INK: Abstraction Read online

  Miranda looks up from his abdomen devoid of organs. “What?”

  “Nigel, he’s a…was a reporter.”

  She does a double take and her eyes widen. She blows out a breath. “Wow, you knew him.”

  “Sort of, he was a friend of McNab’s,” I tell her, unable to pull my eyes away from Nigel.

  “Nigel Taylor?” She studies his face closer. “Huh, yeah I see it now. Well, McNab always tried to warn him he would cross the wrong person one day.” She’s very unaffected by all of this. I’ve gotten more upset about a fly in my soup than she seems to be about a human being lying dead and mutilated before her. She looks up at me. “But you spent time with him? Did Shay?”

  “She met him once in Tampa.” I recall Eli’s attitude toward Nigel. “Eli didn’t much care for him.”

  “Did Nigel do something to Shay?” she asks, poking around inside Nigel’s abdomen with forceps.

  “I remember hearing something about Nigel printing a story about Shayleigh, Aiden and Eli.”

  “I’m assuming it wasn’t exactly a flattering fluff piece.” She glances up at me quick. “Was it pretty damning?”

  “I don’t remember everything about the article, but it implied that Shay was violent toward the boys.”

  She forces a sarcastic laugh. “’The boys’, huh? Eli seems like a grown man to me.”

  “They’ll always be the boys to me. You watch a kid grow into a man, but you never stop seeing the boy that he was,” I answer, even though I’m starting to believe she lacks the capacity for real human emotions.

  “Tell me more about Aiden.” She’s preoccupied with the body, is she actually making small talk?

  “Not much to tell really except that he’s out of the picture, for now.” A flash of anger threatens in my voice. “He does that, disappears for a period of time then shows back up.”

  “Do you know where he is now?” Miranda eyes me accusingly.

  “No, we never know where he goes.”

  “Interesting.” She returns to her grisly task. “Oh, what is this?” She’s holding Nigel’s mouth open and pulls out a shard of glass. She holds up the green shaded glass to the light, examining it. “Huh, what do you make of this?”

  “What is that?” I ask, putting my glasses on to get a clearer view.

  “Not sure, it looks like it’s from a glass soda bottle.” She lays it on the table and looks in his mouth again, but this time with a flashlight. Her eyes light up and she picks up the forceps and slides them into his mouth and pulls out a slip of paper. “It was put in postmortem; it’s not very wet.”

  “What does it say?” I’m hoping Shay’s name isn’t on it.

  She carefully unfolds and reads it slowly. “Garbage in, garbage out.”

  Miranda and I exchange a puzzled look until I have a terrible thought. It can’t be, and I really hope that isn’t the answer. “What is it Harry? What are you thinking?”

  “Well, ‘garbage in, garbage out,’ there’s only one thing I can think of if it’s meant to be a clue.” I hesitate.

  “I was thinking the same thing.” She pulls her lips to the side and gets to work on pulling the flap of skin back together on his abdomen. “Only one way to find out, help me roll him over.”

  “I was hoping I was the only one thinking that.” I cringe while I get a pair of gloves off the work table. “Okay, on three. One, two, three.” I pull his body toward mine, exposing Nigel’s hind end to Miranda. Thankfully she makes quick work and is rewarded with a small slip of newspaper.

  I roll Nigel back over and follow Miranda to the lit magnifying glass. The slip is a tiny roll that’s about eight inches when unfurled. She reads it slowly.

  “’Never again.’” She looks at me quizzically. “What do you think it means?”

  “I don’t know.” I step in closer and study the print on the newspaper. Shayleigh’s name is mentioned along with Aiden and Eli. My first instinct is to keep quiet about what I see. This is the paper that Shay was so upset about and the reason Eli hated Nigel.

  “Hmm.” She looks around until she sees a small evidence bag she can drop the paper in. “I think we’ll be taking this with us.”

  “You can’t take that, it’s evidence.” The cop in me kicks in, even though a part of me knows that the cops finding it wouldn’t be in Shayleigh’s best interest. But is Miranda having it a good idea?

