Once she hung up, I got out of bed and crossed to the window. I pushed open the drapes and winced at the harsh desert sun. My room looked out over the backside of another dingy two-story motel, so there wasn't much to see. By resting my forehead against the glass, I could see the flashing neon sign on the casino down the street still winking its invitation. How could anyone drink or gamble at this hour?

I brushed my teeth and showered again, trying to jump-start myself. I dressed and then sat down on the edge of the bed and put a call through to Reba's father. Freddy told him I was on the line and he took the call in his room, sounding frail. "Yes, Kinsey. Where are you?"

"At the Paradise. It's a motel in downtown Reno. I thought I'd give you an update. Reba called a while ago. I'm on my way over to Misty's to talk to her."

"You found her, then. I'm glad. That didn't take long."

"I cheated. Someone gave me Misty's home address before I left Santa Teresa. I kept an eye on the place for hours, but I didn't think Reeb was there. Misty has a very promising career as a nude dancer at a strip joint called the Flesh Emporium. I followed her to work and chatted with her before she went on. When I asked about Reba, she never batted an eye. Swore up and down the two of 'em hadn't been in touch since Christmas. I gave her the number of my motel and lo and behold, Reba called."

"I hope you'll be able to persuade her to come home."

"Hey, me too. Wish me luck."

"Ring me anytime you like. I appreciate your efforts on her behalf."

"Happy to be of help."

We exchanged a few more remarks and I was preparing to disconnect, when I heard a small click. I said, "Hello?"

"I'm still here."

I hesitated. "Is Lucinda there?"

"Yes. She's downstairs. Did you want to speak with her?"

"No, no. I was just curious. I'll call you as soon as I know where we stand."

After I hung up, I sat for a moment and stared at the phone. I was almost certain Lucinda had been listening in. Freddy would never be guilty of such an offense. Lucinda, on the other hand, was clearly someone who needed to insert herself in the thick of every situation, someone who needed to be informed so she could exercise control. I thought about how she'd pumped me for information, how much she'd resented being locked out of Nord's room when he and I conferred. Under the guise of being oh-so-concerned, she'd wreaked havoc in Reba's life, and she'd do so again if she had the chance. She was the kind of woman you didn't want to turn your back on when leaving a room.