Etched in Glass

by Nyxie Marrs

  “Seriously?” Her soothing voice and relaxing body of hers stirs me. I enjoy her abrasiveness, but this side of her turns me on even more. Her guard is down, she’s relaxed, comfortable, and even more beautiful as I watch her.

  “Damn right seriously. Besides, it’s early. We should eat breakfast then get to business.” My phone chimes. Damnit.

  “Mm-hm.” She stays against me as I grab my phone.

  “Damnit, Red.” I mumble.

  She take a look at our evidence?

  His timing is going to kill me.

  Not yet. I’ll let you know later when she gets to it.

  Yeah, because that answer doesn’t say anything about what happened. He knows she would have been into that evidence as soon as they left. The fact she hasn't just indicates she was busy. I put my arms around her again, pulling her into me. I know we need to get to work, I know she will find something we didn’t see. But I want to keep her against me.

  “You think too much about things that haven’t happened. You should stop that. Now, let’s get out of this bed and concentrate on something other than last night, or those other thoughts.” Is she demanding me around with that strong voice in my bed? I don’t hate it.

  “Okay then. You’re the boss.” I say as we both get up. That devilish smile is appealing.

  “Not so sure if you’d like that to be a constant thing.” That statement leaves me speechless. We throw on our clothes and head to make something to eat while we work.

  “Okay.” I pull up the files. “We’ve got to thank Red. The man did good on this information. Pulled up cameras from surrounding businesses. Found the path our suspect drove. Unfortunately, we don’t have the entire way because of the desolate roads he decided to drive down, but we may have a search area.”

  She takes a bite of breakfast. “Holy shit. So what’s your conclusion?”

  “We get an aerial search of buildings and pick off each one.” She places the plate on the counter by the computer and wraps her arms around me.

  “We’re close.” Her whispering lips brush my skin. Those sweet lips hitting every inch of my body last night is all I can think about.

  I put my arms around her. “I think we are. So, want to check what we found?”

  “No. I’ll trust you guys on this.” Should I be worried? I thought for sure we’d be sitting here all day rechecking this. I’ll take it. “No further details on the suspects? We have to tell Rocky, don’t we?”

  “About that, Vega.”

  “What now?” She drops the plate on the counter and watches me.

  “Red said his conversation with that man didn’t sit right with him. Also that Brad and Cole asked if we had information such as this, even though they been MIA for a few days. Rocky asked too.”

  “My good friend in HR can probably help this problem disappear. You think?” She pulls out her phone and starts typing an e-mail.

  “Push them off the case? Vega, what if they’re involved? Pissing them off wouldn’t be a good idea.” I think that’s the first time any of us have actually said it, but it’s true.

  “Screw that, Miles. I’ve got you with me. I’m sure I’ll be fine.” She rapidly types and sends the email. That comment sure put a smile on my face. So I take it last night was not regretful.

  “Now you value my concern for your safety?” I joke.

  Looking up from her phone with a smile. “Never said I didn’t. I just don’t like many people thinking I’m helpless and need their pity. Sure, this is hitting me hard, but I’m determined, you know that.”

  Of course I know that. I know she’s going to do what she wants. “We don’t plan on letting anyone else in other than Dave and a few others he trusts. What I’m concerned with is the fact you’ve seen this guys’ face, and he’s familiar. Let alone the break-in at your place. Which, by the way, I’ve decided that you’re moving in here.”

  She absentmindedly nods as she looks at her phone. I suppose we’ll deal with that topic later. Her wide smile tells me she got what she wants with her HR friend. Now I’m curious about this ‘friend’ she has.

  “So what’s our plan?” She slides her phone into her pocket.

  “Whatever you want it to be I suppose.”

  “You know, even if I piss them off, what’s it matter? I’m not stopping the case, I’m sure that’d piss them off more. Now. When can we have information about the buildings in the area?” I’m still curious that she doesn’t want to look at our new information on this.

  “We had someone on it last night.”

