AllFreeNovel
Share Us
He pulled the door open. “Don’t even think about doing something stupid.”
Marie curled her toes to keep from kicking her foot forward and slamming it into his shin. Bill would get a shot off before she could do any damage, and she couldn’t risk Renee’s or Nora’s lives. She focused on Renee’s sweet face. A purple ring circled her right eye. Hatred burned her chest, and her mouth went dry. She bit the inside of her cheeks to keep from crying. “Are you okay?”
Renee nodded, and Bill gripped her hair and yanked her head backward. “This isn’t a reunion, it’s an exchange. Get out of the car and come with me now, and I’ll leave your sister here. If you refuse or try to run, I’ll shoot her.”
“Don’t! He’ll kill you!” Sobs ripped through Renee’s voice. Tears mixed with the constant rainfall and coursed down her face.
Inching her fingers toward the phone, she shifted her gaze back to Bill. If she focused too much on Renee and the pain contorting her delicate features, she’d never find the strength to do what had to be done.
She’d never find the strength to leave Nora behind.
“I’ll do whatever you want. Just don’t hurt my sister.”
Bill transformed his grin into a hard line. “Do you think I can’t see you trying to grab the phone? Put your hands in front of you and get out of the car. Hurry up.”
Desperation clawed at her throat, but when given a choice between her life or Renee’s, Renee won hands down. And the faster she got out of the car, the better the chance Bill wouldn’t ask about their daughter. Wouldn’t notice the car seat in the back and demand she bring Nora with them.
Cold rain slanted into the interior of the car, drenching her clothes, but Marie was too numb to care. She stood on trembling legs and hugged Renee tight. She pressed her lips to her ear. “Nora’s in the back. Please take care of her. I love you so much.”
Renee clung to her, her slim body trembling.
“Enough. Get her in the car and let’s go. If you try to scream or alert anyone to you being here, I’ll kill Marie.”
Marie’s heart split in two. She broke away, pushed Renee down to the passenger seat, and slammed the door shut.
Renee shook her head, her tangled hair swirling around her face.
Bill pushed the hard barrel of the gun into her side. “Hustle to the car and don’t be dumb, or I’ll shoot you then go back for your stupid sister.”
Marie held her chin in the air and did exactly what Bill told her. He’d won. He had her in his clutches and there was no way she’d fight him, not when the two people she loved most in this world were at risk.
She’d go with him, and when they were far enough away, she’d find a way to escape him once more.
20
The scent of blood turned Owen’s stomach. He wasn’t used to the rich, irony scent and prayed he never would be. He stepped into the kitchen, waving the young officer to follow. Stale food and overflowing garbage added to the stench that clung to the dirty walls. “Looks like someone’s at least made use of the kitchen. How’s the rest of the house? Signs of people living here?”
The young officer grimaced as he scanned the small kitchen, just as bare as the living room except for the trash. “There’s one bedroom with some clothes on the floor, and towels bunched up in the bathroom make me suspect someone’s used the shower. I didn’t get a chance to do more than glance around as I cleared the house before you showed up.”
Owen extended his hand. “Can I see the notes you took?”
The officer handed over the small book.
Owen flicked his glance to meet the officer’s cool blue eyes for an instant, then studied the messy handwriting on the pages. “Also, what’s your name? I don’t think we’ve worked together before.”
“Officer Steele, sir.”
Nodding, he continued to read the notes. The notes were meticulous, even if they didn’t tell him anything more than the young man already had. He handed back the book and pulled a pair of gloves from his bag, yanking them over his hands. “Ever worked a death scene before?”
Officer Steele swallowed hard, keeping his gaze locked on Owen. “No, sir.”
“Have you touched anything?” Owen arched his brows, dipping his chin toward Steele’s uncovered hands clasped in front of him.
“No, sir. I have gloves in my pocket if you’d like me to help sweep the scene.”
“Put ’em on. I have the deputies I’m working the case with on their way. Once they arrive, I’ll need you to head outside and tape off the area.” There was no telling if the killer would be back. He didn’t want to be in the house alone if that happened, and having two people look through the house for evidence would get it done faster. Then he could get back to Marie.
Steele shoved his notes in his back pocket then donned a pair of gloves.
