Текст книги "The Naked Eye"

Автор книги: Iris Johansen

Соавторы: Roy Johansen
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“He wanted me to think so, but now that I’ve had a longer time to think about it, probably not. He heard you call me the night he first invaded your system. As I recall, you said my first and last name. From there it was a fairly simple matter to learn a few things about me and find my address.”

“But he described your place to you,” Beth said.

“He described permanent features of my place. The wraparound porch, the hardwood floors in my bedroom and hallway … But nothing I brought to the house myself.” He picked up Beth’s iPad from the dinette table and typed something into the search box. In seconds, an online photo album appeared. He swiped his finger across the screen to show a succession of pictures of his home. “This is from a Bay area real-estate site. There are half a dozen other sites still out there with photos of my house when it was listed for sale last year. That’s how I found it. Albums like these are out there for almost any house that goes on the market, and sometimes they’re out there for years after they’re sold.”

Beth nodded approvingly at the photos. “Cool place.”

“Thanks.”

“So he was bluffing. It’s nothing to be comfortable about,” Kendra said. “Colby still knows who you are and where you live. And he knows you’re helping me track him down.”

Sam managed at smile. “I assure you, I’m not exactly comfortable, either.”

“So are we any closer to knowing where he actually is?”

“Not unless you’re willing to believe he’s fled to Antigua.”

“Antigua?”

“In the Caribbean. I traced it back to a relay center there. It primarily functions as a clearinghouse for financial transactions of questionable legality. Your friend Colby was content to use it as a means to scare the living shit out of me.”

“How would he know to do this?” Kendra asked wonderingly.

Sam shook his head. “It just confirms what I said before. He’s had some expert help, and it’s been fairly recently. I doubt he went into prison four years ago with the knowledge he would need to pull this off. The technology changes too quickly.”

“Antigua,” Kendra said. “Another dead end.”

“Not necessarily. I had to abandon my session in a bit of panic, so I didn’t get to try every way I could to track him.”

“There’s more you can do?” Kendra asked.

“Maybe.” Sam took a deep breath. “But I’d need to draw him out again.”

“No,” Kendra said sharply. “I can’t let you do it.”

“Don’t fight me too hard. I might give in and run for the hills. It’s not something I’d enjoy doing, but it’s the only way. I might be able to get a fix on his home location even if he routes through a couple of these relay centers.”

“And what if Colby finds out you’re doing it? I want you to stop right now.”

He shook his head. “Nah, can’t do it.”

“You certainly can do it.”

“Won’t do it. I never realized what a coward I was until I came up against Colby. I didn’t like the way that made me feel. I’m not going to feel like that again.” He smiled. “Or if I do, maybe I won’t show it as much. It bothered me that Colby knew I was scared. Presentation is everything, you know.”

“No, I didn’t know.” She stared at him helplessly. “Look, drop it, Sam. It’s not worth it to me to have you in danger.”

“I’m touched.” He took her hand and squeezed it. “But though it’s an incredible surprise, I find it is worth it to me. Imagine that.” He got to his feet. “Now if you don’t mind, I’ll use your bathroom to take a shower and change, then I’ll go look for a place to rent for a week or so.”

“You’re staying in town?” Beth asked.

“Yeah, I like the idea of being close to Kendra. In case she needs me.” He grinned. “Or what’s more likely—if I need her.” His eyes were suddenly twinkling. “How about it? Kendra says you can be intimidating. Want to be my bodyguard?”

“No.” She studied him. “You’re not at all what I’ve been imagining since Kendra told me how you helped get the goods on those scumbags who held me at that mental hospital. I was thinking you’d be…”

“A white knight? We’ve already gone down that road. I’m just a fantastically talented computer genius who enjoys challenges.” He added, “And one who stayed on the sidelines while Kendra and Eve did all the real work of springing you from that place.” He grabbed his bag. “Hell, maybe I was scared then, too. I didn’t think so, but I’m having to take a second look at motivations.”

