“And while you’re at it, would you mind getting some colorful throw pillows and blankets? And something nice on the walls. I know you like to keep things simple, but I find looking at black and white day after day a bit depressing.”

“Go online, pick out whatever you want, and send it to Talia,” he told me. “You can decorate any way you’d like.”

“Also, if it’s not a problem, it would be nice to have another elliptical for me. I’m tired of adjusting your machine and then readjusting it when I’m done. You have the space.”

“Consider it done.”

“And one last thing,” I said. “I want to make sure that I get the cast off my arm before your party. It will have been over six weeks by Labor Day, so that shouldn’t be a problem.”

“I’ll make an appointment.” He gently stroked my cheek. “Is there something more I can do for my beautiful and brilliant wife?”

Like a lot of sociopaths, he was not lacking in the charm department. I’d seen it too many times to be fooled, but even when I knew what was coming, he could still get to me, such was his skill. I sighed, then I stared into the high-tech screen on the wall for pupil recognition. After that was accepted, I placed my thumb over the screen. I heard the clicks. I got down from the desk chair and used my three keys to undo three bolts. Then I struggled to crank open the metal-clad door.

He had the good sense not to offer help.

“No.” I kept my voice even. “Beautiful and brilliant wife says there’s nothing more.”

CHAPTER 14

DECKER AND McADAMS scoured the computer data. They made numerous phone calls. They looked on various social media sites. It was an exercise in frustration. No one seemed to know where Brock Baer was holed up … or even if he was still alive.

McAdams said, “I should try the obits.” Silence. “Hey. Earth to boss.”

“I’m here, I’m here,” Decker said. “Obits are a good idea, although each county keeps their own death records.”

“I’ll try the more populated counties in Pennsylvania first—that’s where he was living when he got out—and if that doesn’t work, I’ll give New Mexico a whirl since he followed Tanya to Albuquerque.” No response. McAdams said, “What’s on your mind, Deck? Wanna clue me in?”

“I don’t know if it’s age or vacation or jet lag or hunger, but I just thought of something that should have been obvious days ago.”

“What’s that?”

Decker said, “Pauline sustained multiple stab wounds.”

“Exactly what we thought the cause of death would be.”