  “That man needs a hug. You, well.” She smiles. I know what I got. She knows how I feel about her and Red, because that smile every time tells me she likes to make me jealous.

  “You. Me. Let’s take a drive?” Maybe if we drive around the area we’ve tracked him to, we can find some more information, I hope. “Let me call Red. See what he can get. You sure you don’t want to look over our evidence?” I pull up the files on my computer and leave it open. “I’ll take a shower. Feel free.”

  Chapter 38

  Vega

  The last thing I should be doing is having sex, let alone that being with a man who’s helping me on this case. I should look over all of this evidence. I should be more focused than I am right now. That’s what Miles has done to me. Made me lose my focus. I need to get back into it. He would understand, right?

  Okay. Let’s see what we have here. There’s the footage from the bar. Here’s the business down the road. It pisses me off that the videos are always blurry, but it’s something at least. I jump from file to file quickly following this guy’s path, making sure I study every detail I can see. They’re right, but how are they sure this is the right vehicle? It is the only one I’ve seen on all of these videos, but I’m still skeptical.

  Miles walks back out here with nothing but a pair of jeans hugging his ass. Damn. I know I felt every muscle to that perfectly toned body of his last night, but that’s almost nothing compared to this view. He brushes his hand down my back and kisses my cheek while setting his white t-shirt next to me. That small, comfortable act left me wanting more.

  “Put a shirt on. I need to concentrate.” That cocky smirk and chuckle of his radiates through me. “Put the charm away too, Miles.” I need to get back to this evidence. Flashbacks of a really good end to a very bad day consumes my concentration.

  “Will do. So, couldn’t help yourself, could you?” Can he not stop his deep, charming voice? Or am I just imagining it permanently there?

  “Of course not. But I don’t want to lose focus Miles. And us. This.” I motion my hand between us while I stare at the computer. “Definitely does that.”

  “I understand.” He says flatly, then stands at the opposite side of the kitchen making a cup of coffee. Does he understand? Or did I just mess up our comfortable situation? Why do I care? He leans close as he places a cup in front of me, and kisses my cheek again. “I’m here for you.”

  “Thanks.” I don’t mean to sound cold, and I hope he doesn’t take my sudden change the wrong way. I need to detach so I can concentrate. I started with the information they’ve compiled and go through the tapes for anything they may have missed.

  “What do you think about these videos? Why does this seem too easy, Miles? I feel like I’m about to get my hopes up.” It would kill me if we’re wrong.

  He stands behind me and rubs my shoulders. He understands no distractions huh? “Vega. We’re going to find them.” I gently roll my head back as he continues.

  “I just. Focus.” I can barely speak as his warm hands melt my tension.

  “I know you, Vega. You won’t let anything stop you.”

  “Wish I had that confidence. Whoever this is, he really doesn’t want me involved. Why just scare me? Why not just kill me?” I blurt out without realizing what words escaped my lips.

  It took over my thoughts yesterday when my apartment was violated. The suspects obviously know who I am and where I live. Why torture me with a picture? Wh
at’s their end game? His hands tighten on me, not realizing his strength until his fingers dig into my skin. I quietly mutter a noise of shock. I didn’t expect a firm, angry grip like that. Miles jumps as he hears my discomfort.

  I slide out of his grip and move to the couch. Distance is good. Except he follows me, gently placing his hand on my cheek. “That isn’t going to happen, Vega. Yeah, I’ve thought that exact thing, but you’re here with me. I won’t let that happen.”

  His intense look flows through his lips onto mine the second his hard kiss hit me. I know he cares, but is this more than desire coursing through us? The potency of these emotions are definitely swarming and damn, my focus is gone. He pushes his warm body against me and wraps his hand in my hair. This is too distracting.

  I’m sure it’s crossed everyone’s mind too. Why not just take me instead of whatever the hell it is they’re doing? These women are being taken, held captive for who knows how long, and killed. How can we save them? Prevent them from being murdered?

  I pull away from him. “Miles. We can’t stop everything.”

