Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Spencer turned off his radio, put it back in his pocket, and followed Matthew out onto the pier. He stayed back a safe distance and discreetly watched as his former boss stared out at the bobbing lights on the glassy sea.
Had Matthew already spotted Christopher? Did he plan to strike tonight? For all Spencer knew, the psychopath could have been in Myrtle Beach for a week, watching them both. But, Christopher knew he was there now. That was the important thing. He could watch himself, and wait-just as Spencer was doing. Everything would be all right, he kept telling himself. As long as he kept Matthew in his sights, Christopher would stay alive.
Matthew stood at the end of the pier, about one hundred yards from Spencer. His back was to the other man and, for a long time he did not move. He stood board-stiff under the stars, watching the twinkling lights before him.
He turned suddenly, and Spencer swung to face the water, hiding his face in shadow.
Matthew walked by at a quick pace, headed for the beach. Spencer could not see him, but he could feel the man's eyes on him as he passed. He waited for a few seconds, then followed. He watched as Matthew stuffed his hands in his pockets, halted abruptly, and turned. His former boss cocked his head and smiled.
Spencer froze only a few feet from the end of the pier.
"Spencer Grim," he said. "Are we on vacation?"
Spencer swallowed convulsively. "I don't know. Are we?"
Matthew approached the other man and extended his hand.
Spencer looked Matthew directly in the eye before he accepted the gesture of greeting. The man was a complete mystery.
"Come with me, Spencer." He gripped his friend's arm tightly and pulled him along like an angry father escorting a disobedient son.
"You don't need to hold on to me, Matthew. I can walk by myself just fine." He attempted to jerk his arm free, but the older man's grip only tightened. A light sweat broke out on Spencer's brow.
Matthew led his former employee up the beach, across the busy street, and one block north to a high-rise hotel. The drive-through lobby faced the strip, where the traffic moved so slowly that it more resembled a parking lot.
"Where are we going?"
His boss smiled again. "Seeing you here gave me a wonderful idea." Matthew crossed the lobby and headed for the elevator.
Spencer slowed his steps.
"A wonderful idea," Matthew repeated as he dragged him along.
"You can't possibly be thinking of doing anything to me. We've known each for over twenty years, Matthew. We're almost like brothers."
"Almost being the focus of that sentence," Matthew mumbled. He pushed the button for the elevator and the double doors rolled open to the sound of a bell chime.
