Ry ker’s heart wrenched. “The guy shot eleven bullet s at y ou, Nic. Eleven!” Her ey es closed a n d sh e n odded. “ I ...
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Ry ker’s heart wrenched. “The guy shot eleven bullet s at y ou, Nic. Eleven!” Her ey es closed a n d sh e n odded. “ I k n ow . I h ea r d t h em .” Ry k er ’s h ea r t squ eezed so t ig h t ly in h is ch est t h a t h e n ea r ly g a sped. She heard them . Cr ou ch in g t h er e, n ot k n ow in g if t h e n ex t bu llet w ou ld be t h e on e t h a t h it h er . Not k n ow in g if a n y on e cou ld sa v e h er . “ Da m n it !” Sh e cr in g ed. “ A h , Nic. Don ’t .” He pu sh ed a st r a n d of h a ir ba ck fr om h er fa ce a n d br u sh ed t h e ba ck s of h is fin g er s a g a in st h er ch eek . “ I t h ou g h t —” W h a t ? He’d t h ou g h t w h a t ? T h a t h e’d die if sh e w er e h u r t ? T h a t h e’d g ot t en h er k illed? T h a t in t h a t in st a n t w h en h e’d h ea r d h er sm a ll, br a v e v oice a sk in g for h is h elp, h e’d fa llen in lov e w it h h er ? No! W h a t k in d of t h in k in g w a s t h a t ? Sh e w a s a v ict im of a cr im e. His job w a s t o pr ot ect h er . T h a t w a s it . T h a t h a d t o be it . He pu lled h is fin g er s a w a y .
MALLORY KANE
DOUBLE-EDGED DETECTIVE
T o m y m ot h er , w h o on ly ev er w ish ed t h e best for m e.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Ma llor y h a s t w o v er y g ood r ea son s for lov in g r ea din g a n d w r it in g . Her m ot h er w a s a libr a r ia n , w h o t a u g h t h er t o lov e a n d r espect book s a s a pr eciou s r esou r ce. A n d h er fa t h er is a n a m a zin g st or y t eller w h o ca n h old a n a u dien ce spellbou n d for h ou r s. Sh e lov es r om a n t ic su spen se w it h da n g er ou s h er oes a n d da u n t less h er oin es, a n d lov es t o in cor por a t e h er m edica l k n ow ledg e for a n ex t r a dose of in t r ig u e. Ma llor y liv es in Mississippi w it h h er com pu t er -g en iu s h u sba n d, t h eir t w o fa scin a t in g ca t s a n d, a t cu r r en t cou n t , eig h t com pu t er s. Sh e lov es t o h ea r fr om r ea der s. Y ou ca n w r it e h er m a llor y @m a llor y k a n e.com or v ia Ha r lequ in Book s.
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Books by Mallory Kane HA RLEQUIN INT RIGUE 9 2 7 —COV ERT MA KEOV ER 9 6 5 —SIX -GUN INV EST IGA T ION 9 9 2 —JUROR NO. 7 1 0 2 1 —A FA T HER’S SA CRIFICE 1 0 3 7 —SILENT GUA RDIA N 1 0 6 9 —T HE HEA RT OF BRODY MCQUA DE 1 0 8 6 —SOLV ING T HE MY ST ERIOUS ST RA NGER 1 1 0 3 —HIGH SCHOOL REUNION 1 1 5 8 —HIS BEST FRIEND’S BA BY † 1 1 6 2 —T HE SHA RPSHOOT ER’S SECRET SON † 1 1 6 8 —T HE COLONEL’S W IDOW ? † 1 1 8 0 —CLA SSIFIED COW BOY 1 2 0 3 —HER BODY GUA RD *
1 2 3 7 —DOUBLE-EDGED DET ECT IV E
CAST OF CHARACTERS Ryker Delancey—T h is con fiden t la w m a n is a ft er a ser ia l k iller . Fou r w om en h a v e died. On ly on e su r v iv ed. Ry k er w ill g la dly la y h is life on t h e lin e t o k eep h is on ly liv in g v ict im sa fe. Bu t bein g w it h h er 2 4 /7 cou ld ea sily t u r n m or e per son a l t h a n pr ofession a l. Nicole Beckham—W it h t h e a n n iv er sa r y of h er a t t a ck loom in g , a n d a sex y det ect iv e pr ot ect in g h er , Nicole sh ou ld feel per fect ly sa fe. Bu t sh e doesn ’t . Ry k er Dela n cey m a y sa feg u a r d h er life, bu t h is closen ess cou ld br ea k h er h ea r t . Reilly Delancey—Ry k er ’s t w in br ot h er h a s a lw a y s been on e st ep beh in d h is sev en -m in u t es-older br ot h er . Bu t t h eir r iv a lr y n ev er in t er fer es w it h t h eir jobs. W h en Ry k er n eeds Reilly ’s h elp, h e ca n cou n t on h im . Mike Davis —T h e big Depu t y Ch ief isn ’t con v in ced t h a t t h er e’s a ser ia l k iller in St . T a m m a n y Pa r ish . W ill h is r efu sa l t o pr ov ide pr ot ect ion for Nicole sig n h er dea t h w a r r a n t ? A lbert Mos er—His da u g h t er w a s m u r der ed fiv e y ea r s befor e. He beg g ed t h e police t o fin d t h e m a n w h o k illed h er , bu t t h ey w r ot e h er dea t h off a s a m u g g in g . How fa r w ill t h e g r iev in g fa t h er g o in sea r ch of ju st ice for h is da u g h t er ? T ed Dagewood—T h e big , g ood-look in g police det ect iv e is obn ox iou s a n d a r r og a n t . Bu t h e’s a g ood cop, isn ’t h e? Fred Samhurs t—Det ect iv e Sa m h u r st ca u g h t A u t u m n Moser ’s m u r der ca se, a n d t ook t h e ea sy w a y ou t , w r it in g it u p a s a m u g g in g . Is t h e cop ju st la zy ? Or cou ld t h er e be a n ot h er r ea son ?
Job Was hington—T h e ow n er of t h e r est a u r a n t w h er e Nicole is a ch ef w a t ch es a ft er h er lik e a da u g h t er . Bu t w h en t h e ch ips a r e dow n , w ill Job be t h er e for h er ?
Contents Ch a pt er On e Ch a pt er T wo Ch a pt er T h r ee Ch a pt er Fou r Ch a pt er Fi v e Ch a pt er Si x Ch a pt er Sev en Ch a pt er Ei gh t Ch a pt er Ni n e Ch a pt er T en Ch a pt er El ev en Ch a pt er T wel v e Ch a pt er T h i r t een Ch a pt er Fou r t een
Chapter One A lber t Moser sa t in h is w or n ea sy ch a ir w it h h is da u g h t er s’ ph ot o a lbu m on h is la p. It bu lg ed w it h ph ot os, sn a psh ot s a n d sm a ll r em em br a n ces of h a ppy t im es a n d pla ces. Ch r ist m a s Leig h a n d A u t u m n Ly n n , ea ch n a m ed for t h e t im e of y ea r t h ey w er e bor n . Moser slid h is fin g er s a lon g t h e edg e of t h e pa g es. T h e fir st h a lf of t h e a lbu m w a s a bou t h is da u g h t er s’ liv es. He’d dev ot ed t h e la st h a lf of t h e book t o som et h in g else en t ir ely . He look ed u p a t t h e ca len da r h e’d h u n g on t h e w a ll n ex t t o h is T V so h e cou ld w a t ch t h e m on t h s, t h e w eek s, t h e da y s g o by . A n d t h ey h a d. Som eh ow , h e’d m a de it t h r ou g h a n ot h er y ea r . Som eh ow , it w a s Oct ober a g a in . He flipped ov er t o t h e ba ck of t h e a lbu m , w h er e h e’d pa st ed n ew spa per clippin g s, n ot es a n d ba by ph ot os. Beh in d t h em , st u ck bet w een t w o pa g es, w a s a sm a ll st a ck of in su r a n ce for m s. Fou r y ea r s a g o, t h e st a ck h a d seem ed h u g e. Du r in g h is ca r eer , h e’d sold a lot of life in su r a n ce policies t o pa r en t s for t h eir n ew bor n s. T h en , w h en Ru dolfo Gom ez h a d r et ir ed, A lber t h a d t a k en ov er h is cu st om er s, t oo. On ce h e’d cu lled ou t t h e m a les a n d t h e people w h o h a d m ov ed a w a y or died, t h e st a ck h a d dw in dled t o t en . He cou n t ed. On ly six w er e left . Six policies t a k en ou t a t bir t h on six ba by g ir ls. Now t h ey w er e g r ow n . Y ou n g w om en w it h t h eir liv es a h ea d of t h em , ju st lik e h is A u t u m n . A n d lik e h is da u g h t er , t h ey h a d n o idea t h a t on e of t h em h a d on ly a few da y s t o liv e. A lber t Moser sig h ed. He didn ’t w a n t t o do it . T h e w eig h t of t h e w om en ’s liv es w a s h ea v y on h is sh ou lder s. He w a sn ’t su r e h e cou ld st a n d u n der t h e w eig h t of a n ot h er on e. It h a d been fou r
y ea r s. For a br ief m om en t , h e con sider ed t u r n in g h im self in a n d beg g in g t h em t o fin d h is da u g h t er ’s k iller . He’d t r ied beg g in g . Bu t t h e police h a d dism issed A u t u m n ’s m u r der a s a m u g g in g . He k n ew it w a sn ’t . He ju st k new it . T h e t eleph on e r a n g . A lber t st a r t ed a n d a lm ost dr opped t h e a lbu m . He didn ’t h a v e t o w on der w h o w a s ca llin g . It w a s Ch r ist y . His older da u g h t er w a s t h e on ly on e w h o ev er ca lled h im . He pick ed u p t h e h a n dset . “ Da d? Hi. How a r e y ou ?” “ I’m ok a y . How ’r e y ou doin g ? Is it cold in Bost on ?” “ A lw a y s,” sh e sa id w it h a la u g h . Her low , slig h t ly h u sk y v oice r em in ded h im of h er m ot h er . “ So h ow a r e y ou doin g ? A r e y ou ea t in g ? T a k in g ca r e of y ou r self?” “ I’m doin g ok a y .” “ Da d, y ou n eed t o g et ou t . W h y don ’t y ou ca ll som e of y ou r bu ddies a n d pla y som e g olf?” A lber t didn ’t a n sw er . Ch r ist y h a d been pu sh in g h im ev er sin ce A u t u m n ’s dea t h t o g et ou t , g et som e ex er cise, see som e of h is old fr ien ds. “ W ell, I ju st w a n t ed t o ca ll a n d see h ow y ou a r e, a n d—” “ A u t u m n ’s bir t h da y ’s in six da y s,” A lber t in t er ject ed. “ Sh e’d be t w en t y -six n ow , y ou k n ow .” “ I k n ow .” Ch r ist y sig h ed. “ Da d, I ca lled t on ig h t beca u se I’m lea v in g for Ger m a n y t om or r ow . I’ll be g on e for a w eek . I’m spea k in g a t t h e Ch ildr en ’s Hea lt h Issu es Su m m it in Mu n ich .” “ Ok a y .” “ T h in k a bou t com in g t o Bost on for Ch r ist m a s, Da d. I ca n ’t g et t im e off. Ch r ist m a s is a lw a y s a bu sy t im e for pedia t r icia n s. Bu t w e cou ld sig h t see, g o t o som e g ood r est a u r a n t s.” “ I’ll see,” A lber t sa id. He sh u ffled t h e in su r a n ce for m s h e h eld, look in g a t t h e bir t h da t es on t h e policies. “ Y ou k n ow , Ch r ist y , t h e police st ill a r en ’t doin g a n y t h in g a bou t A u t u m n ’s
m u r der .” “ Da d—” “ Sh e w a s m u r der ed. Y ou k n ow h ow sca r ed sh e w a s of t h a t m a n sh e w a s seein g . He k illed h er . I’m su r e of it .” “ Da d, plea se st op t r y in g t o fig u r e ou t w h o it w a s. It ’s ea t in g y ou u p in side.” “ Y ou ’r e r ig h t t h er e. It is.” “ T h in k a bou t com in g u p h er e for Ch r ist m a s.” “ I’ll t h in k a bou t it .” Ch r ist y sa id g oodby e a n d h u n g u p, lea v in g A lber t feelin g m or e lon ely t h a n h e h a d befor e sh e ca lled. Her v oice ech oed t h r ou g h t h e em pt y h ou se. It’s eating you up ins ide. Y es, it w a s. A n d t h er e w a s on ly on e t h in g t h a t w ou ld st op t h e g n a w in g pa in . He h a d t o con t in u e h is cr u sa de. Ev en t u a lly , t h e police w ou ld look ba ck a n d k n ow h e’d been r ig h t a ll a lon g . A u t u m n Moser w a s m u r der ed. T h en t h ey ’d r ea lize t h a t t h ese y ou n g w om en w ou ldn ’t h a v e h a d t o die if t h ey ’d pa id a t t en t ion t o h im . T h ey ’d be sor r y t h ey ’d dism issed h im .
DETECTIVE RYKER DELANCEY polish ed off t h e la st bit e of Coqu illes St . Ja cqu es a n d t ook a fin a l sip of w in e. He sa t ba ck a n d g la n ced a t h is w a t ch . A lm ost elev en o’clock . Closin g t im e. On ly a few la t e din er s w er e st ill lin g er in g ov er coffee or desser t a t L’Or a g e. It h a dn ’t been ea sy t o a da pt t o ea t in g din n er so la t e, bu t w it h t h e a n n iv er sa r y da t e a bou t t o r oll a r ou n d, Ry k er w a sn ’t t a k in g a n y ch a n ces w it h h is on ly liv in g v ict im . Spea k in g of—a fa m ilia r fig u r e in a w h it e coa t em er g ed fr om t h e k it ch en . Nicole Beck h a m . Sh e sm iled a s sh e g r eet ed a cou ple a few t a bles a w a y . Ry k er h a d n o t r ou ble h ea r in g t h eir con v er sa t ion in t h e su bdu ed, in t im a t e a t m osph er e of t h e
u psca le con t in en t a l r est a u r a n t . T h e t w o w er e r eg u la r s, a n d t h ey a lw a y s a sk ed t o spea k t o t h e ch ef. Nicole a lw a y s r espon ded t h e sa m e w a y . “ I’m so h a ppy y ou en joy ed it . It ’s a lw a y s w on der fu l t o see y ou .” Nicole’s g r een ey es spa r k led w it h g en u in e plea su r e. Her pix ieish fa ce lit u p w h en sh e sm iled. Sh e a ct ed a s if t h e cou ple w er e t h e on ly people in t h e r oom . Ry k er g la n ced a r ou n d a t t h e lin g er in g din er s. A w om a n h e’d seen a few t im es befor e w a s r ea din g w h a t look ed lik e a leg a l br ief a s sh e a t e. A s h e w a t ch ed, sh e g la n ced u p a t Nicole, t h en pu lled ou t h er cell ph on e. Sh e spok e br iefly t h en set it dow n beside h er pla t e a n d w en t ba ck t o h er r ea din g . T h r ee t a bles bey on d h er a y ou n g cou ple w er e feedin g ea ch ot h er w h it e ch ocola t e br ea d pu ddin g a n d k isses. Ry k er k n ew h ow t h eir ev en in g w a s g oin g t o en d. His g a ze t r a v eled t o t h e la st pa t r on , a r eg u la r in h is m idfift ies w h o w a s look in g a t h is w a t ch a n d w ipin g h is m ou t h a t t h e sa m e t im e. T h e m a n g la n ced u p a n d m et Ry k er ’s g a ze. He n odded, t h en folded h is n a pk in a n d r ea ch ed in t o h is ba ck pock et for h is w a llet . Ry k er g la n ced ba ck a t Nicole, ju st a s sh e t u r n ed t ow a r d t h e k it ch en . Her g a ze m et h is a n d ju st lik e ev er y t im e sh e sa w h im , h er ey es w iden ed for a n in st a n t , a n d t h en h er sm ile fa ded. Ry k er ’s m ou t h t w ist ed w r y ly . No w a r m g r eet in g or da zzlin g sm ile for h im . Sh e didn ’t w a n t h im in h er r est a u r a n t . He cou ldn ’t bla m e h er . Sh e’d in for m ed h im in n o u n cer t a in t er m s t h e fir st t im e h e’d sh ow ed u p h er e t h a t seein g h im br ou g h t ba ck t h e m em or y of h er a t t a ck a y ea r a g o. He r eg r et t ed t h a t . Bu t h e w a sn ’t a bou t t o lea v e h er a lon e a n d u n pr ot ect ed. Especia lly n ow , on ly on e w eek befor e t h e a n n iv er sa r y da t e of h er h om e in v a sion . Sin ce t h a t fir st con fr on t a t ion , sh e’d been polit e, bu t a loof. He’d n ev er g on e ou t of h is w a y t o spea k t o h er . In fa ct h e r a r ely
sa w h er beca u se sh e r a r ely em er g ed fr om t h e k it ch en . St ill, h e k n ew sh e w a s t h er e, a n d t h a t m a de h im feel bet t er . If sh e w a s t h er e a t t h e r est a u r a n t , cook in g , t h en sh e w a s sa fe. A s h e set h is n a pk in beside h is pla t e a n d g la n ced a r ou n d for h is w a it er , h e sa w h er t u r n on h er h eel a n d h ea d h is w a y w it h a det er m in ed g lin t in h er ey e. Lea n in g ba ck ca su a lly , h e w a it ed t o see w h a t sh e w a s g oin g t o do. Sh e w ou ldn ’t m a k e a scen e. Sh e w a s ex ecu t iv e ch ef. It w ou ld be in ba d t a st e. “ Det ect iv e Dela n cey ,” sh e g r eet ed h im in h er low v oice. “ Ca ll m e Ry k er ,” h e offer ed, a s h e h a d on ea ch of t h e few occa sion s sh e’d spok en t o h im . “ I h ope y ou en joy ed y ou r din n er .” Sh e cr ossed h er a r m s a n d lift ed h er ch in . Sh e n o m or e h oped h e en joy ed h is din n er t h a n sh e h oped h e’d com e ba ck t om or r ow n ig h t , a n d t h e n ex t a n d t h e n ex t . “ I did,” h e sa id polit ely . “ My com plim en t s t o t h e ch ef.” Her lips t ig h t en ed. “ Y ou ’v e been com in g in la t er t h e pa st t w o w eek s or so.” It sou n ded lik e a n a ccu sa t ion . “ I’m fla t t er ed y ou n ot iced.” “ Don ’t be.” He sm iled. “ I’v e been w or k in g la t er . W e’r e sh or t h a n ded.” A flick er of h er ey elids t old h im sh e didn ’t lik e t h a t a n sw er . Or believ e it . He w on der ed h ow sh e w ou ld r ea ct if h e t old h er t h e w h ole t r u t h . Y es, t h ey w er e sh or t h a n ded, bu t t h e r ea l r ea son h e’d been din in g la t er w a s so h e cou ld w a it ou t side t h e r est a u r a n t u n t il it closed, a n d w a t ch h er u n t il sh e w a s sa fely in side h er a pa r t m en t t h r ee block s a w a y . Sh e w a s h is on ly liv in g con n ect ion t o a k iller h e w a s con v in ced h a d com m it t ed t h r ee m u r der s of y ou n g w om en in t h e pa st fou r y ea r s. Ea ch k illin g h a d occu r r ed du r in g t h e fou r t h w eek in Oct ober , a n d t h e on ly r ea son t h e k iller w a sn ’t fou r for fou r w a s beca u se Nicole’s r oom m a t e h a d com e h om e ea r ly a n d
in t er r u pt ed h im . Bu t w it h a ll t h e ev iden ce h e h a d, h e st ill cou ldn ’t con v in ce h is ch ief t h a t t h e m u r der s w er e t h e w or k of on e m a n . Depu t y Ch ief Mik e Da v is n eeded m or e t h a n ju st t h e coin ciden ce of t h e da t es. “ Ma y I sit ?” Nicole a sk ed, g est u r in g t o a ch a ir . He n odded. W h a t w a s sh e u p t o? Ju dg in g by t h e t in y w r in k le bet w een h er br ow s, sh e w a s w or r ied a bou t som et h in g . He h oped it w a s h er sa fet y . Sh e sa t on t h e edg e of t h e ch a ir a n d r est ed h er cla sped h a n ds on t h e t a blet op. “ I don ’t m ea n t o be r u de, bu t w h y a r e y ou h er e ev er y n ig h t ?” “ I’m n ot h er e ev er y n ig h t .” Sh e g la r ed a t h im . “ Pr a ct ica lly . Y ou som et im es m iss T h u r sda y s, a n d w e’r e closed on Mon da y s, bu t t h e r est of t h e w eek …” Sh e sh r u g g ed. “ I m ea n , t h e food h er e isn ’t ex a ct ly ch ea p. Or low -ca lor ie.” “ A r e y ou ca llin g m e fa t ?” “ Of cou r se n ot . I—” “ Y ou ’r e w on der in g h ow a St . T a m m a n y Pa r ish Sh er iff’s Office det ect iv e ca n a ffor d t o ea t lik e t h is ev er y da y ?” Her ch eek s t u r n ed r ed. “ I t old y ou I’d k eep a n ey e on y ou .” “ A n d I t old y ou t h a t w a sn ’t n ecessa r y .” He g la n ced dow n a t h er en t w in ed fin g er s. T h e k n u ck les w er e w h it e. Sh e spr ea d h er fin g er s, t h en squ eezed t h em a g a in . He w a it ed. Fin a lly sh e spok e, h er v oice m u t ed. “ I h ea r d w h a t y ou sa id t h a t n ig h t , a bou t t h e ot h er w om en .” Ry k er cu r sed silen t ly . He k n ew ex a ct ly w h a t n ig h t sh e m ea n t , a n d w h a t con v er sa t ion . Sh e w a s r efer r in g t o t h e n ig h t t h e k iller h a d br ok en in t o h er a pa r t m en t . He h a dn ’t m ea n t for a n y on e t h er e t o ov er h ea r h is t eleph on e con v er sa t ion , cer t a in ly
n ot h er , t h e v ict im . He’d been t r y in g t o t a lk h is ch ief in t o let t in g h im com bin e t h e ca ses, n ow t h a t h e h a d a liv e v ict im . “ Y ou w er en ’t su pposed t o h ea r t h a t . It h a d n ot h in g t o do w it h y ou .” T h a t w a s a lie. It h a d ev er y t h in g t o do w it h h er . Her g a ze t old h im sh e k n ew it . “ I’m n ot st u pid, Det ect iv e. Y ou t a lk ed a bou t com bin in g m u r der ca ses. Y ou sa id I w a s dam ned luck y t o be a liv e. A n d y ou sa id m y a t t a ck w a s t h e fou r t h in fou r y ea r s, a ll du r in g t h e fou r t h w eek of Oct ober .” Sh e pa u sed a n d h er ey es bor ed in t o h is. “ Y ou t h in k t h e m a n w h o br ok e in t o m y a pa r t m en t k illed t h ose ot h er w om en .” Ry k er clen ch ed h is ja w . How w a s h e su pposed t o a n sw er h er ? He’d been g iv en specific or der s by Depu t y Ch ief Mik e Da v is t o dr op h is cr u sa de t o con n ect t h e m u r der s. “ Obv iou sly , n ex t w eek w ill be t h e fou r t h w eek in Oct ober . If y ou ’r e r ig h t a bou t h im , t h a t m ea n s h e’ll k ill a g a in .” Her ey es n a r r ow ed. “ Y ou ’r e h er e beca u se y ou t h in k h e’ll com e a ft er m e, a r en ’t y ou ?” Ry k er open ed h is m ou t h , bu t im m edia t ely closed it a n d g r it t ed h is t eet h . He cou ldn ’t den y h er w or ds, bu t h e didn ’t w a n t t o con fir m t h em , eit h er . He w a sn ’t su r e w h y t h e k iller h a dn ’t t r ied a g a in t o k ill Nicole. He’d lik e t o t h in k it w a s beca u se t h e m a n didn ’t k n ow w h er e sh e w a s, bu t t h a t w a s h ig h ly u n lik ely . Her n a m e h a d been in t h e pa per a n d on t elev ision t h e da y a ft er t h e br ea k -in . A cr oss fr om h im , Nicole sw a llow ed a u dibly . “ W h y h a sn ’t h e com e a ft er m e a lr ea dy ?” sh e a sk ed a s if r ea din g h is m in d. Ry k er ’s ow n m ou t h w en t dr y a t h er qu est ion . He sh ook h is h ea d. “ I don ’t k n ow . He’s obsessiv e. T h e fa ct t h a t h e on ly k ills on ce a y ea r a t t est s t o t h a t . For w h a t ev er r ea son , t h e la st fu ll w eek in Oct ober h a s som e ex t r em ely im por t a n t m ea n in g for h im .” “ T h is w eek ,” sh e m u t t er ed. “ W h a t do y ou su g g est I do?”
“ Get ou t of t ow n , pr efer a bly per m a n en t ly , bu t a t lea st for t h e n ex t w eek or t w o.” “ I ca n ’t do t h a t .” Nicole bit h er low er lip a n d look ed dow n a t h er h a n ds, t h en peer ed u p a t h im , h er g r een ey es h a r d a s ja de. “ I bou g h t dou ble-lock in g dea d bolt s, ev en for t h e ba lcon y door s. If y ou w a n t t o, y ou cou ld ch eck t h em . See if t h ey ’r e st r on g en ou g h . I cou ld m a k e y ou a cu p of coffee.” Ry k er g r im a ced in w a r dly . T h er e w er e v er y few t h in g s in t h e w or ld h e’d r a t h er do t h a n g et t o k n ow Nicole Beck h a m bet t er . He cou ldn ’t den y t h e sex u a l a t t r a ct ion h e’d felt for h er ev er sin ce h e’d fir st seen h er a y ea r a g o, w h en h e’d r espon ded t o t h e 9 1 1 ca ll a bou t t h e br ea k -in . Nicole Beck h a m w a s st u n n in g in a n u n der st a t ed w a y . Her h a ir w a s t h e color of old g old, a n d cu t w eir dly —sh or t er in ba ck t h a n in fr on t . It su it ed h er sm a ll, sh a r p fea t u r es a n d h ea r t sh a ped fa ce. If t h in g s w er e differ en t , h e’d a ccept h er in v it a t ion in a h ea r t bea t . Bu t t h in g s w er en ’t differ en t . He w a s a det ect iv e w it h t h e m a jor cr im es div ision of t h e St . T a m m a n y Pa r ish Sh er iff’s Office, a n d sh e w a s t h e v ict im of a cr im e. T h er e w a s n o w a y t h ey w ou ld ev er h a v e a n y ot h er r ela t ion sh ip t h a n t h a t . A s m u ch a s h e w ish ed h e cou ld sa y y es, h e sh ook h is h ea d. He cou ldn ’t g o w it h h er t o h er a pa r t m en t for m or e t h a n on e r ea son . If t h e k iller w a s w a t ch in g h er , h e’d be t ipped off t h a t sh e h a d a body g u a r d. Not t o m en t ion t h a t t h e g u y m a y h a v e seen Ry k er befor e, a t ot h er cr im e scen es. Ser ia l k iller s w er e n ot or iou s for v isit in g cr im e scen es in t h e g u ise of a n in n ocen t on look er . T h e k iller m ig h t r ecog n ize h im a s a det ect iv e. “ W h o in st a lled y ou r lock s?” “ I ca lled a lock sm it h fr om t h e ph on e book . He sa id t h ey w er e t h e t op-of-t h e-lin e r esiden t ia l lock s.” “ T h en I’m su r e t h ey a r e. Look . I k n ow y ou don ’t w a n t m e in y ou r a pa r t m en t . Ju st a ccept t h a t I’v e decided t h is is t h e best
r est a u r a n t in Ma n dev ille, a n d y ou ’r e t h e best ch ef.” Nicole pu sh ed h er ch a ir ba ck a n d st ood. “ Ha v e y ou a lw a y s ea t en a ll y ou r m ea ls ou t ?” “ Nin et y per cen t a n y w a y . I’m n ot m u ch of a cook .” “ So w h er e did y ou ea t befor e y ou st a r t ed com in g h er e?” Ry k er sm iled u p a t h er . “ T h e La k ev iew Din er ,” h e sa id bla n dly , n a m in g a fly -speck ed div e dow n n ea r t h e la k e. Nicole bit h er lip. It look ed a s if sh e w a s t r y in g t o k eep fr om la u g h in g . “ W ell t h en , t h a n k y ou for ch oosin g L’Or a g e, Det ect iv e Dela n cey .” “ Ca ll m e Ry k er ,” h e sa id. “ Good n ig h t , Det ect iv e.”
RYKER SAT IN HIS PARKED CAR on t h e side of t h e r oa d a bou t t h r ee-fou r t h s of a block ea st of t h e r est a u r a n t . He w a t ch ed t h e t im e. A s a lw a y s, by t en m in u t es a ft er elev en , Nicole a ppea r ed. Her g olden -br ow n h a ir sh on e in t h e lig h t fr om t h e st r eet la m ps a s sh e w a lk ed con fiden t ly a lon g t h e sidew a lk w it h a t ot e ba g slu n g ov er h er sh ou lder . Ry k er k n ew w h a t w a s in side t h e ba g . Her k n iv es. Ev er y decen t ch ef h a d t h eir ow n set . He a lso k n ew Nicole’s k n ife ca se w a s m issin g on e k n ife. Her a t t a ck er h a d fled ou t t h e ba ck door w it h it w h en h er r oom m a t e ca m e h om e ea r ly a n d in t er r u pt ed h im . T h e idea of t h e k iller h a v in g t h a t su per -sh a r p k n ife t h a t w a s en g r a v ed w it h Nicole’s in it ia ls r ea lly bot h er ed Ry k er . T h e sh er iff’s depa r t m en t h a d m a n a g ed t o k eep h er n a m e ou t of t h e pa per s a ft er t h e fir st m en t ion . Bu t ev en if by som e m ir a cle t h e k iller didn ’t a lr ea dy k n ow h er n a m e, k n ow in g sh e w a s a ch ef a n d h a v in g h er in it ia ls on t h e k n ife g a v e h im a clea r a dv a n t a g e in fin din g h er . Ry k er w a it ed u n t il sh e w a s h a lf a block bey on d h is ca r befor e
h e st a r t ed h is en g in e. His BMW 3 Ser ies seda n st a r t ed qu iet ly a n d pu r r ed a lm ost in a u dibly . He pu lled for w a r d a t a sn a il’s pa ce, k eepin g h er in h is sig h t . T h e sh or t t h r ee block s fr om t h e r est a u r a n t t o h er a pa r t m en t bu ildin g w er e w ell lit a n d open , a n idea l n eig h bor h ood t o w a lk t o a n d fr om w or k . Bu t Ry k er w ou ld be m u ch h a ppier if sh e dr ov e. A ft er h er n ea r m iss la st Oct ober , Nicole h a d qu it h er posit ion a s ex ecu t iv e ch ef a t t h e fin est r est a u r a n t in Ch ef V oleu r . Sh e’d m ov ed t o Ma n dev ille, sev er a l m iles a w a y , a n d t a k en t h is job. Bot h Ma n dev ille a n d Ch ef V oleu r w er e in St . T a m m a n y Pa r ish , so h er n ew job a n d h er n ew a pa r t m en t w er e st ill in h is ju r isdict ion . A s Ry k er w a t ch ed h er w a lk , a n d lect u r ed h im self a bou t ey ein g h er sh a pely ba ck side a ccen t u a t ed by t h e sn u g -fit t in g bla ck jea n s sh e w or e, h e n ot iced a m ov em en t in t h e sh a dow s beh in d h er . A fig u r e in a da r k h ooded sw ea t sh ir t st a g g er ed ou t of t h e sh a dow s of a side st r eet , less t h a n a h u n dr ed feet beh in d Nicole. His h ea d w a s dow n , h is h a n ds w er e in h is pock et s a n d h e w ea v ed slig h t ly a s h e w a lk ed. Ry k er t en sed. Nicole’s a t t a ck er h a d w or n a da r k h oodie a n d jea n s. It w a s t h e on ly descr ipt ion Ry k er h a d, beca u se Nicole h a d seen n ot h in g bu t a silh ou et t e h oldin g a k n ife. A n d h er r oom m a t e, w h o’d su r pr ised t h e a t t a ck er , h a d ba r ely g lim psed h is ba ck a s h e’d fled t h r ou g h t h e k it ch en door . Pu llin g h is Sig Sa u er fr om h is u n der a r m h olst er , Ry k er pr essed t h e bu t t on t o r oll dow n t h e ca r w in dow . T h e m a n h a d com e fr om t h e dir ect ion of t h e r est a u r a n t . Ha d t h e w om a n w h o’d look ed a t Nicole a n d m a de a ca ll been g iv in g in st r u ct ion s t o t h is pu n k ? Nicole’s sh ou lder s st iffen ed v isibly , sh e pu lled h er t ot e ba g t ig h t er a g a in st h er body a n d sh e lift ed h er ch in . Sh e’d n ot iced
th e m an. T h e g u y in t h e h oodie st u m bled, a n d st a g g er ed for w a r d a few st eps, a s if t r y in g t o r eg a in h is ba la n ce. His a w k w a r d da n ce cou ld h a v e been a m isst ep, or it cou ld h a v e been desig n ed t o g et h im t w en t y feet closer t o Nicole. W h a t ev er h is in t en t , t h a t w a s t w en t y feet t oo close. Ry k er k illed h is en g in e a n d g ot ou t of t h e ca r , n ot closin g t h e dr iv er ’s-side door . He m ov ed silen t ly a n d qu ick ly a cr oss t h e st r eet a n d cr ept u p beh in d t h e h ooded g u y . T h e g u y lift ed h is h ea d. Ha d h e n ot iced Ry k er ? He didn ’t t u r n a r ou n d. Bu t h e did t a k e h is h a n ds ou t of h is pock et s, clen ch h is fist s a n d pu sh h im self t o a qu ick er pa ce. “ Hey , la dy ,” h e r a sped, r ea ch in g ou t w it h on e h a n d. “ La dy , st op.” Nicole’s sh ou lder s t en sed u n der t h e sh or t -sleev ed g r een t op sh e w or e. Her h ea d t u r n ed slig h t ly , a ck n ow ledg in g t h e g u y ’s v oice. “ La dy , I ju st n eed t o—” Ry k er didn ’t w a it t o fin d ou t w h a t h e n eeded t o do. He g r a bbed t h e ba ck of t h e h oodie a n d jer k ed t h e lig h t w eig h t sidew a y s a n d t h r ew h im u p a g a in st a ch a in -lin k fen ce. Nicole spu n a r ou n d w it h a sm a ll cr y . T h e g u y w h ooped a n d h oller ed in a squ ea k y v oice. Ry k er st u ck h is g u n ba r r el ju st beh in d t h e g u y ’s ea r . “ Sh u t u p a n d fr eeze!” h e or der ed h im . T h e g u y ’s leg s colla psed u n der n ea t h h im a n d su dden ly Ry k er ’s h a n d on t h e ba ck of h is sh ir t w a s t h e on ly t h in g h oldin g h im u p. “ St a n d u p! Get y ou r h a n ds u p.” Ry k er jer k ed t h e h ood dow n a n d pu sh ed t h e side of h is fa ce a g a in st t h e fen ce. In t h e lig h t s fr om t h e st r eet la m ps, Ry k er sa w t h a t h e w a s a k id—eig h t een or n in et een a t t h e m ost . “ I didn ’t do n ot h in g ,” t h e k id w h in ed. “ Y ou ’r e h u r t in g m e.”
“ Not y et I’m n ot . Sh u t u p or I w ill. Spr ea d y ou r feet .” T h e k id obey ed, n ea r ly fa llin g dow n in h is h a st e t o do w h a t Ry k er t old h im t o. W it h ou t look in g a t h er , Ry k er spok e t o Nicole. “ Y ou ok a y ?” “ Y es.” He qu ick ly pa t t ed t h e k id dow n a n d fou n d a w a dded-u p dolla r bill a n d a few coin s, a pa ck of cig a r et t es w it h a book of m a t ch es st u ck in side t h e celloph a n e a n d—n o su r pr ise—a pipe. Pr oba bly a cr a ck pipe. He fish ed it ou t . “ T u r n a r ou n d.” T h e k id oblig ed, h is g a ze da r t in g a r ou n d, a s if a ssessin g t h e lik elih ood of a n esca pe. “ Don ’t ev en t h in k a bou t it . Look a t m e,” Ry k er y elled. “ A n d g et y ou r h a n ds u p.” T h e k id r a ised h is a r m s, bu t h e h a d t r ou ble k eepin g t h em u p. He w a s fidg et y , h is fa ce w a s pa le a n d cla m m y a n d h is n ose w a s r u n n in g . He low er ed on e a r m a n d w iped h is n ose on h is sleev e. Ry k er a ssessed t h e lik elih ood t h a t h e a n d t h e w om a n in t h e r est a u r a n t w er e in ca h oot s. By t h e con t r a st in t h eir look s a n d dr ess, h e dou bt ed it , bu t h e cou ldn ’t a ffor d t o t a k e a ch a n ce. T h e k id didn ’t h a v e a ph on e, bu t h e cou ld h a v e dit ch ed it . “ W h o a r e y ou ? W h o sen t y ou t o follow h er ?” “ W h o—? Nobody , m a n . Nobody sen t m e n ow h er e a n d I a in ’t follow in g n obody . I—” T h e k id g ig g led. “ I don ’t ev en k n ow w h a t st r eet I’m on . I lost m y ca r . I’m ju st t r y in g t o g et h om e.” T h e k id’s w or ds w er e slu r r ed a n d slow . Ry k er peer ed a t h is fa ce. His ey es n ev er st opped m ov in g . T h ey w er e r ed-r im m ed a n d t ea r y . Su r e en ou g h , h e’d been doin g cr a ck . He pr oba bly w a sn ’t ly in g w h en h e sa id h e h a d n o idea w h er e h e w a s, m u ch less w h er e h is ca r w a s. If h e ev en h a d a ca r . “ Ca r ? W h er e a r e y ou r k ey s?” “ Oh , m a n .” T h e k id g ig g led a g a in . “ I m u st a lost ’em .” Ry k er ’s ir r it a t ion r a t ch et ed u p a few n ot ch es. He g ot in t h e k id’s fa ce. “ List en t o m e. If y ou don ’t qu it ly in g —” h e dou bled a
fist “ —I’ll fix it so y ou ca n ’t t a lk a t a ll. Got it ?” “ Y -y es sir ,” t h e k id st a m m er ed. “ W h a t ’s y ou r n a m e?” “ Du a n e.” “ W h a t w er e y ou g oin g t o do, Du a n e? Rob h er ?” “ No, n o m a n . I ju st w a n t ed a cou ple bu ck s. Y ou k n ow , t o ca t ch t h e bu s h om e.” “ Ok a y , Du a n e. W h er e’s y ou r ID?” Du a n e low er ed h is a r m s a n d pu lled u p h is pa n t s. “ I left it a t h om e,” h e w h in ed. Ry k er decided t o believ e h im . For a n in st a n t h e con sider ed let t in g t h e sca r ed k id g o w it h a w a r n in g . Bu t h e decided h e’d bet t er do w h a t h e w a s su pposed t o do. He u sed h is cell ph on e t o ca ll Cen t r a l Dispa t ch a n d r equ est a cou ple of Ma n dev ille pa t r olm en t o r u n t h e k id in a n d ch eck for pr ior s. “ W a it r ig h t h er e u n der t h is st r eet lig h t ,” h e t old Nicole, t h en g r a bbed t h e k id by a n a r m a n d m a r ch ed h im ov er t o h is ca r . He pu sh ed h im a g a in st t h e ca r ’s fr a m e. “ Spr ea d y ou r feet ,” h e com m a n ded. “ A w , m a n . I a in ’t n ev er been a r r est ed. Gim m e a br ea k .” “ Spr ea d ’em . Y ou lost y ou r ch a n ce a t a br ea k w h en y ou a ccost ed t h e w om a n .” He pu sh ed t h e k id’s h ea d dow n a g a in st t h e ba ck w in dow . “ St a y t h er e.” Rea ch in g t h r ou g h t h e open dr iv er ’s-side door , h e r et r iev ed a flex ible st r a p cu ff a n d qu ick ly secu r ed t h e k id’s h a n ds beh in d h im . By t h e t im e h e fin ish ed, a ca r m a r k ed St . T a m m a n y Pa r ish Sh er iff’s Office pu lled u p a n d t w o u n ifor m ed depu t ies g ot ou t . “ Det ect iv e Ry k er Dela n cey ,” h e sa id. “ Got on e for y ou .” “ Sw eet ,” t h e y ou n g er depu t y sa id, w h ile t h e older on e g r oa n ed. “ A n ot h er h ou r a n d w e’d be off du t y . Now w e g ot pa per w or k .” “ Sor r y ,” Ry k er sa id, g r in n in g . “ He’s a ll y ou r s.”
T h ey m a r ch ed t h e k id t o t h e cr u iser , set t led h im in t h e ba ck sea t a n d t h en dr ov e a w a y . Ry k er h olst er ed h is g u n , lock ed h is ca r a n d r et u r n ed t o Nicole’s side, r ea dy t o con sole a n d r ea ssu r e h er . Sh e g la r ed a t h im . “ Y ou w er e follow ing m e?” Ry k er st a r ed a t h er . “ That’s w h a t y ou g ot ou t of a ll t h is? Did y ou ev en n ot ice t h a t lit t le jer k beh in d y ou ?” “ Of cou r se I did. Bu t I’m less t h a n fift y feet fr om m y bu ildin g .” “ Fift y feet ?” Ry k er la u g h ed. “ Mig h t a s w ell be fift y m iles, if y ou r t h r oa t is cu t .” Nicole’s h ea d jer k ed slig h t ly , pr oba bly a t t h e im a g e h is w or ds con ju r ed. “ No.” Sh e r ecov er ed a n d cu t a h a n d t h r ou g h t h e a ir . “ Y ou ’r e ju st t r y in g t o dist r a ct m e. Y ou w ere follow in g m e. Ha v e y ou don e t h is for t h e w h ole pa st y ea r ?” He sh ook h is h ea d. “ I don ’t believ e y ou .” “ I h a v e been k eepin g a n ey e on y ou , bu t n o. I h a v en ’t been follow in g y ou h om e u n t il r ecen t ly .” Her ey es w iden ed. “ Beca u se it ’s t h e la st w eek in Oct ober .” Her t h r oa t m ov ed a s sh e sw a llow ed. “ Y ou do t h in k t h a t m a n is g oin g t o com e ba ck , don ’t y ou ?” “ Let ’s sa y I’m a fr a id h e w ill. I w a sn ’t su pposed t o t a lk a bou t t h e pr ev iou s ca ses, beca u se I ca n ’t con v in ce m y ch ief t h a t t h ey ’r e a ll r ela t ed.” “ Y ou r ch ief doesn ’t t h in k t h ey ’r e r ela t ed?” Nicole’s v oice r ose in h ope. “ W h y do y ou ?” He pu sh ed h is fin g er s t h r ou g h h is sh or t h a ir , lea v in g it spik ed. “ Beca u se of t h e da t es of t h e a t t a ck s. Beca u se of a con n ect ion a m on g t h e v ict im s t h a t h a sn ’t been r elea sed t o t h e pu blic.” “ A con n ect ion ? W h a t con n ect ion ?”
Ry k er st u died h er . W ou ld it h u r t for h er t o k n ow t h e r ea son h e w a s so su r e t h e sa m e m a n h a d com m it t ed a ll t h e m u r der s a n d t r ied t o k ill h er ? Hopefu lly it w ou ld con v in ce h er of t h e da n g er sh e cou ld be in . He believ ed t h a t forew arned is forearm ed. “ Bir t h da y s,” h e sa id. “ A ll of y ou r bir t h da y s a r e w it h in a bou t a w eek of ea ch ot h er . T h e da t es r a n g e fr om t h e t w en t y -fir st of Oct ober t o t h e fir st of Nov em ber . Mik e isn ’t con v in ced t h e bir t h da y s a r e im por t a n t . He’s r ely in g on t h e MOs, w h ich a r e a ll differ en t .” “ MOs. T h a t ’s—” “ Modu s oper a n di. Or m et h od of oper a t ion . Ba sica lly , t h in g s t h a t a r e u n iqu e t o t h e k iller . W h a t w ea pon or w ea pon s h e u ses, sim ila r it ies in h ow h e g a in s en t r a n ce, w h o h e t a r g et s. T h a t k in d of t h in g .” Ry k er sig h ed. “ He’s g ot a poin t . Nor m a lly ser ia l k iller s don ’t ch a n g e t h eir m et h ods.” A da r k ca r sped by close t o t h em . Nicole ju m ped a n d st epped closer t o Ry k er . He pu t h is h a n d on t h e sm a ll of h er ba ck . “ A r e y ou ok a y ?” Sh e n odded. “ Ju st a lit t le ju m py .” Sh e look ed u p a t h im , a n d h er dem ea n or ch a n g ed. “ I a polog ize. I k n ow y ou ’r e t r y in g t o pr ot ect m e.” Ry k er st a r ed a t h er . Su dden ly , t h e h ost ilit y t h a t h a d h on ed ev er y w or d sh e’d sa id w a s g on e. In it s pla ce w a s a h u sk y soft n ess t h a t slid t h r ou g h h im st r a ig h t t o h is g r oin . Su r ely sh e w a sn ’t doin g t h a t on pu r pose. A s if t o pr ov e t h a t sh e w a sn ’t , sh e st epped ba ck , pu t t in g spa ce bet w een t h em . “ I cou ld m a k e y ou t h a t cu p of coffee,” sh e sa id h esit a n t ly . Ry k er sw a llow ed. He’d be a fool t o a ccept h er in v it a t ion , t h e w a y h e w a s feelin g r ig h t n ow . His pu lse h a d sped u p, a n d in ju st a few secon ds, if h e didn ’t g et h im self u n der con t r ol, h e m ig h t em ba r r a ss h im self a n d h er . T h e best t h in g t o do w ou ld be t o
declin e a g a in , a n d h ea d for h is ca r a n d g et t h e h ell ou t of t h er e. “ I’d bet t er g et g oin g ,” h e sa id. “ I ju st w a n t ed t o be su r e y ou g ot h om e sa fely .” “ Oh , of cou r se. I n eed t o g o, t oo.” Sh e g est u r ed v a g u ely beh in d h er , in t h e dir ect ion of h er a pa r t m en t . “ I’ll w a lk y ou t o y ou r door .” Gla n cin g ba ck a t h im , sh e sh ook h er h ea d. “ Plea se don ’t . I w a lk t o a n d fr om w or k ev er y da y . I don ’t w a n t t o be on e of t h ose w om en w h o’s a fr a id of g oin g a n y w h er e.” “ Y ea h ? W ell, for w h a t it ’s w or t h , I’m pr et t y su r e y ou ’ll n ev er be on e of t h ose w om en . Bu t do m e a fa v or a n d t a k e y ou r ca r t o w or k for t h e n ex t cou ple of w eek s.” “ Good n ig h t ,” sh e ca lled a s sh e w a lk ed a w a y . Ry k er st ood a n d w a t ch ed h er u n t il sh e g ot t o h er bu ildin g a n d w a lk ed u p t h e st a ir s t o t h e secon d-floor la n din g . Sh e look ed dow n a t h im a s sh e u n lock ed h er door , t h en sh e st epped in side a n d closed it beh in d h er . He w a it ed u n t il h e sa w lig h t s g o on beh in d h er cu r t a in s. “ Da m n it , Nicole,” h e w h isper ed a s h e g ot in t o h is ca r a n d cr a n k ed it . Sh e w a s n o m or e g oin g t o dr iv e t o t h e r est a u r a n t t h a n t h er e w a s a m a n in t h e m oon . A n ot h er lig h t ca m e on in h er a pa r t m en t . Her bedr oom , pr oba bly . T h e t h ou g h t of h er g et t in g u n dr essed, ba t h in g , slippin g bet w een t h e sh eet s, st ir r ed h im a g a in . He g r it t ed h is t eet h a n d pu lled a w a y fr om t h e cu r b. “ Dow n , boy ,” h e m u t t er ed. “ No g et t in g t h e h ot s for t h e pr et t y v ict im . T h a t ’s st eppin g ov er t h e lin e.”
Chapter Two A lber t Moser en t er ed h is h ou se t h r ou g h t h e g a r a g e a n d h ea ded st r a ig h t for t h e ph ot o a lbu m . He k n ew t h e m a n w h o’d com e t o Nicole Beck h a m ’s r escu e t on ig h t . He’d seen h im som ew h er e, h e w a s su r e. T h e en cr oa ch in g da t e on t h e ca len da r h a d sen t h im ou t look in g for Nicole Beck h a m . He w a s n in et y -n in e per cen t su r e sh e h a dn ’t seen h is fa ce a y ea r a g o. St ill, sh e w a s u n fin ish ed bu sin ess. He k n ew w h er e sh e w or k ed, so h e’d w a it ed ou t side t h e r est a u r a n t u n t il it closed a n d sh e em er g ed. He w a s delig h t ed w h en h e sa w t h a t sh e w a s w a lk in g h om e. He’d fig u r ed it w ou ld be ea sy t o follow h er a n d for ce h is w a y in t o h er a pa r t m en t a s sh e u n lock ed t h e door . Bu t t h en a sm a ll dr a m a h a d u n folded, a n d A lber t r ea lized Nicole Beck h a m h a d a pr ot ect or . A n d n ot ju st a n y pr ot ect or —a cop. He’d g r a bbed t h e k id w h o’d been w a lk in g beh in d Nicole, cu ffed h im a n d ca lled a cou ple of h is bu ddies t o t a k e t h e k id in . Mea n w h ile, A lber t w a s a ble t o g et a g ood look a t h is fa ce. He’d seen h im befor e. He sa t dow n w it h t h e ph ot o a lbu m a n d t h u m bed t h r ou g h a ll t h e n ew spa per clippin g s h e’d sa v ed fr om t h e m u r der s. He’d seen t h a t cop befor e. It cou ld h a v e been sev er a l y ea r s a g o, du r in g t h e br ief t im e t h e police w er e in v est ig a t in g h is da u g h t er ’s m u r der . Or m a y be h is pict u r e h a d been in t h e n ew spa per . It didn ’t m a t t er w h er e h e’d seen h im . W h a t m a t t er ed w a s, h e w a s a cop a n d h e w a s w a t ch in g ou t for Nicole. Did t h a t m ea n t h e police w er e fin a lly t a k in g t h e m u r der of y ou n g w om en ser iou sly ? If so, t h en A lber t h a d t o be dou bly v ig ila n t , a n d dou bly
ca r efu l. He sor t ed t h r ou g h t h e six in su r a n ce for m s, look in g a t t h e bir t h da t es. He n a r r ow ed h is ch oice dow n t o t w o, bot h of w h om h a d been bor n on t h e t w en t y -fift h da y of Oct ober , t h r ee da y s a ft er h is da u g h t er .
T HE NEXT MORNING, Depu t y Ch ief Mik e Da v is of t h e St . T a m m a n y Pa r ish Sh er iff’s Office sa t ellit e office in Ch ef V oleu r lea n ed ba ck in h is desk ch a ir a n d fr ow n ed a t Ry k er . “ I ju st g ot off t h e ph on e w it h Lieu t en a n t Ja m es Fa r a da y in Ma n dev ille.” “ Y es, sir ?” “ Don ’t g iv e m e ‘y es, sir .’ T ell m e w h a t y ou w er e doin g a r r est in g a k id in Ma n dev ille a t m idn ig h t la st n ig h t . A n d don ’t t ell m e t h is h a s a n y t h in g t o do w it h y ou r ser ia l k iller obsession .” “ I’m a fr a id I ca n ’t do bot h , sir .” Mik e scow led. “ W h a t t h e h ell a r e y ou doin g ?” “ I w a s off du t y . I obser v ed a k id a ccost in g —som eon e. He w a s a ct in g dr u n k or h ig h . I dispa t ch ed a cou ple of loca ls t o r u n h im in .” Mik e Da v is sig h ed a n d sa t u p st r a ig h t . “ A n d t h e som eon e? T h a t w ou ldn ’t be t h a t y ou n g w om a n w h om y ou ’v e been s talk ing, w ou ld it ?” Ry k er st u died t h e t oes of h is sh oes. “ T h e v ict im of la st y ea r ’s foiled a t t a ck . Y es, sir .” “ Didn ’t I r efu se y ou r r equ est t o pr ov ide pr ot ect ion for h er ?” Mik e’s v oice r ose in v olu m e. “ A s I sa id, I w a s off du t y ,” Ry k er sa id m ildly . Mik e cou ldn ’t t ell h im w h a t t o do on h is ow n t im e, bu t Ry k er didn ’t lik e bu ck in g a u t h or it y . He believ ed in g oin g by t h e book . He a lso believ ed Nicole’s life w a s in da n g er . A n d t h a t belief t ook pr ior it y ov er a n y ot h er . “ Y ou ’r e g oin g t o g iv e m e a poplex y , Det ect iv e Dela n cey .” Ry k er w a sn ’t su r e w h a t a poplex y w a s, bu t h e’d a lr ea dy
n ot iced Mik e’s r ed ea r s, a su r e sig n of a n im pen din g ex plosion . Now t h e r edn ess w a s cr eepin g dow n h is n eck a n d u p h is ch eek s. “ Sir , I k n ow t h a t t h e m a n w h o br ok e in t o Nicole Beck h a m ’s a pa r t m en t la st y ea r is t h e sa m e m a n w h o k illed t h ose ot h er w om en . I k n ow it .” Mik e sig h ed a n d r a n a h a n d ov er h is fa ce. “ I’v e a lr ea dy t old y ou , m y h a n ds a r e t ied. If I com bin e t h e ca ses a n d m a k e it officia l t h a t w e believ e t h e dea t h s a r e t h e w or k of on e m a n , I’ll h a v e t o a ppoin t a t a sk for ce, a n d in v olv e t h e dist r ict a t t or n ey ’s office. T h e m edia w ill be a ll ov er u s.” “ W om en a r e dy in g .” “ Not t o m en t ion t h a t w e’r e sh or t h a n ded a lr ea dy . I n eed m or e ev iden ce—a lot m or e.” “ Da m n it , Mik e. How m u ch m or e ev iden ce w ill it t a k e? For fou r y ea r s h e’s st r u ck du r in g t h e sa m e w eek in Oct ober . It ’s a lw a y s a n ig h t t im e h om e in v a sion , a lw a y s w h en t h e w om en a r e a lon e. And t h ey w er e a ll bor n in Oct ober .” “ I t h ou g h t on e of t h em w a s bor n on Nov em ber 1 .” Ry k er g r it t ed h is t eet h . “ On e da y .” “ I u n der st a n d w h a t y ou ’r e sa y in g , bu t t h er e’s n ot en ou g h con sist en cy . Y ou ca n ’t con n ect t h e w om en . Y ou ’v e g ot differ en t w ea pon s, differ en t da t es.” Mik e st ood. “ A n d it doesn ’t h elp y ou r ca se t h a t y ou h a v e a h ist or y w it h on e of t h e v ict im s.” “ It w a s a few da t es ba ck in colleg e. I h a dn ’t seen h er in —” Mik e h eld u p a h a n d. “ Spa r e m e. I’v e h ea r d it befor e. Now I’v e g ot a m eet in g . T h is discu ssion is ov er .” “ Fin e.” Ry k er blew ou t a fr u st r a t ed br ea t h . “ W it h in t h e w eek , h e’ll st r ik e a g a in , a n d I’ll g et y ou y ou r ev iden ce. It ’s a sh a m e t h a t a n ot h er w om a n h a s t o die t o con v in ce y ou .” “ Get ou t of h er e, befor e I fir e y ou r a ss.” Ry k er bea t a h a st y r et r ea t . Mik e cou ldn ’t fir e h im . Not w it h ou t ca u se. Bu t h e u n der st ood h is depu t y ch ief’s fr u st r a t ion . Ev en so, t h er e w a s n o w a y h e w a s g oin g t o lea v e Nicole
u n pr ot ect ed. It w a s Oct ober 2 1 . W it h in t h e n ex t few da y s, h e fu lly ex pect ed t h e k iller t o st r ik e a g a in . T h er e w a s n o w a y h e cou ld st op h im . Bu t h e’d be da m n ed if t h e v ict im w a s Nicole.
T HAT NIGHT AS N ICOLE EXITED t h e r est a u r a n t , Ry k er fell in t o st ep beside h er . Sh e ju m ped a n d pr essed h er h a n d t o h er ch est . “ I see y ou pa id n o a t t en t ion t o m e,” h e r em a r k ed. “ I t old y ou t o dr iv e.” “ I see y ou ’r e st ill follow in g m e.” “ Som ebody h a s t o look ou t for y ou if y ou a r en ’t g oin g t o t a k e ca r e of y ou r self.” Sh e sped u p. He w a s su r pr ised h er h eels didn ’t st r ik e spa r k s off t h e sidew a lk . “ I do n ot in t en d t o a ct lik e a v ict im ,” sh e t h r ew ba ck ov er h er sh ou lder . Ry k er ea sily ca u g h t u p t o h er . “ T a k in g r ea son a ble pr eca u t ion s is n ot a ct in g lik e a v ict im .” “ I t a k e r ea son a ble pr eca u t ion s.” “ W a lk in g a lon e a t m idn ig h t is n ot a r ea son a ble pr eca u t ion .” Nicole st opped a t t h e st a ir w ell t h a t led u p t o t h e secon d-floor la n din g of h er a pa r t m en t bu ildin g . “ Look , Det ect iv e. A ft er t h e br ea k -in , I w a s so spook ed t h a t I g a v e u p m y job a n d m y a pa r t m en t . I w ill never feel t h a t w a y a g a in .” He sa w t h e beg in n in g s of t ea r s in h er ey es. “ I u n der st a n d. Is t h a t offer for a cu p of coffee st ill open ? I’d lik e t o t ell y ou a bou t t h is k iller .” Her ey es w iden ed a n d sh im m er ed. “ W h y ? T o t er r ify m e?” He sh ook h is h ea d. “ No. T o pr epa r e y ou , in ca se h e com es ba ck t o fin ish w h a t h e st a r t ed.” Sh e sh u dder ed. “ In ot h er w or ds, t o t er r ify m e.” He k n ew h is w or ds w er e h a r sh , bu t a t t h is poin t , w it h on ly a few da y s’ w in dow for t h e n ex t a t t a ck , h e’d do a n y t h in g t o g et
h er a t t en t ion . “ If y ou in sist on look in g a t it t h a t w a y . Bu t t h e m or e y ou k n ow , t h e bet t er pr epa r ed y ou ’ll be.” Sh e sw a llow ed a n d pr essed h er lips t og et h er a s sh e st u died h is fa ce. “ Fin e. Plea se,” sh e sa id w r y ly . “ By a ll m ea n s, com e in a n d h a v e a cu p of coffee a n d t ell m e a bou t t h e k iller w h o’s a ft er m e.” Sh e t u r n ed a n d clim bed t h e st a ir s. Ry k er follow ed h er , t a k in g t h e oppor t u n it y t o a dm ir e h er ba ck side in t h e jea n s sh e w or e. Sh e w a s t r im , bu t w it h cu r v es in t h e r ig h t pla ces. He lik ed t h a t . He didn ’t lik e st ick -t h in w om en w h o look ed a s if t h ey h a dn ’t ea t en in w eek s. He g a v e h is h ea d a sh a k e. T h is w a sn ’t a bou t a dm ir in g h er fig u r e or con sider in g h ow h er fir m cu r v es w ou ld feel u n der h is h a n ds. By t h e t im e sh e g ot t o t h e t op of t h e st a ir s sh e w a s dig g in g in h er pu r se. Ry k er h ea r d k ey s ja n g le. He g r im a ced. He’d h a v e t h ou g h t ev er y w om a n ev er y w h er e k n ew t o h a v e k ey s ou t a n d r ea dy . It cou ld be da n g er ou s t o be fu m blin g for k ey s ou t side in t h e da r k . Nicole felt Ry k er ’s disa ppr ov in g g a ze on h er a s sh e u n lock ed h er a pa r t m en t door . “ I u su a lly h a v e m y k ey s ou t befor e I g et u p h er e.” Sh e w in ced a t h er t on e. Sh e sou n ded lik e a w im p. Sh e h a d n o n eed t o m a k e ex pla n a t ion s t o h im . In a n y ca se, it w a s h is fa u lt sh e h a dn ’t pu lled ou t h er k ey s ea r lier . W h en h e’d st epped u p beside h er ou t of t h e sh a dow s h e’d g iv en h er a sca r e. “ Ma y be y ou cou ld look a t m y lock s w h ile y ou ’r e h er e,” sh e sa id a s sh e w a lk ed t h r ou g h t h e door a h ea d of h im . He pa u sed for a secon d a n d g la n ced a r ou n d t h e la n din g , t h en st epped in side a n d g a v e t h e lock s a br ief in spect ion befor e closin g t h e door . “ T h ey look g ood,” h e sa id. “ Nice a pa r t m en t .” “ Not a s n ice a s t h e on e I g a v e u p in Ch ef V oleu r ,” sh e sa id, a n a ccu sa t or y n ot e in h er v oice a s sh e st epped beh in d t h e bu t ch er block isla n d in t o t h e k it ch en a r ea .
Sh e sw a llow ed n er v ou sly . Ry k er Dela n cey m a de h er sm a ll a pa r t m en t feel t in y . He w a sn ’t a r ea l big m a n . He w a s six feet t a ll, bu t lea n . He pr oba bly on ly w eig h ed a bou t on e-n in et y , bu t h e filled u p h er liv in g r oom —a n d h er sen ses. He sa t on on e of t h e ba r st ools a t t h e isla n d. “ Y ou didn ’t g r ow u p in Ch ef V oleu r .” He m a de it a st a t em en t , n ot a qu est ion . “ No. I m ov ed t h er e w h en I g ot t h e job a t t h e r est a u r a n t .” “ W h er e did y ou g r ow u p?” Nicole w in ced in t er n a lly . In an apartm ent half this s iz e w ith a m other w ho w as n’t there even w hen s he w as there. “ Ba t on Rou g e,” sh e sa id n on com m it t a lly . “ Do y ou r ea lly w a n t coffee, or w ou ld y ou r a t h er h a v e som et h in g else?” Sh e open ed t h e r efr ig er a t or . “ I h a v e—w a t er . T h er e m ig h t be som e bou r bon —” Ry k er la u g h ed. “ Coffee’s fin e w it h m e.” “ Do y ou m in d if I m a k e it deca f?” He sh ook h is h ea d. Sh e g r a bbed t h e deca ffein a t ed bea n s fr om t h e ca bin et a n d pu t t h em in t h e g r in der . By t h e t im e t h ey w er e g r ou n d, sh e r ea lized h e w a s st a n din g beside h er . “ How do y ou do t h a t ?” “ Do w h a t ?” His v oice r u m bled n ea r h er ea r , dist u r bin g a n d en t icin g . Sh e t ook a fr a ct ion of a st ep a w a y fr om h is im posin g pr esen ce. “ Ju st a ppea r , lik e y ou did on t h e sidew a lk . Y ou don ’t m a k e a n y n oise.” “ Nobody m ov es w it h ou t m a k in g a n y n oise. Y ou ’r e n ot pa y in g a t t en t ion . Bein g u n a w a r e of y ou r su r r ou n din g s cou ld g et y ou k illed.” “ Do y ou t h in k y ou cou ld la y off t h e sca r e t a ct ics for a m in u t e or t w o?” “ Y ou h a v e a r ea l espr esso m a ch in e. T h a t ’s im pr essiv e.” Nicole la u g h ed. “ Ok a y . Nice seg u e. Y es. I do h a v e a r ea l espr esso m a ch in e. I lik e coffee, pr oba bly a lit t le t oo m u ch .”
