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“I didn’t realize earlier you were an arrogant prick, Max. Correction, I did know but chose to ignore it. I won’t allow that to happen again. You’re also a liar, Max.”
I kept my hold firm, pulling her several inches over the table until our lips were almost touching. “I never lied to you about anything and I promise that I won’t in the future. I am an honorable man.”
“You think I’m going to fall for your lines of bullshit.”
“I think you want me to be demanding, ripping you away from your comfort zone.”
She huffed although the sparkle in her eyes gave her away. She’d longed for a dominating man. “Not a chance in hell.”
“We shall see about that. You are very beautiful, Kathleen, but in need of a strong man in your life.”
“I don’t need anyone, Maximillian, and you are an asshole.”
I released her, laughing softly before grabbing my drink. “As I said, we shall see, but you’re right. Work before pleasure. Tell me about the case since we are indeed going to be working together.”
She dragged her tongue across her lips, looking out the window and sipping on her drink before answering. “I found it interesting that you were right there at the scene of a vicious crime. I alsofindit fascinating that the deep scratches you had are completely healed. And don’t tell me it’s all about the lighting in this bar. Who and what are you?”
I hadn’t been expecting her statement or her question and lifted my glass. “Very nice, Detective Kelly. You are very observant. As I mentioned earlier, I was in the park looking for a suspect, a runaway fugitive. As far as the scratches, they were very superficial and I heal quickly. Just so you know, working together wasn’t my idea, Detective. Your captain made that decision entirely on his own.”
She shook her head, twisting her lovely mouth. “The fugitive you were after hadn’t been seen anywhere near the park. In fact, he was miles away. Don’t you think that’s a bit curious?” Her hand fluttered over her mouth. Still nervous. Very much excited.
“I had a tip and one I thought I should follow. Brody Miller is a killer. He has connections in the city as well as several outlying counties. In fact, he’s all but disappeared. I will track down every lead until I find him.” I laughed bitterly, remembering I’d been pulled off the case. “Well, another ATF agent will at least.”
“You were pulled off the case to work with me,” she mused. “What assholes. Or did they grow tired of your attitude?”
I glared at her, shaking my head. “I was pulled off a case I worked very hard on because this case is evidently vital to some important people. You bet it pissed me off. However, we both follow orders, Detective Kelly, whether we like them or not.”
She mulled over my answer, finally nodding. “Fair enough. I’m sorry you were pulled off.”
“Don’t be. Neither of us have control over politicians. Have you ID’d the last victim yet?” My answer seemed to amuse her.
“His name was Michael Beals. I was able to locate his sister who lives in Florida. While I didn’t explain the graphic circumstances, I did get her consent to allowing us to perform an autopsy.”
“What are you hoping to find?”
Kathleen shrugged, her gaze shifting to the street. “I’m not entirely certain. It’s obvious how he was killed. Maybe I’m hoping for a miracle.”
“Kathleen, I have to ask, why were you in that park alone?”
“I told you, I heard the call come in.”
“Uh-huh. Your captain was certainly displeased with your behavior. That seems to be an issue that you have, not following rules. The most intriguing aspect is that you certainly didn’t seem to be afraid of an attack from the wild animal tearing people apart.”
Kathleen burst into laughter. “Believe what you want, and an animal? So, you’re one of those.”
“Meaning?”
“You honestly believe an animal attacked those people? Ridiculous. Trust me, those poor innocent people were attacked by a disgusting human disguising themselves as a monster. Now, from what I’ve been able to determine, I am talking about a very large and powerful man, capable of crushing a man’s windpipe with his hands alone. From the angles of the attacks, I would say at least six foot four, maybe two hundred and fifty pounds. Granted, the claw marks mutilating the victims’ faces are original from other killers, I will give him that, but the necessary equipment is easy to create in any garage setting.”
I was floored at not only her assumptions but her ability to assess the murders in an entirely different manner than I was used to. “Fascinating. You believe some crazed killer premeditated the kills. Okay,” I mused, tapping my fingers on the table. “Then I assume you have evidence to back this rather creative theory up.”
“Oh, absolutely.” She swirled her glass before taking a sip, acting as if she had all the answers.
What bothered me was that I knew she’d caught a glimpse of both my beast as well as the rogue wolf. Maybe her psyche refused to acknowledge what she’d seen. Then again, was she denying or simply goading me into providing answers because of her distrust of me? “Then I will come by your office in the morning. I will be very curious to see what you’ve gathered.”
“You seem surprised, Agent Cordero. You don’t think a plain little Denver detective has the skills to find answers so quickly?”
Every word that came out of her mouth was intended to fuel my anger. “Not at all. You are very good at what you do, Kathleen.”
