someone was in the ICU who shouldn’t have been. Probably the person who attacked her.”
“It’s really hard to make that jump,” Harrison said.
“Well, someone injected air into her IV. My guess is Nettie saw her killer.”
“It still could be Jimmy Gedrose,” Logan said, making Alex wonder if he’d had second thoughts about letting the man go when he showed up at their hotel. “After all, Nettie recognized Alex’s sketch. That one young nurse said he was there, and then he admitted it to Alex and me when he came to our hotel in Wichita.”
“He’ll be here within the hour,” Harrison said. “We’ll question him then.” He turned his attention to Mike. “We’re sending you back to Wichita. As you’ve said, you didn’t see Jimmy at the hospital, but you may have seen who killed her if it wasn’t him. Being back there could trigger a memory. Maybe the killer interacted with one of the staff. Seeing them might spark something. I’m not ruling out that Walker did this, though, and you might be the only one who can tell us what he looks like now.”
Mike frowned. “You know, I believe Nettie was collateral damage. Willow was the main target.” He sighed deeply. “I’ll never forgive myself for allowing her death to happen.” He looked at Harrison. “Of course, I’m more than willing to go to the hospital if you think it might help.”
“We never asked. Who sent you to the hospital that night?” Logan said.
“The WPD needed someone to interview any of Nettie’s relatives or friends who showed up. See if they had any idea who the attacker might be. I volunteered to do it because I knew her. Since the department is so mired down in the drug case they’re working, they accepted my assistance.” He took a deep breath. “I talked to Nettie’s sister-in-law when she arrived. Nice woman. She had no idea who might have done it. She did mention that Willow had some strange ideas, but she never mentioned anyone else Nettie knew.”
“Well, I’m glad you were there,” Harrison said. “Right now you’re our best shot to find out who killed Nettie in that hospital. Wait until after Gedrose shows up before you leave, though. Seeing him in person might help you remember something. Special Agent Thompson will take you to the hotel so you can get your things and then he’ll drive you to the airport.”
“And, Mike, you’re sure you can’t recall anything else that might help?” Alex asked. “Something we missed?”
“No. Like I said, I saw a few doctors go into the ICU. That nurse in charge, Ruth, let me go back to Nettie’s room a couple of times, but I saw only two doctors enter it. Both times I was on my way back to the front desk and just turned around when I heard footsteps. One was the doc who told us Nettie had died. I only saw the side of the other one’s face. To be honest, I don’t remember seeing him leave. I think I was getting coffee.” He put his head down and was quiet for a moment. “He was tall. Maybe six feet? Dark hair. I . . . I think he wore glasses.” He closed his eyes for several seconds. “I’m sorry,” he said when he opened his eyes. “That’s all I can remember.”
“Thanks, Mike,” Alex said. “Just do your best and don’t blame yourself for anything.”
“I just wish I could do more.”
Harrison sighed. “We need a break. We’ve got to find Walker quick.” He looked around the table. “Before a lot of people end up dead.”
29
He knew her name now. He’d followed her to the restaurant where she worked. She’d taken his breakfast order, so he’d seen her up close. Her name tag read Laura. No tattoos that he could see. Very little jewelry. Light makeup. Hair fashioned into a bun. She was perfect.
Of course, he had no idea how she’d lived her life before she was “washed in the blood.” He didn’t care. He was convinced she fulfilled the Master’s needs. Revulsion slithered through him anytime he thought about those self-righteous hypocrites who believed in some master other than the Master. What fools they all were.
He had to take a deep breath to push down the rage that almost choked him. He would have to wait on the last sacrifice. He couldn’t take her during the day. He only worked in the dark. He’d have to wait for nightfall.
Alex, Logan, Monty, and Mike all stayed