“Stop being so hard on yourself, Sam,” Kendra said. “And I want you to stay here. There’s no reason for you to rent a place.”

“Yes, there is. There’s no room here for me. I’ve got to set up a small computer lab. I will find Colby. Besides, that means bringing your computer on-site.” He shook his head. “I’m not going to expose you to that bastard again. Hell, I don’t want to expose myself. But I can’t stand the alternative.” He headed for the bathroom. “He’s messing with my head … and my work. And I have to keep your computer functioning in case he sends me … or you another message.” The bathroom door closed behind him.

“I hate this.” Kendra’s hands closed into fists at her sides. “Damn him. I’ve never seen Sam that upset. He’s right, Colby is messing with his head. He knew just how to reach him.”

“His work?” Beth asked.

“He lives for those computers. It was probably almost like a betrayal that Colby could use them against him. It’s natural that Sam would want to gain the upper hand in his own arena.”

“And possibly dangerous,” Beth said quietly. “If Colby was uneasy about Sam’s ability to trace him. The threat could be directed at Sam as I suggested. You said he was an egomaniac. It would be the thing an egomaniac might do. Even if he isn’t the victim of choice, if he continues to work to find a way to get to Colby, he might end up dead anyway.”

Kendra shuddered. Beth was being entirely too logical to be ignored. “I’m not going to be able to convince Sam. You heard him.”

She shook her head ruefully. “Then you need to have Griffin lock him up somewhere with a few dozen snipers to watch over him.”

“You’re joking, but that’s not a bad idea,” Kendra said. “Except Griffin would immediately try to take over the action and then where—” She stopped as a thought came to her. “But you’re definitely on the right track, Beth…”

CHAPTER 11

“HEY, I WASN’T EXPECTING THIS.” Sam stepped past Kendra into the spacious foyer and looked around. “It’s pretty damn incredible. Like a comfortable Taj Mahal. Who lives here?”

“Adam Lynch.” She closed the door after Beth entered, and it locked itself. “He’d appreciate the description. He always says that comfort is paramount, luxury is only icing on the cake.”

“Beautiful,” Beth murmured. “I had no idea your friend Lynch had either the taste or the funds to build a place like this.”

“What does he do?” Sam asked. “Stocks? Oil?”

“No, you might say Lynch is in services.” She waved her hand, and the lights came on in the entire first floor. “But he does very well.”

“Judging by the whizbang-tech security I noticed on the grounds, there are a lot of people who might envy and like to take a little of that cash away,” Sam said. “And you seem very much at home here. Sure you’re not more than friends?”

“No, sometimes things aren’t the way they seem.” She smiled. “But what is true is that this place is supersafe, and I’d defy anyone to get to you if you stay behind these walls.”

“I don’t doubt it. And Lynch will let me stay here?”

“I’m sure he’ll agree once I can get in touch with him. He offered me the house.”

“You, not me. And if it’s so safe, why don’t you stay here with me? Think what a good time we could have.”

“I want to appear vulnerable to Colby. I need him to act. I don’t want this horror to drag on any longer than necessary.”

“You changed your locks. I’d say that should convince him you feel vulnerable.” He was looking up at the high, coffered ceilings. “Yeah, this house is really cool. The sound should be really great bouncing off those ceilings. You’re sure Lynch won’t mind if I stay for a couple days? Do you want me to call him?”

“No, he said the situation with which he’s dealing is very touchy. He’ll see I called, but I didn’t even leave a message. If he doesn’t get back to me, I’ll try to call him later.” She turned and moved toward the living room. “Let me show you around the place. You may find it a bit odd, but then that’s Lynch.” She looked over her shoulder at Beth and Sam. “For instance, you’ll see a huge banner photo of Lynch’s current girlfriend, Ashley, wearing a bikini and occupying an entire wall. She’s a supermodel and gave it to him as a present, and he didn’t want to hurt her feelings by removing it. It’s right ahead. Brace yourself.”

“I am.” Beth was looking past Kendra to the living-room wall. “But it’s still a shock.”

