“Aha!” He pointed to a screen on his right. I compared the two and nodded my agreement. He spun in his chair to a computer behind him, began typing away.
“Give me a sec, and I’ll find that spot,” he called over his shoulder. I watched as images fast forwarded, rewound, while he looked for this exact moment. And then there she was. Our mystery woman. Rick saw her and hit pause.
“There’s your image. Now what?”
Liz, who seemed to have fully shaken off the entrancement, chimed in. “Let’s go backwards until she leaves frame, so we can see where she entered. We’ll track her movements.”
Rick nodded his understanding and we began what I thought would be a painstaking process of tracking the mystery woman throughout the casino. Except that it wasn’t, because we couldn’t.
“That’s weird,” Rick muttered. We re-watched.
The three of us could clearly see the woman in one frame, but she was absent on any frame prior. It was as if she had just popped into existence. And then she was in about twenty seconds of frame before she seemingly vanished again.
We watched this twenty second clip over and over; Rick even checked other cameras at that time, to see if she was in any other footage. She was not. We were baffled. The other two tried to figure out how she could appear and disappear like she seemed to.
“Camera failure,” was Rick’s explanation, though he didn’t sound like he really believed. And he shouldn’t. I knew he was wrong; this was enough additional confirmation for me that the mystery woman was a djinn.
The reason I was baffled right along with the other two was wanting to know why. Why was Juni/Twin Sister appearing at all?
“Oh my goodness!” I exclaimed when I finally saw it. The other two jumped at my exhalation.
“What?” Liz cried.
“Rick, back the video up ten seconds.” He complied. “There! Do you see him?” Rick and Liz followed my finger. Rick didn’t know who I was looking at, but Liz did.
“Is that Chad?”
“Yes,” I confirmed, staring at the dead lead in my film, looking very much alive. Our mystery woman was staring at him, and although her face was expressionless, it was clear he was her target.
“Rick,” I turned to our helpful security agent. “Can you make me a copy of this twenty seconds of coverage?”
“Of course,” he readily agreed. He was still obviously confused, but Mr. Maliton had made it super clear that we were to get whatever we wanted. I hid a smile.
“Thank you.”
I turned to Liz while he made the copy. “Now we have at least a visual connection between Chad and the mystery woman.”
“Is this where she first meets him?”
“That’s a good question. She doesn’t interact with him at all that we see, but it seems evident that she’s tracking him. Does that suggest to you that she was looking for him? Already knew him somehow?”
Liz followed my line of questions. “What if she already identified him somehow and now wanted to…what?”
“I don’t know,” I admitted. “Let’s get a copy of this to Jacob. Maybe he and the FBI will know more.” I saw Rick’s ears perk up at those initials and I regretted stating that in front of him. Oh well, who was he gonna tell?
Rick handed me a flash drive. “Here’s the video.” I knew he was dying to ask questions, but he admirably restrained himself.
“Thank you very much, Rick,” I said. “You’ve been a big help.”
Liz and I left the security guard at his post, monitoring the camera feeds, and returned to my car.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Liz suggested going back to the station to download the clip to her work computer, where we could then more easily share it with Selina and Jacob. I bit my tongue at what I was sure was her real reason: making sure she had a copy for herself.
“You aren’t going to air this yet, are you?” I finally just asked her.
“Not yet.”
I guessed that’d have to do. While I drove to the station, Liz texted Selina to inform her the video would be coming. Once we arrived at the station, I texted Jacob asking to meet.
“You know, you could just email him the video,” Liz teased after I told her who I was texting.
“I’d like the opportunity to talk to him,” I responded casually but she wasn’t buying.
“Just admit you like him and want to see him.”
We were sitting in her office now, door firmly closed. I took this time to analyze my fingernails, saw that a manicure would be nice. Had I ever gotten a manicure before? Surely, though honestly, I didn’t recall.
Liz laughed at my silence. “Fine, ignore me. That was pretty cool, what you did,” she changed the subject.
“What are you talking about?” I knew what she was talking about.
“Convincing the head of security to show us the security footage. How did you do that exactly?” She was still going for light and easy, but I heard the undercurrent.
“I just explained that we needed it,” I reminded her. “You were there. You heard me.”
“Yeah, I did,” she agreed, but when I glanced up from my nails, she was frowning. “It’s kind of fuzzy though.”
“Fuzzy? I don’t get it,” I stated the bold lie, but not really feeling guilty.
“Listening to your voice was quite musical. I never noticed that before.”
“Hmm, thanks?”
“It’s almost like—”
Our eyes met. “Like what?”
“I’m not sure.” Big smile blossomed; totally fake, but I was okay with that. “Never mind,” she finally stated, “at least we got what we needed.”
I breathed a slight sign of relief that she let it go. It wasn’t good that her antennae were up and twitching, but it was worth the risk.
Liz focused on her screen, transferring the video from the flash drive to her computer. While she finished that and sent the email to Selina, my phone pinged an incoming text. “Jacob?” she asked and I nodded.
“He says he can meet in an hour. Did you want to come?”
