Total pages in book: 105
Estimated words: 99132 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 496(@200wpm)___ 397(@250wpm)___ 330(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 99132 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 496(@200wpm)___ 397(@250wpm)___ 330(@300wpm)
He’d also obtained a warrant for Zeke Caine’s financial and phone records, making sure it would be executed by Washington State authorities, wherever the trail led. The report probably wouldn’t come in for a few days, but Huck had patience. Sort of.
“I don’t suppose you want to talk about the night you killed your father?” Huck kept his tone casual.
Her smile was catlike. “I don’t suppose I do. I’m fully willing to cooperate to figure out who shot at me. However, since you’re trying to put me in prison for defending myself, I’ll not discuss that other matter with you. Besides, you know I can’t without my attorney present.”
“I’m surprised your attorney isn’t here.” Huck eyed her closely. Abigail Caine was a true narcissist and probably didn’t think she needed her lawyer.
“Oh, no. I wasn’t going to pay him nine hundred dollars an hour to sit here and try to protect me from you. I’m perfectly capable of doing that myself.”
Yeah, that’s exactly what he thought.
She stood and stretched, the movement deliberate, drawing the material of her deep red sweater tight across her high breasts. Huck kept his gaze above her neck. Abigail played games. He didn’t.
She turned, gaze flicking toward the corner of the room. “Oh, I didn’t even see him. Cute little puppy sleeping there.”
Of course she had. Huck knew without a doubt that Abigail Caine missed nothing. Aeneas looked up, his sharp, dark eyes locking on her for a long moment before lowering back to his bed. There were very few people he wouldn’t stand and greet. She was one of them.
Huck fought down a smile. He had learned long ago to trust his dog’s instincts. Aeneas rarely misjudged people. If the dog didn’t like Abigail, there was probably a good reason. “What about your farming operation?” Huck asked. “Any enemies there?”
She tapped her lips thoughtfully, that calculated smile still in place. “I really haven’t been all that involved in it for quite a while, but I can see if we’ve received any threats. I guess a lot of people don’t like pot farming, even in Washington State.”
“I can ask Pastor John when I interview him later today as well,” Huck said. Abigail and the pastor owned a successful marijuana growing operation together, one of the more surprising facts he’d uncovered. It was also where she made much of her income. “I know you’ve conducted experiments on participants that have pushed them to violence. I’m not looking to arrest you for that . . . yet. But I need a list of every single one of your subjects.”
Her smile didn’t so much as flicker. “I’m afraid I can’t do that, Captain. As you know, patient confidentiality is paramount, even if the files weren’t destroyed, which they were.”
Huck’s eyes narrowed. “All right. Then give me the name of anyone who would possibly want you dead.”
“I would if there were any.” She sounded cheerful, almost playful. “You have to remember, Jason Abbott didn’t want me dead.”
“Not until the very end when he unraveled,” Huck countered. She’d really fucked with that guy’s head until he started killing women. “For too long, he wanted to kill everybody except you.”
“Well, he certainly came around on that point,” Abigail said with a wry smile. “And now he’s dead.”
“If you have other enemies out there, you need to tell me who they are.”
Abigail straightened and moved toward the door, her chin tilted in that superior way Huck had come to associate with her worst moods. “Captain, the biggest enemy I have in this life right now is you.”
Chapter 15
Oakridge Solutions rose from the edge of a hillside like a modern puzzle box with three stories of glass, polished steel, and black metal panels arranged in clean, sharp lines. The reflective windows were dark, designed to block out glare while preserving energy.
Laurel Snow drove her SUV along the paved road toward the main gate. The asphalt was pristine, with no cracks or uneven patches. Shrubs lined the drive, clipped with precision and spaced at even intervals. Pine and fresh-cut grass mingled in the air, clean and sharp. She reached a guard booth and rolled down her window.
The guard was young and clean-cut with an easy smile. “Good morning, ma’am. I’ll just check you in.” He had a slight Pacific Northwest accent that was clipped but friendly. He glanced at Walter and took his badge as well. “We’ve got you both on the schedule. Welcome to Oakridge Solutions.”
Laurel nodded. She’d asked Kate to call ahead with their information. “Thank you.” She handed over her ID, noting how quickly and smoothly the guard entered their information. Professional, but polite.
The guard double-checked their names, glanced at his screen, and returned their badges along with two visitor lanyards and a bright green parking pass. “Park in the structure and take the elevator to the main floor.”