Twisted

CHAPTER 51

THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 11:03 P.M., THE DOEBBLER RESIDENCE, ROSITA AVENUE, TARZANA

You’re sure?” said Petra.

Eric had just returned from another look behind the house. This time she’d seen him emerge, the faintest black smudge against the indigo Valley night. He’d probably showed himself on purpose, to make her feel good.

“No more magazine, he was watching TV. I couldn’t get an angle to see the screen. At eleven sharp, he got up, turned off the light, went upstairs.”

Less than an hour to go. Both of Doebbler’s cars were in place.

“You’re sure there’s no way he can leave from behind?”

“Steep hillside up to the neighbor’s property, then wrought-iron fencing. Anything’s possible but- ”

“If it’s possible we need to worry about it.” Little Miss Shrew. Before she could apologize, Eric said, “Want me to go back there and stay?”

“That would mean no two-way view of the street, but maybe…”

“Just tell me.”

“What do you think?”

“Tough call,” he said.

“This doesn’t feel right, Eric. Even if the kill-spot’s some close-by clinic, he’s cutting it too close. He’s compulsive. Would take his time setting it up.”

“Maybe he’s preparing right now. In his head.”

“Maybe,” she said. “Okay, look, go back there. If nothing happens within ten… fifteen minutes, I’m marching up to the front and ringing the bell.”

No response.

“You think it’s a bad idea?”

“No,” he said. “I’m on my way right now.”