Read Online Experiment in Terror (Koehler Brothers Book 1) by Alene Anderson - Free Book Online Page B

front of him. “Did you have a chance to think about the rates I gave you over the phone?”
    “I did,” she said. “They seem reasonable to me.”
    “Good. Then let’s get down to business. Why do you want my services?”
    Amanda struggled not to feel embarrassed as she stated her request in a firm, businesslike manner.
    “There is a man who hangs out with a group of homeless men along the Boulder Creek Path and I want you to find out everything you can about him.”
    “Has he been bothering you?”
    “Not at all.”
    “Can you give me the reason you want him checked out?”
    “I don’t think that’s something you need to know,” she said. “It has no relevancy, whatsoever.”
    “I would like to know before I get involved if this is a matter which should be referred to the police.”
    “No, it definitely isn’t.”
    “So he hasn’t accosted you while you were on the Creek Path?”
    “No,” she said, although that was not quite true. In effect, that was what he had done last evening when he had stepped out from behind a tree and stopped her on her way home.
    “I will need a description of him, if that’s possible.” He grinned, then added, “All homeless men look alike to me.”
    “This one stands out, even though he is unkempt like the rest of the group.”
    A question played on his face as he held a pen poised over his notepad.
    “He’s tall. Much taller than the others. Probably about six-one or two. He stands straight, not with slumped shoulders like the rest of them. He has the most striking gray eyes. There’s no other homeless man that even closely resembles him.”
    “I take it you are a regular on the path.”
    “Yes, I ride my bike on it almost every day except Sunday, since it is a convenient route from my house to the Mall.”
    “When did you first notice him?”
    “Let’s see,” she said, trying to be as accurate as possible. “It was the day the police released the news about the third girl being raped and murdered. I don’t remember the exact date.”
    “I can look that up,” Gary said. “You do realize he could be dangerous? It’s even possible he might be the Boulder Creek Killer.”
    “I don’t think so,” she said, shaking her head. But what if he is? What am I doing? Alarm bells rang in her head and she swallowed a sudden lump in her throat at the thought.
    Gary shrugged. “I suggest you be very careful when riding your bike. And don’t ride after dark. You know another girl was found murdered last night?”
    “I know. I have to admit it’s kind of frightening since the bridge where they found the body isn’t all that far from me.”
    “Why don’t you quit riding your bike and take the bus?”
    She couldn’t do that. She would be unable to see the homeless man.
    But was her life worth the pleasure of seeing him?
    “Is there anything else you can tell me? Hair color? I’m assuming he has a beard since they all do. Can’t afford to shave, I guess.” He gave a short laugh.
    “His hair is a dishwater blond and he does have a beard, which is pretty much the same color.”
    “Any identifying marks?”
    “Not that I could see. His face is covered by the beard. I think he wears the same clothes all the time. His shirt is long sleeved, but the sleeves are usually rolled up to just below his elbow. But I didn’t see any scars or tattoos.”
    “I’ll get started right now while it’s still early in the afternoon. The homeless men spend the night at the North Broadway Shelter and I’m hoping to see this man before they take the city bus up to the Shelter. If he sticks with the group, I’ll have to figure out a way to question them when he’s not around.”
    “I appreciate your time.”
    “I’ll get back to you as soon as I find out something,” Gary said as he stood to leave. “It shouldn’t take long. All these men have a story and I’ve heard they like to tell it.”
    “Let me give you my business card. I’ve written my cell phone number on