He offered his peanuts to Callaway. Callaway declined.

Is it a search warrant? Holstein said.

Perceptive as always, Callaway thought. Just for a phone, thats all. Two homicides, both of them young women, and the only suspect we have a mutual friend who was in close contact with both women shortly before their deaths wont spill the beans.

A conundrum, Holstein agreed, leaning forward to peer down the length of tracks as the black nose of the train emerged from around a bend.

Here she comes, he murmured. Like a bride to her wedding.

They were about Joans age, Callaway added, draping his arm casually across the back of the bench. How is she, anyway?

Holsteins eyes remained fixed on the train. No need to lay it on too thick, he said. I think about my daughters safety every dayyou dont need to remind me what kind of crazy people are out there.

Fair enough, Callaway answered, cursing himself for his impatience. Just when he thought he had lost the judges interest, however, Holstein spoke up.

Well? You going to tell me about this killer or what?

Somebody tied these girls up, Callaway replied, and left them to die in a couple of abandoned mines. The worst part is, theres no telling how many more bodies might be out there waiting to be discoveredor who might be taken next.

Tell me its more than a hunch, Holstein said as the train rumbled closer. If this comes back to bite me in the ass

It wont.

The train rushed past them. The judge sat back like a kid in a theater for the first time, not a muscle moving except his eyes. When the train was gone, he sighed and relaxed.

Okay, he said solemnly. Ill get you your search warrant.

Callaway already had the warrant spread between them on the bench, a pen lying across it. The judge read it briefly, then signed his name.

Callaway thanked him, and they both rose.

And, Callaway? the judge added. You catch the son of a bitch.

Callaway nodded and returned to the parking lot, where he found Harley waiting by his truck.

Long day? she said, raising her eyebrows as Callaway left the park.

Long, but successful, he answered, waving the warrant. It was about time they had a piece of good news.

She looked surprised. That was quick.

You just have to know who youre dealing with. He shrugged, enjoying the chance to show off. What have you been up to?

She ignored his posturing. Went back to Flor Blanca, talked with the sheriff there. Turns out a surveyor came from the state some years ago, said hed been tasked with mapping out abandoned mines.

Okay, Callaway replied, his mind still on the warrant. So what?

So, I also came across a number of missing persons reports over the years. These girls were never found. And they went missing right about the time this surveyor showed up.