Chasing the Shadows (Nikki & Michael 3)

"Why can't they? Vlad the Impaler was certainly real." He stared at her for a second. “Yeah, but he was a sicko human."

"So were those men, once."

He continued to stare at her. It was hard to read his expression, hard to know his thoughts. After what he has seen, he believes, Michael said softly. He just doesn't want to. The heat of his unseen presence pressed warmth into her back. She resisted the urge to lean back against him and offered the agent the bagged necklace. “You want to take care of this from now on? I don't think Harris trusted me with it all that much."

"Yeah, I noticed that myself.” His slight grin suggested he was relieved to be moving on to safer subjects. He looked past her as several more officers walked into the smaller room. “Davidson, those paramedics here yet?"

"On the way down now."

"You want to direct them here the minute they arrive? And keep an eye out in case any more of those ... men ... decide to attack."

"Will do."

The officer moved away, and the big man's gaze came back to her. “That's some talent you have there. We would never have been able to find Mrs. Harris so quickly ourselves." She rubbed her arms. “I just hope we're fast enough to save her."

"So do I.” He hesitated. “Would you like an escort back to the hotel?"

"Just back to the sewer cover will be fine.” The vampires wouldn't attack her once she was out in the sunshine. Which was some place she desperately needed to be, just to warm the ice beginning to form in the pit of her stomach.

The agent nodded and called to another of his men. “You're not intending to leave San Francisco for the next few days, are you? We may need to talk to you a bit more."

"I'm staying at the Diamond Grand."

He smiled. “Yes, I know. We did a thorough check on you when Mr. Harris requested your help." She raised her eyebrows in surprise. “Why?"

He shrugged. “Wouldn't be the first time a supposed psychic has worked a kidnapping scam." "Do you really think anyone human could have done what was done to those first two women?" He studied her for a moment, gaze calculating. “And how do you know what was done to them?"

"The same way I knew where to find Anne and Dale. It's not a very pleasant gift to have, you know. I'd much rather do without knowing the gruesome details.” She hesitated. “I have something else for you, too. The name of a possible suspect."

"Who?” He grabbed a notebook and pen out of his pocket.

"Billie Farmer. Apparently he was taunted in high school by a gang of twelve women." He raised his eyebrows. “And I suppose the four victims so far were a part of that gang?"

"You catch on rather fast."

"That's what they pay me for. We'll check it out. In the meantime, don't leave the city. We may need to talk to you again."

"I have no intention of going anywhere.” Not until this fiend was caught. Killed. He nodded. A second agent made an appearance and motioned her to follow him. I dare not risk the sun again, Michael said as they began the walk back to the sewer entrance. I'll have to meet you back at the hotel.

And perhaps do a little exploring along the way?

He hesitated. Yes. But don't ask to come with me. Not when Farmer is aware of your every movement.

Don't worry. I have no intention of invading your work space right now. Nikki—

She flung up a hand. Yeah, I know. It's for my own safety. Which was a load of crap. She was probably safer with him than being alone at the hotel. Especially when Farmer and his gang had no apparent trouble getting into that building.

Which is why I don't want you to go immediately back to the hotel. Walk around and do some sightseeing. I'll contact you when I'm heading back myself. Like hell she'd be doing the touristy thing while there was a madman running around underground. I have to call Jake and let him know what's going on.

Then do so. Just don't go back to our room until it's safe. Fine. I'll play it your way. For now.

Warmth flowed through the link, a tender caress that made her toes tingle. Keep safe. I'll see you soon. She blew him a mental kiss, and the heat of his presence disappeared. The cop stopped and motioned her up the rusting ladder. She climbed, blinking as she reentered the bright sunshine. Two cops helped her out, another helping her escort a second later.

"You want a ride back to the hotel, Miss James?” he said. She shook her head. “It's a nice day. I think I'll walk." They let her go. She dragged her cell phone from her pocket and dialed Jake's number.

"About time,” he grumbled. “What's happening?"

She gave him an update, and he swore softly. “We need to catch this bastard fast."