The Surgeon’s Secrets

by Michelle Love

  “Finn, he’s obsessed. I mean, seriously obsessed.”

  Finn chewed this over. “Where’s Sarah now?”

  Molly looked exhausted. “She’s in the city with Isaac. She called me this morning and I told her not to come back, just to take the day with Isaac. She sounds happier.”

  “Good…hey,” Finn’s phone buzzed and he glanced at the screen, “this is her. Hey –,” he said into the phone, “You okay?”

  For a long moment he just listened, his face set, his jaw clenching. “Yeah, that’s a good idea, but…wait, no, Sarah, I think I…”

  He frowned, rubbing his hand over his eyes and Molly felt her fear return. She waited for her brother to speak. “Okay, well, let’s hope you can persuade him to tell us what he knows. Isaac there with you? Good.” He looked at Molly and mouthed “Should I tell her?”

  Molly shook her head vehemently and Finn nodded. “Okay then…yeah, call me later bubba.”

  He ended the call. “Shit.”

  “What?”

  Finn sighed and Molly baulked at the worry in his face. “I think Sarah’s gone Magnum P.I. on us. She’s remembered the name of the lawyer, she’s going to call him and see if she can find out anything.”

  “Well that’s good, isn’t it?”

  Finn sighed. “I don’t know, I just don’t want to give Dan any reason to escalate.”

  “A phone call won’t hurt.”

  Finn looked at his sister, his eyes tired. “That depends on what she finds out.”

  Sarah ended the call to Finn and immediately dialed Corcoran’s number. Her fingers tapped impatiently on the table as she waited. Ever since she’d woken and remembered about the lawyer, she’d wanted to get in touch with him, find something they could use to get rid of Dan.

  She’d told Isaac about the layer as they showered together and he’d been encouraged.

  “Call him,” he’d said as he dressed then fixed her with a look. “But no heroics – if you find anything out, don’t go challenging Dan by yourself. He’s dangerous, Sarah.”

  She’d tried to smile. “You don’t have to remind me, baby.”

  He’d kissed her as he left for work. “You need anything, call. Jay and Flynn will be outside that door – no-one’s getting in unless you want them to.”

  At least, if I have to be locked up for my own protection, she thought now, waiting for the call to connect, at least she could do something.

  “Corcoran and Associates, how may I help you?” The woman’s Southern accent was warm, friendly.

  “May I speak with Mr. Corcoran please?”

  “Mr. Corcoran is on vacation at present but I can leave him a message to call you back. Whom may I say is calling?”

  Sarah hesitated for a moment. “My name is Sarah Bailey Quinn – my ex-husband’s birth family was the Petersen’s and …”

  The woman interrupted. “Oh Mrs. Quinn, yes, Mr. Corcoran has mentioned you.”

  Sarah was astonished. “Excuse me?”

  “Mr. Corcoran told me that if, on the off chance you or Mr. Bailey were to contact this office, that he wished to know straight away. He’s currently on vacation with his grandchildren in Hawaii but I will contact him there and ask him to call you as soon as he can.”

  Sarah was speechless.

  “Mrs. Quinn?”

  “Yes, sorry, I’m here, I just…he knows who I am?”

  “Yes, dear.”

  A pause.

  “Well then…yes, yes please, if you could ask him to call. I’ll give you my number.”

  She gave it and the woman repeated it back to her. Sarah, still bemused, thanked her.

  “You’re very welcome, honey. You have a good day.”

  “Thank you, you too.”

  Sarah hung up. William Corcoran knew who she was? She’d expect him to know who Dan was, she supposed, so it wasn’t a great leap but the woman on the phone had given the impression that Corcoran was expecting her call. Which meant what?

  She didn’t want to think that it meant that he knew something was wrong with Dan, that he’d already thought about contacting her. Had Dan told the lawyer he was married? To distract herself, she called Finn back and told him what she’d just learned. Finn listened to her then sighed.

  “That doesn’t sound good, honey, I gotta say.”

  “I know. God, Finn, what a mess.”

  “You got that right. Hey…everything okay there? You guys doing better?”

  Sarah felt awkward talking to Finn about Isaac. “We are, truly.”

  “Good.”

