Page 83 of Girl Between (Dana Gray FBI Mystery Thriller #5)

Jake listened intently as Dana shared the events of her trip to the bayou, including striking out finding anything to connect the Harvest Girls to the current investigation.

“I even called George’s mother, since she’s so plugged into the Voodoo scene, in case she had any insight regarding the Goode sisters, but nope. Zero, zilch, nada.”

“Tough loss,” he said, meaning it. He knew how invested Dana got in her work. It was more than just the hunt for her. She knew those left behind were victims, too. And she did everything she could to make sure they weren’t forgotten.

“Yeah.” She exhaled deeply. “I can’t help thinking I’m missing something.”

“It’s a twenty-year-old case, Gray. Cut yourself some slack.”

“I realize that, but you know when it just feels like something’s off?”

Their eyes met, that unspoken pain tethering them. Of course, Jake knew what she meant. To do what they did and to do it well required more than following clues. They couldn’t just walk in a killer’s footsteps. They had to become the evil they hunted.

Operating on that sixth sense that let them slip into the shoes of the monsters they pursued took its toll. But it was a price they were both willing to pay. He supposed it’s why they worked so well together. Or used to .

Jake took another sip of bourbon. “If there’s something to find, the BAU will sniff it out.”

“It’s official?” Dana asked.

Jake finished the last of his bourbon and nodded.

“Do you know who they’re sending?”

He nodded again.

“Who is it?”

“Do you want the bad news or the bad news?”

“Just tell me.”

“They’re sending Richter.”

“Richter?” Dana’s keen eyes filled with concern. “Doesn’t he need to be at Claire’s trial?”

“He was deposed when we were. The DA says it’s all pretty cut and dry since the plea is NGRI.”

“Right,” Dana murmured, her gaze suddenly distant.

NGRI or not guilty by reason of insanity, wasn’t a lenient plea in the District of Columbia.

Jake knew Claire had been through half the criminal defense attorneys in the tri-state area before one was stupid enough to take the case.

The plea admitted Claire committed the crimes, but the severity of insanity sentencing varied widely.

“Hey,” Jake said softly, taking Dana’s hand from her bouncing knee. “She’s not going to get away with it.”

Dana pulled her hand away. “Can we talk about something else?”

“Sure.”

“You said there was bad news. Richter is one of the best. Why aren’t you happy he’s taking this case?”

She was right. SSA Grant Richter, was one of the good guys. The last of a dying breed if the FBI’s new director had anything to say about it.

Jake had trained under a pre-salt-and-pepper haired Richter as a boot during his Army days. After the last case they’d worked together, the man should be getting a medal. But it seemed the FBI’s new regime was more interested in turning the fifty-something silver fox out to pasture.

“He’s not the problem,” Jake grumbled. “The new BAU unit chief is.”

“I don’t follow,” said Dana. “Richter’s the unit chief.”

“Not anymore. Director No-sack is trading expertise and seniority for a shiny new army of pocket protector-wearing tech teens.”

“I know you and the new director don’t see eye-to-eye, but is it possible you’re being dramatic?” Dana asked.

“Why don’t you let me know after you meet Doogie Howser?” he asked, passing Dana his phone.

She stared at the photograph of the fresh-faced agent, who looked like he’d barely hit puberty. “Meet Special Agent Colby Creed,” Jake snorted. “He’s named after cheese for Christ’s sake. How the hell does he expect not to be shoved in a locker, let alone lead the BAU?”

“I’m sure you thought similar things about me before we worked together.”

“At least you’re an adult.” Brilliant, beautiful, sexy, maddening, adult . He left those adjectives out.

“Jake, give him a chance before you pass judgement.”

“I won’t get to. No-sack wants my ass back at HQ.”

Dana swallowed. “When?”

“Careful, you almost sound sad that I’m leaving.”

“Jake …”

He waved her off, knowing that conversation would be better with less whiskey and more privacy.

“I’m staying on to pass the baton when the BAU gets here.

If you want on the case, it’s probably best I’m not the one to push the issue.

I don’t have the sway I used to without Jenks in the driver’s seat.

” He fished out his wallet and placed cash on the bar for their drinks.

“Let me know about the wedding. I’ll need to book a flight home. ”

“Home or D.C.?”

Jake exhaled deeply, wishing his glass wasn’t empty. “D.C. I meant what I said about Claire’s trial.”

“And then? ”

He shrugged. “Don’t know. Guess I’m playing the rest by ear.”

“What about your mom, or the search for your father?”

He shook his head, not sure how to even start that conversation. He pinched the bridge of his nose and shut his eyes. Dana slipped her hand over the one he’d left on the bar. “Jake, it’s okay to want something for yourself.”

He opened his eyes and stared at Dana’s beautiful face, wishing he had the words to tell her that she was the something he wanted.

He swallowed thickly, trying to figure out where to begin.

He gripped the back of her barstool, which was inconveniently bolted to the rotating floor.

He needed her closer. Needed to feel her next to him if there was any chance of making her understand.

Jake squeezed her hand, about to ask if she wanted to go upstairs, when Dana’s phone rang.

Det. Vincent George flashed across her screen.

“I need to get this,” she said.

Jake nodded, clenching his teeth.

Dana picked up the call. “Hello?”

Jake could hear both sides of the conversation thanks to his close proximity.

“Where are you?” asked George.

“My hotel.”

“Good, I’m cashing in my raincheck. Meet me across the street. There’s a restaurant called Mr. B’s. Give the Matre’d my name. I’ve got news.”

“What kind of news?”

“The kind better not exchanged over the phone.”