More information went into the computer and the supervisor watched as previous pa.s.sengers manifests ran past his eyes. Finally, he shook his head and said, aSorry. No Daryll Chambers or D. Chambers listed on earlier flights going back forty-eight hours either.a aCan you check other airlines from your terminal?a Nicholls asked.

aThe ones flying in and out of Austin? Sure,a the man said. Minutes dragged by as the man accessed the other airlines one at a time.

aWhy do you think he changed his travel plans, RB?a Nicholls asked.

aWho knows? Maybe heas clairvoyant,a she said with a frown.

aMaybe he talked to his mother,a Maggie suggested, aand she told him about Ms. Bruceas call.a aIam sorry, Detectives, but none of the airlines servicing Austin has had a pa.s.senger named Chambers on any of their past flights or have one listed for any incoming flights.a Brodie rubbed her eyes and looked at Maggie and Nicholls. aI hate to ask you to go over the pa.s.senger lists again, sir, but how about Griffin?a Shrugging, she said, aItas a long shot, but then this guy is slicker than a greased pig.a aIf he did talk to his mother,a Maggie observed, athen maybe he wonat come back here at all and head off for parts unknown.a Brodie smiled, aNo, Iam betting heas too arrogant to leave. After all, we donat have much on him except hunches and suppositions. Without the key ring, itas only your word against his. Pretty hard to base a conviction on that.a aDetective Brodie,a the supervisor said as he stared at his computer screen.

aYes, sir,a she said.

aA D. Griffin was listed as a pa.s.senger on an American flight that came in Friday evening,a the man said.

aWhat time did the flight land?a aA little behind schedule. About 8:50.a aWhere did the flight originate?a Brodie asked.

aLooks like a one-way, non-stop from LaGuardia.a aThatas him!a Maggie said excitedly. aIt has to be.aaWhat the h.e.l.l is this a.s.shole up to?a Nicholls asked. aHe obviously knows weare onto him. This is just a sick f.u.c.kina game for him.a aGuess weall have to regroup,a Brodie said as they walked out of the airline terminal toward their cars.

aItas a head game now. I hope the three of us are smarter and quicker than he is. Put out an APB on him and make sure they have as recent a picture of him as we can find. Nothing more we can do right now. Weall start fresh Monday morning and hope no one else dies.a Once Brodie pulled away from the terminal, she cleared her throat and said, aI think you should stay at my place tonight, Maggie.a Maggie laughed. aWhy?a aChambers is back in town and knows where you live. He was probably your attacker and I donat want to take a chance on an encore.a aIf heas been back since Friday night he could have already tried again.a aHumor me. I have kind of a hinky feeling about this whole thing and I donat like it. I think he knows weare after him. That makes him extremely unpredictable.a aIall have to go back to my place and pack a few things. And I need to call Carrie.a aHowas that working out for you?a Brodie could have slapped herself for asking such a personal question about something that was none of her business. aSorry. I shouldnat have asked that.a aItas okay. Iave known Carrie a long time. Sheas been a good friend, but Iam sure she wants more than friendship.a aIf you have a chance to be happy, you should grab it,a Brodie said as she kept her eyes glued to the road. aA very smart woman told me that recently.a aWHAT THE h.e.l.l do you mean youare staying at Brodieas house tonight?a Carrie demanded. aIf you need a place to stay, you can stay with me.a Maggie took a deep breath and carried the cordless phone into her bedroom. She smiled briefly at Brodie as she left the room. When she closed the door to her bedroom she said, aYou live in Austin, Carrie. Traffic back to Cedar Springs would be h.e.l.l in the morning.a aIs she coming on to you, Mag?a aNo!a aYouare my girlfriend now. Surely you can understand why Iad be a little upset. I donat trust Brodie now any more than I did eight years ago.a aI suppose that means you donat trust me then,a Maggie said as she rubbed her forehead.

