Page 42 of Line of Sight

“His interests, for one thing, if you know of them. And anything else you can tell me about him.”

I listened intently, scribbling notes on several sheets of paper—sheets that would be burned once I was done with this call. And as I wrote, my plan formed itself.

Perfect.

Then I realized she’d gone quiet.

“Okay, leave it with me.” I poured confidence into my voice. “I’ll let you know when I’ve made plans.” I peered at the word I’d circled. “When did you think you’d be finished? With the research, I mean.”

“We’re on course to have it written up by October.”

“So I’ll have to make a move before then. Okay.”

“But when?” she demanded.

“These things take time. What you need to do is carry on as normal. Don’t give Wilson any hint that you know what he’s up to. And while you’re doing that, I’ll set up your alibi.”

I already had a few thoughts on that subject.

“Should I tell the others?”

Fuck no.

“No, this is nothing to do with them. This is between us. Just make sure that whatever alibi I set up, they play a part in it.”

Except they might need a little notice.

I went with my first idea. They were usually the best.

“You’re sure about that last part?Everyweekend?”

“Regular as clockwork for the past two years. The only thing to put him off is bad weather, and sometimes not even then.”

“Okay, I want you to call Greg, Jason, and Amy. Ask them to join you on a little trip this summer. And don’t take no for an answer. If they seem resistant, you can tell them whose idea it was. That should do the trick.”

I was under no illusions. They were scared of me.

With good reason.

“What kind of trip?”

I smiled. “A camping trip in Acadia. You won’t have to do a thing. I’ll make all the arrangements. Allyouneed do is turn up and follow instructions.”

“How… how are you going to do it?” Her voice quavered.

“You don’t need to know that part. Let me surprise you.”

Chapter Thirty

Monday, December 17, 2018

2:00 p.m.

GARY SMILEDas Dan came into their office. “We have an appointment.”

“You talked to Mark Wilson’s parents?”

Gary nodded. “They live in Boston. They’re expecting us at four o’clock.” They’d sounded surprised that the police had reopened the case but pleased that Mark hadn’t been forgotten. “I’m putting together a list of questions for them. They’ll have been asked at the time about anyone with a possible motive for killing him. I don’t expect to hear anything different.”