He scanned the campus, but it was quiet with only the occasional lone figure hunched against the brutal wind as they walked to their vehicles.

He’d picked up burgers and fries from a drive-through on the way over, but he’d had to coax Darby to eat anything.

He was worried about her. She was too thin. Too fragile-looking. He’d seen photographs prior to her abduction and her face had been rounder, cheeks fuller. Her experiences were now sculpted in the sharp cut of her cheekbones, painted in the dark shadows beneath her eyes. Her gaze once again held that haunted look, just as she’d started to recover the joyful spark he’d seen in those earlier pictures.

That comment from the store clerk had jolted her.

It had probably been the first time she’d understood that her life had once again been irrevocably altered. Unless they could find the murderer, and prove without doubt their guilt, Darby might never be free of suspicion. She might never be safe here.

She pulled out her entry keycard for the building, but they didn’t need it. A small group of students exited, and they slipped inside.

Eban didn’t miss the startled look one of the students sent Darby, but she was lost so deep in thought she didn’t appear to notice.

The security was typical for a place like this and most buildings would be easy to access to someone who understood human behavior. With the right amount of confidence and a little social engineering, some people could gain access to even the most fortified of places. And for a guy like him? He could whip out his badge and get inside almost anywhere, including Fairbanks Police Department.

Who was this killer? How sophisticated were they?

“This way.” Darby gave him an uncertain smile.

Her skin was pale. The smattering of freckles over the bridge of her nose looked pronounced in this light. Was she worried about her reception with her colleagues? She’d always espoused what a great place this was to work and how friendly everyone was. Now she seemed uncertain. Who could blame her?

She’d had a hell of a day and Eban had the horrible feeling it wasn’t over yet.

They walked through a brightly lit lobby, passed colorful stained-glass artwork on the walls. She led them to the stairs and they went up a couple of floors. Darby didn’t like enclosed spaces and only took the elevator when there was no other option.

“We’re a hub for multiple data streams that come into this facility. It makes monitoring and collaboration between different disciplines and organizations much easier to accomplish.” Her expression brightened a little when she spoke about her work. That was always her happy place.

He ignored the obvious issues and kept things light. “I guess that explains the enormous satellite dish on the roof.”

“There are several satellites on and near campus. I can tell you about what each of them does if you want…”

He grinned and shook his head. “I’ll let you know if I need a rundown.”