Page 33 of Be Very Quiet

Liliana was tired. She’d spent the day trying to push thoughts of Ted Rader and his murderous ways from her head, but it was virtually impossible. Having Luca and his coworkers around helped, but there was still an underlying sense of unease that she couldn’t shake. He’d sent her a package of souvenirs from his victims. How utterly demented.

Before they headed to her place, they detoured to drop off Luca’s vehicle. His coworkers had arrived in one, and Luca said they wouldn’t need two. When they arrived at her building, Luca introduced Christian and Audria to Warren and informed him they were staying in the rented condo. That way, he wouldn’t be suspicious when they came and went from the complex, and they wouldn’t need to stop and sign in daily. Warren looked skeptical, but then, he always did. He was an odd duck.

Liliana felt dwarfed by the two men as they rode up the elevator. Though Audria was about the same height, she seemed to tower over her too. Ted Rader wouldn’t mess with these folks, she was sure.

When the door opened, she stepped out first with her key in hand.

“Liliana, wait.”

Luca grabbed her arm to prevent her from moving forward. Then she saw the padded manilla envelope tacked to her door.

Luca removed a pair of latex gloves from a pocket and carefully peeled the tape to release the package. He unlocked her door and ushered her inside.

“Wait here.”

Liliana watched as Christian and Audria searched her condo. She had a feeling it would be like this until Rader was caught, so she might as well get used to it.

“All clear.”

She moved to the kitchen island, where Luca placed the envelope. With his gloved fingers, he opened it. A tube of red lipstick and a pear-shaped amethyst earring accented with round diamonds slid out. Liliana would bet her next paycheck the earring was the real deal this time.

She looked up at Luca. “Whoever left this has to be a tenant of the building, or they would’ve needed to sign in.”

“Audria, wait here with Liliana,” Luca instructed. “Christian, come with me. We’re going to have a chat with Warren.”

#

Luca wished he’d brought cameras with him to attach to the outside of his rented condo door. Then he would’ve caught the person who had left the envelope for Liliana. Audria and Christian had some with them, but it was too late now. He doubted the person would return.

The implications of leaving packages for her at work and home meant Rader knew exactly where Liliana was, and he was flaunting that he could get to her easily, at any time.

Luca and Christian took the steps down to the lobby. Warren was flipping through a magazine when they approached the desk. His television was turned to a baseball game. At least he wasn’t watching a porno this time.

Despite his seemingly clean background, the guard was on Luca’s suspect list. He was new to his job, and he had access to Liliana. Luca waited for him to look up before he spoke. When he did, it was to frown at Luca and Christian.

“What?”

Didn’t his momma teach him manners? “Did someone stop by today asking for Ms. Lima?”

Warren shook his head. “No.”

“What time did you come on duty?”

“Five.”

“Can I look at the sign-in book?”

Warren narrowed his eyes. “No.”

“That wasn’t a request,” Christian growled.

Warren acted as if he wasn’t intimidated. “Why would I let you look at it? It’s privileged information.”

“No, it’s not,” Christian argued. “It’s public knowledge. You have no claim to confidentiality at all.”

Luca took out his credentials and slapped them on the counter. “We work for a private security firm. The best in the country. Cooperate, or I will get a warrant.” He couldn’t without help from Detective Torres, but he was hoping Warren didn’t realize that.

When Warren made no move to hand the book over, Luca took out his phone. “Fine. I’ll give Muriel Barber a call. I’m sure she’ll give the okay.”

---