32

 

Since Mark left his house early in the morning, no one else had entered or exited for several hours. The Knight was sure of it, and after watching the house from a distance for a period of hours, he ought to know. He studied dates, times, and other pertinent information in his notebook. Today was the housekeeper’s day off.

After running his fingers through his newly dyed hair, he closed his car door and sauntered over to Mark’s front door. The Knight listened, but no noise came from inside. Once he opened the unlocked door, a little black creature scampered outside. He grabbed the dog’s collar and scooped it up. The animal barked with intensity and flashed his fangs. The animal would make too much noise and give him away. The Knight clamped his hand over its muzzle and jogged to his car. The dog wrestled in his grip. No one else appeared to be outside. The Knight shoved the dog into his vehicle and took off, parking one block away.

The dog continued barking. The Knight reached for his Sig Sauer and pointed at the animal. It tilted its head. Dumb, cute, furry little thing. Besides, the Knight hadn’t brought a silencer. Someone might hear something, not to mention he didn’t want to mess up his car. He eyed the bottle of hand sanitizer that sat in his center console. Once the dog was gone, he’d need to wipe the car clean. Never telling what germs dogs might carry. Supposedly clean animals—yeah right. He willed himself not to scratch the prominent temporary tattoos that adorned his arm and neck. Probably would infect his skin with some canine disease.

After he put away the gun, he drove to a burger joint around the corner. He ordered a cheeseburger and fed it to the dog. When the animal finished its snack, the Knight scooped it up and walked back toward Mark’s house. He’d come back later for what he wanted and chalk today up to reconnaissance.

Mark’s housekeeper stood near the front door. “Sparky! Where are you?”

The woman wasn’t even supposed to be there today. Now what? The Knight walked through Mark’s yard, carrying the dog.

The housekeeper met him halfway. “You’ve found him. You found Sparky. I don’t know how he got out. Thank you. Thank you.”

The Knight handed the woman the dog.

“Come inside.” She opened the door. “I’ll be right back. Let me put him outside.”

While in the foyer, the Knight got enough of a glimpse to notice Mark’s wheelchair inside the house—without him in it. He gritted his teeth. Just as deceitful as his stepdad. Which meant Mark was just as dangerous.

The housekeeper returned. “May I have your name? I’m sure Mr. Graham would be happy to know you found his dog.”

The man extended his hand to her and grinned. “Knight, Mr. Knight.”

She shook it. “Nigh-yeet,” she sounded. “OK, Mr. Nighyeet, I will let him know. Thank you. You live close by? Mr. Graham might like to have you over for coffee or something.”

The Knight licked his lips. “I think I’d like that.”