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Judy held it away from him. “Not yet.”

“You said I could go.”

“I said Mace could release you. I didn’t say you could leave.”

“Am I being detained?”

Sheriff Tate answered. “For the moment.”

“On what grounds?”

“You entered the scene of an active investigation, provided contradictory information, and reached behind your back after being told to keep your hands visible.”

“My phone is private property.”

“And I’ll return it after I photograph the outside and record the number. I won’t search its contents without your consent or a warrant.”

Evan glanced toward the boxes.

His gaze found the old camp photograph lying inside an evidence sleeve.

Nine girls beneath the Eagle River sign.

His face changed.

This time, Judy saw it too.

“You recognize that picture,” she said.

“I recognize Rylie.”

“Who else?”

“No one.”

“You were a deputy when Emily disappeared.”

“I’ve already answered this.”

“Then answer it again.”

Evan looked at the photograph. “Emily Ross.”

“Anyone else?”

His eyes moved across the faces.

“Some of them look familiar.”

“Eight of those women are dead.”

The room seemed smaller.

He looked at Judy.

“The same killer murdered all eight,” she continued. “Rylie is the last surviving woman in that photograph we’ve located.”

Sheriff Tate inhaled sharply.