THE BEACH WAS EMPTY except for one man, who stood facing the black expanse of water, a swirling froth dancing around his bare feet. He’d removed his shoes and waded into the warm surf up to his calves, clearly enjoying the insistent pull and caress of the water. He turned around as the other man approached, though he couldn’t possibly have heard him coming. The fat moon was at his back and his expression was unreadable in the darkness. But there was a new tautness to his frame and, when he started forward, one hand slid toward his loose-fitting pants.
“Stop right there, Magness.” He’d been ready for the man’s reaction and already had his own gun lifted. “Hands up and turn around.”
“If you want me to trust you, I’d advise you to leave me with my weapon.”
He slipped his hand under the oth
