Page 68 of Scorched

“Very convenient. The other ladies didn’t put up a fight either. They thought they were with someone safe.” When Luke wiggled to get out of his arms, he shook the boy. “Be still!”

“Let him go!” Elise staggered to her feet and ran forward.

Luke kicked out, landing a foot in the man’s privates.

He threw Luke to the side and doubled over, his hand coming up to aim the gun at Elise. “Don’t come any closer.”

Luke lay on the concrete beneath the bridge, his body limp, unmoving.

“What have you done to my son, you monster?” she growled through gritted teeth, anger overcoming her fear.

He grunted and halfway straightened, the barrel of the gun level with her chest. “Not nearly what I plan to do to you.”

“Why? Why are you doing this to me? I don’t even know you.”

“Yeah, but somehow, you and your family have managed to kill my career. I feel like I should return the favor.”

Paul didn’t waitfor Alvarez to get back with him on the GPS location of Cain’s cell phone. “Get in the truck, Mel.”

“Where are we going? We don’t know where Cain took her until we hear back from Alvarez.” Despite her arguments, she left Elise’s house on Paul’s heels and climbed into the truck beside him.

“He killed the other two women out by the river.”

“Yeah, in two different locations. Each up different highways. If you take the wrong route, you could double our time getting back to the right one.”

“I can’t wait while he’s got her.” Paul’s throat tightened. “He’ll kill her.”

“Do you think it’s all because of a promotion he didn’t get?”

Paul gave a brief nod.

Mel shook her head. “Unbelievable.”

“I should have had him transferred as soon as I came in. None of this would have happened if I’d dealt with the problem instead of ignoring it.” Paul slammed his palm against the steering wheel. “It’s all my fault.”

Mel gripped the handle above the door when the truck swerved. “You didn’t know he’d go psycho. You couldn’t have guessed he’d do what he’s doing.”

“I should have.” He should have seen the signs much earlier. “Two women died, Mel. Because of me.”

“Paul, you’re not a mind reader. You can’t go aroundbelieving the worst in everyone. Cain was supposed to be on our side—one of the good guys.”

“I should have seen it. Then at least two innocent women wouldn’t have become victims. Maybe even three.” His throat closed off on the last word. He couldn’t let Elise be the third victim. Whatever it took, he had to get there in time to stop Cain.

“If you believed the worst in people, you’d never have fallen in love with Elise.”

“Who said I’m in love with Elise?” Although he tossed the words at Mel, he couldn’t deny it. What he felt was stronger than any emotion he’d ever experienced with any other woman. If she died, he’d never get the chance to follow through and explore the possibilities of a happily-ever-after with her.

Mel snorted, rolling her eyes his way. “You are in love with her, so don’t try to scam me. A woman can tell.”

His stomach knotted. How had he let this happen? How had he fallen in love with her when he’d only known her a few days? And how hopeless was loving Elise? “She doesn’t want another man in her life. Stan really did a number on her.”

“Yeah, but if I’m not mistaken, she’s falling in love with you, too.” Mel stared across the interior of the truck at him, her eyes shining in the light from the dashboard. “Given time, you two can work past the killer-ex thing.”

Paul whipped out of the driveway onto the road. “None of it matters if Cain kills her.”

“Then let’s find her.” Mel stared out the window. “You know she might have tried to call you on your cell phone. Have you checked your messages remotely?”

“Call my cell phone number.” He gave her the instructions to access his messages, tapping his fingers on the steering wheel as he waited in the middle of the road.

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