by Nolan Thomas
The elevator doors opened across from the third-floor nurses’ station. Things were no different here. Hospital staff and others moved continuously. Rolinska noticed an attractive but tired-looking, auburn-haired woman in front of the nurses’ station. The nurse handed her a container that most likely held the belongings of a patient. Perhaps she had just lost someone she loved. Rolinska pulled her attention from the young woman. Now was not the time to let her fantasies loose, although she couldn’t remember the last time she had a sexual encounter that wasn’t part of a hit. Rolinska enjoyed encounters with both men and women, but her career left little time for intimacy.
Focusing her laser-beam attention on her surroundings, Rolinska walked down the hallway towards Room 313. This first pass was merely reconnaissance. She needed the lay of the land to determine the easiest way to kill Riley, and expedite her own escape.
A young uniformed police officer sat on a chair in the hallway right outside the door to Room 313. As Rolinska walked by the room, she glanced inside and caught sight of Riley. She appeared to be sleeping. Rolinska didn’t see anyone else in Riley’s room, not DCFS or a cop. All was quiet. This made her job much simpler.
The room next to Riley’s was empty. Perfect. She didn’t believe in luck, but such fortuitous circumstances might get her to change her mind. She went into a room at the far end of the hall and immediately came back out. The police officer continued to read his magazine. Clearly a rookie with second-rate training. Rolinska preferred a challenge. This hit verged on uninteresting.
She stopped at the nurses’ station and bent over the counter to write something on the chart as she continued to scan the area for potential obstacles to her mission. That attractive auburn-haired woman was still there, smiling and talking with the nurse. Everything appeared to be normal hospital activity.
Determining it was time to act, she headed for Room 313, went past the guard, and entered the room next to Riley’s. She took the pillow on the bed and placed it lengthwise under the covers. It didn’t really look like someone was in the bed, but for the brief second of deception she needed, it would do. She waited another minute, entered the hallway, and tapped the officer on the shoulder.
“Excuse me, Officer. Would you mind helping me for a moment with the patient in this room? No orderlies are available, and I need help turning him so I can administer this injection. He needs it right away.”
She showed him the syringe in her hand. “It should only take a few seconds. He’s in a great deal of pain.”
Officer McGuire responded, “No problem.”
He stood and placed the People magazine on the seat of the chair. Taking a quick look into Riley’s room, he verified everything was okay, then turned to enter the room next door. Rolinska stepped aside at the doorway to allow him to enter first. As Officer McGuire walked towards the bed, it struck him the shape in the bed didn’t look like a person. In the split second his brain registered danger, he felt a jab at the side of his neck. Everything went black.
He fell onto the bed. A body on the floor would attract the attention of passersby. A closed door to an unoccupied room would catch the attention of the floor nurses. Again Rolinska was pleased with her luck. She didn’t have to lift or drag his body to the bathroom. She closed the door, maneuvered the body the rest of the way onto the bed, then pulled the covers up to his chin.
This task took longer than she anticipated. The guy was solid muscle, and more difficult to move than she thought. Still, hiding his body in plain sight was the best option—more time to escape undetected after she killed Riley. Rolinska adjusted her clothing, and tucked a few stray hairs back under her surgical cap.
She reached in her pocket to make sure the other syringe was still there. She decided a syringe to the neck was the quickest and most efficient way to accomplish her task. The General wanted Riley’s death to look like an accident. But really, what difference did it make? The guard was dead. It wouldn’t take a brain surgeon to figure out that Riley had been murdered, even if she did use a less obvious method to kill her. His accident suggestion was asinine. Too risky. An accident might not be fatal.
Besides, it was more fun to make it obviously a murder. She enjoyed watching the investigators struggle. American police, and even the federal agents, were so easily misled. They wanted the easy solution and the quick resolution of the crime so their own records would look good. They would get promotions and more money. Rolinska found it disgusting that capitalism permeated even this line of work. Although extremely well paid, money did not motivate her. No, she was motivated by the art of subterfuge—all for the advancement of her beloved Russia.
