“Let’s face it. He’s on the list of the world’s wealthiest men—he can buy a lot of discretion. Still, it’s not a matter of me suspecting him—it’s really a ‘let’s eliminate him’ quest,” Thor said.
Enfield looked at Jackson curiously. “I’m interested, Crow. You manage your own team of investigators now—several units, I believe. Shouldn’t you be managing them? No disrespect meant, but I have to assume you’re here because of Tate Morley, too?”
Jackson nodded. Watching the interaction, Thor realized that Jackson had reached to the top for permission to come out here and involve himself in this investigation. Enfield had to be wondering what kind of pull Jackson had to get his way so quickly in a Bureau often filled with red tape.
Jackson smiled. “Yes, sir. When it comes to Tate Morley, I have to be hands-on.”
Detective Brennan studied Jackson and shrugged. “If it could be this man and you’ve hunted him before, I say all hands on deck.”
“But,” Enfield asked, “wouldn’t it have made more sense for you to be hands-on in Kansas?”
Jackson gave him a rueful smile. “I can’t say that I do know where Tate Morley is now, sir, but I would bet my eyeteeth that he’s no longer in Kansas.”
“No one is here for a pissing match,” Thor said. “Sir—”
Enfield laughed. “I’ve heard about the Krewe of Hunters. Unorthodox methods—using the dead for witnesses, some say. Intuiting from ghosts or revenants or whatever. Well, I know you are an assistant director—field director—in your own right, taking a backseat here since you know Thor and don’t know the terrain and he knows it especially well. And I don’t care if you talk to walls, dogs or elephants. Get this guy—whoever the hell he is.” He hesitated. “We’ll have forensic teams on the island for another few days. I don’t know why the killer would hang around now, but if you still seem to think it’s important to be out there, I’ll go with your instinct.”
“We found where he butchered Amelia Carson, sir. I think we may find his hideout, as well,” Thor said.
“We’re working on recovery of the video from the hotel—my guys are cleaning it up and enhancing it now. It will be ready in a few hours. You might want to see it before you head back,” Brennan said.
“We will want to see it. Thank you,” Thor told him.
“I’ve looked at it—poor quality,” Brennan said. “Nothing but people coming and going, all looking fine and normal. But the video doesn’t even cover the elevators. Still, one man may see something that others don’t.” Brennan’s face tightened with an edge of aggravation. “And the island is covered for the moment at the least. Mike Aklaq is there, right? And I have people finishing up at the Mansion with hours and hours of film to process, only to prove it’s all fake!”
“Thank God for science and talented techs,” Thor said. “Thing is...I know that island. I was once one of those obnoxious kids who liked to sneak out there and drink beer and build a bonfire. If there is anything out there, I believe I’m the one who can find it.”
Enfield nodded. “All right, just take it in shifts, and make sure you report to me, as well.” He shook his head, eyeing them both. “I’m no clairvoyant,” he added, “but I’ve been around awhile. Killers like this don’t suddenly see the light. Do whatever you have to do. Use any method. Stop him—before he kills again.”
8
Clara couldn’t help looking around the restaurant. She was afraid that Amelia Carson was going to make an appearance.
But Amelia was not in the restaurant. She and her cast mates ordered their food. Clara began to relax, but she only half listened to the conversation going on around her.
She hoped that Amelia wouldn’t arrive. She wasn’t afraid of the ghost anymore. Amelia was lost—she needed help. Clara wanted to give her that help.
She just hoped that she didn’t wind up appearing to talk to walls herself.
“I really hope that we actually get to do this show,” Simon said wistfully.
“Of course we’ll get to do the show,” Clara said.
“We didn’t get to do the last one,” Ralph reminded her.
“Yes, but that was different,” Clara said.
They all looked at her. “It was different!” she assured them.
“I guess so. I was so happy to be here! See Alaska,” Simon said.
“Well, we are seeing Alaska,” Larry reminded them.
They all fell silent. Larry drummed his fingers on the table. “So. You’re going to go back and stay on the island, huh, Clara?”
“Yeah.”
“Just watch out. I mean really watch out. Not just for the killer—watch out for Kimball! He’s looking at you like he’s a wolf and you’re a lamb,” Ralph warned.
“Ralph, maybe the guy just appreciates theater,” Clara said.
“He didn’t pay any attention to me,” Ralph said.
“He might have realized you and Larry were a duo,” Clara told him.
“No, no, I’m not a duo with anyone and I’m heterosexual and I can tell you—wolf looking at a lamb,” Simon said, nodding his head sagely.