Conor waited for traffic to clear. He checked his rearview mirror as he pulled into traffic. A big sedan pulled away from the curb right behind him. He went around the next block.

“What are you doing?” she asked.

“I think we’re being followed.”

Louisa turned her head to look out the back window. “The dark-blue sedan?”

“Yes.” Conor made a right onto South Street. “Cops.”

“How do you know?”

He glanced in the rearview mirror. The sedan dropped back, letting a couple of cars get between them. “I just do.”

A few minutes later he pulled to the curb in front of the museum. “Let me know if you hear from Isa.”

“I will.” Louisa got out of the car and went inside.

Conor drove toward home, and his police escort stayed a few cars behind him. The bar didn’t open for hours. He stopped for his gym clothes. The heavy bag was the best place to vent all his frustrations. The unmarked car crept along at the curb as Conor walked to the gym. How would the police ever find Zoe if they wasted limited manpower babysitting him instead of expanding the investigation to include someone who might actually be guilty?

CHAPTER 14

14

Louisa settled at her desk to catch up on messages, return e-mails, and check on the shipment of a sword and scabbard she’d purchased at auction the week before. She also put a call in to Zoe’s mentor, Xavier English, in case he had any insight on Zoe’s behavior. Professor English wasn’t in, and she left a message. Then she reviewed the details for the fund-raiser scheduled for Saturday and checked on the progress of the renovations in the exhibit space. She needed to fill one of the new glass cases for the event.

When she returned to her office, April was pressing a crumpled tissue to her eye.

Louisa’s heart stammered. “What happened?”

“Zoe’s father called.” April handed Louisa a pink message slip. “He wants you to call him back.”

Louisa’s vision blurred with moisture as she closed her door. She dialed Mr. Finch with shaky fingers. How could the Finches possibly cope with their daughter being missing?

“Dr. Hancock. Thank you for returning my call.” Mr. Finch’s voice was strained.

“Is there anything I can do for you?” Louisa asked.

“My wife and I would like to talk to you.” Over the phone line, the sound of a woman crying filled the background.

“Of course.”

Zoe had mentioned her parents lived close to the city.

“Is there any way you could come here?” he asked. “We don’t want to be far from our phone.”

“I understand.” Louisa input their address into her phone and allowed the GPS to calculate directions. “I can be there in about forty-five minutes.”

“Thank you.”