by A. A. Dark
“You okay?”
The doctor gave me a quick wave, and I held tighter to Boston as he broke down further.
“Let’s go home, okay? We all just need to sleep this off.”
“I want to see her. I want to see this Linda.”
“It’s late, and she had a hard night.”
“Tomorrow then?”
Dr. Patron’s mouth opened, only to close. When Boston looked over his shoulder, the doctor gave him a nod. He stood, holding to me like a vice as we headed over to grab my purse. He was mess of increasing emotions. All the way to the car, he swore it was Lucy. And…a part of me wanted to believe him. But that was the problem. We wanted her found so badly, we were willing to grasp onto anything we could in hopes she was still alive.
“Ride with me. You’re in no condition to drive.”
“Not yet. Just…”
We were standing at the passenger side of my car, and Boston had me facing him again as he held me in a bear hug. He was sniffling and so tense.
“What’s going on with you and Dr. Patron? When I walked in…where have you been, Anna? Is there something I should know?”
“Know?”
“Yeah. Let’s start with the first question. Before you got the call, where were you? There was no meeting tonight. Braden already uncovered that. What were you doing?”
“Nothing. I…” My mouth closed. “Running. I needed some alone time. I usually run every night. It helps with the nightmares. They’ve been getting so bad lately, I thought maybe if I went for a good run, I could sleep.”
Fingers pushed through the hair at the nape of my neck, tugging until my head eased back. Boston met my stare with a looked that kept me frozen. There was knowledge there—unexplainable knowing that turned my blood cold.
“Try again.”
“It’s the truth.”
Tighter, the hold grew. The look deepened, sucking me in, speaking to the killer within. Something in that moment changed, and I had no idea what it was.
“Again.”
“I…”
“Anna. Who is it? Who are you after?”
Jerking hard, I broke his hold. “It was a run, Boston. Nothing more.”
“Then what is that?”
He was staring into my back seat. With the way the light was shining down directly next to my car, it gave perfect view to the open duffle bag. Rope, duct tape…my knife. Anyone could have seen. And yet, I had been so consumed by Dr. Patron and his constant rambling, I hadn’t given the bag a second thought.
“Honesty, Anna. Given that, I’m guessing you never got your chance. The call distracted you. Who is it? Do you know them? Or were you searching for a random person?”
“Leave it alone, Boston.”
“You’re unraveling. Helping me isn’t helping you.”
“You’re wrong. It is helping me. Lucy…” My hand came to my mouth, and the woman’s fear from the phone was all I knew. It joined my own, feeding the crazy woman inside me who was never far away. I swallowed the lump in my throat, continuing. “We will find Lucy, and then the two of you can move past this.”
“I’m not talking about me and Lucy. I’m talking about you right now. You’re good at hiding the truth, but you’re not okay.”
“I am not your concern.”
“Whose concern are you? Braden’s? Dr. Patron’s? I saw the two of you getting cozy in that room.”
My hand lifted to slap him, but I quickly fisted my grip, stepping back.
“How dare you even insinuate something like that.”
“Am I wrong to assume something is going on between the two of you? The secrets aren’t helping your case.”
“Nothing is going on between us. Nothing.”
Boston glared toward the building, but came back to me.
“Good, because I told you to keep your distance. I apologize for misunderstanding the situation. I…am also sorry for pushing you for an answer on your bag. I don’t blame you for not wanting to talk.”
“Thank you.” I gestured toward his car, wanting to end our conversation. “You seem to be feeling better. Are you following me home or getting a hotel?”
“Braden is waiting for you. I have things to do anyway.”
I glanced at my watch. “At three in the morning?”
“Can you give me the address where Linda lives?”
“Boston, you need to wait for Dr. Patron. He said he’d take us.”
“I just want to drive by.”
“It wasn’t her.”
