Page 49 of D for Dead

Amy’s publisher had provided them with paperback copies of the remaining four novels in her Zack Maguire series.

The murders on which those of Ben Hogan and Kasey Miller had been based were a dominating part of Amy’s first novel, Grave Encounters, but the death of Shannon Castle had been copied from a far less significant scene in her second book, Deadly Vengeance. It appeared the killer was being selective as to the death scenes he was recreating and they needed to get a handle on what he might try next.

‘I gotta make a call first. I want to get Amy an appointment with Paul Shinnick.’

‘Shinnick? The psychologist guy? Why does she need a psychologist?’ Rebecca shot a glance at Hickok. He didn’t say anything but, like her, waited with interest to hear Jake’s answer.

‘She’s having nightmares. I suggested she talk to someone.’ When Rebecca continued to stare at him, Jake’s eyes flashed dark with anger. ‘What? You think by talking to a shrink she’s gotta be crazy?’

‘I never said that.’ Rebecca kept her tone calm, despite feeling far from it. What the hell was her partner playing at? He was getting too involved. This was not good for him. Not good for the case.

‘She had a nightmare last night, while you were there?’

This was from Hickok.

‘Yeah, she did; scared the crap out of me. I thought someone was in the apartment trying to kill her.’

Hickok nodded, then to Rebecca’s surprise agreed with Jake.

‘Maybe it would be a good idea for her to talk to someone. Go ahead and set up the appointment.’

When Rebecca opened her mouth to argue, Hickok shot her a warning look to drop it.

‘Come on, Angell, let’s check out these letters, then we’ll look at the rest of the books.’

* * *

Jake was right to be suspicious about the letters. While they could be the work of a slightly deluded fan, they carried a sinister edge. Hickok gave them to Chalmers to send to the lab for prints and then the three of them worked through the morning, Jake joining Hickok and Rebecca after calling Shinnick.

The third book in the series was a creepy little tale about a wannabe vampire serial killer, who drained his victims of blood. Would this be the fate of the next victim? Rebecca closed her eyes briefly, opened them again to find Hickok watching her.

He gave a half grin, his expression unreadable and she felt something kick inside.

Breaking eye contact, she got to her feet; stretched again. Six years, she reminded herself. Six years with no contact. Besides, she was with Alan now. He was a good man; solid, honest and reliable. Whatever Hickok’s game, she was not going to play it and ruin what she had.

‘I need coffee,’ she said, needing a break from the room. Actually, she needed a shot of bourbon, but that would have to wait until she was done with work. ‘Who wants Starbucks?’

She noted down their orders and grabbed her purse, heading for the door and crashing straight into Rivers.

The younger agent had spent the morning with the janitor at Amy’s apartment block, going through footage from the one camera in the building that did work. It was a shitty job and one they were sure would lead nowhere due to the camera’s positioning, but Hickok had been hell-bent on making Rivers do it anyway. Judging from the excited grin on his face, maybe the long shot had paid off.

‘Whoa, Detective Angell, you need to stay for this. I’ve got us a breakthrough.’

Hickok looked up, irritated. ‘You’ve got us a breakthrough?’ he questioned dubiously. Rebecca paused in the doorway, waiting to hear what Rivers had to say.

He didn’t speak until Jake looked up, wanting his moment, wanting everyone’s undivided attention.

‘For chrissakes, Rivers, spit it out,’ Hickok snapped impatiently.

‘It’s Amy Gallaty’s ex-boyfriend – the one who moved to Chicago.’

‘You saw him on the camera footage?’ Rebecca asked, curious.

‘Not on the camera. I made some calls while we were trawling through the footage. You know, multitasking? I’m good at that.’ He grinned smugly at Hickok, who looked unimpressed. ‘I checked out David Gavin’s employers.’

It was a job on the list, but Rebecca would be the first to admit they hadn’t gotten to it yet; hadn’t figured it a priority.

‘Go on,’ Hickok said sharply.