“I’m not your killer, Detective Fraser,” Anya said, ignoring Jaime’s question and what could only be phony concern. “But it is highly likely that I am your killer’s obsession. And if that’s true, he knows what goes on in my chambers.” This time, she did glance at Jaime. Ice-cold fear flowed through her veins. She’d had sex with Jaime. Did that make her next on the list? Even being pissed off at her, Anya didn’t want to know Jaime could be harmed in any way.
“Does this flow over into your personal life, A—Dr. Grant?” Jaime asked softly. She was on the same wavelength as Anya. “Have you ever seen these women outside of the club?”
Anya shook her head. “No. I keep my private life very private, as you’ve seen. I’m inclined to believe this is a former client who has somehow gained access to what goes on in my chambers.” At least, that was Anya’s hope. She wasn’t insanely careful, taking alternate routes home for nothing. Yes, Jaime had followed her, but that didn’t mean the killer had, too.
“Or an employer,” Max suggested. “What are your thoughts about Frank, Doctor?”
“Frank?” Anya raised a brow. Even though he was a disgusting misogynist, women seemed to trust him enough not to fear him if he approached them. “I have rejected Frank before. And he’s known to be predatory. Though I’ve only heard that he’s handsy and speaks a big game.” She paused. Was Frank a killer? Could she have missed signs?What fucking signs? You shouldn’t even be giving your opinions on this case. You’re no longer a professional.“Where were the others killed?”
Jaime contemplated how much to tell Anya.Shetrusted Anya, but did Max feel the same way about giving a practical stranger—a civilian—sensitive information about a horrible case? A case that had no clues or even a suspect. Until Anya gave them one. And was Anyareallya civilian, having been an FBI agent for so long?
“Here in Reno. Miles from the club,” Jaime finally answered. Max didn’t argue or pull a face, so Jaime relaxed ever so slightly. Her heart was still racing from being in Anya’s home again. How was she going to apologize? Would Anya even allow her to?
“Yet Maisie was killedatthe club,” Anya said distractedly. “Frank wouldn’t want that attention on the club. The city is trying to shut him down, and being in the news this way isn’t helpful.”
“Maybe he didn’t have a choice?” Max suggested. “Maybe she saw him coming after her?”
Anya shook her head. “I agree with perhaps not having a choice. Maisie had a boyfriend. Alive-inboyfriend. The others were single. They lived alone. Still, Frank doing this in his own backyard doesn’t sit right with me.”
“But he has access to your chambers,” Jaime reminded Anya. She turned to Max. “It’s worth a deeper look at him. And we need to get an unmarked to sit out front here. If Frank is the killer and catches on that we’re looking into him, he might get bold enough to come after…”
“Please don’t talk about me like I’m not here, Detective. I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself. I’m already pissed about possibly being watched in some of my most vulnerable moments. I don’t need anyone else’s eyes on me.”
“I agree with Jaime, Dr. Grant. This is for your protection.”
“I don’t need it. I have a state-of-the-art security system.” Anya held up a hand to stop their rebuttal. “Don’t waste resources on me. Now, I need to prepare for tonight, including taking a nap.”
“Wait, you’re not going to the club,” Jaime ordered. “People are fucking dying!” After the night they’d had, Jaime couldn’t fathom losing Anya like she lost Taylor.
“If I don’t go and act like everything is normal,Detective, if Frank is the killer and he thinks you’re on to him, he will morethan likely disappear rather than come after me. He may be a disgusting pig, but he’s wily. He’s been able to keep that club open and thriving despite the masses trying to close it. If he vanishes, and hedoeshave the means to do that, hewillkeep killing. And that will be on all of us.”
Max moved in when Jaime opened her mouth to argue. “She’s right, Baros. We have to keep up appearances while we’re investigating him.”
“So we let Anya be in danger and do fuck all about it?”
“It’s nice to know you care,” Anya said sarcastically. She was fully aware that Jaime had just used Anya’s nickname. Hmm. A very familiar way of addressing someone who just moments ago was a ‘person of interest.’ With any luck, Max was too preoccupied with Jaime’s outburst to have noticed. “But, again, I can take care of myself.”
Anya started walking towards the door, an obvious sign she was done with this conversation. In reality, she was scared. It wasn’t her first time in danger, but her FBI days were long past. Was she mentally and physically equipped to do this again?You don’t have much choice. Someone put you in the crosshairs, Anya. Stop them or…
“Thank you for your help, Dr. Grant,” Max said, dipping his head in respect.
“Call me Anastasia or Anya. I haven’t been Dr. Grant for a long time, Detective.”
“The way you knew these women, I’d say that isn’t true. You may do your job a little differently nowadays, but you’re still helping people.”
Anya gave him a small smile. “I appreciate you saying that. If I can help in any way with your case, please let me know. You have my card,” she winked. Anya gave Jaime a curt nod and closed the door behind them. She leaned on the door, exhaling sharply. She hadn’t expected to see Jaime again, especially sosoon after being humiliated. That, coupled with reawakening her past life, was too much for Anya. She contemplated calling in sick, but she was serious when she told Jaime things needed to remain normal.
“Normal,” Anya scoffed. “Nothing about this whole situation is normal.”
“Hang on,I’ll be right back.” Jaime tossed her keys to Max so he could get in the car.
“The fuck you goin’, Baros? She made it clear she was done.”
“Yeah, yeah, I know. I need…”I need to apologize.“I want to make sure that she doesn’t want the detail and that she really does want to work tonight. Two minutes, man. Get in the car and turn on the air. Play solitaire on your phone. I’ll be right back.”
Jaime’s heart was racing as she made her way back to Anya’s front door. There was a slight hesitation when she raised her hand to knock. If Anya slapped her, Max would wonder what the fuck had happened. Hell, Jaime deserved a slap. But she needed Anya to know she was sorry. So, she knocked.
Anya lifted her forehead from the cold metal of the door, a frown etched on her face. Surely they didn’t have more questions already. She cracked the door, bracing it with her foot, and scowled.
