Page 90 of Nowhere to Hide

“Not really, but they did look through the files for me. Serial killer isn’t a word they ever want to toss around, and it’s understandable that Salem would be cautious about it considering they are gearing up for their busy season. Doesn’t make it any less true.”

“I’ve been in contact with Stone weekly. The killer hasn’t struck again, which of course means his captain isn’t going to budge.”

“Or they haven’t found them,” I said quietly.

“Or he’s looking for you.” Locke’s eyes were direct and unflinching. “Which is why we’re going back on my boat. He’s not finding you.”

“You can’t hide forever.”

“Watch me.” Locke stalked over to me and took my hand.

Leo and Nyx both flanked him. “You know we can protect her. It’s what we do.”

“And you’re saying I can’t?”

“If I thought you were incapable I’d have her in a safehouse before you could take another breath.” Leo’s hands were in his pockets, his body language calm and unbothered.

Except those blue eyes of his were unflinching.

Nyx stepped in front of Locke. “We’re worried about both of you.”

“I’m safe with him,” I said quietly. “I appreciate your help, but I’d go crazy if you stuck me in a safehouse. At least with Locke, I can be outdoors while I’m healing.”

Locke’s boss turned those steady blue eyes on me. “We’ll do what you want, but with the level of ritual we’re seeing in these files, I think he hasn’t struck again because he needs the kill.”

My heart stuttered.

“Jesus, Kendrick.” Locke raked his fingers through his hair and laced them at the back of his head. “She’s supposed to be recovering not being scared to death.”

“No, it’s okay.” I licked my suddenly dry lips. “I’d prefer to know.”

“This is for you too, Locke.” His boss toyed with something in his pocket. “You’ve been MIA for a year. I don’t think I’m out of bounds wondering if you’re up to the task.”

“Leo!” Nyx swung around to look at her brother.

“Look at yourself. You’re a fucking mess. I hoped that some time away from us would put your head back on right, but you’re just wallowing in that fucking grief. Pull yourself together for fuck’s sake.”

Locke’s spine snapped straight, and his misty forest eyes went hard. “Would you rather take her?”

“What? No.” I crossed to Locke. “Absolutely not.”

“Kendrick seems to think I’m not fit for duty.” He ignored me, his gaze locked with Leo’s.

I stood in front of Locke. “He didn’t have to help me. He could have just called the cops and left, but he didn’t. He jumped in to help me without thinking about it. I was in and out, but I remember him holding his shirt to my leg so I didn’t bleed out.” I advanced on Leo. “So don’t give me that bullshit about him not being fit. I’ve invaded his space for weeks and he did nothing but make me feel safe.”

Leo narrowed his eyes. “Is that right?”

“Yes. Out of all of you, I’d bet on him.”

Locke cleared his throat. “Thanks, Cilla.”

“I appreciate that you looked over Stone’s files, but is there anything we can do right now besides wait?”

“You have quite the defender, Locke.” Nyx’s eyes shone with something too close to glee. She took my arm and led me back to her desk. “Sit.”

Since my leg was throbbing, I didn’t argue with her.

“At first, the killings were much different from what happened to you, but after digging into their backgrounds there’re a few overlaps. First, all of you were alone. Which, according to Jackson”—she nodded to the guy with the longer hair tied back—“makes this more of a crime of impulse. However, each of the killings has become more intricate which means he’s getting bolder. He’s planning more. That’s why my brother is worried. This isn’t exactly our purview. You want me to chase down a hacker—I’m your girl. Follow a money trail—I’m even better at that.”