After Fresno, he turned east toward Tahoe. He considered stopping beside the lake for a couple of days to rest but something drove him deeper into Nevada. Eventually they had to head south and cross the border, but he figured the later the better. The police and FBI would intensify their watch on the border for the next month. But they would not be able to afford to keep it up forever.

The line of sand between Mexico and Texas would be the place to leave the U.S. He had studied the area not long after snatching Jimmy. Security was a joke if a person had money, particularly if one was heading south instead of north. Too many miles and not enough honest border agents. Until they left the country, his plan was to camp out in the middle of nowhere and let the days pass. It was summer, nights were warm, and the three of them needed a break.

That same day they drove all the way across Nevada before cruising into a small town in western Utah called Susanville. He had not had time to buy camping equipment, and Amy was desperate for a shower. A motel room paid for with cash did not sound risky. Coming up on another sunset, they stopped at a Motel 6 and registered under the name Jones. He had a few cheap IDs left to burn. But he would have to buy quality passports and credit cards in Mexico if they were going to fly. In the end he had his sights set on New Zealand.

“Can you get us diapers and milk?” Amy asked as they unloaded their stuff in the room. “I saw a 7-Eleven on the corner as we came into town. Our room has a small refrigerator. Get a loaf of bread and some butter as well. You still eat cheese sandwiches?” It was odd, but he felt reluctant to leave them.

“Too many of them,” Matt said. “Do you want fruit if they have it?” Amy ate tons of apples and melons—one way to stay slim. He had to be careful while they traveled. Unless he worked out an hour a day he put on weight. But he could jog anywhere.

“Whatever they have.” Amy set sleeping Jimmy down on the spare bed and turned to hug him. “You must be exhausted. Why didn’t you let me drive?”

“You can drive tomorrow.”

She buried her face in his chest. “Are they looking for me?”

“Yeah. Don’t go out for a walk. Don’t talk to people. They’ll have your picture all over the TV.”

She squeezed him tighter. “I don’t care. I feel safe with you.”

He stroked her hair. “You are safe.”