Page 33 of Raven's Curse
“Damn.” Foster glanced over at Greer. “Can we confirm with family or friends if she had the tattoo before last night?”
Greer nodded. “Faraday’s sending over her file. He asked around for me and everyone’s fairly certain she didn’t have any tattoos.”
Foster crossed his arms. “So, these are connected.”
Pike shrugged. “I can’t confirm that until after I have all the results, but I thought you should know, in case there’re more victims. I’m not telling you not to provide advanced life-saving measures, but you should be aware that if this is the work of one man, it’s possible none of his intended victims have a real chance at survival.”
Greer stepped forward. “Thanks, doc. I’ll look for a copy of your report once I’m back at the station. I’d appreciate an update on whatever you discover with Ms. Bradford as soon as you’re able.”
Greer motioned toward the door, ensuring it closed behind them before raking her hand through her hair.
Foster glanced back at the autopsy room. “That was… unexpected.”
She looked them both in the eyes. “I’m really sorry about Rhett. I should have forensics back this morning, and I’ve asked for a rush on Stacey’s. I also got a message from the DoD. They’ll be sending me a heavily redacted file today.” Greer toed the floor. “I know you guys are on call, but I could use some insight later, if you’re around. I won’t ask you to break any confidences involving national security, but I might have questions only you four can answer.”
“We’ll be as open as we can.”
“That’s all I can ask. Whoever’s doing this is sending us a message. And it’d be nice to know who he’s talking to before another body drops.” She gazed fleetingly at Chase. “Now, I just need a lift back.”
Foster waved toward the door, pinning Chase with a hard stare before following her. Chase looked at the autopsy room doors, chest tight, cold sweat beading his brow.
Potassium chloride.
He hadn’t seen that coming. Hadn’t considered all his efforts had been pointless. That he’d never had a chance to save his buddy. Knowing…
He wasn’t sure if it stung more or eased some of the guilt. Either way, he needed to get a grip. Get his head out of his ass and into the game — figure out who this asshole wanted to impress. Not just to salvage his relationship with Greer, if he hadn’t already destroyed it beyond saving, but because she was right.
This wasn’t just a random killing. It was personal. And he had a bad feeling it was only the beginning.
Chapter Nine
“You need to go home.”
Greer looked to her left, arching her brow at Bodie as he stood there, arms crossed, the Army Ranger in him surrounding him like a tangible shield. Similar to what Chase and his buddies projected, and what she assumed intimidated most people.
She took a swig of overly strong coffee. “You do realize I spend most of my free time around Chase and his teammates, right? They’ve got that death vibe down to a fine art.”
Bodie shook his head, then walked over to the desk she’d braced her ass against. “You’re a real buzzkill, you know that?”
“It’s come up.” She nodded at her whiteboard. “And I’ll go home once I’ve stared at this board long enough that it starts to make sense.”
“Right. Because sleep deprivation always helps with clarity.”
“You know that old saying. You’re either part of the solution…”
Bodie chuckled. “Maybe you just need someone with fresh eyes. Looks like you got forensics back while I was out dealing with frat pledges, so lay it out for me.”
Greer sighed, then stood, walking over to the board. “Okay, we know…”
She trailed off as the door opened, Chase and the others walking through, a hint of wood smoke drifting along the breeze. They stopped just inside the threshold, scanning the room as if they’d thought they’d have to throw down. Maybe fight off a rogue band of tangos.
Greer arched a brow. “I didn’t wire the place if that’s what you’re worried about.”
Foster motioned to the room. “Actually, we’re looking for the S.W.A.T. team you had waiting to arrest us because the way Atticus phrased it, you were on the warpath, and we’re your targets.”
“Seriously?”
“You know how he gets.”
