Tony cleared his throat, and his gaze dropped to his hands now curled into fists. ‘What about that case a couple years back when Orlando Griego murdered that twelve-year-old girl’s entire family and decided at the last minute to keep her instead of killing her along with the others?’

Cord’s lips flattened into a frustrated scowl. ‘Yeah, and as soon as she turned thirteen, what did he use her for? So, that just plays back into the theory the girls were taken for sexually sadistic purposes.’

Tony’s face flushed a rainbow of colors. ‘Maybe that wasn’t the best example,’ he mumbled.

‘Regardless,’ Joe said, his eyes trained on his friend and partner, ‘whatever the reason our killer took Addis and Emerson, my gut tells me they’re alive.’ He pointed to the graphic images of Gabriel and Lydia. ‘He’s clearly not afraid of the violence. Or maybe he’s a killer with a conscience.’ He snorted as if the very concept was ludicrous.

‘Yeah, well, that still leaves him with two eyewitnesses, so he’s gotta do something with them, doesn’t he?’ Hal asked glumly.

Alyssa’s phone chimed with a text message stealing her attention away from the possible motives and theories being batted around. She peeked down and saw it was from Liz Waterson, forensic artist and a member of their team.

Hey Lys, just dropping a quick line to tell you my services have been requested down in Cruces. 23yo female was attacked in her home, sexually assaulted, shot, and left for dead. Miracle of all miracles, she survived and was able to give a complete description. I’m heading out now. Not sure when I’ll be back.

Alyssa wasn’t the least bit surprised that Liz had jumped on board to make the three-hour trek. After all, their paths had crossed when Liz’s sister, Amanda, had been attacked in a remarkably similar fashion. Unfortunately, her sister hadn’t survived the ordeal. Within a week of being handed the case, Alyssa had hunted down the killer, and shortly after, Liz had requested to be transferred to the same precinct. They’d been teammates and friends ever since. Alyssa hit reply.

Thanks for letting me know. I’ll tell the team. Good luck, stay safe, and keep me posted.

Will do.