Garrett swallowed. “He wrote that it was quick. I don’t know if that’s true.” Alex felt tears streaming down his face.
He didn’t try to stop them. Mary. She believed a stranger because she had a dream. And she paid for it in the woods. “I’m sorry,” Garrett said. “I know that doesn’t change anything.”
“But I am sorry.” Alex was silent. What was there to say? “Where now?” he asked finally. “I’ll take you home. And in the morning, I’m going to Jenkins to confess.”
“You can come with me as a witness that I came forward. It’ll matter in court.” “And your father?” Garrett hesitated. “Honestly, I’m afraid of what he might do. To himself or…”
“I don’t know. He knows it’s over. He’s unpredictable.” “Maybe we should…” Alex didn’t finish. Garrett’s phone rang. He looked at the screen and went pale.
“Ellen!” he said, answering. “Yeah? What? When? Where’s Macy? Okay. Stay there. I’m coming.” He dropped the phone and started the engine. “What happened?” Alex asked. “My father.”
“He went to the house. He took Macy, my daughter. Told Ellen he wanted to take his granddaughter for a drive. That was an hour ago. Now his phone is off.” The SUV roared to life.
They flew through the night streets of Oak Creek. Garrett drove like a madman, ignoring lights and signs. His hands were white on the wheel. “Where would he take her?” Alex asked. “I don’t know. The cemetery, maybe.”
“Or the funeral home. The crematorium is there. Or…” Garrett didn’t finish, but Alex knew. “Or the woods. Where he took the others.” “Call him again.”
Garrett hit the button on the dash. The car dialed the number. It just kept ringing. No answer. “Damn it!” Garrett hit the wheel. “Damn it, damn it!” “Call the cemetery.”
“Is anyone there at night?” “A watchman. Old Mike.” Garrett dialed another number. After a few rings, a gravelly voice answered: “Hello?” “Mike, it’s Jim. Jim Garrett.”
“Has my dad been by?” “George? No, haven’t seen him. Why?” “If he shows up, call me immediately. It’s an emergency.” “Sure thing, Jim.”
Garrett hung up. “Not there. So it’s the office or…” Alex’s phone buzzed. An unknown number. He answered. “Morris?” The voice was old but steady.
“This is George Garrett. Alex felt a cold shiver. “I know you’re with my son. Give him the phone.” “How did you…” “Give him the phone, or the girl gets hurt.” Alex silently handed the phone to Garrett.
Jim took it, eyes fixed on the road. “Dad.” “Jim. You disappointed me. Planning to turn in your own father. After everything I did for you.”
“Where’s Macy?” “With me. Don’t worry. She’s fine. For now.” “Dad, listen to me…” “No, you listen.”
“I know it’s over. I’m not a fool. But I’m going out on my terms. Not in handcuffs, not in a cell. Do you understand?” “Let Macy go. She’s innocent.”
“She’s my granddaughter, my blood. She’s coming with me.” “Where?”
