Page 42 of Shattered Sanctuary

“Or you could just yawn around him,” Kaely added, grinning.

“Yawn around him?” Adrian looked confused. “Not sure if while I’m facing down a murderous psychopath, my first reaction would be to yawn. Can you explain that a little more?”

“She means that a psychopath won’t yawn after you do,” Erin said, grinning. “Remember? No empathy?”

“Unless he’s learned to do it because it’s normal behavior,” Kaely added. She pointed at the profile. “There’s much more in there. But don’t forget, as you said, it’s an educated guess. However, most of what we profiled when I was in the BAU was on target.”

“She’s being modest,” Erin said. “Most of the profilesshewrote were on target. In fact, while writing one profile in particular, she was actually able to name the killer.”

“I’d appreciate it if you could do that now,” Adrian said. “It would make my job much easier.”

Kaely appreciated Erin’s enthusiasm, but it also embarrassed her. “There were much more experienced analysts at the FBI. I learned from them, and trust me, without their help, our profiles wouldn’t have been so accurate.”

“Thank you for this,” Adrian said. “I know you didn’t do it to get paid, but while you’re here, maybe you’d let me take you both to dinner? With the insight you’ve provided, I feel we have a shot at catching this guy.”

Kaely looked at Erin, who nodded. She smiled at Adrian. “We’d like that. I guess we need to get past this storm first.”

“You’re right. Today is going to be busy. How about the first day the roads are open again?”

“You think the roads will be closed?” Erin asked.

“If we get the snow amounts that are forecasted, yes. Of course, we might end up with just a dusting and be fine.” He frowned. “Your cabin has a generator, right?”

Erin nodded. “Steve said that if we lost our electricity, it would automatically kick on.”

“Good. I won’t worry about you then. We have other residents who could be in a lot of trouble if their electricity goes out. We’ll need to keep an eye on them if things get dicey.” He leaned forward in his chair. “Make sure you have all the supplies you need in case you’re stuck inside for several days.”

“Several days?” Kaely looked over at Erin. “When we stop for lunch, let’s make a list of the things we might need from the grocery store. We have a few things in mind, but maybe we should expand our list?”

“You mean if we can’t exist on all the food Steve put in the cabin? If you can come up with something, I’ll give you money.”

Kaely smiled. “I noticed there wasn’t much toilet paper in the bathroom cabinets. I take Venmo.”

“Just remember I didn’t mention how much,” Erin said, her eyes wide in an attempt to look innocent.

Adrian laughed. “I have a feeling you two will be fine no matter what happens.” He stood up. “Thanks again for the profile. I’ll check with you on the other side of the storm for that dinner.”

“I know it’s not really our business,” Erin said, “but is there a way you can keep us updated on your investigation?”

“Sure, not a problem. I’ll be in contact soon.” He walked over to the door and held it open. “I hope you’re going to spend some time in town today. We have lots of great shops. You mentioned groceries. There’s a small store three blocks away where you can get most of what you’ll need. A larger big-box store is outside town about five miles, but I really think you’ll be okay at Grady’s. I recommend lunch at Dolly’s Diner.” He shrugged. “It’s Tennessee. Dolly Parton is pretty popular here.”

“We do intend to putter around today,” Kaely said, getting to her feet. “We’ll get back before the storm hits though.”

She smiled at him and then walked out the door. As she headed for the front of the station, something inside her seemed to whisper a warning. But about what? The storm? She hadn’t been an analyst for a while, but when she was, she would sense things. A warning in her spirit.

And that’s exactly what she was feeling now.

THIRTY

Erin and Kaely decided to eat lunch before they checked out the shops in town. Picking up groceries would be last.

They found Dolly’s Diner. It was a trip. Erin had never seen anything like it before. But she’d never been to Tennessee, and the one time she’d been to Branson, she hadn’t attended Dolly Parton’s Stampede. She didn’t have anything against Dolly, but there were other things to do. Her friends had been more interested in eating out and shopping than in seeing shows. She felt a stab of pain. She’d learned that emotional pain can hurt as much or more than physical pain.Her friends.It was true that she’d cut herself off from people, but not before several of them deserted her after she left the force. Even though she hadn’t been charged in the shooting, having your partner die somehow reflected badly on you. As if it were your fault. She’d gone over and over it. There wasn’t any way she could have saved him, yet her mind kept trying to find a solution. A way she could have done something. Of course, if she ever did figure out a way she could have helped him—but didn’t—it would destroy her.

She and Kaely were shown to a table. Erin couldn’t believe her eyes.

“It looks like a giant bottle of Pepto Bismol threw up all over this place,” she whispered after the hostess seated them.

The tablecloths were pink. The walls were pink. Even the chairs were pink. There were pictures of Dolly everywhere. Erin picked up the menu the hostess had left at the table. Her mouth dropped open.

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