Riley waved up to Eric, who was watching her through the kitchen window.
He was talking to someone on the phone, but he didn’t look anxious or upset. He wasn’t racing out to tell her they’d found a lead.
So whatever he was discussing with the person on the other end of the call must not be big news, which meant she had a little more time to enjoy the sunshine.
The salty sea air filled her senses. Everything felt so fresh and new, as if last night’s storm had washed away anything that wasn’t pure and good.
As if the universe knew she needed a moment like this.
Last night had been a struggle. The part that came after she and Eric made love, that is.
Between the thundering storm and dreams filled with a nameless, faceless monster, Riley had wanted nothing more than to sleep the day away.
Eric had been sleeping so soundly when she first got up, she’d decided not to wake him. Instead, she’d gone into the kitchen and made a pot of coffee.
But when she saw what a gorgeous morning it was, she’d decided to come out here to enjoy the view.
The sunshine had surprised her by offering an unexpected sense of hope and renewal. And while she stood on the beach, staring out over the shimmering waves, Riley made the conscious decision not to let this case destroy her.
She’d obsessed over this same killer once before, and her partner had died because of it.
That can’t happen to Eric. I won’t let it.
Riley glanced back at the house, disappointed when she didn’t see his face through the window. Drawing in a slow, deep breath, she held it in for half a second, then let it out at the same, unhurried pace.
I should probably go back inside.
Letting the balls of her feet dig into the wet sand, she took her time trudging up the slight incline to the deck’s wooden steps.
Her stomach growled, which made her think of the breakfast she hadn’t yet eaten. Maybe she’d make them some pancakes. Or French toast. It had been a while since she’d had either.
When she got onto the deck, she was surprised to see that the sliding glass door had been left open. She hadn’t even realized Eric had come outside.
“Hey!” She hollered for him as she shut the door behind her. “Were you born in a barn?”
Riley expected some quick-witted comment back. Probably something along the lines of how he’d love for them to take a roll in the hay.
What she got was utter silence.
“Eric?” She glanced around as she moved through the house.
Maybe he’s in the shower.
Riley smiled, thinking maybe she’d go join him.
With a curve still on her lips, she walked into the bedroom...and straight into a nightmare.
To her left, Eric was lying face-down on the floor. His cell phone inches from his left hand, and his eyes were closed.
There was blood oozing from a gash on the back of his head.
Oh, god!
“Eric!”
With a quick sweep of the room, she ran to the nightstand and pulled out her gun. Rushing to his side, Riley dropped on her knees and pressed her fingers to his neck.
Her heart slammed against her ribs as she waited.
