AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Kinley nodded slowly, and the ends of her hair fell in damp waves around her jawline. “I’ve always assumed he worked alone, but it’s an interesting concept. Having someone on the inside to help him stay hidden would certainly be one way to evade being identified and captured. Or if he was in a position where he had access to information, he could stay one step ahead of law enforcement.”
“That’s what I’m thinking, too.” He pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose and focused on Kinley.
She lifted her arms, resting her elbows on the table. “I’d like to review the security feed, too.”
He nodded, tilting his head slightly to the side. “I was hoping you’d say that. No one jumped out at me. You might recognize something or someone I didn’t, though.” They’d be far more productive if they worked together, and Kinley knew the Kingston Town Killer better than anyone, most likely. “I thought you might have an issue with me pulling the footage before the warrant. I know it’s against protocol.”
“I do like to clear the red tape before taking action, but the victims I get justice for are already deceased. We’re hunting for a pedophile, a serial child killer whose psychological profile tells us he won’t stop. I don’t like those odds. I’d rather deal with any disciplinary action than have one victim on my conscience.” A hard glint came into her eyes. Another box checked in Kinley’s list of admirable qualities. She cared more about potential lives lost than getting written up for bending the rules.
The screen of Kinley’s cell phone lit up a second before the trill of an incoming call. She reached for it, but not before he noticed his brother’s name on the screen.
“Lambert, I’m going to put you on speaker,” she said, taking her phone away from her ear and setting it on the table between them.
“Any trouble overnight?” There was a hint of stress in Gus’s voice. Easton had messaged him last night to let him know of the overly aggressive reporters and the IP address of the first email.
“No. Did Easton tell you about the location where the first email was sent?” She lifted her eyes, gaze falling on him.
His brother hissed out a breath. “It’s too close.”
“Tell me about it.” Kinley scrubbed her hands over her face. If there were anything he could do to ease the stress creasing her forehead, he’d do it in a heartbeat. “Is that the reason you’re calling, though?”
“Not really.” Gus sighed. “Got to work just now, and the parking area is gridlocked with media vans. I think you should consider working remotely today. Whoever contacted the news stations knew what they were doing. They wanted to disrupt your life. This is personal.”
“And yet, would the Kingston Town Killer go to these lengths for revenge? If he knew your whereabouts, why not ambush you?” As soon as the words were out, Easton regretted them. She didn’t need the mental image of someone hiding in a bush waiting to snatch her. “Last night’s homicide victim was an adult. Our suspect’s interests veer toward a much younger population. Why wouldn’t he have gone back to his typical pattern and let Kinley find the body?”
The woman across from him didn’t even flinch, and it wasn’t because she was callous. She was determined and focused on the job at hand. The more time he spent with her, the more impressed he became. She was able to compartmentalize the fear and anxiety she must be experiencing.
“I’ve had the same thought, too,” Kinley murmured. Her chair slid against the floor as she stood and placed her hands on her hips.
“You have been the arresting officer in many homicide cases. Some have gone to court in the last month alone. We shouldn’t rule out retaliation.” Filing cabinets sliding open, fingers tapping on keyboards, and the static of radios buzzed over the line.
“Or a stalker. Do you have anyone who would want to hurt you? Any past relationships that didn’t end well?” He didn’t want to ask about men she’d been with. The burning sensation curling in his chest made him take pause. He wasn’t a jealous person, and it wasn’t like he was in a relationship with Kinley. No matter how appealing she was, he had to remember she’d come to him for help. He wasn’t going to let her down. Wasn’t going to let the bureau down by getting sidetracked with thoughts about how good it felt to hold her in his arms. When Kinley shook her head, though, relief doused the agitated stir within him.
“There’s something else.” The wariness in his brother’s voice made him tense. He stood and rounded the table to stand beside her. “A partial print was found on the collar of the shirt. We’re running that through the system now. The other prints on the shirt that came back more quickly. They’re yours, Kinley.”
At her sharp intake of breath, he put his hand on the small of her back. She stilled, body rigid beneath his fingers.
“I didn’t touch the body,” she said in a quiet voice. “Where were my prints located?”
“The left shoulder.” Gus’s tone dropped an octave. Someone must’ve entered the room—someone he didn’t want overhearing their conversation. “I know you had nothing to do with this, but I wanted to warn you that the lieutenant will be calling. Despite trying to convince him otherwise, he wants you suspended with pay while things are being sorted out. You have to be careful.”
“This is a nightmare,” Kinley mumbled, numbness clinging to each syllable.
He clenched his teeth. She shouldn’t have to go through this.
Unfortunately, he was afraid the nightmare was just getting started, and someone was taking great joy in putting Kinley through psychological torment. They needed to put a stop to it before the perpetrator got their hands on her.
