by Mary Stone
“No. We need much more than that. But Gerard’s comment was the only time a specific name was mentioned in any of the interviews.” Aiden met Chris’s gaze. “That raises a flag, even if the flag is small.”
“I spoke with Dr. Baldwin after lunch,” Autumn added. “He didn’t answer his office door, but lucky for me, he hadn’t shut it completely. The guy is shady as hell.”
Aiden nodded in agreement, filling the team in on their suspicions that Baldwin was using audio surveillance in his hospital. “Officially, we have nothing on him. But he refused to hand over any audio recordings without a warrant. So, Agent Logan, I would like for you to work on getting a warrant for all audio surveillance at Virginia State Hospital.” He was more than ready to wrap this briefing up.
Chris turned on Autumn. “Do you really believe that barging into the doctor’s office was a wise move?”
Irritation almost oozed from Autumn’s every pore, but she kept her expression neutral as she stood and faced Chris. “The door was cracked, and I had every right…as well as reason…to speak with Dr. Baldwin.”
Chris stood as well, dwarfing Autumn in an instant. “You are not even an official FBI employee. You need to remember that before you go stomping around on people’s toes while representing the bureau.”
Aiden observed the two of them facing off, reluctant to intervene. If he stepped in now, Autumn would assume he didn’t believe she could fight her own battles. And Chris and Mia… There were already quiet grumbles amongst the Behavioral Analysis Unit’s agents that Autumn received “special” treatment.
“I conducted myself in a professional, calm manner which provided important insight into a case. I believe the FBI is okay with that behavior.” Autumn stared up at Chris without a hint of fear.
“I worked my way into this BAU. I didn’t just fly in on a fluffy ‘teacher’s pet’ cloud,” Chris hissed. “You are only at that hospital because of Justin Black’s case. A dead body falling into your elevator doesn’t give you the right to overstep your damn boundaries!”
Mia stood and grabbed her partner’s arm. “Not fair. Autumn has brought us useful information from her interviews. We wouldn’t even know that Baldwin is so possessive of the audio recordings if she hadn’t walked into that office. And without her interview of Gerard, we wouldn’t have reason to even glance Baldwin’s way.”
Chris shook his arm away from Mia and spun his fury onto her. “I’m pretty damn certain that two highly trained FBI agents such as us could have gotten the same fucking information out of that animal screwing psychopath!”
“Enough!” Aiden barked as he stepped into the fray. “Are you in charge here, Parker? The last time I checked, you one hundred percent were not. Know your place and shut your mouth. At the very least, show some damn due respect to your colleagues.”
Aiden’s relief at finally admonishing Chris was matched only by Chris’s rage at getting reprimanded at all. The humiliated agent opened his mouth, then clearly had second thoughts as he met Aiden’s gaze. Without a word, he stomped toward the exit door, his rogue piece of hair still jetting out like a street sign.
Mia shook her head, misery and frustration competing for space in her expression. “I’m sorry, Autumn. My partner’s being a complete ass. He’s exhausted from Florida…and now this case.”
“None of that was your fault,” Autumn assured her.
Mia stacked her folders on top of Chris’s before heading toward the door. “I’ll go work on securing that warrant.”
Left alone with Autumn, Aiden knew the best course of action would be to brush off the tiff. “We need to focus on this case, but Dr. Trent, should you continue to have issues with Agent Parker, I would appreciate being informed.”
Autumn raised a haughty eyebrow. “I can take care of myself.”
He nodded, having predicted her response and ready to drop the subject. “Let’s talk about Dr. Baldwin. What’s your opinion on the man?”
Autumn’s face was flushed from the argument, but she’d composed herself by the time she picked up her nearly empty coffee cup. “I’m not sure. I need more time with him if I’m going to establish a good baseline of his behavior. Gut instinct…he’s hiding something, and we need to take a closer peek at Baldwin, the great and powerful.”
“He does seem to possibly be shrouded behind a curtain or two,” Aiden agreed as he pushed the vacated chairs in around the table.
