He rubbed a hand over his eyes. “She called the police. She told Shauna that she woke up in her own blood and thought someone must have broken into their home and attacked them. But the police are saying that there are no signs of a break-in. That Abby’s fingerprints are the only ones on the knife and that it’s quite evident from the scene that she was the perpetrator. I suppose from the blood evidence or something like that?”
“What’s Mario saying?”
“He’s still unconscious.”
“But it’s Abby,” Katherine said. “I can’t imagine her even defending herself if someone was attacking her. There’s no way—”
“No way she would hurt someone she loved.” Baxter’s voice was soft. He turned to Katherine and took her hands in his, pressing them between his palms. “And I’m sure Justin McCabe’s family and friends would say there was no way he would shoot up a fitness center full of people.”
“No way Sarah Jordan would overdose her horse on tranquilizers,” she murmured. “You think Abby was participating in the study.”
“I think it’s very likely,” Baxter said. “I don’t know what’s going on, but if there is any way that I can help, I will. I don’t care about the ethics of the thing. You and me? We’ll be fine. Right now an innocent man is in the hospital, unconscious and gravely injured. And a bright and brilliant young woman is also in the hospital and under suspicion of attempted murder.” He shook his head deliberately. “Not her. Not Abigail. I know this girl.”
Katherine nodded and put her cheek on Baxter’s shoulder. “We’re going to find out what’s happening.”
She felt absurdly guilty for not foreseeing Abby’s breakdown. Why would she see Justin McCabe’s crime, but not Abby’s? Was it just proximity? Could she only see things right in front of her?
Just so you know, Baxter, I’m just the tiniest bit clairvoyant. Nothing serious, merely a slight case of visions, but I thought you should know.
Nope. She still sounded like a delusional person in her head.
Baxter put his arm around her shoulders. His voice was low and grim. “If Ansel Shaver had anything to do with harming these children’s minds—”
“Bax.” She reached up and squeezed his hand. “There’s no reason to think that. He’s not the friendliest person, but I’ve never known him to be unethical or cruel. We need to find out who was in that study. There were probably dozens of students, and it seems like any of them could be at risk.”
She hadn’t known Sarah or Justin before their violence, but she’d known Abby. If something could make cheerful, funny Abigail Chung a violent person, anyone was at risk.
“I may have an idea on that,” Baxter said. “I don’t know Shaver very well, but I know Anita Mehdi, one of the other professors who worked on it with him. We chatted a bit about the data collection and methodology months ago along with Professor Kraft.”
“Alice Kraft? Isn’t she in computer sciences?”
“Yes, but she was working with them on the reporting, I think? We spoke in general terms only, but I’m certain it’s the same study you were talking about.”
“Do you think Professor Mehdi would be willing—?”
“Maybe.” He turned toward her, and the planes of his face were shadowed in the moonlight. “For Abby—for all the other students—I’m willing to risk the ask.”
Chapter 16
When Katherine answered the door on Wednesday, she was expecting to see Toni or Megan even though it was a bit early for their usual meeting.
What she wasn’t expecting was a trio of women with nervous smiles. The one in front was vaguely familiar. How did Katherine know her? Was she a neighbor? Someone from work?
“Katherine!” The woman with sandy-brown hair spoke first. “I am so sorry.”
“For?” How did she know her? Not work, she was… “You’re Mark’s wife!”
“Robin. Yes. I am so sorry for barging in on you like this.” She genuinely looked apologetic. “I know we’re probably interrupting you, but—”
Katherine looked at the two women behind her. “Which one of you is Monica?”
A curvaceous brunette with dimples and warm brown eyes waved. “Hi, Katherine.”
“It is so nice to meet you.” She opened the door widely and nearly pulled Monica inside. “I cannot tell you how reassuring it was for me to speak to you about…” Katherine suddenly remembered Baxter was in the study. “You know, I should introduce you to my husband.” She shook her head and mouthed, “does not know” as she pointed to her temple.
Monica’s and Robin’s eyes lit up immediately.
The other woman with them had pink-and-black hair. She looked confused. “Doesn’t know what?”
Monica elbowed her and pulled her down to whisper in her ear.
“Oh right.”
“Baxter?” She leaned over to Robin. “Why are you here?” she whispered.
“Girls’ break. Staying at the beach.” Robin was looking around her, surveying the house. “Your house is stunning. Lots of cool midcentury pieces here.”
“Katherine?” Baxter poked his head out of the study and his eyes went wide. “Oh. Hello to lots of new people.”
The pink-and-black-haired woman pointed directly at him. “You have a kick-ass accent and I love it. It’s Chinese but also British and it’s awesome.”
Baxter smiled. “I’m from Hong Kong.”
“That would explain it.” She stuck out her hand. “I’m Val. I’m not the ringleader, but I’m probably the instigator.”
Baxter laughed. “Nice to meet you, Val.”
Katherine stepped to his side. “Do you remember my friend Mark?”
He frowned. “Vaguely from running, right? College friend?”
“Yes.” Katherine held out her hand toward Robin. “This is Robin, Mark’s wife. She and her two friends are here for a quick getaway, and they were nice enough to stop by.”
Monica stepped forward. “Your wonderful wife helped me with a research question last year, and I’m so pleased to meet her finally. I’m Monica.”
“Monica, it’s very nice to meet you.” Baxter looked around his kitchen,
