by Geri Foster
“Could be any kind of stressor. It’s like people who cut themselves. They cut, the blood flows, and they get instant relief from whatever’s bothering them,” Bob replied.
“And at times, he may not need anything.” Mia scooted closer. “We’ve confirmed that he’s also an opportunist. Seeing a young girl alone is easy pickings for him.”
“Why rape the girls?” Lincoln asked. “I mean, I know rape is about power and having control over the victim, but the ME told me there were times the little girls were already dead when he sodomized and raped them.”
Bob lowered his head. “Rape is a curse on every society. It’s the worst violation a man can do to a female. That might simply be his last depraved act. It summarizes it all. Or he might not be able to copulate with a woman. Someone who could judge his performance.” Bob grinned. “Men can be very self-conscious about their performance in bed. Little girls can’t judge.”
They went through a bunch more of the things Bob had surmised about the killer and then they left. But before leaving, Lincoln asked for and got two brand new SUVs with dark tinted windows.
Mia drove one back to the office, and Lincoln drove the other.
Chapter 13
Lincoln was glad to get back to the office and out of the killer’s head. He found it all so gruesome. Especially raping a young girl. Thoughts of someone doing that to Leah made it impossible to sit in his chair.
“What wrong?” Mia asked, her face a mask of confusion.
“I was just thinking about those bastards and the innocent little girls they tortured. It turns my stomach.”
“Me too.” She blew out a tight breath. “But I need to find a place to stay. I’m thinking, tonight, I’m going back to my apartment in Dallas. It’ll be a long drive back and forth to work, but I need a good night’s rest. And no one knows where I live there.”
“You can stay at my house. You’ll be safe there.”
She gave him a doubtful glare. “No, thank you. Not after your last meltdown. I don’t need that. Besides, I don’t want to intrude.”
“That’s a bit harsh, isn’t it?”
“No,” she replied. “I’m just stating the facts. Don’t ask me to stay at your house when you know you don’t want me there.”
“I do want you there.”
“Like last time, when you felt so guilty I thought you were going to cry.”
“Mia, that’s ridiculous. Yes, I was a little blindsided by the way I felt about a woman being in my house for the first time after Marilyn’s death, but that’s normal. For you to get bitchy about it is a little out of the norm for you.”
“It probably is. But I won’t stay there again. So, don’t ask.”
He lowered his head. “I’m sorry.”
“Did Marilyn live in that house? I thought you moved to Rainwater after she died.”
“I did. She never lived there.”
She stood and put her hands on her hips. “Then don’t you think you were overreacting?”
He stood inches away from her. He slipped his hands in his pockets and glared at her. “I don’t know, Mia. How is a man whose pregnant wife was murdered in a car accident supposed to act? I didn’t take those life lessons. Perhaps you, in your infinite wisdom, can give me some guidance.”
She stepped back, her cheeks pink. “Okay. I stepped out of line.”
“You sure as hell did.”
He grabbed his jacket and left the office for the day. He didn’t want to be around anyone. Enough was enough, and with the case, he’d about reached his boiling point. He wanted to go home, have a beer, and let it all go for a while. At least long enough to catch his breath.
He stopped at the local store, bought a six pack, and took it home. He’d go for a burger later. First, the ice cold brew called his name. He put the carrier in the fridge, opened a bottle, slumped back in his recliner, and stared out the sliding glass door.
After drinking half the bottle, Lincoln looked around. There was absolutely nothing is the house except for a few pictures that belonged to Marilyn. This was his place and his alone. Yes, Amelia had done most of the decorating, but it was put together just the way he liked it.
If that were true, why did he react so strongly to Mia being in his house? She had every right to be there. She was a guest, and yet he treated her like she wasn’t welcome, like an invader. He ran his fingers through his hair. He hadn’t meant to do that.
