by Robin Caroll
“Me too.”
“So, what’s new back in Tennessee?”
“Nothing, really. Kinda boring with you visiting here.”
“Ha.” Riley rolled her eyes.
“Seriously.” Maddie leaned back in the chair and propped her feet on the base of the hospital bed. “I’ve got a new case.”
“Tell me.” It’d been a long time since Riley had seen her sister this excited about anything to do with work.
“I can’t. Yet.” Maddie smiled. “You know how these cases can be.”
“I do.”
“I’ll tell you as soon as I can. But I have to tell you . . .” Maddie sat up straight and gave Riley’s uninjured arm a little shove. “I’ve been reading a real kicker of series in Life in the South magazine. By some chick named Riley Something-or-other.”
Riley laughed.
“All kidding aside, it’s really good, Ri. I mean it. The first article, with that girl . . . man, I cried. I so feel for her.”
“Me too. She’s what made me even come up with the series idea.”
“And how’s it going?”
“Good.” She shifted, easing her shoulder to a more comfortable position. “Good thing I have until Wednesday to turn in the next article.”
“What’s the next one about?”
“The next one is about Peggy Wilson, his wife. And her faith.”
“I thought you said your editor didn’t allow religious pieces.”
“I think I can sway him on this one.”
“Well, good.”
“Yeah.” She’d been thinking about what would come next while they’d been giving her stitches and she’d decided she would expose the lousy legal services Armand had received. Especially if his attorney still refused to return her calls. Maybe a better lawyer would take the case and file an appeal.
Maddie plopped her feet to the floor, pulling Riley out of her thoughts. “Now, tell me about this brother of Emily’s she says is falling madly in love with you.”
Fire filled her cheeks, but she was glad Maddie had brought up the subject. “Hayden. He’s the police commissioner here.”
“And?”
“And he’s kind and charming and handsome as all get-out.” Her face burned hotter, if that was possible.
“But?” Maddie leaned closer. “I hear a but in there.”
Funny how her sister knew her too well, even though it’d been months since she’d hung out with Maddie—ever since Maddie had declared she didn’t want to speak at Simon Lancaster’s parole hearing. That made Riley so mad, she hadn’t wanted to be around her sister. Now, Riley couldn’t help but wonder if Maddie had spoken, would parole have been denied?
“Ri?” Maddie jerked her back to the present.
“But we’ve only been out once. On a real date. So I’m not sure if he’s really interested.”
“What’s not to be interested in? You’re beautiful—which runs in the family, by the way—and smart and a gifted writer. I’m sure he’s as smitten with you as you obviously are with him.”
Then why hadn’t he asked her out again? He’d had opportunity after opportunity. “I don’t know. His mom seems to think so.”
“And apparently his sister, from what we overheard.”
“Maybe.”
“Well, I’ll just have to judge for myself when I meet him tonight.” Mads sat up straight, arms crossed over her chest.
Uh-oh. Ever since their parents had died, Maddie felt the need to act as mother hen. This could be bad. Very, very bad.
Chapter Twenty
“But about the Son he says, ‘Your throne, O God,will last forever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom.’”
HEBREWS 1:8
Un-freaking-believable.
Why wouldn’t she die?
This woman was not indestructible. She wasn’t Wonder Woman in some invisible jet. She wasn’t protected by the Secret Service.
She was a woman, human. Flesh and bone. She bled when cut and shot, just like everybody else. Just like Kelly.
Then why wouldn’t she die?
Just like Kelly.
He muted the local news that had continued after the report of the attack on Riley Baxter. Fear mixed with anger in his gut, boiling, burning.
There was nothing that could link the attempt on her life back to him. All the devil’s spawn he’d eliminated—none of them linked to him. Just like changing his name years ago, he’d covered his tracks well. Prior to his incarceration, he’d gotten justice from four people. Since his release, he’d removed five people from this earth. All without getting caught.
And people said there was no such thing as a perfect crime. Showed what they knew. He’d gotten away with the perfect murder nine different times. Perhaps he was just smarter than the rest.
But this woman . . . this Riley Baxter . . . she was quickly becoming a festering problem for him.
Why wouldn’t she die?
She’d stumbled upon the one subject that could link him to everything. The one connection he hadn’t permanently eliminated. Why bother when the man sat in prison for a very long time?
Now, the man he’d thought would succeed at the assignment had failed, just like the weasel. What was it about this woman? It was as if the hand of God covered her, protecting her.
But he didn’t believe in God.
Why wouldn’t she die?
His life would be so much easier if she’d never started digging. If she had just stayed in Tennessee. But no. She’d come to Louisiana to testify at some stupid parole hearing and got bound and determined to write her series.
Wait a minute . . . maybe that was his ace in the hole.
Prison had taught him many things. Hadn’t that been the way he’d gotten his pardon, by learning the governor’s weakness? One of the precious things about time behind bars was learning information, information he had used to his best advantage.
Since the man had failed at his assignment, perhaps he’d jump at the chance to redeem himself. Perhaps that parole hearing would glean some type of advantage over her.
If, as it seemed, no one could kill her, perhaps he could make her wish she’d just die.
