Chapter 6
CHAPTER SIX
Luke tapped the screen of the tablet, pausing the video taken Tuesday morning just before dawn. “What do we know so far?”
“Not much.” Knox shook his head. “Dr. Whitmore claims to have never met the victim. According to the police reports, there was no sign of forced entry.”
“Boyfriend?”
“No one serious that any of her friends or colleagues are aware of. The police don’t have any leads yet, or, if they do, they’re not sharing that information.”
Luke frowned. It was a gruesome murder, but they’d always look first at people closest to the victim. “How is Dr. Whitmore tied into this?”
Knox shrugged. “She’s a psychologist. Maybe a former patient or a boyfriend trying to get her attention?”
Luke turned his gaze back to the beautiful woman on the screen. Her long dark hair was pulled back into a ponytail and she looked exhausted. “So, what are they requesting?”
“Basic security at the health center on the south side. Her practice is on the fifth floor.” He lifted a shoulder. “You’ll make rounds through the building, put any precautions into place that you feel necessary. You’re just hired muscle to make sure she’s safe.”
Luke lifted a brow. “Isn’t that a little much after only one incident?”
“Better to take the preventative measure than risk something happening to her.”
“I just can’t believe the landlord’s going to foot the bill for that without any evidence. At this point, isn’t it all conjecture anyway?”
Knox settled back in his chair. “I’ve known the owner for several years. Piers Davenport dabbles in real estate and owns several businesses around town. He’s a good guy. He saw the news and decided to grant her request on a temporary basis.”
“How long?”
“Four weeks. He’s given the go-ahead to install additional cameras around the property, so I’ve put in an order.”
Luke nodded. Maybe the phone call was a fluke, but maybe it was more. Probably wasn’t a bad idea to make sure some stalker wasn’t after her. She’d at least be safe at work and, if nothing else, it would give the office the added benefit of tighter security for their patients.
Knox studied Luke. “I’m supposed to head to D.C. soon. I can either take this once I get back or you can head this one up. How soon are you looking to start?”
Luke turned his gaze back to the screen. Under her grim composure, the woman looked… scared. Luke wasn’t sure why, exactly, but something in her expression called to him. “I’ll handle it.”