Page 55 of Hunting Justice

“I think so. I’m getting ready to examine two bodies that Ken left as a gift.” Jonah smiled.

“I can’t wait to hear the explanation behind that statement.”

“It’s a good one. You’re welcome to join me.”

“That’s an offer I can’t refuse.”

“I need to change first.” He motioned for her to walk with him. Their footfalls echoed along the light-gray hallway. “I’ll head into the men’s locker room, then we can take a look.”

Noelle nodded and kept pace with him. “I’d like to see if there are brandings that match my tattoo.”

Jonah placed his hand on the door to the locker room. “I’ll be out in a minute.”

“Hold on a second. I want to clear the room.” Noelle drew her gun and held it close to her leg. “Wait here.” She pushed the door open and disappeared inside.

He leaned against the wall, arms crossed, and waited for her to return. When had his life become a TV criminal drama?

A few moments later, she exited and reholstered her weapon. “It’s clear. Lock the door while you’re in there. I’m going to use the ladies’ room. I’ll meet you out here when you’re done.”

He entered and strode to shelves that contained the county-issued scrubs. After choosing a pair his size, he changed and tossed his street clothes in his locker, then headed to the exit. He flipped the lock and pulled on the handle, but it didn’t move. He tried again. The hair on the back of his neck prickled. His heart rate increased. Claustrophobia hadn’t bothered him before, but since his time in the cold storage drawer, even this room seemed a bit small.

Jonah fiddled with the cell phone in his pocket, debating whether to call Noelle. Or maybe security to get the custodian to fix the door. Anything to get out of the locker room. He took a step toward the door. A splat had him glancing at the floor.

Liquid puddled at his feet. The odor of ammonia mixed with bleach. Jonah’s stomach twisted, and his pulse skyrocketed. The combination could be deadly.

He pounded on the door. “Help!” He coughed at the noxious fumes. “Noelle! Help!” If no one found him, he’d be dead in a matter of minutes.

The puddle oozed farther into the space. His brain had frozen, and all intelligent thoughts had escaped. “Think.” He moved to the back of the room, hoping the distance gave him more time.

The door was flung open. “Jonah!” Noelle coughed.

“Over here.” He staggered toward her.

She grabbed his arm and hauled him out of the room. Once in the hall, she slammed the door shut. Arm wrapped around his waist, she led him away from the toxic air. “Stay here.” She sprinted toward the main hall.

Jonah rested his head on the wall and sucked in the clean air. How many times could he evade death before the person trying to kill him succeeded?

A couple minutes later, Noelle reappeared. “I saw the janitor hurrying away when I came out of the women’s locker room. He disappeared before I made visual contact. I didn’t want to leave you alone and search for him.”

“This is getting ridiculous. I don’t know anything.”

“Not yet.”

“True.” He inhaled three slow, deep breaths.

“Do you need medical?”

He shook his head. “No. Only a few minutes to gather my sanity and a bit of clean air.”

“You got it. I’ll call Decia to send a crime scene tech and someone to take our statements. And let Bonnie know and have her get someone to clean that mess once the techs finish collecting evidence.”

“Tell Bonnie it’s bleach and ammonia. Toxic.” The adrenaline faded, and his legs could pass for jelly.

“I’m on it.” She placed the calls, but her eyes never stopped scanning the area.

Noelle finished her tasks and slid to the ground next to him. “Hey, cowboy. Come here often?”

He rested his head against the wall and chuckled.

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