He was pleased that Autumn had assessed the situation without jumping to conclusions or putting on any blinders concerning Philip Baldwin. Autumn possessed an amazing intuition as well as a deep curiosity and empathy. Aiden hoped a little time at Quantico could remedy any limits she experienced from lack of training. He needed to get her into Quantico as soon as possible, for her own protection even.
And as an added bonus, Parker would then have less to bitch about.
“Any updates on the Justin Black case?”
Her shoulders relaxed a little at the change of subject. “I’m meeting with him tomorrow. He had contact with Evelyn that last day, so interviewing him won’t hurt. But I’d also like to just sit with him for a while and let him discuss whatever he wants.” Autumn grabbed the empty coffee cups from the table and tossed them in the trash can.
Irritation sawed through Aiden, ripping at his already frayed nerves. “Did you know that Winter visited Justin yesterday after…speaking to us and Noah?”
Autumn whipped her head toward Aiden. “No. Do you know what they talked about?”
“No. But I plan to connect with her and get an idea of where her mind is right now.” Aiden already knew that Winter’s mind was knee-deep in her little brother’s bullshit.
“Wait on that please.” Autumn stretched a hand toward his arm but seemed to reconsider touching him and clasped her hands together instead. “I’m worried about Winter. She’s…I think she’s very vulnerable to Justin’s manipulations right now. He’s her brother. Who could blame her?”
Aiden placed a tired hand over his face. “He’s a murderer, Autumn. He’s a psychopath and he’s dangerous. She knows that, but she can’t accept the truth when she thinks of him.”
“She’ll get there, Aiden. Give her time.” Autumn clicked off the light to the conference room, and they walked silently down the hallway.
Aiden understood Autumn’s sentiment. But how much time did anyone really have when dealing with a serial killer?
13
Winter paced the floor of her apartment, struggling to focus on the case she’d been recently assigned by Special Agent in Charge Max Osbourne.
The case was interesting enough. Of course, the Richmond Violent Crimes division rarely encountered a “boring” investigation. A woman suspected of murdering her husband and burning down the house to cover up her crime had disappeared. Just like that.
On a normal day, Winter would be all over the details, determined to hunt the suspect down. But today she was distracted. And bitter.
Right now, her boyfriend was working the case that she’d held close to her heart since she was thirteen years old.
Justin…
Meanwhile, she was here. Removed from the hospital investigation and fuming at the unfairness. Pacing like a damn wild cat in a cage.
Days like this tempted her to type up a resignation letter for the Bureau and become a private investigator. There would be so much less hand-tying red tape to deal with as a P.I.
Focus, Agent Black!
Winter scowled, disgusted that she’d allowed herself to become so distracted.
Again.
She sat back down at her computer and willed herself to concentrate on her new assignment.
The couple had been married for less than a month at the time of the husband’s death. What could have possibly happened in that short amount of time to make the newlywed woman snap so severely?
Winter glanced around her apartment and frowned at the coffee mug sitting on the counter. Was Noah physically unable to place the mug inside of the s
ink? How about the dishwasher? The options were right there.
Worse, she knew if she entered the bathroom right now, Noah’s boxer briefs would be laying two inches away from the hamper. Or hanging on the curtain rod after he’d attempted to make a three pointer from the toilet while taking a dump.
And did he ever use the air freshener sitting right beside the godforsaken toilet paper roll? Of course not. He could endure Quantico but pressing a spray button was too challenging.
“Okay, Mrs. Camilla,” she muttered, focusing in on the case details. “Maybe I understand why you snapped. Maybe I understand too well.”
The couple had dated for six weeks…wed in Las Vegas…and she just happened to have a million-dollar life insurance policy on the idiot.
“What did that asshole expect? Moron.” Winter inhaled a deep breath through her nose and let out a slow, controlled exhale.
You’re getting bitter again. Grow up and do your job.
Ten minutes later, she was so utterly engrossed in the case that she jumped straight out of her chair when a knock came at her door. She hurried to answer the interruption, embarrassed by her startled reaction, and peeked through the peephole.
