Raleigh to Charlotte was all interstate and open highway, so French lit up the cherry, and put the pedal down. Chapel Hill. Greensboro. Salisbury. He counted cities, pulling 95 in traffic and 120 when the traffic thinned. Eighty-nine minutes after Burklow’s call, he hit the Charlotte line. Two miles in, he braked hard, and rocked into the parking lot where Burklow wanted to meet. He was there, and waiting. “When you said ninety minutes, I didn’t think you could actually do it.”

“I think it took ninety-three. Any sign of Gibby?”

“Not yet. I’m sorry.”

“Gabrielle?”

“She’s still in the dark, and I convinced the captain to keep it that way, at least for now.”

“Does he know you called me?”

“Suspects, maybe. He squawked twice, and left a message at the station.”

“Saying what?”

“That you’re in Raleigh for the day, and he wants you to stay there.”

“What about the body?”

“Transported forty minutes ago. Lonnie Ward. White male, thirty-seven, and big as a house, six-eight, maybe, and about two-ninety.”

“He has a sheet?”

“A few minor convictions: loitering, lewdness, solicitation. There was a Peeping Tom charge that went away back in ’68 when the witness recanted. The DA was an associate then, but remembers the case; thought there might have been some intimidation. No family, far as I can tell. No word yet on occupation or known associates. He has an apartment near the university. Smith and Martinez are there.”

“What about the girls?”

“Becky Collins and Dana White. Scared to death, but home with their parents. They don’t know anything. Other developments since we spoke. They put Gibby’s car on a flatbed, and hauled it out for full forensics. Can’t imagine what they hope to find, but there it is. Still, no murder weapon or witnesses. Martinez and Smith interviewed Chance’s mom, but she knows nothing of use. Never seen the dead guy. Has no idea where the boys could be.”

“How’s this playing with the captain?”

“Honestly? The man is lost. You know how he is, too decent to be a murder cop, and more bureaucrat than street. I don’t think he’s recovered yet from seeing Tyra Norris the way she was.”

“What about the rank and file?”