“And you’ve done an excellent job.”

She considered her options, which weren’t many. If she ignored the possibility of a serial killer and more died, she’d have to live with that for the rest of her life. That would be harder than unemployment. “I get first look at what you find?”

“Absolutely.”

Sylvie studied him, weighing the possibilities. She could say no, and Gabriel would simply find another person to get him his information. Or she could say yes and maybe make the biggest collar of her career.

“Tonight. Nine P.M. If you’re a second late, boy, the deal is off.”

“Gotcha.”

“Then get.”

Chapter 14

“Erin, we’re going on a trip.” Gabriel leaned against the apartment building’s redbrick sidewall and spoke into the intercom.

“I’ll be down in a minute,” came the quiet response.

He could hear the hesitation in her voice as it emerged tinny from the metal box. More subtle was the undertone of defeat. He wouldn’t allow her to cave in, Gabriel thought, to let a madman win.

Alert, Gabriel turned as Erin pushed open the lobby door. She stopped and double-checked the security plate for the red light to indicate the door had locked behind her. She’d changed clothes from earlier, he discovered quickly. The oversize outfit had been replaced by slim-fitting black pants, black shoes, and a black T-shirt that snugged over generous curves. The silky ebony hair he longed to dip his hands into again had been confined once more, but this time into a tumble of curls secured at her nape.

The transformation was breathtaking. When he realized he’d been holding his own, he forced himself to speak. “You look like you’re ready to scale walls or break and enter.”

Pausing beside him, she said, “I decided I should dress for anything.” She reached the derelict Jeep and lifted the handle. Once. Twice. After the third failed attempt to open the door, she shot a glance over her shoulder at an attentive Gabriel. “I assume there’s a trick to the door?”

Gabriel pushed away from the wall and ambled forward. Around him, night had settled over St. Bennett, but the lamplight splintered golden over Erin’s sexy face. The arched brow spoke clearly of her disdain for his vehicle. He jangled the car keys gripped in his hand beneath her nose. With deadpan delivery, he explained, “A trick to the door? Well, unlocking it seems to help.”

Erin bit back a retort and tried to step aside to give him access. Simultaneously, Gabriel moved closer and reached past her to the lock. His arm caged her between him and the frame, and their bodies brushed for an interminable instant. Then the key turned easily in the slot and he opened the door. When he touched her elbow to help her inside, she started at the contact.