Page 78 of Winter
“I think,” he said, and his voice broke, “I think I’m the one you’re looking for.”
Inca sawKnox’s face before Tyler did, and his expression said everything. An involuntary moan escaped her lips and Tyler looked up sharply. He followed her gaze, turning to the somber cop.
Knox shook his head, his eyes sorrowful. “Tyler …”
“No. Don’t say it.No.” Tyler began to shake and Inca, tears coursing down her face, darted around the counter and caught him as his knees gave way. She and Knox managed to maneuver him into a chair, and he leaned over, a gut-wrenching howl of grief echoing around the room. Inca leaned her head against his.
“I’m sorry, I’m so sorry,” she whispered again and again, and he put his arms around her, holding onto her, muscles clenched. He drew in deep breaths, trying to get control of himself. Knox, his hand on the older man’s shoulder, waited, his own face wan.
After what seemed an impossible time, Tyler looked up. “Where?”
“In the woods near Desolation Point.”
Tyler and Inca exchanged a long look. He saw his own confusion reflected in her eyes. “Was she stabbed?”
Knox nodded. “Yeah. It’s the same killer.” The implication of what he had said hit him then as Tyler stood and darted into the backroom. They heard him throwing up and Inca gave a little sob.
“With his knife. With Tyler’s knife.”
Knox nodded and put his arm around her. “Look, I need you to stay with Tommaso. Take Tyler, if that’s okay. I don’t know why, but I think from everything we’ve found out, it has to have something to do with you. You shouldn’t be alone.”
She gazed up at him. “What about Olly?”
He hesitated. “Inca … he’s in custody. He was found with Nancy’s body in the trunk of his car.”
“No, no, no …” She started to sob and Tommaso held her as she cried. Raffaelo cursed softly under his breath.
“He turned himself in, Inca. Whatever the truth is, we’ll get it; don’t worry. If Olly’s innocent, we’ll find out.”
She gathered herself, rubbing her eyes. “Sorry.”
He looked at her kindly. “He’s asking for Luna. I need to find her.”
Inca nodded. “She’s upstairs. Knox … I know Olly. He wouldn’t do this. He wouldn’t. He’s messed up, yes, but he’s not a killer. Should I come?”
Knox’s face softened. “Sweetheart, you need to look after Tyler now. Olly’s cooperating. Funny he knew to come in almost as soon as the arrest warrant was issued—almost as if someone warned him. Look, we need a positive ID on Nancy’s body.”
“I’ll do it,” she interrupted. “Tyler doesn’t need to see her like that.”
Tyler had emerged from the bathroom, wiping his mouth. “Sorry.”
“Tyler, I’m so sorry for your loss.” Knox was all business again now, his manner sympathetic but practical. “Inca’s going to come with me tomorrow and make the official identification.” He looked between them.
Tyler opened his mouth to object, but Inca went to him. “Let me do this for you. I owe you. You don’t need to see her like that. Please.” She hugged Tyler, and he exhaled a long, almost relieved sigh, holding her close.
“Thanks, Bubba,” he said softly, then turned back to Knox. “Knox, I heard what you said about Inca not being alone. I agree, bubs, no argument.”
Tommaso cleared his throat. “You shouldn’t be alone either, Tyler. Our home is your home. Knox, will you let me know when Inca should be there tomorrow?”
“Of course. They’re going to take her bo—Nancy, to the city morgue. I’ll go with you, so you won’t be alone, Inca.” He turned to Tyler. “Tyler, man, I’m so sorry. You need anything, you just holler, okay?”
Inca hugged Tyler. “Just know, I will always be here for you, whatever you need. I’m so sorry.”
Tyler let out a long breath. “Thank you.” He searched Inca’s face. “You okay?”
She shook her head. “No. No, I’m not. Tyler, Olly didn’t do this.”
He hesitated, then sighed. “For whatever reason, I believe you about that. I can’t imagine he would do this. Nancy’s gone. God, Inca.” His voice was so full of desolation, it made her cry. “What the hell am I going to do without her?”
