“They’ve got a very large internal task force up and running. That much we know for sure. They’re working on a database of potential targets. But you take every name-above-the-title actress in this town, even just sticking to the ones with families, and you’ve got a long list on your hands.

“Plus, LAPD’s going to be a little trigger shy about the panic factor. Outside of increased patrols and some awareness-raising, there’s not a hell of a lot they can do for all of these women and their families—except keep after Mary Smith. Someone has to catch her. And you know what? I want it to be us, not LAPD.”

Chapter 83

Chapter 83

DISNEYLAND WAS CHOCK-FULL of ironies for any good mother. “The Happiest Place on Earth,” the brochures called it, and maybe it could be, but with the large, electric crowds, it also had to be one of the easiest places to lose a child.

Mary tried not to give in to her worry. Worrying just makes bad things happen. Worrywarts are the saddest people in the world. I should know.

Besides, this day was supposed to be about fun and family. Brendan and Ashley had been looking forward to it—for like forever and a day. Even little Adam was bucking up and down in his stroller, squealing with a wordless excitement.

Mary kept close watch on her older two as they led the way along Main Street USA, with its candy-colored shops and other attractions. Each of them held one side of a park map. This was adorable, since neither of them knew what they were looking at. Ever since Adam was born, they liked to play at being older.

“What do you want to do first, my three little pumpkins?” she asked them. “We’re here. We’re finally at Disney, just like I promised.”

“Everything,” Ashley said breathlessly. She watched slack-jawed as Goofy, the real Goofy, went ambling past on Main Street.

Brendan pointed to a little boy about his own age wearing Mickey Mouse ears with Matthew embroidered across the brim.

“Can we get those?” he asked hopefully. “Can we please, please, please?”

“No, I’m sorry, sweetie. Mommy doesn’t have enough money for that. Not this trip. Next time for sure.”

She wondered suddenly why she hadn’t thought to pack sandwiches. The trip to Disney was going to cost far more than she could afford. If something went wrong at home between now and her next paycheck, she’d be in deep doo-doo.

But that was just more to worry about. Stop. Stop. Not today. Don’t ruin everything, Marsey-doats.

“I know just what we should do,” she said gently, taking the map from their hands.

Shortly, they were floating through the It’s a Small World boat ride, something Mary hadn’t done since she was Brendan’s age.