The Steel Kiss (Lincoln Rhyme 12)

"Yes. Go ahead."

"I could have told you a few days ago. I didn't. I'm not sure why I didn't. Nick is out."

"Carelli? Your friend."

"My friend, yes. He was released from prison. He contacted me."

"And he's well?"

"Pretty much. Physically. I'd think being inside would change you more." She shrugged and it was clear to Rhyme she didn't want to go down this path. "There's something I debated about telling you. I didn't. But now I have to."

"A preface like that, Sachs? Pray continue."

SUNDAY VI

... AND MATE

CHAPTER 47

At 11:30 a.m. the canvass team looking into the unsub's purchases for his improvised weapons, in the attempt on Rose Sachs's life, had a hit.

Rhyme was frustrated that it had taken so long but then they'd made the discovery about the garage door opener and the other purchases only late last night, when most of the hardware stores were closed. And few opened early today, Sunday morning.

"Fucking blue laws," he'd snapped.

Ron Pulaski, apparently on hiatus from the Gutierrez case, had said, "I don't think the Puritans've pushed through legislation about late opening times for hardware stores on the holy day, Lincoln. Salespeople probably just want to sleep in one day of the week."

"Well, they shouldn't do it when I. Need. Answers."

But then Sachs got a call from one of the officers on the canvass. She sat slightly more upright as she listened. "I'll put you on speaker."

A click. "Yes, hello? J

im Cavanaugh. Major Cases Support."

"Officer," Rhyme said, "this is Lincoln Rhyme."

"Detective Sachs told me you're working the case. An honor, sir."

"Okay, sure. Well, what do you have?"

"A store on Staten Island."

So, not Queens. Archer gave Rhyme a wry smile.

With two question marks...

"The manager said a man fitting the description of the unsub comes in two days ago, wanted a garage door opener that would work at a distance of about thirty-five feet, maybe more. Also bought glass, glazing compound, electricians' tape and some wire. All matching the products you mentioned."

Here's hoping... Rhyme asked, "Credit card?"

"Cash."

Of course.

"Did the manager know anything about him? Name, where he lives?"

"Not that, but he did find out a few things, Captain."