  A small tear make its way down my cheek. I know how close I’ve been and then the picture of Elara flashes in my thoughts. If I don’t intervene, she will end up dead. What if I can’t save her? I’m not stupid, I saw that picture, and I memorized every detail of my sister’s condition. She doesn’t have much longer. Either she’ll be dead from starvation, or they’ll murder her.

  “Vega?” He pushes me into his chest hearing his heart racing as fast as mine. “Vega, we’ll save her.”

  We remain silent for a while. Hell, I don’t know how long it’s been, but he refuses to remove his hands from me to pick up his phone. I can only hope that it isn’t important.

  “I need to…” I try pushing myself off of him, but he won’t let me.

  “Just calm down for a few minutes. Then I promise we’ll do whatever you need to.” His deep sound vibrating against my body makes rest tempting, but I can’t relax, not now. My body betrays me though, the longer he keeps me here, the more my muscles relax.

  “I need to get this search going. I need to find them before another woman is taken. Before they kill Elara.” He finally loosens his arms, I jump up and rush into the room to get dressed. I need to be active, to do something to keep my mind from delving into those dark places.

  He leans against the door watching me go through my things. I sit on the edge of the bed and look up at him, even I can feel the worry engulf the room. “I need to stay busy. I don’t break down, Miles. I need to be doing something.”

  “What did you say to get those men off this case?” That question stops me. I didn’t expect him to be concerned about that.

  “She owes me a few favors. So far I’ve cashed in two. She knows how those four are. I told her to just pick an issue that’s been raised with them before and update it to my current situation. I’m sure whatever she comes up with they’ve done here.” I put on a simple t-shirt, jeans and a light sweater.

  “Sounds pretty risky at pissing them off though. How many favors do you have with her, and now I’m curious as to why.” I let out a deep breath.

  “She just needed help with a few things. I saved her from an abusive ex. Her name is Holly.” I’ve never shared this story with anyone. It was one of the first times I helped a woman out of a dangerous situation.

  I let out a small scoff. Why not tell him? It was after my incident, which left me infuriated and determined to help others who were in a similar situation. Holly’s ex was the second man to encounter my rage. “Three or so years ago. Holly was in public with her ex, and surprisingly no one else saw when he backhanded her. She tried to walk away from him, but he wouldn’t let her. He hit her again.” That image flashes in my mind, creating tension in my muscles. “One thing led to another and he ended up with a few broken bones, laying on the ground. With a threat of death from me, and an immediate restraining order put in place, she was free. Has been helping me out of tough spots at work when the occasion arises.” And that happens more than I’d like to admit.

  “I see. Well then she’s lucky you were there for her.”

  “Yeah. A bit too late. Had a broken hand before I could help her.” I say somberly. That incident would have been bad had I not stopped it. I’ve seen men like him. I’ve stopped men like him. He wouldn’t have stopped until she was in the hospital, or dead. I refuse to see a woman be abused, or taken advantage of. I do what I can to help, and have done so since I’ve had an incident with my ex. I shake that thought out of my mind, it’s been years, and he’s in jail.

  “Ready for that drive now?” Just as I stand up, his phone rings. “Yeah, Red.” There’s more frustration in his voice than before. His throat tighter as he answers his phone. “Fuck.” I watch him. This isn’t good. That look, or that tone. He hangs up.

  “Miles?” A shake in my voice is threatening my body. Is it Elara? That’s all that’s going through my mind right now.

  “Another one.” He whispers as he leads me out of the room. I grab my things and we’re out the door in a matter of seconds.

  “He’s off his pattern. He just took a woman the other night. Miles?” I mutter as he drives us to the crime scene.

  “It’s actually not far from the area we’ve tracked him to.” That piques my interest. Leaving evidence close to the area they keep their victims would be stupid.

  “Wouldn’t that be sloppy? Lead us to his dungeon?” Hell, that’s more than sloppy, that’s just down right moronic. If they were that stupid though, we would’ve caught them already.

  “It would. It’s interesting how you disrupted his grab the one night and now there’s this mess he’s leaving behind.” Miles has a point. Why is that happening? There’s at least two men, they’re obviously pissed I messed them up. But why not use that to plan better?

