Dead Hunt

Carley’s mother wrapped up for them.
‘‘Carley’s life changed today,’’ said Diane.
‘‘It did, didn’t it? I think things are better out in the open. At least now she knows to avoid anyone named Delaflote,’’ said Kingsley. ‘‘So, do you want to ride out to the island?’’
‘‘Not without backup,’’ said Diane. ‘‘Are you nuts?’’
Kingsley laughed. ‘‘I guess you’re right. It’s exciting to be so close. Let’s look for a motel near this place— what did she say, Croker? We’ll call the marshals. Maybe they’re finished with chasing their wild goose and will hurry out here.’’
Diane followed Highway 70 south to Morehead City and on to Beaufort. It was a little over fifty miles. She wanted to find a motel in Beaufort. According to her GPS maps it was the last large city they would pass near. But Kingsley wanted to get closer.
‘‘Why?’’ asked Diane. ‘‘We aren’t going over to the island. You heard what she said; you have to take a ferry. That means there’s no quick getaway in case of emergency.’’
‘‘I know, but there are other tourist towns beyond Beaufort. They will have motels,’’ said Kingsley.
Diane threw up her hands and agreed. Beaufort was a little more than an hour’s drive from New Bern. She drove about twelve miles beyond Beaufort. It wasn’t a straight drive. This part of North Carolina was a water world. They crossed large rivers and small creeks and passed through many small tourist towns.
Many places Diane would have liked to stop and just look at the scenery—the water, the boats, the ships. The low green landscape was less lush than the vegetation she was used to in Rosewood; the trees weren’t as tall. Nor was it as subtropical as the barrier islands of Georgia. It was beautiful away from the towns, very peaceful looking. She would have stopped to look, but she was tired from their long trip. Maybe they could find a good place to watch the sun set over the sound. Sunsets here were supposed to be pretty spectacular.
‘‘You can pull in at this convenience store ahead and we can stock up,’’ said Kingsley.
‘‘You don’t want to find a restaurant?’’ said Diane.
‘‘Not really. Do you? I’d rather just get some snacks and find a place to stay.’’
Diane filled up the gas tank while Kingsley went in for food. When the tank was full she moved the vehicle to the side of the store and went in to pay. Kingsley had two bags full of food—junk food, from the glimpse she caught of the contents of one of his bags.
‘‘I got us some of those dip dogs,’’ he said.
‘‘Some what?’’ said Diane.
‘‘Corn dogs, you may call them,’’ he said, grinning as he went out the door.
There were few people in the small store, so Diane was able to pay quickly and grab a Coke and a bag of peanuts. She paid for the gas and snacks and slipped the peanuts in her pocket.
She walked out to the SUV and fingered the UNLOCK button on the key chain. A bottle of water rolled from behind the SUV and bumped into her foot. She turned to look and everything went black.

Chapter 48
    Diane heard a groan coming through the pain and fog in her head.
‘‘What the hell?’’ It was Kingsley.
She opened her eyes and tried to move. Her hands were bound behind her back and her ankles were tied together. She stayed still a moment and breathed deeply, assessing her situation.
They were in the rear compartment of a minivan with its backseats stripped out. It was new by the look of it. The windows were dark but she could see out the front. It was still daylight. The driver was young. She could see his cheek and his blond hair. The kid. The one who drugged them at the restaurant and the one who was renting an apartment in her building. It had to be him. Hell, has he been following us— from Rosewood?
She looked at Kingsley. He was equally bound and apparently equally dazed. Their eyes met and Diane motioned with hers for him to look at the driver.
Kingsley glanced over his shoulder at the kid and looked back at Diane.
‘‘Is he...?Kingsley whispered.
Diane nodded. ‘‘Bobby Banks? I think so.’’ ‘‘Hey, kid,’’ said Kingsley. ‘‘Have you been following us? You’re really good. I didn’t see you and I’m pretty good at spotting a tail.’’
‘‘Just keep quiet,’’ the kid said.
‘‘Where are we going?’’ said Kingsley.
‘‘Don’t make me mad,’’ he said.
While they spoke, Diane tugged at the ropes that held her.