“What was he doing in Debra’s house?” Weston asked.
“He was crashing there. Victor didn’t have money to pay the hotel, news had broken about her murder, and he had a key to her house. He figured no one would be any wiser if he stayed there for a few days.” Grady turned to face Avery. “Attacking you was a spontaneous decision. He hid when you and Weston arrived, hoping you would leave quickly.”
“But then I went into the bedroom and saw the backpack on the floor.”
He nodded. “Victor panicked. He has two felonies on record. Conviction for a third—like if you nailed him for robbery—would mean a long prison sentence. That’s also why he shot at you on Sunday night. He didn’t want to get caught with the laptop in his possession.”
Avery tilted her head, mulling over the facts. “Shooting at us in the woods and attacking me in the bedroom were spontaneous acts. Victor hadn’t planned them.”
“No. Which fits with his criminal history. He’s undisciplined. I don’t think Victor is capable of orchestrating and carrying out a series of complicated murders.”
Avery sat back in her chair. “So, Victor isn’t the Chessmaster.”
Weston mouth flattened into a grim line. “Which means the killer is still out there.”
Weston had hoped Victor was the Chessmaster, but evidence didn’t lie. For Avery’s sake, as well as any other woman in the killer’s path, they needed to move on. “I’d like to go over what we know about the murders, now that we can eliminate the shooting and the attack at Debra’s house.”
Grady nodded. “I figured you would. Our boss is coming in, along with the behavior specialist. I’d like to wait for them.”
“Especially since they’re bringing lunch from Sweet Hog.” Luke joined a couple of fingers together and kissed the tips. “Best BBQ in Texas.”
His antics pulled a small smile from Avery, but her complexion was pale. She pushed away from the table. “We have extra bottles of water and plasticware in the break room. I’ll grab them.”
“I’ll help you.” Weston followed her out of the conference room. He needed a moment to speak with her privately, before everyone else arrived. Luckily, when they stepped into the break room, it was empty. “Avery, hold on. I have more information about the case to share.”
She tensed. “It’s about Jeffrey.”
“Yes. I did some digging. Jeffrey has a solid alibi for both murders. His financials are straightforward, so a murder-for-hire is out. I suspect you’re right. He told us about the IA investigation just to discredit you.”
Which only succeeded in making Weston hate the man. He hoped never to lay eyes on him.
“Scott Carpenter,” he continued, “the man Jeffrey accused you of having an affair with, also has a solid alibi for both murders. Nothing indicates either of them had anything to do with this.”
She leaned against the table and rubbed her forehead. “I don’t know if I’m relieved or not. We’re eliminating suspects right and left.”
“I know, but meeting with the behavior specialist and getting a profile of the killer should help.”
“Thank you, Weston. For keeping your interview with Scott discreet.”
“No need to thank me.” He stepped closer, pulling the tactical knife from his pocket and clicking on the flashlight. Weston gently took Avery’s chin in his hand and tilted her face up. “We’re in this together. Flying bullets, tackling suspects, hunting a killer. Nothing boring about hanging out with you, Avery. Now do me a favor and stay still.”
Her breath hitched. “What are you doing?”
“Checking for a delayed concussion. You’ve taken several knocks to the head in the last couple of days, and you’re rubbing your forehead like a headache is brewing. I know the hospital cleared you yesterday, but concussions can develop later.” He briefly shone the flashlight into each of her eyes. Her pupils were fine. Weston clicked off the flashlight. “Any dizziness? Or nausea?”
“No. I’m okay, Weston. Just a headache.”
Their gazes met. There were flecks of gold buried in her green eyes. He’d never noticed them before now. Avery leaned closer and Weston’s heart quickened. His thumb traced the delicate cleft in her chin. Her skin was soft. The scent of her wildflower fragrance wrapped around him, teasing his senses. Somewhere inside, someplace reasonable, Weston knew he should step back. But he couldn’t get his feet to move.
Footsteps in the hall broke the moment. Weston released Avery and took a giant step back. Then another one. What was he doing? He’d almost kissed her. Maybe it was imagined, but the chain holding his wedding rings seemed to cut into the skin at his neck.
Avery’s cheeks flushed and she spun away to grab water bottles from the fridge. An officer entered the room, carrying a takeaway bag from a fast food restaurant.
“Chief, more people arrived to see you,” he said, pulling out a chair. “They went to the conference room.”
“Thank you.” Avery fished out some plasticware from a drawer and handed it to Weston. “We’d better hurry back.”
The scents of BBQ sauce and fried okra greeted them as they entered the conference room. Weston plowed through the tender brisket but barely tasted it. He’d perfected the art of boxing off his emotions, but after almost kissing Avery, it was difficult. The attraction between them was like a constant buzzing, flaring to the surface when he least expected, and becoming impossible to resist. But this case was complicated enough without adding romance into the equation.
Weston’s boss, Lieutenant Vikki Rodriguez, wiped her hands on a napkin. “Let’s get started. Grady has brought me up to date on the developments with Victor Haas, so no need to go
