Page 54 of Dark Memories
His phone buzzed with an incoming call, Robbie’s name appearing on the GPS screen. “Answer,” he told the Bluetooth.
“Ah, Zach, it’s Robbie.”
“So I see. I was about to call you.”
“Yeah, okay. Um, can you stop by? I need to talk to you.”
“Actually I’m already on the way. Should be there in twenty minutes or so.”
“Zach, I’m sorry.”
“For what?”
A dial tone was the only answer. “Did he sound nervous to you?” she asked.
“A little, but he’s been edgy ever since this mess started. He’s blaming himself. Rightly so, but I have hope that this has been an eye-opener for him.”
“For his sake, I hope so, too.” She hoped Zach was right, and Robbie was just edgy because of his role in Kali’s kidnapping and his strained relationship with Zach. If Robbie was communicating with Davidson, that would be the final straw for Zach.
For the remainder of the drive, Zach asked her about her job. What did she like most about it, what did she like the least? What were her most interesting cases, and which ones were the hardest. She never talked about her job to anyone other than her fellow detectives. They understood. Others didn’t. Yet she found herself answering Zach’s questions and not giving canned answers like she usually would to any other civilian.
They’d neared the house when her phone rang, Gabe’s name coming up on the screen.
“Hey. Find out anything good?”
“Yeah. Davidson spent an hour in Smokey’s. He drank five beers. The bartender said he’s been in a few times during the past month, so I’m thinking he might be holing up somewhere around here. When I hang up, I’ll call the boss, ask her to get some manpower to help me canvass the area. But that’s not the interesting thing.”
“And that would be?”
“I talked to the prison warden. Davidson has stage four lung cancer. He was receiving treatment for a while in prison, but refused further care shortly before he was released. He probably doesn’t have long to live.”
She expelled a breath. “So he has nothing to lose.”
“Yep. And that makes him very dangerous. I still think we should meet up tonight after your boyfriend is done with his meeting.”
“He’s not—” She glanced at Zach when she realized what she was about to say.
“Give it up, Harry.” Gabe laughed. “He’s your boyfriend, so get used to the word. Oh, and try your best not to shoot him if he’s nice to you.”
“Bite me.” She was glad he couldn’t see her grinning. He already thought he was funny.
“Nah, I’ll leave that to him to do. So, tonight?”
“Yes. We’re on the way now to talk to Zach’s brother. I’ll call you when his board meeting is done.”
“Why doesn’t he have anything to lose?” Zach said, glancing at Delaney after she disconnected. “I assume you were talking about Davidson.”
“Yeah. Apparently he’s dying. Like Gabe said, that makes him a dangerous man.”
“Not something I wanted to hear.” He turned onto the driveway of his mother’s house and came to a stop. “I’m damn tired of this man, Delaney.” He shut off the ignition, then shifted in his seat to face her. “I guess you got your answer, but we’re here, so we might as well talk to my brother.”
“Do you know if Davidson’s tried to contact Robbie?”
“He’s supposed to let me know if that happens, so the answer better be no. Let’s go ask him that question.”
“Have you heard from Kali?” she asked as they walked to the door.
“Yes. She misses Ollie and wants to come home. She didn’t say a word about missing me, so my feelings are hurt.”
