Past Will Haunt (27 page)

“Thank you.”

“For what?” she asked. “You just paid for dinner. I should be thanking you.”

He sat and then kissed her on the cheek. “You’re my first friend. No one’s ever liked me for me. It’s been about my money, or because I was a doctor. You’re the first person to have the guts to like me simply because I’m Christopher Leonard.”

She took his hand in hers and gave it a squeeze. “They were idiots. One day, you’re going to find that woman, and I hope I’m around to tell her you’re really special.”

“You will be. I can tell.”

“I will always be here for you. I have my own money, and as for you being a doctor, while cool, I have a career. I don’t need yours to feel good. Mine is pretty awesome too. I’ll always tell you the truth, Chris. I’ll always be your friend.”

He grinned. “Thanks for not having sex with me.”

She laughed.

“Today is an odd day, Christopher.”

“What do you mean?”

She hesitated.

“You can trust me, Elizabeth. I won’t ever betray you. I’ll die loving you, in a very sterile, non-sexual, brother kind of way.”

She snorted. “I think we’re both insane. Were we separated at birth?”

He wished. The only thing he could think of that would be better than her being his friend was if she was his sister. That would be the icing on the cake.

“Time will tell. Now share with me.”

“Well, Gabe is in love. Livy is in love. You’re saying the words. It’s just all weird to me. I don’t hand them out so easily. They stay locked inside. I want to say them, but I just can’t.”

“They’re easy to say but hard to mean, so maybe that’s what you need to focus on.”

For a newbie, he was smart. Chris was wiser than she’d given him credit.

“If you show it, then you don’t always have to say it. The people you care about will know. If they truly love you, they’ll see it in your eyes and know.”

She only wished.

He opened the pizza box. “Who hurt you, Elizabeth? If it wasn’t a who, then it was a what. I can see it in you.”

She laughed. “Christopher.”

“I’m serious. You said friendship, and this goes along with it. You can’t do it halfway. We’re either a team, or you just lied to me.”

Elizabeth didn't speak. He had a point. She wanted to kick his ass for it too.

“Trust in me. I trust in you.”

She wanted to, but it was a risk.

Chris offered up his personal information. “My dad died when I was a kid. My mom is weird, and I spent most of my childhood getting stuffed into lockers. I’m a millionaire, and I don’t know who to trust in life. I feel like I was dropped into the wild, and I’m struggling to make it. I doubt my job, my skill, and every choice I ever made—with the exception of you. I don’t doubt you for a second.”

Elizabeth was touched by his words.

“You’re a damn good ME, and you’re in the right job. I’ve watched you treat the victims with nothing but reverence. You care. If you don’t, this is a bad job to be in.”

He listened.

“As for the money, I’ll keep you safe. When you find a girl, let me meet her. I look at guilty people and murderers all day long. I can spot them a mile away.”

He grinned. “Deal.”

“The rest will fall into place as you get older.”

“I believe you. I know what it’s like to be hurt. You have that look about you.”

She wavered.

“You wanted to be my friend, now let me be yours.”

“My mom was killed in a car accident when I was ten. I watched her die in front of me. Since then, I’m a walking mess. I don’t love easily because I know how fast it can be ripped away. I don’t trust many people. Gabe and Livy are the only two I really have faith in. You can add yourself to that list too.”

He grabbed the paper plates and handed her a slice of pizza. “You’re not a walking mess, Lyzee. You just haven’t gotten to where you’re going yet.”

She stared at him.

“You’re just as lost as I am. One day, you’ll kiss someone like that, and you’ll know he’s the one. It may not be me, but I don’t doubt it’ll happen. You have a lot of worth, Elizabeth. If we could be together, I’d marry you in a heartbeat.”

Her heart ached because she knew that wasn’t likely going to happen. She was never going to find her other half. There was no way anyone could ever see beneath it all. She was too much work, and she and men didn't work outside of the bedroom.

Elizabeth was too stubborn.

“You’re far from a mess. You’re sweet, kind, and you have a huge heart. You are the champion for people who can’t protect themselves. I did research on you. You were the best in your class at the FBI academy. That’s not a coincidence, and it’s not a mess. You’re special too. I see it.”

Her eyes filled up with tears.

A small part of her wished they could be together. He was a good man. Then she realized how she’d mess it up. Law enforcement officers were a very bad choice, and she knew it.

“My gut is never wrong, Christopher. Ten years from now, we’re still going to be friends. I can tell.”

“You think?”

She took a bite of her pizza. “Yeah, I know.”

“I’m glad. I won’t hit on you anymore,” he offered, wiping a tear off her cheek, “but I will check out your ass. It’s my consolation prize after that kiss.”

She snorted and then punched him.

“Yeah, I was right. I think I may love you, Christopher Leonard. You and I are going to be really good friends.”

He leaned back. “I don’t doubt it. Promise that you won’t let the other agents abuse me too much?” he teased.

Elizabeth laughed. “You’re going to be my ME until the day I retire. No matter what. I promise that as long as I’m in the FBI, you’re going to be my sidekick.”

“Even if you transfer?” he asked.

