Kiss of Crimson (43 page)

―You can‘t be serious.‖

But she was. The level look she gave him left no doubt whatsoever.

Behind her, the television screen flashed with a breaking news bulletin. A reporter came on, delivering word that a stabbing victim had been discovered a few minutes before:

“—the deceased was found just two blocks south
of the train station, yet another killing in what
authorities are beginning to suspect is a string of
related murders... ”

As the live report continued, and Elise calmly stared at him from across the room, Tegan‘s blood ran cold with understanding.

―You?‖ he asked, already knowing the answer, incredible as it seemed.

When Elise didn‘t respond, Tegan stalked over to a foot locker on the floor near the futon. He yanked it open and swore as his eyes lit on a large assortment of blades, guns, and ammunition. A lot of it was still brand-new, but others had been used and had the wear to show for it.

―How long, Elise? When did you start this insanity?‖

She stared at him, her slender jaw held rigid.

―My son is dead because of the Rogues,‖ she said finally. ―I couldn‘t sit around doing nothing.‖

Tegan heard the resolve in her voice, but that didn‘t make him any less pissed off about what was going on here. ―How many? Tonight wasn‘t the first, obviously. How many times have you done this, Elise?‖

She said nothing for a very long time. Then she slowly walked over to the bookcase and knelt down to pull out a lidded crate from the bottom shelf. Her gaze on Tegan, she lifted the top and calmly set it aside.

In the bin were more Minion cell phones.

At least a dozen of the damned things.

Tegan dropped his ass onto the futon and raked his fingers through his hair. ―Holy hell, woman. Have you lost your goddamn mind?‖