“Well, there’s that.” Harper handed the note back to Reid. “Put this in a safe place, would you?”

“Yeah, I’m just one giant evidence bag. So…did the kid know anything?”

“The kid was an eighteen-year-old who works at that donut place down the block. He said the clown came in for a bag of donut holes. He offered him twenty bucks to make a delivery for him.” Harper shrugged. “He took the flowers and the doll, headed this way. The clown walked down the street in the opposite direction.”

“Any chance we can still find him? I mean, a clown is bound to stick out, right?”

“Yeah. I called it in. They’re sending some units out to the area, but I’m sure he’s long gone by now.”

“Pretty smart, though. No one can ID him as long as he’s got makeup on.”

“Do you think he’s just playing with us now? Toying with us?” Dani asked.

“He’s got to know we’re all cops here. I’d guess he’s going to wait us out until we move you somewhere.”

“Or until I head back home and resume my life. Obviously I can’t stay here indefinitely under police protection.”

“They haven’t found any prints at all on any of the dolls or notes,” Reid said. “He’s been very, very careful.”

“Like he’s done this before,” Harper agreed. “You said once that he was almost like a professional. I don’t believe there are professional stalkers, but maybe he’s a professional in another area.”

“Like a thief who’s been able to avoid arrest? Leave no prints, no evidence,” Reid said. “Or like our serial rapist.” He turned to her. “Five women. Not one shred of evidence at any of the scenes. People who can pull that off…they’re either very, very good, or very, very lucky.”

“Our guy is not only careful with evidence, but with surveillance too. At Dani’s hotel that first day, he knew where the cameras were and he knew how to avoid them without calling attention to himself. Like last night. He knew exactly where the cameras were. He gave us nothing.”

“You talk to Mize?” Reid asked.

“Briefly. He says to stay put. We’ll meet tomorrow to reevaluate the situation.” Harper turned to her. “He’s going to want to know your plans.”

Dani met her gaze. “Meaning…when am I leaving?”

Harper nodded.

Dani gave her a quick smile. “I don’t even know what day it is.”

“It’s Saturday,” Reid offered.

Dani bit her lip. “So my seven days are about up.” She looked at Harper. “I can’t believe it’s been six days already.”

“Tell him three more days,” Harper said. “Maybe we’ll get lucky.”

“And if we don’t?”

Harper didn’t shy away from her stare. “I don’t know, Dani. I honestly don’t know.”