aI do trust you, baby. I just donat trust her.a aLook, can we talk about this later? I have to pack a few things before we leave.a aWhat if I told you not to go? I can stay at your place with you.a aWeare dating, Carrie, weare not married. Get a grip, for Christas sake. Thereas nohting going on between me and Brodie. You canat give me orders. You sound like my f.u.c.king father.a aHe was right the last time, or donat you remember that?a aOf course I remember it. Iall tell you, just like I told my father. What happened eight years ago was an accident. An avoidable one, but still an accident. I have to go,a she said quickly and disconnected. Maggie was fuming as she threw clothing and toiletries into a small rolling suitcase. Who the h.e.l.l did Carrie think she was? Sure, they had been dating a while, but no matter how hard she tried, Maggie couldnat see them as a couple. The s.e.x was good, but not enough to build a relationship on. They didnat have the kind of relationship Maggie wanted. She knew what she wanted. She looked in the mirror over her dresser and ran her hands through her hair. She knew exactly what she wanted.

ROYCE AND MAGGIE spent the remainder of the day together. Before dark Brodie grilled steaks on the barbecue and they spent a relaxing evening talking, laughing and getting reacquainted. After dinner Maggie volunteered to wash their dishes and ran Brodie out of the kitchen.

She lit a cigarette and filled her lungs with the welcome rush of nicotine as she rested her forearms on the deck railing. It was a beautiful early spring evening. She hated the idea of it ending. She felt surprisingly at peace for the first time in a long time.

aYou really should stop smoking, you know?a Maggie said as she stepped up to the railing next to Brodie.

aYeah. I know.a aI want to run by the university before I go to work in the morning.a aWhy?a aI want see if thereas an entrance to the tunnels in the Biology Building we missed.a aIall agree only if you take another officer with you.a aI donat think Chambers would be stupid enough to return to the university. He knows weare looking for him.a aPromise youall take a campus security guard with you or Iall go over there myself.a aAll right. I promise. Thanks.a aItas been a long day. Ready to call it a night?a aRoyceaa Maggie started. She stopped and looked out over the back yard.

aWhat?a aNothing really,a Maggie chuckled. aToday just reminded me of old times. Good times.a Brodie looked at Maggieas profile in the moonlight. It had been like old times. Having Maggie with her at the end of the day was something she had never gotten over. She probably never would. She wanted that feeling back in her life. Without Maggie she was only living half a life. She blinked hard when she discovered Maggie staring back at her. Not sure what she saw in her eyes, she reached out tentatively and stroked her hair. Maggie leaned into the touch for a moment before straightening and stepping into Brodieas arms. She closed her eyes and wrapped her arms around Brodieas neck.

aIave missed you so much,a Maggie said, her voice a soft sigh against Brodieas neck.

Slipping her hands under Maggieas shirt, enjoying the feel of her skin, warm and smooth beneath her fingers, Brodie felt her stomach clench. aIave missed touching you.a She kissed Maggie tenderly and without hurry, content with the intimacy of the moment. Slowly pulling Maggieas shirt over her head, Brodie could sense Maggieas growing arousal as her eyes took in her body and her hands continued to explore the once familiar and sensitive areas of Maggieas body.

aMaggie...,a Brodie began softly.

Maggie kissed her again before she could finish what she was going to say. Her lips parted, allowing Brodieas tongue to probe her mouth. Maggie knew she could not get enough of that touch. Her need for Brodie to make love to her again became unbearable and she felt herself being lowered onto the chaise lounge on the deck, Brodieas thigh pressing between her legs. Brodie had never spoken much when they made love, letting her hands and mouth tell Maggie everything she felt.

