Secret Obsession (4 page)

As for Alessandra, he would have to be more clear with his message the next time.

He picked up a perfectly sharpened pencil and brand-new notepad from the walnut desk beside him. Switching signals, he rewound the tape, pausing the moment she’d entered the room.

She had been holding the hand of another man. A man who wanted her. Archimedes could see the desire in the intruder’s eyes, in the way he infected Alessandra with his touch.

The pencil-tip broke.

He tossed the offending implement into the garbage can and took a second pencil. He stilled the tape.

“You belong to me,” he whispered. “I am your destiny. We’ve waited ten years to be together. Nothing will stop us now.”

A printer whirred and his rival’s face stared back from the image it produced. “No one will stop us.”

He walked to the closet and pulled out a new coat. He placed the bloodstained cashmere overcoat in the fireplace, sprinkled a small amount of accelerant and lit a match.

The fire exploded in warmth and the flames danced in celebration, consuming the evidence linking him to the waitress’s unplanned death. Such a waste, but he refused to make a mistake. Not so close to having her.

Another lesson was in order.

Alessandra would be his.

And the man she leaned on—he would pay a heavy price for wanting her.

* * *

T
HE
SMELLS
AND
sounds of Chicago’s nightlife rang through the air: Italian spices, succulent barbecue, rumbling traffic, the clink of glasses, a few far-off sirens and laughter. Noah clutched Lyssa’s resistant hand, anchoring her to his side. The city never turned completely dark, but that didn’t mean peril didn’t lurk in the shadows, no matter how inviting the music in the bars or how many people milled around enjoying the atmosphere.

Noah didn’t want to think about how comfortable and right Lyssa’s hand felt in his. To everyone watching, they seemed to be a couple walking the streets of Chicago at dinnertime. No one would guess they were on the lookout for a serial killer—a man whose face and identity remained a frustrating mystery.

A darkened alcove appeared just ahead. Noah slowed. The danger prowling just out of sight reminded him more of Afghanistan than a business district in one of America’s largest cities. He scanned each potential vulnerability before he allowed Lyssa to move forward.

She wasn’t any less vigilant. Her free hand hovered near her .45, poised for combat. He’d want her in his corner if he had to fight it out. He had no doubt she wouldn’t give up in the midst of a battle. Which wouldn’t be a problem as long as they were on the same page. If their plans of attack diverged, Noah could see fireworks in their future, and not the pleasurable kind.

Lyssa motioned left at the corner, and he swiftly circled to keep his body between the street and her. In front of a small mom-and-pop diner she stopped. He glanced at the hours posted on the glass. They’d be open a while longer, until 11:00 p.m.

“How often do you come here?” he asked.

“I stop by every few days or so for coffee. I try not to be predictable, and I pay cash,” she added. “For everything.”

“It’s not realistic to go somewhere only once,” he said, “even if it’s ideal. You learned the game well.”

“But not well enough.” She didn’t try to keep the bitterness from her voice. “You think he saw me here?”

“It’s worth asking. We can’t leave any possible lead untouched. Archimedes won’t.”

She fingered the chain at her throat. “I hate having a target on my back.”

“I understand,” Noah said. “Believe me.” The last year or so overseas, chatter had started. The Falcon had become too well known. Some part of him relished the idea that his reputation alarmed the terrorists, but he knew if he was ever caught, if they ever discovered his identity, it would make the torture his friend Daniel Adams had survived look like amateur hour.

Noah had discovered intel that Daniel’s abduction had partly come about because his enemies had put a price on the Falcon’s head. Daniel was caught in the cross fire and ended up being captured in the process. One more person to whom Noah owed a debt. One more reason he should keep his activities secret from everyone.

He opened the door and Lyssa stepped inside. The scent of well-used fryers filtered through the room. The diner was like a thousand others with a pass-through window connecting the kitchen and dining room. A muscle-bound cook flipped a burger, dumped an order of fries and then slid a plate through to the shelf.

“Order up.”

“Lyssa?” A woman with a freckled face smiled and walked over. “Usual table? Take a seat. I’ll be right there.”

“Usual table?” Noah raised an eyebrow.

“I should have stopped coming here,” she said, grimacing. “Chastity has way too good a memory.”

“Which might be to our advantage.”

Noah escorted Lyssa into the small room and they took a seat. Chastity came over with a large smile. “How’s it going? You’re here late. Then again, so am I. They called me in. Your usual?” She tugged a worn order pad from her pocket.

