“It means I’ve hit a dead end on historical research. I’ve looked everywhere— I mean everywhere—and I just can’t find any further reference to historical graveyards in your area.”

“You didn’t call just to tell me that.”

“No, I didn’t. Remember when we first met? I told you the best place to look for that kind of information would be at the local library—and you said you’d already looked.”

“Endor Regional Library—it was my first stop.”

“Did you look carefully?”

“I asked the head librarian. She’s been there for fifty years—she knows every book in the place.”

“Maybe not. I ran across a study done by the Virginia Historical Society about five years ago—it was an inventory of historical records in Virginia public libraries. Those grave registries are there, Nick—at least they were five years ago. I’d go back and ask that librarian again—or better yet, I’d look myself.”

Nick paused. “I think that’s a very good idea.”

“About that check.”

“It’s in the mail.”

“I’ve heard that before.”

“Thanks, Carlyn—if you get any more brainstorms like that, let me know.”

He closed the phone and looked at Alena. “We need to make a stop in Endor.”

She shook her head. “Not me.”

“It won’t take long. It should be dark by the time we get there—no one will see you.”

“You’ve told me that before. Take me home first—then you can go to Endor.”

“I don’t like the idea of you being alone—not right now.”

“I told you—”

“I know—you can take care of yourself.”

“I’m not going to Endor, Nick. You won’t change my mind—I will not set foot in that town.”

Nick shook his head. “Okay, you win. But I want you to promise me that you’ll stay in the trailer until I get back—and keep those dogs of yours close.”

“I always do.”

They started for the truck again when Nick heard a voice calling behind him.

“Nick! Wait up!”

He turned and saw Danny jogging toward them. He looked at Alena. “Why don’t you wait for me in the truck? I’ll only be a minute.”

Alena and Trygg went on ahead while Nick waited for Danny to catch up.

“Where are you two going?” Danny asked.

“I’m taking Alena home—she’s had a long day. Don’t worry, I’ll keep an eye on her.”

“Nick, who are you kidding? Have you got a sidearm? Could you hit anything with it if you did? I want to post a couple of agents up there— I can have them out here in the morning. C’mon, it’s for her own good—no arguments this time.”

“Okay,” Nick said. “She won’t like it, but I’ll let her know.”