* * *
“I lookedat that Roy guy’s account,” Erica tells me, pulling up something on her computer. She’s my go-to person on the force when it comes to anything dealing with computers. “And it’s interesting.”
“Interesting how?”
“The account has been logged into from multiple IP addresses, which isn’t uncommon depending on what devices you’re logging in from. People have multiple computers, tablets, phones…you get what I mean. But then, most would be in the same area. But his account has been accessed from California, Texas, and Missouri, and no, he’s not traveling. The logins are too close together for that.”
“Someone is sharing the account.”
“That’s what it appears.”
I bite the inside of my cheek. “Can you narrow down the locations?”
“Already done.” She grabs a printed list from her desk.
“Thanks. While I have you, can you comb through my vic’s computer? See if you find anything else?”
“Of course. Do you know the password or do you need me to crack that too?”
“I figured it out. It was her cat’s name,” I say as I pull the laptop from my bag.
“That would have been one of my first guesses. If you need anything else, you know where to find me.”
I go back to my desk and check with local law enforcement from the other cities Roy’s account was logged in from. They haven’t had any murders remotely similar to the one I’m investigating. It’s a pain in the ass to get Facebook to give up access to messages, and having compelling evidence in a murder case would have helped.
Feeling like I’m back at square one, I fall back to good old-fashioned police work and leave the station to talk to Lily’s friends and coworkers to see what they know. I grab my jacket, flipping up the collar to try and keep the misty rain off my neck, and head out.
* * *
Two hours later,I get back into the car with a heavy sigh. Everyone loved Lily. She was sweet and kind and wouldn’t hurt a fly. She had no creepy ex-boyfriends. No stalkers. Even her boss loved her. If this wasn’t personal, it’ll make finding the killer that much harder.
But not impossible.
My phone buzzes, and I dig it out of my purse. It’s Gemma, asking if I want to have dinner tonight. Smiling, I unlock my phone to text back a reply. Dinner is too close to sunset, and I don’t want to lose a minute with the guys. I have magic to practice tonight, and I promised Thomas and Gilbert we could startGame of Thronesthis week. I didn’t want them to watch it without me. Their reactions to TV and movies is entertaining even now. Plus…it’sGame of Thrones. I love that show.
I open the text and ask her if she wants to grab lunch instead. She starts typing right away.
Gemma: Yeah, that’ll work! I go on my lunch break in a few minutes. Want to meet at that Chinese takeout place by Lyra’s Magic Shoppe?
Me:I’m actually in that part of town. I can be there in fifteen minutes.
Gemma:Great! Order me an egg roll? LOL It’s been a long day already. I’ll pay you back!
Me:Just one? ;-)
Gemma:I could eat a dozen today. I stress eat :-O I always get a #5 plate there. See you soon.
Me:I’ll put in the order, no worries.
Gemma:Yay! Thanks hun!
I put the phone down, check off the last name on my list, and drive over to the restaurant. I get in a few minutes before Gemma, who looks exasperated when she huffs down at the table. She’s wearing navy blue scrubs with her name badge clipped to her collar. My eyes go to it out of habit, wanting to place names and faces in case I need to reference them later. Her hair is blonde with pink highlights in her photo—she looks much better with her natural dark color—and she works at a nursing home called Silver Living.
I’m so used to looking for the bad in people, trying to find ways to incriminate them, I’ve forgotten how to be a friend. Our food is ready just a minute later, and we sit at one of the few tables in this little place to eat.
Gemma talks about work, telling me about an annoying family member of a patient she’s taking care of, along with an asshole doctor who almost killed someone by prescribing medication the patient is allergic to.
We talk and laugh throughout lunch, and it surprises me how fast time goes by. The mist has turned into rain when we leave, and Gemma curses under her breath when we get to the door.
