Page 106 of Bad Blood

“But—” How dare he suggest I would protect Kline. I wouldn’t defend him if my life depended on it. I’m just looking for more information, so I don’t look like a fool when I finally hand it over.

He holds up a hand, cutting off my protests. “And he’s somehow managed to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Every time. It sounds like Mr. Jenks is doing his job, and he’s very good at it. There’s no reason for him to pin this on Kline, even if he is dating his ex.”

My mouth drops open with a gasp.

“I know it’s not enough. But for now, it’s what we’ve got, and that’s where you come in.”

“I don’t think so.” Seconds after they leave, Kline threatens me. If I dig deeper, what will he do next? I need to make sure my name gets cleared from the malpractice, and I don’t have time to add whatever he’s suggesting on top of everything else.

But Hudson’s right. Why would Chris be involved?

I stand and return to my stack of books as a dismissal, but Hudson doesn’t catch on. I scoop a couple off the floor and turn to find him clicking the pen over and over. He pulls his chiming phone out of his back pocket and grins after reading his incoming message. He must feel me staring because he gazes up, and our eyes meet as he takes a seat.

“Are you sure? We know about the evidence in the malpractice suit. The timing between everything can’t be a coincidence.”

Is he trying to blackmail me into helping him?

I scowl at him and drop the wobbling pile of books across my desktop. How dare he try to use the malpractice as leverage against me.

“I’ve already told Luca and Robert everything I know. Which is nothing.” And I’m still gathering evidence.

“We’re not here for the malpractice, but it raises suspicion that your signature is on every chart. And he said you were partners.”

“Because I was in surgery with him.” I cross my arms over my chest. I can’t believe he would ever consider that I would be in cahoots with Kline.

“Like I said, we’re not here for that. The timing of the lawsuits and these two murders go hand in hand. It can’t be a coincidence.”

“What does this have to do with me?”

“You’re on the inside.” He leans forward, resting an elbow on his knee. “Kline trusts you. You could help.”

My mouth goes dry, and I give a snort of laughter. The way he treated me earlier says otherwise.

“Hey, don’t shoot the messenger. It wasn’t my idea.” He holds up both hands before dropping the pen into the cup.

“Where’s your partner?”

“Somewhere he can’t misbehave.”

“Good cop, bad cop?”

“Of course not. Good cop,” he points at the door over his shoulder and then at his chest, “better cop. We’re off duty. He went home after we left.”

“But he sent you to do the dirty work and convince me to talk?” I narrow my eyes and take a seat, grabbing a file from the desktop. I should let Hudson know what Kline did after they left, but it would be my word against his. There could be marks left from his hand. I roll my ankle but decide to wait. “I don’t know anything.”

“That’s not how this works. I saw an opportunity, and I took it. I’m very observant.” He stiffens, crossing his arms over his chest.

I mimic his posture. “You came all the way back here to see if I’d cave?” I smile, acting innocent.

He nods.

“Believe me, if I knew anything, I’d give it to you. But I don’t, and you don’t know what he’s capable of.” I point to the door. My lips fall into a straight line at the memory of his calloused fingers, putrid breath, the threat.

Hudson’s eyes widen. Everything I said put the wrong picture in his mind. Kline could make it easy for me to get fired after the depositions. I don’t want to lose my job, but how do I explain this to an outsider? “If you need information about Kline, you can ask him.”

“Or you can. Looks like you’re getting a call.” The side of his mouth quirks up.

I reach for my phone, and my heart plummets to my toes.

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