“How do you know I’ll keep my side of the bargain?”

“You have honor. All heroes do. If you lie you’ll lose it, and that’s something you cannot do and remain you.”

Kelly snickered. “So you imagine. Where’s Matt?” “Do you agree to my terms?”

She hesitated. “Yes.”

“Matt is with Amy.”

“What? That’s ridiculous. Matt hates Amy. He has devoted the last year of his life to hurting her. He would never go back to Amy.”

“You say that without thinking. Matt loves Amy. You can only truly hate what you love. All other hate is mere annoyance. You would go back to your husband if he would take you, and you despise him.”

“I would never go back.”

“You lie to yourself. I don’t lie to you. Watch Amy and you will find Matt. He is obsessed with her.” He added, “Remember, I know something about obsession.”

It took her a moment to digest his insight. Of course he was right, damn him. She asked her next question carefully. She supposed a part of her did feel she owed him after what he had just told her.

“How’s your son?” she asked.

He gazed out the window. “I’m not allowed to see him.”

“Any phone calls?”

“No one calls.”

She reached for her briefcase and stood. “I’ll call you if you’re right.”

He looked up at her. “Then you’ll come back for me?” “I’ll come back,” she promised.

She was at the door when she turned.

It took a killer to know another killer.

“Is he dangerous?” she asked.

“They are both dangerous,” he replied.

ELEVEN

ELEVEN

Matt Connor—once more in his disguise as Simon Schiller—was cleaning his newly rented apartment in anticipation of a visit from Amy Techer when he first saw the neighbor who was soon to introduce herself as Kathy Mantein. She was sunning herself by the pool. It was a warm day and a dozen tenants were working on their tans, but she was the only female wearing a one-piece suit.

He noticed her because she was exceptionally thin and pale. She might have been pretty as well, but she sat in the corner of the deck behind a magazine and wore a widebrimmed hat and thick sunglasses. She seemed to study the small gathering as she relaxed. Always on guard himself, he had a sense for people who kept secrets.

But he did not give her much thought. Amy was coming.