The problem was, Lainie didn’t really want to talk to the psychologist. Years ago, after the lawsuit, she’d been required to talk to him.
“They just want to be certain that you’re right in the head,” Beck had said back then.
Even though Beck had said it, Lainie didn’t like the idea of psychological probing, the requirement that she do some self-examination. At that time, she hadn’t even shot anyone.
On the way home, Lainie got a call from her lieutenant, asking for a meeting. She diverted to the station. Setting up her apartment would have to wait.
“How are you doing?” LT asked.
“I’m still standing. Evie is improving. She’s coming home so that is great.”
“Glad to hear it. Have you spoken to Dr. Reynolds?”
Lainie sighed. She should have known the LT would want to know about that. There was no way she could get out of it; she just wanted to put it off as long as possible. If the shooting had happened on a regular shift, she would have automatically had three days off. She figured she had time to wait.
“I have not. I will call him. I’ve just been a little busy. I’m kind of bummed because I’m ready to return to work.”
“I understand. But it’s your first shooting, and it’s possible you hit the guy, though it does not appear as if he was hurt badly. Stuff like that can play with your head, so let’s take it slowly. How is everything else going? You found a place to live?”
“I have. I rented an apartment up by the circle. I guess it’s a good thing that I’m off work. I’ll need some time to finish clothes shopping. Everything burned. I also have furniture being delivered to my new apartment. I feel like a slug making Mike handle our caseload.”
“He hasn’t complained. And everyone understands your life is crazy right now. Don’t hesitate to tell someone if you’re having any issues at all.”
“I won’t. And I appreciate your concern.”
After the meeting, Lainie stopped in the violent crimes office to see how Mike was holding up. He wasn’t in; he was in court.
“Lainie.” She turned to see Detective Shea coming her way.
“I was just going to text you,” he said. “Come into my office for a sec?”
“Sure.” She followed him to the homicide office. Surprise struck—there sat Ben Isaacs. Lainie had thought of him often over the last few days. Mostly she was ashamed of herself. For how she had treated him. When she faced up to all the hate and unforgiveness she felt toward Stan, she realized she’d directed some vitriol at Ben as well. She’d withheld forgiveness from Ben, and for that she was truly sorry.
“We’ve been reviewing all that we have on this case. Ben here came up with a good question. Go ahead, Ben.”
He nodded toward Lainie. “Good to see you, Lainie. How are you doing?”
“Like I told the lieutenant, I’m still standing. Thanks for asking.” She hoped that her tone would telegraph that she was over her snit. “What do you have?”
“It’s what we don’t have. Do you know where your sister’s car is?”
“What? Her car?”
“Yeah, we know that there is a Toyota Corolla registered to her, but we haven’t been able to locate it.”
Flabbergasted, Lainie sat. “I hadn’t thought about it. It wasn’t in the garage at her house?”
“No, I checked. I checked the car wash as well. Stan’s car is in impound because he was arrested in it, but I don’t think anyone is even concerned about Evie’s vehicle. Has she been able to tell you anything about when and how she was taken?”
Lainie shook her head. “She still doesn’t remember what happened. The last thing she remembers was packing for Hawaii. Then waking up in the hospital. Why is the car important?”
“I’m not certain it is, but we’ve exhausted everything to this point. She told me when I spoke to her that she’d had her car washed on Friday and had spoken to Efren there, at Sudsy Place.”
“The Friday before she went missing?”
“Yes. And it was that Friday that Efren missed his scheduled check-in.”
Lainie rubbed her hands together, thinking. “Her memory is so spotty. She remembers that she called me, but she doesn’t know why. Doc says maybe with time more memories will return.”
