Obsession (32 page)
She wasn’t telling him anything he didn’t know with that last statement. The other was pure conjecture. But Lori suspected Chief Burnett was far too smart to let Jess get away again for reasons in addition to her investigative skills.
Spears shrugged. “One does what one must. She created quite a conundrum for me back in Virginia. Diverting attention was essential. Now the world is focused on her inept methods rather than my precise work. Ironic, isn’t it?”
“If you think the Bureau will stop trying to nail you just because you pulled a bait and switch, I’m afraid you’re going to be incredibly disappointed.”
He waved a hand. “Let them run around in circles. That game is over. I won.” He traced her cheek with his forefinger. She shuddered, prompting him to smile. “This is a new game and I need Jess to play. Will you help me, Lori Doodle?”
“Do I have a choice?” The answer to that was a big, flashing neon sign in her brain. Tears burned her eyes. She blinked them back. She would not cry for this scumbag.
“You always have a choice, detective.” His lips lifted again in that charismatic expression that masked the house of horrors beneath. “You have one now. Live daringly or die quickly. You choose.”
She laughed around the fear crowded in her throat. “Do you really expect me to believe that if I cooperate you’ll let me live?” Wow, Santa was here already and it was only July. “Give me a break, Spears.”
“I will. You have my word,” he promised. “For a bit anyway.”
That was what she thought.
“Consider your options carefully, Detective Lori Wells.” He put his face in hers again. “The longer you stay alive, the more opportunity you’ll have to perhaps see that urge of yours to fruition. Who knows?” He straightened, drew back to look her in the eyes. “You might just get that chance to watch me die. After all, no one lives forever.”
He stood, hauled his chair away from hers. “While you weigh your options, I’m going to find someone to keep you company.” He laughed. “Actually, I think I’m the one who needs company. You are b-o-r-i-n-g with a capital B.”
Lori’s heart rammed into her throat.
She had to do something…otherwise he was going hunting…
“Wait!”
He stopped.
“I…don’t leave me here by myself. Please.”
He turned around slowly. A grin spread across his lips. “Ah…so you’re ready to play, are you?”
His singular motive is pleasure
. Jess’s voice whispered in her ears.
The only way he can feel it is by torturing his victims in the most depraved ways
.
“Yes.” Lori moistened her lips, wrestled back the fear. “I’m ready to play.”
DEBRA WEBB
, born in Alabama, wrote her first story at age nine and her first romance at thirteen. It wasn’t until she spent three years working for the military behind the Iron Curtain—and a five-year stint with NASA—that she realized her true calling. A collision course between suspense and romance was set. Since then she has penned nearly 100 novels. The Faces of Evil is her debut thriller series. Visit Debra at
www.debrawebb.com
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