Burn (Steel Brothers Saga 5)

“If your theory is correct, and Gina didn’t kill herself, it’s just as likely that whoever did kill her also attacked you. And that most likely was not Dr. Cates.”

“Or perhaps her parents murdered her. Who knows? From what she told me, they were very distant parents. Not affectionate at all. Of course, that doesn’t mean they’re killers.”

“No, it doesn’t,” I agreed.

“Besides,” Melanie said, “the guy who took me basically told me he was a hired assassin. I believe the words he used were ‘I wouldn’t stay in business for long if I weaseled out of a job for more money. No one would trust me.’”

“So that could mean one of two things,” I said. “Either he was a hired killer, or he was lying to you. And I’m thinking that when someone kills for a living or for sport, he’s already thrown caution to the wind and would have no problem lying.”

That got a small smile out of her. “You’re right.”

I gripped her shoulders, turning her toward me. “You don’t have to be afraid. I will be with you, and I will not let him harm you. I will never, ever let anyone harm you again. Do you hear me?”

She nodded, biting her lip.

“All right. Are you ready?”

She nodded again. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”

We got out of the car, and Melanie held on to my arm as we walked to the door of his townhome. He was on the end of a triplex, which was good. A neighbor on only one side.

I knocked on the door loudly.

We heard some shuffling behind the door, but no one opened it.

I tried the doorbell next, pressing it twice.

Still no response.

No screen door separated me from the wooden door, so I pounded with all my might on the wooden door.

He was there. I could feel it in my bones.

Melanie shivered beside me. Damn it, we had come all this way. He was going to talk to us.

“Hey!” I shouted. “Open this goddamned door, or I swear to God I’ll kick it in!”

No response again.

“I fucking warned you!”

Melanie tugged on my arm. “Jonah…”

“Don’t worry,” I said to her. Then, “I meant it. I’m going to kick down this fucking door!”

I stepped back, focused, let out a scream, and aimed a sidekick at the door. It didn’t budge.

I closed my eyes, breathing deep, visualized myself kicking that door off its hinges, and then let out another cry and side-kicked the door once again.

The wood cracked.

As I readied to kick once more, the door flew open. A man, who I assumed was Dr. Cates, stood there, a look of fear and indignation across his face.

“Are you insane?” he said to me.

“Just a hair short of it.” I pushed him out of the way and walked into the townhome, Melanie holding on to my arm again. “I’m Jonah Steel. And you know Dr. Carmichael.”

“What the hell are you doing here? I was perfectly within my rights to file a complaint with the medical board against you.”