Curiosity met speculation as Billy searched Remie’s expression for someone who’d be taken in by pomp and circumstance. He found no clue but was glad he wore jeans and flannel just the same. “Odd for a doctor to have a beard.”
“And that’s your first thought when you meet my ex? I thought you’d go for the British accent.”
“No. My first impression was of a misplaced mountain man combing termites from his beard. Women love foreign accents, or so I hear.”
“I was young and in med school. He was teaching a seminar and…”
“Yeah, I get it. Backwoods farm girl meets polished city man-about-town in his prime. Guess he’s aged a bit. Did he have anything to do with your decision to return to Portland?”
“No. I always wanted to come back to friends and family. My parents were proud of me—after they got over the shock of my going into forensics.”
“They should be proud. You worked hard to get your position.”
“They passed… Oh, shit. I have to go.” Throwing the covers back, she swung her feet to the floor in an effort to stand. Her hand flew to the side of her head as if that alone would restore balance. A wobbling stance would’ve ended up in her kissing tile if strong hands hadn’t cinched her upper arms.
“You don’t need to go anywhere until your system has cleared the drugs.”
“My dog and cat need food.”
“You live alone?”
“Looking for an invite?”
“No, but I’m guessing your house probably smells like Fido hasn’t been out in a week.”
“Pig.”
“Maybe like that, too. You’re too weak to go. If you’ll trust me, I have a friend who can let them out and feed them.”
Her gaze slid to the door, as if hesitant to call on her ex for help. “The dog’s name is Buckeye. He comes and goes through a doggy door, but he needs food. Holly is my cat. Is your friend competent with animals?”
“She’s a veterinarian.”
“Again, is she competent?”
“Yes. So, Remington, Holly, and Buckeye. Nice combination. What breeds?”
“Human. And you?”
Billy arched a brow and waited.
“Rough collie and mutt. Holly’s a rescue.”
“Rough? Sounds appropriate.”
“That means he has a longer coat.”
“Of course it does. Have a seat and I’ll make the call. Then we can finish our discussion about your late-night escapades.”
“Ah, my side hurts. Damn.” Her legs gave away on a sharp inhale. Once on the bedside, she twisted her gown to expose a patch of skin on her flank. A moderate bruise flourished in bright red. “What the fuck?”
“Did the bastard hit you there?”
“No, not that I remember. I did fall several times but landed on my face. It doesn’t look like a normal bruise—can you take a closer look and see if there’s a pinpoint mark, like a needle might’ve made?”
In months past and a different scenario, getting closer would’ve made his immediate to-do list. Billy ducked under her raised elbow to inspect the smooth porcelain skin. “I’m not a doctor.”
“No, but you are an investigator with two good eyes. At least I’m assuming you have decent vision.”
“The bruise is certainly fresh, judging by the color. I also see what looks like several puncture marks. Wouldn’t that have to be a fairly large gauge needle to leave a visible sign?”
“Yeah, but I’ve no idea why. While you’re at it, take a look at my back. I have the headache from hell.”
If he tried to examine her from the other side of the bed, he’d be too far away to see much. Hence, he put one hand on the mattress and leaned forward as she twisted to her side.
“I don’t see any other bruising.”
“Anything unusual?”
“Wait. There’s a small bruise over your spine.”
“Needle mark?”
“Yeah, I think so. What did the bastard do to you?”
“That would explain the headache. I think the prick did a lumbar puncture.”
“A what?”
“Inserted a needle into my spinal column to collect cerebral spinal fluid.”
“Why?”
“Maybe he was running low on gray matter oil. I don’t know.” Her exasperation came out with a snort.
With his back to the door, Billy didn’t see the next visitor either. His older brother’s throat clearing instigated a straightening of his back, which thrust his nose into Remie’s elbow.
“Hell.” When he turned, Royden stood three feet away, lips tucked between his teeth. Matt stood beside him. They waited in silence with brows raised.
“Hey, I was just, um, checking something.”
“So we see.” Royden smirked then sidestepped to see Remie eye to eye. “Hi, I’m Detective Patterson. You can call me Roy.”
“Hi. I’m trying to tell—I have a bruise on my flank that I’m not sure how I got. Also, there’s a sore spot over my spine.”
“Maybe during your scuffle?” Matt suggested.
“Maybe the side yes, but the needle marks, no.”
“Did you find Wendy?” Billy moved back to sit in the chair, needing distance to gain perspective. Her soft scent altered his perception in close proximity. He was a cop assigned to protect, not flirt.
“No.” Matt looked away. “I’m thinking she’s in hiding. At least I hope so. The killer will no doubt also search. Which begs the question, why didn’t he kill you, Dr. Tallin?”
Her sudden gasp coincided with widened eyes. “He called me by my name. The killer knew my name. But I don’t know what he wanted.”
“Maybe he’s toying with you,” Matt suggested.
“Yeah, I feel like a human chew toy.”
“Since you’re going to be off work for a bit, is there someone who can stay with you?” The thought of the surgeon offering his services and protection sent the hair on Billy’s nape to rise.
