Page 75 of Alex Cross Must Die

“Like father, like sons,” said Holmes.

Virginia looked up from the report. “So who was buried in the mausoleum? The mother? The father?”

“Nobody,” said Poe. “The vault is vacant. Pristine. Never occupied. Aldrich Siglik built that place as his Alamo. A last-resort hideout. When he died, he willed it to the boys.”

“Did they kill him too?” asked Virginia.

“Heart attack,” said Marple. “Lucky man.”

The office phone rang. Virginia put down the pages and picked up the handset, shifting to her bright, professional voice. “Holmes, Marple, and Poe Investigations. This is Virginia.”

Marple saw Virginia’s posture stiffen as she listened to the caller.

“Yes, ma’am,” she said. “Of course. She’s right here.”

Virginia covered the bottom of the handset as she handed it to Marple.

“Special Agent Brita Stans,” she whispered. “About the Zozi Turner kidnapping. She soundsreallypissed off.”

CHAPTER 83

“MARGARET! THANK GOD!”

Addilyn Charles jumped up from her chair and hugged Marple like a long-lost sister. Holmes and Poe got polite nods. Helene Grey silently stood nearby. Brita Stans elbowed her way into the group and got right down to business.

“This way,” she said. “We need to talk.”

Marple looked around. The once-impeccable Charles apartment now had the familiar look of a law-enforcement occupation. Paper coffee cups and empty takeout containers everywhere. Laptops, two-way radios, and accessory cords were spread out on the tables. Men and women with shoulder holsters were all over.

Stans led the way to a seating area near the grand piano. Holmes, Marple, and Poe sat side by side on an elegant sofa. Addilyn and Grey settled on the piano bench. Stans stood with her legs apart, hands on her hips, like General Patton.

“We got another call,” she said.

Marple looked at Grey. “Same as before?” she asked. “The woman?”

Grey nodded. “Same voice, same filter.”

“They’ve changed the ransom demand,” said Stans.

“What do they want now?” asked Holmes.

“They want cashandmy jewelry,” said Addilyn, her voice shaking. “My diamonds and pearls.”

“And here’s the capper,” said Stans. “They want Addilyn to deliver the ransom personally.”

“So why are we here?” asked Poe. “I thought you didn’t want us involved.”

“I don’t,” Stans said bluntly.

Addilyn turned to Marple. “I told Agent Stans I wouldn’t do it unless you came along, Margaret.” She was wringing her hands in her lap. “I’m afraid they’re going to kidnap me too!”

“That’s not going to happen,” said Stans. “We’ll be there, close by.”

“We will too,” said Poe.

“The hell you will,” said Stans. “I don’t need the three frigging musketeers. All I need is Marple.”

“The handoff is tonight,” said Grey. “Watchung Reservation in New Jersey.”

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