“ I k n ow w h a t y ou m ea n . I’v e a lw a y s w a n t ed on e. Sh ow m e h ow t o u se it .” T og et h er , t h ey m a de t w o m u g s of deca f ca ppu ccin o, a n d Nicole pu t su g a r in h er s. Sh e lea n ed a g a in st t h e k it ch en cou n t er a n d sipped h er coffee. Ry k er lea n ed n ex t t o h er . Nicole felt t h e su bt le br u sh of h is sleev e a g a in st h er ba r e a r m , a n d r ea lized t h a t t h is w a s t h e fir st t im e a m a n h a d been in h er a pa r t m en t —ot h er t h a n t h e m ov in g cr ew a n d t h e lock sm it h . T h in k in g of t h a t , it occu r r ed t o h er t h a t sh e h a dn ’t been ou t on a sin g le da t e in t h e y ea r sin ce t h e br ea k -in . W h y w a s sh e ev en t h in k in g a bou t da t in g ? Her g a ze lit on Ry k er ’s h a n ds h oldin g h er ja zz fest iv a l m u g . T h ey w er e la r g e a n d squ a r e, w it h lon g fin g er s. T h e sleev es of h is sh ir t w er e r olled u p a n d h is t a n n ed for ea r m s w er e du st ed w it h g olden h a ir , lig h t er t h a n t h e lig h t br ow n h a ir on h is h ea d. He w a s a t t r a ct iv e. V er y a t t r a ct iv e. A n d st r on g , in t h e w a y t h a t ba sk et ba ll pla y er s a n d soccer pla y er s w er e. Lea n a n d w ir y . Sh e lik ed lea n a n d w ir y . Ma y be t h a t w a s w h y sh e w a s su dden ly t h in k in g a bou t da t in g . Ok ay, s top. He w a s in h er a pa r t m en t beca u se sh e’d been t h e v ict im of a h om e in v a sion , a n d h e, t h e in v est ig a t or on t h e ca se, t h ou g h t h er life w a s in da n g er . T h a t w a s a fa r cr y fr om da t in g . Sh e sh iv er ed. He g la n ced a t h er sidelon g . “ Y ou ok a y ?” h e a sk ed. “ Not r ea lly . Do y ou t h in k t h a t boy la st n ig h t w a s follow in g m e?” Ry k er pu t h is m u g dow n a n d t u r n ed t ow a r d h er . “ No. I t h in k h e w a s h ig h a s a k it e a n d lost , lik e h e sa id h e w a s. Bu t it ou g h t t o illu st r a t e t o y ou w h a t cou ld h a ppen . Som eon e cou ld ea sily follow y ou . In t h e few m in u t es it t a k es y ou t o w a lk fr om t h e r est a u r a n t t o h er e, y ou cou ld be g r a bbed.” “ T h er e y ou g o a g a in w it h t h e sca r e t a ct ics. Y ou ca n ’t m a n ipu la t e m e by sca r in g m e. I w ill n ot qu it t h is job. I a lr ea dy
h a d t o g iv e u p on e job beca u se of t h is per son . I w ill n ot lose t h is on e, t oo.” “ I h ope y ou w on ’t . He h a sn ’t com e a ft er y ou , a n d it ’s been a lm ost a y ea r . Ma y be h e w on ’t . Ma y be I’m w r on g , a n d y ou r a t t a ck h a d n ot h in g t o do w it h t h e ot h er s.” “ Bu t y ou don ’t believ e t h a t , do y ou ? Ot h er w ise y ou w ou ldn ’t h a v e ea t en a t L’Or a g e ev er y n ig h t for a lm ost a y ea r .” Nicole look ed u p in t o h is blu e ey es, sea r ch in g for a den ia l of w h a t sh e’d ju st sa id. Bu t a s su r ely a s h e w a s st a n din g t h er e in fr on t of h er , sh e k n ew h e w a s r ig h t . “ Y ou believ e befor e t h is w eek is ou t , h e’s com in g t o g et m e, don ’t y ou ?” Nicole’s g r een ey es filled w it h t ea r s, t h en w a v er ed a n d dr opped t o t h e cu p sh e h eld. Ry k er t ook t h e cu p a n d set it a side, t h en t ook h er h a n ds in h is. “ List en t o m e, ok a y ? Ju st list en t o m e. I’m g oin g t o m a k e su r e t h a t n ot h in g —nothing—h a ppen s t o y ou .” Her fin g er s squ eezed h is. “ Ok a y ,” sh e w h isper ed, m eet in g h is g a ze. “ I believ e y ou .” T h en sh e blin k ed, a n d a fa t t ea r spilled ov er on t o h er low er la sh es a n d h u n g t h er e, spa r k lin g in t h e lig h t . T h a t t ea r a lm ost u n did Ry k er . He w a s a su ck er for t ea r s. So m u ch so t h a t h e’d h a d t o t ea ch h im self t o r em a in det a ch ed w h en h e qu est ion ed v ict im s or in t er r og a t ed su spect s. He cou ldn ’t a ffor d t o g et h is em ot ion s en t a n g led in h is job. He’d seen t h e dev a st a t in g effect s of em ot ion u p close, a n d h e w a sn ’t a bou t t o becom e a sla v e t o h is feelin g s lik e h is fa t h er h a d. Befor e h e’d ev en fin ish ed h is in t er n a l lect u r e, h e’d defied it by r ea ch in g ou t a n d ca t ch in g t h e t ea r dr op w it h h is t h u m b. W h en h e did, h er ey es closed. He la id h is pa lm a g a in st h er ch eek . He’d k ept a n ey e on h er for a y ea r , ev er sin ce t h e br ea k -in . Sh e w a s h is on ly liv in g con n ect ion t o h is ser ia l k iller . He’d seen
h er lea v e h er job a n d m ov e. W a t ch ed ov er h er a s sh e sea r ch ed for a n ew job in Ma n dev ille a n d fin a lly t ook t h e ex ecu t iv e ch ef posit ion a t L’Or a g e. He w a s in t im a t ely fa m ilia r w it h h er h on ey -color ed h a ir a n d sk in , h er sh a r p, bea u t ifu l g r een ey es, h er g r a cefu l y et det er m in ed w a lk a n d t h e sw eet sm ile sh e sh a r ed w it h ev er y on e a r ou n d h er . W h en h a d h e becom e so fa scin a t ed w it h h er ? A s soon a s t h e qu est ion a r ose in h is m in d, h e dism issed it . He w as n’t. W ell, ex cept a s a v ict im of t h e k iller h e w a s t r y in g t o ca t ch . Sh e w a s h is con n ect ion t o h is k iller . T h a t w a s a ll. A t t h a t m om en t , Nicole’s ey es open ed. T ea r s h a d m a t t ed h er la sh es u n t il t h ey look ed lik e da r k st a r bu r st s a r ou n d h er g r een ey es. Befor e h e cou ld w or k u p t h e w illpow er t o st op h im self, h e ben t h is h ea d, u r g ed h er ch in u p w it h h is fin g er s a n d k issed h er . Sh e k issed h im ba ck . Sh e t a st ed lik e coffee a n d cr ea m . Hot , sw eet , in t en se. A fir e er u pt ed in side h im . T h e fir e of lu st — r a g in g , con su m in g . He w a s in st a n t ly h a r d a n d bu r n in g for r elea se. T h en t h e fir e en v eloped h er , a n d h er r espon se w a s a s h u n g r y a n d fr en zied a s h is ow n . He ba ck ed h er a g a in st t h e cou n t er a n d k issed h er deeply a n d t h or ou g h ly . Sh e g a v e a s g ood a s sh e g ot , dou blin g h er fist s in t h e la pels of h is ja ck et t o pu ll h im closer , t a k in g h is open m ou t h ed k isses a n d r et u r n in g t h em fu lly . He pr essed t h e fu ll len g t h of h is body a g a in st h er , r ev ea lin g h ow t u r n ed on h e w a s. Sh e u t t er ed a sm a ll cr y a n d pu sh ed a t h is ch est . Som ew h er e in h is br a in , h e felt r elief. A t lea st on e of t h em h a d som e selfcon t r ol. “ W h a t is t h a t ?” sh e pa n t ed, squ ir m in g . He st a r ed, in cr edu lou s. “ A r e y ou k iddin g m e?” h e m u t t er ed. Sh e sh ook h er h ea d. “ Not t h a t .” Sh e t ou ch ed t h e lea t h er st r a p a r ou n d h is m idsect ion . “ T h is.” Oh . His g u n . Sh e w a s t a lk in g a bou t h is g u n . He h a d on h is
sh ou lder h olst er a n d sh e’d felt h a r d m et a l pr essin g a g a in st h er . He st epped ba ck w a r d. “ Sor r y .” “ Ju st t a k e it off.” Her g r een ey es w er e st or m y , y et a m a zin g ly , st ill filled w it h pa ssion . He t ook off h is ja ck et a n d t h en u n bu ck led t h e h olst er a n d sh r u g g ed ou t of it . By t h e t im e h e w a s don e, h is lu st h a d w a n ed slig h t ly . He br ea t h ed deeply . “ Ma y be I sh ou ld g o.” Nicole didn ’t sa y a n y t h in g . He look ed u p a t h er , h is h olst er da n g lin g fr om on e h a n d. Her t on g u e slid ou t t o m oist en h er lips a n d sh e sh ook h er h ea d n o. His h a n d t ig h t en ed on t h e lea t h er st r a p. He cou ld st op r ig h t n ow . He cou ld pu t t h e h olst er ba ck on , a n d t h e ja ck et , a n d w a lk r ig h t ou t t h e door . Bu t h e didn ’t . A g a in st h is bet t er ju dg m en t , h e let t h e h olst er dr op t o t h e floor . T h en h e r ea ch ed for h er . Befor e h e cou ld t a k e h er in h is a r m s, t h ou g h , sh e g r a sped h is h a n d a n d pu lled h im t ow a r d h er bedr oom . A t t h e bedr oom door , h e st opped a n d t u r n ed h er a r ou n d t o fa ce h im . “ A r e y ou su r e?” h e pa n t ed. Sh e pu lled h is h ea d dow n a n d k issed h im in t im a t ely . “ If I w a n t t o, or if it ’s a g ood idea ?” sh e a sk ed. “ Good idea .” “ No.” “ Y ea h , m e n eit h er .” He pu lled h er close a n d k issed h er a g a in a s sh e m a n eu v er ed t h em closer t o t h e bed. W h en t h e ba ck s of h is ca lv es h it t h e m a t t r ess, h e t u m bled, t a k in g h er w it h h im . T h ey en ded u p la u g h in g in a t a n g le of clot h es a n d sh eet s a n d t h r ow pillow s. Nicole t u g g ed a br ig h t or a n g e pillow ou t fr om u n der h is sh ou lder s, a n d a t u r qu oise on e t h a t w a s t a n g led in h er leg s. Ry k er ch u ck led a s h e t ossed t h e r est of t h em on t o t h e floor . “ W h a t a r e t h ose t h in g s for a n y h ow ?” h e a sk ed, bet w een k isses. “ T h r ow pillow s?” sh e a n sw er ed. “ T o t h r ow , I g u ess.” Sh e
lea n ed ov er t h e side of t h e bed, r ea ch in g for on e. “ I’ll sh ow y ou .” Ry k er ca u g h t h er w a ist a n d pu lled h er ba ck . He t u r n ed h er a r ou n d t o fa ce h im a n d slid h er g r een t op u p a n d ov er h er h ea d. Sh e w or e a pin k br a —n ot sex y a t a ll. Ut ilit a r ia n . It did h a v e a fr on t cla sp t h ou g h , so h e disposed of it qu ick ly . He decided t h a t h er fu ll, r ou n d br ea st s w er e t h e m ost bea u t ifu l h e’d ev er seen . T h ey w er e lu sh , fir m , cr ea m y -sm oot h . His m ou t h w a t er ed t o t a st e t h em , bu t h e r est r a in ed h im self. On ce h e g ot st a r t ed, h e didn ’t w a n t t o be h in der ed by clot h es, so h e qu ick ly u n did t h e t op bu t t on of h is sh ir t a n d t u g g ed it off ov er h is h ea d, t h en sh ed h is k h a k i pa n t s. By t h e t im e h e w a s ou t of h is clot h es, Nicole h a d st r ipped dow n t o h er pin k pa n t ies. Now they w er e sex y . He didn ’t r em ov e t h em . Not y et . In st ea d, h e slid h is h a n ds a lon g h er fir m , soft sk in . He ca r essed h er br ea st s, t r a ilin g h is fin g er s a cr oss t h eir t ips a n d w a t ch in g t h em t ig h t en in r espon se. He t r a ced t h e cu r v e of h er w a ist a n d t h e sw ell of t h a t en t icin g ba ck side. Ju st a s h e’d t h ou g h t , it w a s a s fir m a n d silk y sm oot h a s t h e r est of h er . T h en h e h ook ed h is fin g er s a r ou n d t h e bik in i pa n t ies a n d pu lled t h em off a n d t ossed t h em a side. He dipped in t o h er , slidin g , t ou ch in g , coa x in g h er body in t o r espon se. “ T h er e a r e con dom s in t h a t dr a w er ,” Nicole w h isper ed r a g g edly . T h e box of con dom s w a s sea led, a n d h e cou ldn ’t h elp w on der in g h ow lon g sh e’d h a d it a s h e t or e t h e ca r dboa r d t op a n d r et r iev ed on e. He fu m bled lik e a t een a g er , bu t fin a lly g ot it on . In t h e m idst of it , a s h is ch eek s w a r m ed in em ba r r a ssm en t a n d h e t h ou g h t a bou t st oppin g w h ile h e st ill h a d on e r a t ion a l br a in cell in h is h ea d, Nicole w r a pped h er h a n d a r ou n d h im , a n d t h a t on e la st coh er en t t h ou g h t sca t t er ed lik e da n delion seeds in t h e w in d. He k issed h er a g a in , a n d r et r a ced t h e pa t h of h is fin g er s w it h h is t on g u e. He k issed t h e pet a l-sm oot h sk in of h er ch eek , h er
n eck , h er colla r bon e. T h en h e t r a ced t h e lit t le t u n n el bet w een h er br ea st s. He cu pped t h em a g a in , la v ish in g m or e a t t en t ion on t h eir t ips. On ce t h ey st ood er ect , h e t a st ed ea ch on e in t u r n , t h en g r a zed t h em w it h h is t eet h . T o h is delig h t , sh e a r ch ed h er ba ck a n d m oa n ed w it h plea su r e. Her sk in t a st ed fr esh a n d sw eet , lik e a cr isp, cool m elon . His m ou t h w a t er ed a s h e t r a ced t h e in den t a t ion below h er br ea st bon e a n d slid h is h a n d dow n t o pa lm h er fla t belly . Sh e sa t u p a n d pu lled h im ba ck t o k iss h is m ou t h a g a in , w h ile h er h a n d cu pped h im a n d ca r essed h im u n t il h is er ect ion pu lsed a g a in st h er pa lm . T h en sh e g u ided h im . He g r oa n ed w it h t h e effor t of con t r ollin g h im self a s h e slid in t o h er . Nicole w a s r idin g a w a v e of h ot deliciou s plea su r e lik e n ot h in g sh e’d ev er felt befor e. Her few ex per ien ces h a d let h er k n ow sh e en joy ed sex , bu t t h is, w it h Ry k er , w a s som et h in g fa r bey on d m er e en joy m en t . Her en t ir e body v ibr a t ed w it h a lm ost u n bea r a ble desir e, bu ildin g fr om h er sex u a l cor e lik e a v olca n o a bou t t o er u pt . A n d w h en h e sa n k deeply in t o h er , fillin g h er , t h e sh ock of h er in st a n t a n eou s clim a x ca u sed h er t o cr y ou t . He im m edia t ely st opped. “ A r e y ou ok a y ?” h e a sk ed br ea t h lessly , h is for eh ea d pr essed a g a in st h er s. His er ect ion t h r obbed in side h er , a s h er ow n body pu lsed in t in y a ft er sh ock s. “ Y es,” sh e br ea t h ed, a n d a r ch ed u pw a r d t o t a k e h im in m or e fu lly . “ Don ’t st op.” W it h a low g r ow l, h e beg a n t h r u st in g r h y t h m ica lly , st ir r in g h er a lr ea dy sa t ia t ed desir e t o n ew life. Ea ch t h r u st t ook t h em h ig h er a n d h ig h er st ill, u n t il h e r ose u p on h is a r m s a n d dr ov e h er t o a n ew , dizzy in g pin n a cle. Bot h of t h em cr ied ou t a s t h ey ca m e t og et h er . T h en Ry k er k issed h er g en t ly on t h e lips, floa t ed a fleet in g k iss t o ea ch ey elid, t h en pr essed h is fa ce in t o t h e sw eet spot bet w een h er sh ou lder a n d n eck . His h a r sh br ea t h s slow ly r et u r n ed t o
n or m a l. Nicole felt a s if sh e h a d m elt ed in t o t h e m a t t r ess. Her lim bs m ig h t a s w ell h a v e been bon eless, a n d h er body st ill t r em bled in a n occa sion a l t in y con t r a ct ion . Bu t t h e m ost a m a zin g t h in g w a s t h a t sh e felt a s if sh e cou ld dr ift off t o sleep. Ry k er la y beside h er a n d pu lled h er in t o t h e cr ook of h is a r m . He k issed h er t em ple a n d m u r m u r ed, “ A r e y ou ok a y ?” Sh e n odded. “ Bet t er t h a n ok a y .” “ Good.” T h en , w it h in a few secon ds, h is br ea t h in g slow ed a n d ev en ed ou t . “ A r e y ou ?” sh e w h isper ed, bu t h e didn ’t a n sw er . Did h e feel a s sa fe a n d com for t a ble a s sh e did? Or w a s h e on e of t h ose selfa bsor bed g u y s w h o fell a sleep a s soon a s t h ey w er e don e? No, h e w a sn ’t on e of t h ose g u y s. He’d been t oo a t t en t iv e, t oo con sider a t e. A n d h e’d defin it ely t h ou g h t of h er plea su r e. Her v er y , v er y n ice plea su r e. Her …plea su r a ble…plea su r e… Dr ow sily , sh e r ea lized h er t h ou g h t s w er e dr ift in g . Sh e closed h er ey es a n d t ook a deep br ea t h , fillin g h er h ea d w it h h is clea n , soa py scen t , a n d h er m in d w it h h is pr om ise. I’m going to m ak e s ure that nothing—nothing—happens to you.
Chapter Three Ry k er em er g ed in t o con sciou sn ess, lea v in g beh in d a sex y dr ea m in v olv in g Nicole Beck h a m . T h e su bt le scen t of m elon a n d a n a ft er t h ou g h t of coffee t ick led h is n ost r ils. He sh ift ed, a n d r ea lized h e w a s ly in g on h is ba ck , spr a w led dia g on a lly a cr oss a dou ble bed. His ey es open ed t o a slit , a n d h e sa w t h a t fa in t lig h t w a s seepin g in fr om beh in d a set of pa le g r een cu r t a in s. W a s h e st ill dr ea m in g ? He t ook a n ot h er br ea t h a n d h is m ou t h w a t er ed a t t h e scen t of m elon a n d coffee. Mem or ies of t h e n ig h t befor e st ir r ed h is desir e. Nope. T h is w a s defin it ely n ot a m em or y . It w a s r ea lit y . He fr ow n ed a n d squ in t ed. Su r pr isin g ly , h e’d slept t h r ou g h t h e n ig h t , som et h in g h e r a r ely did—n ev er if t h er e w a s a w om a n in bed w it h h im . He t r ied t o lift h is a r m t o ch eck h is w a t ch , a n d fou n d t h a t h e cou ldn ’t . His a r m w a s w eig h t ed dow n by Nicole’s sh ou lder . Her h on ey -sm oot h , n a k ed, r ou n ded sh ou lder . T h en h e n ot iced t h a t m or e of h er w a s dr a ped a cr oss h im . Sh e w a s on h er st om a ch a n d h er fa ce w a s bu r ied in h er pillow . He r a ised h is h ea d a n d a dm ir ed t h e sex y cu r v e of h er bu t t ock s h a lfh idden by a sh eet . He look ed fu r t h er . Her leg s w er e spr a w led a cr oss h is ca lf. W it h ou t a llow in g h im self t oo m u ch t im e t o t h in k a bou t w h y h e w a s so r elu ct a n t t o m ov e, w h en u su a lly h e cou ldn ’t w a it t o g et h om e a ft er a da t e, h e slid h is leg ou t fr om u n der h er s, t u r n ed ov er a n d pr essed a k iss t o t h e cu r v e of h er sh ou lder , t h en slipped h is a r m ou t fr om ben ea t h h er . Sh e lift ed h er h ea d a n d g a zed a t h im t h r ou g h h ea v y -lidded, sleepy ey es. T h en h er g a ze w en t t o t h e w in dow beh in d h im . “ It ’s da y lig h t ,” sh e sa id, sou n din g su r pr ised. “ W e slept a ll n ig h t ,” h e r espon ded, sm ilin g a t h er . “ How a r e
y ou doin g t h is m or n in g ?” Sh e sa t u p, pu llin g t h e r u m pled sh eet w it h h er a n d pu sh ed h er t ou sled h a ir ba ck fr om h er fa ce. “ I’m fin e,” sh e sa id on a y a w n , t h en sm iled sh eepish ly . “ I don ’t u su a lly sleep a ll n ig h t , especia lly —” “ W it h som eon e else in t h e bed?” h e fin ish ed. “ Me n eit h er .” Sh e look ed a t h im t h ou g h t fu lly . “ W h a t ?” h e a sk ed, sit t in g u p beside h er a n d m a k in g su r e t h e sh eet cov er ed h im . Sh e blin k ed. “ Not h in g . A r e y ou h u n g r y ?” “ St a r v in g . W h a t ’v e y ou g ot ?” “ Not m u ch . I r a r ely ea t a t h om e.” Ry k er g r in n ed. “ Com e on . Su r ely y ou h a v e eg g s.” “ I t h in k so.” “ A n d w e k n ow y ou h a v e coffee. So y ou st a y h er e, a n d I’ll m a k e br ea k fa st . W h en I’m don e, y ou ca n m a k e t h e coffee in t h a t fa n cy espr esso m a ch in e of y ou r s.” “ I t h ou g h t y ou sa id y ou didn ’t cook .” “ I sa id I didn ’t cook m u ch .” He pu t a fin g er a g a in st h er m ou t h . “ Ju st sa y t h a n k y ou . Y ou ’v e cook ed for m e pr a ct ica lly ev er y n ig h t for a lm ost a y ea r . Let m e r et u r n t h e fa v or .” “ T h a n k y ou ,” sh e sa id a g a in st h is fin g er . He lea n ed ov er a n d g a v e h er a qu ick k iss, t h en sa t u p a n d g r a bbed h is br iefs a n d jea n s a n d h ea ded for t h e ba t h r oom . On ce Ry k er h a d g on e in t o t h e k it ch en , Nicole pu t h er h a n ds ov er h er m ou t h a n d squ ea led silen t ly . What had s he done? In t h e y ea r sin ce t h e br ea k -in , sh e h a dn ’t h a d on e da t e. Not on e. Sh e h a dn ’t ev en t h ou g h t a bou t da t in g . Cer t a in ly h a dn ’t m issed it . Sh e’d been t oo bu sy m a k in g a r epu t a t ion for h er self a s a ch ef a ll ov er a g a in a t a n ew r est a u r a n t . Now , su dden ly , sh e’d fa llen in t o bed w it h a m a n —a cop— w h ose on ly in t er est in h er w a s t h a t sh e’d m a n a g ed t o su r v iv e
h is fa celess k iller . W h a t w a s t h e m a t t er w it h h er ? In t h e fir st pla ce, sh e never did t h a t . Never. Cer t a in ly n ot w it h a st r a n g er . Lea n in g ba ck a g a in st t h e h ea dboa r d a n d pu llin g t h e sh eet u p ov er h er , Nicole in du lg ed in a bit of m or n in g -a ft er ba sk in g . La st n ig h t sh e’d slept bet t er t h a n sh e h a d in ov er a y ea r . Ma y be in for ev er . Her m ot h er ’s job a s a n ig h t clea n in g w om a n in Ba t on Rou g e h a dn ’t con t r ibu t ed t o sleepin g w ell. Her h ou r s h a d been fr om 1 0 :0 0 p.m . t o 8 :0 0 a .m . w h ile sh e left h er y ou n g da u g h t er a lon e on t h e cou ch t h a t t h ey m a de in t o a bed in t h eir r oom in a r u n -dow n r oom in g h ou se. W a s it biza r r e t h a t t h e m a n w h o w a s t r y in g t o con v in ce h er t h a t h er life w a s in da n g er w a s t h e sa m e m a n w h o m a de h er feel sa fer t h a n sh e’d ev er felt befor e in h er life? Most defin it ely . Nicole h ea r d pa n s r a t t lin g in t h e k it ch en . Sh e cou ldn ’t im a g in e w h a t Ry k er w a s cook in g u p ou t of h er spa r sely st ock ed r efr ig er a t or . Sh e h oped t h e eg g s w er en ’t t oo old. Sh e cou ldn ’t r em em ber w h en sh e’d bou g h t t h em . Ju m pin g u p, sh e r a n t o t h e ba t h r oom a n d w a sh ed a n d br u sh ed h er t eet h , t h en pu lled on a pa ir of jea n s a n d a T -sh ir t t h a t r ea d Kiss t h e Ch ef. Ju st a s sh e w a s r u n n in g a com b t h r ou g h h er h a ir , sh e h ea r d Ry k er . “ Com e on a n d m a k e t h e coffee,” h e ca lled. “ W h a t ev er y ou fou n d t o cook , it sm ells w on der fu l,” sh e sa id a s sh e ca m e in t o t h e k it ch en a n d h ea ded for t h e espr esso m a ch in e. By t h e t im e sh e h a d t h e m u g s filled, t h e pla t es w er e on t h e t a ble. “ I a ssu m e t h e eg g s w er e ok a y ?” “ I floa t ed t h em in w a t er . T h ey sa n k .” He lea n ed for w a r d a n d k issed h er , g r in n in g lik e t h e pr ov er bia l Ch esh ir e Ca t . “ W h a t ?” sh e a sk ed a s h er h ea r t g a v e a lit t le lea p. He w a s ev en m or e h a n dsom e t h is m or n in g . His h a ir , da m p fr om h is sh ow er , look ed da r k er , w h ich som eh ow m a de h is ey es look
blu er . “ Ju st follow in g in st r u ct ion s,” h e sa id, pla n t in g a soft k iss on h er n ose, t h en look in g dow n a t t h e fr on t of h er T -sh ir t . He g en t ly t r a ced t h e let t er s. “ Oh , t h a t .” Sh e sh iv er ed a n d h er ch eek s fla m ed a s h is fin g er t ips slid a cr oss h er br ea st s. Sh e set a m u g dow n n ea r h is pla t e, t h en sa t . “ I n ev er r ea lly t h ou g h t a bou t w h a t it sa y s. W h a t k in d of eg g s a r e t h ese?” “ My specia l scr a m bled eg g s. T h e on ly br ea d I fou n d w a s g r een , a n d I didn ’t t h in k g r een t oa st a n d eg g s sou n ded g ood, so eg g s is a ll y ou g et .” “ T h a t ’s fin e.” Sh e pick ed u p a for k a n d t a st ed t h e dish . T h e eg g s w er e flu ffy a n d cr ea m y , w it h a h in t of som et h in g sa v or y . “ T h ey ’r e a m a zin g ,” sh e r em a r k ed. “ Y ou don ’t h a v e t o sou n d so su r pr ised,” h e sa id w it h a la u g h . “ A lt h ou g h I h a v e t o a dm it , t h is is pr et t y m u ch t h e ex t en t of m y cook in g sk ills. W ell, t h is a n d sa u sa g e g u m bo.” “ Y ou ca n m a k e g u m bo? T h a t ’s qu it e a t a len t .” “ My m ot h er t a u g h t m e h ow t o m a k e a per fect r ou x , a n d a s a n y on e in Lou isia n a k n ow s—” “ Y ou ca n ’t h a v e a g ood g u m bo w it h ou t a g ood r ou x ,” Nicole fin ish ed, sm ilin g . “ W h a t ’s in h er e t h a t m a k es t h em so cr ea m y ? I k n ow t h er e’s n o cr ea m in t h e r efr ig er a t or .” Ry k er sh ook h is h ea d a s h e sh ov eled for k fu ls of eg g s dow n a n d ch a sed t h em w it h coffee. “ Ma y on n a ise.” “ Ma y on n a ise.” Sh e’d n ev er t h ou g h t a bou t m ix in g m a y on n a ise a n d eg g s, a lt h ou g h t h ey obv iou sly com plem en t ed ea ch ot h er per fect ly . “ A n d t h e sa v or y fla v or ?” “ On ion s. I h a d t o u se dr ied m in ced on ion s. Y ou really don ’t k eep m u ch food a r ou n d, for a ch ef.” Nicole’s m ou t h w a s fu ll, so sh e h a d t o sw a llow a n d dr in k som e coffee befor e sh e cou ld a n sw er . “ I t old y ou . It ’s a lot of t r ou ble t o cook for on e per son ,” sh e sa id, w ipin g h er m ou t h on a sh eet of
pa per t ow el Ry k er h a d folded for a n a pk in . “ T ell m e a bou t it .” “ Bu t I a m t ot a lly st ea lin g y ou r scr a m bled eg g r ecipe,” sh e t ea sed. “ No, y ou ’r e n ot . T h a t ’s m y copy r ig h t ed r ecipe. Not u n less y ou ca ll it Eg g s Dela n cey .” “ How a bou t Ry k er ’s A m a zin g Mor n in g -A ft er Br ea k fa st ?” sh e t ea sed. “ T h a t ’s a m ou t h fu l.” Sh e pick ed u p h er pla t e a n d st ood a t t h e v er y in st a n t h e did t h e sa m e t h in g . T h ey n ea r ly collided. Ry k er slid h is pla t e u n der h er s a n d t ook t h em bot h . “ I’v e g ot t h e dish es.” He lea n ed ov er a n d k issed h er a g a in . A s befor e, it st a r t ed a s a t ea se, a lit t le peck on t h e lips, bu t sh e lea n ed for w a r d, t oo, a n d t h e sim ple lit t le k iss t u r n ed in t o m u ch m or e. Ry k er pu t h is h a n d h oldin g t h e m u g a r ou n d h er a n d pu lled h er closer , u n t il t h e pla t es in h is ot h er h a n d w er e pr essin g in t o h er br ea st bon e. Coffee a n d sa lt m in g led w it h bit s of eg g a s t h eir k iss deepen ed. Nicole felt t h e fir e st a r t in g deep in side h er . Sh e m a de a lit t le in v olu n t a r y sou n d in h er t h r oa t . Ry k er pu lled ba ck a n d look ed in t o h er ey es. “ T h in k t h e dish es cou ld w a it ?” h e w h isper ed. “ I defin it ely t h in k t h ey cou ld—” A h a r sh ja n g le in t er r u pt ed h er . “ Da m n ,” h e sa id. “ T h a t ’s m y ph on e.” He r et r iev ed h is ja ck et fr om t h e floor beside t h e fr on t door . It w a s W illia m Cr en sh a w , a fr ien d a n d fellow det ect iv e. “ W h a t ’s u p, Bill?” “ W e g ot a n ot h er on e.” “ A n ot h er w h a t ?” Ry k er g la n ced a t Nicole. Sh e w a s r in sin g dish es a n d pu t t in g t h em in t h e dish w a sh er . He t u r n ed h is ba ck t o h er .
Bill su ck ed in a deep br ea t h . “ A n ot h er g ir l. Dea d in h er a pa r t m en t .” Ry k er ’s w h ole body w en t on a ler t . Ev er y body on t h e for ce k n ew a bou t h is cer t a in t y t h a t St . T a m m a n y Pa r ish h a d a ser ia l k iller . T h r ee y ou n g w om en h a d been k illed in t h r ee y ea r s, a ll in side t h eir h om es, a n d a ll w it h w ea pon s of con v en ien ce. “ W h en ?” h e ba r k ed. “ T h e Cou r t y a r d A pa r t m en t s on Ma in St r eet in Ch ef V oleu r . Neig h bor s sa w h er ly in g on h er pa t io t h is m or n in g . Look s lik e sh e colla psed w h ile t r y in g t o esca pe.” “ Da m n it . T oda y ’s t h e—” h e h eld t h e ph on e a w a y fr om h is ea r a n d g la n ced a t t h e da t e “ —t w en t y -secon d. Ok a y . I’ll be r ig h t t h er e.” Ry k er h u n g u p a n d t u r n ed t o fin d Nicole look in g a t h im . T h e r u n n in g w a t er w a s off. How m u ch h a d sh e h ea r d? He didn ’t w a n t h er t o k n ow t h a t a n ot h er w om a n h a d been k illed. “ Y ou h a v e t o g o?” sh e a sk ed. He n odded. “ Got a sit u a t ion .” He r a n a h a n d a cr oss h is da m p h a ir . “ Is it ba d?” “ It m ig h t be.” Sh e w r a pped h er a r m s a r ou n d h er self. “ I don ’t k n ow h ow y ou do w h a t y ou do. Ch a sin g t h e ba d g u y s. Pu t t in g y ou r self in da n g er , da y a ft er da y .” He sh r u g g ed, su dden ly w a n t in g t o be ou t of t h er e, a n d n ot ju st beca u se h e h a d a n ew m u r der t o in v est ig a t e. Nicole w a s g oin g t o k eep on a sk in g qu est ion s, a n d ev en t u a lly , sh e’d g et a r ou n d t o qu est ion s h e didn ’t w a n t t o a n sw er . Qu est ion s sh e r ea lly didn ’t w a n t t o k n ow t h e a n sw er s t o. He t u ck ed in h is sh ir t , don n ed h is sh ou lder h olst er a n d fa st en ed it , a n d sh ook ou t h is ja ck et . “ I’ll see y ou la t er ,” h e sa id, g la n cin g a r ou n d t o m a k e su r e h e h a dn ’t left a n y t h in g . Nicole st a r t ed t ow a r d h im , bu t h e g r a bbed t h e fr on t door k n ob.
“ I’ll ca ll y ou ,” h e t ossed ba ck ov er h is sh ou lder a s h e h ea ded ou t , closin g t h e door beh in d h im . A s h e v a u lt ed dow n t h e st a ir s, h e w in ced a t h is w or ds. He’d m ea n t t h em , bu t t h e offh a n d ph r a se h a d becom e a clich é for on e-n ig h t st a n ds. A ll h e cou ld do w a s h ope t h a t Nicole h a d sen se en ou g h t o k n ow t h a t w h en h e w a s ca lled, h e h a d t o g o. He g ot in h is ca r a n d t ook off, h is m in d a lr ea dy t u r n in g t o t h e cr im e scen e h e w a s speedin g t ow a r d. Oct ober 2 2 . T h e k iller w a s r ig h t on t im e.
N ICOLE TWISTED THE KITCHEN TOWEL in h er h a n ds a s sh e st a r ed a t h er fr on t door . T h e best n ig h t of h er life h a d su dden ly t u r n ed sou r . Of cou r se sh e u n der st ood t h a t Ry k er w a s a det ect iv e. Em er g en cy ph on e ca lls a n d life-or -dea t h sit u a t ion s w er e pa r t of h is job descr ipt ion . T h e fa ct t h a t h e’d r u sh ed ou t so qu ick ly w a sn ’t t h e pr oblem . His h a st ily t h r ow n ou t I’ll call you w a sn ’t t h e pr oblem , eit h er . A lt h ou g h it did occu r t o h er t h a t h e h a dn ’t a sk ed for h er ph on e n u m ber . A sm a ll pa n g of r eg r et st a bbed h er in t h e ch est . I w ou ld be a sh a m e if h e didn ’t ca ll. Bu t t h e big g er pr oblem w a s, h e’d lied t o h er a bou t t h e ca ll. Or a t lea st h e h a dn ’t t old h er t h e w h ole t r u t h . Sh e’d h ea r d h im sa y t h e da t e. Seen t h e look on h is fa ce a s h e list en ed t o t h e ca ller . It didn ’t t a k e a g en iu s, or ev en a det ect iv e, t o fig u r e ou t w h a t t h a t ph on e ca ll w a s r ea lly a bou t . Nicole sh iv er ed. Ry k er t h ou g h t t h a t t h e m a n w h o’d br ok en in t o h er h om e, w h o’d t a k en on e of h er ch ef k n iv es, w h o h a d a lr ea dy k illed t h r ee w om en , h a d st r u ck a g a in .
RYKER SAT ON HIS HAUNCHES a n d st u died t h e v ict im ’s posit ion . Sh e w a s spr a w led a cr oss t h e con cr et e floor of t h e pa t io, t h e ba ck of h er
n ig h t g ow n a n d t h e con cr et e floor a r ou n d h er dr en ch ed in blood. Ry k er follow ed t h e t r a il of blood w it h h is ey es, ba ck t o t h e pa t io door . He’d ch eck w it h CSI a bou t t h e blood pa t t er n s la t er , bu t fr om w h a t h e cou ld t ell, sh e’d been st a bbed in t h e ba ck ju st a bou t t h e t im e sh e’d r ea ch ed t h e pa t io door . Sh e’d m a de it ou t side befor e sh e colla psed. Dr ip pa t t er n s dow n h er sides a n d t h e blood a r ou n d h er body t old h im sh e h a dn ’t died r ig h t a w a y . Sh e’d bled ou t r ig h t h er e w h er e sh e’d fa llen . He t ook a qu ick look a r ou n d t h e pa t io. It w a s t h e n eig h bor s on t h e w est side w h o’d ca lled 9 1 1 . T h e a pa r t m en t t o t h e ea st h a d a pr iv a cy fen ce. Bill h a d a lr ea dy qu est ion ed t h e cou ple t h a t liv ed t h er e. A ppa r en t ly , n eit h er on e h a d h ea r d a n y t h in g . He ben t dow n , t r y in g t o g et a g ood look a t t h e v ict im ’s fa ce. Sh e w a s older t h a n h is pr ev iou s v ict im s. He w a sn ’t a g ood ju dg e of a g e, bu t h e fig u r ed sh e w a s in h er la t e t h ir t ies a t best . A fr isson of dou bt slit h er ed t h r ou g h h im . If t h is w a s t h e w or k of h is ser ia l k iller , t h e m a n h a d st epped ou t side t h e n or m a l a ct ion s ex pect ed of ser ia l m u r der er s—a g a in . T h is v ict im ’s a g e w a s a n a n om a ly . Ry k er r u bbed t h e spot in t h e m iddle of h is ch est w h er e t h e fr isson of dou bt h a d lodg ed. W h a t if t h is k illin g w a sn ’t con n ect ed? Ry k er st u died t h e k n ife w ou n d ju st in side h er left sh ou lder bla de. He lift ed h is a r m a n d m im ick ed t h e m ot ion t h a t w ou ld h a v e been n ecessa r y t o m a k e t h a t w ou n d. T h e k iller h a d w ielded t h e k n ife a bov e h is h ea d. He w a sn ’t pr oficien t w it h a k n ife a s a w ea pon . A pr o w ou ld m or e lik ely h a v e k ept h is a r m low , a n d st a bbed h er in t h e low er ba ck —t h e k idn ey s. Nope. He w a s cer t a in h is g u y h a d u sed a w ea pon of con v en ien ce—a g a in . If it w as h is g u y . Ry k er sen t a qu ick g la n ce a r ou n d t h e sm a ll pa t io. T h e w ea pon . W h er e w a s it ? Ev er y ot h er t im e, t h e k iller h a d left t h e w ea pon a t t h e scen e. Ex cept for la st y ea r , w h en h e’d esca ped
w it h Nicole’s k n ife. Ry k er st u died t h e body a g a in . It w a s con ceiv a ble t h a t t h e w ea pon cou ld be u n der h er , bu t n ot lik ely . Not g iv en t h e bleedin g pa t t er n . If sh e h a d fa llen w h ile r u n n in g a w a y fr om t h e k iller w h o h a d ju st st a bbed h er , t h e k n ife cou ldn ’t h a v e en ded u p ben ea t h h er . He t ou ch ed t h e cu t n ig h t g ow n w it h a g lov ed fin g er . He cou ldn ’t t ell m u ch a bou t t h e k n ife w ou n d beca u se of t h e blood. Bu t t h e cu t in t h e g ow n w a s on ly a bou t a n in ch lon g . It w a sn ’t a v er y big k n ife. T h e bla de t h a t m a de t h a t cu t in t h e n ig h t g ow n h a d t o be less t h a n a n in ch w ide. A n om in ou s t h ou g h t occu r r ed t o h im . T h e k n ife t h a t h a d been st olen fr om Nicole w a sn ’t a big k n ife. He’d look ed a t h er k n ife ca se t h e n ig h t of h er n ea r a t t a ck , bu t a ll h e cou ld r em em ber w a s t h a t t h e em pt y slot w h er e t h e m issin g k n ife sh ou ld h a v e been st or ed w a sn ’t v er y lon g . He r em em ber ed look in g a t h er k n ife ca se a n d feelin g t h a n k fu l t h a t t h e m a n h a dn ’t t a k en on e of t h e om in ou sly lon g , t h ick -bla ded on es. Dr . Da v id Miller , t h e n ew m edica l ex a m in er w h o’d t a k en ov er w h en Hir a m Cr ou ch h a d r et ir ed t h e pr ev iou s Decem ber , st epped t h r ou g h t h e door . “ Ry k er . Got a n ot h er on e?” Ry k er r ose fr om h is cr ou ch . “ Look s lik e it . How ’s bu sin ess?” “ It ’s been slow . I r eck on it ’s pick in g u p n ow .” “ I’ll lea v e h er w it h y ou . I w a n t t o look a r ou n d in side a n d ch eck w it h Bill a bou t w h a t t h e n eig h bor s sa id.” Da v e cr ou ch ed dow n beside t h e v ict im . “ Hey , sw eet ie,” h e sa id. “ Let ’s see w h a t y ou ca n t ell m e.” “ I n eed ev er y t h in g y ou ca n g iv e m e a bou t t h e k n ife h e u sed. W e h a v en ’t fou n d it y et . I’v e g ot a feelin g h e t ook it w it h h im .” Da v e n odded w it h ou t look in g u p. Ry k er h ea ded for t h e pa t io door , t h en t u r n ed ba ck . “ Da v e? How old do y ou t h in k sh e is?” T h e m edica l ex a m in er t u r n ed h er h ea d so h e cou ld see h er
fa ce a n d n eck . “ La t e t h ir t ies or ea r ly for t ies.” Ry k er n odded. “ T h a t ’s w h a t I t h ou g h t .” He st epped t h r ou g h t h e door in t o t h e k it ch en , ca r efu lly a v oidin g t h e blood spa t t er on t h e t ile a n d t h e cr im e scen e ph ot og r a ph er w h o w a s t a k in g ph ot os of ev er y in ch of w a ll a n d floor . “ Don ’t su ppose y ou ’v e fou n d a w ea pon y et ,” h e sa id t o Bill, w h o w a s w r it in g som et h in g on a sm a ll pa d. Bill sh ook h is h ea d, a n d fin ish ed scr ibblin g befor e h e look ed u p. “ Nope. Not h in g .” “ T h a t ’s odd.” “ On ly if t h e k iller is y ou r g u y .” Ry k er g a v e a r elu ct a n t n od. “ A n y t h in g m issin g fr om t h e k it ch en ?” Bill sh ook h is h ea d, t h en poin t ed a t a w or n br ow n cou ch w it h h is pen . “ It look s lik e Ms. T er r y w a s w a t ch in g T V . Ma y h a v e fa llen a sleep on t h e cou ch . T h e k iller pr oba bly sa w h er t h r ou g h t h e open w in dow t h er e.” Ry k er g la n ced a t t h e w in dow , t h en a t t h e door fa cin g , w h er e w ood w a s splin t er ed. “ A n d n obody h ea r d h im k ick t h e door in ?” “ A ppa r en t ly n ot . A lt h ou g h , look a t t h a t lock . My n in e-y ea r old n eph ew cou ld br ea k in h er e.” Ry k er g la n ced a r ou n d. T h e cr im e scen e ph ot og r a ph er w a s st a n din g in t h e door w a y t o t h e pa t io a n d a secon d cr im e scen e in v est ig a t or w a s lift in g fin g er pr in t s fr om t h e fr on t door . “ Bill,” h e sa id, lea n in g close t o Bill’s ea r , “ w h a t if h e u sed t h e k n ife h e st ole fr om Nicole?” “ Hello, boy s,” a n obn ox iou sly ch eer y v oice sa id. Ry k er w h ir led. It w a s Lon Héber t , a r epor t er for t h e loca l n ew spa per , t h e St. Tam m any Paris h Record. He cu r sed u n der h is br ea t h . Bill w a sn ’t so cir cu m spect . “ W h a t t h e h ell a r e y ou doin g h er e, Héber t ? T h is is a cr im e scen e. T a k e y ou r u g ly , scr a w n y a ss ou t of h er e. T om —” h e ca lled t o on e of t h e u n ifor m ed
depu t ies. “ A w , Bill. Giv e m e a br ea k . I n eed a big st or y . It ’s been so qu iet a r ou n d h er e t h a t I w a s a bou t t o r u n a piece on a llig a t or s bein g r u n ov er on t h e fr eew a y .” Héber t la u g h ed. “ Dela n cey , t a lk t o m e.” “ How do y ou ev en k n ow a bou t t h is?” Bill dem a n ded. Héber t g r in n ed. “ It ’s ca lled a police sca n n er , Bill.” “ Get ou t of h er e,” Ry k er sa id, h is v oice dea dly qu iet . “ A n d m a k e su r e y ou clea r a n y t h in g —a n d I m ea n anything—w it h t h e sh er iff’s office befor e y ou pr in t it .” Lon h eld u p h is h a n ds. “ Fin e. Fin e. I’ll ca ll t h e depu t y ch ief a n d see if I ca n g et a st a t em en t .” He t u r n ed a n d left . Ry k er w a t ch ed h im lea v e. “ Y ou t h in k h e h ea r d w h a t I sa id?” Bill sh ook h is h ea d. “ No idea . I didn ’t see h im com e in .” “ W ell, w h a t do y ou t h in k ? I t h in k I n eed t o look a t m a t ch in g Nicole’s m issin g k n ife w it h Jea n T er r y ’s w ou n d.” Bill sh r u g g ed. “ Y ou cou ld. Bu t isn ’t t h a t qu it e a lea p, ev en for y ou ? Ju st beca u se w e h a v en ’t fou n d t h e w ea pon y et ? Y ou r ea lly a r e t r y in g t o con n ect t h is t o y ou r m y st er iou s ser ia l k iller , a r en ’t y ou ?” “ Com e on , Bill. T h in k a bou t it . Y est er da y w a s Oct ober 2 1 . He br ok e in a n d k illed h er . No sex u a l a ssa u lt .” He look ed a r ou n d t h e r oom a n d spot t ed a pu r se, u pt u r n ed on t h e k it ch en cou n t er . “ He du m ped h er pu r se. Is a n y t h in g m issin g ?” “ Nope. Not ev en h er ca sh .” “ T h a t ’s t y pica l. Not ev en a pr et en se of a r obber y .” Ry k er ’s pu lse r a ced w it h ex cit em en t . It w a s t r a g ic t h a t a n ot h er y ou n g w om a n w a s dea d, bu t m a y be n ow h e cou ld t a k e t h is fou r t h m u r der t o h is ch ief a n d fin a lly g et h im t o lin k t h e ca ses a n d t r ea t t h em a s t h e w or k of on e m a n —a ser ia l k iller .
T HREE HOURS AFTER HE’D a r r iv ed a t t h e scen e of t h e cr im e, Ry k er w a s
in t h e St . T a m m a n y Pa r ish Cr im e La b pa cin g ba ck a n d for t h . “ W ea r in g a h ole in m y floor is n ot g oin g t o m a k e m e g o a n y fa st er .” Dr . Da v e Miller w a s in scr u bs, st a n din g ov er t h e a u t opsy t a ble, ex a m in in g Jea n T er r y ’s fa t a l w ou n d. Ry k er h a t ed t h e a u t opsy r oom . T h e pr ev iou s M.E., Dr . Cr ou ch , w h o w a s eig h t y if h e w a s a da y , h a d t r ea t ed t h e v ict im s lik e sides of beef. T h e fa ct t h a t Ry k er h a d k n ow n a w om a n w h o h a d en ded u p on Cr ou ch ’s t a ble h a dn ’t h elped. Da v e w a s t h e t ot a l opposit e. Ev er y m ov e h e m a de w a s k in d a n d r espect fu l. It m a de a big differ en ce t o Ry k er , w h o h a d n ev er lea r n ed t o v iew a dea d body a s a sepa r a t e t h in g fr om t h e per son sh e h a d been . “ W h a t ca n y ou t ell m e a bou t h er k n ife w ou n d?” Da v e w a s peer in g t h r ou g h a la r g e lig h t ed m a g n ify in g g la ss. “ Not m u ch . I n eed t o ca st it , t o g et a t r u er r epr esen t a t ion of t h e sh a pe a n d pa t h of t h e bla de. See t h is V?” Ry k er r elu ct a n t ly m ov ed closer t o t h e t a ble a n d look ed t h r ou g h t h e m a g n ifier . “ T h a t u pside-dow n V? Y ea h . I cou ldn ’t see it ea r lier , beca u se of a ll t h e blood. W h a t w ou ld m a k e t h a t k in d of w ou n d?” “ Oh , it ’s a k n ife a ll r ig h t . Sin g le-edg ed. T h a t ’s a com m on pa t t er n . It ’s ca lled for k in g . T h e bla de en t er ed h er ba ck h er e,” Da v e sa id, poin t in g a t t h e r ig h t side of t h e w ou n d. “ A n d ex it ed h er e.” He sh ift ed h is fin g er t o t h e left side. “ W h a t do y ou m ea n ?” “ Sh e w a s m ost lik ely on h er feet . Her a t t a ck er w a s beh in d h er , ch a sin g h er .” Da v e pu sh ed t h e m a g n ifier a w a y a n d r a ised h is a r m , dem on st r a t in g . “ He st a bbed h er w it h a dow n w a r d m ot ion . T h e bla de en t er ed bet w een h er sh ou lder bla des, a n g lin g t ow a r d t h e r ig h t . He h eld on t o t h e k n ife a s sh e jer k ed a n d pr oba bly st u m bled or fell. In a n y ca se, t h e bla de ex it ed a t a bou t a t h ir t y -deg r ee a n g le fr om w h er e it en t er ed.” “ T h a t ’s for k in g ? I r em em ber t h e t er m fr om For en sics, bu t I
don ’t t h in k I’v e ev er seen a w ou n d lik e t h a t .” “ How m a n y st a bbin g dea t h s h a v e y ou in v est ig a t ed?” “ On ly on e—t w o y ea r s a g o. T h e w ea pon w a s a fir epla ce pok er .” “ Messy .” “ No k iddin g . Especia lly a ft er Cr ou ch g ot don e w it h it .” Da v e didn ’t com m en t . A n ot h er poin t in h is fa v or . Ry k er w a n t ed t o bit e h is t on g u e. It w a s n ev er g ood pr a ct ice t o t a lk a bou t a collea g u e, pr esen t or for m er . “ T h is u pside-dow n V is t y pica l of a st a bbin g ,” Da v e con t in u ed. “ It ’s u n u su a l for a v ict im t o r em a in st ill w h ile bein g st a bbed.” “ W h a t a r e t h ose m a r k s on t h e edg es of t h e cu t s?” “ T h e k n ife’s g u a r d. T h e a t t a ck er st r u ck w it h for ce. He bu r ied t h e bla de u p t o t h e g u a r d. It br u ised t h e sk in .” “ T h e g u a r d? Is t h a t lik e t h e h ilt ?” “ Y ep. Hilt s r efer t o sw or ds, bu t it ’s t h e sa m e t h in g . It ’s a lw a y s g ood t o h a v e t h ose m a r k s on a w ou n d lik e t h is. If I h a d a w ea pon t o com pa r e it t o, t h a t con t u sion cou ld g iv e u s a m a t ch .” Da v e pu lled t h e m a g n ifier dow n a g a in a n d peer ed t h r ou g h it . “ Now I n eed t o con cen t r a t e.” “ Su r e. I’v e g ot t o w r it e u p m y r epor t . Let m e k n ow a s soon a s y ou k n ow a n y t h in g .” “ Defin it ely .” A s Ry k er pu sh ed open t h e door , Da v e ca lled ou t t o h im . “ Oh , Ry k er , y ou r v ict im h a d br ea st ca n cer .” “ Y ea h ?” Da v e n odded. “ Dou ble r a dica l m a st ect om y , a n d ev iden ce of r a dia t ion .” “ Is t h a t r elev a n t ?” “ Ha r d t o sa y . I’m cu r iou s t o see if t h ey g ot it a ll, a n d h ow m u ch of t h e ly m ph n odes t h ey g ot . I’ll or der h er m edica l r ecor ds, a n d t a k e a biopsy , ju st in ca se.” “ T h a n k s, Da v e.”
Ry k er h ea ded t o t h e pr ecin ct a n d w r ot e u p ev er y t h in g h e’d seen a n d don e a t t h e cr im e scen e. T h en , in a differ en t docu m en t , h e w r ot e h is im pr ession s of t h e m u r der , a n d h ow it fit h is t h eor y of a ser ia l k iller , fr om t h e da t e t o h is con cer n t h a t t h e w ea pon u sed cou ld be Nicole’s m issin g k n ife. He in clu ded Da v e’s in for m a t ion a bou t Jea n T er r y ’s ca n cer , a lt h ou g h h e h a d n o r ea son t o t h in k it h a d a n y bea r in g on h er dea t h . T w ice h e w a s in t er r u pt ed by ph on e ca lls. T h e fir st w a s fr om on e of t h e depu t ies w h o’d r u n t h e k id in t h e ot h er n ig h t , t ellin g h im t h a t t h e boy w a s sev en t een , h a d n o pr ior s, n ot ev en a s a ju v en ile, bu t t h a t h e’d g iv en t h em a t ip t h a t h elped in a dr u g r in g ca se t h ey w er e t r y in g t o pu t t og et h er . “ Gr ea t ,” Ry k er h a d sa id. “ Gla d t o h elp. Do m e a fa v or a n d g et y ou r ser g ea n t t o t ell m y boss, w ill y ou ?” T h e depu t y h a d la u g h ed a n d sa id h e’d t r y . T h en , befor e Ry k er cou ld g et ba ck t o w or k , h is t w in br ot h er , Reilly , ca lled. “ Hey , old m a n .” Reilly ’s n ick n a m e for Ry k er r efer r ed t o t h e fa ct t h a t Ry k er w a s older by sev en m in u t es. “ Kid. W h a t ’s u p?” “ I h ea r d a bou t t h e m u r der . A n ot h er n ot ch on y ou r ser ia l k iller ’s belt , eh ?” “ Y ea h . I’m h opin g t h is on e w ill g iv e m e som et h in g con cr et e I ca n t a k e t o Mik e.” “ Ma y be so. Did y ou see Mom ’s e-m a il?” “ Nope. Been a lit t le bu sy t o follow t h e Dela n cey soa p oper a .” “ W ell, it did r a m ble a bit , bu t t h e g ist w a s r em in din g ev er y body a bou t t h e a n n iv er sa r y ba r becu e.” Ry k er w in ced a t Reilly ’s im plica t ion . T h eir m ot h er t en ded t o r a m ble w h en sh e dr a n k , w h et h er t a lk in g in per son , on t h e ph on e or v ia e-m a il. “ I h a v en ’t for g ot t en a bou t t h e pa r t y .” “ W ell, t a k e a look a t h er m essa g e. Sh e’s ch a n g in g t h e da t e
beca u se Da d’s g ot t o m eet w it h h is pa r ole officer on t h eir a n n iv er sa r y .” Ry k er cu r sed u n der h is br ea t h . How m a n y w a y s cou ld h is da d’s sk ew ed loy a lt y in t er fer e w it h a ll t h eir liv es? “ I’ll ch eck it ,” h e g r ow led. “ So, y ou g oin g t o br in g a da t e?” “ W h a t do y ou t h in k ? If I ca n ’t ev en ch eck m y m a il, w h en do I fin d t im e t o da t e?” Ry k er t r ied t o ig n or e t h e m en t a l im a g e of Nicole’s bea u t ifu l n a k ed body t h a t r ose in h is br a in . “ W h a t a bou t y ou ?” “ Not on ly do I h a v e n o t im e, I h a v e n o pr ospect s.” “ T h a t ’s sa d, k id. T r u ly sa d.” “ Y ea h , w ell.” Reilly sen t a few ch oice a n d color fu l w or ds a cr oss t h e a ir w a v es. “ Sa m e t o y ou ,” Ry k er sa id, deliber a t ely ch a n g in g t h e su bject fr om t h eir dy sfu n ct ion a l fa m ily . “ How ’s SW A T ?” “ Pr et t y slow r ig h t n ow . W e’r e dou blin g u p on ex er cises a n d dr ills.” “ Good. See if y ou ca n lea r n h ow t o a im bet t er .” It w a s a n old jok e bet w een t h em . A lt h ou g h t h ey w er e iden t ica l t w in s, Reilly h a d in h er it ed t h e sh a r psh oot er g en e. It w a s Ry k er w h o’d h a d t o w or k a t h is m a r k sm a n sh ip. “ Rig h t . Ca ll m e if y ou w a n t m e t o t a k e y ou r h a n dg u n pr oficien cy t est for y ou .” Ry k er w in ced a t t h e fa in t bit t er n ess in h is t w in ’s v oice. Reilly h a d w a n t ed t h e det ect iv e posit ion t h a t h a d been g iv en t o Ry k er . “ T r u st m e,” Ry k er sa id w r y ly . “ Y ou cou ldn ’t sh oot ba d en ou g h for t h em t o believ e y ou w er e m e.” T h e ba ck h a n ded com plim en t ea r n ed a r elu ct a n t la u g h fr om h is br ot h er . Ry k er ’s desk ph on e r a n g . “ Hey , k id. I g ot t a g o. W or k ca lls.” “ Gu ess I w on ’t see y ou u n t il t h e pa r t y , t h en . By e.”
Ry k er h u n g u p h is cell ph on e a n d pick ed u p h is desk ph on e’s h a n dset . It w a s Da v e. “ Ry k er . I’v e g ot som et h in g for y ou .” “ I’ll be r ig h t t h er e.” He sped ov er t o t h e la b a n d r a n t o t h e a u t opsy r oom . “ W h oa !” Da v e sa id a s Ry k er sla m m ed open t h e door . “ T h er e’s n o fir e h er e.” “ Sor r y . W h a t ’v e y ou g ot ?” “ T a k e a look a t t h is.” Da v e poin t ed t o a w h it e elon g a t ed ca r v in g t h a t la y on a n ex a m t a ble. Ry k er ’s h ea r t t h u m ped w h en h e sa w it . It w a s t h e ca st in g of t h e k n ife w ou n d. A lt h ou g h t h e ca st in g didn ’t look lik e a n y k n ife Ry k er h a d ev er seen , h e k n ew fr om t h e look on Da v e’s fa ce t h a t h e’d com e t o a con clu sion a bou t t h e k n ife t h a t h a d been u sed t o st a b Jea n T er r y . “ W ell?” Ry k er sa id, n ot ev en t r y in g t o k eep t h e ex cit em en t ou t of h is v oice. “ Fr om t h e sh a pe of t h e ca st in g , a n d t h e a ppea r a n ce of t h e w ou n d, I’d sa y t h e k n ife’s bla de is a r ou n d fiv e a n d a h a lf t o six in ch es lon g . It h a s a cu r v ed r et u r n a n d a t a per ed bolst er . I’d be w illin g t o bet t h e bla de is flex ible, ba sed on t h e sh a pe of t h e w ou n d.” “ Ret u r n ? Bolst er ?” Da v e g r in n ed. “ Y ea h . I su dden ly dev eloped a n eed t o k n ow a lot a bou t k n iv es. If y ou ’r e so su r e y ou ’v e g ot a ser ia l k iller on y ou r h a n ds, I w a n t t o m a k e su r e I don ’t m iss a n y t h in g t h a t m ig h t h elp y ou pr ov e it .” He pu lled u p a dia g r a m on h is com pu t er . “ Her e’s a br ea k dow n of t h e pa r t s of a k n ife. See t h er e? T h e r et u r n is ba sica lly t h e en d of t h e bla de. T h e bolst er is a colla r t h a t join s t h e bla de w it h t h e h a n dle.” “ So w h a t does a ll t h a t m ea n ? Ca n y ou iden t ify t h e k n ife?” “ If I h a d a k n ife, I cou ld t ell y ou h ow it com pa r es t o t h e k n ife t h a t w a s u sed. I w ill sa y , in t h e sh or t a m ou n t of t im e I’v e h a d t o
do r esea r ch , I’v e con clu ded t h a t t h e k n ife u sed t o k ill y ou r v ict im w a s a bon in g k n ife.” “ A bon in g k n ife?” Da v e n odded. “ Usu a lly u sed by ch efs t o debon e m ea t . T h e bla de ca n be st iff or flex ible. T h is on e w a s flex ible.” Ry k er ’s pu lse pou n ded in h is h ea d. “ T h is cou ld be it .” He cla sped Da v e’s sh ou lder a n d sh ook h is h a n d. “ T h is m ig h t be m y br ea k . If t h a t w ou n d w a s m a de w it h a ch ef’s k n ife, it cou ld be t h e k n ife t h a t h e t ook fr om Nicole.” “ Nicole?” “ Nicole Beck h a m . La st y ea r ’s v ict im . Sh e’s a ch ef. T h e k iller w a s sca r ed off by h er r oom m a t e, bu t h e g ot a w a y w it h on e of h er k n iv es. I don ’t k n ow w h ich on e.” “ Br in g h er k n iv es in . I’ll see if t h ey m a t ch .” “ Da v e, I ca n ’t t ell y ou h ow m u ch I a ppr ecia t e y ou r h a r d w or k on t h is. W ill y ou be a r ou n d t oda y ? T om or r ow ?” “ I’ll be h er e a ll a ft er n oon . T om or r ow ’s Sa t u r da y . My da u g h t er h a s a soccer g a m e ou t of t ow n .” Ry k er h ea ded ba ck t o t h e pr ecin ct , feelin g lik e a w eig h t h a d been lift ed off h is sh ou lder s. “ Don ’t g et ex cit ed,” h e w a r n ed h im self, bu t it w a s t oo la t e. If Nicole’s m issin g k n ife cou ld be m a t ch ed w it h t h a t w ou n d, h e’d h a v e t h e pr oof h e n eeded t o con v in ce Mik e t h a t t h er e w a s a ser ia l k iller on t h e loose in St . T a m m a n y Pa r ish .
Chapter Four Ry k er didn ’t sleep a w in k a ll n ig h t . He’d ca r r ied t h e fou r ca se files of t h e pr ev iou s v ict im s h om e w it h h im , a s w ell a s copies of Da v e’s fin din g s a bou t Jea n T er r y ’s st a b w ou n d a n d Bill’s n ot es. He w en t t h r ou g h a ll fou r of t h e files a g a in , com pa r in g ev er y t h in g h e cou ld fin d t o Da v e’s a n d Bill’s n ot es a s w ell a s h is ow n . By t h e t im e t h e su n ca m e u p h e h a d r ein for ced h is belief t h a t t h e t h r ee dea t h s plu s Nicole’s n ea r a t t a ck w er e t h e w or k of on e m a n . He look ed a t h is coffee m u g in dist a st e. He’d dr u n k coffee a ll n ig h t w h ile h e’d w or k ed. Now h e n eeded w a t er . W a t er a n d a sh ow er . He t ook h is m u g in t o t h e k it ch en a n d ex ch a n g ed it for a cold bot t le of w a t er . He g u lped h a lf of it a s h e w a lk ed ba ck t o h is desk . He sa t on t h e edg e of t h e desk a n d r ea d ov er h is n ot es on e m or e t im e, in clu din g t h e v ict im s’ bir t h da t es, w h ich h e’d ju st m a t ch ed u p du r in g t h e n ig h t .
Oct ober 2 5 , 2 0 0 6 : Da isy How a r d, bor n in Oct ober of 1 9 8 5 (2 1 ), w a s st a bbed w it h h er fir epla ce pok er in h er a pa r t m en t w h ile h er fia n cé w a s ou t of t ow n . Model. Oct ober 2 2 , 2 0 0 7 : Bella Pot t in g er , w h om h e’d da t ed br iefly in colleg e, a n d w h o w a s bor n on Nov em ber 1 of 1 9 7 6 (3 0 ), w a s k illed by a sin g le sla sh t o h er ca r ot id a r t er y . T h e w ea pon w a s a br ok en w in e bot t le fr om h er w in e cooler . Pr ofessor of a dm in ist r a t iv e ju st ice. Oct ober 2 4 , 2 0 0 8 : Jen n ifer Gom ez, bor n in Oct ober of 1 9 8 5 (2 3 ), a ba n k t eller , w a s st r a n g led w it h h er ph on e cor d. Oct ober 2 0 , 2 0 0 9 : Nicole Beck h a m , bor n in Oct ober of 1 9 8 3
(2 6 ), ba r ely esca ped bein g st a bbed w it h a k n ife fr om h er ch ef k n ife ca se w h en h er r oom m a t e ca m e h om e. Oct ober 2 2 , 2 0 1 0 : Jea n T er r y , bor n in Oct ober of 1 9 7 3 (3 7 ) r ea l est a t e a g en t , w a s st a bbed in t h e ba ck w it h a ch ef’s bon in g k n ife on h er pa t io.
He n odded a s h e g a t h er ed u p t h e files a n d loa ded t h em ba ck in t o t h e box . If h e cou ld br in g h is ch ief pr oof t h a t t h e k n ife st olen fr om Nicole’s ch ef k n ife ca se w a s con sist en t w it h t h e k n ife t h a t h a d k illed Jea n T er r y , m a y be Mik e w ou ld let Ry k er con n ect t h e ca ses. T h e t r ou ble w a s, h e cou ldn ’t fin d a n y t h in g in Nicole’s ca se file a bou t w h ich of h er k n iv es h a d been st olen . T h e CSI r epor t s descr ibed t h e k n ife ca se, t h e en g r a v in g on t h e ot h er k n iv es a n d t h e fa ct t h a t of t h e n in e k n iv es or ig in a lly in t h e ca se, eig h t w er e st ill pr esen t a n d on e slot w a s em pt y . Bu t n ot a sin g le r epor t sa id a n y t h in g a bou t t h e specific k n ife t h a t w a s m issin g . Fr om Da v e, Ry k er k n ew t h a t m ost ch ef k n ife k it s con t a in ed bet w een t w elv e a n d six t een u t en sils, n ot a ll of w h ich w er e k n iv es. He look ed a t h is w a t ch . It w a s a ft er sev en o’clock in t h e m or n in g . He n eeded t o t a k e a sh ow er . T h en h e’d h ea d ov er t o Nicole’s a pa r t m en t t o fin d ou t w h ich of h er k n iv es t h e k iller h a d st olen . It h a d t o be t h e bon in g k n ife. It w a s t h e on ly t h in g t h a t m a de sen se. He t h ou g h t a bou t h is w or ds t o Mik e. It’s a s ham e that another w om an has to die to convince you. Da m n , h e h a t ed t o be r ig h t a bou t t h is on e.