Noah didn’t need another moment to peg Chastity. She wore her role with ease, knew the right thing to say. She’d obviously been a waitress a long time. Knew the game and was good at it. He bet she got good tips and could’ve worked anywhere, but he’d noticed the cook’s attention linger on her a little too long as he’d handed over a plate. Not to mention her slight blush at the attention.

She worked here because of him.

“I’m not really hungry,” Lyssa said. “How about a cup of hot tea?”

The woman turned to Noah. “And for you?”

Noah gave her a smile. “Coffee. And do I see homemade blueberry pie over there?”

She blushed. “Yes, sir. I baked it myself earlier.”

He’d known. The blueberry stains under her nails gave her away. “Can’t pass up blueberries,” he said with a wink.

Chastity giggled and sent Lyssa a grin. “He’s a keeper.”

She left them alone. Lyssa leaned across the table. “What are you doing?” she whispered through clenched teeth. “Are you
trying
to grab Archimedes’s attention? You’re being memorable. I thought being invisible was the first rule.”

“Chastity will remember more easily if she’s not suspicious,” Noah said. “Besides, we’re not following the rules any longer. Relax. You’re making
me
tense.”

“I should have seen it. You
want
to make Archimedes angry,” she hissed. “I’m bait for a man who’s killed dozens of people. I have the right to be tense. Especially when you don’t tell me we’re going with
my
plan.”

She glared at Noah, daring him to deny it.

He couldn’t. He doubted their visit here would result in a hit, but maybe Chastity could provide information. “Your plan, with adjustments. Rafe’s watching.” Noah tilted his head toward the window.

Lyssa glanced outside. The operative stood near the bus stop, his eye patch and beard visible when he lifted his head in acknowledgment. Moments later, he returned to perusing the paper.

“I didn’t notice him tailing us. I thought he was observing the cops.”

“He was. He switched off with Zane. Someone will always be watching, Lyssa. Our job is to never let you out of sight.”

Her leg bounced under the booth’s table. “He’s in plain sight. It’s a mistake. Everyone I’ve involved is now dead or in the hospital.”

“It’s our job, Lyssa. We do it well.”

She let out a long sigh. “Okay, then what do we do now?”

“Talk to Chastity, maybe luck into a description that will fit with some of the other sightings. Zane is reviewing Archimedes’s records. With Reid still unconscious, he had to force his way into the system. Elijah tried to tone down his smarts so he could make friends with the local CSIs. He’s checking out the crime scene information.”

Her lists twisted. “You won’t find anything. Trust me. My plan was easier. I sit in my apartment and wait for him. Let him come to me. Simple. Straightforward.”

“It gives him all the power—and the advantage. That’s the last thing I want to do.” Noah leaned forward. “Give me a few days to fine-tune an approach. For Jack.”

“You’ll use anything to get me to fall in line, won’t you?” Lyssa toyed with the necklace around her throat.

What was on the end of it escaped from beneath her collar. Noah recognized it. Jack’s engagement ring. The sight of the diamond twisted Noah’s gut. The memory haunted him in a different way from Lyssa. “You must miss him.”

“He shouldn’t have died that way.” Lyssa rubbed her ring finger, obviously trying to tamp down the memories. “Archimedes just shot Jack in the head.” She shivered. “He died for me.”

Noah placed his hand on hers and squeezed. “Always the hero.”

Lyssa swiped at a tear. “Yeah.”

“I miss him, too.” Noah swallowed down the regret. His friend had deserved to be happy. So had Lyssa. “Jack saved my life. And Reid’s. We were on special assignment. The whole thing went south. Jack was always the best shot. He came back for me and took out the sniper. He was a good man. I’d be dead without him.”

He met her emerald gaze. Something they had in common.

With a last push of the memories aside, Noah shifted in his seat. The past was over. He had a very dangerous present to deal with. “We’ll get Archimedes, Lyssa. I won’t stop until you don’t have to run. I left you once. I won’t do it again.”

Chastity walked over to their table with their order on her tray. Noah looked up at her with a smile, then he frowned. Perspiration dotted her forehead. Her skin had gone gray.

“Are you okay?”

She swayed then collapsed at his feet.

Noah vaulted from his seat and knelt beside her. Her muscles had gone rigid. She met his gaze, her eyes wide with fear. She tried to speak, but couldn’t move. He sniffed her breath. No odor, but it had to be poison.

Her chest rose once, twice, then simply stopped.

“No!” Lyssa cried out.

He started CPR even though he knew she had no chance.

The cook dashed around the counter. “Chastity!”

A customer dialed for an ambulance.

