Chapter 592

A kaleidoscope of emotions washed over him. Joy at seeing her. Surprise she would be here at all. Hurt and anger that she’d left him in the first place. A longing to hold her. Relief. Confusion. Desire. And finally, and most strongly, a warm feeling of love. The last surprised and pleased him. He’d begun to accept that his emotions had become hollowed, had almost grown used to moving through life in a semi-anesthetized state, shielded from the slings of pain, loss and sadness, but paying the price for that protection by being inured against joy and love as well. He had missed the change stealing over him these last few weeks, too busy devoting his thoughts and energy to catching the killer to notice the gradual reawakening of his feelings. His focus had been turned outward, leaving him oblivious to the transformation unfolding within. He had suffered the anger, the hate, the frustration and sadness engendered by the killings, had enjoyed the pride and anticipation of uncovering the la