“Like I said, it’s not much to work with. My aunt said she hadn’t talked to her in weeks, so it definitely wasn’t her.”
His frown intensifies. “Still can’t believe she hit you.”
“Yeah. That was something.” I chew on my bottom lip. “I wonder if the police have Grace’s cell. Nothing’s been said about it in the media. Though the person calling her could have used a burner or something. Who knows.”
“You’re assuming the call had something to do with her death?”
“It’s all we’ve got to go on right now.” I shrug. “Grace doesn’t seem like the type to agree to clandestine meetings in national parks in the middle of the night. But if they lured her out there with the promise of money…”
A line appears between his dark brows. “You think the podcast people were involved?”
“No. I don’t think they killed her. They are, however, the reason why she was here.”
“It would be a pretty extreme way to get publicity.”
“Yeah. They were right about there being a proven history of people inserting themselves into investigations. I have a theoryabout it being a copycat. Someone who wants my ex’s attention,” I say. “What if the killer couldn’t get close to the cops, but could get in with the podcasters? It’s the next best thing. They have access to Ryan and he’s like a rock star to some of them.”
“That’s so messed up.”
I nod and think it over. “Maybe I should give the detective a call and ask for an update. I doubt she’ll tell me anything, but it’s worth a try. The idea that whoever did this is just walking around out there…”
He gives my hand a squeeze. “They caught your ex. I am sure they’ll catch this person too.”
“I hope so. The best use of my time is still probably focusing on where Ryan buried the other women’s bodies. It’s our best chance of keeping him behind bars.”
Auggie steers us off the road and toward a tree. There’s peeing and sniffing to be done.
“What are you going to do when all of this stops dominating your life?” asks Noah.
“That’ll be a beautiful day. I don’t know.”
“Something worth thinking about.”
“Move to another town where I am not so well known maybe,” I say. “But I love it here. I’m not sure I could stay away forever.”
“Hmm.”
“You know what I haven’t done in a long time?” I turn to him with a small smile. “Gone on a vacation.”
“Now there’s something we could be planning. Are you thinking sun and sand or what?”
“A beach would be good. Somewhere with a totally different vibe.”
“How about Havana?” he asks. “We could spend a week soaking up the sun and eating Cuban food. Or if you wantto go further afield, there’s Thailand. The street food there is supposed to be amazing.”
“I don’t even have a passport.”
“We need to get you a passport.”
Auggie takes a keen interest in the remains of some asters. It won’t be long before the last of the late summer flowers die off and fall takes over. Then all of these gardens will start giving way to stick season, followed by the white of winter. Seasons keep rolling along year in and year out. In a way, it’s comforting how life just keeps keeping on. We’re only a couple of blocks away from the waterfront now. Walking down quiet streets with most of the houses sitting in darkness.
“You haven’t told me how things are at work with Jade,” I say with a wince.
And he winces right back. “We’re both keeping it professional.”
“Okay.”
“No one is universally loved, Sid.”