Noah knew there was no hope, but he didn’t stop. He met Lyssa’s gaze and shook his head slowly.

She closed her eyes and stared down at her feet.

Then her lids widened. He followed her line of sight.

Chastity’s order book had opened.

On the very last page. Infinity.

Archimedes’s signature.

Just below the infinity he’d included a new, second symbol. A small spiral moving counterclockwise on the page, followed by two words.

I’m waiting.

Chapter Four

Lyssa sank to her knees and clutched Chastity’s hand. “No. Don’t let him do this.”

Praying it wasn’t true, Lyssa bowed her head. She could barely breathe. “Fight, Chastity. Fight him.”

The entire diner froze in shock.

Noah kept up the CPR for what seemed like forever. He paused and held his finger to her carotid. “I’m sorry,” he said, looking up at the cook, who hovered to Noah’s left. “She’s gone.”

“Oh, God, Chastity. You can’t be dead.” The cook’s pained voice pierced the crowd.

The waitress’s eyes stared wide at the ceiling, unseeing. With a grimace, Noah forced her eyes closed.

The diner erupted into chaos. A waitress screamed. A wave of panic hurled through the restaurant. Half the patrons ran out the front.

Lyssa gripped Chastity’s hand even tighter then squeezed her eyes tight. “This can’t be happening.” Chastity had done nothing to deserve this. She was a nice waitress who was good at her job, never hurt anyone.

“Why?” Lyssa looked up at Noah. “Why did he have to kill her?”

Noah didn’t answer, but then again, Lyssa didn’t expect one. What answer could there be?

“Damn him,” she said.

“Rafe, you see anything?” Noah hissed into the nearly invisible communication device.

The response couldn’t be good. The muscle in his jawline throbbed. “Meet us around back. We’re getting out of here.”

Noah leaned over and with two fingers picked up Chastity’s order book by the corner.

“What are you doing?” Lyssa said under her breath. “That’s evidence.”

“It won’t do the cops any good. And it’s our only clue.” He grabbed her hand and pulled her to her feet. “Let’s go.”

Lyssa’s teeth ground together, but he was right. God, she hated leaving Chastity, but the woman was gone. One more person she’d placed in Archimedes’s path. One more reason she had to stop the serial killer.

She grabbed her purse and let Noah tug her through the few morbidly curious customers who lingered in the diner. She shoved into the kitchen. His gaze swept the room and she headed to the back door.

“We clear?” Rafe said into his microphone.

The cook ran into the kitchen, his cheeks wet with tears. “You’re not going anywhere,” he growled. “What did you do to my Chastity?”

He lunged at Noah. In a blur of moves Noah had the big man on his back, his forearm to the guy’s throat.

“We didn’t hurt her,” Noah said, his voice low and deadly. “Now, when she picked up that last order, did she do anything different than normal? Was anyone else back here?”

Lyssa shoved her hand into her coat to grip her weapon. “Is he here?” Her half panicked, half vengeful gaze searched the kitchen then through the pass-through window at the few people left in the diner.

“This was a message not an attack.” Noah pressed his arm harder against the guy’s neck. “Answer the question. Who else was back here?”

The man struggled against Noah but couldn’t escape the tight grip. Finally, the cook stilled and scowled up at his captor. “Why do you care? You’re running away. At least my other waitress, Sally, was willing to watch over Chastity, keep those vultures away. Only a coward would hide. Or the guilty.”

Noah lifted his arm and backed away. The cook sat up, holding his throat. Lyssa knelt next to him, taking in the man’s grief-stricken eyes. “I know how you feel,” she said, her voice strained. “We know who did this. He killed my fiancé. Please, help us.”

The man’s shoulders sagged, his big heart obviously broken. Another tear slid down his cheek. “She was excited. Some guy left her an envelope. He told her he’d stiffed her on a tip. She didn’t remember that happening, but it was three twenties.” The cook’s brow furrowed. “She remembers—” he swallowed “—remembered
every
customer. Who did this?”

Noah held out his hand to the man and helped him to his feet. “Archimedes.”

“The serial killer?” The cook’s mouth gaped open. “I saw a news report about him. They called him a ghost.”

“Did you see Chastity talk to him?”

“The guy met her out back. No one saw him but Chastity.” The big man rubbed his bald head. “Oh, babe.”

“Where’s the envelope Archimedes gave her?” Noah asked.

“She put it in her locker.”

“Get in here, Rafe,” Noah growled into the communication device.

Within seconds Rafe shoved through the back door, slamming it open, gun raised.