“Looks like mommy will need a new roommate. I don’t have many close friends but you’re on the list.”

She dropped her head onto his shoulder.

“I’m going to hold you to it, Elizabeth. We were made for each other, in a sick ME and lead investigator kind of way.”

She laughed.

“Bring it on, Christopher Leonard. I can’t wait.”

CHAPTER EIGHT

Georgetown

Late Wednesday

Night

He wanted to be sick.

In fact, he was pretty sure he was going to toss his cookies. It wasn’t because the team he had called in was staring at him in curiosity. After all, he was in Livy’s home, and it was crystal clear why he was there.

It certainly wasn’t for a meeting.

Now everyone would know about them and speculate about their relationship. Still, that wasn’t bothering him. He had worse problems to worry about—like a killer stalking the woman he loved.

The maniac now knew where Livy lived. At that moment, he was aware that she was in the house. That put Gabe on edge. How could he not panic? Livy had been marked as a victim, and he felt out of control.

This was why he kept his professional and personal lives separate. Now he had everything to lose.

When the team was done, he gave them their orders. “I want everything forwarded to Agents LaRue and Spencer. I need it handled ASAP.”

No one questioned him, and it was probably for the best. Gabe was on the edge. One comment and he might just lose it. He was frazzled beyond control.

When the team headed out, Gabe knew he needed to warn Livy about what had happened. She deserved to know.

Pulling his nerve together, he headed upstairs. When he entered her room, she looked so peaceful. He wanted nothing more than to protect her with all he had.

Gabe did something he’d never thought he’d do. He took her phone off the nightstand so the team wouldn’t bother her sleep. He wanted her to rest. When she woke, her life was going to be thrown into the chaos.

Tonight, she’d have peace.

Tomorrow, they’d begin battling for her life.

Sneaking back out, he knew there was a call he had to make. If anyone deserved to know what was happening, it was Elizabeth.

Dialing Livy’s phone, he waited for her to answer.

“Shouldn’t you be climbing big sexy and not calling me?” she asked when she answered.

“Actually, it’s Gabe.”

“Well, if you didn't know I called you that, this would be really awkward.”

He cut her off. “I have a problem.”

“Okay, what is it now? I’m not a doctor, but I have one right next to me eating pizza.”

“The killer was here.”

“WHAT?”

He had her full attention.

“You’re going to get the report. It’ll be there by morning, but I figured you should hear it from me. While Livy and I were upstairs, the killer dropped by her place. He killed a cat, gutted it, and left a message.”

She wanted to be sick.

Gabe told her what he’d written.

“Shit!”

“Yeah, I know. I have to get her out of here.”

Elizabeth could hear the terror in his voice. “You have to warn her, and then stick like glue. Tomorrow, I’ll be back as soon as I can, and I’ll make sure she doesn’t leave my sight.”

“I told her I was in love.”

“Okay, and?”

“She said it back.”

“Well, what’s next?”

He laughed sardonically. “I can’t think. This is too fast. I’m not good with emotions and feelings. Tell me what to do.”

“Gabe, I love you, but I can’t tell you what to do next. If it were me, I’d get married tonight and head to the furthest FBI office we have.”

“I have to send her away. I can’t. I won’t…”

“I’ll do the ME interview first thing in the morning. Chris and I are going to head out right now. I wanted to see the site where the killer was poaching women, and I can do it in the dark. It’s safe here.”

“Lyzee, you have to find him. I can’t do this. I’ve already invested my heart, and I can’t watch her die. How do I live with myself? How do I live without her? I finally manned up and told her how I’ve felt after weeks of being crazy about her. This can’t happen.”

“Shut up, okay? I’ll handle this. I promise that by the end, she’ll be alive, and I’ll have taken care of
‘The Butcher’
, okay?”

He didn't speak.

“I promise, Gabe. You know my word is golden. I’ll handle it. This one is on me. You just watch Livy, okay?”

He swallowed. “I trust you.”

She hoped she didn't lose them both.

When she hung up the phone, she ran her hands through her hair. “I’m so fucked right now that in comparison a hooker looks pristine.”

Chris swallowed his pizza. “What do we have to do?”

“You and I have hours to figure out who the hell this killer is, get the connection between Boston and DC, and save Livy’s life.”

“Well that doesn’t sound daunting.”

“The pressure is on, Christopher.”
“Then we better move.”

“Where’s your gun?” she asked.

“I didn't bring it.”

“Christopher!”

“What? I didn't think we’d get jumped by an ME and some Feds. I’m not usually in the line of fire. Who shoots at the doctor?” he asked.

Elizabeth pulled open her messenger bag. Inside, she kept her backup piece. Handing it to him, she was dead serious. “You be safe. If you get hurt, I’m going to kill you.”

He laughed. “So, if I die?”

“Christopher, I’ll use your corpse as my Halloween decorations for the next twenty years. Do you really want kids grabbing candy out of your lap?”

“It must be love.”

“Yeah, or insanity.”

  
         
* * *
  B l a c k h a w k - W h i t e f o x   * * *

He wasn’t going to take another one.

It wasn’t his intent.

