowardtheir
carswithMissTurner.MissTurnerhadriddeninwithGrace,andshewentalittleaheadofthemto
waitattheExpeditionforher.
“Wegrewuptogether,”sherepliedtoGaron.“Sortof,”sheamended.“Hewassixyearsolderthan
me.”
Hedidn’tsayanythingelse,buthewascurious.

GRACEWENTBACKHOMEandstartedcleaningouthergrandmother ’sbedroom.Itgaveher
somethingtodo,keptherbusy.Itwasasadtask.Inthecloset,theoldladyhadkeptsomegownsthat
hadbelongedtoGrace’smother.Therewerephotographs,too,ofherparentsandbothsetsofher
grandparents.Shesatinhergrandmother ’schair,lookingthroughthephotoalbum,andcryingalittle
asitgrewlater.Deathwasn’texactlyanoptioninlife—everyonehadtofaceitsoonerorlater.Butshe
wasn’tready.Asunpleasantashergrandmothercouldbe,itwaslonelywithouttheoldlady.
Shedidn’thavetogotoworkthenextmorning,soshesleptlate.Itwasjustaswell;thenightmarehad
comebackagainintheearlyhoursbeforedawn.She’dsatupinbed,sobbingwildly.Sherecalled
Garon’sstronghandsonhershoulders,liftingher,thenightwhenshe’dbeenafraid.Shefeltdrawnto
him,butshehadanirrationalfearofmenwhentheygottooclose.Itwasashamethatshewas
imprisonedinherownmemory.Heseemedaverydecentsortofman,andhehadakindheart.
Shehadalightlunchandspenttheafternoonhardatworkonherproject,inthesewingroomthather
grandmotherhadonceused.Shewaspleasedwithherprogressandhopefulthatitmightoneday
provideanewsourceofincome,ifshewerelucky.

Theafternoonwascoldandthewindwasblustery.Itwasslowlygrowingdarkandheroldtomcat,
Wilbur,hadn’tcomeupforhiseveningmeal.
Shewalkedoutintotheyard,lookingforhim.Therewasafaintcryonthewind.Shehearditwithout
realizingwhatitwasuntilthepitchescalated.ItwasWilbur,andhewassqualling.
Sheturnedandrantowardthesound,atthebackofthehouse,callinghimatthetopofherlungs.
Hesqualledagain.Sheranfaster,pausingjustaminutetocatchherbreathbeforesheforcedherbody
backintospeed.Assheapproachedthebeginningoftheplowedfield,shesawaflashoforangewith
abig,reddishbrownformgainingonit.
Instinctivelyshepickedupafallenlimbfromthepecantreeandheftedit.“Wilbur!”sheyelled.
Theoldcatveered,quicklyforananimalofhisyears,andmovedtowardher.Astheanimalbehindit
camecloser,sherealizedthatitwasacoyote.She’dheardneighborstalkaboutthemeatingcatsand
killingdogs.Shegotafirmerholdonthelimb.Hewasn’teatingWilbur!
Shemovedtowardtheanimal,nothoughtofthedangershecouldbein,andslammedthelimbdown
athishead.Hestoppedabruptlyandletoutacry.Thenhelookedather,crouchedandgrowled.
“Yougetoutofmyyard!You’renothurtingmycat!”sheyelled,swingingthelimbagain.Thistimeit
connectedwithhishindquartersandheletoutayowl.Shewastooangrytofeelfear.Shewenttoward
himagain,yellingassheswungthelimb.Hestartedbackingup,growling,butretreating.
“Git!”sheyelled.
Heshookhimself,gaveheralastindignantlookandtrottedbackoffintothefield.
Sheleanedonthelimb.Heranklewasthrobbing.She’drunrightoverabushchasingthecoyote.She
hadn’tfallen,butshe’dtrippeduncomfortablyhard.Shegroanedasshebenttowrapherfingers
aroundit.“Wilbur?”shecalled.
Theoldcatcametrottingup,lookingasifhehadn’tacareintheworld.Herubbedupagainstherleg,
twirlingarounditaffectionately.Shecouldhearhimpurringinthestillnessoflateafternoon.
“Youhorror,”shemuttered.“Lookwhatyoumademedo!”
Hepurredlouder.
Shestartedtoturnandfellheavilytotheground.Holdingherankle,withthecatnowinherlapand
rubbingagainstherfuriously,shecouldn’tgetup.Thiswasafinewaytoendtheday,shethought
miserably.She’dprobablybeouthereallnight,unlessshecoulddragherselftothefrontporch.Well,
atleastthecoyotewasgone…
“Grace!”
Shefrowned.Thatdeepvoicesoundedoddlyfamiliar.ItsoundedlikeGaron.Butsurelyhehadn’t
heardher?
“I’mhere!”shecalled.
Hecamearoundthehouse,stilldressedinhisworkclothes.“Whatthehellhappened?”
“AcoyotewaschasingWilbur.Iranhimoffwithastick,butIturnedmyankleintheprocess,”she
saidwithasmalllaugh.
“Iheardyouyellingfromthefrontporch.Ithoughtyouwerebeingattacked,”hemuttered,bending.
“Here,I’llcarryyou…!”
Shefroze,hereyeswide,herbodyrigidashebent.Shejerkedback,clutchinghersweateraroundher
chest.
Hesworefiercely,standingabruptlyupright.“Whatthehellisthematterwithyou?”hedemanded.
Tearsstunghereyes.Shehatedthewayshewaswithmen.Hedidn’tmeantohurther.Hewastrying
tohelp.Butshecouldn’tbearaman’stouchonherskin.Howcouldsheexplainthattohim?
“I…don’tlike…beingtouched,”shewhispered,notlookingathim.Shewastooembarrassed.

Ithadbeenalongday,fulloffrustration,andhewasn’tinagoodmood.Healmoststormedoffand
lefthertoit.Thenherememberedthenightmareshe’dhadathishouse.Herememberedtheshapeless
clothingshewore,herlackofmakeup,heruneasinesswithmen.He’dbeeninlawenforcementlong
enoughtorecognizethosesigns.Ithithimlikeabrick.Heshouldhaveseenitsooner.
Hekneltdowninfrontofher,hiseyesevenwithhers.“Grace,”hesaidgently,“Iwon’thurtyou.I
promiseIwon’t.Butyoucan’twalk,andyoucan’tstayhereallnight.”
Shestillhadastrangleholdonhersweater,buthisvoicewascalmandsteady,andhedidn’tlook
angryanymore.Hedidn’tevenlookthreatening.Shegroundherteethtogether.
“Itisn’t…personal,”shegritted.
“Ofcourseitisn’t.Comeon.”
Heheldouthisarmandshetookit,pullingherselftoherfeet.Sheassumedthathewouldlendher
somesupportonherwaytotheporch.Buthesuddenlybentandswungherupinhisarms,carrying
hertowardtheporch.
Shemadeanodd,frightenedlittlesoundinherthroatandstiffened.
Hestopped,lookingdownintohereyes.“Youdon’tlikebeingcarried,”hemurmured.“Itfrightens
you.”
Sheswallowed,hard,hereyesfullofpain.Hedidn’tknow.Shecouldn’ttellhim.Shedrewinalong
breath,andthenanother.Hewasn’tgoingtohurther.Hewasakindman.
Sheforcedherselftorelax.Hercoldhandseaseduparoundhisneckasheshiftedherweight.“S-
sorry,”shestammered.
Hewonderedwhatintheworldcouldhavehappenedtoher,whathadmadehersojumpyanduneasy
withmen.Anattackofsomesort?Arape?Hedidn’tknowherwellenoughtoaskquestions.He
wishedhedid.
“Takingonacoyotewithastick,”hemurmuredashecarriedherbacktothehouse.“NowI’veheard
everything.”
“HewastryingtohurtWilbur,”sheexplained.
Hesmiled.“Isee.”
“He’sjustahelplessoldcat,”shesaid.
“Noneedtoexplain.Iusedtohaveacat,myself.”
“Whathappenedtoit?”
Hedidn’tlikethememory.“Ihadtogiveitaway.Iwastransferredtoanothercityandtheapartment
didn’tallowcats.”
“That’ssad,”
“Therewasalittlegirlnextdoorwholovedcats.Igaveittoher.”
Shewantedtoknowabouthim,abouthispast.Butshesensedthathewasverymuchlikeher;hedidn’t
talkabouthimself.
Shewasnoticingotherthings.Hesmelledofanicelymasculineaftershave.Hesmelledofsoap,too.
Hewasafastidiousman.Hisshirtswerealwaysstarchedandpressed,hisbootshighlypolished.His
skinwasolivetan,andhiseyesweredarkandmysterious.Hehadhighcheekbonesandasensuous
mouth.
Thethoughtembarrassedher.Shehadn’tthoughtofamouthbeingsensuousbefore.Andshewas
havingsomeoddsensationsbecauseofthewayhewasholdingher,sothatoneofherbreastswas
almostflattenedagainsthisbroadchest.Herheartbeataccelerated,andherbreathcameunsteadily
pastherlips.
Hefeltthosereactionsinherwithanoddsenseofpride.Shewasafraidofmenbutshewas

vulnerablewithhim.
Hecarriedherintothehouseandputherdowninaneasychair.“DoyouhaveanAcebandage?”
Shegavehimawide-eyedlook.“AndwhatwouldIbedoingwithanAcebandage?”sheasked
reasonably.
“Goodquestion.”Heeyedhercalmly.“Wecouldmanagewithsomegauzeandadhesivetape,I
suppose.”
“Nobodynormalusesthatoncuts,”shepointedout.“WehaveBand-Aids.”
Hepursedhislips.“Wecoulduseanoldpairofpantyhose.”
“Idon’twear…”
Heheldupahand.“Please.Ihaveproblemsdiscussingwomen’sunderthings.”
Atfirstshetookitseriously,andthenshesawthetwinkleinhisdarkeyesandshestartedlaughing.
Theactionmadeherfaceglow,emphasizedthesoftnessofhergrayeyesandthebeautyofherperfect
skinandprettymouth.Hefoundhimselfstaringdownatherhelplessly.Herhairwasupinahigh
ponytail.Hewantedtotakeitdownandseeifitfeltassilkyasitlooked.
“Well,you’regoingtohavetocomehomewithme,”hesaid.“I’msureMissTurnercanfind
somethingtobindyouranklewith.”
“I’veonlyjustcomebackhome,”shepointedout.“AndWilburhastobefed.”
Heshrugged.“I’llfeedWilbur.”
“IsupposeIcouldleavehiminside,”shebegan.“Ijustboughtalitterbox…”
Heleftherinmidsentencetoattendtotheoldtomcat,whocamerightinwhenheopenedthefront
doorandledhimtothekitchen.

HEHELPEDGRACEintohiscar,leaningoverhertofastenherseatbelt.Henoticedherbreathing
changedashecameclose,andhisgazesuddenlydroppedtomeethersintheglareofthetoplight.It
waslikelightningstriking.Hisdarkeyesnarrowedandfelltoherfullmouth,lingeringthereuntilhe
heardafaintgaspcomeoutofherthroat.
Hehadtoforcehimselftostandup.Heclosedherdoorandmovedaroundthecar,recitingsilent
multiplicationtablestohimselfashegotinbesideherandstartedthecar.Itreallyhadbeenalong,
dryspell,ifthisfrumpywomanwasarousinghim,hetoldhimself.
Hecarriedherintothehouse,pausingtoringthedoorbellandwaitforMissTurnertoanswerit.He
lookeddownintoGrace’sfaceandfelthisarmsinvoluntarilydrawinghercloser.Sheshivered,once,
andherhandsstoleuparoundhisneckasshemettheopencuriosityofhisgaze.
Hischestroseandfellheavily.Hisjawtautened.Helookedathermouthandfeltaninsanefeverto
takeitunderhisanddevourit.
Gracedidn’tunderstandmuchaboutmen,buteveninherinnocenceshefelttheheatandsensualityof
thatlook,andherbodyrespondedtoithelplessly.
“Playingwithfire,littlegirl,”hewhisperedgruffly.
Thetensioninhisdeep,velvetyvoicerippledthroughherlikeliquidfire.Herhandstightenedbehind
hisneck.Sheactuallyliftedtowardhiminthefewexplosivesecondsbeforethesoundofthefront
dooropeningsplitthemquicklyapart.
“Whatintheworld…!”MissTurnerexclaimedwhenshesawGracebeingcarried.
“Shetrippedwhileshewaschasingacoyotewithastick,”Garonmuttered,brushingpastherwith
Grace.“IneedanAcebandage.”
“I’llgogetone.Ikeepthemforthemen,”shemurmured,retreatingasheheadedforthelivingroom.
“Somebody’salwayssprainingsomething.Chasingacoyote?!”

“Hewastryingtoeatmycat,”Gracecalled.
“He’dthrowhimrightbackup,”Garonreturnedasheputherquicklydownonthesofa.“Yourcat
lookslikefivemilesofroughroad,andhestinks.”
“Hedoesnot!”sheexclaimed.
“Well,youcantakemywordforitthatnothingsanewouldtrytoeathim,”heretorted.
Heputhishandsinhispocketsandstareddownatherwithconfusion.Shewaswearingbaggyjeans
andthatsamepinksweatshirt.Hewonderedwhatshe’dlooklikeinblacklaceandsilk.Heblinked,
hard.Wherehadthatoddcuriositycomefrom?
MissTurnerwasbackinaflashwiththebandage.ShehandedittoGaron.“Areyouplanningto
repairherandtakeherhome,orisshestaying?”
Garonkneltatherfeet,openingtheelasticbandage.HelookedupatGracewithafeverofhunger.He
didn’tunderstandit,buthecouldn’tfightit,either.“She’sstaying,”hemurmured,liftingherfootonto
histhigh.“Forafewdays,atleast.”
“But,myjob…”
“I’llphoneJudyatthefloristforyou,Grace,”MissTurnersaid,delighted.
“Youcan’tworkifyoucan’twalk,”Garonagreed.“Justacoupleofdaysoffyourfeetshoulddothe
trick.Rest,icepacks,compressionandelevation.RICE,”headded,smiling.“We’lltakegoodcareof
you.”
Shedidn’tevenhavethewilltoresist.Shewantedtobewithhim.Itwasgoingtoendintragedy,she
knewit.Butshecouldn’thelpherself.“Okay,”shesaid.
Hesmiledtohimself.Feverswerebestallowedtoburnthemselvesout,hethought,andrefusedto
thinkanydeeperthanthat.

HEWENTTOWORKthenextday,leavingGraceproppedupinbedwithplentyofreadingmaterial
andMissTurnerforcompany.Theicepackshadreducedtheswelling,andtherestwashelpingas
well.
“Ifeelmuchbetter,”Gracetoldtheolderwoman.
“Acouplemoredaysandyou’llbewalking,”washerreply.Shesmiled.“Ithinkyou’regettingtothe
boss,”sheaddedonachuckle.“Onlyaweekago,he’dhavehadColtrainadmityoutothehospital.”
“Hejustfeelssorryforme,”Gracesaid,notgettingherhopesup.“ThatnieceofMrs.Tabor ’s
broughtfoodtothehouse,”shesaid.“Shetoldmethatshe’dworriedIwassomesortofcompetition
untilshesawme.Shewasveryinsulting.”
“Youshouldtelltheboss.”
“No,”Gracereturned.“Icouldn’t.Shemusthavesomethinggoingwithhim.”
“Aninvitationtoaparty,”MissTurnerreplied.“Hemayfindherinteresting,butsheisn’ttheproper
sortofcompanionforamaninhisposition.Lawenforcementtypestendtobeextraconservative.
She’sbeinggossipedaboutallovertown,andnotinagoodway.Thewoman’sanymphomaniac.She
doesn’tevenstopatmarriedmen.”
“Whatdoyoumean?”
“TheysayshemadeaplayforLeoHart,andTesswalkedrightuptoherinAndyWebb’sofficeand
toldhershe’dtarandfeatherherifsheevermadeamoveonherhusbandagain.Andy’sstilllaughing
aboutit.”
“Whatdidshesay?”
“Therewasnothingshecouldsay.Tesswasfurious,andshedidn’tlowerhervoiceany,either.I
wouldn’tsaythewomanwasembarrassed,exactly,butCalhounBallengerwaswalkingpasttheoffice

whenTesssaidit,andhegavethewomanalookthatmeanttrouble.ShegotoutofTess’swayreal
fast.”
Tesscouldn’tresistasmile.RedheadedTesswasatigerwhenshelosthertemper.

GARONANDMARQUEZhadgonetogethertotheoutskirtsofthecitytointerview,amongmany
others,awitnesswhosaidhesawashadowyfiguretakethechildoutofherhouselateonenight.
GaronhadaBlackBerry,likeMarquez’s.Itcameinhandyhere.
“Couldn’tsweartoit,”thewitness,Sheldon,toldthem.Helivednextdoortothechildwhohadbeen
abducted.“ButhelookedsortoflikeadrifterIsawnearthecomputershopintown.Iwritesoftware,”
headdedinalazytone.“Themanwastall,thin,completelybaldontop.Middle-aged.Helookeddirty.
Andhelimped.”
“Couldyouseethechild?”Garonasked.
Heshrugged.“Hewascarryingsomething.ItcouldhavebeenabundleofclothesforallIknow.Iwas
uplate.Iwenttothekitchenforwater,andtherehewas.Itwasn’tuntilthenextmorningthatIheard
thechildwasmissing.Ididtellthepolice.”
“Yes,wehadthepatrolman’sreport,”Marquezreplied.Hegavethemanalong,steadyscrutiny,
notinghisgloves.“Whydoyouwearglovesinthehouse?”heasked.
“IhadanaccidentwhenIwasachild,”themanreplied,hiseyesgrowingcold.“Ihavescarsonthem.
Peoplestare.”
“Sorry,”Marquezsaid.
“Canyoutypelikethat?”Garonqueried,notinghowverywhitethewristswereabovethegloves.
“Yes,they’rekidleather,verythin.”
“Well,thanks,”Garonsaid,puttingawayhisBlackBerry.
“Anytime,”hereplied,risingfromhischair.Hewasatall,timidsortofmanwhoseemedtolikethe
bestcomputersmoneycouldbuy.Hehadtwo,abasecomputerandanexpensivelaptop.Hesaidhe
hadagirlfriend,buthelivedaloneinthesmallapartmentcomplexjustinsidetheSanAntoniocity
limits.
“Howlonghaveyoulivedhere?”Marquezasked.
“Aboutayear,”hesaid.Hesmiledpleasantly.“Idon’tstayoneplacemuch.Igetrestless.Andmyjob
isportable.AllIreallyneedisapostoffice.”
“Well,thanksagain.Ifyouthinkofanythingelse,giveusacall,”Marquezadded,handinghima
businesscard.
Themanlookedatitcuriously.“Sure.SureIwill.”Hesmiledoddly.“How’sthecasecoming?Any
leads?”
“We’rehopingyoumighthavegivenusone,”Marquezsaid.
“Icanseehowyou’dneedhelpfindingthisguy,”heremarked.“Youcopsaren’trequiredtohave
mucheducation,areyou?IwasinvitedtojoinMENSA.”
MENSA,theorganizationforgeniuses.Garongavethemananoddlook.“Wereyou?”
“Hey,Imightonlyhavetwoyearsofcollege,buttheFedhere—”MarquezindicatedGaron“—he’s
gotadegree.”
ThemanstaredatGaronwithoutblinking.Itwasdisconcerting.“Fed?”
“Sure,”Marquezsaid.“He’sFBI.”
“I…Ididn’tknowthey’dcalledtheBureauinonthiscase,”themanstammered.
“Werequestedhishelp,”Marquezsaid.Hedidn’tsaywhy.
Themanlookedlessconfident.“Well,ofcourse,theFBIwouldhaveexpertsonserialmurder,”he

murmured,almosttohimself,“andyou’dneedoneforthiscase.”
Garonfrowned.“Whydoyouthinkthiscaseisaserialkilling?”
Themanlaughedhollowly.“Noreason.It’sjust,therewasaverysimilarcaseinthepaperslastyear
sometime.Thatwasachild,too.ItwasinTexassomewhere.Twoofthemwouldmakeitserial,
wouldn’tit?”
Garonstaredathim.“We’renotpreparedtocallitthatjustyet.”
Themanwasallsmilesashewalkedthemout.“AnythingmoreIcando,I’llbehere.Justask.”
MarquezandGaronleft,walkingslowlybacktotheBureaucarthatGaronhaddrivenherein.The
manwatchedthemleave,wavingagainastheygotintothecarandpulledaway.
“Idon’tlikehim,”Marquezsaidsuddenly.
“Whynot?”
Marquezshifted,adjustinghisseatbelt.“Idon’tknow.There’ssomethingabouthim.Somethingnot
right.”
Garongavehimacuriouslook.“Howlonghaveyouworkedhomicide?”
“Fouryears.Why?”
Garonsmiledtohimself.“Youcarryagunwithyouwhenyouemptyyourtrashcan.”
Marquez’seyeswidened.“Howthehelldidyouknowthat?”
“Youkeeponebythebed,oneinthebathroom,oneinthekitchenandyouwearaspareinanankle
holster.”
“Who’sbeinginvestigatedhere?”theyoungermandemanded.
“I’mright.YouknowIam.”
Marquezmadearoughsoundinhisthroat.“Theyaren’tcatchingmeoffguard,”hesaidfirmly.
“Youneedtoworkinanotherareaforawhile,”hecommented.“Toomanyhomicideswillburnyou
out.”
“Andyou’dknowthis,how?”
“IwasintheFBI’sHostageRescueTeam,andtheninSWAT,”hesaid.“Iwantedsomethingtokeep
mymindbusy.ButIsawtoomanydeadpeople.Iwokeuponenightwithavictimsittinginthechair
besidemybed,askingwhyIdidn’tshootbeforethekidnapperdid.Thevictimhadbeenahostage.”
Heshrugged.“Youcanworkhomicidestoolong.”
Marquezlaughedhollowly.“Iguessso.”
“Butdon’taskforatransferuntilwesolvethiscase,”Garonadded.“Ithinkyou’rerightaboutthe
murdersbeingrelated.He’sgood.He’sverygood.Heputthebodyinafieldneartheroad,whereit
wouldbefoundeasily.Hewantedherfound.Ifyourcrimesceneinvestigatorwasright,she’dbeen
torturedforsometime.Thatmeansthekillerhastohaveaplacewherehefeelscomfortablekeeping
achildbound,withoutfearofdiscovery.Italsomeanshe’scocky.Hethinkshe’ssmarterthanwe
are.”
“Didyoueverdoprofiling?”
Garonshookhishead.“Wehaveprofessionalswhodothat.ButI’vereadthecrimescenereportand
talkedtotheparents.I’veworkedserialkillingsbefore.Thisguyisasadistickiller.Helikestohurt
children.Hegetsoffontheirpain.”
“Organizedordisorganized?”
“Organized,definitely,”Garonreplied,stoppingataredlight.“Hetooktimetodressthechildand
evenputhershoesandsocksbackon.Heposedheratthesitewhereshewasfound.Hetiedared
ribbonaroundherneck.Infact,”headdedgrimly,“shewaslikelystrangledwiththeribbon.”
“Youthinkthere’saconnectiontothePaloVerdecase?”

“Yes,andalsototheDelRiocasetwoyearsago.”
“Thatwouldmakethreesimilarchildmurdersinthreeyears,”Marquezsaid.
Henodded.“Andthatmakesitserialmurder.We’regoingtodriveovertoDelRiorightnow,”he
added,makingaturn.“Ifwecan’tgetanybodytotalktousonthephoneorviae-mail,we’lljustdrop
inforcoffee.”
“I’llbetyoutheydrinkinstant,”Marquezmuttered.
“I’llbetyou’reright.”
Infact,theydid.Therewasonlyonepolicemanondutywhentheyarrived,andhewasresponsiblefor
everyfacetofpolicing.
Heapologizedfornotansweringtheircalls.“We’vehadaclowncallingtheofficedayandnightto
reportghostlyapparitions,”hemuttered.“Theguy’sgottwoscrewslooseandeverytimeweignore
him,hethreatensuswithhisfamily’slawyers.They’rerich,hisfamily.”Heshookhishead.“Itwas
betterwhenwehadthevoodooguy,tryingtoputspellsonusbystickingpinsinaG.I.Joedoll.
Garonsmileddespitehimself.“Wewanttoknowwhatyou’vegotonthechildkillingyearbefore
last.”
Hefrowned.“Nowthat’safunnything,”hesaid.“No,Idon’tmeanthekillingwasfunny.Therewas
thisguy,saidhewasareporterforoneoftheeastTexasdailies.Heaskedtoseethefileonthe
murder.Ifigureditwouldn’thurt,tohavealittlepublicity.Mightturnupasuspect.Ihadacall,soI
lefttheguywiththefileandtoldhimI’dberightback.Ihadtoworkanaccident,andwaitforthestate
policebecausetherewereinjuries.BythetimeIgotbacktotheoffice,thereporterwasgone.The
phonestartedringing.Thefilewasonthedesk,soIjuststuckitbackinthecabinetandansweredthe
phone.”Hesippedcoffee.“Nextday,Iwantedtotakeanotherlookatthecase,soIpulledoutthefile.
Ithadtensheetsofblankpaperinit.Noevidence,nocrimescenephotos,nonothing.”
“Damn!”Marquezgrumbled.
“Iknow,itwasnaïvetoleavetheguyalonewiththefile.ButIfiguredIcouldtrackhimdown.I
phonedeverydailyineastTexas.”
“Hedidn’tworkforanynewspaper,”Garonfigured.
“Apparentlynot.”
“Whatwasinthefile?”Marquezasked.
“Crimescenephotos,traceevidence,swatchesofthechild’sunderwear.”
Garonfrowned.“Nothingelse?”
“Notreally.”
“Didyouhavenegativesofthephotos?”
“No,butIfiguredthephotographerwould,soIphonedhim.”Heshookhishead.“He’dhadafirein
hisstudioandallthenegativesweregone.”
GaronandMarquezlookedateachothercuriously.Itwassomecoincidence,thosetwomishaps.
“You’resuretherewasnootherevidence?”Marquezpersisted.
Thepoliceofficerpursedhislips.“Well,yes,therewasthelongpieceofribbonheusedtostrangle
her…”
“Ribbon?”Garonaskedquickly.“Whatcolor?”
“Why,itwasred,”theofficerreplied.“Blood-red.”

7
GRACEWASSITTINGINthelivingroomwatchingthenewswhenGaroncamein,tiredandhungry.
Itwasobviousthathedidn’tworkanaverageeight-hourday.Infact,FBIagentswereexpectedto
workten-hourdays,andtheywerepaidaccordingly.
Hesatdowninhisbigarmchair.“Whataday,”hesaidheavily.
“You’restillworkingonthelittlegirl’smurder?”sheasked.
Henodded.“That’sallI’vedonetoday.Butmysquadistryingtotrackdownateamofbankrobbers
whocarryautomaticweapons.Andonmydesk,waiting,areadrive-byshooting,agangmurder,a
supposedsuicideandanattemptedmurderthatthevictim’sspousehiredahitmantocommit.”He
glancedatherwithawearysmile.“ShehadthebadlucktosolicitanFBIagenttodothedirtydeed.”
“Entrapment,”Gracechided.
Hechuckled,leanedbackandloosenedhistie.“That’sexactlywhattheperpetratorcalledit.Youdon’t
solicithiredkillersinbarsthatlawenforcementpersonnelareknowntofrequent.Themansheasked
camestraighttous.”
MissTurnerheardhimcomeinandpausedatthedoorway.“Youreadytoeat?”
“Yes.”
“Comeon,then.”
“ShallIbringGrace?”
“Thatwouldbenice.”
HestoodupandmovedtowhereGracewassitting.Shecoloredprettilywhenhereachedher,and
thoseshygrayeyesmadehimfeeloddinside.
Hebenttowardher.“Putyourarmsaroundme,”hesaidinalow,softtone.
Shecaughtherbreath.Hedidhavethesexiestvoiceshe’deverheard.Sheliftedherarmsaroundhis
neckandfelthimpickherupasifsheweighednomorethanafeather.Helookeddownintohereyes
atcloserangeandthenathermouth.
“Icouldgetusedtothis,”heremarked.
Beforesherealizedhisintention,hebrushedhishardmouthoverherlipsinashiverofcontactthat
madeherheartjump.
Hedrewback,watchingherreaction.Sheseemednervous,butshewasn’ttryingtogetaway.Hebent
again.Thistime,hebrushedherlipsapartwithslow,sensuousmotionsandcaughtherupperlip
betweenbothofhisinasensuous,nibblingmotion.Shetrembled.Herlipsfollowedhisasshegavein
tothefirstrushofdesireshe’deverfeltforaman.
Helaughedsoftly,underhisbreath,andthenhekissedher.Hewasnolongerteasing.Hismouthwas
demanding,masterful.Hecurledherintohisbody,crushinghersoftbreastsagainsthisbroadchest.
Hegroanedfaintlyandpressedherlipsapartwithahungerthatwascontagious.
Justasherarmstightenedaroundhisneck,MissTurnercalleddownthehall,“It’sgettingcold!”
Hisheadjerkedup.HestaredatGracewithmingleddesireandirritation.Shewasdrawinghimin,
withhervulnerabilitiesandhersenseofhumor,andhedidn’tlikeit.Hedidn’twantherinhislife.But
hereyesweresoftandsearching,andhisheartwasstillracingfromtheheadycontactwithherlips.
Heshiftedherandwalkeddownthehalltowardthediningroom,mentallyrecitingsquareroot
solutionsalltheway.
Hehardlyknewwhathewaseating.Grace’ssuddenresponsehadsenthimspinning.Heknewhe
shouldbackoff.Buthewasn’tcertainthathecould.Sheappealedtohimstrongly.
Theystaredateachotherallthroughsupper,withMissTurnerwatchingcovertlyandgrinning.

Aftersupper,Garoncarriedherbackintothelivingroomandputherdowngentlyonthesofa.
Despiteherardorearlier,shewasjitteryandinhibitedwithhim.Hesatdowninhisarmchairacross
fromher.Hedidn’tturnonthetelevision.
“Somethinghappenedtoyou,”hebeganquietly,wantingtounderstandher.Hiseyesnarrowedwhen
shereactedsuddenlytothewords.Heleanedforward.“Yes.Whenyouwereachild.Someonemade
advancestoyou,frightenedyou.”
Shebitherlowerlip,hard,andavertedhereyes.“Howcouldyouknowthat?”sheasked,stiffeningas
shewaitedfortheanswer.Hecouldn’tknow…couldhe?
“I’veworkedinlawenforcementallmyadultlife,”hesaidsimply.“Iknowthesigns.”
Sherelaxed,onlyalittle.Thenshefrownedandglancedbackathimwhensherealizedwhathewas
insinuating.“Signs?”
“Yes.Youcoveryourbodyineverywaypossible.Youdon’twearmakeup.Youscrewyourhairup
andkeepyoureyesdown.Youstiffenifamancomestooclose.”Hisdarkeyesnarrowedonherface.
“Somemantouchedyouinappropriately.”
Sheswallowed,hard.“Yes,”shebitoff.
“Notaboyfriend.”
Herfacecolored.“Definitelynot.”
“Arelative?”
Sheshookherhead.Itwashardtotalkaboutit.Shecouldn’t,evennow,tellhimthetruth.Atleast,not
thewholetruth.Shecouldn’tbeartoremember.“Astranger,”shecorrected.
“Didyoutellsomeone?”
Shehad,eventually.Atthehospital.“Yes.”
Hedrewinalongbreath.“Didtheycatchhim?”
Shesmiledsadly.“No.Hewasgonewhenthepolicegotthere.”
“Idon’tsupposeyourmothergotyouintotherapy.”
“Shewaslonggonebythen,likemyfather,”shesaidsimply.“Mygrandmothersaidwedidn’ttalk
aboutsuchthingstostrangers.”
Hewantedtocurseroundly.Nowondershewasmessedup.Smalltownsandtheirsecrets.“Were
thereanymorecaseslikeyours,atthetime?”
“Youmean,didtheylookforthemanwhodidit,”sheinterpreted.“Yes,theydid.Buthewasn’t
knownlocally.Hedidn’tleaveatrailthatanyonecouldfollow.Evenifhehad,mygrandmother
convincedthepolicechiefatthetimetoburythefile.”
“Thatwasstupid.”
“Yes,itwas,”sheagreed.“Hemightstillbedoingit,somewhere.”
“Ifhe’sstillalive,heprobablyis,”heagreedcoldly.“Menwhodoinappropriatethingstochildren
don’teverstop.”
Itwasworsethanheknew,butshedidn’ttalkaboutittoanyoneoutsideherfamily.Shefeltdirtywhen
shediscussedit.
Hesawherdiscomfort.“Grace,itwasn’tyourfault.”
“Everybodysaysthat,”shebitoff.“Buthesaiditwas!HesaiditwasbecauseIworeshortsandhalter
topsand…!”
“Godinheaven,whatsortofnormalmanistemptedbyachild,whatevershewears?”heexploded.
Thatmadeherfeelbetter.Shesearchedhisangryface.“Idon’tsupposenormalmenwouldbe,”she
conceded.
Hemadeanefforttocalmhistemper.Ithurthimthatagrownmancouldhaveapproachedachildthat

way,especiallyGrace.“Haveyouevertalkedaboutit?”
“OnlytoDr.Coltrain.”
Sothatwasit.Thatexplainedherrelationshipwiththeredheadeddoctor.He’dbeenherconfessor.
“I’llbethegaveyourgrandmotherhellaboutcoveringitup.”
Shemanagedasmile.“Hedid.Butshegaveitrightbacktohim.Shesaiditwasn’tanythingIcouldn’t
getover.”Thatwasajoke,buthewouldn’tknow.
Henodded.“Mostwomencometotermswithit,eventually.Counselinghelps.”
“Sotheysay.”
Hiseyesnarrowed.“Youdon’tgooutmuch,doyou?”
Sheshookherhead.“Itoldyou.Idon’tlikebeingtouched.”
Hepursedhislips,rememberingthegrowingexcitementofthekissthey’dsharedearlier.“I’m
workingonthat,”hedrawled.
Shelaughed,surprised,delighted,byhisattitude.Heacceptedherlimitationswithoutanger,without
question.Itwasthefirsttimeshe’dfeltshecouldtrustamancloserthanarm’slength.
“You’reaniceman,”shecommented.
Hiseyebrowsarched.“Nice?I’mextraordinary!”
Shelaughedandstartedtoreplywhenhispagersounded.
Hepulleditfromhisbeltandreadit,grimacing.“Damn.”Hegotupandwenttothedeskwherehe’d
placedhiscellphone.Hepunchedanumberintoitandputittohisear.“Grier,”hesaid.
Someonespoketohim.Helookedsolemn.Henodded.“Yes,Icandothat.When?Allright.I’llmeet
youthere.BettercallMarquez.Fine.”
HesnappedthephoneshutandglancedtowardGrace.“Ihavetogo.Themedicalexaminer ’sstarting
theautopsyonthechild.Ineedtobepresent.There’llbetraceevidencetosecure,inadditiontothe
informationtheautopsywillgiveus.”
Shegasped.“Youhavetowatch?!”
“Itisn’tsomethingIlookforwardto,butyes,Idooccasionallyneedtowatch.Wegatherforensic
evidencewhileit’sgoingon.Thechainofevidenceisimportant.Ifwebreakonelink,ifweever
catchthisSOB,wewon’tbeabletoconvicthim.”
“Oh.Isee.”Shewaspicturingthechild’sbody,slicedandbrokenandbeaten.Sheswalloweddowna
waveofnausea.
Hebentandbrushedhismouthgentlyoverhersoftlips.“Atleastyou’restillinonepiece,Grace,”he
saidquietly.“Impropertouchingisunpleasant,certainly.Butwhathappenedtothischildwasinfinitely
worse.Youwerelucky.Youdidn’tdie.”
Lucky.Shewouldhavelaughed,buthewouldn’thaveunderstood.She’dmisledhim.Shehadonly
herselftoblame.“IsupposeIwaslucky,”sheagreed.Shewasstillalive.Thatwaslucky.
“WantmetocarryyoudownthehallbeforeIleave?”heasked.“Imaybelate.”
Shesmiled.“It’sokay.IhaveacanethatMissTurnerfoundforme.I’llbefine.I’msorryyouhaveto
seethat.”
“I’veseenworse,”hesaidflatly,andhewasrememberingthingshewishedhecouldforget.“Sleep
well.”
“Icouldgohome,”shebegan.
Hegaveheraspeakingglance.“Youandthecoyotedon’tgetalong.You’dbetterstayhereforaday
ortwo,untilyou’refitforbattle.”Hegrinned,andwinkedather,ashewentout.
Shetingledallover.Hewantedherinhishouse,inhislife.Theybothknewshewasperfectlycapable
oftakingcareofherself,buthelikedherhere.Shecouldhavefloated.Lifewasn’tbad,allofa

sudden.Itwassweetandheadyandfullofhope.

