Page 41 of For Blood

Morgan stepped out of the room, her shoulders sagging as she pressed her palms against the cool surface of the hallway wall.The chill seeped into her skin, grounding her in the moment.She closed her eyes, inhaling deeply.

The precinct buzzed with activity around her, a constant hum of ringing phones and hurried footsteps.The manhunt for Whitaker was in full swing, but Morgan knew better than to be optimistic.She pushed off the wall, her tattoos stark against her pale skin as she rolled up her sleeves.

"Any updates?"she asked, approaching a nearby officer.

He shook his head."Nothing yet.But we've got every available unit out there."

Morgan nodded, her jaw tightening."He knows our playbook," she said, more to herself than the officer."Every procedure, every tactic.He's been on our side of the fence for years."

The realization hit her like a punch to the gut.Whitaker wasn't just a cop—he was a detective who had spent his career outsmarting criminals.Now, he was using that knowledge against them.

"Christ," she breathed, running a hand through her dark hair."We're not just chasing a killer.We're chasing one of our own."

The officer shifted uncomfortably."Agent Cross, do you think—"

"I think we need to change our approach," Morgan cut him off, her mind racing."He's anticipating our moves.We need to do something he won't expect."

She turned on her heel, heading for the command center.As she walked, her thoughts drifted to Derik.She wished he was here, his steady presence a balm to her frayed nerves.But he was out there, leading one of the search teams.

Morgan's fists clenched at her sides.If they didn't find Whitaker soon, more people would die.The weight of that knowledge pressed down on her, threatening to suffocate her.She couldn't let that happen.Not again.Not after everything she'd been through.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

The precinct buzzed with a frenetic energy that set Morgan's teeth on edge.Fluorescent lights cast a harsh glow over the bullpen, illuminating the tense faces of officers as they moved with purposeful strides.The incessant chatter of radios and ringing phones created a cacophony that grated on her nerves.

Morgan stood rigid near the front desk, her arms crossed tightly over her chest.The weight of her gun at her hip was a cold comfort.Her dark eyes scanned the room, taking in every detail, searching for any hint of a threat.

"Where are you, you bastard?"she muttered under her breath, her mind racing through possibilities.The image of Whitaker standing over Vanessa's body flashed unbidden in her mind, and she clenched her jaw.

Officer Ramirez approached, his brow furrowed."Agent Cross, we've got units canvassing a five-mile radius.Nothing yet."

Morgan nodded curtly."Keep me posted.He can't have gotten far."

As Ramirez walked away, Morgan's thoughts drifted to the letter from her father.Was he really alive?And if so, why reach out now, after all these years?She shook her head, forcing herself to focus on the present threat.

"Come on, Whitaker," she whispered."Make a move."

As if in answer to her challenge, the radio on the nearby desk crackled to life.The dispatcher's voice cut through the din, an undercurrent of urgency in her tone.

"All units, be advised.We have a confirmed sighting of James Whitaker.Suspect spotted three blocks east of the precinct, heading north on foot."

Morgan's body tensed, adrenaline surging through her veins.She locked eyes with Derik across the room, a silent communication passing between them.

"Shit," she hissed, her mind already formulating a plan."He's coming here."

Officer Chen approached, his face grim."Agent Cross, what are your orders?"

Morgan's gaze hardened, her voice steady as she issued commands."Lock down the building.No one in or out without my express authorization.I want a team ready to move in five."

As Chen hurried to comply, Morgan turned to Derik, who had made his way to her side.

Morgan's stomach plummeted as the realization hit her like a freight train.The pieces clicked into place with terrifying clarity."Shit," she muttered, her eyes widening."He's coming back to finish the job."

Her mind raced, the tattoos on her arms seeming to writhe with her growing tension.Sarah Winters and Gregory Phillips flashed in her thoughts, their faces etched with fear and uncertainty.They were here, in this very building, vulnerable despite the illusion of safety.

Without a moment's hesitation, Morgan spun on her heel, her voice cutting through the chaos of the precinct."Derik!"she called out, her partner's head snapping up at her tone."With me.Now."

As Derik fell into step beside her, Morgan's long strides ate up the distance to the secured room.Her heart pounded in her ears, each beat a reminder of the stakes.Whitaker had already silenced one witness.There was no doubt in her mind he'd do it again.

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