Page 117 of Pretty Broken Dolls

“Of course,” said John. “It’s near the fairgrounds.”

Chapter Fifty-One

Friday 2310 hours

Katie knew that whoever had grabbed her wasn’t going to kill her because they would have done it by now. His arm was wrapped tightly around her neck and she clawed at it with her fingernails and began to struggle. She broke free, falling to the ground and grabbing her gun at the same time. Aiming it at her attacker, she said, “Back up! Who are you?”

The man stepped into the light and she saw his face clearly—it was Agent Campbell. He looked frazzled and skittish. His clothes were torn. There was blood on his face and now on his arms. His eyes darted back and forth as though he was expecting to be ambushed.

“Campbell?” said Katie.

“You have to believe me, I didn’t know.”

“What are you talking about?” She stood up, gaining her bearings and taking control of the situation. “I have to save Lizzy.”

“I knew you would flush out the killer. I knew it…”

“Start talking right now. What are you doing here?” She scanned around them in all directions. Spotting a garbage can, she saw some rope inside.

“Keep moving. Now!”

“Detective, you have to believe me.” He moved as she ordered.

“I don’t have to believe anything you have to say. You’ve lied to me from the beginning. You’re not going to hurt anyone else. Understand me?” she said, reaching for her cell phone. Pressing a familiar saved number, Katie dialed McGaven. Nothing happened.

“You’re going to release Lizzy, now.”

“You don’t understand,” he stammered.

“You set up this entire thing—it’s obvious that someone in law enforcement set this up. That was your mistake. The victims. The crime scenes. Stalking me. Setting this entire thing in motion. Beating up the security guard. You’ve gone too far. Are you setting me up now? You are despicable.” She detested him and everything he had put the victims through.

“I didn’t do any of these things.”

“Why are you here, then, huh?” Katie tried to keep her wits. “If you didn’t do it, which you did, why are you here?”

“I got a text from you.”

“What?” she said, blinking in surprise.

“You sent me a text saying to meet you here.”

“I don’t believe you,” was the only thing she could say. “Turn around, now!”

“What are you doing?”

“Turn around so I can secure you and get to Lizzy…and I’ll let the police sort all this out.” Katie pointed the gun directly at his head. “Believe me, I know how to use this and won’t hesitate.”

He complied as Katie tied his hands behind his back using the rope in the trash can.

“Why are you so sweaty?” she asked.

“My car broke down and I hurried here.” He turned around to face Katie. “I didn’t do this. I may have done some things that I’m not proud of, but I didn’t kill anyone or set anyone up.”

“I have to say the text messages were a nice touch,” she said sarcastically. “I’m the bait,” she mocked.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about—I haven’t sent any texts. You don’t understand, this is all I have. This job. When they put me on suspension my life was over. I found you, Katie Scott, I knew that you would find the killer.”

Katie patted him down and found he had a gun. “What’s this?” she said and took it.