by Paris Morgan
The room emptied quickly, leaving Ryan and I sitting at the table with Agent Watson turning everything off.
“My appointment with the doctor is at 10 a.m. I can get it rescheduled for later in the afternoon.”
“No, don’t do that.” Agent Watson relaxed, and the man we’d met out in California was back. “We need you to be cleared as quickly as possible. Ryan can let you know what’s going on, and if it’s urgent, you can come straight over here.”
He took a deep breath before dropping into an empty seat. “I don’t foresee us having a lot to go on in the morning. At least nothing different than what we just discussed. It’s going to take the analysts a while to wade through all the similar names and take out those that don’t fit the profile.”
“You made it seem like this was an almost closed case,” Ryan accused, without a hint of anger.
“Well, unfortunately, I have to seem really certain that we’ll nail this woman. Even with the backing of the FBI, it doesn’t seem likely considering that we have nothing to go on. With a motive, or even some evidence, we could find some threat to pull on that could unravel this.” He shook his head in frustration. “I don’t see us finding this person with what we have right now.”
“All right, I’m going to take Leslie back home then. If we think of something, I’ll let you know in the morning,” Ryan announced without consulting me.
I tilted my head, curious as to what he was up to. Normally, he wouldn’t have just made that type of decision without asking. If he was pitying me, or thought I couldn’t make decisions anymore, then we were going to have a problem, but I didn’t want to jump to conclusions.
“Let me run and tell Kevin something. I’ll be right back.” He raced out, making me more curious.
Five minutes later, he was back and ready to go.
When we got outside, I turned on him. “What’s going on?” I knew better than to say anything I didn’t want recorded in the FBI building.
“I told Kevin to get me a list of all rapids in the United States. Even if they’re small ones, because we know that our killers like to shake things up. And the closer we are to figuring out their pattern, the more likely they are to change it up.”
“Okay, that explains why you raced off, but not why you decided it was time for me to go home.”
“I’m sorry. I had an idea, and I didn’t want to share it with the FBI. After all, we’re just consultants. But that doesn’t mean we can’t do some ground work without them. They seem to be doing a lot without us.” He took in my expression as he started the car.
“It had nothing to do with you or your wound. I’m not going to treat you one way when you’re healthy, and then another while you’re recovering. I can see how it might look like that, though.” He grinned. “I know that you’re more likely to kick my ass if I tried to protect you from anything more than actual death as my partner.”
“Dang right.” I let out a relieved breath. “Thanks. It’s hard not to revert to old habits, even when you’re with someone that has a good track record.”
“Should I pick up dinner for us while we work?”
“Nah. There are a couple of good places that deliver when we get ready for that.” I didn’t want to overeat while I was recovering because it would put on extra pounds that I didn’t need to deal with right now. Exercise being almost zero, I didn’t want more problems than I already had.
“Think Karen will be willing to offer her thoughts on what we’ve got?” Ryan’s enthusiasm was contagious.
“She’s always ready to work on a case. We could use a fresh set of eyes on this too,” I agreed, feeling much better.
***
Several hours later, we were no closer to figuring out our suspect’s next location.
“I never knew that there were so many choices for whitewater rafting.” Karen stifled a yawn with her hand.
“Right? I mean, there are different classes of rapids, and that adds to the list of which ones she would use.”
“We also have to take into account that she might get a different type of people to go on a different class of rapids then they were planning on so that she can kill much easier,” Ryan pointed out before walking into the kitchen for another coffee refill.
“It can’t be that far away because she’d have to be able to work there a few days a week for her cover to work.”
“She would need training and a certificate as proof that she was a capable guide.”
“Those kinds of certificates are easy to fake, and most places aren’t going to call for verification. They’re just going to take what they see as the real document.”
“Hold on. Wouldn’t she need to have some kind of training in the first place? Nobody volunteers to do whitewater rafting for the first time knowing that they’re going to sink the boat. She would have to have trained for this to make sure that it would work.” I turned to Ryan. “Can we get Kevin to get some enrollment lists for the training schools? Any women that are under fifty are where we should focus and that will give us a closer look once we have a list of names to work with.”
“It couldn’t hurt. What if she has a vendetta against salesmen?” Ryan threw out as he typed a message to Kevin.
“Maybe not a vendetta, but what if she lost someone close to her because of someone in real estate?” It sounded far-fetched, but I didn’t have anything better to offer at the moment.
“We should call it a night. Ryan’s gotta get home, and you need to rest so that the doctor will release you tomorrow.” Karen easily slipped into the motherly role.
“My mind just keeps coming up with possibilities, and what if the next one is it?”
“She’s right, Leslie. We’ll be more clear-headed tomorrow. Plus, Kevin is putting together a list that we can work with and see if it pans out. We only have so much energy to work on a theory or two at a time.”
