Profiled (17 page)

Lexie nodded, but never took her eyes from John’s, not the usual brilliant blue tonight, but darker, more intense. “Why?”

“Because I wanted to.”

She should be mad at the very least, but the honesty of his words settled deep in her chest then spiraled outward to every limb, making her feel warm all over. “Come on, we’ll go outside where we can talk.”

“You’re okay then?” He stared at the closed door.

“Yes, this is my grandfather’s room. He needed me today.”

“Oh.”

“Not what you thought?”

He smiled. “No, but I can’t deny I’m pleased you weren’t chasing the killer.”

She returned the smile and chose not to tell him that visiting Nicholas Truman was close to the same thing; however, in this case, she wasn’t chasing the killer. She needed to chase the killer away, from her grandfather’s nightmares. And her own.

They walked down the hallway and out the foyer, then exited to the front porch, where Agatha and Donovan were coming back in.

“It’s a bright moon,” Agatha said. “Big and orange and round.”

Lexie nodded at the lady. “Yes, it is.”

“Donovan likes full moons too,” the older woman added.

“That’s right.” Donovan opened the door for Agatha and waited for her to pass through. Then he turned to John. “We have two rooms open in the guest house. If you need a place to stay, you can have one of them. Lexie has a key to the building.”

“Thank you.”

Lexie waited until the door snapped closed, then turned to face him. “Well?”

“Well, what?”

“How did you find me?” She knew Angel wouldn’t have told him, not now, not when they were so close to catching the killer, but Lexie couldn’t fathom how he found her here.

“It wasn’t that difficult, once I convinced the good folks at Lexus that I was a homicide detective tracking down a woman who could be in danger.”

“Lexus?” Her gaze moved to her car, parked in the magnolia shadows.

“Yeah, thanks to your Lexus-Link, I connected to your personal advisor who, after I faxed a copy of my credentials, located your car and gave me this address.” His straight, white teeth glimmered in the moonlight with his smile. “Guess I should applaud you for purchasing a state-of-the-art vehicle.”

“Glad I could help.” She smiled over her sarcasm. She couldn’t get mad at him for tracking her down. He’d been concerned about her safety, but the look in his eyes said more. He’d told the truth. He came because he wanted to come, and her heart warmed at the realization.

“So, is your grandfather okay?”

“He’s better now. He wandered off this weekend. We still don’t know where he went, but he seems to be feeling all right, so I guess no harm was done.”

“Does he leave often?”

“No, but every now and then he disappears for a while. Jackie told me he has a teenager visiting him now as part of a local church program. I’m thinking he may have gone looking for his new friend, or something like that. The boy may remind him of Phillip, Jr.”

“Your son.”

“Yeah. Phillip hasn’t had a lot of time to come visit Granddaddy since college started last fall. So this teen may fill that void.” She turned toward the porch railing, closed her eyes and inhaled the sweet scent of magnolia blossoms on the evening breeze. “I’m just glad he’s doing okay.” She hoped it wasn’t too much of a lie.
Was
he doing okay? Or did he worry constantly over the killer’s return?

“Lexie.” He moved beside her at the edge of the porch.

“Yeah?”

“I did come because I was worried about you, but that wasn’t all.”

Lexie held her breath and waited for the rest.

“I came because I want to be with you.”

She took another deep breath, let it out. “Are you going to take Donovan up on his offer to stay in the guesthouse?”

“I’m thinking I might.”

Turning, she tilted her head to look up at the man touching her heart. “I slept last night, just knowing you were nearby.”

“Maybe you can sleep again tonight, if I’m in the next room.” When he smiled, the crinkle lines framing those intense blue eyes made her throat go dry.

It’d been so long since she’d felt true desire for a man, but she did now, with John. She moistened her lips, decided she needed to clarify last night’s statement. “When I told you I wouldn’t be with a man
that way
outside of marriage…” She hesitated.

He brought his face closer, so that Lexie caught the crisp scent of his aftershave mixed with the masculine scent of John Tucker. “Yes, Lexie?”

“I didn’t mean that I didn’t want
any
relationship. I just meant…” Her cheeks flamed, and she didn’t know how to continue.

