by J. E. Taylor
“Tommy shouldn’t be here.”
“Why do you say that?”
CJ turned his sharp blue eyes in her direction and the shock of his brazen glare made her push back in the couch. His gaze pierced right through her, beyond her into the darkness shrouding their lives.
“Can’t you feel it?”
She forced a swallow. Dread laced her mouth, drying the spit and she shook her head, lying because he was a child and she needed to protect him from the evil that existed within mankind.
His eyes narrowed, followed by the tightening of his lips as he pressed them together. He didn’t have to say the words; they were clear on his face. He didn’t believe her one bit. Instead of calling her out, he turned back to his notebook, his scribbles more pronounced, almost violent.
Jennifer studied him, his mind transmitting only static, that low volume hum that she constantly got from Steve, and she stood, retreating to her bathroom and throwing a splash of cold water on her face. With a towel in hand, she stared at her reflection. Her fingers traveling to her perfect cheekbone—the one Kyle liked to backhand. Memories surfaced and she closed her eyes, blocking them, but the shadow of each punch remained.
* * * *
CJ sat staring at the computer screen attempting to ignore the morbid mini-slide show filtering through Jennifer’s mind, but it was useless. Her memories assaulted his mind and he stood, crossing to the bathroom door and knocking.
The flow stopped abruptly and the door opened. Jennifer raised her eyebrows.
“Sorry, but I could see your memories.”
Jennifer blinked and the color drained from her cheeks. “Oh.”
Awkward silence settled between them and CJ turned, returning to the computer and his homework, glad for the sudden silence. He glanced at the screen and sighed. History bored him, just a litany of dates and events—a memory exercise and little more. Now science was another story, especially computer science, he’d take a programming problem over history any day.
Tommy’s thoughts intruded on his studies even before the knock on the door resounded through the hotel room. Before Jennifer could cross to answer, he was up and running, excitement at having his brother there overshadowed the dread.
With the door open and Tommy grinning like a lunatic on the other side, CJ forgot about Jennifer and his mother and slung his arm around his brother, yanking him into the hotel room and the daily wrestling match began.
The door slammed and his mother’s voice pierced through the laughter. “Boys, stop it!”
CJ climbed to his feet with Tommy at his side and turned toward her. Guilt threaded through his stomach like a garter snake on the run and he couldn’t help but smile in response. He knew wrestling wasn’t allowed and heat stroked his cheeks. “Hi, Mom.”
“Don’t I get a hug?”
CJ crossed and wrapped his arms around his mother, squeezing once before letting go and stepping back. “Why’d you come down here?”
“I missed my boy.” She ran her palm on the side of his cheek.
He raised an eyebrow and clamped down on the response. She didn’t miss him half as much as she missed his father and not having him around as a reminder left her empty.
That’s why she came, well, that and the murders in Atlanta went national.
Distancing himself before the anger surfaced, he took a step toward his computer. “I need to finish my homework.” Even he heard the edge in his voice.
* * * *
The tension in the room increased and Jennifer exchanged a glance with Jessica.
“Do you mind watching them? I need to let your husband know I’m in town,” Jessica asked after dropping the bags on the floor.
“I can give him a call if you’d like?”
“I would like to speak with him in person.”
Jennifer recognized the determined look in Jessica’s eyes and although all she heard was static, she was certain Jessica Ryan was going to give her husband a piece of her mind. For a moment, she wished she could witness this particular confrontation, sure that either sparks or, more likely, a solid punch would fly.
Chapter 31
Steve sat in the war room studying the files along with Sarah and Cleary as well as a dozen local police officers. His concentration was shit with everyone’s hostile thoughts. Guilt and anger pervaded the room. The “what if’s” circled at a maddening pace and he glanced toward Danforth and Gagnon, catching only static from that direction. Focusing on them controlled the din until both Danforth and Cleary’s thoughts sang out the same word at the same time.
Damn.
He followed their hungry gazes and a zap equal to a mild tazer rattled his frame.
