While waiting, he checked his messages, coming to one from Salvatore and Donatella Rossi in Naples, Italy. The couple, who’d helped with the Banff video in the search for his son, agreed to do all they could to try to pinpoint the date and location of the recording.

That’s good. That’s another step, he thought, and thanked them.

The sandwich was good and as he ate, he reviewed responses from his cop sources. No one had anything to pass on, but all had agreed to look into it for him. He still hoped he’d hear back from Jill McDade.

When he finished eating and was paying his bill, he got a text message from his new boss, Chase Lockner.

“How’s it going, Ray?”

“Got some interviews lined up. Tell you more later,” Wyatt texted. “BTW, when eating in Spiritsburg, Vermont, try the club at Edna’s Diner.”

“Sounds good. Keep me posted,” Lockner responded.

***

The sun had dipped below the tree line when Wyatt left the diner.

While he was walking to the motel, his phone rang with a call from Jill McDade.

“Hello, stranger. How’re you?” Wyatt said.

“Sorry for not getting back to you. I’ve been swamped. I’m good, and you?”

“Good.”

“You know, Alison’s been asking about you.”

“Really?”

“She misses Molly, so I was wondering if you were up for another visit some time?”

“I’d like that. I’m out of town at the moment—in New England, actually. I got a new job, reporting with True Signal News.”

“Ray, that’s great. I’m happy for you.”

“Yeah, it’s good. How about we get together when I get back?”

“Yes, because I wanted to talk to you about your search for Danny.”

“What about it?”

“I want to help.”

“Help? How?”

“Let’s talk about it when you get back.”

A moment passed.

“All right,” he said. “Good to hear from you, Jill. My best to Alison.”

“Good luck with the new job, Ray.”

Wyatt took a moment, weighing the call. How can she help me find Danny? What does she have in mind?

In his room, he unpacked, and logged into his tablet. He began reviewing his interviews, his notes, and all of his background research.

Then he remembered Barzi’s books on the edge of the credenza. He picked up Vermont Vanishings and began reading.

The book delved into the history of the northern region and the notoriety it had gained after several people disappeared between 1980 and 1990.

He pored over the pages.

There was the case of 5-year-old Robbie Defrense, who, in 1980, had wandered from his family’s farm, about 40 miles southwest of Spiritsburg. A massive search was launched, but no trace of the boy was ever found. Some reports had K-9 units tracking him to a highway. But Robbie’s trail ended there, leading investigators to conclude he’d been abducted.