His eyes softened. Then he placed a finger beneath her chin and slowly, sweetly, lowered his mouth to hers.

It’d been a long time since Lexie had experienced a man’s kiss, and she couldn’t remember the last time she’d been kissed like this, if ever. He caressed her mouth, setting all of her hidden emotions free with the tender gesture and making her forget everything but the two of them. She forgot the loss. Forgot the pain. Forgot the nightmares. And, for a beautiful moment, forgot her fears.

Chapter Ten

Two down, five to go, then this cycle would be complete. Anxious for it to be over, he realized that accomplishing his goal took time, and he wouldn’t venture from the plan. He had to stay true to the pattern, true to the design for maintaining control. Capturing the power.

Monitoring the New Fellowship’s website today had been beyond frustrating. They discussed a charity drive, the inner-city homeless shelter and other do-good projects. All safe subjects in their opinion, he supposed. The chat link that had discussed the killings had been extinguished, and PROTECT&SRV hadn’t even logged on.

They were doing the same thing they’d done before, hiding from the truth, refusing to acknowledge the one among them committed to carrying out Brother Moses’ plan. They were fools. Cowards. They didn’t want to discuss what he’d done because they were ashamed that none of them had lifted a finger toward controlling the power; therefore, they were weak and powerless. And they respected the most pathetic one, the man who had been taught the truth from his father and still turned away. John Tucker. Well, when PROTECT&SRV logged on again, he’d get a real treat. He’d learn a little more about TRUTHLUVR, the one who followed through with the plan…and the one who killed Tucker’s father.

His hands gripped the steering wheel as he eased the car past Cami Talton’s tiny house. He took his time, slowing to a near standstill while he stared at the little home. When he’d located her house he’d known for sure that the Supreme One had selected her for his first kill. The white wooden siding, black shutters, even the swirling wrought iron railing on the porch made the house identical to Hannah’s home. A firm sign that he’d chosen well.

He continued past her house, then started slowly across town. It wasn’t a time for speeding. At 3:00 in the morning, no matter who you were, if you zipped through Macon, you drew attention. He didn’t want attention. Besides, if anyone saw him at either location, they’d just think he was doing his job.

“The killer always returns to the scene of the crime.” Most killers weren’t able to do it under the guise that it was part of their job, but he could. And he had. In fact, this was his third trip to both sites.

Both other times, he’d gone inside, looked around and remembered the surge of power he’d experienced when he’d taken complete control. And all the while, the very people trying their hardest to stop his plan surrounded him while he gloated. They could try. Many had, and they’d all failed. They would again.

Unlike Cami’s residence, Vickie Jones’ duplex hadn’t depicted the accuracy of his choice. However, he hadn’t doubted his decision after his conversation with her on the park bench. Perfect, she had an angel’s face surrounded by a halo of golden hair, both qualities disguising the sinner within. But he’d seen through her disguise. He’d known she, like Hannah, attempted to claim power for her own when it wasn’t hers to claim. But he’d claimed it. He’d taken her life and conquered the child.

Until the cycle completed, he didn’t experience the full impact of the power. He couldn’t. He had only accumulated one part of the whole. As a result, he felt empty, unfulfilled and lost, which enraged him.

If it weren’t for Hannah, for what she’d done so long ago, he wouldn’t experience this void. He wouldn’t feel so incomplete. He would have her and have her child—their child. But no, she lied. She sinned, and she betrayed the one who loved her most.

He pressed the accelerator to the floor and listened to the car peel out from the street. Forget creeping through town. He didn’t want to creep; he wanted to roar. And he would roar at Hannah.

During the long drive to the outskirts of Macon, he didn’t meet a single car. No one saw him racing. No one saw the car swerve at every curve because he refused to slow down. No one saw...because the Supreme One protected him in his rite of passage. No one could stop him now.

So enthralled with the speed of his vehicle, he nearly missed his turn. The smell of rubber from his squealing tires penetrated his nostrils as he jerked the car in a hard right and tore through the underbrush, down the path, and to the place where he’d buried Hannah and her lover so many years ago.

