Fractured Legacy: Aicil Paranormal Files #1

Chapter 14

Jonah

After my less-than-satisfying lunch, I slip back into headquarters and set up my laptop in one of the upstairs offices. After a string of investigators stop in with case updates, questions, and awkward small talk, I manage to get a break long enough to log in on the computer and connect to the Aicil database.

I pull up Kaylyn's electronic file, copy her father's name, and entered it into the database. But as soon as I push the enter key, my peace is interrupted once again when Emmerson appears in the doorway.

"Dr. Emmerson," I say, discreetly minimizing the window and pulling up another case file, just in case the old man wants to get nosey.

"You've been quiet today," he says.

What can you say when you have nothing to say? "I started this job buried in paperwork, and there's only one way to get it done."

"Ah, yes." His lip twitches, and I'm immediately suspicious again. "Well, I'm clearing out of your office now."

I relax, then stiffen again as I worry how Emmerson will read my relief.

"My flight leaves in the morning," Emmerson continues speaking as if this morning never happened. If he's up to something else, he's playing it close to the vest. "I have my own stack of paperwork waiting at home. But I have arranged for Miss Anderson's testing. I tried to call her, but her phone doesn't seem to be on, so I'll have to leave you to take care of that."

"Of course, when is her appointment?"

He reveals a piece of paper he'd been holding behind the wall and out of my sight, placing it on the table in front of me. "She needs to report for a stress test tonight at 5:30."

Shit. Slamming my laptop closed, I wonder if it's medically viable to give someone such short notice for testing, but I manage to keep my tone professional. "I'll call her sister, or take the paperwork over personally."

Emmerson nods. "If she doesn't make this appointment, we won't be able to reschedule for a couple of weeks."

And there's the kicker I expected. I tried to smile as he turns and strolls out of the room, but as soon as he's out of hearing distance, I dial Kaylyn's new number.

"Do you have ESP or something?" Kaylyn shouts.

I pull the phone from my ear. "I'm afraid to ask."

She groans, but at least she lowers her voice so it's not so deafening. "You probably should be. Can I just explain this evening? I'm too—"

"You have to be at the hospital for testing this evening."

Kaylyn is silent.

I check the pone to see if the call has disconnected. Everything looks good, but she still doesn't respond. "Are you still there?"

"Yeah," she snaps. It's really the reaction I anticipated, but she should really learn not to shoot the messenger.

"I have your paperwork. I'll meet you at my house around 4:30 and drive you to the hospital."

"I don't need a babysitter," she grumbles, and I imagine right about now, she's also rolling her eyes.

"They aren't going to let you wear the necklace, you know."

"Fuck." I hear her breath rustle against the mic.

"Exactly. It's against policy for you to drive yourself anyway. Emmerson is leaving now, so I shouldn't have any trouble getting out of here." I begin packing my belongings, hoping to reclaim my office, but I can't shake the reaction she'd had when she answered the phone either. "What the hell are you into, anyway?"