THEMEDICALEXAMINER,JackPeters,wasdoingtheautopsy.Hewasaforensicpathologist,and
widelyknowninlawenforcementcirclesforhisattentiontodetail.Hisforensicinvestigator
observed.TheinvestigatorwassomeonethatGaronknewfromanothercase,lastyear.Alice
MayfieldJoneshadworkedasacrimescenetechnicianforalongtimebeforeshetookthecourses
thatwouldallowhertoworkasaninvestigatorforthemedicalexaminer ’soffice.
“Well,ifitisn’toneoftheGrierboys,”Alicemurmureddryly.Hershort,darkhairwasunderacap,
andpartofherfacewascoveredbyamask,buthershimmeryblueeyeswereunforgettable.
“HowmanyoftheGrierboysdoyouknow,Jones?”hechided.
“YourbrotherCashworkedoutoftheD.A.’sofficehere,”sherecalled.“Hewasalotcoolerthanyou
are.”
“Icanseethathewearshisheartonhissleeve,”theM.E.replieddryly,givingGaronawrylook.
“No.Cooler!”Alicecorrected.“Hisbrotherworeaponytailandanearring.”
“Hellwillfreezeoverbeforeyouseemewearinganearring,”Garonobliged.
Marquezdisguisedachuckleasacough.
Aliceglancedathimovertheautopsytable.“Doyouwearanearring,Sergeant.Marquez?Itwould
gonicelywithyourhair.Somethingdanglyandunobtrusive…”
“Ifyoudon’tshush,Jones,you’llbewearingonethroughyourlips,”theM.E.toldherfirmly.“Shall
webegin?”
Hedrewthesheetoffthesmallbody.Garonhadtogrithisteethtokeepfromcursing.Henoticedthat
hiscompanionswerefeelingsomethingsimilar.Therewerenomorejokes.Thiswasdeadlyserious.
TheM.E.pulleddownhismicrophoneandbegandescribingthepatient,fromherheightandweight
andagetothestarkrecitalofherwoundsandthedamagetheydid.Whileheworked,Jones
photographedthebodyinallstagesoftheautopsy.She’dalreadytakenthesheetandbodybagthat
hadcoveredthevictimdownstairstothecrimelab.
Withaslightmovementofhishand,hecoveredthechild’sfacewithaclothafterJoneshad
photographedit.“It’seasierlikethis,”hesaid,faintlysheepish.He’ddonesomanyautopsiesthatthey
hardlybotheredhim,buthehadadaughterthisageandthisjobwaspainful.
Hemadetheinitial“Y”incisionandJoneshandedhimapairofcutterstosevertheribcagewith,so
thathehadaccesstothesofttissuesinsidethebody.
Garoncouldseeforhimselfwhattheknifetheperpetratorusedhaddonetohersmall,thinbody.Her
internalorgansweredestroyed,fromherlungstoherliverandintestines.Thecutsweredonewith
someforce,asiftheattackerhadbeeninarage.
“Werethesewoundspreorpostmortem?”Garonaskedquietly.
“Pre,”theM.E.saidcurtly.“Shewastortured.Youcantellfromthebleeding.Iftheywere
postmortem,theywouldn’thavebled.Theheartstopspumpingatthemomentofdeath.”
“Youshouldwatchmoretelevision,Grier,”Jonespiped.“Theyshowallthisstuffontheforensic
shows.”
“Don’tgetmestarted,”Peterssnarledather.“Allthathightechgadgetry,millionsofdollarsworthof
equipment,andlookwhatI’mworkingwith!”heexclaimed,noddingaroundhimatagedgurneysand
anoldporcelainsinkandamicroscopethatseemedtobepatchedwithgrayducttape.“WhatI
wouldn’tgiveforjustoneofthosecomputers…!”
“Theydidgiveyouasuperinvestigator,though,”Jonesremindedhim.“AndI’mmuchbetterlooking
thanthatwomanonTVwhoplaystheM.E.’sassistant…”

“Stopwhileyoustillhavework,”Petersmuttered.
Theycatalogedtheevidence,placingtissuefromunderherfingernailsinoneevidencebag,and
swabsfromhergenitalareaintoanother.
“Withanyluckatall,DNAwillcatchhim,”Garonsaidtautly.
“Onlyiftheperp’sDNAisonfile,”Marquezinterjected.
“It’samazingtome,”theM.E.commented,“howmanymolestersaren’tinanydatabase.Whatgets
reportedisjustthetipoftheiceberg.”
“That’softenthecase,”Marquezagreed.
FinallytheordealwasoverandtheM.E.readiedthebodyforpickupbythefuneralhome.
“Poorkid,”theM.E.remarked.“Andherpoorparents.Ihopethemortician’sgoodathisjob.”
JonesrolledthevictimawaywhileMarquezandGaronspokewiththeM.E.
“I’llsendthisdownstairstothecrimelab,”hetoldthem,indicatingtheevidencebags.“Unlessyou
wanttodoit?”
Garonshookhishead.“I’veinitialedallthevialsthathaveswabs.Marquezcanpickthemupwhen
youfinishandputtheminhispropertyroomatSanAntonioP.D.forsafekeeping.”
Marqueznodded.“We’lltakegoodcareofeverything.”
“Justmakesuresomebodysignsforit.”
“You’dbetterbelieveit,”hesaid.“Ifwecatchthemiserableexcuseforahumanbeingwhodidthis,I
don’twanthimtowalkonabreachofthechainofevidence.”
“WhenwillyouknowsomethingabouttheDNA?”GaronaskedtheM.E.
“GetJonestosweettalktheevidencetechniciansdownstairs,”theM.E.suggested.“Shehaspull.”
“Ibribethem,”sheremarked,overhearingthem.“Icanmakeéclairs.Theheadtechiscrazyabout
them.Iusedtoworkwithhim.Iknowhisweaknesses!”
Theylaughed.Itwasanicebreakfromthesomberatmosphereoftheautopsy.Humorwashowthey
copedwiththehorriblesightstheycarriedhomewiththem.Itkeptthemfromgivingintothepain.
Theywerethevictims’advocates.Theyhadtobeabletodothejob.
“I’llgetthisreportwrittenupsometimetomorrow,”Peterstoldthemen.“Youcancallandmakesure
it’sready.ButIcantellyou,basedonwhatI’veseen,thatthechilddiedofasphyxiation.Theknife
woundswouldhavebeenfatal,buttheyweren’ttheprimarycauseofdeath.”
“You’resureshewasasphyxiated?”Marquezasked.
TheM.E.pulledawaytheclothoverthechild’sfaceandliftedoneofhereyelids.Theeyeunderitwas
blue.Probablyithadbeenasoftblue,fullofhope…
“Seetheselittlehemorrhages?”Petersasked,indicatingthesmallreddotsinthewhiteoftheeye.
Thereweremoreintheskinofherface.“They’recapillariesthatrupturedduetosudden,drastic
pressureontheneck.Wecalltheconditionpetechialhemorrhages.They’reahallmarkof
strangulation.I’mguessing,duetotheamountofskintissueIfoundunderhernails,thatshefought
forherlife.Herattackerwillhavescratchesalloverhishandsfromherattempttofreeherself.”
Marqueznodded,knowingthatitwasunlikelythey’dfindasuspectbeforethosescratcheshealedand
fadedaway.“Weusesimilartechniquesinlawenforcementtosubduedangerousperpetrators;thebar
armholdandthecarotidhold.”
“Iknow,”theM.E.replied.“Theycollapsethecarotidarteryandinduceunconsciousness.Igeta
victimofitoccasionally.Usuallykidspracticingwrestlingmovesoneachotherwithoutsupervision.
Ifitisn’tdoneright,itcanbefatal.”
“Don’tremindme,”Marquezsighed.“Wetryeverythingelsefirst,tosubduealawbreaker.But
sometimeseverythingelsedoesn’twork,andourownlivesareindanger.”

“Ihopeyoucanfindthepersonwhodidthis,”Peterssaid,indicatingthechild.
“We’vegottofindhim,”Garonsaidsimply.“He’lldoitagain.”

GRACEINSISTEDongoinghomethenextmorning.ThankstothequicktreatmentGaronhadgiven
hersprain,shewaswalkingwithbarelyalimp.Shehadtogotoworkorshewouldn’tbeabletopay
herbills.Shedidn’twanttotellhimthat.Hewouldn’tunderstandhersortofpoverty.Fromwhatshe’d
heardpeoplesayabouthisbrotherCash,sheknewthefamilywaswealthy.
Garonlookedoddlyrelievedwhensheaskedhimtodropherbyherhouse.Hewashavingsecond
thoughts.He’dspentalong,sleeplessnightthinkingabouthowsweetitwastokissGrace,andithad
lefthimirritable.Hewasn’tgoingtoriskgettinginvolvedwithher.Neveragain,hetoldhimself.
Shewasoddlydisappointedthathetookitsoeasily,evensmilingastheyfinishedbreakfast.Maybehe
wouldhavekissedanywomanhe’dbroughthome.Ormaybehejustfeltsorryforher.He’dguessed
alittleofherpast.Heprobablythoughthewashelpingheradjusttomen.
Herownthoughtswereconfusingher.Shegotintothecarwithhimwithoutaword,wavingatMiss
Turner.Allthewaytoherhouse,shestaredoutthewindowwithoutspeaking.
Heletheroutatherfrontdoor.“Don’tchasecoyotes,”hesaidfirmlythroughthewindow.
Shegavehimanindignantlook.“Areyouawildlifeadvocate?Iwon’thurthimunlesshehurtsmy
cat.”
Helaughedinspiteofhimself.“Ifyouneedus,call.”
“Youcandothesame,”shetoldhimpertly,andgrinned.
Thatgrinmadehimfeelwarminside.Hehatedit.“That’llbetheday,”hemuttered,throwingupa
handashepulledoutofthedriveway.
Shewatchedhimdriveoffwithasinkingfeeling.Thingswouldneverbethesameagain.He
shouldn’thavetouchedher.
Hewasthinkingthesamething.WhichwaswhyhephonedJaquiJones,Mrs.Tabor ’sniece,andtold
herhe’dbeatthepartythenextnight,whichwasFriday.

ASCASHHADHINTED,thefoundingfamiliesofJacobsvilleweren’tinattendanceattheparty.Only
afewobviousoutsidersturnedup.Garonfeltoddlyoutofplacewiththesepeople.Especiallywith
Jaqui,whorubbedagainsthimateveryopportunity,almostpantingwithdesire.Hedidn’tlikepublic
displaysofaffection,anditshowedinhisface.
Shelaughedbreathily.“You’reanoddone,”shetoldhimastheysippedcocktailsbesidethebuffet
table.“Don’tyoufindmedesirable?”
“Youmustknowyou’rebeautiful,”hesaideasily.Hesmiled.“ButIworkataconservativejob,and
I’muncomfortablewithblatantinvitations.”
Hereyebrowswentup.“AndItookyouforanunconventionalfreespirit,”shepurred.
“Looksdeceive,”hesaid,liftinghisglasstotoasther.
“Yes,well,don’tsellyourselfshort,”sheadded.“Anddon’tthinkI’llgiveup.IgetwhatIwant,
eventually.”
“Doyou?”hesmiled.“Whydon’tyouintroducemetoyouraunt?”

HELEFTEARLY,despiteJaqui’sprotests.“Surelyyoudon’tworkSaturdays?”sheaskedirritably.
“Irunaranch,”heremindedher.“WeekendsaretheonlytimeIcandevotetoit.”Hedidn’taddthat
hisjobrequiredhimtobeoncallsevendaysaweek.Heworkedontheranchinspurts,leavingthe
dailyoperationtohisranchforeman.

“Aslongasyouaren’trunningafteryourlittleneighbor,”shechided.“God,thatfrumpywoman!
Andyouhadherstayinginyourhouse,Ihear!”
“Hergrandmotherdied,”hesaidtautly.“She’shavingahardtime.”
“She’saloser,likemostpeoplearoundhere,”shesaidcarelessly.“Pityhasbroughtdownmanya
man.Don’tletitbringyoudown.”Shemovedagainsthimdeliberatelywhentheywereonthefront
porch,alone.Shereachedup,draggedhisheaddownandkissedhimwithherwholemouth.
Hewasvaguelyarousedbyher,butnotenoughtoacceptwhatwasblatantlyaninvitationtoravishher
intheshadows.
Hepulledback.“I’llcallyou,”hesaid.
“You’dbetter,lover,”shepurred.“OrI’llcomelookingforyou!Goodnight.”
“Goodnight.”
Hegotbackintohiscar,thinkingthatGrace’sshyresponsewasfarmoreexcitingthanthiswildcat’s
ardentaggression.HefeltsorryforJaqui’saunt.Shewasasweet,kind-naturedbutshylittlewoman
whoseemedanxioustopleasepeople.Herniece’sscandalousbehaviorhadobviouslycosthersome
friends.Noneofthelocalrichfamilieshadsetfootinherhousetonight.Itwasavisiblesnub,
althoughJaquiwastoothick-skinnedtonotice.Well,itwasn’thisproblem.

HEWASFILLINGINHERDrecordsonthecomputerwhenMissTurnercameburstingintohisstudy
lateonSaturdayevening.
“Ihavetobeawayforafewdays,”shesaid.“MyfatherlivesinAustin.He’shadaheartattackandis
inthehospital.Imustgotohim.”
“Ofcourse,youmust,”hesaidatonce.“TaketheExpedition.”
“Areyousure?”
“Yes,I’msure.Youknowwherethekeyis.Doyouneedanadvanceonyoursalary?”headded.
Shewaspleasantlysurprised.“No.Butthankyou.”
“IsthereanythingIcando?”
“No,nothing.Thanks,boss,”sheadded.Herfacewaspinchedwithconcern.“I’llbebackassoonasI
can.”
“Ifyouneedanything,callme,”hesaidfirmly.
“Whataboutyourbreakfast?”shewailed.
“I’llfixmyown,”hereturned.“Now,go.Anddrivecarefully.”
Shemanagedasmile.“Okay.”
“Callmewhenyougetthere,andtellmehowthingsaregoing,”headded.
Shewastouchedbyhisconcern.“I’lldothat.”

HEWENTTOBEDLATEandwasgroggywhenhewokeupthenextmorning.Hegotdressedand
wentdownstairs.ThehousefeltemptierthanusualwithMissTurnergone.Hefoundamessageonthe
answeringmachine.Itwasher,tellinghimshe’darrivedsafelyinAustinandthatherfatherwas
holdinghisown.
Hemadehimselftwopiecesofbutteredtoastandapotofcoffeeandsatdowntodrinkit.The
weekendhadgonebyamazinglyfast.Hefeltalittleguiltythathehadn’tphonedtoseehowGracewas
doing.Ithadprobablyhurtherfeelingsthathe’ddroppedheroffatherownhouseandnotbothered
tocheckonher,withheranklehurting.
Guiltmadehimimpatientwithhimself.Heowedhernothing.Butjustthesame,hedrovepasther
houseonhiswaytoSanAntonio.Odd,hercarwasgone.Itwasbarelysixo’clockinthemorning.He

wonderedwhereshewas.Buteverythinglookedfine,soheputitoutofhismindandcontinueddown
theroad.

GRACEDIDN’TSEEWilburwhenshegothome.Butshedidseewhy.He’dmanagedtogetouta
slightlyopenwindow,rippinghiswaythroughthescreen,whileshewasatGaron’sranch.Shedidn’t
havetimetosearchforhimthemorningshe’dcomehomebecauseshewasalreadyoverdueatthe
floristshop.Saturdaywasoneoftheirbusiestdays.
Whenshegothomeagain,afteradayofhobblingandmostlysittingtodoflowerarrangements,she
gotthecaneMissTurnerhadloanedherandhobbledaroundthepropertylookingforWilbur.
Shefoundhiminaterriblecondition,alreadydead.Itlookedasifthecoyotehadgottenhimafterall.
Ragingatthetopofherlungs,shepromisedthevarmintthatshe’deventhescoreonedayifittook
therestofherlife.Tearsrolleddownhercheeksassheimaginedthepooroldcat’sfinalmoments.
Buttearswouldn’tbringhimback.They’dneverbroughtanybodyback.
Shecoveredhimwithanoldpillowcaseandrolledhimupinatatteredbedsheet.Sheputhiminabox
inthebackseatofhercaranddrovehimtothevet,wherehewaspickedupbyamanwhoranapet
cemeteryandofferedcremationofbelovedpets.Hehadaniceselectionofurnsthatthedeparted
couldoccupy.Gracepickedoutasimple,inexpensiveoneandwasassuredthatWilbur ’sasheswould
arriveinduetimeatGrace’shouse.Shewroteacheckfortheexpense,grittingherteethasshesaw
thepitifulamountofmoneyshehadleftafterpayingbills.She’dhavetoseeifshecouldgetafew
extrahourstoworkthisnextweek,athersecondjob,toincreaseherbankbalance.
She’dheardatworkaboutGaron’sattendanceatJaquiJones’sparty.Ithadwoundedher,toknowhe
hadn’tsparedGraceasinglethoughtafterhe’dspenttimewiththebeautifulbrunette.Gracelookedat
herdrabimageinhermirrorandfelthopelesslytacky.Theonlygooddressshehadwasoneofher
granny’s,theblackoneshe’dworntothefuneral.Mostofherwardrobeconsistedofjeansand
sweatshirtsandT-shirtswithpicturesorwritingonthem.Shehardlyownedanymakeup,andshe
nevertookanytimetodoherhair.
Onanimpulse,shetookherhairdownandranabrushthroughit.Shewasamazedatthechangeit
madeinherappearance,tohavethatthick,silkyfallofblondhairdrapedaroundhershoulders.She
putonjustatouchofpalemauvelipstickandtradedhersweatshirtforalong-sleevedblackT-shirt
withJapanesewritingonit.
Shedidhaveanicefigure,shethought,evenifherfacefellshortofbeautytogowithit.Hermouth
wastoowide,hercheekbonestoohighandhernosehadacrookinit.Shewishedshewasprettier.
Thefirsttimeinherlifethatshewantedtobeprettyforaman,andhewasinfatuatedwithMataHari.
Sheputdownthebrushandwalkedbackoutontotheporch.Shehadn’tquitefinishedpruningthe
roses,anditwaspleasantoutbythesteps,inthesun.
She’dnosoonerstartedclippingwhensheheardavehicledriveup.Tohersurprise,itwasGaron,the
lastpersonshe’dexpectedtosee.Shestoodupwiththeclipperscradledinherhandswhilehegotout
ofthecarandcameuptothesteps.
Hestoppedshort.Hisdarkgazeslidoverherfaceandshoulders,anddownherbody,withodd
intensity.Theybegantoglitter.
Sheopenedhermouthtoaskwhatwaswrong.Beforeshegotthewordsout,hehadherupinhis
arms,andhewaskissingherasiftherewouldn’tbeatomorrow.

8
GARONCOULDN’THELPhimself.ThesightofGrace’strim,prettyfigureinthosetightjeansand
shirt,thedelightofherlongblondhaircascadingdownherback,robbedhimofreason.Hehada
sudden,urgentarousalthathecouldn’tcontrol.Thefeelofherinhisarms,againsthistall,powerful
body,waslikeapotentnarcotic.
“Openyourmouth,Grace,”hebitoffagainstthetautlineofherlips.Hedrewherevencloser.“Come
on,baby,”hewhisperedseductively,teasingherlipswithhisowninapassionatewhisperoftouch,
“doit.Doit,Grace…”
Shetriedtospeak,andendedupdoingexactlywhathe’daskedherto.Shegaspedattherushof
feelingitprovoked.Heknewtoomuch.Hemadeherhungry.She’dneverinherlifewantedtobelong
toaman,untilrightnow.Shecouldfeeltheheatandpowerofhismuscularchestcrushingagainsther
softbreasts,shecouldhearhisheartbeat,theraspofhisbreathing.Orwasitherownheartbeat?
Older,frighteningmemoriesrushedinonherashisardorbecamelesscontrolled.Shepushedathis
chest.Hedrewawayfromher.Helookedasshockedasshedid.Hefoughttobreathenormally.
“Iknow,”shesaid,holdingupahandandforcingasmiletoherswollenlips.“Itwasahelpless
reactionthatyoucan’texplain,butIcan.IhadMissLettiedowntheroadmakeadollofyouandrub
myphotooverit,sonowyoucan’tresistme.”Shegrinned.
Heburstoutlaughing.“Damn!”
“NotthatInormallyresorttosuchmeasures,”sheaddeddemurely.“Myextremegoodlooksusually
getmeallthemenIwant.”
Hedrewinalongbreath.Shehadthisuncannywayofdefusingdangeroussituations.He’dbeenin
overhishead,andheknewit.Butshedidn’tseemtobeangryathim,despiteherpast.Hehadto
rememberherbackground,sothathedidn’tfrightenher.Shewassoveryinnocent,forawomanher
age.Despiteherbadexperience,sheseemedtolikebeinginhisarms.Thethoughtexcitedhim.
“Theregoesmyillusionofbeingtheonlymaninyourlife.”
“Yourillusionleftskidmarks,”sheagreed.“Whyareyouhere,ifyoudon’tmindsaying?”
Heblinked.“Idon’tknow.”
Shegavehimawrylook.“Short-termmemorylosscan’tbegoodforyourjob…”
“Hell,IknowwhatI’mdoingwhenI’matwork!”hemuttered.
“Well,that’sarelief!”
“IhavetodriveovertoPaloVerdetointerviewaman,”hesaid.Marquezhadlocatedanex-
policemanfromPaloVerdewhorememberedthecoldcaseaboutthedeadchildfromtwoyears
before.Hesaidthataneighborofthedeadchildclaimedtohaveseenamanwiththechildearlieron
thedayshewasabducted.Thewitness,Marquezsaid,hadbeenacknowledgedbypoliceatthetime,
butthewitnesshadbeenoutoftownwhenthedetectiveswentbacktospeaktohim.Apparentlyhe’d
gottenlostintheshufflewhenpublicitybroughtinhundredsoftipsthathadtobecheckedout.Garon
wantedtoseethewitness,ifhestilllivedinPaloVerde.Perhapshemighthaveremembered
somethingelseintheyearssincethecrimeoccurred.Hemightbejustthebreaktheyneededtofinda
suspectintwochildmurders.LikeMarquez,Garonwascertaintheyweredealingwithaserialkiller.
Thecasesweremuchtoosimilartobecoincidences.
“Youworkingtoday?”heaskedGrace.
“Ionlyworkedthismorning.IgetoffthisnoononSaturday,”shesaid.
“IwishIdid,”hesigned.“Wanttocomewithme?”
Herwholefaceradiatedthedelighttheinvitationcaused.Hewasn’tinfatuatedwiththeJaquiwoman.

Hecouldn’tbe,ifhewastakingGraceoutfortheday!
“I’lljustchangeintosomethingbetter,”shebegan,worriedthatshedidn’thavemanyclothesto
choosefrom.
“What’swrongwithwhatyou’vegoton?”heasked.“YoumighthavenoticedthatI’mnotwearinga
suit.”
Shedidnotice.Hewasintanslacksthatemphasizedthepowerfulmusclesinhislonglegs,andapale
lemondesignershirtthatoutlinedthemusclesinhischestandarms.Hewaswearingalightweight
jacketwithit.Helookedveryhandsome.
“Don’tyouusuallywearasuit?”shewondered.
“OnlywhenIplantoarrestsomeoneandthemediamightshowup,”hesaidamusedly.“TheBureau
likesustolookprofessionalatsuchtimes.”
“Well!”
“ButsinceIdon’tplantoarrestthisman,Icanbecasual.”
“Inthatcase,I’llgetmypurseandasweater.”
Hewaitedforherbythecar,lookingaroundcuriously.“Where’sthecat?”heaskedwhenshe
rejoinedhim.
Shebitherlowerlip.“HegotoutofthehousewhileIwasgone.Ifoundhim…”Sheswallowed.“I
buriedhim.”
“I’msorry,”hesaid,andmeantit.Heknewshewasfondoftheoldcat.“Ourwhitecathadkittens.She
livesinthebarn,keepsdowntheratpopulation.Whenthekittensareoldenough,youcancomeover
andpickoutone.”
Sheblinkedawaytears.“Thatwouldbenice.”
“Forus,too.Onelessmouthtofeed.”
“How’sMissTurner?”
“ShehadtodrivetoAustintoseeaboutherfather,”hesaid.“Hehadaheartattack.”
“Poorthing!Herfatheristheonlyfamilyshehasleft.Hasshecalledtotellyouhowhe’sdoing?”
“Notyet.Butshewill,I’msure.”
“Whatdoyouhavetointerviewthiswitnessabout?”sheasked,changingthesubject.
“Wethinkhemighthaveseentheperpetratorinacoldcasemurder,”hetoldher.“Ifhedid,andhe
canrememberanythingabouttheabductor,thatmightgiveusaheadstartonasuspectforourcurrent
case,whichhassimilarfeatures.Ifhedidn’t,we’rebacktoforensicsevidencetosearchforakiller.”
“Thatcoldcase—it’saboutthatlittlegirlwhowaskilledthere,isn’tit?”
“You’resharp,”hemurmured.
“PaloVerdeisn’tbigenoughtogetinthenewsunlessthere’ssomethingterriblegoingon,”shesaid.
“Ithoughtwhenyoumentionedthislatestcasethatitwasverysimilartowhattheysaidhappenedto
thegirlupatPaloVerde.”
“Marquezmadetheconnection.”
“Yousaidyou’dbelookingforevidenceattheautopsy.Didyoufindany?”sheaskedwithdeliberate
carelessness.
“Plenty,”hesaidflatly.“IncludingDNAevidence.Ifwecanfindthemanwhodidit,wecanhang
him.”
“Ifonlyitwasn’tsuchabigstate,”shesaidquietly.
“Oh,we’llgetluckyeventually.”heglancedather.“HaveyoueverheardoftheLocardExchange
Principle?”
Shefrowned.“No.”

“It’satheoryofevidencethatformsthebasisofmodernforensicinvestigation,”hesaid.“Dr.
EdmondLocardwasaFrenchpolicemanwhonoticedthatcriminalsleavetraceevidencebehind
them,andpickuptraceevidencefromanylocationtheyvisit.It’sanexchangeoffibers,hairand
othermaterials.Analyzingthisevidencecanplacethecriminalatthesceneofacrime,withoutany
otherproofofinvolvement.”
“Ilovetowatchthosetelevisionshowsaboutcoldcases,”shesaid.“It’sfascinatingtoseehowthe
smallestthingscanconnectthedotsincrimes.”
Hesmiled.“Iwatchthem,too.”heglancedather.“Butalargepartofpoliceworkissurveillanceand
interviewingwitnessesorfamilymembersofvictims.Boringstuff.”
“Tosomeonewhoworkspart-timejobsforaliving,”shepointedout,“it’snotallthatboring,”She
glancedathim.“HowlonghaveyoubeenanFBIagent?”
“SinceIwastwenty-three,”hesaid.
“Andyou’reeightynow…”shebeganmischievously.
“I’mthirty-six,”heremindedher.
“Didyoualwaysworkmurders?”
Heshookhishead.“I’veonlybeenassignedtooneserialmurdercase,backeast.ButI’veworked
violentcrimeformostofmycareer.IworkedontheHostageRescueTeamforsixyears,andonthe
FBISWATteaminD.C.forfourmore.AfterthatIworkedoutofAustin.NowI’mintheSanAntonio
FieldOffice.Iheadasquadthatcoversviolentcrime.”
“Thosefirsttwothings—that’sdangerouswork.I’veseenmoviesthatshowhowthoseteams
operate.”
Hishandtightenedonthesteeringwheel.“Yes.Verydangerous.”
Shefrowned.“Youchosethatsortofwork.Somethinghappenedtoyou,too,”sheguessed.
“Somethingtraumatic.”
Hisjawtautened.“Something,”hesaid.Heglancedinherdirection.“Idon’ttalkaboutit.”
“Iwasn’tprying,”shesaid,turningherpurseoverinherlap.“ButyouaskedmeifItalkedtoanyone
aboutwhathappenedtome.”
“Soyoudid.”
“Soturnaboutisfairplay.”
Hedidn’tanswer.Hewassilentforatime,caughtupinthepast,intheanguishofthoseyears.The
painwasharsh.
Sherealizedshe’dsteppedonbrokenglassandshesearchedforsomewaytolightenthetension.“Do
youbelieveinwerewolves?”sheasked.
Thecarswervedfaintly.“Excuseme?”heaskedindisbelief.
“Isawthismovie.Itwasveryrealistic,”shetoldhim.“I’msurethatIknowatleastonepersonwho’s
neverseenduringfullmoons.Youhavetousesilverbulletsonthem,youknow,regularleadones
won’twork.”
“Idon’thaveasilverbullettomyname,”hepointedout.
“We’reintroubleifwerunintoone,”sheremarkeddryly.
“Tellyouwhat.Ifyouseeawerewolf,youtellme,andI’llrushhomeandmeltdownsomeofthe
silverserviceandstartmakingbulletsrightaway.”
“Deal,”shesaidsmugly.
Hefelthisheartlighten.Shewasgoodcompany,forashyanddamagedspinster.Shemadehim
forgetthepast.Helikedbeingwithher.
Shewasfeelingsomethingsimilar,especiallyafterthewayhe’dkissedherearlier,withsuchneed

andpleasure.Shetingledalloverrememberinghowithadfelt.Maybehehadahardtimewith
relationships,andthatwaswhyhewasn’tmarried.

THEYSTOPPEDatthepolicedepartmentinPaloVerdetotalkwithitspolicechief,GilMendosa.He
wassheepishandembarrassedwhenGarontoldhimabouttheircurrentmurderinvestigationand
Marquez’seffortstofindoutabouthisdepartment’scoldcasefromhimthroughe-mailthatwas
ignored.
“Wehadthesee-mailsthatembarrassedMissTibbs,”heexplained.“She’sseventy,andhandlesthe
phoneandthemailforus.Well,eversince,iftheheadingdoesn’thavesomethingspecificabouta
caseinit,shejustdeletesitunread,likewetoldherto.TellMarquezI’msorry.”
“Iwill.Whatwewanttoknowisifyou’rekeepingbackanyinformationaboutthelittlegirl’smurder
—somethingyouwanttokeepoutofthenews.”
ThechiefglancedatGraceuneasily.
“She’saclam,”Garontoldhimeasily.“It’sallright.”
“Okay,then.Yes,therewasoneotherthing.Themantiedaribbonaroundherneckandstrangledher
todeathwithit.Aredribbon.”

“HERE,SITDOWNforGod’ssake!”Garongrowled.He’dcaughtGracejustasshefolded.“What’s
thematter?”
Shefoughtforeverybreath.Shecouldn’tgiveherselfaway.Shecouldn’t!
“It’sthattwenty-four-hourstomachvirusthat’sbeengoingaround,”shesaidwithaweaklaugh.“I
hadityesterdayandit’sknockedmetomyknees.Drasticwaytoloseweight,youknow.”
“Wouldyoulikesomethingtodrink?”thechiefaskedgently.
“Howaboutamartini,shaken,notstirred,”shebegan,withtwinklinggrayeyes.
“YoucanhaveaDietCoke,”Garonreturned,movingtothedrinksmachineinthedepartment’s
canteenwithahandfulofchange,“ifIcanfindtherightchange.”
“Don’tfeeditadollarbill,”thechiefcautioned.“Iteatsthem.”
Shegavehimahardlook.“You’reapolicemanandyouletamachinerobcustomersrightinyour
ownoffice?”sheexclaimed.
“Amanwearrestedlastmonthgotholdofagunandshotthelastmachinewehadinhere,”hereplied.
“Twomonthsbeforethat,oneofourownofficersaccidentallyhitthemachineitreplacedwitha
baseballbat.Don’twonderoutloud,”headvisedwhenshestartedtoaskhowsomeonecould
accidentallysmashamachinewithabat.“So,yousee,wecan’taskthemachinepeopletogiveusa
thirdone.They’dneverunderstand.”
“Iseeyourpoint,”Graceagreed.
Garonhandedheranicycoldsoftdrink.Shepoppedthelidanddrankthirstily.“Oh,that’ssogood,”
shesaid,sighing.“Thanks.”
“Youshouldhavetoldmeyouweren’tfeelingwell,”hesaid.
Shesmiledathim.“Youwouldn’thaveletmecomewithyou.”
Hepursedhislipsandhisdarkeyestwinkled.Graceblushed.
GaronforcedhisattentionbacktoMendosa,andtoldhimaboutthewitnessMarquezhadunearthedin
SanAntonio.
“HisnameisSheldon,”Garonsaid.“Heapparentlylivedtwodoorsdownfromthemurdervictim.
SomehomicidedetectivesfromSanAntoniotalkedtohim.MarquezandIfollowedup,andhe
recalledseeingthesuspect.”

Mendosagrimaced.“Wehadanapparenteyewitnessourselves,amannamedHomerRich.Butour
formerchiefsaidtheguywasloopyandhewouldn’tletusgotalktohim.Thewitnesslivedright
nextdoortothechild.”Hefrowned.“Buthedoesn’tliveherenow.Hemovedoutoftownnotlong
afterthemurder.”
Garonfrowned.“Washeasuspect?”
“No,”Mendosasaid.“Theguywashandsome,hemadeagoodliving,althoughIneverknewexactly
howhemadehismoney.Hehadafiancéesomewhere.Nobodylocaleversawher.Hewasn’ta
suspect.Infact,hejoinedthesearchwhenherfamilyknewshewasmissing.Heevenprintedupsome
flyersathisownexpense.”
Garondidn’tsayaword.Hetooknotes.Butheknewverywellthatsometimesmurdersuspectsjoined
inthesearchandevenspoketothepoliceabouttheprogressoftheinvestigation.Hewasn’ttelling
Mendosa.Itwouldonlymakethemanfeelbad.Hewasoperatingonashoestringasitwas.
“KnowwhereRichmovedto?”heasked.
Mendosashookhishead.“Hekepttohimself,mostly.YoumightaskEdReems,herentedthehouseto
Rich.”HegaveGarontheaddress,whichhejotteddown.“Edlovestotalk.Ifheknowsanything,he’ll
tellyou.”
“Thanks,”Garonsaidwarmly.
“You’rewelcome.Ifyouneedhelp,letmeknow.We’reallonthesameteam,whenitcomesto
murder.I’dlovetoheatupthatcoldcaseandsolveit.Ithauntsme.There’sjustmeandoneotherpart-
timeofficertohandlethingshere.Wehavetocallinthecountysheriff’sdepartmentforassistanceif
anythingmajorbreaks.Wejustdon’thavetheresourcestocommittoadecentinvestigation.Ihope
youcatchthisguy.”
“YouandmeandhalftheFBI,”Garonreplied.“Childkillersevokesympathyfromnobody,
especiallyiftheygetsenttoprison.”
“Amen.Ifyouneedhelp,justcall.”
Garonsmiled.“Iwill.Thanks.”

GRACEFINISHEDhersoftdrinkjustastheypulledupatadingysingle-widetraileronaquietstreet
justoutsidethePaloVerdecitylimits.
“Stayput,”hetoldher.“Iwon’tbelong.”
Hegotoutandwalkedupthestepstothefrontporch.Thedooropened.Hedisplayedhiscredentials.
Aminutelater,hewentinsidethehouse.
Gracewonderedwhathewasgoingtofindout.Thementionoftheredribbonhadmadehersick.
Garonwouldbesuspicious.Shedidn’twanthimtoknowwhyithadupsether.Itwastoosoon.Fartoo
soon.
Lessthanfiveminutespassedbeforehecamebackout,frowning.Hegotintothecarbesideher.
“Wasn’thehome?”
Hedrewinalongbreath.“Hewashome,”hesaid,staringatthehouse.“HesaidthatRichdidn’tleave
aforwardingaddress.What’smore,heleftthefurnitureinthehouse,alongwithapplianceshe’d
bought.Hemusthavebeeninahellofahurrytogetoutoftown.”
Gracebitherlowerlipandmentionedwhattheywereboththinking.“Whatifhewasn’tawitness?
Whatifhedidit?”
“That’sexactlywhatIwasthinking.”Hestartedthecarandputitingear.“I’llleaveyouatthechief’s
office.Ineedtodosomedoor-to-doorinvestigating.”
“Couldn’tIhelp?”

Hesmiledgently.“Notwithoutcredentials,”hesaid.“I’llgetMendosatohelpme.Ifwe’relucky,we
mayturnupsomething.”

BUTFOURHOURSLATER,theyhadn’tturneduponesinglewitnesswho’dseenanythingconnected
withthecrime.
“Look,”GarontoldMendosa,“It’sareallongshot,butI’dliketosendaforensicteamdownhereto
scourthehousewhereRichlived.Wemightgetluckyandturnupsomething.Wecanfindtracesof
bloodevenafterhousesarewipedcleanwithdisinfectantandbleach.”
“I’llarrangeitwiththelandlordandhistenants,”Mendosapromised.“HowaboutnextMonday,first
thing?”
Garonshookhishand.“That’sfine.Iappreciatethehelp.”
Mendosagrinned.“SodoI.Nobodylikestoseeamurdererwalk.”
“Youcansaythatagain.”

GRACEWASFASCINATEDwiththeideathatbloodstainscouldn’tbetotallyeradicatedby
murderers.
AllthewaybacktoJacobsville,shepumpedhimforinformationonbloodspatterpatterns,crime
sceneprotocolandwhattheFBIlabcoulddowithasinglehumanhair.
“It’slikesomethingoutofStarTrek,”sheexclaimed.
Hechuckled.“Yes,itis.Ourhightechtoolsgiveusarealedgeinsolvingcrimes.”
“Ifitweren’tforthegorystuff,IthinkI’dlikelawenforcementwork,”shemurmured.
Hecouldn’tpictureGraceatacrimescene.Ontheotherhand,she’dchasedacoyoterightoutofher
yardwithnothingmoremenacingthanatreelimb.Shehadgrit.Headmiredawomanwithstaying
power.Butshekeptsecrets,Gracedid.Hewonderedwhattheywere.

“THANKSFORTAKINGMEwithyou,”shesaidwhenhestoppedatherhouse.“Ireallyenjoyedit.”
“SodidI,”hehadtoadmit.Hewalkedherupontotheporch.“You’regoodcompany.”
“You’llhavetogoandmakeyourownsupper,becauseMissTurner ’sgone,”shesaidsuddenly.She
lookedupathim.“Icouldmakesupper.I’vegotsomefreshcubesteakandpotatoesIcouldfix.”
Hehesitated.Hewashungry,andhedidn’tfancytryingtocook.“Youmustbetired,”hebegan,
feelingguilty.
Sheshookherhead.“Iliketocook.”
Hesmiled.“Okay.Whattime?”
“Seven?”
“I’llbehere.”
HedroveoffandGraceraninsidetostartthingsinthekitchen.Shefeltlikeachildwithatreatin
store.She’dneverenjoyedaman’scompanysomuchinherwholelife.Itwasabeginning.

THEYSATINTHEKITCHENforalongtimeafterthey’dfinishedeating,justtalkingaboutthestate
oftheworld.Theyagreedonalotofissues.Infact,theythoughtalikeonpoliticsandreligion,which
weresaidtobethetwomostcontroversialsubjectsonearth.
“Youmakegoodcoffee,”heremarked,finishinghissecondcup.
“It’sdecaf,”sheconfessed.“Caffeinebothersme.”
“It’sgood,regardless.”
Hecheckedhiswatch.“Ihatetogo,butIhavetopickupavisitingagentattheairporttomorrow

morning,early.He’sgoingtobeinourofficeforacoupleofdays,doinganinspection.”
“Inspection?”
Hegrinned.“It’sawaytomakesurewe’reefficient.”
“Icouldwriteatestimonialforyou,”sheofferedlightly.
“Itwilltakemorethanthat,I’mafraid.”Hewalkedtothefrontporchandoutintotheyard,hiseyes
onthesky.“There’sahaloaroundthemoon.We’regoingtogetsomerain,Iguess.”
“Howwouldacityfellowlikeyouknowthat?”sheasked,impressed.
Heturned,smiling.“IgrewuponaranchinwestTexas,”hereplied.“Wehadanoldcowboy—he
lookedeighty—whousedtoworkwiththeTexasRangers.Hecouldsmellrainamileaway,predict
weather,makepoultices.Iusedtositandlistentohimbythehourwhenhetalkedaboutcatchingbank
robbers.Isupposethat’swhyIbecamealawman.Hemadeitsoundlikeaholycause.Insomeways,I
guessitis.Wespeakforvictimswhocannolongerspeakforthemselves.”
“Willyoucatchthatkiller,doyouthink?”sheaskedquietly.
“Ihopewewill,”hesaid,movingclosertoher.“Thismanisnoamateur.He’ssmart.Buthedidleave
traceevidencethatwillconvicthim,ifweevergetluckyenoughtotakehimintocustody.”
“Mygrandfatherusedtosaythatmostcriminalsarestupid,”sherecalled.“Hesaidonemanhe
arrestedhadkilledamanandthenlefthisbusinesscardintheman’spocket.Andtherewasathief
whorobbedabankandwentoutthewrongdoor,trippedoversomebody’sdogthatwaswaitingthere
andactuallyknockedhimselfoutonthepavement.”
Hechuckled.“We’vehadourshareofthose,too,”heassuredher.“Butsomearen’taseasilycaught.”
“You’llgethim,”shesaidwithutterconfidence,asshesmiledupathim.
Hemovedstillcloserandtookherbythearms,holdingherlightlyagainsthistall,powerfulbody.
“You’regoodformyego,Grace,”hemurmured.“ButIdon’tthinkI’mgoodforyou.”
Shetracedabuttononhisjacket,withoutlookingathim.“Youmeanthatyoudon’twantanything
permanent.That’sokay.Idon’t,either.”
“You’llwantchildrenoneday,”hebegan.
Shetookalong,shudderingbreath.“I…can’thaveachild.”
“What?”
Ithurttosaythat,buttheywerealmostfriendsnow,andheneededtoknow.Justincasetheybecame
moreinvolved.Sheforcedherselftolookupathiminthelightfromthewindows.“Iwasinan…an
accident,whenIwastwelve,”shesaid.“Abadaccident.Igotcutup,especiallymystomach.SoIcan’t
havechildren.”
Somethinginsidehimmournedforher.Heknewwithoutaskingthatshewouldhavewantedafamily
ifshemarried.Hefeltanemptinessinhimselfatthethought,andhecouldn’tdecidewhy.
“I’msorry,”hesaid.
“I’msorry,too,”shesaidsomberly.“Ilovechildren.”Shesearchedhiseyes.“Butyoucouldhave
them,ifyoumarriedsomeday.”
Hisfaceclosedup.“Idon’twanttogetmarried.”
Hesaiditsodeliberatelythatsheknewtherewassomethinginhispast,somethingdevastating,thathe
neverdiscussed.Hekeptsecrets,too,sheknew,likeshedid.Buthersecretshadtobemorelife-
shatteringthanhiswere.
“I’llrememberthat,”shepromisedhim,andhereyesbegantotwinkle.“Butyou’rewaydownonmy
listofprospectivegrooms,youknow.Almostatthebottom!”
Hiseyebrowsarched.“Well,Ilikethat!”heexclaimed.
“IcangetanymanIwant,”sheinformedhim.“Ilearnedaboutitontelevision.There’sthisnew

perfumethatcausesmentoparachuteoutofplaneswithbouquetsofrosesandbigdiamondrings.All
Ineedisadabofitbehindeachear.”
“Whatifyoucatchthewrongman?”
“Thatwon’thappen.Theguyinthecommercialisaknockout.”
“Theywon’tgiveyoutheguyinthecommercial,”hepointedout.
“Howdoyouknow?Theymightrunacontestandgivehimawayastheprize,”shechuckled.“Aren’t
youdisappointed?”
Heshookhishead.“Idon’tneedamanwithrosesanddiamonds.”
Shelaughed.“Imeant,thatyouaren’tonthetopofmylist!”
Hepursedhislipsandmovedcloser.“Honey,ifIwantedtobeonthetopofyourlist,”hemurmured
deeply,bending,“Iwouldn’tneedrosestogetthere.”Hishandwentbehindherheadandbroughther
mouthclose,closetohis.“I’donlyneedthis,”hewhisperedashislipscrusheddownoverhers.

