Page 103 of Line of Sight

Gary tried to cry out, but couldn’t.

“And while we’re on the subject…. Really? You didn’t think this whole scenario was familiar? I stole it fromThe Silence of the Lambs.” He tut-tutted. “And after I sent you a copy too. Someone didn’t do his homework,” he said in a singsong voice.

Then the guy bundled him into the van, next to the dead man.

“I’m afraid he’s not a good conversationalist. Now this won’t take long. I’m late for another appointment.” He chuckled. “Rather an important one, actually.”

Before the door closed and Gary slipped into unconsciousness, the last thing he saw was Anthony King’s smile.

Chapter Sixty-Eight

Sunday, January 27, 2019

11:30 p.m.

“YOU SHOULDgo to bed.” It had to be the fourth or maybe even the fifth time Riley had said that.

Dan couldn’t tell him that every time he thought about closing his eyes, Gary’s face was right there in his head.

I don’t know where you are.

I don’t know what’s happening to you.

Except he had a feeling that last one might be a good thing. Because knowing Gary’s circumstances would seriously interfere with his ability to remain calm, focused, alert to what his senses were telling him.

Riley got up and went into the kitchen.

Dan picked up a framed photo that stood on the side table. It had been taken at Christmas, and he’d loved it so much, he’d printed it. The whole Porter clan, along with their spouses, gathered around the tree, looking up at the camera, everyone laughing. It wasn’t much of a surprise how quickly his family had taken to Gary.

He’s a special man.

A pleasant aroma reached his nostrils, and he glanced up. Riley stood by the couch, holding out two steaming cups.

“I thought some hot chocolate might help.”

Dan forced a smile. “Thanks. And in case I haven’t mentioned it, I’m really glad you’re here.”

Riley handed him a cup, then joined him on the couch. He glanced at the photo in Dan’s hand. “That’s cute. Gary looks happy.” He gazed at it for a moment.

Dan trusted his instincts. “What are you thinking?” He replaced the photo in its original position.

Riley leaned back with a sigh. “Before you came, he was… different. I didn’t know about Brad—I don’t think anyone did, except maybe Travers, but that’s only because Travers knows everything. You know we say if a mouse farted, he’d know about it? Lot of truth in that statement.”

Dan smirked. “I don’t think I’d recognize a mouse fart if I heard one.”

“So while we had no idea of the awfulness of what had happened, it clearly left its mark on Gary. He didn’t laugh much, although you could share a joke with him. He was kinda driven. But then you joined us, and… I don’t know… he’slightersomehow. He smiles more, laughs more. And I got to thinking maybe this is what love is supposed to look like.”

“You’ve never been in love?”

Riley chuckled. “Not been bitten yet by that particular bug, but after seeing you two, I’m thinking more about finding someone special.”

Dan couldn’t resist. “Like Kathy Wainwright?”

Riley flushed. “I know I joke about her, but she’s one amazing woman. When she said she’d meet me for a coffee, it felt as though Christmas had decided once a year wasn’t enough.”

“So youwillarrange to meet her? You won’t let your nerves get the better of you?”

Riley smiled. “We’ve already arranged it. Next week.”