What the hell is she doing here? Chris’s voice echoed his sentiments.
“Mrs. Ryan,” Steve said, standing and crossing to her.
“Can we talk in private?” The tight set of her jaw matched that of her cold stare.
“Sure.” Steve scanned the offices lining the war room and zeroed in on an empty one, escorting her that way. The minute he closed the door, her scathing voice pierced his ears.
“I saw the news. I saw and I’m pissed that you want to put my son in that kind of a situation!”
Steve spun toward her; the anger at the entire situation wrapped around his heart and squeezed the humanity from it. “Your son is the only child in this city that I’m not worried about. Nothing can touch him and you damn well know it.”
“He isn’t invincible.”
“He’s the closest thing to invincible that there is.” He put his hand up to stop her protests. “Even so, I can’t utilize CJ. My boss said under no uncertain terms can I put a child in harm’s way. Not with this madman. So you can take him home with you any time you’d like.”
“I’ve got a flight scheduled for the three of us on Sunday.”
“Three?”
“I’ve got Tommy with me.”
Silence settled on the room and Steve exhaled. The itch at the base of his spine bloomed and he shifted, uncomfortable but not understanding why. “I’m really not sure having him here is a good idea.” His gaze bounced from her to the busy bullpen and back. “Maybe you should move your flight up.”
Jessica raised her eyes. “You said…”
“—I said CJ can take care of himself. I’m not sure he can take care of you and Tommy. Not in Atlanta.” Especially not since the bastard will be trolling for victims again.
“I made plans on Saturday with friends.”
Steve clenched his jaw and nodded. “Fine, but if you insist on staying here, you’ll have to make sure to avoid the UNSUB’s target area.” He turned and opened the door, leading her to the map and the accompanying crime photos. A small smile of satisfaction formed at the gasp behind him and he turned, taking in her pale features before focusing back on the map. “These areas are reasonably safe to take your kids. He pointed to the outlying areas beyond the drawn perimeter lines. “As you can see, there are some nice parks to the east although I’d seriously consider not letting them out of your sight and keeping a lookout for anyone with a Golden Retriever.”
Jessica’s gaze bounced between the photos and the areas that Steve outlined and then she turned away with a nod.
Cleary crossed the room, stopping in front of Jessica, his eyes glued to her with intent interest. “Mrs. Connor?”
Jessica’s head cocked to the side and her eyes narrowed, studying Cleary. Her brow scrunched in concentration. “It’s Mrs. Ryan now,” she said.
“I don’t know if you remember me,” he began and offered a strained smile, “but I was on the team that interviewed you after your ordeal in Albany.”
She blinked and Steve watched, curious at the expression etched in his boss’s face. If he didn’t know any better, he’d say his boss was smitten.
Jessica’s brow smoothed and she smiled. “Special Agent Cleary, wow, it’s been almost fifteen years.”
Cleary’s smile eased and he nodded, reaching his hand out in salutat
ion. “I’m Assistant Director now.”
“I understand you knew Eric,” Jessica said and clasped his hand in a quick shake.
Cleary’s smile faltered and he nodded. “He was one of the best recruits we’ve had in the last decade. I’m sorry I wasn’t able to attend his funeral.” He shifted and glanced in Steve’s direction. “I’m also sorry to hear about what happened to your husband. You have my deepest condolences.” He reached out and gave her shoulder a little squeeze.
Jessica’s eyes misted and she forced a smile. “Thank you.”
Is he using my death to flirt with my wife? Chris Ryan’s voice barreled in Steve’s mind, making him wince and suppress a grin at the same time. It certainly looked that way and he wasn’t the only one in the room taking notice of Jessica Ryan. Despite her age, she was still a hot ticket and the thoughts of the men in the room echoed that sentiment. One of them was making his way across the room with the same hungry look present in Cleary’s eyes.
“Well hello, ma’am, I’m Lieutenant Danforth. To what do we owe the pleasure?” The southern accent rolled off his tongue with the smoothness of a snake charmer and even Steve suppressed a shiver of revulsion.
