Page 51 of Line of Sight

Riley’s face tightened. “There are more of those goddamn highlights in here.”

“Now what?” Gary said with a groan.

Riley read aloud. “And now for the really fun part….”

“Is that it? Or are there more?”

Riley leafed through the rest of the book. “Only one. ‘I just wanted to make sure you knew the games have started.’” He jerked his head up and grimaced.“Okay, this is onereallycreepy guy.”

Dan nodded. “And it’s his game.”

Chapter Thirty-Six

Christmas Day, 2018

Hampton Falls, NH

CHRISTMAS WITHDan’s family plunged Gary into an ocean of memories. His own home had been a place of laughter and joy when both holiday cheer and twinkling lights were plentiful.

I lost all that when we lost Brad.

He’d been a little apprehensive about meeting Dan’s parents and siblings, but within half an hour of being introduced, Gary knew two things for sure: Dan favored his mom, and the whole family comprised some of the most down-to-earth, generous, warmhearted people he’d ever met.

Watching their unfettered joy when Dan’s brother and sister-in-law announced that she was pregnant, and that so far the outlook was good, brought tears to his eyes. Seeing how Matt lavished love and care on his wife sent a wave of warmth flooding through Gary.

This is exactly what I needed.No pressure for a couple of days, good food, some wine, and the promise of abundant conversation and children’s laughter.

And then in two days’ time, it would be Sean’s funeral.

He might have been my brother-in-law.

Dan handed him a glass of champagne. “It isn’t usually so boisterous around here, but then again this isn’t a normal Christmas.” He grinned. “I’m going to be an uncle again.” He glanced over to where Matt was rolling around on the carpet with Dan’s little nephew, both of them making way too much noise. “He’s going to make a wonderful dad.” Then he returnedhis attention to Gary. “So… where were you just now? You seemed miles away.”

“I was thinking about Sean.”

Dan’s face tightened. “I liked him.” He laid his hand on Gary’s arm. “We’re going to catch this guy. You know that, right? Because any other result is unthinkable.”

“Have you mentioned my offer yet?” Matt said as he joined them, a little breathless, a toddler clinging to his leg.

Dan rolled his eyes. “You only suggested it about fifteen minutes ago. You don’t want an answer right this second, do you? Unless you brought all your artist paraphernalia with you and you’re going to have us pose.”

Gary frowned. “What offer? What are you talking about?”

“Matt wants to paint our portrait.”

“And I’ll give you my friends and family rate,” Matt added. Gary blinked, and Matt burst into laughter. “I’m yanking your chain. I’m not going to charge you a cent.”

“I’ve seen your work,” Gary confessed. “It’s very impressive.”

Matt flushed and gave a short bow. “Thank you. Is that a yes?”

“It’s a ‘we’ll discuss it,’” Dan retorted.

Gary liked the idea. What he wasn’t sure of was how much time it would take.

Matt glanced down at his nephew. “Liam, go bug your daddy. It’s his turn.”

Without a moment’s hesitation, Liam tottered toward the kitchen, shrieking for his dad.