You do! he insisted. Tell the truth.
She cringed beneath his fury and fell back into the chair, clutching her purse against her stomach, refusing to meet his gazethe little scared kitty again.
Riley! Captain Lewis warned, outrage crossing his face.
Shes hiding something, Captain. Hed seen it in her face. Something shed heard had thrown her into a panic. All he needed was another minute to work her and shed break.
Get hold of yourself, Captain Lewis demanded.
He wouldnt get hold of himself, he couldnt. His fury was too strong, too pungent; he could taste it with every breath he took. He was so close to the truth. He pulled the folder out of the captains hands and dumped
the contents onto the desk for her to see. Pictures and papers spread haphazardlypictures of three different women, all with long blond hair cascading in curls around their pale lifeless shoulders.
Pictures of women who looked like Michelle.
Pictures of women who looked like her.
His captain stepped forward. Riley, we know how much Michelles death has affected you, but this behavior is unacceptable, he warned. I shouldnt have to tell you that youre skating on thin ice here, real thin.
The last murder took place in Miami, three years ago, Riley said, his voice sounding cold and hard. Where did you live before you came here, Miss Morgan?
She didnt answer, just stared at him with her round baby-blue eyes trapped in fear.
She should be scared, he thought. Real scared.
By now, everyone in the department was standing, listening, staring with curiosity alive on their faces. Riley swung the swivel chair she was sitting in, turning her around to face the captain and everyone else.
Tony, where did Miss Morgan live before she came here three years ago?
Tony opened his file. Miami.
Whose locket did we find on Michelle?
Miss Morgans.
Riley turned to his captain. You think she doesnt know something about this murder? You said we have a killer who goes after blondesblondes that look a lot like Michelle.
He turned and lifted the glasses off Miss Morgans shocked face, then released her hair from its clip. An audible gasp sounded throughout the room as long blond locks cascaded around her shoulders.
Well, what do you all think about this?
Chapter Three
Riley, I want to see you in my office now. Captain Lewiss tone was soft and lethal. OConnor will stay with Miss Morgan.
Riley followed him into the office and tried not to notice his captains clenched fists or the heavy rise and fall of his chest.
With a steely gaze, he pinned Riley to his seat. You have a choice, MacIntyrevoluntary three-day bereavement leave with pay or mandatory three-day suspension without pay, and one extremely unhappy captain who will make your life a living hell. Which will it be?
Riley groaned and scrubbed his face with his hands.
You are not working this case. You were too close to the victim to be objective and your behavior with Miss Morgan proves that.
Riley glanced at Devra through the office window. Shed managed to pull her hair back again, completely changing the way she looked. Pat OConnor was smiling, patting her on the shoulder, comforting her after the trauma shed been forced to endure. Somehow, he had to make the captain see he was on to something, that he was right about her. That woman knows a lot more about this case than shes letting on.
Based on what?
My gut.
Your gut isnt good enough, considering the circumstances.
Its never been wrong before and you know it.
The victim has never been part of your family before.
The image of Michelle lying on the dirty French Quarter sidewalk flashed through his mind, making his own fists clench. Thats bull.
The truth is youve never been this unhinged before. Youve always been Mr. Cool, Mr. Confidenthell, Mr. Cocky. Now youre a loose cannon and I wont have your emotions jeopardizing this case. Take your three days and spend the time with your family. Rest, relax, and when you come back, you can focus on the night stalker case and let Pat and his team handle this one with the FBI.
Somehow he didnt think Ladies Man Pat would do what it took to find Michelles killer. I can see his charm is working wonders on my suspect as we speak. Shes all ready to let loose and spill everything she knows any minute now. They both watched Pat through the glass. Though he was trying, Miss Morgan was sitting as stiff and tight-lipped as a pastors wife in a Bourbon Street strip club.
Youve been known to load on the charm yourself, the captain grumbled.
Usually, Riley thought, but not when it came to her. That woman just drove the charm right out of him.
Just stay clear from her. Got it? The captain ordered on an exasperated sigh.
Riley nodded, but continued watching Devra out of the corner of his eye.
By the way, your father has called three times. Im going downstairs. You can use my office to call him back. Consider that an order.
Riley swore under his breath as the captain slammed the door behind him. Sometimes it didnt pay to have a powerful father. He wondered how much his forced leave had to do with his old man, then