When the Storm Breaks Read Online Free Page A

lips thinned as he took in the victim’s clothing, hairstyle, jewelry. She looked like a kid.
    Crouching down, he examined the stab wounds more closely. A decent-sized blade had been used. One stab alone would have been mortal from the look of things, yet there were at least four other wounds. Something to keep in mind about the murderer—he enjoyed his work and believed in overkill.
    A technician shifted a piece of equipment, throwing astark light across the victim from a different angle. Sean focused immediately on a cloth loop at the woman’s slender waist. Shifting around, he saw an identical bit of fabric on the other side. It looked like she had been wearing a belt, but he didn’t see it anywhere.
    Sean motioned to one of the technicians. “Did one of you guys find a belt or sash? It looks like there was one here—see the loops? She wouldn’t wear the dress with these things just hanging off her sides, would she?”
    The forensics tech studied the victim and nodded his agreement. He made a note on his tiny laptop and called out questions to his team members.
    No one had seen any belt.
    All of the victim’s other articles were there next to her body. Sean looked over her effects—a straw purse and umbrella, a Mickey Mouse key ring with four keys attached. No belt.
    “We’ll look for it,” the tech assured Sean.
    “Good, but I don’t think you’ll find anything.”
    “Why not? Looks like maybe this was a robbery attempt or something. Sure, her money and stuff is right here,” the tech said, “but word is the killer was interrupted by a witness, which would explain why the valuables got left behind.”
    Sean’s eyes were pale blue and cold in the artificial light. “I think our killer got exactly what he wanted from this victim, and then kept a little something to remember her by.”
    “You think the guy wanted a trophy? The belt?” The tech sounded excited. “Hey, I bet you’re right!”
    Sean didn’t say anything. Sometimes he hated being right.

Chapter 6
    S ean’s instincts were screaming all the way to George Washington University Medical Center. Even at this very preliminary stage, he was betting the murder of Renata Mendes was connected to at least one of the cases he and his partner were investigating. If the crimes were related, and if they could get anything from the eyewitness, it might give them the first real lead in close to a year. And if he could pull enough strings with the captain to get assigned to the Mendes case, which wasn’t cold at the moment.
    Big ifs.
    It was time for reinforcements. He hit the speed dial on his cell phone and imagined Aidan Burke’s irritation with relish. Waking up his cousin, who was also his partner on the Cold Cases Unit, was always a pleasure.
    Moments later his partner’s sleepy voice came across the line. “This had better be good, Sean.”
    “Don’t you love caller ID? Hey, did I wake you?” Sean’s tone was upbeat and friendly.
    “Of course not. It’s what, four A.M. ? Why would I be asleep?” Aidan’s tone wasn’t happy.
    “Sorry, partner, but I think we might have a break on the Herrera case,” Sean said.
    “What have you got?” His partner’s voice wasn’t sleepy anymore.
    “I’d rather meet you at GWU Hospital’s ER, have you talk to a witness, and let you make your own assessment.” Sean trusted his cousin without qualification. If he was jumping at shadows, Aidan would be the first to tell him so. Aidan would also be the first to back Sean if he was right.
    His cousin sighed loudly. “I’ll be right over.”
    A murmured feminine protest came clearly across the line.
    Sean snickered. Aidan’s girlfriend was a consultant whose job kept her constantly on the road. “Apologize to her for me. You’ll make it up to her on her next trip through town. In a couple of months or so.”
    “Blow me. No, not you, darlin’.” Aidan yawned. “See you at the hospital in half an hour.”
    Sean hung up and turned into the