“That sounds like a line from some stupid movie.”
“It may sound like it, but that’s exactly how you feel.”
“You know a lot about that?”
“What do you think?” he said stiffly.
She glanced away and rubbed her hands nervously together.
She said, “Could it be that this Wind guy told something to the Broomes, who told something to my parents?”
“Yes, it could. In fact, that’s my most promising line of investigation.”
“And you’re doing this part with super agent Vance?”
Robie didn’t answer her.
“So you’
re not working with her on this?”
“I’m working with her on part of this.”
“Okay, I get that.”
“Do you?” Robie asked.
“I want to be part of it too.”
“You are. You’ve been helping me.”
“But I want to help more.”
“You mean you want to find the people responsible and kill them?”
“Wouldn’t you?”
“Maybe. But you have to think it through.”
“Will you help me kill them? I know you can.”
“You need to go back to bed,” he said quietly.
“The kid gets in the way, right? That’s what you’re figuring, isn’t it? Put me in that box?”
“I’m not going to be a part of putting you in any box, least of all a coffin.”
Julie visibly stiffened at this comment.
He said slowly, “What you have to get is that this is not a game, Julie. It’s not a movie, TV show, or PlayStation crap. You want to kill them. Fine, I get that. It’s natural. But you’re not a killer. You hate them, but you won’t be able to kill them when it comes to it. But keep one thing in mind.”
“What’s that?” she asked in a strained voice.
“They want you dead. And when they get the chance, they won’t hesitate for a second. You’ll be dead. And there’s no reset button to hit.”
“What if I told you I don’t care?”
“I’d say you’re young and think you’re immortal.”
“I know I’m going to die one day. The only question is when and how.”
“And the answers should be eight decades from now and peacefully in your sleep.”
“That’s not how life works. At least not my life.”
“It’s not smart to be thinking that way.”
“Look who’s talking. You don’t exactly lead a cautious life.”
“My choice.”
“That’s my point. It is a choice. My choice.”
She got up and walked back to her room.
Robie just sat there, staring at the spot where she’d been.
CHAPTER
She clicked off and Robie watched in amusement as she leapt up and raced down the hall, presumably to change her clothes.
Nine minutes later he was standing at the entrance to the stairwell when she hurried up to him.
She had changed into a knee-length skirt and blouse and sandals. She had brought a sweater too, because it was a little chilly outside.
She said, “Reporting for duty, sir.”
“Let’s do it,” replied Robie.