“Dad, I want you to be alive to do that. I’m dead serious. This killer is like one we’ve never seen. I can’t profile him, and we don’t have a clue. It’s personal, and that means our family is in danger.”
He understood. “I love you, son. Kiss Elizabeth and Callen for me, and tell them we’re safe.”
“I will, Dad.”
Ethan hung up.
“You okay?” Gabe asked, dropping an arm over his shoulder.
“Yeah, I’m going to be. Is it bad in there?”
He nodded. “Yes.”
Ethan took a deep breath. “I want this killer’s head on a silver platter.”
He got that.
So did he.
“Does this have anything to do with ‘The Butcher’?” Gabe asked. “You’re the profiler. What’s your gut telling you?”
He glanced over at his friend. “I have no damn idea. That’s what has me so screwed up. It’s as if this killer is in my head and knows what buttons to push. He’s two steps ahead of me like he knows how I think.”
“Well, then we need to figure out how to push back until we can get ahead of this.”
Ethan didn't know if that was possible.
This time, they may be shit out of luck.
Elizabeth had blood on her boots and the hem of her jeans. It made her sick, but she pushed through it. The only thing that kept her going was the baby kicking in her stomach.
When she focused on him, the pain abated. She had to figure this all out, so she could move on with her life. She wanted to see her children in the worst way.
“So, what do we have, Doctor?” she asked Zane Legend as he leaned over the dead woman’s body.
God!
She wished Chris was still working. While she knew Zane was good, she didn't have the connection with him. She could really use a hug from her best friend.
Chris always knew what to say.
“We have blunt force trauma to the skull. I can’t be one hundred percent sure, but because of her advanced age, it likely killed her instantaneously.”
There was a small miracle.
“I looked at the other case files before coming to this scene, and I will also add that this woman wasn’t cut apart like the others. She was hacked apart in anger.”
Elizabeth stared down at Kay’s elderly body. It had been a bad way to go, even if she had died fast.
She deserved better.
Now Elizabeth felt guilty that she didn't take the time to visit the woman more often. She’d come back to DC often enough. She’d just been so busy…
“Director?” Zane said, getting her attention.
“I’m sorry, Doctor. What else?”
“Merry pulled trace. We found some fibers and hairs.”
Elizabeth wasn’t surprised. If Kay had been carried across the street and placed here, there would be a transfer of fibers. Plus, that would explain the blood. There were droplets there, and a pool here. She was struck in her home, but the slashing happened once inside Elizabeth’s old home.
“Anything else?” she asked.
“I found this crammed into her heart. When the killer hacked her apart, this was likely shoved in there for us.”
He held the medallion in his gloved hand.
Yeah, she wasn’t shocked in the least. Only, now, she didn't buy that this had anything to do with ‘The Butcher’ anymore. It was too…set up.
“Bag her, and I’ll revisit most of this in autopsy.” Elizabeth looked around the room. “Merry!” she called.
“Yes, boss?” she asked, peeking around the corner.
“I want this place pulled apart. If you have to, take out the damn walls. I want nothing missed. The only thing that stands between me and the next victim is you finding evidence.”
She got it.
“I’ll pull everything, boss. You can count on me.”
She headed out.
Her team was doing their thing, and now she had to do hers. There had to be something they were missing. While her gut told her she was on the wrong track, she couldn’t stop the investigation and change it up.
She had interviews to conduct.
“What’s next?” Livy asked, keeping her eye on the surrounding areas.
“Callen,” she called, motioning him toward her. When he arrived, he too looked worked up.
“How’s Ethan?”
“He’s holding up. What do you need?”
“Who else did you come across while you were digging?”
Callen pulled out his phone and scrolled to his notes. “I went back over the case you worked when you were first an agent. You’ve talked to the family of the killer, but I found two more people who had a personal tie to this case.”
“Who?” she asked.
“There are two more family members who lost loved ones. I found Hunter Kelly and William O’Malley still in the area.”
Livy thought back to it. “Who is Hunter?” she asked.
“Missy Kelly’s brother,” Callen offered, pulling up the man’s information on his phone.
Elizabeth searched through her memories to recall the two victims. “She was the second one we pulled, right?”
Callen nodded.
“I think I remember her now. Correct me if I’m wrong, but wasn’t she the girl who liked to hang out at ‘The Bog’ and pick up men?”
“Yes, that’s her,” Callen confirmed. “It turns out that her brother lives only about nine blocks from the crime scene where his sister was found. He’s the only relative she has.”
“Okay, refresh me on William O’Malley.”
“He would be the first victim’s father. He lives in DC. Everyone else, who is tied to that case, is out of the area. I even ran flights in and out of the airports to make sure we didn't have any nasty surprises, but nothing popped.”
“Okay, we’re heading out to the interviews while Zane is working on the autopsy. I need you and Gabe to head back to the office to hold down that fort. Before you say anything, I’m going to take Ethan with me to keep him as far from that autopsy as possible.”
Callen got it.
“Want me to play it up like you shouldn’t be out in the field alone?”