9
GRACEMELTEDintohistallbodywithafaint,shakysigh.Thefeelofhim,thetasteofhim,was
becomingfamiliar.Hewasn’tatallthreateningthisway.Notanymore.Shelovedbeingclosetohim.
Thatwasobvious,butitmadehimwary.Shewasn’tworldly,andhewas.Hecouldtakeawomanin
hisstrideandneverlookback.Therewereplentyofwomenthesameway.Noties,nocomplications.
ButGracewouldexpectmarriage.
Thewordfeltbitter.Heliftedhishead.
Sheradiatedjoy.Hereyeswerebrilliantwithit.Herswollenmouthwassmiling.Hefeltlikeaheel.
Heshouldn’thavetouchedher.Butshewasappealinginherinnocence,assomanyexperienced
womenweren’t.
Hetouchedhercheekwithhisfingertips.“Theinspector ’sgoingtohaveeverybodydoinghandstands
Monday,soI’mtakingtheafternoonoff,togetmysuppliesatthefeedstore.Wanttocomealong?”
“Yes!”
Hechuckledatherenthusiasm.Whatthehell.Hewasenjoyinghercompany.Hedidn’tneedtostart
worryingaboutthefuture.Itcouldtakecareofitself.
Hebentandkissedheragain,verysoftly.“ThenI’llseeyouMonday.Goodnight.”
“Goodnight.Ireallyhadagoodtime.”
Hesmiled.“SodidI.”
Shewalkedintothehouseonacloud.Lifewassweet.

EARLYMONDAYmorning,shedroveintotowntoshopforsomeclothesthatweren’tasoldasshe
was.Shehadalittlecashinhercheckingaccountthatwasn’tnecessaryforbills.Shewanted
somethingprettytowearforGaron.ShestoppedbyBarbara’stoaskheradvice.
Barbaradirectedhertothelittlestripmallinfrontofthecommunitycollege,wheretherewasathrift
shop.Thereweresomebeautifulthingsthere,usedbutlikenew,andtheydidn’tcostmuch.Grace
walkedoutwithtwobagsfullofnicethings,andwithacashmerecoatwithafurcollaroveronearm.
Shefeltlikeflying.
“Grace,”Barbarasaidgently,“youknowI’mhappyforyou.Butdon’twalkintoarelationshipblind.
Thatmanisn’tthemarryingsort.Andwhetherheknowsitornot,he’snotsmalltownmaterial,
either.”
“That’swhattheysaidabouthisbrother,”Gracepointedout,smiling,“andlookathim!”
Barbaradidn’treturnthesmile.“Just…goslow.Okay?”
“Worrywort,”shechided,andhuggedherfriend.“I’mhappierthanI’veeverbeeninmylife,”she
whispered.“I’msohappy!”
BarbaragnawedherlowerlipasshehuggedGraceback.“Behappy,then.Butifhehurtsyou,I’ll
makehimsorry.IswearIwill.”
“Stopthat.I’magrownwoman.”
“Iknow,”Barbaraagreed.Butshedidn’tsmile.GaronGrierwasamature,worldlyman,andGrace
wasacard-carryinginnocent.She’dsufferedenoughalreadyatthehandsofoneman.Shedidn’tneed
Garontoputnailsinhercoffin.ButBarbaraknewshecouldn’tstopthistrainwreckofarelationship
fromhappening.ShecouldonlybethereforGracewhenthebottomfelloutofherworld.

GRACEHADBOUGHTapairofembroideredjeansandamatchinglong-sleevedwhiteshirtanda
denimjackettogowiththem.Sheleftherhairaroundhershoulders,becauseGaronlikedlonghair.

Shestudiedherselfinthemirrorandfeltreallygoodaboutthewayshelooked.
Rememberinghowtenderhe’dbeenwithher,shewaswalkingonclouds.Shewasfallinginlove.
Surely,hemustbe,too.Afeelingsodeepandwondroushadtobeshared.
Hepulledupinherdrivewayatoneo’clocksharp,andsheranoutsidetomeethim,radiantwithjoy.
Hewasdrivingoneoftheranchpickuptrucks,ablackonewithlotsofchrometrim.HisExpedition
wasstillwithMissTurnerinAustin.
Hegotoutofthetruckanddidn’teventrytoresisttheurgetoopenhisarmsforher.Shemadehim
feelyoungagain,fullofhopeandoptimism.Shemadehimfeellikethemanhehadbeen,before
tragedyhadturnedhisworldblack.
Shehuggedhim,feelingclosertohimthansheeverhadtoanyoneelse.Itwaslikeamiracle,thatshe
couldenjoylettingamantouchher,holdher,kissher.Sheliftedherfacetotellhim,buthismouth
wasalreadyburrowingtenderlyintoherlips.Sheopenedthemforhimandheldontight.Itwaslike
flying.Joyoverflowedlikeadammedriversuddenlyfree.
Afteraminute,hehadtoputherawayfromhim.Hewasalmostshakingwiththeneedtocarryher
insidetothenearestbed.Hecouldn’tdothat.Itwastoosoon.
“Readytogo?”heasked,smiling.
“I’lljustlockthedoor,”sherepliedbreathlessly,hergrayeyesshimmeringwithhappiness.
Hewatchedhergoupthesteps.Odd,she’dcomedownthemrunning,butnowitseemedlikeaneffort
togobackupthem.Shetooklongerthannecessarytolockthedoor,too.Hewonderedwhy.
Shecouldfeelthequestiononhisfacebeforeshereadit.Herheartwascuttingcartwheels,andshe
couldn’tlethimsee.Sheforcedasmile.“Seewhatyoudotome?”sheaskedpertly.“Youtakemy
breathaway.”
Thesuspiciouslookwasreplacedbyanarrogantone.Heactuallygrinned.

SHEWALKEDintothefeedstorebesidehim,smilingandhappy.OldJackHadley,who’downedthis
feedstore,oneoftwoinJacobsville,sinceGrace’sgrandfatherwasayoungman,smiled
benevolentlyatGrace.
“Nicetoseeyououtandabout,MissGrace,”hesaid.“Andingoodcompany,too.”Hesmiledat
Garonandwinked.
Garonshifted,asiftheteasinglookmadehimuncomfortable.“I’vegotalist,”hesaid,handingitto
themanager.
Hepursedhislips.“Well,thisseedisaspecialorder.Willnextweekbesoonenough?”
“Yes,”Garonreplied.
“Buttherestisinstock.Jake!”heyelled,andhisteenagedassistantcamerunningfromthebackofthe
store.“GetthisfeedforMr.Grierandcarryitouttohistruck,willyou?”
“Surething!”theboyagreed.HesmiledatGrace.“Youlooknicetoday,”hesaid,blushingashemade
theboldremark.
“Thanks,Jake,”shesaid,buthersmilewasimpersonalandfaint.
Garonmovedtoherside,gloweringattheboy,whotookofflikeahumanrocket.
GracewasconfoundedatthelookonGaron’sface.Andwhenhenoticed,hisdarkeyesbegantoburn
inanodd,intimatewayasheheldhergazeuntilsheflushedanddroppedhereyes.
Hisbighandslidoverhersmalloneandheldittightly,asiftoemphasizewhathiseyesweretelling
her.Shecouldbarelybreatheforthestabofjoyrightthroughherbody.Shereturnedthepressure,
andfelthisfingerseaseslowly,sensuously,betweenhers.
Shebitherlowerlip,hard,tokeepfrommoaning.

“Don’tforgetthefertilizer,Jake,”Mr.Hadleycalledaftertheboy.
Hisvoicebrokethespell,andGracesteppedback,laughingnervouslyatthetensionthatstillheld
thembothinitsgrip.
Garondidn’tsayaword.Butwhathefeltwashardtoconceal.Shewasgettingrightunderhisskin.
Nowhewasjealousofhighschoolkids.Hewonderedwhatinhellwashappeningtohim!

THENEXTFEWDAYSpassedwithGaronmakingcasualvisitstoGrace’shouse,firstforan
occasionalmeal,andthenintheeveningtowatchmovieshe’drented.MissTurner ’sfatherhad
rallied,andshe’dcalledtosayshe’dbebackwithinaweek.
GaronandGracewerewatchinganewmurdermysteryhe’drented,buthismindwasn’tonthefilm.
HekeptnoticingGrace’sbodyinthedemureroundednecklineofherblueblouse.Shewaswearinga
skirtforachange,alongdenimone.Herhairwasaroundhershouldersandshesmelledjustfaintly
ofroses.
“You’lllosetheconnection,”shewarned,lookingupathimwithabreathlesssmile.
Heturnedtowardheronthesofaandtuggedatherarmuntilshegotthemessageandslidcloseto
him.Hewaswearingalong-sleevedchambrayshirtwithjeans.Hisbootswerelyingonthefloorwith
hershoes.Hedrewheracrosshislapandletherheadslidedownintothecrookofhisarm.
“Relationshipsdon’tstagnate,Grace,”hesaidquietly,searchingherwide,grayeyes.“Weeithergo
forward,orwestopseeingeachother.I’mtoooldtosettleforaplatonicrelationship.”
Herheartjumped.She’dbeenright.Hewasinterestedinalong-termrelationship.Hewantedherfor
keeps!
Herfingerswentuptohishardmouthandtraceditslowly.“Idon’twanttostopseeingyou,”she
whispered,justtomakeitclear.Shewasnervousaboutwhathemightbeaskingofher,butsheloved
him.Shewascuriousaboutthefeelingsheevokedfromher,whenhekissedherandheldherclose.
Shewantedtoknowallofit.Shewantedtoerasethenightmarishmemoriesfromhermind,to
overlaythemwithlovingcaressesfromamantowhomshecouldentrustherinnocence.Shesmiled.
Hedrewinalongbreath.“Atlast,”hewhispered,bending.“IthoughtIwasgoingtogomadbefore
wegottothispoint!”
Shewantedtoaskwhathemeant,buthewaskissingher.Thiswasn’tliketheothertimes,whenhe’d
beenhesitantandslow.Hewashungry.Hewasravenous.Atfirsthisardorwasfrighteningandshe
stiffened.
Hedrewbackatoncetosearchhereyes.“Iwillneverhurtyou,”hesaidinagruffwhisper.“Notin
anyway.”
Shebegantorelaxagain.“Iknow.It’sjust…”
Heremembered.She’dhadabadexperienceasachild.Hesmiledslowlyandtracedhermouthwith
thetipofhisfinger.“Everything’sgoingtobeallright.Trustme.Icangiveyoupleasure—asmuch
asyoucanhandle.”
Ashespoke,hebentagain.Thistimethekisswaslonger,sensual,deliberatelyarousing.Hishands
slidupanddownhersidesuntilhewasteasingjustattheedgesofherbreasts.Somethingwas
happeningtoher,somethingunexpected.Shefeltherbodyswellandburn,asifhe’dkindledafever
init.Sheseemedtohavenocontroloveritanymore.Itwantedhistouch,histenderness.Shewanted
him.
Hetookherfacebetweenhishandsandsearchedherwide,grayeyesforalongtime.Hefeltthelook
allthewaytohistoes.Shemadehimacheallover.Hewonderedifsheknewit,andreasonedthatshe
probablydidn’t.Withherhistory,sexualattractiontoamanwasgoingtobesomethingofanordeal.

Hiseyesnarrowedasheconsideredhowsomemenwouldtakeadvantageofherinterest,rushher,
hurtherbecausetheydidn’tunderstandwhatshe’dbeenthroughinherchildhood.Hehatedthe
thoughtofsomecarelessmanusingherforhisownpleasure,andleavingherevenmoredamaged.
“Whatareyouthinking?”sheaskedcuriously.
“Howlovelyyouare,”hereplied.
Shelaughedself-consciously.“Me?”
“Yes,”hesaid,andhedidn’tsmile.“You.”
Hebentandkissedthesmile,veryslowly,inawaythathehadn’tduringtheirshortrelationship.He
drewhergentlyagainsthimashismouthworkeditswayagainstherlipsuntilsheopenedherown
mouth,tolethiminside.Hefeltaflashofpureanimaldesireattheshyaction.Ittestedhiscontrol.But
hemanagedtokeepthingstender,evenso,determinednottofrightenher.
Asthekissgrewinlengthandintensity,hefeltherstiffenjustatfirst,andthenslowlyrelaxintothe
hardcontoursofhisbody.Hishanddroppedslowlytoherbackandsliddown,movinghergently
againsthimuntilhisardorbecametangibleagainstherbelly.
Heliftedhisheadtolookintoherwide,fascinatedeyes.“Notafraid?”heaskedquietly.
Shecouldn’tmanagewords,butsheshookherhead.Shefeltboneless.Sheachedallover.Something
begantothrobdeepinherbody.
Hefeltthosereactions.Shewasn’tprotesting.Ifanything,shemovedclosertohim,gaspingfaintlyat
theheatandpowerofhisarousedbody.
Itwaslikefallingintofire,hethoughtashebentagaintohermouthandslowlyinvadedit,firstwith
hislips,thenwithhistongue.Thefirstsilkenthrustofitinsideherscausedhertogriphisarmsso
tightlythathershortnailsdugintotheflesheventhroughhisshirt.Thenashemovedhistongue
sensuallyagainsthers,shemoanedaudibly.
Ifhehadanythoughtofpullingaway,itwasgoneinaflash.Ithadbeentoolongsincehe’dhada
woman.Hewasdyingforher.Hecouldn’tstop.
Hegottohisfeetandthenbent,liftingherclearofthesofainhisarmswhilehismouthstillcovered
herown.Hecarriedherdownthehall,glancingintoalitroomwithadoublebed.Hewentintoit,
kickingthedoorshutbehindhim,andlaidheroutonthebed.Hiseyeswerealmostblackwithdesire
ashelookeddownather,hesitating.
Butshewasasfargoneashewas.Shelovedwhathecouldmakeherfeel.Shewasalmosttwenty-five
yearsoldandshe’dneverhadalover.Shewantedhim.Shewantedtobeawoman,awholewoman,
withthismanwhomshelovedwithallherheart.Anditwasn’tasifhejustneededawoman,shetold
herself.Hewantedarelationship.Thathadtomeanmarriage!Herarmsopened.
Hefelthersubmissionwithoutawordbeingspoken.Hisbloodwasonfire.Hesatdownbesideher,
butsheputahandagainsthischest.Shelookeduneasy.
“Thelight,”shewhispered,bitingherlowerlip.
Hefrowned.Thenherememberedtheaccidentshe’dhadasachild.“Idon’tmindscars,Grace,”he
saidsoftly.“Ihaveafewofmyown.”
Shebitherlipharder.Shedidn’tknowhowtoexplainittohim.“Please?”sheasked.
Hesighed,butnotangrily.He’dwantedtolookather.Butherinnocencewasgoingtobehisbiggest
problem.Heonlysmiled.Hishandreachedforthelamp.Heturneditoff,andbentdowntogatherher
againsthim.
Itwas,shethoughtfeverishly,abanquetofthesenses.Shehadn’tknownherownbodyhadsomany
sensitiveareasthataman’smouthandhandscouldliftintorealmsofecstasy.Shemoanedhelplessly
ashekissedhertautbreasts.Shemovedherlegstoadmittheweightofhimbetweenthem.She

marveledathoweasilytheyseemedtogotogetherwithalltheclothesoutoftheway.Hisbodywas
warmandhardandsensualagainsthersonthecrispsheets,andsheshiveredagainandagainwiththe
growing,gnawingpleasureofhistouch.
Whenhetouchedherwithsuddenintimacyshehesitated,hermindgoingbacktohorrorandpain,he
hesitated.“DidIhurtyou?”heaskedsoftly.
Sheforcedhermindtoshutouttheunpleasantimages.Thatwasyesterday.Thiswastoday.“No,”she
whispered,drawnbacktothepresent.“Ofcourseyouaren’thurtingme.Don’tstop!”
Helaughedsoftlyandmoveddownagainstheroncemore.“Iwon’t,”hewhisperedagainstherthroat.
“Movewithme,Grace,”headdedhuskily.“Movewithme.That’sit.Harder…!”
Shefelthishandexploring,andthenitwassomething…else,somethinghardandwarm…!
Shegaspedandarchedrightoffthebedastheintimatecontactproducedawaveofpleasureso
overwhelmingthatshethoughtshemightfaint.Shecriedout,pullinghimdowntoher,shivering.
“Youlikethat,doyou?”hemurmureddrowsilyagainsthermouth.“Let’strythis…”
Sheshuddered,againandagain,asthepleasurebegantospiralup.Shemadeastrange,huskynoise
deepinherthroatandmovedherlegsasfarapartasshecouldgetthem,hernailsdiggingintohis
hips.“Please,”shechoked,gasping.
Henibbledathermouthashishipsbegantomovedowninaquick,hardrhythm.“Likethat?”
“Yes!”
Onehandwentunderherhairtoholdherheadfirmlywhilehismouthcrusheddownonherparted
lips.Theotherwentunderherhips,liftingherfiercelyuptotheharddownwardthrustofhisbody.
“I’ll…die!”shechokedagainsthisdevouringmouth.
“Ofpleasure…maybe,”hemanagedinaharshwhisper.“God!Grace!Grace!Liftup!Liftup,hard!”
Heshuddered,gasping,astherhythmbecamefurious,insanelypleasurable.“Now,baby,”hechoked.
“Now,now,now…!”
Shemovedwithhim,heldhimtight,shiveredhelplesslyasthepleasurebuilttosuchadegreethatshe
thoughtshemightloseconsciousness.Andthen,whenitwassohotandsweetthatithadtobetheend,
thespiralwentevenhigherandhotter.Shecouldn’tsee,hear,think,evenbreatheastherhythm
quickened.Hewhisperedsomething,butshewasbeyondunderstanding.Herbodywasonajourney
ofitsown,carryingheralongtoavolcanicclimaxthatsentherarchingupintohimwithaquick,
sharplittlecryofabsolutedelight.
Hegatheredherhipsupandrivetedthemtohisashefelt,too,thesuddenreleaseoftension.“Grace,”
hemoaned,hisvoicedeepandhusky,ashishipsmovedhelplesslyagainstherinonelast,hardthrust
thatsenthimrightovertheedge.
Theylaytogether,bathedinsweat,clingingtoeachotherinthedarkness.Theyshivered,speechless,
inmutualsatiation.
Endlesssecondslater,heeasedawayfromherandslidhishandfromherneckoverherfullbreasts,
downtoherflatstomach.Hisfingerstracedthesmallscarsthatroseabovethesmoothflesh.
“Ihavealotofscars,”shewhisperedunsteadily.
“SodoI.Theydon’tmatter.”Hebrushedhismouthsoftlyoverherlips.“I’veneverhaditthisgood,”
hewhispered.Hewrappedherupinhisarms.“Grace,youwereavirgin,weren’tyou?”heaskedafter
aminute.
Shestoppedbreathing.Shehesitated.“Well,yes,”shemanagedtosay.Technicallyitwasthetruth.
“I’msorry.Ishouldn’thavelostcontrollikethis.”
“Ilostcontrol,too,”shesaid.
“Itisn’tthesamething.Itwaslikeshootingducksinabarrel.”Hemovedawayfromherwithalong,

harshsigh.“Damn!”
“You…youdidn’tlikeit?”sheaskedwithdawningworry.
Heturnedandlookeddownatherinthedarkness.“Thatisn’twhatImeant,Grace,”hesaid.“Itook
advantageofyou.”
“No!”
Heputhishandgentlyonherbelly.“Areyousureyoucan’tgetpregnant?”heasked,andsounded
concerned.
“I’msure.”Thedoctorshadallagreedaboutthat.
Hedidn’tanswer.Sohedidn’thavetoworryaboutthecomplicationofababy.Buthefeltguiltyjust
thesame.
“I’mgladitwaswithyou,”shesaidwhenthesilencebecamefrightening.
Thatdidn’tmakehimfeelanybetter.Atleasthehadn’thurther,heconsoledhimself.Ontheother
hand,he’dtakensomethingshemighthavewantedtosaveformarriage.Shewasverytraditional.
“Itwasn’tbecauseyouwerethinkingabouther?”sheaskedwithsuddenhorror.
Foraninstant,hethoughtshewasreferringtothepast.Thenherealizedsheknewnothingabouthis
past.“AboutJaqui?”heexclaimed.“Heavens,no!”
Sherelaxed.“Okay.”
Hedrewinalongbreath.“Ihavetogo.”
“Now?”sheasked,soundingalarmed.
Hebentoverandkissedhertenderlyontheforehead.“Asyoukeepremindingme,thisisasmall
town.Idon’twantpeopleseeingmycarinyourdrivewayallnightandgossipingaboutit.”
Shesmiled.“That’sniceofyou.”
Hedidn’tanswerher.Hedressedinthedark,feelinglikeaheel.She’dbeengenerous,andwarm,and
loving.Herheadlongdelightmadehimfeelevenguiltier.Hehadnothingtoofferher.
“Grace,youdounderstandthatI’mnotinthemarketforawife?”heaskedquietly.
Shefeltsickallover.Shewasshockedandtryingnottoletitshow.“Yes,”shesaidafteraminute,and
hervoicedidn’tgiveanythingaway.Herworldwascrashingaroundher,butshecouldn’tletitshow.
“Iunderstand.”
Hegrimaced.Hecouldhearthehurtinhervoice.Hewasjustmakingthingsworse.“I’llcomeover
tomorrowafterIgetofffromwork,”hesaid.“We’lltalkitout.”
“Allright.”
“Goodnight.”
“Goodnight.”
Shesoundedresignedtohisleaving.Hewantedtostay,totalk,toexplain.Hecouldn’tmanageit,
though.Hewasafraidofrelationships.Henevershouldhavestartedthis!
Heleftwithoutanotherword.Butallday,thememoryofthepleasuretheysharedhauntedhim.He’d
startedsomethinghecouldn’tfinish.HethoughtofGracewhilehewasworking.Shecamebetween
himandpaperwork,shimmeringlikefoxfireinhismemory.Heachedeverytimehethoughtofher.

GRACETURNEDHERFACEintothepillowwhenheleftandcriedasifherheartwasbroken.She’d
beensuchafool.Hedidn’twanttomarryher.Hejustneededawoman,andhereshewas,waiting
eagerlyforhim.Shegroanedaloud.She’dgivenhimallshehad.Itwasn’tenough.
Shefeltlikeanidiot.Hewasusedtowomenwhogaveoutandgotout,notretiringlittlespinsterslike
Gracewhoneverdated.Hewasanexperiencedlover,andhe’dlivedinbigcitiesforyears,wheresex
wascasual.Grace,ontheotherhand,livedashelteredlifebecauseofherpast.Sheknewverylittle

aboutadultintimacy.Ofcoursehedidn’twanttomarryher!Whymarryawoman,whenshewas
willingtogiveyouanythingyouwantedwithoutbenefitofaring?Shecursedherownweaknessfor
him.Ifshehadn’tgiveninsoeasily,ifshe’dmadehimwaitalittlewhile,hemighthavefallenin
love,too.Butnowshe’druinedeverything.He’dthinkshewasjustlikeallhisotherwomen,theones
hetookinhisstrideandcastaside.ShewasjustlikethatJaquiwoman,who’dmadefunofGraceand
saidGaronwouldneverseeherasarealwoman.
Shepulledherselfoutofbedandwenttobatheawaythescentofhim.Iftherewasanythingpositive
aboutthisexperience,ithadshownherthatshecouldbeawholewoman,thatshehadn’tbeentotally
destroyedbyherpast.Perhapsifshelookedatitthatway,inamaturefashion,shecouldforgetthat
themanshelovedwithallherheartwasonlylookingformomentaryrelief.Perhaps.

GARONDROVEUPinheryardjustafterseveno’clockthatevening.Despiteherresolvenotto
speaktohimagain,shewentrunningtoopenthedoor.Shelookedasifshehadn’tslept.Heknewhow
shefelt.Hehadn’tslept,either.He’dgonethroughthedayinadaze.
Sheopenedthedoorwider,likeasleepwalker.Hecameinandlockedit.Withoutmissingabeat,he
liftedherinhisarms,andkissedherasifhehadn’tseenherinayear.Moaning,helpless,sheyielded
atonce.Heturnedandcarriedherdownthehalltothebedroom.
Itwasbetterthistime.Itwasmoreintensethanthefirsttime.Hekissedherfromhereyelidsallthe
waytohercalves,inbroaddaylight,whisperingtoherthewholetime,excitingandsensualthings
thatmadeherblush.
Whenhehadheratfeverpitch,hepushedherrightovertheedgeintoecstasyandfellwithher
throughwavesandwavesofthrobbing,blindingheat.Shecriedoutendlesslyasthewavestore
throughherbody,leavinghershakinginthewarmaftermath.Heheldhercloseagainsthimwhilehe
foughttobreathenormallyagain.
“Iwasgoingtoaskyououttoeat,”hesaidonabreathlesslaugh.
Shesmiledandkissedhismuscularshoulder.Herownheartwasdoinguncomfortablethings.She
hopedhedidn’tnotice.“Itgetsbetterandbetter,”shewhispered.
Heheldhercloser.“Icouldn’tworktodayforthinkinghowitwaslastnight,”heconfessedaftera
minute.“Ididn’tthinkitcouldbeasgoodasIrememberedit.Butitwas.”Heliftedawayfromher,to
lookdownwithpossessivedarkeyesatherswollenbreasts,theirpinkcrownssoftandrelaxednow.
Hetouchedthemgently,awareoffaintscarsaroundthenipples.Hishandmoveddowntoherflat
stomachandhefrowned.Thescarswereoddlyuniform.He’dseenaccidentvictims,soheknewwhat
glassdidtohumanflesh.Butitdidn’tlooklikethis.
“Iknowthey’reugly,”shebegan,misunderstandinghisscrutiny.
Hiseyesliftedbacktohers,shocked.“Thatwasn’twhatIwasthinkingatall,”hesaid.“Wereyouin
thehospitalalongtime?”
Shenodded.“Twoweeks,”shesaid.
Hebroughtherhandtohischestwheretheribcagebegan,andpresseditintothethickhairthat
coveredthewarmmuscles.“Feel.”
Therewasaridgethere.
“Feelit?”heasked,smiling.“Itookahitwithamachetewhenwestormedahostagesituationseveral
yearsago.Notinthiscountry,”headdedwithahuskylaughwhenhesawherexpression.“Ispent
severaldaysinhospitalmyself.Sowebothhavescars.”
Shesmiledback,muchlessself-conscious.Shereacheduptotouchhisface,exploreit,caressit.This
waslikeadayoutoftime,whenshecouldloveandbeloved,whenshecouldfeelasanormalwoman

did.Shefeltthereturnofhope.Hewashelplessagainsttheattractionsheheldforhim.Thathadto
meansomething.
Hefeltthatlookallthewayinside.Heshouldn’tencouragehertocareabouthim.Itwouldleadto
disaster.Buthelovedthewayshelookedathim,theshytendernessinherfingerswhenshetouched
him.Helovedherfierceresponsewhenpassionlockedthemtogether.Forawomanwithatraumatic
past,she’dmovedeasilyintointimacy.Helikedtothinkitwasbecauseofhisownskillinbed.He
knewhowtogiveherpleasure,andhecouldseetheremnantsofitinhersmile.
“Supposewegoouttoeattomorrow?”hesuggested.
“Lunch?”
Henodded.“Ihavetostopbyacoupleofstoresafterward.Theinspectorgaveusagreatscore,sothe
SACsaidIcouldhavethedayoff.”
Shesmiled.“I’denjoythat.”
“SowouldI.”Hebentandkissedherandthenrolledoverandgottohisfeettodress.Shewatched
him,hereyessoftwithappreciationofthehardmusclesofhisbodyasheslidbackintohisclothes.
Belatedlyshegotupanddressed,too.
“Wouldyoulikemetocooksomething?”sheasked.
Heshookhishead,smiling.“Ihavephonecallstomakeandreportstogoover,”hesaid.“ButI’ll
phoneyouinthemorning.”
“Okay.”Shewasn’tgoingtofussordemandthathestaywithher.Shefeltloved.Itwasenough.She
sawhimtothedoorandthenfixedherselfabowlofsoup,hummingasifshe’dwonthelottery.

HEHELDHERHANDastheywentintoBarbara’sCafétogetlunch.OtherpatronswhoknewGrace
smiledbenevolentlyather,notingthemanshewasgoingaroundwith.Hewasthepolicechief’s
brother,sohemustbeagoodsort,theyweresaying.Garonnoticedthesmilesandfeltuneasy,but
theywereseatedandthespectatorsfoundotherthingstotalkabout.
Gracewassohappythatsheradiatedit.EvenGaroncouldn’thelpbutnoticewhatapictureshemade
whenshesmiledathim.
ShewasproudofherenlargedwardrobethatBarbarahadhelpedherbuyatthecollegethriftshop.
Shewaswearingasoftbluewooldresstodaythatcamefromtheshop.Itwasbeautifullycut,fitnicely
andemphasizedthetinyblueflecksinhergrayeyes.She’dgonetopainswithherhairaswell,putting
itupinabecomingstyle.Garonhadnoticed,complimentingheronhertaste.
Theyheldhandsagainonthewaytotheofficesupplystore.Grace,beaming,smiledatpassersbywho
knewher.Garonwasstilluncomfortablewiththeirscrutiny,andgettingcoldfeet.Colderbythe
minute,especiallywhentheywalkedintotheofficesupplystoreandthemanagerteasedGraceabout
hercompanion.Itwasonlysmalltownbanter,butGaronobviouslydidn’tlikeit,andwhentheyleft
thestore,hedidn’tholdhandswithheragain.Theteasingwasgettingonhisnerves.HelovedGrace
inbed,buthewasn’tgoingtomarryherbecauseofit.
Bytheendoftheday,he’dmadeadecisionhehatedhavingtomake.Hewasn’tgoingtoseeGrace
aloneagain.Shewasseeinghimasaprospectivehusband,buthedidn’twantherforkeeps.He’ddug
hisowngrave,continuingtoseeherwhenheknewhowshefeltabouthim.Hehadnothingtooffer
her.Hecouldn’tmarryher.Butwhenhesawthebeaminglookonherfaceasheleftheratherfront
door,hecouldn’tmanagethewordstotellherhewasbreakingitoff,either.Hemadeanoffhand
remarkaboutbeingespeciallybusyinthenexttwoweeks,butthathe’dcallher.Itwasthefirstlie
he’dtoldher.

10
GRACEWENTTOHERregularjobsforthenexttwoweeks.Shedidn’tphoneGaron,andhedidn’t
callher.Shewasstillglowingwiththememoryofthephysicaldelighthe’dshownher.Sheachedfor
himinthedarkness.Hisardorhadtaughtherthattherewasmoretosexthanpainandfear.She’d
lovedwhathedidtoher.Hewasaccomplishedandthorough.Everytimeshethoughtaboutthe
passionthey’dshared,shealmostmoanedaloudwiththeneedtoexperienceitagain.Butdayswentby
andthenweekswentby.Sheheardthroughthegrapevinethattheteamheledwassentoutofstateto
anemergency,andhewasgonealongtime.Sherarelysawhiscarathishousewhenshedroveto
work.Andstillhedidn’tcall.
MissTurnerhadobviouslycomebackhomelongago,butshehadn’tphonedGrace,either.Grace
didn’tknowthatGaronhadtoldhernotto,thatheandGracehadhadapartingofthewaysandshe
wasn’ttocommunicatewithheruntilthingscalmeddown.Itwouldhavekilledher.
ButworsethanGaron’sabsencewasthekindlymeantteasingaroundtown.Peoplehadbeendelighted
toseeGracefinallywithafellowofherown,holdinghandsinpublicandradiatinghappiness.Some
oftheolderpeoplerememberedwhathadhappenedtoher.Nobodytalkedaboutit,ofcourse,butit
wasagoodreasonforthemtowishherwellinGaron’scompany.
Exceptthatshewasn’tinhiscompany,andshehadn’tseenhim.Soeverytimesomeoneaskedwhyhe
wasn’ttakinghertocommunityevents,shehadtomakeanexcusethathewasworkinghardonacase.
Maybehewas.Butshedidn’tknow.

GARONREALLYwasworkingonacase.Thesamecase,thechildmurders.Hewasbad-tempered
andimpatientsincehe’dstoppedseeingGrace,becauseheknewitwasgoingtohurtherwhenshe
realizedthathewasendingtheirbriefrelationship.Theoddthingwas,shedidn’tseemtoknowit.
He’dheardfromhisbrother,Cash,thatshe’dsaidhewasworkinghardandthat’swhytheyweren’t
beingseentogetherintown.
Shehadn’tgottenthemessage,herealized.Hewasgoingtohavetodosomethingdrastictomakeher
understand.Somethingpainful.
Ifonlyshe’dtakenthehintandgoneaboutherownbusiness.Hegrimacedinwardlyasherealized
thathe’dgivenhereveryindicationthathewantedherinhislife.Shewasaninnocent,andhe’d
seducedher.He’dlookedforwardtotheirmeetings.Evennow,thememoryofGraceinhisarmswas
powerfulenoughtodisturbhim.
Butevenmorepowerfulthanhishungerforherwashismemoryofwhatitwasliketolosealoved
one.Ithadbeentenyearsandstilltheanguishofthattimeinhislifewasvivid.Hecouldn’tbeartogo
throughitagain.Bettertoliveinthepastthanriskhisheartasecondtime.Gracewasasweetwoman.
Helikedher.Butshewasn’tthesortofwomanwhonormallyappealedtohim.Helikedaggressive,
confident,powerfulwomen;womenlikeJaqui.Aquiet,clingingwomanwhocouldn’trelatetohim
intellectuallywasn’tgoingtofitintohisworld.
He’dletGracesidetrackhim,butnowhehadtoputastoptoherfantasies.Hehadtomakeher
understandthathedidn’twantherinhislife.Hehatedhavingtohurther,butsheshouldhaverealized
hewasn’tinterestedinmarriage.Hewasthirty-sixandsingle.Surelysheknewthatmenwhowere
stillunmarriedatthatagewereconfirmedbachelors?
“Issomethingwrong?”oneofhiscolleaguesaskedcuriously.
Heforcedasmile.“No.Iwasjustthinkingaboutthiscase.”
“HaveanyluckoverinPaloVerde?”heasked.

ThatbroughtbackthememoryofGracewithhim,anditstung.“Notmuch,”hereplied.“Buttheir
policechief’sbeendoingsomeinterviewsinthecase.Maybehe’llturnupthatwitness.”
“Maybeso.”
Garonwentbacktowork,mentallypromisinghimselfthathewasgoingtohaveitoutwithGracethis
weekendandshowher,onceandforall,thathewasn’tinterestedinher.

GRACEWASCONFUSEDbyGaron’savoidanceofher.He’dseemedasinvolvedasshewas,
especiallywhentheybecameintimate.Sheknewthathe’denjoyedher.Butthenhe’dtakenoffand
hadn’tevenbotheredtocall.Nomanwasthatbusy.No,hewasn’toverwhelmedwithwork.Hewas
tryingtogetridofGracewithoutconfrontations.
Sheshouldhaverealizedthatamanlikehimwouldn’tbeinterestedseriouslyinsomesmalltown
spinsterwhodidn’tevenhaveacollegedegree.Ifhe’dwantedGraceforkeeps,hecertainlywouldn’t
havegonetothatpartyatJaqui’saunt’shouse.Hewasattractedtothewoman.Shewaslikehim—
sophisticatedandcareer-minded.Andshecertainlywouldn’tbeinterestedinsettlingdownwithhim.
Sheprobablywouldn’tevenwantchildren….
Children!Sheplacedherhandsonherflatstomachandfeltsickallover.She’dtoldhimshecouldn’t
haveachild.Wasthatwhyhe’dstoppedseeingher?Beforeshetoldhimthat,he’dbeenvery
interestedinher.
Shebitherlowerlipandtearsstunghereyes.Thatexplainedit.Hewasfeelinghisyears,maybe,and
hewasthinkingaboutafamily.ButGracewasoutoftherunningbecauseshecouldn’tgivehima
child.Thatwaswhyhewasavoidingher.Hedidn’twanttohurther,butshewasbarren.Yes,shehad
toadmit,thatwassurelythereasonhe’dstoppedcallingher.
Shesatdowninhereasychairandletthetearsrolldownhercheeks.Lifehadcheatedher.Fromher
nightmarishchildhoodtothefinalindignityofbeingleftonlyhalfawoman,lifehadfailedher
entirely.Shemightaswellgetusedtobeingalone,becauseitwasallshewouldeverbeabletoexpect.
Nomanwantedawifewhocouldn’tbearchildren.Sheshouldhaverealizedit!
Finallyshegotup,wipedhereyesandwenttomakeherselfapotofcoffee.Hersewingprojectwas
nearingcompletion.Shehadtoconcentrateonthat,andstoptryingtobuildcastlesintheair.She
wouldgetoverGaron.Shecouldgetoveranything.She’dprovedherabilitytosurvivetragedy.She
justhadtogetinabetterframeofmindandstopcryingoverspilledmilk.

