Magic Hour

“Thanks.” Maybe it would make a difference, not being so damned alone when the cameras rolled. “Schedule a press conference for tonight. Say . . . seven o’clock.”

“What will you tell them?”

“I’ll tell them what I can about Alice. I’ll show them the pictures and reveal a few interesting behavioral observations and let them ask their questions.”

“I’m sorry,” Ellie said.

Julia tried to smile. “I’ve lived through it before. I guess I can live through it again. For Alice.”

JULIA COULD HEAR THE RACKET GOING ON IN THE POLICE STATION. Dozens of reporters and photographers and videographers were out there, setting up their equipment, running sound and picture checks.

She and Ellie and Cal and Peanut were crammed into the employee lunchroom like hot dogs in a plastic pack.

“You’ll be fine,” Ellie said for at least the tenth time in the same number of minutes.

As he had each time, Cal agreed.

“I’m worried about Alice,” Julia said.

“Myra is sitting just outside her door. She’ll call if Alice makes a peep,” Ellie said. “You’ll be fine.”

Peanut said, “They’ll call her a quack.”

Ellie gasped. “Peanut.”

Peanut grinned at Julia. “I use that technique on my kids. Reverse psychology. Now anything they say will sound good.”

“No wonder your kids keep piercing their body parts,” Cal remarked.

Peanut flipped him off. “At least I don’t go to conventions in costume.”

“I haven’t worn a costume in twenty years.”

Earl appeared at the door. Everything about him looked spit-shined, from his faded red comb-over to his lacquer-coated dress shoes. The creases in his uniform were laser sharp. “They’re ready for you, Julia.” He flushed, stammered, “I mean Dr. Cates.”

One by one they peeled out of the lunchroom; the five of them collected again in the hallway.

“I’ll go first to introduce you,” Ellie said.

Julia nodded. For Alice, she thought.

Ellie walked down the hallway and turned the corner.

For Alice.

Then Earl was beside her, taking her arm.

She followed him down the hall, around the corner, and into the flash of her old life.

The crowd went wild, hurling questions like hand grenades.

“Qui-et!” Elli

e yelled, holding her hands out. “Let Julia talk.”

Gradually the crowd stilled.

Julia felt their eyes on her. Everyone in the room was judging her right now, finding her lacking in both judgment and skill. She drew in a sharp breath and caught it. Her gaze scanned the room, looking for a friendly face.