“Hey!” Livy objected. “I’m standing right here.”
“I think we’ll be fine, Callen. He’s on the edge. I can see it on his face. The last place he needs to be is wherever Kay’s remains are.”
Callen gave her a kiss, despite the cameras watching them. He didn't give a shit. They were all over the news anyway. “Thank you for taking care of my big brother. I don’t want him there either.”
Livy grinned. “I didn't get a kiss. Where the hell is mine? It’s like only giving candy to half the class.”
Callen snorted, and then gave her one on the cheek. “I’m an equal opportunity kisser when it comes to pretty girls.”
“You’re going to be riding a couch and jacking off until your son gets married if your lips touch any woman’s face but mine…okay and maybe Livy’s.”
He grinned. “I’m shaking in my boots, angel.”
“Callen James…”
“Just watch your back while you’re out there playing cowboy. I don’t want you getting into a fist or gun fight while my baby is on board.”
She laughed, despite her mood. “Yes, Dad. I think I can manage.”
Callen headed toward his brother, ignoring the reporters who were asking him personal questions. When he turned around, he blew her a kiss.
She caught it.
Then Elizabeth glared at the weasel-y reporters as if challenging them to say a single word.
They didn't.
“Are you ready, Livy?” she asked, taking a deep breath to steady her nerves.
“I sure am.”
Elizabeth glanced over at her. “Are you sure you want to come back to this hot mess?” she asked.
“What? And miss this glory, fun, and excitement? I wouldn’t miss this for the world. I’ve missed this job.”
Yeah, she
said that now.
Eventually, the shine would wear off.
It always did, especially when someone was trying to kill you.
* * * B l a c k h a w k - W h i t e f o x * * *
Chris was bundling Bethe up to take her out to play in the snow when he saw the Denali drive past his house. As he looked out the window, his heart lurched.
For a second, he hoped it would be Elizabeth stopping by to talk. Instead, it went right past his driveway and up the hill. Curiosity got the better of him, and he watched it come to a stop.
When the two agents got out, scanning the area, he knew why they were there.
They were on guard duty.
Something was going on.
He pulled out his personal phone and began typing. Then he realized he had no right to bother her while she was working. He’d walked away, and that life was over.
Instead, he had to turn his head and focus on the here and now. It was still morning, and Chris didn't know what else to do with his child.
How did Cyra do this mindless nothingness all day long? Don’t get him wrong, he loved his family, but there was nothing there for him to challenge his mind.
Chris sighed and pulled on his coat. “Come on, Bethe, we’re going to get some air.”
He grabbed his keys and headed out.
Day one and he was already on edge.
This didn't bode well.
At all.
* * * B l a c k h a w k - W h i t e f o x * * *
When they knocked on the door, neither Brody nor Johanna knew what to expect. As soon as it opened, there was a gun pointed at them.
“Badges.”
They didn't go for their guns, solely because the man looked like an older Ethan Blackhawk. When they held them out, he grinned.
“Sorry, Ethan told me to shoot first.”
Yeah, that sounded more like Elizabeth, but who were they to question it?
“Welcome to Fort-Whitefox-Blackhawk part two,” Wyler offered, leading them in.
The second they hit the living room, the chaos erupted around them. There were two large dogs and four kids running, playing, and vaulting over the furniture. If that wasn’t bad enough, the boys were beating the heck out of each other.
Johanna laughed. “Oh, I’m so glad I can’t have kids.”
Brody snorted. “Yeah, no offense, Mr. Blackhawk, but this would make me insane.”
He grinned. “It’s Wyler, and there are days I wonder about my sanity. I keep asking for more kids. After you’ve already lost your mind, what’s the point?”
A little girl walked over to them. “Who are you?”
Brody got down to her level. “I’m Agent Seaton, and she’s my partner Johanna.”
“She’s pretty.”
He grinned.
“I think so. Who are you?”
“Kitty Cat.”
Johanna crouched down. “You’re a kitty cat? Where are your ears and tail?”
She glanced over. “You don’t need to worry about my tail. You should worry about my claws.”
Then she took off.
Wyler laughed at the conversation, wiping his eyes when they filled with tears. “Sorry, but Catherine is just like her mother. Cat is a handful. She’s going to give the world a run for its money.”
Yeah, he could say that again.
“Coffee?” he asked, putting his gun on the top shelf of a closet, after he popped out the rounds.
“Uh, sure, if it’s not too much trouble,” Johanna replied. “We worked late last night. I could use the caffeine.”
“We mainline sugar and coffee here—or at least I do. It’s how I make it through the day. It doesn’t faze Cindy.”
“Who is she?” Brody asked.
“She’s the housekeeper. She’s doing laundry upstairs. She won the coin toss.”
Two foam darts flew by, sticking to the cabinet right above Wyler’s head. “CJ and EJ, do you want to sit in time out until mommy comes home?”
“NO!”
He smiled. “She’s the enforcer. They are afraid of her. When in doubt, throw her name down,” Wyler offered. “Oh, by the way, how long are you two staying?”