RYKER KNOCKED FOR A THIRD t im e on Nicole’s door . “ Nicole?” h e sh ou t ed, r a ppin g h a r der . His pu lse w a s pou n din g in h is t em ple, ev en t h ou g h h e t r ied t o r ea son w it h
h im self. Sh e’d pr oba bly g on e t o t h e r est a u r a n t , or sh oppin g , or ev en ou t of t ow n for t h e w eek en d. Sh e h a dn ’t m en t ion ed a n y t h in g a bou t it , bu t t h en , t h ey h a dn ’t t a lk ed m u ch . T h ey ’d been t oo bu sy w it h ot h er t h in g s. He look ed ov er t h e la n din g dow n t o t h e sm a ll pa r k in g lot a t t a ch ed t o t h e bu ildin g . He h a d n o idea w h a t k in d of ca r sh e dr ov e. Nor did h e h a v e h er cell ph on e n u m ber . He v a u lt ed dow n t h e st a ir s a n d loped t h e t h r ee block s fr om h er bu ildin g t o L’Or a g e. T h e r est a u r a n t w a s closed. Sh a din g h is ey es, h e peer ed t h r ou g h t h e g la ss fr on t door s, t h en pou n ded on t h em . T h er e w er e lig h t s t ow a r d t h e ba ck , w h er e t h e k it ch en w a s loca t ed. He deba t ed g oin g a r ou n d t o t h e ba ck a n d ba n g in g on t h e k it ch en door , bu t befor e h e m a de u p h is m in d, h e sa w m ov em en t fr om t h e k it ch en a r ea . A s t h e fig u r e g r ew closer , h e sa w t h a t it w a s Nicole. Relief w a sh ed ov er h im . No m a t t er h ow ir r a t ion a l it w a s, h e’d been w or r ied t h a t som et h in g h a d h a ppen ed t o h er . Sh e g la r ed a t h im a s sh e u n lock ed t h e bev eled g la ss door s. “ W e’r e closed,” sh e sa id. “ I n eed y ou r cell ph on e n u m ber ,” h e blu r t ed. Her br ow s k n it a n d sh e cock ed h er h ea d. “ Ok a y . Ma y be y ou ’d bet t er com e in side.” Sh e st epped ba ck t o let h im in , t h en closed a n d lock ed t h e door . T h e fr on t of t h e r est a u r a n t w a s da r k . For t h e fir st t im e, Ry k er n ot iced t h a t t h e w in dow s w er e t in t ed, m a k in g t h e lig h t fr om t h e su n a ppea r a da r k , w a t er y g r een color . He’d n ev er been t o t h e r est a u r a n t du r in g t h e da y t im e. “ W h a t is w r on g w it h y ou ?” Nicole sa id. “ A n d k eep y ou r v oice dow n . T h e r est a u r a n t ow n er is in t h e k it ch en .” Her br ow w a s st ill k n it in a sm a ll fr ow n . Ry k er r ea lized t h a t t o h er , h is a ct ion s m ig h t seem less lik e t h ose of a det ect iv e t h a n a n eedy boy fr ien d. He t ook a deep
br ea t h . He h a d a h u g e st a k e in t h is ca se h e w a s t r y in g t o bu ild. A n ot h er w om a n h a d died. He had t o st op t h e k iller befor e t h e n ex t a n n iv er sa r y da t e. “ Ok a y . I w en t t o y ou r a pa r t m en t t h is m or n in g , a n d y ou w er en ’t t h er e. I t h ou g h t t h e r est a u r a n t w a sn ’t open for lu n ch on Sa t u r da y s.” “ It ’s n ot , bu t w e st ill h a v e w or k t o do.” “ I n eed t o g et y ou r cell ph on e n u m ber , in ca se I n eed t o g et in t ou ch w it h y ou .” “ T h a t ’s w h a t t h e em er g en cy is?” sh e sa id on a sig h . “ I w a s a fr a id—” “ W h a t ? Oh , t h a t som et h in g h a d h a ppen ed w it h t h e ca se?” He n odded. “ It h a s, bu t it ’s n ot ba d. Ok a y , it is ba d, bu t I’v e g ot in for m a t ion t h a t cou ld be v er y g ood.” “ Nicole, is ev er y t h in g a ll r ig h t ?” T h e spea k er w a s a la r g e bla ck m a n in a m a ssiv e w h it e a pr on . “ Ev er y t h in g ’s fin e, Job. T h a n k s.” Job scr u t in ized Ry k er , t h en n odded. “ Y ou ca ll m e if y ou n eed m e.” “ Job?” Ry k er sa id, on ce t h e m a n h a d g on e ba ck in t o t h e k it ch en . “ Is t h a t r ea lly h is n a m e?” “ Ju st lik e in t h e Bible,” Nicole sa id. “ Job W a sh in g t on is t h e ow n er of L’Or a g e. He w a t ch es ou t for m e.” “ I’m g la d. T h a t m a k es m e feel a lit t le bet t er . Now g iv e m e y ou r cell ph on e n u m ber a n d t a k e m in e.” Ry k er qu ick ly r ecor ded Nicole’s n u m ber a n d g a v e h er h is. “ T ell m e w h a t t h is is a ll a bou t . T h a t ca ll y ou g ot t h is m or n in g —a n ot h er w om a n w a s k illed, w a sn ’t sh e? I sa w som et h in g on t h e n ew s.” He n odded, a n d r ea ch ed ou t a n d pla ced h is h a n d ov er h er s on t h e t a ble. “ Sh e w a s st a bbed.” Nicole m et h is g a ze, t h en pu lled h er h a n d a w a y . He k n ew w h a t h e w a s a bou t t o sa y w a s g oin g t o u pset h er ,
bu t h e cou ldn ’t t h in k of a n ea sier w a y t o do it . Ma y be if t h e in for m a t ion a bou t t h e st olen k n ife h a d been n ot ed som ew h er e in h er ca se file. T h en h e w ou ldn ’t h a v e t o t ell h er t h e specifics a bou t Jea n T er r y ’s st a bbin g in or der t o g et t h e in for m a t ion h e n eeded. He t ook a deep br ea t h a n d m et h er g a ze. “ W h ich of y ou r k n iv es w a s st olen ?” Nicole h ea r d t h e su ppr essed in t en sit y in Ry k er ’s v oice. It m a t ch ed t h e in t en sit y in h is blu e ey es. Bu t it w a s h is w or ds t h a t r ipped t h r ou g h h er in sides. “ W h -w h ich k n ife?” sh e st a m m er ed. Sh e’d h ea r d h im lou d a n d clea r . Sh e a u t om a t ica lly pa r r ot ed w h a t h e’d sa id beca u se sh e n eeded t im e t o a bsor b w h a t h is qu est ion m ea n t . Sh e h a d t h e feelin g t h a t t h e a n sw er sh e g a v e w a s g oin g t o t u r n h er w or ld u pside-dow n . He n odded. “ I k n ow t h er e a r e a bu n ch of differ en t k n iv es in y ou r ca se. W h ich on e did t h e in t r u der t a k e?” Sh e open ed h er m ou t h t o a sk w h y , bu t h er lips felt n u m b. Sh e sh ook h er h ea d. “ Com e on , Nic. W h ich k n ife?” Sh e t r ied t o sw a llow , bu t h er m ou t h w a s dr y . In t h a t in st a n t , sh e didn ’t t h in k sh e cou ld h a v e spok en if h er life depen ded on it . Ma y be it did. “ It w a s t h e bon in g k n ife, w a sn ’t it ? Fiv e- t o six -in ch flex ible bla de.” Sh e felt a s t h ou g h h e’d h it h er in t h e ch est . T h a t w a s h ow h a r d h er h ea r t w a s bea t in g . Sh e closed h er ey es for a br ief in st a n t , t r y in g t o blot ou t t h e g r isly im a g es t h a t su dden ly r ose in h er m in d. “ T h -t h a t w om a n w a s st a bbed w it h m y k n ife?” sh e r a sped. Ry k er n odded a n d r ea ch ed for h er h a n d a g a in . His w a r m fin g er s closed ov er h er s. T o h is cr edit , h e look ed a s if h e’d r a t h er be t or t u r ed t h a n a n sw er h er . “ T h a t m ea n s—”
“ It m ea n s t h e m a n w h o br ok e in t o y ou r a pa r t m en t a n d t r ied t o a t t a ck y ou w it h y ou r ow n k n ife h a s k illed fou r w om en . Y ou ’r e h is on ly m ist a k e.”
RYKER’S WORDS SLAMMED in t o Nicole’s ch est lik e sh e im a g in ed bu llet s w ou ld feel. Y ou’re. His . Only. Mis tak e. “ W h a t do I do n ow ?” sh e a sk ed, for cin g t h e w or ds t h r ou g h n u m bed lips. Ry k er let g o of h er h a n d. “ Do w h a t I t old y ou . Be ca r efu l. T a k e r ea son a ble pr eca u t ion s.” Sh e n odded. Sh e’d do a n y t h in g h e t old h er t o. Beca u se su dden ly t h e da n g er h e k ept t a lk in g a bou t w a s om in ou sly r ea l. A m a n w a s ou t t h er e, w it h her k n ife, k illin g w om en . “ Bu t h e k illed t h a t —ot h er w om a n . W h y w ou ld y ou st ill t h in k h e’s a ft er m e?” “ I ca n ’t a ffor d t o t h in k a n y t h in g else. W e don ’t k n ow if h e t h in k s y ou ca n iden t ify h im . Y ou r n a m e w a s in t h e pa per la st y ea r a ft er t h e br ea k -in , so h e pr oba bly k n ow s w h o y ou a r e, a lt h ou g h h e m a y n ot k n ow w h er e y ou liv e n ow . Bu t I’m n ot w illin g t o t a k e a n y ch a n ces.” Nicole sw a llow ed h a r d, a n d bit h er lip. Sh e open ed h er m ou t h t o t h a n k Ry k er for pr ot ect in g h er , bu t h e spok e fir st . “ I n eed y ou r k n iv es.” Sh e w a s sh ock ed. “ My k n iv es?” Sh e t r ied t o a sk w h y , bu t h er lips st ill felt n u m b. “ I n eed t o t a k e t h em t o t h e m edica l ex a m in er . I’m h opin g h e ca n posit iv ely iden t ify t h e m u r der w ea pon a s a m a t ch t o y ou r set of k n iv es.” Nicole sh u dder ed a t t h e t h ou g h t t h a t h er m issin g k n ife h a d ca u sed som eon e’s dea t h . “ I bou g h t a n ot h er bon in g k n ife,” sh e sa id. “ Y ou did?” Ry k er ’s ey es spa r k ed. “ T h e sa m e br a n d? T h e sa m e
k n ife?” Sh e n odded. “ T h a t ’s ev en bet t er . Da v e ca n m a t ch it t o t h e ca st in g h e m a de. I m a y fin a lly be a ble t o lin k t w o ca ses. Y ou r s a n d Jea n T er r y ’s.” “ Jea n T er r y ? Sh e’s t h e—t h e la t est v ict im ?” “ Y ea h . Sh e w a s st a bbed in t h e ba ck .” Nicole w a n t ed t o pu t h er h a n ds ov er h er ea r s. Sh e didn ’t w a n t t o h ea r a n y of t h e specifics. Her a ct iv e im a g in a t ion h a d a lr ea dy g iv en h er a n im a g e of t h e poor w om a n bein g st a bbed. Sh e didn ’t w a n t a n a m e, a n d cer t a in ly n ot a fa ce, t o g o w it h t h a t g r isly im a g e. Sh e cla sped h er h a n ds t og et h er for a br ief m om en t , t r y in g t o for ce t h e pict u r e of h er k n ife bu r ied t o t h e h ilt in a w om a n ’s ba ck ou t of h er br a in . T h en sh e st ood. “ I’ll g et m y ca se.” He follow ed h er t o t h e k it ch en . Sh e h eld it ou t . “ W h en ca n I g et it ba ck ?” “ I’ll t r y t o g et t h e r est of t h e k n iv es ba ck t o y ou a s soon a s I ca n , bu t t h e bon in g k n ife w ill pr oba bly g o in t o ev iden ce. Y ou ’ll h a v e t o g et a lon g w it h ou t it .” He t ook t h e ca se. “ Don ’t w or r y . I’ll t a k e ca r e of t h em .” He t u r n ed t o lea v e, t h en t u r n ed ba ck . “ Keep y ou r cell ph on e on y ou a t a ll t im es. W h a t t im e do y ou g et off t on ig h t ?” “ Elev en . W e’r e w or k in g on in v en t or y t h is m or n in g , bu t I h a v e a r eg u la r sh ift t on ig h t . So I’ll be don e a r ou n d elev en , a s u su a l.” Ry k er n odded. “ I’ll pick y ou u p.” A w a v e of r elief w a sh ed ov er Nicole lik e a su dden sh ow er , su r pr isin g h er . Sh e h a dn ’t r ea lized h ow w or r ied sh e w a s. Bu t sh e t r ied t o pr ot est a n y w a y . W h a t sh e’d t old h im la st n ig h t w a s t r u e. Sh e w a s not g oin g t o a ct lik e a v ict im . “ Y ou don ’t h a v e t o —” His g la r e pa r a ly zed h er t h r oa t . Sh e sw a llow ed a g a in a n d n odded. “ Ok a y ,” sh e r a sped.
A slig h t sm ile lig h t en ed h is fea t u r es. “ T h a t ’s bet t er . Rem em ber w h a t I sa id. Rea son a ble pr eca u t ion s.” He h ea ded t ow a r d t h e door . Nicole st ood a n d follow ed h im t o t h e door , u n a ble t o t ea r h er ey es a w a y fr om h is ca su a l, loose-lim bed g a it a s h e w a lk ed t o h is ca r , folded h is lon g leg s in t o t h e fr on t sea t a n d dr ov e a w a y . Sh e didn ’t k n ow w h et h er t o be t h a n k fu l t h a t h e w a s so det er m in ed t o k eep h er sa fe, or t er r ified t h a t h e t h ou g h t it w a s n ecessa r y .
W ITHIN THIRTY MINUTES, Ry k er w a s ba ck in t h e for en sics la b w it h Da v e. “ I w a s ju st a bou t t o t a k e off,” Da v e sa id. “ My da u g h t er ’s soccer g a m e is t h is a ft er n oon .” “ Sor r y ,” Ry k er sa id. “ Hopefu lly t h is w on ’t t a k e lon g . I’v e g ot Nicole’s k n iv es h er e. Sh e bou g h t a n ew bon in g k n ife, sa m e br a n d a s t h e on e t h a t w a s st olen .” He open ed t h e ca se a n d la id it ou t on a t a ble. Da v e set t h e ca st in g h e’d don e fr om Jea n T er r y ’s fa t a l w ou n d dow n on a h ig h -defin it ion ov er h ea d pr oject or , t h en la id t h e bon in g k n ife fr om Nicole’s ca se n ex t t o it . He posit ion ed t h em pa r a llel t o ea ch ot h er fa cin g t h e sa m e dir ect ion , a n d st ood t h er e, st u dy in g t h e h ig h -r esolu t ion im a g e pr oject ed on t h e scr een . Ry k er st u ck h is h a n ds in h is pock et s a n d w a it ed. He t r ied t o look a t t h e object s a n a ly t ica lly , lik e Da v e w a s, bu t a s fa r a s h e cou ld t ell, t h e ca st in g w a s ba r ely r ecog n iza ble a s a k n ife a t a ll. He cou ldn ’t see a lot of r esem bla n ce t o Nicole’s n ew bon in g k n ife. A s h a r d a s h e t r ied t o m a in t a in a n open m in d, h e w a s fa st losin g h is con v ict ion t h a t t h e k n ife a n d t h e fa t a l w ou n d w er e a m a t ch . “ W ell?” h e fin a lly sa id, u n a ble t o w a it a n y lon g er . “ Hm m ,” Da v e sa id. He pr essed a bu t t on on a com pu t er a t h is elbow , t y ped br iefly , t h en pr essed a n ot h er bu t t on . A pr in t er
sa n g ou t , it s h a r sh sou n d split t in g t h e a ir . Da v e t ook t h e pr in t ou t , t h en cr ossed t h e r oom a n d pu lled a t r a n spa r en cy ou t of a file folder a n d br ou g h t it ba ck t o t h e pr oject or . He r em ov ed t h e k n ife a n d t h e ca st in g a n d posit ion ed t h e t r a n spa r en cy so t h a t it w a s pr oject ed on t o t h e scr een . T h en h e a dju st ed t h e focu s. “ W h a t ’s t h a t ?” Ry k er felt lik e a k id w h o’d been t old t o be pa t ien t . It w a s a ll h e cou ld do n ot t o fidg et lik e a t en -y ea r -old. He t h ou g h t t h e pict u r e w a s of t h e V-sh a ped w ou n d, bu t h e w a s ou t of h is elem en t h er e, so h e cou ldn ’t a ssu m e a n y t h in g . “ It ’s a film of t h e w ou n d.” Da v e st u died it for a few m in u t es, t h en t ook t h e k n ife ov er t o t h e lig h t ed m a g n ifier a n d st u died it fr om a ll a n g les. A ft er w h a t seem ed t o Ry k er lik e a n h ou r , Da v e fin a lly t u r n ed off t h e m a g n ifier ’s lig h t a n d flipped off t h e ov er h ea d pr oject or . He folded h is a r m s. “ Da v e!” Ry k er sa id, ex a sper a t ed. Da v e sm iled. “ I ca n ’t sa y w it h a h u n dr ed per cen t cer t a in t y , bu t —” Ry k er h eld h is br ea t h . “ Bu t I’m a bou t n in et y per cen t su r e t h a t t h e w ea pon t h a t k illed Jea n T er r y is a m a t ch t o t h is bon in g k n ife fr om Nicole Beck h a m ’s ch ef k n ife ca se.” Ry k er blew ou t a br ea t h h e h a dn ’t k n ow n h e w a s h oldin g . “ Nin et y per cen t ? T h a t ’s g r ea t ! T h a t ’s en ou g h .” He cla pped Da v e on t h e sh ou lder . “ T h a n k s, Da v e! W h en ca n I h a v e y ou r w r it t en r epor t ?” “ Mon da y .” “ Mon da y ?” T h a t t em per ed Ry k er ’s ela t ion a bit . “ T w o da y s? Bu t I’v e g ot t o con v in ce Mik e t h a t I h a v e a con n ect ion .” Da v e cock ed a n ey ebr ow a t h im . “ It ’s Sa t u r da y . Y ou w on ’t g et t o Mik e befor e Mon da y a n y w a y .”
Ry k er ’s ph on e r a n g . He g la n ced a t t h e displa y . “ Spea k in g of t h e dev il,” h e m u t t er ed. “ I’m ou t of h er e,” Da v e sa id. “ If w e don ’t lea v e r ig h t n ow , m y w ife a n d I w ill m iss t h e beg in n in g of t h e g a m e.” Ry k er w a v ed a t Da v e a s h e a n sw er ed t h e ph on e. “ Dela n cey h er e.” “ Ry k er , g et t o m y office. Now !” Mik e Da v is’s v oice boom ed t h r ou g h t h e ph on e. “ W h a t ’s u p?” Ry k er a sk ed a s h e t u r n ed t ow a r d t h e door . “Now !” “ Y es, sir .” He sn a pped t h e ph on e closed a s h e r ea ch ed h is ca r . He cou ldn ’t fig u r e ou t w h a t h a d h a ppen ed. A s m u ch a s Mik e blu st er ed, h e n ev er lost h is cool. Bu t ju st n ow , h e’d sou n ded a n y t h in g bu t cool. Ry k er cr in g ed. W h a t cr isis cou ld possibly be ba d en ou g h t o flu st er t h e big depu t y ch ief?
“ N O, SIR ,” RYKER SAID t o Mik e a few m in u t es la t er . “ I h a v en ’t seen it .” Mik e sh ov ed t h e m or n in g n ew spa per a cr oss h is desk t ow a r d Ry k er . T h er e, in bla ck -a n d-w h it e, w a s t h e fr on t -pa g e a r t icle t h a t h a d Mik e w or k ed u p. Pa r ish Sh er iff Den ies Con n ect ion A m on g V ict im s Of Oct ober Killer . October Killer. Ry k er ’s ch est t ig h t en ed. Not on ly h a d t h e pr ess g ot t en w in d of h is t h eor y of a ser ia l k iller , t h ey ’d a lr ea dy n a m ed t h e ca se. “ Now , I h a v en ’t t a lk ed t o t h e pr ess,” Mik e g r ow led. “ A n d n eit h er h a s t h e sh er iff. So w h er e t h e h ell did t h is r epor t er g et t h is?” Ry k er ’s h ea r t sa n k t o h is t oes. Lon Hébert. “ W ell, y est er da y
m or n in g a t t h e cr im e scen e—” He pa u sed. “ Dela n cey !” “ Lon Héber t sh ow ed u p a t t h e Jea n T er r y cr im e scen e n ot t en m in u t es a ft er I g ot t h er e. He cla im ed h e h ea r d a bou t t h e h om icide on a police sca n n er —” Mik e br ok e in w it h a lon g , color fu l st r in g of cu r ses, en din g w it h “ Son of a bit ch ! W h a t t h e h ell did y ou sa y in fr on t of h im ?” “ Mik e, n ot h in g , I sw ea r . I’d ju st m en t ion ed som et h in g t o Bill a bou t t h e k n ife w ou n d a n d Nic’s m issin g k n ife, w h en Héber t sh ow ed u p.” Mik e’s n or m a lly flor id fa ce t u r n ed beet -r ed, a n d h e bit r ig h t t h r ou g h t h e t oot h pick bet w een h is t eet h . “ ‘Nic’s m issin g k n ife’? W h o t h e h ell is Nic?” “ Nicole Beck h a m . La st y ea r ’s v ict im , w h ose r oom m a t e a r r iv ed h om e in t im e t o sca r e off t h e k iller .” “ I don ’t believ e it ,” Mik e sn a pped. “ I sh ou ld—bu t I don ’t . Of a ll t h e st u pid st u n t s.” “ Héber t sa id h e w a s g oin g t o ca ll y ou for a st a t em en t . He didn ’t ?” “ Hell n o, h e didn ’t .” “ W h en I t old h im t o g et ou t I r em in ded h im t o ch eck a n y t h in g h e decided t o pr in t w it h t h e office h er e. I’ll t a lk t o h im —” “ No. I’ll sen d Cr en sh a w . W h a t y ou ’r e g oin g t o do is sit dow n a n d t a k e m e t h r ou g h t h e ca ses. I’v e g ot t o m eet w it h t h e sh er iff in on e h ou r a t h is g olf cou r se. His t ee t im e w a s dela y ed beca u se of t h is a r t icle.” Mik e lea n ed ba ck in h is ch a ir . “ He’s g oin g t o r ip m e a n ew on e, so I’m g oin g t o do t h e sa m e for y ou . Sit !” Ry k er sa t . “ I w a r n ed y ou a bou t t a lk in g a bou t y ou r t h eor ies. Now look w h a t y ou ’v e don e. Y ou ’v e m a de it clea r t o ev er y on e in t h is office t h a t y ou believ e w e’v e g ot a ser ia l k iller . A n d n ow y ou ’v e in v olv ed t h e pr ess. I cou ld pu t y ou on su spen sion for t h a t .” “ I’v e n ev er —” Ry k er st opped. He’d st a r t ed t o sa y h e’d n ev er
spok en t o a n y on e ou t side of t h e depa r t m en t , bu t a ft er la st n ig h t t h a t w a s n o lon g er t r u e. He’d t a lk ed t o Nicole a bou t it . “ I m a y h a v e been t oo v oca l, bu t —” Mik e h eld u p a h a n d. “ Spa r e m e. I k n ow . W om en a r e dy in g . Ok a y , I’m h er e. I’m list en in g . Con v in ce m e t h a t w e’v e g ot a ser ia l k iller .” Ry k er lea n ed for w a r d. “ I w a s in t h e m edica l ex a m in er ’s office w h en y ou ca lled. Da v e ju st con fir m ed t h a t t h e bon in g k n ife t h a t k illed Jea n T er r y is a m a t ch t o t h e k n ife t h a t w a s t a k en fr om Nicole Beck h a m ’s a pa r t m en t la st y ea r on Oct ober 2 0 .” “ I t h ou g h t y ou didn ’t r ecov er a m u r der w ea pon fr om t h e T er r y scen e.” “ W e didn ’t . Bu t Da v e, Dr . Miller , t ook a ca st in g of t h e w ou n d, a n d it m a t ch es t h e n ew bon in g k n ife t h a t Nicole bou g h t t o r epla ce t h e on e t h a t w a s st olen .” “ Ha v e y ou g ot Miller ’s r epor t ?” “ He’ll g et it t o m e Mon da y . He—w e—didn ’t ex pect y ou t o be w or k in g t oda y .” Mik e’s flor id fa ce da r k en ed. “ Neit h er did I. A n d I su r e didn ’t fig u r e I’d be t r ek k in g ou t t o t h e g olf clu b t o g et m y a ss ch ew ed by t h e sh er iff.” “ I’ll be g la d t o g o.” “ A bsolu t ely n ot . I’m n ot pu t t in g y ou w it h in a h u n dr ed y a r ds of t h e sh er iff.” Mik e st ood a n d r ea ch ed for h is coa t , t h en t u r n ed a n d poin t ed a t Ry k er . “ I’m n ot h a ppy a bou t t h is. Bu t I’m a lso n ot h a ppy a bou t t h a t w om a n bein g k illed. Y ou pu t y ou r ca ses t og et h er . W or k t h em a s a ser ia l k iller ca se. Bu t su spen sion w on ’t be a ll y ou ’r e look in g a t if y ou r t h eor y t u r n s ou t t o be w r on g . I ca n ’t ev en t ell y ou w h a t t h e sh er iff w ill do t o y ou and t o m e. I h ope y ou don ’t h a v e t o w a it u n t il a n ot h er w om a n dies befor e y ou ca n solv e it .” Ry k er st ood. “ Me, t oo, sir . Me, t oo. How m a n y m en ca n I h a v e?”
“ On e. Cr en sh a w .” “ On e? Bu t —” “ Don ’t pu sh m e, Dela n cey . Y ou ca n u se m y secr et a r y , A n n eMa r ie, for pa per w or k a n d ph on e ca lls. A n d g et m e t h a t M.E. r epor t fir st t h in g Mon da y .” Ry k er open ed h is m ou t h t o t ell Mik e t h a t on e per son plu s a piece of t h e depu t y ch ief’s secr et a r y w a sn ’t en ou g h , bu t Mik e w a s a lr ea dy ou t t h e door , a n d a n y h ow , Ry k er k n ew t h a t h e w a s g et t in g off ea sy , con sider in g it v er y w ell cou ld be h is fa u lt Héber t h a d g ot t en w in d of t h e con n ect ion bet w een Jea n T er r y ’s ca se a n d Nicole’s m issin g k n ife. He didn ’t n eed t o pr ess h is lu ck . His g a ze lit on t h e n ew spa per h ea dlin e. He pick ed u p t h e pa per Mik e h a d sh ov ed t ow a r d h im a n d qu ick ly sk im m ed t h e a r t icle. His ey es zer oed in on t h e la st pa r a g r a ph . Sou r ces t ell u s t h a t a k n ife belon g in g t o a pr ev iou s v ict im w a s t h e w ea pon u sed t o k ill t h e la t est v ict im , w h ose n a m e is bein g w it h h eld pen din g n ot ifica t ion of n ex t of k in . T h e ch ef, Nicole Beck h a m , w h ose k n ife w a s st olen du r in g a foiled a t t a ck on Oct ober 2 0 of la st y ea r , cou ld n ot be r ea ch ed for com m en t . T h e sa m e sou r ces r ev ea l t h a t sh e is h elpin g w it h t h e in v est ig a t ion a n d h a s been a n in v a lu a ble a sset . Da m n it ! He folded t h e pa per a n d sla pped it a g a in st h is leg . Lon Héber t m ig h t a s w ell h a v e dr a w n a t a r g et on Nicole’s ba ck . A n y r epor t er w or t h t h eir sa lt k n ew bet t er t h a n t o n a m e a v ict im w it h ou t clea r in g it w it h t h e sh er iff’s office. A n d t h en h e’d sa id t h a t sh e h a d been in v a lu a ble t o t h e in v est ig a t ion . If t h e k iller w a sn ’t a lr ea dy su r e t h a t Nicole cou ld r ecog n ize h im , h e w ou ld be n ow . Ry k er ca lled Bill Cr en sh a w . “ Bill, h a s Mik e t a lk ed w it h y ou ?” “ I ju st pa ssed h im in t h e h a ll. I ju st g ot off t h e ph on e w it h t h e n ew spa per office. Ca n ’t r ea ch Héber t . A ppa r en t ly h e h ig h t a iled it ou t of t ow n for t h e w eek en d a s soon a s h e t u r n ed in t h e st or y .” “ Son of a bit ch ! List en , Bill. Y ou didn ’t t ell a n y body w h a t I
sa id a t t h e cr im e scen e a bou t t h e k n ife, did y ou ?” T h er e w a s a pa u se on t h e ot h er en d of t h e ph on e, a n d t h en a few ch oice cu r se w or ds. “ W h a t t h e h ell k in d of qu est ion is t h a t ?” “ I k n ow . Sor r y . Y ou t h in k Héber t h ea r d m e?” “ He sa id som et h in g a bou t a sca n n er , bu t I t h in k h e’s g ot a fr ien d in side t h e sh er iff’s depa r t m en t .” “ Y ea h ? W h o?” “ W ell, I’m n ot a ccu sin g a n y body , bu t y ou ’v e h ea r d t h e sa y in g . Telephone, telegraph, tell-a-CSI.” “ Y ou t h in k it w a s on e of t h e cr im e scen e in v est ig a t or s w h o w or k ed t h e scen e?” “ Bot h Ma st er s a n d t h e n ew g u y —Jon es—w er e in t h e r oom w h en y ou sa id w h a t y ou did a bou t t h e k n ife.” “ Y ou t h in k t h ey h ea r d m e?” “ I ba r ely h ea r d y ou , bu t it ’s n ot im possible. CSIs su r e lik e t o t h in k t h ey k n ow it a ll.” “ I’d lik e t o pu n ch Héber t ’s lig h t s ou t for pu t t in g Nic’s n a m e in t h e pa per . I t ell y ou w h a t , t h ou g h . T h a t a r t icle g ot m e w h a t I’v e been t r y in g t o g et a ll a lon g . Mik e a g r eed t o let m e com bin e t h e ca ses.” “ No w a y !” “ Didn ’t Mik e t ell y ou h e’s pu t t in g y ou on t h e ca ses w it h m e?” “ Nope. He w a s g r ou sin g a bou t g et t in g h is a ss ch ew ed by t h e sh er iff.” “ Da v e m a t ch ed t h e w ou n d t o Nicole’s m issin g bon in g k n ife. I br ou g h t h er ca se of k n iv es ov er for h im t o com pa r e.” “ Hold on a m in u t e. How did h e m a t ch som et h in g t o a m issin g k n ife?” “ W ell, t o it s r epla cem en t . T h a t ju st h a ppen ed a bou t t w o h ou r s a g o. List en , Bill,” Ry k er a dded, “ Mik e’s pu t t in g y ou on t h e ca ses w it h m e. T h e Oct ober Mu r der s, sin ce t h e r epor t er a lr ea dy n a m ed it for u s. Ca n y ou m eet w it h m e t h is ev en in g so I ca n g o ov er t h e ca se files w it h y ou ?”
“ W ish I cou ld, bu t I’m on m y w a y u p t o Ba t on Rou g e t o a ba ll g a m e. I’m n ot on du t y a g a in u n t il Mon da y .” Ry k er sig h ed. “ Ok a y . Fir st t h in g Mon da y , t h en .” “ Rig h t . Mon da y .” Ry k er left Mik e’s office a n d h ea ded t o t h e ev iden ce r oom t o ch eck ou t t h e files u n t il T u esda y . He w a s disa ppoin t ed t h a t Bill w ou ldn ’t be a v a ila ble u n t il Mon da y , bu t h e u n der st ood. Nobody w a s a s com m it t ed t o solv in g t h is ca se a s h e w a s. He’d a lr ea dy pu t in h ou r s of off-du t y t im e t r y in g t o pr ov e t h er e w a s a ser ia l k iller ou t t h er e. He cou ldn ’t ex pect a n y on e else t o g iv e u p t h eir fr ee t im e. Bu t n ow t h a t h e h a d a pa r t n er t o w or k w it h on t h e ca se, h e n eeded t o m a k e su r e h e h a d ev er y bit of ev iden ce lin ed u p. He u n der st ood a ll h is n ot es a n d scr ibblin g , bu t Bill w ou ldn ’t . A n d Ry k er n eeded Bill u p t o speed a s soon a s possible. Ma y be a n ew ey e look in g a t t h e ev iden ce cou ld pin poin t w h a t h e w a s m issin g . Beca u se h e h a d t o be m issin g som et h in g . T h er e w a s n o per fect cr im e. On e w a y or a n ot h er , t h e k iller w ou ld t r ip u p. A n d Ry k er in t en ded t o be t h er e w h en h e did.
Chapter Five “ Job, y ou g o on h om e. Y ou ’v e been h er e a ll da y . A n d t h is w a s su pposed t o be y ou r Sa t u r da y off.” “ W e h a d t o g et t h e in v en t or y don e.” Nicole sh r u g g ed ou t of h er ch ef’s coa t a n d h u n g it on t h e r a ck beside t h e k it ch en door . T h en sh e t u r n ed ba ck t o t h e lon g cou n t er t o r et r iev e h er k n ife ca se—a n d r em em ber ed t h a t sh e didn ’t h a v e it . Ry k er h a d it . Job t ook off h is a pr on a n d t ossed it in t o t h e la u n dr y bin . “ It w a s a g ood da y . W e fin ish ed t h e in v en t or y and h a n dled a big din n er cr ow d.” “ Y es, it w a s, bu t I’v e g ot t o a dm it I’m ex h a u st ed.” Sh e look ed a t h er w a t ch . T en a ft er elev en . Ry k er h a d t old h er h e’d pick h er u p. Ha d h e for g ot t en ? “ A r e y ou su r e y ou ’r e ok a y ?” “ I’m fin e. I ju st w ish Ry k er h a d t old m e t h e pa per w a s g oin g t o pr in t t h a t .” “ Me, I h a t e n ew spa per s. T h ey r u in liv es a n d sa y it ’s t h e pu blic’s r ig h t t o k n ow . V u lt u r es.” “ I g u ess I sh ou ld h a v e ex pect ed it , a ft er Ry k er t ook m y k n iv es t o m a t ch w it h t h e v ict im ’s w ou n d.” Nicole sh iv er ed. “ Bu t I didn ’t .” “ Spea k in g of t h a t boy fr ien d of y ou r s, y ou su r e h e’s com in g ?” Sh e sen t a g la r e Job’s w a y . “ He’s n ot m y boy fr ien d. He’s—h e’s a det ect iv e. He sa id h e’d be h er e.” “ I t h in k h e’d lik e t o be y ou r boy fr ien d.” Sh e felt h er fa ce h ea t in g u p. Did it sh ow ? T h e fa ct t h a t sh e a n d Ry k er h a d— Sh e st opped t h a t t h ou g h t r ig h t t h er e. “ Job, don ’t t a lk lik e t h a t . W e’r e n ot in h ig h sch ool.” “ T h a t ’s for su r e,” Job r et or t ed.
Nicole’s fa ce g r ew h ot t er . Sh e t u r n ed a r ou n d a n d ch eck ed t h e pock et s of h er ch ef’s coa t , a lt h ou g h sh e k n ew sh e h a dn ’t left a n y t h in g in t h em . Bu t sh e n eeded t im e for h er fier y ch eek s t o cool dow n . Job st u ck h is sig n a t u r e fedor a on h is ba ld h ea d. “ Com e on , Nick i. I’ll t a k e y ou h om e.” Ju st t h en a k n ock sou n ded on t h e fr on t door of t h e r est a u r a n t . Nicole ju m ped. W h y w a s sh e so jit t er y a ll of a su dden ? It w a s a r h et or ica l qu est ion . Sh e k n ew w h y . A w om a n h a d been k illed, a n d Ry k er w a s con v in ced t h a t t h e m u r der w ea pon u sed w a s her m issin g k n ife. “ T h a t ’s h im n ow .” Sh e st a r t ed for t h e door . “ I’ll g et it ,” Job sa id. He bea t h er t o t h e door a n d scr u t in ized Ry k er t h r ou g h t h e g la ss befor e h e open ed it . “ Hi, u h —Mr . W a sh in g t on .” “ Job. Ca ll m e Job.” “ Job. I’m h er e t o pick u p Nicole.” Ry k er ’s g a ze slid pa st Job a n d m et h er g a ze. He r a ised h is br ow s. “ Rea dy ?” Job st epped bet w een Ry k er a n d Nicole. “ A ll t h is t im e I t h ou g h t y ou w er e a n a dm ir er ,” h e sa id in a n a ccu sa t or y t on e. Ry k er look ed su r pr ised. “ I’m a big fa n . Y ou ’v e g ot a g r ea t ch ef.” “ Hu m ph .” Job a dju st ed h is fedor a . “ Not t oo sm a r t , let t in g t h e n ew spa per sh in e t h e spot lig h t on h er lik e t h a t .” Ry k er n odded. “ I a g r ee. If I’d k n ow n , I’d h a v e st opped it .” Job ey ed h im . “ Not h in g bet t er h a ppen t o Nick i, y ou u n der st a n d m e?” “ Y es, sir .” “ Don ’t w or r y ,” Nicole sa id. “ It ’s a ll r ig h t . Det ect iv e Dela n cey h a s m y best in t er est s a t h ea r t .” Job t ook a st ep a w a y fr om t h e door , so Ry k er cou ld com e in . “ I’m h ea ded h om e. I’ll g o ou t t h e ba ck a n d lock u p t h er e. Y ou m a k e su r e t h e fr on t is lock ed a n d t h e a la r m is t u r n ed on .”
“ I w ill. T h a n k s.” Sh e set t h e a la r m a n d lock ed t h e fr on t door beh in d t h em . A s t h ey w a lk ed a cr oss t h e st r eet , Ry k er look ed a r ou n d. “ W h er e’d Job g o?” “ He pa r k s beh in d t h e r est a u r a n t .” “ A h . So he pa r k s beh in d t h e r est a u r a n t . He dr iv es t o w or k .” “ He liv es in Bu sh . T h a t ’s sev er a l m iles fr om h er e. I liv e t h r ee block s a w a y . Spea k in g of w h ich , a r e y ou r ea lly g oin g t o dr iv e m e t h r ee block s?” “ Y ep.” “ It ’s silly ,” Nicole m u t t er ed a s sh e clim bed in t o h is ca r on t h e pa ssen g er side. Sh e w a t ch ed h im a s h e g ot in a n d cr a n k ed t h e en g in e, t h in k in g t h e sa m e t h in g sh e’d t h ou g h t w h en sh e’d fir st m et h im on t h e n ig h t of h er n ea r a t t a ck , a n d a g a in la st n ig h t . Det ect iv e Ry k er Dela n cey w a s st a r t lin g ly g ood-look in g w it h lig h t br ow n h a ir , blu e ey es a n d la sh es t h a t st ir r ed a br eeze w h en h e blin k ed. His fea t u r es w er e clea n a n d ch iseled. His m ou t h w a s w ide a n d st r a ig h t , a n d look ed a s if it w a s m a de for sm ilin g . It occu r r ed t o h er t h a t h e didn ’t sm ile m u ch . A s if h e’d h ea r d h er , h e g la n ced h er w a y , a n d h is m ou t h t u r n ed u p slig h t ly . He r ea ch ed in t o t h e ba ck sea t a n d set h er ch ef’s k n ife ca se on h er la p. “ My k n iv es,” sh e sa id. It h a d su r pr ised h er h ow in com plet e sh e’d felt a ll da y w it h ou t t h em . Her m ot h er h a d g iv en t h em t o h er w h en sh e’d g r a du a t ed fr om cu lin a r y sch ool. In t en y ea r s, sh e h a dn ’t been w it h ou t t h em , u n t il t oda y . Sh e open ed t h e ca se a n d look ed in side. T h e bon in g k n ife slot w a s em pt y . T h e em pt y slot t a u n t ed h er w it h da n g er , ju st lik e it h a d t h a t n ig h t . “ Y ou k ept m y bon in g k n ife.” He look ed ov er a t h er a s h e pu lled in t o t h e pa r k in g lot beh in d h er bu ildin g . “ W h y didn ’t y ou g et it en g r a v ed, lik e t h e ot h er s?” His h ea d n odded slig h t ly t ow a r d t h e ca se. “ I don ’t k n ow . My m ot h er —m y m ot h er g a v e t h e set t o m e.”
Sh e closed t h e ca se a n d r a n h er fin g er s a lon g t h e polish ed t ea k . T h en sh e r ea lized Ry k er w a s st ill look in g a t h er . Sh e sh r u g g ed. “ I g u ess I t h ou g h t I’d ev en t u a lly g et t h e ot h er k n ife ba ck . Silly of m e.” “ Y ou m ig h t st ill, if w e ca t ch h im .” Sh e sh ook h er h ea d. Her fin g er s closed a r ou n d t h e ca se’s h a n dle. “ Plea se, don ’t ev en sa y t h a t . I don ’t w a n t it . Not a ft er —” Sh e sh u dder ed. T h e idea of u sin g t h a t k n ife—ev en seein g it — h or r ified h er . It h a d blood on it n ow . Hu m a n blood. Sh e w ou ld n ev er be a ble t o look a t it , n ev er be a ble t o t ou ch it , a g a in . Ry k er pu lled ou t in t o t h e st r eet a n d w it h in a few m in u t es, h e t u r n ed in t o t h e t in y pa r k in g lot beh in d h er bu ildin g . He k illed t h e en g in e. “ W h ich ca r is y ou r s?” h e a sk ed befor e Nicole cou ld g r a b t h e door h a n dle t o g et ou t . “ It ’s t h e silv er For d Fu sion ov er t h er e.” T h ey g ot ou t a n d Ry k er su r v ey ed t h e pa r k in g lot . “ W a y ov er t h er e?” Nicole closed t h e pa ssen g er door . “ Br in g it ov er h er e a n d pa r k it n ex t t o y ou r st a ir w ell.” “ I’m n ot g oin g t o do t h a t . I a lm ost n ev er u se m y ca r . It w ou ld ju st sit t h er e, t a k in g u p spa ce t h a t som eon e w h o dr iv es t o w or k ev er y da y cou ld u se.” Ry k er r ou n ded t h e fr on t of h is BMW , h is fist s clen ch ed, a n d g ot in h er fa ce. “ Did y ou t h in k t h a t w a s a r equ est ?” h e g r ow led. Nicole st iffen ed. He’d m or ph ed fr om h a n dsom e pr ot ect or t o a n g r y com m a n der in a fla sh . Sh e t ook a st ep ba ck w a r d. Ry k er ch eck ed h im self a n d u n clen ch ed h is fist s. “ Sor r y . Bu t y ou n eed t o u n der st a n d w h a t ’s g oin g on h er e.” Sh e clu t ch ed h er k n ife ca se h a n dle in on e h a n d a n d h er pu r se st r a p in t h e ot h er . “ So t ell m e. W h a t is g oin g on h er e? Beca u se I’m g et t in g con fu sed. Y ou r ser ia l k iller on ly a t t a ck s on ce a y ea r , r ig h t ? W ell, t h en , h e’s g ot h is qu a r r y for 2 0 1 0 . Or w er e y ou
t h in k in g y ou ’d lu r e h im ou t by m a k in g su r e h e a n d ev er y body else in t h e Gr ea t er New Or lea n s a r ea k n ew it w a s m y k n ife h e k illed t h a t w om a n w it h ?” “ A r e y ou su g g est in g I g a v e t h a t r epor t er t h a t st or y ?” His br ow s dr ew dow n , t u r n in g h is h a n dsom e fa ce in t o a t h r ea t en in g m a sk . “ I don ’t k n ow w h a t t o t h in k ,” sh e sa id sh a k ily , t a k in g a st ep ba ck w a r d. Ry k er ’s fa ce t r a n sfor m ed im m edia t ely . “ I’m sor r y , Nic. If I’d k n ow n t h a t r epor t er h a d t h a t in for m a t ion , I’d h a v e st opped h im , on e w a y or a n ot h er .” “ Bu t y ou didn ’t . A n d n ow —” A pick u p t r u ck r oa r ed dow n t h e st r eet a n d ca r eer ed in t o t h e pa r k in g lot . Ry k er ’s a r m sn a k ed a r ou n d Nicole’s w a ist a n d pu lled h er t o h im a n d a w a y fr om t h e u n pr edict a ble pa t h of t h e v eh icle. Sh e h ea r d h im m u t t er “ Ba st a r d!” u n der h is br ea t h . “ Let ’s g o u pst a ir s,” h e sa id. “ I don ’t lik e y ou st a n din g ou t h er e in t h e open .” His h a n d on t h e sm a ll of h er ba ck , h e g u ided h er t o t h e st a ir s, w h er e h e w a it ed for h er t o g o fir st . T h e idea of h im follow in g h er u p t h e st a ir s, g a zin g a t h er ba ck side, w h ich w ou ld be a t h is ey e lev el, m a de h er r ea lly self-con sciou s. Sh e w ish ed sh e h a d a ja ck et , or a lon g t op t h a t cov er ed h er bu t t . Or a bet t er bu t t , sh e t h ou g h t w r y ly . A t t h e t op of t h e st a ir s, sh e w a it ed w it h h er k ey s pr offer ed. He t ook t h em a n d u n lock ed h er door , t h en st ood a side w h ile sh e en t er ed fir st . T h en h e g la n ced a r ou n d t h e la n din g a n d t h e st r eet s below befor e h e ca m e in side a n d closed a n d lock ed t h e door . A n d h er e t h ey w er e. Ju st lik e la st n ig h t . On ly n ow t h er e w a s t h i s thing bet w een t h em . Nicole’s k n ees t h r ea t en ed t o bu ck le a s t h e im a g e, t h e feel, t h e scen t of h im h it h er . His h a n ds, h is body , h is m ou t h , h a d sh ow ed h er a w h ole n ew dim en sion t o sex .
Now sh e h a d n o idea w h a t t o do or sa y . If a n y t h in g , h e w a s a ct in g m or e lik e a cop t h a n h e h a d y est er da y , w h en h e’d com e u p t o h er a pa r t m en t t o con v in ce h er of t h e da n g er sh e w a s in , a n d en ded u p m a k in g h er feel sa fer t h a n sh e cou ld ev er r em em ber feelin g . Sh e look ed a t h im . He a ppea r ed r ela x ed, a n d y et r ea dy for a n y t h in g , lik e a pr eda t or w a it in g for it s pr ey . His in t en sit y g a v e h er ch ills. A t t h is m om en t , sh e cou ldn ’t r econ cile t h e t w o sides of h im . T h e t en der lov er w a s g on e a n d in h is pla ce w a s a w a r r ior ch ief, r ea dy t o do ba t t le. Ry k er t ook a folded sh eet of n ew spr in t ou t of h is ja ck et pock et a n d h eld it u p. “ I br ou g h t t h is in ca se y ou didn ’t g et t o r ea d it a ll.” “ Oh , I r ea d it . A n d h ea r d it r ea d t o m e ov er a n d ov er a g a in by t h e k it ch en st a ff a n d t h e w a it er s. If I’d st epped ou t of t h e k it ch en , I’m su r e t h e din er s w ou ld h a v e h a d a lot t o sa y a bou t it , t oo.” “ Da m n it ,” Ry k er m u t t er ed. “ Ma y be it ’s n ot t h a t big a dea l. My n a m e w a s in t h e pa per la st y ea r .” He g la r ed a t h er . “ Y es, a n d y ou qu it y ou r job a n d m ov ed t o a differ en t t ow n . Don ’t y ou u n der st a n d w h a t t h is m ea n s?” Sh e t r ied t o ig n or e t h e fa in t ly n a u sea t ed feelin g below h er br ea st bon e t h a t t old h er sh e did u n der st a n d. “ I u n der st a n d w h a t it doesn ’t m ea n . I a m n ot m ov in g a g a in .” Sh e w a lk ed a r ou n d t h e isla n d in t o t h e k it ch en , a fu t ile effor t t o pu t dist a n ce bet w een h er a n d w h a t Ry k er w a s sa y in g . It didn ’t h elp. “ I g ot per m ission t o con n ect t h e ca ses.” “ Con n ect ?” Her h ea r t t h u m ped in h er ch est . Sh e k n ew w h a t t h a t m ea n t , bu t sh e didn ’t w a n t t o g o t h er e. “ W a n t som e coffee?” sh e cou n t er ed, a n d t u r n ed w it h ou t w a it in g for a n a n sw er . It t ook a cou ple of m in u t es a n d a bit of
con cen t r a t ion t o g r in d t h e espr esso bea n s a n d st a r t t h em t o br ew in g . T h en sh e r ea ch ed t o open t h e r efr ig er a t or t o r et r iev e t h e m ilk . Ry k er ’s h a n d w r a pped a r ou n d h er s. “ St op ig n or in g m e,” h e g r ow led. Sh e ju m ped. “ St op sn ea k in g u p on m e!” Sh e cou ld feel a flu t t er in h er t h r oa t . It w a s h er pu lse. “ I’m n ot ig n or in g y ou ,” sh e fin ish ed la m ely . “ T h e h ell y ou ’r e n ot . Y ou h ea r d w h a t I ju st sa id. Y ou r k n ife lin k s y ou r ca se w it h Jea n T er r y ’s, a n d t h er efor e w it h a ll t h e ot h er s. A n d n ow , beca u se of t h a t r epor t er , t h e Oct ober Killer k n ow s w e’r e on t o h im .” Nicole st a r ed a t h im . “ T h e Oct ober Killer ?” He n odded a t t h e n ew spa per . “ Didn ’t y ou n ot ice t h a t ?” “ Of cou r se I n ot iced it . Y ou ’r e n ot ser iou sly g oin g t o ca ll h im —” “ Hey . T h e r epor t er sen sa t ion a lized t h e ca ses by g iv in g h im t h a t n a m e,” h e sa id w r y ly . “ T h a t ’s t h e n a m e w e’r e st u ck w it h .” He let g o of h er h a n d a n d st epped ba ck a r ou n d t h e isla n d a n d sa t dow n on a ba r st ool. Sh e fix ed t h em ea ch a deca f ca ppu ccin o, con cen t r a t in g on n ot let t in g h er fin g er s t r em ble, a n d set h is in fr on t of h im . “ Bu t Jea n T er r y is h is v ict im for t h is y ea r , r ig h t ? If h e st a y s t r u e t o for m —” “ He w on ’t . List en t o m e, Nic. He k n ow s w e’r e on t o h im . A n d h e k n ow s w h y . It ’s beca u se of y ou . Y ou a r e a t h r ea t t o h im . A n d n ow h e k n ow s w h er e t o fin d y ou . If h e didn ’t a lr ea dy .” A n d t h er e it w a s. W h a t sh e h a dn ’t w a n t ed t o h ea r . Or fa ce. Sh e clu t ch ed t h e sides of t h e cu p for w a r m t h a n d st a r ed dow n in t o t h e pa le t a n foa m . “ I g u ess I’v e been pr et en din g t h a t n on e of t h is h a s a n y t h in g t o do w it h m e.” Ry k er ’s g a ze scr u t in ized h er . “ Y ou ca n ’t liv e lik e t h a t . Ig n or in g t h e t r u t h is da n g er ou s—especia lly r ig h t n ow . Do y ou
h a v e som epla ce y ou cou ld g o, u n t il w e ca t ch t h is g u y ? Y ou r m ot h er ? Y ou r da d?” “ My m ot h er is dea d. A n d t h er e’s n o fa t h er in t h e pict u r e.” “ I’m sor r y . W h a t a bou t a fr ien d?” Sh e sh ook h er h ea d. “ T h e people a t t h e r est a u r a n t a r e m y fr ien ds. A cou ple of g ir ls in Ch ef V oleu r . Bu t t h er e’s n obody I cou ld ju st dem a n d t o t a k e m e in .” Sh e u n w r a pped h er pa lm s fr om t h e cu p a n d t h en t ook a sip of coffee. “ If y ou ’r e so w or r ied a bou t m y sa fet y , w h y don ’t y ou a ssig n som ebody t o w a t ch m y a pa r t m en t a t n ig h t ? Doesn ’t t h e k iller a lw a y s st r ik e a t n ig h t ?” “ Y ou w a n t t o k n ow w h a t k in d of m a n pow er m y depu t y ch ief g a v e m e t o ca t ch t h is ser ia l k iller ? On e m a n . One. Bill’s a g ood cop, bu t st ill.” Ry k er sh ook h is h ea d a n d sn iffed. “ A n d y ea h , t h e k iller h a s a lw a y s st r u ck a t n ig h t —in t h e pa st . Bu t n ow h e’s g ot t o be feelin g cor n er ed. Lik e w e’v e t u r n ed a spot lig h t on t o h im . Not on ly did t h e n ew spa per g iv e h im a n a m e, t h ey a n n ou n ced t h a t t w o of t h e m u r der s w er e lin k ed by a w ea pon —y ou r k n ife.” Ry k er t ossed ba ck t h e la st of h is coffee a n d set h is m u g dow n . W h en h e look ed u p a t h er , h is ey es w er e bu r n in g w it h in t en sit y . “ I’ll st a y h er e.” “ W h a t ?” Nicole sa id. “ Her e? No. I m ea n —” “ Don ’t pa n ic,” Ry k er sa id qu ick ly , h is m ou t h t u r n in g u p. “ If I h a d a m a n t o a ssig n t o y ou a s a pr ot ect iv e det a il, h e’d a lr ea dy be on t h e job. Bu t I don ’t . T h is is st r ict ly pr eca u t ion a r y . I’d do t h e sa m e t h in g for a n y w it n ess. I n eed t o m a k e su r e y ou ’r e sa fe, beca u se I’m a bou t t o m ou n t a n a g g r essiv e a n d v er y in t en se in v est ig a t ion in t o t h ese k illin g s. W e’r e g oin g t o st ir u p t h e w a t er s. T h is k iller w ill becom e v er y u n com for t a ble. A n d t h e closer w e g et t o h im , t h e m or e da n g er y ou ’r e in .” “ I don ’t u n der st a n d. Y ou ’r e t a lk in g a bou t h er e? In m y a pa r t m en t ? Bu t —” He h eld u p h is h a n ds. “ Hey , Nic. Don ’t w or r y . I’m a cop.
Y ou ’r e m y v ict im . T h a t ’s a ll. T h e ot h er —” h e n odded t ow a r d t h e bedr oom “ —I cr ossed a lin e. I a polog ize. It w a s w r on g of m e t o t a k e a dv a n t a g e of y ou .” “ T a k e a dv a n t a g e?” Nicole w a sn ’t su r e w h et h er t o feel in dig n a n t or h u r t . “ A s I r eca ll, w e w er e bot h qu it e w illin g .” Ry k er ’s ex pr ession g r ew st on y . “ In a n y ca se, it w a s a m ist a k e. It w on ’t h a ppen a g a in .” Seein g h is ex pr ession , Nicole decided sh e didn ’t h a v e t o ch oose. Sh e felt bot h in dig n a n t and h u r t in equ a l m ea su r e. Sh e st r a ig h t en ed. “ I see. W ell, t h a t ’s a r elief. Ok a y , t h en , t h e cou ch is a ll y ou r s. If y ou w a n t sh eet s a n d pillow s, t h ey ’r e in t h e closet beside t h e ba t h r oom .” Sh e t u r n ed a n d pu t h er cu p in t h e sin k . Ry k er w a t ch ed a s sh e st r ode t ow a r d h er bedr oom . “ Nic,” h e ca lled. “ I’ll n eed a k ey .” Sh e w h ir led a n d g la r ed a t h im . For a secon d, h e t h ou g h t sh e w a s g oin g t o object , bu t sh e r et r a ced h er st eps a n d r u m m a g ed in a k it ch en dr a w er . Fin a lly sh e ca m e u p w it h a lon e k ey on a k ey r in g sh a ped lik e a ch ef’s h a t . Sh e sla pped it on t o t h e k it ch en cou n t er . “ T h er e.” Sh e spu n a n d w a lk ed ba ck t h r ou g h t h e bedr oom door , t h en pa u sed w it h h er h a n d on t h e k n ob, look in g a t h im . “ Don ’t lea v e t h e t oilet sea t u p.” Sh e sla m m ed t h e door beh in d h er . He sm iled a s h e la y dow n on t h e cou ch , t est in g it ou t . Sh e a lw a y s h a d t o h a v e t h e la st w or d. It w a s som et h in g t h a t cou ld ea sily becom e v er y a n n oy in g , h e w a s su r e. Bu t t o h is ch a g r in , h e fou n d it cu t e. He t u r n ed on h is side, t h en r et u r n ed t o h is ba ck , st u ffin g a t h r ow pillow beh in d h is n eck . Not t oo ba d. He h ea r d sou n ds com in g fr om h er r oom . He sa t u p a n d list en ed. It sou n ded lik e sla m m in g dr a w er s. He’d m a de h er m a d, or h u r t h er feelin g s. He h a dn ’t m ea n t t o, bu t h e h a d m ea n t w h a t h e’d sa id.
It h a d been a m ist a k e for h im t o sleep w it h h er . He k n ew it n ow , a n d h e’d k n ow n it t h en . Hell, it w a s t h e fir st t h in g v et er a n cops w a r n ed r ook ies a bou t . Don’t get involved. Ever. Not w ith a victim . Not w ith a w itnes s . And for dam n s ure not w ith a s us pect. It w a s n ev er a g ood idea . Never. He g a v e t h e t h r ow pillow a g ood solid r ig h t h ook befor e h e la y dow n on it a g a in . If it w a s a ba d idea in g en er a l, t h en it w a s a t r iple ba d idea for h im —w it h h er . Beca u se n o m a t t er h ow m a n y w a y s h e’d t r ied t o spin it a ll da y , it a lw a y s ca m e ba ck t o on e t h in g . Sex w it h Nicole w a s t h e best h e’d ev er h a d. A n y t im e. A n y w h er e. A n d t h a t w a s g oin g t o m a k e it h a r d a s h ell for h im t o m a in t a in h is pr ofession a l det a ch m en t . Bu t h e h a d t o. If h e let h im self w or r y a bou t Nicole on a per son a l lev el, it cou ld u n der m in e h is effect iv en ess a s a la w en for cem en t officer a n d sa bot a g e h is a bilit y t o pr ot ect h er . Ma y be, w h en a ll t h is w a s ov er — No! He pou n ded t h e pillow a g a in . No t h in k in g a bou t w h a t m ig h t h a ppen la t er . T h is w a s n ow . He h a d a k iller t o ca t ch .
MONDAY MORNING OVER ca ppu ccin o, Ry k er ou t lin ed t h e r u les for Nicole. Sh e w ou ld pr ov ide h im w it h h er sch edu le. He’d t a k e h er t o w or k a n d pick h er u p. W h en h e w a sn ’t a v a ila ble, h e’d a r r a n g e for Bill or Job t o dr iv e h er . “ Y ou don ’t g o a n y w h er e w it h ou t on e of u s.” “ I ca n ’t do t h is,” Nicole pr ot est ed. “ I feel lik e I’m t h e pr ison er . I h a v e a life—a job. I’m in ch a r g e of bu y in g t h e pr ot ein for t h e r est a u r a n t sev er a l da y s a w eek . I t a k e a y og a cla ss on Sa t u r da y s. I—” Sh e st opped sh or t , h er br ea t h h ic-cou g h in g lik e a sob. Ry k er st ood, st r et ch in g ou t t h e st iffn ess in h is ba ck fr om ly in g on h er cou ch . He bu ck led on h is h olst er . “ T h en do w h a t I
sa id in t h e fir st pla ce. Get ou t of t ow n u n t il t h is is a ll ov er .” Sh e lift ed h er ch in . “ No. I a m n ot lea v in g m y h om e.” He st u died h er . “ W h a t is it , Nic? W h a t ’s t h e big dea l a bou t m ov in g ?” He g est u r ed a r ou n d h im . “ Y ou ’v e been h er e less t h a n a y ea r . It ’s ju st a n a pa r t m en t .” Her h ea d jer k ed slig h t ly , a s if sh e w er e dodg in g a blow . “ I t old y ou I a m n ot m ov in g .” “ I don ’t u n der st a n d,” Ry k er cou n t er ed. “ W h a t ’s w r on g w it h m ov in g ? I’v e m ov ed a bu n ch of t im es. It ’s n o big dea l.” “ No big dea l?” Sh e squ eezed t h e m u g m or e t ig h t ly . “ W h er e did y ou spen d y ou r ch ildh ood?” “ W h y ?” “ I w a n t t o k n ow .” Ry k er sen t h er a n odd look , bu t h e a n sw er ed h er qu est ion . “ Her e. W ell, ov er in Ch ef V oleu r . T h a t ’s w h er e m y fa m ily ’s fr om . I g r ew u p in t h e sa m e h ou se m y fa t h er g r ew u p in .” Nicole n odded. “ T h a t ex pla in s a lot . I spen t m y ch ildh ood g oin g fr om on e br ok en -dow n a pa r t m en t t o a n ot h er , ea ch on e sm a ller a n d sh a bbier t h a n t h e on e befor e. T h e la st pla ce I liv ed w it h m y m ot h er w a s a r oom in a boa r din g h ou se.” Sh e clen ch ed h er ja w . “ T h en la st y ea r , I m ov ed fr om m y bea u t ifu l a pa r t m en t in Ch ef V oleu r t o h er e. Not a s n ice. Not a s la r g e.” Sh e sh ook h er h ea d. “ I a m n ot g oin g on t h a t dow n slide a g a in .” “ Nic, I’m —I’m sor r y .” Sh e didn ’t sa y a w or d. Sh e ju st fin ish ed h er coffee a n d pu t h er m u g in t h e sin k . A ppa r en t ly t h a t pa r t icu la r con v er sa t ion w a s ov er . He a dju st ed h is sh ou lder h olst er a n d sh r u g g ed in t o h is ja ck et . “ Ok a y , t h en . Rea dy t o g o?” A ft er h e dr opped Nicole off a t L’Or a g e, h e h ea ded for Mik e’s office. W h en h e g ot t h er e, t h e big m a n w a s ch ew in g on a t oot h pick a n d st u dy in g a r epor t .
Ry k er r a pped on t h e door fa cin g . “ Com e on in ,” Mik e sa id w it h ou t look in g u p. “ Is t h a t —?” “ Da v e’s r epor t ,” Mik e g r ow led. He sh ov ed t h e pa g es a cr oss h is desk t o Ry k er . “ Look s lik e y ou ’v e pr ov en y ou r con n ect ion , Dela n cey .” Ry k er sk im m ed Da v e’s r epor t . It w a s ba sica lly w h a t Da v e h a d t old h im , ex cept t h a t in st ea d of n in et y per cen t cer t a in t y , Da v e h a d ex pa n ded h is cer t a in t y t h a t t h e w ou n d w a s m a de by t h e sa m e br a n d a n d t y pe of k n ife t h a t h a d been st olen fr om Nicole’s k it t o n in et y -fiv e per cen t . Ry k er r ea d t h e n ot a t ion Da v e h a d m a de. T h e w ou n d w a s m a de by a bon in g k n ife w it h a six -in ch flex ible fu ll t a n g bla de, cu r v ed r et u r n a n d t a per ed bolst er . T h ese ch a r a ct er ist ics a r e u n iqu e t o t h is t y pe of k n ife, a s w ell a s t h is br a n d’s sig n a t u r e g u a r d (r ef. ill. IV ), w h ich left a dist in ct ly sh a ped con t u sion on t h e v ict im ’s sk in .
“ He did it ,” Ry k er m u t t er ed. He look ed u p. “ He did it ! Nin et y -fiv e per cen t cer t a in t y t h a t t h e k n ife u sed t o k ill Jea n T er r y is t h e sa m e k n ife st olen fr om Nic—Nicole Beck h a m .” Mik e lea n ed ba ck in h is ch a ir a n d t ossed t h e t oot h pick h e’d m a cer a t ed in t o h is t r a sh ca n . “ How m a n y open ca ses a r e y ou w or k in g r ig h t n ow ? Not cou n t in g y ou r ser ia l k iller ca ses.” Ry k er t ook ou t h is n ot ebook . “ I’m du e t o t est ify T u esda y m or n in g in a dom est ic v iolen ce ca se. T h a t sh ou ld be t h e en d of t h a t on e. A n d I’v e g ot t o dr iv e t o A n g ola for a pa r ole h ea r in g on T h u r sda y . T h e on ly ot h er a ct iv e ca se I h a v e is t h e T er r y ca se.” Mik e n odded. “ I’v e sw it ch ed Cr en sh a w ’s open ca ses t o Da g ew ood a n d Ph illips. T h ey ’r e n ot h a ppy , bu t I’ll dea l w it h t h em . T h ey ’ll m a n a g e, u n less w e’r e delu g ed w it h h om icides. I w a n t y ou t o t a k e Cr en sh a w t h r ou g h ev er y sin g le pa g e of y ou r Oct ober Killer ’s ca ses. By t h e w a y , t h e ev iden ce r oom t ells m e
y ou h a v e t h e files ch eck ed ou t .” “ Y ep. I w a s r ev iew in g t h em .” “ I w a n t a r epor t on m y desk t om or r ow det a ilin g t h e sim ila r it ies bet w een t h e ca ses. T h e sh er iff w a n t s t o see ev er y t h in g w e’v e g ot . He’s less t h a n t h r illed a bou t h a v in g t o ex pla in a ser ia l k iller in St . T a m m a n y Pa r ish , a n d h e’s det er m in ed n ot t o br in g in t h e Feebs. W a n t t o see h is den t u r e m a r k s on m y a ss?” Ry k er h eld u p h is h a n d la u g h in g . “ T h a n k s, bu t n o. I don ’t n eed t h a t pict u r e in m y h ea d.” He sober ed. “ Do y ou t h in k w e’ll h a v e t o ca ll in t h e FBI?” Mik e t ook a t oot h pick ou t of h is sh ir t pock et a n d st u ck it bet w een h is t eet h . “ I h ope n ot . I’v e on ly g ot on e a ss. Get t h is t h in g clea n ed u p y est er da y . Got it ?” “ Y es, sir .” Ry k er st ood. “ Ca n I h a v e t h is?” He br a n dish ed t h e M.E.’s r epor t . Mik e n odded. “ Y ep. Da v e sen t m e t w o copies. T h a t on e’s y ou r s.” Ry k er fou n d Bill Cr en sh a w a t h is desk , w or k in g on t h e com pu t er . “ Bill. How soon ca n w e g et t og et h er a n d g o ov er t h ese ca ses? Mik e sa y s h e’s fr eed y ou u p.” Bill scow led a t h im . “ Fr eed m e u p? Y ea h , if y ou don ’t cou n t t h e n ot es I’v e g ot t o t y pe u p for Da g ew ood a n d Ph illips t o br in g t h em u p t o speed on m y t w o ca ses. T h a t a lon e is g oin g t o t a k e m e a ll da y .” “ T h en t on ig h t . Com e ov er t o Nic’s a pa r t m en t w h en y ou fin ish .” Bill’s br ow s r ose. “ Nic’s a pa r t m en t ?” He g r in n ed. “ Y ou ’r e liv in g a t Nic’s a pa r t m en t ?” Ry k er g r oa n ed in w a r dly . He h a dn ’t m ea n t t o sa y it lik e t h a t . “ Sh e’s m y on ly liv in g v ict im , Bill. I ca n ’t pu t h er in pr ot ect iv e cu st ody , so I’m st a y in g t h er e—jus t t o m a k e su r e n ot h in g
h a ppen s t o h er .” He w r ot e dow n t h e a ddr ess for Bill. “ W h en ca n y ou be t h er e?” “ Not u n t il a ft er six . La t er u n less y ou ’r e g oin g t o feed m e.” “ I’ll pick u p som et h in g fr om L’Or a g e.” Bill n odded a s h e w en t ba ck t o t y pin g . “ T a k eou t fr om t h e fin est r est a u r a n t in Ma n dev ille. T h is Oct ober Killer ca se m ig h t t u r n ou t t o be a cu sh y a ssig n m en t a ft er a ll.”
