Deadly Potential

  He didn’t say a word. No begging her to stop crying, or insisting everything would be okay. Katie hated it when people did that. She’d heard the chorus too many times in her life, telling her to be strong, look on the bright side, and all the other drivel which really meant, stop feeling things, and making me uncomfortable.

  His lips brushed the hair at her temple. “I can check if there’s any new information. Or we can grab something to eat, and get back to your sister?”

  Another wonderful thing he did without any hesitation. He always called Aggi her sister instead of her stepsister. They might not share genetic linkage, but their upbringing had forged a strong bond of family. People tended to enforce the biological labels instead of trusting what Aggi and Katie said.

  Thinking of her sister reminded Katie that she still had work to do. “Let’s get the food, and see how Aggi is doing.”

  The diner was obviously used to providing rush orders to go. A line of people dressed in lab coats and scrubs were waiting by the take-out window. The long counter held someone on every stool, and every booth had at least one person. Katie worried they might be waiting a long time, but the line moved steadily.

  I’ve eaten in worse places. A local radio station created a buffer of sound between tables. Most of the customers were eating without talking. Most of them were probably working long shifts, and the rest would be the friends and family of patients.

  Katie placed their order, and a few minutes later, their sandwiches and fries were ready, along with a bag with cans of pop and bottles of water. A familiar set of guitar chords played from the overhead speakers.

  “They called me fierce, they called me strong,” she sang along absently, digging for her wallet. “I fought them all to right my wrong.”

  “You like this one?” the young woman behind the counter gushed. “Me, too. But it’s so sad.”

  “I’ve heard it four times today already,” a squat man in scrubs grumbled.

  The server ignored him. “Do you know the artist? Katherine Ballard?”

  Katie froze, suddenly recognizing the melody. “What?”

  “Katherine Ballard,” she repeated happily.

  It’s not possible. With over a hundred top-forty songs written, she was used to hearing songs she’d written in random places. But this one shouldn’t be one of them.

  The clerk continued. “She used to write songs for Aggi, but she’s starting her own career. It’s completely inspiring.”

  “Where did you hear about this?” Ben demanded. His fierce expression was more suited to an interrogation than casual conversation.

  No. Nononono. Katie’s stomach seized as the song continued to play, spilling every secret doubt and fear into public view. Ben was never meant to hear this.

  The server blanched under his attention. “It’s online. I liked the song, so I looked to see if she had an album.”

  “Is there a problem here?” An older woman wearing the diner’s T-shirt eyed them with displeasure.

  “No. It’s all fine.” Ben picked up their boxes of food. “Sorry, it’s been a rough day.”

  Katie’s mind churned too quickly for conscious thought as they left the diner. She’d recorded that song yesterday in the studio. I didn’t tell anyone about it. It wasn’t even finished. She pulled out her phone, and searched the web.

  “You wrote that? When?”

  “Yesterday.” She couldn’t raise her voice above a whisper. The disbelief and hurt in his eyes slashed deeper than she would have believed.

  She took refuge in the search results. A dozen sites held articles about her so-called debut single. There were even reviews. Some complained about the rough cut, which stung her professional pride. I wouldn’t have released a first mix. But most liked the song, calling it genuine and raw. One stuck out.

  This song is a perfect representation of what Katherine can do now that she’s no longer shackled to Aggi. This should settle any doubts about her talent as an artist. – Walter.

  She’d challenged him, and he re-established control over her voice. I’m like a doll to him. A toy to pose and display. It wasn’t a battle of wills, because he didn’t see her as having a will of her own, much less one which opposed him.

  The warm pressure of Ben’s arm kept her moving. But as they stepped into the elevator, their unspoken words stole the air.

  “I . . .”

  “I woke up trapped, without even a spark,” he quoted. “Is that really how you feel?”

  Her self-control snapped. “I can’t talk about this now.”

  The doors opened, and they stepped onto the third floor. A tall black man in scrubs and a lab coat was knocking on the office door. Katie hurried over, Ben only a step behind. They reached the office as Aggi opened the door.

  “Miss Russom, I’m Doctor Bankole. I was your mother’s surgeon.” The doctor paused. “I’m sorry to have to tell you that the damage was too severe—”

  “No.” Aggi’s eyes filled with tears.

  Katie wrapped her arms around her sister.

  “We did everything we could. I’m sorry for your loss.” Despite the sympathetic phrasing, the words were clipped and rehearsed. He probably does this every day. Tell people that . . . her mind shied away from the words, as if refusing to name it could change the results.

  The doctor gave them more information, but Katie was no longer listening. This is my fault. Ben’s earlier words lost their power in the face of her sister’s anguish. He wanted control back, and now he has it. He took my song, and my sister’s mother. How can I risk upsetting him when the people around me pay the price?

  As her sister sobbed into her shoulder, Katie wondered if Aggi would ever forgive her.

  Chapter 35

  “Can we take a minute here?” Ben asked the doctor.

  “Of course. Take all the time you need. Again, I’m sorry for your loss.” The doctor nodded gravely at the two women.

