She pressed a hand against her forehead, jiggling the lines to the saline and drug bags. “He didn’t say anything, but…”
“But what?” I leaned toward her again.
She let her hand flop down. “He met with a guy out at Miller’s gas station on the west end of Spokane. I was in the truck, and he went inside for a minute, and then he came out in a really good mood. He started throwing cash around the next day.”
Anticipation licked through my veins. “Tell me about this guy. What did he look like?”
The sound she made was one of frustration. “I don’t know. I wasn’t really paying attention. It was a guy inside the garage. Definitely a man, but the truck wasn’t close enough for me to really see.”
“Okay,” I said, trying to sound soothing. “Let’s back up. What color was his hair?”
She squinted as if trying to remember. “He was wearing a hat. Like a black baseball cap. Dark clothing, and I think he was as tall as Carbine but wouldn’t swear to it. I’m not sure. I didn’t see his face.”
That was something. “What about build?” I asked.
“Normal, I guess? He wasn’t fat or thin…just normal from where I sat in the truck. I really didn’t look. I wish I had.” Kay yawned. “I’m sorry. I had surgery on my leg, and the painkillers attack at weird times. I was awake all night.”
I patted her arm. “It’s okay, and it’s probably a good thing you didn’t get a good look at this guy. He’s dangerous.” I stood. “I’ll see what I can do for you.”
She looked down at her hands. “Thank you for the flowers. Nobody has ever brought me flowers before.” Her voice slurred and she dropped off into sleep.
A pang hit my heart. That was just sad.
I turned and headed into the hallway.
“Well?” Aiden asked, a new bruise showing beneath his cheekbone that I hadn’t noticed the night before. I think it was from my head when he’d tackled me to the ground.
“See if there are any cameras at Miller’s gas station west of Spokane because Carbine met with somebody there and then had a lot of cash,” I said, heading down the hallway. “Also, let’s try to keep Kay’s case a state one and not federal. I’m going to call Nick when I get to the office to see if the county will plea her down.”
Aiden sighed. “Softy.”
When I arrivedat my office, Officer Bud Orlov was waiting patiently in our waiting room. I smiled. “I guess you’re on Anna duty?”
“Yep.” Even though Bud was in street clothes, his short hair looked regulation cut. “Since John was shot, I’m on duty.”
“That one wasn’t my fault, and I called the hospital, and John gets to go home tomorrow.” I turned and leaned up to kiss Aiden on the chin. “Have a good day.”
He kissed my mouth. “You, too. Stay safe.” With a guy nod at Bud, he turned and strode away.
I smiled at Oliver, who was watching everyone with curiosity in his eyes. “Morning. I think I’m in court at ten?”
Oliver nodded. “Yes. I’ll call and remind Miss Walker to meet you there. You have three appointments this afternoon that we had to move from yesterday.”
“Perfect.” I motioned for Bud to follow me. “Do you want coffee? Oliver makes the best coffee around.” It was true. I think he added cinnamon and other spices.
Bud remained silent.
“You can work in there.” I pointed to the vacant office as I led the way to the kitchen. There I poured mugs of coffee and hot chocolate, handing the hot chocolate to Bud. “So. Tell me about your wife.”
He blew on the steaming mug. “I don’t want to talk about her right now.”
“I gave you coffee.” I pointed out.
Bud took a drink and then shut his eyes to hum. “That is good. Man, you were right. This is great.” He opened his dark eyes. “Her name is Sheila and that’s all I’m saying right now. If I need to talk, I trust you, but right now I just don’t want to talk about her.” He took another drink.
“I understand,” I murmured. I liked Bud. He deserved happiness. “When you do want to talk, I’m here for you.”
“Thanks,” Bud said soberly. “Speaking of women, is that Kelsey Walker single? I stopped by to see John in the hospital earlier and he wanted me to find out.”
