Carnal Innocence

wouldn’t have put you in such a dangerous position.”
    Caroline took a seat, understanding that Burns’s stiff manners wouldn’t permit him to do so first. “Actually, I don’t believe Tucker was aware that Austin was out with a rifle. It came as quite a surprise to both of us. Would you like lemon or sugar?”
    “Just a little lemon, thank you.” He took his place on the couch, shifting slightly to face her. “Caroline, as I’ve loved your music for years, I feel as if I know you.”
    Her smile remained pleasant. “It’s funny how often people make that mistake. Actually, the music I play belongs to numerous composers and isn’t mine at all.”
    He cleared his throat. “What I mean is, I’ve admired your talents, and followed your career, so I feel a certain connection. I hope I can speak frankly.”
    She sipped. “So do I.”
    “I’m concerned, Caroline, very concerned. I’ve heard talk around town that you’ve been seeing Tucker Longstreet.”
    She settled back in the crook of the couch. “That’s the marvelous thing about small towns, don’t you think? If you sit in one place for more than five minutes, you hear everything.”
    He stiffened like a poker. “Personally, I don’t care for rumor, gossip, or innuendo.” Her quick burst of laughter had him tightening his lips.
    “I’m sorry. You made that sound like a rock group or a law firm.” She swallowed the next chuckle when he didn’t respond in kind. Laughing at him was certainly no way to soften him up so that he’d listen to a suggestion. “Places like this run on gossip, Matthew. I imagine it could even be helpful.”
    “Indeed. However much I abhor such habits, I must take this professionally. You’d be wise to do the same. Tucker Longstreet is still being questioned regarding a vicious and brutal murder.”
    Nerves had Caroline passing the glass from hand to hand, but her eyes remained level. “As I understand, several people are being questioned. I suppose that would include me.”
    “Your involvement with this is merely that of an innocent bystander who happened to find a body.”
    “There’s no merely about it, Matthew. I found the body, and I’m a member of this community. I have …” Her lips curved at the truth of it. “I have friends here, and probably numerous cousins of one sort or the other.”
    “And you consider Tucker Longstreet a friend?”
    “I’m not sure exactly what I consider Tucker.” She gave him a bland look. “Is that a professional question?”
    “I’m investigating a series of murders,” he said flatly. “I have not crossed Mr. Longstreet off my list. I consider him someone to be watched, carefully watched. You may not be aware that he had relationships with the other two victims.”
    “Matthew, I’ve been here for over two weeks. I’m well aware of it. Just as I’m aware that Woodrow and Sugar Pruett’s marriage is in trouble, and that Bea Stokey’s boy, LeRoy, got a ticket for speeding out on route One. Just as I’m aware that Tucker isn’t capable of doing any of those hideous things to those poor women.”
    A long, patient breath, and Burns set aside his iced tea. It never failed to fascinate him how easily women could be taken in. “People were fooled by Ted Bundy’s charm and attractive looks. A serial killer is not someone you recognize as such in the everyday course of things. They are clever, manipulative, and often highly intelligent. And often, yes quite often, they themselves go for periods of time when they have no recollection of what they’ve done. And if they do, they hide it under a mask of affability or concern. But they lie, Caroline. They lie because what they live for is the kill. The anticipation of it, the skill with which they hunt, stalk and slay.”
    He watched her pale and reached for her hand. “I’m frightening you. I mean to. Someone, very likely someone in this small rural community, is hiding behind a mask, and plotting the next kill. I will use all my skill, all my knowledge, to stop him. But it may not be enough. And if it’s not, he will kill again.”
    She had to set the tea aside. She needed nothing cool now, not when her blood had turned to ice. “If that’s true—”
    “It is.”
    “If it is,” she repeated, “shouldn’t you be using all available assistance?”
    “I beg your pardon?”
    “You’re an outsider here, Matthew. Your badge doesn’t change that. If anything, the fact that it’s federal makes you more of