I PICKED UP a bottle of Kahlúa on the way home and made a mudslide as soon as I walked in through the door. I didn’t drink often, but it was one of those days when a drink sounded good. If we came up empty on the properties that needed searching yet, I just didn’t know what we’d do. The captain had said something about a plan B, but did he have one already? I know I didn’t.

“You’re not alone in this. Rely on your team, Delossa,” I chastised myself.

My phone rang, and it was Maria Gomez. I hoped she had some useful information for my case.

“Hi, Maria. What’s up?” I wondered.

Her voice was in a whisper, so I knew she wasn’t alone. “You’re in danger. The word on the street is the Bloods are looking for you hardcore. They even threatened to start killing at random to flush you out.”

I blew out a rush of air. This was all I needed to deal with right now. “Thank you. I’ll heed your warning. Have you heard anything regarding the Slasher case?” I figured I might as well ask while I had her on the phone.

“No, not yet. I’ll keep listening and watching, though,” she answered.

“Thanks. Call me anytime,” I told her and hung up.

I fixed another mudslide and stepped out onto the back patio to watch the sun go down while Duke played in the yard. My phone rang again, and my breath caught in my throat when I saw it was Liam.

“Hello?” I answered the call. “What bad news do you have for me now?”

“Well, you don’t have to come in again, but I do have some news. The curator for the City Museum has been reported missing by her husband. She didn’t show up for work today, and she never made it home either, but her car is gone. I just wanted to let you know.”

I closed my eyes and willed the day to be over. “Are you sure you don’t need me to come in?”

“No, you’re fine. None of us are going back in, but Missing Persons is working on it. They are out searching with the dogs. We’ll discuss it more in the morning,” he said.

“Okay. I’ll see you then. Bye.” I hung up and stared off into the distance. When will this be over?

Feeling the effects of the alcohol and the stress of the case, I took a relaxing bath and headed to bed early without supper. Curling up with Duke was just what I needed to feel better.