He opened the car door and climbed out, then moved forward until he stood right above them. Over their bodies. Standing above the liars who didn’t deserve to live.

Cool wind whipped through the trees, bringing the scent of pine and damp leaves. He closed his eyes and heard the songs. Voices amid the wind. Voices from the past. Those who sang in this very spot so many years ago. Songs of the powerful, songs of the chosen. He’d learned of fire and brimstone and power and supremacy. Right. Here.

And later, he’d taught Hannah what she refused to learn before—fire and brimstone, power and supremacy. Right. Here.

“He probably won’t say anything.” Lexie crossed the parking area with John in the pre-dawn haze. “But he’ll know we’re here.”

“You sure you want me along? Because if you’d rather I not meet him yet—”

Lexie stopped walking, her feet crunching on the gravel as she twisted to look at him. “He’s seen me alone for so many years. Whenever I come to visit, I’m either by myself, or I have Phillip, Jr. with me, but he hasn’t seen me with another man since Phillip and I divorced. I think it would do him a world of good to see the two of us together, especially now.”

“Why especially now?”

Lexie’s stomach tightened. She’d begun to open her heart to John and felt closer to him than any man in a very long time. But she wasn’t ready to tell him everything. Not yet. Thankfully, Agatha’s tendency to venture outside saved her from further explanation.

“Sun’s coming.” Agatha stared at the light filtering through the trees. “Coming now. Coming fast.”

“Yes, it is.” Lexie stepped up on the porch.

John followed her and didn’t press the issue for an answer to his question.

If they were going to attempt some form of a real relationship, she wanted to be honest with him about her past. But since it wasn’t merely
her
past, she needed to talk to the other person involved before divulging the secrets they’d kept guarded for so long.

She’d have to talk to Angel.

Jackie opened the front door before Lexie had a chance to knock. “I’m glad you’re able to see him again this morning before you head back. Today’s going to be a talking day.”

Lexie grinned. “He’s in a good mood?”

“I’ll say. He’s been chatting all morning, but that could be because Georgianne made biscuits and gravy.”

Georgianne Holiday came to the residence each morning to prepare the day’s meals. The main cook at three Valdosta assisted living homes, Georgianne visited Murrell’s in the mornings, then two more before the day ended. She’d get everything in order for three meals, then head her way to do the same at the next home. And although she had to be in her late sixties, she had the
energy of a teenager. She had already come and gone by the time Lexie arrived yesterday, so Lexie looked forward to seeing Georgianne this morning before she returned to Macon.

“Love biscuits and gravy.” Agatha rocked on the front porch.

“Well then, you need to come in and eat while it’s hot, Agatha.”

“Aggie.”

Jackie rolled her eyes, but grinned. “Yes, Aggie, you should come in and eat while it’s hot.”

“Coming.” Agatha climbed from her rocker and bounded through the doorway, shoving her way past Lexie and John to get through.

“She gets a little excited,” Jackie explained to John.

“I see that.” He grinned. “Guess we have something to look forward to with those biscuits and gravy, don’t we?”

“Oh yes, Georgianne makes the best.” Jackie stepped aside so they could enter.

Lexie inhaled the peppery smell of Georgianne’s fabulous white gravy and the yeasty smell of her fat, buttery biscuits. “You’ve never had biscuits like Georgianne’s.”

John inhaled, then nodded. “I’m looking forward to it.”

“Is Granddaddy in his room?”

“Yes,” Jackie answered, but her husband stepped forward and corrected her.

“He was, but he just moved down the hall to the dining room. He’s already eating. I’d walk you down there, but I need to take breakfast in to Mrs. Johnson. She doesn’t like to eat with the group, and if I don’t grab some biscuits quick, your grandfather and his friends are liable not to leave her any.”

“And I’m going to help Georgianne in the kitchen,” Jackie added.

Lexie laughed. “Don’t worry, I know my way around. We’ll go sit with Granddaddy in the dining room.”

They walked down the opposite hall from her grandfather’s room. “I’m so glad he’s doing better.” She wanted to see him on a “good day.” He didn’t have many and to experience one with him was a rare treat. Plus, he might converse with John upon their first meeting.

