Page 67 of Unraveled

“This is Becky.”

“Hi, Becky, it’s Audrey calling you back.”

“I’m sorry to call so early,” she apologized, “but you’re kind of my last resort. I know this isn’t ideal, but I’m looking for someone to take over Dr. Kellerman’s position.”

“Oh,” she said, concerned. “Is he sick?”

Something that sounded like a soft sob filtered through the speaker. “I… I’m sorry. I thought maybe you’d seen the news.”

Goosebumps rose over her flesh. “No. What happened?”

“Dr. Kellerman isn’t coming back. He’s…” Becky drew in a deep breath. “He passed away last night.”

Audrey sucked in a breath, and she heard the rustle of the sheets behind her. “Oh, my God.” Her mind spun uncontrollably, and she tried to make sense of the words. “I’m so sorry. I had no idea.”

“It was a shock to all of us,” she said sadly. “I don’t want to rush you, but if we don’t have enough coverage, I’ll have to let his patients know.”

“Yes, of course I’ll do it,” she blurted without thinking.

“Are you sure?” she asked. “I don’t want to rush you.”

“Yes,” she said decisively. She couldn’t turn her down; it was the right thing to do. “It’s no problem at all. I’ll see you soon.”

She hung up, then turned to meet Carter’s curious stare. “Looks like we can cross Kellerman off the suspect list.”

“Why?”

“Because he’s dead.”

His eyes flared wide. “You’re kidding me.”

She let out a mirthless laugh, still half in shock, and shook her head. “No. She said he passed away last night.”

His brows dipped, and concern clouded his expression. “I wonder what that means.”

She shrugged. “I have no idea. But I’ve got to take his patients today.”

At that, he bolted upright. “Not a chance.”

“I have to do this,” she argued. “There are people counting on him, on me, and⁠—”

“Jesus, Audrey.” His tone was exasperated as he swung his legs over the edge of the bed and grabbed her forearms. “You were just shot at a week ago. I don’t want you going out until they figure out who it is. Especially after this whole ordeal with Kellerman. He was the only viable suspect, and now⁠—”

She understood where he was coming from. “Listen. The office is never empty, between the staff and the cleaning crew. I’ll be safe enough with them there.” Carter shot a hard look at her, and she stared right back. “Really, though. It’d be stupid for someone to try something while I’m at work, surrounded by a whole bunch of ex-military men all day long.”

His chin dipped, and one eyebrow lifted toward his hairline. “Not making me feel any better.”

“You know what they say about a man in uniform…” She couldn’t help but tease him a little, and she pressed her lips together to contain a small smile when he let out a little growl and lightly smacked her ass.

“I’m the only man allowed to touch you.” His expression turned serious again almost immediately, and he stared up at her. “I really don’t like the idea of you going back there yet.”

She felt strange, caught halfway between wanting to laugh or cry. Kellerman was dead, which meant that their only suspect was now gone. Had Kellerman killed himself out of guilt, or was it some natural cause? The timing seemed too coincidental, and that worried her immensely. She tried not to let it show as she leaned into Carter.

“Honestly. It’ll be perfectly fine.” She hoped it would, anyway.

He frowned at her, then as if realizing it was a losing battle, he let out a low sigh. “Fine. But I’m taking you to work and I’ll be there when you get off.”

“Deal.” She leaned down to kiss him. “Don’t worry. Everything will be fine.”