  She hesitated then asked in a gentle voice. “Really?”

  Finn gave a low chuckle. “Darlin”, as long as you’re happy, I’m all good.”

  His kindness, his friendship made tears spring into her eyes. “You’re the best. I love you.”

  “Love you too, sweetcheeks and hey, look, if they perfect cloning in the near future, I’ll expect you to give up some of your DNA.”

  Sarah burst out laughing, feeling the weight in her chest lift. “You’ve got a deal.”

  The next day, Sarah was driven to the island by Isaac’s two massive security guards, Jay, and Flynn. They were friendly but very professional and she sat in a vehicle that could only be described as a fortress on wheels.

  “I bet it’s even got bulletproof windows,” she’d moaned as an unrepentant Isaac grinned at her. He’d come down to the parking garage in the basement of his building, wanting to make sure she was in the car and safe before he left for work.

  “Stop whining, woman, it’s your tank. It’s the price you pay for me letting you go to work.”

  She grinned. “Oh, you’re letting me go to work?”

  Isaac kissed her then steered her into the back seat. “You are a pain in my ass. Go to work.” But he was smiling.

  Molly squinted at her friend as she walked into the coffee shop an hour later. “Are you walking funny? Yes, you are, definitely. Those legs have been bent back in quite unnatural ways, I can tell.”

  Sarah snorted with laughter. “You bet your sweet ass they have.” Molly laughed and hugged her then studied her.

  “Really? Everything good?”

  Sarah nodded and Molly hugged her. “I’m so happy for you. Truly.”

  “Thank you, honey. For everything. I don’t know how I would have got through these last few months without you.”

  Molly grinned but then pushed her away. “Ugh, I suppose both of you will be revoltingly loved up now, all love notes and secret smiles.”

  “Yup.”

  Molly rolled her eyes but Sarah could tell she was delighted. “Where’s your errant brother?”

  Molly rolled her eyes. “Lord knows. He was supposed to come in earlier but I expect he got called out.”

  “To an actual crime?” Sarah grinned at her and Molly laughed. She peered out of the window at the huge black car parked next to the sidewalk. “Think I should take them coffee?”

  Sarah smiled. “I’ll do it.”

  She took the steaming drinks out to the car. “I’m sorry you guys got landed with this duty, must suck to just hang around all day.”

  Jay, an African-American with distractingly blue eyes, smiled. “It’s our jobs, Mrs. Quinn.”

  Sarah rolled her eyes. “Sarah.”

  Flynn chuckled. “You sure you don’t want us in there with you, Sarah?”

  She shook her head. “I think customers might feel a bit intimidated – plus, you two would take up all the room.”

  “Well, okay, but holler if…”

  “I will.”

  Molly was at the market, Sarah alone in the coffee shop when she heard the door open. She looked up and her stomach disappeared.

  “Hello, Sarah.”

  Dan’s face was friendly, his manner relaxed. She reached underneath the counter, made sure her purse was there, the gun within easy reach. She glanced out to the tank, saw Jay rolling down the window. She gave him a slight shake of the head. No need for this to escalate yet.
r />   “Dan.”

  “How are you? You look so much better than when I saw you last.”

  “You mean when you threatened me? Yes, Dan, I’m much better.”

  He laughed. “Oh come on, that’s a little dramatic don’t you think? Threatened! I see you have that covered anyway, or at least, your husband does.” He gave Jay a sarcastic wave; Jay stared back at him stone-faced. Sarah would have laughed if she weren’t so nauseous. He smiled but his eyes were dead. “May I have some coffee, please, Sarah? I’ve missed your particular flavor.”

  Sarah hated that she trembled as she poured out the coffee from the pot. He steadied her hand with his, she snatched it away. He laughed.

  “Honestly, Sarah, what is it you think I’m going to do to you?” He sipped his drink.

  From the corner of her eye, she could see Jay and Flynn get out of the car outside. They didn’t come in but both of them leaned back against the car, facing into the coffee house, watching Dan’s every move. They both had their jackets tucked behind their holsters, their guns within easy reach. It made her relax a little, made her a little braver. Dan smiled at her.

  “How does it feel to have those goons at your beck and call?”

