He started to bend over, moving as slowly as he could. Jared only let a moment go by before he caved.

Dont worry. Ive got it, he said, bending over.

The second he did, the old man plunged the syringe into Jareds exposed neck and took a step back. Jared popped back up immediately, a confused, angry look on his face.

What the hell? he demanded.

I saw it, the old man said with concern. I think it was a wasp. Did it sting you?

A wasp? Jared repeated, already looking slightly unsteady.

Yes, the old man assured him. Are you all right? Maybe you should sit down for a minute.

He pulled out a breakfast room chair for Jared, who nodded and took an uncertain step in that direction. The old man knew that if Jared fell to the floor, hed have a devil of a time getting him back up, so he offered a hand, which Jared took. Once the young man took another step toward the table, everything clicked into place.

The old man used Jareds own momentum and pulled hard on his arm. Jared banged into the table and collapsed onto it face first. As he moaned, the old man lifted his legs up on the table and, with much effort, rolled him onto his back.

Then, as Jared watched with terrified eyes, he moved over to the cabinet and removed the toolbox hed left there earlier that afternoon. He placed it on the table beside Jared, who couldnt move a muscle but could see clearly.

The old man opened his box and removed an X-Acto knife, which he used to carefully slice open Jareds T-shirt. He studied the young mans chest. It was hairier than he preferred but that could be rectified.

Whahhhoo? Jared managed to groan, an impressive feat considering that he shouldnt have been able to make any sound at all at this point.

So many questions, the old man said sympathetically. I promise, very soon youll have all the answers.

He put down the knife so that he could slide his gloves on. Then he selected his preferred tool and looked back at Jared.

Its time to begin, he said.

And with that, the Night Hunter got to work.

NOW AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER!

THE PERFECT FACADE

(A Jessie Hunt Psychological Suspense ThrillerBook Twelve)

A masterpiece of thriller and mystery. Blake Pierce did a magnificent job developing characters with a psychological side so well described that we feel inside their minds, follow their fears and cheer for their success. Full of twists, this book will keep you awake until the turn of the last page.

--Books and Movie Reviews, Roberto Mattos (re Once Gone)

THE PERFECT FACADE is book #12 in a new psychological suspense series by bestselling author Blake Pierce, which begins with The Perfect Wife, a #1 bestseller (and free download) with over 500 five-star reviews.