Blood Game

SIX

“I JUST TALKED TO QUINN,” Montalvo said, when Eve picked up the phone. “I was going to call him anyway but it was gratifying that he made the first move.”

“I don’t know why. It doesn’t mean anything except that he wants to solve this case.”

“And wanted it enough to come to me for help. I’m not saying that it flattered my ego. I’m saying that the antagonism can’t be quite as strong as it used to be if he could bring himself to do it. It bodes well for our being able to work together.” He chuckled. “The first step in our burgeoning friendship.”

“The circumstances are different right now. I wouldn’t count on anything when we manage to catch this killer.”

“I never count on anything. I just work at making it happen.”

“Is that what you called to tell me?”

“No, I called to share what I told Quinn.”

“Joe will tell me.”

“But I want to do it first. I don’t want you to have to wait.”

“That’s not the way to feed a burgeoning friendship.”

“I have to strike a balance. Do you want to know or not?”

“Of course I want to know. What did you find out about Jelak?”

“It’s sketchy right now. I’ve been trying to build a picture but so far all we have is based on credit-card information. We’ve traced the trail back to Illinois.” He paused. “He checked into a motel outside Bloomburg three weeks ago.”

She stiffened. “Bloomburg? That’s where we got on the track of Henry Kistle. You say he was there?”

“According to Visa.”

“Kistle and Jelak? Is there some kind of connection between them? Did Kistle stay there?”

“No, he rented a flat in town. We can’t be sure, but so far there doesn’t appear to be any contact between them.”

“Then why was he there? There must have been a reason.” She was trying to work it out. “I suppose they could have been partners. They left Atlanta about the same time after Bonnie’s death.”

“But I had in-depth reports on Kistle. There was no mention of Jelak in any of them.”

“But you weren’t looking for any mention of Jelak. Why would you? Why would he suddenly pop up in Bloomburg if he didn’t have some kind of history with Kistle?”

“If I knew that, I wouldn’t still be digging, and Quinn would be looking upon me as if I were a brother.”

“Brother Cain, maybe.”

“Very good.” Montalvo laughed. “But I don’t mind the comparison. That was a very interesting relationship.” He added, “But Jelak had one other credit charge in Bloomburg than the motel. He took out a weekly membership at Gold’s Gym. But he only went there twice.”

“A gym?”

“I thought it a little peculiar too. Particularly since one of the times he went there was when we were all in town trying to hunt down Kistle.”

Peculiar and chilling, she thought. The idea of Jelak’s calmly going about his life to that extent, probably only miles from where she had stayed, without her having any idea of his presence. She had been totally focused on Henry Kistle, having no clue that there was another, maybe even greater, threat standing in the shadows. “And you told Joe this?”

“Every bit. But I was only a few steps ahead of him. He told me he was getting an order to trace back Jelak’s credit info as far back as he’d held the card. He should be receiving a report anytime.” He paused. “I asked to see the report. After all, turnabout is fair play. To my surprise, Quinn agreed. I suppose I thought he’d want to close me out.”

“Not with Jelak. He’s too close.”

“How close, Eve?” he asked softly. “What aren’t you telling me?”

She hesitated. But, as he’d said, turnabout was fair play. “You heard about the murder of Nancy Jo Norris? There was an object left here at the cottage that was meant to be a threat. It was connected to the girl’s murder. Why would her killer be targeting me? The coincidence was too strong when we knew that Jelak was in the area.”

He gave a low whistle. “Much too strong.” He was silent a moment. “And I don’t like it that he was near your cottage. I’m going to send Miguel out to keep an eye on it.”

“I don’t need Miguel. I have a police car parked practically right outside my door. And I have Joe.”

“Who is busy trying to find Jelak,” Montalvo said. “I’ll think about it. I may still send Miguel. If you won’t let me come?”

“No.”

“I didn’t think so. I’ll call you when I know anything else.” He hung up.

All she needed was Montalvo hovering around the cottage, Eve thought as she hung up. Things were tense enough between her and Joe, and Joe was always on the verge of an explosion when Montalvo was around.

“Montalvo again?” Jane came out of the bedroom. “You always have the same expression after you finish talking to him. He usually manages to annoy you.” She plopped down on a chair. “Or stir you.”

“He wants to send Miguel to protect us.”

“Oh, that young friend of Montalvo’s?” She smiled. “I remember Miguel. I met him in Bloomburg. I liked him.”

“And he liked you. If I recall, he was smitten.”

“He’s just a kid, and he likes women. And he has no discrimination.” She tilted her head. “You must have told Montalvo about our goblet. He’s worried about you.”

