Newbury grunted in agreement as the barkeeper, a twenty-something young woman with red hair and steampunk tattoos, set a glass of cider and a bowl of pretzels in front of him.

Newbury popped a pretzel into his mouth and crunched it. That was some fine work you and Agent Callaway did, he said. Damn fine work.

Harley nodded, but she felt no emotional reaction to the compliment. She was too wrung out for praise.

Have they recovered Felixs body yet? she said.

Newbury chased the pretzel with a swallow of cider. Still digging, he answered. But we found his getaway car. Looks like he was taking his victims through the tunnels to his vehicle, then driving them off to other tunnels. A complicated system, but you gotta admit he had everyone fooled.

Some people just like the dark, Harley mused.

Newbury nodded soberly. Based on the testimony of Candy and a number of staff members, weve got four more girls unaccounted for.

Harley cursed under her breath. She had hoped the tally wouldnt be so high.

Newbury nodded. I know. Were searching every hole in the ground across the state. This ones going to make national headlines, for sure. Its grim, but when you think of how many more he might have killed if you hadnt put two and two together…

He paused. Harleys phone buzzed, and she glanced at it. It was Sheriff Santiago. She let it go to voicemail.

Newbury sighed. I guess what Im trying to say is that you and Agent Callaway make a good team, and it seems a shame to break you up just because you accomplished what you set out to do.

Newbury stirred his pretzels, avoiding her gaze. She watched him and tried to decide whether he was truly as transparent as he seemed right now.

If you have something to say, Im all ears, she said. Otherwise I have to catch a flight.

Finally he leaned back and turned his head toward her. I want you to work for me, okay? Not on a trial basis, but long term.

A transfer.

He nodded. A transfer.

She shook her head, bemused. Any reason you had to wait till the eleventh hour to talk to me?

You took off, soon as youd checked on the girl. Callaway told me it was a waste of time to try to change your mind, but I guess Im stubborn.

She took a slow breath, thinking this was too big of a decision to make in the moment. I need some time to think about it, okay?

Newbury smiled. Is that your way of blowing me off, or are you really going to think about it?