She stares back at me with a look I recognize from my experience with the wives and mothers of criminal defendants: uncertainty about what to say to support the unknown alibi of a loved one.

“Mom, listen to me. There’s an officer high up in the LSP who wants Dad to go down for Viola’s murder. He’s the son of Frank Knox, the founder of the Double Eagle group. And the best way he can get the result he wants is to have Dad shot as a fugitive while resisting arrest.”

“Annie’s going to come down in a minute,” Mom says, looking bewildered. “She’s terrified, Penn.”

“I know she must be. Mom, I need you to focus.”

She grabs my wrists with surprising strength. “You don’t really think Tom or Walt could have killed a police officer?”

I’ve been pondering this question from the moment John Kaiser told me about it. “I’d like to say no, but even an honest cop might have drawn down on Dad if he saw him as a bail jumper. And if they were dealing with a dirty cop … I can see Walt shooting to protect Dad in either case.”

She sags against the kitchen counter. “Oh, God. This can’t be.”

I hug her tight against me. “Where would he go, Mom? Who would he trust with his life on the line?”

“Oh, Lord,” she says into my chest. “Tom must have treated ten thousand people since we moved here. Three-quarters of them would probably help him if he asked, and ten percent would probably risk their lives for him.”

She’s right. “That’s a thousand places to search, right there.”

Her wet face nods against me. “Maybe he wasn’t so crazy to run. Maybe he’s sure they can’t find him.”

“But they will, sooner or later. They have too much technology, and the Knox family knows this area like their own backyard.”

Her arms clench me with the strength of near panic, and she shudders against my chest. After half a minute, I kiss the top of her head and draw back.

“Mom, I don’t want Annie to see me this way. I need to look for Dad, even if the chance is slim. Please reassure her all you can. And whatever you do, don’t leave this house. Don’t even stand by the windows. I’ve called all the contractors, so no one should be showing up. If I decide to send someone to protect you, I’ll call you first.”

She nods with grim determination. “I’ve got my pistol in my purse.”

“I’ll come back as soon as I can. Tell Annie I’ll be back by dark. And call my cell if you think of any way I might be able to reach Dad.”