Granted, Mia had said some pretty harsh things, but he had given her good reason. He had been cold, rude, and afraid. Truth be told, he was scared to let anyone new into his life. Only because he couldn’t stand losing someone else he cared about. When Marilyn had died, everything inside him withered away.
He got up out of his recliner and reached for his phone on the counter, but it rang before he had a chance to pick it up. “Hightower here.”
“I called to say I’m sorry, Lincoln.” It was Mia. “I’m very sorry. I shouldn’t have said those things today. Not after what we’ve been through. I won’t blame everything on the case. That wouldn’t be fair. I had a choice and I behaved badly.”
Lincoln didn’t know what to say to that. He was sorry about the way things went down as well. After all, he’d invited her over to Amelia’s for dinner. What a hell of a mess. “Listen, Mia, when you were here that night, I was surprised by my own reaction. There hadn’t been a woman here before. If I was rude, and I’m sure I was, I hope you’ll forgive me.”
“So, we’re good?”
“Sure. You’re my first and only partner. Can’t lose you now.” He glanced at the empty beer bottle on the counter. “Say, I dropped by the store on the way home and picked up a six pack. You in the mood for beer?”
“I don’t know. I have a long way to drive.”
“You are perfectly welcome to stay here. I will be on my absolute best behavior. Before you called, I moved Marilyn out metaphorically.”
There was a long silence, and Lincoln surmised he had lost this round. Mia didn’t trust him and, in a way, he didn’t trust himself. He was just hoping that he could be better at hiding his pain.
“I might stop by for a quick beer. We’ll see how it goes.
Be there in ten minutes.”
Lincoln used that time to straighten the house, take the trash out, and take a frozen pan of lasagna out of the freezer and put it in the microwave.
The doorbell rang, and when he answered, Mia stood there smiling, but weary. “I came to collect that beer.”
“Right in here.” He glanced back to make sure she was following. “I put a pan of frozen lasagna in the microwave. I didn’t know if you’re hungry or not, but I sure am.”
“First the beer. I’m in serious need of one of those.”
He unscrewed the cap and handed her the bottle. She took a long draw. Swallowing, she let out a sigh. “Now that’s the way to end the day.”
“Grab a seat,” he said, holding out his hand. “We didn’t get much of a chance to discuss what we learned in Dallas today. Bob is quite a fascinating character. And in the forensic field, way ahead of his time.”
She sat on the couch, sipping her beer. “He’s really good. He had this guy nailed, but no one listened. Every agent was out looking for a big honking monster that didn’t exist.”
Lincoln stared at her pretty face. “You know, what he says makes a lot of sense. This killer must be able to pose no threat to a child. Kids are smart. They go a lot on their instincts, and this guy found a way around those. I wonder how.”
“Well, there was the fact about the candy, a puppy, and the toys. Those are all things that attract children’s attention. Get them distracted by something else and they lose that innate fear, then he can make his move.”
Lincoln nodded. “You’re probably right. I have to admit, when I first started on this case, I thought I would be looking for a guy resembling a bank robber, a drug dealer, a gang member. I wasn’t looking for, as you said, Mr. Rogers. I was looking for the Hulk.”
; The bell dinged on the microwave. Lincoln stood, went into the kitchen, and took two plates out of the cabinet. Using the towel, he removed the food and put it on the table. After taking some silverware from the drawer, he put it on the table and looked over at her. “Dinner is served. But it just might depend on how hungry you are.”
She stood and went into the kitchen. “It smells delicious.”
“Good enough to eat?”
She nodded with a smile. “The way my stomach is growling, I’ll take it.”
He waved at the chair next to him. “Then take a seat and let’s have dinner.”
* * *
Mia was glad she and Lincoln had tentatively made up. She didn’t like being mad at him or knowing he was upset with her. She just didn’t want to be constantly compared to Marilyn. And he needed to understand how she felt. If he ever wanted to be happy again, he had to start somewhere. The thing about death is, it’s final. There are no do-overs, no I’m sorrys, and no let’s get back togethers.
