Page 22 of Branded Souls (Ember Hollow Romance #3)

Fox

H er words weighed so heavily it was almost suffocating.

I had suspected it might be the case. That her father was responsible for her mother’s disappearance.

“It’s not off the table that the Shadow Stalker could still be Jane Doe’s killer,” August said.

Graham nodded. “The police were right to have Jane Doe as a possible victim. The case has similarities to his MO, too many to disregard. She was so close to one of his most known dump sites.”

Skye’s grip on my hand tightened more. I wasn’t sure what had made me reach for her. It hadn’t even been a thought, really. It was instinct.

“We don’t even know for sure that Jane Doe is Skye’s mother,” Emersyn pointed out.

Skye and her brother were quiet. I’d been impressed with the way Skye had handled this meeting. She’d been through a lot tonight—really, since she’d come back to Ember Hollow—but from the moment we set foot in this conference room, she had held her head high .

“I think Reid has been speaking with the police on getting a possible identification through DNA.”

Skye sat up straighter. “Detective Whize has been working on that, too. DNA is expensive, though, and can take awhile. We’ve been working on getting access to the evidence in her case so I can get a look at Jane Doe’s belongings to see if I recognize anything.”

“Good.” August looked up from his notes.

“I’m not sure what more we can do tonight.

In my opinion, I think you’re right, Skye.

If your father is making threats about you digging into Jane Doe, he had to have something to do with her.

Maybe he killed her. Maybe the Shadow Stalker did.

Either way, your safety is a priority.” His gaze shifted to Ash.

“Do you think that you’re in any danger as well?

If he’s following Skye, he’s got to know that the two of you are speaking.

He could assume the two of you are working together. ”

Ash shrugged. “I’m not afraid of my father anymore.”

Skye looked at her brother with a mix of worry and admiration. “You need to be careful. I want you to be safe.”

“I haven’t heard from the man.”

“That doesn’t mean you’re not going to,” Skye pointed out.

“She’s right,” August agreed. “Do you have a security system?”

Ash paused. “Yeah, I do.” He bumped Skye’s shoulder, a small smile pulling at his mouth. “Don’t worry about me, sis. I’m more than capable of taking care of myself.”

Skye bit her lip. “Promise you’ll let us know if anything happens?”

“I appreciate the concern, but I’m good.”

Skye’s gaze flicked to August. “Is there anything you can do for him?”

“I’m good,” Ash repeated. “If it makes you feel better, I’ll let the boss man know if anything changes, or if I catch a glimpse of our old man. ”

Reluctantly, she nodded. “Okay.”

“I’ll be here to consult on anything either of you need,” August added.

“Thank you,” Skye said. “Really, all of you are doing so much for me. I—I don’t deserve it.”

“Of course you deserve it.” It was Emersyn’s voice, certain and strong. “Don’t ever think that you don’t. We’re friends, Skye. Friends look out for each other.”

I fought a smile. Skye needed to hear that. She put on a strong face, but she was lonely. At least, she had been when I’d known her. She’d changed over the years—but that look in her eyes, the one she often tried to hide—hadn’t.

“Thank you,” Skye repeated, her voice trembling.

The meeting broke up quickly after that.

August spoke with me about some extra security measures at the cabin and setting up some tracking and audio recording of calls if Skye allowed.

He asked me to lock up when we were finished.

Emersyn had some work she needed to wrap up and they had to make a quick exit.

Ash left shortly after August, which left me, Skye, and Graham.

He had seemed a bit off to me during the meeting.

I wasn’t sure why, exactly. Graham was pretty good at seeming laid-back and unbothered most of the time, but something about his body language had me wondering.

He had been fidgeting. Graham wasn’t a fidgeter.

“Is everything all right with you?” I asked him.

He crossed his arms over his chest. He glanced at Skye, who had returned to her seat next to me after seeing her brother out.

“Actually, I have something to talk to Skye about.”

Skye tilted her head. “Me? ”

He twirled his pen between his fingers, something he’d been doing periodically through the meeting. “Yes. I’ve been debating if I should say something, but I don’t think it’s right to keep it from you.”

I leaned forward, alarm bells going off in my head. “What is it?”

He pursed his lips, glancing between me and Skye. He was worried. It was never good when Graham was worried.

“As you know, or perhaps maybe you don’t, Skye, but I’m in contact with the Shadow Stalker.

At first, it was in a professional capacity, but I’m no longer working with the state on this case.

Even though our family hasn’t been affected directly by the Shadow Stalker himself, it was determined that with our sister being a victim of a crime so close to his case that it was best if I didn’t work on it anymore. ”

“You’ve spoken with him directly?” Skye asked, interest piqued.

Graham nodded. “He continues to be in contact with me, though I’m not entirely sure why. Maybe he thinks he can trust me.” He flipped the pen again, making an overzealous twirl that almost sent it flying across the table. “Anyways, he’s somehow gotten word of you, Skye.”

She jerked her head back. “What about me?”

“Of the documentary.”

Her eyes widened. “How does he know about that?”

“Small town. He must still maintain some of his connections. I’m sure his lawyers also keep him up to date. He has a team of them.” He grimaced.

“What are you getting at, Graham?” Anxiety pricked at my skin.

Graham set the pen carefully onto the table. “He requested an interview with Skye.”

We sat in stunned silence .

“An—an interview?” Skye stammered. “He wants me to interview him for the documentary?”

“I think so.” Graham crossed his arms over his chest. “Mind you, he’s maintaining his innocence. I’m not sure why he requested this, or what he hopes to accomplish. I don’t think you’re going to get him to talk about anything that will incriminate him in court.”

Skye’s jaw was literally hanging open. She stared at Graham in stunned disbelief. “How would things work logistically in the jail? Does he want me to physically come see him?”

I shot her a look. “You aren’t seriously thinking about talking to that psycho.”

Skye gave me an incredulous shake of her head. “What do you mean? I’m currently in production of a documentary, the subject of which just offered me an interview. Of course I’m going to talk to him.”

I blinked at her. “Nothing good comes from that monster.”

She threw her shoulders back. “Maybe, but this is my job, Fox.” She looked back at Graham. “When does he want to do this?”

Graham had the decency to look guilty as he glanced at me. “In a couple days. There’d be hoops to jump through, but I’m friends with the prosecutor and I think we could make it happen.”

Skye nodded, excitement lighting up her face.

“This isn’t a good idea,” I grumbled.

“I don’t care,” she said. “If we can make it happen, I’m going.”

I pushed a hand through my hair. My mind spun. This would change everything. “The last thing I want to do is get close to that—that evil scum,” I muttered, under my breath.

Skye threw me a confused look. “No one asked you to go. ”

“If you haven’t realized it by now, wherever you’re going, I’m going.” Her eyes widened, and I fought the urge to grab her hand again. “I’m not going to let anything happen to you. Not if I can help it.”