on the way down in the elevator, then waited to call Sam until he was in a more private place. He was on his way out to his cruiser when he realized the predicted rain was imminent.
Thunder rolled as he made a run for the car, followed by a shaft of lightning that momentarily lit up the sky a few miles away.
He unlocked the car and slid into the seat. The silence was brief. There was traffic on the police radio, but from what he could hear, Dwight Thomas, their night dispatcher, had everything in hand.
He thought about Sam, and then shifted focus to the need for security on Trina. He didnât have enough officers in Mystic to keep someone on guard day and night. He was trying to remember the security service Mack Jackson had used a few months ago for his fiancée, Lissa, when she was being stalked by the janitor where she worked, and looked to see if he still had Mackâs number in his contacts. He did, so he hit the call button, and then wiped a shaky hand across his face as he listened to Mackâs phone ring.
Three
T reyâs heart was so heavy he could hardly breathe, and yet he had to stay focused. When Mack picked up on the third ring, Trey braced himself to say what had to be said.
âHello.â
Trey cleared his throat. âMack, this is Trey. I know itâs late. I hope I didnât call at a bad time.â
âNo, not at all,â Mack said.
âI was wondering if you could give me a contact number for the security guard you used for Lissa.â
âSure, his name is Cain Embry. I donât have it on me, but Iâll find it and text it to you in a few minutes, okay?â
âYes, I would appreciate it.â
âIs something going on? Something related to the murders?â Mack asked.
âYes,â Trey said, and then his voice broke. He had to clear his throat again and start over to get it all said. âYes, something happened. Mom is dead, and Trina just came out of surgery. We still donât know if sheâll make it or not. They were shot on their way home from the memorial service.â
Trey heard a gasp and then a groan, followed by a couple of anxious whispers, and guessed Mack was telling Lissa.
âDear Lord! I donât know what to say except that Iâm sorry. Iâm so sorry,â Mack said.
Trey stared out across the parking lot.
âYeah, me, too,â he said. âI keep thinking about that little speech I made at the church, wondering if I pushed the killer into it.â
The shock of what Mack was feeling echoed in his voice.
âHell no, you didnât push the bastard into anything. For one thing, he already killed twice before. Without a clue as to why this was happening, youâve been helpless to stop anything. Iâm finally coming to accept that they were all doomed from the start. Did Trina say anything? Do you have a lead?â
âNo, she was unconscious when I found her. Thatâs why I need the guards. If she pulls through, she might be able to finger the killer. I can only imagine how freaked out he must be, knowing sheâs still breathing.â
âIs there anything I can do? Do you need helpââ
âYouâre helping by getting me the number. Iâll be watching for the text. Iâve got to call Sam. Heâs on his way home. He doesnât know Trina made it through surgery yet.â
âBelieve me, Trey, I know everything youâre going through right now. Just know Lissa and I will keep you in our prayers.â
âI know you do, and thanks,â Trey said and disconnected. While he was waiting for Mackâs text, he called Dallas to let her know Trina had made it through surgery, then made the same call to Sam.
* * *
Samâs eyes were burning, and his shoulders ached. Heâd been driving in rain for over an hour, which was making it twice as difficult to see the highway. When his cell phone finally rang he almost jumped out of his skin.