It would be nice to get back to work on his movie, but then he remembered something: he had one more killing to look forward to before he could enjoy the film: the reporter Christy Mayson, at the New Mexican, would receive a visit from him. The fact that she hated him made the thought even more entertaining.

Later, when his film was done shooting and he had returned to L.A., he had others to attend to: that twerp who ran the admissions committee at the country club; Leo Goldman, at Centurion, and maybe Bacchetti, the new head of production there, too. Then there was Barrington’s kid, the director, just for the hell of it. He would be a busy man for a while.

He parked for a while on Upper Canyon Road, to enjoy the view of the city’s lights; he even dozed for a while. Then he awoke and found it to be a little after one AM. Time to go.

—

Billy Barnett stirred in his tree; there was a scuffling and growling sound coming from the bushes near his hideout, then there was a high bark and more scuffling. It was the coyotes or other animals, come for the snake’s carcass that Billy had left for them. From the inside of the house he heard Bob bark.

Stone sat up in bed. “What is it, Bob?”

Bob growled, then went to the door and looked outside, toward the noises. “It’s only coyotes, Bob,” Stone said quietly. “Get in your bed.” Bob reluctantly returned to his bed and put his head down. The coyotes were quiet now.

Stone searched for sleep again and found it.

Boris Tirov checked his weapon, abandoned his car, and headed for the rear fence of Gala’s house. Conscious of the dog’s presence in the house, he got over the fence very quietly.

Billy Barnett opened his eyes. It was time; someone was nearing the rear of the house. He watched without moving.

Billy Barnett could see Tirov from where he sat, and he knew what would come next. He watched as the man picked the lock on the kitchen door, then stood by the door.

Billy let himself down gently from the tree. He wanted to be at the open back door when Stone emerged from the bedroom, as Tirov no doubt wished him to. It was Billy’s hope that Stone would have an opportunity to shoot Tirov, instead of requiring himself as backup. He was certainly prepared to kill Tirov if it became necessary, but then he would have to leave his own weapon at the scene for the police to take from Stone, and he liked the weapon.