Page 301 of Cold Case, Warm Hearts

“Jamie and I are working a serial killer case. She fits his victim profile.”

The larger of the two officers stuck his thumbs in his belt and stretched. “The husband looks guilty.”

“We will investigate every possibility.”

“You arrested your serial killer.”

“We arrested a single suspect on an unrelated charge, but he wasn’t our sole suspect.”

“The news didn’t mention that.”

“We don’t share all the details of an active investigation with the public,” he growled. “Let’s collect evidence before jumping to conclusions.”

Wade headed back downstairs and found a quiet place out back from which to call his lieutenant. Mac was going to freak.

Pete heardher struggling in the trunk. She shouldn't be awake yet. His victims always remained unconscious longer. Punching the steering wheel, he swore under his breath and slowed the car. As he made a turn onto a dirt road, his trunk popped open, and Jamie tumbled out. Before he could slam on the brakes, she was limping off toward the woods.

He braked and jumped out of his car. She’d appeared injured when he’d seen her in the rear-view mirror, so she couldn’t have gotten far. Her tracks would be easy to locate before darkness descended.

He listened carefully for the sound of her steps, but heard nothing. Only silence greeted him. She was smarter than he'd realized. If he didn't find her before dark, she'd escape his clutches. If she did that, she would point he finger at him, and he wouldn't be able to stay in Pennsylvania. He’d need a new identity and a new hunting grounds because the world would know his secret. Sooner or later, he’d get caught.

It was exciting. The idea of receiving credit for his work. He would need a new base of operations. Somewhere where he wouldn't be discovered.

His grandfather's farm had been perfect, but it wouldn’t take long for them to discover it if Jamie escaped. As the thought went through his mind, he saw movement in the distance.I’ve got you now.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Emily felt like she was in a trance during church service. Wade was at work trying to figure out who’d kidnapped his friend. Thoughts of what would happen if they didn’t find Jamie in time crashed over her, and she pressed a hand to her stomach to stop it from roiling. The past months had been the most difficult ones she’d gone through since Nora’s disappearance, and her faith was taking a beating. She was struggling to find purpose in the pain.

As the pastor quoted Romans 8:28, she wondered how any of it could work together for their good. How could the kidnapping of a newlywed woman be good for anyone? The notion seemed ludicrous, but it was a promise she knew she could count on. All things worked together for the good of those who loved God. Jamie didn’t know God, but Wade did, and he loved her like a sister.

How was this going to bring about good in his life? Would they find her in time to prevent another tragic death? She sucked in a deep breath and forced herself to listen to the remainder of the sermon, occasionally glancing over at Gavin who seemed to be focused intently on the message. She knew he was alert toeverything around him and if she were to scoot out of the pew, he’d be right behind her.

When Emily trudgeddown the stairs Monday morning after another sleepless night, she found Wade sipping a cup of coffee with his Bible open in front of him. He didn’t glance up at her approach. “Good morning.”

“Hey.”

“Still nothing new?”

“I have a strong lead I’m certain is the key to solving this case, but I can’t get a judge to give me a warrant for the information I need to proceed. In the meantime, one of my best friends is fighting for her life, and I don’t even know where to begin looking for her.”

“I feel responsible for Jamie’s abduction.”

“That’s insane. The only person responsible is the madman who took her.”

“He wanted to take me. I’ve been under constant watch, so he went for an easier target.”

“I guarantee Jamie didn’t go easily.”

“I’m sure she didn’t.” Emily poured her coffee and sat beside him. “Can you tell me about the lead?”

“No.” His lips turned up in a smile, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “I wish I could, but it’s better if I keep this information in-house.”

“You showed me the murder board.”

“I was trying to make you see how serious the danger to you could be.”

“If I didn’t see it before, I do now.”

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