Chapter 11 #5
“In the end, I couldn’t even get in touch with you.
When they were holding me, I didn’t have access to a phone, of course, and afterward I couldn’t think straight for days between my injury and the torture chemicals that Dekker injected in me.
Even when I could call, it was too dangerous to let Stevie use her phone, since we had reason to believe Korkil could track her if it was used. ”
Kendra nodded. “So you thought Elizabeth Porter was the one person who might know enough about Stevie and her country house to lead me here?”
“Yes. And even if I was dead, I thought Stevie would be in good hands with you.”
“But why was that bookseller murdered?” Kendra asked. “She didn’t answer my questions about you and told me nothing about Stevie Nolan.”
“Would it make you feel better if I tell you that you probably had nothing to do with why they went after Elizabeth Porter that night?” he asked gently.
“It was probably just about my presence in Palmer Nolan’s life.
” His lips twisted bitterly. “Though it could be that Korkil has a passion for sweeping anything the least bit marginal out of his path. Or the pleasure he receives from the pain he inflicts while he’s doing it. I could show you the morgue reports.”
“No, thank you. I’m feeling bad enough already.”
“Then believe what I’m telling you. Is there a possibility you could have something to do with her death?
Of course, but it’s likely the responsibility lies at my door—or even more likely, at Korkil’s.
I won’t lie. I had planned to pluck Elizabeth Porter out of harm’s way.
That was the plan, but I was more worried about Stevie and Archie.
And I ended up being shot and then taken to that damn gas station for Korkil’s fun and games.
I wasn’t pleased. I was so mad, he didn’t stand a chance of getting any info out of me.
“But Korkil could have realized you were a potential problem because of your connection with me. He’d probably already had me investigated because I’d asked too many questions about him and his organization during the past six months.
Since Porter was also under scrutiny as a friend of Stevie Nolan, it was almost a sure thing that Korkil would eventually give the order to eliminate her if she wouldn’t give him the information he wanted.
As you found out, that woman could keep a secret. ”
Kendra shook her head in disbelief. “Aren’t you just trying to make me feel less guilty?”
“Nah, it’s too much effort, and we know each other too well to play games when the truth is easier. Right?”
“Maybe.” She frowned. “I’m still upset with the way you handled all this. But you may be partially correct with some of the conclusions you’ve drawn.” She paused. “And I think you’ve told me the truth as you know it.”
“Amazing,” he murmured. “You mean I’m not a total asshole?”
“I didn’t say that. You were wrong in so many ways that hurt me.
” She hesitated again. “But I do think perhaps you were right about that wound not needing immediate attention.” She turned and headed for the door.
“It’s definitely no longer bleeding, but I’ll still send Archie to put on a fresh bandage. ”
He smiled. “I would have preferred you to do it, since you appear to be diving into the case with such enthusiasm. But I’m at your disposal in any capacity. Archie isn’t nearly as charming. May I ask where you’re going now in such a hurry?”
“While you’re being expertly bandaged by her creation, I thought I’d have a discussion with Stevie. She and her father seem to be at the center of Korkil’s crooked schemes. I believe I should at least get to know her better so that I can help protect her.”
He was shaking his head. “By all means get to know her. Stevie needs all the friends she can get. But I don’t like the idea of you hanging around with her to act as a guard and ending up a victim yourself. That’s my job. I don’t need two of you to watch over.”
“I’ll remember that.” Then she added with annoyance, “Even though some of this madness was caused by that very attitude toward me. But in the meantime, remember that as far as I’m concerned I’m now a member of the team and I’ll do whatever I please as long as it doesn’t endanger Stevie or her father.
I’m sure that’s clear? I hope you and Archie will be very happy together. ”
She heard him chuckling as she left the room.
She paused a moment outside the room to gather herself before she went in search of Stevie.
Those minutes with Lynch had been as volatile as a roller-coaster ride, her emotions alternating from anger to pity and then to searing sexual tension while she’d tried to control them.
“May I be of service?”
She turned to see Archie, the robot, standing watching her across the hall. He was gazing at her quizzically, and she noticed he was carrying a red-and-white first-aid kit.
She quickly shook her head. “No, I’m fine. Though I did want to tell you that I’ve examined our patient and think the first aid will be minimal.”
“I’m very glad to hear that,” he said gravely. “But naturally I will have to make my own decisions based on my knowledge, my experience, and the many books I’ve memorized. You will not be insulted?”
“Perish the thought. But I’m curious to know what experience you’ve acquired?”
“From Stevie. She thought it urgent I learn the knowledge and techniques of a physician with at least a residency experience at a local hospital. So she arranged for me to spend many weeks learning and observing. Humans are so beautifully complicated. And I’m being taught to save them and help them to survive.
It is an honorable and wonderful goal.” For an instant his metallic face appeared to have softened and his blue eyes glowed bright behind his sunglasses. “Do you not think so?”
She nodded. “And I can see that you do.”
“Wonderful,” he repeated. “Besides, it was very interesting.”
“I’m sure it was,” she murmured.
He inclined his head slightly. “If I cannot help you, I must go and examine Lynch’s wound.” He started for the bedroom door. “I thought you might be in distress . . .”
“Nothing you can help with. Thank you.”
He nodded. “Ah, something to do with the brain? No, I am not wise enough for that yet.” He opened the door. “Perhaps if I’m permitted, someday soon . . .”
She stared after him as the door closed.
It was totally bizarre to see that beautifully glowing metallic body carrying that small first-aid kit.
But if what he said was true, his purpose was far from bizarre.
He was learning to save human lives. That was wonderful.
But it was also bewildering. She had heard of robotic machines in hospitals that helped in surgical operations.
But she had an idea he was learning the procedures themselves at that hospital.
If that was true, then what Stevie had accomplished was doubly difficult.
It must have been against hospital rules, so how had she managed the instructions and supervised practice? Wonderful, indeed.
How?
She had asked herself the question. But now she had to go to the person who had the answer. It was as good a way as any to start to learn a few of Stevie Nolan’s secrets.