“What does that mean?” That sharpness was back in his voice as if my response put him on alert.
“It’s not such a big deal or anything.” I paused and then told Chael about the few interactions with Dr. Pines over the past week.
“And he never spoke to you?”
“Not one word.” I shrugged. “That’s not out of the ordinary, though. He rarely speaks to anyone unless he has immediate business with them. That one time outside of his office was the only time he’s spoken to me since my nana died, to be honest.”
“What time outside of his office?”
I cringed, forgetting that I hadn’t told Chael that I ran into Dr. Pines as I left his office after finding that report.
On a sigh, I told Chael about bumping into Pines outside of his office.
“You shouldn’t have done that.” Chael’s voice was rigid and sounded as if he was barely holding on to his restraint.
I bit back the urge to argue that if I hadn’t done it, I wouldn’t have gotten the proof that prompted him to investigate.
“He didn’t catch me doing anything. As far as he knows, I simply passed through the wrong door on my way to the bathroom.”
There was silence on the other end of the line. I tugged on Henry’s leash, gesturing for him to turn around. We’d come to our one-mile mark, and it was time to head back home.
“What was that?”
I assumed Chael heard the light wind that had just blown through the air, causing a bit of static on the phone line.
“I’m going for a walk outside.”
“It’s dark out.”
I glanced up at the sky. Thick, fluffy clouds began to roll in from the far west side, but the remaining rays of the sun painted the sky in a beautiful magenta glow that I know my nana would’ve loved to capture in one of her canvases.
“It’s perfect outside.” It wasn’t until after a brief silence that I realized I’d spoken out loud.
“You shouldn’t be out in the dark.”
Was that concern in his voice? I laughed off the idea that he was worried about me. My wild imagination could get me into trouble. I tended to make up traits or qualities in people that never existed.
“I’m a night owl, anyway. Besides, I’m heading home now.”
“Stay on the phone with me until you get there.”
I pulled the phone from my ear.The case, Reese.He’s probably being kind since he’s working this case.I nodded to myself.
“I don’t have much to tell you about the nursing home.”
“Then tell me something else.”
“Like what?” I asked.
“First thing that comes to your mind.” He sounded sincere, like he genuinely wanted to listen to whatever I had to say.
I glanced back up at the sky. “Tonight is one of those nights I wish I had a Canon.” I sighed. “The pictures I would take.”
“You’re a photographer.”
I snorted. “Hardly. But I like taking pictures.”
“I bet your photos are something to behold.”
