Page 33 of Line of Sight

“With one important difference,” Gary remarked. “Whatever the weapon—ax, steam, stiletto—that isn’t what kills them. We think he’d already done that with drugs. Everything else is just… window dressing.”

“That sounds like one sick, crazy son of a bitch. And we were at college with him?”

“If the killerisa him,” Gary said. “We’ve got no evidence either way at this point. My instincts say he’s male, but that’s because serial killers tend to be male.”

Dan picked up a copy ofStrangers on a Train, and a shiver traveled through him.

Gary was at his side before he could draw breath. “What do you sense?”

“Some strong emotion. Revulsion? Fear? It… it’s not clear.” He opened the book and peered inside. “What does this mean?”

On the back of the cover was written:

No.

No.

No.

No SMC

Sean stared at it. “I have no idea. Do you think it’s important?”

Dan huffed. “To quote you, I have no idea.” Except that wasn’t quite true. “Well, maybe the germ of an idea,” he confessed. “You said he joined a club at college to discuss books.”

“That’s right. The Mystery/Thriller club. He asked me if I wanted to join too, but it wasn’t my thing. Besides, I didn’t think it was good to be in each other’s pockets all the time. I wasn’t going to ask him to come rowing or swimming with me, now, was I?”

Gary tapped the book with his finger. “The students we mentioned—Greg Collins, Amy Walsh, Jason Kelly, Jennifer Sullivan—they were in the same club?”

“I think so.” Sean gave them an inquiring glance. “Have I helped?”

Dan gave him a warm smile. “I think you might have done.”

Sean said nothing, but the glow of satisfaction that clung to him said plenty.

“You know who else was in that club, don’t you?” Gary said suddenly.

Dan shivered.Oh yes.

“The killer.” He scanned the book covers. “And now I’m wondering if anyone ever kept a record of who attended it.”

“Want me to ask around?” Sean made a note. “Not that I’d hold out much hope after all these years, but you never know.”

Dan glanced at Gary. “Your call. If we do get a list, it’ll mean more names to investigate.”

Gary didn’t hesitate. “Yes, please, Sean. Right now we need all the help we can get.”

Chapter Twenty-Two

I GAVESean’s PA—her name badge said Sally Prescott—my most charming smile. “Sean and I go way back. We were at college together. He said if I was ever in the neighborhood to drop in.” I turned my smile up a notch. “Well, I’m in the neighborhood.”

“I’m sure he’ll be delighted to see you, once he’s finished with Detective Mitchell and Mr. Porter.”

Okay, that stopped me for maybe a heartbeat.

“Oh. I met them at a charity event held here. They’re in with him now?”

Sally nodded. “They’ve been here a few times recently. If you’ll just take a seat, I’ll—”