Autumn smiled tentatively and raised her peace offerings—a tray of lattes and a large bag of what Winter instantly hoped was pastry related food. Preferably chocolate.
“If there isn’t chocolate in there, I’ll never forgive you,” she threatened, yanking the door open wide and allowing Autumn entry.
Her redheaded friend gave a bright smile, handing over the bag.
Winter inspected the sack. Two chocolate-covered donuts, two chocolate croissants, and two sour cream chocolate cupcakes. She grabbed a cupcake and shoved half the treat in her mouth.
Heaven.
“You’re forgiven.” Winter narrowed her eyes, giving Autumn her best stink eye. “This time.”
Autumn set the tray of coffees down on the kitchen counter and pulled her friend into an embrace. Winter hugged her back…still chewing…and squeezed her eyes shut.
I will not cry. I will not cry. I will not cry.
“Why did we both have to come from such screwed-up families?” she eventually murmured into Autumn’s shoulder.
Autumn pulled away, her bright green eyes haunted and worn. “Cause we’re…” she tapped her skull, “special.”
Winter snorted and finished her cupcake. She pulled a donut out and grabbed a latte.
“Is Justin—”
“Did Justin—”
The women made the same inquiry simultaneously. Autumn emitted a nervous laugh, and Winter waved a hand, encouraging her friend to speak first.
“I just wanted to give you an overview of the hospital case. I haven’t met with Justin yet, so I’m not sure if he’s fully aware of the situation. That was my question since you’ve been able to…visit him.” Autumn reached for a croissant.
Winter gulped her latte and nodded. “He knows. He was really upset about the murder. Now, he doesn’t believe he’s safe…anywhere.” She realized how ridiculous the words were. The big bad serial killer was scared. Boo-hoo.
But she hadn’t found a way yet to separate from the sisterly concern overwhelming her every single day and night.
“He’s safer in the hospital than prison. Given his situation, that’s about the best he can hope for right now.” Autumn walked to the couch, kicked off her shoes, and slumped down into the soft cushions. “But I really don’t think he’s in danger.”
Winter followed Autumn, bringing the bag of pastries with her. “So, update me.”
Her friend gave a heavy sigh. “We don’t know much. Mia, Chris, and I interviewed a portion of Evelyn’s patients. Aiden spoke with the nurses, orderlies, guards…”
“Nothing?” Winter was shocked. Someone in that damn building had to know something.
“We’ve gathered that Evelyn was well liked by her co-workers and patients. And that the medical director, Dr. Philip Baldwin, deeply disapproved of Evelyn’s methods and chewed her out the same day she was murdered.” Autumn curled her legs beneath her body.
“Baldwin is an ass. Everyone knows that. The team thinks he’s capable of murder?” Winter pictured the pompous man. The disdain Philip garnered was apparent, but she couldn’t imagine him carrying out an actual murder in his own hospital.
You don’t shit where you eat.
“One of the patients I interviewed—a nearly mute patient—called Baldwin a bad man. When Aiden and I visited the doctor in his office, he got super pissed about surveillance questions. Refused to hand the audio over without a warrant.” Autumn frowned in frustration. “Our original warrant only specified files and charts. Loophole 101.”
Winter perked a bit at the information. “Okay, now that does make him seem way more suspicious. But he’s a doctor…and a control freak. He probably can’t fathom being made to hand over information that’s supposed to be private.”
“Private goes out the window about the same time dead nurses show up in your elevator shaft,” Autumn reasoned, closing her eyes.
Winter studied Autumn’s pale, drawn face. “Are you okay? After…the elevator? I’m sure you had the joy of being told terribly disturbing stories with the interviews.”
“I’m fine. I need about four million hours of sleep, but I’m fine. We’re going to dig a little deeper on Baldwin. Cuddle up a bit closer. Which he’ll absolutely loathe.” Autumn wrinkled her nose in disgust.
