After a thoughtful pause Matt asked, “Where do we go from here? I’m not worried about myself, but Lauren and Jac. I know Jac tried once but do you think we should approach the police again?”
Luke considered the idea and quickly dismissed it. “I don’t think it would be a good idea to directly involve the police at this point for two reasons. First, the killer manages to get close to the victims, close enough to learn their patterns and habits. He’s probably studying you as we speak. If he sees cops sniffing around, he may abandon his plans and go for the direct hit. That’s harder to guard against. Secondly, the job of the local authorities is to investigate criminal activity that falls under their jurisdiction. Unfortunately, they don’t have the manpower to investigate every potential situation, and I speak from experience as a former cop. It’s not that they don’t want to help, just that they don’t have the time or resources. We need to be proactive. We can’t sit around and wait for something to happen. By then it could be too late.
“What I want to do,” Luke continued, “is bring in my partner and another investigator. Matt, your parents are on vacation, correct?” At Matt’s affirmative nod, he turned to Jac. “Do you have family in the area you’re concerned about the killer potentially targeting?”
Jac’s eyes drifted to the floor and she shook her head.
Damn. He’d upset her. Well, it couldn’t be helped. “In that case, with me, my partner Logan and one other man, we can provide constant protection and surveillance while we work behind the scenes to figure out who’s behind the attacks. We can do the investigation and leg work the cops aren’t able to do.
“We do work with the local authorities as much as possible and will involve them in our case. I have contacts at the station that will make sure everything gets recorded.”
He stood and tucked the papers in Jac’s folder. “Do you care if I take this with me?”
“Of course not.”
“Have you saved the cards Nicole sent over the years?”
“Yes, every one.”
“Great. I’ll need to look at them. How about if we get together this evening? Jac, you can bring the cards and I can introduce you both to my partner. I’m going to speak with him now to discuss strategy.”
They agreed to dinner at Matt’s house and with friendly goodbyes and reminders to take safety precautions, Luke left to confer with his associates.
* * * *
Jac swung around to face Matt once Luke departed. “I’m frightened, Matt. You could be hurt and it is completely my fault.”
“Hey.” He lifted her chin with his fingertips and ran his thumb across her bottom lip. “You’re not to blame. You’re not responsible for some disturbed killer, okay?”
She nodded in compliance, her eyes locked on his. She was lost. She leaned into him, tilted her face. His hand sifted through her hair and cupped the back of her neck. He dipped his head and their lips met—finally. The kiss was soft and gentle. Jac moaned at the exquisite touch, her knees weakening, body quivering at the sweet tenderness. She wrapped her arms around his neck, bringing their bodies into full contact. She felt him growl as he slanted his mouth over hers. In a flash, the kiss turned hot and urgent. His tongue licked the seam of her lips, demanding entry. She opened on a sigh and he plunged inside, exploring her depths.
He sucked and nibbled and stroked and devoured. She felt drunk with passion. He tore his lips from hers and seared a path down her neck as his hands moved down her sides to cup her bottom. He lifted her into the hard thrust of his arousal.
“Matt, please—”
She was on the edge, prepared to beg him to make love to her on the conference table when a sharp tap on the door ripped them apart and sent Matt scuttling to the chair behind his desk. He plopped his elbows on the top and ran his hands though his hair. Jac’s chest rose and fell rapidly as she wrapped her arms around her waist and turned to face the window. Another loud knock sounded and Matt acknowledged his secretary.
“I’m sorry to interrupt Mr. Dianetti,” Ms. Jones apologized. “I know you said you didn’t want to be disturbed but your daughter is on the phone.”
Jac turned and saw guilt flash across Matt’s face.
“My daughter is the exception, Ms. Jones. Thank you.” He picked up the handset.
Ms. Jones smiled at Matt as he greeted Lauren on the phone and then her gaze shifted to Jac. Jac almost flinched under the hostile glower but stiffened her spine and glared back. Ms. Jones raked her from head to toe in an unfriendly inspection and then turned on her heel and closed the door. Jac dismissed the woman from her thoughts, collected her purse and waited while Matt finished the call. When he hung up, he dropped his head to his hands.
