Simon Says Die

all high school on Hamilton.”
    Some of the tightness in his chest eased when he saw she still had her flash and fire. “What exactly does ‘go all high school’ mean?”
    â€œGive me a dozen eggs and a roll of toilet paper, and I’ll show you.”
    He laughed and turned with her toward the station.
    Hamilton was frowning as he watched them.
    Madison blew him a kiss.
    â€œFor the love of . . . stop baiting him,” Pierce whispered harshly. “You need to take all this a bit more seriously.”
    â€œOh, I am. Trust me. I am seriously considering all the ways I can make Hamilton’s life hell when I get out of here.”
    He shook his head, at a loss for words. Madison was like a force of nature, and he still hadn’t figured out how to contain her.
    Hamilton and the uniformed police officer reached them just as Pierce held the door open for Madison.
    She started to go inside, then her eyes widened, and she backed up, pulling Pierce with her.
    â€œMrs. McKinley,” Hamilton said, “you have to—”
    â€œGive us a minute,” she said. “Just one minute.” She took a deep breath and smiled. “Please.”
    He crossed his arms. “Make it quick.”
    She tugged Pierce over to the shrubs a few feet from the front door, and turned her back on the police.
    â€œWhat’s going on?” Pierce asked.
    Madison looked over her shoulder, then shifted so her back was directly to Hamilton. She reached up and pulled Pierce’s head down to her. “There’s a metal detector in there,” she whispered.
    â€œWell, yes, of course. Why do you . . . ah hell. You have a gun don’t you?”
    â€œA girl has to protect herself.”
    â€œWhere is it?” he growled.
    She reached into her bra and pulled out a Colt .380 with a piece of silver tape on it.
    Pierce couldn’t help but be impressed. “Duct tape. Clever. I should have thought of that.” He grabbed the gun and shoved it into his pants pocket. “Do you have a machine gun in there too?”
    â€œNo, but I do have a knife . . . or two. Give me a second.” She started unbuttoning her blouse.
    â€œOh, for the love of . . . you’re going to be the death of me woman.” He opened his jacket and stepped in front of her to shield her from anyone watching from the street.
    â€œHey, what’s going on?” Hamilton took a step toward them just as Madison pulled two pieces of duct tape from the inside of her blouse, concealing two small pocketknives.
    Pierce grabbed them and shoved them in his other pants pocket just as Hamilton reached them. He stepped around her, blocking Hamilton’s view while Madison buttoned her shirt.
    She turned around and pressed her hand lightly against Pierce’s chest. “Don’t mind us, Lieutenant. We were just saying good-bye.” She leaned up and tugged his head down so she could press a kiss against his cheek. “See you inside.”
    Hamilton looked thoroughly confused as Madison swept past him.
    â€œWant to explain what that was all about?”
    Pierce shook his head. “Actually, no, I really don’t.
    Hamilton opened the door. “Are you coming?”
    â€œI’ll catch up in a few minutes.”
    He shrugged and went inside.
    â€œWhat did I miss?” Casey called out, hurrying up the front walk toward Pierce.
    â€œIt’s about time. I called you half an hour ago.”
    â€œExcuse me. Been a bit busy with the ‘Simon says’ case.”
    â€œAny leads?”
    â€œNot that have panned out. When you’re finished with this stalker business, maybe I can bribe you to work one more serial-killer case.” He glanced around. “Where’s Mrs. McKinley? You said Hamilton was arresting her?”
    â€œI talked him out of arresting her, for now, but only if she’d answer a few questions. I wanted her to wait for a lawyer, but she’s convinced she can talk Hamilton into letting her go.”
    â€œBig mistake.”
    â€œTell me about it.”
    â€œSo, she’s inside?” Casey started toward the front door.
    â€œHold on a minute.” He reached into his pockets and grabbed the Colt .380 and knives. “Here, hold these.” He shoved the weapons into Casey’s hand, and tossed him his keys as he ran toward the door. “Mind moving my car? I’m double-parked.”
    He didn’t wait