They all shut up and looked around. With Gabe, anything was a possibility. He was very hands on.
When the door to the morgue opened, Chris headed in with the victim.
“See you in a bit,” he stated.
Elizabeth offered him a parting fist bump. “Autopsy her like your life depends on it,” she stated.
He returned the bump and smiled. “Always.”
When the door closed, Livy shook her head. “You’ve got problems.”
“You want to play find the dick with our boss. You should talk. Your problems are bigger than mine.”
She started laughing. “Damn right I do. Now I only need it to happen. I wonder where he keeps it.”
“Uh, attached to his body?” Elizabeth answered with a straight face.
As the doors opened, they headed into the bullpen. It was a flurry of activity. There were suit clad agents all over the place. Some were at their desks, some were leading suspects through the room, and some were heading out to the field.
At Gabe’s office, they found the man sitting inside.
From the look on his face, Elizabeth knew it was going to be bad.
“Yo! Boss, are you ready for us?” Elizabeth asked.
Gabe looked up, and his gaze wasn’t for her, but Livy. She would like to say she was shocked, but Livy was beautiful.
Interesting.
Where there was smoke, there was definitely fire.
“Yes, come in. Olivia, close the door.”
Livy cringed. She really hated when anyone called her that. It sounded like some old lady’s name.
“Here, Olivia,” Elizabeth teased. “You can sit right here in the chair closest to Gabe. You know, in case you find something.” It was hard not to laugh. She mouthed, ‘his dick’, when he wasn’t looking.
Livy gave her partner a dirty look and flipped her off.
That made her laugh, and she had to cover it with a cough.
God!
She loved her partner.
“What’s going on?” Elizabeth asked, getting down to business.
“What did you think about today’s crime scene?” he asked, waiting for Elizabeth to answer. He knew she’d be the one to do all the talking. When it came down to it, Elizabeth was the investigator and Livy was more the stability of the team. She tried to keep her partner from breaking the law.
She thought about it.
“Other than it was gross?” she asked.
“Yes.”
Elizabeth knew him well. While Livy might be starry eyed when it came to the man, she wasn’t. Gabriel Rothschild had every intention to run the FBI one day. If he was asking you a question, it wasn’t for your opinion. It was because he had a reason behind it. This meeting screamed of ulterior motives.
She was a newbie, but she wasn’t an idiot.
“It was bad,” Elizabeth stated, “but you knew it would be, didn't you?”
He steepled his fingers as he studied them. While he knew Elizabeth would be okay with this case, he was worried about Livy. It wasn’t that she wasn’t capable because she and Elizabeth scored at the top of their class tied for first. It was because she was a redhead. After he got back to the office, telling the director who was handling it, he’d been given the order.
Livy was perfect for the job.
“We have a serial killer.”
Elizabeth crossed her legs and pulled the riotous mass of black curly hair to the top of her head with a hair tie. “We figured, since that’s the criminals we chase. Why are you being so guarded? We have a history.”
He glanced over at Livy with an embarrassed look on his face. He was worried what she thought by Elizabeth’s comment.
Curious.
Elizabeth grinned. Yeah, this man was smitten. He was flushing red as he hoped Livy didn't get the wrong idea.
“What I’m about to dump on you is pretty heavy shit,” he said, leaning back in his seat to control the thumping of his heart. His office smelled like jasmine, and he knew from stakeouts that it wasn’t Elizabeth. She was spicier in the fragrance department.
“What is it, boss?” Livy asked.
“Here.” Gabe slid the dossier across the table to them. He was well known for his ability to pull files together on the fly. It was one of his skills, and he’d saved many an agent’s ass in the field.
Elizabeth and Livy leaned over it as they flipped through the pages. On the first one, there was a bunch of information about Boston.
At first, Elizabeth didn't get it.
Then, as she continued reading, she saw what he wanted them to see. It was now crystal clear.
“Shit! We have a serial killer who is city hopping. This asshole started in Boston and turned up on our doorstep, didn't he?” she asked.
He nodded.
Great!
They were going to be cleaning up someone else’s mess. That was going to be worse than the actual case. The two agents in Boston let him slip away.
“He started in Boston, and we had two local agents working it. The trail went cold, and then he turned up here. To our knowledge, this is his first kill in our city.”
“How do we know it’s the same guy?” Livy asked. “Could it be a copycat?” She knew that serial killers didn't often hunt far from their comfort zone. It closed off a safe place to hide if the heat was put on them.
He liked when his agents asked questions. It showed they were all on the same page.
“Flip through the pages and you tell me what you think,” Gabe stated. One of the things he liked about them was that they didn't take long to figure things out.
They were newbies, but they were his best chance at closing this case.
That’s why he felt guilty.
Elizabeth would be the brains, and Livy…she was the bait. He hated that he was going to risk her, but he’d be there to watch her back. When the director demanded they use these two as their best chance at solving it, he wasn’t kidding. This case was at the top of every agent’s priority list.
If they failed, heads were going to roll.
He knew it.
The agents knew it.
For Gabe to risk two women, there had to be no other choice. His back was to the wall. At that moment, he had to hope he would be able to cover their backs.
