Kill for Me

“If Joh

“So am I.” She hesitated. “I can cook. A little.”

“Mama said she left food in the fridge.” He went into the kitchen and she followed.

“Can I do anything?”

“Change your clothes.” He shot her a smile as he opened the fridge door. “Again.”

She looked down at her blood-spattered shirt. “I’ll be back.”

His careless smile disappeared along with her. “You do that,” he murmured, then began warming the meal his mother had left, still thinking about Susa

On the way to his apartment, she’d received a call on her cell phone from Gretchen French, who’d scheduled a press conference for tomorrow afternoon. “You might want to talk to her,” she’d told him when she’d hung up. “She still thinks Kate Davis shot her.”

“You’re sure you want to do this?” he’d asked. “Once you sit with those women in front of a bunch of microphones, there’s no going back.”

She’d gone very still. “Once I stepped on the plane yesterday morning, there was no going back, Luke. I knew that then. I’m all right with this. I’ll do what needs to be done.”

He’d been struck with a respect so profound… And on its heels had come a desire so intense it had taken his breath away. It wasn’t her face, or the quiet elegance of her ma

Now, standing in his kitchen, he knew it didn’t matter what he’d wanted or what he’d believed he’d found. In front of the ER she’d been shaking like a leaf. Still she clung to him, trusting him. She was here now, trusting him to keep her safe. But until she trusted him with that soul she claimed not to want, nothing else mattered.

He’d put di

Talia Scott held the leash of Judge Borenson’s bulldog. “You forgot the dog.”

“I’ve been a little busy.”

Her smile was sympathetic. “I heard what happened at the ER. Sorry.”

He sighed again. “I guess I should ask you in.”

“Oh, thank you,” Talia said dryly. “Such hospitality.”

He opened the door wider. Talia and dog came inside, the dog plopping down on Luke’s feet with an even bigger sigh, and Talia laughed. “Her name is Darlin’.”

He rolled his eyes. “Of course it is. Does she have food?”

Talia pulled a Ziploc bag filled with kibble from her backpack. “Enough to last you till tomorrow. Here’s her leash and bowl.”

“Nobody wanted her?” Luke pressed as she pushed the dog’s things into his arms.

“No. Borenson had hunting dogs the neighbors wanted, but nobody wanted Darlin’. I smell food.” Then she saw the table set with the china. “But you have company. I’ll go.”

She started to leave and he grabbed her jacket. “Susa

Her eyes widened. “Really?”

“It’s not what you think. You should stay. Come on in. I’ve got a bottle of wine.”

He went to the kitchen, the dog literally on his heels. Every time he stopped, the dog lay at his feet. Every time he moved, so did she. “I can’t keep her. I’m never home.”

Talia sat at the counter. “Then she goes to the shelter. Then, who knows?”

Luke scowled. “You’re a cruel woman.”

She laughed. “And you’re a sweet man.”

He shook his head. “Don’t let it get around. Did you meet with Mr. Csorka?”

She sobered. “I did. He came with dental records, DNA samples, and pictures of Ashley with her trophies. She’s a swimmer. She’s earned a full college scholarship for next year.”

“It’s been more than twenty-four hours now. They could be anywhere.”

“True, but now we’re broadcasting the face of one of the missing girls to every PD in the Southeast. She’s seventeen for another few weeks, so I set up an Amber alert.” She leaned over, squeezed his hand. “It’s better than we had yesterday.”

“I used your-” Susa

Smiling, Talia extended her hand. “I’m Talia Scott. I work with Luke and Daniel.”

Susa

“And all the other victims,” Talia said. “Except you,” she added gently.

Susa

“That’s not what I meant. I spoke with all the women, making sure they understood their rights and the resources available to them.”

Susa

“You know how to tell other people their rights,” Talia said, undaunted. “You might not think about them for yourself in the same way. You can call me any time if you’d like to talk.” She held out her card, her easy smile still in place.

Reluctantly Susa

Luke looked down at his feet and scowled again. “It’s hers.”

Susa

Talia chuckled and winked at him. “Nope. She’s Luke’s.”

“I don’t like you,” he muttered, and Talia chuckled again.

Then Susa

He sighed. “Yeah. I guess so, until I can find her another home. She’s Judge Borenson’s. If he turns up alive, she goes back to Judge Borenson.”

Susa

“What kind?” Talia asked.

“Sheltie. Her name is Thor.”

Talia laughed. “A sheltie named Thor? That sounds like a story.”

“It is. She’s in the ke

“What’s her name?” she asked.

“Darlin’,” he said softly, and she looked up, meeting his eyes.

“That’s nice.” Her smile faltered. “Do you always take in strays, Luke?”

“Not usually,” he said, then, aware that he’d been staring, looked away.

“We’re having wine, Susa

“I don’t drink, but you go ahead. Di

“Yes,” Luke said.

“No,” Talia said at the same time. “I have to be getting home.”

“You’re sure you can’t take the dog?” Luke asked under his breath.

“Nope,” Talia said cheerfully. “My roommate said no more when I brought home the fourth one. I think she means it this time. So it’s you or the pound, Luka.” She reached over the counter, patted his cheek. “Just think what joy a dog can add to your home.”

Luke had to laugh at the sparkle in her eyes. “You’re enjoying this.”

“Walk me to the door. It was nice to meet you, Susa

Luke walked Talia to the door, Darlin’ at his heels once more. “What?” he asked.

Talia shook her head, her lips twitching. “Oh, baby, you got it bad. And she’s not Greek. What’s Mama Papa going to say?”

“Who do you think set the damn table?”

“Interesting.” She sobered. “Have Susa

“She’s just like Daniel,” he murmured. “They both just shove it all back down.”

“I know,” she said. “When do you want to leave for Poplar Bluff?”

“It would be easier to get Kasey Knight’s friends during a school day, but we can’t wait till Monday. Let’s leave right after morning meeting. We’ll be there by eleven.”