Page 46 of Deadly Designs

Christian placed the container on a table and guidedhis coworkers to the kitchen. “Help yourself to coffee orbreakfast. We’ve got bagels and muffins.”

“Hi, everyone.”

When he turned to see Aja Blue, his pulse spiked. Howdid she get more beautiful every time he saw her? Her eyessparkled, and he liked to think he had something to do withthat.

Her cheeks pinkened, obviously thinking about whatthey’d spent the last few hours doing—what he wanted to be doingright this minute. How could he get rid of his coworkers so hecould drag her back upstairs?

Kayne cleared his throat, and Christian realizedthey’d been staring at each other for who knew how long.Great.

“Aja Blue, these are my coworkers, Presley Parrishand Kayne Serruto.”

She shook their hands. “Thanks for coming. Iappreciate it.”

Once they gathered at the table, Christian reviewedeverything, including Jay Guitterez’s disappearance. Then, heshowed them the two videos.

“You filed a missing person report on yourassistant?” Kayne asked Aja Blue.

“I did,” she confirmed.

Christian’s phone buzzed with Tyler’s ringtone. Heslid out of the booth and stepped into the living room to take thecall. “What have you got, Tyler?”

“The name of the vandal. Bryon Zikes.” Tyler rattledoff an address. “The guy’s a major gamer who posts questionablethings on social media and is active in several radical groups.Poster child for violence. One of his profile pictures is of hisclosed fist, highlighting his tattoo.”

Bingo. Nailed him. “Thanks, Tyler.”

As soon as he disconnected, the cell buzzed again.Detective Herbert’s name appeared on the screen.

“Good morning, Detective.”

“I wanted to let you know we got an ID on the vic whotried to kidnap Ms. LaLonde. Cecil Grubb. He’s a local, low-levelcriminal who is well-known around the police station. Grubb hasbeen arrested over two dozen times for petty crimes.”

“He stepped it up to attempted kidnapping. Since he’sa local thug, the fake nurse probably picked him off the streetsand paid him to do the job.”

Unfortunately, that meant it would be harder toidentify the killer. It was doubtful the bad guys paid with acheck. Everything would have been done in cash. Only ineptcriminals left a paper trail, something these people were not.

Christian thought about the video showing the fakenurse pointing out Aja Blue. “Have you subpoenaed the video fromthe parking lot?”

“It’s not my case, but I’m keeping close tabs. I cantell you they did request it.”

“When you watch it, focus on when the victim andnurse arrive together.”

There was a pause, and then she said, “No, don’t tellme. I need plausible deniability.”

“What about Officer Cranny?”

“No sign of him. He’s disappeared.”

Interesting. Cranny might be another loose end. “Keepme posted.”

Christian slipped the phone in his pocket and headedto the kitchen. Aja Blue was sitting with his coworkers, chattingand laughing as if they’d known each other forever instead ofminutes. She was so easy to be around. People gravitated toward herkindness and positivity. She was a bright light in a darkworld.

She looked up and spotted him, and time stoodstill—again. Was he going to have this reaction every singletime?

Presley dropped her phone to the table, jerking himfrom his trance. He had a feeling his coworker was trying to helphim out. Clearing his throat, he said, “That was Detective Herbert.We got the ID on vic in the parking lot.” He explained that thelow-level thug had been a frequent visitor to the policestation.

“Paid gun for hire?” Kayne guessed.

“Probably. Also, Tyler was able to identify theperson who vandalized Aja Blue’s office. Byron Zikes. Local who’sinto gaming and controversial websites.”

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