Page 76 of Antihero

Evan said, “I’m not sure if that’s possible.”

its in our home town, uv course, porn capital of the world.

Templeton: “With an official statement, we can open another lane of investigation and start pulling warrants.”

Evan paced in the hallway. “She doesn’t need to go through that.”

“Yes. She does. You asked to do this legitimately. This is how it works. We don’t get to pursue a case and make arrests without evidence. Obviously. You know this.”

Joey again: ill get u malware loaded on 2 flash drives. meet u dwntwn 4 dinner 2nite 4 handoff. will txt u address.

Evan gave Joey a thumbs-up, not the emoji but the little one that rode the top of the text bubble. Joey’s incessant teasing had motivated him to step up his pictogram-usage game.

Back to Templeton, he said, “She already filed charges for the assault with NYPD.”

Joey: ran tattoos thru FBI + NIST databases no hits will keep digging 4 IDs.

He texted back: Find them.

“With kidnapping, we’re hooking the case federal,” Templeton said. “That’s the point. That’s why you called me. We can use the first report but we need her to give a full statement to an assistant U.S. attorney. It’s not open for negotiation if you want us to prosecute on her behalf.”

Evan stopped outside Anca’s door. The simple wooden cross had been repaired and set back in place. For some reason, the sight irked him. He pressed the ledge of his knuckles to the jamb, shoved until he felt the pinch of bone into flesh.

Evan said, “If I can convince her, you be there, then. You personally. I don’t trust anyone else.”

“Fine.”

“I’ll be there, too. With her.”

In the pause, he heard a breeze blow across the phone.

“How do you know I won’t arrest you?” Templeton asked.

“Give me your word you won’t.”

“That’s all you want? My word?”

“Yes.”

Templeton heaved a sigh. “Okay. You have my word.”

“She’s in a fragile state.”

“I watched the video.” That was all she needed to say.

“I’ll find an opening to discuss this with her. You figure out an off-the-radar place and manner where we can meet if I can convince her.”

He hung up, drew a breath, and then went back inside. Candy sat in the armchair leaning forward, blond hair arcing to frame her face on both sides. Her hands were clasped, her feet set solidly on the floor.

Evan started for Anca’s bedroom.

Candy said, “No.”

“No?”

“Leave her alone.”

“I have to meet Joey to pick up some malware. I’ll head to L.A. tomorrow, pay RedLite a visit. In the meantime, Templeton agreed to pursue a federal investigation. Anca has to make a statement.”