Chapter Six Ry k er u n lock ed t h e door a n d st ood ba ck t o let Nicole in t o h er a pa r t m en t t h a t n ig h t . Ev en t h ou g h sh e k n ew h e a n d Bill Cr en sh a w w er e w or k in g t h er e, t h e sig h t st ill su r pr ised h er . A da r k -h a ir ed, da r k -ey ed m a n in h is ea r ly t h ir t ies w h o cou ld h a v e been a lin eba ck er for t h e New Or lea n s Sa in t s sa t on h er cou ch . He w a s su r r ou n ded by sh eet s of pa per a n d st ick y n ot es. T h e coffee t a ble w a s g r oa n in g u n der t h e w eig h t of fiv e file folder s, a n d sev er a l beer ca n s w er e lin ed u p on t h e floor n ex t t o t a k eou t box es fr om L’Or a g e. “ Sor r y a bou t t h e m ess,” Ry k er m u t t er ed a s h e lock ed t h e door . “ T h is is Det ect iv e Bill Cr en sh a w . He’s w or k in g w it h m e on t h e Oct ober ca se.” Bill Cr en sh a w set a n em pt y beer ca n dow n on t h e floor a n d m a de g et t in g -u p m ot ion s. “ Don ’t —” Nicole sa id, h oldin g u p a h a n d. “ Plea se.” “ Bill, t h is is Nicole Beck h a m .” Bill’s da r k ey es m et Nicole’s g a ze, t h en slid a ll t h e w a y t o h er sh oes a n d ba ck u p. He sm iled a n d n odded. “ Nice,” h e sa id. Ry k er m a de a g r ow lin g sou n d fr om beh in d h er . “ T o m eet y ou ,” Bill a ppen ded. “ Nice t o m eet y ou . T h a n k s for let t in g u s u se y ou r pla ce.” T h e g lin t in h is ey e t old h er t h a t h e k n ew , or a t lea st in fer r ed, t h a t t h er e w a s a lot m or e t o it t h a n ju st us ing h er pla ce. Sh e let a cor n er of h er m ou t h t u r n u p, bu t sh e r a ised on e br ow , h opin g h e g ot t h e m essa g e t h a t w h a t sh e a n d Ry k er w er e doin g a t h er pla ce w a s n on e of h is bu sin ess. T o h is cr edit , Bill look ed a w a y , ba ck a t t h e sh eet s of pa per in h is h a n d. T h en h e look ed a t h er a g a in . “ By t h e w a y , did y ou m a k e t h a t spa g h et t i?”
“ T h e fet t u ccin i a lla ca r bon a r a w it h sea r ed a spa r a g u s?” Nicole k n ew sh e w a s bein g pom pou s, bu t sh e’d t a k en specia l ca r e w it h t h e m ea l sh e’d m a de for Ry k er a n d h is fellow det ect iv e. It w a s h er sig n a t u r e dish , a n d sh e didn ’t pa r t icu la r ly lik e it dism issed a s s paghetti. “ Y ea h ,” Bill sa id. “ T h a t . It w a s g r ea t . I n ev er lik ed a spa r a g u s, bu t t h a t w a s pr et t y g ood.” “ T h a n k y ou ,” sh e sa id st iffly . “ I see y ou pa ir ed it w it h a fin e dom est ic beer .” Sh e t u r n ed t o Ry k er , w h o w a s w a t ch in g h er sh eepish ly , a n d g a v e h im a sm a ll sm ile t o soft en h er cr it ica l w or ds. “ I’ll let y ou t w o g et on w it h y ou r w or k .” Sh e h ea ded for h er bedr oom , t a k in g a det ou r t o t h e k it ch en t o fet ch a bot t le of w a t er a n d a g la ss of ch illed w h it e w in e. Sh e w a s dy in g for a sh ow er bu t sh e didn ’t w a n t t o t a k e it w h ile Ry k er a n d Bill Cr en sh a w w er e sit t in g less t h a n fift y feet a w a y fr om h er ba t h r oom door . Sh e closed t h e door t o h er bedr oom a n d set t h e w a t er a n d w in e dow n on h er bedside t a ble. Sh e st a r t ed t o u n dr ess, st opped a n d cr ossed t h e r oom t o t u r n t h e lock on t h e door . T h e m et a llic click r ev er ber a t ed in t h e a ir . Sh e w in ced. A ft er u n dr essin g , sh e pon der ed w h et h er t o pu t on jea n s or t o g o a h ea d a n d g et in t o h er pa ja m a s, a lt h ou g h sh e r ea lly didn ’t w a n t t o pu t on clea n pa ja m a s w it h ou t sh ow er in g . It h a d been a lon g da y a n y w a y , a n d ju st befor e closin g t im e on e of t h e w a it er s h a d bu m ped in t o h er a n d spilled sa la d dr essin g on h er blou se. So sh e sm elled lik e ba lsa m ic v in eg a r , a fa ct t h a t Ry k er h a d polit ely fa iled t o m en t ion on t h eir sh or t r ide fr om t h e r est a u r a n t t o h er a pa r t m en t . Sh e’d seen h is n ose t w it ch t h ou g h . Sh e sa t dow n on t h e bed in h er u n der w ea r a n d t ook a lon g sip of w h it e w in e, sa v or in g it a s sh e sig h ed w it h ex h a u st ion . “ Da m n it ,” sh e w h isper ed. Sh e w a n t ed a sh ow er . Now . Sh e look ed a t h er w a t ch . Elev en -t h ir t y . It cou ld be h ou r s befor e Ry k er a n d h is bu ddy g ot t h r ou g h w it h w h a t ev er t h ey w er e
doin g , a n d sh e didn ’t feel lik e g oin g t o sleep sm ellin g lik e v in eg a r . Sh e set h er m ou t h a n d st a r ed a t t h e bedr oom door . Bey on d it , sh e cou ld h ea r t h e low , decidedly m a scu lin e m u r m u r of t h e t w o m en a s t h ey t a lk ed a bou t t h e Oct ober Killer . Sh e t ook a n ot h er , lon g er sip of w in e, follow ed it w it h a deep br ea t h , t h en st ood. Sh e’d m a de u p h er m in d. T h is w a s h er h om e, despit e t h e fa ct t h a t t w o la r g e, v ir ile m en w er e spr a w led a ll ov er h er liv in g r oom ju st w a it in g t o leer a t h er . No. On secon d t h ou g h t , sh e dou bt ed t h ey w er e t h in k in g a bou t h er a t a ll, ot h er t h a n a s t h e lon e su r v iv in g v ict im of a k iller . Bu t t h a t w a s t h eir job. Her s w a s t o pla n , pr epa r e a n d cook deliciou s dish es for h u n g r y din er s. Sh e w a s du e ba ck a t L’Or a g e in less t h a n t w elv e h ou r s, a n d sh e cou ldn ’t g o t o sleep sm ellin g lik e a sa la d. Det er m in edly , sh e st r ipped a n d t ossed h er clot h es in t o a ba sk et in h er closet . T h en sh e g r a bbed a ba t h r obe fr om t h e h ook on t h e closet door a n d w r a pped it a r ou n d h er , cin ch in g t h e sa sh t ig h t . A n ot h er sip of w in e a n d a n ot h er lon g br ea t h a n d sh e w a s r ea dy . W h en sh e t u r n ed t h e k n ob a n d st epped ou t of h er bedr oom , Ry k er w a s pa cin g a n d Bill w a s por in g ov er a dog -ea r ed m a n ila folder . Neit h er on e of t h em a ck n ow ledg ed h er . “ —n o con n ect ion a t a ll,” Bill w a s sa y in g . His t on e t old h er it w a sn ’t t h e fir st t im e h e’d sa id it . Ry k er sh r u g g ed. “ T h a t ’s w h y fin din g Nic’s k n ife is so im por t a n t .” He r a n h is pa lm ov er h is sh or t h a ir . “ Un t il Jea n T er r y w a s k illed, I h a d nothing lin k in g t h e ca ses ex cept t h e da t es, t h e v ict im s’ bir t h da y s a n d t h e v er y fa ct t h a t h e w as n’t con sist en t a bou t w ea pon or a g e or r a ce. I t a lk ed t o t h e fa m ilies a n d fr ien ds of t h e v ict im s, r ev iew ed ev er y r eceipt , ev er y t a x r ecor d, ev er y piece of pa per I cou ld fin d, bu t t h e v ict im s h a v e n ot h in g in com m on bu t t h eir bir t h da y s.”
“ I’m su r pr ised Mik e didn ’t ju m p on t h e da t es of t h e m u r der s a n d t h e v ict im s’ bir t h da y s.” “ I a ct u a lly t h ou g h t h e w ou ld la st y ea r . Ma y be if t h e k iller h a d su cceeded in k illin g Nic—” Ry k er cu t h is w or ds sh or t a n d sen t a n a polog et ic g la n ce a t Nicole. On ly t h en did sh e r ea lize sh e h a d pa u sed w it h h er h a n d on t h e ba t h r oom door h a n dle t o list en t o t h em . Sh e t w ist ed it , h u r r ied in side a n d closed t h e door beh in d h er . Maybe if the k iller had s ucceeded in k illing Nic. Sh e lea n ed ba ck a g a in st t h e door , feelin g w oozy . Her h a n d w en t t o h er st om a ch a s Ry k er ’s w or ds bou n ced t h r ou g h h er lik e a pin ba ll. Killin g Nic. Killin g Nic. Kill. W it h n a u sea r oilin g u p in t o h er t h r oa t , sh e t u r n ed on t h e cold w a t er a n d spla sh ed h er fa ce.
BILL LEFT WHILE N ICOLE w a s in t h e sh ow er , t a k in g a n ot ebook fu ll of n ot es w it h h im . Ry k er g a t h er ed u p t h e em pt y t a k eou t con t a in er s a n d beer ca n s a n d t h r ew t h em a w a y , a ll t h e w h ile list en in g t o t h e sou n d of t h e sh ow er r u n n in g . W h a t a pu t z h e w a s, ca r elessly t ossin g ou t h is t h eor y t h a t Mik e w ou ld h a v e ca v ed la st y ea r h a d Nicole been k illed w it h ou t n ot icin g t h a t sh e w a s st a n din g r ig h t t h er e. He’d cla m ped h is ja w a s soon a s h e’d sa id it , bu t it w a s t oo la t e. Sh e’d been less t h a n t w en t y feet a w a y , t h e color dr a in in g fr om h er fa ce. T h en befor e h e cou ld ba ck t r a ck , befor e h e cou ld a polog ize, sh e’d r u sh ed in t o t h e ba t h r oom a n d sla m m ed t h e door . He sa t dow n on t h e cou ch a n d st a ck ed t h e ca se files on t h e en d of t h e coffee t a ble. On e w a s m issin g . Nicole’s. Bill h a d t a k en it w it h h im t o r ev iew . Ry k er pick ed u p t h e file on t op. It w a s t h e
fir st v ict im , Da isy How a r d, t h e ca se h e’d g on e ba ck a n d fou n d a ft er h e’d beg u n t o su spect t h a t h e h a d a ser ia l k iller . Ry k er open ed it a n d sa t ba ck , ba r ely g la n cin g a t t h e m ea g er in for m a t ion . A ft er a ll t h is t im e, h e h a d it m em or ized. Bill h a d posed som e g ood qu est ion s a n d su g g est ion s. He’d v olu n t eer ed t o r ein t er v iew t h e fa m ilies of t h e v ict im s t o see if m a y be t h er e w a s a slen der t h r ea d of con n ect ion t h a t Ry k er h a d m issed. Ry k er pin ch ed t h e br idg e of h is n ose, t r y in g t o m a ssa g e a w a y t h e h ea da ch e t h a t w a s st a r t in g , t h en r u bbed h is ey es. He h ea r d t h e pipes squ ea k a s Nicole t u r n ed off t h e sh ow er . W it h in a few m om en t s, sh e open ed t h e ba t h r oom door a n d em er g ed in a pu ff of st ea m . Sh e w a s w r a pped in a pa le blu e w a ffled r obe a n d h er h a ir w a s w et . He st a r ed, t h in k in g t h a t h e lik ed h er delica t e fea t u r es a n d fr esh pin k sk in bet t er w it h ou t m a k eu p. “ Hi,” h e sa id. Sh e lick ed h er lips a n d clu t ch ed t h e la pels of h er r obe t ig h t a t h er n eck . “ Hi.” Sh e t u r n ed t ow a r d h er bedr oom . “ Nic, I’m —” Sh e pa u sed. He st a r t ed a g a in . “ I’m sor r y a bou t ea r lier . I for g ot w e w er en ’t discu ssin g t h e ca ses a t t h e office. Det ect iv es h a v e t o be a ble t o a n a ly ze cr im e scen es, cor pses a n d ev iden ce r a t ion a lly a n d w it h ou t m in cin g w or ds.” He spr ea d h is h a n ds. “ Som et im es w e ev en jok e a bou t it . It ’s n ot r espect fu l t o t h e v ict im s, bu t t h a t ’s t h e w a y it is.” Nicole w a v ed a h a n d a n d sh ook h er h ea d. “ It ’s a ll r ig h t . I u n der st a n d. I’m n ot t h in k in g a bou t cu t e lit t le flop-ea r ed pet bu n n ies w h en I bu t ch er a r a bbit .” Ry k er fr ow n ed, t h en la u g h ed. “ I g u ess t h a t ’s t h e sa m e—sor t of.” “ W ell, I n eed t o ch a n g e—” “ Rig h t . Y ou ’r e pr oba bly ex h a u st ed. T h a n k s for t h e food. It w a s g r ea t , a s u su a l. Y ou ’ll h a v e t o for g iv e Bill. He lik es t o a ct
lik e a g ood old cou n t r y boy . He m ig h t h a v e ca lled it spa g h et t i, bu t y ou sh ou ld h a v e seen h im ea t it . I su spect y ou g a in ed a n ew pa t r on a t y ou r r est a u r a n t .” Sh e n odded, h er g a ze flick er in g fr om h im t o t h e pile of folder s on t h e coffee t a ble, a n d sh e look ed a s if sh e w a s g oin g t o sa y som et h in g else, or a sk som et h in g , bu t a ppa r en t ly sh e ch a n g ed h er m in d. “ Good n ig h t ,” sh e sa id, a n d disa ppea r ed in t o h er bedr oom , closin g t h e door beh in d h er . Ry k er closed t h e folder a n d t ossed it on t o t h e coffee t a ble a n d g ot u p t o g et som e w a t er . He’d dr u n k a cou ple of beer s w it h din n er , a lt h ou g h h e’d h a v e pr efer r ed a g ood ch a r don n a y , a n d n ow h e w a s t h ir st y . A bou t t h e t im e h e dr a in ed t h e g la ss, h e h ea r d t h e bedr oom door open . Nicole ca m e ou t ca r r y in g a w in e g oblet a n d a w a t er g la ss. Sh e w a s dr essed in blu e pa ja m a s. T h ey w er e cot t on a n d r a t h er loose, bu t t h a t didn ’t m a t t er . T h e soft m a t er ia l g a v e h in t s of h er bea u t ifu l, cu r v a ceou s body a s sh e m ov ed. Hin t s t h a t ben ea t h t h e decept iv ely m odest cot t on , sh e w a s n a k ed. T h e m odest t op a n d pa n t s w er e a lm ost sex ier on h er t h a n h er br a a n d pa n t ies. A lm ost . He sw a llow ed a n d set t h e g la ss dow n on t h e k it ch en cou n t er . He h a d a n a lm ost u n con t r olla ble u r g e t o a polog ize for bein g t h er e in h er a pa r t m en t . Sh e t ook a cou ple of st eps t ow a r d h im , t h en pa u sed. “ I ju st w a n t ed t o g et som e w a t er .” “ Oh , y ea h . Su r e.” Ry k er st epped t ow a r d h er t h en pr essed a g a in st t h e cou n t er so sh e cou ld g et by h im . T h er e w a s ba r ely r oom for t h e t w o of t h em st a n din g sidew a y s. He felt t h e t ips of h er br ea st s br u sh ed a g a in st t h e t h in cot t on of h is T -sh ir t a s sh e slid pa st . He w en t ba ck ov er t o t h e cou ch a n d sa t dow n , r epea t in g ov er
a n d ov er silen t ly , She’s a victim . She’s a victim . She’s not s exy, s he’s a victim . He pick ed u p Da isy How a r d’s file a g a in , ju st t o h a v e som et h in g t o do. He h ea r d w a t er r u n n in g . T h en it cu t off. “ A r e t h ose t h e ca se files?” He look ed u p. Nicole w a s st a n din g t h er e, poin t in g w it h t h e h a n d t h a t h eld t h e filled w a t er g la ss. “ Y ep. A ll ex cept y ou r s. Bill t ook y ou r s w it h h im t o st u dy .” Sh e dr a n k h er w a t er , n ev er t a k in g h er ey es off t h e folder s. A ft er a few secon ds, sh e st a r t ed t o t u r n t ow a r d h er bedr oom , a n d t h en pa u sed. Sh e look ed a t h im , a t t h e files a n d ba ck a t h im . “ T ell m e a bou t t h em .” “ A bou t w h o? Y ou m ea n t h e w om en ? No.” Her ey es w iden ed. “ I m ea n , I don ’t t h in k it ’s a g ood idea . Y ou don ’t n eed t o k n ow —” “ Y es, I do,” sh e in t er r u pt ed. “ I do n eed t o k n ow .” Sh e sw a llow ed. “ Ma y be I cou ld h elp.” Ry k er cou ldn ’t qu it e su ppr ess a w r y ch u ck le. Ev er y body w a s a det ect iv e t h ese da y s. T h e T V sh ow s per pet u a t ed t h e m y t h t h a t a n y on e—a h ou sew ife, a cr im e w r it er , a fa k e psy ch ic—cou ld solv e m u r der s. St ill, h e su pposed it cou ldn ’t h u r t . A t lea st it cou ldn ’t h u r t h is ca se. He w a sn ’t so su r e a bou t w h et h er it m ig h t h u r t Nicole t o k n ow t h e det a ils of t h e m u r der s com m it t ed by t h e m a n w h o h a d a lm ost su cceeded in k illin g h er . “ Ok a y ,” h e sa id. “ Sit dow n ov er h er e.” He’d sh ow h er t h e v ict im s’ pict u r es a n d t ell h er a bou t t h e m u r der s, bu t h e w a sn ’t g oin g t o let h er see ev er y t h in g , cer t a in ly n ot t h e cr im e scen e ph ot os or t h e a u t opsy pict u r es. Nicole sa t dow n n ex t t o h im on t h e cou ch a n d pu t h er g la ss on t h e coffee t a ble. T h en sh e cla sped h er fin g er s t ig h t ly t og et h er in h er la p. Hea r in g a bou t t h e m u r der ed w om en w a sn ’t g oin g t o
be ea sy for h er . He open ed Da isy ’s file. On t op of t h e pa g es w a s a fiv e-by sev en color ph ot o of a y ou n g bla ck w om a n w it h close-cr opped h a ir . “ T h is is t h e fir st v ict im . Her n a m e w a s Da isy How a r d.” Sh e u n cla sped h er h a n ds a n d pick ed u p t h e ph ot o. Her h a n d sh ook . “ Sh e’s— Sh e w a s r ea lly bea u t ifu l.” “ Y ea h . Sh e w a s a m odel. Sh e liv ed in Ch ef V oleu r a n d w or k ed in New Or lea n s.” “ Y ou sa id sh e w a s t h e fir st ?” He n odded. “ Sh e died in Oct ober of 2 0 0 6 . T h a t w a s befor e I m a de det ect iv e. I didn ’t k n ow a bou t h er u n t il la st y ea r . A ft er y ou r ca se, I t a lk ed t o t h e ot h er det ect iv es a bou t m y t h eor y a n d som ebody m en t ion ed Da isy . A n d su r e en ou g h , h er ca se fit t h e pa t t er n .” “ W h a t ’s t h a t pict u r e?” Nicole set t h e pict u r e sh e w a s h oldin g dow n a n d r ea ch ed for t h e cor n er of a ph ot o t h a t peek ed ou t fr om beh in d som e pa per s. Ry k er st opped h er h a n d w it h h is. “ Y ou don ’t w a n t t o look a t t h a t on e.” It w a s t h e cr im e scen e ph ot o of Da isy , ly in g in h er ow n blood, w it h t h e blood-cov er ed fir epla ce pok er beside h er . “ W h y ? Is it —?” He ca r efu lly a n d deliber a t ely set h er h a n d ba ck in h er la p. Sh e in t er t w in ed h er fin g er s a g a in . Ry k er fa n n ed t h e cor n er s of t h e dog -ea r ed pa g es w it h h is t h u m b a s h e t a lk ed. “ On t h e n ig h t of Oct ober 2 6 , Da isy w a s h om e a lon e. Her fia n cé w a s ou t of t ow n . T h e k iller a ppa r en t ly br ok e dow n t h e fr on t door a n d su r pr ised h er com in g ou t of t h e ba t h r oom . He g r a bbed t h e fir epla ce pok er a n d st a bbed h er in t h e st om a ch . Sev er a l t im es.” Ry k er sh ook h is h ea d. “ If h er fia n cé h a dn ’t been ou t of t ow n , or if t h e n eig h bor s h a d been m or e r espon sible, sh e m ig h t h a v e liv ed. T h e M.E. est im a t ed t im e of dea t h a s 6 :4 0 a .m .” Nicole’s g a ze sn a pped u p t o h is. “ A .m .?”
“ A n eig h bor ou t t o pick u p h is m or n in g pa per sa w h er fr on t door a ja r a n d ca lled 9 1 1 . W e don ’t k n ow ex a ct ly w h a t t im e t h e k iller br ok e in , bu t besides t h e blood spa t t er a ll ov er t h e liv in g r oom , t h e blood pool ben ea t h h er h a d been spr ea din g for sev er a l h ou r s. T h e cen t er of t h e pool w a s st ill w et w h en t h e cr im e scen e a n a ly st s a r r iv ed.” “ Bu t sh e w a s dea d.” Ry k er n odded. “ La t er , t h e det ect iv es fou n d a n eig h bor a cr oss t h e st r eet w h o sa id h e’d h ea r d som et h in g a r ou n d elev en , bu t h e didn ’t h ea r a n y t h in g else, so h e didn ’t bot h er t o ch eck on it .” “ T h a t ’s so a w fu l!” Nicole sh ook h er h ea d. “ Y ou sa id sh e fit t h e pa t t er n . W h a t pa t t er n ? W h y did y ou t h in k sh e w a s k illed by t h e sa m e m a n ?” “ T h e sim ila r it ies. Ev en t h ou g h t h e v ict im s seem t o be ch osen r a n dom ly , t h ey ’r e n ot . W h oev er t h is g u y is, h e’s g ot a n a g en da .” “ A n a g en da ? Y ou m ea n ot h er t h a n ju st t o k ill? I t h ou g h t ser ia l k iller s cou ldn ’t h elp t h em selv es.” “ T h a t ’s u su a lly t r u e. Plu s t h ey g en er a lly esca la t e, a n d t h is g u y h a s st u ck w it h on ce a y ea r . He cou ld be w h a t psy ch ia t r ist s descr ibe a s a m ission -dir ect ed k iller . Most ser ia l k iller s a r e obsessiv e-com pu lsiv e or bipola r . A s y ou sa y , t h ey ca n ’t h elp t h em selv es. It ’s pr a ct ica lly im possible for a ser ia l k iller t o k eep h im self r ein ed in . T h e m or e h e k ills, t h e less effect it h a s on h im , so h e esca la t es. T h e t im e bet w een k illin g s becom es sh or t er a n d sh or t er . Bu t t h is g u y —y ou cou ld set y ou r ca len da r by h im . A n d h e ch ooses h is t a r g et s ca r efu lly .” “ Y ou k n ow a lot a bou t ser ia l k iller s. Ha v e y ou h a d a ca se lik e t h is befor e?” Ry k er sh ook h is h ea d. “ No. I’v e r ea d a lot in t h e field of pr ofilin g t h ou g h . A n d la st y ea r I con su lt ed w it h on e of t h e best pr ofiler s in t h e Depa r t m en t of Ju st ice a bou t t h e a n om a lies in t h is g u y ’s ch oice of v ict im s.”
“ How ? How did h e— W h y did h e ch oose m e?” Ry k er closed Da isy How a r d’s file. “ He seem s t o h a v e a w a y t o a ccess bir t h r ecor ds, a ddr esses. Ea ch v ict im w a s bor n in Oct ober , bet w een Oct ober 2 2 a n d Nov em ber 1 .” “ My bir t h da y is—” “ T h e t w en t y -fift h .” Ry k er g la n ced a t h is w a t ch . “ T oda y , a t lea st for t w elv e m or e m in u t es. I’m sor r y . I r u in ed y ou r bir t h da y ev en in g . If I’d been pa y in g a t t en t ion , I w ou ldn ’t h a v e in v it ed Bill ov er h er e.” Nicole sen t h im a n odd look . “ Don ’t w or r y a bou t it . I don ’t do bir t h da y s.” Th at su r pr ised Ry k er . In h is fa m ily , bir t h da y s, a n n iv er sa r ies, h olida y s m ig h t a s w ell be h oly da y s. T h e w h ole fa m ily u su a lly g a t h er ed, or a s m a n y a s possible. Ev en w h ile h is fa t h er w a s in pr ison , ser v in g t h e t er m h is m ot h er ’s da d sh ou ld h a v e ser v ed, t h e t r a dit ion h a d con t in u ed. T h ey ’d ev en t a k en a bir t h da y ca k e t o t h e pr ison on e y ea r . Ry k er cou ldn ’t im a g in e n ot celebr a t in g . “ Don ’t do bir t h da y s? Com e on .” He sm iled a t h er . “ W h a t a r e y ou —n in et y ? Y ou m ea n Job didn ’t ba k e y ou a ca k e?” Nicole r ose qu ick ly . “ Do y ou w a n t som e coffee?” sh e a sk ed, a lr ea dy on t h e w a y t o t h e k it ch en . His br ow w r in k led. W h a t w a s w r on g w it h h er ? Fir st t h e v eh em en t r efu sa l t o con sider m ov in g . Now sh e didn ’t do bir t h da y s. Did t h e bir t h da y t h in g h a v e som et h in g t o do w it h h er ch ildh ood, t oo? He m ov ed fr om t h e cou ch t o a ba r st ool, lea v in g t h e ca se files beh in d, a n d a ssessed h er a s sh e br ew ed t h e espr esso a n d st ea m ed t h e m ilk . Her sh ou lder s w er e t ig h t . Her ba ck w a s st iff, a n d h er ch in w a s slig h t ly lift ed. He’d lik e t o g et h is h a n ds on t h ose sh ou lder s a n d m a ssa g e a ll t h a t t en sion ou t u n t il sh e w a s r ela x ed a n d la n g u id u n der h is t ou ch . He g a v e h im self a m en t a l sh a k e. Focus , h e or der ed h im self.
She’s your victim . Sh e set a st ea m in g cu p in fr on t of h im a n d t h en t a st ed h er ow n . “ W h a t a bou t t h e secon d m u r der ?” sh e pr om pt ed. “ How did sh e die?” He sh ook h is h ea d. “ No. W e’r e n ot t a lk in g a bou t t h em a n y m or e. Y ou ’ll h a v e n ig h t m a r es.” Sh e sn iffed a n d h er m ou t h qu ir k ed u p w r y ly a t on e cor n er . “ Y ou don ’t ?” He in clin ed h is h ea d. “ Per k s of t h e job.” Sh e look ed pa st h im t o t h e folder s st a ck ed on t h e coffee t a ble. “ T h e secon d dea t h w a s in 2 0 0 7 .” Ry k er didn ’t lik e it , bu t h a v in g h er k n ow ledg ea ble a bou t t h e w a y t h e k iller oper a t ed fit w it h h is ph ilosoph y of forew arned is forearm ed, so h e a cqu iesced. “ T h e secon d v ict im w a s Bella Pot t in g er .” A s a lw a y s, w h en h e sa id h er n a m e, h e h a d t o st op h im self fr om flin ch in g . Bella a n d h e h a d da t ed br iefly w h en h e w a s a soph om or e a t LSU a n d sh e w a s a g r a d st u den t . T h ey ’d n ev er been ser iou s, bu t h e’d lik ed h er . W h en h e’d ca u g h t h er ca se, h e’d felt a r espon sibilit y t o h er , t o fin d h er k iller . “ Sh e died on Oct ober 2 2 . Her bir t h da y w a s Nov em ber 1 . Sh e w a s t h ir t y . Mik e t h ou g h t h er a g e a n d h er bir t h da y w er e en ou g h t o k eep h er fr om bein g pa r t of t h e pa t t er n .” Nicole sipped a t h er coffee, t h en lick ed foa m off h er u pper lip. Un ex pect edly , Ry k er ’s body r ea ct ed t o t h e sig h t of h er sm a ll pin k t on g u e. He’d t a st ed t h a t t on g u e, felt it on h is lips, h is ea r , h is n eck — He clea r ed h is t h r oa t a n d t ook a sw a llow of h ot coffee t o ca u t er ize t h a t da n g er ou s t r a in of t h ou g h t . “ W h a t h a ppen ed t o h er ?” sh e a sk ed. “ T h e k iller sla sh ed h er t h r oa t w it h a br ok en w in e bot t le,” h e t h r ew ou t g r u ffly , a m a zed t h a t t a lk in g a bou t Bella ’s a w fu l
dea t h didn ’t qu ell h is desir e for Nicole. Sh e w in ced a n d h er ey es closed. “ Sor r y . I t old y ou it w a sn ’t a g ood idea t o t a lk a bou t t h is t on ig h t .” “ W h o w a s n ex t ?” “ A ll r ig h t ,” h e sa id, sig h in g . He’d con v in ce h er t h a t sh e didn ’t w a n t t o k n ow . “ Her e g oes. On Oct ober 2 4 of 2 0 0 8 , Jen n ifer Gom ez w a s st r a n g led w it h h er ph on e cor d in h er h om e. On Oct ober 2 0 , 2 0 0 9 , Nicole Beck h a m ba r ely esca ped bein g st a bbed w it h a k n ife fr om h er ch ef k n ife ca se. Her r oom m a t e’s a r r iv a l sca r ed off t h e a t t a ck er . T h en , on Oct ober 2 2 of t h is y ea r , Jea n T er r y , w h o by t h e w a y w a s t h ir t y -sev en , w a s st a bbed in t h e ba ck w it h a ch ef’s bon in g k n ife on h er pa t io. A ll t h r ee h a v e bir t h da y s w it h in t w o da y s of ea ch ot h er , a lt h ou g h t h eir a g es r a n g e fr om t w en t y -on e t o t h ir t y -sev en .” By t h e t im e h e fin ish ed, h e felt lik e a t ot a l h eel. He sa t st a r in g dow n in t o h is em pt y cu p. He cou ld feel Nicole’s g a ze on h im . For a few secon ds n eit h er of t h em sa id a n y t h in g , t h en sh e set h er cu p on t h e cou n t er . “ W h y w a s it so h a r d for y ou t o con v in ce y ou r boss t h a t t h e dea t h s a r e con n ect ed?” He look ed u p. “ It ’s a lot m or e com plica t ed t h a n ju st a few sim ila r it ies a m on g v ict im s. If y ou look a t t h e v ict im pr ofiles, w e h a v e t h r ee Ca u ca sia n , on e bla ck a n d on e Hispa n ic. T h e w ea pon s, u n t il T er r y ’s ca se, w er e w ea pon s of con v en ien ce, fou n d in t h e v ict im ’s h om e a n d left t h er e. T h a t ’s n ot m u ch of a pa t t er n .” “ Bu t ev en so, y ou t h ou g h t t h ey w er e con n ect ed.” He n odded. “ A n ot h er issu e is, w e a ct u a lly don ’t h a v e m a n y m u r der s in St . T a m m a n y Pa r ish .” He t u r n ed h is cu p u p t o dr a in t h e la st dr ops of coffee. Nicole g est u r ed t ow a r d h is cu p bu t h e sh ook h is h ea d. “ T h en y ou h a v e t o con sider m u r der st a t ist ics,” h e w en t on .
“ A bou t a t h ir d of m u r der s of w om en ea ch y ea r a r e lin k ed t o dom est ic v iolen ce. In t h e g r a n d sch em e of t h in g s, ser ia l k iller s a r e r a r e—m a y be on e per cen t of a ll m u r der s.” Nicole r in sed ou t t h e cu ps a n d set a bou t clea n in g t h e ca ppu ccin o m a ch in e. “ So I g u ess t h e qu est ion becom es n ot w h y y ou r boss w a sn ’t con v in ced, bu t w h y you a r e.” Ry k er sh r u g g ed. “ T h e da t es, m ost ly . A n d t h e v er y fa ct t h a t h e isn ’t or g a n ized—t h a t I ca n ’t lin k h im by pr efer r ed w ea pon or m et h od of k illin g . Not ev en by h is ch oice of v ict im s.” “ Ex cept for ou r bir t h da y s.” “ Ex cept t h a t . A s fa r a s t h e ev iden ce g oes, h e doesn ’t h a v e a sig n a t u r e. Nor does h e seem t o t a k e t r oph ies. Jea n T er r y ’s m u r der is t h e fir st t im e h e’s r epea t ed a n y t h in g ex cept t h e bir t h da t e.” “ T h e w ea pon . My k n ife.” “ Rig h t . Hopefu lly , t h a t w ill be h is fa t a l m ist a k e.” “ So it sou n ds t o m e lik e w h a t y ou ’r e sa y in g is, h e’s n ot r ea lly a ct in g lik e a ser ia l k iller .” “ T h a t ’s r ig h t . Not if y ou con sider t h e u su a l pa t t er n of ser ia l m u r der er s. T h ey g en er a lly st a y w it h in t h eir ow n et h n ic g r ou p. T h eir v ict im s w ill u su a lly be con n ect ed—a g e, g en der , ev en body t y pe or h a ir color w ill be con sist en t . A n d t h ey a lm ost a lw a y s t a k e t r oph ies.” “ So y ou r g u y isn ’t pla y in g by t h e r u les.” “ A n d t h er e’s t h e r u b,” Ry k er sa id on a y a w n . “ W h en is a ser ia l k iller n ot a ser ia l k iller ?” He st ood a n d st r et ch ed. “ I’m t ir ed. Y ou m u st be ex h a u st ed.” Nicole fin ish ed r in sin g t h e cu ps a n d clea n in g t h e ca ppu ccin o m a ch in e, t h en dr ied h er h a n ds. Sh e ca m e a r ou n d t h e isla n d h ea ded for h er bedr oom . Ry k er st opped h er w it h a h a n d on h er a r m . “ Hey , Nic,” h e w h isper ed, t u r n in g h er t ow a r d h im , r u bbin g t h e sm oot h , su pple sk in of h er sh ou lder s w it h h is pa lm s. “ I’m sor r y a bou t y ou r
bir t h da y .” “ I t old y ou , I don ’t —” He sh u sh ed h er w it h h is in dex fin g er a g a in st h er lips. T h en h e lea n ed dow n a n d g a v e h er a g en t le k iss. It m ig h t h a v e been ju st a bir t h da y k iss, if t h ey h a dn ’t slept t og et h er . If h e didn ’t k n ow t h ose lips, t h a t coffee-a n d-m elon scen t . If sh e h a dn ’t open ed h er m ou t h a n d r em in ded h im of t h e t a st e a n d feel of h er lit t le pin k t on g u e. W h en h e felt h is body r ea dy in g it self for sex , h e pu lled a w a y . T h e look on h er fa ce a lm ost dr ew h im ba ck in , bu t h e bit h is ch eek a n d t ook a n ot h er st ep ba ck w a r d. “ Ev er y body ou g h t t o g et a bir t h da y k iss,” h e w h isper ed w it h a sm ile. Her t on g u e flick ed ou t ov er h er low er lip, follow ed by h er t eet h , lig h t ly scr a pin g . Her ey es cr in k led a bit a t t h e cor n er s. “ I g u ess I ca n ’t a r g u e w it h t h a t ,” sh e r eplied. “ T h a n k s.” Sh e t u r n ed a n d h ea ded for h er bedr oom . Bu t in st ea d of closin g t h e door beh in d h er , sh e t u r n ed a n d st u ck h er h ea d ou t . “ Ry k er ?” “ Y ea h ?” He h a d h is sh ir t h a lf-u n bu t t on ed. “ How do y ou k n ow t h a t Da isy w a s h is fir st ?” “ W h a t ?” “ If t h is m a n is a ser ia l k iller , h ow did y ou decide t h a t Da isy w a s h is fir st v ict im ?” T h e qu est ion h it h im lik e a sla p t o t h e fa ce. It sh ou ldn ’t h a v e, bu t it did. Nobody a t t h e office h a d ev er qu est ion ed h im a bou t t h a t . Ma y be beca u se t h ey didn ’t w a n t t o en cou r a g e h is t h eor y , or m a y be beca u se t h ey k n ew h im a n d fig u r ed h e’d cov er ed ev er y possibilit y . W h ich h e h a d. “ I w en t t h r ou g h t h e 2 0 0 4 a n d 2 0 0 5 St . T a m m a n y Pa r ish r ecor ds a n d didn ’t fin d a ca se t h a t bor e a n y sim ila r it ies w h a t soev er .” “ W h a t a bou t ot h er pa r ish es?” Sh e lea n ed a g a in st t h e door fa cin g , pu sh in g a h a n d t h r ou g h h er a lr ea dy t ou sled h a ir .
“ Cou ld t h e k iller h a v e been w or k in g in a n ot h er pa r ish , t oo? Lik e Or lea n s Pa r ish or T a n g ipa h oa ?” His fin g er s st opped fu m blin g w it h h is sh ir t bu t t on s. He look ed u p a n d sh ook h is h ea d slow ly . “ W h a t if h e st a r t ed som ew h er e else? Or is k illin g m or e oft en t h a n on ce a y ea r in ot h er pa r ish es, bu t ju st on ce a y ea r in St . T a m m a n y ?” “ Ot h er pa r ish es’ r ecor ds. W h y didn ’t I—? Nic, I cou ld k iss y ou !” Ry k er st a r t ed t ow a r d h er bu t sh e h eld u p a h a n d, look in g slig h t ly pa n ick ed. “ No! I m ea n —” Her fa ce g r ew r ed. “ I don ’t t h in k t h a t w ou ld be a g ood idea .” Sh e r ea ch ed beh in d h er for t h e door k n ob, t h en sen t h im a t ea sin g sm ile. “ A n d besides, y ou a lr ea dy did. Good n ig h t ,” sh e sa id fir m ly , a n d disa ppea r ed in t o h er bedr oom , closin g t h e door beh in d h er . Ry k er st a r ed a t t h e door for sev er a l secon ds a s h er w or ds spir a led t h r ou g h h is br a in . He felt lik e ba n g in g t h e h eel of h is h a n d a g a in st h is for eh ea d. W h a t a n idiot h e w a s. He’d du g t h r ou g h St . T a m m a n y r ecor ds for 2 0 0 4 a n d 2 0 0 5 , a n d n ot ju st t h e few m u r der ca ses, eit h er . He’d st u died ea ch a n d ev er y ca se in v olv in g a w om a n . Mu g g in g s, a ssa u lt s, ev en a cciden t s. Bu t h e h a dn ’t ch eck ed old ca ses in su r r ou n din g pa r ish es. Ma y be beca u se h e’d been g et t in g su ch a h a r d t im e fr om Mik e a bou t w a st in g t im e on h is ser ia l k iller t h eor y . Bu t n ow —n ow h e h a d a t a sk for ce a n d a ppr ov a l t o w or k t h e ca se a s a ser ia l ca se. Gr a n t ed it w a s a t a sk for ce of t w o a n d a g r u dg in g a ppr ov a l, bu t t h a t w a s bet t er t h a n a n y t h in g h e’d h a d befor e. If h e w er e v er y lu ck y a n d cou ld m a n a g e t o dig u p en ou g h n ew ev iden ce t o r ea ssu r e h is depu t y ch ief a n d t h e sh er iff, h e ju st m ig h t be a ble t o ca t ch t h e k iller t h e m edia w a s ca llin g t h e Oct ober Killer .
Chapter Seven Ry k er w a s g on e by t h e t im e Nicole g ot u p t h e n ex t m or n in g . Sh e w a s r eliev ed a n d y et a t t h e sa m e t im e oddly disa ppoin t ed. “ St op it ,” sh e a dm on ish ed h er self a s sh e m a de coffee. Sh e w a s n ot g oin g t o g et u sed t o h a v in g som eon e t h er e in h er a pa r t m en t w it h h er . It w a s t oo ea sy t o becom e a ccu st om ed t o h a v in g som eon e beside h er w h en sh e w en t t o sleep a n d w ok e u p. Sh e’d h a d t h a t lit t le en ou g h in h er life. A n d it dist r essed h er h ow m u ch sh e lon g ed for it . Ry k er Dela n cey h a d on e t h in g on h is m in d. Ca t ch in g h is ser ia l k iller . If sh e m a de t h e m ist a k e of t h in k in g h e w a s h a n g in g a r ou n d for a n y ot h er r ea son , sh e w a s g oin g t o be in for a lot of h ea r t br ea k w h en t h e ca se w a s ov er a n d h e w en t ba ck t o h is ow n a pa r t m en t a n d h is ow n pr iv ileg ed life. Sh e look ed a cr oss t h e k it ch en isla n d a t h er cou ch . He’d m a de a n effor t t o fold u p t h e sh eet . It la y in a lopsided, u n ev en squ a r e on t h e a r m of t h e cou ch , w a it in g for h im t o r et u r n t on ig h t . T h e pillow h e’d u sed w a s st ill w h er e h e’d left it , a slig h t in den t a t ion t est ify in g t o t h e fa ct t h a t h e’d la in t h er e. Nicole h a d t o qu ell a n u r g e t o w a lk ov er , pick u p t h e pillow a n d h old it t o h er n ose. Sh e blin k ed, a n d t h e sen su a l pr om ise of t h e pillow fa ded, a n d a ll sh e cou ld t h in k a bou t w er e t h e ph ot os of t h e dea d w om en . T h e v ict im s of t h e sa m e m a n w h o’d t r ied t o a t t a ck h er . Fiv e w om en , so differ en t a n d y et n ot so differ en t a t a ll. How w er e t h ey con n ect ed in t h e k iller ’s m in d? A m odel, a pr ofessor , a ba n k t eller a n d a r ea l est a t e a g en t . On e bla ck , on e Hispa n ic a n d t h r ee w h it e. Sh e t ook h er cu p in t o t h e bedr oom t o sip a s sh e dr essed. A k n ock on h er door st a r t led h er a n d sh e spilled a few dr ops of
coffee. Sh e look ed a t t h e t im e. Not ev en eig h t -t h ir t y . Job w a s com in g by t o w a lk h er t o t h e r est a u r a n t , despit e h er pr ot est s, bu t h e w ou ldn ’t be t h er e u n t il t en . Sh e cr ossed t o t h e door a n d open ed it a s fa r a s t h e ch a in w ou ld a llow . “ Y es?” sh e sa id. “ Nicole Beck h a m ? I’m Lon Héber t fr om t h e St. Tam m any Paris h New s .” Nicole’s h ea r t t h u dded in h er ch est . “ Y es?” sh e sa id coldly . “ Y ou ’r e t h e r epor t er t h a t r a n t h a t a r t icle a bou t m e.” He fla sh ed a t oot h y g r in . “ T h a t ’s r ig h t . I’d lik e t o t a lk t o y ou .” “ I’m sor r y , I—” “ It w on ’t t a k e lon g . I’d lik e t o g et y ou r r ea ct ion t o t h e Oct ober Killer ’s la t est m u r der . T h e v ict im w a s st a bbed w it h y ou r k n ife.” “ I don ’t —I h a v e n o com m en t . Plea se g o a w a y .” Sh e pu sh ed t h e door bu t t h e r epor t er ’s foot k ept h er fr om bein g a ble t o close it . “ A r e y ou a fr a id h e’ll com e a ft er y ou a g a in ?” t h e m a n per sist ed. “ W it h y ou r ow n k n ife?” “ If y ou don ’t g et a w a y fr om m y door I’m ca llin g t h e police.” Sh e pu sh ed a g a in st t h e door a g a in . “ Hey , I’m ju st doin g m y job. Is it t r u e t h a t Det ect iv e Ry k er Dela n cey h a s pla ced y ou u n der h is pr ot ect ion ?” “ I’m g et t in g m y cell ph on e,” Nicole sa id desper a t ely , a n d ba ck ed a w a y fr om t h e door . Sh e g r a bbed h er ph on e off t h e k it ch en cou n t er a n d pr essed Ry k er ’s n u m ber a s sh e w a lk ed ba ck ov er t o t h e door . “ Ry k er ?” sh e sa id w h en h e a n sw er ed. “ T h er e’s a r epor t er h er e t r y in g t o br ea k dow n m y door .” “ I’ll be r ig h t t h er e,” Ry k er sa id. “ Ok a y , ok a y . Giv e m e a br ea k ,” t h e r epor t er r eplied a t t h e sa m e t im e. “ I’m n ot br ea k in g y ou r door .” He ba ck ed a w a y a n d Nicole pu sh ed t h e door sh u t a n d lock ed it .
“ It ’s ok a y , Ry k er . He ba ck ed off.” “ Ma k e su r e h e’s g on e.” Sh e look ed t h r ou g h t h e peeph ole. T h e sm a ll, da r k -h a ir ed m a n w a s st a n din g on t h e la n din g look in g t h ou g h t fu lly a t h er door . T h en h e sh r u g g ed a n d h ea ded dow n t h e st a ir s. “ He’s h ea ded dow n st a ir s. He’s g on e.” “ W h en ’s Job com in g t o pick y ou u p?” “ A r ou n d t en .” “ Don ’t ev en cr a ck t h e door u n t il y ou k n ow it ’s h im . Un der st a n d?” “ Y es. I’m sor r y t o bot h er y ou .” Sh e h ea r d h im sig h . “ It ’s n ot a bot h er , Nic. My job is t o k eep y ou sa fe.” He pa u sed. “ Do y ou w a n t m e t o com e ov er ?” Sh e h ea r d t h e t h in ly disg u ised im pa t ien ce in h is v oice. He w a s obv iou sly bu sy . Plu s, sh e w a s fin e. T h e fa ct t h a t t h e r epor t er h a d sou g h t h er ou t bot h er ed h er a lit t le, bu t h e w a s g on e, a n d h opefu lly h e’d g ot t en t h e m essa g e t h a t if h e ca m e ba ck , h e’d h a v e t o dea l w it h Ry k er . “ No, of cou r se n ot . I’m fin e. Ry k er ?” “ Y ea h , h on ?” “ He k n ew t h a t y ou ’r e st a y in g h er e. He a sk ed if it w a s t r u e y ou h a d m e u n der y ou r per son a l pr ot ect ion .” “ He sa id t h a t ?” Ry k er cu r sed. “ I’m sor r y , Nic. T h is is pr oba bly g oin g t o g et w or se befor e it ’s ov er . Ha n g in t h er e.” “ I t old y ou . I’m fin e. I’ll t a lk t o y ou la t er .” Nicole h u n g u p a n d g la n ced a t t h e fr on t door , t h en st epped ov er t o dou ble ch eck a ll t h e lock s. A s sh e did so, t h e r epor t er ’s v oice ech oed in h er h ea d. Are you afraid he’ll com e after you again, w ith your ow n k nife? “ Y es,” sh e w h isper ed t o t h e em pt y r oom .
RYKER
SPENT THE MORNING
in cou r t , t est ify in g in a dom est ic v iolen ce
ca se t h a t h a d en ded w it h t h e w ife g oin g t o t h e h ospit a l a n d t h e h u sba n d g oin g t o lock -u p. Ry k er t est ified t h a t w h en h e’d a r r iv ed on t h e scen e h e’d w it n essed t h e m a n sh ov e h is w ife dow n t h eir fr on t st eps. His t est im on y sea led t h e DA ’s ca se a g a in st t h e m a n . Ba ck a t t h e Ch ef V oleu r office, h e m et w it h Mik e’s secr et a r y , A n n e-Ma r ie La fit t e. He br iefly r ev iew ed t h e ca ses w it h h er , t h en a sk ed h er t o g o t h r ou g h t h e fiv e files a n d m a k e n ot es of a n y t h in g sh e fou n d t h a t t h e w om en h a d in com m on . “ No m a t t er h ow in sig n ifica n t ,” h e’d t old h er . “ T h e sa m e br a n d of t oot h pa st e. Sa m e cr edit -ca r d com pa n y . A n y t h in g .” T h en h e sea r ch ed ou t Bill, w h o h a d ju st fin ish ed br in g in g Da g ew ood a n d Ph illips u p t o speed on h is open ca ses. Ch a r les Ph illips sh ot Ry k er a dir t y look a n d m u t t er ed som et h in g der og a t or y a s h e lu m ber ed t ow a r d t h e con fer en ce-r oom door . Ry k er a n d Bill h a d discu ssed h ow su ch a la r g e m a n cou ld m ov e so fa st w h en h e w a n t ed t o. T ed Da g ew ood w a s m or e v oca l. “ Dela n cey , y ou fin a lly g ot y ou r lit t le ser ia l k iller fa n t a sy pa st t h e boss, didn ’t y ou ? Y ou r m a m a m u st be so pr ou d.” T h e a cer bic det ect iv e w a s t a ll a n d fit , a n d con sider ed h im self a la dies’ m a n . W or d w a s h is w ife k ept h im in lin e t h ou g h . Ry k er h a d t o bit e h is t on g u e t o k eep fr om sh oot in g a n in su lt ba ck a t h im . He m a n a g ed n ot t o spea k u n t il Da g ew ood sa u n t er ed on dow n t h e h a ll. “ Jer k -a ss,” Bill sa id. “ W h a t y ou sa id, a n d m or e. Did y ou g et in t ou ch w it h Héber t ?” “ Na h , ev er y t im e I ca lled ov er t h er e, t h ey t old m e h e w a s ou t .” “ Y ea h , ou t h a r a ssin g Nic.” “ He’s been bot h er in g h er ? W h a t ’d h e do?” “ He w en t t o h er a pa r t m en t . Sh e ca lled m e a n d t old h im I w a s
on m y w a y ov er , so h e ba ck ed off. He’s pr oba bly ba ck a t h is office by n ow .” “ I’ll g o r em in d h im w h a t h e’s su pposed t o be doin g ,” Bill sa id. “ No. I w ill. I’v e g ot a cou ple of t h in g s I n eed t o sa y —ju st h im a n d m e.” “ Y ou really don ’t w a n t h im m essin g w it h Nicole, do y ou ?” “ He k n ow s I’m st a y in g ov er t h er e—t o pr ot ect h er .” “ Som ebody a r ou n d h er e’s g ot a big m ou t h .” Ry k er look ed pa st Bill a n d sa w Da g ew ood m osey in g ba ck dow n t h e h a ll t ow a r d t h em . “ Look w h o’s ba ck ,” h e m u t t er ed. Bill ca su a lly t u r n ed a r ou n d a s Ry k er br a ced h im self for a n ot h er sm a r t -a ss com m en t fr om t h e cop. “ T h e boss sen t m e t o fin d y ou ,” Da g ew ood sa id sa r ca st ica lly . “ Y ea h ?” Ry k er r espon ded. “ Som et h in g a bou t m y ser ia l k iller fa n t a sy ?” Da g ew ood sm iled, a s if plea sed t h a t h e’d m a n a g ed t o g et t o Ry k er . “ Nope. He w a n t ed m e t o let y ou k n ow t h a t som e cr a zy old m a n ca lled, r a n t in g a bou t h is da u g h t er bein g m u r der ed.” “ W h er e?” Ry k er w a s in st a n t ly on a ler t . “ Don ’t g et y ou r box er s in a t w ist , Dela n cey . He’s been ca llin g for y ea r s. Lik e I sa id, h e’s a cr a zy old du de.” “ W h y h a v e I n ev er h ea r d of h im , a n d w h y did Mik e sa y t o t ell m e?” “ Hey . W h o a m I? Y ou r secr et a r y ? Boss a sk ed m e t o deliv er a m essa g e a n d I did.” Da g ew ood pu sh ed pa st t h em a n d w a lk ed aw ay . “ I’v e g ot t o g o see Mik e. How fa r a lon g a r e y ou on r ein t er v iew in g t h e fa m ilies?” “ I’v e t a lk ed t o t w o. Not h in g n ew . I’m g oin g t o see Jea n T er r y ’s pa r en t s t h is a ft er n oon .” “ Good. A n n e-Ma r ie is r ev iew in g t h e files a n d m a k in g n ot es on sim ila r it ies bet w een v ict im s. Ma y be w e’ll g et som ew h er e. T a lk t o y ou la t er .” Ry k er h ea ded t o Mik e’s office, w h er e h e fou n d
t h e depu t y ch ief on h is w a y ou t . “ No t im e, Ry k er . Got a m eet in g w it h t h e sh er iff.” “ I’ll w a lk ou t w it h y ou . W h y ’d y ou sen d Da g ew ood t o t ell m e a bou t t h e cr a zy g u y t h a t ca lled?” “ Beca u se I w a s lea v in g a n d I sa w h im in t h e h a ll.” “ I m ea n , w h y do I n eed t o k n ow a bou t t h is g u y ? Da g ew ood sa id h e’s been ca llin g for y ea r s a bou t h is da u g h t er ’s dea t h .” Mik e n odded a s h e pu sh ed open t h e door t o t h e pa r k in g lot . “ He’s ca lled a few t im es ov er t h e y ea r s. Seem s h is da u g h t er w a s k illed in a m u g g in g , a n d h e t h in k s w e sh ou ld be t ea r in g u p t h e st a t e look in g for t h e k iller .” “ W h o did it ?” “ Ca se w a s n ev er solv ed. Sh e w a s sh ot in a ba ck a lley in t h e Fr en ch Qu a r t er . No ph y sica l ev iden ce t o spea k of. It w a s r a in in g .” “ Sh e w a s sh ot ? Sou n ds lik e a m u g g in g g on e ba d—or a dr u g dea l. W h y ’s t h e g u y ca llin g St . T a m m a n y ?” “ W h o k n ow s? I’v e g ot t o g o. A n n e-Ma r ie h a s t h e ph on e log s. Ch eck w it h h er .” “ T h a n k s, Mik e.” Ry k er st a r t ed t o t u r n , t h en ch eck ed h im self. “ Hey , Mik e—” “ W h a t ?” “ Y ou n ev er sa id w h y y ou ’r e t ellin g m e a bou t t h is g u y .” Mik e sh r u g g ed. “ Sh e w a s y ou n g . Sh e died a r ou n d t h is t im e of t h e y ea r if I r em em ber w h a t t h e old m a n sa id. Ma y be sh e’s on e of y ou r s.” He click ed h is r em ot e a n d t h e lig h t s on h is Bu ick blin k ed. Ry k er w a t ch ed h im dr iv e off. W h y w ou ld Mik e t h in k a m u g g in g in New Or lea n s h a d a n y t h in g t o do w it h a ser ia l k iller in St . T a m m a n y Pa r ish ? He t h ou g h t a bou t t h e qu est ion Nicole h a d a sk ed h im . How do you k now Dais y w as the firs t? T h e a n sw er w a s h e didn ’t . He’d g on e t h r ou g h St . T a m m a n y ca ses w it h a fin e-
t oot h ed com b, bu t h e h a dn ’t ex pa n ded h is r ev iew t o ot h er pa r ish es. He blew ou t a fr u st r a t ed br ea t h . New Or lea n s. Or lea n s Pa r ish . It w ou ld t a k e h im h a lf a lifet im e t o sift t h r ou g h t h e m u r der s, m u ch less a ll t h e ca ses w r it t en u p a s h om e in v a sion s, dom est ic v iolen ce a n d h ow ev er else a m u r der m ig h t be m iscla ssified. He g la n ced a t h is w a t ch a s h e h ea ded t ow a r d A n n e-Ma r ie’s desk . He m ig h t h a v e t o w a it u n t il t om or r ow t o r ea m t h e r epor t er . T oda y w a s Nicole’s ev en in g off, a n d h e’d pr om ised h er h e’d be t h er e t o pick h er u p a t six o’clock , a n d w ou ld m a k e g u m bo for h er . He ba r ely h a d en ou g h t im e t o r u n by t h e g r ocer y st or e. W h a t sh e didn ’t k n ow a bou t t h e ev en in g w a s t h a t h e w a s g oin g t o t a k e h er t o h is h ou se, w h er e h e h a d a ll t h e spices a n d h er bs, n ot t o m en t ion t h e r ig h t pot —h is g r a n dm ot h er ’s g u m bo pot . His br a in fla sh ed on a n im a g e of Nic in h is a pa r t m en t ea t in g g u m bo a n d la u g h in g . In a n in st a n t , lu st ov er w h elm ed h im a n d h is body r ea ct ed. Da m n it , h e h a d t o st op a ct in g lik e a r a n dy k id. T h is w ou ld n ot be a n in t im a t e ev en in g of spicy st ew a n d spicy sex . For on e t h in g , h e h a d h om ew or k —t h e t eleph on e log s A n n e-Ma r ie h a d pu lled for h im . Ma y be t h a t w ou ld be en ou g h t o da m pen h is cr a v in g for Nic’s body . He w a s su pposed t o be pr ot ect in g h er , n ot lu st in g a ft er h er .
BY THE TIME DINNER w a s ov er , Ry k er h a d com e t o r eg r et br in g in g Nicole t o h is a pa r t m en t . For on e t h in g , h is k it ch en w a s w ay sm a ller t h a n h er s, a n d sh e’d in sist ed on h elpin g h im . So t h ey ’d k ept bu m pin g in t o ea ch ot h er . Ea ch bu m p h a d esca la t ed Ry k er ’s lu st , u n t il by t h e t im e t h e g u m bo w a s r ea dy ,
h e w a s sw ea t in g a n d h a v in g t r ou ble con t r ollin g h is br ea t h in g . Now sh e w a s sit t in g on h is cou ch w it h a g la ss of w in e, a n d h e w a s w a sh in g t h e dish es. “ W h a t ’s t h is?” sh e a sk ed. He t u r n ed t o look . “ T eleph on e log s. I’v e g ot t o g o t h r ou g h t h em t on ig h t .” “ T eleph on e log s of w h a t ?” “ Ph on e ca lls fr om a m a n w a n t in g t o k n ow w h y w e h a v en ’t ca u g h t h is da u g h t er ’s k iller .” “ Is sh e on e of t h e v ict im s?” He sh ook h is h ea d. “ Not on e of t h e fiv e k n ow n v ict im s.” “ Ca n I r ea d t h em ?” Ry k er dr ied h is h a n ds a n d t ossed t h e t ow el on t o t h e k it ch en cou n t er . “ Nope. I h a v en ’t h a d a ch a n ce t o r ea d t h r ou g h t h em y et . A r e y ou r ea dy t o g o?” “ Su r e.” W a s h e cr a zy or did h e h ea r a t ou ch of disa ppoin t m en t in h er v oice? Ma y be sh e w a s t h in k in g t h e sa m e t h in g h e w a s, t h a t h ot spicy g u m bo sh ou ld be follow ed by h ot sw eet sex . Ba ck a t h er a pa r t m en t , Nicole t ook a sh ow er w h ile Ry k er set t led on t o t h e cou ch w it h t h e st a ck of com pu t er pr in t ou t s a n d t w o m essy dog -ea r ed bou n d n ot ebook s. A n n e-Ma r ie h a d a polog ized for t h e m essy log s. “ W e on ly st a r t ed r ecor din g ph on e ca lls t h r ee y ea r s a g o,” sh e’d sa id, “ w h en w e w er e fin a lly a llot t ed fu n ds t o bu y n ew equ ipm en t . Pr ior t o t h a t , t h e log s w er e h a n dw r it t en . It t ook m e a w h ile t o fin d t h em a ll.” He sh u ffled t h r ou g h t h em . T h er e w er e fiv e set s in clu din g t h e on e t h a t h a d been r ecor ded t oda y . T h r ee w er e com pu t er g en er a t ed t r a n scr ipt s. T h e ot h er t w o w er e fla g g ed, h a n dw r it t en pa g es in a spir a l-bou n d n ot ebook . He beg a n r ea din g t h a t da y ’s t r a n scr ipt ion . A t t h e t op of t h e pa g e w a s t h e da t e a n d t im e, a n d t h e t eleph on e n u m ber a n d
n a m e of t h e ca ller , A lber t M. Moser , plu s h is a ddr ess in Cov in g t on , LA . I’m ca llin g a bou t m y da u g h t er . W h en a r e y ou g oin g t o fin d t h e ba st a r d t h a t k illed h er ? Sir , I’ll t r y t o h elp y ou , bu t fir st I n eed y ou r n a m e. Y ou k n ow m y n a m e. W h y do I h a v e t o st a r t ov er ev er y t im e I ca ll? I ju st w a n t m y da u g h t er ’s m u r der er ca u g h t . I a polog ize for y ou r in con v en ien ce, sir . Plea se t ell m e y ou r n a m e a n d I pr om ise I’ll t r y t o h elp y ou . Moser . A lber t Moser . My ba by g ir l’s n a m e w a s A u t u m n . Y ou h a v en ’t don e a n y t h in g , h a v e y ou ? W h a t do I h a v e t o do t o g et y ou r a t t en t ion ? Ca n y ou g iv e m e a da t e? W h en w a s y ou r da u g h t er k illed? See, y ou don ’t ev en k n ow w h en sh e died. It w a s t oda y . Oct ober 2 6 . My ba by died a n d n obody ev en ca r es. Fiv e y ea r s a g o t oda y . Do y ou h ea r m e? T oda y is h er bir t h da y . Ry k er ’s pu lse sped u p. Today, Oct ober 2 6 , w a s A u t u m n Moser ’s bir t h da y . Sh e fit t h e pa t t er n . “ I’ll be da m n ed,” h e w h isper ed. “ W h a t ’s w r on g ?” Ry k er look ed u p t o see Nicole w r a pped in h er blu e w a ffle-k n it r obe. Her h a ir w a s w et a n d beg in n in g t o w a v e a r ou n d h er fa ce. Her ch eek s w er e pin k fr om t h e h ot sh ow er , a n d t h ey m a t ch ed t h e color of t h e polish on h er t oes. Her sex y t oes. He sw a llow ed. Sh e t ou ch ed t h e la pels of h er r obe, en su r in g t h a t it w a sn ’t g a pin g open . “ Is t h a t on e of t h e ph on e log s?” “ Y ea h .” He h ea r d t h e ex cit em en t in h is v oice. “ Y ou ’v e fou n d som et h in g ,” sh e sa id, t a k in g a st ep for w a r d. “ T ell m e.” “ T oda y is t h e a n n iv er sa r y of h er m u r der , a n d it ’s h er bir t h da y .” “ Oh , m y God! Sh e w a s k illed on h er bir t h da y ? T h a t ’s so sa d. W h en w a s sh e k illed?” Ry k er fa n n ed t h e t r a n scr ipt s lik e a ca r d h a n d. “ T h e ea r liest
log Mik e’s secr et a r y fou n d is fr om 2 0 0 5 .” “ 2 0 0 5 ?” sh e r epea t ed. “ W a sn ’t Da isy ’s m u r der in 2 0 0 6 ? T h a t m ea n s t h is g ir l cou ld be t h e fir st v ict im .” He h ea r d h is ow n h opes ech oed in Nicole’s v oice. Bu t t h e r ev ela t ion w a s n ot a ll joy . “ I ca n ’t k n ow t h a t , or ev en if sh e’s con n ect ed a t a ll, u n t il I fin d h er ca se file.” He st a r ed a t t h e 2 0 0 5 t eleph on e log . “ I w en t t h r ou g h 2 0 0 5 ca se files in St . T a m m a n y . Sh e w a sn ’t in t h er e.” “ Do y ou t h in k a n y t h in g in t h e ph on e log s t ell y ou w h er e sh e w a s k illed?” “ I h ope so. I’v e g ot h er n a m e n ow . Hopefu lly I’ll ev en t u a lly be a ble t o fin d h er ca se file, u n less it ’s been lost or dest r oy ed.” “ I w a n t t o look a t t h em .” “ I’v e a lr ea dy t old y ou , I’m n ot su pposed t o let n on -a u t h or ized per son n el r ea d t h em .” “ Didn ’t y ou t ell m e y ou w a n t ed m e t o be a ble t o pr ot ect m y self?” “ W h a t I sa id w a s t h a t y ou sh ou ld ex er cise r ea son a ble pr eca u t ion s.” “ Y ou don ’t t h in k I ca n t a k e ca r e of m y self?” “ Not a g a in st a k iller I don ’t .” Sh e pa u sed, a ssessin g h im . T h en w it h ou t a n ot h er w or d, sh e w a lk ed ov er a n d sa t dow n on t h e cou ch beside h im . Close beside h im . T oo close beside h im . He br ea t h ed in t h e scen t of w a t er m elon a n d clea n w a r m sk in . Her ch eek s w er e st ill r osy fr om t h e h ot w a t er a n d w h en sh e st r et ch ed ou t h er leg s a n d pr opped h er feet on t h e coffee t a ble, t h e r obe sepa r a t ed, r ev ea lin g lon g lea n ca lv es, pr et t y k n ees a n d a h in t of a w ell-sh a ped t h ig h . Ry k er su ck ed in a br ea t h t o clea r h is h ea d, bu t it didn ’t h elp. T h e a ir a r ou n d h er w a s st ill su ffu sed w it h t h e scen t of w a t er m elon .
