You sound tired, Greg, Harley said, feeling tired herself. Everything since the closing of the Kavers case had been a rollercoaster of emotions, and she couldnt imagine how she would have handled it without a job to keep her mind occupied.

He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Just work stuff, thats all. The usual politics.

You should try working for the Bureau.

Thats right, he answered, remembering. Back at the diner, you said something about potentially losing your job. Did you get fired, Harley?

She bit the corner of her mouth, unsure how to explain. Not exactly. I got…put on leave. She felt like a child confessing to being sent to detention.

Greg sounded worried. For how long?

Indefinitely. Pending an investigation.

An investigation? His voice rose. After what happened with the Kavers case?

Thats why Im on leave, Greg. Some of my tacticswell, lets just say my bosses didnt approve of the way I handled things.

A smile entered Gregs voice. Theres the Harley I know. Youve always been that wayheadstrong, stubborn, gonna get results come hell or high water.

Not always, Harley thought, remembering the carefree girl she had been before Kellys disappearance. It was disappointment that had hardened herthat, and a grief she didnt know how to grapple with. How different things might have been if she had grown up with a mothers tender love.

I guess what Im saying is, Greg went on, Im worried about you.

She dismissed this with a shrug as she pushed off and began to swing. Ill be fine. I always land on my feet. Actually, thats why Im calling. I don't think it's been on the news yet, but two bodies were recently found in mine shafts in different parts of the state. The bodies of young girls.

Greg cursed under his breath.

I thought that, since youre a miner yourself, Harley continued, you might be able to provide some insighthow they might have gotten there, what kind of person might be doing this, that kind of thing.

Isnt that your job? Getting into a killers head? But waitdidnt you just say you were on leave?

I am, she answered slowly. Technically, at least. But Im helping with a case here. Consulting.

Youre just a glutton for punishment, arent you?

Harley couldnt tell whether she heard exasperation or admiration in his voice.

Her heel scuffed the dirt. Guilty as charged. The thing is, Greg, I dont know the first thing about mineswell, other than the ghost stories you used to tell me.

Gregs smile returned. The djinn stories, you mean? About the creature coming out at night, searching for someone to possess?

Harley felt a small thrill at the memory. The very same. Thats how you convinced me to keep my window closed, remember?

Like I said, you were stubborn. I had to convince you somehow.