CHAPTER 31 —

The knock came again — three blunt thuds that sounded like someone cuffing the world. It was a knock that did not ask permission; it demanded entry. The van’s tailgate was still open; the drives in evidence bags lay like quiet, heavy birds. Anders’ face narrowed like someone about to do algebra with a grenade.

Nicole let her hand rest on her belly. The baby answered with two measured kicks — a small metronome that said, very clearly, don’t flinch. She liked the ...