Page 101 of Line of Sight

His breathing shallow, Dan placed his hands on the wheel. “I… I can sense Gary.” He wanted to weep with relief.

“See? I told you.”

Dan concentrated, focusing on whatever energy still clung to the wheel.

Then he felt it, a coldness that seemed to seep into his bones. He shivered. “I can also sense someone else.” He froze, his pulse rapid. “It’s him. The same guy who touched Amy’s shoe. He’s got Gary.”

He was dimly aware of Riley getting on his phone. “Sir? There’s been a development.” He held the phone out, and Travers’s voice filled the car.

“I’m putting out an APB. Come to the precinct, both of you.”

Panic seized Dan, constricting his chest and tightening his throat.

“Dan, if the killer has him, he’s going to want to let you know, isn’t he?” Travers spoke calmly. “That’s your theory—that he’s playing games with us?”

Dan’s phone pinged, and when he saw the screen, relief swamped him. “Sir, I just got a text from Gary.”

“Read it.”

Dan read the WhatsApp message: “Sorry. I met a friend at the store. He was in a bad way, and I couldn’t leave him. Went back to his place for a while, and time got away from me. I’m going to stay a bit longer. Don’t wait up.”

“So how did he get there?” Riley demanded. “And why would he leave his car here? It makes no sense.”

Dan stared at him. “What makes you so sure Gary even sent this? You know, likeGregsupposedly messaged us? The message he typed when he was already dead?”

Without waiting for a response, Dan tapped:How did you get to his place?

The reply came swiftly.He works at the store. We came here in his car. Mine’s still there.

Riley whooshed out a breath. “See? Tell him I’m going to kick his ass.”

“That’s what I like about you, Riley—you’re an eternal optimist.” Dan narrowed his gaze. “But I’m not.” He texted once more.By the way, your mom called. She says she’s got something special planned for our monthly Saturday lunch next week.

Once again, the reply was fast.Great. See you soon.

“What’s going on?” Travers demanded.

Dan shuddered. “Gary didn’t send these messages.”

“How do you know?”

“Because his parents’ monthly lunch is on a Sunday, not a Saturday. Always has been.”

“Get back here,” Travers barked. “I’ll send a CSI team to dust Gary’s car.” There was a pause, and when he spoke again, his voice was softer. “Dan… Gary’s okay.”

Dan swallowed. “With all due respect, you don’t know that, sir. But I know how I can find out. I’ll call you back.” He hung up, then texted one more time.

Hello, Anthony. I know it’s you.

A moment later his phone rang, but it was an unknown number. Dan hit Answer.

“Well, aren’t you the smart one? I thought I’d have more time to get the game ready.” His cool voice was enough to send ice hurtling through Dan’s veins, aiming for his heart.

Dan pushed down hard, quashing the rising tide of fear. “Sorry to spoil your fun.”

“It means you’ll have to wait a little longer until I’m ready to make the next move, that’s all.”

“Is Gary alive?”