58 – This Gift, This Curse

 

 

As he left the building, Will carefully checked the people on the street and the cars parked at the curb. There was no Mustang, but he knew that didn't mean anything. Archer would have to be a fool to be driving such a distinctive car anywhere in the neighborhood. Or an egomaniac. If he was stalking Sue, and Will had no doubts about that now, he had probably seen Mick hanging around the coffee shop with her and the others. If he saw Mick watching when he drove away… Yes he just might be egotistical enough drive around the neighborhood in it from what Charlie and Sue had said. Or not, since the car's not anywhere around.

 

Feeling certain that Archer was not watching the building, Will continued walking and then after two blocks turned off onto a side street. He positioned himself in the doorway of a small near-new shop, where he could see the building and the trio when they came out. They were laughing, apparently at something Mick had said, as they came toward him. Kevin had one arm around Sue's waist while Mick walked casually on Kevin's other side.

 

The trio continued on past Will, stopping a couple blocks beyond him to look at a display in a clothing shop window. Will casually followed, watching everyone else on the street. He really didn't expect Archer to try anything in such a public venue but he was taking no chances, which was why the gun Captain Newsome had given him was now at the small of his back.

 

When they arrived at the theater, the trio bought their tickets and went inside. For the time being, Will positioned himself at a table in the patio in front of a small Greek restaurant across the street. When a waiter came to take his order, he told him he was waiting for someone and just ordered coffee.

 

If everything went according to plan, Charlie was already inside. Will waited, watching for Archer. He almost missed him when the waiter came back with his coffee. When he looked back at the theater, Archer was just going inside.

 

Will dropped a couple of bills on the table and hurried across the street, purchased a ticket, and entered the dimly lit lobby. Archer was nowhere in sight, but Charlie was. He gave a quick jerk of his head toward the right-hand door leading to one of the three small theaters. Will nodded and slipped inside, taking a seat at the back by the exit where he could see Kevin and his friends—as well as Archer who was seated several rows behind them, against the far wall.

 

The lights dimmed a few minutes later and the movie began.