Page 21 of Three for a Girl

Carter met Chad’s gaze. His eyebrows twitched, then relaxed when he sighed. “She lived near me.”

“Crafts way.” Ally said.

“So you did know her?” Chad said.

“I didn’tknowher or her husband. I spoke to him a few times about cars, but that was it. I posted a with sympathy card in his mailbox, told him if there was anything I could do, I’d do it. I had no idea her killer had…” He shook his head. “Why would someone do that?”

“There’s some sick individuals in this world.”

“Do you think it might have something to do with Marcy White?”

Chad darted a look at Ally. “Marcy White?”

“The teenager in need of the kidney transplant. She’s on the local news, it’s a race against time. Thirteen-year-old, her parents are obviously distraught.”

Carter nodded. “Whether this individual is mocking our search for a suitable kidney, or they have some misplaced idea that those could be used, I don’t know.”

He looked over his shoulder, then crowded closer to Ally and Chad. “But it will be very upsetting if Marcy’s parents were to hear about this. They’ve got enough to deal with.”

“We’ll release details when it’s necessary to do so.” Ally said. “We’ll go through the CCTV, and ask the public if they saw anybody acting suspiciously outside the hospital, but we won’t mention what was in the box.”

“Good. I don’t want to cause a panic or have more press outside than usual. They’re animals.”

Chad snorted. “I agree with you there.”

“Any good news for Marcy?” Ally asked.

Carter hung his head. “No. The second there’s a suitable donor, I’ll be in that operating theatre, day or night, doing all I can to save that young girl, but time is against her. All I can do right now is make sure she’s comfortable, and her parents are receiving support.”

He turned at the knock to the door. A nurse poked her head inside. Her gaze found the evidence box before flicking up to Chad and Ally.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

“It’s okay, Val, what is it?”

“Erica and Glen are getting anxious since you’ve not updated them this morning.”

“Marcy’s parents,” he said for Ally and Chad’s benefit. “They’ll be hoping I’ve got some good news for them.” He glared at the box on the table. “Which I haven’t.”

“There’s still time.” Ally said.

He pressed his lips in a grim smile. “Time…”

Carter held out his hand to Ally. She clutched his with both of hers, squeezing the life out of him. “Don’t give up on that girl, she’s still fighting.”

“I’m not going to. Thank you…”

“DS Ally Coulson.”

He turned to Chad, offering a hand. He swallowed and forced himself to touch Carter’s hand. His hold was gentle, but even so, Chad tensed.

“Chad Fuller.”

Carter’s eyebrows shot up. He gave Chad a quick once over, then settled on Chad’s eyes. Chad imagined the doctor put the exact same sympathy into his expression when talking to Marcy’s parents.

“The one that was in the news?”

Chad stiffened, and narrowed his eyes and Carter looked away, clearing his throat.

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