With her mind numbed by the delicious feel of Brodieas mouth taking her, Maggie pressed against her, seeking more, awed by the gentleness their foreplay.

aPlease, RoyceaIa,a Maggie managed as her hips fell into the rhythm of Brodieas mouth moving against her, pushing her body closer and closer to the edge of explosive pleasure. Maggieas thoughts were brief as Brodie thrust into her, suddenly hard and demanding. The feeling was so unexpectedly intense that Maggie bucked violently toward the inevitable release her body demanded. Their kisses became pa.s.sionate and frantic.

aIave been waiting for youa.so long,a Maggie gasped. Finally overtaken by the pleasurable feelings, Maggie could hold back no longer, her body exploding with the o.r.g.a.s.m that took control of her body. Brodie pulled Maggie into her arms and held her tightly as a series of smaller shudders coursed through her until her body relaxed. They were both physically exhausted.

aThat was...incredible, Royce,a Maggie said as she began to regain control of her breathing.

aWe should talk, Mag.a aI couldnat think straight if I had to right now. Can we just go to bed?a Brodie pulled Maggie up and led her into her bedroom where she continued to hold her until they both fell asleep. A few hours later Brodie was awakened by Maggieas lips on her back and they continued their lovemaking through the night. Neither could get enough of the other and Maggie seemed to never run out of ways to excite and satisfy her.When Maggie awoke the next morning, Brodie was dressed and holding two mugs of coffee. She leaned down and kissed her lightly before handing her a cup.

aI hope itas all right,a Brodie smiled as she handed her a mug and sat on the edge of the bed.

Maggie smiled back as she took a sip. aHave you been up long?

Brodie sat down on the edge of the bed next to her.aAbout an hour,a Brodie said as she reached over and smoothed Maggieas hair. aHow are you feeling?a Maggie smiled at her and set the cup down on the nightstand. Turning to face Brodie, she took her face in her hands and kissed her deeply.

aMaggie...,a Brodie began.

Maggie silenced her by placing her fingers on Brodieas lips. Brodie took her hand and kissed the fingertips. aDid we make a mistake, Maggie?a aI made a mistake eight years ago, but not now. Iam in love with you, Royce,a Maggie finally managed to get out as she leaned toward her and took her in her arms. aI always have been. I always will be.a Brodie glanced at the clock on the nightstand.

aOnce we have our guy in custody, we have a lot to talk about,a she said as she kissed Maggie lightly.

Chapter Twelve.

SOMETHING NAGGED AT the back of Maggieas brain, but she couldnat quite come up with what it was. She smiled as she stepped out of the shower, remembering the feel of Royceas body against hers the night before. Shead given Royce up once and was determined not to lose her again. She had finally taken control of her life and while she might go to h.e.l.l the way her father predicted, she would enjoy every step along the path. She should have left Austin when Royce did. She had been a coward and didnat realize what she had lost until it was gone. Not this time. She would prove to Royce she loved her and to her father that she deserved to be a detective. She picked up her cell phone and punched in a number.

aBrodie,a a voice answered.

aGood morning,a Maggie said.

aWe already said that about fifteen minutes ago,a Brodie laughed.

aJust wanted you to know I meant it. I just got out of the shower.a aWish Iad been there for that,a Brodie said.

aNext time. Now Iam going to get dressed and head to the university.a aCall me if you find anything and remember your promise. And hey, Maggie?a aYeah.a aIn case I didnat say it last night, I love you.a aYou told me in several ways,a Maggie said with a smile. aI love you too, Royce.a BRODIE WAS IN a good mood when she arrived at the squad room. For the first time in longer than she cared to think about, she had something to look forward to when she returned home at night.

aAnything new?a she asked cheerfully as she sat down at her desk.

aNo one else has been killed...yet,a Nicholls said, not quite as cheerfully. aMaggieas late.a aSheall be here later,a Brodie shrugged. aShe wanted to take another look at something at the university. Anything from the APB?a aWell, we know heas in the area,a Nicholls said.

aItas not like heas the Invisible Man, for G.o.das sake. Weave put campus security on alert and I asked Romero and a couple of others to stroll around the campus in plain clothes. We have an unmarked unit keeping an eye on his house.a aIt sounds like weave done all we can for now unless we want to spend the day driving around hoping to trip over him,a Brodie shrugged. aLetas put together everything we know so far and see if we can get a feel for what he might do next.a aDo you think itas possible he might have other victims in mind?a Nicholls asked.

