Page 90 of Fatal Vision
Jocelyn sucked down some coffee. “I know you told the detectives you had no idea who did it because you’re keeping a hat on things involving that case you were investigating, but it’s related to your shooting, isn’t it?”
Absolutely. “Seems like the most likely scenario.”
“A serial killer who switches from sniper rifle to car bomb?” Denbe smiled as Jaya made her way back to them. “Doesn’t fit the profile.”
Shelby took the moment to introduce her best friend to her fellow agents. Denbe poured on the charm; Jaya smiled politely, but didn’t so much as blink.
Another one bites the dust.
“The boss has everyone working on this, pulling suspect files,” Jocelyn said as Denbe moved Jaya aside to ask about the chili. Shelby heard them arguing whether chili was a soup or not. “We’ll cross reference those with snipers and military suspects. Something’s got to give on this case sooner or later. The guy will make a mistake.”
Shelby kept seeing the man’s eyes through the ski mask. Her brain tried to fill out the rest of his face. Who was he? Definitely someone she’d met before.
Or was he? Maybe she just wanted it so bad, she was imagining things. Her brain was such a mess right now, she had a hard time trusting it.
She scanned the people in the room. She’d heard what Colton had said to her dad through the hospital room door. Could the killer be here, pretending to be a fan of her father’s? A friend of her family?
A shiver went down her spine.
“Shelby?” Daniel stepped out of the crowd and smiled down at her. “I’m sure you’re tired of this question, but how are you?”
“Daniel. Hi.” He was the last person she wanted to talk to. She needed to focus. Who in this crowd knew anything about Connor’s rescue mission or could link the three dead vets to Colton? “I’m doing okay, just a little shook up.”
Her eyes sought out Colton. Another man entered the room, glanced around, and Colton hailed him. They exchanged handshakes and the older, gray-headed man with Colton said something to the new guy that made him grin good-naturedly. At least the twitch of his lips seemed like a smile. This guy was tall and lean with long, dark hair and eyes that looked nearly black when his gaze followed Colton’s to land on her.
Yep, they were definitely making a plan.
As if Jaya felt the new guy’s intense stare too, she craned her neck to look around Denbe. One brow went up and she glanced at Shelby, the question in her eyes clear as day.
Who isthat?
Daniel said something, pulling Shelby’s attention away from Colton and his posse. “I’m sorry, what?”
Daniel put his hand over hers on the armrest. Salisbury growled.
He swiftly drew back and Shelby grabbed the dog.
“Sorry. He’s very protective.”Just like his temporary owner.
Who was currently narrowing his eyes at the intern pastor.
“Yes, well,” Daniel stared at Salisbury, brows drawn. “I have to get back to the church. Elton Walker passed away yesterday and I’m helping his widow make the necessary arrangements for the funeral. You’ll let me know if you need anything?”
“Of course.” Shelby gave him a smile. “Thank you, pastor.”
Daniel looked like he wanted to pat her shoulder, but opted to avoid Salisbury and simply nodded at her before walking away.
Colton and the other two men went back to their huddle. She wanted to walk over to them and demand to know what they were up to. Her mom had located a walker with a pouch hanging on the front for a patient’s water, cell phone, etc. Shelby deposited Salisbury in it and started making her way through the crowd.
“Where are you going?” Jaya called behind her.
“I need to walk around.”
It was slow going. Everyone wanted to chat with her, hug her, ask about her leg.
By the time she got close to Colton, she was trembling from the exertion. He came toward her to help, but her father appeared at her elbow.
“I told you to stay away from her.” Her dad put a hand on her walker, stopping her progress. “You’re lucky I’m even allowing you in this room.”
