Lee folded the paper so it looked like a baton used in a track meet. He held it in his right hand and shook it for emphasis.

“We’ve already gotten more response on this than anything in months, and I mean anything, even the damn flag controversy. Senator Jenkins’s office called this morning. They wanted it made clear the senator would do everything possible to help Kowalsky get his daughter back. Reuters just called too. They’re picking this up, photograph and article both.”

Lee grinned.

“You’re in high cotton, girl.”

“Am I?”

“Sure, it’s a good bet other places will pick that photo up as well, maybe even a magazine or two.”

“I’m not sure how that works. I’ve never had to worry about it before.”

“At the least you’ll get a photo credit,” Lee said. “Someone like Newsweek picks it up you’ll get a couple hundred bucks. It could mean a raise too.”

“Does this mean I can get that Volvo I’ve been wanting all my life?”

“Well, if not that, at least a new muffler for your Escort.” Lee nodded at the paper. “Hudson’s a happy man. He finally got Hemphill to write something of consequence. This is the best thing that could happen for everyone involved.”

DOGWOOD BLOSSOMS NO LONGER BRIGHTENED THE WOODS AS we drove up Stumphouse Mountain. Instead, the oval leaves blended with the surrounding hardwoods. Sarvis bloomed by the road, interspersed with purple and yellow beardtongue and ragwort. A fresh-picked vase of birdfoot violets lay next to one of the crosses.

I yawned, loud enough that Allen looked over at me. I had slept only a few hours the night before. Three A.M. is the hour of doubt, and Luke’s e-mail seemed engraved in my mind. Except for our stop at a McDonald’s near Greenville, my eyes had been closed most of the trip.

“Sorry to nap the whole way,” I said. “I didn’t get a lot of sleep last night.”

“Me either,” Allen said. “Kowalsky called at eleven. Somehow he managed to track me to Aiken. He’s already gotten phone calls of support from Senator Jenkins and the governor, and his congressman is flying down from Washington to be at the meeting. Jenkins and the governor are sending some of their staff people to represent them at the meeting as well.”

Allen smiled.

“Kowalsky said the piece has made people realize what’s really going on up there, but we can’t let up the pressure on the other side.”

“We?” I asked. “So we’re on Kowalsky’s side?”

“Those are Kowalsky’s words, not mine. I tried to be fair in that article. I didn’t demonize Luke or take cheap shots at the search and rescue squad or Forest Service. Is it wrong to show some sympathy for the man?”