“The other stuff,” said Weisvogel. “Well, it’s obviously gonna take a long time to unravel. Speaking of which, Doctor, any chance you could be available, therapy-wise? I don’t care how many girls he actually fooled with, they’re all going to be affected, right? The department psychologists are pretty much tied up doing personnel evaluations and we could use some help.”

“Sure,” I said.

She seemed surprised by my easy assent. “Okay, good, thanks. I’ll be in touch. Meanwhile, let’s keep each other posted, Milo.”

“Will do, Judy. Speaking of which, there’s a safe-deposit box on a desk in the bedroom. Cherish left it out in the open next to her instructions. Those instructions were set out on a piece of blotter paper— like a presentation. To me that says looky here, clear invitation to scrutinize.”

“Those instructions,” said Weisvogel, “reminded me of some stupid memo you’d get in the service. She abandons these kids and writes out a manual. Hubby rapes the kids but they need their medicine and their nutritious breakfasts. What a whack job.”

“Be interesting to see what’s in the box, Judy.”

She shook her head. “Before the warrant and the techies get here? Tsk tsk.”

“Daney’s a suspect in six murders, maybe seven. I can make a case for exigent circumstances.”

Weisvogel looked doubtful.

Milo said, “Judy, he took the girls off the property to molest them, so the house won’t be your primary crime scene, his Jeep will. We need to find him asap and there could be something in the box that gets us closer.”

“What, you think the whack job left a map?”

“There are all kinds of maps, Judy.”

“That’s pretty darn enigmatic, Milo. I’m not comfortable messing with the goodies prematurely. All I need is some defense attorney squawking about chain of evidence.”

“It’s in plain view, despite obvious opportunities to conceal,” said Milo. “Ain’t that an invitation to search?”

Weisvogel smiled. “You should’ve gone to law school. Beats honest labor.”

“I could’ve opened the box before you got here, Judy.”

“You certainly could’ve.” Weisvogel stared up at him. Her eyes were green, lighter than Milo’s, almost khaki, with specks of blue scattered near the rims. Unwavering. “What if the box is locked?”

“I’ve got tools.”

“That wasn’t my question.”

Milo smiled.

Weisvogel said, “Hell, what if it’s ticking— I know, you’ll bring in a robot. Seriously, it could cause evidentiary problems, Milo.”

“Problems can be solved. Let’s find the bastard before he does more damage, then sort out the details.”

Weisvogel looked over at the house. Clicked her teeth together. Ran her hand through her terrier hair. “So you’re ordering me, as my superior, to open this alleged box.”

“I’m asking you to be a little flexible— ”