Jordan nudges me softly with his elbow in a symbol to stop, but I think that maybe Daddy could make our search go faster if he tells us where the secret panel is.
“He thinks you might have a panel or some kind of hiding place in your old office,” I whisper quickly, knowing it’s too late to go back now. “Do you think you might’ve put an old journal, or movie stub, or anything in there that could help?”
Daddy looks puzzled. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. He must be confused. There isn’t a panel like that … and why is he even involving you kids anyway?”
My heart plummets. “There isn’t one?” Somehow, between Stacia not being an alibi and the fact that there is no panel, this single conversation has ripped big chunks of my remaining hope away. I can tell from the concerned look that Jordan gives me that he can see it in my face.
“No, there isn’t. I’m sorry.” Daddy releases a giant puff of air, and he gently squeezes my hand, which has gone limp in his. “But you two really just need to sit back and wait for this case to sort itself out. You already said the evidence points to it not being a copycat.”
My father glances pointedly at Jordan before finishing. “I’m sure that even Chief Vega will have to come to the same conclusion at some point.”
Jordan’s face reddens and he opens his mouth to respond, so I cut him off before he can.
“I hope he will soon, but I’m not giving up.” I release a tense sigh and look over at Jordan, who has resigned himself to fuming silently beside me. “We should probably go.”
Daddy looks reluctant to agree, but finally says, “That might be best.”
We climb to our feet and the guard opens the door to watch us. I hug Daddy again and he whispers in my ear. “I know I’m just an old guy in prison, but maybe choose who you spend time with a little more carefully.”
I whisper back, “He’s better for me than you think.”
This doesn’t appear to make my father feel any better. And when Jordan steps forward and extends his hand, Daddy looks at it for a second like it might bite him before finally shaking it.
“It was nice to meet you, sir,” Jordan says, obviously trying to be cordial. “I really do hope we find the truth.”
It would be hard not to notice the edge Jordan puts on his last word and it’s clear that Daddy didn’t miss it either when he grunts in response. Daddy walks to the guard with hands extended to receive his cuffs. “Drive safe, Riley, and be careful who you choose to listen to.”
31
MY NIGHTMARES HAVE GROWN DARKER to match my life. The storm outside howls again, even louder this time. It sounds like something hunting for vengeance. The power is out, and I know Mama was here only a couple of minutes ago. I walk through the dim hallways calling her name, but there is no answer.
In her room, her bed is made, but I see the lamp on her nightstand has been knocked over. I move to pick it up and jump when a roll of thunder crashes outside.
My heart pounds loud in my ears as I try to catch my breath. I tell myself that it’s just a storm, that I don’t have to be afraid, but the hairs that stand up all over me don’t seem to listen.
I lift the lamp up and as I place it back, another lightning bolt shreds the sky outside and I notice something strange. The side of the nightstand looks like it has a hidden drawer I’ve never seen before. It is barely cracked open, so I pull it out and see a shimmering light reflected back from inside.
Pure curiosity drives me to reach in, and I lift out a necklace and a watch. My skin flashes hot to cold and I can’t breathe. They look just like the description of the jewelry that had been taken as trophies from the East End victims.
Searching the drawer, I see the ring and earrings sparkling up at me. I drop the pieces I’m holding and back myself up into the corner, needing to put at least a couple of feet between me and the trophies a serial killer took from his victims. My mind is a whirl of confusion, trying to sort facts into any sort of order. Does this mean Daddy is guilty? Have his trophies been here with us the whole time?
No, because Valynne’s earrings are in there. That means—
“You really shouldn’t be in here, Riley.” Mama stands in the doorway, her face shrouded in shadow.
“Mama … no…” My voice is a whimper and I cover my face with my hands.
“It’s okay, darling. I don’t want to hurt you…” Her smile seems to turn my heart to ice. “I’ll only hurt him.”
Glancing to the opposite corner where she is pointing, I can barely make out a hunched male figure. He isn’t moving. The cloudy sky outside opens for a moment and I see it’s Jordan. His skin is pale and a deep cut on the side of his head has bled down his face and across his shirt.