“That’s part of it.” She had not told Jane anything about Joe’s visit to Megan’s last night or the personal turmoil that was tearing him apart. Only Joe had the right to confide in her. But she couldn’t keep her completely in the dark. “But Joe believes that Jelak may be Nancy Jo’s murderer.” She paused. “And that means the goblet was probably left by Jelak.”

“Holy shit.” Jane’s eyes widened. “What’s happening? You said that was a ritual killing.”

“We don’t know. We’re trying to trace Jelak’s past and find out what we have to deal with,” she said. “He was in Bloomburg at the same time we were. But not with Kistle. He was standing on the sidelines and watching. He even went to a gym while he was there.”

“Creepy. A health nut?”

“Maybe.” She suddenly remembered something Joe had told her about Nancy Jo’s description of her murderer. “But Nancy Jo’s killer had huge biceps, like a weight lifter’s.”

“How do you know? Was there a witness?”

“Sort of. But if Jelak was a fitness addict, it would explain how he felt compelled to work out at a gym.”

“What do you mean? ‘Sort of’?” Jane said. “You’re not telling me everything.”

Eve should have known that Jane would pick up on any discrepancy. “I’m telling you everything I can. Ask Joe.”

“I will.” Jane rose to her feet. “This time I’m not going to be left out in the cold.” She held up her hand as Eve started to speak. “I’m not blaming you. I trust you. You have to have your reasons. I’ll just find out what’s happening on my own.” She gave Eve a quick hug. “But right now I have a dinner date with Patty. We’re going to an Italian restaurant near her house. She doesn’t want to be gone too long.” She made a face. “Or she’ll catch hell later from her grandfather.”

“Charming.” Eve hesitated. “Go ahead. But I’m going to call Joe and have a police car over at Patty’s to follow you home.”

“I can take care of myself, Eve,” Jane said. “You know Joe taught me the fine art of self-defense when I was just a kid. I can do anything from karate to sharpshooting.”

“So I’m a worrywart,” she said. “You notice I’m not trying to make you stay home. I know better. But I just want to make sure that you have a little extra protection.”

“Whatever.” Jane smiled as she went out on the porch. “I’ll probably be home by ten. If my plans change, I’ll give you a call.” She waved and ran down the steps. “Bye. See you later.” She stopped as she looked up at the darkening sky. “It looks like a storm is coming, doesn’t it?”

“Yes.” Eve gazed out at the lake, which was already being whipped by the wind. “I think you’re right. It’s on its way.”

HUGE RAINDROPS WERE STRIKING his cheeks as Jelak sprinted deeper into the trees where he’d hidden his Lincoln. He didn’t mind. Storms made his heart beat harder and filled him with exhilaration. All the precious gift blood from Nancy Jo Norris was pounding through his veins.

He hadn’t expected his opportunity to come this quickly. Jane MacGuire was leaving alone, and the police car would remain to protect Eve and the cottage. He had crept close to the cottage and bugged both cars last night. Even if the woman had a slight head start, he’d be able to locate her.

But it was going to be hard to keep from taking her gift immediately. His hunger was growing, burning, and Jane MacGuire would be able to sate it. The blood that ran through her would be strong and full of life. He could always tell . . .

You weren’t enough, Nancy Jo. But the blood you gave me will give me the strength to reach out and grasp what I need.

That’s how the game is played.

Gift to Gift.

JOE DIDN’T GET HOME UNTIL close to seven that evening. It was still raining, and drops were running down his face after he got out of the car and ran up the porch steps.

Eve handed him a towel as he came in the door. “It’s a real gully washer, isn’t it? You can hardly see. I hope it quits by the time Jane leaves the restaurant.”

“You shouldn’t have let her go.” He dried his face and hair before tossing the towel on the counter. “The rain may be the least of her worries.”

“I can’t keep her penned up.” Eve turned back to the stove. “You know that, Joe. We just have to make her as safe as we can. I had the police officer who is following her call me from the restaurant. So far, so good.” She turned the slow cooker off. “I made a Mexican stew. It’s hot enough to chase the chill away.” She made a face. “Which is good in more ways than one.”

“Yes.” He glanced at the small skull set up on the pedestal across the room in her work area. It appeared very fragile surrounded by all the high-tech cameras and monitors that comprised her lab. “You’ve started to work? Who sent you the skull?”

“Your captain. It arrived about an hour ago. It’s one of the children on the island. A little boy. After all the publicity in the past few days, you’d think they would have been able to ID him.”

“Most of those kills were a long time ago. What are you calling him?”