The universe heard my unspoken request when Liz shook her head no. “I’m going to wrap a few things up here, including sending this video to Chris for his input; maybe we can meet up later at your place for drinks and catch up on our progress?”
“Sure,” I agreed.
“I’ll see you tonight,” Liz commented with a quick glance at me.
Guess I’d been dismissed.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Jacob apparently convinced his higher ups that being in training while there was now a serial killer bouncing back and forth between LA and Las Vegas was not a good idea. He asked if we could meet at a fast-casual restaurant in Downtown Summerlin. They had a great pizza place there, so I readily agreed. Since I had an hour, I popped by my condo to transfer the video file to my laptop before heading to meet him.
I turned off of Sahara Ave onto a road that wrapped around the open-air shopping center behemoth. Luckily, my destination was a little off to the side, where there was usually ample close parking. I grabbed a spot and headed for the restaurant. Jacob was already sitting at a patio table. My heart skipped a beat. The sun reflected off his blond hair and I could see his broad shoulders straining the threads of his gray t-shirt.
Not to admit that Liz was right, but I really was glad that it was just me and Jacob at this meeting.
He looked up at the sound of my footsteps and smiled when he saw me.
“Hi, Ms. Fynn,” he said as he stood.
“Didn’t I ask you to call me Mia?”
“Hi, Mia.”
“Hi, Jacob.”
We stood staring at each other with matching grins. Like teenagers. I broke the moment first.
“You ready to head inside?”
He indicated I should go first, though he was careful to open the pizzeria door for me. I ducked under his arm and he followed me. We made idle chit chat about
traffic and the weather as we placed our orders. He paid for my food, despite my stating it wasn’t necessary. This wasn’t a date, I reminded myself, though I didn’t say that to Jacob.
We sat at an outside table for more privacy and to enjoy the beautiful sunny day. I handed him the flash drive with the video.
“I figured you might want the original copy,” I said by way of explanation for not simply emailing it. Not terribly logical, since it was already a copy, but Jacob didn’t challenge my statement.
“Thanks. Can you tell me more about what’s on it?”
All I had texted was that I had a video showing the possible murderer. I skipped the background information involving Chris. “We saw a clip of a woman on an iPhone video from someone who had been on vacation here. We figured out where that video was taken and went there. We then found security footage—” Here Jacob lifted one eyebrow. I continued.
“Footage that showed that same location and time. And there she was. More importantly, there was Chad.”
Jacob whistled low in appreciation. “You actually found a video showing this unidentified woman and the murder vic?”
I nodded, inordinately proud of myself. “Yes, it clearly shows her looking at him.”
“Really? That’s interesting. I’ll watch the video in a second, but since you seem to have deliberately not mentioned it, where did you get this video?” He was smirking, so I knew he was teasing, but I tensed and he noticed.
“Hey, what’s wrong?”
I shook my head. “Nothing, sorry. The video is from the Golden Nugget.”
Now both of his eyebrows shot up. “You successfully got security footage from a casino? Without a search warrant? What did you? Bribe them?” He was still joking, but there was definitely an edge.
“Of course not!” I exclaimed. “Although honestly, I wouldn’t have had a problem doing that,” I admitted. “I just asked nicely.”
“Okay.” He stared at me while I strove for a carefully neutral expression. He sighed. “I’ll accept that.”
“I thought maybe between the department’s and the FBI’s resources, you guys could do more with the video. The date and time on it correspond to shortly before the murder. It seems highly unlikely that it’s not connected.”
“Based on your description, I would tend to agree. Okay, let’s fire it up.”
Jacob remained silent while he watched the twenty second clip on my laptop. He hit play several more times. I was acutely aware of the heat of his body so close to mine as we leaned in toward the screen.
“Is this it?” he finally asked, confusion apparent in his voice.
“What do you mean? Yes, that’s it.” I pointed at the screen.
“Where does she come from and where does she go?” He asked this slowly.
I sighed. “Oh, that. Yeah, we don’t know.”
“You don’t know? Did your source not check the other cameras?”
“Yes! He did. I was standing right there when he did. She’s not on any of the other cameras.”
“That’s not possible.”
Not if you’re not human. “Security guy said there must have been a camera malfunction.”
Jacob stared at me for a moment.
“More like a system malfunction.”
“That’s possible too,” I conceded, hating lying to him. But what was I going to say? She was a djinn who popped in and out of our dimension. Not a chance.
“What are you thinking?”
“What?”
“Just now, I saw the wheels in your brain turning,” he explained. “What were you thinking?”
Um. I tried for a version of the truth. “I’m trying to figure out why she was there.”
“And you think this is Juni’s sister, not Juni, even though no body was ever found?” He asked but really this was a dismissive statement.
“I do,” I answered.
“Why?”
Now what did I say? “I just think that since the first murder victim was so adamant that Juni was in his car and nobody’s seen her since that night—”
“Except possibly on this video,” he interrupted.
“It seems more likely that it would be somebody connected to her,” I continued as though he didn’t speak.
