Page 34 of Seven Deadly Sins

Harper bit intoher chicken sandwich and caught the amused glance of a dowdy woman a couple of tables over. She smiled around her bite and averted her gaze. Maybe she’d committed some kind of bad table manner rule.

“The first address isn’t too far, but one is over an hour away.” She took a big drink of her soda. “It’ll be a long day if we question all three today.”

“I say we do. Something else might come up tomorrow.” Liam dipped a fry into ketchup. “There will come a time when the perp has us running at full speed instead of toying with us.”

True. She caught the other woman’s gaze again. “That woman keeps staring at me.”

“She probably recognizes you from the news.” He wadded up his garbage. “Ready?”

With another glance at the woman she now considered rude, she nodded and got to her feet. She tossed their garbage in a nearby trash can. By now, the woman had a full grin on her round face.

Harper frowned. Was she supposed to know her from somewhere?

“Come on.” Liam put a hand at her waist and steered her to the jeep.

The back of her neck prickled as she got in. When she glanced back again, the woman was gone. She shook off the notion she should know who she was and put her mind back on the task in front of them.

“First name on the list is Larry Moore. Prostate cancer thirty years ago. Resides in an assisted living home now.” Hopefully, he was of sound enough mind to answer their questions.

When they reached the facility, a receptionist guided them to the dining room. “He never misses a meal. You’ll find him over there at the table in the corner. He’s the one wearing the tie.”

Harper arched a brow at the sight of the old man in a button up shirt, tie, and coordinating sweater. “Mr. Moore, I’m Detective Scranton. This is Special Agent Liam McConnell. May we ask you a few questions?”

He wiped his mouth with a napkin. “Please. Sit.”

“We can wait until you’ve finished with your meal.”

“No, I’m done.” He smiled. “I’m always willing to help the authorities. Used to be a cop myself back in the day.”

They sat. Harper folded her hands on top of the table. “We’re questioning patients of two doctors. Doctor McConnell and Doctor Scranton. Do you remember them?”

“Same name as you two. Sure, I remember. It isn’t every day a man gets diagnosed with cancer. Those two saved my life.”

This man had no reason to hate the former doctors. “Do you know of anyone who had been dissatisfied with their services?”

“I doubt those who died were very happy.” He laughed at his joke. “What’s this about?”

Liam leaned forward. “Have you heard of the killings in Oakdale?”

“Of course. Got yourselves a serial killer, kind of.”

“What do you mean?” Liam’s brow furrowed.

“Seems like hired killings to me. At least that’s what my cop instinct says.”

Harper raised her brows. The man was good. “You are correct, sir.” She grinned. “But, that is not common knowledge.”

“I won’t say anything.” He pretended to lock his lips. “What’s this got to do with my doctors?”

“It’s a long shot, but we think the man responsible for the killings has a grievance against my grandfather and the agent’s father. That’s why he’s brought us together.” Harper straightened in her seat expecting Mr. Moore to tell her she chased the wrong thread.

Instead, he folded his arms and studied her face. “Someone who lost someone important to them to cancer and wants the two of you to pay for his loss. Seems to me you should be looking through the files of those who died.”

Harper smiled. “That’s why we’re asking the questions. We have someone working on that list.” In fact, she’d be willing to bet her grandfather hadn’t forgotten the names of a single patient he lost. She’d ask her dad if he’d left anything behind with that information. “Anyone come to mind?”

“There were a few that passed away while I underwent treatment.” He waved over an orderly. “Could you bring me a pen and paper, please?”

“Right away.” She patted his shoulder and hurried away. She returned a few seconds later with a small spiral notebook and a pen.