“Shock? Why? I know it’s—” Kendra’s gaze followed Beth’s to the wall, and her jaw dropped. “What?”

“Shock for you, too, evidently,” Beth said. “No bikini girl. Just Kendra Michaels. Evidently, Lynch got up his nerve to tell his lady friend that he wanted a fresh face on the wall. It’s a wonderful portrait. Did you pose for it?”

“No.” It was a mixed-media picture in which Kendra had been portrayed with her eyes closed. Now that the shock was abating, she was beginning to remember where she had seen that portrait. “Lynch and I were questioning an artist in his studio a few months ago, David Warren, and he kept working while he talked to us. I didn’t know he was doing me until right before we left his studio. Funny, he said that he knew that it wasn’t right until he closed the eyes of the woman in the portrait.”

“Strange. He must have sensed…”

“What can I say? Warren is an artist. I thought it was a bit weird, too.” She shrugged. “Anyway, we left his studio, and that was the last I saw of the portrait.”

“But not the last Lynch saw of it,” Sam said. “He must have gone back and purchased it.” He tilted his head, gazing at the picture. “You know, I might have gone back and done the same thing. The artist really caught you. I wouldn’t mind having that around to look at.” He grinned. “But then, I’m supposed to be your white knight. It’s only right that I should have my lady’s portrait.” He looked Kendra directly in the eyes. “Colby said I was one of many. Is Lynch a white knight, too?”

“Lynch would laugh at that. He much prefers to be a black knight and run his own show.” She cast one more glance at the portrait, then forced herself to turn away. “He probably just liked the work.” She moved toward the kitchen. “This kitchen is state-of-the-art, not that you’ll cook much. I remember how little you used anything but a microwave.”

“And still don’t. Just show me the office or study or whatever. I need to know what I have to work with.”

Kendra nodded and, for the next fifteen minutes, showed them quickly through the office area before taking them to the guest rooms upstairs.

“That’s enough,” Sam said impatiently. “I’ve got the general layout of the place. Now you and Beth leave and let me get to work.”

“I believe we’re getting kicked out.” Kendra was smiling as they started back downstairs. “Come on, Beth. I’m sure that we can find enough of value to do without bothering—”

“No,” Beth said flatly, stopping as they reached the bottom of the stairs. “I’m not going with you, Kendra. I’m staying here with Sam.”

“What?” Sam said, “You are not.”

“Yes, I am.” She ignored him, turning to Kendra. “It’s where I can be the most useful. There are going to be times when you’re going to want to deal with Griffin or Stokes without me. Then I’ll be mad as hell if you run out on me like you did before.”

“You were going to check on those Colby prison visitor contact files from—”

“I can do that here.” She glanced at Sam. “He might even be a help with that.”

“I’m flattered you think so,” Sam said sarcastically.

“Or he might not. Anyway, I’ll have plenty of time to work on it. In between making sure that Sam doesn’t do anything foolish that will get him killed.”

“I beg your pardon?” Sam said.

“He’s pretty safe here, Beth,” Kendra said.

“As long as he stays here. I can see him being impulsive and running out to get a cable or hard drive or whatever.”

Kendra could see that, too. “Yes.”

“If I’m here, I’ll go for him. I won’t let him do stuff like that.”

“Let?” Sam repeated.

“Let.” She turned back to him. “Stop being an ass. Kendra would feel terrible if anything happened to you. I have to make sure it doesn’t.”

“I’ve taken care of myself for a number of years, Beth.”

“And you can take care of yourself for the rest of your life after we get rid of Colby. Until then, you belong to me.”

“Really?”

“Don’t smirk. This isn’t about you, it’s about Kendra and the fact that I pay my debts. I owe one to you, and though I’m not sure you deserve—” She stopped. “That’s not true. You deserve everything I can do for you. I don’t care whether you helped me because it was a challenge, it was my life. And you helped give it back to me. So shut up. It’s going to happen.”

Sam blinked. “I believe it is.”

Beth turned back to Kendra. “Don’t take chances. Don’t worry about us. I’ll be in touch every day, and I’ll make sure that he works until we get what you need.”

