The Wizard of Death Read Free Page A

that sometimes totaled twelve men and was often sensitive about the mundane nature of his work.
    â€œNo, Lyon. Not an ego trip.”
    â€œI’m sorry, and I am interested in your work, but in this instance there are other considerations. Bea is understandably very upset. It was pretty damn traumatic for her to be so close to the killing. I just can’t have myself involved in something so painful for her.… Hell, it’s not my job or my duty as a citizen.”
    â€œDidn’t say it was.”
    â€œYou’re a big boy now.” That he was, Lyon thought. At six feet eight and 270 pounds, Rocco Herbert was the largest police officer in the state. “You’re also a bright man who will do all anyone can.”
    â€œWe found the weapon in the church. A thirty-thirty, two shots fired.”
    â€œShell casings?”
    â€œTwo.”
    â€œI want to compliment you on your fast reaction at the green. Immediately picking out where the shots came from and returning fire must have disconcerted the sniper.”
    Rocco nodded noncommittally. “The lab checked out the rifle and established it as the murder weapon to the exclusion of all other rifles.”
    â€œAny prints?”
    â€œNo.”
    â€œDamn it all, Rocco. You’re trying to involve me. Seriously, I have a wife who is upset, and a book to finish for a contract deadline.”
    â€œBecause of his helmet, my description of the bike rider is no damn good. Of course we’ve made plaster casts of the tire marks. By the way, he got into the church through …”
    Lyon swiveled his chair and began to type: “Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of …”
    Rocco continued, raising his voice over the typing. “Back door of the church was unlocked and the sexton was out on the green listening to the speeches.”
    Exasperated, Lyon turned to face Rocco. “I will talk about old army times, you can give me the latest gossip from around town, we will commiserate together over the state of the world, but no murder details.”
    â€œThe selectmen are going to be mad as hell over your wrecking the squad car.”
    â€œMe wreck it! We were chasing the bastard.”
    â€œYou were driving. An unauthorized driver at that. You never could drive well, Lyon.”
    â€œIt wouldn’t fit between the rocks.”
    â€œShouldn’t have tried,” Rocco said and smiled.
    â€œIsn’t it time for you to go home?”
    â€œI need another belt,” Rocco said as he poured another drink.
    â€œYou’re really hitting the stuff tonight.”
    The two men were quiet until Rocco eased himself from the leather chair and crossed to the fireplace. He put his glass on the mantel and ran his hand along the rough fieldstone for a moment before beginning to pace the room. “There’s something …” His voice trailed off.
    â€œI absolutely refuse to ask what,” Lyon said and found himself discomfited by the obvious agitation in his friend. “It’s not all incumbent on you, Rocco. As I said, the state has a host of back-up facilities to help you. No one in the world expects you to tackle the case with your small force.”
    â€œI have to tell you.” The brittle words died away in the quiet room.
    â€œSomething I really should know?”
    â€œI’m afraid so,” Rocco said softly.
    â€œYou had better get it over with.”
    â€œIt’s in the car. I’ll be right back.”
    Rocco left, and in a few minutes Lyon heard the slam of a car trunk. Fear slipped into the room. His study had always been a refuge, a place away from the world, a sanctuary which had now become filled with apprehension. He knew his friend well enough to discern that he was concerned, and that the concern dealt with Lyon.
    Rocco returned carrying a large case and a portable movie screen. Wordlessly he set up the screen and positioned the projector.
    â€œIf