We nodded, allowing him to lead the conversation.
“Here’s what I know about this case so far. It’s huge. Jack Flannery has crossed eleven states, murdering two to three women in each one that the FBI is aware of. What makes this case so interesting is that he’s not targeting prostitutes or young girls who are on the streets. His victims are professional women who have money. They’re educated, smart, and don’t easily fall for someone asking for help to find his lost puppy. Jack’s a good-looking guy, so that helps. He’s meeting these people at business conferences, fundraisers, and political events. He’s sharp and cunning.”
Shivers ripped through my body. That man had been on my property. Regardless if we were related or not, he was dangerous. How can I sleep there again? Shit. Is Avery there alone?
My eyes widened with fear. “Excuse me, but I have a very gorgeous roomie that I live with, and I need to make sure she’s not alone at our place tonight.”
“It’s already taken care of, hon,” Marilyn said behind me. “Benji told her she needed to either stay with Justin or her family tonight. No one is at your house.”
I sank in my seat, relieved. I couldn’t believe it had taken me that long to consider Avery’s safety.
The oven timer buzzed, and Franklin removed the casserole. He continued to talk while he cut everyone’s pieces and placed them on plates for us. “This next part is going to get detailed and gruesome. So for now, Tensley, why don’t you tell me what you do remember about your father while we eat?” He put a plate in front of me then Layne.
It smelled heavenly, and my mouth watered from anticipation.
“Thank you,” I said, digging right in. Grabbing a napkin off the counter as my eyes rolled back in my head. “Amazing.”
Everyone laughed, and I was thankful for the lighter mood, even if it was only briefly.
I speared another bite with my fork, grateful for the warm, delicious food. Sometimes the little things were all it took to make me happy.
“I don’t remember much about my father. I’d barely turned three when he took off. I don’t even remember what he looks like. I know that doesn’t help, but I can’t imagine that I’m related to this Flannery monster. I mean, people have pissed me off, but I’ve never harmed or killed anyone. If my dad was a murder, isn’t it …” I frowned, searching for the right word. “Genetic? I don’t know. Maybe it’s just my opinion that their brain is broken. It’s not firing correctly or something. I wouldn’t go so far as to say nothing is wrong with me, but not like that.”
“You’re not necessarily incorrect, but there are several theories floating around out there.” Franklin took a drink of his soda and pursed his lips into a thin line. Apparently, he wasn’t hungry. “Are you open to a DNA test?”
I put my fork down. Shit was getting real. “Yeah. I’ll do it.” I glanced over my shoulder at Layne, who placed a gentle kiss on the side of my head.
“How long does it take?” I asked.
“Not long at all. The results can take up to two weeks, but I have a friend who can push it through faster, and we could have the results in forty-eight hours, possibly sooner.”
“That fast?” I squeaked. My stomach churned. What if I was wrong and Jack Flannery, the serial killer, was my father? Shit. Even Luke Skywalker’s father would look like a good option compared to Flannery.
“The sooner the better. The DNA results won’t clear or convict you since the FBI has photos of him on your property. It will, however, give us something to work with. If you’re related, it might explain why he was in your shed. We would then assume he would come back. I realize it’s going to be unnerving for you, but once we clear you of hiding him, the accusations will be all over. It will be worth a few difficult days.”
“We’ll be with you. You have our full support,” Michael added.
I stared at my clean plate, wondering how my life would change and hoping this would all be a memory that would fade into the night.
Franklin collected our plates and ran water over them in the sink. “Why don’t we move into my office?”
I grabbed my beer and hopped off the barstool. Layne took my hand, his fingers threading through mine while we followed everyone past the living room and down a long hall.
Franklin’s office was at the back of the house. “Have a seat wherever you like.” He sat at his desk.
I chose one of the black leather wingback chairs in the corner. Layne settled in next to me while Michael and Marilyn sat closer to Franklin’s desk.
The mahogany wood from the staircase continued into his office. Several bookshelves held law books and pictures of him with a beautiful woman whom I assumed was his wife. My face lit up as my eyes landed on Hendrix and Gemma. A gorgeous dark-haired girl stood next to them. I suspected it was Mackenzie, his daughter. They looked so happy. I wanted that. I wanted to belong to a happy family. Maybe someday.
My attention was pulled away as Franklin began to talk again. “The FBI finally caught a break in these murders when they found a few spots of blood that didn’t match the last victim. It was then they identified the killer. Jack’s been on the run since. He knows he’s being watched, so I hope that stops his killing spree, but I doubt it. He loves the game. Jack builds a friendship with these women after meeting them at a conference or event. He continues to attend events and establishes a connection. Once they trust him, he invites them for drinks at his place. They never see the light of day again. He’s a cruel, sick bastard.”
Franklin cleared his throat and took a deep breath. It was the first time I’d seen the case get to him. “In some instances, he prepared a soundproof room and suspended them from the ceiling with meat hooks in their skin.”
I gagged. “What kind of person does something like that?” I grunted, clutching my stomach. I suddenly regretted that I’d wanted to eat before we discussed details.
“That’s just the beginning, I’m afraid. When the victims have been found, they’ve been … filleted and put in a wedding dress. At some point, he’s had sex with them, but I don’t know if it’s pre- or postmortem.”
“Dear God,” Marilyn said, the color draining from her face.
Michael clutched her hand, visibly upset.
I swallowed multiple times, forcing back the bitter bile that threatened to come up. Jack Flannery was one sick fuck.
“Sir, she can’t go back to that house. No one can. He knows where she is, and if anything happened to her …” Layne pinched the bridge of his nose. “It just can’t happen.” His voice cracked with a combination of fear and anger.
“How long have you two been together?” Franklin asked, compassion filling his handsome face.
“Very recently, but we’ve known each other since high school,” I responded, giving Layne’s hand a gentle squeeze. I glanced over at him, and his blue eyes were filled with worry.
“Then it sounds like our first priority is to keep you two safe so you can enjoy your future together. Do you have someone you can stay with?” Franklin directed his question at me.
Tears filled my eyes as I looked at everyone in the room. “I …”