“Matt.” She always named the skull she was currently working on. It seemed less impersonal, and she needed that connection. These murdered children who had just been tossed in the ground filled her with immense sadness. The skulls sent to her were those of children who were completely unknown to the local police departments. They had to have a starting place before they could begin DNA testing and matching. It was her job to take the skull and build a close enough resemblance so that it could be photographed, published in the media, and, hopefully, be recognized by friends or relatives. She took down two bowls from the cabinet. “Long time or not, I would have been calling nonstop if I knew there were unidentified bodies in those graves.”

“Not everyone is you, Eve. Some people have managed to move on.”

“I know. I’m happy for them.” She shrugged. “Maybe when I do finish Matt, they won’t thank me for stirring up the memories again.”

“They’ll thank you. Closure is a great gift.” He sat down at the table. “I wish I could give it to you.” He paused. “I called Montalvo today.”

“I know. He phoned and filled me in.”

“I thought maybe he would.”

She gazed at him a long moment. “You’re not angry.”

“I won’t let myself be angry. I can’t afford it, any more than I can afford jealousy. You and I have gone way past that point, haven’t we?”

“I suppose we have.” But his cool assessment and realization of the situation was not like that of the emotion-charged man she had known lately. It made her feel uneasy. “He said you’d agreed to let him in on anything you found out about Jelak.”

“I will.” He picked up his spoon. “I had the sheriff in Bloomburg go into Gold’s Gym and get a description of Jelak. About five-foot-nine, Roman nose, dark hair with white sideburns, very muscular.”

“Nancy Jo,” Eve whispered.

“Yes, he fits her description. We have a very observant ghost.” He lowered his gaze to the stew. “You said I was a rock. Well, the rock gets a deeper crack running across it every time something like this happens. I just have to hold on and keep it from shattering.” He lifted his eyes to her face. “But I will do it, Eve.”

“I know you will.” She sat down across from him. She could feel the strength and determination he was emitting as if it were a living force. Those qualities had never changed. From the time she had met him all those years ago, he had been a bastion of strength. She remembered breaking down and clinging to him in those weeks after Bonnie had been taken. Even at that time, she’d had moments of feeling safe and treasured in a barren world.

He should have seemed more vulnerable now. His brown hair was damp and a little mussed. His tea-colored eyes were older and a little weary. His face was thinner, the bones more pronounced. He didn’t look vulnerable. He reminded her of the portrait of a gladiator she had seen in a gallery she had visited with Jane in California. The man had been leaning against a sun-baked wall, relaxed and at rest, but the leashed strength had been clearly visible, only waiting to break free.

Very close to breaking free.

“What are you thinking?” Joe’s gaze was studying her expression.

“You’re changing.” She tried to smile. “I have a tendency to cling to you as I first knew you. But you’re not that man, any more than I’m that poor broken woman.”

“Some things never change.”

“But people do. Lately I told someone that everyone changes, and you just have to adjust.” She held up her hand. “Oh, it’s not because of this weird business of Megan’s. Well, maybe a little of it because it’s an experience, and experiences cause after-effects. You’ve probably been changing all along, and I didn’t want to see it. All I let myself see was that you were tired of the search for Bonnie.”

He met her gaze and repeated, “Some things never change.”

“But we have to explore what those things are.” She drew a deep breath. “But not now. That’s putting a little too much pressure on you for it to be fair.” She lifted her spoon to her mouth. “So did you find out anything more about Nancy Jo’s murder?”

“The Perimeter Mall security camera on the level where Nancy Jo left her car was smashed. We managed to find a picture of a light gray Lincoln Town Car that exited about that time.”

“License plate?”

“Conveniently covered with mud.” Joe finished eating and leaned back in his chair. “She seems to have been a random victim. Poor kid.”

“Why?” Eve shook her head. “For her blood? The whole thing is sick.”

“Gift to Gift.” Joe said. “And why was Jelak trailing behind Henry Kistle? I wouldn’t be surprised if the paper trail we’re doing on him leads us back to Kistle’s stomping grounds.”

“It doesn’t make sense. Have you traced his early years here in Atlanta?”

He nodded. “It’s pretty skimpy. He grew up in College Park in a foster home. His mother was a whore on crack and left him to fend for himself for most of his early years before DEFACS took him away from her. He was in trouble with the law from the time he was eight or ten. When he was seventeen, he beat up one of his teachers and was thrown into jail. The man almost died. After that, Jelak was in and out of prison for the next eight years.” He paused. “We went back into some of the trial-court records and found something interesting. At one point during a routine search of his apartment, the police found a sizable collection of vials containing blood.”