She scooted her chair up to the table and scooped out a healthy serving then passed the plate to him. He accepted it with a smile. Then she filled her plate with half the amount of food.
Lincoln took a bite and chewed slowly. “Honestly, it’s not as bad as I thought it would be.”
Mia’s mother was Italian, so frozen lasagna pretty much tasted like garbage to her. But she didn’t let on. Instead, she smiled and continued to chew. It took a few moments, but she was finally able to swallow. “You’re right. It’s pretty good.”
He laughed. “Liar.”
She grinned then grimaced. “I’m so sorry. You had no way of knowing my family lineage. As my Italian grandfather would say, this food isn’t fit for pigs.”
They both laughed.
“Well, I don’t think it’s that good either, and my family is Irish and Scottish. So, what does that tell you?” He stood, threw his napkin down, took her hand, and pulled her out of the chair. “We’re going to dinner. There’s a decent restaurant downtown and that’s where we’re headed.”
“If it’s better than this, I’m all for it.” She shoved the lasagna aside. “Never eat anything out of the freezer,” she told him, stepping closer. “It’s dangerous for your health.”
He turned, facing her. “I’ll remember that,” he said softly. “Never want to do anything dangerous to my health.”
“Good advice.”
Mia’s nerves grew taut as Lincoln stepped close enough that his chest brushed hers, then closer again, until their full bodies touched. He put his finger beneath her chin and tilted her head upwards. Closing his eyes, he lowered his head and their lips met.
There was nothing demanding, or illicit, or raging in his touch. Lincoln was slow, careful, and methodical. But, suddenly, his mouth against hers turned Mia into a boiling pot. While she wanted to devour him in one swallow, he seemed content to nibble around the edges. He certainly wasn’t in a hurry.
In order to get her point across, Mia wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer. The kiss deepened, but only so far. He held her tightly in his arms, his head tilted, his moist mouth moving on hers. Still, he commanded nothing.
As her breathing increased, she moved her hand up to the back of his head and ran her fingers through his hair. The touch ignited a desire in her that she had long ignored. In her opinion, it was where she chose this or her career. Her career won every time.
But nothing had ever felt this good, this normal, this promising. Gripping her shoulders, he stepped back. “I don’t want to frighten you.”
“You won’t,” she said, breathing heavily. “I think I know what’s on both our minds, and while you’re trying to have a firmer grip on your actions than normal, you want me, too.”
He dropped his gaze, his forehead resting on hers. “I do. I won’t lie to you about that. I’d love to take you to my bedroom and keep you there for days while we make love. But I’m not sure I’m ready for that, and being a guy, I don’t want to risk screwing this up.”
She took his hand and turned toward the back of the house. “Let’s not worry about days.” She glanced over her shoulder. “Just right now. This moment here. You don’t have to be a super stud. We should just enjoy one another.”
He didn’t hesitate, but he wasn’t running behind her either. She sensed a hint of anger but considered that normal under the circumstances. Still, she didn’t want him to think she was playing therapist. She wanted him sexually, and she hoped he felt the same way.
“I can’t guarantee you bells and whistles. It’s my first time in a very long time,” he said, giving her self-conscious look.
She stopped right outside his bedroom door, the bed in full view. “I’m not asking for bells and whistles, Lincoln. I just want us to have a good time and not have any regrets tomorrow.”
He hesitated. “And if I flub this up? Can’t go through with it?”
He looked more like a man on a death march then one being enticed by a woman to take her to bed. He looked scared, unsure, a little reluctant. So unlike the confident, self-assured, efficient FBI agent he was.
Mia found that endearing.
She walked into the room and sat on the edge of the bed. She leaned down and removed her shoes, slowly slid her black slacks over her hips, and kicked them aside. Then she gazed at him while she unbuttoned her dark blouse. Wearing only her bra and panties, she smiled stiffly.
