Page 88 of Killer Clone
Hagen poured her a glass of wine. Ander had brought the bottle, and Stella could tell from Hagen’s expression that the choice did not impress him. He’d drink it anyway, out of respect. “We’ll do our best. But the paparazzi…they’re everywhere.”
Stella sipped her wine. The grapes were more dry than sweet and did little to drown the ache in her stomach.
Slade waved his fork. A piece of cheese fell onto his plate. He looked very grateful for the chance to be out of the house in the evening and enjoying a social event with his team.
“Let’s be content knowing we caught the bad guy. He won’t be carving up any more victims. You two were in an unlucky situation. But if you both hadn’t been on leave, Maureen King and Trevor McAuley would still be up in Pennsylvania, killing their way through Claymore Township. It’s thanks to you we’ve wrapped this up.”
He raised his glass. The others did the same, and Stella’s cheeks warmed. She didn’t want attention from the media, and she didn’t want attention from her colleagues either. She was only doing her job.
Besides, there was another problem they had to consider. “I’m not sure this case is wrapped up. We still don’t know who’s giving the orders on the Dispatch group.” It was hard not to shoot a pointed look at Anja, but she managed. “For all we know, they could recruit other criminals and strike again.”
Slade rubbed his eyes, and Stella hoped he didn’t get oregano in any sensitive areas. “That’s true. But I think we can leave that until tomorrow.”
Hell yeah.
They ate and drank and laughed. The compliments on her cooking resumed. Hagen’s arm lay across the chair, and he ate heartily, only occasionally turning to flash her a little smile.
The lasagna was good.
She’d buried the takeout containers from the local Italian restaurant deep in the trash, making sure they were out of sight. Hopefully, the mystery of how Stella had become such a talented chef would be one mystery even Hagen Yates would never solve.
While Stella indulged in layers of cheesy goodness—made extra special by chef subterfuge—Slade’s phone chimed. Everyone stopped chattering and focused on their boss. When he saw all eyes on him, Slade waved at the meal. “Keep going, nosies.”
He rose and headed into the living room. But he was back within twenty seconds. He gave Stella a weary smile. “You just had to call it, huh?”
Stella’s confusion mixed with a small jolt of adrenaline. Something had happened.
“Everyone listen up.” Slade put his phone on speaker. “Jack, repeat what you just told me. My team’s here.”
“This is Supervisory Special Agent Jack McHenry. I’m based out of New York, and I’m reaching out because there seems to be a string of copycats to your most recent case. Right now, I have three confirmed murders involving cuneiform and exsanguination. One in Omaha, one in Stanley, Wisconsin, and one here in New York.”
The silence in the room made Stella’s ears buzz. She set her fork down. Her appetite vanished.
“This is Agent Stella Knox. Are you sure, Agent McHenry?”
“I’m sending the files now. You tell me.”
“I’ll keep an eye out for them.” Slade disconnected.
Stella wiped her sweaty hands on her lap. She’d known someone was behind Trevor’s actions. She’d known the case wasn’t closed.
But she hadn’t expected such a slaughter.
Across the table, Slade looked as pale as she felt. He slipped his phone into his pocket, exhaling slowly. “Looks like McAuley wasn’t as special as he thought. Someone out there’s picking up where he left off.”
Stella’s stomach twisted. A killer clone.
Slade pushed back his chair. “Time to get back to work.”
The End.
To Be Continued…