So what happened a month ago that would cause a woman running a successful business to hole up in her office and drink? Detective Walsh looked back at the orphanage’s financial records. Maybe it wasn’t as successful as he thought.

Consistent donations, paid bills on time, here and there an adoption and payment, nothing unusual until about three weeks ago. A second donation from Mr. Trazelli. Small, yes, but out of the ordinary. Also ties in with her sudden change of character. Perhaps Mr. Trazelli will have some insight.

Walsh got permission for the flight from New Mexico, to Reno, Trazelli’s stomping ground. Even if Trazelli wasn’t home, he might dig up some dirt on the missing woman.

His flight left at 6:47 that night. He’d had just enough time to get a carry-on packed. He arrived and decided to poke around the nightclubs.

He spoke to drunkards at the bars, whose tongues were looser than the bartends, and found out which nightclub sported Trazelli supporters.

The real work was just beginning.