Paul wished he didnt have to tell her. This woman had gone through so much already. He hesitated.
Elise laid her fist in her lap and her chin rose. Just tell me.
They found her in the Guadalupe River bound with Ethernet cable.
Oh, God, oh, God. Elise wrapped her arms around herself and rocked back and forth in her seat.
The woman had been strangled, tied with Ethernet cable and dumped, just like the women in the Dakota Strangler case.
One other disturbing item to noteShe went by Lauren, but her first name was Alice.
Chapter Four
Elises eyes burned, tears held in check by the cold wash of fear snaking through her body, stiffening her limbs. Its him.
We dont know that, but Mel and I will be working with the local sheriffs department and city police to find the man responsible.
Its him. Her voice sounded hollow, even to her own ears. He didnt die in the fire.
That wasnt his usual M.O. Paul shifted into Drive and pulled out of school parking lot, careful not to hit loitering teens waiting for parents to get off work. Stan didnt care about first names. He chose smart women.
True. Her grip on the armrest loosened slightly. She no longer believed in coincidence, not since the Dakota Strangler. She wouldnt let herself. But its too much of a coincidence. It has to be him. And if it was him, even the kids at school could be in danger, especially the girls. Elise scrambled for the button to lower the window so that she could shout out a warning to the female students still loitering on school grounds. Her hands shook and the tears filling her eyes made it impossible to see. How do I open the window?
Paul brought the truck to a halt. He reached across her lap and laid a hand over her shaking one. Alice, itll be all right.
She jerked her face toward his, heat rising up her neck and into her cheeks. Dont call me that! Alice Klaus is dead as far as Im concerned. She was stupid and deserved to die along with all the other women her husband killed.
Paul grabbed her hand and kept her from lowering her window. No. Alice didnt die. Youre alive and kicking and living in Texas.
No, shes not. Her faith in herself had died a little more with each one of the women Stan murdered. How could this man think she was the same woman?
AliceElise. He turned her to face him. Youre beautiful and smart enough to realize you arent to blame for what happened. Stan, and only Stan, was responsible.
How can you say that? I lived with the man. I should have stopped him. Now that maniac is out there. These kids could be in danger. I have to let them know.
You cant, Elise. Youll have an entire town up in arms and like you said, youll lose your job.
Anger burned in her chest and she wanted to take it out on Paul, but she knew it wasnt his fault. Hed been nothing but kind to her and her children when her world had shattered. Even back then, she remembered thinking how nice it would have been to be married to a man like Paula man who cared enough to protect them from harm.
The steam fizzled out of her and she slumped in her seat, pulling her hand free of his. Paul was a nice man. Stan was nice, too, when Elise married him. But people changed. Shed changed.
She stared out at the lingering teens. She wanted to warn them. Warn everyone that she was the plague. That a killer had followed her all the way to Texas. Its not right for me to keep this secret. So many could be at risk.
We cant be certain that Stan did it. We dont know if you or anyone around you is the real target. This could all be a fluke.
I dont think so. She shook her head and stared out at the stunted live oak trees, gnarled and twisted by weather. But youre right. I cant leave. I used all my savings to move us to Texas. I dont have any money left to keep running.
You cant keep running. Paul spoke in low, steady tones, his voice caressing her with a calm she couldnt manage on her own.
She breathed in and out, willing her heart rate to slow. But then it cranked up again. We dont know where hell strike next.
If he strikes, Paul said.
Elise stared out at the clear blue sky, mocking her dark thoughts. How could it be so bright and sunny when a killer stalked the streets? We cant let him hurt anyone else. She sat up straighter, squaring her shoulders. Now wasnt the time to go soft. She had to be strong. A glance at the clock made her blood race. I wont let him take my boys. Can you go a little faster, Agent Fletcher? Their bus will be there in less than five minutes.
Yes, maam. A hint of a smile flashed on Pauls face before he pulled out onto the street, focused on beating the traffic.
For the first couple of minutes, she remained silent, her thoughts churning over her options. She didnt have the money to gather her belongings and move to another city. Her house wasnt wired with a security system and shed used the last of her meager savings to replace the air conditioner, a must in the blazing heat of a South Texas Indian summer. Do you think the bank would loan me enough money to install a security system?
You dont know until you ask.
With a sigh, she forced herself to lean back in her seat. How long does it take to install one?
Depends on the contractor.
Elise snorted softly. Maybe a gun would be the better investment. More immediate.
Theres usually a waiting period to purchase a gun. He shot a glance at her. Do you even know how to use one?
No. Her lips twisted. Actually, they scare me.
And you dont want to risk your boys getting their hands on a loaded gun, and loaded is the only way a gun is of use to you.
Hopelessness washed over her and she shook her head. So what youre telling me is that Im basically defenseless in my own home.
Not quite. I have a proposition for you.
Her gaze narrowed on Paul. What do you mean, a proposition?
He didnt look at her, but kept his attention on navigating the turn into her driveway. I could stay with you at night until we catch him.
Elises heart fluttered and her hands grew cold and clammy. She hadnt lived in the same house with a man since North Dakota. Heck, she hadnt trusted herself with another man since.
The last time shed been with Paul, hed played with her children in the evacuation shelter. Shed been drawn to the sexy federal agent more than she wanted to admit, but chalked it up to vulnerability. Tall, blond and incredibly handsome, Paul remained hard to ignore. But that didnt matter. She couldnt get involved with anyone, not now or ever. No. Thats not possible.
Her voice quivered and her hands shook as she fumbled for her seat belt, the interior of the truck suddenly too closed in, the air thick with tension. The scent of Pauls aftershave drifted beneath her defenses, making her think thoughts she hadnt dared to in a very long time.
Before she could climb down, he was out and holding the door for her. He helped her down and held her arms in his hands. Please reconsider, Elise.
The big, yellow bus turned onto Highland Street, its brakes screeching as it came to a halt halfway down the block. The doors opened and a backpack flew off the bus, landing on the pavement. Luke leaped to the ground, laughing.