Page 32 of Hextreme Measures

“Do you think there’s a reason she didn’t know these banshees were close?”

“It’s possible that they developed a way to shield themselves,” Ofelia replied. “Maybe they’re looking for paranormal partners because it’s easier to shield themselves that way.”

“Or?”

“Or nothing. That’s all I’ve got.”

“You have more than that. We just haven’t put it together yet.”

“Maybe, or maybe I’m too close to this.” Ofelia didn’t want to admit it, but she had to. “Maybe worrying about Angelique is making it so I can’t think anything through correctly. Maybe I’m going to hurt her more than I’m going to help her.”

“Let’s not get dramatic, huh?” Sully said dryly, shaking his head. “Don’t go off the rails.”

“I never go off the rails.” Ofelia was offended by the insinuation.

“Rarely,” he countered. “You rarely go off the rails. When you do it, however, you do it in fantastic fashion.”

Ofelia didn’t respond. She was afraid that if she did, she would have to admit to Sully that he was right.

“How about you come with me after lunch?” he suggested, taking her by surprise. “I need to talk to the families of the deceased.”

“How do you think that will help?” Ofelia was honestly curious.

“Because they were targeted for a reason. I want to know if anybody in their family is missing, or if our dead guys ticked off a loved one of late. I think there might be answers there if we’re willing to look.”

Ofelia hadn’t considered looking at the victims for clues, and now she wanted to kick herself. “Good idea.”

“I thought you would like it.”

“Do you think we’ll find anything?” She didn’t want to sound too hopeful, so Ofelia kept her voice level.

“I don’t know. I certainly hope so, though.”

“Yeah. I don’t know where else to look either.”

“Maybe we’ll find a clue with our victims’ families.”

“That would be nice, wouldn’t it?”

“Don’t worry,” Sully promised. “We’re going to find our answers and make sure Angelique is okay. We won’t stop until we do.”

Since Ofelia needed that to be true, she simply nodded. “I’ll go with you. It can’t possibly hurt, right?”

“Definitely not.”

8

EIGHT

Cathy O’Neill was first on their list. Her husband, Roger, had died two weeks before. He’d been walking between a bar and his car after a business meeting — he sold insurance — when he’d been attacked.

The report said it was a robbery gone wrong. The investigation had never made it to the paranormal division — something that irritated Sully — so the information gathered wasn’t all that useful.

“How do you plan on introducing me?” Ofelia asked as they exited his vehicle. He’d managed to park less than a block down from the house, which was located in the CBD.

“I was thinking I would tell her you’re my personal sex slave and that I can’t go more than a few hours without being in your presence.” Sully’s smile was flirty, but he obviously didn’t mean it.

“You’re out of control,” Ofelia complained. “It’s getting weird.”