As they checked out the pages in the dossier, Elizabeth quickly put it all together. She saw the one thing that would prove that this maniac was the same one.
“There’s one way,” Gabe stated.
“The only way we’re going to know if it’s him is when Chris does the autopsy. The killer leaves something behind.”
Livy read where Elizabeth pointed. She’d missed it. The whole notation was one line long.
“That’s it?” Livy asked.
“That’s it,” Gabe replied.
The women were now even more anxious about the autopsy. It all rode on that.
“That’s one detail no one knows but the ME in Boston. He kept it to himself. It was the only way we could make sure we didn't get any crazy copycats. They kept it close to the vest and now we’re going to use it to verify.”
Elizabeth looked at the medallion.
“Where was it?”
Gabe pointed down. “He inserted it in them after they were sexually assaulted. It seems that’s his calling card.”
“Gross,” muttered Livy. “He’s sick. I can’t believe we pulled this nut job.”
Gabe agreed. Honestly, he wished they didn't—not Livy, and not Elizabeth.
“You look worried,” Elizabeth offered, sensing his trepidation. “What’s up, Gabe?”
“There’s more you need to know.”
“What?” asked Elizabeth. What more could there possibly be? The man sliced apart his victims and shoved a medallion in their vaginas as a calling card.
Could it get worse?
“He moves fast. In Boston, there were five bodies in seven days. You aren’t going to have time to breathe on this one. It’s going to push you to the limits, and th
is is your first really big case. The media, once they get wind, is going to be all over you two. You have to run this like seasoned investigators.”
Elizabeth whistled. “Holy shit! We’re going to be busy. This is going to be one hell of a race.”
Didn't he know it?
“The director wants you on it, and he’s got the final say. You’re going to have to play this one by the books. He’s going to be scrutinizing everything you do.”
Great.
Like they needed more pressure.
Gabe watched them. He was debating on whether to tell the women why he picked them, or if he should hold it to his vest. Elizabeth was a friend, and they’d built something.
She’d understand.
He hoped.
Before he could offer up the truth about Livy being pretty bait to a madman, Elizabeth interrupted him.
“We need to hit the ground running on this one,” stated Elizabeth. “We aren’t going to have much time. If he mimics the same pattern, he should be dropping another victim tonight.” She scanned the file.
“He dropped three in three days before he took a break from the bloodbath. It’s likely going to be his pattern. If it is the same guy.”
He was well aware.
“The ‘Irish Butcher’ is a bastard. He likes sweet Irish girls. If you look at all the photos, you’ll see that they are all blue or green eyed, red hair, and fair.”
Elizabeth could see her partner from the corner of her eye. He’d just described Livy.
She narrowed her gaze.
Gabe looked away.
Well, shit.
He was thinking they might have bait somewhere down the line, and he was going to use her partner. Oh, that better not be why she was handed this case. Elizabeth hated when people picked them for cases because they had ovaries and breasts.
She wanted to slap someone, but she managed to keep it to herself.
“I’m Irish,” Livy stated.
Gabe didn't say a word.
Elizabeth stared at him until he met her gaze. He struggled to keep it, but somehow he managed.
“Are you?” he asked. “I hadn’t noticed.”
Yeah, that was one hell of a lie, and he knew it.
He was well aware she was Irish, and so was the director.
Elizabeth glanced at her partner. “We have some case files on our desk for our longstanding assignments. Can you pass them off to some other agents?” she asked. “I’ll get more details from Gabe, and then we’ll head down to autopsy to bug the hell out of the ME.”
Livy didn't mind. “Can I take this file and make copies for us?” she asked.
“Sure,” Gabe said, knowing what his agent was doing. He could see the cold calculation in her eyes. Elizabeth figured out what was going on, and she was going to call him on it.
Well, at least they’d be having the conversation in private. There was some silver in that cloud’s lining.
When Livy closed the door behind her, Elizabeth crossed her arms over her chest.
It spoke volumes.
“Gabriel Rothschild, you’re an asshole. If you think I don’t see right through this, you’re a fool.”
He opened his mouth, and then closed it again.
Elizabeth continued, “You picked us not for our skill, but because she’s so freaking Irish that potatoes roll right toward her. We aren’t on this to solve it. We’re on this as bait!”
He couldn’t deny it. “You don’t understand.”
Oh, she did.
This was a no brainer.
Newbie or not, she saw the picture crystal clear. He was going to put out bait, in hopes of luring in a psychopath. They knew that a killer loved playing games, and he’d have two women chasing him.
That would be one hell of a lure. The media would plaster their faces all over the screen. There was no way they’d be able to hide from the killer.
“I have no choice,” he stated.
She didn't believe him. “We all have a choice, Gabe. You’re throwing her right into his path. I’m Irish, but I don’t have red hair. If I did, you’d have two potential targets, not one.”
He sighed. “The director picked you two, not me. When he found out that Livy and you were next up in the rotation, he was stoked. He wanted bait, and she was right there. I swear I didn't put you two in front of the killer. I wouldn’t do that to you, and I wouldn’t do that to her either.”
