I drove to the motel with an eye on my rearview mirror. The wide streets were deserted. Businesses were shut down and most of the houses were dark. Once in my room, I spent a few minutes assuring myself everything was exactly as I'd left it. My book was facedown on the bed where I'd placed it, the bedspread still rumpled where I'd pushed it aside. The table lamp was on and the warm light made the room seem cozy. The windows were latched and I made sure the drapes were properly closed. Didn't want any boogermen to peek in at me. After that, I stripped out of my clothes and into the oversize T-shirt I used as a nightie. I washed my face, brushed my teeth, and slid into bed. I thought my paranoia might keep me awake, but since I'm a person of no depth whatever, I fell asleep right away.

At 2:06, the phone rang. I reached for the handset automatically, noting the time as I placed it against my ear. "What."

"Kinsey?"

"What."

"This is Iona."

"Okay."

"Frankie wants to talk to you."

"About what?"

"Pudgie."

"Put him on."

"In person."

I leaned over and flipped on the table lamp, which made me squint painfully and probably put permanent wrinkles on my face. "Why are you calling me in the dead of night? I'm asleep."

"I would've called earlier, but he just got here."

"Got here where?"

"Quorum. He wants you to meet us at the all-night diner. Know the one I mean? On Main Street. It's called the Chow Hound."

I closed my eyes. "No offense here, but there's no way I'm going out at this hour to talk to Frankie Miracle, so scratch that idea."

"What if he comes there? We're calling from a pay phone. We're not far."

"Like how far?"

"A block."

"Why isn't he on the phone instead of you?"

"He's afraid you'll say no."

I laughed. "He's worried about me? Iona, the guy's a killer. He stabbed a woman fourteen times."

"But he's paid for his crime. He went to prison and now he's out."

"Oh, crap. Why am I arguing with you? If you want to come over, I'll open the window and talk to him through the screen. That's as much as I can offer."

"Okay."