Why did I see his wheels turning?
As soon as we were in line for the bar, Jessica appeared.
“There you are,” she said and had to lift her head to study Maverick’s face. “I was hoping you brought a date. He looks even better than on the book jacket.”
“No flirting allowed,” I told her. “Stay away from her, Maverick. She does bite. This is my assistant Jessica.”
“My guess is you have your hands full in dealing with Alexia,” he said, as they shook hands.
“You have no idea.” She grinned and took a step away before I could pinch her. “You have me to thank for you two hooking up.”
Choking, I gave her a stern look. “We’re friends.”
“Uh-huh. I know you too well.” I’d be damned if she didn’t wink.
“Hey,” I jumped in. “Don’t ruin my reputation.”
“Too late,” he murmured and the light touch of his hand sent a wave of goosebumps across my arms. Which of course my assistant noticed.
“He’s good for you,” she said, trying to keep her voice down. “You’re glowing.” Even as she said the words in jest, I could hear angst in her voice.
“What’s wrong?”
“Have you been listening to the news?” She glanced between us.
The tingles turned into my skin crawling. “No. Why?”
“They identified the second woman who’s gone missing. Another attorney. What is going on? Another girl kidnapped? It’s crazy.”
The chill coursing through me was brutal, icy. “I don’t know.”
“Even worse,” she continued, her hand shaking as she brushed her fingers through her hair. “The police located a girl that they think is Ashley Boudreaux. She’s dead.”
“Where?” Maverick gritted out as he stepped in front of me.
“The Everglades. Is it happening all over again?”
Maverick and I looked at each other and he took my arm, steadying me. “I don’t know. I’m sure the police are working on finding out.”
“I need to make a couple phone calls,” he stated, his mind already processing what he’d just heard.
“Let’s go to my office where it’s quiet.”
Jessica’s question was a valid one. What in God’s name was happening? The monster was goading me. I sensed it in my bones. I led Maverick to my office, barely able to say hello to the few people who’d tried while passing us. By the time I was inside my office, I was shaking.
“What’s going on, Maverick? The real killer is doing this because of me. Isn’t he? He’s punishing these girls because I got away. Because I care about you. What in the hell am I supposed to do?” I was close to a full-blown panic attack. I couldn’t do this. The fucking bastard. What the hell right did he have to destroy more lives?
“Breathe. I’m getting to the bottom of this.”
“It’s out of your control. Even your friends can’t stop this madness. The killer is playing us. He’s too smart.” Yes, I was close to losing it.
He closed the door behind us while I moved to my desk, flicking on the light. How many hours had I spent inside this very room, pushing aside fears and apprehension, replacing the emotions with confidence so the victims believed they were in capable hands? Dozens. Right now, I felt as if the entire world was working against me.
Or as if I’d done something terribly wrong.
Before I reached the window, Maverick was right beside me, pulling me into his arms. “Calm down. You need to stop beating yourself up. You are not to blame for this. That motherfucking son of a bitch is playing a dangerous game.”
“Yes, he’s baiting us. And I’m not beating myself up, but I am to blame. I’m the reason one girl is dead and another taken. Me.” While I tried to pull away, he refused to allow it, easing me evencloser. Close enough I placed my palms on his chest. I don’t know if I needed space or air, but the intimate moment seemed twisted in my mind.
