Total pages in book: 114
Estimated words: 108849 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 544(@200wpm)___ 435(@250wpm)___ 363(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 108849 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 544(@200wpm)___ 435(@250wpm)___ 363(@300wpm)
She took a deep breath. “Are you drowning women now instead of strangling them?”
He chuckled. “I’m adaptable, it’s true. I’m just getting started. You know I love the long game.”
That was a falsehood. He had difficulties with impulse control. She decided to take a page out of Abigail’s book. “I’ve talked to several professional women in the area, and we’re all consentient about you.”
“What?” he asked.
She could play his game better than he could, and she wasn’t even a game player. “Come on. We both know that you are fearful of educated women and not up to sesquipedalian discussion.”
He remained silent.
She could utilize even larger words with him, but she figured she’d angered him enough.
“You think I’m stupid?” he snapped.
“I do think you’re stupid,” she agreed. “I think you’re an absolute moron.” She eyed the tree line carefully. If he hid out there, he wouldn’t be able to keep from rushing her, yet no movement showed.
“You have no idea who I am,” he hissed.
She chuckled, and the sound carried on the wind. “I know exactly who you are. You’re a little boy who likes to throw tantrums by tossing flowers around. You’re silly, Jason. Pathetic.”
“Enjoy your evening, Agent Snow,” he snarled. “I’m coming for you soon.”
* * *
Upon rushing home, Huck had searched the entire area around his cabin until finally joining her in bed, having found no evidence left by Jason Abbott. After a night of fitful dreams that involved drowning, Laurel worked overtime in her quiet office, concerned more bodies would be found soon. She poured through the case files on Jason Abbott, a cup of tea on her desk and a half-eaten breakfast burrito in the garbage. The local police had also searched for Abbott in the area around Huck’s cabin to no avail, not that she’d expected a glowing arrow pointing to his location.
Huck was currently being interviewed by FBI Agent Norrs and Fish and Wildlife Deputy Chief Wright, and she wished she could be there with him. For him.
Kate appeared in the doorway and brought her a can of ginger ale. “Here you go. This sometimes helps. I heard you throwing up again.”
Laurel looked up, still feeling nauseated. “I’m fine. You didn’t have to come in on a Saturday.”
“If you’re working, so am I.” Kate smiled, dressed down in brown jeans and a pretty pink sweater. “How far along are you?”
Laurel blinked and sat back.
Kate shrugged. “I puked with both Viv and Val for months. I recognize the look.”
“Oh.” Laurel accepted the ginger ale, instantly realizing she couldn’t keep this secret from Kate, and lying to her friend held little appeal. Plus, Kate had experienced pregnancy three times and no doubt held much wisdom. “Approximately eleven weeks.”
A broad smile spread across Kate’s face. “Congratulations, Laurel. I think that’s fantastic news.”
Laurel opened the soda and took a drink. She’d try anything to get rid of this feeling. “Thank you. I’m worried.”
“Of course, you’re worried,” Kate said. “That’s the primary function of a mom. Trust me, I’m always worried. Everything will be fine.”
Laurel appreciated the support. “Thank you. I hope so.”
“Does that explain why Huck has been hovering lately?”
Laurel took another drink. “Has he been hovering? He’s been overprotective, but I’ve become accustomed to that.”
“He has been standing guard around you more than usual,” Kate said. “It’s a good thing. You have to let him be a part of this.”
“I am,” Laurel said.
Kate tapped on the door frame. “Good. If you need anything, let me know. I’m sure you’ll have questions.”
“I’m sure I will. I’ve been studying and reading up on pregnancy, but I might have real-life questions,” she mused.
Kate chuckled. “All right. I’m here for you.” She turned and sauntered out of view.
Laurel looked back at the case file, trying to find any sort of pattern that would lead to a clue where Abbott might be right now. Nothing stood out. She’d had the techs try to trace the phone call from the previous night, but Abbott hadn’t been on the line long enough. She also had Nester working from Seattle, analyzing possible vacant properties in the area where Abbott might be squatting. So far, he had not found any viable possibilities.
Her desk phone buzzed, and she saw that it was Kate calling. “Hey, Kate. You were just here.”
“Laurel Snow. Did you just make a joke?”
Laurel sat back. “Not really.”
“It sounded like one,” Kate said. “Rachel Raprenzi from The Killing Hour keeps calling, wanting more details about the victims found by the rivers.”
The woman certainly was persistent. “Tell her no comment,” Laurel said.
“Also, whether you have an update on the Abbott case,” Kate continued.
They already had the hotline going, so there was no need to utilize The Killing Hour again. At least for now. “Tell her no comment for now.”
“Okay, gotcha. Oh. Um, Sheriff York just buzzed in downstairs. Want me to ignore him?”