Brody wanted to laugh at all the chaos. This was a perfect assignment. They could chill and drink coffee with Ethan and Callen’s father. “Well, we’re here until the boss tells us otherwise,” Brody stated.
“Well, I hope you don’t mind noise. It gets worse as the day goes on.”
Johanna couldn’t help herself. She shook her head in amusement. Now she got why the boss lady took very little seriously.
She couldn’t.
Her sanity depended on it.
* * * B l a c k h a w k - W h i t e f o x * * *
Hunter Kelly’s
Home
On the ride there, Ethan was quiet. Elizabeth knew what he was thinking about, and there was no way in the world she’d be able to get his mind off it, so she decided to use his focus.
“Date night tonight?” she asked.
He glanced over.
Even Livy gave her a look from the back seat.
“Uh, you want me to take you out on a date tonight?” Blackhawk asked, a little confused.
“Yes, I do. I thought we could get into our finest loungewear, and then we could cuddle up with pizza and a very sexy whiteboard. Want to have a foursome?”
He laughed. “Thank you, baby. I needed that.” He took her hand in his and kissed her on the knuckles. “Today, I needed to lean on someone, and you had my back. There was a reason I fell head over heels in love on day four and married you.”
“Here I thought it was because she was easy,” Livy quipped.
“Hey! You should talk. I’m not the only hussy in this ride. Let’s revisit your dating, shall we?”
Livy opened her mouth.
“You stalked Gabe to a park, nearly jumped him in a restaurant during a meeting, and then asked him to marry you two days later. One of us was pushy, and it wasn’t me. I was the ask-ee not the asker in our proposal.”
Livy raised her hands in surrender. “You win. I’m guilty on all counts. I couldn’t help it. My husband is sexy. Do I need to bring up his energetic…”
“Stop!” Elizabeth blurted. “Please. You win.”
She laughed.
Ethan knew what they were doing, and it was appreciated. Still, he couldn’t hide behind his wife forever. So, he took a deep breath. “We’re going to talk about the killer tonight. I’m working on something in my head. I don’t know if it’ll be enough, but I’m trying.”
She was aware.
Honestly, that’s all she could ask for.
“I’m sorry about Mrs. Feinstein, Ethan. I know you were close,” Livy offered.
He glanced back at her. “Thank you for that. She was an important part of my life. I know I slacked off the last few years, but she’ll always have a place in my heart.”
“Mine too,” Elizabeth offered. “I’ll never look at a red velvet cupcake again without thinking about her.”
Ethan got quiet.
“What are you thinking, handsome?”
“I have to do the notify, and that’s not going to be fun. It’s going to be hard to face down her family. I feel responsible.”
Elizabeth leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. “Actually, you’re off the hook. As we speak, Gabe is doing the deed. He knew you’d want it done right, so he’s handling it for you. He’s not sending some agent. He’s giving Kay respect by delivering it himself. Her family will know she mattered.”
Ethan was grateful.
His family had his back.
“I appreciate it. I didn't want to do it. I mean, I did, but it’s horrible when you know the person.”
Elizabeth squeezed his fingers in hers.
“I think this is it,” stated Livy, pointing at the house ahead.
Ethan pulled into a parking spot before glancing over at his wife. “Do I need to warn you?”
She snorted. “Come on! This isn’t
my first day! I think I can manage to not wear someone’s bull’s-eye.”
Yeah, he doubted that.
She was a trouble magnet.
“Do you need me to pinkie swear?” she teased.
Oh, he had something far better in mind.
Grabbing his wife by the back of the head, he slammed his mouth to hers in one hell of a kiss. It was heated, full of lust, and sucked her right under.
Tongues did battle.
Hands sought and found hair.
When he set her free, they were both breathing heavy.
“Holy shit! That was hot. Where’s my husband when I need him?” Livy teased. “I may have had an orgasm by osmosis,” she teased.
She was promptly given the look. “Don’t feed the ego beast. Once it gets out of control, there’s no stopping him. He already thinks he’s the sexiest thing on two feet.”
“You mean I’m not?” he asked, faking horror. “When did this happen?” Ethan asked before winking at her.
“See?”
They headed toward the house. When the door was opened by a petite blonde, Elizabeth began the spiel.
“I need to speak to Hunter Kelly,” she said, pulling her badge.
“My husband is working in his office right now. Is it important?”
“And you are?”
“Belinda Kelly.”
“Yes, it’s important. Can we speak to both of you? It’s regarding a case related to his deceased sister, Missy.”
She nodded before leading them into a family room.
“Have a seat. I’ll get him. Would anyone like some coffee? I was just making some for my husband.”
“I would love some,” Livy said. “Thank you.”
The Blackhawks passed on the offer.
When the woman left, they looked around the room from their spots on the couch.
“Someone makes a decent living, and the little woman looks like she’s a stay at home wife.”
“I wish I had one of those,” Ethan said, right before Elizabeth punched him in the side. “Shit. Sorry. I changed my mind.”
Choices will Destroy (An FBI Romance Thriller Book 14) Page 30