“Let me guess. He despised you the most for being a female doctor with the authority to invade his control bubble.” Winter rolled her eyes. She’d experienced the same type of discriminatory treatment numerous times by dozens of highly positioned men.
“I think he hates all of us, actually. But yeah, he definitely doesn’t appreciate my presence. Or my degrees. Or my lack of a Y chromosome.” Autumn grinned. “Now ask me if I care.”
They collapsed into fits of laughter, which struck Winter as amazing after all the negativity she’d been harboring and obsessing over.
Still smiling, Winter pulled a blanket over her legs, and she didn’t miss how quickly Autumn sobered at the change of subject. “I just…I know I haven’t shown enough effort to be there for him, and I told him that I was sorry for not visiting him more often.”
Autumn grabbed Winter’s hand and squeezed. “You’ve been a little busy. And I’m sorry, but the best of us would fail at knowing how to ‘be there’ for a sibling locked up for the reasons that Justin is.”
“We hugged, and in the moment, I had a lot of hope for us…for him.” Winter raised her gaze to meet her friend’s. “Every hour that’s passed since the visit, I’m increasingly convinced that he was playing me.”
Do not cry. Do not cry. Do not cry.
“Your connection to Justin is complicated. Anyone would struggle to trust their intuition when their little brother was involved. You’re too hard on yourself.” Autumn wriggled her feet underneath Winter’s blanket.
Winter burrowed deeper into the cushions, wishing she could hide in them. “I get why Max won’t put me on the case. I really do have no perspective when Justin is involved. And even the clarity I manage to gain is wishy-washy at best.”
“I think that’s called loving your brother. You aren’t weak for that, Winter. You’re strong as hell to love him through all of this.” Autumn’s eyes welled with emotion.
Winter swallowed the giant lump in her throat. “I think the hardest part is being scared of finding out that he doesn’t love me back at all. That nothing is there on his end.”
A tear slipped down Autumn’s cheek. “I understand. You know I understand.”
Winter looked up at the ceiling, willing her own tears away. She’d been selfishly hogging the sibling drama limelight for far too long. “I do. Have you considered any more about Sarah? What your next move is?”
“Well, I’m sure whatever I do won’t be as fantastic as Angel Devine’s dance on Noah.” Autumn shot Winter a wide smile.
“One
can only hope to achieve such greatness,” Winter replied, her expression solemn.
They cracked up again, taking a momentary reprieve from the tension and sadness.
“I wish my name was more creative. How can you compete with Violet Star?” Autumn threw her hands up in mock frustration.
“Violet struck me differently than the other…employees.” Winter’s brow furrowed as she recalled the “waitress.”
“Different?” Autumn cocked her head.
“She was pretty calm around us, in comparison to the others. She knew we were cops in about two seconds flat. Her hair was obviously a wig and she was wearing colored contacts. Maybe she was undercover.” The idea hadn’t occurred to Winter before, but now as they discussed the woman out loud…
“You think Violet Star was a cop? A Fed? What?” Autumn laughed at the idea.
“I dunno. Wouldn’t be a surprise after everything else we’ve ran into. Anyway, you can’t avoid the question. What are you thinking about the Sarah issue? Are you going to keep searching for her?” Winter refocused on the painful topic.
“I don’t know. After witnessing just how bad the situation is and the mess that her life has become…ugh.” Autumn smacked a hand to her forehead. “I’m just not sure I have the time or the heart to try and drag Sarah into a better life. I’m an asshole, aren’t I?”
“You’re a human, Autumn.” Winter straightened back up on the couch. “And that isn’t your responsibility. You aren’t required to try and save her.”
“I know, but I want to anyway. I’m just worried that…well, what if ‘rescuing’ Sarah from her current life doesn’t…” Autumn stopped short, and Winter understood why.
“What if your rescue attempts don’t work? Like mine haven’t with Justin?” Winter offered the words that Autumn hadn’t wanted to speak.
“I’m sorry, Winter. I shouldn’t have said that.” Autumn shook her head in frantic apology. “There is always still hope. Always.”