“We’re doing this by the book,” he said. “I need statements from everyone who was at this airport in the last twenty-four hours.”
“That’s hundreds of people,” Zach said quietly.
“Then we’ll have a big lineup,” Durante said sharply. He motioned to Evans. “Call in all volunteers and off-duty personnel. No one leaves this island until further notice. Shut the boats down. Harbor stays locked. Notify Harbor Patrol and the harbor master. No departures until we clear this. Ferry manifests get pulled. Private boats logged. No choppers except Air Rescue 5.”
Evans nodded, stunned.
None of them could remember this ever happening. But there had been a storm the night before with zero boats coming in or out, and no aircraft either. That meant the killer was definitely still on the island.
The reality settled in. Phones came out. Ferry apps got refreshed. No service. No departures. No exits. Paradise didn’t look so pretty when the gates were locked from the inside. For the first time, Catalina Island had become a cage.
“I heard there was a party last night,” Durante said. “I suppose it’s easy to figure out some of the names, but I want every single person who was here written down.”
Efrain shook his head. “I’ll try, but people were coming and going. I can give you the names of the people that I know for sure were here, and you can ask them if any names are missing. I also have flight logs for the pilots who flew in and out.”
“Good, get on that.” The deputy then wrote some names in his little flip book and held it up to Efrain. “I’m assuming these names were all here, as you’re always together.” Efrain looked it over.
“Yes, they were here.”
Durante turned back to Evans. “We’ll do the majority of the interviews in town, but here’s a list of names I want brought up now,” Durante said. He tore off the paper and handed it over.
Evans nodded, then stepped back as he made a call. Zach shook his head. This would never end.
***
In town, word moved faster than any patrol car could. Names were collected. People rounded up. By the time Harmony and Cass reached the airfield, dozens were already gathered on the edge of the tarmac.
Tosh stood expressionless.
Torie looked hollowed out, wearing yesterday’s clothes.
Mary stood with icy calm.
Clusters formed—people whispering without daring to glance at Candy, who was still hanging on the wall.
Harmony took it all in—the tape fluttering in the wind, Eileen’s camera clicking, Efrain sitting alone on a bench with his head in his hands, Zach standing apart like the ground had dropped beneath him.
She started toward him. Cass caught her wrist.
“Don’t,” Cass whispered. “Not yet.”
“I want to help.”
“We can’t help anyone but ourselves right now.”
Torie swung on them. “Why are you here?” she demanded.
“I don’t know,” Harmony said mildly. “Ask your sergeant.”
“You shouldn’t be here. You’re not one of us.”
Harmony gave a thin smile. “Maybe I’m just the chapter between the beginning and the epilogue.”
Torie scoffed. “You think you’re part of this. You’re nothing.”
Harmony didn’t bother responding.
Sergeant Durante approached. “Appreciate you all coming up.”
