"The Wheatleys got another weird call tonight." "How weird?"
He explained Gus's one-sided exchange and the three long tones, then added, "We traced it back to southern Oregon. Another rest area pay phone. This one just north of the California border."
"Dear God, not another body."
"None yet. They'll keep looking."
"You think it was really Beth Wheatley on the line?"
"No way to know for sure," he said. "There's no fingerprints this time, and there's no magic to punching a button three times. Anybody could have done that in response to Gus's question."
"I can't believe I missed this. I need to get back." "Lundquist wants you to stay put. Isaac agrees."
"With the killer on his way to California? Why stay here?"
"We think you're in the right place."
"I don't get it."
"The call was a little too cute, too convenient. Nobody talks, but the line stays open just long enough for us to trace. Then it disconnects."
"Meaning what?"
"According to Isaac, you said it yourself in that last meeting with Victoria Santos. There's a steady geographical pattern moving south from Seattle. Could be the killer is just diverting our attention from where we should be looking. Maybe he has an inkling we've targeted Yakima, and now he's trying even harder to shift our attention all the way to California."
"How would he know we've zeroed in on Yakima?"
"That inmate at WCCW could be shooting her mouth off, bragging about pulling down the reward money. Wouldn't surprise me if our killer is plugged into the prison grapevine."
Andie thought for a second. "That's possible."
"We think it's more probable than possible. Your orders are to stay put. Play out the cameo for the full three days and see what turns up."
"All right," said Andie. "I'm on the inside track at the store, so if there's anything to Shirley Borge's tip, I should flush it out."
"Good. Check in again tomorrow morning."
"I will."
"Oh, one more thing. Don't take it the wrong way. It's just that Isaac really does think you're in the right place, so he wanted me to be sure to pass this along."
"What is it?"
"He says, be very careful."
She smiled weakly with appreciation. "Tell Isaac he worries too much."
Gus left Seattle at five A. M. and reached Yakima before nine. He found a parking space a half block down from the Second Chance clothing store. His investigator had warned him it wasn't in the best part ()flown, but this was rougher than he'd envisioned. He stepped down from his car and paused, wondering if he'd still have tires on his Mercedes when he returned. He set the alarm and walked up the sidewalk.
The store was closed. No hours were posted, but he assumed it would open at nine. He could wait five minutes.
The day * was gray and overcast, cold enough to make him consider waiting in the car. The wind kicked up, stirring some stray newspapers in the gutter. Gus cinched his coat to stay warm. He turned at the sound of footsteps behind him.
"Gus? What the hell are you doing here?"
He did a double-take. Her appearance had thrown him, but the voice he recognized. It was Andie. He answered, "I'm here to check things out."
"That's my job. Get out of here."
"Why didn't you return my calls?"
"Gus, you're blowing my cover. Now get out of here before the owner shows up."
"That's exactly who I want to talk to. I brought some pictures of Beth. Just thought I'd show them and see if the owner knows anything."
"That's a terrible idea. For all we know, this store owner is the killer's mother. If word gets back to the killer that you or the police are closing in, that's bad news for Beth. He could panic, cut bait, and send your wife's body floating down the river. Now get out of here. I mean it."
He didn't move, but he didn't argue.
"Go," she said sternly.
He turned slowly, then stopped. The display in the storefront window had caught his attention.
"What now?" asked Andie.
He stepped closer to the window, his eyes locked like radar. "That black dress."
"What about it?"
His face was ashen. "It belongs to Beth."
Chapter Forty.
Andie was alone outside the shop when Mrs. Rankin arrived to open up. She played in role as Kira, having decided to stay undercover. It would be easier to find out about the dress as a dumb employee than an FBI agent.
"You actually showed?" the old woman said with surprise.
"Not like I have anyplace else to be."
"Just remember, you're working for the necklace. Don't try hitting me up for money at the end of your three days. Because I won't pay."
"Fine by me."
She gave Andie a curious look, then unlocked the door and headed inside. Andie followed. It was dark and drafty inside, nearly as cold as the outdoors. Mrs. Rankin switched on the heater and then the lights. The old fluorescent tubes hummed and flickered overhead until they finally brightened the store.