My shoulders sagged in resignation. “You’re both right. Unless something crazy happens in the morning, we’re going to go see Flora. She’s back from her trip, and I want to hear her thoughts on the killer. She could have something to help us narrow our search again.”
“Yeah, I think I’ll let the two of you do that while I sit with the suits.” Ryan grimaced.
“He’s not a fan of things he can’t see or understand,” I explained to my sister. “The only reason he even believes some of what she says is because she’s helped with the case twice now. Otherwise, he’d be trying to lock her up in a looney bin for her gifts,” I giggled.
“Yep, it’s time for bed.” Karen stood up and held out a hand to pull me off the couch. “When she starts giggling like a schoolgirl, you know her brain isn’t working anymore.”
“Ah, that’s good to know. I might need this for ammunition at a later date. Thanks.” Ryan started packing up his computer.
“Hey, how are you getting home?” I realized that Shea had taken his car.
“Um, I was going to get a driver to pick me up.”
“No, just take mine. We can pick it up from your house after dinner with Flora,” I offered.
“That’s if the doctor tells you that you can drive again,” Karen protested.
“Nope, I’m driving tomorrow. I have a hole in my chest, not my arm. And it will help me regain movement if I start doing little things with it.”
“I’m not sure that I’d call driving a “little” movement, but if he says you can then we can discuss it.”
“You’re such a meanie.” I stuck my tongue out at her.
“See? The childish behavior comes out when she’s exhausted. It’s always a sign that she needs sleep.” Karen crossed her arms in response.
“I’m going to head out and let the two of you pillow fight or whatever happens at this point.” He leaned toward Karen. “Text me if she starts hallucinating.”
“I won’t just call you, I’ll video that crap. It just might break the internet,” she agreed with a conspiratorial whisper.
“Stay safe, ladies. I’l
l catch up with you tomorrow.”
The door closed after him, and it was all I could do not to break out into giggles again.
“Bed.” My sister pointed in the direction I was already headed.
I saluted. “Yes, ma’am.”
By the time she came to check on me less than five minutes later, I was almost out.
She didn’t say anything, but turned out the light and headed down the hall to the guest room.
Morning would be here soon, and I had to pass the doctor’s inspection.
***
At the doctor’s office, I tried not to fidget as I waited on the nurse to call us back.
“Take it easy. If it’s healed enough, he’ll put you on light desk duty,” Karen reassured me.
“That’s the problem. I don’t want to be on desk duty.” I whined.
“I haven’t heard you complain when Jerome or Ryan are around.”
“That’s because you’re my sister and you have to listen to me complain. It’s all part of the process.” I threw a wink in her direction.
“Rain check.” She winked back.
“Geeze, I may have to plead with the doctor not to release me. I’ll never be able to defend myself from all the rain checks I’m accumulating.”
“Nope, you’ll probably jump up and kiss the ground he’s walking on if he releases you.”
“Leslie Boxe?” a nurse called from the open doorway.
I jumped up and almost skipped toward her, but then I remembered that I was an adult and it was frowned upon. This is what being with my sister did to me, taking me back to my childhood habits.
The nurse had me put on a gown and left.
“Patience has never been your strong suit, you know that, right?” Karen gestured to my swinging legs as they hung from the exam table.
“Haha, you’re not so patient yourself, Missy.”
Thankfully, the doctor walked in then and broke up what would have been another round of verbal sparring.
He carefully removed the bandage and examined it.
“It’s not fully closed yet, although it is looking better. The stitching is healing nicely, but there’s some bunching along the edges which is completely normal.” He felt around, expecting me to wince from the pain.
“So, you think you’re ready for active duty, huh?”
“I’m going to surprise you, but not active duty. At least desk duty, unless you say I’m completely good to go. But I also don’t want to reinjure it.”
“Agreed. I think you can start doing some light activities. I still don’t want you to carry anything with that arm or do any shooting, but I think that you can handle being at work in front of a computer.” He tapped my forehead. “I’m hoping that you use the common sense you were born with and stop if you get tired or have any problems.”
“Yes, sir. My sister will be making sure of it as well.”
“Good. Let’s give it another week, and I’ll have you ditch the sling and see if you can use your arm without opening up your wound.”
“Yay! I promise to be good.” I almost hopped off the exam table in glee. “Um, what about driving?”
“I wouldn’t do it for long periods, but try it and see how you feel. Stay out of high traffic areas where you’ll be waiting for any length of time.”
I refrained from sticking my tongue out at Karen, but gave her a knowing stare instead.
“Thank you, Doctor. I’ll see you next week.” I practically raced out the door with his note releasing me for light duty work.
Karen caught up to me before I’d hit the main lobby.
“You certainly are energetic now.”
“Yep. I’m good to work, and you’re about to meet an amazing person who has saved my life a few times.”
With a long-suffering sigh, Karen ignored my happy moment and got in the car to head out for lunch.