A frustrated sound left him, and he threw me a look, opening the passenger door and climbing into my car. I went around, getting in and starting the engine. He stayed quiet as we pulled out of the hospital, but his energy left me on edge. We were both spiraling, and I feared if we didn’t find Lucy soon, we were only going to get worse.
Chapter 31
M
Only a fool would believe himself free and clear of a situation as grave as the one I was in. Trusted connections had always been the key to my twisted dealings. Luckily, with Bill and Linda, they owed me enough to finally break even. But I needed more than a story to back what Anna and Boston believed. I needed Lucy’s body cleaned and staged, which I paid heavily for. What I needed the most, though, was time. My actions had been uncalled for—wild, stupid. Each day, they would grow less suspicious, but the damage was done. After that voicemail, it was going to take a miracle for me to get Boston’s trust back. I could do it, but I’d have to put in the work. Especially, come a few hours. The only thing I had on my side was Anna had been the one to find me, and Boston knew I was here at the hospital. That would take me out of the equation for Lucy. I was alibied by the ones who counted, despite whatever they may think.
I lay in bed, sipping my water while the local channel filled the room. Sleep wouldn’t come, but it never really did. I let the night play over in my head, making note of the littlest details I could remember. My cock hardened, and I closed my lids, basking in Lucy’s last moments. Moments…I’d always cherish. Sure, there would be another victim someday, but nothing would come close to the meaning or chaos that engulfed this conquest. It wasn’t technically over yet, but it was to me. Bill would erase any evidence I may have left behind, and the body would fall on Daniel—a dead man who would never be found. It was perfect.
Talking sounded from outside, drawing me to awareness. The female voices paused at my door, only to continue as they walked away. I turned, squinting as a glare caught my eyes. Moving my head, I saw it was coming from my phone. I grabbed it off the table and slowly angled it in different directions. Dirt was caked in the speaker. And fingerprints…I brought it to the sheet, wiping them off before banging the dirt free. My stare went back to the window. The blinds were slightly crack. It was morning.
Had Anna and Boston even slept?
A secretly forced smile came—a million smiles. If they had, they wouldn’t be anymore. I wondered how long it took Bill and Linda to clean and set Lucy up? They said they’d have her found by sunrise. I believed them. Together, the pair were perfect killers. Minus Linda’s episodes, when she got sloppy and killed her lovers on her own. I hadn’t lied about her condition or her identity as Lydia. I’d had to fly in plenty of times to save her ass. It was time they saved mine.
“Mr. Patron? Doctor,” the nurse quickly said, correcting herself. “How are you feeling?”
“Better. I think I’m ready to go. I’m sorry for inconveniencing you all for a room last night. I know it wasn’t needed. I guess I just had to decompress after the attack.”
She quickly walked in, her face drawn in apologetically. “It was no problem, really. I hope I didn’t come off as trying to rush you out of here. I just wanted to check on how you were doing.”
“It’s fine. I didn’t think that. I just wanted you to know I’m grateful. It was nice feeling safe. I’m afraid episodes like that don’t happened often in my field. I was caught off-guard. Are…there some papers I can sign? No rush, but I’m sort
of getting hungry.”
“Absolutely. I can let the doctor know you’re ready. We’ll be back in shortly.”
“Take your time.”
The moment the door shut, I threw back the sheet and headed over to grab my clothes out of the bag. My pants came first, and I barely had my first arm in my shirt before breaking news flashed on the television. The anchors appeared, trying not to look worried as they passed the story over to Anna. No amount of makeup could cover the dark circles under her eyes. There was a fear there as well, but not total acknowledgement. As she talked, I rushed to get dressed. My eyes took in everything. The most important thing: what she was standing next to. A street sign.
I broke from the room, rushing to the nurse’s station. The woman who had come to my room paused from talking to an older man, who I assumed was the doctor.
“Papers. I have to go.”
“I’m sorry, they’re not done printing—”
“Then let me start signing what you have. My patient…I have to leave right now.”
