Christmas Lights Killer by R. Barri Flowers

Author:R. Barri Flowers
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2023-07-18T20:08:10+00:00

* * *

ANNETTE HAD JUST walked into her home after work, anticipating being wined and dined by Hamilton and the potential beyond that, when her cell phone rang for a video chat request from her oldest sibling, Scott. She smiled at the thought of speaking with him, and leaned against the wall in the living room before accepting the call. “Hey, you,” she said ardently.

“Hey.” Scott grinned at her, his handsome features enhanced by solid gray eyes and black hair that was thick and in a comb-over fade style. An FBI special agent in the Bureau’s field office at Louisville, Kentucky, he worked cold case investigations and was married, like their brother Russell. Annette envied both in that respect, while wondering if and when she and their sister, Madison, would tie the knot. “Wanted to make sure you’re still on for Christmas,” Scott said. “Next up for my pressure tactics is Russell.”

Annette chuckled. “We’ll both be there,” she promised, not feeling as though she could back out now. “So will Madison. Even heard through the grapevine that cousin Gavin plans to show up.” Gavin Lynley was a special agent for the Corrections Investigation Division’s Special Operations Unit of the Mississippi Department of Corrections, and the next closest thing to a Lynley sibling.

“Seriously?” Scott’s eyes widened. “That’s news to me.”

“Better give him a buzz and confirm his attendance,” she suggested.

“I will.” He furrowed his brow. “So, what’s the latest news on your serial killer investigation?”

Annette brought him up to date on the developments. “With the sheriff’s department, the state police and even a couple of your colleagues with the Bureau all working together, we’re hoping to stop this before anyone else is killed.” She only wondered if that was possible. Especially if the DNA test results on the DeLuca brothers came back negative.

“Yeah, that’s always the hope,” Scott said. “Unfortunately, sometimes the trail runs cold. That’s where I come in.”

“You’re obviously very good at your job, Scott,” she told him, “but our unsub is unlikely to stop what he’s doing voluntarily, and this is unlikely to turn into a cold case.”

Scott angled his face. “Which is a good thing,” he stressed. “The sooner the perp can be flushed out, the better for the investigative team and community.”

“I couldn’t agree more.” Annette imagined that he and Hamilton would get along great and have lots to talk about. She hoped the opportunity presented itself someday. “Well, hate to cut this short, but I have a dinner engagement to get ready for.”

“Is that so?” Scott teased her. “Are we dating someone again?”

“I’ll let you know,” she said simply, recalling the show of support from her family after things had gone sour with her last boyfriend. Annette preferred not to get ahead of herself on where things were headed with Hamilton, not wanting to jinx it.

“Good enough,” Scott said without further prying.

Annette smiled. “Tell Paula I said hi.” Like Scott, Paula, his wife, was also a member of the law enforcement community.

“Will do.”

Upon disconnecting, Annette took a quick shower.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.