Page 41 of Fight or Flight

Nodding in agreement, Katherine forced herself to respond truthfully. She gave Doc all of the details of what happened, with Tyler backing her up. “If you want to look at the security cameras, maybe we missed something. I’m not the expert here.” She focused her attention on Ilene.

“Can we sit down?” Ilene asked.

“Of course. Let’s go to the dining room.” Katherine put her cup in the sink, then led the trio to her dining room. She touched a wall panel, and the room filled with light.

“Wow,” Ilene said.

“The table is hideous, I know. It was here when I bought the place,” Katherine explained, a smirk on her face. “I’d planned on asking Doc if he knew of a church or a charity I could donate this monstrosity to. I just never got around to it.” The table was a brushed silver color. Its odd shape reminded Katherine of a puzzle piece. The chairs matched the table; the seats and backs were tufted, the material a maroon velvet, and the chair legs a curved cabriole style.Hideouswas being nice.

“Are you sure Elvis isn’t lurking around here?” Ilene asked. “Never mind. That’s crude of me. I apologize.”

But Katherine agreed. The former owners may have had an affinity for the King of Rock and Roll.

“Have a seat,” Katherine said. “Believe it or not, these ugly chairs are quite comfortable.”

Once they were seated, Ilene took charge. “I’ll need full access to your security footage. As you said, I might see something you missed. I also want to search the house, top to bottom. Whoever rifled through your desk and turned your computer off probably left fingerprints. I suggest we get a forensic team in here tonight.” Ilene paused. “I don’t have access to my former contacts in that department, so we’ll have to allow the locals to take care of this aspect of the investigation. Plus, you do need an official police report. They can document what’s missing.”

“No! I can’t let the public know about this. Doc?” Katherine turned to him, her brows raised in question. “You explained to her why I can’t?”

“I think you should tell Ilene what you want her to know,” Doc said. “I’ve kept my word, K. Now, you need to let Ilene do her job or not. Up to you.”

“He’s right, Katherine,” Tyler chimed in. “Who knows if this will happen again? Your safety is important to me.” Tyler stood. “The doors are still open. I’ll close them.”

“No, Tyler. Leave it. Evidence,” Ilene said. “Go ahead, tell me what you can.”

Were the two people Katherine felt a kinship with turning on her? “I know it’s crazy,” Katherine said, and glanced at Tyler. “But there is a part of my life that I’ve kept hidden for good reason. If I tell you all, I must be assured it won’t leak.” She would tell them what she thought they needed to know.

Doc, Tyler, and Ilene all stared at her.

“Not that I can’t trust you. It’s the police. If they start nosing around, the privacy I’ve kept for years will be ruined.”

Ilene nodded. “Are you in trouble with the authorities?”

“I wish that’s all it was. To answer your question, no. I’ve never even had a traffic ticket.” Katherine was in the clear, unless they found out about her fake identification.

“Then what has happened to you that is so horrible you’re willing to risk your safety? Maybe your life,” Ilene said, her words much gentler than the tough persona she presented.

“K, you can tell us. I promise you that whatever you say won’t leave this room. At least not from me,” Doc said.

“Count me in. I took an oath, and I’ll uphold it. What you say stays here.” Tyler used his index finger to tap his head.

“Listen to your friends, Katherine. I don’t know you, but Franklin praises you as much as Stephanie. In my profession, keeping my mouth shut was part of the job. While this isn’t a CIA issue, and even though I’m retired, I can sniff around. I haven’t lost my skills. However, I highly recommend we call the locals. They’re pros and have the resources you need. Up to you,” Ilene told her.

“Do you remember the Boston Marathon in 2013?” Katherine asked. Just saying the words made her throat tighten—deep breath in, deep breath out.

“Relax, Katherine. We’ve all got your back,” Tyler instructed. “Take a few more deep breaths, okay?” He watched her, and she saw concern in his eyes as he spoke. “And of course we remember. It was all over the news for weeks. A friend of mine was supposed to run that day but backed out when his wife went into early labor.”

“I’m fine,” Katherine said. “I just need some water. Excuse me.”

“I’ll get it,” Doc said. “Stay put.”

Tyler moved his chair closer to hers. “Deep breathing will help. Later I can teach you different methods, if you want to try them. There’s a method that stems from the ancient practice of yoga called equal breathing. When you feel ready, we can discuss it in more detail.”

“Here, kid.” Doc returned with the glass of water, and Katherine gulped it down, not caring that some dripped down her chin.

“Thanks.” She took a few deep breaths and placed her empty glass on the table. “Tyler, maybe you can tell me about this yoga practice another time.” The last thing she wanted right now was learn a new breathing technique. “I don’t know what the local police can do, but I don’t want to call them in.” She twisted the ends of her hair, struggling with her decision. The past needed to remain in the past. “I don’t want the police here. I’ll be fine.”

“K, you need to think about this for a minute. You’re putting yourself in harm’s way. Who knows who’s still out there? As Tyler said, they could be here now, just waiting for us to leave. It’s more than obvious they’ve been watching you, the house,” Doc said. “You’re not safe here.”

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