"I don't want to hear it," Victoria said."Usually, I want my staff to do the best they can do and do more, so we can help more people, but not in this case.I don't care what you get done while you’re here, and I don't expect you to get anything done.I won't lie, it’s really good to have you around.Don't worry about anything."
"Thank you," Alison replied."It’s—"
She stopped when her phone rang, and her heart beat like a drum when she saw the number: local PD.
Alison stopped up her phone in a hurry."Hello?Alison Payne speaking."
"Alison, it’s Detective Moore."
Alison had worked with Detective Samantha Moore on a previous case.She didn't know that Moore was aiding in the manhunt, but then again, most of the state and beyond were.
"Is there news?Do they have him?"Alison asked.
"News of—Oh, no, sorry," Detective Moore said quickly."I’m not—I don't know if you want to talk about that."
"Why did you call me?"Alison asked, wanting to hang up.
"I know you’re going through a lot, and this is the last thing you need, but I could really do with your help."
Aliso didn't immediately hang up or say anything.
"Again," Detective Moore added.
Alison and Detective Moore had worked together previously, and Alison liked the woman.In any other circumstances, she would have already been asking for details about the case, but how could she think about anything else when all she could think about was Howard Mills?
"I’m not much use right now," Alison admitted."I’m sorry.You know I would help you if I could, but my mind is not in a good place."
"I know how you work," Moore said."I’d take you at half capacity over anyone else at my disposal, but I completely understand.I know this is asking a lot, but even if you take a look at the case and give any thoughts, I’d really appreciate it.You don't need to be a part of the case."
"I can't promise anything," Alison said, "but send what you’ve got over to me, and I’ll take a look.If I won't be any help to you, I’ll let you know."
"Thank you.I really appreciate it."Keys clacked on the other end of the line."I’m sending you the files over now.Dr.Richard Langford.He was killed in his office late last night, and it’s the kind of thing I know you’ll have some insight on.No pressure, okay?"
"I’ll take a look," Alison said.
There was some silence between them before Moore spoke again."If there’s anything I can do."
"Thanks," Alison said.
There was some more silence before they said their goodbyes and ended the call.
"Sounds like you’re in demand," Victoria said."You know you can consult on a case if that’ll occupy your mind better."
"I don't know if it will," Alison admitted."I can't do substandard work if it’s for an active case.I’ll take a look, but I don't think I can take it on."
"What’s the case?"Victoria asked.
"I’m not sure yet," Alison admitted."Someone was found dead in an office last night.That’s about all I know so far.Dr.Richard Langford."
"What?"Victoria gasped.She brought her hand to her mouth."Richard Langford?You’re sure."
"I think so.Detective Moore sent me the file."Alison opened her email on her laptop and found the file Moore sent."Dr.Richard Langford.Did you know him?"She looked up at Victoria.
"Yeah, I knew him."Victoria took a moment to retrieve a handkerchief from her pocket and wiped her eyes."I’ve worked with Richard many times over the years.Perhaps we weren’t dear friends, but I respected his work, and we got on well.I don't know what happened to him, but I know he didn't deserve it.Can you…No.I don't want to see it.I don't want to know.I don't know what I want."
"I’m sorry," Alison said."Who was he?"
"He was one of us," Victoria said.Her lower lip trembled."A forensic psychiatrist.He did a lot of assessment work along with consultations with prisons and treatment facilities.The one thing that always stood out with Richard was that he knew more than anyone else."
