Anger rippled through him. That bitch had more lives than a fucking cat. When he saw the pathologist from the lab get into Jenna’s car, he was tempted to stop him, but if he had, he would have blown his cover. Shit. Now he’d have to figure out some other way to kill her.

He had to smile a little bit though. The look on Bonita’s face had been priceless when he witnessed his friend go up in flames. For a moment, he thought Jenna was going to faint. Ha. Maybe now they’d get the hint that no one was going to stop him or his brother until they’d touched the lives of everyone Jenna and her dad cared about.

He was actually getting into this killing stuff. It gave him power, and made him feel like a man.

Once he peeled off his rubber mask, he stuffed the latex face into his pocket. He’d burn it later so they couldn’t retrieve any DNA off the inside. No sirree. He’d been careful in everything he’d done.

He wiggled his nose and mouth to get rid of the constricting feeling from the rubber. Ignacio had made several realistic masks for him over the years. Perhaps it was time to pay the man a visit. Loose ends had a way of coming back to haunt you.

Gina rushed into Sam’s lab. “We have a break.”

Jenna jumped up, and Sam straightened. Both rushed over to her. “What?”

“There were security cameras inside the hospital that our man didn’t disable until after he reached the security center itself to disabled those. Does that make sense?”

“So we have a picture of him entering the security center?” Jenna couldn’t keep her hands from gesturing.

“Yes. The hospital just sent the footage over to us. Edwardo Lopez is going over the film with Phil right now. Our perp is about five ten, a little overweight, has blond hair, a goatee and a bad complexion. Unfortunately, he was wearing a cap, so his eyes won’t show.”

“Age?” Jenna asked.

Gina shrugged. “I left before Edwardo finished.”

That description fit the bill for half of America. “So now what?” Jenna asked, her gaze shifting from Gina to Sam.

Gina’s gaze dropped to the ground for a second. “The man was wearing a security uniform.”

Sam slapped the counter. “Shit. No wonder he was able to move around without raising suspicion.” He snapped his fingers. “That sounds like the man who asked Jenna and me to move away from the fire. I was so focused on Chance, I didn’t look at his face. I do remember he had a heavy Boston accent.”

“Phil received news that the real security man was killed,” Gina said. “His throat was cut.”

Sam slapped the counter. “I hate this. I have to do something.”

A sizzle of fear snapped Jenna into gear. “You’re not a cop. We don’t need any vigilantes running around.” Both Gina and Sam froze at her attack. “Sorry.” Perhaps her tone had been over the top. Her dad’s pet peeve was civilians trying to do a cop’s job. “I don’t want the same thing happening to Sam that happened to Chance, that’s all.”

Sam stepped next to her and wrapped an arm around her waist, sending a refreshing jolt up her back. “Don’t worry about me. I’ll be uber careful. I promise.”

“That’s probably what Chance thought too.” Poor Carla. Oh, shit. “Chance was on his way to feed Carla’s dog. He never made it and we don’t have the keys to her place.”

Sam exchanged a glance with Gina. “Do you know if Carla donated to the key caddy?”

“A key caddy? What’s that?” Jenna asked.

Gina shrugged. “It’s where you put one of your house keys in a storage closet. In case you lock yourself out, there’s always a spare.”

“That doesn’t sound very safe.”

Gina’s brows rose. “You have to go through Phil to get to the closet. He may be in a wheelchair, but the guy can fend off anyone.”

Jenna doubted that, but from the dreamy way Gina said it, Jenna wasn’t going to burst her bubble.

“I’ll see about the key and take care of the dog.” Gina pulled open the heavy metal door and disappeared down the hall.

Once she left, Sam returned to his bones. Jenna was halfway to the computer station on the other side of the room when he rapped his knuckles on the gurney. She spun around.

“I wonder if the same person who knifed the security guard cut Carla,” he said.

Jenna shrugged. “It was the same M.O. Maybe he followed the ambulance to the hospital and waited to see who would come. When he saw us arrive en masse, he decided to take us out—or as many as he could.”

“Sick.” Sam held up a finger and pulled out his phone. A moment later he discontinued. “Eric Markowitz is in autopsy right now with the guard. He’ll be able to tell the type of knife used to slit the man’s throat.”

“How long will that take?” As a cop, she knew. As a civilian, she needed to ask.

“Not long. Cause of death was evident.”

“Did Eric see Carla’s wound? He’ll need to in order to compare weapons.”

“I imagine he’ll contact the surgeon for the information.”

Jenna sat down, her mind racing through the events. “You do know that we have to sneak back into Deidra’s back room, don’t you, to see about the head we found?”

A low growl came out of Sam. “No freaking way. It’s too dangerous. What made you think of that?”

“Deidra is somehow involved in all of this. That’s why I was targeted. Maybe she was mad because I quit.” Or because she figured out I was a cop.

“When did you quit?”

“I called her two days ago.” Jenna smiled.

Sam stepped over to her and pulled her to his chest. “As far as sneaking back into that room, the answer is no. Weren’t you the one who said to let the cops do their job?”

