She almost disconnected but at the last second hastened to ask, “Do you happen to have her address? I must speak with her and if she’s ill, I’d like to find out.”
She heard the receptionist sigh and squeezed her eyes tight, praying that they would give in to her request.
“Well, since it’s you, I’m sure Kate won’t mind. She lives in the Burlington apartment building. Um, let’s see… It’s apartment thirteen.”
“Thank you so much. As soon as I find out what’s happening, I’ll make sure to let you know.” She disconnected, a mission on her mind. Leaving her coffee to cool, she grabbed her coat and purse. As she passed Sable at the reception desk, she said, “I need to make a visit. Hopefully, I’ll be back shortly.”
Plugging in the address on her GPS, she was glad to see that Kate only lived about ten minutes away. Meds are being switched. What did she mean?
Calling Carter ran through her mind, but she dismissed the thought. He’s busy. Let me see what Kate is talking about first.
When she arrived at the apartment building, she parked where visitors were indicated, seeing apartment numbers painted on most of the spaces. She found Kate’s door easily since they all opened to a covered walkway, the appearance much like many hotels. Knocking on the door, she received no answer nor could she hear any noise coming from the inside. Glancing toward the parking lot, she could see that there was still a car in the space numbered thirteen.
Unease crept through her and she once again thought of calling Carter. She grimaced at her indecision, trying to figure out what to do. Knocking on the door again, louder this time, she still received no response. Starting to walk away, she passed by a window, the view to the inside of the apartment obscured with closed, vertical blinds. Her attention was snagged by a few of the slats that were separated as though someone had peeked out and the slats stayed in an open position.
Looking around but seeing no one, she leaned forward and pressed her face against the glass, peering inside. It took a moment for her eyes to adjust, the lights seeming to come from below instead of above. Searching closer, she could see that a lamp had been knocked over, the light still on but illuminating the room from the floor. A sofa was near the window, and a coffee table sat in front, a plate with a half-eaten sandwich and soda on it.
She was about to knock on the window, wondering if that would make a louder sound than the door, when her gaze dropped. Gasping, she blinked several times before cupping her hands around her face so that she could see clearly. The entire body was not exposed, but scrub-covered legs were visible from behind the sofa.
Stumbling back, she dialed 9-1-1, quickly reporting her location and what she was seeing. The operator wanted her to stay on the line, but she blurted, “No! My boyfriend’s a detective, and I’m calling him.” Without giving the operator a chance to speak again, she disconnected, then quickly called Carter.
He’d barely said hello when she interrupted. “I’m at Kate's apartment. Outside. Something happened to her. I can see a body inside—”
“Whoa, slow down, babe. What’s happening?”
She heard him tell someone that she had found a body when he called her name again. “Tara? Where are you?”
Forcing her voice to calm, she gave him her location and what she had seen. “I’ve already called 9-1-1.”
“Get in your car and lock the doors,” he ordered. “I’m on my way. Don’t get out of your car until you see the ambulance and police arrive.”
She nodded, then blurted, “Okay.” Disconnecting, she rushed to her car and climbed inside, hitting the lock. Her heart pounded as fear snaked throughout her. Praying Kate would be okay, she sat and waited.
28
Carter ignored the squeal of his SUV’s tires as he stopped on the street outside of the apartment building. He bolted from his vehicle, the flashing lights of two patrol cars and the ambulance barely registering as his gaze scanned the area for Tara. Catching a glimpse of her dark hair and pale face, he let out a breath that felt as if he’d been holding it since her phone call. Rushing forward, his gaze moved from her head to her feet, assuring him that she was all right. Her arms were clutched about her waist, but when she heard him running toward her, she flung them outward to hold him tightly as he grabbed her in his arms.
“I’ve got you, I’ve got you,” he repeated, the feel of her safe in his arms followed by the shaking of her body. She nodded but for a moment said nothing as she clung to his neck.
He twisted slightly to speak to the officer but relaxed when he saw that Evan was already there.
“I’m Detective Barlow. This is Detective Fiske. We received a call from Ms. Wilson. This might have bearing on a case we’re investigating.”
The officer nodded, replying, “The ME is on their way. Homicide has been called.”
Carter gave Tara a squeeze. “Babe, I need to step inside to see what’s happening. I’ll be back in a minute.” He felt her nod but leaned back to hold her gaze, ascertaining that she truly understood.
She swallowed deeply and nodded again. “It’s okay.” Letting out a shaky breath, she repeated, “Really, Carter. It’s okay. You need to do whatever you can to um… Well, whatever.”
A female officer was standing nearby, and he caught her eye. “Stay with her.” The officer stepped forward and said, “Ms. Wilson, let’s go stand over here so we’re not in the way.” Tara nodded again and moved with the officer to the side.
Careful not to contaminate the scene, he stepped inside, leaving Evan outside. His gaze swept the room. The living room opened to a small area
