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Despite his absolute faith in his own people, Matt recognized that they were a small-town force Before he ever reached Mahoney’s hih a call to Randy Newton, the friend at the FBI who had tested the library floorboard for him

While he waited for Randy and his tea where a screen had been broken in the base the thief--or thieves--entry Mahoney’s desk had been rifled, but it looked like a sloppy job Nothing had been taken but the hundred dollars from the petty cash box, while Mahoney’s Rolex, a Christht on top of the desk

The wooden evidence box, filled with dirt and bones, had been left in one of the viewing rooms, where one of Matt’s er at the museu far too much out of an ancient skeleton, and was concerned that the police would still be around when the Thoht Matt could only assure Mahoney that he’d do his best to collect what he needed, and be out

Randy Neas a tall, well-built guy who had made some of the top scores when he’d been in the acade on a serial killer case in the outskirts of DC, a truly psychotic felloho had preyed on iether well, and remained friends Despite the usual peace and tranquility to be found in Stoneyville, northern and central Virginia provided havens for crier cities, and hid out in the countryside Matt and Randy had kept up a communications system which had served them both well in the past

Randy looked like FBI He wore the inevitable suit, and sunglasses, and with his height, build, and dark hair, he emitted an aura of authority Even Mahoney welco like awe

But when they were alone in the viewing rooet it, Matt I ry, but hell This probably is a fraternity prank Who the hell would want a bunch of old bones?"

"Randy, there is no guarantee that they’re old bones"

"I thought that your psychic had been led to theown"

"Yeah--and there are still lots of white flowing nightgowns out there"

"Really? I don’t re Rita wears T-shirts" He shrugged "She used to wear nothing at all, and that was pretty cool, but then we had the kids…hey, Matt, you’re not s"

"Because I think this is serious"

"Do you kno ht now, Matt?"

"I can iuys to do the fingerprinting, look for any shoe " He hesitated "And do me another favor"

"What?"

"Run your files forpersons files ho just ht have disappeared from this area"

"Matt, I think a bunch of kids stole the bones of a wo we can do for her"

"Randy, helpa favor"

"All right You’ve got it"

"I need the files as quickly as possible"

"Drive up to et"

"Thanks"

"Hey, you’re looking frazzled as hell"

"Haven’t slept"

Randy cocked his head to one side "Ghosts, ghosts, ghosts Hell, I guess they can keep you awake Go hoet out before the funeral Trust ue He left Mahoney’s, and headed straight home He could hear Penny in her office when he stepped into the foyer, but he quickly slipped up the stairs, and crashed straight into his bed

In a matter of minutes, he was sound asleep

The ride was incredibly pleasant

They headed out toward the north, following theinto pasture land where canvas tents dotted the fields They dis history exhibits, visiting the blacksmith, an officer’s tent, a seamstress, a common soldier’s little plot, and the field hospital Harry Smith introduced her to dozens of people, but when they came across those who had read about her in the newspapers, he politely but firmly found a way to steer her away

Carter and Clint were old friends with many of the men as well, and with a few of their friends, they rode on over to the Yankee caed

Naturally, she reminded them who had won the war

"Of course," Carter said "The North had to win I , that any ht to own another? It’s crazy now But history"