THEREWASANARTICLEintheSanAntoniopaperaboutthelittlegirlwhowaskilledrecently.
Gracereaditwithasinkingfeelinginherstomach.Thechildwasonlyten.Shehadlongblondhair
andlighteyes.Whenshe’dbeenachild,Grace’shairhadbeenlong.Andherowneyeswerelight.
Shefeltcoldallover.SomeonehadmentionedthatthechildwhodiedinPaloVerdewasalsoblond.
ThekillerhadstruckthreetimesinTexas,asfaraslawenforcementpeoplecouldreckon:inPalo
Verde,inDelRioandnowintheoutskirtsofSanAntonio.Hechosehisvictimscarefully.Heleftno
cluesatthecrimescene.Hewasmethodicalandintelligent.Thearticleinthepapermentionedthat
he’djustsentanotetothelocalpaperclaimingtwelvekills,inthreestates,anddaringthepoliceto
findhim.HeknewthatFBIbehavioralspecialistshadbeeninvolved,todoaprofileoftheunknown
killer.Itwoulddothemnogood,hesaidinatypedletter.Hewassmarterthantheywere.There
would,hepromised,bemorevictims.Manymore.
Graceputdownthepaperandcametoadecisionthatwaspainfultomake.Shewasn’tsurethatGaron
realizedthekillertargetedacertaintypeofchild.Orthattherewassomethingaboutthekillerthat
wascompletelyunknown.Heneededtoknow.Andtherewasacasesheremembered,thatnobody

knewaboutexceptahandfulofpeopleinJacobsville.Whatshecouldtellhimmighthelphimfindthe
killer.She’dbeenhidingintheshadowsfortoolongalready.Shecouldn’tletanothersmalllifebe
lost.
Shetriedthephone,buthisansweringmachinepickeditup.SoshedroveovertoGaron’shouse.It
wasonlysevenintheevening,andhiscarwasinthedriveway,sohemustbehome.
Shewentupthestepsslowly,andrangthedoorbell.
Therewasapause,thenthesoundofbig,bootedfeet.Therewasamuffledcursebeforethedoor
opened.
ItwasGaron,butnotthemanwho’dbecomesopassionatewithher.Thiswasacold,indifferent
strangerwhoglareddownatherwitheyesthatseemedtohateher.
“I’msorrytobargein,”shebegan,“butIneedtotalktoyou.”
“Youdon’ttakehints,doyou,Grace?”heaskedcoldly.“Itriedtodoittheeasyway,butyou’re
persistent.Solet’sgetitstraight.Idon’twanttoseeyouagain.Idon’twanttohearfromyou.Don’t
call,anddon’tcomehereagain.”
Hereyeswidened.Shefeltthewordshitherlikeablow.“Ex…excuseme?”shestammered,shocked.
“You’relookingforsomethingpermanent.I’mnot.Idon’twantalong-termrelationshipofanykind,
especiallynotwithsomeonelikeyou.”
“Whatdoyoumean,someonelikeme?”sheasked,astonished.
“You’reasmalltownspinster,Grace,withfewtalentsandminimumeducation,”hesaidfirmly,
hatingthewordsevenasheforcedthemout.“Wedon’thaveanythingincommonexceptphysical
attraction,anditdoesn’tlast.Youneedsomesteadycowboywhowantsadomesticatedlittlewomanto
keephouseforhim.”
Herfaceflushed.“Isee.”
Hefeltlikeadog,sohewasmoreantagonisticthanhewouldhavebeennormally.“Youneededhelp,
andIdidwhatIcouldforyou.ButI’dhavedoneitforanyone.YouexpectedmorethanIcouldgive
you.I’mtiredofhavingpeoplegossipaboutus.That’sover.Idon’twantyou,Grace.Gohome.”
Shecouldn’tevenmanageacomeback.Herheartwasbreakinginsideher.Sheknewthatherfacehad
gonedeathlypale.Sheturnedaway,wentbackdownthesteps,gotintohercaranddroveaway.
Garoncurseduntilheranoutofbreath.He’dmadeherleave.Nowhehadtofindawaytolivewith
theguilthefeltaboutthewayhe’dtreatedher.

GRACEWENTTHROUGHthemotionsoflivingduringthenextweek,butshedidn’tfeelmuchof
anything.ShewenttoherjobsandwasgladthatGarondidn’tcomeintoeitherofthebusinesses.She
didn’twanttoseehimeveragain.
Butsuddenly,hewaseverywhere.ShewenttothebankthefollowingFriday,andtherehewas,
standinginthenextline.Helookedatherandglared,asifhethoughtshe’dfollowedhimthere.She
ignoredhim.
Thenextday,thelocalfishpondopenedforbusiness—astockedpondwithbassandbream,where
customerscouldrenttackleandcatchalltheyliked,payingforthefishbythepound.
Gracewasexcited,becausesheusuallyenteredthelocalfishrodeosinthesummer.Shegrabbedher
poleandbaitandminnowbucketanddrovetothepond.Itwascrowded,whichwasnothingunusual
forthetimeofyear.Itwasalmostspring,afterall,andthisdayitwasunusuallywarm.Shewas
wearingjeansandatanktopwithabiggrayplaidflannelovershirt.Sheandhergrandfatherhadbeen
fishingbuddies.He’dtaughtherallsheknewaboutthesport.
She’dhopedtotakehermindoffGaron,becauseitwaspainfultorememberthethingshe’dsaidto

her.Butshestoppeddeadwhenshewasalmostatthepond,becausetherewasGaron,alsoinjeansand
achambrayshirt,withaspinningreel,standingonthebank.
Heturnedandsawherstandingbehindhimandhiseyesflashedwithfury.Hethrewdownthereeland
strodetoher.Shebackedupastep,intimidatedbythelookonhisleanface.
“ItoldyouIwasn’tinterested,Grace,”hesaidthroughhisteeth.“Followingmearoundisn’tgoingto
getyouanything!Didn’tyougetit?Idon’twantyou!”
Hisvoicecarried.AtleastoneofthefishermenwasaregularpatronatBarbara’sCafé.Hestaredat
Garonwithsurprise,andthenatGrace,whowasflushedandsick,withpity.
Sheturnedonherheelandmarchedrightbackoutthegate,herheartshakingherwithitswild,
helplessthrob.Theanimal!Howcouldhehaveembarrassedherso?Whatdidhethink,thatshehad
solittlepride,shecouldn’thelpbutstalkhimlikeapredator?Shecursedunderherbreathasshe
madeitbacktohercar.Shethrewherparaphernaliaintothebackseat,startedthecaranddrove
herselfhome.
Itwastheweekend,soshedidn’thavetogotowork.Insteadshefinishedhersmallsewingproject
andmailedoffapackagethatcarriedallherhopesforthefuture.Shefinishedpruningherroses,
plantedtwonewonesshe’dorderedthroughthemail,andcleanedthehousefromtoptobottom.She
sleptverywellfromtheexhaustion.ShedreamedofGaron,though,andthedreamstauntedherwith
whatshewouldneverhavewithhim.
Mondaymorning,shewentbacktoworkatJudy’sfloristshopandspentthedayworkingon
arrangementsfortwofuneralsoflocalpeople.Atleastwhenshewasworking,itwaspossibleto
forgetGaronforafewminutesatastretch.Ifonlyshecouldforgethimforgood!

GARONHADLONGSINCEcontactedheadquarterstodoaprofileonthechildkillerforMarquez,
tohelpnarrowdownthelistofpossiblesuspects.Anyonewho’deverdonetimeforcrimesagainst
childrenwasimmediatelyonthelist.Detectivesweregoingdoortodooragainintheneighborhood
wherethechildhadlived,toaskaboutsuspiciousactivityaroundthetimeofthechild’sabduction.
Garonhadn’tworkedoutoftheSanAntonioofficelongenoughtodevelopagoodnetworkof
informants,butoneofhiscolleagueshad.Hewentoutandputhissnitchestowork,listeningfor
wordonthestreetofthechildkiller.
Sofar,therewerenosuspectswhomatchedtheDNAfoundunderthechild’sfingernails.Theywere
checkinglonglistsofsexualpredatorswhowereoutonbondorparole,butnothinghadsurfacedso
far.Norwasthecanvassingofthedeadchild’sneighborhooddoingmuchgood.
“You’dthinkwithhousesthatclosetogether,somebodywouldhavenoticedastrangerskulking
aroundinthedark,”MarqueztoldGaronirritably.
“Someonedid,”heremindedtheotherman.“Sheldon.Buthecouldn’tgiveusagooddescription.An
older,baldmanwithalimp.I’veseensixpeoplewhofitthatdescriptiontoday.”
MarquezperchedontheedgeofGaron’sdesk.“I’vehadoneofmypatrolofficerstalktoacoupleof
hisinformants,”hesaid.“Oneofthemdidtimeforchildrape.It’spossibletheperpbraggedabouthis
crime.”
Garon’sdarkeyesflashed.“Iwanttocatchthisguy.”
“SodoI,”Marquezagreed.“Buthe’sbeenatitapparentlyfortwelveyears,ifthatnotehesentthe
newspaperisn’tjustexaggeration.”
“Onechildayear,”Garonsaidaloud.“Andneveranywitnesseswhocouldgiveapositive
description.TherewasstrangerDNAinatleastonecase,thislastone,butnomatchwhenweranit
throughVICAP.AndthetraceevidencefromtheDelRiokillingwaslikelystolen.”

“Maybetheperphasneverdonetime,”theyoungermanmused.“He’ssmart,andheknowsit.He
wantsustolooklikefools.”
“Ormaybehe’sinawrittenreportfromsomeotherlawenforcementagencythatnevermadeitinto
thedatabase.Weneedmoreinformationaboutthischild,”hesaidafteraminute.“Weneedtoknow
howshewouldhavereactedtoanintruder.”
“Youmean,wasshethesortofchildwho’dfightandscream,orwassheaplacidchildwhodidwhat
shewastold?”
“Exactly.Andweneedtoworkthosesimilarcases,andfindoutabouttheotherchildrenwhowere
abductedandmurdered.Weneedtoknowhowhe’schoosingthem.Thetaskforcehasworkedhard,
butweallhaveotherdutiesaswell.Everybody’sworkingovertime,andwe’regoingbackward.We
needmoreinformation.”
Marquez’seyesnarrowed.“Well,allthechildrenwerefemale,”hesaidsuddenly.“Andnonewas
olderthantwelve.”
“Verygood,”Garonreplied.“Healsohadtohaveawaytostudythechildrenbeforeheabducted
them.Thatmeansheprobablyhadaccesstotheminonewayoranother.Maybeheworkswith
children.”
“Maybehewasateacherorvolunteeredinafter-schoolactivities,”Marquezmurmured.
“Oratchurch,”Garonaddedreluctantly.
Marqueznodded.“Ortookphotographsofchildrenforyearbooks.”
“He’sanorganizedkiller.Hetooktheinstrumentofdeath,inthiscasetheredribbon,withhimtothe
crimescene.Hewascarefulnottoleaveanythingatthecrimescenethatmightimplicatehim.”
“Exceptfortheevidenceunderthelastchild’sfingernails.”
“Hemusthavemissedthat.”
“Probablyhe’ssoconfidentnowthathe’sgettingsloppy,”Garonreturned.“Hethinkswe’restupid.
Hedoesn’tthinkwecancatchhim,sohe’srelaxinghistechniquealittle.Pitythereweren’tanyliving
witnesses,”headded.“We’dbeaheadofthegameifweknewanythingabouthim.”
“Wedon’tusuallygetbreaksthatgood,”Marquezagreed.“Althoughhiswritingtothenewspaperdid
giveusmorethanwehad.Nowweknowforsurethathe’skilledtwelvechildren.”hehesitated.“CanI
askyousomething?”
“Sure.Shoot.”
Hestudiedtheolderman.“Youaren’tseeingGraceanymore.”
Garon’seyesflashed.“That’spersonal.”
“Yes,itis,”heagreed.“Graceislikealittlesistertome.Shehasn’thadaneasylife.”
“Gracewantsahusband,butIdon’twantawife,”Garonsaidevenly,withicedrippingfromhisdeep
voice.“Tokeepseeingherunderthecircumstanceswouldbestupid.Andcruel.”
Marqueznodded.“Isee.”Heturnedaway.“I’lldosomemoreresearchonthevictims.”
“OurbigproblemwithVICAP,”Garonsaidquietly,“isthatoftenpolicedepartmentswon’ttakethe
timetosendininformationonunsolvedmurdersintheirjurisdiction.Therecouldbemanyother
caseswithsimilarsignatures—theageandcoloringofthevictimandtheredribbons—butwewon’t
knowaboutthembecausetheyaren’tinthedatabase.”
Marquezpaused.“MostofthesekillingstookplaceinTexasandOklahoma.Onlytwosimilarkillings
werefoundinLouisiana.Everystatehasorganizationsforretiredpoliceofficers,andInternetsites.
Wemightputouttheinformationandseeifwegetareply.Someretiredlawmanmightrememberred
ribbonsinamurdercase.”
“Goodidea.It’sworthatry,atleast.”

Marqueznodded.“I’llgettowork.”
“I’lladdittotheagendaande-mailittotherestofthetaskforce.”
GaronwonderedifGracehadbeencryingonMarquez’sshoulders.They’dknowneachothermostof
herlife.MaybeMarquezhadotherfeelingsforherthanhewaswillingtoadmit.Eitherway,Garon
wasgrowingimpatientwithherrecent“accidental”meetingswithhimintown.Hehopedhe’dgotten
thepointacrossatthefishingpond.

BUTTHEFOLLOWINGFriday,therewasaperformancebytheSanAntonioSymphonyOrchestra
attheJacobsvilleHighSchoolAuditorium.GaroninvitedJaquitogowithhim.Shedressedina
scantylittleblacknumberthatemphasizedherlushfigure,andsheclungtohimlikeglue.Hewasn’t
reallyinterestedinher,buthedidn’twanttobeseenwithoutacompanion.EspeciallyinJacobsville.
Justastheystartedintotheauditorium,Gracewalkedin,allalone,inthebluewooldressshe’dworn
thelasttimeshewentoutwithGaron.
Shesawhimandstoppedinhertracks,lookingsurprised.
Garonknewdamnedwellshewasn’t.She’dtrackedhimhere.Heturnedtowardherwithfuryinhis
wholelook.
“Again?”heaskedcurtly.“Whythehellcan’tyoustopfollowingmearound?”hedemanded.“What
doesittaketoconvinceyouthatI’mnotinterested?!”
Graceswallowed,hard.Shefeltpeoplestaringather.She’dscrimpedandsavedforthisticket,and
nowtheeveningwasspoiled.Sheflushed,backingawayfromthehotflashofGaron’stemper.He
wasintimidatingwhenhelookedlikethat.
“Stalkingisagainstthelaw,Grace,incaseyoudidn’tknow,”headdedicily.“Icouldhaveyou
prosecuted!”
Shewastooembarrassedtostay.Sheturnedandlefttheauditorium.Herheartwascuttingcirclesin
herchest.Whenshegotoutside,shehadtostandforaminutetogetherbreath.Shewasshakingall
over,andshehadn’trealizedituntiljustnow.
Withtearsstreamingdownhercheeks,shewalkedquicklytohercar,gotin,andwenthome.Itwas
thelongestnightofherlife.Shedidn’tsleepatall.

SHEWASN’TCHASINGGARON.Shewishedsheknewhowtomakehimunderstand,andstop
accusingherofthingsshewasn’tdoing.Butshedidn’tknowhow.Obviouslyshecouldn’tphoneor
writehim,becausethenhe’dreallyhaveacaseagainstherforstalking.Shejustcouldn’tseemtowin.
Thiswasjustthelaststraw.
Shegrewpalerandthinner.Thestressofhisrejectionwasgivinghersleeplessnightsandcausing
otherhealthproblemsthatshekepttoherself.Butshedidn’tmisswork,despitethefearthathemight
turnupandstarttroubleagain.
ShewenttothekitchenatBarbara’sCaféearlyonthenextMondayandstartedcleaningandpreparing
everythingthatwouldbeonthemenu.
Shelovedcooking.Itwasoneofafewthingsshewasreallygoodat.Thisjobhadfallenintoherlap.
Barbarapaidgoodwages,andeventhoughitwasapart-timeposition,itpaidmostofthebills.Along
withwhatshemadeattheflorists’,shecouldlive.
“I’mopeningthedoors,”Barbaracalledtoher.“Ready?”
“Ready!”Gracecalledback,smiling.

ITWASABUSYDAY.SuperiorCourtwasinsession,andJacobsvillewasthecountyseatof

JacobsCounty,sotherewerelotsofpeopleintownforcasesonthecourtdocketwhowouldhaveto
getlunchthere.Thecafédidaroaringbusinesswhencourtwasinsession.Barbaratooktheorders
andhandedthemtoGrace,whofilledthemandbroughtthefoodout.Usuallytherewasoneother
girl,butshewasoutsicktoday.
Therewasatake-outorderwithnoname,sandwichesandchips.Shegotthemtogetherandbagged
them,thenwalkedouttothecounter,whereBarbarawasaddingupbills.
“There’snoname,”Gracebegan.
“Oh,that’sforGaronGrier,”cametheunexpectedreply.
Gracefeltherheartsink.Beforeshecouldspeak,therehewas,justcominginthefrontdoor,with
Jaquihanginglanguidlyonhisarm.
Gracestartedtowardhimwiththebag,herheartshakingher.
Hisdarkeyesseemedtoexplodeinrage.“GoodGod,notagain!”heraged.“Doyouhaveradar?
EverydamnedplaceIgo,youturnup!HowdidyouknowIwascominghere?Doyouhavesomeone
spyingonme,tomakesureyoudon’twasteanopportunitytoruinmyday?”hedemanded.
“Youdon’tunderstand,”Gracebeganslowly,tryingtoreasonwithhimdespitethefearhewas
kindlinginher.
“No,youdon’tunderstand!”hesnapped,movingforward.“You’rethickasaplank,Grace.Idon’t
wantyouinmylife!HowmanytimesdoIhavetosayitbeforeyoubelieveit?!”
Gracemovedback,quickly,herfacestiff,herhandstremblingonthepapersackshewascarrying.He
wasscarylikethat,allauthorityandrage.Violenceterrifiedher.
Barbarawassuddenlybesideher.SheslidanarmaroundGrace’sshoulders.“It’sallright,baby,”she
saidgently.“I’llhandlethis.Yougoonintheback,okay?”
Gracechoked,“Okay.”ShehandedthesacktoBarbaraandturnedtowardthebackofthecafé,tears
streamingfromhereyes.
“This,”BarbaratoldGaroncoldly,whilealleyesintheplaceturnedtowardher,“isyourtake-out
order.Gracewasbringingittoyoubecausethat’sherjob.Sheworkshere!She’smycook!”
Garonfeltthegroundgoingoutfromunderhim.Hehadn’tknownGracewasanemployee,thatshe
workedforBarbara.She’dnevertoldhim.
Barbarashovedthebagintohishands.Sheglaredupathim.“Here.It’sonthehouse.It’snosecret
aroundtownthatyou’vebeengivingGracehellforsomuchaslookingatyou.Well,you’renot
pickingonherinmyplace!Ihavetherighttorefuseservicetoacustomer,andI’mexercisingit.You
arehenceforthbarredfromthisrestaurant,Mr.Grier.Iwouldlikeyoutoleave.Now!”
Customersstartedclappingenthusiastically.Garonlookedaroundhimandrealizedthattherewereno
friendlyfacesinthatcrowd.He’dmadeenemiesofthewholetownbecausehewasn’twillingto
marrytheirresidentspinster.
Butarguingwasn’tgoingtosolveanything.Heshrugged,putthecarry-outorderonatable,took
Jaquibythearmandleft.
“It’snoloss,thefoodheresucksanyway,”Jaquitossedoverhershoulder.
“I’msurethefoodisn’teverythingthatsucksaroundhere,”Barbaratoldtheotherwomanwitha
smug,demeaningsmile.
Jaquistartedtospeak.Barbaraslammedthedoorinherface.Hercustomerscheered.Shegrinnedand
wentbacktothekitchentocomfortGrace.
“Now,now,”shechidedsoftly,wipingGrace’stearsonapapertowel.“He’sgone.You’resafe,baby.
Nobody’sgoingtohurtyouhere.”
Gracesobbedintothecomfortingshoulder.Foryearsnow,Barbarahadbeenasurrogatemotherto

her.Today,likeatigressdefendinghercub,she’druntheenemyoutthedooramidcheersfromthe
audience.Itwastragic,butfunny,too.Gracealwayssawthehumorinthings.Involuntarilyshestarted
laughing.
“See?”Barbaraaskedwithasmile.“It’snotasbadasallthat.Youhavetotakeyourpart,Grace.You
can’tletpeoplewalkalloveryou.EspeciallypeoplelikethatarrogantFBIagent.You’llspendtherest
ofyourlifecryingifyoudon’tstiffenup.”
Gracetookthepapertowelandwipedherweteyes.“Iguessso.I’mnotusuallysuchawimp.ButI’ve
beentiredlatelyandIhaven’tfeltwell.”Shetouchedherstomach,grimacing.“It’sbeenahardfew
weeks.”
“Youjustneedsometimeoff.Iknowyou’vegotalittlemoneyputback,Grace,andIcanhelpifI
needto,”sheadded,serious.“YougoandstayforafewdayswithyourcousinupinVictoria.We’ll
allmanagewithoutyouforacoupleofweeks.”
“That’scowardly,runningfromtheenemy,”Gracesniffed.
“Notwhentheenemyisstalkingyouallovertownandaccusingyouofdoingit,”shereplied,
noddingwhenGracelookedshocked.“WeallknoweverythinginJacobsville.He’sgivenyouhellfor
weeksnow.He’sgoingtostop.Hejustdoesn’tknowityet,”theolderwomanaddedwithacoldgleam
inhereyes.“He’llwishhe’dnevermovedhere.”
“Hisbrotherisverynice.”
“Yes,buthisbrotherisn’tpersecutingyou,”sheremindedGrace.“I’llhaveRickcomeupandsee
you.”
Gracesmiled.“He’snice.”
“He’smybaby,evenifIdidn’tgivebirthtohim.Helikesyou.”
Gracedidn’treply.SheknewMarquezlikedher.Shelikedhim,too,butshedidn’tlovehim.
“Maybe,someday,”Barbarasaidnebulously.“Butfornow,yougohomeandpack.Okay?”
Gracehuggedher.“Okay.”

11
GRACEPACKEDenoughclothesforaweek.She’dphonedherelderlycousintheveryafternoonthat
Garonhadupsether.He’dwelcomedhervisitwithopenarms.Gracehadtoadmitthatitwouldbea
relieftogetawayfromherviciousneighborforawhile.Shecouldn’tbeartoevenlookathishouse
asshepasseditonherwayoutoftown.Herheartwasshatteredbyhisbehavior.He’dgivenherevery
reasontohopethathecaredforherasshecaredforhim.Heknewshewasaninnocent,buthe’d
seducedherjustthesame,andthenmadeitsoundasifthey’donlyhadacoupleofcasualdates.
Obviouslysexmeantnothingatalltohim.ButithadmeanteverythingtoGrace.
SheturnedontotheVictoriaroad.Hercarranverywell,thankstoGaron’smechanic.Shecould
consideritoneoftheveryfewperksoftheirtragicrelationship.Shehopedshecouldfreezeherheart
whileshewasaway.SheneverwantedanothermantotouchheremotionsasGaronhad.Sheshould
haveknownbetterthantotrustaman.

GARONSAWGRACE’SCARpulloutofherdrivewayandcontinuedowntheroad,fromhisfront
porch.HewasstillsmartingfromBarbara’sdefenseofheremployee.Howthehellcouldhehave
knownthatGraceworkedintherestaurant?She’dneverreallydiscussedherworkwithhim.Jaqui
hadbeenincensedovertheeviction.Hicktownsandstupidpeoplewithlittlenarrowminds,she’d
raged.Youlookatsomeoneandtheyexpectweddingbells.Shewasgoodfortenminutesof
invectives,allthewayhome.
NobodyseemedtorealizethatGracehadbeenstalkinghim.Hewasthevictim,nottheirsheltered
littletownpet.ButhedidfeelbadlywhenherememberedGracebackingawayfromhim,trembling,
asheragedcoldlyatherinthecafé.Itwasn’tlikehimtohurtwomen.Hecouldn’trememberever
treatingoneashe’dtreatedGrace.Ithadseemedwarrantedatthetime.Butnow…
He’dsentoneofthehandsintoJacobsvilletothefeedstoretogetsupplies,onlytobetoldthatthey
weren’tcarryinghisbrandanymore.TheysuggestedhegethisfeedandranchsuppliesinSan
Antonio.Itdidn’tendthere,either.WhenhecontactedtheBallengersaboutfeedingoutsomeofhis
stock,theywerefullup.Theyrecommendedafeedlotinanothercounty.Hesentamanwithsome
businessdocumentstobenotarized,andnobodyinattorneyBlakeKemp’sofficewouldevenlookat
them.
“WillyoutellmewhyinhellI’msuddenlypoisontoeverybodyintown?”GaronaskedMissTurner
withacidtones.
Shegavehimanunsympatheticstare.“Youreallydon’tknow,doyou?”
“ApparentlyGracehasafanclub,andit’slabeledmeEnemyNumberOnebecauseIdon’twantto
rushhertothealtar,”hesaidwithcoldsarcasm.
Hereyesnarrowed.“Youaren’tfromaroundhere,soyoucouldn’tpossiblyknowwhatGrace’slife
waslikewhenshewasachild.Weallwatchedhergrowup.Gracewasalwaysthesinglegirlatany
party.Sheneverwenttodances.Shesatouttheprom.Atgraduation,shewasallalone.Her
grandmothercouldn’tbebotheredtogoseehergraduate,andhercousininVictoriawasinthe
hospitalatthetime.Graceneverhadasingledate,notevenadutchtreatone,”sheadded,whilehe
scowledasifthiswasunthinkable.“Andheresheis,holdinghandswithabachelorwhoseemsto
reallycareabouther.Ofcoursepeoplenoticed.Theyknewaboutherpast,andtheywerehappyfor
her.”
“Iknowthatshehadabadexperiencewithamanwhenshewasachild,”hesaidimpatiently.“Shetold
me.”

Shehesitated.“Abadexperience?”
“Yes.Inappropriatetouching,Ibelieve?I’minvestigatingacaseofchildrapeandmurder,”headded
indignantly.“Hardlythesamesortofthing.IcanunderstandhowtheincidentwouldaffectGrace,but
shegotoffeasycomparedtothechildwhowasbutcheredandthenthrownawaylikeausedshoe.”
Shelookedathimasifheweredemented,butshedidn’treplyforseveralseconds.“Isupposeyou
hadtoliveheretounderstand.Don’tworry.NobodywillpairyouoffwithGraceeveragain.”She
turnedbacktowardthekitchen,herbackasrigidasaruler.

HISNEXTSHOCKwaswhenhemetwiththetaskforce.Marquezsatseveralchairsawayfromhim
anddidn’tgreethimorevenlookinhisdirectionwhiletheywentovertheirfilesandthrewout
suggestionsforfurtheringthemurderinvestigation.Marquezsuggestedtheygopublicandsetupa
tipline,askingthepublic’shelp.Thatsoundedlikeagoodidea,anditwasapproved.
Whenthemeetingwasover,MarquezstartedoutthedoorwithoutawordtoGaron.
Garonfollowedhimtotheparkinglot.“Haveyougotaproblem?”heasked.
Marquezturned.Hiseyeswereblackaslightning,coldasice.“No,”hereplied.“Ihaveother
investigationspending,inadditiontothisone.I’llbeintouchifIcanaddanythingtothebodyof
evidence.”
Garon’seyesnarrowed.Ofcourse,MarquezwasBarbara’sadoptedson.HelikedGrace.Hemust
haveheardaboutwhathappened.
“Youdon’tunderstand,”hebegan.
Marquezwalkedrightuptohim.Theywerealmostequalinheight,butMarquezwasagoodeight
yearsyoungerandlesscontrolled.“AftereverythingGracehasbeenthroughinherlife,shedidn’t
deservebeingpersecutedbyyou,”hesaidflatly.
“Shewasstalkingme,”Garonreturnedhotly.
“Likehellshewas,”hefiredbackangrily.“GraceistheleastintrusivepersonIknow.She’stheexact
oppositeofthatcitystreetwalkeryougoaroundwithnow,”headded,meaningJaqui.“Gracehashad
toleavetown,didyouknowthat?”
“What?”
“ShewassoupsetthatMamahadtodriveherhomeMonday,”hecontinuedinthesamecontrolled
tone.“Shakingallover,sickasadog.Youdidn’thavetomakeyourcontemptforherpublic.You
couldhavetoldherinprivatewithoutmakingherthesubjectofgossipalloveragain!”
Hescowled.“SheturnedupeverywhereIwent,afterItoldherflatlythatIdidn’twanttotakeherout
again.”
Marquezjustglared.“Inatownoftwothousandpeople,itisn’tthateasytoavoidaneighbor,”hesaid.
“AlthoughIthinkyou’llfindthatmostpeoplewillavoidyouinthefuture.Andthatgoesdoublefor
me.”
“You’reinlovewithher,”Garonaccused,thinkingoutloud.
Marquezactuallyflushed.“Halfmylife,”heagreed,nodding.“I’dmarryherinaminuteifshe’dhave
me.She’ssweetandthoughtfulandkind.Shehasasortofempathythatmakestotalstrangerscryon
hershoulder.She’salwaysthefirstonetooffercomfortwhensomeonedies,tobringfood,toshare
whatlittleshehas…”Hestopped,hislipscompressing.“WhythehellamItellingyouanything?
LuckyGrace,toberunoutofyourlifebeforeitwastoolate.Nothingshe’severdonewasbad
enoughtodeserveyou!”
Heturnedandstalkedofftohiscarwithoutanotherword.

GRACELIKEDHERCOUSINverymuch.Shekepthimcompanyandstayedbusybakingsweetsfor
himinthekitchenwhilehishousekeeperenjoyedtheholidayfromthestove.Graceplantedflowers
forhim,readtohimandspentlazydaysenjoyingthediversionfromhertroubles.
Whatsheknewaboutthechildmurdersdwelledonhermind.Shehadn’tbeenabletotellGaronwhat
shethoughtaboutthesimilarityofthevictims.Butsheneededtotellsomebodyinlawenforcement.
Thiswasinformationthatmightsavealife.SoshephonedMarquez.
Heshoweduponeeveninginjeansandasweatshirt,tautandsomber,butpleasantjustthesame.
“Let’ssitontheporchandtalk,”sheinvited,afterthey’dhadsandwichesandcoffee,andhercousin
hadexcusedhimselftogotobed.
Theysattogetherintheoldswing,listeningtothesoundofcricketsanddogsbarkinginthedistance.
Itwasacoolnight,butcomfortable,andthestarswereoutinagloriousdisplay.
“Ilovespringnights,”shemused.“It’ssopeacefulhere.”
“I’msorryyoucan’tenjoyitathome,”hereturned.
Sheglancedathim,feelinghisindignation.“Barbaratoldyou.”
“Yes,”hesaid.“Iwantedtodeckhim.”
“Ifeltthesame,butitwouldn’taccomplishanything,”shesaidwithresignation.“He’soneofthose
peoplewhodoesn’tneedanybody.Ishouldhaverealizedit,andnotgonegooeyoverhim.”
“Don’tbeatyourselfup,”hesaid.“He’snotthepersonIthoughthewas,either.”
Shefingeredthecoldchainthatsupportedtheswing.“IsupposeitdidlookasifIwerefollowinghim
around.Icouldn’tmakehimunderstandthatthosewerenormalactivitiesforme.”
“It’swaterunderthebridge.Whydidyouwantmetocomeup?”Hegrinned.“Haveyoufinally
discoveredaragingpassionforme,andyouwanttogivemeadiamondring?”
Shegapedathimandthenburstoutlaughing.“Youidiot!”
“Itwasworthatry.Comeon,comeon,I’vegotadrugdealeronabackburnerandIneedtotakehim
offprettysoon.Ican’tstaylong.”
Shesmiled,rememberinghimasasortofjuveniledelinquentwhowasalwaysintroubleatschool.
Nothingserious,usually,buthecouldn’tmanagetobeplacid.
Shesoberedthen.“It’saboutthechildwhowaskilled.”
Hewasstill.“Yes?”
“Irememberedsomething,”shesaid.“ImeanttotellGaron,buthethoughtIwenttohishouse
becausehehadn’tcalledme.”
“SoIheard.”
Shedrewinabreathofcoolair.“Allthechildrenhadlongblondhair,”shesaid.
Hefrowned.“Well…yes,theydid!”
“Andlighteyes.”
Henodded.
“Andred…ribbons.”
Hewassuddenlyveryquiet.
Shestareddownatherhandsinherlap.“Rick,youwereawaywhenithappened,”shesaid.“But
someone,Barbaramaybe,musthavetoldyousomethingaboutit.”
“Verylittle,”hereplied.“Exceptthatyouweretraumatizedbyasexualpredator.”Hehesitated.“I
didn’tfeelcomfortableaskingyouaboutit.”
Shelookedupathimandsmiledgently.“Thanks.”
Heshrugged.“I’maprivatepersonmyself.Iunderstand.”
Shecurledherfingersaroundtheswingchain.“Onlyafewpeopleeverknewthetruth.Therewasa

cover-up,”shesaid.“Mygrandmotherwasbesideherself.MamahadheardaboutitfromGranny,and
thatverynight,shecommittedsuicide.”
“Yourmother?”heexclaimed.“Butwhy?”
“Whoknows?GrannysaidMamafeltresponsible,becauseshe’dthrownmeoutofherlifeandleft
meatthemercyofabitteroldwomanwhodrankalcoholtoexcessalmosteverynight.”
“Ididn’trealizethatoldMrs.Colliereverhadasipofanythingalcoholic,”headmitted,surprised.
“Shesoberedupwhenshehadtocomeandseemeinthehospital.Iwas…Iwasamess,”shebitoff.
Sheshiftedintheswing.“Ifyousawthebodyofthelatestmurderedchild,maybeyoucanimagine
whatIlookedlike.”
“DearGod!”heburstout.
“Iwaslucky,”shecontinued.Itfeltgoodtotalkaboutit,aftersomanyyearsofstoicsilence.“He
panicked.Hecouldn’tquitefigureouthowtostranglemetodeath.Hewasclumsywiththered
ribbon,andthenthepolicesirensstartedwailing.Hestabbedmewithjustapocketknife,overand
overagain.Iwasinterriblepain,butevenattheageoftwelve,IknewthatifIdidn’tplaydead,I’dbe
dead.Iheldmybreathandprayedandprayed.Andheran.Someonehadtippedoffthepolicewhen
theysawhimcarryingmeacrossafieldinthemoonlight.Ineverknewwho,butitsavedmylife.”
Shelookedathim,awareofhistense,smolderinganger.“Apparentlyitisn’tthateasytochoke
someonetodeath,evenachild.”
“No,itisn’t,”heconfirmedtautly.“Ittakesseveralminutesofconcentratedpressure.Anoosewitha
sticktwistingitiseasierthanusingyourhands,butitstilltakesmorethanaminuteortwotokilla
person.”
“Irememberhishandsmostofall,”shesaiduncomfortably.“Theywerebonyandpale,weak-
looking.Igotaglimpseofthem,undermyblindfold.Ithinkonehaddeepcutsonit.Theywere
nothinglikemygrandpa’s,whowasadeputysheriffandworkedwithhorses.Hehadlean,strong,
tannedhands.Goodhands.”
“Theytookyoutoadoctor,”heprompted,becauseshe’dgonesilent.
Shedrewinasteadyingbreath.“Dr.Coltrainhadjustgottenhislicense.Iwasoneofhisfirst
patients,”sheaddedwithasmile.“Ilearnedsomenewbadwordslisteningtohimwhenheexamined
me.Hewaseloquent.”
“Hestillis,”Marquezsaid.
“Anyway,ittooksomeminorsurgeryandalotofstitches.Ilostanovaryandmyspleenandevenmy
appendix,”sheadded.“Theysaiditwouldtakeamiracleformetoeverhaveachild.AsifI’dwantto
getmarriedandgiveamanpoweroverme,afterthat,”shesaidsadly,andtriednottorememberhow
comfortingGaron’sstrongarmshadbeeninthedarkness.He’dwalkedawayfromhersoquickly
whenheknewshecouldn’thaveachild.Itwasjustaswell,though,thatshewasbarren,aftertheway
he’dtreatedher.
“Areporterheardsomethingonhispolicescanner.Notenoughtotellhimthetruth,butenoughto
makehimcurious.Hecameoverheresnoopingaround.MygrandmothercalledChetBlake.Chettold
himIwasattackedbyacrazedmanandthatIhadamnesia,thatIcouldn’trememberanythingaboutit.
Thatseemedtosatisfythereporter,becauseheleftandnobodysawhimagain.Butafterheleft,
Grannywasafraidthemanwhoabductedmemightcomebackandfinishthejobifthetruestorygot
out.EventhoughIwasblindfoldedthewholetime,hemightthinkIcouldstillidentifyhim.Soour
policechief,ChetBlake,hidthefile,andtalkedtothelocalmedia.HesaidIhadbeenslightlyinjured
byamentalpatient,thatIhadamnesiaandcouldn’tevenrememberhowIgothurt.Everybodyaround
mesworeitwasthetruth.Thepaperranastorysayingajuvenilehadbeeninjuredbyanescaped

mentalpatientandIcouldn’trememberanythingthathappened.Thementalpatient,theysaid,was
takenbacktotheinstitutionhecamefrom,andIwasfine.Itwastoosmallastorytomakethebigcity
papers,sothatwastheendofit.IfthemanwascheckingaboutwhatItoldthepolice,andhereadour
localpaper,he’dhavefeltsafe.”Sheglancedathim.“Iwassoafraidthathe’ddoitagain,tosome
otherlittlechild.Andheis,isn’the,Rick?He’sstilloutthere,butnowhe’skillingchildren.Ididn’t
wanttobeprotectedatthecostofsomeoneelse’slife,butnobodywouldlistentome.Iwasjustakid
myself.I’vehadtolivewiththateversince.”
“Damn!”
Shesighedheavily.Thememorieswerestifling,frightening.Herhandsgrippedeachother.“Ifeel
guiltybecauseIdidn’tcomeforwardandtellthetruth.”
“Youwereachild,Grace.Youhadnosayinwhatwasdone.”
“ButI’mnotachildnow,”shesaidearnestly.“Icouldn’tpickhimoutofalineup,Rick,butI’d
rememberhisvoice.Atleastyoucouldlookatthefileandseewhatevidencetheysaved.Iknowthey
hadswabs,andtheytookmyunderclothes,”shechoked,swallowinghard.Shedidn’twantto
remembertherest.“Theremightbesomethingelsethatwouldhelpwiththeinvestigation.”
“Yes,but,Grace,ifChethidthefile,howwillwefindit?”
“Youcanfindout.Iknowyoucan.IwantyoutogotoElPasoandtalktoChiefBlake.Iwantyouto
tellhimthatwehavetogivethatinformationtothetaskforce.I’lltryveryhardtorememberwhathe
talkedabout,anythingthatmighthelpidentifyhim.Iwasinthatplaceforthreedays.”
Hedidn’tspeakforseveralseconds.“Grace,whatpurposewoulditservetoopenthefiletwelveyears
afterthefact?”heargued.“We’vegotDNAevidencefromthelatestvictim.We’vegotleads.Ifthey
openthatfile,someone’sgoingtoletthecatoutofthebag.Anygossipaboutthecasewouldputyou
indanger.Hemightcomebackandkillyou,tosilenceyou.”
“Iknowthat,”shereplied.“Buthe’skilledalotoflittlegirls,”shesaidsadly.“MaybeIcouldhave
savedsomeofthemif…”
“Stoprightthere,”hesaidfirmly,catchinghercoldfingersinhisown.“Childpredatorsare
everywhere.Youcouldn’tpreventakidnappingifyouwerelivinginthesametownastheperpetrator
rightnow!There’sbeenplentyofpresscoverageaboutthispredator.Parentsknowtowatchoutfor
theirchildren,butthisguyisverysmart.Warningpeoplewon’tstophim.”
Sheshifted.“Maybenot.IdothinkImighthavebeenhisfirstvictim,”shecontinued.“Hewasnervous
thelastdayhekeptme.Heusedapocketknife,butI’dgainedalotofweightthatyear.Ihadafat
stomachanditsavedmylife.Heleftmefordead,panickedandran.Imanagedtoscream.Someone
heardmeandIwasfoundintime.”Shestaredintothedarkness.“Hetookmerightoutofmyown
bed,inthemiddleofthenight,withmygrandmothersleepingintheroombesidemine.Ifshehadn’t
beendrinking,shemighthaveheardhim.Shehatedmefortherestofherlife,becauseeverybody
knewshe’dbeentoodrunktolockupproperly.Shepretendedtobesuchamoralpillarofsociety.
ThenIgotabductedandshewasexposed.”
“Sheshouldhavebeenchargedwithcriminalnegligence,”hesnapped.
“She’sdead.Everybody’sdeadbutme,Rick,”shesaidsadly.“Itdoesn’tmatteranymore.Catchingthis
lunaticdoes.YouhavetomakeChiefBlaketellyouwherethatfileis.Theremaybesomethinginit
thatwillgiveyouaclueleadingtothekiller,especiallyifIreallywashisfirstvictim.Hemighthave
madeonemistakethathe’stoosavvytomakenow.Andthatonemistakemighthelpyoucatchhim.”
Hesmiledgently.“You’requitealady.”
Sheleanedagainsthisshoulder.Itwasthefirsttimeshe’devertouchedhimvoluntarily.Hewasa
sweetman.“IwishIcouldbewhatyouwantmetobe,Rick,”shesaidhonestly.“You’rethenicestman

Iknow.”
Hisheartached.Havinghercurledupbesidehimsotrusting,madehimfeelhumble.Hewantedto
wrapherupagainsthimandkissheruntilshemoaned,andmakeherlovehim.Butitwasnever
goingtohappen.Heloved.Shedidn’t.Shewasonlyhisfriend.Buteventhatwasbetterthannothing.
Hisarmslidaroundherhesitantly,restingtherewhenshedidn’tprotest.Hishearthammeredathis
ribs,buthedrewhercloseinacomforting,platonicway.“You’rethenicestwomanIknow,”he
replied.
Heheardhersoftsighassherelaxedagainsthisshoulder.Itwassweeterthanhoney,thisinterlude.At
leastshelikedhim.Shetrustedhim.Whocouldsaythatonedayshewouldn’trealizewhatagood
catchhewas.Hejusthadtobepatientandnotrushhisfences.
Herockedtheswingbackintomotion.Aroundthem,thenightwaspeacefulandquiet.