  “Don’t get your knickers in a twist, Harry, I’m going to make sure it makes it’s way back. I just want to get some info from it first,” she says, slipping the bag into her jacket pocket. Her cell phone starts beeping. She scrambles to the drawer and covers Nigel. She slides the drawer back in. “Time for us to go.”

  I follow her out of the morgue, protesting. “Miranda, you can’t just go in there and take evidence.”

  She’s walking at a fast clip. “Harry, we need the upper hand on this so we know how to proceed.”

  “But tampering with evidence…” I hesitate when she hands me the bag from her pocket.

  “Here, Harry, you hold on to it. I think we need to know what’s on this before anyone else touches it. We need to know that whatever we get will be actual results, not something cooked up by your old cronies down at the precinct.”

  “Miranda, this is wrong.” I stop and take her by the arm. “We can’t do this.”

  “Harry, in the wrong hands this is very dangerous for your daughter. It’s our job to make sure it stays in the right hands.” She tugs her arm away from me and continues walking down the corridor leaving me pondering whether or not her having it is the “right or wrong hands.”

  ***

  A middle-aged man with hospital credentials attached to his pocket is coming from Shayliegh’s room when I reach the door. “Mr. Baynes, can I have a word with you?”

  “Dr. Green, right?” I ask, looking at his badge.

  “Yes, I didn’t have a chance to really talk with you earlier.” He leads me to a lobby down the hall.

  “How is she doing?” My question is full of caution; I know how these things can go with the victims.

  “She’s…” he hesitates a moment, “She’s okay, but I have some real concerns. She’s going to need aftercare.”

  “I understand, she’s been through a lot,” I concede.

  “Some of what I’m hearing from her can’t be explained simply by this instance of violence.” Dr. Green puts the tip of the pen in his mouth, formulating his next thought. “Does she have a history of schizophrenia or delusions of grandeur?”

  “Well, no.” I’m taken aback by his question. “Do you think she’s schizophrenic?”

  “There’s a possibility. It’s best for me to continue to see her and run the proper tests to determine whether or not she’s suffering from a type of PTSD I’ve never seen before or perhaps some other mental illness that has not manifested itself as blatantly as it has now.” He awaits my protests. Honestly, he’s not going to get any argument from me. I’d like to know what the hell is wrong with her.

  “Will she need to stay in the hospital longer or can she do this outpatient?”

  “I’m signing off that she’s able to be discharged, but the final decision is Dr. Kendrick’s.” He extends his hand toward me. “Thank you, Mr. Baynes, and I’ll have my secretary set up her appointments so we can continue treatment.”

  I’m left bewildered with all of this, could it be that she’s having a real mental breakdown? Of course she is, who wouldn’t? When I reach her door, I inhale a cleansing breath before I enter. I can hear laughter coming from inside the room. My heart lightens at hearing her able to feel some type of happiness.

  “Hey Doodlebug.” I walk to the side of her bed and kiss her forehead.

  “Hey Daddy,” she smiles up at me. “I think they’re going to let me loose today.”

  “That would be wonderful.” I sit in the chair. “Have you thought about where you’d like to go?”

  She looks down at her hands then to Eli expectantly. “I think I’d like to
go home.” She pauses and looks at Eli. “To Eli’s, if that’s okay with you.”

  Eli’s shoulders relax and he takes up one of her hands. “Of course it’s okay. I want you to come home, but I want it to be your decision.”

  “Is that really best?” Eli should be encouraging her to come home with me where she belongs.

  “Yes, Daddy, I think it would be best for me. Besides, there’s not enough room at your house for Carl and McNab.”

  “True.” Eli tenses up again, but the look in his eyes indicates that he knows they are all a package deal.

  “Yup, package deal,” Shay says, smiling.

  “What was that?” Eli and I exchange a look.

  “I just think it best that until we defeat the Specter we all remain close to one another,” she says as though she’s in charge.

  “What do you mean, the Specter? Are you talking about your comic?” She cannot be diverting blame for all that’s happening to some fantasy she’s cooked up.

  “Yes, Dad, I have to defeat him and Carl is going to help me.” Her new attitude has me deeply concerned, especially after talking to Dr. Green about delusions of grandeur. Hearing her talk now, I’m growing even more concerned about her mental health.

