Chapter 8

Hoffman wandered around the warehouse as Amanda worked. He studied her concentrated face and laughed softly.

He picked up random tools and various parts of incomplete traps. He studied them momentarily, then set them back down. He picked the metal table Amanda had flipped earlier. He replaced the loose papers off the floor and put them on the table when one caught his eyes.

"Amanda," Hoffman said.

"Hmm?" Amanda asked, still concentrated on her work.

"What's this?" He asked, holding up a paper. The design on it looked like Jesus on the cross; only the legs were spread apart and there were metal restraints on the wrists, ankles, stomach, and neck.

"It's part of Jeff's game." Amanda said as she stood next to him. "These parts here will turn these gears, causing the metal restraints to twist the man's arms, legs, and neck to unbearable lengths. John calls it the rack." Hoffman looked at her. She had and evil glint in her eyes and an amused smile tugged at her lips.

"Ouch." Was all Hoffman could say about the design. Amanda laughed.

"No shit." Amanda said, still amused. Amanda went back to her work and Hoffman wandered to John's room. John laid awake on his bed, studying a piece of paper in front of him.

"Mark, I was wondering if you would do something for me." john said, noticing him.

"Yes?"

"On my desk, there is a folder with some information on a detective I'd like you to observe for me." John said. "I believe you know him. His name is Detective Peter Strahm?" Hoffman nodded.

"I know him. He joined the investigation." Hoffman said.

"Good. Keep a close eye on him. He's smart." John said. Hoffman nodded again and left. He went to the small workroom and to John's desk. He took the yellow envelope and opened it. Inside were three different pictures of Strahm. Another sheet held information on him; such as his full name, date of birth, height, weight, and other things. He took the folder and went back to the warehouse.

"I have to leave." he said. Amanda set down her pencil and turned to look at him.

"Finally! Peace and quiet!" she joked. He laughed.

"Hey, I was being quiet!" he said.

"Yes. But your mindless wandering was driving me insane!" she countered. He laughed again.

"Well there isn't much to do-"

"I'm sorry. Did you want some toys to play with?" Amanda cut him off. They both laughed. Hoffman leaned over the table across from Amanda.

"Let me help you." Hoffman said. Amanda smiled and leaned across the table too. Their faces were inches apart.

"With what?" Amanda asked. Her minty breath blew across his face like a breeze. "The traps? Keep dreaming." she snapped back from the table and went back to work.

Hoffman walked around the table and stood behind her. Wrapping his arms around her waist, he kissed her neck.