“It is, boss. We have Peter Richmond. He did a stint in the military for a while, and when he came home, he was hired on as a deputy.”
“Anything on him?” Elizabeth asked. “I mean, anything that makes us want to take a second look?”
Johanna shook her head. “He was honorably discharged, had three tours, and there’s nothing in the military records that made us smell smoke. Do you think there’s anything there?”
Elizabeth thought about it. “Ethan, what’s your thought that the killer and the shooter are definitely two different people?”
He measured what they knew. “It’s a good chance. If we look at the first killer, he took women and buried them. If this second maniac is his protégé, then he’s not going to deviate from the plan. It’s like being trained. He’s going to follow what he learned to the letter of the law.”
They thought about it.
“I don’t think he’s going to skulk around in the trees taking pot shots at us, especially since it was relatively early in the case. It’s not like we’ve narrowed down the suspect pool and were coming for him. He’s a watcher. At this point, he’s going to lay low and study us. If he thinks we’re about ready to spring the trap, then he might strike out, but not before.”
It made sense.
“What’s your impression on Deputy Richmond?” Callen asked.
“Just from watching him, he’s hostile and easily angered. He is bumped way up on my list of shooters.”
Elizabeth had been thinking the same thing. “He’s ex-military and hates the Feds. Then add in that we get shot at? Does that shoot up any flags for anyone here?”
“It certainly does,” stated Blackhawk.
Pointing at her agent, she continued, “What guns does he own?”
Immediately, Broderick Seaton began typing. It didn't take long for him to find everything. When he handed his boss the tablet, she scanned it.
“Well, he owns the same gun that was likely used to shoot at us.”
Ethan objected, “Yeah, so do half the hillbillies in these woods. A shotgun isn't that uncommon.”
She grinned. “I’m not going to arrest him because of that,” she stated. “I have other plans.”
“What are you going to do?” he asked.
“Bug the hell out of him. If I rattle the tree hard enough, something good might fall out.”
“Rednecks from the sky like manna?” Callen asked. “That’s not exactly a good thing. You may not want to call one out, they may come in packs.”
She didn't care. Someone shot at them, and they were going to get to the bottom of it.
“What’s our next assignment?” asked Johanna, finishing up her pizza.
Elizabeth wanted to rattle her agents. “I want you and Broderick to get up close and personal,” she began, waiting for the reaction before she continued, “with all the backgrounds of the people you researched.”
Ethan gave her a look.
“See if any of them crossed paths with Ruth, Jacey, April, or Magdalene. If you find anything, let me know. Am I clear?”
The two agents stood. One looked cool as a cucumber, the other was flushed.
Yeah, there was something going on.
Now, it was a matter of deciding if she should step in and make a comment, or let it ride.
“Yes, ma’am,” Broderick stated.
“Do your research and make sure you go deep. The dead can’t kiss and tell.”
Again, Johanna looked freaked out.
When they grabbed their things and headed out, Ethan closed the door and stared at her. “Why are you scaring the shit out of our team now?”
She laughed. “They’re sleeping together.”
“Yes, I’m aware,” Ethan stated.
Callen was the only one who didn't know what was going on. “How do you know?” he asked.
She grinned wickedly. “Let’s just call it a hunch, and leave it at that.”
He knew better than to question her instinct. If Elizabeth said it was happening, he didn't doubt it. Then, toss in Ethan, and that was the deal breaker.
“What are you going to do about it?” Blackhawk asked. In a way, he was glad she handled the agents and he did the lab and tech team. This one wasn’t his cross to bear.
“What can we do?” Elizabeth asked. “For now, we watch and wait.”
“And?”
“When they screw up, then we decide.”
How hard they came down on them depended if they lied or not. For now, this was all up in the air, but eventually, they’d have to face it.
There was no doubt.
* * *
Jaxon had just finished up the skull reconstruction for the night. Immediately, Chris was at her side, helping to wrap the victim up. She was a little caught off guard, especially since the man didn't seem all that open to it a couple of days ago.
Now, he was offering to help.
It was…weird.
The minute the skull was safely bagged and placed in the case, he appeared calm.
Again, that set off warning flags in her mind. Jaxon just couldn’t put her finger on why it was so strange.
Before she could ask him what was going on, Tony appeared in the doorway. She thought back to the sex they’d had earlier, and a flush crept up her throat.
“Hey, sweetheart,” he said, opening his arms for her. When she went into them, Tony relaxed. Having her back against him was nice. It helped him refocus on the things he needed to be worried about.
“How was your afternoon?” he asked.
“Good. I was just finishing up. Want to see?” she asked, pointing at the box.
Immediately, Chris went into damage control mode. If that was Tony’s mother, the shit was going to hit the fan.
“Why don’t you two head out, spend some time together, and get dinner. Our shift is officially over, and I can’t imagine you want to play with the dead any longer.”
Tony was curious as to how well the next skull came out, but Chris had a point. His suggestion sounded so much more appealing.