Instantly concerned, she rushed forward. “Matt, what’s wrong? Did something happen to Lauren?”
He inhaled deeply and rolled his head to his palm. “No, I’m just worried about her with this whole mess. I don’t know how much to tell her. I don’t want to frighten her but she needs to know to be careful.”
Jac smiled. “I have a feeling she might be stronger than you think.”
Matt laced his fingers together. “She’s my little girl. I won’t let anything happen to her.”
Jac’s heart somersaulted and if at all possible, she fell more in love with him. She fled before she did something stupid like confessing her undying affection.
Ten
Jac decided not to tell Darlene about her meeting with Matt and Luke until after tonight when she had additional information. Darlene hadn’t arrived when she left but she should be in by now. Walking to her office amid the ever present harmony of hammers and saws, she tossed her bag into an empty drawer in her credenza. She had just picked up her phone to check her messages when Darlene fluttered in and fisted her hands on her hips.
“Where have you been?”
Taken aback by her friend’s tone, Jac narrowed her eyes. As the boss, she answered to no one, certainly not her employee. She bit back the answer she wanted to give and instead replied, “I left a note on your desk informing you I had a lunchtime meeting.”
Darlene fluttered a hand through the air. “That was hours ago. I thought you might have been in an accident or something.”
Jac’s anger fled at the concern in her friend’s voice. “I’m sorry, I should have called but—”
“I wanted to tell you about the hot date I have tonight.”
Jac sighed. Typical Darlene, using guilt to hide her real motives. Her assistant’s sharp inhale snagged her attention.
“You cut your hair. And highlights. And is that a new outfit?”
Jac flushed at her accusing tone and studied the blue silk shirt, flower-patterned skirt and black boots. So what if it was new? She hadn’t added to her wardrobe in forever.
“I can’t believe you.” Darlene shook her head as her arms crossed. “You still think you have a chance with Matt Dianetti, don’t you?”
Jac’s earlier anger resurfaced and flared. It stung that Darlene didn’t think she could attract a man like Matt. Before she could supply a scathing retort, Darlene twirled around and stomped away.
“Mail’s on your desk,” she snapped over her shoulder.
Jac stared after her retreating form, hurt by her assistant’s behavior. Where was the support, the unconditional love that friends shared?
* * * *
Jac stepped out into the early evening, letting the cool air penetrate her lungs. She loved fall when the leaves changed colors and bathed the world in a red and orange and yellow quilt.
Smiling wistfully, she punched the button on her key ring to unlock the Jeep. A small breeze kicked up, sending dry leaves skittering across the blacktop and ruffling something on her windshield. Intrigued, she lifted the wiper and pried loose the white paper. She scanned the area, finding no one, and checked the exterior thinking someone may have bumped into her and left contact information.
Unfolding the sheet, she skimmed the writing and sucked in a harsh breath. The letter flut
tered from her grip and drifted to the ground as she covered her mouth. The breeze picked up again, taking the note with it. She hurried after it and reached out with her foot to prevent its escape. She picked up the note gingerly and reread it.
I’m watching you Jacqueline Sera.
Jac vaulted in the air when a crash sounded behind her. She spun around, a scream trapped in her lungs.
“Meow.”
A small gray cat scurried across the lot and disappeared behind the building. She released the breath she held and punched the button in her hand, forgetting she had opened the doors already. She leaped behind the wheel and slammed her hand down on the switch to relock the doors. Jac barely paused to click her seatbelt into place before she floored the accelerator and headed to Matt’s house.
* * * *
The Dianetti household was ablaze with lights and new Halloween decorations. She maneuvered around the circular drive and cut the engine. Early as usual, she noted, as she eyed the digital clock on the dash. Lifting the stack of cards from Nicole, she opened the door and stepped into the cool October evening. An owl hooted, making his presence known. She inhaled the crisp air as her feet crunched a carpet of fallen foliage.
