Page 60 of Deathtoll

Unfortunately, that ended her good vibes.

“We can’t give out information on a patient. I’m sorry,” the man on the other end said.

“I’m his neighbor. Can I at least visit him today?”

“Family only.”

“Neighbors are practically family. I don’t know where you live, but we’re talking about Broslin here.”

“Your name is not on the emergency contact list.”

“But you contacted his son, right?”

“We haven’t been able to reach him. Or his other emergency contact.”

Mr. Mauro had only one son. Who was the other contact?

Oh God.

“The other contact is Betty Gardner, isn’t it? She died last week.”

The silence on the other end confirmed Kate’s suspicion.

“Look.” She used her firmest tone. “Mr. Mauro’s son works on oil wells in Alaska. Even when you do reach him, it’ll take him days to get here. Betty is gone. That poor man needs to see a friendly face. I need to bring him some clean clothes and toiletries…”

“I’ll talk to his doctor and see if we can put your name on the visitor list.”

“Thank you.”Finally. Something.

Joe Kessler, another one of Broslin PD’s finest—former high school football star, still practically worshipped—stuck his head in. “Captain said I should check in on you.”

Kate put down her phone. “Everything is fine here. I take it Ian hasn’t been found yet?”

“Matter of time. Want me to hang around?”

“I don’t think that’s necessary, but thank you.”

“All right. I’ll be in the neighborhood. Call if you need anything.”

As Joe left and Kate finished her coffee, her first patient for the day arrived. Kate had three sessions before noon. Whatever else had gone wrong that morning, all three went off without a hitch.

The first thing she did on her lunch break was to call Emma, but her sister still wasn’t answering her calls. So, on her way back from the cafeteria, Kate stopped by the vending machine and grabbed some chocolate and took it back to her desk. Her stomach was improving finally, soothed by her new, restricted diet. She was back on chocolate. The smell no longer roiled her stomach. Thank God, because she didn’t know how she would survive the day without it.

Maria hurried by, caught Kate with the chocolate bar halfway to her mouth, and grinned.

“I’m not using chocolate as a crutch!” Kate yelled after her. “We’re in a committed relationship!”

She finished the bar, thought about going back for another one, but then talked herself out of it. Her favorite jeans were snug already. As much weight as she’d lost while she’d been figuring out her gluten intolerance issues, she’d gained the pounds back and a few extra ones lately.

When her phone rang, she grabbed it, hoping Emma was calling her back at last. Instead, a ghost rose from her past.

The name on the display made Kate’s throat close. Her heart lurched into a panicked gallop. Anxiety tightened her muscles. Where was all the damn air?

“Agent Cirelli,” she said as she picked up, her voice embarrassingly weak. “It’s been a while.”

“How are you, Kate?”

“Okay. But I have a terrible premonition that I’ll be worse in a minute.”