Rolinska opened the door and looked down the hall in both directions before she stepped into the hallway, closed the door behind her, and began walking to Riley’s room. Rolinska halted. Riley’s previously open door was now closed. Someone must have entered the room while she eliminated the young police officer.
She again walked past the nurses’ station and felt a tinge of disappointment that the auburn-haired woman had left. Rolinska positioned herself to keep an eye on Riley’s room as she pretended to read the chart. She checked her watch wondering what was taking so long. No one had exited Riley’s room yet.
Her annoyance grew as the minutes slowly passed. Rolinska took a few deep breaths, recognizing that impatience could cause mishaps. She walked to the room with the cop’s body, entered, closed the door, and placed her ear to the wall separating this room from Riley’s room. Nothing. She listened for a few more minutes and still heard nothing. Perhaps someone merely closed the door so Riley wouldn’t be awakened by noise in the hallway.
Walking to Riley’s room, she quickly pulled the surgical mask up over her nose as she opened the door. If someone was with Riley, Rolinska would apologize—wrong room. Riley would never recognize her with this disguise.
Rolinska, who responded and adjusted to all contingencies, was not prepared for what she discovered in the room. Riley had vanished.
35
CASEY STOOD AT THE NURSES’ station looking through a carton containing Riley’s clothes and personal items. She spotted the necklace, and smiled in relief. Things were looking up.
Riley will be so happy, she thought.
She dropped the necklace in her pocket, happy she could finally head to the cafeteria. As Casey returned the carton, she glanced back towards Riley’s room. Officer McGuire was gone!
Alarm bells went off in Casey’s head.
Settle down, Casey. He’s probably in Riley’s room checking on her. You’re on edge. Take a few deep breaths and get something to eat. The break will do you good.
Although she had turned to go to the cafeteria, Casey decided a quick peek into Riley’s room would put her mind at ease. She headed back. As she rounded the nurses’ station she saw the hall was still empty. Officer McGuire hadn’t come out yet. Maybe Riley had gotten scared again, or just wanted to chat.
She reached Riley’s room. No Officer McGuire.
There’s no way he would leave Riley unguarded, she thought. This can’t be good.
Casey instinctively knew there was no time for fear, and gently shook Riley.
“Riley. Wake up, Riley.”
Riley brushed off her grogginess, responding to the urgency in Casey’s voice.
“What’s wrong?”
“Riley, I need you to do what I say and not ask any questions yet. It’s important that you be quiet. Not a sound,” Casey whispered.
Riley understood that Aunt Dixie, or someone else, might still want to hurt her. She’d seen enough movies to know what happens to witnesses. Even though it hurt, Riley froze and didn’t make a sound as Casey gently pulled the IV from her arm, then helped Riley get down from the bed.
Holding Riley’s hand, Casey peeked through the doorway. Still no sign of Officer McGuire. For a moment she worried she might be overreacting, but quickly pushed that thought aside given everything that had happened this last week.
Casey re
membered a utility closet across the hall, kitty-corner from Riley’s room. She’d noticed it because the cleaning people left the door open when they worked in the area.
“Let’s get to that room across the hall,” Casey whispered. “Now!”
Casey and Riley darted across the hall. Fortunately, the utility closet wasn’t locked so they slipped inside together. Riley wore hospital-issue pajamas and gripper socks. Casey took off her navy-blue cardigan sweater, and handed it to Riley.
“Here, Riley. Why don’t you put this on? Your outfit won’t look so much like PJs.”
The warm-from-Casey-wearing-it sweater managed to cover a lot of the pajamas. It felt like a hug and made Riley feel safe as she rolled up the sleeves.
“Thank you,” Riley whispered, tears welling up in her eyes.
Pulling Riley into her arms, Casey said, “It’s okay, sweetheart. You’ve been through a lot. I won’t let anyone hurt you. There are a lot of people out there who will help us. They’ll make sure we’re safe.”
