She walked away quickly because she realized even before the eruption was out of her mouth that it was a bit too much. And in knowing that, she felt another emotion rocketing up beyond her anger. She wasnt quite sure if it was guilt or plain old sadness, but she felt tears stinging the corners of her eyes. Before Jack had the chance to make another comment, she hurried away, storming back to the end of the bridge.

When she arrived back at the car, she got behind the wheel and waited. She looked back up to the High Bridge and saw Jacks shape up there. He was walking back to the car, but very slowly. Even then, she knew she should apologize to him but the mere idea of even opening that opportunity up felt too vulnerable. And vulnerability in tandem with the anger and hatred she currently felt toward Alex Lynchs little prank created a very dangerous mix indeed.

Jack took his time getting back to the car; she assumed it was to give them both time to cool down. He didnt look hurt or offended when he got in the car, though his face had taken on an almost stony appearance.

We need to find a hotel, Jack said. We both need to rest before this case gets any worse. He did not look at her, keeping his eyes straight ahead on the Harlem River.

Yeah, was all she said. And though she knew she needed to get some sleep soon, she could also feel the weight of the night on the horizon. They still had a few hours but with the feeling that another murder was almost certain, she didnt want to waste a single moment of daylight.

She started the engine and backed the car away from the bridge. Rachel had no idea what she felt was more pressing: putting a stop to Alex Lynchs little games or committing every bit of her strength to finding this bridge killer. What she did know was that if neither was solved by tomorrow morning, the next few days were going to be incredibly hard.

CHAPTER TWENTY ONE

They got separate rooms located directly beside one another. During check-in and the walk to the rooms, Rachel was acutely aware of the fact that Jack didnt say a single word to her. He didnt so much as glance in her direction as they unlocked their rooms side-by-side. He simply stepped inside and closed his door, leaving Rachel to stew in the knowledge that shed gone a bit too far when she snapped at him.