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was always talking about going to San Francisco someday. When they disappeared, their father told the police to check in Haight-Ashbury or L.A. There had been a young kid hanging around with Jason and Eliza, a likable kid, but Mr. Harding had begun to think maybe he was a bad influence. He and his two brothers had drifted into town a few weeks before. His brothers were quiet, almost moody, but Kevin was chatty, a ball of fire. He went on and on about different singing groups and musicians who were making a fortune in the coffee houses on the West Coast. A regular pied piper.'
'Dom?'
'His name was Kevin Baldridge. He and his brothers disappeared at the same time as Jason and Eliza.'
'Could they trace him?'
Joe shook his head. 'But there may be a picture of him.”
“Oh, my God.'
'Don’t get excited. Mrs. Harding offered it to the police, but it wasn’t in the file.' He smiled.
'Charlie’s located the Hardings in Azora, a small town north of here. I don’t think it’s a photo that a mother would throw out, do you?'
'No.' Joe was right. She shouldn’t get excited, but, dear heaven, what a break. 'Do they know their children’s bodies have been found?'
'Not yet. Charlie’s just located them. He’s going to visit them tomorrow.”
“I want to go with him.'
'I thought you would. Sorry. It’s not a good idea for him to be seen with a kidnapper. But I got him to promise to let you look at the photo as soon as it’s logged in as evidence.'
'A photograph.'
'It might not be Dom.”
“And it might be.'
Tomorrow she might be able to see his face.
Joe set his cup down on the table. 'I’m going to take a shower and get a little sleep.' He stood up. 'And then I’m taking you out to lunch.'
'What?'
'It’s going to drive you crazy marking time with nothing to do until we hear more from Spiro or The Killing Game – Eve Duncan 02
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Charlie. Unless you have another body you want to dig up.' He headed for the door. 'Be ready at noon.'
Bossy bastard. 'Maybe I don’t want to go out to lunch. And maybe you shouldn’t be seen with a kidnapper.'
'Then stand me up. I’ll take Monty. He’d probably appreciate me more anyway. Though Sarah won’t be pleased with me for giving him spicy Mexican.' He left the room.
It was the second time in twelve hours she’d come second to that dog, she thought in amusement. It was enough to give a woman a complex.
But, at least, Joe’s attitude had been light. She didn’t need to deal with weightier personal matters just then. Not that she’d have a choice if Joe decided to— She wasn’t going to worry about it. Joe was right. She’d go crazy if she didn’t keep busy.
'Could I have some coffee?' Sarah stood in the doorway with Monty beside her.
The woman looked as tired and shaky as the dog.
'Sure.' Eve jumped to her feet. 'Sit down. Would you like something to eat? You haven’t had a bite since Monty found Debby Jordan.'
'Is it her?' Sarah sat down at the table and Monty lay down at her feet. 'Positive identification?'
Eve nodded.
'Thank God.' She reached down and patted Monty on the head. 'It’s over, boy. No more.'
'Eggs?'
'Just cereal. Please.'
Eve put the cereal, a bowl, and milk before her. 'Has Monty eaten?”
“A little last night. He’s getting better.' Sarah poured milk on the cereal. 'Is it going to help? Are they going to find him?'
'There’s one lead that looks promising.' She told her about the photograph. 'It’s a lot more than we knew before.'
'Yes.' Sarah was silent. 'I’ve been thinking about going back to my cabin tomorrow. The search is over. There’s no reason for Dom to target Monty now.'
He must have been in a frenzy.
The Killing Game – Eve Duncan 02
