Chilled (Bone Secrets, #2)(66)

He shivered, his smile steady.

Alex would never stand idle after the threat he’d made about the woman. It wasn’t really a threat. Darrin had simply made an observation, but Alex would see it as a threat. Darrin had always been particular about the nurses he chose. He’d looked for different things when he decided to put patients out of their misery, but for the nurses they had to be beautiful. They had to have that special internal glow that radiated. He’d needed to feel the power that came from destroying that beauty. Even as she’d fought against the hands around her neck that special element shone in her eyes.

It’d made him want to smash it, annihilate it, and then drink it in.

The rush…

He exhaled heavily.

Would they come after him? He fingered the gun in his pocket. It was awkward, bulky, and didn’t feel comfortable in his hands. He could use it if he had to, but he’d shot a handgun only twice in his life. It was doubtful his aim would be any good. Maybe he shouldn’t have challenged them. He swore under his breath. There were four men. And they were probably all armed.

Suddenly his message on the ceiling of the cockpit didn’t seem too smart.

Why had he confronted Alex that way? He should have just let him leave and then followed.

Darrin screwed his eyes shut. He hadn’t been able to stop himself. It was like one of their sessions where he’d thrown Kinton scraps of information and watched him grovel for more. He’d loved the power he held over Alex Kinton during those times. Like the session where he’d started talking about Olivia Short. The police hadn’t located her body by the time he’d been arrested. Darrin had been grilled by some sharp detectives but hadn’t revealed her whereabouts. It’d been one of the factors that he’d used to negotiate his visits with Alex. He’d offered to possibly reveal the resting places of the three women still missing, but only to Alex Kinton. The three women the police knew about, anyway.

Darrin leaned against a tree and sighed.

Alex had still been with the marshals’ office at that point of their relationship. At their session, Alex had looked like he hadn’t slept in a week. And most surprising, he’d pulled a pack of cigarettes out of his coat pocket that he proceded to chain-smoke through the session.

At first Alex had just sat in the cold little room, his eyes on the table as he fingered his cigarette. It’d been one of those typical interview rooms. A bland box. No windows. Scavenged furniture. A camera in the upper corner. Darrin’s demands had been for the camera to be turned off during their sessions. Alex had agreed. The only witness had been a cop who stood directly outside the door and occasionally peeked through the skinny rectangle window. And the cop couldn’t hear a thing.

Alex’s technique with the cigarettes had been awkward, and Darrin knew the habit was recently formed. His chest had swelled with pleasure. He’d caused that habit.

“What’d you do this week?”

Alex hadn’t met his eyes as he flicked ash into an ashtray. “Nothing.” He’d sat casually in his hard chair. He’d dressed neatly in jeans and a jacket, but there was a feral look about his eyes that spoke of restless nights.

Darrin had frowned and tried again. “Did you watch American Idol?”

Alex had snorted, one side of his mouth lifting. “Fuck, no.”

“You should. There are some very talented kids on that show. Some can really sing. Beautiful girls too.”

Alex’s gaze had flown to meet his.

Gotcha.

“I like the girl from the Philippines. She’s got an amazing range.”

Alex had inhaled heavily on his cigarette, gaze still locked with Darrin’s.

Darrin’s heart had slowed. It was like meth rushing through his system, and he’d wanted to stretch out the effects. He’d breathe shallowly and let the high seep through his body. If he kept calm, the buzz would linger.

“It was county music night. I hate country music, but she managed to transcend the twanginess. Truly a great performance by a beautiful girl. She reminded me of Olivia.”

Alex’s lashes had twitched ever so slightly, but Darrin had been watching closely and spotted it. “Olivia?” Alex’s voice had been purposefully casual. Darrin had inhaled and tasted the curiosity that permeated the air between them.

Darrin had swallowed and smiled. “Oh, yes. Olivia. She was from Hawaii or something originally, right? Long black hair, dark eyes, wide smile. Gorgeous.”

The room temperature had perked, but Alex hadn’t moved. He had charged the air in the room without moving a muscle. Darrin had casually moved his gaze to the small window where he could see the back of the guard’s head.

He’d let Alex sweat a little. He’d known better than to ask Darrin any direct questions. He’d known he’d have to wait until Darrin was ready to talk about Olivia. When Darrin had told him of Megan’s resting place, he’d drawn the facts out over three sessions.

He’d looked back at Alex. Alex had been acting casual, focusing on a blank spot on the wall, but the fingers holding the cigarette had quivered for a split second. Lovely.

Darrin had rested his chin on one hand and thrummed his fingers on the table. It was an art. If he gave too little, Alex would simply leave. If he gave too much, it would be over too soon. It was a delicate balance to keep Alex sitting across from him. One time he’d said too little and Alex hadn’t come back for several months.