When a Heart Stops by Lynette Eason Page B

shadows pretty well. Dominic approached the porch, glancing over his shoulder with every step. Through the trees, in the direction of the street that ran behind his backyard, he thought he saw flashing blue lights headed his way.
    Within seconds the first car pulled into the drive. Colton climbed out, weapon drawn. “Heard your call on my radio. Where is he?”
    â€œOut here somewhere.” He motioned toward the area. Three more cruisers parked on the curb and Dominic flashed his badge at them. “He could be long gone by now—then again, he might be nearby. Keep your guard up.”
    The officers dispersed and Dominic waited for the last vehicle. The bomb squad. The dark van crunched to a stop and a large German shepherd led his handler out. Dominic saw Jessica Goode follow, the dog’s leash wrapped around her left hand. “Where is it?”
    â€œOn the porch.”
    Jessica led the dog to it and said, “Search, Buddy.”
    Buddy sniffed, walked around the package and back, but gave nosign that anything was going to explode. Jessica looked at Dominic. “He didn’t sit, it’s clear.”
    â€œGreat. Thanks.” Jessica and Buddy disappeared back into the van and Dominic walked up the steps to rap on his front door.
    Within two seconds, the knob turned and the door opened. Dominic told Serena, “Will you grab me a pair of gloves from under my bathroom sink?”
    â€œSure.” She turned and within seconds was back. He took the gloves from her and pulled them on. Then he grabbed the package and slipped inside. Serena shut the door behind him.
    Dominic carried the package into the kitchen and set it on the counter.
    Serena tilted her head and looked at it. “It’s not a bomb, is it?”
    He shook his head, studying the package. “No, the dog cleared it. But I didn’t really think it was a bomb anyway. I also figured the person who left it here had to carry it a pretty long way, because I didn’t hear a vehicle leave.” Or footsteps or anything else that indicated someone had been near his front porch.
    â€œWhich means the person came in on foot—or bicycle—and left the same way. Why?”
    â€œBecause he didn’t want to take a chance on being seen in a car. Too easy to identify it.” He shrugged. “But who knows?”
    Another rap on the door sounded and Dominic opened it to let Colton in. “Ready to join the party again?” he asked.
    â€œYou going to open it?” Colton jutted his chin toward the box in Dominic’s hands.
    â€œYep.”
    â€œHave at it then. The officers are still searching, but I think your gifter is long gone.”
    Dominic reached for the edge of the tape on the box and paused. “I know it’s not going to explode, but I’d feel better if I knew what was in here before opening it.”
    â€œI would too,” Serena said.
    He looked for a return address.
    Blank.
    Colton shook his head. “You think it’s from the killer?”
    â€œI don’t know. Could be some kind of prank, but I’d still like to X-ray it before I open it. Just to be on the safe side.”
    Serena tilted her head, still studying the small box. “It looks just like the one left by Leslie’s killer.”
    A shiver crept up his spine even though she was only confirming what he’d already observed. “Yeah, I’d noticed that. It’s a different color, but it’s the same style and material. A smooth, almost plastic feel. And the corners are rounded.”
    â€œWe can take it to my office to X-ray or take it straight to Rick and let him do it. Whichever you prefer.”
    Troubled, he rubbed his head, feeling the stiff curls against his palm. “I could send it off and have it done or call the bomb squad back, but that takes time and I want to know what’s in here. Now.” He never was very good at waiting. He did it when he had to, but if there