kook was going after art therapists?”

“I might. For a while anyway.”

“Yeah? Well, see? That’s how we’re different. This is my job. My business. No one stops me from doing it.”

A horn honked. My taxi was outside. I had to go.

“What if I fire you? For your own safety.”

Her hands flew to her hips. “Fine. Go ahead. For your information, Miss Bosslady, sitters and nannies are quitting by the busload around here. Those cute little au pairs? They’re running back to Iowa or France or wherever the hell they come from, leaving families in need of experienced childcare professionals like me. So fire me. Fine. I’ll get another job in like four seconds. I bet they’ll pay more, too, with the shortage. I’m in demand.”

“Okay, stop,” I smiled, hugging her. She allowed the hug but didn’t return it—Angela was in her spitfire mode. “Believe me, I don’t want to fire you, Angela. What would we do without you?”

The taxi honked again.

“You’d be lost, that’s what.”

“We would. But I don’t want you to be in danger. And neither does Joe.”

“screw Joe. He gets his way, I’ll never leave the block.” “He wants you to be safe.” Why was I defending Joe? He was controlling, possessive. Basically, a bully. “Too bad. I gotta live my life.” “You’re being stubborn.” “I’m being how I am.”

“Just think about taking off a few days. Will you?”

she crossed her arms, impatient. “Your cab’s waiting.”

Angela had made her mind up. There was no point arguing. I hurried to say good-bye to Molly and ran out the door. Joe had gotten back into the truck but was still parked in front of the house, fuming, dark eyes intensely focused up the street. Was he on a stakeout watching for the kidnapper? A vigil guarding Angela? I followed his gaze, and it led to Jake, who was unloading supplies from his truck. Uh-oh. Did Joe know that Jake had driven Angela home? Lord, I hoped Joe wasn’t going to start something. He sat at the wheel jumpy, about to explode. short and wiry, he’d be no match for a meaty guy like Jake. I made a point of distracting Joe, waving to him, smiling a warm hello. When he saw me, he cursed, gunned his engine, and sped out of the parking spot, tires screeching.

Up the street, Jake stopped unloading and watched the truck careen past. Then, head bent into the wind, he began carrying his supplies inside.

The sleet was turning to snow. Flurries dusted fresh ice on the walk, and more storms were predicted through the weekend. I struggled across the slippery walk to the curb where the taxi waited with closed doors.

Just as I got there, Charlie raced out onto his front porch, waving his arms.

“Miss Zoe! Wait! Stop! Miss Zoe!”

I opened the taxi door, tossed in my briefcase, and hung on to the cab for balance. Sharp flakes stung my face like tiny needles. Damn. What now?

Charlie was coatless, his belt unbuckled. He waved frantically, yelling. “Don’t go out today, miss! stay home!”

He hurried across the street in his slippers.

The taxi driver drummed his fingers on the back of his seat, waiting for me to get in. “Ma’am? Are we going someplace today?”

“Yes, of course—”

Breathless and unshaven, Charlie grabbed my arm. He was unbalanced, sliding, and he almost pulled me off my feet.

“Stay inside today, Miss Zoe!” He bent over and looked inside the cab, whispered in my ear. “It’s too dangerous!”

“Charlie, please stop saying things like that.”

He held my arm. “Listen.” He gestured for me to turn away and covered his mouth so the driver couldn’t hear. “Miss Zoe. Time is short. I’ve seen, I know. I look at things I’m not supposed to look at. But I know. I see where he keeps them, how he sneaks them in. And it’s just the start. See now, now conditions are right. He’s close. Today might be the day.” Spit flew from Charlie’s lips. He spoke in a guttural hush; his eyes were glazed again, delusional.

“Lady, you know I got the meter running, right?” The taxi driver was covering himself.

“Charlie. Listen to me. You need help.” My words weren’t sinking in; his face remained frantic, his grip on my arm tight. “Look. I’m sorry, Charlie. I have to go to work. Please don’t worry. I’m fine.” I started to get into the cab, but he wouldn’t release me. If I were to move, I’d have to drag him with me.

“Listen, miss!” he whispered. “I deciphered the code—when