Page 17 of Blood and Sand

“This isn’t what you’re here for, DeeDee.” I tried to clear my mind of my sour thoughts. “Help Rey solve this case, get back to your vacation, and then back to Atlanta. Far, far away from Rey LaCroix.”

Spreading the crime scene, autopsy, and random photos of the victims across the bed, I examined everything from the placement of the bodies on the water to the intricate binding technique the killer used. The answer to our questions had to be in the bindings. It was his signature.

I traced my fingers over the rope, then placed my finger against my lips and tilted my head. “What am I missing?”

One thought barely crossed my mind before another followed.

“What is the significance of binding them together? Of all things, why are you using Kinbaku?” I paced at the end of the bed. “Think, DeeDee, think. Why would a killer do this?”

The knock at the door stopped me in my tracks, pulling me from my thoughts. Glancing down at my watch and noting the late hour, I hadn’t been expecting anyone. I’d heard from Rey and Amir earlier, both saying they weren’t going to be able to go over the case tonight.

I ambled barefoot to the door and looked through the peephole. When Rey raised the bag of takeout in the air, I shook my head and pulled the door open. “What are you doing here? It’s late.”

“It is late, but I know you. You haven’t eaten anything worth a damn today, have you? You gonna let me in?”

I stepped aside, allowing him to enter. He placed the bags of takeout on the small round table near the window of the hotel room. I closed the door, ignored the mouthwatering smells, and walked over to the bed, observing the picturesagain. I was missing something. I just couldn’t put my finger on it.

“You know me so well.” I continued to stare at the pictures, my back to him, forgetting about the delicious food he’d brought.

What am I not seeing?

Rey was right. Usually, whenever I got lost in a case, I might not eat more than a banana and drink a bottle of water that day. Today, I’d had two bottles of water and fruit from the complimentary fruit basket the hotel had provided. The place wasn’t five stars and had no room service, but the sheets were clean, the queen-sized bed was comfortable, and it was in a decent part of the parish. It would work until I finished helping with the case.

“I do know you, possibly better than I know myself. Now get your beautiful ass over here and eat before I call Mama and tell her you’re not taking care of yourself.”

“You wouldn’t dare!”

We laughed.

I couldn’t help the excitement bubbling in my system. It was good to be back in Louisiana, to be back with Rey. I missed the place, and I missed him even more.

“Is this what I think it is?” I asked when we both sat down at the small table by the window.

I sniffed the mouthwatering smells from my favorite food and barely controlled my gasp of surprise. He handed me a bottle of water.

“It is. Now eat.”

When I first moved to Louisiana, Rey bought me my first po’ boy, and it quickly became my favorite Louisiana dish. Even though I’d traveled back to the parish since moving to Atlanta, I hadn’t had the chance to eat one, especially one from my favorite restaurant,Milly’s.

I rubbed my hands together. “I haven’t had one of these bad boys in three years.”

I picked up the sandwich, took a huge bite, and groaned when the bursts of flavors hit my tongue. The shrimp, tomatoes, and the Cajun seasonings of the remoulade sauce did a happy dance on my tongue. My eyes fluttered in total bliss, and when I opened them, Rey was staring at me.

I ignored the look dancing in his eyes.

Although I would have loved nothing more than to drown myself in everything Rey LaCroix offered, he’d made it clear when we were married that he wouldn’t leave his job for me, and nothing had changed.

I still loved Rey. Loved him with everything in me, but I also loved my job. Atlanta was my home now, and Louisiana was still his.

“There’s something we’re missing with these murders, Rey. I can’t put my finger on it.”

I hoped focusing on the case would erase that look from his eyes, so we wouldn’t do something we both might regret. Every cell in my body craved Rey. Everything about him.

“I know.” He wiped his mouth with his napkin. “My gut is telling me the same thing. There’s a specific reason he’s targeting these women, my parish, and it has nothing to do with it being the perfect place to dump a body. It goes deeper. This bastard is meticulous. Everything has a reason.”

“I still believe he’s killing his wife, girlfriend, or someone he’s obsessed with. These women aren’t random. He chose them for a specific reason. I believe it’s more, too. But the question is, what?” I took another bite of my sandwich and took a swig of water. “What is the significance of your parish? He’s targeting the parish and that specific bayou, but why?”

“Maybe he’s got it out for someone in the parish?” he asked, shrugging.

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