Page 107 of Blood Moon

“Why didn’t he arrest you on sight?”

“Because he’s not a cop, and he doesn’t know that I know him. He’s one of the ogre’s retainers. I’ve tried to identify as many of them as I can. This guy mostly does surveillance.”

“Has he ever killed anyone?”

“I doubt it. The ogre wouldn’t use him for that. He knows he’s not that bright. Actually, if an assassin were assigned to me, I’d prefer a smarter, more competent and efficient one. It would be over before I knew it.”

She hugged her elbows. “Don’t talk like that.” Then, almost to herself, she added, “I can’t believe I’m actually having a conversation about the efficiency levels of hit men.”

“Beth.” He waited until she turned and looked at him. “I told you that first night when we got to the fishing camp that you were out of your element, that you weren’t used to a man like me.”

They looked at each other somberly. He wanted to reach across the console and press her arm or squeeze her knee, but the .45 in his hand was in direct contradiction to any reassurances he could offer.

Returning his eyes to the road, he said, “He wasn’t at the clinic for us. When we came in, he gave away his astonishment. It’s a guess, but I think he was probably sent thereto intimidate Carla the way the ogre did Isabel Sanchez. To warn her of repercussions if she talked to us.

“She’s always been outspoken and critical about how badly Billy was treated, how Barker botched the investigation. You can bet he’s already heard that we had a private conversation with her. That’s gonna make him even more nervous.”

“And perhaps desperate?”

He didn’t answer. He didn’t have to. The pistol was answer enough.

They reached the camp without further incident and returned the car, which John realized was now compromised, to the garage. Mutt was thrilled to see them, of course. John stayed outside with him for several minutes of play.

When he came back indoors, Beth was talking into a phone. “Richard, you know how crucial it is that Brady be made to understand. Please see what you can do. Goodbye.” Looking upset, she disconnected, then tossed the phone onto the table.

John said, “He’s not persuaded?”

“He’s not even answering. He’s ghosted me. I was leaving a voice mail.”

“Lily-livered SOB.”

“Yes, but I get it, John. Jobs in our industry are coveted. He’s afraid of losing his in the shake-up that’s bound to happen.”

He checked his watch. “School’s out, and Molly hasn’tcalled.” He had pestered her until she’d grudgingly promised, but after being followed today, he would continue to pester her.

He tapped in her number, and she answered immediately. He said, “You were supposed to call me.”

“It’s been three whole minutes since the bell, Dad. I was about to.”

“Where are you?”

“Outside waiting on the bus.”

“Lots of other people around?”

“Yes. I’m surrounded. But…”

“What?”

“Don’t freak out.”

“Because you said that, I’m already freaked out. What?”

“When I got off the bus this morning, I looked around like you told me to and noticed a car parked down the street. It’s still there.”

Seven hours later. He ran his hand over his head but tried to keep his voice calm. Tried to keephimselfcalm. “Can you tell if anyone’s inside?”

“No, the windshield is reflecting. It’s probably nothing.”