Dragonfury 01 - Fury of Fire

lead. The guy had a history of violence and a motive—the baby. So, where did the missing nurse fit in? Was it a wrong time, wrong place scenario? Was she a hostage or the next victim? Maybe. Maybe not. But one thing for sure? Myst Munroe needed finding.
    “This is such a nightmare.” Solares rubbed her upper arms. “Just like before.”
    Before? Angela tossed a loaded look at her partner. “Come again?”
    The J. Lo look-alike blew out a shaky breath. “It’s like what happened to her mom…except, well, Myst isn’t dead in her kitchen.”
    “What?” both she and Mac said, echoing each other.
    “Yeah.” Her gaze bounced from Angela to Mac then back again. “You didn’t know?”
    Mac shifted. Pushing away from the wall, he crossed the room, pulled out a chair, and joined them at the table. His gaze riveted on Solares, he murmured, “Fill us in.”
    “Her mom was murdered three years ago,” she said. “The cops said it was a robbery. A bunch of Dana’s important papers, her computer, and backup files were stolen. Research. From her work at the biotech.”
    A scientist. Wow. Another piece to fit into the Myst Munroe puzzle. “What was her mother researching?”
    “Genetics, I think. Something to do with DNA splicing and gender. I didn’t understand any of it. I’m a landscape designer…my world revolves around plants, not science.” Playing with her ring, Solares spun it around her middle finger. “Myst came home from work and found her. Dana had been…sliced up…tortured, the detective said.”
    Angela sat back in her chair, analyzing the new information. Was it important to their case? God only knew, but honestly? Every little bit counted. Sooner or later, all the pieces would come together to give her what she needed, a trail of facts that led to a murderer. “Was the killer ever caught?”
    She shook her head. “I think that’s been the hardest part for Myst…the not knowing. No closure. The constant wondering. Do you think her mom’s murder has anything to do with her…being missing?”
    “We’re running down every lead.” Pushing his chair back, Mac stood, a clear indication the interview was over. “Thank you for coming in, Tania.”
    Solares snorted and got to her feet. “Like I had choice?”
    Angela’s lips twitched as she joined the pair. Whatever the brunette’s shortcomings, courage wasn’t among them. Taking a card from her notebook, she handed it to her. “If you think of anything else, call me.”
    With a nod, Solares accepted her offering. “Will you let me know if anyth—”
    “Don’t leave town.” Mac gestured toward the door. “We’ll be in touch.”
    Sticking the card in the top of her bag, Solares grabbed the straps and, high heels clicking, skirted the table on her way to the exit. As she opened the door, she glanced over her shoulder. “Whatever you think she’s done, detectives, you’re wrong. Myst would never hurt anyone. She doesn’t have it in her. She still has nightmares about her mom’s death.”
    Uh-huh. Well, that remained to be seen, but at least talking to Solares hadn’t wasted their time. As the brunette disappeared from view, Angela let her killer instincts out of the box. She had new leads…two good ones to chase down.
    The boyfriend was priority one, but checking him out wouldn’t take long. And then? The biotech thing. Genetic research, DNA splicing coupled with a missing baby. Coincidence? Angela’s gut told her no. So many things about the case didn’t add up: not the murders or the ashes. Throw in the science angle and…yeah. Those pieces were related. All she needed to do now was find the link, the string that connected the whole.
    She glanced at Mac. “Feel like a trip down to Archives after we check out Ryan Brady?”
    “You know me…cold cases turn me on.”
    “Not curvy brunettes?”
    “Them, too,” he said, grinning.
    Angela rolled her eyes and, snatching her notebook off the table, whacked him in the arm. As he recoiled and went “Ow” with feigned injury, she headed for the door. The big goof had no shame. Then again, most men didn’t—
    The screech of guitars erupted, blaring from Mac’s back pocket. Digging out his iPhone, he brought it to his ear. “MacCord.”
    She stepped over the threshold. Mac growled, “What the hell do you mean lost ?”
    Uh-oh. That didn’t sound good.
    Putting on the brakes, Angela swung back into the room.
    “Well, find it. Or I’m coming down there.” Mac