Kendra hesitated. Beth’s decision had come out of left field, and she wasn’t sure that she liked the idea of having her out of sight. Yet what else could she do? Beth was a grown woman and would do what she wanted to do. Give in gracefully. “Thank you. I’m sure you will.” She hugged her and turned to Sam. “And you take care of her, too, Sam.” She hugged him, and turned toward the door. “I’ll let you know what’s happening.”

“Do that,” Beth said absently, her gaze fixed on Sam. “’Bye, Kendra.”

Kendra paused at the front door, looking back at them. So different. Beautiful, intelligent Beth, who had been lost and was trying to find herself. Sam who was volatile, worldly, and lively and yet was discovering new things about himself because of the monster in their midst. How would they cope with each other in this forced proximity?

Not her problem. They would have to work it out for themselves. She had her own worries.

That monster in their midst was getting closer all the time.

*   *   *

BETH KEPT TO HER WORD. SHE CALLED Kendra early the next afternoon. “Everything’s fine here … I guess.”

“You guess?”

“I haven’t seen Sam for more than a few minutes since you left. He’s been closeted in that office except for trips down the hall to the bathroom and to the kitchen to grab a sandwich. I think he slept on the couch in the office.” She added sarcastically, “Or maybe hovering from the rafters like a bat over those blasted computers.”

“Regretting your decision to stay?”

“No. The reasons are still the same. I’m just facing the reality of Sam Zackoff. As long as I’m here, I’ll know he’s safe. And I’ve had time to look over those prison-visitors records, and I’ve narrowed it down to five possible.”

“Five?”

“Evidently, Colby attracted a lot of computer geeks. I don’t know why. Maybe they’re so removed from reality that they can’t differentiate between monsters and geniuses.”

“No one can deny that Colby is clever. Do you want to send them to me? I’ll help you do searches on all of them.”

“Let me try to pare it down a little more. I’ll get back to you. I’m sure that you have other things to do.”

“I’ve been working with Griffin and visiting the families of those victims and trying to get firm confirmations on those trophies. We’ve got two so far.” She added wearily, “It’s very painful, both for us and for them. They never forget, but the sight of those belongings just brings their loss home again.”

“But it may help Colby to be caught if you can just get law enforcement to admit he’s alive and go after him.”

“That’s what I tell them, but when the pain is there, it’s difficult to think of anything else. Oh well, we’ve got to do what we think is right.”

“It is right.”

“I know. It just seems as if I’m spinning my wheels. I feel as if Colby is out there watching … and waiting.”

“Waiting? Waiting for what?”

“I don’t know. What he’s been waiting for since he managed to escape that prison. My death? Absolutely. But he’s not ready for that yet. He’s planning something. That’s why he sent me that message.”

“You’ve done everything you can to protect Sam. This house is like Fort Knox.” Beth added with forced lightness, “And you’ve got me to keep an eye on him. So maybe Colby is just hunkered down somewhere and gnawing his nails with frustration. I’ll enjoy imagining him doing that.”

“Me, too,” Kendra said. “But send me those names as quick as you can. Okay?”

“You know it.” She paused. “You won’t change your mind about coming here? Much safer, and I could use the company. I’m not getting any from Sam.”

“No. I can’t hide away. Colby has to see me moving and coming after him. He has to feel as if there’s a chance of getting at me when he’s ready.”

“I don’t like the way you’re thinking.”

“It’s the way he taught me to think. I told you he was waiting. If I hide away, he’ll only burrow down until I surface. Or start killing again to force me out.” She changed the subject. “But it’s making me feel much better to know you and Sam are safe. Stay that way. Keep in touch.” She hung up.

Were they safe? Kendra wondered. Lord, she hoped they were. She had done everything she could think to do.

Now, like Colby, she had to wait, and see if that was enough.

*   *   *

“WOW, SAM. I’M DAZZLED. I DON’T know if it will work, but it looks as impressive as hell.”