***
It had been over a month since I’d been able to have lunch with Flora. I knew that she had needed a little time to adjust after visiting her family, but I couldn’t wait to hear all about her visit.
We met at a little shop near the college campus, and Karen made a face as she parked the car.
“This is where we’re eating?”
“Yep. It’s not my favorite place, but Flora likes to eat in the more healthy type places, and this is somewhere that we can agree is in the middle.” I got out of the car without hitting my arm. I was getting better at moving around without harming my wound. All it took was a little practice.
“Healthy? What’s not healthy about hamburgers?” Karen huffed as we entered.
“It took me a few tries, but there are some things on the menu that aren’t all that bad.” I saw Flora sitting in one of the booths and made my way toward her.
She stood up and I threw myself at her in a one-armed hug.
“Thank you. Thank you so much for saving my life.”
“It was nothing.” She waved me off, embarrassed. “Hi. You must be Karen.”
“Did you just pull that out of the cosmos?” Karen teased.
“Nope. I knew she was bringing you, but your future is interesting.”
“What future?” Karen asked skeptically.
“Oh, your wedding, and the baby you’ll have.” Flora sat back in the booth, watching my sister’s expression change.
“That’s still up in the air as far as getting married, and I’m almost too old to have a baby. His kids are all older, and it wouldn’t make sense to start over,” she surmised.
“When it happens, you’ll know that I predicted it,” Flora stated, matter-of-factly.
“Enough of making her use her gift. I need all the details about your trip home. Ignore my sister and start talking.” I pushed into the booth across from her.
She let out a laugh. “It was freeing. I was able to meet some of my family members—or, should I say, my extended family. Amazing would be the best description I can come up with.”
“Did you find others with your gift?”
“Yes and no. There were others with what they call the gift of sight. Evidently, I’m a very rare person in the Romani culture. I’m a dreamer, interpreter, and basically anything that has to do with precognition. Normally, someone gets a thing or two, but not several. They may say they can do more, but that’s part of the persona to the outside world.”
“That’s good, right?”
“Again, yes and no. I didn’t tell them I could do all those things. They tested me, and I had a few things happen, but it would’ve made me too unique, and I’d just met my family for the first time. I told them I could see auras, and could get readings from items or people. They’re closely related, so no one thought anything about it.”
I leaned forward eagerly. “Are you going back for training, or was this a one-time thing?”
“I hope they let me come back. They offered for me to move down for the summer, but I wasn’t sure. I need to check with my schedule to see if I have to take classes or not. I really want to. They helped me channel what I can do, which is how I knew that you needed Ryan.”
“You’re feeling overwhelmed, though, aren’t you?” I could tell that she was happy, but there was more to it than that.
“Now who’s the psychic?” she laughed.
“I’ve just learned how to read people. It comes with the job.”
“I’ll let you know when I figure it out myself. I’ve seen a possible man in my future,” she confessed.
“Hey, you’ll fit right in with both of us. I have a guy, and Leslie has one hovering around her, so you won’t be by yourself,” Karen chimed in.
“I haven’t really felt alone, but this guy is going to bring pain with him. He’ll hold the answer to a lot of the questions that I have, but it may not be in the way I want them.”
“Well, that’s still in the future, so let’s forget that for just a moment and eat lunch. We got to see the doctor this morning, and he’s cleared me for light duty.”
“It’ll get bette
r. You’ve gotta be careful that you don’t overdo it, but you’ll heal just fine,” Flora predicted.
“Perfect. I need food to help with this healing process.”
“If the way she’s been eating the past few days is any indication, then her wound should be invisible by now.” Karen poked me with her elbow.
“Hey! I have to make up for all the meals I miss when I’m working.”
“Isn’t that the truth? Bring on the food!” she echoed my sentiment.
“I’ll agree to that.” Flora raised her veggie sandwich for a food toast.
Chapter 4
Ryan
While Leslie and Karen were at the doctor’s office, I was trying to understand the way the FBI worked their crimes. The briefing didn’t offer any new information for us, and as soon as it was over, I went to check with Kevin to see what he’d come up with after my late-night text message.
“You made it through the meeting,” Kevin greeted me when I walked in.
“Are they always so horrible?” I grimaced. “Ours aren’t fun, but they get down to business and then we’re working.”
“Why do you think only the actual agents go to them?” Kevin grinned, and then pointed at a stack of printouts on the desk. “I got the information that you wanted, but most of them don’t have any real data online. They’ll have to be called manually. Want to get started?”
“It doesn’t look like I have anything else planned for the morning, so yes.” I’d checked in with the other teams and hadn’t found anything useful yet, so I might as well see what information I could find from what Kevin had pulled for me.
“Don’t worry, I got you a helper.”
I looked across the room where Agent Martha Tubbs was waving shyly. I smiled and waved in her direction. “Thank you. Which desk is open for me to use?”