A table in the man’s apartment held materials he’d used to make the bomb. One of his walls was covered with printed pictures of Jake in multiple locations. Some showed him while he was alone. In others, he was walking into or out of their office building with members of his team.
Even more horrifying were the pictures of Jake with Olivia and their young daughter, Lilly.
Oh, God.
Emma didn’t even want to think about this man going after Jake’s family.
“From the photos, it’s clear he’d been following Jake for quite some time.”
“Damn.” Trace rubbed the scruff on his jaw. “I can’t believe Jake never noticed. The guy used to pick up on shit like that in a heartbeat when we were with Delta.”
“Jake probably didn’t notice, because these pictures were most likely taken from far away,” Eric explained as he showed them another picture. It was of a camera with a very large, long lens.
“Son of a bitch.”
Detective West shared a look with Trace. “Jake didn’t see this guy because he couldn’t.”
Emma looked down at Todd Branson’s body again. This man had been following Jake for what appeared to be weeks. He’dstalkedhim...then he waltzed right into Jake’s place of business and did his damnedest to murder him.
An image of the dead man handing her the package flashed before Emma’s eyes. A chill raced down her spine, causing a visible shiver.
Having noticed, Trace rested a hand against her back, his thumb caressing her in a comforting manner. “You okay?”
“Yeah.” Emma nodded.
Though she’d never admit it, the warmth from his palmwascomforting. And in that moment, it was exactly what she’d needed.
“So that’s it, then?” She looked across the body to Detective West. “It’s over?”
“Like I said, I don’t want to jump to conclusions. But there’s been no evidence found to indicate Branson was working with anyone else. Now, that’s not to say something won’t pop up. Since this was a bomb, we’re working closely with the FBI, as well. Combing through Branson’s phone records, email and computer files...it’ll take a few days to get through everything, but we will find out if he was working alone or with someone else.”
“I’ve also got Derek looking for any possible connection to this guy and Jake,” Trevor chimed in. “He’s starting with R.I.S.C., but he’ll work his way back into our Delta days if he has to. But, like Eric said, it’s going to take some time.” The man looked directly at her. “I know it’s not ideal, but I’d still like for Trace to stick around until we can definitely say the threat has been eliminated.”
“We can stay at your place, if you feel more comfortable,” Trace offered, his hand slowly falling back to his side. “I can sleep on the couch.”
Instantly missing the connection, Emma nodded and said, “Okay.”
Because what else could she say?
No, Trace. I don’t want to sleep under the same roof as you because I’m afraid I’ll jump your bones in my sleep again.
Yeah, that probably wouldn’t do either of them any good. Especially with the audience they currently had.
“I’ll make a note in the case file that you positively identified Todd Branson as the man who handed you the explosive device,” Detective West tore through her thoughts. “Oh, and just so you’re aware, he was dressed exactly as you described when I spoke to you at the hospital yesterday. Baggy jeans, Metallica T-Shirt...and worn, black Adidas tennis shoes. So, nice work.”
“Thanks.” Emma returned the man’s approving nod. “Is that it, then? Because I’d really like to go home now, if I could.”
Go home. Wash off the smell of formaldehyde and death. Go to sleep and not wake up until this whole thing is officially over.
“Of course.” The detective smiled. “I’ll call you if we find anything more.”
“I’m sorry you had to go through this,” Dr. Cartwright spoke up right as Emma was turning to leave.
She gave the kind woman a small smile. “Thanks.”
“Come on.” Trace rested the palm of his hand at her lower back. “Let’s get you out of here.”
Was it wrong to feel tingles of electricity from his touch while they were literally feet away from a dead guy?