“Want to join us?” Tony asked, knowing that his buddy had let him tag along plenty of times when he was the third wheel. Without those moments, he would have felt empty and alone. The least he could do was give them back to his friend.
He smiled, glad that his redirection worked. “Nah. I’m heading back to the hotel. I want to check in on Cyra and see how she’s doing. My mother has been making her crazy.”
Tony laughed. “What did Belladonna do now?”
Grinning, Chris relaxed. “She wants to dream up the baby’s name, but we already told her that it’s a done deal.”
“When are you going to tell us?” he asked.
Chris figured since he was doing something so horrible behind his buddy’s back, it was the least he could do. “I’ll tell you, but you need to keep it quiet.”
Tony swore on it.
“We’re naming our little girl Elizabeth Delilah Leonard.”
Jaxon looked befuddled. “You’re naming her after your boss? That’s either one hell of a suck up or…” She didn't know what it was.
That didn't offend Chris at all. “Elizabeth saved my life. My wife promised if she didn't let me die, we’d name all our kids after her. That’s going to get confusing, since I want five or six.”
Tony laughed, pointing at the skull cane. “That was his parting gift from a killer. I get a much cooler scar,” he stated.
“That’s a matter of perspective, my friend.”
He agreed. “I’m more entertained by the middle name. You do know that Delilah was some man’s downfall. Add that to Elizabeth, that’s pretty funny.”
“Yeah, I told Cyra that, but she likes it.” Chris changed the subject, wanting to get them out of the morgue. “You two head out. Merry and I will lock the place up.”
Yeah, and the first thing getting secured was the skull.
Tony wasn’t going to argue. Leading Jaxon toward the door, he waved over his shoulder, and then
wiggled his eyebrows lecherously.
Chris smiled until he was gone. The second the door closed, he was focused on the skull. Immediately, he handed the box to Meredith.
“Put this where no one can get to it.”
She took it from him. “This is getting tricky. You had to do one hell of a tap dance on that one. I thought he was going to want to see it.”
He was well aware. All Chris needed to do was keep his best friend away from the lab until he could buy his other one some time.
It sucked being in the middle.
Someone was bound to get hurt.
He hoped he wasn’t maimed in the crossfire.
* * *
Later Saturday Night
Across Town
Taking her was easy.
All he had to do was wait.
When she exited her place of employment, he only needed to approach her. The second she saw him, there was that recognition of a familiar face.
She relaxed.
That’s when he knew it would be easy.
“Heading home?” he asked, leaning against her car in the parking lot.
Bonnie Anston smiled sweetly at him. “Yes, I am. It was a long day on my feet.”
He knew from studying her that she was single. He wasn’t going to take anyone else’s wife. He wanted his own.
Why share?
“Yeah, the same here. I’m beat. Want to get a drink with me?” he asked, hoping she’d say yes. He was really bad around women, and that made this part harder. If he had to grab her in the parking lot, he risked her making a sound, giving it all away.
“Are you asking me out?”
He swallowed. “Yes, I am. I really like you, Bonnie.”
That made her blush.
The simple flush across her flesh turned him on. She was so innocent, perfect, and destined to be his.
“If you want, you can follow me in your car,” he offered. “I understand if you’re wary and don’t trust me.”
She started to laugh. “We’ve known each other a long time. I don’t think you’re some crazed killer.”
He grinned. “Then I’ll drive.”
When she followed him to the passenger’s door, he opened it for her, just like a gentleman.
“Wow, you’re like none of the men I’ve dated before. You’re so sweet.”
She had no idea.
“Thanks for noticing. Woman are special and should be treated as such,” he stated, thinking back to the fundamental lessons his father taught him. “I like to think they’re the far gentler of our species. They need to be protected.”
Claimed.
Owned.
Possessed.
As they pulled out, she looked around. “Town is back that way. Where are we going?”
He grinned at her in the passing traffic lights. “Just a little place I know. I think you’ll like it a lot. It has this homey feel to it.”
She didn't question it.
She’d known him a long time.
“Anything you say,” Bonnie offered.
He could tell already that she’d make the perfect wife. She was trained and listening. His heart pounded in his chest as his body reacted to her being near.
“I have a feeling this is the start of something beautiful. You’re going to make the perfect wife.”
She stared over in confusion. “What did you say?”
He didn't answer. Instead, he hit her, knocking her out.
“Yes, it’s going to be something so perfect that we’re helpless to stop it. Let’s go home, Bonnie, my sweet. Let’s go home.”
* * *
Sunday Morning
Sunrise came early, and they were ready for it. The team had gotten a decent night’s sleep in preparation for what was coming. After finishing dinner, Elizabeth let the men chase her around the room until they caught her. It helped distract them all from the issues at hand. When they could take the time to be a couple, it helped them balance their lives.
Now, they had to saddle up and do something they hated. There was nothing more distasteful, in their opinions, than having to deal with the media.
Yet, it had to be done.
