“Cops make mistakes, Kate. We’re human. It happens.”

“It wasn’t a mistake.”

My response puzzles him. For the span of several minutes, neither of us speaks. My phone rings again, but I don’t answer. I’m a vacuum inside, as dark and cold as space. I have nothing left.

“I’m the last person who has the right to lecture anyone on right or wrong,” he says.

“Is that some kind of confession?”

“Look, if you know something about this case that you haven’t told me, this would be a good time for you to open up.”

The temptation to let everything pour out is strong, but I can’t do it. I don’t trust him. I don’t even trust myself.

After a moment, he sighs and rises. “Why don’t you let me drive you home so you can get some sleep?”

I try to remember the last time I slept, realize I can’t. I don’t even know what day it is. The clock on the wall says it’s nearly six P.M. and I wonder where the day went. The need to work eats at me even as exhaustion fogs my brain. I’m fast approaching a state in which I’ll become completely in effective. But how can I rest knowing there’s a killer out there, stalking my town?

I rise. “I have my own vehicle.”

“You’re in no condition to drive.”

“Yes, I am.” Only then do I realize I’m not going home.

CHAPTER 24

The setting sun peaks out from behind a wall of granite clouds as I head for the Explorer. The wind is calm, but I checked the weather report online. We’re in for some serious snow tonight. I snatch up my cell phone as I slide behind the wheel. Glock picks up on the first ring. I’m inordinately relieved to hear his voice. “Please tell me you got at least one good impression,” I begin.

“Footwear impressions stink. But we got a decent one from the snowmobile.”

Hope flutters in my chest, but I bank it because it makes me realize how desperate I am. “Did the lab give you a time frame?”

“Tomorrow. Late.”

“Did anyone get a look at him?”

“One of Detrick’s deputies thinks he saw a blue Yamaha. Perp wore a silver or gray helmet.”

There are hundreds of snowmobiles in the area. “Tell Skid I want a list of all Yamaha snowmobiles registered in Holmes and Coshocton Counties. Narrow it down by color. Blue. Silver. Gray. I want background checks and alibis on the owners.”

Glock clears his throat. “Ah, Detrick already put two of his deputies on that, Chief.”

Uneasy surprise quivers inside me. “All right. I’ll follow up with Detrick.”

“I don’t know if you’ve heard, but the media showed up after you left. Steve Ressler. Crew from Columbus. A couple of radio stations. That fuckin’ Detrick prettied up for the cameras and held a press conference right there at the pond.”

“How did it go?”

“He didn’t say shit, but he looked good doing it.”