“Andtheyare the police.” Martin sounded firm but amused. “I’m really sorry, Mrs. Blaise, but they trump you.”
“Fine. You’re right, of course, but I don’t like it. Should we get one of those metal detectors like they have at the courthouse?”
“The department heads were already discussing it at our security briefings. You all will have to decide if a single incident justifies the expense.”
“Officer,” she called, “when do you think you’ll finish with Mr. Grinchly?”
“I’m finished with the people who saw the shooting. I’m ready to take his statement now.”
“Perfect. Inez, you keep an eye on this conference room while I talk to the others.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Eb was about to call out to his assistant when a police officer stepped into the room.
“I heard gunfire from the conference room.” Eb wryly indicated his wounded arm. “I didn’t even realize he’d shot me. I just knew I had to stop him. Have you ever been shot?”
“No, sir, fortunately, but I’ve talked to officers who have. It’s not uncommon for adrenaline to block out some things.” The officer asked a few more questions and then handed Eb a business card. “If you remember anything else, call me.”
“I will.” Eb pocketed the card as the officer opened the door and asked, “Am I free to go now?”
“No, you arenot.”Inez stood anxiously in the hallway. “Besides them wanting you to go to the emergency room for a full examination, Mrs. Blaise wants to talk to you, so you stay right here while I get her.” She pinned Eb with such a fierce look that he raised his good hand in surrender.
The painkiller had worked, but he wassotired. All he wanted was to crawl into his bed and go to sleep. He needed his phone.
“He’s ready, Mrs. Blaise,” Inez said from the hallway.
Gretchen swept into the conference room a second later, her face full of worry. Her gaze immediately went to the bandage on his arm and then down to the bloodstain beneath it.
“I’ve never been so shocked in my life when I heard about this.” She held her hands to her cheeks, her complexion pale. “Does it hurt very much?”
“The paramedic gave me some good drugs, so I’m doing fine now. She said I should see a doctor about stitches.” Eb glanced at his arm. “She said it’s only a graze, and it didn’t appear to have done much damage to the muscles.” He hoped the assessment was right.
“All this and you haven’t even had lunch yet.” Gretchen looked about to cry. “I’m sick about this.”
“I’m just glad it wasn’t at a school with children.”
Her eyes went wide. “Thanks for putting things in perspective,” she said dryly, but she looked better.
“Is there any word on the woman?”
Gretchen nodded. “Elise.”
Eb had only interacted with her a few times and knew little about her except she had young children. Had it been their father who’d shot her?
“They were talking about surgery,” Gretchen said, “but I have heard nothing else. We need to get you to the doctor.”
“I’ll be driving him, if you don’t mind,” Inez said from the doorway.
Eb rubbed his temple. This was bound to be on the news. His family would hear about it. And what about Paige? He didn’t want her to show up, accusing him of being unable to care for Rue.
“I need my phone. I have to call my parents.” He stood, but he’d moved too quickly and a wave of dizziness made him sway.
“Whoa there.” Gretchen grabbed his uninjured arm and held onto it until he was steady.
“What happened to your phone, sir?” Inez asked, stepping into the room.
“The paramedic took it after Walt Kinkade called me.”
