The Silence That Speaks (Forensic Instincts 4)

“No.”

Everybody laughed.

“The police want to take your statement,” Patrick told her. “But they’re giving us a few minutes so you can see—and hear—what

we did.”

“The recording,” Madeline said, suddenly wide-awake.

“Yup. Here it is.” Ryan pulled out his iPad and opened the first audio track. He then backed away so Madeline could hear.

The picture remained on the spot where Ryan had set it. It was the tail end of the tragedy, and Conrad was reopening Ronald’s chest, desperately trying to stop the bleeding that was soaking the entire O.R. table.

The audio played.

“I need more suction,” Conrad was demanding. “Now.”

Ryan pressed the second track.

There was a flurry of activity as the surgical staff all raced to do their jobs.

Then the telltale third track.

The voice was quiet, but thanks to Audio Detracktor, it was crystal clear, and it was definitely Diana’s.

“Would you just die already?” she said under her breath. “What I did can’t be fixed. So die. Make our pain go away.”

Ryan stopped the recording. “There you have it. The last piece of evidence the cops need.”

Madeline’s eyes had filled with tears. “This is such a tragedy. No matter how justified Diana’s feelings were, she had no right to take a human life. I’m glad she’s in police custody. As for Janet...” Madeline sucked in her breath. “She told me everything. I can fill in all the details.”

“And you will,” Marc said. “Later. Right now, I’m giving the cops five minutes with you. And if your strength peters out before then, I’m tossing them out, too. Janet and Diana are both in custody. They can’t hurt you or Conrad anymore. The details on everything Janet said can wait.” He paused. “By the way, I called Conrad. He was stunned, but he’s very relieved that you’re okay. He’ll probably visit tomorrow. I asked him to wait.”

“Did you tell him about us?” Madeline asked.

“I’ll leave that to you. It’s your right to say whatever you choose to.”

“Thank you for that.” Madeline squeezed his hand. “He’s a good man, Marc. He’s going to be very happy for us. You’ll see.”

“Hey, are there wedding bells in the near future?” Ryan jumped in to ask.

“Oh, Ryan,” Claire groaned.

“What?” Ryan looked genuinely puzzled. “They’re crazy about each other. They have been for a decade. And they’re not getting any younger.”

“I give up.” Claire threw up her hands.

Casey coughed, trying not to laugh. Patrick was struggling to keep a straight face, as well.

“Gee, thanks,” Marc replied. But he grinned, for once unbothered by Ryan’s inappropriate comments. “How about letting Madeline and I talk about it first? Then we’ll let you know.”

“Cool,” Ryan said.

At that moment, Emma burst into the room, sans her candy-striper uniform.

“Free at last,” she said, spreading her arms wide. “A civilian yet again.” She looked immediately at Madeline. “How’s our patient?”

“Healing nicely.” Madeline clearly enjoyed Emma’s enthusiasm. She glanced at Casey. “It’s time for me to put in my two cents in a way I have no right to. I know Emma has a month and a half left of her probation, but in light of her amazing contribution to this case, I vote for cutting down some of that time.”