Page 93 of Provocation (Temptation 3)

I shot my gaze to Julia, wondering how she’d handle the surprising news, but I appeared more shocked by this than she did.

“I always thought he might have more children out there.” She shrugged. “If you’re going around sticking your dick into everything with a pulse, like a modern-day Zeus, you’d think you’d at least wrap it up. Then again, Zeus didn’t, either.”

I ran my hand up and down her back in a soothing gesture as I returned my gaze to Ethan.

“While this is certainly interesting, it doesn’t prove anything. It’s suspicious, but just because Dax may be Nick’s biological child doesn’t mean he’s involved in what’s currently going on. Hell, based on that rationale, Imogene should be a suspect, too.”

“You’re right. The fact they may share DNA doesn’t prove anything. But I have something that might.”

He sifted through the folder and pulled out another photograph, setting it in front of us. “Remember her?”

Julia nodded, eyes trained on the young, vivacious brunette in the picture. “Autumn Quinn. The Emory student who volunteered for Homes for the Homeless. Was murdered five years ago this past March, if our theory’s to be believed.”

“Exactly.” Ethan reached into his folder and placed yet another photo onto the island. “Now, take a look at this picture I lifted off her social media tribute account. Anything look familiar? Or perhaps should I say anyone?”

Julia and I leaned closer, staring at the grainy photo taken in dim lighting. Obviously a bar.

But despite the low lighting, the people in the photo were unmistakable, Autumn’s smile bright as she beamed at the camera. And beside her, his lips pressed to her cheek, stood Dax.

But that wasn’t all. She wore a Celtic cross necklace I easily recognized.

As did Julia.

“When was this taken?” she asked, her surprise evident.

“A week before her death.”

“Is he… Do you think Daxton Shepard is behind this?”

“Again, while suspicious, the fact it appears he dated Autumn Quinn at the time of her death doesn’t mean anything. So I did even more digging. Do you want to know what I found?”

Neither Julia nor I said anything, simply staring at Ethan.

“All the ‘suicides’ that occurred outside this guy’s comfort zone, with the exception of Piper, took place when your team was on the road. And in those precise locations. Does Daxton travel with the team often?”

I slowly nodded, heat washing over me.

I’d always liked Dax. Sure, when I first met him, I didn’t think much of him. He was my age, a bit geeky. But over the past few years, as his parents slowly put more responsibilities on his shoulders, he seemed to really come into his own. I still had trouble wrapping my mind around the idea that he could have been responsible for something like this.

Then again, wasn’t that what people often said about Ted Bundy?

“Not to all the away games, but he does go to some. He’s passionate about the game, even if he can’t hit worth a lick.”

“I believe he goes to those away games for this precise reason.”

“Jesus Christ.” I ran a hand over my face, not wanting to believe it. But the more I thought of everything I knew, the more the puzzle pieces snapped into place.

After the injuries I suffered as a result of the home invasion, Dax had pushed for management to keep me on the roster. He’d even flown out to Hawaii to visit me in the hospital.

Or maybe he was already in Hawaii.

My stomach churned.

“That’s not all,” Ethan said.

“There’s more?” I asked through the frustration and rage forming a knot in my throat, fists clenching, muscles tense.

Julia grabbed my hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

Ethan hesitated, glancing between me and Julia. “The Prison Outreach program Nick’s been participating in? The one that’s allowed him to receive regular visits from a clergy member?”

“Yes?” My voice came out strained.

“Daxton Shepard is a volunteer.”

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