Page 84 of Over the Edge

Bad.

“So what happens next?” She clenched her fists until her nails dug into her palms.

“One of our crime scene techs will go over the scene. And we’ll be on the lookout for any reports of an attack. We’ll also check with area hospitals to see if any stabbing wounds show up in the ER.”

At least he hadn’t dismissed her claims outright and was planning to follow up.

But his skepticism was clear. Meaning her credibility was compromised.

“I’d appreciate being kept in the loop if anything turns up.”

“Goes without saying.” His tone was pleasant and professional, but the caring note that had warmed it earlier while he’d held her hand had evaporated.

Another punch in the stomach, though it was hard to blame him for his caution.

Nevertheless, disappointment didn’t absolve her from granting him the forgiveness he’d asked for with Clair.

“Before you leave, I wanted to tell you that I’ve thought about everything you shared in terms of your relationship with Clair, and I no longer have any bad feelings toward you about what happened. I think we both made mistakes thatled to a terrible outcome, but I don’t think Clair would want us to beat ourselves or each other up about that for the rest of our lives.”

An odd mixture of relief and regret rippled across his features. “I appreciate that.”

“I also wanted to let you know I asked Dr. Oliver whether he could help me try to remember more details about the markings on the killer’s arm. I even suggested hypnosis. But he said that doesn’t work very well as a memory-recovery method. While it can help a person recall additional information, the memories tend to be a mix of accurate and inaccurate details, and witnesses usually can’t tell which are true and which are fabricated.”

“Thanks for asking him about it. That lines up with what I’ve learned on the job.” He rose.

She stood too. “For the record, Dr. Oliver hasn’t raised any serious red flags about my psychological health.”

While this latest incident could change his opinion, until he told her otherwise, her statement was true. And letting Jack leave thinking she was crazy was unacceptable.

“Will you talk to him about what happened today?”

“Yes.”

“I’d like to know what he says, if you don’t mind passing that on.”

“I can do better than that. I can waive client/doctor privilege and give him permission to talk to you.” That was a risk, but if it boosted Jack’s confidence in her reliability, it was worth the chance.

Faint creases appeared on his brow. “I don’t want to invade your privacy.”

“But you do need a credible witness. One a doctor of psychology can vouch for.”

He studied her. “I’ll tell you what. Talk it over with him. If you both agree to that plan, I’ll consider it.”

“That’s fair.”

“Is there anything else I can do for you today?”

Trust me. Believein me. Look at me again with warmth and compassionand perhaps something more.

But she said none of that.

“I’ll be fine.”

He hesitated, as if tempted to say more, but in the end he turned away and walked toward the door. On the threshold, he paused. “Call if anything else comes up.”

She managed to coax her mouth into a tiny, wry smile. “Let’s hope nothing else does. But at this stage, I have no idea what to expect next.”

“It’s been a roller coaster, no question about it.” His lips flattened.

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