Page 63 of Meant to Be
“What about the doctor from Jordan?”
“So she told you about that?” Patrick shook his head. “I don’t know anything about him. Although, I did express concern to her when he showed up. The fact that the police haven’t arrested him suggests he didn’t do it.”
“No, it only suggests there isn’t evidence.” Mitch remembered Detective Fletcher’s comment that the doctor’s alibi was soft. Patrick’s alibi for yesterday was even softer, which meant he remained on the list, right next to Jagger.
A knock on the door had Patrick rising. “My lunch.”
“Eating alone?” It was snarky, and Mitch hated that the situation brought it out of him.
“I’m leading the next session, and I like a little solitude to focus my mind.”
“That’s my cue to go. If you think of anything, let me know.” Mitch handed him his card.
“Of course. I assume I can tell my sister Sydney is safe in your protection.”
“Of course.”
Mitch opened the door and moved aside for the room service waiter before stepping out.
“Think about what I said, Mitch.”
Patrick had said a lot, but Mitch decided he was talking about his feelings for Sydney. He gave a nod and headed toward the elevator.
It took him forty-five minutes to get out of Washington, D.C. He was in Virginia, but traffic was moving so slowly, he could pitch a sign and open a used car lot. It was still early afternoon, but there was no telling when he’d approach anything near the speed limit, which made it difficult to predict how long before he’d make it back.
The lull gave him the opportunity to call and check in with Sydney.
“Whew! You just caught me.”
“You okay?” His heart jumped at the breathlessness in her voice.
“I’m fine. I was just getting back from checking on a patient in the clinic and had to run up the hall when I heard my phone ringing.”
“You didn’t bring your phone with you?”
“I was in a rush to get to the hospital and left it here.”
“Don’t do that.” His voice was terser than it needed to be, but it was dangerous to be without a phone when someone wanted to kill her.
“I’m okay, Mitch.”
He couldn’t tell if she was resigned or annoyed.
“Did you learn anything in Washington?”
He scanned his mind for words that didn’t make him sound like a jealous lover. “Patrick’s alibi is weak.”
“He said you’d say so.”
“So he called?”
“Yes. Just before I went to the hospital. He was angry I hadn’t told him about yesterday, but, of course, my mind was in a whirl.”
“And clouded by moonshine.”
“Yes, well, I didn’t mention that part. Julia called me today and I told her, so, of course, she had to contact him.”
“She wants him to drive down and protect you.” Mitch bit his lip, hoping she wouldn’t say she wanted Patrick.
