“Did they leave together, from here?”
“No-I mean, I don’t think so. She was-they were-still here when I left. But I know she planned to go home first. Even though it was casual, Ava wanted to fuss a little, so she was going home to change.”
“What time did you leave?”
“About three. I came on at seven yesterday, and left around three.”
“Who else was here when you left?”
“Oh, let’s see. Dr. Slone, and Dr. Collins, and Dr. Pratt. Um, Leah, Kiki, Roger, one of our physician assistants, and…”
Eve took notes as Sarah listed names.
“Was Ava seeing anyone else?”
“No. I mean, she dated sometimes, but not a lot, and nothing serious. There was just this spark, you know, between her and Jack. We all thought they might…”
“Did she have any interest in the occult?”
“The what? You mean, like ghosts or something?”
“Or something.”
“I don’t think so. Ava was…” She trailed off again, as if trying to find the word. “Grounded. That’s it. She was just really real. She loved her job here, and was so good at it. Good with the staff, the patients. She remembered people’s names, and what they came in for, and what everybody liked in their coffee.”
“Was there anyone who showed a particular interest in her-other than Jack?”
“Everyone did. She was like that. Everybody loved Ava.”
Eve sent Sarah out, sniffling. “Anything pop on those runs?” she asked Peabody.
“Nothing that sings. You’ve got a lot of highly educated people on staff. Slone’s married, two kids, no criminal. Wife’s an interior designer. Homes in the city, in the Hamptons, and in Colorado. Collins, Dr. Lawrence, second marriage, two offspring from each, no criminal. Current wife is professional mother. Upper West Side digs here, and a home in Costa Rica. Pratt-”
“Copy the data to my pocket unit.” Eve paced the office. “This is going to take a while. We need to split up. Go over and check Ava’s apartment. Have EDD pick up her electronics. I’ll meet you back at Central when we’re done here.”
“Okay. You know, Dallas, we’re both going to need sleep at some point.”
“We’ll get to that. Tell them to get someone else in here.”
At least one of the killers was here, Eve thought. She was sure of it. The vic hadn’t been in the city two full years, and from what Eve had learned, most of her time and energy and interest funnelled into her work. These were her contacts, her people.
Pike, brand-spanking-new.
It was possible they’d run afoul of someone at Ava’s apartment-and Peabody would ferret that out, if so. But logic said both Ava and Jack had known at least one of her killers well enough to trust.
And what easier place was there to drug someone than in a health center? The place was full of drugs-and people who, in Eve’s opinion, just loved sticking them into other people. Subdue them here, she speculated, give them enough happy juice to make them compliant and transport them to the hotel, where one or more partners has already dealt with Mika and Trosky.
Get them upstairs, she imagined, and let the party begin. Had to be early. The whole thing had been done by twenty-three hundred, latest. It took time to eat, drink, orgy, and perform a human sacrifice.
She glanced up as the door opened. The man who hurried in was about five-ten and carrying a good five excess pounds in the belly. His round face held a pleasant if harried smile. Eyes of faded green radiated both fatigue and kindness. He scooped his hand through his short tangle of brown hair.
“I’m so sorry to keep you waiting. We’re… well, we’re short-staffed today, as you know. We didn’t have enough time to notify all the staff, the patients, and close today.” He sat, wearily. “I think we’re all running on sheer nerves. Sorry, I’m Dr. Collins, Larry Collins.”
“Lieutenant Dallas. I’m sorry for your loss.”
“It’s incomprehensible. At least a half dozen times today I’ve started to ask Ava for something. In the six months or so since she’s been here, she’s become the hub of the practice.”
“You’re aware she was planning to see Dr. Pike last night, socially.”
“Yes. We were all invested, a bunch of matchmakers.” His lips compressed on the term. “And now… Jack couldn’t have hurt her, Lieutenant. It’s just not possible.”
“What time did she leave yesterday?”
“Ah, let me think. I believe she was still here when I left, and that would have been close to five. Yes, yes, because I said good night to her and-” He broke off, looked away, struggled for composure. “-and good luck.”
“Where did you go?”
“I went home, and had a drink.” He smiled a little. “My last patient of the day was a very, let’s say, active and opinionated five-year-old.”
“You’re a pediatrician?”
“That’s right.”
Eve nodded, watching him. “I have to ask, it’s routine. Is there anyone who can verify your whereabouts from five P.M. to midnight?”
“My wife. She fixed me the drink, bless her. We had a quiet evening at home as the kids were spending the night with friends.”
“All right. Who was here when you left, other than Ava?”
“I’m not entirely sure.” He furrowed his brow in thought. “I think Rodney, one of our nurses, and Kiki, a lab tech. I know the waiting room was clear, because I commented on it to Ava. We try to close at five, but realistically it’s nearer to six most days.”
“Dr. Pike? Was he still here?”
“I didn’t see him. Of course, he may have been with a patient.”
“Thanks for your time. I may have some followups later, but for now, that’s it. Would you send either Kiki or Rodney in?”
“I think Rodney’s on his lunch break, but I’ll see that Kiki’s told you’re waiting.” He rose, walked to the desk where she sat, offered a hand. “Thank you, Lieutenant, for all you’re doing.”
She got to her feet first so their eyes would be level. She thought of when she might grab a meal, and took his hand. “It’s my job.”
“All the same.” He held her hand, her eyes a moment longer, then released it. “Thank you.”
She waited until he’d left the room before she spoke for her recorder. “Note, Dr. Lawrence Collins is a sensitive. And one who doesn’t mind poking into another’s mind without permission.”
Hope he enjoyed her thoughts of pepperoni pizza, Eve mused. Then checking the time, pulled out her ’link to check her messages.
She was snarling and steaming before Roarke’s message played out. “Son of a bitch!” She tagged him back. “You’d better answer, goddamn it, you’d just better-Stay out of my crime scene,” she snapped out when his face came on screen.
“That crime scene is a suite in my hotel.”
“Look, pal-”
“You look for a change. One of my people is in custody. Another, I’ve just been informed, is dead by his own hand. I won’t sit and do nothing.”
“I’m getting somewhere here, and I’ll be in contact with Mira within the hour. She’ll have finished the initial exams, and if she gets the results I think I may have enough for a search warrant.”
“That’s all very well, and good for you. Meanwhile, I’ve my own line to tug, and at the end of it, you may have enough for arrest warrants.”
“You can’t just walk into a crime scene and take someone with you. Who the hell is with you?”
“ Isis.”
There was a long, stunned silence. “You’re taking a witch into my crime scene? What the hell’s wrong with you? If the two of you compromise-”
“Your sweepers and techs have been through, the scene’s been recorded and photographed, evidence removed and logged. You’ve been over that suite top to bottom yourself. Added to that, goddamn right back at you, I didn’t come down in the last shower of rain. I know what’s to be done to protect the bleeding scene.”
“You both need a nap,” Eve heard Isis say, very pleasantly.