“No. I have a dog and a gun. That’s all I need. I’ll be fine while I wait for the bastard to return. I have a personal gift for him.”
The present probably included much lead and a loud bang, along with a few teeth marks. Billy wondered what skills the cat possessed. Of late, the women he’d met held special associations with their animal companions.
“Damn. Strong and determined.” Royden dipped his head and touched the imaginary brim of his nonexistent hat.
“Sorry. My partner is in need of a shock collar.” Billy turned a speculative gaze on his older brother, the question thick in the air.
“No, the department doesn’t have the resources.”
“She needs protection. The killer’s left loose ends.”
“I can stay with her,” Royden’s volunteering came as no surprise. No doubt, he fancied intellectual conversations over a glass of wine.
“Ah, no. No, you won’t.” Remie stabbed the air with her index finger.
Arguing with someone under the influence of drugs led nowhere, his partner’s lessons about walls not giving way under the force of his head assimilated. There’d be time for that discussion later. “The admitting doctor insisted you stay overnight for observation.”
“I can be observed at home, which is where I’m going.”
“Dog’s observations aren’t terribly reliable. How’s your cat?” Billy settled back in the chair. It was going to be a long night.
“Holly is more observant and just as empathetic.”
Her sass would’ve been adorable if not so frustrating. It complemented the obstinate set of a delicate jaw. Strategically planned conversations involved one of his favorite activities and would keep her mind occupied. Word chess.
“Not to mention,” Royden added. “They may have difficulty calling nine-one-one from your cell phone if you haven’t clipped nails recently. We’ll talk about it later.”
“Damn, you’re stubborn.” Billy understood her anger and need for control. Though he had no intention of letting her out
of his sight, he wouldn’t smother her.
When his brother and partner left, he let the silence settle around them. It was time to establish a baseline working relationship. He waited until she gave him a sign. She needed time to adjust, get her bearings, and process the nightmare experience.
It didn’t take long until she squirmed. He wondered if she still felt the zing from his touch. The flush that had crept up her neck was worth a week’s pay. It hadn’t taken a genius to notice her quick inhale after his fingers grazed her skin.
“What made you determined to become a pathologist?”
“My uncle was killed in a carjacking when I was in high school. Someone mucked up the evidence and the punk got off. I swore then that if I could do something to stop that scenario from recurring, I would. I’ve dedicated my life to forensic pathology.”
So much for taking her mind off trouble. “Tell me about your cat.”
“Her name is Holly.”
“You named your cat after a tree and your dog after a nut.” They were off to a good start on the road to a parallel universe where nothing made sense.
“You’re trying to distract me.”
“Is it working?”
“Yeah. Holly is a roly-poly girl with bowed legs that can motor right along when provoked. Her ears are stubby from frostbite, which makes her eyes look so large and luminous, like she takes in more than any human ever could. She’s a bit snuffly due to allergies, but she’s better now after surgery.”
“You had your cat operated on due to allergies?”
“Well, yes. People do it all the time.”
With her menagerie treated better than most kids, she’d fit right in with my family. “I see. I guess she sleeps at the foot of your bed at night, along with your dog?”
“Actually, she usually cuddles next to my neck. I guess she feels sorry for me not having fur. Where else would they sleep?”
“Um, maybe on pet beds?”
“They have a pet bed. It’s king sized.” She grinned, understanding his confusion.
“It’s kind of them to let you sleep on their bed.”
“Exactly. I don’t think most people realize how deep an animal’s personality can run. Cats’ temperaments can range as much as any human’s and are highly sensitive to the actions and moods of people. They can indulge in sulks and snits when slighted or be friendly and affectionate when it suits them.”
“Every animal should know his or her place. How does she get along with Buckeye?”
“Oh, she rules the roost in no uncertain terms, but once they established their pecking order, they became best buds and you can usually find them snuggled together.”
Any man in your life has to tread carefully? He added that to his mental notes on the walking conundrum. He’d never met a woman so focused, reserved with people, yet so deeply engrained in her love for her animals. Further conversation revealed the extent of their symbiotic relationship. They were her family. Maybe it’s a product of growing up an only child.
He should’ve let her rest and process the ordeal she’d suffered, yet fascination bound him to her strength, dedication, and determination. Her face lit up with memories of her parents and the quiet moments they’d enjoyed. The tranquil interaction sucker-punched his determination to keep her at a distance. They shared much in common, though he kept the conversation focused on her.
Maybe having a female friend isn’t such a bad thing. Hours passed in quiet discussions that drew him deeper into her paradoxical world. “You seem so well rounded for a doctor.”
“Known many docs, have you?”
He felt the heat sweeping his cheeks, but her smile took the sting out of her words. “Not really. Not that I assumed you’re a snob, I just figured your quest for education precluded many of the normal activities of common folk.”
“Don’t put me on some type of pedestal. I put my pants on the same way, break electronics at the same rate or better, and enjoy nature like anyone else. I also love watching trivia shows.”
“I’ll be sure to keep you away from my tablet. Do you like to hike?”
“I would if I had the time. I used to sit on the back porch at night in the summer to watch nature’s fireworks.”
“Come again?”