INTHEDAYSthatfollowed,GaronwenttoworktryingnottothinkaboutGrace.Heturnedoutwith
everyoneelsetorespondtoanewbankrobbery.Itwasthesamecrew,withautomaticweapons.This
timetheywoundedaguardandacustomer.Hegavehissquadapeptalkandhadfourofthemstaking
outbanks.Inthemeantime,hecoordinatedwiththeserialkillertaskforce,organizedhiscasesand
doledassignmentsouttohissquad,escortedvisitingdignitariesaroundtown,caughtupsomeofhis
paperwork.ButhisconsciencestillhurtaboutGrace.Hecouldhavebeenlesscruel.Shewaslikea
child,insomanyways.Shewasn’tusedtopeopledeliberatelyhurtingher.MaybeitwaslikeMarquez
said,itwasacoincidencethatshe’dbeenatthesameplaceshewas.
Twoweeksaftershelefttown,hisbrotherCashcalledhimoneafternoonandinvitedhimovertothe
policestation.
“Whyhereandnotathome?”heaskedhisbrotherwithasmilewhenhewalkedintotheoffice.
Cashdidn’tsmileback.Hewassomber.Heclosedhisofficedoorandsatdownbehindhisdesk.
“MarquezflewtoElPasoandtalkedtoourcousinChetBlake,”Cashsaid.Hehadhishandsfolded
overamanilafilefolder.“TherewasanattemptedchildmurderhereinJacobsvilletwelveyearsago.
It’sidenticaltothecaseyouandMarquezareworking.Thefilewassealedandhidden,becauseChet
wasafraidthemanwouldcomebackandfinishoffthechildifheknewshesurvived.”
Garonfrowned.“Thechildlived?There’sawitness?”
“Yes,”Cashreplied.“It’satragiccase.Shewasabductedoutofherownbedandcarriedtoan
abandonedcabinjustoutsidetown.Shewasheldthereforthreedays,”hesaidwithtightlips.
“Nobodyknowswhathedidtoher.Sheneverspokeofittoanyone.Herinjurieswerelife-
threatening.Shespentweeksinthehospital.Therewasasearchfortheperpetrator,buttheynever
foundhim.Hejustvanished.”
“Thechildwasagirl?”heasked.
“Yes.Shewastwelveatthetime.Likeyourothervictims,shehadlongblondhairandlightcolored
eyes.”
“WhyinGod’snamedidn’ttheysharethatinformationwiththeBureau?”Garondemandedhotly.“It
mighthavesavedlives!Especiallywithalivingwitnesswhocouldidentifyhim!”
“Shewasblindfolded,”Cashsaid.“Thewholetime.Sheheardhisvoice.That’sall.”
“Buttocoveritup…!”
“Jacobsvilleisasmalltown,andherpeoplewerepowerful,”hesaid.“YouknowChet.Hedoesn’t
likeconfrontations.Hewastoldwhattodo,andhedidit.Againsthisbetterjudgment,Imightadd.”
Garonletoutaroughsigh.“Well,what’sinthefile?Isthereanythingaboutaredribbon?”
“Yes.”Cashslidthefilefolderacrossthedesk.HewaswatchingGaronwithanoddexpression.

Garoncouldn’tdecidewhyuntilheopenedthefilefolderandsawthefirstofthephotographsthat
weretakenatthesceneofthecrime,andofthechildatthetimeofherrescue.
Thelittlegirlwaspudgy,aschildrensometimesarewhentheyreachtheouteredgeofadolescence.
Shewascoveredwithblood.Herlongblondhairwasmattedwithit.Hertanktopwasshredded,like
hercottonshorts.Therewasdirtonherlegsandherbarefeet.Thenextseriesofphotosweretakenin
thehospital,withoutherclothing.Herstomachshowedmultiplestabwounds.Therewerebruisesall
overherarmsandlegs.Shehadablackeye,andhermouthwasbloody.Therewasbloodaroundthe
tiny,pinkbudsofherbreasts.
ThedamagematchedthatofthedeadchildGaronhadseenattheautopsy,exceptthatthispoorvictim
hadlived.Hestudiedthephotosandthenturnedtoliftthepolicereport,whichgavethechild’sname.
Garon’sbreathexplodedinthesilenceoftheoffice.Hisheartseemedtostopbeating.Thechild’s
namewasGrace.GraceCarver.
Memoriesflashedinfrontofhiseyes.Grace,shyandafraidofhim.
Grace,lettinghimpickherupwithwide,frightenedeyes.Grace,clingingtohim.Grace,inhisarms,
inhisbed,lovinghim.Graceholdinghishandandradiatingjoy.Grace,cringingfromhimin
Barbara’sCafé…!
Thepuzzlefellintoplace.Gracewasinnocentbecauseshe’dbeenabducted,assaultedandverynearly
killedbyahomicidalmaniac.Andhe’dmadelightofherexperience.Worse,he’dseducedherand
thenpushedheroutofhislife,likeamandiscardingausedtowel.
Heputhisfaceinhishandsandtriedtojustifywhathe’ddonetothatpoor,torturedsouloutofhis
ownfearthatshewasgettingtooclosetohim.Godinheaven,hethoughtpoignantly,whathaveI
done!
Cashwasn’tblind.He’dheardthegossipaboutGaronandGrace,especiallyinthepastcoupleof
weekssinceshe’dbeenforcedtoleavetowntostopthewhispers.HeandGaronweren’tclose,sohe
hadn’taskedanyquestions.Butthemanacrossfromhimdidn’tseemveryarrogantnow.
Garonleanedbackinhischair.Hiseyeswereblank.He’dlostcolorinhisleanface.Theshockwas
alltooapparent.
Hewastryingtocometogripswithhisownactions.Nowonderhe’dbeenanoutcastafterhis
treatmentofGrace.Theimportantpeopleinthistownknewthetruthofwhathadhappenedtoher.
Theyweredelightedthatshe’dfoundsomeonewhocouldhealheremotionalwounds,giveheralittle
happiness.Ithadn’tbeenmaliciousgossipaboutthetwoofthem,oranattempttomarrythemoff.It
hadbeenhappinessthat,afterallGracehadendured,shemighthavealovingfuturetocomfortthe
painofherpast.
Insteadshe’dbeenkickedintheteethonemoretimebyfate.ByGaron.
Garonletoutaslowbreath.
“Marquezwantedtotellyouhimself,”Cashremarkedafteraminute.“ButIdidn’ttrusthimthatclose
toyou,onceheknewthefactsofthecase.”
Garonlookedathisbrotherblankly.“Hedidn’tknow?”
Cashshookhishead.“Gracetoldnoone.Chetgavehimthedetails,alongwiththisfile.Todate,not
onepersonknowswhatthatanimaldidtoherinthethreedayshekeptheraprisoner.”
Hewasrememberingthedeadchild,thehorriblemutilationofheryoungbody.Thatcouldhavebeen
Grace.Shecouldhavebeendead,insteadofemotionallyandsexuallycrippledandleftfordead.It
waslikeanightmare.He’dneverthoughtofhimselfasamonster.Before.
“Wasthereanytraceevidence?”heasked,forcinghisnumbbraintowork.
“Yes.I’dbetmybatonthattheDNAwillmatchwhatyoufoundonthelatestvictim.”

“DNA.”HestaredatCashwhilethetruthdrilledaholeinhisheart.“DNA.”Histeethgroundtogether.
ThesonofabitchhadrapedGrace…!
Hegotupfromthechairinonepowerfulmovement,almostshakingwithrageandself-loathing.
Cashgotinfrontofhimbeforehecouldstartforthedoor.“Sitdown.”
“LikehellIwill!”
“Isaid,sitdown!”
Cashpushedhimbackintothechairandstoodoverhim,powerfulandimmovable.“Rememberwho
andwhatyouare,”hesaidforcefully,hisdarkeyesevenandsteadyonhisbrother ’s.“Youcan’tgo
ragingoutofherelikeamaddog,chasingshadows.Youdon’tevenhaveasuspect.Whatareyou
goingtodo,runcheekswabsoneverymaleinJacobsandTarrantCounties?”
Saidlikethat,itsoundedabsurd.ButGaronwasn’tthinkingstraight.Hewasfurious.Hewantedto
hurtsomeone.Hewantedtofindthesexualpredatorandstranglehimslowlywithhisownhands.He
couldn’trememberfeelingsuchmindlessrage.Atleastnotsincehe’dlosthisownlove,solong
ago…
Buthe’dlivedinthepasttoolongalready.He’dusedittowardoffanyemotionalties,tokeep
himselfsafefromanotherrelationship.Hewasalone,bychoice.ButGracehadpaidthepriceforhis
escape.He’dsavagedhertosavehimself.Shewouldneverforgivehim…
HestaredupatCashwithdawningrealization.Gracehadcomeoutofthedarknightmarethatwasher
lifetoreachouttowardGaronwithhopeandbreathlessanticipation.He’dknockedherback,savaged
herverballyandemotionally.He’dfrightenedhersobadlyinthecaféthatshe’dbackedawayfrom
him,shakinglikealeaf.He’ddonethattoher,whenheronlycrimewasthatshewantedtolovehim.
Hiseyesclosedonawaveofpain.GracehadsentMarqueztoElPasotodigupthemosthorrible
chapterinherlife.She’ddoneitnotforherself,buttotrytosavesomeotherchildfromwhatshe’d
endured.Shewaswillingtotaketheriskthatreopeningthecasemightbringthekillerbacktofinish
thejobhe’dstarted.
Inaflashhesawwhathe’dmissedfromtheminuteCashgavehimthefilefolder.Gracewastheonly
personalivewhocouldidentifythechildkiller.Andsharingthecasewithpolicemightgetherkilled,
aswell.

12
ITWASALONGDRIVEtoVictoria.Saturdaysinearlyspringbroughtalltheweekendadventurers
outonthehighway.UsuallyGarondidn’tmindbottlenecks,buthewasanxioustogettohis
destination.Hewasn’tsurehowhewasgoingtomanageit,buthehadtocoaxGraceintocoming
home.
He’dphonedMarquez’scellphone,buthehadn’tgottenananswer.Probablytheyoungermanwas
stillfuriousandunwillingtotalktohim.Hecouldn’tblamehim.ThedetectivelovedGrace.It
wouldn’tsitwellwithhimthatGaronhadcausedhersomuchpain.
Hewaswearingalightweightjacket,whichheprobablywasn’tgoingtoneed.Itwasawarm,sunny
day.TheSUVaheadofhimhadacanoelashedtoitsrackandfishingpolesstickingoutoftheback
window.Fishing.Hegrimaced,recallinghowhe’doverreactedwhenhefoundGraceatthelocal
fishingpond.
Hercousinlivedbackofftheroadinagroveofpecantrees.Therewasadirtdrivewaythatledupto
thehouse.Itwasanoldhouse,simplewhiteclapboard,onestory,withtwochimneysandalongfront
porchthatcontainedrockingchairs,asetteeandaswing,allpaintedgreen.Offtothesidewasalarge
pondwithapier.Heglancedtowarditandblinked.Gracewasoutthere,dressedinknee-highcutoffs
andaredT-shirt,bendingoverwhatlookedlikeaminnowbucket.
HegotoutoftheSUVandwalkeddowntothepond,sunglasseshidingtheapprehensioninhisdark
eyes.Thesunglasseswereanindividualthingnow.ButwhenhewasintheeliteHostageRescue
Team,everyonecopiedtheteamleader ’ssunglasses.Thosehadbeengooddays,workingtightwith
anexpertgroupofmen.Hisjobnow,evenheadingacrimeunitsquad,waslessexciting.Itwasless
stressfulaswell.Maybethatwouldseemlikeabenefit,oneday.
Gracesawhimcomingandstraightened.Herchincameup.Shewasbarefootandworenomakeupat
all.Herlonghairwasinabraidthatreachedbetweenhershoulderblades.Shewasn’twearing
sunglassesandshewasn’tsmiling.Inonehand,sheheldalongcanepolewithacork,sinkersanda
hookonthefishingline.
Thememoryoftheirlastmeeting,whenhe’dhumiliatedherinBarbara’scrowdedcafé,wasstill
freshinhermind.“Well,well,ifitisn’tthePrinceofDarkness,”shesaidcoldly,andhergrayeyes
reflectedthepain,indignationandoutrageofthepastfewweeks.“Ican’tthinkofawayyoucould
causemeanymoreembarrassmentonthisplanet.So,haveyoucomeformysoul?”
Hestoppedjustinfrontofher.Ifhe’dhopedforatruce,hewasdisappointed.Hestuckhishandsin
hispockets,eyeingtheplain,old-fashionedfishingpole.“Ifyouplantocatchanything,you’dhave
betterluckwithaspinningreel,”headvised.
Shemovedtothesideofthepier,bentandpulledupastringofbass.Theywerefivetosixpounds,
each,andshehadfourofthem.Hissurprisewasvisible.
Sheheldthestringoffishatherside,andshewasglaring.“IwontheJacobsvilleBassRodeotwo
summersinarow,”sheinformedhim.“WhichiswhyIspendeveryfreeminuteatJake’sFishPond
inJacobsvilleinearlyspring.Practicing.SadlyI’vehadtoforegopracticesinceyoudecidedthatI
waschasingafteryou!”
Hefeltthehotcolorflowintotheskinoverhishighcheekbones.He’daccusedheroffollowinghim
tothefishingpond.Shehadn’tbeenchasinghimatall.Atleast,notthattime.
“Whyareyouhere?”sheasked,notmoving.
Hestuckhishandsinthepocketsofhisslacksandsearchedforinspiration.Hehopedhedidn’tlook
asuncomfortableashefelt.

Buthedid.Shecockedherheadandstudiedhimforaminute.“Oh.Isee.Someonetoldyouthetruth
aboutmypast,isthatit?”sheaskedwithicypoise.
Themusclesinhisjawtautened.“Somethinglikethat.”
Sheavertedhereyesandmovedtothefoamcoolershe’dbroughttostoreherfishin.Sheopenedthe
topandputthefishontopofthelayeroficeinside.Shecloseditback,allwithoutgivinghima
secondglance.
“YousentMarqueztoElPaso,”hesaidwithoutpreamble.
Shelookedathim.“Iknowthingsaboutthekillerthatyoudon’t.Itriedtotellyou,butyoudecided
thatI’dcometoyourhousefor,shallwesay,otherpurposes,beforeIcouldgetthewordsout.”
Hislipscompressedtightly.“Listen,”hebegan.
“No,youlisten!”sheshotback,eyesflashinglikesilverlightninginafacelividwithbadtemper.
“I’vespentmyentireadultlifebackingawayfrommen.I’veneverchasedanyoneinmylife,andthat
goesdoubleforyou.DoyoureallythinkIhavesolittleprideandself-respectthatI’dgorunning
wildlyafteramanwho’djusttoldmehedidn’twantanythingelsetodowithme?”
Nowthathethoughtaboutit,no,hedidn’t.Butitwastoolateforthatbelatedinspirationtosavehim.
Gracewasfurious,andhewasalreadyonthedefensiveandnotlikingit.
Hedrewinashort,angrybreath.Herammedhishandsdeeperintohisslackspocketsandscowled
downather.“Whatdoyouknowaboutthekillerthatwedon’t?”heasked.
“Foronething,thathelikeslittlegirlswithlongblondhairandlight-coloredeyes,”shesaid,trying
tosoundcalmerthanshefelt.“Healsosaidthathe’dbeenwatchingmeatschool.HeknewthatIlived
withmygrandmotherandthatshedrankherselftosleep.Itamusedhimtotakemerightoutofher
houseandthroughthewindowinthemiddleofthenight.Hesaidthathe’ddreamedofcollecting
blondgirlsjustmyage,withlonghair,andthathewouldtieusupwithredribbonssothateveryone
wouldknowwebelongedtohim.Ibelievethat’swhatyourorganizationcallsakiller ’s‘signature’?”
“Mydegreeisincriminaljustice,”hecountered.“Idon’tdoprofiling.That’suptotheBehavioral
ScienceUnitatQuantico.”
Shegavehimasmolderinglook.“Ifthere’sadeadchildinSanAntonio,andtherewerealsodead
childreninDelRioandPaloVerde,”shepointedout,“withayearorsoinbetween,similarcoloring
andasimilarkillingstyle,thenyou’relookingforaserialkiller.”
“Perhapsyou’dliketoputthatinwritingandsendittoMarquez’slieutenant,”hesuggested.“Hestill
doesn’tconsideritaserialcrime.”
“Ormaybehejustdoesn’tliketheFBI,”shereturnedsweetly,“andistryingtokeepyoufromtaking
overhiscase.”
“Criminalcasesaren’tproperty.Nobodyownsthem.”
Shepickedupthecoolerandherfishingpole.“Whateveryousay.”
Shewaswalkingaway.
“Isawthefile,”hebitoff.“Andthephotos.”
Shestoppedinhertracks.Herspinestiffened.Butshedidn’tturnaround.
Hemovedtoherside,turnedandlookeddownatherpale,strainedface.“Youtoldmethescarswere
fromanautomobileaccident.”
Shewouldn’tmeethisgaze.“That’swhatmygrandmothertaughtmetosay,”sherepliedsimply.“I
thoughtshewasbeingevasiveandold-fashioned.Then,whenIwassixteen,oneofthenewboysat
myhighschoolaskedmeoutonadateandItoldhimjustalittleofwhathappenedtome.”Shedidn’t
lookathimasshedrewthememoryoutofthepast.“Wewenttoafastfoodplace.Inoticedthathe
waslookingatmeinareallystrangeway.Iaskedwhy.Hewantedtoknowexactlywhatthemanwho

abductedmedidtome,howitfeltandifIenjoyedit.”
Hisindrawnbreathwaseloquent.
“That’sright,”shesaidwhenshesawhisface.“Allthewarpedpeoplearen’tinjailorseeing
psychiatrists.Igotsick.Iwouldn’tevenlethimtakemehome.IphonedBarbaraandshesentRickto
pickmeup.Hewasallforlayingmydateoutinthefloor,butIthoughtitwouldn’tlookgoodonhis
record.”
SothatwaswhyMarquezwassoprotectiveofher.Theyhadahistory.Itbotheredhim.
“Afterthat,”shecontinued,“Istoppedgoingoutatall.UnlessyoucancallhelpingBarbaraandRick
canvegetableseverysummerafterharvestasociallife.Whatdoyouwanttoknowaboutit?”she
askedbluntly.
“Anythingyouremember,”hesaid,avertinghisface.
“Idon’tlikeremembering,”shesaidwithquiethonesty,puttingtheicechestdown.“Istillhave
nightmares.”
Herecalledtheoneshe’dhadathishouse.Itmadehimfeelevenmoreguilty,nowthatheknewthe
truth.“CashsaidChettoldhimthatyourabductorhadyouforthreedays,andthatyou’venevertalked
aboutit.”
“He’sright.I’venevertoldasoul.NotevenChetBlake,rightafterithappened.”Herfaceclosedup
tight.“Ifyou’rehopingtohavemeidentifyasubjectinalineuporinmugshots,you’reoutofluck.
Hekeptmeblindfoldedthewholetime.”
“Hetalkedtoyou.”
Sheswallowed.Nausearoseinherthroat.“Yes.”Shesoundedasifthewordchokedher.
“Youcanrememberhisvoice.”
Shechewedonherlowerlip.“HesaidIlookedlikehisstepmother.Hehadapictureofherasa
child.”
“What?”
“Hesaidhewetthebedandshemadehimweardressesandaredribboninhishair.Hesaidshesent
himtoschoollikethatwhenhestarted,andtheteachersenthimhomeagain.Everybodylaughed.He
tiedmyhairupwiththeribbon,butlater,justafterhetriedtostrangleme,andhecouldn’t,hetiedit
aroundmyneck.”Sheswalloweddownnausea.Itwashardtorememberthis.“Theribbonwasn’tlong
enough.Hehadwhitehands,verywhite,andhecouldn’tpulltheribbontightenoughtokillme.He
saiditwasherfaulthishandsdidn’tworkright.Hewasfurious.Hepulledouthispocketknifeand
stabbedme,overandover…”
“It’sallright,”hesaid,hisvoicequiet,reassuring.“Don’tforceit.”
Shewasshaking.Shehadtofightforcontroloverherself.
Garonwatchedher,concerned.Hedidn’ttouchher.Heknewthatifhedid,she’dconnectitwithwhat
wasdonetoher.Heletherfightherdemons.
HepulledouthisBlackBerryandhisstylus,andstartedkeyinginnotes.Suddenlyheremembered
howshe’dalmostcollapsedatthepolicestationinPaloVerdewhenthechieftherehadmentionedred
ribbon.
“ThechildinPaloVerdewasstrangledwitharedribbon,”hemurmured.
“Yes,”shesaidafteraminute.“ThatwaswhenIstartedtosuspectthatitwasthesameman,whenthe
policechiefsaidheusedaredribbon.”Shelookedupathim,herfacepale.“Ineverreadanything
aboutredribbonsintheotherchildmurders.”
“Wealwaysholdsomethingback,”heremindedher,“tomakesurewe’vegotthekillerandnotsome
lunaticlookingfordarkfame.Yousaidhementionedhisstepmother.Wasthatall?”

“Yes,”shereplied,lookingup.“Hewasusingacomputer,though.Iheardhisfingersonthe
keyboard.Heuseditalot.”
Thatmightbehelpful.Henoteditwiththestylus.Ifthemanstillusedcomputers,itmightbeawayto
trackhim.Ifhewasapedophile,hemusthaveaccesstothepornographyWebsites.TheFBIhad
cyberdetectiveswhotrackeddownchildpornographersandlockedthemup.
“Hesaidthathelovedlittlechildren.”Shesaidthewordsasiftheyweresomehuge,cosmicjoke.
“Threedeadchildreninthreeyears,”hewassayingtohimself.“Maybeasmanyaseleven,oneayear
sinceyouwereabducted.Butyoulived.Whydidyoulive?”
Herslendershouldersroseandfell.“Thepolicecamesoonerthanheexpected.Hetapedmywrists
andmyanklestogetherwithducttape.Thenhecarriedmeouttoafieldsomewhereandtriedtochoke
me,buthecouldn’tdoitwithhishands.Hecouldn’tdoitwiththeribbon,either.Hehadthinfingers,
whitefingers,andtheywerelimpandcold.Sohewrappedducttapearoundmymouthandnose.Then
heopenedhispocketknifeandstartedstabbingme.Ithurtsomuch,andbloodwenteverywhere…I
triedtoscream,butallIcoulddowasmumble.Istartedkickingathim.Thatspookedhimandhe
stopped.ButIknewhe’dfinishmeoffifIkeptstruggling.SoIkeptverystill,heldmybreathand
playeddead.Thesirenscamecloser.Hehesitatedforjustaminute,asifhewantedtomakesureIwas
gone,buttherewasn’ttime.Hetookoffrunning.Withtheducttapeovermynoseandmouth,ifthe
policehadn’tspottedmewhentheydid,Iwouldn’thavebeenabletotellthemanything.I’llnever
forgethowgooditfeltwhentheytooktheducttapeoffandIcouldgetairinmylungsatlast.Butit
reallyhurt.Oneoftheknifewoundspuncturedmylung.”
Hewaslistening,forcinghimselftoconcentrateonthedetails,notontheterrorGracemusthavefelt.
“Ducttape.Hecouldn’tstrangleyou,sohetriedtosmotheryou.Hehadn’tkilledbefore,”hesaid
absently.“Hedidn’trealizehowharditistostranglesomeonewithbarehands.”
“That’swhatIthought,”shereplied.“MygrandmothertalkedChiefBlakeintosuppressingthestory,
sothenewspaperswouldn’tgetholdofit.Well,theydidgetholdofit,”sheadmitted,“butthey
printedthatamentalpatienthurtme,notseriously,andthatIhadamnesiaandcouldn’tremembera
thing.TheysaidmydoctorsaidI’dneverregainmymemory.Ifthekillerreadthepaperatall,he
knewthatIwasn’tathreat.ButIwasafraidhe’ddoitagain,tosomeotherchild.Icouldn’tmakemy
grandmotherunderstandthat.Sherefusedtoeverletmetalkaboutitagain.I’velivedwiththat,all
theseyears.Ifthey’dpursuedhim,maybeallthoseotherlittlechildrenwouldstillbealive,too.”
“IttookataskforceovertwentyyearstocatchtheGreenRiverKillerinWashingtonState,”he
remindedher.“Theyhadcluesandatleastonelivingwitness,too.Itdidn’thelpthemcatchhim.Ted
Bundykilledcollegegirlsforyears,andtheycouldn’tcatchhim,either.Evenifyou’dtoldthepolice
everythingyouknew,chancesareyourattackerwouldstillbekilling.Serialkillers,especially
organizedones,areintelligentandcagey.They’rehardtofind,evenwithallourmoderntools.”
“Maybeso.”
“Youshouldcomehome.”
Home.Sherememberedalloveragainhowhe’dembarrassedherthere.Sheglaredathim.“My
cousinBobhasofferedmehisguestroomforaslongasIwanttostaywithhim.Whenmy
grandmother ’swillisthroughprobate,Icanputthehouseonthemarket.”
Hehadn’tcountedonthatresponse.Hefeltterrible.“Youhavefriendstherewhowouldmissyou.”
“Victoriaisn’tthatfartodrive.Theycancomeuphereandvisit.”
“Thenletmeputitanotherway,”hepersistedsomberly.“Nokillerforgetshisfirstvictim.Heknows
whoyouare,andhecanfindoutwhereyouare.Ifforsomereasonyournameisconnectedwiththe
killer,andhestartsworryingthatyourmemorymighthavecomeback,hemightdecidetostackthe

oddsinhisfavor.WefoundDNAonhislastvictim,butwedidn’tpublicizethat.Forallheknows,
you’retheonlylivinghumanbeingwhomightbeabletoidentifyhim.Hemightdecidetocomefull
circle.”
“Hemightcomeaftermeandkillme,youmean,”shesaidverycalmly.
Hisjawtautened.“Yes.”
Herlipscurleddown.“There’sanoptimisticthought.”
“Stopthat.Lifehasitsbenefits.Youmightmarry,”headded.
Hergrayeyesmethisdarkones.“Whatwouldbethepoint?”sheasked.“Ican’thaveachild.”
Hefeltasifshe’dhithiminthestomach.“Plentyofmarriagessucceedwithoutchildren.”
Shelaughedcoldly.“Really?Youwereattractedtomeatfirst,”sherecalled.“Youlikedbeingwith
me,andtakingmeplaces.ThenwhenyouknewIcouldn’tbearchildren,allofasuddenIbecamea
one-nightstandwithdisposabilitypotential.”
Hewasshockedatherperceptionofwhyhe’dbrokenitoffwithher.“That’snottrue,”hegroundout.
“Sureitisn’t.”Sheturnedandpickeduptheicechestagain.Shefeltsickatherstomachandweakasa
kitten.Itmustbethelosthoursofsleepruiningherhealth.“Ifyou’rethroughaskingquestions,could
youleave?”sheaskedpleasantly.“Ihaveabusydayaheadofme.CousinBobwantsmetobrushhis
cat.”
Thesarcasmbroughtatwinkleintohiseyesthathetriednottolethersee.“Atleast,thinkaboutwhat
I’vesaid.”hestrainedhismindforinspiration.Hepursedhislips.“Yourrosesarestartingtobudout.
They’llbeeatenalivebybugsifthey’renotsprayed,andwithoutfertilizeryoumaynothaveone
decentstem.”
Sheglaredathim.“Icantransplantthemuphere.”
“Theywon’tlikeithere.”
“Howwouldyouknow?”sheaskedindignantly.“Doyoutalktoroses?”
Hisdarkeyesactuallytwinkled.“NotwhenIthinkanyonemightoverhearme.IworkfortheFBI.
TalkingtorosesmightgetmetransferredtotheAntarctic.”
“TheFBIdoesn’thaveanofficethere,”shereturned.
Heshrugged.“Theyhaveofficesallovertheworld,”hecorrected.“Theymightdecidetoopenonein
afarawaycoldplaceiftheycatchmetalkingtoabush.”
Sherubbedataspotofredmudonhercutoffs.“Actuallyscientificstudieshavebeendoneonplants
usingaudiopulses,suchasclassicalandrockmusic.Theyactuallyreactfavorably.Theydofeel
sensation.It’snotevensurprisingwhenyouconsiderthestructureofasingleleaf,”sheadded
absently,scrubbingattheredspot.“Thereareguardcellsthatprotecttheleaffrominvasionby
parasites…”
Hiseyebrowsarched.“Ithoughtyoureducationendedathighschool,”heremarked,surprisedbyher
knowledgeofbotany.
Shegavehimacoollook.“Ithoughtyouknewbetterthantotakeanyoneatfacevalue.”
Hiseyesnarrowed.“Comehome.”
“No!”
“Givemeonegoodreasonwhyyouwon’t.”
“Becauseyoulivenextdoortome!”shesaidwithpurevenom.
“I’llhaveafenceputupsoyoucan’tseeme,”hepromised.
Involuntarily,alaughtriedtogetoutofherthroat.Shesmotheredit.“Yourcousinisoldandinfirm,
isn’the?”
“Well,yes,”shereplied.

“Sowhatifthisanimalcomeslookingforyouuphere?”
Shedrewinasmall,quickbreath.“Idon’tknow.”
“Ihaveabiggun,”hepointedout,pullingbackhisjackettodisplayit.“Ifhecomeslookingforyou
athome,I’llshoothimwithit.”
Shewantedtogohome,butshehadcoldfeet.Shecouldn’tbeartolookathim,becauseithurttoo
much.She’dgoneheadfirstintodreamsofasharedfuture,andhe’dencouragedher,onlytoshove
herrightoutofhislifeinthecruelestwaypossible.Peoplewouldpityher,alloveragain.She’dhave
toworkatconvincingthetownthathislackofinterestdidn’tbotherher.She’dhavetoseehimwith
thatJaquiwoman.
Hecouldalmostseethepainandtheapprehensiononherface.Herememberedtoowelltheamount
ofdamagehe’ddonetoher.Heknewhecouldn’tmakeupforitallatonce,buthecouldprotecther,
andhewould.Itwasnaïvetobelievethatthekillerwouldn’tbecuriousaboutthechildwholived.
Especiallysinceapparentlyhe’dkilledchildrenallaroundTexasinthepastthreeyears.Garonfelt
thatGracewasindanger.
Sheknewshewaswalkingathinline.EnoughpeopleinJacobsvilleknewsomethingaboutherordeal
inthepast.Nobodyknewwhothekillerwas.HecouldwalkintotownandordercoffeeatBarbara’s
Caféandjustlistentopeoplearoundhim.Evidentlyhecouldblendrightin.Sherecalledhisvoice.It
wasfaintlyculturedandhesoundedtoherlikeaneducatedman,notsomebackwoodsidiot.Hishands
hadn’tbeenthoseofalaborer,either.They’dbeenscarred.Hekeptthemcoveredwiththinleather
glovesmostofthetimehe’dhadherinhispower.
“Hishands,”shemurmuredaloud.“Theywerescarred…”
HeputthatdownonhisPDA.“Youmaynotrealizeit,buteventhesesmalldetailsyouremember
mightbeenoughtohelpuscatchhim,”Garonaddedafteraminute.“You’retheonlywitness,Grace.
Youmightsavelives.”
Shenoddedsolemnly.“Isupposeso.”
“MissTurnerhasmissedyou.”
“Hasshe?”
“I’msureshe’denjoyhavingyouback.”
“Iguessso.”
“Ifrosebusheshavefeelings,yoursareprobablygrievingalready,”headdedsolemnly.“Iimagine
they’rebrokenhearted.They’llcryandsomepasserbywillhearthemandcheckhimselfintothe
hospitalforaCATscan.”
Thistimethelaughdidescape,eventhoughshestifleditimmediately.
Hesmiled.“I’llevenloanyouatruckandamantodriveit,soyoucangetfertilizerandpesticidesto
useonyourroses.”
“Barbarahasatruck,”shesaid,avoidingtheoffer.
WhichMarquezwouldbehappytodriveforGrace,onhisdayoff,Garonrealizedwithatwingeof
somethingunfamiliar.
“Well?”hepersisted.
Shefinishedrubbingthespot.Itwasstillthere.Itprobablywouldn’tcomeout,anyway.Redmudwas
usuallypermanent.Sheglancedathim.“Ifyou’llpromisetogivemeascheduleofyourdailyroutine
soIwon’triskappearinginthesameplaceyoudo,I’llcomehome.”
“Cutitout,”hemuttered.“I’mconvincedthatitwascoincidence.Ioverreacted.”
“Gee,wasthatanapology?”sheaskedwithmocksurprise.
“Idon’tmakeapologiesunlessthedirectorphonesmepersonallyandordersmeto.”

“Ifiguredthatoutformyself.”
“When?”
Shefrowned.“When,what?”
“Whenareyoucomingback?”
Shenibbledherlowerlip.“Tomorrow,Iguess.”
“Good.I’llstopbyyourhouseandtelltherosesonmywayhome.”
“Niceofyou,”shesaid.
“Ihavelotsofgoodqualities,”heassuredher.
“Youkeepthemwell-hidden,ofcourse,”shereturnedwithamockingsmile.
“Nousewastingthemonawomanwho’denjoyputtingoutacontractonme,”hetoldher.
“UnfortunatelyIcan’taffordahitman,onmysalary,”shesaid.
“Whydon’tyougotocollegeandgetadegree?Youcouldearnmore.”
“Whydon’tyougohomeandstoptryingtorunmylife?”sheaskedhim.“Idon’tneedcareer
counseling.”
“Youdriveacarthatisanaccidentabouttohappen,andyoudressoutofthriftshops,”hemuttered.
Sheflushed.“HowdoyouknowwhereIgetmyclothes?”
Histeethclenched.Heshouldn’thavesaidthat.
“Spillit!”shedemanded,handsonherhips.
“Youwearthatdamnedbluewooldresseverywhere.Otherwise,youwearthesamepairofjeanswith
assortedsweatshirts.Itdoesn’ttakerocketsciencetofigureitout.”
“Ican’tseewhyitshouldbotheryouhowIdress,”shesaidsweetly.“Youcanrestassuredthatyou
won’teverhavetobeseeninpublicwithmeagain.”
“That’scomforting.”
“I’msureyourfriendJaquicanaffordtoshopatSaksorNeimanMarcus.Nocut-ratewardrobefor
her!”
Hebitbackahotreply.He’ddoneenoughdamagetoheregoalready.“Shedoesn’thideherassets,”
headmitted.“Shelikeshavingmenaroundher.”
Shegavehimacoldsmile.“Luckygirl,nottohavemyhistory.”
Hishighcheekboneswentruddywithcolor.Heturned.“I’llseeyou.”
“NotifIseeyoufirst,”sherepliedtersely.“Andthat’sapromise.”
Shewentbackintothehousetoputawayherfishandtopack,afterhiscarhadroaredoffdownthe
driveway.Shewasprobablynutstolethimtalkherintoit,buthewasrightabouthercousinbeingin
thelineoffire.Ifthekillerdidcomeafterher,shedidn’twantanyinnocentpeoplegettinghurt.And
shedidhaveknowledgethatmighthelpputtheperpetratorbehindbars.

THEHOUSEWASEMPTYandcold.She’dleftthepilotlightonthefurnace,though,soshehadheat.
Sheneededit,too.Theweatherhadturnedcoldunexpectedly.Shewentthroughthehouse,making
sureeverythingwaswhereitshouldbe.Thenshewentoutintothebackyard,tochecktherosebushes
Garonhadbeensoconcernedabout.
Therewereyoungbudsamongtheleavesontherosebushes.Therewerenewleavesonthetrees,too,
insomanyshadesofgreenthatshecouldn’tcountthem.Thesunwasshiningdownthroughthemand
therewasacrisp,invigoratingbreeze.Impulsivelysheliftedherarmsanddancedaroundinacircle,
laughingatthepleasureitgavehertobebackonherownpropertyagain.Herownproperty.She’d
neverownedanythingexcepttheclothesonherback.Now,atleast,shehadaplacetolive.Allshehad
todowasmanageanincomethatwouldtakecareoftheutilitiesandanoccasionalnewdress.But

therewastime.Therewasplentyoftime.
Garonhadwalkedovertoseeherandmakesurethatthehousewassecure.Heheardlaughterfrom
thebackyardandturnedthecorner.AndtherewasGrace,herlongblondhairdownaroundher
shoulders,almosttoherwaistinback.Shewasspinningaroundlikeahappychild,dancinginthe
windwithhereyesclosedandherfaceliftedtothesun.
Somethinghithimrightinthechestashestaredather.Shewaslovely.Shewassweetandkindand
loving.She’dbeenhisfortwoheadydays,whenpleasuretookonanauraofmagic,likenothinghe’d
knownbefore.Buthe’dwoundedGrace.He’dthrownherawaylikeausedcup,devaluedher,
demeanedher.Shewouldneveropenherarmstohimagainandholdhiminthedarkness.Shewould
nevertrusthimagain.
Itwasthemostoneofthemostpainfulrevelationshecouldremember.Anduntilthisveryminute,
whenhelookedatherunawaresandknewhowblessedhe’dbeentohaveherinhislife,hehadn’t
knownwhathefeltforher.Itwasbadtiming.Damnedbadtiming.
Insteadofmakinghispresenceknown,heturnedandwentbackthewayhe’dcome.Heknewthatif
she’dseenhim,allthejoywoulddrainoutofherlikewaterthroughasieve.Hecouldn’tbeartosee
that.She’dbeenthroughsomuchinheryounglife.Hewassorryhe’dmadethingshardforher.
Perhaps,ifheworkedatit,hecouldearnherforgiveness.Itwasbetterthannothing.

