No Escape Read Free Page B

expression was stern, controlled and mildly interested. ‘I’m guessing you’re here on business. A case.’
    ‘That’s right.’ He removed his hat as he regarded the kids and Doug who stared at them with raw curiosity. ‘Mind if we talk somewhere else more private?’
    ‘Sure. Let me grab my bag.’ She snatched up a gym bag from a wooden bench. ‘Girls, I’ll be right back.’
    ‘Are you getting arrested?’ one shouted.
    Jo glanced up at Brody. ‘Am I in trouble, Ranger Winchester?’
    ‘No, ma’am.’ He spoke loud enough for all to hear.
    She followed him outside. Sweat glistened from her skin and mingled with a delicate perfume that reminded him of roses. A lot had changed about Jo but not her scent. ‘What gives?’
    ‘You heard of Harvey Lee Smith?’
    ‘Sure.’ She yanked out a hoodie jacket from her bag and pulled it on. ‘Convicted serial killer. I featured him in my dissertation, “The Mind of a Serial Killer.” You were the original DPS arresting officer, as I remember.’
    He’d been a Texas Department of Public Safety officer when he’d collared Smith. But the arrest had been the coup that earned him his Ranger’s star. The Texas Rangers were an elite group of one hundred and forty-four men and women in the Department of Public Safety.
    ‘That’s right. And if you’ve studied Smith you’d know he was convicted of killing ten women. However, it’s believed his murder count is higher than thirteen.’
    She zipped up her jacket and tucked her hands in the pockets. ‘When he was interviewed he confessed to killing the women. Ten bodies were found buried in his backyard in Austin. Three victims linked to him were not found. When pressed he wouldn’t give details.’
    ‘I’ve interviewed him many times over the last three years. But he kept changing his story and “forgetting” where the other bodies were buried. It was all a big game to him.’
    She frowned. ‘He’s dying of cancer, from what I hear. Doesn’t have much time to live.’
    ‘Docs say the disease spread to his liver. Less than a couple of months.’
    She was silent for several seconds. ‘He’s going to his grave with his secrets and will deny closure for the victims’ families. It’s the last bit of control he can exert.’
    Brody’s jaw tightened and released. He’d used every trick in the book to get Smith to open up but endless hours of interviews had been a waste. Smith had taken pleasure in jerking his chain.
    ‘Smith told prison authorities late yesterday that he wanted to talk. He knows time is running out, and he wants to cleanse his soul. He’s agreed to tell where the bodies are buried.’
    Jo shifted her stance. ‘He’s made similar promises before. You said it yourself. It’s all a game to him.’
    ‘I know. And I’d love to tell him to rot in hell. But this might be my last chance to talk to him and to find those bodies.’
    She nodded. ‘And you can’t let it pass. I get that.’
    ‘That’s right.’
    She met his gaze. ‘Why me?’
    Brody pulled in a deep breath and let it out slowly. ‘Because Smith requested that you hear his last confession.’
    She shook her head, her brow rising. ‘Me specifically? I find that hard to believe.’
    ‘He was clear he’d talk to you and no one else.’
    ‘I’ve done some work for the Texas Rangers and I wrote a paper on the guy, but I’m by no stretch the most experienced psychologist. Others have written more about him and have a lot more to offer.’
    No traces of false modesty in the clear-minded assessment. ‘Your record has been impressive.’
    Green eyes narrowed. ‘I’m building a reputation but again, why me? I shouldn’t be on this guy’s radar.’
    He settled his right hand on his belt next to his gun. ‘The guy’s smart as hell. He’s had all the time in the world to do what digging he can.’
    A humorless smile tipped the edge of her mouth. ‘And he figured out that you and I used to be married.’
    ‘That’s my best