Eve’s eyes widened. “And?”

“Nothing. A few were animal and the rest human. Jelak claimed that it was only a hobby, and he’d stolen the human blood from a blood bank downtown.”

“And the police didn’t pursue it?”

“It dropped between the cracks. No proof. And he was going to jail for another robbery within a few weeks anyway. They probably thought they’d have time to investigate the vials later.” He added, “During the last time he was serving time, he told his cellmate that he was the one who had killed Bonnie Duncan.”

“Yet according to his records he wasn’t a serial killer during those years. Why Bonnie?”

“He could have been lying. Bonnie’s death caused a media storm. A man who was as much in love with power as Jelak might have wanted the cachet of a kill that important. Anyway, two months after he got out of prison, he left the city.”

“No connection with Henry Kistle at that time?”

“Maybe. Criminals network and every scumbag in Atlanta probably either knows or knows of most of the others. They left the city at approximately the same time. He could have known where Kistle had gone.” He shook his head. “I don’t know.” He glanced at the clock. “Isn’t it time Jane got home?”

“She said ten. It’s not nine yet.” But talking about Jelak had prompted in her the same anxiety that Joe was feeling. Keep busy.

She got to her feet. “I’ll wash up these dishes. Then I thought I’d start the measuring on Matt.”

He nodded, his gaze on the rain pounding on the windows. “I’ll give her a little while longer. Then I’ll go after her.”

“She has that squad car following her.”

“Which is the only reason I’m not going after her right now.” He stood up. “I’m going out on the porch to call the precinct and check and see if anything new has come in on Jelak.”

“The porch? It’s still pouring outside.”

“It’s not blowing.” He headed for the door. “And the rain doesn’t bother me.”

DAMMIT, IT WASN’T WORKIN GOUT, Jelak thought in frustration.

That bastard in the cop car was trailing Jane MacGuire too close for him to get near her.

Son of a bitch. He had thought that luck was going to be on his side. He had made his plans to edge her off the road on her way home.

But then that cop car had shown up at the restaurant.

Rage was tearing through him. It was Eve Duncan who had done it. He knew it. She had wanted to protect her young charge and called on Quinn’s cop friends to do it. Damn her.

He had wanted the gift to be clean and powerful, and she was keeping him from doing it.

He tried to control himself. It could still be clean and powerful, but he had to make a few adjustments to his plan. He would take MacGuire later rather than immediately. But he could not bear to remain in the background too long. He knew himself and he must have satisfaction and a certain amount of triumph.

Otherwise the burning would be too strong and would lead him to make mistakes.

So plan. Turn this small defeat into a glorious victory.

The haze of anger was gradually ebbing away as he pulled away from the curb.

He could barely see the cop’s taillights through the rain as he slowly drove after him. The bastard was still sticking to her as close as glue.

Guard her. It won’t do you any good. I’ll get her and make everyone who gets in my way pay.

Do you hear me, Eve?

“WHAT ARE YOU DOING OUT HERE, Joe?” Jane ran up the steps, shaking the dampness from her hair. She reached down to pat Toby, who had rolled over on his back in silent invitation. “As if I didn’t know.”

“Any trouble?”

“Not a bit.” She turned and waved at the police officer in the squad car who had just pulled into the driveway and was turning around. “Bye, Charlie.” She watched him drive away. “Except that I got wet running out to Charlie Brand’s patrol car at the restaurant and convincing him to come in and eat dinner while he was waiting for me. He’s a nice guy. We had coffee with him after Patty and I finished dinner.”

“Very cozy.”

“And he’s not married. I think he liked Patty. She doesn’t get out much to meet people these days. I thought this was a golden opportunity to have her get to know someone besides nurses and therapists. Those are the only people her grandfather will let in the house.” She grinned at Joe. “Besides, I like cops.”

“Good. Because you’re going to have one with you or behind you for the foreseeable future.”

Her smile faded. “The goblet of blood. Is it Jelak?”

“More than likely.”

“He’s after Eve?” She nodded slowly. “And you think he may use me to get to her.”

“There’s a slight possibility that I might want to make sure you’re safe as well.”

“That goes without saying. But it’s Eve that we have to worry about.” Jane frowned. “You know I’ll be careful. I’d never risk Eve. She may be your center, but she means more to me than anyone in the world.”

He was silent a moment. “What about Mark Trevor? I haven’t heard you mention him lately.”

She said warily, “What about him? I haven’t seen him recently. He’s busy. He globe-trots all over the world. I’m busy. I have a career. We agreed that it might be best not to incur any additional obligations.”

