Slowly, she raised her chin to look at him, dread circling in her stomach. What do you mean?
I made a couple phone calls, checked some databases. There was a murder case about six years ago in Chicago, where the prime witness for the Justice Department disappeared. Her name was Sara Parker.
Over the last half-dozen years Sara had become an accomplished actress, but it took all her abilities now to gaze steadily at the man, to fight the fear and panic welling up inside her. So you think this guy today came hunting for that witness and almost killed me instead?
Chatfield gave a slow nod. It seems possible. But I dont want you to worry. Were giving this close attention, and well have someone posted outside your apartment until we bring this guy in. Every effort will be made to guarantee your safety.
She gave an unamused laugh. You cant really guarantee anything of the sort, can you, Detective? Nobody can.
Well do our best, maam. He got up and crossed the room, came back carrying a stack of books. She didnt bother telling him that his departments best wouldnt be enough. If the Department of Justice had failed so horribly, what could the New Orleans Police Department do? The answer was bleakly apparent.
Nothing.
Two hours later she flipped one of the books closed and rubbed her eyes. Chatfield looked up from his desk nearby. Nobody familiar in there?
Theyre starting to all look alike. Maybe we could finish this tomorrow.
He got up and came to the table. Sure. Youve been through a lot today. Ill have a uniform drive you home and Ill tell Mr. Doucet youre leaving. Nick had stepped out to make some phone calls a few minutes earlier. It occurred to Sara that her departure couldnt come at a better time.
She let the blanket slip from her shoulders, and concentrated on folding it neatly. Ill take the ride, but you dont need to bother Mr. Doucet.
The detectives shrewd blue eyes observed her carefully. Okay. I just thoughtI guess I figured the two of you were together.
No. Sara lay the folded blanket over the chair and reached for her purse. Were not together.
The policeman who took her home went into her apartment ahead of her, checked it for intruders, then turned to go. The process reminded Sara of the precariousness of her position here, the need for a swift escape.
Thank you for the ride, Officer. Nerves stretched to the snapping point, she could barely conceal her impatience to have the man gone.
He seemed impervious to her tension, lingering in the doorway. Therell be a car right outside, maam. You dont have to worry about a thing.
She managed a wan smile, waited for him to close the door, and locked it after him. Then she flew into action. Her suitcase was dragged from beneath the bed, drawers opened, emptied into the bag. She spent little time on packing niceties; speed was of the essence. Swiftly, she cleared the closet of clothes. She didnt have much. It didnt make sense to spend the little money she had on things shed only wear for a matter of months.
Each personality demanded a different wardrobe. She left the belly-showing sweaters and low-riding jeans. Amber Jennings had had an affection for the skimpy garments. Saras next identity would be Ambers opposite.
For the same reason, she ignored the collection of cat statues placed carefully on the windowsills. Shed picked the whole set up at a flea market. Hailey, Carla, Amywhoever she became nextwouldnt be a cat lover, but perhaps an avid sports fan.
On her hands and knees, she reached for the hem of the comforter, flipped it up. Searching for the pocket shed carefully sewn in the fabric, she withdrew the bills shed stuffed inside and jammed them in her purse.
Still on her knees, she froze when a knock sounded at the door. She wasnt proud of the first blinding wave of panic that washed over her. Nor the second emotion, which followed closely when she heard a voice call out, Amber, its Nick.
She closed her eyes, let her breath out with a rush. Nick. It was too much to ask that he wouldnt follow her home, but another five minutes and she could have missed him completely. It was also useless to damn fate. Shed learned that years ago.
Closing the suitcase, she shoved it beneath the bed, out of sight. Im getting ready to turn in.
I need to talk to you, Amber. Open the door.
Sara threw a quick glance around to check that there was nothing to give her plans away, and then resigned herself to the inevitable. Moving swiftly, she went to the door, unlocked it. He hadnt changed his clothes; hed come directly from the police station. For the first time it occurred to her that before theyd been caught in the storm, shed never seen him look less than immaculate. His obviously custom-tailored clothes were wrinkled now, his expensive shoes probably ruined. But it didnt lessen the impact of his appearance. Didnt detract from the aura of latent power that surrounded him.
He pressed the flat of his hand against the door, as if expecting her to try to keep it closed against him. The idea had merit, but she knew it would be futile to try. Letting him push it open, she stepped back, and he followed her in. Immediately he shrank the apartment with his presence, and she knew that if she hadnt been leaving, she would have been reminded of him in this space each time she was in it.
You havent changed. His gaze raked her soggy clothes, then made a quick survey of the apartment, before returning to her. Have you eaten?
Ino. Im not hungry.
He let the door latch behind him, came farther into the room. So if you havent been eating or standing under a hot shower, what have you been doing?
Because she didnt want to answer the question, she asked one of her own. Why are you here, Nick?
He slipped his hands in his pockets. Im not sure you should be left alone tonight.
She deliberately misunderstood his words. Im not alone. The officer who brought me home said there would be a car out front. She was counting on that, in fact, when she slipped out the back. Its been a long day, and Im exhausted.
He paid no attention to her words. This room is freezing. Crossing the room, he went to close the window near her bed she routinely kept open. When his hands went to the sash she blurted, Dont shut that!
The alarm in her voice was unmistakable, so she swallowed, forced a calmer tone. I like it open. She didnt miss the assessing look in his eyes as he stepped away from it slowly, nor the shift in his attention when he saw the flipped-up comforter that shed forgotten to smooth back into place.
With a feeling of inevitability, she watched him go down on one knee, look at the edge of the suitcase partially revealed. Glancing at her again, he cocked an eyebrow. Going somewhere?
Where would I be going? Her shrug was deliberately casual. I keep some of my clothes in that, because the space in here is limitedNick! He was pulling the suitcase out, popping its lid. He surveyed its full contents for a moment before rising, turning to her.
His voice was soft, almost inaudible. Where are you going, Amber?
Shed always had the ability to recognize when to cut her losses. Her chin tipped upward. Im not sticking around to be used as target practice in some crazy mans six-year-old vendetta.