know the case. And he knew Cate very well. They’d dated for six months until it had simply fizzled out. There was no one to blame, but it had made working in the same building a bit awkward. Cate wasn’t sure if Phillip was aware of the relationship; she and Mike had kept it quiet.
“He does know the investigation,” she agreed. Mike hadn’t been as involved in the Lamb murders as she had been, but he was the logical choice since she and Les weren’t available. Besides, she and Mike had ended their relationship five years ago.
It’s no big deal.
Last year he’d visited her in the hospital when she’d been shot. She’d been too drugged to interact, but she remembered his concerned face. They hadn’t crossed paths since.
“Officially you’re still on sabbatical,” Phillip said. “Say the word, and I’ll get you back to work.”
“Phillip.” Exasperation filled her voice. “I’m done. I’m no longer an effective agent. You know this.”
“What I know is that you were—are—a damn good agent. Yes, there are situations that trigger panic attacks for you, but we can work around those.” He paused. “We miss you here.”
Cate was touched.
Then Henry’s face entered her mind.
Henry knew her official status was that she was on sabbatical. If he disliked that she’d left a back door open to return to the FBI, he didn’t mention it. But Cate knew it had to bother him on some level. Returning to the FBI would mean leaving the island.
Their relationship was strong; they’d just moved in together. The last six months had been some of the toughest but the best in Cate’s life, and that was primarily because of Henry.
She knew she belonged on Widow’s Island, and she felt it in her bones. She’d been born on the island, and her roots were deep, going back to the prominent Bishop family. A person couldn’t go anywhere on Widow’s without running into a business or park named in reference to the Bishops, who had left a murky legacy.
Some of the references were unkind, reflecting the scandalous relationship of Elias Bishop and his mistress, Ruby.
Cate’s ancestor.
Whenever Cate left the island, something physical inside of her remained off balance until she returned, making her worry that going back to the FBI on the mainland was out of the question.
Why don’t I officially quit?
The job had been a part of her identity for a long time. She had struggled to accept her new identity of baker and bookstore owner, so it was difficult to say goodbye and close the FBI door for good.
“I miss you guys too,” Cate told him. “It’ll be good to see Mike again.”
I hope.
“How’s the doctor?” Phillip asked.
“Henry is great.”
“He put a ring on it yet?”
Cate snorted in amusement. “It’s only been six months.”
“When you know, you know.”
I do know.
“We’re progressing at a good pace. We’re very happy.” Her cheeks warmed as she remembered an amorous Henry waking her that morning. She had smiled all morning from the contentment and closeness. Until they’d arrived at the grave.
“I can hear it in your voice,” Phillip said. “Sorry I’m selfish, wanting you back.”
“It feels good to be wanted, but this is my home.”
“I understand.”
There was an uncomfortable silence.
He’s waiting for me to say I officially quit.
She couldn’t do it. Not yet.
“Mike should be there this afternoon,” Phillip said. “If you don’t mind, I’d like you to review the case with him. It can’t hurt for him to pick your brain a bit.”
“I assume he’ll interview Jeff Lamb in prison at some point?”
“Only if we think this is related to his case.”
Cate had no doubts. A brief shiver went up her spine as she recalled sitting across from Jeff Lamb. He had cold eyes and a sneer that turned her stomach. He could turn on the charm when he chose, looking nothing like the killer she knew him to be.
Did he kill more than the six women we found eight years ago?
Her senses silently screamed that he had.
“Here you go, Doc.” Inside Black Tail Bakery, Jane set Henry’s giant lavender iced tea on the counter as he checked his phone for the tenth time. Cate had texted him that she was minutes away, but he kept checking anyway.
Henry grabbed the cup, thanked Cate’s grandmother, and took a sip. Heaven. Somehow Jane had changed the iced tea recipe when Cate had bought the business, and she had made his favorite summer drink more addicting than ever.
Jane had smoothly stepped into her role as the bakery manager. It’d