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"Who?"Fiona asked, leaning in closer to examine the screen.
"Hisname is Magnus Weber," Jake replied, scrolling through the man's profile."He was involved in creating the exhibit, but he was let go shortly afterits launch due to some... unsavory behavior."
Fiona'seyes narrowed as she read the details about Weber's inappropriate conducttowards female employees. Apparently, he had been known to sexually harasspeople and make them uncomfortable. Was this merely an unfortunate coincidence,or could there be a connection between him and the killer?
Fionafelt a cold knot forming in her stomach. "Could he be our suspect?"
"Maybe,"Jake admitted, his brow furrowed in concentration. "Only problem is,Magnus lives in Nevada, and we're in Portland."
"Wait,"Fiona said, her eyes widening with realization. "Isn't that near whereSeymour Smith was murdered?"
"Exactly,"Jake confirmed. "He could've followed the exhibit here to commit anothermurder."
Fionanodded. "What else do we know about him? Any criminal record?"
Jake'sfingers flew over the keyboard as he searched for the answer. After a fewmoments of scrolling, he paused, his eyes widening with surprise. "Itlooks like Magnus does have a criminal record," he said in disbelief."He was convicted of assault a few years ago."
Fionaand Jake shared an excited glance. This could be their break in the case theyhad been searching for. If Magnus Weber was connected to the murders, then itwould provide much-needed answers about the killer’s motive and methodologies.
Butthere was one problem--he was far. Fiona knew they had the resources of the FBIat their disposal, but it was still a long way to go to talk to a suspect whenit was entirely possible their killer was still here. If Magnus was the killer,then he wouldn't even be in Nevada--chances were, he'd still be here.
"Wecan't just sit here while he's out there," Fiona said.
"Iknow," Jake replied without looking up, his voice tense. "We need tofind him."
Fionadrummed her fingers on the table, her mind racing. Every second they wastedfelt like a potential missed opportunity to catch Magnus before he struckagain. Her thoughts drifted back to Joslyn, her missing sister, and the trailof heartache that had led her to this point. She couldn't let another familysuffer that same pain.
"Maybewe should send someone to check out Magnus's home in Nevada," shesuggested, her eyes fixed on Jake. "We could have local PD pay him avisit. If he's not there, then we'll have a clearer idea of what we need to dohere."
"Goodidea," Jake agreed, finally raising his eyes to meet hers. "Ifnothing else, it'll give us a better idea of what we're dealing with."
Fionanodded, feeling a small measure of relief. At least they were taking action,even if it wasn't them going personally. She watched as Jake dialed the numberfor the Nevada police department, his voice firm and authoritative as heexplained their situation.
"ChiefJohnson," he said into the phone, "this is Agent Jake Tucker from theFBI, Portland division. We're investigating a series of murders connected to atraveling entomology exhibit, and we believe we've identified a potentialsuspect who resides in your jurisdiction. His name is Magnus Weber."
Fionastudied Jake's face as he spoke, trying to gauge the reaction on the other endof the line. She knew that if they could get the Nevada police to cooperate, itwould be a significant step forward in their investigation.
"Couldyou send a unit to Weber's address?" Jake continued. "We'd appreciateany information you can gather on him."
Therewas a pause, and Fiona held her breath, waiting for the response. Finally, Jakenodded, his expression one of grim satisfaction.
"Thankyou, Chief Johnson," he said before hanging up the phone. He turned toFiona, his eyes determined. "They'll send a unit to check on Magnus. Let'shope this leads us somewhere."
Fionanodded, her heart pounding in her chest. They were taking a leap of faith,trusting that the local PD would uncover something crucial. But it was a chancethey had to take, and she couldn't shake the feeling that they were finallyclosing in on the truth.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
The sunhung heavily in the sky, casting a golden haze over the streets. Nick wipedbeads of sweat from his forehead as he followed Lisa, his seasoned partner,towards the suspect's house. The dry heat prickled on his skin, and he couldn'thelp but grumble under his breath about their current assignment.
"Can'tbelieve we're out here 'cause some FBI guy two states away can't handle his owndamn case," Nick muttered to himself, adjusting his uniform cap.
"Getused to it," Lisa replied without turning to face him, her voice steadyand experienced. "That's part of the job. Besides, we're not dealing withjust any ordinary suspect."
"Really?What's so special about this one?"
"Murdersuspect," she said simply, maintaining her stride.
Nickfelt a shiver run down his spine, despite the sweltering heat. He'd dealt withplenty of petty criminals during his time as a cop, but murder suspects were anentirely different ball game. Just thinking about facing a killer had his heartpounding louder in his chest.