Papers were placed on the counter, and I scribbled on each one. I may have started off playing the part of concerned doctor, but this was it. This was my moment of truth. Boston was about to find out his beloved Lucy was dead, and he needed me. The more that sunk in, the faster my heart reacted.
“Hurry, hurry. I…” I pulled out my phone, dialing a cab as I waited for the next. When that was done, I punched in Boston’s number.
“Dr. P-Patron?”
“What’s happening? I was lying in bed when I saw Anna on the news. Are you with her?”
“Yeah.” A sniffle. “Braden got called in an hour or two ago. Anna and I met the news van here. I can’t take this anymore. I want to go back there and see if it’s her for myself. I…Dr. Patron…”
“Stay right there. I’m on my way. Don’t do anything, Boston. Nothing. You wait for me. I’m checking out of the hospital as we speak.”
I quickly put down my signature, getting a nod form the nurse. I didn’t wait for the prescription the doctor tried to hand over. I hung up the phone and took off in a sprint, ignoring the throbbing in my face and wrist. The cab was already waiting, and I nearly dove in, spouting the address. Time. What I was so concerned about passed in slow, tortuous minutes. Again, I lost myself in details. In thoughts. Calculations. When the large crowd came into view and we parked, I pulled out my wallet and quickly paid. Boston was in view, pacing like a madman. Anna was talking to her crew, but she never took her sights from Boston.
Shutting the door behind me, I jogged toward them. Boston seemed to sense me, turning as I approached.
“Thank God. Fucking shit, I’m…”
His head was shaking through the trembling wracking his body. I threw my arms around him, hugging tightly as Anna made her way over to us.
“Dr. Patron, what are you doing here?”
“I saw you on the news. I called Boston and signed myself out as quickly as I could. Have you learned anything new? Talked to Braden? Anything?”
Slowly, she shook her head. “All I know is there’s another girl. Her body was found around the corner.” She paused. “Can I talk to you alone?”
“No,” Boston rushed in, studying her. “I want to hear. You know more than you told me. I can see it in your eyes. What is it, Anna?”
Full lips pressed together as she stood there silently.
“Anna, please, I’m begging you. You tell me. I don’t want to hear it from anyone else. What do you know?”
Tears filled her brown eyes. Each word looked to be harder for her to say as she began. “Her body. They’re saying it was protruding from someone’s…trashcan. She was placed inside. That’s all we’ve heard so far.”
“In the tr…?” Boston’s hand shot to his mouth as he appeared to gag. He was shaking so violently. I had to do something. The rage was there for sure, lingering in his eyes, but fear kept it bay. It wouldn’t once he discovered the truth.
“We know nothing,” I said calmly. “It might not even be her. People disappear every day. It could be a number of them. Just because Lucy is the only one we’re aware of does not make it her. Let’s not jump to conclusions.”
“Dr. Patron is right. It could be anyone.”
“That’s right. Now, do what I taught you. Close your eyes and ground yourself.”
Hazel eyes narrowed, but disappeared as his lids closed. Each breath deepened and slowed. When Boston opened his eyes, I patted his shoulder, keeping my focus on his.
“Good job. See. All better.”
“Not really.”
“That’s because you’re exhausted. Let me get you something to eat and drink. You’re pale and need your blood sugar back up. It’ll make you feel better.”
Anna nodded eagerly. “I agree. We have donuts and coffee in the van.”
“Perfect. Stay here,” I stressed. “I’ll be right back.”
Boston was already turning toward the barricade to face the direction of the crime scene. I walked fast, following Anna.
“What is it?”
“She’s blonde. The girl is blonde. I overheard the cops talking on my break. Doctor, I…think it might be Lucy. They said she was young. They mentioned vicious marks all over her body. That fits the killer’s profile. Once they spotted me, they stopped talking, but I heard enough. With Daniel Stracht being released last night, I think he had to finish what he started.”
“Released? Dear God, they didn’t release him.”
