Page 39 of Forgotten Girls

Laughing, Beth watched the anesthetic take effect. “That’s for all the forgotten girls, you sick creep.”

In seconds, his eyes rolled up in his head and the Glock slipped from his hand as he fell sideways hitting the floor with a thump. Beth scrambled from the bed, and panic gripped her. Her hair or DNA could be all over the bottom sheet. Without a second thought, she dragged the sheet from the bed. Carefully opening the door to check outside, she tossed it in with the other soiled bed linen on the cart. She grabbed a clean sheet and spread it over the bed, and then tossed the rest of the bed linen on top. She considered returning the Glock to the holster and then dismissed the idea. Taking a few precious seconds, she stared down at him. He wasn’t breathing. His reign of terror was over. She placed a tarot card on his chest, walked out of the door, and pushed the cart along the empty passageway to join the others. As she turned into the hallway, she heard voices. Someone had heard the doctor hit the floor. She needed to get away right now.

Panting, Beth checked her watch, it had taken longer than expected. Carter could be out searching for her by now. She needed an excuse for taking so long. She ran out the door, tossed her gloves into the dumpster, and dropped the device down a drain before hotfooting it back to the diner. She removed the tape from the door and peered into the eating area expecting to see him waiting for her. She went to the counter and ordered coffee and donuts. The service was fast and, gathering her purchases, she headed for the door just as it opened and Carter walked inside. A wave of unease gripped her as she stopped walking and stared at him. “Is there a problem?”

“Nope, not now.” He inclined his head and looked at her. “I was concerned you’d fainted or something. You look flushed. Anything I can get you? Do you need to sit down?”

Flushed? That’s the look of exhilaration from removing a child predator from existence. Beth handed him the donuts and they headed for the truck. “Thanks, but no, I’m okay and I’ve never fainted. I needed to tidy up some and then wait for the coffee. After being out here in the cold it was hot in there and the service in the diner was very slow.” Trying to find the appropriate thing to say, she gave him a sideways stare. “I really appreciate you checking up on me. You might be right about speaking to Nate. This hasn’t happened before.”

“Yeah, go and see Nate. It’s not really in my field of expertise.” Carter peered into the paper sack, obviously needing to change the subject. “Mmm, my favorite—donuts. No wonder Styles likes having you around. Jo brings me celery sticks and carrots.”

FORTY-FOUR

The feeling something was wrong crawled over Styles as the time for their appointment went over by thirty minutes. Finally, they were waved into an office by someone who introduced herself as Ms. Hadley. Had someone recognized Beth and Carter yesterday? He sat on the straight-back wooden chair and stared at the woman. “Our appointment is with the doctor.”

“Yes, I’m aware of your needs, but unfortunately we haven’t been able to locate the doctor this morning.” Ms. Hadley opened her hands. “He may have been called out on an urgent case. He does deliver babies all over many counties. We had twins due anytime and maybe he got the call.” She raised both eyebrows. “Nevertheless, as we mentioned previously, you come highly recommended and we’ll be happy to fulfill your needs. I’ve made a few calls, and as you will imagine, we’ll need time to organize the amount you require, but once we’ve established a line of, let’s say, communication, we’ll be able to keep up with demand.”

Styles nodded. This was getting them no closer to finding the doctor or Shoebridge. “I need four minimum. I’m sure you understand.”

“I made a few calls, and obtaining that number will take time. We can possibly have two ready for you in a couple of days.” Ms. Hadley frowned. “Our agent will need to collect them and arrange delivery.” She looked at him. “If you have a suitable van, we can sedate them for transport and arrange a pickup point? You do understand, this office is our only point of contact for now. We don’t occupy the same offices for more than a few months. However, once you are on our books, we’ll contact you for delivery.”

“If not today, when can we speak to the doctor?” Jo leaned forward in her chair. “We’ll need to view them before we take them. Our clients are very particular. I’m sure you understand. The price isn’t an option. Can the doctor arrange for us to view a video of at least one of them?”

“Very well.” Ms. Hadley nodded. “We’ll reschedule the meeting for the morning, same time. I’m sure the doctor will be available.”

Styles stood. “Okay, we’ll see you tomorrow.”

As they left the building, he called Beth. “The doc is a no-show. Have you seen him?”

“Nope, but I’ve had time to check the car rental computers and he has a license under the name he’s using. We located his rental close by the hotel and it hasn’t moved. Carter just received a call rescheduling our appointment, saying the doctor was on a call. As far as we can determine, no one matching his description has left the hotel since we arrived.”

Styles thought for a beat and headed for the truck. “I’ll get Jo to call him at the hotel. If he doesn’t pick up, I figure we need to do a welfare check on the doctor. He’s a person of interest. If something has happened to him or he’s slipped the net, we need to know now and stop wasting our time.”

“You’ll blow the mission. What if he’s holed up with a woman?” Carter’s voice came through the speaker.

“Maybe ask the local cops?” Beth cleared her throat. “Then we won’t be compromised.”

Nodding, Styles pulled their FBI creds from the glovebox and handed Jo’s to her. “We’ll go and speak to the local cops. I’ll tell them we’re on a case and his name came up. I’ll make some excuse for them to do a welfare check.”

“Okay.” Beth blew out a sigh. “We’ll be waiting here, although I might dash across to the diner to use the restroom and grab us some coffee. It’s cold sitting here. I just hope the doctor hasn’t discovered our plans and skipped town again.”

Styles locked the truck and leaned against it. “Me too. If he has, we’re back to square one.”

The moment Styles and Jo walked into the police station, they got the “why is the FBI here?” stink eye. It always amused him how when they needed assistance the hostility was minimal, but not every cop appreciated them and this was certainly the case in this instance. He made his request and received puzzled stares as if they’d suddenly grown two heads. “We could go in and bang on his door, but we’ve had him under surveillance and don’t want to blow our cover.”

“It’s not that.” The cop at the counter scratched his graying hair and went to his computer. “That name just came in on a 911 call. The paramedics are on their way. One of the guests heard a loud noise, like someone hitting the floor, and called the manager. They went to check on everyone in the area and Dr. Brewer wasn’t answering his door. When the manager went to check on him, he was on the floor unconscious. They called 911 and the paramedics are on their way. That’s all I know. I’d say he’ll be heading for the hospital anytime now.”

Styles nodded and slapped the desk. “Thanks.” He looked at Jo. “We need to get there now.”

The moment they stepped outside, he called Carter. “The doctor is down, paramedics on their way. You’ll need to get there now. We’re right behind you.”

“The paramedics are heading into the hotel.” A door slammed and Carter’s boots tapped on the sidewalk. “We’re on our way.”

Styles disconnected and he followed Jo to the truck. They jumped inside and in five minutes they were outside the hotel. “If he’s had a coronary or worse, there goes our lead to Shoebridge.”

“Maybe not.” Jo ran along beside him. “If he has his laptop with him, we can take it if he’s dead. It will cut through a ton of red tape.”

Styles ran up the steps and into the hotel. “I love your optimism.” He moved into the foyer and went to the counter. “FBI. What room is Dr. Brewer in?” He held up his cred pack.

---