  “That doesn’t explain his erratic behavior and avoidance of his norm.” I pause with the question on the tip of my tongue that I want to ask, but am afraid to utter the words. “Miles.” I can’t stop the subtle shake in my hands. “What if it’s Elara?” My weak voice pushes the question out, leaving a knot in my stomach. What if it is?

  His grip increases on the wheel, and he’s actively trying to not look at me. They break into my apartment, taunt me with a picture of her, then the next day a woman shows up dead? Too damn coincidental even for me.

  “Don’t jump to conclusions.” He rubs his hand on my leg. I stop his movement and hold his hand. A small gesture of comfort that I didn’t know I needed, but am glad for it. I tighten my eyes, hoping I can prepare myself for the worst. We drive the rest of the way in silence. Probably because there isn’t anything he can say to divert my attention, or to make this situation any better. There’s no making this better until those women are home, and safe.

  I look around as soon as I step out of the car, hoping I won’t see any sign of those heartless men I work with. So far it’s just me. I feel for Dante, but he did nothing to move this case forward. Brushing it aside until his sister is a victim. Now he knows how it feels. I hope he can see how untouched they left this case. How their lack of investigation allowed these criminals room to continue abductions.

  I hesitate with my first step towards the body. Redmond rushes to us at the car, taking a second to realize how Miles’ hand wraps around my back and rests on my waist. Then he looks to me.

  “Vega?” His voice echoes in my mind, but there isn’t any way to get my focus anywhere else but the body.

  “Vega?” Miles’ concerned tone repeated when I didn’t respond to Redmond. My mind registered his deep voice, but my sudden tunnel vision is focused on the area a few officers are walking around.

  Only a few hundred feet away from me is a woman that could be Elara. A woman whose disappearance no one but me thought was important. My files and information on this woman’s case better bring a lot of things to the surface, helping us find these killers. I shake my head and look to Miles.

  “Come on.” I sa
y steadily with a look of determination.

  He attempts to grab my arm, probably thinking it would be for comfort, but I brush him away. Contact with him right now might screw up my focus. The closer I get to the body, the more rage forces me to power through my sadness. I’m not mentally prepared if it is her, but I need to know. Now this is about finding more information and focusing on all the details I can get. To find that one small slip up that will lead me to them.

  I reach the body. A red head. A sigh of relief hit me, and my body jumps into work mode. I’m taking notes, and noticing in fact this woman is thirty-one. Branded onto her left hip is her mark of death. I glance to Miles every few minutes to make sure he’s only a few feet from me. I won’t admit it, but I have been feeling insecure. I need him to be close by, for my own sanity.

  The entire time we’re here, I remain the only FBI agent. I smirk as I look around. It’s like the wet blanket was lifted and I can finally breathe and do my job right. I look up to see Miles a few more feet from me than before. Then I glance at this scene where a handful of officers are walking around looking like they’re investigating this area. I shake my head and finish my notes. Maybe Miles is right, I need to take a break.

  I finish with my notes, hoping Anya can get me her report quickly.

  I stand up and take another look around. A tall man looking in my direction halts my thoughts, but he turns away. That familiarity in his wide eyes bothers me.

  “How are you doing?” Redmond whispers, breaking my concentration. I glare at him for that interruption, then I look back to find that man, but he’s gone.

  “I’m fine. Thanks for your work on tracking his car. I appreciate it. Now we need all the information we can get because I’ve got a killer to catch.”

  Redmond stays close to me as we walk towards Miles. I watch his expression as a surge of heat came from his eyes. Darkening each time Redmond’s arm grazes me. He doesn’t seem as jealous as he had before, no. Definitely not jealousy, there’s a possessiveness in his eyes now that’s keeping my body burning. I wonder how noticeable his stare is, because Redmond seems unfazed. He nods to Miles. I take another look around trying to find that man, I need a better look. He turned away so quick I couldn’t place him, and it’s going to irritate me.