GRACEWENTBACKtoworktheverynextday,firstattheflorists’andthenatthecafé.People
seemedgenerallydelightedtohaveherhome.TheyalsomentionedwhataroughtimeGaronhad
beentreatedtoafterherdeparture.He’dhadtodohisshoppinginSanAntonio,becauselocaldoors
wereshuttohimafterhistreatmentofGrace.Shecouldn’tsayhehadn’tdeservedit,butshefeltsorry
forhim.Hewasn’tamanwhomadefriendseasily,orseemedtofitinanywhere.Maybehereallyhad
feltguiltyenoughtocoaxherbackhome.Or,shemused,maybehejustwantedtobeabletobuyhis
cattlefeedinJacobsvilleinsteadofhavingtodriveahalfhourtogetitsomewhereelse.
She’dfeltfullofenergywhenshegothome,butasthedayspassed,shebegantofeelanacceleration
oftheuncomfortablenauseaandweaknessthathadbeenahallmarkofherlifesincesheleft
Jacobsville.Surelyitwasjustavirus,shetoldherself.Shewasneverill.Evenifshewas,where
wouldshegetthemoneyforadoctor?Sheonlycarriedasmallinsurancepolicy,whichcovered
majormedicalbutnotroutineofficevisitsorprescriptiondrugs.No,she’djusthavetowearitout.
Thesethingsusuallywentawayinashorttime.She’dgetbetter.
Butshedidn’t.Lateoneafternoon,whenshewasputtingmulcharoundherroses,theworldstarted
spinning.Shefeltnauseariseupinherthroatjustasastrangeweaknessovercameher.Witha
shockedlittlecry,shefelltotheground.Herlastsightwasoftheskygoingfrombluetoblack….

13
GARONWASHOMEbyearlyafternoon.He’dbeenworkingabankrobberywithmostoftheagents
athisoffice.Everyoneturnedoutinacaselikethis,wherethecrewthey’dbeenhuntingappearedat
oneofthebanksGaron’ssquadhadstakedout.Thefourmenweredressedincamouflagecarrying
assaultweapons.Theyheldupabankandbulletsflewatciviliansaswellaslawenforcement
personnelintheirdesperationtogetaway.Twopeoplewerewounded.Therobbersranoutofthe
bankandtookoffinanoldcar,butthentheyroaredoffandlosttheirpursuersintraffic.Minutes
later,theywheeledintotheparkinglotofanearbyrestauranttotradethecarforaparkedSUV.
Anoff-dutycophadseensomemenjumpoutofacarcarryingweaponsandmoneybags,cursing
loudlyastheyfumbledwithakeythatapparentlydidn’tfittheignition.Theyhot-wiredtheSUVand
tookoff.DispatchsentoutatextmessagetoGaron’ssquad,givingthenameandlocationoftheoff-
dutypolicemanwhoreportedarmedmenstealingavehicleatalocalrestaurant.Becausetheparking
lotcontainedseveralchildrenwiththeirparents,theoff-dutyofficerfeltitwouldhavebeentoo
dangeroustoopenfireandinvitereturnfireinsuchacrowdedvenue.
Buthisquickreportsentlawmenrushingtotherestaurantparkinglot,wheretheydiscovereda
parkedSUValmostidenticaltotheonetheofficerhadseenthearmedmenhijack.Amazinglyitstag
wasregisteredtoaconvictedbankrobberwho’dbeenparoledjustweeksearlier.Intheirhastetoget
away,therobbershadmistakenanotherSUVfortheonethey’dapparentlyparkedearliernexttothe
restaurant.Buttheirescapevehiclewasleftbehind,withthetagintherobber ’sownname.Whenhe
arrivedhome,FBIagentswerewaitingathishouse.Theyarrestedhim,andheconfessedandnamed
hispartnerstoshavesometimeoffhissentence.
TheBureautookpriorityinfederalcrimeslikebankrobbing.Buteveninsomeotherfelonycases,
localpoliceweregladtohandcriminalsovertotheBureaubecausethefederalchargesweremore
severeandasuspect,ifconvicted,wouldservealongersentence.
Garonfeltgoodaboutthequickresolutiontothesituation,andthefactthatnobodyhadbeen
seriouslywoundeddespitetheflyingbulletsatthesceneoftherobbery.Thankstosomegoodpolice
workandanoff-dutycop’ssharpeyes,thefelonswereapprehendedwithintwohoursoftherobbery,
andallthestolenmoneyfromthelatestrobberywasrecovered.Itfeltgoodtohavethecasesolved.
Therobbershadbeenexperiencedanddangerous.Nowtheywereoffthestreetforyears.
Garonhadgonebythecrimelabtodropoffsomeevidenceinthecase.Itwastechnicallyalittle
beforeregularquittingtime,butsincetherewasnothingpressing,theSACtoldhimtogohome.It
wasSaturday,afterall.Hecouldalwaysfindsomethingtokeephimbusyattheranch.
HewasdrivingbyGrace’shousewhenhehappenedtolooktowardherfrontporchandsawwhat
lookedlikeabundleofclothesstrewnacrossthegroundnearthesteps.Itwassooddthatheturned
intoherdrivewaytocheckitout.
Whenhegotcloser,herealizedthatwhathe’dseenwasn’tclothes.ItwasGrace,lyingontheground,
unconscious.
Hewasoutofthecarandrunninginamatterofseconds.Hedroppeddownbesideherandfeltfora
pulse.Herheartwasbeatingwithanoddrhythm,butshewasalreadystirring.Hereyesopened.She
swallowed,hard,herfacealmostwhite,herstomachchurning.
“Whathappened?”heaskedatonce,concerned.
“Idon’tknow,”shesaidhuskily,swallowingagaintokeepthenauseafromrising.“Iwaswalking
towardthehouse,andthenextthingIknew,everythingwentblack.Ineverfaint,”sheadded
indignantly.“Itisn’tevenhot.Itcouldn’tbeheatstroke…”

“TheColtrainshaveacliniconSaturdayevening,don’tthey?”heasked.
“Yes,butIdon’tneedadoctor,”shebeganweakly.“It’sjustavirusorsomething.”
Hedidn’tbelieveit.Andbeforeshecouldargue,hepickedherupandcarriedhertohiscar.Odd,he
thought,shefeltheavierthanshehadthelasttimehe’dcarriedher.
“Idon’twanttogotothedoctor,”sheprotested.
Hebalancedheronhishipwhileheopenedthedoor,thenheslidherinontothepassengerseat.“Sit
still,”hesaidfirmly,whilehereachedforhershoulderbelt.Ashedrewitacrossherbody,hishand
slidgentlyacrossherstomach…andstoppeddead.
Helookeddownather,frowning,ashisbig,leanhandsettledcuriously,gently,overthehardnessof
herswollenbelly.
“Whatareyoudoing?”sheasked,stilldazedfromthegiddiness.“Itisn’tappendicitis.Idon’thavean
appendix.WhenIwasstabbed,theknifeseveredmyappendixandoneofmyovaries…”
Thelookonhisfacewasinexplicable.Shesawhiseyesglitterandhisfacegoalmostaspaleasher
ownwas.
“You’rescaringme,”sheprotested.“What’sthematter?”
Hishandpressedtenderlyagainstherstomachforaninstantbeforehefinishedfasteningtheshoulder
harnessandclosedherdoor.Hisfacewashardandunreadable.Hedidn’tsayaword.Hecouldn’t.He
wasshakentohisverysoul.
“Ineedmypurse,”sheprotested.“It’ssittingonthehalltable.Thekey’sinthedoor.Youneedtolock
itifyou’redeterminedtomakemeseethedoctor.”
Hewastoodazedtoargue.Hewentinside,pickedupherpurse,lockedthedoor,droppedthekeyin
andpassedittoherbeforeheclimbedunderthewheel.
Hedrovelikeamansleepwalking.Heknewhisheartmustbeturningflips.Couldshereallybethat
naïvethatshedidn’trealizewhathadhappenedtoher?Heglancedathercuriouslyashepulledout
intotheroad.
“Areyoueatinganythingatalllately?”heaskedinanoddtone.
Sheshiftedrestlesslyandlookedoutthewindow.“WhateverI’vegotkeepsmystomachupset,”she
saidheavily.“MostlyIgetmilkshakesanddrinkthem.”
Shereallydidn’tknow!Hefelthisbreathcatchasthepossibilitiesrushedinlikemosquitoescircling
hishead.He’dbeenlikehalfamanduringthepastfewyears.He’davoidedwomen,and
entanglements,andhardlydatedatall.Nowfatehaddeliveredhimupwholetothisunexpected
complication,andhefeltasifhe’djustwonthelottery.Buthedidn’tknowhowtohandleit.
HeglancedatGrace’savertedprofile.Shewasn’tpretty,butshehadawarmthandempathythatmade
himhungry.Ithadbeensolongsincehe’dhadareasontolive.Nowhehadsomethingtomakelife
worthwhile.Hehadhopeagain.
“You’reactingverystrangely,”sheobservedastheynearedtheColtrains’sofficebuilding,which
theysharedwiththeircolleague,Dr.DrewMorris.
“AmI?”
“Andwe’llnevergetin,”sheadded,notingthecarsparkedoutsidethebuilding.“I’llbethalfof
JacobsCountyissittinginthewaitingroom.Whydon’tyoutakemehome,andI’llseeDr.Coltrain
nextweek?”
“Notonyourlife.”heparkedthecarandpulledouthiscellphone.
Shetriedtoprotestwhathewassayingtothereceptionist,butheheldupahandandcutheroff.
“Thesidedoor?”headded.“Right.Iseeit.We’llberightthere.”
Hedrovetothesideofthebuildingandparked,gotoutandliftedGrace,carryinghertowardthe

building.
“ButI’mnotdangerouslyill,”sheprotested,flushing.
“Ineversaidyouwere.”
“YoutoldherIwasunconscious!”
“Atinywhitelie,”hesaidashereachedthebuilding.“Bettercloseyoureyesunlessyouwanttobe
hereuntilmidnight.”
Shereallywantedtoargue,butthesidedoorwasopening.Shedidn’twanttospendthenightinthe
waitingroom.Sheclosedhereyes.
“Bringherrightinhere,”thenurseinstructed.
Gracefeltherselfbeingplacedgentlyonanexaminationtable.
“Doctorwillberighthere,”thenursesaid,exitingtheroom.
BeforeGaroncouldgetawordout,Dr.Coltrainwalkedin,astethoscopedrapedaroundthecollarof
hiswhitelabjacket.Helookeduneasyashetookitoff,stucktheearpiecesinhisears,andbentto
listentoGrace’schest.
“Ijustfainted,that’sall,”Gracewhispered.
Hefrowned,becauseherheartbeatworriedhim.Helistened,hadhercough,listenedagainandtook
offthestethoscope.“Whatwereyoudoing,justbeforeyoufainted?”
“Iwasjustwalking…”
Withoutaword,Garoncaughttheredheadeddoctor ’shandandplaceditflatonGrace’sbelly,witha
meaningfullook.
Takenaback,Coltrain’shandsmoothedoverthehardnessofherslightlyswollenbelly.Hecaughthis
breath.
“Labwork?”Garonsuggestedsolemnly.
Coltrainstaredathimwithgrowingcomprehension.Gracewastheonlyonewhodidn’tunderstand
whatwasgoingon.
Coltrainwentintothehallandcalledhisnurse.Hespoketoherunderhisbreath.
“Yes,Doctor,rightaway,”shesaidandwalkedbackdownthehall.
HetookaphonecallwhileshecamebackanddrewbloodfromGrace’sarm.
“Itisn’tanulcer,”Graceprotestedwhenthenursehadgoneoutoftheroom,closingthedoorbehind
her.“Idon’thavestomachproblems.Don’tyoutellColtrainthatIdo,either,”sheinstructedhotly,
“becauseIknowwhatanupperG.I.seriesislike,andhe’snotdoingoneonme!”
Garondidn’tanswer.Hewenttothewindowinthesmallroom,shovedhishandsinhispockets,and
lookedoutside.Hisworld,andGrace’s,wasabouttochangeforever.Hedidn’tknowwhattosay,or
do.Gracewasgoingtobeupset.
Coltrainwasbackintenminutes,somberandtaut-jawed.Heclosedthedoor,pulledouthisrolling
stoolandsatdown.
“Wehavesomedecisionstomake,”hetoldGrace.
Garonmovedtojointhem,hiseyesonGrace,wholookedcompletelyperplexed.
“HaveIgotcancer?”sheasked,aghast.
Coltraintookoneofherhandsinhisandheldittight.“You’repregnant,Grace.”
Shejuststaredathim.“Ican’thaveachild,”shesaidinachokedtone.“YousaidIcouldn’t!”
Hedrewinasharpbreath,awareofGaron’sstillnessbesidehim.“Isaiditwasn’tlikely,withonly
oneovary.Ididn’tsayitwasimpossible.”
Grace’shandswenttoherbelly,feelingitsfirmness,feelingthethicknessofherwaist.Shewas
pregnant.Therewasatinylifeinsideher.Shefeltherselfglow,asifsheweretouched,radiantly

touched,byecstasy.
“Youcan’thaveit,”Coltrainsaidshortly.“You’rebarelyamonthpregnant,intimeforatermination.
IcansendyouuptoSanAntonio…”
“No!”
Thewordexplodedfromtwopairsoflipsattheexactsametime.
GraceandGaronlookedateachother,surprised,asColtrain’seyebrowsreachedfortheceiling.
“Excuseme?”thedoctorasked.
“You’renotterminatingmychild,”GracetoldColtrain.
“Grace,it’sjusttoorisky,”hesaidsoftly.“Listentome,Jacobsvilleisstillasmalltown,withold-
fashionedviewsonunwedmothers.Eveniftherewasnorisk,howwouldyoufeelabouthavinga
childoutofwedlock?”
“Shewon’tbe,”Garonsaidcurtly.“I’llgetalicensefirstthingMonday.Wecanbemarriedinthe
ordinary’sofficeThursdaymorning.Ifabloodtestisstillrequired,you’vegothers,youcandome
whileI’mhere.”
Gracefeltasifshewerefallingintoanabyss.“Youdon’twanttomarryme,”shesaid,knowingthe
statementwastrueevenasifchokedherpride.
GaronleanedbackagainsttheexaminationtableandglancedfromColtraintoGrace.“Thisdoesn’t
gooutsidethisroom,”hesaidquietly.“Evenmyownbrothersdon’tknow.”hesighedheavily.His
darkeyesseemedtoseeintothepastashespoke.“ItwastwoyearsafterIgraduatedfromthe
FBIAcademy.I’djustbeenpostedbytheBureautoafieldofficeinAtlantawhenImetAnnalee,”he
began.“Shewasacivilianemployeewhohadadegreeincomputertechnology.Shedidbackground
checksforus.Shewasastrong,independent,intelligentwoman.Webothknewonthefirstdatethat
we’dbetogetherforever.”Hisjawtautened.Besidehim,Gracefeltherheartsink.“Weweremarried
twomonthslater.Shegotusedtohavingmeworklonghoursandsometimestraveloutofthecountry
onassignment.Butshehadherjobtooccupyher.Wedriftedalong,wegrewcloser.Wewerehappy.
Whenweknewshewaspregnantwithourfirstchild,wespenthourswalkingthemalls,pickingout
furnitureandtoys…”Hestoppeduntilhecouldcomposehimself.“Whenshewasfivemonths
pregnant,shestartedfeelingtiredallthetime.Wethoughtitwasapartofthepregnancy,butshewas
havingothersymptomsaswell.Itookhertothegynecologist,whoranbloodtestsandsentus
immediatelytoanoncologist.”
Coltrain’sjawclenched.
Garonsawit.“Theoncologistdiagnoseditasnon-Hodgkin’sLymphoma.”
“Oneofthemostaggressivecancers,”Coltrainsaid.
“Yes.Andsherefusedtreatment.Shewouldn’triskthebaby,eventosaveherownlife.Butthecancer
wasadvancedandquicklyaggressive.”Hefeltagainthegriefofthatknowledge,thecoldnessinthe
pitofhisstomach.“Ilostthemboth,”headdedflatly,forcinghimselfnottoyieldtogrief.“Thatwas
tenyearsago.IdecidedthatI’dnevertakethatriskagain.I’dliveformyjob.AndIdid.Ivolunteered
fortheHostageRescueTeam.Forsixyears,Iwasonthefrontlinesofanydesperatesituationwhere
liveswereindanger.Fromthere,IwenttooneofourSWATunits.WhenIstartedlosingmyedge
physically,IoptedforatransfertooneoftheTexasfieldoffices.IwassenttoAustin,andthen
transferreddownhere,toleadasquadintheviolentcrimeunit.ButI’veonlybeengoingthroughthe
motionsofliving,”heconcluded.HelookeddownatGraceandtherewasanoddlightinhisdark
eyes.“Iwantthisbaby,Grace.Youdon’tknowhowmuch!”
Coltrainfelthimselflosingground.HelookedatGraceworriedly.
“I’llbeallright,”sheassuredhim.“I’mnotgivingupmybaby.I’veneverhadanyoneofmyvery

own,Copper,”sheaddedinasoft,huskytone.Herhandslayprotectivelyonthesmallrise.She
smiledwithwonder.“He’llbemywholeworld.”
Coltraincouldn’tfightthatlookonherface.Andhewasn’twithoutsympathyforGaron,nowthathe
understoodthemanalittlebetter.Itdidn’ttakeamindreadertoknowthatGaronwasthechild’s
father.ButthiswasgoingtobemoredangerousforGracethansherealized.
“Ineedtotalktoyourprospectivehusband,”Coltrainbegan.
“No,youdon’t,”Gracetoldhimbelligerently.“Thereissuchathingaspatient-doctorprivilege.You
don’thavemypermission.That’stheendofit.”
Coltrainwasworried.Butshewasright.Hecouldn’tbetrayhersecret.Heunderstoodwhyshedidn’t
wantGarontoknow.Thatdidn’tmakeitlessrisky.Buthecouldn’tforcehimselftogobehindher
back,notafterallshe’dbeenthrough.Sheobviouslywantedthisbabyenoughtofightanyhintof
interference.Hislipscompressed.“Allright,I’lldothebestIcan.”
Garon,who’djustrelivedthemostpainfulepisodeofhislife,wasonlyhalflisteningtoa
conversationhedidn’tunderstandanyway.
HelookeddownatGracewithanexpressionshecouldn’tdecipher.
“I’msorryaboutthecomplication,”shesaidworriedly.“Ididn’tknow…”
“Itisn’tacomplication,Grace,”Garonsaidgently.“It’sababy.”
“Butyoudon’twanttomarryme,”shestartedagain.
“No,Idon’t,”hesaidhonestly.“Butit’sonlyforeightmonths,”headded.“Afterthebabycomes,
we’llmakedecisions.”
Whichmeanthewasn’treadyforanyhappilyeverafter,andshecouldn’tblamehim.She’dbeen
careless,buthewasgoingtopaytheprice.
Atleasthewantedthechildandwasn’tgoingtotrytoforcehertogetridofit.Shewasn’tgoingto
tellhimanythingatallthatmightupsethim.He’dlostonechild.Shewasgoingtomakesure,
somehow,thathedidn’tlosethisone.

HEDROVETOHERHOUSE,gotoutwithherandwentinsidewhensheunlockedthedoor.
“Packabag,”hesaid.“You’restayingatthehouseuntilwegetmarried.”
“ButIjustgothome…”
“DoIhavetoremindyouoftherisk?”heaskedquietly.
Foronefrighteningmoment,shethoughthemeanttheotherrisk.Thensherealized,relieved,thathe
wastalkingaboutthekiller.
“HeprobablystillthinksIhaveamnesia,”shesaid.
“He’savoidedarrestfortwelveyearsandgottenaway,ifhe’sthekiller,withelevenmurders.He’snot
astupidman.Hemusthavelivedhereatthetime.”
She’dneverconsideredthatpossibility.Shecaughtherbreathandsatdownheavilyonthearmofher
grandfather ’soldeasychair.“Doyouthinkso?”
“Mostserialkillerschoosetheirfirstvictimwithinacomfortableradiusofwheretheylive,”hesaid.
Shebitherlip,thinkingback.“Wehadtworentersdowntheroad,”sherecalled.“Onewasmarried,
buthiswifewasvisitingfamilybackeast.Theotherwaselderlyandinawheelchair.”
“Hedidn’tnecessarilylivenextdoor,”hesaid.“Hecouldhavebeeninvolvedinsomeprogramat
schoolorchurchthatbroughthimintocontactwithchildren.”
“Hecouldhavebeenanybody,”shesaidheavily.“Alltheseyears,I’vewondered.”
“We’llcatchhim,”hesaidwithfirmconfidence.“Ipromiseyouwewill.Butrightnow,I’mtaking
youhomewithme.There’snowayinhellI’mleavingyouherealone.”

Shesawthathemeantit.Well,atleasthewasconcernedforher.Hedidwantthebaby,evenifhe
didn’twantGrace.Shegotupandwenttopackherthings.
MissTurnerwasfascinated,notonlywiththenewsofthewedding,atwhichshewouldbeawitness,
butattheprospectofababy.Shedidn’tevenseemshockedthatthey’dputthecartbeforethehorse.
Shewasalreadypickingoutyarnandpatternsforbabyclothes.
Gracelaidoutheronedecentdress,thebluewoolone,onherbedthedayofthewedding.Garon
cameintotheroomafteraperfunctoryknock,carryingabigbox.Hegavethebluedressahotglare
andputtheboxdownrightontopofit.
“Whatisthis?”Graceasked.
“Openit.”
Sheliftedthelid.Inside,therewasanoyster-whitesuitandasmallhatwithawhiteveil.Therewasa
silkbouquetaswell.Shelookedathim,astonished.
“I’mnotmarryingyouinthatdamnedbluedress,”heannounced.
Shetouchedthesilkgently.Sheknewwhatitcost,becausesheboughtitforhersecretprojectthathe
stilldidn’tknowabout.“It’sbeautiful.”
“IgotyourmeasurementsfromBarbara,”hesaid,anddidn’taddthathe’dhadtoapologizehisway
intohercaféafterhislastappearancethere.ButoncesheheardthathewasmarryingGrace,andthata
babywasontheway,shebackeddownjustenoughtogoshoppingwithhim.
“Thanks,”shesaidinashy,huskytone.
Heshrugged.“YourfriendJudyattheflorists’ismakingyouabouquet.BarbaraandMissTurner
willbewitnesses.”
Shelookedup.“Rick?”
Hehadtoclenchhisteeth.“Hehastoworktomorrow.Hecouldn’tgetoff.”Thatwasn’texactlythe
truth.HerefusedtowatchGraceruinherlife,werehisexactwords.Theyoungdetectivewasfurious
whenheknewwhyGaronwasmarryingGrace.Garoncouldunderstandhowhefelt,buthecouldn’t
jiltGracewhenshewascarryinghischild.
“Oh,”wasallshesaid.SheknewhowRickfeltabouther.Shewassorryshecouldn’tfeelthesame
abouthim.Itwasprobablybetterthathedidn’tshowupintheprobatejudge’soffice.
“I’mgoingtodrivetothecourthouse.MissTurnerwillbringyou.”
“Okay.”
Hehadn’taskedifshewantedachurchwedding,orofferedheranelaborateaffairwithbridesmaids
andgroomsmen.Probablyhe’dhadthatsortofweddingwithhisfirstwife.Shedidn’tprotest.Hewas
stillgrievingforthewomanhe’dlost.Itwasenoughthathewasgivingtheirchildaname.She’d
neverexpectedhimtowantherpermanently.Nobodyeverhad.

THEPROBATEJUDGEwasawoman,AnnaBanes,andshe’dbeenmarriedherselffortwodecades.
SheknewGrace,andherfamily,andtheordealGracehadbeenthrough.Shegavethemashortbut
dignifiedandpoignantservice,withBarbaraandMissTurnerstandingtothesideofthem.
Shedidn’tthinkGaronwouldbuyheraweddingring,buthehad.Itwasawidegoldbandwith
platinumedgingandagrapeleafpattern.Hedidn’tbuyoneforhimself.Thatwashardlysurprising.
Thejudgedeclaredthemlegallymarried,andGaronbenttobrushacoolkissagainsthercheek.It
hadbeenalongtime,buthestillrememberedthejoyofhisfirstwedding.HewasfondofGrace,and
hewantedthechild,buthecouldn’tseparatehimselffromthepast.
GarontreatedthemtolunchafterwardsatBarbara’sCafé,andtheownerherselfbroughtouta
magnificentweddingcakethatshe’dmadefortheoccasion.Gracefelttearsrunningdownhercheeks

atthethoughtfulness.Shehuggedtheolderwomanwarmly,becauseshewastheclosestthingto
familythatGracehad.
Theywereonthewayhome,withMissTurnerreturningseparatelyinGaron’sExpedition,when
Garon’spagerbeeped.Hepulleditout,slowedtocheckthetextmessageandgrimaced.
“Ihavetogointotheoffice,”hesaid,steppingonthegas.“We’vegotanewleadinthecase.”
“Thekiller?”sheaskedexcitedly.
Henodded.“I’msorry,”headded.“ButIdon’tworkanine-to-fivejob.”
“Grandaddywasadeputysheriff,”shereplied.“Hehadtogooutatallhoursofthenightiftherewas
anemergency.Grannyalwaysraisedtheroof,”sheaddedquietly.“Ithoughtitwasselfishofher.He
savedlives.”
Heglancedatherwithawarmsmile.“That’swhywe’reallinthebusiness.”
“Ihavelotstokeepmebusy,”shesaideasily.“Includingmyjobs.”
“Youcanquitthemandstayhomeifyouwantto,”hesaid.“Imakeagoodsalary,andtheranchis
additionalincome.”
Shefiddledwiththebeautifulsilkbouquet.She’dthrowntherealone,andBarbarahadcaughtit.“I
likeworking,”shereplied.“I’mnotverydomesticated.”
Thatwasasurprise.She’ddonenothingelse,thatheknewof,exceptlookafterhergrandmother.
Shefelthiscuriosity,butshedidn’tsayanythingelse.Hepulledupatthedoorofthehouseandwent
aroundtohelpherout.
Unexpectedlyheswungherupintohisarmsandcarriedherupthesteps.Thatwaswhenshenoticed
theExpeditionsittingbesidetheporch.MissTurnerhadgottenhomefirst.Infact,shewasalready
openingthedoorwithabiggrin.
GaronlaughedashecarriedGraceinsideandputherbackonherfeet.Hebenttokissherwithgentle
warmth.“Therosescanwait.Yourest,”hesaid.
Shegavehimagaminegrin.“YouplanningtostopbyandtellmyroseswhereIam,onyourwayto
work?”
Hetappedherstraightlittlenosewithalongforefinger.“I’llbebackwhenIcan.”
“Okay.”
Hewasgoneinaflash,leavingawearyGracetobeshooeddownthehalltochangeandrestbyMiss
Turner.

MARQUEZWASSITTINGinGaron’sofficewhenhewalkedinafewminuteslater.Hehesitatedat
thedoor.
Theyoungermangavehimanimpatientlook.“Okay,Iwaswayoutofline,earlier,”heconfessed
tautly.“Atleastyou’renotleavingGraceinthelurch.”
Garon’seyebrowsarched.“Doyouknoweverything?”
“Prettymuch.MymotherandIdon’tkeepsecretsfromeachother.”Hestudiedhisknee.“Italkedtoa
detectiveinOklahoma.Therewasaredribboninvolvedintheirchildmurderfouryearsago.They
heldbacktheinformation,justincase.”
“It’sgottobethesameguy,”Garonsaidquietly.
“Yes.Iimaginehe’sbeenbusyinotherplacesinthepastfewyearsaswell.WehaveDNAfromthis
latestmurder,butnohitswhenweranitthroughthecomputer,”headded.“Ihadhopedtheperpmight
haveahistoryandarapsheet.”
Garonshookhishead.“He’stoogood.”
“OneoftheolderdetectivesontheOklahomacasesaidtheyhadaneyewitnesswhowassurehesaw

thekillerabductthechildfromherroom.”
Garonfrowned.“WetalkedtoSheldon,thewitnessinSanAntonio.AndwhenIwenttoPaloVerde,
thechieftheresaidtheyhadaneyewitnessnamedRichwholivedrightnextdoortothevictimwho
saidhesawthekillerabductthechild.Helefttownjustafterthemurder.”
“That’sthreeeyewitnessesatthreecrimescenes.”
Garon’seyesbrightened.“Yes.Ithinkhe’sbeentryingtoinserthimselfintothecase,”hesaid.Then
herememberedsomething.“ByGod,rememberSheldon’shandswerescarredandheworegloves?
Graceonlysawherabductor ’shands.Shesaidtheywereverypale,andhadscars!WhatifSheldon’s
ourman?”
“Let’sgo!”Marquezexclaimed.
Garonwasrightoutthedooraftertheyoungerman.Foronce,thingswerelookingup!

14
GARONANDMARQUEZrushedtoSheldon’shousejustinsidethecitylimitsofSanAntonio.The
killerjustmightbeSheldon,Garonthought.Iftheycouldgetthemanintocustody,onanypretense,
andquestionhimproperly,theymightbreakthecase.Itwouldtakesomeplanning.Hewasintelligent.
Ifhewasthekiller,hewasn’tgoingtoconfesseasily,notafterelevenmurders.
“Wedon’thaveprobablecausetoarresthim,”Garonmutteredafterhe’dcalledtheofficeonhiscell
phoneandhadoneofhismencheckforanycriminalhistoryonSheldon.Therewasnone.
“We’llthinkupsomething,”Marquezsaid.
“Withourluck,he’llhavephotosofthemurdervictimsspreadaround,andwewon’tbeabletotouch
himwithoutasearchwarrant.Weshouldhaveaskedajudgeforonebeforewedroveuphere.”
“Withoutprobablecause,wecouldn’tgetajudgetoissueasearchwarrant,”Marquezsaidgruffly.
“We’dhavetolisteverythingwehopedtofind.Eventhen,ifitwasn’tonthewarrant,wecouldn’t
touchit.”
“Iknow,”Garonsaid,hiseyesglitterywithfeeling.HewasthinkingaboutGraceandwhathad
happenedtoher.He’dlovenothingmorethattocatchherassailantandputhimunderthenearest
prison.
“Wecoulddoaconsentsearch,”Marquezsuggested,notquitejokingly,withawrysmile.
Garongavehimawrylook.
“Oh,comeon!YougotothebackdoorandIgotothefrontdoor,”theyoungermanreplied.“Iyell
‘knock,knock’,andyouyell,‘comein.’”
“Andwebothendupincourt,”Garonremindedhim.
“Noguts,noglory.”
TheypulledintoSheldon’sdriveway.Therewasnocarinthedrivewayandnolightsoninthehouse.
Garonknockedloudly,announcingthathewasanFBIagent.Buttherewasnomovementinside.
Anelderlyladyfromnextdoorsawthemenontheporchandcalledtothem,withashovelinone
handandDutchwoodenshoesonherfeet.“Ifyou’relookingforMr.Sheldon,I’mafraidyouwon’t
findhim,”shesaidwithasmile.“Hemovedoutseveraldaysago.Puteverythinghehadontoatruck
anddroveaway.”
“Doyouknowwherehewasgoing?”Marquezasked.
“HesaidCalifornia,”shereplied.
“Whatsortoftruck?”Garonasked.
“Justanoldwhitepickuptruck,”shesaid.“Hewassuchaniceman,”sheadded.“Sohelpful.He’d
carrymygroceriesinforme.IfIgotsick,he’dpickupmymedicineatthepharmacy.Suchasweet
man.I’llmisshim.”
Garondidn’tdaretelltheoldwomanwhathesuspectedabouthersweetneighbor.Hedidgowith
Marqueztogetasearchwarrantforthehouse.AteamofFBIcriminologistsscouredthesmallhouse
foranytraceevidence,justasthey’ddoneatthehouseinPaloVerdewheretheso-calledwitnesshad
lived.Neitherventuregleanedanyevidence.Therewasn’tsomuchasastrayhairleftineitherhouse.
Norwasthereanywaytotracethewhitepickuptruck.Theydidn’thaveatagnumber,andthey
couldn’tfindanyinformationonamannamedSheldon.Thedayhadstartedoutfullofpromise.Now,
likesomanyinvestigations,thetrailwentcold.Thechild’sparentsphonedMarquezandaskedifhe
hadanyleads.Hehadtotellthemhedidn’t.Buthewasn’tgivingup,andneitherwasGaron.
Somehow,theyweregoingtonailthekiller,whateverittook.

BUTWEEKSWENTBY,andthenmonths.Therewerenomorechildmurders.Searcheswere
launchedforRichandSheldon,butnotraceofeithermancouldbefound.Therewasnodriver ’s
license,nofingerprints,nothingthatwillhelpthemtolocateeitherman.Garonrecalledtheman
braggingaboutbelongingtoMensa,buttheorganizationhadnoinformationaboutamannamed
Sheldon.
“Haveyoufoundanythingthatmighthelpyoulocatethecomputerexpert?”Graceaskedonenightat
thesuppertable.SheandGaronwerehavingsecondcupsofcoffee.MissTurnerhadalreadycleared
thetableandgonetobed.
Garonshookhishead.Heglancedatherontheothersideofthetable.Shewastiredalotthesedays,
fivemonthsintoherpregnancy,andhercolorwasn’tgood.Shespentalotoftimeinbed.Garon
worriedaboutit.He’dphonedColtrain,who’dcomeouttoseeGrace.Hepronounceditasnormal
forawomaninthatstageofpregnancy.ButheandGracetalkedbehindacloseddoorforalongtime
beforeheleft.Garonaskedwhatthey’dfoundtodiscuss.Shesaidshewasworriedaboutlabor,and
she’dbeenaskingColtrainaboutit.
Shedidlookbad.Shewasn’tgainingalotofweight.Shetookherprenatalvitamins,buttheydidn’t
seemtohelpalot.
“Iwishyou’dstopworrying,”shemutteredearlyoneMondaymorningastheyateanearlybreakfast.
“I’mdoingfine.”
Shewasn’t.Hedidwhathecouldtotemptherappetite,butallsheseemedtoeatwerestrawberry
milkshakesanddrytoast.Shewasn’tgettingnearlyenoughprotein.Hehopedtheprenatalvitamins
weredoingsomegood.He’dgonesofarastohavegourmetmealsflownin,sothatshehadexotic
mealstoeat.Butshepickedatherfood.
“Grace,ifyoudon’teatproperly,youcouldhurtthebaby,”hesaidindesperation.
Shefeltpartofherselfdieeverytimehesaidthingslikethat.Hehadanabsolutepassionfortheir
forthcomingchild.Hereadbooksonchildbirthandchildrearing.Hewatchedprogramsonthehealth
channelsaboutdelivery.HewentwithhertoLamazenaturalchildbirthclasses,andwalkedaroundthe
yardwithher,sothatshegotalittleexercise.Hewasforeverwatchingher,makingsureshetookcare
ofherself.Butallofit,everything,wasforthebaby.Shehadnoillusionsabouthisfeelingsforher.
Theyhadseparatebedrooms,separatelives.Hewenttoworkandstayedtherelateatnight.Hesaidhe
wasworkingonthechildmurdercase.Shewonderedifhewasn’treallyworkingonJaquiJones.
Jaquihadphonedher,unbeknownsttoGaron,toremindherthatassoonasthebabycame,Gracewas
onlygoingtobeafootnoteinGaron’slife.JaquiinsinuatedthatGaronwassneakingaroundtosee
her.Hewouldn’triskupsettingGrace,ofcourse,thewomanpurred.Butavirile,masculinemanlike
Garonwasn’tgoingtobehappytryingtosleepwithawhaleinmaternityclothing.
Graceputthereceiverdownandstoppedansweringthephone.Shedidn’ttellGaronaboutthephone
calls.Sheknewhewouldn’tcare,unlessJaqui’sharassmentwasendangeringthebaby,ofcourse.
GaronsawthelackofanimationinGrace’smanner,anditmadehimfeelguilty.Wassherelivingthe
painhe’dcausedher?Wasthatwhyshewincedwhenshelookedathim?He’dbeencarefulnotto
makeanysortofphysicaldemandsonherduringherpregnancy.Shedidn’tfeelwellmostofthe
time.Evenhereffortswithherrosebusheswerelessthanperfect.Intheend,she’daskedGaronto
haveoneofthecowboysseetofertilizingandsprayingthem.Shedidaslittlephysicalworkasshe
couldmanage.Springturnedtosummer,andsummertofall.Garonhadcasesthattookhimoutof
state,andonce,outofthecountry.Thetaskforcemetinfrequently,becausefundingwasbeing
channeledtootherareas,andthekillercontinuedtoeludediscovery.OnethingGracedidnoticewas
thatGaronhadsomeonewatchingherallthetime,justincase.Hehadn’tstoppedworryingthatthe

killermightcomebacktofinishthejob.ShesawlittleofGaronotherwise.
He’dlongsinceeasedherintotheguestroomandkeptherthere,explainingthatsheneededherrest
andhe’dbecominginatallhourswhileworking.Itwasn’tthetruth,buthedidn’tthinkshereally
wantedthetruth.He’dseenherfacewhenhetoldherandColtrainaboutAnnaleeandthechildhe’d
lostalongwithher.Hehadn’twantedtoloveanyonesincethen.Graceknewit,withoutbeingtold.
Thelighthadgoneoutofhereyesforeverduringthatquiet,somberexplanation.Ithadn’tcomeback.
Shewasstillworkinghertwojobs.Intheevenings,shelockedherselfintothesewingroomsheand
MissTurnerhadmadeofathirdguestroom.Shewasworkingonaproject,shetoldGaron,
somethingtodowithChristmas.Hedidn’taskwhatorwhy.Shewasentitledtohersecrets.
Butherlackofspiritwasworrying.HewasconcernedenoughtogoandtalktoBarbara,whoknew
herpossiblybetterthananyoneelseinJacobsville.
“Shewon’ttalktome,”Garontoldthecafé’sowner.“Shechangesthesubjectorleavestheroom,or
findsanurgenterrandtorun.”helookedathishandsclaspedbetweenhislonglegsashesatatatable
justbeforethecaféwassupposedtoopenforlunch.“Iknowsomething’supsettingher.Ican’tfind
outwhat.”
Men,Barbarathought,werethestupidestpeopleonearth.Gracewasinlovewithherhusbandand
certainthathewantednothingmorethanthechildshewascarrying.He’dtoldherthey’donlybe
marrieduntilthebabycame.He’dprobablyforgottensayingthat,butGracehadn’t.Shewasjust
markingtime,feelinglikeaninsignificantincubatorinhishouse.
“Itmightnotbeabadideatogetheroutofthehouse,”shesaidfinally.“ExcepttoworkforJudyor
me,shenevergoesanywhere.”
Hischiseledlipsmadeathinline.“ShegoestochurchwithyouandMarquez,”hesaid.
Barbarahadtorestrainasmile.Hesoundedangry.HethoughtofMarquezasarival.Certainly,Grace
laughedandwasnaturalwithRick.WithGaron,shewassubduedandhardlyspoke.Thedifference
musthavebeennoticeable.
“Youdon’tgo,”shereplied.“GracetakesherSundaymorningsseriously.”
Hetracedaflat,cleanfingernailwithafingertip.“Idon’ttalktoGodanymore.”
“Isthereareason?”
Helookedup.Didn’ttheysayconfessionwasgoodforthesoul?Barbaradidn’tlikehim,ortrust
him.Maybehekepttoomanysecrets.“Iwasmarried,”hesaid,notinghersurprise.“Verymuchin
loveandlookingforwardtoalifetimewithmywifeandourchildren.Whenshewasaboutasfar
alongasGraceisnow,theydiagnosedherwithafatalcancer.Ilostthemboth.”
Thetragedyofitwasinhistautfeatures,hishardeyes.Barbarasoftenedtowardhim.Sheknewloss.
Herhusbandhaddiedtenyearsearlierinanairplanecrash.She’dneverthoughtofremarrying.She
stillgrieved.ItwasobviousthatthetaciturnFBImandid,too.Hisheartwasburiedwiththefamilyhe
lost.Gracemustknowthat.Itwouldexplainherlackofspirit.
“Myhusbanddied,”shetoldhimquietly.“Inanaccident.Imiscarriedtheonlychildwewereableto
conceive.Ilivedinthepastandhatedlife.AndthenRickcamealong,andallofasudden,mylifehad
meaningagain.”Shemethissearchingeyes.“Istoppedthinkingofmyselfandstartedlookingaround
metoseewhoneededhelp.”
Acornerofhismouthtuggedup.“Isthisastorywithamoral?”
“You’velivedinanopengravesinceyoulostyourwifeandchild,”shesaidsimply.“Don’tyouthink
it’stimeyoulivedinthepresent?Youhaveanotherwife,andachildontheway.Itisn’tfairtothemto
makethemsecondbestafterghosts.”
Therewasanoddflickerinhisdarkeyes.“That’sharsh.”

