Page 44 of Power of the Mind

Kelly mumbled under his breath and put me on hold.

“That’s what I thought.”

When I glanced at Tallus, a smirk filled his face. “You’re so charming. A real people person. It’s a wonder anyone helps you.”

“I’m hot and cranky. Even my ass crack is sweating.”

“Lovely image. The faster we get you home, the faster I can undress you, so be nice to the man. Put the call on speaker. I want to hear too.”

It was the third or fourth time Tallus had alluded to taking my clothes off, and I wasn’t any more comfortable with the idea now than I was the first time he’d said it. It was a joke, right? Another one of Tallus’s games? He knew the mere notion made me squirm. He knew I struggled with our random encounters to begin with, never mind introducing nakedness and intent to the mix.

Kelly came back on the line as I pulled onto the Don Valley Parkway.

“Okay. Like I said, the toxicology report isn’t complete. As you know, these things take fucking ages, so don’t bite the head off the man trying to help you. The standard forensic testing came back as follows. Negative for opiates, amphetamines, marijuana, alcohol, and barbiturates. Therapeutic doses of codeine and promethazine were found in her blood. Diphenhydramine was found at a higher level than therapeutic but is not indicated as being in a toxic range. No lethal doses of prescription or nonprescription drugs. Hair analysis showed low-level triptans. That’s all that stands out. The rest of what they tested for were either zero or negligible. But, like I said, they are still waiting on a full report.”

“In English?”

“Triptans are often used to—”

“Help with migraines,” Tallus said, interrupting. “I take them too.”

Kelly went quiet, then, “Who the fuck is that? Diem—”

“Relax. He’s…”

“I’m consulting on the case. Acting partner. Undercover.”

“He’s fine,” Diem growled.

“If I get fired—”

“You’re not getting fired. What the fuck is promethazine?”

Kelly cleared his throat. “It has various uses, but primarily it’s found in allergy medications or anti-nausea medications. Sometimes in sleep meds. Diphenhydramine is an allergy medication.”

“Fuck. All right. Thanks.”

“Do you want the full report when it’s in?”

“No.” The important stuff was on the paper in Kelly’s hand, and it hadn’t proven my theory. Amber Wells was not high on drugs when she jumped from her balcony, and there was no immediate explanation for her odd behavior in the days leading up to her death.

It didn’t mean Tallus had a case. I could come up with a dozen far better theories for Amber’s suicide than psychic manipulation or mind control. Like fucking teenage depression. Teenage hormones. Teenage angst. Teenage stupidity. For all we knew, she’d been recently dumped by her boyfriend.

I worked my jaw, analyzing every angle. Tallus had heard the entire conversation with Kelly. It supported his stupid, convoluted theory, and even though I knew the whole thing was a waste of time, I was unexpectedly glad Kelly hadn’t proven me right.

If I had been right, Tallus’s stupid case would be over.

If I had been right, he wouldn’t have an excuse to hang around.

If I had been right, I would be one step closer to being background noise. A fleeting memory. Tallus would only put up with so much stalking and depressing midnight visits. Virtually any other man on the planet was better than me, and once he came to his senses and realized that I would never see him again.

“We’ll talk to Allan’s neighbor,” I said, exiting the parkway and aiming for the office. “Although, we don’t know if he was seeing Madame Rowena. You’re acting on a hunch.”

“Isn’t a good deal of police work based on hunches?”

“No.”

“Are you saying that because you’re hot and miserable?”

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