The weeping willow dripped over the lake. Shadows grew between the tombstones and grave markers. It was quiet except for the distant whir of traffic, which sounded like the wind. Lupe and I stood just a few feet apart, studying each other.

“Get in your car and go home,” I told her. “Look for Joey. I’m sure your brother or one of your relatives has him.”

“No.” Did she believe she would learn something about Joey by remaining, or was it something else that compelled her to stay? Perhaps the same need I had to learn what had happened to Cathy Vega. Her face didn’t give anything away. For the first time, despite her red miniskirt, she looked like a woman instead of a girl.

I had a sudden flash. My entire life, as they say. I saw the girl from the drunken party at the fraternity house when I was in college. I knew I hadn’t passed out next to her, like I’d always told myself before. I remembered burrowing up to her. Just wanting to be close. I’ve always been afraid to be close. Afraid to need anybody. I’ve always fought to be alone because it’s the only way I feel safe. I couldn’t think of a single friend I had. “Get out of here now.”

“No. You know something about Cathy, and I’m not leaving till you tell me.”

“This isn’t the time for an argument.”

She crossed her arms over her chest.

“We’re not having fun now, Lupe.” This is for real. All of it. Everything. Whatever happens here.

I thought I heard the sound of a branch cracking or the crunch of gravel. I reached out and grabbed Lupe by the wrist, pulling her toward me. I didn’t know which direction the sound had come from. For an instant I could feel her heart beating under my fingers. Again I heard, or imagined I heard, the sound of a branch cracking or the crunch of gravel. I loosened my grip on her.

Lupe pulled away from me. The wind rustled the hair around her face so I couldn’t see her.

“Do they have people working here after it closes?” I asked, glancing at my watch, which showed it was already past five.

I heard the gravel crunch sound again and Lupe looked at me. This time she had heard it also.

“Gravediggers,” Lupe whispered. “And they have security to make sure no one is here after closing.”

I shook my head and put my fingers to my lips. “It’s the man who killed Cathy. He killed Monica Fullbright, too. He’s been following me. I saw him drive in while Tony and Emma were here.”