He approached her desk and glanced at the papers lying next to the keyboard. All double-spaced pages with the name Miller in the header. Miller? More pages lay facedown in the top tray of a laser jet. He picked them up, and scanned the first few lines. Alarm tightened his gut as he continued to read.
From the shadows he watched the blonde sashay down the stone tiles of St. Peter Street. Plastic gold-and-green dice bounced on her chest as her turquoise pumps clickity-clacked in rhythm with her sway.
Hey, lady, looking good tonight. Want me to read your fortune?
The woman glanced at the tarot card readers lining Jackson Square, then threw a cute one a wave. No, thanks. Tonight I make my own fortune.
I just bet you do, the man responded, laughing.
He watched their exchange, then saw her steal a glimpse behind her, searching for whoever had been following her as shed left the Café Du Monde and headed toward Bourbon Street. His footsteps had been steady, but in the darkness, she hadnt been able to make out the source. Hed made sure she wouldnt.
She slipped her hand under her jacket and shifted the Glock in her waistband. He knew she was carrying one; what cop wouldnt when in the Quarter alone? The way she was dressed, he guessed she was trying to lure out the night stalker whod been cutting up whores. Hed been watching her for over an hour, if anyone was helping her, hed have known it. It was foolish of her to go it alonefoolish for her, advantageous for him. Tonight, shed get more than she bargained for.
She turned right down Royal, heading for a more isolated street. He smiled at his good fortune. This time of night there were too many hosts standing outside trendy bars and restaurants, hoping to draw in the tourists.
His heartbeat rose in anticipation. Excitement crawled along his skin as she turned left onto Orleans Street, once again heading toward the raucous noise of Bourbon Street. Here, no one would hear her scream.
He closed in. Her quick furtive glances behind her betrayed her fear. She could feel him hunting her. He enjoyed this part of the game, perhaps even more than the kill itself. She quickened her pace. He left her.
From his new vantage point, he watched her turn again. She stopped and listened, becoming aware that his footsteps had fallen silent. She let loose a deep sigh, and the corners of her mouth lifted slightly as she shook her head. She continued up the block to Bourbon Street, toward him. People up ahead were laughing and stumbling their way down the neon alley. She visibly relaxed even more.
As she approached, he stepped out from behind an old-fashioned cast-iron lamppost. Alarm chased across her face. She reached behind her, grasping the Glocks handle.
Hey, Michelle, he said softly and gave her a disarming smile.
She squinted into the dull light from the dirt-encrusted lamp, trying to get a handle on him. Recognition dawned. She relaxed, dropping her shoulders. Hey. Whats up?
What are you doing out here?
Just heading to Bourbon Street.
Its not safe to be out here alone. Let me walk you.
You know I can take care of myself. She took a quick glance behind her, then threw him a smile. But I dont mind the company.
Theyd only taken a few steps before he motioned to a doorway on the right. Whats that?
She peered into the darkness. Before she could turn back, he seized her. His big hands wrapped around her neck, squeezing as he shoved her up against the wall. She clawed at his wrists. He could feel her heart hammering with fear. She let go of his wrists and tried to reach behind her for the Glock.
Oh, no, you dont, he hissed.
He twisted
the beads around her neck, applying more pressure, squeezing harder. Her eyes widened as she choked for air. She slumped forward. He pushed her back, grabbed the gun and pocketed it.
Breath surged back into her lungs and she gulped it. The blade flashed in the dim light from the street lamp. In one swift movement, it was over and she slid down the wall. He took something gold and shiny and slipped it around her neck. A gold heart with a rose etched across the front dangled between her breasts, nestling amidst the rivulets of blood seeping from her throat.
Riley swayed as pain and confusion obscured his vision. He stormed through the house, a burning rage pushing him beyond control. He slammed the wad of papers bunched in his hands onto the table. I want the truth and I want it now.
Devras eyes widened as she stared at the papers.
You were there. You saw the whole thing. Tell me who killed her.
She stood, her chair falling behind her with a loud crash. I wasnt there.
Then what is this?
Its just a scene from my book.
Bull. This is a reenactment of Michelles murder.
Devra covered her face with her hands.
He gripped the tables edge to stop himself from grabbing her shoulders and giving her a good shake. You know too many details for someone who wasnt there!
She tried to back away from him, but hit the wall behind her. I wasnt there. I swear.
Liar, he roared.
She covered her ears and squeezed her eyes shut. Im not a liar. I didnt kill her. I swear I didnt.