“ Her e. T h is is t h e fir st t r a n scr ipt .” He h a n ded it t o h er a n d st a r t ed r ea din g t h e secon d on e, fr om 2 0 0 8 . W it h in a secon d h e sa w t h a t it w a s pr a ct ica lly iden t ica l t o t h e fir st . Differ en t ph r a sin g , bu t t h e sa m e m essa g e. Y ou don’t even k now w hen s he died. It w as today. My baby died and nobody cares . It’s her birthday. He h a n ded t h a t on e t o Nicole a n d ch eck ed t h e t h ir d com pu t er -pr in t ed sh eet , t h is on e fr om 2 0 0 7 . T h e y ea r Bella h a d died. T h e on ly r ea l differ en ce in t h is t r a n scr ipt w a s t h e la st sen t en ce. Y ou cops a r e so blin d. Look a r ou n d y ou . Gir ls a r e dy in g . Ry k er open ed t h e spir a l-bou n d n ot ebook t h a t w a s la beled 2 0 0 6 . It w a s dog -ea r ed a n d r a g g ed, st u ffed w it h st ick y n ot es a n d scr a ps of lin ed pa per . Ry k er g a v e a qu ick n od of t h a n k s t o Mik e for sh a r in g A n n e-Ma r ie w it h h im . Sh e w a s g ood. It w ou ld h a v e t a k en h im da y s t o fin d t h e en t r y on h is ow n . He t u r n ed t o t h e fla g g ed pa g e. Fin din g t h e en t r y w a s on e t h in g . Deciph er in g it w a s a n ot h er t h in g en t ir ely . It w a s six lin es in t h e m iddle of t h e pa g e, da t ed Oct ober 2 6 , 2 0 0 6 . Ry k er m a de ou t t h e n a m e Da isy How a r d, a n d t h e n a m e Ph illips. He st u died t h e sm u dg ed scr ibblin g . Da m n Ph illips. He’d u sed a pen cil. 9 :3 0 . Ca ll fm A . Moser . Da u g h t er dea d. Bla m es u s. Didn ’t t r y . Ra v in g . Not m u ch sen se. T h en t w o lin es t h a t w er e com plet ely in deciph er a ble, ex cept for t h e w or d nutcas e. “ Gr ea t ,” Ry k er sa id in disg u st . “ T h a n k s, Ph illips.” “ W h a t n ow ?” Nicole lea n ed ov er t o look a t t h e n ot ebook . Her a r m a n d t h e side of h er br ea st pr essed a g a in st h is a r m . He sw a llow ed. “ I ca n ’t r ea d Ph illips’s w r it in g . Hell of a lot of g ood t h a t ’s
g oin g t o do m e.” “ Let m e see.” In st ea d of t a k in g t h e n ot ebook fr om h is h a n d, sh e lea n ed ev en closer . Ry k er didn ’t m ov e a m u scle, a fr a id if h e did sh e’d ba ck a w a y . Bu t w h a t lit t le in for m a t ion h e’d g lea n ed fr om t h e t r a n scr ipt s w er e fa st m elt in g in t h e h ea t t h a t w a s bu ildin g in side h im . “ Nin e-t h ir t y . Ca ll fr om A . Moser . Da u g h t er dea d a y ea r n ow . Bla m es u s. Didn ’t t r y . Ra v in g . Not m u ch sen se.” “ Y ea h , I g ot t h a t m u ch .” Nicole a n g led h er h ea d a n d sh ot h im a look , t h en w en t ba ck t o t h e n ot e. “ L-S-T. Y -R. La st y ea r .” Sh e t ook t h e n ot ebook fr om h im a n d h eld it a t differ en t a n g les. “ Her B-D-A-Y . Bir t h da y . A n d I t h in k t h is is M-G-G or M-Y -Y .” Sh e poin t ed. Ry k er r em em ber ed w h a t Mik e h a d sa id. “ It ’s MGG. Mu g g in g .” “ Ok a y .” Nicole pla ced h er for efin g er on t h e pa g e a n d in dica t ed ea ch w or d. “ Nin e-t h ir t y . Ca ll fr om A . Moser . Da u g h t er dea d a y ea r n ow . Bla m es u s. Didn ’t t r y . Ra v in g . Not m u ch sen se. La st y ea r . Her bir t h da y . Mu g g in g . I-MO—in m y opin ion , g u y ’s a n u t ca se.” Ry k er pu lled h is n ot ebook fr om h is pock et . “ Sa y it a g a in so I ca n w r it e it dow n . Nex t t im e I look a t t h a t m ess I w on ’t r em em ber w h a t it sa id.” Sh e r epea t ed it a n d h e w r ot e it dow n w or d for w or d. “ Gr ea t , t h a n k s.” “ How a bou t t h e la st on e?” Ry k er sa w t h e fla g A n n e-Ma r ie h a d st u ck on t h e pa g e for Oct ober 2 6 of 2 0 0 5 , bu t w h en h e t u r n ed t o t h e pa g e, h e fou n d a st ick y n ot e fr om h er . Ryk er. I couldn’t find an entry of a phone call from Mos er in this log. I look ed thoroughly, but you m ight w ant to double-check . Anne-Marie. Nicole lea n ed in fa r t h er , a n d Ry k er w a s su r e h e cou ld feel t h e
ou t lin e of h er n ipple a g a in st h is biceps. Sh e r ea d t h e n ot e a lou d. “ T h a t ’s t h e y ea r h is da u g h t er w a s k illed. It w ou ld m a k e sen se t h a t h e w ou ldn ’t ca ll on t h a t da y , doesn ’t it ?” “ It does.” Ry k er h a d t o m ov e. Eit h er t h a t or h e w a s g oin g t o t u r n a n d pu ll Nicole t o h im a n d k iss h er sen seless. T h a t w a s h ow cr a zy h er br ea st pr essed a g a in st h is a r m w a s m a k in g h im . He sa t u p a n d t ossed t h e t r a n scr ipt on t o t h e coffee t a ble, t h en r a n a h a n d t h r ou g h h is h a ir . “ I w ish h e’d m en t ion ed w h er e sh e w a s k illed.” “ Y ou k n ow it w a sn ’t in St . T a m m a n y .” “ I do k n ow t h a t . Bu t t h a t lea v es T a n g ipa h oa , Or lea n s, Jeffer son —” He let h is h ea d dr op ba ck a g a in st t h e cou ch cu sh ion . “ Y ou ’r e g oin g t o t a lk t o Moser , a r en ’t y ou ? He ca n t ell y ou w h er e sh e w a s k illed.” “ Y ea h , if h e doesn ’t fill m e fu ll of bu ck sh ot fir st . T h e m a n ’s a n g r y . A n d despit e t h e fa ct t h a t Ph illips t h in k s ev er y body ’s a n u t ca se bu t h im , I’d be w illin g t o bet t h a t t h is t im e, h e w a sn ’t ex a g g er a t in g .”
Chapter Eight Nicole fr ow n ed a t Ry k er , w h o w a s r u bbin g h is ey es t ir edly . “ Y ou don ’t r ea lly t h in k Moser w ill sh oot y ou if y ou g o t o see h im , do y ou ?” Ry k er look ed u p a t h er a n d sm iled. “ W or r ied a bou t m e?” “ Y es. Of cou r se I a m . W h y ca n ’t y ou sen d som e policem en t o pick h im u p a n d br in g h im in ?” “ I n eed t o a ppr oa ch h im ca r efu lly . I’d r a t h er n ot u pset h im a n y m or e t h a n I h a v e t o. I h ope I ca n g a in h is t r u st , m a k e h im u n der st a n d t h a t I’m doin g m y best t o ca t ch t h is k iller .” Nicole t ou ch ed h is a r m . His biceps w er e fir m , t h e sk in w a r m a n d v ibr a n t u n der h er fin g er s. Sh e pu sh ed t h e m em or y of h is lea n , st r on g body m olded t o h er s ou t of h er h ea d. “ Y ou ’r e a g ood m a n ,” sh e sa id. He look ed a t h er , t h e in t en se blu e of h is ey es ig n it in g lik e a fla m e of pu r e ox y g en . “ Ju st doin g m y job,” h e m u r m u r ed, dippin g h is h ea d slig h t ly . Sh e lick ed h er su dden ly dr y lips a n d h is g a ze flick er ed t ow a r d h er m ou t h , lin g er in g t h er e. Sh e st epped closer . He dr ew in a sh a r p br ea t h , t h en ben t h is h ea d a n d br u sh ed h er lips w it h h is, so lig h t ly it m ig h t n ot h a v e been h is lips a t a ll. It m ig h t h a v e been n ot h in g m or e t h a n h is br ea t h . Sh e w a it ed for h im t o k iss h er a g a in , bu t h e didn ’t . In st ea d, h e look ed dow n , t h en lift ed h is h ea d. Jus t doing m y job. Sh e u n der st ood. Beca u se sh e w a s t h e sa m e w a y . Doin g a job w ell r equ ir ed focu s. A n d focu s a n d dist r a ct ion didn ’t g o t og et h er . “ Ca n y ou t a k e a br ea k ?” sh e w h isper ed w it h a sm a ll sm ile. T w o lin es a ppea r ed bet w een h is br ow s. “ Not w h ile y ou r pr ot ect ion is m y r espon sibilit y .”
“ Y ou ’r e w a y t oo ser iou s. Y ou are pr ot ect in g m e 2 4 /7 by ju st bein g h er e.” His ja w flex ed a n d sh e r ea ch ed u p t o soot h e t h e t en se m u scle w it h h er fin g er t ips. T h en sh e lift ed h er h ea d a n d k issed h im . It t ook h im a secon d or t w o t o r espon d, bu t h e did, a n d h is r espon se t ook h er br ea t h a w a y . He pu lled h er t o h im a n d pu sh ed t h e r obe off h er sh ou lder s, t h en ca r essed h er body w it h h is la r g e w a r m h a n ds ju st a s h e ca r essed h er m ou t h , ch eek s a n d n eck w it h h is lips. He g u ided h er in t o t h e bedr oom a n d la id h er dow n on t h e bed w h ile h e sh ed h is ow n clot h es. T h en h e join ed h er , pr essin g h is len g t h a g a in st h er . Sh e sh iv er ed a t t h e feel of h is w a r m body t ou ch in g ev er y in ch of h er s. “ Y ou ’v e g ot t o qu it u sin g t h a t w a t er m elon st u ff,” h e w h isper ed, “ beca u se ev en t h ou g h I k n ow t h is is a r ea lly ba d idea , I ca n ’t r esist it .” Nicole decided n ot t o be offen ded by h is decla r a t ion t h a t m a k in g lov e w it h h er w a s a r ea lly ba d idea . Sh e ch ose t o in t er pr et h is w or ds a s con cer n t h a t g et t in g ca u g h t u p in lov em a k in g m ig h t com pr om ise h er sa fet y . A s t h ey k issed a n d ex plor ed ea ch ot h er ’s body , Nicole’s dou bt s dissolv ed in t h e sw eet flood of desir e t h a t en v eloped h er . Her body soft en ed, open ed, r ea died it self t o t a k e h im in . His fin g er s a n d t on g u e dr ov e h er closer a n d closer t o clim a x . Fin a lly sh e sa t u p a n d pu sh ed h im dow n on t o h is ba ck . He look ed su r pr ised. “ My t u r n ,” sh e w h isper ed a s sh e st r a ddled h im . Sh e felt h er fa ce bu r n in em ba r r a ssm en t a t h er bold m ov e, bu t h e br u sh ed h er w a r m ch eek w it h h is fin g er t ips a n d sm iled a t h er . Ben din g u n t il sh e cou ld r ea ch h is lips, sh e k issed h im deeply , in t im a t ely , a n d pr essed h er ba r e br ea st s a g a in st h is ch est . Sh e cou ld feel h is br ea t h in g qu ick en . His h a n ds t r a ced h er t h ig h s a n d slid u p t o h er w a ist a s h e g r ou n d h im self a g a in st h er ,
g r oa n in g w it h plea su r e. He lift ed h er t o w h a t sh e felt w a s a dizzy in g h eig h t , t h en low er ed h er on t o h is h a r d, pu lsin g er ect ion . Her en t ir e body w a s sh iv er in g —sh a t t er in g —w it h r ea ct ion . His h a n ds slid fr om h er belly a r ou n d t o h er h ips a n d bot t om , a n d t h ig h s, a n d ba ck u p u n t il h is t h u m bs join ed in ca r essin g h er in t im a t ely . Sh e a r ch ed a t h is t ou ch . Sh e t r ied t o k eep con t r ol, bu t h er body m elt ed in t o clim a x t oo qu ick ly . Ry k er t h r u st u pw a r d a g a in a n d a g a in , u n t il sh e cr ied ou t . T h en h e g u ided h er a s h er lim bs g a v e w a y a n d sh e cr u m pled. He t u ck ed h er a g a in st h is side a n d r est ed h er h ea d on h is sh ou lder . His pa lm slid slow ly u p a n d dow n h er a r m a n d h e pla n t ed a k iss on t op of h er h ea d. A s sh e la y t h er e, r ea lit y beg a n t o cr eep ba ck in t o h er br a in . A n d slin k in g in a r ou n d beh in d r ea lit y w er e t h e dou bt s. Sh e g r im a ced, t r y in g t o pu sh a w a y t h e dou bt s a n d r eg a in t h e sen se of per fect com m u n ion a n d sa fet y t h a t sh e’d felt w h ile t h ey w er e m a k in g lov e. Bu t a s h a d been t r u e a ll h er life, a n y t im e sh e beg a n t o believ e in sa fet y , beg a n t o depen d on it , it w a s sn a t ch ed a w a y fr om h er lik e a r u g jer k ed ou t fr om u n der h er feet . Her r ea lit y w a s ch a os a n d fea r . T h e ch a os of life on a dow n w a r d spir a l. T h e fea r t h a t ea ch da y br ou g h t h er closer t o a ba n don m en t . Ev en t h ou g h sh e fit per fect ly a g a in st Ry k er ’s body w it h h er h ea d n est led in t h e h ollow of h is sh ou lder , sh e w ou ld n ev er fit in t o h is w or ld. His w a s a life of fa m ily , h om e, secu r it y . Sh e cou ld da y dr ea m a bou t t h ose t h in g s, bu t sh e k n ew w h en a ll t h is w a s ov er , h e’d g o ba ck t o h is life, a n d a ll sh e’d be w a s a v ict im h e’d sw or n t o pr ot ect . T h e differ en ces in t h em cr ea t ed a w a ll a r ou n d h er h ea r t . Sh e w a sn ’t t r y in g t o bu ild it u p, bu t st ill it g r ew , br ick by br ick , r ow
by r ow . By t h e t im e t h is ca se w a s don e, it w ou ld be im pen et r a ble. Ry k er st ir r ed a n d Nicole pu lled a w a y , t h in k in g h e w a n t ed t o t u r n ov er a n d g o t o sleep. Bu t in st ea d, h e dou bled a pillow u n der h is h ea d a n d t ou ch ed h er ch in w it h h is fin g er t ip, u r g in g h er h ea d u p. “ Hey ,” h e sa id. “ Hey .” Sh e t ook a deep br ea t h a n d y a w n ed. “ Y ou r ea dy t o g o t o sleep? I’ll g o ba ck t o t h e cou ch .” “ No.” Sh e’d a n sw er ed w a y t oo fa st . Needy . Desper a t e. A ll t h e t h in g s sh e n ev er w a n t ed t o be. “ No. I’m n ot sleepy ,” sh e sa id m or e ca su a lly . “ Good. Ca n I a sk y ou som et h in g ?” “ Su r e. A n y t h in g .” T h a t w a s a lie. T h er e w er e a lot of t h in g s sh e didn ’t w a n t h im a sk in g . “ W h y don ’t y ou lik e bir t h da y s?” T h e qu est ion felt lik e a n a r r ow t o h er ch est . Thud. Sh e w a sn ’t ev en su r e sh e k n ew —n ot ex a ct ly . “ Is it t h e sa m e r ea son y ou ’r e so dea d-set a g a in st m ov in g ?” Ok a y . T h is w a s g et t in g t oo close t o h om e. Nicole sa t u p, fu m blin g w it h t h e edg e of t h e sh eet t o cov er h er br ea st s. Ry k er slid ov er so sh e cou ld pu ll t h e sh eet u p t o cov er h er . T h en h e pa t t ed t h e bed n ex t t o h im a n d h eld h is a r m ou t . For a n in st a n t a ll sh e w a n t ed t o do w a s r u n a w a y . Sh e didn ’t w a n t t o a n sw er h is qu est ion s. Didn ’t w a n t a n y on e—cer t a in ly n ot h im — delv in g in t o t h e da r k pla ces in side h er . Bu t sh e cou ldn ’t r esist h is in v it a t ion t o sin k ba ck in t o h im . Bein g h eld by Ry k er Dela n cey w a s t h e sa fest pla ce sh e’d ev er been . “ Nic? I didn ’t m ea n t o u pset y ou . Y ou don ’t h a v e t o t ell m e if y ou don ’t w a n t t o. I’d ju st —” He pa u sed for a secon d, a s if h e w er en ’t qu it e su r e of h im self. “ I’d lik e t o k n ow y ou bet t er .” “ My m ot h er w a sn ’t w ell. Look in g ba ck , I t h in k sh e m a y h a v e
been bipola r , bu t a ll I k n ew w h en I w a s lit t le w a s t h a t m y m ot h er w a sn ’t t h e sa m e a s ot h er m ot h er s.” Nicole t ook a sh a k y br ea t h . Ry k er ’s a r m t ig h t en ed a r ou n d h er sh ou lder s. “ T h e fir st pla ce I r em em ber liv in g w a s a n ice br ig h t h ou se w it h h er a n d m y da d. Bu t h e died, a n d w e h a d t o m ov e t o a sm a ll a pa r t m en t . It w a sn ’t br ig h t a t a ll. I h a d a h a r d t im e u n der st a n din g w h y w e cou ldn ’t st a y in ou r big br ig h t h ou se. I w a s eig h t a t t h a t t im e. Ma m a g ot a job clea n in g offices, bu t h er sh ift w a s fr om t en o’clock a t n ig h t u n t il six o’clock in t h e m or n in g .” “ W h o st a y ed w it h y ou ?” Nicole sh iv er ed. “ Nobody .” “ Y ou w er e in t h a t a pa r t m en t by y ou r self ev er y n ig h t ?” His em br a ce g r ew t ig h t er . “ God, Nic.” “ In som e w a y s it w a s a g ood t h in g . I lea r n ed t o be selfsu fficien t . W h en I w a s t h ir t een I g ot a job h elpin g ou t a t a loca l din er . T h a t ’s w h er e I lea r n ed h ow t o cook . T h e m a n w h o ow n ed t h e din er h a d been a n ex ecu t iv e ch ef, bu t h e’d h a d a st r ok e a n d cou ldn ’t u se h is left side v er y w ell. He som eh ow g ot m e a sch ola r sh ip t o cu lin a r y sch ool. I don ’t k n ow w h a t I’d be doin g n ow if it w er en ’t for h im .” Ry k er w a s qu iet for a m om en t . “ W h a t a bou t y ou r m ot h er ?” “ Sh e died soon a ft er I g r a du a t ed.” “ Y ou sa id sh e g a v e y ou y ou r k n iv es.” Nicole sm iled sa dly . “ Sh e did. Sh e ca sh ed in a n in su r a n ce policy t o bu y t h em . I w a s so m a d a t h er for n ot u sin g t h e m on ey for h er self.” Ry k er pu lled h er close a n d t u ck ed h er h ea d u n der h is ch in . Sh e la y t h er e, list en in g t o h is h ea r t bea t st ea dily a n d st r on g a s sh e spla y ed h er fin g er s a cr oss h is ch est a n d dow n h is lea n , scu lpt ed a bs. T h is w a s w h a t h ea v en m u st feel lik e. W a r m . Sa fe. In t im a t e.
A FTER TALKING WITH Ch a r les Ph illips t o see if h e r em em ber ed a n y t h in g ot h er t h a n t h e n ot es h e’d jot t ed dow n a bou t A lber t Moser ’s ph on e ca ll t h r ee y ea r s a g o, w h ich h e didn ’t , Ry k er h ea ded ov er t o Ma n dev ille, t o t h e offices of t h e St. Tam m any Paris h Record, t o h a v e a t a lk w it h Lon Héber t a bou t bou n da r ies. Héber t w a s a t h is desk , t y pin g on a com pu t er k ey boa r d w it h t w o fin g er s. He g la n ced u p a s Ry k er a ppr oa ch ed. “ Det ect iv e Dela n cey ,” h e sa id, t u r n in g ba ck t o t h e com pu t er scr een . “ I w a s g oin g t o ca ll y ou for a st a t em en t .” He h u n t ed a n d peck ed a few m or e t im es, t h en pu sh ed h is ch a ir ba ck . “ Ha v e a sea t . W h a t ca n I do y ou for ?” Ry k er st a y ed on h is feet . “ Y ou ca n st a y a w a y fr om Nicole Beck h a m . A n d y ou ca n k eep h er n a m e ou t of y ou r r a g .” “ Hey ! La y off t h e police br u t a lit y . I w a s ju st doin g m y job.” “ So y ou r job is t o pu t v ict im s of cr im es in da n g er ?” “ W h a t t h e h ell a r e y ou t a lk in g a bou t ?” Ry k er t ook a st ep closer t o t h e sea t ed r epor t er . “ I’m t a lk in g a bou t pr in t in g h er n a m e in t h e pa per . Lin k in g h er w it h t h e Jea n T er r y ca se. Rev ea lin g t h e in for m a t ion a bou t h er k n ife. By t h e w a y , I n eed t o k n ow w h o t old y ou t h a t .” “ I t old y ou t h a t da y . Police sca n n er .” “ I don ’t bu y t h a t . Y ou w er e t h er e t oo qu ick , a n d t h e police sca n n er didn ’t g iv e y ou t h e in for m a t ion a bou t t h e k n ife.” “ No.” Héber t sm iled u p a t Ry k er . “ It didn ’t . Doesn ’t m a t t er , t h ou g h . I’m n ot r ev ea lin g m y sou r ces. Y ou n eed t o lea v e. Y ou ’r e st eppin g ov er t h e lin e h er e.” “ Y ea h ?” Ry k er ’s ea r s w er e bu r n in g , h e w a s so a n g r y . “ Y ou t h in k I’m ov er t h e lin e? Bu d, y ou cr ossed t h e lin e da y s a g o. Don ’t let m e ca t ch y ou a n y w h er e n ea r Nicole Beck h a m . A n d if y ou pu blish on e m or e t h in g a bou t t h e Oct ober Killer w it h ou t ch eck in g it w it h m e fir st , y ou ’r e g oin g t o be r ea l sor r y .”
Héber t v a u lt ed u p ou t of h is ch a ir , sen din g it r ollin g ba ck w a r d u n t il it h it t h e n ex t desk . “ Y ou g ot n o r ig h t com in g in h er e a n d t ellin g m e w h a t I ca n a n d ca n ’t do. I’m a jou r n a list . It ’s m y job t o let t h e pu blic k n ow t h e t r u t h .” “ If a n y t h in g h a ppen s t o Nicole a s a r esu lt of w h a t y ou pr in t ed, I’ll h a u l y ou in a s a n a ccessor y .” Ry k er t ook a st ep ba ck w a r d. He n eeded t o cool off befor e h e did som et h in g st u pid y et g r a t ify in g , lik e pu n ch in g Héber t in t h e fa ce. By n ow sev er a l people h a d com e ou t of offices or st opped w h a t t h ey w er e doin g a n d w er e st a r in g a t t h e t w o m en . Héber t look ed a r ou n d a n d t h en t ook a st ep t ow a r d Ry k er , w h o t ow er ed ov er h im by a t lea st fiv e in ch es. “ Y ou g et ou t of h er e befor e I ca ll secu r it y .” Ry k er lift ed h is ch in . “ W a t ch y ou r self, Héber t ,” h e w a r n ed, t h en t u r n ed on h is h eel a n d left . By t h e t im e h e’d dr iv en fr om t h e n ew spa per office t o A lber t Moser ’s a ddr ess in Cov in g t on , h e’d ca lm ed dow n a lit t le. He didn ’t look for w a r d t o t a lk in g w it h Moser , g iv en t h e m a n ’s a n g er a n d pa in a t t h e police’s fa ilu r e t o fin d h is da u g h t er ’s m u r der er . It w ou ld be a ch a n g e fr om h is fier y ex ch a n g e w it h Héber t , t h ou g h . No m a t t er h ow u pset a n d a n g r y A lber t Moser w a s, h e w a s a v ict im . His ch ild h a d been m u r der ed. Moser ’s h om e w a s a t y pica l 1 9 8 0 s-st y le su bu r ba n r a n ch h ou se t h a t look ed a lit t le w or se for w ea r . T h e t r im on t h e br ick h ou se w a s w a y ov er du e for a pa in t job. T h e y a r d h a d a t on e t im e been la n dsca ped, bu t ov er g r ow n sh r u bs a n d a ca r elessly cu t la w n t old Ry k er t h a t Moser pr oba bly liv ed a lon e a n d w a s pr oba bly depr essed. W h en Ry k er pr essed t h e bu t t on for t h e door bell, h e didn ’t h ea r a n y t h in g in side. So h e r a pped on t h e door , w a it ed t h ir t y secon ds, t h en r a pped a g a in . Fin a lly , h e h ea r d m ov em en t fr om in side. T h e sou n d of foot st eps a ppr oa ch in g a n d a lock t u r n in g . T h en t h e door open ed.
A lber t Moser w a s a m ediu m -h eig h t m a n w h o look ed t o be in h is m id-t o-la t e six t ies, a lt h ou g h Ry k er fig u r ed h e m ig h t be a lit t le y ou n g er t h a n t h a t . He w or e a pla id sh ir t t h a t w a s m isbu t t on ed a n d a pa ir of w or n , ba g g y dr ess pa n t s. His t h in n in g h a ir w a s com bed, bu t h e h a dn ’t sh a v ed in sev er a l da y s. “ Mr . Moser ? I’m Det ect iv e Ry k er Dela n cey .” He h eld u p h is ba dg e. “ Ma y I com e in ? I h a v e som e qu est ion s a bou t y ou r da u g h t er .” Moser ’s da r k ey es n a r r ow ed. “ A bou t A u t u m n ?” “ Y ou r da u g h t er w h o died,” Ry k er sa id g en t ly . A g r im a ce of pa in cr ossed Moser ’s fa ce. His ey es n a r r ow ed a bit m or e. “ Y ou h a v e n ew s?” h e a sk ed h oa r sely . “ No, sir . Not y et . Bu t I’m h opin g a ft er w e t a lk I’ll h a v e a bet t er u n der st a n din g of w h a t h a ppen ed. I h ope t o be a ble t o g iv e y ou som e a n sw er s.” “ Rea lly ?” Moser ey ed Ry k er w it h disbelief. A ft er a cou ple of secon ds, h e st epped ba ck w a r d. “ Y ou m ig h t a s w ell com e in .” A s Ry k er en t er ed t h e da r k foy er , h e n ot iced a fr a m ed pict u r e on t h e w a ll. “ Bea u t ifu l w om a n ,” h e com m en t ed, n oddin g a t it . Moser look ed a t t h e pict u r e, t h en a t Ry k er . “ My w ife. My da u g h t er dr ew t h a t w h en sh e w a s t h ir t een y ea r s old.” “ Y ou r y ou n g er da u g h t er ? A u t u m n ?” Moser n odded. “ Rig h t t h a t w a y , in t o t h e liv in g r oom .” Ry k er st epped dow n a st ep in t o t h e la r g e su n k en r oom . T h e on ly lig h t w a s t h e pa le g low t h a t filt er ed in t h r ou g h t h e cu r t a in s. Moser sa t dow n in a r eclin er a n d t u r n ed on a t a ble la m p. It h a r dly h elped. A ft er a br ief look a r ou n d, Ry k er ch ose t o sit in a n ea sy ch a ir t o Moser ’s r ig h t . T h e posit ion of t h e ch a ir g a v e h im a st r a ig h t sh ot t o t h e fr on t door . He w a s pr et t y su r e Moser w a s h a r m less, bu t h e a lw a y s lik ed t o be pr epa r ed. “ So A u t u m n w a s a n a r t ist .” “ Sh e lik ed t o dr a w . Sh e w a s g ood, t oo, bu t sh e n ev er did
a n y t h in g w it h it .” Ry k er n odded. “ W h a t do y ou w a n t w it h m e?” Moser dem a n ded, befor e Ry k er cou ld spea k a g a in . “ If y ou ’r e h er e beca u se I ca lled—I h a v e a r ig h t , y ou k n ow . I ca n ca ll a n d a sk w h a t ’s bein g don e t o fin d h er m u r der er . Y ou ca n ’t st op m e fr om doin g ev er y t h in g I ca n .” Moser pu t h is h a n d on a post -bou n d book sit t in g on t h e t a ble a t h is r ig h t h a n d. It look ed lik e a scr a pbook . “ Y es, y ou do h a v e t h a t r ig h t , Mr . Moser . A n d m y v isit is a bou t y ou r da u g h t er . I’d lik e t o fin d ou t a bou t h er dea t h . It cou ld be lin k ed t o sev er a l ot h er m u r der s in t h is a r ea du r in g t h e pa st few y ea r s.” Moser fr ow n ed, t r a ced t h e bin din g of t h e scr a pbook , t h en seem ed t o r ea lize w h a t h e w a s doin g a n d pu lled h is h a n d a w a y . “ Ot h er m u r der s? W h a t do y ou m ea n ?” “ Y ou m a y h a v e seen som et h in g in t h e pa per a bou t t h e Oct ober Killer ?” Moser didn ’t spea k . “ T h er e h a v e been fou r dea t h s in t h e pa st fiv e y ea r s, a ll du r in g t h e la st fu ll w eek in Oct ober , a ll w om en w h ose bir t h da y s w er e du r in g t h a t w eek .” “ Lik e m y A u t u m n . Her bir t h da y w a s y est er da y .” His v oice cr a ck ed. “ I k n ow , a n d I’m sor r y for y ou r loss. I’d lik e t o fin d ou t ev er y t h in g I ca n a bou t h er dea t h . It ’s possible sh e w a s t h e fir st v ict im of t h is k iller .” A lber t Moser ’s fa ce dr a in ed of color a n d h is ey es w iden ed. “ W h a t did y ou sa y ?” Ry k er k n ew h e’d h ea r d h im . He’d spok en t o en ou g h g r iev in g fa m ily m em ber s a n d en ou g h ev a siv e su spect s t o u n der st a n d t h a t t h e qu est ion w a s a u t om a t ic, a n u n con sciou s a t t em pt t o g a in a bit of t im e t o pr ocess t h e in for m a t ion h e’d ju st h ea r d. Moser ’s r ea ct ion seem ed t o in dica t e t h a t h e’d n ev er con sider ed t h a t h is da u g h t er ’s m u r der m ig h t be lin k ed t o t h e ot h er , m or e
r ecen t m u r der s in St . T a m m a n y Pa r ish . “ W h er e did t h e sh oot in g t a k e pla ce?” Moser blin k ed r a pidly . “ W h er e?” Ry k er lea n ed for w a r d a n d pr opped h is elbow s on h is k n ees, t r y in g t o displa y open a n d fr ien dly body la n g u a g e. T h e older m a n w a s clea r ly st u n n ed by Ry k er ’s m en t ion of t h e Oct ober Killer . “ I a polog ize if t h ese qu est ion s a r e u pset t in g , Mr . Moser , bu t I n eed t h is in for m a t ion . It cou ld h elp u s fin d y ou r da u g h t er ’s k iller .” “ Rig h t ,” Moser sa id. “ T h a t ’s a ll I’v e w a n t ed a ll t h is t im e.” He t ook a sh a k y br ea t h . “ It w a s h er bir t h da y . Sh e’d decided t o g o t o t h e Fr en ch Qu a r t er . A u t u m n w a s a h ea d-st r on g g ir l. Sh e n ev er lea r n ed r espon sibilit y lik e m y older g ir l, Ch r ist m a s, did. Ch r ist y ’s a doct or n ow .” Ry k er didn ’t com m en t . He didn ’t w a n t t o in t er r u pt t h e flow of t h e m a n ’s m em or ies. He jot t ed a qu ick n ot e t o fin d ou t w h er e Ch r ist m a s Moser liv ed. “ A u t u m n h a d g ot t en in w it h som e ba d people. Sh e w a s doin g dr u g s, I don ’t k n ow w h a t k in d. I fig u r e t h a t ’s w h y sh e w a s dow n in t h e Fr en ch Qu a r t er t h a t n ig h t . It w a s h er bir t h da y , y ou k n ow .” Ry k er n odded, t h en m a de a pr odu ct ion of slippin g h is n ot ebook ou t of h is pock et a n d open in g it . T h er e w a s n o r ea son t o poin t ou t t o Moser t h a t h e k ept r epea t in g h im self. He w a s h ea r t br ok en a bou t h is da u g h t er , a n d fr u st r a t ed t h a t t h e police h a dn ’t fou n d h er k iller . Ma k in g a n effor t t o sh ow t h e m a n t h a t h e w a s pa y in g a t t en t ion w a s t h e lea st Ry k er cou ld do for h im . “ Y est er da y . Oct ober 2 6 , r ig h t ?” Moser sh ook h is h ea d. “ A fa t h er sh ou ldn ’t ou t liv e h is ch ild. It ’s a sa d, sa d t h in g , Det ect iv e. It ca n m a k e y ou cr a zy . Ma k e y ou t h in k t h in g s, do t h in g s, y ou n ev er t h ou g h t —” He pu lled a h a n dk er ch ief ou t of h is pock et a n d blew h is n ose. “ I t r ied t o t ell
t h e policem en ba ck t h en t h a t I k n ew w h o’d k illed h er , bu t t h ey didn ’t ca r e.” T h a t su r pr ised Ry k er . “ Y ou k n ow w h o k illed y ou r da u g h t er ?” “ Sh e w a s r u n n in g a r ou n d w it h a m a r r ied m a n . He w ou ldn ’t lea v e h er a lon e. Sh e sw or e t o m e sh e’d qu it h im , bu t h e k ept ca llin g h er . Beg g in g h er t o see h im . T h r ea t en in g h er . A bou t a w eek befor e sh e died, sh e let on t h a t sh e w a s a fr a id h e’d k ill h er if sh e didn ’t g o ba ck t o h im .” “ Y ou t old t h e police t h is? T h e New Or lea n s police?” “ I su r e did.” Ry k er w a t ch ed Moser . He cou ldn ’t decide if t h e m a n w a s t h e n u t ca se Ph illips h a d cla im ed h e w a s, or if h e w a s r ig h t a bou t t h e m a r r ied m a n . “ W h a t h a ppen ed? Did NOPD a r r est h im ? Qu est ion h im ?” Moser folded h is h a n dk er ch ief a n d w iped h is ey es. “ Nope. I n ev er k n ew h is n a m e. Sh e n ev er w ou ld t ell m e. Sa id it ’d g et h im in t r ou ble a n d h e’d lose h is job.” “ So sh e t h ou g h t y ou w ou ld k n ow h im ?” Moser look ed a t h im in su r pr ise. “ Kn ow h im ? Y ou t h in k t h a t ’s w h y sh e w ou ldn ’t t ell m e? Beca u se I k n ow h im ? Hell, I don ’t k n ow a ll t h a t m a n y people.” “ Ma y be it w a s som eon e w ell-k n ow n . A celebr it y or a polit icia n . Som eon e in t h e pu blic ey e.” “ Hu m ph . I dou bt t h a t . If it w a s som ebody r ich , I’d h a v e k n ow n . A u t u m n w ou ld h a v e g ot t en h im t o bu y h er st u ff, a n d I n ev er sa w a n y st u ff.” “ Ma y be h e bou g h t h er t h e dr u g s,” Ry k er su g g est ed. Moser sen t h im a ca lcu la t ed g la n ce. “ Ma y be so.” “ On e la st qu est ion , Mr . Moser . W h y ca ll t h e St . T a m m a n y Sh er iff’s Office a bou t y ou r da u g h t er ’s k iller ? W h y n ot ca ll t h e NOPD?” “ I ca lled t h em , t oo. Bu t I’m pr et t y su r e t h e m a n w h o k illed
h er liv es a r ou n d h er e.” Ry k er k n ew h e cou ld g et in for m a t ion a bou t A u t u m n Moser fr om h er ca se file, bu t t h er e w a s som et h in g a bou t h er fa t h er t h a t m a de h im w a n t t o k eep a sk in g h im qu est ion s. Ry k er h a d a g u t feelin g t h a t Moser k n ew som et h in g t h a t cou ld h elp h im , if h e cou ld ju st dig it ou t . “ W h er e did y ou r da u g h t er liv e?” “ Sh e’d m ov ed ba ck in w it h m e. Sh e’d lost h er job a n d h a d t o g iv e u p h er a pa r t m en t .” “ A n d y ou ’r e su r e y ou n ev er sa w or m et t h e m a n y ou believ e k illed h er ?” Moser st ood a n d pock et ed h is h a n dk er ch ief. His h a n ds w er e sh a k in g . He obv iou sly w a s r ea dy for Ry k er t o lea v e. Ry k er st ood, t oo. “ On ly a cou ple m or e qu est ion s, Mr . Moser . T h e m or e I k n ow , t h e closer I ca n g et t o fin din g t h e per son w h o m u r der ed y ou r da u g h t er , a n d t h ese ot h er y ou n g w om en .” “ My g ir l’s n ot pa r t of t h is Oct ober Killer t h in g . T h a t m a n k illed h er .” “ I a ssu m e t h e police w en t t h r ou g h h er t h in g s?” Moser n odded a s h e h ea ded t ow a r d t h e fr on t door . Ry k er g la n ced a r ou n d on e la st t im e. T h e h ou se w a s t y pica l. T h e la r g e liv in g r oom . Kit ch en a n d din in g r oom off t o on e side. A h a ll on t h e ot h er side lea din g t o t h e bedr oom s. T h r ou g h t h e door t o t h e k it ch en h e cou ld see slips of pa per a n d pen cil dr a w in g s on t h e r efr ig er a t or door . “ I w on der if I cou ld see h er r oom ? It m ig h t h elp m e fin d t h e m a n w h o k illed h er .” “ No. I m ea n , t h er e’s n ot h in g t h er e. W h a t t h e police didn ’t t a k e, I t h r ew a w a y . I cou ldn ’t st a n d it , h a v in g h er t h in g s a r ou n d. I t ook ev er y t h in g t o t h e du m p.” Moser open ed t h e door . “ I’d lik e y ou t o lea v e n ow . I don ’t w a n t t o t a lk a bou t t h is a n y m or e.” Ry k er st epped pa st h im , t h en t u r n ed a n d h a n ded h im a ca r d.
“ Her e’s m y ph on e n u m ber s, office a n d cell. If y ou t h in k of a n y t h in g t h a t m ig h t h elp m e, plea se ca ll. A n d believ e m e, Mr . Moser . I’m com m it t ed t o fin din g t h e m a n w h o k illed y ou r da u g h t er .” Moser st a r ed a t t h e ca r d for a secon d, t h en t ook it . Ry k er st a r t ed dow n t h e sidew a lk . “ Det ect iv e,” Moser ca lled ou t . “ W h a t h a ppen ed t o t h e g ir l t h ey t a lk ed a bou t in t h e n ew spa per ? T h e ch ef—t h e on e w h o su r v iv ed?” “ Sh e’s fin e. Doin g w ell,” Ry k er sa id n on com m it t a lly . “ T h a t a r t icle sa id sh e’s h elpin g w it h t h e in v est ig a t ion . Is t h a t t r u e? Or is it on e of t h ose t h in g s t h e pa per pr in t s beca u se it sou n ds g ood?” Ry k er ’s a n g er a t Héber t for ex posin g Nicole in t h e n ew spa per fla r ed. “ T h a t ’s n ot som et h in g I ca n t a lk a bou t ,” h e pa r r ied. Moser fr ow n ed. “ Bu t it w a s in t h e pa per .” “ I’m a fr a id t h a t ’s a ll I ca n sa y . Ca ll m e a n y t im e, Mr . Moser .” A s Ry k er dr ov e off, Moser w a s st ill st a n din g on h is st oop, fin g er in g t h e bu sin ess ca r d.
Chapter Nine A lber t Moser closed a n d lock ed h is fr on t door w it h t r em blin g h a n ds, t h en sa t dow n in h is r eclin er . He set t h e det ect iv e’s bu sin ess ca r d on t h e en d t a ble n ex t t o h is scr a pbook , bu t h is u n st ea dy h a n d k n ock ed it on t o t h e floor . For a m om en t , h e ju st st a r ed dow n a t it a s h is t h ou g h t s r a ced dizzily . Fin a lly , som eon e h a d pa id a t t en t ion t o h is desper a t e ca lls. His w or k h a d pa id off. Det ect iv e Ry k er Dela n cey w a s look in g in t o h is da u g h t er ’s dea t h . Bu t t h er e w a s a pr oblem w it h t h a t . Det ect iv e Dela n cey w a s cer t a in t h a t h is da u g h t er ’s dea t h w a s con n ect ed w it h t h e Oct ober Killer m u r der s. T h a t w ou ld sen d h im in a n en t ir ely differ en t dir ect ion . A lber t ’s dir ect ion . A n d h e cou ldn ’t h a v e t h a t h a ppen . He st ood a n d pa ced. He’d g ot t en t h e police’s a t t en t ion . Bu t n ot in t h e w a y h e’d pla n n ed. W h er e h a d h is pla n g on e w r on g ? He’d fig u r ed h a v in g a secon d y ou n g w om a n die t h e la st w eek in Oct ober , on e y ea r a ft er A u t u m n died, t h e police w ou ld be r em in ded of h is da u g h t er ’s ca se a n d dig deeper . Bu t w h en h e’d du g in t o h is in su r a n ce r ecor ds t o fin d y ou n g w om en n ea r A u t u m n ’s a g e, a n d w it h bir t h da y s n ea r h er s, t h er e h a d on ly been on e w om a n w h o liv ed in New Or lea n s. Her h om e w a s in t h e Ga r den Dist r ict , in a g a t ed com m u n it y . A lber t k n ew h e’d n ev er be a ble t o g et t o h er . So h e’d h a d t o g o w it h w om en w h o liv ed in older h ou ses, in a pa r t m en t s, in n eig h bor h oods w h er e h e cou ld g et t o t h em . A n d beca u se h e’d a lw a y s liv ed a n d w or k ed in St . T a m m a n y Pa r ish , t h a t w a s w h er e h e’d w r it t en m ost of h is in su r a n ce policies, a n d t h a t w a s w h er e m ost of t h em liv ed.
So h e’d k illed a y ou n g m odel w h o liv ed in Ma n dev ille bu t w or k ed in New Or lea n s. He’d ch osen h er beca u se sh e w a s ex a ct ly t h e sa m e a g e a s h is da u g h t er . Sa m e bir t h da y , sa m e y ea r . T h en h e w a it ed. Nobody ca lled. Nobody ca m e t o t a lk t o h im . If t h e police ev en r em em ber ed h is da u g h t er ’s m u r der , t h ey didn ’t do a n y t h in g a bou t it . He’d ca lled t h e St . T a m m a n y Pa r ish a n d t h e New Or lea n s police a n d com pla in ed, poin t in g ou t t h e sim ila r it ies bet w een t h e ca ses. Beg g in g t h em t o fin d h is da u g h t er ’s m u r der er befor e som eon e else died. Bu t n obody list en ed. T h en t h e n ex t y ea r h a d r olled a r ou n d. A lber t h a d t r ied t o ig n or e t h e ca len da r , bu t t h e u r g e t o do som et h in g h a d been t oo st r on g . So h e’d k illed t h e secon d y ou n g w om a n . Now h e w a s in t oo deep. A t som e poin t , m a y be la st y ea r w h en h e’d fa iled t o k ill Nicole Beck h a m , h is focu s h a d ch a n g ed. It w a s n o lon g er a desper a t e a t t em pt t o sen d t h e police ba ck t o t h e fir st Oct ober m u r der . A lber t pu t h is pa lm s on eit h er side of h is h ea d a n d squ eezed. It h a d becom e v en g ea n ce. He h a d lost h is bea u t ifu l A u t u m n , so h e’d t a k en ot h er bea u t ifu l y ou n g liv es. He ben t ov er a n d pick ed u p Det ect iv e Ry k er Dela n cey ’s ca r d off t h e floor . Dela n cey h a d sa id t h a t Nicole Beck h a m w a s h elpin g w it h t h e in v est ig a t ion , bu t h e’d r efu sed t o t ell A lber t ju st h ow sh e w a s h elpin g . He t h ou g h t a bou t h er in h er da r k bedr oom , sit t in g u p in bed so t h a t t h e lig h t fr om h er w in dow ca u g h t t h e g old h ig h lig h t s in h er h a ir a n d t h e fea r in h er ey es. He’d st ood t h er e in h er door w a y , clu t ch in g t h e k n ife h e’d fou n d in a ca se on h er k it ch en cou n t er , r ea dy t o div e a t h er a n d sin k it s bla de deep in t o h er belly . Bu t t h e sou n d of a k ey r a t t lin g in t h e fr on t door h a d st a r t led h im . W it h on e la st g la n ce a t h er w ide ey es st a r in g dir ect ly in t o h is, h e’d k ick ed open t h e k it ch en door a n d esca ped.
He r u bbed a h a n d ov er h is t h in n in g h a ir . A t t h e t im e, t h e n ew spa per s h a d in dica t ed t h a t n eit h er Nicole n or h er r oom m a t e h a d seen a n y t h in g . Bu t A lber t k n ew fr om t h e a r t icles a bou t h is da u g h t er ’s dea t h a n d fr om t elev ision t h a t t h e police n ev er r elea sed a ll t h e in for m a t ion t h ey h a d. T h ey a lw a y s h eld som et h in g ba ck . He open ed t h e scr a pbook t h a t sa t beside h is ch a ir . He h a d a ll t h e n ew spa per clippin g s fr om a ll t h e k illin g s. He t u r n ed t o t h e a r t icles a bou t Nicole Beck h a m . He k n ew t h em a ll by h ea r t . W h a t cou ld t h ey h a v e h eld ba ck a bou t h er a t t a ck ? A lber t w a s dr ea dfu lly a fr a id t h e a n sw er w a s t h a t sh e h a d seen h is fa ce. He’d w a t ch ed h er du r in g t h e pa st y ea r , w on der in g if sh e w ou ld r ecog n ize h im . He’d ev en ea t en a t h er r est a u r a n t a few t im es. On ce sh e’d em er g ed fr om t h e k it ch en t o g r eet a cou ple w h o’d a sk ed t o m eet t h e ch ef. Sh e’d sm iled a n d g la n ced a r ou n d t h e r oom , bu t sh e h a dn ’t r ea ct ed. Ha d sh e n ot r ecog n ized h im ? Or h a d sh e n ot n ot iced h im ? He t u r n ed t o t h e n ew spa per clippin g fr om t w o da y s a g o, t h a t t old a bou t Nicole Beck h a m ’s k n ife bein g u sed in t h e k illin g of Jea n T er r y . He r ea d t h e a r t icle a g a in , look in g for a n y clu e t h a t Nicole cou ld iden t ify h er a t t a ck er . T h en h e look ed a t t h e det ect iv e’s ca r d on ce m or e. Dela n cey w a s t h e m a n h e’d seen w it h Nicole. He’d t h ou g h t t h e m a n w a s a cop, a n d n ow h e w a s su r e. T h a t cer t a in t y led t o a n ot h er . T h er e w a s on ly on e r ea son a police det ect iv e w ou ld be st ick in g t h a t close t o a v ict im . Nicole Beck h a m w a sn ’t ju st Det ect iv e Dela n cey ’s on ly liv in g v ict im . Sh e w a s h is on ly w it n ess. A lber t cou ldn ’t a ffor d t o h a v e h er iden t ify h im . Not n ow . Not w h en t h e police w er e fin a lly look in g in t o h is da u g h t er ’s dea t h .
“ A BSOLUTELY NOT, JOB!” Nicole sa id a s sh e sa t u p in bed a n d pu sh ed
h er h a ir ou t of h er fa ce w it h t h e h a n d n ot h oldin g t h e ph on e. “ W e’v e n ev er ser v ed fr ozen fish a n d w e’r e n ot g oin g t o st a r t n ow .” Job sig h ed. “ I’v e ca lled m y m ot h er t o st a y w it h t h e k ids w h ile I t a k e Mer in a t o t h e doct or . A s soon a s w e’r e don e, I’ll h ea d ov er t o Hen r i’s.” “ By t h en a ll t h e decen t fish w ill be g on e. Plu s, y ou n eed t o be w it h y ou r w ife. T h u r sda y is m y da y t o bu y fish a n y w a y . Y ou k n ow Hen r i w a t ch es ou t for m e lik e h is ow n da u g h t er . I’ll be fin e.” “ Y ou sh ou ld ca ll y ou r boy fr ien d, let h im k n ow y ou ’r e g oin g .” “ He’s n ot m y boy fr ien d,” sh e sa id a u t om a t ica lly , w ish in g Job w ou ld fig u r e ou t t h a t h is jok e w a sn ’t fu n n y . “ He’s g oin g u p t o A n g ola t o t est ify a t a pa r ole h ea r in g t oda y .” “ W h a t a bou t h is pa r t n er ?” “ Bill’s g oin g t o t h e Qu a r t er t o t a lk t o t h e police a n d g et t h e Moser g ir l’s ca se file. I cou ld be h a lfw a y t o t h e r iv er by n ow if w e w er en ’t st ill on t h e ph on e. Don ’t w or r y . I’ll see if I ca n fin d som e bla ck dr u m fish .” “ I’v e g ot t o g o. Mer in a is r ea lly h u r t in g .” “ Y ou t ell h er I’m t h in k in g a bou t h er . I’v e n ev er h a d a k idn ey st on e, bu t I h ea r t h ey ’r e a w fu l.” Nicole h u n g u p a n d g ot ou t of bed. Six o’clock . Sh e w a s a lr ea dy la t e if sh e w a n t ed t h e best -look in g fish . Sh e t ossed on a pa ir of jea n s a n d a T -sh ir t a n d r a n a br u sh t h r ou g h h er h a ir . Sh e’d g et t h e fish , t a k e it t o t h e r est a u r a n t a n d com e ba ck a n d sh ow er a n d dr ess. Ev en w it h Job ou t , sh e didn ’t h a v e t o be cook in g u n t il t en . Sh e’d h a v e plen t y of t im e.
N ICOLE CHECKED THE REARVIEW m ir r or . T h e ca r beh in d h er w a s w a y t oo close. Sh e t ook h er foot off t h e g a s. “ Ok a y . I’m slow in g dow n . Pa ss m e a lr ea dy .”
Bu t h e didn ’t . He st a y ed on h er t a il. Sh e t u r n ed off t h e dist r a ct in g r a dio a n d t ig h t en ed h er h a n ds on t h e st eer in g w h eel. T h e sla p-sla p of t h e w in dsh ield w iper s w a s a n n oy in g en ou g h . Sh e didn ’t lik e t h is r oa d in su n n y w ea t h er . Sh e h a t ed it in t h e r a in . Hen r i La Ru e ow n ed t h r ee fish in g boa t s on t h e T ch efu n ct e Riv er n ea r Ma dison v ille. He a n d h is fou r son s fish ed ev er y da y a n d su pplied fr esh fish t o sev er a l r est a u r a n t s on t h e n or t h sh or e of La k e Pon t ch a r t r a in . Sh e or Job m a de a poin t of dr iv in g t o Hen r i’s sev er a l t im es a w eek t o pick ou t t h e best fish for L’Or a g e’s fa m ou s Pois s on du Jour. T h e r eg u la r s look ed for w a r d t o t h e v a r iet y of fish L’Or a g e fea t u r ed a t differ en t t im es of t h e y ea r . T h e r oa d t h a t led fr om t h e h ig h w a y dow n t o Hen r i’s w a s n a r r ow a n d old. It w ou n d a lon g t h e ser pen t in e ba n k s of t h e r iv er . Nobody bu t folk s g oin g t o a n d fr om t h e m a r k et u sed it , a n d Nicole u su a lly r ecog n ized m ost of t h e ca r s. Bu t n ot t h is on e. Sh e g la n ced in t h e m ir r or a g a in . T h e ca r h a d fa llen ba ck a few feet . T h a n k g oodn ess, beca u se t h e r a in w a s com in g dow n fa st er n ow , soa k in g t h e bla ck t op a n d r u n n in g off on t o t h e m a r sh y sh ou lder . T h a t sh ou lder bot h er ed Nicole. W it h t h e on cew h it e lin es fa ded in t o n ea r in v isibilit y a n d t h e cr u m blin g sh ou lder , it w a s h a r d en ou g h t o dr iv e t h e n a r r ow r oa d on a clea r m or n in g . Ea ch t im e Nicole m et a ca r pa ssin g in t h e opposit e dir ect ion , h er h ea r t ju m ped in t o h er t h r oa t a n d st a y ed t h er e u n t il sh e w a s sa fely pa st . T h e ca r follow in g h er h a d cr ept u p close a g a in . Sh e cou ldn ’t see t h e dr iv er ’s fa ce. He h a d t h e v isor flipped dow n for som e r ea son . T h r ou g h t h e r a in y h a ze sh e spot t ed fa m ilia r br ig h t or a n g e sh r im p boa t n et s st ick in g u p ov er t h e t r ees t o h er r ig h t . It w a s t h e Cara Mia, a fish in g boa t ow n ed by T h ier r y Ma r t in . T h a t m ea n t sh e w a s on ly a bou t fou r m iles fr om t h e h ig h w a y . Bet t er ,
t h er e w a s a r ela t iv ely st r a ig h t st r et ch of r oa d a h ea d. “ Ok a y , y ou ’r e in a h u r r y . I g et it . Com e on .” Sh e w ish ed t h e dr iv er w ou ld t u r n on h is h ea dlig h t s. T h e h ea v y clou ds a n d pu m m elin g r a in m a de it h a r d t o see. Fr u st r a t ed, sh e low er ed h er w in dow a n d g est u r ed for t h e ca r t o g o a r ou n d h er . T h a n k g oodn ess h e sped u p. Nicole h eld h er br ea t h a n d k ept h er speed st ea dy , w a it in g for h im t o g o a r ou n d. Bu t h e didn ’t . “ It ’s ok a y ,” sh e sh ou t ed. “ I k n ow t h is r oa d. Y ou ca n pa ss!” Sh e w a v ed a g a in , soa k in g h er a r m a n d t h e sleev e of h er T -sh ir t . Sh e r a ised t h e w in dow a n d t h r ew bot h h a n ds in t h e a ir in a qu ick g est u r e of ex t r em e fr u st r a t ion . “ W h a t is t h e m a t t er w it h y ou ?” Sh e g r ipped t h e w h eel a g a in , t ig h t er . “ Ok a y , if y ou w on ’t pa ss m e, I’ll ju st st a y ou t of y ou r w a y .” Sh e sped u p, g oin g a s fa st a s sh e da r ed. Sh e blew ou t a br ea t h , t r y in g t o ca lm h er r a cin g h ea r t . Sh e h a t ed dr iv in g in t h e r a in . “ T h er e. Ha v e a ll t h e r oa d y ou w a n t .” Bu t w h en sh e look ed in t h e r ea r v iew m ir r or , h e w a s ba ck on h er t a il. “ W h a t —?” Her br ea t h ca u g h t . Her ir r it a t ion fa ded a n d a g r ow in g sen se of u n ea sin ess t ook it s pla ce. W h a t if pa ssin g h er w a sn ’t w h a t h e w a s t r y in g t o do? Sh e sped u p a lit t le m or e a n d felt h er pu lse t h r u m m in g in h er t h r oa t . T h e r a in seem ed t o h a v e let u p a lit t le, bu t sh e st ill h a d t o con cen t r a t e t o a v oid dr oppin g a t ir e off t h e edg e of t h e m a r sh y sh ou lder . Som et h in g bu m ped. T h e cooler in t h e ba ck sea t t h a t h eld t h e fish sh ift ed. W h a t w a s t h a t ? Ha d sh e h it a t u r t le? A n a llig a t or ? Sh e g la n ced in t h e r ea r v iew m ir r or ju st in t im e t o see t h e ca r beh in d h er slow dow n . Befor e sh e cou ld r ea ct , it sped u p a g a in . A lot. Sh e br a ced h er self. He w a s speedin g t ow a r d h er . T h e bu m p sh ov ed t h e ca r for w a r d a n d flu n g h er h ea d ba ck ,
bou n cin g it h a r d a g a in st t h e h ea dr est . W h oev er w a s in t h a t ca r w a s doin g t h is on pu r pose. Sh e squ eezed t h e st eer in g w h eel so h a r d h er fin g er s cr a m ped. A ch eck in t h e m ir r or t old h er h e w a s a bou t t o r a m h er a g a in . Sh e h it t h e g a s. T h e ca r fell beh in d. Nicole t ook a sh a k y br ea t h , t h e fir st in qu it e a few secon ds. Sh e h a dn ’t r ea lized sh e’d been h oldin g it . Sh e ch eck ed h er speedom et er a n d w in ced. Sh e w a s dr iv in g w a y t oo fa st for t h e r oa d a n d con dit ion s. Bu t sh e k n ew t h e h ig h w a y h a d t o be ju st a h ea d. A m ile a t t h e m ost . Mov em en t in h er m ir r or ca u g h t h er ey e. He w a s com in g a t h er a g a in . Sh e floor ed it , h er h ea r t pou n din g , h er h a n ds scr ea m in g w it h cr a m pin g pa in . Sh e t ook a w in din g t u r n a n d h er r ig h t r ea r w h eel slid off t h e r oa d in t o t h e m u d. Sh e h a d t o fig h t t o k eep t h e ca r fr om fish t a ilin g . Sh e cou ldn ’t k eep u p t h is speed. Sh e’d cr a sh . Sw ea t pr ick led a lon g h er for eh ea d a n d t h e n a pe of h er n eck . Sh e g la n ced a t h er pu r se on t h e sea t beside h er . Her cell ph on e w a s r ig h t t h er e, in t h e fr on t pock et . Sh e w a n t ed t o let g o of t h e w h eel a n d g r a b t h e ph on e a n d dia l 9 1 1 , bu t sh e cou ldn ’t . Sh e w a s dea t h ly a fr a id of dr iv in g off t h e r oa d a g a in . T h e da r k ca r filled h er m ir r or , h e w a s t h a t close. Object s in t h e r ea r v iew m ir r or a r e closer t h a n t h ey a ppea r . Sh e ch u ck led h y st er ica lly . T h a t w a s im possible. T h a t ca r cou ldn ’t g et a n y closer . T h en sim u lt a n eou sly sh e felt t h e im pa ct , h ea r d t h e cr u n ch of m et a l on m et a l a n d felt h er h ea d sla m ba ck w a r d in t o t h e h ea dr est . Her h a n ds slipped off t h e w h eel a n d it spu n t ow a r d t h e r ig h t . No! God! Plea se! Sh e st r u g g led t o st r a ig h t en t h e v eh icle. T h e ba ck w h eel spu n . T h e ca r w obbled a n d w ov e, a n d a n ot h er cr a sh in g blow h it h er fr om beh in d.
T h en a s t h e m et a llic sh r iek fa ded, t h e w or ld beg a n spin n in g . T h e r a in m a de sw ir ly pa t t er n s on t h e g la ss a n d t h e w in dsh ield w iper s cou n t ed t h e secon ds in sla p-sla ps a s t h in g s in side t h e ca r bu m ped a n d slid. Her h ea d felt a s if it w a s spin n in g a r ou n d on h er n eck in t h e opposit e dir ect ion fr om t h e w or ld. T h en it a ll st opped. W it h a t h u d a n d a lou d w et plop. Ok a y , n ot ev er y t h in g st opped. T h e w or ld con t in u ed t o spin , bu t som eh ow , Nicole k n ew t h a t it w a sn ’t r ea lly t h e w or ld n ow —it w a s h er h ea d. Sh e closed h er ey es t o t r y t o set h er self, or t h e w or ld, or w h a t ev er w a s w r on g u pr ig h t a g a in . W h en sh e open ed t h em sh e sa w h er h a n ds g lu ed t o t h e w h eel. T h e k n u ck les w er e w h it e. T h e t en don s st r a in ed lik e fish in g lin e pu llin g a r ea lly big ca t fish , a n d t h e v ein s st ood ou t lik e fa in t blu e r iv er s. Sh e blin k ed a n d da r ed t o look bey on d t h e w h eel, bey on d h er h a n ds t o t h e ou t side of t h e ca r . Sh e w a s look in g u p. A t t h e edg e of t h e r oa d sh e’d r ecen t ly been on . Bla ck m u d spa t t er ed t h e w in dsh ield a n d t h e side w in dow s. A m a zin g ly , t h e r a in h a d st opped. How w a s sh e g oin g t o g et a ll t h a t m u d off h er w in dsh ield if t h e r a in h a d st opped? T h a t t h ou g h t m a de h er r ea lize t h a t t h e w iper s h a d st opped, t oo. In fa ct , t h e ca r w a s n o lon g er r u n n in g . Sh e cou ldn ’t h ea r a n y t h in g ex cept a n occa sion a l low g r oa n . A t fir st sh e t h ou g h t it w a s a per son . Ha d sh e h it som eon e? Ha d t h e dr iv er of t h e ot h er ca r r u n off t h e r oa d t oo? Bu t a ft er a cou ple of secon ds sh e r ea lized t h e g r oa n coin cided w it h sm a ll ba ck w a r d m ov em en t s of t h e ca r . Sh e w a s slidin g dow n h ill. T h a t w a sn ’t g ood. Nicole list en ed t o h er oddly ca lm t h ou g h t s a n d w on der ed w h y sh e w a sn ’t pa n ick in g . W a s sh e dr ea m in g ? Or h a d t h e sla m m in g of h er h ea d a g a in st t h e h ea dr est k n ock ed h er ou t ? Giv en h er a con cu ssion ? Sh e w a s pr et t y su r e t h a t ca lm w a s n ot t h e a ppr opr ia t e em ot ion for h er pr edica m en t .
Fr om som ew h er e sh e h ea r d t h e r oa r of a ca r ’s en g in e a n d t h e sla m m in g of a door . T h en a m u ffled y ell r a n g ou t . Her fir st r ea ct ion w a s r elief. Som eon e w a s h er e t o r escu e h er . Bu t w it h ex cr u cia t in g slow n ess, sh e r ea lized t h a t w a sn ’t t h e m ost lik ely con clu sion . T h e fig u r e t h a t h a d r isen u p a n d w a s n ow loom in g a bov e h er w a s fa r m or e lik ely t o be t h e dr iv er of t h e ca r t h a t h a d for ced h er off t h e r oa d. He w a s com in g t o fin ish h er off. Sh e n eeded h er pu r se. Her cell ph on e. T o h er su r pr ise, it w a s r ig h t t h er e, n ex t t o h er h a n d. It h a d slid ov er on t o t h e con sole. Sh e fu m bled in t h e fr on t pock et a n d pu lled ou t h er ph on e. T o h er u t t er su r pr ise, h er h a n d w a sn ’t ev en t r em blin g . Sh e dia led Ry k er ’s n u m ber . “ Ry k er , I n eed h elp,” sh e sa id w h en h e a n sw er ed. In fr on t of h er , t h e fig u r e m ov ed. He ca m e closer t o t h e edg e of t h e r oa d. T h en h e pu lled som et h in g ou t of t h e pock et of h is r a in pon ch o a n d poin t ed it t ow a r d h er . “ Nic? W h a t ’s w r on g ? W h a t ’s h a ppen ed? Nic!” “ Oh , it ’s a g u n ,” sh e m u t t er ed. A t t h a t in st a n t a m et a llic t h u d a n d a zin g split t h e a ir . Sh e t r ied t o du ck dow n below t h e da sh boa r d bu t h er sa fet y belt h in der ed h er . “ A g u n ? Nic! W h er e a r e y ou ?” Her sh ou lder a n d ch est h u r t w h er e t h e belt pr essed in t o h er . Fu m blin g blin dly , sh e fin a lly g ot t h e belt u n h ook ed. “ I’m on Hen r i La Ru e Roa d, off Hig h w a y 2 2 .” It a m a zed h er h ow ca lm sh e felt a n d sou n ded, ev en t h ou g h t w o m or e sh ot s pin g ed in t o t h e fr on t of h er ca r . “ I’m in t h e m u d a n d h e’s sh oot in g a t m e.” “ Good God, Nic! W h o’s sh oot in g a t y ou ? Ha n g on , I’m ca llin g 9 1 1 .” He w a s g on e for a secon d. T h en sh e h ea r d h is belov ed v oice a g a in . “ Y ou did sa y Hen r i La Ru e Roa d, didn ’t y ou ?” “ Y es.” Sh e w a n t ed t o look a n d see if t h e m a n w a s com in g
dow n in t o t h e m u d a ft er h er , bu t sh e fig u r ed it w ou ldn ’t be a g ood idea t o st ick h er h ea d u p. A fou r t h sh ot a n d t h e odd t h u d of som et h in g h it t in g t h e sa fet y g la ss of t h e w in dsh ield con v in ced h er sh e w a s r ig h t . “ Nic, a r e y ou h u r t ?” Ry k er w a s ba ck . “ T h ey ’r e com in g . Rig h t n ow . W h a t ’s g oin g on ? Did I h ea r g u n sh ot s?” “ Of cou r se. I t old y ou . Ca n y ou plea se h u r r y ? I’m sca r ed.” “ Y ou sh ou ld h ea r t h e sir en s in a secon d. St a y dow n , Nic. I’m on m y w a y .” Nicole h ea r d a n ot e in Ry k er ’s v oice sh e h a dn ’t h ea r d befor e. He sou n ded sca r ed. Not possible. Ry k er Dela n cey w a sn ’t sca r ed of a n y t h in g . V a g u ely , dist a n t ly , sh e h ea r d a fa m ilia r w a il. Sir en s. He’d been r ig h t . T h ey w er e com in g . T h a n k g oodn ess. “ Ry k er ? I h ea r t h em ,” sh e sa id, bu t h e’d h u n g u p. A st r in g of cu r ses filled t h e a ir , ou t of t u n e a n d ou t of sy n c w it h in cr ea sin g ly lou d sir en s. T h en m or e g u n sh ot s pepper ed t h e ca r . Nicole cr in g ed a n d sh ift ed so sh e cou ld cov er h er h ea d w it h h er a r m s. Sh e felt a peck on h er ch eek . W h en sh e t ou ch ed t h e pla ce, h er fin g er s ca m e a w a y sm ea r ed w it h blood. Sh e didn ’t t ou ch it a g a in . Sh e w a sn ’t su r e sh e w a n t ed t o k n ow h ow ba d it w a s. On e la st g u n sh ot r icoch et ed off m et a l, t h en a ca r en g in e fir ed u p, r ev v ed a n d r oa r ed a w a y , a lm ost dr ow n ed ou t by t h e sir en s, w h ich w er e g et t in g r ea lly lou d. T h en sh e sa w t h e r eflect ion of blu e a n d r ed fla sh in g lig h t s. The police. T h ey w er e h er e. Nicole lift ed h er h ea d t o look ou t t h e w in dsh ield bu t w h en sh e did, t h e sea t fell ou t fr om u n der h er . Sh e t h u m ped ba ck dow n on h er bu t t . T h e ca r w a s m ov in g —dow n h ill. T h en sh e felt it t ilt sidew a y s. Her br ea t h ca u g h t on a sob. “ Ry k er !” sh e scr ea m ed, bu t sh e k n ew t h a t t h e sou n d com in g ou t of h er m ou t h w a s n o m or e t h a n a w h isper .
