“But O’Connor has agreed to turn state’s witness against the five on conspiracy to commit murder?—”
It feared the next answer. “In exchange for what?”
“He’ll plead guilty to one count of the same charge, on his wife’s case. I know it doesn’t seem harsh enough, but it carries a twenty-year max sentence.”
“Which means the asshole gets out when?” Almost nobody served their entire sentence.
“Maybe eleven or twelve. It depends. But after that, we get a run at him for kidnapping.”
“That’s a little better.”
“It was Boston’s call.” The lieutenant pulled a plastic evidence bag from his pocket. “At least your girl can have her watch back now.”
I accepted the watch. “Thanks. This means a lot to her.”An hour later, I fingered the business card, put it down, then picked it up again. I’d put this off long enough and dialed the number.
“Dr. Lang’s office,” a perky woman answered. “How may I help you?”
“I’d like to make an appointment to see the doctor.”
“I’m afraid she’s completely booked for some time.”
That answer gave me an easy out, but my tattoo reminded me that theonly easy day was yesterday. After swallowing, I pulled out the trump card the boss had insisted I use. “Lucas Hawk referred me.”
“Just a moment, please.”
I waited.
Another woman came on the line. “This is Doctor Lang. Who do I have the pleasure of speaking with?”
“Zane March, ma’am.”
“You can cut the ma’am, Zane. What can I help you with?”
“I have nightmares, violent ones.”
“I understand you were a SEAL?”
Lucas had obviously talked to her. “Yes.”
“Zane, I can help you, but you may consider the process just as difficult as when you went through BUD/S. Are you ready to commit?”
“I am.”
“Do you have a buddy you can talk with when it gets hard?”
Peyton’s face flashed in front of me. “I do.”
“How is Thursday at one for our first appointment?”
“I’ll be there.” My angel deserved this. I would march through hell for her.
After the call, I dialed Peyton and told her the news Wellbourne had given me.
“So it’s over?” she asked.
“Yup.”
O’Connor’s son hadn’t survived his injuries.
