Chapter 6
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Riley looked out overthe crowd of reporters waiting to hear what she had to say. She did her best to ignore their cameras’ blinding lights and loud clicks and proceeded to give the statement Agent Killion’s people had penned especially for the occasion.
“Thank you all for coming. I’m Detective Riley York with DPD’s Special Crimes Unit. Joining me today are my partner, Detective Eric West, and the head of our department, Captain Thomas Vogel.”
Riley glanced to her left, appreciating the supportive nod and kind smile Maggie had just given.
“Also joining us are the district’s Chief Forensic Medical Examiner, Dr. Maggie Cartwright, and FBI Special Agent Noah Killion from Denver. As you may already know, the bodies of several local women have been recently discovered in and around the city of Dallas...”
While she continued the speech she’d damn near memorized, Riley studied each and every face in the crowd. It wasn’t uncommon for killers to insert themselves into an investigation, either out of arrogance, fear, or genuine curiosity.
But something told her their guy wasn’t in attendance today.
She wished he was, though. With every fiber of her being, she wanted him to come forward, profess his guilt, and end this thing, once and for all.
As Riley continued speaking, she glanced back over to where Eric was standing.
His jaw was set, and his muscles tense. Though she couldn’t see his eyes for his glasses, she knew he was on high alert. Watching for the slightest inkling of a threat.
She still couldn’t believe the way he’d tried to steamroll her with Killion’s plan. The opportunity hadn’t presented itself yet, but the second they were alone, she was going to let him know exactly what she thought of his overprotective, alpha male behavior.
Another flash of light filled Riley’s vision, snapping her back into the moment.
“That’s all we have, for now,” she wrapped things up. “Just remember...the man we’re looking for is highly volatile and unable to control his emotions. So if you come into contact with someone you believe is a suspect, avoid them at all costs. And if you have any information regarding this case, please contact the hotline number I’ve provided. We will share more information with you as it comes. Until then, please, stay safe. Thank you.”
As expected, Riley was pebbled with a barrage of questions, but under Killion’s instructions, she ignored them. With Eric standing protectively by her side, she and the others made their way back inside the building and out of the camera’s sights.
She could practically feel the tension rolling off of him. Part of her felt bad for being upset by the way he’d acted in Cap’s office. His reaction to their plan was a result of his feelings for her.
Riley got that. She’d never want to purposely put him in danger, either. But she trusted him to do his job. It would’ve been nice if he’d done the same.
“You did great, Riley,” Agent Killion commended her.
“He’s right.” Maggie gave her a hug. “You executed that perfectly.”
“Thanks.” She pulled back, drawing in her first full breath since the press conference began. “So now what?”
Noah’s guarded eyes met hers. “Now, we wait.”
Waiting was the absoluteworstpart of the job.
“Okay.” She looked to Eric, who’d finally taken off his sunglasses. “You want to go back over everything again? Make sure there isn’t something we’ve missed?”
“Actually, I need to speak to you in private for a minute.” A muscle in his jaw twitched. “It won’t take long.”
“Oh. Um...okay.” She looked at the others. “Unless you need us for anything else?”
Captain Vogel shook his head. “Not right now. Unfortunately, I need to go upstairs and catch up on my emails and phone calls.” The formidable man sighed. “No one ever warns you about this part of the job. You hear anything, you let me know.”
“Yes, sir,” Riley agreed. To the man on her right, she asked, “What about you, Agent Killion? Is there anything else you need from us?”