Already dressed, the three directors headed to the sheriff’s station to get it done. There was no point in prolonging the torment.
As they pulled up, not only was there a sea of reporters, but the sheriff and his men were there. To say that they didn't look happy would be the understatement of the century.
Sheriff Carlton looked downright pissed off. This had to be total hell for him.
He didn't look like the kind of man who let women be the boss.
Getting out, Ethan Blackhawk headed toward the podium. That morning, he’d dressed to the nines. Not that he ever looked like a schlub, but today…he owned it. The blue silk tie, covered in little black ravens, screamed power. His choice in suit did the same. It fitted him perfectly, tailored to make the man look every inch a director. Seeing him in it only added to the mystique behind the man. Here was the power behind FBI West, and his unreadable gaze managed to make the media hounds nervous as hell.
Elizabeth loved every second of it.
This was a part of their job that her husband was meant to do. There was no doubt in her mind. Ethan Blackhawk was damn good at being a leader.
When he spoke into to the microphone, it all began.
“Good morning. Thank you for joining us here today. My name, as some of you know, is Director Ethan Blackhawk, and with my partners,” he said, motioning toward his wife and brother before continuing, “we’re here to find out what’s going on in Belleville.”
It was all it took. The questions began flying.
Elizabeth and Callen remained neutral, saying nothing, even when some of the inquiries came their way. To say that the media was interested in them was an understatement.
After Ethan’s abduction, they garnered more scrutiny. Some of it was because Elizabeth was his wife, and some was due to the inkling that Callen was a little more than just their relative. Yet, the media didn't have anything substantial, and that had to be driving them insane. How it didn't slip was shocking. It was a testament of the loyalty of the people who worked for them.
It was a little amusing, since the reporters were digging for anything.
Ethan used his commanding presence to keep them on track. “Are there any questions related to the case, not my personal life? If not, we’ll end here.”
There were a few more lobbed his way, and Ethan answered them to the best of his ability. The media was well researched. They’d already uncovered the link between all the victims. That wasn’t really surprising. The media, while irritating at best, was known for its ability to dig up scraps of information. When reporters dug, they often went with the obvious.
So, he addressed it. “Yes, all of the victims have black hair and blue eyes. From what we’ve discovered, the killer has a preference.”
That sent them into a tizzy as they each glanced around at the people beside them.
“Can you confirm that one of the victims was pregnant?”
While it caught him off guard, Ethan managed to remain perfectly blank on the outside. “Yes, one of the victims was pregnant.”
Now came the spin that would be needed to keep the townspeople from freaking out.
“We’ve yet to notify the family, so I have to pass on any other questions.”
That was all he was going to say about it. Let them assume that she was pregnant when taken. April Belmont wasn’t from that town, and that gave them some leeway. The last thing they needed to assume was that the killer was trying to impregnate woman.
It would all go to hell in a hand basket.
While he held most back, it was enough to cause the media to lose it. They went shit nuts, shouting out questions left and right.
Ethan ignored most of them, just apprising the media that the FBI was handling it. As far as he was concerned, this little show was officially over.
As he walked aw
ay from the podium, the crowd did begin to disperse. The reporters and their camera men began running toward their vehicles to relay the information to their home bases. The firestorm of media attention was about to begin.
Ethan prayed they were ready for it.
When he reached his partners, Blackhawk loosened his tie, ever so slightly.
“That was the sexiest display of leadership I’ve seen in a while,” Elizabeth offered. “It makes me want to kiss you right here and now.”
He laughed. “Go ahead. I don’t mind.”
Elizabeth looked around and saw some of the reporters still watching them.
What the hell?
She went for it.
Elizabeth shared a gentle kiss. “I love you, Cowboy. Good job on stirring them up to put pressure on the jackwagon sheriff.”
He licked his lips, savoring the taste of his wife. “I’m glad I could do my part.”
Glancing over his shoulder, Ethan noticed that they were being signaled. “The sheriff is motioning for us to follow.”
Elizabeth could see him. Her eyes were still hidden behind the sunglasses because she’d been watching him the entire time. When the press conference began, he looked pissed. When it ended, he didn't look any happier.
“Yeah, let’s hope that he’s got something good for us, or he’s getting his ass booted out of my way.”
Callen snickered. “I love watching our girl beat down the local law.”
Ethan gave him a fist bump. “Yeah, me too.”
“You two are funny. I hope you’re laughing just as much when I kick yours after I’m done with his. Let’s see what he has to offer and go from there. Who knows? Maybe he’s not a horrible cop after all.”
She wouldn’t bet on it.
After all, the odds weren’t in his favor.
* * *
It was beginning to wear on his patience.
Tony hated that he had to head to the dig site first, but he sucked it up and did anyway. Sometimes, duty had to come before anything else.
It wasn’t like he didn't appreciate how hard it was to work in an excavation. He respected the challenge, but this wasn’t his cup of tea.
Dead Shall Speak (An FBI/Romance Thriller Book 10) Page 38