“Yes, but—”

“No buts. You are not going to do anything regarding this case. I don’t want to have to worry about keeping you safe.” Sam ran a thumb over her lips and her mind switched gears. If only Sam would heed his own advice, she could relax.

“Maybe you’re right.” To argue would be to admit who she was, and that she’d lied.

“Damn right, I’m right. The police will find this guy. Phil will see to it.”

Everyone seemed to think Phil walked on water. Jenna wanted to scream that she was the police and this was her case. Unfortunately, she’d grown attached to this neat freak and didn’t want to jeopardize what relationship she did have with him.

He kissed each eye and Jenna could feel her jaw unclench. “Mmm. I think I need more of that.” She reached up and pulled his face toward her. His eyes were slightly bloodshot and his hair ruffled, but to her, he belonged in a GQ ad. Her thoughts traveled south as she pushed away the horrors of the day.

When she lifted her lips to his, Jenna pressed her hips forward, relishing the contact—the very hard contact. She liked how Sam found her attractive. Their lips locked just as the lab door swung open. Again. Shit.

As if Sam had been stung, he leapt back. Sam swung around. “Jenna, this is Eric Markowitz. He was Chance’s boss, if only for a short time, and who Phil assigned to autopsy the hospital security guard.”

Age had not been kind to this man if the number of wrinkles present were any indication. “I’m so sorry for your loss,” Jenna said. Dr. Markowitz may not have known Chance long, but he seemed to have touched everyone he’d met.

“Thank you.” He inhaled and straightened his shoulders. “I came to tell you I finished. The hospital just contacted Phil. Man’s name is... or rather was, Alfred Witterd. I just spoke with Carla’s surgeon and asked him to fax over the photos of her injury. From what I could tell, the knife slice on Alfred’s throat seems consistent with that of Carla’s wound.”

“So the same person hurt them both?” Jenna asked.

“I believe so.”

Jenna woke up late and out of sorts, which wasn’t surprising considering the recent events—Carla’s stabbing, Chance’s death, and her car being blown to smithereens. To top it off, she’d called her dad—out of Sam’s earshot—and told him about her car. Somehow, he managed to twist things to make it appear as if she was at fault somehow.

All in all, today had started off bad. What was worse was the fact that Sam had barely spoken to her when they returned home last night. He’d been moody, agitated, and quite jittery. She’d never seen him like that before. Yes, his good friend from school had died, and one of his coworkers was in the hospital, but when she’d tried to discuss both tragedies, he pretended he had things to do in the bedroom, and that all was well. Now that was a lie if she’d ever heard one.

She carried her bowl of cereal over to the table, hoping he’d be in a better mood this morning. Only a cup of half empty coffee sat in front of him. “Aren’t you eating anything?”

His jaw clenched. “Can’t.”

“You need your strength if you plan to put in a full day.” God, she sounded like her dad. Sam speared her a glare. Guess he didn’t like to be nagged. “Sorry.”

His face softened as he reached over and grabbed her hand. “No, I’m the one who’s sorry. It’s just that I’m used to being in control, and whoever is attacking the lab workers is pissing me off.” He withdrew his hand and dragged his fingers down his unshaven face. “I feel helpless.” He turned to her. “I don’t want to lose you too.”

His heartfelt comment nearly toppled her. Jenna searched his eyes for the depth of his caring. She blinked then cast her gaze downward. Did she want him to care? Was she falling under his spell?

Reason intruded. He’d dump her once he found out she’d been lying to him. Tell him. Now.

Sam touched her shoulder. “Jenna, are you okay?”

“Peachy.” Her courage disappeared with his dreamy look. Before she did or said something dumb, she shoved her chair back. “I’m going to see Carla.”

“Aren’t you going to finish your breakfast? Or is eating important for only me and not for you?”

“I’m not hungry.”

Sam stood. “Let me clean up, and I’ll drive you.”

“Crap. I forgot I don’t have a car.” Until she received her insurance check, she couldn’t afford to buy a new one. And she sure as hell wouldn’t ask Dad for a loan. She threw the cereal down the disposal and left the dishes in the sink. After picking out a warm jacket, she stepped outside to wait for Sam. The cold, overcast day matched her mood, since she didn’t want the good weather to bolster her depression. For some reason, she needed to wallow in her pain for a while. She deserved it. If she’d been able to tie Deidra to the killings, none of this would have happened.

Sam trotted out the door. “I want to install a security system for your place.”

“You going to pay for it?” She hadn’t meant to sound bitter, but her Holliday spirit was beginning to flag under the pressure. She waved a hand. “It’s a good idea. I’ll call for quotes on Monday.” And figure out later how to pay for it.

“I want to stop at the lab first if that’s okay.”

“Sure.”

When they pulled up to the front, Marlon Giombetti was standing by the main entrance. Crap. What the hell was he doing here? He’d give her away for sure.

“I’m...um...not feeling well. Would you mind taking me home?” Jenna covered the side of her face with her hand to prevent Marlon from identifying her.

First his brows furrowed, and then rose. He must have seen through her deception. “What’s wrong?

