Chapter Ten
The sound of thunder woke Rebecca. She opened her eyes, but quickly closed them as she listened to the sound of the rain against her window. She loved to sleep in on days like this. She rolled over and stretched out her arm. Opening her eyes and propping herself on one elbow she looked at the crumpled sheets where David had slept.
She needed him last night, and every feminine instinct she had told her he needed her too. She grabbed his pillow and pulled it close, inhaling his scent.
The sound of lightening forced her out of bed. Somehow, without David, it just wasn't any fun to stay in bed.
She quickly showered, and dressed and gave one last lingering look at her bed, when the door to her bedroom opened. Rebecca stared.
Something was wrong, and a chill washed over her as the residual feelings of her nightmare returned.
"David, what is it?
He ran his hand over his goatee, walked over to her and gently sat her down on the bed.
"David, you're scaring me." He grabbed her hand and squeezed.
"David?"
"Bec, honey last night there was another murder."
Rebecca didn't move.
"A hiker." David continued.
Rebecca couldn't speak.
"Her MO was the same as the first victim."
For a moment even the sound of the clock on the mantel above the fireplace seemed to slow.
"Bec?"
"Where was she found?"
He didn't answer.
Suddenly the nightmare she had last night came crashing down around her. She took a deep breath, "Not here." She whispered.
David nodded.
"She was found on the steps this morning. The sheriff is down there with the team, but I wanted to prepare you."
Rebecca felt her will and resolve harden. Not again. This was not happening to her again. This time she could care less who it hurt, this time she would catch the bastard.
She pulled her hand from David's and rose; walking to her closet she flipped on the light and pushed her clothes to one side. She grabbed the dial of the wall save and began turning the combination.
It clicked open.
"Bec, you don't have to do this?"
"Really, David?"
"Damn it, Bec! Why?"
Rebecca turned to look at him. Standing in her doorway, the concern for her etched in his face, she wanted nothing more than to sink into the safety of his arms.
"You know why."
For a long time neither moved.
"How long's it been?" David asked, jerking his head in the direction of the open safe.
She reached into the wall safe and pulled out her gun harness and slipped it on. The small safety box inside felt heavier than she remembered. She opened it and took out the Glock, slid the clip in place and holstered the weapon.
"Once a week, I go to the hunting lodge. I'm not defenseless, David. I could still pass the firearms qualification at Quantico." Rebecca clench her jaw. Ten years ago, Quantico had been her life.. She walked out of the closet, determination building with each step.
He grabbed her arm, "Hey, he won't get away with it. We'll get him this time. I promise."
Rebecca avoided his eyes. She was afraid of the hurt, afraid of the pain and memories she might see reflected in them.
Ten years ago he'd made the same promise.
"This time," she whispered - two words that just sort of hung there, not a question, not a statement, just a reminder of what should have been.
She looked at his hand, resting on her arm.
"I know I said the same thing ten years ago, but that team downstairs is the best there is, Bec. We will get him this time."
Rebecca didn't even want to think about how badly she needed what he said to be true. But she couldn't depend on David or his team. It was time to be a profiler again. She had to put what she'd become behind her. She looked up and blinked back the tears.
"Before or after he kills someone else's sister."