The Vanishing Season (The Collector #4)(75)

“Why those two specifically?”

“He takes a new Lisa just before he moves to a new place. That means each girl is going to be buried in the next city down the list, not the one she was taken from. Faith is almost definitely buried in Omaha, and if you bar Bran from being there when his sister is found, he may honestly never forgive you.”

“Fair point. Do you really think he should see her that way?”

“I think it should be his choice. I also think we both know what that choice is going to be. He’ll shield his parents from that, but he’s not going to protect himself from it.”

“So why Tampa?”

“Because his parents deserve an in-person warning of what’s about to happen before we go dig up a neighbor’s backyard. The whole neighborhood remembers Faith, whether they actually knew her or not. Some of their childhood friends, including their best friends, still live on that street. It’s going to be a Big Thing, and I think we should make sure, before we pull a little girl’s body out of the ground, that they know it won’t be Faith. They need to know she hasn’t been two streets over this whole time. Also . . .” I frown as the thought hits me, wondering why it didn’t before. “Also, I think we should ask Agent Karwan if he wants to be there. Erin Bailey is buried there, and she was his sister’s best friend. He’s already had to recuse himself from the Omaha portion of the case because of Erin’s place in the chain, and I think he’d be grateful to be offered the choice.”

“All right. I’ll check with Eddison and Karwan, then call the field offices and arrange flights and cars. But you’re going to have to move fast, Eliza. We want all the bodies exhumed before the news breaks nationally.”

“We can be in Tampa tonight. Local police will need to be out against Halloween mischief, but we can execute the warrant first thing in the morning, then fly to Omaha and be there by afternoon. Karwan can meet us in Tampa and fly back to Omaha with us.”

“Just remember that you’re the only active agent going. Eddison and Karwan are both on leave, and if the local agents or police tell them they have to leave the scene, they cannot argue.”

“Understood. What about Ian?”

“Same rule will apply for him, if he goes. I’ll ask him. You should also understand that Omaha is already likely delayed. Douglas and Sarpy County sheriffs’ offices are arguing over who should be with the FBI on this one.”

“Why?”

“Because the property Davies rented is only sort of in Omaha. It butts up against the road they use as the county line. It’s technically unincorporated and part of Sarpy County, but Douglas is arguing that because it’s basically part of the greater Omaha area, they should be handling it.”

“That’s beyond stupid. The house is where it is, and unless there’s actual contestation of the county line—”

“There isn’t, but the two sheriffs aren’t the best of friends. This is how they snipe at each other.”

“Can you tell them to schedule the dick-measuring contest for another time?”

Gala and Kearney both snort, and there’s a soft laugh that might be Yvonne in the background of the call. Todd and Wayne both look startled and a little embarrassed. Burnside just rolls his eyes and gives Kearney a meaningful look.

Because she traded to the weird team.

“Watts called,” Vic continues after a long silence. Kearney bites her lip to keep from laughing at his less-than-subtle change of direction, because it’s not the most appropriate moment, given what she’s got her hands on right now. “They’re taking Davies to the hospital.”

“The hospital?”

“They got him to the station and tried to begin questioning him. He started panicking. Kept saying his daughter was sick, that she needed him. He had a full-blown attack, difficulty breathing, so they’re taking him to the hospital to make sure his heart is all right and so he can be sedated if need be. Once the doctors release him, he’ll be brought down to Quantico.”

“When do they think that will be?”

“Honestly? Probably tomorrow. He’s not young.”

I could point out that he’s only five years or so older than Vic, but I don’t. Age isn’t the only factor in his health.

“Priya has volunteered to be the home-base gofer today, as she’s the only one of the girls that drives. If there’s anything you want from home that isn’t in your go bag, text it to her. She’ll drive Eddison and Ian and pick you up on the way to Richmond International.”

“I’ll text her.”

“After you check the weather in Omaha?”

“Damn straight.”

“Eliza . . .”

“Yes?”

“Don’t linger in Omaha. We may need you to talk to him.”

“I’m not sure how many times we can keep unsettling him with how I look, Vic.”

“You might be surprised. The psychology . . .”

“Oh, right. Yeah, okay. We’ll overnight in Tampa, catch a red-eye from Omaha.”

“Keep me posted.”

“You do the same.”

“Oh, and Eliza?”

“Yes?”

“Is there any particular reason the girls came home last night smelling of smoke?”