by Marie Harte
She swung her feet to the floor, ignoring the throbbing that pulsed across her temples, and gathered her things off the table and floor. A flash across the screen caught her attention. She moved to the TV and turned up the volume.
“The young woman’s identity has not yet been released by police officials, but they have confirmed this is another victim in the series of killings which began over two months ago, just south of Olympia. A passer-by saw a suspicious vehicle leaving the area and called police late last night. Nothing has been said about the murder other than it’s under investigation…”
Fallon stared at the TV, her body frozen, as she listened to the reporter repeat the broadcast. It was the church she’d seen in her dream…her dream.
“No.” She backed away from the screen, shaking her head. It couldn’t be happening again. Not now. The visions only came when she was connected to the people involved. Her sister. Gil. But she didn’t know the women the bastard killed. How could she be connected?
Maybe your powers are getting stronger? Evolving?
“I don’t have powers!” she scoffed, heading towards her bedroom. “It’s nothing but a bloody curse. I can’t control them and they sure as hell don’t come soon enough to help, so how is that a power?” She stalked into the room and stared at her reflection. Her eyes were red and she could see the dark rings that rimmed her cheeks. “Damn.” She’d been passed out for hours, and yet it looked like he hadn’t slept in weeks.
Fallon sighed and sat down on the edge of the bed. There was no denying the signs. The visions were back. And she had a bad feeling they wouldn’t stop until the city’s newest serial killer was caught.
Chapter Five
“I’m really sorry, Fallon. I’m sure it won’t be too much longer.”
Fallon looked up at Detective Trevor Watts. He was a large man with dark skin and gentle eyes. She’d known him since she’d first started working at the station, and had been more than relieved to find him still heading the homicide unit. He’d listened patiently as she’d mumbled out the story she’d rehearsed in the car, nodding his head and writing down notes. Then he’d offered her a drink and told her to wait on the small couch while he notified the men in charge of the investigation. Now he stood in the doorway, his hands stuffed in his pockets as he kicked his toe against the floor. She forced a smile, knowing he was more than aware she was anything, but happy. “That’s okay. I’ve only been waiting about four hours. That’s barely enough time for them to finish their coffee and doughnuts.”
Trevor chuckled, but Fallon noticed the smile didn’t reach his eyes. He was anxious. “Why don’t you rest for a while? You look like you could use it. Jane told me how much overtime you’ve been working. You really should try to take more time for yourself.”
Fallon shrugged her shoulders and settled back against the cushions. So he’d called Jane and checked some of her story out. She supposed she couldn’t blame him. He wouldn’t be much of a detective if he took everything at face value. But just thinking about how she was going to give them all the information she knew without mentioning her visions, made her skin crawl. It just wasn’t the sort of thing you mentioned without fear of getting locked up in the psycho ward. “I’m fine. Besides, I get out on the trails a lot.”
“I heard you’re training for that big endurance race a few months from now. Some of the guys said it’s a really nasty ride. Pretty hardcore.”
“Just the sort of thing a girl loves,” she joked.
Trevor rolled his eyes, giving her the first genuine smile all day. “I’ve never met anyone quite like you. Now close your eyes and get some rest. I’ll wake you before the boys get here.”
Fallon nodded as the door closed behind him. Maybe an hour of sleep was just the ticket to prepare her for the questions she didn’t know how to answer. She closed her eyes and drifted to sleep.
* * * *
“Want to tell me, again, why we’re heading over to the Southwest precinct?” asked Gil. “We really don’t have time to chat.”
Wade shot him a sideways glance, a hint of a smile curving his lips. “Apparently the Chief of homicide wants to talk to us.”
“Who?”
Wade shook his head, shrugging his shoulders as he turned to look out the window. “A Detective Watts.”
“Trevor Watts?” asked Gil.
“I don’t know. I didn’t catch his first name.”
“Must be Trevor,” sighed Gil. “He’s the only cop there that would bother calling us while we’re at a scene.” Gil glanced over at Wade. “Did he say why he needed to talk to us?”
