‘The only way I’ll get busted is if you cop out and snitch.’

A few minutes later, the three of them were out the door, a plan in place.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Wednesday, May 22

It was almost noon when Sergeant Boudreaux finally called.

‘Detective Wyatt speaking.’

‘Detective, this is Sergeant Boudreaux. We, or rather Mr. and Mrs. Jessup, ran into a problem when a city worker parked his construction truck in front of their drive, blocking them in. It took us longer than it should’ve to track the guy down after he left with a co-worker for another site. Claims he couldn’t tell it was a private road; thought it was an old trail no one used anymore. I was heading to pick them up myself when the city got ahold of him to move it. Anyway, we’re in Albuquerque now. We’ll be at the morgue in about fifteen minutes. Still care to meet us there?’

‘Absolutely. I’ll see you in a few minutes.’

Twelve minutes later, she pulled into the parking lot of the County Morgue, having phoned ahead to alert Lynn Sharp that the possible family of their Jane Doe had arrived. She waited in her car until she saw an SUV emblazoned with Santa Fe PD on the side before she climbed out.

Sergeant Boudreaux unfolded his long form from the driver’s seat and opened the back door. Mrs. Jessup stepped out of the vehicle, leaning against it as she waited for her husband to come around. Her hair was unkempt, as if she’d been running her fingers through it, and her face was pale. Mr. Jessup was slightly taller than his wife, and his eyes bounced continuously from Sergeant Boudreaux’s SUV to the front doors of the morgue. Even from across the parking lot, Alyssa could see they stood on wobbly legs.

‘Sergeant Boudreaux?’ Alyssa asked as she approached.

The Santa Fe officer extended his hand. ‘Detective Wyatt? Thanks for meeting us here. This is Mr. and Mrs. Jessup.’

‘Hello. I’m sorry we have to meet like this. Tell me when you’re ready, and we’ll head inside.’

Mr. and Mrs. Jessup glanced at each other before turning back to her. In a strangled voice, Mr. Jessup answered for both of them. ‘Is anyone ever ready for something like this?’

‘No, I suppose not.’ Alyssa inhaled deeply and then led the way inside.

Lynn Sharp greeted them in the entrance, leading them into her office before taking them to see Jane Doe’s body.

‘Sergeant Boudreaux, Mr. and Mrs. Jessup, thank you for coming. Before I take you back, I want to prepare you, even if it turns out not to be your daughter.’ Her words were solemn and full of compassion, and Alyssa saw how much it pained the woman to do this part of her job.

As Lynn continued to explain what they should expect, Alyssa tempered her impatience for answers by perusing the office and the numerous degrees and accolades framed on the walls. They were impressive. Finally, Lynn rose and escorted the four of them down a series of hallways before stopping at a set of double doors. ‘Please wait here. I’ll come get you in a minute.’