Page 13 of The Smart Killer
“Like I said, it was dark. I saw the glow of headlights and heard an engine rumbling and figured it was my mother. I saw Adam pull into his driveway. He got out with some blonde he’s been bringing over lately. They went inside.”
“What time was that at?”
“Uh. Eight thirtyish. I think. I was…”
“A little out of it?”
He nodded.
“Go on.”
“Anyway, so I’m chilling. Maybe ten minutes later, I hear a garage open and see him come out.”
“Adam?”
“Yeah.”
“You’re sure it was him?”
“I recognize my neighbor. He backed out a truck.”
“So, not the Tesla?”
Jason groaned. “I might have been under the influence, but I know my cars and the difference between a Tesla and a truck. It was a black 4 x 4. Toyota Tundra. Anyway, he got out and collected some empty gasoline canisters and placed them in the back.”
“How do you know they were empty?”
“Because he dropped one on the driveway while loading them in. Makes a distinctive sound.” He eyed Noah for a second, then continued. “After, he got in the truck, closed the garage, and drove off.”
“Then what?”
The door opened, and Ray came in, juggling two cups of coffee. His eyes bounced between them before he handed one Styrofoam cup to Noah. “And then. I don’t remember much else. The next memory I have is waking up here.”
“Convenient,” Ray said.
“Fuck you, man. I’m telling the truth.”
“Did your mother teach you to talk like that?” Ray asked before taking a sip of his coffee.
“I’m done talking to you.”
Noah gestured for them to step outside.
“Don’t start any fires while we’re out, kid,” Ray said sarcastically. Jason told him where to go, and Ray scoffed as he closed the door.
“How many vehicles are in Adam’s name?” Noah asked.
“One. The Tesla.”
“Jason said he left the house in a truck.”
“Jason was also flying high with the birds — you know — Strawberry Fields, and whatnot,” he said, referencing the Beatles tune. “Hell, I’m surprised he didn’t tell you he left the house in a damn submarine.” He pointed at Noah. “A yellow one.”
“Ray.”
“I will look into it. Okay!? We’ve video-canvassed the neighborhood, and the community is gated, so the security footage should clear that up pretty quickly. But from what we know, he only owned a Tesla, and it was parked outside.”
Noah patted him on the arm. “Keep me in the loop.”
