Page 25 of Nothing Watching

Could that have led to him committing murder by stabbing? It might, she thought.

Searching further, she found one final suspect. This one was a woman, named Helga Klein. She had been employed as a housekeeper at the Munich hotel during the time of her father’s murder. According to the police database, she had a record of petty theft and had served time in jail for it. She’d been fired a few months later.

Juliette continued to search through the database, feeling taut with anticipation. She had a strong feeling that she was getting close to the truth.

There were no further names that tied up to records, but now she had three to explore. She knew that it might take a lot of tedious legwork to find out where they were now, and to get face to face with them and ask questions. She’d have to be patient, check their current addresses, and then make travel plans under her own steam.

As she closed the search, she was interrupted by her phone ringing. At this hour, and with this case on the go, the sound made her stomach clench.

She grabbed it up, breathing a sigh of relief as she saw it was Lucien.

“Bonjour,” she answered, smiling, automatically slipping into French for the conversation.

“Ca va, Juliette,” he replied. “I have been thinking of you today. Are you making any progress?”

She sighed. “No. We had a lead, but it didn’t pan out. He had an alibi.”

Lucien made a sympathetic noise. “I am sorry to hear that. It is frustrating when things don’t go the way you hope.”

“It’s been very discouraging,” she said. “He’s killing on such a short interval. There are a couple of hairs found at the scene, which are being DNA tested, and the German police have put out a cautionary to all women traveling alone, and we’re getting more information from various places, including the university where the first victim studied. But I’m still worried that we won’t prevent a third murder.”

“I understand your concern,” Lucien said. “But you are doing everything you can, and you have a good team with you. You will catch him.”

“I hope so,” Juliette said. “I’m just feeling stressed that we’re running out of time.”

Lucien’s voice was calm and reassuring. “You cannot control everything, Juliette. You are doing everything in your power to catch this killer. Remember to take care of yourself too. You cannot help anyone if you are not taking proper care of yourself.”

Those were wise words. She should already be in bed, getting some sleep. And where was she? Hunched over her computer, taking the chance while she was in Germany to look through the criminal database and explore her father’s case.

Feeling suitably chastised, she had to agree. “You’re right,” she said.

“You are a talented, intelligent investigator. And I admire—well, let me think about how to say this.” Now he sounded embarrassed, as if he’d been overstepping things.

“Admire what?” she asked. At this point, if there was a chance to get a compliment, she was going to take it.

“I have a huge respect for the fire inside you, that is part of your personality, and that never goes out. I saw it in you the first time we met. It scorched me, if I remember,” he laughed. “But it is something unique about you. It is courage and determination and so much more that I love. You will find the answers you seek.”

“Thank you, Lucien,” she said, feeling a warmth inside her at his use of the wordlove. It wasn’t one-sided. She loved so much about him, too. She loved his passion, and the moments when he lost his temper. She’d seen how much he adored his cat, and the way his voice softened when he’d spoken to his mother on the phone while she’d been with him.

This was one amazing, kind man who possessed all the qualities that filled her soul. Resentment flared inside her as she remembered Wyatt’s warning about long-distance disasters. He wasn’t a relationship expert and shouldn’t judge.

But still, the topic was now nagging at her mind and worrying her. “What is the latest on the move to Marseilles?” she asked, needing to confront the possibility.

“No news as yet, but I believe we will learn more in the next week,” he said. “I am not looking forward to it. You know, sometimes in life, you don’t want to make a decision like this? That’s how I feel now.”

Juliette sympathized, and she felt a tightness in her chest. She could hear from his voice that Lucien was invested in their new relationship, just as she was. He didn’t want anything to damage it. He didn’t want to have to move away from her.

And she felt the same. Finally, she felt ready to commit, to put down roots, and to open her heart again, after years of keeping herself locked away. It would be such irony if a move interfered.

I understand, Lucien,” she said. “It’s a tough decision to make, but we’ll get through it together, no matter what happens.”

“I agree,” he said. “We’ll make it work, no matter what.”

They said their goodbyes, and Juliette sighed. Despite the challenge of the move, the call had lifted her spirits.

She got into bed, feeling more positive about the outcome of tomorrow thanks to the phone call and Lucien’s supportive words. Maybe it was not so impossible that they could catch this killer?

She set her alarm for six-thirty—the task force had agreed to meet in the lobby at seven—and closed her eyes, feeling exhausted. She was hoping for a few uninterrupted hours of sleep, and for no bad news to break tomorrow morning.

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