Page 46 of In His Sights

“Mr. Porter is here to provide us with his insights,” Gary told the sergeant. He glanced at Dan. “Okay so far?”

Rob said nothing for a moment, then nodded. “We’ve already dusted in there for prints, so it’s okay to touch whatever you need to.”

Gary had a feeling that last part was for Dan’s benefit.

“CSI say there are prints all over the place. We’ll have the medical examiner print the victim so we can eliminate his. We’ve got the cleaner’s prints too, once she’d given her statement. That just leaves the boyfriend.”

“Thanks, Rob.” Gary led Riley and Dan into the bedroom, one end of which was taken up with more windows. A couple of Del’s assistants stood back from the bed, clearly waiting for instructions.

Robin Fields lay naked on his back, his eyes closed. He’d been a handsome man with graying hair, some of which could be seen on his chest. He was uncovered, his arms by his sides, his legs straight. A pair of cuffs and a tangle of red rope sat on the bed beside the body. Gary noted the marks on the victim’s wrists and ankles.

Del glanced up from his position next to the bed. “Your timing is excellent. The officers already took photos, so I’ll take the rope and cuffs when you’re done.” He lowered his gaze. “Victim was forty-nine, according to his ID. Kept himself in good shape.” He pointed to the nightstand. “An officer found GHB in there. Not standing on top of it like the others. No apparent cause of death. I’ll know better, of course, when I get him on my table.” He looked Gary in the eye. “I haven’t gotten to the best part.”

Someone traced a path down Gary’s spine with an icy finger.

Del gestured to one of his assistants, and together they gently rolled Robin Fields onto his side, revealing his back.

What the fuck?

There was no letter.

“What the hell is this? It’s like he just played the blank tile in Scrabble. You know, the one that can be any letter you choose.” Riley scowled. “This bastard is playing fuckinggameswith us.”

Dan took a step toward the bed. “Can I…?”

Gary caught up fast. “Del, could you maybe give us a moment?”

Del blinked, glanced at Dan, then back to Gary. “Okay,” he enunciated. He gestured to his assistants, who followed him out of the room.

Riley stood by the door. “No one’s coming in. Do your stuff.”

Dan shuddered, but he approached the body on the bed. He held out his hands, and Gary saw them shake a little. The tremors increased as he lowered them to Robin’s chest and forehead, but ceased when he made contact. Dan drew in a deep breath. Gary didn’t move for fear of breaking Dan’s concentration. Riley’s breathing had slowed, his gaze locked on Dan.

Then Dan sighed, and Gary focused on him, his chest aching as a tear fell on the victim’s chest. Dan didn’t wipe them from his eyes, but stared intently at the body.

What are you seeing? What are you feeling?For the first time, Gary wondered what toll this took on Dan. Did his gift make him especially sensitive to the emotions of others? How did he live with that, day after day? Did he shield himself from people for fear of being overwhelmed?

And what does he sense about me?

There were things Gary never discussed with his coworkers, mainly because it was none of their business, but he had to wonder if all his secrets lay bare before Dan.

His heartbeat raced.Does he sense my attraction to him?

Dan straightened, wiping his eyes, and Gary was forced back into the moment. Dan gave Riley a nod. “You can let them back in now.” His face was drawn, and Gary knew whatever had passed had sucked the energy right out of him.

Riley opened the door, and a moment later, Robin Fields was carried from his bedroom, followed by Del, who paused as he passed Gary. “I’ll get started on this first thing tomorrow. See you back at my place?”

Gary appreciated Del’s touch of humor. “It’s a date.”

Del didn’t move. “You don’t seem your usual self today.”

“What makes you say that?”

“Because apart from the nonexistent letter on the victim’s back, something else pretty vital is missing from this crime scene, and you don’t appear to have picked up on it.” When Gary frowned, Del pointed toward the bed. “There’s no condom either. This time the killer didn’t gift us with his DNA.” His eyes grew cold. “Maybe he thinks we already have enough.” With a final glance at Dan, Del left them alone.

Gary kicked himself for his lack of focus. The reason for it was standing beside the bed.

Riley stared at Dan. “Well?”

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