Page 166 of State of Alert

“No, it doesn’t. Hopefully, the sister can shed some light.”

“That’s the goal. I’ll get back to you with anything we learn about your friend.”

“This is way outside the bounds of friendship.”

“No, it isn’t. Try to breathe. I’m on it.”

As she was going down the stairs, SVU Detective Erica Lucas was on the way up.

“Heard about what Ramsey did this morning,” Erica said. “Disgraceful.”

“Truly.”

“I also heard you gave an awesome eulogy. I’m sorry I missed it. I caught a new case late yesterday and was on it all night.”

“Sounds like a tough one.”

“They all are, but this was especially so. A Jane Doe found by the river. She was raped and beaten, but has no memory of what happened.”

A tingle worked its way down Sam’s spine. What were the odds? “Come with me.” She went back up the stairs and straight to Archie’s office.

“What’s up?” he asked when they appeared in his doorway.

“What does your missing friend look like?”

“Pretty, with long dark hair, brown eyes.”

Sam glanced at Erica.

“The description matches.”

“Matches what?” Archie asked.

“The vic in a new case I caught last night,” Erica said. “A Jane Doe at GW. I can take you there.”

Archie had launched out of his seat and was already around the desk. “Let’s go.”

“Let me know,” Sam said.

“I will,” he said over his shoulder as he rushed out with Erica.

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

Archie’s heart was in his throat as Erica drove him to the hospital. If Erica and SVU were involved, whatever had happened was bad.

“What’s her name?” Erica asked.

“Harlowe St. John.”

“That sounds like a fake name.”

“I thought so, too, but she said she was named after her maternal grandmother. She said my name sounded fake, too, because I go by my last name exclusively.”

Erica chuckled. “I don’t even know your first name.”

“No one does. It’s Francis. I was named after my grandfather. He called me Franny, which wasn’t my favorite name as a kid. In school, I only answered to Archie, and I’ve stuck with that ever since.”

“Can’t say I blame you. How do you know her?”

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