  Ben escorted them back into the small office, locking the door behind him. Aggi sobbed, barely aware of her surroundings, but Katie worried him much more. One hand stiffly stroked Aggi’s hair while Katie’s eyes stared blankly ahead. There were no signs of the earlier tears. She’d suppressed her own reaction to deal with her sister’s.

  This isn’t your fault. He wanted to tell her until she believed it, but he held back. After Peter died, he’d been inundated with horrible attempts to cheer him up. He would make sure she understood the truth once she wasn’t already reeling. I shouldn’t have questioned her about the song.

  Ray sent a quick text. Ben stepped out of the room, leaving Katie and Aggi to their private grief.

  “I heard. Are the girls okay?” Ray asked as he arrived.

  “The Director has never gone after another target before.” Ben had studied those case files thoroughly. There were no unexplained deaths in the victims’ family and friends before their own.

  “He’s never been up against a target who knew what he could do. People have tried to run, but Katie is the first to fight.” A hint of pride crept into Ray’s voice despite the serious tone.

  “He’s evolving.” Ben told his partner about the song release. “He’s not satisfied with what he’s done before.”

  “Why not just shoot Bernice? Why the elaborate set up? The more complicated a plan, the more chance there is of something going wrong.”

  “He’s all about the spectacle. He dressed Vivian, so she wouldn’t be treated like a junkie. He stages those he deems worthy. He’s focused on the ending.” Ben’s words picked up pace. “The five he killed but didn’t pose, they weren’t worthy, so he ended them. It wasn’t personal, and the deaths aren’t what satisfies him. He wants the thrill of the chase, and the glory of the attention.”

  “And Bernice told people to ignore Katie, which means they also i
gnore him. She jeopardized everything.” The pinched fold of skin between Ray’s eyebrows smoothed out.

  “She’s an addict and a liar. She’s not worthy of his vision, and arranging an accident ensures the attention he craves.” Ben considered the alternatives. “Even if Bernice survived, she would have been horribly disfigured and injured.”

  “A fate worse than death for a woman like her,” Ray said heavily. “And it isolates Katie further because Aggi will be grieving her mother.”

  The pieces all fit. “Too bad no one will listen to us.”

  This time, Ray got the implication immediately. “We don’t have any proof. And after your public fist fight, the authorities won’t be inclined to accept our interpretation.”

  Ben would be willing to bet his career on the accuracy of this theory. “Fuck it. If Orlund wants to chase his master criminal of a white whale, let him do it. We’ll make sure he doesn’t bring down the whole ship.”

  “I’m with you, Ishmael. I have a contact with the local police. One of the officers at the accident scene gave me her name and number. We promised to keep each other in the loop. Possibly over dinner.”

  Ben glared at his partner.

  Ray rolled his eyes. “Mr. Pot, I have a message from the Kettle, you’re black, too.”

  The door behind them opened, and Katie came out.

  “Hey, there. How are you holding up?” Ray asked.

  “I’ve been better.” Katie’s red-rimmed eyes contrasted sharply with her pale skin. “I need to get Aggi out of here. She has a house in Malibu where we can hide from the press.”

  Ben nodded. “We’ll get you there safely.”

  “Thank you.” Suddenly Katie’s face hardened. “Hell, no.”

  Razel hurried toward them, her high heels clicking on the linoleum floor, and a camera held firmly to her eye. “What do you have to say for yourself now that Aggi’s mother is dead?”

  “No comment.” Katie glared at the woman. “Leave us alone.”

  “With Bernice Russom dead, doesn’t your share of Aggi’s earnings increase?” Razel didn’t even pause her steps.

  “She asked you to leave.” Ben shifted position to block the camera’s eager lens.

  Razel seemed perfectly willing to switch targets. “Mr. Morgan, Special Investigations is known for its immoral and radical approach to law enforcement. Did Katherine Ballard trade sexual favors with you in exchange for adding legitimacy to her claims of being stalked by the Director?”

  “Is there a course you took to become this obnoxious, or is this a natural talent?” Ray asked, menace glinting in his charming smile.

  Anger flashed in the reporter’s eyes. “Given Ms. Ballard’s wild allegations and attempts to suppress the press, she has to expect questions.”

  “I didn’t suppress the press. I fired you. And for the record, I do expect questions,” Katie said quietly. “I also expect them to listen to the answers, and treat both their subjects and their audience with respect. If you do not depart immediately, I will contact security.”

  Razel didn’t budge. “You want to know why I’m so determined to expose you and your stepsister? Because the two of you prize flash over substance. Watch the claws? Really? There are real problems in the world. Oppression, misogyny, and rape culture. And you think the solution is in a pop song? You deserve to be treated like tabloid fodder because that’s all you really are.”

  “I’m not interested in whatever excuse you feed yourself.” Katie’s cold gaze raked over the reporter. “Ray, would you please contact hospital security and the local police department to ensure Razel is removed as soon as possible?”

  “With pleasure.” Ray pulled out his phone, and began making calls.

  Hospital security showed up quickly, and escorted Razel away. Even as she left, she kept shouting offensive questions.

  “If they ever award an Oscar for grace under pressure, you would definitely win.” Ray sighed as the shouts gradually faded into the distance. “Unfortunately, she still achieved a part of her goal.”

