I put my arm around her. She remained stiff for a moment, then dropped her head on my shoulder. Her hair tickled my nose. I tolerated it.

A few moments later, she said, “I know there’s a lot I need to say to you, but I just don’t have the energy. So could we just go to bed and not have sex? I’ll understand if you say no, but if you could find it within yourself, I’d really appreciate it.”

I got up and took her hand.

“Thank you,” she said. “At least I’ve got a friend.”

* * *

She’s fond of her body and usually strips down in front of me. This time she undressed in the bathroom and emerged with her bra and panties on. I was nude, beneath the covers. When she crawled in and I felt the mattress bounce, I got hard and turned to keep that out of view.

She sensed it anyway, rolled over, squeezed, let go.

“It’s so ready,” she said. “Sorry.” Lying on her back, she dropped a smooth white arm over her eyes.

“No apologies necessary,” I said. I needn’t have bothered. She was fast asleep, breathing through her mouth, bra cups heaving.

I knew sleep wouldn’t come my way. Way off my biorhythm and too many things on my mind.

Tomorrow morning. What approach should I take with Monica Strunk?

Would Valerie be able to connect with another therapist?

Where was Miranda?

Would my role as a police surrogate make any approach to the girls futile and would I end up reporting failure to Judy Weisvogel?

Man in a tree.

Baby bracelet.

Trying to breathe myself calm, I worked at shutting out the case.

Thought about a call I’d need to make sooner or later.

Sooner rather than later, given the circumstances.

As Allison slept, I rehearsed mentally.

Ring ring ring.

It’s me.

Oh, hi.

How’re you doing?

Okay. You?

Hanging in.

That’s good.

I thought I might drop over. Visit Spike.

Sure, that’s fine. I’ll be here, too.

The End

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

JONATHAN KELLERMAN is one of the world’s most popular authors. He has brought his expertise as a clinical psychologist to numerous bestselling tales of suspense, including the Alex Delaware novels, The Butcher’s Theater, Billy Straight, The Conspiracy Club, and Twisted. With his wife, the novelist Faye Kellerman, he co-authored the bestseller Double Homicide. He is also the author of numerous essays, short stories, scientific articles, two children’s books, and three volumes of psychology, including Savage Spawn: Reflections on Violent Children. He has won the Goldwyn, Edgar, and Anthony awards, and has been nominated for a Shamus Award. Jonathan Kellerman lives in California and has four children. Visit the author’s website at www.jonathankellerman.com.