Ricky straightened up. “You don’t know anything. You act like you do, but you don’t. The Narrow Man isn’t real. A homeless guy killed my brother because I left the window unlocked. That’s all it is. That little ballot box? It’s to keep kids in line. That’s all. And you know what? It works.”

Kelly looked at Linda, saw her slight shrug.

“Thanks very much, Ricky,” Kelly said. “I’ve really enjoyed our talk. In answer to your earlier question, I am dynamite in the sack, but unfortunately you’ll never experience that for yourself.”

“Wouldn’t want to,” Ricky said immediately.

She smiled, and Warrick led the way across the road to the van. As Ricky struggled to his feet, Ronnie turned back.

“Hey, Ricky? What’s this town festival we’ve been hearing about?”

Now it was Ricky’s turn to smile, and when he did he gave them all a good look at his bloody teeth. “You’ll find out,” he said. “Stick around and you’ll find out.”

He laughed, then turned and ran into the shadows. They heard him slip and crash into something and howl in pain.

“Have a good night,” Kelly called, and climbed into the van. “What a nice guy,” she said.

Chapter 15

THE DESOLATION HILL POLICE DEPARTMENT occupied the back of the Municipal Building, which stretched from Main Street to its little brother, Market Street. Unlike the side facing the square, the rear of the building didn’t have any steps or pillars to proclaim its majesty, but it did have a parking lot and a wheelchair ramp.

The cruiser swung into the lot. One other cruiser and three civilian vehicles were already parked here, but the Chief had his own space, clearly marked. They stopped and Novak picked his hat off the passenger seat and got out. He opened Amber’s door and nodded. Her hands were cuffed behind her back, so she adjusted her position, got one foot out and stood, nearly overbalanced. Novak steadied her with a hand on her shoulder. Milo came next, sliding sideways, ducking his head and then standing beside her.

“You now,” Novak said to Daggett.

“Can’t you come round and open this one?” Daggett asked.

“I shined these shoes this morning,” Novak said. “The less walking I do, the longer they’ll stay shiny.”

Daggett muttered something under his breath, then started sliding awkwardly across the seat. He got one leg out, tried to shift his bulk, and looked up. “Little help?”

“Out,” said Novak. “Now.”

“Could I have some help?” Daggett said loudly. “I have glandular problems and I would appreciate some assistance, officer.”

“I’m not an officer,” said Novak. “I’m the Chief.”