George nodded again and then rose, heading for his bedroom to pack a few things.

Dan saw Katie was still staring at him.

“Is that real?”

“Yes. When you have key cards, there is a record of when doors open and close.”

“Even if you don’t lock them?”

“Katie, he needs to be seen by people. There are cameras in the large hotels as well. If he’s accused of something, police will have access to key-card records and security footage. It’s best for George. Trust me. Safer for him, too.”

“You think he’s in danger.”

He stared at her hard across the table. She seemed to be trusting in him.

“Not as much as you,” he said softly.

“Me?”

“You saw the woman you knew as Jennie. She saw you. If she’s alive, then she’s now a key suspect in your parents’ murders. Yes, you’re in danger now.”

“Thank God for the boys,” she murmured.

“Katie, the dogs may not be enough.”

“I am not going to a hotel, too. Dan. Believe me, I don’t want to be anyone’s victim, but—”

“Here comes George. We’ll talk about it later.”

George was coming out of his room with a small suitcase. “I’m ready. Hey, you can put an ankle monitor on me, if you like.”

“George, at the moment, I’m looking after you.”

“I see that,” George said. He glanced at Katie. “How in God’s name did you convince him I’m not a crazed murderer?”

“I’m not sure I did,” Katie said. “But I do believe he’s trying to protect you. So, we need to lock up and get you to safety.”

They all stood and headed for the door. They waited as George locked up his house. He looked back at it as they walked to Dan’s car.

“The old Axeman chiseled out panels to get in houses. He used the axes owned by the people he attacked,” he said. He looked at Katie woefully. “Thankfully, I don’t own an axe.”

Katie gave him a weak smile, and they all piled into the SUV.

As they drove, Katie asked him, “Does the number six mean anything to you?” she asked.

“Six?” George said. He shrugged. “I’m sure it’s something in numerology. And I’m willing to bet there are a dozen mediums working their shops or out by the cathedral and Jackson Square who could tell you about the number. I mean, I guess all numbers mean something. Why?”

“Curious. It just seems to be a thing around the city,” Katie said.

“Six. Hm. Don’t know. Bet your father would have, Katie,” he said.

“Maybe.”

Dan headed back across the bridge, and as they came to Canal, he asked George which hotel he would like.