Victoria’s head was spinning. It had to be a mistake—but there were records. It could all be a lie, but the birth certificate contained a footprint and there was a lock of hair—it could all be verified. She turned and looked at Agnes as if for the first time. She studied her face: the shallow forehead, the thinning hair, the mottled flesh, the sagging neck and chin—

“I—I have to go,” she stammered, turning for the door.

“But honey, wait—there’s so much more to see. I have another whole scrapbook to show you!”

Victoria shook her head and kept moving forward.

“Victoria! Victoria!”

She stopped in the doorway and looked back. She saw the old woman smile.

“Welcome home, sweetheart.”

She stumbled across the lobby and out the front door. She took only a few seconds to collect herself before hurrying down the sidewalk toward her waiting entourage.

Behind her, the library door opened again and Riddick stepped out.

“Oh, yeah,” he said with a grin. “Welcome home.”

24

24

“Mind if I join you?”

Nick looked up from his dinner. He didn’t recognize the man smiling down at him.

“You’re Dr. Polchak, aren’t you? You’re the bug man Nathan Donovan called in at the Patriot Center.”

“And you are?”

“Paul Decker, WRTL.”

“You’re a reporter.”

“Hey, you’re quick. Can I sit down, or do I have to stand here and watch you eat?”

Nick glanced around the Endor Tavern & Grille. “I see a lot of empty tables.”

“A reporter never eats alone.” He pulled out the chair across from Nick.

“That’s because reporters don’t eat—they just suck blood.”

“Now, that’s no way to talk. Mind if I ask you a question?”

“Are you looking for an interview?”

“Always.”

“Then talk to the FBI liaison officer at the Patriot Center—he’ll be glad to oblige.”

“I was hoping to interview you.”

“If he gives his permission—in writing—I’ll answer any question you’ve got.”

“I just want to know if there have been any recent developments at the Patriot Center. I haven’t been there all day—I was stuck here in Endor covering Mrs. Braden’s visit.”

“Lucky you.”

“Do you have any idea how boring this town is?”

“Poor baby, you had to follow Victoria Braden around all day. I can think of more boring places to point a camera.”

Decker looked down at Nick’s plate. “What is that? Is it any good?”

“Are you a reporter or a restaurant critic?”

“I’m a guy who hasn’t had dinner yet.”

“I believe the menu refers to this as ‘Number Five.’”

“How is it?”

“They’re off by three.”

Decker leaned in closer and lowered his voice. “What’s this I hear about your cadaver dog trainer disappearing?”

Nick looked at him. “I don’t know. What did you hear?”

“C’mon, Nick—can I call you Nick?”