She’d missed the different seasons living in California. In Indiana, you had four distinct times of year: heat and humidity in summer, wind and rain in spring, snow and ice in winter and changing leaves and cool breezes in fall. Autumn was by far her favorite. To her, it represented pumpkins, persimmon pudding, Halloween, and hay rides.
A dog barked incessantly and Jac laughed, knowing Murphy was behind that sound. Navigating the flagstone walkway, the magnificence of Matt’s house struck her again. Her hand reached to depress the bell, just as the door flew open.
“Hi, Jac.” Lauren stood in the entryway looking young and fresh and gorgeous. She wore a sweater embroidered with candy corn and baggy orange pants. “It’s good to see you.” The girl threw her arms around her and hugged. “My dad just got home and he looks troubled,” she whispered anxiously. “He won’t tell me what’s wrong.”
Jac hugged her back. “He’s just worried about you.” Matt appeared from around the corner and Jac’s stomach somersaulted.
“Good evening, Ms. Sera.” A sexy grin belied the casual tone.
“Mr. Dianetti,” she returned.
Lauren’s head swiveled between the two adults. “What’s with this mister and missus stuff? It’s Jac and Diane…er, I mean Daddy.” A Cheshire cat grin painted her lips.
The doorbell chimed and Lauren excused herself to answer. “Uncle Luke,” she squealed, throwing her arms around the tall, dark-haired man.
“My God, look how stunning you are.” He stepped back to view her. “Matt, how do you let her out of the house?”
“Uncle Luke...” Giggling, she slapping him playfully on the arm.
“I’m serious. You’re a knockout, sweetie. Good thing you don’t take after your old man.”
“Yes, she is lucky.” Matt grinned. “And I don’t let her out if I can help it.”
“Daaaddy,” Lauren groaned.
Two men followed Luke inside. The first was tall and muscular with massive shoulders and short, dark hair. The other was also tall and possessed the same dark hair, but his was longer, tied back into a neat ponytail. He wasn’t as big or broad as the other man, but still an impressive specimen.
“This is my partner, Logan Bradley,” Luke introduced. The short-haired man with the serious expression shook hands with Matt, Jac and Lauren.
Lauren elbowed Jac. “They’re gorgeous,” she mouthed.
Jac watched as the man Luke introduced as Dan Bradley eyed Lauren wolfishly. He was young, maybe early twenties. Jac almost burst out laughing when Logan smacked Dan behind the head and warned him to behave.
“Brothers.” Luke grinned, explaining the behavior. “By the way, buddy,” he mock whispered, “she’s fifteen.”
Dan blanched, horror washing over his face. They all chuckled except Lauren, who blushed prettily, and Matt, who looked poised to rip off Dan’s arms and beat him over the head with them.
Lauren diffused the tension by herding the group into the great room. After they polished off the pizza, Matt sent Lauren to her room to study and followed to make sure her door closed tight. He returned with refills and explained he hadn’t decided how much to tell her and didn’t want her to hear all the gory details.
Luke situated his beer on a coaster and slung a leather attaché over his lap. He clasped his hands together, resting his forearms on the briefcase. “Jac, Matt, I’ve filled Logan and Dan in on everything you told me this afternoon. They know all about the case.”
Jac closed her eyes and mentally groaned. That was Luke’s politically correct way of saying each man in the room knew about her list. Blood crawled up her neck.
As if sensing her embarrassment, Matt placed his hand over hers on the loveseat and gave a reassuring squeeze. She felt the grip around her heart.
“Logan, Dan, and I have poured over the file Jac compiled on each potential murder,” Luke continued. “We all came to the same conclusion that something besides fourteen accidental deaths is occurring, something menacing, evil.”
Jac breathed a relieved sigh. They believed her, took her concerns seriously.
Luke pulled out a pad and consulted his notes. “Going from the information you provided, we know the perp thoroughly researches each victim to ascertain their habits, and that he strikes on or around October twenty-ninth. Jac, did you bring Nicole’s letters?”
