Page 64 of The Altar Girls

‘Can I ask a few questions? And I’m not recording this conversation.’

‘You can ask, but I may not reply.’

Better than nothing, he supposed.

‘Naomi’s sister,’ he glanced at his notes for the name, ‘Bethany. Did you treat her?’

‘I was their family doctor.’

He took that as a yes.

‘Were you concerned for the welfare of that child?’

‘I am concerned for all my patients.’

‘At any time did Bethany have injuries that might have been classed as rough-and-tumble playing?’

‘Bethany seemed prone to a lot of rough and tumble.’

At last the doctor was opening up. Boyd continued.

‘Did you have to refer her to child services?’

‘I’m sure you can contact them for that information.’

Between the lines, Boyd reckoned Bethany had been referred.

‘Did Bethany ever need to go to hospital with injuries?’

‘If she did, the hospital will have a record of that.’

‘Thank you, Doctor.’

‘Detective, I can’t divulge patient information. I take an oath, like a priest. Well, maybe not like a priest.’ There was no mirth in her tone. She paused. ‘My heart is broken for Naomi. I did my best for her. I don’t know if her killer was someone she knew, someone close to home, or a stranger. But I am concerned for the welfare of her sister and brother. I cared for Naomi and Bethany. Little Jacob was just born when the family moved to Ragmullin. I don’t want anything to happen to those children.’

‘Thank you, Doctor. I appreciate your time.’

She ended the call, and Boyd wondered if there was anyone out there who felt the same about his son.

44

Isaac insisted on entering the house on his own. Lottie was about to argue but needed to keep him onside, so she allowed him to go ahead.

‘I’ll give you ten minutes with your wife and children, then we’re going in to talk with you both.’

With hunched shoulders, he shuffled up the path towards his battered front door.

While she idled by the car, she checked her phone. Missed call from Boyd. She quickly read through the email he’d sent.

‘Ah no.’ She ran her hand over her face and shoved the phone into her pocket.

‘What?’ Martina asked.

‘Come on.’ Lottie zipped her jacket up to her throat against the icy wind.

‘You said he could have ten minutes,’ Martina said.

‘Did his kids ever have ten minutes of peace?’

---