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The Catch

This chase had taken me across three continents. Russia, China, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, Germany, Switzerland and France. But it would go no longer.

I put three rounds into the lock and kicked the door open, sweeping the filthy public bathroom with the bright beam of the taclight. Sudden motion – I put two rounds into what turned out to be a large rat.

There were two stalls at the back. The first one had what I sought, but I was too late. A young woman, early twenties at most. She was grasping an anchovy in her dead fingers; the calling card of the disturbed and yet entirely rational killer.

I had to respect him, almost. Nobody has ever eluded me for so long or gotten so far. But no matter. There are rules, and the rules say he must leave me a clue.

I pick up the spotlessly white card and read the instructions on the back, calling to the others over my radio. We’ll get him this time.

This time.

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