“Like I said, he’s freaky smart. Look, we actually know very little, other than one of his names, and now what you’ve told us. He’s brilliant at camouflaging himself. Using makeup, he’s passed as both white and black and has umpteen identities. His MO includes breaking in, doing his job without there being any witnesses, and disappearing. Because of that, we’ve never been able to make an arrest. Other than the silver casings from the bullets he likes to use, we have nothing.”
“I’m the only witness.”
“Yes. You said you’d never forget what he looked like. That you saw enough to identify him.”
“I did tell you that, but maybe I lied.”
Carolina moved to stand in front of Alicia and saw the fear she couldn’t hide. The damn kid was petrified.
“Were you? Lying?”
Alicia slumped, her shoulders curled toward her chest, her appearance suddenly taking on the look of a tired old lady. “He’s nasty – a killer with a rep for staying under the radar and getting his prey?”
“‘Fraid so.”
“Which means – I’m screwed.”
“Not if you let the government take you into the witness protection program. They explained tonight that they’re willing to send you away and keep you safe until he’s caught and on trial.”
“Explained! Like they never let up. Talk about pressure. I felt like I was sitting on a burner and they kept turning the heat higher.”
Needing to explain, Carolina added, “The authorities want this guy – bad.”
“And I want you. In my heart, I know I’ll only be safe with you. Is that so wrong? Am I being greedy?”
“No.”
“But it’s a problem.” Alicia gauged Carolina’s face, her dark eyes questioning.
“Yes.”
“Then the first chance I get, I’ll disappear.”