Cross the Line: A Gabriella Cross Paranormal Romance Book 2 by M.J. Lovestone Page B

feeling that she wanted me to go alone.”
    “Are you crazy?”
    “Maybe, maybe not. I’m going to end this once and for all. Too many of my loved ones have been hurt by these vampires.”
    Valentine let out a sigh and leaned in to look at the computer screen. “Have you tried lake islands? Perhaps she is closer than you think. Reaching you in your dreams suggests as much.”
    Gabby changed her search to islands in Lake Michigan. Within seconds she found the one that she had been looking for.
    “You’re brilliant. This is it, Widow’s Island.”
    “Are you sure?”
    “Yes, this is the exact castle from my dreams.”
    “What are you going to do?”
    “I told you. I’m going to kill the bitch.”
    Valentine offered her a disappointed scowl. “Gabby—”
    “Listen, Val, I hardly know you. Don’t assume that you can tell me what to do. I appreciate you staying with me last night, but I don’t need a babysitter.”
    Valentine acted hurt by her words. “I’m just trying to be your friend.”
    “You want to be my friend, then respect my decision. I don’t want Michael knowing about this yet. I need time to think.”
    “Alright,” said Valentine. “I’ll respect your decision.”
    “Thank you.”
    Gabby’s phone chimed. It was a text from the guards stationed outside her house.
    Detective Riggs is heading for your house.

Chapter 19
     
     
    “Son of a bitch,” said Gabby, hurrying to the door to look out the peephole.
    “What is it?” Valentine asked.
    “This cop that keeps sniffing around.”
    “Do you want me to…get rid of him?”
    “What? No…thank you. I think it is best if you take off. I need to speak with him alone.”
    “Of course,” said Valentine, though she looked slightly disappointed.
    To Gabby’s surprise, Valentine suddenly kissed her on the lips. The kiss lasted only a few moments, and Gabby stared at Valentine’s closed eyes, slightly shocked.
    Valentine smiled when they parted and touched Gabby’s cheek lovingly one last time before opening the door and walking out into the bright sunshine.
    Riggs stared at Valentine as she walked by, and Gabby had to give a small cough to get his attention.
    “Uh, hello,” he said, looking confused. He glanced back at Valentine and shook his head. “Your friend is…”
    “Yeah, I know. What can I do for you, detective?” Gabby asked, folding her arms over the front of her robe.
    “May I come in? I have some questions for you.”
    “Please, come in. I was just about to put on some coffee.”
    Riggs accepted the invitation and closed the door behind him.
    “Please, make yourself at home. I just need to use the bathroom,” said Gabby as she put on a pot of coffee.
    “Take your time,” said Riggs with a strange little smile. “I’ve got all kinds of time.”
    In the bathroom she checked the mirror and sighed. She looked like she had been crying all night, which she had. She splashed cold water on her face and put on some light makeup before combing out her gnarled hair. After putting it up in a ponytail, she brushed her teeth and rinsed with mouthwash, wondering all the while why she cared to freshen up for Riggs.
    When she was done, she walked into the kitchen and found Riggs texting someone on his cell phone.
    “Coffee, coming right up!” Gabby sang and tried to act cheerful.
    “Thanks,” said Riggs, putting his phone down on the table and tapping the screen.
    Is he recording this? she wondered.
    “So what did you want to talk to me about?”
    “Miss Cross…”
    Miss Cross? What happened to Gabby?
    “Why were you at Steele Tower the other day?”
    Gabby froze. She had hoped that Riggs hadn’t noticed her.
    “You were spying on me?” she said, stopping what she was doing and turning to face him, all the while trying to act angry.
    “No, I was spying on Michael Steele. I saw you come out of the parking garage with the same car that is parked outside. What happened to your red Nova?”
    “It’s in the shop,” said