“He said he couldn’t say too much over the cell. He was worried it wasn’t secure. All I know is that he’s got someone at his office who has some information for us.”
Gil snorted, glancing down at his watch. “That was five hours ago. What are the chances the guy’s still there?” He shook his head, turning onto Weber Street. “Probably some psychic wanna-be who thinks the killer is communicating with them. Damn. Sometimes I really hate this job.”
Gil was still cursing as he parked his truck and wove his way through the halls to Trevor’s office. He’d known Trevor for years, but hadn’t spoken to him since Charlie’s death. Hell, he hadn’t talked to anyone since then. But…
“So what’s this Watts guy like?” asked Wade, drawing Gil from his thoughts.
“He’s hard, demanding and rarely smiles…” Gil grinned at Wade. “But he’s a good man, and a straight cop. In my opinion, that’s more than anyone can ask for.”
Wade nodded as they stopped in front of Trevor’s door. Gil knocked twice before pushing the door open and stepping inside. “Hey, Trevor. What’s…”
Gil stopped dead, not even flinching when Wade crashed into him. Wade muttered under his breath before following Gil’s gaze over to the couch. She was curled into a ball, her head resting against the arm of the sofa. Someone had laid a small blanket across her waist, hiding her legs from view. But it did nothing to hide her beauty.
“Fallon.”
He wasn’t sure if he’d breathed the word or heard it echo in his head, but the sound of it sent shivers tingling down his spine. He took an involuntary step forward, unable to halt his need to get closer to her. Her hair was loose around her shoulder, the red hue shimmering in the harsh light. She was dressed in a tight shirt that clung to the firm curves of her breasts. Gil felt the blood drain from his head and pool in his groin. God, just the sight of her had his cock at full attention, so tight in his pants he wasn’t quite sure how he was going to walk. She was sleeping, her chest rising gently with the steady rhythm of her breath. He could just see the smooth swell of creamy skin above her breast, where her top plunged into a deep vee. What he wouldn’t give to lick every inch of her silky skin. To taste her sweet feminine scent on his tongue as he drew her nipples slowly into his mouth.
A low growl rumbled through the small room before Gil realised he’d made his way over to the couch. He was standing in front of her now, his hand reaching out to her shoulder. She sighed when his fingers wrapped around her flesh, snuggling deeper into the cushions.
What the hell was she doing here? He hadn’t seen her for six months, not since he’d walked out of her life without so much as a note, and now definitely wasn’t the time to deal with the past.
“Fallon.” He said her name too loudly, too sternly, shaking her shoulder with more force than he’d intended. He winced as a moan feathered from her lips and a small frown creased the lines of her mouth. She tilted her head towards him, her eyes slivering open just enough to see his face. He nearly creamed his pants at the dreamy smile that graced her lips as she stared up at him with those deep blue eyes that seemed to turn his will to mush.
“It’s still early, Gil. Just let me have five more minutes.” Her voice was raspy and low, and she barely got the few words out before her eyes drifted shut again. She turned back into the couch, pulling at the soft blanket. “It’s cold, darling. Come back to bed and warm me
up.”
Gil’s throat closed around a large knot as he watched her fade back to sleep. He’d expected every reaction, but that one. He managed to catch himself just before he’d climbed onto the couch next to her, wanting nothing more than to grant her request.
“Damn it.” He inched his body back, hoping to hell Wade hadn’t heard her. “Fallon. Please wake up.”
Fallon shrugged his hand off her shoulder, huffing out a breathy little whimper as she forced herself up, her legs finding the floor. She looked up at him again, her eyes glassy and large before her senses seemed to slam back into her head. Gil knew the moment she realised where she was. Her eyes rounded in shock as her body went rigid with surprise. She scooted sideways on the couch, her gaze never leaving his as she tried to stumble to her feet. Gil saw her foot snag on the blanket an instant before her startled gasp filled the room and she fell to the floor, landing on her ass with a dull thud. He chuckled as she cursed under her breath, taking a small step towards her.
