Page 49 of Fight or Flight
“I’ll check the horses,” Doc said. “They’re here temporarily while a fella’s new stables are being finished. Tyler, you know more about Carson than I do. It’s been a while since I’ve spent time with him. Is he capable of this?”
“Never,” Tyler said emphatically. “He’s as clean as they come.”
“You sure?” Ilene asked. “Those are the kind that usually have something to hide. Remember Ted Bundy, a good-looking man in the prime of his life.”
“Of course—who doesn’t remember that whacko? If Tyler is sure, then you should be, too,” Doc said to Ilene and Detective Davidson. “I’ll be back. I want to see for myself what’s got them into such a, uh . . .tizzy,” he said, emphasizing the last word.
“George and I will come with you, just in case,” Detective Davidson said. “I think we’ve done as much inside as we can. I’ll send someone over in the morning to replace the glass. Ilene, as soon as I have any information, you’ll be the first person I call. When the lady wakes up, maybe she’d be willing to talk to me tomorrow? Off the record.”
“I’ll ask her,” Tyler said. “I can contact you through Ilene.”
“Not necessary,” Davidson said, removing a card from his jacket. “Here, call me when she’s ready. My personal cell number.” He took a pen from his pocket and jotted the number down. “Keep this private if you can.”
“I’m a doctor. I keep my patients’ personal lives private. Thanks.” Tyler wanted to saythis woman I care about, but that was too much too soon. The detective was not his style. However, he’d owe him, if he could figure out who had broken into Katherine’s house.
Chapter Fifteen
Ilene and Tyler waited in the quiet kitchen, while Katherine continued to sleep upstairs. Doc soon returned from outside, minus the two officers.
“I didn’t see anything out of place. Those horses might’ve, though. Both were bucking; their eyes were wide and fearful. I’d let Carson know. He might’ve purchased horses that have a history,” Doc said to Tyler. “Something or someone frightened them. I did my best to calm them down. They’ll need a good run first thing in the morning.”
Tyler said, “Katherine’s intruder probably scared them. I checked on them earlier this evening. They were agitated, ears back, jumpy. When I saw the intruder on the surveillance videos, I figured that might’ve been what scared them.”
Doc nodded his head. “Most likely, that’s what’s stirred them up. I didn’t see any injuries or signs of poisoning.”
Ilene spoke up. “This might not be what you two lovesick admirers want to hear.” She cleared her throat. “But I want to do a background check on Katherine. Something about her bothers me. The idea that one could spend years in isolation as she has sounds insane.”
They sat around the kitchen island, and no one spoke for a moment.
“That’s wrong,” Tyler finally said. “Unless she’s committed a crime, you shouldn’t check up on her, Ilene, especially given her fragile mental state. She’s been so badly frightened. I wouldn’t want her to think our concern is an act.”
“I agree with Tyler,” Doc said. “She’s decent, down-to-earth. Just because she’s intentionally stayed inside her home doesn’t make her completely crazy.”
Ilene rolled her eyes, then laughed. “She’s gotten to you both. I promise I won’t do a background check. Yet,” she added. “So what’s next?”
“You both can go,” said Tyler. “I’ll stay with her. The dogs need someone to feed them and let them out. No way will I leave those French doors open. I’ll find a piece of wood or something to cover them. Then I’ll call Carson and let him know his horses are acting out of character. He would never purchase a horse if he thought there were bad bloodlines.”
“I hope not,” Doc said. “Those beauties are worth a small fortune.”
“Carson knows what he’s doing. He’s the best. I’ll call him.” Tyler checked his watch. “In a few hours. This can keep for now. Let the guy rest.”
“Speaking of . . .” Ilene began. “Franklin, let’s get out of here. I’m tired, and there isn’t anything more we can do here. Tyler’s got her so doped up, she’ll be lucky if she wakes up by tomorrow evening.”
“Thanks for the vote of confidence,” Tyler said. “I know it’s still hard for you, Ilene, but I am a doctor now. Not the kid next door playing loud music just to tick you off.”
“You are still a kid to me,” she acknowledged. “With a medical degree. Take care of that woman, all right?”
Doc shook his head. “Ilene, unless you want to walk home, put a plug in that hole beneath your nose.”
Tyler raised his eyebrows. “I’m not sure I’d want a ride from him, Ilene. There’s a crude man hiding behind that fake smile.”
Ilene laughed. “You’re right. He is not the charmer he pretends to be.” She took Doc Baker’s hand. “That’s why I like him.”
Doc rolled his eyes, a giant smile on his face. “Women,” he said.
“Can’t live with or without them?” Tyler asked, even though he didn’t believe the overused cliché.
“I wouldn’t go that far,” Doc joked. Then, in a more serious tone, he added, “Be careful, Tyler. Whoever broke in could still be out there. Stay close to K, all right?”
