Spoilt by Joanne Ellis Read Free Book Online Page B

Don’t work too hard. Love you.”
    “ Love you too.”
    As he readied himself for the day, Lucas wondered if they
would catch a break or find a lead today.
    Maggie was at her desk when he came in and had a coffee
waiting for him.
    “ Thanks, Maggie, what have we got?”
    “ CSI’s found little at Kate’s house, apart from fingerprints
but there were no matches in the database and nothing else that
seemed significant.”
    “ Damn.”
    “ But the ME found a blond hair on Kate, in one of the wounds
on her chest.”
    “ Tell me we can use it for DNA comparison.”
    “ We just need to find someone to match to because, once again,
we got no hit.”
    Lucas’ phone interrupted them.
    “ Hudson.” While listening, he looked at Maggie and she watched
as he paled. “We’ll be right there.”
    “ Don’t tell me.” Maggie spoke before Lucas could.
    “ Sorry, Mags but we’ve got another one.” Oh God, what if it’s the
blonde? Lucas didn’t want to think about that prospect.

    * * *

    Lucas and Maggie arrived at the all too familiar scene, but
whereas Libby and Kate had been discarded behind a warehouse, the
latest victim was behind a small shop, albeit with the same dark,
dank alley in the rear. As they strode towards the building, the
familiar lump crept into Lucas’ throat.
    Concentrate, Lucas, you’re a cop, you signed up for this.
Focus!
    They found the girl presented to them in the same manner as
the others, naked and on her back, the same habitual words slashed
onto her chest, the same cavernous throat. There were exceptions
this time, though. She was neither a brunette nor short; she was
tall and blonde. Lucas cursed as they walked toward the
body.
    “ It might not be her.”
    Lucas stared at Maggie for a moment. His gut told him it
was.
    “ It’s her. I should’ve asked more questions. If I had, we
might have found her in time.”
    “ We might not have either, Lucas. We still have no idea where
this is happening or the motive for doing it, and we have zero
suspects.”
    “ Yes but we could have interviewed people she knew, gone over
her house, something.”
    “ Don’t beat yourself up. Let’s just collect what we can from
this and find this prick.”
    “ Just give me a minute,” he mumbled and strode
away.
    “ David, did you find her ID?” Maggie inquired.
    “ Yes, her name is Elle Sheridan. She lived just around the
corner,” he replied passing the bagged ID to Maggie.
    “ Thanks, David, I think we should get onto this straight away.
Let us know when you’re done and if you find anything
new.”
    “ Will do.”
    Maggie found Lucas standing at the front of the shop,
smoking.
    “ I thought you quit.”
    “ I did but I just needed ... something. I got it from a
uniform. I don’t really want it,” he said, butting it
out.
    “ We have an address. Let’s go.”
    Lucas hesitated.
    “ It’s not your fault,” she said. She stepped towards him to
lay a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “She was only reported
missing yesterday. There was no time to find her.”
    Lucas looked at Maggie with sad eyes. “I just wish I’d done
more.”
    They drove the short distance to Elle’s house, which was
literally around the corner. A welcoming two story house with a
fragrant garden filled with bright flowers greeted them as they
pulled up.
    Lucas walked to the door, dread consuming him. Concentrate, Lucas,
you have to keep your head.
    Maggie knocked on the door and they heard a voice
inside.
    “ Coming.”
    The door opened and there standing before them was the girl
whose face was still vividly etched into his memory.
    “ You,” she said her voice frigid. “What are you doing here?
How did you find me … Oh no! Elle?”
    Maggie glanced over at Lucas, who appeared to be lost for
words.
    “ I’m Detective Johnson and this is Detective
Hudson.”
    “ Please, is she ok?” She raised a shaking hand to her
mouth.
    “ May I ask your name, Ma’am?”
    “ It’s Chelsea Summerville. Now tell me,