Annette’s eyes focused on the picture, then inched back to Decker. They had darkened with worry. “That’s Katie, all right. Is she okay?”

“Katie’s fine. When was the last time you spoke to Linda?”

“’Bout a week ago. What’s this—”

“Does Linda have a phone?” Decker interrupted.

“Of course she has a phone. They put the lines underground so the winds don’t knock ’em out. Winds can get pretty fierce down here.”

“Can you call up Linda Darcy for me?”

“What’s this all about?” Annette asked.

“Call her up for me, please.”

Annette stood, hesitated a moment, then walked over to the phone. After the thirteenth ring, she hung up.

“No one’s home,” she said. Her voice cracked.

Decker said, “Do you know if she and Luke went to that bee meeting in Fall Springs?”

Annette brightened. “Of course. They probably all went down together.”

“Would Linda go without Katie? Maybe leave the girl with a baby-sitter?”

“Linda? Never. Katie is her third arm. Linda even takes her into the Heaven when she wants a quick brew. All the bikers know Katie by name.”

Decker thought a moment.

“Who’s your lawman around here, Mrs. Howard?” he asked.

“Lawman?”

“Yes, lawman. Is there a sheriff that lives in the neighborhood?”

“No,” Annette said, shaking her head. “We’re too small for that.”

“Okay.” Decker thought for a moment. It was premature to call the sheriff’s station, because he had nothing to report except the identity of a lost child. But if he didn’t, there was always the chance that some jerk would accuse him of grandstanding outside his jurisdiction. He decided to place a quick phone call to County to cover his butt. He said to Annette, “If you don’t mind now, I’d like to use your phone for a moment.”

“Sure,” Annette whispered. “Is everything all right?”

Decker pretended not to hear and picked up the phone. “Why don’t you go see what the other Mrs. Howard and Detective Dunn are doing?”

“You don’t want me to overhear, do you?”

“No, I don’t,” he answered. “Go on. I’ll fill you in later.”

Annette didn’t argue. A minute later, all three women were back in the kitchen. Decker whispered something into the receiver, then hung up.

To Marge, he said, “The toddler’s name is Katie Darcy. I just placed a call to County Sheriff, told them what we were up to in a few sentences. I’m waiting for them to call back. Shouldn’t be more than a few minutes.”

“What’s going on?” Darlene asked suspiciously.

“Detective Dunn and I are going to take a ride over to the Darcy ranch,” Decker said. “Is it just straight down the road?”

“I can take you to the Darcys, if that’s what you want,” Annette said.

“I don’t think that would be a good idea, ma’am,” Marge said.