aWell, so far everyone heas killed has been for a purpose,a Brodie said. aHe needed Garciaas keys, Brauner showed up unexpectedly, Maggie saw the key ring and so did the girlfriend who probably also doctored his academic records. Maggieas the only one who survived. I donat think head really planned on that one,a Brodie said. aIf she hadnat seen the key ring it wouldnat have happened. And maybe he just didnat want to take the chance that the girlfriend would put it all together. One thing for sure, though, is that his whole game plan has gone out the window. He could easily move on to another job or another college, cozy up to another unsuspecting woman and continue on his merry way. Once he knew we were on his trail, he should have disappeared to parts unknown.a aCould be heas p.i.s.sed at us for ruining his little scam,a Nicholls said. aIf heas back here to seek revenge against any of us, then heas probably gone completely around the bend.a aDonat worry. He canat stay hidden for long. He needs the attention,a Brodie stated.

aWhat do you mean?a Nicholls asked.

aEverything heas done in the past and his most recent actions seem to indicate that heas seeking attention and apparently trying to prove to us and himself that his intelligence is greater than ours.a aA giant in his own mind,a Nicholls said.

aPossibly.a MAGGIE WALKED DOWN the steps to the bas.e.m.e.nt of the Biology Building. She had searched the interior of the building again and found nothing that would pa.s.s as an entrance into the old tunnel system. She looked through a set of keys she had picked up from the University Police. She tried two or three before finding one that unlocked the padlock on the outside door into the bas.e.m.e.nt. She looked around the area nearest the building as she removed the padlock and opened the door. Now that it was officially spring, the grounds crews were busy making the large gardens that dotted the campus ready to receive new plants. The fresh scent of newly turned earth made her smile. Spring was a time for new beginnings.

She entered the bas.e.m.e.nt and switched on the weak overhead light. She had promised Royce shead take a security guard with her, but would prove she could handle it alone. aThereas another door into the tunnels behind these old file cabinets,a she muttered to herself as she walked across the room. She peered over the top of the cabinets and located the door. She heard a m.u.f.fled sound and glanced over her shoulder. She spun quickly around and reached for her service revolver. A fist to her jaw stopped her immediately and she fell to the floor.

OVER THE NEXT two or three hours, the two detectives put together a detailed timeline of Chambersa actions and movements along with a timeline of their responses. It was nearly noon by the time Brodie rubbed her eyes and stretched.

aI donat know about you, but Iam thinking I need to rejuvenate with a little chicken fried steak. How about it?a aSounds like a winner to me,a Nicholls said. aGive Maggie a shout and have her join us.a Brodie stood up and began pulling her jacket on. As she was waiting for Nicholls to return from the menas room, she called Maggieas cell number. The phone switched over to voicemail as the desk officer came into the squad room.

aThis came for you a little while ago, Lieutenant,a he said as he handed Brodie a small manila envelope.

aThanks,a Brodie said with a smile and flipped her cell closed. Looking down the hall, she muttered to herself, aWhatas taking him so long? And where the h.e.l.l is Maggie?a Absently, she tore open the end of the envelope and looked inside.

aOh, f.u.c.k,a she breathed as Nicholls finally walked up beside her.

aWhat is it, RB?a he asked.

Brodie looked at him as she dumped the contents of the envelope onto her desk.

aWhere the h.e.l.l did that come from?a Nicholls asked as he stared at the religious medallion.

aSomeone left it here for me. The f.u.c.ker was right here in the station!a Brodie exclaimed, moving quickly to the front desk and trying to remain calm. When the desk officer saw her, he smiled,a Whatas up, Loo?a aWere you at the desk when this envelope was left for me?a Brodie asked.

aYeah. I would have gotten it to you sooner, but it was left at the same time a patrol unit brought a guy in for booking,a the officer answered.

aCan you describe the person who left it?a aI think so, but I wasnat paying total attention. It was a man, probably in his late twenties or early thirties,a the officer started.

