“Mr. Sykes? I’m Detective Bellows. We are investigating your accident. Can you hear me alright?”
Jeremy nodded.
“From the information I have, you were hit by a truck. The driver never stopped. Is that correct?”
Jeremy nodded.
“Can you explain what a vial of morphine was doing in your car?”
Jeremy slowly shook his head.
“I understand you were a pharmacist at Sunnydale. Is that correct?”
Jeremy nodded again.
“You left the company recently?”
Another nod.
“You are aware that morphine is a controlled substance.” It was more of a statement than a question.
Again, a nod.
“Then why was it in your possession?”
Jeremy shut his eyes and shook his head. He whispered, “I don’t know.”
“You’re saying that you have no idea how the drugs got into your car?”
Jeremy uttered softly, “Correct.”
“Mr. Sykes, this is an ongoing investigation. We are going to have to keep you in custody here until we get more answers. Do you understand what I am telling you?”
Jeremy nodded toward his arm in a sling, then to his other arm attached to a monitor and an IV. “Yes.” He was cogent enough to have a thought, but did not have the energy to sayDoes it look like I’m going anywhere?
“I’ll be back in a day or so. Meanwhile, get some rest.”
The detective left the room.At least he was pleasant, Jeremy thought, as he drifted off again.Maybe this is all just a bad dream.
Maggie phoned Annie. “There wasn’t a whole lot of info, but that guy Sykes is in the hospital. Doesn’t sound like he’s going to be released any time soon. According to my sources, he’s cuffed to the bed.”
“Wait. What? Why?” Annie blurted.
“They said they found drugs in his car.”
“What kind of drugs?”
“They wouldn’t say. Annie, I think I should fly down there and interview him as soon as possible.”
“Good idea. I’ll get the jet ready. It’s at Reagan International. How soon can you leave?”
“I work for you, remember? At the drop of a hat!” Maggie chuckled.
“Great. Be at the airport in two hours. I’ll arrange for a rental and a hotel room. Myra will be joining you in Florida, but we’re not sure exactly when. We’ll know more after our video call tonight.”
“Great. I’ll phone in from Florida. Hopefully, I’ll have more information by then.”
“Happy landings,” Annie said, then signed off with, “There will be food.”
