Page 73 of Last Resort

“What? Why would—”

“Do it!” Chance yelled.

He heard LeBlanc initiate the lockdown.

“Okay, it’s done. In fifteen seconds no one will be able to get in or out.”

“It’s Dorian Cane. He’s the stalker. He’s not only a stalker, he’s a killer—that’s what we found out with the other cases.”

“That’s impossible.” LeBlanc’s tone was heavy with shock.

“I’ll prove it later. Right now, keep your office door locked until the police get there. Don’t let Dorian in there with you for any reason.” The last thing they needed was a hostage situation.

He could hear LeBlanc clicking at his keyboard. “I don’t have to worry about that. Dorian left just a couple of minutes after you did.”

Chapter Twenty-Three

It was depressing how little time it took Maci to liquidate nearly every cent she had available to her name. Twenty minutes after leaving Clinton and Sheila’s house, she had the cash in hand and was on her way to meet Evelyn.

She parked outside the warehouse address, surprised her mother wasn’t there to snatch the money out of Maci’s hand like she’d done in the past.

Maci got out of the car and began walking toward the warehouse. This was it. This was the last time she was helping Evelyn in this way. The only thing Maci would be willing to help pay for from now on would be some sort of rehab.

“Evelyn?” Maci didn’t know where her mom was, but she needed to get back to the Pattersons’ house before they discovered she was gone. “Come on, Mom. I don’t have time for this.”

She called Evelyn’s phone but got no answer. She got all the way to the warehouse before deciding to turn back. There was no way she was going into an abandoned warehouse by herself, and for whatever reason Evelyn wasn’t here.

She turned and shrieked when she found a man behind her. Fortunately, she recognized him quickly.

“Dorian Cane, right? Oh, my gosh, you scared me.”

He smiled. “Sorry, wasn’t my intent.”

“Oh, no. Did Chance send you to get me?” Damn it, had he already figured out she was gone? She was in so much trouble.

“Um, yes. Chance sent me. Wanted me to escort you somewhere safe. Things have escalated.”

She nodded. “Rich, right? Ends up he’s a killer, not just a stalker.”

“Yes, Rich. Fooled us all. Chance really didn’t want you out here alone and... I was close by, so I offered to come get you.”

“I was supposed to meet my mother. You haven’t seen an older lady around, have you?”

“No, I haven’t. We should go.”

“Yeah, I’m sure Chance wants to yell at me as soon as possible too.”

Dorian smiled. “Only because he cares. I understand that.”

They began walking back toward the cars.

“Yeah, you two are probably cut from the same cloth. It’s what makes you good at your jobs.”

“Yes, this job is a battle. Getting to know Chance and the other Patterson brothers has certainly made me a better me. I’ve always strived to be the best.”

Maci tensed at his words. They were way too similar to the notes that had been left. She stopped.

“You know what? I should probably make one more sweep to be certain my mom’s not here. Do you mind waiting just a second?”

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