“Because you’re afraid to trust any relationship.”

“Maybe.” She smiled. “I trust Eve. I trust you . . . when you don’t act weird as you did when I first arrived here. Are you going to tell me what that was all about?”

“Probably. Someday.” He reached out and touched her cheek. “Don’t take chances, Jane. Not now. Not ever. You’re too important to us.” He turned on his heel. “There’s a gun in a case on the top shelf of the closet. Take it with you when you go out from now on.”

“I will.” She watched him go into the house before she turned and gazed out at the thick veil of rain. It was like being cocooned behind her own private waterfall. She used to love sitting out here in a rainstorm when she was a teenager. Sometimes she and Eve would sit on the swing and talk for hours.

Precious times.

Precious memories.

Someone was watching.

She was suddenly shivering.

Nonsense. If she couldn’t see through this veil of rain, no one else out there could see her. It was Joe’s talk of Jelak and warning her against taking risks that had spooked her.

Maybe.

She had always trusted her instincts, and they were sending up skyrocket signals now.

She took a step closer to the porch railing, then stopped. If there was a threat out there, she didn’t want to confront it blindly. It was enough to be on her guard and perhaps mention it to Joe to follow up tomorrow.

Joe believed in the power of instinct. He would understand.

JELAK SMILED WITH SATISFACTION as he lowered the infrared binoculars. He hadn’t been able to see more than a flash of body heat on the porch, but it comforted him to know that he was still in contact, in control. Every instinct told him that it was Jane MacGuire, and she had moved toward the edge of the porch as if wanting to confront him. “I want to confront you too,” he murmured. “But you shouldn’t be so defiant. If I had a rifle, I could take you down right now.”

But he didn’t like guns. He always carried a Glock pistol because of the convenience, but he seldom used it. He preferred the might of his muscles and the clean stroke of his knife to claim the gift.

“Do you feel me, Jane MacGuire?” he murmured. “You’re standing so still I think you must. I was angry with you, but it’s going away. As soon as the rain stops, I think I’ll take a gift in your honor. Anger makes the hunger burn, and I have to keep up my strength.” He rolled the window of the car up and leaned back in the seat. “It will be difficult, but I’ll find a suitable—”

Fear.

No!

His heart was pounding, jerking, panic racing through him.

It was out there in the darkness, coming toward him. He was coming toward him.

He had to get away.

His hand was shaking as he started the car, backed up, and stomped on the accelerator.

Closer. He was closer.

His tires were skidding in the mud as he raced through the forest.

Get away. He had to be stronger before he could face him. More blood. More power.

He’d reached the road leading north to the highway.

How had he found him? The village of Fiero was a world away, and he’d been careful for years not to do anything that might trigger a search. The goblet? Possibly. Before this, he’d used the goblets very sparingly so that there would be no connection.

It could be his imagination. The fear was ebbing the farther he went from the cottage. He could barely feel that sense of impending threat.

It wasn’t his imagination. He’d felt that same fear all those years ago. He’d run then as he was running now.

But he was stronger now and would become even stronger after the next gift. He should strike boldly and show himself the master of the game.

It was time to stop running.

________

SKID MARKS IN THE MUD.

Seth Caleb’s lips tightened grimly as he knelt and checked the tire marks. Deep, tires spinning, lurching; Jelak had peeled out in a panic. Seth had hoped to track him down before he’d become aware that he was on the hunt. But the bastard had clearly known there was a threat near.

Caleb muttered a curse as he got to his feet.

Okay, he’d lost him tonight, but Jelak wasn’t going to give up Eve Duncan. When she had killed Kistle, it had placed her as a prime and immediate target in Jelak’s game.

All Caleb had to do was take control of the game and change the rules.

1:35 A.M.

THE WOMAN WAS SITTING IN A chair in the living room talking on the phone. She was laughing, and there was a flush of color on her cheeks.

Jelak drew closer to the window. Good. It was always better to take them when they were at the height of emotion. Joy or terror, it didn’t really matter.

Now all he had to do was get in the house or get her out. It would be difficult to get her out in this storm. He’d probably have to go in after her.

But she was standing up and going toward another room.

Time to make a move.

You can’t go to bed. I have to have your gift. He’s coming closer, and I’ll need your strength to fight him.

He moved silently away from the window and down the stairs, carefully avoiding the hanging baskets decorating the porch.

The rain had not lessened, and he could hear distant thunder as he carefully opened the gate to the backyard. The lamplight from the house glowed cozily from the windows.

Light was always the enemy.

First came darkness, then came fear.