“Thousands of fireflies lighting up against the woods. At one time, I wanted to be a vet.”
“Ah, my little sister called it summer’s Christmas, all the twinkling lights. When Caden collected a bunch in a jar for her, she punched him in the jaw then set them free… Sometimes we’re a bit on the low side of the learning curve where she’s concerned.”
“I like her already.”
“Abby’s a force of nature.”
“Don’t tell her I used to hunt. She’ll think I’m schizoid.”
“I don’t expect most vets are vegetarians either. Since state wildlife agencies and wildlife conservation organizations derive up to sixty percent of their funding through license fees and excise taxes on guns and other equipment, she understands balance.”
“You’re a walking encyclopedia. We didn’t do it for sport. We never hunted what we didn’t eat. I learned early on that I could only hunt feathers, not fur. I’m a realist who knows her limitations.”
“I don’t think you have many.”
“Tell me about your family. Your brothers are all cops, too?”
“No. Matt is the oldest and a bit domineering. I have one other brother on the job now. Ethan is in homicide. He used to be a bit stiff-lipped, until he met Lexi.”
“What’d she do to him?”
“Just digitally invaded every aspect of his life then sent him a basket of flowers and fur-lined cuffs to the squad room where he worked. It went kind of sideways from there.”
“Sounds like a woman I’d like to meet. How about the rest?”
“Caden was on the job for a few years before deciding he wanted to be his own boss. Lucas was in drug enforcement until he got injured. Now he works with Caden.”
“All that testosterone must have driven your mother crazy.”
“Not really. She ruled with a quiet word, and very effectively. I do have a sister, Abby. She’s probably tougher than any of us. Don’t make the mistake of underestimating her. She’s intelligent and shrewd as hell.”
Billy’s shared stories segued into mutual exchanges until shadows crawled to the far corner of the room. In the back of his mind, his parents’ proclaiming the virtues of opposite-gender friendships made sense. It wasn’t that he didn’t appreciate stimulating conversations; he just had different goals around women who wreaked havoc with his libido.
Sandman hummed his favorite tune, nodding at the nurses who smiled in passing the vending machines against which he leaned. Munching his snack and keeping a watchful eye on his target’s room, he was surprised at the early afternoon bustle. A productive night followed by a few hours’ sleep had encouraged a healthy appetite which he indulged to keep up his strength.
His hike through the woods solidified the need to hire an underling, someone naïve enough to bend to his will, young enough to blend in, and desperate enough to take cash without a lot of questions. A task he would see to after gathering a little more information.
Normal hospital sounds screened the specific conversations he wished to hear but observing the comings and goings of the pathologist’s room offered valuable intel. The frustration written in the droop of her ex-lover’s shoulders was understandable yet temporary. Tragedy and near death had brought his two objectives together, if for a brief time. If it took another few mishaps to rekindle their relationship, so be it. The entertainment would prove—interesting.
To interfere with an ongoing investigation incurred a minor risk, more so when dealing with a family of cops. If necessary, removing a McAllister from the board would provide amusement if nothing else. The thought of Billy once again playing guinea pig induced a chuckle. Stories pertaining to the McAllister’s run-in with nanotechnology two months prior had formed the basis of an e
nthralling new area of study.
Interpersonal relationships fascinated and mesmerized in the same manner manipulating genetic material absorbed his attention. Each held specific technical characteristics, but peace came with knowing he controlled the outcome. Time to manipulate the McAllister cop for a little distraction.
From what he’d remembered, the pathologist was a cold fish, dedicated to her work. Now that he’d given her a week or so off, he’d manipulate the old lovers from Baltimore into a cozy scenario.
Attendants helped patients take their first steps after surgery, carried linens, and ferried patient-laden gurneys off for X-rays and other tests. The busy ebb and flow was the perfect breeding ground to sow the seeds of fear and uncertainty. Soon.
The first act of his new world order had fallen into place. The latest unauthorized trial was so close to perfection, no one without advanced training would detect the difference.
Lack of foresight, combined with arrogance, had placed certain markers in a few of his earlier trials. He had yet to decide whether the trouble of eliminating those patients was worth the effort since his mark had performed a few of his own procedures.
It was unfortunate the college whore’s roommate evaded his possession in the woods, but he would turn that to his advantage, just as he did Gena’s thievery.
It saddened him to kill the kid, but there were so many others to choose from for experimentation, the exciting opportunity challenged his restraint. After intercepting Gena’s text to Remie, he’d realized their connection was stronger than first suspected. Convenient how the ducks lined up for me. Fate had smiled on him once again.
After the eldest McAllister finished tromping through the woods with his hound from hell, revisiting the scene yielded something useful. Cops weren’t the only ones who could find DNA. A short time in his lab granted the evidence needed for the next step. A quick trip to the morgue, the small addition of evidence, then he could get to work on his latest project.
Back in his lab, he studied the DNA retrieved from the handkerchief in the woods. With any luck, it would belong to Billy McAllister. Obtaining the detective’s prints from the database had been easy and tissue samples obtained in the near future would provide the cornerstone for sending the department into chaos.
McAllister Justice Series Box Set Volume Two Page 32