“Fine. I’ll let you talk to your little friend,” the killer agreed. “But then you have to give me something in return.”
The rage in Eric’s eyes scared her almost as much as the man on the phone.
“I already told you...you can ask me whatever you want.”
“Say hi to Detective York, Dr. Cartwright.”
“Riley? I’m so sorry. I was walking into my house, and I didn’t...I didn’t see him.”
“It’s okay, Mags.” Riley’s heart broke from the fear in her friend’s voice. “We’re going to find you, okay? I promise, we’ll—”
“Satisfied?” The man came back on the phone.
Not even close.
“What do you want? You wantme? Fine. Tell me when and where.”
Eric shook his head frantically, but she ignored it.
“Now what fun would that be? Besides, if I wanted you, Detective, I could’ve had you a long time ago.”
Riley frowned at that. Was that meant to be a clue or was he simply bullshitting her?
“Well, I’m here, now.”
“Yes, you are. And I’m so glad we’ve been reunited.”
This guy was acting as if they’d actually met before. The thought turned her blood to ice. It also gave her an idea.
With her eyes on Eric’s, Riley drew in a breath and went for it. “You know what would make this reunion even more special? If we could do it in person. Just you and me. What do ya say?”
“I’d say nice try, detective. But I know your partner would never allow that to happen.”
Eric mouthed the wordsfuck no.
“He’s my partner, not my boss.”
“Still...I don’t think the timing is quite right. Don’t worry, Riley. We will meet again, soon. Very soon.”
“You called me Riley just then. Isn’t it only fair for me to know your name?”
“Now, Detective York,” he returned to her formal title. “Didn’t your parents ever tell you, life isn’t fair?”
“Tell me where I can find you. Let’s do this now. Face-to-face.”
“Just ask your partner. Or, should I say...lover? He’s there, isn’t he? I can’t imagine he’d stray too far, given how protective he seemed of you during your little speech earlier today.”
So hewaswatching.
“Heisprotective of me,” Riley reached out and squeezed Eric’s arm. “Just like I am of Maggie. So, come on. You’ve made this about you and me, let’s keep it that way. Tell me where you are, and we can arrange a trade. Me for her.”
Eric’s furious gaze bore into hers once more, but she didn’t care. This was Maggie. Sweet, sometimes quirky, innocent Maggie.
She didn’t deserve to suffer through what this man had planned for her.
“We’ve been on the phone a while now, Detective. I’m sure your partner already knows my location by now.”
Riley blinked, but kept her voice steady. “How would he know? I’m in my apartment. Alone.”
