Page 5 of Fatal Intent

“EOD.”

The junior officer whistled. “Were you any good?”

Grant gave a bark of laughter. “The military trained me well. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be here.”

Ace glanced at Rayne. “What about you, Ms. Weatherly?”

“Chicago PD. No military service.”

He sighed. “Do you know how unusual it is to find absolutely nothing on background checks of suspects?”

Surprise. Not. Grant leaned back against the cruiser. “I wouldn’t have been a fan myself when I wore a badge.”

“So you understand my dilemma.”

“Sure. You want to know if there’s something in our past to connect us to the vic.”

Ace inclined his head. “Is there?”

“Rayne has nothing to do with this situation.” Except having the misfortune of being his running partner. Man, when would he learn to leave well enough alone? “I knew Selena a lifetime ago. We dated for a few months.”

Beside him, Rayne stirred. He’d surprised her. Grant’s face burned. He hated to admit what a huge mistake he’d made by dating Selena. Despite telling Grant she loved him, Selena had been seeing another man behind his back, the same man she was supposed to marry a few months ago. He hadn’t seen a wedding ring on Selena’s finger. Did something happen that caused her to break off the engagement? If so, why would she come here?

“Did you and Ms. Baker part on good terms?” Ace asked.

Grant shook his head, knowing how this would sound. He prepared himself for a long stay in the interrogation room. So much for his plan to coax Rayne into a date later today. Hopefully, he’d convince her to go out with him one day soon.

“Don’t keep us in suspense, Bowen. Why did you and the vic break up?”

“She cheated on me with a former friend.”

“And you didn’t like that.”

“Would you?”

Ace sneered. “This isn’t about me.”

“Sir?”

The older cop turned to his partner. “What is it, kid?”

Crabtree showed his cell phone screen to Ace.

Grant went on alert the second the older cop’s expression went blank. That look meant trouble.

The lead officer glanced at Grant, his expression grim. “Selena Baker just died.”

CHAPTER TWO

GRANT’S BREATH STALLEDin his lungs as he stared at Ace following the news of Selena’s death. He leaned back against the cruiser, closing his eyes briefly. Man, this was unbelievable. What had she involved herself in? Is that why she was in this area? Had she wanted his protection or his investigative experience?

Despite his breakup with Selena, Grant hadn’t wished her any harm. As far as he was concerned, Selena and Dante had chosen each other and should be together. He certainly hadn’t wanted Selena back in his life. He couldn’t trust her.

“I’m sorry, Grant,” Rayne murmured. She wrapped her arms around his waist and hugged him.

He blinked away the sting of tears, pressing his cheek against her temple and soaking in the comfort she offered. “Thanks.”

Ace cleared his throat. “Hate to interrupt this touching scene, but detectives will be here soon. Another officer will transport the two of you to the station to answer some questions.” His smile was grim. “We appreciate your cooperation.”