Just then the radio in his truck squawked. Callaway put his head through the open window and listened. Suddenly he jerked his head out, moving so suddenly he struck his head on the ceiling.

They found her! he exclaimed, wincing as he rubbed the top of his head. Shes at a bus depot right here in Albuquerque.

It was a comical picture, the combination of his excitement and pain, and Harley almost smiled. Almost, but not quite. They might have lost their chance to catch Roth by surprise, but they had a card up their sleeve that Roth didnt know about.

Im driving this time, Harley announced, hurrying around to her Corolla.

Callaway began to protest, but Harley cut him off. Do you want to waste your breath arguing, or can we go and grab our witness?

* * *

They found Candy sitting on a bench walled in by screens and flanked by two police officers. Streaks of mascara ran from the corners of her eyes, and she sat with her purse clutched tight against her, a balled tissue in one fist.

One of the officers, a black man with drooping eyelids and a sprinkling of salt in his mustache, approached the agents.

Caught her trying to purchase a one-way ticket to Denver, he explained in a low voice. Says she fled her house shortly after the FBI stopped by to question her, tossed her phone out the window so she couldnt be tracked. Laid low with friends for a bit, then worked up the nerve to make a run for it.

Thank you, officer, Harley answered. Well take it from here.

Am I under arrest now? Candy murmured as Harley and Callaway moved toward her, covering her in shadow. Her eyes held the dead resignation of one who had considered all possible outcomes and found every door locked.

Harley felt no glee at Candys demiseonly a sense of pity. She suspected Candy was yet another fly caught in the web, even if she was still alive, unlike the three girls. Harley wasnt interested in flies. She wanted to catch the spider.

No, Harley replied gently. We just want the same thing we wanted when we first talked to you: the truth. I dont believe you killed those girls, but I do believe you can help us catch the killer.

Candy stared at the ground for several moments. Then, with a shuddering breath, she pulled herself together and nodded. Okay, she said. Ill tell you. But shouldnt I have a lawyer present first?

Harley sat down on the bench beside Candy. They were left to die, she said softly. And there might be a fourth woman right now waiting to die, unless we help her. Do you really want to wait for a lawyer?

Okay, Candy whispered, giving in. Okay. She sniffed hard. Where do I begin?