“Hey, Fallon. I think the guys should be here any moment, so you’d better…” Trevor’s voice faded into a surprised grunt as he marched through the door and stared at Gil. He mouthed Gil’s name just as he caught sight of Fallon flailing on the floor. “Damn. Are you okay?” He lunged towards her, grabbing her arm with his large hand, as he pulled her up. She popped off the floor and seemed to teeter for a moment, swaying right then left, before the momentum sent her tumbling forward. She slammed hard against his chest, her breath whooshing out with another curse. He smiled at the feel of her body pressed against his, and couldn’t stop his hands from curling around her back, as he drew her into a firm embrace.
“Jesus, Fallon. I’m sorry.” Trevor moved towards them, stopping an arm’s length away. “Are you okay?”
Gil felt Fallon relax against him, her curves hugging his torso. God, she felt so right in his arms. The way her breasts pressed against his chest, raking her turgid nipples across his ribs with every breath. Or how her hips cradled his erection, rubbing the length just enough to keep it hard and hot. He groaned into her ear, knowing she could feel his cock lengthening even further along her stomach. She rocked her hips twice against his before stiffening in his arms and pushing herself away. She pulled her arms tight across her chest, whether to hide the hardness of her nipples or to give herself strength, he didn’t know, but the act only made his pulse race more. He flashed her a heavy lidded half smile, loving the way her breathing hitched and a deep flush laced down her neck and across her upper chest. Seems he wasn’t the only one feeling needy today.
“I’m fine, Trevor. Just fine,” she finally replied. Gil smiled. Her voice was husky and thick and he could tell by the way she flinched at the sound of it, she knew he’d caught the lusty edge in it.
Trevor stared from her back to him, his lips drawn tight. Gil could see the uncertainty flare in the man’s eyes before he removed all emotion from his expression. “Gil. Nice to see you. It’s been a while.”
Gil stepped forward and shook the man’s hand, adding a healthy slap to Trevor’s back. “Too long. How’s homicide treating you?”
“Ah, you know how it is. The same shit, just different locations.” Trevor looked over at Wade. “So what brings you gentlemen by?”
“Hey, you were the one who called us.” Gil motioned towards Wade. “You told my colleague you needed to talk to us. Said you had some information about the case.”
Trevor’s mouth opened in surprise and he shot Fallon a desperate glance before returning Gil’s stare. “I didn’t realise the feds were involved, yet. I thought it was still a state matter.”
“We linked the bastard to an attack in Portland a few weeks ago,” said Wade, stepping forward to shake Trevor’s hand. “That makes it F.B.I. business. I’m Wade Davis, Gil’s colleague.”
Gil scowled at Wade, not amused by the tone in his voice. “Sorry, Wade. Trevor Watts, Wade Davis. Wade, Trevor.”
“Pleased to meet you, sir,” said Wade, turning to look at Fallon. He smiled at her, pushing Gil aside as he stepped in front of her. “Special Agent Wade Davis, at your service, ma’am.”
Fallon blushed even deeper as Wade lowered into a graceful bow. A growl rumbled through Gil’s chest, as he pushed Wade back. “Easy, Junior.” Wade mumbled something under his breath, but Gil was pretty sure he knew what the man meant. “Wade, this is Fallon Kinkade. Fallon…” he paused, resisting the urge to sweep his gaze along her body. “Wade Davis.”
Fallon shuffled on her feet, pulling her arms tighter. “Nice to meet you,” she replied, her voice more relaxed.
Gil glanced at her, wanting to gauge her reaction. Wade was several years younger than him, and it was obvious he had a way with the ladies. More than one assignment had ended with a pocket full of numbers buried in Wade’s pants. But Fallon barely glanced at the handsome man. Instead, she looked over at him, holding his stare for a few moments before turning away, but not before he saw the wounded edge in her eyes. He sighed, and raked a shaky hand through his hair. “So what information do you have for us, Trevor?”