He hung back, leaning against the door jamb. Perhaps enjoying the show. She could tell by that cocky grin that he liked seeing her in her underwear, but he was still cautious.
“The rest is up to you,” Mia said with a cheeky grin. “This is as far as I go. If you want more, you’re going to have to come and take it,” she dared him, with a challenging glance.
He lingered for a moment, his eyes tracing every part of her body. Then he took one step toward her. Mia’s heart raced, her breathing kicked up, and she licked her dry lips. She clenched and unclenched her hands, uncertain.
She had never played the temptress. Never had to entice a man to take her to bed. Luckily, she was attractive enough that most men jumped at the opportunity to spend a little quality time with her between the sheets. However, she never encouraged that kind of reputation. She was an FBI agent first. Everything else came second.
Before she knew it, he stood in front of her and her breath caught in her throat as he reached up, grabbed his shirt by the collar, and pulled it over his head. She fought the urge to run her fingers through the moderate amount of hair on his chest. It matched his hair perfectly, and his biceps were big and impressive. Proof this man spent time at the gym.
She kept her eyes on his as he unbuttoned his jeans and slid them downward. She didn’t have the courage to drop her glance. She heard shoes hit the wall, and the next thing she knew, strong, powerful arms were wrapped around her as they fell on the bed.
With him on top of her, he scooted them to the middle of the bed then he lowered his head and kissed her so intimately it ignited her entire body. He’d started at the center of her stomach and slowly crept downward. The area between her thighs was on fire. She wanted him already.
Their lips together, he held her tight and rolled over, taking her with him. Suddenly, she was on top, and he was expertly removing her black lace bra. Then he slid down her panties.
Bare skin against bare skin, she felt his hardness press against her stomach. He wanted her as much as she wanted him, and if that were the case, this was going to be amazing.
He broke the kiss and she laughed, running her fingers through his hair and cupping his face. “If what’s pressing against me is any indication of your ability to perform, I don’t think we’re going to have any problem at all.” She licked her lips and lowered the lids of her eyes. “Do you?”
“Whoa,” he said suddenly.
She stilled.
“Condom.”
She closed her eyes. “Please don’t tell me you have to make a quick trip to the drugstore.”
He scooted over to the night stand, pulled open the door then slammed it shut. “No luck there.”
The other door slid open and he held up a square piece of foil. “Bless you, Amelia.”
Mia nodded her head toward the condom. “Your sister buys those for you?”
“She must’ve. I damn sure didn’t think for one minute we’d be in this situation tonight.” He quickly tore open the foil with his teeth and sheathed himself. He shifted, his knees spreading her legs apart.
His palms pressed against her breasts, molding them to fit his hands. Then he lowered his mouth and captured a nipple. She arched up to meet him.
He kissed her then pressed forward. His cock entered her slowly and filled her completely. For a few moments, he lay completely still, holding her tightly against him, his breathing harsh and quick.
Mia realized that if he stopped, she was going to be a very unhappy woman. She wrapped her legs around his waist, pulling him closer, holding him tighter. And then he began to move, slowly at first, heightening her desire and bringing her nearly to climax.
Then he clasped his hands on her hips and stepped up the tempo. They both moved frantically, heightening their desire as they moved in and out, stroking, touching, feeling.
And then, as if falling off a mountain, her climax clasped her in such a tight grip that her body nearly convulsed. It pulsed again and again, until she was completely satisfied.
He groaned, his body grew taut, then she collapsed on top of him. She didn’t realize until then that his hand on her rear had been setting the pace. And it was perfect. Absolutely perfect.
She let out a deep breath and struggled to compose herself. She had never felt anything so strong, so meaningful, and so deliciously wonderful.
He looked into her eyes. “Are you okay?”
She laughed, lowering her head to his chest. “I know what this is going to do to your ego, but I have to say, you were absolutely amazing.”
He laughed and rested his forearm across his forehead. “It was pretty good, wasn’t it?”