  The phone rang, and she snatched it up gratefully.

  “Hello?”

  She knew who it was as soon as he spoke.

  “Mrs. Quinn?”

  Corcoran.

  A rush of adrenalin. She flushed bright red and turned away from Dan. She was sure he had caught her flustered reaction and she struggled to make her voice sound as normal as possible. She could feel his stare on the back of her neck.

  “Oh hi! How are you? How are Joe and the kids?”

  Corcoran caught on.

  “Raymond - I’m sorry, Daniel - is he there?”

  “Oh yes, kids can be a handful.” She cringed to herself, she sounded like a Stepford wife.

  “Mrs. Quinn, just answer me a question yes or no, would you, please? Are you in any immediate danger?”

  The question hit Sarah like a sledgehammer and she hesitated. “No.” Her voice cracked. “No, I’m fine.”

  The break in her voice had attracted Dan’s attention and she indicated she was going to take the call in the kitchen. She didn’t want Dan finding out she was talking to the lawyer, didn’t want to put him in any danger. Even through the wall, she felt Dan’s presence, a sensation she knew was heightened by her fear. She realized Corcoran was talking.

  “Obviously Mrs. Quinn, we can’t talk freely now. Perhaps you can call me back on this number unless you need me urgently.”

  “Of course. Honestly, there is no hurry.” She chose her words carefully to maintain her façade.

  Corcoran hesitated. “If you are sure. Mrs. Quinn I don’t wish to concern you but please, may I beg a favor?”

  Sarah started as Dan came out into the kitchen, turned and smiled at her. He pointed to the bathroom and went into it. She heard the lock click.

  “I’m sorry, yes of course, anything.”

  There was a pause.

  “Try to be vigilant…” he sighed, “May I speak frankly?”

  “Of course.”

  “Be careful of Daniel, Mrs. Quinn, he is troubled. He is dangerous. Try not to antagonize him. I will wait to hear from you but please know I will come to Seattle or wherever you need. You need to know about Daniel, Mrs. Quinn, you need to know about his history.”

  His words sent icy chills through her body. Memories of the violence that crackled in the air around Dan. She shivered.

  “I understand.” They said goodbye and Sarah tried to compose herself before Dan emerged from the bathroom. She went back out to the coffee house to see Jay and Flynn had come inside and were tensed. She gave them a grateful look. Dan followed her a few seconds later, smirking at the men and raising an eyebrow at her. His smile was terrifying. He knows. Sarah couldn’t breathe, she moved closer to the counter and slipped her hand around the gun. Dan sat back down opposite her, smiled and finished his drink.

  “Hey.” Jay moved to her side, his eyes riveted on Dan. “Everything okay in here?”

  Sarah nodded at him, gave him a grateful smile. Dan smirked.

  “Of course. Just visiting with my wife. Although she might say different.” He turned and looked at Sarah, his eyes cold. “She may have a good reason for having a gun pointed at me under the counter but I couldn’t say what that reason might be.”

  Sarah turned red and dropped the pistol back into her purse. Jay looked over at her and smiled, a reassurance.

  “Well, now, I’m sure Sarah doesn’t have anything to worry about – does she?”

  “Of course not.”

  “Perhaps, if you’re making her uncomfortable then you should leave, Mr. Bailey.”

  Dan stared at him with contempt.

  “What a wonderful idea.” Molly walked in behind Flynn, a grocery bag in her arms. She winked at Jay as she passed him and, dumping the bag on the counter, went to stand beside Sarah. She linked her fingers with her friend, feeling her tremble. “In fact, I think you should leave the island, let alone the coffee house.”

  Dan was amused. “Really?”

  “Yep.”

  “So, in addition to being an exemplary muffin peddler, you’re also a travel agent? Well, who knew? May I please have a refill, Sarah?” He held his cup out to her. Molly took it.

  “No, you may not. Please leave.”

  Dan smirked. Flynn cleared his throat.

  “You heard her, Bailey.”

  Dan stood. Molly sneered. “And consider this a lifetime ban.”

  Dan laughed. “My lifetime or yours?”

  “Asshole.”

  Dan sighed, still grinning. He looked at Sarah. “Careful with that gun, Sarah. I wouldn’t want you to have an unfortunate accident.” He ran his eyes over her body. Sarah cringed.

