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head, too.
    Laura tugged at my sleeve and pointed up Atlantic Boulevard at a man walking in our general direction. He was dressed in the quilt uniform of the cult, although the way he walked made it look more like a business suit, and his full beard was trimmed and neat. He carried himself with an air of studied authority and ease.
    “Who’s that?” “The Elephant Edward Sarris. The leader of the Natural Order.” Her tone, I was sure, would have jacked his ego up several pegs.
    Whether influenced by his notoriety or fame, she was clearly impressed.
    It was the kind of reaction that doubtless stood him in good stead.
    As he walked down the street, I noticed for the first time some signs of life from the houses around us. Faces appeared in windows, a few doors opened, a couple of bearded men stepped out on porches to watch. They were all clearly members of the Order. It was only then I remembered not having seen a single Natural Order bystander at the fire-just as I hadn’t at the fight between Wingate and Fox. Now, with their leader in evidence, his followers were being drawn out, perhaps as much by curiosity as by allegiance.
    He came toward us, his expression neutral, his hand held out in greeting. “Lieutenant Gunther, I’m glad to meet you. I’m Edward Sarris, leader of the Natural Order.” I shook his hand. I noticed that while he spoke, his eyes widened slightly, giving him a slightly startled look. It occurred to me he was probably trying to appear earnest, although his knowledge of my name tilted the scales more toward contrivance. That, however, may well have been my own cynical view. He did cut an impressive figure tall, slender, with large dark eyes that looked straight at his target. He combined an uncanny mixture of intensity and calm in those eyes, which I imagined had done their fair share of persuading people.
    “I wanted to thank you personally for your extraordinary act of valor in trying to save my people. There are many who wouldn’t have risked so much for their own children, much less for total strangers.
    I can understand why you -are so widely respected.” It was a perfect little speech, well-modulated, nicely phrased, astoundingly out of place. It wasn’t phony or hyped-up, not like a used car dealer’s pitch. But it didn’t sound like human speech, either; it was too grammatical, as if I’d just been praised by the head of the English Department.
    I nodded, momentarily at a loss for words. “Please extend my thanks and compliments to all your colleagues.” “Is Julie Wingate one of the bodies?” I asked him. He was unfazed at my abruptness. “No. She left the building just as her father arrived and created that unfortunate altercation last night.” “How do you know that?” “It is standard practice in our society. This is not the first time parents or other outsiders have attempted to take the law unto themselves.” “Where is she now?” “Safe.” The finality of the word made the speaker’s intention clear. He looked around, apparently without purpose, and saw Rennie standing at the coffee and doughnuts table. “Excuse me,” he said, and began to walk off, presumably to dump as much praise over Rennie’s head as he had mine.
    I raised my arm and motioned him back. “If you’re sure Julie Wingate isn’t in that building, I think her parents would like to know.”
    I motioned over to where Wirt was just finishing with the Wingates.
    Sarris smiled carefully. “Of course-an excellent suggestion.
    Thank you, Lieutenant.” He nodded at Buster, who had appeared from around the side of the truck. “Nice job, Chief. We all appreciate your effort.” “No problem,” Buster muttered.
    I watched as Sarris strode off, self-confident and almost buoyant.
    “Not easily depressed, is he?” Rennie walked up, now cradling three doughnuts and a cup. His mouth was full. “Man’s an asshole.” Buster’s brow furrowed at Rennie’s approach. “I better check on how the