D.D. scowled. “If you’re going to keep grilling me, I’m going to require take-out Chinese.”

“Deal.”

“Okay, then. First off, it’s not like we’re done investigating. We know the theory has more unanswered questions than answered ones. Which is why Phil is contacting the parole officers of any released inmates who once shared a unit with Shana Day. Who knows? Maybe one of them was released three months ago and, having spent quality time talking shop with Shana, has decided to embark on her own reign of terror, collecting skin. Maybe I even have a connection to that inmate. It’s possible. I’m already guessing it’s going to be a long list of interview subjects.”

Alex stilled. Across from her, his eyes took on a thoughtful gleam. “We’re back to the possibility the Rose Killer is a woman. Which takes on additional weight, given the number of female criminals who’ve come into contact with Shana Day over the years. If Shana is the key and has brought someone under her wing, so to speak, it seems most probable you’re looking for another female inmate, now out in the free world.”

“Again, lack of sexual assault, compression asphyxiation as COD . . . We’re still looking for Pat, not Bob,” D.D. agreed. “As for why target me . . . maybe we’re back to our first theory. I was there at the first crime scene, I surprised the killer, and even after being shoved down the stairs, I keep turning up. If our killer is a supervillain, well obviously I’m a supercop. We’re meant for each other.”

Alex gave her a look.

She ignored it. “Finally, you’re right about an inciting incident. There must be a reason these murders are happening now. Parole, frankly, of a female inmate who’s familiar with Shana Day is as good a one as any.”

“Timeline,” Alex stated. “I want timeline, I want motive, I want evidence. Then I want my wife to be safe. And not necessarily in that order.”

“Fine. Now, I want General Tso’s chicken. If not for me, then for Melvin.”

“Fucking Melvin,” he said.

She smiled, said softly, “I love you.”

He didn’t say it back. He didn’t have to. He kissed her, full on the lips.

Then picked up his keys and departed for take-out Chinese.

• • •

THE PHONE RANG five minutes later. D.D. was surprised to see that it was Adeline calling.

“Hey, I have a question for you,” D.D. stated immediately.

“About your shoulder?”

“No, your sister.”

The line was silent for a moment. When Adeline spoke again, her tone was more cautious. “Yes?”

“We’ve been operating under the assumption that your sister has some kind of partner beyond prison walls. And this partner has now taken up murdering victims in a style reminiscent of your father, Harry Day.”

“It’s a theory.”