Page 102 of Three Steps Behind

“She told me we were strong. That we’d get out. She kept cheering me on. We exchanged gifts. My cardinal ring for her necklace, and we said we’d swap back when we were both free.” Tears streamed down her face, rolling off her chin and landing on her hand. “They took her that night, and she didn’t come back.

“It had been the same with Amanda the day before. Poor Mandy. I’m going to miss her quirky sense of humor and kindness.” She sniffed and swiped back a tear.

“Oh, honey. I’m so sorry.” He wrapped her in his arms until all her tears were spent.

Forty-Two

“WHY DO YOU THINK George left?” Deck glanced over at Harper, his heart once again breaking for her as they made the hour trek outside of Chicago to George’s home, where he prayed they’d find him.

“Maybe he’s scared the same will happen to him, or maybe he knows the killer.”

“I was thinking the first one, but my gut says it’s both.”

Harper shifted, pulling one leg up under the other in her seat. “It’ll be interesting to see what your sister and Greyson pull up on the frat.”

“Agreed. I mean, why take a photo from a murder scene if you aren’t in it?”

“I wish I could remember all the faces. . . .”

“We need to call Riley to do that research thing of hers,” Deck said.

It took two calls to finally reach her.

“Sorry, was on another important call.”

“Hopefully to do with this case?”

“Everything to do with this case. I was able to get the sweetest lady in the alum office. I explained—well, never mind, it’s not important.”

Greyson chuckled in the background.

“Yeah, I don’t want to know,” Deckard said. “But I’d love to hear what you learned.”

“I got the names of everyone in the frat for the years Taylor’s sister-in-law said they attended. By the way, thanks for the resource. She was super helpful.”

“And?” Deck nudged before she got sidetracked.

“Right.”

Greyson chuckled again.

“Stop it,” she said, clearly holding back laughter. “Anyway. I’m running the names, and a few interesting things popped up.”

“Oh?” Harper asked. She had that getting-close gleam in her deep green eyes.

“I’ll let Grey tell you. It was his find.”

“Thank you, darling.”

Silence ensued a moment.

“Ah, come on,” Deck said.

“What?” Harper frowned.

“They’re doing the kissy thing again.” Deck grunted. “Come on, guys. This is more important.”

“So you say.” Riley’s voice held mirth.