We takeour time the next morning. Over breakfast of tea and toast prepared by Julian, reality seeps back through my pores. Nine days. If the pattern is to be believed. And, with Calder’s rut, my mind is only now inching back to the list of four Ms. Hartley gave us.
“Officer Brennan,” Julian says as if reading my mind. “He checked in on you during your heat. He has to be suspect number one.”
“How do we get close to him without raising suspicion?” Tyler asks.
I check my phone. No new messages, then I remember that Tyler blocked communication from withheld numbers. Does he know we’re at Calder’s apartment? The thought of him sitting outside and watching us makes my flesh crawl.
“We should get back to campus,” I say. “Remind him that we’re not dropping this investigation.”
“United front,” Calder adds.
Julian clears the dishes. “We need a plan.”
“We should watch him closely today,” I say, sounding braver than I feel.
“El’s right.” Tyler covers my hand with his. “If he’s worried like Gideon said, it’ll show in his body language.”
“We can’t go to the police with body language as evidence,” Julian says from the counter. “But it’s a start.”
“We’ll figure the rest out, don’t worry.” Calder holds my gaze, reminding me I’m safe.
Ms. Hartley is waiting inside the entrance of the main building when we arrive. “Come with me.” She’s all brisk efficiency, and we follow her back to her office.
“One name was missing from the list I gave you,” she says, facing us from the middle of the room. “Professor Robbins. She came to me for access to heat records at the beginning of last year. For research on behalf of the dean. Of course, I cleared it with the dean first but never added her to the list because the access was granted temporarily. Only now I realize that her access was never rescinded.”
"Professor Robbins," I repeat slowly. "She teaches herbal medicine."
“Okay…” Tyler’s eyebrows are knitted together. “Why? I mean, she’s a big fan of your skills, Elowen. Didn’t she ask for your advice on something not long ago?”
But the niggling thought that’s been so elusive until now is making me feel antsy. What is it? Something Gideon said.
Then it comes to me, and my breathing grows shallow. I stood out because I’m bonded with three alphas. “Is Professor Robbins opposed to multi-alpha bonds?”
"I've heard her speak at faculty meetings,” Ms. Hartley says. “Her beliefs are traditional. Natural omega dynamics. Single-alpha packs." She pauses. “But many of the professors share the same beliefs.”
Motivation crystallizes with ugly clarity. Traditional omega protecting old ways by eliminating threats. Using knowledge as a weapon while appearing to support omega rights.
“Thank you.” I open the door and head outside, my alphas close behind.
“Elowen?” Julian asks first when we’re far enough away from the building not to be overheard. “What are you thinking?”
I take a deep breath and face them. If I’m right about this, then it proves I’m next on the list.
“Gideon said he spoke tooneof Kira’s alphas. Daniel Watson.”
Julian blinks. “Which means there was more than one alpha in Kira’s pack.”
“That’s why my name stood out for him. One omega, three alphas.”
“Okay.” Tyler’s eyes flicker while he considers this new direction. “We tested Rani’s wellness gift though. She only has one alpha.”
“As far as we’re aware.” I glance back at the building. “What if she’s hiding her true pack because she’s afraid of being visible?”
"Professor Robbins had access to all four victims," Calder observes, pulling up something on his phone. "Look, she's a visiting lecturer. Teaches herbal medicine at Elderwood full-time, but does guest seminars at other omega academies, including Thornwood."
Julian leans over to look. "Same lecture circuit. Same access to student records when she visits. Same trusted position."
"Of course, students would trust her," Tyler says. "She’s a respected professor. If she offered me herbal tea, I’d drink it… if I didn’t prefer coffee."
