The crowds were beginning to thin at the Javits Center and Vincent knew it was time for him to leave. The fact that he had nailed down a spot with a bird’s eye view into Hart Toy’s showroom might raise a brow or two, especially since he had taken up the post more than thirty minutes ago and had barely budged since.
Watching Ann say goodbye to a couple of men, how she tossed back that mane of blond hair and laughed at something one of them said. Then she frowned in Vincent’s direction as though sensing him standing there. He turned away and pretended to speak to a stranger behind him.
Yes, he thought, it was time to go.
But he was reluctant. Observing her made him feel powerful. Like God. Briefly, a sweet thought insinuated itself into his head. Could he take her out here? Right now? Simply walk up and plunge a knife into her spine? What a stir that would create: Ann Lesage found dead during Toy Fair. He could see the headlines, hear the newscasts. A lovely fantasy, but one that would have to remain so, he was afraid. He hadn’t prepared for such a plan and had no weapon with him. Besides, ending her life that quickly would not give him the satisfaction he was seeking. Not anywhere close.
But he was running out of patience. He’d lost most of the buyers back to Hart Toy’s corner when Ann had succeeded in grabbing the doll from Ling in time for Toy Fair. Not that it mattered all that much. The doll was only a diversionary tactic.
Vincent was keeping an eye on all the players in this little drama, including Patrick Morhardt. Patrick had left the rehab clinic and was wandering around somewhere like a loose cannon. Vincent was certain he would either self-destruct or be helped towards that goal.
For now, too many people remained standing. It was bad enough that Verna Sallinger was still alive. Just thinking about it made him cringe. He’d dropped the ball there, too. He’d enjoyed it too much, hurting her. He’d left her apartment on a fierce, hungry high. Exhilarated. Stupidly, he’d never checked her pulse. He wouldn’t make that mistake again.
Verna was recovering in the hospital. There were too many doctors and nurses around for him to make his move now, but he would have to act eventually, before she had the opportunity to identify him. And then he’d get it right. Verna Sallinger first, then Ann Lesage. There would be a certain balance in killing them. And Felicia and Jonathan Morhardt, too, if necessary. But Ann was the real prize. He would save the best for last and relish every moment of it.