Page 11 of The Hitman and the Psychic

“Yes. It was sent from a burner phone, and they used his name.”

“Okay… so it’s someone who knows your contactandyour number. I think that could be a good starting point. Who’s the contact?”

He shrugged. “His name’s Razor, and he’s part of the Shadow Serpents gang. But I don’t think it’s any of them. Razor knows better than to cross me or Vanetti, and so does his gang.”

“It wouldn’t hurt to talk to him though, right? Maybe I’ll pick something up.”

“I guess.”

“You still don’t believe me, do you? Even after I described your accident?” I couldn’t blame himtoomuch, but it still annoyed me.

“I don’t know.” He huffed. “Maybe I do, but I don’t get how your ability even works. And even if youcouldpick something up, connecting it to me seems like a stretch.”

My mouth pinched. “Okay, fine. I get that, and I wish I could explain it better, but that’s how my psychometry works. When it isn’t connected to the job, I just keep it to myself.”

“So you pick up a lot of things?”

“Yes, I do.” My teeth clenched. “But, I usuallyknowif it’s connected.”

He raised an eyebrow.

“Ugh.” I threw my hands in the air. “So typical. You know what? Mr. Vanetti hired me to figure this out, so that’s what I’m going to do, even if I have to visit this snake gang by myself.”

“Hang on.” He held out a hand. “Don’t eventhinkabout going anywhere without me.”

“Why? I get the feeling you’d be happieralone,anyways.”

His jawtightened.

It looked like I’d hit a nerve, but I didn’t take it back. He’d been a total jerk ever since Mr. Vanetti told him I’d be working with him. “You know, I wouldthinksomeone with a target on their back would be happy to get help.”

Mouth twisting, he let out a frustrated grumble. “Fine. But if you really can pick stuff up, then we should start with the bomb. Believe me, youdon’twant to meet the Shadow Serpents. Especially if you call them the ‘snake gang’ to their faces.” He shook his head, obviously disgusted.

I sniffed. “Okay, fine. But we’re still going to have to talk to your snake buddies.”

Stone rolled his eyes and pushed to his feet. He winced when he stood, but I was done feeling bad for him. Relief to do something constructive washed over me, and I put my notepad back in my purse and slung it across my shoulder. I bit my lips as I followed him out, noting his slight limp. But it wasn’t my problem that he’d nearly gotten himself killed today, even though my stomach plunged at the thought.

Stone stepped into his apartment for his leather jacket, and we took the elevator down to the parking garage without saying much. He led the way to his car and popped the trunk. Taking out a motorcycle helmet, he held it toward me. “Here. This should fit you.”

I froze. “We’re going on a motorcycle?”

“Yeah… unless you’re afraid to ride it.” He let his hand fall and raised a brow. “Maybe you should touch the bike? It might show you who’s after me.”

I narrowed my eyes. “I guess it’s worth a try.” I couldn’t quite tell if he was being serious or just goading me.

He moved to the side, allowing me access to the bike. Suddenly nervous that I wouldn’t get anything, I ran the fingertips of one hand across the leather seat. Getting nothing, I placed my entire palm over it and still got nothing.

Crap. This was bad. Using both hands, I felt my way to the handlebars. As I wrapped my hands around the grips, a blast of pleasure surged through me. It felt so good that I closed my eyes. I could almost feel the wind blowing through my hair. The sudden vision of a truck swerving into my lane sent a spike of adrenalin through my body, and I jerked my hands away, my breath heaving.

“What was that?” Healmostsounded concerned.

I bit my lips. “I think I saw the truck that nearly killed you. But this time I got a look at the driver. It’s definitely a man, because he had a beard, and he wore a ball cap and dark glasses.”

Stone’s brows rose. “Okay, that’s actually helpful, but still not much to go on.” He paused, eyes narrowing. “But I guess if you saw that, then it’s possible you might actually pick something up at the bomb site.Ifwe’re lucky.” He shrugged, like it was a long-shot.

“Rude.” I glared at him, crossing my arms over my chest.

His brows rose. “What? I didn’t mean it in a bad way. It just seems like your visions aren’t always crystal clear.” His lips twisted. “It kind of sounds like a crap shoot to me, but if you saw the driver, then maybe we can figure it out.”

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