Page 74

Throughout the night, Carrie’s subconscious tormented her sleep, forcing her to wake before dawn.

Anticipating something awful, she went to her computer and opened the Chronicle ’s site.

The headline bloomed: DISTRICT ATTORNEY TO REVIEW DOUBLE MURDER CASE . Oh God.

Her hands flew to her mouth, stifling a shriek, after reading the story. The allegations fueled her worst fears.

Her world was on fire.

She took even breaths, knowing what she had to do.

She cleaned up quietly, dressed quickly. Hearing the baby stir, she collected Emily and got her ready.

Then Carrie heard Luke in the bathroom starting the shower. Pressing her lips together, she sent him a text before leaving with her daughter in her arms.

***

Hot water prickled Luke’s skin; steam clouds rose with his thoughts of Joyce-Anne Gemsen.

Last night, after Carrie had gone to bed, he’d stayed up studying the missing Oklahoma woman’s case. This time he focused on the security camera images of her leaving the truck stop. Critical information can sometimes be found in plain sight in the background.

He surveyed displays for snacks and drinks, posters for lotteries and local events, but nothing stood out.

As he got dressed, Luke saw that Carrie was already up, likely with Emily in the kitchen.

“Carrie?”

No response.

Doing a check through the house, he realized Carrie and the baby were gone.

It was concerning. Carrie had been under increasing strain, prompting her to leave the house yesterday, refusing to talk to him about it. He’d found her at the forest after he’d used a luggage tracking device they’d put in their cars in case of theft.

Now, picking up his phone, he saw Carrie’s text.

Gone to talk to dad about the story.

Story? What story?

Of course. He recalled her saying at the forest how Denise Diaz, the Chronicle reporter, had recently come to their home again. He didn’t know why. Carrie wouldn’t discuss it. But the reporter’s visit had clearly upset her.

Opening his laptop, he found the new article and devoured it, not believing what he was reading. The allegations, the speculation, the rumors, the implications—it all hit him like a sledgehammer to his gut.

This is bad. She’s gone to see Vern. Maybe she needs a lawyer? Or at least a husband who can help her.

He studied the story and photos again, then read some of the early comments.

Another excellent article. What will happen to Carrie?

Does the Chron have it right this time?

Such a tragedy. Good reporting but so tragic.

Luke thought for a moment, then texted Carrie: Stories can be wrong, honey. Let’s talk.

Seconds after he’d sent it, his phone rang.

“Luke, it’s Fowler. We need you to start early. Something’s happened.”