Page 24 of Sinner

He shook his head. “They’re not saying. I’m certain the police aren’t ready to divulge any clues. The guy was brilliant. A ruthless bastard and fairly unethical, but brilliant.”

I knew a thing or two about Joel Merrick. He was definitely unethical and a direct rival of several major gaming corporations, including Blackwell. Sam and his smaller company had yet to land on the man’s radar, but it was only a matter of time.

“Maybe a revenge kill.” My thoughts immediately drifted to Saturday night, a shiver finding its way all the way to my toes.

“It seems to be going around. Please take some time to yourself and don’t work too late. It’s getting dark.”

“It’s not like we’re in a bad part of town.” I’d been so consumed in what I was working on that I hadn’t paid any attention that the entire floor was vacant. How had I gotten so absorbed in my work?

I knew the answer. To drown out the nightmares that had turned into daymares.

“No, but you’re a single woman and there are some sick people out there.”

As I offered him a smile, I grabbed my purse and pulled out my can of mace. I wasn’t going to intentionally show him the pocketknife. Why hadn’t I tried to grab either the other night? “I never leave home without it.”

Sam chuckled. “Maybe not, but there are some bad men who couldn’t care less about a can of mace. Just go home.”

“Ten minutes. I promise.” Ten minutes until I went home to an empty house with a computer staring at me, taunting me to play yet another game. I was addicted, not to winning, but to the rush, just like the monster had mentioned. I adored the high provided by every kill, every point earned and reaching a sick level of sexual satisfaction that few could understand.

I’d heard Blackwell was getting ready to introduce a game that would blow everything out of the water. Darker than any before, more twisted in the choices. BDSM clubs, dungeons, kidnapping. Every reprehensible proclivity could be experienced in the privacy and protection of someone’s home.

Of course, they could just be rumors, but I was salivating over the thought.

“Okay. I’ll hold you to your word. Goodnight, Jessica.”

“Goodnight, Sam.” I listened to his footsteps on the cool tile floor as he headed for the elevator. He was right just like Ashley had been. I was way too focused on something that might consume me.

A few minutes later, my phone rang. As soon as I glanced at the screen, I realized how long it had been since I’d talked to my dad. We were both busy but it had been what, two months? “Hey, Dad. How are you?”

“Busy as obviously you are,” he said. As usual, his voice highlighted how much he’d been working. Just like always, around this time of year. I shifted my attention to the calendar on my computer.

Shit.

The anniversary of my sister’s death.

“I know. I’m sorry it’s been a while. I’ve been working long hours on some seriously sexy new games.”

“I wish you would get into another industry, Jess. You’re far too intelligent to spend time playing games.”

“I’m developing them, Dad. Is that why you really called, to continue the same argument we’ve had for years?”

“Honey, I worry about you. With the Blackwell Group in Chicago, eventually that son of a bitch will attempt to lure you to their company.”

“That’s not going to happen.” He never mentioned the man’s name. He hadn’t in all these years as if by doing so, he could erase the past. “I know you miss her, Dad. I miss Shanna and Mom too, but I’m living and enjoying my life.”

“I’m glad, but I worry about you. He’ll come for you. One day he will and I just don’t want you to end up like your sister.”

“Why would he come for me, Dad? He doesn’t know me.”

“Because I know him. He wants everything I had including my family.”

The words were stronger than he’d ever said before and a chill skittered down my spine. “I’ll be careful, Dad. Can we talk about this later? I was just about ready to leave the office.”

“Sure, honey. Just do me a favor and heed my warning. The man is the devil. I know. Trust me. I know.”

With the call ended, I stared at the screen. What did my father know and why wouldn’t he tell me?

I fiddled with what I was working on for a little while, finally checking my watch. Twenty minutes had gone by. It was time to go home. I grabbed my jacket and purse, immediately finding my keys before even leaving my desk.

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