“How could he blame you? How would he even know who you are? You don’t work in the field. You’re in the background!” Everly said, her voice rising with growing concern.
Emmalyn sighed again, exaggeratedly this time, realizing she couldn’t keep the fear she’d been dealing with to herself anymore. “He was one of us. He was one of the agents working the same case. We just didn’t know that he was the guy we were searching for. He knew me, personally. And he knew that I was the profiler working on the case. Shortly after agents turned up at his house and he managed to escape, he started sending threatening emails. And then around Christmas, they elevated to texts and phone calls.”
“So he was part of the team searching for a criminal that was actually himself, pretending he wasn’t the guy you were searching for.”
“Yes.”
“So he knew all the ins and outs and was aware the moment you started profiling him.”
“All the ins and outs, yes. But he didn’t know I’d turned my attention to him. At least not until the rest of the agents turned up at his house.”
“He doesn’t know where you live, though?!” Everly demanded.
“Mom, he was one of us. I’m sure he had access to just about everything if he wanted it. But he never had reason to look up my files prior to disappearing. I’m sure I talked about Louisiana, but I doubt I ever said exactly where.”
“Jesus, Emmalyn.”
“What? What is she saying?” Bam asked.
“Shhh! I’ll tell you later,” Everly whispered at Bam.
“He was a field agent, Mom. He only rarely came into the office, and after I identified him and they raided his house, he just disappeared. He’d put enough planning into his home that he was able to slip away when the agents tried to take him into custody. I don’t think he actually had access to my files, but he might have. I was sent home to lay low while the rest of our team tries to find him and bring him in. If I’m sitting in the office, he knows exactly where to find me, and probably exactly where my apartment was, too. I’m safer here.”
“You said he was calling. When was the last time you heard from him?”
“Christmas Day. He said I looked nice.”
“Which indicates he was looking at you!”
“Mom, it’s a general enough statement to make and it would make most people think they were being watched.”
“I want you to come home.”
“I’m not coming home. I’m staying here for a few days. I need some time to get over being made a fool of by Barron.”
“I don’t know what’s happening between you two, but I know he loves you.”
“Then he shouldn’t make me out to be a joke and belittle our bond. I thought we finally had a chance, then they laughed.”
“They?”
“Barron and Brandt. I don’t want to see or speak to either of them right now. So, I’m hiding.”
“I’m coming over there.”
“I’m fine, Mom. I’ll be fine. Analise and Havoc are right up the street and I’ll be home in a few days.”
“I’ve got to let everyone know what’s going on.”
“Just don’t tell them where I am for a day or two, please?”
“Emmalyn!”
“I’m begging you. I can’t see Barron or Brandt right now. I’m so angry, and so hurt. It would not be nice and I’m pretty sure I’d just make it worse. Just let me wallow for a little while.”
“I told you I don’t think you heard right.”
“Doesn’t matter at this point. I just want some alone time. I can’t get that with you and Dad, or Analise and Havoc, or anyone else. Hellen’s let me use her place, and I’m going to be here for a few days.”
