“What does that have to do with Dukes’s death?”
“Dukes watched Doane get rid of his blue car and the farmer’s body. But Dukes mustn’t have been too good at his job because Doane turned stalker and went after him. He cut his throat, then took the body away to bury it. Probably because he didn’t want anyone to discover his car or the farmer before he took Eve.”
“This cat told you all this?” Joe asked sarcastically.
“No, don’t be silly. All I get is impressions for the most part. A lot of it is my interpretation of what the cat saw combined with what you told me.”
“And where is Doane’s car and the missing farmer?”
Her gaze went to the north side of the lake. “The lake is deep out there?”
“Very deep.”
“Then you’ll have trouble retrieving the car.”
“We checked the entire bank of the lake for any sign of vehicle entry.”
“It was raining that night, and Doane must be very good at masking his trail.”
“So judged your feral friend?”
She ignored the sarcasm. “There’s a huge moss-covered rock near the bank where the car went into the water. Do you know it?”
He slowly nodded his head. “I taught Jane how to dive off that rock when she was a kid.”
“Then you have somewhere to start, don’t you?”
“I guess I do.” It could be guesswork about that moss-covered rock on the north side of the lake, but it was a peculiar coincidence she had known about it since Margaret had just arrived at the cottage. But, hell, her story was even more peculiar than the coincidence. He had to choose which one to believe.
No, he didn’t. He’d accept everything and check it out later. He started back down the trail. “I’ll order a new search in that area. Come on, let’s get back to the cottage. We have to be there when Venable gets there.”
“We? That sounds … companionable. You’re going to let me help Jane?”
“I’m going to let you help Eve. Providing we find signs that car went into the lake.”
“Eve. Jane. It’s the same thing for me.”
“Not for me.”
“I can see that. She stands alone.” Her voice was a little wistful. “You truly love Eve, and you don’t try to mask it or hide it. It’s … nice. Most people I’ve met are afraid to give themselves unconditionally to any emotion.”
“Then they’re cheating themselves. Are you coming or not?”
She didn’t move. “I’ll be along soon. I have something to do.”
“What?”
“The cat. He was afraid and ran away and didn’t see Dukes’s body being removed. I have to let him know that he doesn’t have any reason to stay close to the grave.”
He frowned. “Why the hell should he be doing that? I’ve never heard of a cat’s guarding a grave.”
“No.” She shook her head. “Go on. I’ll be down soon.”
“Why?” he asked again.
She was silent a moment. “He’s a feral cat,” she said quietly. “He scavenges for food. How do you think he knew where Dukes was buried? He was hungry and followed Doane when he hid the body. But Doane buried Dukes, and he couldn’t get at him. I have to let him know that he should go look for other food.”
Joe grimaced. “Pleasant thought.”
“No, but it’s nature. We’ve got to accept it and not hang our own values on other creatures. He’s doing what his instincts and self-preservation tell him to do.”
“And you accept it?”
“Most of the time. When my emotions don’t get involved.” She turned back to look at the grave. “And I like this cat. He loves lying in the sun and everything about the forest and hunting. He’s tough, but that’s okay, there’s no malice. Maybe we can persuade that farmer’s wife, Mrs. Hallet, to be a little more proactive in taking care of the ferals.”
“If the cat doesn’t eat anyone she knows.”
She shrugged, and said again, “Nature.”
* * *
“THEY SHOULD BE BACK SOON.” Caleb had come up behind Jane on the porch. “You could call Quinn if you’re worried.”
“He just called me. They’re on their way back. He thinks he just got a signal from Eve’s phone.” She held up her hand as he started to speak. “But Venable doubts they can trace it, dammit. She managed to try to get word to us, and we can’t even take advantage of it.”
“Is there a chance?”
“Not a very good one.”
“At least you know Eve is alive and working to save herself. That should give you some comfort.”