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Fiona nodded, relieved that they were making progress. "Thank you, Doctor. We'll be sure to keep your name out of it."
As they left the estate, Fiona's mind raced with possibilities. They were closing in on the killer, but there was no telling what they might do next. The thought of another innocent victim falling prey to the killer's twisted sense of justice made her stomach churn with anger.
But if Fitzgerald was right, and Abigail's ex-boyfriend Matt was the next target--then it might not be too late to save him.
CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR
Within the hour, they were outside of Matt's house.
Fiona held her breath and watched as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the front lawn of the house. Jake had called Abigail and gotten Matt's full name and address--Matt Simmons. Despite the summer heat, Fiona felt a chill in the air.
The house itself was modest, with peeling white paint and a slightly overgrown yard. Apparently, Matt had left Abigail after a miscarriage, which was a terrible thing. But it didn't give someone else the right to kill Matt.
"So, this is where the ex-boyfriend lives," Jake said, turning off the engine of their car parked just down the street. Fiona looked at him, noting the determination in his eyes and the slight tension in his jaw. He was focused, as always, but she knew he was also concerned about her wellbeing.
"Let's do this," Fiona replied with quiet resolve, pushing aside her own fears and doubts for now. They both stepped out of the vehicle and as they approached the front porch, Fiona could sense the unease in the air, like a dark cloud hanging over them.
"Alright, here's the plan," Jake whispered, glancing around to make sure no one was watching. "We explain the situation to him – how we think he might be targeted by this killer who's going after people who've abandoned others."
"Because he left his former partner when she needed him most, he could be next on the hit list," Fiona continued, her voice barely above a whisper as they climbed the steps leading to the door.
"Exactly," Jake agreed, nodding toward the two police cars that were parked up the street. "We'll offer him protective custody, keep him safe until we can figure out what's going on."
Fiona took a deep breath and knocked on the door. A few moments later, it creaked open to reveal a tall, thin man with unkempt hair and a week's worth of stubble. He regarded them warily, his eyes flicking between Fiona and Jake.
"Can I help you?" he asked, his voice laced with suspicion.
"Mr. Matt Simmons," Jake began, flashing his FBI badge. "I'm Agent Jake Tucker, and this is my partner, Fiona Red. We need to talk to you, and it's urgent."
"Urgent?" Matt scoffed, crossing his arms over his chest. "What is it? This isn't about Abigail, is it? She's been calling me nonstop, but I've been ignoring her..."
"Sir, we believe that a serial killer is targeting individuals who have abandoned their loved ones in times of need," Fiona explained, her voice steady despite the gravity of the situation. "We talked to Abigail and the clinic she's been receiving therapy from. We think the killer has been choosing his victims based on this."
"Are you kidding me?" Matt laughed bitterly. "This is some kind of joke, right? You're saying there's a killer out there hunting down people like me? That's ridiculous."
"Mr. Simmons, please listen to us," Jake implored, his expression deadly serious. "We've already seen three victims who fit the profile, and we don't want you to be next. We can protect you if you come with us."
"Protect me?" Mr. Simmons snorted, his face turning red with anger. "I don't need your protection. I can take care of myself just fine."
Fiona's heart dropped as she watched the man's bravado turn into stubbornness. She knew they couldn't force him to come with them, but they had to keep trying. Lives were at stake.
"Mr. Simmons, please reconsider," she pleaded. "We're trying to prevent any more tragedies from happening. We can keep you safe, but we need your cooperation."
Matt's expression softened slightly as he regarded Fiona. "I...I don't know what to say," he stuttered, looking down at his feet. "I never thought something like this would happen."
"We understand," Jake said, stepping forward. "But we need to act fast. If you're in danger, we can't leave you unguarded."
Matt looked up at them, his eyes filled with uncertainty. Fiona could tell he was struggling with the idea of being a target. She knew it was a lot to take in, but they didn't have much time.
"We understand your skepticism, but the threat is real," Fiona said softly, her gaze locked onto his. "Please, let us help you."
For a moment, Matt hesitated, his eyes darting between Fiona and Jake as if weighing his options. Finally, he sighed and nodded, his shoulders slumping in defeat.
"Alright," he muttered, resigned. "I'll go with you. Just give me a minute to grab some things."
***
With Matt Simmons safely tucked away in protective custody, Jake and Fiona prepared to stake out the house, hoping to catch the killer as he arrived. They settled into Jake's unmarked car, parked just up the street, as the last rays of sunlight dipped below the horizon. The streetlights flickered to life, casting eerie shadows across the quiet suburban neighborhood.