“And somehow decided there must be a sister. Apparently, a twin sister,” he amended with a gesture at the video paused on the mystery woman. “How did you come across this information?”
“Sources,” I stated firmly. “Sources that I will not be providing to you, so please don’t ask again.”
Jacob looked taken aback by my tone but didn’t push. “Since you provided the initial direction, I feel comfortable telling you that so far we have not been able to identify this woman further. Therefore, we have not been able to identify any family members, twin or otherwise.” He paused to take in my reaction. “Therefore,” he repeated, “it appears you have better sources than Metro or the FBI.”
I heard the exasperation in his voice and wished I could help him. “I’m sorry I can’t help more,” I said instead.
We stared at each other. He started to say something several times but didn’t. I waited. I didn’t know what else to tell him that didn’t put my kind at risk. I was however disappointed to hear his report. Liz and I were going to have to solve this ourselves. Without Liz learning the real truth. I sighed before I could stop myself.
Jacob misinterpreted the sigh. “No, I’m sorry. I don’t mean to pressure you. I understand protecting sources. I just want to solve this before anyone else gets hurt.” The naked worry I saw in his eyes threatened my resolve, but I held steady.
I reached out to cover his hand with my own. The familiar zap of electricity brought smiles to both our faces. “I guess that’s going to keep happening.” I chuckled but didn’t move my hand, nor did he withdraw his.
“It’s okay, Jacob,” I assured him. “I know you’re just trying to do your job. I’m sorry I can’t help more,” I repeated.
Jacob squeezed my hand, sending pleasurable shock waves through my body. “I appreciate everything you’re trying to do. Even if you’re hanging out with the press.”
We both laughed and the moment was broken. Our hands separated and we gathered up the trash from our lunch. Jacob walked me to my car.
This was not a date, I kept reminding myself.
His look of uncertainty when we reached my car had me wondering if he was experiencing the same indecision. He brushed his fingers across my cheek, surprising us both with the action and the small spark.
“I guess I’ll need to be more careful when I touch you,” he said softly. My lips ached for him to kiss me, but he took a step back and shook his head. “Apologies, this is neither the time nor the place.”
“No apologies necessary,” I responded.
He smiled and turned to walk away. I focused on the words he spoke. If this wasn’t the time or place, that suggested some other time or place would be right. I was disconcerted by how happy the thought made me.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
I texted Catherine and Evie to meet me when the sun set; Catherine texted back immediately confirming, and I knew Evie would respond when she awoke. It was only mid-afternoon, so I had several hours to kill. I decided to conduct more of my own research to see what I could find. With a glass of Riesling in one hand and my laptop in the other, I made myself comfortable on the bleached wood Adirondack chair on my patio and dove in.
A knock at my door startled me. I realized it must be my ladies arriving. I couldn’t believe I completely lost track of time.
“Coming!” I called out, though it was uncertain I could be heard through the door. I closed the sliding glass door behind me, set down my laptop and empty glass on my dining table, and headed to see which of my expected visitors had arrived.
“Did you forget I was coming?”
“Liz! Of course not. What time is it?” I made a show of checking my watch. “Did you
text me you were on your way?”
She appeared genuinely contrite and I felt guilty for being rude. After all, we did have plans; it wasn’t her fault I forgot. I just knew that her presence would alter how the evening went. Catherine appeared behind Liz.
“Hey, Mia,” Catherine said to me but looking at Liz.
“Hi, I’m Liz,” she introduced herself, hand outstretched.
“Catherine,” she responded to Liz.
“Right. Where are my manners? Please, come in. We have one more coming.” I moved to allow them entrance.
“I didn’t know it was a party,” Liz called over her shoulder.
Catherine stared at me and I shrugged. We would keep it brief and then have our paranormal conversation after Liz left.
As I was closing the door, three sharp knocks sounded. I pulled it back open to see Evie’s smiling face.
“Hey, Mia,” she said and we hugged.
“We have another guest,” I said in a low voice and felt her shift to see around me. We released the hug and she followed me in.
Liz and Catherine were already seated at the dining table. I introduced Evie to Liz and she joined the ladies.
“Drinks?”
“None for me,” Evie declined my offer with a smirk that piqued the interest of Liz. I inwardly rolled my eyes. Thanks, Evie.
“I’ll take whatever wine was previously in this glass,” Liz accepted my offer.
“Same,” Catherine chimed in.
Although Catherine and Evie recognized Liz, she briefly explained who she was and they reciprocated with the basics. I joined them at the table with the wine.
“I brought another bottle.”
“Excellent,” Catherine responded.
“Okay, now that we’re all here,” I began. “Let’s talk about the murders.”
Liz glanced between Evie and Catherine.
“They both knew Chad,” I offered as explanation for their presence. “They helped me figure out that Juni has a twin sister.”
“The more the merrier,” Liz responded blithely, but I saw her immediate interest when I disclosed them as the source of our biggest piece of information. I was probably going to regret telling her that.
Paranormal Talent Agency Omnibus Page 26
