“I know that,” I said, mimicking his tone accurately. He gave me a narrow-eyed glare. “Seriously, Tolliver, I think someone’s just trying to spook me. I mean, you got shot and then poor Detective Powers. But couldn’t that shooter have hit me, just as easily, if I’d been the real target? I’m not so sure anymore that I simply got lucky both times. I’m thinking maybe the shooter is just trying to scare me.”

“I don’t particularly like the results of someone trying to scare you any more than I like the idea of someone trying to really kill you,” Tolliver said, indicating his hospital bed pointedly.

“True enough.” It appeared we were at an impasse.

Dr. Spradling appeared and asked Tolliver the usual questions. It seemed clear that Tolliver was out of danger, and the doctor talked about dismissing him, provided Tolliver had someone to take care of him at home. I raised my hand, to indicate I was that person.

“What about traveling?” I asked.

“By car?”

“Yes.”

“I wouldn’t. He needs to rest for at least two days before you travel. I’m thinking of giving him an antibiotic drip, but if you promise to stick to what I say faithfully, if you promise to keep him in a room and quiet, then I’ll make it oral antibiotics and release him tomorrow.”

“Okay,” I said. “I promise.”

“Then if he continues to improve, doesn’t run a fever, tomorrow.”

I was delighted to hear it. Tolliver looked relieved, too. When the doctor had left, I said, “I guess I’d better go back to the hotel to take a shower and eat something.”

“Can you wait until Mark gets off work? He could go with you.” “I’ll go by myself. I can’t stay shut in a room the whole time, Tolliver. I’ve got to get out and get things done.” I didn’t want Mark to get shot, too.

“Who do you think is doing this?”

“I know it sounds ridiculous, but I wondered if it was someone who got obsessed with me on the website, some nut who decided he didn’t want me to be around other men. Or maybe it’s a coincidence that I was with men both times. Maybe this guy is a really bad shot and was trying to get me. Maybe it’s someone who just wants to rattle me and see what I do.”

“Why now? There’s got to be a reason.”