Page 28 of Twin Threats In Austin
They were partners while working this investigation. It was only logical to have a desire to get to know each other better. She’d opened up more to him than any of the guys she’d dated. At some point in every relationship, her romantic partner expected her to open up. She’d never once been able or inspired to. One by one, she’d watched each one walk out the door, head down, taking the loss rather than sticking it out in a no-win situation.Shewas the no-win situation they walked away from.
Opening up to Camden had felt like the most right thing in the world. He’d comforted her. His words would stay with her, easing some of the pain she’d tucked away so deep she’d almost forgotten it existed.Almost.
“Do you want to take the lead with Kage?” Camden asked.
“Sure,” she said absently. Someone had tried to kill her. That someone might be Kage. Rochelle gave herself a mental shake so she could refocus on the case, on the lives that were in mortal danger. There were two murder victims. There were two kidnapping victims. The perp would strike again soon.
Could Rochelle get there in time?
Panic caused her shirt to feel two sizes too small.Breathe.
She willed Justina to live. She would be next to die based on the perp’s pattern so far.
Rochelle had to stop the bastard before he got the chance.
Camden parked thetruck on the street near Kage’s apartment. He immediately hopped out and then came around the front of the vehicle to open Rochelle’s door. She took his hand as she climbed down, and he realized hers was trembling.
Pausing, Camden pulled Rochelle into an embrace. “Hey. I’m here anytime you want to talk about the past. I’ll do anything in my power to comfort you.”
“Thank you for that,” Rochelle said, pulling away. The moment she’d leaned in, though, the world had finally righted itself. “I’m good now.” Chin up, he could see how strong she was trying to be. So he stepped back and gave her space. When she was ready to talk, he would be here. That was all she needed to know. It would be up to her if she took him up on the offer.
Camden resisted the urge to reach out to grab her hand and link their fingers. Instead, they walked side by side to Kage’s apartment.
After three bold knocks, there was not even a hint anyone was home. Which meant Kage was home and not answering, or out. Brutalizing his latest victim?
There wasn’t enough evidence to haul him in for questioning. Camden hoped that would change very soon. Though, if Kage was responsible, the man was savvy. He’d become a better criminal since his mail-fraud and identity theft schemes. From mail fraud to murder?
The leap didn’t sit well. The logic was flawed no matter how circumstantial the evidence might be. Not to mention the evidence against him was weak at best. Camden issued a sharp sigh.
“Guess we should come back,” Rochelle said after another round of police-raid-style knocking.
The door suddenly swung open.
“What the hell is going on out here?” Kage said, shirt off. He was wearing jeans and no shoes or socks. “I have neighborsto think about.” He stepped outside and closed the door behind him. The chill in the air didn’t seem to bother the man.
“We have questions,” Rochelle stated.
“Fine,” Kage said, crossing his arms over his chest. “Where’s your vehicle?”
“I parked on the street,” Camden said, motioning toward his truck. Was it a good idea? Now, Kage would know which vehicle belonged to Camden. If he was the shooter from last night, he could follow them.
“Then, let’s go talk inside your truck,” Kage stated, glancing around. Was there a reason beyond embarrassment that Kage might want to walk them away from his place?
“What about going inside?” Rochelle asked.
“I’d rather sit in your truck,” Kage stated. “At least that way, I won’t have law enforcement hanging around my front door.”
“Fine,” Rochelle replied, leading the way to the dual cab pickup. “I’ll take the back seat.” She walked the trio to the truck and then climbed inside. Kage took the passenger seat while Camden sat in the driver’s seat once again.
“Do you seriously believe I’m capable of what you’re accusing me of?” Kage asked, raking his fingers through his hair.
Camden reached for a spare T-shirt. “Here, put this on.”
Kage did, looking like he just realized he didn’t have on a shirt. “You didn’t answer my question.”
“Where were you last night?” Rochelle asked.
“Home,” he said, “Why?”
