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“Yes, it’s her. But of course, we won’t notify the family until we have dental records confirmation.” I’ve stared at those missing women’s pictures for so long that I’ve memorized every freckle and line on their faces. “I think he kept the body frozen.”

“Jesus! The phones are ringing nonstop. Between the families calling and the journalists, we need to come up with something to tell them. What do you plan to say to those hyenas sniffing for blood outside?”

“Me?” What? I don’t want to talk to the press. “I thought you would address them, sir.”

He rolls the chair back and crosses one leg over the other. “It’s your case, Knox. I’m not in the habit of stealing anyone’s thunder.”

“I would rather not talk to the press. I thought you would do this as the chief of police.”

His scowl is instantaneous. “Get out there and get rid of them. I don’t want any journalists sniffing around my station. You hear me?”

“Yes, sir.”

“And make sure not to say anything that can hurt this case.”

“I won’t.” I leave before he can give me any more orders.

Fuck. I need a minute of respite and get away from everyone watching me. I go to my office and lock myself in. “Shit!” All the evidence is still out on the table, left out since this morning when Ava said we had to go right away. I put everything away, fold the table legs, and lean it against the wall. A knock on my door startles me.

I take one last glance around, make sure nothing is out of place, and open the door. Jeff is on the other side. “What?” My voice sounds harsher than I intended.

Jeff smiles. “The chief said you’re talking to the press and sent me to get you.”

I move and force him to take a step back, close my office door, and wait for the click of the lock.

Jeff and the chief flank me like I’m a prisoner being taken to the gallows. The rest of the station follows behind as if they have nothing better to do.

As soon as we step outside the building, the shouts and camera flashes start, like in a scene of a movie. Metal barricades contain the dozen or so journalists and several more onlookers.

I raise a hand, and they fall mostly quiet. The murmur of traffic is present again.

I take a step forward. The shouts start again.

“Is it true you got a tip with the location of the body?”

“Where was the body found?”

“Has the body been identified yet?”

“What are you doing about all these missing women?”

“Could it be a serial killer?”

Each question is like a punch to the gut. I have to protect Ava. She can’t be exposed to this—to them. Once more, I put my hand up and wait until the questions stop.

“This is what we know so far. A body was found in a section of Bear Brook State Park. It has been recovered and transported for further examination. We have not yet identified the body. This is an active investigation, and we are not taking questions at this time.” As soon as I say the last word, the questions return. Louder and more aggressive. The chief nods at the other cops, and they disperse the press and onlookers.

I go inside and the chief follows me. “You did good out there. But now you need to be alert and watch your back more than ever because they will be watching you. And so will the bastard who killed that woman.”

Chapter33

Avalon

I startle myself awake.Tiredness clings to my bones and weighs me down, but sleep is gone. I have to talk to Jake. I check the time. It’s been nearly six hours since Lynn picked me up. He has to be thick in the middle of this investigation. I don’t want to distract him, but this is important. Another body. But who? And where?

No response comes to my silent question.

Lynn stands in front of me and presses a hand on my forehead. “Are you okay? You look . . . off.”