“And then what?”

“Maybe track him down.”

“You think you’re going to do that?”

“Sure, why not? What’re you so angry for?” “I’m not angry.”

“You are, too.” The confused look on his face changed to a sneer. “Oh, I get it. You think you have first and only dibs on these murders. Rose the Psychic doesn’t need any help.”

“Don’t be stupid.” She carelessly stuffed the newly folded clothes into the basket. “The police are the ones with dibs.”

“Now you’re the one who’s jealous. You don’t want me infringing on your glory.”

She glared at him but he stood his ground. “Believe me, there’s no glory,” she said more reasonably. “Maybe I am feeling bad because I

haven’t accomplished very much. But God knows what you’ve been up to, Jerram.”

“Trying to help. Isn’t it obvious you need it? We should work together the way we used to. It’s the only way to stop him.’’

“Very noble, I’m sure, but why? What has it really got to do with you?” The question was out. How would he answer? Now, looking at him, she felt ashamed to have suspected him of murdering anybody. Standing here together, folding laundry, it seemed preposterous.

Jerram was quiet for so long, she had to prod him. “Are you going to answer or what?”

“Carla Fentesso was a friend of mine.”

That was a surprise. He’d never mentioned it. But Mom had said he had a friend in Westley. Carla?

“You mean… a girlfriend?” she asked, amazed and frightened again.

“Why not? What about Daniel?” he shot back defensively.

“Nobody’s saying you shouldn’t have a girlfriend. It’s just that…” She felt bewildered. “Jerram, I don’t even know you anymore.”

“You said we were changing, that we have to change. You’re so wrapped up in your own life, you don’t really see all the changes that have already occurred. And you didn’t even care when Carla was missing. You didn’t want to be bothered to find out about her. I tried to explain … but you wouldn’t listen.”

“Maybe you didn’t try hard enough,” Rose said. “But I’m sorry, I didn’t realize.”

It was so much to take in. She had been wrapped up in herself, maybe she was at fault. Maybe she was jealous now, knowing Jerram had been pulling back as much as she.