Page 8 of The Hero She Loves

“How do you know Vander?”

“We used Norcross Security to assist on a case in San Francisco once. And I did a seminar with his wife.”

Vander’s wife, Brynn, was a police detective in San Francisco. Jenna liked the woman a lot.

“How did Olson get free?” Parker asked.

“We’re not exactly sure. He was being transported in a small convoy. Two marshals had him in their vehicle, and they were escorted by two state troopers.”

Parker’s eyebrows rose. “That’s it? You knew what he was capable of and you had four guys on him.”

Jenna pulled a face. “It wasn’t my decision.” She paused. “It looks like he got free of his restraints, overpowered the marshals, and caused a car accident.” Anger churned inside her. “The troopers were injured, and he executed the marshals before they could even get out of their vehicle.” She clenched her jaw, thinking of Lopez and Calt. “Olson then took their weapons and left on foot.”

“So, he’s on the run in the wilderness.” Parker shook his head. “You’ll never find him.”

“I will.”

“Marshal Sheridan?—”

“It’s Jenna.”

He paused. “You think you know what Ghost Ops involves, but you don’t. Olson can fight, track, survive in the wilderness. If he attacks, you won’t see or hear him coming. Added to that, he is hugely motivated to not get caught. He won’t want to go to prison, and if he’s as addicted to killing as you’re saying, he won’t want to give that up.”

She leaned forward. “This is why I need you. You know how he thinks, you have the same training. You can help me find him.”

Parker shook his head.

“Please? We both know there’s a good chance he’ll hurt someone else.” She pulled a map out of her pocket, unfolded it, and slapped it on the table. “This is where he escaped his escort.” She pointed to a redXon the map. “It’s close to Fairbanks, but I don’t think he’ll head into town.”

“He won’t.”

“I’m guessing he’ll try to hide.” She met Parker’s gaze. “But I know his dark side. Killers like him can’t ignore the urge to take a life.”

“You know a lot about serial killers?”

Her stomach cramped. More than she’d ever wanted to know. “I do. He won’t be able to stop from killing again.”

A muscle ticked in Parker’s jaw.

“We have a rogue Ghost Ops soldier on the loose. A rogue soldier turned serial killer and rapist. I’m going to stop atnothingto bring him in and put him behind bars.”

“I believe you.”

She reached a hand across the table and touched his. “I need your help.”

At the touch, Parker yanked his hand back.

She stilled and watched his face.What was that about?

He stared at the map, not meeting her gaze. A groove formed between his eyebrows. “I can’t help you. I don’t want to get dragged into this.”

She watched him rub the scars on his neck, darkness churning in his amber-brown eyes.

Frustration bit at her. She knew Parker Conroy was the key to stopping Kyle Olson. She pulled out a business card and slid it across the table.

“I’m staying at the Frontier Inn, in Fairbanks. If you change your mind, call.” She rose.

“I won’t.”

---