Alex Kava Bundle - Alex Kava [60]
“How long will you stay in Platte City?”
“For as long as necessary.”
No wonder her marriage was in trouble. As if reading Christine’s mind, Maggie explained, “Developing a killer’s profile, unfortunately, is something that takes time. It helps to be in his surroundings, his environment.”
“I did some research on you. I hope you don’t mind. You have an impressive background—a B.S. in criminal psychology and premed, with a master’s in behavioral psychology, a forensic fellowship at Quantico. Eight short years with the FBI and already you’re one of their top profilers of serial killers. If I calculated right, you’re only thirty-two. That’s got to feel good—to have accomplished so much.”
She expected Maggie might be a bit flustered with the attention. Instead, her vacant stare seemed haunted. From her research, Christine also knew about some of the psychos Maggie had helped put away. Perhaps her success had come with a hefty price tag.
“I suppose it should feel good,” Maggie finally said.
Christine waited for more, then realized there would be no more. “Nicky will never admit it, but I know he’s grateful to have you here. This is all pretty new to him. I’m certain he didn’t expect something like this when my dad talked him into running for sheriff.”
“Your father talked him into it?”
“Dad was getting ready to retire. He’d been sheriff for so long, I think he couldn’t stand to not have a Morrelli take his place.”
“But what about Nick?”
“Oh, he was teaching in the law school down at the university. I think he actually liked it.” Christine stopped herself. She wasn’t quite sure she understood the complexities of her father and Nick’s relationship, let alone explain them to an outsider.
“Your father must be a remarkable man,” Maggie said quite simply, without surprise or accusation.
“Why do you say that?” Christine eyed her suspiciously, wondering what Nick may have told her.
“For one thing, he practically captured Ronald Jeffreys single-handedly.”
“Yes, he was quite a hero.”
“Also, he seems to have a lot of influence over Nick’s decisions.”
She did know something more. Now Christine was uncomfortable. She poured herself more coffee, taking time with the cream.
“I think our dad just wants Nicky to have all the opportunities he never had. You know, do the things he didn’t have a chance to do.”
“What about you?”
“What do you mean?”
“Doesn’t he want those same opportunities, those same things for you?”
Christine had to admit, the woman was good. Maggie O’Dell sat in Christine’s recliner, sipping coffee and very coolly and calmly probing her.
“I love my dad, knowing full well that he’s a bit of a male chauvinist. No, whatever I did was fine with him. I was a girl. Anything out of the ordinary that I did impressed him. Nicky, on the other hand, had it tougher. It’s a little more…complex. Nick’s constantly had to prove himself, whether he wanted to or not. I suppose that’s one of the reasons why he gets so pissed at me.”
“No, usually it’s because of your big mouth.” Nick startled them from the doorway. Timmy stood beside his uncle, smiling as though he was about to get in on something Christine would normally censor.
The phone rang, saving her from a lecture. Christine jumped up, almost knocking her coffee cup off its saucer. She crossed the room and picked up the phone before its third ring.
“Hello?”
“Christine, it’s Hal. Sorry to bother you. Is Nick still there?” His voice crackled. She heard humming, an engine. He was in his car.
“Yes. As a matter of fact, you may have just saved my day.” She glanced back at Nick and stuck out her tongue, making Timmy giggle and Nick fume.
“That would be nice—to save someone’s day.” The crackle couldn’t hide the distress in his voice.