Depth Perception by Linda Castillo

Author:Linda Castillo
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: General, Romance, Suspense, Thrillers, Erotica, Fiction
ISBN: 9780425201091
Publisher: Berkley Publishing Group
Published: 2005-05-14T14:00:00+00:00

Chapter 17

"You didn't find another dead body, did you?" chief of police Alcee Martin removed his hat and stepped into the foyer.

"I wasn't so sure a few minutes ago," Nat said.

His gaze went from Nat to the grotesque bundle on the floor, then to Nick. "What happened?"

"Some joker tossed a doll wrapped in a bloody baby blanket through the living room window," Nick said.

"Anyone hurt?"

"No, but I'm pissed,” Nat answered.

Martin looked pained. "Anyone see who did it?"

Nick shook his head. "They were gone before I could get a look at the vehicle."

"Sounds like teenagers."

"Or someone with a vendetta," Nick shot Nat a pointed look.

Martin followed his gaze and stared hard at her. Nat knew that was her cue to tell the chief what she suspected. But she knew all too well what it was like to tell the truth and not be believed. She knew that without some shred of proof to back up her theory, there was no way in hell Alcee Martin would believe her.

After an uncomfortable moment, Martin walked over to the bundle and squatted. Removing a pen from his uniform pocket, he used it to lift the blanket and made a face. "Smells like blood."

"I thought so, too," Nick said.

"Probably animal blood," the chief said. "But I'll go ahead and send it to the lab in Baton Rouge to make sure it's not human."

"Nat thinks this might have something to do with what happened three years ago." Nick gazed steadily at her for the span of several heartbeats. "Tell him or I will."

Chief Martin raised a brow, looked expectantly at Nat. "Tell me what?"

Silently cursing Nick for pushing her into doing something she wasn't ready to do, she shook her head. "I think the person responsible for Kyle's and Ward's deaths might be behind this. I think he's still in Bellerose. And I think he's threatened because I'm asking questions about what happened three years ago."

Marlin looked like a stomach cramp hit him. "Nat, you know my take on that--"

"The killer isn't some transient," she snapped. "He's here. In your pretty little town. Hiding behind some face you know."

"I know you want this cleared up, Nat. Damn it, so do I. But pointing fingers at some phantom bad guy isn't the way to do it."

For a crazy instant she was tempted to tell him about the trance writing. The notes. How she'd known where to find Ricky Arnaud's body. There was a part of her that wanted to let it all come pouring out and let the cards fall where they may. But she simply wasn't willing to destroy what little credibility she had left.

"He doesn't want me asking questions, Alcee. In fact, he wants me gone. That's why he did this."

"So he throws a doll through your window?" he asked incredulously. "What's that going to accomplish?"

"Maybe next time it'll be a Molotov cocktail," Nick cut in. “I think she's right."

Martin shot Nick a killing look. "I'm not interested in conspiracy theories," His gaze cut to Nat and his eyes narrowed.

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