Joanna couldn’t help thinking that if skeletal remains were all that was left of Wanda, there wouldn’t be much for her mother to see. “You may not be able to do that,” she warned instead. “Today is Sunday. There’s a good chance Dr. Winfield, our medical examiner, won’t be available.” But Lucinda wasn’t easily dissuaded. “Would you mind checking?” she asked. “Please.” Hoping George wouldn’t be there, Joanna picked up her phone and dialed his number. George answered on the second ring. “Have you heard from Ellie?” he asked. “This isn’t about that,” Joanna said. “I have Wanda Mappin’s mother, Lucinda, with me. She drove down from Eloy this morning and would like to view her daughter’s remains before she goes home.” “I’m not at all sure that’s wise,” George said. “There won’t be anything she’ll recognize, and the last thing I need is to have some hysterical woman—”
