I felt Todd’s heart beat faster. Then his arms tightened around me. “Sure. Just sign over the deed on my house, and you’ll give me a number to a pay phone in Milwaukee.”

“Don’t be cynical, Todd. It doesn’t suit you. I don’t have an actual number. Even if I did, they’d never answer. You need to get their attention. I’m here to tell you how.”

“And why would you do that?”

“Because the Huntsmen will appreciate me putting you in touch with them. I can say no more than that. They will be pleased, and they will owe me for the introduction. Speaking of introductions, I believe you know a man named Gregory Kirkman?”

“Who?”

A rustle of paper, and when I craned my neck, I saw the woman show Todd a photo.

“Sure. I worked a job with him, building cabinets for a house his crew was renovating.”

“Good with a saw, I take it?”

“Huh?”

“He’s good with a saw.”

Another rustle of paper. Todd looked at whatever she held, and then staggered away, his hand going to the back of my head, nearly crushing my face to his chest.

“Jesus, what kind of sick—”

“Yes, that’s the question. What kind of sick fuck does that?”

“Don’t swear—”

“In front of Eden?” The woman laughed. “She’s too young to understand, just as she’s too young to comprehend that photograph. It is graphic. I should have warned you. But I wanted you to see what your friend Mr. Kirkman does in his spare time.”

“He’s not my friend. I worked one job with the guy.”

“Sorry, I was being facetious, and this isn’t the time.”

“I don’t know if this is some really sick prank or you are actually telling me Kirkman did…did that. If he did, I’m not the person you need to show it to. That goes to the police.”

“Or the Wild Hunt.”

“You want me to take that to them? But the point is that I can’t make contact.”

“They’d come if you killed him.”

“What?”

“If you kill Greg Kirkman, following my instructions, the Hunt will come. He is on their list. They haven’t been able to take him. If you do that for them, they will come and—”

“And what? Grant me a fucking wish?” Todd patted the back of my head, bouncing me, whispering, “Sorry, sorry.” Then, to the woman, “I don’t know what this is, but I’m walking away, and I would strongly suggest you don’t follow me.”

He set out.

She kept talking. “The proof is in this folder, Todd. The police files on two dead girls. There’s a third victim the police haven’t found. Three dead young women. Someone’s daughters. Imagine if it was—”

He wheeled. “Don’t say it. Don’t you dare say it.”