The Hunted Girls by Jenna Kernan (best book club books for discussion txt) 📕

Nadine’s heart hammered so hard in her chest she thought it might break a rib. Her breathing came in short rasping gasps.

Was this really happening?

“We’re a good team,” said Demko.

“If we are such a good team, why did our last case end up with me getting shot and you getting brain surgery?” she asked.

“It was just a clot,” he said, waving away her objection.

“On your brain!”

He cleared his throat and tried again.

“Nadine, I love you. I’ve been in love with you since the first moment I saw you in the lobby of the police station.”

Nadine thought she might hyperventilate.

Demko took her hand. “I want you to be my wife, Dee. I want you to believe in the possibility of a life together. I know you have fears.”

“I’m terrified.”

“I’m asking you to be braver than those doubts and give us the chance to be happy.”

“I don’t know what to say.”

She watched the disappointment flash across his face. He wanted her to say yes. A resounding yes, with no doubts or misgivings.

“He might target you.” She’d brought this killer into the center of his proposal. She lowered her head as the shame and guilt took hold.

“There’ll be another one after that and after that. It’s what you do, Dee. It’s your calling. I’m okay with that. But I want to be here beside you. You need me to have your back. I’d do that anyway.”

“I know you would.”

“Then stop resisting the happiness that is right here for us. You deserve this, Dee. We both do.”

Did she? She wasn’t as certain. Some of that darkness lived within, it was why she could do this job. Because the shadow of her mother’s crimes fell long over her.

He waited. She stared as her heart banged in her throat. Her skin grew damp. His mouth pressed to a grim line and he nodded.

“Keep the ring. Think about it. I’m sorry I didn’t do this right, with flowers and champagne.”

“I hate champagne.”

“I know.” He did laugh then. “Here.”

He closed the box and pressed it into her hand. “I love you.”

He held the ring box tight in both hands over her heart.

“Clint? It’s all right, taking a little time?”

His smile was sad and showed the weariness of the world. But he said, “Of course.”

“I’m just worried about this case.” She didn’t want his life jeopardized because of her. She didn’t want to bring this killer to this man she loved. Clint wanted to protect her. She wanted to do the same for him.

Her heart ached as joy and sorrow thrashed against each other, two dying fish in a barrel.

“Can we keep this a secret for now?”

His voice was incredulous. “I’m not telling anyone I proposed to a woman who asked to think about it.”

She gaped, understanding the punch she’d given his male ego.

He smiled, leaned in to kiss her and rose to his feet.

“You’re a thinker. I get it. Just don’t think too long because it’s a decision of the heart. Now get dressed or you’ll be late to the studio.”

“Studio!” It all came flooding back to her.

She clutched his hand and explained the connection she had uncovered between her and the latest missing woman. When she finished, he pointed at her phone.

“Call Skogen.”

Then he headed to the bathroom as she reached for her phone and remembered the engagement ring. She paused alone in the bedroom and opened the box, drawing out the circle of gold to admire the raised setting and the white diamond. Then she slipped the ring on her left finger. It was a perfect fit.

But was she a perfect fit for Demko?

They’d have to have a conversation, the one she dreaded. The reason she had not wept and cried and instantly said yes. He deserved to know what he was giving up by marrying her.

She returned the ring to the box and slipped it into her nightstand. Then she called Skogen.

Special Agent Jack Skogen arrived to pick Nadine up forty minutes later. Her hair was still wet from the shower, but she’d finished her makeup and one cup of coffee. They pulled up at the television studio at eight in the morning. She was to appear on the ten o’clock news broadcast.

Upon arrival at the studio she discovered that her makeup was all wrong for the cameras and lights. Their makeup artist took over. Nadine watched as she was transformed. Meanwhile, the chrysalises in her stomach emerged.

Her message would air on the morning news. Skogen insisted on pre-recording so that Nadine would be away from the studio at broadcast. Coleman would be here, surveilling for possible appearances of the Huntsman.

The timing of her piece was under three minutes. They seated her and attached a microphone, threading the wire up under her shirt. The director told her to watch for the red light as she counted in.

She focused on the director’s hand as he counted.

“Five, four…” Then went silent as his fingers continued to count down, ending by pointing at her. The red light glowed. They were recording.

The moths in her belly settled and she faced the glass eye of the camera, suddenly numb.

“I’m Dr. Nadine Finch, the FBI profiler working on the Huntsman case. He has forwarded this manifesto and a request that I read it on air.”

Then her eyes were on the page as she read the now-familiar words with a flat, emotionless affectation. Would he watch it?

“‘…To procreate, all living things must attract a mate by displays of strength and cunning, proving themselves strong enough to reproduce, defend their territory against rivals and protect their offspring. To exist past their own life they may pray on weaker members of their race, reject inferior beings, and seek to breed with a suitable female. It is the right of every living creature to ensure their survival by all means. This is the way of life. Fair warning, The Huntsman.’”

She finished the last sentence, the last word, and glanced up, staring at the cold glass eye of the lens.

“And we’re at break,” said the director.

Nadine