Page 19 of So Wicked

“The clinic Dr. Patel worked at is on the other side of downtown,” Slade informed them. “She was close friends with another doctor there, Emma Rodriguez. I was just on my way to question her when you showed up and saved my life.” He glanced at Faith. “What changed your mind?”

“I didn’t feel good about leaving you guys out to dry. Especially with a crazy like this on the loose.”

“Well, we’re glad to have you. Honestly, the pace at which these killings are happening concerns me. I’m afraid we’re going to have another body show up before too long if we don’t put a stop to this.”

"Me too," Faith admitted. "Hopefully, Dr. Rodriguez can give us something we can use."

“Your mouth to God’s ears.”

They reached the Indianapolis Animal Hospital Emergency Medical Clinic—Carmel Branch six minutes later. When Turk saw the sign, he began to wag his tail and bark eagerly.

“Never seen a dog excited to see the vet before,” Slade remarked.

“My boyfriend is a vet,” Faith explained. “He’s also Turk’s doctor. They get along really well.”

“That’s good. That’ll make moving in together easier.” Faith’s reaction must have showed on her face because he quickly said, “Ouch. Sorry about that. I’m not very good at minding my own business, I’m afraid. That’s why I became a detective.”

“It’s fine,” Faith said. “And Iamglad that they like each other.”

The emergency clinic was a lot busier than Faith would have expected from a city this small. Dozens of pets and their owners sat in the waiting room or stood in line to sign in for an appointment. Nurses flitted in and out, moving the patients through with brisk efficiency. It reminded Faith a lot more of an actual human hospital than David’s clinic. Although she supposed the Philadelphia Animal Hospital was just about as busy.

“Are they always this packed on a Wednesday?”

“This is the first time I’ve been here, but Carmel’s a big dog town. Lots of upper-middle-class people with their purse dogs and families with their big dogs. And this is the only branch of the animal hospital for Carmel and Westfield.”

“Got it. Here’s hoping Dr. Rodriguez has time to see us.”

“She’ll have to make time.”

“Fair enough.”

As it turned out, Dr. Rodriguez was more than happy to make time. The three agents only had to wait a few minutes before Dr. Rodriguez herself stepped into the waiting room and called them back.

Behind the counter, the clinic was just as busy. Barks, meows, snarls, hisses, squawks, and various other sounds greeted the detectives as Dr. Rodriguez led them to her office. Turk shot Faith a concerned look when they passed one door to find a terrified puppy struggling to escape a nurse who was giving it probably its first vaccination shots.

Once in the office, Dr. Rodriguez sighed and gave Turk a slight smile. "Hey, boy. Sorry, I couldn't introduce myself properly outside. I'm Dr. Emma."

She extended a hand, and Turk shook it. She stooped in front of him and gave him a quick visual inspection, no doubt a habit for a vet with man years of experience. Turk behaved well for the inspection, used to this kind of treatment his entire life. K9swere subject to a robust battery of exams at least once a year and usually more often than that, on top of the typical routine medical exams.

“Strong teeth,” she commented. “Good muscle tone. Clear eyes. Joints seem fine. He’s in good shape for a dog who’s been a K9 for… I’m guessing six years now?”

“Closer to seven. He recently turned nine.”

Emma nodded appreciatively. “He looks good. You take good care of him.”

“Thank you.” Faith smiled at Turk and ruffled his fur.

Slade interjected. “I understand that you were close with Dr. Lisa Patel?”

Emma’s smile faded. “Yes. We were good friends.”

“I’m very sorry for your loss.”

Emma nodded. “Thank you.”

“We’ll try to keep this brief,” Faith said. “I’m sure you have a full plate today, and I don’t want to pull you away from your patients.”

"Not so full a plate for me, actually. I'm mostly clearing up some paperwork, then I'm going home. It's going to be a little while before I see patients again, I'm afraid." Her eyes squeezed shut, and tears welled in them. "I just saw her yesterday. Like… Ijustsaw her.”

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