Beth was staring at the array of monitors Sam had set up in Lynch’s study, tied to a pair of laptops and a stack of black boxes. “I’ve been wondering what you were doing in here for the past day.”

“Setting up. Making adjustments. Trying to find any computer out there that’s specifically trying to connect with the software that Colby planted in Kendra’s computer. If it just happens once, only once, it can lead us back to Colby. I’ve been busy.”

“And shutting me out.”

“Nothing personal. I’m just accustomed to working alone.” He glanced soberly at her. “But I appreciated the fact that you were here.”

“At your beck and call?”

“Why not?” He grinned. “Hey, what guy wouldn’t want to have a gorgeous woman to meet his every need? You shouldn’t complain. You’re the one who set it up.”

“Not every need,” she said dryly.

“Now you’re spoiling it. I was having fantasies of—”

“And those fantasies would last only as long as that agile brain of yours wasn’t occupied with those computers.” She looked around the office. “So tell me about your first and probably only real love.”

“Pretty special, huh.” Sam smiled proudly as he stepped back from his creation. “Yeah. If Colby makes contact again, I want to be ready.”

She looked at the large monitors. “When did you bring all this stuff in?”

“I didn’t, actually. I just brought in the laptops. I had them delivered and left on the doorstep.”

“That was what was in all those boxes?”

“Yeah, the rest was in the office closet. This guy Lynch must be a real techie.”

“You just helped yourself to his gear?”

“Sure, why not? Kendra told us to make ourselves at home.”

“Yes, she did,” Beth said warily. “And you certainly took her at her word.”

“Anyway, I’ll feel a lot safer in this place than I did the last time I reached out to Eric Colby.” Sam looked at the windows. “Check these out. Glass-clad polycarbonate, almost an inch thick.”

“Bulletproof?”

“And even bombproof, up to a point. I’ve done consulting work with foreign embassies that weren’t as secure as this place.”

“Who needs a house as secure as this?” Beth said.

“Someone who has really pissed off a lot of people.” Sam smiled. “My kind of guy. I hope I get a chance to meet him sometime.”

“When you do, you can explain to him why you appropriated about twenty thousand dollars’ worth of his gear.”

“All for the noblest of purposes.” Sam sat down at the large mahogany desk. “If it gets us one step closer to finding this monster, who would possibly object?”

“And how close are you?”

“I’m not certain. I’ve spent a lot of time setting up these network-traffic-analysis rigs. I think I’m ready to find out.”

“You are?”

“Yep, that’s why I invited you in for the show.” He met her eyes, suddenly grave. “I have to work alone, but that doesn’t mean I like it. I want you to know that … I’ve liked having you here. But this is the only part I can share. It’s all I can give you. If you want to accept it.”

“You sound like someone from Mission Impossible.” She smiled. “It is what it is. Of course I’ll accept it. That’s why I’m here.”

“Good.” His hand went to the power switch on Kendra’s computer. “Ready to give this a shot?”

Beth leaned forward and pushed his finger into the power button. “Oh, yes. Let’s get this asshole.”

The indicator lights on Kendra’s laptop came to life. Sam punched a button on the HDMI switcher, and the image from the laptop suddenly appeared on one of Lynch’s large-screen monitors.

Beth turned back to Sam. “How long will it take?”

“Depends on Colby. Last time, he made contact immediately. It leads me to believe that he has a computer on and waiting for this machine to come online. At least he did then. If that’s still true, it can only help us. It’s hard to scan the Web like that without leaving some kind of footprint. This time, I’m looking for any sign that his computer is out there looking for us.”

“And once it has found us?”

“I’ll immediately start tracing the data packets. And if we hit a relay center, I’m ready to start analyzing data traffic patterns from the other side to figure out where it’s coming from. He may be smart enough to route himself through several relay centers, but I’m smarter.”

Beth nodded. “Not that I doubt you … But doesn’t the government have entire buildings full of people who do this sort of thing?”

Sam checked one of the monitors. “Yes. And they hire me whenever they fall on their asses.”