“You okay, Hayden?” Bob stuck his head in the office door.
Hayden glanced at the clock—8:15. “Yeah. I’m just glad it’s Friday.” But they both knew their jobs weren’t nine-to-fivers.
“It has been a long week.” Bob slumped into a chair. “But we got a break.” He tossed a folder on Hayden’s desk. It landed with an echoing plop. “That’s the report back on all the subcommittees Ellington, Vermillion, Goins, Boyce, and Manchester served on together. Only two.”
Hayden opened the file and read aloud. “Health Care Cost Analysis and Containment.” He turned the page. “And Managed Care Review.”
His blood rushed.
Bob grinned. “The minutes from all the Managed Care Review subcommittee meetings are in there. Also the recommendations they made to the Insurance Commission.”
Hayden turned the page to find the recommendation.
LHCC Health Managed-Care Review Subcommittee Minutes
Members present: Robert Ellington, Cochairperson Jason Vermillion, Cochairperson Allen Boyce, Curtis Goins, and Lisa Manchester
Staff present: Vanessa Dykes and Carlton Powers, MD
Interested parties: For Your Health Managed Care representatives Matthew Nichols, Evan Coleman, and Mack Thompson
Cochairperson Jason Vermillion began the meeting at 2:05 p.m.
Mr. Vermillion discussed the goals and objectives of the subcommittee and made the suggestion to move forward with recommendations addressing health care cost issues and managed care to present those recommendations to the Louisiana H
ealth-Care Commission (LHCC) for review, discussion, and action at the next regularly scheduled LHCC meeting.
Mr. Robert Ellington discussed health cost as outlined in the National Conference of State Legislatures Health Cost Containment and Efficiencies Study. He reported a strong indication for control of these high costs in use of managed care. He suggested that the subcommittee pay careful attention to the presentation provided by For Your Health managed health-care group to see if that plan would work best in Louisiana.
Mr. Matthew Nichols, Evan Coleman, and Mack Thompson presented a visual presentation reflecting an average annual savings to companies of 1.8 million dollars by utilization of For Your Health.
Subcommittee members discussed the implementation of partnership with For Your Health for all governmental insuring policies. Following a question and answer session, the representatives from FOR YOUR HEALTH were dismissed from the meeting. Further discussion by subcommittee members followed.
A motion was made by Jason Vermillion to recommend the partnership effective immediately. This motion was seconded by Curtis Goins. Cochairperson Robert Ellington called for a vote on the motion. Motion passed by majority vote: Jason Vermillion, aye; Curtis Goins, aye; Allen Boyce, aye; Carlton Powers, MD, aye; Vanessa Dykes, aye; Lisa Manchester, nay.
Recommendation is made to the LHCC for immediate partnership with For Your Health managed health care for all governmental insuring policies, effective immediately.
Meeting was adjourned by Cochairperson Jason Vermillion at 4:49 p.m.
Well, that was interesting reading. Hayden set down the folder and rubbed his burning eyes. “We have the explanation for why Lisa Manchester was given the money and sent on her way.”
“Her single nay vote. It saved her life.”
Hayden glanced at the report again. “What’s the status of Carlton Powers, MD and Vanessa Dykes?”
“Powers was shot between the eyes twelve years ago. Dykes was stabbed forty-seven times in the chest. Also twelve years ago. Both in Baton Rouge. Both still open cases.”
Hayden flipped through his notes, then grabbed a pencil and a blank notepad. “Let’s make a timeline.” He passed his notes to Bob. “Read me the names of the staff, subcommittee members, and For Your Health team.”
Bob read them, one by one.
Hayden scribbled their names on the blank page. “Okay, now tell me how long ago each one died.”
Again, Bob read off Hayden’s notes.
When done, Hayden studied the page. “So we have three people killed twelve years ago. Same time, Lisa Manchester was given money and told to leave.” He tapped the end of the pencil against the notepad. “Then nothing for eight years, at least nothing we’ve found in connection to any of this. No murders. No money. Nothing. But four years ago, we have murders start up again. Three years ago. Eleven months ago. Five months ago. Now.”
“If everything is connected, and I agree they are, why the eight-year silence?”
“Regrouping?” Hayden rubbed his chin. “Gathering funds? Resources?”
“Maybe.”
“If someone’s motivated enough to kill nine people, starting twelve years ago and keeping up with it, I would think he or she would have resources and funds or means to get what he needed.”
“True.”
“In jail?”
Bob nodded. “Probably the best guess.”
“Let’s start there.” He handed Bob another notebook and pencil. “Do a search for people incarcerated twelve years ago and released four to six years ago.”
Bob wrote on his page.
“And start the search on any claims denied by policies using For Your Health. Start from the time the managed-care system went into effect and go through thirteen years ago.” Hayden closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. “Something was the inciting incident that got this guy mad enough to start a killing spree. I want to know who this guy is.”
“I’m on it.” Bob stood. “By the way, thought you’d like to know Caleb Montgomery withdrew his charges against Emily.”
Now that was a shocker. “Why?”
Bob grinned. “Can’t really say for sure, Commissioner, but I believe he was helped to realize that pressing charges just might not be in his best interest.”