In fact, he didn't want to risk getting caught tonight, but the female Fed pissed him off. When she wasn’t the one who opened the door, he wanted to kill someone.

So…he did.

He headed back to the pub and waited inside. He was very familiar with the place. In fact, he could see it from his place of business.

It was something he liked to watch all day long. He would stand there, toiling away, and before he would know it, the day would pass. See, they never saw him.

Not once.

He was invisible, and that’s why he had to hurt them. His art made him stand out. As long as he had that, he had a voice in the cold world.

He had power.

In life, that’s all that mattered.

So, while lost in the anger, he went back there. Once he did, he found the perfect woman to be his canvas. She wasn’t perfect like the Fed, but she’d do.

Oh, she was Irish enough. Plus, she reminded him of that woman he used to love until she broke his heart, so she’d be suitable for what he wanted to do.

The only thing he wished was that he had more time to follow her. If he didn't take his time, this could blow up in his face.

It was about the risk, and he was taking a big one.

He sat there watching, and when she left the building to head to her car, he knew it was time to strike.

No, he wouldn’t take her home.

He would keep her where they would find her. 

As she put the keys in the lock of her car, he made his move. Quickly, he slammed her head off the window before she could make a sound.

Then, he shoved her inside the vehicle and hurriedly pulled away. Oh, he’d be going back, but he needed to make sure all the other employees were gone for the night. It looked like he would just have to wait.

Then the fun would begin.

Well, for him.

       
         
* * *
  B l a c k h a w k - W h i t e f o x   * * *

Boston

To say that Elizabeth was nervous would be an understatement. Normally, she had Livy at her back watching her flank.

Oh, someone was behind her alright. Only, she suspected he was checking out her ass in her jeans instead of keeping them safe.

God!

She missed Livy.

“Okay,” Elizabeth stated. “This is the bar where they all partied or worked before they died.”

Chris stood there, his hand on the sidearm. He was worried that someone was going to jump them. This was Boston, and not the good part of town. There were shadows lurking, and they had nothing to do with the streetlights. Chris suspected they were being watched.

Crap!

“What do you see?” Elizabeth asked, hoping Chris’s FBI training would rise to the surface and come back to him. She had to hope.

“Well, there are some drug dealers, murderers, and a few hookers,” he stated.

She laughed. “I meant other than that.”

Chris looked around. “Buildings. I see quite a few empty buildings.”

“You’re supposed to be super observant, Chris. Don’t you use that skill with the dead?”

“I do, and I am observant. Right now, I can tell you’re wearing vanilla body lotion and something else. It’s a little spicy. I think it may be your shampoo, but I’m not quite sure.”

She stared at him. “Seriously? Are you sniffing me?”

He ignored her. “Plus, you’re wearing a black bra and a matching thong.”

“Christopher! How the hell did you know that?”

“What? I undress bodies for a living. I notice what’s under the clothes. It’s part of the job.”

“No. Really.”

“I saw the strap of the bra, and when you bent over, the top of the thong peeked out from the back of your jeans. Pink and black are sexy.”

“You’re such a weirdo.”

He laughed. “Oddly, I’ve heard that before from the opposite sex, so I’m not surprised.”

“How about you use your powers of observation on the surrounding area and not me? What do you see?”

He stared at each building while she flipped through the reports. “There’s a butcher, a baker, and a…”

“I swear to God if you say candlestick maker, I’m going to kick your ass. This isn’t a nursery rhyme.”

Chris laughed. “Noted, boss.”

“Don’t call me boss.”

“You’re the lead investigator. You’re technically…” He was cut off.

“I’m not the boss. I’m just an agent. I don’t want to be the boss. All I want is to do my job.”

“A parking garage.”

“What?”

“There’s a parking garage. There’s one not far from
‘The Bog’
. At first I wanted to point out the butcher, since our killer is practicing to be one, but it doesn’t fit the area back home. That garage is the only thing that’s the same about this area, other than the seedy location.”

She looked around.

“Way to use your skill, Chris. Now we need information.”

As she headed toward the garage, she noticed there was a booth. In it, there was an attendant. He jumped when she banged on the door.

“What?” he asked, his eyes wide.

“I need to ask you some questions.”

He shook his head. “I can’t leave the booth. My boss will fire me.”

She pulled her blazer back. “If you don’t leave the booth, I’m going to shoot you in the ass. I’m betting it’s not bullet proof glass.”

He didn't hesitate.

“What do you want?”

“How long have you worked here?”

“I don’t know, maybe four months. I do it part time to pay for school.”

“Who worked here before you?”

“I don’t know.”

“Why did they quit?”

“Lady, listen. You’re out of your fucking mind.”

Chris grabbed him by the front of the shirt. “You better not be talking to my partner that way.”

He swallowed.

“I’m sorry. I didn't mean any harm. I don’t know, but I can give you the office’s number. You can call it tomorrow when it opens up.”

“When’s that?”

“Ten.”

She sighed. “Okay. Get back inside before you get shot.”

The man hustled.

As they were walking away, she started laughing. “You are NEVER coming out in the field again.”

“Why not?”

“You just manhandled an eighteen year old child. Last I looked, I was pretty capable of busting balls.”