“Well, that’s how I’m looking at it.”
“Honestly, we’ll ask a few questions and get out of your hair.”
“Fine.”
“What time was your appointment?”
“Nine.”
“And what time was it over?”
“Ten.”
“And when you left, Doctor Ellard seemed okay?”
“I already told you that.”
“Did you notice if Doctor Ellard was eating or drinking anything during your session?”
“She had a bottle of water next to her, same as ever.”
“Was it a personal bottle or store bought, do you know?”
“Looked like one of those you buy in bulk at Sam’s Club.”
“In your previous sessions, did Doctor Ellard ever appear worried or afraid?”
“No. Never.”
“Have you ever had any personal issues with Doctor Ellard?”
“No.”
Jason sensed they weren’t going to get much useful information from the curt answers Miss Johnson was suddenly providing. He stood and extracted a business card. “That’s all we need right now. Please call us if you think of anything else.”
Shawna took the card. “Where is she?”
Vanessa also stood. “SAG.”
Shawna’s tone softened. “Thank you.”
Jason and Vanessa left her on the porch and went back to the street.
Vanessa sighed. “Unless we can find a motive, I don’t see her being involved. Her emotion seemed real to me.”
Jason nodded. “I agree.” His phone rang just as he reached the Challenger. “Detective Strong.”
“Yeah, this is Damon Stern. You left a message.”
“Yes, sir. We need to speak with you about your appointment with Doctor Janet Ellard this morning.”
“My appointment. What for?”
“I’m not at liberty to say before we can meet.”
“Well, I’m leaving town at five in the morning and was just about to climb into bed.”
This time, Jason didn’t look at his partner. “It won’t take long. Can we come by now?”
The driver’s door of the Challenger slammed.
“I suppose.”
“What’s the address?”
Jason recognized the apartment complex that Stern described. They had worked a case there. “I know it. What number?”
“3-C”
“We’re on our way.”
Jason hung up and got in the now running car. “Cadillac Lofts.”
“That’s the other way.”
“He’s going out of town at five in the morning. Did you want to get up at four a.m.?”
She didn’t answer, but the trip to the downtown lofts was a speedy one.
A refurbished commercial building, The Cadillac Lofts had been central to a serial killer case they had worked a few year ago—prompting an ominous chill in Jason.
They buzzed at the door and were let in. A freight-style elevator in keeping with the history of the place let them out on the third floor. Jason knocked on 3-C.
The door opened immediately to reveal a man in his mid-forties, with a full head of dark hair and bright-blue eyes. His white tank top revealed a physique honed from untold hours in the gym. He held the door wide. “You must be the detectives. Come in.”
Jason didn’t bother with his badge since Stern didn’t seem interested. The loft was open and airy, and provided a panoramic view of downtown. Ultra-modern furniture contrasted with exposed ventilation pipes.
“Thank you for seeing us.”
Stern dropped into a leather and chrome chair. “No problem. Have a seat.”
Jason accepted, sitting in the twin chair to Stern’s. Vanessa leaned against the wall and took her pad out.
Jason wished she would sit and rest, but he wasn’t about to tell her so. He looked out the window. “Great view.”
“I like it.”
“May I ask what you do for a living?”
“I’m a pharmaceutical rep.”
“Oh, nice.” Jason was familiar with the gig. Most reps, who visited doctor’s office’s to promote and provide medicines, made a good living. “Was that the reason for your appointment with Doctor Ellard?”
Stern regarded him critically for a moment then shook his head. “No. I had a different reason for visiting Janet.”
Jason found the first name reference interesting. “What time did you see her this morning?”
“Ten.”
“May I ask the nature of your visit?”
Stern glanced at Vanessa then back at Jason. “What’s this all about?”
“Doctor Ellard became gravely ill today. She is in intensive care.”
“Ill? Intensive care? What happened?”
“That’s what we’re trying to find out. The doctors don’t know why she became so sick.”
“Can’t she tell you?”
“I’m afraid not. Doctor Ellard is in a coma. The family is expected to discontinue life support.”
Stern stared at Jason as if he’d just grown horns. “That’s not possible. She was the picture of health this morning.”
“I’m afraid it’s true.”
“Unbelievable.”
“Did she seem fine when you met with her?”
“Fine? She was great. In very good spirits as usual.”
“And what time did you leave her office?”
“Eleven.” His eyes suddenly flared. “Oh…wait just a minute. You’re not trying to say I did anything to her, are you?”
“We’re not suggesting anything at this time. We just need to know—”
Damon Stern sprung out of his chair and pointed toward the door. “I want you to leave. I’m not answering any more questions.”
Jason exchanged shocked glances with Vanessa. He didn’t move from his seat. “Sir, we just want to ask a few more…”
“It starts with a few seemingly innocent questions, and next thing I know, I’m being arrested for something I didn’t do.”
Vanessa started to speak, but he cut her off.
“Please, I’m asking politely. Leave now.”
Jason shrugged then slowly and deliberately put away his notepad before pulling out a business card. “Call me if you change your mind, sir.”
