Read Online A Killer's Agenda by Anita M. Whiting - Free Book Online

me more.”
    Alex took her time answering. She trusted Rosa and knew
    anything she was to say would stay with her friend. “If you’re asking if I’ve messed inside his head, the answer is no. However, I’ve caught glimpses of things. He was devastated when his aunt died and he firmly believes she was murdered by someone with an agenda. Underneath that, he’s giving me vibes about a strained relationship with his father. Am I right?”
    Rosa shook her head in amazement. “Woman, you are
    incredible! Brad and his father have been at odds for a long time. I don’t feel comfortable going into more than that, but you’re right on target. He’s been hurt, Alex. That’s a part of him that he very seldom lets anyone see. Of course, if what Miguel tells me is true, the two of you are going to spend some time up close and personal so maybe you can burrow into his psyche.”
    “No way, Rosa. I learned a long time ago to keep my
    clairvoyance firmly in check. I sleep better that way.”
    -61-
    Anita Whiting
    Their conversation was interrupted when Brad and Miguel
    walked in.
    “What, the two of us smell or something?” Miguel teased,
    wrapping an arm around his wife.
    “Well, we didn’t want to say anything…” Alex responded,
    holding her nose.
    “You never used to be such a smart ass.” Miguel retorted. “My old roommate must be rubbing off on you.”
    “Nope. Learned it all on my own.”
    Miguel glanced at Brad. “I hope you know what you’re getting into, hiring this lady, buddy.”
    “I’m learning,” Brad said, lips twitching.
    “Speaking of that, what say we go over what you’ve got so far?
    Line things up once more. Maybe I can give you some insight if I study the timeline in black and white.”
    “I figured as much.” Brad said as he stood and lifted a briefcase sitting on the floor. He pulled out several sheets of paper. “I’ve made copies of what I’ve put together. God knows I’ve stared at it long enough.”
    Miguel took his time studying the papers. He finally leaned
    back in his chair, his brow furrowed. “I’ll tell you right now, Brad, I’m with you on this. These killings are too precise, too clean, not to have been done by a professional. Four of the six victims, including your aunt, were shot once, fatally, according to the police reports. Only the two teenagers were murdered by a spray of
    bullets.” He crossed his arms, leaning back against the counter.
    “Your killer is bright. I wouldn’t be surprised if those two boys were murdered to cool the trail a bit.”
    “A decoy?” Alex asked.
    -62-
    A Killer's Agenda
    “Precisely. I can’t give you any more without additional data.
    What I can tell you is that I’m getting a stronger and stronger feeling that this isn’t just someone with a thing against the law.
    People who hold grudges that powerful aren’t usually methodical in their revenge and they usually aren’t skilled marksman.”
    “Well, if that’s the case, it shoots my theory to hell,” Brad said.
    “Only way I could link all six murders was with that connection.”
    “That’s what he wants us to think,” Alex said quietly.
    Instantly all eyes were on her.
    “How do you know that?” Brad asked.
    She shrugged. “I don’t know how I know, I just know.”
    “If you’re right, then what is the connection?”
    She closed her eyes briefly. “This man, and it’s a man, is afraid of a woman. Afraid of what she knows. What she might do. He kills because of it.” She opened her eyes, regretfully shaking her head.
    “That’s all I can tell you at the moment.”
    “Well that’s as clear as mud,” Brad muttered.
    “I was under the impression you wanted my help,” Alex said
    curtly, turning toward him.
    “I do.”
    “Then I suggest, instead of ridiculing what my senses are
    telling me, you file it away in that methodical brain of yours for further use. It would be more productive.”
    “She’s got a point, amigo,” Miguel said, grinning. “If