well treat people the same way.
Then again, she’d liked him when she’d first met him—that schoolgirl crush she’d felt for an older man. And when she’d seen him again, she’d felt an instant attraction. He’d simply matured into a wonderful man.
“We need to study the victims,” he said. “We now know who she is. Need to figure out what ties her to the other victims.”
“I remember growing up, we’d hear about bodies being found in the Everglades. It seems it’s always been a problem.”
“I’m afraid human beings have long committed murders, yes. But this, I believe, will be ongoing. I think it’s become a method of work for someone—someone who is just ridding the world of people causing trouble to someone.” He hesitated. He needed Raina to know the background of the ongoing cases.
“Years ago, in fact, the night that all of you were camping out there,” Axel continued, “a young woman went missing. Her car was found by the casino. She disappeared. She has never been found despite multiple searches. The hope had been she went partying in someone else’s car at first. But she never returned. And it’s unlikely she just abandoned her car and decided to change her name and make a new life. Remotely possible, yes. But highly unlikely. Whoever this is has not tortured his victims. There have been no indicators of sexual assault, no marks on the body other than at the throat. These murders are executions, carried out by an executioner who’s using the Everglades as a way to destroy evidence. Somewhere along the way, they will make a mistake. And evidence will win out, but that day could be a long time and many victims away.”
“How does what I saw help?”
“It helps. We know she wasn’t on a date and suddenly spirited away. We know our suspect attacks quickly. That means they watch their prey and strike when they know they have a clear field. Trust me, it will matter in the end.”
She nodded. “I just wish I could do more.”
“I’m sorry you’re going through this.”
“Trying on the dress and seeing the body in the mirror definitely freaked me out. Now, I feel a connection. I want to do more. If this is going to happen, I wish I could make better use of it.” She frowned. “You didn’t see anything...sense her...feel her?”
He was thoughtful before answering. “I had a sense of her, but not as you did. It’s strange. We gravitate toward certain people, or perhaps feel that certain people will hear us more clearly. I felt her...there.” He shrugged and offered Raina a slightly twisted smile. “It’s something we try. Ghosts, remnants, spirits—whatever you call them—don’t often hang out in the morgue. And only some hang out at a cemetery. They hover near those they mean to protect, or near places that mattered to them in life. But just as we never really understand one another in life, we never really understand or know what will happen with the dead. She could grow stronger. Eventually, several of us might see her. But for now, you became her link. And you’ve done beautifully.”
“Oh, if you call screaming like a terrified banshee handling things well, then...”
He laughed. “Everyone deserves their chance to freak out. Not many would have done as well as you’ve done since.” He stood. “I will see you tonight,” he told her.
“Yes. I’m so glad you’re coming.”
“It sounds like it’ll be a wonderful time. I’m grateful you’ve arranged for me to attend.”
She stood, as well. For a moment, she felt like an awkward girl again. If he were just a friend, she would give him a hug or a kiss on the cheek and say, “Yes, see you later.”
But she waited for him to start for the door and then followed.
Carefully.
At a distance.
Titan, however, barked and stayed with him. Axel paused to pet the dog while opening the door before leaving. “I suggest you lock this. Even with Titan, it can be a cold, cruel world.”
She came to the door. But doing so, coming close to him, brought a flush to her cheeks and, she was sure, to the length of her. His magnetism now seemed to leap through the air. She stayed where she was, imagining a scene in which she just stepped forward, threw her arms around him and used her best husky voice to beg him to stay—she had a little time.
But he didn’t. She knew that. And she had no idea if he felt any