The younger man back-pedaled, then raced up the trail toward a nearby house.

Rickard stood stock-still. He still held the knife in his hand, but he was staring directly into the eyes of the older man.

“This is no business of yours,” he said.

“It became my business when you moored in my boathouse,” said the man. “I thought you were only trespassing, mister, and I’ve been waiting for you to come back to put you straight. Now I see that what you’re up to is much worse.”

Rickard shook his head. “Get out of the way and you won’t get hurt.”

“There’s only one man going to get hurt around here. Take another step and I’ll drop you.”

Imogen crawled around behind the man, placing him between her and Rickard. She came to her knees. “Shoot him.”

The old man ignored her, steadying his aim on Rickard’s chest.

“I’m warning you, mister, I did two tours in Nam. It was a long time ago, but I still remember how to fire a gun. Now drop the knife and step out here where I can see you.”

Rickard only sneered at the man. Then his gaze shifted to Imogen.

“We’re not finished, bitch. You think you’ve got a protector, but no one will stop me. Not him. Not Joe Hunter. I’ll see you again.”

Then he turned quickly and disappeared back inside the boathouse.

The old man grunted, started after him, but Imogen’s warning cry brought him to a halt. “He has a gun in there.”

The man retreated, took hold of Imogen’s arm and heaved her up. Holding her, he moved backward with his rifle braced against his shoulder, watching the doorway in case Rickard reappeared.

They had made it partway up the trail when the roar of an engine sounded from within the boathouse.

“Damn it, he’s going to get away,” the man muttered. “Where’s that fool boy got to, with the police?”

Beside him Imogen didn’t seem to care. She was sobbing and trembling in relief. Or maybe it was fear, because Rickard’s warning had been served with a certainty that was chilling.

Chapter 16

16

We heard the news about Imogen’s miraculous escape on the car radio and a tsunami of relief crashed through my senses and left me dizzy. I’m not a praying man, but I said my silent thanks to God.

We’d bypassed Culver by then, but Rink immediately spun the car in the road and headed for the small town. It was taking a big risk because the area would be swarming with cops, but I needed to satisfy myself that Imogen wasn’t merely safe but unharmed. I also wanted to speak with her. It was possible that she could tell me who my enemy was.