Page 90 of Love Me Fierce

The feds had declared this a dead end after they scoured hundredsof documents and employee records. Not just because there are so many of them, but getting employee records from all the companies requires a warrant, and when it comes to a carte blanche of a company’s employee records, it’s practically impossible to get for a fishing expedition like this one. I make a mental note to check in with Ballard about it.

“What about a blood donation van?” Zach asks.

I cringe. “Some creep targeting girls who donate blood? I mean, it’s plausible, but ugh.”

“I know. They keep pretty meticulous records, though, so it’d be worth checking.” He takes another sip of his coffee. “Okay, here’s another idea. Something all five vics have in common besides the science connection is they’re either in or have recently graduated from college. Do you know how much tuition costs these days? Nichole-Renée was in grad school and yeah, pharmacists make bank, but at the time she was killed, I’ll bet she had student loans up the wazoo.”

Marin was attending Bitterroot Community College. Maybe because Western or one of the other four-year colleges were too expensive?

“Meaning all five victims were broke,” I say.

Zach nods. “What if this guy draws his victims in with some kind of financial offer?”

I take out my notepad and jot this idea down. “So, you’re saying our perp could run an ad that would appeal to the kind of women he’s interested in. Maybe even something lucrative.”

“Shit,” Zach says, huffing at the ceiling. “When Sofie was in grad school, she ran a couple of studies for her research classes. It was all done through the department to keep both sides safe—but what if our perp did something like it, only everything about it was totally fake?”

A buzz fires through my core. This could be something. “How did Sofie advertise her study?”

“In the school newspaper. And I think on the PsychDepartment’s billboard.” He cocks an eyebrow. “I think there’s a tab for job openings on the university’s website. I can ask if she used it.”

“What if it’s anactualjob opening? Something our perp knows would bring in the type of young woman who fits his M.O.?”

Zach gives a low whistle. “He could advertise in the school paper or online, and when they apply, he’d have their contact info and a good amount of their personal information.”

Could the killer be that brazen? “What if he interviews them, and chooses his vic that way? Would he strike then, or does he groom his victim, build some sort of secret relationship with them first?”

“Did any of the other victims get calls from a burner phone?” Zach asks.

“Michelle did. Not sure about the others. Ballard would know.”

Zach nods.

“I’m talking with Marin’s parents this morning,” I say.

“You want company?” He tops up his coffee.

“You up for it?”

“I laid awake last night worrying about Linnea,” he says with a heavy sigh. “She’s safe at Western right now, and she’s sick of me and her dad checking up on her, but I want to nail this guy.”

“All right. Let’s roll.”

Chapter Twenty-Five

EVERETT

Jugglingcases is one of the most difficult parts of being a deputy, but I can do it. When I pull up outside the Lamberts’ house, I set aside my very active caseload so I can be my very best for Marin’s family.

Zach pulls in just as I’m stepping out of my SUV. I adjust the brim of my Stetson against the drizzle and zip up my jacket while I wait for him. Then we walk up the pathway side by side.

Ashley Lambert opens the door dressed in jeans, scuffed blue flats, and a cardigan sweater over a faded turtleneck. Her already sad eyes seem to dim when she takes in both Zach and I standing in the rain.

“Come in,” she says, stepping back.

Ted Lambert is walking down the hall toward us, his shoulders tight. He works for the bank as a loan officer specializing in ranching and farming. A good guy who works hard to support those who work the land.

He and I share a brief glance before I follow Ashley into the entryway.

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