Hide'n Go Seek by Dale Mayer

going. Mostly the company survived on government grants, contracts, training classes, and private donations.

    Instinct prodded her to look closer. Something deeper was going on. She waited for him to continue.

    "You know I've seen some nasty sites in my time. I've also learned more than I'd like about what one person can do to another. This letter business..."

    Kali winced. She so didn't want to go there if she could help it. "That mess is bad news, I know." She hesitated. "Is something else bothering you?"

    Stan wrinkled his forehead, a heavy sigh escaping. "It's probably nothing. Not like he hasn't done it before. Brad still hasn't reported in from Sacramento. He shipped Sergeant home that last night, isn't answering his phone, and he hasn't been seen since. Susan's called several times already today."

    "Oh no. Not again." Kali didn't know what to think. Brad often disappeared for a day or two, particularly after a bad disaster; still it was rare for him to let Sergeant travel alone. "If he's gone on a bender, he wouldn't normally check in for several days."

    Brad's drinking binges often lasted three to four days. His wife hated them and usually called his friends to see if he'd bunked on their couches. Susan hadn't called her yet. Apparently they weren't friends anymore. Truthfully, Kali couldn't remember if she'd checked her messages when she woke up. Grant's visit had thrown off her routine.

    "I wouldn't worry yet." Kali injected hope into her voice.

    "We'll give him a day or two to check in." Stan's face lightened, the wrinkles eased as a happier look appeared on his face.

    "Let me know when he calls." Shiloh nudged her hand and Kali refocused for a moment on her furry friend. Shiloh always knew when she was upset. "I'll worry until I know he's okay.”

    "Me, too." Stan's fingers played restlessly with the stack of papers in his hand. When he looked up at her, the dread in his eyes shook her. "I don't know, Kali. I'm not sure what's going on, but I've got a bad feeling about this."

    So had she. That didn't change anything.

***
    The kitchen door lock snicked open. Kali had been gone for hours. She'd probably gone to the center again. He knew he could be cutting it close, but he'd wanted to deliver his gift in person.

    Careful, he placed the plate on the table and tucked the note half inside the wrapping. His gift stood out like a center piece. She couldn't miss it.

    Perfect.

    Backtracking to the door, he stopped. Her car lights would be visible well before reaching the house. He'd have lots of time to get away. What could it hurt to look around?

    Decision made, he headed straight upstairs to her bedroom. He opened her dresser drawers, neat stacks of cotton underwear lay inside, his black gloves a strong contrast to the pristine whiteness. The need to touch the smooth cotton was a temptation he couldn't afford. Slamming the drawer shut, he opened the next and the next. He moved toward the large closet, examining clothes and shoes layered inside. Only then did he allow himself to focus on her bed.

    He sighed. A cream duvet covered the chocolate sheets, with one corner turned back as if in invitation. As if. He forced himself back, angry as lust twisted against his purpose. She was the devil's tool, and the sooner he proved it to the world, the better they'd all be.

    He walked downstairs, determined to erase the intimate picture of her bedroom from his mind. He cast a quick glance at the plain but comfortable living room with several arm chairs and couches arranged around the well-used fireplace before heading down the hall. He passed the laundry room and main bathroom. The next door was closed. Curious, he pushed it open.

    A studio? She painted?

    Her easel stood in the middle of the room, a sheet tossed over the top. Unable to resist, he walked over and lifted the sheet.

    And jumped back.

    He hissed his fury. Witch. Evil spawn.
Control, cold and clinical, returned his focus. He had to study her work -