Total pages in book: 103
Estimated words: 98819 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 494(@200wpm)___ 395(@250wpm)___ 329(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 98819 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 494(@200wpm)___ 395(@250wpm)___ 329(@300wpm)
“I’ve finished testing the samples. The new letter left at the most recent murder matches the ones sent to Inara. Handwriting, paper quality, mold spores—all identical. I’m waiting on a sample from the original letters the killer sent to the Elyria police station, but from the photocopied versions, I can surmise the handwriting will be a match as well.”
“Has the NRPD made a connection between these murders and the Bondage Killer?”
“It’s one of their lines of inquiry, but they have no evidence linking the crimes. I suggest we send a package of our discoveries to the lead detective immediately.” He pauses and clears his throat. “Unless you wish to free Detective Ramos and send them with her.”
I glare at Hamish. He’s unfazed.
“No. It’s not safe for her out there. Not while this killer is fixated on her.” I thump down my glass. “I have to find him.” The faster I stop the Bondage Killer, the less chance he’ll kill again. Maybe then Inara will forgive me.
“I have the utmost faith in your abilities, sir. But if I can make a suggestion?”
“Is it about Inara?” I fold my arms. I don’t want to hear any more parables telling me if I love someone, set them free.
“It is not.” He moves closer to the desk and speaks in a quieter tone. “In the past, you’ve gone through certain channels to solve problems. Channels some might find unorthodox but effective.”
He’s referring to the alliances I’ve made with St. James and his criminal connections. In the rare instance I’ve had trouble finding and destroying an enemy, I’ve hired an assassin to do it for me.
I used to think Hamish disapproved of these methods, so I’m surprised when he continues, “I was wondering if they might be a resource now?” He must be more shaken than he’s letting on if, instead of nagging me to free Inara, he’s encouraging me to hire an army of criminals to help hunt the Bondage Killer down.
“You want me to work with criminals?” I bristle.
“As much as you’d like to be, you cannot be everywhere at once.”
I rub my face, hating him for pointing out my weakness. Hating that there are so many ways I’ve failed to make this city safe.
“If this is the Bondage Killer risen from the dead, we’re up against an experienced killer. We don’t have time to wait for him to make mistakes.”
He’s right. We don’t have time for my pride. I’ll sacrifice anything to keep Inara safe, even my last gasp at moral ground. “Make the calls. Set up a meeting.”
“Consider it done.” Hamish nods and leaves.
Building an alliance with St. James and his gang of murderers will be another sin Inara can judge me for. She sees the world in black and white, but I’m more practical.
There are those who would hurt Inara and those who would help me stand against them. I’m not picky when it comes to my allies. And if the choice is between keeping my hands clean and keeping Inara alive? There’s no question what I’ll do.
On camera, it looks like Inara has finally fallen asleep. But a frown mottles her face. Her limbs twitch, and she jerks like she’s trying to wake herself up.
She’s having a bad dream. I watch, on edge, until her mouth opens in a silent scream. And then I’m out of my chair and running for the dungeon, unable to be apart from her for another second.
* * *
Inara
* * *
I’m trapped in a small, claustrophobic space. It stinks like smoke and rot, and ash fills my lungs. Every time I move, there’s a dry, crackling sound, like I’m stepping on tinder. When I finally open my eyes, I realize I’m surrounded by the bodies of dead birds. The fragile bones snap under my flailing feet. Black feathers fill my vision, and when I scream, they fill my mouth—
“Inara.” A large hand cups the side of my face, and I jerk away until I realize it’s Rex. He picks me up and cradles me in his arms. I press my face into his solid shoulder, reveling in his immense strength.
Slowly the psychic horror of the dream recedes until there’s only Rex, his scent, his warmth, his strength. I cling to him. Because even though I can’t forgive him for locking me up, he’s all I have.
He seems to know what I need and rubs my back, soothing me like I’m a child. “It’s okay, baby. You’re safe with me.”
He carries me easily away from the cage and through the dimly lit dungeon. He takes me back to the bedroom I escaped from earlier.
I struggle to be let down, and his arms tighten around me like iron bands.
I stop fighting him and whisper, “I have to go to the bathroom.”
He carries me there and gives me privacy, but I find him waiting right outside the door. Which is a good thing because I stumble in the dark, my body still heavy from sleep.