“ Ma ’a m ? Hello? Ma ’a m , a r e y ou a ll r ig h t ?” “ I t h in k so,” sh e ca lled. “ A r e y ou g oin g t o sh oot m e?” “ W h a t ? Ma ’a m ? I’m a fir em a n . I’m h er e t o r escu e y ou . Ca n y ou h ea r m e? Don ’t m ov e, ju st spea k .” Sh e t ook a deep br ea t h a n d t r ied t o ca ll m or e lou dly . “ I t h in k I’m ok a y .” “ Ma ’a m , ca n y ou t ell m e w h o y ou a r e?” T h e v oice w a s a lit t le closer . Nicole ca r efu lly r a ised h er h ea d, doin g h er best n ot t o m ov e en ou g h t o dist u r b t h e ca r . Sh e sa w a m a n in a fir em a n ’s u n ifor m w it h a h a r n ess a r ou n d h is t or so. He w a s t r y in g t o w a lk dow n in t o t h e m u d h ole, bu t h e k ept slippin g . T w o m en u p on t h e r oa d w er e h oldin g on t o t h e h a r n ess. “ Be ca r efu l,” sh e ca lled. T h e fir em a n g r in n ed. “ Don ’t w or r y a bou t m e, m a ’a m . W h a t ’s y ou r n a m e?” “ Nicole Beck h a m .” “ Good, Nicole. Y ou ju st sit r ig h t t h er e a n d w e’ll h a v e y ou ba ck u p on t h e r oa d in n o t im e. W h a t h a ppen ed t o y ou r ch eek t h er e?” “ I t h in k a bu llet h it m e.” “ It ’s n ot bleedin g m u ch . Pr oba bly a r icoch et . Did y ou feel a n y t h in g else h it y ou ? A r e y ou bleedin g a n y w h er e else?” “ No.” “ A r e y ou su r e? Not h u r t in g a n y w h er e? Leg s? Feet ? Ca n y ou w ig g le y ou r t oes?” Sh e t r ied. “ Y es. I ca n .” For som e r ea son , sh e w a n t ed t o cr y . His qu est ion s w er e pa in t in g a lu r id pict u r e for h er of a ll t h e t h in g s t h a t cou ld h a v e h a ppen ed, a n d sh e w a s su dden ly t er r ified. “ Ca n I g et ou t n ow ?” “ Let ’s w a it a m in u t e, ok a y , Nicole? Ca n I ca ll y ou Nicole?” “ Y ou a lr ea dy did.” “ T h a t ’s r ig h t , I did.” He ch u ck led. “ Ok a y , Nicole, w h en I g et t o t h e fr on t of y ou r ca r , m y bu ddies u p t h er e a r e g oin g t o t h r ow
m e a ch a in . I’ll h ook it t o t h e fr a m e. W h en I do, t h e ca r m ig h t slide a lit t le bit . Bu t t h a t h ook ’s g oin g t o k eep it fr om g oin g a n y fa r t h er . How does t h a t sou n d?” His w or ds w er e r ea ssu r in g , bu t sh e n ot iced t h a t h is sm ile didn ’t r ea ch h is ey es. “ Ok a y . I g u ess t h e dit ch is deeper t h a n I t h ou g h t it w a s.” “ Ma y be a lit t le. Now , I n eed y ou t o sit t ig h t .” T h e fir em a n t u r n ed h is h ea d. “ Rea dy for t h e ch a in !” h e sh ou t ed. A h u g e ch a in w a s low er ed t o h im . He g r a bbed it a n d ben t dow n , u n der t h e fr on t of t h e ca r . Sh e h ea r d t h e scr a pe of m et a l a g a in st m et a l a n d felt a bu m p, t h en t h e sick en in g feelin g of t h e ca r sea t dr oppin g ou t fr om u n der h er a g a in . Sh e cr ied ou t . T h e fir em a n ’s h ea d r ose a bov e t h e fr on t bu m per . T h en t h e r est of h im , m ost of w h ich w a s cov er ed in bla ck m u d. “ Nicole?” h e ca lled ou t . “ Y ou st ill w it h m e?” “ I’m h er e.” Sh e ba r ely h ea r d h er ow n v oice ov er h er pou n din g h ea r t . “ Good. I’m com in g t o g et y ou ou t .” He n odded t o t h e m en a bov e h im a n d t h ey low er ed h im som e m or e, u n t il h e w a s beside t h e dr iv er ’s door . “ Ca n y ou u n do y ou r sea t belt ?” Sh e n odded a n d did so. “ Ok a y . I’m g oin g t o t r y t o open t h e door . T h er e’s a lot of m u d ov er h er e, bu t if w e ca n g et t h e door open , y ou ’ll be ou t of h er e in n o t im e. If w e h a v e t o g o t h r ou g h t h e pa ssen g er door , it m ig h t t a k e a lit t le lon g er .” “ I didn ’t ju st r u n off t h e r oa d in t o a dit ch , did I? T h is is deeper t h a n t h a t .” “ Don ’t w or r y , Nicole. I pr om ised Ry k er I’d g et y ou ou t of h er e in on e piece, a n d t h a t ’s w h a t I’m g oin g t o do. Y ou ju st do ev er y t h in g I sa y a n d w e’ll be h a v in g ca fé a u la it t og et h er in n o t im e.”
“ Ry k er ? Y ou k n ow Ry k er ?” “ I su r e do. Sin ce h e w a s a sn ot -n osed k id.” T h e fir em a n g r in n ed a g a in a n d Nicole r ea lized h e look ed a lit t le fa m ilia r . “ W e’r e cou sin s. My n a m e’s Sh el Rossi.” “ Sh el? For Sh elt on ?” “ Nope. I w ish .” He ch u ck led a s h e pu lled a t a n g le of y ellow st r a ps fr om h is ba ck pa ck . “ T h is is a h a r n ess. I n eed y ou t o g et t h is pa r t r ig h t h er e a r ou n d y ou r ch est u n der y ou r a r m s. T h en w ig g le t h is lon g st r a p bet w een y ou r leg s.” Nicole m a n a g ed t o g et t h e st r a ps u n der h er a r m s, bu t sh e cou ldn ’t lift h er self ou t of t h e sea t en ou g h t o m a n eu v er t h e w ebbed st r a p dow n h er ba ck a n d bet w een h er leg s. “ I t ell y ou w h a t ,” Sh el sa id. “ I’m g oin g t o g et t h is door open fir st , t h en if y ou ’ll a llow m e, I ca n h elp y ou g et t h e cr ot ch st r a p a r ou n d a n d fa st en ed.” “ I don ’t ca r e w h a t y ou do, Sh el, a s lon g a s y ou g et m e ou t of h er e.”
Chapter Ten Sh el r ea ch ed for t h e door h a n dle. It t ook som e st r u g g lin g , a n d sev er a l t im es Nicole t h ou g h t t h e ca r w a s g oin g t o g o slidin g ba ck w a r d, bu t fin a lly h e g ot t h e door open . “ Now if y ou ’ll for g iv e m e,” h e sa id. He pu sh ed t h e st r a p of t h e h a r n ess dow n bet w een h er ba ck a n d t h e sea t , u n t il h e’d st u ffed it u n der h er bu t t . “ Ok a y , ca n y ou br a ce y ou r leg s a n d lift y ou r bu t t ?” Sh e did a n d h e r ea ch ed bet w een h er leg s a n d g r a bbed t h e st r a p. Befor e sh e k n ew it h e h a d it fa st en ed t o t h e ch est st r a p. “ Ok a y . Y ou ’r e a ll secu r ed a n d r ea dy t o g o. Don ’t t ell Ry k er h ow m u ch fu n w e h a d.” He w in k ed a t h er . Sh e la u g h ed. T h en h e g r ew ser iou s. “ I’m r ea dy t o lift y ou ou t . I w a n t y ou t o con cen t r a t e on n ot g et t in g y ou r leg s or a r m s t a n g led in t h e st eer in g w h eel or t h e sea t belt . I’v e g ot y ou r h a r n ess a t t a ch ed t o m in e, so y ou ’r e n ot g oin g a n y w h er e w it h ou t m e. A n d t h e on ly pla ce I’m h ea ded is ba ck u p t o t h e r oa d. Ok a y ?” Nicole sw a llow ed. “ Ok a y .” By t h e t im e Sh el w a s don e, Nicole felt a s if h er a r m s h a d been jer k ed ou t of t h eir sock et s a n d h er leg s h a d been t ied in k n ot s, n ot t o m en t ion t h e br u ises sh e w a s su r e sh e h a d fr om t h e pu n ish in g st r a ps. Bu t Sh el’s st r on g a r m s h eld on t o h er a s h e h a lf w a lk ed, h a lf slid u p t h e m u ddy slope, h elped a lon g by t h e fir em en pu llin g on h is h a r n ess. Fin a lly , m or e t h a n on e pa ir of st r on g a r m s h a u led h er a n d Sh el u p t o solid g r ou n d. Sh el u n h ook ed h er h a r n ess fr om h is a n d t u r n ed h er ov er t o a w a it in g EMT . “ T h a n k y ou , Sh el.” “ Don ’t m en t ion it . T ell Ry k er t o br in g y ou a r ou n d t o m eet t h e fa m ily on e of t h ese da y s.” T h e m u d-cov er ed fir em a n
t ou ch ed t h e br im of h is h a t a n d h ea ded t ow a r d t h e fir e t r u ck . A ft er t h e EMT h a d det er m in ed t h a t t h e scr a t ch on h er ch eek a n d som e br u ises fr om t h e sea t belt a n d t h e h a r n ess w er e h er on ly in ju r ies, h e h elped h er g et a s m u ch m u d off h er a s possible, t h en g a v e h er a pa ir of scr u bs a n d left h er t o ch a n g e in side t h e a m bu la n ce. By t h e t im e sh e em er g ed, Ry k er w a s lopin g a cr oss t h e r oa d t ow a r d h er . Sh e’d ba r ely clim bed dow n fr om t h e ba ck of t h e a m bu la n ce w h en h e g r a bbed h er a n d pu lled h er fier cely t o h im . Sh e slid h er a r m s a r ou n d h is w a ist a n d r ev eled in h is t ig h t , st r on g em br a ce. “ Ry k er ! Oh , Ry k er . I’m so sor r y !” “ Nic! A r e y ou a ll r ig h t ?” His ch est w a s h ea v in g a n d h is h ea r t w a s bea t in g dou ble-t im e. Bea t in g for h er . “ I’m fin e n ow . I—” Su dden ly , h e let g o of h er a n d t ook a st ep ba ck w a r d. He g la n ced a r ou n d, h is ch eek s flu sh ed. He clea r ed h is t h r oa t a s t h e em er g en cy m edica l t ech n icia n a ppr oa ch ed. “ How is sh e?” h e a sk ed. “ Sh e’s fin e. Ju st a scr a pe on h er ch eek , a n d sh e’ll h a v e som e br u ises fr om t h e r escu e h a r n ess, bu t ot h er w ise, sh e’s a -ok a y .” “ T h a n k s,” Ry k er sa id g r u ffly . A s t h e EMT h ea ded a w a y , h e t u r n ed ba ck t o Nicole, a fr ow n m a r r in g h is ev en fea t u r es. Bu t befor e h e cou ld sa y a n y t h in g , Sh el Rossi ca m e u p. He’d sh ed t h e h a r n ess a n d t h e ba ck pa ck a n d ja ck et , bu t h e st ill h a d on t h e fir em en ’s pa n t s w it h r ed su spen der s h oldin g t h em u p. T h e w h it e T -sh ir t h e w or e r ev ea led a v er y n ice, bu ff t or so. He cla pped Ry k er on t h e ba ck . “ Sh el.” Ry k er t u r n ed a n d h eld ou t h is h a n d. “ T h a n k s.” “ No pr ob, cou sin . T h a t ’s a r ea lly n ice—w it n ess y ou ’v e g ot t h er e.” Nicole sm iled a t Sh el’s t ea sin g t on e bu t Ry k er w a sn ’t a m u sed. “ W h a t ’s t h e st or y on t h e ca r ?” “ Ha r d t o t ell. T h e r a in ’s w a sh ed a w a y a n y ev iden ce w e
m ig h t h a v e fou n d on t h e r oa d—t ir e t r a ck s a n d su ch . T h e fr on t of t h e v eh icle is pepper ed w it h g u n sh ot s. T h ey ’r e look in g for bu llet s or ca sin g s. Bu t a g a in —” Sh el g la n ced sk y w a r d. “ T h e r a in .” “ Y ea h . W h o’s t h e det ect iv e?” “ Ba r on T r eeh or n , fr om Ma dison v ille. He’s ov er t h er e.” Ry k er n odded. “ I k n ow h im . W e’v e t a lk ed a few t im es.” “ I’v e g ot t o g o t a lk t o m y ch ief.” Sh el t u r n ed t o Nicole. “ I su r e a m g la d y ou ’r e ok a y , Nicole.” “ T h a n k y ou a g a in , Sh el. Y ou k ept m e fr om dy in g of fr ig h t .” “ My plea su r e.” Sh el pa u sed, ey ein g Ry k er . “ Sh e w a s in cr edibly br a v e, Ry k er . W a t ch t h a t Dela n cey t em per .” Sh el w a sn ’t ev en ou t of ea r sh ot w h en Ry k er t u r n ed on h er . “ W h a t t h e h ell w er e y ou doin g ? I t old y ou t h a t y ou w er e n ot t o g o a n y w h er e w it h ou t m e or Job or Bill. T h a t m ea n t anyw here!” He w a s fu r iou s, a n d a lit t le sca r y . Nicole sw a llow ed h a r d, t h en st ood u p st r a ig h t a n d lift ed h er ch in . “ I don ’t k n ow if y ou n ot iced, bu t I’v e h a d a bou t a ll t h e ex cit em en t I ca n h a n dle for on e da y , so I’d a ppr ecia t e it if y ou ’d w a it u n t il t om or r ow t o scr ea m a t m e lik e a ba n sh ee. Lik e Sh el sa id, w a t ch y ou r Dela n cey t em per .” Sh e felt lik e cr y in g , bu t sh e ch a n n eled ev er y bit of fea r a n d pa n ic a n d t er r or in t o m a t ch in g Ry k er ’s a n g er . It w or k ed fa ir ly w ell. Ry k er ’s fa ce r eflect ed su r pr ise for a n in st a n t befor e it r esu m ed it s for m er fu r iou s scow l. “ Y ou a lm ost g ot k illed. Do y ou k n ow t h a t ?” He t ook h er a r m a n d pu lled h er ov er t o t h e edg e of t h e r oa d. “ Look dow n t h er e,” h e or der ed h er . “ T h a t m u d dow n t h er e is deep, a n d it ’s w or se t h a n qu ick sa n d. A cou ple m or e m in u t es a n d n eit h er y ou n or y ou r ca r w ou ld h a v e ev er been seen a g a in . I’ll a sk y ou on e m or e t im e, w h a t t h e hell w er e y ou doin g ou t h er e?” Nicole ba r ely h ea r d h is la st w or ds. Sh e w a s st a r in g dow n a t
h er ca r , w h ich w a s slow ly bein g w in ch ed u p ou t of t h e dit ch . T h e w in ch ’s m ot or sh r iek ed, t h e ch a in cr ea k ed a n d a low , w et su ck in g sou n d pr ov ided a ba ss u n der t on e. Her ca r w a s a lm ost w h eel-w ell deep in bla ck m u d. “ W or se t h a n qu ick sa n d?” sh e r epea t ed. Gon e w a s h er r ig h t eou s a n g er . Gon e w a s h er pr ide a t Sh el’s decla r a t ion of h ow br a v e sh e’d been . T h e t ea r s t h a t h a dn ’t qu it e m a de it t o t h e su r fa ce befor e em er g ed, a n d t h e t er r or t h a t sh e’d m a n a g ed t o k eep lock ed a w a y w h ile Sh el Rossi w a s sa v in g h er life er u pt ed lik e a v olca n o. Su dden ly sh e w a s sh a k in g a ll ov er . Sh e w r a pped h er a r m s t ig h t ly a r ou n d h er self, bu t a s h a r d a s sh e squ eezed, t r y in g t o h old h er self t og et h er , sh e st ill felt a s if sh e w a s fa llin g a pa r t . A sob esca ped h er t ig h t t h r oa t . T h en a n ot h er on e. T h en t ea r s ov er flow ed. Ry k er st a r t ed t o sa y som et h in g , t h en st opped a n d cla m ped h is ja w . A ft er a cou ple of secon ds, h e t ook a deep br ea t h . “ Com e on ,” h e sa id g en t ly . “ I’m g oin g t o pu t y ou in m y ca r . Y ou ’r e obv iou sly fr eezin g . I’ll see if a n y body h a s a n y coffee.” “ Sh el s-sa id w e’d h -h a v e ca fé a u la it ,” sh e w a iled, k n ow in g sh e sou n ded lik e a ch ild bu t u n a ble t o st op t h e t ea r s or t h e sh iv er s. Ry k er g u ided h er t o h is ca r a n d set t led h er in t h e pa ssen g er sea t . T h en h e g ot in , st a r t ed t h e en g in e a n d t u r n ed on t h e h ea t . “ Y ou st a y r ig h t h er e u n t il I g et ba ck . Un der st a n d?” A lt h ou g h h is w or ds w er e com m a n din g , h is v oice w a s st ill g en t le. Sh e n odded. “ I w ill,” sh e sa id t h r ou g h ch a t t er in g t eet h . “ W h er e—w h er e a r e y ou g oin g ?” “ Ju st ov er t h er e, t o t a lk w it h t h e det ect iv e a n d see if a n y body ’s g ot a t h er m os of coffee. I’ll be ba ck soon .” “ Ok a y .” Nicole r u bbed h er a r m s a n d h u n ch ed h er sh ou lder s. T h e w a r m a ir fr om t h e ca r ’s h ea t er pen et r a t ed t h e ch ill on h er sk in , m a k in g h er sh iv er ev en m or e.
Bu t h er sk in w ou ld w a r m u p. It w a s t h e cold k n ot of t er r or lodg ed ben ea t h h er br ea st bon e t h a t sh e w a s a fr a id w ou ld n ev er t h a w . T er r or du e t o a m a n in a bla ck h oodie w h o w a sn ’t g oin g t o st op u n t il sh e w a s dea d. T h e h ea t er ’s bla st fin a lly beg a n t o seep t h r ou g h h er clot h es a n d sk in . Sh e t ook a sh a k y br ea t h a n d sig h ed. Sev er a l y a r ds a w a y , Ry k er w a s t a lk in g t o h is cou sin Sh el. Sh el w a s obv iou sly descr ibin g h ow h e’d g ot t en t h e st r a p a r ou n d h er a n d pu lled h er t o sa fet y . T h en t h e t w o of t h em w a lk ed ov er t o h er ca r , w h er e a y ou n g m a n w ea r in g a CSI ja ck et w a s t a k in g ph ot og r a ph s. Sh el spok e t o t h e ph ot og r a ph er , w h o poin t ed t o sev er a l pla ces on t h e fen der a s h e a n sw er ed. Ry k er follow ed t h e t w o m en ’s w or ds ca r efu lly . A ft er a few secon ds, h e g r im a ced a n d br u sh ed a h a n d ov er t h e t op of h is h ea d, lea v in g h is h a ir spik ed. T h e g est u r e sh e’d seen befor e m a de Nicole’s h ea r t squ eeze in lov e a n d g r a t it u de. If a n y on e cou ld t h a w t h e icy block of fea r in side h er , Ry k er cou ld. Sh e w a s sa fe n ow . Ry k er w a s h er e.
N ICOLE WASN’T SAFE ANYWHERE. T h e r ea liza t ion n ea r ly pa r a ly zed Ry k er . He’d n ev er a dm it it t o a liv in g sou l, bu t t h e sou n d of Nic’s v oice on t h e ph on e sa y in g t h ose a w fu l w or ds h a d fr ig h t en ed h im m or e t h a n a n y t h in g h e cou ld r em em ber , in clu din g t h e t im e h is t w in br ot h er , Reilly , h a d n ea r ly dr ow n ed t r y in g t o r a ce Ry k er in t h eir g r a n dm a ’s pool w h en t h ey w er e six . I need help. Her w or ds h a d sliced t h r ou g h h is h ea r t lik e on e of h er su per -sh a r p k n iv es. T h e fea r a n d h ope a n d br a v er y in h er v oice h a d cu t ev en deeper t h a n t h a t . T h en sh e’d sa id som et h in g a bou t a g u n . A g u n . He’d been h a lfw a y t o Ba t on Rou g e, h ea ded t ow a r d A n g ola , w h en sh e’d ca lled. He’d t u r n ed r ig h t a r ou n d a n d sped h er e, h is lig h t s
fla sh in g . He’d m a de a qu ick ca ll t o A n g ola t o let t h em k n ow t h a t a n em er g en cy h a d com e u p a n d h e cou ldn ’t m a k e t h e h ea r in g . He’d a lr ea dy fa x ed t h em h is w r it t en st a t em en t . T h en h e’d spen t t h e r est of t h e t im e t r y in g t o ca ll h er ba ck , bu t sh e h a dn ’t a n sw er ed. He’d pr a y ed t h a t t h e r ea son sh e w a sn ’t a n sw er in g w a s beca u se t h e police w er e t h er e a n d sh e w a s fin e, a n d n ot beca u se sh e’d been sh ot or t a k en h ost a g e. He st a lk ed ov er t o t h e det ect iv e in ch a r g e. “ Ba r on , w h a t ’s t h e st or y h er e?” “ Ry k er ,” t h e t a ll g a u n t det ect iv e g r eet ed h im . “ I h a v en ’t h a d a ch a n ce t o t a lk t o t h e v ict im , bu t —” “ Nicole. Her n a m e is Nicole Beck h a m .” Det ect iv e Ba r on T r eeh or n n odded. “ Ms. Beck h a m . Fr om w h a t m y cr im e scen e folk s t ell m e it look s lik e sh e w a s for ced off t h e r oa d. See t h e ba ck of h er ca r t h er e?” He poin t ed w it h h is pen cil. Ry k er h a d a lr ea dy t a k en a qu ick look a t t h e ca r , bu t h e st epped a r ou n d t o t h e r ea r . Som e of t h e m u d h a d been scr a ped a w a y , a n d h e cou ld see t h e den t s in t h e fen der . T r eeh or n st ood beside h im . “ It a ppea r s t h e v eh icle st r u ck h er fr om t h e r ea r t w ice, m a y be t h r ee t im es. It ’ll be ea sier t o t ell on ce w e’v e w a sh ed it . I’m h opin g w e ca n g et som e pa in t t r a n sfer t o h elp u s ID t h e v eh icle. T h en t h er e a r e t h e bu llet h oles.” He w a lk ed a r ou n d t o t h e fr on t of t h e ca r a n d Ry k er follow ed. “ Elev en .” Ry k er h a d a lr ea dy cou n t ed t h em . A n d w h en h e h a d, h e’d a lm ost lost h is foot in g , t h a t w a s h ow ba d h is k n ees h a d t r em bled. Sev en in t h e fr a m e a n d fou r in t h e w in dsh ield, a t —h e m ea su r ed t h e dist a n ce fr om t h e r oa d dow n t h e ba n k t o Nicole’s ca r w it h h is ey es—t w en t y -fiv e feet . T h ir t y a t m ost . “ Da m n .” It look ed lik e a lon g w a y dow n t h er e, bu t it w a sn ’t . Not for a bu llet . “ Y ea h . W e’v e r ecov er ed a cou ple of ca sin g s. 9 m m . W it h a n y lu ck w e’ll m a t ch it t o a g u n t h a t ’s a lr ea dy in t h e sy st em . If w e’r e r ea l lu ck y w e’ll g et a fin g er pr in t off on e of t h em . I dou bt
w e’ll be t h a t lu ck y t h ou g h , w h a t w it h t h e r a in a n d m u d.” “ W h er e do y ou w a n t t o t a lk t o Nicole? Not ou t h er e.” “ No,” T r eeh or n a g r eed. “ W e’ll g o t o Bea u ’s, u p t h e r oa d. T h ey ’v e g ot pr et t y g ood coffee a n d a pr iv a t e r oom . How does t h a t sou n d?” “ Good. T h a n k s. I’ll dr iv e h er in m y ca r if t h a t ’s ok a y w it h y ou .” “ Fin e by m e. See y ou t h er e.” Ry k er g ot in t h e ca r a n d pu t it in g ea r . “ I g u ess t h ey didn ’t h a v e a n y coffee?” Nicole a sk ed t en t a t iv ely . “ W e’r e g oin g t o a r est a u r a n t u p t h e r oa d,” h e sa id a s h e ca r efu lly t u r n ed a r ou n d. “ T h ey ’ll h a v e coffee. Det ect iv e T r eeh or n h a s som e qu est ion s. It w on ’t t a k e lon g .” Sh e con t in u ed t o r u b h er a r m s a n d h er sh ou lder s w er e st ill dr a w n u p a n d in , a s if sh e w er e t r y in g t o m a k e h er self a s sm a ll a s possible. It h u r t h im t o see h er lik e t h a t . So sm a ll a n d v u ln er a ble. A lm ost br ea k a ble. “ I sh ou ldn ’t h a v e y elled a t y ou so lou d.” A sh or t la u g h esca ped h er t h r oa t . “ So lou d?” “ Ok a y , I’m sor r y I y elled.” He t ook a br ea t h . “ Bu t da m n it , Nic. Y ou cou ld h a v e been k illed.” His t h r oa t t r ied t o close u p on t h e w or d. He sw a llow ed a s h e t u r n ed in t o t h e pa r k in g lot of t h e r est a u r a n t . It w a s a ca t fish h ou se. T h e da sh boa r d clock r ea d n in e o’clock , n ot pr im e bu sin ess h ou r s for a ca t fish pla ce. T h en h e n ot iced a w or n sig n ov er t h e door . Br ea k fa st . He pa r k ed t h e ca r . “ Job’s w ife h a d a k idn ey st on e.” “ W h a t ?” He w a sn ’t su r e h e’d h ea r d r ig h t . “ Job’s w ife? W h a t a r e y ou t a lk in g a bou t ?” “ Job h a d t o t a k e h er t o t h e em er g en cy r oom . So h e cou ldn ’t g o t o t h e m a r k et .”
Ry k er ’s h ea r t w r en ch ed. “ T h e g u y sh ot elev en bu llet s a t y ou , Nic. Elev en !” Her ey es closed a n d sh e n odded. “ I k n ow . I h ea r d t h em .” Ry k er ’s h ea r t squ eezed so t ig h t ly in h is ch est t h a t h e n ea r ly g a sped. She heard them . Cr ou ch in g t h er e, n ot k n ow in g if t h e n ex t bu llet w ou ld be t h e on e t h a t h it h er . Not k n ow in g if a n y on e cou ld sa v e h er . “ Da m n it !” Sh e cr in g ed. “ A h , Nic. Don ’t .” He pu sh ed a st r a n d of h a ir ba ck fr om h er fa ce a n d br u sh ed t h e ba ck s of h is fin g er s a g a in st h er ch eek . “ I t h ou g h t —” W h a t ? He’d t h ou g h t w h a t ? T h a t h e’d die if sh e w er e h u r t ? T h a t h e’d g ot t en h er k illed? T h a t in t h a t in st a n t w h en h e’d h ea r d h er sm a ll, br a v e v oice a sk in g for h is h elp, h e’d fa llen in lov e w it h h er ? No! W h a t k in d of t h in k in g w a s t h a t ? Sh e w a s a v ict im of a cr im e. His job w a s t o pr ot ect h er . T h a t w a s it . T h a t h a d t o be it . He pu lled h is fin g er s a w a y . “ I’m sor r y , ok a y ?” sh e sa id. “ I n ev er t h ou g h t it w ou ld be da n g er ou s in t h e da y t im e. A ll t h is is so h a r d on Job. I don ’t w a n t h im t o lose h is r est a u r a n t beca u se I ca n ’t g o a n y w h er e w it h ou t a ba by sit t er .” “ Ha v e y ou a sk ed Job w h a t h e w a n t s, beca u se I’m pr et t y su r e I k n ow w h a t h e’d sa y . He’d sa y n ot h in g ’s m or e im por t a n t t h a t k eepin g y ou sa fe.” “ I k n ow ,” sh e sa id br ok en ly . “ He’d close t h e r est a u r a n t dow n if h e t h ou g h t t h a t w ou ld h elp m e.” “ T h a t m a y be w h a t h e h a s t o do.” “ He w ill n ot . I w on ’t let h im —oh , n o! I for g ot a bou t t h e fish .” “ T h e fish ?” Ry k er sh ook h is h ea d in con fu sion . “ W h a t fish ?” “ T h e bla ck dr u m . In t h e cooler in m y ca r . I w a s g oin g t o sm ok e it w it h a lder w ood for t on ig h t ’s Pois s on du Jour.” “ Rea lly ? Fish ? W h en a r e y ou g oin g t o st a r t w or r y in g a bou t y ou r self?” A h a r sh ch u ck le er u pt ed fr om Ry k er ’s t h r oa t . “ Fish ,” h e r epea t ed in disg u st .
“ Bu t Job n eeds it for t h e m en u t on ig h t .” “ Job a n d t h e r est a u r a n t n eed t o t a k e a ba ck sea t , Nic. Y ou ’r e t h e on e ev er y on e’s w or r ied a bou t . Job ca n g et a lon g w it h ou t y ou for a few da y s.” Sh e cla sped h er h a n ds t og et h er u n t il h er k n u ck les w er e w h it e. “ No, h e ca n ’t . T h e sou s ch ef qu it t w o w eek s a g o. He ca n ’t h a n dle ev er y t h in g by h im self.” Ry k er sa w T r eeh or n g est u r in g t o h im . T h ey n eeded t o g et in side a n d g et Nicole’s st a t em en t . “ W e’ll t a lk a bou t t h is la t er .” He g ot ou t of t h e ca r a n d w a lk ed a r ou n d t o open h er door . “ I’m n ot g oin g t o let y ou bu lly Job in t o closin g t h e r est a u r a n t ,” sh e decla r ed a s sh e g ot ou t . “ Let ’s g o.” He n eeded t o g et t h is in t er v iew ov er w it h so h e cou ld t a k e h er ba ck t o h is a pa r t m en t a n d lock t h e door . He’d lik e t o h a n dcu ff h er t o t h e bedpost t o be su r e sh e cou ldn ’t g et a w a y , bu t t h a t m ig h t be con sider ed u n la w fu l r est r a in t .
BY THE TIME T REEHORN w a s sa t isfied t h a t h e’d squ eezed ev er y dr op of in for m a t ion h e cou ld ou t of Nicole, a n d Ry k er h a d dr iv en ba ck t o h is r en t ed h ou se in Ch ef V oleu r , it w a s a ft er six . Nicole w a s ex h a u st ed. Sh e’d h eld h er self t og et h er a ll da y w it h t h e la st dr eg s of h er en er g y a n d w ill. Now sh e felt deplet ed, w r u n g ou t . A ll sh e w a n t ed t o do w a s g et in t o t h e sh ow er a n d st a n d u n der n ea t h t h e h ot pou r in g w a t er a n d cr y . Bu t Ry k er a r g u ed t h a t sh e n eeded t o ea t som et h in g . His in sist en ce t h a t h e k n ew best for h er w a s t h e la st st r a w . Sh e sn a pped a t h im a n d st om ped off t o t h e ba t h r oom . It w a sn ’t u n t il sh e w a s r ea dy t o t u r n off t h e h ot w a t er a n d g et ou t of t h e sh ow er t h a t sh e r ea lized sh e didn ’t h a v e a n y clot h es ex cept t h e scr u b sh ir t a n d pa n t s t h e EMT h a d g iv en h er . W h en sh e st epped ou t in t o t h e st ea m -filled ba t h r oom , sh e sa w a sw ea t sh ir t h a n g in g on t h e door h ook . It h a dn ’t been t h er e
befor e. Ry k er h a d com e in w h ile sh e w a s in t h e sh ow er . W h ich m ea n t h e’d h ea r d h er sobbin g . Her fa ce bu r n ed. Sh e’d a lr ea dy sh ow n h im w h a t a cow a r dly w im p sh e w a s. Now h e k n ew sh e w a s n ot on ly a w im p, sh e w a s a cr y ba by . Sh e pu lled t h e sw ea t sh ir t ov er h er h ea d. It h u n g n ea r ly t o h er k n ees a n d t h e sleev es flopped fiv e in ch es ov er h er h a n ds. Sh e pu sh ed t h em u p. T h e fleece sh ir t w a s w ea r a ble, a n d lon g en ou g h t h a t sh e w ou ldn ’t em ba r r a ss h er self. Beca u se sh e didn ’t h a v e a n y clea n u n der w ea r eit h er . Sh e qu ick ly r in sed ou t t h e pa n t ies a n d squ eezed t h em in a t ow el. T h en sh e h u n g t h em on a t ow el r a ck . Hopefu lly t h ey ’d be dr y by m or n in g . Root in g a r ou n d u n der t h e sin k , sh e ca m e u p w it h a h a ir dr y er . Sh e qu ick ly dr ied a n d fin g er -com bed h er h a ir . T h en sh e w iped st ea m off t h e m ir r or . Not t oo ba d, a lt h ou g h h er n ose a n d ch eek s w er e sh in y w it h ou t m a k eu p. Not h in g sh e cou ld do a bou t t h a t t h ou g h . Sh e st epped ou t of t h e ba t h r oom a n d sh iv er ed. “ Cold?” Ry k er ’s v oice ca m e fr om h is t in y k it ch en , w h er e h e w a s m a k in g h is Mor n in g -A ft er Eg g s. T h eir fa m ilia r sa v or y sm ell m a de h er st om a ch g r ow l. Sh e closed h er ey es a n d t ook in t h e da r k sm ell of coffee a n d t h e cr isp scen t of t oa st . W h en sh e open ed h er ey es, Ry k er w a s w a t ch in g h er w it h a n u n r ea da ble ex pr ession on h is fa ce. Sh e r a n h er pa lm s dow n t h e fr on t of t h e sw ea t sh ir t . “ T h er e a r e sock s in t h e t op dr a w er of m y dr esser if y ou w a n t t o g et a pa ir .” Sh e g la n ced t ow a r d h is bedr oom . “ I ca n ’t g o in t o y ou r dr a w er s,” sh e sa id. He sen t h er a n ex a sper a t ed look . “ Su it y ou r self.” Her t oes cu r led on t h e ch illy h a r dw ood floor , con v in cin g h er t h a t w a r m sock s w er e m or e im por t a n t t h a n sa v in g h er self fr om
t h e slig h t em ba r r a ssm en t of seein g h is u n der w ea r dr a w er . Sh e g r a bbed a pa ir of w h it e-a n d-g r a y a t h let ic sock s a n d pu lled t h em on . T h e h eels r ode u p w a y pa st h er a n k les, bu t t h ey w er e w a r m . W h en sh e ca m e ba ck in t o t h e fr on t r oom , Ry k er h a d t w o pla t es of eg g s a n d t w o m u g s of coffee on t h e t a ble a n d w a s r et r iev in g t h e t oa st fr om t h e t oa st er . Nicole sa t dow n , spoon ed su g a r in t o h er coffee a n d t ook a lon g sw a llow . “ Oh , t h a t ’s g ood,” sh e sa id. He sa t dow n n ex t t o h er a n d h eld ou t a pla t e of t oa st . Sh e t ook a piece. “ It ’s n ot ca ppu ccin o,” h e sa id. “ It ’s g ood,” sh e sa id a r ou n d a m ou t h fu l of eg g s. Sh e polish ed off t h e food in n o t im e. Ry k er a t e m or e slow ly , w a t ch in g h er t h e w h ole t im e. By t h e t im e Nicole h a d fin ish ed h er eg g s a n d t w o pieces of t oa st a n d h a d a secon d cu p of coffee, sh e w a s feelin g m u ch bet t er . Her h ea d w a s clea r er a n d h er t h ou g h t s w er e less sca t t er ed. A s sh e sw a llow ed t h e la st dr ops of coffee, sh e t h ou g h t a bou t t h e t im e. “ Oh , n o! W h a t t im e is it ?” Sh e look ed t ow a r d t h e w in dow s. “ Is it a ft er da r k ? I ca n g et t o t h e r est a u r a n t in t im e t o h elp w it h t h e la t e din er s a n d close u p.” Sh e v a u lt ed u p, t h e w ooden ch a ir leg s squ ea k in g a cr oss t h e h a r dw ood floor . “ Com e on . W e n eed t o g o by m y a pa r t m en t fir st so I ca n ch a n g e clot h es.” “ No.” “ W h a t ? Ser iou sly , Ry k er . I’v e g ot t o g et t o w or k .” He g la r ed a t h er . “ Y ou ca n ’t ju st k eep m e h er e.” “ I’m su r e g oin g t o t r y . Sit dow n .” Nicole ba r ely h ea r d h im . Sh e g la n ced a r ou n d t h e liv in g r oom . “ W h er e’s m y pu r se? I n eed t o ca ll Job a n d let h im k n ow I’m on m y w a y .” “ Nic! Sit dow n !”
Sh e h ea r d t h a t . Sh e dr opped ba ck in t o t h e ch a ir , bit in g h er lip. “ Y ou ’r e a bu lly ,” sh e m u t t er ed. “ Ma y be so,” h e sn a pped. “ Bu t I w ou ldn ’t h a v e t o bu lly y ou if y ou ’d list en t o m e. I t a lk ed t o Job t h is m or n in g , w h ile T r eeh or n w a s in t er v iew in g y ou . My g r a n dm ot h er ’s ch ef h a d a son w h o’s a lso a ch ef. T h e son r et ir ed a cou ple of y ea r s a g o. I g ot m y a u n t Cla ir e t o ca ll h im . He’s a g r eed t o fill in .” Ry k er g a v e h er a sm ile t h a t look ed a lit t le sm u g . “ So y ou don ’t h a v e t o w or r y a bou t Job a n d t h e r est a u r a n t .” Nicole st a r ed a t h im , t r y in g t o pr ocess h is w or ds. Sh e’d h ea r d h im , bu t t h e t h in g s h e’d sa id seem ed a lm ost lik e a for eig n la n g u a g e. His g r a n dm ot h er ’s ch ef’s son w ou ld fill in for h er . W h a t k in d of fa m ily h a d a per son a l ch ef? Mu ch less h a v e su ch in flu en ce t h a t t h ey cou ld com m a n d som eon e t o dr op ev er y t h in g a n d r u sh t o t h eir a id. T h e Dela n cey s, obv iou sly . Con Dela n cey h a d r u n Lou isia n a polit ics for y ea r s, a n d h is w ife, Lilibelle, h a d been w ea lt h y in h er ow n r ig h t . It w a s a w on der Ry k er h a dn ’t r ecr u it ed a n a r m y of Dela n cey fa m ily m em ber s or em ploy ees t o body g u a r d h er . In h er m in d’s ey e, Nicole w a t ch ed a s a n ot h er few r ow s of br ick s w er e la id on t h e g r ow in g w a ll bet w een Ry k er a n d h er . Sh e h a d n o on e, n ot fr ien ds, n ot ev en fa m ily , t h a t sh e cou ld ca ll t o h er a id w it h n o n ot ice. Sh e h a d n ot h in g t o offer h im . Sh e w a s so fa r ou t of h is lea g u e t h a t sh e w a sn ’t ev en in t h e sa m e zip code a s h is lea g u e. W h a t ev er sh e’d t h ou g h t a bou t in h er deepest fa n t a sies, w h a t ev er Cin der ella st or y sh e’d su bcon sciou sly w r it t en in h er h ea d, sh e h a d t o delet e it a n d fa st . T h er e w er e n o Dela n cey s in h er fu t u r e. A n d t h er e w er e cer t a in ly n o poor , sca r ed Beck h a m s in h is. “ Nic?” Ry k er ’s v oice pen et r a t ed h er r a cin g t h ou g h t s a n d sh e r ea lized it w a sn ’t t h e fir st t im e h e’d ca lled h er n a m e. “ W h a t ’s
t h e m a t t er ? A r e y ou su r e y ou ’r e ok a y ?” Sh e lick ed h er lips a n d con sciou sly t r ied t o r ela x h er a ch in g ja w en ou g h t o g iv e h im a sm ile. “ Y ou ’v e t h ou g h t of ev er y t h in g , h a v en ’t y ou ?” Sh e w a v ed a h a n d. “ Hir e a ch ef, bu lly a v ict im . A n y t h in g t o fin d y ou r k iller . It look s lik e y ou ’r e g oin g t o g et w h a t y ou w a n t ed in t h e fir st pla ce. Y ou ’v e g ot m or e m on ey t h a n Kin g Mida s. W h y don ’t y ou ju st h ir e a m ov er , fin d m e a pla ce in a n ot h er st a t e a n d plu n k m e dow n t h er e, ou t of y ou r w a y ?” “ Nic—” Sh e h eld u p a h a n d a n d sh ook h er h ea d. “ No. St op w a st in g y ou r en er g y fig h t in g w it h m e a bou t ev er y lit t le t h in g . I g iv e u p. Y ou ’r e t h e boss. I’ll do w h a t ev er y ou sa y .” “ I’m n ot —” “ A n d t h en w h en a ll t h is is ov er , I’ll g o a w a y . I’ll m ov e—a g a in —a n d st a r t ov er a g a in .” Her m ou t h cu r led in a w r y sm ile. “ It ’s w h a t I’m g ood a t . Bu t r ig h t n ow I a m k in d of t ir ed. Let m e w a sh t h ese dish es befor e I fa ll a sleep fa cedow n in t h e eg g s.” Ry k er deft ly scooped h er pla t e u p befor e sh e cou ld g et h er h a n ds on it . He sen t h er a br ief sm ile. “ W h a t eg g s?” h e t ea sed. “ Y ou a t e ev er y la st cr u m b. I sh ou ld h a v e m a de m or e.” “ T h a t w a s per fect .” Per fect , ju st lik e ev er y t h in g h e did. He w a s t h e per fect cop. T h e per fect eg g -cook er . T h e per fect lov er . A n d h e’d n ev er be h er s. “ Com e on , I’ll pu t y ou t o bed. T h e sh eet s a r e fa ir ly clea n ,” h e sa id a polog et ica lly . “ Y ou sh ou ld be com for t a ble. I’m sleepin g on t h e cou ch .” He g est u r ed for h er t o pr ecede h im in t o t h e bedr oom . T h en h e w a lk ed a r ou n d h er a n d t u r n ed dow n t h e ca r elessly dr a ped com for t er . He t ook a sw ipe a t t h e sh eet s t o sm oot h t h em . “ I’ll be r ig h t ou t t h er e on t h e cou ch .” “ A r e y ou su r e Job w ill be ok a y ?” sh e a sk ed. “ Ma y be I sh ou ld ca ll h im . I w a n t t o ch eck on Mer in a .”
“ Y ou ca n ca ll h im if y ou w a n t , bu t h e’s a t t h e r est a u r a n t a n d ev er y t h in g is fin e. He’s been sh ow in g Rich a r d T esch a r ou n d t h e k it ch en a n d g et t in g r ea dy for t on ig h t . His w ife pa ssed t h e k idn ey st on e a n d is ba ck a t h om e.” He t u r n ed t o g o a g a in . A s h e r ea ch ed for t h e lig h t sw it ch , sh e t h ou g h t of som et h in g else. Sh e w a s qu iet for a m om en t , t h en , “ Ry k er ? He m u st h a v e been ou t t h er e a ll n ig h t . He k n ew y ou w er e g on e. He sa w m e g et in m y ca r . Do y ou t h in k h e w a s w a t ch in g m e a ll t h is t im e?” He sh ook h is h ea d. “ I don ’t k n ow . Ma y be sin ce t h a t a r t icle in t h e pa per . He w a s defin it ely w a it in g t o g et y ou a lon e. W h ich r em in ds m e, y ou ’ll be w or k in g da y s for a w h ile. Y ou ’ll a ct a s sou s ch ef for Rich a r d, a n d I’ll pick y ou u p a r ou n d six . No m or e ea r ly m or n in g s or la t e n ig h t s.” “ He t h in k s I ca n iden t ify h im .” Ry k er didn ’t a n sw er . “ Cou ld w e g et t h a t r epor t er t o sa y t h a t I ca n ’t ?” “ No,” h e sa id qu ick ly , t h en g r im a ced. “ T h a t w ou ldn ’t be a g ood idea . I don ’t w a n t y ou m en t ion ed in t h e n ew spa per a g a in . Do y ou n eed a n y t h in g ?” Y ou. “ No.” “ Get a g ood n ig h t ’s sleep.” Ry k er t u r n ed ou t t h e lig h t a n d pu lled t h e door closed u n t il it w a s open ju st a cr a ck . “ Ry k er ?” He pu sh ed t h e door open . “ Y ea h ? Y ou k n ow y ou ca n ’t g o t o sleep if y ou ’r e t a lk in g .” “ I’m sor r y . I didn ’t m ea n t o g et in t o t r ou ble. I w ish I w a s br a v e—” “ Y ou a r e br a v e, Nic.” His v oice w a s qu iet . “ Do y ou k n ow h ow m a n y people w ou ld h a v e pa n ick ed if t h ey ’d dr iv en off t h e r oa d in t o a dit ch ? Not t o m en t ion if t h ey h a d t o w or k w it h a fir e a n d r escu e specia list t o fr ee t h em selv es. Sh el w a s v er y im pr essed w it h y ou .” He pa u sed. “ So a m I.” Ry k er im pr essed? Sh e st a r ed a t h is silh ou et t e, ba ck lit by t h e
lig h t fr om t h e liv in g r oom . “ Now g o t o sleep!” “ Y es, sir .” A s if or der in g h er w ou ld w or k . Sh e’d been that close t o dy in g . Sh e dou bt ed w h et h er sh e’d ev er be a ble t o sleep a g a in .
Chapter Eleven Ry k er w a s g oin g ov er T r eeh or n ’s r epor t a n d t r a n scr ipt of h is in t er v iew of Nicole, w h ich t h e det ect iv e h a d e-m a iled h im , w h en h e sa w a m ov em en t in t h e cor n er of h is ey e. He look ed u p. It w a s Nicole. Sh e st ood in t h e door w a y of h is bedr oom dr essed in h is sw ea t sh ir t a n d sock s, look in g lik e a w a if. “ Hey . W h a t ’s w r on g ?” Sh e spr ea d h er h a n ds. “ I don ’t k n ow . I ca n ’t g o t o sleep. Ev er y t im e I doze, I see t h a t m a n st a n din g a bov e m e, poin t in g a g u n a t m e.” “ Com e h er e.” Ry k er h eld ou t h is h a n d. “ I’m ok a y , I ju st —ca n ’t g et t h a t im a g e ou t of m y h ea d.” “ Com e on . T r eeh or n e-m a iled m e t h e t r a n scr ipt of y ou r in t er v iew , a n d t h e fin a l sk et ch t h e for en sic a r t ist did of t h e m a n w h o r a n y ou off t h e r oa d.” “ Su r e. T h a t ’ll h elp m e sleep.” Ry k er ch u ck led. “ A t lea st it ’ll g iv e y ou som et h in g t o do.” Sh e sa t dow n beside h im , pu llin g t h e h em of t h e sw ea t sh ir t a s fa r dow n ov er h er leg s a s it w ou ld g o. Ry k er w a t ch ed h er h a n ds. Sh e w a s cov er in g u p h er n a k edn ess u n der t h e sw ea t sh ir t . He’d been in t h e ba t h r oom . He’d seen h er delica t e pa n t ies h a n g in g on t h e t ow el r a ck , dr ippin g w a t er . He felt h im self st ir a t t h e t h ou g h t of h er sm oot h , bea u t ifu l body cov er ed on ly by h is sw ea t sh ir t . St ir a n d g r ow h a r d. He su ck ed in a deep br ea t h a n d t r ied t o dist r a ct h im self by con cen t r a t in g on T r eeh or n ’s in t er v iew qu est ion s a n d h er a n sw er s. W h en t h a t didn ’t w or k h e t r ied pict u r in g h er ca r slidin g deeper dow n t h e m u ddy sh ou lder t ow a r d t h e dit ch a s a da n g er ou s k iller sh ot a t h er .
It h elped, a lit t le. “ Is t h a t m y in t er v iew ?” sh e a sk ed. He n odded, a dju st in g t h e la pt op t o h ide h is a r ou sa l. “ Y ou t old T r eeh or n y ou didn ’t r ecog n ize t h e m a n ?” “ I cou ld ba r ely see h is fa ce. He h a d on a da r k h ooded sw ea t sh ir t .” “ Her e’s t h e a r t ist ’s r en der in g of y ou r descr ipt ion . Y ou did a g ood job.” He click ed t o open t h e file. “ No, I didn ’t . I cou ldn ’t g iv e v er y m a n y det a ils a t a ll. Most ly w h a t I sa w w a s t h a t g u n .” “ T a k e a look .” Ry k er click ed a n d t h e fa ce sh e’d descr ibed filled t h e scr een . Sh e la u g h ed n er v ou sly . “ He look s lik e t h a t sk et ch of t h e Un a bom ber .” “ Not r ea lly . Her e’s t h e ot h er sk et ch h e did fr om y ou r descr ipt ion . T h e fu ll-len g t h sk et ch .” W h en t h e com pu t er -g en er a t ed im a g e of t h e m a n w h o’d t r ied t o k ill h er r ose on t h e scr een , Nicole g a sped. “ Oh ! He look ed ju st lik e t h a t .” T h e st ock y m a n in da r k ba g g y pa n t s a n d a bla ck h ooded sw ea t sh ir t st ood look in g dow n a n d poin t in g a la r g e h a n dg u n dir ect ly a t t h e scr een . “ T h a t ’s h im . I k n ow y ou ca n ’t t ell m u ch . Bu t t h a t ’s ex a ct ly w h a t h e look ed lik e befor e h e pu lled t h e t r ig g er .” “ Y ou did a g ood job. W e a ct u a lly ca n t ell a lot . W e ca n see h is bu ild, h is r ela t iv e h eig h t . T h e fa ct t h a t h e’s Ca u ca sia n .” “ T h e g la sses a r en ’t qu it e r ig h t . T h e fr a m es w er e big g er . Rea lly big . T h e k in d t h a t older people w ea r . Lik e h e h a sn ’t bou g h t n ew g la sses in a lon g t im e.” Ry k er k n ew w h a t sh e m ea n t . A lot of m en , in clu din g Det ect iv e Ch a r les Ph illips, w or e t h ose big old-fa sh ion ed g la sses. He pu lled u p t h e in t er v iew a g a in . He r ea d h er descr ipt ion . A ccor din g t o h er , t h e m a n w a s m ediu m h eig h t a n d r a t h er
st ock y in bu ild. Sh e’d t old T r eeh or n h e seem ed t o be older , in h is six t ies. “ Y ou ’r e su r e h e’s in h is six t ies?” Ry k er poin t ed a t t h e scr een . “ Pr et t y su r e.” Sh e lea n ed closer t o look a t t h e com pu t er , a n d h er a r m pr essed a g a in st h is. “ How did y ou decide t h a t ?” Sh e sh r u g g ed. “ W ell, t h e g la sses. A n d t h e w a y h e st ood. T h e w a y h e m ov ed, I g u ess. He seem ed a lit t le bit ben t ov er . Oh , a n d h is h a n ds look ed old.” “ T h a t ’s in t er est in g . If h e’s t h a t a g e, h e’s g ot t o be pr et t y st r on g . I m ea n , h e h a d su r pr ise on h is side w h en h e a t t a ck ed h is v ict im s, bu t t h e w a y h e k illed t h em t ook for ce. T h e u su a l pr ofile w ou ld su g g est a y ou n g er m a n , a lon er a n d u n der a ch iev er in a n u n dem a n din g job.” “ So h e’s st ill n ot fit t in g t h e ser ia l k iller pa t t er n . I g u ess I ca n see w h y y ou r boss w a s so r elu ct a n t t o let y ou lin k t h e ca ses. It ’s a g ood t h in g h e t r u st s y ou .” “ Y ea h , w ell.” Ry k er la u g h ed sh or t ly . “ He doesn ’t so m u ch . He st ill h a lf believ es I g ot st u ck on t h e ser ia l k iller idea beca u se of Bella .” “ Bella ?” Ry k er bit h is t on g u e, bu t it w a s t oo la t e. Da m n it , t h a t h a d slipped ou t . He h a dn ’t w a n t ed Nicole t o k n ow t h a t h e’d k n ow n on e of t h e v ict im s. “ Bella , t h e secon d v ict im ? Y ou k n ew h er ?” He h a d t o t ell h er n ow . “ W e da t ed a cou ple of t im es, ba ck in sch ool. I w a s a soph om or e a t LSU a n d sh e w a s a g r a d st u den t .” A s h e sa id t h e w or ds, h e felt h er st iffen . By t h e t im e h e’d fin ish ed, sh e w a s sit t in g u p st r a ig h t a n d h e cou ld feel t h e t en sion r a dia t in g fr om h er . “ I’m so sor r y a bou t y ou r g ir lfr ien d,” sh e sa id. “ I ca n see w h y y ou pu r su ed t h is ser ia l k iller idea so r elen t lessly .” Ry k er h ea r d t h e pa in in h er v oice. Sh e’d obv iou sly t h ou g h t
h e w a s pu r su in g t h is ca se so r elen t lessly beca u se of her. A s t h e t h ou g h t cr ossed h is m in d, h e r ea lized h e’d becom e in t er est ed in t h e ca ses beca u se h e’d k n ow n Bella , bu t it w a s for Nicole’s sa k e t h a t h e w a s pu r su in g t h e k iller so r elen t lessly . Sh e’d n ev er believ e t h a t . Nev er t r u st it —or h im . It w ou ld h a v e m a de a lot m or e sen se t o h a v e com e clea n w it h h er a bou t Bella in t h e beg in n in g . Cer t a in ly befor e t h ey ’d slept t og et h er . “ Nic, sh e w a sn ’t m y g ir lfr ien d. It w a s a few da t es. Not h in g ser iou s, t r u st m e.” “ I u n der st a n d,” sh e sa id. He h eld u p h is a r m , h opin g sh e’d sin k in t o h is side. Sh e didn ’t . “ List en t o m e. Of cou r se I t ook a n in t er est in t h e ca se beca u se I k n ew on e of t h e v ict im s. A n d of cou r se I’m sor r y sh e w a s k illed, bu t t h e cou ple of ca su a l da t es w e h a d w er e eig h t y ea r s a g o. I h a dn ’t seen or h ea r d fr om h er sin ce t h en .” Sh e n odded a u t om a t ica lly . Da m n it , sh e didn ’t believ e a w or d h e sa id. He w a n t ed t o con fess t o h er t h a t w h ile h e w a s sa d a bou t Bella ’s dea t h , t h e v er y idea t h a t Nicole m ig h t h a v e been h u r t h a d r ipped a h ole in h is h ea r t t h a t w ou ld n ev er h ea l u n t il h e cou ld h old on t o h er for ev er m or e, k eepin g h er sa fe a t h is side. T h e u n set t lin g dir ect ion h is t h ou g h t s h a d t a k en sen t h is h ea r t sk it t er in g in t o h ig h g ea r . A t t h a t m om en t Nicole pu sh ed a w a y a n d r ose. “ I’d bet t er g et ba ck t o bed,” sh e sa id. “ I’m so t ir ed I’m n ot su r e I’m m a k in g sen se.” “ Su r e, h on . I k n ow y ou n eed y ou r sleep. I’ll see y ou in t h e m or n in g .” Ry k er w a t ch ed h er a s sh e pa dded ba ck in t o t h e bedr oom . He list en ed u n t il h e h ea r d a soft sig h a n d k n ew sh e w a s in bed a n d set t led. On ly t h en did h e a llow h im self t o r epla y h is t h ou g h t s. Forever? Safe at his s ide? He w a sn ’t ev en t h ir t y . His lon g est r ela t ion sh ip h a d been a few m on t h s. He didn ’t ev en w a n t t o a dd
u p h ow lon g it h a d been sin ce h e’d h a d sex , pr ior t o sleepin g w it h Nicole. So w h er e h a d t h e con cept of forever com e fr om ? Ma r r ia g e, fa m ily , k ids. T h ose w er e t h in g s h is pa r en t s did. T h in g s t h a t ex ist ed in t h e h a ze of a fa r -off fu t u r e. Bu t t h ey w er e t h in g s t h a t h a d been cr eepin g in t o h is h ea d ev er sin ce h e’d m et Nic. He h a d t o st op t h em , beca u se t h ey cou ldn ’t h a ppen . Not n ow . Not y et . He w a s let t in g h is h or m on es—or som et h in g —g et in t h e w a y of t h e clea r h ea d a n d log ic h e n eeded t o ca t ch t h e Oct ober Killer . Ma y be it w a s a g ood t h in g Nicole h a d m isu n der st ood h is r ea son for pu r su in g t h is ca se so r elen t lessly . T h e la st t h in g h e w a n t ed t o do w a s h u r t h er . He w a n t ed t o pu ll h er in t o t h e pr ot ect iv e cir cle of h is a r m s, n ot pu sh h er a w a y . Not w a t ch h er t r u st in h im fa de. He on ly h oped a spa r k of t r u st w ou ld r em a in in side h er lon g en ou g h for h im t o coa x it ba ck in t o a fla m e. A ft er t h e Oct ober Killer w a s ca u g h t .
T HE NEXT MORNING Ry k er h a d t h e A u t u m n Moser ca se file in h is h a n ds. He sa t a t h is desk , g oin g t h r ou g h t h e specifics. A u t u m n w a s k illed a t 1 1 :0 0 p.m . on Oct ober 2 6 , 2 0 0 5 , h er t w en t y -fir st bir t h da y , in a n a lley off Ba sin St r eet , n ea r t h e St . Lou is Cem et er y . A ba d n eig h bor h ood ev en in t h e da y t im e. W h a t w a s sh e doin g dow n t h er e t h a t t im e of n ig h t ? He t h u m bed t h r ou g h t h e cr im e scen e ph ot os, t h e CSI a n d a u t opsy r epor t s, u n t il h e g ot t o t h e det ect iv e’s t y ped r epor t . He sk im m ed it qu ick ly . Ca u se of dea t h w a s t h r ee g u n sh ot w ou n ds t o t h e ch est . Pu r se w a s spilled a n d h er cell ph on e w a s m issin g .
T h e scr a pes on pa lm s a n d k n ees, a n d m u d spa t t er on h er ca lv es su g g est sh e’d fa llen w h ile r u n n in g . How ev er , t h e en t r y w ou n d pla ces h er fa ce-t o-fa ce w it h h er k iller a t n ea r poin t -bla n k r a n g e. Ry k er r u bbed h is t em ple. If it w a s a m u g g in g , w h y w ou ld t h e m u g g er ch a se h er ? For t h a t m a t t er , w h y w ou ld sh e r u n , if h e w er e h oldin g a g u n on h er ? A n d w h y h a d t h e m u g g er sh ot h er ? On t h e ot h er h a n d, if it w a sn ’t a m u g g er , if it w a s h is ser ia l k iller , h a d h e t a k en h er cell ph on e a s a t r oph y ? If so, w h y h a dn ’t h e t a k en t r oph ies fr om t h e ot h er v ict im s? He flipped t h e pa g e t o r ea d t h e det ect iv e’s con clu sion s. Su r e en ou g h , h is opin ion w a s t h a t A u t u m n Moser ’s dea t h w a s a h om icide a t t h e h a n ds of a m u g g er . T o be t h or ou g h , h e flipped t h r ou g h ev er y sin g le pa g e in t h e file. T ow a r d t h e ba ck , h e fou n d a st a t em en t fr om Ch r ist m a s Leig h Moser , t h e v ict im ’s sist er , st a t in g t h a t sh e’d been t a lk in g t o h er sist er , A u t u m n , on t h e ph on e, w ish in g h er h a ppy bir t h da y , w h en h er sist er h a d scr ea m ed. Ch r ist m a s Moser h a d h ea r d w h a t sh e descr ibed a s g u n sh ot s t h r ou g h t h e ph on e lin e befor e it w en t dea d. T h e in for m a t ion on t h e police r epor t in clu ded Ch r ist m a s Moser ’s a ddr ess a n d ph on e n u m ber . Ry k er ca lled t h e ph on e n u m ber . “ Dr . Moser ,” a low , h u sk y v oice a n sw er ed. “ Ch r ist m a s Leig h Moser ?” h e a sk ed. “ Y es. W h o is t h is?” “ I’m Det ect iv e Ry k er Dela n cey , St . T a m m a n y Pa r ish Sh er iff’s Depa r t m en t , Ms.—Dr . Moser .” “ Y es?” Her v oice w en t u p in pit ch . “ I a polog ize, Dr . Moser . I’m ca llin g in r eg a r ds t o y ou r sist er ’s dea t h in 2 0 0 5 . Do y ou h a v e t im e t o t a lk for a few m in u t es?” “ Ca n y ou h old a m om en t ?” He h ea r d h er g iv in g or der s t o
som eon e, m a y be a n u r se, t o ch a n g e a dr essin g a n d in cr ea se t h e flow of a n IV , a n d a cou ple of ot h er t h in g s h e cou ldn ’t u n der st a n d. “ Now . Det ect iv e Dela n cey , is it ? I ca n g iv e y ou a bou t t h r ee m in u t es. I’m m a k in g r ou n ds on t h e pedia t r ic w a r d h er e.” “ I a polog ize for ca llin g y ou ou t of t h e blu e a bou t t h is, bu t I’m look in g in t o y ou r sist er ’s dea t h . I h a v e a st a t em en t by y ou in t h e New Or lea n s Police Depa r t m en t ca se file on A u t u m n Moser t h a t st a t es t h a t y ou spok e w it h h er on t h e ph on e a r ou n d 1 1 :0 0 p.m . on t h e n ig h t of h er dea t h .” “ T h a t ’s r ig h t .” “ Y ou h a d ca lled h er t o w ish h er h a ppy bir t h da y ?” T h er e w a s a pa u se, a n d w h en Dr . Moser spok e a g a in , h er v oice w a s m or e h u sk y t h a n befor e. “ Y es. I did.” “ Ca n y ou t ell m e w h y y ou ca lled so la t e?” “ I’d h a d a n em er g en cy w it h on e of m y pa t ien t s, a n d h a d ju st g ot t en h om e.” Ry k er t a pped a pen cil t ip on t h e pa d on h is desk . Dr . Ch r ist m a s Leig h Moser w a sn ’t g oin g t o pr ov ide h im a n y in for m a t ion t h a t h e didn ’t a sk for . “ Y ou r ea ch ed h er on h er cell ph on e. Did sh e sa y w h er e sh e w a s?” “ No. Didn ’t y ou sa y y ou h a d m y st a t em en t in fr on t of y ou ?” “ Y es, I do, bu t I w a n t t o g et y ou r per spect iv e a bou t t h e ph on e ca ll.” “ Sh e didn ’t sa y w h er e sh e w a s, bu t I cou ld h ea r v eh icles a n d m u sic.” Ry k er jot t ed t h a t dow n . “ Y ou sa id y ou h ea r d h er scr ea m .” “ Y es.” Dr . Moser ’s v oice w a s becom in g br it t le. “ It sou n ded lik e sh e w a s r u n n in g , t h en sh e st opped a n d w a s br ea t h in g h a r d. I a sk ed h er if som et h in g w a s w r on g . Sh e sa id ‘Ch r ist y !’ A n d t h en scr ea m ed. T h en sh e sa id som et h in g lik e ‘y ou bu m ,’ or ‘y ou scu m ’ or som et h in g .” Dr . Moser pa u sed a n d t ook a deep br ea t h . Ry k er w a it ed.