She nodded and reached for the box. She stuck her hand inside, withdrew a rubber-banded stack and passed them to Luke.
He flipped through the pile, noting the three young girls pictured on the cover. “Always the same card, same typewritten note.” He handed the pile to Logan, who studied the envelopes thoroughly.
“Are you positive Nicole sent these?” Logan asked.
“Yes. Well…” Jac furrowed her brows. That someone else sent the notes never crossed her mind. “I’m not positive. Only the three of us knew about the lists and the cards were signed ‘N.S.’, Nicole Southern. She signed everything with her initials. I just assumed it had to be her.”
Logan accepted her explanation. “May I take these?” He held the envelopes to Jac and she nodded in approval. “I want to chart where each postmark came from in relation to the murder.”
“You don’t think Nicole is the killer…do you?”
“We want to check every possible angle.” He shuffled the cards by date. He looked up at Jac again. “Did…Tash you called her, right?” At Jac’s confirmation, he continued. “Did she receive the same cards?”
Jac paused uncomfortably. “I’m not sure. I lost track of her the same time I did Nicole.” She cleared her throat. “I kept meaning to contact her but time just passed. The next thing I knew, she’d been killed in a car accident.”
Logan stuffed the stack into his briefcase. “My partner and I don’t believe in sugar-coating things, Ms. Sera.”
“Jac,” she insisted.
“Jac,” he conceded. “Most multiple killers possess certain criteria.” He ticked points on his fingers. “Over ninety percent are male; they tend to be intelligent but do poorly in school and can’t hold down permanent jobs; they come from markedly unstable families; they’re abandoned by fathers and raised by domineering mothers; they’re commonly abused as children, usually by a family member; many spend time in institutions or have been diagnosed with psychological problems. Those are just a few.”
Luke picked up the explanation. “Serial killers usually use a trademark like taunting the police, bragging they’re getting away with the crime. The circumstances surrounding this particular case just don’t fit the typical serial killer profile. By making the murders look accidental, and it appears he goes to great lengths to do so, he remains totally anonymous. I don’t believe he falls under one of the four classifications of a serial killer.”
“What are the four?” Jac asked hi
m.
Luke recited the criteria from memory. “The first would be the Visionary Motive Type. Killers that fall under this group are considered psychotic, insane. They’re often the ones who hear voices in their head telling them to commit crimes.
“Next is the Missionary-Oriented Motive Type. These guys appear normal to the outside world, displaying no psychosis. On the inside, however, they have a need to rid the world of people they consider immoral or unworthy, like prostitutes or homosexuals for example.
“The third is the Thrill Oriented Motive Type. These sickos are in it for fun—they enjoy or get a high from killing, usually sadistically.
“And finally, we have the Lust Killer. This guy is in touch with reality and has normal relationships, but as the title indicates, he kills for the sexual turn on. His pleasure correlates to how much he can torture his victim. The more heinous the crime, the more aroused he becomes.
“These four groups can also be further broken down into sub categories of organized killers and disorganized killers.” Luke paused for a drink. “With this case, I think it’s personal. This guy is seeking revenge, to get back at either you or Tash or Nicole. With Nicole MIA and Tash dead, the probable scenario is that you’re the ultimate target.”
“Wow.” Jac gulped. “Definitely no sugar coating there.”
“Can you think of anyone who would have a motive? Someone who feels you wronged them?” Logan asked. “Someone who wants to exact the ultimate revenge?”
Jac searched her brain but came up blank. “No,” she answered truthfully.
“Think about it and if someone comes to mind, let us know.”
Frustrated, Matt shot to his feet and paced, a hand raking through his hair. “You guys will take the case?”
“Absolutely,” Luke and Logan confirmed simultaneously.
“We have to shuffle a few things around and clear our schedules,” Luke added. “But we agreed this was a serious enough threat to warrant the urgency.”
“Thank you.” Jac exhaled, relieved. She snapped her fingers. “Oh, I almost forgot.” Digging in her purse, she extracted the note. “I found this on my car when I left work tonight.”
The List Page 8