“I don’t want him involved in this. This is private, for family,” Rose said, and Jerram relaxed.

“I’m not all good,” he reminded her. “I have my own personal reasons for wanting to get this killer.”

They fell into silence, and there was only the sound of their footsteps through the layers of leaves, or the sudden snap of a twig. As they came out behind the old mill, a figure loomed up.

“It’s only Wallace,” Rose said.

Jerram was annoyed. “He’s not going to sit in on this thing, I hope.”

Wallace acknowledged them with a nod. He was busy rummaging through a stack of rusted cans and broken tools. He said nothing as they made their way past him toward the footbridge. Then he called out to Rose. “Miss!”

“Keep going,” Jerram urged, but Rose said they’d better wait. Wallace was sensitive to what he thought were snubs. She stopped and Wallace took a few steps toward her. He glared at Jerram until Jerram retreated out of earshot.

“It’s a trick of mirrors,” Wallace said elliptically. He was in bad shape today, looking more threadbare and thinner than usual. His beautiful blue eyes were red. He seemed greatly troubled. “I’ve been a long time watching and have no other way to explain. It’s her turned into another.”

“Who, Wallace?”

“The dark dancer, who else? She who would take on the aspects of another kind. It could be a miracle.”

“Could you explain a little more?”

But this distressed him, and she was afraid he would go into one of his fits. It was best to humor him and think about it later, if it made any sense at all. “Thank you, Wallace,” she said calmly. “It was very nice of you to tell me.”

His mouth worked. Little drops of spittle flew.

“Yin and yang, light and dark. A look in the mirror reflects the same.” He seemed aware that Rose didn’t understand. “Like you.” He pointed at Rose. “Like him.” He gestured toward Jerram. “One is the shadow of the other.” His feet began an agitated dance.

“Come on, Rose!” Jerram called.

“Many worries I have had,” Wallace whined. “Many bad hurts. Would I do that?”

“Good-bye, Wallace,” Rose said gently and slowly walked back to the bridge.

“What was all that about?” Jerram asked.

“I’m not sure.”

Wallace’s voice suddenly rang out in the still woods. “One good, one evil!”

Wallace pointed at them, and Rose shuddered.

“Pay no attention,” Jerram said, hurrying Rose along.

“He’s trying to say something about… twins. Don’t run. He gets upset when people run away from him.”

“Hard cheese,” Jerram said dismissively. “He’s totally crazy, Rose, no matter what you think.”