Hayden shook his head. He didn’t even want to know. “Will you please ask Gaston to come here? I need an update on Riley’s case.”
With a quick nod, Bob headed out the door. Moments later, Edward Gaston entered. “Bob told me you wanted an update on the Baxter case?”
“Where are we? Anything?”
“Ballistics is rushing their report on the bullet we found this morning. Deputy Ingram is back this morning. He’s brought in the reports on the bullets used in his homicides to compare as soon as our report is complete.”
“Good.”
“And, uh, Agent Baxter is still down in the lab. Well, they kicked him out, but he’s pacing the hall, so I hear.”
“I’ll take care of Rafe in a bit.” Despite everything, Hayden chuckled. “Anything else?”
“Forensics was in early. They’re running everything they pulled from the scene evidence.”
“Have you found out who the truck is registered to?”
“Yes, sir. Registered to a Milton Turnkey, who reported it stolen three weeks ago in St. Martinville.”
“Pull a report on him to see if anything suspicious pops up. Then call the police over in St. Martinville to see if anyone remembers talking to Mr. Turnkey on this report. Find out if anyone had an impression.”
“Yes, sir.” Gaston rushed from the office like a man on fire.
There had to be a break soon. Had to be. But for now, he needed to go down to the lab and save the techs.
From Rafe Baxter, Agent at Large.
“I wasn’t shot in the leg. I can walk just fine.” But Riley let Maddie help her up the steps into Ardy’s home.
“Yeah, yeah . . . I’ve heard it all before.” Maddie eased them through the foyer. “Rafe will be here any minute, so be glad it’s me and not him. He’d carry you and really irk you.”
True. It’d be embarrassing. Especially since they’d already told her Hayden would come for lunch and bring Rafe.
The wonderful aroma of spices filled the air, making Riley’s stomach growl. The hospital food, while edible, wasn’t Ardy’s. Riley estimated she’d probably already gained ten pounds in just over a week of eating the woman’s cooking. So much for keeping her figure. That train of thought reminded her of Emily’s comment about her and Hayden, which made her cheeks burn.
She chewed her bottom lip as Ardy and Emily greeted her. They helped Maddie and Remington escort her through the living room.
“How are you feeling?” Thomas asked.
“Better.” She gritted her teeth as Maddie turned her, jostling her shoulder.
“We’re all so relieved you’re okay.” The man gushed a bit, which left Riley hiding a grin. What did Emily see in him? No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t wrap her mind around the idea of wild child Emily with Mr. Prim and Proper.
“Let me find a pillow for you to sit on.” Remington shrugged out of her hold on Riley.
This was getting ridiculous. “Y’all, I’m not an invalid. I can get up and around easily enough.” She just had this stupid sling and cast to contend with.
“You were shot, remember? You know, with a gun. Bang-bang.” Emily made shooting movements.
“Emily!”
She turned to her mother. “What? She was shot.” Emily put her hand over her mouth and widened her eyes, but not before giving Riley a quick wink. “Were we supposed to keep it a secret from her? She doesn’t know she was shot?”
For a moment, silence filled the house. Then Riley couldn’t hold it in any longer. She burs
t out laughing, followed immediately by Emily and Remington, then finally Maddie and Ardy joined the chorus. Thomas remained staring as if they’d all grown second heads.
“Oh, but it feels good to laugh.” Riley shifted to take pressure off her shoulder. “Thanks, Em. I needed it. The hospital was way too stuffy and formal.”
“I remember. When I was in the hospital, the staff had no sense of humor. It was downright depressing.”
Riley smiled at Emily, noticing the gash on her face had begun the healing process quite nicely.
“I’ve got lunch all ready. Red beans and rice with hot water cornbread.” Ardy eased Riley into the kitchen to a seat at the already-set table. “And chocolate pie for dessert.”
“Boy, did we time that perfectly or what?” Hayden grinned as he and Rafe stomped through the back door. He planted a kiss on his mother’s temple. “Smells great, Mom.”
Ardy’s cheeks pinked. “Oh, you. Come on, everyone, let’s sit down and eat before it all gets cold.”
As soon as everyone was seated and Hayden offered up grace, the bowls were filled and baskets of cornbread slathered in real butter passed. Conversation halted around bites of the delicious meal.
Riley cracked the silence. “Any news on my case?”
Hayden and Rafe both stopped eating. Their gazes locked across the table, an entire conversation passing without anyone else being a party to it.
“Hello? I didn’t think that was a difficult question.” She straightened, even though the pain medication had begun to wear off and her shoulder was beginning to throb. “It is my case, right?”
“Yeah, she was the one shot, remember?” Emily interjected.
Everyone else remained silent, waiting for Hayden’s reply.
“Well.” He took a sip of his iced tea, then set down the glass. “We retrieved the bullet early this morning. Ballistics did a great job getting their report turned around. It matches the same type of bullet, distance, and angle as two recent homicides in the parish.”
She looked from Hayden to Rafe, then back to Hayden. “That means what?”
He gave Rafe a brief nod. “One theory is that the victims are all random. There is no connection to each other, to the shooter, just someone who enjoys killing.”