Page 77 of Her Last Whisper
Katie gasped and quickly turned back. She was moving through the large patio door, running toward the doorway, when she was hit against the back of her head. She catapulted forward and hit the floor with force.
Forty-Six
“Katie, Katie,” repeated McGaven. “You okay?” His voice was filled with distress. “Can you hear me? Katie?”
Katie heard him talking to her and she gradually began to stir. “Yeah,” she managed to say, rolling to her side. A horrendous headache gripped her, making it difficult to think clearly. She slowly sat up and then stood. “My head.”
“What happened?” he asked.
Her memory flooded back. “I was outside in the hallway… I heard a scream…” she managed to say while rubbing her temples to try to stop the pulsating pain.
“Who was here?”
“I don’t know… didn’t see anyone.”
“You didn’t see anyone?” he asked.
“No. The woman fell.”
“We know, the first responders are on their way. We need to get you checked out.”
“No,” she said adamantly. “I’m okay—just a bump. I want to go down there.”
“No way, you need to see the paramedic at least.”
“After,” she said and headed out the door. Her balance became steady and her headache lessened.
As they both exited the room, Dr. Jamison headed down the hall toward them.
McGaven pulled his weapon and aimed it directly at the doctor. “Sheriff’s office. Stay right there. Put your hands in the air. Now!”
“What’s going on?” he said. “I don’t understand.”
Katie had retrieved her small weapon from her ankle holster and took aim. “Do as he says! Now!” Her headache pulsed, making it difficult to keep her focus steady.
“Okay, okay,” he said and put his hands in the air.
McGaven holstered his gun and took his handcuffs out, restraining the doctor.
Again, the doctor repeated, “What’s going on? Where’s Emily?”
“Emily?” Katie said.
“Yes,” he said and appeared distraught.
“Emily Day?” she asked.
“Yes. Who are you?”
“I’m Detective Katie Scott from the sheriff’s office and this is Deputy McGaven. We haven’t formally met yet—just played phone tag.”
The doctor had a look of acknowledgment as he studied both of them.
McGaven guided the doctor back into the main room and sat him on the sofa.
Dr. Jamison looked confused and genuinely concerned. “Where’s Emily?”
“Interesting question, since someone pushed her off the balcony and assaulted a police detective on their way out,” said McGaven.
