Page 69 of Built of Illusions

His face contorted. “She was another whore. Another slut who couldn’t be allowed to have children.”

Josie kept her gaze on his. “Why did you pick her?”

“She didn’t matter. She fit the pattern. Just like you. You’re on the list and you’re going to die. Just like the others.”

She let her eyes drift to the handcuffs and the leg shackles. “Doesn’t look like you’re going to be doing much of anything other than sitting in a cell for the rest of your life.”

“You can’t stop me. I’m smarter than all of you. You have no idea.”

Josie managed a genuine laugh at that. She was surrounded by some of the smartest people she could imagine. Time to taunt him. “You think spelling out your mother’s name as a way to pick women is smart? And choosing Latina women with a connection to law enforcement. Or maybe the souvenirs were what you think was smart. Souvenirs like the ones your mom sent to you.”

His eyes flared with rage and he tried again to stand. The others easily held him in place. “You’re guessing. You don’t know any of that.”

She smiled. “Oh, but we do. We figured out your pathetic little game. All because you blame your mother for your own choices. You could have left your father at any time, but you chose to stay and now you want someone to blame.”

Her body was trembling, but Nico never let go of her. His arm stayed on her shoulders, keeping her grounded. His fingers caressed her and reminded her she was loved.

Nelson’s eyes flickered from her to Nico’s hands, to Nico’s face and back. He snarled. “You’re nothing. I killed the others and I’m going to kill you. Slice you up—”

Josie forced her face to stay calm as she rolled her eyes and turned away. “Anyone want pancakes?”

Then, with Nico’s arm still around her and Nelson hollering in the background, she walked away.

Once they were out of sight, Nico scooped her up and walked up the stairs until they were in his room. She didn’t protest, didn’t fight. Instead, she burrowed into his comfort.

Nico kicked the door closed behind them and headed to the comfortable chair that overlooked the lake. There he sat and wrapped his arms around her. “You were amazing, Josie.”

A shudder moved through her and she burrowed deeper. “He’s ugly inside and out. Hatred instead of blood runs through him.”

Nico’s hands moved over her, offering worth and comfort. “You played him so well. That confession will go a long way to fast forwarding the entire process.”

Then it would be over sooner.

They simply sat for a long time, looking at the lake, watching the world go by. Eventually, he kissed her hair and spoke quietly. “We’ll have to head in with everyone. I have to be on the team to bring Nelson in and you need to get that leg checked out.”

“Mitch checked me out.”

He chuckled. “Nice try. He also said to get a doctor to have a look.”

She smiled up at him. “You noticed that, did you?”

He smiled. “If it’s about you, I notice everything.”

Nico’s phone buzzed and he shifted to grab it from his pocket. He grinned at her. “Pancakes are ready. Then we’ll head in. Ready?”

She nodded. With Nico at her side, she would always be ready for anything.

Chapter 23

Draw A Breath

Nico walked into his Sacramento office and grinned at Roman. His buddy jumped up and slapped him on the shoulder. “Nice to have you back. Congrats on catching this asshole.”

“Couldn’t have done it without you, Roman. Thanks for taking on the in-person stuff when things got personal.”

His friend leaned back on his desk. “Any time.” Then he cocked his head. “If you’re planning on sticking around, that is.”

Nico shook his head and laughed. “You really are a good profiler.”

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