Page 82 (1/2)

“Just explaining”

“Do you believe you could draw, aim, and shoot before I closed the distance between us?”

“I don’t know, but if you run at me, we’ll find out”

I stood there and let the breath out of my body until I felt quiet inside It was like white static inside o when I killed Lately I hadn’t seemed to need it, but as I looked at Olaf in the quiet trees, I didn’t try to hide as happening inside ured if anyone would understand, it would be him

“You continue to surprise me, Adler”

“Good,” I said, voice low and controlled

My hand was hanging loose and ready next to the full-frame 45, and then I realized no,All I had to do was move my body for it to spill intowith it at my side It wouldn’t have been as accurate that way, but I was sure I’d at least wound hied to my shoulder Once it was there, I was sure I could finish him The plan helped quiet even the static, so I felt cal I wondered if that was hoas for Olaf h life, eive a damn

He stood very still, hands spread wide to show he had nothing in them “It is not time to answer this question between us, Anita”

I liked that he usednickname, and I hated that I didn’t feel free to tell hier was back, and I knew if he rushed me noould be a little l

ess quick, a little less focused, which meant it was a luxury I couldn’t afford

My voice was almost neutral as I said, “Then let’s head back to the sheriff’s station”

“After you,” he said

I sether but not too close until we have witnesses again”

“Agreed,” he said

We started walking through the trees back toward the road, the police station, and the witnesses ould keep us both froret I wasn’t a sociopath like Olaf, or even one like Edward, but I hadOlaf where no one could see us If I lied and said he’d attacked ht that said just hownicknames