With the identity of Trey’s abductor confirmed, Tim, Mac, and everyone else in A-Bay would stop at nothing to track Bram down. What good would it do to tell them who he really was? I didn’t see how that would increase their chances of finding him. All it would do is let the world know this heartless killer was my flesh and blood, and shine a spotlight on my family. Confessing days before my evaluation would also cast doubt on my character and abilities as an investigator. It might even destroy my chances of getting reinstated. It was best if I stayed the course.

“I’m here for my family,” I said, “but I’m also working on Trey’s case. There’s a lot of information to be gleaned about Bram here.”

“Okay,” said Mac. “Let’s back up. The fact is that you’re still suspended, and it’s against my better judgment to involve you in this at all. Maybe Swanton is the best place for you right now. Lay low and see what you can find out there. Did you tell her about the fisherman?”

She was talking to Tim. “What fisherman?” I asked.

“Bogle found a local angler who saw a man dumping something in Carnegie Bay, off Iroquois Point,” Tim said.

I closed my eyes. “What kind of something?”

“Something wrapped in a tarp, about four feet in length.” He drew a breath. “We did a sweep of the shoreline and the houses along the bay, but most are locked up tight for the season. We’re sending in divers within the hour.”

My eyes flew open. “There’s no way Trey’s in the water.”

“We’ve got to follow every lead.”

“Bram wouldn’t dump him.”

“The kid’s blood is all over that hat,” said Tim.

“That was an empty threat.”

“Shane.” I could picture him gritting his teeth. I drove him crazy sometimes. “The man killed three women and a cop and kept you in a cage for a week. What makes you think he has any sympathy for a child?”

“Without Trey, there’s no game. Trust me, Bram won’t hurt him, not until he gets what he wants.”

“What the hell does he want?” said Tim.

To have me bear witness to the first kill he ever made? To find out who murdered his father? To torture me? “I don’t know.” I slapped the steering wheel with my splayed palm once, twice. Again and again until my burn crackled with pain. “I don’t fucking know what he wants! I wish to God I did.”

“I’m trying to understand,” Tim said in a thick voice. “I’m trying to trust you. If there’s a chance Trey’s already gone, I have to think about his parents. If he’s in that water, I can’t let this drag on any longer than is necessary. I won’t.”

In my SUV, I hung my head. “It’s your case,” I said.

When I hung up, his final words stayed with me, sizzling black as a brand.

Is it?

TWENTY