Prologue
Three years ago...
“Just because I want to find the son of a bitch who killed those girls and then left them on the bank of the Hudson like they were garbage doesn’t make me obsessed.” Riley York looked to her partner. “It makes me a good cop.”
“Youarea good cop.” Adam’s gaze shifted from the road in front of them to her. “Best partner I’ve ever worked with.”
The seasoned detective’s words meant a lot, but still. “Then maybe you should’ve supported me in there.”
“I know you can’t see it now, but I do support you, Riley. Always have, always will.”
Riley looked at him as if he were nuts. “Hell no, I don’t see it. Sarge accused me of being too close to the case to look at things objectively. And youagreedwith him!”
“The asshole’s latest victim had a note inside her mouth that was addressed to you. He’s made this sick game of his personal, and you’re playing right into his hands. So yeah, I agree that you should get as far away from this case as possible. You’re in too deep and need to take a step back.”
She had to admit, seeing her name on the piece of paper shoved in the dead woman’s mouth had been creepy as hell. But it had also given them an edge they could use.
Except no one in her unit was willing tolether use it.
“What makes you think I’m in too deep? Because I seem to be the only person who gives a shit about three murdered prostitutes?”
“No.” Adam sighed, but kept his eyes on the road. “Because the killer could be targeting you, and I don’t want to lose my partner.”
“I can protect myself,” she mumbled low.
“You’re spending damn near every minute you have off the clock investigating a case that isn’t ours. The Feds are on it, Riley. Let them do their job so we can do ours.”
He flipped his blinker and slowed to turn at the next street.
Shaking her head, Riley continued arguing her side. A side no one but the FBI seemed to be on.
“The Fedswantme on the case, Adam.” She shot her partner a look. “I talked to Agent Crenshaw this morning. He said he thinks I could be the key to bringing this psycho down.”
“Crenshaw’s an arrogant prick who’s out to make a name for himself.” Adam scowled. “This is his first serial killer case with the bureau. Of course the guy’s gonna want to do whatever it takes to get that first notch in his belt. Including riskingyourlife in order to do it. Which is exactly what Sarge was trying to say in his office this morning. The man’s been around the block a few times, Riley. He knows what he’s talking about.”
“And what...I don’t?” Riley recoiled defensively in her seat.
Adam pulled the unmarked car to the curb in front of a light green, two-story house and sighed. Putting it in park, he unbuckled his seatbelt and shifted his broad body toward her.
With salt and pepper hair on both his head and jaw, along with the creases around his eyes, the man looked a bit older than his fifty-two years. Of course, it could also have something to do with the twenty-plus years he’d spent tirelessly working the streets of New York City.
“Listen, kid. In the three years we’ve been partners, I’ve never doubted your instincts.” His gray eyes stared back at her. “But this guy has hissightson you.”
“He only left that note for me because I look like the three vics. Tall. Lean. Long, dark hair...”
“That’s my point.” Adam’s bushy brows pushed together.
“That’smypoint.” She tried to make him see reason.“I need to stay on this case, Adam. I have an in with this asshole. We can use me to get to—”
“You’re not going to be bait for some sick asshole, Riley. Jesus.” He ran a hand over his jaw. “The fact that you’re even considering it tells me Sarge was right to pull you from this one. You’re obviously not thinking clearly.”
Her blood began to boil, her elevated voice echoing throughout the car’s interior. “Why does everyone keep saying that?”
“Come on, Riles. Evenyouhave to admit you’ve been a little more...passionate...about this one.”
“So?”
“So...I think maybe there’s some truth to what Sarge said. We all know you want to catch this guy, but I think maybe you’ve also been using this case to distract you from what’s going on with your old man.”
