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help him. He had enjoyed being with her. They talked for several hours before he raped and stabbed her. She had been surprised when it happened, as if she really thought her words could deter him. He remembered her scent—that light musk perfume that had radiated from her naked skin. He wanted to smell it again.
    He crawled over to his chest and raised the lid. Carefully he rummaged around until he found the plastic sack with Lisa’s name.

Chapter FOUR
    A look of consternation crossed Gerald’s face when Audra informed him that Bess was going to accompany them to the radio station. “There is really no need for her to go along, Audra.” He spoke through clenched teeth when Bess left the room to get her coat. “For God’s sake, will you look at her? Those clothes look as though she has been wearing them for a week, and you can smell the rum a mile off!”
    Audra glared at her fiancé fiercely but didn’t have a chance to respond before Bess entered the room. Instead, she went over to the old woman and hugged her. “I’m so glad you’re going with us, Bess. I’ll feel better, knowing you’re there.” She cast a long, smoldering look in Gerald’s direction, defying him to challenge her. She surprised herself with her courage.
    â€œI still think this is a waste of time, Audra,” he said, angry now, but controlling it as he always did. “Even if you think this man sounds like your attacker, what is that going to prove? You can’t have someone arrested because you don’t like the sound of his voice.”
    â€œThat’s hogwash, Gerald,” Bess exclaimed before Audra could respond. “Pure and simple! How do you know but what she might remember, once she sees him? Have you thought about that? And the police, they ain’t no dummies. They got ways of checkin’ up on people, quiet like. They won’t just run out and arrest the guy, if that’s what you’re ’fraid of.”
    Gerald gave her a withering glance. Stupid old windbag. He could hardly stand the sight of her. “I’m not afraid of anything, Miss Truman. I just think we should use our heads a little here. This whole thing could get completely blown up in our faces if we aren’t careful. What if the press got hold of what we’re doing?”
    â€œAnd so what if they did?” Bess shot back. “Wouldn’t be the end of the world, now would it? And it’s Mrs. ”
    â€œWhat?” Gerald looked confused.
    â€œIt’s Mrs. Truman. My Billy’s been gone for twenty years now, but I ain’t forgot him none. You can call me Bess, or you can call me Mrs. Truman, but you can’t call me Miss. Ain’t fair to Billy.”
    â€œOh, for Christ’s sake!” Gerald snapped. “I’ve had enough of this. Let’s just go and get it over with. I have an important meeting this afternoon, and I can’t miss it.” He stomped to the car, not bothering to open the door on the passenger side for the two women, and hoping his ramrod stiffness would let Audra know how displeased he was with her.
    It had become more to him than just a dislike of Bess. He absolutely couldn’t tolerate the old biddy. Where did she get off giving Audra advice? He was going to have to put a stop to this friendship once and for all. He had pussy-footed around the subject long enough.
    They rode in silence to the station, Gerald going over in his mind the lecture he was going to deliver to Audra, and she in turn irritated with both Gerald and Bess for their squabbling. She didn’t need that now.
    Gerald pulled up in front of the building on Hall Street, and Audra found herself suddenly wishing she had never started the whole thing. Perhaps Gerald was right. It was ludicrous to think the voice on the radio was the same. She must have been light-headed. Giving blood. Not eating. That had to be it.
    She rubbed her clammy hands over