Stern didn’t take the card, so Jason laid it on the table and followed Vanessa down the hall. The door closed quickly behind them.
Back in the elevator, Vanessa met Jason’s gaze. “That was both odd and interesting.”
“Certainly was. It’s quite a leap from answering a few questions to assuming you’re going to be arrested for murder.”
“True, unless you’re feeling guilty about something.”
“I wonder what he and Janet Ellard discussed today.”
“We’d need a warrant for that info.”
“Then maybe we should get one.” He looked at his watch. 9:45. “Kinda late for dinner.”
Vanessa rolled her eyes. “Ya’ think? I’ll just get something at home.”
“We can try again tomorrow, maybe for lunch?”
Vanessa nodded. “Oh, yeah. We are definitely gonna try again tomorrow.”
Chapter 3
The next morning, with nothing pressing at the precinct, Jason had dragged his feet going to work. Summer vacation was in full swing, so both his wife Sandy and their son David were out of school and home. Their daughter Nina, who was starting kindergarten in the fall, no longer went to daycare, either.
During the school year, if he came home late, Jason would miss seeing the kids before bed. But unlike during the school year, they were still around when he got up that morning. He’d taken advantage to play with the kids in the backyard before heading in to work.
Sandy was preparing to take the kids to one of their favorite summer places—Splashtown. Just three minutes north of downtown, the water park had a half-million-gallon wave pool, a quarter-mile-long lazy river, slides, and an activity pool with lily pads for th
e little ones. Unfortunately, Dad wouldn’t be going this time, but he promised them he would lead a return trip soon.
His procrastinating at home meant it was nearly ten-thirty when he got in to homicide.
Vanessa was waiting, clearly not interested in hanging around the house any more than necessary. “Was beginning to wonder if I missed a memo about coming to work.”
Jason smiled, his mood downright cheery from his playtime with the kids. “Lucky for you, I’m out of sick days.”
She scoffed. “You’re not out of sick days! You haven’t taken a sick day in years.”
“You got me there.” He dropped into his chair. “Spent a little time with the kiddos. Man, they’re growing so fast.”
“Tell me about it. Kasen goes into junior high this fall.”
“Sandy call you?”
“Yeah. She’s taking Kasen with her. He’s excited.”
“Not as excited as she is. He does a great job watching after the kids while she works on her tan.”
Vanessa laughed. “It’s a fair trade then.”
Jason glanced toward the lieutenant’s office. “Savage here?”
“You didn’t get a call at home, did you?”
“No.”
“That’s because he’s been in a meeting with Captain Morris all morning.”
“I see. He say what that’s about?”
“No, and I didn’t ask. I did bring him up to date on what we learned yesterday.”
“What about Natasha Ellard? Did you hear from her?”
“No, but Dale Ellard called and said she’d made it in last night but was still asleep.”
“What time was that?”
Vanessa glanced at the wall clock. “About an hour and a half ago.” She pushed a single piece of paper across her desk and onto his. “Out of curiosity, I ran Damon Stern through the database.”
Jason picked up the report. “Clearly, not a long rap sheet. Anything of interest?”
“Not really. He was accused of writing some bad checks last year, but the case was dismissed.”
“Huh. He didn’t appear to be having financial problems.”
She nodded. “Not now, anyway.”
Jason’s stomach grumbled. He hadn’t finished his breakfast before going out to play with David and Nina. “You hungry?”
“Of course.”
“Should we catch an early lunch?”
Vanessa’s face cracked into a wide grin. “Capitol idea.”
“Come on, I’ll drive.” He didn’t need to mention where they were going. Fifteen minutes later, Jason pulled into the parking lot of Stumpy’s Bar-B-Q.
Vanessa’s phone rang. She looked at the number. “It’s Savage.”
“I thought he was in a meeting.”
Vanessa shrugged and answered the call. “Hello, Lieutenant. You’re on speaker.”
“Strong with you?”
“He’s right here, sir.”
“Good. I came out of my meeting to take a phone call from Mike Henderson.”
“Your doctor friend at SAG?”
“Yes. He wanted to make sure I knew they were getting ready to disconnect Janet Ellard from life support.”
Vanessa met Jason’s surprised grimace with one of her own. “Already?”
“I take it from your answer that you were not notified by the family.”
“We were not.”
“Mike said they would be doing it around noon. I think you two should be there.”
“Okay.”
Jason had stopped the car in a parking space. “You want us to judge reactions?”
“Yes, and see who’s there. Maybe someone we don’t know about is privy to the inner circle.”
“Copy that.”
“I’ve got to get back. Keep me informed.”
Vanessa prepared to end the call. “Will do.”
The line went dead before she could hit disconnect. While Jason backed out of the parking spot, Vanessa stared at the front doors of Stumpy’s. “It’s a conspiracy.”
He laughed. “They’ll still be there when we finally get time.”
She smirked. “I’m beginning to wonder.”
*******
When they arrived at the intensive care unit, Jason and Vanessa found Dale, Colt, and Destiny in the waiting room. They were huddled around Mike Henderson, who stood a full head taller than any of them. Jason and Vanessa paused by the door and waited.
