Page 39 of One
“Because I don’t want someone to leak the video to the press.”
Just like he wanted the police officers to leave his name out of the attempted robbery. He doesn’t want the media attention on him.
“This is far from a coincidence,” Rami intervenes. “That guy wants something from you. And he seems desperate, which makes him dangerous.”
“What could he possibly want from me? I’m not rich; have nothing of value.” My voice is full of disbelief, but the fear I felt before is crawling back up my spine.
“It must be something linked to your job. Look.” He points to the computer screen on my desk. “He left the file open containing this month’s deceased patients’ information.” Rami is right. “He also went through your filing cabinet. Maybe looking for more.”
Raph adds, “But he left that sample room pristine.”
“And tried to open the vault,” I chip in.
“At the convenience store he went for the cash first. He must need money,” I think out loud.
“Or he was just trying to divert the attention from what he truly wanted.” Rami’s suggestion isn’t crazy.
“So, you think I’m in danger.”
“Probably.” Rami just shrugs. Making no big deal of things when they are, in reality, fucking huge issues must be a family trait. “I’ll check those patients’ information and see if I can find something.”
“I won’t let you out of my sight until we get him.” The promise is clear in Raph’s piercing gaze.
But what happens afterwards? Will he leave me? Instead of focusing on the likely peril threatening my life, I’m worried about losing a four-day-long, insane relationship. I mean, we haven’t even fucked.
“Well, in the meantime Meg has demanded your presence for dinner,” Rami says.
“Meg?” I look at both of them in question.
“You didn’t tell him?” Rami throws at Raph, incredulity dripping from his voice.
I cast a confused look at Raph. His jaw is clenched, and he’s giving his brother a cold stare.
“Don’t give me that murderous gaze. You had four fucking days to tell him who your mother is.”
Mother? Meg. Can she be my Meg? Megan Bear. Six kids. Bear-Stone Labs. Raphael has five brothers. My brain is firing too many clues at the same time. “Megan Bear is your mother?” I gasp. How could I not make the connection? I’m such a lousy detective. “What the hell? Did you know I’m friends with her?” Raph opens his mouth, but I cut him off. “Of course you knew. Why didn’t you tell me? I don’t understand.”
“Because I was checking on her the night you met her at Marnie’s,” Raph says simply.
“I don’t… What?” My brain is doing the equivalent of catching flies at the moment.
“She didn’t tell us about going to Grand View to meet a new doctor.”
“Dr. Sallinger, the immune pathologist. She’s in good hands.” I feel the need to say it, even though this still doesn’t make sense.
“You know about her lupus?” Rami asks.
“She told me last time I saw her. But only because she had a coughing fit. I’m a nosy doctor,” I say, trying to defend her. Rami nods, but the worry lines between his eyebrows remain.
“I still don’t understand what her health has to do with me.” I turn to Raph again.
“How did you meet her?” Rami asks me.
I sigh, annoyed, but decide to go with it. “I met her in the cafeteria at the hospital. We both like cakes, and the hospital’s are terrible. She suggested Marnie’s. It became kind of a friendly ritual.”
“Every Friday. And that’s it?”
“What else could it be? I’m one-hundred percent gay!” I half-yell at Rami’s stupid question.
