Her nerves were so on fire that the moment a shadow passed over the door, Ruby's attention flicked up, half-expecting Vallejo himself to be standing in the threshold.

Instead, Gabe leaned into the door frame.

“Marcia's not cracking,” he said, running a hand through his hair.

“Because she isn't the killer,” Ruby replied.

Gabe groaned.

“Not this again,” he said.

Ruby turned the computer screen, ushering Gabe toward her with a hasty gesture.

“No, listen. What you said about your brother... It got me thinking. All three of our victims had an older and younger sibling. Even Vanessa De Vries,” Ruby began, “I ran a search and look at this.”

She let Gabe look at the screen, watching as his brow furrowed.

“Both of these women are the middle children from their families. They're associated with 13. They even have a potential fall guy to lead us astray.”

Gabe took this information in. Ruby held her breath, waiting for his response. She needed him now. There were two potential victims and two of them.

“We need to check on them,” Ruby said.

Finally, Gabe stepped back. He looked her over and Ruby had the distinct impression that he was reading her like a book.

“Okay, I'm in. Marcia isn't going anywhere anytime soon,” Gabe said, “so we've got nothing to lose if you're wrong and everything to gain if you're right.”

A flood of relief washed through her, and it was just as quickly replaced by newfound determination.

“We have to go now. The other mis-directions, those were on purpose. Reuben was off the script. The killer could be feeling the pressure right now,” Ruby said. “I'll send you Amelia Brady's address. I'll go see Dana Jacobson.”

Gabe nodded.

“You got it, partner,” he said.

He rubbed his hands over his face, forcing himself into attention after a long night in interrogation. Ruby was feeling the effects of exhaustion too, but waiting could mean the difference between life and death.

It was now or never. Ruby just hoped they weren't already too late.

CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN

The FBI were busy interrogating the wrong person, but John had his eyes on his new target. His little games of cat and mouse were becoming more enjoyable. Each new victim brought a new planted suspect for Agent Hunter to waste time on. John could play this game forever.

Already, he had his false lead planted for his next victim. Her life had not been easy, but that was what made her perfect. She was everything John needed her to be and more.

He waited. John fidgeted in anticipation, but Vallejo had instilled patience in him. Now was not the time to jump the gun.

He could tell she would be special. He wanted to take his time with her.

There was only the glow of spaced out streetlights. It was dead silent.