Horner typed Reilly’s name into the Google search bar and scrolled through the list of hits. “Here’s something.” Horner paused. “Three years ago in Atlanta, a Reilly Warren was the victim of a brutal beating, sexual assault, and robbery. The perpetrator was caught and convicted.” Horner looked up. “His attacker was a crack addict and was later found to be HIV positive.”

“That would certainly give Reilly motivation to kill some drug addicts.”

“How did he know Gianna Leone?” Horner asked.

“I don’t know. But if he’s targeting drug addicts, he could very well have staked out the NA meetings. We did.”

“Let’s get an address and a warrant on Reilly Warren.”

Stella read the address. “He lives at the center.”

“You realize this lead is thin,” Horner said. “If you’re wrong, we’ll be raiding a medical facility for no reason.”

Stella was well aware that they were acting on a hunch, but the possibility of the department getting egg on its reputation didn’t factor into her decision.

If she was wrong, then Mac and Gianna were both going to die.

Brave Gianna had been through so much already. And Mac . . . At the thought of losing him, pressure built in Stella’s chest until she could barely breathe. No! Mac was going to be all right. She had to believe that. Otherwise, fear would cripple her, and then she’d be useless.

She forced a deep breath into her lungs. “It’s the best—and only—lead we have.”

Horner nodded. “Then let’s follow it. It’ll be daylight in an hour.”

“We can’t wait.”

“Sir, you can’t go in there.” Cecily’s shout came through the open door.

“Like hell.” A deep male voice boomed in the hallway.

Stella turned to see Grant in the doorway, his wide shoulders filling the space.

Horner rounded the table and confronted Grant.

Good luck stopping him, Horner.

Grant might be retired from the military, but he still wore battle-fit like a uniform. Horner rode a desk, not a tank.

As predicted, Grant plowed past him. He turned laser focus on Stella. “So you think he’s at the center. What’s the plan to get him out?”

Grant must have overheard their conversation.

“Grant, you’re a civilian. I can’t let you participate. This is going to be dangerous.”

“You need all the help you can get,” Grant said. “And I’m going in, with or without you. So don’t shoot me. FYI, my sister will probably be there, too.”

Frustration filled Stella’s throat. “Grant . . .”

He crossed his arms. “I can be in and out of there before you even get your official operation underway.”