Slaughter

Qui

In a case like this, where the investigation seemed to go nowhere, there came a time when the strain reached its breaking point. The killer was aware that he could stretch his good luck only so far, then something he overlooked, or some little something that was supported only by a mass of lies and an alternative reality, would finally give. He would be tripped up, and he knew that moment would someday come, had been getting closer all the time.

Qui

No one would ever forget the Gremlin.

The public would eventually forget what Qui

Qui

As if a noose were around his neck, and tightening.

This game was going to end soon, along with someone’s death. It must end that way. Both men understood that. Someone’s trust would be misplaced, or an informant would whisper in the wrong ear. Or someone’s will would break. Someone would have to die.

To help make sure he wouldn’t be the one, the NYPD photography director carefully selected enlarged backgrounds and photos.

The photographs of what was left of Dora Palm looked as if they’d been taken by someone with more than mediocre skill with a camera. Still, they would accomplish their purpose, which was to encourage Mi

Mi

“Maybe,” Qui

But it was smile enough for Mi

This was one interview, Qui

Not like the few, dream-filled hours’ sleep he had last night worrying about it.

54

After the round of applause for Qui

She made a big deal out of using Qui

“This man looks friendly,” Qui

“We could use fewer of those cases of mistaken identity,” Mi

There was a great deal of applause from the studio audience.

“We’re trying,” Qui

“A range of other expert witnesses were called,” Qui

“The prosecutor didn’t know it, but he was a pawn in a small game inside a large game.

“Here’s the thing,” Qui

Knowing all the time that an actual appeals court would never act on this matter. It couldn’t, without an actual potential defendant.

“We did good,” Renz said to Qui

Qui

“We only did half a job,” Qui

“Now don’t go getting all wishy-washy, Qui

“We solved nothing,” Qui

Renz shrugged his meaty shoulders. “I’m suspicious of that word, sure. What the hell’s for sure in this life or the next?”

“I’m sure I’m the lead investigator on this case,” Qui

“In a way.”

“In a way that might have got my brains shot out.”

“Prepare to be shocked, Qui

“Speaking generally, what about the hypothetical guy in a jail cell who’s i

“He’s just that—hypothetical, not real.”

“You’re all politics and games,” Qui

Renz shrugged. “You forgot heart.”

“No,” Qui

Renz was now occupied in making sure his expensive pen was working well so his signature would be unbroken and impressive. He was way, way beyond inkblots.

Qui

Harmless bribe?

Renz raised a pudgy hand. “You can’t smoke cigars in here.”

“I have before, just like you.”

“We’ve got rules, regulations.”

“Laws,” Qui

“Look at yourself,” Renz said. “You’re no different from me. It’s just that you won’t admit to yourself that you’re like the rest of the world. You are definitely not the type who wouldn’t jaywalk even if there wasn’t a car for miles. Just look at you.”