4:00 p.m. Eastend

Rachel rapped on Harry’s door. She had mulled over his proposition. But that was just for show. She was hooked. Wanted to know more about the mysterious fraud. About Harry. But mostly, about her estranged mother.

“Here’s the deal,” she said, when Harry appeared. “Gimme everything you got and I’ll think about it.” She stuck out her hand. “Best I can do.”

The Watcher smiled right up into his eyes. A moment later, he cringed, as though pierced from behind.

“Hey!” Rachel shouted. “You okay?” She peered into his face. Her soft perfume slipped through the cold haze that blanketed him.

A Visit.

His knees jack-knifed. Her words suddenly faded.

“Harry!” She fell to his side. He wasn’t breathing. “What’s wrong?” She yanked his shoulders. “Hey!”

She was gone. Darkness. Serpent’s voice spun round his brain. Stomach heaved.

“What’ve you found?” the serpent screeched. “I’ve heard nothing for days.”

A fire rippled across his ribs. Harry tried to scream.

“You were warned.” His body jerked as the depraved tongue ripped into his consciousness. “Ahheeeya! You’ve found him!” Harry moaned. “Good. You will communicate as instructed.”

His head waggled. He felt a wave, like a massive heartbeat then…nothing.

Rachel held him but he couldn’t feel her. His eyes fluttered open.

“Harry! Are you epileptic? Where’s your medication?”

Grimacing, he fought for strength.

“Hang on. What do I do?”

“Stay.”