“We are happy to provide Abigail Caldwell the information you requested. Our systems manager says that the message was sent by Dr. Ray Caldwell on April 11 from the Massachusetts Center for Mental Health in the USA. Is there anything else we can help you with?”

“No, thank you. That’s all we needed.”

I leaned back in my chair and sipped my coffee. The Massachusetts Center for Mental Health? What was Ray Caldwell’s relationship to that institution? There was one way to find out.

I tapped the center and was sent to the facility’s director, Dr. Theodore Brandt. His assistant answered. “Dr. Brandt is unavailable at the moment. Can I help you with anything?”

I left my name and Grid address with a request that Brandt tap me.

“Can I tell him what this regards?”

“Yes. Dr. Raymond Caldwell.”

I decided to lunch at home and took the winding road around White Rock Lake toward my place.

“Stop,” I instructed my car two miles short of home. “Back up fifty yards.”

The vehicle reversed, passing an attractive brunette walking briskly along the lake path. I poked my head out the window when she caught up to the car. “What are you doing out here, Abby?” I spoke more sharply than I’d intended.

She looked over, startled, then her face relaxed. “Hey. I needed to get out for a bit. I’ve been so cooped up. I hope that’s okay.”

I sighed. “I don’t know. I don’t want to be paranoid, but…”

“No one knows I’m here except Sabin. He’s not going to tell…well, the people who killed Kate.”

A hint of sadness shadowed her.

“I’m sorry, Abby. I didn’t mean to upset you. Look, maybe I’m just being overly cautious, but I don’t want anything to happen to you.”

She tilted her head and a half smile emerged. “You’re worried about me?”

“Well…yes. Of course.”

There was a pause. Finally Abby spoke. “One loop around the lake? And then I promise—I’ll come right back to your place. I’m a fast walker. And I can take care of myself pretty well.”

I didn’t doubt that at all. “Okay, but if you’re not back by two, I’ll come looking for you.”

“Great.” She started to walk away.

“Wait, Abby. I heard from Inland Tribes.”

She stopped and looked back at me. “And?”

“Ray sent the message from some mental health center in Massachusetts.”

“A mental health center? What was he doing there?”

“I don’t know. But I put a tap in to the director to find out.”

“Thanks, Creighton.”

“Thanks? For what?”

“For all your help. For finding answers. And…for worrying about me.”

“You’re welcome.” My throat had gone unexpectedly dry. “Well, I’ll see you back at the house, then. Soon.”