by Cade Brogan
Elizabeth’s lip quivered, a tear tumbling. “It sounds wonderful.”
Claire brushed it away with her thumb. “I’ll have new credentials created for you along with our marriage license and certificate. It might take me a few days to do it, but I’ll get it done.” She kissed her again. “Maybe you’d like Joanna to be your middle name. Maybe when we’re at home, that’s what you’d want me to call you.”
“I would,” Elizabeth said, a sad smile eclipsing her mouth. “Very much.”
“Consider it done,” Claire said, releasing a breath, and adding, “God, I hate to lock you down like I’m gonna have to for the trip to the hospital.” She swallowed hard. “I just can’t take the chance that you’ll hurt yourself.”
“I understand,” Elizabeth responded. “Especially, since it’s also important that you not take the chance that I’ll hurt you.” She met her gaze directly. “I can, you know.”
Claire looked away, darkness in her voice. “I know.”
And in that instant, Elizabeth felt ready to tell her what she’d never told anyone. “I see people,” she blurted out. “And I hear voices.”
Claire held her breath, chills slithering up her spine.
“I know what you’re thinking,” Elizabeth continued, “psychosis. But that’s not it because my experiences are real.” She bit her lower lip. “And sometimes, these people, they tell me to do things, to dispatch other people.” She swallowed. “And sometimes, I do as I’m told.”
“Bi-racial people?”
“Yes,” Elizabeth said, “the vast majority, just like you. So, you handle me like you’d handle a violent prisoner. And, you don’t feel bad about doing it.”
Claire looked away, wiping her eyes.
“Oh, my sweet Claire, I’m so sorry.”
“I’m good,” Claire responded, locking her jaw, and willing composure. “So, we’ll both do what we have to do.” She moved to the dresser and closet. “Because I want you alive and well and in my bed, Elizabeth.” She gathered clothing for her. “Sorry, these won’t fit so well, but…”
“They’ll be fine,” Elizabeth responded, falling silent for a long moment. “You read the report. You know what I did, that I was able to conceal a syringe. You’re smart, sending your own clothing.”
Claire nodded, looking at her.
“But it’s my pants that you need to be concerned with,” Elizabeth continued. “I have pockets on the outside seams.”
“I believe you,” Claire said, “but we’re not gonna take chances. I’ll buy you new clothes, bring ‘em when I visit.” She secured Elizabeth’s hands behind her back, walked her to her car, and secured her in the backseat. “Sorry, I’m afraid you’re in for a long uncomfortable ride.” They were headed for a private psychiatric hospital in Indiana, one with a contact whom she could count on.
“I doubt you’ll understand this,” Elizabeth responded, “but the more discomfort, the better.”
“You’re right, I don’t,” Claire answered, “but I look forward to the day that it’ll be different for you.” She asked her to be quiet so that she could call Rylee. “Hi…Just wanted to let you know that I got checked out… Yeah, I’m okay, just some kind of a forty-eight hour virus… Wow, that’s fantastic. I can’t believe you got her to admit. Congrats on a good interview… Oh well, even if she did insist Voss had an accident, at least we know where to send ‘em to look for his remains… Can’t wait to see the tape. …I will…Okay, see you in a couple of days.” She glanced to the backseat after ending the call. “You doing okay back there?”
“I’m fine. Don’t worry about me.”
Claire drummed on her steering wheel, driving. “So, in your drawer,” she said, “when I was getting your socks—” She poked her tongue into her cheek, pausing. “I saw—” She swallowed, blinking. “I saw the flagrum.”
“I haven’t used it since we’ve been together.”
“But you have used it.”
“Yes,” Elizabeth answered. “And my collection? Did you see it? They were together.”
Claire’s gaze locked on the road. “I saw it.”
“How can you love me, Claire?”
“How can I not, Joanna?”
CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE
Claire parked two blocks off, watching her back as she made her way down the uneven sidewalk of the lower-class neighborhood—just as Elizabeth had requested. She tramped through the overgrown yard, opened the rusty gate, and stepped down the metal staircase—imagining what her wife’s space would be like. She glanced over her shoulder, certain that no one had followed her. Then, she inserted three keys, entered a six-digit code, waited for three beeps, and opened the heavyweight door. She put on gloves, as directed, before exploring.
Plants everywhere, a deadly botanical garden.
The albino raspberry.
Grow lights galore.
A humidifier in one room and a dehumidifier in the other.
Medical books lined up on the shelves.
She checked the thermostats and watered. “I’m not talking to you guys,” she said, preparing to close the door. “I’m just not.” When she got to the office, she collected a chocolate donut and poured her second cup of coffee.
“Welcome back,” Rylee greeted. “How are you feeling?”
“Better, much better,” Claire responded. “Good drugs and lots of sleep will do it every time.” She took a breath. “Okay, so there’s something I need to tell you.”
Rylee cocked her head. “Okay…”
“So, I lied to you,” Claire continued, “and it’s been eating at me. I want to come clean if you’ve got a minute.”
Rylee laid down her pen, nodding.
“I do have someone,” Claire began, having rehearsed her words ahead of time. “I told you I didn’t, but I do. She’s not my girlfriend though; she’s my wife.” She looked down, shaking her head slowly. “God, I hate to admit it, but she embarrasses me, and that’s why I don’t talk about her. She’s mentally ill, institutionalized.”
“God, man,” Rylee responded. “I’m so sorry.”
“Yeah, well, it is what it is. I just wanted you to know.”
Rylee held up a finger answering her phone. “Been waiting on this callback. Hold that thought.” Her eyes widened, listening to the caller. When she hung up, she grinned, saying, “YES!”
Claire furrowed her brow. “What?”
“A break for once,” Rylee answered, her eyes bright like a hunter catching the scent of her prey. “A few days ago,” she continued, “the bitch killed a woman in Wisconsin.”
“Okay…”
“So, they got her on surveillance,” Rylee said, lifting the Joanna Grey file from her drawer. “We suspected that she’d change her appearance, and she did, so knowing that’ll help.” Her smile broadened. “But here’s the kicker, they got her license plate number. So,” she continued, her fingers already moving on the keyboard, “catching her will just be a matter of checking our traffic cams and parking garage cams—and running her down.”
And Claire’s brain screamed—NO!
Kenzie’s Killer Vegetable Beef Soup
Ingredients
1-1/2 pounds chuck roast, cut into 2-inch pieces
1 tablespoon canola oil
8 cups beef broth
4 medium carrots, sliced
2 celery ribs, diced
2 medium red potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 medium onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced fire-roasted tomatoes, undrained
1 medium zucchini, diced
1/2 cup uncooked bowtie pasta
Directions
In large pot, brown beef in oil.
Add carrots, celery, potato, onion,
garlic, beans, tomatoes, zucchini, and seasonings.
Simmer until beef is tender. (2-3 hours)
Discard bay leaf
Add bowtie pasta, cooking an additional 15 minutes.
Serve with bread or crackers.
About the Author
Cade Brogan is a best-selling author of lesbian fiction. She holds degrees in psychology, social work, and counseling. In her first life, she worked in mental health and child protection. In her second, she writes thrillers that'll make your hair stand on end. She's a fan of the Chicago Cubs, the Fighting Illini, and the Miami Dolphins. She lives in Illinois with her wife and 8-pound canine. www.cadebrogan.com
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