The Perfectionists

Chapter 30

AN HOUR LATER, MAL SAT in the back of Uma's car as they neared Jay's neighborhood. Uma parked five blocks from his house, and everyone quietly got out and walked as nonchalantly as they could to his little bungalow. A full moon shone down through the purple scraps of clouds, sending distorted shadows across the suburban lawns.

Mal glanced around at the others, taking in their scared but determined expressions. Her head twinged with pain, but she gritted her teeth and ignored it. Evie had tried to talk her out of coming, but she'd insisted.

As they walked, Evie touched her arm. "Are you okay?"

"Not really," Mal mumbled.

She'd met up with Evie shortly before Uma picked them both up, and she'd filled her in on what had happened with Dr. Fielder yesterday. Evie had been horrified, and she'd demanded to know why Mal hadn't come to her sooner. "I needed some space today," Mal had said . . . and it was true.

Now Evie shook her head. "Why do you think he had pictures of you?"

Mal shrugged. "Because he's a stalker." What sort of person follows a patient around, spying on her? She felt so betrayed. So invaded. It reminded her of her dad. There had been times when he'd spied on her. Found out about the mischievous things that she did. And when she came home and denied the allegations, he showed her the pictures he'd taken—and smacked her right across her face.

Evie's eyes hardened. "We have to turn that bastard in. We have to get him."

"I guess that will be next on our agenda after this, huh?" Mal gestured to Jay's house, which they were now in front of. All the lights were off. Wind chimes clanged together on the front porch. WELCOME, FRIENDS, read a plaque on the door. Mal snorted. Only grandmas and losers had plaques like that.

Jane placed her hands on her hips and assessed the property. "How are we going to get in?" she asked in a hushed voice. "I don't know if I can pick these locks. And he might have a security system."

"We won't need them," Audrey answered.

"The one time I was here, his bathroom window was open. Maybe it still is."

"Let's check it out," Mal said.

The gate gave a soft squeal as Evie pushed it open. Jay's backyard was overgrown, and blades of grass scratched at Mal's ankles. Sure enough, a double-hung window stood open about three inches. Mal could just make out a shower curtain inside.

Uma stepped back and measured the height of the window with her eyes. "I'm pretty sure I can get in there if someone gives me a boost."

Evie stood next to the house and bent over. Uma took off her shoes and socks to get better purchase. Then she stepped lightly onto Evie's back. Evie gave a soft grunt but held steady as Uma slid the window open a few inches higher. Then, without warning, she jumped up and hooked her torso through the open window. For just a moment, her legs wiggled behind her. Then she was in.

"Did she learn that in soccer, or Cirque du Soleil?" Mal muttered. A moment later the back patio door slid open.

"Hurry up," Uma whispered into the darkness.

They filed into the house and stood for a moment in Jay's kitchen. The work light over the stove was on, giving off just enough glow to see by. Dirty dishes soaked in the sink, and crumbs dotted the stove top. On the fridge were a half-dozen take-out menus. Definitely a bachelor pad.

"When I was here last, he'd been sent some photography equipment in a box. Maybe there was cyanide in there. I think he put it in his car, though, so I have no idea if it's still here."