“Hopkins. Hey, it’s Zimmerman.”
“Chief?”
“Yeah. How you doing? How you liking your new post in Manhattan?” He pulled out of the parking lot and onto the main road.
“It’s great. Wow. I’m surprised to hear from you. What’s up?”
“I hope I didn’t catch you at a bad time, but I wanted to ask you something.”
“Not a bad time at all. I’m off today, so I’m catching up on my Netflix shows. Ask away.”
“You were partnered up with Theo Bishop, you remember?”
“Oh yeah. I remember.”
He noted the shift in her tone. “What can you tell me, if anything, about your thoughts on the good doctor?”
She scoffed. “You really want to know?”
“I do indeed.”
“Well, he and I never really bonded, you know? He was kind of standoffish. Not a friendly guy.”
“Okay. What else?” He pulled onto the turnpike.
“I don’t know, Chief. I guess…Well, I guess he was kind of weird.”
“Did you, at any time, suspect something was off with him? Not necessarily his personality, but I don’t know, his handling of patients.” He noted the long pause. “Hopkins? You still there?”
“I’m here. You want the truth, Chief?”
“Please.”
“There were a few times when I didn’t know if it was me, or the circumstance, or what, but I didn’t think certain situations turned out the way they should have.”
“I see. And you never came to me with your concerns?”
“No. I guess not. Like I said, I didn’t want to think. I could never be sure, and I didn’t want to accuse someone of something they didn’t do.” She paused again. “Why are you asking about him now, Chief? What’s going on?”
“Honestly? I don’t know if anything’s going on. Just that I had my own concerns and I wanted to see what your thoughts were.”
“I think if you’re concerned, then there’s probably a reason to be.”
“You might be right. I won’t keep you. It sure was nice to talk to you, Hopkins and I wish you continued success in your new life.”
“Hey, Chief, if you need to talk again, I’m here.”
“I appreciate that. Goodbye.”
“Goodbye, Chief.”
Zimmerman set down his phone and pulled onto his driveway. “Well, hell.”
5
The high-strung Agent Brighton knocked on the door of Kate’s hotel room. A briefing took place after her arrival last night, and this morning Brighton was slated to take her to the crime scenes. She’d been up until the early hours studying the case file to cover the bases and was ready to get started.
Kate opened the door and wore a pleasant smile. “Morning, Brighton.”
“Morning, Reid.” He stood at attention and looked as though he could hardly contain his excitement to show her around. “Should we get going?”
Kate stepped through the door and before she could say a word, Brighton continued. “You want to grab a coffee on the way? I’ve had two cups this morning already, but it’s cold and I wouldn’t mind another. You know, I’m an early riser and tend to start my days just before dawn. The wife hates it except when I get the kids ready for her to take to school in the morning. Then I’m not such a pain in the butt. But you know, I love being a dad. It’s the best thing in the world. You have any kids, Reid?”
Kate could do nothing to stop this train and simply nodded and smiled when appropriate, answering with the occasional “yes” or “no.” There was no room for anything else. It was going to be a very long day.
“Brighton,” she finally interrupted. “Where’s our first stop?”
“Oh, right. It’s in the Highland Hills neighborhood in the suburbs of Denver. Did you get a chance to review the files? I have no doubt you’ll take the ball and run with it. I’ve heard a lot about you, Reid, and after our briefing last night with SSA Surrey, you showed the team it was the right call to bring you in.”
“Thanks.” Kate stepped into Brighton’s car. “I’ll take that coffee if you don’t mind.”
The Maryland Board of Physician’s office had just opened. Ray Zimmerman had waited in his car for 30 minutes and now was the time to get some answers. He stepped out and pulled on a heavy coat as the day was off to a cold start. Zimmerman took in a deep breath and peered at the building, second-guessing his decision to pick at this scab. Nevertheless, in the event there was something rancid beneath it, the burden rested on his shoulders to bring it to light and let it heal.
He continued toward the building and walked inside. “Good morning. I wanted to get information on a formerly licensed physician. Who would I speak to about that?”
The woman behind the front desk cast up her gaze. “Is this doctor licensed in Maryland?”
“No, actually. He is a certified EMT here, though. Does that make a difference?”
“Not really. We only have access to records of doctors licensed to practice in this state. I suggest you make a call or visit where the physician was originally licensed.”
Another woman who sat kiddy-corner behind the same front counter cleared her throat. “That’s not entirely true, Carla.” She looked at Zimmerman. “We do have access to databases from other states. It’s how we verify previous employment details. But I’m afraid the only people who can request such a search would be prospective employers. A hospital here in the state. Do you work for one of the hospitals?”
Zimmerman shook his head. “No, I don’t. But thank you so much.” He started to leave when the woman called Carla spoke again.
“If you’re in contact with one of the state hospitals, or have worked with anyone there, I suggest you have them give us a call. They could authorize a records search.”
He smiled. “Thank you. I’ll do that. I appreciate your help. Have a good day.” Zimmerman reached his car and knew exactly what to do next. With his phone in his hand, he made the call. Having been a paramedic in Baltimore for going on 20 years, he knew
