Page 36 (1/2)

As he got closer, he spotted two cop cars and a ested an event of aof people standing by the road, looking idle and indecisive The croas modest, and it was clear they didn’t quite knohat to do with theravel strip where a nuot out He still had no clue as going on An attractive redhead, in slacks and a sweater, stood leaning against the fence She turned to look at hinized her froht after her divorce

She held her hand out "Hello, Walker Fancyforward to give her a perfunctory buss on the cheek "Avis It’s been ages What have you been up to?"

"I just got back fro ouch," she replied "How are Carolyn and the kids?"

"Good, thanks," he said "What’s this about? Was there an accident?"

"The police got a tip about a body buried in the woods"

His smile faded "You’re not serious"

"I’m afraid so Someone said it was a kid, but that’s as ht-lipped" She rearette from a packet in her purse "I don’t suppose you have a match"

He patted his pockets "No, sorry"

She waved hiine? Horton Ravine and cops are digging up a corpse"

"Unbelievable No talk at all about what happened?"

"Nope They brought in a cadaver-sniffing dog and once they pin-pointed the spot, they went to work They started digging a couple of hours ago and none of thes you out? Do you live around here?"

"Aby when I saw the cars and I was curious What about you?"

"Alita Lane They blocked off the street so now I’m stuck Shit, and it’s the cocktail hour"