Anson scoffed. “We’re building a profile from the current murders, and then we’ll compare it to the profile for the murders five years ago.”
I clasped my fingers beneath the table. “Do Reed Hall or Len Keller match the profile?”
It was the question I hadn’t dared to ask yet but one that had been eating away at me. Len Keller was still completely MIA. No one had laid eyes on him since he left the hospital. And Reed was lying low. He’d made noise about suing Lawson for assault and the department for wrongful termination, but Lawson’s lawyer thought they were threats and nothing more.
Anson leaned back in his chair. “They fit the age range, early thirties to mid-fifties, though Keller is on the outskirts.”
“You don’t sound convinced,” I said.
“I’m not. Hall is too disorganized. Lazy. I don’t think Keller is mentally stable enough. But they could be covering. I’d need to interview them to be sure.”
I was quiet for a moment. “You almost sound like you respect whoever’s doing this.”
A muscle along Anson’s jaw ticked wildly. “Not respect. Understanding. Two very different things.”
A yip sounded, and Thor bounded into the office. I scooped him up and cuddled him to my chest. “How did you get out of your penagain?”
Lawson grinned. “We should’ve named him Houdini.”
“We should’ve. I just hope he didn’t leave us a present somewhere.”
He winced. “I’ll do a check.”
I glanced at the clock on the wall. “Shoot. I need to get going.”
Lawson stiffened. “Where?”
“Thor has his appointment for his shots,” I reminded Lawson.
He nodded and got to his feet. “I’ll drive you.”
“You don’t have to. I’ll just go straight there and back.”
Lawson’s expression hardened. “Nowhere alone. Please, Hallie. I need to know you’re safe.”
My heart ached at the fear in Lawson’s voice.
“He’s right,” Anson said, standing. “Running errands alone isn’t worth getting dead over.”
Lawson glared at him, but Anson just ignored him.
“We can go over files in the car while Hallie’s dealing with the pup.”
Lawson grumbled something under his breath, but Anson was already heading for the door.
I turned and burrowed into Lawson’s chest. “I’m sorry I was grumpy.”
He wrapped his arms around me and kissed the top of my head. “I’m sorry I was an overbearing bastard.”
“Bastard might be a bit extreme. But thanks for letting me in.”
Lawson’s lips ghosted my temple. “I could never keep you out. You’re burned into me, Hallie. Into my goddamned bones. And I wouldn’t want it any other way.”
“Love you, Blue.”
“Love you, too.”
He shifted, guiding me toward the door. “Let’s get this puppy some shots.”
