Page 70 of Cold Threat

Tony and River looked at each other. They definitely had their connection.

“You saidwas?” Tony said.

“I’m not her worker,” Donnie said. “That’s Martin, and he’s on vacation. Not in the state, I’m afraid. He went on a ski vacation with his family. All I know about Sandra was that there were some complaints lodged against her, but that an investigation didn’t turn up any corroboration. I think she quit, though, because what happened really hurt her. You really need to talk to Martin.” He paused a moment. “I would appreciate it if you’d keep everything I’ve told you to yourself. I’m walking a pretty thin line here, especially since you’re not actually law enforcement.”

“We won’t repeat anything you’ve said,” Tony said, “except to my father. I’m sure he understands how important it is to protect you.”

“Yes, he does,” Donnie said. “He’s never betrayed my trust.”

“Thank you so much for meeting with us,” River said. “We really appreciate your time. I can see why Ray thinks so highly of you.”

Donnie smiled. “Thank you. I hope I helped you, although I’m afraid I failed at telling you how to locate Michael and Stacy.” He stood up and extended his hand again. Tony got to his feet and shook it. “If you find them, will you let me know? I’d really like to know what happened. I hope they’re okay.” He shook River’s hand again. “The foster care system definitely let them down.”

After thanking him once more, Tony and River left his office and headed back to the car. Once they were inside, River said,“Well, we’ve learned that Sandra Cooper was a foster parent. That gives us our link.”

“I agree,” Tony said.

“Also, Sheila Jackson had Stacy for a while. And she said the little girl ended up with the Greers.”

“But the Greers denied that,” Tony said slowly.

“Then they moved to Burlington. And died.”

“I think the Snowman followed them here.” Tony turned to look at her. “He’s here because he needed to kill the Greers. It has nothing to do with my dad.”

“That’s a relief,” River said. “But the Greers said they didn’t have Stacy. How does their death link to Michael Wilson? I don’t get it.”

“Maybe they lied.” Tony shook his head. “Again, we’re trying to do my dad’s job. Let’s turn all this over to him. He’s the investigator. Not us. Not in this town.”

“But how does your dad find Wilson? He has to be using a different name. It would explain how he disappeared.”

“Again, that’s something my dad will have to deal with.” Tony took a deep breath and then let it out. “My head hurts. Let’s go back to the house and write all this down. See how it affects our profile.”

“Could you please start the car?” River asked. “I’m freezing.”

“Sure. Sorry. I guess I was thinking about what Donnie told us.”

“Well, I’m thinking about it too, but at least I know when I’m cold.”

“Funny.” Tony waited until the air turned warm and then put the car in gear, but before he pulled out of the parking lot, he said, “Profiles are written about UNSUBs. I think we both know who the Snowman is, don’t we?”

River was silent for a moment before saying, “The Snowman is Michael Wilson. And perhaps his sister.”

“I say we finish that profile. Not because my dad isn’t lookingfor an UNSUB any longer, but because we might be able to assist him in locating Michael and Stacy.”

River looked over at him. “If we can help in any way, we have to try. The storm will be here tomorrow. We’re running out of time.”

Tony didn’t respond, but he knew she was right. Unless Michael Wilson was found, someone might very well die tomorrow.

CHAPTER

FORTY

River was worried. She wasn’t certain she and Tony would be able to help Ray stop the Snowman before he took another life. When she and Tony got back to the house, they got something to drink and went straight upstairs. Beth was gone but had left a note saying she had some shopping to do and would be back around four. Probably making sure they had enough supplies before the storm started. River kept checking the radar over Burlington on her phone. Although they were still having flurries, the large storm still wasn’t showing up. While it was possible the Snowman would wait another two years to kill, she couldn’t rid herself of the feeling in her gut that he was getting ready to take more lives.

“We need to talk to Sandra,” she told Tony, who was unusually quiet.

“Why?”

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