  “Listen, sweetheart, I think you need to lay off the Specter business when you are talking to Dr. Green.” I rest my hand on hers.

  “Oh, he thinks I’m as crazy as a loon.” She rolls her eyes. “But I got it. I’ll be sure to tone it down.”

  After a brief knock on the door a woman carrying a tray enters the room. “Dinner time.”

  “Good, I’m starving, hopefully it’s something yummy.” Shayleigh lifts the top off the plate. “Or not.” She deflates back on the bed.

  “Sorry hun.” The woman pulls her lips to one side and says in a low volume, “I don’t know that I’d eat that either.”

  They both enjoy a laugh. A nurse joins us. “Miss Baynes, good news. It looks like you’ll be going home in the morning.” She makes a note of Shay’s vital signs as she speaks.

  “Whoo hoo.” Shay’s relief plays all over her face. “Home, sweet home. But why tomorrow?”

  “We are waiting for Dr. Green to finish the paperwork on your evaluation and recommendation for treatment. So you’re stuck with us for one more night.”

  I can’t help but notice how quiet Carl and Eli are being. It makes me wonder what I’m missing. There also seems to be some sort of silent exchange between Shay and Carl. I’m feeling like the odd man out. “It’s just one more night, sweetheart.”

  “Yup,” Shayleigh smiles, “I can cope.”

  “I hope you get to feeling better, I’m about to go off shift and I won’t see you tomorrow. But take care,” the nurse says, looking at Shayleigh thoughtfully.

  “Thank you so much, Rebecca, I really appreciate all you’ve done,” Shayleigh says with sincerity.

  Once the nurse leaves I look over at Eli and motion for the hallway. I need to talk to him about what Dr. Green had to say and who I found in the morgue. “Eli, let’s go get our girl something decent to eat.” I turn to Carl. “Did you want anything?”

  Carl shakes his head. “No, I’m fine.”

  “Thank you, Daddy.” Shayleigh grins from ear to ear.

  ***

  Eli closes the door and we head for the elevator. He’s stiff with tension. “We have a problem.”

  “We have several problems.” Eli bores into me with his eyes.

  “Look, Eli, I’m not sure what’s going on with you, but you’d better get your priorities straight.” I stop and return his stare.

  “Harry, my only priority is Shay. My goals have not become convoluted. You on the other hand seem to be keener on protecting Glass than your own daughter.” When did this kid grow a pair?

  “You don’t know what you’re dealing with and you need to drop it.” I keep my voice low as some nurses pass us by. “Right now I’m more concerned about the body in the morgue than trying to nail Glass.”

  “What body?” he asks, alarmed.

  “Nigel, the reporter.” I try to read his response.

  “Shit.” Eli runs his fingers through his hair and puts his hands on his waist, pacing the hall. “What happened? As if I really need to ask since Shay already drew the scene.”

  “Looks like Kevin’s murder. Sloppy.” The memory leaves a lump in my throat that I try to swallow. “Eli, you have to make her stop with these drawings. It's going to be the end of her.”

  “Good luck with that. She's not going to stop,” Eli concedes. “Where did they find him?”

  “They pulled him out of the St. John’s not far from where Shayleigh was found.”

  He closes his eyes, thinking for a minute. “You’re sure it’s Nigel?”

  “Yes, positive.” I recall his lifeless face. “They are also going to be dragging the river for Aiden’s body.”

  “They won’t find it.” He pauses. “Does McNab know?”

  “Not unless Miranda called him.” I don’t like bringing up her name; it’s like summoning a demon.

  “This is spiraling out of control. I know that Filson’s going to come after her for this. I’m sure kidnapping won’t be a viable alibi.” He inhales deep, looking up at the ceiling.

  “I’m not so sure he’s going to be gunning for her as much as Glass would like. I have some information that may alleviate some of those concerns.” I have a trump card up my sleeve on that son of a bitch.

  “Keep him close. I’m going to call McNab, will I see you later?” he asks while pushing numbers on his phone.

  “It’s getting a little late and I have some things to take care of. I’m also trying to keep Miranda out of here.” Shayleigh hasn’t really responded well to her.

