The congregation has thinned. The pastor—silver hair, blue suit—emerges with an older couple, and his eyes scan those of us left on the portico.

“Let’s take a walk,” I suggest.

I trudge down Pulaski to Clayton. Teddy trails at my heels. The street is strung with twinkling lights, and I’m struck by a sudden longing at the thought of Christmas. We pass a brick storefront hung with vintage dresses and thick red sweaters. Curls of laughter echo out the door.

I tell Teddy about the call from Ben and watch him frown with the knowledge that I didn’t report it. I lob my theory about the student missing since the day before Jay was hit. The rented house and the room with textbooks for all the same classes as Jay. I tell him about the fraternities that send in pledges to sign attendance sheets. The number that matches our mystery caller.

The hill inclines steadily. A car swings into the parking space to my right, brakes squealing, and I flinch.

Teddy bends his head to hear me as we walk. And despite his efforts, the chill between us warms, if only slightly.

“Where is he?”

I dig my hands into my pockets. We’ve stopped in front of a bright blue painted sky; overlarge onions and exposed roots cover the side of the building.

“I want to bring him in,” I say, trying hard to look Teddy in the eyes.

“No.” Teddy shakes his head and shifts toward me to let a man and his large golden retriever pass. “You’re off the case. Suspended.”

I take a breath, my gaze on the retreating dog instead of Teddy. “Then I can’t tell you.”

For a moment, he’s too stunned to be angry.

“Marlitt,” he says, his voice calm but with a warning edge.

I jut out my chin.

He sighs. “If you do this, we’re done. Even if—and right now that’s a big if—but even if you’re right, and even if Truman doesn’t fire you for insubordination, we won’t be partners anymore.”

“So you would let this guy just walk away?” I have the sudden urge to slam my fists against his chest. “He’ll think he can get away with it? The parents with no answers?”

I see him pause, thinking perhaps that if I’m right, this isn’t the answer the parents will want to hear. Not Jay’s. And certainly not Colin’s.

“No.” He shakes his head slowly. “You would tell me what you know. And Oliver and I would apprehend the suspect.” He’s watching my face. “But you won’t, will you?”

“Not if I’m not going with you.”