“Then we go talk to him and ask him flat-out,” Ian said and started heading for the door.
Becca spun around to face Ian. “He’s Danny’s brother.”
“The detective?”
Becca nodded. “It would be better if I go talk to him. He might be more comfortable with me because of Danny.”
“No,” Ian argued, crossing his arms over his chest. “You arenae going alone. He could be a killer.”
“His brother is a detective. Danny won’t let Michael hurt me.”
“If Michael is the killer, then his brother is a moron for not noticing.” Ian dropped his crossed arms. “You arenae going alone. I forbid it.”
Becca’s mouth parted before she narrowed her eyes. No way she’d just heard Ian correctly. No way he’d try to boss her around. “Excuse me? You must be mistaking me for a woman who needs a man to save her. I’ve never been, nor will I ever be,thatwoman.”
You arenae doing this alone.
She heard his words in her head.
“He’s right, Becca. We know you can take care of yourself, but what if Michael is the one responsible for these killings?”
“He was the reason for her nightmares when she was younger.” Ian held her gaze as he spoke.
“What?” Betty shrieked. “The ones your sisters were trying to figure out?”
Becca narrowed her eyes at Ian. “That was private, and besides we don’t know that Michael is the killer. I’ve never seen the killer’s face in my dreams.”
“It’s time for the truth, Becca. They need to know how connected you are to the killer.” He was the first to look away and turned toward Becca’s mother and aunt. “She’s been trying to stop him. She’s been trying to warn his victims.”
Becca’s mouth parted, words escaping her following his betrayal. She shook her head. “I’m done here.” She headed toward the door and yanked it open, glancing back at Ian, who tried to follow her. “We’re done. I’ll call Collin to come get your things. I never asked for your help, Ian. I don’t need it, and that trust you said you were trying hard to build…” Becca snapped her fingers together. “It’s gone, just that fast.” She patted his chest. “Have a nice life, Highlander. It’s time for you to go home.”
Becca walked out the door. She could hear Betty telling Ian to let her go. She didn’t stop when she hit the front door. She might not have had a car, or anyone who would take her home, but she had the next best thing. Her best friend was staying at his parents due to his father’s illness and Danny lived one house over; itwas the exact place she’d wanted to go, only now she had a reason. Becca started in a jog toward their three-story mansion, never once looking over her shoulder to see if Ian had broken free to follow her. She slowed, walking up the driveway. The shrubs were cut to perfection. The Grecian columns on the porch were a bit more battered and worn, like her mother’s.
Two cop cars sat in the driveway, and the front door was wide open. Before Becca could reach the door, Danny walked out in full uniform. Becca slowed as an icy chill settled down her spine. Something was wrong. Seriously wrong.
“Becca, what are you doing here?” Danny asked, glancing back toward the door.
“I need to talk to Michael.” Becca tried to peer toward the open door. “Is he in there?”
Danny shook his head. “He’s missing. That’s why Mom called me at work.”
Missing. The words registered, even the brotherly concern registered, but a fear, like none that Becca had ever felt, rushed through her body.
“Missing?”
“We have reason to believe he might be connected to these killings. I was already on my way to question him when Mom called. He must have figured we were closing in on him.”
“Oh, Danny.” Becca touched his arm. Her heart crumbled into a million pieces. “I’m so sorry.”
Danny pulled her into his arms and hugged her tight. He pressed a kiss to the top of her head. “Where’s your car, Becca? You should go home. I’ll call you when we find him.”
“I didn’t drive.” She glanced back toward her mother’s house.
“That’s okay. I’ll take you home.” Before he finished his sentence, Ian’s SUV pulled up at the end of the driveway. “Looks like your boyfriend showed up to rescue you.”
Becca slid out of Danny’s embrace. “I’ll let Ian take me home so you don’t have to leave your mom, but please promise me that you’ll call when you find him.”
“I will.” He squeezed her hand once more before she walked away and got into Ian’s SUV. Danny stood in the driveway, unmoving and watching.
