Page 14 of Donovan Blake: Adrenalin

“I don’t care for histrionics,” he said sternly.

“How do you expect me to react? This isn’t normal!”

“I’m going to ask you some questions, and you’re going to answer them! Is that clear?”

“Fine! Ask away!”

“Why were you in that dark, back street so late?”

“I told you. I was supposed to clock off at one, but we had a crazy night. I didn’t get out of there until just after two, and that street is the fastest way home.”

“How long have you lived in that condo?”

“Five years. My dad gave me the down payment.”

“What’s his name and what does he do?”

“He was an engineer,” she said, then lowering her voice, she added. “He passed away a couple of years ago. Lung cancer. He was a chain smoker.”

“I’m sorry,” he muttered with a sigh.

“Yeah, it sucked.”

“Your mother?”

“She’s an architect. But she doesn’t have to work. She does it because she enjoys it. I inherited my love of art from her. She’s an amazing painter.”

“Brothers and sisters?”

“My brother’s a doctor in private practice. He’s the one who inspired me to become a nurse. His name is Brian.”

“Where’s your cell phone?”

“Upstairs.”

“Stay there.”

“Where can I go?” she retorted as he pushed back from the table.

“Keep it up, Phoebe. Your ass will pay for every smart-ass remark you make.”

CHAPTER NINE

Walking quickly across the hall into the formal dining room, Donovan closed the door, called Sam, and passed on the information he’d just received.

“Confirm the time she left the hospital and why. Rick checked the area around that street before they chose it. I know because I heard them talking. No-one knew they’d be there except them. It was a spontaneous decision.”

“But you still have doubts about this girl?”

“You bet! She’s an art lover and has a degree in art history. What are the odds?”

“Yeah, that’s a crazy coincidence, too crazy, especially when you add in the other stuff, like taking you back to her place. What woman would do that?”

“Exactly! Check her out for me Sam, and make it fast.”

“I’ll get right back to you.”

Ending the call, Donovan hurried up the stairs, strode into the bedroom and grabbed her backpack. Pulling out her clothes, he checked them carefully then picked up her phone. It was an older run-of-the mill Android and it was turned off. Moving into the bathroom, he laid a towel on the counter and turned her plastic bag upside down. As the contents spilled out he saw nothing unusual. He was checking her shoes when he glimpsed her from the corner of his eye standing in the doorway.

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