Francis felt numb: he’d been here when the parents had first glimpsed their daughter. Their anguish made him feel as though the flesh had been peeled away from his scalp. He was starting to believe he could use a sedative himself.

Paterno tapped his knees nervously as he sat. “What were they thinking, leaving the girl to run wild while they were out dancing?”

“You think this was their fault?” demanded Francis.

“I do, if—”

“Shut up!” Paterno blanched as Hickey continued, “Cabell’s men are questioning all the ushers and the projectionist, anyone who might remember seeing a man and a girl.”

“What about the ticket seller?” asked Francis.

“Him, too.” Hickey rubbed his forehead, glancing at Francis. “Jesus Christ almighty, look at you, man. This is enough of a mess without Cabell seeing we’re all run down to the bone. Go home, sleep for a few hours, then come back. I’ve called in Anton Magruder and Tom Haller.”

“They haven’t been involved with this investigation. I have.”

“Investigation?” Hickey’s voice rose angrily. “You’re not a detective sergeant anymore, Bacon. Go home. Now.” Hickey pointed at the door. “I don’t want to see you in uniform before sunrise. And get a proper shave, you look like you’ve been on a bash. Paterno, finish your statement and you go, too.”

Paterno gave Francis a sympathetic look as he grabbed his hat and stalked out the door. The outer room was crowded with Chicago police sergeants, several men in usher uniforms, and half a dozen high-school boys who looked equal parts scared and excited to be part of the fray. Anton Magruder stood over a figure slumped in a chair—Miriam Belascu, the girl’s mother. Her husband, Werner, knelt beside her, his face transformed by grief into a gargoyle’s. As Francis approached, Werner Belascu looked up at him imploringly. Francis held his gaze, his own eyes filling. He felt as though he were being strangled.

“My sympathies,” Francis muttered, and pushed his way to the door.

Once outside he stood for a minute, sweating as though it were noon. He reached into his pocket for his blackjack, remembered he’d left it with Gina. His fingers brushed something else.

The notebook from Gina’s booth. He’d forgotten he’d promised to bring it to the station’s lost-and-found. He opened it, squinting as he skimmed the pages.

Bury her in coffin as in EAP. When she’s found only skeletal remains + her long beautiful hair.

Realizes too late that she is not an automaton but live person. Gasping w horror he drops her body to the ground. Leader: THE END

He continued flipping through the book until he reached the last written page and stared at a single scribbled word.

Hellgate

“My God,” he exclaimed.

He shoved the pad into his pocket, glanced over his shoulder at the station house, then hurried toward Gina’s shack.

Chapter 59

Chapter 59