Page 7 of Built of Illusions

Eventually, she slowed down and then held the sketchpad to her chest—lucky pad—and looked up. “I’m assuming he’s in good shape and strong. Probably works out or uses a gym?”

Nico nodded as that thought filtered through his brain. “Good thinking. We believe he’s been on the move for a few months.”

Roman stood. “That’s a great insight, Josie. I’m going to dig into that. Look for national gyms that have outlets in our target cities.” His phone rang again, and Roman grumbled as he moved into the hall again.

He and Nico took turns keeping their phones on silent when working with suspects or witnesses. That way, one could stay focused while the other dealt with all the crap that was always happening.

Nico decided it would be his turn to have his phone off whenever they were working with Josie. He’d suggest it in a subtle way, of course.

Finally, Josie blew out a breath and held the sketchpad away from herself to study it. She tilted her head one way and then the other.

“Obviously, this is way different from what I normally draw. There’s usually a witness and even with Tessa, it was someone she’d known and seen. I can’t imagine this is anything similar to what your creep looks like.”

“Quit stalling, Josie. I know all that. I’m not expecting miracles.” He leaned forward to let her see how serious he was. “I need a temporary face or body. I need to get inside this guy’s head. He’s eluding me and I need a starting point. I know you have no idea what his face looks like. You’re doing this completely hampered. But I need your help. I need to stop this guy and I’m looking for something to give me an advantage.”

Josie’s eyes widened as he spoke but she kept her sketchpad in front of her like a shield. After several moments of eye contact, she nodded and handed him the book.

She’d drawn multiple sketches on the page. Most were of different parts of the man. His hands. The back of his head and torso. A profile where he was mostly turned away. Another of the torso in a polo shirt.

At the bottom right, she’d drawn a full figure. A tall man with an amused smirk on his face and an arrogant tilt to his chin. He wore a suit casually, as if that was how he was most comfortable. He was muscular and carried the weight easily. The man was ready to move and carried himself with confidence.

Nico glanced up at Josie and shook his head. “You are one talented lady. This is exactly what I need.”

Already, the case felt less impossible and more within his reach. He could get this jerk. He would.

He wondered if the guy could feel the noose closing in.

Josie’s limbs were heavy and her energy level was bottoming out. She needed to get away from Nico before he realized how drawing the man had drained her. She wanted to keep giving back. If she could keep another creep off the street, the bone-deep exhaustion she felt after these sessions was worth it.

She pointed to the sketchpad. “You can have the sheet. Just rip it out of the book.”

He thanked her and carefully edged the page out of her sketchpad. Then he put the paper on the table in front of him, but kept his eyes on the sketchpad. What was he looking at?

She leaned forward, but he’d tilted up the pad to study it. Josie was used to having people study her work. She’d had exhibitions and showings. Her work sold in a couple of galleries across the state. But Nico’s study had her blushing. He didn’t react to what he was seeing, only studied it steadily.

Rather than asking, Josie pushed to her feet, knowing Nico’s manners would force him to do the same. His parents had raised him well. Sure enough, he stood immediately, but didn’t hand back the pad. She picked up her purse and checked out the time. “If you don’t mind, I’ll head out now. I can just catch the next bus if I hurry.”

Nico’s eyes widened and he looked out the window then checked the clock. He seemed surprised at how much time had passed. Josie wasn’t. She knew the process wasn’t quick or easy.

“I’m sorry that I didn’t realize it was so late. I’ll drive you home. It’s too late to be on the bus by yourself.”

Amusement filled her at that. “I’m a grownup, Nico. I’ve been taking the bus by myself since I was a kid.”

He frowned. “What about your car?”

She rolled her eyes. “I don’t own a car. Never have.”

His frown deepened. “You mean every time you help us out, you bus here and then bus home? And you won’t even let us pay you? That’s not fair to you.”

She rolled her eyes again. “It’s fine. It’s my choice.”

Josie held out her hand for the sketchpad, but he stepped back and moved around the desk. He rattled around in his desk and grabbed his keys. “Come on.”

“Are you seriously holding my sketchpad hostage to get your way?”

His grin reminded her of a mischievous boy stealing a cookie and knowing he was getting away with it. “Yep.”

Josie couldn’t help the chuckle that slipped out. “Fine. You can drive me home.” That statement had her smiling and correcting herself. “Actually, you can drive me to my apartment. My home is an empty shell at the moment.”