“ I h ea r d g u n sh ot s. T h en t h e ph on e w en t dea d.” “ Do y ou k n ow h ow m a n y g u n sh ot s?” A n ot h er pa u se. “ T h r ee? Fou r ? I ca n ’t be su r e. W h y a r e y ou look in g in t o h er ca se n ow , a ft er a ll t h is t im e?” “ T h er e h a v e been ot h er m u r der s t h a t m a y h a v e sim ila r it ies t o y ou r sist er ’s. I w a n t t o look a t it a g a in in lig h t of t h ese n ew dev elopm en t s.” “ I see. Ha v e y ou t a lk ed t o m y fa t h er ? A lber t Moser ?” “ Y es.” “ T h en y ou ’v e seen h ow h e h a s been a ffect ed by m y sist er ’s dea t h . I’m plea sed t o k n ow t h a t y ou ’r e look in g in t o t h e ca se, Det ect iv e. I h ope y ou ’r e a ble t o do som et h in g . My sist er ’s dea t h h a s r u in ed m y fa t h er ’s h ea lt h . I h a v e t o g o n ow .” “ T h a n k s for t a lk in g t o m e, Doct or . If I n eed a n y t h in g m or e, m a y I ca ll y ou ?” “ Plea se ca ll m y secr et a r y a n d set u p a t elecon fer en ce t im e. I ca n dev ot e m or e a t t en t ion t o y ou r qu est ion s if I’m n ot r u sh ed.” Ry k er t ook dow n t h e secr et a r y ’s n u m ber , t h a n k ed t h e doct or a n d h u n g u p. Ch r ist m a s Moser ’s st a t em en t didn ’t m en t ion a n y t h in g a bou t w h a t A u t u m n h a d sa id ju st pr ior t o bein g sh ot . Ry k er qu ick ly scr ibbled som e n ot es a bou t t h e con v er sa t ion , a n d pu t a big st a r by t h e w or ds bum a n d s cum . He n eeded t o a sk Dr . Moser m or e a bou t t h a t . He dia led h er secr et a r y ’s n u m ber a n d m a de a n a ppoin t m en t for a h a lf-h ou r t eleph on e in t er v iew on Mon da y . T h en h e dia led NOPD Det ect iv e Dix on Lloy d. “ Hey , Dix , it ’s Ry k er .” “ Ry k er . W h a t ’s g oin g on u p t h er e in Dela n cey -la n d?” Dix on ’s jok in g n a m e for Ch ef V oleu r w a s a n a ppr opr ia t e epit h et , sin ce m a n y of Ry k er ’s la r g e im m edia t e a n d ex t en ded fa m ily h a d g r ow n u p a n d n ow liv ed in t h e t ow n . “ Sa m e old. Y ou k n ow , h a n g in g ou t a t t h e pla n t a t ion h ou se in ou r w h it e lin en su it s, sippin g m in t ju leps a n d t w ir lin g ou r g old-
t ipped ca n es.” Dix on la u g h ed. “ Y ea h . T h a t ’s w h a t I t h ou g h t .” “ W h a t ca n y ou t ell m e a bou t a det ect iv e dow n t h er e—Fr ed Sa m h u r st ?” “ Fr ed? He’s ok a y . A cou ple of y ea r s a w a y fr om r et ir em en t a n d a bou t for t y pou n ds a w a y fr om h is r u n n in g w eig h t .” Ry k er jot t ed n ot es a s h e spok e. “ Fiv e y ea r s a g o h e ca u g h t a ca se on Ba sin St r eet , w r ot e it u p a s a m u g g in g . I’v e g ot t h e g ir l’s fa t h er sa y in g sh e w a s k illed by a n ex -lov er .” “ Fiv e y ea r s a g o? W h y ’s t h e fa t h er poppin g u p n ow ?” “ T h e da u g h t er w a s k illed on Oct ober 2 6 of 2 0 0 5 . He ca lls ev er y y ea r a r ou n d t h is t im e. T h in k Sa m h u r st m ig h t h a v e m issed som et h in g ?” Dix on pa u sed for a bea t . “ Ha r d t o sa y . Y ou k n ow h ow it is.” Ry k er did. Dix on didn ’t w a n t t o t a lk a bou t a fellow det ect iv e. “ W h a t m a k es y ou t h in k t h e fa t h er ’s r ig h t ?” Dix on a sk ed. “ A ccor din g t o Sa m h u r st ’s n ot es, t h e g ir l w a s r u n n in g a w a y fr om w h oev er sh ot h er . A ppa r en t ly fell a t lea st on ce a n d scr a ped h er k n ees a n d pa lm s. T h en sh e w a s sh ot in t h e ch est — t h r ee t im es.” “ I r em em ber t h a t ca se. I t h in k t h e fa t h er h a s ca lled h er e a t im e or t w o, dem a n din g ju st ice for h is da u g h t er . Sa d.” Dix on pa u sed for a secon d. “ A ll I ca n t ell y ou is Fr ed h a d a m ild h ea r t a t t a ck a cou ple of y ea r s a g o. He st a r t ed ea t in g h ea lt h ier . Lost t h ir t y pou n ds a t lea st .” “ Ca n y ou sw it ch m e ov er t o Dispa t ch ? I w a n t t o see if I ca n ca t ch u p w it h Sa m h u r st t oda y a n d t a lk w it h h im a bou t t h e ca se.” “ Su r e t h in g .” Ry k er t h a n k ed Dix on a n d w a it ed for Dispa t ch t o a n sw er . He m a de a r r a n g em en t s t o spea k w it h Det ect iv e Sa m h u r st , a n d t h en h u n g u p. Dix on ’s seem in g ly offh a n d com m en t g a v e Ry k er som e in sig h t in t o t h e ca se. Sa m h u r st w a s st ill for t y pou n ds
ov er w eig h t a ft er h e’d lost t h ir t y . He jot t ed a n ot e. Detective Fred Sam hurs t w as approx. 70 lbs . overw eight and out of s hape at the tim e of Autum n Mos er’s m urder. Had he tak en the eas y w ay out and called it a m ugging? Ry k er w a n t ed t o g et Da v e’s t a k e on t h e for en sics of t h e ca se. He w a lk ed t h e file ov er t o A n n e-Ma r ie’s desk a n d a sk ed h er t o sen d it t o t h e M.E.’s office w it h a r equ est t o g et ba ck t o Ry k er A SA P w it h h is opin ion . “ How ’s it g oin g w it h r ev iew in g t h e v ict im s’ ca se files?” h e a sk ed h er . “ I’v e been w or k in g on it ev er y ch a n ce I g et . I’m a lm ost don e. T h er e a r e a cou ple of t h in g s t h a t m ig h t h elp y ou , bu t I ca n ’t sa y for su r e u n t il I fin ish w it h t h e la st t w o files.” “ Y ou w a n t t o g iv e m e a h in t ?” A n n e-Ma r ie sm iled. “ It ’s r ea lly n ot m u ch . Bu t I t h in k I’ll be a ble t o fin ish t oda y . So w h a t a bou t t h is a ft er n oon or t om or r ow ? I’d lik e t o g iv e it t o y ou a ll a t on ce. Get y ou r g u t r ea ct ion . See w h a t y ou t h in k a bou t it .” “ Sou n ds g ood. It ’ll pr oba bly h a v e t o be t om or r ow t h ou g h . I’m on m y w a y t o New Or lea n s t h is a ft er n oon t o t a lk t o t h e det ect iv e w h o ca u g h t A u t u m n Moser ’s ca se.” “ T h a t ’s fin e. Fir st t h in g t om or r ow m or n in g .” “ Ha v e y ou seen Bill?” “ He’s in t h e br ea k r oom .” Ry k er fou n d h im t h er e. “ Hey ,” Bill sa id. “ I w a s ju st a bou t t o com e see y ou . Jea n T er r y ? Her m edica l r ecor ds sh ow t h a t sh e w a s in —” h e du g h is n ot ebook ou t of h is pock et “ —in st a g e fou r ca n cer .” He m et Ry k er ’s g a ze. “ Da v e con fir m ed t h a t . St a g e fou r —t h a t ’s ba d.” Som et h in g in t h e ot h er det ect iv e’s v oice m a de Ry k er t a k e n ot ice. “ So w h a t h a v e y ou g ot ?” “ T h ose pa per s on h er din in g t a ble? T h ey w er e in su r a n ce for m s. Sh e w a s ch a n g in g ben eficia r ies on h er policies. Sig n in g
t h em ov er t o h er n iece. I ca n ’t qu it e fig u r e ou t w h a t ’s im por t a n t a bou t t h a t , bu t I’v e g ot a feelin g .” “ A fa m ou s Bill Cr en sh a w feelin g ?” Bill w a s h ig h ly in t u it iv e. Oft en h is “ feelin g s” t u r n ed ou t t o be v it a l pieces of t h e pu zzle. “ W h a t k in d of policies?” “ T h e u su a l, I g u ess. On e w a s fr om w h en sh e w a s bor n . It ’s g ot a lot of ca sh v a lu e bu ilt u p.” Bill sh r u g g ed. “ Lik e I sa id, it ’s n ot m u ch . By t h e w a y , h er pa r en t s didn ’t k n ow h er ca n cer h a d com e ba ck .” “ Giv e t h a t in fo t o A n n e-Ma r ie,” Ry k er sa id. “ Ma y be it ’s som et h in g sh e ca n con n ect t o a n ot h er v ict im . Sh e’s a lm ost don e g oin g t h r ou g h t h e files.” “ Su r e t h in g .” “ A n d, Bill. W e n eed t o dig t h r ou g h 2 0 0 4 r ecor ds. I’m a fr a id w e m a y n ot h a v e fou n d v ict im zer o y et .” “ St . T a m m a n y r ecor ds? T h a t cou ld t a k e a w h ile.” Ry k er n odded. “ I k n ow . I’m on m y w a y dow n t o New Or lea n s t o t a lk t o Fr ed Sa m h u r st , t h e det ect iv e w h o ca u g h t A u t u m n Moser ’s ca se. I’ll pick u p t h e 2 0 0 4 cold ca se files. T h ey ’v e g ot a cler k sor t in g t h em for m e. On e w a y or a n ot h er w e’v e g ot t o v er ify w h er e t h is g u y st a r t ed.” Ry k er didn ’t g et m u ch in for m a t ion fr om Fr ed Sa m h u r st . He w a s defen siv e a n d cla im ed n ot t o r em em ber m u ch a bou t t h e ca se. W h en Ry k er a sk ed h im h ow h e decided t h a t t h r ee-poin t bla n k sh ot s t o t h e ch est didn ’t t h r ow u p a r ed fla g , h e’d m er ely sh r u g g ed a n d sh a k en h is h ea d. By t h e t im e Ry k er g ot ba ck w it h h is t r u n k st u ffed w it h cold ca ses fr om t h e Eig h t h Dist r ict Police Depa r t m en t on Roy a l St r eet in t h e Fr en ch Qu a r t er , it w a s a ft er 6 :0 0 p.m . He m a de it t h r ou g h on e box by elev en , w h en h e h a d t o pick u p Nicole. Sh e w en t st r a ig h t t o bed, cla im in g ex h a u st ion . Bu t h e cou ld t ell sh e w a s u n com for t a ble a r ou n d h im , n ow t h a t sh e k n ew t h a t h e’d da t ed on e of t h e v ict im s.
He cou ldn ’t bla m e h er . He w a sn ’t su r e w h a t w a s g oin g on bet w een t h em , eit h er . A n d h e su r e a s h ell didn ’t u n der st a n d w h a t w a s g oin g on in side h im . He cou ldn ’t st op t h in k in g a bou t h er , w or r y in g a bou t h er . Ev en t h ou g h h e’d w a t ch ed ou t for h er for a y ea r , h e’d on ly a ct u a lly k n ow n h er a few da y s. St ill, h e h a d n o dou bt in h is m in d t h a t h e w ou ld n ev er for g et h er . Or g et ov er h er . A n d t h a t sca r ed h im a lm ost a s m u ch a s t h e Oct ober Killer did.
“ S ON OF A BITCH !” Ry k er g r ow led t h e n ex t m or n in g w h en h e look ed a t t h e fr on t pa g e of t h e St. Tam m any Paris h Record. Rig h t t h er e, below t h e fold, w a s t h e sk et ch of t h e Oct ober Killer . “ Ry k er ?” Nicole’s sleepy v oice ca m e fr om t h e bedr oom . “ W h a t ’s w r on g ?” “ Not h in g . Go ba ck t o sleep.” He sk im m ed t h e a r t icle, w h ich qu ot ed t h e sh er iff a s sa y in g , “ T h is sk et ch w a s g iv en t o police by a n u n n a m ed w it n ess w h o h a s been h elpin g u s w it h ou r in v est ig a t ion , a ft er a r ecen t en cou n t er w it h t h e m a n depict ed in t h e sk et ch . W e w a n t a ll r esiden t s of St . T a m m a n y Pa r ish t o be a w a r e t h a t a da n g er ou s k iller is a t la r g e. A n y on e w h o r ecog n izes t h is m a n , plea se n ot ify y ou r loca l sh er iff’s office depa r t m en t im m edia t ely .” Fu r y ig n it ed in Ry k er ’s g u t a s a sen se of dr ea d set t led on h is ch est . T h e t h in g s Héber t h a d w r it t en , a bou t h ow in v a lu a ble Nicole’s in for m a t ion w a s t o t h e police, pa led in com pa r ison t o t h is. T h e sh er iff w a s da n g lin g Nicole a s ba it . Bu r n in g w it h r a g e, Ry k er dia led Mik e Da v is. T h e depu t y ch ief a n sw er ed on t h e fir st r in g . “ Don ’t st a r t w it h m e, Ry k er . I’m n ot in t h e m ood.” “ W h a t t h e h ell does t h e sh er iff t h in k h e’s doin g ? Do y ou h a v e
a n y idea w h a t ’s g oin g t o h a ppen n ow ?” “ I sa id don ’t st a r t w it h m e. Of cou r se I k n ow w h a t ’s g oin g t o h a ppen . W e’r e g oin g t o be g et t in g h u n dr eds of t ips fr om people w h o a r e su r e t h ey ’v e seen t h is g u y . Not t o m en t ion t h e ph on e ca lls fr om folk s w h o h ea r som et h in g a t n ig h t or a r e con v in ced t h e m et er r ea der is a bou t t o br ea k in t o t h eir h ou se a n d m u r der t h em . I’v e a lr ea dy t a lk ed t o t h e sh er iff a bou t br in g in g in t em por a r y st a ff t o m a n t h e ph on es.” “ T h e ph on es don ’t r equ ir e t r a in ed per son n el. Look , Mik e. I k n ow y ou didn ’t h a v e a ch oice. Obv iou sly t h e pr ess r elea se ca m e dir ect ly fr om t h e sh er iff’s office. Bu t I ca n ’t lea v e Nicole ou t t h er e da n g lin g lik e a w or m on a h ook . I n eed pr ot ect ion for h er . T h e sh er iff ju st pa in t ed a bu ll’s ey e r ig h t on h er ba ck .” Mik e sig h ed. “ I k n ow . I’m a lr ea dy on it . I ca n g iv e y ou a u n ifor m ed depu t y —da y s on ly .” Ry k er ’s ch est t ig h t en ed in r elief. “ T h a t ’s fin e. I’ll be w it h h er a t n ig h t . Ha v e t h e depu t y ca ll m e a n d w e’ll w or k ou t t im es a n d pla ces.” Fin a lly h e h a d som e r ea l pr ot ect ion for Nicole. Pr ot ect ion a n d secu r it y . Su r ely Nicole cou ldn ’t g et in t o t r ou ble w it h a depu t y w a t ch in g h er . “ It ’ll t a k e m e a w h ile. I’ll h a v e h im g et in t ou ch w it h y ou a s soon a s I ca n w or k ou t t h e log ist ics.” “ T h a n k s, Mik e.” “ Y ea h , don ’t t h a n k m e y et . I n eed Cr en sh a w ba ck . Ph illips is ou t w it h t h e flu .” Ry k er g r im a ced. “ Flu ? Da m n it .” He u n der st ood. Mik e cou ldn ’t a ffor d t o h a v e h is sm a ll ca ch e of det ect iv es dilu t ed. Especia lly n ow , w it h t h e w h ole of St . T a m m a n y Pa r ish in a n u pr oa r a bou t a ser ia l k iller a t la r g e. “ I’ll g et Bill t o br in g m e ev er y t h in g h e’s g ot so fa r .” “ Ry k er ? T h a t ’s n ot a ll.” “ Not a ll? Da m n , Mik e. I don ’t h a v e a n y t h in g else y ou ca n t a k e fr om m e.”
“ A n n e-Ma r ie ca n ’t w or k w it h y ou . I n eed h er fu ll-t im e, su per v isin g t h e t eleph on es.” “ Sh e’s su pposed t o h a v e som e in for m a t ion for m e. I’ll g et w it h h er t h is m or n in g .” “ Fin d t h a t k iller , Dela n cey .” “ T r u st m e, Mik e. I w ill.” Ry k er h u n g u p a n d st a r ed dow n a t t h e n ew spa per ’s fr on t pa g e for a few secon ds. T h en h e g r a bbed it , ba lled it u p a n d flu n g it a cr oss t h e r oom . He w en t t o t h e bedr oom door a n d r a pped on t h e door fa cin g . “ Nic?” He sa w h er st a r t , t h en sit u p. “ W h a t ?” “ Get u p. I n eed t o t a k e y ou t o t h e r est a u r a n t . Job’s a lw a y s t h er e by sev en , r ig h t ?” Sh e t h r ew ba ck t h e cov er s a n d g ot u p, pu sh in g h er h a ir ba ck fr om h er fa ce. “ Un less h e’s g oin g t o m a r k et . W h y ?” “ W h a t ’s h e doin g t oda y —Sa t u r da y ?” “ Sa t u r da y ? He’ll be t h er e. W e bu y ev er y t h in g for t h e w eek en d on Fr ida y .” “ Good. I’m t a k in g y ou ov er t h er e. Som et im e t h is m or n in g , a u n ifor m ed depu t y w ill r epor t t o y ou . Y ou w on ’t g o a n y w h er e ex cept w it h h im . He’ll dr iv e y ou t o w or k a n d h om e a n d a n y w h er e else y ou h a v e t o g o. Y ou w ill list en t o h im a n d do w h a t ev er h e sa y s. Un der st a n d?” “ No,” sh e sa id, y a w n in g . “ W h a t ’s w r on g ?” “ T h e sh er iff pu t y ou r sk et ch in t h e pa per .” Nicole st a r ed a t h im , h er ey es w ide. “ Oh , m y God, w h y ?” sh e cr oa k ed. “ T o sh ow h is con st it u en t s t h a t h e’s on t h e ba ll on t h is ser ia l k iller ca se. Bu t ost en sibly t o w a r n r esiden t s of t h e pa r ish t h a t t h er e’s a k iller on t h e loose.” “ W h a t ’s g oin g t o h a ppen n ow ?” Ry k er sig h ed. “ W e’r e g oin g t o g et h u n dr eds of ph on e ca lls fr om people w h o a r e su r e t h ey ’v e seen h im .”
“ Bu t t h a t sk et ch w a s so v a g u e.” “ Y ea h . T h a t ’s t h e pr oblem .” Ry k er sig h ed. “ Ca ll Job a n d m a k e su r e h e’s t h er e, a n d I’ll r u n y ou by y ou r h ou se t o g et som e clot h es, t h en t o t h e r est a u r a n t .” “ W h a t ’ll y ou be doin g t oda y ?” “ W h a t else? Fin din g a k iller .”
Chapter Twelve Ry k er dr ov e Nicole t o t h e r est a u r a n t a n d t ook Job a side. “ Ha v e y ou g ot a w ea pon ?” h e a sk ed h im . “ I su r e do,” Job a n sw er ed, ey ein g Ry k er su spiciou sly . “ A 9 m m . I bou g h t it a ft er Ka t r in a . Got m e a ca r r y per m it , t oo.” He r ea ch ed in side t h e a pr on a n d pu lled ou t t h e g u n fr om h is belt . “ See?” Ry k er w a s su r pr ised. “ Y ou ca r r y t h a t a ll t h e t im e?” “ Ev er sin ce I fou n d ou t Nick i w a s in da n g er , I k eep it on m e a ll t h e t im e.” “ I a ssu m e y ou k n ow h ow t o u se it ?” Job’s ey es n a r r ow ed. “ I w a sn ’t a lw a y s a r est a u r a n t ow n er , Det ect iv e. A n y ot h er qu est ion s y ou g ot for m e?” Ry k er sh ook h is h ea d. “ I g u ess y ou sa w t h e pa per t h is m or n in g .” “ I did. Ma n , I’v e g ot t o sa y , I su r e w ish I h a dn ’t ca lled h er a bou t Mer in a ’s k idn ey st on e. If I h a d it t o do ov er , I w ou ldn ’t . I t r ied t o t a lk h er in t o n ot g oin g dow n t o Hen r i’s. Bu t y ou k n ow Nick i.” Ry k er a lm ost sm iled. “ I do k n ow h er .” “ Y ou w a n t m e t o w a t ch ou t for h er ? T h a t ’s n o pr oblem , son . I’v e been w a t ch in g ou t for h er ev er sin ce sh e fir st w a lk ed in t h a t door a n d a sk ed m e for a job. Sh e’s lik e a m em ber of t h e fa m ily .” Ry k er n odded. “ I’m g la d t o h ea r t h a t . It m a k es m e feel bet t er t o k n ow y ou ca r e a bou t h er t h a t m u ch .” “ On e of t h ese da y s I’m g oin g t o t u r n t h a t qu est ion a r ou n d on y ou .” “ T u r n it a r ou n d?” Job n odded a n d h is bla ck ey es sn a pped. “ A sk y ou if y ou ca r e a bou t h er . W h a t y ou r in t en t ion s a r e.” Ry k er sw a llow ed. Don’t
as k m e yet, h e t h ou g h t . Not u n t il t h e da n g er is ov er . He h a d t o con cen t r a t e on k eepin g Nic a liv e. He h a d t o lea d w it h h is h ea d, n ot h is h ea r t . “ Job, a s a la w en for cem en t officer , I ca n ’t a sk y ou t o r isk y ou r life for h er s. A n d I ca n ’t com pel y ou t o ca r r y or u se y ou r w ea pon . In fa ct , I ca n ’t ev en con don e it .” “ Y ou list en t o m e, son . Nick i’ll be sa fe h er e w it h m e, beca u se a n y body t r ies t o g et t o h er , t h ey ’ll h a v e t o g et pa st m e. Y ou t h in k I’m g oin g t o m a k e t h a t ea sy for t h em ?” Look in g a t t h e big m a n , Ry k er k n ew h e m ea n t ex a ct ly w h a t h e sa id. “ I t h in k g et t in g pa st y ou t o g et t o Nicole w ill be n ex t t o im possible.” He h eld ou t h is h a n d. Job t ook it . “ I ca n ’t t ell y ou h ow m u ch I a ppr ecia t e it . I’v e g ot a depu t y on h is w a y ov er . He’ll be g u a r din g h er , t oo. W it h bot h of y ou , I’m posit iv e sh e’ll be sa fer h er e t h a n a t m y h ou se. T h is k iller a t t a ck s h is v ict im s w h en h e’s su r e t h ey ’r e a lon e. A n d h e’s n ev er u sed a g u n . Bu t a ft er y est er da y , w e k n ow h e’s g ot on e.” “ Y ou g o on a n d do y ou r bu sin ess. Ca t ch h im . W e’ll k eep Nick i sa fe.”
O N THE WAY TO THE OFFICE Ry k er g ot a ca ll fr om Depu t y Ha r old In g r a m , w h o t old h im Mik e h a d a ssig n ed h im t o g u a r d Nicole. Ry k er g a v e h im t h e a ddr ess of t h e r est a u r a n t a n d h is h ou se, t h en h e issu ed h im or der s n ot t o let Nicole ou t of h is sig h t . “ I m ea n t h a t lit er a lly , In g r a m .” “ Y es, sir . I’m h ea ded ov er t h er e n ow . Don ’t w or r y , I’m on it . W ill y ou be t a k in g ov er or w ill I ex pect a n ot h er officer ?” “ I’ll be t h er e t o pick h er u p. By six , u n less som et h in g h a ppen s. I’ll g iv e y ou a ca ll.” “ Six sou n ds g ood.” “ T h a n k s.” Ry k er open ed t h e door t o t h e sh er iff’s office a n d fou n d t h a t it
h a d t u r n ed in t o a m a dh ou se. Ph on es w er e r in g in g off t h e h ook . Sev er a l people Ry k er h a d n ev er seen befor e w er e a n sw er in g t h em . Men in t eleph on e com pa n y u n ifor m s w er e r u n n in g w ir es in t o t h e big con fer en ce r oom , w h er e six ph on es sa t on t h e t a ble. Ry k er w or k ed h is w a y t h r ou g h t h e cr ow d t o h is desk . A s h e did, h e spot t ed A n n e-Ma r ie h oldin g a cou ple of m a n ila folder s a n d t a lk in g t o a sm a ll g r ou p of w om en . Sh e g est u r ed t ow a r d t h e con fer en ce r oom , look ed a t h er w a t ch a n d a ppa r en t ly dism issed t h em w it h in st r u ct ion s a bou t w h en t o r et u r n . T h en sh e h ea ded t ow a r d h is desk . “ Good m or n in g ,” sh e sa id, sin k in g dow n in t o a side ch a ir . “ Y ea h ? Y ou t h in k so?” h e cou n t er ed, sm ilin g a t h er . “ No. Ju st t r y in g t o be polit e.” “ How m a n y t eleph on e people do y ou h a v e t o su per v ise?” “ T en , so fa r .” Sh e w a v ed h er h a n d. “ A n d t h ey ’r e set t in g u p six m or e lin es in t h e con fer en ce r oom . A s y ou ca n see, it ’s a m a dh ou se.” Sh e sm iled w r y ly . “ Do y ou t h in k t h e sh er iff h a d a n y idea w h a t h e w a s doin g w h en h e r elea sed t h a t sk et ch ?” Ry k er sig h ed. “ T h a t ’s a r ea lly g ood qu est ion . Look s lik e h e w a s on t h e ba ll g et t in g t em ps in h er e t o a n sw er t h e ph on es.” “ Y ou ’r e r ig h t a bou t t h a t .” “ List en , A n n e-Ma r ie, I k n ow y ou ’r e h ip-deep in a llig a t or s, so w h a t ev er y ou ca n g iv e m e on y ou r r esea r ch in t o t h e Oct ober Killer ’s ca se files w ill be a ppr ecia t ed.” A n n e-Ma r ie’s da r k br ow n ey es lit u p. “ Ok a y . See w h a t y ou t h in k a bou t t h is.” Sh e set t h e t w o folder s on t h e edg e of h is desk a n d open ed on e. “ W e’v e g ot fiv e v ict im s, r ig h t ? Da isy How a r d, t w en t y -on e, Bella Pot t in g er , t h ir t y , Jen n ifer Gom ez, t w en t y -t h r ee, Nicole Beck h a m , t w en t y -six , a n d Jea n T er r y , t h ir t y -sev en .” “ Rig h t .” Ry k er ’s br a in flipped t h r ou g h t h e cr im e scen e ph ot os of t h e fou r dea d w om en a s sh e spok e, a n d h e t h ou g h t a bou t h ow differ en t t h ey a ll w er e.
“ I look ed a t ev er y t h in g t h ey cou ld possibly h a v e in com m on , bu t n ot h in g jelled. Not w it h a ll fiv e of t h em .” “ Y ou didn ’t fin d a n y t h in g ?” A n n e-Ma r ie h eld u p a fin g er . “ Un t il—” He sa t u p ex pect a n t ly , t r y in g t o t ell h im self n ot t o g et h is h opes u p, bu t ex cit ed by t h e slig h t n ot e of t r iu m ph h e h ea r d in A n n e-Ma r ie’s v oice. “ Un t il I st a r t ed look in g a t t h eir pa r en t s. It t ook som e dig g in g , bu t I fin a lly fou n d som et h in g . Recor ds of in su r a n ce policies, a ll fr om on e pa r t icu la r com pa n y .” Despit e h is w a r n in g t o h im self, h is h ea r t lea ped. “ Fr om on e com pa n y ?” “ Y es. T h e Ma r k Life In su r a n ce Com pa n y . It ’s ba sed ou t of Mich ig a n .” Ry k er fr ow n ed. “ A n d t h e v ict im s’ pa r en t s a r e som eh ow con n ect ed by t h is com pa n y ? A ll of t h em ? W h y , beca u se t h ey bou g h t in su r a n ce policies?” “ Beca u se t h ey bou g h t in su r a n ce policies on t h eir ch ildr en , specifica lly t h eir da u g h t er s—” A n n e-Ma r ie pa u sed. “ A t bir t h .” “ In su r a n ce policies.” Ry k er r em em ber ed Bill’s m en t ion of Jea n T er r y ’s in su r a n ce policy , w h ich sh e w a s sig n in g ov er t o h er sist er . “ T h ey ’r e con n ect ed by in su r a n ce policies. W h a t does t h a t m ea n ?” h e m u t t er ed. “ W a s som eon e k illin g t h em for t h eir in su r a n ce?” “ I h a v e n o idea . Mr . How a r d t old m e t h a t t h e in su r a n ce pa id t w en t y -fiv e t h ou sa n d dolla r s u pon h is da u g h t er Da isy ’s dea t h . W h ich sou n ds lik e som e k in d of w h ole-life policy . Bu t it ’s t h e on ly t h in g I cou ld fin d t h a t ev en r em ot ely con n ect s t h e v ict im s.” In su r a n ce. A ll fiv e v ict im s. Bou g h t a t bir t h . Bir t h da y s in Oct ober . “ Ry k er ?” A n n e-Ma r ie sa id. He blin k ed. “ I’m t r y in g t o fig u r e ou t h ow h a v in g t h a t
in su r a n ce policy cou ld h a v e led t o t h eir dea t h . Do y ou h a v e a n y idea w h o sold t h e pa r en t s t h e policies?” A t eleph on e com pa n y em ploy ee w a lk ed ov er a n d spok e t o A n n e-Ma r ie. “ Ma ’a m , t h e ph on es a r e r ea dy . A r e y ou r ea dy t o t est t h em ?” Sh e sig h ed a n d st ood. “ Y es. I n eed t o g et t h e t em ps set u p. T h ey ’ll be ba ck in —” sh e ch eck ed h er w a t ch “ —fiv e m in u t es.” Sh e spok e t o Ry k er . “ I’ll lea v e y ou t h e folder s. Hopefu lly y ou ca n m a k e som e sen se ou t of t h em . Oh , a n d t o a n sw er y ou r qu est ion , ju st on e. Mr s. Gom ez t old m e t h a t h er h u sba n d w r ot e t h e policy on t h eir da u g h t er , Jen n ifer . T h e ot h er pa r en t s I cou ld r ea ch pr om ised m e t h ey ’ll dig ou t t h e policies a n d see w h a t t h ey ca n fin d.” “ Jen n ifer Gom ez’s fa t h er is a n in su r a n ce a g en t ?” “ Un t il h e died a few y ea r s a g o.” “ A n d t h ey collect ed t w en t y -fiv e t h ou sa n d dolla r s on t h eir da u g h t er , t oo? Ha v e y ou con t a ct ed t h e in su r a n ce com pa n y ?” Sh e n odded. “ Sev er a l t im es. Bu t t h ey h a v en ’t r et u r n ed m y ca lls. T h eir n u m ber is in on e of t h e folder s if y ou w a n t t o t r y a g a in .” Ry k er r ea ch ed for t h e folder s. “ T h a n k s, A n n e-Ma r ie. Ma y be I ca n g et a lea d ou t of t h is.” “ On e la st t h in g . Mr s. Gom ez fa x ed m e t h e policy on Jen n ifer . It ’s in t h a t secon d folder . I don ’t k n ow if it w ill h elp or n ot .” “ T h a n k s, A n n e-Ma r ie. Y ou did a g r ea t job. T h is is a lot m or e in for m a t ion t h a n I h a d befor e.” Sh e sm iled a n d w a v ed a s sh e h ea ded t o t h e la r g e con fer en ce r oom t o set u p m or e t eleph on es in t h er e for t ips. Ry k er pick ed u p h is ph on e a n d ca lled Bill. He n eeded t o g et a ll t h e in for m a t ion Bill h a d a bou t Jea n T er r y ’s life in su r a n ce policy . Bill h a d sa id h e h a d a feelin g t h a t t h e in su r a n ce w ou ld be im por t a n t so Ry k er w a n t ed t o g et h is t a k e on t h is in for m a t ion .
Ma y be t og et h er , t h ey cou ld fig u r e ou t w h a t t h e con n ect ion w a s bet w een t h e in su r a n ce policies a n d t h e Oct ober Killer ’s v ict im s.
RYKER HAD JUST FINISHED t a lk in g w it h Bill a n d w a s deba t in g t h e ch a n ces of ca t ch in g a n y on e in t h e offices a t Ma r k Life In su r a n ce Com pa n y on Sa t u r da y w h en h is ph on e r a n g . T h e scr een displa y ed a n u n iden t ified n u m ber . “ T h is is Det ect iv e Dela n cey ,” h e sa id. “ Det ect iv e? T h is is A lber t Moser .” “ Mr . Moser . W h a t ca n I do for y ou ?” “ I’v e fou n d som et h in g in m y da u g h t er ’s t h in g s t h a t m ig h t h elp y ou fin d t h e ba st a r d t h a t k illed h er .” Moser ’s v oice w a s u n st ea dy , a s if h e w er e ex cit ed or u pset . He w a s pr oba bly bot h . “ I t h ou g h t t h e NOPD clea n ed ou t a ll y ou r da u g h t er ’s t h in g s.” “ T h a t ’s ju st it . T h ey did. Bu t a ft er y ou a sk ed m e, I decided t o look a g a in . W h a t I fou n d isn ’t m u ch . It ’s a scr a pbook . Sh e’d h idden it beh in d t h e h ea dboa r d of h er bed. It ’s g ot n ot es a bou t h im a n d a cou ple of t h in g s t h a t m ig h t belon g t o h im . A k ey r in g . A n a pk in . Som e pict u r es. Bu t t h e big g est t h in g is t h er e’s a sk et ch . Y ou k n ow I t old y ou A u t u m n lov ed t o dr a w . T h is is a sk et ch of a m a n . It cou ld be h im —t h e scu m ba g w h o k illed h er .” Ry k er fr ow n ed. If t h e police h a d sea r ch ed A u t u m n Moser ’s bedr oom , t h ey ’d su r ely m ov ed h er fu r n it u r e. How h a d t h ey m issed som et h in g a s big a s a scr a pbook ? A t h ou g h t h it h im . W h en h e w a s in Moser ’s h ou se t h er e h a d been a scr a pbook sit t in g n ex t t o h im on a side t a ble. W h a t if Moser h a d m a n u fa ct u r ed ev iden ce, h opin g it w ou ld lea d t o h is da u g h t er ’s k iller ? “ T h a t does sou n d pr om isin g ,” h e sa id ca r efu lly . “ Ca n y ou br in g it t o t h e office? Or I ca n h a v e som ebody com e ov er a n d pick it u p.” “ I w a s h opin g y ou ’d com e, Det ect iv e. Y ou ca n see w h er e sh e h id it . T h e New Or lea n s police sh ou ldn ’t h a v e m issed it . Bu t lik e
I’v e been t ellin g ev er y body , t h ey w er en ’t t h e lea st bit in t er est ed in fin din g t h e m a n w h o k illed m y da u g h t er .” “ I ca n sen d a depu t y . He’ll t a k e ph ot og r a ph s a n d g et ev er y t h in g t o m e r ig h t a w a y .” T h er e w a s a pa u se, a n d t h en Moser ’s v oice t ook on a n a n g r y , ou t -of-con t r ol qu a lit y . “ Y ou ’r e ju st lik e t h e r est of t h em , a r en ’t y ou ? Look a t a ll t h ose ot h er w om en . How ca n t h e sh er iff’s office be w or k in g so h a r d t o fin d t h eir k iller , a n d n obody is t r y in g t o h elp m e?” “ Mr . Moser ,” Ry k er sa id, t r y in g t o k eep t h e ir r it a t ion ou t of h is v oice. “ Y ou n eed t o r ela x . I ca n pr om ise y ou w e’r e w or k in g on y ou r da u g h t er ’s ca se, t oo. W e believ e t h e sa m e m a n w h o k illed h er k illed t h ese ot h er w om en .” “ W ell, y ou ’r e w r on g ! T h is scr a pbook cou ld h a v e ev iden ce a bou t t h a t m a n . Y ou ’ll k n ow I’m r ig h t w h en y ou see it .” Moser t ook a deep br ea t h . “ Plea se. I n eed t o pu t it in y ou r h a n ds, Det ect iv e. Y ou ’r e t h e on ly per son w h o’s ev er t r ea t ed m e w it h r espect . T h e on ly on e w h o’s list en ed t o m e. Y ou ’v e g ot t o h elp m e n ow . It ’s t h e la st t h in g I ca n do for m y da u g h t er , a n d I ca n ’t do it w it h ou t y ou r h elp.” Da m n , t h e m a n k n ew h ow t o la y on t h e g u ilt . It w a s a s if h e k n ew h ow ba d Ry k er felt t h a t h e h a dn ’t been a ble t o st op t h e k iller befor e n ow . Ry k er ch eck ed h is w a t ch . He’d pla n n ed t o r u n ov er t o t h e r est a u r a n t a n y w a y , t o m a k e su r e In g r a m h a d g ot t en t h er e a n d t o see for h im self t h a t Nicole w a s a ll r ig h t . A ft er h e dr ov e u p t o Cov in g t on t o see t h e scr a pbook Moser h a d, h e cou ld h ea d sou t h t o Ma n dev ille a n d ch eck on Nicole. “ Ok a y , Mr . Moser . I’ll be t h er e in a bou t h a lf a n h ou r . How does t h a t sou n d?” “ T h a n k y ou , Det ect iv e. I t r u ly believ e t h is is g oin g t o m a k e ev er y t h in g r ig h t .” Ry k er h u n g u p a n d st ood. T h en a t h ou g h t m a de h im r ea ch for t h e folder s A n n e-Ma r ie h a d g iv en h im . W h ile h e w a s a t
Moser ’s h e cou ld a sk h im a bou t in su r a n ce policies. Ma y be h e a n d h is w ife h a d t a k en ou t a policy on t h eir da u g h t er s w h en t h ey w er e bor n . It w ou ld be on e m or e lin k in t h e ch a in t h a t pr ov ed t h ese dea t h s w er e t h e fa u lt of on e m a n —t h e Oct ober Killer . He h ea ded for h is ca r , n ot r elish in g t h e eig h t -plu s-m ile dr iv e t o Cov in g t on fr om t h e sh er iff’s office in Ch ef V oleu r . It w ou ld pu t h im t h ir t een m iles fr om t h e L’Or a g e Rest a u r a n t , a n d t h a t m ea n t pr oba bly a n h ou r befor e h e cou ld g et t h er e t o ch eck on Nicole—m or e if Moser w a s ch a t t y . St ill, t h is w a s a sm a ll t h in g t o do for t h e g r iev in g fa t h er . Besides, w h o k n ew ? Moser m ig h t be r ig h t . T h e scr a pbook cou ld be leg it im a t e. If A u t u m n Moser h a d dr a w n a lik en ess of t h e m a n sh e w a s seein g , t h e m a n h er fa t h er w a s cer t a in h a d k illed h er , t h en Ry k er w ou ld be t h a t m u ch closer t o ca t ch in g t h e k iller .
A LBERT MOSER HUNG UP h is ph on e a n d sm iled. He sa t in h is da u g h t er ’s For d Focu s, w h ich h e’d pick ed u p t h a t m or n in g fr om t h e pa r k in g g a r a g e w h er e it h a d been ev er sin ce h er dea t h , a n d w h ich w a s pa r k ed a cr oss t h e st r eet fr om t h e Ch ef V oleu r Sh er iff’s Office. He w a it ed u n t il h e sa w Dela n cey ’s w h it e BMW pu ll ou t of t h e sh er iff’s office pa r k in g lot a n d t u r n ed n or t h , t ow a r d Cov in g t on . “ T h a t t a k es ca r e of y ou , Det ect iv e,” h e m u t t er ed. “ For n ow .” He’d k n ow n by t h e t on e of t h e det ect iv e’s v oice t h a t h e w a s sk ept ica l a bou t t h e scr a pbook . T h in k in g a bou t it n ow , A lber t r ea lized h e h a dn ’t n eeded t o pu t t h e scr a pbook t og et h er a n d m a k e it look a s if it h a d been t a ped beh in d A u t u m n ’s h ea dboa r d. Ju st t ellin g Det ect iv e Dela n cey t h a t h e h a d a box of t h in g s t h e NOPD h a d r et u r n ed t o h im w ou ld h a v e su fficed. T oo la t e n ow . T h e scr a pbook w a s t h er e, sit t in g on t h e t a ble beside A lber t ’s ch a ir . It w a s t h er e beca u se A lber t h a d pu t it
t h er e t h e n ig h t befor e. If Dela n cey decided t o br ea k in t o h is h ou se w h ile h e w a sn ’t t h er e, h e’d fin d it , ju st lik e A lber t t old h im h e w ou ld. A lber t t u r n ed t h e Focu s sou t h w a r d, t ow a r d Du pr e St r eet in Ma n dev ille, w h er e L’Or a g e Rest a u r a n t w a s loca t ed. He w a s g la d h e’d k ept A u t u m n ’s ca r ser v iced a n d st or ed in t h e pa r k in g g a r a g e a ll t h is t im e. A u t u m n ’s t a g s a n d st ick er s w er e y ea r s ou t of da t e, bu t if h e dr ov e ca r efu lly a n d st u ck t o ba ck st r eet s, t h a t w a s n o pr oblem . He h a dn ’t com e t h is fa r t o let ca r elessn ess spoil h is pla n s. His fist s t ig h t en ed on t h e st eer in g w h eel. W h a t a st u pid g ir l Nicole Beck h a m w a s, g iv in g a descr ipt ion of h im t o t h e police, a n d let t in g t h em st ick it on t h e fr on t pa g e of t h e n ew spa per . T h e sk et ch h a d bot h er ed h im . It h a dn ’t r ea lly look ed lik e h im , bu t it st ill m a de h im feel con spicu ou s. A s if ev er y on e h e pa ssed w a s ch eck in g h im ou t t h in k in g , Is that the October Killer? Bu t in a n y ca se, t h is w a s t h e secon d t im e Nicole h a d seen h im . He cou ldn ’t ch a n ce h er iden t ify in g h im . He h a d t o m ov e qu ick ly , w h ile Det ect iv e Dela n cey w a s on h is w ild-g oose ch a se. It w ou ld t a k e t h e det ect iv e a t lea st t h ir t y m in u t es t o dr iv e t o A lber t ’s h ou se. A n ot h er few m in u t es t o r ea lize t h a t A lber t w a sn ’t g oin g t o a n sw er h is door . A few m or e m in u t es if h e decided t o br ea k in t o en su r e t h a t A lber t w a s a ll r ig h t , bu t A lber t k n ew h e cou ldn ’t cou n t on t h a t . Nor cou ld h e cou n t on t h e t im e it w ou ld t a k e Dela n cey t o g et ba ck t o t h e r est a u r a n t . On ce t h e det ect iv e r ea lized h e’d been du ped, h e’d ca ll a n d sen d ev er y pa t r ol ca r a v a ila ble t o t h e r est a u r a n t . He’d w a t ch ed Dela n cey a ll n ig h t , det er m in ed n ot t o let h im ou t of h is sig h t for on e secon d u n t il h e cou ld pu t h is pla n in t o m ot ion . Ea r ly t h is m or n in g Dela n cey h a d t a k en Nicole t o t h e r est a u r a n t , t h en h ea ded for t h e sh er iff’s office, w h ich w a s ex a ct ly w h a t A lber t h a d cou n t ed on . T w en t y m in u t es. T h a t w a s a ll h e n eeded. On ce h e w a s don e,
t h e la st per son w h o cou ld iden t ify h im a s t h e k iller w ou ld be g on e. He’d dr iv e t o t h e r est a u r a n t , g o in side a n d t a k e ca r e of h er a n d w h oev er else w a s t h er e, sw it ch ca r s a g a in a n d be on h is w a y h om e in less t h a n fift een m in u t es. He h a d a pr escr ipt ion r efill w a it in g a t h is ph a r m a cy in Cov in g t on . He’d pick it u p. T h a t w ou ld g iv e h im a n a libi a n d ex pla in w h y h e h a dn ’t been a t h om e w h en Dela n cey g ot t h er e. He’d r em em ber ed t h e pr escr ipt ion a t t h e la st m in u t e. He g la n ced a t h is scr a pbook sit t in g on t h e pa ssen g er sea t . “ I’m sor r y , A u t u m n . I t r ied t o g et ju st ice for y ou . If som et h in g h a ppen s—a t lea st y ou ’ll k n ow I t r ied.” He sig h ed. “ A n d so w ill y ou r sist er . Ev en if sh e ca n ’t for g iv e m e, m a y be a t lea st sh e’ll u n der st a n d w h en sh e r ea ds t h e n ot e I left for h er .” A t t h a t in st a n t , A lber t ’s cell ph on e r a n g . He n ea r ly ju m ped ou t of h is sk in , a n d a lm ost sidesw iped a ca r in t h e ot h er la n e. Pu llin g t h e ph on e fr om h is pock et , h e look ed a t t h e displa y . Chris ty. No. He cou ldn ’t t a lk t o h er . Not r ig h t n ow . He t r ied t o k eep h is ey es on t h e r oa d, bu t t h e da m n ph on e k ept r in g in g . Fin a lly , it st opped. A lber t br ea t h ed a sig h of r elief a n d w en t t o set it dow n in t h e con sole. It r a n g a g a in . Ch r ist y w a sn ’t g oin g t o st op ca llin g u n t il h e a n sw er ed. Sh e k n ew h e n ev er w en t a n y w h er e w it h ou t h is cell ph on e. Sh e’d m a de h im pr om ise h e w ou ldn ’t . If h e didn ’t a n sw er , sh e’d ca ll t h e depu t y w h o pa t r olled h is n eig h bor h ood t o ch eck on h im . A lber t pr essed t h e a n sw er k ey . “ Ch r ist y ,” h e sa id br ea t h lessly . “ Da d? W h a t ’s w r on g ? Y ou sou n d ou t of br ea t h .” “ No, I—” “ Y ou ’v e g ot t o g et m or e ex er cise. I w or r y a bou t y ou sit t in g in t h a t h ou se a ll da y ev er y da y .” “ Ch r ist y ,” h e in t er r u pt ed. “ W h a t do y ou w a n t ?”
“ I’m ba ck fr om t h e sem in a r in Ger m a n y . I w a s ju st ch eck in g t o see h ow y ou ’r e doin g . I w a s t h in k in g , if y ou don ’t feel lik e com in g u p h er e for Ch r ist m a s, m a y be I ca n g et a cou ple of da y s off a n d com e dow n t h er e. W e cou ld a t lea st g o ou t for Ch r ist m a s din n er . I g ot y ou som et h in g in Ger m a n y .” “ T h a t sou n ds g ood.” He pa u sed, t h in k in g desper a t ely . “ I ca n ’t t a lk n ow . I’v e g ot cor n br ea d in t h e ov en . It ’s bu r n in g . Let m e ca ll y ou ba ck .” “ I’m g la d y ou ’r e cook in g cor n br ea d. Bu t , Da d, a r e y ou su r e y ou ’r e ok a y ? Y ou sou n d fu n n y .” “ I’m fin e, Ch r ist y -g ir l. I’m fin e. By e.” A lber t dr opped t h e ph on e in t o t h e con sole a n d g r a bbed t h e st eer in g w h eel w it h bot h h a n ds. T h ey w er e w h it e-k n u ck led, w it h blu e v ein s cr isscr ossin g t h e r ou g h , w r in k led sk in . He m a de a r ig h t t u r n , h a r dly slow in g dow n a t a ll. He h a d t o h u r r y t o g et t o L’Or a g e in t im e. He h a d t o k ill Nicole Beck h a m . Ma y be, on ce sh e w a s dea d, Dela n cey w ou ld focu s on h is da u g h t er ’s dea t h . If h e cou ld ju st g et on e det ect iv e t o list en t o h im , t h ey ’d be a ble t o t r a ck dow n t h e m a n w h o k illed A u t u m n . He’d t ell t h em t o t a lk t o h er fr ien ds t o see if t h ey ’d m et t h e m a n , som et h in g t h e NOPD h a d fa iled t o do. T h ey ’d look ser iou sly a t t h e sk et ch sh e’d dr a w n . A lber t k n ew t h e m a n in t h a t sk et ch w a s A u t u m n ’s k iller . He ju st k n ew it .
N ICOLE LIFTED THE LID off t h e pot a n d sn iffed a t t h e ch ick en st ock sh e w a s r edu cin g . T h e a r om a m a de h er m ou t h w a t er . Sh e w a s a ct in g a s sou s ch ef for Rich a r d T esch , sin ce sh e w a sn ’t g oin g t o be h er e for t h e din n er ser v ice. Depu t y In g r a m h a d t old h er Ry k er w ou ld be pick in g h er u p a r ou n d six . St ill, it felt g r ea t t o be cook in g a n y t h in g , ev en ch ick en st ock . Sh e lik ed t h e k it ch en on Sa t u r da y m or n in g s. It w a s h er fa v or it e t im e. Sin ce t h ey w er en ’t open for lu n ch on Sa t u r da y s, sh e a n d
Job w er e t h e on ly on es t h er e in t h e m or n in g s. Rich a r d a n d t h e r est of t h e st a ff w er en ’t du e in u n t il t w o o’clock . Sh e dr ew in a deep br ea t h . T h e k it ch en w a s qu iet a n d w a r m , a n d sm elled deliciou s. Lik e h om e, or a t lea st lik e Nicole h a d a lw a y s im a g in ed h om e w ou ld sm ell. Job w a s h u m m in g a n old h y m n a n d k n ea din g a h u g e ba ll of br ea d dou g h in pr epa r a t ion for ba k in g h is sig n a t u r e h om em a de Fr en ch br ea d. A secon d bow l of dou g h w a s sit t in g on t h e t op of t h e st ov e, r isin g . T h e a r om a of y ea st a n d flou r m ix ed w it h t h e r ich sm ell of t h e ch ick en st ock t o fill t h e k it ch en . Nicole dipped t h e h ot st ock in t o a sm a ller pot , sepa r a t in g it fr om t h e ch ick en bon es a n d sk in . “ Let m e g et t h a t , Nick i,” Job sa id, w a sh in g a n d dr y in g h is h a n ds. He pu t on ov en m it t s t h en pick ed u p t h e h ea v y pot a n d lid a n d dr a in ed ou t t h e la st of t h e br ot h . “ I’ll t a k e t h ese ou t t o t h e Du m pst er . St ock sm ells r ea l g ood t oda y .” “ It does, doesn ’t it ?” Sh e sm iled a t h im . “ W h y don ’t y ou t ell Depu t y In g r a m t o com e in a n d h a v e som e lu n ch ? T h e t ea h a s st eeped en ou g h . I’m g oin g t o sw eet en it a n d pu t it in t h e r efr ig er a t or , t h en I’ll m a k e u s a ll a ch ick en sa n dw ich .” T h e depu t y w a s m a k in g h is h a lf-h ou r r ou n ds, ch eck in g a ll sides of t h e r est a u r a n t a n d t h e su r r ou n din g bu ildin g s. Nicole lik ed h im . He w a s polit e a n d qu iet a n d a ppea r ed t o be v er y g ood a t h is job. Job pu sh ed open t h e h ea v y door t h a t led fr om t h e k it ch en ou t in t o t h e a lley w h er e t h e g a r ba g e Du m pst er w a s. Nicole set t h e sm a ller st ock pot ba ck on t h e g a s a n d t u r n ed it t o h ig h . It t ook a cou ple of h ou r s on h ig h h ea t t o r edu ce t h e st ock t o t h e con sist en cy sh e lik ed. Sh e g r a bbed t h e t en -pou n d ba g of su g a r a n d t u r n ed ba ck t ow a r d t h e isla n d, w h er e a la r g e ju g of t ea sa t . Ou t side, sh e h ea r d Job’s m u ffled v oice, a n d t h e depu t y ’s a n sw er .
T h en sh e h ea r d sev er a l pops. Sh e ju m ped a n d dr opped t h e ba g of su g a r . W h it e cr y st a ls slid w it h a w h ish in g sou n d a cr oss t h e da r k r ed t ile. Sh e w a t ch ed in a st r a n g e pa n ick ed da ze a s t h ey bou n ced a n d spa r k led. T h en ca m e a n ot h er pop, differ en t in pit ch . Oh , n o! Sh e k n ew t h a t sou n d! Guns hots . Som eon e w a s sh oot in g . “ Job!” sh e cr ied. Sh e st a r ed a t t h e ba ck door , w illin g h im t o pu ll it open a n d w a lk in , follow ed by In g r a m . Ma y be sh e w a s ju st ju m py . Ma y be t h e pops h a d been a ca r w it h ba d spa r k plu g s or ba d v a lv es or som et h in g . Sh e t ook a n ot h er st ep. Mor e pops sou n ded, deeper , lou der , closer t o t h e door . T h en a h a r sh cr y . Dea r God! T h a t w a s Job’s v oice. T h ey w ere g u n sh ot s a n d h e w as h u rt. “ Job!” sh e scr ea m ed. A g a in , h er fir st in st in ct w a s t o r u n t o t h e k it ch en door a n d flin g it open t o ch eck on Job a n d In g r a m . Bu t som et h in g — Ry k er ’s w a r n in g s a bou t pr eca u t ion s, a s w ell a s h er ow n in st in ct for self-pr eser v a t ion —k ept h er r oot ed in pla ce. If t h e k iller w a s ou t t h er e, if h e’d sh ot Job a n d t h e depu t y , w h a t cou ld sh e do, ex cept g et h er self k illed? I need to help Job, sh e object ed. Ry k er ’s w or ds r ev er ber a t ed in h er h ea d. Exercis e reas onable precautions . Bu t t h a t w a s t o k eep h er fr om g et t in g h u r t . He h a dn ’t t old h er w h a t t o do if som eon e else w er e h u r t on h er a ccou n t . A ll a t on ce a differ en t sou n d r ev er ber a t ed ou t side t h e door . Foots teps , crunching on pavem ent. Let it be Job, sh e pr a y ed. Pleas e, let him be ok ay! Bu t w h a t if it w a sn ’t ? A s sh e w a t ch ed, t h e door sw u n g open , bu t n obody a ppea r ed.
Sh e look ed a r ou n d. T h e pa n t r y w a s r ig h t beside t h e ex t er ior door . No esca pe t h a t w a y . T h e sw in g in g door s t h a t led ou t in t o t h e din in g r oom w er e on t h e ot h er side of t h e r oom , a r ou n d t h e big g r a n it e-t opped isla n d. Sh e’d n ev er m a k e it . A n d t h er e w a s n ot h in g beh in d h er bu t t h e in du st r ia l-size r efr ig er a t or . Sh e m ea su r ed t h e dist a n ce t o t h e din in g r oom w it h h er ey es. Ma y be sh e could m a k e it if sh e cou ld sk ir t t h e big isla n d t h a t st ood bet w een h er a n d t h e sw in g in g door s fa st en ou g h . Bu t t h a t w a s a lon g w a y , a n d sh e’d be ex posed if w h oev er w a s ou t t h er e sh oot in g ca m e in side. A t t h a t v er y in st a n t a da r k fig u r e st epped t h r ou g h t h e door in t o t h e k it ch en . Ha v in g n ow h er e else t o g o, sh e du ck ed beh in d t h e big st a in less-st eel st ov e, pu t t in g it s bu lk bet w een h er a n d th e m an. It w a s h im . T h e m a n w h o’d t r ied t o k ill h er on t h e Riv er Roa d. He h a d on t h ose r idicu lou sly big , t h ick g la sses a n d t h a t bla ck h ooded sw ea t sh ir t . Bu t t h is t im e t h e h ood didn ’t sh a dow h is fa ce. T h is t im e h is h ea d w a s ba r e. His h a ir w a s g r a y a n d t h in on t op, sh e obser v ed a im lessly a s h e lift ed h is a r m a n d poin t ed t h e g u n a t h er a n d pu lled t h e t r ig g er . Sh e felt a lit t le sw ish of a ir close t o h er ch eek a s sh e du ck ed. Sh e cr ied ou t a t t h e sa m e t im e a s t h e r epor t r a n g ou t — m u ch lou der t h a n a pop. A secon d sh ot r a n g ou t , t h en t h e m a n cu r sed. Sh e h ea r d h is sh oe soles cr u n ch in g in t h e su g a r . He w a s h ea ded st r a ig h t for h er . A n d t h er e w a s on ly a bou t t h ir t y feet fr om t h e door t o t h e st ov e. Nicole cr ou ch ed dow n a n d dou bled h er fist s, pr a y in g t h a t a bu llet w ou ldn ’t h it h er .
T HE
FARTHER
RYKER
DROVE,
t h e m or e w or r ied h e g ot . He r ea lly
n eeded t o k n ow t h a t In g r a m w a s t h er e a n d t h a t ev er y t h in g w a s a ll r ig h t . He dia led t h e n u m ber In g r a m h a d ca lled h im on . No a n sw er . Da m n it , h e sh ou ld h a v e v er ified w it h In g r a m t h a t t h e n u m ber w a s h is cell n u m ber . He look ed a t h is w a t ch . “ Scr ew it ,” h e m u t t er ed, sw in g in g left in t o a dr iv ew a y a n d t u r n in g a r ou n d. “ Moser ca n w a it . Nic ca n ’t .” He cou ldn ’t ju st ify dr iv in g a ll t h e w a y ou t t o Cov in g t on u n t il h e’d v er ified t h a t Nic w a s ok a y . A s h e sped t ow a r d L’Or a g e h e t r ied t h e office r ecept ion ist , bu t of cou r se t h e lin e w en t st r a ig h t t o v oice m a il. A ll t h ose t ips a n d pa n ick ed ca lls a bou t t h e ser ia l k iller . “ W e a r e ex per ien cin g a n in cr ea sed n u m ber of ca lls a t t h e cu r r en t —” He cu t t h e con n ect ion , t h en t r ied Dispa t ch . Sa m e t h in g . So h e dia led Mik e’s cell n u m ber . Mik e a n sw er ed on t h e secon d r in g . “ W h a t ?” “ Mik e. W h a t ’s In g r a m ’s cell n u m ber ?” “ Ry k er , w h a t t h e h ell?” “ I ca n ’t g et t h r ou g h , a n d h e’s n ot a n sw er in g , if t h e n u m ber I h a v e is h is cell.” Mik e t old h im t o h a n g on for a secon d. He ca m e ba ck w it h t h e n u m ber . “ Da m n it , t h a t is h is cell n u m ber . Som et h in g ’s w r on g . Mik e, sen d ba ck u p t o L’Or a g e Rest a u r a n t , 1 0 1 Du pr ee St r eet , in Ma n dev ille. Now !” “ Y ou g ot it .” Ry k er st u ck h is cell ph on e in h is ja ck et pock et a n d t u r n ed h is blu e lig h t s on . He g r ipped t h e w h eel w it h bot h h a n ds a n d h it t h e g a s. He m a de it t o t h e r est a u r a n t in elev en m in u t es. A lig h t blu e For d Focu s w a s pa r k ed ca r elessly n ea r t h e en t r a n ce t o t h e a lley t h a t r a n beh in d t h e r est a u r a n t . He pu lled in r ig h t beh in d t h e
lit t le ca r a n d t h r ew h is BMW in t o Pa r k w it h ou t bot h er in g t o cu t t h e en g in e. T h en h e ju m ped ou t a n d dr ew h is w ea pon . T h e fir st t h in g h e sa w w h en h e r ou n ded t h e r ea r of t h e Focu s w a s In g r a m , cr u m pled on t h e g r ou n d. Fea r st ole h is br ea t h . T h e k iller w a s h er e. He n eeded a n a m bu la n ce. He pu lled ou t h is cell ph on e a s h e sca n n ed t h e a lley , let t in g h is g u n ’s ba r r el follow h is g a ze. Closer t o t h e k it ch en door , h e sa w a m a ss of w h it e, m ov in g slow ly . God, no. Not Job! Mik e’s g r u ff v oice ca m e on t h e lin e. “ Mik e,” Ry k er sn a pped. “ T w o m en dow n . On e a n officer . Sen d a bu s w it h t h e ba ck u p. Hu r r y !” He pock et ed h is cell ph on e a n d k n elt a n d t ou ch ed In g r a m ’s n eck . T h e depu t y didn ’t m ov e, bu t h is sk in felt w a r m . He w a s a liv e—m a y be. “ Ba ck u p’s com in g . Ha n g in t h er e,” Ry k er w h isper ed a s h e h ea ded t ow a r d Job. He cou ldn ’t a ffor d t o w a it t o see if In g r a m r espon ded. He h a d t o g et t o Job. A n d Nicole! Job la y on h is side, h is r ig h t h a n d flu n g ou t . T h e 9 m m sem ia u t om a t ic la y a few in ch es a w a y fr om h is fin g er s. A h u g e r ed blossom of blood st a in ed t h e fr on t of h is a pr on , bu t ev en t h ou g h h e w a s w ou n ded, Job w a s in ch in g slow ly t ow a r d t h e door . He w a s t r y in g t o g et t o h is g u n . “ Job!” Ry k er ca lled soft ly , st oopin g t o ch eck on h im . A g u n sh ot fr om in side t h e k it ch en st opped h im . Nicole! Job g r u n t ed a n d pu sh ed h im self a n in ch fa r t h er . “ Job,” h e sa id, h is br ea t h w h oosh in g ou t . “ It ’s ok a y . Ba ck u p’s com in g . Hold on , m a n .” “ Nick i,” Job w h isper ed. “ I k n ow . I’m g oin g in a ft er h er .” Ry k er st epped ov er t o t h e door a n d set h is sh ou lder a g a in st it , r ea dy t o pu sh it open . “ Let h er be ok a y ,” h e w h isper ed.
Chapter Thirteen Nicole cr in g ed a s a bu llet r icoch et ed off t h e st a in less-st eel edg e of t h e ov en ’s door . Sh e h a d n o t im e left . T h e k iller w a s a lm ost on t op of h er . Fea r a r r ow ed t h r ou g h h er , sh a r pen in g h er sen se of h ea r in g a n d sm ell t o su per -pow er s. T h e sou n d of t h e k iller ’s sh oes cr u n ch in g on t h e su g a r seem ed dea fen in g . Her n ost r ils bu r n ed a n d h er st om a ch t u r n ed a t t h e ov er w h elm in g st en ch of h ot ch ick en st ock m ix ed w it h t h e fa in t odor of g a s com in g fr om t h e bu r n in g ey e. Ju st t h en a sh a dow a ppea r ed on t h e t ile floor beside h er . T h e sh a dow of a n a r m h oldin g a g u n . T h is w a s it . Sh e w a s g oin g t o die, cr ou ch in g in t h e cor n er lik e a cow a r d. No. Sh e w ou ld not die lik e t h is. Not w it h ou t a fig h t . Ry k er h a d t old h er sh e w a s br a v e. He’d sa id h e w a s im pr essed. He’d be so disa ppoin t ed in h er if sh e didn ’t t r y t o defen d h er self. Bu t —h a dn ’t h e a lso sa id t h er e w a s n o w a y sh e cou ld pr ot ect h er self a g a in st a k iller ? Sh e w a s su r e h e w a s r ig h t . Bu t sh e h a d t o t r y . Sh e t ook a deep br ea t h , t r y in g t o dr a w in cou r a g e. T h e pu n g en t scen t of ch ick en br ot h sh a r pen ed h er sen ses. A n idea sla m m ed in t o h er br a in in t h e fr a ct ion of a secon d it t ook for t h e k iller t o t a k e a n ot h er st ep a n d a im dow n a t h er . W it h ou t h a v in g a n y h ope t h a t h er su dden br a in st or m w ou ld w or k , sh e r ose, scr ea m in g , “ No!” a n d sh ov ed a t t h e h ot st ock pot w it h h er ba r e h a n ds. T h e pot t u m bled, spla sh in g sca ldin g -h ot ch ick en st ock ev er y w h er e. T h e m a n scr eech ed. T h e g u n w en t off. Nicole w in ced a t t h e sou n d a n d u sed a ll h er en er g y t o div e pa st h im t ow a r d t h e isla n d. Sh e felt a ja r r in g im pa ct a n d a sh a r p
bu r n in g sen sa t ion in h er side. A bu llet ? Ha d sh e been sh ot ? A s h er body spa sm ed w it h pa in , sh e fell sh or t of t h e isla n d a n d h er h ea d sla m m ed a g a in st som et h in g h a r d. St a r s bu r st befor e h er ey es. T h e la st t h in g sh e h ea r d w a s a belov ed fa m ilia r v oice y ell ou t , “ Fr eeze, y ou son of a bit ch !”
T HE MESS ON THE KITCHEN floor w a s t r ea ch er ou s, bu t a lt h ou g h Ry k er slipped, h e r eg a in ed h is foot in g im m edia t ely , u n lik e t h e k iller , w h o w a s pr ost r a t e, r ollin g in h ot liqu id w it h st ea m r isin g fr om h is clot h es. Ry k er g r a bbed a h a n dfu l of t h e m a n ’s sw ea t sh ir t , w h ich w a s soa k ed w it h w h a t sm elled lik e ch ick en sou p, a n d pu sh ed t h e ba r r el of h is g u n in t o t h e ba ck of t h e h is n eck . He pu t h is w eig h t on on e k n ee r ig h t in t h e m iddle of t h e m a n ’s ba ck . “ Sh u t u p!” h e y elled. “ On secon d t h ou g h t , don ’t . I’d lov e t o sh oot y ou r ig h t h er e for r esist in g a r r est .” “ I’m bu r n in g u p! Sh e bu r n ed m e!” t h e m a n scr ea m ed. Ry k er bu r ied t h e n ose of t h e g u n in t h e m a n ’s flesh . “ Ok a y , ok a y ! Don ’t sh oot !” “ Giv e m e y ou r h a n ds,” Ry k er or der ed h im . T h e m a n t r ied, bu t h e cou ldn ’t m ov e w it h Ry k er ’s k n ee pr essed in t o h is ba ck . “ Nic?” Ry k er ca lled ou t , bu t sh e didn ’t r espon d. His h ea r t w a s r a cin g so fa st a lr ea dy t h a t h e didn ’t t h in k it cou ld g o a n y fa st er , bu t t h e om in ou s silen ce sen t it in t o ov er dr iv e. He felt a s if h e cou ldn ’t br ea t h e. A t t h a t in st a n t , h e h ea r d sir en s. Back up. Hurry, dam n it! I’ve got to check on Nicole. Foot st eps cr u n ch ed on pa v em en t a n d t h e door sla m m ed open . “ Dela n cey ?” It w a s T ed Da g ew ood. T h e v oice g r a t ed on Ry k er ’s ea r s, bu t h e w a s h a ppy t o h ea r it .
