Page 100 - Hunter - The Vigil

Karl handed the print back. Gabreski kept his temper in check and took another look
at the image. After a moment, he saw the low-slung form in the corner of the photo. It
was looking in the direction of the camera, its eyes shining like coins in the refl ected
up all over the place these days.”
light. “Looks like a big dog,” he said. “Maybe a coyote? Those damn things are turning
“Typical,” Karl muttered, scowling. “Compare the size of that thing to the car it’s
trying to hide behind. That beast is huge.”
could it be?”
Vince shrugged. “Sure. So’s my neighbor’s Newfoundland. If it’s not a dog, what else

“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you,” he mumbled, typing a bit more. “Whatever,
man. I’ve given up on you guys. If you won’t believe me, I’ll get the word out in other
ways.” He pointed to the screen. “This guy here is part of a group trying to get the
truth out, and he’s interested in hearing what I’ve got to say.”

Vince considered his reply carefully. Setting the print back atop the pile, he said
quietly, “What if I told you that I saw something tonight?”
Karl’s dark eyes fl icked up from the screen. “Something?”
Gabreski took a deep breath. “Okay. A monster.”
The reporter stared at him. “You’re fucking with me.”
Karl, and I need it fast.”
“Not this time,” Vince said. “I’m here because I need your help. I need information,

The reporter’s eyes narrowed. “What kind of information?” he asked.
“I need to know who bought or leased a warehouse in Kensington,” Vince said, giving
trail out there.”
Karl the address. “The ID is probably an alias, but there’s got to be some kind of paper

“Now I know you’re fucking with me,” he said. “You can call your buddies downtown and
get that info in, like, two seconds.”
Vince leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. “Not this time. People downtown
Sound familiar?”
will want to know why I’m interested. And they won’t believe what I’ve got to tell them.

The reporter studied Vince for several long moments. His gaze fell to the screen
you saw tonight?”
again, and his fi ngers clattered on the keyboard some more. “How does this tie in to what
“First things fi rst. Can you get me the information? I’m pressed for time here.”
almost a full minute.
Karl didn’t answer right away, leaving Vince to listen to the rattle of keys for
On one condition.”
Finally the reporter leaned back and folded his arms. “Yeah. I think I can do that.
“What?”

it’s big news.”
“I get the full story. When a cop like you starts to believe in what’s out there,

tell you everything.”
Vince grinned. “Sure, Karl. No problem. I’ll get back to you once this is done and
you.”
“Give me a break, man. Do I look that dumb?” He barked laughter. “I’m going with

Now it was Vince’s turn to laugh. “No chance, kid. I don’t do ride-alongs.”
“Suit yourself. I’m gonna go smoke.”

Vince gritted his teeth. “Okay, fi ne. You come along. It’s your funeral. If you can
get me what I need in the next hour.”
The reporter leaned back against the wooden backrest, giving Vince a Cheshire-cat
smile. “A whole hour? Man, get with the times. The warehouse was bought by a guy named
Lermontov,” Karl said, glancing at the screen. “You want his home address?”