  “Get him the fuck out,” Molly stepped in front of Sarah.

  Flynn and Jay stepped forward but Dan held his hands up. “I’m going. What’s it come to when a man can’t express his concern for his wife’s safety?”

  He walked out of the door. Sarah breathed again and Molly hugged her. She looked at Jay and Flynn gratefully.

  “Thanks, dudes. That could have gotten really nasty without you here.”

  Jay shook his head. “He’s…damn, I don’t know what he is.”

  Sarah felt sick. A few minutes was all it took to make her feel so vulnerable, unprotected. Useless. Even with two enormous bodyguards. She rubbed her face, trying to disguise her distress. Her heart was pounding, her stomach twisted. Hopelessness flooded through her.

  He’s going to kill me and no-one can stop him. She felt so weak. Sarah turned away from her friends, the easy tears coming again. Damn it.

  Molly slid her arm around her waist, studied her face, and guessed what she was thinking.

  “You did okay, Sarah. If I had been you, I probably would have blown his head off the second he walked in here.”

  Jay rolled his eyes and grinned. ““Because that’s the way to go. Not that I’d blame you.” He added quickly, seeing the expression on Molly’s face. She thawed.

  “You deserve a hug.” She wrapped her arms around the blushing security guard. Sarah smiled but then she caught sight of Dan watching them from the other side of the street. He grinned when he saw her watching him. She walked over to the window and let the shade down. She turned to Molly and the two men who were watching her.

  “I don’t want you two saying anything about this to Finn.” Her voice was firm and they gaped at her.

  “Why the hell not?” Molly’s eyes were huge with disbelief. Sarah shook her head at them.

  “Because. I don’t want to make any mistakes because of Dan’s goading. We don’t react, he has no power. But Finn is, well, you both know how he is. Shoot first, ask questions yadda yadda…Guys? We can tell Isaac, but not until later, okay?”

  Neither Jay nor Flynn looked happy but she knew, they worked for her, and would r
espect her wishes. Molly, she wasn’t so sure of.

  Almost on cue, Molly shook her head. “I don’t like this.”

  Sarah tried to smile. “Mols, we have these two Sasquatches here. We’re fine.”

  Molly looked doubtful. “I don’t know.”

  Sarah sighed and sat down. “It’s going to be hard but we need to hang back, give him enough rope.” She rubbed her eyes wearily. “I mean it. No missteps.”

  “I get it.” Jay was nodding, ignoring the little dig Molly gave his ribs. “And I agree. Steady does it.” Sarah got up and moved to the counter.

  “Thank you both.” She sighed and rolled her shoulders. Jay squeezed Molly’s hand and turned to go back to the car outside. He stopped when he heard Sarah speak.

  “Jay? The word you were looking for is monster.” Her face was pale, haunted as Jay stared at her but her voice was hard. “Daniel Bailey is a monster.”

  Sarah lay awake next to Isaac. He’d been home when she came back from the coffee shop and had greeted her in such a good mood that she was glad she had made the guys promise not to tell him about Dan’s visit. She did tell him about Corcoran’s call, though. She’d called the lawyer back as soon as she was able and he said he would be in Seattle the day after tomorrow. She’d mentioned a restaurant and had agreed to meet him there. She didn’t want him on the island, not where Dan could see him. She’d made it clear to Finn, Molly and Isaac that the last thing she wanted was to ramp up Dan’s campaign by antagonizing him or by putting Corcoran in any danger. If Dan was backed into a corner, he would be lethal and she wanted more time to be able to get something real, something that would stick, put him away forever. And above all, she wanted to keep the people she loved safe.

  She thought back to when Finn had told her about the other women, the ones who had been murdered. The ones who looked like her. She made him tell her everything, every detail. Finn had balked but she had insisted. She needed to know what Dan had planned for her, needed to retain some control over her fear. They still had absolutely nothing to tie Dan to those killings but she knew, she knew, he had killed before. George. The girls across the country. The poor girl in Seattle. Finn had shown her the cutting from the Times. Sarah couldn’t get the dead woman’s face out of her mind. Her chest ached for her, for her family.