Robert squatted next to the hole. His brother joined him. “What are you

thinking, Bobby?” asked Puller. “That it’s a peaceful place. That she was

resting in peace.” “We still have to confirm that it’s her.” Yet Puller knew

that it was. The only reason they had been directed here was because this was

the payoff. The information about this location, with no strings or prosecutions

attached. Jericho was home free.

 

Puller still felt sick about it. He had never felt so helpless in his life. No

skill he had, no weapon he could wield was of any use to him right now. “It is

peaceful,” said Puller. “A lot of flowers. She always loved flowers.” He glanced

once more at Knox. Her face was granite. She finally walked away with Rogers

behind her. They climbed into a waiting SUV.

 

They all drove to the morgue. By the time they got there the box had been opened

and the remains taken out and placed on a metal autopsy table.

 

By now it was simply bones with bits of clothing, and small sprouts of hair here

and there.

 

Knox and the Puller brothers looked at it through a window. Puller felt the

creep of tears to his eyes.

 

Robert ran his gaze up and down the remains, his eyes alighting on the bits of

clothing. “Do you think it’s her?” said Puller in a low, tremulous voice.