Take a Breath (Take #1) - Jaimie Roberts Page 0,116

similar nature. The man’s described as scruffy with long brown hair and in his mid-forties.

I look back nine years, and a possible name comes up, which I jot down. Jacob Rawlings was caught after his nine-year-old niece complained to her parents that she was being touched by Uncle Jacob, who had been touching her in ways he never should have. I feel sudden nausea as I read this. It brings back unwanted memories that I’ve been trying to bury very deep in my mind. As I scan the computer, I notice that my hands are shaking. Visions of Alan touching me in places he shouldn’t cloud my mind. My screams and yelps as he pulls my hair, telling me to be quiet. My heart starts beating rapidly, so I close my eyes and take deep breaths to try to calm my frantic pulse.

This isn’t about me. This is about other little girls—little girls who need protection. Get a grip!

Opening my eyes again, I fist my hands together and stare back at the screen. He would be in his forties now, and he’s been out of jail for the last couple of years with no fixed abode. With the information in hand, I wander over to Michael to let him know what I’ve found.

I hand over the details to him, and his eyes widen. “Wow. That was quick!”

I smile. “I seem to be on a roll today. I’ll look into it further, but for now, you’ve got this to go on. It might be a good idea to have a word with the homeless people round where he used to live in Herndon. I believe there are some shelters around there too.” He gives me a look as if to say, Don’t tell me what I already know.

I blush. “Sorry, I’m kinda teaching you to suck eggs, aren’t I?” He frowns at me. “I’m trying to teach you what you already know.”

He nods his head, finally getting the meaning behind what I’m saying. Sometimes I forget where I am.

“Don’t worry. I’ll be sure to look into it. You did a good job.” I smile politely and thank him. “Are you okay? You seem a little upset.”

I snap my head to Michael. “I– I just don’t like the thought of someone targeting children. It makes me feel sick. I honestly don’t know how you do your job.”

Michael shrugs his shoulders. “It never gets easier, but to know you have helped take a scumbag like that off the street makes it all worthwhile in the end.” He gives me a bright smile, and I beam back at him. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

I nod. “I’m fine. But thank you for your concern.”

“Well, I’m here if you need me.” He nods his head nervously as I walk off. Wow, if I didn’t know better, I would honestly think that Michael is behaving like a boy who really likes a girl. I’m sure that isn’t the case with him. Sure, he is partners with Tom, but it’s almost as if they’re chalk and cheese. Not once has Michael made a crude remark towards me or even hinted that he felt any attraction towards me. What changed? I wonder if it has something to do with the fact he has been distancing himself from Tom over the last couple of weeks. Who knows?

As I approach my seat, a flurry of activity seems to erupt around Jake’s office. Jake comes sprinting over to me looking pissed but determined.

Oh, shit, what now?

“We’ve just had an anonymous tip-off about the Blonde Killer. We’ve been given an address for a house in the Manassas area. I don’t want to leave you, but I have to go. I want to nail this son of a bitch.”

I smile at his anxious stare. “You go, I’ll be fine. I’ll get a taxi back or something.”

Jake’s not amused, and he shows it. “Oh, no you don’t. I’ve called Joe over to come and get you. He’s the best man, since he knows the house so well by now. He’s heading over here to take you back home.”

“But I don’t finish for another hour,” I challenge.

“No arguments. He’ll take you home, check the house, and wait outside until I come home. Or at least until someone else relieves him. Matthew should be home by now, so I would feel safer knowing you’re both together. Just don’t forget to switch the alarm on, okay?”

I nod my head vigorously—nervous about what’s going on around me. He kisses