C.J. Miller - Capturing the Huntsman

“I’m planning to do some good here.”

Ford shook his head. “You’re being a fool. I have real work to do. Stay away from my crime scene.” Ford stalked away.

Nathan didn’t argue. Poking around the scene wouldn’t get him more information. The footprints might provide some indication of stature, but Nathan could look at those after the FBI finished processing the scene.

Autumn appeared next to him. “How’d it go? Does he know anything more? Did he tell you anything about the scene?”

He hated disappointing her. “They’re working the scene now. I’m sure they’re looking for the killer. Ford won’t share information. We’re on our own.”

Autumn looked from him to the crime scene. “I don’t understand any of this. Why would the killer come back? What does he want?”

An interesting piece of the puzzle that would form the killer’s psyche. “Maybe he left something behind? Something significant to him? Maybe he didn’t finish the job and wants to complete his ritual.” Or did he return to confirm the body had been found and taken down? “Why do hikers hang packages from trees?” Nathan asked, thinking again about the body in the tree.

Autumn shivered. “Like food and such?”

Nathan nodded.

“I leave a few packages along the trail with emergency supplies and I string them in the trees to keep animals from getting to them. If anyone is hiking the trail and comes up short, they are welcome to it. It’s an unwritten rule on the trail.” She paused. “Do you think there’s a connection between emergency supplies and how the killer places his victims?”

“Not sure yet,” Nathan said, putting the information on file.

Autumn rubbed her arms and he wished he could sweep her against him and assure her she was safe. The need to hold her, touch her hummed in his veins. Being alone with her was utter temptation. The temptation to reassure, console and to claim.

“What are you thinking?” she asked.

He wasn’t about to admit he’d been picturing carrying her into her cabin, stripping her naked and having her. “About the case.”

“You looked pretty intense.”

“It’s an intense situation.” Not just the murder. Her. Being with her. It wasn’t the right time to think about kissing her and holding her. His reaction to crime scenes had always been strong and visceral, and though he wasn’t proud of it, the need to blow off steam with some physical exercise—like sex—was enticing.

“I don’t understand why someone would do this,” she said.

Nathan forced himself to concentrate on her words and not her mouth. Her lips, pink and inviting. “Maybe he can’t control the urge.”

He stepped closer and Autumn took a step away. Had he been foolish to believe he could keep her safe? The killer had struck once and possibly returned to the scene, and Nathan’s gut told him he wasn’t finished.

In previous cases he’d worked, Nathan had had a partner, a team and trained professionals to bounce ideas off. This was the first case where he was on his own. The urgency to keep Autumn as his trail guide, and partner, escalated. Without the FBI’s resources at his disposal, he needed another advantage. He needed Autumn.

But was he drawing her into an investigation that would get her killed?

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