Page 129 of The Dollmaker

Tears sparkled in Veronica’s eyes as she held up the phone. “We just need to give Elena more time to call back. She’s on some beach soaking up the rays.”

“We asked you here because we strongly suspected that the body of a woman brought in a couple of hours ago is your sister. Our office just confirmed this as true.”

“You’ve made a mistake. How did she die?” Veronica challenged.

“The medical examiner will make the final call on that.”

“The final call. How could you not know?” She took a step back, pressing her fingertips to her closed eyes. “This just makes no sense.”

Vargas handed Veronica a tissue from a small packet she kept in her jacket pocket. “I know this is horrible, but we have to know as much as we can about this man who recognized her.”

“Do you think it was this guy who hurt her?” she asked. “Would he be so bold?”

“Some killers find it exciting to hide in plain sight. Stalking their victims is also part of the thrill and the chase,” Vargas said.

“Stalk?” Her voice cracked. “This is a nightmare.”

In the moments after he’d been told about Kara’s death, he’d felt gut punched and had been sick to his stomach. He’d been unable to process much as he went to his CO and told him. It had been weeks before the marines allowed him to leave the front line.

“I want to see this woman you keep talking about,” Veronica said. “I need to prove you’re making a mistake.”

“Her face might not be what you’re expecting,” Sharp said.

A tear spilled and melted Veronica’s well-made-up face. “I want to see this woman.”

Sharp nodded. “Let me make a call.” He moved away from the two and dialed Tessa’s number. She answered on the second ring. “I have Veronica Hayes here. She wants to see her sister.”

“Give us a couple of minutes and we’ll get her ready for viewing. I’ll come get you.”

“Thanks.”

Sharp returned to Vargas standing next to a defiant Veronica, who was impatiently tapping her foot. “Just a couple of minutes.”

“You’re wrong,” Veronica said. “Very wrong.”

“Would you be willing to meet with a police sketch artist?” Sharp said. “You might be able to create an image of this man you saw in the restaurant.”

“It was a month ago, and I really only saw him in profile.”

“It can’t hurt,” Vargas said.

Doors opened to Dr.Kincaid and Tessa dressed in scrubs. Dr.Kincaid introduced herself and Tessa to Veronica.

Veronica looked at Tessa. “I know you.”

“I went to college with your sister.”

“You lived in town, didn’t you?”

“Yes.”

“You’ve seen my sister?” Veronica asked.

“Yes.”

“Is it her?”

“Yes,” Tessa said.

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