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"I'm fine," he reassured her, speaking sotto voce so
they wouldn't be heard. "Just getting a dose of reality.
It's one thing to see someone in a dream, no matter how
terrifying. But to see him in person& "
"Makes it more real?" She understood.
"Oh, yeah," Evan said with feeling.
"You want to stay here when he leaves?" Kay
whispered, playing with the jade pendant she always
Perfect Knowledge - 58
wore around her neck. It was a tiny dragon, wings
spread wide, teeth bared in a protective stance. "I can
give you the keys to my Jeep."
Evan rolled his eyes, exasperated. "Look, I know I'm
not a cop, or a detective, or even used to this kind of
thing," he hissed quietly, "but I'm not about to hide
under the bed while you guys go into danger. I want to
see this through to the end."
Kay gave an approving nod. "Good. Just thought I'd
ask, that's all. You know, we'd understand if you wanted
to stay behind."
He touched her hand. "I know you do, and thanks.
But I don't think I'd be able to live with myself if I didn't
go with you. Plus, I'd go nuts wondering what was going
on."
Chase and Toby walked in at that moment and sat
down at the table. "Hi."
"Hey," Evan greeted them with a smile. "You guys
want some lunch?"
"Had a big breakfast, I'm not hungry," Chase said,
stealing a French fry from Evan's plate.
"In that case, keep your hands to yourself." Keeping
his voice low, Evan asked, "What's the plan?"
"We'll have to follow him to his cabin," Chase
whispered. "Hopefully, Jessica's there."
"You checked the parking lot for his wheels?" Kay
asked.
"Yeah," Toby replied. "His truck's there. We planted
a tracking device, just in case. I think we should head
out now, leave first."
"I agree," Chase said. "We stick together, though.
We're taking my Wrangler. You guys settled the bill?"
"We're good," Evan said.
"Then, let's go."
Perfect Knowledge - 59
They left the restaurant, quickly heading for the
parking lot and climbing into Chase's vehicle. Now they
only had to wait.
Perfect Knowledge - 60
Chapter Three
Not twenty minutes later, Peterson walked past them,
footsteps silent and measured. He climbed inside a red
truck a few spaces ahead, and took off with a squeal of
tires. Chase turned the engine on and followed closely,
but carefully, behind.
"Here we go," Chase said grimly.
Peterson seemed to be driving with a purpose, but not
in a hurry. He obeyed all the traffic signs, never went
over the speed limit, and used lights and hand signals to
let others pass him.
"Geez," Toby muttered, running a hand over his
disheveled blond hair. "I bet the guy never got a ticket in
his life."
Soon the busy city streets were left behind, and there
were fewer and fewer signs of civilization. When they
reached a dirt path that led into the woods, Chase slowed
down considerably.
"What are you doing?" Evan asked, curious.
"This road's deserted. He sees us, he'll know he's
being tailed," Chase said. "We'll have to stay back and
rely on the tracking device."
Fifteen minutes into the road, Toby, who had been
following the signal from the device, said, "He's veered
left."
"Got it," Chase acknowledged.
A moment later, they found a second path to the left
and followed it. This road, if it could be called that, was
difficult to navigate, numerous holes shaking the Jeep to
the point where Evan was sure it was going to fall apart.
"He stopped," Toby said excitedly. "Maybe this is it.
We better stop here so he doesn't hear us coming."
Perfect Knowledge - 61
Chase brought the vehicle to a halt. "We'll go the rest
of the way on foot. Get your guns ready, I want no
surprises. Evan& "
Evan rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah. I'll be careful, stay
behind you, and scream like a little girl if there's any
trouble."
Kay slapped him none too gently on the side of the
head. "Hey, I resent the little girl comment."
Evan rubbed at his sore head. "Sorry. I'll run
screaming for the hills instead. Satisfied?"
Chase chuckled. "I guess. Let's go, people."
They climbed out of the Jeep, and Evan followed the
three detectives as they chased their prey. His heart was
threatening to burst out of his chest, and he was scared
out of his wits, but there was also something very
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