Casey opened the door barely an inch. From this angle she had a good view of Riley’s room. Still no sign of Officer McGuire. Casey wondered what her next move should be when she saw a doctor go into Riley’s room.
Several things struck Casey about the doctor. Why did the doctor pull the surgical mask resting under her chin onto her face as she entered the room? Riley wasn’t contagious. No other health care professional wore a mask around Riley.
Riley’s room was empty, so why did the doctor stay in there for several minutes?
Why did the doctor have an unshielded syringe laying on her clipboard? Nurses usually administered shots, and they handled syringes in a safer, more hygienic manner.
Riley squirmed her way between Casey and the door and watched everything. Neither spoke or moved while waiting for the mystery doctor to appear again from Riley’s room.
The doctor came out of the room holding the coffee cup Casey had used earlier. She wondered why the woman took an empty coffee cup, and then it hit her—prints and DNA.
Everything moved in slow motion. This woman could be a cold-blooded murderer and she freely walked the halls of the hospital. God only knew what happened to Officer McGuire. A wave of nausea gripped her as thoughts of his fate filled her head.
Get a hold of yourself, Casey. Think! This is no time to panic.
“Hi Doctor, how’s Riley doing?”
Casey froze when she recognized Vince’s voice. She held her breath as Vince appeared in her field of vision. He carried a bouquet of brightly colored flowers.
“She’s doing quite well, all things considered.”
Vince got a troubled look on his face. “Where’s the guard who’s supposed to be posted here?”
The doctor turned and looked at the empty chair.
“We took Riley downstairs for some tests and the guard thought it best to go with her,” the doctor said. “And how did you know about the guard?”
“I’m sorry, Doctor. We haven’t met yet. My name is Detective Vince Amato of the Washington, DC, Metropolitan Police Department.”
Vince smiled. “And your name is?”
“I’m Doctor Roberta Jamison. I’m a pulmonary specialist called in to do a consult.”
“Are there any complications?” Vince asked, concerned.
“I don’t think so. Riley is a strong girl. I just wanted a few more tests as a precautionary measure.”
Casey was amazed at how easily the lies poured from this woman. She wanted to call out to Vince but it was impossible to know what weapon she might have. She didn’t want to put Vince in jeopardy.
“It’s unusual for an MPD detective on a case to bring flowers. That’s a very nice gesture on your part,” the doctor said.
“Thank you. She’s such a great kid, I thought flowers might add a little color and cheer to her room and lift her spirits.”
“That’s so sweet of you. I’m sure it will brighten her day when she gets back. It was nice to meet you Detective Amato. Perhaps our paths will cross again soon.”
Riley and Casey watched as the phony doctor started to walk away.
“Oh Doctor, do you have any idea how long the tests will take?”
“The series of tests is quite extensive. It could be several hours before they bring her back to the room.”
Vince fell into step next to the Doctor. Casey strained to hear the rest of their conversation.
“I’ll just leave these flowers at the nurses’ station and check back later,” Vince said.
When they reached the station, Vince stopped to talk with the nurse on duty, and Rolinska proceeded to the elevator bank.
The slow elevator finally arrived. As she entered, Detective Amato called out, “Hold that elevator.”
Before she could press the button to close the elevator doors, Vince’s large hand reached out and blocked the doors from closing. Rolinska, on full alert, eyed the handsome detective who got on the empty elevator with her. Does he suspect me? Is that why he made sure he followed me onto the elevator?
Rolinska considered killing him. What difference would one more dead cop make? Once they found Officer McGuire all hell would break loose anyway. But this detective had brought Riley flowers; he must have some connection to her other than investigating her case. Rolinska didn’t want to eliminate him prematurely. She had no idea where Riley had gone. What if she contacted Detective Amato?
Rolinska decided it was better to monitor him than kill him—unless he gave any indication he knew her true identity.
Vince said nothing. He stood opposite the doctor with his arms crossed in front of his chest, watching the lighted floor numbers. The elevator stopped at the second floor.
