AFTER WRIGHT LEFT to return to work, Abby lingered with Luke in the River’s End parking lot.

“So who is this friend, the one that helped Fred identify the two men who attacked you?” Excited by the identification but guarded, Abby couldn’t shake the feeling that she was Charlie Brown preparing to kick the football only to have it pulled away.

“He’s a buddy who works for the FBI. He came to town to offer me a job.”

“A job? With the FBI?” Abby stepped back. “I did not see that coming. Don’t you like being your own boss?”

“Yes, I do, but he made me an interesting offer. I’d be on a federal task force, working on cold cases.”

Abby folded her arms and held his gaze. “Helping people like us?”

He nodded and smiled, and Abby’s heart raced a bit. “Yep,” he said. “Helping them find closure.”

At that she laughed mirthlessly and kicked at some sand in the lot. “I’ve always believed that finding killers helps people affected by murder move on, heal.”

“You don’t believe that anymore?”

“I don’t know what to believe anymore. I thought I could solve my parents’ murders, but the closer I get, the further away the solution seems.”

She looked back into his eyes, and for a moment she feared he was going to reach out and touch her hand. He understood. He knew what she was going through, and none of it was a mystery to him.

She looked away. “I’d like to hear more about —” Her phone rang. “It’s Woody,” she said as she answered. “Hi, I was —”

Woody cut her off, sounding rushed and panicked. “Where are you?”

Abby frowned. “River’s End.”

“Thank God you’re close. Get over to the governor’s house, now.”

Abby leaned forward, tense. “What is it?”

“It’s Asa. He’s gone and he’s planning something stupid.”

“Like what? Should I call 911?”

“No! I think I can handle it. But you’re closer than I am. I’m in the car now. Meet me there.” The tone of his voice sent a shiver up Abby’s spine. He ended the call.

“What is it?” Luke asked.

“I have to go. Sorry to leave —”

“No way you’re leaving me, not with that look on your face.”

“Fine, I don’t want to argue.” She turned. “Just get in my car. I’ll explain on the way.”