Deadly Fate (Krewe of Hunters #19)(41)

“We will want to see it. Thank you,” Thor told him.

“I’ve looked at it—poor quality,” Brennan said. “Nothing but people coming and going, all looking fine and normal. But the video doesn’t even cover the elevators. Still, one man may see something that others don’t.” Brennan’s face tightened with an edge of aggravation. “And the island is covered for the moment at the least. Mike Aklaq is there, right? And I have people finishing up at the Mansion with hours and hours of film to process, only to prove it’s all fake!”

“Thank God for science and talented techs,” Thor said. “Thing is...I know that island. I was once one of those obnoxious kids who liked to sneak out there and drink beer and build a bonfire. If there is anything out there, I believe I’m the one who can find it.”

Enfield nodded. “All right, just take it in shifts, and make sure you report to me, as well.” He shook his head, eyeing them both. “I’m no clairvoyant,” he added, “but I’ve been around awhile. Killers like this don’t suddenly see the light. Do whatever you have to do. Use any method. Stop him—before he kills again.”





8

Clara couldn’t help looking around the restaurant. She was afraid that Amelia Carson was going to make an appearance.

But Amelia was not in the restaurant. She and her cast mates ordered their food. Clara began to relax, but she only half listened to the conversation going on around her.

She hoped that Amelia wouldn’t arrive. She wasn’t afraid of the ghost anymore. Amelia was lost—she needed help. Clara wanted to give her that help.

She just hoped that she didn’t wind up appearing to talk to walls herself.

“I really hope that we actually get to do this show,” Simon said wistfully.

“Of course we’ll get to do the show,” Clara said.

“We didn’t get to do the last one,” Ralph reminded her.

“Yes, but that was different,” Clara said.

They all looked at her. “It was different!” she assured them.

“I guess so. I was so happy to be here! See Alaska,” Simon said.

“Well, we are seeing Alaska,” Larry reminded them.

They all fell silent. Larry drummed his fingers on the table. “So. You’re going to go back and stay on the island, huh, Clara?”

“Yeah.”

“Just watch out. I mean really watch out. Not just for the killer—watch out for Kimball! He’s looking at you like he’s a wolf and you’re a lamb,” Ralph warned.

“Ralph, maybe the guy just appreciates theater,” Clara said.

“He didn’t pay any attention to me,” Ralph said.

“He might have realized you and Larry were a duo,” Clara told him.

“No, no, I’m not a duo with anyone and I’m heterosexual and I can tell you—wolf looking at a lamb,” Simon said, nodding his head sagely.

“Well, don’t worry. I can’t stand the guy,” Clara said. “He gives me the creeps.”

“Yeah, but he’s staying on his island, right?” Ralph asked.

Clara shrugged, feeling acutely uncomfortable.

“She’s got Jackson and Thor—she’ll be all right,” Simon said.

Ralph grinned. “Jackson—and Thor. So, last time, she gets the married agent. This time...hey, what do we know about this Thor guy? And who names their kid Thor?”

“He’s of Norse descent,” Simon said. “Probably a common name. Like Jesus if you come from a Spanish-speaking country.”

“He looks like a Thor,” Larry said.

“You look like a Thor!” Ralph told him with pride and affection.

“Um,” Larry said, smiling. “No, but, I mean, he really looks like a Thor.”

“You two are kind of beautiful together,” Simon said. “Really,” he added, laughing. “You’re both just exceptionally cool-looking people. And he’s not married.”

“Guys, please!” Clara begged.

“Sure. Tell me that you haven’t noticed the man!” Simon said.

“I’ve noticed the man. I noticed him—right after I noticed a body in the snow!” Clara reminded him.

Ralph waved a hand in the air. “Clara—bad things happen in life. But we move forward. We seize what moments we can!”

“That’s kind of melodramatic,” Simon told him.

“Life is melodramatic!” Ralph claimed.

“Both agents are excellent—wait! All three agents are great. Mike Aklaq is cool, too,” Clara said.

“Ah, yeah, but it’s different with you and Thor,” Simon commented, taunting her with a subtle smile.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Clara said.

“Well, of course she doesn’t. She’s Clara!” Ralph said. “Dear, dear, dear child! You never notice. Now, of course, you have noticed Marc Kimball because he practically drips slime when he’s around you. But! You should see it when you and Special Agent Thor Erikson are together!” He demonstrated, flicking his fingers in the air. “Sparks! You share something.” He leaned toward her, his elbow on the table. “Let it happen, Clara, let it happen. I’m telling you...”