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𝐂 𝐡 𝐚 𝐩 𝐭 𝐞 𝐫  𝟖


     I smothered a frown in front of Mr. Bennett and stopped paces away from the elevator. Detective Spade and a tall woman with dark hair tumbling down her shoulders emerged from the elevator. She’s new. I’ve not seen her before. His partner? Possibly. Two detectives. This was serious.

     My lingering concern grew when Mr. Bennett waved to me, saying, “I’ll see you around.”

     Three of my clients were dead. I was starting to think the murders were connected. Looking at Mr. Bennett, my heart throbbed. What if he winded up like the rest? That was morbid, but could you blame me? Just then I remembered Mr. Bennett wasn’t my client anymore. We had ended our professional relationship months ago. But that didn’t subside the anxiety I felt deep within me, which intensified when Detective Spade cast me a look.

     I swallowed hard and brushed across my blouse, smoothing a crease. “Sure.”

       I watched him walk past the two detectives and step inside the elevator. He smiled at me as the doors slid close. I didn’t smile back. My view was blocked when Detective Spade and the woman halted in front of me.

     “Good day, Dr. Newton,” Detective Spade greeted.

     I glanced down at the stiff folder in his hand. The warrant. My pulse quickened. That was quick. They meant business. “Good day,” I said. “This way.”

     I turned toward my office. They followed behind me, their footsteps thudding in my ears. I had thought he’d come alone. Why did he bring another detective?

     We entered the office. I walked to my desk and tucked a couple of items away. “Please, have a seat.”

     They ignored me and stood. I swung my eyes from the woman to Spade. Both had grim faces. Not welcoming. The woman was around my age. Thicker and taller than me. Years of training might have given her such a stature. I didn’t realize my fingers were trembling until I looked down. I willed myself to stay calm. Steady girl, you’ve got nothing to hide.

     It didn’t help. Not when Detective Spade was pulling a document from the folder. I watched, my lips tightened as he placed the file on my desk.

     “That’s your copy. You’re welcome to keep it.”

     I looked at the file, my eyes moving across the sheet. I took everything in, making sure to understand what I was required to do. That way, I wouldn’t have to violate Rosalind’s privacy more than I had to.

     The warrant said I was supposed to answer their questions to the best of my knowledge and surrender any file upon request. Not good. But there wasn’t anything I could do. Right now, I’d just cooperate and hope this would be our last meeting. Something in my gut—a nagging thought—told me this was only the beginning of something big.

     I set the file aside and looked up. “What do you want to know?” My voice was pleasantly soft, and I wondered why I was mellowed all of a sudden.

     He pulled the chair backward and sat down while his partner scanned my office. “Let’s continue from where we left off the other time. What were you treating Rosalind for?”

     The sound of his voice made me sick. The look on his face wasn’t welcoming. I reminded myself once again there was a warrant, and I was under the authority of the court to answer their questions.

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