Orchid Beach (Holly Barker 1)

“Sure, Chief, glad to,” Weathers said. “I’m comfortable with her, too.”

She had hardly sat down at her desk when Jane Grey and Hurd Wallace were in her office. She gave them a rundown of the scene at Hank Doherty’s place. Hurd nodded and went back to his desk; Jane sat down, practically in tears.

“What a terrible day,” she said. “I just can’t believe all this has happened.”

“I know,” Holly said. “Have you heard anything on the ballistics?”

“Oh, no. I expect it will be tomorrow, probably late in the day, before we hear anything.”

“Anything from Dr. Harper yet?”

“Nothing.”

“You know the number at the hospital?”

“I’ll dial it for you,” Jane said. When they were on the line, she handed Holly the phone.

“May I speak with Dr. Green, please? This is Deputy Chief Barker from Orchid Beach Police.” There was a pause, and the doctor came on the line.

“Yes, Chief?”

“I just wondered if there had been any change in the chief’s condition,” Holly said.

“Not as yet; to tell you the truth, I’d be surprised if there had been. He’s still in a coma. Certainly the anesthetic wore off a long time ago.”

“Thanks, Doctor. Please keep me posted.” She hung up.

“Anything?” Jane asked.

“Nothing yet. He’s still the same. Jane, will you type up a press release and fax it to all the local media, saying that we’d like to hear from anyone who passed along the relevant part of A1A between eleven and eleven-twenty last night, who might have seen two cars at the side of the road?”

“Sure. Oh, I forgot—Charlie Peterson called. He got the city council to put up a ten-thousand-dollar reward for any information leading to arrest and conviction.”

“Great, put that in the release, too, and get it out as soon as you can.”

“Hank Doherty had a daughter,” Jane said.

“I’ve already talked with her; she’ll be here tomorrow. If she comes in while I’m out, find me. I’d like to talk to her.”

“What’s happened to Daisy?”

“She’s out in the parking lot with Jimmy Weathers. I’ll take her home with me tonight. I’d hate to put her in the animal shelter. She seems like such a sensitive creature.”

“She’s a marvel. Lots of people know her, especially around here. Hank used to bring her into the station, but he hasn’t been around for months.”

Holly glanced at her watch. “I think I’m going to call it a day, and so should you as soon as you get that release out.”

“I will, don’t worry.”

The phone on Holly’s desk buzzed, and she picked it up.

“Chief, Dr. Harper’s on the phone for you.”

“Thanks.” Holly pushed the flashing button. “Doctor?”

“Evening, Chief. I’m done.”

“What’s the story?”