I felt guilty that Ben was missing and embarrassed that he seemed to be missing because of me. Here we were all over again, another nightmare delivered to Lucy's doorstep by yours truly.

I said, I don't know what else the man on the phone could have meant. That's all it could be.

Starkey shifted toward Gittamon.

Maybe we should get Ben's description out to patrol.

Poitras nodded, telling her to get on with it. Talk to the phone company, too. Have them set up a line trap on Elvis's phone.

Starkey took her cell phone into the entry. While Starkey was making the calls, Gittamon asked about my past few days with Ben. When I told him I found Ben looking through my closet, Gittamon raised his eyebrows.

So Ben knew about this five-two business?

Not about the others getting killed, but he saw the pictures.

And this was when?

Earlier in the week. Three days ago, maybe. What does that have to do with anything?

Gittamon concentrated on the picture, as if he was on the edge of a profound thought. He glanced at Lucy, then looked back at me.

I'm just trying to see how this fits. The implication is that he took Ms. Chenier's son as revenge for something that you did-not Ms. Chenier, but you. But Ben isn't your son or stepson, and hasn't lived with you except these past few days. I understand that correctly, don't I? You and Ms. Chenier maintain separate residences?

Lucy unfolded herself on the hearth. Gittamon was obviously considering other possibilities, and Lucy was interested.

Yes, that's right.

Gittamon nodded, and looked back at me.

Why would he take Ms. Chenier's son if it's you he hates so much? Why wouldn't he just burn down your house or shoot you or even just sue you? You see what I'm getting at?

I saw, and didn't much like it.

Look, that's not it. Ben wouldn't do that. He's only ten.

Lucy glanced from Gittamon to me, then back, not understanding.

What wouldn't Ben do?

Lou, for Christ's sake.

Poitras nodded, agreeing with me.

Dave, Ben wouldn't do that. I know this kid.

Lucy said, Are you saying that Ben staged his own abduction?

Gittamon placed the picture on the coffee table as if he had seen enough.

No, ma'am, it's too early to say, but I've seen children stage abductions for all manner of reasons, especially when they're feeling insecure. A friend's older brother could have made the call to Mr. Cole.

I was angry and irritated. I went to the doors. A frightened part of me hoped that Ben would be on the deck, watching us, but he wasn't.

I said, If you don't want to raise false hopes, then stop. I spent the past five days with him. Ben wasn't feeling insecure, and he wouldn't do that.

Lucy's voice snapped behind me.

Would you rather someone kidnapped him?

She wanted to believe it so badly that hope glowed in her eyes like hot sparks.