“That’struth,”shecountered.“Gracemaynotbeapowerful,independentcareerwomanlikeyour
friendJaqui,butshehasskillsofherown.”
“Shecancookandsew,”hesaidheavily.“Onceuponatime,thoseweredesiredskillsforwomen.It’s
anewworld.”
“ObviouslyJaquiisthesortofwomanyouadmire,”Barbarasaid,hereyesgrowingcold.“Oncethe
baby’sborn,youcangetaquietdivorceandsaddleupwithyouridealwoman.Withanyluck,Grace
willrealizethatRickisfarmoreherstylethanyouare.Excuseme.Ihavetogetreadytoopen.”
Shegotupandleftwithoutanotherword.
Garonwentbackhome,feelingempty.TherewasadistancebetweenhimselfandGracethatwas
gettinghardertoclose.He’dhadtospendalotoftimeawayduringthesummer,workingoncases.
Whenhewashome,he’dhadtocatchuponworkbothattheofficeandontheranch.Hisfatherand
brothershadcomebythehouseoncetoseeGaron’snewbride,buttheyhadn’tstayedlong.Gracehad
beenshyandwithdrawn,andGaron’sfatherhadremarkedthatitseemedanoddmatch.Garonhadn’t
answered.Itwasanoddmatch.Buthegotusedtothesmelloffreshbakingbreadinthekitchen,and
Grace’ssoftlaughterwhenhemadejokesaboutherrosebushes.He’dgottenusedtothefaintsmellof
rosesthatclungtohersoftskinandthesoundofherfootstepsmuffledbycarpet.Theonlybadthing
washisunendingdesireforher,whichhe’dbeenreininginwithdifficulty.Hewantedherallthetime,
butshewassofragileinpregnancy.Shehadsickspellsconstantlyanditwasdifficultforherto
breatheproperly.Shecouldwalkonlyashortdistancewithoutgettingwinded.Soheteasedhergently
andheldhandswithherwhentheywalked.Andworried.Hetriednottoputanypressureonheratall,
sothatshewouldn’tbestressedandrisklosingthebaby.Hewaslookingforwardtothebirthofhis
child.Justthethoughtofitliftedhisheart,madehimliveagain.ButGracewasn’treactingashe’d
expected.Heknewshelovedchildren.Butshewasn’tthewomanshehadbeen.
HecouldseeforhimselfthatGracewassinkingdeeperintodepressionwitheverypassingday.That
wouldn’tdo.Hehadtoshakeherbacktolife.
“Whydon’tyoucomeuptotheofficewithme?”heasked,keepinghiseyesonhiscoffeecup.“We
couldhavelunchandyoumightliketoshopwhileIfinishupsomepaperwork.”
Shehesitated.Itwasanolivebranch.Maybeitwaspity.Butthethoughtofsharingseveralhourswith
hersexyhusbandmadeherfeelwarminside.
“I’dlikethat,”shesaid.Butshedidn’tlookathim.
“Whydon’tyouwearoneofthenewmaternityoutfits?”heasked.
“IsupposeIcould.”
“I’llwaitwhileyouchange.”
“Okay.”Shefinishedherdecafandwentdownthelonghalltoherbedroom.Shepulledoutoneofthe
threemixandmatchoutfitssheandMissTurnerhadpurchased.He’dgivenheracreditcardandhad
MissTurnertakehertoSanAntonioforshopping.She’dbeenafraidtospendmuch,frugalityhaving
beendrummedintoherbyherlategrandmother.MissTurnerhadcoaxedhertowardsportswear,but
shewouldn’tevenlookatthatsection.Shewasn’tgoingtobeaccusedofgoingonspendingsprees
withhismoney.Ifshe’dhadenoughofherown,itwouldhavebeenadifferentstory.Herincome
fromhertwojobswasbeingusedmostlyonherproject.Butitwasnowcompleteandinthehandsof
thepurchaser.ItwouldbeabigsurpriseforGaronwhenheknewaboutit.Meanwhile,shewasn’t
wastingherhard-earnedmoneyontrifleslikefancypregnantsportswear.Notwhenamuumuuwasso
cheapandcoolashotweatherdescendedonTexas.
Sheputonarosepinktopandskirt,andslippedintowhiteloaferstowearwiththem.Shebrushedher
longblondhairuntilitfellinsoftwavesaroundhershoulders.Herheart-shapedfacelookedpalein

themirror.Hedidn’tknowwhatshewashiding.Shedidn’twanthimtoknow,becauseitwouldworry
him.Hiswifehadbeenfivemonthspregnantwhenshewasdiagnosedwithcancer.Herpregnancy
musthaveremindedGaronofwhathe’dlost.
Shewalkedbackintothediningroom,carryinghersmallpurse.“I’mreadywhenyouare,”shesaid.
Hegotupandlookedatheropenly,smilingattheprettypictureshemadeintheoutfit.“Notbad,Mrs.
Grier,”hemurmured.
Herheartskipped.Itwasthefirsttimehe’dcalledherthat.Hedidn’tusuallycommentonherlooks,
either.
“Thanks,”shesaidshyly,avoidinghiseyes.Maybehethoughtflatterywouldlifthermoodandmake
hereatproperly.Hereallywantedthechild.
“Comeon,then.”
Heopenedthecardoorforherandhelpedherinside.Itwasahotday,withoutacloudinthesky.She
wonderedhowhiscolleagueswouldreacttoherpresenceinhisoffice.Shefeltuncomfortableatthe
thoughtofmeetingthem.Mostmenstillmadeheruneasy.

THEYWALKEDintotheofficetogether,butGaronwasimmediatelyhailedbyoneoftheother
agents,andpulledawayintoanofficeforanurgentmeeting.
Agood-lookingwomanpausedandstaredatGrace.“MayIhelpyou?”sheasked.
“Uh,no,no,thanks,”Gracefaltered,embarrassed.“I’mjustwaitingformyhusband.”
“IshethewitnessAgentCarlsonistryingtointerviewinthere?”sheasked,indicatingacubicle
nearby.
Beforeshecouldanswer,aspateofimpatientArabicwaftedfromthecubicle,havingastrange,
foreign,almostmusicaltoneinthequietoffice.
“Oh,hell,whycouldn’tyougetsomeonetocomeinwithyouandtranslate?”theagentaskedirritably.
“Joceline!”heyelled.
“Yes?”thewomanreplied.
Atall,blondmanstuckhisheadoutbeyondthefreestandingwall.“Thisguydoesn’tspeakEnglish.Is
JonBlackhawkoutthere?”
“Sorry.Hehadtobeincourtthismorningtotestifyonthatmurderlastyear.”
“Well,whatamIsupposedtodonow?”theagentgrumbled.“Thisguywitnessedamurder.Ifhe
leaves,Imaynotbeabletogethimback!”
Themaninthecubicle,clearlymiddleeastern,appearedinthedoorway,liftedbothhandsand
expressedhisdismaythatnobodyintheFBIcouldunderstandhim.
Gracemovedtowardhimwithasoftsmile.“It’sonlybecausetheagentwhousuallytranslatesisin
court,”shesaidinperfectArabic.
Theforeignmansmiledfromeartoearandgreetedherwarmly.Sherepliedpolitely,andwitha
smile.
Jocelineandtheagentbothgapedather.
“YoucanspeakArabic?”theagentexclaimed.
“Yes.Whatdoyouwanttoknow?”sheasked.
“Comerightin,”theagentinvited,smiling.

TWENTYMINUTESLATER,GaroncamebackoutandstartedlookingaroundforGrace.He
scowled.Hehadn’ttoldhertostayintheoffice,buthehadn’texpectedhertogowalkingaroundtown
inthisheatinhercondition.Hehadbeenworriedthatshe’dfeeltotallyoutofplaceinhisupscale

office.
HestoppedbyJoceline’sdesk.“Haveyouseenmywife?”
Joceline’seyeswidened.“You’remarried?Youneversaidyouweremarried.”
“Nobodyneededtoknow,”hereturnedinanicytone.“It’sacomplicatedstory,andI’mnot
volunteeringit.”
“Thematernityoutfitvolunteereditalready,”Jocelinemused.“Ifthatpregnantladyisyourwife,
she’srightoverthere.”
Gracehadagroupofagentsclusteredaroundher;allweretalkingandlaughing.
“Issheyours?”oneoftheagents,Blackhawk,askedGaron.
“Mine?”heshifted.“Yes.Thisismywife,Grace,”hesaidbelatedly.
“JonBlackhawk,”thenewcomerintroducedhimself,takingGrace’ssmallhandinhis.“Apleasure.”
“Samehere,”AgentCarlsonagreed.
Shesmiled.“I’mgladtomeetyouboth.”
Garoncaughtherhandinhis.“Wehavetogoorwe’llmisslunch.”
“Bringherbackagainsometime,”CarlsoncalledtoGaron.
Garondidn’tanswer.HetuggedGracegentlyoutthedoorandputherinthecar.
Heturnedtoherbeforehestartedthecarengine.“Well,itlookslikeyouhadagoodtime.”
Hereyebrowslifted.“Yes,youcansometimestakemeoutinpublic.Icantalkandwalk,”shereplied.
“Mostlyyoutalkaboutyourjob,eatsupper,watchthenews,shutyourselfupinyourofficeandthen
gotobed.Idon’tsupposewe’vehadmorethananhour ’sconversationalltoldsincewemarried.”
Shewasright.He’ddeliberatelyavoidedbeingalonewithher.Itwasallhecouldmanagenotto
sweepherup,tossherintothenearestbed,andravishher.Butthatwastaboorightnow.
“I’vebeenbusy,”heacknowledged.
“Anyway,”sheadded,fasteningherseatbelt,“Iguessgettingtoknowmebetterdoesn’treally
concernyou.Oncethebaby’sborn,I’mgoinghome.”
Therewasaprofoundsilenceinthecar.
Sheglancedathim,curiousabouthisstrainedexpression.“That’swhatweagreed,whenwegot
married.Yousaidwe’dgoourseparatewaysoncethebabycame.”
Hehadsaidthat.Hewishedhehadn’t.
“You’reworkingpart-timeatmeniallaborjobs.Ithoughtyouwouldn’tbeabletohandleamore
sophisticatedlevel,”hepointedoutcurtly.
“I’mdoingwhatIlike,”shecorrected.Shestaredathimquietly.“Ican’thandleahigh-pressure,high-
paying,overstressfulcareer.Thatdoesn’tmeanIhavetostickmymindinabox.Althoughapparently
that’swhatyouthoughtIwasdoing,somuchsothatyouthoughtIcouldn’tevengetalonginan
officeenvironmentforhalfanhourwithoutyou.”
“Ineversaidyouwerestupid.”
“Youwouldn’tdare,”shepointedoutwithasmirk.“You’dnevergetanotherapplecake.”
Onecornerofhismouthpulledupandhechuckled.
“Careful,laughtercanbehabit-forming,”shecautioned.
Hesigheddeeply,watchingher.“Youreallydolookpretty,pregnant,Grace,”hesaidabruptly.
Thatwasbelowthebelt.Hewasflatteringher.Hedidn’tloveher,buthedidappearfondofher.He
justcouldn’tbearhercompanywhentheywerehometogether.
Butshedidn’tmindsomuch.Shewouldhavethebaby,whenheleft.Herfingerstouchedtheswell
lightly.Orhewouldhavethebaby,ifColtrain’sworriedpredictionscametrue.Atleastshecouldlive
withGaron,benearhim,foraslongasitlasted.Sheknewthatshe’dneverloveanyoneelse.Shejust

hadtohideherfeelings.Itwouldn’tdotogivehimaguiltcomplex.Itwasn’thisfaultthathestill
lovedhislatewife.Somepeoplejustcouldn’tlovetwice.

TIMEPASSED,andGaronrealizedwithastartthatGracewasnowalmosteightmonthspregnant.
He’dspentalargepartofthosemonthsworkingonthetaskforce,butthekillerhadleftnotrailthat
couldbefollowed.They’dquestionedwitnessesoverandoveragain,hopingforasingleclueto
breakthecase.Buttheynevercameclose.TheycheckedouteverywhitepickuptruckinTexas
eventually.NoneofthembelongedtoamannamedSheldon.Itwasadeadend.Moreandmore,the
investigatorsgainedsympathyforthosepoorlawenforcementpeopleinWashingtonstatewho’d
spenttwentyyearstryingtocatchtheirserialkiller.GaronandthetaskforcehadGrace’smemories
toworkwith,buttheyhadn’tgiventhemtheedgethey’dhopedfor.Sheldonhadtobethekeyto
solvingthemurders,butleadafterleadvanished.They’dspentmonthstossingoutideasand
followingthemthrough,withnovisibleresult.Therewastalkofdisbandingthetaskforce.Certainly,
itwasn’tmakingprogress.
Meanwhile,GaronwasirritatedthatMarquezseemedtobetakinganincreasinginterestinGrace.He
managedtobevisitingBarbaraatleasttwodaysaweekwhenGracewascookingatthecafe.Itwas
theonlytimesheactednaturally,hethoughtirritably.GracedidnothingtogiveGaronhope.Shewas
fondofhim,butsheseemeddisinterestedinanyromanticleanings.
Whentheymet,MarquezwascourteoustoGrace,butheneversaidanythingthatmightdisturb
Garon.Theoneplacehenevertrespassedwasontheranch.
Garoncamehomeunexpectedlyonablusterycoldautumnday.Hecouldn’tfindMissTurneror
Graceinside,sohechangedtohisranchclothesandwentoutlookingforthem.
TheExpeditionwasgone.Atfirsthethoughtthetwowomenhadgonetotownforsomething.Buthe
becameawareofvoicesinthebigbarnoutback.Hestartedtowardit,curiousaboutwhatwasbeing
said.
Asheapproachedcloser,henoticedtwothings.Therewerenocowboysaround,andthemantalking
toGracewasthemissinglinkinthechildmurders.ItwasSheldon!

15
GARONCOULDHAVETRIEDtobluffitout,bymovingcloserwithadisplayofcarelesswelcome.
ButSheldonwastoosharpforsubterfugetoworkonhim.InsteadGarondidtheonlythingpossible
inthecircumstances.Hedrewhisserviceweapon,snappeditssightsonthevisitorandcalled,“FBI.
KeepyourhandswhereIcanseethem!”
GracecaughtherbreathassherealizedthatGaronhadrecognizedthismanandconsideredhima
threat.He’dcometothehousetoaskaboutadoptingoneofthekittensinthebarnandGracehadgone
outtherewithhim.Sherememberedhimfromherchildhood.He’dbeenasubstituteteacherather
school.Allthechildrenhadlikedhim.
SheldonwasmovingbacktoJacobsville,he’dtoldher,andheneededacattogetridofmice.
Someonehadmentionedthattheyhadanewlitter.Whichtheydid.Gracealwayshadkittensfromthe
barncat.
Themanwasintelligentandpleasant,justassherememberedhimbeing.Buttherewassomething
abouthimthatmadeheruneasy.Something…ShewastryingtoputherfingeronitwhenGaron
appearedatthedoorofthebarn.
Ithappenedsofastthatshedidn’trealizewhatwasgoingonuntilhervisitorsuddenlygrabbedher
aroundtheneckandheldthesharpedgeofaknifetoherthroat.Sheknewthenwhyshe’dbeen
apprehensive.Therewasasmelltothismanthatwasindividualandchilling.Shecouldseehiswrists
abovethethingloveshewore.Hisskinwaswhite.Sheknewwhohewasnow,andthathe’dcome
backtomakesureshecouldn’tidentifyhim.Hermindwentbacktothepast,tothethingsthisanimal
haddonetoher.Nowshewaspregnant,andheseemedeagertorobherofherchild,andherlife.
“Ididn’texpectyoutoidentifyme,Grier,”Sheldoncalledtohim,laughing.“I’vealwayskeptonthe
move,onestepaheadofthelaw.ButeverywhereIgo,peoplearelookingforme.Knowwhy?”he
asked.“Becauseofmydamnedhands.Ithoughtwearinggloveswouldthrowpeopleoffthetrack,but
thatdescriptionyouputoutonmewastoogood.I’vebeenontherunsincespring.”
Garon’seyesdidn’twaverfromthesubject.Thiswasn’tanewsituationforhim,notaftersixyearsin
theHostageRescueTeam.“Whatdoyouwant?Transportation?Money?”
“I’mthroughrunning,”themanreplied.HisarmtightenedaroundGrace’sslimneckandtheknife
pressedharder,cuttingtheskin.“Butbeforeyougetme,I’mgoingtoclearthedeck.This—”he
indicatedGrace“—istheonlyonewhogotaway.Theysaidshehadamnesia.Butwhenyoustarted
identifyingmebymyhands,Iknewshe’dliedaboutforgetting.Shehadn’tforgottenathing.”
“She’spregnant,”Garonsaidthroughhisteeth.
“That’snothingtome,”themansaidinamonotone.“Ihatechildren.Especiallylittlegirls.My
stepmotherhatedme,especiallywhenshefoundoutshecouldn’thaveachild.Iwetthebedandshe
punishedmebymakingmewearfrillydresses.Shekeptmyhairlongandtieditupwithribbons.She
sentmetoschoollikethat.”Hisfacegrewredwithtemper.“Myfatherwasafraidofher,sohenever
saidaword.Everybodymadefunofme.ButIgrewup.Igotbiggerthanbothofthem.AndIgot
even.”hesmiledcoldly.“Itoldthecopsthatastrangemandidit,thatIranforhelpwhenIsawwhat
hewasdoing.Icriedandcried.Stupidcops.Theybelievedme.”
“Isthatwhyyouweargloves?”Garonasked,thepistolstillaimedatthesuspect.“Becauseyoufeel
guilty?”
Sheldonmovedrestlessly.“WhenIwastwelve,Istartedwettingthebedagain.Itwasdarkandcold
andallwehadwasanouthouse,andIwasstillafraidofthedark.Iheldituntilitwasalmostlight,and
thenIcouldn’tholditanymore.Icovereditupandwenttoeatmybreakfast.Ihopedshewouldn’tsee

ituntilIwenttoschool.ButshewenttomakeupthebedbeforethebuscameandsawwhereI’dwetit.
Shewasstartingastewforlunch.Thewaterwasboilingonthestove.Shescreamedatme,thatIwas
stupidandretarded,andthatshe’dmakemesorry.Shegrabbedmyarmsandrammedmyhandsinto
theboilingwater…”
Garongrimaced.
Thesuspectsawit.Hehardened.“Itoldmydadwhatshe’ddone.HesaidIwasaliar,becauseshewas
agoodwoman.Hesaidshe’dneverhurtme.HetookmetothedoctorandtoldhimthatIstuckmy
handsinboilingwatersoIcouldblamemystepmotherforit.”Hisvoicetrailedaway.“Thepainwas
awful.Theygavemeanaspirinandputsomepurplecreamonmyburnedskin.Whentheyhealed,the
scarscoveredthem.Ihadtolearntodoeverythingwithgloveson,sonobodywouldmakefunof
me.”
“Youkilledlittlegirlswho’ddonenothingtoyou,”Gracechoked.
“Youlookedlikeher,”hespat.“Allofyoulookedlikeher!Likemystepmother.Iwastwelvewhen
sheruinedmeforlife.SoIkilledtwelvegirlswholookedlikeher.Oneforeachyear.Exceptyou
lived,”hemutteredintoGrace’shair.“Ican’tletyoulive.You’llbreakthechain.”
“Lethergo,”Garontoldhim.
“It’syourkidshe’scarrying,isn’tit,Grier?”heasked,tighteninghisarmaroundhernecksothatshe
gasped.“Toobadshewon’tlivetogivebirthtoit.”Heshiftedhisweight.
Garonhadneverfeltsuchanguish.Themanwasn’tbluffing.Hisfantasywaslinkedtokillingthe
girlswholookedlikehisstepmother,andthiswastheendofit.Therewasnotimetocallin
negotiators,toaskforbackup.Therewasnotimetodoanythingexceptreact.Insplitseconds,he’d
slitGrace’scarotidartery,andnopoweronearthwouldstopherlifefrombleedingoutintothesoil
atherfeet.Hepicturedthosebeautifulgrayeyesclosedforever,andhisverysoulached.
Hehadtoact.Now.“Grace,”hecalledquietly,hisfacelikestone.“DoyourememberthedayIfound
youinyourfrontyard,thedaywewenttoseeCopper?”
“Yes,”shewhispered.
“Doyoutrustme,baby?”heaskedinavoicelikesoftvelvet.
Shemanagedatautsmilethroughtheterror.“Withmyverylife.”
“Okay,then.”
Sheknewwhathewasaskingandshesawinhiseyesthatheknewitcouldgoeitherway.Shehada
chancetolive,aslimone.Everythingdependedontiming.Shelookedatherhusband,shivered,and
letthemanbehindhertakeherwholeweightashereyesclosedandsheslumpedwithasoftgroan.
Thetinydiversionwasenough.Garonnevermissed.Hesnappedoffjustoneshotandwatchedit
penetrateasSheldonturnedhisheadafractiontolookdownatGrace.
Gracefeltthebodybehindherjumpevenasshefeltthewarmwetnessofblooddownhercheek.At
thesametime,theknifeatherthroatdroppedtothegroundandthekidnapperandmurdererof
childrenfelldeadatherfeet.
Sheslumpedtotheground,shaking,gaspingforbreath.Thewetnessshefeltwasherownblood,
whereSheldonhadcutherjustasthebulletgothim.Itwasrunningoutquickly.Forafewsecondsshe
wasterrifiedthatherarteryhadbeennicked.Butasshefeltforthecut,andrealizeditwasn’tthe
artery,herheartjerkedinashaky,unnaturalrhythmandshegaspedlikeafishoutofwater.Sheknew
whatwashappening.Shewasterrified.Notnow,sheprayedsilently.Notnow.It’stoosoon!The
baby’snotready…
Shefellontoherside,stilltryingtoholdtheskintogethertohalttheflowofblood.Shewasawareof
voicesaroundher,followedbysirens.Butshedidn’tunderstandmuch.Shefeltherlifedraining

away.Shewasweightless,buoyant,mergingwiththeair,theclouds,thesky.
Garonrantoher,kneeling,curlingherheadintohischest.“OhGod,thatwasclose!Areyouallright,
Grace?Baby,areyouallright?”herepeated,kissingherhair,hercheekfeverishly.Hewasvibrating
withtheaftereffectsoftheterror.Ifhe’dmissed…!
“I’m…okay,”shewhispered.Shewasn’t.Buthelookedshakenenough.Shekissedhischeek.“You
savedme,”shemanagedtosayweakly.“Thankyou.”
Hisfingersinherhairwereinsistentashepressedaquick,hardkissagainstherlips.“Mysweetgirl,”
hesaidwithbreathlesstenderness.
Twopolicecarsroareddowntothebarnandstopped,alongwithanambulancefromJacobsville
General.CopperColtrainjumpedoutoftheambulanceandrantoGrace’sside,motioningfuriously
fortheparamedics.
“It’sjustanick,”Garonsaidinaforciblycontrolledtone.Hepushedbackhersweatyhair.“Coltrain
willlookafteryou,sweetheart,”hesaidsoftly.“You’llbefine.Ihavetogiveastatementaboutwhat
happened.Iwon’tbelong.”Hesqueezedherhandwarmly.“Goodgirl,”headdedgently.“Youwere
verybrave.”
Shecouldn’tanswerhim.Itdidn’tmatter.Hewaswalkingaway,assuredthatshewasn’tbadlyinjured.
ButCopperColtrainknewotherwise.
HethrewoutorderstotheparamedicsastheyloadedGraceonagurneyandputherintothebackof
theambulance.
CashGrierhadjustpulledup.Heglancedtowardthefallenmanandthepeoplestandingoverhim,
andhestartedtowardthem.Coltrainsteppedinfrontofhim.
“Getyourbrotherandbringhimtothehospitalasfastasyoucan,”hetoldCash.“I’mgoingtocall
thelife-flighthelicopterandhavehertransferredimmediatelytoHouston.Ihaveafriendinthe
cardiologyunit,thebestsurgeonthey’vegot.I’llhavehimmeetherintheemergencyroomthere.”
Cashwasreeling.“Butit’sjustacut,”heprotested,lookingatGrace.
“No.”Coltraintookadeepbreath,andtoldhimthetruth.
Cash’sfacetautened.“GoodGod!”hewhispered.“I’llgethimtothehospital,”hepromisedandwent
towardthecrimescene.
Localpolicewereonthescene,alongwithoneofCash’sdetectives,whowastakingGaron’s
statementaboutwhathappened.
CashtookGaronbythearmjustasMissTurnercamerushingouttoseewhatallthecommotionwas
about.
“Youhavetocomewithmetothehospital,”Cashtoldhisbrothergrimly.“Rightnow.”
“Iknowshe’sfrightened.Itwasanordealforher.ButIhavetowrapthisupandcallmyoffice—”
“Coltrain’scallinginahelicoptertoflyhertoHouston,”Cashinterrupted.
“Foracutonherneck?”Garonexclaimed,certainnowthatColtrainhadlosthismind.
Cashtookadeepbreath.HerememberedanothernightofterrorwithChristabelGaines,nowmarried
toJuddDunn.Herememberedarushtothehospitalandendlesshoursinthewaitingroomwhile
doctorsfoughttosaveherlife.“Garon,”hesaidgently,“Gracehasabadheartvalve.It’sgone
critical.Iftheydon’toperateverysoon,shewon’tmakeit.”
Garonheardthewords,buttheydidn’tmakesense.Hestaredathisbrotherblankly.
“Shehastohaveopenheartsurgery,”Cashadded.
Thatwaswhentheterrorhit.HerememberedGrace’sbadcolorandherlackofenergy,Coltrain’s
eternalcosseting,thetownspeopleprotectingher.Now,whenitwastoolate,itmadesense.
Hefelttheblooddrainoutofhisface.“Houston,”hesaidunsteadily.“They’retakingherto

Houston?”
“Yes.”
“Ihavetogowithher,”Garonsaidthroughhisteeth.“CanyoucalltheASACandtellhimwhereI’ve
goneandwhy?”
“I’llhaveoneofmymendothat,”camethereply.“I’mgoingwithyoutoHouston.”
“Thanks.”
“Notnecessary.Comeon.”

CASHRACEDtothehospitalwithlightsandsirensblaring.Garonsatquietlyinhisseat,
rememberinganotherpregnantwomanwho’ddied.HemightloseGrace.Heclosedhiseyesona
shudder.She’dbeeninhishouseformonthsnow,makinghimapplecakes,laughingwithMiss
Turner,makingpillowsforthelivingroom,smilingathimacrossthedinnertable.She’dnever
complainedabouthisabsences,orstartedargumentsordoneanythingtomakehimfeelguilty.She
hadtolive.Nothingelsemattered.
HetoldthattoColtrain.Itwasthefirstthinghesaidwhenhemettheredheadeddoctorinthe
emergencyroom.
Coltraindidn’tmakesarcasticremarks.Hejustnodded.“I’mgoingtoHoustonwithyou,”headded.
“Justincase.”
Garoncouldn’tmanageareply.Henodded.
Gracewaswhiteasasheet.Hecouldseethecoveroverherjerkingwiththeodd,unstablerhythmof
herheartbeatasheandColtrainsharedthehelicopterwiththepilotandtheEMT.Cashwasdrivingto
Houston—mostlikelywithsirensandlightsgoingfulltilt,Garonthought.
HeheldGrace’shandwhileColtrainmonitoredherprogress,anIVdripgoingintoherotherarm,an
oxygenmaskoverhernose.
Herememberedpainfullyanepisodejustamonthago.She’dbeentoosicktogowithhimtoa
cattlemen’sassociationmeetinganddinner.Forsomereason,JaquiJoneshadbeenthere,sittingnext
toGaron.Aphotographerforthelocalpaperhadsnappedashot,showingGaronsmiling,leaning
towardJaqui.
MissTurnerhadhiddenthepaperfromGrace,butshewastoosharpnottorealizetheeffortto
protecther.She’dfoundthenewspaperandjuststaredatit,MissTurnertoldhim.Shehadn’tsaida
word.She’ddroppeditinthetrashandgoneonaboutherbusiness.
Garonhadbeenoutwiththemen,movingthebullsoutofsummerpasture.Itwasablazinghotday.
He’dcomeinsidestrippingoffhisshirt,hishairdampwithsweat.AndtherestoodGrace,inthehall,
herhandsfoldedatherwaist.
“AreyouhavinganaffairwithJaqui?”she’daskedbluntly.
He’dlaughed.Itwasunforgivable,butitwasaridiculousquestion.Herehewaswithaverypregnant
newwife,livinginatownoftwothousandbenevolentgossips.
“Areyounuts?”he’dasked,grinningatthepictureshemadeinajade-greenmaternityblousewith
whitematernityslacks.“Barbarawouldskewermeandservemetoyouonahotbun!”
She’dlookedsheepishthen,andhereyeshaddroppedhelplesslytohisbroad,hair-roughenedchest,
attheplayofmuscles.Herthoughtshadbeenasplainasastatementofdesireonherlovelyface.
Withawickedsmile,he’dtossedhisshirtontothehalltable,sweptherupinhisarmsandkissedher
withsuchpassionthatshemoanedandclungtohim.
Justasheentertainedforbiddenthoughtsofeasingherdownontheflooranddoingwhathefeltlike
doingtoher,thephonerang.Itwasacallfromtheofficeaboutahigh-profilecasebackeast.The

SAChadhimslatedtogohelpwithit.Heonlyhadminutestopackandgettotheairport.
He’dglancedatGracewitharuefulsmile,andshe’dsmiledback,dazed.Butwhenhecamebacka
weeklater,shewasquietandwithdrawn.MissTurnersaidshe’dhadalongtalkwithDr.Coltrainand
ithaddepressedher.He’daskedwhatabout.ButMissTurnerdidn’tknow,andGraceandthe
redheadeddoctorpassedoveritasifthey’djustbeendiscussinglaborandGracewasnervousabout
it.
Now,weekslater,Garonknewwhatthey’dtalkedabout.Gracehadriskedherlifetobringthischild
intotheworld.SheknewhowmuchGaronwantedachild,andhowmuchhe’dhaveworriedifhe’d
knownaboutherheart.Soshe’dsworneverybodyaroundhertosecrecy,andshe’dcarriedthesecret,
theburden,allthesemonths.
Hedrewhersmallhandtohismouthandkissedithungrily.Hefeltthehotmistinhiseyesand
loweredhisheadtohideit.Ifshedied…ifshedied,whatwouldhedo?Howwouldhegoonliving
withouther?Andhe’dnevereventoldherwhathefelt.

THEREWASATEAMwaitingatthehospitalwhenthehelicopterlanded.ColtrainhadtoldGaron
whatwouldhappenwhentheyarrived.They’dexamineher.They’dscheduleaheartcatherizationto
seetheextentofthedamageanddecideontheprocedure.TherewasaheartsurgeoninHouston,Dr.
Franks,whowasworldfamousinhisfield.He’dalreadyagreedtotakethecase.Coltrainhadphoned
himfromJacobsville.Thesurgerywouldtakeseveralhours.
Itwasarecipeforanightmare.Itgotworsewhenthesurgeon,Dr.Franks,andColtraintoldhimwhat
couldgowrong.Grace’spregnancywasadvancedenoughthattheycouldtakethechild.ButaC-
sectionornaturalchildbirthcompoundedtherisk.Dr.Franksmadethetersestatementthatsheshould
neverhavebeenallowedtoconceiveknowingthisconditionwasalreadyworkinguptoopenheart
surgery.
Garonhadbeencrushedwhenheheardthat.Coltrainsnappedtohisdefense,informinghimthat
GracehadrefusedColtrainpermissiontotellherhusband,addingthatnobodyhadexpectedthat
Gracecouldevengetpregnantinthefirstplace.
Dr.Franksapologized,butGaronwasbeyondguilt.Ifhe’donlyknown,hekeptthinking.Ifshe’djust
toldhim!

CASHCAMEINTOthewaitingroomsometimelater.Garonwasinaseatbythewindow,staringout
ontothehospitalgrounds.Peoplewalkedalongsidewalks,cameinandoutofbuildings.Garondidn’t
seethem.HewasrememberinghisfirstsightofGrace,whenshecametohishouselookingforhelp
withhergrandmother.
HefeltCash’sbighandonhisshoulder.
“What’shappening?”Cashasked,droppingintoaseatbesideGaron.Hewasstillwearinghis
uniform,andafamilyinthewaitingroomgavehimcuriouslooks.
“They’redoingaheartcatherization,”Garonsaiddully.“Theydon’tknowwhichisriskier,toinduce
laborordoaC-section.Shecoulddiebeforetheyevergettothevalve.”
Cashtookadeepbreath.Heknewhowhisbrotherfelt.He’dalmostlostTippyintheearlydaysof
theirrelationship.AndhecertainlyrememberedwhenChristabelDunnwasshotandalmostkilledby
oneofthenotoriousClarkbrothers,beforeheandTippyhadbecomeinvolved.He’dbeencrazy
aboutChristabel.Theanguishofherordealgrewfreshinhismindasherealizedtheoddsagainst
Grace.
“IfIloseher,”Garontoldhisbrother,“thereisn’tanythingonearthworthstayingfor.”

“Thatisn’twhatshe’dwant,”Cashrepliedquietly.“Shevalueslife.Youcanseeitinthewayshe
fussesoverthoserosebushes.”
Hebithislip.HewasrememberingGraceteasinghimabouttalkingtotherosesforher.Shedidlove
growingthings.
“DidyoucalltheSAC,abouttheshooting?”Garonaskedafteraminute.
“Yes.Hesaidsomeoftheguyswillbeuptonighttositwithyou.”
Garononlynodded.
Cashsmiled.“I’dforgottenhowclose-knityouguysare,”heremarked.“Mostofmylife,Iworked
alone,orwithaspotter.”
“That’snotthecasenow,isit?”Garonasked.
Cashchuckled.“No.Whenthecityfathersthreatenedtofiretwoofmyofficersbecausetheyarrested
adrunkpolitician,thewholepoliceandfiredepartmentsthreatenedtoresignifIgottheboot.Itwasa
life-changingmoment.Suddenly,IwentfrombeinganoutsiderinJacobsvilletobeingpartofabig
family.”Heshrugged.“Ilikeit.”
Garonhadfeltsomeofthatclosenesswhenhe’dfirstbecomeobsessedwithGrace.Soquicklyithad
ended,whenhe’dsavagedherandpushedheraside.Hewasnevergoingtogetoverthewayhe’d
treatedher.Especiallynowthatheknewthewholetruth.
“Iftheytarredandfeatheredfamily,IguessI’dqualify,”hetoldtheotherman.Hedrewinalong,
wearybreath.“Ididn’tknowshehadabadheart.Ikeptpushinghertogotocollege,tolearnatrade,
toliveuptoherpotential.Shetoldmeshecouldn’tmanageahigh-stressjob,anditneveroccurredto
methatitcouldbebecauseofahealthproblem.Ijustthoughtsheneededmorethanhighschoolto
copeinthemodernworld.”heglancedatCashruefully.“ThenItookhertoworkwithmeandlefther
inthewaitingroom.WhenIcameback,shewashappilychattingawayinArabictoaJordanian
murderwitness,translatingforhim.Shespeaksseverallanguages,”headdedproudly.
Cashsmiled.“Idon’tsupposeshe’stoldyouthatshebelongstoMENSA?”
Hisindrawnbreathwasaudible.“MENSA?”Itwasanorganizationwhosemembershadextremely
highintelligentquotients,farhigherthantheaveragecollegegraduate.
Henodded.“Marquezmentionedit.Hehadaflamingcrushonherwhenhewasyounger,buther
intelligenceintimidatedhim.Shehasaphotographicmemory.Andthere’sthissecretprojectshe’s
beenworkingonallyearthatjusthitthebigtime.”HeglancedtowardGaron,wholookedasifhe’d
beenhitinthefacewithapie.“Shedidn’ttellyou?”
Garon’seyesnarrowed.“WhydoyouknowmoreaboutmywifethanIdo?”
“BecauseBarbaralikesme,”heemphasized.
“MyGod.Barbara!”hegroaned.“Ididn’tcallher…!”
“Relax.Icalledher.She’sgettingtogetheraprayergrouptonight.”
Inyearspast,whenhewasstillhatingGodforAnnalee,Garonwouldhavescoffedatthatidea.But
now,withGrace’spreciouslifehangingbyathread,heonlynoddedgratefully.
Garonstoodupandwenttothephone.Hepushedthebuttonsthatwouldconnecthimtothechaplain’s
office.They’dofferedhelpifheneededit.Hedid.Heaskedifsomeonecouldtellhimhowthe
catherizationwasgoing,andtheygladlyagreedtofindout.Inpotentiallyfatalcases,suchasGrace’s,
therewasnoagencythatsurpassedthechaplain’sservice.Theyprovidedliaisonbetweenthedoctors
andpatients’families,aswellascomfortandcompanionshipwhenpeoplefacedsuchanguishover
thelivesoftheirlovedones.
Thechaplain’sofficedidn’tcallGaronback.Oneofthestaffcametofindhim,amiddle-agedwoman
withshortblondhairwhoremindedhimofBarbara.Sheworetheidentitytagofthechaplain’s

service,andhernamewasNan.
“They’realmostfinished,”shesaidgently.“She’sdoingfine.”
“ThankGod,”Garonsaidheavily.Hiseyesweretired.
“Thecardiologistwillbealongtoseeyoushortly,”sheadded.“They’rediscussingoptions.The
decisionwilldependonwhattheyseeinthecatherization.Isshetakingbloodthinners?”
Garon’sfacewentwhite.Hedidn’tknow.Thiswasaquestionthatmightmeanlifeanddeathforhis
wife,andhedidn’tevenknowwhatmedicationsshetook.Hewasashamed.
Beforehehadtoadmitthathedidn’tknow,Coltraincamedownthehallwithamandressedin
surgicalgreens.
Garonwalkedtomeetthem,withCashbesidehim.Hiseyesaskedthequestion.
“Whatareyougoingtodo?”headded.
“ThisisDr.Franks,”Coltrainintroducedthem.“ThisisGaronGrier,andhisbrother,Cash.Garonis
Grace’shusband.”
“Pleasedtomeetyou.Sorryaboutthecircumstances,”Dr.Frankssaidasheshookhands.His
expressionwassolemn.“Dr.Coltrainhasbeengivingmeyourwife’scasehistory.Youdidn’tknow
aboutherheart?”
“Sherefusedpermission,”Coltrainsaidshortly.“Icouldn’ttellhim.”
“Protectingyou,wasshe?”Dr.Franksaskedgently.
“Yes,”Garonsaidtautly.“Ilostmyfirstwifeandchildtocancer,whenthebabywasfivemonths
along.Graceknew.”
Cashgavehimawide-eyedstare.Hehadn’tknownthat.Itwasindicativeofthedistancethathad
existedbetweenthebrothers.
Dr.Franksgrimaced.“Akindheartedyoungwoman.Butnowwemustdecidehowbesttoproceed.
Youmustrealizethatthechildcomplicatesthings….”
“Gracecomesfirst,”Garoninterrupted,darkeyesnarrowwithfeeling.“Nomatterwhat.”
Dr.Frankssmiled.“I’mhopingtosavethemboth.Wemustdecidewhetheritwillbemorestressfulto
inducelaborthantoperformacesaeriansection,”headded.“Itendto…excuseme,”hesaid,pulling
outhiscellphone.Hespokeintoit,listened,repliedandclosedit.“ThatwasDr.Morris,our
cardiologist.He’slookingafteryourwife.She’sgoneintolabor.Pleaseexcuseme,I’mneeded.”
“Shecomesfirst,”Garonrepeated.
“Yes,”thesurgeonreplied.
“I’llgoalonganddowhatIcantohelp,”ColtraintoldGaronwithunusualkindness.Hesmiledatthe
chaplain.“You’llstaywithhim?”
“Ofcourse,”Nanreplied,smilingback.
Cash’scellphonerang.Heexcusedhimselfandwentoutsidethebuildingwherethereceptionwas
better.
Garonwatchedthesurgeonandthephysicianwalkawayandhisheartfeltlikealeadweight.
Everythingdependedonthem,now,onmedicalscience.ButifBarbarawaspraying,andtherewasa
chancethatprayermighthelp…
Heturnedtothechaplain.“Isthereachapel?”heaskedveryquietly.
Shenodded.“Thisway.”

