Page 37 of Be Very Quiet

“You know about the flowers?” At Reese’s nod, she said, “No, nothing else like that has happened.”

“He killed eight people before,” Christian pointed out. “It makes you wonder if he plans on doing the same now.”

“Let’s hope we catch him before that happens. We’ve been searching for similar crimes over the last few years.”

“If he used prostitutes, they might not have been declared missing,” Luca advised. “He could’ve dumped the bodies since he’s changed other aspects of his former routine.”

“Good point,” Reese noted. “I’m putting together a task force. I would like you to be on it. There will be a couple of FBI agents, Detective Torres, and one or two of his staff. Audria, I would like you on it, too, since you have experience.”

Luca wanted to decline the invite. He needed to stick close to Liliana. Still, it would help his investigation to have inside intel on the local police department and FBI’s findings.

Christian spoke up. “You don’t have to worry about Liliana. I’ll stay with her so you two can go.”

Luca trusted Christian with his life, therefore, Liliana’s too. He nodded. “Okay.”

Reese pulled Luca aside. “You are providing protection for Liliana?”

“We are. Twenty-four-seven.”

“Good. I want to offer help, but we’re shorthanded as it is, and I know the police department is as well.”

“We’ve got it covered.”

“I feel better knowing she’s safe. Audria is one of the most talented agents I’ve ever worked with, and your company has the reputation as the best in the business.”

“We are, and you’re right about Audria. Your loss is our gain.”

Reese grunted in agreement. “Detective Torres asked me to tell you he instituted extra patrols around the condo complex and Liliana’s studio.”

Good. It probably wouldn’t stop Rader, but it might scare him a little.

Audria had been right about SSA Reese Reneau. He seemed extraordinarily fair and didn’t try to lord the FBI supremacy over him. He’d even taken steps to include COBRA Securities, inviting them to the table. As much as he hated to be away from Liliana, working with the police and FBI to bring Rader to justice was precisely what he wanted.

“We’re about to order pizza. You’re welcome to join us.”

Reese glanced at Audria and then nodded. “Pizza sounds good.”

#

Liliana hoped she had ordered enough food for everyone. Luca, Christian, and Reese looked as if they could each put away a whole pie themselves. She’d chosen a variety, including meat lovers, vegetarian, double pepperoni (knowing it was Luca’s favorite), and her personal choice, Hawaiian.

She’d offered everyone a glass of wine, but they had declined, saying they were on the job. That had been a sobering thought.Shewas the job.

Liliana had no qualms about pouring herself a glass. She needed it after everything that was happening with Rader. The alcohol settled her nerves.

Christian left to meet the driver in the lobby when the delivery arrived. Liliana suggested they move across the hall to the condo Luca’s company had rented. Bertie Wells, the former owner, had left a table with chairs on the balcony overlooking the ocean. It was the perfect place to eat.

Despite the delicious flavor, Liliana could barely manage one piece. Too many thoughts rolled around in her head. The initial shock over discovering Ted Rader was alive and killing again was gone. In the back of her mind, she’d always known it was a possibility. Now that it was confirmed, she was determined to stop him. She would find vengeance for Erin, the other victims, their families, and herself.

“We have to find Ted Rader before more innocent women lose their lives,” Liliana stated. “How do we draw him out?”

“That’s a good question,” Luca said between bites of pepperoni pizza. “If we knew, we could set a trap. But he’s evaded arrest and stayed beneath the radar for ten years.”

She certainly didn’t want to be the bait, but if it would stop him once and for all, she would do it. “What can I do to lure him out?”

“Nothing!” four voices shouted at her at once.

She jerked back and held up a hand. Sheesh, they didn’t have to gang up on her.

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