Page 83 of Forever Gone

Her phone rang.

The sound cut through the office. Selena set the cup down untouched and took the phone from her jacket.

Connor’s name filled the screen.

She answered. “What is it?”

His breathing came clearly through the connection before his voice.

“There’s been another murder.”

The warmth from the whiskey vanished.

Eric paused the film. Kelly straightened on the stool.

“Who?” Selena asked.

“Linda Mercer. I found her car in an old barn off Talon Road. She’s inside it.”

Selena’s gaze moved to Kelly’s paper cup. “Same injuries?”

“The tongue’s been removed. It’s on the passenger seat.”

For a second, Selena heard only the low electrical hum of the motel office.

“Has the scene been secured?”

“Deputies are on the way. Matt’s coming. Blethan is out of town for the night.”

“I’m leaving now.”

Selena ended the call and turned to Kelly. “How many have you had?”

Kelly glanced at the bottle. “Uh, three.”

Eric pointed toward her cup. “You mean four.”

Kelly gave him a warning glance.

“Right,” Selena said. “I’ll go myself. Get some sleep. You’ll be needed in the morning.”

“Why?” Kelly asked.

“The missing woman turned up, and not in a good way.”

Kelly’s expression sobered. “Jesus Christ.”

Eric leaned an elbow on the counter. “This sounds juicy.”

“It’s not, Eric.” Selena pulled her jacket closed. “It’s a death, and not like your cheap horror films.”

His mouth tightened. “That’s a low blow. I do have feelings, you know.”

“I’ll see you both later.”

*

Outside, the cold reached through Selena’s sweatshirt.