Kate was about to ask another question even though she was pretty sure this avenue was a dead end. Before the words could come to her, though, her cell phone rang. She gave an apologetic look to Delores, stepped outside of the room, and took the call. She was surprised to see Durans name on the call display.

This is Agent Wise, she said, never quite sure how to answer Durans call now that she was in this peculiar second stage of her career.

Wise, I thought Id call you directly to let you know that we found the information for Nick and Helen Sanders, parents of one Katherine Sanders. Turns out Katherine was telling the truth about her mother. Helen Sanders died in an apartment in Raleigh, North Carolina, about ten years ago. Heroin overdose. As for her father…weve got an address of some place called Duck Branch, Virginia. Last known job is with a place called Bills Tire and Auto, and that news is within at least one month of being recent.

Where the hell is Duck Branch?

Looks to be about an hour and a half away from Deton. Another small backwoods sort of town.

DeMarco and I will head down that way right now, then.

You got enough state guys there in Deton to cover while youre gone? Do I need to send another few agents down your way?

I dont think so. At this point, it would just be adding to the clutter.

Keep me posted, he said, ending the call and leaving Kate with the burdening knowledge of realizing that she and DeMarco were going to have to get back in the car and meander through the Virginia countryside yet again.

She checked the time and saw it was 3:40. She had no idea when Bills Tire and Auto closed, but knew it would easier to meet with Nick Sanders there rather than locating his home and having an awkward meeting with him there. She ran a few scenarios through her head and then, after some quick thinking, looked up the police station nearest Duck Branch, and placed a quick call. If she was going to close this day out on a high note, it seemed shed need all the help she could geteven if it came in the form of a small backwoods police department that had no knowledge of the recent turn of events in the Fuller case.

She wrapped the call up and reentered the room DeMarco and Delores King were still in. Delores was telling DeMarco a few details about the one time shed had a purposeful conversation with Wendy Fuller but there was nothing of use in it.

Mrs. King, Kate said, thank you for your time. But we need to get going.

She hurried out of the room as politely as she could, with DeMarco falling in behind her.

Who was on the phone? DeMarco asked.