The Naturals, #2
Killer Instinct
by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Contents
Chapter 13
Overview
Cassie overhears Veronica Sterling and Dean argue about the Colonial University case, revealing their history and the new victim’s name, Emerson Cole. Confronted with Dean’s lingering guilt over his father’s crimes, Cassie is swayed by Lia to covertly attend a Colonial frat party to gather intel despite FBI prohibitions.
Summary
Restless from a nightmare, Cassie wanders downstairs and overhears Veronica Sterling arguing with Dean. Sterling admits leaving the FBI after a rule-breaking mistake that got someone killed. Dean presses for the current victim’s name; Sterling resists, framing the case as a copycat of Daniel Redding.
Dean reveals a childhood memory: his father introduced a woman named Gloria to him and implied her fate hinged on Dean’s acceptance, deepening Dean’s lifelong guilt. After a tense silence, Sterling finally names the new victim: Emerson Cole.
Back in bed, Cassie analyzes what she heard, concluding Sterling knows Dean’s deepest trauma and is trying to shield him by withholding details. Cassie recognizes that the uncertainty will only intensify Dean’s self-blame, regardless of the killer being a copycat.
Lia interrupts, pelting Cassie with ice and dragging her to the bathroom with a glittering “dress.” Despite Cassie’s objections about Judd, Sterling, and Briggs, Lia argues their instincts can uncover what the FBI might miss and insists this is how to help Dean.
Convinced, Cassie dons the revealing outfit. Lia plans for them to infiltrate a Colonial University frat party to pick up chatter, noting she has a ride. They prepare to leave, committed to gathering information despite the risks and orders to stay away.
Who Appears
- Cassie HobbesNarrator; overhears Sterling and Dean, processes Dean’s guilt, and agrees to infiltrate a Colonial frat party.
- Veronica SterlingNew supervisor; argues with Dean, reveals past mistake, withholds then discloses victim Emerson Cole’s name.
- Dean ReddingStruggles with copycat case; demands victim’s name; shares traumatic memory involving his father’s victim Gloria.
- Lia ZhangManipulative truth-detector; persuades Cassie to attend a frat party to gather intel for Dean’s sake.
- Sloane TavishAsleep during events; earlier built a crime scene mock-up referenced in the discussion.