Another young man, about Kao's age, who was now within a meter of the car, reached out to grab and save Kao, but the sedan came between them.

It was almost too much to watch, but Fang couldn't help himself. His gaze was riveted, and, with a horrid fascination, he stood there as Yeh struck Kao head-on before the other man could reach him.

The sedan's front bumper slammed into Kao's legs and hips, sending him knifing over the hood and up, onto the windshield, which shattered as he rolled over it, across the roof, then went tumbling down onto the street, limbs flopping, head lolling and scraping across the pavement.

The other man had been sideswiped by the sedan, and he now lay in the street, as Yeh screeched off into the rain.

Other pedestrians who'd been gathering at the corner began running into the street, crying for help.

Fang stared in shock a moment longer, seeing that Kao was not moving, his arms and legs twisted at improbable angles.

Suddenly, a powerful chill ripped through him, and he shivered and realized he needed to get out of there, couldn't be identified at the scene.

He ran off, but then remembered that running would draw too much attention, so he slowed to a brisk walk as his cell phone began to ring.

Yeh was calling about his payment.

Two weeks later, Fang Zhi received the phone call he was waiting for. He took a cab down to the National Sports Training Center in Tsoying, where Tsao Chin-hui, Fang's coach, had his office.

Tsao, who had won several Olympic medals himself, greeted Fang with a broad grin. "I'm sure you know why you're here."

"I feel terrible and excited at the same time."

"I understand. Kao was a fine young man and an excellent marksman."

"I have been busy with other things," said Fang. "And I haven't followed what's been happening. Have they caught the driver of that car?"

"No, they found the vehicle. I heard that the driver might have fled to China."

"A tragedy. He was probably a drunk driver like they said."

"Probably." Tsao's gaze narrowed. "Kao had many friends, no enemies."

"That is true. The police asked me many questions."

"Kao beat you by only a few points to make the team. Of course they would suspect you, but I told them you were a great sportsman and the last person who might do something like this."

"Thank you."

"Well, then, you will take Kao's place. I am sorry it had to be this way for you, but welcome to the team."

"I am honored."

Fang left the office and hailed another cab. On the way back to his apartment, as the driver navigated through the congested streets, it finally struck Fang.

He was going to Beijing. He would compete in the Olympic Games as a marksman.