Free ChasingShadows by Erin Richards

the perp had
used gloves, but Alex wasn’t taking any chances.
    Doll accessories stuffed the box to the rim. He tipped it on
its side and spread the contents on the bed. After a few seconds of sorting
through the tiny toys, excitement swamped him.
    “Son of a bitch.” He picked up a half-dollar-sized gold disk
and dropped it inside an evidence bag, careful not to contaminate it with his
fingerprints.
    Raising the object to eye level, he fingered the jagged edge.
It was a Scottish clan medallion soldered to a keychain fob.
    He cleared up the pile of tiny shoes and clothes and
returned to the living room. “You were right.” His eyes locked with Juliana’s,
appreciation spilling from his voice. Respect for Juliana’s psychic talents
jumped several rungs on the ladder.
    When Alex showed them the evidence, Juliana edged back,
afraid to approach the keychain.
    Fear wove through him as he recalled her fainting spell. If
she suffered similar trauma during each case, he wondered how she’d managed to
survive all those years.
    “Do you recognize it, Andrea?”
    She peered into the clear bag. “Never seen it.”
    Juliana maintained a wary distance, her eyes inquisitive.
    “It’s a piece of a Scottish clan medallion ¾ ”
    “ Scotland Forever !” Juliana blurted out. “The ring
tone on the kidnapper’s cell phone. I knew it sounded familiar.”
    Alex’s jaw dropped. “You sure?”
    “Positive.”
    He pulled his own intact keychain from his pocket. “These
are sold at Celtic stores and festivals. They make them into Celtic heritage
wear—pendants, cap badges, brooches, keychains.” Alex flipped it, revealing the
smooth backside. “Most are sold in pewter or silver. Gold pieces are usually
custom-made.”
    He pointed out the design on the two keychains. The name
‘Campbell’ was written above a boar’s head logo on the one he just found. “The
coat of arms and motto are different for each clan. Clan MacKenzie has a stag’s
horn, and this is a boar’s head.”
    Andrea’s expression turned doubtful. “What if Lisette found
it somewhere?”
    “It’s his.” Juliana clutched her throat. “I sense it.” After
a tense moment, she removed her fingers from her throat and held out her palm. “Let
me touch—”
    “No.” Alex shoved the evidence bag in his pocket. No way
would he let her go through that again. At least, not yet.
    She rolled her eyes. “Alex, it won’t kill me.”
    “We have to dust it for prints. Come on.” Alex strode toward
the front door. “I’ll take you home.”
    “Please stay, Juliana,” Andrea pleaded. “I really want to
catch up. You can help get my mind off…” Tears pooled in her eyes.
    It devastated him knowing that Lisette was out there at the
mercy of the beast who’d abducted her. And it tortured him to see his sister so
distraught and helpless. If Andrea wanted Juliana to keep her company, why
should he object?
    If Juliana stayed, she might tell Andrea why she disappeared
for twelve years. He desperately wanted to know. Yet, on the flip side, he
feared the truth.
    And because of what had just happened, he wanted Juliana to
work with him at the PD. He wanted her insight on the case as an impartial party.
    Who are you kidding? You just want her there.
    He left the decision to Juliana.

Chapter Four
     
    A cooling breeze stirred the balmy summer night. Palm trees
swayed, fronds rustled. Stars winked at them, and a full moon shed light on the
parking lot as they walked toward the building. Appreciative of the extra
illumination, Alex couldn’t take his ravenous gaze off Juliana.
    James met them outside Alex’s office. Alex dangled the
plastic bag holding the Scottish keychain for James’ perusal. He pointed out the
engraved markings on the reverse side, hoping the symbols would provide
evidence as to the creator. Alex gave James a quick rundown on the night’s
activities.
    James turned speculative eyes on Juliana. “You said you
weren’t a touch telepath.”
    “I