“Your team sets up in a hotel as you suggested. I’d use false names as this might be a city, but it has a small-town vibe when it comes to everyone knowing everyone else’s business. If the media pick up your arrival your cover is blown. Rent two adjoining suites and Darby can work in one room during the day while we use another to work the case.”

“And?”

Eban strode to the window and looked out at the snowy landscape. “Once I’m satisfied the decoy idea is going to work, Darby can fly to Quantico with a protection detail that Quentin Savage and I arrange. You and I will continue the investigation and try to catch this sonofabitch before he kills anyone else.”

Frazer was silent for a moment. “I can work with that, SSA Winters.”

“Good.” Eban watched Darby taking everything in via the reflection of the glass. “You better call Chief Jacobs and warn him what’s about to happen.”

“I will. You better get ready for the vigil.”

Shit. Eban closed his eyes as he remembered the vigil for Adele Surrey planned for tonight. Serial killers often turned up at vigils and memorial services and graves. “How exactly do I attend that with Darby by my side and most of the town still believing she is somehow responsible for these murders?”

Frazer gave a humorless laugh. “You’re the hotshot negotiator. I am sure you’ll come up with something.” The ASAC hung up and Eban wanted to smash the phone into the floor.

“What’s going on?” asked Darby with her arms crossed tight across her chest. “Has someone else been hurt?”

Eban shook his head and closed his eyes. How the hell was he going to tell her a serial killer might have made her his focus? And that putting her in danger might be the best way of ultimately keeping her safe?

* * *

Darby did not like the expression on Eban’s face.

“What’s going on?” she repeated.

Eban slowly laid his cell phone on the dining table.

It looked like their afternoon of relaxation was officially over. “Is someone threatening your job? Is that what I heard?”

He gave a short laugh. “My job isn’t important compared to your safety.”

Darby pulled the towel from her hair and untangled the wet strands with her fingers. “Your job is important to you. I know it is.” He rescued people. He saved people’s lives. “What I don’t understand is what changed about this whole awful situation with that one phone call.”

Eban remained frustratingly silent.

Apprehension clawed at her. “Is Quentin okay?”

“Yeah.” He dragged both hands through his hair, making it stand up on end. “I need to call him. He’ll be fine. You’ll be fine.”

Darby frowned. None of this was making sense. She grabbed her hairbrush out of the bathroom and dragged it through her wet hair.

“Who was on the phone? Why were they threatening your job?” Anger started to move through her. The idea of her being the reason he was in trouble with his superiors didn’t sit well, especially as that had been one of the reasons he’d avoided getting involved with her all along.