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His reverie was abruptly interrupted by a harsh beeping noise. He had drifted so far away, it took him a few moments just to register what the sound was.
The cell phone. The one Liponsky had given him. In his pocket.
The killer.
Co
The voice that came back at him was harsh and metallic. It echoed, like someone was putting their lips too close to an electronic bullhorn. Obviously, the killer was using a voice disguiser. “Hello, Co
Co
“Your worst nightmare. Ready for a quick jog?”
“I gave up exercise years ago. Just before I took it up.”
“Well, you’re in luck. I want you to run, Co
“The third green? Do you know how far away that is?”
“Of course. That’s why I chose it.”
“Forget it. I’m not doing it.”
“If you’re not on the third green in five minutes, someone else will die. Someone you know personally. Maybe closely.”
“You son-of-a-”
“Watch the language, Co
“Just explain to me why-”
“Get set-”
“But first, tell me-”
“Go! Try not to leave a divot on the green. Five minutes and counting.”
Co
He bolted across the fairway, criss-crossing in a southwesterly direction. Fortunately, he’d been playing this course since Monday, so he had a pretty good idea how to shortcut to the third. But five minutes? Was the lunatic serious about killing someone else, or was that just a threat he hauled out so Co
Co
Seconds to spare.
The cell phone buzzed again.
“Congratulations, Co
“You have no idea how happy that makes me,” Co
“I can see I’m going to have to make this more challenging for you.”
“That’s really not necessary-”
“I want you at the eleventh tee-off in five minutes. No, make it four.”
“Look, you sorry sack of-”
“If you don’t make it, Monica Cartwright dies.”
“Monica-“ Co
“She’s the woman you picked up in the bar and slept with Monday night, you heel. Didn’t you even ask her name?”
“Must’ve slipped my mind.”
“Would you prefer I choose someone you know better?”
Co
“Fine. On your mark, get set, go!”
Co
He had to keep ru
Co
His eyes wandered to the sign posted at the top of the tee-off spot. The big sign with a red twelve painted on it.
Twelve? His heart sank.
He’d taken a wrong turn.
Without stopping to think, Co
His chest pounding, his feet aching, the stitch in his side ready to split, Co
The cell phone beeped. “Yes?” he gasped.
“Not bad, Co
Co
“Look,” Co
“Sorry, old boy. That’s not the way we’re going to play it.”
“I’m tired of ru
“A pity. Because you see-we’ve only just begun.”
“Forget it. I’m not doing it.”
“I’m sorry to hear that, Co
“Listen to me. You can’t-”
“I can and I will. I haven’t killed anyone for almost twenty-four hours. I’m overdue.”
Clenching his jaw, Co
24
Lieutenant O’Brien hunched over Agent Liponsky’s shoulder, watching her work. Liponsky had headphones on, plugged into the cellular sca
“Are you getting anything?”
Liponsky shook her head. “Not much. Scattered words. It was coming in clear at first, then it dissipated.”
“How can that be?”
“Can’t be certain. Co
“Where would he get one?”
“Are you kidding? Pawn shops, Internet, wherever. This is the United States. You can buy anything you want. Pick up a couple of Uzis while you’re at it. Hell, next week you’ll probably be able to get them at Wal-Mart.”
“Surely this creep isn’t smart enough to use a frequency scrambler.”
“Don’t be so sure. He hasn’t made any mistakes so far. And he’s the one who decided to communicate by cell phone, remember. It’s not as if this happened by accident. And it’s not as if he wouldn’t know the FBI would be involved at this point.”
O’Brien frowned. “You know where Co
“Yeah. He doesn’t know it, but that PDA is emitting a constant signal. We know his position at all times.”
“Is that wise? What if the killer picks up the signal?”
“He won’t. And this way, my team can follow Cross from a distance. As soon as he signals that he’s made the drop, they can surround the area instantly. The killer will have no chance to escape.”
O’Brien shook her head. “Still seems risky to me.”
“Relax, Lieutenant. We’re professionals. We know what we’re doing.”
“Easy to say.”
Liponsky observed the note of concern in O’Brien’s voice. “Look, Cross knew there was an element of risk.”
“An element of risk? Is that what you call it? He’s putting his life on the line out there! And you’re screwing around, assuming the killer won’t know you’re breaking his rules. Sure, Co
“Lieutenant, it might be best if you waited somewhere else. I promise I’ll keep you posted.”
“I’m not going anywhere.”
“Please, Lieutenant. Don’t make me pull rank.”