Chapter 22

“What’s this?”

“Sample medication to help. They’re muscle relaxers. Try it and come back in a week or so, and also I want to see how your blood pressure is then.”

“Really, I think I’ll be okay. Just job stress.”

“Take the pills,” he insisted.

I finished putting on my shirt and walked out. I heard his voice behind me. “Noah’s a good guy. He loves you. I hope you guys get back together.”

* * * *

It’s a horrible way to die.

Doc’s words echoed in my mind as I walked to the car.

Who would want to murder Hannah? If the trail led only to Frank, then he would spend life behind bars. I never asked him if he killed Hannah. But, it didn’t matter to me if he was innocent. My job was to force the state to prove its case.

I took out my cell and called the number Lou Ann gave me as soon as I got on the road.

After a few rings, a greeting, “Detective Petrov.” His voice stern, slightly nasal, and a hint of Russian accent to his voice.

A split second pause before I said, “Ivan, it’s me.”