Page 75 of The Devoted Game

Humbled,

Devoted Fan

“McBride, Grace, and Pratt, I want each of you to take a copy of this email home with you and study it while you get some rest. Be back here at four a.m. At that time Davis and Arnold will take a few hours at home. Meanwhile”—he directed his full attention to those two agents—“I want every number on that list called, every potential suspect visited before four a.m. If folks are asleep, wake them up.”

Simultaneous yes-sirs echoed as the two agents moved back to their stations.

“I’ll be here until midnight,” Worth said to everyone gathered. “I sent Talley home for some shut-eye. He’ll be back before I go. If I have anything new, you’ll hear from me.” He started to go but then added, “McBride, Birmingham PD will have a guard at your door for the duration of your stay here ... just in case.”

McBride grabbed a copy of the email. “Whatever.”

Vivian picked up her copy and shot McBride a look for the good it would do. What was up with him? Besides the usual. She’d have to askhim about the history between him and Pierce. Then again ... if she did, that would open the door for him to question her.

SAC Worth surveyed the room as if he had suddenly remembered something relevant. “I want everyone to stay aware. We don’t know who the next victim will be. It could be anyone, including one of us.”

“Feel free to utilize my expertise,” Pierce offered. He said the words to Worth but glanced at Vivian. “I’m prepared to jump in with both feet.”

“I’m sure everyone here”—Worth sent a look at Vivian—“is glad to have your experience and expertise available.”

Maybe she hadn’t made herself clear enough.

“Agent Grace,” Worth said as she headed for the door, “Agent Pierce will also be staying at the Tutwiler. Why don’t you let him follow the two of you there?”

She glanced at Pierce. “Of course.”

Vivian didn’t look at either man as she stormed down the stairs. No way was she getting trapped in an elevator with the two of them together. They would probably end up going for each other’s jugulars.

At her SUV, she hesitated. “Where are you parked?” Pierce gestured to the black luxury rental, and Vivian turned away so he wouldn’t see her eye roll. He probably flew first class too.

“Just follow me.” She got into her SUV and slammed the door. What kind of car he drove or how he chose to fly shouldn’t make her angrier, but it did. It was the whole arrogance thing. The I’m-older-and-know-it-all thing. She was sick of being pampered ... of being coddled.

McBride climbed in. “Why don’t you just shoot him and get it over with?”

“Buckle up,” she snapped. She wasn’t in the mood for any of his arrogance, either, no matter how damned sexy he managed to make it.

She rocketed out of her spot in reverse, jarred to a stop, then jetted toward the gate, squealing tires.

McBride grabbed at the dash as if he feared for his safety.

The gate slid open, and she lurched out onto the street. Despite the diminishing press crowd, Birmingham PD remained on duty to keep them at bay, allowing for an unencumbered exit.

She saw neither hide nor witch-black hair of Nadine Goodman. If Vivian never saw her again, it would be too soon. As far as she was concerned, the woman had stepped way over the line this time.

“He thinks I’m going to appreciate this next challenge.”

Vivian glanced at McBride, thought about his statement. “Are you concerned that the victim may be someone you know?”

“I’d say that’s a safe bet.”

She braked for a light and met that intense blue gaze. “Or maybe someone he knows you would despise?”

“Maybe.”

Quiet crammed into the vehicle, and she knew the question was coming.

“So what’s the deal between you and Pierce?”

God, she hated that question. Even Worth had asked it. “He was my mentor at the academy. Wewerefriends. I suppose we still are once you get beyond all his crap about me and my past.”