Taking My Secrets with Me.
Plot 153, Garden of Memories
Things were absolutely not looking up.
After the tour—which did not involve the friendly chit chat she’d anticipated—Beau zoomed off to gather the necessary supplies, with a promise to return on Monday. But Monday came and went, and he never showed. And yes, he’d said, “Monday. Probably.” Still! A call wouldn’t be amiss.
Special Agent Ryan hadn’t called, either, so he didn’t know she was continuing her investigation. That she’d scheduled an appointment with Dr. Garcia on Tuesday. Mr. Special Agent didn’t know the fleur-de-lys had become a thorn in her brain, constantly pricking her thoughts. What did it mean to the person who’d painted it? And why hadn’t the agent called her? Had the Ladling curse mutated and strengthened and now affected every relationship, big and small, romantic and nonromantic?
Maybe fate expected her to spend the rest of her life in flux, always expecting the worst. A cosmic punishment for a crime committed by her ancestor. And she wasn’t being dramatic about this. Nope. She only reacted to the circumstances forced upon her.
Just as she exited the shower on the morning of her appointment, the Aurelian Hills Medical Clinic number popped up on her cell phone. Hmm. They’d never called her before an appointment before. Had Emma seen Jane’s name on the schedule and raised an alarm? Did the entire staff suspect her of wrongdoing? Of being well and seeking answers?
“Hello?” she said, hesitant.
“I’m calling for Jane Ladling.”
“I am she. I mean, me. I am me. I mean, I’m Jane.” Goodness gracious. Get yourself together!
“Hi, Jane.” The soft, feminine voice developed a friendly pitch. “This is Caroline Whittington, Dr. Garcia’s physician’s assistant here at the medical center. I’m sorry to call so early, but this couldn’t wait.”
“No problem.” PA Caroline Whittington. An employee Jane had never met. Was this a scam, then? A way to gain access to her medical records? Although she hadn’t visited the clinic in more than a year, so updating was probably necessary. Jane decided to test her. “So good to hear from you again.”
“Again? Please, forgive me but I don’t recall speaking to you before this.”
Okay. That tracked. Wait. Her cemetery training kicked in. Always start with kindness. “How may I help you?”
“I’m afraid Dr. Garcia is unable to see you today. Yesterday evening someone spray-painted the clinic, as well as our vehicles. He’s involved in clean-up.”
“Spray paint, you say.” Her back went ramrod straight. “Tell me everything. The color. The image or words.”
“Oh. Um. The perpetrator drew a fleur-de-lys. Blue, I think. Or maybe green.”
Fleur-de-lys again. Most likely blue. Prick, prick, prick. Gah! Why did this matter? Was there something here or not? “Do you know who did it? Or maybe you have a suspect? A clue? Do you know why they did it?”
“No suspects or clues.” A pause. “Do you know who did it or why?”
Uh-oh. From sweet tone to accusatory, as if Jane hoped to cover her own tracks. “I noticed the same symbol spray-painted on other cars and got curious.” Truth.
The response must have pacified the other woman. Tone softer, she said, “My apologies for snapping at you. As you can imagine, this is a tough time. Someone in town is targeting random people, marking buildings and cars with a ridiculous lily flower, doing thousands of dollars in damage. And to what purpose? Why hurt those of us mourning the loss of Dr. Hotchkins?” A choking sound clogged the line, as if the assistant was fighting tears.
Sympathy churned in Jane’s stomach. “I’m so sorry for your loss.” Forget the investigation for a moment. Loss hurt. This PA had clearly cared about her coworker. But maybe a wee bit too much? Had they been friends or something more?
Okay, so, Jane wasn’t forgetting the investigation anytime soon.
“Thank you. The entire town feels the sting of this one, I’m sure.” Caroline sniffled, then cleared her throat. “Did you know him?”
Know, as in the biblical sense? “I know his wife.” Did you know him? Jane went ahead and etched Caroline Whittington into her mental list of suspects.
“A lovely woman. How devastated she must be.” Silence stretched for a moment as Caroline seemed to collect herself. “Now then. The reason I called. If you are amenable, I’m happy to see you at the scheduled time.”
“I am amenable, yes. I’ll be there.” Emma aided both Dr. Hotchkins and the PA. Two birds, one stone. “I appreciate your willingness to see me last minute, Caroline.”
“My pleasure. I’ll see you at ten, Miss Ladling.”
Oops. They weren’t on a first name basis? “Can’t wait.” And she couldn’t. At first. Jane enjoyed low-grade anticipation most of the morning. By the time she reached the clinic, however, she was battling a nervous stomach. What ailment brought her to see the good doctor? What wouldn’t require a needle? And what questions should she ask Emma? Not to mention new suspect Caroline?