  “Stalling us until the press arrived?” Katie raked her untidy hair out of her eyes. “Thank you for holding back, big guy.”

  He offered her a quick smile as she and Ray began to discuss options for how to escape. The vehemence of Razel’s disgust surprised him, though her explanation didn’t ring true. There’s something more personal behind it. But he didn’t want to waste time thinking about Razel. The lyrics from Katie’s song haunted his mind. If only we’d gotten it right from the start. The song made their love seem hopeless and doomed.

  “That’s settled then,” Ray announced. “We’ll borrow scrubs for you and Aggi to wear over your clothes. Ben and I will cause a distraction. You two will be two nurses heading home, nothing for the press to get excited about.”

  “I’ll let Aggi know.” Katie disappeared back into the office.

  “I’ll get the scrubs. You stay here, and look menacing.” Ray vanished down the hall before Ben could formulate a decent comeback.

  I’m too tired. Too much on my mind. The Director. Katie. And now this song. The lyrics talked about picking up the pieces after being left behind. He couldn’t fault the assumption. It was logical, given their careers and different lives, but Ben instinctually rebelled against it.

  I don’t want to leave, and give her up. He had no idea how a relationship between the two of them would work long-term, but he didn’t assume it couldn’t. If she’d already decided they were impossible, then how could they have a chance?

  This is why Emily broke up with me. He suddenly had an urge to call his ex-girlfriend and apologize. If this was how she’d felt, as if she were the only one willing to make the effort for a relationship, then no wonder she’d decided not to follow him to Denver.

  Ray returned before Ben could figure it out. Their escape went as planned. The girls were barely a background afterthought as Ray moaned and yelled, holding an ice pack to his jaw as he stumbled out the door. The paparazzi turned away in disgust, cameras still, and flashbulbs dark as the four of them got into the rental car.

  The sunlight faded in red and gold glory as they drove up the coast to Aggi’s sanctuary. Bright spots of headlights and taillights broke up the darkness, providing brief flashes of illumination. Ben glanced in the mirror. Aggi and Ray were asleep in the back seat, leaning against one another.

  Ben took advantage of the momentary privacy. “How are you doing?”

  “I’m not sure I can answer that. I’m scared, I’m angry. I feel guilty about what happened to Bernice. I feel worse because I’m more relieved than sad about her death. And most of all, I feel like I’m stuck in a fishbowl. Between the media and the Director, there’s always someone watching me, and I’m not used to it.” She rubbed her arms, leaning her head against the window. “And then there’s the damn song.”

  He seized the opportunity. “What about the song?”

  “No one else should have heard it,” she said quietly. “It was only for me.”

  Then why did you record it? A lot of work had gone into the song. She’d created the lyrics and melody, played the instruments, and put it all together. The amount of effort involved suggested more than a few jotted lines in a notebook.

  “It’s like having a page of my diary broadcast. All of the feelings I wanted to sort out in my own head are out in public, and now people are passing judgment on it.” She bit her lip. “On us.”

  “So it is about the two of us?” Not that he’d doubted it. But confirming his suspicions still hurt. “You don’t think we’ll make it?”

  “I don’t want to talk about it. I didn’t want to have to talk about it, not when everything is all confused and jumbled.” Katie turned away from him, hiding her face.

  “I know there’s a lot going on—”

  She cut him
off. “Please don’t.”

  “Katie, I like you. I care about you.” I love you. He kept those words locked behind his lips.

  “And I like you, too. You’re great in bed, and you’re keeping me alive when a psychopath wants to kill me, both very good things in a man. Neither means our relationship can survive past this crisis.” Tears thickened her voice. “I’m sorry I hurt you, but I won’t make promises I don’t know I can keep.”

  Silence fell over the car. She was running away from him again. From them. Ben told himself her words weren’t personal or final. He reminded himself of all she’d been through. Her words only felt like a breakup speech.

  He cleared his throat. “I’m not asking for promises.”

  “I know you aren’t.” Her quiet voice tore at the bandages he was wrapping around his cracked heart. “And I feel like the biggest bitch in the world. But I’m not ready to talk about the future. Not tomorrow or next week, not even tonight. This is why I didn’t want you to hear the damn song. Because I knew it would hurt, and it would ruin what we had together.”

  Ben wanted to reassure her, but he didn’t trust himself not to make things worse. Instead he gripped the steering wheel, and concentrated on navigating the miles. And ignoring the barricade building between them with each minute of painful silence.

  Chapter 36

  “Stay with me. Please?”

  Her sister’s heartfelt plea couldn’t be ignored, no matter how much Katie wanted to curl up in the dark, and pretend she hadn’t destroyed the connection between her and Ben. But her sister needed her.

  There was never any question about Katie’s answer. “Of course I will.”

  Nestled in a dark brown leather recliner, Aggi stared at the night-darkened expanse of windows. Crashing waves from the beach below provided a never-ending rumble of reassuring background sound. Katie perched on the broad arm of the chair, and wrapped her arms around her sister. Aggi rested the back of her head on Katie’s shoulder, staring at the blank glass.