Conner forced his tired eyes open and glanced groggily at the clock atop the cardboard box that served as a nightstand beside his bed. His eyelids felt like sandpaper as he blinked to bring the blurred red digits into focus. It was just past seven. He groaned and pushed the sheet aside, feeling like he hadn’t slept at all, which was not far from the truth. After returning from the murder scene and his brush with the killer, he’d spent most of the night thinking and scribbling notes while his impressions were still fresh in his mind. Sometime after four o’clock, he finally dragged himself to bed, but even then sleep resisted him. Just one more hour in bed would be wonderful, but he had too much to do today.He rolled slowly to the side of the bed, swinging his legs over the edge and pulling himself up into a sitting position. For a moment he just sat there, head slumped forward while he rubbed his heavy-lidded eyes with the heels of his hands, trying to clear

The wariness in Malomond’s eyes deepened. Conner knew most of his clients walked on the wrong side of the law, and Malomond would necessarily be protective of them. The ex-cop pulled himself erect and looked down at Conner. “I don’t talk about my customers, Case. You shoulda known that before you ever came here.” Conner held the big man’s gaze. “I know that. I’m hoping this one might be different.” “Why?” “Because the guy I’m looking for has killed seven people, including a ten-year-old kid. And he’s gonna keep killing until we stop him.” Malomond studied Conner. “What’s your interest? I heard you quit.” “I did. But this is a bad one. I’m unofficial, but I’m lending a hand.” Malomond’s look softened. He leaned back against the thick wooden rail fronting the shooting booth, his belligerence gone. “The guy you’re looking for don’t sound like none of my guys, Case. Honest.” “He’s probably not one of your regulars. Maybe a guy who comes in now and then, or was here for awhile and

A kaleidoscope of emotions washed over him. Joy at seeing her. Surprise she would be here at all. Hurt and anger that she’d left him in the first place. A longing to hold her. Relief. Confusion. Desire. And finally, and most strongly, a warm feeling of love. The last surprised and pleased him. He’d begun to accept that his emotions had become hollowed, had almost grown used to moving through life in a semi-anesthetized state, shielded from the slings of pain, loss and sadness, but paying the price for that protection by being inured against joy and love as well. He had missed the change stealing over him these last few weeks, too busy devoting his thoughts and energy to catching the killer to notice the gradual reawakening of his feelings. His focus had been turned outward, leaving him oblivious to the transformation unfolding within. He had suffered the anger, the hate, the frustration and sadness engendered by the killings, had enjoyed the pride and anticipation of uncovering the la

Malomond dropped a couple of dollars on top of the bar and carried his coffee to a table next to the old jukebox. Conner followed and sat across from him.“What’ve you got for me, Sean?”Malomond cradled his cup in both hands. “What I got is big. Real big.” He looked Conner straight in the eye. “But it ain’t gonna happen unless we do it my way.”Conner met Malomond’s gaze. “You know I can’t promise that. Not until I know what we’re talking about.”Malomond thought for a moment before speaking. “I guess I can give you a taste, then. But I’m tellin’ you before we start, you can lean on me all you want, but it ain’t gonna do no good. I already got it figured.”Conner nodded, making no promises. Until he knew what Malomond had for him, he could make no decisions.“Let’s pretend I knew where your guy lived,” Malomond said,

Conner and Malomond studied the apartment, familiarizing themselves with the design. Taking turns, they each poked their head into the bedroom and the kitchen. The fewer surprises, the better. When they were done, Malomond faced the manager one more time. “You wouldn’t be thinking of letting Mr. Weber know we’re on the way up now, would you?” he asked threateningly.The man shook his head vehemently. “Gonna sit here and watch the game, mind my own business, same as I always do,” he said.“Good. See that you do.” Malomond turned to Conner. “Let’s go.”Conner moved through the doorway first. Malomond followed, pulling the door shut behind him and grabbing Conner lightly by the arm, halting him. Malomond’s face bore a bemused, puzzled look.“Did I miss something in there?”“No. Just something I remembered,” Conner replied, moving down t