Page 78 of Girl Between
George bumped his shoulder against hers. “Come on. Our hands are tied till Shepard gets off the phone, and you know how chatty he can be.”
That earned him a genuine smile, which had been all he’d really wanted. It was quick and fleeting, but it flooded him with warmth all the same. He knew he should be keeping his distance from the ‘complicated’ Dr. Gray, but it was easier said than done.
“The car was my father’s,” she began.
And just like that, George let himself get pulled back in.
73
I stepout into the humid air, letting the city’s familiar hum envelop me. Every corner, every alleyway holds a story, a secret. And I intend to keep it that way. That’s why I’m ignoring his frantic phone call. But still, our earlier conversation echoes in my mind.
“They know!”
“What do you mean they know?”
“They said TNC!”
“So?”
“So how many people do you think know how to practice transnasal craniotomies in Louisiana? It’s an antiquated procedure. It’s only a matter of time before they figure it out.”
“Then you better find a way to throw them off our trail.”
“How?”
“Figure it out.”
“And if I can’t?”
“You know what happens ifyou can’t.”
I crack my knuckles,then my neck. It doesn’t relieve stress anymore, but I do it anyway. Habits are hard to break.
My mind flashes back to her and our little run in at the cemetery.
Is she the one who pointed the needle my way?
I had a feeling she would be a problem.
No matter.
I’m good at eliminating problems.
Besides, this is only a blip. The tip of the iceberg so to speak. If they knew,really knewwhat I am capable of …
I close my eyes, taking a deep breath, letting the memories of my life’s work wash over me. They’ll uncover what I’ve done eventually. But I still have time. And I intend to use it.
74
Jake sauntered over,his long legs kicking up dust in the sunbaked parking lot. As usual, his poker face gave away nothing. He’d been on the phone for a long time. Dana didn’t know if that was good or not.
She watched him unwrap a stick of cinnamon gum and murder it between his molars, a sure sign of his aggravation.
“What’s the word?” George asked when Jake joined them at Dana’s car.
“Unofficially, the FBI agreed to move this case up the chain.”
“What does that mean?” Dana asked.
