Page 98 of The Bone Code

“Your home is stunning,” I said.

“Always had a hankering for color but don’t see it so well.”

Somewhere farther back in the house, a dog whined and scratched frenetically.

“Might as well turn Axel loose. If not, he’ll just keep up his carping.”

“Of course,” I said.No, I thought.

France gestured Vislosky and me onto the couch. As we settled, he disappeared through the door by which we’d entered. I heard hinges squeak, then claws scrabbling on wood.

A nanosecond later, Axel fired into the room. If pressed to guess the dog’s parentage, I’d say chihuahua and wolverine. A round of hysterical barking and yelling, then France dropped into a recliner. Axel hopped onto his master’s lap, circled, then sat and eyed us with trembling contempt.

“What’s this about my granddaughter?”

I’d printed the photo taken at Shady Sam’s. Vislosky indicated that I should lay it on the table.

“Is that her?” she asked.

France glanced at the picture, then did an angled jerk of his chin. “This about me taking a minor to a tavern?”

As per Vislosky’s directive, I remained silent while she did the questioning.

“Can you tell us about your granddaughter, sir?”

“What are you wantin’ to know?” Guarded.

“Perhaps we could start with her name?”

“Harmony.”

“Do you mind if I record our conversation?”

Before France could object, Vislosky pulled out her mobile, thumbed the screen, and centered the device between us.

“First off, are you acquainted with a man named Aubrey Huger? Goes by Sullie?”

“Never heard of him.”

“Thank you. Your granddaughter’s name is Harmony France?”

“Harmony Wren Boatwright.”

“That is a truly lovely name,” I said.

France didn’t acknowledge my comment.

“Is she your only grandchild?” Vislosky asked.

“She is.”

“Harmony is your daughter’s child?” I noted Vislosky’s use of the present tense.

“Her mama’s long gone.” Leaning toward the phone and speaking slowly. “That’d be Bonnie Bird Boatwright.”

“Is Bonnie still living in Nashville?”

“Bonnie Bird,” France corrected. “Not likely. No one’s seen her since Harmony turned thirteen.”