aFive ten, around 180 pounds with blue eyes and short black hair?a Brodie continued for him.

aYeah,a the officer smiled, athat sounds about right.a aThen I guess,a Brodie seethed as she reached onto the counter and grabbed a copy of their APB, ayou didnat notice that he matched this description of a triple murderer weare looking for?a as.h.i.t!a the desk officer hissed.

aHow long ago did he leave the envelope?a aTen or fifteen minutes ago. Iam sorry, Lieutenant.a aDid you notice whether he was in a vehicle?a aSorry, he just asked that I get it to you and left,a the officer apologized. aHe was only here less than a minute.a aOkay,a Brodie sighed.

aHeas playing with us,a Nicholls said.

aAnd heas winning,a Brodie retorted, walking toward the front entrance of the station.

Nicholls followed her and they both stepped outside and looked up and down the street.

aHe could be anywhere,a Nicholls sighed, placing his hands on his hips and squinting up into the sun.

aDo the reports on him tell us anything about his habits, likes and dislikes?a Brodie asked.

aNot much. Except for Karen Dietrick he seems to have pretty much been a loner.a As Brodie turned to reenter the station, her cell phone chirped. Pulling it out of its holster, she flipped it open. aBrodie!a she barked.

aLieutenant Brodie, this is Sheriff Cantrell.a aWhatas up, Sheriff?a aIam over here at your house. We received an anonymous phone call about twenty minutes ago that a crime had been committed. Thereas a boda,a the Sheriff started.

aNo!a she shouted as she bolted down the steps and raced toward her car, fumbling to get the keys out of her pocket.

aBrodie!a Nicholls called as he ran after her. By the time he reached her car and jerked the pa.s.senger door open, the Camaro was already in reverse. Just as she threw the gear into drive, he managed to jump in.

aWhat the h.e.l.las going on?a aHeas been in my house,a she said through gritted teeth. aMaggie was there when I left for work.a Glancing from side to side at intersections, she gunned the engine and flew through red lights, barely avoiding other vehicles that had the right of way. Turning sharply to the right, the Camaro sailed over a rise on the road leading to her home ten miles outside Cedar Springs. Five minutes later, she slowed as she approached the driveway of the house. Maggieas Subaru was parked in front of the detached garage.

She skidded to a stop and flew out of the vehicle, Nicholls close behind her. She ran toward the front porch, but was stopped by a Sheriffas Deputy.

aGet out of my way,a she growled menacingly.

aThis is my house.a aItas a crime scene and youall have to wait out here until weare finished and the body is removed,a the deputy said.

Brodie shoved the deputy away and started for the front door again. He grabbed her and spun her around, just in time to take the full force of her fist.

aCedar Springs Police,a Nicholls yelled, flashing his badge.

aLet them through, Doyle,a the Sheriff called out from the porch.

Brodieas legs felt like melting Jell-O as she made her way up the front steps. She looked numbly at Sheriff Cantrell, not sure what to say. He placed a big hand on her shoulder. aItas ugly in there, Brodie. Maybe you should wait outside. Weare waiting for your forensic people to arrive.a She shook her head and stepped into the living room. Nothing looked disturbed as she walked slowly through the front rooms. Turning down the hallway she stopped in front of the bathroom, the room where she had last seen Maggie. Her heart stopped as she looked into the room. A pool of blood surrounded the black body on the white tiled floor. She blinked back tears as she saw smeared blood on the floor leading out of the room.

She stepped back and looked at Nicholls. Her eyes shifted toward the room at the end of the hallway, her bedroom, the scene of so much joy just a few hours earlier. She could see b.l.o.o.d.y footprints leading to it. Nicholls moved ahead of her and glanced into the bedroom. Four sets of eyes turned toward him, momentarily stopping their work. Nicholls swallowed hard before facing Brodie to prevent her from seeing the scene.

aNo! No! No! No!a Brodie screamed as she tried to push past him. aMaggie! Oh, G.o.d! Maggie! Please!a aBrodie!a Nicholls yelled as he grabbed her and wrapped his arms around her to keep her out of the room. She fought against him, but grief had sapped the energy out of her and she collapsed to the floor, rubbing her face and burying her head in her hands. She sobbed uncontrollably and barely heard Nicholls calling Donaldson. As he slipped his cell phone back into his pocket he knelt next to Brodie and helped her to her feet, guiding her down the hallway toward the living room.