“There’s an envelope in one of the lockers. The victim was poisoned, so be careful. Take one of the bills. Leave the others for the cops.” He nodded at Chastity’s order book, which had slid across the floor when he’d taken down Al. “Bag that, too. I want to know what he used. It acted fast.”

Rafe tugged a blue glove from inside his vest and headed through the door the cook pointed out.

Noah crossed his arms. “Listen to me carefully, Al.” The cook’s eyes widened. “Your name tag,” Noah pointed out. “Archimedes is after this woman.” He indicated Lyssa. “He’s killed a lot of people. We could use your help.”

“I couldn’t even protect Chastity.” Al looked as if he might collapse again. “Maybe the cops can help.”

“The feds can’t catch him, the cops can’t catch him. I will.”

Sirens sounded in the distance. The look on Noah’s face sent a chill through Lyssa.

“They’re coming. I need some cover, Al. If we get pulled into custody, she’s a sitting duck for this psycho.”

Al’s expression changed and he shoved up his shirtsleeve. He had a tattoo that read
Semper fidelis.
Always faithful.

“You get this guy, make him pay for what he did to Chastity and the cops don’t hear nothing from me except that envelope.”

Noah gave the man a sharp nod. “You got it, Marine.”

Rafe slipped back into the room, a baggie in his hand with a twenty-dollar bill showing. “There was a pin in the envelope. Pricked her skin. Not much here. My guess is batrachotoxin because of the amount.”

“Poison-dart frog? You’re kidding,” Noah said, turning to Al. “Tell the cops to be careful. My friend here has some strange hobbies. Knows his stuff. Something the size of a few grains of table salt will kill.”

Al’s face paled and he nodded.

Lyssa took his hands in hers and squeezed them. She met his gaze, regret nearly strangling her. “I’m so very, very sorry. She was a kind person.”

“Wish I’d told her how I felt,” he said, his voice barely a whisper. “I’d known her for years. She was too good for me...could have worked anywhere, but she stayed. Maybe I shouldn’t have even smiled at her. Then she’d have left. She’d still be alive.”

Lyssa could relate. Her life the past two years was a one big regret. Chastity was just the latest.

He tugged his hands away from her before wiping his face with his apron.

Lyssa looked over at Noah, his stance guarded, his eyes shifting toward the door Rafe had disappeared through. Had she done the same thing? Allowed him into her chaos only to put his life in danger? Her phone call to Reid had caused nothing but trouble. She had a feeling it would get worse.

Two police cars skidded to a halt in front of the diner. Shouts sounded from outside.

“We’ve got to go,” Noah said to Lyssa, pulling his gun from the holster and heading to the back door of the diner.

Al pushed it open, and Noah rushed Lyssa through the exit and into the alley behind the restaurant. Rafe followed and slammed the door behind them.

“Stay back while Rafe checks the car.”

In short order, Rafe maneuvered around, then under the vehicle, a device in his hand. He’d obviously done this before. “Clear.” He jumped into the driver’s side and started the car, then nodded at Noah.

“Go!” he shouted at Lyssa. “In the car.”

She raced across the alley and into the SUV. Noah followed. “Get out of here, Rafe!”

The vehicle peeled out the side street, just in time to see two more police cars and an ambulance speed into view.

“No matter what Al says, the customers will remember us,” Lyssa said, looking back at the commotion surrounding the diner.

“It can’t be helped. Besides, we’re not staying in Chicago. I’m getting you to safety. In Texas.” He turned on Rafe. “You didn’t see
anything?
”

“Not a damn thing, Noah.”

Rafe turned a corner, the diner faded away, just like the past year of Lyssa’s life. Her fingernails dug into her palms. She had to
do
something. Chastity’s death was her fault. “Can I look at the book?” she asked.

Noah handed her a sealed bag. She viewed the order pad, still open to Archimedes’s note, through the clear plastic.

She stared at the spiral symbol and the message. “What is he trying to tell me?” she asked. “What does this mean?”

One glance from Noah sent a shiver through her. His expression had hardened, his eyes had gone flint cold.

“He’s communicating, all right. He wants you to know he’ll find you. Wherever you go.”

* * *

E
VEN
INSIDE
THE
SUV, frozen ice laced the air. The headlights illuminated the road leading to the small airport, the asphalt shimmering with ice crystals. Noah gripped the steering wheel, his knuckles white as he squeezed the frustration into submission. He should’ve dragged Lyssa to his plane the moment he’d arrived in Chicago.

