By the look in his eye, she’d swear he was teasing. But with any of Team Ten, teasing could become reality way too easily.
“First of all, it’s not a date, exactly.”
“Then why are you so red?” Malcolm’s smirk annoyed the crap out of her.
She cleared her throat. “We were supposed to meet a few weeks ago so he could ask me about the Poulsbo RA. He’s the new ASAC in charge of the Washington satellite offices.”
“Uh-huh.”
“But something came up, and the discussion didn’t happen. So we rescheduled. End of story.”
“Is that so?”
She frowned. “How the heck did you know about my dinner tomorrow, anyway?” She thought about it and groaned. “Please tell me Hal didn’t leave any bugs at Matthew’s home. Is he keeping tabs on my ex-boss?”
“Didn’t know your voice could get that high.”
“Malcolm.”
Months ago, when Team Ten’s resident hacker, Hal, had been in the States, he’d helped her by providing some unauthorized surveillance devices at Matthew’s house. He’dsupposedlytaken them all down before he’d left for his next gig overseas. The big liar.
“I can neither confirm nor deny Hal’s involvement.” The bright enjoyment on Malcolm’s face was blinding. “However, I will say that your ex-boss is still in the clear of any criminal activity. Come on, girl. You can’t be surprised we keep tabs on anyone who might be a threat to the family.” Malcolm’s expression turned serious. “We don’t play with threats, Jane. We eliminate them.”
She was reminded yet again of the Red Ribbon Killer she’d investigated—who was no longer among the living. Jane let out a loud breath. “Whatever. Just keep out of my private life.”
He leaned forward, his elbows on the table, chin in hands, all innocence. “So this isn’t just a dinner, is it?”
Jane yanked him close and put him in a headlock, which had him laughing. “Back off, buddy. Or I’ll let slip to a certain someone you’ve been dating a certain someone else.” He wasn’t the only one keeping tabs on family. For all that Malcolm insisted all his girlfriends in Bainbridge knew about each other, she had her doubts.
Especially when he gave in so suddenly.
“Fine, fine. Play house with the FBI guy. What do I care?” He managed to slide free from her grip with ease. “But if you want me or any of the other guys to pull your not-a-date’s arms or legs off, just let us know.” He kissed her on the cheek. “Now tell me about your current case. Anything interesting?”
“I’ve got a killer who likes to terminate rich families and pose them around the dinner table. Oh, and he spares the dogs.”
Malcolm considered that. “Well, you have to hand it to him. He might be crazy, but he can’t be all bad if he’s leaving the dogs alive.”
“It’s bizarre.”
“No kidding. What’s his MO?”
“It changes. He targets the wealthy, yes. But he’s suffocateda few, stabbed others, removed appendages… Oh, and he dismembered a maid into cubes.”
“Yikes. How many dead?”
“Thirteen people so far. He kills about every two weeks.”
“And you just found another one when?”
Jane scowled. “This past Wednesday, but it seems like he kills them forty-eight hours before. I think I’ve got another ten days before he strikes again.”
Malcolm patted her on the shoulder. “You have that look in your eyes.”
“What look?”
“The one that says you’re on the hunt. I like it. You’ll nail him.”
“With any luck before he strikes again.” But she didn’t think so. She had a feeling the killer knew exactly what he was doing. Organized, thoughtful, and with a mission in mind. “But that’s work. Tell me what you’re up to.”