“They did, and now Braden tells me they have no idea where he is.”
“Shit. Shit. This isn’t good.”
“No, it’s not. If it is Lucy, Boston’s going to need us more than ever. I’m afraid for him. I’m so afraid.” A tear raced down Anna’s cheek, and I quickly pulled her into my arms. She only softened for a moment before wiggling free. We were right at the van. She avoided eye contact as she reached over, grabbing the donut and Styrofoam cup of coffee, but it wasn’t her I was focused on. I could feel Boston watching us. Feel his anger and obsession already transitioning. I didn’t believe him in love with Anna, but I knew that’s not how obsession necessarily worked. Regardless, it didn’t matter. What I was doing wasn’t to test him. It was to leave an impact.
“Thank you,” I forced out. “I’ll take it from here. You should work. Boston is in good hands. The best,” I said, winking.
I turned to leave, pausing as Anna reached over, handing me a cup of coffee as well. I let my fingers trail over hers as I took hold.
“Don’t tell him. Not yet.”
“Agreed. Not yet.”
Continuing, I only met Boston’s stare when I moved in next to him. He took the donut and coffee while searching my eyes.
“You like her. And not just as a potential patient. You’re attracted to her.”
“I don’t think this is the time to speak of such things.”
“What better time? Answer the question. Are you?”
I paused, letting the other side of my plan begin.
“She is attractive…and single, to an extent.”
“She loves Braden.”
Again, I hesitated. “They share a past. There was love there, yes. Things change, Boston. No matter how hard they try to hang on to what was, it doesn’t mean it will turn into what they once shared. Statistically, I’m sorry. The numbers and studies do not support a happily ever after.”
“But—”
“No. You don’t see people the way others do. You love more than most. What you feel, you feel to the extreme. Normal people don’t get to experience what you do. Some are lucky to feel anything at all. Tell me, when you watch Anna and Braden together, do you see you and Lucy? Do you see that love?”
It was his turn to grow quiet.
“You don’t, because it’s not there. I’ve talked with Anna. If she’s anything, she’s confused. The last thing she wants is to see Detective Casey hurt, but she gives me the impression she’s ready to move on.”
“She insinuated that? She mad
e me believe quite the opposite.”
“Did she? Well, I assure you she more than insinuated.”
“What did she say? What did you say?”
The side of my mouth pulled back into the beginnings of a smile.
“I asked her on a date.”
“You did what?”
“You heard me. I asked her on a date. I really like her a lot. We…share common interests. And we talk well, and often. We talk a lot actually. And I think she likes me just as much. She seems to, even if she does try to deny herself connection with others. She doesn’t really want anyone to know about our conversations, so I’m trusting you not to say anything. Anna needs to heal, and I’m hoping I can do that for her. No matter what that entails. She’s leading. I’m just following.”
“Oh.” Boston grew quiet, looking more lost than ever. I continued to sip my coffee, staring ahead at the police cars parked on the neighboring block. Time stretched, and whispering buzzed. Anna did her broadcasting, and I played the hopeful fool as I watched on. But only half-played. I couldn’t deny what my secret plan was really doing. It was opening a door. One I had closed long ago. It made all the texts I had saved about our potential date seem more real. Like it wasn’t about the killing, but about us. Could she feel something for me? Even something small?
“Is that…? Braden.”
My head spun away from Anna at Boston’s desperation. He was holding to the barricade, moving his feet as if he couldn’t stand to wait another second. And me…I couldn’t either.
It was time.
Chapter 32
Detective Casey
Each step closer to Boston was harder than the next. It was a person’s worst nightmare. A nightmare so horrendous, I wasn’t even sure how to face him. The young man didn’t deserve this. No one deserved to discover the one they loved the most in life was dead. And not just dead, but tortured and beaten almost beyond recognition. How was I going to tell him all of his work, his prayers, were about to go unanswered? How was I going to see my own reflection break in front of me? It could have been me. It could still be me.