Hard Kill - Sample Chapters

“Yes. Everyone is spending a night with either a friend or a boyfriend.”

“Ms Lieber, too?”

The girl shrugged. “I don’t know. She might be staying with a friend from class.”

“So you don’t know for sure?”

The girl nodded. “Look, I don’t know much about Caroline.

What’s this about?”

“Tell me, when’s the last time you spoke to Caroline?

“Is she OK?” “Please answer the question.”

“Caroline? I spoke to her yesterday morning.”

“Is there anyone she is close to or confides in?”

“She’s from New York City, so her real close friends are all based there. She keeps to herself, really.”

Stamper smiled. “You mind if we take a look around?”

“Actually, I do.”

“Oh, why’s that?”

“It’s just that... well, the rental lease is in Caroline’s name.

I just feel it would be better if she was here before you go through the house.”

“We have a warrant to search the house, if necessary.”

The girl flushed crimson and closed her eyes. “It’s just that...”

“Are you all right, miss?” Stamper asked. “Do you feel uncomfortable because we’re going to do the search and you’re all alone in the house, is that it?”

The girl grimaced. “It’s just that... I’d rather you didn’t.”

The sound of a floorboard creaking upstairs.

Reznick was up the stairs before Stamper could speak. A skinny white guy was heading across the landing toward the bathroom. “Don’t move, son!”

The kid froze.

Reznick grabbed the kid by the collar and pulled him downstairs. The kid was trembling, disheveled. “Thought