“Nothing that pops at first glance.”

They had reasonable cause to suppose a crime had been committed and it was possible there were other victims inside.

“Want to wait for backup?” he asked the detective.

She shook her head. “We have units on the way but there could be other people in this house who might be in danger. We can’t risk waiting.”

He nodded. Human life always beat anything else and, given this killer’s reputation, it was plausible Debbie Abbot could still be alive inside—unless Debbie was the killer, or in league with Gleeson…

He couldn’t afford to assume anything until all the facts were known. He used the edge of his gloves to open the screen door with as little contact as possible. Then he held it open with his boot. He did the same with the main door, checking it and finding it unlocked. He exchanged a look with Signy who nodded. Ready. They had to move fast as soon as they opened the door, clear the fatal funnel where it was easy for a potential gunman to blast them to hell.

He went first with Signy on his heel. She kept her gun pointed at the floor until she was inside moving to the opposite corner from him.

They’d entered via a small kitchen. Blood smeared the table, a kitchen chair, the vinyl tile on the floor. He and the detective did their best to avoid stepping in the body fluids but there was a lot of it. Damn.

His mouth went dry. To think the killer wanted to do this to Darby. Eban needed so badly to nail this fucker so they could all go back to living their lives.

He led the way into a sunken lounge and they cleared each room on that level. Everything looked neat and tidy. No sign of anyone else on the property.

They hit the basement. Again. Empty.

“Where the hell is Debbie Abbot?” Signy asked.

“Do you know what vehicle she drives?” Eban asked.

Signy once again requested information. “She owns a silver sedan.” She reeled off the make and model and tag number.

“Let’s clear out for crime scene techs. And check the garage for the vehicle before we head back to the police station.” It would be at least an hour until Corinne was out of surgery and longer until she could be questioned. No point waiting at the hospital when they could spend the time working on the case.

They left the premises, careful not to touch anything unless they had to. The uniforms were waiting for them outside.

“House is clear. Wait here for the Evidence Techs, would you?” Signy asked. “Avoid treading on anything. These are the tracks and blood trail we want preserved.” She pointed at the one set along with the dripping blood. “These tracks belong to myself and Agent Winters.”

Eban retraced his steps and headed toward the garage. He tried the door with his gloved hand, weapon raised, Signy at his back.