Read Online Edge by Jeffery Deaver - Free Book Online Page A

terrible, Bill,” Joanne said. “One day everything’s fine and then . . . this.”
    I handed Carter another of the cold phones and explained it to him.
    â€œWho’s after you?” he asked Ryan.
    â€œThe devil incarnate” was the dry response.
    I replied to Carter’s very nonrhetorical question—the former cop would want details: “His name’s Henry Loving. He’s white, midforties, about two hundred pounds, dark hair. Had a scar, his temple. Probably doesn’t anymore.” I typed on the computer. “Here’s an old picture. He’s good at changing appearances but it’ll give you a rough idea.” My principals and Carter had fallen silent, looking at the benign face of Henry Loving. Put a white band of collar on him and he could have been a minister. A navy blue suit, an accountant or salesman at Macy’s. His face was as placid as mine, merely a little fuller. He didn’t look like a killer, torturer and kidnapper. Which worked to his advantage.
    I said to Carter, “I think we’re on top of things and he doesn’t know about you. But be alert. You have wireless in your house in Loudoun?”
    â€œYessir.”
    â€œCan you disable it?”
    â€œSure.”
    I added, “And make sure Amanda doesn’t configure your computer for dial-up.”
    â€œShe’d know how to do that?”
    â€œShe’s a teenager,” I said. “She could build a computer out of kitchen appliances.”
    â€œSuppose you’re right about that.” He looked at the Kesslers. “How much did you tell her?”
    Ryan said, “Pretty much everything. But I didn’t overdo it.”
    â€œShe’s got some grit, your daughter. It’d take a lot to get her rattled. But I’ll keep her distracted.”
    â€œThanks, Bill.”
    â€œAnd when you leave,” I told him, “keep her down. Have her look for something you lost under the front seat. Just for a block or two.”
    Maybe Carter thought this was excessive but he agreed.
    Amanda bounded down the stairs, clutching a pillow in a red-and-white gingham case. It seemed teenagers couldn’t travel without pillows, girls at least. Security blankets maybe.
    â€œUncle Bill, hi!” She hugged the man and sized up Freddy and Garcia, the new arrivals.
    â€œHey, this’s some weird adventure, honey,” Carter said.
    â€œYeah.”
    â€œWe better hit the road,” the former cop said.
    I was amused; the solidly built teenage athlete had around her shoulder a purse in the shape of a plush bear, with a goofy smile and a zipper down its back.
    Joanne grabbed the girl and hugged hard, to her stepdaughter’s embarrassment.
    Then her father did the same. He too was treatedto a stiff return embrace. “Come on, humor your old man,” Ryan said affectionately.
    â€œDad . . . okay.” She stepped back, though her father kept his hands on her shoulders.
    â€œYou call us anytime. About anything.”
    â€œYeah, okay.”
    â€œIt’s going to be fine, honey.” Then the bulky detective released his grip, apparently worried that his coddling might give his daughter more cause to worry. He smiled.
    â€œLike, bye.” Lugging her pillow, backpack and bear purse, Amanda ran to Carter’s SUV.
    Again the former cop hugged Joanne and then gripped Ryan’s hand with both of his. “I’ll take really good care of her. Don’t worry. God bless.”
    Then he was gone.
    Ryan returned to the den and came out with his briefcase and another backpack. It was heavy and I assumed it contained ammunition and possibly another weapon.
    Freddy called his men outside on the radio. We heard one of them respond, “Carter’s gone. Nobody following. The girl wasn’t visible.”
    Then I heard footsteps on the stairs, and a woman, quite attractive, appeared in the kitchen doorway. She was blinking,