“How do I know you’re not shooting wind up my ass?” she asked.
Gabe turned his screen around and showed her. Elizabeth read the email.
He wasn’t lying.
They were tagged by the big man. There was nothing he could do.
“I tried to talk him out of it. You two are so green, Ireland looks pale in comparison. I voiced my trepidation, and his only response was for me to use this as field training for you two.”
“I don’t need training. I can run a case, Gabe.”
“You and I both know that. You’re one of the most competent investigators I have. I would have handed you this without batting an eyelash. Livy? I would have yanked her off this one and paired you with a man. No offense, but he’s gunning for women. I like to cover my bases.”
She tried not to be offended. “Okay, I get her because she fits the bill of a victim, but why me? Why isn't she paired with a man?”
He tapped his head. “You’re smart. I have faith in you, Elizabeth. I know you’ll protect her.”
Damn right she would.
At first, she and Livy hated each other. They competed tooth and nail in the academy. They were equal in everything, and once they realized they weren’t the enemy, they became friends. That union buried all the other trainees. They rose to the top as a team.
That superseded everything else. There was no way she’d let her partner go down. That’s not how Elizabeth rolled. She was loyal to a fault.
“I don’t like this.”
“Well, neither do I. Trust me. This is not my ideal situation. I have to worry about both of you getting killed.”
She laughed. “Worry about Livy. If I go down, it’s for the team.”
He hated that about her. “Don’t play cowboy, Elizabeth. It’s a dangerous game.”
She shrugged. There was no doubt in her mind that she was going to die wearing an FBI vest. She knew the life span on a good agent was short.
It was burn out or go down in the line of duty.
She was okay with the latter.
“What are we supposed to do?” she asked. “This is dangerous, and you know Livy. She’ll jump headfirst into this mess.”
“That’s why I’m going to be working this with you. I can’t put you two out there without someone more experienced as backup.” Yeah, and it made him sick to think about Livy getting hurt.
His gut rolled in revulsion.
She opened and then closed her mouth. Elizabeth knew better.
“Say it.”
She laughed. “Oh, Gabe, you don’t want me to go there. I’m dying to spit it out, but you can’t handle it.”
“I can handle the truth.”
She laughed. “Oh, okay, Mr. Nicholson. Just remember that you’re the one who asked for it.”
He practically growled. “You’re a pain in my ass, Elizabeth. Just say it.”
“Fine. You’re all tied up in knots, and I don’t mean because you’re using Livy as bait. You like her. I can see it in your eyes when you watch her.”
He didn't say a word.
“I know you do because when you’re afraid to say anything, you clam up. You don’t lie, and you can’t spit it out. I dare you to tell me I’m wrong. I bet you won’t do it. Lying is against your nature.”
“I really am going to transfer your ass somewhere miserable.”
She grinned.
Yeah, she was right.
“When are you going to ask her out?” Elizabeth pushed, not giving up. “You should.”
“It’s never going to happen. I can’t do it, and I won
’t.” Gabe wanted to, but he was scared shitless. Little rattled him, but that redhead was a huge distraction.
“Why won’t you?”
“Because I can’t. Why can’t we just let it go at that? Why do you have to be so damn nosey?”
She laughed. “You love when my nosey is related to a case. I’ve closed them all.”
He growled at her.
“I can do this all day,” Elizabeth warned. “You know how that makes you bat shit insane. I’m going to keep asking you until you answer. Next time, it’ll be in front of her, and you know how uncomfortable that’s going to be.”
“You wouldn’t.”
“Really? Does that sound like me? Who do you know that likes awkward silences more than me?”
He closed his eyes.
“I hate you.”
She laughed.
“Fine! I do like her. I like her far too much, and that’s a bad thing. I’m going to run this nut house one day, and she’s a distraction.”
“How?”
“Sex is a distraction, Elizabeth.”
She didn't bat an eyelash. “Sex is great for the body, it’s fun, and you need to get laid on a regular basis—friends with benefits isn’t enough. You’re stressed to the max.”
He opened his mouth, and then closed it.
Elizabeth grinned.
“You realize I’m technically your boss, right? Me discussing my sex life with you is very wrong.”
“I’m aware. You also realize we’re friends, and I know you pretty damn well. We’ve done stakeouts together, I’ve had beers with you, and we’re close. Hell! I was your date to your high school reunion because you didn't want to show up alone. I kissed you to pretend I was infatuated with you. I think I’ve earned this one, Gabe.”
He was aware.
“I knew that fake date was going to bite me in the ass.”
“Hey, you didn't mind when all the men were calling you a cradle robber and lucky man, now did you? I even wore that slutty dress and heels. Time to pay up, my friend.”
Gabe knew the woman before him was more than a friend. She was a confidante. She was right. He’d taken her to the reunion, made all the assholes jealous, and didn't mind using her. So, he did owe her.
“I like her, but it can’t go any further. What would you have me do?” he asked.
“Ask her out, have sex, and have fun. My partner is just as distracted as you are, and we all know that’s dangerous.”
Past Will Haunt Page 5
