Page 112 of Near Miss

“And what was he that frightened people when he was himself?”

“He was a homicidal maniac who enjoyed killing people. In fact, he almost killed his commanding officer, a man a lot of people would have enjoyed killing, but Sarge didn’t mind telling people about how he had tried to eviscerate the man.”

“I suppose that would cause a certain hesitancy in those who surrounded him.”

“You could say that.”

“Have you had dealings with him?”

“Not yet,” Rawls replied, “and I’d like it to stay that way.”

“Just how good an assassin is he?”

“As good as I am, I hear,” Rawls replied. “But whereas I take satisfaction in doing my work well, Sarge apparently invests his job with a certain glee that is absent from mine. And frankly, that scares the living shit out of me. Which is why I try to be where he ain’t.”

“That seems to be working.”

“Yes, but I can’t tell for how long. I wasn’t even sure that he was aware of my existence until I began hearing from friends who were hearing from their friends. Apparently, I’m no longer a casual target, but an assignment.”

“And who is the assignee?”

“Those Russians who are supposed to be at Peter’s beck and call, but who really want him not to exist. Not to mention me, who acted as his guardian.”

“And me?”

“I don’t know if he is even interested in you, but if I were you, I would behave as if he is. The Russians are not particularly fond of you.”

“Greco is.”

“Every rule has an exception. But it is a small one, in this case, and I wouldn’t count on it saving you.”

“How long do you think it would take Sarge to lose interest in us?”

“I wouldn’t count on that, either.”

“Then how do I stop him?”

“Kill him before he kills you.”

“How?”

“Take your pick of weapons, and never be without one.”

“Have you thought of going after him, Ed?”

“I’ve dreamed about it,” Rawls replied. “I’ll let you know when I come up with a plan.”

“Please do.”

Rawls sighed. “The plan may have to include using you for bait.”

“If it does,” Stone said, “I’d appreciate it if you try not to miss.”

Stone saw Rawls off, then returned to the breakfast table for coffee. Carly was waiting for him.

“I had hoped for another round before breakfast,” she said.

“I wanted to see Ed Rawls off and seek some advice from him.”

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