I Think I Might Have The Flu

Calhoun's money was on the male voice being the one in the hoodie. He had listened to the recordings himself and it seemed unlikely that someone freaking out as much as the other caller had been could be the mastermind behind this.

It was entirely possible that all of this could have happened out of self-defense based on the nature of the victims and the female caller saying the person tied up in the dumpster had tried to kill her. But then why not contact the police for protection instead of resorting to dealing with it on her own?

This was all conjecture at this point but, if he had to guess, the person in the hoodie was protecting somebody. But from what? Was the female voice a member of the Mafia or something who needed protection from a rival faction?

They normally didn't get cases like this in Lexington. That was a downtown Boston problem.

If she truly was a member of the Mafia, she probably wouldn't have been so freaked out by someone trying to kill her though. None of this made sense. Calhoun may have to rethink his theory.

He didn't even get the chance to voice any of this to Walsh yet because the next pharmacy employee came in. A man in his twenties named Kyle Harrison. Pushing his speculations out of his head for now, he focused on the next interview. They still had a lot of people left so he couldn't let his mind wander now.

===

The moment the cops came in and started bringing people in for interviews, Claire felt like she might be sick. She was doomed. Completely and totally doomed.

None of this was her fault! She hadn't asked to be targeted or to become an accomplice after the fact to murder. Could she get out of this without looking 100% suspicious or not? The manager said these interviews were voluntary but if she was the only one who refused, they might see that as suspicious and come back with a warrant.

This could not be happening right now. The room seemed to close in on her until she couldn't take it anymore. She threw up in the nearest trash can.

Brenna, one of the techs who worked the later shift, was the first one who noticed. "Claire! What's wrong; do you have food poisoning or something?"

"I think I might have the flu," Claire lied miserably. "I didn't feel very well yesterday either but I thought it was fine because I didn't throw up."

Lita, the late shift pharmacist, shook her head sympathetically. "Go home, Claire. I'll talk to Ray for you. Don't you dare come back until you feel better."

"Talk to me about what?" Ray asked as he came back into the pharmacy area after his interview.

"Claire has the stomach flu. I was saying she should go home and not come back until it's gone. Don't you agree? It's important for people to properly take care of their health…especially because the poor thing has seemed so tired lately."

He frowned. "I knew something was off with you. I agree with Lita; don't come back until you feel better. If it takes more than three days, get a doctor's note. In the meantime be sure to drink plenty of water and get a lot of rest. Why don't you call your boyfriend to come get you?"

Ugh, Claire had completely forgotten that Ray thought Alex was her boyfriend. Whatever. It would make more sense for a boyfriend than a friend to pick her up.

"Sure," she said feebly.

She pulled out her phone and sent him a text. 'The police are here and I feel sick. Come get me please. But be sure to wait at least ten minutes so it isn't obvious that you were already in the area'

He simply replied with a thumbs up emoji. She wasn't sure how he even knew what that meant but was slightly impressed despite her panic at the situation. What a thing to feel at a time like this! She really was losing her mind.

Claire sat down at a chair someone pulled up and leaned her head against the wall with her eyes closed, chest heaving. She felt like she might throw up again. Ten more minutes. That's all it would take and then she could get out of here.

During that time Kyle finished his interview and they called in Amy. She desperately wished that they wouldn't notice her before she could make her escape. Luckily her wish was granted.

She got a text from Alex saying he was outside because ten minutes had passed and could finally make her escape. She clocked out using the time clock inside the pharmacy area and grabbed her jacket and bag off of her assigned hook.

"I'll walk you out," Ray offered. "You look a little shaky."

Claire felt more than 'a little shaky' so she accepted his arm gratefully. He really had been looking out for her lately. She felt a surge of appreciation for him.

Alex was waiting for her just outside the employee entrance and her boss handed her off to him with a joking shake of his head. "I thought you said you were taking care of her! A fine job you're doing."

The ex-hitman stared at Ray blankly and he laughed. "I was only joking. But really, make sure she takes care of herself properly. She needs a lot of water and rest. You might want to lighten up on the black too. I know you're Claire's boyfriend but other people might get suspicious of you if you go around looking like some sort of ninja."

He finally replied in a neutral tone. "…yes, sir. I understand. I will take better care of Claire."

"Good. See you in a few days and no sooner, young lady! Take advantage of your sick days! There are only a few months left in the year and they don't roll over, you know."

"Got it. Thanks, Ray," Claire said tiredly.