“ Ry k er !” It w a s Bill, r u n n in g in a r ou n d beh in d Da g ew ood. Bill t a pped h im on t h e sh ou lder . “ I g ot h im .” Ry k er r ose a n d st epped ba ck . Bill dr a g g ed t h e m a n t o h is feet a n d sh ov ed h im fa cedow n on t h e k it ch en cou n t er . Da g ew ood pu lled ou t h a n dcu ffs, g r ou sin g . “ Da m n , t h is pla ce st in k s t o h oly h ell.” Ry k er h ea r d m or e foot st eps. A qu ick g la n ce t h r ou g h t h e open door t old h im t h e EMT s h a d a r r iv ed. He sa w on e ben din g ov er Job. A s Bill a n d Da g ew ood m a r ch ed t h e k iller ou t t h e door , Ry k er sca n n ed t h e k it ch en . “ Nic!” h e sh ou t ed. “ W h er e a r e y ou ?” T h en h e sa w h er . Sh e w a s ly in g ju st a r ou n d t h e en d cor n er of t h e isla n d. Her pa le, st ill fa ce t er r ified h im . He ben t ov er t o t ou ch h er n eck , t o ch eck a n d see if sh e w a s a liv e. Bu t h is h a n d h esit a t ed ju st a bov e h er sk in . W h a t if sh e w a sn ’t ? W h a t w ou ld h e do? His fin g er s beg a n t o sh a k e. T h en h er ey elid t w it ch ed. Ry k er ’s h ea r t t u r n ed com plet ely u pside dow n in h is ch est a n d spa sm ed in r elief. It h u r t . God, did it h u r t . Bu t h e r elish ed t h e pa in . She w as alive. He t ou ch ed h er , felt h er w a r m sk in a g a in st h is fin g er t ips, a n d h is v ision g r ew h a zy . “ Ry k er ?” sh e w h isper ed w it h ou t open in g h er ey es. “ Is t h a t y ou ?” He ben t h is h ea d a n d t ou ch ed h is lips t o h er t em ple. “ Y ea h , h on ,” h e r a sped. He h a d t o clea r h is t h r oa t . “ It ’s m e.” Sh e squ in t ed a n d m oa n ed. “ My h ea d h u r t s. A n d m y h a n ds. A n d m y —m y side.” “ St a y st ill. T h e EMT s a r e h er e.” “ No, w a it . W h er e’s Job?” sh e w h isper ed. “ A n d Depu t y In g r a m ?” “ Ex cu se m e, sir ,” a v oice sa id fr om beh in d Ry k er . “ I n eed t o
g et t o h er .” Nicole’s h a n d r ea ch ed ou t for h im . Ry k er t ook it . “ Don ’t w or r y . I’m n ot g oin g a n y w h er e,” h e w h isper ed t o h er . T h en h e st ood a n d let t h e EMT do h is job. He st ill cou ldn ’t see w or t h cr a p. He r u bbed a t h is ey es a n d w a s su r pr ised w h en h is k n u ck les ca m e a w a y da m p. He g la n ced a r ou n d a t t h e k it ch en . T h e floor w a s cov er ed w it h su g a r a n d ch ick en br ot h . T h e sm ell w a s ov er w h elm in g a t best . Sick en in g a t w or st . W h a t t h e h ell h a d h a ppen ed h er e? A n d w h y h a d Job a n d In g r a m been ou t side, lea v in g Nicole a lon e in t h e k it ch en ? He sh ook h is h ea d. It w ou ld t a k e a w h ile befor e ev er y t h in g w a s sor t ed ou t . His g a ze spot t ed som et h in g on t h e floor , pu sh ed u p n ex t t o t h e foot of t h e isla n d. He ben t dow n a n d r et r iev ed a pa ir of g la sses, t h ick len ses w it h h ea v y fr a m es. Ju st lik e Nicole h a d descr ibed. The k iller’s . Her e w a s on e t h in g h e cou ld fin d ou t r ig h t n ow . T h e iden t it y of t h e Oct ober Killer . “ Nic, I’ll be r ig h t ba ck ,” h e pr om ised, t h en t u r n ed a n d h ea ded ou t side, w h er e Bill a n d Da g ew ood w er e pu t t in g t h e su spect in t o t h e ba ck of a squ a d ca r . Ry k er st r ode ov er t o t h e v eh icle. Da g ew ood t u r n ed t ow a r d h im . “ Y ou r g ir l a ll r ig h t ?” h e a sk ed. Ry k er n odded, a lit t le su r pr ised a t t h e con cer n in t h e m a n ’s v oice. Not lik e t h e Da g ew ood h e k n ew . “ I h ope so.” He g est u r ed t ow a r d t h e ca r . “ W h o is h e?” T h e det ect iv e sh ook h is h ea d. “ No idea . He’s n ot t a lk in g . T h e EMT s sa y w e’v e g ot t o t a k e h im t o t h e h ospit a l. He’s g ot bu r n s fr om t h a t ch ick en br ot h . His h a n ds a n d fa ce a r e a lr ea dy poppin g ou t w it h blist er s.” Bill h a d ju st closed t h e ca r door w h en Ry k er st epped ov er t o it . He pu lled t h e door open a g a in a n d lea n ed dow n t o look in side.
T h e m a n ’s fa ce w a s dist or t ed by t h e blist er s of secon d-deg r ee bu r n s, bu t Ry k er st ill r ecog n ized h im , ev en w it h ou t h is g la sses. “ A lber t Moser ,” h e br ea t h ed, h is t h r oa t closin g in sh ock . A lber t Moser ’s pa le blu e ey es st a r ed a t Ry k er seem in g ly w it h ou t r ecog n it ion . His r a w , blist er ed fa ce w a s bla n k . “ Moser , w h a t t h e h ell? Did y ou k ill a ll t h ose g ir ls? Don ’t t ell m e y ou k illed y ou r ow n da u g h t er ?” Moser ju st k ept st a r in g a t h im for a m om en t , t h en look ed a w a y . Ry k er t ossed t h e g la sses in t o t h e fa r sea t . He spok e t o t h e depu t y a t t h e w h eel. “ T h ose a r e h is g la sses.” He st r a ig h t en ed a n d closed t h e ca r door , t h en r a pped on t h e r oof t o in dica t e t o t h e dr iv er t h a t h e cou ld g o. Bill ey ed h im . “ Y ou ok a y ?” Ry k er didn ’t feel ok a y . T h e sh ock of seein g Moser sit t in g t h er e h a d dr a in ed t h e la st of h is en er g y . “ I’m n ot su r e. Do y ou k n ow w h o t h a t is?” Bill sh ook h is h ea d. “ T h a t ’s t h e fa t h er of t h e g ir l w h o w a s m u r der ed in New Or lea n s. A lber t Moser .” “ T h e on e w h o k ept ca llin g ? Beg g in g u s t o fin d h is da u g h t er ’s k iller ? T h a t doesn ’t m a k e sen se.” “ No, it doesn ’t .” “ So w h a t t h e h ell does t h a t m ea n ?” Bill a sk ed. “ Is h e t h e Oct ober Killer ?” “ Hell if I k n ow . I’m a s con fu sed a s y ou a r e. Mor e. I t a lk ed t o t h e m a n . Sa t in h is liv in g r oom . T old h im I’d do ev er y t h in g I cou ld t o br in g h is da u g h t er ’s k iller t o ju st ice.” Bill m et Ry k er ’s g a ze. He look ed a s st u n n ed a s Ry k er felt . “ He sh ot In g r a m a n d t h e r est a u r a n t ow n er ? He t r ied t o k ill Nicole? W h y ?” Ry k er cou ldn ’t do a n y t h in g bu t sh a k e h is h ea d. “ Y ou r g u ess is a s g ood a s m in e. A s soon a s h e’s don e a t t h e h ospit a l, let ’s g et h im in a n d t a lk t o h im . Oh , a n d ca n y ou g et a w a r r a n t t o sea r ch
h is h ou se? He ca lled m e ea r lier t o t ell m e h e h a d a scr a pbook t h a t belon g ed t o h is da u g h t er . Now I ca n see t h a t it w a s pr oba bly a lie, t o lu r e m e a s fa r a w a y fr om Nicole a s h e cou ld, bu t w e n eed t o sea r ch ev er y t h in g . Hou se, ca r , ev er y t h in g .” “ Det ect iv e Da g ew ood?” A u n ifor m ed depu t y w a lk ed u p. “ T h a t blu e For d Focu s ov er t h er e? It ’s g ot ex pir ed t a g s. I m ea n y ea r s ex pir ed. I r a n t h em a n d t h ey belon g ed t o a n A u t u m n Ly n n Moser .” Ry k er st epped ov er . “ T h a t ’s A lber t Moser in t h e police ca r t h a t ’s pu llin g ou t . T h e Focu s m u st h a v e been h is da u g h t er ’s ca r .” Da g ew ood n odded. “ Get it t ow ed t o t h e pou n d,” h e or der ed t h e depu t y , t h en t u r n ed t o Bill. “ In clu de t h a t v eh icle in t h e w a r r a n t , w ou ld y ou ?” “ Det ect iv e?” t h e depu t y con t in u ed. “ T h er e’s som et h in g in t h e fr on t sea t . A big book of som e k in d. Lik e a n a lbu m .” “ Lea v e it a lon e u n t il w e g et t h e w a r r a n t ,” Da g ew ood t old h im . “ Ju st g et it t ow ed. A n d don ’t let a n y t h in g h a ppen t o t h a t book .” Bill cla pped Ry k er on t h e sh ou lder . “ Y ou ok a y ?” Ry k er sh r u g g ed. “ It ’s g oin g t o t a k e a w h ile t o sor t a ll t h is ou t . W h a t ’s t h e w or d on In g r a m a n d Job?” “ T h ey ’r e bot h h ea ded t o t h e h ospit a l. I t h in k Job’s ok a y . T h e bu llet w a s a t h r ou g h -a n d-t h r ou g h . His r ig h t sh ou lder . In g r a m — I don ’t k n ow . T h a t cow a r d sn ea k ed u p on h im a n d sh ot h im in t h e ba ck .” “ Da m n . W h er e a r e t h ey t a k in g t h em ? T o St . T a m m a n y ?” Bill n odded. “ St . T a m m a n y Reg ion a l Medica l Cen t er . W h y don ’t y ou g o ch eck on Nicole? I’ll t a k e ca r e of t h in g s h er e. W e ca n t a lk on ce y ou k n ow sh e’s ok a y .” Ry k er open ed h is m ou t h t o pr ot est . It w a s h is ca se. He sh ou ld be t a k in g ch a r g e of ev er y t h in g . Bu t a t t h a t m om en t , h e h ea r d t h e k it ch en door open a n d sa w a n EMT w a lk in g Nicole ou t .
Nicole h a d w h it e g a u ze cov er in g bot h h a n ds a n d a sm a ll st r ip ba n da g e on h er for eh ea d. Ry k er m et t h em h a lfw a y u p t h e a lley . “ How is sh e?” h e a sk ed t h e EMT . “ Doin g fin e. Her h a n ds a r e bu r n ed, ju st fir st deg r ee, bu t t h ey ’ll be pa in fu l for a few da y s. A n d sh e’ll h a v e a n a st y br u ise on h er h ea d a n d h er side w h er e w e t h in k t h e st ock pot h it h er , bu t sh e’s fin e. Sh e’s g oin g t o n eed som e h elp for a da y or t w o, t h ou g h .” Ry k er look ed a t Nicole, w h ose fa ce w a s st ill pa le. “ No pr oblem . I’ll t a k e ca r e of h er .” “ W h er e’s Job?” Nicole a sk ed. “ Nobody w ill t ell m e a n y t h in g .” Her ey es br im m ed ov er w it h t ea r s. “ I h ea r d t h e g u n sh ot s. He’s been sh ot , h a sn ’t h e?” “ Hey , Nic. List en t o m e.” Ry k er pu t h is h a n ds g en t ly on h er sh ou lder s. “ Job’s g on e t o t h e h ospit a l, a lon g w it h Depu t y In g r a m . Job w a s sh ot in t h e sh ou lder , bu t h e’s doin g ok a y . In g r a m isn ’t in a s g ood a sh a pe a s Job, bu t t h e doct or s a r e t a k in g g ood ca r e of h im .” He look ed a t t h e EMT . “ A r e y ou t a k in g h er t o t h e h ospit a l?” W h en t h e EMT sh ook h is h ea d, Ry k er con t in u ed. “ W h a t do I n eed t o do a bou t h er h a n ds?” T h e y ou n g m a n sh ook h is h ea d. “ W e iced t h em for a few m in u t es. Ju st k eep t h em clea n a n d ba n da g ed. I’v e g iv en h er a t r a n qu ilizer , a n d t h e ph y sicia n on ca ll w ill ca ll a pr escr ipt ion for a pa in k iller in t o h er ph a r m a cy . Do y ou k n ow w h er e it is?” “ Nic? Y ou r dr u g st or e?” Sh e sh ook h er h ea d. “ I don ’t —” Ry k er t ook ou t a bu sin ess ca r d a n d scr ibbled t h e ph on e n u m ber of a ph a r m a cy n ea r h is h ou se. He h a n ded it t o t h e EMT . “ Ha v e t h em ca ll it in t h er e.” “ I ca n t a k e a sh ow er , ca n ’t I?” Nicole a sk ed t h e EMT . “ Y ou cou ld, bu t it ’s n ot g oin g t o feel g ood on t h ose h a n ds.” He
look ed a t h er , t h en a t Ry k er , t h en ba ck a t h er . “ Y ou cou ld—a sk som eon e t o h elp y ou clea n u p.” “ I t old y ou , I’ll t a k e ca r e of h er .” Nicole’s fa ce t u r n ed pin k . “ Com e on , Nic, let ’s g o. I’m t a k in g y ou h om e a n d pu t t in g y ou t o bed.” “ I w a n t t o g o see Job—a n d Depu t y In g r a m .” Ry k er sh ook t h e EMT ’s h a n d a n d t h a n k ed h im , t h en h e led Nicole pa st t h e a m bu la n ce a n d t h e blu e Focu s t o h is ca r . He open ed t h e pa ssen g er door a n d h elped h er in side, t h en r ea ch ed a r ou n d a n d fa st en ed h er sea t belt for h er . “ Ry k er ? W a s t h a t h im ? T h e Oct ober Killer ? W h o is h e?” Her v oice fa ded. “ I’ll t ell y ou a ll a bou t it la t er , ok a y ?” “ Ok a y ,” sh e sa id dr ow sily . He k issed h er on t h e for eh ea d, n ea r t h e ba n da g e. Her sk in w a s w a r m . Sh e look ed u p a t h im a s h e pu lled a w a y . Her ey es w er e dila t ed, a n d t h e lids w er e h ea v y . T h e t r a n qu ilizer h a d k ick ed in . He closed t h e pa ssen g er door a n d g ot in on t h e dr iv er ’s side a n d st a r t ed t h e en g in e. “ Ry k er ?” “ Close y ou r ey es, Nic. Rest .” “ A r e w e g oin g t o…?” Her v oice fa ded. “ W e’r e g oin g h om e, h on . I’m t a k in g y ou h om e.”
RYKER GOT N ICOLE t o h is h ou se a n d ba t h ed a n d in t o bed, t h en h e r a n ou t t o t h e dr u g st or e on t h e n ex t block t o pick u p h er pr escr ipt ion . W h en h e g ot ba ck a n d br ou g h t t h e t a blet s a n d a g la ss of w a t er in t o t h e bedr oom , sh e w a s a sleep. For a few m om en t s h e st ood t h er e, st a r in g dow n a t h er . He’d h a d a h ell of a t im e g et t in g a ll t h e ch ick en br ot h a n d su g a r off h er . He’d m a de h er sit on t h e t oilet sea t so h e cou ld u n dr ess h er a n d w a sh t h e st ick y , sm elly g oop off. Sh e’d pr ot est ed, bu t it
h a dn ’t t a k en h er lon g t o a g r ee t h a t sh e cou ldn ’t do it h er self a n d sh e w ou ldn ’t sleep a w in k cov er ed w it h t h e st ick y m ess. So sh e’d sa t st ill w h ile h e r em ov ed h er blou se a n d ca r efu lly w a sh ed h er fa ce, n eck a r m s a n d t or so w it h a soft t er r y w a sh clot h a n d w a r m w a t er . Sh e’d en du r ed h is m in ist r a t ion s. T h a t w a s t h e best spin h e cou ld pu t on it . Sh e’d closed h er ey es w h en h e’d st a r t ed ba t h in g h er ch est a n d ba ck a n d belly . W h en h e’d t old h er t o st a n d so h e cou ld t a k e off h er pa n t s a n d w a sh h er leg s a n d feet , sh e’d obey ed, a ct in g lik e a doom ed pr ison er . T ou ch in g h er , m in ist er in g t o h er , h a d h im h a r d a n d g r oa n in g t o h im self in n o t im e, bu t h er sa d, ex h a u st ed dem ea n or qu ick ly t u r n ed h is lu st in t o con cer n . Cou ld sh e ju st be dr ow sy fr om t h e t r a n qu ilizer ? He’d lik e t o believ e t h a t , bu t h e w a s pr et t y su r e t h er e w a s m or e t o it t h a n th at. He’d fin a lly g ot t en h er r ea son a bly clea n a n d h elped h er pu t on on e of h is u n der sh ir t s. T h en h e’d led h er fr om t h e ba t h r oom in t o t h e bedr oom a n d h elped h er in t o bed. Now a s h e w a t ch ed h er , a ll t h e h or r or of fin din g h er in t h a t k it ch en a t t h e m er cy of t h e Oct ober Killer ca m e ba ck t o h im in spa des. “ I a m so sor r y , Nic. I didn ’t t a k e ca r e of y ou .” Sh e m u r m u r ed som et h in g , t h en sig h ed qu iet ly a n d h er br ea t h in g ev en ed ou t . Sh e w a s sou n d a sleep. A s h e ben t dow n t o k iss h er for eh ea d, h e h ea r d t h e u n m ist a k a ble r in g of h is cell ph on e ou t in t h e liv in g r oom . He slipped ou t t h e door a n d pu lled it sh u t , t h en a n sw er ed t h e ph on e. It w a s Bill. “ How ’s Nicole?” “ Sh e’s a sleep. W h a t h a v e y ou g ot ?” “ Bet w een t h e EMT s a n d t h e cr im e scen e a n a ly st s, w e’v e g ot a pr et t y g ood pict u r e of w h a t h a ppen ed. Moser m u st h a v e eit h er been a t t h e r est a u r a n t a lr ea dy w h en h e ca lled y ou , or h e w a s
w a t ch in g t h e sh er iff’s office t o be su r e y ou h ea ded t ow a r d Cov in g t on . Fr om t h e w a y h e pa r k ed t h e Focu s, it w a s pr et t y obv iou s h e’d pla n n ed t o g o in t h e k it ch en door . Bu t I t h in k seein g In g r a m su r pr ised h im . In g r a m h a d h is ba ck t o t h e st r eet , ch eck in g t h e a lley w h en Moser sh ot h im .” “ Da m n ,” Ry k er sa id. “ In t h e ba ck .” “ Y ea h .” Bill w en t on . “ Job t old u s h e’d com e ou t t o g et In g r a m t o g o in side a n d h a v e a sa n dw ich . W h en h e h ea r d t h e sh ot , h e dr ew h is g u n bu t Moser m a n a g ed t o sh oot h im in t h e sh ou lder befor e h e cou ld g et a sh ot off.” “ A n d h e left bot h of t h em t o die in t h a t a lley in t h eir ow n blood.” Ry k er pu sh ed h is fin g er s t h r ou g h h is h a ir . “ I don ’t k n ow , Bill. I g u ess h e fooled m e com plet ely . I ca n ’t pict u r e h im a s a cold-blooded k iller .” “ Y ou n ev er k n ow w h a t people a r e ca pa ble of,” Bill a g r eed. “ So h e w en t st r a ig h t in side t o fin d Nicole?” “ Y ep. Nicole h a d du ck ed beh in d t h e st ov e t o h ide.” Ry k er a llow ed h im self a g r im sm ile. “ Good for h er . W h er e did a ll t h a t su g a r com e fr om ?” “ Fr om w h a t sh e t old t h e EMT , sh e’d been a bou t t o sw eet en a ju g of t ea , a n d dr opped t h e ba g w h en sh e h ea r d t h e sh ot s. Sh e h id beh in d t h e st ov e, w h ich w a s big en ou g h t o sh ield h er u n t il Moser g ot close. T h en sh e sh ov ed t h e pot a t h im . Bu r n ed t h e cr a p ou t of h im . T h e EMT sa id t h e pot m u st h a v e bou n ced off Moser a n d h it h er in t h e side a s sh e div ed for cov er .” Ry k er ’s ey es pr ick ed w it h em ot ion . Sh e’d sa v ed h er self. Sh e’d don e w h a t sh e’d t old h im sh e cou ld do ev er sin ce h e’d fir st spok en t o h er . Sh e’d t a k en ca r e of h er self. He clea r ed h is t h r oa t . “ A r e t h ey g oin g t o r elea se Moser fr om t h e h ospit a l?” “ Y ea h . I t h in k w e’ll be a ble t o g et h im in for qu est ion in g w it h in t h e n ex t h ou r . Y ou g oin g t o be a ble t o m a k e it ? I ca n h a n dle it if—”
“ I’ll m a k e it . See y ou t h er e.” Ry k er h u n g u p a n d r u bbed h is ey es. He w en t ba ck in t o t h e bedr oom t o ch eck on Nicole. Sh e w a s st ill a sleep. He t ou ch ed a st r a n d of h er h a ir , pu sh in g it a w a y fr om h er fa ce. “ Y ou didn ’t n eed m e a ft er a ll, did y ou ?” h e w h isper ed. “ I g u ess k eepin g a h ot pot of ch ick en br ot h on t h e st ov e cou ld qu a lify a s reas onable precautions .” He ben t ov er a n d pr essed a k iss t o h er ch eek . “ I lov e y ou , Nic. I k n ow y ou don ’t t r u st m e. I k n ow y ou t h in k w e’r e t oo differ en t . Bu t I sw ea r —” He st opped, h is h ea r t in h is t h r oa t . Sh e’d m ov ed. Holdin g h is br ea t h , h e w a t ch ed h er st ir , h ea r d h er m u r m u r som et h in g , t h en w in ce, a s if sh e w a s in pa in . He t h ou g h t sh e’d sa id h is n a m e. “ It ’s ok a y , Nic. Y ou ’r e h om e. Y ou ’r e sa fe.” Sh e m a de a lit t le n oise in h er t h r oa t , t h en set t led dow n a n d h er br ea t h in g ev en ed ou t . He h a dn ’t m ea n t t o w a k e h er . Su r ely sh e h a dn ’t h ea r d h im . His h ea r t in h is t h r oa t , h e st a r t ed t o ba ck ou t of t h e r oom , a n d t h en t h ou g h t a bou t clea n clot h es. If h e w a s g oin g t o in t er r og a t e Moser , h e n eeded t o sh ow er a n d ch a n g e. He h ea ded in t o t h e ba t h r oom a n d spla sh ed cold w a t er on h is fa ce. He look ed a t h im self in t h e m ir r or for a secon d. He n eeded a sh a v e a n d h is ey es w er e r ed—beca u se h e k ept r u bbin g t h em . Not beca u se h e’d been close t o cr y in g . He t ook a qu ick sh ow er a n d sh a v ed. A ft er h e dr essed, ba ck in t h e liv in g r oom , h e g r a bbed h is cell ph on e a n d dia led h is br ot h er . “ I h ea r d a bou t t h e sh oot in g , old m a n . A r e y ou a ll r ig h t ? W h a t h a ppen ed?” “ I’m fin e. Nicole’s g ot bu r n s on h er h a n ds. Ju st fir st deg r ee, bu t t h ey ’r e g oin g t o be pa in fu l. Sh e’s a sleep n ow , h er e a t m y h ou se. I’v e g ot a t h ou sa n d t h in g s t o do a n d I don ’t w a n t t o lea v e h er a lon e. W ou ld y ou —?”
“ Y ou r t im in g su ck s.” Reilly sig h ed. “ Ok a y , let m e ca ll a n d t ell Jen t h a t I ca n ’t do din n er t on ig h t .” “ I t h ou g h t y ou sa id y ou didn ’t da t e.” “ I don ’t . It ’s for da m n su r e t h a t Jen w on ’t g o ou t w it h m e a g a in a ft er I st a n d h er u p.” “ Reilly —” “ No w or r ies, Ry k er . I’m on m y w a y .”
A N HOUR LATER , Ry k er w a s sit t in g a cr oss fr om A lber t Moser in a n in t er r og a t ion r oom a t t h e sh er iff’s office in Ch ef V oleu r . Un der h is folded h a n ds w a s a scr a pbook . T h e fir st h a lf of it con t a in ed pict u r es of a y ou n g h a ppy fa m ily —h u sba n d, w ife a n d t w o da u g h t er s. T h e pa g es w er e filled w it h pict u r es of t h e g ir ls a t ev er y a g e, fr om in fa n cy t o a du lt h ood. Bot h of t h em w er e bea u t ifu l. T h e secon d h a lf of t h e book con t a in ed en ou g h ev iden ce t o pu t A lber t Moser in pr ison for t h e r est of h is life. “ If y ou don ’t t a lk t o m e, A lber t , I’m g oin g t o h a v e t o a ssu m e t h a t y ou n ot on ly k illed t h ese lov ely y ou n g w om en , bu t y ou k illed y ou r da u g h t er , t oo.” Moser look ed a t Ry k er w it h u n disg u ised a g on y in h is ey es. Ry k er w a s cer t a in h e h a dn ’t k illed h is ow n da u g h t er . Bu t n ot h in g else h a d w or k ed t o g et Moser t a lk in g . So h e’d r esor t ed t o ba it in g h im w it h t h e a ccu sa t ion t h a t h e’d k illed A u t u m n . “ List en t o m e, A lber t . I ca n ’t beg in t o u n der st a n d t h e pa in y ou m u st be g oin g t h r ou g h . I lost m y older sist er sev er a l y ea r s a g o, bu t a s ba d a s t h a t w a s, I’m su r e it ’s n ot m u ch com pa r ed t o losin g a ch ild. I’v e seen w h a t ’s in t h is scr a pbook . Y ou h a d t w o bea u t ifu l da u g h t er s, a n d som eon e t ook on e of t h em a w a y fr om y ou .” Moser w a s look in g a t h is h a n ds. He didn ’t r ea ct t o Ry k er ’s w or ds.
“ A ll t h e w om en y ou w en t a ft er w er e ba bies y ou ’d w r it t en life in su r a n ce policies for , w er en ’t t h ey ? T h a t ’s h ow y ou fou n d t h em . How y ou ch ose t h em . Y ou k n ew w h en t h ey w er e bor n beca u se y ou h a d t h eir in su r a n ce policies.” Ry k er t ook a deep br ea t h . He w a s pu llin g ou t a ll t h e st ops. “ It ’s a ll r ig h t h er e in y ou r scr a pbook . T h e policies. T h e n ew spa per clippin g s a bou t t h e m u r der s. W h y ’d y ou do it , A lber t ? T o cov er u p y ou r m u r der of y ou r da u g h t er ? Y ou w r ot e a policy on h er , t oo, didn ’t y ou ? T w en t y -fiv e t h ou sa n d dolla r s. T h a t ’s a lot of m on ey . A n d it ’s n ot lik e A u t u m n w a s a g ood g ir l. Not lik e y ou r older da u g h t er , Ch r ist m a s. A u t u m n didn ’t deser v e t h a t m on ey , did sh e? Y ou k n ew sh e’d on ly u se it t o bu y dr u g s—” Su dden ly , A lber t Moser spr a n g u p ou t of h is ch a ir a n d lu n g ed a t Ry k er . He didn ’t g et v er y fa r , beca u se h is h a n ds w er e cu ffed, a n d Ry k er ea sily sidest epped h im . “ Y ou ’r e w r on g ! Y ou ba st a r d, y ou ’r e w r on g !” Moser colla psed on t h e sca r r ed w ooden t a ble, sobbin g . T w o u n ifor m ed depu t ies a ppea r ed a t t h e door , bu t Ry k er w a v ed t h em a w a y w it h a sh a k e of h is h ea d. He g la n ced a t t h e t w o-w a y m ir r or a n d h eld u p h is h a n d, pa lm ou t , h opin g Mik e a n d w h oev er else w a s w a t ch in g w ou ld g et h is m essa g e. He ju st n eeded a lit t le m or e t im e. A lber t Moser w a s a bou t t o br ea k . Ry k er w en t a r ou n d t h e t a ble a n d h elped Moser ba ck in t o h is ch a ir . T h en h e sa t dow n a g a in . “ T ell m e h ow I’m w r on g , A lber t . A ll I h a v e t o g o by is t h is scr a pbook . I see t h e in su r a n ce policies, t h e n ew spa per clippin g s. W h a t I don ’t see is a n y t h in g t h a t sh ow s m e t h a t y ou r da u g h t er is a n y differ en t t h a n t h e g ir ls y ou k illed.” “ I lov ed m y A u t u m n . I’d h a v e don e a n y t h in g for h er ,” Moser sa id br ok en ly . “ Sh e w a s m y ba by . Bu t a ft er h er m ot h er died, sh e g ot a lit t le w ild. Sh e g ot m ix ed u p w it h som e low life—som e
m a r r ied m a n . That’s w h o k illed h er . If I cou ld h a v e g ot m y h a n ds on h im , I’d h a v e bea t h im t o dea t h . I’d h a v e m a de h im su ffer befor e h e died.” “ Bu t y ou k illed Da isy How a r d a n d Jen n ifer Gom ez a n d Bella Pot t in g er a n d Jea n T er r y in st ea d. W h a t did t h ey do—t h a t t h ey deser v ed t o die? Y ou k n ow , ea ch on e of t h em w a s som ebody ’s ba by , t oo.” Moser sh ook h is h ea d ba ck a n d for t h , ba ck a n d for t h . “ I k n ow . It h u r t m e—so ba d. Bu t I h a d t o g et t h e police’s a t t en t ion . Police don ’t ca r e a n y t h in g a bou t g ir ls w h o g et k illed w a lk in g a r ou n d in da n g er ou s a lley s la t e a t n ig h t . T h ey fig u r e t h ose g ir ls g et w h a t t h ey deser v e.” He st opped sh a k in g h is h ea d a n d look ed a t Ry k er . “ T h a t ’s w h a t t h e det ect iv e t old m e. He sa id m y da u g h t er , m y g ir l, sh ou ldn ’t h a v e been ou t t h er e. Sa id I sh ou ld h a v e t a k en bet t er ca r e of h er .” Ry k er g r im a ced. Sa m h u r st sh ou ldn ’t h a v e sa id t h a t . “ He w a s w r on g . I k n ow . Y ou t r ied y ou r best t o t a k e ca r e of y ou r da u g h t er s, didn ’t y ou , a ft er y ou r w ife died. So w h y did y ou k ill t h ose ot h er g ir ls? W a s it t o g et t h e police’s a t t en t ion ?” “ Su r e. I fig u r ed if w om en k ept dy in g on t h e sa m e da y ev er y y ea r , t h e police w ou ld t a k e n ot ice. T h ey ’d look ba ck a t ot h er ca ses, a n d t h ey ’d fin d A u t u m n ’s ca se a n d r eopen it . T h en t h ey ’d fin d t h e m a n w h o m u r der ed h er .” Ry k er h a d ex pect ed som et h in g lik e w h a t Moser w a s t ellin g h im , bu t h e w a s st ill st u n n ed. Moser h a d t h ou g h t t h a t h e cou ld g et h is da u g h t er ’s ca se r eopen ed by r epea t in g t h e m u r der . He’d k illed a w om a n ea ch Oct ober , on or n ea r h is da u g h t er ’s bir t h da y —t h e da y sh e’d died. Ry k er r u bbed a pla ce in t h e cen t er of h is for eh ea d t h a t w a s h u r t in g , t h en st u died Moser . How h a d t h e m a n m a de t h e lea p fr om g et t in g h is da u g h t er ’s ca se r eopen ed t o k illin g w om en w it h sim ila r bir t h da y s? “ Bu t , A lber t , A u t u m n w a s k illed in New Or lea n s. W ou ldn ’t it
h a v e m a de m or e sen se t o focu s t h er e?” Moser sh ook h is h ea d. “ I w ou ld h a v e, if I’d h a d da t a on y ou n g w om en t h er e. I on ly sold a cou ple of policies in New Or lea n s. Most of m y clien t s, especia lly for t h e ba bies, w er e in St . T a m m a n y Pa r ish . Bu t A u t u m n liv ed h er e, r ig h t h er e in Cov in g t on . T h e St . T a m m a n y sh er iff sh ou ld h a v e a v en g ed h er dea t h .” “ A lber t . I w a n t y ou t o ca lm dow n . I’ll be ba ck in a m in u t e. I’m g oin g t o g et y ou som e w a t er .” Ry k er ex it ed t h e r oom a n d n odded a t on e of t h e depu t ies. “ St a y in t h er e u n t il I g et ba ck .” He open ed t h e door t o t h e v iew in g r oom a n d st epped in side. Mik e a n d Bill Cr en sh a w a n d Da g ew ood w er e t h er e. “ W h a t do y ou t h in k ?” h e a sk ed t h em . “ He’s cr a zy a s a loon ,” Da g ew ood sa id im m edia t ely . “ If h e k illed h is ow n da u g h t er —” “ Y ou r ea lly t h in k h e did? I don ’t ,” Ry k er r espon ded. “ Bill?” Bill Cr en sh a w sh ook h is h ea d. “ Ha r d t o sa y . I’m in clin ed t o t h in k h e’s n ot cr a zy , bu t w h a t h e did w a s su r e a cr a zy st u n t . Ha r d t o im a g in e w h y h e’d t h in k k illin g w om en in St . T a m m a n y w ou ld m a k e t h e NOPD sit u p a n d t a k e n ot ice a bou t ju st a n ot h er m u g g in g .” “ Ry k er , book h im . Let t h e la w y er s sor t it ou t ,” Mik e sa id a r ou n d t h e t oot h pick h e w a s ch ew in g . “ Y ou ’r e h oldin g t h e da m n in g ev iden ce r ig h t t h er e in y ou r h a n d. He’s obv iou sly t h e Oct ober Killer .” Ry k er r a n h is fin g er s t h r ou g h h is h a ir , lea v in g it spik ed. He look ed a t Mik e a n d Bill a n d Da g ew ood in t u r n . “ I don ’t lik e it . W e’r e g oin g t o pu t h im a w a y for t h e r est of h is life, a n d h e st ill doesn ’t k n ow w h o k illed h is da u g h t er . I feel lik e som eh ow w e’r e let t in g h im dow n .” “ Let t in g dow n a m u r der er ? Da m n , Dela n cey , y ou ’r e m or e of a w u ss t h a n I t h ou g h t y ou w er e.” Da g ew ood’s v oice ca r r ied a n u n m ist a k a ble n ot e of disda in .
Ry k er g la n ced a t Bill a n d Mik e. T h ey w er e m or e polit e, bu t fr om t h e ex pr ession s on t h eir fa ces, t h ey t h ou g h t t h e sa m e t h in g . Ry k er sig h ed. He h a d a lot t o do befor e h e cou ld g o h om e, in clu din g t h e difficu lt t a sk of ca llin g A lber t Moser ’s ot h er da u g h t er a n d t ellin g h er w h a t h er fa t h er h a d don e.
Chapter Fourteen Nicole w ok e u p t h in k in g a bou t h om e. Sh e la y t h er e for a few secon ds, t r y in g t o fig u r e ou t w h y sh e w a s t h in k in g a bou t som et h in g sh e’d r ea lly n ev er h a d. We’re going hom e. Y ou’re hom e. W h o in h er dr ea m s w ou ld be sa y in g t h in g s lik e t h a t ? Ryk er? W a s it h is v oice sh e’d im a g in ed t ellin g h er t h a t ev er y t h in g w a s ok a y ? T h a t t h ey w er e g oin g h om e? Sh e m ov ed t o pu sh h er self u pr ig h t in bed, a n d h er pa lm s a n d fin g er s bu r n ed. “ Ow ,” sh e m u t t er ed a n d look ed a t t h em . T h ey w er e cov er ed in sn ow -w h it e g a u ze. Sh e st a r ed a t t h em bla n k ly . T h e bedr oom door , w h ich w a s cr a ck ed, pu sh ed open . “ Hey , Nicole. Y ou a ll r ig h t ?” a v a g u ely fa m ilia r v oice sa id. Ryk er? “ My h a n ds h u r t . W h a t h a p—?” Sh e g a sped. “ Oh , I r em em ber . Job! How ’s Job? A n d t h a t Depu t y In g r a m ? Did y ou ch eck on t h em for m e?” Sh e squ in t ed a t t h e silh ou et t e in t h e door w a y a s h e spr ea d h is h a n ds. “ Sor r y t o disa ppoin t y ou , bu t I’m n ot Ry k er ,” h e sa id g en t ly . “ I’m Reilly .” Sh e st a r ed a t t h e fa m ilia r ch iseled fea t u r es t h a t w er e v a g u ely ou t lin ed in t h e pa le lig h t t h a t ca m e fr om beh in d h im . “ Not —?” Sh e g a ped a t h im . “ Y ou ’r e w h o? I don ’t u n der st a n d—” “ I’m Ry k er ’s t w in br ot h er , Reilly .” “ T w -t w in ? Y ou ’r e t w in s?” “ Y ea h . Iden t ica l. Sor r y a bou t t h e sca r e. Ry k er didn ’t t h in k y ou ’d w a k e u p. Ca n I g et y ou som et h in g ?” “ Iden t ica l? T w in s?” Nicole w a s cer t a in sh e w a s st ill dr ea m in g . “ Ry k er t old m e h e h a d br ot h er s, bu t h e didn ’t m en t ion a t w in .” Nicole sa w Ry k er ’s t w in br ot h er ’s silh ou et t ed ja w t en se a n d
h is body st iffen . Sh e look ed m or e closely . “ I cou ld t u r n on t h e lig h t if y ou lik e.” Sh e n odded. He r ea ch ed for t h e sw it ch a n d t h e r oom w a s flooded w it h lig h t . Sh e fou n d h er self st a r in g a t a h u m a n bein g t h a t w a s a s m u ch lik e t h e m a n sh e k n ew a s a n y t h in g on ea r t h cou ld be. A n iden t ica l t w in . Of cou r se t h er e w er e som e differ en ces. Reilly ’s h a ir w a s lon g er . A n d h e w a sn ’t qu it e a s h ea v y a s Ry k er . “ T h is is t oo w eir d,” sh e w h isper ed. Reilly la u g h ed. “ W e g et t h a t a lot . Do y ou n eed som et h in g ? Som e w a t er ?” Sh e sh ook h er h ea d. “ W h er e did Ry k er g o?” “ He h a d t o in t er r og a t e Moser .” “ Moser ? T h e m a n w h ose da u g h t er w a s k illed? W h y ?” Ry k er ’s t w in br ot h er m ov ed a lit t le fa r t h er in t o t h e r oom . “ He’s t h e on e w h o a t t a ck ed y ou , Nicole. A n d h e h a d a scr a pbook filled w it h n ew spa per clippin g s of t h e ot h er dea t h s. I’m n ot su r e, bu t I im a g in e t h ey ’r e g oin g t o book h im for m u r der .” “ Mu r der ? T h a t ca n ’t be r ig h t . His ow n da u g h t er w a s k illed. T h a t doesn ’t m a k e sen se.” “ Nope. It doesn ’t . Bu t h e sh ot y ou r fr ien d Job a n d Det ect iv e In g r a m , a n d t r ied t o k ill y ou . Don ’t w or r y . Ry k er ’ll g et t h e t r u t h ou t of h im .” Nicole sh u dder ed. “ W h en ’s Ry k er g et t in g ba ck ?” “ I don ’t k n ow . He m ig h t st a y a ll n ig h t if h e’s close t o br ea k in g Moser .” Sh e w in ced a t Reilly ’s w or ds. Break ing Mos er. It sou n ded so cr u el. “ Hey , y ou n eed t o g et ba ck in bed. Ry k er t old m e t o g iv e y ou a pa in k iller if y ou w ok e u p. Y ou w er e a sleep w h en h e g ot ba ck fr om t h e ph a r m a cy w it h t h em . He sa id t h ey w er e on t h e bedside t a ble h er e.” Reilly w a lk ed ov er t o t h e t a ble a n d pick ed u p t h e pla st ic v ia l. “ On e ev er y six h ou r s a s n eeded.”
He st a r t ed t o open t h e v ia l. “ No,” Nicole sa id sh a r ply . “ I don ’t w a n t a pa in pill. It ’ll m a k e m e g r og g y .” “ T h a t ’s w h a t it ’s su pposed t o do. Y ou ’r e su pposed t o be sleepin g a s m u ch a s possible, so y ou r h a n ds ca n h ea l.” Sh e look ed a t h er h a n ds a g a in . “ T h e ch ick en st ock ,” sh e w h isper ed, w in cin g . “ It w a s r ea lly h ot .” T h e pot h a d bu r n ed h er h a n ds. T h ey h u r t . “ I h ea r d h ow y ou ov er pow er ed Moser w it h h ot ch ick en sou p.” Reilly g r in n ed. Nicole didn ’t feel m u ch lik e la u g h in g . “ Now h ow a bou t t a k in g y ou r m edicin e?” “ No.” Sh e sh ook h er h ea d. “ I’m fin e. T h e EMT s g a v e m e a t r a n qu ilizer . T h a t ’s a lr ea dy m a de m e sleepy .” Reilly pa u sed a n d g a v e Nicole t h e on ce-ov er . “ Ok a y , if y ou ’r e su r e. I’ll bet y ou r h a n ds a r e h u r t in g , t h ou g h .” “ Not h in g I ca n ’t h a n dle.” Reilly n odded, a s if h e’d ex pect ed n o less fr om h er . He sa t dow n in a ch a ir n ea r t h e bed. “ So w h a t a r e y ou r pla n s? I m ea n n ow t h a t t h e t h r ea t is ov er .” Nicole’s h ea r t squ eezed. Sh e h a dn ’t ev en a sk ed h er self t h a t qu est ion . W h a t w a s sh e g oin g t o do? Fir st of a ll, t r y t o fig u r e ou t h ow t o liv e w it h ou t Ry k er Dela n cey . Ry k er didn ’t k n ow it , bu t sh e felt a s if sh e’d k n ow n h im for a y ea r . Ev er sin ce h e’d st a r t ed com in g t o t h e r est a u r a n t sev er a l n ig h t s a w eek . It h a d ir r it a t ed h er a t fir st . Seein g h im t h er e in t h e r est a u r a n t n ig h t a ft er n ig h t k ept t h e m em or y of t h e k iller ’s foiled a t t a ck u pper m ost in h er m in d. Bu t it h a dn ’t t a k en h er lon g t o r ea lize t h a t sh e’d n ev er felt so sa fe in h er life. W h a t w ou ld it feel lik e t o h a v e a ll h is pr ot ect iv e, r espon sible qu a lit ies, plu s h is lov e, for ev er ? So w on der fu l it didn ’t bea r t h in k in g a bou t .
Sh e r ea lized w h a t sh e h a d t o do. It w ou ld br ea k h er h ea r t , bu t n ot a s ba dly a s w a it in g for Ry k er t o t ell h er . “ Hey ,” Reilly sa id. “ A r e y ou a ll r ig h t ? Y ou look lik e y ou ’r e a bou t t o cr y . I t h in k y ou sh ou ld t a k e on e of t h ose pills.” Nicole sh ook h er h ea d. “ My pla n s? I n eed t o g o h om e—” Her t h r oa t closed on t h e w or d hom e. Sh e clea r ed h er t h r oa t . “ Ba ck t o m y a pa r t m en t . W ill y ou t a k e m e?” Reilly st ood a n d h eld ou t bot h h a n ds, pa lm u p. “ No. No w a y . I’m n ot in cu r r in g t h e W r a t h of Ry k er . He t old m e t o st a y h er e w it h y ou , a n d t h a t ’s w h a t I’m g oin g t o do.” Sh e fr ow n ed a t h im . “ Y ou a lw a y s do ev er y t h in g y ou r t w in br ot h er t ells y ou t o?” A spa r k lit Reilly ’s ey es t h a t r em in ded h er so m u ch of Ry k er h er h ea r t squ eezed pa in fu lly in h er ch est . “ Not a lw a y s.” “ If y ou w on ’t t a k e m e I’ll ca ll a ca b.” Reilly a r ch ed a br ow a t h er . “ Y ou g on n a g o lik e t h a t ?” Her ch eek s bla zed. “ No.” Sh e h a d t o t h in k for a secon d. T h e t r a n qu ilizer h a d don e a pr et t y g ood job. “ No. He’s g ot a sw ea t sh ir t I ca n w ea r . It ’ll look lik e a m in i-dr ess. A w eir d on e, bu t it ’ll cov er m e.” “ List en , Nicole. I’m ju st t h e ba by sit t er h er e. W h y don ’t y ou lie dow n for a lit t le lon g er a n d w e’ll t a lk a bou t t h is w h en y ou ’r e feelin g bet t er ?” T h er e w a s n ot h in g Nicole w a n t ed t o do m or e t h a n g o ba ck t o sleep. Sh e w a n t ed t o r eca pt u r e t h e dr ea m in w h ich Ry k er h a d pr om ised h er t h a t t h ey w er e g oin g h om e. Bu t t h a t w a sn ’t g oin g t o h a ppen . Sh e a n d h e h a d h a d t h e hom e discu ssion . T h ey w er e t oo differ en t . Her life h a d been on e con t in u ou s dow n w a r d spir a l u n t il sh e’d st opped it by t a k in g con t r ol of h er dest in y . Sh e w ou ld n ev er h a v e t h e k in d of h om e a n d fa m ily Ry k er h a d, bu t sh e cou ld m a k e a h om e for h er self. It w ou ld be sm a ll a n d in ex pen siv e, bu t it w ou ld be h er s. A n d a s lon g a s sh e cou ld t a k e ca r e of h er self,
n obody w ou ld be a ble t o t a k e it a w a y fr om h er . “ No,” sh e sa id fir m ly . “ I’m g oin g hom e.” Sh e t h r ew ba ck t h e cov er s a n d st ood u p in t h e flim sy u n der sh ir t Ry k er h a d g iv en h er t o sleep in . Reilly t ook on e look a t h er a n d h is ch eek s fla m ed. “ Ok a y , I’m —I’v e, I’ll ju st w a it in t h e liv in g r oom . W h en y ou ’r e r ea dy I’ll t a k e y ou t o y ou r a pa r t m en t .” He left t h e r oom m u t t er in g , “ Ry k er ’s g oin g t o k ill m e.” Nicole sm iled a sa d lit t le sm ile a s sh e look ed a r ou n d t h e bedr oom for Ry k er ’s sw ea t sh ir t . Spot t in g it dr a ped a cr oss t h e t op of a dr esser , sh e qu ick ly don n ed it a n d look ed for h er sh oes. St eppin g in t o t h e ba t h r oom , sh e ch eck ed h er h a ir . It w a s a m ess, bu t t h er e w a s n ot h in g sh e cou ld do a bou t it w it h h er h a n ds ba n da g ed. Look in g fr om t h e m ir r or t o h er h a n ds, sh e m a de u p h er m in d. T h e EMT h a d sa id t h e bu r n s on h er h a n ds w er e fir st deg r ee. W h ich m ea n t t h ey ’d be r ed a n d t h ey ’d h u r t , bu t t h ey w er e n ot g oin g t o blist er a n d t h ey w er en ’t g oin g t o sca r . Sh e cou ld u se t h em , ca r efu lly . Sh e peeled off t h e g a u ze a n d look ed a t h er pa lm s a n d fin g er s. Red—defin it ely . Ra t h er br ig h t . Sh e st u ck h er t on g u e t o t h e pa d of h er t h u m b. Burned. Gin g er ly , sh e pick ed u p Ry k er ’s com b a n d pu sh ed it ca r efu lly t h r ou g h h er h a ir , g r it t in g h er t eet h a t t h e bu r n in g of h er fin g er s. Good en ou g h . T h en sh e st epped ou t in t o t h e liv in g r oom . “ I’m r ea dy .” Reilly t u r n ed a r ou n d a n d st a r ed a t h er a s if sh e w er e a n a ssa ssin . “ I ca n ’t ch a n g e y ou r m in d?” Sh e ju st st ood t h er e. “ Not ev en if I t ell y ou Ry k er w ill sk in m e a liv e?” “ Sor r y .” “ W h a t a bou t if I t ell y ou w h a t a com plet e idiot h e is? My st u bbor n , clu eless br ot h er is h ea d ov er h eels for y ou . Ser iou sly .
He’s a lw a y s da t ed a r ou n d. I’m n ot su r e h e’s ev er h a d a r ea l ser iou s r ela t ion sh ip. Bu t t h is pa st y ea r —” Reilly sh ook h is h ea d. “ A ll I ca n sa y is, h e’s n ev er a ct ed lik e t h is befor e—ev er .” “ Lik e w h a t ?” Nicole h a dn ’t m ea n t t o a sk , bu t t h e w or ds h a d com e ou t befor e sh e cou ld st op t h em . Sh e didn ’t w a n t t o let Reilly g et h er h opes u p. “ Lik e a m a n in lov e. Obsessed. T h is pa st y ea r h e’s t a k en it a s h is per son a l m ission t o k eep y ou sa fe. I k n ow for a fa ct h e h a sn ’t been ou t on a da t e in a t lea st a y ea r . Ma y be lon g er . Ev er y t im e I t a lk ed t o h im , h e w a s a t y ou r r est a u r a n t , g oin g t o it or com in g ba ck fr om it .” Reilly g a v e h er a sea r ch in g look . “ My opin ion ? If y ou ’r e n ot h er e w h en h e g et s h om e, h e’ll be dev a st a t ed.” “Devas tated? Ryk er?” Nicole la u g h ed a n d sh ook h er h ea d. T h a t did it . He’d g on e t oo fa r . Em bellish ed t oo m u ch . So sh e k n ew h e w a s ly in g . Ry k er Dela n cey didn ’t lov e h er . T o h im , sh e w a s a m ea n s t o a n en d. Beca u se of h er , h e’d ca u g h t h is k iller . His job w a s don e. A n d t h er efor e, so w a s h er s.
IT WAS AFTER MIDNIGHT w h en Ry k er g ot h om e. He w a s r ea dy t o h it t h e sa ck , bu t h e w a n t ed t o ch eck on Nicole fir st . Pa r t of h im h oped sh e’d t a k en a pa in pill a n d g on e t o sleep, bu t pa r t of h im w a n t ed t o g a t h er h er in h is a r m s a n d t ell h er —w h a t ? He h a d n o idea w h a t h e w ou ld sa y . A ll h e k n ew w a s w h en h e’d en t er ed t h e k it ch en a n d h a dn ’t seen h er , h e’d been t er r ified t h a t t h e Oct ober Killer h a d sh ot h er . In t h a t m om en t , h e’d k n ow n t h a t life w it h ou t h er w ou ldn ’t be w or t h liv in g . “ Hey , k id,” h e g r eet ed h is t w in , w h o w a s st r et ch ed ou t on h is cou ch . “ How ’s Nicole?” Reilly sa t u p y a w n in g . “ Sh e’s fin e.” Ry k er h ea ded a cr oss t h e r oom . “ Sh e’s a sleep, I h ope.” “ I g u ess,” Reilly sa id.
Ry k er t u r n ed a t t h e t on e in h is v oice. Reilly h a d g ot t en u p fr om t h e cou ch a n d w a s r ea ch in g for h is lea t h er ja ck et . “ W h a t do y ou m ea n y ou g u ess?” He pu sh ed t h e bedr oom door open a n d sa w t h e em pt y bed. He g la n ced t ow a r d t h e ba t h r oom , bu t t h e door w a s open a n d t h e lig h t s w er e ou t . He w h ir led. “ W h er e t h e h ell is Nic?” “ I t ook h er t o h er a pa r t m en t ,” Reilly sa id ev en ly a s h e pu lled h is ca r k ey s ou t of h is ja ck et pock et . “ Y ou w h a t ?” Ry k er r oa r ed a t h is t w in br ot h er . “ W h a t t h e h ell’s t h e m a t t er w it h y ou ? Sh e’s in n o sh a pe t o t a k e ca r e of h er self. I ca n ’t t r u st y ou t o do a da m n t h in g .” Reilly fr ow n ed, bu t h e st ood h is g r ou n d. “ Sh e w a n t ed t o g o ba ck t o h er a pa r t m en t . Y ou didn ’t t ell m e I w a s g u a r din g a pr ison er . I t h ou g h t I w a s h er e t o k eep a n ey e on a v ict im of a cr im e.” He sh r u g g ed. “ Sh e a sk ed m e t o t a k e h er , a n d I did.” Ry k er a dv a n ced, fist s dou bled a t h is sides. “ Y ou let h er bu lly y ou , didn ’t y ou ? I sh ou ld h a v e k n ow n . A r en t -a -cop cou ld h a v e don e a bet t er job.” Ry k er pu sh ed h is fin g er s t h r ou g h h is h a ir . “ Get ou t of m y w a y . I’m g oin g a ft er h er .” Reilly didn ’t m ov e fr om in fr on t of t h e door . “ Y ou ’d bet t er list en t o m e, old m a n . I’m on ly g oin g t o t ell y ou t h is on ce. Y ou ’r e a n idiot . I’m w a r n in g y ou , y ou ’d bet t er be ca r efu l w it h h er . Sh e’s n ot a t r oph y , som et h in g y ou ca n ju st t a k e beca u se y ou w a n t it , lik e ca pt a in of t h e foot ba ll t ea m or a det ect iv e posit ion w it h t h e sh er iff’s office. Sh e’s a liv in g , br ea t h in g a n d, by t h e w a y , bea u t ifu l h u m a n bein g , w it h a m in d of h er ow n .” Reilly open ed t h e door , t h en t u r n ed ba ck . “ A n d if y ou h a d a lick of sen se, y ou ’d r ea lize—” “ W h a t ?” Ry k er st epped closer a n d g ot in h is br ot h er ’s fa ce. He clen ch ed h is fist s a t h is side. “ I’d r ea lize w h a t ?” “ T h a t y ou ’r e a bou t t o let y ou r st u bbor n n eed t o con t r ol ev er y t h in g a n d ev er y body lose y ou t h e best t h in g t h a t ev er h a ppen ed t o y ou .” Reilly h ea ded dow n t h e st eps a n d ou t t o h is
ca r , lea v in g Ry k er st a n din g t h er e. Ry k er st epped ou t side a n d st a r t ed t o sla m t h e door . He’d g o g et Nicole a n d br in g h er ba ck h er e. Sh e’d be bet t er off h er e. W ou ldn ’t sh e? Da m n Reilly , h e t h ou g h t a s h is br ot h er st a r t ed h is Ca m a r o a n d pu lled a w a y fr om t h e cu r b. W h y h a d sh e left ? He’d t old h er h e’d t a k e ca r e of h er . He’d g u a r ded h er a n d pr ot ect ed h er . W h a t m or e cou ld sh e w a n t ? For som e r ea son t h e w or d forever w h isper ed t h r ou g h h is m in d.
N ICOLE WENT BACK t o t h e r est a u r a n t t h r ee da y s la t er . Her h a n ds st ill h u r t bu t t h ey w er e m u ch bet t er , a n d sh e w a s g oin g cr a zy in h er a pa r t m en t . Sh e w a s su r pr ised t o fin d Job t h er e. His r ig h t a r m w a s in a slin g , bu t it didn ’t slow h im dow n a bit . Rich a r d w a s pla n n in g t h e m en u a n d Job w a s ex pla in in g t o a k it ch en st a ff per son h ow t o pr oper ly k n ea d br ea d dou g h . W h en Job sa w h er h e g r in n ed a n d h u g g ed h er w it h on e a r m . Sh e h u g g ed h im ba ck a n d t old h im h ow sor r y sh e w a s t h a t sh e’d g ot t en h im m ix ed u p in h er pr oblem . Job ju st sh ook h is h ea d a n d h u g g ed h er t ig h t ly a g a in . “ I’m ju st g la d y ou ’r e ba ck . Y ou su r e y ou ca n m a k e it t h e w h ole ev en in g ? How ’r e y ou r h a n ds?” h e a sk ed. “ T h ey ’r e sor e, bu t I’ll be fin e. I’ll lea v e ea r ly if I h a v e t oo m u ch t r ou ble.” Job’s t h ick br ow s dr ew dow n . “ I don ’t w a n t y ou t o be h u r t in g , bu t if y ou t h in k y ou cou ld st a y a t lea st u n t il eig h t o’clock , I’d be m ost a ppr ecia t iv e.” Nicole n odded, a lt h ou g h sh e t h ou g h t h is r equ est on h er fir st da y ba ck w a s odd. Usu a lly Job ben t ov er ba ck w a r d t o k eep h er fr om w or k in g t oo m u ch . “ T h in k y ou ca n m a k e t h e t ea ?” “ A bsolu t ely ,” sh e r eplied.
T HAT EVENING, on e of t h e w a it er s ca m e in t o t h e k it ch en w it h a pa n ick ed look on h is fa ce. “ Nicole, t h er e’s a m a n ou t t h er e dem a n din g t o see t h e ch ef.” Nicole g la n ced a t Rich a r d. “ Som eon e w a n t in g t o com plim en t y ou , Rich a r d.” Rich a r d ju st sm iled a t h er bla n dly . “ No, n o, m a ’a m ,” t h e y ou n g w a it er sa id. “ He w a n t s t o see w h oev er m a de t h e desser t s. He’s fu r iou s.” Job ch u ck led a n d Rich a r d sn iffed. “ Su r e a m g la d y ou m a de t h e desser t s t on ig h t , Nicole.” “ I w a s ca r efu l,” sh e sa id. “ Gr a n t ed I m a de a ll cold desser t s so I w ou ldn ’t h a v e t o g et n ea r t h e st ov e w it h t h ese h a n ds, bu t I k n ow t h ey w er e g ood. I t a st ed t h em .” “ I ca n ’t g o ba ck ou t t h er e,” t h e w a it er w h in ed. “ Not u n less—” “ It ’s ok a y , T im . I’m g oin g .” Nicole ca r efu lly dr ied h er h a n ds on h er dish t ow el a n d st r a ig h t en ed h er sh ou lder s. W h en sh e pu sh ed t h r ou g h t h e sw in g in g door in t o t h e din in g r oom , sh e sa w a bou t a dozen pa t r on s. Som e w er e dig g in g in t o t h eir en t r ees, som e w er e lin g er in g ov er coffee. Ot h er s st ill h eld m en u s. T h en sh e sa w h im . Ry k er w a s sit t in g a t h is r eg u la r t a ble w it h a t ir a m isu in fr on t of h im . There is nothing w rong w ith that tiram is u, sh e t h ou g h t . This is jus t a rus e to get m e to talk to him . Sh e a r ch ed a n ey ebr ow a n d st r olled ov er t o h is t a ble in h er m ost r eg a l m a n or . “ Is t h er e a pr oblem , sir ?” He look ed u p a t h er a n d sh e cou ld sw ea r sh e sa w a flick er of fea r in h is blu e ey es. He st a r t ed t o sa y som et h in g , bu t in st ea d h e sw a llow ed. “ Ry k er ? Is som et h in g w r on g ?” Som et h in g ot h er t h a n t h e desser t . His h esit a t ion w a s beg in n in g t o sca r e h er . W a s h e h er e
t o g iv e h er som e ba d n ew s? W a s Moser n ot t h e Oct ober Killer ? A t t h a t t h ou g h t , Nicole’s k n ees w en t w ea k a n d sh e h a d t o g r a b t h e ba ck of a ch a ir t o st ea dy h er self. Ry k er clea r ed h is t h r oa t a n d spok e. “ Ch ef, t h er e’s som et h in g in m y t ir a m isu ,” h e sa id. “ Som et h in g —?” Sh e look ed a t t h e dish in pa n ic. W h a t in t h e w or ld? A st r a n d of h a ir ? A fly ? Her ch eek s h ea t ed. Beh in d h er , sh e h ea r d sm ot h er ed ch u ck les. Sh e g la n ced t ow a r d t h e k it ch en a n d sa w Job a n d Rich a r d st a n din g t h er e w it h pa in ed look s on t h eir fa ces. W h a t w a s g oin g on ? “ W ell?” Ry k er sn a pped. “ I—I’m sor r y . I’ll t a k e it ba ck .” W h en sh e r ea ch ed for t h e desser t dish , Ry k er ca u g h t h er h a n d in h is. “ No. Not y et ,” h e sa id lou dly . “ Fir st I w a n t y ou a n d t h e en t ir e r est a u r a n t t o see w h a t ’s in it .” W it h h is ot h er h a n d, h e poin t ed a t t h e edg e of t h e w h ipped cr ea m . Nicole st a r ed a t h im . T h er e w a s som et h in g defin it ely fish y g oin g on . His ch eek s w er e pin k a n d h is ey es st ill h eld a flick er of w a r in ess. He st ill h eld on t o h er h a n d, so sh e obedien t ly ben t dow n a n d squ in t ed a t w h er e h e h a d poin t ed on t h e cr ea m y desser t . Sh e cou ldn ’t see a n y t h in g . Sh e st a r t ed t o r a ise h er h ea d a n d t h er e it w a s. A spa r k of lig h t . A bright spa r k of lig h t . “ Do y ou see t h is?” Ry k er a sk ed a s h e fish ed t h e spa r k ly object ou t of t h e w h ipped cr ea m a n d h eld it befor e h er ey es. It w a s r ou n d a n d g old a n d cov er ed w it h sn ow -w h it e cr ea m . Nicole cou ldn ’t spea k . “ Is it y ou r s?” Sh e sh ook h er h ea d du m bly , st a r in g a t it , h er br a in r efu sin g t o for m a coh er en t t h ou g h t . “ A r e y ou su r e?” Ry k er ’s v oice r ose. W h a t w a s h e t r y in g t o do? By t h is t im e t h e ot h er din er s h a d st opped a n d t u r n ed t ow a r d
t h em , a n d ou t of t h e cor n er of h er ey e, Nicole sa w t h a t t h e r est of t h e k it ch en st a ff a n d Ry k er ’s br ot h er Reilly h a d join ed Job a n d Rich a r d in t h e door w a y . “ W h a t a r e y ou doin g ?” sh e w h isper ed t o Ry k er . He sw a llow ed. “ I’m t r y in g t o a sk y ou t o m a r r y m e.” He pick ed u p h er left h a n d a n d slid t h e w h ipped-cr ea m -cov er ed r in g on t o h er t h ir d fin g er . “ So?” h e a sk ed, slidin g ou t of h is sea t a n d on t o on e k n ee. “ W ill y ou m a r r y m e, or w ill y ou lea v e m e k n eelin g h er e in t h e m iddle of a ll t h ese people w it h w h ipped cr ea m on m y h a n ds?” Nicole sa n k t o t h e floor in a cr ou ch . “ Ry k er , h ow ca n w e—I m ea n , w e h a r dly k n ow ea ch ot h er .” “ W h a t do y ou m ea n ?” h e a sk ed w it h a sm ile. “ I’v e h a d din n er w it h y ou n ea r ly ev er y n ig h t for a y ea r .” T h en h e t ook a deep br ea t h a n d h is fa ce t u r n ed ser iou s. “ I k n ow I h a v en ’t been v er y n ice t o y ou , bu t I w a s t r y in g t o k eep y ou a liv e. I n eed y ou , Nic. My fa m ily is h u g e, a n d in a lot of w a y s w on der fu l a n d a lot of w a y s a w fu l. Bu t it ’s t im e for m e t o h a v e m y ow n fa m ily . W ill y ou be m y fa m ily ? W ill y ou bu ild a h om e w it h m e? A pla ce w e ca n a lw a y s be sa fe t og et h er ?” Nicole cou ld ba r ely br ea t h e. “ A r e y ou su r e?” sh e a sk ed. “ W e’r e so—differ en t .” Ry k er sh ook h is h ea d. “ No, w e’r e n ot . W e bot h w a n t t h e sa m e t h in g . Lov e. Ha ppin ess. Secu r it y . Now , I’ll g iv e y ou on e m or e ch a n ce t o h a v e t h e la st w or d. W ill y ou m a r r y m e a n d let m e g iv e y ou a h om e?” Nicole’s h ea r t soa r ed a s sh e sm iled a n d k issed h is lips. “ Y ou ’v e a lr ea dy g iv en m e a h om e. My h om e is in y ou r h ea r t .”
ISBN: 9 7 8 -1 -4 2 6 8 -6 9 1 3 -6 DOUBLE-EDGED DET ECT IV E Copy r ig h t © 2 0 1 0 by Rick ey R. Ma llor y A ll r ig h t s r eser v ed. Ex cept for u se in a n y r ev iew , t h e r epr odu ct ion or u t iliza t ion of t h is w or k in w h ole or in pa r t in a n y for m by a n y elect r on ic, m ech a n ica l or ot h er m ea n s, n ow k n ow n or h er ea ft er in v en t ed, in clu din g x er og r a ph y , ph ot ocopy in g a n d r ecor din g , or in a n y in for m a t ion st or a g e or r et r iev a l sy st em , is for bidden w it h ou t t h e w r it t en per m ission of t h e pu blish er , Ha r lequ in En t er pr ises Lim it ed, 2 2 5 Du n ca n Mill Roa d, Don Mills, On t a r io, Ca n a da M3 B 3 K9 . T h is is a w or k of fict ion . Na m es, ch a r a ct er s, pla ces a n d in ciden t s a r e eit h er t h e pr odu ct of t h e a u t h or ’s im a g in a t ion or a r e u sed fict it iou sly , a n d a n y r esem bla n ce t o a ct u a l per son s, liv in g or dea d, bu sin ess est a blish m en t s, ev en t s or loca les is en t ir ely coin ciden t a l. T h is edit ion pu blish ed by a r r a n g em en t w it h Ha r lequ in Book s S.A . For qu est ion s a n d com m en t s a bou t t h e qu a lit y of t h is book plea se con t a ct u s a t Cu st om er _eCa r e@Ha r lequ in .ca . ® a n d T M a r e t r a dem a r k s of t h e pu blish er . T r a dem a r k s in dica t ed w it h ® a r e r eg ist er ed in t h e Un it ed St a t es Pa t en t a n d T r a dem a r k Office, t h e Ca n a dia n T r a de Ma r k s Office a n d in ot h er cou n t r ies. w w w .eHa r lequ in .com
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