Page 267 of Silent Target

“The victims weren’t selected randomly,” I said.

Vale’s eyes hardened.

It was the first genuine reaction he’d shown.

I’d been right.

“The Atlanta family received a warning from a state emergency system,” I continued. “The hotel guests were contacted by someone claiming to be the fire marshal. The church members heard a recorded message in their pastor’s voice.”

“You’re chasing tragedies, not a conspiracy.”

“No. I’m studying rehearsals.”

Something cold entered his face.

The three incidents had been tests.

Someone was learning how quickly frightened people obeyed. How much authority they needed to imitate. Which words made rational men and women stop questioning what they were told.

And how to lead them to their own deaths.

Vale stepped closer. “You have no idea what you’re involving yourself in.”

“I know you just confirmed my theory.”

His gaze shifted toward the stairwell.

That was when I heard a second set of footsteps behind me.

I pivoted, my weapon rising.

The stairwell was empty.

When I turned back, Vale was walking away.

“Stop.”

He continued toward a dark sedan parked near the far exit.

I moved after him, keeping my weapon lowered but ready. “Deputy Director Vale, I said stop.”

He paused beside the rear passenger door.

“You’re an intelligent woman, Agent Collins. Intelligence should come with a survival instinct.”

“Was that a threat?”

“It was the only warning you’ll receive.”

The sedan door opened from the inside.

Vale got in.

I caught a glimpse of the driver before the door closed. Dark hair. Pale scar along his jaw.

The same man who had sat behind the wheel of the car outside my apartment two nights ago.

The sedan sped down the ramp.