Page 64 of Deathtoll

He said, “I feel better now. I don’t want to hurt her. I don’t want to hurtanyone. I just want to talk to someone who can give me some pills.”

“Okay. You know Kate doesn’t do that. Right? She told you?”

“She did.”

“How about I help you get hooked up with someone who does? A psychologist. My wife goes to therapy. Makes a big difference. She had an abusive ex who left her with some issues. I can’t even tell you how much she’s improved over the years.”

“Tried that before.” Ian dropped his gaze and kicked at the dirt before looking back up at Joe and shoving his hands into his pockets. “He was an asshole.”

Joe moved closer. “How about Maria, the psychologist here? She’s Kate’s friend. Just as nice as Kate. They do damn good work in this place.”

“You gonna let me go in?”

Joe paused. “Honestly, after last time, I don’t feel comfortable doing that. I’m sure you understand.”

“So I’d have to go back to the station.”

“I can take you. Maria might even be able to follow us right down.”

I would make sure of it,Kate thought. The last time, half the problem had been waiting for the therapist to come out from West Chester. Ian had been locked in a room all that time, getting more and more worked up, more and more anxious. That certainly hadn’t improved his already agitated state of mind.

He was calmer now.Progress.Taking a step back as he watched Joe.Not progress.

“I don’t want handcuffs.” His voice grew brittle with tension.

The negotiation was deteriorating.

Kate stepped forward from the shadows, where one of the potted evergreens by the door had mostly hidden her. “Hi, Ian!” she called from the top of the stairs as if she’d just come outside. “I’m so glad you came back.”

And then she walked down the steps and toward the two men without hesitation, radiating an all-is-well vibe for all she was worth.

Joe shot her a warning look. She kept going anyway. She wasn’t going to lose Ian again.

“How about if I go in the car with you? I’ll call Maria on the way. And I’ll stay with you at the station until she gets there.”

Ian’s gaze snapped from her to Joe. “Can she do that?”

“I’ll have to pat you down first. Make sure you’re unarmed.”

Ian held his arms out to the side. “I am.”

“Nothing personal.” Joe stepped forward. “I have to be sure.”

He was quick, but not abrupt, careful, no sudden movements. “All right,” he said as he straightened. “Cuffs next.”

Ian’s gaze darted to Kate. He looked ready to bolt.

She stepped closer. “Are cuffs really necessary?”

“Anybody gets a ride in the back of the car gets cuffed,” Joe said, keeping himself between them. “Standard procedure. It’s what we do, no exceptions. Like the Army, man,” he told Ian. “You get your orders, you follow your orders. My orders are, people in the back get cuffed.”

“I’ll be right there with you,” Kate added. “Don’t focus on the cuffs. By the time we’re done catching up, we’ll be at the station.”

A moment of tension-laden silence passed. Then Ian put his wrists together behind his back. “All right.”

Kate had to give it to Joe, he managed to be quick once again, without giving off any aggressive or threatening vibes. He even added, “Comfortable?”

Ian shot him a baleful glance.