  “Okay, I’ll see you later,” he says, dismissing me.

  I put my hand on his to stop him from dialing his phone. “Hey, I also want to discuss Shayleigh coming home with me. I think it will be better. Can I count on you to help her see what’s best?”

  Eli looks taken aback. “Harry, she’s coming home with me where I can keep an eye on her.”

  “You don’t think I’ll look after my own daughter?” I’ve never seen this sort of behavior from Eli.

  Eli leans in close and looks me directly in the eye. “I don’t know what’s going on with you, Harry. You’ve got this organization, Miranda and now you’re telling me I have to back off of Glass, the one who took her? Tortured her? I’m not so sure that she’s safest with you.”

  I have to resist the urge to push the little shit into the wall, but I don’t want to make a scene. I step in nose to nose. “That’s my little girl in there. There is no one that cares more about her than I do. You’d do well to remember that, son.”

  Eli blinks first and takes in a deep breath. “Harry, I don’t mean any disrespect, but I think we can do a better job at my house keeping her safe. Not to mention there will always be someone at my place.”

  My phone rings, and I check the caller ID. “It’s Miranda, I need to take this. This conversation isn’t over, Eli.”

  He nods with his arms folded across his chest. “Not by a long shot.”

  “What is it, Miranda?” I snap at her on the phone.

  “I was just calling to remind you we were supposed to be in on a conference call with the home office ten minutes ago.” Her voice is smooth like strychnine.

  “I’ll get on the call in a few minutes; I was in the middle of something.” I hang up the phone and head for my car. Too many moving parts to keep balanced right now.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Last Supper

  Eli

  Wow, that exchange with Harry was intense. I seriously think he may be cracking under the pressure. I’ll be there for him, but I’ll be damned before I let him take Shay home. It just isn’t what she wants, and honestly, it didn’t go so well last time.

  I call McNab, but he doesn’t answer his phone, so I call the office. He told me that’s the best way to 'reach him secondaril
y, if he’s unavailable on his mobile.’ He’s fucking ridiculous.

  “Paranormal Transmissions, this is Lori.”

  “Hey Lori, it’s Eli Walker. I’m trying to reach McNab.”

  “Eli, he’s presently in transit and will be unavailable until approximately one AM Eastern Standard Time,” she answers.

  What the fuck, doesn’t anyone speak plain English in that office? “Okay, is he on his way to Florida?”

  “I’m not at liberty to give out the details of McNab’s whereabouts, but I’ll be happy to take a message.” Her voice is stern.

  “Did I do something to offend you?” The last time we spoke she didn’t seem to have a stick up her ass.

  “No, Mr. Walker, we are simply following all protocol at the request of McNab.” Sweetness veils her tone for a split second.

  “Okay, well can you please let him know that I need to speak with him as soon as possible? It’s very urgent.” With emphasis on “urgent.”

  Her voice softens. “Is everything okay with Shay?”

  “Not really, they are as ‘okay’ as they can be.” A grimace pulls on the corners of my mouth.

  “I’ll let him know.”

  “Thanks Lori.” I disconnect the call. Hopefully he’s coming back here soon. I’m afraid it’s going to take more than just me to slay this dragon.

  ***

  When I get back to the room, Shay is sitting cross-legged on the bed with her eyes closed and her hands upturned on her knees. Carl puts his finger to his mouth to quiet me. No judgments from me, if she thinks this will help, then I’m all in.

  “Now, let’s bring things back around. Come on back and slowly open your eyes,” Carl says in a soothing voice.

  Shay opens her eyes. They look a little sleepy, but more clear than they were twenty minutes ago. “Hey babe.” She grins at me with a satisfied smile. “Did you bring the goods?”

  I hold up the box containing her BLT and toss Carl a sandwich too. “I did, and I figured you’d probably be hungry. Hopefully it will be our last night of hospital food.”

  “I think it will be, I’m done with this place,” Shay says with her mouth full of food.

  “I’m glad to see you eating.” I marvel at her strength. Even with what she’s been through she’s showing an amazing fortitude I’ve never noticed before. It makes me love her more, want her more.