“Thanks, D.”
“No thanks, needed. How’s Riley holdin’ up?”
Eric slid his gaze to where she stood next the bed. “She’s pissed. Same as me.”
She was also scared. He could see it hiding there, behind all the anger.
Riley was terrified their target would kill again before they caught him. He knew that’s what she was feeling, because he felt it, too.
Only Eric’s fear stemmed for the terror he felt for the woman standing three feet away. Because his gut was screaming that she was the killer’s end game.
He turned and stepped into the hall. Keeping his voice hushed, he said, “There’s one more thing I need you to do.”
“Name it.”
After explaining his plan to Derek, Eric ended the call and went back into the bedroom. Riley was still in the same spot, staring down at the ill-fated woman whose name they didn’t know.
“He was here, Eric.” Her tone was soft and wooden. “That son of a bitch was in my bedroom.”
“I know.” He went to her. His hands itched to reach out to her. To comfort her and assure her that theywouldcatch this guy.
But Eric knew his partner well. And right now, hugs and platitudes were the last thing she wanted...or needed.
He thought he was angry before.
When he’d seen the first note the killer left for Riley. When he got Riley’s text that the fucker hadcalledher. When they realized the fucker had taken Maggie.
The anger Eric felt each of those times had been damn near overwhelming. But it was nothing compared to the rage quickening his blood now.
This man...this piece of shit coward...had been in her home. Her fuckinghome.
He’d taken another life. One that, from the looks of the dark-haired woman, had been anything but easy.
This bastard had abducted their friend and colleague. He’d sent them racing to that damn farmhouse and had them fearing the entire way that Maggie had met the same fate as his other victims.
All so he could kill another woman and leave her here, in Riley’s bed.
The same bed they’d made love in countless times over the last few months.
If he got inside Riley’s apartment tonight, he could’ve broken in any number of times before. He could’ve come here while Riley was stillhere.
While she was vulnerable and unprepared.
A flash of the woman he loved being attacked while in the shower or sleeping filled his mind’s eye, making him shake with fury.
I’m going to find you, you son of a bitch. I’m going to find you, and I’m going to end you.
Sirens blared in the distance, snapping him out of his homicidal thoughts.
“I’ll go let them in,” he offered. “Why don’t you take a look around? See if he touched or moved anything.”
“Okay.” Riley nodded.
Soon, Riley’s apartment was filled with techs, the ME on call and his team, and the other members of the Special Crimes Unit.
Almost as soon as they arrived, Cap sent Luke and the others to canvass the area. Do door-to-door interviews of the building’s other occupants, as well as the homes in the immediate area.
Eric informed Cap of his plans for him and Riley—something he had yet to share with her. Thankfully, Cap agreed with what he had in mind.