She rubbed her belly. “My stomach is suddenly upset.”

Stupid Marlon was waltzing toward them. Damn, damn, double damn. He’d blow her cover for sure. Guy never could keep his mouth shut.

Sam’s gaze shot from her to Marlon and back again. “You know him?”

Think. Think. “Yes, we went out a few times.”

“Good, then you’ll feel comfortable having him shadow you.”

Anger ripped up her spine. “Shadow me? As in by my bodyguard? Are you sh—kidding me?”

“Nope.”

“Is this your doing?”

“I asked Phil to find someone to escort you. I know you have places to go, and I have work to do. I’m not taking any chances that something might happen to you.”

Sam’s tender tone did soften her frustration. “Did he have to find Marlon of all people? The guy couldn’t shoot the side of a barn, and he’s afraid of his own shadow.”

Sam tilted her face toward him. “How do you know how well he shoots?”

“He, ah, took me to a shooting range once.” Good catch.

“Fine. Then Mr. Straight shooter can take you to see Carla. Tell him to keep his gun in his pocket.” A quick lift of his lips implied he meant the double entendre. Super.

Arguing would only make things worse. “Fine.”

Marlon—of all people. If the cop touched her, she’d have to deck him. She took a peek at Sam. He didn’t seem the least bit concerned someone she dated was going to be spending time with her. Maybe she had misread his interest.

Before Marlon blew her cover, she took the offensive. She eased out the car and waved to him. “Hey, Marlon.”

The guy smiled. Really smiled. “Hi, Jenna.” If he hit on her, so help her God, she might have to deck him, or tell him the truth about why they never could be a couple again—Sam or no Sam.

She turned to the man who held her interest, leaned up against his solid chest and gave him a peck on the cheek. “We’ll be back.”

The moment Sam ducked inside the lab, she dropped the nice act. “Who picked you to be my bodyguard?”

He held up his hands. “I volunteered. I figured we could work on the case together. After all, you’re the one who said the Jackson case might be related to the theft of your mom’s skull.”

She didn’t need this aggravation. “Me and my big mouth.” She wanted Sam to guard her, not Marlon. “I need to visit my friend at University Community Hospital. Do you mind driving me?” As if she had a choice.

He pointed to his squad car. “At your service.”

When they arrived, Jenna tried to smile, to show she appreciated his willingness to keep her safe. “I’m not sure how long I’ll be.”

“Take your time.” He patted a racecar magazine next to him on the seat. “It’s a new issue I’ve been wanting to read.”

Some bodyguard.

At the front desk, Jenna asked for Carla’s room number. Even though Sam had told her which room Carla was in, Jenna hadn’t been able to remember her own name yesterday, let alone which floor she was on. She sped past her old room where she’d spent time recovering from the fire at Sam’s house. That seemed like forever ago his place burned down. A small tremor rattled inside her chest at how close both of them had come to death.

Room 329 loomed in front of her. Jenna knocked and entered. Carla’s face was waxy white, and her body limp. At least her chest rose, albeit slowly and evenly.

“Carla?”

Her friend’s eyes opened halfway. “Hey.” Her gaze looked behind Jenna. “Did Chance come with you?”

“No.” Guilt slammed her. How could she tell this weak woman that Chance, the man of her dreams, was dead?

“He said he’d feed Drake and be right back.” Carla’s eyes widened and her mouth opened. “Did something happen?”

Rapid feet sounded outside the door. A second later an older man and woman burst in. Both of them rushed to Carla’s side—well, the man rushed, the woman shuffled. Jenna let out a long breath, happy she didn’t have to answer Carla’s question.

“Oh my poor baby.” The woman, an older version of Carla, collapsed on the edge of the bed and took Carla’s hand. “What happened?”

Time to disappear. “Carla, I’ll come back later.” Jenna waved goodbye.

A flash of fear crossed her friend’s face. “No, don’t go, please?”

Obviously, the two new visitors were her parents. Jenna didn’t know why Carla wanted support from someone she’d only met a few times, but she didn’t mind staying if Carla needed her. “Sure.”

Carla turned to her parents. “Mom, Dad, what are you doing here?”

The older man sat on one of the chairs. “Your boyfriend, Chance, called us and said you’d been stabbed.” He clasped a hand to his heart. “Mom and I jumped in the car and drove all night to get here.”

Carla grimaced. “I feel so bad you came all that way, especially this time of year, with all the snow on the roads. You didn’t have to come. I’m fine. Really.”

Her mom pushed back hair covering Carla’s face. “You’re our daughter. We love you. You needed us and we came. The weather didn’t matter.”

“I don’t deserve you.” Carla sounded unconvincing, but her parents didn’t seem to notice.

Mr. Pendowski cleared his throat. The mother turned back to look at him. “The doctor told us how sorry he was that you’d lost the baby.”

If possible Carla’s face paled even more. “Yeah, about that.”

“Why didn’t you tell us you were pregnant?” her mom said. “Is Chance the father?”

Jenna’s body stiffened. An emotional war was about to ensue, and Jenna was sitting in the middle.