Though only 6:30 in the morning, the dining room had already filled with elderly men and women at their most alert, and most chatty, stage of the day. A large television blared in one corner, and one of the men had commandeered the remote and increased the volume to a deafening pitch.

“Goodness, Mr. Vick, can you turn that down?” Georgianne winced as she crossed the room with two steamy plates of biscuits and gravy in her hands. She placed the plates on either side of Lexie’s grandfather. “Looks like you’ve got some guests for breakfast.” She indicated Lexie and John. “How ya doing, Lexie?”

“Great, Georgianne.”

Doing a poor job of hiding her curiosity, Georgianne surveyed Tucker. “Who’s your friend?”

“Detective John Tucker.” He extended his hand. “Nice to meet you.”

Georgianne shook the proffered hand and grinned. “We’re glad you’re here.” She winked at Lexie. “Really glad you’re here.” Then she twirled on her heel and returned to the kitchen, while Lexie fought the impulse to blush.

“Granddaddy, this is John Tucker.” She kissed her grandfather’s cheek before sitting down. “He’s a friend of mine, and he’s helping me with a story I’m working on. John, this is my grandfather, Nicholas Truman.”

John’s eyes widened, and Lexie knew he recognized the notable name. He shot a quick knowing look at Lexie, then extended his hand.

“Tuck-er?” Nicholas took John’s hand and held it within both of his.

“Yes, sir.” John sat at the table.

“He’s a detective with the Macon Police Department.” Lexie took a bite of her biscuit and gravy and let her taste buds enjoy Georgianne’s talents, while she watched the exchange between the two men.

Her grandfather released John’s hand, then leaned forward, tilting his head to examine Tucker’s face.

“Everything okay, Granddaddy?”

“Yes.”

John smiled, but looked a little disconcerted with Nicholas Truman’s appraisal.

“The biscuits look good.” John took a bite, then hummed his approval.

“Yes.” Her grandfather picked up his fork and took a bite, but never took his gaze off Tucker’s face. Then he continued eating, but didn’t speak again. Instead, he kept darting his gaze from Lexie to John to the television.

Lexie had hoped he’d be more talkative today, as Jackie had indicated, but even though he’d already said more words than yesterday, she had a feeling the communication had already ended. She sighed and shrugged her shoulders at John, then ate her breakfast in silence.

She’d shared many meals like this with Nicholas Truman throughout the past twenty-eight years, both of them eating and neither of them speaking, but with John present at the table, the silence seemed near unbearable. Her throat closed in, and although she knew the biscuits were heavenly, she couldn’t taste them anymore. She continued eating and tried to keep the tears at bay.

When they finished their meal, Jackie took their plates. “I guess you’ll be leaving soon.”

“Yes.” Lexie turned to her grandfather. “Granddaddy, I’ll come back as soon as I can, okay?”

His gaze fixated on the television. Lexie turned to see that the local station aired her clip from Cami Talton’s funeral.

“Turn. Up,” Nicholas commanded, and Mr. Vick obeyed.

Within half a second, the television blared, the volume at its full capacity, while several residents held their ears and Lexie’s own voice filled the screen as one of her pre-taped broadcasts aired.

“Funeral services for Camille Evelyn Talton will be held today in Macon. Ms. Talton is believed to be a victim of the Sunrise Killer, a serial killer who has eluded the authorities for nearly three decades. A second victim, Victoria Arnez Jones, was found murdered in her home on Sunday. If you have any information involving either of these murders, please contact the Macon Police Department at—”

Donovan claimed the remote from Mr. Vick and turned down the sound. “We watch you often, but not quite this loudly.”

“He said turn it up.” Mr. Vick pointed an accusing finger at Nicholas. “So I did.”

“Well, it was nice of you to oblige him, but we’re going to try to keep it to a low roar, if you don’t mind.”

Mr. Vick shrugged bony shoulders.

Nicholas pushed his plate to the center of the table then turned his attention to Lexie. “Get. Him.”

“Yes.” She turned toward Tucker. “I told him yesterday that I was helping the police find the killer.”