Holiday in Death (In Death #7)(43)

“The homicides under my investigation were committed by the same person. Personally Yours appears to be the source of the victims. You can go on air with that.”

“The dating service.” All traces of annoyance faded as Nadine smiled. Eve’s subtle hint had nudged her into research on every dating service in the city. She would be able to plug in the correct data and flesh out her report with the flick of a couple of buttons.

“That’s right.”

“What can you give me on it?”

“Most of my notes are on my office unit.” But Nadine pulled out her PPC and called up data. “You have all the standard already: owners, length of time in business, requirements. They do some pricey ads on our station. Shelled out… a cool two mil last year on screen ads. Our credit checks showed they can afford it, that’s less than ten percent of their gross.”

“Romance is profitable.”

“Damn right. I did an informal poll at the station. About fifteen percent of the talent and crew have used services. Informing the public takes a toll on the personal life,” she added lightly.

“Anybody you like use Personally Yours?”

“Probably.” Nadine cocked her head. “I like a lot of people, being the friendly, sociable sort. Should I be worried about them?”

“All three victims used the dating service, two knew each other casually through it. As yet, we’ve found no other connection among them.”

“So… your guy’s trolling for lonely hearts.” And that was a hell of a lead, Nadine decided, already running copy in her head.

“We suspect that Personally Yours is his source.” Eve wanted that one element hammered in. She didn’t intend to give Nadine much more. “The task force, formed today, is pursuing all avenues of investigation.”

“Leads?”

“Are being checked out. I’m not giving you specifics on this, Nadine.”

“Suspects?” Nadine said doggedly.

“Interviews are under way.”

“Motive?”

Eve considered a moment. “They’re sexual homicides.”

“Ah. Well, that would fit. You got a bisexual killer? One of the victims was male, two were female.”

“I can’t confirm or deny the killer’s sexual preferences.” She thought of Donnie Ray, and guilt scraped along her stomach. “The victims have admitted the killer into their homes. There was no sign of forced entry in any case.”

“They opened the door to him? They knew him?”

“They thought they did. You can advise your viewing audience to think twice before opening their door to anyone they don’t know on a personal level. I can’t give you any more without compromising the investigation.”

“He’s killed three times in less than a week. He’s in a hurry.”

“He has a program,” Eve said. “That’s not for on air. He has a schedule, a pattern, and that’s how we’ll get him.”

“Give me a quick one-on-one remote, Dallas. I can have a camera in here in ten minutes.”

“No. Not yet,” she added before Nadine could bitch about it. “You’ve got more than I’ve given anyone. Take it and be grateful. I’ll give you a one-on-one if and when I can. I’d be more inclined if, after you corner Piper and Rudy, you tell me what you get.”

Nadine arched a brow. “Quid pro quo. Fine. I’m heading over there now. Once I — ” She broke off, her mouth dropping open as Peabody rushed in the door.

“Dallas, you wouldn’t believe — Hi, Nadine.”

“Is that you, Peabody?”

Though Peabody struggled to maintain a casual air, her lips twitched up in a smile. “Yeah, I just had a little work done.”

“A little. You look fabulous. Is that one of Leonardo’s designs? It’s just absolutely mag.” She was up, circling Peabody.

“Yeah, it’s one of his. It really works on me, doesn’t it?”

“Peabody, you rock.” Laughing, Nadine stepped back. Then her smile began to sharpen; her eyes narrowed. “You let your aide play dress-up in the middle of a murder investigation?” Nadine began, turning to Eve. “I don’t think so. I’d say what we have here is a very slick undercover scam. Trying the wonders of computer dating, Peabody?”

“Close the door, Peabody.” At Eve’s flat command, Peabody inched in and shut the door at her back. “Nadine, if you leak this, I’ll cut you off. I’ll see to it that there isn’t a cop here at Central who gives you the day of the week much less a story lead. Then I’ll get nasty.”

Nadine’s fox-sly smile faded. Her eyes went dark and dull. “You think I’d f**k with your investigation? You think I’d go on with data that could put Peabody in a jam? Go to hell, Dallas.” She scooped up her bag and swung toward the door. But Eve was quicker.

“I put her ass on the line.” Furious with herself, Eve yanked the purse out of Nadine’s hands and tossed it. “I made the call, and if anything goes wrong, it’s on me,”

“Dallas — “

“Shut up,” she snapped at Peabody. “If it hurts your feelings to know just how far I’d go to protect her cover and this case, that’s too damn bad.”