By the end, she’d switched from supporting my decision not to bring in the police to saying that she can’t allow me to simply trade myself for Deo. And I told her I’m old enough to make my own damn decisions, and if a trade is what it takes to get Deo back, then that’s what will happen. We were both in tears, and I hung up before I said something I knew I’d regret.
My heart starts pounding when I pick up the phone. I don’t recognize the number. But then caller ID kicks in and an image pops up. It’s the logo for Quinn Investigative Services—QIS with the letter I replaced by a magnifying glass.
Must be Aaron. But why would he call rather than walking up the stairs?
“Hello?”
“Hi, Anna.” Okay, not Aaron.
“Um . . . hi, Sam. What’s up?”
His voice sounds a little hesitant. I sit on the edge of the bed, bracing myself for bad news. And I guess my voice sounds worried, because Sam quickly says, “Oh, no—there’s no news. Sorry. I just need to talk to you for a minute without Aaron and Taylor around.”
“Okay. I’m listening.”
“I just got off the phone with your doctor.” When he hears my exasperated sigh, he laughs softly. “I’ve heard that sound before, both as a father and a grandfather. Don’t get all huffy. She’s worried about you.”
Even though I should probably be annoyed with Kelsey for calling Sam, I can’t be. I hate worrying her, and I really hated fighting with her on the phone. And it’s nice to know that she cares enough to try and stop me from doing something that even I know is stupid. Doesn’t change my mind, since it’s my only option. But it’s still nice.
“I know she’s worried, Sam. But what choice do I have? I’m responsible for Deo. Maybe not on paper, maybe not legally, but I am. And I’m the one who picked up Molly. I won’t let Deo be hurt. Not if I can prevent it. Kelsey knows that.”
“She does. And I’m not arguing that point. If the Creggs had the Metro PD jumping through hoops to give Badea access, I don’t know how far their reach may be. And I think Dr. Kelsey understands that, too. Probably why she called me instead of the police. I reassured her as best I could. Told her we’ve got backup plans. Aaron will have advance warning if they come after you. If we can get one of them first, maybe we’ll have some leverage.”
I keep quiet, since I don’t intend to let that happen. In my opinion, there’s an even better chance that grabbing Badea or whoever they send to fetch me will be very bad news for Deo.
“And I told her that even if that falls through, we’ll find you. We’ll get you out of there.”
“Hope so.”
“Taylor knows what she’s doing. She’ll find Deo, and if worst comes to worst, she’ll find you. If Taylor says Molly’s purse is under the pool, it’s under the pool. If I had any doubts about that, I wouldn’t have just leveraged every bit of credibility I have in this state by getting the police up in Harford County to request a search warrant for that property in Havre de Grace on the basis of an anonymous tip.”
“Wait . . . you called the police?”
“Sweetie, that’s how it works. Private investigators can’t get a warrant. I took every precaution I could, though. The cop I contacted is a friend. Harford’s four counties north of the District, and we’re keeping the whole thing quiet . . . well, as quiet as you can when it involves ripping up someone’s swimming pool. My contact said I could be there when they rip it up—probably Tuesday or Wednesday—but he also said I might want to bring my checkbook just in case they don’t find evidence.” He laughs, although I get the feeling he’s not actually joking.
“Like I told your doctor,” he continues, “we’ll get you out of there if all else fails. But it may take a little time. And I’m . . . concerned about what’s going to happen if Badea starts digging around in your mind. I know you blocked her before, but I’m pretty sure the whole agreeing to cooperate thing is going to include the expectation that you don’t keep blocking her. Won’t matter whether there’s a leak in the police department if you’re giving up information voluntarily—not just on everything we’ve learned about Molly’s case but also what Molly knew and what you now know about Aaron’s and Taylor’s abilities.”
“I wouldn’t . . .” I stop. No, I wouldn’t do it on purpose. And I don’t think I’d do it to save myself. But if the choice was between saving Deo and protecting Aaron and Taylor?
“I’m not saying you’d do it willingly. But the two of them have no idea how hard we’ve worked to keep them off Cregg’s radar. And they haven’t made things easy since Molly died. I know they want to help, but . . . I guess what I’m asking is whether it’s all or nothing? I mean, is there any way you can—I don’t know—compartmentalize, maybe? Give them some information, enough to make them think you’re cooperating, without putting anyone else in danger?”