"Enough. I asked my detectives to double-check everything."
"I knew things might get worse, but I never thought she would kill someone."
The chief stiffened. "What do you mean?"
"Her mother died six months ago. She took it hard, and I guess she's never recovered. She isn't thinking clearly. Are you aware she's in the hospital? An attempted suicide. I don't know if even I can help her."
"I’m sorry, sir. We’ll wait to arrest her until she can understand the charges. This will give you time to prepare your legal team concerning this matter." Doug Sharpe stood.
"Thank you, Chief. I appreciate your consideration."
Talbot dialed the former Cicely Moody. Now, after surgery, he was Thibodaux Spooner, Deputy Director of Silverton Corrections. "Tibby, how are the girls?"
"Well. Mary and Amy are at a movie. Danielle is with Trip. What's wrong, Tal? You sound troubled."
"I'm terrific. I think our problems will be over soon. Elizabeth is about to be charged with murder—if she doesn't die first. Either way, she's out of our hair. Satanta is gone. The whore is in a coma. You and Jenner need to deal with that jail nurse, Saperstein. She's waffling."
Thibodaux popped open a beer. "I hope you’re right. Elizabeth stirred up a beehive. She’s the only one at Horizon who ever sent a letter."
"I’m aware of what we will lose. No more exposure. Tell Jenner no more deaths. Knox died because of his sins. Elizabeth needs to follow. Cost of doing business."
Alden McAllister showed a naked picture of Troy to his mistress. "Here's our newest fish."
"He's star material. Don't mar that face. With that cock, well, he will rise above the rest. Will he cooperate?"
"I think so. Mills looked stunned when Hailey showed him the package she pulled out of his ass. A few more days in the hole, and he'll be ready to negotiate."
"Excellent. Tonette is still unconscious. They’re lightening her sedation to check for brain death. Bailey may be a problem. He’s still confused, but I think that will pass."
Alden played with one of his lover's breasts. "All he saw was a man in black shoot him. Nothing else."
"I hope you’re right."
Alden rolled her beneath him and thrust hard. "What about Elizabeth Reed?"
"She's as good as dead." Thoughts of Elizabeth Reed left her mind.
Chapter Seventeen
Monday, July 15th
An elegant woman in her fifties approached the nurse's station late Monday morning. "Hello, I'm Dr. Ruth Weiss. I am here to meet with the doctors taking care of Elizabeth Reed."
"Dr. Weiss, I'm Miles Gerba, the intensivist. Thank you for coming. Dr. Keys is on his way. Elizabeth is in room two. I wish I had better news."
Ruth kissed her. "Oh, Beth. My poor baby."
"Dr. Weiss, this is Jamie O'Reilly and Eric Seton, PAs being provided as private caregivers."
She looked both men up and down. "You may leave if Talbot Reed arranged for your services."
"No, ma'am. We’re here at the request of the Chase Group," Eric spoke in a polite tone.
"The Chase Group? They own a health center in DC?"
"I'm Jamie. Yes, among other places. Martin Bailey, CEO of Chase Security International, is an old friend of Dr. Reed's."
"Beth's Marty." She didn't elaborate on how she knew. Ruth walked to the bedside table and opened her chart. "Is she aware he’s here?"
