Huenengarth licked his lips and said, 'You're fucked,Junior.' I hadn't seen him come in.
Chip stared at him. His mouth was still open. His beard trembled. He dropped something on the floor. White cylinder with a tiny, sharp tip.
It rolled on the carpet before coming to a stop. Chip raised a foot and tried to step on It.
Milo yanked him away. Huenengarth put on a surgical glove and picked up the cylinder.
He waved it in front of Chip's face.
Chip made a whimpering noise and Huenengarth responded with a masturbatory movement of one arm.
I went over to Cindy and nudged her. She rolled and didn't waken. A shake of her shoulders failed to rouse her. I shook harder, said her name. Nothing.
A cup was on the floor, near her dangling hand. Half-filled with coffee.
'What did you drug her with?' I asked Chip.
He didn't answer. I repeated the question and he looked at the floor.
His earring tonight was an emerald.
'What'd you give her?' I said, dialing the phone.
Hepouted.
The page operator came on and I called for an emergency resuscitation.
Chip watched, wide-eyed.
Huenengarth advanced toward him again. Milo stilled him with a look and said, 'If she's in danger and you don't tell us, you're only making matters worse for yourself.'
Chip cleared his throat, as if preparing for an important announcement.
But he said nothing.
I went to Cassie's bed.
'Okay,' said Milo, 'let's go to jail.' He pushed Chip forward.
'We'll let the lab figure it out.'
Chip said, 'Probably diazepam-Valium. But I didn't give it to her. ' 'How much?' I said.
'Forty milligrams is what she usually takes.'
Milo looked at me.
'Probably not lethal,' I said. 'But it's a heavy dose for someone 'Not really,' said Chip. 'She's habituated.'
'Bet she is,' I said, lacing my fingers to keep my hands still.
'Don't be stupid,' said Chip. 'Search me-see if you find drugs of any kind.'
'You're not holding because you gave it all to her,' said Huenengarth.
Chip managed to laugh, though his eyes were frightened. 'Go ahead, search.'
Huenengarth patted him down, turned his pockets inside out, and found only a wallet and keys.
Chip looked at him, shook hair out of eyes, and smiled.
