Let me tell you something. If you are not careful, the thrill of the ambush can become more addictive than heroin.

I cannot say it will be a painless death. But I can say it will be a stylish one.

Moments later, as the specter exited through the window it had entered, Victor Xerxes Valenzuela once again found himself floating out at sea. Only this time the ocean was a viscous crimson, the sky above, a lackluster black.

Ah, the ocean. Such a magnificent, mysterious puddle, isn't it, Dalton? So often, the origin of so much life. And yet, at other times, the cause of so much death, as well.

I don't know who you are," she thought, "but whoever you are, you're one hell of a player.