Deadly Fate by Heather Graham Page B

was almost as rich as Donald Trump, or so the media claimed.
    â€œThank you again, sir. We appreciate your offer,” Thor said. “I believe, for now, the best we can ask is that you settle into your home for the night. Officers will be on guard. In the morning, they’ll be renewing their search of the island. If you’re willing to help with that search and remain with the officers, it will be deeply appreciated.”
    â€œHowever,” Jackson said, stepping forward, “we have to warn you that we don’t know what we’re dealing with—”
    â€œShe was chopped in half!”
    He turned. Becca Marle was standing there, staring at Kimball in awe, and yet horrified anew as she voiced a fact of the murder.
    â€œThe point is,” Jackson continued, “any search for this killer might be highly dangerous, and perhaps, for a man of your standing, not advisable.”
    Kimball wasn’t a fool. “Agent... I didn’t catch your name, sir. You are...?”
    â€œAssistant Director Crow,” Jackson said.
    â€œI believe you’re not referring to the importance of me in the world, sir, but rather to the fact that you don’t believe I’m capable of defending myself. I am happy to advise you that I am a crack shot and have trained with some of the finest experts in the world in martial arts and various other forms of self-defense. I can provide documentation as to my prowess, if you wish.”
    â€œWe’ll take a signature on a waiver that you’ve chosen to work with law enforcement,” Thor told the man.
    â€œI shall sign that I insist,” Kimball said. He looked at his watch. “Are you gentlemen aware of the time?”
    Actually, he wasn’t, Thor realized.
    â€œNearly midnight,” Kimball continued. “Perhaps, with your permission, I can assign rooms to the people here, since—even with my boat and the vessels the Coast Guard can surely supply you—it might now be better for them all to remain in the safety of so many fine officers for the evening. Let them have a few hours of sleep, at the least.”
    â€œWe did have the place rented... We thought we might stay tonight. That, of course, was what Natalie wanted to do,” Becca said, her words ending in a sob.
    Nate might be an extraordinary fabricator of stage and scene works, but he hadn’t seemed much like the demonstrative type, and he probably wasn’t; he awkwardly patted her shoulder.
    â€œThere are eight bedrooms and my master suite,” Kimball said. “And of course, the kitchen room, where Justin and Magda stay. I can’t accommodate all the officers here—”
    â€œThe officers are here to be on duty,” Mike interrupted. “We spell one another, and chairs and couches do us just fine.”
    â€œAs to the others, I believe it is up to them. We can arrange for the Coast Guard to get everyone back to Seward,” Thor said.
    â€œBut, they’re welcome to stay!” Kimball protested.
    â€œI’m glad to stay,” Becca said. “Delighted, really. We have law enforcement here—it’s safe!”
    â€œWhatever,” Tommy said with a shrug.
    â€œLord, yes!” Ralph said, looking over at Clara, Simon and Larry with excitement.
    Clara was silent; she didn’t look at all thrilled.
    Simon murmured, “Sure.”
    And Larry said, “At this point and this time, yeah.”
    â€œWonderful!” Kimball said. “I’m assuming that during the day you’ve availed yourself of the kitchen, so you’re aware that the place is always well stocked. There are four rooms to the left of the kitchen and dining area and four beyond my office. Perhaps assign an officer to each hallway? Though I doubt that a cowardly killer would darken a door here, not with so many fine agents of the law in residency.”
    His tone and word choice were irritating beyond measure.
    But his offer made