“Good Lord, what arrogance.”

“No, I’m merely supremely sure of myself.”

Beth laughed. “And unapologetically.”

“Why apologize? For being aware that I’m the best at what I do?”

“You’re the only person I’ve ever met who can swagger while sitting down.”

“Another one of my many talents.”

She glanced over at him: “So tell me … Who do they call when you fall on your ass?”

“Hmm. Can’t say, because it’s never happened. I guess they would just call a priest since the situation would clearly be hopeless.”

“Clearly.”

Sam suddenly leaned forward. “We’ve made contact.”

Beth tensed. “Can he see and hear us?”

“Not unless we want him to. I’ve muted the laptop’s microphone and camera. Of course, he may not even be there. Just because his computer is on, that doesn’t mean that he—”

“Greetings, Sam.” That mocking whisper again.

“That’s him,” Sam said.

“I assume it is you, Sam. You’re being very rude, not allowing me to see and hear you.”

Sam pushed a keyboard combination that opened the microphone. “Of course you can hear me.”

“Ah. Good. I trust you gave Kendra my message?”

“I did.”

“Fine. Then your part of this is done. I have no further use for you. I must speak to Kendra directly.”

“What makes you think she wants to speak to you?”

“Is she there?”

“No.”

“Too bad. You’re wasting time. The clock has started.”

“The clock on what?”

The screen flickered, and, suddenly, an image appeared.

Beth leaned close to get a better look. Her eyes widened. “Oh, my God.”

*   *   *

KENDRA’S PHONE RANG, AND SHE barely had time to punch the TALK button when she heard Beth on the line, her voice shaking.

“Kendra, open your e-mail now, you hear me? Now! Sam just sent you a link.”

“A link? Beth, what’s happening?”

“Just do it. Hurry!”

Kendra had already grabbed her tablet computer and opened her e-mail. Three button presses later, she was staring at what appeared to be a live video feed that chilled her to the core.

Detective Martin Stokes, bruised and bloody, tied to a table. His eyes were wide with fear as he looked at something beyond the range of the camera.

And she had a terrible feeling she knew who he was looking at.

“Kendra, do you see it?”

She couldn’t take her eyes from the screen. “Yes.”

Sam’s voice suddenly cut in. “Kendra, I’m forwarding this to you through my server. I’ve also sent viewing links to Michael Griffin at the FBI and the San Diego Superintendent of Police. Colby is refusing to talk to anybody but you.”

“Can … he hear me?”

“I’m going to try and enable two-way communication in three … two … one … now!”

She spoke into her tablet. “Colby … It’s me. It’s Kendra Michaels. I’m the one you want, not him.”

Silence. Only Stokes’s labored breathing.

Sam had rigged this on the fly, so it was entirely possible that his attempt to provide a two-way communication link was going to be a—

“Hello, Kendra. What a delight it is to be here with you again.”

She went still. It was the first time she’d heard Colby’s voice since that terrifying morning at San Quentin.

She had hoped never to hear that voice again.

The picture on her screen hadn’t changed. Stokes was shirtless and bleeding, tied to what appeared to be an embalming table. “Colby, this is about you and me. You have my attention now. That man has nothing to do with this. He’s a cop. He didn’t even believe you were still alive.”

A long pause.

What was he thinking? Was she making any impact at all?

He finally replied. “To the contrary, Kendra. He has everything to do with this. He disrespected us both when he refused to listen to you about me. He’s now paying the price.”

“Of course he didn’t listen to me, Colby. You were too smart, and you covered your tracks too well. The whole world believed you were dead.”

“You didn’t believe it, Kendra, even though you wanted to believe it more than anyone on Earth.”

“I’ve met a few dozen victims’ family members who wanted to believe it more.”

“Possibly. But after today, there will be no doubts, Kendra. This is my gift to you. The whole world will know how right you were. I could have just vanished and let you twist in the wind, espousing your ridiculous theory…”

Kendra’s phone vibrated. She glanced down and saw a text from Sam. KEEP HIM TALKING. TRYING TO TRACK. FBI AND SDPD ARE IN THE LOOP.