BRODIE STARED AT the wall in her living room without acknowledging the activity around her. Frank Cardona and his men walked past her without their usual banter. Just a few short hours ago Maggie had been vibrantly alive in her arms, laughing. Now she was gone, her laughter silencedaforever. She drew a shaky breath as tears burned down her cheeks unnoticed.

aBrodie?a She looked up into the eyes of Fred Donaldson. aCan I get you anything?a She shook her head and closed her eyes, forcing more wetness onto her face. aHave they found anything useful?a she asked.

aIt doesnat matter. Iam taking you off the case,a he said quietly.

aNo!a she said forcefully, anger and hatred flashing in her eyes. aHeas mine.a aYou canataa he started.

aIall work it on my own even I have to resign to do it!a She stood and walked down the hallway on wobbly legs. When she entered her bedroom, Nicholls was at her side in an instant to turn her around. aYou donat want to see this, RB,a he said quietly.

aI have to,a she said grimly. Pushing past him, she took a deep breath and inhaled the unwelcome scent of death around her. As she approached the bed, she patted Frank on the back. He turned away from the body on her bed and stared at her.

aJesus, Brodie! You shouldnat be in here.a aItas okay, Frank. I just need a minute,a she said.

aYou got an extra pair of gloves?a As she pulled the gloves on, she forced herself to look at the body. The womanas pale body had begun to take on a gray, ashen look. Slowly scanning the victim, her eyes traveled up well defined legs, over the auburn mound of her crotch, and along the flat abdomen. The b.r.e.a.s.t.s had large bruises and bite marks resembling those on Karen Dietrickas body. She shuddered involuntarily at the pain Maggie had endured. Standing to the side of the bed, she looked at the disfigured face, partially covered by auburn hair. She used her gloved fingers to tenderly lift the hair away from the ruined face. Bending over slightly, she saw the gold hoop of a pierced earring resting against the womanas neck. Standing up, she pulled the gloves from her hands and tossed them in the wastebasket next to the bed. aThanks, Frank,a she said, turning to leave the room quickly.

In the hallway she stopped and let her body slide down the wall. Resting her elbows on her bent knees she covered her face with her hands as the tears began flowing once again. She felt a hand on her shoulder and looked up into Nichollsa worried eyes.

aItasaitas not Maggie,a she managed.

aHow the h.e.l.l can you know that? Without a faceaa He stopped and said, aIam sorry, RB.a aItas not Maggie, Nicholls. Maggie doesnat have pierced ears,a she said tersely.

aJesus,a Nicholls breathed. aThen whoas in there?a aHer name is Kara. I donat know her last name. Kara might not be her first name. I only met her once, but it was enough to cause her death.a aWhat?a aShe was a call girl I met.a Nicholls frowned. aYouare a sick b.i.t.c.h, Brodie.a Brodie held her hand out and Nicholls pulled her up. aHave they removed my dog yet?a she asked.

aYeah, they took him away a little while ago.a She walked into the bathroom, avoiding the pool of blood, and closed the door before she turned and vomited into the toilet. She was overcome with fear. Chambers had to have followed her to know about Kara. But that had been weeks ago. She splashed water on her face and slowly dried her hands and face before stepping out of the bathroom.

aWhat are you going to do now, Brodie?a Donaldson asked as soon as she joined him and Nicholls in the living room.

aTry to think,a she said as she walked onto the front porch. She slipped on her sungla.s.ses and looked around her yard which was now full of police cars and vehicles from the crime lab. She caught something out of the corner of her eyes and said, aHeas got Maggie!a