Page 70 of The Fragile Ones

“I don’t know for sure. It’s like he’s a cult, or something.”

“What cult does he belong to?”

“No,he’sthe cult.”

“What does 3 7 2 mean?”

“I’m not sure. He has a weird thing about numbers. Like they’re telling him the future, or what he needs to do.”

Katie glanced at McGaven who kept his stare on Rodriguez. She picked up her notebook and began to read, “…For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb…”

“Where did you get that?” He changed. Tensed. Terror flashed across his eyes.

“A guess.”

“He’s here, isn’t he?”

“What are you talking about?”

“You’ve been talking to him.”

“Calm down, Mr. Rodriguez.”

“He’s here. I know he’s here.” He slowly turned to the mirrored glass. “I know he’s here watching.” He began talking to the glass. “I did everything you ever asked me to do.Everything. Please.”

Katie knew she was losing his focus. “Mr. Rodriguez, who killed Robin and the girls?”

He shook his head.

“Please, it will help you if you cooperate with us. Who killed Robin, and Tessa and Megan?”

He began writhing in his chair and making gurgling noises of distress.

“Who killed them? Was it Whitney Mayfield?”

“I can’t talk to you.”

“Who. Killed. Them?”

He turned his head slowly, almost mechanically, looking up at her. “You don’t understand. You havenoidea what you’re up against.”

“Try me,” she pushed.

“I didn’t kill anyone. I didn’t kill anyone. I didn’t killanyone…”

“Mr. Rodriguez, you’re going to be charged with the murder of Robin Mayfield if you don’t start explaining things.”

He slammed his hands down. “I didn’t do it! But I did everything he asked me to do!”

Katie realized that she wasn’t going to get anything more from him.

“Where is Whitney Mayfield?”

“I wouldn’t know.”

“Meaning?”

“He comes and goes as he pleases, does anything he wants. Sometimes, he would show up at my apartment looking different.”