…occurred yesterday evening in Touey-Herbert Park on Chicago’s south side. The victim’s name has not been released but we were told that she was taken to Rush University Hospital and expected to make a full recovery. Police are close-lipped about any information provided about the Chicago Slasher. Let’s hope they can catch him before he strikes again.
“Fuck,”I shout as I slam my fist against the steering wheel. Someone at the Chicago PD slipped the information that MacKenzie was alive and at Rush University Hospital. I nearly burst a blood vessel. I yank my car over to the side of the road so I can text Flynn.
Me: What the hell, Flynn? You just sent a message to that sick fuck, telling him where to find her. What the hell?
Hank: I know. It wasn’t authorized. The leak, I mean.
Me: Who did it? What asshole leaked that to the press?
Hank: One guess.
I don’t even need to say his name. His partner, Kent, is the worst cop on the force. He’s always pulling shit like this because he thinks he’ll solve the crime or catch the killer. It doesn’t matter if it puts someone in danger.
Me: I’m moving her, tonight.
Hank: Agreed. I’ll let the hospital staff know. I’m here now.
Me: I’m on my way. Be there in ten.
I set my phone down and stew in my anger until I pull into the hospital lot. I’ve gotta get my anger under control. She doesn’t need to see me like this.
Before I head inside, I call Lauren. Sounding groggy, she says, “Yeah?”
“We need to move her. Tonight. Long story, but she’s in danger. The guy who attacked her probably knows where she is now.”
“Oh, God. I’m confused. I thought it was some random attack.”
“The police think this may be the work of the serial killer. The Chicago Slasher.”
I hear Lauren gasp into the phone, but she gathers her composure fast. “The Chicago Slasher?” She shifts gears, fast. “Where are you taking her after she’s released?”
“My place.”
“Are you sure she wants that, Sam?”
“No. But she’s got no choice. She’s not going back to her place.”Ever.
“You’d better talk to her first. She won’t like how heavy-handed this is.”
“It’s not heavy-handed. I need to keep her safe until they catch that guy.” I sigh. “Look. She’s my woman and?—”
“She’smybest friend. I should be the one to take care of her.”
“I can be with her 24-7.” Jesus, this woman can argue. She should be an attorney.
“Twenty-four-seven? That’s not possible. Are you going to hire someone to stay with her?”
“I can work from home. Besides, I live alone. You’re married.”
“I wouldn’t go that far,” she says under her breath.
“Excuse me? You’re married, correct?”
“Not for much longer.” It’s her turn to sigh. “I do need to go to the office. But if she stays with you, I need access to her without any macho bullshit from you. She’s my best friend. I’ve known her forever. She needs me.”
“Fine. But you and I need to be on the same page. Got it?” I hang up without another word, hop out of my car, and jog to the emergency entrance. A nurse in the ER directs me to MacKenzie’s new room. I’m pissed. I’m muttering. “So effing easy to find someone. The Slasher could do exactly the same thing.”
CHAPTER FIFTY-ONE
