Omens (Cainsville 1)

Her hand started to shake. She lifted her other one and wiped away the tears. "We didn't do it, which is why I want you to help us by taking our case to those organizations."

"I will. First, I--"

The door opened again.

"Time's up," the nurse trilled, a little too cheerfully.

Gabriel met my gaze with a faint shake of his head, warning me not to tell Pamela we were investigating ourselves. She was too weak to answer questions anyway.

"I am going to pass on your case to someone," I said. "I'm just compiling what they'll need."

She nodded. Was she disappointed that I wasn't moving faster? I couldn't tell. She only assured me she could answer any questions that arose and would love the excuse to see me again, and then the nurse hustled us out.

We'd barely gotten ten steps down the hall before Gabriel asked me to wait, and he returned to speak to the officer guarding Pamela's room.

Gabriel spoke to the man, then shook his hand. It seemed an odd gesture ... until I caught a flash of green, the officer being a little less proficient at accepting a bribe than Gabriel was at giving one.

When Gabriel returned, he waved me in the other direction.

"Taking the stairs?" I said.

"Service elevators. The officer said two reporters are waiting at the front door, and he believes there's an intern by the stairwell." He paused before pushing the elevator button. "This is your last chance, Olivia. If you'd like, I can go down, see who's there and discreetly arrange a meeting around back."

"Thanks, but no. Not yet."

"As you wish."

He pushed the button.

"About doing that paperwork to visit Todd Larsen," I said.

"Yes?"

"Dealing with one long-lost serial-killer parent is enough for now. But if it's worthwhile for you to make the arrangements..."

"My secretary can handle it. So, yes, it's worthwhile. Thank you." He held open the elevator door and ushered me out. "I don't know if you're feeling up to it, but I did manage to contact Tim Marlotte--Jan Gunderson's ex-fiance. He could meet with us this evening."

"Good." I checked my watch. "If you'd drop me off at a library, I can--"

"Ms. Jones?" a voice called.

Chapter Thirty-five

I froze. The voice had come from my left. I wheeled the other way and--

And do what? Run for the nearest exit?

I adjusted my shirt, fixed on a pleasant look, and turned--to nearly smack into Gabriel's wide back.

"I'm sorry," he said as he blocked me. "Ms. Jones isn't giving interviews right now, but if I can t

ake your card, we'll be sure to consider you."

"I just want five minutes of her time, Mr. Walsh. Please. My name is--"

"I know who you are."

"Then you know I've covered several of your cases. Satisfactorily, I believe. I'd have heard from you otherwise."