Page 60 of Unraveled

“Merrill Keane.”

“Let me check.” Audrey heard the keyboard clicking in the background as Stella worked her magic. After a long moment, she came back on the phone. “You’re right. He was actually a patient of Dr. Rodriguez at the branch over on Pennsylvania Avenue.”

Audrey closed her eyes, unsure of whether that was a good thing or bad. “I really appreciate your help, Stella. Would you mind printing off a copy of his file and just leave it in my mailbox? I can swing by later and pick it up.”

“Do you need anything else?”

“No,” Audrey replied. “You’ve done enough. Thank you so much.”

What did this mean? It could still be a complete coincidence. But something felt… off about this whole thing. Three sets of remains found close together, two of whom were ex-military and patients of the VA. She knew it was a stretch, but she had to know for sure if there was a connection here, no matter how small. It could be nothing—or it could be everything.

Audrey tapped her nails on the screen of her phone before drawing a deep breath and heading downstairs. John had removed himself to the living room in front of the huge TV, and she took a seat on the edge of the couch. “I need to drive over to the VA and pick up some files. Would you like to get out of the house for a bit and come with me?”

“Sure, if you wouldn’t mind some company.”

She smiled as he lowered the recliner and pushed to his feet. “Of course not.”

Together they made their way to her car, which Carter had retrieved from the coffee shop a couple of days ago. She slipped behind the wheel, feeling more than a little guilty for not telling Carter what she planned to do. He would literally kill her if he found out she’d left the house.

So, he just wouldn’t have to find out—at least, not yet. It was part of the reason she’d invited John. She knew the older man was feeling cooped up, being stuck in a house that wasn’t his. She knew that feeling well. Besides, having John with her made her feel better knowing that she wouldn’t be alone, even if she was only going in for a few minutes.

Forty minutes later, she parked in the lot behind the VA and turned to John. “Would you like to come in or stay here?”

He waved her off. “I’ll just stay here if you don’t mind.”

“Not at all.” She left the car running and the air conditioning on as she opened the door and slipped out. “I’ll be back in just a few minutes.”

She felt exposed being out there in the open all alone, and hurried around the building, breathing a sigh of relief once she was inside. It was irrational, she knew, but she couldn’t help it. The last time she was out in public, she was shot at—she really didn’t want a replay.

Stella lifted her gaze when she heard the door open, and she greeted Audrey with a smile and a little wave as she approached the desk. “You look great.”

“Thanks.” Audrey returned her smile. “Have I missed anything?”

“Same old thing here,” Stella said. Then, almost as an afterthought— “Oh, I almost forgot.” She searched her desk for a moment then handed a card to Audrey. “Nate’s mother passed away, if you’d like to sign this.”

“Of course.” Audrey opened the card and wrote a little sympathy message, then signed it and handed it back. “How’s he holding up?”

Stella lifted one shoulder. “I don’t know. I’m really not even sure what happened.”

“Sucks.” Audrey made a little face, then tipped her head to the side. “Anyway, I’ll let you get back to it. Thanks again for your help earlier.”

“Anytime.”

Stella winked, and Audrey slipped behind the little fold-down counter and into the small room where they kept patient records. Quickly, she skimmed the shelves for the “T” section, then pulled the file folder containing Robert Tripp’s information from the bookcase.

Shooting a quick glance around, she copied each page of his chart, then replaced the folder. Scooping up the small stack of papers, she slung her purse over her shoulder and slipped out of the room. She grabbed the rolled-up files from her mailbox as she passed, then made her way around the counter.

As she left, she waved to Stella, who was engaged on the phone. Stella shot her a smile and a wave, and Audrey turned to head out. As she did so, she almost bumped into Dr. Kellerman.

“Whoa.” He put a hand on her shoulder to steady her.

“Sorry about that.” She took a quick step backward and forced a smile to her face, though her heart was racing in her chest.

Kellerman studied her for a long moment. “How are you feeling?”

“Good, thanks.”

“You sure? You look a little pale.”