He ended in saying, “Our recent victim—Maya Gibson—fit the profile for The Carnations Killer to a T. Could he really have returned? Or is it a copycat playing games? Do the police suspect The Carnations Killer? If so, why do you think they are reluctant to tell us? After all, the FBI stated earlier this morning, a statement would be released to the public this afternoon. When this afternoon, agents? It’s almost two o’clock now, and the public is anxious to know whether or not their lives could be at stake. This is Jordan Blake, and you heard it here first.”
After he signed off, Kent let him know it was okay to break character.
“How was that?”
“Perfect,” Kent told him. “But you do realize nothing good will come of this? This guy's probably only seeking attention.”
“In this world, my friend,” Jordan said, “we’re nothing unless we have attention. This guy’s the most sought-after serial killer since the Green River Killer. And we’ve got the breaking news. How can we not run with it?”
As he spoke, Jordan saw his boss appear around the corner. By the look on his face and the stride of his gait, he didn’t appear happy.
“What do you think you’re doing?” His booming voice carried into the room.
“Making sure I have longer than fifteen minutes of fame,” Jordan replied with a shrug.
“Next time you want to run with a story, you come to me first. Thanks to you, I just got a call from the FBI.”
“That was fast.”
“And they aren’t happy at all.” His boss crossed his arms. His cheeks flushed red as they always did when he was angry. “They’re on the way. They want to know more about this card of yours. And for that matter, so do I.”
“Sure,” Jordan answered matter-of-factly.
“I don’t want any more surprises. I mean it.”
“What are you going to do, Thomas? Fire me?” Jordan taunted.
“That’s exactly what I’ll do. You think you’re irreplaceable? Well, you’re not.” Thomas turned on his heels. “Be in the conference room in twenty minutes.”
8
Cheyenne had called to let Aidan know she’d arrived at her sister’s, so after he was situated with a bureau vehicle, he headed to Laura’s house.
His eyes growing heavy with each tick of the clock, Aidan wished he had time for a cat nap, but he knew it wouldn't be possible. There was too much to do. There were a lot of pros and cons that came with the job. Lack of sleep and few vacations was definitely a con.
He knocked on the door, and Cheyenne’s younger sister, Laura, appeared in the frame. When she saw him, her grin stretched wide across her face.
“Well, if it isn’t my favorite FBI agent.”
“Laura,” Aidan said, reaching out to wrap her in a tight hug. “It’s been a while.”
Though they only lived three hours from each other, with Laura’s job as a traveling nurse, it was a rare treat they were able to see her. She was always one of Aidan’s favorite people. And one of the wildest.
He pulled from the embrace. “Where’s your other half?”
Laura tilted her head. “Out on the deck. We’re having lemonade. Would you like a cup?”
“No, thank you,” Aidan replied. “I won’t be able to stay long. I didn’t get to talk to Cheyenne before I left this morning, so I was hoping to make it up to her.”
“Yeah, she told me,” Laura stated, swatting his shoulder. “That wasn’t very thoughtful of you, O’Reilly.”
They made their way through the house to find Cheyenne. As they did, Laura told Aidan they would have the house to themselves because she was heading to Florida for a few months. Aidan asked when she was leaving, and she informed him early Monday morning.
When they stepped into the heat, Cheyenne regarded Aidan, smiled, and jumped from her chair. He pulled her into his arms for a kiss. She released a contented sigh as she wrapped her arms around his neck.
“I’ve been missing you today.”
“Not nearly as much as I missed you,” Aidan told her.
“Let’s call it a draw,” she purred against his lips.
“Get a room, guys,” Laura said in mock disgust as she sat.
“Do you hear something?” Aidan asked Cheyenne.
“No, not really. I think it’s just white noise.” She kissed him again as his cell phone vibrated in its holder on his pants. “Is that you, or your phone?”
“Aww geez,” Laura muttered.
Aidan laughed as he reached for his cell to see who was calling.
It was Shaun.
“Sorry, love,” he told Cheyenne. “I’ve gotta get this.”
She frowned but nodded her head in understanding. He answered the call as she turned to resume her conversation with her sister.
Aidan didn’t hear what Laura whispered, but Cheyenne laughed, and play punched her in the shoulder.
“Yeah, Shaun, what’s up?”
“We’ve got a problem.”
Aidan narrowed his eyes. “Another victim already?”
“No.” A sigh. “I think you better turn on the TV to WJFX.”
Aidan hurried into the house, making his way to the living room. He found the remote on the coffee table, grabbed it, then turned the television to the channel. He watched as a reporter talked about The Carnations Killer’s previous victims and suggested that Maya Gibson was his latest. He ended his report by accusing law enforcement of withholding information the public had the right to know.
Aidan’s blood began to boil.
He recognized the young reporter as the one at Maya’s crime scene earlier. He was the one who jammed the microphone into his face and had asked whether or not a serial killer was on the loose.
“I didn’t miss the press conference, did I?” Aidan asked, knowing it was not the case.
Cheyenne and Laura must