He didn’t delude himself with the hope that the outcome at the diner could have been different. He doubted leaving town would’ve saved Chastity. Archimedes had planted his message carefully, wanting Lyssa to know he’d been watching.

The psycho was toying with her, and Noah had fallen into the plans. He hated making a mistake; he wouldn’t underestimate Archimedes again. He’d allowed Lyssa’s arguments in that alley to sway him. No more.

He glanced into the rearview mirror, studying her expression. A woman had died in front of her, but Lyssa hadn’t broken down. Still, he could see the unease settling over her. Archimedes had peeled away her confidence in Noah and his team.

He had to regain her trust. Once she was at the safe house in Dallas, they’d all regroup and he’d figure out a way to corner Archimedes without putting Lyssa in danger.

Noah turned the vehicle toward Koritz Field, the lights on the single runway in view.

Rafe leaned forward in his seat. “You landed the Lear here? Cutting it a little close, weren’t you, Noah?”

“I like to keep the enemy guessing.” He lifted a brow at the former Green Beret who Noah trusted more than anyone to have his back.

Rafe simply shook his head. “You’re insane.”

Lyssa peered out the front window. “What’s the problem?”

“The runway is too short, especially at night,” Rafe said. “Barely able to handle Noah’s new plane. He took a risk landing here.”

“The field is uncontrolled. No air traffic control tower.”

“Which makes sneaking in and out easier,” Lyssa said, admiration lacing her voice. She leaned forward, her arms resting on the back of the seat. “Archimedes can’t follow the plane. That’s good.”

Noah grinned at her. “I’m glad someone appreciates my brilliant strategy.”

“Smart doesn’t necessarily equate with sane.” Rafe scowled at him, adjusting his eye patch.

“You never have liked to fly.”

“With you,” Rafe snapped.

Lyssa said nothing. Not a smile at the forced joking. He met Rafe’s gaze and the man shrugged. He’d tried—he’d also been halfway serious.

Her silence sent the hairs on the back of Noah’s neck to attention. He didn’t like the contemplative look on her face. He’d seen it before—on Ransom Grainger’s face when his boss was planning a mission.

He pulled the SUV into the parking lot next to the only other car at this time of night. Probably belonging to the fixed-based operator’s lineman. Another reason Noah had chosen this little FBO. At this time of year, there was no skydiving and therefore, the airport was pretty much barren, especially so close to midnight. He favored two types of setups. Either one with too many people or hardly anyone. Both had advantages and disadvantages.

When it came to Archimedes, deserted won the battle. The guy could blend into a crowd. Which is why not one identifiable description existed of the man who had killed so many people.

Noah slid from the seat. “Wait here. I’ll make sure we’re fueled so we can take off.”

“No need,” Rafe said from the passenger side.

“The Lear’s ready? Who?”

“Zane. Our favorite computer jockey evidently likes propellers as much as you do. Elijah’s staying behind to analyze the evidence with the other forensics squints and hopefully get us a lead. He’ll join us as soon as he can.”

Lyssa twisted her fingers in her lap. “I think Elijah should go with you. Now.”

Her voice was too calm. Noah twisted in his seat, that bad feeling settling in the pit of his stomach. “You mean go with
us.
”

“No,” Lyssa said. “I’m not leaving with you. Two people are dead—and Reid could die—all because of me. I have to
do
something, and I’m not involving anyone else.” She opened her hand. “Give me the keys to the SUV, Noah. Archimedes won’t follow you. You’ll be safe, but I’m staying. When this is over, I’ll leave the car for you. I’m sure you can find it.”

He gripped the keys in his hand. “Hell, no. You’re not remaining in Chicago while that guy’s still on the loose.”

“I made a mistake. I shouldn’t have called Reid.” She met his gaze with an unwavering one of her own. “I’m doing what I should have done in the first place. I’m going to my apartment and wait with my 12-gauge across my lap and my .45 at my side. He won’t get away again.”

“You try this alone, and he’ll change it up. He’ll attack from behind or poison the air, or God knows what,” Noah argued. “
We
need to flank him.” He slammed out of the SUV’s front seat and scooted in the back beside her. “We’ve just gotten started. Give us a chance, Lyssa.”

“You’re not going to stuff me in some fortress in the middle of Texas. I can see it on your face, Noah. You want to hide me away. Tell me I’m wrong.”

“The idea has merit,” he said but retreated the moment she glared at him. “Look, we need to regroup. We’ll be analyzing every minuscule piece of information that’s been collected about Archimedes. We’re going to uncover the connection, and we’re going to find a way to trap him.”