23
Desert property of Joseph Everett, Arizona. May 22, 7.02pm
Joseph Everett watched through the one-way mirror as Faye tucked Gemma into the small bed in the sparsely furnished room they were being held in. He listened as she finished telling her daughter a story.
“The princess was very brave and didn’t cry, even though she was trapped in the magic castle.”
“The prince is coming to save her, isn’t he, Mummy?”
“Of course my darling, but the prince has to have adventures along the way, so he’s a bit late.”
“What ‘ventures?”
“Sleep time now, GemGem. I’ll tell you about the adventures tomorrow night.”
Faye bent and kissed the little girl, stroking her hair. She turned the desk lamp away so Gemma’s face was in shadow and she could sleep.
Joseph felt himself admiring her. The woman was
