Page 64 of The Devoted Game

Unfortunately, an unavoidable glitch has forced me to move forward ahead of schedule. You have my sincerest apologies, but this challenge will not wait. It will prove how right I have been all along.

Kurt Trenton worships his fame and his own arrogance.

He holds life in his hands, giving it, likewise taking it away.

For this reason he must be humbled. You see, Trenton needs to remember how it feels for his life to rest in the hands of another. He is not God. This he will learn quickly as he awaits death, just as the One he would pretend to be once suffered so selflessly. Oppression is evil.

Find him, McBride, before it is too late. Remind him that justice is everywhere and threatens injustice anywhere.

You have twelve hours ... starting now.

Your Devoted Fan

“Okay, folks,” Worth shouted. “Who is Kurt Trenton? Has he been reported missing? Find everything you can on who he is and where he is. The name sounds familiar. This guy may be a regular in the media. Start there.”

Ryan read the email’s last paragraph once more, his tension compounding with each word. Twelve hours. The time was cut shorter again, and the difficulty level had been escalated. As promised by Devoted Fan’s previous communications. Ryan’s hands shook as he sent the email to the printer.

He’d made his decision, he was in. There was no other option. Any hope of this thing having a happy ending had just vanished. At six this evening, Worth had announced Ryan’s reinstatement on all local news channels, and still the email had come.

It was just as he had surmised. This was far bigger than him. Somehow he was the linchpin, the connecting thread, but he was certain each one of these victims was somehow involved. Somehow a part of the story Devoted Fan wanted to tell.

Before getting up from the computer, Ryan decided to try one last effort to end this before anyone else was put at risk. He opened a reply box and started to type.

One by one the agents in the room gathered behind him, including Worth.

Devoted Fan,

You must have seen the news release. I have been reinstated. There is no need to continue your valiant efforts.

I am back and I have you to thank.

McBride

“Do you think that will accomplish anything?” Worth asked.

Ryan glanced up at him. “Maybe, maybe not. Only one way to find out.” He hit the send button.

Less than a minute passed before the announcement that he had mail sounded. Ryan clicked the necessary tabs to open it.

McBride,

Yes, I saw this on the news. It was very exciting. I feel that you and I together have accomplished the first step. But I fear that we have not yet shown them just how invaluable you are. I am certain this ploy will not last if we do not carry on with our mission. Rescue Trenton, and you will be very close to the end of your trials. With these final challenges, you will truly be exalted to the glorious position you deserve.

Devoted Fan

“Davis, Aldridge”—Ryan pushed away from the computer and looked to the two agents—“see if you can nail down the location these clues are alluding to. Run the phrasing through the system, particularly the part about justice and injustice. We’re going to have to make every second count on this one.”

“If he follows the same MO,” Grace offered, “the location will be highly visible.”

Ryan nodded. “That’s right. Prioritize your findings with high-profile locations at the top of the list.” He walked to the printer to retrieve the hard copy of the email. “Pratt, as soon as we know who this Trenton is, see if he ties in with either of the other victims.”

“Working on it,” Pratt called out.

“I’ll work with Pratt,” Grace offered. “At least until I have something from Schaffer.”

Ryan nodded, using the opportunity to take a long, unhurried look at her even as she turned her back and walked away. She’d gone home to shower and change. The burgundy suit was different from the others, tighter, just a tad shorter. More of those killer shoes, these a perfect match to the suit. He followed the path of her toned legs from her ankles to just above her knees.

His pulse reacted to the X-rated images of all the things he would like to do to her.