My thoughts returned to Christie and Tessa, and I pounded against the side of the semi, then shouted, “Mannie, do you know where my wife and stepdaughter are?”

“No,” came the hollow, metallic reply. “Duane?”

“Dead.”

“Good,” the rumbling voice responded, and once again I was reminded of Mannie’s confusing allegiances.

Then, harsh smashing sounds came from inside the truck, drowning out anything else Mannie might have been saying. He was either trying to bust his way out or he was destroying the mannequins Ralph had sealed him in there with.

Well, we would find out soon enough.

Two police cruisers arrived.

I told Ralph what I was thinking regarding the graveyard, and he contacted the team to get exterior security camera footage from surrounding businesses to see if someone else might’ve been there.

I tried dispatch to find out if there was any news on Christie and Tessa, but they put me on hold.

While I was waiting for a reply, a call came in from a number I didn’t recognize.

“Hello?”

“Pat. It’s me.” Christie’s voice was tense and tight.

“Christie!” I exclaimed. “Are you okay?”

“Yes. Tessa’s here with me. We’re fine. I promise. A little chilled—not a good day for a swim.”

“A swim?”

“Can you come?”

“Absolutely. Where are you?”

“The paramedics want to take us in, get us checked out for hypothermia and shock.”

“Christie, what happened?”

“I’ll tell you when I see you. I’m calling from Timothy Sabian’s phone. Use this number if you need to reach me.”

Sabian’s phone?

“You’re sure you’re okay?” I said.

“Yes. Can you meet us at the hospital? The closest one is Metro Medical. That’s where they want to take us.”

“I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

“I don’t want you to worry, but there’s something important I need to talk with you about, and it’s something I need to tell you in person. Alright?”

“Um. Sure,” I said, but after hearing her say that, I couldn’t help but worry. “I’m on my way.”

It was now quiet inside the truck, and I could only guess what Mannie was preparing to do.

I left while Ralph and three other officers were gathering around the back of the semi in preparation to open its doors.

82

I wished Christie would have told me more about what was wrong or what she wanted to talk with me about, but I trusted her.

Still, obviously, I was concerned.

The drive gave me a chance to think some things through.

Leeson’s grave. Ten o’clock. The donor.

Mannie’s the one who told you to be there at ten. When he was fleeing the Field Office, he attacked Thurman, grabbing his wallet.

Or . . .

Mannie’s body size and ethnicity didn’t work for him to be the one observing the suicides.