But not a lightning strike by Carrie Grethen. I have a strong suspicion the FBI isn’t about to acknowledge that she’s alive and well. They give every impression to the contrary. She’s not officially considered a fugitive. She’s not on the Ten Most Wanted list. Her case isn’t active with Interpol. On their website Carrie has been a black notice for the past thirteen years. In the international law enforcement community it would appear she’s considered just as dead today as she was when it was assumed that she went down in a helicopter.

“They’ll chalk it up to a home invasion,” Lucy is saying to Janet, and my chest is tight. “One of those unfortunate things that’s related to my having money. Then the attention of the public will move on. Nobody will remember what happened to us or care.”

My heart is pounding as I stand inside a dead woman’s bedroom fifteen miles away from Concord, which may as well be a million miles from Lucy’s house. I couldn’t possibly get there fast enough if Carrie has somehow breached the perimeter, if she’s gotten inside and is watching them even as I’m watching all of it. She’s stalking her quarry, about to pounce while I’m her audience it occurs to me horribly, and this is what she’s been leading up to, the grand finale.

She wants me to see what she does to them.

“Marino?” I don’t turn around or give a hint of what’s going on inside me. “I need you to get on your phone.”

My voice catches as if I’m a little hoarse. But I’m perfectly steady. I don’t sound frantic.

“What is it?” He steps closer.

“Try Janet. If you can’t get her try Benton, the FBI, the state police …”

“What the hell is it? Are you talking about Carrie?”

“Yes that’s exactly who I mean. I’m concerned she might be inside Lucy and Janet’s house or is about to be inside it.”

“Shit! Why would you …?”

“Do it now, Marino.”

“Even better I’ll get some cars from Concord P.D. ASAP. They can be there in two minutes. And I’ll try Janet …”

“If there’s no response they should break down the gate, the front door. Whatever it takes. Janet and Lucy are okay but I’m not sure they will be for long.”

“I’m on it. Where are they?”

“Downstairs.”

“The bomb shelter?”

“Yes. But not Desi. I don’t see him.”

“They must not be worried if he’s not with them,” Marino says and he’s right.

Why is Desi alone?