Trevor motioned to the chairs at the side of his desk before taking his seat. “It appears your serial killer has decided to add a new twist to his game. He’s called in the last two killings.”
“What!” Gil stomped to his feet, anger twisting his fists at his side. “The bastard’s called the centre and you’re just telling us now!”
Trevor waved his hand in the air and calmly stood up. “He didn’t call the centre, Gil, or we would’ve notified you sooner.”
“So who the hell did he call?”
“Me.”
Gil turned towards Fallon, her soft voice drawing him to her. He looked into her eyes, nearly buckling at the pain and fear he saw in them. “What? Fallon…”
Fallon stopped him with a wave of her hand. “Look. I don’t know how or why, but he’s called my cell twice now. I think he believes he’s calling 9-1-1, but I don’t see how that’s possible. All I can tell you is that he calls me whenever he’s…finished.”
Gil watched her face pale, a glassy film covering her eyes. He moved closer, not really sure why, but needing her to know he was there for her, even if he couldn’t say it. “What did he say?”
“Just that he’s The Priest, and that he thinks he’s saving the women he kills. He said he purifies them.” She shook her head and stared down at the floor. “He wouldn’t tell me anything else, just rattled off their location.”
“So why didn’t you call us sooner?” asked Wade, stepping up beside Gil.
“I tried calling in the first location to the centre, but either he messed up the address or I did. It came back as a beauty salon, so I thought maybe I’d dreamt the whole thing. But after he called again…”
“But some passer-by called that one in,” interrupted Wade. “Why did you wait so long?”
Fallon looked up at them and Gil saw the nervousness in her expression. “I wasn’t able to call right away and it was too late when I finally got the chance…but I’m here now and isn’t that what matters?”
Wade shot him a puzzled look before nodding his head. “I suppose so,” he said.
“Okay, Fallon,” said Gil. “Let’s sit down. I want you to tell us everything he said, and with as much detail as you can remember. Mention everything, no matter how insignificant you might think it is.”
Fallon nodded and sat down. She spoke slowly and quietly, as if the sound of her voice might hurt her somehow. Gil watched her closely, noting every shift in her eyes, every twitch of her lips. She kept her hands clasped firmly in her lap, her eyes diverted to the side. She seemed more than frightened, and he couldn’t help but think there was more to her story than what she was telling them.
“Did he give you any hint as to who might be his next target?” asked Wade, looking up from his notepad.
“No. Just what I told you.”
Wade sighed and closed the book. “Well, at least we have a connection. Fallon? Would you mind if I took a
look at your cell?”
Fallon shook her head and dug through her purse, finally handing the small unit over to Wade. “I’ve already checked. His number doesn’t even register on my phone. That’s why I thought maybe I’d imagined it that first time. I don’t understand how he can call without leaving any trace at all.”
“Maybe he’s got something on his end that blocks it,” suggested Wade. “I’ll check it out.”
“What if he calls again?” she asked. “He might get upset if I don’t answer.”
“Do you think he’s targeting you?” asked Trevor. “I can post a unit outside your house if you’re worried.”
Fallon shook her head. “No, I don’t think it’s like that. He feels comfortable talking to me. I just think I might be able to get more out of him if I get the chance.”
“I’ll return your phone later today,” said Gil. “He never strikes during the day.”
He watched Fallon’s face pale. “I’m going riding. I won’t be by the house ‘til later.”
Gil smiled at her. “I know how to find you. I’ll make sure you have it, one way or another.”
Fallon sighed and stood up, turning towards Trevor. “Thanks, Trevor.”
“No problem. I’ll see you out.”
She nodded and turned back towards Gil. “I suppose I’ll see you later. Nice meeting you, Wade.”
Wade gave her another charming smile as she brushed past both men. She tensed as her shoulder raked Gil’s chest. He barely contained his groan at the heat that passed between them. Despite everything, they still had a connection neither could deny. He wondered just how far he’d delve into it.
“I’m sorry,” said Trevor. “If I’d known Gil was on the team…”
“You’d have played it the same way,” she interrupted.