After a moment, Vanessa tapped Jason on the arm. “Look in there.”
Jason peered through the glass door of Janet Ellard’s room. Sitting hunched over by the bed was a woman with long black hair. “Natasha Ellard?”
“That would be my guess.”
Jason looked back in time to see Mike Henderson break away from the gathering. He came directly toward them and nodded. “Jason, Vanessa.” He walked past them without stopping.
Jason spun on his heels. “Doc?”
Henderson paused. “You’ll need to direct any questions about the end-of-life decision to the family. I can’t comment.”
“What about the cause?”
He shrugged. “Still no clue.”
“How does the removal of life support work?”
“When the family has said their goodbyes, they will be asked to leave the room for a few minutes. I’ll remove the breathing tube and shut off the alarms. Then, the family will be allowed back in. Death usually comes within a few minutes. I’ll go back in to pronounce, then the family can stay longer if they want. After that, the body is removed and taken to the morgue.”
Jason nodded. “Thanks.”
“Sure.” Henderson turned and continued down the hall.
Jason and Vanessa crossed the room and approached the small group, who stood together speaking softly, eyes red and faces drawn. When Dale saw Jason, he stepped out of the circle. “Oh, Detective. I meant to call you.”
Jason shook his hand. “No problem. We understand you’ve made a decision.”
“Yes. Well, not me specifically, but everyone. When Natasha got up this morning, she said she didn’t want her mom to linger in her current state any longer than necessary. The rest of us thought about it and finally agreed, so we notified Doctor Henderson.”
“That’s Natasha in with your wife now?”
He bobbed his head wearily. “We’re each having our time to say goodbye. Colt and Destiny have already been in, Tasha is doing that now, and I will go in last. We expect to let Janet go around one.”
“I’m very sorry.”
“Thank you.”
“I imagine you’ve not had time to make any arrangements.”
“No.”
“As I mentioned yesterday, there will be an autopsy.”
Ellard glanced quickly toward Janet’s room. “My daughter was most upset about that.”
Jason raised an eyebrow. “Oh?”
Ellard shook his head. “She thinks they’re a gruesome abuse of the body.”
“I’m afraid there’s no getting around it.”
“That’s what I told her, but she’s a strong-willed young lady. Takes after her mother.”
His words seemed to shake him and he turned away.
Vanessa nodded toward the far end of the room and moved down there. Jason followed. She tapped her watch. “We need to let them be for a while. Want to run down to the cafeteria?”
“Sounds like a good idea.” He looked over at Natasha Ellard. “What about speaking with her?”
“It can wait until after.”
“Lunch?”
Vanessa scrunched her forehead. “No! After Mrs. Ellard passes.”
“Oh, of course.”
She cast a sideways glance at him. “You’re getting as bad as me when it comes to food.”
He smirked. “No one is in your league.”
*******
At ten to one, Jason and Vanessa re-emerged onto the Intensive Care floor. The waiting room had several small groups in it, but no one from the Ellard family. Crossing in front
of the nurses station, they came to Janet Ellard’s room. The curtains had been pulled to block the glass partitions, but through the door, Jason and Vanessa had a view into the room.
Mike Henderson stood by the head of the gurney, his hands folded in front of him, and his head bowed. The family members stood on the opposite side of the bed, their heads also bowed. A man in his late sixties with gray hair stood holding a bible. His lips moved, suggesting he was saying a prayer, but Jason couldn’t hear the words.
After several more moments, all heads raised. Destiny and Natasha wiped at their eyes, while the pastor stepped back against the wall, his head down. Dale looked at his kids, then nodded at Mike Henderson. The doctor gestured toward the door.
Jason and Vanessa retreated to the hallway as Dale, Colt, Natasha, and Destiny all filed out of the room. The pastor emerged last, and said a few words to each member of the family, before leaving down the hallway.
Within just a few minutes, Mike Henderson emerged from the room and gestured that the family could go back in. Dale, Destiny and Natasha all went back to Janet’s bedside, but Colt remained by the door, seemingly unable to force himself to return. Destiny appeared, whispered something to him, then took Colt’s hand and coaxed him back in.
Ten minutes later, Colt was the first to exit the room. He moved swiftly down the hall, apparently headed for the exit. Mike Henderson, who had been standing at the nurse’s station, noticed and went back inside Janet’s room.
Less than thirty seconds later, he came back out. His gaze settled on Jason and he nodded. Jason nodded back.
Janet Ellard was gone.
*******
It had been another twenty minutes or so before Destiny and Natasha had come out of Janet Ellard’s room. Jason and Vanessa still needed to talk with Natasha, but the woman was clearly too distraught. Jason opted to wait a little longer. Dale Ellard had remained at his wife’s side for nearly an hour, but drawn and weary looking, he finally emerged.
Jason fell in step with him as Dale wandered down the hall, seemingly without direction.
“Doctor Ellard?”
“Yes.”
“Would you like to sit down?”
“No,” He looked up and down the hall. “I need the elevator.”
A TWISTED MIND (Clean Suspense) (Detective Jason Strong Book 21) Page 4