Jessica sent a half-hearted smile in his direction, accepting his handshake before returning her attention to Cleary. An obvious rebuff that echoed in Danforth’s expression for an instant, then it was gone, erased by the layer of southern charm. But Steve caught the nuance.
“I’m afraid this is no place for a lady,” he said, and clasped her arm. “Let me escort you to your car.”
Jessica raised her eyebrows and dropped her gaze to his hand and back. “I’m perfectly capable of leaving without an escort.”
Danforth’s hand dropped from her arm and his smile turned sour. “Then by all means...” He waved toward the door.
“I’ll walk you out,” Cleary said.
Jessica sent a warning glare in his direction. “Thank you, but I’ll be just fine.” With that, she turned on her heels and sashayed out of the building, leaving the two men staring after her.
The chuckle from the afterlife filled the room and Steve couldn’t help but smirk.
“What are you looking at?” Cleary snapped.
“Nothing,” Steve answered putting his hands up in the air retreating back to the table where the case files waited for the umpteenth review.
Danforth bowed out, disappearing into his office with a sour expression on his lips like he’d taken a sip of lemonade that was way too tart. Steve caught the look and sighed, diverting from the group to the Lieutenant’s office. He knocked and without waiting, he stepped inside.
Danforth turned from the window, frustration creasing his brow and casting a shadow over his eyes. “What do you want?”
Steve put a hand up. “You gotta understand; Mrs. Ryan just lost her husband last week…”
“—and that’s supposed to make me feel better about her obvious dismissal?”
“Maybe not, but she’s going through a rough time. I’m sure she didn’t mean anything by it. Everyone reacts to loss a bit differently.”
Danforth uttered a bark of a laugh. “I know a little about grief, son, but that doesn’t make it all right to be rude.”
Steve knew he wasn’t going to win this argument so he switched gears, honing in on what Danforth just said. “What happened?” he asked. Danforth cocked his head to the side and before he could ask the question, Steve said, “You said you knew about grief, what happened?”
Danforth studied him, his mind a complete blank, broadcasting only static and try as Steve might, he couldn’t access Danforth’s thoughts. Just when Steve believed he wasn’t going to share anything beyond the hard glare, Danforth said, “My wife and kids were killed by a serial killer a couple of years ago.”
The admission threw a curve ball into Steve’s gut and he sat down, blowing air from between his lips. He could relate. Not so long ago, he thought he’d lost everything to a serial killer too. “Man, I’m sorry.”
Danforth kept the glare in place. “I don’t need your pity.”
Steve stiffened. “I’m not offering pity. I’m offering my condolences. I lost my daughter a little over a year ago.”
Danforth turned away from Steve, his gaze traveling to the window. With a nod, he acknowledged Steve’s comment. “I guess I’m not used to being dismissed like that.”
Steve studied his tense back and ventured a guess. “Was that the first time you’ve approached a woman since you lost your wife?”
A bark of a laugh escaped the Lieutenant and he nodded, sending a glance over his shoulder at Steve. “Yeah. I guess I don’t have it like I used to.”
“Don’t take it personally,” he said. “Her wounds are still fresh, so…” He trailed off and stood.
“Thanks.” Danforth took a seat at his desk and raked his hands down his face. “What do you think our guy will do next?” he asked pointing his chin toward the war room.
“I’m willing to bet he changes his M.O. now that we’ve outted him.”
Danforth huffed. “I hope we catch this bastard before he grabs another kid.” He stood and stalked out of the office.
Chapter 32
Bleach always reminds me of starting fresh. I scrubbed down the tables, the floors and my utensils until they glistened—winking steel now ready for my next test subject. That cocky FBI agent gave me my new hunting grounds when he pointed out the safe zone to that woman.
That woman—the one both the lead FBI agent and the good Lieutenant drooled over—taking one of her precious children would be a big middle finger to the force, not to mention putting the arrogant bitch in her place.
