Page 78 of Closer Than You Know

Vera closed her eyes.Please, please let her be okay.

“Any additional thoughts, Vera?”

She blinked. The voice that had asked the question belonged to her former boss, William Talbert.

Scrambling to reorient herself, she looked to Bent and then Eric. Both were watching her, their faces showing worry and a hint of sympathy—neither of which she appreciated. What she needed was to be out there looking for the son of a bitch who had taken her sister.

“Vera has made it clear,” Bent said, when she failed to find a response in a timely manner, “how she feels about the subject. Whoever this is, Solomon is involved.”

She gave him a subtle nod. “We’re all aware,” she began, “there was no evidence to support the theory that Solomon had a partner back when we finally caught him. Given what’s happened, we have to take a harder look at that possibility, as well as the possibility that this is a new protégé—a surrogate. Either way, the perp we’re dealing with is following the technique far too precisely for this to be coincidence or even a mere copycat.”

“There’s no guarantee,” Will spoke up, “that someone involved with the investigation didn’t leak the details you’re seeing. We all recognize such things happen even in the best departments.”

This was true. Before she could argue the point, Eric jumped in. “If that was the case, why was it never in the news? I’m sure there were plenty of reporters itching to get the hidden details for a big story. Based on that, we must assume those details were never leaked and that neither Gloria Anderson nor Solomon ever provided those details to anyone until now—otherwise we would surely have heard about them before.”

“I suppose you’re right,” Will admitted. “I can’t deny that I’m still hoping this is unrelated and we haven’t allowed Solomon to reach beyond the bars. Or, worse, left a killer’s apprentice in the wild.”

“Exactly,” Vera muttered. But then that wouldn’t explain the bastard’s obsession with her unless he was being guided by Solomon himself. “Eric mentioned that he’s had no visitors besides his son.”

“That’s correct,” Will confirmed. “No visitors. All correspondence is reviewed, so we can say with certainty there has been no discussion or preparation related to anything like this via the official mail.”

“Nothing at all from his daughter?” Vera would have thought the woman would at least write to him after she learned of his diagnosis. Then again, how did you forgive someone or even look past a decade-long trail of murders?

“Nothing,” Will confirmed.

“For the sake of full disclosure,” Special Agent Alcott said, “I have personally reviewed everything we dug up last time about Solomon. I interviewed his son, Christopher, yesterday afternoon by phone in hopes of gaining any of his insights. He has not seen or spoken to his father since Christmas, when he was told about the cancer diagnosis. He insists his father told him not to return and would refuse to see him if he did. To that end, he claims he’s had no further contact of any sort. I also called his sister, but Pamela isn’t taking my calls.”

Vera had only spoken to the son on one occasion beyond that day at the sentencing, and he had been the one doing all the talking. He had seemed shocked by the investigation and in deep denial about his father’s guilt. He’d given every indication that he was wholly unaware of his father’s secret criminal activities. The daughter had stated the same in a private interview with the feds. Her son had been a part of that interview, and he had claimed to know nothing either.

Nearly thirteen years later there really was only one reasonable explanation for what was happening. Palmer Solomon—the Messenger—had himself a puppet, whether from before or new to the game ... someone who was willing to do his bidding.

Alcott went on, “I’m sending two agents who worked the original case to support your efforts.”

And just like before, they would find nothing. This Vera kept to herself. Her fear and anger were making for a bad combination. Had her wanting to lash out.

“We’re grateful for the support,” Bent told him.

“Jones,” Will said, “stay as long as you need to. Give Sheriff Benton whatever help he requires.”

“Will do, sir.”

“Vera,” Alcott said, speaking again, “I’m guessing that you’ve decided against visiting Solomon in light of what’s happened with your sister.”

Bent looked from her to Eric. Vera realized then that she’d failed to share this information with Bent. They’d been a little busy, and then Suri had called about Eve.

“Agent Alcott tried to visit Solomon again last evening,” Eric explained. “He will only speak to Vera and claims to have a message for her.”

“I’m considering it,” Vera answered, ignoring the look Bent pointed in her direction. “I wasn’t aware of Solomon’s request until last night, and then my sister was taken, so I’ve had no time to evaluate the merit in either option.” She hadn’t been able to think of anything else except Eve.

But she hadn’t forgotten the invitation.

The call dragged on for a few more minutes before Bent put everyone out of their respective misery and ended it.

“If,” Eric said as he pushed to his feet, “you have no different directions for me, I’d like to check in with the search commanders.” He turned his hands up. “I don’t need to be here for the press conference. That’s your platform, not mine. I’m here to help you, not take the podium.”

Vera recognized what she had to do. But no one in the room was going to like it.

“I’ll hook you up with my second-in-command. He’ll see that you get wherever and whatever you need.” Bent looked to her. “Vee, I don’t want you out of my sight.” He hitched his head toward Eric. “Or Eric’s. I don’t care what this bastard Solomon wants. You need to be where one of us can see you at all times.”

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