Shivering uncontrollably, I backed the length of the gurney, rezipping as I went.
Why?
Inane habit.
Opening the door with my bum, I backed into room three.
And felt cold steel pressed to the base of my skull.
“Welcome back, Dr. Brennan.”
I knew the voice.
“Thank you so much for saving us a trip.”
“Lucas?”
I could feel the front sight, the barrel, the hollow tube that could send a bullet screaming through my brain.
“You were expecting someone else?”
Lucas snorted.
“Diaz does what I tell him.”
My addled brain cells screamed one word.
Stall!
“You killed Maria Zuckerman. Why?”
My head was heavy, my tongue thick.
“And you had Ollie Nordstern killed.”
“Nordstern was a fool.”
“Nordstern was smart enough to uncover your dirty cell-harvesting game.”
A hitch in the breathing behind me.
Keep him talking!
“Was that also Patricia Eduardo’s mistake? She learned what Zuckerman was up to?”
“You have been a busy girl.”
The room was spinning.
“You’re a tough one, Dr. Brennan. Tougher than I anticipated.”
The gun barrel jabbed my neck.
“Back to bed.”
Another jab.
“Move.”
Don’t get back in the cooler!
“I said move.” Lucas shoved me from behind.
No!
Die from a bullet or die God knows how in the cooler? I spun around Lucas and lunged for the door.
Locked!
I whirled to face my attacker.
Lucas had a Beretta pointed at my chest.
My vision blurred.
“Go ahead, Dr. Lucas. Shoot me.”
“Pointless.”
We glared at each other like wary animals.
“Why Zuckerman?” I asked.
Lucas splintered into four, recongealed.
“Why Zuckerman?”
Had I said that or only imagined it? “You’re very pale, Dr. Brennan.”
I blinked away a trickle of sweat.
“My distinguished colleague will keep you company.”
I struggled to understand his meaning.
“Why?” I repeated.
