Page 44 of Among the Innocent

The cat had wedged herself behind the washer. Leah managed to coax her from her hiding place. She held the cat close and stroked her fur. “It’s okay, girl.” She put the cat into a carrier and grabbed her food.

“Let’s take Kitty to the SUV and wait outside for backup. Your house is now a crime scene. We don’t want to disturb any evidence.”

Darkness settled around the countryside. Another day was ending, and they were still no closer to having the answers they needed.

Dalton started the SUV and turned the air-conditioning up to keep Kitty comfortable while they waited. The nightfall made him feel vulnerable. “Let’s wait inside the SUV until they arrive.” He held the door open for her and she climbed in. Assoon as he got behind the wheel, he locked the doors and laid his weapon across his leg.

“I can’t believe this is happening again,” Leah said so softly he almost didn’t hear her. She leaned her head against the headrest. “I’ve waited for ten years for him to come after me. I’ve always known he would, and yet now that it’s actually happening, I’m scared, Dalton. I’m scared.”

“You’re not alone. I’m going to be right here with you.”

She turned her head to him. “That locket. I think it’s the same one John gave me before.”

He remembered she’d told him she kept it under her mattress. The locket had been missing for a long time. “Why do you think it’s the same one?”

She rubbed her scar absently. “The initials on the back. John had turned it over so I’d be sure to see the initials he had engraved there. L and J.” Another part of the game for the killer.

Within minutes, Sam and Henry arrived with lights flashing. With Ethan stationed at Marge’s, the team was stretched thin.

Both Leah and Dalton got out.

“The crime scene unit’s behind us,” Sam told them.

Dalton nodded. “Good. The house is clear. He left a locket.” He glanced at Leah. She was barely hanging on. “It’s still on the bed.”

Once CSI arrived, he and Leah left. She’d been through enough. There was no need to watch the tedious process.

She stared out the windshield without saying a word. Dalton could almost feel her fear escalating. The killer had made it clear he planned to kill her.

“I’m not going to let him hurt you again, Leah.” Dalton reached for her hand and entwined his fingers with hers.

She slowly nodded.

Ethan had heard the news over the radio when they arrived at Marge’s house. “You want me to assist, Chief?”

Dalton shook his head. “If you don’t mind, I’d like you to stay here. The killer is stepping up his attacks. We could use the extra manpower here.”

“Sure thing.” Ethan settled back into his cruiser while Dalton and Leah went inside.

She set the cat carrier on the floor and opened the door. Kitty cowered inside the carrier, too frightened to leave. “Sorry, sweetie. Take your time.”

The only sound in the house came from the living room.

Leah stuck her head in the room. “Marge is sleeping in front of the TV.” She turned toward him. Mere inches separated them. “I think I’ll sit with her for a while. You should try to get some rest, Dalton. I’ll show you to the guest room.”

He stopped her before she headed up the stairs. “I can use the sofa. We’re assuming the killer is planning his next move to hurt you on the anniversary, but nothing about his behavior is rational. We can’t count on that. For my own peace of mind, I’m going to check the rest of the house. Come with me.”

Once they’d cleared the final room, Leah opened the door to where Marge slept. “There’s the sofa in the corner. It may not be very comfortable, though.”

She was worried about him. He kind of liked having someone care about him.

“I’ll be fine. If anything comes up, wake me.”

Dalton kicked off his boots and stretched out while Leah slipped into the chair next to Marge’s. He watched her for a second longer before he closed his eyes. The only sound was the murmur of the TV. Ethan was outside. The house was secured.Leah was a strong, courageous woman. She could handle herself.

He placed his arm under his head, and his Glock rested within a few inches of his hand.

“Find out what happened to our Harrison, Dalton. Please,”the family had begged him when he’d gone to deliver the news of Harrison’s death.

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