Page 18 of Watch Me Burn
“I understand why you’d want that information, but I’m obligated to keep patient records private unless there’s a valid legal reason not to.”
Karen’s brows furrow. “Luna, animal medical records are not subject to HIPAA laws.”
“You’re right, technically, but they are subject to state privacy laws. Veterinary-patient-client privilege exists in Colorado, unless it’s in connection with an investigation of animal cruelty.”
“It is an investigation of animal cruelty.”
“Karen, with all due respect, no, it isn’t. Your investigation concerns missing persons.”
Her face hardens, displeasure written in every line as she realizes I know the statutes.
“Luna, this could help solve multiple murders. Why wouldn’t you want to share something that might save lives?”
“It’s not that.”I just don’t want you to catch him.“You’re asking for personally identifiable information about the animals’ owners.”
“I can have them subpoenaed, but I really don’t want to go through that hassle.”
My arms cross over my chest as her threat settles in the space between us. “There’s no need for that, Karen. Let me talk to my attorney and find out what I can legally give you.”
The hard edges on Karen’s face soften. “Thank you. Now, have you felt anyone watching you again? Any sense that someone’s been around the property?”
Only my wolf.
“No. Nothing.”
“Good. Stay diligent and call me if anything changes.” Karen’s expression opens up. “Luna, please get in touch after you consult with your attorney. I really could use your help on this.”
Karen leaves, and Maren and Ricky emerge from where they’d been eavesdropping, Ricky’s nails now trimmed but bare of polish.
“Well, that was intense.” Maren cradles Ricky against her chest, and true to form, one of his paws is clutching her breast while the other yanks on the tail of the stuffed monkey tucked under his arm.
“What happened to his blue nail polish?”
“Lost interest. Your conversation was far more fascinating. Though it’s batshit crazy that she seems to suspect Damien of running some kind of nationwide animal abuser death squad. Or that it’s tied to you and the sanctuary.”
The truth claws at my chest. It is tied to me. Not through Damien, but through my wolf. Could he have killed them all? The scope of it makes my head spin.
And now Karen won’t let this go. She’ll keep digging, keep pushing, until she uncovers the truth. Until she finds him.
The thought of him being caught and caged sends a wave of panic through me. What does it say about me that I’m more worried about his safety than the hundreds of missing people who might have died at his hands?
Ricky chitters, reaching for my hand as if sensing my distress. I let him take my fingers, and his warm paw grounds me, pulling me back to the present.
Even as I focus on his touch, dread settles in my bones. Karen’s getting too close and asking too many questions.
And somewhere out there, my wolf is still hunting.
Chapter six
Damien
Iwatch them from across Elkhorn Avenue, my hands buried deep in my jacket pockets as snowflakes drift around me. The remnants of last night’s snow cling to the edges of the sidewalk and gather in the corners of storefronts, turning to gray slush where foot traffic has worn it thin.
Luna and Maren weave between the scattered tourists browsing the shops. The crowds are thin now that peak season has passed, but enough bodies drift between us that I have to keep shifting positions every few minutes to keep them in view.
They laugh about something, Luna’s head thrown back in that unguarded way that makes my chest tight. Even from this distance, the mountain air’s bite shows in her flushed cheeks, and snowflakes dust her blonde hair like scattered diamonds in the early afternoon light. Her cream-colored coat wraps around jeans and faux-fur, knee-high boots that showcase every curve of her legs.
I’ve been following them for twenty minutes now, lurking behind parked cars and skulking in doorways like some lovesick creep. This isn’t me. Damien Wolfe doesn’t stalk women through mountain towns. But I can’t seem to help myself.