I dropped the soiled rags into a plastic bag and stripped out of my scrubs, shoving them into the bag as well. Alex whined and rubbed up against my leg, his warm fur tickling my skin and I patted his head for a moment before resuming my cleaning spree.
I tossed the bag in the incinerator and pulled out a map, spreading it out on the table, studying the area Special Agent Williams had pointed to. My gaze fell to my location and I sighed, measuring the distance between the two spots. A little too close to home for comfort, but the payoff would be worth it.
Her child will have all the answers to my questions.
Chapter 33
Steve’s head bobbed onto the desk and he jerked into a sitting position, blinking his eyes open. They had been at it all day and it was running into the wee hours of the night. Given his lack of sleep the last few days, the raw data on the screen in front of him acted like a hypnotist and he dozed.
“Looks like you might need this.”
Steve looked up at Officer Gagnon and the Starbucks coffee in his hand. He smiled and took the offering. “Thanks.” An undercurrent of antiseptic drifted from Gagnon’s hands. “Been cleaning?”
Gagnon nodded. “Kids have the flu so I scrubbed down the house. The last thing I need right now is the stomach bug.”
“I hear you.” Steve took a sip of coffee, scanning the nearly empty war room. Sarah and Cleary headed back to the hotel for some sleep a little before midnight, but he stayed on to analyze the data, looking for a missing link. “Anything new?”
“Nope. Just a load of nothing.” Gagnon slid into the chair next to Steve with his own coffee in hand.
“I can’t figure out this bastard’s next move.”
“He’s gonna grab another kid.”
Steve sent a sideways glance at Gagnon and bit down on the no shit comment that popped into his head. “I’m hoping this guy is dumb enough to follow his same M.O.”
Gagnon snorted. “Somehow I doubt that’ll happen.”
Cleary’s statement had been played repeatedly on the news stations in Atlanta and sound bites made it into every radio station in the area. The likelihood of a K9 officer being accosted by an angry mob was more probable than their UNSUB using the same modus operandi and they both knew it.
“So now what?” Steve stretched and stared at the map across the room.
> “I doubt anything will happen tonight. Kids in his demographic are fast asleep at this time of the night.”
“Mhm,” Steve agreed. He glanced at the clock—three in the morning—no wonder why he was so tired. “I’ve got to take my wife to the District Attorney’s office first thing in the morning for a deposition.”
Gagnon’s eyebrows creased. “Your wife’s in town?”
“Yes. She flew in yesterday,” he said and scanned the room again, wondering if he should be divulging the information to a member of the Atlanta Police force—to a possible suspect no less.
“What’s it for?”
“The New Hampshire state D.A. needs her deposition in the case against the man who killed my daughter and nearly killed her.”
“Jesus.”
Steve’s lips twitched into a sarcastic smile and he sent a sideways glance in Gagnon’s direction. “He had nothing to do with it,” he said, quoting one of Ty’s favorite phrases.
“Then why’s she testifying against him?”
His attempt at humor was lost on Gagnon and he took a deep breath, reminding himself that he was in the Bible belt after all. “Sorry—I meant Jesus had nothing to do with it.”
Gagnon’s face reddened and he chuckled. “Good one. That flew right on by.”
Steve nodded and climbed out of the chair, arching his stiff back to get rid of the kinks. “On that note, I’m going to call it a night. As you said, nothing’s gonna happen on this tonight.”
“Catch you tomorrow,” Gagnon said, raising his coffee cup in salutations.
“See ya,” Steve said and left the building in a fog of sleep deprivation.
Chapter 34
Jennifer paced, her skin tingling in agitation. Steve should have been there by now and his phone kept dumping to voicemail. She switched the television from the Disney Channel to CNN to catch the news and see if there was another abduction or a break in the case that would keep Steve from making it. With a glance at the clock, her heart rate increased and her lungs tightened. Fifteen minutes. She needed to be there in fifteen minutes and she had no clue how far the Atlanta District Attorney’s office was in relation to the hotel.