Rolinska gently bumped Vince as she exited—planting a tracking device in his pocket.
“Sorry,” she said, lightly touching his arm.
“No problem, Doc.”
The detective smiled as the elevator doors closed, separating them.
VINCE AND THE phony doctor were out of Casey and Riley’s field of vision, and they couldn’t hear them talking anymore.
“That’s her,” Riley whispered. “I know that was Aunt Dixie.”
Casey closed the door, and quickly entered Vince’s number into her cell phone. It rang three times, and then she got his voice mail.
She whispered into the phone, “Vince. This is Casey. We saw you talking to a female doctor outside Riley’s room. That was Kathryn Dixon, Aunt Dixie, whatever. Riley recognized her! Riley didn’t go for tests. I took her from the room because I noticed Officer McGuire was missing. I’m going to try to call Billy next. I’m turning my phone off until I get out of the hospital. I don’t want it ringing and giving away our location. If this woman can infiltrate the hospital and walk around freely, I can’t trust anyone here. Be careful, Vince.”
Casey pushed the end button, then hit the speed dial for Billy. He answered the phone on the second ring.
“Casey?”
“Yes, Billy, it’s me,” she whispered.
“Is everything okay? Why are you whispering?”
“We’re in trouble, Billy.”
Casey explained everything that happened.
“Jeremiah and I are heading back to the hospital now. We’ve all got to focus on getting you and Riley out of there. Dixon isn’t going to give up just because Riley’s missing. To our knowledge, Riley’s the only one who’s seen her face.”
Billy and Casey were silent, fully understanding the magnitude of this turn of events.
“Jeremiah will call Captain Diaz now and update him on the situation. We’ll park in the lot by the emergency room entrance. Casey, can you create some kind of cover for you and Riley, and get there?”
Dead air.
“Casey? Casey? Can you hear me?”
Dead air.
36
“BILLY? BILLY? ARE YOU THERE Billy?”
Casey looked at her phone and saw the battery was dead.
“Shit!”
“W
hat’s the matter. Casey? What’s wrong?”
“The battery’s dead. I wasn’t finished talking with Billy.”
Casey struggled to keep calm.
“Casey,” Riley whispered. “She wants to kill me, doesn’t she?”
Casey looked at her, not knowing what to say. Riley leaned against her, encircling her arms around Casey’s waist, tears streaming down her face.
“Why does she want to kill me now? She could have done it a hundred times before. She gave me Rocky. I thought she was nice.”
Casey wrapped her arms around Riley and they rocked together. After a few moments, Casey began to talk.
“Riley, she’s a very bad woman who used you to get something else she wanted. I think she does want to get rid of us, but Billy will never let that happen. He worked out an escape plan for us, and we need your full cooperation.”
“An escape plan!” Riley knew about this from several movies she had seen. “What do you want me to do?”
Casey looked at her watch. “We have to get to the emergency room parking lot in ten minutes.”
Just then Casey heard voices and the sound of people running in the hall. She turned and opened the door ever so slightly. Commotion came from the room next to Riley’s. A nurse came out into the hallway and spoke to a young orderly.
“Call the police. The officer they assigned to protect the young girl is dead, and the girl is missing.”
Casey knew things would only get worse. As soon as the police showed up this would be a crime scene. She and Riley would never get out. Dixon had been able to freely access the hospital. It was clear even the police couldn’t protect Riley in here.
Looking around the maintenance room, Casey spied a cleaning cart and all kinds of extra linens. She grabbed a set of green scrubs and one of those hats that looked like a paper shower cap. She put them on. Casey had no idea if this was how the cleaning crew dressed in the hospital, but she was out of options. They had to get off this floor fast. Hopefully everyone would be so busy they wouldn’t notice a maintenance person.
“Riley, hide under here,” she said pointing to the bottom of the cart. It had two levels. The high level contained cleaning supplies. The bottom shelf held clean sheets, towels, blankets, toilet paper and Kleenex. Casey moved the stuff off the bottom shelf and Riley crawled in.