She looked back up. “Don’t pretend this is for anyone but you. You enjoyed the hell out of the fact that no one believed me.”

“For a little while. But it annoyed me that Stokes couldn’t see that such complex planning and clean execution could only originate in a mind like mine. So it’s for both of us. I’ve been planning this for a long time.”

“Whatever you planned, it didn’t involve this man. Or Sheila Hunter. You didn’t know them two weeks ago. Stokes can’t possibly matter to you.”

“Then should I kill him right now?”

“No! You’ve made your point.”

The screen went black for a moment, then came back. Colby suddenly entered the frame and stepped behind the table. He appeared slightly more muscular than she remembered, and his hair now covered his ears. But his blue eyes were as striking as ever, and his small teeth still gave his angular face a feral quality.

“Only partially.” He looked down into Stokes’s face. “But he’s seen the error of his ways in one important aspect. Admit your mistake, Stokes. Am I still alive?”

Stokes’s expression was a mask of anger and terror. “Yes, you bastard, you’re alive.”

“Excellent.” Colby spoke to the camera. “I invite you all to watch as I apply one cut to Detective Stokes’s body each five minutes. In exactly one hour, he will die.”

“What will that prove?” Kendra voice was strained, frantic. “Don’t do it, Colby!”

Colby didn’t acknowledge her outburst.

He paused, raised his knife, and stabbed Stokes in the stomach.

Stokes screamed.

Then, as the detective gasped and wheezed with pain, Colby stepped out of the frame.

Kendra stared at the screen, stunned and horrified at what she had just seen.

Then she picked up her phone. “Sam, you saw that?” She had to steady her voice. “He meant it. You have to find him. Stokes will die if you don’t.”

“No pressure,” he said hoarsely.

“Of course there’s pressure. Do you think I want to put you in that position? If I could do it myself, I would. But it’s you, and I can’t help—”

“It’s okay,” Sam interrupted. “I’ve done some of my most brilliant work under unbelievable pressure. I’ll just see that this is one of those times.”

Good. Stokes needed Sam’s hubris right now. It might be his only chance.

Beth cut in, “Sam just tossed me the phone. Literally. He’s working like crazy. I never thought fingers could move across a keyboard that fast.”

“Any luck?”

“Some. He traced the data stream to one relay center, and he’s working on another.”

“And you did say Griffin is clued in.”

“Yes, Sam was in touch while you were talking to Colby. I think the entire FBI office is watching that feed. SDPD, too.”

“Good.”

FBI Field Office

San Diego

GRIFFIN STEPPED OUTSIDE HIS office, where the agents and support personnel were standing around the television monitors. They had just watched Colby plunge his knife into Stokes. The bleeding, shirtless detective was now having difficulty breathing.

The agents slowly turned toward Griffin and away from that hideous picture.

“Stop just standing there. If one more person looks at me with that dumb look on their face, they’re fired. You saw it with your own eyes. Eric Colby is alive.”

Special Agent Roland Metcalf practically sprinted from his cubicle. He definitely did not have a dumb look on his face. “Who’s the hostage?”

“Martin Stokes, SDPD Homicide. He was working the marina murder.” Griffin spoke to the other agents as they gathered around. “I’ve just mobilized the Critical Incident Response Group. We may have a fix on his location within minutes, but we can’t count on that. Your analysis of this video must begin now. You heard him. Colby has threatened to murder Stokes within the hour.”

Metcalf shook his head, and said slowly, “Then Kendra Michaels was right.”

“I’ve been close to believing that ever since she produced those trophies. Now there’s no doubt. Metcalf, I need you to organize backup for the CIRG team. If we get the word, we’ll need to fly out of here.”

“Yes, sir.”

Griffin and Metcalf had just begun to coordinate duty assignments when a hush fell over the room.

They turned to see that Colby had stepped back on-screen, still brandishing his large knife. He spoke to the camera. “Fifty-five minutes.”