Hidden in the Dark: A completely unputdownable and totally addictive crime thriller by H.K. Christie

Author:H.K. Christie [Christie, H.K.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Bookouture
Published: 2024-12-12T00:00:00+00:00

THIRTY-ONE

VAL

Outside Stephanie’s hospital room, I spoke with her brother Chuck in hushed tones. “How is she doing?” We assumed she was doing better considering the doctor had decided to reduce her sedation meds.

“The doctors said the fact that she woke up is a good sign, and she’s speaking, which is another really good sign.”

The relief was evident in Chuck’s voice. It was good news for Stephanie and her family. And I had to admit, I was relieved too. “Does she remember anything about the shooting?”

“Not that we can tell. The doctor asked if her she knew why she was in the hospital and she shook her head. He said being disoriented so soon after coming out of the sedation is normal and could be due to the drugs she’s on, but he also said that her memories could come back later… or never.”

Never would be a problem for the investigation, but maybe better for Stephanie in the long run. If I had witnessed what she had, I wouldn’t want any memory of it. Who would want to remember their husband and son being murdered? I shuddered at the thought. “Has anyone told her about Michael?”

“Not yet. She hasn’t asked. She isn’t saying much.”

It was the duty of law enforcement to provide Stephanie with the death notification of her husband and child, as she was next of kin. Telling the loved ones was the worst part of working a murder investigation.

Stephanie had woken up two hours earlier. It wasn’t likely she would be much help this evening, but we had to know if she remembered anything at all. Even the smallest detail could help us. Based on the autopsy results, we knew there were likely two suspects. Maybe she could tell us if it was a man, a woman, white, Hispanic—anything at all.

“You’re okay with us speaking with her?”

He nodded. “If it helps us find out who did this, then yes.”

“How is the family holding up? Are you able to take breaks, get food?”

“Yes, Deputy Baker and the others have been so kind. They’ve brought us homemade food and have taken shifts so that we can get back to the hotel and get cleaned up.”

“That’s great to hear.”

Baker remained outside the room, standing guard. We hadn’t gotten any reports of anyone trying to get near Stephanie, but it also hadn’t been released to the press that she was awake. The local news had reported on the story, but as far as we knew, it hadn’t gone beyond Red Rose County. If the assailants were still around, they would know that Stephanie had survived, and we didn’t want to take any chances with her life.

Chuck, Brady, and I quietly entered Stephanie’s hospital room. She had lucked out and had the whole room to herself. Her mother sat on one side of her bed, holding her hand, and her sister was on the other side.

Chuck said gently, “Steph, we have a couple of investigators here. This is Val Costa and Deputy Tanner. They’d like to ask you some questions about what happened to you.

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