Page 135 of Cold, Cold Bones
“You said she’s a newbie.”
“That’s Slidell’s portrayal. Henry’s been in Charlotte for several years.”
“Before that the LAPD?”
“Yes.”
“Ask her.”
“I will. After I brief Nguyen.”
“The chief will be pleased to have a name.”
“She will.”
We ate in silence for a while. Ryan broke it.
“Did you catch the possible link?”
“Link?” I hadn’t.
“Andrea-Louisa’s language school is on South Boulevard. You said Miguel Sanchez lived at the Beacon Hill Apartments.”
“Off South Boulevard.” Pointing a triumphant finger at Ryan. “Potential info for victim profiling?”
Ryan grinned.
“Nice detecting,monsieur.”
“Merci,docteure.”
While Ryan drove, I phoned Nguyen. She was, indeed, pleased,and promised to follow through with the ID. I didn’t envy my boss her heartbreaking conversation with Dr. Soto.
Drowsy on poultry and cheesy starch, I wasn’t in the mood for confrontation. Decided the call to Henry could wait until morning.
I’d just dropped my mobile into my purse when it rang. Sang, actually. I’d changed the ringtone to Joe “Bean” Esposito. “You’re the Best.” Yes, I’m a nerd.
I considered letting the call go to voice mail, but at the last minute dug for the phone, hoping the caller might be Katy.
It wasn’t.
I’d never heard Slidell so distraught.
Rightly so.
His news was appalling.
30
Iclicked to speaker phone.
“Don’t talk. Listen. I gotta go ten-six.”
“Seriously?”
“A kid’s missing. The powers that be have lassoed every available butt for a task force.”
“Even CCU?”
