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ordinary, just a walk along the river, killing time as he appreciated
the beauty of his birthright.
     

Chapter Five
     
    “I’m assuming that Dylan thinks this is more than just a
runaway, or a teen hiding from her parents for a night,” Jeri questioned Ethan
in depth as they drove to Iowa.
    “Of course. Apparently, the girl, Shelby Torrent, fifteen,
has the acting bug in a big way. She has an audition today, for some big role
in a local playhouse, one her mother said she would never miss.”
    “The report says that she disappeared, walking from the bus
stop to her house, yesterday,” Jeri read, scanning the notes Dylan sent over.
“And no one saw anything.”
    “That’s it. They’ve issued an Amber Alert, but so far there
are no clues to go on,” Ethan told her as he entered the highway.
    “Fifteen, jeez. I really hope that this isn’t our guy. I
hate it when they target kids.” Disgust rang clear in Jeri’s voice.
    “It may not be our guy, but someone took that girl, if you
believe her mother’s story.”
    “Dylan spoke with the mother?”
    “Yes, but she was a mess, understandably so. At least she
agreed to meet with us.”
    “What happens if we find out that this isn’t our killer? I
still think we should help find Shelby, if we can.” Jeri turned to look at
Ethan, knowing that he would agree.
    “Of course,” his sideways glance held a grin. “I’ve already
got Anna compiling a list of pedophiles in the area, those who prefer teenage
girls. If this becomes a second investigation, we can use Chloe and Monique,
even Jackson, if he shows up. We’ve enough manpower in the area to work both
cases, I think.”
    “Good, I think so, too. But don’t count on Jackson. I doubt
they’ll even let Jen out of the hospital for a week. Then he’ll want to stay
and help her recuperate. I know we need him, but I don’t want to push.”
    “Nor do I,” Ethan agreed. “We can always ask Anthony to
leave Europe early, join us sooner than planned.”
    “Did you ever speak to Monique about hiring him?”
    “Not yet, it hasn’t come up. She’ll be fine with it, they
worked together years ago, so at least they have a history.”
    “That can be good, or bad,” Jeri grinned. “Monique doesn’t
strike me as a woman to mince words. If she has something to say about Anthony,
I’m sure we’ll hear about it.”
    “No doubt. But seriously, I don’t expect there to be a
problem. Everyone seemed amiable enough five years ago.” Ethan reached over and
patted Jeri’s leg. “Besides, she and Jackson got along okay, we can always
partner Chloe with Anthony, if needed. Or we can leave Monique and Chloe paired
up. Whatever works best for the team.”
    “Agreed, but I’ve found that male-female teams work best, in
the field. Typically, one’s strengths complement the other’s weaknesses, and
vice versa.”
    “I bow to your lead, as far as that goes. You’ve had more
experience managing teams than I have.”
    “True, you are a bit of a lone wolf,” Jeri squeezed his
hand. “But I have to say, you do play very well with others.”
    “Thanks,” Ethan laughed, catching the note of seduction in
her voice. “I aim to please.”
    “There’s no question about that, Mr. Barnes.” Jeri glanced
down as the sun sparkled off of the canary diamond, hugging the ring finger of
her left hand.
    Ethan saw the direction of her gaze.
    “When are you going to let me add a band to that beauty?”
    “I don’t know, I really haven’t thought about it,” Jeri
lied. She’d thought of little else, since he proposed. Part of her wanted to go
ahead and just do it, and another part of her wanted to wait. Only she didn’t
have a clue what she was waiting for.
    “It’s okay, Love. I’m a patient man. As long as I know
you’re mine, I can wait on a wedding.”
    “Do you really want a wedding, I mean the whole hoopla? I
was thinking of something quiet, private, just us and maybe your parents, a few
friends.”
    “I