Seeking Hyde by Griffin Max

Author:Griffin, Max [Griffin, Max]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Published: 2012-10-21T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 20

BRENT woke from a catnap as Jason’s van bounced to a stop in front of his garage apartment. He rubbed his face with his palms and then squinted out the windows against the midafternoon sun. A smile tugged at his lips at the sight of Dr. Athair kneeling at her rose bushes with a floppy polka-dot hat shading her eyes. She tossed a merry smile their way, stripped off her gardening gloves, and headed down the driveway.

Gary glanced at his watch and sneered, “It’s about time we got back. I’ve got a doctor’s appointment in less than twenty minutes.” He rubbed his arm. “I hope I get rid of this damned sling.”

Jason’s jaw muscles writhed, and he seemed about to speak, so Brent interrupted. “I hope so too. Do you want me to go along?”

Gary shook his head. “I’ll be fine. But I need to leave now if I’m going to make it across town to the doctor’s office. I should be back in a couple of hours at most.” He slipped out of the van and trotted to his sports car, parked on the street in front of them. “Hey, Dr. A. Good to see you. Gotta run!” He blew a kiss her way, jumped into his car, and sped off before she could respond.

Brent clambered out of the backseat, slammed the door, and stretched. When Jason got out and joined him, Brent cocked an eyebrow at the reporter and remarked, “Thanks for taking us to Lost Springs, but I’m not sure how much we accomplished.”

Jason shrugged. “Every bit of information, even negative information, is useful.”

Dr. Athair’s husky alto chimed in. “Spoken like a true scholar.” She stuck out her hand. “I don’t think we’ve met. I’m Sonja Athair.”

He accepted her hand. “Jason Killeen, ma’am. Pleased to make your acquaintance.” A wry grin creased his lips. “I’m afraid I’m just a reporter, though, not a scholar.”

“Pish and tosh. Reporters gather evidence, form hypotheses, and reach conclusions, just like scientists do.” She turned her smile on Brent. “How are you this afternoon, dear? You look more rested.”

“I’m good, Dr. Athair. Still no word on my parents, though.”

She ran her fingers through his hair. “You poor thing. I’m sure they’ll turn up soon.” She glanced back up the driveway. “Why don’t you two boys come on up to the house? I made chocolate chip cookies this afternoon. I’ll fix us a fresh pot of coffee, and you can sit a spell. How’s that sound?”

“I’d love that.” He turned to Jason. “She has the best coffee.”

“That’s what comes from knowing people who own a coffee plantation in El Salvador.” She chuckled. “Come on, then. I’ve got something to show you besides cookies.”

Brent and Jason followed her up the driveway, through the side door, and into her kitchen. The scent of cookies and flowery air freshener failed to hide the lingering, stale odor of thousands of cigarettes that permeated her home. Sunlight speckled through the frilly drapes at the windows and bounced off the bright yellow walls and the dark oak cabinets.

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