Page 75 of Scorched

A shiver of horror rippled down Elise’s spine at the mention of the monster who’d come so close to killing her sons. Her gaze went to her children, who’d beenthrough more than any child should have to endure. “I’m glad he won’t get out on bail.”

Mel lowered her voice, her gaze going to Brandon on the porch. “No way Cain’s ever getting out of jail with two counts of murder and three counts of attempted murder.”

“Good,” Elise said, her lips pressing together. “He should have to rot there for what he did to those two women.”

“I can’t get over the weather here in March,” Mel said.

“Right? Back in North Dakota, they still have snow on the ground.” Elise smiled. “I like that the boys can play outside more here.”

“How’s your sister holding up as a new mother?”

“Better,” Elise said with a grin. “Grace is finally sleeping through the night.”

“Are they coming for the wedding?” Mel asked.

Elise’s brow furrowed. “Wedding?”

Mel blinked. “You mean Paul hasn’t popped the question yet?” She snorted. “He practically lives here. He might as well make it official.”

“Oh, you must be mistaken.” Her cheeks heating, Elise shrugged and looked away. “I think Paul feels responsible for what happened, but I told him it wasn’t his fault. Just like he told me, it wasn’t my fault that my husband was a serial killer. He’s been such a good friend and so helpful with the boys.”

“Friend, huh?” Mel shook her head. “Speak of thedevil, where is he?” Mel held up her spatula. “He’s supposed to be manning the grill.”

“He called an hour ago and said he’d be late. He was held up at the office.”

Mel frowned. “On a Saturday? He didn’t say anything to me about it.”

“He didn’t want you to worry. He should be here soon.”

“Are those burgers I smell?” Paul’s voice boomed from the side of the house where he’d installed the second gate, making it wide enough to drive a truck or a riding lawnmower through.

When he emerged, Elise’s heart soared. He had that effect on her and it never got old. She’d fallen in love with this man who was kind, gentle, brave and good. And her boys were blossoming into kind, helpful young men just by following his example. He’d be a good father.

Her heart fluttered and she pressed a hand to her chest. Since the one time they’d made love, he hadn’t done more than kiss her. After all that had happened, he probably didn’t feel the same.

Paul was followed by another woman with black hair pulled straight back from her forehead and light-colored eyes. She wore tailored black slacks and a white button-down shirt open at the collar. Despite her austere clothing, she was a striking woman.

A sad stab of envy touched Elise to the core. HadPaul cooled on her because of this woman? Elise could understand why.

“I meant to be here earlier, but I had something come up. Namely, our newest team member, arriving a couple days early. I’d like you to meet the newest member of our team, Avery Hart. She transferred in from the Memphis office.”

Mel and Elise hurried forward to shake Avery’s hand, welcoming her to the team of FBI agents in the San Antonio office.

Luke and George continued playing with the ball and Titan.

Elise took the spatula from Mel’s hand. “I’ll take over. I’m sure you three have things to discuss.”

She returned to the grill and removed the burgers, placing them beside the hotdogs while Mel, Paul and Avery exchanged introductions.

Brandon came down the porch steps and held out his hand like a little man and said, “Nice to meet you.” His manners made Elise proud and sad at the same time. Stan had hammered good manners into Brandon, cutting him no slack whatsoever.

Athena chose that moment to rejoin the fun in the yard. Brandon followed.

“At the same time Avery showed up, we got a call from Tyler, Texas, with a request for help with two murders. The sheriff’s afraid it could be the beginning of a serial killer case. He wants all the help he can get before he loses another victim in his county. Avery isheading up there tomorrow after we get her entered into our system.”

Elise gave Avery half a smile, feeling suddenly inadequate. As a schoolteacher, how could she compete with a tough-as-nails FBI agent? A schoolteacher with two small children. Not that there was any competition. Paul had been at her house almost every day since they’d closed the Breuer Murders Case. Why hadn’t he made a move on her? Elise had no idea what his intentions were toward her.

“Now that you’ve met Avery, I can’t wait any longer.”

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