Page 36 of Dark Visions

“Okay. I think we need to talk anyway,” he said softly. “I think you all might be in trouble.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

The desk clerk was busy trying to enter the data of an elderly patient, his head scanning the messy handwriting when five police officers in uniform and one in a suit walked into the emergency room. It wasn’t unusual, but it also wasn’t necessarily a daily occurrence.

The suit stepped up to the desk, flashing a very official badge and identification.

“I’m Detective Barnes. I’d like to speak with Dr. Krauss,” he said calmly.

“Dr. Krauss is up on the third floor in radiology,” said the desk agent.

“Would you please page him to come down? Unless you’d prefer we go up to the third floor,” grinned the detective.

“No, no, that won’t be necessary. I’ll page him.”

A few moments later, the desk clerk’s voice could be heard on the paging system. He led the officers and detective to a patient conference room, where they waited patiently.

The door opened and a tall, dark-haired man entered the room. Flashes of silver could be seen mixed with the darkness, his skin color was good, but he was starting to show signs of age. Fine lines around his eyes and mouth, just a hint of wrinkles across his forehead. He appeared to be in good physical condition, other than just the hint of a small belly.

“Dr. Krauss? I’m Detective Barnes,” he said, offering his hand.

“Detective,” he said, shaking the hand. “To what do I owe this entourage from our city’s finest?”

“Dr. Krauss, we received an anonymous tip this morning that you may know something about the grisly murders of the Wascoms and the Stuarts.”

“The couples who were killed in their homes?” he asked. “Why would I know anything about those people? They weren’t even brought to the hospital, that I’m aware.” Confusion filled his face, his heart beating faster, small beads of sweat lining his forehead.

“No, sir, they weren’t. The letter indicated that you might, in fact, be the murderer.” He waited, watching the doctor’s reaction. Twenty years in law enforcement taught you a few things about people and their ability to lie. The first was there was always something that would give them away. A twitch, a movement in their eyes, a shift of their feet, something. The second was unless you were a psychopath, no one could keep up the lies forever.

“That’s preposterous! I’m a physician, for God’s sake! I try to help people, not kill them!” he yelled.

“Doctor, let’s not make a scene here. If you would just agree to come down to the police station with us, we’d like to ask you a few questions. It can all be cleared up easily.”

“Fine, but I’m calling my lawyer,” he barked.

“Do you need a lawyer, Dr. Krauss?” smiled the detective.

“Don’t give me your television cop psycho-babble detective. I know my rights, and I’m calling my attorney to have him present during questioning. I’ll answer your questions and prove how absurd this whole thing is.”

Krauss made the call and then followed the detectives out of the hospital. They agreed to forego the handcuffs in light of his cooperation, for which he was eternally grateful. By the time they reached the station, his attorney was waiting dutifully on the steps.

Led to a small conference room with a two-way mirror, Krauss sat next to his attorney while Detective Barnes and two other officers asked him questions. Their original ploy of trying to shock him with photos of the victims proved useless.

“I’m a doctor, detective. I’ve seen bodies in worse condition than this.” Barnes frowned and nodded, putting the photos back into their folder.

“Detective, this entire line of questioning is absurd. My client was working at the hospital on the evening of both murders. If you’d just check the records, you’ll see that he was on duty and seeing patients.”

“Alright, Dr. Krauss, we’re done for now. Please don’t leave town. I may need to ask you a few more questions before we’re through.” Krauss nodded and pushed back in his chair. Leaving the building, he stepped into the cool afternoon air. Rain was coming again, always rain.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

“They released him,” said Adam.

“Damn! It was a long shot, but I really hoped they were able to get him off the street,” said Kane.

“The police were able to verify that he was on duty the night of both murders. The records indicated that he was seeing patients while the murders were taking place. It was airtight.”

“This can’t be,” whispered Aislinn. “I know what I saw, and I’m never wrong about this. Never.” Kane pulled her in for a hug, kissing the top of her head. He knew what he saw as well, and he knew that Krauss was a murderer.

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