ITFELTODD,beinginachapelafterallthelongyearsthathe’dturnedawayfromfaith.Afterhelost
Annalee,heneverexpectedtorelyonitagain.He’dprayedaboutAnnalee.Ithadn’tsavedher.
Buthewasoldernow,lessconfidentinscience.He’dseensomuchdeath.Today,he’ddealtithimself.

Herememberedthekillertalkingtohim,rememberingachildhoodthatmusthaveresembledhell.He
wouldhavekilledGrace.Garonhadnochoicebuttofireandhopehisbulletdidn’tmiss.
Now,inthesilenceofthechapel,hefeltthetwinimpactofGrace’sdesperatesituationandthereality
thathe’dtakenahumanlife.Despitethesituation,hehadkilledaman.Itwasastruggletotrytocope
withitnow.Therewerecounselorsthathecouldaskforthroughhisoffice,andtherewouldof
coursebeaninvestigation.Hehadn’tspokentotheSAC,butheknewthathe’dbeonadministrative
leavewhiletheshootingwasinvestigatedbyboththecountysheriff—sincetheranchwasoutofthe
citylimits—andtheFBI.Hehadnodoubtthatitwouldbesanctioned.Butitwasacomplicationhe
couldn’thandlerightnow.AllhewantedwasforGracetolive.He’dpamperher.He’dspoilher
rotten.He’dmakeupforallthemisseddinners,allthethoughtlessthingshe’ddonethathadgivenher
theideahedidn’tcareabouther.Ifonlyhehadthetime.IfonlyGodwouldspareher!
He’dbeenthroughthiswithvictim’sfamilies.Howmanytimeshadhegonetointensivecarewaiting
roomstotalktosurvivorsandheardthemtryingtobargainforalovedone’slife?
Ipromisenevertosayanythinghurtfulagain,ifyou’lljustlether/himlive,theywouldsayaloud.I’ll
gotochurcheverySunday,I’llgivetothepoor,I’llvolunteertime,I’lldocharitywork,I’llcutoffmy
armifyou’lljustspareher,ifyou’lljustsparehim,ifyoucanjustletthispersonlive!
Itwasanguishtohearthepromises.Andnowherehewas,doingithimself;bargainingforGrace’s
life.Butshewasimportant,heprayedsilently.Muchmorethanhewas.Shewasanurturingwoman.
Shewasalwayscookingthingsforsickorbereavedpeople,sittingwithpeopleinhospitalrooms,
goingtochurch,sharingherselfwithanyonewhoneededher.Hewasn’tlikethat.Hewasintroverted
whenhewasn’tonthejob.Hedidn’tmixwell.Inaway,he’dresentedthefactthathehadtomarry
Gracebecauseofthechild.Hehadn’tsaidso…orhadhe?Butastheylivedtogether,he’dcometo
relyonherbrightpresence,hercalmingspirit,herlaughterinthefaceofproblems.Hecouldtalkto
Graceashe’dneverbeenabletotalktoanyoneelse,notevenhisfirstwife.Gracedidn’targueor
complainorresenthisjob.
Annaleehadn’tlikedthehoursheworked,orhiscolleagues,andshe’dhardlyeverstopped
complainingabouthisabsencesandthetimeshewasmissingfromherjobbecauseshewaspregnant.
Untilshebecamepregnant,she’dbeencareer-mindedandsacrificedanyfreetimewithGaron
becauseshewantedtogetahead.She’devenworkedSaturdaysandevenings.They’dbeengrowing
apart,becausehewasambitiousaswell.They’dbothassumedtheyhadforevertomakeuptheirtime
together.Thensheknewshehadcancer,andshewasterrified.Theirlastmonthstogetherhadbeen
agony.She’dcriedandapologizedforbeingsohatefultohim.Andthenshe’dprayed,andmade
promises,andtriedtobargainforherlife.She’dbeenabadwife,butshe’dchange,ifshecouldjust
live.She’dstartgoingtochurch,she’dbeabetterperson,she’dcaremoreforherfamilythanher
job…
Andsoitwent.Butyoucouldn’tbargain,hethought.Notever.Youcouldask.Nothingmore.
HebowedhisheadandspoketoGod.Hedidn’tbargain.HejustprayedforwhatwasbestforGrace.

16
THECHAPLAINSLIPPEDoutoftheroomandwhenshecameback,Garonwascomingdownthe
aisletowardher.
“Theyneedyou,”shesaidgently.
Hefollowedherdownthehall,pastthewaitingroom,tothedesk.Anaidewassignalingfranticallyto
thechaplain.
“Justaminute,”thechaplaintoldhim,goingtoconferwiththeaide.
Garonwaited,tautassteelcable.Shemustlive.Shemustlive!Hefeltpanicashewatchedthe
chaplain’sfacegosomber.
Shecameback.“She’sallright,”shesaidimmediately,becausehelookedabsolutelyfrightenedto
death.“Comeon.We’llgoupandtalktothesurgeon.”
Theywentintotheelevator,whichwasalreadypacked,anduptothesurgicalward.
ColtrainandDr.Frankswerewaitingforthem.TheybothlookedatNan.
“Ididn’ttellhim,”shesaidsoftly.
“Youhaveason,”ColtrainsaidinthegentlestvoiceGaronhadeverheardhimuse.
“WhataboutGrace?”heaskedthroughhisteeth.
“She’sholdingherown,”Coltrainsaid.“Itmayevenhavehelpedus.Itwasaquicklabor,very
unusualforafirstchild.Shecamethroughitwithverylittlestressbeyondtheusual.Nowthey’re
preppingherforsurgery.”
“She’sgivenuspermissiontooperate,”Dr.Frankssaid.“ButI’dlikeyoursaswell.”
“Ofcourse,”Garonsaidatonce.“MayIseeher?”
“Justforaminute,”Dr.Frankssaid.“Dr.Coltrainwilltakeyouback.”
“Doyourbest,”Garonaskedthesurgeon.Hiseyessaidmorethanwords.
Dr.Franksputafirmhandonhisshoulder.“Idon’tlosepatients,”hesaidwithasmile.“She’sgoing
tocomethroughit.Havefaith.”
Garonnodded.HefollowedColtrainandNanbackthroughthewardtotheroomwhereGracehad
beengivenherpreopmedication.Shewasverydrowsy,butshesawGaronandhereyesbrightened.
“Grace,”hechoked,bendingtokisshereyelids.“OhGod,Grace!Whydidn’tyoutellme,baby?”
“Icouldn’tdothat…toyou,”shewhispered.Tearswerepouringdownhercheeks.“Youwereso
excitedaboutthebaby.Youwantedhimsomuch.Wehavealittleboy,didtheytellyou?”
“Yes,”hemanagedtosay.Hewasfightingthewetnessinhisowneyesandlosing.
“Comehere,”shewhispered,drawinghisfacedowntohers.Hecamewithoutaprotest,drowningin
thecomfortshegavehim.Hefeltashamed.Heshouldbecomfortingher…
Shekissedhiseyelidsslowly,tastingthewetsaltymoistureonherlips.Heshudderedatthe
tenderness,andshefeltit.Hewasdevastated.Poor,poorman,tohavetogothroughsuchanguish
withtwopregnancies.Butshedidn’twanttodie.Shewasgoingtofight.Whathewasfeeling,and
showing,wasfartoodeepforpity.Ithurthertoseehimsoshattered,whenhisstrengthhadcarried
hersofarfromdanger.“It’sallright,Garon.Everythingwillbeallright.Ipromise.”Butshe
hesitated,becauseshewastakingastepintotheunknown.Shewasgettingsleepy.“Takecareofour
baby,if…”
“Don’t,”hegroundoutinanguish.
“Tory,”shewhispereddrowsily.“IwanttocallhimTory,formygrandfather.Andhismiddlename
shouldbeGaron,foryou.Allright?”
“Youcanhavewhateveryouwant,”hesaidstiffly.“Onlydon’t…leaveme,Grace.Don’tleaveme

aloneintheworld.”Hisvoicewashuskywithfeeling.
Shefeltbeautiful.Hedidfeelsomethingforher.Somethingpowerful,likewhatshefeltforhim.Her
fingertipstracedhismouth.Shelovedhimsomuch.Morethanheknew.“Yougavememore
happinessthanI’veeverhad,”shewhispered.“Yousavedmylife.Iloveyou.”
“Grace…!”
She’dtakenaquickbreathandsheseemedtobestrainingtogetthenext.
“Wehavetogo,”Coltrainsaid.“Youcantellherlater.”
ButGaronwasfrozenatherside,terrified,hurting,terrifiedthatthismightbethelasttimehesawher
alive.Hedidn’twanttoleaveher.“Don’tyoudie,Grace,”Garonchokedashestareddownather
throughamistyhaze.“Don’tyoudare!”hetookaharshbreath.“I’mnotgoingbackandtellingthose
damnedrosebushesthatyouaren’tcominghome!”
Amazinglyshelaughed.
ThesoundwaslikeachorusofangelstoGaron.Hebentandkissedherdrylipsonelasttime.“Don’t
leaveme,”hewhisperedintoherear.“Ican’tliveifyoudon’t.”
Tearsstunghereyes.“Mydarling,”shewhisperedashereyesclosed.Themedicinewasworking.
“Comeon.”Coltrainhalfdraggedhimoutoftheroom.Gracewasalreadygoingtosleep.Garongot
onelastglimpseofher,blondhaircurvingaroundhershoulders,aroundherpalefaceashergrey
eyesclosed.PleaseGod,hethoughtinpanic,don’tletthembeclosedforever!WhateverI’vedone,
punishme,butdon’ttakeheraway!Pleasedon’t!
“She’scomehalfway,”Coltraintoldhim,sensingthepanicintheusuallyrigidlycontrolledfeatures.
“Don’tgiveuponheryet.Let’sgodownandgetacupofcoffee.”

COLTRAINTOOKHIMdownstairsandboughthimblackcoffee.Themanwassteelrightthrough,
Garonthoughtastheysharedatableinthecommissary.
“Imusthavebeenadespotinaformerlife,”Garonmuttered,“tobecondemnedtogothroughthis
helltwiceinonelifetime.”
Coltrainunderstoodthereference.HerememberedthatGaronhadlosthisfirstwifewhileshewas
pregnant.
“Gracemayhaveabadheart,”Coltraintoldhim.“Butshe’sgotastoughaspiritasanyhumanbeing
I’veeverknown.Shesurvivedanordealthatmostchildrenwouldn’thave.She’sascrapper.Don’t
giveuponher.”
“Iwouldn’tdare,”Garonrepliedheavily.
“Wouldyouliketoseeyourson?”Coltrainasked.
Thechildhe’dwantedforsolong.Hischild.Butheshookhishead.“Notyet,”hesaid.“Notuntil…we
knowsomething.”
“Allright.”
Cashhadbeenmissingforanhour.Hecameintothecommissary,lookingweary.“Wehadan
emergencybackhome.Ihadtomakehalfahundredphonecallstosortitout.Abankrobbery.Can
youimagine?InJacobsville.Theygottheguys,butIhadtobeavailable.How’sGrace?”
“Insurgery,”Garonreplied.
“Hehasason,”Coltrainadded.
Cashglancedathisbrother,whowasmorose.“I’manuncle?Wow!”
Garonsippedcoffee.Hiswholelookwasoneofexhaustion.
“Comeon,”Cashsaid.“Iwanttoseeifyoursonlookslikeyou.”
Garongavehimadepressedglance.“Ihopenot,poorlittlekid.”

“They’llhavehimreadyaboutnow,”Coltrainremarked.“Well?”
Garonwentwiththem,reluctantly.Hewasn’tsureitwasrightforhimtobeenthusingoverachild
whileGracewasfightingforherlife.Butheknewhe’dgocrazyifhehadtositherethinkingaboutit.
Atleast,thechildwouldbeadiversion.
Butwhenhewaslookingthroughthewindowatthelittleboy,hismindsetchanged.Hiswholeattitude
changed.Hestoodstaringatthetinythingintheblueblanketwitheyesthathardlyfocused.
“He’ssotiny,”heexclaimed.“Icouldputhiminmypocket!”
“Wanttoholdhim?”Coltrainasked,seeingawaytoerasetheterrorfromhiseyes.
Garonlookedathim,surprised.“Wouldtheyletme?”
Coltrainsmiled.“Comeon.”

THEYPUTAHOSPITALgownonhim,sathiminarockingchair,andhandedhimthetinylittleboy,
wrappedinhisblanket.Anurseshowedhimhowtosupportthebaby’sheadandback.
Garonlookeddownathischildwithamixtureofaweandfear.Hewassosmall.Allhisreading
hadn’tpreparedhimfortheimpactoffatherhood.Hecountedlittlefingersandtoes,smoothedhis
handoverthebaby’stinybaldhead.HesawGraceintheshapeofthechild’seyes,andhimselfinthe
chin.Hiseyesgrewmistyashethoughtofthedaysandweeksandmonthsandyearsahead.Please
God,hethought,don’tletmehavetoraisehimalone.
Thebabymoved.OnetinyhandgraspedGaron’sthumbandheldon.Thebaby’seyesdidn’topen.He
wascuriousaboutthat,andasked.Thenurse,beaming,toldhimthatittookaboutthreedaysforthe
babytoopenhiseyesandlookaroundhim.Buthestillwouldn’tbeabletoseemuchyet.Garondidn’t
care.Helookeddownathissonwithanexpressionthatnoartistintheworldcouldhavecaptured.
Watchingthroughthewindow,ColtrainandCashsmiledindulgentlyatthesight.
“Whatapicture,”Coltrainsaidwithagrin.
“Picture!”Cashtookouthiscellphone,turnedit,lookedthroughtheeyeandsnappedseveralpictures
ofGaronholdingthebaby.“SomethingtoshowGrace,”hetoldColtrain,“whenshecomesoutof
recovery.”
Coltrainnodded.Hehopedthatpredictionwascorrect.Heknewfarmorethanhewasgoingtotell
Garonorhisbrother.Thatcouldwaituntiltherewasnolongeranychoiceaboutit.

FOURHOURSLATER,Dr.FrankswentlookingforGaron.Helookedverytired.
“She’sholdingherown,”hetoldGaron.“We’llknowwithineighthours.”
“Know?”Garonmovedcloser.“Knowwhat?”
Thedoctordrewinalongbreath.Coltraingrimaced.Dr.FrankslookedatGaronandsaidgently,“In
eighthours,eithershe’llwakeup—orshewon’t.”
Itwasthemostterrifyingthinganyonehadeversaidtohim.Heknewhemustlooklikethewalking
deadashegapedatthesurgeon.
Coltrainlaidaheavyhandonhisshoulder.“Don’tgiveupnow,”hesaid.
“I’llgomad,”Garonsaidhuskily.“Eighthours…!”
“We’regoingtogotothemotel.Ibookedaroom,”Cashbegan.
“Leavethehospital,now?Areyououtofyourmind?”Garonraged.
“Onlyforafewminutes,”Cashpromised,exchangingacovertglancewiththetwodoctorsover
Garon’sshoulder.“Comeon.Trustme.”
“You’llcallme,ifthere’sanychange?”GaronaskedColtrainunsteadily.
“Ipromise,”theredheadeddoctoragreed.

“Igotyouaroom,too,”CashtoldColtrain.Hehandedhimakey.“Don’targue.Ihavefriendsyou
don’twanttohavetomeet.”
Coltrainchuckled.“Okay,then.Thanks.I’lltakeadvantageofit,inafewhours.”
“We’llberightback,”Garonpromised.
Cashdidn’tsayaword.

ANHOURLATER,GaronwaspassedoutonthesofainthesuiteCashhadregisteredtheminto.It
wasn’tquitefair,heknew,buthisbrotherseemedtobeonthevergeofacoronary.Cashhadfilled
himfullofscotchwhiskeyandsoda.SinceGaronhardlyevertookadrink,thecombinationofworry,
exhaustionandalcoholhadhithimhard.Hewentoutlikealight.
Cashwonderedatthedepthoftheman’sfeelingsforhisyoungwife.Hehadn’tspokenagreatdeal
aboutGraceinthepastfewmonths.They’dbothcometothehousefordinnerafewtimes,andTippy
andGracehadbecomefastfriends.Gracelovedtoholdtheirbaby,littleTristina,whomtheycalled
“Tris,”andcuddleher.Garonhadwatchedhiswifewiththelittlegirl,andanexpressionofpure
delighthadradiatedhisnormallytaciturnfeatures.Garondidn’tspeakaboutGraceverymuch,but
whenhedid,itwaswithpride.Perhapshehadn’tknownhisownfeelingsuntilthistragedyunfolded.
Itwasimpossiblenottoknowthemnow.
Sixhourslater,Garonawoke.Heblinked,lookingaroundtheroom.Itwasahotelroom.Whywashe
here?Therewashisbrother,Cash,onthephone.Hedidn’tremember….
Hesatstraightuponthecouch,horrified.“Whattimeisit?Haveyoucalledthehospital?Grace…
WhataboutGrace?”heexclaimed.
Cashheldupahand,nodded,andsaid,“We’llberightthere.”Hehungup,smiling.“Graceisout
fromundertheanesthesia.She’sawake.”
“Awake.”Garonshuddered.“She’salive!”
“Yes.Sheisn’tresponsiveyet;she’sstillprettymuchundertheanesthesia.Butthedoctorsare
cautiouslyoptimistic.Thenewvalveisworkingperfectly.”
Garongottohisfeetandheldhishead.“Damn!Whatdidyouladleintome?”
“Scotchwhiskey,sodaandasubstanceI’mnotallowedtoownorexplainbecauseit’sclassified.”He
grinned.
Garoncouldn’thelpachuckle.Hisbrotherreallywasadevil.Buthe’dbecomeagoodfriend,aswell.
HepausedbyCashandclappedhimontheshoulderwithroughaffection.“Ifyouevergetintrouble
andneedanybodyarrested,youcancallme.”
“I’llrememberthat.Let’sgo.”

GARONWASALLOWEDintoseeGrace,butonlyforacoupleofminutes.Shewaswhiteasasheet,
butherbreathingwassteadierandthebliponthemonitorwasfairlyregular.Hebrushedbackher
hair,lovingthesoftnessofit,thequietbeautyofherface.
Asifshesensedhispresence,hergrayeyesopenedandshelookedathim,alittleblankly.
“You’regoingtobeallright,”hesaidsoftly.“Verysoon,I’mgoingtotakeyouhome.”
Herlipstuggedintoafaintsmilebeforesheclosedhereyesandwentbacktosleep.Garontouched
hisfingertoherdrylips,lovingjustthesightofher.
Hewentbackoutintothewaitingroomfeelingmoreoptimistic.Thefearwasstillthere,buthe’ddeal
withit.HestoppedwhenhesawsixmensurroundingCash.TheywerecolleaguesfromtheSan
Antoniooffice,allexceptone—whowastheformerleaderoftheirHostageRescueUnit.Hisheart
feltlighterastheycametogreethim,askingaboutGraceandofferinghelp.Hehadtochokeback

overflowingemotion.Hereallydidworkwiththebestgroupintheworld.

GRACEIMPROVEDDAILY.Theyhadherupandwalkingthedayaftersurgery.IthorrifiedGaron,
buttheyinsistedthatthiswaswhathadtobedoneinorderforhertorecuperateand,more
importantly,notdeveloparespiratoryinfectiontogowiththesideeffectsofthesurgery.
Garonwalkedherdowntothenurserywithpainfulslowness.HepushedthepolewhereherIVshung.
Sheheldontohisarmandfeltlighterthanair,despiteherordeal.
TheystoppedatthenurseryandthenursehelduplittleToryforthemtosee.Garondidn’tknowit,but
CashhadsnappedseveralphotosofhimholdingthelittleboyandshownthemtoGrace.Ifshehad
anydoubtsabouthisfeelingsforhisson,thephotoserasedthem.Gracewasfascinatedbyhislove
forthechild.
“Helookslikeyou,”Gracewhispered,intearsasshesawherchildforthefirsttime.“He’sbeautiful.”
“Likehismama,”hewhispered,andbenttobrushhismouthoverherdrylipswithbreathless
tenderness.“Thankyouforriskingsomuchtobringoursonintotheworld.”
“Yougavehimtome,”shereplied,hereyesfullofsoftness.
Hekissedherhair.“I’vegivenyouahardtime,Grace.I’mgladI’llhavetheopportunitytomakeitup
toyou.”
Shegavehimawrylook.“Penance,isit?”
Hesmiled.“Inspades.”
“Thatsoundsinteresting.”
Henibbledherlowerlip.“Whenyou’rebacktoyourself,inabouttwomonthsorso,we’llexplore
somesensualpathwaystogether.”
Hiswickedtoneamusedherandshegiggledlikeagirl.“Youstopthat,”shetoldhimfirmly.“Right
nowit’sallIcandotowalk.Theydidsplitmerightdownthemiddle,youknow,andI’mgoingto
haveevenmorescarsnowthanIdidtostartwith.”
Hegrinned.“Ilikeyourscars.They’resexy.”
Hereyebrowsarched.“Well!”
“We’vegotthewholeworld,Grace,”headded,glancingbackintothewindowofthenursery,where
theirchildlaysleeping.“Thewholewideworld.”
Shesmiled.“Yes.”Andsheslidherhandtrustinglyintohis.

THEIRFIRSTCHRISTMAStogetherwasthemostwondrousofGrace’sentirelife.Garonwentout
andgotatree,broughtithomeandhadseveralofthewivesofhisranchhandsdecorateitforhim.
Theresultwasadelightfultriangleofcolorandlight.Thebabycouldfocusnow,andheseemedto
findthelightsfascinating.HelayinGrace’sarms,makingbabysoundsthatfascinatedbothhis
parents.
“It’sjustbeautiful,”Graceremarked,smilingupathim.“It’sthenicesttreeI’veeverhad.”
Henodded,eyeingit.“Mydadwasn’tkeenoncelebrations,butourstepmotherlikedtodecoratethem.
Inevertooktoher.Afterdadfoundheroutanddivorcedher,ourhousekeeperstartedmaking
Christmasspecialforus.I’vealwayslovedChristmastrees.”
“Me,too,”Gracereplied.“IhadtofightGrannytoputoneupeveryyear,butIgotmyway.”
Theywerewatchingtelevisiontogether.Garonhadbeenhardatwork,tryingtonabanewdrug
smugglerwho’dsetupshoplocally.He’dformedataskforce,andMarquezwasonthisone,too.The
twomenhadsettledtheirdifferencesandseemedtobegettingalongwell.Rickcamebytoseethe
babyfromtimetotime,buthealwaysbroughtBarbara.Hedidn’twanttoalienateGaron,apparently.

Thenewscontainedafeatureaboutanewlineofdollsthathadbrokensalesrecordseverywhere,and
Gracewatcheditraptly.Itwasaboutanewlineofhandmadeclothdolls,called“TheMouseFamily.”
Thereweremaleandfemalemice,andbabymice.Therewasalineofclothingforthem,andevena
candynamedafterthem.Theyweresellinglikehotcakes.Everychildseemedtowantonefor
Christmas.They’dsoldouteverywhere.Gracegrinnedasshewatchedthescreen.
Attheend,theymentionedthatthedollswerethecreationofahometownTexasgirl,Mrs.Grace
Grier,ofJacobsville,Texas.
Garonhadalmostpassedoutwhenhefinallyfoundoutwhathersecretprojectactuallywas.She’d
soldtherightstothemousedollsevenbeforetheymarried,andshe’ddoneprototypesofallthe
outfitsthatwouldgowiththem.Nobodyhadexpectedthemtosellthisfast.Well,theagentforthe
departmentstorethatGracehadwrittento,enclosingasamplemousedoll,hadexpectedit.Hehad
greatfaithinGrace’ssewingability,andthedollswerereallycute.He’dspentweekslobbyingfor
presentations,andhe’dmanagedtoconvincethetoybuyersforahugedepartmentchainthatthey
wouldbethenewestfadandmakeafortune.He’dbeenright.Gracewasgoingtobeveryrich.
“IthoughtIknewyou,whenwemarried,”Garonremarkedwithachuckle.“Ididn’thaveacluewhat
youwerereallylike.”
“ItoldyouIwasn’tdomestic,”shepointedout.
“That’swhywehaveMissTurner,baby,”hesaidsoftly,smilingdownather.“Youjustgorightahead
andmakedolls.”
“Ionlymaketheprototypes,”sheremindedhim.“Theyhaveawholedepartmentofworkersmaking
thedolls.It’sgettingharder,too,becausetheyreallyaresellingouteverywhere.”
“Whichremindsme.Carlsonwouldloveitifyou’dmakeawhitemouseforhisdaughter ’sbirthday.
Aspecialone,withbigblueeyes.”
Shegrinned.“Hecancertainlyhaveone.You’llhavetotakecareofTorywhileI’mworkingonit.”
Hegrinnedback.“Thatisn’tachore.”
“You’veturnedintoaverygoodfather,”shepointedout.
“I’mnot,yet.ButI’mworkingonit.”
“Ihavesomethingforyou,bytheway,afterIputTorytosleepforthenight.”
“Forme?”heasked,puzzled.
“Don’tbotherguessing.I’mnotsaying.Notyet,anyway.”
“Doesithaveanythingtodowithroses?”
Shepursedherlips.“Notquite.Helpmeup,wouldyou?”
Heeasedherupfromthesofa,withToryinherarms.Herchestincisionhadhealed,butitwasstill
justalittlesore.Ithadbeenimpossibleforhertobreastfeedthebaby,whichwasadisappointment.
ButitalsomeantthatGarongottogivethebabyhisbottle,andhelovedit.Shewasoversixweeks
pasthersurgeryandimprovingdaily.
“I’llbebacksoon,”shetoldGaron.

ACTUALLYSHEWASN’T.HegotinvolvedinamoviewhileMissTurnerclosedupthekitchenand
wenttoagospelsingingwithBarbara.Thehousewasquiet.
Justasgrenadesstartedblowingthingsuponscreen,ashadowfelloverthetelevision.Helookedto
onesideandhiseyesbulged.TherewasGrace,herlongblondhairalmosttoherwaistnow,her
slenderbodyencasedinapinksatingownthatwasheldupbytinyspaghettistraps.Shelookedyoung
andverysexy.
“Whatareyouupto,Mrs.Grier?”heasked.Shewasraisinghisbloodpressure,andthedoctorhadn’t

saidanythingaboutlettingherresumeintimateactivities.
Shegrinned.“Yousaidyouthoughtmyscarsweresexy,didn’tyou?”
Henodded.Hisheartwasracingatthesightofher,becausethosestrapsletthegownsinkalmostto
hernipplesinfront.Shehadbeautifulbreasts…
“Ifyoureallythinkthescarsaresexy,”shesaidinahuskytone,“whydon’tyoucometobedwithme,
andproveit?”

HEHADN’TREALIZEDhewascapableofcarryingawomandownthehallandputtingherinbedin
suchashortspaceofseconds.
“You’resureit’sallright?’heasked,buthewasalreadystrippingofftheprettygown,toreveala
bodythatmadeeverymuscleinhimgotaut.
“It’sallright,”sheassuredhim.
Hewasoutofhisownclothinginaflash,andbesideheronthecleanwhitesheets.Hethrewthe
comforteroffthesidewithoutevenlookingatwhereitlanded.“Yourchestmuststillbesore.”
“Itis,”sheagreed,lovingthefeelofhismouthonherown,onhershouldersandthen,onthesoftrise
ofherbreasts.Shemoaned.“Beinventive,”shewhispered.
Heeasedherontoherside.Hismouthfoundhers.Hishandsslidupanddownthesoftskinofherhips
andthighswhilehislipsplayedhavocwithhersenses.
Itwaslikethefirsttime.Hedidn’thurry,despitetheneedthatmadehimshivereverytimehisskin
brushedagainsthers.Heseducedher,inthemosttenderwayheknew,andbroughtherslowlytosuch
apitchofdesirethatshepushedagainsthimwithanguish.
“Easy,sweetheart,”hewhisperedashemovedherupjustenoughtoaccommodatetheslow,vibrant
thrustofhisbody.“Yes.That’sit.”
Theywerelyingsidebyside.Shemoaned,wishingthatshecouldfeelhisweight.
“Iwantthat,too,Grace,”hewhisperedintohermouth,“butit’stoosoon.Idon’twanttohurtyou.”
“Itisn’thurting,”shewhisperedback.Hereyesclosedashepulledherhipsroughlyagainsthisand
begantofillherinaslow,deeprhythmthatechoedtheirrapidheartbeats.
Shepushedcloserintoherhusband’sarmsandpleadedwithhimtoravishher.
Shethoughtsheheardahuskychuckle,butthespiralwasalreadybeginning.Ittookthembothhigher
andhigher,intoavividredheatthatstoppedbreath,sight,hearing,everythingexceptthefeverish
unionoftheirbodies.Secondslater,shecriedoutindelightandarchedagainsthimwithherlastbitof
strength.Shefelthimshudder,heardhimwhisperhernameoverandoveragainashe,too,found
completion.
Alongtimelater,heproppedhimselfonanelbowandlookeddownatGrace,whowassprawledon
herback.Shegavehimabreathlessgrin.
“NowtellmeyouonlymarriedmebecauseIgotpregnant,”shedaredhim,chuckling.
“Okay,youwin,Imarriedyouforgreatsex,”heagreed.
“And?”sheprompted.
“Andyourapplecake,”headded.“Andtolearnhowyougrowrosestwiceasbigasmine.Sowhydid
youmarryme?”
Shetweakedhishairandsmiledupintohisdark,darkeyes.“ImarriedyoubecauseIlovedyou,”she
saidsoftly,“becauseyouweretheonlymanIwaseverabletowant.”
“ThankGodforthat,”hewhispered.Hekissedthetipofhernose.“Igaveyouadifficulttime.”
Sheputherfingeroverhislips.“We’rehappilymarriedwithanewbaby,”sheremindedhim.“All
thatotherstuffisgone.”

Hesighed.“Atleastyouwon’teverhavetoworryaboutSheldonagain.”
Shenodded.Therewasasickeningfeelinginthepitofherstomach,justathearinghisname.“That
therapistI’mseeingisreallygood.She’shelpingmecopewiththememories.”
Hesmiled.“Iftodayisanexample,she’sreallyhelpingyoualot.”
Hereyestwinkledmischievously.“Itwasn’tthat.”
Hiseyebrowsarched.“Thenwhatwasit?”
“YouhadyourshirtoffwhileyouwerewatchingTV,”shereplied,hereyesonhisbroadchest.“You
shamelessman.Ireallycan’tresistyouwhenyou’rehalfnaked.”
“Ifeelexactlythesamewayaboutyou,”heagreed,andkissedheragain.
Sheglancedatthebabymonitor.Itslightwason,butsheonlyheardsoftbreathing.“I’mgladwegot
that,”shepointedtoit.“Otherwise,I’dneversleep.”
“NeitherwouldI.”Hebrushedbackherhair.“Areyouhappy?”
Shesmiled.“Icoulddieofit.”
Hekissedhereyelidstenderly,rememberinghowhe’ddonethatjustbeforetheywheeledherinto
surgery.“WhenToryisoldenoughtogotoschool,Iwantyoutocometoworkforme.”
“Doingwhat?”
“Asatranslator,”hesaid.“Youmightnotrealizeit,butArabicisonelanguagenotalotofagentscan
speak.You’dbeanasset.”
Shepursedherlipsandgrinnedathim.“Imightdothat.”
Herolledoverontohisbackandyawned.“Ihavetogotocourttomorrowandtestifyagainstthose
bankrobberswecaught.I’llprobablybehomelate.”
Shekissedhisshoulder.“I’llmakealatesupper.”
Hesmiled,slidinghisarmaroundher.“You’rethenicestwifeonearth.It’snowonderIloveyou.”
Herheartskipped.Itwasthefirsttimehe’dsaidthewords.“Doyou,really?”
Hisdarkeyesemphasizedthefeelinginthewords.“Withallmyheart.Forallmylife.AndIhopewe
haveaverylongtimetogether.”
Shecurledupagainsthim,envelopedinhappiness.Allthelonely,painfulyearshadledherdowna
paththatendedinloveandpassionandachildbornofthatlove.Weearnourhappiness,her
grandfatherhadoncetoldher,withpainandtears.Shesmileddrowsily,ignoringthefainttwingeof
herincision,andpressedasoftkissagainstherhusband’sstrong,warmshoulder.
“We’regoingtohaveyearsandyears,”shepromised.“AndI’llloveyoumorewitheveryonethat
passes.”
Hedrewhercloser,carefulnottohurtherchest.“I’llloveyouthesameway.”
“Andwecanbothtalktotherosebushes,”shemused.
“Aslongasnobodyhearsus,”heagreed.“IworkfortheFBI,”heremindedher.“Ican’tbeoverheard
talkingtoplants.”
Shekissedhisshoulderagain,stillwrappedinthewarmaftermathofbelonging.“Andtheysaythat
federalagentshavenosenseofhumor,”shescoffed.
Hegaveherasquintylook.“Listen,thisbusinesslikeexpressionisthereasonIjustgotpromotedto
ASACinSanAntonio.NowIcangiveordersandgotoluncheonswithfamouspoliticians.I’lleven
takeyouwithme,ifyoupromisenottowearthatbluedress.”
Thedresswasastandingjoke.She’dhungitinhercloset.Shebroughtitoutwhenshewantedto
irritatehim.Thatwasn’toften,sincehersurgery.He’dbeenthemostwonderfulcaretakershe’dever
imaginedamancouldbe.
“I’llpromise,”sheagreed.

“DidBarbaratellyouthatJaquilefttown?”hemurmured.
“Shedid?Howwonderful!”
“Stopthat,”hesaiddrowsily.“Shewasneveranycompetitionforyou.She’llgotosomebigcityand
becomeatycoon.”
“Likeme?”sheteased.
Heglancedather.“Youcanonlybeatycoonifyoudon’thavetotraveltenmonthsoutoftheyear
promotingyourproject.Idon’tevenlikehavingyouawayforaday.Ihaveinsecurities.Youhaveto
reassuremethatI’mvalued.”
“Ido?”Shemovedupalittleandnibbledhismouthagain.“How’sthis?”
Hegrinned.“Nice.Don’tstop.”
Shekissedhimagain,withmorefervor.“Better?”
Hisarmsreachedoutforher.“Addictive,”hewhispered.“Iwantyearsandyearsofthis.”
Shesmiledagainsthishardmouth,tanglingherfingersinhisthickhair.“Me,too.”
Therewasasuddenwailfromthemonitor.

THEYBOTHGOTUPatthesametime,movinghastilyintothenextroom,wheretheirsonwas
screaming.Histinyfacewasredasfire.
Garontookawhiffandswallowedhard.
Gracepursedherlips.Sherecognizedthatsmell,too.
“Wecoulddrawstraws,”Garonsuggested.
Shepunchedhimintheribs.“Somebodywhocanlifthimhastodothis,andIcan’tyet.”
Hestillhesitated.
“Listen,toughguy,youwereahostagerescuer.YouwereevenontheSWATteam….”
“It’sintherulebookthatFBIagentsdonothavetochangediapers,”heinformedherhaughtily.
“Paragraph211,sectionthree,page221.”
“There’snosuchrule,”shescoffed.
“Yes,thereis.I’llgorightnowandlookitup,whileyouchangehim.Youdon’thavetolifthim,”he
addedhopefully.“It’saveryhighbed.”
Hesoundedverydesperate.Shehadtoforceherselfnottoburstoutlaughing.He’dnevertoldher
himself,butsheknewfromMissTurnerthatwhenhewasfacedwithhisfirstreallydirtydiaper,
duringherrecuperation,hethrewupbeforehecouldchangeit.
Hehandedherthewipesandanewdisposablediaper,andhiseyesspokevolumes.
Shegavehimawrylook.
Heshrugged.“Youwipe,I’lltape?”
Shedidlaughthen.Shakingherhead,shedidherhalfofthedirtyworkandlefthimtoputthefresh
diaperinplace.
Heliftedthetinyboytohisbarechestandheldhimthere,kissingthetopofhissmall,softlittlehead.
Shewatchedhim,hereyesbrimmingwithquicktears,atthepictureitmade.
Heglanceddownandsawthelook.“What?”heasked.
Sheleanedagainsthim,herfingerstracingthebaby’ssoftcheek.“Iwasjustcountingmyblessings,”
shesaidhuskily.“It’simpossible.Ihavetoomany.”
Hebentandkissedherforeheadwithbreathlesstenderness.“Asmanyasgrainsofsandintheocean,”
hesaidhuskily,withprofoundfeeling,hisdarkeyesglitterywithit.“I’llcherishyouallmylife.All
thewaydownintothedark.AndthelastpictureIhaveinmymindwillbeyourface,smilingatme.”
Tearsraineddownhercheeks.“Iloveyou.”

“Iloveyou,too,”hewhisperedtenderly,kissingawayhertearsasthebabywenttosleepinhisarms.
“I’llneverstop!”
Andheneverdid.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Diana Palmer Long Tall Texans 35 Lawman

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