Page 68 of Line of Sight (Second Sight #4)

GARY WALKED toward his car, smiling to himself at the thought of an evening with Dan. No work, just cuddling on the couch.

Lord knows we both need that.

A smidge of guilt worked its way in there too at the thought of Riley holding the fort, but he pushed it aside. If he needed us, he’d say so.

As he approached his car, he saw a Chrysler Pacifica minivan parked next to it, the side door open. A man crouched by the front wheel on the driver’s side, cursing. On the ground beside him was a portable tire inflator.

The guy let out another curse.

“You having some trouble?” Gary put his bag of groceries on the ground, where it leaned against the wheel. “Can I help?”

The man turned to look at him. “You any good with these contraptions? Because I am shit out of patience.” He had very short dark hair, peppered with gray, and was clean shaven, with dark brown eyes.

There was something familiar about those eyes. Come to think of it, there was something familiar about the encounter.

Gary crouched next to him. He glanced into the minivan and saw a man lying on his side, eyes closed. “Hey, is he okay?”

A gloved hand clamped over Gary’s mouth, and a sharp prick scratched his neck.

“Not really. He’s dead. How else do you think I was able to take his van?

You know, the same van that tailed you ever since you left your apartment?

Except you didn’t notice. Not very observant, are you? Considering you’re a cop.”

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 from The 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.